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...