Chapter 5

Text conversation in Bold

“Lovely…what a sight!”  Anjali smiles, walking towards Arnav and I as we make our way inside the house.  “Finally, you guys made it. I was beginning to think that Chote was going to be busy working again and not show up.”

“Di, I am here as promised. So you can stop with the drama… and please, stop calling me Chote…”

I can’t help but smirk at his exasperated expression, glaring at his sister. But that quickly changes to embarrassment when he continues.

“People might get the wrong impression that I am little with a name like that….” He hugs his sister, while looking directly at me with a challenging glint in his eye.

Did he really just say that?

“Okay Arnav, sorry!”  She says with a shake of her head, and then walks over, engulfing me in a hug.  “Khushi, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you here. I hope my brother didn’t bore you with a work conversation on your drive over.”

Is she kidding? It was anything but boring, especially the end of the journey…

“Thank you so much for inviting me, I am so thrilled to be here. You have such a beautiful home.”

“Thank you, Khushi. I fell in love with this place the moment we first drove up to the house. Come, everyone is in the backyard, waiting. Are you guys hungry? Tea and snacks should be ready in a few minutes.”

“Di, where should I put our stuff?”  He gestures to our bags that are placed near the foyer table.

“What is all this?”

“Well, Ms. Gupta…”

Before he can say anything further I pick up a couple of the lighter gift bags and give them to Anjali.  I really don’t want him to make a sarcastic remark, like he did back at the apartment. It seemed best to interrupt at that moment, but it’s quite apparent my actions only serve as a source of amusement to him.

“Actually, woh… I bought a few things for you and the baby.  I hope you like them.”

“Khushi, that is so sweet of you, but you really didn’t have to do this. Thank you so much. I am sure I will love them. After all, I know you have excellent choice.”

“Anjali, do you remember our shopping sprees? We used to do a lot of damage at the mall. And this time, I found the cutest things for the baby, so I couldn’t resist. I wasn’t kidding you know… about spoiling the baby. Figured, I might as well get started now.”  

“It’s good to have you back, Khushi.”  She says softly as we pull away from our embrace. “Arnav, you can leave the bags here. I will have Hari Prakash put them in your rooms. Let’s go outside, I can’t wait to introduce Khushi to everyone.  Nani really wants to meet her.”

She does?

As we are making our way outside, I start feeling anxious about meeting their family. Which is ridiculous. Why should I be apprehensive? Taking a deep breath, I do my best to shake away the nerves that are building up inside.

A small part of my mind suggests that I am wary because I want to impress them, but I quickly push that notion away.

In a panic, I glance at Anjali who is walking a couple of steps ahead of us when Arnav walks up right beside me. He is close. In fact very close with his arm grazing against mine.

“Stop that.”  He mouths, pointing towards my scarf.  I seem to be wrenching at it to the point where it might just rip. I immediately let go and move away from him .

After the stunt he pulled when we had arrived, it’s best to stay far away from him. This man cannot be trusted. Who knows when the smoke alarm will trip, calling the fire department to hose the so called fire.

“Look who is finally here, Chot…oops… Arnav and Khushi!” Anjali yells out rather dramatically, once we are out on the spacious brick pavered patio. The serene yard is surrounded by lush greens and various flowers budding.

Everyone rises from the long slate patio table to greet us, as we stop in front of them. Noticing two familiar faces, I ease a slight tiny bit. Shyam and Aakash.

Shyam approaches me with a friendly smile. I smile back, eager to distract myself from the anxiety that threatens to overwhelm me at the sight of the other unfamiliar faces.

“Khushi, it’s great to see you again. I couldn’t believe it when Anjali mentioned you were back in the States. And that too, working for Arnav. We are glad to have you here.”

“Congratulations on your upcoming arrival, Shyam. I am so happy for you both.”

The happiness and love they share is evident in their linked hands and bright smiles.

And for a moment, I find myself wondering if I will ever have that in my life.

There isn’t much time for me to ponder further as Anjali proceeds to introduce me to the others.  I have already met Aakash in Delhi during the initial interview process, and we had hit it off well there. With his pleasant and down to earth personality, he immediately puts me at ease here as well. His wife doesn’t say much, but there is a warmth about her that makes me like her instantly.

Then there is their cousin, NK aka Nand Kishore, which immediately makes me grin inwardly. The fellow is rather amusing with a carefree attitude, and an outgoing and loud personality.  The thought goes through my head that spending too much time with him can probably make your head spin.

And finally, there is the matriarch of the family, Naniji.

She has a dignified appearance that gives off the impression of a strict grandmother, but her very first action refutes that.

“Namaste, Naniji.”  I bend to touch her feet but she surprises me by pulling me into a warm embrace. In that moment, I realize that there was nothing to be anxious about.

“I have heard so much about you from Anjali, it’s very nice to finally meet you, Khushi bitiya.” Naniji says affectionately, caressing my cheek.  “I hope Arnav didn’t make you wait too long today.”

Arnav approaches his grandmother, his lip pulled at the corner, giving away that he is up to something.

“Nani, have I ever made anyone wait? In fact, it’s Ms.Gupta who is making me wait…”  He says while, wrapping his arms around her for a hug.

His gaze is on mine, bright with challenge, once again.  I start to open my mouth for a retort but quickly stop myself, realizing where I am.

“How are you, Nani?”

“I am sure you made Khushi wait since you are always busy with work. Look at how long you made me wait to see you, I have been here almost two weeks and you have only come here now.”

“I am sorry. But you know I was busy with AR and traveling back to Delhi right when you got here.”  He says apologetically.

“Arnav, you need to slow down, otherwise your life is going to get away from you. It’s not good for your health either. How many times do I have to tell you to settle down like your sister and Aakash? It’s high time we find someone for you.”

“You do have a point, Nani. Work shouldn’t be what my life is all about. And one thing is for sure, I don’t intend to let my life pass by. I promise to slow down once the New York office is up and running.”

¨Did I just hear that correctly? My little brother agrees that life isn’t all about work. This is a miracle….now the question is , what has brought this on? Or who?¨

“Okay, I am done with this topic. Aren’t you going to feed your guest?”

I notice Anjali and Naniji exchanging knowing, amused looks.

God, this man really needs to learn how to filter whatever comes out of his mouth.

For the next hour, we enjoy tea and various snacks that have been served.  I lean back into my chair and slowly sip my tea as the conversation flows around me. There is an easy banter and familiarity that serves to eliminate my nerves. And I find myself relaxing.

When my gaze falls on Arnav, he is busy speaking with Aakash who is seated right besides  him. I can’t stop from staring at him, and my thoughts go back again to what almost happened outside.

What if I hadn’t stopped him?

Would he have really kissed me?

Arnav is right, there is this chemistry between us. No matter how hard I try to push it away, it seems to pull me towards him. More and more with each passing moment we are together.

What would it be like to take this further?

“Are you okay, Khushi? You are very quiet.”  Anjali shakes me out of my thoughts.

“Yes, I am fine. It’s just that, I am not used to this.”  I smile at my friend, who takes a hold of my hand. ¨I come from a small family, which only consists of Amma, Babuji and me. It’s heartwarming to see a big family together that gets along.”

“There are perks of having a big family. I am not sure what I am going to do when they all go back once the baby is born. But then, I will still have you and Arnav, right?”

“Yes, now that I am close by, I will always be here for you and the baby.”

Arnav walks over to our side of the table, stopping right behind me. I immediately straighten in my chair, taking a deep breath.

But what a mistake that was, as I get a whiff of his cologne, stirring my senses.

“Di, I need to take care of some work for a couple hours before dinner. Would it be alright if I used the study?”

“Really? It’s Saturday, for God sakes. You know what, I have a better idea.  I forgot to pick up dessert from the bakery so why don’t you get some?”  She pauses, but an amused grin tugs at the corner of her lips.  “And take our guest with you so that she can pick out what she likes. You should know… Khushi loves desserts.”  She winks at the both of us.

What is wrong with this woman?

Here I am, trying  my best to stay away from him and now she is sending us out alone….

“You want me to go out and get dessert. You’ve got to be kidding me!  Why can’t Hari Prakash go?” The incredulity in his voice, catches everyone’s attention, as they turn to face us.

“Everyone is preparing for tomorrow, that’s why. Arnav, don’t even try to get out of this. Consider that your contribution for this weekend. You are going and that’s it!” She orders, with his grandmother staring on, giving him no other option than to agree.

“Fine. But only because you’re pregnant.”

I see the wicked smirk as he turns away from Anjali, and realize that drama apparently runs in the family.

“Khushi, can you please go with him? There is a lot that we need to do here so none of us can go. Plus, Arnav has no clue on picking out good dessert.”   She clarifies looking at my confused expression. “He is diabetic, so he isn’t too familiar with sweets.¨

This news stuns me and pains me, all at once.

I wonder what it might be like to live with a lifelong affliction like this one. I can’t even imagine not being able to eat desserts, which happens to be my favorite part of the meal.

“Sure, let’s go Mr. Raizada.”

“I am sorry.” I can’t stop myself from offering my sympathy, as we walk toward Arnav’s car. But he is confused as to why.

“Sorry?”

“That you have diabetes. It must be so hard to restrict your diet.”

He lets out a loud chuckle and moves closer.

Is he really laughing about this?

“Seriously Arnav, what’s so funny?”

“You should see your face. It’s as if I was dying…”  I quickly put my hands over his mouth and shake my head at the thought.

“What is wrong with you? How can you say that?”

Even though I have only known him for a few days, there’s something about him saying those words out loud that doesn’t feel right.

He wraps his hands around my waist, before pulling me closer. His soft lips lightly caress my hand that continues to cover his mouth.

I quickly take my hand away feeling a scorching spark ignite, and look away.

“Khushi, I was just joking. But it’s nice to see that you care.”  I look back at him, only to find that his gaze is fixed on me.

That tender look in his eyes, that seeks more, reminds me that I need to pull away. And I do just that, getting inside the car before the ounce of control I have snaps.

Luckily, Arnav gets an important call that keeps him occupied on our way.  When he pulls up at the Bakery, I gesture that I will go inside, well aware the call is not going to end anytime soon.   Also I figured he could use the privacy based on the serious discussion taking place.

When I walk inside, I am transported to heaven. Sheer bliss, as I inhale the sweet aromas wafting through the air. Everything looks scrumptious, as my wide eyes take in the variety of desserts.

I ask them to give me an assorted dozen of the small individual desserts.  When I notice that they have a selection of sugar free ones, I decide to grab a few for Arnav. Just the thought of him being able to have dessert, brings a bright smile to my face.

When I walk out of the Bakery, Arnav is getting out of the car. But as he speaks inside the Bluetooth, it’s apparent he is still on the phone.

“Let me call you back in a few minutes.”  He says abruptly, before ending the call.  “I am sorry, Khushi, I got busy on this call. Here, let me take the boxes.”

“It’s okay, the car is right here.  I will hold them in my hand on the way so they don’t shift around. Would you mind just opening the door for me?”

“Yes, of course.”  He moves towards the car and helps me in.

Once I am seated comfortably, protecting the precious desserts, he unexpectedly leans down, pulling down the seat belt to strap me in my seat. I close my eyes, feeling his warm tantalizing breath near my neck.

It’s when I hear the door close, that I sit back and open my eyes. My heart is ready to leap out of my chest, straight into the red lined dashboard in front of me.

Why does his slightest touch affect me so much?

“How much do I owe you?”  He says, once he is seated in the driver’s seat, opening his wallet.

“Nothing… it would be best to put that wallet of yours away. I will probably end up eating most of this anyway.” A chuckle escapes my mouth at the truth of my statement.

“You know Di will kill me if she knows you’ve paid. And I really doubt that you can eat all that…”  His says amusedly, gesturing at the two large pastry boxes secured on my lap.

“You do realize that you could just keep this from your Di?  Also, you would be surprised at how much I can eat. I don’t think I would do it in front of your family, though. But one of these days, you might get to see it up close. I love to eat! I am not like one of those models you usually date. You know the ones, who live on salad and fresh air.”

I frown at the image of the models. And then it hits me that I might have said too much.

Arnav stares at me for a minute, and then sighs.

Based on his expression, I expect him to make a remark about my last statement.  But he surprises me with what he says next.

“Why Ms. Gupta, are you asking me to lie to my sister?”  He chuckles at my shocked expression. “But for you, I don’t mind. Plus, I agree. We can’t tell her everything that happens between us.”  He says in a low, husky tone.

This man always has a comeback. And I am quickly learning that it’s best to ignore them. Not to mention try to keep my mouth from instigating any of it.

Just as he is getting ready to pull the gear down, a message pops up on his screen and he turns towards me.

“Khushi, I hope you don’t mind, but I need to make a phone call.”

“Sure, I understand.”

Listening to Arnav or should I say ASR, in action on the phone, confirms without a doubt he is the CEO that I have read and heard about. This man is confident, and is in his element being in full control and assertive in what he is asking his team to resolve.  His shrewd style seems to be effective as he delegates tasks and reassigns responsibilities.

This makes me think about what he had said earlier this afternoon at my apartment. Separating our professional and personal relationship is possible. It appears that it is rather easy for him, based on what I have observed thus far.  I have seen him earlier with Aakash, talking about business and family.  Even with me, his tone is different when we are discussing work versus his flirtatious personality.

I guess it’s all about finding the right balance…

It will be interesting to work for ASR, the shrewd business man.

Once we get back, Arnav immediately heads upstairs to his room to deal with the issue he is working on.  I decide to distract my mind away from Mr. Enigma by hanging out with the women.

For the next couple of hours, I assist the ladies in the kitchen, as they prepare dinner. Despite the resistance to allow a guest to help, I still go ahead and contribute where I can.  

Anjali’s house has a dream kitchen which is open and spacious with all the modern  amenities. It makes it enjoyable to cook here, and the company even more so.  The four of us gossip and talk about almost anything, making it quite entertaining and amusing as our laughter bounces off of the walls.

When we are getting ready to eat dinner, I notice that Arnav is still nowhere in sight. Everyone seems to be making their way to the dining room, where the table has been set.

For a brief moment, I wonder if anyone has called him for dinner. But I chide myself at that thought. They are his family for God’s Sake. Of course they would have let him know.

No matter how hard I try, this man seems to be embedded in my thoughts with no intentions of leaving anytime soon.

“Di, Bhai is still on the phone, and will be down shortly. He has asked us to begin without him.” Aakash proceeds to take a seat, near where Payal is standing.

“Chote will never change, Nani. It’s always work for him. Here we made a homemade meal for him since he eats out all the time. And he’s not even here yet. No use in waiting, the food will get cold. I guess we should start.” Anjali sighs, though her dejected expression remains, as she awaits his arrival.

What is wrong with him?

Couldn’t he just come, eat, then go back to work. It would take no longer than fifteen minutes.

I feel like going and giving him a piece of my mind for upsetting Anjali at this stage of her pregnancy. But it quickly dawns on me, that I have no such right to do just that. After all, he is my boss. My friend’s brother.

“Khushi, please sit.” Payal smiles, motioning to the empty chair across from her, as she takes her seat next to Aakash.

As I am about to walk towards the table, I feel something and stop in my tracks. That scent, Arnav… can it really be him or am I losing it?

Just as I am about to turn to find out, the devil himself comes up next to me.

He pulls the chair out, gesturing for me to sit down. Once I am seated, he quickly takes the empty seat next to me.

“Look who has decided to grace us with his presence.” Anjali says with an irritated edge to her voice.

“Sorry Di, it was an emergency. Can we please eat….I am starving.”  He blinks apologetically at Anjali to not drag it out further, as she opens her mouth to retort.

“Me too, let’s eat.” She smiles at him, and just like that the annoyance leaves the room.

Instantly the table is swarming with food being passed around. From the corner of my eye, I can see Arnav’s eyes are on me. But to get through the meal in one piece, I decide not to look at him. Well that is until a soft whisper forces me to.

¨Miss me?¨

In a panic, I feverishly look around to see if anyone has caught on. I sigh inwardly, noticing everyone has their attention on the food and no one seems to have heard this.

“Keep this up, and you will be the one to miss me when I go and sit beside NK at the other end of the table.” I mutter under my breath so only he can hear.

“You wouldn’t dare.” I see the challenge in his eyes, cocking his eyebrow.

Is he challenging Khushi Kumari Gupta?

Well, it’s time to teach Mr. Raizada a lesson.

I raise my chin, then push the chair back a little.  He grabs my hand from underneath the table, but I do not let that deter me.

When I stand up abruptly, it forces him to let go of my hand since everyone’s attention is on me.

“Khushi, did you need anything?”  Payal asks, placing a scoop of subzi in Nani’s plate.

“I… woh, achar. I forget to bring the bottle that you had given me, it’s still sitting on the counter.” Before she could get up, I quickly head to the kitchen.

When I come back with the bottle, I take the seat next to NK, feeling a sense of triumph. I can’t stop myself from glancing at him with a smug expression. And it seems Mr. Raizada is not at all amused with my little act.

But as we begin eating, the error of my decision dawns upon me.

NK is trying extremely hard to be friendly towards me, to the point where everything now sounds like a ramble. This guy needs to slow down a bit, he is literally talking a mile a minute. I have no intentions of contributing to the discussion, and focus on my food, and give him monosyllabic replies.

Arnav gives me an amused look, noticing my predicament.

I valiantly make an effort to continue with my meal, but his gaze gives me no peace. His eyes barely leave mine throughout dinner, and when they do, it is only to trace my lips when I take a bite or sip of something.

My cheeks feel heated and my body is strung tight as a bow by the time we are done, and I cannot help but wonder…

If only his gaze can make me feel this way, what would it be like to experience the full force of his personality?

A half hour after dinner, Payal and I bring the dessert to the living room, where everyone has gathered.

“Wow, these look really yummy!”  Anjali can’t contain her excitement, grabbing a small slice of the cheesecake.

“Khushi, great job picking out the desserts!”  NK pipes up.

I glance over at Arnav, but he has his head turned away, and seems to be speaking into his phone.

This man is infuriating at times. Here I am, with my heated thoughts focused on him, and he isn’t even looking.

Since everyone is taking their pick, I grab a couple of sugar free desserts for Arnav.

“Here!”  I say annoyed, walking up to him and hand him the plate, as he places his phone to the side.

“But I can’t…¨ He trails off, confused.

“These are sugar free. I confirmed this with the baker so you are cleared to eat these.”

“How can I not, when it’s you who has specially bought them for me? Thanks, Khushi. That was sweet of you.”

“What’s that, Khushi Bitiya?” Naniji’s question makes me move away.

“Naniji, it’s sugar free dessert for Ar…Mr. Raizada.”  I catch myself before saying his name out loud in front of everyone .

“Come, Khushi. Let’s eat these together, just like old times!” Anjali gestures for me to take the seat beside her.

As I sit next to Anjali, she hands me a piece of the chocolate mousse cake which is my favorite. It is divine, and I can’t help but close my eyes as I savor the taste of the cake, melting in my mouth.

A shiver runs down my spine, when I open my eyes to find his penetrating gaze fixed on my lips.

His eyes lift to mine, and then he shifts in his seat before placing his empty plate on the table beside him.

What was that all about?

Anjali and Shyam pull my attention away while I finish eating, discussing the bakery and desserts.

When I am putting my dish on the table, I hear the text alert on my phone.  Wondering who it could be at this time, I curiously look at my phone.

“Do you always eat your dessert that way?”

Is he really texting me from across the room?  I look up at him and he raises his eyebrow, an amused half-smile playing around his lips.

¨When someone texts a person when they are in the same room, and with their entire family present, it usually means that they need help!¨

“I can’t help it. The sight before me has forced me to do this.”

I smile and decide to discreetly play this texting game with him.  To be honest, I find myself enjoying our back and forth via text.

“Did you like your dessert?”

“It actually was very good.  Thank you, Sweetie! ;)”

Sweetie….really?

What is this man doing?!

“What happened to taking this slow?”

“Correction, you wanted to take this slow. I will do whatever it takes to make you say ‘yes’…”

“I give up…”

“So does that mean ‘yes’?.”

“No! I did not mean that… what I meant was that you are incorrigible!”

“And yet, you find incorrigible very attractive. I haven’t forgotten that, so I’m not giving up! But for now, good night.”

“Good night and sweet dreams…Mr. Raizada!”

“Sweet? Of course, they will be. All I have to do is close my eyes and recall how you ate your dessert.”

He gives me his killer sexy smile, that makes my heart flutter. Then says goodnight to everyone. I can’t help watch him as he leaves the room, even as my cheeks heat up again.

What a long day this been, from bumping into him at the park to now, watching him leave for the night…

And once again, I am left wondering…

Is it really time to move on?

---

---