ArHi OSes: When I Knew | Ugly Chaise | PG 53 | NEW UPDATE (21/8) - Page 9

A/N: This one is for the wonderful Jignasha (Hetnjig), who always has the perfect GIF for every situation.

When Lakshmi Knew

While people often said Arnav Singh Raizada was the beast of the family, everyone knew that position went to Lakshmi Singh Raizada. Her soft, shaggy white coat and innocent wide, brown eyes masked her more animal like qualities, but she was one nonetheless.

Not that anyone would ever say that, of course. Nani had a deep fondness for her, and no one would dare go against Nani. Except for one man.

The tall, foreboding figure of Arnav Singh Raizada was the only thing that could make poor Lakshmi quake in her polished, shiny hooves. The minute those dark, black shoes made the familiar clicking noises on the tiled pavement of the Raizada household, Lakshmi would bolt out of her favorite niche right next to the plants near the poolside.

Even if she was in the middle of chomping on one of those delicious leaves, complemented by the perfect sunlight right next to the pool, she would bolt the minute that booming voice called out for "HariPrakash!" as soon as he came home from office.

The feeling was mutual. Lakshmi had been the unfortunate target of his nimble fingers grasping the tips of her soft ears, pulling her out with more force than strictly necessary as he berated her for eating his beloved plants.

It wasn't her fault that his plants were so good. It was his own fault for tending to them so kindly that the leaves were sweeter than any of the other ones dotting the wide property.

Lakshmi took every, little bit of advantage she could when Arnav Singh Raizada was out of the house. Upon hearing the frantic voice of Khushi calling his phone, desperately trying to reach him and apologizing profusely, Lakshmi made it into the room and towards those addictive plants, her tongue reaching out and taking a bite of their delightfully tangy flavor. She let out a baa of pleasure, closing her eyes and chewing slowly as she savored her meal.

She stood there for a long time, enjoying the fact that the grandson of the household was not present. The mehendi ceremony had kept everyone busy, and she was free to roam about and enjoy as she pleased.

She settled down to soak in the sun, curling her feet beneath her and sinking onto the warm, warm pavement when she heard the familiar voice of the girl with the long, swishy hair that always made sure to give her a pat on the head. Khushi was one of her favorite people, after Nani, and Lakshmi had no fear of her kicking her out of the poolside.

She opened a single, dark eye to find Khushi reaching into the clear, blue depths of the pool, her hands reaching for the sparkling, golden bangle laying at the bottom. She slid her sleeves up, stretching her arm as far as it could go.

Lakshmi's eyes widened as she saw a bronzed hand reach down into the depths with the creamy one stretching towards the bangle with an increased desperation. She had half a mind to scramble out of the poolside, not wanting to be the target of another ear tug, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she retained her position behind the pot, watching with a deep interest.

Arnav grasped the bangle tightly, refusing to let go even as Khushi insisted she was capable of doing it herself. They argued back and forth in that familiar way, but yet, there was an uncomfortable humidity in the air. Lakshmi watched as Khushi nervously licked her lips, her statements faltering in certainty as Arnav argued back.

Suddenly, she heard a splash, and she tensed in expectation of Arnav's trademark accusatory yelling. Khushi's eyes squeezed shut in anticipation, but flew open at the soft, gentle, "Tum theek ho?".

Lakshmi felt distinctly like she was intruding on an intensely private moment, shifting uncomfortably as their hands met inside the shimmering water of the pool. The searing tension in the room only increased further, so potent that she could practically hear their hearts beating out of their test.

Their eyes met, Arnav's searching her face as if he was a man depraved of every pleasure in the world, sweeping over the rapidly reddening swells of her cheeks. Khushi averted her own hazel gaze, looking around and accusingly insisting that she was still capable of doing it herself.

Lakshmi started when she heard the swish of the water, Khushi's dress swirling out around her as she hastily attempted to flee the room. But Arnav was too quick for her, reaching out to grab the tail end of the dupatta that dragged in the water.

Lakshmi suddenly felt the urge to run away, far away from this moment that was so clearly meant to be shared between the couple in front of her. She wanted to turn her eyes away, to baa, to break the moment, but she was held captive by the overpowering chemistry between Arnav and Khushi. She was mesmerized, completely held as Arnav slowly wrapped the hot, pink dupatta around his calloused hands, pulling Khushi closer and closer as he did so.

For the first time, Lakshmi could truly see what made him such a terrifying business man. The confidence with which he presented his challenge, telling Khushi in no uncertain terms that she was not capable of doing everything he could, was almost scary to the poor goat still hidden behind the plants.

Khushi turned her face away as Arnav pulled her impossibly close, his stubble nearly brushing against the soft, flushed cheek of the girl in front of him. Khushi's protest died down. She was a slave to the attraction between them, the force that couldn't seem to keep them together, but couldn't seem to keep them apart.

"Ha-haan. I can do- I- I can do anything you can."

"Really? Can you do... what I'm about to do now?"

She closed her eyes and nodded uncertainly, her movements jerky as Arnav's grip tightened on her dupatta. She turned her eyes away from him, not wanting him to see the murky mix of desire and longing. Lakshmi could see the conflict within the girl, her stance stiff but her eyes revealing that she wanted more, so much more.

"Then... it's a bet." Arnav's voice was soft and husky, not bothering to mask his arousal and attraction towards the pretty being standing in front of him, blushing furiously.

Without warning, he dipped his head towards her, placing a tender kiss on her cheek and resting his lips there a little longer than necessary. Lakshmi saw Khushi jump, her eyes widening in shock. Her lips fell open, and Lakshmi saw Arnav's gaze drop to the lush, pink pout that was currently hanging open in amazement. Khushi drew the small portion of her dupatta in closer, biting down on her lip and closing her eyes tightly for a split second.

Lakshmi could see Khushi breathing in and out deeply, her breath coming out in short, quick gasps. Arnav seemed mesmerized by her, his eyes flitting over her face in an attempt to gauge her reaction. Before he could open his mouth, Khushi had grabbed the dupatta and sprinted out of the room.

Lakshmi saw Arnav smirk with satisfaction, humming softly underneath his breath as he reached for the watercan beside him. He began watering the plants slowly, and Lakshmi cowered in fear as he came right up to her.

He glanced down, a soft smile on his face as he looked down at the goat below him. Reaching down, he gently stroked the soft, white fur, smiling contentedly as he continued to water his plants with the other hand.

Lakshmi froze, her eyes flying open as she felt the rough hand of Arnav on top of her head, caressing it with an affection previously unknown to the man in front of her. She closed her eyes in realization, her mouth curving up into a satisfied smile. At some point, she would have to thank the kind girl with the long hair with a good nuzzle of gratitude for softening her enemy.