Chapter 50
Arnav took a deep breath and spoke quietly but very confidently.
'I want to marry Khushi.'
There was pin drop silence following his statement.
Devyani Raizada's eyes snapped wide open in shock, her jaw dropped open in amazement. Never in a million years had she imagined hearing those words emerging from her Chote's mouth and certainly not today. She cleared her throat in an attempt to break the silence, 'Chote...?' she whispered, her voice reflecting her slightly shocked state as well as the multitude of questions racing through her mind.
Arnav leaned forward as he rested his forearms on his thighs, hands folded and head bowed. His heart was racing, yet he had never felt so certain about anything in his life. Arnav Singh Raizada was part of the rare breed of men that didn't back down once they had made a decision. This was it; time to lay it all out. Strong conviction carried through in his voice as he spoke, 'I've never hidden the fact that I am not a believer in traditions and religious aspects of life that the rest of my family abide by. Having said that, I understand and respect that you all believe in these things and more importantly, so does Khushi. I won't say my opinion on these things has changed, but what I will say is that Khushi is the first person who has made me question my stance and made me want to possibly change my position; not for any other reason but because she is worth it and I don't want a future without her. Uncle, you and I have spoken about this and you know what position Khushi holds in my life. If the only way to be with her is through Marriage, then I am willing to...no... I want to do this.'
Arnav paused as a slight smile appeared on his face as he imagined the wrath that he would face when his tigress realised that he had spoken to her parents first yet again and not her. Oh well... she was worth every bit of grovelling that he knew he would have to do.
Arnav raised his head and looked straight at Shashi Gupta, his eyes locking with the older man's, his gaze strong and unwavering, his voice carrying his determination.
'Khushi has dreams that I want to help her achieve and I don't want anything to come between her and her success. I want to support her in her growth, just as I know she will support me and while I don't anticipate marriage as being a road block to her dreams, there is one thing that she has spoken about that I want to come to fruition before I marry Khushi. Uncle, Khushi doesn't know that Nani and I are here today and she certainly has no idea about what I have just said. May I ask that we keep today's conversation between us only until I speak to Khushi?' he asked quietly.
Shashi nodded slowly.
Arnav took a deep breath as he nodded in reciprocation, but more so to steady his nerves.
'When the time is right, I will ask Khushi the question, but for now, do I have your permission to ask your daughter to be my wife?'
When he had risen that morning, he certainly hadn't imagined that he would be giving his daughter away in marriage that day so Shashi Gupta couldn't help stop the single tear that rolled down his cheek as he exhaled slowly, 'Garima and I would be honoured to welcome you into our family as our son.' Shashi's voice broke slightly as he struggled against his physical limitation and his emotion as he continued, 'you have our permission Arnav Beta' he said as strongly as he possibly could.
Arnav released the breath that he had been holding as a sense of positivity and excitement raced through him as he looked down and his hands and smiled to himself. He had done it...fought hard against himself and demons he had created and had won. The barriers had been broken, the conflict overcome. It was exhilarating. Khushi would be his.
Shashi turned to Garima as he tried to compose himself 'Garima-ji, your daughter is betrothed... I think something sweet is called for...' he whispered. Garima wiped away her own tears as she stood up as did Devyani. The two women looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh at their tears and smiles merged in their jubilation, both hugging each other in congratulation and excitement.
Devyani Raizada sat down as Arnav turned to her. She pulled him into her arms as she placed a kiss on his forehead. While she had always been immensely proud of her Chote, both for his achievements and his measured approach to life, today she had found renewed respect for the way he had handled himself and this very important conversation. She smiled against his forehead, her Chote was going to get married - thank you so much Devi Maiya!!
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A lopsided grin adorned Arnav's face for most of the ride as he drove to AR after dropping Nani home. He felt liberated now that he had made his decision. Arnav couldn't help but smile even more broadly as he recalled how excited Nani had been on car ride from the Gupta house. Nani had done so much for him and his sister, thought Arnav as he recalled the difficult years and how Nani's support had been unwavering during the darkest times. It felt really good to give her something to be happy about he thought to himself as he pulled into his reserved parking spot. Arnav's smile slowly disappeared; he may have won over her parents, but Arnav knew full well that the true test still lay ahead; he still had to talk to Khushi and given their previous conversations, it wasn't likely to be a smooth ride.
As he walked into his office, Arnav had an overwhelming need to hear her voice and part of him really wanted to tell her that he had sorted his head out ' however blurting 'marry me' over the phone was hardly the way to go he thought with a slight sigh! He sipped the black coffee his new PA had delivered and wondered if she had seen his missed calls, glancing at the clock; 12:03pm, maybe she was still in her meeting. He sighed and leaned forward to concentrate on his PC; with relationship management done for the moment, he turned his attention to business management as he logged into his profile and began checking his email and reading the daily briefing reports from each of his national and international senior managers.
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Khushi emerged from the team project meeting with a renewed sense of excitement and enthusiasm. She was so thankful that Arnav had given...well pushed her into taking this opportunity to work with Aman-ji who was an outstanding mentor for the entire team, guiding them as they worked through the problems to come up with solutions together instead of just telling them what to do. Trust the Rakshas to always know best she thought as she smiled and sat down at her desk. Khushi picked up her phone and her smile widened as she saw his missed calls; think of the devil and he appears on the phone. She was just about to call him when an email from Amina Rizwi popped up on her screen.
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Meanwhile on the other side of town, Arnav groaned as he spun around in his chair and looked out over the Delhi landscape. No matter how hard he tried, he just could not keep his attention on the reports and make the decisions he was being asked to make. Arnav took a deep breath and he ran his hand through his hair and leaned back in his chair. Now that he had clarity in his mind around making the commitment, all Arnav could think about was to see Khushi and work out the way forward for their relationship. He really didn't see the point of delaying the discussion. Arnav was not a patient man at the best of times so after considering the impact of his distracted state, he picked up his phone and dialled - it was time to call in the reinforcements.
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Aman wondered what the problem was he drove to the Taj Palace. He had just emerged from a team meeting to find a voice message from ASR instructing him to 'get his ass to the Blue Bar at the Taj A-SAP' which was what he was doing now.
Arnav looked out at the water feature as he sat and sipped his icy cold fresh orange juice. Located along the perimeter of the Taj Hotel complex, facing the lush central garden and pool, the Blue Bar offered Arnav the anonymity he needed whilst its unique and calming ambience helped centre his thoughts. He watched the water flowing from the water feature which was surrounded by a timber alfresco deck, greened by giant bonsai trees and large over-scaled seating with standing French baroque torches.
Aman loved the interiors of the Blue Bar; the design element had an accent of bohemian art with texture and colors used to design the dazzling bar in an exceptionally edgy fashion. Shimmering black carpets, accented by white curtains broken by blood red upholstery sitting on metallic black carpeting was intended to appeal to the most discerning of clients including himself. He scanned the room and quickly located ASR seated in an isolated section of the resto-bar. As Aman approached, he couldn't help but wonder what going on as he approached ASR. The two men exchanged greeting like brothers and Aman sat down opposite ASR before ordering a G&T on the rocks. While he couldn't identify was it was Aman could see there was something different about ASR today; there was a sense of determination evident in his eyes.
'Aman what's the status of your project?' ASR asked coming straight to the point.
'We're doing well... actually we are ahead of schedule and the team is working cohesively, so I should say we're going really well,' responded Aman.
Arnav nodded 'I've just been going through the SM briefing reports and there's nothing to problematic on that front either. There's a few issues in Mumbai, but I'll sort those out later this afternoon' he said.
Aman narrowed his eyes as he undid the button on his black blazer, 'ASR, you're a busy man and so am I and we could have talked shop at AR or over the phone, so how about you cut the BS and tell me the reason you've called me to the other side of town,' he said as he crossed one leg over the other.
Arnav smiled, if there was one person that Arnav could trust to be absolutely frank with him, it was without a doubt Aman Bansal. Arnav didn't mince his words, 'I need you to take over AR as Acting-CEO for a couple of days.'
As Aman was well aware, an Acting CEO would only be appointed when the current CEO was expected to be completed out of reach and unavailable to make any corporate decisions. Aman cocked his head to the right as he eyed ASR suspiciously 'why?' he asked.
'I want to take holiday...' responded his CEO slash best friend.
Aman almost choked on his G&T.
'...and I want to take Khushi with me.'
To his credit, Aman quickly restored his composure, and set his glass down on the table, 'ASR you haven't taken a break since we started AR and now casually announce that you want to take a holiday and take my project manager with you...' he said as he raised his eyebrow. Aman crossed his arms against his chest as he eyed the young man sitting opposite him, the man he regarded like a younger brother, 'what's going on ASR?' he asked quietly.
Arnav looked at Aman over the rim of his glass as he took a sip of his cold drink. He knew that he didn't need to hold back or pretend with Aman; they had weathered enough storms together personally and professionally to have established a very strong bond and Aman was an honorary Raizada as far as Arnav or his family was concerned. He set his glass down on the table and met Aman's gaze.
'You know I'm seeing Khushi...' he began.
'... well discounting the fact that I guessed and Khushi confirmed it...unless they've been living under a rock, I think I can safely say that everyone on this planet knows that Arnav Singh Raizada is seeing someone...' murmured Aman under his breath.
Arnav raised his eyebrow and Aman raised his hands in defence, 'sorry... continue...'
Arnav leaned back and rested his hands on the armrests, 'all right then smart arse... did you also know that I'm in love with her and I want to marry her?' he shot back rather self-confidently.
This time Aman did choke.
Check and mate; Arnav thought not even trying to hide his smile as Aman dabbed the spill on his silk tie as he glared at Arnav.
Aman leaned back into his seat and mirrored Arnav's posture and then smiled as he spoke, 'well...about bloody time I'll say with cheers to that!' he said as he raised his glass. Arnav couldn't help it as his own smile widened and stretched across his face.
'Right... tell me lover boy, when do you want to take this holiday and how long are you stealing Khushi for?' asked Aman, 'by the way...not that I want to throw a spanner in your plans but don't forget that we've got the US delegation arriving next week.'
Arnav felt like snorting at Aman but desisted, 'first...I never forget anything...second... I want to leave tonight and it's only for three days, so we'll be back before the US crew arrives, and finally and most importantly... Khushi is only with you temporarily so I wouldn't get too used to having her around...'
'Yeah, you're one to talk Champ... I guess you just 'got used to having her around' and decided to keep permanently didn't you' teased Aman in response relishing the opportunity as it wasn't everyday that Aman got to tease ASR about his love life.
Arnav leaned forward 'Damn straight, she's mine for life' he said with a slightly more menacing tone than he intended to.
Aman threw his head back and laughed 'Mannn... You've got it bad don't you!! Ok let's talk logistics and get you and your lady sorted out for your holiday.'
Both men worked through their lunch as Arnav delegated his decisions for action by Aman over the coming days. It was clear to Aman that ASR was undoubtedly a man on a mission. Finally when the last matter had been discussed, both men leaned back and enjoyed a good strong cup of freshly brewed Columbian coffee. 'Aman, does Khushi know that you're meeting me' asked Arnav 'No, I didn't mention who I was meeting, in case she had popped out of the office for lunch I guess' responded Aman. 'Good, don't tell her about this afternoon and could you make sure that she's stuck in the office till 7:30-ish tonight.'
Aman nodded, he didn't even want to know what ASR was up to.
After Aman had left, Arnav pulled out his phone and i-pad as he began making the necessary arrangements. Arnav had to admit that being a CEO certainly helped to get things done much faster as he called in favours and made arrangements at lightning speed. He reserved the final phone two phone calls for last, one for Khushi's babu-ji and the other for Nani. As expected, neither was problematic.
After nearly an hour and a half, Arnav leaned back into his seat and took a deep breath, at this time tomorrow the verdict would be out; he would have an answer as to whether Khushi would consent to becoming... Mrs Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.
buckle your seatbelts girl... here we go!!!
Naina😳
p.s. Sai_Neha... I rushed this expressly for you!! have a wonderful vacation hun!!
Edited by warriorprincess - 12 years ago
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