After having restless, weary, and sleepless night worrying about Khushi, Arnav strode into his office calling off all the meetings for the day. The entire night, he spent remembering the sequence of the events that happened on that ill-fated night. It was no brainer for him to narrow down the events as the day deeply imprinted on his mind and cannot be erased in this lifetime. Soon after he put his mind to work, he knew what to check to start with.
Natasha, in my cabin NOW. He commanded as he strode up the stairs to his room.
The lady who got well-accustomed to his gruff mood lately specially in these 2 months, quickly grabbed pen and paper and followed him. As she stood waiting for his further instructions, Arnav called Aman. Is your as* in yet?
Aman was surprised to hear his buddy using sarky words after long time and he knew something good is in store waiting to unravel. Not yet, its getting out of the car as we speak. Aman chuckled handing over his car keys to the security.
Come to my cabin directly. Arnav hung up not keen on hearing reply from the other end. Arnav browsed through his phone contacts as he instructed her.
I need to see the event manager right away and ask her to bring the catering contract and list of helpers, waiters and bartender, she hired for the night with their names, photographs, and every single detail about them. And YOU get me the names of guest list of that night.
Will do Sir. Mr. Zindal cal..
F*ck the Zindals... And get to this NOW...He barked at her throwing her out of his sight in mins.
Arnav wanted to check through the list of people who were at his house that night, especially the waiters list as he remembered handing over the juice to one of the waiters; the last link that connected Arnav and Khushi that night.
What's up Buddy? Aman entered sipping his hot coffee.
Arnav looked at the coffee mug and then scowled at Aman expecting the explanation for the coffee stop he made when he asked him to come directly.
Come on, I didnt had breakfast so stopped for a min to get some sizzling coffee.
Arnav sighing in frustration, turned away grabbing the phone as he spoke. Shut the door and take a seat.
Whats up? You look quite fresh very unusual to recent times.
There is something called Shower and I happened to take it today like every other day. Are we done with interrogation and shall we get to work?
Yeah sure. Aman contained his smile having inclination that the special person entered his friends life. His musings were broken with Arnav's train of rapid instructions.
I need to find a brand new penthouse in next few hours. Cost doesnt matter. But I need a unit which has 2 bedrooms connected through the door. Can you shortlist some properties for me?
Yeah sure, I will get in touch with the agent right after IQC meeting.
No, no, you didnt hear me properly. I need you to start on it right this second. Cancel all your work for today. Can you do that?
Possible..but
Exactly what I wanted to hear, I want it cash down and move-in ready by tonight. Oh I want the connecting door to be replaced with clear glass. I should be able to see whats happening on the other end.
Woah woah..thats difficult in this timeframe.
Arnav cocked his brow and said, I need it all ready to occupy by 5PM. I am bringing Khushi home.
Wh..What? Are you serious? All settled?
Not yet, but soon it will be. Arnav said determinedly, imagining her as he stood by the wall length windows.
Arnie, can you at least now tell me now what went wrong?
Everything! Lets get to work Aman. Arnav strode to his desk leaving Aman disappointed.
Aman stopped in his tracks before exiting the room, Is she doing OK?
She has become more violent than before. Arnav smiled remembering the slaps mutely muttering, the nerve of the woman. If you are yenning for slaps, she is the person you need to see. Arnav cocked his brow displaying his signature smirk in all his glory.
And the charming smile didnt miss Aman's attention as his own lips curved up following his buddy's sincerely. I cant wait to meet Bhabhi to get another peck on this cheek. Aman teased and soon Arnav's smirk vanished rewarding him a lethal glare in disapproval.
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In the next one hour, Arnav sat down skimming through the guest list he approved on that night and no name seemed out of ordinary but subconsciously his mind kept halting at Adi which he underestimated at the moment. Finding no lead, he called the security at his old penthouse and asked them to send the logs of all people who passed through the biometrics from the day it had been installed till the party night. As it had been 2 months since they they stopped the services from the night Arnav left his blazed house, he was told that the logs are backed up and sent to their headquarters and might take at least a week to find and send the entry/exit data.
Aman entered with the shortlist of 3 properties but was asked to hold off the discussion as Natasha intercom'ed the arrival of event manager. The next 2 hours, Arnav went through every worker's bio-data and photograph. Since the photographs are taken in civil dress, Arnav couldnt recognize the uniformed-waiter to whom he handed the drink. He commanded the event manager to bring each and and every waiter to his office, all at the same time.
Assembling everyone at the same time is impossible ASR. I dont have backup of people for the committed events. The whole week is busy.
Read me your event schedule. Arnav asked in his domineering tone.
The next 5mins, the event manager listed out all the events she is organizing. Most of them ranging from brunch times to dinner times.
Looks like we found time and day to meet.
The manager looked at him questioningly when he spoke in his domineering tone, Tomorrow early morning 4AM, I want everyone to be assembled in my office lobby.
ASR, 4AM?
No exceptions. I want every single head sharp at 4am.
The manager had no option to oblige cursing him zillion times of course mutely...
What was that for? Aman asked closing the door as soon the event manager left.
I lost something precious that night. Just checking who stole it. Arnav said looking through the floor plan of the properties. Arnav didnt want to reveal his investigation to Aman as it wouldnt take much longer for Aman to crack what would have happened to Khushi. That secret must be between the monster and Arnav, and may be Khushi, which is why Arnav firmly decided not to share any details with Aman or with anyone.
That night suddenly reminded him of meeting a man who claimed to know the murdered of her father. Aman, do you remember the man we met on the party night who said he knew who is behind Khushi's father's death.
Yeah?
I need that man. Can you get in touch with our men and bring him here may be tomorrow.
Yeah but he knew nothing.
I doubt, I am sure he knows something.
About what you lost?
Hmm...Arnav nodded thinking rapidly if this was all planned to side track him that night.
What did you lose? Aman asked inquisitively.
Just a piece of jewellery that I got for Khushi. That reminded Arnav of the ring he got for Khushi and his feet in their own volition dragged him to his desk and he pulled the draw out as he caressed the royal velvette imagining the sparkle on her finger. There is melancholy in his mind and sorrow in his eyes as he stared at the ring for the longest moments. Please let me into your life Khushi. He whispered as he palmed the ring.
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Khushi had yet another fretful night, which had become a routine in her life for last 2 months. Ever since she left the penthouse, she hadnt slept for more than 3 hours. Sometimes she couldnt fall asleep and sometimes she couldnt stay asleep, her mind constantly battling to vanquish the thoughts of Arnav Singh Raizada. The emotions she felt for him were so much stronger that her mind never agreed to free him. While day times went by breeze busy with the women and her job, every lone night She tried so hard to detest him but for some insane reason, her peevish mind scheming with her delicate heart didnt allow her to hate him, reminding only the special moments.
Khushi is a woman who would love or hate leaving no room to find herself in a medium of mixed emotions. But that seemed to be different when it comes to Arnav, the word hate replaced by anger. She loved him, angered him but failed to hate him.
Many times she tried to convince herself that what happened was unacceptable and he shouldnt have taken advantage of her. But not once she felt happy with the way she concluded about him as cruel. Somewhere she failed to acknowledge him as baddie. Somewhere she couldnt relate him as a man who would leave her stranded in life. He was not like her father, he was not like any other random man. He was Arnav, a simple man who showed what he feels for her in special way without uttering a word. He was her husband who never touched her in lust. After seeing so much life and knowing the difference between the touches, she couldnt categorize him as the man who acted so much only to abuse her physically. Yet the evidences prove her every theory wrong. Its been 2 months, the same battle still goes on and on every little lone time she gets.
Khushi having the slow day at her job, sighed at her watch noting that 30mins to complete her shift. NK will be coming at any moment as they both will be meeting next list of women who will be pulled out of their miserable life. Usually, Khushi prepares herself on such days to talk with them in precision, giving them confidence and assurance. But today her mind is nowhere co-operating after what happened yesterday.
His single gesture of holding her palm to his cheek made her antsy since then unable to understand why he sounded so susceptible. She was assailed by many doubts, anxious to know the reason why he looked at her so defeated. Many times she pondered about the incident unaware that it was the guilt that filled in his eyes. And what more shocked her was that he didnt retaliate to her slaps as if giving her freedom to take avenge him. He needs more of those to bring him on track, she couldnt help muttering to herself thinking about him.
Since morning she became very edgy, nervous, and apprehensive with insurmountable difficult emotions that constantly badgered her that he will do as he said. He cant make her move in with him or throw her out as he pleases. She chanted this statement million times since morning prepping herself for the fight. She is not going to go without a fight but she also knows that it is impossible to fight him off especially when he becomes a tyrant.
Madame...Khushi jerked out of her thoughts hearing NK. I have been calling you for last 5mins, and you seemed to be in your fantasy world.
Well, then you didnt call me loud enough. Khushi closed the shift and handed over the cash counter keys to the next employee as she asked NK, Chale?
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Arnav and Aman walked into the first property and the only property among the three facing the beach. The moment Arnav walked into the 25ft high ceiling penthouse, he knew thats their new home. 3000sq. ft nothing less like a Mansion in itself entirely occupied the topmost floor as though sitting in sky, with clear views of the outside world on all three sides of the house. While the spacious family room, modern kitchen with dining room faced the city views, the couple's retreat faced the blue water splashing the rocks and is serenly connected to a wide outdoor giving the illusion of living in water.
*** Taken only for reference..Credit to the original uploaders/owners
A satisfactory smile crept up on his lips as he found their bedrooms connected to each other with glass door inbetween.
You wanted glass, here it is. I hope this works. Aman prompted from behind.
Its perfect. Arnav acknowledged checking out the rest of the space, though he wasnt too pleased with the bright colors.
You might need to change the interiors. Too bright for your taste. Dont you think? Aman asked pointing to the entire wall of abstract painting.
We might have to wait an year or two to get to that. Said Arnav observing the city view.
Kyun?
I dont think its possible as Khushi will get busy with the baby.
Kya? What are you blabbering?
Oh..Khushi is pregnant. Arnav said casually grabbing his keys, all ready to exit.
You are f*cking unbelievable. You are telling me now? NOWW??? Noting Arnav's frown, Aman toned down his excitement and hugged him, Congrats Buddy..Wait but you said you didnt meet her these months...you guys were sneaking out?
I do NOT appreciate anybody crossing the line of my privacy. Arnav cocked his brow glowering at him, the playful remark that stabbed the man reminding him his loss. Arnav as much as he wants to accept the news, he couldnt come to terms with it, all that mattered was Khushi for him at the moment.
Relax Arnie, I am just...I didnt mean to offend you. I was ju...
I will take this. Arnav abruptly cut him off shaking his hands with the real estate agent and signing the papers.
When is she coming here? Arnav turned to Aman and enquired.
She should be here any min..There she is, speak of the devil. Aman pointed to his lady who hurriedly walked inside still wearing her white coat..The beautiful doctor looking like an angel.
Aman pecked her lips as Anjali resisted minding Arnav's presence but Arnav couldnt care knowing Aman's high flooded hormones these days.
Thanks for coming Anjali. Arnav politely said in his business tone signing off the wire-transfer of money. For Arnav it was more of formal and business relation with her while Anjali made every effort to mend things. But Arnav was too involved in his own sulk that he didnt really cared.
Pleasure. Finally I am glad you need some help from me. Anjali gleed while Arnav busily took out the doctor's note he found last night after dropping off Khushi.
Could you tell me what this prescribed medicine is for? Arnav handed over the paper.
Anjali smile reached to her ears as she read the patient name as Khushi Singh Raizada, a customary step every doctor takes to learn the patient name before digging their history.
What? She is pregnant. OMG Thats so good news. You better bring her to me.
Arnav shrugged, Medicine? Arnav reminded after her initial shock.
The next moment Anjali's forehead creased, and her eyes narrowed as she read the name of the drug..She is on Tra***one?
Thats what it says on the paper. What is it for? Arnav's turned impatient with every split second delay.
This is antidepressant... Arnav's eyes rounded in insurmountable pain as she further continued. Its for depression, anxiety, sleeping disorder, you name it. Is she still taking it? She shifted her focus to the note which dated yesterday date, and read the note next to the medication as "currently taking". She shouldnt be taking this bhai, not good for the brain development of the baby.
Arnav taking deep sigh of anger on himself, pressed the heels of his palms over his eyes in exhaustion to learn to what extent he ruined everything. He raked his fingers through hair as he realized she now needs to be forced to stay with him, come what may. He cant let her lead this life, a woman who portrays so much stronger is actually living in sleepless nights, and the reason him, he had never been in worse state than that.
A shrill ringtone of his cell phone jerked him.
Whats going o...Anjali was cut off as he answered the phone.
Who?...Singhal, you mean Ashutosh Singhal?...Why did she...? Where? Arnav rushed out of the house gesturing Aman to handle the rest of the arrangements here.
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Why the hell are you going to there, Khushi? Arnav strode through the roads of Mumbai mid-afternoon after receiving the call from his source that Khushi is going to Kamathipura, second largest red light district in asia. He was also told that Mr. Singhal is planning an attack on Khushi at that location, as it would be easy to cover up the crime at such places.
Arnav died million deaths in fear with every rotation his wheels closed the distance to her location; one, wrong place for his woman to be; two, dirty wolves roaming around who dont leave anything that got to do with women. Once he hit the main road, he dialed Khushi's number that he noted from the Doctor's note. She answered the phone as it displayed private number but the moment she heard his voice, she disconnected the call.
He never felt like slapping a woman until that moment, he would have definitely done just that right at that moment had she been there. He tried several times but she didnt pick up the phone. He then tried NK number.
Arnav thanked his stars as he heard NK voice.
NK dont you dare listen to her and hang up on me.
ASR?
Put the speaker on, I need to speak to her. If she hangs up, you will be dead meat...
Khushi, chodo yaar, he is going to screw me, Arnav heard NK struggling with his phone.
NK??? Arnav yelled at him.
NK??? The phone went off. Dammit Khushi. He pressed the accelerator scraping the roads off to fire.
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Khushi, you have gone crazy yaar. He is going to kill me.
Khushi literally threw the NK phone onto the ground breaking into pieces. Dont worry I will find a good spot in the graveyard under the tree.. She couldnt care less and said irritated as she entered an old totally beaten up building to find the women waiting for her.
As Khushi started chatting with women, NK excused himself to call Arnav to save his as* from his wrath.
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Arnav answered the phone as he parked his car at the entrance of the street. Instantly many women ganged up on him for business...He literally have to shove them off and ran in the direction NK instructed over phone. Learning that they dont have car to escape if needed, Arnav didnt panic them telling the truth that few men are looking for them. Finally after scouting the entire street, Arnav found the building painted in green, as told by NK and the building looked like it is ready to fall any min.
I think I found it. You come to the building, we need to leave NOW. Arnav barked over the phone and rushed towards the building to find Khushi.
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So Simi, Deena, Bhanu, I am asking you all final time. Are you guys ready for new change?
All three nodded hesitantly, looking nervous.
You all nervous? Khushi asked leaning against the wall as her back started giving up tiredly.
A lot...The women spoke in unison.
Good. You should be nervous. Then only you will succeed. I dont care how you feel but I do not want you to come to me hesitantly. Its a big change, its going to take time. You got to be patient and just keep smiling we will get through this. One day at a time. I wont disappoint you. The only condition from my end is, I will be taking you only if you promise me that you will not hesitate to punish anybody who bothers you. Whether you live or die, leave that to the time. From this moment, your only aim is to earn the respect. If this is something you could promise, join my hands. Khushi extended hand.
The woman broke into tears and hugged Khushi. While Khushi smiled hugging them back but not before keeping her hand protectively on her tummy, the cautious move that didnt escape pair of caramel eyes that stood by the door staring at her in shock.
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