Chapter 5

~ CHAPTER 5 ~

Arnav Singh Raizada's private plane landed in Dabolim airport 2 hours after the take off from Delhi making Khushi begin praying once again holding the armrest as hard as she could as the plane began its descent. Arnav smiled inwardly at the litany of "Save me Devi mayya" s. Khushi had almost cut off the blood supply of his arm during the take off. He hesitated slightly, then gently pressed her hand in reassurance. Khushi's eyes opened suddenly and Arnav saw the fright slowly leave her beautiful eyes as she held on to his hand in a vise like grip.

Khushi held her purse tightly in an attempt to get some semblance of control over her limp noodle limbs as they alighted from the aeroplane. She scolded herself mentally for making a complete fool of herself during the flight. What would Arnavji be thinking of her now? This was the first time she had travelled by air and she had never thought that the take-off and landing would be so scary! She looked at Arnavji, who was walking beside her silently. He had been very supportive of her newfound aerophobia, or was it aviophobia? Well whatever it was, Arnavji had not made fun of it and held her hands which had helped to calm her straining nerves somewhat. She looked at him as Arnav turned at her and smiled. He was such a nice man, Khushi thought as she gave him a shaky smile back.

"Khushi...Are you feeling all right?" Arnav asked in a low concerned voice.

How could anyone call this man ruthless and insensitive, Khushi wondered as she reassured him that she was indeed fine. Arnav looked relieved and Khushi was struck again with the thought how such a considerate and gentleman could be called "shark" of indian business. Yes, he specialized in takeovers. But she had seen how hard he worked to ensure that the employees didn't bear the brunt of it. He was compassionate and caring. May be no one else had been able to see deep into those captivating hazel eyes. If they had, they would have realized what a tender heart he possessed.

Khushi was brought out of her reverie by the arrival of the car. As soon as they reached the Gonsalves resort where the party was being held, they were handed the keys to their rooms which were adjacent to each other.

Arnav turned to Khushi at the door "Khushi, you might be tired. Order something from the room service and get some rest. The party doesn't start until 8 tonight. You will have plenty of time to recover from the journey" he imparted gently.

Khushi colored brightly remembering her plight on the flight "What about the deal Arnavji? Don't we have to work on that?"

"Don't worry about it Khushi. It's the silver jubilee anniversary of his resorts . If Gonsalves wasn't ready to deal with us, he wouldn't have invited us to the party" he admitted with a rare twinkle in his eyes.

Khushi nodded relieved and went inside. The room itself was the height of luxury with every convenience possible present. She freshened up in the most opulent bathroom she had ever seen and ordered some food. Half an hour later the plates were cleared and Khushi gave in to her fatigue and dozed off on the soft bed.

-----xxx-----

Arnav had just opened his laptop after freshening up when there was a knock at the door. He wondered if Khushi had forgotten something as he proceeded to open the door. But it wasn't Khushi at the door.

"Sir. Your lunch is here" the man in uniform at the door informed Arnav.

Arnav was confused. "Lunch? But I didn't order any"

"The madam in the next room did Sir" the room service server replied "May I?"

Arnav moved aside to let him in and after arranging the food, the server left happily with a large tip. Arnav looked at the food on the table and felt the glow of warmth spread through him. Khushi had anticipated his habit of getting lost in work and skipping meals it seemed. Arnav chuckled as he dug in heartily.

-----xxx------

Arnav looked up from the laptop as the soft knock sounded at the door and looked at the time. 5'o clock. He had been working non-stop for three hours now. He shut the laptop down and stretched to relieve some muscle kinks as he stood up before moving to open the door. Khushi stood there in a lime green sundress, looking as fresh a daisy, fidgeting impatiently.

"Arnavji. You are still not ready. Hurry up. There is no time"

"But Khushi..Where do we have to go? The party doesn't begin before 8" Arnav asked bewildered.

Khushi looked at him as if he had gone loco "Party? No Arnavji. It's Goa! We are going down to the beach. It's already past 5. The sunset will be happening soon"

Arnav looked at her excited face "OK fine..Give me 2 minutes"

"Hurry Arnavji. We are getting late" Khushi pronounced, neither noticing the fact that Khushi had just ordered The Great Arnav Singh Raizada...Or that he had followed it like a good soldier and had rushed to get ready.

------xxx------

Khushi played around in the water barefooted like a small child let out free at a toy shop. She enjoyed letting her feet get wet holding her sundress slightly above knee, after looking around if anyone was noticing her. Arnav was charmed by that show of modesty as he sat on the soft sand at a distance looking at the delightful picture Khushi made with her artless exuberance. She was a beguiling mixture of guileless innocence and latent sensuality. All forbidden temptation and angelic beauty.

He saw Khushi waving at him to join her. He shook his head gently to say he was comfortable where he was and after a few minutes Khushi came and sat beside him.

"Why did you stop playing Khushi?" Arnav asked her "You looked like you were having fun"

"Yeah Arnavji. Do you know I had never been to the beach until today? This place is amazing!"

"Then why did you come back?"

Khushi shrugged "its time for sunset and I wanted to see the sunset with you. Look at the red haze Arnavji. It's like the sun is being swallowed by the sea. So beautiful"

Not as beautiful as you. Arnav's mind prodded as he stared into the luminous face lit up in wonder.

They looked at the setting sun for a few minutes in companionable silence. Suddenly a ball came and hit Khushi in the arm and when she turned to see the culprit, a toddler around 2 years of age in a chic "Rockstar" t-shirt and jeans stood there giggling.

"Hawww...Look at that Arnavji. I got hit with the ball by a rockstar!"

The child giggled louder at Khushi's exaggerated comment. Arnav smiled at the pair's antics as Khushi and the child began a tug of war with the ball. The kid pulled the strands of Khushi's hair in the hand as though captivated by it and whispered "Pretty...".

"Are you flirting with me young man? Where is your mommy?" Khushi cooed as she pulled the cute kid to her lap. The boy came eagerly to her and began jabbering broken sentences about "mommy", "ball","play"and"hotel". Khushi nodded seriously as though she understood each word the toddler said. Arnav looked around but could see no one looking for a child. He looked at Khushi and she nodded at him understanding. The kid must belong to one of the resort guests.

"So. Young man, shall we go look for your mommy?". The toddler nodded and removed his hand from her hair as they stood up. He tugged on Arnav's pant sleeves to gain his attention and lifted his hands up to him to lift him up. Arnav looked dumbfounded for a second but recovered soon and lifted the boy in his arms as they went looking for the kid's parents.

They found the mother a little far away frantically searching for her child. The boy cried "Mommy" as he sighted her and she came running to them calling for Shivam. Arnav handed the child, Shivam, to his mother as Khushi explained how they had found the kid. Shivam's mother was tearfully grateful and thanked them profusely. Khushi kissed Shivam on the cheek and joined Arnav who had stood back. They slowly walked back to their spot and sat down again to enjoy the sunset, sand and the sea. Arnav was still lost in how natural Khushi had looked with the child in her arms when he was brought out of his musing by Khushi's sudden question.

"Arnavji. You were great with Shivam. Do you plan on having kids soon?" as soon as the words were out khushi realized she might have spoken out of turn "Never mind Arnavji. You don't have to answer it" she mumbled something to herself which sounded suspiciously like "dimwit".

Arnav was quiet for a moment before he gathered a handful of sand and squeezed his fist tightly. The sand began slipping from his sand as they both watched "Have you heard of the expression the more you squeeze, the more sand trickles through your fingers' Khushi?" Arnav asked absently as he still watched the trickling sand through his fingers "Sometimes life is like that. No matter how hard you try, it still slips away. It unravels out of control and even as you put your everything into holding it tight and leaves your dreams in a fading memory. Not everyone is lucky in life Khushi."

Khushi could not fathom what secrets lay behind those desolate hazel eyes, but felt her heart break at the despair and hopelessness she found there. She wanted to offer him comfort and hug him tightly until the shadows went away. But she knew her limits. Arnav turned away from the benevolent eyes and stood up abruptly.

"Its getting late Khushi. We need to get ready for the party"

Khushi stood up quietly and followed Arnav back to the resort.

-----xxx-----

"Khushi...Are you ready?"

At exactly 7.50 p.m Arnav knocked on Khushi's door. The party was being held at the vast banquet hall in the resort which overlooked the ocean. Arnav, who had been disconcerted by the fact that he had shared even a part of his grief with her on the beach, stood uncertainly waiting for Khushi. They had decided prior that he would be escorting her to the party.

"Coming..." he heard Khushi's voice reply from inside and the door was opened by a smiling Khushi in a black shimmering sari which hugged her slender curves lovingly. She looked elegant and ravishing, innocent and sexy, all in one. She looked like the epitome of everything Arnav had ever dreamed about. In minimal make-up and accessories Khushi glowed with an inner charm that lit up the space around her. Khushi too was noticing how dashingly handsome Arnavji was looking in his black tux. He looked just like a prince. I need to stop thinking like this, Khushi thought as she shook her head gently to clear her thoughts.

"Arnavji...?" Arnav was startled out of his trance to see Khushi looking at him questioningly "Aren't we getting late?".

Arnav gave her his arm in reply and Khushi hesitated only slightly before holding on to him.

-----xxx-----

They were met on the door of the venue by Mr and Mrs. Gonsalves, who were welcoming their guests. Arnav looked on with amusement as Khushi charmed both Don and Lizzy, as they asked her to call them, within minutes. They walked into the beautifully decorated venue together. The hall was adorned with flowers everywhere, both fresh and designer. It led on the sides to a balcony/alcove which overlooked the ocean, which both offered the guests privacy and led to the private beach giving an enthralling view of the Arabian sea after dark. Arnav could see that Khushi was impressed with the surroundings and ambience. Arnav led Khushi inside and they separately began mingling with the guests, quite a few of them being his acquaintances in business.

A while later, Arnav turned as he heard Khushi call him softly to see her standing with 2 plates filled with food in her hand. He smiled as he took one of them from her. Arnav had been sitting quietly staring at the dance floor while Khushi was busy with the ladies. They sat down in a corner to finish their food and spoke about random things. The conversation turned to Khushi's friends.

"NK, La and Payal.." Khushi began listing her friends from AR international "Oh and I forgot. There's Akash Sir too Arnavji. He is a nice man and my friend too. I think romance is in the air between him and Payal" she winked at Arnav playfully "Of course, if they ever decide take a moment breath from their bickering, NK and La might realize they have something in between them too"

Arnav lifted his stunned eyes to her "NK and Lavanya..?"

"Haven't you noticed Arnavji? The air practically sizzles when they are together, But they are too muleheaded to recognize it. NK is like a brother to me but I still think he being a numbskull" she muttered grumpily.

"A..Are you happy about them being a couple?" Arnav was still reeling from the fact that Khushi didn't seem to have any romantic interest in NK, and vice versa.

"Uffo Arnavji...Do you never listen to what I say? Why wouldn't I be happy if they get together? I just told you, they are my closest friends" Khushi turned her attention back to her food not seeing the smile that lit up Arnav Singh Raizada's eyes at that information.

-----xxx-----

As the party progressed the couple's began to grace the dance floor and the music turned to slow numbers. Arnav had been talking to Gonsalves about the deal, which Gonsalves had agreed to happily. They had shaken hands on it and decided to take care of the formality next week with their lawyers. Suddenly Lizzy Gonsalves arrived with Khushi in tow and persuaded her husband to the dance floor leaving Arnav and Khushi behind. When Arnav saw Khushi wistfully watching the couple's dance, Arnav turned to her "Khushi... want to dance?"

Khushi lifted her bright eyes to him "Oh..Can we Arnavji? I adore dancing!"

In response Arnav extended his arm to her in invitation. Khushi kept her hands on his as they walked to the dance floor and Arnav took her into his arms. The dim lights, the soothing number, the ambience giving an almost otherworldly aura to the atmosphere. Arnav held Khushi firmly as they swayed gently to the music and realized how nicely she fit into his arms. As if she was made to be there. If only.

Tinka Tinka Zara Zara
Hai roshni se jaise bhara
Har dil main armaan hote to hai...
Bas koi samjhe zara

Every little element
Appears to radiate
Every heart has a desire...
Oh, for someone who'd realize...

Khushi could feel the heat emanating from Arnavji's body as he held her closer to her, though at a respectable distance. May be this was a mistake, she thought. She was feeling things inside her she shouldn't be feeling for a married man. She needed to curb these unsettling sensations and thoughts she got whenever she was around Arnavji. What worried her more was how much she was liking dancing with him. His hand around her waist was causing a tingly feeling radiate to her whole body.

Dil pe ek naya sa nasha cha gaya
Kho raha tha jo khwaab vo laut aa gaya...

An unknown intoxication grips my heart
A fading dream lights up again...

Yeh jo ehsaas hai, jo karaar hai
Kya issi ka hi naam pyaar hai?
Pootche dil thumke jara...

This feeling, this consolation...
Is this love?
Question my skipping heartbeats...

Arnav uncharacteristically listened to the words of the song and wondered at the co-incidence of having them mirror his present turmoil. The feel of Khushi in his arms was as intoxicating as it was forbidden. But he couldn't seem to make himself let go of the little happiness. But inevitably, the song came to an end as they softly whirled away.

Tinka Tinka Zara Zara
Hai roshni se jaise bhara
Har dil main armaan hote to hai...
Bas koi samjhe zara

{ Tinka Tinka - Karam (2005)}

-----xxx-----

Khushi looked around the party for Arnav an hour later. After the dance, feeling somewhat awkward, Khushi had excused herself to go the powder room. She had not seen Arnavji around after that. Now it was getting late and the party was dwindling. She needed to find Arnavji. She asked with one of the security guards if they had seen her boss, who asked around and informed her that ASR had been seen going to the beach about half an hour back. Khushi thanked the guard and made her way to the beach.

She walked across the sandy beach lit dimly by the lights from the resort to see a solitary figure standing on the rocks. Though she could only see the silhouette, Khushi instantly recognized Arnavji and moved towards him. He seemed to be deep in thought as he stared into the waves gently crashing into the rocks.

Arnav looked at the furious waves hitting the rocks and recalled the feel of Khushi in his arms. It had been a feeling out of this world. Something he had never experienced with anyone. She made him feel alive. But once the song was over and Khushi had left his arms, he had felt the emptiness keenly. Simultaneously the futility of his yearnings hit him. It just wasn't possible. Khushi could never be his. Happiness could never have a place in his life. He was the cursed one. The man damned to hell until eternity. The gloomy notions had threatened to suffocate him until he had had to get out of there. But even here he could smell her fragrance, her distinctive sweet lavender scent which entranced him, mixed with the tangy scent of the night sea.

"Arnavji..?"

Now he hears her voice too, Arnav ridiculed himself for his hallucinations. But in the next moment he realized it wasn't his hallucination after all. She was here. He could feel the change in the air which alluded to it. He didn't look back but kept staring right ahead.

"Arnavji...What are you doing here? It's nearly midnight. We are flying back early tomorrow" her soft musical voice sounded behind him.

"Khushi..Why didn't you come into my life 6 years ago?" Arnav asked in a low voice that Khushi had to strain to hear.

"Huh Arnavji..? How could I have come 6 years ago? I hadn't even begun my university then!" Khushi was baffled.

Arnav went on as if he hadn't heard a word she had said "Why did you come to my life now when I had given up all hope? Why did you make me FEEL?"

Khushi realized Arnav was not talking about office and was disquieted by the flat tone in his voice. She cautiously climbed up on the rocks and touched his shoulder. Arnav suddenly spun around making Khushi falter. She swayed dangerously on the edge of the rock. But before she could fall, a pair of arms encircled her and steadied her. She tried to control her rapid heartbeats wrapped in the safety of his arms as they got down from the slippery rocks. But his next words staggered her.

"Why Khushi? Why did you have to make me fall in love with you?" Before Khushi could get over the shock of that declaration his mouth covered hers. Khushi stood there frozen for a moment at the first touch of a man's lips on hers. She was in Arnavji's arms and he was kissing her! Alarm bells began ringing in her mind even as her lips softened under his. Arnav felt the soft lips yielding beneath his and tugged her closer even as he began to pry open her mouth . Khushi could feel herself melting under the onslaught of those lips. She involuntarily opened her mouth only to have him invade hers. Suddenly the reality hit her with force of an avalanche and she shoved him away with all her strength. What was she doing?

Arnav recovered his balance just in time to see tears of guilt and shame fill Khushi's eyes "What have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE?"

"Khushi..."

"This is a sin..." Khushi looked around frenzied. Arnav went to hold her but she backed away from him frantically.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Khushi screamed hoarsely "You're married...YOU'RE MARRIED!" she spun around and ran away from him, tears still falling from her eyes uncontrollably.

Arnav sank to his knees on the sand and covered his face with his hands. What had he done? .

~ END OF CHAPTER # 5 ~

[NOCOPY]