Chapter 18A, 18B, 18C

Chapter 18A

Day 5 - He was never a cheater, just a true friend!

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!

*****

Almost 1 hour later

The car halted in front of the huge office of Mr Manav Kapoor... Fortunately there was no traffic jam and they reached only after a 15 minute drive. Arnav pulled up the hand brake and turned his gaze towards Khushi who was apparently lost in some thoughts.. A teasing smirk curved on his lips, he admired her milky skin... Worry lines clearly seen on her forehead, Khushi was biting her nails when suddenly Arnav called her out...

ASR: Khushi!

But getting no response, arnav finally brought his hands to her face taking Khushi by surprise, and gently, he pushed her hair lock behind her ears... Khushi's eyes stared into Arnav's eyes in confusion while the latter smile sweetly at her as he said in a tender voice...

ASR: What happen?? Where are you so lost??

And she said without hesitation in a serious tone...

Khushi: Why are you doing this??

He replied, confused!

ASR: What am I doing??

And she replied a bit louder...

Khushi: This! Why are you flirting with me?? Why are you always trying to touch me... and kiss me...?? Is this the only way you thought to bring back our friendship, by flirting with me and getting me into your bed maybe??

Slowly Arnav pulled back his hands, quite shocked of Khushi's words.. But seeing those tears of Khushi threatening to fall, he managed to control his anger and instead signed smilingly before saying...

ASR: Maybe you forgot, but I never did... The Khushi Gupta I knew always laughed at my flirting style... Just trying to bring a smile on this beautiful face of yours... Anyways, come on... let's go!

While Khushi remained in a frozen state, Arnav pulled back and stepped out of the car.. He walked to the other side, and opened the door...

ASR: Khushi...

Khushi lowered her eyes embarrassingly and stepped out without a word.. As she stood next to him, Arnav opened the back door and took out their laptop bags... Finally they moved forward towards Kapoor's office in silence while Khushi stole some glances at Arnav.. They entered the lavish office and looked around in awe... It was one of the most beautiful offices they ever saw... A fashion designer's office!... Indian Style... Mr Manav Kapoor's office... The King of Indian Wears! Khushi and Arnav walked straight to the reception... And as they spotted the receptionist, the young girl smiled as she said...

Receptionist: Good Morning Sir, Mme... May I help you??

ASR: Morning.. I am Arnav Singh Raizada, and she is Khushi Gupta.. We have an appointment with Mr Kapoor..

Receptionist: Oh yeah.. Mr Kapoor is still in a meeting, you might have to wait for him a few minutes.. I'll show you the waiting room..

And the receptionist guided them towards the waiting room.. Khushi and Arnav waited for more than 15 minutes.. Meanwhile they were offered some coffee.. and both were sitting on the large sofa opposite each other without a word.. Sipping into the hot black coffee, Khushi tried to move her eyes everywhere except towards Arnav.. The latter smirked when he turned his gaze and looked at the painting Khushi has been staring since 15 minutes now.. and he said mischievously before taking a sip of coffee...

ASR: Khushi, don't you think I look better than this painting?

And she replied absent-mindedly without turning her gaze off the painting...

Khushi: Absolutely...

As reality struck, her eyes shot wide open and she turned her big almond eyes to a smirking Arnav... She gulped a breath and stuttered..

Khushi: No... I mean.. it's a beautiful painting!

ASR: Oh really... And since when you are so interested in paintings??

Khushi: Always.. since always..

And suddenly, the voice of the receptionist came to her rescue..

Receptionist: Excuse me! Sir, Mme... Mr Manav Kapoor is ready to meet you... This way please...

Khushi let a sign of relief and they both followed the girl. They walked through the corridors and entered the huge board room... And there he was.. Mr Manav Kapoor.. on the boss seat, he smiled at the two young designers walking into his office... And as soon as they approached him, Arnav brought forward his hands as he said..

ASR: Hello Mr Kapoor, I'm Arnav and this is Khushi!

Khushi: Hello Sir!

Manav stood and said joyfully..

MK: Oh come on guys, call me MK!

And he took the hands of Arnav and then shook hands with Khushi as well.

MK: Please, have a seat.. you guys want something tea, coffee...

Arnav pulled a chair for Khushi.. She got seated and Arnav sat next to her..

Khushi: No thank you Sir, the receptionist already offered us some coffee...

MK: So guys, I've talked to Yuvraj already! And he briefed me a bit about your designs research... And I would be glad to be of any help! So what do you have in mind guys??

Khushi and Arnav smiled at each other... And both got to work... They switched on their laptops.. showed their designs to MK... discussion, chatting, laughing... the trio had fun working with each other... Mr Manav Kapoor's talent, his approach to work, his creativity, his indian touch.. It was all impeccable! And no one could bring this perfection to arnav and khushi's desi style! After long hours of work, MK looked at his watch and exclaimed...

MK: Oh it's already lunch time guys!

Khushi: Oh yeah!

ASR: Shall we go to some nearby restaurant? I'm sure there must be some great around!

MK: Oh no! When I'm in office, I always eat food from home... What to do? I married my wife for her specialization in cooking...

And he laughed out while Arnav and Khushi chuckled hesitantly... and Khushi finally said..

Khushi: Seems you love your wife a lot!

MK: No!... much more than it looks like.. She's my life.. and the best wife!

And suddenly... a voice from the slightly open door...

MK's Wife: Seems like someone is of all praises for me!

As Manav smiled at his wife, Arnav and Khushi turned their gaze to the door and on the spot... their eyes shot open.. While Arnav stared in shock at the lady in a black designer's churidar, Khushi's eyes almost became moist.. And suddenly she turned his gaze to Arnav when she heard him said absent-mindedly in a low voice...

ASR: Tanya Jaiswal!

Khushi closed her eyes to stop her tears but... all she could see was flashes... flashes of the past.. Arnav and Jaiswal together in the dressing room... And she felt stabbed into her heart once again... as if she was back at that door and her heart had been broken into pieces at the moment she pushed open that door!

P.S: Tanya Jaiswal is the girl who blackmailed Arnav to sleep with her.. She was one of the judge of the fashion show few years before and Khushi saw them in the dressing room...

Chapter 5G - The Disaster From the Past (The Final Competition)

Chapter 18B

Day 5 - He was never a cheater, just a true friend!

And suddenly she turned his gaze to Arnav when she heard him said absent-mindedly in a low voice...

ASR: Tanya Jaiswal!

Khushi closed her eyes to stop her tears but... all she could see was flashes... flashes of the past.. Arnav and Jaiswal together in the dressing room... And she felt stabbed into her heart once again... as if she was back at that door and her heart had been broken into pieces at the moment she pushed open that door!

Without paying any attention to the two other people into the board room, Tanya rushed inside and approached her husband smilingly... MK stood and welcomed his wife into his open arms.. The lady hugged her husband tightly and then pulled back... saying naughtily...

Tanya: You were saying something, right??

A mischievous smile curved onto his lips, MK said in a sarcastic tone while his arms were still around his loving wife's waist...

MK: Hmm.. nothing much... just that I cannot live without the food my wify cooks!

Her mouth formed an O shape while MK broke out laughing... Tanya tapped into MK's chest and the latter pulled her in a hug as he said playfully...

MK: Kidding wify.. Kidding! You know I cannot live without you... your cooking is just the bonus.. I was just praising my fabulous wife to the guests...

And suddenly he pulled back...

MK: Oh how forgetful of me... Tanu please meet my guests..

Tanya shifted her gaze to the two figures sitting next to each other and on the spot her eyes shot open in surprise...

MK: Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Gupta... And guys please meet my lovely wife, Tanya Kapoor! Isn't she beautiful?? how can one not love her a lot, right Miss Gupta?

Her eyelids lowered... Khushi seemed not hearing a word of MK.. Her tears threatening to fall, she suddenly lifted her eyes when Arnav placed gently his hands on hers under the table! Managing to control from breaking out, she said looking straight into the eyes of the shocked Tanya...

Khushi: Yeah.. Indeed she is!

And slowly khushi moved off her hands from Arnav's hold leaving him shattered deep inside... Khushi, Arnav and Tanya remained silent... and breaking the silence, MK said in his good mood...

MK: So let's have homemade lunch together today... What say Tanu??

As he got no response from his wife.. he shook her arms...

MK: Tanu, where are you lost baby??

Tanya jerked and stuttered...

Tanya: no.. I mean.. sorry jaan! Let's have lunch.. I'll serve!

And she nervously began to lay down the plates leaving MK in a confused state... Suddenly MK's thoughts broke when Khushi stood without looking at Arnav or Tanya... A faint smile on her face, she managed to say in a casual tone...

Khushi: It's ok Mr. Kapoor.. I'll just have coffee.. I had a heavy breakfast this morning.. I'll just be back from the cafeteria, please excuse me...

And without sparing time to anyone to intervene, Khushi rushed out of the board room.. Though she knew this might look rude, but she couldn't bare it anymore.. and she couldn't risk breaking into tears in front of a stranger... and most importantly in front of Arnav!

As Khushi disappeared, Arnav shifted his gaze to Tanya.. His eyes were full of furry... anger as well as the pain of khushi.. He closed his fists and looked away ignoring the guilt on Tanya's face.. Seeing Khushi running away from him, for a second he wished to reveal the truth to her.. the truth! The reason behind his actions! That he never did what he did to win.. he never thought for a second to miss Khushi's fashion show! That at the moment her heart was racing seeing her designs on the ramp, he so wished to be next to her and holding her hands... driving away her nervousness.. and telling her " Khushi whatever happens, for me you are the winner... you deserve to be"... But then how could he? Knowing the truth will hurt her even more.. and he will not bare any guilt on his Khushi's face.. He just wants her happy.. and smiling.. and laughing... Suddenly Arnav got back to reality when he heard MK saying...

MK: Well I guess.. we are only two to enjoy the good indian food... So shall we start?

Arnav nodded faintly but not once he met Tanya's eyes and they began eating... Lunch time was a silent thing but Arnav's mind and heart were all restless... His eyes kept looking at the door... He wished to walk out and search for Khushi, but he very well knew that this would only arise questions in Mr Kapoor's mind... and in business.. especially for Khushi's career, he preferred not to take risks.. Mr Kapoor was a very affluent person and he wondered what he could do if he found out the truth about his wife... Even if his career was over, Arnav won't mind.. but Khushi.. it should not affect her.. She had a long way to go! He wanted to see her at the top of this world... And suddenly his eyes fell on Tanya.. The look into her eyes.. She seemed lost.. Maybe she was repenting after all.. but who cares.. the harm has been done already.. And nothing could change these years of pains both Arnav and Khushi had been through without each other's side!

****

20 minutes later...

Splashing cold water onto her face, Khushi finally began breathing again... Her tears have stopped by now... She closed the tap and stared at her reflection into the mirror... As she faked a smile convincing herself that all was fine, suddenly the washroom door was opened and one of the secretaries said to her...

Secretary: Excuse me mme... MK sir asked to inform you that he and Mr Raizada are heading to the fourth floor.. They'll be waiting for you in the atelier..

Khushi nodded in acknowledgement and the secretary went away.. After wiping her face, Khushi finally stepped out of the washroom and took the lift... As soon as she reached the fourth floor and the lift door got open, her eyes fell on the two men standing by the counter... She took hold of her feelings and walked bravely to them...

MK: Oh Miss Gupta.. Finally! Come on guys, let's go.. I'll show you the place where all my most famous designs have been created...

MK began walking followed by Khushi and Arnav, when suddenly... Holding her arms, Arnav said eagerly to Khushi in a low voice...

ASR: Where were you?? I've been searching for you everywhere! Are you ok?

Instantly Khushi turned her gaze towards Arnav.. Her eyes fuming with anger... and she said sternly...

Khushi: I'm fine ASR... You don't have to worry about me! I can take care of myself...

ASR: Khushi..

Khushi: No.. please.. not here!

Khushi took out her arms from Arnav's grip and walked faster... oblivious of the eyes staring at them from the corner... Finally MK pushed open the door and guided Khushi and Arnav inside his atelier.. his so called fashion studio.. and for a second Khushi felt herself lost into the atmosphere.. It was phenomenal.. Indian fashion... Arnav turned his eyes to Khushi, and the stars in Khushi's eyes brought a smile to his face... He always knew that Khushi was keen of the desi style.. else why would Gupta InDesigns ready to work with AR Designs! Walking through the studio, MK explained them every aspect of the indian style... Khushi let her hands moved through the silk materials.. In fact she completely lost her heart on some very pretty materials.. and turning to MK, she said excitedly...

Khushi: Truly Mr Kapoor... Colours of happiness can be find only in true desi indian wedding... It's so pretty!

When suddenly...

Tanya: That's absolutely true Miss Khushi!

The smile on her face vanished, Khushi looked away when Tanya walked inside the studio... While MK and Arnav were engrossed in a discussion, Tanya approached Khushi... A pencil in her hand, her eyes into her sketchpad... Khushi paid no attention to Tanya.. and Tanya uttered...

Tanya: That's beautiful! Your design will definitely look great with your chosen choice... you always have a good choice Khushi... Either it's in fashion or in choosing your friends!

Angrily Khushi placed her sketches on the immense table and looked at Tanya...

Khushi: I don't think so! Please excuse me!

And she was walking away when...

Tanya: Khushi please.. I need to talk to you..

Khushi: But I'm not interested to hear you... Stay away from me.. else..

She took a breath and said...

Khushi: don't force me to tell Mr. Kapoor about the character of his wife.. he loves you a lot.. and I'm not interested of breaking the heart of such a kind man! Excuse me please!

Hours passed by.. and at different times.. Tanya tried hard to have a conversation with Khushi but in vain.. Whole day, Khushi had been avoiding Arnav.. but thankfully this had not stopped her from working.. in fact at the end of the day.. MK was so much impressed of the designs she sketched in just few hours... and he said...

MK: Miss Gupta.. I must say! You are a born designer... and I can see that eager dream to step into the indian fashion world.. Right??

Khushi smiled at him and nodded a yes!

MK looked towards Arnav who was standing far away and said...

MK: As for me guys.. It was a real pleasure to work with such designers like you... Thank you for giving me this opportunity.. and I hope that my few ages of experience are of any help in your designs...

Khushi: Indeed.. it is sir.. thank you so much...

Working hours were over since long.. and outside was already dark.. All the staffs had already left... Sipping into hot black coffee, Khushi finally lifted her eyes from her laptop and realized that Arnav was missing.. She looked around curiously and jerked when MK asked...

MK: What happen???

Smiling faintly, she replied..

Khushi: Hm.. nothing!

But MK understood in a moment.. and said casually..

MK: Arnav is at the cafeteria...

And Khushi asked hesitantly...

Khushi: Mrs Kapoor??

MK: I don't know she must be around!

MK got back to his work while Khushi turned her gaze to the door worriedly...

****

Tanya stepped out of the washroom when suddenly she felt someone grabbing her arms... and as she was pulled violently she crashed into the wall... Her teary eyes fixed into the furious glare of Arnav...

Chapter 18C

Day 5 - He was never a cheater, just a true friend!

MK: Arnav is at the cafeteria...

And Khushi asked hesitantly...

Khushi: Mrs Kapoor??

MK: I don't know she must be around!

MK got back to his work while Khushi turned her gaze to the door worriedly...

****

Tanya stepped out of the washroom when suddenly she felt someone grabbing her arms... and as she was pulled violently she crashed into the wall... Her teary eyes fixed into the furious glare of Arnav... and she said tearingly...

Tanya: Arnav.. what...

But he said angrily...

ASR: What are you trying to do Mrs Kapoor??

Tanya cried out painfully...

Tanya: Awww... Arnav please you're hurting me!

And Arnav barked at her...

ASR: I don't care! Just tell me why are you trying to talk to Khushi? The harm you've done was not enough?

Tanya said guiltily..

Tanya: Arnav please... don't say this.. I am truly very sorry! I...

And he intervened as he said sarcastically...

ASR: Sorry? Sorry for what.. for hurting Khushi or for being a bitch??

Tanya: Arnav please, I just want to talk to Khushi only once... let me clear her misunderstanding, please.. I really need to do this...

Arnav let a sarcastic smirk as he said irritatingly...

ASR: Even today you are as bitch... come on seriously... do you really think if you tell her the truth you won't feel that guilt anymore!

Tanya looked at Arnav pleadingly... Her tears rolled down her cheeks and Arnav said sternly...

ASR: You know what, that guilt on your face, you deserve it... And I'll never let Khushi feel the same, do you understand? I better let Khushi think of me wrong all her life... Her happiness is coming back to her and I won't let you destroy it once again.. 5 long years.. after 5 years I've seen Khushi smile again.. laugh again! And this is only what matters to me..

He pointed his fingers towards Tanya as he ordered...

ASR: Stay away from her!

And Arnav turned away.. but suddenly his steps stopped as he heard Tanya's faint voice..

Tanya: You are right, I'm really very sorry for being a bitch..

Arnav turned back towards Tanya...

Tanya: And I really do not deserve to be forgiven.. but I need only one chance to set everything right.. I was young and I got carried away by malaika's words.. I seriously never wanted to destroy Khushi's career...

Tanya lowered her eyelids as Arnav stared at her...

Tanya: Malaika was one of my good friends from india.. and I got carried away by her lies.. I believed her... She made me believe that she was miserable.. that Khushi took away her father.. and all her happiness..

Tanya lifted her eyelids and said as she looked at Arnav..

Tanya: Believe me Arnav, I would have never destroy Khushi's career.. she had to win because she was the deserving one.. and when Malaika begged me to change the judges' results, I strictly denied! But... I was still her friend.. and if she couldn't destroy Khushi's career.. then malaika decided to break Khushi.. Break her happiness.. that happiness she found in you.. her best friend.. I did blackmail you.. but it was not to save Khushi's career.. it was just to break your friendship... Please believe me.. this plan was of Malaika.. She knew Khushi was coming to search for you.. I was..

ASR: you were... what? innocent?? No Tanya.. or sorry I mean Mrs Kapoor you are as evil as Malaika..  Khushi forgives you or not.. but I will never forgive a woman like you.. Never.. I hate you! In fact, I pity your husband! And believe me if this truth comes near Khushi anytime, it will be an honor for me to personally narrate your past to Mr Kapoor.. Afterall he also needs to know that he did not get married to the traditional girl he always thought you were!

Tanya: Arnav please...

But he intervened and said in a firm tone..

ASR: NO... YOU STAY AWAY FROM KHUSHI! IS THAT CLEAR??

And suddenly... the noise from behind caught their attention and both turned their gaze to the door... Instantly Arnav's eyes shot open as he saw Khushi in tears holding on to the door...  Her eyes fixed into Arnav's shocked expressions.. Her brain stopped working while her heart raced in all ways.. And as Arnav stepped towards her worriedly...

ASR: Khushi, you...

Khushi stepped backwards and raised her hands stopping him..

Khushi: No! Don't!

On the spot, Arnav's steps halted.. And in no time Khushi turned and walked away hurriedly.. Arnav closed his eyes in pain.. His fists clenched, he turned to Tanya angrily... and barked out...

ASR: Are you satisfied now?... You know what, I'm sure you never wanted to tell Khushi the truth, you just wanted to create another misunderstanding for us, right? Was this one also the plan of Malaika??

While Tanya nodded negatively, Arnav ignored her and walked away... He searched for Khushi everywhere and when he was unable to find her, he realized that she must have gone back to the studio.. He signed and walked back.. As he pushed open the door of the studio, his heartbeats stopped on not finding Khushi.. and he called out loud...

ASR: Khushi!

MK lifted his eyes from his sketches and stared at the worried face of Arnav..

MK: What happened Arnav, any problem?

He looked back at MK in confusion and replied absent-mindedly...

ASR: No... Khushi... have you seen her?

MK: Yes she just came back! She said she had to go urgently and she rushed out!

And Arnav yelled out!

ASR: What? How could you let her go alone... I mean you could have call me.. It's dark outside.. and if she gets lost... or something happens to her...

MK: hey heyy.. relax man.. Khushi is a big girl and intelligent also! She can take care of herself..  I'm sure it must have been very important or else she wouldn't have ran like this.. She even forgot her laptop...

ASR: I got to find her... I'll see you later Mr Kapoor...

Arnav grabbed his laptop bag as well as Khushi's laptop and ran towards the door in a hurry... Rushing out, he almost bumped into Tanya who was entering the studio.. but yet he didn't turn back once as he hurried out of the building! He reached his car, unlocked the doors and before stepping inside he lifted his face towards the sky when a thunder struck hard..

****

The roads were silent.. almost deserted except some snacks vendors... Khushi walked absent-mindedly through the dark roads... Few tears rolling down her cheeks... The past flashing in front of her eyes... She remembered how her heart was broken at that time.. and now her heart had been broken once again.. Arnav broke her once again.. Her trust was completely shattered... and she said to herself...

Khushi: Why Arnav?? Why did you do this to me??  Was I not so important to you??

And suddenly... while crossing the road, Arnav said...

ASR: You were, you are and will always be.. till my last breath!

Her steps stopped.. Her back facing Arnav.. Khushi lifted her hands and wiped off her tears before turning towards Arnav.. As she turned.. their eyes met and she looked at him sternly.. blank of emotions.. they stared at each other for few seconds before Arnav signed restlessly and said as calm as possible though some time before he was driving like a mad guy through the roads of Mumbai..

ASR: What is this Khushi? I completely freaked out.. I searched for you everywhere like crazy..

And Khushi interrupted Arnav as she repeated his own words...

Khushi: I was, I am and will always be...

Arnav glared at Khushi confusingly..

Khushi: Why you never thought about this before going to Tanya that day?? And tonight?? Did you forgot my importance.. our friendship?? Didn't you even think once that you became my everything from that moment you entered my life! You.. your care.. your affection.. your stupid flirting.. your jokes... and our friendship.. that's all that always mattered.. and you forgot it all...

A tear rolled down Khushi's cheeks... and Arnav said painfully..

ASR: I know you are hurt Khushi.. and believe me I wish I could go back to the past and turned everything right.. It was a mistake.. and tonight I just went to Tanya because I wanted her away from you.. Believe me..

Khushi: Why?? I can take care of myself.. even if she comes near me!

ASR: Khushi I'm sorry.. Please.. I don't want to lose you once again.. After you went away from me, I kept myself away from anyone who tried to be my friend.. because I wanted you back.. I didn't want any other friend.. I believe in us.. I believe in our friendship.. in our togetherness.. I feel at home with you Khushi.. I feel at home..

In between her tears, she let a sarcastic laugh and said...

Khushi: In that bar, that beautiful evening.. do you remember??

His eyes moist, Arnav nodded a yes .. while Khushi said painfully...

Khushi: I fell in love with you..

And Arnav's heartbeats stopped as a tear rolled down his cheek.. He stood still in shock... Khushi fixed into his eyes.. Her tears falling... and Arnav finally stuttered..

ASR: Kh.. Khushii.. I..

But his words couldn't found its way out...

Khushi: I lost our friendship and my heart.. I got crushed.. My love failed once again..

And she said crying out...

Khushi: I didn't want to win that damn competition Arnav.. not if the price tag was you!

ASR: Khushi... you..

She yelled out..

Khushi: Yes... I heard it..

And Arnav said from the deepest emotions of his heart...

ASR: I'm really very sorry Khushi!

Khushi: Who gave you that right Arnav? Who are you to decide that I should win and lose at that same instant?? Why?? All these years I convinced myself that I hated you so much..  I convinced myself that you were just a selfish heart who never thought of me his friend... And now.. I have to live knowing that all this.. it was just for that damn success which I hate so much.. A success which not only took away the happiness I found with you but it just got me only loneliness... I will not forgive you for this Arnav.. You've hurt me then.. and you are hurting me now...

And ignoring Arnav's tears, Khushi turned away.. She began walking leaving Arnav completely helpless and shattered... She kept drifting away till Arnav's voice reached her...

ASR: Khushi...

Khushi's steps stopped but without turning to face him and...

ASR: Pyar kya hota hai.. yeh mehne kabhi jaana nahin.. main sirf yeh janta.. ke jabse tum meri zindagi mein aayii.. mein apni har saas tumhara naam lekar jeeta hoon.. Khushi.. Khushi.. aur sirf Khushi.. Ek baar vo galti ki, tumhe door jaane diya.. lekin aab agar tum phir se door chali gayii.. mujh mein itni himat nahin haiin.. mein seh nahin paoonga.. marjaaoonga mein.. marjaaoonga Khushi.. (What is love.. I never knew it... I only know.. that since you came into my life..  I take every breath on your name.. Khushi.. Khushi.. and only Khushi.. I did that mistake once, I've let you go away.. But now if you go far away from me again... I don't have anymore courage.. I won't be able to take it... I'll die.. I'll die Khushi..)

Suddenly Khushi turned back and stared at Arnav... She nodded negatively as his last words echoed in her ears..Tears rolling down her cheeks while years of guilt torn her heart into pieces... she finally stepped towards Arnav... slowly slowly.. the most beautiful memories of her life flashing in front of her eyes... their first meeting in the fashion academy.. their first conversation.. Arnav's playboy smile.. the first time he held her hand.. the party night.. the beautiful dress he designed for her.. and that feeling when she turned as he tied that beautiful necklace on her...  Khushi's steps became quicker and quicker... till she started to run to him.. Khushi cared no less about the glares of the few vendors on the road and as she crashed into Arnav's chest she took his lips into a longing kiss...

Arnav responded immediately.. and slowly.. their lips locked with each other..

Mann yeh sahib ji , Jane hai sab ji

This mind, my lord, knows everything

Phir bhi banaye bahane

Yet it makes excuses

Naina nawab ji, Dekhe hai sab ji

Khushi sucked his lower lips.. and she parted her lips... Her eyes closed.. as if waiting for Arnav to take control...

These eyes, my highness, see everything

Phir bhi na samjhe ishare

Yet they don't recognize the signs

Mann yeh sahib ji Haan karta bahane

this mind, it makes excuses

Naina nawabi ji Na samjhe ishare

these eyes, it refuses to acknowledge the signs

And while it began raining... Arnav took Khushi's arms and brought them around his neck... as their kiss became more and more passionate...

dheere dheere

little by little,

Naino ko dheere dheere

these eyes,

Jiya ko dheere dheere

this soul,

Bhaayo re saibo

is enchanted by you

Dheere dheere

little by little,

Begana dheere dheere

the stranger,

Apna sa dheere dheere,Lage re saibo

now feels like my own

His hands began sliding down her completely drenched body to her slim waist... pulling her more into him..

Surkhiyan hai hawaon mein

Theres news in the air

Do dilon ke milne ki

about the union of two hearts

Arziya hai nazaron mein

There are yearnings in those glances

Lamha yeh tham jane ki

For this moment to stay forever

O kaise huzur ji yeh lab dikhlaye

O master, how do these lips tell you

Chupi laga ke bhi gazab hai yeh dhaaye

it looks to be silent, yet they conceal marvels

And finally their lips drifted apart... yet their forehead resting against each other.. Both breathless... Their eyes closed.. They could feel each other heaving with their each breath...

dheere dheere

little by little,

Naino ko dheere dheere

these eyes,

Jiya ko dheere dheere

this soul,

Bhaayo re saibo

is enchanted by you

Dheere dheere

little by little,

Begana dheere dheere

the stranger,

Apna sa dheere dheere,Lage re saibo

now feels like my own

And both stayed idle.. reluctant to let go of each other's touch.. their embrace... the warmth they found in their togetherness.. regardless of the heavy rain...

*****

Next day - 5.30 a.m

The first rays of the day shined on Khushi's face... A smile curved on her lips as she opened her eyelids.. and she murmured..

Khushi: I wish every morning was like this one.. and my day starts seeing your face..

Her head laying on Arnav's chest, she kissed tenderly his naked body before stepping out of the bed and walked away leaving Arnav asleep into bed!

To be Continued...