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Chapter 19-
NKay walked to the bar, still unable to believe that Kushi had refused him right away. And to make it worse she had told him that she didn't harbor any feelings for him and wanted to break things off with him. He knew that the marriage proposal was very sudden and unexpected. But he was being pushed into a corner by his family. It was either Kushi; who he knew for a few weeks and felt was a perfect match for him or some girl chosen by his parents, who was a complete stranger. 'Kushi any day' was his decision.
She was beautiful, kind, polite and friendly. Moreover she was 'traditional', something that would please his parents. His parents had disapproved of his earlier girlfriends as those girls were 'too modern' in their opinion. He felt that Kushi was the one for him. And that's why he went very slow and tried to accommodate her requirements and concerns. He had even tried to be a gentleman and kept his hands pretty much to himself.
'What exactly do these women want?' He couldn't understand. He went to the bar and ordered himself a Rum and coke and sat on one of the chairs. After having a few sips of the spiced rum, he felt a little relaxed. And he slowly realised that his behaviour with Kushi was out of the line. 'She is right. You did tell her that if this doesn't work out, she can walk away any day. Just because you were exhausted and were being pushed into a corner by your family, doesn't mean you can impose anything on her. She owes you nothing.' A voice inside told him.
His behaviour had been nothing but terrible towards her. He didn't even hear her out properly. And what was worse, he swore at her. 'Damn!' He looked at his glass, saw the ice melting away slowly and tried to gather his thoughts. He then made up his mind to apologise to her and request her to still consider his proposal. If she still didn't agree, he had no other choice but to see the girl his parents had chosen for him.
He emptied the rest of the contents in his glass in one go. He looked around to see if Kushi was in the hall, but he didn't see her. When he realised that Kushi was probably in the garden still crying, he felt guilty and embarrassed at what he had said to her. He started walking towards the garden.
As he entered the garden, he could spot two people, near the tree where he had last spoken to Kushi. Since it was late in the night, he couldn't see clearly. But he had an intuition, something didn't seem right. He started walking quickly. From a distance he could see a man and woman engaged in a passionate kiss. 'No, this can't be Kushi, must be someone else. Don't jump into a conclusion until you are sure. You have hurt her already.' He told himself. He was now a few yards away from the couple. And what he saw had thrown him off-guard.
Kushi, his Kushi was standing there sharing a passionate kiss with his friend Arnav. He had expected to see a heartbroken, distressed Kushi, instead he found a woman who seemed to have not only forgotten the incident, but had also had gotten over pretty quickly over him. He could not believe that this was happening, he felt a sudden sense of anger take over. He wished he could literally pull them away from each other. But he didn't and instead he screamed, 'What the f**k is happening here?'
Arnav and Kushi who had been completely drowned in the kiss. The kisses in London were intense and new. Whereas the kiss today was intimate, and was a like a slow burning flame. Suddenly they heard a voice they recognised, scream at them . They immediately broke their kiss. Kushi knew the person to whom the voice belonged. But she still hoped that she was wrong and that it wasn't NKay. She turned to see her doubts come true.
'Nkay, please listen to me. Its not what you think.' She said in a pleading tone.
'f**k you Kushi, f**k you. I came here to apologise to you and... you.. Arnav..' He looked at Arnav with accusing eyes.
'I cant believe this just happened, I cant.' And with that he turned and started walking towards the hall.
'Nkay listen to me, I'm sorry, I'm really very sorry.' Kushi was still begging him to listen to her.
But Nkay didn't pay any heed to what she was saying. He was too lost in anger at what he had seen. He just needed to get away from her, before he did some damage.
Kushi started walking behind NKay. But a pair of hands pulled her back.
'Kushi, this isn't a good time. he is obviously very angry now and in no mood to listen to anything. Give him some time to settle down. Then we can talk.' Arnav said, he knew that NKay would be in no mood to listen to either of them. And if they pushed the matter it would turn ugly.
'No Arnav I need to speak to him, apologise to him. This isn't fair on him.'
'Kushi you will piss him further if you speak to him. he is too angry to see sense now. Don't go. It won't be pretty.'
'No Arnav, I can't, sorry. I need to apologsie to him. I owe it to him Arnav. It was me who who he was dating, I need to speak to him.' Kushi said with tears falling down her cheeks. And then she started walking quickly behind NKay.
Kushi couldn't believe how the day was shaping up to be. It went from bad, to terrible to worse. She couldn't let NKay go home in this state. She couldn't see him upset and angry because of her, especially when he was dealing with the illness of his grandmother. And it pricked her conscience that he had caught her with Arnav in a compromising situation, not long after they had broken up. She started walking behind him screaming his name, pleading with him to wait.
NKay entered the hall. He was furious with rage. He felt he could break something. He took a couple of seconds to compose himself and then leave for home. He needed to get away from all the drama. It is then, Kushi caught up with him.'NKay please listen to me... I'm sorry, I'm very sorry. I swear we didn't do this purposely... it just happened.' She said while holding his hands.
'Kushi leave my hands, for God sake. I don't want to see you, or listen to anything you have to say.'
'Please NKay listen to me, what happened there, it had nothing to do with my decision.'
'Kushi you are really pushing me now. Don't create a scene.'
'No Nkay please trust me. You anger is justified, but what you saw isn't the complete truth.'
Nkay now had completely lost it, he didn't care if anyone saw them.
He pushed her hands away and said, 'What the f**k Kushi, what the f**k. Are you telling me what I saw in the garden isn't true. That you and Arnav kissing each other isn't true?'
'Who was Kushi kissing? Kushi heard Payal's voice. 'NKay tell me.'
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Payal was exhausted after the party. Most of the guests had left. The few remaining were either near the bar or sitting and talking among themselves. She could finally take a break. She convinced Akaash to go out in the garden to get a breather. As they started walking towards the door that led to the garden, they saw NKay and Kushi engaged in a messy argument. Kushi was crying and NKay looked furious. She initially felt that the argument was a result of Kushi sharing her decision with NKay about spliting up. But then the situation seemed too volatile. Akaash whispered 'It doesn't look good Payal. Why are these two fighting?' In response Payal started walking quickly towards them. As she got closer to them, she heard bits of their conversation with one specific line sticking out.
Payal wasn't sure if she heard it right, why would Kushi kiss Arnav?
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NKay and a much shocked Kushi looked at Payal and Akaash.
'NKay please.' Kushi pleaded with him so that he wouldn't take Arnav's name.
'NKay please tell me who she was kissing?' Payal asked NKay again.
'You should ask you friend that question Payal. I'm going home. I'm terribly sorry for creating a scene on your big day. I will speak to you guys next week.' And with that NKay walked away, without sparing a look at Kushi.
Payal walked up to Kushi who had her head lowered and was still crying. Akaash told her, 'Payal not now. There are still a few people here. Why don't you take her to your room? We can talk about this later.'
'Kushi take this napkin, wipe your tears. Lets go to my room for a bit. Come with me.'
'Payal.. I'm...' Kushi tried to apologise for creating a scene.
'Shhh Kushi, its okay. We can talk about it later. Come with me.'
Payal took Kushi to her room, helped her settled down, offered her a glass of water and tried to calm her.
She held Kushi's hand and said, 'Its Arnav, isn't it?' It wasn't a question, just a statement. In response Kushi just lowered her eyes. 'Its okay Kushi. We will need to leave shortly, lets talk about this tomorrow, once my parents return to Lucknow. Until then, I dont want you to think about this. There is nothing we can't deal with. Okay?' Payal said and she smiled at Kushi in a reassuring way. Kushi gave her a half smile in return.
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Arnav walked into the hall and saw Akaash waiting near the door. He looked for both Kushi and NKay, but didn't find them. 'Akaash did you see Kushi or NKay?'
'NKay has gone home and Kushi is with Payal in her room. She is still very upset.'
Arnav instantly knew Akaash knew about him and Kushi. 'I'm sorry Akaash. I hope Nkay didnt create a scene.'
'Arnav its okay. It isn't a big deal.' Although, Akaash and Arnav shared a strong bond, they respected each others personal space. So Akaash decided not to ask or even confirm anything with Arnav. Arnav was old and mature enough to know what he was doing and he was sure Arnav would sort out the issue with NKay soon.
After a while Arnav walked to the bar to get himself a drink. The tiredness of the evening was getting to him. It was his mistake. He of all people should know that it was not right or safe to kiss in the garden, that too when Kushi had just broken up with NKay. This was bound to happen. Someone was going to see them. He just couldn't restrain himself around Kushi. Her vulnerability freaked him out every single time.
He ordered for a scotch for himself, as it'd be perfect to fight of the weariness of the evening.
As he was having his drink, he felt his sister's hand rubbing his shoulders. 'How are you doing?' We hardly spoke today.' Anjali said, as she sat in the chair next to Arnav's.
'Anjali, you are staying in Shatinvan right? I will spend the day with you tomorrow. As it is I have hardly spent time with Ansh and Shan today evening. Speaking of which where are they?'
'Shyam has driven them to Shantivan. We are trying to get them to bed by ten on weekends and half eight on weekdays. So we didn't want to break the routine today.'
'I understand. Remember how Ma used to scream at me to make me go to bed by nine.'
Anjali smiled and added, 'And how Akaash and you would pretend to be sleeping. And once Ma left you both would start playing in the room. Gosh, feels like a long time ago.'
The brother and sister smiled reminiscing about their days as kids.
'So do you want to talk about what is happening between Kushi and you?'
Arnav heard Anjali ask about Kushi and him. He was surprised that his sister had found out so quickly. 'Did she see them in the garden?'
But he didn't show his surprise. In fact he reacted calmly, took a sip of the whiskey and relaxed further into his chair.
'There is nothing to talk Anjali,' he replied coolly.
'Arnav, enough of this pretense. I had an intuition about you two, since I met her in the evening.'
'And why is that?'
'She asked me about the boys and then said that you had told her about the juice incident. Given how private you pretend to be, something told me that there was more to Kushi and you.' Anjali said and winked.
He had to hand it to Anjali. His sister was a wily fox. She was smart and intelligent. It was a shame, that she wasn't working in PR anymore. He could do with someone like her running AR's PR. He was glad that she hadn't seen them kissing and believed that it was just an intuition. So he decided to pretend as if nothing happened.
'Anjali you had an intuition, and that is what it is, just an intuition.' Arnav replied.
'Oh really... Kissing her in the lawns, is that reality or an intuition.'
And for the first time since the evening Arnav was stumped.
'Arnav please remember that I'm your sister. I have the same genes as you do. I saw NKay and Kushi arguing over something. She seemed really upset. I know it is inappropriate, but yeah I eavesdropped on them. And I heard NKay mention something about a kiss, Kushi and you. And I don't need anyone to tell me to put two and two together and figure out what had happened.'
Arnav absorbed everything that his sister had just said.
'Great, so now you know.'
'Arnav that doesn't answer of my question, what is happening between Kushi and you?'
'Well, I kissed her a while ago. And now my elder sister is interrogating me about it. That is what is happening. Anjali I'm hardly twelve, so give it a rest.' He was starting to get annoyed by his sister's need to poke her nose into his private life and relationships.
'Good try Arnav, but don't try and digress.'
'What is that you need to know Anjali. I like her and I want to date her. But she hasn't made up her mind yet. Does this answer all your questions, or do you have anymore?'
Anjali put her hands up and said, 'None at all.'
'Then great. I'm going to find a quiet spot so that I can smoke.'
'Tsk tsk Arnav.. smoking is injurious to health, how many time have a I told you this.'
'God! You are seriously the most annoying sister ever.'
'Awww... Don't flatter me. Remember we both share the same genes.' Anjali said as she laughed at having got into her brother's skin once again.
Arnav smiled at his sister and walked away. It was always like this between them. They were always at each others throats, arguing, fighting, annoying. However Anjali was fiercely protective of him, which is why he often ignored her need to interfere in his life and decisions.
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'So you are telling me that Arnie is interested in this girl, who is Akaash's friend.' Shyam asked with his glasses perched on his nose, while reading a book. The family had decided to spend the weekend at Shantivan. Anjali, Nani and Akaash had all returned home a little after eleven. Arnav in spite of requests decided to go to his flat.
Anjali who was applying moisturiser to her hands said, 'Shyam I don't think you are paying attention. I said Payal's friend Kushi and Arnav have a thing going on.'
'Hmmm... Okay.' Shyam replied with his attention still on the book.
'You know what is odd Shyam? This girl Kushi is very unlike the other girls he has dated so far.'
'And why do you say that?'
'She was very respectful and even said a namaste. She is from Lucknow and seems very cultured. I don't think she will agree to his no marriage policy.'
Shyam said, putting his book away, 'Anju you have got to stop judging people. Just because a woman decides to live in with a man, it doesn't mean she isn't cultured. Your brother is the one who believes in this. How would you feel if someone judged him?
'Shyam, you know I didn't mean it. Its just that she is very different and Arnav also mentioned that she hasn't agreed to go out with him yet.' Anjali said as she got into the bed to lie next to Shyam.
Shyam put his glasses away, hugged Anjali and said, 'Whatever it is Anju, please don't interfere. As it is Arnie doesn't like it. Please don't complicate things for them.'
Anjali nodded her head. She decided to let the matter be for now. Kushi seemed like a nice girl, someone who would make a very good wife and daughter in law. She hoped that this relationship would work and Arnav would finally get married.
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'So you and Arnav like each other?'
Payal asked sipping on hot chai on Sunday evening. Her parents had left for Lucknow in the afternoon. She had cancelled the rest of her plans to speak to Kushi, who since last night had been sombre.
An exhausted Kushi came home on Saturday evening and switched off her phone. She decided not to speak to anyone until she got over what had happened the last evening. Arnav had tried calling her a couple of times. When he couldn't reach her, he called Payal to find out if Kushi was okay. Payal had then assured him that Kushi was feeling better than the previous day and that she needed time. Arnav was thankful to Payal and Akaash, both of whom asked no questions and expected no answers.
'Yeah Payal, I like him. I swear its not something I planned. It happened gradually. I was in denial for the longest time, but spending time with him in London made me realise that I had strong feelings for him.'
Kushi then told Payal everything from the day she had met Arnav, to the diwali party, to the trip to London culminating in a kiss and then the engagement party. She had never imagined that Kushi would fall for someone like Arnav and vice-versa, given how different their beliefs were. But she of all people knew that one couldn't plan for such things in life.
'Kushi, no one is going to judge you. You like Arnav and nothing is going to change that.' Payal understood the predicament Kushi found herself in. Although she sympathised with NKay, she had felt that Kushi's feelings for Arnav did not need any justification.
She then added, 'But we have a problem at hand. What happened with Nkay isn't nice. Agreed you broke up with him, but still for him to see you like that kissing his friend, must have been really hard.'.
'I know Payal, I did wrong by him. I tried to apologise to him. But he won't even listen to me. What should I do?'
'Give him a day Kushi. He is exhausted after the trip to Lucknow. Let him get some time off to ponder over every thing. You have a day off tomorrow right?' Kushi nodded her head, she had taken the Monday off to just laze around.
'Why don't you go and see him tomorrow evening. NKay loves the samosas from Raj Mithai Bandhar, so buy a few samosas for him. You go see him, speak to him calmly and make him understand. If he still gives you a hard time then let it be. There is only so much you can do.'
'Thanks Payal, I hope he will let me inside his house.' Kushi said scared of what if NKay didn't let her in.
'I think he will Kushi, he is a nice guy. Trust me.'
The two friends sat silently for a few seconds. Payal who was expecting Kushi to start the topic, finally gave up and started it herself, 'So what do you plan to do with Arnav?'
Kushi's shoulders drooped. 'I don't know. I like him, he likes me. But our beliefs are exactly the opposite. I want commitment and marriage and he doesn't. Sometimes I fell that I should give us a chance and see where it goes and other times I feel that I should stay away from him. I cant stay in a relationship knowing that it has no future. I need that sense of security.'
'What did Arnav tell you?'
'He said he wants us to talk once before we decide on anything.'
'Then don't you think you must speak to him before you make up your mind. Be upfront with him, tell him about your concerns, tell him about your beliefs, hear him out. He may say something that might surprise us. Don't close the door on him without having a discussion with him.'
'But Payal won't it be too quick. I mean I have just broken up with NKay. What would people think?'
'Kushi you are not answerable to anyone except to yourself. Yes you did a mistake by kissing Arnav in London, but hey that's what makes us humans. I'm sure you are smart enough not to repeat such a mistake. And its not like NKay and you were seriously dating. So don't let that hold you back. Okay?
Kushi thanked Payal. 'I dont know what I would do without you Payal. Thank you so much.' She then hugged her.
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'What do you want Kushi?' NKay asked as he opened the door to let Kushi in. He had worked from home on Monday as he wanted to avoid seeing or speaking to either Arnav or Kushi. After a good nights sleep on Saturday and some much needed rest on Sunday he was already feeling much better. He called his parents to tell them that he would be happy to meet the girl who they had chosen for him. When they asked him about Kushi he just had to bite his tongue and lie that she refused due to some family issues.
He had some time to go through all that had happened on Saturday. He was starting to accept Kushi's decision to break things off with him and was in fact embarrassed of his own behaviour with her. However, when he thought about her kiss with Arnav, he could not stop but feel cheated. He was sure that Kushi had broken up with him not because she didn't have any feelings with him, only because someone better showed an interest in her. He had such an high opinion of her only for her to go and break it. Somewhere a sense of jealousy and insecurity crept in- Arnav was good looking, more successful, had more money and was more smarter than he was. 'Is that why kushi cheated on me?' He kept thinking.
'NKay, I got you some samosas, from Raj Mithai.' Kushi answered as she opened the box of samosas.
'Is that a parting gift to say, sorry we broke up, or sorry I cheated on you?' NKay asked sarcastically.
Kushi immediately flinched at his words, 'NKay please, hear me out. I'm not going to offer any excuses for the kiss. It was insensitive for me to do so. But I'm here to tell you that Arnav had in no way influence my decision to break up with you. NKay you are such an amazing guy, I'm very fond of you. You were the first guy I ever dated, doesn't that say something about how much I like you? You have told me about how you split from you ex because you both had drifted apart, can't you understand my decision. I honestly didn't have any intentions to hurt you. Arnav... I dont even know if we'll be seeing each other. Please NKay I don't want you to be upset. Please.'
Nkay listened to Kushi's explanation. He took a deep breath in and said, 'I want you to touch your heart and tell me the truth. You can decide to lie but remember there is someone up there who is seeing everything. Would you have still broken up with me, if Arnav wasn't in the picture? Tell me the truth Kushi, I deserve it.'
'NKay I swear on my Almighty, I would have still broken up with you. I value our friendship more than anything else. It would have been unfair on you and on us to continue with this.'
NKay saw honesty in Kushi's eyes and he believed that she had spoken the truth. 'Fine I believe you.'
'Now can I have a samosa, its not easy just looking at it without eating it.' Kushi and he finally relaxed into a smile.
NKay started eating one of the samosas, when Kushi asked, 'Can we please be friends?'
'No, not for the time-being. Don't get me wrong, with time I will be able to forget all this, but I don't think I can forget the kiss so quickly. So I'd rather we don't take our friendship further than professional camaraderie.'
He then added, I'm sorry Kushi. What you and Arnav did has hurt me a lot. How do you think it makes me feel to know that you kissed a man who is not only my friend but is also my boss. Do you know what an uncomfortable position it puts me in at work?'
'I'm sorry NKay, I understand. I hope someday we can be friends. Before I leave, I want you to know that I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.
Kushi hugged him lightly and left.
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Kushi picked up her phone and answered the call. She had got home thirty minutes ago, finally feeling a sense of calm and peace, something she hadn't felt in days. She understood the reason behind NKay's decision and hoped someday he would be able to overlook her mistake.
'Kushi!' It was Arnav.
'Hi Arnav.'
'Is this a good time to talk?'
'Hmmm'
'How are you doing now? I tried calling you yesterday.'
'I'm fine now. I'm sorry I just needed some time off to figure everything out.'
'Great, you do sound much better. Did you speak to NKay after the party?'
'Yes I did, I met him at his flat just a while ago.'
Arnav fumed when he heard Kushi had gone to his place to apologise.
'Why did you have to go and see him at his flat, given how badly he had behaved with you the other day?'
'Relax, I know he wasn't nice to me, but I gave him a reason to not to be nice to me. Anyhow I have sorted out our misunderstanding. He is much better now. And although he has forgiven me, he said he can't forget what had happened so he doesn't want to be friends.'
'Okay, I'm not going to pass a comment on how irrational he is with this whole thing. That's between you and him. I will also be speaking to him one of these days.'
'Fine.' Kushi said as she opened the cooker to see if the lentils were cooked.
'Kushi... do I have your attention?'
'Aannn yeah, sorry my dal isn't cooked properly. So I'm putting it back in the cooker.'
'So when are we going to talk Kushi, about you and me, about us?'
'How about this weekend Arnav? I think we both need some time to let things settle down. We had enough drama to deal with during the party.'
'As you say. Although, I feel very relaxed, settled and very sure about what I want.' He said in a teasing tone. 'But if you need more time that's okay. Let go out for dinner on Saturday and talk. What say?'
'Sure Arnav, let me know the venue and time, I'll be there.'
'Don't be crazy, I will pick you up at six.'
Kushi and Arnav kept their phones down. Arnav with a sense of excitement of finally getting Kushi to speak to him, and Kushi with nervousness and trepidation, at the prospect of speaking to the man who had invaded her heart, but was as real as a mirage.
A/N- Anjali in this FF is basically me, yup the manipulative, interfering elder sister, that's me.
A few writers are protesting the lack of action against plagiarists in India Forums. Please show your support, if you feel as strongly as we do.
This one goes to the very 'Hina' aka 'IronButterfly, who celebrated her birthday on the 17th. Hope you had a fabulous birthday lovely.
NKay walked to the bar, still unable to believe that Kushi had refused him right away. And to make it worse she had told him that she didn't harbor any feelings for him and wanted to break things off with him. He knew that the marriage proposal was very sudden and unexpected. But he was being pushed into a corner by his family. It was either Kushi; who he knew for a few weeks and felt was a perfect match for him or some girl chosen by his parents, who was a complete stranger. 'Kushi any day' was his decision.
She was beautiful, kind, polite and friendly. Moreover she was 'traditional', something that would please his parents. His parents had disapproved of his earlier girlfriends as those girls were 'too modern' in their opinion. He felt that Kushi was the one for him. And that's why he went very slow and tried to accommodate her requirements and concerns. He had even tried to be a gentleman and kept his hands pretty much to himself.
'What exactly do these women want?' He couldn't understand. He went to the bar and ordered himself a Rum and coke and sat on one of the chairs. After having a few sips of the spiced rum, he felt a little relaxed. And he slowly realised that his behaviour with Kushi was out of the line. 'She is right. You did tell her that if this doesn't work out, she can walk away any day. Just because you were exhausted and were being pushed into a corner by your family, doesn't mean you can impose anything on her. She owes you nothing.' A voice inside told him.
His behaviour had been nothing but terrible towards her. He didn't even hear her out properly. And what was worse, he swore at her. 'Damn!' He looked at his glass, saw the ice melting away slowly and tried to gather his thoughts. He then made up his mind to apologise to her and request her to still consider his proposal. If she still didn't agree, he had no other choice but to see the girl his parents had chosen for him.
He emptied the rest of the contents in his glass in one go. He looked around to see if Kushi was in the hall, but he didn't see her. When he realised that Kushi was probably in the garden still crying, he felt guilty and embarrassed at what he had said to her. He started walking towards the garden.
As he entered the garden, he could spot two people, near the tree where he had last spoken to Kushi. Since it was late in the night, he couldn't see clearly. But he had an intuition, something didn't seem right. He started walking quickly. From a distance he could see a man and woman engaged in a passionate kiss. 'No, this can't be Kushi, must be someone else. Don't jump into a conclusion until you are sure. You have hurt her already.' He told himself. He was now a few yards away from the couple. And what he saw had thrown him off-guard.
Kushi, his Kushi was standing there sharing a passionate kiss with his friend Arnav. He had expected to see a heartbroken, distressed Kushi, instead he found a woman who seemed to have not only forgotten the incident, but had also had gotten over pretty quickly over him. He could not believe that this was happening, he felt a sudden sense of anger take over. He wished he could literally pull them away from each other. But he didn't and instead he screamed, 'What the f**k is happening here?'
Arnav and Kushi who had been completely drowned in the kiss. The kisses in London were intense and new. Whereas the kiss today was intimate, and was a like a slow burning flame. Suddenly they heard a voice they recognised, scream at them . They immediately broke their kiss. Kushi knew the person to whom the voice belonged. But she still hoped that she was wrong and that it wasn't NKay. She turned to see her doubts come true.
'Nkay, please listen to me. Its not what you think.' She said in a pleading tone.
'f**k you Kushi, f**k you. I came here to apologise to you and... you.. Arnav..' He looked at Arnav with accusing eyes.
'I cant believe this just happened, I cant.' And with that he turned and started walking towards the hall.
'Nkay listen to me, I'm sorry, I'm really very sorry.' Kushi was still begging him to listen to her.
But Nkay didn't pay any heed to what she was saying. He was too lost in anger at what he had seen. He just needed to get away from her, before he did some damage.
Kushi started walking behind NKay. But a pair of hands pulled her back.
'Kushi, this isn't a good time. he is obviously very angry now and in no mood to listen to anything. Give him some time to settle down. Then we can talk.' Arnav said, he knew that NKay would be in no mood to listen to either of them. And if they pushed the matter it would turn ugly.
'No Arnav I need to speak to him, apologise to him. This isn't fair on him.'
'Kushi you will piss him further if you speak to him. he is too angry to see sense now. Don't go. It won't be pretty.'
'No Arnav, I can't, sorry. I need to apologsie to him. I owe it to him Arnav. It was me who who he was dating, I need to speak to him.' Kushi said with tears falling down her cheeks. And then she started walking quickly behind NKay.
Kushi couldn't believe how the day was shaping up to be. It went from bad, to terrible to worse. She couldn't let NKay go home in this state. She couldn't see him upset and angry because of her, especially when he was dealing with the illness of his grandmother. And it pricked her conscience that he had caught her with Arnav in a compromising situation, not long after they had broken up. She started walking behind him screaming his name, pleading with him to wait.
NKay entered the hall. He was furious with rage. He felt he could break something. He took a couple of seconds to compose himself and then leave for home. He needed to get away from all the drama. It is then, Kushi caught up with him.'NKay please listen to me... I'm sorry, I'm very sorry. I swear we didn't do this purposely... it just happened.' She said while holding his hands.
'Kushi leave my hands, for God sake. I don't want to see you, or listen to anything you have to say.'
'Please NKay listen to me, what happened there, it had nothing to do with my decision.'
'Kushi you are really pushing me now. Don't create a scene.'
'No Nkay please trust me. You anger is justified, but what you saw isn't the complete truth.'
Nkay now had completely lost it, he didn't care if anyone saw them.
He pushed her hands away and said, 'What the f**k Kushi, what the f**k. Are you telling me what I saw in the garden isn't true. That you and Arnav kissing each other isn't true?'
'Who was Kushi kissing? Kushi heard Payal's voice. 'NKay tell me.'
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Payal was exhausted after the party. Most of the guests had left. The few remaining were either near the bar or sitting and talking among themselves. She could finally take a break. She convinced Akaash to go out in the garden to get a breather. As they started walking towards the door that led to the garden, they saw NKay and Kushi engaged in a messy argument. Kushi was crying and NKay looked furious. She initially felt that the argument was a result of Kushi sharing her decision with NKay about spliting up. But then the situation seemed too volatile. Akaash whispered 'It doesn't look good Payal. Why are these two fighting?' In response Payal started walking quickly towards them. As she got closer to them, she heard bits of their conversation with one specific line sticking out.
Payal wasn't sure if she heard it right, why would Kushi kiss Arnav?
------------------------------
NKay and a much shocked Kushi looked at Payal and Akaash.
'NKay please.' Kushi pleaded with him so that he wouldn't take Arnav's name.
'NKay please tell me who she was kissing?' Payal asked NKay again.
'You should ask you friend that question Payal. I'm going home. I'm terribly sorry for creating a scene on your big day. I will speak to you guys next week.' And with that NKay walked away, without sparing a look at Kushi.
Payal walked up to Kushi who had her head lowered and was still crying. Akaash told her, 'Payal not now. There are still a few people here. Why don't you take her to your room? We can talk about this later.'
'Kushi take this napkin, wipe your tears. Lets go to my room for a bit. Come with me.'
'Payal.. I'm...' Kushi tried to apologise for creating a scene.
'Shhh Kushi, its okay. We can talk about it later. Come with me.'
Payal took Kushi to her room, helped her settled down, offered her a glass of water and tried to calm her.
She held Kushi's hand and said, 'Its Arnav, isn't it?' It wasn't a question, just a statement. In response Kushi just lowered her eyes. 'Its okay Kushi. We will need to leave shortly, lets talk about this tomorrow, once my parents return to Lucknow. Until then, I dont want you to think about this. There is nothing we can't deal with. Okay?' Payal said and she smiled at Kushi in a reassuring way. Kushi gave her a half smile in return.
-------------------------------------------------
Arnav walked into the hall and saw Akaash waiting near the door. He looked for both Kushi and NKay, but didn't find them. 'Akaash did you see Kushi or NKay?'
'NKay has gone home and Kushi is with Payal in her room. She is still very upset.'
Arnav instantly knew Akaash knew about him and Kushi. 'I'm sorry Akaash. I hope Nkay didnt create a scene.'
'Arnav its okay. It isn't a big deal.' Although, Akaash and Arnav shared a strong bond, they respected each others personal space. So Akaash decided not to ask or even confirm anything with Arnav. Arnav was old and mature enough to know what he was doing and he was sure Arnav would sort out the issue with NKay soon.
After a while Arnav walked to the bar to get himself a drink. The tiredness of the evening was getting to him. It was his mistake. He of all people should know that it was not right or safe to kiss in the garden, that too when Kushi had just broken up with NKay. This was bound to happen. Someone was going to see them. He just couldn't restrain himself around Kushi. Her vulnerability freaked him out every single time.
He ordered for a scotch for himself, as it'd be perfect to fight of the weariness of the evening.
As he was having his drink, he felt his sister's hand rubbing his shoulders. 'How are you doing?' We hardly spoke today.' Anjali said, as she sat in the chair next to Arnav's.
'Anjali, you are staying in Shatinvan right? I will spend the day with you tomorrow. As it is I have hardly spent time with Ansh and Shan today evening. Speaking of which where are they?'
'Shyam has driven them to Shantivan. We are trying to get them to bed by ten on weekends and half eight on weekdays. So we didn't want to break the routine today.'
'I understand. Remember how Ma used to scream at me to make me go to bed by nine.'
Anjali smiled and added, 'And how Akaash and you would pretend to be sleeping. And once Ma left you both would start playing in the room. Gosh, feels like a long time ago.'
The brother and sister smiled reminiscing about their days as kids.
'So do you want to talk about what is happening between Kushi and you?'
Arnav heard Anjali ask about Kushi and him. He was surprised that his sister had found out so quickly. 'Did she see them in the garden?'
But he didn't show his surprise. In fact he reacted calmly, took a sip of the whiskey and relaxed further into his chair.
'There is nothing to talk Anjali,' he replied coolly.
'Arnav, enough of this pretense. I had an intuition about you two, since I met her in the evening.'
'And why is that?'
'She asked me about the boys and then said that you had told her about the juice incident. Given how private you pretend to be, something told me that there was more to Kushi and you.' Anjali said and winked.
He had to hand it to Anjali. His sister was a wily fox. She was smart and intelligent. It was a shame, that she wasn't working in PR anymore. He could do with someone like her running AR's PR. He was glad that she hadn't seen them kissing and believed that it was just an intuition. So he decided to pretend as if nothing happened.
'Anjali you had an intuition, and that is what it is, just an intuition.' Arnav replied.
'Oh really... Kissing her in the lawns, is that reality or an intuition.'
And for the first time since the evening Arnav was stumped.
'Arnav please remember that I'm your sister. I have the same genes as you do. I saw NKay and Kushi arguing over something. She seemed really upset. I know it is inappropriate, but yeah I eavesdropped on them. And I heard NKay mention something about a kiss, Kushi and you. And I don't need anyone to tell me to put two and two together and figure out what had happened.'
Arnav absorbed everything that his sister had just said.
'Great, so now you know.'
'Arnav that doesn't answer of my question, what is happening between Kushi and you?'
'Well, I kissed her a while ago. And now my elder sister is interrogating me about it. That is what is happening. Anjali I'm hardly twelve, so give it a rest.' He was starting to get annoyed by his sister's need to poke her nose into his private life and relationships.
'Good try Arnav, but don't try and digress.'
'What is that you need to know Anjali. I like her and I want to date her. But she hasn't made up her mind yet. Does this answer all your questions, or do you have anymore?'
Anjali put her hands up and said, 'None at all.'
'Then great. I'm going to find a quiet spot so that I can smoke.'
'Tsk tsk Arnav.. smoking is injurious to health, how many time have a I told you this.'
'God! You are seriously the most annoying sister ever.'
'Awww... Don't flatter me. Remember we both share the same genes.' Anjali said as she laughed at having got into her brother's skin once again.
Arnav smiled at his sister and walked away. It was always like this between them. They were always at each others throats, arguing, fighting, annoying. However Anjali was fiercely protective of him, which is why he often ignored her need to interfere in his life and decisions.
------------------------------
'So you are telling me that Arnie is interested in this girl, who is Akaash's friend.' Shyam asked with his glasses perched on his nose, while reading a book. The family had decided to spend the weekend at Shantivan. Anjali, Nani and Akaash had all returned home a little after eleven. Arnav in spite of requests decided to go to his flat.
Anjali who was applying moisturiser to her hands said, 'Shyam I don't think you are paying attention. I said Payal's friend Kushi and Arnav have a thing going on.'
'Hmmm... Okay.' Shyam replied with his attention still on the book.
'You know what is odd Shyam? This girl Kushi is very unlike the other girls he has dated so far.'
'And why do you say that?'
'She was very respectful and even said a namaste. She is from Lucknow and seems very cultured. I don't think she will agree to his no marriage policy.'
Shyam said, putting his book away, 'Anju you have got to stop judging people. Just because a woman decides to live in with a man, it doesn't mean she isn't cultured. Your brother is the one who believes in this. How would you feel if someone judged him?
'Shyam, you know I didn't mean it. Its just that she is very different and Arnav also mentioned that she hasn't agreed to go out with him yet.' Anjali said as she got into the bed to lie next to Shyam.
Shyam put his glasses away, hugged Anjali and said, 'Whatever it is Anju, please don't interfere. As it is Arnie doesn't like it. Please don't complicate things for them.'
Anjali nodded her head. She decided to let the matter be for now. Kushi seemed like a nice girl, someone who would make a very good wife and daughter in law. She hoped that this relationship would work and Arnav would finally get married.
--------------------------------------
'So you and Arnav like each other?'
Payal asked sipping on hot chai on Sunday evening. Her parents had left for Lucknow in the afternoon. She had cancelled the rest of her plans to speak to Kushi, who since last night had been sombre.
An exhausted Kushi came home on Saturday evening and switched off her phone. She decided not to speak to anyone until she got over what had happened the last evening. Arnav had tried calling her a couple of times. When he couldn't reach her, he called Payal to find out if Kushi was okay. Payal had then assured him that Kushi was feeling better than the previous day and that she needed time. Arnav was thankful to Payal and Akaash, both of whom asked no questions and expected no answers.
'Yeah Payal, I like him. I swear its not something I planned. It happened gradually. I was in denial for the longest time, but spending time with him in London made me realise that I had strong feelings for him.'
Kushi then told Payal everything from the day she had met Arnav, to the diwali party, to the trip to London culminating in a kiss and then the engagement party. She had never imagined that Kushi would fall for someone like Arnav and vice-versa, given how different their beliefs were. But she of all people knew that one couldn't plan for such things in life.
'Kushi, no one is going to judge you. You like Arnav and nothing is going to change that.' Payal understood the predicament Kushi found herself in. Although she sympathised with NKay, she had felt that Kushi's feelings for Arnav did not need any justification.
She then added, 'But we have a problem at hand. What happened with Nkay isn't nice. Agreed you broke up with him, but still for him to see you like that kissing his friend, must have been really hard.'.
'I know Payal, I did wrong by him. I tried to apologise to him. But he won't even listen to me. What should I do?'
'Give him a day Kushi. He is exhausted after the trip to Lucknow. Let him get some time off to ponder over every thing. You have a day off tomorrow right?' Kushi nodded her head, she had taken the Monday off to just laze around.
'Why don't you go and see him tomorrow evening. NKay loves the samosas from Raj Mithai Bandhar, so buy a few samosas for him. You go see him, speak to him calmly and make him understand. If he still gives you a hard time then let it be. There is only so much you can do.'
'Thanks Payal, I hope he will let me inside his house.' Kushi said scared of what if NKay didn't let her in.
'I think he will Kushi, he is a nice guy. Trust me.'
The two friends sat silently for a few seconds. Payal who was expecting Kushi to start the topic, finally gave up and started it herself, 'So what do you plan to do with Arnav?'
Kushi's shoulders drooped. 'I don't know. I like him, he likes me. But our beliefs are exactly the opposite. I want commitment and marriage and he doesn't. Sometimes I fell that I should give us a chance and see where it goes and other times I feel that I should stay away from him. I cant stay in a relationship knowing that it has no future. I need that sense of security.'
'What did Arnav tell you?'
'He said he wants us to talk once before we decide on anything.'
'Then don't you think you must speak to him before you make up your mind. Be upfront with him, tell him about your concerns, tell him about your beliefs, hear him out. He may say something that might surprise us. Don't close the door on him without having a discussion with him.'
'But Payal won't it be too quick. I mean I have just broken up with NKay. What would people think?'
'Kushi you are not answerable to anyone except to yourself. Yes you did a mistake by kissing Arnav in London, but hey that's what makes us humans. I'm sure you are smart enough not to repeat such a mistake. And its not like NKay and you were seriously dating. So don't let that hold you back. Okay?
Kushi thanked Payal. 'I dont know what I would do without you Payal. Thank you so much.' She then hugged her.
---------------
'What do you want Kushi?' NKay asked as he opened the door to let Kushi in. He had worked from home on Monday as he wanted to avoid seeing or speaking to either Arnav or Kushi. After a good nights sleep on Saturday and some much needed rest on Sunday he was already feeling much better. He called his parents to tell them that he would be happy to meet the girl who they had chosen for him. When they asked him about Kushi he just had to bite his tongue and lie that she refused due to some family issues.
He had some time to go through all that had happened on Saturday. He was starting to accept Kushi's decision to break things off with him and was in fact embarrassed of his own behaviour with her. However, when he thought about her kiss with Arnav, he could not stop but feel cheated. He was sure that Kushi had broken up with him not because she didn't have any feelings with him, only because someone better showed an interest in her. He had such an high opinion of her only for her to go and break it. Somewhere a sense of jealousy and insecurity crept in- Arnav was good looking, more successful, had more money and was more smarter than he was. 'Is that why kushi cheated on me?' He kept thinking.
'NKay, I got you some samosas, from Raj Mithai.' Kushi answered as she opened the box of samosas.
'Is that a parting gift to say, sorry we broke up, or sorry I cheated on you?' NKay asked sarcastically.
Kushi immediately flinched at his words, 'NKay please, hear me out. I'm not going to offer any excuses for the kiss. It was insensitive for me to do so. But I'm here to tell you that Arnav had in no way influence my decision to break up with you. NKay you are such an amazing guy, I'm very fond of you. You were the first guy I ever dated, doesn't that say something about how much I like you? You have told me about how you split from you ex because you both had drifted apart, can't you understand my decision. I honestly didn't have any intentions to hurt you. Arnav... I dont even know if we'll be seeing each other. Please NKay I don't want you to be upset. Please.'
Nkay listened to Kushi's explanation. He took a deep breath in and said, 'I want you to touch your heart and tell me the truth. You can decide to lie but remember there is someone up there who is seeing everything. Would you have still broken up with me, if Arnav wasn't in the picture? Tell me the truth Kushi, I deserve it.'
'NKay I swear on my Almighty, I would have still broken up with you. I value our friendship more than anything else. It would have been unfair on you and on us to continue with this.'
NKay saw honesty in Kushi's eyes and he believed that she had spoken the truth. 'Fine I believe you.'
'Now can I have a samosa, its not easy just looking at it without eating it.' Kushi and he finally relaxed into a smile.
NKay started eating one of the samosas, when Kushi asked, 'Can we please be friends?'
'No, not for the time-being. Don't get me wrong, with time I will be able to forget all this, but I don't think I can forget the kiss so quickly. So I'd rather we don't take our friendship further than professional camaraderie.'
He then added, I'm sorry Kushi. What you and Arnav did has hurt me a lot. How do you think it makes me feel to know that you kissed a man who is not only my friend but is also my boss. Do you know what an uncomfortable position it puts me in at work?'
'I'm sorry NKay, I understand. I hope someday we can be friends. Before I leave, I want you to know that I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.
Kushi hugged him lightly and left.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kushi picked up her phone and answered the call. She had got home thirty minutes ago, finally feeling a sense of calm and peace, something she hadn't felt in days. She understood the reason behind NKay's decision and hoped someday he would be able to overlook her mistake.
'Kushi!' It was Arnav.
'Hi Arnav.'
'Is this a good time to talk?'
'Hmmm'
'How are you doing now? I tried calling you yesterday.'
'I'm fine now. I'm sorry I just needed some time off to figure everything out.'
'Great, you do sound much better. Did you speak to NKay after the party?'
'Yes I did, I met him at his flat just a while ago.'
Arnav fumed when he heard Kushi had gone to his place to apologise.
'Why did you have to go and see him at his flat, given how badly he had behaved with you the other day?'
'Relax, I know he wasn't nice to me, but I gave him a reason to not to be nice to me. Anyhow I have sorted out our misunderstanding. He is much better now. And although he has forgiven me, he said he can't forget what had happened so he doesn't want to be friends.'
'Okay, I'm not going to pass a comment on how irrational he is with this whole thing. That's between you and him. I will also be speaking to him one of these days.'
'Fine.' Kushi said as she opened the cooker to see if the lentils were cooked.
'Kushi... do I have your attention?'
'Aannn yeah, sorry my dal isn't cooked properly. So I'm putting it back in the cooker.'
'So when are we going to talk Kushi, about you and me, about us?'
'How about this weekend Arnav? I think we both need some time to let things settle down. We had enough drama to deal with during the party.'
'As you say. Although, I feel very relaxed, settled and very sure about what I want.' He said in a teasing tone. 'But if you need more time that's okay. Let go out for dinner on Saturday and talk. What say?'
'Sure Arnav, let me know the venue and time, I'll be there.'
'Don't be crazy, I will pick you up at six.'
Kushi and Arnav kept their phones down. Arnav with a sense of excitement of finally getting Kushi to speak to him, and Kushi with nervousness and trepidation, at the prospect of speaking to the man who had invaded her heart, but was as real as a mirage.
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBM_srNAOk8[/youtube]
A/N- Anjali in this FF is basically me, yup the manipulative, interfering elder sister, that's me.
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