Chapter 9

Few weeks later….

“Hello Khushi… Khushi?! What’s all that noise? Are you alright?”

Hearing him screaming through the phone, I quickly turn on a side street to take the call.

“Hold on, Arnav. It’s chaos out here with some parade taking place on Fifth Avenue. Can you hear me now?”

“That’s much better. I didn’t realize you would be out right now, figured you would stay in today. Do you want to call me back when get to your place?”

“No, please keep me company.  I am going insane trying to walk back home through this maze. Some of the crossings are closed due to the parade, and there are people everywhere. It’s worse than a busy morning.” She paused, looking ahead at the congestion, then turned right. “Can you believe Amma called me at eight o’clock this morning? I couldn’t even sleep in today… I really don’t understand why she has to call so early on a Saturday. My only day to sleep in.”

“You know I will keep you company day or night, sweetheart.  Just say the magic word. And your mother is a wise woman to wake you up early. Otherwise you would be sleeping into the afternoon. Why are you out anyway?”

“Why do you always take that woman’s side? For that, keep waiting for the magic word. Since I was up early, figured I would go for a run and pick up a few things from the market.  But what a mistake that was, I am walking back empty handed.  Did you see the email I sent you last night outlining the issues for the start-up?”

“Khushi, it’s fucking Saturday! I don’t feel like working today, so please no talks of work. I thought we decided to take a break from it this weekend?”

“Oh right, I am so sorry. But I still need you to look at that email today, it has some vital information that you should be aware of.”

“You know what, I think you should have been the CEO of AR. Hands down you beat me with the workaholic title.”

“No, thank you, Sir!  You can keep the title and position, Mr. Raizada. With the amount of work you keep throwing at me, I have no choice but be a workaholic, to prevent myself from drowning. But I agree we totally need a break today. What do you want to do? Should we go see Anjali?”

“We have been to New Jersey the last two weekends… so NO.  Today it’s going to be just you and me. I have something in mind, so be ready at one o’clock. Oh, and please dress casual and wear comfortable shoes. Now go upstairs, I know you’re standing in front of your building.”

How does he know?

My head jerks around, looking for him even though I know he can’t be here. I see Henry smiling at me, who probably thinks I have lost my marbles.

“Listen, I don’t know where you got that information but I am still walking.  And for the thousandth time stop being BOSSY!”

“Why do you even attempt at lying? When you don’t know how to… See you later, sweetheart.”

“I am not….”

Did he just hang up on me?

This man drives me insane!

Letting out a heavy sigh, I walk inside my building and step inside the elevator. Seeing that it’s eleven o’clock, I note that I have a couple of hours before he gets here.

As I walk into my apartment, I still at the very spot where Arnav and I stood a few weeks ago. The kiss, well almost, if the cheek counts. In my book, it does. Which is why, I have found myself coming here quite frequently. Recalling one of my most memorable evenings, with a man that has become an integral part of my life.

Even now, my hand moves on its own accord to my right cheek that was left burning that night.

That evening I had realized, no matter how slow my mind wants to take things, my heart and body tell me otherwise. I am grateful for Arnav having held back, but there’s a part of me that wishes he would have kissed me. But I have also learned in the process, that this man respects me, along with my decisions. Giving me the time and space to move forward. Unlike the man I thought I was in love with.

What I had with Sameer, was that even love?

If anything, the last few weeks have made me realize, it was an illusion. What I was supposed to feel based on the situation. In the process, I was trying to be someone else around him. A person he wanted me to become, someone who was not Khushi Kumari Gupta. He was insecure with my accomplishments in grad school, and even when my career took off,  I would hold myself back in order to not upset him.  His way of thinking was that men should be superior to women, and this had led to many arguments between us.

But in the end, I would back down to keep the peace in our relationship.

Looking back, even my feelings for him felt forced. In the beginning it had started out fine, but we drifted apart.  I didn’t feel any attraction towards him, nor did we have chemistry.  After being with someone for a few years, there should have been at least something- but that had never been the case. A relationship for the sake of our families, who were friends, and the fact that our parents wanted to see us married.

Which almost happened…

I shake away the thoughts about my past to come back to my present and perhaps my future…. Arnav.

He has made me feel alive again, with my career and more importantly, myself.

Our working dynamics couldn’t be better. The way we work off of each other has helped us accomplish a significant amount of work in the past month. I don’t have to hold back since he has given me the autonomy with my group and work. The position and working for him has been satisfying from a professional standpoint.

From a personal aspect, this man has a killer persona which is irresistible. And his innuendos has had me blushing, speechless, feeling so many emotions.  I can be myself around him without being judged. It’s easy to talk about anything with him; our conversations flow easily and are not forced. There are times where I don’t need to say anything, for him to understand me or my needs.

How can someone, who I met a mere month ago, know me so well?

Then there is the undeniable attraction between us. His slight touches, his expressions, and body language, makes my heart and body go erratic. I want to discover what it would feel like to be in his arms or kiss him.

Oh boy, do I want to kiss this man!

In order for that to happen, I need to say the magic word, as Arnav eloquently puts it… ‘yes’

The fact that I haven’t so far, shows what a cautious fool I have been. When my heart knows what it wants.

And it’s finally time to give us a chance and further explore our relationship on a personal level.

When Arnav calls to inform me he has arrived downstairs, I take a quick look at my appearance before rushing downstairs. I decided on a white cotton kurti with my favorite jeans and flats. A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth, well aware he loves my fitted jeans. This should meet his dress code criteria for comfort wear.

Approaching the main door of my building, I stop dead in my tracks, seeing him outside. Dressed in a white fitted t-shirt showing off his hard biceps, paired with his ripped jeans, he has me drooling. The man looks striking in his aviators, and clean cut look.

He hasn’t noticed me, since he is busy talking to Henry. Knowing that, I take a few moments to admire his look. But then I realize I have been caught, when he takes off his aviators and waves to me. Deciding not to prolong things further, I make my way out the glass doors.

“Hi, sweetheart! Did you forget something?”  He says putting his hand on my shoulder when I approach him.

The simple gesture makes my heart pick up it’s pace, sending a warmth through my body.

Unable to speak, I shake my head, as he gives me a puzzled look, taking in my appearance.

“Alright, I saw you standing there, so figured you forgot something. I was hoping you would wear my favorite jeans. You look amazing in them.” He says with a half sly smile curving his lip.

“I see you wearing my favorite jeans too.  And look at the coincidence, we are wearing the same colors. Are you doing some black magic or something?”

“Let’s just say, if black magic was involved, then it would not consist of what you are wearing. And I figured, I would wear these jeans to remind you of that night at Di’s house. Let’s go.”  He whispers into my ear and then opens the back door of the Mercedes.

This man definitely knows how to electrify the situation, making me blush with his words.

“So, where are we going?”  I ask once he gets inside the car giving Mohan the signal to go.

Aware Arnav likes to drive on the weekends, makes me curious as to why Mohan is here.

“We are going to Brooklyn for pizza, the place we were talking about last week at Di’s… ”

“Really? I have been wanting to try it, after hearing so many great things about it. That’s the one right below the Brooklyn Bridge?”

“Yup, that one. Figured we could get out of the city and go somewhere different.  Also, if you are up to it, maybe we can walk back on the bridge. That’s why I didn’t drive today. What do you think?”

“Sounds perfect, I would love that.”

We both settle back in our seats, discussing the email I sent over last night, much to Arnav’s reluctance. It was better to get business out of the way, so we can truly relax afterwards.

“Oh my God, is that the line for the restaurant? Look Arnav, it goes around the entire block. What shall we do now?” My annoyance is apparent in my tone and face, causing him to chuckle. Obviously amused at my reaction.

“We are not eating inside, let’s just say I have something else planned for us. Which you will find out soon, just wait and watch.”

Mohan parks the car in front of the restaurant, and goes inside. I stare at Arnav who shrugs his shoulder, and buries his head in his phone typing something, avoiding my gaze. There is no point in me asking anything, so I opt to glance at a few emails on my phone.

What a mistake?

Shaking my head, I put away my phone, not being able to concentrate. Damn the need for secrecy, this man can be infuriating at times.

“Thanks, Mohan. Did they have everything ready?”  He inquires, when Mohan places a box of pizza, and a basket on the front seat.

“Yes, sir. Everything has been prepared, per your request.”

“Good, let’s head to the park.” There’s a satisfied expression, along with a smirk, as he takes a hold of my hand.

I know it’s best not to say anything, so I opt for a smile in return as we head to the park.

A picnic in the park.

Can this day turn out any better?

A few moments later, we settle down on the open lawn area in a shaded spot under a leafy tree at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park stretches right in between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges with views of the southern tip of the city skyline. A spectacular vista that leaves one mesmerized. It’s as if the city is floating on water.

I am stunned at our picnic set-up that is laid out in front of me. Along with food and drinks, he has brought a blanket and a couple of pillows. The amount of effort he has put into getting all this together has left me rendered speechless, and in awe.

Arnav Singh Raizada, CEO of AR Corporation, has planned and executed a magnificent picnic for us.

Who would have thought this man could be capable of making this happen? Not me for sure.

“Hungry? Should we eat before the pizza gets cold?” Feeling his hand on my shoulder, I am snapped out of my reverie. “Guess I should have asked, but hope this is okay with you.”

He stares at me, holding an uncertainty in his gaze, anxiously looking for my approval. Then it hits me, my silence has given him the wrong impression.

“This is perfect, Arnav, I love it.”

I can’t help sliding closer to him, wrapping my arm with his at how amazing this man is in every way. A sudden urge creeps up, and I don’t hesitate acting upon it, as I kiss him softly on the cheek.

“Thank you.” I whisper, before giving him a side hug. “Now, let’s eat, I am starving.”

Did I just kiss and hug him?

I realize that was rather bold, but it’s something I have wanted to do for a while.  And what better moment than now to thank him for everything he has done for me.

As I take out our pizza, I feel his penetrating gaze burning through me. I know my actions, have raised a few questions, but I choose to ignore it until we finish eating.

“Ohhhh… yum… wow… this is sooooo good!”  I moan biting into the delicious brick oven pizza, the crust melting in my mouth.  The sauce, the cheese, oh my God the cheese… is so delicious.

“Khushi, can you stop lusting over the pizza? I won’t be responsible for my actions otherwise.  So I am warning you to please stop.”  He shifts around, looking away from me, and continues eating his pizza.

Since I know what my eating habits do to him, I can’t help but chuckle quietly.  We both eat in silence looking at the view in front of us, lost in our own worlds.

Once we are done, we clear up the mess and sit back with our legs sprawled out on the blanket. I gaze at his side profile for few moments as he looks up towards the bridge. This moment feels intimate and just right, despite being outdoors in a public park.

“Are you going to stare at me all day?”  He questions, continuing to face away from me.

“Yes, it seems like I might be doing just that today. Since you’re looking at anywhere, but me.”  He shakes his head, gazing towards the water now.  “What are you thinking about?”

“You… us…”

He turns to face me, moving closer to me, then turns to face the river again.

“I am thinking about, how you came into my life, and in a matter of a month have changed my perspective on work… and, life. For the last seven years, I have worked non stop thinking about nothing else but reaching to the top. Days, nights, weekends, you name it. Do you know I have never taken a real vacation or even a day off? Yes, I travel around the globe for AR, stopping at many cities. But I have never stopped working in all these years. And, now, all I could think about this week is us, coming here and taking a break with you. Thinking about what it would be like if we were together. I don’t know what it is, but when I am with you, I feel peace.  Something that I have never felt before with anyone. I want to explore more with you, sweetheart.”

He takes my hand, entwining it with his. The honesty in his words, the confession of wanting more, sends shivers coursing through me.

“Khushi, does that make sense?”

I look at our perfectly joined hands, realizing what he is asking.  In that moment, as I look into his eyes, there is no doubt holding me back. I know what I want, and that’s to move forward.

Being with him, feels right…

“Arnav, I have never wanted anything more than this. You and me. Us.”

He reciprocates my wide smile, raising our entwined hands towards his lips, and kisses it.

“Khushi Kumari Gupta, are you finally going to say the magic word?”

“Arnav Singh Raizada, it’s about time that I do… say the magic word you have patiently been waiting for…..YES!”

“About fucking time!”

He pulls me into his arms, and I allow myself to soak in the warmth at finally being where I belong. He pulls away a few moments later, placing a kiss my forehead.

“Khushi, are you sure about this? I mean… I hope you are not doing this based on what I said before.”

“I have never been so sure of anything in my life. Well, except coming to work for you.”  I giggle, as he simply shrugs. Leaning my head on his shoulder, basking under the sun, I feel myself opening up to him.

“Arnav, I had made up my mind earlier today, though I have known it for a while now. I needed the time, but then I realized what we have between us is nothing like what I have felt before. You make me feel alive by allowing me to be myself. I don’t have to pretend I am someone else around you. It’s as if… I am free to live my life, which I haven’t felt in a long time. There’s a connection between us, where we understand the other with or without words. And, it’s about time I stop running away from it and embrace it.”

“The Khushi I have been around the last month is the Khushi I want to always see. You should be able to have your own identity, to be who you are. Don’t ever change to someone you’re not. For me, or anyone else.”

We stay side by side with our arms joined together, my head on his shoulder, gazing out at the city view.

Even after our confession, there is one thing still bothering me. He still doesn’t know about my past with Sameer. And I know I need to tell him. It wouldn’t be fair to start this relationship without him knowing about my past. The question that plagues at me, how will he take it?

Do I wait to tell him later?

No I need to do this now.

“Arnav, I need to tell you something.”  Pulling away, my nervous gaze meets his.

“What’s the matter, Khushi?”

“Um… I… want to tell you about my past with Sameer.”  Taking a deep breath, he looks away without saying anything for a long moment.

“I know it’s inevitable. Believe me, I want to know about your past, as much as you want to tell me. I need to know how that bastard has hurt you, more than the details about your relationship with him. Which compelled you to leave everything behind to come here.  But I don’t want to ruin our moment now. I can see how anxious you are. How about we save this conversation for another day.  For now, let’s revel in our day.”

Why let my past ruin our special moment?

“I have something that will bring the beautiful smile back to your face…” He brings a box out of the basket and hands it to me.

“Wow, Chocolate Mousse Cake, this looks scrumptious.” I take the fork from his hand and dig in taking a few quick bites, savoring my favorite dessert.  

“Ummm…sooo yum…” I moan licking the fork, not at all aware of what this might do to him.

“That’s it… I can’t take this anymore!  A few weeks has been enough to test my God damn patience.”  He takes the box and fork away from my hands, throwing it to the side. I gasp out loud at losing my dessert.  

What is he thinking taking my favorite dessert away?

He gently pushes me onto the ground, where my head lays on the pillow, while my body is flat against the blanket below me. He lays on his side, bringing his face close to mine. Very close, causing me to swallow.

“Do you have any idea what I want to do to you when you eat your dessert like that, Khushi?”

His voice comes out husky, as he runs his fingers down the side of my face leaving a fiery trail.

“No… what… do… you want to do?”

“I want to devour your lips to taste the sweetness. May I?”

The power of speech has left me, leaving me unable to conjure up a response. While I want to scream, yes, I just nod mutely, looking into his dark passion filled gaze.

A corner of his lip curves, wrapping his hand around my waist while the other brushes the loose tendrils away from my face.

As he tilts his head lower towards me, I wrap my hands around his neck. My eyes close as his lips gently brush mine, followed by his tongue.

When he slowly pulls away, my eyes fly open to find him stroking his thumb across wet lips.

“Is… that all?” Almost challenging him I whisper, wanting more.

“No, I would love to capture your lips, and thoroughly kiss you senseless.”

“So, what are you… waiting for? An invitation in the mail…”

He raises an eyebrow, then accepts my challenge, molding his body closer to mine. His lips are on mine, starting off by gently kissing me repeatedly, encouraging me to follow his lead. I arch up, splaying my hands across his chest, and nibble on his bottom lip.

A soft moan escapes his mouth, biting my bottom lip. As mine open at his touch, he takes the opportunity to dart his tongue inside my mouth, and conquer it. I follow his lead,  my tongue against his, tasting, consuming, before deepening the kiss. I rake my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, as heated sensations course throughout my body.

We both lose ourselves within the scorching and passionate kiss. Our hands exploring one another, craving and yearning at the touch.

He draws back for much needed air and leans his forehead against mine closing his eyes.  His withdrawal causes my body to tremble for more.

Is this what it feels like to be desired by someone, who wants me as much as I want him?

When he lifts his face up, I look into his darkened eyes. I raise my hand to his face, outlining the scar across his left eyebrow.

He takes my hand off of his face and kisses the palm of my hand, coming down to pull me in an embrace.

“You blow me away, sweetheart. If I knew our kiss would be this explosive, then perhaps I would not have waited this long.” His voice is husky, as he pulls away and lean on his side.

His gaze falls on my exposed waist, where my kurti has slid up. His finger grazes across my waist before straightening it, causing the goosebumps to erupt.

This man is going to kill me with his touches.

“Do you know that saying, ‘sabar ka phal meetha hota hai’?”  The words flow out of my mouth, as I turn to my side to face him. “In this case it was definitely meetha, much more than the dessert which you are so jealous of.”

“Guilty as charged, I am jealous of desserts, seeing how you devour them. The only way you can make it up to me is by giving me meetha, is that a deal?”  He puts his hand out towards me to shake

“After that mind blowing kiss, which I benefit from as well… you will get all the meetha you want. Deal!” I shake his hand, and then he pulls me towards him taking me for another consuming, passionate kiss. And I happily, brazenly reciprocate.

After discovering what it feels to be kissed by this man, how can I not?

After a few of hours, we decide to walk around the park taking in the sights.  The park is still under development but what they have done so far is remarkable for an urban area.

“Arnav, look at the carousel? It’s so beautiful. Can we please go on it?”

“You must be joking, right?  It’s for kids, and the last time I checked we are adults…”

“Does it look like I am joking? Adults can go too you know, there is no rule that it’s only for kids. You really are no fun at times! Such a grump.”

I begin to walk ahead in annoyance, but halt as he grabs a hold of my hand.

“Let’s go.” He gestures to the iconic structure.

“Really?”

“Yes. But I am only doing this for you. Now come on before I change my mind.”

I squeal excitedly, wrapping my hands around his neck, then plaster a kiss on the cheek. Followed by a whisper into his ear.

“Since there are little kids around, I shall properly reward you later.”

“And I shall collect, with interest for the wait.”

The carousel is a work of art which was built in 1922 in Philadelphia and restored to be placed in this magical glass fixture in between the two bridges. It makes it more special knowing the history behind it not to mention how exquisite it looks.

Arnav helps me up onto the horse and decides to stand next to me versus seating on one himself.

I look at him incredulously, holding onto my waist as if I am going to fall off. But then I see him loosen up when the carousel starts up. He takes out his phone to take pictures of me, which gives me an idea.

“Give me your phone, Arnav!  Please…”

He hesitates for a moment, but then hands it to me, seeing my plea.

“Now come closer to me.”  I angle the phone away from us making sure we are both in the screen for a selfie. “Now say ‘meetha’.”

We both let out a hearty laugh, while clicking a few shots of us, before I hand him back the phone.

“You are paagal, but cute.”  He winks, pulling me for a soft peck on the lips.

“Ewwww….”  We turn to see a little boy probably five years old making faces at us, while his mother fondly looks at us.

I mouth a ‘sorry’ to the mother, who smiles back at us in understanding.

We enjoy the rest of the ride in silence and avoid any further display of public affection, knowing that the little boy is keeping an eye on us.

My mind swirls along with the carousel trying to recall the last time I was ever this happy.

And it’s all because of the man standing next me holding onto me, so I don’t fall.   His words come back to me when we bumped into each other at the park.  “I would never let you fall as long as I am around.  That’s a promise.”     

Something tells me, he will keep that promise.

“Khushi, if we leave now we can probably see the sunset walking over the bridge.  That’s only if you are up for the walk, if you are tired I can call Mohan.”

“I would love to walk on the bridge. Plus we are right near the walkway.”

We make our way onto the bridge which is a marvel of structural engineering and an iconic part of the cityscape. Walking on the bridge from the Brooklyn side gives you a spectacular skyline view of the city.

“Ever since I saw the movie Kal Ho Naa Ho when Shah Rukh Khan was on the bridge singing the title song… I have always wanted to come here. It’s so beautiful seeing the sunset from here.”

“Is it what you thought it would be?”

“It’s much, much better, since I am walking hand and hand with you. You know what would make even better? If you posed like Shah Rukh Khan did in the movie.” Stopping in my tracks at the midpoint of the bridge, I whip out the pose to show him.

He expressions tell me, he is not at all amused, and proceeds to walk forward.

“Sweetheart, nice try, but the answer is NO.  That is just ridiculous, this is not a movie that I am going to pose like a fool in front of all these people that are around us. Plus I haven’t even watched the movie.”

“That’s the problem! You don’t watch movies, so how are you going to know these things? We need to have a memorable pose on the bridge, it would be so romantic.”

As I catch up to him, he stops and faces me.

“You know something Ms. Gupta, for someone who is intelligent,  I am surprised you fall for what they show in movies. But since you want a memorable pose and I seem to be caving into your demands today, I have something much better in mind.”

He takes my hand leading me to the corner facing the skyline.  His hand make it’s way to the back of my head, and I gasp as he pulls me close until his lips are close to mine. Unable to keep my eyes away from his lips, I stare as they hover on top of mine.

“Here is something memorable for you…”

He captures my lips deeply, and I lose myself in the maelstrom of sensations at his passionate touch.

“Does that work or should we try something more advanced?”  He whispers into my ears, ready to kiss me again. But he surprises me.

“We have plenty of time for that, don’t we, sweetheart?” His gaze burning into mine with unspoken words.

I can feel the blush warm my cheeks at the insinuation, and bury my face in his chest. He wraps me into a tight embrace, as we look out at the water as the sun sets.

“Do you want to go out for dinner?”  I hear him say, as we are making our way off the bridge.

“How about I cook for you tonight? Your favorite, Biryani, but under one condition.”

“I love your biryani, so that works for me, that’s only if you are not too tired to cook.  What condition do you have in mind?”

“Oh I remember, how much you love it.  You ate my share along with yours when I had brought it for lunch last week. I prepped all the ingredients earlier so it won’t take that long.  My condition is we watch an Indian movie tonight, agree?”

“Unbelievable! What have I done, that you are punishing me this way? Those movies are three hours long. Torture, pure torture…”

“Would you like some cheese with that whine, Arnav? And for someone so smart, as you put it, you aren’t looking at the benefits of watching a movie… with a girl…”  I wink at him, along with a mischievous smirk at the possibilities.

His mouth quirks up in an amused half-smile with a glint in his eyes, and I know he has understood what I’m trying to say.  He takes my hand leading me across the street where Mohan is parked waiting for us.

“Let’s go home, so I can reap those benefits while watching the so called movie…”  He whispers into my ears as I make my way into the car.

I put my hand on my chest to control my rapidly beating heart.

It looks like we aren’t going to be watching much of the movie tonight…

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