Chapter 12

NOTE: Text conversation in bold

“Hey, I know you’re in a meeting but I finished up early. I am going home to freshen up. Let me know when you wrap up, and I can come over to your place.”

I quickly send Arnav a text message getting inside the elevator. All the while juggling with my bag, that has decided to conveniently slip off my shoulder. So much for multitasking at the end of a nonstop work week.

It’s almost five o’clock, which means it gives me time to head home and get changed before our date tonight.

“Please take Mohan, and he will wait to bring you back. End of discussion, as I don’t want to get into a debate about it…”

“Yes Sir 🙂 do you need anything?”

“Just you Sweetheart… ;)”

“Soon enough. Wait, aren’t you in a meeting… why are you texting me?”

“Since it was you, I couldn’t resist…  See you soon!”

Sure enough, as I make my way out of the building, Mohan is waiting. To top it off, he notifies me that he has explicitly been instructed by his Sir to bring me back to Arnav’s place, once I am ready.

And for the first time, Khushi Kumari Gupta welcomes it!

After I arrive at my apartment, I find myself taking extra time to get ready, keeping in mind Arnav’s likes and dislikes. Leaving my wavy hair open, I apply minimal make-up. What’s the use, it’s bound to come off anyway… the lipcolor, that is.  

It takes me a good fifteen minutes, standing inside my closet, deciding what to wear. What’s wrong with me? When have I ever been so indecisive, it’s almost as if I am going on a first date or something. Shaking my head at the absurdity of my thoughts, I go with a casual, comfortable look. A purple long cotton skirt, paired with a white long t-shirt and a low hanging brown belt. After all, we are only staying in.  

I am ready just in the nick of time, when I receive his text letting me know he is home.

After getting inside the car, and as Mohan pulls away, my impatience to see Arnav gets the better of me. The few minutes drive to his building seems to take forever. Ever since we made plans yesterday, I have been looking forward to spending time with him tonight. Like any couple in a relationship.

Even during my meeting today, I found myself distracted with his thoughts. The focus that I tend to have at work, has taken a hike. It was one of the reasons I ended my day early. There was no point in staying back in the office, since I wasn’t getting anything accomplished.

Why can’t I get this man out of my mind?

As the car comes to a complete stop, I am broken out of my reverie. After thanking Mohan, my hands go on the handle, but am left surprised when it is opened without me having to do anything. The familiar hand brings an instant smile to my face, and I clasp it, making my way out of the car.

“Hi sweetheart…” I am greeted with a kiss, followed by a warm embrace. Even though it’s quick, I welcome it.  

“Hi, baby.”

He immediately pulls away, and a slow smile tugs at the corner of his lip. The smile, paired with his casual grey polo shirt and jeans ensemble, makes him a feast for the eyes. A rather sexy, casual look that compliments him very well.

“Baby?” He raises a questioning eyebrow at my new found endearment for him. Just as I think he’s doesn’t like it, once again I am left pleasantly surprised. “I approve, let’s go.”

He takes my hand, and we proceed towards the entrance to the building. I observe we are on the side of the second tower, which I have never been to.  We make our way through the expansive, open lobby, not at all like where the offices are located. This has more of a luxury residential building appeal to it.

“You didn’t have to go through the trouble of coming downstairs.”

“When it comes to doing something for you, nothing is trouble. I would’ve come to pick you up at your place, but needed to take care of a couple of things.”

We step inside the elevator, and he slides his card pushing the top penthouse button. Once the doors shut, he reaches for his wallet to take out another card, then hands it to me.

“If I have the key to your place, then it’s only fair you have one to mine. Please don’t say no…”

He tilts his head slightly, and I realize there is no way I can say no to his request. I nod before taking the card, then slid it inside my bag.

“So…”

Before I can get the words out of my mouth, the elevator doors open up to an inviting bright, long corridor surrounded by floor to ceiling windows. As we walk out, I notice the double doors at the end of the hall, which also happens to be the only door.

Could this floor exclusively be his?

Opening the door, he walks inside first, holding it for me. Something makes me still at the doorstep. There’s an anxiousness that overpowers me, and I meet his tender gaze.

“Aren’t you going to come in, Khushi?”

Hearing his soft tone, I push away the hesitation, and step inside. He closes the door behind us, leading me inside to the open, wide foyer. A rectangular glass table lines up against one wall, while the other has an oversized plush bench. The glimmer from the wrought iron chandelier hanging from the ceiling, immediately captivates my attention. But it’s the warm, muted décor, that gives way to a welcoming feel.

Though, as we walk further inside, I stop once again. That apprehensive feeling is back with a vengeance, roaming the massive space in front of me. The open floor plan frames out a panoramic view of the city surrounding the penthouse with floor to ceiling windows. Living room on one side, while the other side houses a dining room with the modern kitchen stationed in the middle. The area consists of a rich warm color palette, with light, airy accents and textures.  Despite the vast space which can be intimidating, it reflected an idyllic living environment. One suited for a business magnate.

I find myself overwhelmed, after having a different visual perception of what his place would be like. Not that I don’t like it. Hell, I love it.

Though, I am reminded of his wealth, which makes me slightly uneasy. While I come from a family with money that provides us with a comfortable living,  Arnav is simply from a completely different world.

Would I fit into this world? His world?

This adds a complication to our relationship that we have yet to address. To complicate matters, I work for the man.

Would the world perceive me as being after his money?

“What are you thinking about? You don’t like this place, right? I know it’s not as comfortable as yours but…”

Is he really comparing our places?

“Arnav, this is absolutely stunning.  What would make you say this is not comfortable? I can’t get over the fact that you live here by yourself…”

“Hopefully, not for too long…”

Looking into his eyes which holds a serious intent, I swallow thickly, as it dawns on me what he’s alluding to. This relationship is becoming real at lightening speed. For once, I don’t want to run away. Not when my feelings for him have grown so significantly.

A voice interrupts us, and seeing the taut expression on Arnav’s face, it’s apparent he is not thrilled.

“Excuse me. Sir…”

He nods sharply.

“Everything is set-up outside, according to your instructions. Do you need anything else?”

“No, that should be it.”

Arnav excuses himself to see off the three workers, and I walk over to the window in the living room. It’s the same phenomenal view of the park, along with the city view that mirrors from his office.

Feeling him coming up behind me, I close my eyes feeling a state of bliss. He places his hands on my shoulders, then slides them down, before wrapping them around my waist.

“Beautiful.”  He whispers in my ear, sending a fiery trail down my body. “Khushi, do you remember when you came in for your interview… you were looking at the view from my office. In this very similar position, when I said that?”

“Hum…” A bare whisper in acknowledgment escapes my mouth, recalling that moment as if it was yesterday.

“That was meant for you, not the view. You are much more alluring, than what’s in front of you.” He places a kiss my shoulder, and I close my eyes leaning back against him.

“So, I was right, I had also questioned what you were referring to that day. You really know how to flatter a woman, Mr. Raizada.”

“Truth, and nothing but the truth, that’s my motto.” He turns me around, and gives me a killer wink that has my heart pick up its pace. “By the way, I have a surprise for you. It’s actually outside, which is my favorite place in the penthouse. Let’s show you the best view of New York City, Ms. Gupta.”

His excitement is contagious, as we take swift steps, hand in hand to the other side of the penthouse. The glass wall opens up concertina-style onto the terrace overlooking the Hudson River. Actually I wouldn’t even call this place a terrace, it’s more like a backyard on top of a building.

“Oh my God, Arnav. This view is spectacular! Wow…” A loud squeal resonates, when he turns me around and points to the right.

“Are you freaking kidding me? You have a pool on the terrace in New York City of all the places. This is crazy, you do know that, right?”

“Would that be crazy good or crazy bad?”  He shakes his head and chuckles, no doubt at my childish reaction.

“Crazy very, very good. This is amazing, I love it.”

“I am glad you approve. Maybe now I can get you to come over more often. Just a few steps away from the office, perhaps after a long day.” He shrugs, and all I do could is nod. “Now, are you ready for your surprise?”

He moves away, pointing to a wall against the corner. How had I missed it earlier when we came out?

We walk over to the table, glancing at the spread in front of us. The power of speech deserts me, leaving me with just one choice. I take one step forward and close the distance between us, and bury myself in his arms. A sheen of tears blurring my eyes. Even as I take a deep breath in an attempt to push them away, I fail miserably as they roll down my cheeks.

“Khushi, are you okay?” He lifts my chin, forcing me to look up. “Why are you crying? I thought this would make you happy. Didn’t you want Gol Gappa and Chaat?”  He wipes my tears away with his thumb, and shakes his head.

“I am happy. Very happy. How do you do this all the time? I can’t believe you arranged for all of this…”

My gaze narrows on the large table, which has been set-up as a Chaat station. Including  all the ingredients to make something according to one’s liking. There is also a hot Tava that has Samosas and Pav Bhaji at the corner. The spicy aroma wafting in the air is making my mouth water. And it seems Mr. Raizada has caught on.

“Before you start drooling, let’s eat. You’ll have to help me, since I have no clue how to make this stuff.”

“Well Mr. Raizada, let me introduce you to one of my favorite meals. You can just sit back and enjoy what I prepare for you.”

The next couple of hours, we indulge ourselves in deep conversation, and eating our scrumptious dinner. I explain the different types of chaats while preparing them. To my surprise he enjoys everything, as long as it’s not too spicy. Though, he will eat whatever I feed him, which warms my heart.  

“Khushi, please, that’s it I can’t eat any more. I really think my stomach is going to explode.”

He turns his head away, as I bring a Gol Gappa towards his mouth.

Oh well can’t let it go to waste, so I decide to devour it.

After putting the small puri in my mouth, the chutney drips from the corner of my mouth. As I quickly reach for the napkin on my lap, Arnav’s finger strokes it off.  My eyes intently follows his finger to watch him slowly lick the chutney.

“Now that was yummy. Do you want anything to drink? Thanda pani…” He curves his lip in a smile, getting up for a bottle of water.

“No thanks, I am also done after eating way more than I should have. I may have filled my quota for missing out for the past month since I moved to New York.”

“See, you can get this here. Plus it’s a lot cleaner than the stuff from the streets in Delhi. Just let me know whenever you’re in the mood, and we can have it delivered.”

“Yes, it is more hygienic. But the difference is that it costs a couple of dollars versus what you may have spent…” As much I appreciate what he has done for me, I can’t help think about how much this spread may have cost. And again, him being wealthy stares at me in the face, making me feel uneasy.

He walks back to me, and looks at me for a moment.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. You won’t understand.” I stand up, then walk away taking my dish, placing it on the table. Hearing his serious voice come through loud and concise, my heart squeezes painfully.

“Try me, Khushi. If you think I don’t value money, than you are mistaken. You do realize, I didn’t have all this before. In fact, I prefer your place over mine, where I feel at home with you. Why do you think I haven’t brought you here sooner?” He pauses, taking a deep breath before he speaks softly. “Khushi, you make me want to do these things for you. After being with you, my outlook on life has changed. Working all the time has become a monotonousness, where I am not living my life. But now, I have you. Please, don’t let money ruin what is between us. It’s insignificant.”

We both stare at each other. Tears threaten to fall from my eyes, seeing the pain and anguish in his. My heart aches to see him like this, and at this moment nothing matters but him.

“Oh Arnav…” Lifting my hands up, I cup his cheeks, pulling him towards my lips. He cups my face and tilts his head for a scorching kiss. His lips caress mine, before his tongues traces them. There’s a possessiveness in the kiss, that I have never felt before. Telling me I am his.

When we pull away, he puts an arm around my waist and bends down to lift me up, taking me to the double chaise. He lays me down gently before lying next to me. I slide closer to him, placing a kiss on his cheek, when he wraps his arm around me.

We lie there in companionable silence, each in our thoughts for a long moment. Then talking through much of the night, relishing each other’s company.

“It’s getting late, I should probably get going.” I say, after helping him gather everything to the kitchen.

Even though he insisted someone will be here in the morning for cleaning up, I decided to at least stock the leftover food in the fridge. I glance around one last time to make sure everything has been put away, before walking towards the island.

“Baby, what are you thinking about?” Noticing Arnav seems to be preoccupied, I squeeze his shoulder.

“Since it’s late why don’t you stay over tonight. There are four bedrooms, neither one of us will have to sleep on the couch.” He smiles hesitantly, taking my hand in his, waiting for an answer.

I guess there’s no harm in staying, he is right about the time. Plus he has stayed at my place twice. We’re adults. Not to mention, we will be sleeping in separate rooms.

“Sure, why not.”

“Really? You will spend the night?”

“Yes, and I can sleep in the room next to yours. If that’s okay with you. This place is way too big with the other bedrooms on another island.” I tease, walking towards the hall leading to the bedrooms. Realizing he’s not behind me, I turn to find him standing in the same spot.

“Oye, aren’t you coming? I need a change of clothes from your closet. I swear, I smell like a dhaba.” I scrunch my nose in disgust, aware I won’t be able to fall asleep, until I get rid of the smell.

“Yes, ma’am at your service. After you.”

We walk inside his luxurious master suite which is complemented by opulent details such as the textured wall, dark wooden floors covered with an area rug.  The modern furniture includes a king size bed with a bench seat at the end. A suede textured sofa, and chaise, surround the large windows looking out at the magnificently lit skyline in the sitting area. This bedroom fits him. Masculine and powerful, perfect in every way.

“Go ahead, take whatever you need.” He says once we are in the walk-in closet, lined with custom cabinetry.

“I swear this closet is bigger than my bedroom. Do you actually keep it this clean and organized all the time?” I shake my head looking around the enormous closet which has everything in its rightful place. And is even color coordinated.  Overwhelmed yet again, I take a seat on the bench in the middle of the closet.

“Actually, I have people who do this. However, I do put things where I take them from. But there’s a housekeeper that comes in during the weekdays. So, what do you need?”

Duh, Khushi, he has people…

I decide it’s best to block out my earlier apprehensions at this time of the night. There’s no way I want stay awake all night brooding over it.

“Here, take this. It might be big, but it will do for tonight.” He hands me a t-shirt and pajama pants.

“The bathroom in your room should have everything you need. It’s late, and I know you’re tired. Why don’t you go to sleep?  Let me walk you to your room.” He says, probably seeing me yawn for the third time.

“It’s okay baby, I got it. Good night, and have meetha dreams.”

“They will be meetha, since you will be in them. Good night, sweetheart…”

I happily walk inside his welcoming arms, that embrace me immediately.  When I look up at him, he smiles at me, leaning down for a passion filled meetha goodnight kiss. Not just one, but three. Enough to get me through the night.

It takes all of my willpower to pull away, then head to the guest suite for a quick shower.

Taking a closer look once I am dressed, they are definitely big. Luckily the pants have a drawstring to keep them up, otherwise there most certainly would be a disaster. Though the smell from the shirt, makes me forget the size of the clothes. All I can think of is him.

As I climb into bed with my phone, I realize the battery is at five percent.  And, I don’t have my charger with me. Getting out of bed, I walk over to his room to see if he has an extra iPhone charger. With the possibility of my mother’s famous Saturday morning calls. I can’t take the risk.

As I make my way to his room I notice the door is open, but he is nowhere in sight.

Wonder where he could be…

“Arnav…”

“One minute, Khushi…”  

He responds immediately when I call for him. From the sounds of it, he is in the bathroom.

The twinkling lights coming from beyond the window, pull me towards it, as I soak in the sight. It’s probably best I don’t live here, otherwise I would be parked in front of the window, staring out at the view.

“Sorry, about that… I had just gotten out of the shower when I heard you in here. Did you need something?”

“Yeah, I…”

My words are left hanging as I turn to find him walking towards me drying his hair with a towel.

He is dressed only in his night shorts, which are hanging down very low. I stare at him shamelessly with my head tilted to the side. While my hands are itching to touch him, I keep them at the bay, clutching onto the oversized t-shirt.

The wet droplets from the shower shine on his open chest. I find myself imagining walking up to him, and wiping them away with my fingers.

But then I shake my head, shocked at the direction my thoughts are headed, and look away.

“Arnav… um… I… why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”

“That’s because, I don’t wear one at night. What’s wrong Khushi, are you scared of looking at me without my shirt on?”

Watching him throw the towel on the chaise, I abruptly turn away. Though I know I won’t be able to avoid him, as he walks up to me.

“It looks like you also took a shower…”  His hand travels to the back of my head taking off my clip, releasing my wet hair from its confines.

My eyes shut at his slightest touch, as his fingers brush through my hair, making my knees weak. He pushes my hair to the side, pulling me closer, and continues to create havoc, as his fingers travel down my neck rubbing the moisture away.

“Arnav…”

As I moan his name, it causes him to pull away quickly, alerting me to open my eyes. But to my displeasure he turns away.

“Did you need something?” He asks walking over to the bench seat at the foot of the bed, and sits down.

Even as I stare at him, he keeps his eyes lowered to the floor.

For once I wished he had not stopped, aware he respects my decision of taking things slow.  But, I want more.

“I came to see if you had an extra iPhone charger. My phone is almost dead.”

“Sure, hold on…”  He proceeds to get up, but I push him back down, and take a seat beside him.

“Forget the charger for now, I want something else…” Not afraid, I speak up, caressing his back.

“Oh really, and what would that be?  This time, please don’t say you want to eat.”

The incredulity of his statement makes us laugh, before we sit in a silence. My eyes fall on our entwined hands, as does his.

Taking in a deep breath, I lean closer to his ears.

“I want you to continue, where you stopped.”  

“But…”

“We are ready to move from our beginners level meetha sessions to intermediate level. Don’t you think? I stand up, taking him up with me.

“What did you have in mind?”  He whispers, as his fingers graze my neck where he left off earlier. My breathing quickens, as the air is filled with desire.

The passion in his eyes burn through mine, when he wraps his hand around my waist pulling me up against him. I place my hands on his chest, where they have been aching to go. And the reins are let loose, exploring the smooth planes of his chest. He stays still with his intense gaze following my every move.

“I have wanted to touch you since that night…”

He brings his hand to my face, gently touching my parted lips. I close my eyes, and angle my face towards him, inviting him to take them.

He leans in, brushing my hair away from my face, before touching my lips with his. The kiss is gentle, as he brushes his lips with mine, but my body clamors for more. I don’t shy away, wrapping my arms around his neck, coaxing him opening my mouth.  

He pulls me closer, taking my lips into a deep, passionate kiss turning wild as we match each other.  Both of us equally possessed, tugging each other closer.

We pull away for much needed air, and he kisses the side my face, making his way down to my neck as I run my hands through his hair.

His hands move from my back down to my thighs, and pulls away to face me. His darkened gaze penetrates mine.

“Wrap your legs around me, Khushi.”   He orders in his husky voice.

I follow his command, wrapping my legs around him and he swiftly carries me towards the bed. He sits down, and straddles me on his lap, and my cheeks warm feeling his arousal.

“Do you trust me?” I look into his captivating gaze that’s focused solely on me.

With the power of speech having abandoned me, I nod. The fact is I trust this man more than myself.

He pulls my head closer for a drugging kiss with passion filled intensity that has us moving closer to each other. My hands press down on his shoulder as his go inside my shirt, caressing my waist, before moving up to my breast.

He lets out a moan, pulling away breathing heavily, and pulls my t-shirt off. My cheeks flame at his burning gaze on my chest.

“Black, very sexy.”  He whispers, as he strokes his fingers from the strap down to my breast.

Feeling impatient as the heat penetrates through my body, I push him down on the bed. And his own comes right through, as he rolls me over. He runs his thumb from my lips, down my neck, then brushing the tips of my breasts. My heart quickens, arching up with his fiery touch.

He holds me tighter, trailing kisses from my neck down to the valley between my breast while gently massaging one breast. Leaning back, his name brushes across my lips, as my body shivers with the desires that he has aroused within me.

He slowly pulls away, and takes me in his arms, both of us attempting to tame our breathing.

He brings his face closer to mine, and gently kisses me, then my forehead. We both stare at each other with an understanding that does not require words.

“I think this is a good stopping point for this session.”  He smiles, then leans on the side to face me.

“Yes, it is.”

He takes a deep breath, climbing out of the bed. Like a true gentleman, he hands me the t-shirt, which I quickly slip on.

“You look comfortable, sleep here. I’ll take the other room.” He says placing the comforter over me.

Placing my hand over his, I shake my head not wanting him to go.  

“Sleep here, next to me.”

He nods, then turns off the light, and settles besides me. When he moves in closer, I wrap my hand around his chest, placing my head near his shoulders. Both of us finding serenity in each other’s arms.

Before I close my eyes, I look towards the window where the stars are glowing. An impulse to make a wish takes over, and I wish for many more nights like this, being in his arms.

Forever.

Does that mean that I…  

Do I dare give it a name?

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