
Chapter 4
As I take my iPhone out of the charger in my bedroom, I notice I have only thirty more minutes before Arnav arrives to pick me up. I quickly gather my things, and get ready to change my clothes when I hear a knock at the door.
βComing…β I yell out, hurriedly making my way out of the bedroom towards the main door.
But as I look to see who it is through the peephole, I am left surprised. I open the door, and without a further thought, I throw questions at him.
βWhat are you doing up here? You should have texted me, I would have come down, you didnβt have to come upstairs.β
I just canβt believe my eyes. Arnav Singh Raizada is standing at my door.
βHiβ He says, leaning against the doorframe with his hands across his chest. Β Arnav is dressed casually in a navy blue Burberry polo shirt and ripped jeans with brown casual shoes. The casual clothes are a pleasant surprise since all the pictures I have seen of him online were in formal business attire. It actually makes him look like a normal guy and much younger, versus the shrewd business man that he is.
βIf you are done checking me out, wonβt you invite me in, Khushi?β He says with a wicked smile on his face.
Damn he noticed! Am I that transparent that he notices everything about me?
βI was not checking you out! I am just surprised you are here, thatβs it. And please do come in, Mr. Raizada.β I bow and move out of the way for added measure.
βThank you, Ms. Gupta.β Β He says casually walking inside. I can see him curiously looking around at the layout. βNot bad, I like it, bright and open.β
βYes it is, thatβs what made me choose this place. Sorry, if I knew you were coming earlier I would have been ready to go. Β Please make yourself comfortable while I quickly get ready and grab my things from the bedroom.β
βRelax, I was ready, so I decide to come a few minutes early. And your doorman let me leave the car in front of the building. Take your time, there is no rush.β Β He says, making his way towards the balcony.
βOkay, I will be right back.β
I rush into my room, closing the door behind me. Then change into my pink kurti with leggings and wrap, my white scarf around my neck. Once I am ready, I gather my things that I had scattered between the two rooms and place them by the front door in the hall.
When I am done, I notice Arnav standing with the fridge door open. Β For a moment I think how natural he looks in my apartment as if he belongs here and canβt help but smile.
What is happening to me?
βWould you like something to drink or eat?β I ask, walking up to him.
βI was just getting some water, hope you donβt mind.β Β He says, grabbing a bottle from the fridge. He turns his attention to me, taking in my appearance.
βPlease help yourself. Β Sorry, I guess I forgot my manners. I should have offered you something earlier.β
βThatβs not a problem, I am not shy. If I want something, I can help myself.β He slowly approaches me, coming up very close. Practically within touching distance.
My instinct is telling me to take a few steps back. But my body has decided to stay rooted in place, soaking in the closeness. I inhale deeply, taking in the crisp, musky scent, that is all him, intoxicating my senses.
βKhushi, the question is, will you let me?β He whispers as his fingers gently caress my face. His thumb brushes my lower lip. As he stares into my eyes with a burning gaze, I look up at his exquisite mouth. A sudden need to take his lips against mine, overpowers me. Β I notice him looking down at me, waiting for me to take the next step.
My heart is screaming to kiss him, while my mind is saying no. This is moving too fast, and I need to slow it down. It is then that I make up my mind and take a step back.
βSorry Arnav, but thisβ¦β Β He interrupts me.
βNo Khushi, I was out of line there.β He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, before proceeding. βWe need to talk.β
All I can do is nod, since words have left me looking at the guilt brimming in his eyes. He leads me to the living room and we both sit down on the sofa. Β Neither one of us says anything for a few minutes, trying to gather our thoughts.
βI know… I probably should not have touched you. But the truth is I wanted to, I am not going to lie about that. And if Iβm not mistaken, you weren’t exactly averse here…β As I hear him say that, I look up at him stunned. Itβs as if he can see right through me with his intense gaze fixed on me. βKhushi, there is an attraction between us which you cannot deny, and instead of fighting it… why canβt we see where it leads to?β
As much as I agree that there is a pull between us, I also know that I canβt allow myself to go through with this. I don’t want to end up where I was a year ago.
βArnav, I donβt think I can do this. We both are going to be working together, what if things donβt work out? Β Do you know how awkward that will be?β
Reasoning with him about our professional circumstance seems like the best way to handle this. But I can see his expression has changed, and he stiffens. Β
βIs that the real reason or is there something else?β I look away as he says that, not wanting to answer. βYouβre not a good liar, you know? How about this, answer my questions truthfully with only a yes or no then we can decide, deal?β Β He smiles at me and takes my hands in his, before beginning his questioning.
Even though I know going through this will somehow change how we move forward, I find myself nodding. Β
βGood girl.β He says squeezing my hand. βHave you ever let your personal life come between your work?β
βNo, of course not.β
βRemember yes or no only. Do you know how to separate the two, personal and professional?β
βYes.β
βAre you committed to your work despite your personal relationships with family or friends?β
βYes.β
βKhushi, we are both mature adults where we can decipher the line between work and our personal life, it does not mean we would work any less harder. Β You just need to find the right balance between the two and if we both work at it we can have that balance. Β Do you see the point I am trying to make?β
βYes, I do, but what if it doesnβt work? What if you realize you are not interested in me or find someone else? Then what? I canβt do this againβ¦β Β I stand up letting go of his hand and turn away to hide the tears that are threatening to fall. I canβt have him see the anguish on my face.
βDo you still have feelings for him?β
Just the thought about having feelings for Sameer brings out the anger that I have been holding in. I clench my hands in a fist, turning around to face him.
βI despise him! Β He is a worthless asshole that deserves nothing. So, to answer your question, Mr. Raizada, NOβ¦ I donβt have any feelings for him!β Β My voice rises with every word, letting out the rage that takes over.
Feeling myself trembling, I force myself to sit down on the sofa, covering my face as the tears unleash. This is the outcome from holding back for so long, by running away from a past that should hold no significance anymore. A past that I have moved on from. Or have I?
After a few minutes of silence, he kneels down in front of me, prying my hands away from my face. I am forced to face him, and find his eyes are filled with compassion for another being. A realization dawns on me that there is something different about him. Letting out a deep breath, I wipe the tears away, and take the water bottle from his hand.
βI am sorry, Khushi. My intention wasnβt to hurt you, nor to make you cry with that question.β His heartfelt apology, makes me want to confide in him.
Why do I feel like opening up to him? Β Shouldnβt I be running?
βThere is no need to be sorry. Do you know that one of the reasons I moved here was to start a new life for myself? I want to put it all behind me, thatβs all… why is this so hard?β
βIt doesnβt have to be hard. You are making this harder on yourself than it needs to be. If you are serious about starting a new life, then move on. Β Forget him, he is not worth it. Give yourself another chance to live your life. You deserve to be happy and I would like to be a part of making you happy again, if you allow me to.β Β He stares at me, wiping the tear from the corner of my eye.
This isnβt fair, as much as I want to push him away, there is a greater force telling me to explore this with him. But before any of that, he needs to know my reasons for holding back.
βArnav, donβt you want to know about my past before you decide if you want to get involved with me?β
βDoes it really matter? Itβs your past, everyone has one. I have one, though mine has been in the public eye. We should be focusing on the present and future.β
βWhy do you want me when you can have someone with less baggage, who isnβt an emotional mess? There are so many more beautiful women that you can easily have.β
He chuckles while shaking his head, grasping my hands tightly in his.
βSweetheart, thatβs because you are different. I have yet to meet someone who is strong enough to pack her bags and move to a city where she doesnβt know anyone. Youβre also one of the smartest women I have met in this business. From what I know of your previous work and from what you put together in two days, has been very impressive. Pure genius. And despite what my sister says about me not listening to her, I have heard her mention you on numerous occasions on what a caring person you are. You were there for her when she needed someone to lean on. Oh and let me not forget, you are beautiful, simply exquisite. Should I go on because thereβs probably more…β Β He smiles. Β
He stands up, extending his hand to help me up. I am taken aback with the unmistakeable glint in his eyes, as he wraps his arms around my neck. My body slightly trembles in reaction to the closeness.
βSo, what do you say Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta, shall we give us a chance?β
While my body and heart are reacting to the close proximity and I want to say yesβ¦ Yes, I want to see where this can go. In a matter of a few days this man has become a part of the fabric of my life when someone that I was with for a few years was not. But then there is my mind, which is telling me that it might be too soon to take this chance. Especially if I will be working for him. Itβs complicated.
Taking his hand off my neck, into mine, I take a deep breath. And seeing his smile fade, he knows what I am about to say.
βArnav, donβt you think this is moving too fast? Β I think we need to take this slow, and think this through.β
βI am following my instinct, Khushi, which has never been wrong. Since the day you walked into my office, I have felt something between us. There is this undeniable chemistry. It might seem like this is moving fast, but this just feels rightβ¦.you and me.β He pauses for a long moment, then sighs and continues. βWith that said, I completely understand why you might feel the need to take things slow. So I shall wait, and in the meantime, I am going to do whatever it takes to change your mind.β Β He shrugs, and smiles, one that tells me he means every word.
Before I can say anything further, his phone starts ringing.
βDamn phone, should have put it on silent.β He groans, letting go of my hand, before reaching into his pocket for it. Β βOf course itβs Di, leave it up to her to interrupt.β
βYeah Di.β He answers brusquely. βDo you really think I would forget to pick her up after the ten text messages you sent me? Iβm at Khushiβs place right now.β He pauses, listening to Anjali. Based on her muffled voice, I can sense she is not pleased at his tardiness. Or rather ours.
βI was busy this morning, thatβs why I am late. And if you let me get off the phone, then we can head out. See you soon.β Β He puts his phone back in his pocket, and winks at me. βNow, how could I forget to pick you up?β
βYou seriously are too much! Β Do you always flirt so openly with everyone?β
βFlirting? Is that what I’m doing? If it is, then I think this might be a first, Ms. Gupta. I have never quite met anyone like you before….β And there is that wicked smirk again, that makes my heart race.
βShall we go before Anjali sends out a search party for us?β I canβt help but giggle, knowing that such a course of action might be just the kind of thing she would do.
I turn towards the front door, but Arnav’s startled exclamation stops me in my tracks.
βWhat the… Khushi, you do realize we are only going for one night? Why does it look like you have everything but the kitchen sink in here?β Β He is almost shouting, looking at the bags I have compiled.
βYes, I know itβs one night. I only have one overnight bag, Β and the other five are gifts. I canβt possibly go empty handed, especially after learning my friend is pregnant.β
βSo you decided to buy the entire damn store? Unbelievable.β He shakes his head, and still grumbles under his breath, grabbing the bags, before we make our way out of the apartment.
Once we get out of the elevator, the door man comes up to Arnav and takes the bags from him. My eyes immediately go to the striking white Aston Martin parked in the front. Itβs when I see Arnav and the doorman loading my bags into the car that I realize itβs his. He hands the doorman a fifty dollar bill, thanking him for allowing him to leave the car in front.
What is he thinking giving him fifty dollars?
βKhushi, do you want to close your mouth or shall I do it for you?β He whispers into my ears, which immediately makes me clamp my mouth, blushing a fiery shade of red at his insinuation.
And then something else hits me.
βWait, is this Aston Martin DB9 yours?!β
βWow, you never cease to amaze me, Ms. Gupta. I have never met a girl who would know what make and model at first glance.β
βWell, thatβs because I am not like other girls!β I wink at him and make my way towards the car.
βTouchΓ©.β Β He grins, opening the passenger door for me. Once I am inside, he closes it and makes his way to the driver’s seat.
βThis car is gorgeous inside and out, amazing!β I glance around, admiring the beauty which I am seated inside of.
βI am glad you like it, now fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the ride of your life.β Β He waits for me to do just that, before accelerating out of the parking spot.
All I can think about is how my life has started moving at a rapid pace in the last few days.
For once, I welcome itβ¦.
βSo, how long will it take to get to Anjaliβs house?β I ask when we reach the traffic signal to turn onto Henry Hudson Parkway.
βDi lives in Upper Saddle River, which give or take is an hour from the city depending on the traffic. Letβs hope there is traffic.β A slight smirk curves his lip, turning onto the parkway.
βHow about letβs hope not? We are already an hour late. And now that she knows we are on our way, she will be waiting for us.β
I ramble on since my ability to speak properly has gone out the window, being in a close confined space with this man. It has apparently scrambled my brain.
βI am intrigued to know how you knew what car this was.β
βThen youβll be surprised to know that I know a lot about cars, thanks to my Babuji! He is an automotive engineer for a German car manufacturer, so you can say cars are his passion. Growing up, I used to watch him work on his designs and be amazed that what he would put on paper would actually be built. Being a daddyβs girl, itβs a hobby we both share.β I smile, and know that pride about my fatherβs work is evident in my voice.
βThatβs great you are able to share that with your father. Looks like you both have a good relationship.β
βI am actually close to both of my parents. Itβs not easy being away from them but thanks to technology they are close. Sometimes too close.β
βI know the feeling. I love my sister, but sometimes she can be overbearing with her nonstop phone calls with something or another.β
βI am still coming to terms with the fact that Anjali is your sister. I canβt believe you are Chote. Whenever she used to talk about you, I always pictured a little boy.β I let out a chuckle with the mental image I had of him back in school.
βAs you can see, I am not a boy and just so you know, there is nothing little about me.β Β He says smoothly, zooming in and out through the cars that are not moving fast enough for his liking.
My cheeks are flaming, and I look away quickly facing the window. The infrastructure of Upper Manhattan that comprises of apartment buildings facing the Hudson River, luckily captures my attention.
After a few minutes, Arnav points out the Bridge we will be crossing over to make our way into New Jersey.
This pushes away the thoughts that were burning in my head about the man seated next to me. I remind myself that I need to take this slow, advice which seems to go out the window whenever I am in close proximity with him.
The rest of the ride goes smoothly as we fall into an easy conversation about our likes and dislikes. It seems we have similar tastes in food. Where we are very different is when it comes to movies and television. With Arnavβs schedule, he rarely has the time, while I love to watch movies.
We get to Upper Saddle River, and Arnav points out the local places and restaurants that Anjali has mentioned to him. The quaint town is relatively small with affluent entrepreneurs and professionals.
When we pull up to the house, I am astonished looking at the mansion in front of me. The brick structure with precast stone is absolutely stunning. It is the epitome of elegance and has a blissful vibe to it which fits Anjali and Shyam’s personality. Glancing around the neighborhood, it also seems like a wonderful place to raise a family.
βThat wasnβt bad. We made it here in forty minutes. Itβs time to go inside and see the family.β He makes his way out of the car and swifty comes around to open my door, before I can. Β He offers me his hand, helping me out of the car and pulls me against him, leaving me breathless.
βI hope you change your mind soon about us, not sure how much longer I will be able to hold back. Especially when we start working together…β Β He whispers into my ears, and this nearly sets my body on fire.
When I look up at him, there is a blatant desire in his eyes which reflects the one in my heart. I know I should step away, but I am unable to. His hand moves towards my face, and he lightly brushes my lips with his fingers.
His unspoken intent is clear in his eyes as he lowers his lips towards mine. My breathing stops, while my heart rate goes erratic.
Grasping the last remnant of my common sense, I pull away just as his lips hover over mine. Even before my heart has slowed down to normal, I see his mouth quirk in that familiar smile.
Β¨It’s probably better that you stopped that from happening. It wouldn’t do for my sister to come out here and find us in a passionate embrace.Β¨
My chin goes up at his assumption. Β¨You are taking this for granted. Who said that it would be passionate?Β¨
He grins. Β¨Don’t fool yourself, Khushi. It would be passionate…and more. Because just now, there was enough fire between us to burn down this side of town. And you know what?Β¨
He leans forward again, and brushes his thumb against the side of my mouth.
Β¨This was just a teaser, Khushi.Β¨
And with an audacious wink, he turns around and walks towards the front door, leaving me paralyzed.
A teaser?
How the hell am I supposed to resist the entire chapter, then?!
**********
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFj3FcUJO9M


106 Comments
claucrispop
i loved the chapter…
i cant wait to see what happen next…
please continue soon…
and you didnt update temptation….please try to update this weekend ….
barunfan1212
Happy Diwali to you and yours.
It’s an amazing chapter.
I’m so thrilled to re read one of my very very favourite story again.
This is a special nice story because both Arnav and Khushi are very sweet characters here. And i love that.
sharuag
Happy Diwali Jigs
May this Diwali, brighten your today and tomorrow.
And Happy Diwali to all!
Fariha
These two are just too adorable!!!
deararshi
Loved it to the core.
Flirty side of arnav is adorable β€β€
Happy diwali everyoneπππ
Wait…
Where is temptation chapter this week???
U didnt update writerji???
gkapoor123
Happy diwali to all and was really waiting for this beautiful update
pinku0483
Happy diwali and prosperous new year. ..
Oh…very happy to reading it it again….waiting for the next update…
VivaceReveur
Was that the most wordy pun ever? Because the teaser and chapter suited there teaser you have us and the chapter you will be presenting aptly. How are we to face the chapter?
I absolutely love the virility of our Arnav. As much as I don’t feel it necessary to be sensually awakened to live a life, the life surely is worthless without it. And a person who is awakened about her/his sensuality is the most awakened and powerful.
This was a very exciting update, Jigsy. Very much like the Nasha I can imagine you to be. Thank you so much. And a very happy Diwali!
Love,
Reveur.
VivaceReveur
And that scene, oh. There hasn’t been a note beautiful diwali scene picturised in the captured history of Diwali! π
Chokri_ASR
Amen sister! Love that scene <3
psiri123
Fantastic
fermeen30
Loved the update, brilliant. Flirty Arnav,my oh my on the line of going after something he wants, dreamy sigh all on the chapter. Eager for the next part. Happy Diwali. Regards lily30 from IF.
chinni0704
Wonderful Update
Loving Arnav flirting with Khushi and never leave a chance to let her know what he wants. Though Khushi cannot avoid him or her attraction for him she fears of getting hurt because of her past with Sameer. Love their conversation in Khushi’s apartment. Wow if that is the Teaser he is showing Khushi what will be when the whole chapter happens between them.
Happy Diwali to all and have a safe one.
Thanks
Chinnulu
mrshulkinfinity
Happy Diwali <3

And i love flirty Arnav <3 dreamy eyes
sudhaguda
Ha Ha Ha ” There is nothing little about me”
I remember first time when you wrote this chapter how many discussions we had for Arnav’s this statement
mdtharun
HAPPY DIWALI SISTERS
ameenchies
This chapter was riveting to say the least
SBF
Happy Diwali everyone ππππππ
This whole chapter is a teaser.. now that it heavily implied that Sameer was actually a bastard.. dear Khushi,
You see Arnav.. that devastatingly handsome, rugged, whitty millionaire with the most adorable smile and the hair you can be openly jealous of..??
Yo run there.. as fast as you can.. hop into his arms and stay with him.. and have fun ππ»
Like last week.. again I praise that open Arnav.. as if they switched roles or something.. here he is the pursuing one.. his heart on his sleeves.. khushi is the shy one.. running away from the past by dodging every chance of happiness.. good old days
I shall be honest and say that I’m eagerly waiting for this visit to be over.. they seriously need some alone-time
Chokri_ASR
What makes you think they won’t have some alone time at Anjali’s place…. π Wait and see my dear Fluffy.
Sorry I can’t help myself teasing you all… wait for the Temptation teaser tomorrow!
SBF
You got me at “alone”.. don’t know if it’s the gutter occupying my mind.. whatever.. I’m excited ππ
No matter how much you tease us… will not yield.. πͺπ»
swetharajulapati
Happy diwali. .. yay… what an amazing update. .. loved it. .
prachibartar
Happy diwali 2 u too… Wow i seem to forgot how fast paced this story was.. enjoying it once again..
simi82sikha
Happy Diwali !!!!lovley chapter
arjuhisis
jigs, happy Diwali to you tooo dear
iam a witness to the fire that erupted with the teaser – oh, what an update jigs – as mentioned earlier, iam super thrilled to read it again – thank you jigsy
Greyasr
Wow wow and wow
Exciting
Happy deepavali
Anonymous
Happy Dewali everyone. Teaser ha nice one