Arhi SS/FF ORCHIDS CH 10 (68) 20/06 PM's LATER - Page 7

Chapter 2

I felt difficulty in sleeping that night. The environment had an impact and I tried to convince myself that the only reason was the change in time zone. But as much I liked to stick on it, I knew better the reason for my restless nights. The day was pretty good than I actually thought. People were fine and I enjoyed the best, comparing to my previous experiences. A new start is what makes me nervous. I never was in good terms with the change. It always scared me. Moreover, it was the first time that I was alone to face it. Rick was my emotional support, after Mother. I was depended on him. Now, the change – I needed to take care of myself, do my stuff all alone, and I need to help Shashi and his wife in a way or other.

That reminded me of my search for jobs. I used to work in the dance department back in my university, along with Rick. He was a great dancer. And have leadership qualities. And handsome. And my best friend.

Getting my ass off the bed, I quickly changed into my jogging suit and dashed out of the house. It was 6 in the morning and I could see few people walking along the roadside. I plugged in my Bluetooth and dialed his number, informing a house-help on my way about my whereabouts, just in case anyone enquired about me. I tend to lose myself when I was in dance or jog.

"Hey babes, what's up?"

I rolled my eyes as his sleepy voice reached my ears. Amidst of all the things I have been undergoing recently, there was something that confided me, that something's would never change in life. Such was the relationship I have with him. He would stand for me. He was against my decision of moving in with the family. He hated the idea and tried to convince me to allow him following me. I laughed at him when he said he would like to tag me to the place, I was more than grateful for his concern. "Is this the way you answer your calls, dear?" I asked as sweetly as possible and heard a frustrated groan. I was sure, he would sit upright in whosever bed he was in, not caring about that particular blonde or brunette beneath him, while his eyes searched for his boxers. I laughed at the picture – a very familiar picture – gaining attention from the onlookers.

"Jesus, Ken! Is that you, darling?"

"For the sake of Jesus," I hissed into it, "don't call me that."

He laughed in his still sleepy voice, and I bet, he had cold. "If I am not wrong, you are Kenna, right?"

I regretted for not informing him beforehand. Sighing, I sat on the nearby bench in the park. "It's Khushi now, Rick," I whispered, closing my eyes, "Mother wants me to be as Khushi from now."

There was silence between us for a longest moment. I was never this helpless and I could feel temper rising within him. "This is out of limits, Ken," he said, composing himself, "you stopped me from coming with you, I understand, you don't want me to stay near you while you are with your father. What the f**k is wrong with your name? Are you learning how to hide things near me?"

"Rick," I warned him, throwing my hands in the air as I sighed inwardly while taking in the surroundings, "it's not like that. Of course, I am Ken. It is just; Shashi has no idea that I changed my name. I can't bear his agony when he came to know about it. I am not ready to face him."

Shashi had named me 'Khushi', but when I came to know that it was him, I fought with Mother and changed my name against her will. I forced her to choose another name, in my 5^th grade and she, unwillingly, named me again as 'Kenna'. It was what I was known to the world. I used to manage while Shashi visited us. Now, after these long years when I finally decided to stay with him, I didn't want to upset him about the name. Without accepting them all with my open arms, I was subjecting them to pain, and I just wanted to avoid this name-thing.

"Do you need me?"

His voice broke my thoughts, making me smile. I resumed jogging, relaxed that I talked to him after a long gap. Five days seemed incredibly long. "I will call you when I need you. Now, move your butt. Its time you attend your lectures, dude."

"Ah, I hate these lectures while I am busy f**king blonde's,"he groaned, "California is missing you, Ken! Poor Mike. He is badly missing his sweetheart. Do you want me to convey any messages to him?"

"Sure, Rick. Tell him that I am way too happy with the distance." I snapped back, my mind providing the picture of that greedy Mike, and sure enough, I was distracted enough that I bumped into a person and kissed the floor.

"Are you serious you hate Mike enough? Let me strangle him to death then."

"Get your f**king ass off the blonde," I hissed back at him, knowing very well what he was doing by the noises from the other end and was shocked to see the person that I bumped into. "Rick, I gotta go, call you later. Bye," disconnecting the call, I smiled at him, embarrassingly.

I prayed to the almighty silently, wishing that I were buried deep down in the ground. In front of me was the man with intense chocolaty eyes with passionate husky voice. He helped me stand, eyeing me with his lopsided smile and I am sure, he heard the only part of my conversation that was truly embarrassing. f**k me big mouth, I shouted at myself.

"Hey,"

He wished me, and I swear I heard the teasing edge in his voice. "Hi," I replied, "what a surprise to meet you, Arnav."

"The pleasure's mine, Khushi," he stressed each word, "I never expected to run into you here."

I tried to smile at him but failed. He was wearing a coffee t with sweatpants. His sweaty front locks covered his forehead, as sweat beads ran down his face, from temple to his jaw line, down the side of his throat and tugged into his t. In the most natural way, he was irresistibly handsome. I swallowed hard not to make a fool of myself second time in a minute. If he was handsome last day, he was sexy early in the morning. I wondered if that was even possible.

He leaned into me, and I felt butterflies in the pit of my stomach, strangely. I never felt in such a way. Not even Mike managed to create such havoc in me with his constant nagging by asking me out. I was never interested in him and always turned him down. I was never interested in any of the guys. Though I went for few dates, it was just that. His face inched the distance, his front sweaty locks touched my cheeks and I realized that he was few inches taller than I was. I reached his chin. His hot breath fanned my neck and collarbone. It took me all the strength not to faint at his closeness as his earthy cologne, mixed with his sweat, wiped my senses, making my feel dizzy.

"Shall we jog, Khushi?"

He whispered into my ear and I was sure, I would faint anytime if he were around me for another second.

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PS:

If you have any doubts, which I am sure some of you will freak out about the relation between Khushi and Rick. They are best or rather JUST friends, dear. So, please don't freak out or bombard me with your questions.

Rick... in the story is...

(Isn't he hot...??? 😳 😳 😳)