~3~

1 years ago

TiaMaaaaa

@TianaWrites

~3~

17 June 2012

Khushi sat at the dining table sipping her morning coffee and so lost in the plethora of files set in front of her. The hearing for AD Industries tax evasion scam was today and she had to be sure she had everything right. Garima looked at her daughter who hadn't moved an inch from there since she came home last night and shook her head.

"Khushi...."

"Mmm"

"It's 7.30..."

"Mmm..."

She said not sparing a glance at her mother.

"KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA...."

She looked up to see her mother glaring at her. She held her ear

"Sorry... Did you say anything?"

"When do you ever listen to what I say..."

Khushi rolled her eyes.

"Stop the drama, Garimaaa... What's wrong?"

Garima huffed.

"It's been ages since we talked. You are always busy."

"Work demands...."

"I worked too, remember? It's only 5 months since you forced me to retire... Even before that, we had time for each other."

Khushi said nothing knowing her mother was right. Garima sat in front of her.

"Hey... Is it something to do with you meeting that Arnav guy few months back? You said he looked attracted to you... Is that why? You know you can tell me..."

Khushi sighed and looked at her mother.

"I am trying hard to forget him but because he is our client I keep seeing him. He doesn't talk to me but everytime he comes... I uh... feel as if I...."

She clicked her tongue.

"You do know I am attracted to him, don't you? It's so hard to see him looking at me and..."

"And ignore him? Behave as if he is a stranger?"

"Yes... yes... if only he would get another firm to represent him... or maybe it's time I looked for some other job... but then this is my dream firm and Mr. Sharma is saying I am doing really well... if I keep on doing this way, I'll become junior partner in two more years. So quitting now and starting all over again would technically be..."

"Foolish."

"Yes... but try as I might... I just can't seem to get him off my head..."

She sighed. Garima looked keenly at her.

"Then don't..."

"Don't what?"

"Don't try so hard..."

"You mean....? What? Garima, do you really want me to give him a chance?"

"Not everyone is your father, Khushi..."

"You are asking me to give him a chance despite what he said..."

"I am asking you to give yourself a chance too. And about what he said, people change..."

"They don't... Are you still waiting for a miracle?"

Khushi glared at her. Garima shook her head.

"This is not about me and I am not waiting for anything... it's just that I don't want you to lose your chances of getting a miracle."

She took her hand in hers.

"Khushi, love is a beautiful thing. To be really honest with you I have my doubts too, but I trust your instincts... I just want you to trust it too and take a chance... I promise you things will work out perfectly fine."

"Didn't you trust your instincts too? It didn't work perfectly for you... did it?"

Garima gave a sigh. Khushi got up.

"It's time... I need to get ready..."

Saying so, she left. Half an hour later, as she came out of the door ready to leave for work, she saw Garima sitting exactly like how she left her.

"Maa?"

Garima took a deep breath and stood up.

"Sometimes, Khushi... it's better to face your fears than run away from them... Try facing them, you'll see it vanish sooner than you think. The ordeal of going through imaginary what ifs is greater than facing the actual consequences. Just remember whatever you choose to do, nothing can ever change the fact that you are my daughter and that I will always love you."

She walked towards the kitchen counter and picked a dabba.

"Here... Do well today... All the best."

***

Khushi whistled a happy tune as she walked behind Mr. Sharma in the courtyard. They had won the case and her eye for detail had been the reason. Mr. Sharma had said so and she was mighty pleased about it. It was almost noon and they were heading to the parking lot to get back to the firm when they were stopped by a beautiful stranger who limped towards Mr. Sharma.

"Sharma Uncle... hi..."

She said and stretched out her hand. Khushi looked at her and felt she knew her. Just as she was wondering where she had seen her before, Mr. Sharma took her hand and greeted her

"Hello Anji. What brings you here?"

"I was here for filing the paperwork..."

"Why must you go through the trouble when you could have just called me?"

"It's just paperwork, I didn't want to disturb you..."

"What is there to disturb? Wait... Khushi, can you please file this. She has all the files. I'll explain..."

"No, no, no... Uncle, I can do it... It's nothing big..."

"Did you see the queue there? You know you can't stand there for so long."

"No no, it's really fine. Uncle, you know how I love to do all by myself. I know it looks challenging but I love taking up things which challenge me... I want to do this alone, Uncle... Please?"

Mr. Sharma looked unconvinced.

"But Anji..."

Khushi who had been listening to the conversation and observing the stranger with great interest stepped forward.

"Hi, I am Khushi Kumari Gupta, Mr. Sharma's assistant. Let me take your files. I'll just stand beside you while you do your work holding them just like I am doing here. Just think of me as your assistant for today..."

Anjali observed at the eager smiling girl standing before her and wondered where she had heard the name. She looked a bit closely at her and it suddenly struck her... Of course, this was the girl her father had chosen for chotte last year and he had refused. She wondered why the girl was too eager to help her. Life had taught her the hard way not to trust anyone. Mr. Sharma saw Anjali's face cloud and said

"Anji... she is really good at details. She can help you in case you have missed anything. Just give her the files. You can file the papers by yourself. Come let's go to my chambers."

Without letting Anjali protest he walked to his room. Khushi looked at Anjali standing looking at where he had gone and smiled again

"He really is very determined isn't he? He never let's anyone get a word in... That's what made him a successful lawyer, I guess... Come along, let's get these papers filed... By the way, I have never seen you before, are you Mr. Sharma's friend?"

Anjali nodded and slowly walked towards Mr. Sharma's chambers while Khushi continued chattering

"So, what are you filing for? A new venture?"

"Adoption"

Khushi looked taken aback. She didn't really know what she should say. Looking at her surprised look, Anjali snorted

"Why are you surprised? Are you thinking a lame woman like me cannot raise a child alone? You know you can tell it to my face. I don't really care about it. If I did, I wouldn't be here."

Khushi said nothing and in silence, they reached the room. As they approached the door, Khushi suddenly held out her hand and clasped hers making her stop. Anjali looked at her

"I was surprised because I just wasn't thinking about it. It's not everyday that one comes across people wanting to file for an adoption. It takes a huge heart and a perfect soul to love a child. You have them both. You aren't lame. You belong to the league of fine strong women, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

She gave her a smile.

"Now, shall we see the papers. I'll help you all I can with the details."

With that she pushed open the door to let a stunned Anjali inside. The woman was something special. She knew it now for sure. She wondered how her father who was known to make mistakes ever ended up picking someone like her. She would have been perfect for her Chotte.

***

After an hour of going through the all the documents and helping Anjali file the adoption papers, Anjali looked at Khushi.

"Thank you so much, Khushiji. You have been a great help."

"Anytime, Mrs. Jha. It was my pleasure."

"I am glad I listened to your advice, Uncle. Thank you so much..."

"Anji, you know I would do it for you. If I dared not to help you, your brother would have my throat. By the way how did he leave you alone?"

"He doesn't know, Uncle."

Mr. Sharma looked at her critically.

"He would know soon. You know he has people everywhere."

Anjali gave a small smile.

"Does it matter? We don't talk yet. Well, I ought to be going. Pari will be waiting for me."

She looked at Khushi and said meaningfully.

"I wish... I wish I could see you more often Khushiji. You are a great person to be with."

Saying so she left. Khushi looked at Mr. Sharma who was looking thoughtful.

"What is it, Mr. Sharma?"

"I have a lot of explaining to do to her brother."

"Her brother? Who?"

"Don't you know, her brother is Arnav Singh Raizada."

She felt her heart skip a beat. So, that explained the familiarity. Mr. Sharma continued unbeknownst of her thoughts.

"Well, no use thinking about it now. The deed is done. I'll face it when he comes. Let's get back to the firm."

***

Two hours later, Khushi stood at the conference room carefully going through the slides for the presentation she was about to make when the door opened suddenly and made her jump.

"Mr. Sharma... oh..."

His voice made her heart leap. She had been expecting him ever since Mr. Sharma had said he would come. She knew he wasn't here for her, yet as his eyes took her in greedily, she wondered if she would ever be brave enough to try her mother's advice. She had to try, she decided... It was now or never.

"Mr. Raizada..."

Her voice brought him back to his senses. He mentally facepalmed himself for letting himself go. He didn't know why he had to make a fool of himself everytime he saw her. She had clearly said that she didn't want to do anything with him. He cleared his throat and collected his thoughts.

"Sharma's secretary told me he'll be here. I wanted to meet him. Sorry."

He turned to leave when she stopped him.

"Is it about your sister?"

He felt his breath hitch and he looked at her his eyebrows raised.

"Pardon?"

"I... uh... we met her... uh..."

"You were there with Sharma at court?"

"Yes. She is a wonderful woman."

"I know."

"Oh here's Mr. Sharma..."

"Raizada..."

"Sharma, the truth... now. Did I hear it right? She is adopting?"

"Yes"

"And you didn't stop her."

Mr. Sharma looked at him calmly.

"No, she wasn't doing anything illegal. I didn't feel the need to stop her. Khushi, can you please excuse us."

Khushi said nothing but as she cleared the room, her eyes never left him.

***

Khushi sat at her desk looking at the door of the conference room every other minute while nervously drumming her desk. Mr. Sharma had left the room 10 minutes ago but he hadn't come out yet. Payal, her best friend cum colleague sitting at the adjacent desk gave her a nudge.

"He won't come if you just keep looking."

Khushi glared at her. She giggled and opened her desk to take out some files. After shuffling through them, she took one.

"Here these are some AR files. You can use this as an excuse."

Khushi huffed.

"I don't need any excuse. I can simply get a cup of coffee and go. After all he is a client and I was the one who really helped his sister. So I can go and help him out. I am working on the firm's best interests anyway. Nothing personal at all."

As she left, Payal grinned.

"Anything that suits your story, lady."

Then she gave a sigh and crossed her fingers

"Just hope you both get some sense soon and I can get married soon. My parents won't wait forever."

***

Armed with a steaming cup of hot black coffee and one cup of iced lemon tea, she entered the conference room to see him deeply buried in some files which she immediately recognized as those of Anjali's. He looked up as she entered

"Hi..."

"Hi... sorry, Sharma said I can use this room but if you need it, then maybe I can..."

"No, no... I came to assist you... Since I read those papers thoroughly, I can explain them faster and save your time... Here, some black coffee to help you..."

Saying so, she sat opposite to him with her ice tea. Grabbing the file from him, she started explaining without letting him talk. He looked at her wondering if the sun had risen west today. Ever since she had refused him, he had stayed away. Though difficult, he had tried his best by letting Aman and Aakash handle the legal part of his business and only coming to the firm when it was absolutely necessary. Yet, everytime he had come, his eyes hadn't been able to stop themselves from roaming over to where she sat and his heart had never stopped hoping. Being someone who had never been shy of saying things he felt to the face, it had been really hard for him to keep a check on himself. He wondered why he was so weak when it came to her. There were women who waited on him head and foot just to get some approval. A word of approval from the great ASR meant their career was set in the modeling industry. Then there was Khushi who knew so well he was attracted to her and yet wanted no association with him. He had often racked his brains at night over the past two months on what could possibly be the reason for her refusal considering the fact that she seemed equally smitten by him. He didn't have a bad name in the press yet. Not a single scandal which was honestly surprising for a man succeeding so young in the fashion industry yet she had seemed almost repulsed by him. Though there were other issues that had demanded his attention, he had never been able to erase the image of the doe eyed girl that always lurked somewhere in his mind every minute of the day. Seeing her sitting in front of him as if completely oblivious of his feelings made the hard restrain that he had put on his self control go snap. He took a deep breath and suddenly stood up. Khushi looked up at him.

"Stop..."

She looked confused.

"Wh... what?"

"Stop this... whatever you are doing. I said I liked you, you said you would never care for me ever. You have avoided me all these days and now you suddenly barge in with a cup of coffee and pretend everything is fine between us? What do you really think of yourself? I can..."

"Don't..."

"Excuse me?"

"You are angry... I understand. Just don't say anything that will spoil us forever... don't..."

Arnav felt his temper flare. Who was she to stop him?

"What do you mean you understand? Do you really know how hard it has been for me to control myself all these days? Do you know how I felt that day when you refused me? Do you really think it's that easy to pretend all that didn't happen? Maybe it's..."

She stood up suddenly and placed her palm over his mouth.

"Do you ever listen, Mr. Raizada? I am trying to move on... Besides, do you think it was easy for me when you refused me and then pretended like you never did?"

He pushed her hand off in surprise.

"When did I refuse you? I asked you out the day we met."

"So you don't remember?"

"Of course I don't. If I ever did refuse you I would have remembered."

"Ok... let me remind you... 6th June, 2010. Do you remember the date?"

"2010... meaning 2 years back... 6th June... That's the date I landed in Delhi after graduation. What about it?"

"You were supposed to meet me? Then you refused because I was no match to you."

Arnav scrunched his forehead.

"Meet you? I don't remember I was supposed to. I tell you, I haven't seen you anywhere before two years and you say I was supposed to meet... one moment..."

Realization dawned in his face as he recollected the day. Surely she wasn't... no that's definitely not possible. That man only made mistakes, he couldn't, wouldn't have chosen... he felt his head swirl. He sat down in the chair beside him.

"No, it couldn't be you... I... can't..."

His voice came out a broken whisper. Khushi felt alarmed looking at his state. Did she do something wrong reminding him of that day? 

"Mr. Raizada, I am sorry. I didn't mean to startle you... I thought you remembered."

Arnav drew in a sharp breath and clenched his fists.

"Did he send you?"

The tone of his voice made her reel back.

"Did who?"

He looked at her, his eyes gleaming with rage.

"Mr. Aravind Malik. My father?"

"I have never met him."

"Then was it her? His mother? Subhadra Malik?"

"I haven't met her either. In fact I haven't met anyone from your family except your sister. What's the matter, Mr. Raizada? I don't understand your anger."

"You don't have to. But, I cannot stand here talking to the girl of Mr. Malik's choice. Good day."

He gathered the files and marched to the door when Khushi's voice made him stop.

"You wanted to date me few minutes ago and now you don't even want to talk to me. You said you liked me, what does this mean?"

He clenched his jaw and set his teeth.

"It means I made a mistake. I did not know."

"Did not know that I was the girl of your father's choice?"

"Yes"

"What if I wasn't?"

"Then things would have been different."

"You would have dated me?"

He looked at her and saw her eyes glistening with unshed tears. He felt his conscience prick him.

"Khushi... I..."

"No... I really want to understand where I fit in this power game between you and your father. You reject me because I am your fathers choice then ask me out because you don't know it was really me and then you again reject me when you realize I am the girl your father chose long ago. So where do my feelings come in? Why is this all about you and your father when it should have been about you and me? You know Arn... Mr. Raizada, I came here today with hopes that we may give us a chance because I couldn't stop thinking about us though I was very hurt that day.. but now I realize there's no 'us' at all... never been any 'us'. I have never seen your father but when you do tell him I am not interested in being a pawn in your little game. Goodbye."

Tears streaming in her face, she left him just as heartbroken as her.

***