FF: D for Desire Thread #6 (Link to Thread#7 posted) - Page 30

33 (A)

Arnav frowned unwittingly as he stared at Khushi smiling at her boss. Abhishek was serving her some curry from the chafing dish. He seemed to have been glued to her ever since they had entered the restaurant for lunch. Abhishek not only had sat at the same table with her but was also following her like a puppy every time she had gone to check the buffet counter.

Arnav gritted his teeth watching them talking animatedly as they were walking back to their table. He was this close to leaving the restaurant and going back to AR to find out someone or something to unleash his anger. He never attended lunch outside. Today he made an exception and only for Khushi. And not only did he not get to spend time with her, but also he had to helplessly witness another man indulging Khushi with all kind of attention possible.

His fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. He probably was about to crush it, when Khushi's eyes found him. She smiled at him - little apologetically, little lovingly and Arnav felt his frustration mellowing down a bit. She knew he was not happy. Then why the f**k was she allowing Abhishek to pamper her so much?

When Arnav had decided to get her to Delhi for the meeting, he had been all excited about their reunion. But it never had crossed his mind that getting her all to himself was not going to be easy when they were meeting professionally. If he were whimsical, he would have announced to the world right here, right now that she belonged to him only. Too bad he was a man of reasons. Now he could do nothing but wait for the evening. Arnav had promised to give her a tour of Delhi tonight and he also had agreed to treat her with lots and lots of street food. His mood lightened a bit more as he remembered them snuggling close last night and making plans for today and tomorrow.

Last night had been .. worth the wait. If he had believed in heaven, he would have compared it with being in her arms. The feel of her skin against his was simply peaceful once the desire had subsided. It was not only s*x. Not anymore. He knew it and he wanted her to know. Or at least understand. But for that he had to get hold of her first, he thought severely frustrated.

Arnav could hardly eat as his eyes and mind were rather busy in surveillance. He knew he was being childish but he felt like keeping Khushi in front of him all the time, especially when that Abhishek was around. As Aman came back with food and sat at the table, Arnav could not stop himself from enquiring about Abhishek.

"I think you told me you know Abhishek for a long time."

Aman had been working for Arnav for three years now and he was well aware of the differences of his tone. He could easily tell his boss was bothered.

"Yes. We went to school together." Aman replied cautiously, trying to figure out if Arnav was riled with Abhishek for some reason.

"Hmm." Arnav paused, his eyes fixed on the duo. "Is he married?"

Aman was a bit taken aback by Arnav's question. This was the kind of question Arnav would ask before going into the deal with a new party. Was he reconsidering the deal?

"No, sir."

Aman realized his boss was not quite satisfied with the answer. What was bothering him? Was he possibly considering Abhi's maturity in business? He decided to give him a little bit more of harmless information.

"Well, Abhi was telling me that his parents were looking for a bride for him. He probably will settle soon. They were waiting for him to first finish his MBA and to settle in the business."

Arnav's frown only deepened. Aman wished he could read Arnav's mind. It was true Abhi was his friend. Also as a loyal AR employee, he did not see any issue in this backward linkage arrangement. S&S had established reputation for both quality and professionalism. He was confused what had concerned Arnav so much. He wanted to ask but he knew better that he should not.

The group left the restaurant together. Arnav engaged himself in conversation with Abhishek, taking place between him and Khushi in the process. Though he refrained himself from glancing at her, he could feel her walking beside him. He could smell her, the air around him was hot and moist with her touch. He could hear the light tinkle of her payal that reminded him of her almost bare legs chained by the silver jewelry only - and the way it chimed as they indulged in blissful madness. His heart lurched and missed a beat. Few more hours. They would not have to pretend not caring anymore.

Arnav excused himself from the group reaching office and went straight to his cabin. The meeting was to resume in 15 minutes and he wanted to utilize the time by reviewing an important memo. The words on the pages were hardly getting through his brain as he tried his best to focus. Abhishek was looking for a bride. Dammit. Why everything came down to marriage? Even he had no doubt that Khushi was perfect marriage material. She was everything. Beautiful. Nice. Traditional. Educated. Independent. Well-mannered. And Arnav was well aware that Abhishek's father, Mr. Sharma was quite affectionate towards her. Could it be ..

The buzzing of his phone broke through the disturbing thoughts. Di calling.

"Yes, Di?"

"Chhotey! I am not talking to you."

Arnav raised his eyebrows.

"You are not? Then how come I am listening to you talk?"

"Don't play smart." Anjali snapped from the other end. "I really don't want to talk to you."

Arnav sighed.

"What did I do now?"

"Why didn't you tell me that Khushi is in Delhi?"

"Oh .. what is there to tell?"

"Chhotey! This is not fair, ok? Nani is also very upset with you."

"Di! She has come only yesterday and .. also I did not think you would want to know .."

"I really should not talk to you." Arnav could tell his sister was pouting. "Anyways, I only called to tell you to bring her home tonight. Nani's order."

"What? Why? But we have .. I mean .. I don't know if she has any other plan.."

"I don't want to hear anything. Just bring her home. Else I am telling Akash."

"Akash?"

"Haan. Akash. Thank God he told us. You were not going to tell us about it and Khushi would have left without meeting us."

"Akash told you? But .. he .. why .."

"Chhotey. Are you bringing her along or shall I call Akash?"

"No. It's ok. I will .. talk to her."

"Good boy. See you in the evening then. We will be waiting. And don't have any plans for dinner. Both of you. Ok?"

"Ok, Di. Bye."

"Bye! Come soon."

Arnav sighed staring at the phone screen. Now what was this new fuss? He had spent time with Khushi in a much better manner during her last trip when they had nothing planned. Nothing was going right this time. He had planned to take her to his apartment tonight after a drive around Delhi. He was waiting to get her back to the balcony, to hold her in his arms and to have some alone time with her under the sky. And he had something to show her as well. It seemed he better quickly get habituated to the process of waiting. The more he was feeling he needed her, the tougher it was getting to have her with him.

Arnav sighed again as he started typing a message.

Di called. She wants us to have dinner at home.'

Reply came instantly.

Great! Can't wait!'

Arnav frowned at the reply. Was she not even disappointed?

His phone buzzed again.

Don't be too happy thinking you are spared! I am not going back without you treating me gol gappe!'

Arnav chuckled. Now that was his girl.

As you say, Madam.'

As he walked back into the meeting room, Arnav could not but let his face permanently etched with a scowl. Abhishek was sitting beside Khushi and the chairs seemed obscenely close. Arnav clenched his fist and took a deep breath in attempt to calm down. He was starting to get angry at himself now. He knew what it was and he probably was overreacting a bit but he could not just help it. The thought of someone else trying to shower her with attention was making him feel highly unsettled. He was not even aware he had territorial instincts and he was starting to feel bizarre now. Damn. Am I jealous?

The meeting went well otherwise. Delivery schedules and other necessary details were locked. Both the companies wrapped up the session satisfied and decided to collaborate further online as and when required. Arnav silently concluded that he would have to increase frequency of his Lucknow trips going forward. Getting Khushi to Delhi was not going to be easy anymore.

"Khushi, you are sure you don't want me to drop you?" Arnav stiffened as he heard Abhishek approaching Khushi.

"No, Abhi. Thanks." Khushi smiled but her voice was determined.

"Alright." Abhishek shrugged. "I will see you in Lucknow then. Day after tomorrow. I would have stayed for tomorrow's session but I can't afford."

Arnav followed them to the exit with his ears alert. Abhishek gave her various instructions and asked her to call him for any help required. Khushi seemed quite comfortable around him and it irritated Arnav to his core. Why couldn't she just ignore him?

By the time Abhishek and Mahesh left, Arnav had made up his mind.

"Aman, I am leaving too. I will drop Ms. Gupta on the way." He turned towards her. "Is that ok?"

Khushi was startled at the blatant offer. She could feel his restlessness since morning and she had noticed his grim expression only deepening as hours had passed by. What was he so disturbed with? That they could not behave normally around each other? She quickly scanned Aman's face but he seemed indifferent.

"Yes, that would be fine." She paused. "But you don't have to .."

Arnav cocked his eyebrows. Really?

Khushi rolled her eyes. Precaution against potential suspicion!

She saw the hint of a smirk around his sexy mouth and she felt relieved. Also, her thoughts went wanton for a while thinking of the maddening things that mouth did to her .. had done to her last night as well. Not now! Behave, Khushi.

Khushi swallowed quickly and followed Arnav as he dismissed the chauffeured car waiting for her. When they reached the back of the building, Arnav suddenly held her hand. She, totally surprised, turned her face to see him but he was looking straight, his face completely unreadable. She felt his hold only tightening around her palm and in response, she too wrapped her fingers around his. A warm feeling spread across her as they walked towards Arnav's SUV parked in his private spot, hand in hand. From last night, she had been feeling that something was a little different about Arnav this time. There was same passion, same desire. But there was also something more .. something soft, subtle and also somewhat possessive. And it made her feel good. She did not know if he loved her but something was telling her it was not only a fling for him, it was not only about the delighting cyclone their bodies created.

When Khushi tried to latch her seatbelt, Arnav stopped her.

"Let me." He murmured and leaned towards her from the driving seat.

With his right hand, he started pulling the seatbelt. He leaned forward even more as he pulled down the seatbelt till her midriff and she could feel his breath tickling her left ear. He latched the belt. He rubbed her cheek with his at the same time. His stubble prickled her soft skin and she shuddered. She felt his hand slightly brushing against her waist and then she felt his lips on her left cheek.

"I had no idea I can miss someone so much even when she is just in front of my eyes."

The open admission accompanied by the chaste kiss startled Khushi. Did Arnav just say he was missing her?

Arnav moved away and stared at her dazed eyes. And then he smiled. Shyly. Khushi's heart missed a beat. A shy Arnav Singh Raizada. Who would have thought? Her heart moistened with affection. And at the same time she felt like ravaging him as her eyes greedily savored his otherwise arrogant face mellowed with little shyness right now.. Damn he was hot! All the way.

"Sorry for the change of plan. Di is very difficult to argue with." Arnav said as his SUV hit the main road.

"Why should you argue? I also wanted to meet them. And you will be there too. So .."

"And our plan?"

"We will do that some other time. Tomorrow. Or the next time I am here. I hope it is not the last time I am in Delhi."

Arnav suddenly felt a tug at his heart. He had almost forgotten Khushi was not here to stay. Also she definitely could not make frequent trips to Delhi. She had no apparent reasons. But this possibly could not be her last time in Delhi, right? As long as this project was on, he would find some way or another to meet her. But could he arrange to bring her to Delhi again? In Lucknow, they could not possibly find enough time or privacy for each other. He needed to meet her. And he needed her here. In Delhi. In his world.

"Oye! Where are you lost? What are you thinking?"

Arnav snapped himself out of his thoughts.

"Mystery of life." He replied in a serious tone.

Khushi stared at him wide eyed for some time and then realized he was joking.

"Very funny." She slapped him on his arms. "Ouch!"

"What happened?" Arnav asked, concerned.

"What are you made of?" Khushi asked frowning as she rubbed her hands together. Her palm was still burning.

"I thought you already had that figured." He smirked naughtily.

Khushi slapped on his arm again but lightly this time. The rest of the way they chatted on their plan for the next day. Arnav decided he was overreacting to Abhishek and so he did not bring out the topic. As long as Khushi was with him, he did not need to bother.

Khushi was hijacked from Arnav by the Raizada ladies the moment they walked into Shantivan. Arnav had not expected anything else and so he took the stairs to his room letting the women catch up.

"Khushi ji, I am really angry with you. Why didn't you call me?"

"Khushi bitiya, how is everyone at Lucknow?"

"Hello, hi, bye, bye! Why is Akash bitwa not home yet?"

Arnav shook his head smiling as the voices of the Raizada ladies reached him. They were really fond of Khushi. She was a girl impossible not to love. Arnav smiled. I love her. Was he supposed to tell her that now? Would she believe if he said? But how could he tell her something like that? How .. how corny it would sound!

Arnav took shower and changed into a pair of khaki accompanied by a baby blue cotton shirt. He checked and replied some mails and also finished reviewing the memo he had left incomplete at work. An hour had already passed when he finally decided he had given the women enough time to gossip and chatter. He put on his black slippers and set out to find Khushi.

33 (B)

"Can I borrow Khushi away for few minutes?" Arnav asked leaning against a pillar near the entrance to the kitchen.

Khushi looked up from the pan where she was frying a batch of jalebis soon to be soaked in the rosy syrup. Her eyes traveled up and down his length. His hair was unkempt. His stubble seemed darker on his freshly bathed skin. He was unusually casual and breathtaking as always. Blue was definitely his color. She watched him smirk slightly, letting her know he was fully aware that she was checking him out. Khushi smirked back, shamelessly, still checking him out. She had always believed men were just to be looked at once, admired and then forgotten. And she was right until Arnav had come into her life. She never got enough of him. She never was a bit less charmed' by him. She never got tired of admiring him.

"Borrow her?" Mamiji's shrill voice broke through their eye play. "Why, Arnav Bitwa? We are still not done cooking. And why is Akash so late today?"

"Manorama .." Naani scolded her lightly. "Even today you have to work, Arnav?"

Anjali chuckled at Nani's fake understanding.

"Haan, Chhotey. Let it go, naa. Can you two not work, now at least?"

"You know very well, Di, I never compromise with work."

Everyone but Mamiji bit their lips to not let out the grin at his somewhat smug remark. Work. Yeah right!

"Arnav, you please go." Khushi requested as she shifted the jalebis into the syrup from the hot oil. "I will join you in few minutes. I am almost done here."

Arnav nodded unwillingly.

"Di, you invited her for dinner and then you are making her cook?"

Anjali pouted guiltily.

"Woh, Khushi ji's jalebis are so good that we could not refuse when she offered .."

Nani and Manorama nodded guiltily too. Arnav shook his head incredulously.

"Khushi, quick. Ok?"

"Ji. Bas, five minutes."

Some fifteen minutes later, Khushi entered Arnav's room wiping her just washed hands with her dupatta. Arnav was standing in front of the glass door watching over the swimming pool, waiting for her. He turned as he could sense her and stood with his arms crossed, finally looking at her without interruption and peacefully. She continued to wipe her hands as she smiled at him, raising her eyebrows. What?

Arnav smiled back, his head tilted on his right. Just watching you.

She was in a coral chudidar with delicate embroideries in off-white. The dupatta almost matched with her skin color and anyone could miss it if not looked closely. Lone pearls dangled from her ears, her hair lose, her face little tired but eyes were as bright as the morning star.

Arnav sighed in contentment. She was all he needed.

"So why am I borrowed?" Khushi's eyes danced with humor as she walked towards him.

"I want to show you something."

"What?"

Arnav pouted naughtily as his fingers touched the button of his baby blue shirt. He slowly opened the first button and Khushi's reaction did not disappoint him. Her eyes started to widen immediately and also her mouth started to round. Satisfied, he started opening the buttons lazily one by one, his eyes fixed on her face.

"Wha .. what are you doing?"

Khushi nervously glanced at the door. It was not even locked. What the hell was he doing?

"Told you. I want to show you something."

"Arnav! Are you out of your mind? What will your family members think if they find us like this?"

"You think I care? And we are not doing anything wrong, are we?"

"You are .. you are .." Khushi got flustered as he finished unbuttoning his shirt and started walking towards her slowly.

"Your shirt is open." She swallowed.

"So?" He stopped some three feet away from her, standing near the edge of his bed.

"Arr-nav .." Khushi swallowed again as her eyes traveled over the exposed expanse of his torso, the toned muscle of his chest, the flat abdomen, the hipbone ... she forced herself to look up to see him smirking suggestively at her but only to allow her gaze drop again in the next instant. He was .. a pleasure to look at.

Khushi felt the butterflies dancing in her stomach as he leisurely got rid of the shirt and threw it on his bed. She glanced at the king sized bed and heat rose through her body, remembering the random daydreams she often had, about being with him in his house, in his room, in his shower, in his bed ... Her lower abdomen tightened without any warning and she started to feel the temperature slowly rising. She bit her lips. Damn this man. He was up to no good.

"See?" His raised his eyebrows.

"See? What?" Her voice was dry and hoarse, her eyes busy savoring.

"This?" He drew a circle in the air over the left side of his abdomen.

And finally she saw it. There were two long, red scratch marks from the side of his chest till the left side of his lower abdomen. They looked fresh and raw and her eyes widened again.

"Shoot. How did that happen?" In seconds, she covered the distance between them and then she was checking the marks closely. Though her body was still reeling from the after effects of desire, her mind was now occupied with concern, the inferno of lust completely forgotten. She brushed her thumb against one of the scratches and he flinched.

"How do you think I got these?"

Khushi looked up from his stomach feeling the humor in his voice. His smile said it all and she flushed like she had never before. Shoot.

"When .. when did I .." She mumbled.

"Well, I don't recall exactly' when you did that but I can tell you this much .. it was some time, early in the morning today .. when you and I were .."

"Where .. where .. is the first aid box?" Khushi interrupted, completely flustered, not letting him finish. "You should use some anti-septic."

"That won't be needed."

"Please, Arnav."

Arnav shrugged and got the ointment from the drawer. He handed it over to Khushi and she started applying it immediately. As her fingers softly massaged the cream on him, Arnav could feel the soothing effect. It was not only a balm to his wounds but also to his longing. He had not let anyone care for him. He never wanted to feel dependent on anyone. He did not even let his Di pamper him much. But for the first time in his life, he felt like depending on someone .. to have someone to share some of his burdens with, someone to share his solitary life with. Khushi was that person and he was getting sure of that more and more as every day was passing. Was this how love felt?

Arnav stared at her face with fondness. Her eyes were fixed where her fingers were busy. Her face was tight with concentration, her forehead furrowed, eyebrows twisted. The loose bangs were messing with her eyes but she was totally occupied with the work in her hands. Arnav sighed. Yes, this was perhaps how love felt. Crazy. Beautiful.

"Done." Khushi declared, still investigating the wounds, bringing Arnav out of his dreamland. Arnav shook his head slightly and smiled. He was a goner. And he was loving it.

"Hmm." He checked out the scratches which were now almost hidden under the heavy coating of ointment. "Looks ok."

Khushi smiled satisfied but Arnav was in no mood to let it go so easily.

"That won't redeem your act of violence Khushi Kumari Gupta."

Khushi stepped back nervously. The devil could not be trusted!

"What do you have in mind?"

Arnav picked up his shirt from the bed and started wearing it, his gaze fixed on her. She was busy fidgeting with the hem of her dupatta, eyes everywhere but on him.

He took a step towards her and leaned forward but she took another step back.

"The d-door is not locked." She mumbled.

Arnav stared at her and then again took a step towards her. She should know by now that once his mind was fixed on something, he never backed away. He leaned forward and before Khushi could protest, placed a loud kiss on her left cheek.

"I will ask for it when the time is right." He smirked and walked away.

Khushi swallowed. If she knew him even a little bit, she should know he did not have anything innocent in his mind.

"I .. I should go now .. and help serve the food."

"You are the guest, Khushi." Arnav replied half-lying in his recliner. "Let them treat you!"

"You wait here to be pampered like a guest." Khushi snapped. "I am going."

Arnav followed Khushi to the kitchen. He tried persuading her and the others to let her rest. She glared at him in response to his snide remarks and Arnav gave up. Women! He watched them chatter nonstop and giggle over everything and nothing as the dining table was being loaded with dishes. Akash joined him few minutes later.

"Bhai, looks like you are very hungry." Akash sat beside him, surprised to see Arnav simply sitting and doing nothing.

"Hmm. Little. When did you come? How are the slides coming?"

"Ten minutes only. Mom kept calling .. so I had to stop midway. I will finish the slides tonight. We can go over those tomorrow."

"Akash .." Arnav hesitated a little. "You told Di that Khushi is here?"

"No, Bhai." Akash corrected quickly. "I told mom, not Di."

"Oh." Arnav paused. "But .. why?"

"Woh Bhai .." Akash smiled nervously. "Mom, I think, likes Khushi very much. She kept asking me about her and she told me to tell her whenever Khushi is here. So I just told her .."

"I noticed Mamiji is very fond of her." He smiled inwardly. "In fact, who isn't?"

"Right, Bhai."

The dinner was quite a noisy' affair. The whole time Arnav listened to the nonstop chattering of the ladies and shook his head incredulously at times. Unlike Akash, he hardly participated but the little smile never left his face.

As per plan, Arnav dropped Khushi at her buaji's place. He was in his best mood when he was entering Shantivan even though he wished she did not have to go. While crossing the living room, he noticed his Di, Mami and Nani still chatting, relaxing on the sofa.

"You are still not done talking? It is late." He walked up to them.

"We are very excited, Chhotey." Anjali's face beamed with her brightest smile.

"Ok?" Arnav enquired.

"Arnav Bitwa!" Maami seemed ecstatic. "We are going to Lucknow."

"What??"

"Yes, Arnav." Nani added smiling. "Khushi bitiya has invited us to her sister's wedding. So we have decided to attend."

"It has been so long since we have been there last." Anjali clapped her hands in glee like a little girl. "I can't wait."

"I have to go shopping." Mami exclaimed. "Maa ji, I will need some jewelry too. I cannot go to her place in ordinary clothes. After all, I am the mother .."

"Chhotey, will you go with us?" Anjali asked innocently.

"She has not invited me." Arnav muttered. "Yet."

"She has invited the whole family." Anjali assured. "Don't worry."

"Where is Akash bitwa?" Maami squealed. "I must go and give him the good news. We are going to Lucknow. To get the Bahu of the house."

"Bahu ..?" Arnav watched as Maami ran out of the hall. He was completely confused by now.

"Haan, Chhotey." Anjali replied innocently, her eyes shrewdly scanning every movement of his face. "Since her sister is getting married, we think it will be alright to talk to her parents now."

"Haan." Naani added enthusiastically. "We will meet her parents and will also put forward the proposal. What say, Arnav?"

"What proposal?" Arnav exclaimed in frustration. What the f**k were they talking about? Bahu? Proposal? Have they gone mad?

"It will be really unwise to let such a wonderful girl go." Naani said seriously. "So we have decided not to take any risk and we will start the alliance right away."

"Will you please care to clarify what you are up to?" Arnav barked this time.

"Arrey baba!" Anjali said dramatically. "We are talking about getting Khushi in this house. Permanently."

"Haan." Naani added. "She will be perfect as a Raizada Bahu."

Raizada Bahu. Arnav's heart started thudding. Was his family already planning his wedding to her when he still had not been able to go that far?

"Bahu .." Arnav mumbled. "But .. isn't it too early to decide something like that?"

Not satisfied with Arnav's reaction, Anjali decided to break the news in details.

"What to do, Arnav?" Anjali pretended to be a little sad. "We wanted to get Akash married only after you would. But it is unfair to punish him because of you. So we have decided to go forward this time. And as Nani said, you don't meet a girl like Khushi everyday."

"Akash?" Arnav asked confused. "Wait.."

His brain started functioning rapidly and suddenly the puzzle fitted perfectly. F**k. They were talking about Akash and Khushi. AKASH AND KHUSHI? Damn.

"Wait, wait, wait. Are you planning to get Khushi married to Akash?"

"Yes!" Anjali blinked. "Aren't they perfect for each other?"

"No!" The word left his mouth before he could control.

"What?" Nani frowned. "Why do you think so, Arnav?"

"Look, Chhotey." Anjali frowned too. "You cannot let your ideas and views ruin Akash's life. Maami has liked her in the first instant. We love her. You seem comfortable with her too. So .. I don't see any reason why we should not proceed."

"She will not agree." Arnav grumbled. "Why don't you understand?"

"Why?" Naani blinked.

"Because .. because .. she .. likes someone else."

"How do you know?" Anjali raised her eyebrows.

"I .. she .. told me."

"She told you about her love interest?" Anjali's jaw dropped. "Of all the people.. YOU?? And you want me to believe that?"

"Believe whatever you want." Arnav snapped. "But this alliance is not happening."

As Arnav stomped off, Anjali and Nani looked at each other and grinned from ear to ear. Well, the only bad thing in all this was that they had to break Manorama's heart. Otherwise, it was a treat to watch Arnav's face crumble in shock and despair. If he needed a push, this was all they could have done. Rest was up to him now.

This alliance surely was not happening.

But they could not wait to have Khushi as the Bahu of the house.

-Reviewed By: ritz/ iritz [What will I do without you? 🤗]

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