HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

 Hello my loves! Miss me? Pretty sure I am worthy of the wrath you send my way, but I wish you would bear with me. I have no excuse for falling of the face of earth apart from the fact that life got in the way. And life brought me back to this page as well. All your responses have overwhelmed me , prompting me to get back to it again. I wish to be more regular this time around. Dunno how well that's gonna fly! Anyway, without further hoo-haws...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTER 14

Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada...Phew! What a long name! How about just KKGSR from now on? Right.

So KKGSR, woke up in her new home, full of smiles and good feeling, albeit the disturbed sleep she had the previous night. But she had been up all night, planning, and the result pleased her to no end! Mr. Raizada, the 'toofan mail' is going to knock you down, and gather a confession from you along the way!

Khushi stepped out of her room only to stumble over Arnav's prostate form outside her room. Did he sleep here all night ? , she wondered. Khushi looked upon his serene face , her heart warming towards him temporarily. Look at him! So innocent. Who would think that this Rakshas would rear his head when awake?

She mindfully stepped around him, making sure to not wake him, then pulled the comforter up to his chin as an afterthought. For what she had planned, she couldn't afford him falling sick. She smiled inwardly and made he way to the kitchen. 

Arnav woke up to the smell of enticing aromas wafting towards him from the general direction of the kitchen. Hot oil and crispy pooris called out to him and his mouth watered! Ah! he thought, his wife was putting her culinary prowess on show. He would become a happy fat man soon, if she continued to spoil him this way. Nope! I would never let myself go! But I won't let those pooris go either! So decision made, he strode towards the kitchen, only to stare dumbfounded at the sight before him!

NK was seated across from Khushi, the two whispering conspiratorially and giggling, as they enjoyed breakfast. What the.... Arnav stormed over to the duo, his face red! 

"Arey Nannav! You are awake! I am so sorry we couldn't save any pooris for you... I ate them all you see", NK smiled sheepishly.

"Arey Nanheji, why are you apologizing? I made  them for you! I know how much you love my kachoris and pooris. ", Khushi smirked up at Arnav, before smiling sweetly at NK.

Arnav's face was thunderous! Not only was he cheated off his breakfast, this chit of a girl had the gal to bring NK back, despite the events that had transpired the previous day. Outrageous!

Khushi beamed. The Rakshas had awakened. She trained in for the last nail in the coffin. " Arey Nanheji, it is unfortunate that certain events that transpired yesterday, put a spanner in our plans to go shopping. Maybe we can go today? If you are still up for it?"

" KHUSHI!!", thundered Arnav. The audacity!

"Kya hai?", countered Khushi, with visible irritation. 

"I,..you.. tum nahi ja sakthi..(you cannot go)"

"Kyun? Hum kyun nahi ja sakthe? (Why can't I go?)"

" Ghar pe bohot kaam hai. (There is a lot of work at home)", Arnav slapped himself mentally as soon as the words left his mouth. 

"To aap kijiye na. (So you do it then)", countered Khushi, mater-of-factly.

Arnav was left speechless, while NK kept swiveling his head back and forth, taking in the exchange.

"Nanheji. Chaliye na.. Hum aapko gol-gappe khilayenge. (Come along Nanheji. I will buy you gol-gappe.)", said Khushi sweetly. 

"Gol-gappe? My  favourite! Let's go Khushiji!"

The two prepared to depart, leaving a dumbfounded Arnav behind, seething! Khushi Kumari Gupta Sin...KKGSR! you are playing with fire, you will get burnt!

Meanwhile Khushi trilled, Boil Arnavji, boil some more. I will be right here when you are ready to spill  over and confess...You shouldn't underestimate me.. after all, I am Khushi Kumar Gupta... Singh Raizada!

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

CHAPTER 13

Khushi stepped into what was to be her new home and gasped in surprise! The cozy little house was modern and yet felt completely familiar. She wandered through the house , unmindful of Arnav's watchful eyes seeking her approval.

<I suck at describing houses...so why don't you just enjoy the pics ;)>

 

As she gleefully finished touring the last of the house, Khushi turned around to face her husband, a happy smile pasted on her face! Arnav's apprehensive face relaxed, as he too cracked a half smile at her enthusiasm. 

But Khushi's smile instantly turned into a frown as she recalled the circumstances that brought her where she was! It ineffect caused Arnav's attempt at a smile to fail too.

" Didn't you like the house Khushi?", he asked tentatively.

In response though Khushi turned around and walked out into the open patio. She stood with her back facing him, feeling the wind whip her frame . She felt Arnav behind her before he spoke.

"Khushi...?", he called out.

" Why did you marry me Arnavji?", she questioned ,still not facing him. When he did not reply she whipped around with blazing eyes, " Answer me!", she demanded, louder than she intended.

"Don't talk to me like that!", raged Arnav. But his rage was only a means to avoid answering her question.

"I will talk the way I deem fit! Who are you to stop me? "

"You know very well who I am..."

"Oh yes, yes! You are Arnav Singh Raizada....But I am also Khushi Kumari Gupta...."

"...Singh Raizada.", completed Arnav. At her silence he continued, " Don't ever  forget that! You are mine now...and I own you! You have no right to question me!"

Khushi's initial shock at the way he completed her name, wore off as she heard his last sentence. Fury bubbled in her again as she retorted," You are my husband and I am your wife...not a slave...so no Mr Raizada...you don't own me! We are equals. The sooner you get that into your thick skull, the better!", saying , she stormed away from him and into one of the bedrooms, slamming the door shut behind her!

Arnav cursed under his breath and fisted the wall. He had messed up again! And as punishment he had to spend his own wedding night outside his room, away from his wife! 

Sigh!

*********************************************************************************

This was just a filler for what comes next. I know its short but I will update a longer one soon. Don't worry this tension will get over soon. Its time for the man to woo his woman...properly. And seduction ofcourse is a part and parcel! ;)

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

First things first! Eid Mubarak to all my wonderful and patient readers! Have a splendid year. 
And secondly, I apologise yet again for the late update. But hope today, on Eid ,you will forgive me! :p

CHAPTER 12

Bewilderment filled the faces of those around, as they stared in pure wonder at the man who claimed not to have a heart! What else was this, if not a show of love? A declaration, nevertheless! 

Nani was old, but for a reason. She had garnered wisdom over her years of existence, that let her read through any situation, and allowed her to reciprocate in kind! As her gaze shifted between her grandchild and his betrothed, she noticed the pure awe and surprise with which she regarded him! She reached a set of conclusions of her own, and smiled inwardly at the prospect of seeing them through.

"Okay Arnav! If that is what you wish...then so be it! You may leave the house!", she thundered, earning shocked gasps from those around, as all eyes turned to her , some albeit accusing! 

"Nani...", started Khushi, only to be cut off by Arnav's vice like grip on her hands, as he all but dragged her out of his house. The house he grew up in. The house he helped rebuild. The house wherein his life, his di, resided!

"Arnavji....", Khushi retorted, struggling against his stronghold. " Please...listen to me!"

But it fell on deaf ears. He dumped her unceremoniously into the car before driving off , unmindful of the fact that his rash driving was tethering Khushi on the edge! She was close to having a full blown panic attack! 

"Arnavji...pleaseee...ssll...sllooow....do...down", she managed to whisper. 

But what Arnav failed to hear from her mouth, his heart seemed to capture, cause he glanced at Khushi, and saw her visibly pale countenance, as she gasped for breath. He braked the car immediately and unbuckled himself, before leaning over and capturing her face between his large palms.

"Khushi...", he called out, barely a whisper. When she didn't respond, he rubbed his thumb across her cheeks, wiping away her tears in the process, before calling out louder.

Khushi stirred and opened her tightly shut eyes, to the sensation of his calloused fingers  against her skin. It feels so right, she mused! She remained like that, in her semi conscious state, her eyes and lips partly open, leaning into his touch! 

Arnav felt tears prick the back of his eyes, seeing her like that, so trusting, so vulnerable! What have I done? Why did I do this to her? Why am I always the cause for all her pain? 

He recollected how she had stopped her mother from slapping him. How she stood up for him! Just like any dutiful wife. His wife! The thought soothed him. She was his! His alone! And he would be damned to let her go! If given a chance he would do it again , he realised. To make her his, he would do anything! But did she want him? Was all this just duty to her....or did she love him? 

Arnav turned back to her and realised that his thumb hadn't stopped moving across her skin. His abrupt stop, caused Khushi to peek at him through half opened eyes. On seeing Arnav though, her stupor vanished. Her eyes opened completely and then widened some more, before darting between his hands and his face! She gulped visibly, but didn't pull away. Arnav noticed this, and smiled inwardly.

"Khushi....", he husked, leaning towards her.

Khushi felt her heart go on its marathon again. But it was so loud this time, she feared it would burst! She clutched her heart with her hand, attempting to still its frantic rhythm. 

Hai Devi Maiyya!

Arnav leaned in some more, his breath fanning across her lips. 

"Khushi I......I lo....."

But his sentence was left hanging as they were interrupted by the honking of a vehicle behind them! Arnav came out of his daze and realised what he was about to confess! He cursed under his breath, which was audible enough for Khushi to catch though, before moving back to his seat and driving again. Khushi looked at him speculatively as his words from before ran on repeat in her head, over and over..... What was he about to say? I lo...what? I lost something? Did he lose something? No Arnav Singh Raizada can't lose anything...can he? Then? I long for something? What does he long for? He has everything he wants! No....ummm? I love something? Love? He and love? But he does love his sister.... He has told me before....so then.....could it be that... He loves.......me? Oh shut up Khushi! What are you even thinking? Arnav Singh Raizada ...loves you? A mere chit of a girl as he says? Its not possible.....right?

But try as she may, Khushi couldn't get the notion out of her head!

Arnav and Khushi played peek-a-boo the rest of the way, neither choosing to speak a word. Each scrutinising the other   for some sort of reaction, to what transpired earlier, and finding nothing, other than a locked jaw and fidgeting fingers! It was like this that they reached their new house. The house they would be calling their home.....soon! 

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

CHAPTER 11

SLAP!!!!!

The sound echoed several times before Khushi's ears stopped ringing! She stared wide eyed at her amma. Her mother's hands rose again to slap Arnav, her husband of five hours! Five gruesome , tortuous and humiliating hours ...for the both of them. Enough is enough!

"Amma stop!", cried Khushi, holding her mother's hand, stopping her from slapping Arnav for the second time. All the Raizada's let a collective sigh escape from their mouths. They had witnessed the first slap, and had waited for Arnav's reaction with bated breath. But when they saw that he remained unresponsive , even when Garima raised her hand a second time, they feared Arnav would cross all boundaries.Khushi's timely interruption was a welcome relief. 

But Arnav stayed mum...almost calm and submissive! 

"Khushi?", Garima hissed at her daughter. " Why are you stopping me? What this man...."

"This man Amma....is my husband! However much this marriage was against my will...he is  my husband now. And nothing can change that!", retorted Khushi, leaving her mother and several others speechless. Mostly so...Arnav!

"Khushi...", trailed her mother.

" Amma....trust me...please let me speak to you all in private. Please?", begged khushi.

"Om Prakash! Inhe guest room dikha deejiye! (show them the guest room)", said Anjali, earning a grateful look from Khushi.

*********************************************************************************

{NOTE THAT THE DIALOGUES TAKING PLACE IN EACH ROOM WILL BE MIXED, SO THE ONLY INDICATION OF SEPARATE ROOMS SHALL BE THE LINE THAT WILL DEMARCATE THE CONVERSATIONS.}

" Amma....look at me.... please..."

"No Khushi, I do not know why you are trying to save him . I...."

"Garima, titliya ki baath tho sun liyo (listen to her)"

" Yes Amma...listen to me!"

******************************************************************************

"Chote...ye sabh kya hai?(what is all this?)"

" Haan chote! Answer your nani!"

"Di ...please..."

" No chote! Today you are not going to be let free without answering!"

*****************************************************************************

"Amma... I do not know why he did this. What was the reason behind his hasty decision......", Khushi trailed off....thinking about the conversation they had before the marriage fiasco.

"Then what is it Khushi?"

"Amma...As far as I know him, I know that he wouldn't do anything without a reason.  Zaroor iske peeche bhi koi vajah hogi! (There will be a reason behind this)"

"Kaise vajah Khushi? (What reason)"

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"You have to tell us the reason chote! Tell me...your di...please!!"

" Di...I...."

"Hello Hi Bye Bye! Kahin tum us phati sari se pyaar vyaar toh nahi karath ho? (Do you love her)"

"..."

"Chote? Jawab deejiye (Answer)"

***************************************************************************

" Amma I am sure there is a valid reason. He is not telling us now... but when the time is right he will come clean with the reason."

"Time is right? What is the right time Khushi?? Isn't this the right time? He marries you forcefully and...."

"Kkkhhhuuu.....Khu...ssii"

"Babuji????? Amma.....Babuji called me....he took my name amma....Hai Devi Maiyya.....Babuji?"

The four ladies rushed towards shashi who was struggling to ove his arms.

"Babuji? .."

"Ar....naab....", shashi nodded his head and placed his hands with difficulty over Khushi's head, blessing her!

Khushi's eyes filled with tears at her father's silent approval. She raised her head to look at Garima questioningly.

*****************************************************************************

"Agar pyaar nahi karthe toh shaadi kyun ki chote? Itna nafrath karthe ho usse ki uski zindagi barbaad karne ki soch li? (If you don't love her why did you get married to her? Or do you hate her so much that you decided to destroy her life?)"

"Di!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Aur nahi to kya chote? Usse iss tarah shaadi kar lene se uski zindagi barbaad nahi hui toh aur kya hui....?( If , by getting married to her , you haven't destroyed her life ...then what have you done?)"

"Haan shaadi ki usse maine....aapke liye....apne liye... bus...isse zyada aur kuch nahi boloonga main!( Yes I got married to her...for you...for me....Enough..I will not say anything more)"

***************************************************************************

"Amma!" 

Khushi hugged her mother tightly, and Garima reciprocated her hug with equal fervour.

"I just hope he takes good care of you Khushi! If not...he will have me to answer to!"

Khushi hugged her mother harder, choosing to remain silent. Madhumati and Payal wiped their tears as a genuine smile lit their faces after hours!

***************************************************************************

"What do you mean chote? For me? Why?....What..."

"Di please....", Arnav grabbed his sister's hands in his and pleaded with his eyes," Just trust me...trust your chote! Please..... "

"I will not allow this Arnav! ", said nani with authority. But Arnav continued pleading with his sister. The Raizada's did not notice the Gupta's ,who had come out after their discussion and had heard nani's last sentence.

"Nani...", started Anjali, only to notice the dejected, detached and horrified expressions on the Guptas' faces!

Following her line of sight all the Raizada's turned to look at the Gupta's .

" Lets go Khushi, I see you are not accepted here.", said Garima...breaking the tension.

" No....!!!", yelled Arnav.

" Khushi won't go anywhere. She is MY wife and she will stay with me! And if nani has a problem accepting her into this house then I will oblige and leave this house with Khushi...this instant!"

Raizada's and Gupta's stared at Arnav with their mouths hanging open. Nani was the first to recover as she said, " You wouldn't dare!"

" Watch me nani! ", challenged Arnav.

" Jahan Khushi nahi....wahaan Arnav nahi.....(where there is no Khushi...there will be no Arnav)"

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

CHAPTER 10

Arnav had admitted to himself long back, that he loved her. But today standing in front of her accusing stance, he couldn't bring himself to voice out what he felt. He wouldn't admit it but a part of it had also to do with his ever present ego. She loved someone else didn't she? So wouldn't admitting his love be like...... grovelling?  And Arnav Singh Raizada never grovelled. She would come to him off her own accord. But till she did, she would be tied to him! And if marriage was the way, so be it!

Khushi looked down fingering her garland, the events of the day weighing down upon her. What had he done? What had she done? They had gotten married!!! How ? Why? How would she face her parents? His parents? What was he thinking? Her fury rose and she raised her accusing eyes at him. She stepped forward and pushed him with all her might! 

"How dare you?"

Push.

"What do you think of yourself? How dare you?"

Push.

" Do you even know what you have done?"

Push.

"How will I face people now? Your family, my family...jiji....!!"

She paused trying to reign in her emotions, before turning her fury back at him and pushing him again. She had him backed against a tree. 

The last push, pushed Arnav over the edge. He grabbed her hands and spinning her around pinned her to the tree. Glaring down at her , he noticed the equally defiant, and enraged look she gave him.

" Let go of me!!!!", she screamed.

" Never!!", he screamed back, effectively shutting her up!

Khushi looked at him bewildered. Panting heavily, she spluttered, " What?"

But Arnav was too lost. Her hot heavy breath fanning his chin. Her hair, loose from the braid, tickling his stubble. Her eyes, wide, hazel, reflecting the light! Involuntarily he leaned in, closer. He noticed her parted lips quiver, and he smirked. Not affected, are we? He envisioned his lips on hers, the vision pulling him closer. Just a little more and its mine! No sooner had he thought the thought , Khushi turned her head away!

However affected she may be by his presence, she was mad at him....too mad to let him try anything at all! So she turned away. 

Arnav stopped as the sight of her lips vanished , replaced by her milky white  skin. Playing hard are we? He trailed his lips down the column of her neck sucking her skin, teasing with his tongue. He felt her stiffen, and  her breathing grow heavier! He smirked some more. He nipped at her skin near her collar bone, eliciting a gasp from her. Then soothed it with his tongue and felt her shudder. He moved away a little and noticed the subtle pout on her lips, at the loss of contact. He pressed his lips on her reddened cheeks, lingering for a while before pulling away. He saw her open eyed, open mouthed expression , bearing which she turned to him. 

Khushi was shocked! He kissed her....again? She turned to him, to see his triumphant expression. What was he so satisfied about? Why did he keep doing ...all that? was he merely attracted to her? Or...did he have feelings for her? He married her for crying out loud! But he didn't believe in marriage! So was all this just a facade? What did he hope to gain by all this? Why was he doing this? 

Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks as she regarded him with her turmoil filled eyes.

" Why are you doing this?", she whispered, only for him to hear.

The question. He could answer her now! It would be make or break. But he didn't wanna break! He didn't wanna lose her! She was his dammit!!

"Because I can! You are my wife!"

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

Hello to all my readers! Oh and what a welcome! :/ But I shouldn't be one to complain. I have taken long enough to give you an update. And this time around I will Just suck up my sorry! And yes I will be able to update only once a week. And those of you who wanna read may visit my blog. I am no longer gonna post the update notification on myed. Emails I will send to those who ask for it. I won't keep you waiting any longer so here goes....

CHAPTER 9

Arnav snapped his head around to look at her. What was she asking? How did it matter to him? Couldn't she see? That he was..... What was he? Heck he himself didn't know the extent of his feelings for her! Feelings?? Hah! Arnav Singh Raizada And feelings? What has she done to me?

But Arnav wasn't ready to answer his own question...not now...when things were so uncertain. He needed to know what Khushi meant on the terrace that day. Instead of answering her, he put forth a question of his own!

"So, you don't love NK?"

Khushi bit back a groan, before attacking again," That's not the answer to my question!"

"So who is it that you love then?"

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise. What does he mean? Why is he asking this? 

She just regarded him with the same shocked expression, willing him to elaborate.

But Arnav turned away and got out of the car. Khushi followed in suite and came to stand behind his brooding form. She remained silent willing him to speak. 

He tensed as he felt her approach him but didn't turn. Neither did he answer her silent question...or plea rather.

Finally tired of the silence, Khushi turned away and walked towards the car. Just as she reached the passenger side , she turned back to him, " Arnavji..... "

He turned slowly to regard her.

" Will you please drop me to the mall? Nanheji must be waiting. He will be worried!"

And just like that, all the anger came flooding back! Arnav strode towards her, grabbing her by her shoulders, and shaking her with every word.

" You are bothered about him! You are worried about his tension. What he will think ....And me? What about me? Answer me dammit? What about me ...us?"

"What about us?", asked Khushi calmly.

Arnav's hands dropped to his sides, shock and something else shone in his eyes. He took a step away from her.

" What about us Arnavji?", she prompted. Khushi took a step forward as she continued," As far as I know Arnavji, you are my jeeji's jetji. My jiji is married to your brother, which in effect makes me... HIS sister-in -law! So,....... what about US Arnavji?", she questioned, this time using his tone for the last question? 

Arnav looked up at her with disbelief. Is that all their relation was about? Is that what she thought? Didn't anything that they shared, mean nothing to her? How could she act so aloof? So...so ...detached?

Arnav shuddered at the feeling , the feeling of losing her! 

NO!! Arnav Singh Raizada never loses! Never! 

He stepped forward and grabbed her hands dragging her along with him along the rocky path to his left. Khushi tried protesting and struggling, but he didn't relent. She was his...and he would prove it to her! 

After walking, rather dragging Khushi along, Arnav reached his destination. It was a small temple situated deep in the jungle through which they had come. A single idol sat on a stone , surrounded by diyas that lit the eerie jungle casting a glow over the area. A pundit stood at the far end of the clearing, where the mandir was situated. He came forward as Arnav approached, dragging Khushi along. 

Arnav left Khushi's hand as he moved towards the pundit. Khushi saw a bundle of notes fall into the aged man's hands. She also saw him shake his head in dismay. But he kept the money anyway. 

What was Arnavji doing? Why was he paying the pundit?

As if in answer to her silent question, Arnav turned around and walked towards her, just as the pundit disappeared into the jungle. Arnav dragged her towards the idol and dropped her hands. 

"You believe in this idol, don't you?", he asked.

Khushi regarded him warily.

"Anything sacred that happens here....you will believe in it....right? Tum nibhaogi use?"

Khushi was getting nervous. What did he mean? Why was he asking all this? 

"Arnavji....", she tried, only to be cut off by the entry of the pundit. He was carrying firewood and ghee....and two garlands.

Khushi started , trying to make sense of what was happening. She watched as the pundit set up a holy pyre and began chanting something. He looked up at her, pity on his face before turning towards Arnav and gesturing. In response Arnav grabbed Khushi's hands as he led her towards the pyre and made her sit down.

Noo!!! This was not happening! What is all this about? Why am I sitting here?

She tried to get up, but Arnav's grip on her kept her in place. Still she struggled asking him repeatedly to explain what was happening. It was only when the pundit gestured again and Arnav made both of them stand and reached for the garland ,that it all finally fell into place for her!

He was marrying her?? What the hell? How could he? What is he thinking? He...

But she couldn't complete the thought as just then she felt the garland go around her neck. Khushi stared up at him in surprise. Tears streaked down her face, making Arnav clench his fists and teeth, to stop the pain, clenching his heart.

"Put it around my neck!", he bit out. But she stood mute. Not moving a muscle. Arnav grabbed her hands holding the garland, and made her put it on him. Her hands remained on the garland, as she stared unseeingly at him, too shocked to process anything. Arnav stared back, just as intensely as he filled her parting with the sacred vermillion. 

The pundit instructed them to take the seven vows . And Arnav dragged a shock still Khushi around the fire. 

"Vivaah sumpun hua! ( The marriage was successful)", said the pundit, breaking Khushi's trance. She reached tentatively to touch her partition, and looked at her blood red fingers. The tears fell stronger, as the weight of the events that transpired, came crashing down on her! 

She looked up at Arnav accusingly, only to see his triumphant look as he said," I hope that answers your question!"

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

CHAPTER 8

Arnav honked over again, only in time to see a nervous and flustered Khushi making her way towards him. She was twiddling with the ends of her dupatta in an attempt to calm her nerves.

Hai Devi Maiyya! Car ride with the Raakshas?Especially after what just happened? 

No ,no calm down Khushi....Its just a ride. Sit faar away from him... Nothing can go wrong. Right?

But she couldn't contemplate anymore since she was standing right in front of her nemesis by then!

Arnav gracefully opened the passenger door for her, and smirked.

Hai Devi Maiyya!

Khushi entered nervously, trying to maintain maximum distance between herself and him.

Arnav shut her door and took his place in the driver's seat.

"Seatbelt.", he ordered.

"K..Kya?(What)", she implored.

Arnav turned to face her before repeating, " Seatbelt!"

Khushi stiffened and turned to do her bidding. But unfortunately her belt was stuck and wouldn't budge. She tugged and pulled to no avail.

An impatient Arnav leaned over her as he pulled her belt free, ineffect causing Khushi to stiffen even more! 

It was as he pulled the belt across her, that he realised the extent of their proximity! Her ragged breath fanned over his cheek as he moved towards his seat. 

Arnav hid a smile at his obvious effect on her and pulled the belt at an even more leisurely pace.

He made sure to brush his fingers along her collar bone , the valley between her breasts , her midriff as he pulled the belt down, earning a sharp gasp from her each time! 

Hai Devi Maiyya! She called out for the umpteenth time! This man and his besharmi! 

But inspite of his blatant moves , Khushi found herself liking...no loving his touch....and truth be told..., craving more!! 

Please forgive me god! This is sooo wrong...and yet it feels so right!

Arnav, after completing his , arousing act, sat back ...trying to calm his own nerves before starting the ignition. They rode in silence for a while.

A while,.... that is about fifteen minutes later Khushi who had began noticing her surroundings shrieked," Arnavji! Aap galat ja rahe hai! ( You are going the wrong way) Rasta waha hai!(Its that way)"

To which Arnav replied by a Shut up Khushi.

"Haaww!! Hum kyun shut up? Aap Shut up! Rasta udhar hai!! ( Why should I shut up? You shut up! Its that way!!)"

" Khushi...!", Arnav gritted his teeth in frustration....or rather trying to intimidate her!

But Khushi was not one to backdown! 

"Mall ka rasta udhar hai Arnavji... Iss taraf nahi hai!( The way to the mall is over there. Not here)"

" We are not going to the mall!", Arnav bit out.

"Kyaaaa??? (What?) Kyun??? (Why?)"

When Arnav chose to remain silent Khushi went on," Where are we going then? Tell me ? Where are you taking me? Batayien hamein (tell me)!!"

Arnav just kept mum.

" Look if you don't tell me then....then..."

"Then what?", asked Arnav, amused.

"Dekhiye...hum khud jayenge! (look...I will jump out)"

Arnav turned to her and quirked an eyebrow. At Khushi's no nonsense look Arnav smirked and turned away and said," Toh khud jaao (Then jump)"

Khushi's eyes widened to the size of soccer balls as she stuttered an inaudible What?

Arnav looked at her and shrugged matter -of-factly. 

Enraged, and losing her capability to think beyond her anger, at the audacity of the man, she turned to open the door....only to find that she couldn't unlock it (courtesy child lock!).

"Open this door!!", she yelled.

When Arav chose to ignore her statement, she leaned over him to try and unlock the door from his side, ineffect making Arnav lose his control over the wheel and swivel dangerously!

"WHAT THE......!!!", he stormed as he pulled over with a jerk.

Khushi immediately sat back in her seat, ramrod straight!

Arnav turned to her, fury burning in his eyes," What's wrong with you? Paagal ho kya? Dimaag kharab hai tumhara?( Are you mad?) Kuch ho jaatha toh? (If something happened?)"

Khushi bit her lip guiltily , and nervously twiddled her thumbs. 

"ANSWER ME DAMMIT!!!", he yelled, making her jump.

"I...I wanna get out! "

Arnav's eyes turned red with uncontrolled fury. He leaned over her and removed her seatbelt. But the next instant caught hold of her shoulders as he pulled her to himself and shook her.

"Why?...Why the heck do you want to leave? So that you can go meet your boyfriend at the mall? So that you can spend time with him? Huh? Answer me! Answer me dammit!", yelled Arnav, fury clouding all his senses.

Khushi looked at him shocked, unable to process what he was saying?

"Arnavji...yeh aap kya...? (what are you....)"

"Oh! don't lie to me Khushi! I know everything! I heard you and ......", he stopped short not wanting to say anything more.

"Heard what?", probed Khushi...confused.

Arnav turned away and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

" Heard what Arnavji?", she prompted.

Arnav turned to look at her , but didn't answer. His look was pained as he regarded her, though his face as usual was a mask. He silently unlocked the car and said," Go...Go wherever you want to...with whomever you want to. Your boyfriend will be waiting for you!", he added sarcastically.

Khushi looked even more perplexed. " Boy...boyfriend?"

" Oh! Stop the drama Khushi Kumari Gupta! If you love NK why don't you just admit it?"

"WHAAAT????", shouted a shocked Khushi, shocking Arnav as well in the process!

And then she burst out laughing. She laughed so hard that tears pooled at the corners of her eyes , and her belly hurt! 

Watching her laugh calmed Arnav's senses to some extent. But it also irritated him to see her laughing and not giving an explanation! 

When finally she controlled her laughter, she saw Arnav regarding her with a partially amused and partially skeptical look.

Khushi chuckled again," Arnavji... you have a very wild imagination !", she said, shocking Arnav even more! 

Oh you don't know the least of it Khushi Kumari Gupta!

But Arnav shook him out of that thought , and quirked an eyebrow at her.

" Where did you get such an idea?"

When Arnav didn't reply again Khushi looked down and twiddled with her thumbs again.

"Aur waise bhi....isse apko kya faraq padtha hai? (How does it matter to you?)"