Chapter 17B: Day 5 - She’s No Random Girl!

Author’s Note

No proof read guys.. And I wrote this very quick.. So i’ll do better next chapter... Hope it’s entertaining enough..

Dedicated to Aasmaali, my favorite stalker!

As soon as Anshu rushed away like a storm, Khushi came back to reality.. She stepped out of her room and looked towards Arnav’s room.. She walked to his door and pushed open it.. As she spot Arnav sleeping like a baby on his bed, she breathed a sign of relief.. and nodded to herself..

Khushi: This guy is driving me crazy.. He was with me all night.. and at that time I was in his arms.. Stupid me! Deserted park in morning hours.. it could be anyone...

*****

Arnav’s Room... 9.00 am.

A smile on his face, eyelids half opened, Arnav sat on his bed stretching his lazy arms in all senses. It was a new morning.. A new beginning.. He let out a sigh and let his back fall onto the headboard.. Leaning his head to the back, he closed his eyes with a smile resting onto the corners of his lips...

You brought me back.. I smiled again.. I laughed again.. Through your eyes, you made me feel special again.. I was alive.. 

I considered you as a friend then and I still think of you as my best friend now.. though I did everything to forget you.. to hate you... But...

You still my best friend.. the one I can’t live without...

His eyes shot open as Khushi’s last words still echoed into his ears..

You still my best friend.. the one I can’t live without...

You still my best friend.. the one I can’t live without...

You still my best friend.. the one I can’t live without...

And the happiness on his face.. That incomplete feeling since years which was now complete.. His Khushi.. His best friend.. The only one who evoked true feelings in him.. The feeling of being special to someone.. Even though it was just friendship..Care, comfort, togetherness, trust... He so wished he could do this all his life just to see Khushi smiling for a lifetime... Turning his eyes to the spot next to him... His heart skipped a beat as he remembered her face.. Sleeping peacefully by his side.. And...

I’m nothing to you? That’s what you think? But not after this..

Arnav ran his fingers into his hairs with a glint of worry.. A confused thought stuck into his mind.. Why the hell did he kiss his best friend? And that sudden happiness.. A relieved feeling.. Flashes of that unexpected kiss repeating again and again in front of his conscience.. This was indeed a mishap which should have never happen.. What if Khushi distanced herself from him even more after this? Maybe he should apologize? And he jerked up from bed immediately as he exclaimed loudly..

ASR: Yes, I should apologize before it’s too late.. I can’t afford losing Khushi again!

Arnav jumped off the bed in a fast pace and rushed towards the bathroom.. After a quick shower, he got into his denim jeans and armani sweatshirt.. A last brush through his wet hairs.. A last glance towards his sexy smirking reflection into the mirror.. And he stepped out of his hotel suite and walked to Khushi’s room.. The door slightly opened, Arnav peaked in when the cleaning staff smiled and greeted him..

Staff: Good Morning Sir.. Miss Gupta is at the restaurant.

Arnav smiled back..

ASR: Thank You!

He walked away and called the lift. As soon as he reached the ground floor, Arnav headed towards the restaurant when suddenly his steps halted on the threshold of the restaurant. 

His heartbeat stopped half a minute.. His eyes fixed at an angle.. His breath held on! The scene was breathtaking.. A smile curved onto his lips.. His eyes almost wet as he glared at Khushi, laughing happily with the duo Payal and Aman.. A laughter which he never saw... The sparkles in her eyes, that break free feeling which she was holding onto since too many years.. Laughing like there was no tomorrow... Khushi Gupta is back! He thought. Arnav lowered his eyes, unable to constrain his happiness.. And from far away he also laughed with her. He nodded and said to himself...

ASR: No ways Khush.. I won’t be able to apologize.. Because I just don’t regret that kiss! I cannot convince myself to regret kissing my best friend.. You mean everything to me!

Arnav smirked and began walking slowly towards the table where the three were having breakfast. As he approached closer and closer, he could hear the excitement in Khushi’s laughter.. And finally standing behind her seat, Arnav crossed his arms to his chest and kept admiring Khushi.. Meanwhile Payal and Aman’s amusement came to an halt and they stared at Arnav worriedly.. Aman tried hard to signal Khushi of the presence of Arnav but in vain.. She kept on laughing out loud.. And said in between...

Khushi: I cannot believe that the great Arnav Singh Raizada is scared of a harmless creature..

Khushi was almost choking out of laughter.. And said to Aman..

Khushi: And then what he did?

ASR: He ran away from the balcony.

And Khushi exclaimed amusingly..

Khushi: What? He ran away from...

When realization dawned upon her, Khushi froze on the spot. She turned slowly and fixed into Arnav’s eyes while the latter glared at her with his casual smirk.. And he said..

ASR: Having fun Miss Gupta?

Her gaze into his intense look.. Khushi felt a lump into her throat and she stuttered..

Khushi: Arn.. ASR... Hmm...

He let a chuckle and said amusingly..

ASR: It’s Arnav! So you were saying?

Instantly Aman stood in a rush as he said worriedly..

Aman: Yes ASR.. We were talking about the meeting with Mr. Manav Kapoor.. He’s P.A called.. It’s in 1 and a half hour.. I think you both should get ready..

Aman turned his gaze towards Payal.

Aman: Right Payal?

And she nodded..

Payal: Yes.. You should go get ready Miss Gupta! You cannot be late..

Khushi breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Aman, thankful for the rescue.. And she managed to say as she stood up from her seat..

Khushi: Yeah.. I think I should go! Excuse me..

And she walked away as fast as possible.. Out of her senses.. Embarassed that Arnav caught her making fun of him.. As soon as she reached the lift, she pushed onto the button and waited for the lift.. Tapping to the floor, she signed impatiently.. And said to herself..

Khushi: God why the hell am I so nervous around him? Relax Khushi.. It was just a kiss out of anger.. And I promised to myself to make an effort.. For Arnav.. For our friendship.. I can’t step back from this...

The sound of the lift brought her back from her thoughts and Khushi stepped inside.. She pushed on her floor button when suddenly a manly figure rushed inside the cabin. The door closed, Khushi's eyes popped out when she found herself face to face with Arnav. Her heart beat faster, her steps moved back slowly while Arnav moved forward towards her.. Khushi crashed into the wall and she looked nervously into his eyes when Arnav brought his hands and cornered her... He shifted his gaze from her eyes to her nose to her lips.. and smirked amusingly when Khushi bite her lower lips.. and he said casually..

ASR: What happen?

He brought his one hand to the hair lock falling on her eyes and tucked it delicately behind her ears..

ASR: Why are you so nervous?

Khushi caught her breath.. She had to talk.. but their proximity was making it more difficult.. His sexy smirk, his breath on her lips, his hands resting on the wall behind her were almost brushing her shoulders.. and his lips.. each time he uttered a word, she felt tempted to take his lips in a passionate kiss.. like the one they shared unexpectedly yesterday night.. She scolded herself mentally before her thoughts traveled further more and said...

Khushi: was it you... I mean the hospital... Karan...

Suddenly her words stopped when Arnav brought his fingers to her lips.. the mischievous smirk on his face vanished and was replaced by a stern look as he said in a serious tone...

ASR: I don't want to hear his name again from you.. Do you understand?

Khushi: But?

ASR: Ssshhh.. this is over... you said it yourself, that you forgot about him! Your happiness lies in present with me..

Khushi: I just want to know if it was you whoo..

Arnav interrupted her words when he held her shoulders angrily and said with gritted teeth...

ASR: and i don't want to talk about him.. if you want me not to think about him you got to forget about him.. else i promise i'll break every possible parts of his body.. mark my words.. I mean it!

Her fragile body trembled into his hands when she stared into the fire burning into Arnav's eyes.. The fire she was scared of.. the anger she preferred to avoid since long.. And she lowered her eyes with the hope that it was only Karan's misfortune to be at the wrong place at the wrong time..Avoiding his gaze, she finally uttered...

Khushi: Arnav!

And he replied angrily...

ASR: What?

Khushi lifted her eyelashes and said in a soft tone..

Khushi: we are at our floor.. the door is open.. can i go?

Arnav looked towards the door surprisingly and shifted his gaze to Khushi.. a glint of amusement on her face.. as soon as Arnav left her shoulders, she began stepping away when suddenly...

ASR: Khushi!

Khushi looked towards Arnav confusingly while he moved closer and closer.. He laid his hands on her shoulders.. his back blocking the door from closing.. and he said...

ASR: For your confused mind!!

Without sparing her a second to react, Arnav leaned forward and captured her lips.. leaving Khushi in a stunned state.. He sucked on her lower lip.. nibbled her upper lip.. and his tongue made its way into her mouth... Khushi began to respond while Arnav's hands trailed down from her shoulders to her arms and he grabbed her wrists forcing her to bring her hands onto his chest.. Blocking the lift's door, both got lost into a longing kiss.. Khushi's arms shifted to his neck and pulled him more into her.. She ran her fingers into his hairs while Arnav's hands moved to her waist.. He wanted to feel her as much as she wanted to.. They were reluctant to leave each other, unable to turn off the burning desire which started from a harmless flirting mischief.. While his hands moved to her buttocks, Khushi let a moan when he pulled her more to his lower part.. Her innocent moan brought him to reality and Arnav finally pulled back..He stared at Khushi.. both breathless.. while Khushi looked at him.. shocked, confused.. frozen! and Arnav smirked as he said..

ASR: I'm definitely not sorry about our kiss.. not yesterday and definitely not now!

Her hands resting on his chest, Khushi shivered while her words got stuck into her throat..

ASR: It never felt so special to kiss someone before..do you know why?

And Khushi nodded absent-mindedly.. Arnav leaned to her ears, his lips brushing her earlobe, he whispered..

ASR: Because you very special.. the most special girl!

Arnav stepped back...

ASR: you should go to your room now.. and take a cold shower..

And he winked at a stunned Khushi before turning away.. Khushi stared at Arnav till he entered his room and slammed the door.. As soon as he disappeared, she ran to her room,closed the door and eyes still wide opened, she exclaimed...

Khushi: What was that?

*****

15 minutes later..

After a very cold shower, Arnav stepped out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist.. A smile on his face.. whistling a happy tune, he growled when his mobile rang disturbing his happy time.. and he pushed on the green button.. and yelled grumpily..

ASR: What do you want Aman?

Aman: ASR I'm very sorry.. I don't know how this escape from me.. I never thought Miss Gupta will have a laugh over your misadventure with the puppy.. I'm really very sorry!

And Arnav replied smilingly at the thought of Khushi's laughter..

ASR: No worries Aman.. This is the best thing you've ever did in your existence.. I'm proud of you..

Aman stammered in shock..

Aman: you mean you are not upset about this..

ASR: not at all.. So tell me.. any news?

Aman: Yes sir! no issues.. all as planned!

ASR: his arms?

Aman: broken!

ASR: his legs?

Aman: finished.. at least for 3 to 4 months..

ASR: Good job... for now! Find out about him.. his background.. family, friends, bank accounts.. girlfriends.. Everything! Finish Karan Singhania.. Bring him down till he begs for mercy.. till he's no more worth to touch any girl.. Bring that bastard to road!

Aman: But what about Miss Gupta?

ASR: No words to her.. She's better off that way.. she'll be happy.. I'll make her happy.. Her safety and her happiness is the most important...

Aman: Ok ASR... Don't worry! I'll meet you after the meeting..

ASR: ok..

Arnav disconnected the call.. and said to himself..

ASR: Karan Singhania is your past.. but I'm your present.. your happiness!

Chapter 17: Day 5 – For Our Friendship

ASR: Shhh... Sleep Khushi.. Close your eyes.. it’s late..

Slowly she closed her tired eyes.. Arnav stayed by her side caressing her head till she finally fell asleep. After some time, he walked to the other side of the bed and sat leaning his head on the headboard.. He took his mobile and typed a message to Aman before placing it back on the bedside table... He pulled the quilt on him and looked towards a sleeping Khushi as he thought...

This is just the beginning Karan Singhania

Your one death is not worth all the pain you gave her.. I promise.. you’ll die everyday..

And you’ll go crazy in trying to find out who is behind your every miseries..

*****

Next Morning... 5 am

He pulled up his socks.. and got into his baskets.. Since Aman appeared that day, Karan Singhania was on full stress.. But how long could he lived on fearing? Either Aman told Arnav or he didn’t? Though he never had any face to face interactions with Arnav while he once was working for him, Karan did know that Raizada was not a man to waste time.. So if Arnav had any hint about him, he realized that he would definitely be shown the doors.. And this morning, Karan decided to go for his so missed morning jogging.. To hell with Raizada.. and his so called loyal dog! He smirked and walked out of his room... As he headed off to the nearby joggers park, Karan was oblivious that his day will definitely not begin as he planned...

*****

Arnav’s Room... 5.30 am

When the first rays of sunrise fell on Khushi’s face, she slowly opened her eyelashes.. A smile curving on her lips when she felt the breath of Arnav at the nook of her neck.. His large soft hands laid innocently on her hips.. His smell, his touch.. this beautiful feeling.. Khushi felt herself perfectly fit into his arms.. With care not to wake Arnav, she removed his hand and slowly turned her body so as to face him.. They were now face to face.. Arnav was in deep sleep.. and he pouted at the missing warmth.. Unconsciously he brought back his hand on Khushi.. but this time on her waist and he pulled her to his chest in a bear hug.. Khushi raised her eyebrows in amusement and as she stared at the cute sleeping Arnav, she chuckled and whispered to herself...

Khushi: Wow.. I never thought that this handsome face could also look pretty innocent too..

She lifted her one hand and touched his face.. brushed his forehead.. traced his eyebrows.. It felt like the dream she never wanted to wake up from.

Khushi: Tell me Arnav, what should I do now?

She closed her eyes... and got lost into her thoughts as the events of the past few days flashed into her mind..

I want you back.. And I’ll do anything for it!

Trust me!

No Khushi.. Not anymore.. you are not running away from me.. Not again..

I was dead inside.. Dead.. till you came into my life..

You still my best friend.. the one I can’t live without...

No Khushi.. You cannot leave me again.. Please..

I’m nothing to you? That’s what you think? But not after this..

And their kiss... Her eyes shot wide open as reality clashed into her thoughts.. Khushi stared at his sleeping face.. Her hand still caressing his forehead while a tear rolled down her cheeks.. She was about to pull back her hands when...

No Khushi.. You cannot leave me again.. Please..

Afterall it was never his fault.. He was always the best friend.. How can she leave him again.. His words were not just mere words.. he was sincere, hurt.. He needed her as much as she needed him.. But is she capable of this?? Can she forget her love for his friendship??  Teary eyes.. She looked at him, hurt.. After the evening in the bar, she never thought about it before falling in love.. she just lost her heart.. to the guy who made her felt so special.. and the next day she was shattered...

Khushi: I’m sorry Arnav! I’m really sorry.. I was the one who ruined everything.. You were always here.. for me! And I pushed you away.. just because I wanted to hate you.. I thought that.. if I blame you.. it would be easier for me to accept that you cannot fall for a girl like me.. I so wished we could go back into the past and start it all again.. The stupid girl I am.. fell in love with her best friend.. and I punished both of us for my mistake..

Trust me!

Khushi: I can trust you.. I know I can.. But I don’t trust myself.. I want another chance to our friendship.. You need it.. I need it.. We both need it.. But if it hurts again? if this time I lose both love and friendship, I’ll broke.. Khushi Gupta won’t get back to life again..

Khushi cupped Arnav’s face and said tearingly..

Khushi: I love you Arnav...

Khushi moved closer.. Their lips were only few inches away from each other.. Arnav was asleep.. and with a painful heart she placed her lips on his.. Tears rolling down her cheeks.. she pulled back... as she said..

Khushi: I promise.. I will get you back your old best friend.. I’ll do anything for you..

Khushi wiped off her tears and a faint smile adorned her face..

Khushi: I’ll do anything for you!

And slowly.. Khushi took off Arnav’s arms from her waist.. and stepped out of the bed.. She got into her slippers and walked on her toes to the door... She turned to have a last glance at the sleeping figure of Arnav and smiled when Arnav moved into bed and grabbed the pillow into a bear hug.. She nodded and walked out of the room..

*****

Khushi’s Room... 7.30 am

Khushi was just out from the shower when she heard hard knocks at the door.. Immediately, she threw away the towel and wore her bath robe before rushing to the door.. As she opened the door, a panicked Anshu entered the room..

Anshu: Oh god Khush.. why were you taking so long?

Khushi: I was in shower! What happen, any problem?

Her eyes wide open, Anshu exclaimed...

Anshu: Yes.. big problem! Karan.. Karan is in hospital!

Khushi’s eyes shot wide open in shock as she said...

Khushi: What? How? When? What happened?

Anshu: He went for a jog in the morning.. and then.. he was attacked.. some people.. hooligans.. or terrorist..or dogs.. I don’t know who.. they beat him badly and took his stuffs before running away.. Anyways I’m in a rush.. I just came to remind you of the meeting with Manav Kapoor.. his P.A will call you to confirm the time.. don’t forget ok! I’ll be with Yuvi at the hospital.. Ok see yeah!

As soon as Anshu rushed away like a storm, Khushi came back to reality.. She stepped out of her room and looked towards Arnav’s room.. She walked to his door and pushed open it.. As she spot Arnav sleeping like a baby on his bed, she breathed a sign of relief.. and nodded to herself..

Khushi: This guy is driving me crazy.. He was with me all night.. and at that time I was in his arms.. Stupid me! Deserted park in morning hours.. it could be anyone...

Chapter 16D: Day 4 – Your friend, Your shield...I’ll be Yours Forever...

Arnav stared at her.. without a word... totally frozen.. shaken to the truth.. to the reality.. His eyes went wet and silent tears rolled down his cheeks.. Khushi was shocked.. confused.. worried.. She could bear anything... but not the pain on Arnav’s face.. Her heart ached terribly on seeing his tears.. She’s never been hurt so much.. not even when she struggled to run away from the hands of Karan.. His pain, his tears.. the reason behind it..their unexpected kiss... she didn’t know anything! But right now, all she cared was him... Without any second thought, she made a step forward closing the little gap in between their bodies and cupped his face. Her eyes welled up with tears, she said with concern..

Khushi: Arnav, what’s wrong?

Except from a deep painful glare, Khushi got nothing from him and she instantly took his lifeless body into a comforting embrace.. hugging him tighter and tighter pulling him to her.. When suddenly, she heard his voice.. a shattered voice..

ASR: Did Karan try to rape you?

Shell-shocked.. Her eyes shot wide open.. Her body shivered and heart skipped a beat as she registered his words.. Her arms loosened around Arnav’s body and she slowly... unwillingly... pulled back from him. Their eyes met... she stayed rooted to the floor as her tears fell down her cheeks..

ASR: Did he touch you? Did he hurt you?

She was speechless... As she nervously lowered her gaze, he abruptly held her shoulders while anger took over him.. He furiously looked at her... his heart fuming with anger... Khushi was in a state of shock as his grip got tighter hurting her.. and he barked at her infuriatedly..

ASR: No Khushi.. Not anymore.. you are not running away from me.. Not again..

She felt her heart sinking in fear.. how could she not think about it before.. He was Arnav Singh Raizada.. and if he realizes that something was wrong, it won’t take him long to dig for the truth.. she felt guilty.. Not because she hide a part of her past.. but to have let her feelings.. her past.. her fear overtook her these last few days.. If only she never reacted to Karan... She closed her eyes and thought about Arnav’s anger.. Remembering how he had slapped Malaika few years back..  and that was the reason why she kept silent about her past relationship, her broken heart and how ruthlessly a drunk Karan tried to force himself on her...

ASR: Look at me when I’m talking to you.. Answer me damn it..

When suddenly he yelled shaking her fragile body.. she opened her eyes and bored into him..

ASR: Did he touch you, yes or no?

Khushi gave up.. She had no more courage to stand against Arnav.. and she nodded a yes... Arnav froze on the spot while she lowered her eyes bursting in loud cries.. She broke completely and her body fell against his hard chest. He was angry.. furious like a bull.. On the moment, he lost control of his mind, his sense.. and he pushed Khushi back violently.. She crashed into the door behind her and lifted her eyes in shock. His breath fluttered as he thought of Karan’s glare on Khushi at the swimming pool.. the incident in the market.. in the restaurant.. All started to make sense now.. His face turned red and he clenched his fists.. Khushi stared at him when suddenly he stepped back and lifted his hand to hit violently a table lamp.. breaking it into pieces.

Khushi: Arrnavv!

Khushi yelled as she saw blood oozing from his injured hand.. She immediately rushed to him worriedly.. but for him.. this was too less as a punishment.. He cursed himself.. He was never her friend.. Not now.. not before.. Afterall if he was.. how could he not saw how much she’s been suffering? Why didn’t he ever ask her about her life during her studies? And if she really considered him as a friend, why she never told him about Karan? Why?... His trance broke as a tearful Khushi held his wrists but he immediately pulled back.. from her.. from her concern.. and she looked at him in shock as she said..

Khushi: Arnav you are hurt!

And with a stern face, he replied...

ASR: So?

Khushi: Arnav you are bleeding...

She tried to take back his wrists but he stepped back avoiding her touch.. as he said in a serious tone..

ASR: You were wrong Khushi.. I was never a friend once..

Khushi: Really? That’s what you think?

She glared at him angrily.. her big eyes wide open.. Arnav stared at her idle as she moved forward to him.. and she said furiously..

Khushi: When I first met you.. I was shattered.. I had no friends.. I didn’t want to befriend anyone.. I was scared... do you even know how it feels? I felt used.. I loved a disgusting lustful man who just wanted to bed the virgin girl! I never thought that I would overcome this horrifying night.. I was dead inside.. Dead.. till you came into my life..

He stared at her, his tears threatening to fall any moment.. He so wished to hold her.. to console her.. but he wanted to hear her.. he wanted the truth from her.. He wanted her to take it out one last time.. and after this.. he will take over.. promising himself that never again someone will dare approach, touch or hurt his Khushi.

Khushi: You brought me back.. I smiled again.. I laughed again.. Through your eyes, you made me feel special again.. I was alive.. and that night.. in the bar..

A teary smile curved on her lips as she thought of the evening they spent together...

Khushi: I let all the pain flew away.. Karan was no more for me.. because I was happy.. happy with you.. you made me forget all... even after you left.. I never cried for what he did to me and never wanted to talk about it again... I considered you as a friend then and I still think of you as my best friend now.. though I did everything to forget you.. to hate you... But...

You still my best friend.. the one I can’t live without...

A silence in the room.. Both stared at each other.. His eyes wet.. Her tears non-stop.. The eye lock was beyond all feelings.. Their friendship was still intact.. An unbreakable bond.. his care, her need for him.. his need to have her around him always,.. his fear to lose her.. protectiveness, warmth.. And today she said it.. He was never far from her.. Khushi and Arnav was never far from each other... When she finally broke the eyelock, she turned away and hurried towards the bathroom.. Seconds later, she stepped out with a first aid box.. Arnav was still standing idle when Khushi came nearer and grabbed his arms dragging him to the sofa.. Without a word.. she cleaned his injury while he stared at her without a blink.... She took a bandage from the box and covered his injury with lots of care.. Avoiding his gaze, she tried to remain as much normal as she could.. At last, she stood and walked away to put back the first aid box. When she finally stepped out of the bathroom to go to her room, she found Arnav standing infront of the door staring at her.. She lowered her eyelids and passed by him.. She was opening the door when he laid his bandaged hand on her hand stopping her from going.. She lifted her eyes and they both looked at each other.. Khushi was shaken and restless when Arnav moved closer and cupped her face as he said...

ASR: No Khushi.. You cannot leave me again.. Please..

He leaned closer till his lips touched her forehead.. Khushi’s eyes were full of tears.. Arnav stepped back and in a swift, he swept her off the floor.. He carried her to his bed without breaking the eyelock and placed her on the left side of the bed.. He ignored her deep glare and pulled the quilt on her.. And he tucked her into bed...

Khushi: Arn...

ASR: Shhh... Sleep Khushi.. Close your eyes.. it’s late..

Slowly she closed her tired eyes.. Arnav stayed by her side caressing her head till she finally fell asleep. After some time, he walked to the other side of the bed and sat leaning his head on the headboard.. He took his mobile and typed a message to Aman before placing it back on the bedside table... He pulled the quilt on him and looked towards a sleeping Khushi as he thought...

This is just the beginning Karan Singhania

Your one death is not worth all the pain you gave her.. I promise.. you’ll die everyday..

And you’ll go crazy in trying to find out who is behind your every miseries..