OUR HEARTBEATS BECOME ONE!

CHAPTER 7

Khushi woke up to hear Payal shouting her name from the kitchen!"Khushi,? Khushi? You haven't woken up yet?" Payal was at the door way now."Arre Khushi...bhool gayi? You have to go to office today!" Payal was determined not to let the previous day's incident control Khushi's thoughts. "This job was a good way to get her mind off it", she thought. She was sooo right!Khushi understood her jiji's intentions well and she too felt it was the right thing to do. Khushi Kumari Gupta was on again! Ready to face the world with her confident stride and infectious smile! She got ready and left for office....Arnav's office.....The Arnav Singh Raizada's offi...no hellhole!She reached early on her pink scooty. Her 'dhanno'. Her green and golden chudidar shone in the sunlight. Her tiny embroidered balls dangled as she walked through the glassed lobby of AR. Her payal gave the rhythm while her plait swayed around her hips.She attracted all the attention in the office...unknowingly.Khushi walked up to the receptionist confidently and said," Khushi Kumari Gupta reporting for duty of assist. manager, mam! Where shall i head?"The receptionist stared at her blankly. This bag of sequence? Assist. manager of AR? Impossible!!She checked Khushi out from head to toe, making her uncomfortable. Khushi followed her gaze and then did the same scanning of the receptionist. She gulped! " Hai devi maiyya! What has she worn? Or rather..not worn?" , she mumbled."Did you say something, miss?", asked the receptionist ,contempt laced in her words!Khushi shook her head and gulped again.Suddenly the receptionist stiffened! The contempt wiped of her face and was replaced by fear...and to a small extent, respect."Gu... good morning....sir!" she stammered."Sir? Nahi...madam! Apke chashme ka number shayad bad gaya", said Khushi, feeling genuinely sorry for the receptionist.The receptionist glared at her and then turned her gaze back to her frightening (and a tiny bit of respect seeking) objective!Khushi noticed it and turned to see Arnav standing right above her nose. His breath on her face. His hot , angry, yet so sensuous breath!She immediately took a step back and looked at him."Voh, mein.... Good morning sir!" she said.Arnav didnt acknowledge her. He stormed to his room and shut the glass door.While Khushi stood cribbing about his attitude , Arnav called up his receptionist and asked her to send Khushi to his office."ASR wants you in his office..now!", she said ...bored.Khushi immediately stopped badmouthing him and went up to his cabin. She knocked,"May I come in..sir?", she asked."Hmm.", said Arnav."Laad governor!", thought Khushi."Did you say something?", asked Arnav...not bothering to look at her."No...Not at all!", said Khushi, wondering whether he had read her mind!"You will be working for me from today on.....not as the assist. manager...", he looked up at her," ....but as my personal assistant!". He emphasized the last two words....whispering them menacingly!Khushi started to retort, but the look in his eyes told her, this was his game, and she was his pawn, that he could move as he wished."Well, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, I ain't gonna be an easy catch. If you can play...so can I.", she thought, but all she said was, "Yes sir!"

Arnav was shocked! He had expected her to retort, but she had not flinched! He fumed."Well Ms Khushi Kumari Gupta, lets see how long you can beat me at my own game?", he thought."Fine," he said," Now go get me my black coffee....quick... you have a minute!" he said, and turned back to his file.Khushi dashed out of the cabin and grabbed his coffee from the canteen. She dumped three spoonfuls of sugar and stirred on her way back to the cabin. She was back in half a minute.Arnav looked at her ...trying hard to hide his surprise. He accepted the coffee from her and sipped it. He immediately spat it out and in his fury splashed the rest of the coffee on Khushi."What the...? "Khushi was stunned . Her mouth wide open ,she stared at him, murder in her eyes!"This is sweet!", roared Arnav , not noticing her look.Khushi looked as though Arnav had gone mad.Arnav saw her look and said," I am diabetic...are you trying to kill me??"Her anger washed off immediately, and concern replaced it. "I'm sorry... I di..dint know!", she stammered."To hell with your sorry! You are my personal assistant . Its your duty to know all this!!", he yelled.Khushi was on the verge of tears. She sucked in her breath and whispered,"Sorry!"Arnav noticed the tears she was fighting to hold back and guilt flooded him. "Khushi...", he raised his hand, but she grabbed his cup and ran out of the room. Arnav fisted his hand and banged the table.Khushi rushed down and refilled his mug and this time used sugarfree in his drink. She wiped her tears, straightened her dupatta and walked back to his cabin after a minute.Arnav was shocked to see her there. He turned around to face her, but she refused to look at him and instead extended the mug towards him. He looked at it, and back at her. He willed her to look up........she wouldn't.So he brought his hand forward and held the mug , enclosing her hand as well. The touch shocked her and she looked up. He pleaded with his eyes. She looked down at her hand trapped in his and began tugging at it. He wouldn't let go, and she wouldn't relent.Khushi was about to give up when Arnav's phone rang. He looked at her one last time to see her turn her face away and then left her to attend his phone. She put the mug on his table and left the room.Arnav watched her retreating back and sighed. He picked up the mug and sipped his coffee.It was sweet! But in a different way. He swore again.The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Arnav made Khushi do jobs fit for a secretary. He kept looking at her when he instructed her, but she refused to meet his gaze. She never looked at him, even though her office was just next to his, separated by a glass wall!! By the end of the day ,Khushi's behavior had infuriated Arnav to such an extent that he was back to being ASR.It was time to leave and Khushi got up and packed her stuff. Arnav watched her every move and just when she was about to leave, he used his telephone to call her extension and summon her to his room."Where do you think you are going Ms Gupta?", he asked."Home sir...my working hours are over.", said Khushi matter-of-factly."Your working hours are over when I say they are over." he stormed. Then leaning back in his chair he added soberly," My office, my rules!"She still didnt meet his gaze and asked," What should I do sir?"Arnav entwine his fingers and looked at her and in a calm tone said," My shoes for tomorrows meeting are dirty, clean them!"Khushi loooked up in shock.Arnav beamed, and then smirked at her.Khushi looked down again and left to do her bidding, but Arnav stopped her."I am not done! I need the 1994 record of Mr Tarun Dhillo from the store. Get it. Don't leave till your done."Khushi nodded and left.Arnav stared at her back and locked his fingers. "Search all you want, Ms Gupta......you won't find it......cause there is no Tarun Dhillo!"He smiled his lopsided smile and rocked in his chair......waiting for her to give up. Little did he know......

Arnav had decided to stay back and watch Khushi fail. After 15 minutes he got restless and went hunting for her. When he couldn't find her he panicked and returned to his cabin and began pacing. It was after a while that he noticed a pair of sparkling black shoes beside his table. He picked them up and checked them over. He had to admit, this female knew the word perfection!"You have done this Ms Gupta....but you wont be so lucky next time." He rapped the table as he thought.An hour passed by uneventfully. Arnav started worrying! The storeroom was located in the basement and was dark and unused for a very long time! He got restless."I should go check on her." he thought.He was just about to get up from his chair when a figure entered his cabin.Khushi was hidden beneath the umpteen files she was carrying in her fragile arms! They were stacked one above the other, and towered above her head! She was trying hard to maintain her balance but failed just as she reached the cabin. She and the files tumbled down in a heap right next to the door!Arnav leapt out of his chair and dashed towards her and began puling off file after file from atop her.As he moved the last few files he glimpsed her face, section by section. Her chin ,glistening from perspiration. Her lips, so full, so red....so....kissable! Her nose..slightly reddened from embarrassment. And finally her eyes, hazel and sparkling. He was cut out of his reflection when Khushi began coughing from the dust that had found its way up her nose and throat!"Khushi?..." asked Arnav worried.Khushi sat up coughing . She still refused to meet his gaze. But Arnav was too concerned to notice!She began pulling the files towards her between her bouts. When she could breath properly again she opened the files one by one and began reading,"Deenanath Dhillo....1982.........Swetha Dhillo... 1982 as well..... Madhur Dhillo .... 1987......Dharamveer Dhillo.....1991..... Sushma Dhillo.....1992.....And finally......" she looked up at him, triumph playing in her eyes, " T. Dhillo.....1994!"Arnav's eyes threatened to pop from his sockets! He grabbed the file from Khushi and began going through it. He browsed through it once....then twice...then again. He finally closed it and looked down.Khushi beamed. She composed herself and asked," May I leave now.....sir?"Arnav looked at her. He looked back at the file."Your task is not complete Ms Gupta....... This is not TARUN Dhillo's file.", he said quietly."And what makes you say that? It must be recorded T Dhillo for all I know. How can you be sure?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously!"This is not Tarun Dhillo's file" he said again"It is. It is Tarun Dhillo's file. T Dhillo...Tarun Dhillo.... make your connections Mr Raizada.", she argued"I SAID........THIS IS NOT TARUN DHILLO"S FILE!!!!!!!! " he shoutedKhushi was taken aback at the sudden outburst but she maintained her stand and said,"How are you sure?""I am sure damnit cause there was no Tarun Dhillo employed here...there is no Tarun Dhillo employed here!" ranted Arnav in a single breath. He realised his folly in a second. He regarded her cautiously."I know!" was all Khushi said before turning around and leaving a stunned Arnav!As she ran out of the office Khushi had tears streaming down her face."How could he? " she thought." He knew that ..that man did not exist still?..... Why does he like doing this? and I thought he lik.... What rubbish Khushi....What are you thinking? The great Arnav Singh Raizada lik....stop it...just stop it! Your mind is way overworked ! You have no idea what you are saying..." She went on ranting to herself when a black BMW screeched to halt beside her, breaking her string of thought. The passenger's window came down and Arnav's handsome head peeked out from the driver's end. How she loved this look of his! "Stop it Khushi!", she chided herself. She tried to walk past without acknowledging him."Get in..I'll drop you", he saidShe walked on without replying.Arnav stormed out of the car and blocked her way with his outstretched arm. She tried moving around it but he caught hold of her arm and pulled her towards him."Don't walk away when I am talking to you!" he hissedKhushi looked at him defiantly and tried extracting her arm from his vice like grip....to no avail.Arnav dragged her to the car and secured her in her seat then strode to the driver's seat and dashed away .Khushi held on to her seat tightly and closed her eyes in fear. The speed brought back bad memories and she didn't want to relive them!Arnav noticed her state and lessened his pace. He looked at her again. She opened her eyes and looked out front, then noticing the reduced speed she looked at Arnav but immediately turned away when she noticed him looking at her.They both watched each other from the corner of their eyes.After a while Arnav broke the silence, "Khushi I...."He couldn't complete as Khushi's phone began ringing.She received the call."Hello?...Haan jiji...Hum aa rahe hai.... Yes I'll be there soon. ......Kaise?..... Voh.... hum... Arnavji ke saath......"Arnav looked up at the mention of his name. He saw Khushi blushing and smiled to himself."ji jiji....."Khushi kept the phone and there was silence again.Arnav tried again after a while, "Khushi....""Rok deejiye! ""Huh?""Please stop...This is my house...if you don't remember." said Khushi clearly reminding him of the insult she felt on the night of their first meeting.Arnav stopped the car and Khushi got out."Khushi...." he tried again...but her phone rang again.She picked it up and immediately her face fell. The previous day's emotions haunted her face again and Arnav watched worried.Khushi looked around in fear. She cut the phone . She was all sweaty and panicky. She began trembling.Arnav got out of the car and walked to her side. He held her shoulders and asked her what was wrong.As a reply Khushi threw herself into his arms and began sobbing hard.Arnav was taken by surprise. He didn't know how to react. He was about to put his arms around her when Khushi realized what she was doing and quickly withdrew herself.She looked into his concerned eyes...her own brimming with fresh tears and then took three steps back before turning around and dashing into the house."Khushi..." called out Arnav ...but she was gone ....and he was left standing there, once again wondering about this anonymous caller!

Khushi ran into her room, bolted her door, leant against it and cried her heart out. As she slid down the worst day of her life played vividly in the forefront of her mind.That day , a year ago, Khushi had been returning college. She was extremely happy as she had been proclaimed topper for her university exams. Her jiji would be so happy and so would amma and bauji!! As she lost herself in these thoughts she failed to notice the black Enfield that was following her at a distance. Unmindful of the usual roar that an Enfield produces , she skipped on lost in her own world!SPLASH!!!!The sudden spray off dirty water brought her back from her trance. Khushi turned a complete 360 degree in shock!! That 's when she noticed the black Enfield which was riding away." You fool! Aankhen hai ya button??" ,she screamed.The biker stopped a mere 15 feet away from her, turned and rode back.Khushi was petrified !! She wanted to run but her legs wouldn't let her. She clutched her dupatta as the bike came to a screeching halt beside her.The biker had a helmet on. He lifted the wind shield and looked at her.They were the most petrifying eyes Khushi had ever seen. She gulped. The biker raced his bike making her jump! He watched her for what felt like an eternity and then rode around her and away........."Khushi?Khushi? " ,came Payal's concerned voice from the other end.Khushi pushed the memory to the recesses of her mind as she got up and wiped her tears. She composed herself before opening the door."Tum theek ho??""Haan jiji! Why won't I be?""Nahi woh.... You came running in and...I thought....", Payal noticed her swollen eyes, "Did he call .....again?" ,she asked fear playing in her eyes.As a reply, Khushi threw herself into her sister's arms crying."Shh! ", consoled Payal. "Everything will be alright! " . But she wasn't sure anymore. Truth be told Payal was just as scared as Khushi........ That man...... He could do anything.....anything!Meanwhile Arnav was in a state of desperation.... He wanted to badly know about this anonymous caller who kept popping up ! He couldn't digest the fact that his Khushi..... His? What was wrong with him?....... No ... He was right she was his secretory.... He had all the right to know!! That's it.....His decision made he picked up his phone and dialled a number. He let it ring twice before cutting the line.How could he do that? Yes,.. She was his secretory but that did not give him the authority to pry into her life.....did it? No........He clutched the phone and resumed pacing . On his fifth round he paused ,...." To hell with your privacy.... I am Arnav Singh Raizada and I don't care about anybody's privacy!"Saying he placed the call again.... But this time he didn't cut the call ...instead," I want details...... On Khushi Kumari Gupta.. From Lucknow .... Yes.....as soon as possible....... okay!"He threw the phone onto his bed and slumped down beside it..... His tired body drifted off to sleep almost immediately....."Khushi " he called out before drifting into oblivion!

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

CHAPTER 6

Khushi awoke the next morning with a muddled head! What was up with the Laad Governor?

She stretched out and yawned, rubbing her eyes, and opened them to get the shock of her life!! 

Shyam Manohar Jha sat in front of her, sneering at her shocked face! 

"Good morning Khushiji....", he drawled, sending chills down her arms.

"You?.... What are you doing here?", she demanded, when she found her voice.

"Tch..tch... Is that how you greet someone Khushiji?"

"Get out this instant !", Khushi fumed, pulling the comforter upto her neck.

Shyam got up from his seat and walked over towards her side of the bed...a predator stalking its prey!

Khushi pushed herself away and tried to get off the bed, but he was too quick for her. Shyam caught hold of her arm and pinned her against himself. He inhaled deeply and said," You smell so good in the morning Khushiji...."

Repulsed, Khushi struggled against his hold and tried to get away.

"Leave me..or else!...", threatened Khushi...though she knew it was an empty threat.

Shyam knew it too...cause he smirked, tightening his grip, " Or else what?...Will you scream? Call Rani Sahiba?... Or perhaps Saale Sahib?... Go ahead.... call them! Scream!!", he shook her knowing very well that she wouldn't dare!

Khushi looked around helplessly, praying for a miracle, as she felt Shyam nearing her.

And then they heard it.

"Shyamji...?", came Anjali's perturbed voice.

She was walking in their direction. Khushi looked up at him with large rounded eyes! She struggled some more, but he wouldn't let go! 

"Leave me...!!", she hissed, mindful of not being too loud!

And he did, just at the last moment...giving her enough time to leap off the bed and straighten her dupatta!

"Arre , you are here?", asked Anjali, as she limped towards her husband, her eyes drifting between Khushi and Shyam, questioningly.

"Rani Sahiba, I came in search of you! But I met Khushiji instead..", said Shyam, not taking his eyes off Khushi.

His wife's hand on his shoulder, made him turn towards her, and plaster a fake smile as he cupped her face and said," I missed you a lot yesterday night!"

Anjali blushed a shade of pink, listening to her husband's shameless talk.

"Aap bhi naa...!", she chided him, hugging him to her.

Shyam wrapped his hands around her and looked over her head at Khushi as he said," Aapke bina neend hi nahi aati! " (I can't seem to fall asleep without you!)

Khushi felt disgusted by the man's uncouth ways and stormed out of the room, not wanting to breath the same air as his for another moment! This has gone too far! She had to talk about this to someone. Should I tell Arnavji? But how would he react? She didn't want to admit it, but she was scared! What if he blamed her? What if he went back to being his demonic self?

At that precise moment she collided with the man of her thoughts!

Arnav steadied her, and gazed into her eyes....as usual! 

The happenings of the previous day floated between them, as they reminiscenced fondly!

Khushi had filled her jug and pured a glass for him and one for herself as well! She turned around with his glass, only to collide with his hard chest, spilling the contents on his t-shirt. Khushi's eyes widened and rounded in surprise as she looked up at his face and back at his clothes! Arnav, if possible, moved closer, effectively trapping her against the kitchen counter.

"Yeh kya kiya tumne?",(What have you done?)he demanded, his voice husky.

Khushi gulped down hard and stuttered, " K..Kya...? What?"

Arnav pressed himself more into her, feeling her supple for against his hard one! Ah Heaven!

"Dekhiye...look... Its not my fault you were standing right behind me... I..I didn't know you were here... I...", but she was cut off by his finger on her lips.

"Shhhh...! Bohot bolti ho tum" (You speak a lot)

That shut her up for good. And Arnav took the opportunity to lean in towards her, eyeing her lips hungrily! He was a hairs breadth away when he felt something cold and smooth against his lips.

"What the...?", he exclaimed, feeling the glass.

"Aapko pyaas lagi thi na? Peelo!", (You were thirsty right? Drink up!) she said triumphantly. 

Arnav grabbed the glass from her hands and gulped the water in one go! 

"Pyaas nahi bhuji!", (I am still thirsty)he said, an evil glint in his eyes!

Khushi tried to turn in order to get more water, but his hand stopped her.

"Kya kar rahe hai aap?" (What are you doing?)

In answer he leaned sideways and pressed his lips onto her cheek in a lingering kiss! Khushi's eyes widened even more ..and her breath beame raspy!

" Ab thodi bhuj gayi!" ( Now I am less thirsty)he said, smirking away to glory.

He had stepped back and watched her run away, a smile on his lips.

Khushi raised her hand towards her cheek , the same cheek he had kissed the previous day. She trned a bright shade of red as she saw him smirking!

" Tum Theek ho?" (Are you alright?)

Khushi blinked twice and was about to answer when they heard NK.

" Khushiji...? Where are you Khushiji?" 

Arnav groaned and Khushi made use of the opporunity to yell out to NK. Arnav had to step back in order to avoid creating a scene!

"Khushiji , you are here! Get ready fast , we are getting late!"

"Ji Nanheji! ", said Khushi, beaming at her savior.

" Where are you going?", asked a highly suspicious and highly irritated Arnav

"Arre...Nannav mere bhai (my brother) I am taking Khushiji shopping. Its our plan for the day. Right Khushiji?", asked an over enthused NK.

Khushi beamed and nodded in response.

" I can't wait to go out with you Nanheji!", she said, just to irk Arnav. Little did she know that she was playing with fire, She was sure to get burnt!

The duo left leaving a fuming Arnav in their wake!

Khushi and Nk...Shopping....Together? I don't think so! 

OUR HEARTBEATS BECOME ONE!

CHAPTER  6

Arnav's satisfied smirk began wearing off when he took in how Khushi appeared. She was wet from head to toe...and looked...well strangely .....tempting! He couldn't take his eyes off a single drop of water that found its way down her right cheek , her chin and onto her long neck. He gulped.Khushi had noticed the look in his eyes and became conscious . She tried covering herself ,but gave up and ran away from there leaving a disheartened Arnav staring at her receding back...her oh too tempting back!! He raised his hand as if to stop her but immediately put it down when he realised what he was doing.Anjali was now sure that the sparks were on between the two...but they just wouldn't admit it. She calculated her next move.Khushi had run straight into buaji who snorted at the impact. "Arre sanka devi! Where were you? My throat is parched and you return so late? That too empty handed?"Khushi recognized her folly and knew she had no excuse to give. She didn't want to go back...what if he was still there?Arnav turned to leave but came face to face with Anjali."Di?" he asked"Kaha hai?" asked AnjaliArnav thought that his di meant Khushi and didn't know what to say. He stammered ," K..Kaun di?""Kaun?" asked Anjali ,hiding her smile ."Woh...""Kaun nahi chote...kya?""huh?""I was talking about water chote!""Huh? oh! ya...here di" said Arnav handing her the half empty glass."Bade kanjoos ho gaye ho?""Sorry di!", he said and immediately filled her glass for her.Anjali took a sip and then ran her finger along the rim. Without looking up she asked,"Vaise, who were you talking about?""Me? Umm..no one di! I just... its getting late , I need to go. Aakash will drop you home",said Arnav changing the topic immediately."Hmmm... fine. Actually I invited the Guptas over for lunch. They seem to be such a nice family......especially Khushiji. Don't you think?""Aa...""You have to go right? Office?.... Aren't you getting late?""y...yes...umm"Just then Anjali spotted Aakash.She called out to him and he came over.She told him her plan and asked him if he could accomodate three more people in his car.An all too eager Aakash agreed instantly."Okay then chote... you leave... bye!""Huh? Di ..but""What chote?""I mean...The car is too small for so many people to travel comfortably...Umm I'll drop you and the Guptas..and Aakash can drop the others home?" said Arnav, trying to hide the longing in his voice."But won't you be late for office?""Thats fine di... I'll drop you and then leave.""Hmmm...fine then."Arnav let out a sigh of relief.Buaji was still scrutinizing Khushi,who seemed to be lost in her own world!She smaked her slightly on her arm and asked,"Kya?""Ji woh hum...", began Khushi...but buaji cut her off."Chodo! We have been invited for lunch by the Raizadas.""What????", yelled Khushi surprised."Arre! Why are you shouting? Anjali bitiya wanted us to come over.""And you agreed?", asked Khushi...though she already new the answer."Ofcouse I did! How can I refuse them? After all they are Raizadas!", said buaji reverently."But we are also Guptas!", said Khushi defiantly. She didn't want one more encounter with that laad governor!"Chup pagli!",said buaji and smacked her again.Just then Anjali came there with the rest of the family and the two families prepared to leave.Once buaji and Payal were seated in Arnav's car, Anjali said,"Khushiji...why don't you come in Aakash's car...that way everyone will be able to sit comfortably!"She checked Arnav from the corner of her eyes and saw that his head had snapped up on hearing this!Khushi who had also turned to look at Arnav noticed it and immediately looked away , gulping!"ji Anjaliji...Kyun nahi?"Now Arnav turned to glare at Khushi who refused to meet his eyes!Arnav fumed at the defiance and turned to take his seat ,swearing in his mind!Anjali chuckled , while Khushi obediently went and sat in Aakash's car.Aakash too was disheartened but he understood his di's plan and kept mum. This maneuver meant that Arnav would stay at home a little longer now...just to be with Khushi! Anjali really knew how to play her cards!!

The ride back home was pure torture for Arnav! He couldn't believe he was so close to his angel and yet so far! He kept wondering how he could've convinced di to let Khushi ride with them......wthout arousing suspicion. His mood turned gray with every new possibility that popped into his head!Meanwhile Aakash's car was in a complete antonymous mood! Khushi bonded really well with nani and Aakash and kept chattering away , keeping them entertained.....and winning their hearts! Mami,....though she tried to stay aloof,..couldn't but smile, at some of Khushi's antics. It was to be said that she too had, in small ways, fallen for sanka devi's charms....though she tried hard to hide it!So it happened ,when the duo reached the Raizada mansion, Khushi was cracking some silly joke and she and Aakash were giggling away.......much to the displeasure of Arnav ...who turned green with jealousy. He stared at Khushi who didn't even glance at him!You couldn't blame her either. The moment Khushi stepped out of the car and onto The Raizada property,she......for the second time.....felt she had died and reached heaven!!!! 'Cause this couldn't be any less than the paradise that people talked about. The poor thing couldn't get enough of everything,...and her laad governor expected attention for himself..... so not happening!!If the exterior was paradise....the interior...well she couldn't put it in words! The expansive white marble floors! The plush velvet sofas! Antiques from across the globe! And most importantly the brilliant set up! She was speechless.Anjali limped towards her and lay a hand on her shoulder," Kaisi lagi? ""Its beautiful Anjaliji!", exclaimed Khushi."It Chote's designing", put in Anjali.Khushi quickly stole a glance at Arnav , who was looking at her from the corner of his eye! The expression on her face clearly stated that she was impressed. Arnav beamed. It meant the world to him!But that one look at Arnav brought back the previous night's memory. Khushi recalled how she had thought buaji's house was the type of paradise anybody would want to live in..that too in such an expensive city as Delhi!She knew she had to take that back now! The Raizadas were indeed stinking rich! "The Raizadas ," thought Khushi reverently, just as her buaji had....a while ago!But her face fell, the reverence gone, the ego back!! " So what? I am perfectly happy where I am. It has everything I want. A comfortable bed, a kitchen with a kadai to make jalebis in, a 3/4 day water service and ofcourse my Salman Khan posters! What more do I want?", she thought haughtily. She didn't look at Arnav again.Meanwhile buaji and Payal were in a similar state as Khushi....minus the ego...plus the reverence!Aakash offered to tour them around the house, which they gladly accepted. Khushi somehow got left behind.So she instead mae friends with nani's pet.. Lakshmiji...the goat!She was busy chatting with her and Arnav was watching her fascinated!"Toh pata hai Lakshmiji , humne kya kiya?"The goat stared at her."Are sunoge to hairan reh jaoge", said Khushi beaming"meheheheh!""Ha Ha! Batate hai! Humne use pehle ghutno ke neeche laath mari , phir uske hath ko kata...thab woh chillaya....NAHI!!!!!!!""Mehehehehee!!!" said Lakshmi,..matching Khushi's tone.Arnav burst out laughing ...much to Khushi's , Anjali's and nani's shock!Khushi looked down embarrassed. But it took a lot of willpower from her side to look away from her laughing laad gover.....no demigod! She blushed red!"Arre wah! Khushiji...you have made the impossible happen! You have made the great ASR laugh after almost a decade!!", exclaimed an excited Anjali.She was truly happy for her brother. Khushi was his perfect match!Khushi just smiled! She too was happy. His laugh was mesmerising...she could live with it.....forever!Nani called them all for lunch.Arnav tried sitting opposite Khushi but Aakash, who had been instructed by Anjali, quickly took his place."Vaise Arnav...aren't you getting late for office now?", asked Anjali.Caught unawares, Arnav was at a loss as to what he should say. He stammered," Uh..Woh di....The meeting got cancelled so.... I'll be working from home today.""Acha?" said Anjali raising her eyebrow.Arnav gave his sister a half smile and concentrated on his food.Anjali turned her attention to Khushi."Vaise , What are you and Payal doing now Khushiji? I mean ..are you studying?""Ji woh! Actually jiji has done her B.Ed and is planning to take tuitions for children at home. I on the other hand... I've done my B.com and a short term management course. I am looking for a job...""Arre that is brilliant Khushiji . You can work in Chote's company...A.R. designs?... I'm sure he has a post for you. Right chote? ....That of assistant manager?" asked Anjali expectantly.Khushi's eyes turned the size of saucers as she rapidly shifted her gaze from Arnav to Anjali and back to Arnav!"Arre wah! That would be soo helpful Anjali bitiya! We would be most grateful!", said buaji happily"Ofcourse she'll get this job! She is capable of doing it! yeh to vahi baath hui na,...bagal mein chora aur sheher mein dhindora!" exclaimed nani"Chori nani!" said Anjali ruffling Khushi's hair playfully.Khushi gulped."Haan bhai! I think it will work. Vaise bhi Amanji has so much work load on his head. This will help him too!", said Aakash...playing alongMami sneered. Payal placed her hand on Khushi's excitedly! Nani beamed.Khushi gulped."k..fine! you join from tomorrow...8'o'clock sharp!", said Arnav......glad that others were oblivious to the cartwheels his stupid heart was doing!Mami sneered. Payal pressed Khushi's hand! Nani beamed. Anjali hugged Arnav. Aakash looked satisfied. And Khushi.....she choked on her food!!Khushi began coughing uncontrollbly! In his haste to give her water , a concerned Arnav spilt it on her sari....the second time! Today was not that sari's day!"Khushiji?..Are you alright?" asked Anjali.... worried.Khushi nodded."Why don't you go clean up ? You can find a bathroom upstairs."Khushi got up and left.Mami snorted.... they ignored her! Hello hi bye bye!Khushi had found her way into Arnav's room...not that she knew. She looked around at the grey walls distastefully(and should've immediately guessed owing to the bright setup outside. To think one person could have such different tastes and moods in two different rooms of the same house!!) ad then slipped into the bathroom.A while later she exited the bathroom to find Arnav preparing to enter."Aap yahan?", strutted Khushi."Mere room mein mere alava kaun ayega?", asked Arnav raising his eyebrow."This is your room? ". Khushi gulped and looked around. Then looked back at him."Khushi...tum theek ho?" asked Arnav.. referring to the earlier coughing fit."Ji?..ji. ", said Khushi... Suddenly memory of the previous night at the hospital flooded her mind. He had asked the same question then. It felt so right.The hospital brought back one more memory which Khushi had almost forgotten!She picked up Arnav's injured hand and looked at it. Then looking into his eyes she asked," Arnavji...aap? Aap theek ho?"

A moment they spent , lost in each others eyes. But then Khushi broke the trance when she realized what she was doing! She quickly moved back and nervously fidgeted with her dupatta.Arnav noticed her state and smiled. She was concerned for him. He liked that. He could live with it......forever!He stepped towards her one menacing step at a time. Khushi who noticed moved back, her heart pounding away to glory! Arnav had almost reached her when.."Chal maiyya ke dagar...." Khushi's phone sang!Arnav looked at her in wonder. Khushi returned the look sheepishly and picked her phone." H...H...Hello?"As the conversation proceeded Khushi's expression turned from sheepish , to dread.... to anger....to fear! She cut the phone and began crying silently.Arnav , who had noticed everything stepped forward, concerned. " Khushi?", was all he could say before she ran out of the room , tears still streaking her face!Arnav was confused...then concerned.....then angry! ASR was back! "How dare she turn away from me like that?", he thought. But her tears haunted him and he got angrier. Angry because he didn't know why she affected him. Angry because he couldn't control it. Angry because she had turned away. Angry because someone had made her cry. And above all... angry because it had been someone else and not him!Well this much anger was never going to let him think straight.....so he thought of all the crooked ways he could gather. Ways through which he could channel his anger out of his body and onto his angel, who he held responsible for all this!"You just wait Khushi Kumari Gupta! Tomorrow onwards your life is going to be hell!" he stormed.Meanwhile Khushi ran down the stares, shaken. He had found her...had he? " Oh! please devi maiyya. Please dont let him find me!" she prayed , as the tears streamed down her face.She bumped into Payal."Khushi?" she enquired."Jiji?... " she hugged her sister and cried her heart out. "Usne mu...muj...mujhe dhoond li..liya!" she sobbed.Payal was shocked! But she quickly composed herself and consoled her sister. She managed to shush a shaking Khushi and stealthily took leave from the Raizadas and left for home.All through the goodbyes , Khushi's eyes threatened to overflow, but Payal's firm hand that held her, kept her sane. But once out of the Raizada mansion, she let it flow, not able to hold it in anymore!As soon as they reached home, buaji bombarded them with questions, which Payal patiently answered ,while Khushi rocked back and forth , hugging her knees to her chest.

HOW CAN I LET YOU GO?

CHAPTER 5

Khushi woke up in the middle of the night feeling utterly restless. And for the love of all she couldn’t figure out why? Or maybe she could! A pair of dark smoldering eyes

Came to haunt her as she closed her eyes for a nanosecond , before snapping them open! Hai Devi Maiyya , she implored! She looked to her side to find Anjali sleeping peacefully beside her . She slowly got up, careful not to wake her and made her way to the jug on the bedside. It was empty. Picking it up she tiptoed her way down to the kitchen, not wanting to wake anyone up, especially that Laad Governor! But she was in for a surprise! She had barely made it to the landing, when she felt herself being pulled by rough hands into the darkness of a room… His Room , she realized!

The Oh-so –familiar branding touch, unconsciously soothed her, even though her heart ran at miles per second!

“Kaha ja rahi ho?....” (Where are you going?) his husky whisper ran down her spine.

“Wohh….pani…water!”,she mumbled , feeling rather than seeing his gaze on her. Oh the burn!

He didn't seem to want to leave her, as his grip tightened on her arm, surprisingly not painful.He brought his face close to her, inhaling her scent, revelling in her sharp intake of air! 

She felt him smile...or smirk rather. Raakshas!

"Leave me....", she managed.

"Why.....?", he drawled, his thumb drawing lazy patterns on her sensitised skin.

Oh the audacity of this man! But secretly she flushed! 

"Let me go!", she probed.

"I don't want to..", came the prompt reply, innocently said, it sent tingles down her spine. Her body stood at attention. He doesn't want to let me go! She did a mental dance.

But one had to keep up pretenses.

"Arnavji....."

"Hmmm....?"

"Humme pyaas lagi hai!" (I am thirsty)

".....Me too....."

Oh Lord!! She flushed.

"Kya.....What?", she stuttered.

  "What?....I am thirsty too... Lets go get some water.", he said matter-of -factly .

He pulled her along, smirking at having imagined her reaction correctly. 

She gasped, and gulped hard, before following him! Hai Devi Maiyya... what was I thinking?

Arnav stood leaning against the kitchen counter as he watched Khushi fill the jug. 

Khushi was all nervous and clammy. The Laad Governor and his stares! Couldn't he look somewhere else for a while? She had forgotten to ask him how he knew it was her who had walked down the corridor? It could be all but di!

If she had heard his answer though.... 

Arnav had tried sleeping, with lot of effort on his part. But with Khushi in the same house as his....and not next to him..it was impossible! Fact that he was an insomniac...didn't do him any good.

So he had walked over to the guest room and stood at the door, watching her sleep. He didn't know how long he stood there, but he felt at peace.

It was a while later, that he felt her fidget. She was dreaming! Was it about him? He wished... Had he known though........

He watched her, as he remembered how she had woken up with a start, all sweaty...as though.....she had had a nightmare....or else....?

OUR HEARTBEATS BECOME ONE!

CHAPTER 5

The morning rays splayed across Khushi's face defining her features and making her skin glow! Though this site would've appealed to any man , Khushi was feeling irritated.

"Jiji! Switch off the lights!", she mumbled.

When she got no response she bagan mumbling again," Jiji let me sleep....switch off the lights na...Jiji?" Khushi grouped for Payal on the bed and on finding it empty she slowly opened her eyes to look. She shifted her gaze from the bed to the window and saw the light streaming in. She rubbed her eyes and then sat up all of a sudden!

"Hai re devi maiyya! Subah ho gayi? Jiji ne hame utaya kyun nahi??"

She heard her buaji take her name from the kitchen,"Arre oh sanka devi...subah ho gayi..utto!!"

"Ayyi buaji!"

Khushi changed and went to the kitchen to find her buaji busy with some preparations .

"Buaji, what are you doing?"

"Arre titliya..you've woken up?I am going to the temple for shiv rathri pooja. And I'm decorating the thaal for the very same! Payal has gone to the market to get flowers !"

"Shiv rathri! Oh how could I forget? May I also accompany you?"

"Arre kyun nahi!"

"I'll go get ready then."

Just then Payal enters with the flowers. "Khushi? Your awake?"

"Yes jiji and I'm going to get ready for the pooja. What a start in a new town jiji! I'm sure our stay here is going to be first class!", mused Khushi. Little did she know...

"Yes and you should too Payaliya" said buaji."I'm almost done here and then we can leave."

Payal nodded and she and Khushi retired to their room to change.

Meanwhile in the Raizada Mansion,

"Chote ,come fast...we have to leave soon else we'll be stuck in the traffic.. Hurry up!"

"Coming di!"

Arnav shuffles down in his office wear and Anjali immediately chides him,"Chote we are going to the temple. Atleast wear an Indian attire today? "

"Di please. Firstly I'm coming only for your sake and you know I dont believe in all this. So please di!"

"Acha ! alright alright! Aakash , nani, mami, chaliye, lets go."

The Raizadas leave in two vehicles Arnav driving one with Anjali in it and Aakash driving the other with the rest.It was Arnav's idea of takin two cars so that he could drop his sister off at the temple and then escape to his second home...his office! He never found the temple interesting. He couldn't understand how people spent spent so much time and money on stone idols! He was yet to see that the temple was to hold interesting sights for him today!

Khushi and Payal stepped outof their room ,looking like princesses. Khushi was wearing a deep violet sari with a golden blouse. she had two pearl droplets on her ear and her hands were adorned with bangles that matched her saree. Payal on the other hand was dresses in a magenta saree with a green blouse. She was looking equally stunning! Buaji got emotional on seeing her nieces and marked them each with a black dot to protect them from the evil eye!

They set out in a rickshaw towards the temple. 

Owing to their fortune and the obvious speed of their cars , the Raizadas reached the temple much before the Guptas.

As soon as anjali got out of the car she turned to Arnav,"Chote, I need you to do something for me."

Anjali Singh Raizada was in all ways Arnav's elder sister and she knew exactly what Arnav was thinking.

"Go to that shop and get me a thall some flowers and some holy thread....fast. The pooja is about to start."

She turned around and walked up the steps before Arnav could react.

Caught at his little escapade Arnav had no choice but to follow his di's orders.

"Ah well! I can leave once I give her the thaal "'he thought....or so he wished!

Arnav was buying the required from a shopkeeper when the Guptas arrived. Arnav had his back to them but as it had happened the night before, Arnav felt a soft breeze and a light humming indicating Khushi's presence.

"Rubbish! She can't be here.". thought Arnav, while right behind him Khushi was arguing with the auto driver about the fare!

"But it doesn't hurt to look right?",thought Arnav again. Khushi had turned but her pallu got stuck in the auto.

"Oh! please... I don't want to see her!",mumbled Arnav. Khushi turned back to the auto and tried to free her pallu, to no avail!

" One peek Arnav...come on!" he thought. He turned just in time to see the wisp of a violet pallu float out of sight!

"Darn it! Arnav my lad..you are losing it!",said Arnav to himself and turned back to the shopkeeper.

The Guptas entered the temple and found themselves a seat right behind the Raizadas...not that they knew!

Khushi kept pulling Payal's leg about how some guy outside had been staring at her,and Payal kept shushing her. When it got unbearable Payal whispered threateningly,"Shh Khushi!"

Khushi pouted.

Her name though hadn't gone unheard by Aakash who was seated right in front of them. He turned back and froze to see Payal. Stunned by her beauty , hr couldn't bring himself to say anything!

Payal had seen him too and his unwavering gaze on her made her blush!

They were in their trance when Khushi saw Aakash.

"AAKASHJI!!!". shouted an excited Khushi.

The entire Raizada clan including every other soul present there heard her and turned around to look.

Khushi bit her tongue and looked apologetically at everyone. Payal gulped while Anjali looked from Khushi to Aakash and back to Khushi!

"Hello hi bye bye! Aakash bitwa... is this your friend?" , asked manorama sneering at the cheap taste of jewelry worn by the sisters.

"Ji woh ma... ",he hushed his tone and told Anjali,"Yehi woh hai!"

Mami leaned in to hear and she misunderstood that this was her son's choice of a bride.

"KYA???" she shouted. Now it was her turn to be under the glare of the devotees!

"Issorry!" ,said mami apologetically.

Anjali understood what Aakash was telling her and turned to the sisters and said,"Namaste Khushi ji, Payalji. I am Anjali. Aakash's cousin sister. "

The girls returned the pleasantry and introduced their bua. once the entire Raizada and Gupta clan finished their 'hi, hellos' (excluding Arnav ofcourse) , the pandit began the pooja.

Arnav was there...right behind the two families. He was rooted to the spot.

Arnav had entered and had heard Khushi scream out Aakash's name. It wasn't hard to make out the voice and when his eyes found what it was looking for, he no longer wanted to take them away....much less blink! There she sat his angel....who for now looked like a goddess! Arnav found it hard to move...or breath...or stop his crazy heart from beating so hard!

Finally he gathered himself and sat down behind Khushi. Bad idea! Her bare back exposed due to her low cut blouse was too tempting! Hell this was a temple ...But he couldn't take his eyes off! The entire pooja passed in a daze!

Khushi on the other hand had a strange feeling someone was watching her. Her back burned , but she was too scared to turn! What if it was.....? "No ! no! Khushi...it can't be", she assured herself.

Once the Guptas finished their aarthi (to Anjali's insistence), Arnav stepped forward and gave his sister the thaal.

She smiled and took it from him and did her aarthi as well.

The Guptas who had moved forward by then didn't see Arnav. But his gaze was fixated upon one soul as she moved about the entire temple , exchanging pleasantries with her bua's friends.

Anjali noticed it and smiled to herself. She had to bring these two together. But for that she had to know what was in Khushi's mind as well!

Buaji moved towards Khushi and said,"Oh sanka devi , hamre liye thoda pani le aao "

"ji buaji ",said Khushi moving towards the well.

Anjali saw her opportunity and sent an unsuspecting Arnav to do the same.

Once at the well Khushi found it real hard to get the bucket out of the well.

"Hai devi maiyya, give me the strength." Her prayer was answered immediately as a strong had enveloped hers and pulled the bucket out!

Khushi turned around and her heart went, Dhak! Dhak! Dhak!Dhak!

Arnav stared back at her his eyes locking her hazel ones!

A crow cawed nearby(:P) breaking their trance!

"Aap?" she said.

"Haan woh pani..." said Arnav still mesmerised by her beauty.

Khushi suddenly remembered the previous night and her tone became mocking,"Will you drink the water from this well?"

"Ya..I" Arnav stopped abruptly. He recognised her tone and his features became hard.

Khushi continued," The great Arnav Singh Raizada is going to drink from this petty well? You shouldn't! Who knows what dangerous creatures live in there?". Her eyes bulged out as she exaggerated.

"What the... Who are you to tell me where I can drink and where I cant?"

"Arre! This well is for us poor people. You wouldn't want to drink from this! "

"Shut up Khushi. I want to and I will drink from this well!", said Arnav a finality in his tone.

Khushi lost her patience at his statement," No you won't!" she said ,angering him more

"Yes ,I will ",said Arnav. He took a glass and poured some water into it and brought it to his lips to drink.

Khushi, not wanting to lose the rattle tried to pry it from his hand but ended up sloshing the water all over his clothes!

"What the....???", yelled Arnav. "You didn't .."

Khushi's eyes almost popped out of her sockets. She hadn't wanted this to happen.But she was too full of self pride to admit!

"Yes I did. Waise bhi, you don't come to the temple wearing such clothes. This is devi maiyyas way of telling you..."

Arnav stepped forward menancingly making Khushi move back scared!

"How dare you! These are designer clothes. And who are you to tell me what to wear and what not?"

Khushi regained her composure and said," Haan Haan! Wear what you want to. Angrez chale gaye Arnav Singh Raizada chod gaye!!" saaid Khushi ,the mocking tone back in he voice.

"What the..."

"Kya what the ? what the? Uske aage bhi tho badiye?" ,said Khushi making Arnav fume.

You could almost see the smoke coming out of his ears!

Khushi smirked triumphantly making Arnav all the more furious.

He grabbed the bucket and doused her with the remaining water!

Khushi screamed . and Arnav took back his signature smirk from her . He looked satisfied!

Behind a tree in the corner ,Anjali hit her forehead with her hand and shook her head .

OUR HEARTBEATS BECOME ONE!

CHAPTER 4

Khushi opened her eyes to see the vivid setting around her. She was in a hospital room hooked to several tubes. A coarse sheet covered her upto her shoulders. She looked around taking in her surrounding. On her bedside was a vase filled with freshly picked red roses. Khushi smiled at the flowers.

Arnav entered just in time to see Khushi gazing lovingly at the flowers. A sudden pang of jealousy hit him...but he chided himself for it and stepped forward.

"K ...Khushi?" he said cautiously.

The husky voice startled Khushi. She snapped her head around and immediately relaxed to see his face. She smiled.

Arnav moved forward towards her,"Are you alright? ",he asked, concern lacing his words.

"Ji..Ji hum theek hai..." answered a blushing Khushi. Her heart was doing cartwheels. Her demigod was concerned about her.

Unbeknown to Arnav , Payal had entered the room just as Khushi finished speaking . Khushi on seeing her aknowledged her presence,"....Jiji!"

"Jiji?" said a bewildered Arnav. "I am not your jiji! I think your suffering from a concussion! I.." Thats when Arnav noticed that she was no longer looking at him, but her gaze was directed beyond him at the door. Arnav turned around to see a shy Payal looking down and biting her lip to control her laughter.

Arnav was about to defend himself when he heard the most magical tone!

Khushi began laughing, unable to control herself. Arnav turned around to face her and saw she was laughing with her eyes closed. He couldn't bring himself to say anything , much less scold her.... which considering his nature would have been the first thing he would do, when somebody laughed.................. at him!

Khushi opened her eyes and saw Arnav staring at her a small smile playing on his lips.She controlled herself ,but couldn't break the gaze he held her in.She gulped slowly .

Suddenly she heard someone clear their throat near the door. It was Aakash.

"Hello Khushiji! I am glad you've come around. How are you feeling now?"

"Ji I'm fine,shukriya ....umm?"

"Aakash. Aakash Singh Raizada. And this is my cousin Arnav ."

"Ji shukriya Aakashji, .. Arnavji!" she said lowering her tone while taking his name.

Arnav felt a new glow spread inside him on hearing her take his name. Khushi , who had turned to look at him for the instant , immediately turned back when she saw his gaze on her.

"Aur yeh hamari jiji hai...Payal" said Khushi introducing a shy Payal to Aakash.

"Hello Payalji", said Aakash lovingly.

"Namaste!", Payal returned the greeting.

Khushi noticed how Aakash and Payal had taken an instinctive liking to each other. She was overjoyed at the prospect that her jiji had found the man of her dreams....and so had she...had she? She wondered ,stealing a glance at Arnav, who hadn't taken his eyes off her.

The couples' trance was broken when a wailing erupted near the door and an old woman ..in her late fifties ,entered the room, grabbing her head with one arm.

"Hai re nandkishore! Titliya? Payaliya? Tum theek ho? Tum dono ne tho meri jaan leli. Mein shashi babua se kya kahoongi?" The woman would have blabbered on if it hadn't been for Khushi.

"Buaji!" ,said an excited Khushi.

Buaji rushed towards Khushi's bedside and Arnav got up to let her take his place.

"Hai re sanka devi! Ab kya gadbad kar diya tune?"

"Buaji!" retorted Khushi." Humne kuch nahi kiya!..voh toh..."

"Arre bus kar! Nandkishore ka lakh sukar hai ki tum dono theek ho!"

Khushi smiled at her buaji's concern and said, "How would I not be okay? After all I had to come home to trouble you..right?" Khushi winked at her and her bua smaked her head lightly. Khushi feigned to be hurt and rubbed her head.

"Ab chalo!.. lets go home!... I have arranged for your discharge. We can leave now!",said buaji. then turning around to face the two brothers she said," Are you the ones who brought my daughters here?"

"Ji buaji!" ,said Payal hurriedly. "They helped me and Khushi! Buaji this is Arnavji and that is Aakashji", said Payal blushing at taking Aakash's name. Aakash noticed it and smiled.

Buaji walked upto them and said," Jeethe raho bete! May you live a hundred years!",she raised her hands as if to bless them.

Aakash smiled and Arnav nodded turning to look at Khushi again.

Aakash noticed his brothers attraction towards Khushi and immediately said," Buaji?...If I may call you that?" Buaji smiled.

"Please allow us to drop you home! Its very late and travelling alone at this time is not safe."

"Yes! ", said Arnav... suddenly deciding something. " Yes..we'll drop you home."

Buaji released a deep breath and said," Thank you very much bete! That would be very helpful"

And so the party finished the discharge formalities and made their way to buaji's house in Chandni Chowk in Arnav's porshe.

Throughout the journey Arnav kept stealing glances at Khushi through his rearview mirror. Though Aakash noticed it he kept mum but inside his head he had made the decision that this woman was going to come into his brother's life...by hook...or by crook!

Khushi also noticed that Arnav was watching her but she was too shy to return his gaze..though she badly wanted to! Her face had turned red and this didn't go unnoticed by Payal.

"Khushi? Tum theek ho na?" asked a worried Payal.

"ji? ji jiji! Hum theek hai!" replied Khushi now aware of her blushing.

Arnav smirked and drove on.

Finally ,after Buaji made them navigate through a series of impossibly narrow roads, they reached Chandni chowk.

"Arre bus babua, yehi hamara ghar hai!" said buaji.

"Yeh ghar hai?" asked Arnav disbelievingly!

All of them turned to stare at him.

Arnav had not meant to say that aloud. Hell, he had not meant to say that at all! But somehow he just blurted it out, and regretted it the very next second. He tried to mend his stance." I mean, yeh apka ghar hai", he said matter-of -factly.

But Khushi had already taken offence on behalf of her buaji!

"Big laad governor . Acha Khasa ghar tho hai!" she thought. Well she was yet to see the raizada mansion! But for now her buaji's house seemed perfectly alright to Khushi.

She got out of the car, clearly pissed, and walked upto Aakash's window.

"Thank you Aakashji!", she said and without even glancing at Arnav walked up the front stairs to the door, and stood there facing it.

Arnav swore in his thoughts,"What the..? I fight for her! I get hurt and she leaves without thanking me? Bloody hell!I'll teach her what its like to mess with Arnav Singh Raizada..."

He couldn't complete the thought when Payal came to his window with buaji and thanked them both for their hospitality. Buaji went ahead to invite them in, but the brother's...or rather Aakash, politely declined saying it was an untimely hour and they should get going.

Arnav on the other hand was still staring at Khushi, willing her to turn around and look at him, but she just wouldn't." Stubborn female ..",he thought.

"Just like you!" ,said a voice in his head.

He ignored it.

Payal had understood the very second Khushi stormed out of the car, that she had taken offence over what Arnav said. So she tried to mend it by thanking Arnav. But his expression said it loud and clear that he didn't care whether Payal said anything or not! His eyes were on her sister....and they were filled with anger...and even more frightening was the fact that they held something sort of a challenge in them! Little did Payal know that her baby sister would've to face ,not one, but many challenges , all lain by this man!!

She shook her head and watched as the car rounded a bend and disappeared out of sight.

Khushi had reached the door but her mind was still doing repeat telecast of the days events. The first 3/4 made her want to turn around and look at him. She knew his eyes were on her. She could feel it! But the last line brought her back to where she stood and it kept her rooted. Her heart screamed for one last glimpse of her demigod, but her head behaved like a parent and chided her for wanting to see that Laad governor! And again for the second time in their lives,..... the head had ruled over the heart!

The journey to Raizada mansion was quiet. But Arnav never spoke much and Aakash for a change was preoccupied! His thoughts were revolving around two different but interconnected issues.

A part of him was swooning over Payal and yet another was overjoyed at the fact that he had found the right girl for his brother. He couldn't wait to tell his di!

Arnav on the other hand was fighting with his emotions....trying hard not to fall for them. He was driving but it was as if his body was on autopilot . And that's why the two brothers didn't notice that they had reached home even when Arnav stopped his car.

Hari Prakash , who was tending to something in the garden noticed his master's car's entry but was puzzled when he saw no one come out. He was a very superstitious man and the thought of a driverless car, that crossed his mind, scared him! Like all horror movies .....where the actors tend to get that sudden burst of confidence,and where their inquisitiveness gets the better of them at the time of crisis,.... he advanced towards the car, cautiously. He peered in and let out a sigh of relief!

" Saab? Arnav saab?"

"huh? What?..." said Arnav turning to face Hp. "Aargh! ",said a startled Arnav on seeing HP's face squashed against the glass. "What the... Hp? What are you doing?", asked Arnav putting the glass down.

"Ji woh..saab aap utre nahi toh?...",stammered HP. He knew his master's mood very well, and had no intention of being victim to his rage.

But surprisingly Arnav didn't say anything. He got out of the car, and so did Aakash who was brought back from his reverie by Arnav's scream.

They went in and were about to retire to their rooms when,"Chote! Aakash! You've come? What took you so long? Do you know how worried I was?",asked Anjali Singh Raizada,Arnav's elder sister and Aakash's cousin. She limped towards them worry etched on her face.

The question compelled Arnav to think about Khushi ,and he swore under his breath.

"Di woh hum!...", started Aakash but was cut off by Arnav.

"Di , I'm tired! WE...are tired! Gotta get some sleep. Talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight di!".Arnav stormed of to his room.

"But chote?" called out Anjali. She turned her gaze to Aakash who was smiling to himself.

"Aakash?" asked Anjali raising her eyebrows.

"Di....",said Aakash excited. "You won't believe what happened today! You,ve got to..."Aakash couldn't complete when,

"AAKASH!!! GO TO BED! NOW!!!", bellowed Arnav from the first level.

For the first time Aakash chuckled while Anjali stared at him her eyes wide and her mouth open!

Aakash looked at Anjali's expression and chuckled again. Then turning on his heels he walked to his room laughing uncontrollably!

Anjali blinked several times ,confused!

Half an hour later, someone knocked on Aakash's door. He opened it to see Anjali standing there, her expression stating that she wanted an explanation to the events earlier. Aakash ushered her in and made her sit on the bed.

"Aakash..." said Anjali

"Shhh!... Bhai will hear."

"What? "

"What I am about to tell you!"

Anjali looked at him confused.

Aakash continued," Di I think Bhai has found the right girl for himself!"

"WHAT?" shouted an excited Anjali and was immediately shushed by Aakash.

"What?" , she said more softly. "Is this true Aakash? Who is it? What is her name? Is it Lavanyaji?"

"What? No! Why would you think it was Lavanya?"

"Well she is the only female he talks to apart from his di and nani .....and mami." said Anjali matter-of-factly.

"Yes. I mean no! I mean... its not Lavanya. "

"Then who?"

And so Aakash told her about the nights events. About Khushi and Payal. About the fight and how Arnav got himself cut.He told her everything sparing no details.

Anjali didn't fail to notice that Aakash had taken a liking to this Payal. It was clear in the way he took her name!

"What? Chote got cut? "

Aakash frowned. "Don't worry di! He got it dressed at the hospital. He is fine. That's not the point...."

"I know , I know! We need to do something Aakash. We need to make them meet again. We can't let this go" said Anjali excitedly. She turned to Aakash and shook him,"Aakash? "

"Huh? Ji di?" said Aakash who had lost himself yet again in Payal's thoughts.

Anjali smiled knowingly! "We need to bring both these sisters to the Raizada mansion...and make them stay for good! Both Khushi......and Payal." she said ruffling his hair.

Aakash blushed.

" But how di? What should we do?"

" We have to think. Hey devi maiyya help us!"

Little did they know that their prayer would be answered sooner ......than latter!