Chapter 14 Day 3 - A Piece of Truth

Chapter 14  Day 3 - A Piece of Truth

After the morning incident, Khushi didn't see Arnav again. The group decided to have an easy day and to chill out. Payal and Anshu went to the hotel spa while Yuvi slept till late. On the other hand, both Khushi and Arnav have been working on their designs. Arnav was worried about the sudden reaction of Khushi but he thought of giving her some time alone. The girls came to Khushi at lunch time and she told them to go ahead as she had some more work. Time passed by and she didn't realize when it was already 3 in the afternoon. She closed her laptop and put aside her sketch book. She went to the bathroom and after a quick shower she stepped out of her room. Tapping her foot to the floor impatiently, she was waiting for the lift when suddenly she turned to the familiar voice.

Karan: Hey beautiful! Need any company..

Khushi looked at him angrily while he smirked.

Karan: You know what.. when you fumes like that, I just feel like...

Fortunately, he stopped his disgusting words as the lift reached their floor and the sliding door got open. Karan's face changed into terror when he spotted a smiling Aman getting out.

Aman: Oh hi Miss Gupta!

Khushi noticed a sudden fear in Karan but she brushed off her thoughts and smiled at Aman.

Khushi: Hello Aman, how are you? Finally you are here..

Aman: I'm fine Miss Gupta!

Karan realized that Aman has not notice him yet and he tried to move away. But his bad luck, while talking to Khushi Aman's eyes suddenly fell on him. Karan panicked while Aman was shocked. On the spot he recognized Karan and at the same moment, Anshu coming from the swimming pool also joined them.

Anshu: hello Aman.. when did you reach?

Aman: just now miss anshika, i was on my way to meet ASR.

Anshu noticed Aman gazing at Karan and in her happy self she called out Karan.

Anshu: karan, come here.. why are you so far, come meet Aman, he is the manager at AR designs!

Having no choice, Karan approached them.

Anshu: aman, this is karan, he works in our office.

Tensed, Karan looked everywhere except at him. At first Aman was surprised to see Karan and thought it might be a coincident but when Anshu introduced Karan, Aman was shocked to find out that he's been staying with them since the last few days. He excused himself to the girls and rushed to the room of ASR leaving a terrified Karan. Khushi got into the lift while Anshu and a panicked Karan got back to their rooms. Aman knocked at the door and few seconds later, Arnav opened the door. He looked at Aman in his ASR mode while Aman was confused how to ask him about Karan.

ASR: You are late!

Aman: Sorry Sir.. the flight was delayed.

Arnav turned away and sat on the sofa working on his laptop. Aman has been talking continuously about the different meetings he attended in Arnav's absence and he handed out some papers for signatures. After all the important discussions were over, Aman finally decided to bring in the Karan topic.

ASR: You may leave now! just check at the reception for your room.

Aman: ASR..

Arnav turned and looked at Aman questioningly.

ASR: what?

Aman: Actually I was just thinking.. How.. how..?

ASR: Aman I don't have the whole day. Talk!

Aman: I was just.. I mean you don't have any problem with the employee of Mr Khurana?

Arnav was confused.

Arnav: Who employee?

Aman: Karan Singhania!

Arnav: And why should I have any problem?

Aman was bewildered at the response of Arnav. He remembered the anger of Arnav when he found out about the fraud and now he just seemed to be cool about it.

Aman: Because ASR you were the one who sacked him.. Remember,... the fraud in AR designs..

Arnav was shell-shocked as Aman reminded him of Karan. He stood up as anger takes over. He turned away from Aman and went to the window. At the moment, he was not concerned about Karan being the ex employee of AR Designs. As he looked through the window, flashes of Khushi appeared in front of his eyes. He remembered each time when Karan came forward, Khushi changes completely. The incident in the market place.. in the morning at the pool.. and even in the flight,.. the way Karan looks at Khushi.. he knew something was wrong and now he's sure about it. Fists clenched, his jaw tightened, he was angry at himself. Angry that he didn't recognized Karan. He was in front of his eyes all this time and he was unaware of it. He got back from his thoughts when he heard Aman.

Aman: ASR that means you didn't know that it was the same Karan Singhania.

In his angry voice..

Arnav: No.. I saw his photo in the news, and when we sacked him, he was already gone before I met him personally. Damn, I knew I saw him somewhere!

Aman: ASR, I think you should inform Mr Yuvraj and the Khuranas as soon as possible.

ASR: No!

Aman: But ASR...

Furiously, Arnav cut his words.

ASR: Find out about him.. I want all information.

Aman: But we already had, and that's how we found out about the fraud he's been up to in our company.

ASR: That's not enough.. I want to know what's going on between Khushi and Karan. He won't escape this time. I've took this too lightly, it's my fault..I should have been more careful.

He lifted his fuming eyes towards Aman.

ASR: Get your detectives into this case rightnow.. I want an answer by tomorrow. This was not a rumor.. there's surely something in between Khushi and Karan that we missed out..

Aman: But ASR we worked into this.. we never found something which relates Miss Gupta with Karan.

ASR: Then find out again.. Search beyond her career, her life before becoming successful, her university days... Find it all, Now leave..

Aman nodded and walked to the door.

ASR: Aman!

As Arnav called him out, he turned towards ASR.

ASR: Come back with answers!

Aman: Don't worry ASR.

And he stepped out of the room. Arnav was worried and this didn't go unnoticed by Aman. When it is related to Khushi, Aman was always confused at the behavior of Arnav. After all when they meet they fight like mad people but still Arnav always make sure of her safety. Aman never dared to ask Arnav about it even when he handed him the security services bills for signatures. After getting the keys from the reception, he headed to the room. On his way, he dialed the detective agency number and informed them about Karan. On the other side, eyes closed, Arnav leaned back his head on the sofa. He just couldn't get over it. He needed some answers and after this he'll deal with it on his own. Opening his eyes, he got off the sofa and walked to the terrace. He was restless, eager to get answers and worried to find the worst of it.

ASR thinks: I hope Khushi is alright! I swear I'm not going to leave that bas***d if I find out anything.. and I'm sure there is something.. I can feel it when my Khushi is terrified.

ASR: I've been a fool.. I saw it, how uncomfortable she is... I'm sorry Khushi! The first day itself, I should have remembered him when yuvi introduced him. How could I not recognize him?

Flashback

Gossip Column – Page 3

''KHUSHI GUPTA, A HEART BROKEN DIVA''

-According to our sources, Khushi Gupta, famous fashion designer, and owner of Gupta InDesigns, is heartbroken. And the guilty is named Karan Singhania.. Who is he? Where he comes from? This answer can only be given by our Diva herself. We tried to contact Miss Gupta but she remains unavailable for the moment. For more updates, stay tune to our spicy column.-

The sudden news came as a blow to Arnav. He knew almost every details about Khushi and this piece of news was unexpected. As he yelled for Aman from his cabin, Aman ran to him on the spot.

Aman: Yes ASR!

ASR looked at him with angry glares and ordered him to find out about this news.

ASR: I want to know everything about this Karan Singhania.

And he threw the newspapers under the eyes of Aman.

ASR: Who is he? What he does? Where he comes from? And most importantly why the press are talking about him and Khushi Gupta..

Aman rushed out of the cabin and it didn't take him longer than few days to find out about Karan. He was surprised when he was told that Karan worked in the accounts department of AR Designs. After further research, this simple case led them to the several frauds happening in the department. He tried his best to get more information concerning Khushi and Karan but he couldn't get any clues that involved Khushi with Karan in any way. He concluded that this news might have been some usual rumors and he informed Arnav who was relieved after this. Consequently, Karan was sacked from AR Designs and Arnav was too busy to have a chance to meet him.

Flashback Ends

His mobile rang and Arnav's got back to present. He saw the caller id and got his bluetooth to his ears.

ASR: Yes panditji... I'll be here with Khushi tomorrow, you go on with the arrangements...Ok, thanks.

Chapter 13 - Ignited Fire

Chapter 13   Day 3- Ignited Fire

Yuvi: So I was saying.. Great News! I finally got us a meeting with a famous designer in India. The great Manav Kapoor!

ASR: Hey that’s great news, I’ve seen his work.

Khushi: Yeah he’s the no.1 in India.. when is the meeting?

Yuvraj: In 2 days!

Anshu: Ok guys enough.. we’ve work too much for 1 day.. let’s get back to the room..

As everyone obeyed to Angry Anshu, they headed towards their room. It had been a hectic day and all needed a good night of sleep. They fell into bed as they reached room except two lost souls, Arnav and Khushi. Moving into bed for half of the night, sleep couldn’t get to them. Laid into bed Khushi has been thinking about the events of the last few days, about the incident with Arnav in the lift, Karan, the words of Anshu,.. the memories in India, the face of some vendors which she remembered from her childhood and who are still working at the same place. Luckily they didn’t recognize her. After all she was no more the happy kid, she’s a lady now, the diva of her own society in New York. She will never compromise her life to these old memories, the worst part of her life, never! She’ll fight till the end but never shows her face to the people who once was called her family. In the room next door, at the middle of the night, Arnav got off bed and went to the terrace. After seeing Khushi’s face in the market place, his mind lost his peace. He was restless and he has been trying to join the puzzles but in vain. The whole night passed and he was still in his thoughts. Time flew by and at 6 in the morning, he got into his tracksuits and walked to the gym. He pushed open the door of the gym and to his surprise, a sexy figure was running on the treadmill. He smirked..

ASR thinks: Hot! Seems it’s my lucky day!

He walked to the treadmill next to the girl and as she turned towards him, he was startled to find Khushi. Immediately he recovered from his shock state and smiled to Khushi mischievously.

ASR: Hi Khush? What’s up? You should have knock at my door I would have come early to keep you company.

Khushi was more irritated than shock. Purposely Arnav kept on irritating her while Khushi stayed silent behaving uninterested.

ASR: Poor girl! Getting bored alone..

Khushi thinks: God.. for once I was at peace!

She got down of the treadmill and went to the exercise bike. Her eyes went wide open as few seconds later, Arnav left his treadmill and got started on the exercise bike next to her. Her expressions didn’t go unnoticed from Arnav and he held his laugh. Irritated, she finally got off the bike and looked at Arnav angrily.

Khushi: Fine, you win!

He stayed idle, blank of any emotions and as she made her way out of the gym, he finally broke and laughed out loud.

ASR: Seriously, this girl is something, if she was not my best friend, I bet I would have fallen in love! Thank you god that she’s just my best friend.

And he continued laughing like crazy. But the naughty Arnav had not enough, he also got off the bike and followed Khushi who was unaware of his presence. She passed through the pool entrance and Arnav stopped on the spot. He thought about it but then..

ASR thinks: Hell yaa! The swimming pool is not reserved, I’m also staying here.

He finally stepped forward and reached the door. He stood by the door and saw her taking off her clothes. He closed his eyes and nodded..

ASR thinks: I can’t do this!

He stepped back and opened his eyes. As he was about to turn away his eyes fell on her in a red bikini. Unconsciously he moved forward and he couldn’t stop himself as he approached the door and entered the swimming pool area. Khushi was swimming and didn’t notice the pair of eyes admiring her.

ASR thinks: I guess there’s nothing wrong.. In fact she always laughed when I used to flirt with her. Why not today?

He took off his clothes and Khushi got startled when she heard someone dived into the water. Looking around her, she couldn’t find anyone. She got over her fear as she thought she misheard. Suddenly a pair of arms embraced her from the back and she got panicked. For a second, she thought it was Karan and she struggled into his grip.

ASR: Sssshhhh... It’s me Khush!

His voice calmed her and she closed her eyes, breathing heavily. Suddenly her eyes went wide open and she realized where she was. Arnav’s hands holding her, his touch on her belly, they both were wet and their body stuck to each other. But shockingly she found it hard to repulse him. She felt better in his arms. Her life was going upside down, but here, at the moment, she was breathing safely. The voice of Arnav brought her to his attention.

ASR: Khushi, are you tired?

Khushi: Hmm..

ASR: Just relax, You are safe, I promise!

Breathing heavily, confused, not knowing what to do, she finally closed her eyes and leaned her head back on his chest. For minutes they didn’t move. After some time, this was getting tough, she might be his best friend but he was still a guy. To get over this torturous feeling, as his playful evilness came back, he decided to have some fun, and hopefully Khushi might also laugh with him.

ASR: Khushi!

Khushi: What?

ASR: I’m scared..

She opened her eyes and turned as he loosened his grip. Khushi looked at him questioningly with concern.

Khushi: Scared? Is there any problem?

ASR: I’m just.. I’m.. it’s terrifying.. when.. when I think that if by any chance we fall for each other!

Rooted on the spot, Khushi stared into his eyes. His words stuck into her mind, she went lost into these intense eyes. As they look at each other, the sudden burst out of Arnav shocked her when he laughed loudly.

ASR(laughing loudly): look at your face, you are so funny Khush! I was just kidding.

And he kept on laughing at her face, while she looked the other way, very irritated. She closed her eyes trying to get back her calm and then she turned to him with uninterested look but her eyes fell on the standing figure next to the entrance door. Fear captivated her, and her body got frozen as Karan devoured her wet figure with lustful eyes. When Arnav finally got over his laughter dose, he noticed Khushi idled to one spot, he turned to the door and saw Karan staring at Khushi. Anger fuming into his eyes, Arnav moved infront of Khushi breaking the focus of Karan. Karan got panicked as he got caught.

ASR: Any problem Mr. Karan?

Karan stammered while approaching as he tried to push away his nervousness.

Karan: Sir.. I.. was.. I was searching for you, actually you left your mobile at the restaurant yesterday night, so... I thought of returning it back.. I mean..

Arnav interrupted his conversation. After all he knew that he must have been standing here for long staring at half naked Khushi. And this thought was leading him to murders intentions. He looked at Karan and in a furious tone...

ASR: Fine, put it on the sunbed and go!

Immediately, Karan placed the phone on the sunbed next to the scattered clothes and it didn’t go unnoticed to Khushi when his hands brushed her clothes purposely. Unwillingly he went back on his steps without sparing another glance at Khushi. As he disappeared, ASR took a breath of relief and nodded, irritated. He turned to Khushi, and the second their eyes met, he was shocked. Confused, he panicked on seeing her falling tears. In an instant he approached Khushi and laid his hands on her shoulders.

ASR: Khushi!

Khushi stayed frozen while he cupped her face forcing her to look into his tensed eyes.

ASR: Khushi what happen? You are shivering!

And he hugged her without thinking. Khushi was idled, she didn’t move and was blank of expression. Few seconds later, she backed off abruptly from Arnav, leaving him startled. Not a care of her reaction, worriedly he didn’t hesitate to approach her again but suddenly Khushi turned and swam to the edge of the pool. Arnav looked at her getting off the pool and wearing the gown on the shelves in the corner, she got hold of her clothes and rushed outside the pool area leaving a bewildered Arnav alone in the pool. She walked into the corridors and started running as she tried hard to gulp in her tears. She reached her room, she entered and closed the door hardly. Leaning her body to the door, she closed her eyes as the tears started falling continuously. Her cries become louder and she slid herself to the floor. Holding tightly her knees to herself she sat to the door crying loudly as her mind got to Arnav’s words.

Khushi (crying): What if... what if we fall for each other?.. what if we fell for each other years before?.. what if I fell for you years before?..You broke everything Arnav, you broke everything.. That night, it was the best night of my life and the next day... I hate you Arnav.. I hate you.. No no, I hate myself.. I JUST HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU!

(Day 3 continues in next chapter)

Chapter 12 Day 2-When Work Begins...

Chapter 12    Day 2-When Work Begins...

Closing the door, he walked to the bed and took off his shirt angrily. He threw it on the bed and clenched his fists.

Karan: Arnav Singh Raizada, how dare you? How dare you order me? You are not my boss? And this Khushi? I’ll show her who I am. She was spared the last time, but not this time. I’ll possessed her.

His eyes were burning in fire. He calmed himself and went for a shower. On the other side, the starving gang got food while Karan ordered his dinner in the hotel room. Dinner time was fun with talking, laughing, teasing Anshu... Payal was amazed at seeing Khushi’s relaxed mood. She always saw her in an angry avatar, but this new Khushi, she really liked it. After dinner, Payal, Anshu and Yuvi went to visit the surroundings of the hotel while Khushi decided to go back to the room saying that she was tired. Suddenly Arnav also said that he’s going back and she was forced to walk with him as his room is next to hers. The walk was silent and they got into the empty lift. Avoiding Arnav, Khushi laid back her head on the side mirror of the lift and closed her eyes. Suddenly she felt the ground shaking and she opened her eyes seeing only darkness. Panicked, she yelled like crazy..

Khushi: What is happening? Why we stopped? Help Help..

ASR: Khushi! Khushi.. it’s ok relax.. it’s just a power failure.. it will be back soon.

He approached her, and laid his hands on her shoulders reassuring her. Khushi was breathless and she started tearing up.

Khushi: It’s too dark, I can’t breathe.. Get me out of here, please..

ASR: sssshhhh... close your eyes..

Khushi: No!

ASR: Khushi, listen to me! Close your eyes, I’m here with you! Breathe Khushi!

Arnav felt her having difficulty to breathe and he passed his arms around her waist. Khushi got pulled tenderly into his arms and she laid her head on his chest. She shifted her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Slowly her breath got back to normal as she forgot the darkness and focused on the heartbeats of Arnav..

Dhak Dhak.. Dhak Dhak..

ASR: Khushi! Open your eyes!

As she heard him, she opened her teary eyes. The light was back and it took her few seconds to realize their state. Embraced into each other, it felt so right.. Suddenly it struck! she pulled back and looked at Arnav. She looked at his chest where his shirt was wet due to her tears. The lift moved again as they both looked at each other intensely. As the lift reached their floor and the lift opened, Khushi broke the eye lock and turned away. Her steps stopped when..

ASR: Khushi..

Khushi stayed idle as her heartbeats ran faster.

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

Her eyes got wide open as she heard his words. She ignored him and stepped forward suddenly Arnav held her wrists.

ASR: Trust me!

She turned to him, and they looked at each other. Her tears flowed continuously. Arnav stepped forward while Khushi stepped back.

Khushi: Don’t!

She turned and walked away into her room. As Arnav stood infront of the door with pleading eyes for another chance, they looked at each other until the door got closed.

Next Day

The girls joined into the room of Khushi for breakfast while the guys were at the gym. Khushi smiled at non-stop talking Anshu and Payal. She was stunned to see Payal so friendly with the gang. She never tried getting to know Payal as a person. But she must admit, Payal is a very nice girl, soft and friendly. After breakfast, they all got back to their rooms and got ready for a long day of work. They met in the lobby and two cars had been arranged for them. Khushi, Payal and Arnav went in the same car while Anshu, Yuvi and Karan got into the other car. They visited many traditional shops specialized in wedding. They looked at the different cloth materials and in the process Khushi’s full concentration was in her work and she actually forgot her differences with Arnav and she ignored Karan. From high class shops to small shops in the market place, they didn’t miss any. Arnav as well as the whole gang, they were impressed at the way she deals and tackled with the vendors in the market place. She appeared to belong to this same society.

Anshu: Hey Khushi, that’s superb! It’s as if you’ve been living here all your life.

On hearing her words, the expressions of Khushi changed and Arnav handled the situation at the right time.

ASR: Hey Anshu, let’s go to this stand there, you wanted to have strawberries and I heard it had the best one.

They all went to the strawberries stand while Khushi stayed at the textiles stand where she found some good materials and she bought some as samples for her designs. As her eyes fell on jewelleries stand, she went to the stand and sees a beautiful necklace. She touched the necklace and took it to her neck. As she tried the necklace, suddenly she felt a hand from behind helping her to tie the necklace.. Angry, she turned ready to blast Arnav but to her surprise, she found a smirking Karan.

Karan: This necklace definitely suits your beautiful neck. Let me buy it for you..

Angrily, she grabbed the necklace from his hands and she fixed into his fearless eyes with a brave face.

Khushi: No thank you! I think I can afford a necklace on my own.

And she turned to the vendor.

Khushi: Bhaiya ji, appke paas ek aur ehsa necklace hai. (Bhaiya ji, you have another necklace like this one)

Vendor: No madam, bhai yehi hai.. isi ko lije, original piece hai..(No madam, only this one.. take this one, its an original piece..)

Khushi: No thank you! Ab mera kisi kaam ka nahi hai. (No thank you! It’s of no use now)

She looked at Karan and approached him.

Khushi: You touched it, I better die than wearing this.

Fuming in anger, he stepped forward which terrified Khushi. Suddenly they heard Arnav’s voice from behind.

ASR: Hey guys, what’s taking long?

As Arnav eyes fell on Khushi’s face, instantly he knew something is wrong. With concern, he approached to her worriedly.

ASR: Khushi! Is something wrong?

Karan looked at Khushi in fear that she might say anything to Arnav but he breathed out of relief as Khushi nodded in denial.

Khushi: Nothing, let’s go to anshu..

Without sparing time for another question, she walked away followed by Karan, leaving Arnav in his thoughts.

Arnav thinks: Something is wrong? I know it! But what?

As the day drew to its end, they drove back to the hotel. They were exhausted so they resided to their rooms. At 8, they met for dinner in the restaurant and discussed about work. Khushi and Arnav talked about the designs but his mind was still stuck at the market incident. Yuvi was on a call and as he disconnected he turned to them..

Yuvi: Guys guys..

All looked at him questioningly while Anshu had no interest as she was tired and sleepy.

Anshu: Please Yuvi, let’s go!

Yuvi: Wait baby!

And she pouted.

Yuvi: So I was saying.. Great News! I finally got us a meeting with a famous designer in India. The great Manav Kapoor!