ARHI FF:MASTERCLASS THREAD 9: LINK TO NEW THREAD ON PG 161

Payal Kumari Gupta was going stir crazy. No wait, she was already in loony-tuny-land thanks to one Mr Akash Singh Raizada she thought with a sigh as she prepared the icy cold jal jeera and thandai. It was a hot forty four degree day in City of Nawabs and trying to keep cool was a part time job around here. Not that Mr Raizada was doing anything to help that either. The image of him stepping out of the bathroom this morning flashed across her eyes. Payal groaned. The man was built with some serious muscle. And it was the kind of strength one didn't develop in a gym. No this was the hard lean muscle one developed outdoors. Bloody hell how was she supposed to keep it together when she was subjected to that type of a body? She picked up the tray and began walking towards the veranda where the Guptas and Raizadas were seated. They had been in Lucknow for ten days and everyday Payal waited for Akash to make a move but he was sticking to his word; the ball was in her court and she would have to make the first move. Having said that, he hadn't desisted from dropping several subtle comments over the past few days constantly challenging her and now she was at breaking point.

Payal sighed as she walked to theveranda where the families were seated. Lush plants grew everywhere. Jasmine scented the air. A small fountain gurgled away in one corner, the gentle splashing of the water creating a soothing atmosphere even in this stiffling heat.As she served the cold drinks, her eyes automatically searched for the man responsible for her agitated state.

He was seated in the corner away from the rest of the family reading the newspaper. As Payal moved towards him she could see that he was tracking her movements as his glance flickered casually towards her and then back to the paper.

Akash Singh Raizada couldn't help but smirk to himself. Watching Payal Kumari Gupta was like watching a bird trapped in a gilded cage with an open door; the bird wanted freedom but was too afraid to fly out of the door. He watched as she came to a stop in front of him.

Pride made her square her shoulders as she raised her chin and met his dark bespectacled gaze. He quietly pointed to the glass of thandai as Payal bent down to hand him the glass, he spoke in a low voice that only she could hear. 'The clock is ticking Miss Gupta. I think you might be chickening out,' he said softly. As he predicted, instantly fire flashed in her eyes and her breath quickened quickly. Anger sharpened her features making her look even more beautiful. 'Impatient are we Mr Raizada?' she said softly, 'if you are so worried about the clock ticking then maybe you should do something about it' she added with a bite to her voice.

Akash folded the newspaper and placed it on the table to his right and then folded his arms over his chest and he raised one eyebrow as he stared up at her, 'Do not make the mistake of challenging me Miss Gupta because I never step back... and I always win.'

Payal snorted at his arrogance. As much as it was infuriating; it was a huge turn. 'Not this time'not with me Mr Raizada,' she said.

Akash smiled. It was a slow smile that was a hundred percent masculine and equally seductive.'You enjoy challenging me don't you Miss Gupta,' he said. 'However, I think the real problem lies elsewhere. You've been cooped up here for too long. With me in your space. And it's getting to you. So tell you what. I'm going to make this a little easier for you. Go change your clothes and we'll go out.'

Inside Payal wanted to scream 'Yes!!!' but she was way too proud to let this arrogant man win. She raised one eyebrow as she spoke, 'you really need to stop making assumptions Mr Raizada' she said as she walked to a chair behind him and took a seat. Akash couldn't see her but he could feel the back of her chair against his as she took a seat. He knew instantly she wasn't to going to give in without a fight.

'Like it or not Miss Gupta, you are going to spend the day with me today,' he said calmly as he watched members of both their family chatting only meters from where he sat.

Payal took a sip of her jal-jeera. 'You're going to have to force me, because I'm not going to do this willingly.'

Akash's dark eyes gleamed, 'didn't I just warn you about challenging me?' he said. It was clear that the chase appealed to Miss Gupta. Well if that's what she wanted.

Akash cleared his throat rather loudly. 'I was thinking of going out for a while. There's a really interesting article in the paper about a mandir, Avasaneshwar Mahadev, in Haidargargh. It's just been restored and I thought I'll go take a look,' he said to no one in particular. Madhumati Bua-ji turned around, 'it's a beautiful Mandir but that's quite far away Akash Beta. Have you been there before?' Akash shook his head, 'its ok Aunty-ji, I'll be fine'.

Payal groaned. It was like watching a train wreck waiting to happen.

Madhumati stood up, 'No beta, I don't think that's a good idea. Take Payalia with you. She knows the way.'

Akash turned his head and spoke over his shoulder, 'Payal-ji shall we leave in say 30 minutes? It was clear to Payal that this wasn't a question. It was a directive. It was a good thing no one would see her because Payal Kumari Gupta was suddenly wearing a big smile in excitement.

Deviyaani Raizada smiled as she chatted with Garima. It was such a pleasure to be back in Lucknow. The sound of her mobile phone distracted her and her gaze went to the display. She smiled as she answered it, 'Anjali-Bitiya'.

================================

Khushi met her reflection in the full-length mirror. As her eyes ran over her reflection, Khushi was surprised to see her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling. She looked like a woman on the brink of adventure. Smiling to herself, she gathered her files and headed downstairs. It was show time as they said in the movies.

Meanwhile over in AR Corp, Arnav hadn't been surprised to hear that Mr Kayoze Irani had decided that he would like to hear from all the parties interested in his property. Arnav's conversation with his lawyer earlier that morning had revealed that three parties were involved in the negotiation. Arnav already knew that Khushi was one opponent but had no idea that a third party was involved. Did she know he wondered? 'Get it together Raizada!! this is business and you do not know Khushi!!' shouted the devil from somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind. Arnav shook his head, the voice was right, he needed to concentrate.

With methodical precision, he picked up his phone and issued instructions to his team ordering the preparation of a presentation that would blow Kayoze Irani's socks off. Through strategic purchasing, AR Corp already had ownership of the land in the three directions surrounding Irani's property and gaining this property would be the final element in progressing AR's next venture. It was critical for AR to win this negotiation.

Arnav sighed as he thought about Khushi. He could see the same hunger in her eyes. The same intense determination to succeed no matter what the challenge. He recognised it because it was the same determination he had when he started AR Corp. For the first time in a very very long time, Arnav Singh Raizada wasn't assured of winning and he was slightly uneasy. He knew deep down that Khushi was going to be a formidable opponent. Arnav leaned back in his leather chair. At the same time, it had been a long time since that familiar feeling of going in with one solo aim - winning - appeared and pure adrenalin begin following through his veins. Let the games begin he thought with a smile.

Khushi got the venue ahead of time. Mr Irani's son who was acting as the agent had advised that the senior Mr Irani was interested in hearing why she wanted to buy his property and had asked her to come to site. Now as she stood in the wide empty open space, Khushi's mind was exploding with all her ideas for Jaleebi Junction. This was the perfect location Khushi decided as she slowly did a 360 degree spin around the room. She was looking out of the wide windows when she heard footsteps.

Three people entered. Khushi instantly recognised them; it was the AR Corp team. Her eyes instantly searched for that one face but he wasn't there. Khushi didn't know if she should be disappointed because he wasn't there or if she should celebrate because she wouldn't have to make a presentation in front of him.

She didn't have to deliberate for long as she heard more footsteps, her heart skipped a beat and she turned around slowly. Her breath came out in a rush. It was the Irani's, the younger man led his elderly father into the room assisting him as the older man slowly shuffled across the room. Khushi smiled warmly as she was introduced to the patriarch. Khushi suddenly felt the hairs on the back of her neck rising and she knew the reason in a heartbeat. She turned around slowly.

Arnav walked into the empty commercial space. Without meaning too, his eyes instantly sought and found her. Gone was the innocent, inexperienced, quiet girl. In her place stood a sophisticated business woman. Her long thick hair was twisted into a bun at the base of her neck. She had used a minimum of make-up, just enough to highlight her big brown eyes, which shone luminously. She had chosen a plain dark blue salwaar kameez which looked sophisticated enough to belong in the business world, but clearly still gave her comfort of wearing something she was familiar with. She looked confident and breath-takingly beautiful - a combination he really didn't need right now. His eyes met hers and they silently acknowledged one another their eyes met, the tension rose, sizzling to dangerous levels.

Devi Maiya would she ever develop be immune to an Arnav Singh Raizada in a suit? He looked fabulous she thought appreciatively eyeing the iron-grey Italian suit and the arrogant tilt of his head. Kind of like a conqueror returning from success on the battlefield - even before the battle had begun. Did Arnav Singh Raizada ever have doubts about anything? Was he ever unsure about anything she wondered as she tried to compose her heartbeat and make herself immune to the overwhelming sense of presence he always carried around everywhere with him. Khushi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and put her hands behind her back to hide the fact that they were shaking slightly. She was doing the right thing, she told herself firmly. And she'd win. Even against him.

Kayoze Irani cleared his throat as he sank into a chair, his strained breathing evident as he spoke. 'My son tells me that three parties are interested in buying our property. I don't know if you know this,' he paused as he glanced at the four suits in disdain 'or care, but this property has been in our family for five generations.' He wheezed as he struggled for breath. 'I don't want to sell this land but I have to. Now I have to make sure it's to the right person which is why I have asked you here today.' He turned his eyes to the Arnav Singh Raizada. His son had told him he shouldn't even question the deal; just take the exorbitant money Raizada had offered and run but Kayoze had silenced his son on that idea. The school of hard knocks had taught Kayoze about caution. Especially when dealing with these business man types. He turned to his left where a lone young woman stood. There was a sense of purpose and honesty in her eyes and she didn't shy away from meeting his gaze. Yes, this young woman was on a mission thought Kayoze to himself. Clearing his throat again, damn this asthma, he thought as he struggled for breath. 'Well while we wait for the third party, who wants to start?' he said as he pointedly stared at Arnav.

Arnav instantly recognised a challenge when he heard one. He looked at his team and with a nod of his head, he gestured to the junior AR Corp rep to begin. Arnav had deliberately picked Anil for his enthusiasm and inexperience. Arnav had asked his agent to research Kayoze Irani and Arnav knew that if he gave the presentation himself, Irani who was known to intensely dislike people from corporate institutions would instantly discount him. Anil's strength as a newbie was that he wasn't tainted with the arrogance and attitude that corporate personnel seemed to imbibe when they joined the sector.

With a big smile Anil Ambani pulled out his flashy Macbook pro and began his presentation.

Khushi gulped at she listened to the slick presentation from the AR Corp team; they were really good - so good that Khushi herself might have been convinced to tell Kayoze Irani to give them the property! How was she supposed to compete again this she wondered?

Khushi felt her phone vibrate in her hand and she looked down at the display.

Khushi's head swung up and she encountered him looking at her with a smirk and an air of careless arrogance. Her eyes narrowed as she stabbed out a response.

I have nothing to be scared off. But wait a minute...you do. KKG.

She watched as he read her message. And then he smiled and that smile held such charm that for a moment Khushi forgot to breath. She began typing something.

'You know what,' she typed as she looked up and glared at him for a second, 'You always use that smile of yours when you're losing an argument,' she stabbed and then hit 'send'.

The return of the smile. Part two. Khushi groaned inwardly as she read his response.

Khushi was tempted to stick her tongue out at him but resisted.

His half smile appeared and then disappeared as he became serious and began typing something. She waited.

ASR should be (and probably is) scared. You know your stuff. You want this property. You can do this. R.R. a.k.a Rakshaas Raizada.

Khushi hid her smile as she typed her response.

Arnav looked up, his eyes locked with hers and everyone else in that room melted away. Khushi didn't need to hear the words. His response was evident in his eyes.

The sound of Kayoze Irani calling her name broke the moment and Khushi hurriedly looked at the old man. It was her turn.

Sending Devi Maiya a silent prayer for success and guidance, Khushi walked to the middle of the room. She looked straight into the elder man's wrinkled eyes as she took a deep breath. 'Kayoze-ji, I'm sorry I don't have a fancy presentation to show you,' she said quietly, 'You see my idea is really simple and I don't think I need to show you lots of impressive graphs and charts to explain why.' Khushi took another deep breath to calm her nerves, 'Kayoze-ji, my vision for this property isn't going to generate crores of rupees, it's not going to have international business partners, neither is it going to be breaking news in the papers. No, it's not that sort of a plan. My plan is pretty simple Mr Kayoze, you see, some years ago my father fell ill and he had to close down our family business. I want to revive that family business here.' Khushi saw something pique in the older man's eyes and she began to tell her story with truthful earnestly. Khushi watched the older man's reactions carefully and Arnav's words came to her mind, 'watch your audience carefully, you'll know when you've got their complete attention and when that happens, move in for the kill and make your final pitch.' Khushi paused for effect. 'Kayoze, my family lives in Delhi, here in Laxmi Nagar actually and this business will be a family business run by family. It will employee people who live here and it will exist to serve other families in the area - it will exist to bring joy during times of joy,' she concluded with genuine passion in her voice.

Arnav was astounded. On one hand, he supposed that he should have felt offended that she had taken a major dig at AR Corp and its internationalised approach to business, but on the other hand, Arnav couldn't help but be amazed and awed at how Khushi had taken everything he and taught her and used it against him! Her presentation was flawless and once she had gotten over her nervousness, it felt as if she was having a heartfelt conversation with an elder in her own family seeking their blessing to progress her dream. Arnav had to consciously hide his smile - his mentee had arrived and how! He exhaled deeply in satisfaction.

'Thank you Ms Gupta and AR Corporation,' said the younger Irani, 'I've just received a message from the last party indicating they will be here shortly. Once we have heard his presentation, my Father will make a decision - Oh here he is.'

Everyone tuned to watch a young man enter the room. And no one noticed Khushi Kumari Gupta instantly go pale. The young man was introduced as Angad Grover and Mr Irani invited him to begin his presentation. Khushi didn't hear a single word of it. How could this be happening Devi Maiya she wondered in despair.

The sound of Kayoze Irani's asthmatic voice broke into her thought, 'My Son and I will be back shortly,' he announced.

Oh Devi Maiya please please don't let him recognise me, Khushi prayed reverently. Khushi knew it was a pointless prayer because her eyes caught Angad Grover's and she knew he had recogonised her. She watched as he began making his way to her.

'Khushi, it's good to see you, how are you?' Arnav heard Angad Grover ask his wife just as he came to a standstill next to her. Something in Khushi's face had alerted him to the fact that there was something unusual here.

Arnav walked towards Khushi and he placed his hand on Khushi's back as he spoke 'Arnav Singh Raizada' he said without preamble. Arnav watched as the younger man instantly recognised him, 'Mr Raizada, it's such a privilege and pleasure to meet you,' he said with a tone of admiration in his voice. Khushi looked at Arnav and then at Angad, this wasn't happening! Arnav nodded as he stole a glance at Khushi who was clutching her duppatta. Something was definitely wrong here Arnav decided. 'And this is my wife Khushi,' he said bluntly as he watched the other man carefully. Clearly surprised, Angad repeated 'your wife?' Arnav's eyes cooled and hardened as his fingers slide further along Khushi's waist, pulling her closer as he nodded.

Khushi gulped and spoke up, 'I know Angad,' she said as she looked up as her husband, 'we were engaged,' she said softly.