Chapter 10

~ CHAPTER 10 ~

Khushi stood there stunned at a grinning Arnav. Neighbour...Arnavji?

"How...What...When..?" Arnav laughed as Khushi began to sputter in shock. Khushi narrowed her eyes at him, making him shut up at once and look bashful.

"Oops...Sorry sweetheart. May I come in? Or are you planning to be an hostile neighbor?" he teased with a twinkle in eyes. Khushi moved away from the door in and let him in.

"Arnavji...You bought an apartment here?" she asked once inside, still not able to believe.

Arnav suddenly looked adorably sheepish "Umm...Actually I bought the whole building"

"Arnavji!"

"What? It was a good investment!"

"And of course that's why you did it" Khushi said coolly, rolling her eyes "But what about your grandmother, Arnavji?"

Arnav smiled and made himself comfortable on the couch, pulling Khushi beside him "Don't worry about Nani. I told her that the commute was getting to me and so I was buying an apartment in town. She was all for it". He moved closer to her and blew a flick of her hair away from her face, his voice taking a husky quality "Aren't you happy I'm so smart sweetheart? Now we can be together all we want, and that too without anyone suspecting anything"

"You are too much, Arnavji" Khushi tried to get away from his clearly amorous intentions.

"But you still love me" he said against her lips, his own a breath away from hers "Now how about showing me how much you liked my surprise, huh?"

"Arnavji..." Khushi kept a hand on his chest to hold him from kissing her and offered a half-hearted protest, which was very soon turned into moans of pleasure as Arnav very successfully persuaded her to show her appreciation, just the way he liked.

They had dinner quite later that night.

-----xxx-----

Arnav snuggled deeper into the pillow, which smelled like his Khushi. His hands searched the space on the bed next to him for her, but on coming up empty he slowly opened his eyes to the most delicious sight ever. Khushi was standing in front of the dressing mirror, towel drying her hair, fresh from the shower. She was wearing only her bathrobe. He drank in the pure perfection of her features for few minutes, when Khushi became aware of his perusal.

"Arnavji...Uthiye. Don't you have to go to office?"

"Come on Khushi, let's spend the day in bed" Arnav patted the space next to him.

"Very funny Arnavji. You may be your own boss but don't forget, I still have to report to MY boss"

"If you have forgotten it already let me remind you honey, I'm your boss's boss and I excuse your leave. Now come back to bed. It's getting lonely here"

"Enough of dawdling Arnavji. Time to get up" Khushi shook him gently, causing some water droplets to fall on his face. Arnav grasped her hand as she turned to leave and pulled her over his chest, making her semi-dry hair to cover both their faces. As he tucked it behind her ears and kissed her on the cheek, Khushi blushed and tried to get up.

"Arnavji...What are you doing? We are getting late" Khushi said pushing against his chest.

"Why do you still call me Arnavji? Call me Arnav" he whispered against her neck.

Khushi reddened some more and shook her head in negative.

"No..?" Arnav nuzzled the soft skin over her collar "Then I won't let you leave" he tightened his hold and husked.

"Arnavj..." Khushi murmered weakly. Arnav slid the robe over her shoulder and carried on his exploration of the expanse of silky skin, without heeding to her grumble. As more and more skin was exposed, so did Khushi's sighs.

Arnav pulled back to look at her face and raised his brows "Ready to cry uncle now?"

Khushi nodded breathlessly.

"Then say it" Arnav whispered.

"Uncle" Khushi said sweetly, her eyes twinkling.

"Uh-uh" Arnav's smile was purely wicked "Wrong answer!" he rolled her on her back and covered her fully to continue the punishment. As he slid down her body, Khushi finally conceded.

"Ar...Arnavvv..."

Arnav grinned and let her go "See..that wasn't so bad now, Was it?"

Khushi scrambled down the bed and smacked Arnav with the pillow "Laad Governor Kahin ke. You always have to have the last word. Now get freshened up and come soon. Breakfast will be ready"

Arnav fell back on the bed and watched her leave with a contented smile.

-----xxx-----

Arnav watched her quietly over the rim of his newspaper, as Khushi flitted about around the kitchen getting the breakfast ready. He remembered the day almost 2 months ago, when he had sat in the exact place and watched her prepare breakfast. So much had changed between then and now, but one thing had remained constant. He felt at peace with the world when Khushi was around. He had no recriminations, no complaints, no regrets with life...As long as Khushi was with him. He never really knew when exactly Khushi had become his whole world, his anchor, his touchstone by which he measured the rest of the world. She had become his rock. His home.

Suddenly the paper was snatched from him and Khushi was there glaring at him "Have your breakfast first. You can read all about the AR shares later". Arnav found Khushi's bossy streak endearing. She looked as cute as a button when she was angry. He started to say something to the effect but wisely kept quiet and dug into his poha with gutso. No need to rile her more when she was already miffed with him.

"Hmmm...Now I know why I fell in love with you" Arnav mentioned casually, drinking the coffee. He was wise, but the temptation to tease her was irresistible. He glanced to see Khushi eagerly waiting for the answer and smirked mischievously "It's because you make the best coffee in the whole world. God I missed your cinnamon touch!"

"Hawww Arnavji. You are mean! Jaayiye hum aapse baat nahin karte" she punched him softly on the arm. Arnav grabbed her arm and pulled her pouting form into his lap.

"Aww, Rooth gayi? I was just kidding sweetheart" he kissed her on her cheek and squinted at her to see if she has forgiven him, only to find her head bent down "Sorry honey. I won't make fun of you anymore. Please don't feel bad".

Khushi peeped from under her lashes "Gotcha, Arnavji". She laughed and weaved her arms around his neck.

"You're a dramebaaz, Khushi" Arnav smiled as Khushi kissed him on his cheek.

"Haww. This is like pot calling the kettle black" she got down from his lap "Get ready fast Arnavji. It's nearly time for my bus"

"Khushi, why do you want to go by bus? I'll drop you"

"We cannot Arnavji. It would be suspicious na? It's okay. I'm used to public transport"

"I hate this" Arnav clenched his fist in sudden anger and banged it on the table "I hate not being able to do even small things for you, not being able to claim you openly as mine, Not being able to show my love for you openly. I just hate this!"

"No, No Arnavji. You mustn't think that way" Khushi gently began to rub his shoulders to calm him down. Slowly Arnav's tension began dissolving under her soft touch "Arnavji, we are together. It doesn't matter if the world doesn't know it, but WE know that we belong to each other. For me, that's enough Arnavji. I never dreamed big. I just wanted someone to call my own. And I have you. I don't have any regrets"

"But Khushi all this camouflage? I feel like I'm doing you a disservice by keeping you a secret from the world"

Khushi cupped his face in her hands and smiled gently "You are a famous personality Arnavji. I don't want you to face the wrath of media. So if we must maintain secrecy to keep our relationship, I don't mind it"

"Why are you so good Khushi? How did I ever get lucky enough to deserve such unconditional love?"

"You have good taste in coffee...?" she teased him, successfully lightening his mood "Now come on, We are both getting late".

-----xxx-----

The days following were blissful and idyllic.

Arnav and Khushi travelled separately to work but spent their every spare moment together. They kept a professional front in the office so that no one suspected anything. But even though he owned 2 penthouses along with few more apartments in the same building, Arnav all but moved into Khushi's apartment. Khushi gave her spare key to him happily and teased him about being infatuated with her couch. Arnav agreed secretly that he did have a soft corner for that couch. It did have a major role in his and Khushi's relationship after all.

Sometimes Arnav got work home and completed them while Khushi was busy in the kitchen. But he never let his work interfere with his and Khushi's quality time. The executives from ARI were quite surprised when he warned them not to call him unless it was a dire emergency, after hours. They had never known their boss to not think about work anytime. But they were all far too pleased by the pleasant change in ASR's disposition to question his actions.

Only NK was privy to their secret. He more often than not landed on their doorstep when he was bored and pulled both their collective legs. There was also the fact that La had begun to date some guy called Varun from Accounts Department, and NK was feeling unknown twinges in his heart when he saw them together. He cribbed incessantly about what a lout that Varun was, and how La never chose right men that it was all Khushi and Arnav could do to not laugh out loud at his clear as a crystal jealousy. Arnav understood what he was going through pretty well, having gone through the same when he thought Khushi and NK were dating, and sympathized with him. But Khushi wasn't so empathetic.

"Arnavji, NK is such a duffer! How could he not realize the simple fact that he can't see Lavanya with anyone else?" Khushi grumbled as they got ready for bed. Arnav who had been leaning back on the bed, watching a football match on their new plasma TV, switched it off and turned to Khushi.

"Khushi, men are not as intelligent as women in the matters of heart. They need some time to understand these things. NK too will get it in his own time" He pulled the cover over and held it open for Khushi to get in.

"In his own time? Arnavji, They have been working together for 2 years! Even I knew there was something between NK and La the first time I saw them together! How long will these idiots take to understand?" she got under the covers and slid closer to Arnav, lying half on his chest.

Arnav gathered her closer and kissed her on top of her head "But you are my super smart Khushi. Nothing escapes you sweetheart. But NK is a mere man. He will require some time"

"Whatever..." Khushi yawned sleepily hugging him tighter. Arnav smiled fondly and stroked her hair gently as she fell asleep and switched off the lights.

Life was good.

-----xxx----

It was weekend and as soon as the clock struck 5, Khushi happily gathered her belongings while clearing her desk. She bid her colleagues a friendly goodbye before making her towards the elevators. It was Friday and she was eager to go home to her Arnavji. She loved every day spent in his company but she loved the weekends more. As the elevator was about to close she noticed Arnav speaking on the phone with a frown on his face. He made a sign with his hand to stop the elevator and got into it after hanging up the phone, his upset evident from his face.

As soon as the elevator doors closed after pressing the button to take them to the ground floor, Khushi turned to him concerned.

"What happened Arnavji?"

"I need to go home today Khushi" He didn't look too happy with the prospect "Nani says she has kept a pooja for me"

"Oh" Khushi felt all the eagerness she had felt in going home evaporate "She only wants your happiness Arnavji. You mustn't disappoint her. You should go" she smiled wanly.

"I know Khushi" Arnav's frustration was evident "But it still irritates me that I won't have you with me. She has even invited NK" Suddenly his eyes brightened as an idea flashed to him "Wait, why don't you come with NK? Nani is very fond of him and if he says you are a friend of his, she wouldn't object" He looked pleased with the thought of seeing her finally in his own home.

"But Arnavji, If it's a family pooja, how can I-----?"

"If, but, Nothing. I'm calling NK and you are coming. That's it" Arnav dialed NK's number and explained the plan. From the big smile on his face, it looked like NK was all too ready to help. Arnav hung up and looked at Khushi.

"NK says to get ready. He will pick you up in an hour..." He looked so much like a kid who had gotten his favorite candy with that huge grin on his face, that Khushi didn't have the heart to refuse him. She smiled and agreed making him grin even wider, if that was even possible.

-----xxx----

Khushi's first thought when they entered the gates of "Shantivan" was that she was seeing a palace. The house took her breath away. It was built on the lines of an actual palace and had verandah running wide and long. The lawn and the gardens were exquisitely maintained giving it the appearance of a heaven on earth.

"Daunting, Isn't it?" NK murmured as he came around to open the door for her. Khushi nodded blankly, still dazed "Wait until you see the interior" he quipped teasingly.

"If the exterior is anything to go by, I expect a spectacularly dazzling vision inside too" Khushi teased back, recovering her composure.

NK was laughing looking at Khushi as they entered the mansion and that's how Arnav and Nani found them.

Nani rushed to NK and welcomed him warmly by hugging him. She then turned to Khushi, who was wearing a yellow and peach sari with a simple border work in red, and beamed "And who this beautiful girl might be? NK you didn't tell me you have a girlfriend!"

There was a moment of awkward silence as the Arnav and Khushi stared uncomfortably at each other, but NK dispensed it by laughing loudly "You hurt me Nani. You think I'll get a girlfriend and not tell you? She is Khushi, My best friend. We had made plans earlier to go out but since I was coming here I asked her to join me"

Khushi smiled nervously at Nani and touched her feet in respect "I hope you don't mind, Mrs Malik"

Nani blessed Khushi by keeping her hand on Khushi's head "Areh, nahin beti. Call me Nani like the fool here does" she pointed at NK teasingly "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable earlier with my question. But any friend of NK is welcome in our home. Please come in"

As they moved inside towards the place where the Havan was set up, Khushi felt herself being pulled behind one of the pillars by none other than Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. He pushed her back towards the pillar and held her captive by placing both his hands on either side of her.

"Hmmm...Miss Gupta. This is so unfair. How come you never wear a sari when we are together? You are looking out of this world". He nuzzled her neck making her gasp and push against his chest.

"Sshhh. Behave, Laad governor! What if your Nani saw us?"

"Didn't you see? She approves of you wholeheartedly already. In fact I think I may have to set her straight, or at least discourage her, before she begins to match make between you and NK" He frowned as he said the last.

"Are you jealous, Arnaaavvv?" Khushi asked playfully, fiddling with the collar of his sweater.

"Damn right, I am!" Arnav pronounced decisively, enjoying the perky Khushi. Also he noticed she had used his name, which she never took outside the four walls of their bedroom, preferring to stick to Arnavji. It told him that she was becoming more and more comfortable with him, shedding her inhibitions, and he loved it.

Khushi laughed and placed a quick kiss on Arnav's lips before running away, leaving Arnav to watch her with a bemused smile.

----xxx----

Nani watched the girl, Khushi, smiling and helping Hari Prakash set the table for dinner. The pooja was over successfully and Nani had insisted that both she and NK stay for dinner. She gazed at her grandson, who had been throwing furtive glances at the pretty girl, when he thought no one was looking. He was doing it even now, as he sat in the living room chatting to NK. She could see his attention was more towards Khushi than on the conversation. Her belief was strengthened when Khushi almost tripped on the rug and Arnav almost got up from the couch in alarm, before checking himself.

Khushi steadied herself from falling face first in Arnavji's home, by holding on to the chair. She was all feet today in her nervousness. Arnavji's Nani was a sweet lady who had gone out of her way to make Khushi comfortable, but Khushi couldn't seem to relax completely.

The dinner was a gay affair with excellent food and NK reveling them with his jovial chatter. Later, when it was time for Khushi and NK to leave, Nani noticed how her grandson's face fell. He retreated to his room immediately after their departure wishing a subdued good night to Nani.

Now that she thought about it, it all made sense to her. Why her grandson was in an unusual good mood since a last few weeks. His contentment, his happiness, the reason he had begun to smile, everything was due to one beautiful young girl...Khushi.

Her bitwa was in love.

~ END OF CHAPTER # 10 ~

[NOCOPY]