Is This Love

Prologue

Khushi!!!! in my cabin now !!!

This was the most common thing that the employees of AR heard all day. Then they saw the poor soul running here and there trying to follow all orders. Ruthless! that was what they call Arnav Singh Raizada. He didnt have mercy for her at all. Thats atleast what they thought. Least did they know that he was angry with her all the time because he couldnt digest the fact that he actually had a crush on her.

She didnt know either. Although she did see something different at a few times when he would stare at her as if he could see through her and she could feel her skin burning under his gaze.But she hushed the thoughts away because she thought why would the most eligible bachelor of India LIKE her?

But maybe?

NO! This wouldnt happen !

But little did she know that her Devi Maiyaa had a few plans for THEM...TOGETHER!!!

She had to admit she found him extremely handsome and breath-taking yet she knew her limits. But did he know his limits?

How would she control?

How would they control?

Chapter 1

It was Monday again. Time to face the raakhas! This was the first thought that came to khushi as she woke up. She quickly got ready and put on a simple white churidaar. She smiled as she tied her hair into a ponytail as she remembered the reason why she wasn't tying one today.

*FLASHBACK*

Khushi was in the conference room all alone very busy preparing for the presentation they had in 15 minutes. Suddenly the wind blew and her heart skipped a beat and she knew he was here. She was nervous but  she didn't want him to know. She could see him moving towards her from under her lashes. He was moving slowly as if measuring each step. It was as if he was scanning her.

Now he was really close. She could feel him only 10 inches away. His hand moved towards her slowly and she closed her eyes in anticipation. She felt his hand near her tummy and suddenly there were million butterflies in it. She felt him tug on her hair and his hand slowly caressed her long, silky hair. He opened her hair and returned her hair tie.

Slowly he mumbled near her ears " keep it this way, Ms. Gupta!"

And before she knew he walked away. Leaving a confused and blushing khushi behind.

*END*

She applied kajal and a simple tika. Satisfied with her look she sent a silent prayer to devi maiyya and walked to the road, waiting for the rickshaw. Fortunately or unfortunately there was none!

Khushi: (to herself) today the laad governor is going to eat me alive and im going to be seriously late. Hey devi maiyya help me!!!

It was as if she listened to her and a white glamorous white SUV came to a stop in front of her. The window rolled down and she saw her handsome boss in it.

Oh Damn!!

Arnav: Get in Ms.Gupta.

Khushi: No sir!

Arnav:Excuse me?

Khushi: I listen to your orders only in office.

Arnav: In that case. Khushi get in. Please!

What? Did he just call her Khushi instead of Ms. Gupta??? Was this real? Oh my god!!

How could she refuse this hot creature in front of her and she got in. the problem was not over yet! She didn't know how to wear the seatbelt so as usual he moved forward to do that for her. She could feel his breath tickling her neck and she closed her eyes in anticipation. He smiled looking at her reaction and controlling his own desires he moved back to his seat but not before placing a small kiss on her exposed neck making her shiver. Her milky skin felt so delicious he thought licking his lips and looking at her state while she was blushing red!

The drive to the office was really quiet yet overwhelming.

Arnav couldnt help but smile when he saw Khushi running out of the car blushing all the while...

Khushi ran quickly to the ladies washroom and stood in front of the mirror. Her neck was still tickly at the spot where he had kissed her...

Wait! What? Holy Shit!!

Did Arnav Singh Raizada just kiss her on her neck? in his own car?

Chapter 2

Was this normal?

That's what Khushi couldn't understand'.all the butterflies in her stomach and the no-stop blushing!! She couldn't  get over it so she decided to avoid Arnav the whole day' she was really embarrassed'

But yet who could change the fate, right?

Arnav called her'

Arnav: Khushi ! In my cabin NOW!

Oh dear sweet lord! The raakhas was back !now who could save her dear life anyway? But why was he so angry? Did he forget whatever happened in the morning? She couldn't ask him directly'.could she?

She decided to think straight and think normal and she knocked lightly on the door before entering the Lion's Den!

Khushi: Ye'Yes S'Sir?

Arnav: where were you Ms.Gupta? Where is Mr.Singhania's file? It was supposed to be here one hour ago'you are not concentrating today'are you?

Khushi: sorry sir!

Arnav: don't waste time in all that sorry'and get that file to me immediately we have a conference in 20 minutes!

Khushi: yes sir..

Arnav couldn't help but smile as he saw her almost running to get the file. He didn't want to get angry on her but he didn't want to let her know about his feelings'.at least not until she was sure of it himself!

It was 6:00pm

The conference went on smoothly and the deal was done'all thanks to his efficient employee Khushi Gupta!

Just as they were leaving for home Arnav's phone rang'

Arnav: yes dii?

Anjali: kahan ho chotey?(where are you chotey?)

Arnav: I was in the conference dii'its over now'

Anjali: toh aap abhi ghar aa rahen hain?(so you are coming home now?)

Arnav: (looks at Khushi sorting all the files) no dii'not now'(just then Khushi looks up and they have an eye contact'he looks at her in the eye and says in a husky voice) '..Actually'I might be a little late today!

The way he said that made Khushi shiver with anticipation' she looked away and went back to sorting the files'.when she had sorted it she went up to the cup-board to put the files back and Arnav kept the phone and walked towards Khushi slowly. She felt his presence and became really nervous'

She felt his hand on hers and his breath near her ears'

Arnav: let me help you ms. Gupta ''

Khushi shivered under his touch.. Arnav couldn't believe how beautiful she was. He traced her upturned palm with his fingers and looked at her reaction'her eyes were closed and she was breathing heavily!

Just then Khushi snapped out of it.

Khushi: I should leave now sir'

Arnav: (held her hand to stop her and pulled her slightly) let me drop you Khushi! (he whispered)

Why did he have to say her name like that she was now helpless'she couldn't deny him so she just nodded' Arnav was so happy to see that he affected her so much'

They walked through the corridor side by side and their hands touched slightly'.sending a shiver down khushi's spine..she was about to move her hand away when he slid his hand in hers and held it lightly'

What was happening?

What was he upto?

How could she possibly know?

Should she ask him?

She was really confused while Arnav just smiled enjoying the sensation this girl gave him. He couldn't believe he was actually falling for his PA!

Who wouldn't? she was so beautiful!

But it wasn't the outer beauty that attracted him'it was her honesty! Simplicity! Caring nature! She was so pure and he wanted to explore this attraction between them'.

Would she let him?

For that he needed to know her and for knowing her he needed  to talk to her and would make sure he did!

Because Arnav Singh Raizada was interested in Khushi Kumari Gupta!

And he wouldn't let  her go at any cost!

 

Chapter 3



Her hand was in his as they walked out of AR! Luckily it was after 6:00pm and there was no one at AR except the security people. He took her to his SUV and opened the door for her. She sat inside without arguing but Arnav could feel the restlessness in her eyes. He didn't want to scare her because he knew that she could not adopt to his ways. She was different. Correction! She was Very Different!

He wanted her to understand his situation and he wanted her support to understand his own feelings.. would she let him?

He needed answers and he knew she deserved some too!

He saw her fidgeting with her dupatta and biting her bottom lip..looking as adorable as ever!

And he decided!

He was going to take her to his favorite spot where he made all his life's decisions'
But he hadn't taken anyone there till date. Not even his own dii knew about it! It was his little secret spot. But he wanted to show her the place'

Why? Why? Why?

He couldn't understand why he wanted to show her his place. He didn't know why he wanted to tell her that he liked her. Arnav had never been expressive in his life. He had showed love only to his dii and nani and that through gifts only. He sucked at words! And now he wanted to talk to her?

The car came to halt and Khushi jerked back from her thoughts to reality. Just as she was about to thank him for the lift she realized the surroundings were unfamiliar and this was nowhere near her house in Laxminagar!

She was confused but before she could ask him anything he was already out of the car and had opened her side of the door for her. He leaned a bit and opened her seatbelt. He gestured her to come out and she did. Quietly.

Okay!

What was happening? Why had Arnav Singh Raizada brought her here? She didn't know why he did but she was just nervous' plain nervous but not scared because'.

She TRUSTED him!

She knew he wouldn't do anything wrong with her.

But'''.
Where were they?
Okay the place was Beautiful!
The elegant flowers in the garden were dancing gloriously. The pond was so lovely and this was the first time that Khushi had seen something so beautiful. In fact! She had never been to this place before! It was so unique and quiet'. Just like her BOSS!
Wait what?
Her boss!!
It just clicked her that her boss had brought her to this place!!
But why?
There he was standing smiling at her as he watched her amused expressions'
Khushi: S'Si..Sir this is n'not my house?... you were supposed to drop me home.. Why did you bring me here?
After a long silence he finally spoke up
Arnav: Because'. We need to talk!
Talk? Arnav Singh Raizada wanted to talk to her? In such a beautiful place? About what?
After another long silence which seemed like eternity to her he finally spoke up!
Arnav: Khushi I know you are really confused about what happened today. And you want to know what I did today'.  You must be wondering why i'I 'kissed on your'umm..neck in the car'
And there! She wanted the ground to open and eat her alive! He said that! How could he! Besharam!
She was blushing like hell and all the shades of red were visible to his smiling eyes. He knew how embarrassed she was but he needed to be open and honest to her so that there were no misunderstandings. And he continued
Arnav: I did that because'honestly speaking.. I am seriously attracted to you..(and her eyes shot up in disbelief)..i have been since day one ever since I saw you..(she blushed)..even though I don't talk to you but I see you talking to others and I love your nature. I have been observing you and I realized that recently it was becoming impossible for me to keep my eyes of you'.
He trailed off. He paused for a while and waited patiently for her to digest the new facts he just told her. He could see a million expressions on her face. Shyness, sweetness, embarrassment, shock, amazement and much more. And he continued'.
Arnav: I know this is difficult for you to understand but trust me it was impossible for me to talk about my feelings because trust me im really bad at expressing my feelings Khushi yet I have tried my best. Will you think about it? Will you think about us? '..(he breathed) '.i don't want an instant answer because a haste decision may be wrong so take your time'..and let me know?
What could she say? She just nodded still not believing that this was actually happening to her! He was interested In her?
Satisfied with the clarification Arnav dropped her home.

 Chapter 4

Khushi ran as quickly as she could to her room and locked the door blushing and breathing heavily. It had been so difficult to stay quiet and unexcited in the whole ride home. She wanted to smile, laugh, cry, shout. She couldn't believe that Arnav had said all that to her!!

Was she dreaming?

She sat down in front of devi maiyya's idol and started praying.

Khushi: hey devi maiyya'meri madad karo. Usne kaha hai ki main unhe soch kar batau..kya batau?(hey devi maiyya help me out. He asked me to think and answer him. What should I say?)

Payal: kya batana hai Khushi? (what do you have to tell Khushi?)

Hearing payal's voice made Khushi almost jump.

Khushi: kuch nahi jiji'who bas hum toh aise hi..(nothing jiji'nothing important)

Payal: (smile) acha chal aaja khana khaale(okay. Come and have your dinner)

But how could she possibly eat?

Her stomach was full with the butterflies!

*AT SHANTIVAN*

Arnav came in smiling and this was a great shock for everyone. Especially Anjali.

Anjali: chotey aap theek toh hai?( Chotey are you alright?)

Arnav: (smiles again) yes dii 'im fine.

Anjali: hume nahi lagta'(I don't think so)

Arnav: why dii?

Nani: kyunki chotey aaj kisi par chilaye nahi isiliye..(because you didn't shout at anyone today)(she says suppressing her giggle)

Anjali: haan chotey..kya baat hai?(yes chotey. Whats the matter?)

Arnav: nothing dii..(he says almost blushing giving Anjali a slight idea that something is up)

Arnav goes to his room thinking that maybe he should freshen up and work to keep himself a bit distracted from khsuhi's thoughts but everytime he wanted to do so he ended up closing his eyes and smiling remembering her state when he had confessed'

Wait a minute!

It just clicked him!

Arnav Singh Raizada had confessed his feeling to Khushi Gupta!

Now that the realization struck him he desperately wanted to talk to her. So without giving it a second thought he dialed her number.

Khushi's heart skipped a beat as his name flashed across her screen. She picked it up at once.

Khushi: hello?

Arnav: hey'(smiling)

Khushi: ji'uh..kahiye? (yes. Please speak?)

Arnav: mere bare mein soch rahi thi? (Khushi's mouth formed a perfect "O" and Arnav smirked)

Khushi: nahii toh (no I wasn't )

Arnav: acha? (okay?)

Khushi: ji haan'.woh hum toh'haan'hum toh who salman ji ke bare mein soch rahe the'(she smiled)'(no I was thinking about salman ji)

This made Arnav furious and'

Arnav: Khushi ! what the!! Who's this salman? You didn't tell me about him!

Khushi: (smiled inwardly looking at the possessiveness and jealousy) arnavji! Humari baat toh suniye'(smiles)' salman khan ji humare favorite actor hai ' woh Dabangg waale! (arnavji listen to me 'salman khan is my favorite actor'he was in Dabangg!)

Then arnav realized this was the same stupid actor his sister Anjali adored!

What was up with these girls, anyway?

Ugh!

Arnav: yeah! Whatever! Ab meri baat dhyaan se suno..(now listen to me carefully)

Khushi: kahiye'(yes speak)

Arnav: tumne kuch socha? (did you think about it?)

Khushi: (decides to irritate him a bit) kis bare mein? (about what?)

Arnav: (clenches his teeth) humare bare mein dammit!! '( about us dammit!!!)

Khushi gasps listening to his harsh tone but she can see how desperate he was.  She still couldn't believe this was happening to her.

Was he actually interested in her?

 Did he mean all this?

 She needed to ask him so she gathered up the courage and asked him.

Khushi:umm' Arnavji can I ask you something?

Arnav: (his anger vanished and concern took over when he heard her little worried voice) what happened Khushi? Im so sorry baby ' was I too harsh? Im sorry'

"BABY?????" the Arnav Singh Raizada just called her baby? And did he just say "SORRY!" to her!!

Shocked was not the word to describe her at that moment'

Khushi: ji'who..hu..hum bas yeh..poochna chahte the ki kahin aap'(I wanted to knowthat are you..)

Arnav: haan..(he was getting desperate)

Khushi: mazaak toh nahin..?(are you joking with me?)

Arnav wanted to scream at the top of his voice.  Here he was trying to make the most serious decision of his life and she thought!

She thought he was JOKING????

What was she made of?

But then it hit him that she was so innocent. She was not at all used to this. He cannot just force himself on her like that.

He calmed himself and spoke in a low voice trying to be as gentle as he could.

Arnav: Khushi' this is real. I am real. You are real. This feeling is real. And my confession is real. I don't know about love yet because we never had the chance to explore this attraction. I am being very honest with you and you can take all the time in the world that you need. I don't want a hasty decision.

He breathed trying to gather his words and bring it out right and continued.

Arnav: Khushi. I want you happy, I want me happy and if ever there is a "us" then I want "us" happy! There is something so special about you that I feel you are the only one'. FOR ME!

Khushi couldn't help but cry at the gentle and honest confessions he just made. He was serious! How could she ever doubt him?! She felt like cursing herself. If Arnav was in front of her she would have hugged him tightly and never left him. She thanked her stars for bringing Arnav in her life. She was sobbing gently making Arnav concerned again.

Khushi are you alright?

All she could manage was a "thank you Arnavji !"

Arnav thought he should give her time so he mumbled a "sweetdreams" and hung up.

Khushi couldn't sleep that night!

How could she after all that happened?

This was too good to be true!!

 Chapter 5

Aaj mausam hai suhana'.

It was a bright sunny morning as Khushi opened her eyes when the sun greeted her through the windows enhancing her beauty.

Wait! It was morning? Damn it! Khushi opened her eyes in panic praying that she wasn't late but devi maiyya was not in her favour today. It was 7.40am and Khushi was seriously late. This meant danger!

Today she would be eaten alive and that's when she heard Happy Singh's loud radio had a bad news. The taxi, bus and auto drivers were on strike. No public transport for one day! Oh damn! Could the day get any worse than this????

Now her Raakhas would eat her alive for being late and getting his meetings delayed!...uhm..what did she just think?

HER Raakhas?

Since when did that happen? Oh now the memories came flashing back in her mind reminding her of all the wonderful incidents that happened a day before. And now she remembered why she was actually late! She couldn't sleep the whole night because of him!

But for now she needed to hurry because she had to walk to AR.

Being in a hurry she left her hair open and wore the first kameez that came in front of her. RED! She just didn't know what she was heading to..very unintentionally! She quickly wore it and started walking when she saw a white SUV stop beside her. It was HIM!

He got off and opened the door for her silently and she got in.

Khushi: sir..woh aap yahan?

Arnav: yeah I was in the office when I heard there will be no public transport for the day'(he paused)'.and I needed you'

Khushi: (almost jumped).. jiii??

Arnav: i..i mean you are my PA Khushi. You have all my appointments and my plans for the day.

Khushi: (sighed in relief) hmm..

Arnav just smiled looking at her state so he decided not to bring up THE topic because he did not want to sound like a desperate teenager. Which he was feeling like very much right now! He needed control'

Just as his mind mentioned control his eyes automatically travelled through her body and he realized what she was wearing.

She was wearing RED!!!

 His favorite color. She was looking so gorgeous with that straight open hair flying carelessly and the simple bindi on her head. Then to her lustrous body which was looking as elegant as ever. How would she feel in his arms? How would it feel if he hugged her right now? How would it'

Wait! Wait! Wait!

Arnav Singh Raizada you just asked yourself to control. How can you start thinking such things about this innocent creature? CONTROL!! Will you?? Arnav scolded himself mentally.

But what was his fault when she was so tempting.

The ride was silent yet it was restless for both of them so they decided to ignore THEIR topic for topic for the moment and talk about it at the right time and at the right place and in the right manner. Because for now Arnav needed to focus on work which he couldn't do last night because of Khushi.

The car stopped in front of AR and they went to their respective cabins trying to concentrate on their work.

It was lunch hour and Arnav was busy as usual when Anjali entered his cabin in all her chirpy mood. She expected him to not even look at her as always, not acknowledging her presence and she would taunt him that he did not love her and one day she would marry and go away but to her surprise he looked up and smiled at her mumbling a soft "hey dii" before looking back to his laptop.

Anjali: areh. Chotey! Aap abhi bhi kaam kar rahe hain? Aap time se khaana kyun nahin khaate?(you are still working?..why don't you ever eat on time?

Arnav: come sit dii and give me just five minutes..

Arnav said smiling which was a surprise for Anjali because her chotey would smile only once in a blue moon! And here he was smiling so many times? Oh my god! What was up?

She sat down quietly looking around when Khushi entered the cabin and she noticed that Arnav paused for a friction of second before continuing his work again. Was this up?

Khushi: sir I need your signatures here..

Arnav: yes Khu'I mean Ms. Gupta please keep the file there and I will sign it.

Uh oh!  Another fumble? He was about to call her Khushi? This was getting really interesting for Anjali. She could already see the wedding bells ringing for Arnav and Khushi!

Anjali: Namaste. Hum chotey'humara matlab hai Arnav ki behen hain..aur aap?(hi. I am arnav's sister and you are?)

Anjali said chotey and waited for his reaction. What? He did not explode as usual? He just simpy ignored it as if he didn't mind her calling him 'chotey' in front of Khushi!

Khushi: (smiles) hum Khushi hain'arnavji ki PA'(I am Khushi. Arnav's PA)

Anjali: aap se milke bahut acha laga'aap humare saath lunch karengi? (Nice to meet you. Would you like to have lunch with us?)

Khushi: uh'ji who...Hum?

Arnav realized his sister's intentions but he wanted Khushi to get along with his family so he gestured her to accept the generous offer from his dii. Together they headed out for lunch in Arnav's SUV. Arnav was more like a driver while both his favorite ladies sat at the back talking nonstop about everything I the world and he realized they were very much alike and he liked that.

The only problem was he did not like the words "humare Salman Khanji" from her mouth. He was jealous!

What?

He just admitted that he was jealous that Khushi was praising another guy? Okay fine! He was jealous and now he would make sure he drove all the thoughts about marrying Salman away from her mind.

They reached the exquisite restaurant and Khushi's mouth turned a perfect "O".

Anjali: what happened khushiji?

Khushi: hum yahan par khana nahin kha sakte..(I cant eat here!)

Anjali: kyun?(why?)

Khushi: bahut mehnga hoga sabkuch! (everything will be very expensive)

Arnav: don't worry I will pay

Khushi: nahi aap ko'

Arnav: shh'meri dii laayi hain tumhe, right? So its our treat!

Anjali: ji Khushi ji please manaa mat kijiye( please don't say no)

Khushi: acha theek hai magar sirf iss baar'(okay but only this time)

They sat in a secluded table which was for the  high society  people  and where they could eat in peace.

Khushi and Arnav were almost sitting beside each other while Anjali sat opposite them.

They placed their respective orders and Arnav chuckled while Khushi complained nonstop about how the restaurant people were robbing them and these things were much cheaper in chandni chowk. Anjali was really amused with Khushi  and couldn't stop smiling at the unique friend she just found.

Or should she say to-be-bhabi?

When Arnav noticed that Anjali had caught him staring at Khushi many times he took out his blackberry and pretended to text someone to avoid her questioning eyes.

The lunch came and they began eating when Anjali started telling Khushi about how they were from lucknow'.

Suddenly!

Khushi felt a hand grab hers from under the table and she gasped!

Her eyes shot up and she saw Arnav head down as he was pretending to concentrate on the food but his blush was more than visible.

What did she just see?

Arnav Singh Raizada was blushing???? He was blushing??? Like actually blushing??

And he was actually holding her hand? How childish! And how CUTE!

Just then anjali's voice broke her chain of thoughts.

Anjali: Khushi ji are you lost somewhere?

Khushi: uhm' who nahin'hum bas'

Arnav smiled and looked up pretending that he was innocent. "yeah Khushi what happened? Are you okay?" she gave him an angry glare while he smiled away but the happiest person in this was Anjali.

She had a lot to tell nani. Their chotey was actually falling for someone! How exciting!

The lunch was done and Arnav was signing the bill while Khushi was looking at her hand blushing as her hand was still tingling from the sensation of his hand on hers.

They all were happy in their hearts because they knew that something new was bound to start.

Chapter 6



The lunch was wonderful and Arnav and Khushi dropped Anjali home before going back to the office. The drive to the office was silent with occasional glances to each other while Khushi could not help but blush with the "hand-holding" incident.
How come Arnav was so desperate?
He was always known to be the UNAFFECTED man with all the beauties around him trying to grab his attention. In short all girls were desperate for Arnav Singh Raizada! But what was he desperate for?

He was desperate for Khushi? Whom he used to scold all day?

She had so many questions. How and when did the uhm "attraction" actually start? But how could she possibly ask him? She was in a turmoil when Arnav's voice broke her chain of thoughts.

Arnav: kya baat hai Khushi? (what happened Khushi?)

Khushi: uh'hum..woh kuch nahi.. (uhm'nothing)

Arnav: don't lie to me.

Khushi:aap ko aisa kyun lagta hai ki hum jhoot bol rahe hain?(why do think I am lying?)

Arnav(smiles): firstly, because you cant stop fidgeting with your duppatta. Secondly, you are hesitating before saying no and most importantly'. You are SILENT!

Khushi: arnavji aap bhi na'zarasal woh hum soch rahe the..(actually I was thinking')

Arnav (relieved that Khushi was comfortable): hmmm'

Khushi: hum soch rahe the ki aap hume kabse'uh..wohh(since when do you')

Arnav: spit it Khushi' you wanna know since when am I attracted to you?

Khushi was surprised! How does he know what I am thinking?

Arnav: Khushi since the day you came for the interview I was attracted looking at your simplicity and your confidence. You were so simple and honest. I found that unique because the women that I have met till now do not have the "honesty" and "simplicity" quality in them! They are so fake and they try to win me but you!.. you came for the job and that was the only thing you wanted. You didn't want to trap a rich businessman. You didn't give me those seducing looks that I always got'

He paused for breath and brought the car to a halt. Making Khushi gasp. He took off his seatbelt and turned to face her.

He took her hand in his and continued'

Arnav: Khushi! I know sweetheart at this point in time its very difficult for you to accept the facts I told you. But believe me I have never forced you into anything and I am never intending to do so'

Arnav felt Khushi's hand tighten in his hold and he understood that she was trusting him and that is all that he needed.

Arnav: Khushi I have told you already that take all the time that you need to think about "us". I know that I am being a little too desperate here but I want to be honest. Its not desperation from my side. I have controlled a lot since the first day that I saw you and I had succeeded in controlling my attraction towards you but now I realize that I cannot lie to myself anymore. And most importantly I needed to be honest with you about it'.*sighs*'. Khushi! Do you trust me?

He already knew the answer but he felt an urgency to hear that from her mouth. She didn't reply for a few seconds smiling, blushing and confused but determined and her eyes displayed pure honesty as she looked up into is eyes and said'

Khushi: Yes! I trust you Arnavji'

And that was it!

No more words were needed to display affection as Arnav moved out of the car and went to the passenger door to open Khushi's side of door. She got off and he took her into a gentle hug. Caressing her long hair, smiling all the while.

She trusted him! She really did!

This made him feel proud and happy. Now he felt that he wasn't doing anything wrong. She was not
upset or offended by him. Although she had not confessed anything about her feelings, he wouldn't force her till she became comfortable to talk about it herself.

When they broke the hug, Khushi blushed slightly and asked him..

Khushi: Arnavji..we are getting late. Lets go to the office' uhm.. we have pending work to do.

Arnav just smiled and gestured her to look towards her right. She did. And she saw that they were outside his office already and she gasped when sudden panic took over her.

Khushi: Arnavji! We are in front of the office! What if someone' someone..someone saw us..us together and what if they saw us hugging?

Arnav: Khushi! Calm down..i don't care if they see us. We are not doing anything wrong.
Khushi: but..

Arnav: I thought you said that you trusted me?


And that was it. Khushi stopped panicking. He smiled looking at that.

Arnav: ab chalein? Because actually' we ARE getting very late..we are exactly 13 minutes late for the conference with Mr. Sobti.. all because of you'. Ms. Gupta!!

The raakhas was back!

How could he change in one minute? Just a minute ago he was all lovey-dovey and now? He was being the strict boss again? Oh GOD!! How will I ever understand him?

***

*IN AR CORP*

Arnav: Khushi! In my cabin NOW!

Khushi ran with Mr. Mehta's file to Arnav who was in a foul mood and no one knew why! Khushi entered his cabin huffing due to the running. She was late because of Mr. sobti. The young hunk was their to be partner and was a really friendly guy. He had been talking to Khushi ever since the conference was over. He asked her about her experiences in the AR corp and even complimented her that she should model for the company.

Arnav: sit! (in a harsh tone making Khushi sit immediately).. I will be dictating and now you write.( Khushi took out the note pad and began writing as Arnav dictated).. Mr. Sobti the AR corp is very sad to tell you that our company is no longer interested in holding any partnership deal with you and thereby we will not tolerate any interaction with the company employees or the company itself'


Khushi gasped making Arnav turn around look at her questioningly.

Arnav: Yes Ms. Gupta? Any problem?

Khushi: sir the deal was already finalized then why did you'

Arnav (banged his palms on the wooden table and looked at her angrily): DO I HAVE TO ASK YOU AND TAKE DECISIONS???

Khushi gasped looking at Arnav's rude behavior. She controlled the tears which were ready to flow down from her eyes any moment.

Khushi( got up from her seat and replied in a professional tone) No sir you don't owe me an explanation. I'm sorry for questioning your decision..

And with that she turned on her heels and walked out of the cabin. Arnav could see her typing the letter while wiping her tears away with her left hand.

He hurt her!
Damnit!!!

He wanted to kill himself now! Why the hell was he so damn rude with her???

Why the hell was he so JEALOUS????

He had observed that Mr. Sobti was interested more in his PA then her presentation. Arnav saw him scanning her from top to bottom. He saw the look in his eyes. If that wasn't enough he began flirting with her after the conference and that was IT!!

Arnav couldn't handle it any longer!

How dare he look at Khushi like that? What was she? Some toy? Some cheap model? Some'some..some'. he could not even think straight! He would never do business with a man who had his eyes on Arnav's woman!

She was his!

His only!

But he could have told that to her politely! Couldnt he?

Why was he so embarrassed in telling her that he was jealous? He could have told her'. That's when Khushi entered his cabin with the typed letter and was about to walk away when Arnav grabbed her hand and made her sit.

He wiped her tears slowly with his thumb while caressing her cheeks. She closed her eyes and he smiled. He still affected her! Even when she was hurt and angry! Awh! What good did he do to have her in his life?

Arnav: Im sorry!

She looked up at him. She didn't say anything but her doe shaped eyes displayed the question" Why did you do this?" very clearly so he told her'

Arnav: Khushi he is not a nice man. He talked to you so smoothly that you must be thinking he is a gem of a person but he is NOT! He was checking you out during the conference. He has gone out with a few of our models and they told me that he loves toying with innocent girls' I cant.. I cant..(he hesitated as it was difficult for him to say or even think about it) I cant let him take advantage of you'

Khushi: Arnavji do you trust me?

Arnav: yes baby'I do! I completely trust you but I don't trust him at all'

Khushi: Arnav ji im not saying that you are doing something wrong but you could have told me in the first place, if you had trusted me enough..
Arnav: khushi I'.

Khushi placed a finger on his lips and continued "nahi Arnavji hum samajhte hain par aap hamare wajah se iss deal se peeche nahi hat sakte'" (Arnavji I understand but you cannot let go of such an important deal because of me)

Arnav: but'

Khushi: Arnavji you have to be practical here. I will stay away from him as much as I can but you have to promise me that you will not back off from this deal because I know if you back off it will cost you US$500 000.

Arnav: are you sure?

Khushi just smiled nodding her head.

Arnav: baby are you angry with me?

Khushi: why would I be?

Arnav: because I  scolded you.

Khushi ( pouting): oh yes I am VERY angry'(giggles)

Arnav: (coming closer) in that case I have to say sorry in my way.

Khushi pushes him playfully and runs away'. He just smiled plainly'

How could she be like this?

He was damn rude with her but?

She forgave him so easily'.

Then he realized how much he needed her in his life. Someone who could understand his volatile anger. Someone who could forgive him for acting impulsively. Someone who could calm him down.

He realized'

This was much more than JUST ATTRACTION!!

And he loved this feeling'

How innocent she was.

Oh my god! Please make her confess!!

For the first time Arnav Singh Raizada PRAYED for something!!

Now THAT is NEWS !
***
Khushi runs to the washroom and she blushes thinking how much he cared for her. So much that he was ready to forego a million dollar deal!

The way he was so honest and open about his feelings.. he was so sorry that he was rude.. he cared!

Arnav Singh Raizada actually cared!

This can't be just attraction, can it?

Khushi was scared about giving this a thought till now because it seemed like a dream too good to be true. She was scared it would break when she woke up and she will be empty handed. But whatever was happening between them couldn't possibly be just a dream, just an illusion.

The best part was that he voiced his thoughts. He was so honest with her.

He didn't force her into it showing his power but he portrayed that Arnav too was a simple human being with feelings. She had actually seen the lovely personality beneath the metallic skin he sore all the time.

He made her feel different. So different that '.that' she cannot explain in words'.

Hey Devi Maiyya! What was happening?


*****

*At Shantivan*

Nani was sitting in the living room with her cup of tea when Anjali joined her.

Nani: Anjali bitiya, aap chai piyengi?  (Will you have some tea Anjali?)
Anjali (smiles): haan kyun nahin Nani. (Why not Nani.)

Nani makes some tea for Anjali when she notices that Anjali is smiling away and instantly Nani has a fair idea that Anjali has something to say, and that too something good to say!

Nani: aaj aap bahut khush lag rahi hain bitiya, kya baat hai? (you look really happy today, whats the matter?)
Anjali: khush nahi Nani' Khushi!!!
Nani: aap kya bol rahi hain? (what are you saying?)
Anjali: haan Nani! Hamare chotey ko PYAAR ho gaya hai!!!!

Nani drops the cup!
Shocked!

Nani: KYA???

Anjali is more than joyous and she shouts 'haan Nani haan!!! Humare chotey ko sach mein pyaar ho gaya hai!!'

Nani: magar kab aur kaise aur kisse? (but when, where and with whom?)
Anjali: khushiji se! unki secretary.

Then Anjali starts telling nani about Khushi. She tells Nani that Khushi was the best daughter-in-law they would get as she was so cultural, simple, caring, obedient, respectful and full of love and life!! Nani was so glad to hear that finally their Arnav had taken a good decision. They couldn't stop thinking about this new beginning which was bound to bring happiness in their lives'

Very soon!!