Chapter 6 - And Somethings are Just Easier Said, Than Done.
Part A
Patience. How many times have we been told that patience is an important ingredient of our lives, that patience is indeed a virtue, that even though patience seems bitter, its fruit is sweet,and that there is no particular advantage if we hurry through our lives without patience.
Yet in that one moment, when the heart is impatient, it forgets every damm thing it has learnt about the importance of patience, and instead it chooses to beat with recklessness, driving us crazy, and we all will agree in that one moment, that it is indded true, that somethings are just easier said than done, and Patience as virtuous it maybe, definetly tops that list and we all wonder that why couldn't just anyone be sensible enough to also write about the truth, the fact that just sometimes, it isnt easy to just sit back and watch things happen, patiently.
...
Monday - London 11. AM
Arnav closed his laptop in front of him , and shut his eyes in frustration , because once again , as much as he tried, he couldn't get Khushi out of his mind, and the last week, the moments spent with her, and that pained look on her face before she left kept flashing through his mind, again and again , and he banged his fist on the table in frustration , because he couldn't get himself to act maturely here, and he knew he was behaving so recklessly , something that hadn't happened to him in a long long time.Ever since Khushi had left yesterday , he had tried to distract himself with work , and somewhere deep down he had even got the idea to follow her all the way to Manchester, because he couldn't wait for her to return to sort things out , but then something important had come up at work, so he couldn't act on his instinct and had to just stay back, and watch the clock ticking, patiently. And to add to his frustration , Khushi hadn't answered any of his calls, and instead just texted him saying that she had reached safely.
He picked up his phone and thought for a good five minutes if he should text her , but ultimately his impatience won and he texted -
"Khushi , I hope you are doing good."
His phone beeped in a second -
"Yes, I am.Thank you."
"Khushi, quit being all formal, I said..i didn't mean to say what I did, will you let me explain"
" No, Arnav, who am I that you should give any explanations too in the first place? I don't want any.I am just your little sister's young and nave best friend, isnt it?"
"Damm it Khushi, stop it will you!And why didn't you take my call yesterday?"
" I was busy, with everyone"
"Ok, will you let me explain when you are back"
"I don't know..."
"what do u mean..."
"I don't know..."
"huh?"
" I am sorry, there is so much happening around, right now, can we talk later?"
" Ohk...Is that Aaditya around you , even right now?"
" Yes, and I don't feel the need to discuss him further.."
" What the hell Khushi?"
"Look , i ll talk to you later...Arnav.."
"Fine"
"And I Hope you are doing good.Take care Arnav"
Arnav stared at his phone screen and read that last message, she hoped he was doing good? And he dammed the fact that he wasn't ofcourse, because all he wanted was to see her, and make things right already, and ofcourse he couldn't bare the thoughts that were emerging in his head regarding that Aaditya. Two whole days were still left , until Khushi would be back , and he had no idea how to deal with the restlessness that he felt in that moment. He knew he had to be patient here, because that would be the only way he could keep a check on his mood, but he knew it wouldn't help, because he had never been more impatient in his life than he was at that point, and he knew surely that it wasn't something that was going to change anytime soon, atleast not until he saw Khushi in front of his eyes.
...
6.PM- MANCHESTER
Khushi was starting to get ready, but she knew that no distraction was helping her, and nor was her idea of coming to Manchester helping, because apparently Arnav Singh Raizada had made it a point to not leave her mind and thoughts , no matter how hard she tried, and she felt her mind wander again and again to the last week that had passed, along with their almost kiss that had happened, the night before she left.She was sure that she saw something in his eyes too, probably something very similar to what maybe he saw in her's and she felt her heartbeat race again , so she put her hand to the heart to calm it down, as she scolded herself for thinking of him once more, but just as his face again flashed in front of her, she realized what was it here, she was missing him, she was sure she was, and she knew her restlessness would only fuinish, once her trechourous heart would be near him.She reminded herself of his words, of his words, that had hurt her so much, and even that didn't help, as her heart reminded her of their earlier text conversation and how he was saying that he didn't mean any of it, and he wanted to explain, and she felt her heart hope once more.She didn't know what the hell was happening to her, she had never felt so restless or reckless ever in her life, maybe because being angry with him , was hurting her too somewhere deep down, and she reminded herself of how kind he had been to her, so different, how he had probably never been with anyone and so she thought, whether it would be right to let him explain, and right then her phone rang , and when she saw his name flashing on the screen, she wondered, was there some weird telepathy working between them already, how was it, he called or messaged, exactly , when she was thinking of him.At first she thought of cutting his call, but then she dammed her heart for aching to hear his voice, so she picked it up , to hear the voice, that sent shivers down her spine , and she realized how much she loved her name , in his voice -
"Khushi..."
"Arnav, Hi...how are you?", she said trying to sound supercasual.
"Im doing good, returning home, have a dinner with a client tonight..so would be busy, you tell me how is it going?"
"Oh great...yeah everything is good here too, I was just getting ready, it's the Sangeet tonight..."
"Khushi...I...just wanted ...look..."
" Arnav, like I said, there is so need for any explanations, im glad we got things clear bef..."
"What do you mean Khushi?"
"I mean, its good that its clear now, what we are too each other, for you , we know each other because of Zoya, so I see no harm if you look at me just as her best friend, and if I look at you at my best friends brother, that's all..."
There was a pause, and she thought he hung up , when she heard -
"so you are not going to let this go , easily?" and she could sense the anger in his voice.
" I am just stating the truth, isnt it, something which you..."
"I know what I said, dammit, stop shoving it in my face again and again..." and she knew that his tone was really harsh and so, she decided if it was best if she hung up , this was going nowhere.
"Look, I think I need to go..."
"Khushi...Wait..."
"What is it now , Arnav..."
"So is that what you think of me, just Zoya's elder brother...did you mean what you said..? Coz I know I didn't mean what I said..."
"I don't Know..."
" Damm you, Khushi, I have never ever given a dam about anyone ever before, here I am trying to talk to you, to sort things out, something which I have never ever tried to do , and you aren't making it easier..."
"Then probably you should do what you are good at..." and she knew her own temper was rising and she continued - " probably you should give a damm about this too...Arnav..."
There was a pause once more, and she knew her words would probably hurt him too, and she was glad, that she'd said what she had, know he would know how it felt and then she heard him -
"Is that what you want...Khushi?"
And right then before she could answer there was a knock on her door, so she walked up to open it and she saw Aadi there and she said into the phone - " just a sec...Arnav" and she asked - " aadi, whats up"
Aadi grinned- " why aren't you ready yet, everyone is, cmon hurry up...we need to practice our dance once more too, or as usual you will nail it, and I wont.."
Khushi - "cmon, our dance will be the best, don't worry, and ill just catch up with you in a while...give me fifteen minutes..."
Aadi -" great, come soon...and is all ohk? Anything important?" he asked gesturing towards the phone he was holding , and she in an instant replied - "no, nothing important, just a call.." and then he walked out and she shut the door, and took the phone , and she was sure Arnav had heard everysingle bit , and she knew he would be fuming even more, and she admitted honestly to herself, that she quite enjoyed it-
"Sorry, I Gotta go now..."
"Yeah, I am sure, you got more important things to do, than this..."
"Arnav..lis.." but before she could complete her sentence, he hung up.
She instantly felt bad, for being harsh on him , but right then her eyes fell on her outfit and she started to get ready, because this was not the time to think about Arnav, and she deceided to enjoy herself, she would face his wrath later, and she knew she couldn't escape that.
...
LONDON - 11 PM
Arnav twisted in bed, and then he dammed Khushi , for not leaving his mind, and he felt his anger rise again , as he recalled their conversation earlier in the evening, no girl had ever dared to talk to him, the way she was, and as much as hed wanted to explain, she wasn't letting it go, and he knew somewhere deep down she was right, because in that one instant when she said, he was nothing but Zoya's brother to her, hed felt a kick in his gut, and he didn't know, why did it hurt, but it had.And he knew he had to wait for two more days until he saw her, and he realized as her face flashed through his mind once more, of the moment when hed almost kissed her, he realized that he missed her, due to some illogical emotion , that was stirring within him, but he was sure, he missed her even more than he had imagined, right when he heard his phone ring , and he wondered who could it be so late, and when he saw Khushi's name flashing on the screen , he picked it up in an instant, and he didn't know how, her voice managed to instantly calm his restless and impatient nerves -
"Hi...Arna...avvv" and he instantly felt something weird in her voice so he asked -
"Khushi, tum theek ho?"
"Yes, ofcourse , I am alright, what would happen to me, who do u think yourself too, hum thik hai, bilkul thik hai, aapke bawajood bhi hum thik hai..."
"Khushi...have you had something to drink?"
"Yes, I might have, two glasses of wine, white wine- that's about it, I don't like to drink btw, but today, we were having so much fun, so I thought I could have little bit of wine..."
Arnav immediately felt his worry rise and he asked - " khushi , where are you?"
"I am in my room, Aadi and Riya just dropped me in, ooh we had so much fun...dancing..la la la..."
Arnav immediately cursed Aaditya's existence , but he knew now was not the time to curse him and so he said - " well, that's good...isnt it, Im glad you enjoyed..."
"You think you are smart, don't you, Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada?
"Excuse me? I know I am..."
"Oh you aren't, Mr.Know it All...because if you were, you would know and admit, that you are Jealous,jealous of Aadi..."
" I am...?"
"Ofcourse you are, or why would you not want him to look at me as if I were the most precious thing in the world for him, on that note, I kind of noticed it too, you were right..."
"Would you forgive me, for what I said, if I admit that yes I am Jealous..."
"Hmmm, I don't know...lets see...it hurt me to hear you say them, I don't know why though..."
"I know, I am sorry..."
"Nooo, you don't know anything , even when you think you know it all, I fear...what will you think if..."
"If what...Khushi..."
"If you knew, how I am not able to get you out of my system, ever since I first met you, ever since you saved me that day...months ago.."
Arnav knew she was probably high, and wasn't realizing what she was saying , but he liked where the conversation was going so he felt himself ask - "you what..?"
"see and you say you know everything, whilst you really don't, do u know how I feel about you, NO...No...do you know why I never want you to know, because I fear...that you will hate me one day...that's why I...I walked out that day...because I know..."
"What nonsense Khushi, why would I ever Hate you?"
"I just know , you will..." and he thought he heard her sob, so he asked worriedly - " whats wrong Khushi??
"So you mean, you could never Hate me...?"
"yeah, I don't think I can...but...what is it that makes you think I will?"
And he waited for her to answer, but when she didn't, after a long pause -
"Khushi...?
"Khushi...you there..." and he heard her steady breathing , and he realized shed slept , so he hung up and a smile curved up his lips as he recalled her words, there were two things very clear, she hadn't been able to get him out of her system, just like he hadn't been able to, and secondly, there was something she felt too, and he felt confusion creep up hi smind as he wondered, why would she think hed hate her? Ofcourse he couldn't, he never could, not when she was the only thing on his mind these days, maybe he could talk to her about this face to face, when she was back, and he felt a little bit more at peace, and he felt his patience rise all of a sudden, maybe the hours until her return wouldn't seem that bad, now.
...
MONDAY - BOSTON - 9 PM
Zoya looked on amusingly, as she waited for Asad to join her on the table and she couldn't help but smile to herself, at the sight of him cooking, and he had strictly instructed her to not help and just watch him, and so that was what she was doing, watching him.And she realized, that ever since yesterday, she knew she was falling for him even faster than she had imagined, and she knew this was getting complicated, because somewhere her sensible self had already started coming up with different scenarios about how would he react, when the truth was out.She knew for sure, they were pretty much on the same level , as far as there feelings for each other was concerned, but once again she had sensed a few hours earlie, how they were very different when it came to the level of her brother.She had heard him talk to his secretary, about how he wanted everyone at Khan Designs, to do their best, so that they could outdo AR designs, and back the upcoming contract, for which they were both bidding.And she had ofcourse sensed the hatred he had for her brother in his voice, because it was too obvious, and so her mind was again playing games with her, and she was constantly feeling that guilt again and again.Right then she saw him walk up with two plates in his hand and he put them on the table and grinned - " well honestly, this maybe not as good as my Ammi's, but will do..."
Zoya felt a smile curve up her lips, and she shoved her rational thoughts aside once more and she said - I am sure, it will be Asad" and she gestured him to take his seat...and immediately shoved her spoon into the biryani and ate a spoonful , and she watched him look at her for approval and she said - " Allah Miyaan, do you have any idea, how amazing this is...why are you full of suprises...Mr.Asad Ahemed Khan..."
Asad grinned as he started to eat - " Im glad, you like it...you know Ammi does this so well, I could eat it all day...its my personal favourite..."
Zoya smiled - " I know, she always cooked the biryani so well..." She said in an instant, recalling how she and Khushi used to empty the entire bowl of her ammi's biryani in a go, when they were kids.
Asad looked at her confused - " yeah, but how do you know...?"
Zoya immediately tried to cover up as she lied - " Ofcourse from Khushi, you know she cooks it pretty well, and she tells me shes learnt it from her Ammi..."
Asad smiled -" Oh, speaking of her, I spoke to her earlier today, apparently she is having a blast..."
Zoya nodded - "Yup,I know...spoke to her too, but she was at the Sangeet function, so couldn't talk much...'
Asad smiled - " so how was your day...?"
Zoya smiled - " great as usual, had lunch with Nikhil, which you know off, ofcourse..."
Asad - " Yeah, and I just hope hes not being his usual flirty self..."
Zoya smiled - " No, cmon, he does not flirt with me on every opportunity..."
Asad knew the sarcasm was pretty adamant in his voice - "oh really, that's what I thought he did.."
And right then Zoya remembered she had to tell him something and so she said - "Oh leave him, so do you know, my sister's , sisterin law who lives in New Jersey, has delivered a baby boy today..."
Asad smiled - " that's good..."
Zoya - "so you know how my sister is pretty busy right now and she cannot come to visit , so I just think I should go, you know someone from the family should, it's a happy occasion..."
Asad - "yeah, but...your school..?"
"I got only a few classes Wednesday, which I can miss , I was thinking to take the afternoon flight to Jersey tomm, so that I can be back on Wednesday...what do you think?"
As much as Asad didn't want her to go, he knew he couldn't say much, because family was important for everyone so he said - " I think you should go, have you got your tickets done...?"
"No, I was just going tooo..."
"Ohk, I will get it done, and I will drop you at the airport tomm..."
"But there isnt the need, Asad..."
"Shut up Zoya, you know I want to..."
"Ohk" and she saw him immediately flip out his phone to book her tickets.
A Few Minutes Later -
Zoya helped him clean up and she said - " Thanks..."
"For what..."
"For everything, maybe..."
"So you are going to be all formal, I thought the formality was over..."
"yes, ofcourse it is...but still I like to express my gratitude, when I feel like..."
Asad grinned and he turned to look at her and tugged her hand and pulled her closer - " then I should thank you too..."
"for what..."
"for everything , maybe..."
Zoya grinned - " maybe you aren't as smart as you seem, stealing my words..."
Asad grinned as he pulled her closer - " what if I say, that's not the only thing I want to steal..." and he leaned in closer..
Zoya knew she was blushing furiously, but she felt herself shiver, as he cupped her cheek tenderly and brushed his thumb over her lips making her forget her name, and as magnetic that moment was, she felt herself tip-toe , and her arms went around his neck on its own accord, as she welcomed his kiss.
...
One Hour Later -
Zoya knew she was griining like an idiot, and she knew he was watching her equally amused and she turned and said to her defense - " allah Miyaan, I know, well although, you know Salman Khan is my personal favourites of all time, even Khushi's, but somehow, I know I grin like an idiot , everytime, I watch him..."
Asad tried to hide his amusement - " so what is it about Ranbir Kapoor that you like anyway...?"
Zoya was just about to say when she saw her favourite song come up and so she said - " shhh, later..." and she turned her attention to the TV.
Just as the song finished, she switched the TV off and turned to him - allah Miyaan, do you know this is one of my favourites song of all times..."
Asad grinned and he was absolutely loving the adorable smile on her face and he asked - " so how about you dance with me..to it...?"
Zoya felt her eyes widen in shock as she heard him and she felt herself ask - " Allah Miyaan, whats wrong with you, you are asking me to dance...I mean...you know ...how tooo..."
Asad grineed - " Jeez, stop acting, if I just gave the breaking news of the millennium, ofcourse I know.." and he let out his hand...and whispered - " so would you do me the honour..."
Zoya looked at him stunned and she smiled and handed him her hand, and he turned on the song on youtube - and his hand went on her waist and she put her hand on his shoulder and he started swaying with her, while their eyes locked and the song played in the background , and then very slowly he stared to twirl her around, and then rolled her out and rolled her in ...to finally have her in his arms...and they continued to look into each other eyes, and stay in that moment...whilst the song continued to play in the background-
Sajde Mein Yuhin Jhukta Hun,
Tumpe hi aake rukta hai
Kya yes sabko hota hai?
Humko Kya lena Hai sab se?
Tumse hi sab baate ab se..
Ban gaye ho tum meri dua...
Khuda Janne Ke Main Fida Hun...
Khuda jaane yeh kyun hua hai..
Ki ban gaye ho tum mere Khuda...
...
Zoya watched him work on his laptop and she looked at him still in awe, as she couldn't believe, Asad Ahemed Khan had just danced with her, in a way probably no one ever had, and she felt herself blush as she recalled how she felt herself heat up when his hands touched her waist and held her in his arms...right when he shut down his laptop and looked at her and caught her staring and so he grinned - " what...?"
"Nothing, I still cant believe, that you danced with me the way you did..."
"Why..."
"I don't know..."
"Is that why you were staring at me...?"
"I guess so, why cant I...does it tax to look at you?"
"Ofcourse not, you can look at me , as much as you want..."
"Really...?"
"Yup..."
"Just as I can look at you , as much as I want..." before you go tomm, he added silently to himself.
And he took he hand and made her sit closer to himself and he said - " you will take care whilst you are away..and keep in touch..."
Zoya smiled - " ofcourse I will, Asad..."
"Great, but whats worrying you...?"
"Nothing..."
" Say it now, will you..."
"Look its just that, I like you and you know that, and I haven't felt this way ever before, so it kind of makes me nervous..."
"It does?"
"Its not funny Zoya..."
"It is, when you see it from my point, you mean, I make you nervous..."
"Very Funny Zoya, not you, this thing between us..."
"What thing...?" she teased.
And he knew she wouldn't let it go , so he joined the game in as he cupped her face and felt her shiver - " this thing, that makes you nervous too...since you are shivering again..."
"very Funny, I am not..."
He kissed her cheeks softly and whispered tenderly in her ear - " You are..." huskily , giving her goosebumps.
"No..."
He brushed her lips tenderly and saw her eyes shut in anticipation and he knew he had won , as he heard her heavy breathing and he watched her nervous and yet very beautiful expressions and he whispered - " so I guess this makes us both nervous..."
Zoya opened her eyes briefly and felt her gaze lock within his and admitted honestly, although for different reasons - " I guess it does..." and she saw him smile, in a way she found completely sexy as always, before he bent forward, and kissed her once more, and she felt herself melt in his arms , once more.
...
Chapter 6 - And Somethings Are Just Easier Said, Than Done.
Part B
Tuesday - 5PM - LONDON
Arnav waited pateintly, quite patiently, all day for Khushi's call or message, thinking that she must be feeling embarrassed about last night, and so he should just let her be for a while,but when he checked his watch and saw that it was almost 5 pm, he finally felt his last streak of patience wash away, and he was about to call her, right when his phone beeped, and he checked it to be Khushi's message, and he couldn't help but smile as he read it -
"Im sorry about last night.I shoudnt have called..."
"Khushi, no need to be sorry, im glad you did..."
"Did I say something , that I shouldn't have?"
"No, you said everything you should have..."
"Oh..."
"Hows everything...?"
"Good"
" When will you be back tomorrow?"
"My train is at 2.PM..."
"Ohk, you take care.."
"Yes, I will..thanks..."
"See you tomorrow, Khushi..."
"Ohk, bye..."
He smiled to himself, as he realized he was right, probably she was going crazy being embarrassed about calling him last night, when ofcourse there wasn't any need to ofcourse,and he felt himself quite eager to see her already.He quickly, finalized his dinner meeting with a client for tonight, again, because he definetly needed some way to make time pass, and ofcourse, there wasn't much distraction , other than work. He then decedied to call Zoya, and speak to her, as to how were things in Jersey, he was glad she had visited Nisha, his Di's sister in law.
...
TUESDAY - BOSTON - 6 PM
Asad made his way back to the apartment and knew he was getting impatient, and he really didn't know how would the next 24 hours pass.Zoya had left this afternoon , to visit her elder sister's, sister in law in New Jersey , who had just got a baby. Apparently , because her sister and brother in law couldn't come straight away to visit, and because she was here, she felt it would be right from atleast someone from the family to visit, and because she couldn't miss much of her classes, she had left today afternoon after school, and would be back tomm evening, because she only had two hours of classes on Wednesday, which wouldnt be much to miss.He missed her presence already and he recalled, how she had asked him to loose his grumpiness, when he had dropped her off at the airport, a few hours earlier. She had just been gone a few hours, and his impatience was growing already and he looked at his phone to see if she had called, because she'd said that she would the minute she reached. He saw that there wasn't any call , so he just felt his mind wander to the amazing time he had spent with her last night, and he couldn't help but smile as he recalled how good things were ever since they had made things clearer to each other two days earlier. He was surprised, not only by the fact that he had been so open about what he felt , but also about how used to he was of having her around, because now that he knew she wouldn't be for the next 24 hours, even the thought was enough to irritate the hell out of him.For the first time ever, he could feel himself fall for someone , and he knew he was falling fast, because ever since he had kissed her two days back , things had already taken a step further for him , because he knew that he could never be as attracted to anyone ever again as he was to Zoya, and he also knew, that he wouldn't want anyone else in his life, but Zoya.And he was thankful to his decisions of the past to keep away from casual flings, because he had never met anyone who had caught his interest, and now that he had, and he liked Zoya so much, there wasn't any confusion , and he was pretty clear in his head about what he wanted, and infact this was what he had been waiting for all his life anyway, to meet someone, whom he was always clear about in his head, with no confusions in the picture.And right then the memory of how she had melted in his arms, when he had kissed her last night, flashed through his mind, and he felt his impatience growing again, right when his phone rang and he picked it up in an instant -
"I just reached Asad, had a comfortable flight, where are you?"
"I just reached the appt, although I do not know what the hell am I going to do now..."
"Allah Miyaan , whats wrong with you?are you saying that you miss me..."
"I guess I am , if you interpret - I am so used to you now, that it's become a habbit, a habbit that I really like...as I miss you.."
" I like where this conversation is heading ,Mr Asad Ahemed Khan is missing me..."
"You cant blame me, Zoya Farooqui, you have done this to me, and you will be punished once you are back..."
"Oh really"
"Really..."
"You are adorable when you are so impatient, but its just one day, ill be back even before you know it, tomorrow..."
"Yeah...whats the noise?"
"Call waiting..."
"who is it?"
"Nikhil , I guess he wants to know if I reached safe..."
" Why does he want to know?"
"Asad, cmon..."
"Yeah fine, I know, anyway maybe it's the restlessness which is getting to me right now, I will talk to you later..."
"Ohk, will you feel better if I say, that I am missing you too, and I don't think I could be very patient too, until I see you next..."
Asad felt a grin on his face and he said - " And I feel better already...but come soon Zoya...before I run out on my patience"
"I will"
...
Asad's Appartment - 11 PM
Asad finished his remaining work , and looked at his phone, and he couldn't understand what had Zoya done to him , that he himself was quite surprised with what he was feeling , and how restless her not being around him , was making him , and he realized that he missed her, he missed her more than what he had thought he would, and right then he was still deep in thought, when his phone rang and he picked it up with a smile - " How did you know, I was just going to call you Zoya?"
"Well , I just knew it...Asad, im smart..."
"Hows it going?"
"Great, I am quite happy , I came, its fun, the baby is adorable...anyway you tell me what have you been upto?"
"Nothing much, was just working..."
"Hammond Constructions is making you work really hard, is it...?"
"No, that's really all sorted, I was just reviewing a few new sketches for the new collection at Khan Designs..."
"Oh...that's niceee..."
"You know my offer is still on..."
"I know..."
"But what I wonder is why are you having second thoughts anyway, you are working at a design company, I would love to have you at Khan designs..."
There was a long pause, and he thought of where she was lost , when he heard her -
"I know, I am thinking about it, maybe we could talk about this later...Asad"
"Yeah, and I guess you must be so tired too..."
"Yeah, I guess, I should sleep...goodnight Asad..."
"Goodnight Zoya..."
"Asad...?"
"yeah..."
"I guess, I miss you..."
"You guess?"
"I miss you..."
"That's good, coz I miss you too..."
"Is this weird?"
" I think , we both are..."
"Atleast its common, ill see you soon..."
"Cant wait..."
"I know, nor can I..."
Zoya hung up and she felt her insides churn once more, as confusion took over her mind, and she sighed, as once more, she had managed to escape Asad's offer, that she join him at work at Khan designs, but she knew she would have to answer him one day, and what would she say?That she couldn't ever work for him , because she wasn't who he thought she was,that she wasn't Zoya Farooqui, but the sister of the man he despised, Zoya Singh Raizada, and she felt a chill run down her spine as she felt that thought emerge once more, what if he never wanted to see her again after he knew the truth? What if he hated her...? She immediately took her phone and started to browse through the various pictures she had of them , from the last week...and she ordered herself to be positive, nothing so extreme would happen ofcourse, he would be mad ofcourse, but she would get him to understand, and he would understand, wouldn't he?
...
WEDNESDAY - 5 PM - LONDON
Khushi walked around impatiently in her room, and she felt her restleness grow, as she tried to think of how she would face him, she was still annoyed at him , and that's how it should have been, until wine got the better of her, and she called him almost half drunk in the middle of the night, and she immediately scolded herself again for having the two glasses, that she had had, she should have known , that she wouldn't be able to handle it, and would end up doing something really stupid, which ofcourse had happened.Good for her, that she remembered whatever she had said and she thanked her sleep, that she didn't end up blurting the truth, some of which she had given away already , and she knew for sure he was going to ask her about it, and she thought of various answers that she could come up with.Thats it, that was what she was going to do, give him his answers, and then maintain as much as distance from him as possible, because that was the best thing to do.Right then she heard a knock on her door, and she walked up to open the door, already knowing who it was , and she felt herself shiver, as she registered the sight of him in front of her, his intense gaze, already at its work, and she fought the urge to just tell him outright, that she'd missed him and gave him a stiff smile - " Hi...you are back, early?"
Arnav knew he had imagined himself to feel relieved when he would see her,but he had never imagined himself to feel the rush of million emotions that he felt in that moment , when his mind registered in the sight of her, and he fought the urge to pull her straight in his arms, and kiss her like he had been wanting and he smiled - "yeah, I got free early..." he lied, because he had instead purposely made sure, all his work was over early today, so that he could get to see Khushi, just in time, without having to wait extra, because the three day wait had done enough damage already, and he asked - " so you are still mad, that mad, that you wont ask me to come in or rather youd prefer me standing at the door?"
Khushi knew that would be really rude of her , so she gestured him to come in - " No, come in ofcourse..." and she started to make her way towards her room - " I was just unpacking..." and she immediately felt his hold on her hand and she said - " Arnav Please...don't.."
Arnav tugged at her hand, and pulled her back, so that he finally had her face to face , and he could see that he was making her really uncomfortable, but he didn't have the patience to wait any longer so he asked - please what Khushi..."
Khushi - " Please, leave me..." and he let go of her hand, and she started stepping back , as she said - "I don't wana talk..."
Arnav looked at her and he was done with playing kool , so he stepped forward, and she stepped back again - " too bad Khushi, because I want to..." and he stepped forward again, and she stepped back again and finally he saw her back hit the wall, and he caged her in between his arms, before she could run way and he said - "Khushi, look at me..."
Khushi looked everywhere else, but at him, but she couldn't do much...specially when she was trapped in between his arms and she heard him say again - " look at me, please...?"
And it was something in his voice, that made her look at him and just as she had, she thought she saw something similar, to what she had seen in her own eyes and he said - " will you please let me explain...?"
Khushi nodded silently, and waited for him to continue -
"I only said, what I said because I was frustrated, and I was angry, with your behaviour, because, one minute everything was fine, and in the next, you seemed so indifferent...and I couldn't comprehend what the hell was up with you, and then di called, and she started to question me as to why was I spending so much time with you, which is usually unlike me, and so I just said whatever you heard, in sheer frustration, I didn't mean any of it Khushi..."
Khushi looked at him and she knew he was being honest and so she said - " Its alright, I understand...im not mad at you anymore, now will you please let me go..."
Arnav looked at her confused - "Khushi, whats the matter, I thought its all sorted...what does this mean...?"
Khushi - "This means , that I am pretty sure we should try to stay out of each others way..its for the best..."and she tried to get out of his caged arms
Arnav pulled her back instantly and pinned her back to the wall once more and asked - " for the best? Have you lost it? Do you have any freaking idea, as to what I have been going through ever since you left...? I almost came after you, but work came up so I couldn't, and because I just couldn't sit back patiently and wait for you to return, I piled up work for distraction , and I made sure I got free early , so that I could come see you today, and sort things out, as soon as you were back...and now you are saying, that we should just stay out of each others way, haven't you heard that there are somethings that are just easier said, than done...and I know you feel something Khushi, you cant run away from that"
Khushi felt her own resolve breaking and she said - " Arnav..please understand..."
Arnav shot her a look of sheer disbelief - " what, understand what dammit, make me understand...and pls don't tell me its because you feel I would hate you one day...and would you enlighten me why do you feel that way anyway?"
Khushi hesitated, and she saw the look on his face, and everything she had deceided about staying away from him , washed away in that fraction of a second as she said looking straight in the eye - " you would, if you felt that I am not the kinds, as in if I am not enough, and I am stupid, nave and young..."
Arnav - " what the hell Khushi, you are twisting my words..."
Khushi - "No I am not, im just being honest, what if one day , you find out, that I am not who you think me to be...?"
Arnav - " for heaven sake Khushi, stop beating round the bush, I know who you are..." And before she could say anything he put his palm over her mouth - "shh not a word, and you will listen to me Khushi Gupta, I like you, and I like you for who you are in front of me, and I probably like you more, than my own good, coz I missed you terribly while you were away, and I realized and deceided in that moment, that the minute you were back I would tell you the truth..."
Khushi couldn't believe how happy she felt in that moment, for she was hearing the exact words from him that she had been longing to hear and she moved his hand away and asked - " what did you just say? You missed me?"
Arnav nodded and he saw her smile and he felt relieved and he teased - " you wont ask why?"
Khushi smiled - "I will , after I tell you that I missed you too..."
Arnav grinned - " Why?"
Khushi smiled - " You know, since I haven't been able to get you out of my system ever since I first met you..."
Arnav grinned -" well that makes the two of us on the same boat, because I haven't been able to get you out of my system too..."
Khushi felt he breath fall short as she saw him lean in closer and he whispered - " so there is something that Iv been wanting to do for a long time now, and also since I first laid my eyes on you today..."
Khushi whispered, almost feeling his breath on her lips and she waited in anticipation - "what...?"
Arnav saw her shut her eyes, and he could literally feel her shiver in his arms, and he felt his one hand go around her waist as he pulled her closer to himself, and then because he couldn't wait any longer, kissed her quivering lips softly at first, but when he felt her hold on to his arm tightly and her hand went into his hair, as she tugged him even closer, and began responding to him , he lost all his resolve of being gentle and the kiss turned into a deep passionate one, and he felt himself never wanting to stop, something which he hadn't felt in a long time, and so he pulled as close as he could, and continued to kiss her as much hed wanted. He had imagined the scenario a million times, in his head, but what he felt , was no where near what he had imagined, and once more Khushi had managed to mesmerize him , in her own unique way.
Khushi broke apart a few minutes later, because a thought had crossed her mind and she said catching her breath - " I like you too, Arnav...and I like you way too much for my own good..too..."
Arnav felt a grin curve up his lips - " I think , it's a good thing...dont you think...?"
Khushi - "I don't know..."
Arnav chuckled - " I like that look on you, its adorable..."and he brushed her hair aside tenderly - " you mesmerize me Khushi, did you know that...?"
Khushi smiled - "No...but now I do.."
Arnav grinned - " And I am glad you do..." and he bent forward , already wanting to kiss her again, and so he did, and then as she started to kiss him back once more, the passion that took over the moment was both equally suprising and mesmerizing.
...
BOSTON - 6 PM
Asad drove as fast as he could, and he literally dammed his work for coming up at the last moment, and he hadn't been able to pick Zoya from the airport because he was caught up in the meeting.She had messaged him that she had taken the cab , and had reached home a while back, and so he got free as soon as he could, so that he could get back and meet Zoya asap.He parked the car, in the basement, and his restlessness was growing onto him and he quickly made his way to the lift and waited for the elevator to take him to his destination , quite impatiently.
Asad stepped out of the lift, and he saw that the door to her apartment was open,so he walked in , to see her sitting on the table with her attention preoccupied in her laptop, while she spoke on the phone, and the minute she saw him , the 1000 watt smile that had smitten him came on her face, and she got up immediately and walked upto him , and gave him a sidehug, and then gestured him that, she would just get back as soon as she finished the call.
Asad smiled, and he felt relieved, finally at calm, at finally seeing her in front of him, and he gestured to her that it was alright, and he sat on the chair , she had been sitting on , and his eyes fell on her laptop, on the desktop picture, of Khushi and Zoya, hugging and laughing, and he couldn't help but grin, as the thought crossed his mind, what would be Khushi's reaction if he told her, that her best friend had caught his interest in a way no one ever had, and that he liked her quite a lot more than he had ever liked anyone, ofcourse she would be happy, he was sure, she had always pestered him about not taking interest in girls, and probably this news would make her happy, because he knew she loved Zoya to bits.Right then his eyes fell on a little folder , which titled - Family pictures, and he felt inquisitive, and was just about to click the icon , right when he heard Zoya's voice behind him - "Allah Miyaan, whats wrong with you...Mr.Khan...you see me after one whole day, and my laptop interests you more..." , she faked anger.
Asad shut her laptop and shoved it aside and grinned, and pulled her by the hand closer - " ofcourse not, you do...but since you were busy on the phone...you know the picture of you have on your DP is really nice..."
Zoya smiled - "I know, its my fav pic, of me and Khushi...and sorry I was justtalking to laura, she was filling me in about what I missed in class today"
Asad smiled - " Not a problem...So I was just wondering, what would be Khushi's reaction to this..."
Zoya's grinned - " And why didn't I think of that..yet..."
"well coz, im just smarter, Miss Farooqui..."
"no, Mr.Khan, I didn't think of it, because if you are thinking shell be surprised, you are right and you are wrong..."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean shell be surprised from your angle, not from mine, she kind of knew how I felt, anyway..." and she started to fiddle with her files on the table.
Asad pulled her by the hand and made her look at him - " what do you mean , she knew...?"
Zoya looked everywhere, but at him embarrassed - " well, she kind of knew how...ughhh...stop it...you know what I mean already...dont you..?"
Asad grinned - "Yeah...since when though?"
"Ever since I met you first..." , ever since I was 13 years old, she added to herself silently.
"So will you tell her, Or I should?"
"I was thinking to tell her myself, but then I thought barely week and a half is left until we go back, so maybe we could tell her face to face, I don't want to miss her expression"
Asad nodded - " sounds good...anywhich ways, I know, she will approve of my choice..."
"Oh really , I guess she would approve of mine too..."
"So you still gotta tell me about how did it go at Jersey"
"I will , after you tell me about how much you missed me..."
"Did I say , I missed you? Oh I didn't mean it..." and he felt her smack him on his arm - "ouch, seriously" , he faked being hurt, and then he pulled her even closer - "so you want to know about how much I missed you?"
"yes..."
"I did, pretty much honestly, you see with you areound, im used to not having a dull moment around, and yesterday was lets just say...dull..."
"you mean, you missed me only because of that...I didn't know I was a walking entertainment channel", she teased.
Asad grinned - "That, and its time you knew you are and also I missed everything about you, so I just used my work patiently as a distraction..."
"Don't Lie, you were anything but patient..."
Asad grinned - " Talking about patience, have you ever heard how they say, the fruit of patience is always sweet..."
Zoya nodded - "yeah...so...?"
Asad leaned in forward - " so..." and she understood what he was hinting at, and she felt her own hands go around his neck, as he leaned in the claimed the remaining distance between their lips, and zoya gave in to his passionate kiss, and she was glad he was holding her, or her legs would have definetly given her away.
They broke apart a few heated minutes later, and Asad grinned as hecupped her face tenderly - " Ammi was right, the fruit is indded sweet...or maybe exotic , I should add..." he winked.
Zoya blushed furiously - "Stop it Asad , please..." and she immediately felt him make her look at him as he added - " no but jokes apart, otherwise im a very patient man, but when it comes to you, I don't think I can be, now I know what people mean, when they say , patience is something which is easier said , than done..."
Zoya smiled - " I always thought it is, anyway..."
Asad grinned - " Note that as another thing we got in common then..."
Zoya grinned - "noted..." and she tiptoed once more, to receive his kiss.
...
Fate grinned mischeviously - I know what they mean, its really easier said than done, im not very patient myself..." and he turned to Destiny and asked - " seriously , how do you just watch it all patiently , when you know in the end it will anyway come around to what you have already written..."
Destiny smiled - " well, honestly I don't know, patience comes to me naturally, you know it will to anyone, who has the job as tedious as mine..."
Fate - "And you gotta point there, my friend..."
Destiny grinned - "Don't I always...? Why don't you ask Love the same anyway, I still wonder how both, patience and impatience are both equally an important part of her..."
Love smiled - "because, I have to admit, like almost everything in this world, I have two sides to my coin, one which can be very patient, and one which just cannot be...its as simple as that..."
Right then they heard a voice which said - " There you go , being all mysterious and talking in riddles again...why do you have to be so complex anyway..."
Love smiled as she turned to Hate - " Welcome back, how was your vacation...?
Hate rolled his eyes but answered nonetheless - " It was good, had a blast, I quite needed it..."
Love smiled - "I know..." and before she could say more, she saw her friend Fate grin and say - " I must admit honestly , I missed you , Hate.."
Hate finally smiled, knowing that he was missed, made him feel better, he did not understand why did love get all the importance anyway and he admitted honestly - " I know, I missed myself too..."
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Edited by arnav.khushi - 8 years ago
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