sorry for the very late updates.

Part 18

Before she could complete Arnav place a soft lingering kiss on her forehead. Then he placed his fore head on hers. Their lips inches apart. He cupped her cheeks.

ASR: Khushi I lo…

Knock Knock Knock……

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Arnav and Khushi was scandalized when they heard the knock and moved away from each other. Khushi adjusted her self while Arnav was getting a grip of himself after hearing the annoying door noise. He wondered who the hell would it be this time.

Arnav realize he had to attend the door, because the person does not seem to give up. He walked towards the door but stop midway and looked at Khushi who was blushing profusely.

ASR: Khushi…

Khushi: hmm (looked at him shyly)

ASR: we haven't finished talking.

Khushi coyly nodded with a slight smile.

When Arnav opened the door to his surprise it was Lavanya standing at the door. She literally jumped on Arnav and grabbed his arm.

La: ASR, what are you doing here? Everyone is leaving. You should be there to sent them off naa..

ASR: La, I will be down in awhile. You go first.

La: are you sure ASR?

ASR(annoyed): YES La

La left the room, but hid in the corner. She sensed something fishy. ASR looked weird and had this extraordinary glint in him. A few moments later she saw ASR exiting the room and behind him was Khushi walking. She looked very much disheveled and her lips swollen. La instantly new that her ASR had an adventure with Khushi behind closed doors.

Arnav stopped while walking that made Khushi bump to his back. He turned around and looked at a puzzled Khushi staring back at him. He cornered her against the near wall.

Khushi still trembling with everything that has been going on looked at him and asked " ji sir"

ASR: kuch nehi.. baz maan karatha..

Khushi: ky..kya sir?

That instant it self he pulled her nape and gave her a long wet smooch on her lips. He pulled himself away unwillingly and adjusted her by tucking her saree properly and putting her messy hair in place. When it was done, he kissed her on the cheeks.

ASR: baaz yehi karatha.. (and gave her his ever charming smirk while she gave him a reluctant-relieved smile)

Downstairs, the hall was still busy with everyone chatting and dancing. No one noticed them coming down except for mother hen who is always on the look out for her brother. She smiled to herself looking at her brother Khushi. She thought to herself " finally chote you me your Khushi".

ONE MONTH LATER

Everything in AR has changed. Khushi Is promoted to the creative department working under Aakash. While, Priya is promoted as ASR'S new PA. Khushi and Yohan's marriage is decided but is kept on haul till Payal gets married first. Yohan has transferred to Delhi and he occasionally meets Khushi due to his insistence. ASR has become more reserved, arrogant and ruthful person, where else Amaan is more diligent in work and is no more involved with women, while Aakash looks lost and disturbed most of the time.

AT GUPTA HOUSE

Khushi was going through the final designs that needs to be presented at tomorrows meeting when Payal came and tap her shoulder.

Payal: Khushi, I am going back to lucknow tomorrow. Do you want to follow me?

Khushi: but jiji, why suddenly? We just came back from there 2 weeks ago naa?

Payal: don't know. amma and Babuji ask me to come back urgently.

Khushi: jiji is there any problem? Should I come back too?

Payal: no Amma said you can stay back but I have to come back.

Khushi: owh.. ok ..if there's anything do inform me immediately.

Khushi continued her work while Payal was packing her bags but her face hold a certain dismay and Khushi noticed it.

Khushi: jiji, tum tik hona?

Payal: haan Khushi mein tik hoon. Kyun?

Khushi: no you look upset. Is there anything you not telling me?

Payal: no Khushi. everything is fine. I am just tired.

Khushi knew Payal was sad but she did not want to interrogate her more. There was something amiss here. Even Aakash seems to be lost and confuse constantly. Maybe they are having some misunderstanding, pushing her thoughts away.

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The next day, around noon, at AR an important meeting was going on. Aakash was presenting the designs. Everyone was seriously involved in the meeting because Fashion Week coming up soon and its an important event for AR. Suddenly Aakash got a call and he could not present anymore. He looked very much stressed and he was inarticulate. He told Khushi to take over and left the premises after asking Arnav's permission.

After Aakash left, he wondered what's wrong with Aakash nowdays. He seems so stressed. First he thought Aakash had issues with Khushi, but they always seem ok to each other then he thought maybe Aakash was busy with Fashion week or there was more to this story. He decided he would talk to Khushi later. He did not want her to play games with Aakash's life also.

Arnav was intently looking at Khushi while she was presenting. His eyes held so much of rage but his heart felt a certain desolation for her. Khushi was no less; she was determined to show Arnav her capability though she felt edgy seeing his fury.

After wrapping up the meeting, everyone started to dismiss the hall. Khushi was casting out the papers from the projector.

ASR: Miss Gupta..

When she looked up she saw the beast standing in front of her.

Khushi: ye..yes sir..

ASR: Miss gupta, I would not like to waste your time or mine, but I am very concern about Aakash and I would like to find out what's wrong with Aakash? He looks very disturb lately. Is everything ok between both of you? Is there a problem?

Khushi was taken back with his question. Not enough he has accused her for so many unreasonable things, now she is also responsible for his brother's misery.

Khushi (angry tone): excuse me Mr. Raizada, why do you think that I am responsible for his misery? Is it my fault if someone is not happy? Why are you even asking me what's his problem, when you are his brother why don't you ask him straight? Plus people have personal issues, I cant be monitoring what's going on with him all the while can I. so please don't bother me with all this. I here to work for AR, not to mind other people's business. If you don't mind please excuse me.

Saying that she left in a huff. He look star stunned at her back. He thought to himself "women". He went back to his seat and rested his head.

He closed his eyes and the past came running to his mind; all those things that happen at the diwali party, then the mail he got and the fight they had the following day. How fast things have changed, from where to where and look how things have ended.

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