Chapter 14

"Dammit Shenoy! If this is the kind of report you are capable of producing then I think I should replace you. An entry level accountant would be able to do better than this piece of crap you created"

"I am sorry sir". The scrawny looking middle aged man shivered as a loud thump on the table followed the accusation.

"You are sorry! Are you kidding me! And why in the goddamn name is the dividend payment column in this report looks as if some one has thrown up blood all over it?"

Shenoy teeth chattered as he stumbled to blink through his thick glasses, trying to hope his answer could diffuse the situation slightly. "Umm..", he cleared his throat and continued, "Sir, our previous quarter results are in negative. Few of our majority shareholders have withdrawn and our trading losses have shot up by double digits as compared to the quarter before it. I....", he took another deep breath, "here, I have prepared separate report that contains these detailed data points"

Looking at the file that one of the most senior and supposed financial wiz in his company pointed out, a file that looked more like a rainbow gone wild, a loud growl ripped through Suraj's throat, making Shenoy take several steps back in fear.

"Get out! Just get the fuck out before I throw you out the window". Suraj barked, his shrill voice ringing through the air, and was about to almost lunge towards Shenoy, when another loud but calm voice broke out from another side of his office, making him freeze.

"Why are you taking your anger out on him Suraj? It is not like he is responsible for our losses. He is merely preparing reports. Something that is meant to help us analyse our situation and then do something about it"

"Err...good morning Sir. How are you feeling today?"

"I am very well Shenoy. Thank you. And forgive my son's rudeness. He is just tensed up with the market conditions. You know how it is"

"Of course, I understand sir. I have included all the details in the email I sent you both. Please let me know if you need any clarifications on any of it. I will leave you to it then. Thanks". Shenoy squeaked out a reply, and almost ran out of Suraj's cabin.

"Suraj. It is ok son, just relax"

"Relax! I don't mean any disrespect Dad, but what the hell is wrong with you. Have you not seen our numbers from last year? Do you know how many share holders have dropped out? Do you have any idea how much of debt we are in? Debt that we cannot possible pay!"

As Suraj threw the file in frustration, his father sighed. He bent down and picked up the thick folder and arranging the papers back he looked up at his son who was now sitting on the chair with his head in his hands.

"Is this it? All this rage is for our yearly results? Because as far as we both know, this is not the first time we are suffering losses. We have buried enough names and brands to be disappointed with numbers of one year. So, let me ask you again Suraj, what is the exact problem?"

Still frowning, Suraj looked up and with another frustrated grunt he stood up as he dangerously spit out one name which had managed to knock out his night's sleep.

"AR - damn fucking AR Corp."

Taking in his father confused expression, he continued.

"Here, take a look at this latest clause that Akaash Singh Raizada sent me. First they changed their contract by giving us a minuscule percentage of fabric manufacturing. And now the damn leather and fur supplies that we supposedly had full control over - they want to set up a five person team to overlook all our operations. It is so clear they don't trust us and this is how they are insulting us. AR was one single chance to renew our market value. This contract was a sole thing which could have put us on the map. But, Arnav Singh Raizada is lighting fuse up our plans with a flick of his fingers. Dammit dad! He is literally ruining the reputation of our products. And I don't know what to do anymore. This is not like our previous partners, their terms and conditions are so air-tight. ASR is a king in this industry. And it is infuriating knowing there is nothing I can do while he stands and makes mockery out of our name"

And BAMN!! Suraj threw his mobile phone this time, making it shatter in pieces and in turn making his father smile, proud of the fact that his son inherited his fierceness and anger. And he knew that it was just a matter of time before this anger would take them to new heights.

So he walked towards Suraj and keeping his hands on his shoulders spoke calmly.

"You are right Suraj, ASR is a king. He is in fact at the pinnacle of the fashion world. And do you know son, what happens when you are at that height? The only path a person can go then is down. And that is what will happen with ASR. Now, I am not a delusional man to think that we can bring AR like giant down. But, AR is going to be that bending branch which is going to catapult us to success. Now in the process, AR would obviously suffer. How much and to what extent, only time will tell."

"And how can we do that dad? Our access to AR had been limited. God dammit"

"Sometimes opportunities drops out of nowhere in your lap and sometimes you have to create them. And that is exactly what we are going to do. We extended friendly hands towards ASR with our genuine proposal, but he being the over smart one, didn't understand its importance. So, now we are going to snatch that opportunity."

"How?"

"Let's go for a lunch and we will talk more about this.", And first time in that day Suraj smiled, knowing very well that once his dad put his mind to something, failure was almost an impossibility.

---

"I am really happy with the final themes Lavanya. You can release them all. Just these two designs seems little bit off the mark. I want the necks to be tweaked here. In the first one just replace the straps with halter neck and in the second one, put turquoise heart-shaped sequin along the entire neck rather than just in the middle"

"Ok, got it!", Lavanya's fingers moved across her laptop with a nod, "I will ask the respective designer to get on this right away."

"Great! And when is our first consignment being delivered? Did you talk to Wasim?"

"Umm yes, I had a meeting with him this morning. They are almost ready with our fabric. He should be signing off the delivery this week. And for our bridal wear theme, he needs more days. The production has started, and it should not take more than ten days to get them delivered too. Don't worry Khushi, Creative Artwork has been AR's vendor for almost six years now - they are really good.". Lavanya gave a quick smile to her new boss whom she had come to respect and like a lot in just a short duration.

"Alright then. Rest of the stuff looks great. Once the designs are tweaked, just mail them to me and I will sign off on it". Khushi nodded back with a matching smile. Lavanya was one of the very few employees she had worked with who had the right amount of passion, honesty and rigor for perfection. Even while she was in NY, Lavanya's record was one of those things that always managed to impress her.

"Sure, will do. I have a meeting with my team before the party. So, I will see you later then"

"Of course, carry on and great work!"

"Thanks Khushi. You are coming to the party, right?"

Khushi's steps flattered.

"Umm, I am not sure La. I am not feeling that well"

"Oh. Do you need anything?"

"No, that's fine. Think I just need some rest. But I am not sure if coming to the party will be a good idea". Khushi grimaced through her smile as the lie rolled out of her mouth.

"It is such a shame. It is the first time you are here for our annual event. And it's even more special as AR results have gone up by 18%. If you feel better by evening, please try to come Khushi"

And Khushi sighed again as she nodded a yes to Lavanya giving out a promise she had no intention of keeping.

---

Once alone, Khushi got up from her chair to walk toward the floor-to-ceiling window of her office. The traffic beneath looking minuscule from the height of thirty third floor of AR. She dragged her fingers across the glass in front and closed her eyes. She felt so guilty lying to Lavanya. There was nothing wrong with her and there was no way in hell she was going to that party. A dark chuckle escaped her lips as she realised how scared and vulnerable she felt.

She rested her forehead on the cool glass and collapsed on the cushions on the bumped out widows as she took in another painful breath. She couldn't believe it was Friday already. Day that she was dreading from last Five days. Five days since that night on the beach.

Lying on her bed in that huge resort, Khushi shivered like a leaf remembering his touch on her skin, remembering his words that almost knocked every single breath out her body. With an acute awareness of him being hardly twenty meters away, she tossed and turned on her bed almost the entire night.

Morning arrived too soon and when they all finally took their places in the jet, she some how hoped that the previous night was nothing but a dream, but in that same moment she felt Arnav occupying the space right next to her. He gave her a warm smile and went back to his laptop as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

And so for the first time in her life Khushi wanted another vacation. For the first time she had no clue how to face a person. While going to office the following Monday, she kept wishing with all her might for a miracle, trying to come up with a valid reason to avoid coming face-to-face with him. And somehow she got her wishes granted when Akaash informed her that Arnav had to travel to London on that very same morning for an emergency meeting. She remembered exhaling a sigh of relief. Hoping that being apart from him would help her figure out her own feelings. Figure out whatever happened between them. But her hopes were again squashed when her phone rang that evening with Arnav on the other side telling her the reason behind his sudden departure. And then a pattern followed for the next four days. Every single night she received a call from him. He talked about his day with her and Khushi drowned into her shell some more.

And today, he was coming back. She had no clue how to behave around him anymore. She had no idea what he expected from her now. That night she never gave him any response. In fact she didn't say much in their calls too. She didn't know what his declaration meant. She didn't know what to do with it. In fact, she didn't want to do any thing with it.

She gave out another sigh. The all consuming questions rattled her mind yet again - Did she made a huge miscalculation taking this promotion and coming back to India? Did she made the mistake almost a decade back when she joined AR? She still remembered the day vividly when she returned to her university campus from her very first interview, the offer letter from AR waiting patiently in her inbox. She also remembered her flatmates going downright berserk when they came to know that she would be working with "The ASR".

AR Corp. was one of the youngest and fastest growing fashion houses to make it to CMM level 5. In fact, one of the case studies that she worked on in her final MBA elective was of AR. But, that was not the only reason for the girls in her flat to go mad. Arnav Singh Raizada was a known and proven enigma. He was the only person who managed to get on the cover page of Forbes and Vogue at the same time. Sometimes titled as "Best Entrepreneur of the year" and sometimes ranked as "Sexiest Man in Asia", he seemed to be the star of most women’s fantasies. Most women except Khushi.

And so, the fact that such devilishly handsome, intelligent, suave, successful, rich, and unattainable man had developed feelings for her was something Khushi was unable to except.

Modesty aside, she did know that she was pretty, she knew that her loyalty and IQ was almost unparalleled, but that was it. She was almost sure that from the time she had met him, never once she made an effort to know him personally. Or may be she did, and that was were everything went downhill.

It was as if he had this invisible ability to make her do anything he wanted. And that's was scared her the most. She had been broken to pieces in past and those people even though being her family didn't have half the hold on her that Arnav managed to gain in just couple of months. Pulling herself together and constructing this life for herself had costed her just too much and just the thought of what would happen if she gave it all away to Arnav shook her to her bones.

How could she believe him when he said that he will not hurt her? When her own parents didn't hesitate to do so, what guarantee his declaration held? He said he liked her. How was that possible when her own flesh and blood couldn't.

She still had her hands on the cold glass and her eyes were still closed in concentration, when she felt something shift. Narrowing her brows, she opened her eyes, which now held unshed tears, and turned back with a loud gasp.

Within her touching distance stood Arnav, leaning against her table - legs crossed over each other, hands folded across his chest and looking at her worriedly.

---

It had been some of the longest four days of Arnav's life. The need to see her and touch her was something he had never ever experienced in his life before. So before doing anything or meeting anyone, the first thing he did after reaching AR was throwing his bags in his office and making his way towards Khushi.

He knocked twice, but not getting any response, he pushed open her door only to find her leaning against the opposite wall, eyes all scrunched up in concentration.

She looked so troubled, but still the sight managed to knock the breath out of his body.

Going away from her after confessing his feelings was almost suffocating. The need to know what she decided, or at least what she thought about his feeling was beyond overwhelming. So he called her, every single night. He called to share his day with her. He never talked anything personal, but listening to her voice is what kept him going.

And now, looking at her from last few mins, with her face constricting with pain - for the first time he felt unsure. May be it was too soon for her. May be he should have given her some more time. But, then he didn't know how to behave around her anymore without giving away his feelings. And so, he walked towards her, deciding instantly that even if he had to redo all of it he wouldn't change that beach night a bit. He had genuine feelings for her and he would do every thing in his power to make her realize it.

"Khushi"

There was a sharp intake of breath, Khushi's or Arnav's, no one knew. But the next thing that happened was Arnav held out his hands towards Khushi, which she took without thinking and he pulled her towards him.

She was stiff in his arms. Few seconds went by when finally he felt her relax, her arms slid under his jacket and around his body. She moved between his legs, pressed her face to his chest and held on tight.

A small painful breath left her body. This was the reason she had to get away, this was why she wanted to fight this. Without even realizing her own feelings for him, she was getting too close to him.

The moment she came in his arms, he was home. Her warm breath against his chest was all he ever wanted to be surrounded by. She was becoming essential in his life and this was the exact reason, whatever happened, he never wanted to let her go. He was not going to let her fight this anymore.

After few minutes, Arnav pulled back a little, and cupped her face in his palms.

"How have you been?"

Her eyes met his as she tried to ignore the ever present static between them.

"I am ok. How was your trip?"

He swept the rebel hair strands that fell on her forehead and smiled.

"It was great. That last of the family members were slightly tricky to convince. But we managed to make them see that their small boutique will do well under AR's umbrella. Agreements are all finalised now. We should be able to get them all signed by tonight"

"It will be a prefect way for us to enter London's market"

"Exactly! Well this wouldn't have happened without your inputs and connections. So, as always, well done"

She chuckled. Despite her mental dilemma about her feelings she couldn't help feeling the infectious energy he emanated.

"I am planning to announce this acquisition in our party tonight. You are coming right?"

And her smile dropped. She stepped back, pulling herself together. Arnav missing her warmth almost immediately. He wanted to reach out and pull her back where she belonged. But he refrained, knowing she needed to say whatever she was going to without being close to him.

"I...umm, I am not sure. I have slight headache. It had been a crazy week. With preparation for our summer event running full steam. I need a break"

He sighed. She did look like she hasn't slept from few days. But he wasn't sure if her not coming to the party was just that tiredness or if it had to do with the painful expressions he caught on her face earlier when he entered her office.

Throwing caution to air, he reached out to her again. His fingers wrapped around her wrist. He resisted pulling her any closer, but he couldn't stop himself from touching her.

"If you need a break then you should take it. The only reason I wanted you to be there was because it is the first time you are here for this annual event. Most of our shareholders and employees from other countries will be there tonight. We have also invited some of our biggest clients. It would be a perfect opportunity for us to introduce our new CIO tonight. So, how about you go home and take rest. And if by evening you feel up to it, come. Drop in for an hour or so"

She closed her eyes tight. Heat from his fingers calming and aggravating her at the same time. He was right. She was one of the six C-level AR's exec globally. She no longer had the luxury to skip events just because she was scared to death about her own feelings and needed some time to sort them through. Her mental breakdown had to wait. In that moment the man in front of her was not just some one who made her feel. He was her CEO and she needed to play her part tonight.

She nodded her head. "You are right. I will take next hours off. I should be as good as new by evening"

His hands slipped from her wrist to her hip and then skated around to her waist, pulling her back against him. Her eyes fell shut once again, as she clutched him. The pain and confusion back at full force.

One hand still tight around her waist, he moved the fingers of his other hand into her hair, and then turning his face toward one of her ear he breathed huskily.

"I missed you so much"

Tremors of bizarre sensation ransacked her entire body as his warm breath fell on the side of her face.

He withdrew with a curse. Trying to get his incendiary desire under control. But just before letting her go completely, he placed one kiss near her ear, and then dragged his lips across her cheek, not loosing contact with her skin even once, and placed another one near her lips. And then with effort fit for Hercules he stepped away from her.

Giving one last smile he walked out of her office, making her crumble on her seat with a soft sob.

---

He hadn't stopped mentally berating himself from last few hours. In fact he came very close to asking Akaash to kick his ass, something he was very sure he would have taken great pleasure in delivering.

What was he thinking kissing her like that? When he arrived at AR he just wanted to see her. Talk to her about their latest success. But the moment he looked at her, standing against that glass, the dark blue winter sky behind her, that sadness on her face - he just lost it. In that moment he wanted to, no needed to take her mind off whatever was troubling her.

Being around her and not touching her was becoming more difficult that he ever imagined. Never in his life he faced the issue of control especially when it came to the fairer sex. Something that held true until Khushi came barging in his life.

He still wasn't 100% sure if he made a mistake of pushing her to come this evening. That trouble in her eyes that he saw today seemed deeper than usual. Like she was carrying the weight of world on her shoulders. She did - but he wasn't sure if he now formed a part of that weight.

He twisted his wrist once again, his eyes falling on his vintage Rolex.

8:30 pm. Where was she?

"If I hear one more time how waltzing on 4-inch heels is an art, I am going to hurl myself in front of a full speed truck"

NK huffed out a breath as he motioned the bartender to give him whatever Arnav was holding in his hands.

"Fashion is not your cup of tea - shocking", Arnav chuckled out a response, as NK emptied the amber content of the glass tumbler that bartender gave him in one shot and flinched.

"Fuck! What the hell was that?"

"That was 32-years old Macallan you imbecile. You don't go bottoms up with it, you need to savour it. Drinking it is an experience". Akaash shook his head annoyingly, who too decided to break away from his COO responsibility for a minute and join his brothers at the bar counter.

"Yea well, I will stick to my beer instead. I prefer to not burn down my throat in the pretence of, what did you just call it, ah an experience" NK finished with an air quote, making Arnav laugh loudly.

"Why are you here again?", Akaash rolled his eyes

"Well I thought it will be fun to be up close with so much beauty"

"And?", Arnav raised his eyebrows as three of them turned toward the massive ballroom.

"And, although there is lot of beauty around, I didn't expect this night to be more business than pleasure"

Arnav looked sideways, his eyes going over NK to connect with Akaash, who rolled his eyes in response. "Did you read 'Frat Party' written any where in our invites?"

"No", NK frowned. Thinking his brother asked a genuine question.

"Well then, this is how the adults in professional world party. Come we will show you more about human behaviour"

NK grumbled as Arnav gave out another laugh. "You guys carry on. I will be there in a minute"

He then turned toward the bartender and asked for another refill.

He picked up the glass and brought it near his lips, but before he could taste that experience again, as Akaash astutely pointed out, he froze. He heard whispers, sensed a change in the crowd around him.

Frowning, he turned. And the air inside his chest stalled.

Khushi strode in with her eyes on the phone in her hands, typing something furiously, completely unaware that her entry had stolen the attention of almost every red-blooded male and several females on the floor.

Her straight silky hair cascaded just below her bare shoulders and round diamond studs sparkled from behind her tresses. The floor-length black dress she wore was strapless, with a small slit running across almost the entire length of her legs. It was fitted around her torso with a tiny silver mesh rounded around her waist. He let his gaze drift over her toned arms next. She wore a tennis bracelet in one wrist and a silver strapped Cartier adorned the other. The black fabric of her dress shimmered with sparkles and silver heels peeked out the slit as she moved further inside the room. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He didn't even know when he started walking toward her.

She finally moved her eyes up, depositing her phone in the tiny silver clutch in her hands and froze.

Calling the ballroom in front of her grand would have been an understatement. The room was seamlessly divided into three sections: a dance area where she could see men and women swaying, some alone, some in each others arms, the lounge area near the expansive windows overlooking one of the biggest park in the city, filled with several couches and bar area with top-end tables and bartenders in bow ties serving drinks and appetizers.

She walked even further inside and looked up to see the immense crystal chandelier suspended from the coffered ceiling right above the dance area, throwing soft silver glow all around.

She blinked her eyes in awe. Was there anything that Arnav chose that was less than perfection.

Speaking of - her eyes continued their journey across the swarm of people when it finally locked with the ones that were the sole reason she was here tonight.

Rush of unease travelled up her spine and goose bumps erupted across her skin. There he was, advancing toward her in long strides in a fitted black tuxedo that was unmistakeably Brioni. She was sure that he didn't even notice how many women in his path turned their heads toward him, trying to get one glance from him. He exuded power, authority and danger.

His brown eyes, looking darker than usual cut through to her, as he finally stopped at her touching distance.

Neither spoke anything for few seconds and just stared at each other - almost sharing the fear of the other disappearing. He then leaned slightly, treaded his fingers through her hair, settling his thumbs under her chin.

She cleared her throat as if reminding him that they were in public and had several hundred eyes on them.

He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath chastising himself for loosing control yet again. He stepped back a little and jammed his hands in his pockets, trying to remember how to speak, "You look....". he was at loss of words. Breath taking. Heart breaking. His dream turned into reality.

"Gorgeous", he settled for the simplest version of his feeling.

She swallowed. "You don't look too bad yourself Raizada". She tried to induce some casualness to the charged air around them, hoping no one in their vicinity could hear how loud her heart beat was.

"Come on, let's get you a drink and then start making some much needed rounds"

---

After almost two hours of making small talks with several partners and stakeholders, Khushi finally sat down on one of the high chair at the bar, ordering another glass of champagne for herself.

She felt happy that Arnav made her come tonight. This was really important. It was not just the night of celebration for AR but also a way to show their clients and competitors the kind of culture that existed within its walls. This was a strategic event and she was fairly confident that she along with the other AR execs walking the halls had managed to once again show why AR sat at the highest echelon of this industry.

She took a large sip greedily from the crystal flute in front of her and sighed. Couple of minutes of relaxing and she will be back amidst the civilization.

Arnav stood near the dance section of the ballroom with two of the prospective partners flanking both his sides and smiled. He was really proud of the success of the party tonight. Few moments ago they announced their annual awards for the top performers in each departments, and then went through a fifteen minute presentation, put together by his marketing team, about the journey of AR from it inception to the present. And now, the way the CEO of Garnet Lane Ltd. was trying to not so subtlety woo him was a confirmation enough that this was yet another victory for AR.

The man once again repeated the numbers of all the successful projects they previously delivered, and Arnav couldn't help but sigh. Garnet Lane was one of the biggest jewellery chain in Southeast Asia and Europe, and one of the contenders of the next deal AR was looking to lockdown. However, its CEO was not very good with presentation. He quickly lost Arnav's interest, whose eyes continued to sweep through the hall and stopped the moment he spotted Khushi who was engrossed in a conversation with one of the Senior Director from their New York branch, who was one from the long list of the AR employees who had travelled to India just for this event tonight. Arnav frowned. Did she know him from her life back in NY? Her back was slightly turned toward him and so he couldn't make out her face, or her expressions.

The CEO from Garnet just then threw out another financial jargon at Arnav, and he decided it was time to excuse himself from his company. He needed to get to Khushi instead. Just to make sure she was ok.

---

"We really miss you around at office. When do you think you will be back K?"

Khushi took another sip from the flute in her hand and smiled politely. "Four or five more months. How is everything back home? I hear the new wing is fully constructed now"

"It is yes. We are thinking of moving the café and gym to the new wing. Along with the reception rooms for our client. Keep our R&D restricted to our old wing"

"Love that. It will allow Mia to strode around the halls in her flip flops without the constant dread of some high profile fashion mogul seeing her in that dressed down form"

"Tell me about it. That assistant of yours is a firecracker"

Khushi raised her eyes to that, and Cole held up his palms.

"Have you tried telling this to her? Or too scared?"

He hooted with laughter and shook his head. "I admit to nothing K"

Khushi shook her head too, smiling back. She had worked with Cole for almost half a decade before she journeyed to this part of the world. Although a complete flirt, he was an essential part of her office back in NY and was responsible for half the business they bagged in the States. They were not close at all, but she did hear the floating gossip around her office that he was in love with her assistant Mia, who never gave another glance at his direction.

He downed his drink in one gulp and then placing the empty glass on the bar counter turned with his hands extended toward her. "Would you dance with me?"

Khushi hesitated for a moment, reminding herself that this was just an office event where almost everyone was dancing with each other, probably muttering their share prices and next deal offer in each others ear. Taking a deep breath she nodded her head, as he escorted her to the middle of the jam packed dance floor.

Cole placed one of her hand over his shoulder, and held her other firmly in the grasp on his left hands. He moved with a gentle grace of someone who had taken lessons in dancing and was not just doing it for the show. He then dipped her slightly, and asked, "So, how do you feel working at the eye of the storm? If you had a choice will you move here permanently?"

Something twisted painfully inside her chest as she allowed the question wash over her. Will she consider moving here permanently? If only it was that easy to change the course of her life. Did she even have a choice? She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she did have a choice. Choice to retain control of her life. Choice to not let yet another person destroy her.

"K?"

She shook her head, trying to get rid of the negativity taking hold of her mind.

"No", she began mid twirl, "It is fantastic working here. Being in the middle of it all. But, no, this place is not for me. I will move back to NY once my time here is over"

"Khushi"

She stilled. Her heels becoming rooted to its place.

Exhaling softly, she then shifted out of Cole's arms and turned. Arnav's dark eyes giving away nothing at all as he stared at her.

Did he hear her? Why was that such a problem she couldn't understand. It was not that she had promised him anything. Why then in that moment she felt an onerous amount of guilt chocking her throat.

"ASR. This is a fantastic party. Congratulations, last year was brilliant". Cole offered his hands out looking back and forth between Khushi and Arnav.

Arnav took his hands and shook them, "Of course, Thank you. Congratulations to you too", he replied tightly.

"Right", he coughed softly. "I will mingle. See you both later then"

---

"Arnav"

"Let's dance". It was not a question, not at all a request, it was an order which penetrated her skin like several thousand shrapnel.

He didn't wait for her to react. He pulled her into his arms. No sophistication or delicate warmth he usually maintained around her. No, the hold was possessive, leaving no room for her hands to go but to loop around his neck. It felt too intimate, even though she could feel the rage that poured out from every single inch of him.

"Have you done the necessary bookings or do you need me to reserve our jet for you?". His face was tight devoid any feelings as the anger-laced words rolled out of him.

"Arnav, I....". She couldn't talk. She couldn't think. Not when she was this close to him.

"I....", she tried again but his eyes once again snatched her focus.

"Say it", soft command roared out of him.

"I am sorry, I was just …".

Just what? Planning to run again. Scared that you might break me before I could do that? She had no idea how to reply to him.

He let go of her then to twirl her with the music, only to bring her back to him. His hands then curved around her abdomen, and he pinned her back to his chest.

She thanked the dim lights around her, happy that no one could really see them right now.

She then felt his lips on her ear, as he picked her up slightly and swirled them around. Was he really dancing to the music right now? Because all she could feel was deafening silence around them.

He lowered her to the ground slowly and she felt him everywhere. Behind her, around her, within her.

She closed her eyes again as she felt his anger slowly slipping away from him. His hold on her turning warm.

Suddenly, he whirled her around. His fingers gripped her neck. His nose nuzzling her bare shoulder and his other hand holding her tight against him.

She shivered once again. Her mind trying very hard to break out of this haze she was falling into.

"God! What are you doing to me Khushi". Arnav hissed desperately.

And that did it. Suddenly as if some one hit a kill switch and Khushi sprung out of his arms.

What the hell were they doing? They were in the middle of so many people.

She needed some air. The room closing in on her. She kept a shivering hands on her chest, and without another thought, she walked away.

She drew in a deep breath as she exited the ballroom. She walked up to the outer area of the hotel and reached out to the steel railing in front of her. She gripped them until her knuckles turned white. She then bent over, trying to gulp as much air as she could, thankful that she was alone.

She barely made it to few minutes, when warm hands came resting on her shoulders and without even looking she knew who it was.

Taking a deep breath, she looked back at Arnav with so much pain in her eyes that it made him immediately withdraw his hands.

"I can't". She croaked. "I cannot do this Arnav. I... please leave me alone. I am sorry I can't"

Her voice quivered like a glass on the verge of snapping any moment.

Arnav took a deep calming breath and spoke softly.

"Its ok Khushi. Hearing you say that you are still planning on leaving. I don't know what happened. I just lost my temper. I am sorry. I... we need to talk"

"No we don't"

"Yes we do"

"No. No..", she turned toward him fully now. "Why should my plans bother you? You know very well this is not my home. I was here temporarily. Nothing has changed"

"Nothing has changed?", he roared, "Don't do this Khushi. Not after what happened last week"

"Nothing happened last week Arnav. It was a mistake. This whole thing is a mistake. I cannot....I just..." she was heaving, her voice climbing in decibels with every words.

But for the life of him, Arnav could no longer bring himself to calm her down. To show her the understanding she deserved. In that moment all he could remember was how easily she threw the words of going back for good to someone else. How she was behaving as if she was not just five minutes back soft and pliant in his arms.

"So every single word I spoke in Cape Town was a mistake? The fact that you melt in my arms every time I touch you, the fact that you hug me back with equal passion, the fact that never once you stopped me from kissing you - are what - my damn fucking imagination?". He was screaming, and he didn't care.

"No! Unfortunately all that is a reality. And I wish every single moment that somehow I can change that". She shouted back but regretted immediately as she saw a cloud of hurt rip across his eyes. She closed her eyes in frustration. Tears fighting to break out.

Anger still bellowing out of him, he roughly took hold of her hands and pulled her towards him.

He then leaned close to her and whispered dangerously. "Unfortunately? Say that again Khushi. So for you my feelings, all those moments between us were an unfortunate reality? Say it again Khushi - just say it again and I swear on my dead parents, I will never ever come in your way"

And she broke down. A loud sob tore through her throat as she erased the distance between them and hugged him tight. She didn't know what the problem was. It was all so easy, she just had to say yes and she knew that never again he will come near her. And that is what terrified her to her bones. She knew for her own sanity she should just turn away from him, but what she couldn't understand was why that was so hard. It wasn't like they were in a relationship that she was trying to break. Then why was she having difficulty in breathing with the mere thoughts of him going away.

"Khushi", he spoke brokenly, "Look at me sweetheart, please"

Listening to his frantic plea, she shuddered again.

He brought a hand beneath her chin, wishing she'd look at him.

"Khushi, you know you can trust me. You know I will die before I will hurt you."

And the missing piece of puzzle suddenly clicked in its place. Realisation dawned on her and she smiled sadly. She disentangled herself from his hold, wiped her face clean and took a deep breath knowing with acute clarity what the real problem was.

"I believe you Arnav. I believe that you actually might never hurt me, but I will surely hurt you. You don't know this about me, but I am not who you think I am. This confident smile and intelligent brain is all a façade. I am a broken person who does not even maintain normal relationship with those two people who literally gave me second life. I don't deserve your care Arnav. I don't deserve your feelings. I want to tell you that I don't want you in my life. I want to be strong enough not to come face to face with you. But then again, I am not even a strong person. So please, before I hurt you, you should get away from me. I wish I knew how to do that myself, but I don't. So please if you really have feelings for me, forget me. You deserve someone good. Someone normal. Someone who is not me."

And with that, she walked away, leaving Arnav rooted to his spot, as a lone tear made its way to his cheek making him feel like he just lost her.

Like they just ended, before they even began.

---

Note for Readers:

Hola my lovely readers! As always thank you so much for reading this and a big hug to all those who took time to leave their comments on previous chapters🥰

Quick reminder to everyone who leave comments as guests - as I said in my last note, don't forget to leave your name & email id along with your comments, so I don't forget you when I share my new story🧡.