One of my entries for Love-O-Rama Pyaar Ka Trope Fest
Storyline: Enemies to Lovers
Setting: Crime
Character/Pairing: Arnav & Khushi from IPPKND
Cover by ssttuuttii
Trapped Hearts
"Aap!"
"Haan, main!"
Arnav and Khushi found themselves in an elevator at AR Designs. The tension between them was palpable, a mix of annoyance and something more profound that neither was willing to acknowledge. His eyes lingering on her red sari, which hugged her curves perfectly. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't tear his gaze away.
Suddenly the elevator came to halt with a jerk. They started arguing about who was to blame for the lift getting stuck.
"Great! Now I'm stuck in this musty lift, and to top it all off, with you of all people! " Arnav burst out, rolling his eyes.
"That's only about you, because... " Khushi pointed her finger to him.
"Shhh!" Arnav warned her. He heard some voices outside the elevator.
"Why should..."
"Shhh... there’s someone!"
They listened attentively.
"Did you get the pendrive?" A muffled oddly familiar voice demanded.
"Yes! This fool ASR left it in his unlocked desk drawer! The doorlock to his office was easy to crack."
A mocking laughter was heard and Arnav stiffened.
"Now his fashion show is ruined! How can he manage without his designs? Our client will be happy. Let's get out of here! We have to go to that stupid charity gala at the Hyatt Regency."
The voices moved away. Arnav clenched his hand in anger.
"What the...!"
"They stole the pendrive with the designs for the fashion show!" Khushi gasped in horror. "Well, Mr. Know-It-All, any brilliant ideas for our grand escape?" Khushi asked sarcastically.
Arnav smirked grimly. "I could always use your endless chatter to bore a hole through the door."
"Haww! What are you meaning?"
"Just like I said! " Angrily, he pulled his phone out of his pocket.
"Damn, no signal! "
"Laad governor!" Kushi looked at him with a sharp gaze and undeterred, she began rummaging through her oversized purse.
"Aha!" she exclaimed, pulling out a hairpin and a tube of lipstick.
"What are you doing?" Arnav asked in consternation. "Here my designs were robbed and you are planning a makeover?" Arnav shouted indignant.
Khushi ignored him, unbent the hairpin and used the lipstick as a lubricant. She poked it between the narrow gap between the sliding door and the metal wall of the elevator and began to move it up and down. To both their surprise, the elevator doors creaked open.
"I can't believe that worked," Arnav admitted, involuntarily impressed.
"Never underestimate a woman's beauty stuff," Khushi winked. "What did they say? Hyatt Regency? What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Khushi run to the staircase to get to the parking lot. Arnav followed her surprised. They rushed down the stairs to Arnav's car. Arrived downstairs, Khushi tripped on the hem of her Sari. Waiting for her to fall, she squinted her eyes. But nothing of the sort happened! Two strong hands caught her by her waist, their faces inches apart. For a moment, time stood still.
"Watch out, Khushi Kumari Gupta," Arnav whispered, with a hoarse voice.
Khushi gulped flustered. "I… I was just testing your reflexes." she stammered.
After a final piercing gaze, Arnav let go of her and they get in the car. Immediately they made their way to the hotel.
They gave a perfect pair, when they entered the gala. Heads turned and Arnav found himself oddly protective, his hand resting on Khushi's back.
"Ready for performance, Khushi Kumari Gupta?" he challenged her.
"Always, Mr. Raizada." she retorted.
When a handsome stranger approached Khushi, Arnav's jaw clenched.
"May I have this dance?" the stranger asked Khushi.
Before she could respond, Arnav interjected, his eyes shot daggers. "Sorry, she promised me all her dances tonight."
Khushi raised an eyebrow. "Did I?"
Arnav threw a sharp gaze to her and led her to the dance floor, pulling her close.
"Let's see if we can spot anything suspicious. Just following the act, Khushi " he murmured, not quite meeting her eyes.
As they swayed to the music, Khushi couldn't help but notice how perfectly she fit in Arnav's arms. For his part, Arnav found himself captivated by the sweet scent in Khushi's hair. Suddenly he heard a familiar voice and looked in that direction.
"Mr. Sharma! Nice to meet you!"
Hands were shaken, something was exchanged between the two men. Arnav's eyes widened! With a few long strides he reached the men. Shouting for security he grabbed one of them by his collar.
"No one moves from here!" he roared. "Mr. Sharma, the pen drive, please." Arnav ordered with cutting voice. Demanding, he held out his open hand to the elder man. The music had stopped by the noise and people stood shocked around them questioningly. Mr. Sharma a renowned member of fashion scene trembled at Arnav’s sight.
"Arnav beta, this is not what you mean!"
"Saleh sahab, it's a misunderstanding. I…"
"Shut up Shyaam!" Arnav grabbed him harder.
"Finally I got you red-handed! Did you think that I keep the designs in an unlocked drawer? It was just a bait to lure you into the trap!" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Security, take these two into custody and call the police! Mr Sharma, I didn't expect you to stoop so low!" With a disgusted gaze Arnav turned.
"You people will go on! Show is over!" The guests disperse in murmurs and the music began to play again. Arnav walked back to Khushi and pushed her near to him.
"Arnavji, this all was planned?" she asked surprised.
"I had a certain suspect! And today he showed his true colours!"
"But how…"
"Let’s talk about later!" Her voice stopped him.
"You know," Khushi said mockingly, "for someone who claims to despise me, you're quite a convincing actor."
Arnav's grip tightened slightly.
"Who says I'm acting?" His penetrating gaze pierced her.
The parking lot was deserted, cool air wrapping around them. Arnav spun Khushi around, pulling her close to his chest. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to fade away. His fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His touch sending a shiver down her spine. His hand lingered, cupping her cheek. Khushi's breath hitched as he leaned in, his face inches from hers. Arnav's eyes flicked to her lips, and then back to her eyes, as if seeking permission. Khushi's gaze softened. His lips brushing against hers in a tentative, almost reverent touch.
The kiss was soft at first, a gentle exploration. As Khushi responded, the world around them disappeared, leaving only the sensation of their lips moving together. Khushi's heart raced. Arnav's hands roamed over her back, his touch both gentle and possessive. Their hearts pounding together. With every moment, the kiss became more intoxicating than the last.
When they finally pulled away, they remained locked in each other's gaze. The realization of their feelings washed over them, leaving them both breathless and overwhelmed.
"Who would've thought being stuck in an elevator would lead to this?" Khushi whispered.
Arnav smiled, his voice husky with emotion. "I guess sometimes, Khushi Kumari Gupta, you need to be trapped to find freedom."
They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the night air cooling their heated skin. Everything had changed in that one, perfect moment.
.
Arjun
Cricket
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