Love Happens: Chapter 6B
'The Mumbai Royale', Mumbai.
For an hour Manyata introduced the girls to a lot of people. Everyone talked, mingled and enjoyed. After a while Seema and Rakesh came there.
“You girls are looking so gorgeous tonight. May god protect you from evil eyes” Seema said with love and pride in her eyes.
“You too look beautiful masi. Tell me, from where did you buy this sari cause I had no idea about this one” asked Khushi with mischief in her eyes.
Seema blushed and looked flustered “umm…your…your uncle bought it for me”
“Ohhh…uncle bought it” said all the girls together.
Seema blushed more. Seeing this Manyata said “Enough teasing her. Go from here you three"
“Fine, we are going. We’ll talk about this when there is no one to rescue you maasi” said Khushi. The girls left giggling.
The girls were talking with Kunal and Naina when the Raizada boys came there.
“Hey did k come to the party? It’s just that we need to talk to her about some business matter but we don’t know who she is so if you could help us out” explained Akash.
Kunal and Naina had ‘are you seriously asking that question to us’ look. Lavanya and Khushi looked amused and Payal looked guilty. Khushi thought she had to handle the situation delicately or else she would see the anger Arnav was quite known for towards her.
Lavanya took hold of the situation “Let me introduce you all to each other. These men are Akash Singh Raizada, Nanda Kishore Malhotra and Arnav Singh Raizada” pointing at each one “and they are Kunal Mehta and Naina Shah, they are Khushi’s assistants”
Everyone said their hi’s and hello’s.
“In what exactly go they assist you Khushi?” asked Arnav.
Before anyone could answer and lady came and stood beside Arnav and took his hand in her hand.
“Hey ASR, did you miss me?” asked the lady.
Arnav annoyed took this hand from hers’ and asked “what the hell do you think you are doing?”
“I was just greeting my boyfriend” said Sheetal trying to appear innocent.
“Did you forget the conversation we had a few days ago?” asked Arnav.
“No, but I thought you were saying that because you were angry with me” She appeared upset.
“Well then you and I understood a very different meaning of the conversation” Arnav was trying to control his anger.
Trying to defuse the situation Khushi said “glad you could attend the party Ms. Sheetal”
“Well, I had to come. ASR was attending it and when ‘k’ invites you to a party you better attend it. By the way, thank you for inviting me k” said Sheetal looking at Khushi.
At once the Raizada boys were staring at Khushi.
“You mean to say Khushi is k?” NK asked Sheetal.
“Of course Khushi is k” said Sheetal.
Shit! Here goes nothing. “Did I forget to tell you that I am k?” Khushi was trying so hard to appear innocent.
All the three boys had different feelings towards the revelation. Akash felt disbelief. NK felt wonder. But Arnav was the one who felt too many emotions. He thought that Khushi is k? How dare she hide this from me? How could she make a fool out of me? He felt so angry at her that he had to fight hard to control his emotions lest he made a scene in the party by shouting on her.
Anjali just couldn't believe her luck. Khushi was not only beautiful but she was successful as well. she had heard her brothers talking about k and how accomplish and well known she was at her job. so that is why her dress was better than herself. she felt really jealous of her and her sisters at the moment.
Looking at their expressions, especially Arnav’s, Khushi said “It wasn’t my intention to do any harm by not saying that I was k. Can we please talk about this after the party is over? Please, pretty please” she gave them her best puppy dog face.
Akash and NK agreed but Arnav was in no mood to delay the matter. Seeing this Khushi held Arnav’s hand and said “please, Arnav”. Seeing her holding his hand Arnav relented and gave a nod. To that Khushi gave her best smile.
How could I refuse her anything when she smiles at me like that? thought Arnav. What are you doing to me?
“How about we join the others?” asked Payal.
The all proceeded to find the other members of the family. The family members were all sitting and talking. They all sat down as well and Sheetal went and sat near their table.
“Good you all came here. Khushi, I want you to meet someone. There they are” Manyata signaled someone to come. A lady and a man around Khushi’s age came. “This is Mrs. Shastri and her son Sumit. I told you about them a few days ago remember?”
Khushi was quickly getting angry. She tried to appear normal and said “yes, of course I remember. I also remember something I told you afterwards”
To the others this conversation looked normal. But Lavanya, Payal, Manyata and Sarita knew Khushi was trying to control her anger. Arnav also found this conversation weird who was closely observing Khushi.
“You are just as beautiful as you look in your photo. You both kids should go talk and get to know each other” said Mrs. Shastri excited at the prospect of a possible alliance with the Singhania’s.
Khushi appeared uncomfortable. Arnav then understood what the whole matter was about and he didn’t like that. Just the thought of this guy being a potential candidate for marriage with Khushi made him want to strangle the guy.
“Umm… ya about that…” before she could complete the sentence Yuvraj came there.
“Hey sunshine, would you mind dancing with me? I actually wanted to talk about the deal I made in Hyderabad. It’s kinda urgent” Yuvraj appeared to be sorry for interrupting their talk but Khushi saw the mischievous glint in his eyes.
Khushi felt so relieved to for the chance to get away from there that it wasn’t even funny. She immediately accepted “off course. Excuse me, I have to go. Work is important, i am sure you understand” Khushi said to Sumit. The guy could not do anything but nod.
Khushi and Yuvraj headed towards the dance area. Khushi put her right hand on his shoulder and he put his left hand on her waist. And they held the other hand and started slow dancing.
“Thank you for getting me out of that mess. I could just about forgive you for the help alone” Khushi said.
“Well, to be truth full I saw your face and you were going to blow any minute” Yuvraj teased her.
“Well, i don’t like to be ambushed. I am so disappointed in dadi. I thought I made it perfectly clear to dadi that I don’t want to marry, at least not arranged marriage. May be if in the future I find the guy whom people say is ‘the one’ I may marry, who knows” said Khushi.
“It will all happen in time, don’t worry and if you want I can talk to dadi?” said Yuvraj
“No, don’t do that. I’ll just have to try to make her understand in a more patient way. She starts the marriage conversation and I always lose my patience by the end of it. I either just walk out mid conversation or I end up shouting. May be I need to make her sit and I need to have an open conversation where I can make her understand my point of view. May be she’ll get it then” said Khushi looking thoughtful.
“Whatever happens just know that I am always with you sunshine” said Yuvraj.
“I know. Whatever happens in the future, I can always count on you” said Khushi with a smile.
Just then Yuvraj felt someone tapping on his shoulder. He turned and saw Arnav standing there. “Mind if I cut in?”
Yuvraj asked Khushi if she minded and seeing that she was fine by it he said “Not at all. She is all yours. See you later sunshine” and went away from there.
Arnav just held Khushi and danced for a few minutes. Neither of them spoke. Khushi was trying to understand Arnav’s mood. Finally she spoke “I take it that you wanted to talk to me or else you wouldn’t have come here and danced with me”
“Why? Do you think I cannot simply want to dance with you?” Arnav dared her to challenge him.
“No, you can obviously simply want to dance with me, but you don’t seem the type of person who would do anything just for the sake of doing it” said Khushi.
Arnav was surprised that she had guessed that he wanted to talk to her that is why he had come her.
“Your right, I came here to talk to you” said Arnav.
“I know you have been wanted to ask why I didn’t tell you that I was k when you asked me yesterday, am I right?” asked Khushi.
“Yes” said Arnav in a clipped tone.
“First can I ask you a question?” said Khushi.
“OK” said Arnav cautiously.
“When was then last time you had fun” asked Khushi frankly.
Arnav was baffled by a sudden change of subject. He tried to remember when the last time he had fun but he couldn’t recollect it.
Seeing him thoughtful Khushi asked “at least tell me when the last time you played a prank on someone was?”
Arnav tried to recall that as well but for the life of him he couldn’t remember when the last time he had fun or the last time he played a prank.
Seeing his lost expression Khushi said “how about when the party is over and we get home you come to on roof top and we’ll talk there. This is hardly a place to have such a talk. I’ll answer your entire questions. And if you really want to shout and take out your anger over this then I’ll listen to you quietly” after a moment “for about two minutes”
Arnav tried his level best to control his smile but he couldn’t stop the slight curve of his lips. Arnav saw the earnest expression on her face and he just couldn’t deny her anything. “Fine, I’ll meet you on the rooftop”
“Cool, now let’s go have our dinner. By the way, you dance really well. Even if it was just for cornering me for a talk” she winked at him and went away.
Arnav was speechless for few seconds. He smiled and thought who is she? One minute she is all innocent looking and the next minute she turns into a wildcat.
They went and sat at the table. The dinner was just about to be served. The Raizada family was staring at Arnav in awe and confusion.
“What?” Arnav asked them felling annoyed.
“You danced” said Devyani.
“You know Khushi, you couldn’t have paid him to dance but he danced voluntarily with you. I love you for just this” said NK with all seriousness he could muster.
Arnav scowled at him for that comment.
“Really, well then I was honored that you danced with me” Khushi said with a sweet smile.
Soon the dinner was served. Dinner came in waves of delicious courses that were portions of richly seasoned foods; the servers presented each dish with a flourish and an explanation. At two in the morning the party finally wrapped up.
********************************************************************************************************************
“You girls are looking so gorgeous tonight. May god protect you from evil eyes” Seema said with love and pride in her eyes.
“You too look beautiful masi. Tell me, from where did you buy this sari cause I had no idea about this one” asked Khushi with mischief in her eyes.
Seema blushed and looked flustered “umm…your…your uncle bought it for me”
“Ohhh…uncle bought it” said all the girls together.
Seema blushed more. Seeing this Manyata said “Enough teasing her. Go from here you three"
“Fine, we are going. We’ll talk about this when there is no one to rescue you maasi” said Khushi. The girls left giggling.
The girls were talking with Kunal and Naina when the Raizada boys came there.
“Hey did k come to the party? It’s just that we need to talk to her about some business matter but we don’t know who she is so if you could help us out” explained Akash.
Kunal and Naina had ‘are you seriously asking that question to us’ look. Lavanya and Khushi looked amused and Payal looked guilty. Khushi thought she had to handle the situation delicately or else she would see the anger Arnav was quite known for towards her.
Lavanya took hold of the situation “Let me introduce you all to each other. These men are Akash Singh Raizada, Nanda Kishore Malhotra and Arnav Singh Raizada” pointing at each one “and they are Kunal Mehta and Naina Shah, they are Khushi’s assistants”
Everyone said their hi’s and hello’s.
“In what exactly go they assist you Khushi?” asked Arnav.
Before anyone could answer and lady came and stood beside Arnav and took his hand in her hand.
“Hey ASR, did you miss me?” asked the lady.
Arnav annoyed took this hand from hers’ and asked “what the hell do you think you are doing?”
“I was just greeting my boyfriend” said Sheetal trying to appear innocent.
“Did you forget the conversation we had a few days ago?” asked Arnav.
“No, but I thought you were saying that because you were angry with me” She appeared upset.
“Well then you and I understood a very different meaning of the conversation” Arnav was trying to control his anger.
Trying to defuse the situation Khushi said “glad you could attend the party Ms. Sheetal”
“Well, I had to come. ASR was attending it and when ‘k’ invites you to a party you better attend it. By the way, thank you for inviting me k” said Sheetal looking at Khushi.
At once the Raizada boys were staring at Khushi.
“You mean to say Khushi is k?” NK asked Sheetal.
“Of course Khushi is k” said Sheetal.
Shit! Here goes nothing. “Did I forget to tell you that I am k?” Khushi was trying so hard to appear innocent.
All the three boys had different feelings towards the revelation. Akash felt disbelief. NK felt wonder. But Arnav was the one who felt too many emotions. He thought that Khushi is k? How dare she hide this from me? How could she make a fool out of me? He felt so angry at her that he had to fight hard to control his emotions lest he made a scene in the party by shouting on her.
Anjali just couldn't believe her luck. Khushi was not only beautiful but she was successful as well. she had heard her brothers talking about k and how accomplish and well known she was at her job. so that is why her dress was better than herself. she felt really jealous of her and her sisters at the moment.
Looking at their expressions, especially Arnav’s, Khushi said “It wasn’t my intention to do any harm by not saying that I was k. Can we please talk about this after the party is over? Please, pretty please” she gave them her best puppy dog face.
Akash and NK agreed but Arnav was in no mood to delay the matter. Seeing this Khushi held Arnav’s hand and said “please, Arnav”. Seeing her holding his hand Arnav relented and gave a nod. To that Khushi gave her best smile.
How could I refuse her anything when she smiles at me like that? thought Arnav. What are you doing to me?
“How about we join the others?” asked Payal.
The all proceeded to find the other members of the family. The family members were all sitting and talking. They all sat down as well and Sheetal went and sat near their table.
“Good you all came here. Khushi, I want you to meet someone. There they are” Manyata signaled someone to come. A lady and a man around Khushi’s age came. “This is Mrs. Shastri and her son Sumit. I told you about them a few days ago remember?”
Khushi was quickly getting angry. She tried to appear normal and said “yes, of course I remember. I also remember something I told you afterwards”
To the others this conversation looked normal. But Lavanya, Payal, Manyata and Sarita knew Khushi was trying to control her anger. Arnav also found this conversation weird who was closely observing Khushi.
“You are just as beautiful as you look in your photo. You both kids should go talk and get to know each other” said Mrs. Shastri excited at the prospect of a possible alliance with the Singhania’s.
Khushi appeared uncomfortable. Arnav then understood what the whole matter was about and he didn’t like that. Just the thought of this guy being a potential candidate for marriage with Khushi made him want to strangle the guy.
“Umm… ya about that…” before she could complete the sentence Yuvraj came there.
“Hey sunshine, would you mind dancing with me? I actually wanted to talk about the deal I made in Hyderabad. It’s kinda urgent” Yuvraj appeared to be sorry for interrupting their talk but Khushi saw the mischievous glint in his eyes.
Khushi felt so relieved to for the chance to get away from there that it wasn’t even funny. She immediately accepted “off course. Excuse me, I have to go. Work is important, i am sure you understand” Khushi said to Sumit. The guy could not do anything but nod.
Khushi and Yuvraj headed towards the dance area. Khushi put her right hand on his shoulder and he put his left hand on her waist. And they held the other hand and started slow dancing.
“Thank you for getting me out of that mess. I could just about forgive you for the help alone” Khushi said.
“Well, to be truth full I saw your face and you were going to blow any minute” Yuvraj teased her.
“Well, i don’t like to be ambushed. I am so disappointed in dadi. I thought I made it perfectly clear to dadi that I don’t want to marry, at least not arranged marriage. May be if in the future I find the guy whom people say is ‘the one’ I may marry, who knows” said Khushi.
“It will all happen in time, don’t worry and if you want I can talk to dadi?” said Yuvraj
“No, don’t do that. I’ll just have to try to make her understand in a more patient way. She starts the marriage conversation and I always lose my patience by the end of it. I either just walk out mid conversation or I end up shouting. May be I need to make her sit and I need to have an open conversation where I can make her understand my point of view. May be she’ll get it then” said Khushi looking thoughtful.
“Whatever happens just know that I am always with you sunshine” said Yuvraj.
“I know. Whatever happens in the future, I can always count on you” said Khushi with a smile.
Just then Yuvraj felt someone tapping on his shoulder. He turned and saw Arnav standing there. “Mind if I cut in?”
Yuvraj asked Khushi if she minded and seeing that she was fine by it he said “Not at all. She is all yours. See you later sunshine” and went away from there.
Arnav just held Khushi and danced for a few minutes. Neither of them spoke. Khushi was trying to understand Arnav’s mood. Finally she spoke “I take it that you wanted to talk to me or else you wouldn’t have come here and danced with me”
“Why? Do you think I cannot simply want to dance with you?” Arnav dared her to challenge him.
“No, you can obviously simply want to dance with me, but you don’t seem the type of person who would do anything just for the sake of doing it” said Khushi.
Arnav was surprised that she had guessed that he wanted to talk to her that is why he had come her.
“Your right, I came here to talk to you” said Arnav.
“I know you have been wanted to ask why I didn’t tell you that I was k when you asked me yesterday, am I right?” asked Khushi.
“Yes” said Arnav in a clipped tone.
“First can I ask you a question?” said Khushi.
“OK” said Arnav cautiously.
“When was then last time you had fun” asked Khushi frankly.
Arnav was baffled by a sudden change of subject. He tried to remember when the last time he had fun but he couldn’t recollect it.
Seeing him thoughtful Khushi asked “at least tell me when the last time you played a prank on someone was?”
Arnav tried to recall that as well but for the life of him he couldn’t remember when the last time he had fun or the last time he played a prank.
Seeing his lost expression Khushi said “how about when the party is over and we get home you come to on roof top and we’ll talk there. This is hardly a place to have such a talk. I’ll answer your entire questions. And if you really want to shout and take out your anger over this then I’ll listen to you quietly” after a moment “for about two minutes”
Arnav tried his level best to control his smile but he couldn’t stop the slight curve of his lips. Arnav saw the earnest expression on her face and he just couldn’t deny her anything. “Fine, I’ll meet you on the rooftop”
“Cool, now let’s go have our dinner. By the way, you dance really well. Even if it was just for cornering me for a talk” she winked at him and went away.
Arnav was speechless for few seconds. He smiled and thought who is she? One minute she is all innocent looking and the next minute she turns into a wildcat.
They went and sat at the table. The dinner was just about to be served. The Raizada family was staring at Arnav in awe and confusion.
“What?” Arnav asked them felling annoyed.
“You danced” said Devyani.
“You know Khushi, you couldn’t have paid him to dance but he danced voluntarily with you. I love you for just this” said NK with all seriousness he could muster.
Arnav scowled at him for that comment.
“Really, well then I was honored that you danced with me” Khushi said with a sweet smile.
Soon the dinner was served. Dinner came in waves of delicious courses that were portions of richly seasoned foods; the servers presented each dish with a flourish and an explanation. At two in the morning the party finally wrapped up.
********************************************************************************************************************
Singhania House, Mumbai.
All the Singhania’s and the Raizada’s reached home spent but content. Arnav watched as Khushi signaled him that she is going to the rooftop and he just couldn’t wait any longer to know the answers. He reached the rooftop and saw that Khushi had removed her heels and was sitting on a swing. She had her hair down from her bun. She looked so serene just swing the swing. She saw him and patted the space next to her on the swing. He went and sat there. They were both content to swing for a while.
Suddenly Arnav said “so ready to answer my questions?”
Khushi shrugged and said “Ask away”
“Why did you hide that you were k when we asked you last time?” asked Arnav.
“Straight to the point huh. Let me tell you something about me. I am a like in the moment kinda person. Do you remember Anjali asked what I do because you all don’t know what my profession is; I just kind of had the most bizarre idea. I thought lets have some with it. It all seemed innocent at that time. Hell, it was an innocent prank” explained Khushi.
“So you lied to me about being a painter?” asked Arnav
“No, I never lied to you. I just didn’t tell you everything. Painting is my hobby and fashion consultant is my profession” said Khushi firmly. “Btw, what are you really angry at? It just couldn’t be they fact that I didn’t tell you that I was k. it want something that I could hide forever. I knew it was bound to come out in the party. There were just so many people that someone would have told you that I am k and your own girlfriend told you I was k”
“First of all Sheetal is not my girlfriend” said Arnav angrily.
“Whoa! Calm down. Alright she is not your girlfriend. No need to get your BP high” Khushi tried to joke.
Arnav took deep breaths and willed himself to calm down. After a while he said “your right, I didn’t get angry at the fact that you didn’t tell me that you aren’t k. it’s that fact that you lied to me that got me angry. I do not take lightly to getting lied at. And I wanted to talk to k, I mean I wanted to talk to you and fix the issue you had with AR some days ago. I take my business very seriously”
“Business is not the only thing you take seriously” said Khushi.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Arnav sharply.
“Look I like you so I am going to be your friend. And being your friend I am going to give you some advice” Khushi declared proudly.
Arnav looked at her like she had lost her mind “you want to be my friend? MY FRIEND” Arnav asked her.
“You look like I just told you I am pregnant with your baby. Jeez, look at your face. Its looks like I am the first person who you had as a friend” Arnav looked away “OMG, am I the first person to tell you that I’ll be your friend?” Khushi just could not digest the fact.
“I am a very private person, so yes I don’t have friends if you don’t include Akash and NK. I am a business man so I have associates” that sounded weird to even his own earns. but he didn't want to tell her the real reason why he didn't have friends.
“That’s just not right. It’s decided. I am your friend and I am telling you, you are way too serious for your age. You need to have some fun. The coming days that you are in Mumbai are going to be filled with fun” Khushi declared.
“Look I appreciate you but I came here for business purpose and not to have fun” Arnav told firmly.
“Who says you can’t have both? I tell you what; let’s have a business lunch tomorrow. We’ll discussion what you want to say. Then at night after I return we’ll go out somewhere and have fun, what say?” Khushi gave him some time to think.
Arnav asked suddenly “why did you ask me at the party about the last time I had some fun or played a prank on someone?”
Khushi sighed “it’s just that I have been observing you since last two days and you look so serious all the time. While people around you all have fun, you sit on the sidelines and look at them but do not join them. I just wanted to know if it’s always like that”
Arnav thought about what all she said to him and realized that while he was busy building AR and supporting his family, he had become detached with life. He now just went through the motions but did not live his life. But he wasn’t going to admit that to her.
Khushi watched the emotions play on his face and she knew that she had hit the right nerve. But going by the hard pressed lips she guessed he was going to be stubborn about it. She decided not to push him further. She thought of changing the subject.
“You know I observed something else as well” Arnav raised his eyebrows as if to ask what “you didn’t have a single picture of your taken that wasn’t formal”
Arnav didn’t understand her point “so?”
“I mean you only took the formal pictures which the photographer requested that are going to be printed in the newspapers. To my knowledge you haven’t taken one single picture just for fun” said Khushi.
“Well i don’t like taking pictures” explained Arnav.
“You’re kidding; pictures are a great way of preserving memories. In fast we are talking a selfie right now to remember this moment when we agreed to become friends” said Khushi enthusiastically. She picked her mobile and turned her front camera.
Arnav had disbelief written all over his face. She pulled him towards her and said “oh come on don’t be a spoil sport. For my sake, pleaseeeee……”
“Fine, have your wishes” Arnav stared at the camera with a serious face.
“Seriously? This isn’t a picture for how serious you can be. I want a smile. And I know you have a great smile. Come on. Smile for the camera” Khushi smile for the camera and Arnav reluctantly smile. She clicked the pic and said “nice, you look good when you smile. You should smile more often. Now this pic is going on my insta page. What’s your insta username?”
Arnav looked embarrassed “I don’t know, but I think NK made an id for me. You’ll have to ask him”
“Aww…, no need to feel embarrassed. Don’t worry; I’ll ask him” Khushi looked at the time and said “shit, it’s three. Come on lets go to sleep”
Both of them stood and went down. They arrived in font of Khushi’s bedroom. Khushi turned and said “I had a great time. I’ll meet you tomorrow Mr. Raizada” she forwarded her hand to shake. Arnav slipped his hand in hers and held. “And don’t think I’ll forget about getting you to have fun” saying that Khushi went inside her bedroom.
Arnav was so confused. He just couldn’t figure Khushi out. One moment she was a little innocent angel and the next moment she turned in to a little wildcat. But he did know that this week was going to be interesting.
All the Singhania’s and the Raizada’s reached home spent but content. Arnav watched as Khushi signaled him that she is going to the rooftop and he just couldn’t wait any longer to know the answers. He reached the rooftop and saw that Khushi had removed her heels and was sitting on a swing. She had her hair down from her bun. She looked so serene just swing the swing. She saw him and patted the space next to her on the swing. He went and sat there. They were both content to swing for a while.
Suddenly Arnav said “so ready to answer my questions?”
Khushi shrugged and said “Ask away”
“Why did you hide that you were k when we asked you last time?” asked Arnav.
“Straight to the point huh. Let me tell you something about me. I am a like in the moment kinda person. Do you remember Anjali asked what I do because you all don’t know what my profession is; I just kind of had the most bizarre idea. I thought lets have some with it. It all seemed innocent at that time. Hell, it was an innocent prank” explained Khushi.
“So you lied to me about being a painter?” asked Arnav
“No, I never lied to you. I just didn’t tell you everything. Painting is my hobby and fashion consultant is my profession” said Khushi firmly. “Btw, what are you really angry at? It just couldn’t be they fact that I didn’t tell you that I was k. it want something that I could hide forever. I knew it was bound to come out in the party. There were just so many people that someone would have told you that I am k and your own girlfriend told you I was k”
“First of all Sheetal is not my girlfriend” said Arnav angrily.
“Whoa! Calm down. Alright she is not your girlfriend. No need to get your BP high” Khushi tried to joke.
Arnav took deep breaths and willed himself to calm down. After a while he said “your right, I didn’t get angry at the fact that you didn’t tell me that you aren’t k. it’s that fact that you lied to me that got me angry. I do not take lightly to getting lied at. And I wanted to talk to k, I mean I wanted to talk to you and fix the issue you had with AR some days ago. I take my business very seriously”
“Business is not the only thing you take seriously” said Khushi.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Arnav sharply.
“Look I like you so I am going to be your friend. And being your friend I am going to give you some advice” Khushi declared proudly.
Arnav looked at her like she had lost her mind “you want to be my friend? MY FRIEND” Arnav asked her.
“You look like I just told you I am pregnant with your baby. Jeez, look at your face. Its looks like I am the first person who you had as a friend” Arnav looked away “OMG, am I the first person to tell you that I’ll be your friend?” Khushi just could not digest the fact.
“I am a very private person, so yes I don’t have friends if you don’t include Akash and NK. I am a business man so I have associates” that sounded weird to even his own earns. but he didn't want to tell her the real reason why he didn't have friends.
“That’s just not right. It’s decided. I am your friend and I am telling you, you are way too serious for your age. You need to have some fun. The coming days that you are in Mumbai are going to be filled with fun” Khushi declared.
“Look I appreciate you but I came here for business purpose and not to have fun” Arnav told firmly.
“Who says you can’t have both? I tell you what; let’s have a business lunch tomorrow. We’ll discussion what you want to say. Then at night after I return we’ll go out somewhere and have fun, what say?” Khushi gave him some time to think.
Arnav asked suddenly “why did you ask me at the party about the last time I had some fun or played a prank on someone?”
Khushi sighed “it’s just that I have been observing you since last two days and you look so serious all the time. While people around you all have fun, you sit on the sidelines and look at them but do not join them. I just wanted to know if it’s always like that”
Arnav thought about what all she said to him and realized that while he was busy building AR and supporting his family, he had become detached with life. He now just went through the motions but did not live his life. But he wasn’t going to admit that to her.
Khushi watched the emotions play on his face and she knew that she had hit the right nerve. But going by the hard pressed lips she guessed he was going to be stubborn about it. She decided not to push him further. She thought of changing the subject.
“You know I observed something else as well” Arnav raised his eyebrows as if to ask what “you didn’t have a single picture of your taken that wasn’t formal”
Arnav didn’t understand her point “so?”
“I mean you only took the formal pictures which the photographer requested that are going to be printed in the newspapers. To my knowledge you haven’t taken one single picture just for fun” said Khushi.
“Well i don’t like taking pictures” explained Arnav.
“You’re kidding; pictures are a great way of preserving memories. In fast we are talking a selfie right now to remember this moment when we agreed to become friends” said Khushi enthusiastically. She picked her mobile and turned her front camera.
Arnav had disbelief written all over his face. She pulled him towards her and said “oh come on don’t be a spoil sport. For my sake, pleaseeeee……”
“Fine, have your wishes” Arnav stared at the camera with a serious face.
“Seriously? This isn’t a picture for how serious you can be. I want a smile. And I know you have a great smile. Come on. Smile for the camera” Khushi smile for the camera and Arnav reluctantly smile. She clicked the pic and said “nice, you look good when you smile. You should smile more often. Now this pic is going on my insta page. What’s your insta username?”
Arnav looked embarrassed “I don’t know, but I think NK made an id for me. You’ll have to ask him”
“Aww…, no need to feel embarrassed. Don’t worry; I’ll ask him” Khushi looked at the time and said “shit, it’s three. Come on lets go to sleep”
Both of them stood and went down. They arrived in font of Khushi’s bedroom. Khushi turned and said “I had a great time. I’ll meet you tomorrow Mr. Raizada” she forwarded her hand to shake. Arnav slipped his hand in hers and held. “And don’t think I’ll forget about getting you to have fun” saying that Khushi went inside her bedroom.
Arnav was so confused. He just couldn’t figure Khushi out. One moment she was a little innocent angel and the next moment she turned in to a little wildcat. But he did know that this week was going to be interesting.
***Picture credit- Google
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