Chapter 2

“Oh my God, Khushi Kumari Gupta!”

“Anjali Manohar Jha, is that you?!”

“What the Fuck! You two know each other?!”

Anjali and I take swift strides towards each other, straight into a tight embrace, completely ignoring Mr. Raizada. Who is standing there rooted in place out of shock. From the corner of my eye, I can see him intently watching us, his gaze brimming with curiosity.

“Khushi, it’s so great seeing you here. This is crazy. How long has it been? I think it was a couple of years back that you left for India, right? How are you? Can’t believe I am seeing you here! Here I go bombarding you with all these questions, but I can’t stop myself. I am just so happy to see you.” She says, excitedly in one breath, which is mutual and contagious. I can’t help but feel ecstatic seeing my friend from Graduate school, as my smile widens ear to ear. It’s exactly what I needed.

The woman in front of me is the epitome of sophistication, dressed in what looks like a designer green silk blouse, black dress slacks with ballerina flats. Her face is radiant, like she is lit from within.

“I can’t believe it either, it’s so very nice to see you. It seems I have found someone that I know in this big city. I actually just moved here last week from Delhi and will be joining AR Corp. I have to admit, things are really looking up.”

Something pulls me to look at him as I say those last few words, even though I know that I need to stay far, far away from those thoughts.

“Wow, what a small world. You are going to work for Chote…I mean, Arnav.  Congratulations! Not sure if that’s good or bad, he can be overbearing at times. But my little brother is the best at what he does. From that perspective, it’s a good thing. Plus, you will be close by. Now we can pick up from where we left off. Come to think of it, I actually think you guys are going to love each other…”

“What?!”

“What?!”

We both yell out in unison, horrified at what Anjali has sputtered out nonchalantly. He is glaring at his sister, who simply shrugs, oblivious to the damage she has wrought with those few words.

“Would you two calm down. What I meant is you will get along well, since you both are workaholics. Wait, what did you think I meant?” She gives a mischievous chuckle, having rattled us.

“Sure, whatever you say, Di. If you are done here, shall we go to lunch? I have a meeting in a couple of hours.” His tone laden with sarcasm.

“I am so sorry for holding you back from lunch. Anjali…”  Before I can finish, he interrupts.

“No need to be sorry Ms. Gupta. What I meant to say is, let’s move this discussion elsewhere. Why don’t you join us for lunch, that way I can find out more about how you and Di know each other?  Unless you have plans.”

“Mr. Raizada, I don’t want to intrude on your private lunch.”  I hesitate, but Anjali takes my hands.

“First of all, you are not intruding, Khushi. I would love for you to join us. There is so much we need to catch up on. And second, my brother rarely gives out lunch invitations so I would take him up on this rare opportunity he has bestowed upon us. Kyun, Chote?” She winks at him while he smiles in acknowledgement.

“Very true. Consider yourself lucky then Ms. Gupta. Let’s go, ladies.”  He begins walking, giving me no option but to follow as Anjali takes my hand and drags me along.   

This brother and sister duo is some piece of work.

“Khushi, you like Italian, right? There is this amazing place located in the Shoppes area of the building. They have great food, not to mention delicious desserts that I know you love. Hope, that’s okay with you.”  Anjali says as we take the escalator to where the shopping and restaurants are located.

“Any sweet is my weakness. I can skip the meal and go straight to dessert. Remember that one time during finals when we went out to eat and all I had was dessert? Three different kinds.” We both laugh. And if I am not mistaken, Mr. Raizada chuckles as well.

As we make our way into the restaurant, we are welcomed into a large sumptuous space with glass cabinets of many bottles of wine which is the focal point in the restaurant.  It has a welcoming and classy aura about it.  We are seated in a curved booth by the window overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park.  

Anjali decides to sit in the middle of the booth, while Arnav and I take the seat at opposite ends. We order our drinks while deciding on the main course.

“So, how do you both know each other?”  Mr. Curiosity does not waste any time, getting straight to the point.

“Remember when Shyam and I were in Philadelphia a few years back and I had signed up for a few courses at the University to escape boredom?” He nods and urges her to continue. “Well Khushi was in one of my classes and we hit it off instantly. I think I had mentioned it to you as well, but guess as always you really don’t listen. Anyway, she was habitually focused on her studies and managing a full-time job at the ad agency. But I made sure she took a break, whether she liked or not. She worked extremely hard back then, just like you.”

“Anjali always found a way to get me out of my books with an excuse or her constant pleading. She had a way of making you say yes, leaving you no option but to give in. But then, she also made my time there fun and memorable. So, no complaints.”

“Had?…she still has that quality.  My sister has excelled in that area of making you do what she wants.”  

I can’t resist smiling back.

Anjali always talked about her Chote and how close they were. After their parents’ car accident, it was with the support of the other, that they were able to overcome it. And now, it’s great to see their bond firsthand.

“Oh, really.” Anjali slightly smacks his arm, as he tilts to the side to avoid her. “If that were the case, you would be married by now.”

“Di, please don’t start with that topic.”  His eyes flash with annoyance.

Thankfully, the waitress comes with our drinks, then takes our order. A much needed distraction at this point. The three of us order a house salad for the starter. While for the entree, Anjali and I order the Gnocchetti, a potato dumpling in a pesto sauce. Arnav orders the Lasagna.

Since there is a palpable tension between the brother and sister duo, I decide to steer the conversation into a safe zone. The last thing we need is to talk about marriage. Just like him, I would prefer to avoid the topic as well.

“How is Shyam, Anjali?  Are you guys in the city now?” I ask, before taking a sip of my refreshing Coke with plenty of ice. Anjali has an instant smile on her face at the mention of her husband.

“My dear pati dev is loving and busy as always. He’s still with the same firm, which has expanded with another location here in the city. They are working on a big case at the moment, which has him working long hours. Though he’s not complaining. We actually moved out of the city this past weekend to the suburbs in New Jersey. We figured it was time to get away from all the noise and move where it’s quieter. I needed to wrap up a few things here today and figured I would have lunch with Chote. It’s been a few weeks since I saw him last. Oh wait, I didn’t even tell you the big news…”  She pauses and with the brightest smile on her face, she makes the announcement. “Shyam and I are expecting our first baby. I am in my fifth month now. Can you believe it?”

“Oh my God, that is fantastic news. Congratulations! I am so happy for you both.”  I lean over, pulling her in an embrace. We both get emotional with tears in our eyes, since this is nothing but a miracle for her.

When I first met Anjali, all she had ever talked about was having children.  Already having completed her Bachelor’s, she started taking classes at the University while working part time to keep herself distracted. Being well off, she still wanted to be independent, which I had admired. So to see her disappointment month after month was heartbreaking.

I am so happy for my friend, God how I have missed her!

I thank Devi Maiya for giving her this blessing.

“Waise, Khushi, you better not disappear again. Otherwise I will have my control freak brother hunt you down.” She warns me as we pull away, attempting to compose ourselves.

As I wipe away the tears from the corner of my eyes, I catch Arnav staring at me. The intensity in this man’s eyes does something to me. And again, a shiver slithers down my spine.  

This can’t be happening.

“Don’t worry Di, I don’t plan on letting her go that easily.”  He says picking up his glass of water, while Anjali and I stare at him. “Ms. Gupta is about to sign a contract with us so she can’t just up and disappear.”

This man is unbelievable, what’s up with all these comments? So far it is confirmed that he is arrogant, a control freak and very attractive. Couldn’t he be ugly? That would be so much easier…

“Don’t worry Mr. Raizada, I am here to stay and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”  I glare at him with my response which seems to have amused him. “And Anjali, I am really sorry for not keeping in touch after our few email exchanges once I moved back to India, but life got hectic.”

“I understand, things were crazy for me as well, I started working full time and then moved to New York once Shyam picked up clients here.  Wish I would have known you were interviewing for AR earlier. I could have helped with your move. But I guess it all worked out in the end.”

Our food arrives, which looks delicious and I realize I am really hungry.  I haven’t eaten breakfast so I decide to dive in.

“Oh wait, how can I forget…Sameer. Did he move here as well? I would have thought you both would have been married by now.” I choke on my food at the sudden mention of the name that I would rather not speak of.  Anjali pats my back, offering me a glass of water, which I gratefully accept.

“Are you okay?” Her voice is soft with concern, while Arnav quietly looks on.   

I nod, trying to get a hold of myself. But when I don’t say anything for a couple of minutes, Anjali decides to speak again.

“Remember the few occasions when we went out on double dates? Those were some fun times. I am looking forward to seeing him again. So where is he? Waiting for you at home?”  She teases me, nudging my arm.

Why is it that when I want to move on, I am reminded of him?

“Um… I…we’re not together anymore. I’d rather not talk about it any further.” My gaze is lowered on my plate, avoiding the the two sets of eyes on me. Knowing Anjali, she will see right through the anguish on my face, seeking answers.

“Sure.”  

Surprised at hearing Arnav, I glance directly at him. He gives me a slight nod with an understanding expression.  

Why does it feel like he can see right through me?   

“Di, everything set at the house? And I hope you haven’t lifted a finger like we agreed.” He diverts Anjali’s attention changing the topic.  

“For your kind information, little brother, with Nani here from India plus Aakash and Payal, do you think they will let me do anything? I am so glad to get away today from their hovering. Geez, I am pregnant, not disabled. It’s just too much to handle.”

“Good. That was the plan, getting Nani here to keep you on a short leash was how I wanted it.”  

“Please keep your smart mouth to yourself. Otherwise I might send Nani to spend a few days with you. Let’s see what that does to your bachelor lifestyle. Should I send her for a visit, Chote?”  She smartly retorts back.

“I don’t think so, you better not.”

I can’t help but laugh at their banter, which rubs off on them as well.

Who would have thought that Arnav Singh Raizada would come to my rescue?   

“Actually, Khushi, this Sunday we are having a small puja and house warming party at the new house. Why don’t you come? It will be fun, and you will be able to meet everyone. And before you say anything, I am not taking no for an answer. I suggest you don’t even try to make any excuses.”

“I am new here so I’m not sure…”

“Di, I can bring Ms. Gupta with me. Unless she is scared to get in a car with me alone.”  

Wait, is he teasing me? The nerve of this man.

“Mr. Raizada, what is there to be scared about?  After all, we’re going to be working together starting next week.” He nods, with his classic smirk at my response.

“What’s with this Ms. Gupta and Mr. Raizada’? You both have nice names, so please use them. Chote, aren’t you coming on Saturday afternoon?”

“Yes that is the plan.”

“Oh, Khushi can come then too.” She knows exactly what I am geared up to say, and instantly speaks up. “Come on Khushi, don’t get all formal.  You are coming and that’s it. Besides, you are alone here so it will be nice for you to get away and be around people. Please don’t say no to a pregnant lady, my hormones are all over the place.” She turns her lips downward, blinking her eyes for good measure.

“You know, you should have been an actress.  Poor Shyam having to deal with your drama.  Fine, I guess have no choice.  I don’t want to be blamed for your hormonal outburst.”

Here we go, back to Anjali blackmailing me like old times. But it feels good.  Now, I have to figure out how to deal with the brother.

Devi Maiya raksha karna!

“Okay all set then. Ms. Gupta, I will pick you up on Saturday afternoon around two o’clock.  If you give me your number, I can call you, so you can also have mine saved.”  

We finish our lunch discussing various topics about the places I should check out in the city, AR Corp and our days at Wharton. I learn that their family from Delhi will be here until Anjali has the baby, due to the high risk pregnancy. Aakash is here to help out with the expansion, while their Mama is managing things back in Delhi. Arnav also seems to be managing the details for AR with frequent back and forth travel.

Once the check arrives, I reach inside my bag for my wallet, but nearly freeze at the commanding tone.

“Don’t even think about it, Ms. Gupta. I invited you to lunch so this one’s on me. Though feel free to take me out one day to make up for it.”

“You better listen to your Mr. Raizada, oh sorry boss.” She winks at her brother who gives her a warning glare.  

What the heck is this woman up to?   She is incorrigible, like the brother.

“All done, ladies?  It’s time for me to head back upstairs for an important meeting.”  

With that, we make our way out of the restaurant to where Anjali’s driver is waiting for her.

“Thanks for making time for lunch, Chote. Don’t work too hard.” She says softly, embracing him.

“Take care of yourself and the baby. Rest and no work, got it?”  Anjali nods in acknowledgement, before she turns to me.

“Come Khushi, I will drop you to your place.”

“No, it’s fine, Anjali. I live close by…”

“Arrey yaar, would you stop being so formal? Get in the car.”  She orders as Arnav helps her into the car. This woman can be so bossy, must be part of their DNA.   

“See you soon, Khushi.”

Arnav whispers close to my ears as I am about to make my way inside the car. When I glance back at him, I am met with his smug expression. But I remind myself, it’s best to ignore him, and swiftly get in before he could say or do anything more.

I realize that I am in trouble with a capital T around this man, placing my hand over my heart which has spiked faster than when I finish my agressive run.

Anjali instructs me to give the driver my address and then we are off.

“Khushi, are you okay? You seem a bit different from the Khushi I knew back in Wharton.”  I look into her concerned gaze, knowing exactly what she is referring to. It’s time to stop running away.

“Oh Anjali, I could never hide anything from you, could I?”  I take her hands in mine before taking a deep breath and continue. “One minute my life was all set, then literally a second later, it was over. I left him a year ago. It’s been a difficult year, but I am trying to rebuild my life. What better way than moving to another country and getting a new job?” I stifle a laugh, when all I want to do is curl up and cry.

Why is it still so difficult to talk about this?

“I don’t know what happened between you two, but it must have been something significant for you to break it off. I can see how painful it is for you to talk about it, so we don’t need to do this now. Please know that I am here for you whenever you need someone. I admire you for taking the step to move on. This new beginning might be just what you needed to find your happiness. It might be closer than you think…”

She wraps her arms around me, enveloping me in a hug. As we pull away, I notice that the car has stopped in front my building.

“I appreciate your support, and for understanding me. It makes me so happy to know that I won’t be alone here. Would you like to come upstairs?”

“I would love to but everyone at home is waiting. And I really should be getting out of the city before traffic starts. Though I promise to come over next time I am in the city. But I will see you Saturday with Chote.”       

“Sure, no problem.  Congratulations, once again. And I can’t wait for the little one to come so I can spoil him or her rotten!”  

“Thank you and yes, I can very well see the baby’s Mamu and you spoiling this baby.”  

We say our good-bye, and I head upstairs. Home. A two bedroom apartment with a private wrap-around balcony with a stunning panoramic city view. For New York City, this is a decent sized, open and bright place. I had fallen in love with it the moment I saw it.  Luckily, AR is paying half of the rent as part of my relocation package, which makes it affordable.

I call my parents immediately to share my good news, who are extremely elated. Of course there are a few tears of joy from my mother as things are falling into place. When I mention Anjali, I can feel the relief in their voice at having a friend close by. A part of me wishes that they worry less for me, even though I know they won’t until they see me settled down. They have been supportive till now, not pressurizing me, but I am not sure how much longer I will be able to keep my mother away from the forbidden topic…

Soon after speaking with my parents, Jessica calls from AR to finalize the terms of the contract. Once we lock them in over the phone, she emails me the documents. I sigh, looking them over, knowing it’s time for me to sign it.  

This is it.

My hand doesn’t hesitate, picking up my Cartier pen, and sign the contract.  

She was nice enough to offer sending a messenger to pick up the signed contract, but I decide to drop it off in person. Figured it would be easier since I need to go out for a few errands.

The weather is beautiful, when I walk out of my building. A perfect Spring day. One that I embrace, walking over to AR in my comfortable, casual attire in my favorite old worn skinny jeans, a black t-shirt with my walking flats.  

Once I arrive to the building, I make my way to security. As I am signing in, I hear a familiar deep husky voice. I know exactly who it is before I turn to face him.

“Khushi, what are you doing here? Did you forget something?”  

“No, I actually came here to drop off my signed contract for Jessica.” I take the security pass from the guard, then walk up to him.

“Oh right. I read through them earlier and approved the last set of changes. Hopefully it’s all satisfactory now?”

“Yes, everything is all set. Thank you. I just figured I would get it back to her today, that’s all.”  

“You do realize, she would have sent someone over to pick it up… you really didn’t need to go to the trouble of dropping them off.”  He pauses, staring at me for a moment. “But it’s a good thing that you did, I get the pleasure of seeing you again.”  He says with a wicked glint in his eye.

What does he mean by that?  Does it mean what I think does? Is he openly flirting with me?

“Yes, she offered to do so, but I was headed out anyway so it’s no trouble.  Well, I think I’ll go upstairs now.”  

Ignorance is bliss!  It will be best to ignore his comments outside of the professional context.  Yes, that is a brilliant idea.

“I can take them from you. They’re going to land on my desk for a final signature.”  

I nod, reaching inside my bag, then hand them over to him.  As he takes the contract from my hand, his fingers linger on mine. Almost as deliberate move to get a reaction out of me. I can’t stop but glance down at his hand, close to mine. And the feelings from earlier return with a vengeance. Feelings that I should not allow to take over me. But it’s proving to be difficult to push them away when he is close. I decide to take a step back, away from him.

“Jessica will send you over the final copy once I have signed it. Did you need anything else?”  

“No that was it. I should probably get going. Thank you again, Mr. Raizada.” Time to make my escape, yet again.

“Are you going back to your place?  I am headed out for an appointment, would you like me to drive you home?”  

“Thank you for the offer, but I need to shop for a few things which are just a couple of blocks away.”   

A flash of disappointment crosses his face, but I ignore it. It’s best to keep my distance for now. Though it will be harder once I start working with him.  There is no reason to prolong contact outside the work environment.

“Well, see you around, then.” He starts to walk away, and then stills. “And Khushi… the sight of you in those jeans makes me want to reconsider my company’s dress policy.”  He winks at me, then walks out of the building with a brisk stride.

I am left frozen in place with my heart racing like I’ve just ran a marathon. I am trying to run away from this. From him. But circumstances are not allowing me to.   

There’s no doubt that this man is very attractive. But the real question is, am I ready for this?

 

I decide to celebrate getting my new job by going out shopping for some new work clothes. Nothing like retail therapy to keep my mind occupied and away from a certain someone…

Shopping in New York City is an entirely different experience than any other city. Especially along this historical road called Fifth Avenue. Located in the center of the city, the best Fifth Avenue shopping takes place between 39th and 60th Street. No matter what you are looking for, you can find along Fifth Ave which caters to every taste and budget.

After going a bit overboard with clothes and a couple of pairs of shoes, I make my way back home after grabbing a light dinner.

Now, I finally get to sit back and catch a breath after the long day I have had.  It’s too early to go to sleep, and with nothing worth watching on the television, I struggle thinking of what to do.

Stopping at my laptop on the coffee table, I am reminded that I need to check my email. There are some junk emails and a couple of my old colleagues checking to see if I have settled down.

Also, I see Jessica has emailed the final copy with Mr. Raizada’s signature with him on copy. After printing the contract, and a quick review, I respond back thanking them both for getting this finalized today.  

The contract has been signed and delivered by all parties.

Its official, I have joined AR Corporation.

Congratulations Khushi!  You did it, moving on professionally has been accomplished.

Now, am I ready to move on personally?

My eyes lock in on his signature above mine.  

Arnav Singh Raizada.  

Why am I so affected by him?  

Do I sense something from his end as well?

Is it just attraction or more?

Didn’t I vow not to get into that trap again?  

Either way it’s wrong. He is my employer, and that’s it.  

It’s best to call it a night. As I am putting away the contract in the file cabinet, I hear the text alert on my phone go off. Grabbing my phone, I am shocked to see who the text is from.   

Is he really sending me a text?  

Why?

Yeh Jeevan Hai, Is Jeevan Ka
Yahi Hai – Yahi Hai – Yahi Hai Rungroop
Thode Ghum Hain, Thodi Khushiyan
Thode Ghum Hain, Thodi Khushiyan
Yahi Hai – Yahi Hai – Yahi Hai Chaon Dhoop
Yeh Jeevan Hai…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSkavxTWv44

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