Arnav’s Interlude II

What could be wrong with Khushi?

 

What I would do for that woman to be here with me right now.

 

That night, I barely get any sleep with her on my mind. Even during my meetings the next day I am not focused, my thoughts wandering off from time to time. All due to not having heard from her, since calling her after leaving her parents home last night.

 

It’s ridiculous that we can’t seem to connect, which is frustrating the hell out of me.

 

After the meeting is over I go upstairs to the penthouse, and am determined to hear her voice. It’s almost midnight in the States, as I call her.  

 

Hearing her sleepy voice, my eyes close on their own accord at feeling content.

 

“Arnav?”

 

“Hi my sweetheart. I am sorry to call this late, but I just needed to hear your voice.” I say softly, sitting down on the couch.

 

“Oh baby, I miss you too. Why can’t you be here with me?”

 

I smile as she whines, half asleep, and it’s as if my Khushi is right beside me.

 

“And what would we do if I was there with you?”  

 

“A whole lot of everything that we do in bed. First we would start by kissing gently, which would take no time intensifying. I would make you thoroughly kiss me over and over again…”

 

I lay down on the couch stunned as she openly expresses her desires to me.  How I love a bold Khushi.

 

“And then?”

 

“After you would kiss me all over, every part of me, scorching me with your touch. Making me crave to have you inside of me…”

 

“Oh Khushi, I really love the sound of that. After that what would you like for me to do?”

 

“When I can’t take the torture anymore, I would have you make love to me… quietly of course if we are here…”

 

It looks like she is the one torturing me right now, getting aroused with her seductive voice expressing her desires.  If this continues, it won’t be good for either of us being far apart.

 

“Oh really? I think you have surpassed being quiet even there. But please continue, what else?”

 

“Well, you know what happens after that…”

 

“I am an innocent and pure man, so I have no clue what you are referring to.”

 

She laughs, and it serves as music to my ears. My heart savoring the melody to get me through the next few days being apart from her.

 

“Mr. Raizada, there is nothing innocent about you, and pure isn’t even in the vicinity when we are in the midst of passion.”

 

“I can’t help it when Ms. Gupta is there to seduce me into her spell. What is a man supposed to do?”

 

“Touche, my love.”

 

She lets out a long yawn, making me feeling guilty for waking her up.

 

“It’s late, so why don’t you go back to sleep. I didn’t mean to wake you, but I just needed to speak with you…  Khushi, is everything okay with you?”

 

“Yes baby, I am fine. Please don’t worry, just come back to me soon. Waise, what are you doing? Are you in the office?”

 

“I just finished up my meeting, and came to the Penthouse. Now, I will be moving out of here until I come back home.”

 

“Moving? You’re not making any sense…”

 

“Well let me help you understand. I am moving in with your parents, and to top it off… I get to stay in your room. What do you think about that?”

 

“What?! You in my house… with my parents? And in my room?  How?”

 

I can’t help but laugh, aware this was exactly how she was going to react upon hearing the latest news.

 

“You see it seems that, like you, Auntie can also get me to say yes. You should have seen the way she was nervous to ask me, and then Uncle also requested for me to stay back… so I couldn’t say no.”

 

She doesn’t say anything for a moment, and I am aware why.

 

“Sweetheart, please stop crying.  I thought you would be happy. Do you not want me to go stay there?”

 

“Um… Arnav…  thank you… for doing this for me. It means so much that you will be spending time with them at my home…”

 

“I would do anything for you. You do know that right? But just so you know this is not for you…  woh, your father threatened me so I had no choice but to say yes. Otherwise who knows what would happen to me.”

 

She gasps, then I hear her soft laugh before she tries to get serious.

 

“My Babuji did no such thing! You are too much…  what time are you leaving?”

 

“I actually need to head out now, since I told them I would be there around lunch time. Why don’t you go back to sleep and call us later, okay?”

 

“I will. I love you. Muahhh!”

 

“And, I love you more Sweetheart. Muahhh!”

 

Once I get to the Gupta’s house, I realize how comfortable the three of us are in each other’s company compared to last night. The conversation flows without any awkwardness.

 

It feels good to be welcomed so warmly by both of them, which makes me at ease as if I were at home.

 

Shashi Uncle gives me a tour of the four bedroom house. Their bedroom is on the main floor, while Khushi’s is upstairs with the other two bedrooms.  The other two bedrooms have been turned into home offices. One is Khushi’s which is on the smaller side with a small day bed, while the other is his. I am amazed with his home office which is spacious with renderings of his car designs displayed on the wall and about 100 small car models on one wall. He shows me his upcoming piece that he is designing for a luxury German car maker. It is magnificent- heck I actually want to buy one for me once it’s in the market. I am truly impressed with his work.

 

“Bitwa, do you need any help?”

 

I turn around to see Auntie walking into Khushi’s room while I am in the midst of unpacking.

 

“No thank you, Auntie. I am used to traveling so this has become a habit.”

 

“I hope everything is okay for you in here. We have kept Khushi’s things the way she left them, but if you want me to take anything away, let me know.”

 

I see her smile tenderly as she looks around the room recalling memories of her daughter.

 

The room screams of Khushi’s personality with warm colors and a sophisticated design; it’s chic and stylish. There are childhood memorabilias such as trophies, her degrees, and paintings displayed around the room. There are also a few picture collages of her with friends and family. Including Di from when they were at Wharton.

 

Seeing her baby pictures, I can only hope if we have a daughter that she looks just like her. A cute, beautiful baby, with a chubby face and big hazel eyes shining through all the pictures.

 

“I think this room should always stay the way it is. It’s perfect… just like Khushi.”

 

She tilts her head, looking at me fondly.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I ask you a question… about Khushi?”  

 

I sense the hesitation in her tone, so I take her hand and make her sit down on the bed.

 

“What would you like to know?”

 

She looks up at me, and smiles.

 

“Is she okay? I mean, she appears to be fine and I know she is very happy with you. There is no doubt about that, but this mother has seen her strong daughter shattered into pieces, and change to someone who was not my little girl. And since I can’t physically see her, I need you to tell me. Is my Khushi…”

 

I shake my head, and wipe the tears away from her face.

 

“Auntie, all I can tell you is that the Khushi I met six months ago, is the not the same Khushi I know today.  She is very happy, confident, secure in our relationship. I admire the way she has moved past it all to be where she is now. You should be very proud of your daughter. She’s doing really well, and has moved on from what has happened. And I promise you to always be by her side, and keep her happy.  Her past is behind her now. And we should also do the same. For her.”

 

She takes a deep breath, and smiles at me putting her hand on top of my head.

 

“Khushi is very lucky to have someone like you in her life.  Hamesha khush raho!”

 

The weekend helps us bond with the time we spend together. Despite me having to work, where I am locked in Khushi’s study on Sunday for several hours. Though I do my best limiting my remaining time to work well into the night.

 

Since Auntie has been cooking nonstop for me, on Sunday evening after much reluctance I am able to convince them to allow me to take them out for dinner.  Khushi informed me about Auntie’s favorite restaurant, so when we arrive she gets excited. Throughout dinner Uncle and I see how happy she is to be out, enjoying her favorite dishes. We both glance at each other throughout the evening, happy to see her this way.

 

But Monday arrives, and I am off to work with no time to spare.  

 

Who would have figured after spending a few days with them that I would get attached to them. And this is not due to the fact they are Khushi’s parents, but are genuinely kind hearted people who have embraced me as their own.

 

By the time I get home Monday evening, it’s after eight o’clock. I am in disbelief at the sight that I walk into inside the living room. Garima Auntie is sitting on the sofa crying, while Shashi Uncle has his head buried in his laptop as he works.

 

“Auntie, what happened?  Why are you crying?  Shhh, please stop crying, tell me what happened…”

 

Rushing towards the sofa, I sit down next to her. Not able to see her like this, I wipe her tears before pulling her into an embrace.

 

“Woh, Bitwa… it’s nothing.  I am okay…”

 

“What do you mean you are okay? You were crying… how can you be okay?  And Uncle why are you just sitting there when she’s crying?”

 

They both stare at me, and then start laughing.

 

“Would you both care to explain what is so funny?” I stand up folding my arms across my chest, and raise my eyebrow at them.

 

They both come stand next to me on each side, and wrap their arm around me.

 

“Sorry, we didn’t mean to laugh at you, but you see Garima always cries when she watches her serials. I am used to it, but seeing your reaction… I couldn’t help but watch you. You should have seen your face…”  

 

He stops and continues to laugh uncontrollably, as he squeezes my shoulder.

 

“Leave my Bitwa alone, he was just worried about me. I didn’t mean to laugh, but I was just shocked at your reaction… sorry…”

 

She tilts her head, and gives me her sweet smile similar to Khushi’s. But I decide to play a game of my own.

 

“You know what sorry not accepted… I am going upstairs to my room.” I take my bag from the sofa, and make my way towards the stairs.

 

“Please, Bitwa don’t be upset.  Come let’s have dinner, we were waiting for you so we can eat together.”

 

“Haan, your Auntie has made pasta today. Aren’t going to try it…”

 

Hearing their concerned tone, I decide to end my game. I turn around, and the look on their faces which probably mirrored mine. Just like them, I laugh.

 

“Yeh ladka bhi na… you scared me!”  She shakes her head.

 

“Okay my turn for sorry, but I couldn’t help it. And Auntie, I am starving… can you please get the food ready while I go freshen up?”

 

She nods, and walks towards the kitchen while Uncle continues to laugh as he sits back down with his laptop.

 

I can really get along with these two, Khushi will be surprised to hear this tale.  

 

The following evening I get back a little earlier since I plan to leave the next night for New York. On my way home, I keep debating whether I should ask if they have made a decision. It’s something I would prefer to know prior to leaving. But I respect that they might need time.

 

After dinner, I am surprised, when we sit down in the living room, and Shashi Uncle himself brings it up.

 

“Don’t you want to know our decision before you leave?”

 

I nod, anxious to know their response.  

 

“We already knew how much Khushi loves you, and always saw the love you have for her. But what we wanted to know was who you were as a person.  We both can now be at peace knowing our daughter will be in good hands.  The way you have cared and respected us, is way beyond a girl’s parents can expect. Not once have you differentiated about our status or complained about your accommodations here. You truly are a gem for my princess. Our answer is yes, Bitwa.You have our blessing to marry our Khushi.”

 

Taking a deep breath, I push back the tear at the corner of my eyes, glancing at these loving people who have come to mean more to me than just my girlfriend’s parents. And to hear him say this, makes me feel humbled and honored to get their blessing.  

 

I stand up without saying anything and go touch their feet, but both of them stop me before pulling me into an embrace.

 

“Thank you. Both of you have just given me the best gift I could ask for… now I can finally make Khushi mine forever.”

 

After I spend the next few hours explaining my plan to them, and thankfully they have no issues with it. They are both excited about seeing this being pulled together.  

 

Prior to me leaving for India, I had also filled Nani and Di about my intentions so they have been anxiously waiting for Khushi’s parents approval.  

 

Since Khushi is at work, we decide to call them since Nani wanted to officially speak with them and apologize for not being able  to meet them personally to ask for Khushi’s hand for me.  

 

It looks like things are going according to my plan, and I can’t wait to see Khushi’s reaction when the time comes.  

 

Now it’s time to go back home to my Khushi.  

 

By the time I finally land in New York it’s after six o’clock, Thursday evening.  All I can hope is she hasn’t left the office.  

 

Once Mohan starts driving from the airport, I make a quick call to Aakash.  Luckily they’re still in the office, and he has an excuse to send her over to the Penthouse in an hour since she is in a meeting.  

 

“Interesting. He and Payal spent the weekend in the city, now why wasn’t I made aware of this? I wonder what else I don’t know about…”

 

Once I get to the Penthouse, I have twenty minutes before Khushi gets here so I opt to freshen up with a quick shower.

 

As I make my way out of the kitchen with a bottle water, I see Aakash’s text saying she is on her way here.  

 

Finally the wait is almost over, and I can have her with me again. My heart starts to beat rapidly as I make my way to the living room where I decide to wait for her.  

 

I hear the door open, then close. Her heels click against the floor as she walks through the foyer.

 

Why is she walking so slowly?  

 

Come on already, I want to yell out not being able to wait a second longer.  

 

And then I see her as she comes to the main living area, looking as beautiful as ever. It looks like she hasn’t seen me yet, as she is takes in the surroundings.   

 

But I instantly notice there is something different about her, as comes closer. It looks like she has lost weight. Her eyes, there is something different about them.

 

“Khushi…”

 

Her eyes immediately dart in my direction, and freeze in place. I can see she doesn’t believe I am here, as she stares at me.  

 

“It’s really me, Sweetheart…”

 

I put my arms out for her, and she nods as tears start rolling down her face.

 

It’s then I realize something is definitely wrong, but I can’t think about it further as she takes quick strides towards me and stops in front of me.

 

She puts her hand up caressing my face, and smiles. The smile that has always melted my heart, leaving me in awe.

 

“You actually are here, I wasn’t imagining your presence when I entered the penthouse. Oh Arnav…”  

 

Not able to stop myself, I pull her into my arms, and she wraps her arms around me tightly. Neither one of us saying anything for a few minutes.

 

“It looks like you missed me so much… that you stopped eating?”

 

“More than you will ever know. And how could I eat knowing your were eating away Amma’s khana. Do you know how jealous I was of you?”

 

“What if I tell you Amma has sent all your favorite homemade meetha and achar. Oh and she has packed parathas.”

 

“Really?!  Where is it I want some now…”

 

I pull her closer as she tries to walk away.  

 

“Not so fast… aren’t you forgetting something?”

 

She looks up at me, and I see the shy blush adorning her cheeks.  

 

I lean down bring my lips to hers, both of us simultaneously closing our eyes as they meet. Brushing her lips gently with mine, I then capture them in an intense kiss, tasting her sweet delicious mouth that I have craved these past couple of weeks.  

 

Both of us reunite, feeling each other as she runs her hands all over my back, and I run my hand over her body.  

 

I continue to deepen the kiss wanting more, but stop to catch some needed air.  

 

I lean my forehead against hers, both of us craving for more, but stop for now to spend time with her. Most of all, I need to see what is going on with her. After seeing her, I am not convinced it’s only because I have been away.

 

For dinner we opt to eat what her mother has sent, rather than ordering in.  All of a sudden, I have lost my appetite, knowing there is something amiss.  

 

But I decide not push it watching her savoring the food. She also forces me to give her all the details about my stay at her parents. I happily share everything, as I recall the memories I have made with them.  

 

“Baby, it’s almost ten o’clock. We should go to sleep, you look tired. I need to go to the office but you stay home tomorrow since it’s Friday.  There are few things we need to discuss about AR, but that can wait.” She says once we are in the bedroom.

 

“I am not tired, come here…” I sit down on the bed, extending my hand out of her.  

 

She sighs, then walks over to me. I gesture her to sit down on my lap.  

 

“It looks you haven’t slept on the plane. Did you count how many times you have yawned? Let’s go to sleep my love…”

 

“It does feel like jet lag is catching up, but I was thinking… remember you said those things we would do if I was here with you?”

 

She raises her chin and smiles, wrapping her arms around my neck as she shifts onto my lap.

 

“Of course I remember… but are you up for it?” She whispers in my ear, then places soft kisses down my neck.

 

“Why don’t you tell me if I am up for it?” I pull her closer, and she gasps, feeling my arousal.

 

“But seeing I have jet lag, I think… you should do all the work tonight.”  

 

Our drugged gazes lock on each other as we lay down on the bed losing ourselves in the depths of passion.  As our bodies reunite, we make up for the lost time from the past two weeks.

 

When my eyes open up, I look over to my side and notice Khushi is not in the bed. The room is dark, but I can see sunlight peeking through the curtains.  I look over at the clock and notice it’s almost ten o’clock.

 

Have I been sleeping that long?

 

I grab my phone from the side table, and notice there is a text from her.

 

“Good morning my love! I hope you slept as well as I did last night 😉  I am so happy you are back, and sorry for not being there when you wake up. But I have some urgent meetings this morning 🙁  Why don’t you work from home today, and I will try to get out of here early.  Then we can start our weekend, just you and me. See you later! I love you baby XOXO!”

 

I smile recalling my vixen during our love making from last night. Perhaps I should let her do all work more often.  

 

But, there was something about her yesterday, from when I first saw her to when we fell asleep in exhaustion.  Though I wanted to stay up and question her, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open and neither could she.

 

There was an array of emotions I noticed about her… sadness, pain, even vulnerability… but I can’t pinpoint it to anything in particular.

 

Could it be the stress with work?

 

It can’t be, I know her work ethic and her capability where she can handle whatever I throw in her direction. I have seen it the last six months first hand. She did mention there were some things she needed to discuss with me about AR.

 

What could it be?

 

Well I’m not going to find the answer laying naked in bed, though I wouldn’t mind if she was here.

 

I shake that thought away, getting out of the bed on a mission to find some answers.

 

It’s time to make an appearance at AR!

 

*****

 

“Di, what are you doing here?”

 

I am surprised when I see her by the security desk in the residence building when I make my way downstairs from the Penthouse.

 

“Hi Arnav! It’s so good that you are back.” She smiles, and comes towards me pulling me into an embrace.

 

“It is! And what’s in all these bags? Are you coming to stay here? Wait… where is Adi?”

 

“Oh my God, all these questions at once.  Well, I had an appointment in the city this morning, and left Adi home with Nani. I thought of bringing some of Khushi’s things over. I figured you both would want to spend some time together, alone…” She winks at me, and has a mischievous smirk on her face.

 

I shake my head in disbelief.  

 

Is she really insinuating what I think she is?

 

What is wrong with her?  She’s my sister…

 

“Really, Di?! Khushi is at AR, and that is where I was headed. Did you want to come up with me? Maybe we can go to lunch if she and Aakash are free.”

 

“Sure let’s go. I am not turning that offer down.”

 

I ask the guard to have the bags sent upstairs, before heading to AR.

 

We make our way upstairs, and discuss their plans to go shopping and work on preparations this weekend for the upcoming event. I have been instructed under no circumstances should I bring Khushi over to her house, and I happily oblige since I wasn’t planning on sharing her this weekend.

 

As we walk towards my office, she stops, and is apparently stunned. I follow her gaze, which is fixed on the glass enclosed Executive conference room. There’s a meeting currently taking place, with Khushi talking to the Symphony team, along with Aakash and Aman in the room.  They can’t see us since we are at the end of the hall, before the open area leading to the offices, and conference room.

 

“Um… Arnav… woh… what is he doing here?”  

 

She grasps my hand tightly, and I can see the panic on her face.

 

“Di, what’s the matter?  Please calm down…. who are you talking about?”

 

It doesn’t take long for the panic to turn into anger as she grabs my arms.

 

“SAMEER! What the fuck is he doing here?!”

 

Hearing the name, my heart skips a beat, before slamming against my chest.

 

“What are you talking about?  Why would he be here…”

 

“He is right there, the guy in the navy shirt at the end of the table.”

 

I look towards the glass wall, and stare at the man who has been responsible for hurting my Khushi.

 

How the fuck did this happen?

 

Is this why Khushi has not been herself?

 

What is he still doing?

 

Why don’t I know about this?

 

“Sam… that’s Sam… he works for the company we just acquired…” I say completely dazed.

 

She shakes me out of my thoughts that are spinning in my head, feeling the rage coming over as my hands tighten in a fist.  

 

As I start to walk towards the conference room, she stops me.

 

“Arnav… you need to fix this. But not in front of everyone. You need to talk to Khushi first… alone.  There has to be a reason why she hasn’t said anything.  But you barging into the conference room, is not going to help.”

 

“Are you telling me to not kick his ass out of here… that I should let him just sit in that room with Khushi in it?  There is no way I am letting him be near her… over my fucking dead body!”

 

“Listen to me… please calm down. Don’t let this spiral out of control in front of everyone with your anger. That is not going to help the situation. You and Khushi need to discuss this…”

 

“Fine, I will talk to Khushi, then take care of business. You go home, and please don’t say anything to Nani.”

 

She puts her hand on my shoulder, and I can see her eyes glazed with tears as she looks at me, then towards the conference room.

 

“Please take care of her, and yourself.  Do not let this come between what you both have together. Remember she loves you. Only you.”

 

She pulls me into her arms, then leaves quietly. Once she is out of sight, my attention goes towards the conference room.

 

I watch as Khushi confidently conducts the meeting, and has the group under control. It looks like she is fully in charge, as she stands, probably giving out orders. There seems to be some animosity between her and the asshole.  It’s apparent in their body language. It looks like he is not happy at what she is saying. She looks fierce, ready to take him on.

 

But then when she turns her attention to Aman, I see the way he looks at her.  

 

Is he fucking checking her out?

 

That’s it, this shit is coming to an end. I refuse to allow this to continue further.  

 

I stride towards my office, and stop in front of Lavanya’s desk who has someone at her desk.  

 

“Welcome back, ASR!  This is your new assistant Sheila, I was training…”

 

She points to a girl in her late twenties, who is staring at me, and I have no time for this introduction.

 

I nod with a serious expression which makes Lavanya quickly realizes I am not in a good mood.

 

“I need to meet Ms. Gupta now. In my office.”

 

“Yes ASR, I will let her know.”

 

Before she can finish, I storm into my office, slamming the door behind me.

 

“FUCK!”  

 

How the hell did I bring that bastard to Khushi? And I wasn’t even here to put an end to it.

 

I pace the room running my fingers through my hair.

 

Why did she keep something this significant away from me?

 

Doesn’t she trust me to do the right thing by her?

 

I close my eyes and take a deep breath to calm myself down before she walks into the room.

 

I stand by the floor to ceiling window, looking out at the park and notice all the leaves have fallen off the tree.  The park’s natural green has been stripped away and looks bare from up here.

 

How ironic, as our relationship will be exposed to the biggest test we can possibly go through.  

 

Betrayed is what I feel right now for being kept in the dark about Sameer.

 

I close my eyes hearing a soft knock on my door, and then she walks in closing the door behind her.

 

I don’t turn around but I see her through the glass as I open my eyes.  

 

She is smiling looking at my back.  

 

“Baby, I thought you would work from home today. I told you I was planning…”

 

I turn around, with my hands in my pockets, as I steel my gaze not wanting to give anything away.  

 

“What were you planning, Ms. Gupta?  Let me see were you planning on telling me about Sam… Oh wait… it’s Sameer right?”

 

 

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