Chapter 11 - Day 1 - Feeling India FF: Fashion Sweetheart & Playboy @ Heart

Chapter 11       Day 1 – Feeling India..

Location: India.. Mumbai Airport!

The next morning, the flight landed at around 11:30. After completing all formalities at the immigration, they were out where two drivers with 2 Mercedez have been waiting for them. It was a long journey and they were exhausted. But still, feels good to be back at their roots.. Anshika who saw India only in Bollywood movies, she was thrilled to be here, finally.

Anshika:  7 Days! Wow.. it’s gonna be fun.. New places, hotels, shopping.. Yay!

Yuvi: And the work we are here for!

Anshu looks at Yuvi and grimaced.

Anshika: Yes Sir!

Smilingly he nodded at Anshu and turned to Karan.

Yuvi: Karan you go with the ladies to the hotel and Arnav and I will come in the other car in a while. I have to go to our Mumbai branch and then we’ll join you in the hotel.

Karan: Ok Sir!

Payal and Anshu got into the back seats while the driver placed the luggage into the car trunk. As Khushi was entering the car after Anshu, she requested her to go to the other door as she wanted to sit near the door to admire the view from the window. Khushi smiled to her..

Khushi: Ok

She walked to the other door and suddenly Karan came next to her and opened the door. She looked at him angrily and on the spot her eyes went searching for Arnav. She saw him getting into the car unaware of the hazel eyes looking for him.

Anshu: Khushi, come, sit!

Ignoring Karan, she got into the car while her heart painfully cried for Arnav not to go away. Karan closed the door and went to the front seat. Seeing the anxiety and fears on Khushi’s face, Payal touched her hands with concern and asked her..

Payal: Miss Gupta?

Khushi, lost, she just managed to reply a..

Khushi: Hmm?

Payal: Are you ok?

As she got back to her senses, she looked at Payal and with a brave face..

Khushi: I’m fine!

Karan opened the front door and got into the front seat. Suddenly while he was closing the door a hand stopped him and he lifted his eyes towards the man stopping him. As Khushi’s eyes fell on Arnav, tears got into her eyes, relieved to see him.

Karan: Any problem Sir?

ASR: Karan, you go with Yuvraj, I’ll accompany the girls!

Fuming in anger, Karan faked a smile and stepped out of the car having no choice other than following the orders of Arnav. Arnav stepped into the front seat and looked towards Khushi. Their eyes met and all went lost.. Raaba Ve.. Raaba Ve..

ASR thinks: Why I came back? I don’t know.. I just felt you needed me Khushi!

Engulfed in his eyes, Khushi unconsciously gave a shy smile to Arnav. Her one smile and his face gleamed with happiness. He turned back while the driver started and they got into the monstrous traffic jam. For Payal and Anshika, the drive was pleasant but Khushi.. she was suffocating. Every corners, lanes, places.. they all reminded her of her childhood.. Closing her eyes, she rested her head to the window, reliving the beautiful memories she had with her uncle.

Anshika: Arnav, why are you so silent? You don’t like India?

Her voice went unheard as in Arnav’s mind, it was only Khushi. He knew this step was huge for her and he could feel what she was feeling at the moment. Getting back to the same country, the same place where she grew up, it was hard! and even if she might deny it, but arnav was sharing her pains. He only wished that he could hold her hands and tell her that they are into this together..

Anshika: Arnav?

Breaking his thoughts, he looked at smiling Anshu.

Anshika: Where are you lost? India is so beautiful!

He smiled back to her.

ASR: Yeah of course, it’s a beautiful country! I’m just tired from the flight.

Anshika: Obviously, it was a long flight! See, even Khushi fell asleep..

Arnav looked towards Khushi’s sleeping face.

ASR thinks: No more nightmares Khushi.. I promise! Give me sometime.. You’ll smile, and you’ll dream again..

As Khushi moved, she leaned back on the seat and in her sleep, a smile appeared on her face. Happy, Arnav nodded turning back to the front.

ASR thinks: Crazy girl!

1 hour later..

They reached the hotel. The Oberoi was one of the best hotels in Mumbai and when they stepped in they were amazed by the interior and the services of the staffs. While Arnav took care of the formalities, the staffs brought the girls to their rooms. During the procedures, Arnav made sure to have the room next to Khushi’s. Tired,.. as they all got into their room, they fell into bed for a long sleep.

7 hours later..

Sleeping almost half of the day, Anshu had no idea at what time Yuvi sneaked into the blanket. He was sleeping like a baby and she pecked his lips. She took her mobile and was shocked when she realized the time.

Anshu: Yuvi wake up.. it’s already 8.

Eyes closed, he pulled her into his arms and murmured.

Yuvi: Everyone is tired and sleeping.. Get back to sleep!

She pulled back annoyingly.

Anshika: No ways, I’m hungry like hell! Come on, wake up.. I’m taking a shower and I’ll go wake everyone.

She jumped off the bed leaving a sleepy Yuvi in bed, grumbling!

Half an hour later, all joined in the restaurant for dinner. Arnav, Yuvi, Anshu, Payal and Karan were at the table waiting for Khushi. As the waiter came to them, they ordered the dinner. Suddenly all eyes turned towards Arnav when they heard him ordering for Khushi as well.

Anshika: Arnav, let her come, she’ll order what she likes.

ASR: I’m ordering pasta for us.. if she don’t like she’ll order something else but she’ll have to wait longer and by then she’ll be dead hungry.

Yuvi thinks: Us?

And he grinned mischievously.

At the same time, Khushi entered the restaurant.

Yuvi: Here she comes!

In a simple top and jeans, face without make up.. her wet hairs let loose, she was ravishing and Arnav kept on staring.

Yuvi: Hey Khushi! Do you like pasta?

Khushi walking to them, smiled and said..

Khushi: I love pasta..

Yuvi: Well I guess you won Arnav!

Confused, Khushi looked at Yuvi and then at Arnav.

Yuvi: Come Khushi, sit!

She looked at the two seats, and finally went sitting next to Arnav. Karan looked at her with an angry look and suddenly enraged, he kicked the seat next to him causing it to go into the way of the waiter. Carrying a tray, the waiter stumbled and all drinks and food from the tray fell on Karan. He stood up furiously, and shouted at the waiter..

Karan: You idiot! Can’t you see where you are stepping.. You low class people…

ASR: Hey!

Suddenly he got interrupted and turned to Arnav.

ASR: Easy Karan. It was just a mistake and it could happen to anyone.. so I think it’s better you go to your room and get change.

Karan: Sorry Sir..

A last glance at Khushi and he went away angrily. Arnav looked towards the waiter and…

ASR: Sorry for his behavior..

Waiter: I’m so sorry sir.. I don’t know how this chair got into my way.

ASR: It’s ok. Just clear the mess!

While the waiter was cleaning up, on her side Khushi was going crazy.

Khushi thinks: What was that? Was it Arnav? The ASR.. I mean.. how?

And she looked at him talking and laughing with Yuvi and Anshu..

Fashion Sweetheart & Playboy@Heart Thread 2

Recap:

Khushi Gupta, famous fashion designer, cold business woman with a haunting past. But behind that strict face lies a soft hearted and very fragile girl. She takes up a new project for Anshika Khurana’s wedding dresses where destiny brought her face to face to ASR, her once upon a time friend. She now has to work in collaboration with him and they set off to India accompanied by Anshika, her fiancé Yuvraj, Khushi’s assistant Payal, and Karan the ex employee of AR Designs and coincidently the ex boyfriend of Khushi. As Arnav is confident on clearing all misunderstandings and getting back his old friend Khushi at any cost, Karan is bent on revenging his humiliation on both Khushi and Arnav while his fiancé, Lavanya takes up a temporary post as a model in AR Designs.. 

Coming Soon.. 

Chapter 11: Day 1 - Feeling India

Chapter 10 - Way To India.. FF: Fashion Sweetheart & Playboy At Heart

Location: VIP Lounge – Airport

Wearing casual clothes, holding his suitcase, Arnav walked through the automatic sliding door and entered the VIP Lounge. Guided by the voices and laughs, from far away he spotted Anshika in her usual self. He smiled and walked to her. Suddenly his phone rang and his steps stopped. As he pushed the button and lifted his mobile to his ears, he went speechless.

Aman: Hello… Sir.. can you hear me?

Arnav was lost the minute Anshika moved revealing the laughing girl standing by her side.  Laughing like a child, Khushi looked no less than an angel. She was wearing a beautiful knee length dress and simple sandals. She was ravishing.

ASR: Perfect!

Aman: Perfect? Sir…

Aman interrupted his thoughts and unwillingly he got back to the call. In an angry tone..

ASR: What do you want Aman? I’m already at the airport!

Aman got worried as he realized that he surely had disturbed his boss.

Aman: Sorry Sir..  It was very important else I wouldn’t disturb you.

ASR: Tell me..

Aman: Sir! There’s some important papers on which I need your signatures urgently.

ASR: Fine! I still got some 30 minutes before the flight. So just rush to the airport! I’m in the VIP lounge.

Aman: Ok Sir! Thank you! I’m on my way.

Arnav hang up the call and walked to Anshu and Khushi with a dangerous smirk.

ASR: Hello Ladies!

Anshu happily gave a side hug to Arnav while Khushi’s smile disappeared on seeing ASR. ASR stared into her eyes.

ASR: Hi Khushi!

Khushi: Hello Mr Raizada!

ASR: Beautiful!

Startled by his words, Khushi’s eyes got wide opened.

Khushi thinks: Unbelievable! Look at his guts.. he’s flirting with me so openly.

ASR: Truly! You look really stunning in this outfit.. Anshu!

Observing the shocked Khushi from the corner of his eyes, ASR turned to Anshika and smiled to her.

Anshika: Thanks Arnav, you are too sweet.

Khushi thinks: Ha! Sweet.. my foot! A bloody Casanova!

ASR: You said something Miss Gupta?

Khushi looked at him hesitantly, worried if she might have been thinking loudly. Confusingly she nodded in denial.

Khushi: Nothing!

ASR: I’m glad you decided to come with us.

Arrogantly she smirked.

Khushi: Wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world! It’s part of my job!

ASR: Yeah I guess so!

Khushi thinks: Now what he’s up to? Why is he talking so nicely with me?

Yuvi: Hey guys, what’s up?

The sudden voice broke her thoughts and Arnav rushed to Yuvi helping him with the almost falling coffee tray.

Arnav: Careful!

Yuvi: Gosh! Where’s that stupid manager Dad sent for us. He is the one supposed to do these stuffs.

Anshu: Relax Yuvi, he must be on his way..

Location: In front of Airport Entrance

Aman checked into his watch and got out of the car hurriedly.

Aman thinks: You are an idiot Aman, how could I forget these signatures. Now I’m surely getting killed in the hands of ASR!

Praying to god for the good mood of ASR, Aman was running to the entrance door when suddenly he crashed violently into someone. That someone was none other than Payal. Fortunately he held her in time causing her to fall into his arms. Frozen on the spot, Aman went lost to a romantic world.

gup-chup gup-chup chup chup... 

Secretly, silently...

do dil mil rahe hain magar chupke chupke... 

Two hearts are meeting, but quietly.

sabko ho rahi hai haan sabko ho rahi hai khabar chupke chupke 

Everyone is noticing; yes, everyone is quietly noticing.

do dil mil rahe hain magar chupke chupke 

Two hearts are meeting, but quietly and secretly.

saanson mein bari bekaraari 

Their breaths are unsteady;

aankhon mein kayi raat jage 

they've stayed away nights on end.

kabhi kahin lag jaaye dil to 

Sometimes when you fall in love,

kahin phir dil na lage 

you aren't pleased by anything.

apne dil mein zaraa thaam luun 

I'll just keep hold of my heart,

jaadu ka main ise naam duun 

since I recognize that this is magic.

jaadu kar rahaa hai asar chupke chupke 

Quietly the magic is taking effect.

do dil mil rahe hain magar chupke chupke 

Two hearts are meeting, but quietly and secretly.

aise bhole bankar hai baithe 

They sit so innocently,

jaise koi baat nahin 

as if there's nothing at all going on.

sab kuchh nazar aa rahaa hai 

But everything is apparent (to those around them).

din hai yeh raat nahin 

This is broad daylight, not the dark of night.

kya hai kuchh bhi nahin hai agar 

What is it, if it's nothing at all?

honthon pe hai khaamoshi magar 

Their lips are silent, but...

baatein kar rahi hain nazar chupke chupke 

silently their glances speak to each other.

do dil mil rahe hain magar chupke chupke 

Two hearts are meeting, but quietly and secretly.

kahin aag lagne se pahale 

Before flames burst into life,

uthta hai aisa dhuwan 

smoke like this arises.

jaisa hai idhar ka nazaara vaisa hi udhar ka samaa 

And it looks just like it does right here.

dil mein kaisi kasak si jagi 

What an ache awakes in the heart!

donon jaanib baraabar lagi 

Both sides seem (to feel it) equally.

dekho to idhar se udhar chupke chupke 

Look from one to the other, silently.

do dil mil rahe hain magar chupke chupke 

Two hearts are meeting, but quietly.

sabko ho rahi hai khabar chupke chupke 

Quietly, everyone is noticing.

do dil mil rahe hain magar chupke chupke 

Two hearts are meeting, but quietly.

gup-chup gup-chup chup chup... 

Secretly, silently...

magar chupke chupke... 

But quietly...

Payal was confused. She looked around her and saw so many people staring at them shockingly and some making fun of them. While she felt awkward with their position, Aman had no idea of his state. Angry, Payal suddenly pushed him violently. Aman stood aghast to the outburst of Payal. When he finally realized what he’s been up to, panic struck him. Looking around him towards the several eyes enjoying the scene, he was horrified.

Aman thinks: Breath in breath out… mistake is human! Nothing happened..

As he grabbed some courage to speak, Payal furiously interrupt him.

Payal: What is wrong with you Mr Aman? Can’t you see while walking?

Terrified, Aman stammered.

Aman: I’m so.. sorry Miss Payal!

Payal: Sorry? This is so embarrassing.

Aman: I’m really very sorry, actually I was so anxious that I might miss Boss’ flight. I really need his signatures on some papers.

Payal was very irritated and she looked the other side.

Aman: Please Miss Payal. It was just a mistake.

Payal calmed down and felt bad at being so rude to him.

Payal: It’s ok. Actually it’s also my fault, I should have been more careful. I was stuck with my luggage and I didn’t realize when I crashed into you. I’m sorry.

Aman: Oh no, please don’t be! It’s my fault.. Anyways please let me help you with the luggage.

Payal: It’s ok Mr Aman, I’ll manage!

Aman: I insist!

A smile curved on her lips and she nodded.

Payal: Thanks. I’ll take the hand bag.

Aman: Ok! After you..

As Payal walked through the entrance, Aman picked her other luggage and followed her to the VIP Lounge. They entered the lounge and Yuvi, Anshu, Arnav, Khushi, they all turned to them. She was walking to Khushi while the four kept on glaring at the poor Aman struggling with the heavy luggage, following the steps of Payal behind her. Yuvi grinned at the scene and muttered to himself.

Yuvi: Seems like love is in the air!

Anshu who was standing next to him went confused on his half heard words.

Anshika: What?

Yuvi looked at her and smiled to his innocent fiancée. He put one hand on her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

Yuvi: I was just saying that I love you so much.

Anshika: Oh I love you too my yuvi baby.

Anshu hugged him while Yuvi shifted his eyes from Payal–Aman  to Arnav-Khushi.

Yuvi thinks: This is definitely going to be the most memorable journey ever.

Payal: Hello Everyone.

Khushi went back to her strict business woman mode and looked at Payal.

Khushi: You are late. We are boarding the flight in few minutes!

Payal: Sorry Miss Gupta. The traffic was horrible.

As Payal forgot about Aman, Yuvi intervened.

Yuvi: Miss Payal..

She looked towards Yuvi who silently signed her towards Aman. Confused, she turned and got shocked as she remembered Aman. She rushed to Aman who was out of breath.

Payal: Oh god, I’m so sorry Mr Aman.. Please put it down here!

He put the luggage on the floor and smiled to Payal.

Payal: Thank you!

As Payal smiled back, Aman blushed which didn’t go unnoticed by Arnav. He went to him.

ASR: Aman!

Aman turned..

Aman: Yes Sir.

Aman smiled at him in confusion while Arnav looked at him in disbelief. In an angry tone..

ASR: Unbelievable! Papers Aman?

As he realized, he panicked and nervously searched for the papers in his file. Finally he got them and handed it to Arnav. He signed the papers and gave them back to him.

Aman: I’m sorry sir, I was just…

Unable to get the word, while ogling at Khushi, Arnav continued..

ASR: Lost!

Yuvi: Come on guys, it’s time! Let’s go.. Arnav, Khushi.. let’s go!

ASR: Yeah I’m coming.

Aman: Ok Sir, Have a nice trip!

ASR: Thanks.

Aman looked at Payal walking away with the hope that she might turn back once but in vain. He stepped back and went through the door unaware of the man hiding in the corner. As he was out of sight, Karan got out of his hide-out.

Karan: That was close.

While Arnav and Yuvi walked down the corridors, the girls were following them. They finally reached the entry and entered the aircraft. The interior was amazing.

Anshu dragged Khushi and Payal with her to show them the complete aircraft. Meanwhile Arnav and Yuvi settled themselves in the comfortable seats. Yuvi looked towards the entry and…

Yuvi: Finally! Karan you almost missed the flight.

Arnav lifted his eyes towards the not so unfamiliar face while Karan confidently walked into the aircraft.

Karan: Sorry Yuvraj Sir!

He looked at Arnav and handed out his hands to him.

Karan: Hello Mr Raizada! Karan..  Nice meeting you!

He took his hands but still confused where he might have seen him.

ASR: Same here.

Yuvi: Arnav, Karan is known as the right hand of Jai Dad… Please sit Karan, the girls are exploring the aircraft.

Suddenly they heard the voices coming and an evil smile gleamed on Karan’s face. Anshu walked in followed by Payal and then Khushi. As Anshu saw Karan, she smiled.

Anshika: Oh Hi Karoo Boy.. finally you are here!

Karan paid no attention to Anshu as he’s been eagerly waiting to see Khushi. Payal moved forward and from behind came Khushi. Khushi was checking her mobile and didn’t notice the pair eyes devouring her figure.

Yuvi: Hey Khushi, Payal.. Meet Karan!

On hearing Karan’s name, she was shocked. Hesitantly she looked up to them. As soon as her eyes fell on Karan, she stayed rooted to the spot. She was angry and disgusted. Fists clenched, eyes full of anger, she wished she never got into this trip. The voice of Arnav went unheard as her fuming gaze stayed on Karan. Arnav didn’t take long to notice Khushi’s uneasiness. He walked to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

ASR: Khushi!

Startled, she got back to herself and looked into his concern eyes.

ASR: Any problem?

At the moment, Khushi was puzzled. Her mind had been running from here and there since the last few days. For the first time since long, she felt weak and scared. As she looked at Karan, she could read his intentions. She knew him. And him being here is definitely not with good intentions. Suddenly Arnav came closer to her, and she turned to him. She could see through his eyes. He is worried, and his protectiveness was always difficult to hide. When reality struck, Khushi faked her anger towards his care.

ASR: Please Mr. Raizada! I’m fine. You don’t need to protect me everywhere!

And she stepped away.

ASR thinks: Unbelievable! She always has to find something to fight about.

He nodded and turned when his eyes fell on Karan who’s been staring at Khushi walking away. Irritated, he came to Karan who’s been unaware of Arnav standing next to his seat.

ASR: You need something Mr Karan?

Suddenly, Karan jumped from his seat at the voice of Arnav.

Karan: No Mr Raizada.. Nothing! I’m fine!

ASR: Great!

As the speaker announced to fasten their seat belts for the take-off, they all got to their seat. The take-off was quite agitated and Arnav sat opposite to Khushi. Avoiding any eye contact, she leaned her head back on the seat and closed her eyes.

Khushi thinks: Whatever happen, I can’t let anyone find out about Karan.. I have to keep him as far as I can from ASR. I have to pretend all is ok else if ASR find out about Karan, he won’t leave him.

Few Hours Later

They’ve been flying since 3 hours and Khushi ignored both Arnav and Karan. She stayed quiet, lost into her novel. They’d been served dinner by the hostesses and as everyone were eating and chatting, Khushi kept away from the group. Arnav was distraught by her behavior. He knew Khushi might be rude and carried her anger package with her but she bonded well with Anshika. He noticed it since he saw her talking and laughing with Anshu. Suddenly he thought of something and got up of his seat. He walked to the hostess compartment and as much as Khushi tried, she could not ignore Arnav talking to the hostess. She felt disgusted on seeing them flirting and she got back to her novel. Arnav got back to her seat, and few minutes later he called the hostess.

Hostess: Yes Sir!

ASR: Can we get some music? It’s getting boring here..

Hostess: Sure Sir!

Yuvi: Great idea man!

As the music started, Khushi looked up surprised.  She could recognize the song anywhere. After all, it was engraved in her most beautiful memories.  

Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shinin'
Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her tryin'
She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

Yeah, I know, I know when I compliment her, she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look okay?
I say

She lifted her eyes, and looked at Arnav.

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

A tear fell down her cheeks as they stared into each other

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

The lights got dimmed and Khushi leaned back on the seat.

Oh, you know, you know, you know I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for, then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking if you look okay
You know I'll say

Unaware of the rest of the world, they kept on looking into each other’s eyes.

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

Khushi finally closed her eyes, and lost into her memories, she fell into a peaceful sleep.

The way you are
The way you are
Girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

Arnav got up from his seat and walked to sleeping beauty.

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

He bent on his knees, admiring her sleeping.

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
Cause girl, you're amazing

He covered her with the blanket

Just the way you are, yeah

And kissed her forehead before stepping back...

Chapter 9 – The First Step to Life - FF: Fashion Sweetheart & Playboy At Heart

Chapter 9 – The First Step to Life

J K: Be ready, I want you to go with my son in law and anshika to India, in case they might need any help. Am I clear Mr Singhania?

Karan Singhania with his wicked smile: Yes Sir!

Karan disconnected the call and he smirked.

Karan: Finally! I’ve been waiting for so long.

His thoughts broke when his mobile rang again. He looked at the caller ID and took the call.

Karan: Hey babe, how are you? Missing me?

Voice: What do you think? How I should be? My fiancé is working in the same office of his ex girlfriend!

Karan: Relax Lavanya! It’s nothing..

Lavanya: It’s nothing? What I should learn from you, I got to know it from the gossip columns!

Karan: I was actually about to call you.

Lavanya: Yeah Right!

Karan: Seriously Babe! In fact I had to inform you that I’m going to India for some days!

Lavanya: What? How.. I mean when? With whom?

Karan: With the son in law and daughter of Mr Khurana.

Lavanya: And Khushi?

Karan: Well she’s also coming, but you don’t have to worry Lavanya, you know I never loved her!

Lavanya was fuming in anger while Karan tried to change the conversation.

Karan: cool it babe..  I love you so much my darling! So tell me, you were supposed to go for some interviews, what happened? 

The sweet words of Karan melt her in no time and she forgot her anger. After all, Karan was such an expert at playing with words.

Lavanya: I love you too baby and that’s why I feel so possessive.. I’m scared that bitch tries to come in between us again. Anyways forget about her! Guess what, I’ve been appointed as a part time model in one of the best fashion house.

Karan: Hey that’s great babe, I’m happy for you.

Lavanya: But.. I have a confession! But promise you won’t be mad!

Karan: I won’t be, tell me what happened lavanya!

Lavanya: I’ve been appointed as a temporary model at AR Designs.

As he heard AR Designs, his expressions changed and he felt enraged.

Karan: What?

Lavanya: Look Karan, take it that way, it’s just temporary, and you also working with Khushi and ASR, please try and understand! It’s important for my career.

Karan tried hard to control his anger.

Karan: Fine, do what you want, I don’t mind.

Lavanya was confused with Karan’s reaction. She knew how Karan hated ASR.

Lavanya: Really! You ok with it?

Karan: Yes I am but on one condition!

Lavanya: Condition?

Karan: Yes, condition! Don’t let anyone know that you are my fiancée or you know me.

Lavanya: But why?

Karan: It might help in the future.

Lavanya: What? I don’t get you?

He laughed sarcastically.

Karan: Oh my innocent sweetheart! You’ll understand at the right time. Anyways I got to go now, I got some packing to do, I’ll call you later! Bye..

..and he disconnected the call still with that evilness glowing on his face.

Karan: Well, well! Seems it’s my lucky time! 

The Next Day..

Waking up at 5 in the morning, ASR decided to go for a jogging. He had to be fit after the sleepless night thinking about Khushi. He got into his car and drove to his favorite park.

As he reached the park, he locked the car and ran some time. He just loved this place. The green nature, the river, the waterfall.. It was calm and deserted in the early morning. He ran further getting more into the forest. As he reached near the waterfall, he felt a presence.

He looked far away and noticed someone swimming in the lake. Immediately, he turned away, not wanting to disturb or making the person feel embarrassed. He was walking away when suddenly he felt something stuck to his jacket. As he turned and tried to free himself, his eyes finally caught up the beauty in a black one piece getting out of the water.  When he realized that the beauty is none other than his Khushi, he couldn’t take off his eyes from her. She was so beautiful. Her skin was glowing with the rays of the sun rise. Khushi walked to the shore. ASR kept on admiring her while she dried her off with the towel and whipped on her cute shortie and a pink tank top. Unaware of his presence, Khushi picked her stuffs and started walking towards the parking. As she went away, his reverie broke off and he realized that he’s been checking her out.

ASR thinks: What’s wrong with you Arnav? That was Khushi! Your best friend!

Shocked, surprised or confused.. At the moment it was difficult to define. But as realization struck,…

ASR thinks: But how come she’s here? I never saw her here before.  But she’s definitely crazy.. Such a deserted place and she came alone, what’s wrong with her?

He also walked back to the parking. When he reached he found a tensed Khushi looking at her mobile. Worried, he approached her and laid a hand on her shoulder. As he touched her, turning back, Khushi lifted her long legs when at the right time ASR held her ankle few inches from his face.

ASR: Wow.. that was close!

Khushi felt someone was following her but she never thought that someone would turn out to be ASR.  Shocked, she stared at ASR not realizing her position till his teasing smirk appeared on his face.

ASR: Oh by the way, nice legs! I don’t mind holding such sexy legs all day!

Embarrassed, she immediately took back her legs. She looked everywhere except at him when suddenly she realized..

Khushi thinks: What the heck! Why I’m I so embarrassed? He’s the one who’s been following me.

Furiously she looked at him.

Khushi: What’s wrong with you Mr Raizada? You’ve been following me? 

She continued with her furious outburst when suddenly ASR gripped her wrist, twirling her as she crashed into his chest. Her back facing him,.. Khushi struggled to get off his grip but his strong arms were not ready to leave her. His hands on her waists, his lips touching her ears while he muttered to her..

ASR: Shhshhhhhsh… calm down Khushi, Just calm down!

She felt his breath on her neck and she shivered when his right hand wandered off her skin. For a few seconds.. she felt breathless.. unconscious of reality! Delicately, he touched her, moving his right hand from her neck.. to her shoulders.. to her arms to her right wrist. He finally lifted her hand pointing to some direction. Confused, she moved her eyes to the way he’s pointing out when she noticed the sign board far away. It stated ‘’Public Property’’. Shocked, she finally saw through his games. As her mouth formed an o-shaped, ASR released her waist slowly. She turned to him angrily and looked into his teasing eyes.  ASR read her face and he was having a hard time to control his laughter at her expression. Angry, irritated, confused, embarrassed.. Khushi was all messed up in between these feelings.  ASR sensed it and he interfered not letting her situation worsened.

ASR: Should I read it for you?..It’s written public property.. Meaning, it’s a place that anybody can come.. I can, you can.. the whole America can!

He thought a few seconds and in a sarcastic tone..

ASR: Actually the whole world can.. but with a visa permit. So I don’t think you should have a problem with me coming here. And seriously Khush, do you think I don’t have more interesting work other than following you at such hour. 

Khushi was a bit calmer than before. Ignoring him, she turned back and stepped a few meters away from him. Holding her mobile, she was moving her hands and trying to get some network on her mobile. Firstly he was confused at her behavior, but then he understood when his eyes fell on the punctured tyres of her car. He smiled and..

ASR thinks: Well, looks like destiny also wants us to spend time together.

He moved closer to her. Khushi’s back was facing him but she knew his proximity to her. 

ASR: Khushi! Come I’ll drop you.  You can send someone later to get the car.

Khushi turned to him.

Khushi: No thanks Mr Raizada, I’ll manage!

ASR: Khushi please, I’m certainly not leaving you alone, so you better get into my car.

Khushi: I said it Mr Raizada! I’ll manage! I can take care of myself!

Khushi could see worry on his face.

Khushi: Don’t worry about me Mr Raizada, I’ll be safe!

ASR: Oh I’m sure you can, but I’m much worried about the people who might bump into you by mistake.. You almost knock me out!

Khushi looked at him in disbelief. She actually felt bad being rude to him while he was joking around making fun of her.

ASR: OK Ok.. I’m sorry I was just kidding! Please get into the car, I’m not leaving without you.

Khushi hesitated but she knew ASR will certainly not let her alone and she also knew that going with him was the right decision else going back home would be impossible.  Without a word, she moved away from ASR, got her belongings from her car and walked to his car. ASR was smiling but his happiness disappeared when Khushi opened the door and sat at the back.

ASR thinks: Good Going ASR! Today you become the driver of Madame,  god knows tomorrow what she’ll turn you into.

Irritated, he got into the driver’s seat and took his way to Khushi’s house. On the way, ASR was constantly looking at her through the mirror. As she sensed his gaze on her, she lifted her eyes and..

Khushi: Any problem, Mr Raizada?

ASR: No Madame, no problem!

Khushi lowered the side window. She forgot about ASR and she felt relaxed with the cool breeze.  As the wind embraced her skin with her open hairs flying in the air, a smile flickered on her face. ASR was totally mesmerized by her smile. After a long time, he saw her smiling so peacefully. She looked so serene.  ASR wanted to ask her about the trip but he knew she would avoid it and he didn’t want to spoil the moment. Certainly he was tensed about her decision but somewhere he felt that she would be coming with him. Unfortunately after a while, ASR reached her house and he so wished that he never reached her place. As he halted in the parking, Khushi got out and she looked at him.

Khushi: thanks for the drive!

ASR smiled at her.

ASR: At your service Madame.

Khushi suppressed her smile, but she couldn’t deny to herself that she was quite amused with him. She turned away but her steps stopped. She looked back at him and..

Khushi: Wait a sec, how do you know where I live?

ASR smirked.

ASR: Well, my name is Arnav Singh Raizada!

..and he winked at her before reversing the car and taking the way to his mansion. Khushi looked at him going away, shocked till an hesitant smile took over.

Few hours later…

ASR was working on his laptop when he received a text message from Aman. Therefore he called Yuvi to inform him that his manager, Aman, will come in another flight as he is getting held up in some work. During the conversation, Yuvi told him that Khushi is coming and his happiness was not unnoticed by Yuvi. Since the happy news, the time flied slower than usual and the wait till afternoon was a torture for him. But no less than Khushi’s state.. Khushi was also restless. She was still unsure about her decision. In fact she’s been tempted to call Anshu several times to change her decision. As the time of the flight was approaching, Khushi and Arnav both left their house, one with the hope that nothing will change and the other with the confidence that he’ll change everything.