Chapter 10

Text conversation in bold.

“Hi, Ms. Gupta…”

Hearing a very familiar husky tone, I tear my eyes away from my screen to find a gorgeous sight at my office doorway. One that causes my heart to pick up it’s pace.

It looks like Mr. Raizada has pulled out the works today. A three piece custom tailored dark navy suit, crisp white shirt and an azure blue tie, blended perfectly together. If I am not mistaken, he has just showered, before making his way here. The perks of being in the building next door, are most definitely working in my favor. His hair is freshly combed, and the clean shower, musky scent blended with his own scent is wafting through the air. Talk about intoxicating, and so very arousing.

He leans against the doorframe, with his bag slung over his shoulder, looking every bit the model. Very dapper, and suave, I should add.

I take a deep breath, noticing his intense gaze as he takes in my appearance.

He makes his way into my office, closing the door behind him, then places his bag on the chair.  He comes around to me, leaning down to embrace me, followed by a quick kiss on the lips. I can’t seem to tear my eyes from watching him as he walks away, and takes a sit in the chair across from my desk.

The slight caress has sparked my lip, which I immediately can’t help but feel. And seeing his eyes resting on my lips, a part of me wants more. As does he.  

“What’s with the scarf on your neck, Khushi?  Not sure if you noticed but it’s pretty warm out there…”

I stare at him in disbelief, for even asking such a question after what he did.

“Well, if someone would have paid more attention to the movie than my neck, then perhaps I wouldn’t have to wear a scarf on a warm day.  This is all your fault, look it’s still there, dammit.” Pulling off my scarf, I wait for him to say something, as he takes a moment.

“Do you know what that is called?”  He smirks, obviously amused with the situation, while pointing at my neck.

“Um… yes… of course I know.”

“And what is it called?”

There’s that damn challenge in his tone, daring me to respond. And I have a right might mind to snap at him for his smug behavior. But why give him the satisfaction? Instead, I confidently respond with no intentions of backing down.

“A hickey or love bite! Take your pick Mr. Raizada. Just because I have never had one before doesn’t mean I don’t know what they’re called.” Realizing my folly in giving away more than I intended, I cover my mouth immediately, stopping it. Though from the looks of it, I may have stumped him yet again.

“WHAT!  But…”  He shakes his head, then stares at me, no doubt calculating my response. “You know what, I actually like that I am the first to mark you…  there.”  His proudly winks at me, keeping his eyes on my neck.

“Me too.”

His eyes meet mine at the undeniable truth ringing in our words. There’s something about the start of this relationship that feels right. As if it was meant to me.  

“But Arnav, look at this?” My dramatics for sure has him let out a sigh, as I fiddle with my scarf. “Even the layer of concealer and foundation doesn’t cover the mark. Now, I am stuck with wearing this thing for the next couple of days to hide it.”

“Serves you right for making me watch a stupid movie with that goofy guy. Who by the way needs a damn haircut, I swear it looks like he has a raggedy mop on his head. I still don’t understand why he couldn’t stand up like a real man, and tell the father he loved her. But no, he had to persuade the entire family he was a nice guy to have it backfire on him.  Then in the end, he gets on a train ready to leave her behind… there is no logic in these desi movies of yours. Not to mention time, there was no need to stretch it out for three hours.”

“Oh… so you were watching the movie? For your kind information, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge happens to be a classic! And that goofy guy is none other than, Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood. But of course you weren’t listening when I was talking…”

I shake my head disapprovingly, wrapping the scarf back around my neck.

“Let’s just say, I was occupied with some important business which was much more fascinating. I am up for another movie if you want, maybe tonight?”

A soft gasp escapes my mouth, opening widely at the audacity of this man.

“That’s it, Mr. Raizada. No meetha for you for a while, since you’ve had plenty the last couple of days.”

“It’s your loss as well… if I recall correctly, you were enjoying the so called meetha sessions.”  He shrugs his shoulders with a half-smile curving on his lips.

How can I forget?  

Recalling the intimacy we shared this weekend, makes me blush.

We started out Saturday night, sitting together after dinner watching the movie. But of course that didn’t quite get his attention, since it was solely focused on me. Light caresses turned into numerous passionate kisses, followed by snuggling in each other’s arms laying on the spacious sofa. It was hard holding back after waiting for almost a month. Thanks to him, we stayed within our limit, stopping before things got out of control. That has made me respect him even more. Not many would. Which I am well aware of. After the movie ended, we remained glued on the couch simply talking in the dark. And then eventually falling asleep.

When I woke up late Sunday morning, I found myself nicely tucked in my bed. Knowing he had carried me in my sleep, had me shamelessly wishing he was there beside me to have woken up in his arms. When I had walked out of my bedroom after a shower, I was surprised to find Arnav coming through the door with two cups from Starbucks. The rest of our Sunday was spent lazing around and having plenty of meetha sessions.

What more could a girl ask for in a new relationship?

Hearing a knock at the door, I break myself away from my thoughts. I find Arnav’s gaze still trained on me, but he gets busy typing on the phone when the door is opened.

What is wrong with my assistant for barging into my office?

“Here’s your updated schedule for the week and the print out of the presentation you requested for your meeting this morning. Do you need anything else?” She walks over with the documents, smiling at Arnav.

“Thank you, Sheetal. That will be all.” It seems my direct tone, taking the documents from her hand, does not reach her.

“Good morning, ASR!” She says, ogling him, with drool practically coming out of her mouth.

Is this really happening?

He looks up at her with a slight nod, then goes back to his phone not at all giving her any time of day. At least that is till she is about to turn to leave.

“One minute… Sheetal. I believe you saw me coming into Ms. Gupta’s office a few moments ago. In the future, if I am in anyone’s office down this corridor, assume I do not want any interruptions. Am I clear?” He says brusquely standing up from his chair.

“Yes… um, I… understand. I am sorry… I did not mean to.”  She stutters looking anywhere but at him.

“You may leave now, and close the damn door behind you.”

Sheetal looks back at me irritated, then walks out shutting the door loudly behind her.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes, knowing this is where Arnav and I don’t see eye to eye. The way we deal with the staff definitely does not align. When I open my eyes, he is armed and ready to face a battle of sorts.

“Was that really necessary?  I don’t understand why you had to speak to her that way.” My feet move on their own accord, as I stand up, and then approach him.

“And, you didn’t think it was? She saw me coming in here, and decided it was okay to waltz in here. Even Lavanya would never walk in like that. You might be fine with it, but I am not.”

“I agree she should have not walked in without permission. But I could have handled it, there was no need to be so rude.”

“This woman is incompetent, and has nothing to offer. It’s something I told Aakash a while back when she covered for Lavanya. She can’t possibly be effective with your demanding workload. You need someone more qualified, and an assistant of your own. This idiot has even walked in on Aakash and I during a meeting, and I don’t tolerate that. I don’t understand why you put up with her…”

“This discussion leads to the same argument that we have been having the last couple of weeks. Right now, I don’t need someone new on my team. Please, just let Aakash and I deal with her.”

“Fine, I give up. There is no use having this discussion with you anymore.  Can I have a few personal minutes with you before we get busy with work?” He closes the distance between us, stopping in front of me.

“Yes, I would really like that. It’s going to be another hectic week, so we will need to steal some moments whenever we can, Mr. Raizada.”

In one swift movement, he pulls me up against him. And I welcome what is to come, as his fingers trace my lips, before taking them in a searing kiss. My arms snake around his neck, my body arching up against him, as he deepens the kiss.  His moan echoing mine, revelling in the moment of shared intimacy.

 

We pull away for some much needed air, and he buries his head in the crook of my neck. My fingers find themselves curling in his damp hair, feeling the light kisses being peppered along the side of my neck. But they tighten once the kisses become more insistent. I tremble in his arms at the touch of his lips firmly pressed against my skin. His name comes out in a throaty whisper, as he continues with the fiery torment sucking my neck, lost in the haze of desire. It isn’t until he places a soothing kiss over my throbbing neck, do I come back to my senses.

As he pulls me into his arms for an embrace, I know exactly what he has done. How can I forget the same experience from Saturday night?

He pulls away slowly trailing his fingers down along my neck, sending shivers down my body.

“Khushi, look at me.” He says caressing my face.

“Hmm…”

I open my eyes to meet his dark, passion filled gaze that has made me feel a yearning desire that I have never felt before.

“You are so beautiful. Do you know what you do to me?”

“The same thing you do to me, Arnav.”

We both stare at each other for a long moment, unable to look away. It isn’t till the alert on my phone sounds off, that we are forced to come back to reality.

“Damn, I have a meeting with Aman and his team, regarding the website redesign. Looks like it’s time to get back to work.” He reluctantly lets me go, after one last embrace.

Aware that I need to fix my appearance, I walk around to my desk to take out my compact mirror from my bag. I can only imagine what my face looks like after what we just did. Forget my face, it’s my neck that sends me in a frenzy.  

“Arnav! What did you do… again?!”

He walks over to me, and looks at my neck, grazing his thumb over the new mark.

“You see, the other side of your neck felt neglected. So, it was only fair.  Anyway, your scarf will cover it, calm down.”  He bends to kiss my neck, then wraps the scarf to cover it. “There, no one will notice where I have marked you.  But I guess we will have to find other places for me to mark you mine since it’s not fair you have to wear a scarf in the summer. Let’s think about the where for the next time…”

His hand travels from my face down to my breast where it lingers for a minute, before proceeding to my waist.

Sucking in a sharp breath, I clutch onto the lapels of his jacket, as his arms wrap around my waist.

“Make sure you reapply some of that delicious lipgloss before you walk out of here. I shall see you later.”  He kisses my forehead, and walks out of my office shutting the door behind him.

What is it about him that makes me want to surrender?

The next few days keep both of us so occupied with work, that there is no time for anything else.

As I close my office door to leave for the day, I glance at his door which is shut. While my feet are urging me to move towards his office, I catch myself and turn the other way.

He has been dealing with issues in Delhi and London, which have kept him tied up from morning till night. That in turn has left no time for us at the end of the day. In spite of working in the same office, I have barely seen him this week with the exception of some key meetings with others in the room.

It just dawns on me that I haven’t seen him at all since yesterday afternoon. We did touch base before I went to bed. But it’s not the same. There’s this urge to see his face, to be close to him. And not in a work environment. Seems like that will have to wait till tomorrow, I convince myself getting inside the elevator.  

Once I walk out of the building, the ever so faithful Mohan is waiting. I can’t help but take a deep breath, knowing Arnav’s insistence about me not walking home. Therefore he has this poor man waiting in the front for me after five o’clock.

“Hi Ma’am, are you ready to go home?” He says coming out of the car to open the door for me.

“Actually Mohan, I am going to walk today, it’s only six, and still plenty of light outside.”

“But Sir asked me to make sure that I take you home in the evenings.”

“I’ll talk to your Sir later, and he will have to understand that walking once in awhile is good for one’s health. Have a good evening.”  Before he can say anything, I swiftly walk towards Columbus Circle.

It’s a beautiful day and for once I am leaving work early.

What’s the big deal about me walking home?

Seeing the entrance to Central Park, I decide to walk through it. I know it’s a longer route going home, but then there’s nothing waiting at home for me to rush to.  The tranquil sights in the park help me unwind, as I allow the slight breeze to embrace me. After the last couple of busy days, I needed this extra time to myself.

How I miss this place during the week. It’s something that I need to make more of an effort for, to get up early for a run. Ever since I started working, I have become lazy. Now I only come here a couple of days during the week.

As I get further into the park, my eyes fix on a couple walking hand in hand in front of me. A reminder of that magical Saturday comes to mind, where Arnav and I were doing the same. Just like them, we were also lost in our own world.

When I am passing my favorite fountain, I sit down for a bit and watch the children playing and running around. I find myself envious of them, smiling at their antics. How nice it is to be young with no worries… why couldn’t life always be this simple?

Once I walk into my empty apartment, I find myself missing him. Every part of my being wishing he were here with me. The silence that I often welcomed, now felt lonesome.

Though I see him in the office throughout the day it’s not the same. At work he is ASR, but I want my Arnav at home.

Why am I feeling so lonely without him?

Isn’t it too soon to feel this way?

But I can’t seem to get enough of him. Physically and emotionally.

I force myself to follow my usual routine, a shower, then prepare dinner. The daily task of figuring out what to eat can get rather boring especially when you are alone. Perhaps I will stick with a bowl of milk and cereal tonight. Who the hell wants to cook?

A few moments later, I hear the text alert on my phone when I am opening up the pantry in search of a box of cereal. My face lights up knowing it’s Arnav, based on the custom alert for him on my phone. I excitedly pick up my phone to look at the message.

“You left without seeing me again… :(”

“Sorry. I didn’t want to disturb you, since your door was closed. I miss you, Arnav. :(”

“I miss you too, sweetheart. Why did you walk home? Didn’t we agree you would let Mohan drive you home in the evenings…”

That Mohan and his big mouth!

“I left at six, and it wasn’t dark, so I didn’t need him. Plus the weather was lovely to walk through the park. What are you doing?”

It’s better to change the topic since I do not want us to argue. Not when I am feeling up and down with my mood all over the place.

“Nothing much, I wish you were here. I want some meetha! 😉 ”

“And I wish you were here with me so we can have some meetha… ;)”

“Open your door.”

My heart begins to race, hearing his familiar knock, and I dash to open the door.

And there he is, dressed in his casual clothes with a bag in his hand.

Without any warning, I surprise him and myself, pulling him into a tight embrace. He places the bag down, before wrapping his arms around me. There’s this sense of contentment, finally being in his arms. And I close my eyes to soak it all in.

“It looks like someone is very pleased to see me.”

“You don’t even know how happy I am, that you are here.”

“Me too, sweetheart.” He places a kiss on top of my head, and reminds me we are at my doorstep. “Should we move this inside, so we don’t give your neighbors a show?”

I pull away, and cover my mouth out of embarrassment, as we make our way into the kitchen.  

“Oh good, you didn’t make any dinner.  I bought us some Chinese food and your favorite dessert.”

Amazed, I stand there to simply watch him in action. He takes the food out of the bag, placing it on the table, then places the dessert in the fridge. After which he walks to the cabinet, taking out plates, cups and utensils, setting them on the dining table with such ease.

This little preview of domesticity looks so natural, and floods my heart with warmth.

How could he be so perfect?

I walk up behind him at the table and embrace him, wrapping my arms around his shoulder.

“Thank you, Arnav.”  I whisper, placing a kiss on his back.

He turns around immediately, and takes my hands in his. I finding myself looking down, trying to make sense of these nameless emotions coursing through me for this man. I am afraid he will see right through me if I look up at him.

Why am I feeling this way?

He lifts my chin, forcing me to meet a tender, concerned gaze making my heart to skip a beat.

“What’s the matter, sweetheart?  Did something happen today at the office?”

“It’s nothing, I was missing you… and this was a nice surprise, that’s all.”

“Are you sure? It looks like something is bothering you.”

“I am starving, can we please eat?”

I quickly move away opening up the containers, and begin to place food on our plates.

“For someone who was hungry, you have barely touched anything on your plate. It can’t be the food, since I picked it from the place you like. Can you please talk to me?”

He gets up from his chair, walking to my side of the table. As he kneels down in front of me, taking my hands in his, I give him a small smile.

“Arnav, I would tell you if I knew. But I don’t know myself…”  His anxious gaze is on mine, waiting for me to continue. “After waiting for a month, then having you by my side this weekend, I had a chance to experience what it feels like being together. As a couple. So, the last few days being busy at work and barely seeing you, I have really missed you. Us. I didn’t even think it was possible to miss you so much in such a short time. And today, all I could think about when I came home is, you… wanting you here with me. What I can’t explain or understand… why am I feeling this way?”

“Would it help, if I told you the same goes for me? I don’t know what it is either. But there’s this need to be with you. All I could think about this evening was ending my call, so I could see you before you left the office. Just a glimpse to see your face. One that I had not seen all day, in fact today was the first time, we did not see each other. I was in my office all day in meetings. The couple of times when I came out, you were not around. So when I walked over to see you, and your door was locked, I knew had to come see you. I needed to see you. And, I dropped everything and came here. Can you believe that?” He chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. Even I can’t help but laugh.

“Mr. Raizada, I think we need to get you checked out by a professional. This can’t be good for AR, you realize that, right?  You didn’t have to stop your work, I would have come back if you asked.”

“With the amount of work you have taken on since you joined AR, I have some free time now. Plus, I’m allowed to come see my girlfriend…”  He winks with his signature smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“What did you just say?”

“Girlfriend… you know… a person that you’re in a committed relationship with. Which is you, sweetheart.”

For a long moment, I do nothing but stare at him as my heart wildly thuds against my chest. It’s when he clears his throat, waiting for a response, that I speak.  

“So… that makes you my boyfriend?”

“Yes, it does.”

He runs his fingers through the back of my hair, bringing my face closer, as we give this relationship a name. His lips stroke mine tenderly, binding them together in a kiss. And I follow his lead, grasping his back, and tighten my hold around him, never wanting to let him go.

After getting our full dose of a passion filled kiss, we finish our dinner discussing our day. The man most definitely needed to vent about the issues he has been dealing with this week. And that’s exactly what I allowed him to do, while I listened and gave him advice when warranted.

The exhaustion is visible when he staggers after he places his dish in the sink. After much back and forth, I force him to go relax in the living room, and I clean up. As I am making my way to sit down on the couch next to him, my phone rings.

“It’s Di, please be quick.”  He hands me the phone, since it’s closer to him.

“Why don’t you watch TV, I will go talk to her in my room, be right back.”  I give him a peck on the cheek to get the frown off his face, which is of no use. Seems like he’s the one with the mood now.

“Hi Anjali!”  I quickly pick up the phone, going inside my bedroom.

“Hi! I was just about to hang up, thinking it would go to your voicemail.  I am so happy you picked up.”

“Sorry, the phone was in the other room so it took me a while to pick up. How are you and the baby feeling?”

“We are okay. It’s getting boring sitting around the house all day. But I am starting to feel the baby move which is exciting. We were thinking if you are free this weekend, why don’t you come over? Nani and Payal suggested we can have golgappa and chaat if you come.”

“That sounds so appetizing, and I really would love to come see all of you. Not to mention, feel the baby moving.  Can I get back to you?  This week’s been hectic with work, so I am not sure if I will be able to get away.”

“Do what Arnav does, bring you work here.  I can send my driver to pick you up or you can even come with Aakash on Friday. I know Arnav won’t come this weekend. Aakash told me he has been extremely busy dealing with some issues.”

How can I tell her I need to check with my boyfriend?  I smile at the thought referring to Arnav as my boyfriend. Only in mind, of course. This needs to remain private.

“I will let you know once I see how my day is tomorrow. But I will do my best to come, you know I can’t turn down golgappa.”

“Yes! I knew that would be enough to bribe you.”

“Let me call you tomorrow, once I finalize my workload.”

“Oh wait, Payal wants to speak to you…”

This is turning out longer than I expected. But it would be rude to hang up without talking to her. Especially since Payal has requested to speak with me.

I spend the next few minutes talking to Payal and Nani, trying to wrap up the call as quickly as I can. When I hang up I notice that I have been on the phone for twenty minutes. Dammit!

“Arnav… I am sor…”  I say, making my way to the living room, but stop at the sight in front of me.

I quietly walk up to the sofa, where he is lying fast asleep, and sit down on the floor. His one arm is behind his head while the other has a grip on his phone over his chest.  I slowly take the phone from his hand, and place it on the table.

Noticing his hair across his forehead I brush it off to the side. I allow myself to stare at his sharp features, and yet handsome face, which looks kinder in his sleep.  All the muscles in his face and body totally at peace, almost like a baby.

After getting a blanket from my bedroom, I place it over him. He shifts to the side in his sleep, finding a comfortable position. Seeing the slight gap I take the opportunity to slide a pillow under his head. Then I bend down, placing a soft kiss on his lips and whisper…

“Sweet dreams baby…”

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