ArHi FF:1: The BEASTS and the BLEEDING ROSES - Page 50

AWESOME'

amazing updates & thanks for the pm.because of kushi, nani came out from the room & first emotional encounter was with arnav.arnav asked nani"which girl?" so he knows nani is talking about kushi.can't wait to see how will nani bring the green heart at home.shaym still dreaming of kushi, hope he always remains cursed😡is he responsible somehow for kushi's orphaned past😕aquiline, in these gloomy days where the current track of anjali is sucking our blood, its yr fab updates which keep our hearts a bit calm, thankyou🤗

A wonderful Update,dear Lin ! i actually got all da symbolism dis time😳.. n i must say u surprised me wth ur ability of story-telling, yet AGAIN... some new loops opened n am excited hw they'll unfold.. n altho its One healing heart trapped b/w two beasts [so i assume for nw], am sure only a pure soul vl b healed.. lets see who dat is😉..wish it ws sunday already!..
*Lin n Aura Thank u so much for da update, it'll b my oxygen for dis weekend.. 😊

I'm sorry I couldn't be there to update personally. But there were emergencies and I had to attend them. Thank you Shas and Aura for your grand support in updating the chapters and PMing the concerned readers of my FF. Now that I'm back, here's the scene I promised you all!

Chapter Fifty Two: The First Rabba Ve (Or what we would classically call it)

Kushi arrived early as always at the Industry and she was climbing up the stairs, skipping lightly and humming to perk up her soon-to-drown spirits.

"Lordy Lord owns no heart, and has no soul to spare,

His eyes are blind, his tongue is black,

And only a sister for slave...

Hated nasty animal is he, and no one dares to cross his path,

For its better to stick one's head in the mud than face his deadly wrath."

Her singing and springing stopped when she stepped onto the landing and found herself inches away from the observant eyes of her evilly-eager Master.

She paled as he continued studying her and he said, "Why does that song remind me of someone I might know?"

Kushi shuffled where she stood and looked down. All the people had been silent on her entry and she had misread their silence for being focused on their work. If only she had sensed the tension in the air over the silence...

"Aman!" called out Lord Arnav and the other man was suddenly beside him, "Yes, Master?"

"Give her the robe and get her dressed and seated in the room."

Kushi looked at him, shocked and not comprehending what had just been said, but he only gave her a slicing look, turned and walked into his office.

She turned her stricken gaze to Master Aman and he beckoned her to follow him to the other office room. The room that belonged to the Second Lord. But now the room did not look like an office, like Lord Arnav's did. It had furniture moved against one corner and the only furniture set apart was the rich ottoman before one of the windows at the far end of the room and in the center of the room, facing the ottoman was an ordinary chair and wooden easel upon which was a plain canvas.

Kushi looked at Master Aman who handed her a red silk robe that was lying on the huge armchair beside the door, "You must wear this."

"I don't understand," said Kushi, staring at the cloth and fingering it, "What am I being made to do now?"

Master Aman sighed and explained to her, "When someone asks to be shown a 'sample' of one of our robes, we send them not a robe but a painting of the robe. We usually have someone to model for our painting, but this time Master decided on using you as model and he wants you to wear this and get seated on the ottoman for the picture. It's to be sent to a Chinese princess." (Note: In case you don't remember, kindly refer to the conversation Master Aman and Lord Arnav had when Kushi was scrubbing the floor of Lord Arnav's office.)

"But..." Kushi began, staring at the robe, "I..." she breathed in and then relaxed, "I just have to wear this and get painted in it?"

Master Aman nodded, "It will be over before you know it. The painter will arrive in a few minutes."

Kushi nodded and after Master Aman had left the room, she walked to the left side of the room were a few curtains had been hung to enclose a tiny space near the wall as the changing room. Kushi entered it and after ensuring it was completely sealed from all sides, she stripped down and quickly slipped the robe over her head. It was a very rich kind of robe; she had never worn anything like it before. Red all the way down with gold bands at the neckline, at the waist, at the end of the full sleeves and at the hem of the skirt. The cloth felt smooth, cool and soft against her tender skin and she knew it was a very flattering dress. She heard the door open and the voice of Master Aman called out, "Are you set, Miss Gupta?"

"Yes," she answered, and stepped out.

Through the door Master Aman entered followed by a strange man sporting a painter's cap, a tiny beard and a strange kind of apron. He was carrying a tiny wooden box. Both men stopped at the door and stared at the girl before them.

Kushi looked down at her dress, "Is something wrong?" She looked up again.

"No," said Master Aman, fascinated, "Miss Gupta...you look..."

"Beautiful," said the man behind him, who stepped forward, and eyed her in such a way that Kushi felt uncomfortable, "Yes, it would be a very difficult feat to paint her but it would be a delightful challenge indeed." Kushi frowned, this was the painter?

"Please, ma'am," said the man with great respect, "Could you leave your hair open?"

Kushi nodded, and her hair that had been tied in a bun to ensure no disturbance in her frantic workings at the Industry, was let loose with a touch of her hand. The long hair cascaded down to its length up to her waist and the man's eyes shone, "Ah, a rich black. I hope my paints will do justice to your hair, ma'am."

Kushi blushed; she was not used to this kind of flattery for she had been brought up with remarks of being mischievous and reckless and thoughtless and never beautiful. That word had never been attributed to her as far as she could remember. But wait, she remembered, Nani who lived in the Castle had referred to her with that word...

The painter made her sit on the ottoman and told her what poise to take, where and how to place her hands and legs and how her dress was to hang upon her body and fall upon the ottoman and he also directed how her hair was to remain and how a thick strand was to be brought to the front. Kushi was told that a major point to be remembered by all models was to remain still all throughout and to maintain a consistent expression.

"What expression should I portray on my face, sir?" asked Kushi.

"Just be yourself," said the man, "You have a natural look and it would be best if my brush and paints can capture it as it is."

Kushi was getting irritated with his excessive talk on her appearance and she vowed mentally that she would sit up and destroy her pose for him if he mentioned it again. Master Aman's voice spoke up then and Kushi realized he had been in the room silently watching her being arranged on the ottoman, "I will inform the Master that the painting has commenced, shall I, Master Hari?"

"Yes, please," said Master Hari, walking to the chair set for him in the center of the room, and from there he studied Kushi from her head to her foot. Then he picked up his charcoal and drew an outline of her form. After this was done, he picked up a pastel with selective colors of paint on it and, dipping the tip of his brush in the red, he lifted the brush and pressed it upon the canvas.

On the other side of the thick wall, in his office room, Lord Arnav was sipping a glass of wine to wet his throat. And it was then that Master Aman announced that the painting had begun. Lord Arnav nodded absentmindedly and brought the glass to his lips but suddenly paused. A model needed extreme patience to remain still while being painted and Kushi must have been struggling to sit still which was an activity she was not familiar with. It would be interesting to see if she could remain still and unshaken even with his presence in the room.

With a wicked smile, he strode out of his room, and standing before the other door, with the glass of wine in one hand and the door handle pressed under the other, he opened the door. The light from the window nearly blinded his eyes, but when he stepped in and shut the door, he was astounded by the sight before him.

On the ottoman where he expected to find his enemy, was the most beautiful damsel his eyes had ever feasted upon. The rich robe accented her frail figure and as she lay there, staring into space, he felt his own space constrict and consist of just the two of them. Him and her.

He sank into the armchair at the door and forgot all about his wine. He stared at her, as if he were seeing her for the first time, as if studying her so his memory could feed on her in her absence. Her rich black hair framed her fair face, her clear white forehead shining against the blackness, her blushing cheeks natural and inviting. Her eyes, deep and watery with innocence. Her perfect petite nose and her slightly parted lips, through which she tried to breathe to not get suffocated with the stiff stillness, were rosy and hunger-evoking...

His eyes trailed down her length and he wanted to pat himself for having picked out this very robe to see her dressed so immaculately in it. A tempting angel...

Kushi knew the moment he entered that it was him. It took all the strength in her to remain still and not look up and see him. The fact that it was her first time being a model was not helping, and his undesired presence was most unnerving. She could feel his eyes on her, studying her and picking on her body in such a way that would have been impossible if she had been in her plain gown and not in a shape-revealing, satin-smooth silk robe.

She didn't know why or when, but one moment she was staring into space and the next moment her eyes had looked up to meet his gaze. As soon as her eyes beheld him, he killed the hunger in his eyes and he replaced it with an evil light. To give her more fuel to remain unnerved, he lifted the glass of wine and sipped it, his eyes burning into hers from above the rim.

Kushi was edgy, she had to look away. Without moving her neck, she let her eyes swing away from his pining gaze. But it didn't help. She could feel his gaze on her as if they were his hands. She felt her hands and legs heating as if his gaze running over them was like his detested hands touching her...

Master Hari stopped painting. He had sensed the girl was restless from the moment Lord Arnav had entered but he could do nothing to stop it. He was afraid to refute and tell the First Lord to stop interfering with his model's mind. As time proceeded, Master Hari was getting impatient and it took all the strength in him to not turn around and tell the First Lord to leave. Kushi was beyond help now. Her pose had changed, the light in her eyes had dimmed and they were disturbed. Master Hari could not proceed with the painting anymore. He paused the brush before him.

The door opened just then and in entered Lord Akash and Lady Lavanya. The latter stopped at the door and stared at the girl on the ottoman and then at the man on the armchair, "ASR! You made that village dirt be a model for one of your robes?"

Lord Arnav sighed inwardly, here we go again.

"ASR! I would have gladly modeled for you!" Lady Lavanya's yellow dress was too bright for the eyes and it was with great relief that Kushi stared elsewhere.

"You would have found it hard to sit still," said Lord Arnav.

"But I love being a model to paintings," said Lady Lavanya, "I could have sat still if you had wanted me to."

"Maybe next time, Lavanya," said Lord Arnav, clearly irritated by her wailing and then he softened, "Why don't you bring a chair and sit next to me?"

"I will!" said Lady Lavanya and ordered Aman, who was standing at the door, to get her a chair.

"My Lord," whispered Master Hari hastily at Lord Akash who had come to stand near the painter, "Could you do something and get the most respectable Lord Arnav to leave this room?"

Lord Akash was a warm and understanding man and people felt it safer to approach him for anything to be done through Lord Arnav.

"Why? Is something wrong?" Lord Akash asked, concerned.

"His presence is making the girl restless," said Master Hari, "she has already spoiled her pose and I don't have much time to spare over this painting. I must get it done!"

"Very well," said Lord Akash and he turned to his brother who was disinterestedly listening to something Lady Lavanya was saying.

"Brother, there are some matters I must discuss with you regarding the new shipments," said Lord Akash.

Lord Arnav looked up, "Indeed Akash," and he looked at Lady Lavanya, "You can sit and watch the painting, Lavanya, I have work to attend to..."

Lord Arnav had decided to leave because in the presence of others and especially Lavanya, he could never give Kushi the kind of attention he desired to give her. So it was better he left and not have to bear the womanly chatter of the fashion-struck girl.

But before leaving, he paused and looked at Kushi again. She had relaxed when he had stood up to leave and he knew it. He walked towards the painter and saw Kushi stiffen from the corner of his eye.

"This panting you are making," began Lord Arnav and Master Hari looked up and bowed, "Yes, sire?"

"I want you to make a copy of it."

"Copy? You mean I must paint her again?"

"No, you need not paint her again. Paint this painting."

"Paint this painting, sire?" Master Hari was confused.

"Yes," said Lord Arnav, "I intend to send the copy to the Chinese princess."

"Pardon me, sire, if I am too curious. But you always send your clients originals. Why do you want to send a copy this time?"

"I have decided to keep my originals henceforth," said Lord Arnav, "I must retain them for future purposes and record-keeping."

"Your wish is most valued, sire," said Master Hari, bowing again, "But you will know that an original will have life because it is painted using a model and that a copy made of a painted will lack that life because it is a recreation of a dried painting."

"I know," said Lord Arnav with finality, "The Chinese princess only needs to see the robe. She seeks no life in the picture."

"As you wish, sire," said Master Hari and Lord Arnav gave one last look at Kushi, who fixedly stared into the space and he was out of the room, reluctantly closing the door on his magical vision.

Chapter Fifty Three: Horse Back

Lord Arnav smashed his fist upon his desk and sank into his armchair. He poured himself a glass of wine and drank it in one gulp. He loosened the scarf at his throat and sat back. Closing his eyes, he tried to calm his mind but the vision of her resting on the ottoman appeared and he inhaled deeply. He opened his eyes, poured himself another glass of wine, sipped it and placed it down, having lost the taste for anymore wine. He leaned back again and closed his eyes, and the red-robed Kushi lay before him. She looked up and smiled, and he faltered. Her smile turned to a smirk, "You are losing, Lord Raizada. You are!"

He opened his eyes and smashed his fist on the arm of his chair, "Damn it! I am NOT!"

Anger raged inside of him and he stood up. I will not let her weaken me so.

He strode out of the room and barged into the other room.

The afternoon sun was waiting to set and the painting session had just been thankfully over. Kushi was getting out of the ottoman and had just stood up, when Lord Arnav stormed into the room. His eyes were angry and he said to the painter who was packing, "I need one more painting taken."

The painter paused in his packing and looked up, "Another, sire? You mean another copy?"

"No," said Lord Arnav, "An altogether different painting." He pointed a finger at Kushi, "Of her. In that robe."

"But sire-"

"No questions," he barked at the painter, "And no excuses! Just do as I say." His tone was menacing and he shot the shocked Kushi a searing look, "Outside. Now!"

Kushi stood for a moment to recollect her senses and, breathing hard, she made her way to the door. He had it held open and he stared at her as she passed. She didn't look up but he was bewitched by how beautiful she looked from close hand. Without any work done upon her hair or face, in all her natural beauty, she held him baffled and he was angry that she could hold him so.

"Move!" he said more to tell his own thoughts to move away than her to speed down the stairs. The painter shook his head and wordlessly followed him. (Lady Lavanya had been bored and had insisted on going back to the Castle and had left when it was still early afternoon.)

Lord Arnav strode past Kushi and towards the Industry doors, and Kushi, Master Hari, Master Aman and Lord Akash followed him. Every eye in the Industry hall looked up from the work on seeing their suddenly furious Master and they would have returned to their work had they not seen Kushi follow right behind, looking divine in one of the robes made by them and they were moved to pity at how her eyes were downcast as her feet retraced the First Lord's path.

Once out in the dark cloudy open, it was certain that there was going to be heavy rain but there was no stopping Lord Arnav as he moved towards the stable, the loud wind flapping against his dark coat. He stopped and turned to look how far she had reached and for a moment he had lost it again. The sides of the red robe and her dark desirous hair blew against the wind as she struggled to keep up with him, with her hands lifting the sides of the robe to stop herself from tripping on its hem.

Clenching his fists, he looked away and stormed into the stable and ordered Lal, who had been standing there, to ready a horse. Lal was on feet rushing to get the things and he was quickly harnessing the reins upon a chestnut.

Kushi entered the stable just then and Lord Arnav turned to see her, "Get on the horse."

Kushi blanched, "Sire, I do not know-"

"Get on the horse!" Lord Arnav barked, his gaze furious.

Kushi reluctantly stepped forward and stood near the horse. She was breathing hard and she closed her eyes trying to find a calm she was sure to not find anywhere near the dark Lord.

"Get on the damn horse!!!" His roar sent shivers up her spine and her trembling hand reached out for the horse, as she murmured, "I do not know-"

Suddenly he was rushing at her and before she could move away, he had his hands on her waist, and she struggled against his hold, "Let me go!"

"Stand still!" he said.

"Don't touch me!"

He smirked, "I have no desire to touch a beggar and dirty my hand, but you have no right to tell me off. I can touch you if I want to."

She looked at him, scared, and he hardened his hold on her. Her eyes began to fill but she lifted a hand to strike his cheek. He was quick and when it was barely inches away from his face, one hand had freed itself from its hold on her and had caught her descending hand before its fingertips could even brush his cheek.

"Clever and very daring," said Lord Arnav, "You will pay for it alright."

"No," she gasped against him and before she could stop him, he had lifted her up and seated her on the horse. The horse neighed distractedly but Lord Arnav shot Lal a look and the stable-man was soon calming the horse.

"It's alright, Gracie," said Lal, patting the horse, "It's alright. It's just a beautiful girl wanting to sit on your back."

Lord Arnav would have rounded on him for his words but just then the door opened and Lord Akash, Master Aman and the painter walked in. They looked at the scene before them.

"What are you doing, brother?" asked Lord Akash, looking up at the pale frightened girl on the horse, whose both legs were on one side of the horse. And Lord Arnav, whose hands were on the horse's side, said, "I want a painting of her on this horse."

"What for?" asked Lord Akash.

"Just do it," said Lord Arnav, silencing his brother with a look, "She will not go home today until this painting is done."

Lord Akash looked up at Kushi and she pleaded to him, "My Lord, I do not know how to-"

"Will you start painting or not?" barked Lord Arnav to the painter, and the painter hastily set his things up, and placed a fresh canvas on his stand.

Lal approached Kushi where she sat and said in a low voice, "Put your legs on either side of the horse." Kushi, trembling and scared, lifted her right leg and swung it slowly across the horse's back.

She was scared beyond words. She could ride a horse cart, but to sit on the back of a live horse...She was immobile on the horse. What if it moves? I don't want it to move...I can't jump off a moving horse! Please, Mother Goddess, this cannot be happening...

Rain began pouring and all the men were restless, waiting to return back to their homes, expect Lord Arnav. He stood there rooted to the spot, watching the pale girl siting still as a statue on the horseback.

Master Hari tried to make a hasty work of the painting but he was afraid of Lord Arnav's wrath if his result was not satisfying enough. Lord Akash was a symbol of sympathy as he stood there and gazed at the girl while Master Aman couldn't bear to see the fear on her face and tottered around the place until his Master should beckon him.

Then suddenly a loud thunder clap echoed in the sky and Gracie, the horse, panicked and neighed. Kushi gasped and paled a terrible white. Lal tried to calm the horse but another thunder clap unsettled the horse and it reared back. Kushi almost fainted with fear but she held onto the reins of the horse with all her life.

"No... please...please no..." her voice was feeble and she prayed for the horse to calm.

Master Hari put the brush down and said, "Get her down; the horse might throw her off if it panics."

Lord Akash and Master Aman stepped forward to the horse but just then another thunder clap resounded and the horse lost all its calmness. It neighed aloud and broke through its binds, and with Kushi screaming upon it, the horse startled the men from nearing it and, smashing through the half-open stable door, it raced out into dark evening and rain.

"Quick," Lord Akash, commanded, "we need to get her."

Master Aman rushed outside and Lord Akash also followed him but they could see no sign of the horse or Kushi anywhere. The rain poured heavily and they could see nothing through the thickness.

"Move!!" roared a voice behind them and they turned and almost were shoved backwards as Lord Arnav rode his wild dark horse, Shadow, out of the stable and raced into the rain.

"Brother!" called out a concerned Lord Akash, and then he looked at man standing beside him, "Aman, quickly, we need to get the carriage. When brother returns, we might need it."

"Why can't we go after him? Will he find her?" asked Aman, just as a clap of thunder rolled overhead.

Lord Akash looked at Aman, "He is my brother, I know him; he will return only if he finds her."

Hmmm...the bartender insists on closing the inn. It's late, he says. Let us grant him his wish and I shall continue this story when he opens up the inn again after six hours. What say? Can you wait for six hours to find yourselves gathered and waiting before the fire?

P. S. On the realistic note, hope you are having a good weekend...I know, weekends can be killing!

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wow!!!amazing ff!! :D i love it...ur fantastic writer... :) and over the last few chapters its arhi!!! cant wait to c more encounters btwn them and hw the mighty fall :) ...

Amazing!The way you have infused the IPK flavour into the gothic tale is fantastic.The way you have described Arnav's restlessness on failing to hold back his feelings,his attraction,was awesome.
Now that u have left us with a cliffhanger and that too on a weekend was slightly evil which is not at all your forte.
So please update soon😊