Hi everyone,
So I had written this story on Arnav, Khushi, Asad and Zoya back in 2013 and used to post it in QH and IPKKND forum.I had written about 7 Chapters, and stopped due to some personal reasons, I was not getting the time to continue,however I was surprised when I received a few messages from my readers that they are still waiting for me to continue, and now that I have recovered from my writers block, I am continuing with my work one by one. And I just felt like continuing this plot first.So I have started with it, and posted Chapter 8 , continuing it from where I left. Also since that link must have expired, since it was so old, i am starting this new thread, in which I am posting all the old parts first then the new one.
Thank you so much everyone for all your love and support to my work, always.
I am happy to continue writing, and i hope you all enjoy it.
Sorry for all the halts.
Thanks
Prachi
...
FF - The Desperate Kingdom of Love
Chapter 1 - The Silent Truth - Page 1
Chapter 2 - A Strange Wish...for a Strange impossibility - page 1
Chapter 3 - Just a Lie...or a Wonderful Lie It Is? - page 1
Chapter 4 - Just Life, or A Movie It Is? - page 1
Chapter 5 - A Pinch Of Jealousy and Some Fireworks - page 1
Chapter 6 - And Somethings are Just Easier, said than Done - page 1
Chapter 7 - Cant Stop this thing We'v started? - page 1
Chapter 8 - Every Picture Tells a Story - page 2
Chapter 9 - I want to Make it Upto You - page 4
Chapter 10 - Flowers and Storms - page 6
Chapter 11 - The First Cut Is The Deepest-page 8
Chapter 12 - The Heart Still Beats - page 10
Chapter 13 - If Only - page 12
Chapter 14 - Set Me Free - page 16
Chapter 15 - Giving Up - page 24
Chapter 16 - Moving On - page 26
Chapter 17 - Stealing Time - page 31
Chapter 18 - Stealing Chances -page 33
Chapter 19 - Now or Never - page 35 (old 36)
Chapter 20 - Some Bits and Pieces - page 37
Chapter 21- The Distant Road - page 39
Chapter 22 - Go The Distance - page 40
Chapter 23 - Risking It All -page 43
Chapter 24 - Longing - page 45
Chapter 25 - As Long As You Love Me - page 47
Chapter 26 - Game Time - page 48 (old 49)
Chapter 27 - Quit Playing Games With My Heart - page 51 (old 52)
Chapter 28 - Falling Apart - page 54 (old 55)
Chapter 29 - Broken - page 57
Chapter 30 - Can Somebody Stich Me Up?? - page 58 (old 59)
Chapter 31 - The Trillion Broken Pieces of My Heart - page 63 (old 64)
Note - Page 65 (old 66)
Chapter 32 - Ripped - Part A and B - page 65 (old 66)
Chapter 33 - The Mirror of the Past - page 70 (old 71)
Chapter 34 - Standstill - page 72 (old 73)
Chapter 35 - The Aftermath - page 76 (old 78)
Chapter 36 - The Thoughts That Cross My Heart - page 79 (old 80)
Chapter 37 - Upside Down -page 82 (old 83)
NOTE AND CHAPTER 38 - HEART TO HEART - PAGE 85 (old 87)
Chapter 39 - Too Many Goodbye's - page 88 (old 89)
Chapter 40 - In Between the Lines - page 93 (old 94)
Chapter 41 - Puzzled Connections - page 98 (old 100)
Chapter 42 - The Wings of Time - Part A and B - page 102
Chapter 43 - Being Cupid - Page 107
Chapter 44 - A Step Closer Into You - Part A and B - page 113
Chapter 45 - Hold Me Now - Part A and B - page 115
Chapter 46 - All I Need Is You - page 128
Chapter 47 - Giving In - 130
Chapter 48 - Home - page 126
Chapter 49 - Forever with You - page 128
Chapter 50 - Always - page 129
Chapter 51 - I will Always Love You - page 130 ( Last Chapter)
The Story is Complete
…..
(ok guys, i need to edit the page nos of the chapters, i guess it all changed with the updates of the website..i will be doing it soon)
The Desperate Kingdom Of..Love.
Character Sketch:
The Raizada's
Arnav Singh Raizada - 28 years Old. A successful businessman- Founder of AR Industries - his flagship launch being AR Designs...and as Success bore to new Heights...he ventured into new segments and diversified...to become one of the most successful names in the country. He is ruthless and arrogant for the world...because of the dark past that changed everything Ten years ago.
Zoya Singh Raizada - A bubbly charming and a lovely...full of Life girl, 23 years of age...She was now living in London or rather been sent there for her studies as she had turned 18..by her family.
She loved her family to bits...she missed her father...whose tragic death ten years ago...had changed everything in their lives...as her mother had slipped into Coma. She loved her elder sister Anjali - who was more like a mother to a growing up her...and she looked upto and loved her elder brother Arnav to bits. She was so proud of him...because it was because of his struggle and hardwork..and his sacrifices for the family - that the rest were in a happy place today. She could do anything and everything for him.
Rest of the Raizada characters are pretty much the same...Anjali Raizada is happily married to Shyam ..but she lives in Shantivan.
Akash, payal, Mami and Nani characters are pretty much the same.
Kkusum Raizada - Arnav. Anjali and Zoya's mother...who has been lying in Coma since ten years...and is also the sole witness to the tragedy that took place ten years ago that destroyed the friendship and happiness of the two families - Khan and Raizada.
...
The Khans-
Asad Ahemed Khan - 28 Years old.A successful businessman...Founder of the Khan Industries - his flagship launch being Khan constructions...but as he gained success ..he ventured into new segments...and is one of the most successful names in the country.The other reason why he is so aggressive in his line of business is because he always makes sure that he isnt a step behind and at par with his arch rival- Arnav Singh Raizada. He is arrogant and ruthless and very tradional man with strong beleifs in his culture. But he loves his family to bits...his mother Dilshaad is his weakness along with his younger sister Khushi. Not a day passes when the tragedy of the past doesn't come to haunt him...of the day ten years ago when everything changed and he lost his father and the youngest sister Najma.He hates with Intensity so deep that his sole purpose is to take revenge for what happened to his family all those years ago..and he will only sit in peace once he has destroyed everything Arnav Singh Raizada has ever had and everthing that he has dreamed off.
Khushi Ahemed Khan - A very happy go lucky, lovely and a bubbly girl, 22 years of age.Her family is her strength and weakness.She loves her mother Dilshaad to bits and looks upto her brother Asad as a father...and she knows that her brother had shielded them of pain and beared the dark times all alone.She was proud of him and she had never ever refused to a thing he has said.She was sent to London to study as she was 18..and has been there since...but she visits home every holidays.
Rest of The Khan family includes Dilshaad and a few more relatives that shall be introduced as the story progresses.
...
They say...Love conquers all, but will Love ever blossom in the hearts which have been cast under a spell of hatred and revenge...and even if it Does...will Love be strong enough to live past the web of hatred, revenge , lies and the boundaries of religion...Will Love finally be able to write the Destiny..which was always meant to be??
What will happen...when the four hearts will come face to face in the Desperate Kingdom of Love??
Will Love Finally be able to Conquer it All?
...
Chapter 1 - The Silent Truth
Almost everyone in our Lives we know atleast talks about or tells us or rather lectures us about the importance of Boundaries in our Lives...about the limits that perhaps we should never cross...and about how we should always stick to them...but isnt it ironical...That No one ever told the truth in the first place...the truth that doesn't make a noise but exists silently in our being...the truth that in the World of the heart...the word Boundary doesn't even Exist in its otherwise complicated dictionary of emotions...It just never has...and probably it just never ever will...
...
6.30 AM - @Barkat ( Khan's Mansion)
Asad Ahemed Khan...woke up with a start as his alarm clock went off...and got ready in his workout clothes and made his way down to the basement of his home.He swtiched on the lights to the otherwise dark room...and shut the door...he switched on the soft music on his Ipod which was stationed on the speaker base...and started his day as usually with his workout routine...the only time in the day he had for himself...because most of the rest of the day would be burried in Work...and once he was home...he would spend that much needed time with his mother...and then talking to his younger sister Khushi..who was studying in London...and then at night...the memories of the past would come to haunt him...haunt him...until sleep took over...memories of how Life used to be ten years ago...
He increased the speed on the cardio as he ran and remembered the death of his father and his little sister Najma...and how happiness left him that day...as he lost so much in that one day- His father...his sister...his best friend...the family he had grown up with...whose friendship was always talked about by people...
He brought his run to a stop as he reminded himself that all of that was ten years ago..when he was 18...and a different person all together.And it didn't matter now...because the truth of his Life was too bitter to ignore - Today he hated...he despised the best friend he grew up with...he hated him to the core...and no memory of the good old past could outlive the hatred he felt for Arnav Singh Raizada..today...
Right then he rememebered something..and so he called his secretary and asked him book his tickets for the flight tonight to US...his construction company had just won a contract...the contract which AR had been bidding for too...he was happy that he had outsmarted Raizada this time...and had backed the deal that would generate millions and also bring a lot of goodwill to Khan Industries.
He felt a sarcastic smirk on his lips as he imagined the face of his rival...and his reaction to his defeat.He had never come face to face with him in these Ten Years...in the sense they had never spoken a word to each other...but the cold war existed...and it was always in the air...even at the business conferences and award functions they had spotted each other in.
He finished his workout a while later and walked up to see his Ammi already preparing breakfast.He smiled as he walked upto her and wished her goodmorning.
Asad - Ammi...I forgot to tell you last night..ill be leaving for US tonight...we have backed the deal...and I am really happy that we have...and ill be flying via London...but its just going to be in transit...and I did not tell Khushi about it too...do u think shell be mad that I ddnt stop to visit her first? I mean she didn't even come home for holidays this summer...'
Dilshaad smiled as she made her son sit down on the chair besides her and said - Well no Asad...Khushi will not be mad...she understands her bhaijaan has a lot of work...and secondly she did not come because its her final year right ..she is just finishing her MBA...u know she is busy with her dissertation...and once that finishes...she will be back for good...and honestly I cant wait too..I miss her so much too...this house is eerie with the silence without her'...but she stopped in midsentence as she saw her sons face harden in pain and so she diverted the topic and said - anyway...congratulations on the deal...is this the one for Khan designs?'
Asad replied sipping his coffe - no ammi...this is the construction deal...the one in Boston...'
Dilshaad's face hardened as she remembered what her son was talking about as she had seen it in the news and so she whispered softly - Asad...I know you ...and I can see that you are not happy that u won...you are happy that you defeated Arnav...isnt it?
Asad put his cup down in anger as he looked up at his mother - ammi...please...lets not go there again...'
Dilshaad said desparately - how do u not expect me too Asad...its been ten years...cant the two of you let it go already?He was like a son to me...wasn't he a brother to you too Asad?'
Asad got up angrily as he answered - It's the Past ammi...and no..i cannot let this go...its because of his family...that we lost abbu and Najma...' as he tried to hide the pain in his voice..
Dilshaad replied with tears in her eyes - I know...we lost a lot Asad...but he lost his father too...and he blames us for Kkusum's condition till date
Asad , now unable to control his anger - that's not true...'
Dilshaad sighed - exactly...that's what im trying to say...when will this blame game ever end Asad...it will only when the two of you will stop this war...and talk things out...please listen to me...'
Asad looked directly into his Ammi's eyes and he answered - Ammi ask me anything else but not this...please...just don't...Somethings don't ever end...and this war like u say it is one of them...accept it ...just like I have ...and stop torturing yourself in the hope that everything will be fine one day...because it never will...because I wont let that happen...as Long as I live'...and he walked back to his room...and started to pack.
Dilshaad walked into her room with tears in her eyes as she looked at the picture frame of her husband and whispered brokenly - I wish I knew what exactly happened all those years ago Rashid...I have already lost you...and Najma...and I fear...that this enimity will only bring us harm...I miss Anjali...I miss Kkusum...I miss Arnav...I miss seeing the little girl..Kkusum's youngest daughter...the one I had named...Zoya...she must be all grown up bynow..just like our Khushi,..who Kkusum had named...I miss how Life used to be Rashid...' And she hugged the frame tighter as she wept helplessly wondering that was she really torturing herself in the Hope..in the hope that everything will be alright one day...and a shiver ran through her spine as she remembered her sons words...
...
Shantivan- 8.00 am
Arnav Singh Raizada returned home from his morning run...and he thought that it had really helped his anger and frustration that had been engulfing him since yesterday ..when his company had lost out that deal to Khan.
It angered him to the core...not because he lost...because he knew...that it was a part of the game...since AR constructions was barely a few years old...unlike Khans which had been in the business for 9 years now...but it angered him still...that he lost to Asad Ahemed Khan...and hatred instantly surfaced again...as he crossed his mother's room...and he entered to see the Nurse by her side...and he asked her if everything was alright to which he got the usual response like he got every morning...that all her vital parameters were fine...but there was no movement...and he fought tears of pain...as he watched his mother sleep in Coma for one more day...since the past ten years...the only movement that had ever happened was in her fingers...once when Zoya was by her side...when she was visiting home in the holidays last summer...and they had all felt a ray of hope...only to be disappointed as the doctor reconfirmed that Kkusum Raizada was still in Coma.
He walked back to his room...with hatred ruling his mind...as he looked at his bedside table where a picture of his father and mother lay...and the picture looked at him smilingly...and so he hugged the picture as he remembered the memory of it...the day it had been clicked...it was on at his 18th birthday party...or rather...not just his...Asad and his...the families...had celebrated it together...because they were only a week apart...Asad was like his brother since they had grown up together...just like how Zoya and Asad's sister were like best friends at that tender age of 13...He remembered how all of them used to dote on Najma...the youngest in their group for she was just 7...and was she adorable...he and Asad had named her Tamatar...and just as that memory came...pain seared through his being as he shot back to the present...Asad was no more a brother or a friend...he was now a enemy...his father was dead...his mother was in Coma...and Najma was dead.
Just then he saw his sister Anjali walk into his room and he quickly kept the photoframe aside and he smiled - di...aap...you should have called me...'
Anjali smiled as she brushed the hair on her chotte's forhead and handed him the glass of juice - how was your run Chotte?
Arnav smiled as he sipped his juice - great..di..as always...so have u packed already?
Anjali sat next to her brother and said - No Chotte...infact that's what iv come to talk to you about...your jiju has come up with some work in Singapore...and he wants me to come along...so I was thinking...but what about London..i Mean?
Arnav instantly spoke - Di...you should go...with jijaji...hes been so understanding all these years...so I will not be selfish...and don't worry about London...I will go...'
Anjali asked - You will?
Arnav nodded - yes I will...di...I know...that Zoya has to go for that course she signed up for the summer at Harvard...and I must say I am proud of her di...not only did she fnish her MBA well...but also is handling our London branch for AR designs so well...altho I wondered a year ago...why she wanted to work there and not here in the first place...but now...when I look at what my little sister has become..i am proud...im sure...even maa would be..' and he choked on the words due to the emotion that surfaced up..
Anjali smiled sadly - I know what u mean Chotte...i am so proud of her too..im glad we sent her away...and u know that's why I was going there...because of this deal she has been working on...but now coz of summer school...its all clashing...'
Arnav nodded - I know...its alright...ill go...its just three weeks isnt it? And anyway I think I haven't been away for a while...will be like a break...and I guess I will also meet the real estate companies...we had been scheduling for...itll be good for AR constructions...since we just lost...'
Anjali sighed- Lost that deal to Asad..I know...its all over the news...its caused the share prices of Khan industries to rise up a little'
Arnav nodded curtly - I know...that was always his forte anyway...just like design is ours...and we have bagged every single deal internationally beating Khan designs anyway'
Anjali asked slowly - Exactly...so why did you have to enter his forte anyway...and why did he have to enter yours'
Arnav looked at his sieter straight in the eye as he answered dryly - You know it isnt just Personal anymore di...its much more than that and...its complicated di...please stay out of it..'
Anjali sighed - But for how long will this continue Chotte? For heavens sake...its been ten years...you know it kills us...this enimity ...this rivalry...you two of been holding on to...i cant believe there was a time when he two of you were inseparable brothers...just imagine...one day if Maa wakes up...how will she feel...Asad was like a son to her too...'
Arnav sat up angrily as he answered - he was di..he was...and Maa has been silent for ten years di...just stop it di...stop wondering if everything will ever get back to what it used to be ten years ago...because it just never will...everything has changed...everyone of us has changed...
Anjali tried to calm down her brother as she said - Ok baba...calm down...im sorry chotte...ohk now why don't u do ur packing...and'
Arnav nodded controlling his anger - alright...and ill just ask Aman to get the hotel booked...
Anjali - no no...why will u stay in a hotel chotte? Zoya's appatment is there na...stay there...its serviced...and I know she isnt going to be there...but im sure shel be angry if her brother doesn't use her place and stays in a hotel instead...'
Arnav thought for a minute as he said - ohk I will speak to her...but what about the keys? I guess shes leaving tonight...and ill only reach after shes left..di this is weird...ill stay at the hotel'
Anjali smiled - No chotte you will not...and just ask her to drop the keys with someone at the building...her friends or something..you can take it from them...I remember you saying that u met a friend of hers who stays in the same building...the last time you visited...whats her name...Khus...' but before she could complete her sentence she heard her brother answer deep in thought - Khushi Gupta...but I'v only met her once..actually twice.'
Anjali smiled - Yeah..so what..I am sure she would do Zoya a favour...why don't u just pack...I will speak to Zoya..'
...
London - 6.30 PM
Khushi sat on Zoya's bed as she watched her pack...and worked on her dissertation side by side...just when her phone rang and she saw it was her brother...so she quickly picked up her phone and gestured to Zoya that it was from home...and walked towards the small kitchenette of Zoya's studio apartment and sat on the chair as she spoke -
Khushi - Bhaijaan...how are you and ammi? Honestly I know you will be perfect since we just skyped last night...
She heard her brother laugh on the phone as he said - Khushi...sab thik hai..alls good...I forgot to tell u last night...im flying to US tonight...for a business deal...and its via London but in transit...so I wont be able to visit...but maybe on my way back...you aren't angry are you?
Khushi's eyes widened but she brushed the thought away - ofcourse not bhaijaan...I know u have a lot of work...but visit me on my way back...ohk...surely..I miss you...I haven't seen you in so long...'
Asad smiled as he said - I miss you too..cant wait for you to be back home...ohk now..i gotta board...ill speak to you later...ohk?say my Hi to Miss farooqui...and U take care...ohk.'
Khushi smiled as she answered - Sure ...you too bhaijaan...take care'..and she put down the phone as she walked back into Zoya's room...and she saw Zoya busy looking for something and so she asked - what is it?
Zoya frowned - nothing..my file...' And she rumbled through some stuff and found out...so she smiled as she said - Thank god...I just found it...who was it?Ammi...hows she?
Khushi - No...it was bhaijaan...hes was just telling me that hes going to US tonight...and he says Hi...but yes ofcourse Ammi is good...I spoke to her last night...and hws everyone else at home..?'
Zoya sighed as she sat down next to her and whispered softly - everyones good Khushi...maa is still..u know...no improvement..but how sometimes I wish I could just speak to Ammi...and..'
Khushi nodded - I know what you mean...i feel so too...Anjali di has always been an elder sister to me...I miss our good old times so much...when...' she choked on her words but she continued - Im glad I ran into you here Zoya..last year...or else another year would have gone in my wish to meet my best friend...'
...
Flashback**
A Year before -
Zoya had just finished he MBA at the London School of Business...and she had just submitted her dissertation...but she was in no mood of going back to Delhi...and so she had spoken to her brother and Anjali and deceided to work for the AR branch...in London for a while...her brother had cribbed a little...but Anjali had convinced him to just let Zoya just be...
One evening...when she was returning from work...she saw the door to the studio apartment opposite her's open...and she was glad that someone had finally moved in...on the same floor...and so she walked a little in to see...who it must be...
She stumbled across a few carton boxes and just when she was about to call out to see if anybody was there...a picture frame in the carton box caught her eye...and shock reeled through her...as she recognized the picture...the picture of the 13 year old her hugging her best friend Khushi...and she picked it up to see if it were really what she saw ...and just when she saw a girl walk up to her and so she smiled as she asked - Hi...Im Zoya...I live across the hall...I was just seeing...who it must be..welcome to the building...and you are..?
The girl smiled as she answered - I am Khushi...Khushi Ahemed Khan...and I just enrolled in for my MBA at London Business School...I didn't even like the student accomadation back at Cardiff..so this time I thought...ill just rent a studio appt...and so...' But she stopped in midsentence as she saw the girls eyes widen and so she asked - Zoya...whats the matter...did I say something wro..' just when she saw the girl get out a photoframe from behind her as she whispered - Zoya...zoya singh raizada...khushi...'
Realisation dawned on Khushi...as tears of happiness flew from her eyes as she instantly pulled Zoya into a hug - Zoyaa...you...here...I mean..look at you...its been so many years...'
Zoya hugged Khushi back as she said - I know...9 years...but not a day had passed that I hadn't remembered my best friend...' and she took Khushi by the hand and took her to her studio as she showed her the same picture on her collage...'
Khushi whispered - Unbeleivale...for us to bump into each other like this...I mean...but what are you doing here..I mean?
Zoya smiled through her tears - I just finished the course you are beginning..'
Khushi smiled but frowned at the same time - so wait...are you like leaving...i mean...'
Zoya smiled as she said - No...khushi..im not...cmon lets go grab a bite...we have 9 years of our lives to catch up on...'
Flashback Ends**
...
Zoya smiled as the memory of how she had stumbled across Khushi a year back as she said - I know...me too...and I cant believe that we have held this as a secret from our families...until now...because I cant even believe what will bhai's reaction be...'
Khushi nodded trying to control her heartbeat at the mention of his name- I know...me too...even bhaijaan...'
Zoya smiled sadly - I know...Asad...hes always been like that now hasn't he...remember how he used to trouble us when we were young...and then get all angry about it when ammi scolded him...and remember when I told u all those years ago...that ur brother khushi was my first crush...he hasn't changed much Khushi on that note. Of his anger...I know he hates us so much'...she felt tears brim up her eyes - so much has changed...khushi...so much...bhai has...asad has...I miss how we all were one big happy family Khushi...and now..look we have to hide the very fact that we are almost living together...this is the only thing I have hidden from bhai till now...coz I will not loose u again...somewhere deep down I do not understand the reason for this war anyway...'
Khushi nodded - I know me too...we all lost so much...but anyway...they must have their reasons right...sometimes I wonder...don't they think of it...too...of how they were best friends more like brothers...do we need to live in this hatred and loose each other too...'
Zoya nodded sadly - I know...I wonder so too' and just then her phone rang...and she gestured it to Khushi that it was Anjali di and she picked it up and spoke to her for a while...and when she put down the phone worriedly..Khushi asked - what happened?is everything is alright at home?
Zoya nodded nervously as she explained - yes at home is..but here it wont be'
Khushi looked at her confusedly - what..what do u mean? I know ur leaving tonight for summer school and yes ill miss you..but its just three weeks...and..'
Zoya explained - no khushi...but three weeks of you going to have be Khushi Gupta..again..'
Khushi's eyes widened as she asked - what...???
Zoya looked at her nervously - Bhai is coming...for probably two-three weeks...to take care of the project id been working on...but due to summer school...remember Di was going to come...but I guess there is a change of plan...and bhai will be staying here...di has asked me to leave the keys with you..'
Zoya saw Khushi's mouth open up in surprise as she comprehended whatever she had said in silence as she looked at Zoya helplessly - two three weeks...Zoya..how will i...i mean...you had..i know it was in an instant that time..'
Zoya smiled as she pulled her into a hug - honestly add this to be the only lie iv told him...i cudnt help it Khushi...u know...it was too instant...when he visited unexpectedly..and he saw the two of us together...i had to instantly just introduce you as Khushi Gupta...because well Gupta is perhaps the first thing that came to my mind...'
Khushi smiled as she pulled back - its ohk...ill manage...I mean I had done the same hadn't I...when bhaijaan had showed up three months back...and introduced youto him as Zoya farooqui...' but she frowned as she said - that's the only lie...iv told bhaijaan...but I wonder...if the two ever find this out...'
Zoya rolled her eyes as she said - they will never...trust me...I mean..bhai hes alws too preoccupied with work to even comprehend that you are Khushi Ahemed Khan- the sister of his once best friend- now enemy...and..'
Khushi grinned - and you are not going to be living with bhaijaan across the hall anyway...but remember just like I taught you last time...if u ever bump into him ever...'
Zoya laughed as she recalled the catch phrase she had used for the entire day..three months ago...when Asad Ahemed Khan had come to town to visit his younger sister..and she winked and said - I remember Khushi...and if I ever bump into him...I shall live up with ur side of the story... and exclaim all around him...Allah Miyaan ...whats wrong with you...Mr.Khan..' she winked as she returned to do her packing.
...
A few hours Later -
Zoya finished with her packing and had her bags ready..as she pulled Khushi into a hug - Ill miss you so much...here are the keys...and all the best...just be careful around him...and all will be ohk..trust me...and u have any problem...just whts app me...'
Khushi smiled as she said - Yeah don't worry...now...go...and come back soon...ohk...' and she walked Zoya down to the taxi and bid her bye.
Zoya sat in the cab...and it was only then did she think of him...the one she had never been able to get out of her mind...ever since shed seen him three months ago...had come face to face with the changed him..after ten years..she had forgotten all about the first crush she had had on him when she was 13...because ofcourse everything had changed...their families had cut out all ties...and she had never dared to ask her brother...anything...it was only a year ago that she had finally met Khushi...who always was like a sister to her...even Najma...she wiped her tears silently as the memories of the past came to haunt her...she knew Khushi cried several times in the memory of Najma...and her father...just like she did...in the memory of her father...and her mother...who lay in Coma since all these years...but they both always tried to be strong in front of the other...and give each other the strength silently...and because her bond with Khushi had always been close to her heart..that she had lied to her brother...who she otherwise always looked upto...and her mind thought of how her brother would react...if he ever found out...that the sister he doted on..her mind was being haunted by the memory of his enemy...ever since she had spent a day with him and Khushi...three months ago.She knew...that's where...her boundaries lied...things were already very complicated...but as she browsed her phone..and saw the picture..of Asad and Khushi she had clicked from her phone...from his last visit...her heart ached...and somewhere deep down she prayed that she never met Asad Ahemed Khan again...because she feared...that if she ever did...her heart wouldn't understand the meaning of the boundary any more...the boundary that yelled...that she could not think about the man..her brother hated...that she wasn't allowed to feel for the man...her brother despised.
...
Khushi shut the door to he studio apartment as she placed her keys , along with Zoya's on the table and lied down on her bed ...deep in thought...as she felt her heart wander one more time...just like it did every night..since the past six months...since she had been saved by a accident that otherwise would have taken place...on the busy streets of London...by him...she did not recognize him then...but she had felt her heartbeats go haywire...for the first time...and she thought she would never meet him again...and then fate struck as she met him again...the same day...to know that he was Arnav Singh Raizada...her brother's once upon a time best friend- now enemy and rival...and Zoya had instantly saved the situation...as she had introduced her as Khushi Gupta. She cursed her heart as it revisited the memory of how she had found it difficult to take her eyes off him...and control her heartbeat...for the two days he had been around...infact when he Left...she was happy..that her heartbeat had gotten back to being all normal...but then everytime when she would feel her heart thinking of him...she would google his name...and read all about the flings he had...and ofcourse his rivalry with Asad Ahemed Khan...so that her heart could understand the boundary her mind wanted to lay down here.She could not think of him...not only did her brother hate him...he was also bent upon in destructing her brother...who was like a father to her...and more than that...he would hate her too...if he ever found out who she really was...and so with those thoughts...she warned her heart again and again...to not think of what could never be.She tried to get some sleep...but deep down she felt a fear engulf her...a fear that now he was going to be living right across her...and she was going to have to pretend to be Khushi Gupta and not Khushi Ahemed Khan...she feared...crossing the boundary her mind had set...she feared falling for the man...she knew her brother hated.
...
Fate smiled to itself as it said addressing the two friends that sat next to him - Its me on the job girls...its me...im sorry but it all has to start with a lie...or it never will start...right?
Destiny smiled as she said - Right...it wont...anyway...I don't mind...you are setting up my work platform...and I am thankful to u for that...you are doing the hard work..'and she winked playfully.
Love smiled as she heard the two and she said - Calm down my friends...this is just the beginning...we have a long way to go...but I must thank fate...in this story...hes been the one at work mostly for ten years in a row...'
Fate winked as he answered - Like I always say...whats meant to be...is just simply meant to be...and u know I have a way of finding my ways'
Love smiled as she looked at her two companions as she asked - btw wheres hate??
Destiny frowned as she answered - hes gone for swimming with revenge..but seriously why are u remembering him now?
Love answered calmly - well because hes a part of me...and u know that...all emotions are...'
Destiny nodded in agreement - yeah I know...anyway whts the plan now..'she asked looking at the two..
Love smiled as she answered - The meeting first?I guess..and for anyone who says...that the three of us don't get along...hopefully will know one day...that although we do have our differences at times...the three of us -Love,Fate and Destiny do work together...almost always?
Fate and Destiny grinned as they replied to Love in unison - Yup..Almost Always..it is...
...
Chapter 2 - A Strange Wish...for A Strange Impossibility?
We all must have often observed or noticed in our Lives...that how mostly everything that we do...or we plan to do...is simply classified in our Minds into two columns - One column of the Possibility - the possible things that we have done/ are doing/will continue to do in our Lives..its a simple classification...often makes our Life easier.
But then ofcourse there is a catch - when comes into the picture the Other column - The column of Impossibility...we know it is an impossible classification...far away from our reach...but what happens when we feel like wanting to do the Impossible...just so as to challenge it...and probably Hope..and dare to dream to convert it into a Possibility one day...and what really happens when we start getting drawn towards an Impossibility?? Do we Dream...do we lead ourselves on..?? Yes..we do. We all do it just sometimes...due to the Enigma it reflects...we all do Dream the Impossible...leading ourselves to the path where we find ourselves face to face with - A Strange Wish...for a Strange Impossibility.
...
Asad finally shut down his Laptop ...and finished the presentation he had been working on...for the clients in Boston...which he was to meet on Monday..and he looked around the business class cabin to see mostly all the seats flat as he noticed that everyone mostly was sleeping...and so he thought he should get some sleep too..as he checked his watch..barely only three hours were left for Landing.
He got up and made his way to the washroom...which was towards the front of the cabin...and it was on his way back towards his seat..when he thought he saw a familiar face...on the first seat...of the opposite side of where he was seated...but she was sleeping...and so he looked again...so as to confirm it was really who he thought she was...and he felt a smile curve up his lips...as he walked back to his seat...not wanting to disturb his sisters sleeping best friend in her slumber. He settled down in his seat and he thought of why hadn't Khushi mentioned this to him on the phone when he spoke to her...that Miss Farooqui was flying to US too?? And why hadn't he spotted her? And then it dawned on him that she must have boarded in on London...and taken her seat first...unlike him...who was the last one to board the flight..because he had utilized the time in Transit to freshen up at the Lounge.But he still wondered...what would she be doing here as in going to Boston anyway for? She was a year older than Khushi and had already finished the course his sister was almost finishing...could it be that she was heading there for some work?? She did say..she was working...but he didn't know exactly where.
As he tried to get some sleep...he felt his mind wander about to the first time he had met her...Miss Zoya Farooqui...when he had gone to visit Khushi...three months ago...and he felt a smile gather up his face as he recalled how her funny antics had caught his attention...well ofcourse...he hadn't spent much time with the two..barely two days...but he didn't know why...she seemed familiar to him at first...and he had brushed the thought away wondering that she was just a stranger whom he had just met...how could she seem familiar? And he had noticed in those two days...that for Khushi...she was a wonderful friend...and he was happy and content...knowing that Khushi , his little sister had somebody who genuinely cared for her in a different country...where she was away from her family.And maybe that was probably one of the reasons...why he was fond of Miss Farooqui...because she was a good friend to his little sister...and secondly maybe because...she was funny...and amusing...and intelligent...and breathtakingly beautiful.There were times in that day hed spent with Khushi and her..when shed made the two of them crack up and laugh about anything and everything...and he had to give that to her...beacause he knew it was a difficult thing to Crack him up...and she had managed to do that pretty well and then there were times...when hed almost thought hed seen her steal glances at him once in a while...and then get back into a deep serious thought...which made him unable to figure out what the hell was going on in that mind of hers. And then hed left...and he hadn't spoken to her ever since except for a few byes and hi's through Khushi on phone...and that was it.But he wondered quite a few times since he had met her...that how was it that she had managed to catch his interest in a way no girl/woman had. He was 28...but yes he was very tradiotional when it came to women...and so he had never indulged in any casual affairs...or flings...because he classified it as Nonsense...and also because nothing except for work and family occupied his mind anyway. But she had caught his attention...hadnt she? And he had felt himself being taken aback...by that smile..the first smile she gave him nervously when Khushi introduced her to him...and he had almost kicked himself for thinking about /or being drawn towards his little sisters best friend...she was 23...a year older to Khushi...but still almost 5 years younger to him, and exactly that thought was the same one he fought...when hed felt himself noticing how beautiful and attractive she was, and then ofcourse he remembered...as he was leaving...hed noticed her just nervously say Bye...and walk off just like that...without saying a word...and so he shrugged every thought that was on his mind...and left...but Zoya Farooqui continued to remain a Mystery to his mind...everytime he thought of her. He felt Sleep finally ready to take over...and he slept wondering...if he would find himself smiling again...when he would hear her exclaim - Allah Miyaan whats wrong with you Mr.Khan?
...
Arnav landed at Heathrow and checked his watch...it was 6.30 am...and he got through the rest of the formalities...and changed his simcard to the London no...he used everytime he was in London...and just as he switched his phone on again...he received a text message ...and he opened it only to have a smile on his face as he read it -
Hey Bhai...Welcome to London! I hate the fact that I missed seeing you - damm summer school dates! Anyways..I am boarding my flight...hope u had a nice flight too...since you will read this once u switch on your London no...and yes I have left the keys with Khushi...you remember right? So take it from her...and just so that u have to call her coz I know you will be reaching early morning ..i have also sent you her number. Will call as I land - Zoya'
As Arnav got into a cab...he saved his sisters friend no...and then he thought of whether he should call her now...and tell her that he would be there in 30 minutes...to collect the key...and just as he was about to dial the no...he stopped thinking it was quite early morning..and it wouldn't be correct to wake her up now...so...he just thought it would be better...if he called once he had reached the building itself. Khushi...you remember her right?- his sister had mentioned in her text - well ofcourse he remembered her...how could he forget that innocent and mesmerizing face...the one that had haunted him for several nights...in the past six months...since his return from London...and he closed his eyes...and he felt his mind wander to the memory of how he first met her - he had come to visit Zoya to suprize her...and he was stepping out of Selfridges at Oxford Street after he finished buying her a gift and it was right then..he spotted a girl who had just stepped onto the street with her attention to the phone...without noticing that the pedestrian sign was red...and he had immediately leaped forward and pulled her back with her hand...just in time ,saving her from being hit by the speeding car.
She was scared...and shocked from what had just happened...and had her eyes shut...and somehow the look she had on her face managed to mesmerize him...as he held her close...and asked her softly - if she was alright..?? And it was only then did she open her eyes a few seconds later and nodded...pulling away from his hold...and thanked him softly , and she just disappeared into the crowd...before he could say anything.It had surprised him ofcourse...but he had shrugged the incident aside..beacuse ofcourse there would be no way...he would be seeing her again.But infact there was a way...and he could not believe the co-incidence as he had walked into Zoya's building towards her studio flat ...when he saw the door to her sisters room open...and she sat there...deep in conversation with the girl he had just saved...only to be introduced by her sister - to her best friend Khushi Gupta.She had smiled at him meekly and thanked him again...as she explained to Zoya what had happened.He had been visiting only for two days...so he hadn't got much time to spend with Zoya...except for the Dinner..to which Zoya had gotten Khushi along as well...it was then...did he come to know that she was still doing her MBA...and was even a year younger to Zoya...which made him feel surprise at his own self...for being attracted to someone..who was perhaps even younger than his little sister...and then moreover..he was dating Lavanya those days...so he hadn't indulged in any direct conversation with Khushi...because even though she was beautiful and had caught his interest...she was way too young ...innocent and nave...for him to think of her as anything but his little sisters best friend.Infact he had been quite shocked...when at times he had closed his eyes in the nights...only to get haunted by her innocent face...but he had shrugged it away ofcourse.
Right then the taxi came to a halt..and he broke away from his chain of thoughts...as he made his way inside the building...into the elevator...with his luggage...and pressed the 7th floor button...he was tired...and sleepy...he was glad it was a Sunday...and a few seconds later...the elevator door opened to the seventh floor...and he dragged his suitcase to a stop infront of 701...Zoya's appt and walked across towards 702...and knocked...but when no one answered...he took out his phone...and dialled the number his sister had sent him.
...
Khushi heard her phone ring through her sleep...it was Sunday...and it was 7.10 am...why would anyone call her so soon? But she opened her one eye to check who it was...but when she didn't recognize the number...she almost put her phone aside..to rush back to sleep...just when a thought came to her mind and she sat up straight immediately in her bed...as she picked it up to hear a voice...that sent similar shivers all over her.
She quickly got up...rushed to her bathroom...brushed...washed her face...all at the speed she didn't know she was capable of working at...she quickly opened her hair which was tied up in a braid..and ruffled her hand through them...and then rushed back into the room...put on her trach suit jacket over the spaghetti..and walked to the door...with the keys in her hand...as she tried to calm down her heart beat...as she finally opened the door to see the man that had been haunting her dreams standing in front of her...looking incredibly handsome in his rugged casual wear...smile at her as he said in the voice that gave her goosebumps - Hi Khushi...I apologize for disturbing you so early...
Khushi instructed her heartbeat to calm down as she managed to smile back nervously - Hi...no that's alright...how are you? Hope the flight was good..
Arnav nodded as he answered - yes it was...and im good...just tired...
Khushi immediately smacked herself for making him stand in the doorway when he was so tired , so she spoke hurriedly - Oh im so sorry for making u stand here...' and she immediately walked ahead towards Zoya's room and opened it and held it open as he walked up to the door and she handed him the keys - here...if u have any problem...just let me know..
Arnav took his luggage and took the keys from her hand and smiled - thanks Khushi...I appreciate it...'and he walked in and settled the luggage in the hall...as he walked up in the kitchenette...and opened the fridge to see no bottled water and so he turned only to see Khushi almost turning to leave, but he asked nonetheless - water?
Khushi immediately turned around and walked in and explained - well usually mostly me and Zoya have the tap water...its safe to drink...but since I guess you don't...wait let me check if I have some'
Arnav watched her quickly sprint across to her studio...and she was back in a minute with a big bottle of Evian as she said - Im sorry...that's all I have..' as she handed him the bottle.
Arnav poured himself a glass of water as he sat across on small chair and said - so how have u been?
Khushi smiled and answered - Im good...just working on my dissertation...should be done in a couple of weeks...and then I head home for good..'
Arnav - that's great..'
Khushi thought that she should leave , so she said - well ill leave you to get some rest and get settled..' and she walked towards the doorway when she heard him say - Khushi? And she turned...
Arnav smiled - thank you'
Khushi just smiled and walked across to her room...and shut the door...and kneeled down against the door...trying to calm her heartbeats again...she had just spent five minutes in his presence and everything about him had already started to mess up with her mind...how was she going to be able to function normally around him for three weeks...and just then she remembered...that it wasn't normal anyway...because normally she was Khushi Ahemed Khan...and not Khushi Gupta.
Arnav was tired and so did not unpack completely and changed and got into bed...and just as he closed his eyes...the scene of how Khushi had opened the door to him...looking as mesmerizing and innocent as always..flashed in his mind...she hadn't changed at all...in the past six months...her smile was still the same...she had that same innocence on her face...she was still amazingly beautiful...and he literally scolded himself for thinking of her...as he reminded himself that she was 22...way too young...for him...and he deceided to keep that thought in mind...and before he could think anything else...sleep took over.
...
Zoya waited at the Luggage belt impatiently...as she adjusted her watch to the time in Boston - 7 am...and just as she did...she realized it must be noon in London...since Boston was five hours behind..and so she thought of calling her brother to know if he had settled in well...and just as she was about to , she heard a voice behind her...a voice that shocked and surprised her at the same time as she heard him say - How are you...Miss farooqui?...and she turned immediately knowing who it was because there was only one person on this planet who called her that...and she found herself face to face with Asad Ahemed Khan.Hadnt she just wished for not meeting him ever again a few hours ago...and here he was standing right in front of her...looking as amazing as he always did...and she managed to smile as she said - Mr.Khan...aap? yahan ? how come?
Asad smiled as he walked up and stood next to her and answered - We were on the same flight Miss Farooqui..'
Zoya's eyes widened in surprise as she used the pretended catch phrase and answered - Allah Miyaan...whats wrong with you Mr.Khan? really? Then why didn't I see you?
Asad felt a smile creep up his lips just like he had imagined would...when he heard her say those words and he answered - Because I only spotted you much later...when u were asleep...and just as we landed...you were off before I could call out to you'
Zoya - Oh...so how have u been?, she asked..deperately wanting to do something about the way his gaze was affecting her..
Asad - Im good...here for work...a new project...would be here for maybe two three weeks...and what about u?
Zoya - Well..im good to Mr.Khan...here for summer school at Harvard..three weeks' and just then she spotted her suitcase and bent down to pick it up...but Asad was too quick for her as he picked it up and adjusted it on her trolley and answered - thts great...Miss Farooqui...I wonder why Khushi didn't tell me this..' and just then he spotted his bag and he took it and adjusted it in his trolley...as they both started walking out.
Asad - so where are u staying?i remember u saying u don't like student accommodation?
Zoya's eyes widened in surprise as she asked - u remember?
Asad whacked himself mentaly for saying that aloud and he covered up - yeah..I mean..Khushi doesn't too...how is she ? I miss her...
Zoya - Well don't worry...shes great...just working on her dissertation..shes excited to go back home too..Mr.Khan,,,and my classes shall be in the business school..which is in the Allston neighbourhood...across the Charles River...so iv just rented out a studio appt there...for a month...and what about you?'
Asad - I had my secretary book a service apartment for me too...although I don't remember the name..wait let me check' and he browsed his email toc heck for the confirmation...and he answered - Riverbend..it is
Zoyas eyes widened yet again...as she genuinely question was this fate?or just a coincidence as she asked - Riverbend on the Charles??
Asad nodded - exactly...'
Zoya felt herself laugh as she said - Now I know why they say it's a small world...I have booked mine there too'
Asad didn't know why but he felt really happy with this new knowledge and he thought he will figure out the feeling later,as he saw her walk towards the taxi stand and he asked - where do u think you are going...Miss farooqui?
Zoya looked back confusedly as she answered - the cab?
Asad smiled - I like to have my way around...I have rented a car...and since our destination is the same...why don't you join me too?
Zoya nodded as she followed him silently as his words brought out the worry in her mind yet again - our destination is the same'...only if he knew that she wasn't who he thought he was...and she looked at him as they settled in the car and gave him a weak smile...busy in the thought...that why did it all seem so wrong and right at the same time?
...
London - 1.30 pm
Khushi sent in the mail to her personal tutor for the dissertation attaching the copy of the work she had done so far...and she was really happy about whatever she had done so far...she checked her watch to see it was 12.Ever since Raizada had walked in a few hours ago and messed up with her head...she was having a tough time distracting herself to think of things other than him...she had barely been able to sleep...and so she had gotten ready three hours back and had been working on her dissertation since then...and just then she heard her stomach rumble...she was hungry...she had just had cereal...so she deceided to cook something...just when she remembered that she was supposed to go grocery shopping yesterday and she had totally forgotten...just when her phone rang and she saw it was Zoya so she quickly picked it up-
Khushi - Zoya...how are you? Reached safe? Hows the apartment?
She heard Zoya sigh - Im good Khushi...just spoke to Bhai...hes just finished setllling his stuff...thanks and yes the apartment is good..also looks like im going to have to have to play Farooqui , my friend..
Khushi asked shocked - what ?what do u mean?
Zoya explained everything as she said - Looks like I will be staying with your Bhaijaan...across the hall...Omg this is so messed up Khushi...im scared what if he finds out?
Khushi tried to calm her down as she said - No..he wont don't worry...its just three weeks...and then no Gupta- Farooqui...we can go back to actually being who we are..'
Zoya sighed - I know...maybe u are right...ill try my best..to not blow it..'
Khushi - Me too...all the best around...just be careful...that's all...'
Zoya - yeah...all the best to you too...just thinking of getting some sleep...its just 830 am..and im tired..'
Khushi - yeah...u sleep..take care...and keep me updated'
Zoya answered - I will...I miss you so much already'
Khushi smiled as she put down the phone answering her best friend - I know...I miss you so much too.
A few minutes later...her bhaijaan called...telling her most of what she already knew from Zoya...but she heard him nonetheless...and just before she kept the phone down she said - bhaijaan...waise toh I know...zoya can handle everything and herself...but still ...since you are there...just watch out for her...please...for me?' to which she heard her brother reply after a few seconds of silence - I will Khushi..dont worry...u tc ok?
Khushi kept the phone down deep in thought...as she felt her stomach grumble and so she just took her bag and deceided to go out and get a take away or something...she needed fresh air anyway.
Just as she stepped out of her appt...she saw Arnav step out of his...as he smiled walking her to the Lift...and she silently dammed what fate was doing to her here...as she heard him ask - you had lunch?
Khushi - no...was just going to grab a bite...you?
Arnav - nope...was just going to grab a bite too...so whats the closest place to eat?
Khushi answered spontaneously - Nandos...its just a few blocks away...but I don't know if you will like it...'
Arnav smiled - ofcourse I do love the food there Khushi...Zoya drags me to it everytime im here...so will you join me?
Khushi looked at him surprised for a minute...and she asked softly - you sure?i mean...
Arnav nodded - Yup...and will give me some time to know how my sister has been doing he lied...because just as hed spotted her walk out the door..looking adorable in the pink sundress..but deep in thought...all he had wanted to know was how she had been doing...because he always kept a track of his sister...and he always knew how she was doing.
Arnav listened to her tell him all about what she and Zoya do..in their free time...as they ate...and he was quite amused...but relieved at the same time that Zoya had found such a great friend in Khushi and so he spoke - Thanks Khushi..
Khushi looked at him confusedly - for what arnavji?
Arnav looked at her in disbelief as he heard her call him that and he said - seriously Khushi? Stop calling me that...makes me feel old...call me Arnav...that's my name...and thanks for being a great friend to Zoya...'
Khushi smiled as she heard him and she felt her heart flip- well don't thank me...zoya is a wonderful friend too...shes always been there for me...Arnav'
Arnav smiled as he heard his name escape her soft lips and he didn't know why he felt as if he had never heard his name sound better...and he whacked himself mentally again...as he reminded himself...she is 22..she is 22..my little zoya's best friend...and he was deep in thought when he heard her say - Im sorry Arnav..
And it was his turn to look at her confusingly - sorry about what?
Khushi finished her meal..as she answered - I mean...for your break up with ...whts her name lavanya..'
He felt surprised as to how would she know this and so he asked - how do u know?
Khushi said nervously - actually Zoya made me read the article...that came on the Times of India...two weeks back...I mean...' and she hoped he didn't see the lie in between...because ofcourse it was an article she had read on Google..while she stalked him to mentally remind herself of her boundaries...and she felt in that moment that it was pure irony...because she was sitting right across him...breaking every boundary she had placed for herself...
Arnav nodded as he remembered how media always had a big role to play in his Life and he remembered how his sister was never fond of Lavanya in the first place and he answered - I am sure Khushi...Zoya must have...she never liked lavanya...and honestly u don't need to be sorry..it was just a casual ...anyway..what about you?are u dating someone? - he asked and he didn't know why he hoped shed say no
Khushi smiled nervously as she answered- no ...well no...im not...' and she thought she saw him hide a smile..as he heard her..
They walked back and Arnav saw her deep in thought and so he asked - all ohk?
Khushi nodded - yes all is...I was just wondering..i mean...I thought id do some grocery shopping on the way..Tesco is just a few minutes away...so ill see u later then...and do u want anything specific?
Arnav thought for a minute and he answered - well ofcourse I do...but itll be just a basic stock..but it will pile up a lotta stuff...how about u just order it online...isnt that what Zoya usually does?
Khushi smiled as she agreed - yeah..maybe I could do just that...' and she walked along with him silently...trying to figure out what the hell was her fate upto here?
Khushi quickly entered her studio appt...and asked him to come in...as she quickly went to her room...and hid the pictures of her family...and removed the desktop picture...that she had of Zoya, her and her bhaijaan...from his visit a few months back...and took her laptop out as she sat on the kitchen stool...across his..and opened the webpage to order the grocery...as she ordered whatever he needed as well...and booked the morning 10.00 am spot for delivery as she said - and ill be home only...so ill receive it...'
Arnav looked around her apartment and smiled it was simple...and decorated well...it reflected her...and just then he saw her frown...as she read something on her email...and he instinctively got up to stand behind her and see what it was...just as she turned at the same time and bumped straight into his chest...as she lost balance...but he caught her just in time in his arms..just as she held on to his collar for support...and he watched in awe...that mesmerizing expression of her nervous closed eyes...play across her face...she was so innocent...her face gave her away...and he asked softly a minute later...after he reluctantly stopped himself from staring at her - tum theek ho?
Khushi opened her eyes to see him look at her and she thought his eyes spoke so much...that she felt herself melt...but she straightened awkwardly as she answered - yes...im fine...just that..my tutor...he has me all worried now..
Arnav - why what happened?
Khushi sighed as she explained - well you see...my major is marketing...and so my work is on - Making of an Iconic Brand- the Principles of Cultural Branding...' and I have included the case studies of all the top brands in my work...like u know..Apple...Coke...Disney...etc etc...but now my tutor says that all that is good...but he wants me to research on a brand...like a proper research with questionnaires and stuff...to see how they adopted the Principles of Cultural Branding...he says itll make my project stronger...but now with only three weeks left...how will I get to do any research...and which company or brand...' and she sat down disappointed - iv been working so hard on this Arnav...and now..what am I going to do?'
Arnav thought he didn't like the disappointed look on her otherwise beautiful face and so he thought for a minute and he answered in an instant - well I could help u a little if u want..as in...you could write on AR..i mean...we are an established brand when it comes to international market in clothing and designer wear...and we have had to make a lot of changes in various countries of operation due to the differences in culture...' and he saw her deep in thought as if she had zoned into another world..so he said - I meanits just an idea...Zoya would have suggested you the same probably..let me know if u want any help...you can come by our office anytime incase u want to know anything..' and he waited for her answer...
Khushi smiled meekly as she answered - thanks Arnav...I mean thts so nice of you to help...ill think about this...and let you know...but I wonder why they write those things about you?
Arnav looked at her for a minute as he asked - write what?
Khushi replied wanting to kick herself for saying that aloud as she covered up once more - you know in all those articles..Zoya tells me about...she complains that the media writes way too much negative things about you...that you are mean...arrogant..and ruthless...'
Arnav fought as smile as he raised a eyebrow - so u don't think im any of that?
Khushi looked away from his gaze as she answered - well...not now atleast...I mean...uv been nice ever since I met u now...and even before u saved me...
Arnav laughed at the innocent look that gave her away once more as he answered - I am nice to my friends...not that I have many...and my family...and to the people who matter to me...and you Miss Gupta...are Zoya Singh Raizada's best friend...why wouldn't I be nice to you?
Khushi felt as if someone had thrown a huge bucket of cold water on her...as his words brought her back to reality - Miss Gupta...and she felt her heart wonder if he would be as nice to her..if he found out that she wasn't any Miss Khushi Gupta...but Khushi Ahemed Khan...and right then she heard him answer his phone as he gestured to her that he will catch up with her later and walked out towards his studio but not before Khushi had heard what he had said - Aman ..i hope u have fixed my meetings with the constructions here...I will not let Asad Ahemed Khan get away with this win easily...'
Khushi quickly shut the door to her room as she saw him enter his and she quickly walked back to hers...as she tried to understand her feelings that had been erupting within her...ever since she met him this morning...No this was not a good idea...this wasn't a good idea at all...she knew it from six months back...that her heart wasn't listening to her anyway as it thought of him despite knowing everything...but today...the few hours she had spent with him...and made her feel wonderful...and happy...and like it seemed right...and just as hed caught her in her arms...and how shed seen him gaze at her intently...flickered a hope that lay deep within her heart...he wasn't dating anyone as well...and why had he smiled when shed told him that she wasn't too...what did all of this mean...why was he helping her?? Why?? Was there a possibility that he liked her...NO...she shrugged the thought away...ofcourse not...why would he...she was just a 22 year old nave girl...not the kinds he dated...maybe he was just being nice to her...because she was Zoya's best friend...and she felt tears silently fall down her cheeks at that thought as she touched them and reflected - as to why did it pain to think that he thought of her as just that? It was right though maybe...it was safe if he thought of her as just that...and it was better that she maintained her distance from him...but then Why did her her heart wish otherwise...she knew what she hoped for was Impossible...then why did she still feel herself making the strange wish for the Impossible?
...
Arnav finished his talk on the phone and he saw his elder sisters missed call and so he thought of calling her...and he spoke to her for a while...filling her up on the events of the days...and he heard his sister ask - So hows Khushi? Zoya tells me shes wonderful...and very nice...and she must be...since shes making sure her best friends brother has settled in...
Arnav recalled the few hours hed spent with her and he answered spontaneously - Im happy that Zoya has her around di...and shes right...shes nice and wonderful...
Anjali replied in surprise - what?? What did u just say?
Arnav spoke confusedly - what di...I just said shes nice and wonderful..'
He heard his sister tease him - oh I thought it was Impssible for you to praise any girl...especially not the one u just met..
Arnav rolled her eyes as he said - Calm down di...do not think otherwise...she is nice...that's it...moreover..shes even younger to Zoya..
He heard his sister reply - Yeah right..whatever Chotte...' and they spoke for a few minutes before he hung up.
And right then his eyes fell on a picture on his sisters sidetable...a picture of Khushi and her hugging...and he cudnt help but smile at it...and he felt his mind wander towards Khushi once more...The Impossible was happening here...he was getting attracted towards her...and he should not right? As he reminded himself of her age once more...and just then..the memory of how it felt as he caught her in his arms...a while ago struck him...it felt different...and he frowned at the feeling...because why did he feel that reminding himself of how young she was...wasn't really working anymore...Khushi Gupta had found a way into his thoughts and mind...and because no girl had been able to do that...he had always seen it as an impossibility...that no girl could affect him in the manner that would surprise him...but in that particular moment as he comprehended what he was feeling...he was not only surprised...but also Astonished with himself.
...
2.00 PM - Boston
Zoya googled the name of the best take away /home delivery resturants as she was really hungry...and then a thought struck her...and so she walked up across the hall and knocked on the door and saw Asad open the door all ready and so she asked - going somewhere?
Asad smiled - well...no Miss farooqui...just thought of eating something...u know...hunger strikes?
Zoya laughed - Very Funny Mr.Khan...infact...I was just about to order something...so thought I should ask you...I mean...if u want something..' and she showed him the list of the resturants on his phone.
Asad tried to hide his grin as he asked her to come in and he placed the order and as they waited for the food to come he asked as he watched her look silently into nowhere - all ohk Miss Farooqui?
Zoya broke away from her chain of thought as she answered flashing her smile- yes ofcourse...allah miyaan whts wrong with you Mr.Khan...what would be wrong with me...'
Asad thought there was something amiss but he let it go as he asked - so how have u been Miss Farooqui? Hows work...btw on that note...where do u work exactly?
Zoya tried to come up with something as she answered hoping that he wouldn't see through her lie - oh..Mr.Khan...at a design company...'
Asad smiled - that's great...I just started Khan designs three years back...did Khushi ever mention it to you?
Zoya nodded hesitantly - yes...she did...I know...and so what work have u come for here..I mean what deal...??'..she asked desparately trying to change the topic...
Asad nodded and just then his phone rang...and so he gestured to Zoya..sitting across that the food was here...and he made his way down to get the delivery.
Asad walked back in a few minutes later...as she helped him open up the boxes and they started to eat as he asked - so what was it that you were asking Miss farooqui?
Zoya smiled at him across as she said - your work...as in why are u here?
Asad - Well...we just backed a new deal here..its a joint venture...for a construction project...a residential project with Hammond residential...it's a big thing..specially we are the first Indian company they have dealed with'
Zoya gulped as she remembered the name..Hammond Residential...she knew her brother had been bidding for this deal too...Asad won means her brother lost...she hadn't had the time to rack on this...and as she fought the emotions stirring within as she said - Congratulations..Mr.Khan...i mean I know you beat your competitors to this...'
Asad smiled - Thanks..Miss farooqui...not many that I defeated that Im happy about...im just happy about defeating one', and right then he heard her whisper as she looked at him staright in the eye - happy about defeating just Arnav Singh Raizada isnt it Mr.Khan?
Asad asked confusedly - how do u know..Miss farooqui...?
Zoya immediately as she covered up - woh actually Mr.Khan...Khushi told me...about...and also its really all over news in India anyway..right...who doesn't know about the rivalry between the Khan's and Raizada's..'
Asad nodded as he asked - so what have you come to study as in at Summer school...at Harvard'
Zoya ate as she answered thanking her stars that he changed the topic and so she said - Actually im doing two courses actually- theres one on Cross Border Innovation which is for the first two weeks and then a short one week course on Real Estate Management'
Asad was impressed...he was right about her...she was beauty with brains and he asked inquisitively - But why real estate?I mean I thought you worked for a design company..
Zoya again tried to come up with the right lie...as ofcourse she couldn't tell him the truth that she was doing that course...so that she could help her brother in AR Constructions and so she answered - well you know...just...Real Estate has always fascinated me..'
Asad - great...let me know if u need any help with that...and I wish I could get Khushi to get some interest in Real Estate too...so that she could help me out at work at Khan constructions...you know now with the expansion...I could do with her help...but then I don't push her you know...afterall shes so young anyway...so I just let her be..'
Zoya gave him a weak smile as she finished eating and said - you are a good brother...you know ..Khushi adores you...'
Asad smiled - I know..' and just then he saw that she had some stain by the side of her lips...so he gestured her to rub it off...but when she cudnt get it right...he bent forward...and gently rubbed the side of her lips...gently wiping the stain away...and he couldn't help but look into her eyes that had gone wide at his touch.
Zoya felt her heartbeat accelerate at the speed of light...as she felt his thumb rub gently against her lips and she stepped back...a few seconds later as she looked around nervously and asked - so youv unpacked?
Asad smiled - yeah mostly...' and she saw him walk to the sink to keep his dish away..and started to wash it...
Zoya couldn't control herself at the sight so she exclaimed - Allah Miyaan...whats wrong with you Mr.Khan...i didn't know you could'
Asad grinned - know what?that I can do dishes? I have lived away from home too Miss Farooqui...infact...I'd left for London straight away after my Grade 10...with...' and he stopped midsentence and continued after a pause - well lets just say...I know a lot of things...you probably think I don't'
Zoya felt emotion choke her up as she realized what he was about to say...as she recalled that he and her brother Arnav had left for Sevenoaks School in London...together...when they were 16..and best friends...until they came back two years later...and everything changed...but she asked nonetheless - with who?
Asad looked at her briefly as he answered looking straight at her in the eye and answered - with someone who used to be a friend...
Zoya asked carefully - its Arnav Singh Raizada isnt it? Why do u hate him anyway?
Zoya thought she saw him clutch his fist in anger as he turned around and replied to her calmly - Some things are better not discussed Miss Farooqui...so please?
Zoya nodded silently and she didn't like the fact that he had gone all tense so she tried to lighten up the atmosphere as she said - Allah Miyaan...whats wrong with u Mr.Khan...you got all serious...'
And just like she knew...he smiled as he answered -Miss Farooqui...' but she stopped him midsentence..and he looked at her confusedly-
Zoya smiled as she spoke - heres the deal...why don't u call me Zoya...u know that's my name...i mean Miss farooqui is all...weird..i mean..it seems indifferent to me..'
Asad walked upto her and smiled - Fine Zoya...but you gotta quit the Mr.Khan then..'
Zoya smiled - All right...Asad'
Just then her phone buzzed and she checked it to be a whts app from her brother and she hid her phone aside as she said - ohk I gotta go now...ill see u later maybe?
Asad watched her walking out and he called out to her - Let me know if u want to have another take away...or actually go out for dinner somewhere...'
Zoya turned to look at him surprised ..as she heard him answer carelessly but with a smile- just so u know...my sister asked me to watch out for her best friend...and like you said...I guess im a good brother'
And before Zoya could say anything...she heard him say something...that made the smile vanish off her lips - it's a request Zoya...do not mention Arnav Singh Raizada in front of me...ever again..ever?
Zoya answered hazily - yeah...ohk...ill see u later..'
Zoya felt sick in her stomach as she fought the emotions that were stirring up within her...as she replied to her brothers msg that all was well...and that she had settled...and she texted that she would skype with him in a while...she rushed to her room and sat down on the bed..and thought of everything that had been happening ever since she had bumped into Asad Ahemed Khan this morning...she was here...having lunch with the man, almost living right across the man...failing desperately at trying to control the attraction she felt for the man who was bent upon destroying her brother...he hated him so much...that he couldn't even bear to listen his name...and she knew it very well...and she didn't know...why...why despite knowing everything...and knowing the fact that she shudnt be in this place...tha...and she shudnt be spending time with him or infact even be talking to Asad Ahemed Khan...because she was not Zoya Farooqui...and she was glad she got him to agree to not call her that...because she felt so weird...as the Lie stood bluntly everytime he even addressed her...the fact remained that she was Zoya Singh Raizada...and despite knowing everything she did know why couldn't she fight the feelings that were surfacing within for him..And she felt her heart wonder...wonder...that would Asad be talking to her...if he knew who she was...?? No that wouldn't happen ofcourse...that was impossible...it was an impossibility that he even stood in the same room as her knowing who she really was.And she knew that was the right thing here wasn't it? It would be just best to stay away from the enigmatic impossibility Asad Ahemed Khan was...but then why did she feel as if she wouldn't be able to...why did she feel herself somewhere deep down...despite the odds...Wish for the Impossibility..?
...
As soon shed left...Asad deceided to do some work...but before that he thought of speaking to his Ammi and so he called her -
Dilshaad - Asad how are youuu?have u settled in well?
Asad smiled at his mothers concern - Yes...ammi...im fine...haven't u slept yet?
Dilshaad - I will now...I just spoke to Khushi...and now u called...u know I cannot sleep until iv checked up on the two of you...right? So hows is it there?you will get all busy tomm on?
Asad - Yes Ammi...I will...but its nice here...oh and do u remember Khushi's friend Miss Farooqui? I told u about that I met her the last time I visited Khushi...
He heard his Ammi say - Yes ofcourse...what about her? I do remember u saying tht shes really nice...and a good friend to Khushi..
Asad smiled - So I kind of bumped into her here...as in shes here for Summer School at Harvard...staying right across the hall...infact we just had lunch together...shes a nice girl ammi...
He heard his Ammi laugh as she said - Impossible Asad...this is..coming from you..'
He asked confusedly - what is?
Dilshaad explained - Impossible that my son is talking to me...or rather discussing a girl with me...I thought this day would never come...'
Asad - Ammi...calm down...ohk?dont imagine anything different..khushi asked me to watch out for her...so u know..ill just keep an eye on her..'
Dilshaad smiled as she said - I know..you will'
A few minutes later..after he put down the phone...Asad wondered to himself...if what he said was true...that he would only be watching out for her coz Khushi asked him too...and he knew it wasn't true...because somewhere deep down...hed felt that attraction for her surfacing up again...and he recalled how electrifying the moment was when he had gently touched the side of her lips...she was exquisite...and amazing...and he knew that he was getting drawn to her...and now that she would be living across from him...he just had to wait and see where this went...as he for the first time let his guard off when it came to women...Zoya was different...from the rest he had ever met...and he sighed as he admitted that even he hadn't known that a day would come...that a girl would be preoccupying his thoughts to such an extent that he was already looking forward to spend more time with her...he had marked it as the Impossible in his Life ofcourse...but some how Zoya Farooqui managed to walk into his life...and change it all.
...
Destiny winked at Fate as she said accusingly - Wicked...wicked you...look at what have u done...'
Fate smiled - well...it worked brilliantly didn't it? Did u see how they remembered me...and personally I love to watch when the sparks fly...you know...its interesting...isnt it? And I haven't been the only one who is upto mischief here...I had no Idea..Love had already laid its seed in the boys...I thought it was just the girls so far'
Love winked naughtily - Don't blame me...alright..i was bored of the Hate..iv watched it for ten years... just thought of changing the scene for a while..'
Destiny frowned - Yeah...but u know...iv written it down that way right...hate is important in this story..although I don't understand why..'
SHe saw Hate finally speak up as it answered - well because maybe humans find it Safer to just live with me...than to rather go through the rest of the Drama..Love comes up with at times'- and he shot an accusing look at Love across and said - seriously...I know there is a thin line between you and me...and I am a part of you..I still don't understand how you function at times...'
Love answered calmly - And you probably never will...it just isnt your job too...' which made hate roll his eyes..as he sat behind reluctantly.
Destiny nodded and she smiled - And don't the always say -Everything is fair in Love and War...it really is fair if we work a twisted path...because sometimes things don't work simply...you know...
Love smiled at her friend for siding up with her - Thank you...
Fate joined the two In as he admitted - And I have to agree too..coz I do it myself all the time ...you know twists and turns...somehow I just Enjoy the thrill...'
Love and destiny laughed as they replied to Fate in unision - And don't we all just know that you do...you are the reason they call their Lives the - Rollercoaster anyway..
...
Chapter 3 - Just a Lie...or A Wonderful Lie, It is?
Part A
A Lie.Isnt it something we just usually always think isnt it a good thing,because we are all programmed that way, making us always preach the fact that Honesty is indeed the Best Policy and that we should always speak the truth, its true ofcourse that it is indeed just always easy and better to operate with Honesty in Life and also in our relationships and most importantly with ourselves. But still we cannot deny the fact that we all have lied at some point in our lives it could be while we were growing up to our parents to save ourselves from their angry rant for being so irresponsible at times for the silly fun stuff we all do or maybe sometimes to our teachers about being ill for not doing our homework on time or sometimes to save our friends or the ones we love, from the truth that might hurt them. Its a truth as simple as that...that we all have used the Lie in our Lives.
And then comes the Lies which stay with us forever- the lies that we tell ourselves to either escape into the world of denial or to either escape from our very own feelings and emotions or just sometimes because the truth is too bitter that it is better to not face it and its just easier to mislead ourselves by a Lie than to admit the truth. But still we all know that A Lie is a temporary solution to a problem and not a permanent one but then why is it that we still fall for it- when it specially comes to the matters of the Heart, why do we still sometimes choose to let our heart seek the comfort in a lie, maybe because we all get carried away by the comfort and the happiness our heart starts to seek in it by the wonders A Lie can reflect at times and in that moment, it is but natural to wonder that are all Lies just wrong? Is there no Lie that can be right if it brings happiness to the heart? Its only but natural to just wonder at times that is it really- Just a Lie...Or a Wonderful Lie , It is?
...
8.30 AM - London
Khushi had just returned from her morning swim,and she felt a little bit relaxed,thank god for her love for swimming,it was almost like when she was in water-all her worries would wash away,and she used that time to think from a clear state of mind.
And the things she had learned from her todays morning swim was that - First, there was no way her heart was listening to control the attraction and the pull towards the man,her mind was wanting to avoid but she was failing miserably because everytime she closed her eyes,she could only think of him,and she remembered how she had managed to stay quiet over dinner which he had ordered for them last night,and given her no choice but to join him,because he knew she did not have the grocery to cook; and he had argued that he had ordered enough for two anyway.She had managed to finish the meal as soon as possible,and had made a excuse that she had to do some work on her dissertation,to avoid his constant gaze on her. The second thing she had realized was that,there was no way she could not see his deep brown intense eyes,every time she closed hers-because it was as if they had captured a place in her mind and she had had another restless night,by fighting to not think of him or his eyes or how he looked at her.The third thing she had realized was- that she had landed herself in the middle of a deep mess-the mess she wanted to be in.It was a lie-and she knew that it was wrong to live this lie,but she couldnt fight the temptation to not live it.
She poured herself some cereal and milk and she ate still deep in thought just when a thought crossed her mind and she left her breakfast and walked with the milk carton and the box of cereal across the hall to knock on his door.
Arnav was just busy getting ready for work,it was early but since he didnt have much to eat at the studio ,he thought it would be best to reach work early and order something because he could not skip his breakfast as he had to take his diabetic medicine soon after and as soon as he finished wearing his suits,his thoughts wondered to her again the mesmerizing innocent her , who was living across the hall and he tried to figure out why was she behaving so differently over dinner last night she seemed all normal at lunch and even after then why had she gone on this sudden silent mode on Dinner ,she barely spoke to him except for a few general things about Zoya and she went into a total mute zone as soon as he asked about her family and she had just diverted the topic to -how she had to get some work done,and excused herself almost sprinting out of his sight,suprising him to the core. Had he said something that he shouldnt have? Or had he done something to make her uncomfortable? And right then the moment of when hed caught her in his arms earlier yesterday crossed his mind,and he wondered if his sudden closeness in that moment was what was worrying her. He couldnt understand that why was he thinking about her so much anyway? And he decided to not pay attention to Miss Khushi Gupta and her existence just when he heard a knock on his door,and he walked towards it to open it,wondering who could it be so early-it was just 8.40 am.
He opened the door-only to be mesmerized once more as he rechecked the thought he had deceided in his mind- forget Khushi Gupta and her existence and felt himself cancel it out and it automatically got replaced with maybe not forget it until later when she isnt standing at the door looking at him with her innocene and he heard her say - " Hi,Good Morning Arnav,I just thought. maybe you would be hungry and she handed him the milk and the cereal."
Arnav couldnt help but smile at the thought that she remembered he didnt have anything to eat as he said -" Hi,Goodmorning,I was just heading out for work early thinking I would eat there but thanks,I guess this will do"
Khushi gave him a small smile as she said - " I remembered you didnt have any thing here and u need to have your medicine,so.." and she stopped in mid sentence as she whacked herself mentally for blurting something she shudnt have, and she immediately covered up - " Zoya told me your diabetic,she worries about you all the time ohk ill see you later ,bye " and before he could say anything he watched her sprint away once more making him wonder what the hell was up with her anyway? But he couldnt help but feel maybe good about the fact that she remembered every small detail about him could it be that Zoya talked about him all the time or could it be there was something else here?
Khushi closed the door to her apartment, and she tried to control her rapid heartbeat that had raced again at seeing him in front of her all suited up looking extremely sexy and mysterious just like he always did in all the news articles and interviews, she read and saw. She walked up to her room and took out the picture of her ammi and her bhaijaan that she had hidden in the drawer and she looked at it guiltly, because she knew that whatever she was feeling here was wrong and yet she seemed to not make her trechourous heart understand it. She stared at the picture for a good two minutes, and then she dialled her Ammi's number, probably talking to her would help her soothen her nerves.
Arnav stepped out and walked across the hall and knocked on her door, because he wanted to drop in the keys with her for mainly two reasons- firstly, so that he would have a chance to see her again when he was back from work and secondly, because he really didn't know why he wanted to see her , but it just seemed right and weird to him at the same time, and he knocked on her door nonetheless and she opened it and he watched her smile at him nervously -
Arnav - " hey..i was just leaving for work...I thought of dropping the keys with you, I will take them once I am back"
Khushi, taking the keys from his hands - " Not a problem Arnav, have a nice day"
Arnav looked at her for a minute and she seemed normal and he asked - " tum theek ho?"
Khushi looked at him nervously and wondered why was he asking her this and she asked - "why do I not look alright?"
Arnav looked at her for a minute and replied - "well no you do, but I guess you ...as in you look worried.."
Khushi nodded honestly- " Yeah, I am, just a little stressed out about my project, I will be meeting my tutor at 1, lets see what he says, hopefully if he changes his mind, I wouldn't have to trouble you for Help"
Arnav smiled - " I wouldn't term that as trouble exactly,anyway you have my number right, let me know how it goes, and I'l see you later then", and he walked towards the Lift just after she smiled and said - " yeah..later", hoping that her tutor did stick to his point and he would have the opportunity to help his lil sisters best friend, or rather the girl who he couldn't get out of his mind.
...
Boston 9.00 AM
Zoya checked her phone to see Khushis whats app to call her as soon as she was free,and she wondered if everything was fine with her and she called but Khushi didnt pick up so she hung up and wondered what was up right then she received her message that she would call her back later and so she just replied ohk and started to get her things together as she was about to leave for school her class was at 10 am but shed thought of having breakfast on the way or maybe take a take away from Starbucks and she prayed right before to not bump into Asad as she remembered how she had totally managed to avoid dinner with him last night by giving an excuse that she wasnt hungry and was tired and sleepy. He had asked her if she was sure and she had ofcourse lied because she didnt know how could she ever fight the attraction if she had him around her 24/7 anyway,she hadnt even slept well thinking of the weird situation she had invited for herself but just as she thought of him,she felt herself want to be a part of this weird situation even when it was against all odds to hope anything in this hopeless situation- and just then the memory of how she had felt when he had rubbed the side of her lips yesterday carelessly gave her goosebumps.She thanked her stars that it was time for school and she would now have something else to think other than the forbidden territory that revolved around otherwise the Man of her Dreams and she stepped out her door and locked up he apartment ,only to see him step out of his at the same time all suited up for work and she made a mental note to never ever thank her stars or pray again in this matter because everytime she seemed to pray to not bump into him he just managed to stand there right in her face looking as handsome and sexy as ever making her damm her heartbeat for loosing control once more.
Asad saw her and he smiled as he gestured her to walk towards the lift - " Hi,goodmorning,did u sleep well?
Zoya gave him a small smile - " Hi,goodmorning,yeah I kind of did you?
Asad , pressed the button to the basement as he lied - " Yeah me too ,hiding the fact that he had spent almost the entire night wondering why had she avoided him over dinner and if there was anything he had said to bother her and he only remembered himself saying to not speak of Arnav Singh Raizada but why would that have any affect on her anyway.
Zoya looked at him deep in thought as she asked - " you start work early,Asad?
Asad - " yeah my meeting starts at 10 but I thought ill grab a bite on the way,what about you have u eaten and what time is your class?
Zoya - " its at 10 too,I was just thinking of walking down and will have breakfast maybe later,after class at 11..
Just then the Lift stopped at the ground floor and she smiled at him and said - " So bye,ill see you later " , and she had almost just stepped out when she felt him catch hold of her hand and pull her back in instantly as the door shut she looked at him in surprise as she heard him say , dropping her hand - " why will u walk? Ill drop you ur school is on my way to work anyway and since we have time,why dont u eat something too-u didnt even have dinner
Zoya looked at the concern on his face and she fought the affect it was having on her - " No,you dont need to,its just walking distance,ill go and like I said,ill eat at school "
Asad shot her a ridiculous look as he asked - " whats the matter with you? Why cant u just listen?
Right then the Lift opened to the basement and she saw that he already had his temper raised and she didnt like that look just like she didnt like it even yesterday so she said - " Allah miyaan,alright dont u give me all your angry young man looks now-lets go."
Asad smiled as he opened the door to the car for her and took the wheel as he drove,it was a short drive towards her school anyway,and his work anyway,only ten minutes away and he stole a look at her sideways as she looked out the window and he tried to figure out what was it about her that was drawing him to her as if she were a made-for-him magnet,she had managed to avoid him over dinner when everything had seemed fine a few hours earlier and then she was trying to avoid him now too and right then he started to wonder why was he not able to get her out of his mind-her beautiful face,the way she laughed,and the way she remembered allah Miyaan,for every little thing-everything about her was amusing him and making him want to know her more.Right then he thought of switching on the radio for some distraction and he bent forward without noticing that she just had too,and their hands touched and Zoya immediately withdrew hers and let him switch it on and she started looking out the window again. Right then he saw Starbucks,around the corner so he pulled over and parked and watched her get out of the car with a almost nervous look on her face as she smiled at him and which made him wonder once more -what the hell was up here going on in that mind of hers?
Zoya sipped her coffe as she stole a glance at Asad across, who was eating , and she couldn't help but think as to how handsome he looked and she almost laughed at herself because she knew even if that man walked in front of her in the shabbiest clothes ever, he would still catch her attention and she would still find him amazingly handsome.She was fighting something inside her mind, her more rational sense that told her to watch herself and that this was really all just a lie, but then as she saw him look at her just then and their eyes locked for a few seconds before she smiled and resumed eating, she felt her heart all happy and excited - because she was sitting right across the man of her dreams, and right now nothing else really mattered except for the time she was getting to spend with him here, which she might not ever get again in her life, and so she felt a smile curve up her lips as she deceided not to worry about what was going to happen later- because ofcourse it would turn out to be really ugly if Asad found out the truth or for that matter even her brother, but then she felt like for the first time ever not wanting to worry about what was going to happen next, because if tomorrow looked ugly, today was wonderful- so what it was a Lie- she was going to live it nonetheless.
Zoya smiled at him as she watched him finish his breakfast - "Allah Miyaan..whats wrong with you, Asad , I am getting late now...please hurry up" , and he smiled back and they walked towards the car and she sat in, and it was only a few minutes- very short few minutes later did they reach her campus, and so she immediately got off with her bag and stood at the window before walking in and smiled at Asad - " Thanks for the ride, and I am sorry about last night, I was just so tired...so what was it that you were saying?"
Asad looked at her confusedly, she was definetly having some weird mood swings here - " what Zoya?"
Zoya smiled , hoping he would get the hint that she was trying to make up for avoiding him last night - " Allah miyaan, whats wrong with you Mr.Khan, I mean about u saying if you wanted me to let you know about if I actually wanted to go some place for dinner, since you know you are such a good brother and my best friend asked you to watch out for me"
Asad grinned as he realized what she was trying to do here and he didn't know why he felt really happy as he said trying to hide his expression - " Oh Yes, that I remember Zoya- so is there any place you have in mind?"
Zoya thought for a minute and she replied - " Hmm, not yet,you? why don't we talk about this later in the evening?"
Asad smiled - "Great, so ill see you once I am back from work, and if you have any problem at all, you got my number"
Zoya waved her phone in his face - " Yup, got it..bye, see you later.." and she turned to walk just when she heard him call her name and she turned and looked at him puzzled and she almost caught that mischevious glint in his eyes giving her goosebumps all over as he said before driving away - " I like that smile on you Miss Farooqui, I don't know why but I guess I kind of really do"
Zoya smiled to herself as she made her way towards her class and she checked her watch, she still had a few minutes left, and right then her phone rang and she saw it was Khushi, so she picked it up in an instant.
...
Khushi waited for Zoya to pick up the phone and she was thankful that she didn't take long as she heard her excited voice which immediately made her feel better - " Khushi, how are you?? How are things going on with bhai...?
Khushi felt her heart flip one more time at the mere mention of his name and she replied honestly - "Nothing is Fine Zoya...I have a problem here" and she filled her in about her meeting with her tutor and how he really wanted her to make that change and how Arnav offered to help her in it last night and just as she finished she waited for Zoya to reply.
Zoya listened to Khushi and she felt herself ask - "Bhai offered to help you out?well that's so not him...I wonder whats into him...but I am so glad that he did because I would have done the same if I was there, cmon Khushi u should do this, it's the question of your degree, it wouldn't matter right?
Khushi sighed as she admitted honestly - "Ofcourse it does Zoya...you know it does, you know how I feel around him, it isnt hidden from you right, and just like I know how you feel about Bhaijaan, you tell me doesn't it matter if this is all just a lie, I know you kind of have this softcorner for bhaijaan and you know I have the same for Arnav, but isnt it just so wrong to go ahead with this Lie- Im sure Arnav wouldn't even look at me if he knew who I was."
Zoya sighed - "Khushi, I know...whatever you are saying makes sense, infact I have been wondering the same you know since last night, but just a while ago when I was having breakfast with Asad, I realized that so what If this is a Lie...its wonderful isnt it?I mean you are getting to spend the time with bhai, and im getting to spend sometime here with Asad, something which we both had termed as impossible- but our false identities are working here...and we are getting a chance to live something which we perhaps never will ever ever again, and you know you want to, Iv seen you stalk him a zillion times on Google and I will be honest, I want to too- maybe there is a chance that if they get to know us, we have a opportunity to make them reconcile, don't you think? I know this is a big gamble for both of us Khushi but .." and before she could complete her sentence she heard Khushi say - " but I guess you are right...I am up for it, I do feel guilty about hiding the truth from bhaijaan, but maybe sometimes the truth isnt the solution to everything...sometimes we just gotta do with a Lie, im sure if this ever comes out, I can make bhaijaan understand"
Zoya smiled - "Exactly, im sure I can make Bhai understand too, he knows I love him way too much to go behind his back...but if I have , I must have a strong reason for it..."
Khushi agreed - "Exactly, I agree, but its ironical isnt it, in both of our cases, the strongest reasons are the ones our brothers detest...its so weird, I wonder what my fate is upto here anyway...so I guess ill just text Arnav about whatever just happened with my tutor, and you rush for your class.I love you..and I miss you Zoya.."
Zoya smiled - "Don't worry, itll all be ohk...we will worry about the future later ..now go and talk to Bhai...all the best Khushi Gupta"
Khushi smiled as she said - "To you too, Zoya farooqui".
Zoya finally put down the phone and she walked her way into her class...and just as she had settled in and put her phone on silent - she received Asad's text asking her if class had started and all was alright, and she quickly replied that all was well...and that shed text him after class.She returned her attention to the Professor who was introducing himself, and she didn't know why she felt happy , her heart felt happy - maybe because it was ready to live the Lie, it had invented and fallen for.
Khushi reached her apartment and she saw that she hadn't settled her groceries in from the morning as shed left immediately after the delivery had come to meet her tutor, she quickly arranged hers, and kept Arnav's aside making a mental note to give him his when he came back from work.
And right then she remembered she had to text him and so she took out her phone and typed -
Hi Arnav,
I met my tutor, hes still sticking to his point.
I guess I will need your help on this.Can we discuss how to go about this in the evening?
Thanks
Khushi
Arnav just got out from the meeting room after reviewing the terms of the project and he took out his phone to see a new text message and he opened it , only to feel a smile curve on his lips and he deceided to hope more often next time as he quickly typed -
Hi Khushi,
Not a problem at all.Like I said I would be glad to help you.
Will discuss it once I am back- probably around 6.00 pm.
And don't thank me.
Arnav
Khushi waited patiently for his reply and just as her phone beeped she opened it immediately and read it and smiled to herself, and she recalled what Zoya had said, maybe she was right , there was no point in worrying what would happen three weeks from now, she was getting a chance to know Arnav Singh Raizada something she had really wanted since a long long time now.And somehow it did not really matter if this was complicated and she felt happy, her heart felt happy because she was ready to Live the Lie, she had already fallen for.
...
Chapter 3 - Part B
London - 7 PM
Arnav made his way up to the studio, just as he finished talking to his sisters.Di had said that everything was going well with her in Singapore, and shed known from everyone else back at Shantivan that Maa was stable as well.After talking to her he had called Zoya, to know how were things going on at her end and if everything was well, which ofcourse was as she seemed pretty excited as she filled him in about her first day at school and how opting for summer school this summer was probably one of the best decisions of her Life, he had laughed ofcourse because his little sister always had the knack of cracking him up , and then as she had asked if he had settled in well, he had told her the truth that he had , and then filled her in a little bit about how he had been spending some time with Khushi and was going to help her with her project, to which Zoya had immediately exclaimed , that her brother was indeed the best and he wondered as he put the phone down if his sister would think the same if she knew that her brother was getting attracted to her best friend, Miss Gupta. He was still deep in thought as the lifts door opened and he walked up to Khushi's apartment to get the keys from her.
Khushi heard a knock on her door, and because she had been waiting for the past one hour in anticipation, she quickly walked to open the door , knowing exactly who it must be.
Khushi smiled as she saw him - " Hi Arnav, how was your day?"
Arnav smiled back trying to distract himself from the view of her looking beautiful, and so innocent at the same time, as he thought he really liked the colour pink on her, it made her skin glow in a way that was...and he stopped his trail of thought as he answered - " Great, I was busy getting most of the details about what Zoya had done, and I just got a little late in the process..how was yours?"
Khushi , gestured him to come in and she said walking him towards the small dining table in her studio - " Good actually except for I cudnt get my tutor to listen to me..and I was just going to make some coffe, you want some?"
Arnav sat on the chair as he nodded - "Yes, thanks...black and no sugar.."
Khushi - " I know.." and she made coffe for the two of them and she placed the mug in front of him and she saw him sip his coffe and she said - " The stuff you'v ordered has arrived, ill help you settle it"
Arnav - " thanks Khushi", and he watched as she flipped out her phone and flashed his text message to him as she said smilingly- " Don't Thank me, this is what you wrote, so I guess u should stop too"
Arnav smiled and he asked - " so what happened with your tutor, did you talk to him about what I suggested?"
Khushi finished her coffe as she filled him in - " and ofcourse I also spoke to him about what you suggested, and he absolutely loved the idea, although I don't know how can I go about this without causing you much of a trouble.."
Arnav , thanked his mind for coming up with the brilliant idea as he said - " there is a way actually, you could come with me to work from tomorrow on, and do all the questioning you want with the people incharge here, and how the culture change in UK has caused us to change our line accordingly, and for the rest of the information about India and US and UAE, I can give you, would four regions be enough ? and I guess you could work on your project from office, instead of home, since you might just need additional information and it would just be easier if you had people from AR around, and ofcourse I will be right around if you need to know anything..so how does this sound?"
Khushi replied sincerely - " thanks Arnav, I mean that would be great...but I hope it wouldn't be too much of a problem...I mean if it were Zoya.."
Arnav - "Yeah exactly, if it were Zoya you wouldn't be worrying about it being a problem right, so why are you worrying if its me, it should rather be the same, so stop thinking so much...alright?"
Khushi nodded - "ohk arnav...thanks.." and she started to pick up his grocery stuff...and he picked up the rest as they walked across to his studio and she helped him settle the stuff in and she stepped back from the fridege to see him deep in thought so she asked - "whats up?"
Arnav smiled - " nothing, was wondering what to make myself for dinner tonight?"
Khushi's eyes widened in surprise as she said - " well that's something Zoya didn't tell me about, Arnav Singh Raizada can cook?"
Arnav grinned - " I can a little, not excellent but manageable, afterall I have been living by meself whilst I was studying both here in London and in the US"
Khushi immediately remembered what he meant, because he had been studying with her brother here in London, before things got messed up , and she fought the knot in her stomach and she said - " Oh yes, you were here in London, Zoya told me...but she also told me that you were sent here along with a family friend...whats his name...Asad is it?"
Arnav stiffened as he heard that name from her , and he replied curtly and almost in a cold voice - " Yes, Asad Ahemed Khan and he is no more a family or a friend Khushi, so id be rather happy to not talk about this and id prefer if you wouldn't bring him up or even mention his name in front of me, ever again.."
Khushi looked at his hand that had almost turned tight around the bottle of water he was holding in his hand, and she fought her inner rational self who was warning her yet again that this man couldn't even listen the name of her brother or her family and she said almost nervously - " Im sorry...I didn't know..I think ill go now.." and she started to make her way out because she desperately wanted to get some air, as she had realized that she was right, he wouldn't even look at her if she knew who she was.
Arnav saw her turn , and he realized that he shouldn't have spoken to her so coldly because she was just being normal, asking him a question unaware of the hatred the name would stir up within him and he immediately caught hold of her hand to stop her and said - " Look, I shouldn't have spoken to you that way, it isnt your fault.."
Khushi tried to calm down the affect his hold was having on her and she turned around , as somepart of her reminded her that she was Miss Gupta to him and she turned around and said - " Its alright...and I wont bring it up again, I guess its sensitive"
Arnav let go of her hand as he said - " yup, it is..so tell me about your family, Khushi?"
Khushi faked her best lie as she said - " its just me , my elder brother and my mother...i lost my father many years ago.."
Arnav looked at the almost saddened look in her eyes and he felt himself wanting to comfort her and he said - " I understand, I know how it feels"
He was surprised when she smiled reassuringly and said putting a hand on hi shoulder - " I know you do...I know what happened from Zoya..im sorry.."
Arnav sighed , as he turned to look at her, and their eyes met- "well don't be..."
Right then Khushis's phone rang and she jumped apart from the gaze that was beginning to pull her in and she saw it was her brother , so she said - " ill just be back...its my brother.." and she walked across to her room to talk to her bhaijaan.
Arnav watched her leave and he deceided to get changed from his work clothes but he left the door to his studio open.
Khushi finished talking to her bhaijaan as she assured him that everything was well with her and she walked back towards Zoya's studio to see that the door was left open...and so she walked in and started to settle the remaining of the stuff from the Tesco delivery carton into the fridge when she heard him call her name - "Khushi.." and his voice startled her and her leg hit the carton as she lost her balance...but he leaped forward just in time as he caught her in his arms again...and held on to her waist and she held onto his collar for support only this time her eyes weren't shut..because she couldn't get herself to look away from his gaze...and she didn't know how long did they both stay like that..until she felt him brush away her hair from her face tenderly touching her cheeks in the process cauging her to shiver as he said - "careful Khushi, you could have hurt yourself.."
Arnav didn't know why he he didn't let go of her as immediately as he had caught her in his arms...maybe because he liked the feel of her...or maybe it was because unlike the last two times hed caught her so...she had her eyes open this time..and he couldn't get himself to look away from her beautiful eyes..that refected each and every thought that was going on in her mind and he could see that she was as affected as she was..as he brushed her hair away..and touched her cheek softly as he could almost feel her shiver, and she conituned to hold on to him for a few more seconds...before she jumped apart..much to his dissappoitment and fumbled nervously - " Im sorry..i guess im just so clumsy.."
Arnav saw her look away and he realized she was getting a little uncomfortable so he changed the topic as he asked - " so what do u want to eat..i was thinking of making some pasta.."
Khushi smiled as she realized he was trying to make her comfortable and she said - " but ill help you Arnav..this is only fair..." and she waited for him to say something and just as he nodded...she smiled and they both got to work in the kitchen.
Arnav listened to her constant chatter as they finished cooking and he couldn't help but feel really good...like he hadn't felt in a long long time around any girl..he felt really comfortable around her...and he watched her put the food on the plates as she turned to put them on the table..and he saw that she was struggling with her hair lock that was constantly falling on her face as she tried to push it away with her elbow...so he just took one plate from her hand..and before she could brush it away, he saw his hand on its own acoord had already moved and tucked it behind her ear..causing her to look at him surprised once more as their gaze locked and then she moved a few seconds later and sat on the table, as he joined her...and they started to eat.
Arnav asked as he ate - " so does this building have a gym or something...now that I cannot run on the busy streets of oxford, I need to do something about my workout"
Khushi smiled as she said - " well not our building , but you could check out the health club I go to for my swim - Fitness First, its right around the Baker Street, not very far..a few minutes walk "
Arnav brushed around the image that flashed in his mind of Khushi in a swimsuit and he whaked himself mentally for coming up with the scene that was distracting him to a great extent and he said - " so you like swimming..?"
Khushi nodded - " Yup, very much..i go everyday...7 to 8 in the morning...its almost like meditation for me...it's a habit I cant do without... so u could come and check out the gym there if you want.."
Arnav nodded - " I guess, I will...and 7- 8 is a good time for me too..."
Khushi smiled - " Great...but you know thanks so much with your help on my project..I mean..."
And just as she saw him look at her intently as he said - " I would like to help you Khushi...infact I want to..so stop being so formal.." , she felt her hopes raise...what if she wasn't the only one who was getting attracted to him...what if he was too? What did all of this mean? Was there a way...that something she had dreamed about had a chance of turning into a reality...?? She wanted to find it out..she surely did...as she realized Zoya was right...all of this wasn't Just a Lie...it was a Wonderful Lie, indeed...and maybe all of this had a bigger meaning behind it all to happen the way it was...
...
7.00 PM - Boston
Asad drove back from work and he was glad that he had spoken to Khushi and his ammi earlier during the day, because he had gotten really busy in the latter half of the day and he hadn't had the time to even eat properly. Khushi was fine and happy , he was worried because he knew Zoya was here and she was all alone there...but she had assured him that she was busy in her project and also she had a lot of friends from her course who were still right there and lived nearby so she really wasn't alone.Ammi had called her best friend Shaheen Khala to come stay with her for a few days, as Shaheen Khala was also a widow and her son Rayyan was in Dubai for some business, so she was more than happy to give ammi some company.He like Shaheen Khala, she was a gem of a person and also he quite like Rayyan as well, he was a nice fellow and was handling his abbu's business empire quite well..he wasn't very old..just around 25, but he did appreciate the man Rayyan had become, and he did know that Rayyan had a soft corner for Khushi somewhere, because he had witnessed him stare at her a couple of times last time when she was home and the families had dinner together and he had noticed Khushi talking to him too. He was happy that Khushi was now going to be home for good soon, well she was just 22 and he didn't want to get her married so early but he knew that Ammi didn't want to either, but there would be no harm if the engagement happened atleast and they could only get them married later...but he stopped his trail of thought as he realized that he needed to speak to Khushi forst ofcourse, because he loved her to bits and he wouldn't force her into anything, he would only go ahead with this alliance in his mind if Khushi gave her consent to it.Right then he reached the Riverbend..so he parked his car in the basement and made his way up wondering what would the girl of his interest - Miss Zoya farooqui be upto right now...and he remembered that they had a dinner planned and he hoped she had some place picked already because he hadn't had any time to think about that.
He reached his floor but before walking into his appt he thought of seeing Zoya so he knocked on her door, waiting for her to open up.
Zoya listened to her favourite music as she played games on her Ipad and checked her facebook , when she saw her phone ring and she saw that it was Asad, so she quickly picked it up as she asked - "Where are you?? Still working is it?" and she heard him reply - "Well no, I am back, now if you will open up the door, iv been knocking for the past two minutes precise".
Zoya quickly jumped off her bed and straightened her hair as she opened the door and shot him a apology - "I am so sorry Asad, I was listening to music..so I didn't hear you knock..how was your day?"
Asad smiled - "Its alright...my day was good..and you can tell me all about yours, once at dinner...I am starving..have you chosen a place?"
Zoya smiled - "You like Thai?..and why don't u eat some cookies ..that will keep you fueled up until we actually have dinner", she asked quickly handing him a few cookies from the coffe table
Asad nodded - "Yes I do...and thanks" he said, taking the pack of cookies from her hand.
Zoya smiled - "Well great, I was just looking up on Google, and came across this Brown Sugar Caf, it isnt fancy but apparently its got the best food in town...so you up for it?"
Asad smiled - "Great, ill just get changed and then we can leave in 30 minutes..is that good?"
Zoya smiled - "Yup, it is" and she saw him walk to his apartment and she quickly rushed in her room closing her door...she just had 30 minutes to get ready for almost - first dinner date with the man who haunted her dreams.She quickly took out a casual black dress and went straight to her bathroom to freshen up and get ready.
Asad got out of his apartment and he saw Zoya step out the same time as hers and he smiled at her, as he tried to process the thoughts that had erupted in his mind after he saw Zoya looking so amazingly stunning in a black casual dress and he remembered how strict and reserved he used to be when it came to the clothes which Khushi used to where back at home whilst she was still India...but then he had changed with time on his viewpoint...that clothes did not really make much of a difference ,the person did, and he so he had let Khushi have her way of styling and dressing, he had changed so much along the way since he had sent Khushi to London - not only in terms of his thinking but also that he tried to be more of a friend to Khushi instead of an elder brother and made sure that she wasn't scared of him so that she could share whatever she wanted with him just like she would with Zoya.
Zoya saw him look at her for almost two whole minutes in silence and she waved her hand in front of him to bring him back to presence as she said - "Allah Miyaan...where are you lost?I thought you were hungry.."
Asad smiled as he gestured her to walk towards the lift - " yes I am...lets go..."
Zoya quickly told him the address as she sat in and watched him put it in on the GPS and he started driving...and she wondered what was going on his mind just when she heard him ask - So Zoya..how was your day? Did you like it?
Zoya smiled as she recalled her day and she said - "ofcourse I liked it..it was amazing, the course is so interesting..." and she went on to fill him in about how her day turned out and how she met so many different people and as to how this seemed to be the best decision she ever made to attend summer school this year...and he couldn't help but just listen in awe and smile at how she got so excited about everything in Life...as she absorbed every single detail and lived it to the fullest, and it was so different from any girl hed met..and he heard her ask him about his meeting and presentation and he started to fill her in about how well it went , as if it were the most natural thing in the world...to talk to her..as if she wasn't a stranger...as if she was someone hed always known.
A While Later...At Dinner -
Zoya exclaimed - "Allah Miyaan, isnt this the best som tum salad iv had in a long long time", and she realized that her fake phrase was now becoming more of a natural habit.
Asad smiled - "Yes, I guess it is..i am glad u picked put this place", and he continued to eat and he added - " I guess I should let you pick out where we should be eating from now on..."
Zoya looked at him surprised as she realized what he said and she asked - " what do u mean Asad?"
Asad looked at her straight in the eye as he said - "well, I mean I guess it wouldn't harm to spend sometime together right..not that you are a stranger or something, you are Khushi's best friend and not just that, I guess I would like to get to know you , Miss Farooqui.."
Zoya almost choked on her food as she heard him say that and she couldn't believe this was Asad Ahemed Khan, the man of her dreams telling her that he wanted to get to know her, and he quickly handed her a glass of water and she drank it in a go to calm down her nerves as she said - " you guess, you would like to get to know me...but why?
Asad - " alright, remove the guess..I would like to get to know you, lets just be honsest, iv been wanting to since the first time I met you, and why is maybe coz Khushi.." he started to lie , because he knew he wanted to get to know her only for personal reasons , so that he could understand what was it about her that was making him think of her in a way he had never thought about anyone.
Zoya looked at him intently for a minute and she realized that he was trying to cover up instead of saying it outright so she completed his sentence hiding her smile - " Maybe coz you want to know all about Khushi's best friend..so is it like you will tell me to stay away from her..if you figure out im not a good friend" she joked.
Asad smiled, realizing what she was trying to do here, she had already understood the underlying meaning behind his words but was letting him get away and so he said - " well ofcourse not , I already know you are a good friend, and I would never ask you to stop talking to Khushi, I know how much you mean to her, she absolutely loves you"
Zoya smiled back - "and I love her too...and I miss her so much.."
Asad smiled and just then a thought occurred to his mind just as he saw the waiter serve them the main course and he asked - "Zoya, I wanted to talk to you something , its related to Khushi?"
Zoya started to eat as she said - "yes tell me..kya hua, shes fine...I spoke to her in the morning..."
Asad nodded as he ate his meal - " yes, I know I spoke to her a while back too..i just wanted to know is there anybody back in London or in her batch...she likes as in a guy?I haven't spoken to her yet...but I thought since you are her friend and you would know"
Zoya felt her eyes widen in surprise as she said - "well no...not anyone as in in her batch or something or in London...theres this guy Aaditya in her class who probably likes her...and he did ask her out, but she refused..but why do u ask?" , as she hid the fact that ofcourse she knew who Khushi liked - it was her brother , the man he hated Arnav singh raizada.
Asad nodded - "ohk..no just asking...generally.." and he felt relieved as he felt that his sister would tell him , if there was anything of the sorts..and he asked Zoya - " and what about you?is there anyone you like from your class or from work?
Zoya hid the simple fact that ofcourse she liked somebody and it was him and she said - " well no, although there was this guy Nikhil in my class who did ask me out once, but I wasn't interested..so yeah...but we are good friends, that's all? And what about you, im sure you must have a list of girls all rswooning around you?"
Asad looked at her amusingly - "A List? Why would you think that"
Zoya smiled mischeviously - "well a list would do justice wouldn't it...since you look the way you do, Mr.Asad Ahemed Khan"
Asad grinned - "well ill take that as a compliment Miss farooqui, but no- there isnt a list...no one has ever caught my interest that way and iv always been too busy with work and family anyway...but maybe there is someone I guess I have started to take a liking for", hoping shed get a hint.
Zoya felt her breath stop as she heard him ofcourse catchingthe hint but she said innocently - "You guess..way too much Mr.Khan.." , hoping he wouldn't hear her heartbeat race, because she definetly felt it race at a speed of sound, was there a possibility that Asad was starting to like her?
They finished dinner and they drove back to their building and Zoya was almost all silent as she tried to comprehend again what did Asad mean by maybe there is someone I guess I have started to take a liking for?
Asad watched her out of the corner of his eye as he parked the car and they got into the lift wondering again why was she silent and he realized he didn't like her silence at all, he liked her more all chattering.Soon the lift got filled in as a lot of people got in and instinctively put a hand on her waist and made her stand inward against the wall as he took the place she was standing right upfront, and he saw her look at him nervously and he couldn't help but look back at her as he smiled...and he continued to look at her, even when she broke her gaze and tried to look elsewhere, he knew she was well aware of his gaze on her and he almost laughed because he knew he was making her nervous.
Just as the lift door opened to their floor , Zoya immediately stepped out and he followed and she started to walk towards her room when he called her name, and she turned to see him grin mischeviously as he asked - " whats up? Why are u so nervous around me...?, and she watched him take a step forward towards her, just as she took a step back as she said - "No im not nervous Asad, not at all" and right then her heel slipped on the wooden floor and she almost lost her balance and was prepared to fall back, when she felt a pair of strong arms go around her waist , and his touch sending shots of electricity all through her body, just like how he had barely touched her waist in the elevator and she had lost all her sense of thinking.
And she saw him gaze at her intently as he did not let go of her just as she tried and he said his hold firm on her waist - " did I say, that you Look beautiful tonight Zoya?
Zoya fumbled to find the words as she knew she was loosing herself in his eyes - " I do??...no...you didn't..I mean.."
Asad hid his smile as he said - " well now you know...don't you?" and he finally let her up from her bent position but yet did not let go of her as he said - " and also just so as you know...i had a wonderful time with you tonight, something I haven't had in a long time, so thanks" and he let go of her waist finally.
Zoya smiled nervously as she heard him and was thankful that he let go of her, or he would have definetly heard her heart thud loudly this time - " yeah me too..i had a wonderful time too Asad,goonight.."
Asad smiled - "yeah goodnight...ill see you in the morning then...and ill drop you to school...ohk?dont walk...let me know once you are ready..."
Zoya nodded and smiled at him and she watched him smile at her as he entered his apartment and she turned to get into hers and just as she had entered, she tried to process the new development here...he wanted to get to know her?? He said there was somebody he guess he liked..could it be possible that he really meant it was her?? And she wondered was this how everyday was going to be?? Him dropping her off..and then having so much time to spend with him and get to know him...her rational mind was warning her that this really wasn't a good sign but she felt a part of her shut it up as her heart felt this is was nothing but a good sign...and she had been right...that whatever it was , it wasn't Just a Lie...It was A Wondeful Lie, Indeed.
...
Hate looked at the three sitting in front of him , and he couldn't understand why were they all smiling and so he spoke or rather grumbled - " I do not understand what are the three of you smiling about, this isnt funny...whatever you all are doing here, will not have the right consequences and then don't blame me..for playing my part.."
Fate looked at Hate who was all grumbling and replied - " We will not blame you, we know you have your role to play, its just saddening to watch, anyway we are doing just our job here...this has to go about this way...and cmon don't you love this already...?
Destiny smiled as she replied to Fate - " well I don't know about Hate, but I am totally enjoying this already...sparks flying all around, just when hate made me think I hadn't written it out all perfectly, fate, my friend you reminded me that I have"
Fate smiled - "Exactly...this is perfect my friend, they should know- you are what is happening to them when they are busy making other plans"
Love listened to the three of them silently and she finally asked Hate - "whats the matter with you? Stop getting so worked up...you know this is how it is supposed to be, now don't be a spoil sport"
Hate grumbled rolling his eyes , and answered Love- " I know...but I wonder if Fate here, is nothing but a odd unpopular caf whose job is to bring out the people the dishes they didn't ask for, and will probably never like, really I don't understand him at times, and nor do I understand you here..its like you have this cruel sense of humuor - you are giving them something they always wanted but like at the worst time possible, you would need a miracle to not make this turn ugly"
Fate grinned mischeviously - "well that's an explanation about myself I haven't heard before, and I must confess, I kind of like it"
Love looked at fate -"Stop teasing him"...and she turned to hate and smiled patiently - " I don't have any need to prove anything to you, I know you don't believe in Miracles and that's why you are not likely to receive one or rather even witness it...you just cant see beyond it all..however I can..so why don't u calm down and resume what you were doing" and she saw Hate give her a ridiculous look but he returned to his work , almost calmer.
Destiny smiled as she turned to Love - "I like how you handle him ,when he gets all hypered and all ready to dance out of our hands.."
Love grinned - " I created him now didn't I..i know how to deal with him..and moreover Im used to his tantrums by now"
Destiny grinned - " that I guess you sure are, and also im not worried at all infact, like I always say, somethings are just destined to be, it just takes a couple of tries to get there...seriously when will they understand its all really almost fixed...and just at times I do it in a way to make them think they got the better of me ...coz well I am just kind.."
Love and Fate smiled as they said or rather stated in unision - " And that's why we call you the Match-fixer of their Lives, my friend.
...
Chapter 5 - A Pinch of Jealousy and Some Fireworks.
Cyclones Happen.Earthquakes Happen.Tornadoes Happen, because they are by default a part of Nature. Similarly Jealousy happens , because it is by default a part of Love, as ironical it may seem but yes it is. Its funny how jealousy usually plays the role of a catalyst in the chemical balancing game of emotions, which our heart starts to play with our minds, under the flag of the good old glorious Love. And its really amusing if you were to think of how, jealousy starts its job, at first it starts slowly, making you feel uneasy, and makes you wonder and question your very own emotions, even makes you think if you were crazy.And then it starts to progress and it usually never really misses its target, and that's usually when we realize that you can only be Jealous of someone, who has the attention of that one person of your interest, the attention which you ought to want for yourself, and then like the catalyst it is - it leaves you with no choice and forces you to visit the places of the heart , which you never knew existed, but the places you gotta visit, in order to come back to yourself. Jealousy is like that flight of the Global Airline of Love, because ultimately it will take you to that destination your heart seeked, and it is then eventually with time do we learn that it isnt just a emotion, it's a very useful emotion indeed and in the Receipe for Love, even a pinch is enough to kickstart the Fireworks.
...
Three Days Later -
Saturday - London - 10 AM
Khushi sipped her coffe and she watched Arnav drink his whilst he browsed his phone and she felt her mind wondering about to the thought once more that , getting comfortable and closer to Arnav Singh Raizada was definetly unhealthy for her life, and she outright knew it. A week before, he had stormed into her life , and changed every dam thing about it upside down, including the fact that she was concealing her identity from him.She immediately scolded her mind to wander around the trechourous logic and she resumed her attention to think of how so much had happened in these past one week, and also ever since she had started spending more and more time with Arnav , in the past three days , they both started to get more comfortable around each other, and she felt herself open up to him quite easily and she was also happy about the fact he was different with her, than his usual self.There were times at AR when he would come over to talk to her, everyone around would look at her or rather them in disbelief and actually go to exclaim the fact that they had never seem him talk to anyone the way he did with Khushi, except for his family ofcourse.She had felt pure happiness ofcourse in that one moment , and although his intense gazes and looks still gave her goosebumps and made her feel as if there were something more he always wanted to say, and she tried to think what would be going on in his mind and right then she saw him look up and catch her in the middle of her staring at him , like he had so many times in the past few days and he said grinningly - " ohk then, well this time I definetly got ahave something weird on my face..."
Khushi looked away , embarrassed and then she said to her defense - " why, cant I look at you? Kya Arnav Singh Raizada ko dekhne ke liye tax lagta hai?
Arnav smiled at that and put his phone away and said, teasinly - " well, I guess not...so yeah I guess you can continue to stare at me, like you were.." and he watched her mouth go in the usual O , which he founf extremely adorable and she said - " well I was not staring for starters, I was, ..i was just thinking something and you happened to sit right across, and my eyes just happened to look in your direction, that's all..."
Arnav laughed as he heard her say those words and he looked at her in awe and asked - " seriously , how would anyone come up with a thing like that?"
Khushi grinned mischeviously - " well ..." and before she could say anything further her phone beeped and she turned her attention to the phone and started to type away, and Arnav took that opportunity to gaze at her.
In the last three days, he had felt himself open up and become more comfortable around Khushi, it was becoming more and more natural to talk to her, as he spent some more time with her, and ofcourse they were practically spending all day together and he couldn't help but get more attracted to her, specially now that he didn't worry about being reserved, and the more he got to know more, he started to realize that he genuinely was developing a liking for her, a very different sort of liking which came with truckloads of attraction with it and before he could think further, he saw her put her phone aside and she said - " sorry, it was just riya..."
Arnav smiled - " that's ohk...so whats the plan for the day...since you declared yesterday that the weekend is supposed to be an off.."
Khushi smiled - " honestly , I wanted to do some shopping , so..and I guess if you plan to buy any gifts for your family back home, I could help you too..."
Arnav smiled as he finished his coffe and said - " great, so its done...and Khushi I must say , the coffe was indeed brilliant..."
Khushi grinned - " thanks, but would you care to explain me once more, how do you stand the pathetic taste of the black sour caffeine.."
Arnav grinned - " well , I don't know, I guess it's a habbit , iv become used to"
Khushi smiled - " I know, its always about habbits..."
Arnav - " yeah like how you have two full spoons of sugar in your tea.."
Khushi looked at him in surprise - " you noticed..."
Arnav grinned - " it isnt easy not to , when you have precisely five cups in front of my eyes, every single day, but yes there a lot of things which you may think I don't notice, but I guess I just do..."
Khushi looked at him in surprise once more and she was just about to answer him when she saw him lean forward as he tugged the strand of her hair behind her ears, the one that always fell on her face as he said - " and I also notice how that strand disturbs you..."
Khushi felt herself blush as their eyes locked for a second and then he pulled back and she teased - " so what else have you niticed, Mr.Raizada..?"
Arnav was just about to answer her and right then her phone rang and she looked at him and gestured that she gotta take the call , but she didn't leave her chair , so Arnav took that time to fiddle with his phone although he didn't know why his ears were paying more attention to the conversation happening right in front of him.And as he realized who was it, that had called, he felt his insides a little uneasy , and as he watched her smile and talk in her constant usual chatter, he just hoped that she would put down the phone already , because somewhat due to some really unlogical reason , he was feeling uncomfortable listeing to her talk so easily with someone else, with someone who likes her, and instantly he felt that similar dislike arise for Aaditya, for apparently he knew a lot of things about Khushi and was a close friend, things which he didn't know, and he didn't know whether he wanted Khushi to look at him that way anyway, as just as a friend, because he knew one thing sure shot, he did not look at her as just that.He felt the uneasiness rise as she excused herself and walked to her room and she continued to talk on the phone, and he literally clenched his fists in anger, the anger he felt even though he didn't know why, he felt it still, because he did not approve of Khushi giving Aaditya the attention, that she was giving him in that very moment.
He was just anout to get up and and leave her appt , when she walked out her room, and she said walking up to him - " sorry, that was aadi, you remember I told you about the Manchester thing right?"
Arnav felt his insides groan as he heard her call him that, so Aaditya was Aadi and he tried to sound normal as he said - " yeah, what about it? I thought you didn't want to go..."
Khushi smiled - " yeah I didn't, but I guess I will, you know that was what Riya was talking about too and so was aadi, and I guess you were right , itl give me the opportunity to spend some time with everyone, so..."
Arnav felt like smacking himself for giving her his opinion, because he wasn't aware that this was what he was going to feel regarding the thought of Khushi spending some time with Aaditya and he said - " so when do you leave..?"
Khushi - " Monday morning maybe, ill just take the train to Manchester, I was thinking going Tuesday, but aadi and riya are persuading that I go along.."
Arnav felt his insides churn again - " hmmm...and when will you be back...?" , hoping that she would be back soon.
Khushi - " Wednesday evening, I guess...the weddings Tuesday..so yeah...im so glad iv finished my work on what I had planned this week, and once im back, maybe a few more days at AR and then il be done..."
Arnav felt his mind wander to just one thought - she would be back Wednesday? And he wouldn't see her for three whole days? And she would be spending that entire time with Aaditya?? And he saw her looking at him and so he said , trying to sound normal - " Great, so why don't you get ready? We can leave in about an hours time?"
Khushi smiled - " definetly, an hour would be good" and she watched him deep in thought and almost frowning so she asked as she saw him step out the door - " is everything alright..?"
Arnav was surprised that she noticed and he turned and said - " yes, everything is fine Khushi, why wouldn't it?" and then he walked in swiftly towards his studio and made his way to the room and started to get ready.
...
...
Three Days Later
Saturday - Boston - 11.00 AM
Zoya smiled to herself as flipped through the picture of herself and Asad, they had clicked at Dinner , last night and she couldn't control her blush as he saw his hand on her shoulder, and she felt that similar flutter in her stomach as her thoughts wandered to him, things were going so perfectly in the past few days, they both were anyway comfortable with each other since day 1, but now it just felt so different , to wake up and meet him for breakfast, him dropping her off to school, and then spending as much time that they got in the evenings, in getting to know each other, and she knew what she was feeling was going to be lethal to her being , but she still allowed herself to feel everything freely , with the flow, because she knew this was the first time probably that she was listening to her heart here and not her mind. And what was more of a surprise to her was how different asad was to what she had perceived him to be, he was actually fun, a lot of fun , and not at all akdu, and very very straightforward with everything that came to his mind, and she reminded herself to never judge a book by its cover ever again , because Asad was definetly another story, than what his outer cover potrayed, and right then she saw him walk towards the car, as he took his seat behind the wheel and said - " Im sorry , I had forgotten my phone, and I knew we wouldn't return until later..so.."
Zoya grinned - " Allah Miyaan , whats wrong with you, I know...anyway why don't you have a look at this..." and she immediately showed him the picture on her phone from last night and asked - " its nice no?"
Asad looked at her phone screen and felt a smile curve up his lips, the picture was wonderful , and he thought he really liked the way she was smiling in it and also the way his hand was on her shoulder, as if it were meant to be there, and more than anything , he was surprised to see that his face reflected pure happiness in that moment and he smiled and said - " Correct that Zoya, it isnt just nice, its wonderful..." and he saw her give him her dimpled smile and he started the engine and said teasing her - " I must say, we look good together..."
Zoya immediately felt her eyes widen in surprise and she said - " Again, there you go, with all your shameless flirting..."
Asad grinned as he said - " Oh I wasn't flirting , I was just stating a fact, you know, you can correct me if I am wrong..."
Zoya saw the picture again and admitted honestly - " well I guess you are right..."
Asad smiled victoriously - " I always am"
" very Funny"
" Whats funny"
" You are..."
"That's something about myself , I don't hear very often , Zoya.."
Zoya said in an instant - " well that's coz, not many know you the way I do"
Asad looked at her sideways and raised his eyebrow but admitted honestly - " I guess you are right , I do not open up the way I have to you, to anyone, infact it suprises me too..."
Zoya smiled - " im sure it does, and why don't you pay attention on the road instead Asad, or I am going to get late for my class if you don't get to driving faster.."
Asad smiled and returned his attention to the road - " when will you be free.."
"By lunch..."
"Kool , so ill pick you up by 2 then?
"Yup...although Im so jealous, you aren't working and I have to go to class...I thought of spending Saturday differently...I haven't watched a movie in so long..."
Asad smiled - " so maybe we could do early dinner and then movie tonight?
"we could...? I thought you weren't fond of watching movie"
Asad grinned - " exactly, you thought...and you should know that I am.."
Zoya grinned and she immediately took out her phone and started to check which movies were playing, and right then something on her facebook caught her eye and she immediately spoke in excitement - " Oh my God, I don't believe this..."
Asad asked curiously - " what happened.."
Zoya - " Nikhil just checked in at the Boston Airport...you remember my friend I told you about, Nikhil..?"
Asad remembered and he said, trying to hide the dislike in hic voice - " yeah the one who likes you..."
Zoya - " Yeah, whatever, but he knws I don't, but he is still a very very good friend...and I wonder what the hell is he doing here..and why didn't he tell me..."
Asad took the turn towards her school and fought the uneasiness that was stirring within him as to why was zoya sounding so excited to know that he was here, and he immediately shoved the thought aside , when he heard her say - " I have just messaged him to call me asap, he is not going to get away with this..."
Asad brought the car to a halt and tried to sound normal as he said - " yeah you should ask him..." and he saw he smile and he felt better as she said - " I will, anyway thanks, ill see u in a while, you are ohk if I pick out a movie for us, right?
Asad smiled - " Yup, just let me know the time, that's all..."
And she hopped off, and right then her phone rang and so she just waved him bye and turned her back and walked towards the building, but not before he hadn't heard her say - " Nikhil what the hell are you doing here.."
And he felt that similar uneasiness creep up within him at the thought that she had just walked off without saying bye, because that Nikhil had called, and he didn't know why he didn't like the fact that she thought it were more important to take his call rather than to tell him bye properly.
He started to drive back towards their apartment , and he used the thought that they were going to be spending some good time today with the movie and dinner, to make himself feel better, because he definetly needed to do that or otherwise he was sure the uneasiness he was feeling would drive him crazy.
...
An Hour Later -
Asad flipped through the file of the contract paers which he were to sign on Monday , and he was making some last minute checks to see if everything was in accordance with what they had deceided in the last week and right then his phone buzzed so he picked it up , smiling to himself as it was Zoya -
"Hi, hows class going on?"
" Great Asad, the last class got cancelled, I guess I will be free early , will it be ok for you or Ill just cab it?"
"What nonsense, ofcourse itll be alright, ill be there..."
"Oh and you know what, I spoke to Nikhil, and you will not believe this, his course here starts Monday on, he didn't tell me coz apparently it was all a big surprise, hes taking some other short course for a week and then hes on the same one for Real estate as me, isnt that great.."
"Yeah, I guess..."
"Asad , is something wrong..?"
"No, why would it be.."
"Ohk and also , I have asked him to join us for lunch tomm, I hope you don't mind that I asked him to join , I mean I just felt I should...so.."
"Hes your friend, why would I have a problem anyway?"
"Ohk then , kool, ill wait for you at 1"
"Ill be there.."
"Don't keep me waiting , long.." and she smiled to herself and hung up, but she felt that thought urge up right again, something was off in his voice, or maybe she was just being paranoid, he must be working when she called, so he must be busy.Zoya smiled to her self as she thought of spending the entire day with him, she was right, taking summer school this year was probably the best decision , she had ever made.
...
LONDON - 8 PM - Arnav's Studio
Khushi heard her phone buzz and she saw that it was her bhaijaan's message, so she quickly replied that everything was well and that she would call him in a while, and then a few minutes later her phone rang again and she saw that it was Zoya , so she picked it up instantly -
"Zoyaaa, how are youuu??"
"Great, and well you do sound great too, hows it going...and why do I sense that my brother is the reason for that happiness in your voice", she said teasingly.
"yes, just like I know for sure my brother is the reason for that happiness in your voice..." she replied
" where is bhai..?"
" well im at your place, hes on a call with his secretary back in India, I guess, whats his name...Aman...yup"
"ooohhh so now you guys are spending all your time together, now that sounds fun , I am happy finally my brother is showing interest in someone whom I love to bits and totally approve off..."
"very funny. Hows bhaijaan , what are the two of you up too?"
"nothing much, dinner and movie tonight..."
" now that's interesting, probably I could say the same for you..."
"yeah right, ohhh and I forgot to tell you, Nikhil is here, im meeting him for lunch tomm..."
"I know...we ran into him here a few days back...he told me..."
"what , and you didn't tell me..."
"don't blame me, he asked me not to...and also Im finally going to Manchester on Monday, will be back on Wednesday, I am kind of looking forward to it , you know.."
"thank God Khushi, I think you should go definetly too..."
"I know, even Arnav said the same"
"Bhai said what?"
"yeah , you know I was confused, so I spoke to him about it, and he sort of told me what he thought about it..."
"you know what, I feel bhai is really opening up to you , which is rare, he barely does..."
" I know, and just like Bhaijaan...Zoya why do I feel this will get way too messy if ..."
"Khushi, I know, that's always at the back of my mind...however.."
And right then Khushi saw Arnav walk out his room and she said - "yeah Zoya, hes here, ill just hand him the phone.." and she quickly gave her phone to Arnav saying that it was Zoya.
Arnav smiled and took the phone from her hand and started to chat away with his little sister and he watched Khushi smile as she heard their conversation , and a while later he hung up and sat on the couch across and handed Khushi her phone and said - " Zoya couldn't believe the fact , that I spent the day shopping..."
Khushi grinned - " well its hard to believe really, I didn't know you had the patience..."
Arnav smiled - " well now, you do ..and on that note...wait...", and he walked to his room and brought out a bag, and handed it to her - " here, this is for you..."
Khushi looked at him in surprise as she opened it , to see the beautiful black dress, she had liked earlier today, but because she had thought she had shopped so much already , she had left it out reluctantly and she said looking at him in shock - " Arnav, no I couldn't, definetly, and how did you know..."
Arnav sat next to her and he said - " Oh cmon, I knew it you loved it, and also I bought something for almost everyone, so I wanted to get something for you too...so now quit being all formal...it isnt much.."
Khushi felt her heart all warm , as she knew this meant so much to her, that he noticed firstly and then he got this for her and she smiled - " thanks, but I don't know...if I could...I mean..."
Arnav groaned, why was she so unpredicatable, he'd thought she would be happy and so he said - " Khushi, lets just say , it's just a gift, and I want you to wear it for dinner tonight..."
Khushi, now even more surprised - "I thought we were going to stay in and order, wasn't that the plan?"
Arnav grinned - " yeah , I guess, but we just had a change in it, I hope you don't mind..."
Khushi smiled - " ofcourse not, but I still don't know about this..." and before she could complete her sentence she felt his finger on her lips as he whispered huskily because they were really close - "shh not a word more, please..."
Khushi finally gave up as she felt herself loose her senses as his finger was on her lips and she gestured through her eyes , that she would wear it and he grinned victouriously and bent back and she smiled nervously and took the dress in her hand and her phone in another and she got up - " ill see you in 20 mins?"
Arnav smiled and nodded and watched her leave the apartment and he grinned to himself, because he was really liking the developments between them here, and he didn't know why , he had bought her the dress he knew she had liked, but all he knew was that he wanted to.and so he had..and now he just knew one more thing, that he couldn't wait to see how she looked in it.
...
45 Minutes Later - At Dinner
Khushi could feel his gaze on her , and she tried to fight the butterflies that were fluttering around in her stomach in that moment , because firstly just as she had stepped out in that dress, she knew from how he had gazed at her, that maybe she did look better than what shed thought.And even on their way to the restaurant , she had caught him steal a glance at her a million times already, and for the first time ever she really felt as if she had a similar affect on him , similar to the one he had on her.She smiled nervously as he placed the order and she said - " thank you Arnav"
Arnav looked at her as he watched the steward leave and he smiled - " for what"
Khushi smiled -" Just, for everything youv done to help me until now...and also for this dress..."
Arnav felt himself gaze into her eyes again as she smiled and he couldn't believe the fact of how she never failed to mesmerize him and how his imagination never did her any justice, when it came down to the fact of how breathtaking she looked in almost everything she wore. And he felt his mind wander to how he had been bowled over when shed stepped out in that dress, and smiled at him , she looked exquisite and beautiful and the dress was a perfect fit and that honestly didn't help him much because it made him acknowledge, how perfect her body was, and just then he heard her say - "Arnav?" and he realized that his thoughts had wandered whilst she was still waiting for him to answer and he said trying to sound as casual as he could - " And how many times have I told you , to not thank me...already Khushi"
Khushi grinned - "yeah...my bad, I know you have..."
Arnav smiled and he was just about to say something when he saw three people, two guys and a girl walk up towards their table and he wondered as to who they were just when he heard one of them speak - " Khushi...I am glad to run into you , don't have to wait another two days to see you..."
He saw Khushi look up in surprise and then smile as she got up and almost side hugged the guy , making Arnav wanting to box him already and he heard her say - " aadi, Rahul, riya...I didn't know you guys would be here..."
He watched her meet the other two , while he took out that time to xray Aaditya, and then he heard her say - " Guys this is Arnav Singh Raizada, Zoyas brother and Arnav , these are my friends, Aaditya, Riya and Rahul , remember the ones I told you about, ill be going to Manchester with them"
Arnav nodded curtly and shook hands with all of them and they spoke for a while , but deep down all he was waiting was for them to leave, because he did not like the way aaditya was stealing a glance at Khushi and admiring her , and he immediately felt like pulling her away from his gaze, when he heard Khushi say - " why don't you guys join us? Wev just placed the order for some starters?"
Arnav felt a kick in his gut and he couldn't believe that Khushi had asked her friends to join in on what he had assumed to be their alone time or rather a date and he tried to control his anger as he saw her ask him thrugh her eyes if he were ohk with it and he couldn't say anything so he just nodded, and he saw aaditya grin and ask the steward to join in another table and the chatter began, and he felt his discomfort rise as he saw Aaditya take his seat next to Khushi , making his insides churn , because Khushi's attention was diverted towards everyone else on the table , except for him, and he knew for sure, that he didn't approve of it , and he felt his anger rise but he controlled it ,because as much as he wanted to he couldn't get up and shove Aaditya aside, and so as weird it made him feel , he tried to become an active participant of the dinner which seemed to him to be one of the most awkward moments of his Life.
...
Two Hours Later
Khushi watched Arnav from the corner of her eye, as they got into the lift of the apartment, and she thought that his face was unusually hard and she wondered if he was mad at her, because ever since dinner had been over and they had made their way home, he had barely spoken to her, making her wonder what had she done to spoil his mood, and right then she watched him step out o fthe lift and she followed and saw him walk towards his apprtment and he started to enter it without saying a word and she asked - " whats wrong?"
"Nothing"
"Are you mad at me..?"
"No , why would I be?"
"I don't know, you just seem so annoyed , that's what iv been wondering, is it probably coz I asked my friends to join us for dinner?"
Arnav walked in his studio and heard her footsteps behind him and he placed his keys on the table and turned and he was sure that sarcasm was evident in his voice as he finally felt his anger loose - " oh so you noticed, good"
Khushi walked up to him and looked at him confusedly - " but I thought you said, you were ohk with it..or else I wouldn't have..."
Arnav looked at her in disbelief - " you didn't ask me Khushi..."
"well coz I didn't know id run into them , and also it seemed approprotae, so...but im sorry if that's the reason you are annoyed, arnav, they are my friends, I probably will never see them again once I leave..."
"you will , since you are going to Manchester , with them" and he knew she sensed the anger in his voice again.
Khushi looked at him in surprise - " but weren't you the one who suggested that , I should...?whats the matter with you Arnav?"
Arnav felt his anger take over and so he pinned her to the nearest wall and caged her in between his arms as he said - " whats the matter with me? Whats the matter with you Khushi? I wanted to spend some time with you, and not with your friends, I took ot you out, so that I could...and there you were inviting your friends to join us, and that aaditya, now that iv seen the way he looks at you , I guess you were right, you shudnt go to Manchester, rather I guess you should quit talking to him in the first place"
Khushi felt her own anger rise for the first time as she heard his words and she said - " what the hell Arnav, if that was what you wanted, you could have just said so, or even made a gesture, I would have handled it , and secondly why the hell does it matter to you , if aadi looks at me the way he does, I already told you , hes in love with me, and im not...and he knows it and I cannot help it if someone still chooses to feel that way...and moreover why does it make any difference to you at all anyway...so just stop it...and let me go" and she tried to get away from within his caged arms.
Arnav watched her struggle and he pulled back and she was walking off and he felt his hand hold hers on its own accord and he said, his anger washing away - " im sorry Khushi, its just that the evening didn't go as id planned ..."
Khushi felt her own anger wash away as she heard him and she turned and let him pull her closer as he pushed her back towards the wall , only but tenderly this time and she said looking into his eyes - " im sorry, I really am..."
Arnav looked at her for a second and he said - " I don't like the sight of him around you"
Khushi looked at him in surprise and she asked - " why..."
Arnav admitted honestly and he said - "I don't know, but I just don't... I don't want him looking at you as if you were the most precious thing in the workd for him..."
"he looks at me like that...? How do you know?"
"Im a man, I understand Khushi..."
Khushi felt her eyes lock in his and she asked - " what do u want..?"
Arnav did not break the gaze and he said - " I don't want you to go to Manchester, Khushi..."
Khushi - " but , iv promised all my friends already..." and she looked at him and asked - " you still didn't tell me why this makes any difference to you, how can you not know, if you are clearly stating what you want here? Aapko kyun farak padta hai...?"
Arnav tried to say something , but words wouldn't come as he couldn't get himself to just outright say that he liked her, and that he liked her way too much for his own good and he said - " like I said, I don't know.."
Khushi watched various expressions play on his face and then she said - " ill think about it..."
Arnav immediately felt a smile curve up his lips and he cupped her face tenderly and brushed his thumb on her cheek - " thank you , did I tell you, how beautiful you look tonight...my imagination didn't do justice..."
Khushi felt herself shiver under his touch on her face and she asked - " your imagination..."
Arnav grinned - " Yeah , I guess I do think about you more often than you know..."
Khushi didn't know what to say as his closeness made her loose her sense of speech anyway and she fumbled - " you do...and why?
Arnav leaned in closer , coz that's all he really wanted to do in that moment, he wanted to kiss her in a way he had never wanted to kiss anybody and he whispered huskily - " the day I have all the answers to your why's I will tell you Khushi..." and he saw her close her eyes in anticipation as his one hand stroked her arms upwards and he could feel her breathing heavy, and he felt himself drown in the magic of the moment and he brushed his thumb on the side of her lips and he felt her hand on her shoulder and he bent forward and kissed her on her cheeks softly and just as he was about to kiss her, and their was barely any distance remaining between their lips, he heard her phone ring, and she immediately opened her eyes and looked at him in shock as she realized what was it that was about to happen here if her phone hadn't rung, and she immediately pulled away and grabbed her phone from the table to see who was it that was calling , and when she saw her brothers name flash on her screen, realization dawned on her that all of this had gotten way out of hands, if she had let him kiss her, she would have entered another level of complication is this already supertwisted complicated turn of events and she cut the call and turned to him and she could see the disappointment clear on his face and she rushed - " Arnav , I think I should get going now, goodnight..."
Arnav watched her all ready to run and he held her by the hand and asked - " khushi , whats the matter?"
Khushi looked at him and she smiled trying to hide her inner turmoil - " nothing, im just tired and very very sleepy...and my brother just called, I need to speak to him and my mother before I sleep, so...ill see you later..goodnight..."
Arnav let go of her hand athough he tried to gigure out what the hell was the matter with her, just a minute before it seemed as if she were as affected as he was, that she wanted him to kiss her too, and now she was being so indifferent and so he just said - " well ohk...goodnight..sleep well.."
Khushi - " yeah you too.." and she immediately hurried out into her studio and shut the door behind her and she tried to calm her arms, as much as she wanted him to kiss her in that one moment , she realized where this would lead her too...and she knew she would have kissed him too, if her phone hadn't rung , she immediately shoved all of his thoughts away from his mind and made a mental decision to stay out of his way , atleast she could try, because she didn't trust herself anymore around him anyway, and she waited for five minutes until her breathing became steady and she felt her logical brain tell her that she needed a reality check and so she dialled her brothers number to talk to him ,hearing his voice would give her the check that she needed.
...
BOSTON - 7 PM
Asad wondered why had Khushi not called him all day and even cut his call a while back and he heard Zoya ask - " whats up with the frowning? Whats the matter?"
Asad brought the car to a halt at the signal and looked at her - " nothing its just Khushi , i haven't spoken to her almost all day , and shes been cutting my calls..i wonder if everything is alright..."
Zoya felt warmth as he saw his brotherly love emerge and she smiled - " im sure she will be fine Asad, I spoke to her a few hours before, she was fine..."
Asad immediately felt better - " You did?"
Zoya - " Yup , so relax...shell call.."
And right then his phone rang and he told Zoya to put it on speaker, coz the signal had just turned green and he heard his sister's voice and he exclaimed - " Khushi , are you ok? Why did u cut my call"
" Bhai I was in the middle of doing my project , so I thought I will call u once im done and before I sleep..and im fine...don't worry", she said trying to sound as normal as she could.
Asad - " ohk fine, anyway Zoya told me that she spoke to you earlier, so I wasn't worrying anyway...so hows ur project coming along?"
"great bhaijaan, I will finish it well in time..."
"So when shall I get your tickets for back home?"
" bhaijaan , ill let you know in a few days, and also im leaving for Manchester probably tomorrow itself..."
Zoya immediately spoke - " what? But didn't you say you were going Monday?"
"yeah that was the plan , but I just spoke to riya and aadi and I guess theres been a change in the plan...we r taking the 12'o clock train tomorrow..."
Asad - " ohk not a issue, enjoy yourself alright? But take care..."
"I will bhaijaan .." and zoya could immediately sense that something was off in her voice but ofcourse she couldn't ask her in front of Asad so she said - " we are on the way to the movies Khushi , I miss you so so much...it would be funner if you were here..."
Asad smiled at that and he said - " I agree, I cant wait to see you , khush, anyway Iv told ammi that ill pick you up for good from London on my way back , so that we can reach home together..."
"yeah , that sounds great bhaijaan , I miss home..."
Asad - "Khushi is everything alright...?"
"yes ofcourse, im just excited to be back in India after so many years...after all apna desh toh apna hi hota hai bhaijaan..."
They spoke for some more time and they hung up and asad turned to zoya - " was it only me, or did you sense something was off too?"
Zoya lied covering up - " I know, I guess she must be tired, its pretty late in London and shes been working so hard.."
Asad - " yeah I guess you are right..." and he smiled as he teased - " seriously does that word even exist in the dictionary?"
Zoya looked at him confused - " what word?"
"Funner?"
Zoya grinned as she said - "well it does, in mine..."
Asad grinned - "and I should have known you would say that.."
Zoya smiled - " are you sure everything was ohk with you in the morning , you seemed to be off on the phone too ..."
Asad remembered the reason for his uneasiness and he tried to hide it as he said - "yeah , I was just working on something.. so..."
Zoya - "great...and also after the movie and dinner, I still have to think about where can we go for lunch tomorrow, with Nikhil , hes nice you know..."
Asad felt his insides groan as he heard her mention him once more and he said - " im sure.." and he hoped she didn't sense the sarcasm in his voice.
Zoya agin felt as if something was amiss, but before she could ask , they had reached the Cinema, and she made two mental notes in her heard - first she had to talk to Khushi tomorrow and second she had to be alert to the new thought that had just creeped in her mind, the thought that she felt that Asad was uneasy everytime she mentioned Nikhil , and she didn't know why , but it made her really happy to think if this possibility could be true.
...
Four Hours Later - 11 Pm - Zoya's Appartment
Asad sipped his coffe and he heard Zoya say - " I must say Mr.Khan, I had a lovely time tonight as well, you aren't just fun to be with , you know, you are funner.."
Asad grinned - " oh am I, im honoured you feel that way Zoya" he teased.
Zoya grinned back - "very funny..."
Asad was just about to say something and her phone beeped and she immediately picked it up to see who it was and she said - " now what is he saying...?"
Zoya said typing in her phone - " Nikhil aur kaun..."
Asad immediately feel his discomfort again - " why is he messaging you so late..?does he do it often?"
Zoya immediately put her phone aside and looked at him and tried to control her laugh as she said - " no well he doesn't and also, he was just texting to tell me the time for lunch tomm, id asked him to confirm me later, since you know he has to settle in and stuff, so should be convenient for him na...that's why..", and she immediately realized from the look on his face, that he was jealous , and she made it a point to tease him and thought of making him admit the same and she said - " again , you have that same look on your face...whts the matter with you?"
"I said nothing, Zoya, drop it please..."
Zoya grinned as she came up with the perfect plan to make him admit and so she said - " ohk fine, I will, now toh smile..."
Asad smiled and he then he asked - " Zoya"?
"yes"
"Are you very close to him?as in is he a very close friend of yours"?
"who?"
"Nikhil ofcourse..."?
Zoya grinned , he was making her task easier - "not really close but yes a very good friend, why do you ask?"
"did you ever like him?"
"who..Nikhil...no...never..didnt I tell you? What is this about?"
"yes, you did, ohk nothing...who actually..."
"what who actually Asad, anyway leave my topic aside, why don't you tell me about what you were telling me the other day?"
"about what?"
"about how you would like to spoil me? May I ask why?"
Asad grinned as he now liked where this conversation was heading and he stood up and went to sit beside her and said - "so you really want to know why?"
Zoya felt those similar goosebumps as he sat so close and she said - " yes, I guess I do..."
Asad grinned - " why don't you tell me why are you shivering, first?"
Zoya to her defense - " no , I am not..."
Asad teased - " yes , you are"
Zoya - " stop being smart Asad, and answer my question , I know what you are trying to do here, changing the topic..."
Asad brushed her hair away from her face and said looking straight into her eyes - " No I am not, I am thinking about my answer..."
"whats there to think about?"
Asad leaned forward and she could almost feel his breathe on her face and she said - "asad?"
Asad cupped her face and leaned in and whispered, barely recognsiing the voice as his own - " zoya.." and then he kissed the side of her lips and then switched to kiss the other side of her lips , and he knew the affect he was having on her.
Zoya felt his lips, touch so close to hers , that she knew that if she moved even a little, they would come in direct contact with his, and just as he was about to kiss her, his phone rang and disturbed the moment , and she saw the disappointment on his face as he picked up his phone and she shifted in her seat and brushed her hand through her hair, to calm herself and she heard him talk on the phone and heard him say before he hung up and said - " give me five minutes, I will just check my mail and call you back..."
Zoya looked at him and asked - "what happened? Who was it so late.."
Asad smiled - " I know but its morning in India, something urgent has come up at Khan designs, something I need to take care off immediately, so ill see you tomm morning then? Goodnight Zoya..."
Zoya smiled - " sure, not a problem..." and she watchd him turn and she walked him to the door and right then he turned and cupped her face and tenderly kissed her forehead, suprising her to the core once more as he said - " I hope, you got the answer you seeked?"
Zoya smiled as she said - " I guess, I did..."
Asad grinned - " And I am that glad you did..." and he walked across to his apartment, feeling really content with the fact that he had got his message across.
...
SUNDAY - 10 AM - LONDON
Arnav left the door to apartment purposely open, so that he could get a glimpse of what Khushi was up too, her behavious last night ofcourse had disturbed him and he had wondered what had happened , until he had slept. And right then he heard his phone ring and he picked it up and started talking to his di, he filled her in about what had been happening last week and to his utter annoyance she started to tease as he heard her say - " so some one is spending so much time with Khushi, Chotte, this is something new development that I really like, finally zoya will approve of your interest too..."
Arnav was anyway annoyed with Khushi's behaviour so he said curtly - " di, please, just stop it, how many times have I told you, I don't like it when you start your teasing mode, and pls you don't need to start teasing me with Khushi atleast, shes not the kinds I Like, shes young and nave and moreover she is just my little sister's best friend to me, and that's all she will ever be...I hope that's clear..." He heard his sister apologize for teasing him and then she calmed him down and he put down the phone, and turned towards the door to see if there was any sign of Khushi, but there ofcourse wasn't.
Khushi immediately shut the door to her room and she felt tears spring up in her eyes, she was just going to tell him that she would be leaving for Manchester in a while and that would only be fair, she couldn't go without telling him ofcourse, and so she had walked to his appt to see his door open and he was standing in the hallway with his back towards her when he heard him say those words to his elder sister, Anjali - "and pls you don't need to start teasing me with Khushi atleast, shes not the kinds I Like, shes young and nave and moreover she is just my little sister's best friend to me, and that's all she will ever be...I hope that's clear...".And as soon as she had heard him say that, she had immediately walked back to her room and shut it , changing her plans of informing him that she was leaving.She wiped her tears, and she consoled herself, she should have known ofcourse there was no way he could like her, then why had it felt as if he did, and then she wondered about what the last whole week was about? What was last night about? She felt confused, and irritated, and she cursed herself for walking into this complicated lie, here she was defying everything in her life, for him and for him , she could never be what he wanted, and calmed her nerves and continued to do her packing, her friends would be arriving soon to pick her up, she was glad that they were ready to change their plan , when she had called and asked them too leave a day early last night, because she thought that would be the best way to avoid what would have almost happened last night , but in the morning she had felt almost guilty for doing so and thts why she was going to inform him , only to find out, that what she had done was indeed the only way out.
10.45 AM -
Arnav waited impatiently for Khushi to come talk to him or even call , and just as he thought he had had enough, he made his way to her room across and he knocked and she opened it in an instant and he almost noticed the paleness on her face and her puffy eyes as if she had been crying and so he asked worriedly - " khushi, whats the matter? Is everything alright?? Did something happen at home? Tell me dammit.."
Khushi smiled trying to sound as casual - "ofcourse not Arnav, iv just developed a cold..." and she saw him look at the suitcase behind her and he asked in confusion - " where are you going?"
Khushi smiled - " Manchester, theres been a change in the plan, we are leaving today , and infact aadi and riya would be here anytime, my train leave at 12..."
Arnav thought as if he had been kicked in the gut and he looked at her in disbelief - " so you are going? Didn't you say last night, that you would think about it..."
Khushi nodded - " yeah,,and thts why I am going , Arnav"
"why didn't you tell me?"
"I was coming to tell u earlier, but I guess you were busy over the phone..." she said, and he immediately hoped that she hadn't heard him say what he had said to his di, but as he read some sort of pain in her eyes he realized that she had heard every bit of it and so he said - " Khushi, woh main...i didn't mean.."
Khushi stopped him in the middle as she said - " I know what you mean Arnav, its alright, its true anyway, I am zoya's best friend, your little sister's young and nave best friend, and to you , that's all I will ever be..."
Arnav held her by the shoulder and tried to explain - " Khushi...listen to me..will you..."
But right then the lift door opened and he saw Aaditya and Riya step out and he pulled away taking his hands off her shoulder and heard Aadi say as he walked up - " hi Arnav" and he just nuttered a "hi " to both of them as Aadi sidehugged Khushi and she smiled, which made his insides rumble and he took her suitcase and said - "lets go then Khushi, or well get late..."
Khushi smiled - " yup, lets go.." and she walked out and locked her door and she knew he was looking at her all the while and she said turning to him - " Arnav, you keep the keys with you until im back, since all the grocery stock is in my fridge, so I thought you might need it will im away..."
Arnav took the keys from her and he didn't know what to say because he definetly didn't want to make a scene in front of the two of them so he said - " thanks...", and he saw her smile once more before she walked off with her friends into the lift and he noticed that something was very indifferent in the way she had smiled, as if he were a formal stranger, just an acquaintance, and he hated the thought and he realized how it must have hurt her to hear him say those words that he said in frustration to his sister.He stood their until the lifts door closed, and he saw Aadi, touch her shoulder as he asked if she were ohk...and she silently nodded in response. And Arnav Singh Raizada realized a few important things in that moment - a) that he wanted to beat the hell out of Aaditya, for his timing was always wrong b) he was jealous, very jealous about the fact that Khushi was going to be with him for the next three dam whole days
c) he was jealous because he liked her .d) and it was because he liked her he felt like a royal jackass for unintentionally hurting her with his words the way he had.e) and he couldn't stand the fact that he would have to wait three whole days to make up to her. But he was sure he would.He would tell her the truth , that everything he had said was a lie, and the only truth was that he liked her.
...
SUNDAY - 1.30 PM - Boston
Asad scanned Nikhil upside down , for the hundredth time in the past thirty minutes since they had met for lunch, and he deceided that he had been right, he did not want him anywhere around Zoya , and what made him even more furious was how comfortable Zoya was around him , and it seemed that they did spend a lot o ftime together back in London and that this Nikhil knew a hell lot about Zoya, more than the usual, something which he wanted for himself. And he tried to engage in the conversation that was happening, when deep down all he wanted was to strangle the living daylights out of the man in front of him , who was acting as if he were such an important part of Zoya's life.And right then in that one moment he realized what this uneasiness was, he was jealous, very very jealous, and he didn't know he was capable of feeling jealous, because he had never faced a moment similar in his life ever before, and he saw Zoya smile at him , so he smiled back and he realized that this Nikhil was going to be around, because he was at summer school too , and he immediately knew he needed to do something about it.
He saw Zoya laugh at something he said and he faked a smile at Nikhil and deceided his next plan of action, maybe it was time he made things even more cleare with his lady of interest here.
A while later -
Nikhil smiled and he said - " zoya, it was wonderful to see you after forever, anyway ill see you tomorrow then at school?"
Zoya grinned - " yup exactly , same here.." and she saw Asad pull upfront with the car and he waited for her to get in and she heard Nikhil say through the window - " Nice meeting you man"
Asad gave him a small smile and a nod and lied - " yeah it was nice to meet you too ,Nikhil" , when he innerly dammed his existence in Zoya's life.
Asad watched Nikhil pull Zoya into a hug and to his utter disbelief , she hugged him back and he tightened his grip on the wheel and he heard him say - "bye, ill call you later.." and to add to his fury, zoya smiled and replied - " yes do that.." and then she got into the car , knowing that she had succeded in her plan , she had always hugged Nikhil bye, because it was always a casual friendly hug , but today she had done it even more purposely to watch the play of expression on Asad'd face, and she knew that maybe the time was now near that , he would admit that he was jealous.
30 Minutes Later -
Zoya watched Asad's face as hard as a cold mask as they stepped into the lift and she said, pushing him over the edge - "so what do you think about him? Hes nice no?Nikhil?"
Asad knew his temper was rishing and so he did not answer her and waited until they had reached their floor, until he stepped out , took her keys from her hand, and pulled her by the other hand and opened the door to her apartment and shut it and pushed her back into the door , as he gripped her shoulders and he said angrily - " yes, he is, very nice, honestly I think you should date him.."
Zoya looked at him in surprise and in victory as she said - " and why would I? when I don't like him that way...I thought we had that clear yesterday...whts the matter with you??
Asad hardened his grip on her and looked at her in disbelief - " whats the matter with me? What was the need to let him hug you , or more so even hug him back...??"
Zoya - "Allah Miyaan whats wrong with you , it was just a casual friendly hug.."
Asad hardened his grip further - " well it didn't seem just that, he clearly still likes you..."
His grip was starting to now hurt her so she said - "You are hurting me Asad..." and he loosened his grip but did not let her go and said - " im sorry..."
Zoya looked at his distraught face and she said - " so what if he like me Asad, I do not Like him, and I never will..."
Asad looked into her eyes and asked - " you wont ever? He is just a friend isnt he?"
Zoya smiled as she said - " admit it..."
Asad - "admit what?"
Zoya smiled - " that you are jealous..."
Asad knew that now that the cat was out of the bag there was no point in beating around the bush so he admitted honestly - " I am jealous, I am very jealous about the way he looks at you , about how you are so comfortable around him , as to how you laugh and talk with him as if her were such an important part of your life..and I cannot stand the fact that he will be at school with you, its like a cherry on the cake"
Zoya knew that he was jealous , but when she heard his rant, she was surprised because she had no idea this was how much it was affecting him so she said - " He is important yes ofcourse, because he is a good friend, but you are important even more, coz you know I guess, I like you too.."
Asad looked into her eyes and he felt all his insecurities was away as he heard her say that and he immediately cupped her face and pulled her closer by the waist and asked - " you do...?"
Zoya grinned as she said - " yes, I do...and im sure you already knew it didn't you? Theres no need to be jealous of anyone Asad"
Asad grinned and he whispered - " so I guess , theres just one thing left to make all of this completely clear..."
Zoya looked at him leaning forward and she asked in anticipation - " what?"
Asad - " this..." and he finally claimed her lips, like he had wanted to last night, and kissed her, and then he felt her hand go around his neck into his hair, as she started to kiss him back and he pulled her closer to himself, as he continued to kiss her again and again.Zoya didn't know she was capable of responding to a kiss, the way she was responding to his, for the minute his lips had touched hers, she felt electricity shoot through every cell in her body and she just stopped her rational thinking and started to kiss him back and they continued to do so for a long long time.
Asad broke apart many minutes later and put his forhead on top of hers as he whispred - " I guess, this clears a lot of things up..."
Zoya looked into his eyes and blushed - " yup , I guess it does..."
Asad grinned - " so now you know, why I cannot stand that Nikhil around you , because this is who I am Zoya, I am possessive, and what I like is something , I am even more possessive about...so you could stay or run, the choice is yours"
Zoya - " so you would mind if I am friends with him?"
Asad - " ofcourse not , I understand the importance of your friends in your life, but yes I would mind if he tried to flirt with you, and I wouldn't just mind, I would hate it , if he ever touched you again..."
Zoya grinned as she put her arms around his neck - " that's a reasonable bargain, Mr.Khan , I guess I wouldn't run away from that.."
Asad raised his eyebrow - " you guess..?"
Zoya smiled mischeviously - " I mean... I know I would stay" and she teased - " so you mean you hate Nikhil so much already?"
Asad grinned - " well lets just put it this way, I don't hate him , but I am just not very excited about his existence" and before she could say anything, he silenced her with a kiss, that stole her breath away.
...
Jealousy grinned victoriously as she looked at the three in front of her and asked - " so have I given you the kickstart you needed? I love how I just have to dance around a little, and there are fireworks all around..."
Fate grinned - " And I like the fact , that I am not the only wicked one here"
Love smiled - " Yes, you did it perfectly just the way I wanted you too...and that's precisely the reason why I trust you so much , you never miss a target and you never disappoint me..."
Jealousy grinned - " thanks Love, and I guess , im done here for a while now, right Destiny?"
Destiny grinned - " Yup for now yes, but we would need you in much more, perhaps later, but for how the fireworks you kickstarted will do their job..."
Jealousy smiled and turned to Love- " call me whenever you need me and I shall be at your disposal, and I must say I thouroughly enjoyed this assignment...and I cant wait to be back already..."
Love smiled - "Thanks, and I will let you know when I need you , undoubtedly..."
They watched Jealousy leave and Fate grinned mischeviously - " what the hell, I was only missing hate until now, now I miss jealousy too..."
Destiny smiled - " well I guess, you are just stuck with the two of us for now..."
Fate smiled sincerely - " not that I mind ofcourse, I was joking..you guys are my BFF's...and I totally got your back"
Love smiled - " I know, anyway I am kind of happy about how things have turned out to be...I like the sparks so much already..." she winked.
Destiny winked back - " well who doesn't?
Fate grinned - " exactly , its my personal favourite, and also Jealousy worked wonders,she gave us the exact headstart that we needed, would the two of you remind me to ask her when I meet her next about how she flames these fireworks anyway, its quite fascinating, I must say"
Love and Destiny smiled as they nodded in agreement and said - "Fascinating , indeed it is.."
...
Edited by arnav.khushi - 8 years agoChapter 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..."
...
Edited by arnav.khushi - 8 years agoChapter 7 - Cant Stop This Thing We've Started?
There comes a time in every Life, when one feels that things have taken a very different course altogether, a very different course from what had been planned.Every course, or direction we start towards, is like a road, a road which may have many bends, but then there will come a day, when you will clearly be able to forsee a stop, a stop which one must usually stop over.However there are times, when ot comes to the matters of the heart, when the heart simply just wats to ignore every stop that comes on its way, and continue on that ever mesmerizing and beautiful road of the maginificent emotions, stirred by Love. What do we do that day? Do we make a choice? Do we stop, along the stop, to pause or to think? Or do we admit honestly to ourselves, that sometimes it just isnt easy to put a pause to what you have started, simply because you may not want to,and that's the day we will usually find telling our very own selves that - Can't Stop this Thing, We'v Started?
...
Three Days Later
Sunday - London - 10 AM
Arnav woke up, as his alarm on the phone rang again, and he picked up his phone sleepily to check the time, and the minute he registered it was 10 already, he woke up with the start, as he realized hed slept in late today, and then a smile curved on his lips as he recalled the time he had spent with Khushi last night, the dinner, and then how they had spent hours talking, and had seen a movie, and it had gotten pretty late, and shed slept on his shoulder, in the middle of the movie itself, and so he had picked her up in his arms, and taken her across to her room, and placed her on the bed.He was griining even more, as he recalled, how he had stayed a few minutes more, only to watch her sleep, for ofcourse it mesmerized him, totally, she looked so wonderful while she slept.He immediately asked himself that what had gotten into him, evener since things had gotten clear between the two of them , and her return on Wednesday, things between them had almost hit a acceleration button of some sort, when it came down to what he was feeling, because he could sense that this was different, and he had somewhat realized that he was falling for her, way faster and harder than he had thought, and he felt a rush of emotion just as her face crossed his mind, and he thought she would be awake , and so he quickly got up, freshened up, and made his way across.
He knocked on her door, which she opened in an instant,and flashed him that beuatifuls mile, that had started to grow on him and he walked in -
"Goodmorning Khushi..."
Khushi smiled , as she shut the door behind him - " Goodmorning Arnav..."
"I hope you slept well , Khushi...", he smirked, and he watched her blush as she said - " Ofcourse I did, but im so sorry, I slept..." and she was stopped in her sentence as he had tugged on her hand and pulled her closer and she smiled and kissed him tenderly on the cheek and whispered softly - " Thanks for putting me to bed, last night..."
Arnav grinned as she kissed him tenderly on the other cheek as well and he finally spoke - " Seriously, I need to do something about you thanking me all the time,its high time you did...but on that note, I kind of didn't mind carrying you in my arms, I liked it..." he winked, and she blushed furiously again, and finally got out between his arms, and walked upto the kitchenette and grinned - " And I need to do something about..."
"Your blushing , maybe...?"
"I am not blushing..."
"You are.."
"I am not...", khushi said to her defense, and he walked up next to her and flicked her nose tenderly and asked - " then why is your nose red...?"
"It isnt..."
"It is..."
"No...Arnav..."
"Khushi, you know , you cant win..."
"Yeah , ohk fine, I admit, I need to do something about how I cant stop blushing with you around...", and she started to heat the milk in the microwave.
"But you don't need to do anything about it, Khushi, I like it..."
Khushi smiled as she took out the milk from the micro, and walked up to the table, and they poured themselves, some milk and cereal and they started to eat and she watched him out of the corner of her eye, and she said - " So , finally, I have finished my dissertation , I have sent it in a n hour back to my tutor, to get his final comments, then ill just edit and check on the formatting, by tomm, and send it in for binding..."
Arnav immediately realized, that yesterday, was her last day at AR, because she had finished her work, and he felt the disappointment rising again, but he tried to hide it and he said - " That's great, Khushi...I am glad,I could help you..."
Khushi grinned - " And I am glad, that I took your help,Arnav...also, I want you to see it too, you know all of my project, if you have the time ofcourse, I would really like to know, as to what do you think about it"
"Sure, Khushi, I would love too..."
"Great, I will email it to you...", and she returned to her breakfast, as she felt the guilt rising again, right when she heard him ask -" so , I haven't told Zoya, anything yet..."
Khushi immediately answered him - " I know, me too...although I want to, but I was think only a week is left until she returns...so...maybe..."
"Maybe, we could tell her face to face...i wouldn't want to miss her expression, shed approve of my choice, don't you think, Khushi?" he winked.
Khushi smiled - " Yeah, just like she would of mine..." and then worry started to cloud her mind, and she picked up her empty bowl and took it to the sink, and she watched him come next to her with his, and he pulled her by the hand and took her to the sofa, and made her sit next to him , and he asked - " whats the matter...?"
Khushi lied - " Nothing..."
"do you know, you are a terrible Liar, Khushi, your face gives you away...whats bothering you...?"
Khushi looked at his sincere face, and she sighed - " I don't know, exactly, maybe ...this...I just don't know.."and she put her face in her hands, because she felt frustrated with two things, she had no idea what this meant , and where was this heading , and more than that the truth about who she was, now making her feel extremely guilty.
Arnav took her hands off her face, and cupped her face tenderly and asked - " you are worried, about us isnt it, about where this is headed...??"
Khushi looked at him in supride as to how did he guess, but she admitted the half truth - " yeah...kind off...you know, I like you, and this means quite a lot to me already..."
Arnav held her hand - " And I like you too, and as twisted it seems, it means quite a lot to me too Khushi, quite more than what I had imagined or thought off..."
"It does...??"
"Yes..."
Khushi sighed - " Arnav, what if I say, there something else...tooo..."
The confused expression on her face, which he found extremely adorable, made him stop her midsentence as he cupped her face and leaned in closer - "something else...what is it...??"
Khushi felt herself getting goosebumps and she said - " how am I supposed to talk, when you..."
"When I what...??"
"When you..." and she caught her breath...as she felt his breath on her lips.
"You don't need to worry about anything, Khushi..." he whispered huskily and before she could say anything further , he kissed her, and pulled her in his arms, hoping that she would stop worrying, and just as he felt her go calm under his touch and she started to kiss him back, he pulled back for a instant and grinned - " everything cant wait Khushi, all talking can, and I promise I will hear you out later, but not now...not when all I know is, that I cant stop this thing we'v started..." and he saw her smile shyly as she touched his cheek tenderly, and he immediately pushed her back into the couch, and he kissed her, and the passion that they felt for each other, spoke volumes, volumes about how they couldn't stop, this thing they had started.
...
Three Days Later - Sunday - Boston - 1 PM
Asad ate his lunch and he stole a glance at Zoya across, and he again felt his mind wander to the time he had been spending with her, and he was indeed sure that he could classify it as one of the best times of his life, because he ad been smiling in a way he probably never had in a long long time, and more importantly, he genuinely loved her company, and he had been right, with her around, there had never been a dull moment in his life, and he thought he very much liked the way things were going, and he remembered how his ammi had teased him about why was he spending so much time with Zoya, and he had diverted the topic not because he didn't want to talk to her about it, because ofcourse he wanted to, but because he wanted to talk to Khushi about it first, and so he had thought of talking to his Ammi about it, once he was back in India, which wasn't very far away, only a week was left, until they left for London and then home and right then he saw, Zoya texting so he stopped his trail of thought and he asked - " who is it...?"
Zoya grinned - " Oh just my sister, shes just returned a few days back from Singapore, she is asking me about my plans, as in how long do I plan to stay In London, after we leave from here..."
Asad - " Ohk, so what do you think...?"
Zoya - " Well, I told her maybe just a day or two for the final wind up , and then probably we should head home...i haven't been home in a long long time, and all of a sudden I just miss everyone..." She added, trying to hide guilt in her voice, because the guilt was now starting to take its toll on her, and she wanted to tell Asad the truth as soon as possible, because ever since things had taken a different direction altogether, a direction she had probably never imagained it would, but it had, and she couldn't lie to herself as much as she loved it, she knew it was scaring the hell out of her too, because she wanted to be the one to tell Asad, before he found out from anywhere else, and his anger unleashed, and moreover, she knew they had been spending so much time together, and were much more closer than she had thought, she knew, he deserved to know the truth, he didn't deserve to be fed a lie, a lie which she didn't know would lead her to a point, where she knew, that there was a lot to loose, and hell would break loose, if she didn't set the matter's right, and right then she heard him ask - " Zoya, where are you lost...?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking..."
"About what...?"
"Nothing important.." she said, dodging his question and she said smilingly - " allah miyaan whats wrong with you , Mr.Khan?"
Asad thought that there was something amiss but he smiled and let it go, probablys he was just missing her family and he asked - " what now...?"
"You need a haircut, Mr.Khan..."
"I do...?", asad asked, raking his hand through his hair.
"Yeah, although you still look gorgeous, but I prefer the other cut better..."
Asad grinned - " Honestly, I do so too, but I was thinking it can wait, ill get one once im back..."
Zoya faked shock as she said - " A week???? A week...im sure in your world, that's like a month..."
"My world?"
"Oho, Asad, I mean in your world of hair growth...", she grinned rolling her eyes - " seriously, are you as smart as you think yourself to be...?"
Asad grinned - " Oh that, I am" and he joined her as they finished eating , and placed the dishes in the sink and he washed his hands and he looked at her for a second and he asked , taking hold of her hand- " I am smart enough to know, something is bothering you, what is it, I guess you are just missing your family is it..?"
Zoya nodded, not knowing what else to say.
Asad smiled as he cupped her face tenderly - " Its just a few more days..."
Zoya smiled - " I know, I am fine..."
"Are you sure...?"
"Yes, I am..."
"Ohk, come, I want to show you something..." and he took her by the hand and made her sit on the sofa in front of his laptop and he opened one of the folders, and opened a document, and as soon as Zoya read what it said, she felt her eyes widen in shock as she said - " An offer letter?"
Asad smiled - " Yeah, you know since you kept dodging my work offer, I thought you wondered if I were joking about wanting you to work with me, but no, I am serious, so I asked my secretary to make you an offer letter, I really want you to join me, but ofcourse you can start , once youv had your time relaxing at home..."
Zoya immediately felt that guilt resurface as she read her name or rather not her name - Zoya farooqui, on the letterhead of Khan Constructions, and she contemplated about what to say next, when she heard him ask - " Zoya...why are you frowing...?"
Ofcourse, her way gave her way, how could she forget, Asad Ahemed Khan had the power to read her like a open book, as easily as if it were a cakewalk, and she made a mental note to ask him how he did it anyway, as she composed herself and she said - " Frowning, no...I was just thinking what to say..."
" Say yes ofcourse, that's mostly your only option...or maybe is it that you don't want to work with me?", he added, teasingly.
Zoya felt like wanting to yell on the top of her voice in that one moment, that no she couldn't, and even he wouldn't want to, if he knew she wasn't any Zoya Farooqui, but Sing Raizada, but she didn't and she said instead - " Ofcourse, I want too, just that I don't know if I want to work as soon as I am back..."
Asad smiled as he shut his laptop and cupped her face tenderly - " ofcourse theres no rush, just let me know whenever you are ready alright...?"
Zoya smiled nervously - " Yeah surely..", she lied, when all she wanted to tell him , that she could never really be ready for that.
Asad saw the serious expression on her face and he immediately wanted to wipe it all away, and so he asked - " so what was it you were saying about my hair being too long...?"
Zoya realized he was distracting her so she smiled as she tugged at his hair from the side, and then from the other side, and then upfront -
" Yeah, it needs a cut...around here, here, and here..."
"Oh really...??"
"Yeah..."
"But I guess, your hands were telling a different story altogether, last night", he teased.
Zoya felt herself blush furiously , as she remembered how she couldn't get her hands off his hair, last night, in those countless moments when he kissed her, and she knew that he knew, his hair and the right side of the neck was a favourite place for her hands to be,in those heated passionate moments, and she said to her defense - " well, that's a different thing...Asad..."
"Whats different, Zoya? Its still me, with the same hair.." , he teased.
Zoya looked at him for an instant and she said - " Asad?"
"Zoya"
"Asad"
"Zoya"
And that's it, she immediately burst into a fit of giggles, and she couldn't stop laughing, and seeing her laugh, even he started to laugh, because her laugh was ever contagious, and he spoke in between laughter - " and that's the look I like on you , Zoya, and you know that..."
Zoya realized in that one minute, that he had been distracting and teasing her only to make fer feel better, and she felt a rush of emotion within her for him and she said sincerely - " Thanks, I feel better..."
"I am glad that you do..." and he kissed her forehead tenderly.
And right then an idea struck her mind , and she said mischeviosuly - " You know , like I always say, there isnt anything which I cannot do, right..."
Asad looked at her in apprehension , not sure about what her mischevious mind was upto now, since he had spotted that naughtly glint in her eye and he asked - " Yeah, so..."
"So how about, I give you a haircut, in my style..."
Asad immediately said - "whattt? Have you lost it, no way...!!"
"Oh please, cmon , please, I promise I wont mess it up, you can tell me how you want it, and I promise that's what I shall deliver..."
Asad grinned - " So that's something new about you iv found out, I didn't know you were a part time - barber..."
"Yeeks.Asad, not barber , call me a stylist, will you please?"
And he couldn't control his laugh as he pulled her closer - " Ohk Miss Stylist, ill let you have your way, if you let me have mine first..." he whispered leaning in closer, and his hands pulled her by the waist, as he closed the remaining diatnce between their lips, before Zoya could say anything.
Zoya felt that she had taken the trip to the stars once again, as she broke apart a few heated minutes later, due to lack of oxygen and she whispered - " did I ever tell you, I like the way you steal..."
"A kiss...?"
"Yeah", she whispered softly.
"So would you mind If I stole another one?"
"Why would I, ever...?" and she smiled, and leaned in forward, as she let him steal another kiss off her.
...
A While Later - LONDON
Khushi sat in Arnav's arms, and he played with her hands, and she felt her guilt emerging up once more, now that things were totally heading into a different direction altogether for her or rather them, she had this gut feeling which told her that she should tell Arnav , immediately, the truth, before he found out from anywhere else, but then everytime she would look at him, her resolve would melt within a second,as various scenarios about how he would react would cloud her mind, like it did in that very moment as so she said turning back to him - " Arnav, I need to talk..i mean..i want to talk to you about something..."
Arnav looked at her and brushed her hair aside tenderly - " yeah, what is it...tell me...?"
And she felt her gaze lock with his, and she immediately felt her heartbeat race - " Remember what I said about me not being who you think I am...?"
Arnav rolled his eyes in disbelief as he couldn't believe she had come up with this topic again and he could help but ask - " Khushi, why? Just why do you keep bring this up, again and again...??"
Khushi - " Because that's exactly , what I want to talk to you about...??"
"About how I think who you are, but you are not..."
"yeah...that exactly...so..."
"so what...?"
"you aren't making this any easier...please..."
"and you are making this totally difficult, coz I am tired of telling you that I know and think you to be exactly who you are...unless...ohk wait...why don't you just answer me straight, so that we can end this once and for all..."
Khushi nodded.
"You aren't a spy agent or something...?"
"No"
"Your name is Khushi"
"yes, but..."
"No buts...just answer me..yes or no..."
"Ohk..."
"So you are really a girl, and not some guy in disguise" he asked hiding his grin.
Khushi's eyes widened in shock and surprise, and she couldn't help but burst into laughter, as she said in between giggles- " yes, I am very much a girl, I mean, I was born a girl..."
Arnav couldn't help but stop his own laugh as he said - " exactly, there, I have asked you about the three worse case scenarios,now relax will you, Khushi..please..."
"But, there is something..."
"No there isnt, I know all I need, I know that you are a girl , who I like, and not just that a girl whom I like a lot, with whom , I would like to see and watch where this is headed..."
"Arnav..."
"Khushi...is it the time, that wev only got a week left...is that what is making you act this way...??""
"Yeah, that too...but..."
"Then I must tell you, there isnt anything to worry about, I am not going to forget you once I leave London, and nor will I let you forget me, we stay in the same country and in the same city, then whats there to worry...and moreover I wouldn't mind you joining me at work too, at AR in the marketing department..."
"what...??? Arnav...no I couldn't..."
"Ohk , we can discuss that later..."
Khushi felt her frustration rise, as she desperately just wanted to say it all outright, just when she felt him cup her face gently and he said - " Ohk fine...tell me what is it...?"
Khushi looked into his eyes and she felt her own resolve breaking in that moment as she lied - " nothing, its just that, im just nervous, I don't know...I mean...this is my first sort of a relationship, and..."
"And..."
Khushi immediately hugged him as she whispered - "Im sorry, I don't know whats gotten into me..."
Arnav felt a rush of various emotions through his being for her, as he understood what she must be feeling, she was ofcourse nervous, because she knew all about his affairs in the past, and she was so young and he knew she had this deep insecurity about how she felt she couldn't be enough, and he immediately wanted to make her feel better, and take all her nervousness away and make her feel better and so he asked - " what can I do , to make you feel better Khushi...?"
"Just hold me for a while..."
And so he did, he hugged her and they sat in silence for a while, where they could only listen to each others's heartbeats and breaths, where until a few minutes later, Khushi finally realized something, that no matter what the truth was, the damage had already been done, the boundary she had laid in her heart had already been crossed, she had fallen in a way to hard for him , in a way that was irrovecable, and what she felt for him , was definetly something that she did not want to pause or stop and so she looked at him and said - "I guess you were right..."
Arnav looked at her confused - " right about what...?"
"Right about what you said.Beacause all I know right now is, that I cant stop this thing we'v started too...and that's coz I don't want too"
"You cant and nor do you want too?"
"Yes..."
Arnav smiled - " well that's great, coz I cant and nor do I want to too..."
"So we really cant stop this thing wev started, right?"
"Yup, we really cant..." And he closed the remaining distance between their lips, to silence her with their kiss, and then he felt her hands go around his neck and in his hair, and he almost heard her moan his name, as he continued to kiss her, he felt a lot of different emotions stir up within him, he didn't know, and he didn't have the time to figure it out too, but all he knew that he was damm right, as he kissed her again and again- right that there was indeed no stop to the thing they'd started.Khushi Gupta had managed to make him feel something, he had never felt in a long long time, the feeling of not wanting to stop to think, or be logical or practical, the feeling of not wanting to stop the flow of emotions, that he felt.
...
A While Later - BOSTON
Asad looked at himself in the mirror and he couldn't help but acknowledge the fact , that maybe letting Zoya have her way wasn't a bad decision after all, she had trimmed his hair, just like he wanted to, and he saw her reflection in the mirror, as she waited in anticipation for his reaction and he turned at looked at her sternly and she said nervously - " Omg, you don't like it , do you...?"
Asad thought of teasing her futher as he said - " Zoya, I told you, this wasn't your cup of tea, you shouldn't really try your hands on everything...now see its all messed up..."
Zoya looked at him nervously - " It is...? From where, I did exactly what you told..." and she touched his hair from the sides, and Asad controlled the laugh as he saw the concentration on her face, the exact same concentration when she was at the job , and he held her hand and he grinned - " exactly, you did exactly what I wanted, if you will do everything my way, you know probably you will mess up with my feelings, way more than what you want..."
Zoya sighed in relief and she asked - " you love teasing me don't you..?"
"Yeah, its entertaining, probably the only thing more entertaining than you..." he added smilinlgly.
" yeah, but surely not more entertaining than watching you getting jealous...", she teased, using her trump card.
Asad rolled his eyes and he said - " hes on the Real estate course with you isnt it? The one that starts tomm?"
"Exactly...he is..."
"Damm you Nikhil"
Zoya kissed him on the cheek tenderly - " see, that's what I mean, I like that look on you...its highly entertaining..."
"Oh really?"
"Really" and right then her phone beeped, and she checked it to be an email from her brother, on the progress about the work on the project at AR in London, and she immediately shoved her phone back in her pocket, and she gauged Asad's mood, he was in a fairly good mood in that moment, and the guilt ridin on her mind told her that this was the best time she could tell him and so she said - " Asad, remember how this morning, I was a little tensed...?"
Asad looked at her confused - " Yeah, what about that, I thought you were ohk, you said you were ohk..."
Zoya - "yeah, I am fine, but that wasn't the only thing on my mind Asad, I want to talk to you about something..."
"About what...??"
"About us..."
"Yeah, go ahead, what about us...??"
"Look, its just that..." and right then his phone rang and he excused himself saying it was a work call, and as she heard him talk about how badly he wanted Khan Designs to win this deal over AR, she felt like her insides churn, because this had gotten way too messed up, because a lot of both of their feelings were now involved in the picture, and she knew, probably the lie , she and Khushi had invented, had messed up too may things, but she couldn't get herself to stop it, even though it seemed so logical and right then she saw him walk back to her and he asked - " sorry, so what were you saying..?"
"Oh, nothing, its nothing important", she lied, and she started to turn away, but he turned her around as he held her arms and asked - " zoya, I know what this is about, you are worried about us, isnt it? You are worried, about where this is headed...?"
Zoya nodded silently , because that was also one of the things on her mind, it was the incomplete truth - " Yeah..."
And he pulled her into a hug as he said - " Then you got nothing to worry about, you trust me right, ill take care of everything..."
And she immediately felt her heartbreak as she realized that she could trust him, but he didn't know, that she had been lying to him all along , and all of a sudden tears started to flow from her eyes and she sobbed silently against his chest, which ofcourse he felt and he made her look up and wiped her tears - " Zoya, please...just trust me on this...im here alright..."
And she could help but ask - " But what if you wont be...?"
"Huh? What do you mean, why wont I be? You know how I feel about you, about us, right...?"
" Yeah, but what if you change your mind , if..."
"and why will I? is that what you think about me? I said I like you, and I like you a lot, I want this to happen, I want us to be us, and figure this thing between us out, together..." and she sensed the hurt in his voice and so she said immediately - " No, no that's not what I think Asad, its complicated, I don't know how to say this...or explain..."
"Then explain it to me Zoya, for I cannot see you so distressed..."
Zoya tried to get the right words to get out of her mouth, but she just couldn't, and she immediately hugged him and she cursed her innerself for not having the guts yet to say out the truth to his face and so she said - " Im sorry, im just being paranoid..." And she held him like that for a few more minutes, until his steady heartbeat calmed hers down, and she finally magaed to smile as she said - "Look all I know is, you mean a lot to me, and I m just scared of me messing up..."
Asad looked at her for a minute and he understood, she was just feeling a lil jittery, because this was all new to her too, just like it was to him and so he smiled, trying to make her feel better - " well its not only you, im scared about messing up too..."
"You are...?"
"yeah"
"But why?"
"I don't know, I just am...but I know one thing surely, that I don't care about anything, but us...and maybe its time we both realize that even the fear of messing up, cant stop this...we cant stop this thing we'v started...Zoya, coz I don't want to, and nor do I think I can..."
Zoya smiled and she leaned in forward and kissed him immediately, suprising both herself and him ,but she did what she exactly wanted to in that moment, and just when she felt his arms go around her waist, and he pulled her closer, whilst she pulled him even closer, as close as humanly possible, and he started to dominate the kiss in way that made her loose her mind, she realized as she broke apart and whispred breathlessly -
"Asad, we really cant stop thing thing, we'v started?"
"We cant..." and he bent forward, and claimed her lips once more, and the emotions that stirred up within him , even surprised him , beacause somewhat, he knew, he was sure of what he had said.He couldn't stop falling harder, or feeling for Zoya Farooqui, because it felt as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if she were the reason why he hadn't had any interest in women earlier, because probably he was meant to meet her, and now that he had , why would he for heavens sake ever put a stop to it.He wouldn't, he couldn't, and neither did he want to.
...
Fate grinned as he said - " I know, we don't want you stop either...Its highly entertaining...dont you guys think...?"
Destiny smiled - " Yeah, I know what you mean, it really is...love has its seed sown in already, but I wonder if they will come along to it, before..."
Love smiled - " I know what you mean, I wonder too, if they will , before the hell breaks loose, although I have my doubts..."
Fate - " Well than why don't you do something about it, Love...?"
Love smiled - " I know I can, but I wont, my job is to sow my seeds, and iv done it, and now its upto them as to how they deceide to come along..."
Hate rolled his eyes as he said - " And that's precisely what I don't understand about you, you do the damage first, and then you just sit back and watch, whilst they suffer the drama you'v played out for them to feel..."
Love - " Watch your tone Hate, you know I don't appreciate it, however I do appreciate you agreeing to be silent for a whilst longer..."
Hate rolled his eyes - " Whatever, it isnt for you, probably I am not as cruel as you all think me to be anyway, I am who I am, and I just do my job, the way I am meant to..."
Fate smiled - " We know that, and cmon we are all friends here...and we understand, you have a role to play..."
Hate asked - " Then will you tell me, what will you all do, when hell breaks loose, and you know it will..."
Love smiled - " Patience, we will see to it when the time comes, just relax, will you?"
Hate said in sheer frustration - " Realx? You want me to relax? Do you have any idea how much the three of you are infuriating me in this moment...the three of you totally frustrate me"
And the three friends. Love, Destiny and Fate smiled as they said in unision - " Please tell us something we didn't know, already..." which caused Hate to give up in frustration , as he sat back dejected, because he knew exactly where this was heading, and somehow his intelligent counterparts, didn't seem as intelligent as they claimed to be.
...
Chapter 8 - Every Picture Tells A Story
Pictures.Or rather photographs, play a rather important part in our Lives.They capture a moment, a particular one, in the story of our lives, which each one depicting, the story of that very moment, of things used to be.Its a memory, which cannot change, its a memory, which can be powerful,however, the interpretations may differ to each one of us,and thats the catch,the picture might be the same, but it may hold different meanings for different people, and the catch is, if you look deep enough, you will understand, how something as simple as a picture, can really just stand silently in your face, speaking a thousand words to you.
...
Love smiled as it looked at the picture, in front, and couldn' help but control her laughter, which caused her friends, Fate and Destiny to look up at her,as she heard Fate ask - " What's up with the Laugh, Love??"
Love grinned as she handed the picture to Fate, and as she saw Fate smile, she said - " You get it now, don't you??"
Destiny,took the photo out of Fate's hands, exclaiming - " Yeah right Love, when does Fate get anything in the first place, let me have a look...", and the minute she did, she knew exactly why, Love was laughing.
Love and Destiny looked at Fate, who was still giving them, the confused, I don't know look, and Love finally explained - "You see, how in this picture, we have the three of us smiling and posing happily, and how you can spot,there at the background, my dear Hate, sitting and scowling at us, like he just always does..."
Fate looked at the picture again, and now understood, and couldn't help but control his smile, as he said - " Well, now that just explains, he's always like this,isnt he, always scowling at us, he really Hates us..."
Destiny smiled - " I don't know, about the Hate but I surely know one thing, he doesn't understand us at all..."
Love nodded - "And to that I agree, he isn't supposed to understand us anyway..."
They spotted Hate walking in, with a frown on his forehead, which caused Fate to break into giggles, as he pointed to the picture in his hand and said - " I will give a million dollars , if I can spot any other expression, on your face Hate..."
Hate scowled - " Very Funny, give me that...", and he snatched the picture to see what everyone was so amused about, and he rolled his eyes, and said - "Well, Its not funny, you see every picture tells a story, my intelligent friends, and this very picture, tells how much I have to suffer because of you three and your antics, for I am always left behind, with a mess at my hands, and what do you expect me to do then, dance?? You always leave me with no option,I don't just understand you all, I just hate you guys...grow up will you??", and he walked out , stomping his feet.
Destiny smiled - "Look at him all stomping his feet , he doesn't realise, he is the child in here not us..."
Fate laughed.
Love finally interupted - "Ok enough guys, lets not make fun of him anymore, he may be a child at heart, but he is intelligent, see he just pointed to us, a very intelligent point..."
Fate - "And what is that?"
Love - " That, every picture, tells a story, and we all know that indeed stands true now doesn't it?
Destiny and Fate nodded in agreement and they said in unison - " Oh yeah, every picture, indeed reflect a story , you can spot it if you look deeply enough, thats the key now isn't it? You got to look deep enough..."
Love smiled - " Ofcourse,Deep enough, it is..."
...
Three Days Later - Thursday
London - 9 am
Khushi knocked, at Arnav's door, and she stole a glance at her watch ,as she waited him to open up, and she smiled, as she saw him open the door, he had still been sleeping, and she couldn't help but feel her heart skip a thousand beats,how could he look so handsome,like her very own prince charming, at precisely, every minute of his life,she brought a halt to her chain of thoughts, as she heard him - " Khushi, hey, come in..", and as he noticed, she was all ready, he asked yawning - " why are you up and about so early today Khushi?", as he pulled her into a hug.
Khushi hugged him, and felt his heartbeats soothe her's as she stated -
" Look who is talking, sleepyhead, its you who is always ready early..."
Arnav smiled, as he took her hand and made her sit on the sofa - "And just who is responsible, for me sleeping in late today , Khushi...??"
Khushi grinned, and shot him a guilty look - " Alright, I am sorry, I shouldn't have kept you up so late, with all my blabbering, and honestly, I know what i had to do to drag myself out of bed too, but I am running late already, I have to submit my dissertation in today...", and just saying that out loud, made her feel weird and low, because only two days were left officially, until Arnav's return, and thats the reason why she had been keen on spending every minute with him, because memories of him, were all she wanted to collect, because she was sure that one day, she would have only that to fall on, when her lie would see the daylight.
Arnav brushed his hand in his hair, and he noticed how Khushi was now just frowning, and obviously he couldn't bear it so, he cupped her face gently and rubbed her cheek gently - " what's up? you seem worried...and honestly, i was just teasing you, i didn't mind being up , you know I kind of enjoy listening to you, and you know it wasn't just that, so I would be a fool to mind, Khushi", he teased, hinting at their various kissing sessions last night.
Khushi blushed, and felt herself relax under his gentle touch, and she leaned in his hand , as it rubbed her cheek and she said - " its nothing, i have the biggest submission, and i hope its good enough, anyways, did you get sometime, to go through it?? My work??"
Arnav smiled - " Yes, i did go through the mail you sent me , its good Khushi , dont worry...now tell me the truth, the real reason..."
Khushi got up from the sofa - " Its nothing, i need to go now..."and obviously she couldn't win, as he held her , instantly made her sit back as he asked - " does it have anything to do with,my leaving day after, Khushi, I am sorry, its just that some work has come up so immediate that i had to cut short by two days, but, why are you so worried, I told you, I am not going to forget us , once I leave cmon Khushi you know how I feel about this..."
Khushi hugged him instantly - "Yeah, i know, its alright, Its just that, I will miss you Arnav, until..."
Arnav held her close - " And i will miss you , until i see you back in India, you will come soon wont you?"
Khushi - " I dont know, Arnav, lets see..." and she held him for a while.
Arnav felt her warmth in his arms, and he couldn't help but admit how it had grown on him so much, like it never had before, well it just felt weird without her around, like really empty, and that thought caused a kick in his gut, because he realised he would miss her way more than he had imagined, and so he gave up as he said cupping her face - " will it make you feel any better, if I say, I will try to stay as on schedule, that would give us maybe two more days together??"
Khushi felt her heart jump up in happiness, as she looked into his eyes, and admitted - " Yes, that would, Arnav...", and that look on her face was so sincere that it made his heart flip, and he pulled her in for a deep kiss, to which she happily obliged, and she broke away a few minutes later, as she whispered - " thank you so much, now i will just be back soon, you aren't going to office today are you??"
Arnav smiled - "well i dont plan to, I have some work , which i will do from here itself, and we can go out once you are back...??"
He saw her smile, and she kissed his cheek tenderly - " See you soon..."
He watched her walk to his door, and he heard himself ask - " Yeh kya kar diya hai Khushi tumne mere saath??"
Khushi looked back from the door and smiled - " I dont know, maybe just exactly, what you have done to me Arnav..."
...
Three Days Later - Thursday
Boston - 2 pm
Zoya walked out of her class, and she saw Nikhil walk up to her, and right then her phone rang, and she spotted Asad's name on the phone, so she gestured Nikhil, and answered, and she said - " Allah Miyaan, how is it that you just know exactly, when I get free?? Do you have some like a spy camera on me or what??"
She heard him laugh, on the other end as he said - " Well, thats a funny idea, lets see I shall consider it, anyway for now, I am done with work, so I am here, out waiting for you...come soon..."
Zoya - " that's great Asad, now you are going to show me around aren't you?? we have only like three days left here..."
Asad - " Yes Zoya, that is, if you come fast now, don't keep me waiting longer..."
Zoya - "Will be there in like a minute...", and she hung up.
The minute, she hung up, she saw Nikhil, who had been looking at her with this grin on his face so she asked - " what?? do i have something on my face??"
Nikhil smiled - "No, just hapiness, i would say...so this guy, Asad, looks like you guys are really into each other..."
Zoya grinned - " yeah, you could say that, I really like him, you know...", and they started walking out, and she said honestly - " intact I think i like him way more than i thought, i don't know if thats good for me, what if I mess this up, Nikhil?what if I ruin everything??"
Nikhil shot her a confused look -" are you crazy Zoya?? why do you think that way?? i have seen the way he looks at you, he is into you, like really, and Zoya Singh Raizada, I have never seen you mess up anything, so why will you ever mess up with someone you really like, chill, just take it easy, you are the best..."
Zoya silently thought, yes thats exactly the probem, Nikhil, I am Zoya Singh Raizada not Zoya Farooqi,thats the biggest issue, but she couldn't say that aloud, so she just smiled - "Yes you are right, i should stop being so nervous, I will not mess this up..."
Nikhil patted her shoulder as they walked out the entrance to assure her - " Look he's already waiting for you , now go...", he said pointing towards Asad.
Zoya smiled - " Thanks, you are one of the best friends, I could ever have..."
And with that, she ran as fast as she could ,towards Asad, grinned at him, as she entered the car, and bent forward to give him a small peck on his cheek - " Hi there...", and she saw him look at Nikhil through the window, as she heard him say - "why doesn't he just give up on you??"
Zoya grinned - " do you know, how cute you are when jealous, well i guess he has, thats good news isn't it?? he was just telling him, that it seems to him, how we are really into each other..."
Asad finally felt a smile on his face, because the minute he had spotted her in the same frame as Nikhil, the automatic green monster of jealousy had caused him to scowl, but this piece of information from Zoya, was definitely good news for his feelings - " well, that is good news, he said that to you??"
Zoya grinned - " well, didn't I just tell you he did..."
"So, what did you say?"
"Well, I said, whats true, that I really am into you, I really really like you Asad.."
"You told that to him??"
"Yes, I did, why wouldn't I...you know its the truth...don't you??"
Asad bent forward and pecked her lips briefly , and smiled - " Yes, I know, thats the truth, thats why i don't need to put any spy camera on you like you were suggesting, I trust you Zoya, you know that I do..."
Zoya felt a kick in her gut at the sound of the name of Trust, how could she ever get the strength to tell him the truth, that she had been lying about being Zoya Faroqui all along, but she stopped her chain of guilt, she only ad three more days here with Asad, she wasn't going to let her guilt ruin it, and so she smiled - " yes, i know, now cmon lets go, I am hungry too...Asad..."
Asad grinned - " well , that makes the two of us...but you see this car wont start...its got some issue...", and he winked which she understood, so bent forward and gave him brief kiss on his lips, which made him grin as he whispered - " yes, now it will start...lets go",and with that, he drove away.
...
London - 3 Pm
Khushi walked into Arnav's apartment, which was open, and she wondered why it was, but she spotted him working on the kitchen table on his laptop, and she walked up and hugged him from behind - " I am sorry, I am late, Riya just kept me a little busy, after, did i make you wait long...?"
Arnav turned around and hugged her by the waist - "well, no, I had some work, which I was just finishing, so its totally kool, so how does it feel, finishing what you had started??"
Khushi put her arms around his neck - " well it does feel really good, so have you postponed your ticket yet??"
Arnav smiled - " Yes, I did, just ten minutes back, although theres a lot of pressure on me for this one, but I guess I can push it further, dont worry, and I have..."
Khushi immediately felt bad for asking him to do so, because she knew work was well his first love, and so she said rubbing his cheek gently -" I am sorry Arnav, you shouldn't because of me , you are right , I have nothing to worry, I will probably be back by the end of month too, I shouldn't ask you to postpone work for me , its not right, I know what it means to you, you been working so hard, like forever, I should understand, and you know what I do, you can go on Saturday, this morning i was just well, like being stupid..."
Arnav took her hand in his as he said - " Don't worry, Khushi, its sorted, and I want to be here with you for another two days, now I don't want you to talk about this..."
Khushi smiled - " well ohk,...why dont you get ready, Ill wait here, did you eat??"
Arnav - " not much, I am not hungry much..."
Khushi rolled her eyes , as she pushed him towards his room - " go, just go and get ready, ill make you your sandwich and coffee, is that ok??"
Arnav smiled,and nodded, and walked away, and he couldn't help but, feel great.Khushi was amazing, having her around, was just like so different, it was like as if everything was so perfect, it felt something was changing inside him, he was ready for the the first time to fall for someone in the way he was falling for Khushi, ever since he had gotten to know her, it was like every step he was taking was towards her, and boy was it surprising,him, of course it was.Because of the things he had done, and was doing, he had never ever thought of postponing his work for anyone, specially the one he had, it was very important for Raizada Constructions, he had gotten to know from Aman, this morning, that Asad Ahemed Khan had finalised everthing in Boston, for his deal with Hammoth Constructions,and he knew he just had to do something to beat him at the next tender, he couldn't tolerate another defeat in a row, but right now he had put everything to hold, for Khushi, for this one girl, who had managed to walk into his life, and change quite a bit about it.
And just as he felt the hot water relax him, her words rang in his ears , that , "I will probably be back by the end of this month...". He felt weird, really weird, because that feeling that came along with the thought, that he would have to wait, for a month to see her, to hold her, to kiss her, feel her in his arms, made him feel sick.There was something about her, which made everything between them so different, than any of his flings in the past.He couldn't even compare it to anything he had ever felt before, or rather he had never felt anything ever with any of them emotionally, because with all his girls, in the past, it was just very casual, and physical, but never emotional.But with Khushi, everything was attached with a feeling along with it,which made it his very first, and it was taking him time to understand, but it was going to be almost three weeks, since he had met here, and he already felt completely drawn to her, he wanted to be with her all the time, hold her all the time.Just the way, she held on to him, hugged him, kissed him, touched his face, looked into his eyes, very bit of it, made his heart skip a beat, which was strange, because a hug, a simple kiss, had never meant so much to him, intact with all the girls he had slept with, nothing ever meant to him, it was just a physical need.But this feeling of his heart skipping a beat, everytime, she looked into his eyes, when they were close, everytime she pulled him closer, as she tried to reciprocate to his passionate kisses, her innocence, her beauty, made him fall for her even more, and so he knew, just as he got out of the shower and got ready, that with Khushi , everything was different, and he wanted to figure it out, where this was headed, and for that he definitely couldn't wait for a month to see her in India, he had never been a patient man, he knew, he just had to do something to get her by his side, earlier than she had planned.
...
Meanwhile -
Khushi plated, the sandwich and coffee, she made for Arnav, and she waited for him to come, just as a thought started to worry her, Arnav was extending his trip, what if he came face to face with her brother, she had no idea, when was he returning, but she remembered, that he had mentioned that he would come to London first, what if Arnav saw him, how would her react?? She knew, it was time to tell him the truth, two simple truth's that had been ruling her mind and heart. First, being how she felt, she knew, she was in love with him,she just knew it, but how would she tell him that? what would he think? would he think her to be stupid? and naive? afterall, she wasn't his first girlfriend, whilst he was the first ever everything for her.She knew he liked her, but she didn't know, how deep it was for him? What if, it isn't as deep as it was for her??What if, he didn't feel what she did?? That scared her, but she wanted to still tell him how she felt, and then she would ask him for forgiveness, for lying to him, and explain him the circumstances, and just tell him the truth about everything. Her chain of thoughts, broke, as she heard his phone beep a several times, and she wouldn't have picked it up, if she hadn't seen what was flashing on the screen
Lavanya Kashyap has sent you a image.
She quikly picked up his phone, why was she messaging him, she knew everything between Arnav and her was over, but her curiosity got the better off her, and she quickly opened his whtsapp to see, and what she saw made her feel sick in her stomach.
Lavanya had just sent him pictures, from their old time together.
There were few of them hanging out together, at dinners, at celebrity functions, at office, at conferences.
And then there were few of them, which were intimate. There was a picture of when she was kissing him on his shoulder, his neck, and then there was one only of Arnav, and that just made her feel sick, it was one of him in a bed, which she guessed was Lavanyas bed, because she spotted Lavanyas picture on the wall in the background, an the quilt was halfway up, but his torso, was without any clothes at all, and it looked like, he had just woken up.It was a picture, that spoke, about a night Lavanya and Arnav had spent together.
She went back to every picture, and felt tears struck her eyes, as she realised that every picture, was just standing silently in her face, and telling her about what relationship's meant for Arnav, to what level he liked his relationships to be, and it was everything she could never be.She couldn't be anything, that Lavanya was.
And here , she was thinking about telling him she loved him.He would have laughed, she was sure, he would have at her stupidity.And moreover, she wasn't even who he thought her to be.
And that is when she realised, that everything that had happened between them, would obviously have no meaning for Arnav, whilst she had fallen in love with him, she had ruined her heart, by falling for him,she really had caused a mess in her life, a big one, the one she didn't know, she should have just maintained distance from him,and the minute she felt her heart revolt at the thought, she felt angry at herself, for feeling for him, the way she did.
Right then , his phone beeped again -
Lavanya : Arnav, I miss you so much.Remember these pictures? Please tell me, why we broke up,lets talk about this, I am in London, I leave on Saturday.Can we meet up, today anytime?? How about dinner??
Khushi quickly wiped her tears, and kept his phone on the table,and picked up her bag to leave,right when she spotted him walk out his room, smilingly, but just as he saw her, the smile was off his face ,as he was by her side in a jiff, as he held her hand and asked worriedly - " Khushi, whats wrong? where are you going?? why are you crying...??", and wiped a tear out of her eye tenderly, and he asked again - " will you please say something, something at all, whats wrong with you??"
Khushi took his hand off her face as she stammered - " Nothing, I just need to go..."
"Go where?? didn't we have the day planned...??", he asked now his worry growing on him.
Khushi looked at him straight in the eye,and the blank look in her eye , was one he didn't like as he heard her say - " Looks like there would be change in the plan, Arnav, have a nice day.."
Arnav shot her a confused look - " what the hell do you mean?? with whom...??"
He saw a tear roll down her cheek as she said - " With her, Lavanya, i am sorry, I just need to go...", and with that she ran out of his reach, before he could figure out anything, and right then he heard his phone beep, and he opened it, and he immediately knew what was wrong.
He looked at the various pictures, Lavanya had just sent him, and her message, and he went through them again and again, and he was sure shot Khushi had seen them, and obviously it hadn't affected her in a good way, rather it had affected her rather badly.
The broken look her face, tortured him, but he knew she had misunderstood, why would he want to meet Lavanya,and these pictures, they really didn't mean a thing to him at all, Khushi knew it was over between him and lavanya, then why was she over reacting to this. Yes obviously, she must have been hurt, looking at these, but he needed her to understand, none of this meant a thing to him. He needed to find her, and he needed to explain.
And so he called her, but she cut his call, and he called her again and again, but she didn't take it.
He cursed his luck, and Lavanya even more, maybe he needed to give Khushi some time, and in the meantime, he had to get Lavanya to understand once and for all, that everything between them was over.
...
Boston - 6 PM
Asad looked at Zoya working across the coffee table in his apartment, and he couldn't help but admire, how adorable she looked whilst she was deeply engrossed in work, she was finishing her final report for her course tomorrow, and he was just idling away his time, because his work here in Boston, had been finished, and now he just needed to head back to India,and take things further, but he had chosen to spend the free time with Zoya here, before he headed to London,right then a thought struck him,and so he immediately grabbed his phone , and made a call to his secretary, gesturing to Zoya that he would be back in a minute, to which she just nodded.
He immediately asked his secretary to block two tickets, one for himself and the other for Zoya Farooqui, he would go to London with her, meet Khushi, and then tell her the news about him and Zoya , and then they could all head back to India together, and all of this seemed like the perfect plan. He hung up, and then stared at the image on his lock screen, Zoya had put up yesterday, and he couldn't help but smile, they did look really really good together, he was sure, His Ammi would approve of her, as well, once she spotted the happiness that was reflecting on his face.Zoya indeed made him really happy.He smiled at that very picture, and right then his phone rang, and he picked up the facetime call, of his ammi.
"Ammi, how is it you knew, i was just thinking of you..."
Dilshad smiled - "Is it Asad, i am a mother after all, and i just know, so what was it that you were thinking of .??"
Asad grinned - " well its about how I would like you to meet someone..."
"Someone who , Asad?"
"Oh please Ammi, its Zoya, she is just working, give me ten minutes, I will probably call you back , or maybe just wait, let me see if she...", and he leaned across his room, to look at Zoya, and she had just got up to get something from the fridge, so he walked out, gesturing his mom to keep silent.
Zoya was just getting herself some Coke, whilst she felt Asad's hand on her shoulder, and she looked at him questioningly, as he pulled her close,and whispered in her ear slowly - " Its Ammi, I want you to meet her..."
Zoya was suprised, and overwhelmed, she was going to see Dilshaad, his mom after really long, she had obviously spoken to her a few times accidentally from Khushi's phone, but she had never come face to face with her, because she feared, what if she guessed who she was ? because mothers always had this intuition, and Dilshaad had been no less than a mom to her, in the good old times, infact she was the one who had kept her name in the first place, she tried to mask her emotions, and her turmoil, and put up the best smile she could , as Asad handed her the phone, and made her sit, on the stool, and he was standing right behind her, as she heard his mom -
"Zoya, its so good to finally see you, i have heard so much about you from both Khushi, and Asad, and its great to finally see you, how are you??"
Zoya looked at Asad, and she knew he guessed she was nervous,so he quietly held her other hand, and gestured her to talk, so she finally cleared her throat -
"Hi aunty, its good to finally see you too,how have you been? And I hope whatever you heard of me is all good...", she said, trying to lighten up her emotions.
"Yes, all good Zoya,definetly, infact, thats the catch , my son who is standing right behind you, barely has anything good to say about anyone, but about you, he really does have a lot to say..."
" Oh thats coz, he always pretends to be something he isn't , right aunty? Do you know, why does her put up this mask...?"
"Thats something I have always thought too Zoya, maybe now we could rile up against him...", Dilshaad grinned.
Zoya grinned back - " Maybe, we could..."
Asad watched the scene happily,and then he finally interrupted , leaning in as he spoke to his mom - " all right ammi, thats enough, i give you two minutes to speak to Zoya, and you are already conspiring against me, i am hurt...", he finished faking a hurt emotion.
He heard his mother - " Very Funny Asad, anyway i need to go now, I will call later, nice meeting to Zoya .."
"Same here , aunty..."
Asad quickly hung up, and looked back at Zoya, pulling her in his arms - " I am sorry, did i catch you by surprise...its just that she called, and I don't know why , I just wanted her to meet you...gotta make some good use of technology..."
Zoya hugged him and admitted honestly - " Yes, it was a suprise, but a surprise i really liked, she's really nice you know, your ammi..."
Asad kissed her forehead briefly - " well thank you,Zoya, and are you finished with your work?"
Zoya pulled back - " Allah miyaan, Asad, my battery died, and i guess i left my charger at the library, could i just use your laptop, to submit, i have only 20 minutes left, and luckily I have my work in my mail..."
"Well ofcourse, you can, whats the need to ask, and also I wanted to tell you, I have booked our tickets to London, for Sunday, i hope thats ok.."
Zoya knew, he must have booked in the name of Zoya Farooqui, and obviously she couldn't travel in that name, because her documents were in her original name so she had to lie - " You have?? But i already have my ticket for Sunday, and its confirmed, and i have already paid for it, so..."
"You have?? why didn't you tell me, Zoya??"
"I was going to, I just forgot, under all this work pressure , I am sorry..."
"Its ok, don't be, ill just cancel yours...", and he kissed her cheek briefly, " you can finish your work, meanwhile, I have a few calls to make..."
He turned around to leave, but Zoya caught his hand, and much to his surprise pulled him in for a kiss, they broke apart a few minutes later as she whispered - " you are the best, you know that, dont you??"
Asad tugged her hair behind her ear tenderly as he grinned - " I know that since forever Zoya,tell me something, I dont know..."
Zoya gave him a push to his room as she said - " very funny, Khan now let me work..."
...
Twenty Minutes Later
Zoya finished her submission, and was just about to shut down Asad's laptop, when she spotted a folder which said Family on his desktop, so she opened it , knowing it would be pictures of Khushi, him and his mom, and she was right, she smiled as she browsed through, and then she saw another folder which was titled , " Family, Old..", and out of sheer curosity, she opened it, and what she saw surprised her to the core, as she saw pictures, of his family and her's from good old times, all there as a small collection.There were pictures, of their dad's, their mom's, pictures of her brother and Asad from the time they were best friends, there were so many of them, and then there was a picture of all of them, a very much younger her, khushi and little Najma,and the teenage Asad and Arnav. Tears welled up in her eyes, as memories started to refresh in her mind and heart, and along with that came a big question, why did Asad still have these pictures?? Did he miss these times?? Was there any hope that their families could reconcile?? Maybe, there was, and just as she realised, she felt a ray of hope, maybe Asad wouldn't react as badly to the truth,a she had thought. She quickly wiped her tears, as she spotted him walk out the room, and she concealed her emotions as she asked - " Asad, look at you, its so different, these pictures..."
Asad shot her a confused look as he walked to her - " what pictures??", and his face hardened, as he saw what Zoya was talking about.
He immediately shut his laptop, taking her by suprise, as he heard her ask - " that is Arnav Singh raizada right? in those pictures with you?"
Asad felt his rage rise, at the mention of that name, and he pulled his hand into a fist , as he answered trying to control his tone - " Zoya , I told you, never mention that name in front of me, then why are you doing so..??"
Zoya got up and held his hand, and asked - " I am, because, I just want to know, why do you have pictures of him, and what i figure is his family, when you so clearly say, you hate them?? Do you really do?? Khushi told me how your families were, is this a sign of hope, that maybe, everything can be fine between you guys and your families??", she finished, desperately wanting him to say yes, but the minute she looked into his eyes, she only saw pure fury and rage,as he threw her hand away and spat out angrily , at a voice, which made her tremble, as he roared - " Fine?? Are you mad, Zoya? Why are you probing in , into something I told you not to, keep out of it, damm you, just get out , please, just leave me alone..."
Zoya looked at him shocked and hurt - " Asad, whats the matter, I just asked you a simple question, based on what I saw...please calm down..", and she tried to hold his hand.
Asad knew, his anger had peaked , and so he just backed off, and stated - " Zoya I want you just leave, now, please, before I say anything I shouldn't..."
"But Asad..."
And thats when he couldn't control himself anymore, as he heard himself scream - " Zoya Farooqui, get out of here, now...", and she didn't move as she stood frozen to her ground, at his reaction, and so he just took her by the hand, and led her to the door, and said - "I just need to be alone, but since you aren't just letting this go, i will tell you why I keep those pictures, its because i look at them everyday, only to remind myself, that, Arnav Singh Raizada and his family is what, i want to destroy, and i will, one day, I will...", and with that he shut the door on her face.
Zoya walked back in shock to her room, and as she closed the door, she slid against the door and tears flew down her eyes, what was she thinking, there was no hope in here at all.She had just ruined everything with her lie, she should have just kept distance, everything was really messed up, how was the truth going to surface, and what disaster would it bring along, she didn't know, and she feared it now, more than anything else.
...
Hate grinned, as he leaped out of seat - " Its my turn now, isn't it...??"
Love looked at him patiently - " well, not just yet, relax, you will have your role to play..."
Fate scowled at Hate - " You are such a spoil- sport...we don't just set things up so that you can come and dance around and ruin things..."
Hate grinned , he loved annoying Fate - " well, you just wait and watch, until my time comes..."
Destiny intervened worried , as she asked Love - " Hate isn't going to let this go easily right, he is all super ready to turn things around..."
Love nodded - " I know, but not just yet, I have some fixing to do here, before he strikes..."
Hate rolled his eyes - " Thats why, I dont understand you, Love, why do you want to fix something, when you know , I am going to turn it around...thats why you annoy me..."
Love smiled - " Why dont you just relax, and let me do my job, i will inform you, when its your turn, and like i said, there are somethings you will never have the power to comprehend,and I just happen to be one of them..."
...
| Topics | Author | Replies | Views | Last Post Reply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Does anyone know the name of an Arshi fanfiction
Mirilovejin 8 312 |
Mirilovejin | 8 | 312 | 4 days ago benisfroms |
|
Finding an arshi ff
Wonderstarr 1 488 |
Wonderstarr | 1 | 488 | 27 days ago Pooja_12_12 |
|
Inquiring about an old Arshi FF (The hands of Time)
VeiledWords 9 4372 |
VeiledWords | 9 | 4372 | 5 months ago LalithaMurali |
