Chapter 6

1:00 AM…

The time lighting up the screen, as I peek at my phone. I have been lying on this bed for almost two hours but sleep is just far away. Frustrated, I get out of bed, throwing the comforter to the side, and pace around the room.

The memory of molten caramel eyes during dinner has kept me awake, and so has dessert. And then there’s the text conversation that I cannot seem to get past at all.

This man has consumed my thoughts and body, something I have never felt before.

How can I feel this way about someone that I have just met?

These thoughts are coursing through me like wildfire, and I can’t seem to find a way to control them. Nor, do I understand the meaning of all this.

To make matters worse, the owner of the molten caramel eyes is in the room next to mine.

At times, I hear his raised voice when he is yelling orders into the phone. And when the call ends, the clatter of his keyboard comes through, loud and clear.

Are the walls thin in this house?  Or is it my overactive brain that is not able to comprehend anything else?

I wish he would just go to sleep, perhaps then I can get him off of my mind.  Yes that might help. I should tell him precisely that… go to sleep.

Without thinking about the ramifications, I make my way out of the room and lightly knock on his door.

Then it hits me. Like a ton of bricks.

Oh no, what the fuck have I done!

Damn, I need to get back to my room before he opens the door. Which is exactly what I set out to do, turning around to walk away. But the door opens at that exact moment.

Luck is clearly not on my side!

“Khushi?”

Hearing him call out for me, I close my eyes in hopes this instance could be erased.  But that would mean Devi Maiya herself would need to come here to take care of it. What nonsense? I sigh.

But I am left in shock, staring at the man before me, when I turn to face him.

Arnav’s hair is unruly, and his face is shadowed with dark sexy stubble.

He is still dressed in his low rise ripped jeans. That is all.

My eyes are glued at his perfectly sculpted chest. There is no question about him not working out, those chiseled muscles did not come from sitting behind his desk all day. That’s for sure.

Sex on legs, that’s what he looks like at the moment.

Wait, did I just think of him as ‘sexy’?! That too several times over.

Before I can wrap my head around that thought, he speaks up again, much to my embarrassment at being caught.

“Like what you see?” He takes one step closer.

“Yes… NO… I mean, do you always have to distract me?”  I stutter my way through the sentence, my mind feeling scrambled by all the hotness on display.

“Is that what you are going to call it…distraction?  Actually, never mind. Just come in, before someone sees us.”

Grabbing my hand, he takes me inside his room and closes the door.  This action renders me speechless.

The sight of his bare chest and now his touch has me feeling like a hormonal teenager. For God sakes, snap out of Khushi! You are an adult.

“Just so I don’t distract you, let me put my shirt on…”

I look away clutching onto my own t-shirt to gather the wayward thoughts running around in my head… my chest… damn, every part of me.

How did I get myself into this situation?

“Is this better? May I ask what brings you to my door tonight?” He smiles at me, tilting his head, as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“I… um, why aren’t you asleep yet? I can’t fall asleep with all the noise you are making in here. And do you really call people at this time of night to bark orders?”

“Wait, you’re in the room next to me? I thought everyone was on the other side of the house.  So I had Di put me here so I don’t disturb anyone…  Good going, Di.”  He smirks wickedly.

I ignore his comment altogether, glancing anywhere but at him.

“Now that you know, can you keep the noise down in here or better yet go to sleep like everyone else?  We have an early start and it’s been a long day.”

“It has been a long day, but are you sure that it’s only the noise that’s giving you insomnia?”

My eyes are ready to pop out, as I look up at him in shock. It’s as if he knows what has been really keeping me up.

“You don’t have to answer that. You see, I am having the same problem.  That barking you heard was me keeping myself diverted with work.  But now that I know you are next door, and we both can’t sleep…”  He pauses, taking slow, small steps towards me, only to stop barely a foot away, then whispers. “What should we do about that, Khushi?”

What is happening here?  Think, Khushi, think.

“Um… woh, we should eat. Yes, I’m hungry. I’m not sure about you , but I think I will go downstairs to get something. To eat.”

“Eat?! Unbelievable…”

I ignore him once again, and instantly turn towards the door before noticing that he has not made a move to follow me.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“Nope. I’m not sure if I can sit there and watch you eat… without wanting to do more with you.”  He says this nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.

I gasp, covering my mouth, not at all believing what he has acknowledged out loud.

“Come on, Khushi. Why does that surprise you? Admit it, earlier today, we both came close to kissing each other. But since you need time, I have no choice but to hold myself back. Not that it’s easy, of course.”

How can he openly just voice out what’s on his mind? Is it that easy?

It’s better if I go back to my room before any other revelations come forth.

“You know what, I am leaving. Good night, Mr. Raizada!”

This time I quickly get ready to make my escape out of his room. And as I do so, I hear his low husky laugh behind me.

This is going to be a long, long night.

 

After a restless, never-ending night, just like I’d feared, my eyes open as the light filters in through the window.  I replay the last few days, and the man who has completely taken over my mind.

Arnav’s words, along with his serious expression before I left his room comes reeling back in front of me.

Yes, I admit it. I wanted to kiss him not once, but twice yesterday.

Yet, I can’t move forward. Why?

Isn’t one year long enough? If I was being honest, my relationship with Sameer was on the rocks before that horrible night. I was trying to hold on to something that probably was never meant to be.

Then why am I still afraid?

“Arnav…” A soft whisper rolls off of my lips, leaving me wondering, will I be enough for a man like him?

Is that what’s bothering me about this unconventional situation? Or could there be something else?

Deciding to keep my mind away from these thoughts, I decide to call my parents. After being around everyone yesterday, I am missing them terribly.

“Hi Babuji!” A wide smile instinctively appears, hearing my father voice, as he answers the call.

“Titaliya? Is everything ok? I thought you were at your friend, Anjali’s house this weekend.”

“I am, just woke up early. So, I figured I would call you both.”

“There is definitely something wrong then. Tell me, Khushi. You know eventually you will.¨

Leave it up my father to call me out. But how can I tell him what’s bothering me?

“Babuji, you didn’t tell me you were watching desi serials too. I think they are affecting you, so you might want to cut down on your viewing time.”  I chuckle out loud, trying to divert his mind.

“Your Amma watches enough serials for the three of us. I don’t have the patience for all that drama. It’s a good thing she is out shopping, giving me a break. Tell me, how is your weekend so far?”

I tell him about Anjali’s family and how welcoming everyone has been. As I figured, when I mention Arnav’s car, he starts to ask me a hundred questions until I have to cut him off.

“Okay Babuji, I should get ready and see if they need any help.” I realize that I have been on the phone for over twenty minutes.  But it looks like my father has something he needs to say.

“One minute, Khushi, please hear me out before you say anything. I know there is something on your mind and clearly you don’t want to share it. Which is fine, I am not going to push you. When you decided to move to New York, I supported you because I knew it was necessary. You promised me this was going be a new start and you won’t look back. I hope you still remember that. Titaliya, embrace this new beginning and don’t let your past prevent you from taking that first step forward. Do you understand what I am saying?”

“Yes, I understand, and will try my best to move ahead. I love you and miss you both very much.”

After an emotional good-bye, I decide to take my father’s advice to put everything behind me, once and for all. That’s what moving to New York was supposed to be about. And today, I am going to enjoy my time at my friend’s house without any hesitations.

Everything else can wait.

For the puja I opt for a new red anarkali that I had purchased right before coming to New York.  After taking some extra time getting ready with my make-up and jewelry, I reach for the strings to tie them. However, I get stuck. I can’t seem to grasp them, pulling them together is beyond me. Since the back is open, I can’t go downstairs for help.  Also, everyone is probably busy with the preparations.

“Damn!” I yell out in frustration at myself for not bringing something else to wear.

Why do they even make these clothes where you need help to put them on?

“What should I do? I wonder if I can wrap my dupatta….”

Before I can figure anything out, there is a knock at my door.

“Maybe it’s Payal or Anjali, please let it be one of them.” I quickly wrap the dupatta around me and open the door, only to still in surprise, leaning against the door.

“Are you okay? I heard you yell, so thought I’d come check on you.”

Why did it have to be him?

I stare at him, which seems to be the norm for me whenever our paths cross.  He looks all fresh after a shower and the smell emanating off him is so heavenly.   My eyes soak in his appearance, decked in light washed jeans and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

A part of me wonders how he looks gorgeous no matter what he is wearing.

“Hello. Earth to Khushi!”  He snaps his fingers at my face. “What’s wrong?  By the way, I am no expert in this matter, but I don’t think that should be worn that way.” He points at my dupatta.

I can’t help but roll my eyes, then shake my head at the stellar observation.

“I know, but this dress seems to be complicated. There’s a technical problem with it. Can you please do me a huge favor and send Payal here?”

“Sorry, I just came from downstairs and everyone is busy. I usually have solutions to complicated problems, maybe I can help?”

I know I shouldn’t take his help but it seems that I have no choice at the moment. Maybe I can keep my back covered with the dupatta while he ties the string. Yes that may work out after all.

“I need help tying the strings in the back.”

“That’s easy. Turn around, I’ll do it.”  He seems rather nonchalant about it, but I notice the mischievous glint.

“Wait, first you turn around so I can fix the dupatta.”

“Khushi, it’s only part of your upper back that is exposed. And it doesn’t take that long to tie a string. Come on, I don’t have all day.”  He comes close to me.

Panic washes over me at the realization that he might leave, and I will never be able to make my way down those stairs, looking like this.

“Fine, here.” I turn around in a huff.

My eyes lock in on at the full length mirror that is propped in the corner. The image takes my breath away. The reflection of both us in the mirror is captivating.  One that I wish I could capture and hold on to for all of eternity.

Without taking his gaze off of mine, Arnav’s fingers slightly trace my back as he pulls at the strings. His gentle touch immediately makes me straighten up, causing goosebumps to erupt throughout my body.

“Relax, Khushi.”  He whispers in my ear, keeping his gaze fixed on mine.

Just the feel of his hands brushing against my skin, makes me shiver at his slightest touch. Sucking in my breath, I shut my eyes to tame the insidious heat that has spread throughout my body.

“All done.”  He announces softly, making me open my eyes to meet his darkened gaze.

Arnav turns me around to face him, and  I can’t seem to look away from the intensity in his eyes.

My heart accelerates as he slips off my dupatta. I tremble feeling the cold air against my neck, which brings a slight smirk to his lips. He shocks me by taking the dupatta and placing it correctly around my neck.

“One more thing, you should keep your hair down…” My soft curls cascade down in one swift motions, as he removes the clip, and takes a few steps back.

“Perfect! I’ll you see you downstairs, Khushi.”

Unable to say anything, all I can do is stare after him,  as he leaves the room, gently closing the door behind him.  It takes me a good few minutes to compose myself from the aftermath of his slight touch.

However, I am left wondering why he didn’t make an attempt to kiss me. I know if he had, I would have not stopped him.

What am I going to do about the desires I feel for this man?

Once I am downstairs, there is no time to think about anything as everyone gets busy preparing for the puja. Even Arnav gets involved, though at times he does look like he is going to explode.

It turns into a madhouse as Anjali instructs all of us about what tasks need to get completed. She has been appointed as the task master, not to her liking of course.  The only person to keep her in check is Arnav. It’s comical, the way he has made her literally sit down and not lift a finger. I have to credit Shyam for his patience handling her.

I send a quick prayer to Devi Maiya to always keep these two happy. They deserve it with the miracle coming in their life to complete them.

When the puja is about to start, I glance around for Arnav. He was here not too long ago.

Where could he have disappeared to?

“Arnav doesn’t sit in the puja.” Anjali says, coming up to me. “He doesn’t believe in all this. It’s hard to convince him otherwise, so we have given up now. Though he will help with whatever is needed. Especially if that means, I stay put like a statue.”  She clarifies, looking at my confused expression.

All I can do is nod, giving her a small smile. Though I can’t help wonder why she is telling me this.  

Does she know about…

No, she can’t.

And there really is nothing to know, is there?

Finding a seat in the corner, I sit down and debate if I should text him.

When I can’t take it anymore, I decide to go for it.

“Hi ”

I keep staring at my phone waiting for a response, but there is nothing.  About ten minutes after the puja has started, I see the message come through.

“Did you just text me?  This is a first… I don’t know what to do with myself!”

“Ha ha…very funny!  I know what you can do with yourself. How about you come down here and take the empty seat next to me?”

“Are you asking me to sit next to you during a puja? Wouldn’t that be considered scandalous?”

I catch myself, holding back the laughter with the puja going on. Which reminds me, I should not even be on the phone.

Forgive me Devi Maiya, I am doing this in hopes Arnav will come down for Anjali’s sake. Please help me.

“Pure thoughts and actions do not equal scandalous. Please come, at least for your sister. This would make her happy.”

“You know why I am not there? Looks like big mouth actually told you.”

“Yes, she did. If it makes it easier, think of it as doing something for your sister.  Just think about it.”

I put my phone away, glancing around for him. After some time with no sign of him, I realize he will not be joining us.

So I decide to focus on the puja by closing my eyes and praying for everyone’s well-being.

There are times when  I feel like I am being watched, but when I open my eyes, there’s no one there.

When the puja is almost over and preparations for aarti are taking place, I feel his presence again. Scanning the room, my eyes find him immediately, leaning against the pillar at the entryway of the main living room area. I sense that he is reluctant about coming in. A moment later he looks over at me, giving me a small smile.

With a glance towards Anjali, I encourage him to go up to her as she has yet to see him. After a few minutes I smile, as he walks up to her, giving her a side hug. She looks up at him shocked, getting teary eyed, along with the rest of the family.

Awe-inspired, I stand back looking at the bond this family shares with each other and quickly wipe away the tears that are threatening to appear.

“Khushi, come here. Why are you in the back? I thought you were sitting behind us but you are in the corner by yourself.”

How can I stand with the family during the aarti?

Anjali senses my hesitation, and walks over, making me stand next to Arnav.

“There is no need for you to feel like an outsider. This is where you belong.” I nod hesitantly as she takes the puja thali from the pandit.

“I agree, this is where you belong.”  Arnav whispers, which makes my insides melt.

After the aarti, Anjali gives me the prasad to distribute. I walk around handing them out, but notice Arnav is not close by.

Spotting him on the phone in the back corner of the room, I walk over to him.

“Here, this one is for you. It’s sugar free, made by Nani.”

He looks around, then puts his phone in his pocket before staring down at me.

“Correction, it’s not sugar free, now that you have touched it.”  He winks at me, grabbing a hold my hand before I can escape.

“Arnav, please let go. Someone will see us.”

What is this man doing, here with everyone around?

“Fine…” He takes the laddoo from my hand and walks away, leaving me dazed, as usual.

An hour later, more guests arrive for the housewarming party which is a lunch event.  Everything has been shifted outside since it’s a beautiful spring day.  It’s amazing how they have  transformed the backyard to accommodate the guests.  Anjali had mentioned that this was going to be a small gathering, but it looks like a hundred people are here.

Throughout the party, I get the opportunity to meet almost everyone.  I also meet a few folks from AR. It’s mostly the executive team that works closely with Aakash and Arnav.  It’s nice meeting them in an informal setting. And hopefully, it will make tomorrow less daunting.

I get excited when I see Lavanya and we hit it off immediately. She fills me in on the office gossip, which I have no clue about, pointing to the subjects that are here. I also learn that she has been Arnav’s assistant for the last four years. I find it interesting when NK keeps glancing in our direction and Lavanya keeps blushing. Could there be something going on between them. I decide to ask Arnav later on our way home.

During the delicious lunch, I find myself keeping company with Payal and Nani since we don’t know many people around. The three of us have bonded over our love of food and talk about the many places we have in common. We get animated talking about Lucknow and our love for the city since that is our birth home.

After a while, Aakash takes Nani and Payal to introduce them to some guests, while I decide to stay back.

It’s then that I realize that Arnav and I have not had the chance to speak with each other since the party began. We have only seen each other in passing.  He was also there when I met the staff from AR, but when I look around for him now, he is nowhere in sight.

“Looking for me?” His voice behind me makes me still.

“Yes.” I admit, while I turn around to face him.

“Another first today, you actually admitted to something without taking it back. It’s a day full of surprises.”

“Aren’t you observant, Mr. Raizada?”

“When it comes to you, I can’t help it… but then again you already know that, don’t you?”

I stare up at him wanting him to know that I feel the same, but I hold back keeping in mind where we are.  Somehow, he senses that as well.

“It looks like things are wrapping up here so we will head home after everyone leaves. Is that okay with you?”  He asks, looking out  over the crowd.

“Sure, whatever works best for you.”

Anjali accompanies me to my room when I go up to change and get my things so we can spend some time together.

“Anjali, just to be clear, you are going to just sit here and do nothing.  You look tired, I don’t even know why you insisted on coming upstairs with me.”  I grab my clothes and rush to the bathroom to quickly change.

“Okay, I am sitting now. This weekend was so crazy. We didn’t get any time together so I figured we could spend a few minutes alone now. You better come back soon to visit me, no excuses this time.”  She pouts at me when I walk back out.

“You know I will come whenever I can, depending on my workload when I start working at AR.”  I say as I pack my things into my overnight bag.

“Here we go, another Arnav in the making. Did he teach you that line? I am not sure if you noticed this, but you both are similar in so many ways.  However you both also have unique traits which compliment you individually. Traits that will blend well together. You will make a perfect team.”

The mischievous glint in her eyes is shining at me, and it suddenly hits me what she is trying to do.  Now it makes sense. Her not-so-subtle hints throughout the weekend.

Little does she know, her brother has been the opposite about it. I chuckle out loud thinking about how in sync these two are.

“What’s so funny, Khushi?”

“I just figured out what you are trying to do, that’s what is funny.”

I take a seat next to her and try to figure what to say next.

“Do you know when I first met you at Wharton, the first thought that went through my mind was that you would look great with Arnav. But then of course, I had to eliminate that thought.”  Anjali holds my hands.  “Now that there is a chance, give it some serious consideration. One thing I can promise you about Arnav is that once he loves someone, he will do everything to make sure they are always happy. If he ever hurts you, he will have me to deal with.  That is a promise.”

“Anjali, do you really think it can work?  We  will be working together.  What if things turn sour between us?” I express my fear out loud to her.

“Yes, I know it can work. Why do you doubt it? You won’t know unless you give it a chance. If you’re uncomfortable working for him, perhaps you both can work out a solution. Maybe you can report to Aakash, just think about it. I know he won’t tell me, but I can see it his eyes and it’s obvious in the way he looks at you. There is something there.”

“I just feel like things…”  I quickly stop and stand up realizing that I might have started to say too much.

“When something feels right, follow your heart. I am sorry for bringing all this up, but I couldn’t hold back. Thinking about  you both together makes me very happy.  I am glad to have you back in my life again. And remember, Khushi. Whatever you decide, I will support you.”  She comes over and gives me a hug.

“Thank you for everything, Anjali.”

She lets out a chuckle.  “Are you ready?  My brother is probably chafing at the bit downstairs, waiting to get out of here so he can work once he gets back.”

 

When we get downstairs, everyone is in the foyer. Embracing Payal, I thank her for packing us food, and we make plans for her to come to the city with Aakash for dinner one evening. Nani makes Arnav promise to come back with me soon, before allowing us to leave.

“Arnav, you better take care of Khushi at AR. Please don’t make her totally like you where she has no time for anything else.”

“Di, first you need to take care of yourself, understand?  Ms. Gupta is a  big girl, I think she will manage just fine.  You don’t need to worry. I will be back in a couple of weeks to see you.”

We say our good-byes to everyone and walk out to the car.

“All the best, Khushi!” I hear Anjali as she waves from the front door. Shaking my head as she winks at me, I wave back.

We drive out of town in silence.  Once we reach the highway, Arnav stirs up a conversation.

“It looks like my family really liked you.  What’s there not to like though? I hope they didn’t bother you, they can be a bit too much at times.”

“I really enjoyed myself this weekend.  Everyone in your family is nice, so how can they be a bother?  Did you have a good time?  I would think you see them frequently, being so close.”

“Yes, it was nice seeing everyone, it’s been a while. I wish I can go more frequently, but things at AR have been hectic. Also, I have been traveling back and forth to Delhi every two to three weeks. So that makes it difficult.”

“That is understandable. Will you be going back to Delhi anytime soon?”

“I hope not. Things have calmed down there, but you never know. There is a lot that I need to take care of here so I want to limit my trips. How about you? Are you ready for tomorrow?”  He glances over at me before turning away.

“Yes, I actually can’t wait to start working again. It will be interesting to see us work together, don’t you think?”

“It should be, in a good way. I see us working well together. You just have to deal with my outbursts every so often. I should warn you, the Arnav you have seen  over the last few days is not the person you will see at AR. But when we are alone, you will see him around.”  He chuckles loudly at his admission.

“I have seen a preview of ASR.  You were in true form during your call yesterday on our way to the bakery. Also, how can I forget about last night? I felt so bad for the person on the other end of the line.”

“He deserved it, you’ll find out tomorrow what a mess he has made of things. The guy is lucky I didn’t fire his ass. Can we please talk about something besides work? I don’t want to waste our time together with this nonsense.” I can sense his irritation with the issue he has been dealing with.

“I just remembered something I wanted to ask you. Are NK and Lavanya seeing each other? I hope you don’t think I am gossiping, but I am curious based on what I saw today.”

“Oh really, what did you see? When it comes to NK, I don’t pay much attention. The guy can get on your nerves with his nonstop talk.”

We both laugh over the shared memory of the incident at the dinner table with NK. I begin to tell him what I observed at the party and we both come to the conclusion that there has to be something between them.

I don’t even realize when he pulls up to my building.

When he stops the car, I debate if I should invite him upstairs. My nerves have taken over, as he comes around and opens the door.

“Hi Henry. Would you mind if I leave my car here again?” Arnav makes his way to the back of the car to take out my bags.

Wait, how does he know the doorman’s name?

“Not a problem, sir. I will keep an eye on this beauty. You can take your time.”

I guess the decision has been made, he is coming upstairs.

Once we are inside the apartment, Arnav hands me the bag with the food while he takes my overnight bag into the living room.

“Arnav, can I get you something?”

“No thanks, I’m fine. I should probably get going.” He says, making his way into the kitchen.

Now that he is here, I don’t want him to go.

And yet, how can I ask him to stay?

“Sure, you probably have to work. Thank you for everything this weekend.”

“There is always work waiting, but since it’s not that late I might go for a run in the park before dinner. I need to burn some calories, this weekend has been gluttonous.”  He chuckles.

“That’s a good idea. We did eat way too much, but who can help it when the food was so delicious?”

“Not us, that’s for sure. Well, have a good evening. I will see you at the office in the morning .” He starts walking towards the front door.

As I see his retreating back, I can’t help but call out to him.

“Arnav.”

He stops and turns to face me but neither of us speaks for a moment.  There is something I need to ask, but I am contemplating  how to do that.

It’s now or never!

“Um… I was wondering if you would like to get a drink sometime next week.”

I am surprised at my calm voice, considering  the nervousness inside.

“You want to get a drink with me. Did I hear that correctly?”

It looks like I may have stumped him, which has to be another first for Mr. Raizada.

This should be fun!

“Are you surprised, Arnav?  It’s only a drink, unless you can’t handle that?”

I see the corner of his lips curve up, and the familiar glint in his eyes which always makes my heart beat faster.

“Handle it? Interesting choice of words there. Actually, I would love to get a drink with you. How about Friday night to celebrate your first week at AR?”

“I hear that my new boss is a workaholic.  If he lets me leave on time, Friday could work.”

I give him a small, satisfied smile, which leaves him amused.  However, that quickly changes as he walks towards me, coming up close. He bends his head slightly and whispers in my ear.

“Khushi, I can guarantee you this, Arnav Singh Raizada can handle the drinks and you, anytime of the day or night.  The real question is, can you?”

He winks at me before making his way out of the apartment.

Did he just say what I think he said?  This man is definitely one of a kind!

For once, I am not afraid and actually am looking forward to going out with him.  I want to show him what Khushi Kumari Gupta is capable of.

Oh I can handle it, Mr.Raizada…bring it on!

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One of my new favorite songs that fits our dear Khushi  so well! Enjoy 🙂

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Thank you for your patience with the delay! Life was such that I couldn’t help it 🙁 Hope you enjoyed this installment of Stripped. Now are you ready for Arnav’s POV? It’s coming up next Friday, see you then?