Chapter 10

 I was quite out of the story.. Out of inspiration maybe... So I changed a bit of my writing style.. let’s see if this will work out.. Sneek Peaks I posted recently would be for next chappy!

Khushi’s dialogues in pink and her thoughts in pink italic... It goes the same for Arnav but in blue...

Chapter 10

Raizada, The Chef

And Khushi moved away without sparing a last glance at Arnav.. She walked out of the jaccuzi area and reached the room while saying to herself amusingly... “Gupta 1, Raizada 0...”

*****

Some hours later

Reluctantly, Khushi opened her eyelids, a half smile playing on her lips.. Yawning, she woke up and sat against the headboard.. A 15 minutes nap had turned into long hours of sleep and she stretched her arms lazily. She was still into the bath robe and she swore in surprise when she looked at the darkness through the window. “Holy cow, how long did I sleep?”. She turned her gaze towards the bed table and took hold of her mobile. Her eyes popped out in utter shock as she looked at the mobile screen, “Shit, 8 p.m.”. Immediately, she struggled out of the blankets and jumped off the bed as she headed to the bathroom. A quick shower to get rid of this laziness from oversleeping and a few minutes later she was ready, staring at her reflection at the dressing table’s mirror. Her long black hairs bathing her shoulders like silk, she was in a blue cotton dress. Pretty simple and casual yet sexy with the off-the-shoulder short sleeves. The dress was short enough to reveal her sexy long legs and her face was glowing with all her innocence as well as her mischievous eyes.. Again and again she had those cute memories of a bare chest Arnav with his tied towel around his waist and she found herself blushing foolishly. She shook her head to push away those coming wild thoughts. A last check at her perfect figure and she smirked before walking out of the room barefoot.

Eyes wide opened, Khushi was approaching Arnav, O shaped mouth. The latter, oblivious of her presence... This was totally unexpected or better say fascinating. Arnav Singh Raizada alias Mr Arrogant.. the one who plays business business in office was actually playing kitchen kitchen in front of the kitchen counter. Obviously he looked as sexy in an apron as much as he was in only a towel. “The business tycoon can also be a chef, mystery man is full of surprises.”, she thought. Amused, she cleared her throat to grab Arnav’s attention.  And instantly, Arnav lifted his gaze towards her. He glared at her from top to toe and then got back to his task. Khushi pulled a long face but she finally made a step forward, not ready to give up so easily. “Looks like Mr. A.S.R has some inner issues to deal with.. he can resist to my sexy figure but can a man run away from love.” Khushi ignored his uninterested gazes and she moved closer to the kitchen counter. She sat on her knees and caressed Tiara who was rolling over the floor playfully. Wondering how Tiara went out of her room from the closed door, she stood back on her toes. She grabbed a stool and purposely sat opposite Arnav. Her elbows resting onto the counter, her two hands under her chin, she observed Chef Raizada in action, “looks yummy, wonder what he’s up to”. He dunk in the wooden spoon into the creamy sauce and brought the spoon to his mouth. From the aroma only, she just knew it was mushroom sauce, one of her favorite dressings. After tasting the sauce, Arnav then took the bowl of freshly cut mixed vegetables and added it to the sauce. “Oh god, I can be size zero but I am not the kind of girl who lives on just salads!” .. But she finally breathed in relief when Arnav uncovered the other recipient on the stove. “Thank god... so Mr. Raizada is actually preparing us some tasty pasta.. Not bad for a first dinner date.. this man never misses to impress me..”.. and she had a smirk curving onto her lips.

“You said something”, Arnav was pouring the already cooked pasta, to be précised, ‘al dente’,  into the veggie mushroom sauce when he uttered his first words of the evening.. But his attention was fully engrossed into what he was doing, without bothering to raise his eyes towards Khushi. “How rude, look at me when you wanna talk,.. he’s such an ass sometimes.. how he does this, listening to my thoughts, Unnerving!” But she faked a smile.. “Not yet ASR, I was only thinking about my mother.. one of her famous lines.. if a man is a good cook, there’s no other proof that he can be the best husband.” Her statement urged him to lift his eyelids.. Her eyes were teasing and mischievous.. As if she was the only one not to realize the faint tone into her voice. “You miss her, your mother”, and her smile faded away. At times, she cries into the lap of Maria, the only amma she knows.. She misses her mother a lot and the hands of her Amma on her head, soothes her pain. A pain, she tries hard to hide from her close ones, especially her father. Lowering her gaze in discomfort, she stepped down the stool and walked to the music system. Arnav signed and looked back at the meal, ready to be served.

“Indian Music”, her over-enthusiastic voice and her content smile was back in a nanosecond when she looked into the cd collections. She shifted her gaze to Arnav, her eyes gleaming.. “I love Bollywood so much, our tastes are so alike ASR.”. Arnav gaped back at her in horror. “No wonder, she’s so dramatic”, a wry expression on his face, he shook his head in denial, “drama is not my thing Miss Gupta.. the cds belong to my sister.. Anjali di stayed here a few days last month, she forgot them here.” A light smile curving at the corners of her lips, Khushi turned back to the cds shelves, feeling quite stupid of her jealousy when she mistook Anjali di for Arnav’s girlfriend on the phone call. At last she laid her hands on a cd, “Bollywood Romantica”. “Seems best for a first dinner date!”, she giggled amusingly and put in the cd into the music player.. She pushed on ‘play’ and in an instant the first notes of the music stole her heart.

Mujhe teri ankhon ki gehrai mein doobne de... Mujhe teri baahon ki jannat mein khone de...

Khushi turned back towards Arnav. The latter was filling the plates of hot yummy pasta. Khushi admired him intensely. And when Arnav lifted his eyes from the plates, he was bemused. “What?”.. His tone, ironic. She raised her eyebrows, a teasing glint in her look. “I was just wondering if Mr. Raizada is as good on a dance floor as he is in a kitchen.” 

Chapter 9B: Defeated by Feelings

Note: just want to inform that this SS will be an FF as from next chapter, I don't know if this is a good or bad news for u guys... reason is just because I want more arshi knok jhoks, friendship, flirting, care, madness, and many more while they travelled around Europe.. 

Chapter 9B : Defeated by Feelings

She roamed around searching for him but he was nowhere around.. neither into the kitchen nor in the living room.. As she shifted her eyes towards the extremity of the living room, she spotted a door.. and she thought..

Khushi thinks: Maybe it's the terrace..

She walked to the door and pushed it open slightly.. And...

Her eyes shot open and a wide smile formed on her face as she exclaimed excitedly...

Khushi: Jacuzzi, awesome!

As Khushi walked in to explore her new favorite place, her eyes shined with millions stars... Placing her hands on the large window panes, she admired the view and said to herself...

Khushi: Oh my god... from here I can see the beauty of London.. Yeh mr. raizada bhi na, gusse wala to hain..(this mr. raizada, he is and angry man..) but the guy truly has a real class.. Aab iss Jacuzzi ko mujhe abhi ke abhi try kalna hi hoga.. (now I need to try this jaccuzi now only..)

ASR: Sochna bhi mat.. (Don't even think about it)

As she heard the voice of Arnav, she nodded irritatingly thinking...

Khushi thinks: yeh arrogant singh raizada bhi na, pata nahin kab chuti lega.. (this arrogant singh raizada, don't know when he'll take leave..)

Khushi turned towards Arnav and looked at him.. Instantly her eyes popped out as she stared at Arnav in complete shock. Her eyes slowly moved down from his gaze like fire to his naked chest.. Suddenly she closed her fists as she began holding to the only cloth on her body.. Nervousness took over her while she wondered whether he was as naked as her under that only towel wrapped at his waist.. or was he also restless? And why the hell the temperature suddenly rose?  Arnav slammed back the door and Khushi abruptly jerked out of her thoughts.. He walked to her in large strides while she stepped back and crashed into the window panes.. Khushi looked from here and there nervously, avoiding Arnav's gaze...Lowering her eyelids, her one hand was on the knot of her bath robe.. Arnav shifted his eyes to the knot and looked back at her face... He stared at her expressions.. her nervousness.. his gaze actually took a while to move away from her rosy lips.. and he wondered...

ASR thinks: She is fascinating... tori pagal hai.. (quite crazy..) but out of this world... she can try to be bold but I know she has never been so nervous and scared as she is now..

And suddenly Arnav placed his hands on the window panes blocking her way... Khushi lifted her eyes to fix into his gaze while Arnav slowly approached his lips to her shivering rosy lips.. Only few inches left and Khushi closed her eyes in anticipation.. Her heartbeats raced as always when she felt Arnav's hands on hers.. Delicately, he pushed away her hands and began playing with the knot of her bath robe.. A smile curved on his lips as he stared at Khushi's face... and he whispered...

ASR: Darr lag raha hain?? (Are you feeling scared??)

In a trembling voice, Khushi replied without hesitation...

Khushi: Haan... (Yes...)

ASR: Kyun?? (Why??)

And she stuttered...

Khushi: wooo... woo.. hum dono... (we...we.. both...)

She gulped a breath..

Khushi: Dono.. aise.. yahann.. (we both ... like this.. here..)

Arnav nodded as he interrupts her words in a casual tone...

ASR: Ofcourse.. darr to lagna hi chaye.. (you should be scared..) after all, you entered Arnav Singh Raizada's pivate area without his permission..

Khushi's eyes shot open and she fixed into Arnav's eyes in disbelief.. Arnav let an arrogant smile at the shocked expressions of Khushi and he said...

ASR: So Miss Gupta.. before I drag you out.. please have some manners and get out.. now..

And he stepped back giving her way to move.. but Khushi stayed idle.. her eyes fixing Arnav while the latter waited impatiently till he decided to break her stare...

ASR: Khushi tum.. (Khushi you...)

But his words were cut off as Khushi said in a soft yet disturbed voice...

Khushi: Aap aise kyun hain?? (Why are you like this??)

Arnav looked at her in confusion and replied..

ASR: Aise? Matlab?? (like this?? You mean??)

Khushi: matlab.. rude aur itna mean.. (I mean.. rude and so mean..) why are you so mean mr. raizada?? Kuch hua hain kya?? (something happened??) Are you like this only with me or with everyone??

Arnav stared at Khushi.. angry.. anxious.. confused..

Khushi: Bataye na.. (tell me..) you cannot be heartless mr. raizada, else this morning... meine dekha.. apka darr.. agar mujhe kuch hojata to?? (I saw it.. your fear.. if something had happened to me??) How would you feel mr. Raizada?? Agar in ghoondo ne mere saat aisa kuch... (if those goons had done something with me...)

All of a sudden, Arnav grabbed Khushi's shoulders in anger.. Khushi didn't show any sign of pain on her face though Arnav was hurting her... and Arnav said brusquely...

ASR: I said get out of here Khushi!

But Khushi violently pushed him away shocking Arnav..

ASR: Don't try me Khushi! Just because I saved you, don't think that I'll let you...

His words stopped when Khushi suddenly burst out laughing.. Arnav closed his fists and Khushi nodded in amusement...

Khushi: Apko pata hai ke apka problem kya hai??... (do you know what is your problem??...)

Arnav stared at her guts without a word but he was definitely fuming in anger..

Khushi: jo dil mein hain ap kabhi bolte nahin aur issi liye sara anxiety gussa ban kar apke zubaan pe aaja ta hain... Ap itne darte kyun hain.. meri tara ban jaye na..bindaas!(What is in your heart, you never say it and that's why all your anxiety transforms into anger and comes out through your words.. why are you so scared.. become like me.. carefree!)

ASR: mein?? Scared?? Kya yeh abhi hua hain ya tum bachpan se pagal hai?? (Mein?? Scared?? It happened just now or are you mad from childhood??)

Khushi threw to Arnav her thousand watt smile as she exclaimed..

Khushi: Oh pagalpan.. haan mein to bachpan se pagal hoon lekin pyar... pyar abhi abhi hua... aap se! (oh madness.. yes I'm like this since childhood but love... love happened just now.. for you!)

Arnav couldn't help but got lost into her.. her words.. her craziness.. her laughter.. that amusement.. he was hearing her every words.. as if she was flirting with him.. he completely forgot about his anger and was stuck in her last words.. Khushi smiled and approached him.. he stayed still while Khushi moved forward and kissed his right cheek sensually... and she whispered to his ears..

Khushi: Apne tik socha Mr. Raizada.. (you thought right Mr. Raizada..) I've never been that bold as I pretend to be.. I'm scared and nervous.. but only because I want to reserve myself for the one.. and I think I found him.. so apne se darr kyun...(so why to be scared of my own..)

Khushi moved a step back and glared into the dazed look of Arnav.. She smiled and said..

Khushi: jab time mile.. (when you have time..) try to be like me.. atleast once.. you'll see how relieved it is.. jab jo dil mein wohi zubaan pe.. acha chalti hoon.. wo kya hain na meine andar kuch nahin pehna.. aur kafi uncomfortable feel kar rahi hoon..(when what's in your heart is in your words.. ok I'll go.. actually I didn't wear anything inside.. and it's quite uncomfortable..) I'll just be back..

And Khushi moved away without sparing a last glance at Arnav.. She walked out of the jaccuzi area and reached the room while saying to herself amusingly...

Khushi: Gupta 1, Raizada 0...

Note: sorry I know some of you were expecting more romance in jaccuzzi, but I changed the track at the last moment..  still hope u enjoyed..

Chapter 8A, 8B, 9A

Updates have been updated on india forum since long... Sorry for being late here!


Dedicated to Aasmaali, Pancakes and Lalarukh!

Chapter 8A: Hero or Villain!

During the early hours of the morning, the private jet finally landed at London airport. Khushi who was on mute mode since their last interaction stared at Arnav while the latter was wearing his black coat. When Arnav finally turned his eyes towards Khushi, she looked away nervously. An arrogant smirk formed on his lips, Arnav nodded in amusement as he looked through the window. And he thought...

ASR thinks: Confused teenager! She still cannot decide whether she's scared of me or attracted by me!

And he signed before walking away towards the south part of the flight. Few minutes later, Khushi lifted her eyes in surprise when suddenly Arnav threw a coat in her lap..

ASR: Here, wear this!

And she replied firmly...

Khushi: No Thank you.. I'm ok!

ASR: Oh really...

He looked at her from top to toe.. His gaze was paying special attention to every forms of her body. And he said..

ASR: I don't think so.. You are not walking with me in such clothes.. My driver will definitely think I've started a new business..

And he said arrogantly...

ASR: Babysitting!

Khushi's jaw dropped while her eyes popped out... She tried to stand up but unfortunately she was pulled back into the seat due to the still tied belt.. On the spot, an amused smile curved onto Arnav's lips while Khushi struggled in anger with the seat belt.. As soon as she finally untied the belt, Khushi stood while yelling...

Khushi (yelling): How dare you talk to...

As Khushi faced Arnav , her words stopped and she stared at him in awe.. She listened to his laughter.. The glint into his eyes was no more mysterious.. Instead it felt the eyes of a happy kid.. For an instant she forgot her anger, her fear... And an hesitant smile curved on her lips.. And all she could say to herself...

Khushi thinks: Wonderful.. So that's how Khushi Kumari Gupta's first crush looks like when he laughs..

But her thoughts broke all of a sudden.. The expressions on her face went from mesmerizing to rigid at the moment she heard Arnav saying laughingly...

ASR: Khushi Kumari Gupta, you such a kid!

Her mouth formed an O-shape and she yelled angrily..

Khushi: Kid... Bachi! Apne phir se mujhe bachi kahan! How dare you Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada? Aap mujhe jhanti tak nahin... (Kid... Kid! You again called me a kid! How dare you Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada? You don't even know me...)

Arnav signed sarcastically and approached Khushi with a smirk.. She looked at him nervously from the corners of her eyes while Arnav laid his hand on her shoulders.. Khushi's heart began racing as she felt his hands moving from her shoulders to her arms drawing tiny circles on her skin with his fingers.. Within few seconds, he moved to her back and Khushi closed her eyes, shivering from the contact of his breath at the crook of her neck! Khushi gulped a breath while Arnav's hands moved down her arms and grabbed her wrists.. Arnav finally lifted her wrists and bite her ears softly before whispering to her...

ASR: Open your eyes Miss Gupta!

Slowly Khushi lifted her eyelids and found herself facing their reflection.. Hers and Arnav's! And though nervous.. But from the feeling of seeing them together, Khushi felt millions of butterflies flying in her stomach.. Her eyes followed Arnav's movement as he pointed Khushi's wrists towards her own reflection.. And she blushed when Arnav moved her hands down tracing the reflection of her body curve... He smirked at her and said in a casual tone...

ASR: After seeing you like this.. I mean seriously in this pink messy tshirt and those teenagers jeans, I doubt that no one will think of you a kid Miss Gupta!

Instantly her eyes popped out and she threw an angry glare towards him. Finally, Arnav left her hands and moved away as he said...

ASR: Now come on, just wear this coat, I'm waiting for you near the car...

Arnav walked away towards the flight exit without sparing a glance at Khushi's grumpy face.. And as he disappeared, Khushi signed and said angrily..

Khushi: Fine Mr. A.S.R.! I'll show you the real Khushi Kumari Gupta!

And she grabbed her luggage before turning towards the dressing room.

****

Sitting at the back seat of his black limousine, Arnav was getting more and more impatient... It had been more than 15 minutes and yet no sign of Khushi Kumari Gupta. Arnav growled and threw his blackberry on the seat before stepping out of the car.. Sam, Arnav's driver was standing by the door when the latter said angrily..

ASR: Where the hell is this girl?

Sam: I... I have no idea Sir!

Arnav nodded and as soon as he was about to walk towards the stairs of the flight, he saw Tyara running down the stairs.. The dog passed by him and jumped into the car under the surprise gaze of the driver.

Sam: Oh Sir, I didn't know you adopted a dog!

ASR: Oh Shut up!

As Arnav yelled, Sam excused himself and got into the driver's seat. Arnav signed and turned his gaze to the flight when suddenly... His breath felt stiffed.. His eyes fixed onto the figure in white at the exit door of the flight.. His gaze moved from her high heels sandal, to her sexy legs.. Her naked cleavage.. And as his eyes stopped on the smile of her face, Arnav clenched his wrists into fists.. 

Khushi's Dress

Khushi walked down the stairs, conscious of Arnav's angry glare on her.. She moved her hips from right to left confidently with a glint of danger in her eyes.. And as she reached near Arnav, she said in a sexy tone...

Khushi: Shall we go Mr Raizada?

Chapter 8B: Hero or Villain!

Khushi walked down the stairs, conscious of Arnav's angry glare on her.. She moved her hips from right to left confidently with a glint of danger in her eyes.. And as she reached near Arnav, she said in a sexy tone...

Khushi: Shall we go Mr Raizada?

Arnav lowered his eyes as he tried to control his anger.. He knew she was doing this on purpose.. may be just to prove him that she was not a kid, he thought.. But how can she even think of roaming around in such clothes, and that too in London! Why was she even carrying this dress in her bag? Suddenly he felt that restless feeling.. A sense of insecurity.. What if he was not here to protect her from the outer world.. His blood boiled when he suddenly turned his gaze to the other side and spotted his driver staring at Khushi's barely covered body through the side mirrors... Instantly, he opened the door and in a firm tone, he ordered to Khushi...

ASR: Get In! Now!

At the tone of his voice, Khushi grimaced and muttered under her breath..

Khushi: Gussa Raizada! (Angry Raizada)

Arnav's eyes spitting fire, Khushi immediately turned her gaze away in fear of burning under his fuming eyes like daggers. She stepped into the limousine and settled herself next to Tyara into the comfortable black leather seat. Without sparing a look towards Khushi, Arnav entered the car and sat opposite her and Tyara.. He then lifted his eyes towards the driver and he ordered...

ASR: Sam, let's go!

And on the spot, Khushi yelled...

Khushi: And my luggage?? And Tyara's??

ASR: Relax.. I took care of it! It's in the car boot..

Khushi: But...

Arnav looked back at Sam and said...

ASR: Sam, to the office! Now!

Sam nodded in acknowledge and replied..

Sam: Ok Sir!

And Khushi signed irritatingly as she thought...

Khushi thinks: And how will I run away without my luggage.. God.. Help me!

While the driver started the engine, Khushi turned her face and sulked.. The drive to AR Designs London branch was silent.. Arnav was working on his laptop and Khushi had lowered the window, admiring the sights of London.. It was not that she never came to London before, but travelling in a bullet proof car and being restricted from lowering the windows was definitely not the most fun way of a trip. Feeling the breeze on her face, her long silky hairs flying into the air, this happiness was short lived when all of a sudden the window started to raise up.. Her eyes popped out and she began fighting with the automatic button but in vain... And...

ASR: It's locked!

On the spot, Khushi turned to Arnav.. She looked at him angrily but the latter spared no single glimpse towards her.. His eyes fixed into his laptop screen, he smirked when he heard her murmured to herself...

Khushi murmurs: Laad Governor! He's even worse than dad!

5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes... This was becoming harder to withstand.. This silence.. and the voice in her head which kept on saying.. "boring, boring, boring".. and the worst thing bothering her.. Why was he not paying any attention to her, especially in that dress.. She looked at Tyara and thought..

Khushi thinks: May be he's gay after all! Such a waste...

ASR: I'm not gay Miss Gupta!

Instantly her eyes shot wide open and she said in horror...

Khushi: f**k! You can read minds!

Her statement forced Arnav to lift his eyes from his laptop.. and he nodded irritatingly before saying...

ASR: Can you just shut up Miss Gupta and stop thinking loudly? I'm trying to work here!

But stubborn as she is, Khushi replied back sarcastically..

Khushi: You still seemed to be gay to me..

ASR: Or maybe it's just that I'm not interested with girls who look like bitches..

As Arnav's attention went back to his laptop screen, he missed seeing the tears brimming into Khushi's eyes.. Khushi turned her teary gaze towards the tinted windows while Arnav continued his work... But few seconds later.. all of a sudden, Khushi jerked in shock when Arnav pulled her violently to him... As she crashed into the black leather seat, Khushi stared in fear at Arnav..

His hands holding on to the seat blocking Khushi's body under his hard chest... His gaze fixed into her almond eyes, there were only few inches before he could capture her shivering lips... At the moment, Khushi was confused and upset.. Her heart was racing.. Her tears began rolling down her cheeks while her eyes tried hard to avoid the gaze of Arnav.. When she finally lowered her eyes, Arnav brought his hands to her face and lifted her chin.. Their eyes met once again.. As hot tears rolled down her cheeks, Arnav felt restless.. He felt like cursing himself to have brought tears in her eyes.. Here, in his arms, she was so delicate.. so nave, yet so beautiful.. The way she looked at him was intense and dangerous.. but at the same time her innocence, her craziness, it felt so childish.. A teenager! He thought amusingly... And despite all this, it just makes her so perfect.. Tenderly, Arnav brought his hand to her face and wiped off her tears as he said softly without breaking the eyelock...

ASR: Khushi, it was for the dress.. I never meant it for you.. I'm really sorry...

Khushi stared at him blankly.. His words.. they were more than sincere.. but still she feared to give any reaction.. Why was Arnav Singh Raizada after her?? Why is he so cold and nice to her at the same time?? Was she in trouble?? Suddenly her thoughts broke when Arnav began to move forward.. He was about to take her lips and it felt so right.. But how can she forget her promise to her father...  "I promise, I'll take care of myself, I'll stay away from trouble"... And on the spot, Khushi turned her face away.. Her breath incomplete.. Her chest heaving... She closed her eyes! And suddenly...

ASR: Driver, stop the car!

Khushi's eyes shot open while Arnav moved away from her.. She looked at him in confusion and the latter stepped out of the car... Arnav looked at her a last time and said roughly...

ASR: You! Stay here!

And he walked away, leaving Khushi in confusion..

*****

Few minutes later.. In Music Shop...

Arnav picked the CD from the shelves and nodded as he said...

ASR: Unbelievable! I can't believe I'm doing this just to bring a smile on the face of this Gupta girl..

And he walked to the counter where a young girl was waiting for him smilingly.. Arnav handed her the CD and as soon as she looked at the CD cover, she said excitedly...

Girl: Oh the new Miley Cyrus album.. that's awesome, good choice dude!

Arnav managed to give her a fake smile and took out some cash from his coat...

ASR: Here, keep the change!

Girl: Thanks!

Arnav turned and was walking towards the exit door when suddenly...

Girl: Hey dude, wait!

Arnav looked back at her and she said...

Girl: There's something which fell from your coat..

Right away, Arnav lowered his eyes to the floor.. For half a second, he froze and then sat on his knees.. He grabbed the small box and opened it...

As he stared at the perfect ring, a smile curved onto his lips... He felt an eagerness to see this ring on those long delicate fingers.. He closed the box and put it back into his coat.. Looking towards the counter girl, Arnav smiled as he said..

ASR: thank you girl!

Girl: You are welcome.. But still if you pass by here again, do come back.. I'll be thrilled to know her answer!

ASR: Sure!

With a wide smile, Arnav stepped out of the shop and walked back to the limousine... He opened the door and entered the back seat... On the spot, his heart stopped, his smile vanished and his face turned red.. Red in anger, red in fear.. and he yelled out..

ASR: Khushi... Khushiii.. Driver...

  Immediately Sam lowered the separation window and said in panic..

Sam: Yes Sir!

ASR (yelling): Where the hell is she? Where is Khushi??

And the driver stuttered in fear...

Sam: She she... She was just here one minute ago sir!.. I.. I don't know Sir!

And Arnav yelled angrily...

ASR: Oh shut up!

Arnav rushed out of the car.. Turning around like a crazy man.. He searched for her everywhere.. Rain began pouring down heavily.. He walked, he ran.. He was soaked to bone, but yet this didn't stop him.. and for the first time in his life, he was sincerely praying to god from deep inside his heart.. praying to keep Khushi safe! It's been more than 30 minutes.. the road was not safe.. it was dark and he knew she was around.. but where?? He didn't even know where he was.. he walked so much that he lost trace of his car.. When he finally stopped, he was breathless.. he closed his eyes as his heart yelled out...

ASR: Khushi, please.. where are you??

And suddenly, his eyes popped out as he heard some noise.. No, this was not just noise.. It was Tyara barking.. On the spot, Arnav turned around and saw Tyara running to him...

ASR: Tyara...

A glint of relief formed onto his face and he bent down...

ASR: Are you ok?? Khushi?? Where is khushi??

The dog ran away from his grip and Arnav followed her.. He just knew that the dog was guiding him to Khushi.. and fear took over him as he felt that Khushi was in danger.. They ran through dark lanes and the closer he reached, the more restless his heart was...

*****

Her back against the wall, her eyes full of tears, getting drenched into the rain... Khushi stared at the two drunk men.. and she said in between her weeps..

Khushi: Please, let me go... please.. I beg you..

The two men burst out laughing and suddenly one of them began approaching her.. Khushi nodded continuously in fear.. She tried to run away, but the drunkard placed his hands onto the wall blocking her way.. and he said...

Man 1: How can we let you go? You are so beautiful... Just one night beautiful angel, and then you can go anywhere you want.. I promise you!

And the man looked towards his friend nastily as he said..

Man 1: Right buddy!

The other man smiled with an evilness and replied..

Man 2: Of course! She's such a sexy bitch.. I'll give you anything you want.. but not tonight.. Tonight is our night!

And the two men laughed out loud... Suddenly the drunkard laid his hands on her naked shoulders and Khushi pushed away them away violently as she yelled...

Khushi: Don't touch me.. I'm telling you.. you don't know me... my dad will not leave you.. And... Mr Raizada... he will kill you...

Man 1: Oh really.. let's see then...

The man brought his hands to his jacket and took out a knife.. Khushi's eyes shot open in fear.. and she felt paralyzed when suddenly he tore the straps of her dress...

Khushi: No.. No.. Please...

Man 1: Now come on, kiss me.. don't behave like a fussy bitch..

The man moved forward as he caressed Khushi's naked arms...Tears rolling down her cheeks, Khushi cried her lungs out.

Khushi (crying): Leave me please... Leave me!

And suddenly... Khushi got pulled to the right side and crashed into a hard chest... Her eyes were closed.. and she murmured..

Khushi: ASR!

Khushi finally opened her eyelids and fixed into the eyes of Arnav... She stared at him.. Her fear ran away at the mere contact of his warmth and she forgot the presence of the drunkards till one of them came forward and tried to lay his hand on her... But before he could touch her, Arnav held his arms... He turned his gaze towards the two men angrily as he remembered the sight of Khushi into their hands.. Her tears, her cries, and her torn dress... and he barked out...

ASR: You are dead!

And he began punching them one by one.. again and again.. till they bleed out all their blood... As the two guys passed out, Arnav turned towards Khushi... She was staring at him and though it was raining, he could clearly see her crying... Arnav started walking to her when suddenly... Khushi began running to him and fell into his embrace... Arnav froze on the spot while Khushi hugged him with all her heart.. Slowly, he brought his hands to her back and both stayed into each other's embrace, completely drenched for a long time...

Chapter 9A : Defeated by Feelings

Arnav froze on the spot while Khushi hugged him with all her heart.. Slowly, he brought his hands to her back and both stayed into each other's embrace, completely drenched for a long time... While Khushi was not ready to leave his chest anytime soon, Arnav pulled back forcefully from her hold and he pierced into her eyes.. as he said in a furious yet calm tone...

ASR: What is wrong with you Khushi? Tum kabhi sochti nahin kuch karne se pehle...(What is wrong with you Khushi? You never think before doing anything...)

He grabbed her shoulders angrily as he shouted...

ASR: Damn it kuch ho jaata to.. Agar mein waqt pe nahin aaja ta to.. I was right.. tum sirf ek teenager hain.. isliye bina soche samjhe kuch bhi karleti.. Tum... (Damn it what if something had happened.. What if I didn't reach on time.. I was right.. You are only a teenager.. That's why you do anything without thinking.. You...)

Suddenly his words stopped when Khushi's eyes welled up with tears.. Slowly she brought her hands to her ears.. Holding her ears innocently she said in cries...

Khushi: Iss teenager ko ek akhri baar maaf kar dije.. phirse aisi galti nahin karoongi.. I'm really sorry! (Forgive this teenager a last time.. I will not repeat such mistake again.. I'm really sorry!)

Arnav's expressions softened and he couldn't help but felt amused... Khushi kept holding her ears while she shivered from cold.. drops of water falling from her hairs and her dress was completely transparent.. Arnav's eyes travelled down her body and it was then that Khushi remembered her state.. She felt nervous when all of a sudden Arnav took out his coat and slid behind her.. He helped her wear his coat and Khushi conformed to this without a word... As soon as she was less naked, Arnav spared her no second and he passed his one arm around Khushi's waist... Abruptly he swept her feet off the road much to Khushi's surprise.. Arnav began walking towards the exit of the dark lanes while Khushi held on to his collar.. Her eyes stayed fix on Arnav's expressions till they finally reached the car... As soon as Sam spotted Arnav, he rushed to open the backseat door and Arnav laid Khushi onto the seat.. Their eyes met for a split second and Arnav finally pulled back.. After Tyara jumped into the car, Arnav closed the door.. He walked to the other side and entered the car.. As he sat opposite Khushi, he laid back his head onto the seat and closed his eyes.. At last taking a breath of relief while the limousine started up towards AR Designs.. At this time of the morning, the roads were block with a dense traffic jam, and upon that the heavy rain made it even more difficult to circulate.. With the dark clouds formed into the sky as well as the fog, it seemed as if it nearly reached the fall of the night.. During the drive, neither Khushi nor Arnav decided to say a word to each other.. and when Arnav fell into a light slumber, Tyara sleeping in her lap, Khushi sat for long staring at the lines of Arnav's perfect face.. About almost two and a half hour later, the limousine finally pulled in at its destination, AR Designs Building in the center of London... The parking was deserted.. All staffs of AR Designs had been released early in reason of the unstopping torrential rain.. One of the day time securities rushed to Arnav with an umbrella when the latter stepped out of the limousine.. The security guard opened the umbrella protecting Arnav from the rain and followed him when he walked to the other side of the limousine.. Arnav helped Khushi out and passed out a hand around her waist so as to keep her close to him under the umbrella.. Not once he fixed into her eyes while Khushi kept on staring at him.. In a fast pace, Arnav guided Khushi into the building and soon they entered the lift alongside Sam carrying Khushi's luggage as well as Tyara into her carrier bag... The lift door closed,  it began moving up and Khushi clenched her fists.. Standing by the mirror wall, she was drowned into nervousness and fear.. At times Arnav's arms almost brushing hers..  Her heart was racing and she jerked at the sudden sound of the lift... The lift's door slid open and revealed the lavish apartment on the last floor of AR Designs...  

While Sam went straight to the bedroom and kept the luggage into the dressing as well as Tyara's carrier bag onto the floor, Khushi explored the penthouse in awe.. Arnav followed her expressions as in a slow pace she entered the living room while admiring the interiors.. Sam walked out of the room, passed through the living room, entered the lift and pushed onto the ground button.. Finally he disappeared leaving Arnav and Khushi alone into the apartment.. and without losing any time, Arnav called out..

ASR: Khushi!

Khushi turned towards him.. Pointing towards the room, Arnav said..

ASR: The room is this way.. go shower and get change.. else you'll get sick!

Khushi nodded a yes with an hesitant smile and immediately she went towards the room.. Before closing the door, she turned towards Arnav and they both shared an eyelock.. Arnav was the one to break the eyelock and he strode to the kitchen counter.. Khushi nodded unbelievably at Arnav's fake anger as she mumbled to her..

Khushi: Laad Governor!

And she closed the door..

*****

 Standing by the kitchen counter, lost into his thoughts, Arnav was pouring hot coffee into a cup when accidentally the hot liquid fell onto his hand... As he burnt his hand, he cursed in pain...

ASR: f**k!

Immediately he brought his hand under the cold water of the tap and nodded angrily to himself..

ASR thinks: All this is because of this Khushi.. It was truly a bad idea.. I'll have to bring her back to her father..  In anger, I thought to teach her a lesson.. that no one denies to ASR.. But.. ab mujh se nahin hoga.. Mein uski aansoonn nahin dekh sakta..(Now I can't do this.. I can't see her tears..)I can't.. I'll have to bring her back..  She is as much innocent as I thought of her to be a spoilt brat!!

*****

Khushi stepped out of the shower cabin and adjusted the towel around her body.. Her wet hairs let loose on her naked shoulders.. Drops of water dripping onto the mat, She wiped off the steam on the mirror.. She stared at her reflection intensely while her eyes shined.. Her heart was restless.. A smile curved onto her lips and she began blushing at her own reflection.. Millions of butterflies formed into her belly as goose bumps while her mind travelled back into the arms of Arnav.. She closed her eyes as she remembered how he picked her up and carried her to the car.. The fear on his face though she was safe and sound by his side into the car.. It was as if Arnav was dying at the thought of losing her..  And her heart! It was racing.. Why did she tell those drunkards that Mr. Raizada will kill them? What was she thinking?? Her eyes shot open.. Staring at herself.. She brought her right hand onto her heart.. Dhak Dhak, Dhak Dhak.. Restless.. Scared... After all her heart knew the answer to her questions.. and she went lost into the past...

FLASHBACK

The eyes of Shashi Gupta popped out in shock at the sudden actions of his daughter.. and he said shockingly..

Shashi: Khushi.. Yeh kya tarika hain! Aise photo ko kyun phal diya? Ab main in logon ko kya kahooga.. (Khushi.. what is this way! Why did you the photo like this? Now what will I tell those people..)

And Khushi reverted back stubbornly..

Khushi: Yehin ke Khushi Kumari Gupta ne photo bina dekhe ko phal diya.. Aur kripa karke phir se rishta nahin behdije.. Samjhe.. (That Khushi Kumari Gupta torn the photo without looking at it.. And do us a favor don't send a proposal again.. Understand..)

Shashi: What is this Khushi? Kya tum kabhi shaadi nahin karoongi... (What is this Khushi? Will you ever get married...)

Khushi: What dad? How can you think like this? Of course I will get married.. In fact a big fat wedding with all those long rituals like in Bollywood movies.. But not to some stupid tom dick or harry..

Shashi: Acha aur tumhe lagta mein kisi tom dick ya harry ke photo tumhare paas lekar aahoonga.. Mein to apni rajkumari jaisi beti ko ek rajkumar hi laaoonga.. Kamse kam tum photo dekti usse phal ne se pehle.. Pata hai kitne bare aadmi hain.. uska naam...(Oh and you think I'll bring any tom dick or harry's photo to you.. I will only bring a prince for my princess daughter.. At least you should have look at the photo before tearing it.. Do you know how famous that man is.. His name...)

Khushi: But I have no interest into his name dad.. Mein arrange marriage kabhi nahin karoongi.. Samjhi aap.. Aur kabhi mujhe force bhi maat karna.. (But I have no interest into his name dad.. I will never get into an arrange marriage.. You understand.. And don't you ever force me..)

Shashi: Kamse kam yeh to batado tumhe kaise ladka pasan hain?? (Atleast tell me which type of guy you like??)

Khushi stared at her father.. A smile on her face she nodded as she said..

Khushi: Pata nahin! (I don't know!)

Shashi: Kya? (What?)

And she said excitedly..

Khushi: Yes dad! I don't have any likes or dislikes.. Sirf yeh ke jab wo ladka mere samne aayega tab, sab kuch badal jayega.. Mein badal jaaoongi.. (Yes dad! I don't have any likes or dislikes.. Only that when this guy will come in front of me, everything will change.. I will change..)

Khushi stood from the sofa and walked a few steps.. Shashi stayed settled into the sofa and stared at Khushi confusingly...

Khushi: ek ajeeb bechaini hogi.. usse milne ke liye.. uss ke saat rehne ke liye.. Uske ek nazar meri dhakano tezz hoga... And when he'll be with me, I'll be nervous, I'll be scared.. but if he stepped back I might die.. Tab mujhe pata hoga ke yeh wohi hai jo mere liye bani... He will be my guy.. Jaise bhi ho, amir ya gharib.. acha ya bhura.. meri tara zidii ya samajdhar.. wo jaise bhi ho.. HE WILL BE THE ONE... (there will be a strange restlessness.. to meet him.. to be with him.. His one look will make my heart beats faster.. And when he'll be with me, I'll be nervous, I'll be scared.. but if he stepped back I might die.. Then I will know that he is the one who is made for me.. He will be my guy.. However he is, rich or poor.. good or bad.. stubborn like me or responsible.. however he is.. HE WILL BE THE ONE...)

FLASHBACK ENDS

Back to present, Khushi smiled to herself... and she said..

Khushi: ladne ke liye bahut bahane dhoondi meine.. lekin aab pyaar ki baatein ke liye paata nahin kaunsa bahane use karoongi mein.. (To fight I found a lot of pretexts... But now for romance I don't know which excuse I'll find..)

And suddenly, Khushi heard a noise of a door slamming.. Quickly she pulled on the bath robe and walked out of the bathroom.. she stepped out of the room and found Arnav nowhere.. She roamed around searching for him but he was nowhere around.. neither into the kitchen nor in the living room.. As she shifted her eyes towards the extremity of the living room, she spotted a door.. and she thought..

Khushi thinks: Maybe it's the terrace..

She walked to the door and pushed open the door slightly.. And...

TO BE CONTINUED...