Prologue

October 1, 2016 /

Central Park 

New York

 

“Almost there… a few more minutes Khushi, you can do it…”

I keep chanting the mantra, pushing myself to finish my run around Central Park.  There’s nothing like a run early in the morning to get me energized for the day ahead of me.

Five miles in forty-five minutes.

 

Not bad.

The first thought that comes to my mind as I finish my run and glance at the reading on my pedometer.  I walk over to the street carts to purchase a bottle of water near one of the many fountains in the park. Quenching my thirst with a bigger than necessary gulp, I walk over to the bench to catch my breath.

I take a seat on the faded wood, stretching my feet inside my Nike trainers. With full force they are showcasing the pain, pricking at the sole of my feet from being slammed across the concrete.

Having moved to the city little over a week ago from Delhi, this is the place I have discovered to come to get away from the craziness that exists in the fast paced metropolitan. An oasis inside the concrete jungle of New York City. Nothing like what one would expect in the midst of all the tall skyscrapers that are outside the perimeter of the park.  Luckily, I was able to find a modest apartment a couple of blocks away to enjoy the park whenever I can carve out the time.

One of the best parts of being in a bustling city, far away from everyone you know is that you can truly be yourself. It wasn’t easy by any means, leaving my family and a well-established career behind. But more of a necessity. I needed this escape. The time for myself to figure out what I wanted from life.

 

What is next for me?

Just as I am commencing to reflect, the familiar chime from my phone distracts me.  A smile curves at the corner of my lip, knowing precisely who the caller is even before glancing at my lit screen.

“Hi Amma.”

“Khushi, where are you? Why aren’t you picking up the phone?”

At hearing the frantic tone ringing inside my ear, I resign, leaning back against the bench. Not at all fazed with my mother’s dramatics, since this has become the norm since moving to the city.

“Amma, please calm down. I am at the park for a run and had silenced my phone. I just finished, so switched the ringer back on.”

“How can I calm down when my daughter left to go to another country by herself where she doesn’t know anyone? And after what had happened…”

Not wanting to discuss the topic she is spitting out, I snap out of irritation.

“Fine! Now that you have me on the phone, what is it?”

“Sorry Bitiya. I didn’t mean to upset you by bring up the past. But you are our only daughter. It worries me when I can’t reach you. I know you’re twenty-five years old, however you will always be my baby.  All I want is to see you happy, bas. You deserve that, baccha.” She pauses, taking a deep breath, before diverting the topic. “Your Babuji and I were calling to wish you luck for your job interview.”

Even through the phone, I can sense my mother getting emotional. I close my eyes, as guilt takes over for speaking rudely to her. Something I rarely have done with my mother. Or my father.

“I love you Amma. I am happy, and very much looking forward to starting my new life here. There’s no need to worry about me. Your version of being happy consists of me being married with kids. And for that, I need time. Please give me that, okay?” I plead, well aware it’s something that I am not ready for at this stage in my life. And if I were being honest, probably will not be for quite some time.

“You will always have our support in whatever you decide to do in life, Bitiya.  Ok, tell me, are you all ready?”  She quickly changes the topic, and I immediately relax.

“Ready as can be, I guess. The interview is later this morning, so there’s some time. Anyway, this is the third round, let’s hope it’s the final one with the CEO. Fingers crossed, it will all work out today and your Khushi will no longer be jobless.”

“You will get the position, pakka. I know Devi Maiya will make everything okay for you. Do you know, I even went to the mandir earlier to pray for you.  Sab theek hoga, dekhna, after all you take after me. Here, your Babuji wants to speak with you. All the best, and… I love you bitiya.”

We both giggle, hearing my father grumbling in the background.

“I don’t think so, she takes after me. Give me the phone.”

My parents are my world, and all I can wish for them is happiness. They are an ideal married couple that have been together for twenty-nine years.  I admire their love for one another and the bond they share.

 

Will I ever be able to find what they have, to fulfill their wish?

“Titaliya, don’t listen to your Amma’s nonsense. You are your Babuji’s daughter.  The only thing you have of hers is your beautiful face.  Okay, tell me did you have a good run?”

“Oh I am not getting in the middle of this, but I agree about being a daddy’s girl. But it’s our secret, remember?” I can feel his grin through the phone, making my heart content. “My run was great, as always. It’s time for me to head back to the apartment and get ready.”

“Sure, I won’t keep you since your Amma has kept you on the phone long enough.  Best of luck and let us know how the interview goes.  I love you, Khushi and we miss you.”

“Thanks Babuji, I will call you later if it’s not late.  I love you both very much and miss you too. Bye.”

I shut my eyes trying to push away the tears that threaten to fall, as I place the phone against my constricting heart. It’s only been a week, but living with my parents again for the last few years makes me long for their presence. More than I had originally thought.

This isn’t my first time in the States living on my own. I had received my MBA from Wharton Business School at University of Pennsylvania while working for a top PR agency before transferring to their Delhi location.

But it was time for me to move on. Luckily a headhunter, based on my accomplishments at the agency, recruited me for Vice President of Marketing with AR Corporation.  Since the position was based in New York, I jumped at the opportunity.  Today is more of a formality with the owner who was unable to meet with me in the Delhi office, where I had originally begun the interview process.

The meeting alert on my iPhone goes on bringing me out of my reverie.  I shake my head, not realizing the time and dash back to the apartment.    

 

“9:00 o’clock, holy crap.  Hurry Khushi, you are running behind your schedule, the interview is in one hour!”

I hastily run past the doorman and get inside the elevator while getting peculiar looks from the comers and goers in the lobby.  After a quick shower, I get changed into a white silk blouse, with a gray pencil skirt and matching suit jacket. I quickly blow dry my hair and apply some light make-up. Finally, I put on my favorite black Jimmy Choos. They had been a treat to myself when I received my hefty bonus last year after sealing a deal with a top manufacturer.

A glance in the mirror tells me that I am all ready to take on AR Corporation. They won’t know what hit them.

 

Dress for success.

And that is exactly how I feel.

Grabbing my bag, I make my way downstairs and ask the doorman to fetch me a cab. There is no time for the fifteen minute walk to the office, as much as I am tempted to take the stroll.

“Ten, Columbus Circle, please.” I say, getting inside the yellow taxi. The driver is off in a flash, stopping in front of the building in less than five minutes.  I have learned in a short period of time that these drivers can be aggressive. It’s best to hold on until you arrive at your destination.

As I get out of the cab, I glance up at the soaring 2.8 million square foot buildings, which leave you in awe at the man-made structure. The spectacular glass view is quite chic, adding to the New York skyline.

The buildings are known as the Time Warner Center. Its vertical mixed-use property is home to an indoor mall, restaurants, and a huge food market.  The two joint buildings house lavish residences, the Mandarin Oriental Luxury Hotel and the corporate offices to many organizations.

It makes me wonder, how great it would be to live here. The views and proximity to Central Park make this an excellent location, not to mention having everything at your fingertips.  Maybe one day. For now, I will have to settle for my cozy two bedroom apartment.

Once I am inside the building, I check in at the security desk before I am cleared to head upstairs.  After getting my temporary badge, I make my way up to the seventieth floor.  I walk out of the elevator to see a modern open office with light neutral colors and hints of red.  It definitely screams sophistication and class.

Suddenly, I am feeling a bit anxious, which is unusual. When it comes to my work, my career, I have always been confident.

 

Why am I feeling this way?

I push the thought aside, making my way to the receptionist.

“Welcome to AR Corporation, how can I help you?”

“Hi, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta.  I have a meeting with Arnav Singh Raizada at ten o’clock.”

“Yes, please sign in and take a seat, I will call his assistant.”  She smiles, pointing to the sitting area.

“Sure, thank you.”

As I wait, I decide to take a quick look at my resume and mentally prepare myself for some questions that he might ask. Not sure, why. But my nerves are getting the better of me.

Based on my research, along with the last two interviews with various team members I have learned a lot about AR Corporation. Arnav Singh Raizada took over the failing family business after graduating from Harvard with his MBA seven years ago.  In a short period of time he has turned it around and started expanding the company through mergers and acquisitions in various fields.  It has since continued to grow, making huge profits under his leadership.  The man has a brilliant business sense. One would be fortunate to work for this organization under his guidance. I, for one, can learn a lot from him.

“Hi, Miss. Gupta. I am Lavanya Kashyap, ASR’s assistant.” A beautiful, tall dusky woman with an endearing smile approaches me, extending her hand.

“Please call me Khushi.  It’s nice to meet you, Lavanya.” I gather my things ready to follow her inside the huge open office space.

“Sure Khushi, I can take you to ASR’s office. He is just wrapping up on a conference call. Hope you made it in okay…”  Lavanya inquires as we make our way through the long hall.

I can’t help but smile at her liveliness, it’s quite contagious. She certainly has a warm smile that makes me feel comfortable and at ease.

“It wasn’t a problem at all, plus the building is well known in the area which makes it easy to get to.”

After a few more pleasantries, Lavanya stops in front of closed solid dark wood double doors of the corner office in the back.

“Here we are, this is ASR’s office and I actually sit in the cubicle right there.”  She points at her desk and then taps lightly on the door.

“Come in” A muffled voice comes through the door. And suddenly my apprehension is back.

“All the best, Khushi.  You can go right in, he’s expecting you.”  She squeezes my shoulder and walks back to her desk.

But, I find myself reluctant, standing there for a moment to gather myself. Taking a deep breath, I place my hand on the doorknob. Before I can turn it, the door is yanked open, causing me to lose my balance.

Just what I need, to fall flat on my face. What a first impression with my future employer. That’s if I even get the job after this stupid clumsy stunt.

But to my surprise, strong, solid hands suddenly take a hold of my arms.

 

Wait, did I just feel an electric shock?

 

What on earth is happening?

My wide eyes glance up to find the most deep alluring eyes staring at me with flecks of gold glimmering within the deep swirls of caramel. He lets go a moment later, once I have balanced myself to stand straight up.

Oh my. He is gorgeous and much taller than I had imagined.  His dressing style is impeccable. A designer dark charcoal gray suit, white shirt and a navy tie with his hair perfectly trimmed and gelled back. I push away the forbidden thoughts that have me practically ogling him. What the hell is wrong with me? The man is going to be my boss, and I should not be thinking about him this way.

“Are you okay?” He asks, in a rather deep husky voice.

 

Did my heart just beat a little faster?

“I…um…actually I am fine. So sorry, this is just so embarrassing.”  I stutter out, unable to form a proper sentence.

 

Get a grip Khushi, and don’t make an ass of yourself.

“How about we start over?”

I nod feeling a bit relieved, as he gives me a small smile before continuing.

“Welcome to AR Corp, I am Arnav Singh Raizada.”

“Hi, I am Khushi Kumari Gupta.  It’s great to finally meet you.”

As he extends his out, I place my hand in his for a shake. And there it is. The current. Again.

This is going to be one long interview…

 

Pehli Nazar Mein

Kaise Jaado Kar Diya

Tera Ban Baita Hai

Mera Jiya

Jaane Kya Hoga

Kya Hoga Kya Pata

Is Pal Ko Milke

Aa Jee Le Zara

198 Comments

  • geethaarchana

    July 28, 2017 at 1:20 PM Reply

    Hai jigs….
    Interesting prologue…i am reading this story first time….i already completed temptation and now following temptation transmuted and both are my favourite stories…. that’s why i am very interested in this story….i am fan of u r stories….
    Intersted to know more about arnav and khushi…the ceo is none other than arnav….i hope khushi will get this job…..and i hope this meeting is going to be fine….
    What happened to khushi and why she is here i mean in New york…want to know more about her past….i think she just wanted to move on from her past….i hope arnav will help her in this journey….

    • Jigs~

      July 28, 2017 at 8:24 PM Reply

      Welcome to Stripped, hope you enjoy the journey with my two favorite characters in my city! Looking forward to your thoughts 🙂

  • anjaanstory

    August 10, 2017 at 3:02 PM Reply

    Finally my search for this Story is Finished today I was Searching But Failed So many times Just Start the Story and its Like the way Other Said Awesome
    So AR corporation iN NY and Khushi Applied for Job In AR..Interesting and 1st Meeting is Superb Lol Now Moving to NExt Part

      • anjaanstory

        August 12, 2017 at 2:28 PM Reply

        I am Giving my Feedback By According to Parts
        Part 1 Part2 Part 3

        So Khushi is Moved to NY and Her Interview is At AR is Just Amazing He Hold her in Their 1st meeting
        And His Comment on Her Beautiful and She Thinks That He was Referring to her

        Well he carried her Bag Lol Love Sick She and Anjali were Friends Thats Amazing Well Anjali will Play The Cupid Just a Guess
        Sameer Now This Men is Her Past Hmm and She Moved on from india Because of Him

        1st meeting me Lunch Then Email to Text and I Just Loved this Sorry quoting line

        ‘Do you find me attractive?’

        ‘Yes.’

        Holy crap, what the hell did I just say?!

        Lol Lol Thats why I prefer Not To go with the Flow and Then He Called her She Actually Told Him “Happy Now ”
        Super happy Now Jumping to Next Parts You are Amazing Btw

  • ilfordian

    August 1, 2019 at 1:20 PM Reply

    After London I love New York. My sister lived close to the central Park so I have spent many hours in the park .I walked the streets of Manhattan a lot whenever I visited NYC. I loved the epilogue . Loved Khushi,Arnav and their little family. Looking forward to reading the new love story.

  • pinkly007

    August 1, 2019 at 7:34 PM Reply

    Jigs, it is so nice to read this beautiful story again. I think I have read this story more than 13 or 14 times and I am back here once again :-). Thank you for posting it and allowing us to enjoy this story once again.

  • vishali1234

    August 1, 2019 at 9:25 PM Reply

    Hi Jigs, thank you for reopening this blog, this is one of my favourite stories. Hoping one day you reopen Revealed also, which I really really want to read…..

  • oopppsss

    August 2, 2019 at 1:56 PM Reply

    Aah the current…I felt it too ❤️
    The story old but timeless…a classic in my eyes!Thank you Jigs dear for opening it again for us!Big bear Hug to you.

  • vijusb

    August 4, 2019 at 6:38 AM Reply

    Thank you Jigs!

    It’s wonderful start. I so wanted to read it.
    Khushi is in New york for her new job. The way you started is really nice. Loved the parents , daughter talk, their worry.
    Guess Lavanya doesn’t come between Arshi. Finally they met but not in a very Gud way. Loved the way intro happened
    Not much of Arnav here . Need to see how he felt after meeting khushi
    Thanks

    • twinklemj

      August 7, 2019 at 10:19 AM Reply

      Awsm start..kushi is an Independent women.. She is defiantly capable to join the AR..ASR entry was too good and what he is thinking about the Embraced moment..interview will be most remembered
      ❤

  • pakpearlfauzia

    August 4, 2019 at 5:25 PM Reply

    Such a pleasant start ..
    I just kept on smiling like an idiot .. lolz
    Khushi has come here to escape from some unpleasant happening..
    Her parents r worried for her n they wanna wish her good luck..
    N here she is ..smitten by her would be ……………..New Boss ..of course..
    😀

  • . (@RubleTinTin__)

    August 7, 2019 at 3:21 PM Reply

    Okay so I have started reading this now. Thank you so much for opening the blog again. I’ve always wanted to read this but it was closed. I’m very excited because I’m reading this for the first time and I really liked the way you write. Not so complexed but a touch of rich classy and posh skill of writing. And I can already say I love this ff and soon going to be in the list of my fav Arshi ff
    Twitter – ( rubletintin__)

    • anjalik11

      September 21, 2019 at 2:35 PM Reply

      You know something called CLASSIC ……For me STRIPPED is that Classic ❤️
      Oh God !
      So many , so so many beautiful memories are attached with this Story.
      Kya kehte hain ?
      Yaa , Yaandon ka pitaraa 💕
      This is what it is to me 😊

      Who would say this is your first Story ?
      With the PERFECTION you have penned down this Story, it is oozing from each line 👏🏻👏🏻
      You’re Brilliant Writer Di ! PERIOD !

      THIS Story is so relatable , realistic. Yes, most of us needs sometime for ourselves far away from everyone. To know , discover our own heart & mind . That’s what Khushi is doing.
      But Destiny has some other plans for her . Plans which going to make her life a beautiful living reality 💕

      KHUSHI’s parents are so supportive & understanding. Khushi is lucky & all those girls are very lucky when they got parents who supports you at each step & understands you . Not everyone is lucky in that department !
      Some have to struggle a lot , way lot to convince your parents, than you can even imagine. I know this feeling, very well., Going through this phase ! It hurts a lot !

      Well , well our ARNAV KHUSHI ki mulaqaat ho gayi finally 😉
      & The Journey of Pyaar begins 🥂
      Such an Phenomenal Writer you are di 🤗,
      Thank you So so much 🙏🏻
      Love you Hameshaa 😘 Dil se ❤️

      • anjalik11

        September 21, 2019 at 3:00 PM Reply

        Stripped …… So so many beautiful memories are attached with this story. That’s why it’s more than a Story to me ❤️

        Stripped is like , Kya kehte hain ?
        Haan ‘Yaadon ka pitaraa’ ….. It is That Box of Happiness which swept you off your Feet & transports you to The Blissful Sapno ji Duniya 🌼

        Who will say this is your first Story Jigs di ?
        No one will say ! Trust me I’m not buttering you . Jo sach hai woh sach hai , afterall 💁🏻‍♀️
        Each Chapter , Each line is screaming Perfection , That you possessed di 👏🏻👏🏻

        This Story is so relatable & realistic. So true ,we all need some alone Time for ourselves far away from all to figure out Dil & Dimaag ki baatein.
        That’s what KHUSHI is doing , but what she didn’t know that her life is gonna to take a flip of 360° Turn for The Best ❤️
        Kismat ke Khel , Koi naa jaane !!

        Khushi is so Lucky to have Such supportive , understanding parents. But not everyone is that lucky. So much so you have to so to make your parents convince, one can’t even imagine to what extent you have to struggle. I know this feeling really well . Going through with the same Phase , which often makes me think – Existing is Exhausting 😩

        Your words & vision gives life to the vibrant hues of the Place New York is . You make me feel as I’m there . The EXCELLENCE of your way of Writing ✍🏻👏🏻

        So Finally our ASR & KKG ki mulaqaat ho gayi aur pehli nazar mein Jadoo ho gaya 😉 Hayee 😍 .

        Kya boolun , kitna bhi aapko Thank You main Kahoon aapko , It’s never gonaa be suffice ever , I know !
        Forever Grateful To You Meri Angel di , angel yes, one who gave me , giving me so much of Happiness’ 💕 .
        Dil se , Thank You di 🙏🏻
        Love you Hameshaa 😘
        Your Bigggg pankhi ~ For life 😊❤️

  • arshina223

    December 16, 2019 at 2:32 AM Reply

    Thanks for opening stripped again. This is my first time reading this as when I got to know about this, I think you made it private. I actually started to read the Shadi special’s first chapter when I got to know at the right time that this is not the starting. Lol. Thanks again . Loved the first chapter.

  • AlinaZA

    March 26, 2020 at 3:20 PM Reply

    Thank you for opening up some of your stories during this most difficult lockdown period. It is thoughtful and truly appreciated. I finally have the chance and time to read one of your stories and decided to start with stripped and read a chapter a day and leave a comment! This prologue is lovely, so readable, and creates a visual story in my mind. I am so intrigued by Khushi’s unspoken of past and what will happen next!

  • fatima2603

    June 21, 2020 at 8:53 PM Reply

    Oh my goodness! I have been waiting to read this story for ages since i heard about it on IF but it wasn’t available! Thank you for opening the blog up again so i can get on this journey!

  • bkumar27

    September 25, 2020 at 11:05 PM Reply

    Just started reading “Stripped”. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful journey like your other books…I’m looking forward to enjoy this ride…

  • SA Arshi

    October 3, 2020 at 3:53 AM Reply

    Started re reading it now!! I think it is much needed. Feeling extremely low 🙁
    Loving the start!! Hope this helps me have a new start in my life too 😳

  • Parul Garg

    July 26, 2021 at 4:01 PM Reply

    Hi,

    Started reading it, interesting start.
    Read in lot of forums about your fan-fics, finally got a chance to read them…Super excited.

    Parul

Would you please Strip down your thoughts?

error: Content is protected !!
%d bloggers like this: