Chapter 8

Arnav’s POV

Text conversation in bold.

“Good morning Sweetheart!”

There’s an instant smirk playing across my lips, imagining her reaction to my text, as I hit the send button. Texting has never been this addictive before I met Khushi Kumari Gupta.

“Sorry but I think you have the wrong number, there is no one by that name here…”

“Oh really…I am sure I have the right person, Khushi ;).  All set for your work debut today?”

“Yes this is most definitely Khushi, not sure who sweetheart is though 😉 As for work, yes I am ready… actually, can’t wait! Are you in office already?”

“I had a conference call with the Delhi staff so came in early. Now waiting for my favorite employee’s arrival.”

“I am walking to the office now. Let’s just hope I will be my new boss’s favorite employee soon.”

“I bet you already are his favorite 😉 All the best with your new job! If your boss gives you a hard time, let me know.”

“Promise, you will be the first to know.”

“Good. Now put the phone away before you get into an accident texting and walking.”

“Believe it or not but I can manage both… walking and texting.  Thank you for the wishes, Arnav. See you soon.”

Before switching off my phone, I peek at the pictures on my phone which I took this weekend. Of course they were taken on Di’s request. But I couldn’t stop myself from discreetly capturing a few of Khushi looking ravishing in her red anarkali.

There is one of her sitting in the puja with her eyes closed and the other when she was animatedly laughing with Nani and Payal during lunch. The photo of her laughing is my favorite. That’s the Khushi I would like to see often. Carefree and full of happiness.

Just like her name….

What has this woman done to me?

As tempted as I am to greet her when she arrives, I know I have to keep within my boundaries in the office. Otherwise my personal feelings can make her feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, I have instructed Lavanya to assist her to get settled in her office.   While Aakash will discuss workload transition and introduce her to the key people in the office. As much as I want to go see her, I will have to wait for later. Patience is the key. Especially if I plan to prove to Khushi that having a personal relationship is feasible outside of the workplace.

So, for the next couple of hours I keep myself occupied with work. And there’s plenty of it that needs my attention.

“Bhai, are you busy?” Hearing Aakash’s voice, I immediately look up from my screen to see him and Khushi waiting at my door.

“I just finished up  with a call. Come in.”  Waving them in, I get up to greet them, and extend my hand out. “Welcome Ms. Gupta.”

“Thank you, Mr. Raizada. It’s good to finally be here.”  She extends her hand out with a radiant smile.

“Bhai, I have introduced Khushi to everyone. We also discussed the current open projects and personnel transitions. She had a few questions on some of the pending accounts. And I figured it would be best to have you answer them, if that’s alright with you.”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

“Okay Khushi, you are in good hands. We will meet later on the other topics we discussed.”

“Thank you so much Aakash. Your detailed notes were very helpful and will make the transition seamless.”

I take in her appearance as she talks to Aakash. This woman’s dressing style is quite chic. She is wearing a black belted fitted dress that falls right above the knees, wrapping her body like a glove showing off her curves. And it seems she is wearing those black heels again, which accentuates her long legs.

Wait, did I just admire her damn shoes? What the fuck is wrong with me?

If she is going to dress like this every day, then how the hell will I focus on work?

“Like what you see?” She whispers raising her eyebrows at me with a mischievous smirk.

Have I been so lost in my thoughts, that I didn’t even notice Aakash leave the room, closing the door behind him?

But finally, I get to have her to myself.

“When it’s related to you, like would be an understatement.”

We both stare at each other for a few moments without uttering a word. It’s when I see her glance away, that I realize I need to reign this back to work.

“How was the morning so far, Khushi?”

“It’s been great, getting settled in my office. All thanks to Lavanya and Aakash.  It looks like there is a lot that needs to get done. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if we went over some of my questions? It will help me wrap my hands around this sooner. ”

“You don’t have to be so formal. We both will be working close to each other so feel free to come into my office with any questions. I was planning on meeting with you this afternoon to go through some topics I need you to focus on.  But you beat me to it, and I see you have come prepared. Please have a seat.” As I gesture to a chair in front of my desk, I can’t help but watch as she confidently sits down, then opens her laptop. She has a list of questions prepared it seems, as she opens a document to share.

Ms. Gupta is ready to get down to business. And I like it.

“Khushi, did you meet your team? I am not sure if Aakash told you but they report to him right now. However, I would like for them to start reporting to you. That way, you can utilize and allocate resources as you see fit.”

“Yes, I did get a chance to meet them earlier.  Aakash and I are meeting tomorrow to discuss the logistics and details. We were planning to start the personnel transition later this week. He mentioned some of the employees had expressed their displeasure with the changeover. So, I am thinking it will best to set-up individual meetings to address their concerns.”

“Well, they have no choice. Make sure you both deal with it accordingly. If they give you trouble, then I suggest getting Jessica involved. We don’t have time to deal with the drama of people’s feelings getting hurt. This is a place of business, not high school.” Realizing my sudden outburst, I take a deep breath before giving her back my attention. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to go off topic so let’s go through what you wanted to discuss.”

We spend the next couple of hours going through various topics.  Both of us are focused solely on the professional aspect, which I knew would be the case. It’s apparent Khushi is ready to dive right into work in spite of only being here for a few hours. This confirms my hiring her was probably the best business decision I have made recently on so many fronts. Her professionalism is evident in her working style, which I am coming to admire.

“Come in.”  We both look back, hearing a knock on the door.

“ASR, sorry to interrupt but it’s almost one o’clock. Did you want me to order lunch for you both or will you be going out?”

“Since its Ms. Gupta’s first day, I will take her out to lunch. Lavanya, can you check with Aakash to see if he wants to join us?”

“He’s already gone out for a lunch appointment downtown with the heads of the new software company we are acquiring.”

“Okay, then I guess it will just be the two of us. We will figure it out. Thanks.”

Inwardly I smile at the chance to take her out alone. Thank you, Aakash!

“What was that about?” She blurts out, abruptly standing up, as soon as Lavanya closes the door.

“What are you talking about?  Come on, let’s go eat. I am starving after the hectic morning.”  Pushing my chair back, I get up from my seat and walk around to her. But it looks like she has no intentions of budging with her hands on her waist.

“How can we go to lunch alone? Hai Devi Maiya, what will everyone think?”

This woman is unbelievable. Seriously, what is wrong with her?

Why is she getting so nervous?

“Relax, Khushi, it’s only lunch.  Just so you know it’s normal for people who work together to go out to grab a bite to eat. I often take individuals from the team to lunch, so why would this be different?  Wait you do eat lunch right?”

“Duh.” She lightly smacks her head, and gives me a relieved smile. “Don’t know what I was thinking.  Sometimes my brain tends to go into overdrive, especially when it comes to you.” She gasps, realizing what she has let out in the open.

Now that was an interesting revelation…

“I am glad to know that you think about me as well. Now close your mouth and let’s get something to eat.”

We decide on the Japanese restaurant downstairs, which seems to be packed with the lunch crowd. But the conversation still flows easily with both of us. We stick to safe topics, work and AR, although we do discuss random facts. Before we know it, it’s time to get back to work.

As we make our way out of the restaurant, I find myself not in a rush to get back. In fact there is no desire to work at all today, as I drag my feet. This astonishes me, since work has always been my priority. It’s what I have been doing day and night. But now I am craving for more.

“Thank you for lunch Arnav. It was delicious, and I had a really good time.”

Her soft tone, makes me look over at her, realizing we haven’t said one word after leaving the restaurant.  But then at times we don’t need words. The companionable silence feels right.

“It was my pleasure, Khushi. And if having lunch with you is going to be this enjoyable, I suggest we go out every day.”

She gives me a shy smile and there is a glint in her eyes which does something to me.

Whoa… did my heart just skip a beat?

It seems that it has. Not only has it skipped a beat, but has now moved to beginning a marathon at the rate it has picked up upon entering the elevator.

Once we are inside, I swipe my card on the keypad. Turning, I find her with a confused expression, glancing from the panel to me.

“This is to ensure we get upstairs uninterrupted. That way I have you to myself without anyone around.”  I say, making my way to stand beside her, leaning against the metal railing.

She leaves me stunned, as she leans closer to me. We are standing side by side until our arms are touching. Our gaze locking on each other in the reflection on the polished elevator doors. It reminds me of when we were in front of the mirror yesterday.

The sight of us together is truly captivating.

“Can you see it, Khushi?”

“Humm….”

“We look perfect together, don’t you think?” I turn slightly, while still holding her gaze and whisper into her ear.

“Arnav…” She whispers but I have to step away as the elevator comes to a halt.

“Damn woman, what are you doing to me?”

She smiles shaking her head, before walking out when the doors open.

Staying away from this woman during business hours is going to be a lot harder than I had thought.

 

I am thankful we both get pulled into different meetings the rest of the day.  This gives me no time to think about anything else. The team is working on damage control with the issue that took place this weekend. I have asked Khushi and Aakash to work together along with the legal team. While I deal with the individual that caused us to almost lose a few potential high profile clients.

“Arnav, can I come in?”  I look up surprised to see Khushi standing at my door.

“Khushi, it’s almost eight o’clock, what are you still doing here?  I told Aakash to send you home when he left since I was going to be in meetings till late this evening.”

“I know, but I wanted to finish your press release before I left for the day.  You weren’t kidding when you mentioned yesterday how bad things were. Here is a hard copy, which I also emailed to you. Let me know if you have any changes and I can make them before we send it out tomorrow.”

“Sure, I will take a look later tonight but doubt there will be any, knowing you have put this together. Right now, it’s time for you to go home. It’s getting late, come I will drop you off.”   Taking the folder from her hand, I place it on my desk, before walking up to her.

“Arnav, it’s fine, I can manage. You don’t have to go through the trouble of dropping me home. I know you still have work here.”

She is right, I do have urgent work that needs to be completed within the hour.  But there’s a need to spend some time with her.

This is a losing battle, I quickly realize looking at her.

“It’s no trouble, but you are right, I do need to take care of a few things. I will agree under one condition… my driver will take you home. It’s dark outside, and you are not walking by yourself along the park. I noticed when I drove to your place it’s not as short a walk as you made it out to be. If you are working late you are not going to be walking home, Mohan will take you.”

“Are you always this bossy and controlling?”

“With you, always sweetheart…” My hand rises on its own accord to her face, caressing her cheek.

I can’t resist touching her. It’s something I have wanted to do all day. And now I feel content with just the slightest touch of her warm, soft skin. Though I would be lying if I didn’t want more.

“What am I going to do with you?”  She whispers with her gaze intently fixed on mine.

“I have some suggestions but for that, you need to say ‘yes’ to us.  It’s best you go home now, otherwise I won’t be able to hold myself back knowing there is no one else here.”

“Good night, Arnav. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Good night. When you are ready, Mohan will be in front of the building in a black Mercedes to take you home. I will call him and let him know.”

We have been standing extremely close, I realize, as she moves away and there is a sudden void. One I know she feels as well, when she sighs before leaving my office.

What I would do to keep her by my side…

The week has gone by at a rapid pace as AR once again regains control after the shake up this past week.

And majority of the credit goes to a certain someone. She has demonstrated not to just me, but the entire AR organization, her work ethic and capabilities of handling various business issues.

Khushi Kumari Gupta has far exceeded my expectations in a very short period of time.

Finally it’s Friday. After the hectic week we both have had, I am looking forward to tonight. I want it to be fun and at the same time, relaxing.  And I know exactly what to do to make that happen. Now time to see if she is ready.

As I am making my way to her office, I notice no one is around. Something about Fridays that clears this place by five o’clock.

This works out to my benefit today since I can walk into Khushi’s office to take her out for our ‘drink date’.

But what do I see standing at her doorway?   Khushi’s head buried in her laptop with her hair partially tied up, shoes off and her legs folded sitting up in her chair.

Unbelievable!

This isn’t the first time I am seeing this look. It has become a daily habit of hers at the end of day once everyone has cleared out of here way before we leave for the day.

The woman walks in the morning looking like a fashion icon in her designer attire, then at the end of the day she looks like a hot mess. I stand corrected, a cute, sexy, hot mess.

“What the…, Khushi! Are you still fucking working? It’s almost six o’clock…”

The confusion written on her face tell me one damn thing.

Don’t tell me she forgot!

“Friday night… drinks… ring a bell?”

“But I have…”

Before she can say anything further, I stride up to her, then pull her up from her chair. Literally.

“Don’t even try it, you have fifteen minutes to get ready. And if you are not ready, I will carry you out of here looking like that… got it.”  

“You wouldn’t…”  She glares at me, while putting both her hands on her waist.

“Try me… make that fourteen minutes now.”  I yell out, walking out of her office, closing the door behind me.

 

When I see Khushi come out of her office, I can’t believe it’s the same person I left fifteen minutes ago.

She looks stunning dressed in a navy blue dress with an alluring keyhole above a wide beaded waist belt paired with open toed strappy heels.  Her hair is put up with some strands falling on the sides of her face.

“If you can look like that in less than fifteen minutes, what would you look like if I gave you an hour? You look beautiful.”  Taking her hand in mine, I raise it to my lips and place a gentle kiss.  “Ready to go?”

“Thank you. If you would have let me finish earlier, I was going to say I needed to change. But you and your bossy ways. Waise, you don’t look bad yourself. But I think you should lose the tie.” She says letting go of my hand and reaching for my collar.

Is she really doing what I think she is?

She gently pushes my chin up, and slowly unknots my tie. I take a deep breath inhaling her fragrant jasmine flowery scent which is spellbinding and very arousing. Neither of us can take our eyes off the other, as she fixes my collar and unbuttons the top button.  

This had to be a dream, I keep telling myself unable to believe she took off my tie. Infact no woman has ever done that.

Once she is done, she takes a couple of steps back and smiles at me. Her darkened gaze tell me she was affected as much as I was. But she expertly disguises it.

“Much better. It’s your turn to close your mouth now, because I’m not going to offer to close it. Let’s go, I need a fucking drink…”  She winks at me and proceeds towards the elevator.

And this is just the start of our evening. I wonder what other surprises are lined up.

 

“Where should we go?”  She asks once we get inside in the elevator.

“There’s a place in midtown I have in mind. I think you will love it.”

“Then I can’t wait to see it. You know the city much better than I do. So, anything you have in mind will be spectacular. But remember, I am paying since I asked you out.”

“How about we not talk about that right now? Let’s just enjoy the evening…”

“Yes boss!” Her retort brings a smile, followed by a round of laughter from both us.

When we arrive outside out location,  I see Khushi curiously looking around trying to figure out where we are.

Taking her hand in mine, we make our way inside and go up to the thirtieth floor.  This is the home to one of the top rooftop bars in New York City.  The classically styled cocktail lounge has expansive panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and of midtown Manhattan.  I know the view alone will make Khushi ecstatic, which is the main reason I picked this place.

Once we arrive upstairs, I check in at the front and the hostess takes us outside to a private section on the terrace.

“Oh my God, Arnav…this place is amazing and the view is simply breathtaking.  You can practically see the entire city from here. I am surprised there aren’t many people here on a Friday night. You would think this place would be packed.”

She looks around the secluded open section on the terrace which has an oversized sectional along with a few chaise lounges and small tables.  This section of the bar can easily fit twenty people but it’s just the two of us.  She doesn’t know, but that was done intentionally.

“Indeed it is a stunning view, especially now with the sunset. I’m not sure why it’s not crowded. Should we sit down?”

We take a seat on the couch where I decide to keep some distance between us.  The proximity of having her sitting close to me will make it very hard to keep my hands to myself.

After looking through the unique food options and exclusive cocktail list we place our order with the hostess.  Once she leaves, we both sit back, taking in the scenery and relax in silence for a few minutes.

It feels so peaceful sitting with her after the grueling week we have had.

“Have you been here before?”

“Yes, I came here a couple of months back and liked the ambiance.  So what did you think of your first week at AR?  I hope you don’t want to run back to your old job with all the issues this week.”

“Are you kidding? Never… this week has been exactly what I needed and what I was looking for when I decided to take the opportunity coming out here.  Actually, I would like to thank you for giving me the chance with this high profile position at AR, Mr. Raizada.”

She smiles, extending her hand out for a shake. I lean in taking her hand and gaze at the warmth she is displaying.  There is sincerity in her voice and one can see things are falling in place for her. It feels good to see her relaxed.

We pull away when our drinks arrive. I hand Khushi her Cosmopolitan and take my Scotch on the rocks.

“This evening calls for a toast, Khushi.  It has been a pleasure working with you this past week and seeing you in action.  Thank you for joining AR, and falling into my life. You are one exceptional business woman. I think I finally may have found my match… at being a workaholic.  Here’s to wishing you much success at AR and in life. Cheers!”

We clink our glasses and take a sip of our drink. Neither one of us taking our eyes off the other.

“Thank you, that’s very nice of you to say.  Do you know what I have found the most intriguing this week… seeing you in your ‘ASR’ mode which is so different to the man sitting in front of me now.”  She giggles, placing her drink down on the table.

“Really? Am I that different? Actually don’t answer that, just tell me which one you prefer?”

“Believe it or not, I like both but I do prefer Arnav just a tiny bit more.”

“Well I will keep that in mind when I am around you.” I pause, when the waitress approaches us with our food, and spreads it in front of us.

“Arnav, you have to try the Mac and Cheese cupcake. So yummy. Everything looks so delicious. Can’t believe how hungry I am.”

“Well of course you’re hungry, you had hardly touched your lunch. Now eat, I don’t want you to drink on an empty stomach.”

“Did my mother call you to make sure I am fed? Seriously you need stop with this bossy attitude of yours. Plus get used to it, when I am busy working I barely eat, that’s just how I am.”

“Perhaps I need to call your mother and tell her about your bad habits. Maybe the next time I am in Delhi, I should make a personal trip to give them a status on your ajeebness as hell behavior. And with me around, you have no choice but to eat properly. And I really don’t care if you find that bossy. Get used to it.”

She stares at me agape, speechless to say anything further, before she continues to eat and drink.

She fills me in about her childhood and parents. I can see how much she misses them. She even shares pictures of them along with her home in Delhi from her phone. There’s a sense of comfort between us as she opens up about her personal life.

Even I find myself sharing some childhood memories with her regarding my parents, with the exception of the dark phase of my life. I open up to her about getting started with AR. Also, how much Nani means to me, and her presence in our life from when we moved in with her. Something she is already aware from knowing Di. There is something about her that I find myself easily opening up with her. Something that I have never done with anyone.

As we have our drinks, I notice she is a bit more carefree. I am pleased to see her letting go of her inhibitions and talking freely. But seeing her slightly buzzed, I must say is rather amusing. There are often times, where I have to put my hand over my mouth to stop myself from laughing.

 

A couple of hours, and a few drinks later, I check my phone, while waiting for Khushi to come back from the restroom.

“Arnav Singh Raizada… what have you done?”

I look up as she takes swift strides back, then sits down next to me taking over the space that had provided a buffer this evening.  It looks like things are going to get too close for comfort. At least for me, she could care less it seems.

Why did she have to come and sit so close to me?

How will I keep my hands off her now?

“What happened? Is everything okay?” Better I figure out what made her take this step, then we can get that divider back in place.

“This place is packed inside and on the other side. Did you know that? Of course you know, since you have reserved this area for us. What is wrong with you?”

She gently smacks my arm, and I burst into laughter that she has finally figured it out. For someone so smart I can’t believe it took her this long after she brought it up on more than one occasion. The mystery has been solved by Ms. Gupta…

“I wanted privacy, plus I am not fond of crowded bars. You wanted to go out for drinks so this worked out. It’s the least I can do to have some alone time with you in a public place. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“You should have told me, we could have done something else. But yes, I agree, it was nice having you to myself at this wonderful place.”

Did she admit that out loud, and not take it back in her usual Khushi way?

This has to be the drinks talking…

A few moments later, we stand near the glass wall to take in the view of the city.  I notice the sparkle in Khushi’s eye as she ganders out. There is something about her that draws me closer to her whenever I am around her. I could stand here all night gazing at her.

“The view looks spectacular at night. Doesn’t it look like Diwali with all the lights, Arnav?”

“It’s alright. Nothing in comparison to the view besides me.” Her cheeks flush, as she looks away at the skyline which seems to be at reach. “What would you like do now? We can get another drink, unless you are ready to head back home.”

“Since you have gone to the trouble of reserving this place for us, it would be a shame if we left early. Unless you can’t handle any more drinks…”

“Oh I most definitely can. The question is can you? I have an idea, how about we see which one of us can handle drinking. Maybe we can play one of those shot games. Have you ever played any before?”

“Shots, I have taken, but never played a game with them. Though I have heard about the games in college, and they sounded interesting. Do you have one in mind?”

She is definitely curious. And knowing Khushi, she won’t back down seeing this as a challenge. Now I need to present it as such.

“Actually there is one that might work, and it’s quite straightforward. It’s called, Never have I ever. We both take turns stating a truthful Never have I ever done something. After the statement, whoever has done the stated act, takes a shot.  Depending on how many shots, we can limit ours to five… whoever takes five shots first, that person is eliminated. What do you think, should we try it?”

Her eyebrows furrow together, taking in the concept that I have just gone through. There is no doubt that she will play along, I am confident.

“So the statement can be anything and if it’s true, you take a shot?”  I nod but I can tell she is still thinking about it. “And whoever has the most shots first is out? So the other person left wins….”

“Yes, that is correct, I will win.”

“Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself. But I don’t think you will, the victory will be mine. That is for sure. But who determines the question?”

“Like I said, we both will take turns or we can decide on a mutual statement if you prefer.”

After a few more questions from her to clear up the rules, we make our way to the sitting area.

“Are you ready to play, Khushi?” This time I decide to slide closer to her on the couch, which seems to have had an impact on her.

“Wait… um… first… let’s go through the final rules we discussed.” She stutters nervously moving away from me, and I can’t help but smirk.

“You do realize that you are delaying the inevitable…”

“But that’s not fair…”

Damn she looks cute when she pouts. Those lips, what I would like to do to them. But this isn’t the time for that.

It’s time to have some fun with Khushi Kumari Gupta!

“Guess you are giving up, okay I win on default.”

“I didn’t say I give up… fine, let’s play. I am ready, you can order the shots.”

I gesture the hostess over right away to place our order, before she changes her mind.

“Can I get ten top shelf tequila shots with salt and lime?”

“Sure sir, I will bring that right out.”

“Are you thinking about what it feels like to lose?” She places her hand on my shoulder, with a mischievous smirk once the hostess is out of sight.

I grasp her hand, pulling her up against me, and lean in to face her.

“I don’t plan on losing. You should be prepared to lose with the questions I have in mind. Let’s see how truthful you are.” I whisper inside her ear, but pull away as the hostess approaches us with our shots lined up on a tray.

“Whatever, why don’t you go first. I would love to see what you have lined up…”

“As you wish, I think this first question says it all…  never have I ever been drunk.”

“What?! I don’t believe you.”

“Believe what you want, but I know how to control the amount I drink not to be drunk. Based on your reaction it seems like you have been. Now spill it then take a shot.”

“Fine! It only happened once, with your sister as a matter of fact. She was upset that day when the results of her pregnancy test was negative. She was alone, since Shyam was out of town on a business trip. We both had gone out, and let’s just say we had a little too much to drink.”

“What… you and Di? I have never seen my sister drink. Heck I didn’t even know she drank. What would I do to see that…”

“Why is it automatically assumed that women don’t drink? It’s not a habit, but there is no harm in drinking occasionally.”

“I don’t mind it, actually, I like seeing you like this. Let’s go, time for you to drink up.”

She licks the salt off the glass, drinks the shot in one gulp then sucks on lime. Which blows me away, at how easily, and efficiently she took the shot. This woman never ceases to amaze me.

“Whoa… that was good!  Okay my turn…  never have I ever been to London…”

“Wait, that’s not fair. You know I travel there for AR. That’s cheating.”

“Oh come on, man up and take the damn shot. You said we can make any statement. And I haven’t been there.”

With no choice, I take the shot, keeping my eyes steadily fixed on her. Though I make sure to take my time sucking on the lime. In which time she shifts in her seat, and bites down her lips while looking at mine.

“Get ready, since I know I have this one… never have I ever been on a shopping spree.”

Instantly her mouth opens up to say something, but she stops. She realizes there is no point, and proceeds to take a shot to my satisfaction.

We continue on with some more questions, and there are few where we don’t take any shots.

I am astonished with her next statement, one that  I didn’t expect coming from her. It has to be the drinks giving her the courage.

“Okay we are tied at four. My next statement will get me the win for sure Mr. Hottest Bachelor in India. I can see where this might have happened to you.  Never have I ever been blown away by a kiss…”

Did I hear that correctly?  But how can that be the case for her?

“You don’t have this one. I have never been blown away by a kiss with anyone.  But it looks like that might change soon, very soon, I hope. I can bet if we kissed, I would be your best kiss.”

“You could be. And perhaps I can be your best kiss…” She whispers.

We both stare at each other, our eyes filled with desire. As she leans in closer, I pull her even closer, feeling the sexual tension in the air. Bringing my lips close to her ears, I brush them, then whisper.

“Sweetheart, as much I want to kiss you right now, I don’t think it’s a good idea. You’re drunk, and I should get you home.” Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, I stand up, and extend my hand to her.  There is no way I want our first kiss to be under the influence of alcohol.

It’s just matter of days before she will be ready to take our relationship to the next level.

Our first kiss should be memorable. She deserves that.

“What about the game? Someone has to win, we are tied. I wanted to win.”  She whines, fervently shaking her head, as she remains seated.

There is only one way to end it, so I grab a shot and quickly gulp it down.

“See, I took five shots. You won, happy?”

“Yay, I won and you lost.” She stands up and claps her hand excitedly. Then she stares at me questioningly. “But wait, what do I win?”  

“We can decide later what you win. For now, can we please go home?”

“You are no fun… fine, chalo.”

Once we are in the car headed to Khushi’s place, I notice she hasn’t said a word since leaving the bar. She seems deeply lost in her thoughts, staring out the window.

“Tum theek ho?” I ask, take her hand in mine.

She looks down at our hands for a long, moment before meeting my gaze. She simply nods, and then quickly looks out the window again. But I can’t help notice, she hasn’t let go of my hand.

What is she thinking about?

Fifteen minutes later, she opens the door to her apartment and steps inside.  She turns to face me, noticing I have not followed her inside.

“Aren’t you coming in?”

“It’s late, I should get going. You need to get some sleep after an exhausting first week. I had a great time with you tonight, hopefully we can do this again sometime..”

“Me too, I haven’t felt this carefree in a long time. Thank you, Arnav.”

“It was good seeing you like that, and I will admit you handled yourself well.”

“Oh right, I did win, didn’t I? Though to be fair, I think it was an equal 50/50…  It seems we both can handle our drinks. Do you think we will be able to handle each other?”  Her soft tone, walking up close to me, has my heart thudding inside my chest.

My hands reach out for hers, and I lean my forehead against hers.

“I think we can, let’s see when the time comes. Good night, sweetheart.”

“Good night Arnav.

As I pull slightly away and her gaze holds me captive, making it harder to walk away from her. Without thinking, I place a soft lingering kiss on her cheek. Her cheeks flood with color at the slightest touch, and her lips curve up in a smile.

It takes all of my restraint to not take her right now in a passionate kiss. But that is not what tonight was about. She needs time, which I had promised to give her. I refuse to ruin what could be a special moment for us.

Take it slow, that is the mantra which I need to follow with her. And I will, for her. For us.

“I will see you later, Khushi.”

She nods, taking a step back, and I make my way out of her apartment. But the image of her standing there, her eyes filled with desire solely for me, leaves me running my hands through my hair.

“Damn it, I am going to need a cold shower now.”

If kissing her on the cheek is doing this to me, what will it feel like when we actually kiss?

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