IPKKND : Darkness Awaits {CH 5-PG 40}- Page 13

Originally posted by: LoveToDream

Please can you update this? I am SO eager to read it!! C'mon! Please?

Originally posted by: SankaDevi20

Great update, this is going somewheeere! Im very curious to see how they meet :p Love them reading the same news and reacting so weirdly!

Everyone complains i don't write long updates so here you go 😆

Chapter 2 ~ When A Stranger Calls

Morning hours began to hit the street of Laxmi Nagar as murmurs of people around began to fill into Khushi's ears. She sat on the edge of her staircase watching the street getting into business for the day. Her chin lightly resting on cuddled up knees. A faint smile was plastered on her face while her tired eyes gazed at a man running hectically behind an auto, probably because he was late for work and his boss would fire him. Other side of the road showed a mother holding her child's tiny hands, urging to run faster or the school bus would leave, reminding Khushi of her own mother. She would run behind similarly with their lunch boxes clutched.

Observing morning activities was the most jobless thing one could do but according to Khushi it was a whole different thing. This was her piece of entertainment to just sit there and scan through the crowd that had numerous incidents taking place but hardly anyone to notice them.

Khushi had been given strict orders by Buaji to not ring the bell at any cost. Just because her work finishes at an odd time doesn't mean she would interrupt or disturb anyone's sleep. Thus it was an everyday schedule for Khushi to sit outside on the stairs till someone woke up naturally and opened the latched door. Even though on frequent occasions, Payal her sister, sets an early alarm so that she could open the door. But days like these she would sleepover by mistake and Khushi eventually has to call her to open the door. This morning Khushi was ready to repeat the same process when her eyes suddenly diverted from her phone to the green eyed black cat, staring at her.

She stared back curiously at the cat with her own hazel green eyes. It wasn't like she hated animals but black cats weren't one of her favorite ones. Last time she had seen one, was just before her mother covered in blood was taken to the hospital. Since then it was decided that black cats meant danger, it didn't matter whether they crossed you or not. They brought bad news, and it was too late to close her eyes pretending to not have seen it. In fact her eyes widened when the cat didn't move an inch, "what darkness are you going to provide this time?" asked Khushi, feeling lame like hell for talking to a cat.

"Please don't tell me your talking to a cat?" heard Khushi from behind. Startled on being caught she got up with a shrug. "What me? Nooo" but knowing she was a bad liar, her sister began giggling and wacked Khushi's head for her silliness. "Shhh Jiji pleaseee..Buaji will wake up and create a whole lot of drama" she pleaded to a still giggling Payal who bit her lips to control, while they both tip toed to their room.

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"Aman did you pay them enough? So no more fuss right? Ok good I'll go for a sight inspection tonight then'" he trailed off feeling someone's presence but pretended as if he didn't and continued buttoning his shirt. "Not now Nani" he said indicating his least interest in whatever discussion this woman had come for. But she still stepped forward showing him the pooja plate that he guessed was for him to show respect or pretend to. Arnav never understood the logic behind running to the temple every morning when they already had a huge one at Shaitivan. What's the point of having one at home then?

As Nani began to step forward to apply the red tikka he instinctively moved back. "Uhh Nani I have a meeting and that red thing smudges and remains even after wiping" said Arnav, with a slight hesitance that was hard to catch due to the body language that said *get that thing away from me*. They stared at each other's straight faces for few seconds and before she could forcefully apply that red thing he half ran towards the door ignoring her cold stares. "Get back early today" and it didn't take him seconds to answer back, "I have plans with Tiara". Nani's grip on the thali tightened but maintaining calmness over the years had become much easier, "Thik hai. I will let Anjali know that when she comes back from Lucknow tonight" a short sigh escaped when Arnav's back stiffened. Thankful to devi maiyya that at least some human instincts were left inside this man. "I'll be back by evening" he replied in a flat tone but it was not so difficult to not notice the faint joy in it.

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"Khushiii Uthooo! Wake up!" shouted Payal for the tenth time that evening. "Your getting late for work" she whispered into her ears but all she got back was inaudible mumbles. Having tried everything Payal knew the last solution was the only one that would work for this Khumbhakaran. "BUAJI?" mock cried Payal and the next second she burst out laughing seeing a horrified Khushi bounce up. She fell on the ground with Khushi on top, beating the hell out of her for using buaji to wake her up. "How many times have I told not do that" she screamed at an almost dead Payal from all the tickling.

"STOP THIS NONSENSE" a thick voice stopped both the girls. "From which zoo are you both from? Behave like well mannered girls" said Madhumati in her heavy womanly tone and in an instant both were on there feet fixing their clothes. "And you.." pointing towards Khushi "aren't you getting late for god knows what job you do at night" even though Bua's sarcasm was nothing new but each time she used it, Khushi's blood boiled like it was on fire. "Buaji please.." her jaws clenched but was instantly relaxed when Payal's warm hand clasped into hers. "Stop this drama. Get ready and yes your father called few hours back" with no emotions she informed the girls that their father after fifteens days had dropped a call. "WHAT?" both naturally screamed. "Why didn't you wake me up?" yelled Khushi not caring about the after math of it. Besides why should she? Her father who roamed around the whole world selling handicrafts just so that his two princesses could lead a normal life had called after ages and ..

"Lower that voice and I'm not your servant. Payal was teaching the kids and you were sleeping. He said he will call tomorrow morning, end of story" giving one last glare to both the angry ladies she left them with sadness and frustration.

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"Damn! NK! I'm assigned in outbound section today" screamed a frustrated Khushi who was already having an F***ED up day. First she was refused from talking to her father and now this. "So what's up with the foul mood?" knowing already she would burst NK took the chance. "Not now..God outbound calls are the worst, I'm gonna hear so many swears now!!" dropping a pout she pressed the third floor button which led to outbound call area. "Kick some Asses girl" grinned NK as he saw Khushi walk out like a zombie. "Sure Nande Kishore" she stretched his name snorting.

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A white car dashed through the night of Delhi streets, fast yet controlled. Control of a car is usually the indication towards a good driver. "Sweetie don't worry this is good publicity for our next show" spoke the woman rubbing Arnav's right arm lovingly to make him aware of her existence in his car. Unaffected by her touch he stared at the road ahead of him, "I don't care, someone from our company is spying on us and don't call me that" his deadly tone sending few chills down her spine while she struggled to keep her expressions calm. "Sorry..Whom do you think is doing it?" she asked playing with his hair that ley near his ear. "Whoever it is, will be dead the moment I find out" whacking his head back he shrugged off her hand.

"What are we doing tonight?" Tiara pressed closer hoping 'tonight' would change his mood a bit. Not that it ever did but still what's the harm in trying. Plus she was used to it now. "Nothing. Di is returning" robotically changing gears he continued to keep his eyes on the road. Arnav felt a slight relief rush through his brains at Tiara's zipped mouth, normally she would whine on how he doesn't have time for her but guess Anjali meant serious excuse. "Are you going for sight inspection today for our next show?" finally silence broken. "I might go late night after meeting Di" he used much softer tone this time, knowing he wasn't being nice to the person sitting beside him. And before Tiara could continue their very tasteful conversation the car had come to a stop making her realize she was home. Quite dejected she stepped out not knowing how a pair of eyes was observing her.

"Tiara?" his voice was enough to make her run back to the car wishing he would stay back for sometime. Arnav bent down slightly to have a look at her wide smiling face through the window, "I'm planning Mumbai next month for our show" and her smile instantly dropped hearing work from his mouth. But he continued "we should go a week earlier..only us" emphasizing on the last few words, he smirked. Tiara would have pounced on him if there wasn't a door between them but for right now she left a small peck on either side of his face to convey her happiness. Who said a man can't handle both work and woman?

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There was massive banging sounds that went around the room, which made every head turn to enjoy it. But the one banging her head on the desk was having the worst day of her career. Right now it would be an understatement to say she was pissed because if you let loose she could murder the person on the other line. "Which idiot doesn't know what's a credit card," she growled to a grinning Sarita who was busy on her own call but kept glancing once in a while to witness the drama. Delhi was definitely the worst place when it came to hindi galis. Ignoring the amusing looks she was getting, Khushi checked her list to see whom she was supposed to call next. Her eyes for a minute didn't register the words that her brain was reading.

Without even a single blink Khushi's eyes remained frozen on the screen replaying the name in her mind several times. Arnav Singh Raizada-Arnav Singh Raizada-Arnav Singh Raizada- Arnav Singh Raizada-Arnav Singh Raizada. Before the name could imprint on her fully, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Jerking off she stood up still in haze while the buff yet handsome man opposite to her gave few curious glances. "Is everything alright Miss Gupta?" the heaviness in his voice made her avoid his glance and look else where, it was the best thing to do when your boss catches you doing stuff other than work. "Y-Yes Sir..Shyam sir" she stammered finally looking up to see Shyam's eyes rather fixed on her computer screen now. "Good then get back to calling your next customer" hands tucked in both his pockets he bent down a little more to read off the name "Arnav Singh Raizada..good luck" he smirked heartlessly like he was sending his employee to war ground.

Nothing was new about tonight, same darkness but as Arnav parked his car he felt a faint of excitement flickering through, even though it wasn't noticeable due to his expressionless face. Slowly when he begun taking off his seat belt, a slight boyish glee appeared in his usual cold eyes. The wait had been long for him because, not having her around was like having no reason to go back home. This minute when he had the reason, he suddenly felt like running into the house like old times when he would come back from boarding school into her waiting arms.

Arnav's brief half formed smile changed into a frown when his phone constantly decided to vibrate and delay his walk into the house. He had strictly given instructions to his staff of *no calls* for the night but no some one was ready to get fired! At the final vibration Arnav lost his temper. "WHAT?" he blasted into the Bluetooth. Thankfully Bluetooth was only a machine or else it would turn deaf.

What he had expected was a thrilled employee stammering an apology but what came stopped him from walking in. Unusual tone that spoke light melodious words almost like a recorded answering machine. "Good evening Sir, this is Citibank Delhi office" she spoke and for a fraction second he thought she had a wonderful voice. American voice. Getting no response from him she continued, "Sir your recent credit card'" and then came back the ASR everyone knew.

"What the hell? Is this is a joke? Who gave you my number?" he barked, already ready to fire the person who gave his number to a random credit card girl. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience sir but'" she was halted mid sentence again and she swore she could actually hear his angry breathing through her own headset. "Do you know who I am? Check before you dial whatever your name is" he barked some more, ready to press end call but somehow hearing her calmness it felt strange. Mostly people who knew him would instantly hung up or blabber in a nervous tone. But this woman had the nerve to still talk on. "It's Khushi actually, and I do know your Arnav Singh Raizada" suppressing her own temper that could blast out any moment. "Good! If you know my name you should also know I hate people who piss the hell out of me so why don't you hang the F***ING phone and get a proper job'" it was her turn now.

*Beep* *Beep* Eyes wide burning with fire, jaws clenched ready to rip off anyone's head. "Did she freaking hang up on me?" he hissed staring at the number on his screen that had been disconnected. "You wait and watch what I do to you..Citibank huh?"

"F***! F***! That was the first call I ever hung up in my entire career" Khushi mentally shook her head in disbelieve. "So? The jerk deserved it", said another voice in her head that made more sense. At least for now.

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