FF: Betrayed by Love: T2 *Note and a teaser page 143* - Page 74

Part 41

Priya's eyes fluttered opened as the first rays of the morning light shined through her apartment window. She took a moment to reorient herself and when she realized she was lying on the couch with Arjun beneath her she woke up to the fullest.

Priya lifted her head slowly and gazed at the man lying beneath her. Her eyes softened at the sight that greeted her.

Arjun's long hair was tousled and the slight air coming through the open window was blowing it softly. His high forehead was minus the usual frown lines that appeared naturally when he is awake or when he is concentrating hard on something. His perfect mouth was turned up into a slight smile as if he was having a pleasant dream.

Priya's mouth turned up automatically into a smile as she gazed at his relaxed features. Her hand lifted to smooth out the frown line that appeared on his forehead suddenly but Arjun woke up before Priya could touch him. She snatched her hand back but he caught it in his and drought it down to his lips. He placed a small, soft kiss in the middle of her palm. "Good morning Priya,"

Priya lowered her gaze and attempted to get up but Arjun tightened his arms around her, "Where are you going?" Priya's head snapped up, "It's morning Arjun," stating the obvious, "We should get ready for work."

Arjun sighed dramatically and released her. He watched, in amusement, as Priya rushed to her room muttering under her breathe. He also got up and stretched his lean body. He was stiff from lying in one position all night but it was worth it, considering he managed to get a good night's rest and he got to hold Priya in his arms while they both slept.

Forty-five minutes later Priya hurried out of her room and ducked her head into the living room to tell Arjun to freshen up while she makes breakfast.

She gulped audibly when she saw Arjun performing push-ups on her living room floor. Her eyes roamed over his well-formed physique as he pushed up and down on his bulging arms.

If Priya were to admit to herself she would admit that it wasn't the society or his family that worried her. It was her own treacherous heart that she feared the most. She was afraid of succumbing to her heart's temptations without thinking about the consequences of giving into her innermost desires. She stepped back slowly then turned and walked away towards the kitchen without saying anything to Arjun.

Arjun saw Priya, walk away, from the corner of his eyes. He stopped exercising and stood up with his hands on his hips as he breathed in and out. He looked towards the kitchen thoughtfully, "Run as fast as you can baby, soon you won't have anywhere to run." He muttered under his breath then grinned to himself as he walked towards her room thinking of ways to woo his ladylove.

Breakfast and drive to ETF was a quiet affaire for both Priya and Arjun as they each spent time thinking about each other and what the future holds for them.

While Arjun was thinking about a happy future with her, Priya was thinking about life without Arjun. She has been unable to convince herself that not being able to bare a child would not affect their relationship in the future.

Once at ETF Priya opted to work from her office instead of following Arjun to the conference room, she needed the time on her own to regroup and a time away from him too. Arjun didn't stop her from going to her office knowing she was safe within the walls of her office and also because he knew she needed to be on her own for a while. He gave her the space she sought without asking.

When Arjun walked into the conference room he saw Chotu flipping thru piles of files while Shree tapped away on his laptop. Sameer was nowhere to be seen but that didn't worry Arjun. He smiled to himself as he guessed the reason for Sameer not being the first one in the office.

Chotu noticed the smile on Arjun's face and blinked then nudged Shree with his elbow. Shree gave him an inquiring look, "Arjun sir is smiling Shree."

Shree shook his head at Chotu's antics, "So what's new about that Chotu? These days Arjun sir's life is running on the right track, he has loads of reasons to smile."

"Yeah I know but today's smile is different and he is alone." Shree rolled his eyes and turned back to his laptop.

"Priya is in her office Chotu, did you need her for something?" Arjun asked snappily. Chotu jumped at Arjun's question and swallowed visibly before shaking his head and lowering it to the file he was holding in his hand.

Arjun was about to question Shree on the investigation when the door to the conference room slammed open and Sameer walked in followed by visibly happy Swati. Arjun blinked, "Are you being recruited to ETF now?" he asked sarcastically.

Swati stopped smiling and glared at him, "I see your disposition hasn't improved much." She looked around the room, "Where is Priya? Did you bore her in just one night?"

Chotu and Shree exchanged a startling look then grinned discreetly, now they knew the reason for Arjun's pleasant mood of the morning.

Arjun placed his hands on the conference table and leaned forward then grinned at Swati, "On the contrary I think it was too much stimulation that made her run away from me."

Sameer placed his hand over his mouth to cover his grin at Arjun and Swati's banter then shook his head. He should have warned Swati that no one could win the game of words with Arjun, most especially the ones that involves Priya.

Swati rolled her eyes at Arjun then stomped out of the conference room muttering under her breath about finding out the truth from Priya.

Priya was still brooding over Arjun and her feelings. She had run through all options in her head but she has yet to come up with a solution to her dilemma. She couldn't come up with a good reason to convince Arjun that she would be safe by herself. Only thing she can do is try to keep her distance from him as much as possible until Sikandar is dealt with.

Swati swung open the door and placed her hands on her hips, "I should have known you would fret unnecessarily at the first free moment."

Priya snapped out of her thoughts and blinked at Swati, "When did you come?" Swati came around to hug Priya then leaned against her desk, "Just few minutes ago. I made Sameer bring me here before I go to the hospital for the day. So what were you thinking about just now?"

Priya just shook her head to avoid answering Swati then gave her a once over. Swati was dressed in a simple pink and white salwar. The scarf of the salwar was wrapped around her neck. Part of her hair was tied back at her nape. She was wearing a pinch of sindoor in her part and a pink bindi on her forehead.

Priya tilted her head to the side as she studied Swati, "You look happy today."

"I am always happy and you didn't answer my question. What were you thinking about when I came in here?" Swati crossed her arms and waited for Priya to answer her. When Priya refused to answer her Swati sighed impatiently and moved away from the desk.

"Khair chodo, I don't need to know what you have been thinking about. I am sure it is nothing new. Again you are thinking about how to keep away from Arjun and not give into your feelings for him and ruin his life.." Swati trailed off in frustration.

Priya didn't react to Swati's frustration, "If you know then why do you ask? It's not easy to let go of my fears Swati." When Swati didn't say anything Priya stood up and made Swati look at her. "Answer me one thing, if you were in my place wouldn't you have the same doubts and fears too."

Swati's shoulders slumped at the pain in Priya's words. She felt bad for pushing Priya. She hugged Priya to her, "I am sorry for pushing you. I just want you to be happy."

Priya hugged her back, "I know you do but not everyone is lucky as you and Sam." She pulled back from Swati and smiled at her.

Swati used her scarf to wipe the tear from corner of her eyes and that is when Priya noticed the small mark on Swati's neck. She grinned at Swati and touched the mark, "Looks like someone got very lucky last night," She remarked teasingly.

Swati blushed then grinned at Priya, "Yeah Sam got very lucky last night," She winked at Priya.

Swati noticed Priya looked well rested and studied her thoughtfully. "So Arjun moving in with you was not a bad idea after all huh? You look well rested."

Priya turned and fidgeted with the papers on her desk so Swati wouldn't see the embarrassment, she felt, on her face. "Emm..it's nothing like that. For a change I slept without any nightmares, that's all."

"And where exactly did you sleep?" Swati's question made Priya turn towards her with a shocked expression. Swati grinned widely because she had a feeling Arjun hadn't been too far from Priya throughout the night.

Priya felt her face heat up as she was reminded of how Arjun had held her while she slept. She was saved from further embarrassment by Sameer's entry into her office.

"Swati, Chotu is waiting for you downstairs. He is going to drive you to the hospital." Swati rolled her eyes then quickly hugged Priya before walking towards Sameer.

"Sam you worry too much. Why are you troubling poor Chotu?" She stopped in front of Sameer with a frown on her face. Sameer smoothed the frown lines on Swati's forehead, "It's my job to worry about you sweetheart." He kissed her cheek and pushed her out the door, "Now go before he gets distracted with something else." Swati waved at Priya, and kissed Sameer's cheek before she rushed down to meet Chotu.

Sameer waited till Swati was out of sight then turned to Priya, "And how are you doing today?"

"Considering my two best friends abandoned me yesterday, how do you think I should feel Sam?" Priya asked as she gathered the papers on her desk.

Sameer was not offended by Priya's abrupt answer to his question, "Is that what is really bothering you?"

Priya looked up at him, "What else could it be?" Sameer walked to her desk and leaned against it, "Could it be that you are afraid of your own feelings?"

Priya wasn't surprised that Sameer had read her state of mind so easily. It has always been like that between them, "I have a good reason to be afraid Sam."

Sameer placed his hand on Priya's shoulder to reassure her. "I understand your fear Priya and if your safety was not a priority for the moment I would have never let Arjun push you into something you are not comfortable with."

Priya placed her hand on top of Sameer's. "I understand Sam and I wish there was a way to flush Sikandar out of his hiding place.

Sameer shook his head, "It's not just Sikandar I am worried about. For the moment Shukla is the one giving me sleepless nights."

Priya ran her hand thru her hair in frustration, "What does he want from me Sam? I know what Sikandar wants, my life, but what have I ever done to Shukla for him to come after me?"

"You rejected him," Priya and Sameer turned towards the door when they heard Arjun.

Arjun kept his eyes on Priya as he walked in, "He wants to control you and break you because you dared to stand up to him. He can't face the fact that a mere woman proved to be much stronger than him. And he will go to any length to make you bow down to him."

Sameer's phone signaled an incoming call breaking the momentary silence in Priya's office. "I have to take this, its DIG sir," He excused himself and walked out of the room.

Priya turned to Arjun. "Shukla will never make a move if I am under constant watch."

Arjun crossed his arms, tilted his head to the side and gave Priya a considering look, "Are you trying to get rid of me again?"

Priya scowled at him, "Be serious Arjun, this is not about getting rid of you, this is about catching Shukla red handed and only way for us to do that is to let him come after me."

Arjun uncrossed his arms and took slow measured steps towards Priya. He stopped when he was toe to toe with her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her against him, "First of all when it comes to you, I am always serious. And Shukla is not going to come after you. I am going to make sure of it. He will have to go thru me to get to you, not just him, even Sikandar will have to go thru me first."

Priya's eyes widened as she realized why Arjun was hell bent on sticking close to her. She is sure he is going to make Shukla and Sikandar comes after him first. She shook her head in denial, "No Arjun.." She trailed off when Arjun placed his index finger against her lips. "Shh..don't argue, just trust me."

Priya gazed into Arjun's eyes and sighed silently. This exact attitude of his leaves her defeated each time. The tenderness and protectiveness she sees in his eyes makes her forget all her resolve to keep her distance from him. Her fears seem so small compared to his love for her. She didn't doubt his love for her but she didn't have the strength to fight her fears and embrace his love despite the fact that he loves her much as she loves him. She didn't have the courage to embrace his love and leave the future to take care of itself.

As if he read her mind Arjun took her hand kissed the tattoo on her wrist, "Trust in your own strength and courage and believe that nothing is going to keep you from me this time."

Arjun didn't need words from her to know how she felt about him. He also knew something was still holding her back but he couldn't push her to let go her fears either. He can't make her do something she is not ready to do, he can only show her how much he loves her and give her time to accept the fact that the only thing he wanted in return was for her to love him back. As long as he had her in his life he didn't need anything else.

Arjun and Priya stepped away from each other when they heard a loud knock at the door. Shree poked his head inside the door, "Arjun sir, Sameer sir wants everyone in the conference room as soon as possible."

Arjun and Priya immediately followed Shree to the conference room. When they got to the conference room they saw Sameer pacing the room angrily. "Sam, what happened?"

"My informer, the one who gave us the information on those terrorists, is dead. His body was found in a warehouse outside of the city." Sameer stopped pacing. "We are going to the murder site."

*~+~*

☺️☺️☺️ No words.. Like Sambha and me said yesterday, I felt as though I was hiding in a corner of the room, sneaking a peek at him.. 🤪 🤣

Anyhow.. To the office.. 🤣🤣🤣 Poor Shreetu.. they're going to get themselves shot someday... 😆😆 Could so totally imagine Chottu's reaction.. Darn.. I miss him.. 😭

Sam-Swati..

So Hotwa is smart enough to guess what must've kept his bestie occupied.. B1, not fair, u conveniently skipped the other morning after.. 😳 Oops.. Ducks that jooti.. Greedy me.. 😆😆

Swati-Arjun.. 🤣 Could they get any more adorable.. They're not friends, yet but still that little banter and fretting over Priya was soo cute.. Loved Doc and Hotwa there.. 😳😳

And and.. My 2nd favorite.. The besties.. They're just perfect soul sisters..

Loved how Swati began her usual rant.. Agree, it means pushing Priya a bit too much, but the stubborn tigress will not budge..

I had a ditto expression on my face as well.. Why does she have to cling on to her insecurities? Why is destiny so cruel to her? Until when will she have to push him away, when all she wants is to be with him.. 😭

Then again, Priya's stance is quite justified too.. It won't be easy to forget her trauma; in fact, I guess it'll be all the more tough on her now that she knows he won't give up..

Eeesh.. A hickey? 😲 😆😆 Doc is suuuper adorable.. ❤️

How I wish a day would come when the roles would be reversed.. 😉

And I say it once more, please please keep her and Sam safe.. 😔

Okay.. back to Earth.. It's not drooling and happily ever after, yet.. Not until those two scums are dealt with.. 😡😡

So Shukky is after Priya and they know it.. That psycho.. How dare he even think of hurting our Tigress.. Isshtupid khet ki radish.. 🤬

And there goes my selfless Tigress yet again..

Gosh! I wish there was a way to lock her up in her own house to keep her from offering herself as a bait.. But why fear when Arjun Ji is here..

That tiny winy romantic moment said it all.. He's not going to back off, now that he's made his intentions quite clear..

And Priya, I don't know what to say anymore.. Their already complicated relationship is further strained by the evil that lurks around.. But in a way, I guess it's yet another of those 'tests of time'..

They will sail through, I know.. But I can't help but worry endlessly for all of them..

Her fears seem so small compared to his love for her. She didn't doubt his love for her but she didn't have the strength to fight her fears and embrace his love despite the fact that he loves her much as she loves him. She didn't have the courage to embrace his love and leave the future to take care of itself.

As if he read her mind Arjun took her hand kissed the tattoo on her wrist, "Trust in your own strength and courage and believe that nothing is going to keep you from me this time."

My most favorite lines in the entire update, B1.. 😃 She's a sweetheart and I wanted to go up to her and embrace her..

Of course, he's going to be hurt and probably even pissed at her when he gets to know about her insecurity. But I trust him to do the right thing. And he will.. Coz nothing else matters to him. He will go to any lengths to prove his love and devotion to her.. And for that, I love him and you soo much.. ❤️

Glad he's not letting her turmoil and apprehensions affect him and their relationship.. He knows his way around her. Be it silencing her with a searing kiss or his perfect choice of words, he leaves no room for a re-thought. 😃

Oh damn.. Reality bites.. The informer is dead.. Doesn't sound too good.. Will they have dropped a message for the cops? 🤔

Whatever it is, is dreadful and yet I want them to come face to face with Sikky and Shukky. So there can be an end to their pain and longing..

So yeah, boxing gloves and cricket bats are out.. And so are nail extensions and tissues. Bring it on.. 😎 😡😡

P.S. Update soonish, B1.. The wait gets too much to bear.. And sorry, but no sorry.. I'm going to have to start pestering you again for a new one.. 😉

Thanks so much, for the dedication (I'm floored.. 🤪 - though I wasn't trying to set an example 😆😆), for those cute little bestie moments and of course romance ka tadka.. Loved every bit of it..

And yeah, u worry too much.. I've said this numerous times.. You cannot go wrong with BL. Period.

So stop worrying and write more jaldi jaldi.. The wait gets too much to bear, esp. with your teasers.. 😉 🤗

❤️ B2.