KaYa FF: Arranged Love! ~|| Chapter 5: Page 7||~# THREAD 2 # - Page 4

Originally posted by: coderlady

They had a dinner date and now are working together. Kabir being afraid of mice was cute to read.

I know! 😆

Hey guys!

As always, I apologise for the delay, but I'm helpless! I had written this chapter & all of a sudden my PC decided to hang & the whole chapter was gone since I was typing it when it suddenly went blank & when I finally got it to start again 😭

All I can request is for all my dear patient & gracious readers to read & tell me how you liked it in your comments.

This Chapter is specially dedicated to Ansharah06 & cuteariya who were the ones so eager to read this story further 🤗

By the way,

Stay home, stay safe!

🤗

Chapter 4:

Next Morning:

KKN office :

Ananya entered the office, adjusting her pale blue scarf properly around her.On reaching her cubicle, she quickly placed her bagpack on her desk & took a seat. Trisha was still fawning over their new Editor - in-cheif. Ananya simply rolled her eyes, not understanding what all the fuss was about.

Just then,

Rahul, office helped bounded into the office area, hollering out to the staff that it was time for the daily editorial meeting & that their new Editor-in-cheif expected them in the conference room in the next five minutes

Rushing to do their boss ' biding & rushed into the conference room for the meeting.

In the Conference Room:

Kabir entered the room while conversing with Khalid & both took their respective seats before addressing the staff. Kabir glanced at Ananya & noticed that she was looking at him too. Getting caught by each other, both awkwardly looked away, unknown to the others.

K: Okay guys, let's discuss today's line up. Ronnie, tumne kuch der pehle kaha tha ki tumhaari koi news aane waali hai, aagayi?

Kabir was now in business mode as he faced Ronnie,who nodded.

Ro: Ji sir, vo mere source ne information di thi ki Mayur vihar mein jo Full Marks Coaching centre hai, vaha students ko selection ke jhoothe dilaase dekar, unse donations ke naam par moti rakkam vasool ki jaati hai...

Sir kai students ke parents ka dava hai ki ek baar management paise le le, phir unhe students ki padhai se koi lena dena nahi. Sir, kai students ne toh galat kadam uthaane ki koshish bhi ki thi, par management ne ye baat daba di...

Ronnie explained & Kabir looked thoughtful as he took in everything, processing it rapidly in his highly intelligent brain.

K: Okay Ronnie, great job....tum apne source ko ispar lagaye rakho, lets see aur kya kya saamne aata hai.

Kabir told him & Ronnie nodded, instantly leaving the conference room to make the call.

A: Sir, hume unn students ke parents se baat karni chahiye, agar vo apna statement de de aur hum use air karde, toh kitna bada proof miljaayega.

Ananya turned to face Kabir as she spoke.

K: No.

Kabir said flatly. Ananya frowned on hearing his instant denial of her idea.

A: Ji?

She looked at him, genuinely confused as to why he'd refused her.

K: I said, no Ms Kashyap.

Kabir said calmly. His calmness irked Ananya all together. She atleast deserved some sort of explanation, & his next words fueled her anger further.

A: Lekin sir, jabtak sach dunia ke saamne nahi aayega, insaaf kaise milega un bachchon ko, unki families ko?

Ananya asked impatiently. Everytime she spoke to Kabir, he showed a new aspect of his to her.

A: Lekin kyu sir?

She asked innocently & Kabir quirked an eyebrow at her, placing the file in his hand down on the long, white marble conference table.

M: Haan Kabir sahab, Ananya kitni hard-working reporter hai, kitni mehnat se vo itne logo ka statement laayi hai aur aap aisa keh rahe hai!

Manav looked sympathetically at Ananya as he grasped the opportunity to get back at his rival.

K: Vo isliye Ms Kashyap, Manav bhai, kyunki yaha sawaal main poochta hoon, aap nahi. Par aapne sawaal kar di liya hai, toh aapko bata doon ki ye waqt sahi nahi hai statement air karne ke liye, hum.....

Kabir had just started explaining his point but was cut off by an impatient Ananya.

A: Sahi waqt nahi hai? Sir, aapne suna nahi? Co log, vo bachche, unki family kitni taqleef mein hai. Statement air kardenge toh unki kitni help hojaayegi....kya pata police bhi koi action le le...sir....

Ananya trailed off, confused. She still couldn't understand why Kabir was saying what he was. What was going on in his mind? Of course, she trusted her senior but she still didn't agree with him.

K: Ms Kashyap, main aapse, aur sabhi se (looking at Manav breifly) sirf yahi kahunga ki main vo statement air nahi karunga, at least tabtak jabtak mere paas aur proof na aajaaye. Is that clear?

He asked sternly & Ananya rolled her eues, smiling sarcastically when she saw him looking at her.

M: Kabir sahab, ye galat hai.

Everyone swiveled their chairs to face Manav, wondering what he was upto now.

M: Aur kya proof chahiye aapko? Jab victims khud kehrahe hai, toh baat hi khatm. Unn logo ki kitni help hojaayegi.

Manav smirked when the others looked thoughtful at his words, turning to look at Malvika for approval. She however just frowned at him.

K: Sahi hai Manav bhai, par main yaha ek channel chalata hoon, uski bali dekar kisiki gep karna afford nahi karsakta. Baat KKN ki hai, uski reputation aur ratings ki hai. Aur aapko kya lagta hai? Hum ye statements aur kardenge, ayr jinki khilaaf ye gawahi hai vo chup baithenge? Manhaani ka dava laggaya humaare channel par toh humaari help kon karega?

Kabir questioned & to Manav's annoyance people once again grew thoughtful, seeming to agree with Kabir.

Khalid had been watching the drama unfold silently. He'd watched Manav play his game, using Ananya as his pawn against Kabir. He'd watched Kabir give it to him right back. However, now he'd had enough.

Kh: Ms Kashyap, is it? Aapko kya lagta hai? Aap hum seniors se zyaada behtar tareeke se channel chala sakti hai, kyu?

Khalid turned to look at the young woman who had the guts to argue with her boss.

A: nahi sir, aap sabhi mere seniors hai, naturally aur anubhavi hai, experienced hai. Main sirf apna point rakh rahi hoon. Kabir sir ke under hum hai, humaare opinions ya soch nahi.

Ananya told him calmly.

Kabir glanced at Ananya with a raised eyebrow, only to meet innocent yet ever so confident, hopelessly lovely Hazel doe eyes. Somehow instead of feeling irritated at the fact that his junior was blatantly challenging his decision.

Kh: This is complete, utter impertinence! I....

Kabir shook his head at a spluttering Khalid, who's mouth mimicked that of a fish out of water.

K: Khalid...

Kabir looked at him, exchanging a silent look with him. Khalid frowned but nodded.

K: Of course Ms Kashyap, yaha mann ki swatantrata ke saath saath, aadmi bhi swatantra hai, aazaad hai. Yaha content head main hoon, isliye on air toh vahi jaayega jo mujhe sahi lagega, mere channel ke liye. Aapko ye manzoor nahi, toh aap shauk se jaa sakti hai.

Kabir told her, looking directly in her eyes. He winced when he saw hurt in them, before she expertly & quickly masked it. Maybe he'd gone too far???

A: Ji sir, main bilkul yahi karungi. Jaha kisike opinion saamne rakhne ko apne senior ki beizzati karna maana jaata hai, vaha main kaam nahi karsakti. Aap hi kehte hai na sir, ki aap apna resignation jeb mein lekar ghoomte hai, aur kisi se darte nahi. Main bhi aap hi ka example follow kar rahi hoon.

Kabir was now shocked. He'd only asked her to leave, hoping she'd back down but maybe he'd been wrong. His confident young junior marched upto his chair at the head of the table, placing a white envelope before him.

A: Aap mere resignation apne pass ho rakhiye sir. Ab main yaha vapas tab hi aaungi jab mere paas iss statement se related saare saboot honge.

Main ye saabit kardungi, apne saare seniors ke saamne ( glancing at Khalid & Malvika) ki main yaha rehne aur kaam karne laayak hoon. Ab main nahi aaungi, aap khud mujhe iss channel mein bulaenge.

Aur Agar main kal shyaam tak aisa na kar payi toh aap mere resignation par sign kardijiyega.

Ananya stated with undaunted determination & Kabir had to admit that he was impressed. He'd never come across a journalist like Ananya before. The next moment, before Kabir could say anything Ananya was gone.

Mal: Godd!!! Humaare staff mein aajkal himmat bohot badh gayi! Hawa mein udme lage hai sabke sab! Khalid, I'll speak to papa.

Malvika huffed, crossing her arms & Kabir resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Khalid too didn't look very impressed.

T: chugalibaaz!

Trisha blurted out & Manav choked.

Ri: Kh...Khu...Khujlibaaz! Khujlibaaz kaha Trisha ne...uh...Ronnie ko! Jab dekho soch mein doobkar sar khujaata rehta hai.

Richa did her best to clarify Trisha 's statement, glaring at her when no one was looking. Kabir nodded, hiding his own smirk while Khalid & Manav smirked openly, clearly enjoying it.

After an issue or two more were discussed, Kabir finally dismissed the meeting for the day.

K: That's it guys! Back to work now!

He spoke with a stoic expression, getting up from his seat.

K: Tumlogo chalo, hum aate hai.

He said to Malvika & Manav before turning back to Khalid & the documents they were going through.

Office Room:

Ro: Tu paagal hai kya? Ye kya kiya!

Ronnie demanded angrily from his best friend once settled in their cubicle.

A: kya?

Ananya asked nonchalantly, though a little nervous on the inside. She had challenged Kabir confidently a few minutes back, but now she was having a minor bout of second thoughts.

Ananya sighed, deciding to have a quick cup of coffee before dealing with her challenge. She was about to dash to the cafeteria when she noticed some movement near the small window located exactly across Kabir's cabin.

Everything that happened next happened in a blurry flash. An annoyed Kabir, who'd been assaulted by Malvika, nearly dragging him to her cabin for coffee as she put it, as soon as he'd stepped out of the conference room along with Khalid was caught by surprise.

He saw Ananya running towards him at lightening speed.

A: KABIR SIRRRR!!!!

Everyone employee of KKN head Ananya screech before she pulled Kabir along with her. The force of her action, threw her against the pillar just besides the glass door of Kabir 's cabin.

Ananya landed backwards with a thud against the pillar. Sensing this beforehand, Kabir slipped his hand onto her lower back, his hands bearing the brunt of the wall instead of Ananya' s back.

Ananya 's eyes were wide with fright. Several in the office screamed in fear as a bullet whizzed past them, missing Ananya's hand that rested on Kabir's nape by a few centimetres, and into the edge of the glass door, shattering a part of it.

Kabir had landed against Ananya, causing her to be sandwiched between his chest & the wall. Their faces were just a few millimetres apart. Ananya's heart thundered away furiously, when Kabir 's warm breath bathed her face. He smelt wonderful, so masculine. Kabir was fine, fine man. His sharp jawline, chiselled features, broad shoulders, lean muscles, dark hair, those dimples & that killer smirk, he was a masterpiece of the creator.

His deep, molten chocolate like orbs, her favourite feature of his, were gazing right through her soul & Ananya felt a dark red blush creep up her neck.

Meanwhile, the proximity was affecting Kabir too, like never before. The weird twisting in his stomach & his heart thudding away was something new for him. Ananya 's luxuriant, soft curls that smelt of sweet strawberries tantalised his senses as they caressed his face.

Everytime he saw her, he found her even more lovelier than before. Her beauty left him breathless, her rich ivory coloured perfect creamy skin, those rose bud like pink lips, & his favourite, her eyes.

Ananya & Kabir were lost in each other, oblivious to the atmosphere of tension & panic in the office. Just then, another gunshot echoed throughout the noisy office room, rendering it deathly silent again.

All that was heard a few seconds later was Ananya's scream followed by others. Ananya pulled Kabir out of the way, even closer to her desperately. Her eyes were scrunched tight as she clutched Kabir 's blazer in a death grip. The horrible incident had sent shivers down her spine. A stunned Kabir took to rubbing the back of the trembling young woman nestled in his arms against the wall.

All the seniors had come out running by then, and all the employees looked shaken. Ronnie, Sunny & Rohan had already rushed to check if the gunman had fled & Manav was dialing the police

Kh: KABIR! OH MY! Tum dono theek toh ho?

Khalid was rushing to them, but Manav held him back, saying that the gunman could still be there.

Shaking away those foreign feelings & warmth, the strict journalist in him reprimanded him for being smitten with his beautiful junior at such a time, in a scenario where he was nearly shot.

Gasping in surprise, fear & a myriad of other emotions, Ananya was next to come to her senses. Her eyes were wide in alarm, but as soon as she tried to move, she found Kabir's arms preventing her exit.

K: Ms Kashyap, don't move.

He instructed her in his velvety baritone, playing further havoc on Ananya's already tantalised senses, when his warm palms cupped her cheeks, preventing her head from moving.

A: ye aap....

Ananya began, when she saw her senior lean in closer, almost causing her to gasp. Kabir held up a finger in reply to her incomplete question, his other hand still on her cheek. His touch sent electric sparks into her skin & Kabir was no different. Both had a great effect on each other but were yet to acknowledge it.

Kabir was the first to gather his bearings & spoke a minute later.

K: Aapke baalon mein kaanch ke tukde hai. Aap hilengi, toh aapko lag sakti hai.

Ananya heard her observant senior tell her as she looked on with big, innocent eyes as Kabir tenderly & carefully took out a few peices of glass that were trapped in her silken curls.

Ananya looked on horror - stricken, frightened. That had been close. God! She couldn't even bear to think what could've happened to Kabir, had she been even a second late.

A: Kabir sir! Aap...aap theek toh hai na?

Kabir heard Ananya ask worriedly. She was still that hopelessly sweet & compassionate girl he remembered playing with. It didn't matter that the man she was worrying about, had risked her life to save had been the reason for her job being in danger.

K: I'm alright, aap theek hai?

He questioned huskily, his hands still gripping her bare arms.

A: Ji...

She wondered why this man, who'd been downright rude to her, had been the reason of her jeopardising her job, affected her this way, like never before. Kabir Sharma for her had changed, he was no longer the goofy yeet sweet little boy with chubby rosy cheeks who loved to play with her. He was now a calculating, manipulative Editor - in- Cheif who's only goal was to make his channel number 1.

Kh: Kabir!

Khalid ran to him, placing a hand on his shoulder in concern.

Kh: Tum dono theek toh ho?

Khalid looked at both of them for an answer. Malvika had instantly glued herself to Kabir 's side, fussing over him rather annoyingly.

Mal: Vaise tum abtak yaha kyu ho? Nikala gaya staff mere office mein mandraye ye mujhse bardasht nahi hota.

Malvika narrowed her eyes at the junior reporter still nestled in Kabir's arms.

K: Ye hai, isliye main hoon Malvika. Uss shooter ka nishaana mera sar tha. Aur jaha tak meri jankaari hai, sar par goli lagne ke baad zyaadatar instant death hoti hai. Kyu Ms Kashyap?

Kabir didn't fail to notice the way Ananya winced when he said ' instant death'. Ananya glared defiantly at her arrogantly smirking Editor - in-cheif. However she put up an innocent smile.

K: Nahi...aapko yaha hum sabse behtar pata hai na har cheez ke baarein mein isliye.

Kabir taunted, watching in amusement when Ananya's pretty little nose turned red. He almost laughed when huffed to herself. If one thing hadn't changed between them from childhood then it was the enjoyment he derived from pushing her to do something & riling her up.

A: aaye bade! Inhe toh main batati hoon. Main bhi dekhti hoon meri naukri kaise nahi dete.

She muttered.

K: kuch kaha aapne?

Kabir asked nonchalantly, masking a cheeky grin that so did not suit his strict boss image.

A: Maine? Nahi toh....sir.

Ananya replied cheekily & Kabir cleared his throat, nodding briskly before heading back to his cabin with Khalid following him, rattling on about how he'd spoken to the police commissioner to look into police protection for him.

********

A: huh!

Sudhir & Anita eyed their daughter curiously as she huffed at the familiar, suave, dashing news anchor on the large flat screen presenting yet another breaking news before turning her head away.

They looked on as she toyed with the curried rice before her in the pristine white glass plate. Sudhir frowned when a recently hired server gave Ananya a helping of a dish she didn't exactly enjoy & she didn't stop him. He knew his usually sharp & smart as a whip daughter was distracted. Something was amiss.

Anita too seemed to notice this as she gently placed a hand on Ananya's shoulder.

An: Ananya! Kya hua beta? Aaj tere chef uncle ne nahi, maine tere pasand ke kadhi chawal banaye hai. Tum kha kyu nahi rahi? Pasand nahi aaye beta?

Anita asked concernedly.

A: Nahi maa, khaana bohot tasty hai.

Ananya answered distractedly, putting a spoonful of her food in her mouth, chewing while in deep thought.

Ar: Kabir Sharma toh legend hai, haina? Kya aawaaz hai! Kya style hai!

Armaan praised as he watched the news segment with rapt attention.

Ananya 's father chuckled to see his baby girl puff her cheeks up angrily, huffing with a sulky pout on her face.

A: Samajhte kya hai khudko! Boss hai toh kuch bhi karenge!

She fumed.

The rest of the dinner was a blur for her. Ananya' s pretty was still curled into the adorable sulky pout from dinner as she sipped from a steaming hot coffee mug, perched comfortably near her window.

A strong pair of arms wrapped around her & a loving kiss pressed onto her temple. She leaned further into the embrace, the familiar scent of her father making her feel safe.

A: Papa! Kitne selfish hai vo. Sirf channel ki security aur ratings ki padi hai! Insaaf ka kya? Arrey jabtak janta vo statement sunegi nahi, ye kaala sach unke saamne kaise aayega? Par nahi humaare Editor-in-cheif ji ko toh statement air karna manjoor hi nahi hai!!!!

He was so rude to me, but that doesn't matter. Main aise aadmi se kaise shaadi karlu jise sirf personal gain se matlab hai. Jise khudke ambitions ke beyond kuch dikhta hi nahi, itni choti pride!

Sudhir let his daughter blabber on & on, letting out her frustration. He tightened his grip on her when she tiredly sunk against his shoulder nearly panting after her ling, almost breathless monologue.

A: Papa?

Ananya looked up from her father's chest to see him smile camly at her. He was the most wise, cool & composed person she'd ever seen.She could barely remember him being angry. He was always sweet, patient & understanding. A perfect gentleman. This had resulted her in unknowingly looking for nearly similar qualities in prospective suitors.

Su: Toh kya hua beta? I'm sure, ki ye faisla bohot soch samajh kar liya hoga usne. Itne bade channel ka Editor-in-cheif hai, he's experienced. Aur tum batao beta, aise jald baazi mein statement air kardiya toh jinke khilaaf vo statement hai, vo counter attack nahi karenge? Channel par case hojaayega.

Doosro ki bhalaai karna achchi baat hai, par insaan ko khudke baarein mein, usse judo logo ke baarein mein bhi sochna hota hai. Bhagwaan na kare, agar channel par taala laggaya toh unn saare laakho employees ka kya? Kisi aur ki insaaf ki ladaai mein hum begunaah logo ko kaise shaheed kar sakte hai beta?

Ananya pouted as the information sunk in. She felt ashamed for her behaviour, but she hadn't meant ill. Kabir was more experienced, she should have trusted him afterall Khalid must have really trusted Kabir to have asked him to become the country's & KKN's youngest ever Editor-in-cheif.

Sudhir stroked his daughter 's hair. She was still innocent & sometimes failed to understand what dirty politics people could apply to save themselves. Getting or giving justice wasn't easy now, was it?

Su: Ananya, you should trust Kabir, beta. Vo toh tumhaara ideal hai na, hero maanti ho a tum use? Kehti ho ki uski tarah banogi? I'm sure he has a plan, sab sahi hoga.

Ananya smiled & kissed her father's clean shaven cheek lovingly. He always guided her to the right path, so effortlessly & effectively. However, as her mind registered few of his words, she paused.

A: Ek minute....ideal? Hero? Ye aap kya kehrahe hai papa? Main toh humaare naye Editor-in-cheif ki baat kar rahi thi. Aur jo mere bachpan ke playmate reh chuke hai.

She spoke with a frown, wondering what this was about?

Now the peices began to fit the puzzle! That's why Trisha & all others even men were gushing over him! The hoard of fans in the park! It all became clear now.

Su: Ananya?

Sudhir blinked in surprise.

Su: Beta? Ye vahi Kabir Sharma hai jinke articles ki tum taareef karte nahi thakti. Remember? Anyways, chalo ab sojao, bohot der hogayi hai.

Sudhir said, seriously wondering if his journalist daughter had been working too much? She wasn't like herself right then.

A: KYAAA???

Ananya boomed and apologise md when her father winced, his hands covering his ears.

Su, Haan beta, mujhe aur tumhaari maa ko laga ki tum Kabir ko pasand karti ho. Humesha uski itni taareef jo karti ho. Uske parents humaare puraane college ke bohot gehre dost hai, tabhi toh tum dono ke rishte ki baat horahi hai.

Sudhir explained his daughter with a smile.

A: Uh...sorry....papa? Ye Kabir Sharma....vahi waale hai? Are you sure....kyunki aur 3 Kabir Sharma jo journalist hai, unhe main jaanti hoon. Iska matlab......oh no! Papa...b..bye...main aapse subah milti hoon okay? Mwuaah! Bye!

Ananya kissed her perplexed father goodnight before bounding out of her bedroom at full speed before he could say a word.

Kabir 's House :

Kabir' s eyes were nearly closed & he was almost asleep when a frighteningly loud snore sounded across the room making him jump.

Glancing at his slumbering elder brother lying like a log besides him, he sighed.

Boy's night! Yeah right, like he'd believe that! Sandhya had kicked him out of their bedroom because he'd let Monu sleep the whole evening & now the baby was merrily bouncing & giggling the night away.

He could barely conceal his laughter at his brother & sister-in-law's lame fights. The loved each other to peices but fought for the stupidest things. The result, a special brother bonding ' boy' s night' opportunity with Rajveer Sharma, exclusively for Kabir Sharma, amazing!

Pulling the blanket over his ears, Kabir had just closed his eyes, when the shrill ringing of his cell phone began. He shuddered thinking it could be Malvika, who he'd just gotten off the phone an hour and a half ago, after she'd called to flirt with him on the pretext of some urgent official discussion. Now, he was seriously contemplating throwing a tantrum.

K: Kabir Sharma.

Oh my god! How could someone sound so incredibly sexy even in sleep? Ananya shuddered, shaking away her thoughts. She sounded so much like Trisha right now.

K: Hello?

Came the dazzling voice like silk again & Ananya breathed hard to control her emotions. Kabir Sharma did things to her that she'd never felt before.

K: Hello?

Came his charming voice again.....

A: Arrey hello ko maariye goli! Aap pehle nahi bata sakte the ki aap KABIR SHARMA hai!

Ananya demanded.

K: kya?

Kabir got up, switching on the bedside lamp, scrunching his eyes due to the sudden light.

K: Who's this?

Kabir asked, unable to figure out the woman calling him & yelling at him at such an ungodly hour.

A: Kabir sir, main hoon, Ananya Kashyap. Aapki junior. By the way, maana main aapki junior hoon par bachpan mein aapki friend bhi toh thi na. Humaari families humaari shaadi ki baat kar rahe hai aur aapne munhse itni badi aur important baat chupayi!

Marriage & Ms Kashyap set Kabir 's heart fluttering like a naive teenager unlike the bigshot, composed & calculative journalist he was,whose only passion was his news.

However, he was forced to wonder why Ananya had called him at that hour. He could feel a bit of worry seep in instantly, but he masked it expertly.

K: Ms Kashyap?

Kabir had now thrown off his comforter & was awake still wondering what his junior was going on about.

A: Sir aap aisa kaise kar sakte hai mere saath! I can't believe you! I...I understand ki aap shayad mujhe pasand nahi karte, jis tarah maine openly aapko question kiya. Par phir bhi, aap bata dete!

Ananya seethed. She was really angry now, especially at how clueless Kabir sounded.

K: Care to elaborate ki main iss waqt aapke liye kya kar sakta hoon.... Ms Kashyap ?

Kabir drawled almost sleepily, resisting a yawn & Ananya grit her teeth. The nerve of this man!

A: (in her mind) Achcha achcha! Meri raaton ki neend uda ke inko ghode bechke sone jaana hai!

Ananya was really wondering what was going on with her life.

Just as Kabir was about to speak, Rajveer woke up. Sleepily, reaching for his spectacles from the bedside table, he turned to his younger brother.

Ra: Itni raat ko kon hai?

Rajveer asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

K: Zara ek minute hold kijiye

He told Ananya before turned to Rajveer.

K: Kuch nahi dada, vo office se phone hai. Aap sojaoyye, main bahar jaakar baat karke aata hoon.

Kabir told him.

Rajveer wiggled his eyebrows up at him teasingly.

Ra:ummm! Office haan? Ya phir kisi ladki ka? Itni raat ko office se kon phone karega? Kahi yeh koi khubsoorat ladki toh nahi jiske saath tu raat bhar naughty naughty baatein karta hai roz!

Rajveer nearly guffawed at his scandalised looking brother who'd frozen in his position out of shock.

K: kya? No! Of course not!

He glared at his laughing brother. It felt good to see him laughing after all that had happened in their past. He hadn't had the heart to tell his family about the attack on him earlier. He knew it couldn't result in anything good, his family was fiercely protective of their youngest member after little Monu & they'd create a ruckus. They were happy, they didn't need to know, he could deal with it.

Ra: oooohhh! Naughty boy haan!! Matlab pakka apni girlfriend ke saath * ahem ahem* waali baatein karmi hai isliye mere saamne baat karne se sharma raha hai na? Haan? Haan??? Kya baat hai!!! Mera chotu bada hogaya!

Rajveer poked fun at the talented young Editor, only to recieve a faceful of pillow & Kabir grinning back goofily.

Glaring one last time at his grinning brother Kabir went over to the balcony attached to his bedroom that overlooked a beautiful part of the city from a height.

K: Sorry Ms Kashyap. Please continue.

Ananya rolled her eyes at Kabir 's formality but got straight to the point.

A: Aapne ye pehle kyu nahi bataya ki aap the legend KABIR SHARMA hai. Delhi Kranti waale. Aap toh mere ideal hai, Bhagwaan hai, mentor, guide sabkuch! Do you know how I love you????

Ananya squealed before her eyes widened in shick on realising what she'd just blurted out.

K: aap hi kyu nahi bata deti? I appreciate your feelings though.

Kabir said with a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

A: uh...vo..vo....actually...na....

K: vo kya Ms Kashyap?

Kabir asked in a tone laced with amusement.

A:Vo....vo sab chodiye! Aapne mere saath dhoka kiya hai!

Ananya pouted.

K: Aap mujhe itna maanti hai toh follow bhi karti hongi, don't tell me you never saw my photograph?

Kabir asked with a raised eyebrow.

Now Ananya was embarrassed. She didn't know how her hero, the man who she had followed for so long looked? It was lame, but true.

A:h...haan nahi dekhi! T...toh? Mujhe aapke articles akarshit karte hai, shakal nahi. Kabhi dekhne ki zaroorat hi nahi hui. Aur aap itne private insaan hai ki kabhi koi TV interviews bhi nahi dete the! Aur....aur....aapko pata hai sirf Noida mein 5 Kabir Sharma hai, Gurugram mein 2, puraani Delhi mein 1 aur Mayur vihar mein 3 aur hai. Inmein se 4 journalists hai! Ab bataiyye!

Ananya finished her long speech, waiting smugly for his answer.

Kabir didn't know whether to be baffled or burst out laughing. This woman was sure something else! However, he was impressed at how efficiently she did her homework research.

A: aapko pata hai maine aapko challenge kiya! Apne devta jaise hero ko! Mere andar ki fangirl ka dil tootar chakna chur hogaya! Kuch nahi bacha! Aur ye sab aapki galati hai Kabir sir!!!!

Ananya pouted, still embarrassed at such a silly mistake from her side. Her friends would never let her live it down if they knew.

K: My apologies!

She could hear him chuckling & couldn't help but wonder how beautiful that sound was. Ananya closed her eyes, trying to control her blush but in vain.

K: By the way, ab aapke challenge ke kuch aur ghante hi bache hai, kal....I mean aaj shyaam tak. Raat bhar jaagkar aap subah der se uthengi toh aapko extra time nahi diya jaayega!

Kabir reminded her making Ananya even more furious.

A: Vo toh Kal dekha jaayega ki main challenge waqt se pehle ya waqt par poora karti hoon! Aur aap....aapko kya lagta hai? Aap Kabir Sharma hai, itne bade high profile journalist hsi isliye main aise hi khushi khushi aankho mein sitaare liye aapse shaadi karlungi! Bilkul nahi! Bye!

Kabir realised a mimute later that Ananya had cut the call, most probably out of anger. He frowned at her last few words.

K: Toh naa kare! Main bhi nahi karunga isse shaadi! Samajhti kya hai khudko!

However, Kabir softened remembering & shaking his head at her craziness. He admired her innocence though. It was pure & untouched, just like his was once.

K: kaha kaha se kitne Kabir dhundh nikaale!

He laughed to himself like he hadn't in so long.

Ananya, meanwhile grit her teeth. Kabir Sharma!!!! God!! He always managed to rile her up yet make her swoon over him.

Attractive Devil.

That's what she'd saved his number as in her contacts.

A: Aap toh bas dekhte jaiyye sir ki ye Ananya Kashyap kya cheez hai!

She thought to herself with a confident smirk before heading to sleep.

The new day would show Ananya Kashyap's worth to everyone.

*****

Next Morning :

Kh: Are you sure Kabir?

Khalid bit on his perfectly manicured nail rather nervously as he stood next to Kabir who was buttoning his charcoal coloured suit jacket.

K: Of course Khalid. Aaj raat 9 Baje humaare sabse nay show Khaas Khabre Kabir Sharma ke Saath ka pehla episode hai, aur main ise super hit banakar rahunga.

Kabir declared with a confident smirk as he adjusted his tie.

A: Kabir sir.....

Kabir whirled around hearing the familiar sweet voice only to loose his voice & breath altogether. He wondered if it was possible for Ananya to look more beautiful each day he saw her. She had worn a beautiful pastel pink pink salwar kameez that accented her generous curves perfectly. A tiny diamond bindi between her perfect eyebrows, a few diamond bangles & matching tear drop earrings.

Her hair was open, cascading down her shoulders. However seeing the pinch of sindoor in her hair parting & a mangalsutra around her neck sent pleasent sensations to hus heart. Would she dress this way if she became his wife?

Kabir pushed his feelings to a side forcefully, wanting to concentrate simply on his sting operation.

Ananya too stared open mouthed at Kabir. He was dressed impeccably in an expensive looking dark suit. Black chic spectacles & a couple of streaks of white in his abundant jet black curls completed his look. Ananya wondered if he would look like that several years after. Would they have a teenage son too like they were pretending for the sting operation if they got married?? He was looking every bit the devilishly handsome dad of a teen that he was playing.

Ananya blushed when Kabir caught her staring at him & offered her his signature knowing smirk.

Arrogant.

K: Ms Kashyap, main subah jo aapko breif up kiya tha iss sting operation ke liye, aap sab samajh gayi hai? Any questions? If yes, tgen we should make a move.

He told her, trying his best to act stern & professional, trying to gain back the control Ananya's presence always rattled up.

A: Jaisa aap kahe, Sonu ke papa!

Ananya giggled. Manav seemed to choke on air & coughed loudly. Kabir smirked.

A: Sir......

Ananya scrunched her eyes as Kabir raised an eyebrow.

A: Uh..I mean, sunte hai ji, der hojaayegi, Sonu ke admission ki baat karne jaana hai.

Ananya spoke coyly but with confident, challenging gleam in her eyes, reminding him of the challenge. Kabir cleared his throat awkwardly as the others looked on in shock, confusion, anger & amusement?

Ananya for once enjoyed seeing Kabir awkward & shy instead of her. He looked rather cute.

Kh: Kabir, I think you guys should leave. Its getting late.

Khalid spoke, glancing at a rather displeased Malvika from the corner of his eyes. Hiding his amused smile. This was entertaining!

K: Bilkul...chalein? Sonu ki Mummy? Der horahi hai na.

Kabir hid a mischievous smile as he questioned Ananya, causing her already rosy cheeks to darken making her far more lovelier.

K: Come.

Kabir opened the door of the studio for Ananya, being the gentleman he was & lead her out.

Kabir & Ananya walked towards the parking lot. Both their eyes shinning with determination to succeed in their mission for their own purposes. It was time to put away their differences and act as a team.

TBC😊

I like how she fights for her rights and opinions. She took Kabir's decision as an insult, but it was probably not meant to be one.

Awesome update

Love it

Beautifully written

Continue soon

Thanks for pm

Thank u so much di. The episode was awesome n the funny kaya moments make it worth. Agar malvika ne kabhi kaya ffs padhe toh bechari ko heart attack aa jayega sab usse negative aur creepy character hi banate hain.😂😂😂

Update soon

Love u

a.

Brilliant chapter

Oops Ananya fight with kabir

Loll she have that courage😎

That stupid manav tried to take advantage of the situation

Uff malvika such a chipku women🤢

Ananya’s dad is really understanding caring loving dad😊

How beautifully he made Ananya understand kabir’s point of view🤗

Loll finally Ananya got to know kabir is the same journalist she admire

She blame kabir for not telling her🤣

It was so funny I couldn’t stop my laugh & rajveer also included there to tease kabir🤣

Uff seeing Ananya in married get up kabir lost in her😉

Now both Kaya going for mission hopefully they will success🤞
continue plz

Originally posted by: coderlady

I like how she fights for her rights and opinions. She took Kabir's decision as an insult, but it was probably not meant to be one.

That's true, but then Ananya is still quite young & a tad bit immature 😉

Originally posted by: plmzaq

Awesome update

Love it

Beautifully written

Continue soon

Thanks for pm

Thanks a lot,

Glad you liked it.

You're welcome 😊

Originally posted by: Ansharah06

Thank u so much di. The episode was awesome n the funny kaya moments make it worth. Agar malvika ne kabhi kaya ffs padhe toh bechari ko heart attack aa jayega sab usse negative aur creepy character hi banate hain.😂😂😂

Update soon

Love u

a.

🤣

Right! Khaskar ke meri stories mein!!!!

I'm just about to update, so sorry for this delay. I saw your pm but couldn't reply. I'll do that ASAP as well🤗

Originally posted by: cuteariya

Brilliant chapter

Oops Ananya fight with kabir

Loll she have that courage😎

That stupid manav tried to take advantage of the situation

Uff malvika such a chipku women🤢

Ananya’s dad is really understanding caring loving dad😊

How beautifully he made Ananya understand kabir’s point of view🤗

Loll finally Ananya got to know kabir is the same journalist she admire

She blame kabir for not telling her🤣

It was so funny I couldn’t stop my laugh & rajveer also included there to tease kabir🤣

Uff seeing Ananya in married get up kabir lost in her😉

Now both Kaya going for mission hopefully they will success🤞
continue plz

Thanks a lot dear for such a lengthy comment. I really appreciate it.

Keep reading, thanks a ton for your patience 🤗