When I Met You! - Chapter Twenty Four

Lots of MATURE CONTENT! 18+ ONLY !

Khushi shivered as she felt arnav tongue glide leisurely across her ear, he gently bit her sensitive lobe as she dug her nails in his shoulders, it took her a while to understand what he was saying, she suddenly looked up in his mesmerizing eyes, dark with lethal desire. She smiled shyly as she pushed him slightly "You are so shameless Arnav.." she stepped away from him as the song ended, but arnav had no intention of letting her go. He wrapped one arm around her tiny waist and pulled her towards him.

"Not so fast Khushi...i meant what i said..i am hungry and as far as i can see, so are you" he breathed down her neck, Khushi trembled as his hands started a slow pattern on her stomach, his fingers gliding seductively over her belly button, its indent visible over the thin satin material of her dress. She looked at his lips, then his eyes and then back at his lips again, she gulped as a feeling of wild desire ran through her, she wanted this as much as he did.

"I know what you are thinking darling...its driving me mad thinking about your naked body pressed hard against mine, your delicate hands roaming over my body while my fingers explore yours...intimately...will you scream khushi when i make you come? Will you rake your nails over my body as i make you shudder with need..?" Khushi took a deep breath as arnav's seductive voice played havoc with her, she could feel the ache between her legs just hearing him say such things..what would happen when they actually do it.

Arnav smirked as he saw Khushi's eyes glaze with need, but saying those things to her had made him completely stiff, watching her breath hard was making his heart beat run at a break neck speed, he was already planning a lot of wild things which he wanted to do with her since a really long time. He bent his head towards her neck softly blowing the curls away which lay on them, he felt khushi pull him closer as she whispered in his ears "Well darling...i suppose we'll need to find that out" Arnav completely lost control as he grabbed her hand and started maneuvering them away from the crowd towards the door.

Khushi giggled as she saw arnav lose his cool, she knew her words will have the desired effect, but more than him she was desperate to find out how this night will be, it took a lot for her to trust someone so completely and she hoped that arnav would not be disappointed in her. She suddenly felt nervous at the what lay ahead, but knowing that she truly loved him and he loved her, this night would be nothing less than magical. They made their way across the brightly lit lawn ignoring people who tried to talk to them.

...

"Arnav! Where do you think your'e rushing off to my boy!" a loud booming voice stopped arnav in his tracks, with Khushi bumping into him due to his abrupt stop. Both of them turned around to the source of that voice with arnav cursing under his breath, khushi felt him hold her hand tighter as the owner of that voice, a jolly looking old man, probably in his 70's! Made his way towards them. Khushi smiled at the man as he approached them and was really surprised when the took her free arm and kissed her on her hand, holding it between his geriatric fingers.

"So you are the lovely miss who has finally managed to settle this beast down!" he said laughing loudly, khushi smiled uncertainly and glanced at arnav to see a nerve in his neck beating erratically, definitely out of irritation "Mr Trivedi, nice to see you here..i'm glad you could make this trip. I heard you were not well? All's well i hope and yes this is my fiancee' Khushi, Khushi this is Mr Trivedi one of biggest exporters." arnav said tightly.

Mr Trivedi gave him a toothy grin "Oh well, we try our best my dear" Mr trivedi said looking fondly at Khushi, "and i've seen worst days, age you see..always gets in the way!..but good i met you here, i'm leaving for the US tomorrow and thought we could discuss this new venture of your's? 'Joie!' after all you are looking for opening stores in the states am i correct?" he finished as he let khushi's hand go and gestured arnav towards a table on the far side of the lawn, away from the crowd.

Khushi saw arnav trying to think of a reason to avoid this, but his hesitation told her that it must be something quite important, she squeezed his hands affectionately "Its ok Arnav, you go..i'll see you in sometime" she left his hand and was about to leave when he held her wrist "No Khushi, i'll meet him some other time..right now i can't think straight..i need you" arnav said huskily against her ears.

Khushi smiled at him and touched his cheek gently "I'm not going anywhere babe, i'll be waiting for you in our room..come soon" she kissed his other cheek and walked away gracefully, arnav watched her go and turned towards the table Mr Trivedi was already sitting on waiting for him...he cursed Aman for inviting him today for the show! He wondered how he would be able to discuss anything rational with khushi on his mind.

...

It had been an hour since khushi had left arnav with Mr Trivedi, in that time she had showered using the exotic smelling bath gel she loved, then she had shimmied into a very erotic red lingerie which was part of her ensemble from harrods, she blushed as she saw the sheer material cling lovingly to her curves, it was teddy style with just a tight corset leaving her upper shoulders and upper chest bare, her breasts were pressed against the satin material, leaving her cleavage busting out of the bodice, it ended right around her navel in a v.

The matching panties were made of the softest sheer gossamer, making khushi feel sexy and naughty. She looked at herself in the mirror and wondered what arnav will do when he sees her like this, she moisturized her long legs and slipped into a matching red satin robe which completed the ensemble. She left her hair open, just the way he liked and spritzed some of her citrusy perfume, she was just fluffing her hair when her cell beeped, she picked it up and her cheeks went red as she saw the msg on her BBM 'Baby, I don't know how much longer this is going to take..i wish i was with you..kissing you, licking you...sucking you...'

Khushi smiled as she typed her reply to him 'You really are shameless you know that! Concentrate on your meeting...we have all night for those things u mentioned' she sent the msg and waited for a few seconds before she got a reply 'I am shameless, but only with you :)...plus you don't seem to want me at all...otherwise you would be burning for me right now.' Khushi read his message and smirked, her fingers ran quickly over the keypad 'If that's what you think...why would i be wearing something like this and waiting for you?' She was not surprised to see his super-quick reply 'What are you wearing???'

Khushi grinned widely as she went to the mirror and opened her robe slightly, it left a sliver of her inner wear visible, she clicked the photo and blushed seeing herself in such a wonton way, her hair to one side, her open robe giving a tantalizing view of what she wore and her lips all pouty 'What the hell has happened to me' she thought as she contemplated sending the photo to him, but then thought against it as her phone beeped again with his next message 'Tell me...what are you wearing?'

Khushi pressed the reply button on her phone but she did not realize for a split second that she had pressed the send button on the photo instead...and since arnav was live on conversation, it went straight though to him. She gasped as her phone slid from her hands..she quickly tied her robe together and waited for his reply, she waited for 10 minutes, but was worried when he did not reply, he had definitely seen the picture since it showed read.

She wondered if he was maybe annoyed with her for sending such a picture? she was just about to type another message when she heard a shuffle near the main door, then a grunting sound and finally the door opened, she froze as she heard a muffled voice coming from the corridor towards the bedroom. She stood alert as the door opened with a thud and arnav came in panting heavily. He bent down and placed his hands on his knees while trying to catch his breath.

...

Arnav had no idea what made him do what he just did. He was happily enjoying his horny chat with Khushi, waiting for Mr Trivedi to finish their meeting when that picture made its way to his phone screen, that picture made him loose all logical thought as he shot out of his seat and apologized to Mr trivedi about something really important he had to do, he did not even look back as he sprinted out from the function area towards their room.

The only thing that kept flashing in his mind was Khushi.Bedroom.Sexy.Mine! He finally reached his room after rushing across the hotel to get pinched by the door handle, then he tripped over the vase in the corridor hitting his foot hard, but it was all worth it to see her standing shocked and confused in that extremely fetching and sexy robe, he knew what lay inside it and he wasn't going to waste any more time waiting!

"What the hell Arnav! Are you ok?" khushi asked, concern marring her recently shocked face "Why are you panting? Wait did you just run all the way here?" she asked with an amused smile. Arnav stood up straight and started walking towards her, she could see the predatory look on his face and it excited her to no ends, she knew that her photo must have been the catalyst for this current situation as was secretly happy that she affected arnav so much.

"Never...never send me such provocative photos of yourself and then expect me to be normal khushi...you don't know what you've just invited" arnav said slowly as he finally reached her in the middle of the room. He was glad that this time she did not move away when he walked towards her. Khushi gasped as arnav suddenly caught her waist and pulled her flush against him "Arnav...bu..but..i did no..." khushi could not finish her sentence as arnav lowered his head and drew her into a hot mind-numbing kiss, desire burned through her as his mouth seared hers, plundering and demanding, she moaned loudly opening her mouth where his tongue snaked in to suck hers deeply.

Arnav groaned against khushi's sweet mouth as she kissed him back with equal vigor and passion, her desperation evident and mirroring his as their mouths clung feverishly to each other, arnav felt the knot of her robe around her waist and he eased it open leaving the robe free to fall off her, he shifted his mouth over the sensitive skin of her neck and then her collarbone as his hands pushed the silky robe over her shoulders. Khushi held on to his shoulders as he licked and sucked his way across, her fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. She tore them out of frustration, dying to touch his bare skin. Arnav chuckled at her eagerness as he slipped the rest of the shirt off him and pulled her robe off her completely.

Shyness overcame her as her robe got flung over to some corner of the room, she pressed herself to arnav's body, obscuring his vision towards her scantily clad self. Arnav left his exploration and turned her around swiftly and held her by her bare stomach towards the mirror, her back to his front, her gorgeous hair spilling over her face sideways as she looked down, unable to look at herself "Khushi" he breathed into her ear "Don't ever deny me to look at you..look up in the mirror.." he said seductively daring her to look into his eyes. When she resisted he started moving his fingers in slow circles over her waist, seductively dipping his finger in her deep navel.

Shivers ran up her body as arnav's finger caressed her navel, she looked up briefly into the mirror and saw him watching her intensely. She blushed as his eyes caught hers and her heart filled with love as she heard him speak the next words "Now do you see what i do khushi? Now do you know why i can't resist you darling? You are beautiful khushi, for me you are the most beautiful person in the world...and the goodness of your heart reflects in your image..you are mine Khushi and I am yours, there is no place for any shyness between us" arnav whispered in her ears.

Khushi could not take it anymore, she wanted him, he was her salvation...all the demons from her past could only be released when arnav was with her, she felt complete with him, she turned around and took him by surprise as she pushed him towards the wall. She held his head as she took his lips in a wild kiss, delicious heat made its way down her body, their tongues dueled fiercely as she trailed her hands along his shoulders and across his wide muscled back, her mouth started their own exploration along his chest, nipping his buds, her hands going to his buttocks as she pushed her hands underneath his pants and held onto him.

All coherent thoughts fled arnav, as he felt khushi taking charge, her soft hands exploring his body while her hot mouth followed, he moaned her name aloud as her nails bit into his buttocks, he quickly took them out before they trailed towards the other straining part in his lower regions, he would surely meet his death there. He held her wrists and twisted her around so that she was now pressed against the wall "I never knew you were so wild.." he rasped out to a smiling khushi "I lose my mind around you" she said seductively biting his ear.

Khushi felt her legs tremble as arnav's rough hands pressed her breasts over the thin flimsy material of the corset, his tongue trailing the gentle swells straining against the tight bodice, he bit her gently on them as his hand travelled to her back unzipping the now offensive piece of cloth, leaving khushi bare to his hungry eyes. Khushi felt cool air from the air conditioner caress her breasts but it was short-lived as arnav crushed her with his heated body, she felt so horny and almost cried out as arnav rubbed his hard chest against her soft mounds.

"You are so beautiful khushi...i've dreamed of this for so long" he said throatily as he cupped the fleshy weight in his hands, his thumbs pressing back and forth over the throbbing peaks, he looked into khushi's darkened eyes before bending his head and licking the rose pink nub, she cried out his name as he started sucking on them one at the time, his other hand holding her soft bottom, pressing it hard against his own hard arousal. Khushi wrapped one leg around his waist and started rubbing herself over him, desperation to be one with him mounting with every new second.

"I want you arnav...i need you..now" she said huskily, not aware of what those words were doing to arnav. She held onto him tightly as he picked her up effortlessly and lay her gently in the middle of their bed, he gazed down at her and marveled at the beautiful sight she made only clad in a red lace panty, her hair spilling over the white sheets while her body blushed prettily at his bold gaze.He quickly undid his pants and flung them away before joining her on the bed.

Arnav's intense gaze made her feel all sensual and womanly, his perfectly sculpted body was enough to push her over the edge while his arousal straining against his boxers made her nervous and excited as her body anticipated him. 

Arnav saw a slight worry line flit across khushi's face as her eyes travelled down his body, he held her up against him and said softly "If you are not sure khushi...we can stop" she quickly looked up to him and trailed her palm over his face "I am sure arnav, as sure as i can be...but" she hesitated as he urged her to continue, his body crying out to be one with her.

"This is my first time arnav...i hope i don't disappointed you.." she whispered softly before closing her eyes in embarrassment. Arnav took a deep breath as the he realized for the first time that she was a virgin, he just assumed that she wasn't one. He felt a sense of pride and possessiveness at her confession, she was giving him her most prized possession, he felt truly humbled by it "Thank you khushi...you are giving me the most precious gift in the world...i'm honored to be your first darling, and there is no way you can disappoint me, ever" he said as he captured her lips in a sweet kiss, full of promise of the future and love.

Khushi ran her hands over his powerful torso, feeling a shudder run through him; his words had overwhelmed her a lot, and her body was more than ready to accept him. She purred as he slid her wet panty over her long legs still holding her lips prisoned against his while khushi pushed his boxers off him with her feet, they now lay completely bare against each other, he looked deeply into her hazel eyes as his fingers made their way to her soaking core, she whimpered as he rubbed her gently there. Her nails biting into the flesh of his back

"Please arnav...i need you" she moaned in his ears as arnav shifted on top of her to position himself, he was way above his control level but he wanted her first time to be memorable.He parted her legs and shifted back to rub his erection tantalizingly along her moist folds, khushi's hips lifted instinctively inviting him, she ached for him so badly that she moaned in despair when he moved away for a moment to don protection, but then he was back pressing down on top of her, kissing her hungrily.

He looked up in her dazed eyes as he entered her, keeping his pace slow so as to give her the least discomfort, he finally reached her resisting barrier and thrust into her once to break free, he felt her wince in pain and gasp as slight pain engulfed her, but arnav started to move more steadily inside her welcoming warmth to get her accustomed to his thrusts. 

He kept looking at her face for signs of pain"Are you ok?" he asked with concern to which she smiled as he saw pleasure flitting across it, she nodded her head and he increased his thrusts as she wrapped her legs around his back, causing him to slide in even deeper, he groaned as her tight sheath made him come closer to his climax but he had to hold on till khushi came.

Khushi gasped at the new sensations which were taking over her body. She felt his chest move against her breasts as they continued making love, khushi could feel an unknown but delicious tension building inside her and she drew in a shaky breath as arnav thrust harder in her. With practiced precision arnav took her higher and higher until there was nowhere to go. For a moment khushi felt a moment of oblivion as the intensity of her orgasm shook her to the core, she clung onto arnav as she felt him tense under her before powerful contractions of her orgasm sent him over the edge too.

For a long moment there was nothing but the sound of their ragged breathing and the pounding of their hearts, Arnav eased his weight off her and pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her, cradling her bottom with his thighs. Khushi placed her hands over his and snuggled in closer to him; they lay like that for a long time before arnav brushed her hair away from her and turned her towards him, they looked into each other eyes deeply before arnav kissed her lightly on her forehead.

"Thank you khushi...you have given me everything today. I love you soo much" he said huskily pulling her in closer to himself. Khushi smiled shyly before kissing his nose and saying in a soft voice "No Arnav...thank you, thank you for being my first and last...you've made me so happy today that i cannot express it in words" she said as her fingers traced a path along his throat.

Arnav held her roaming hand and said seductively in her ears "If words cannot express then i have better ways for you to thank me" khushi's eyes widened as she slapped his hands away "Shameless!" she said as arnav slid his hands across her sensitive breasts, she moaned as he captured her lips in his, their bodies once again ready and hungry for each other. 

When I Met You! - Chapter Twenty Three

Arnav came towards her as she asked her question, he looked into the sooty depths of her beautiful eyes, her anguish, her pain he could feel all of it inside himself, he had pained her enough, he now knew what she felt for him, it was evident on her face. He cupped her face and looked her straight in the eyes, and that was when she saw it, the emotion which both of them were hiding so perfectly for so long, she felt a shiver run up her spine as he said in the softest whisper ever "because I love you Khushi".

"I love you..probably since the day you walked in that restaurant and asked me how your dress was.." he smiled and continued as his hand held her by her shoulders. "khushi, today i stand before you without my ego, my stubbornness, my arrogance, my bossiness and my impatience...you stripped me of all those things a long time ago ...today i am simply arnav...your arnav...who is so much in love with you" he took a deep breath as he touched his forehead to hers, waiting for her to say something, he felt hot tears on his hands as they flowed freely from her eyes. He looked up to see her eyes downcast as she shivered in his arms.

'Can this really happen?' khushi thought as she saw arnav looking down at her, his love clearly visible in his eyes, she watched motionless as he slowly wiped her tears with his thumb, she closed her eyes, savoring this moment, she wanted to capture it and store it as the most cherished memory ever, she held on more tightly to him as she felt him lay feathery kisses on her closed eyes. She leaned in further towards him and snaked her arms around his waist and held him tighter, as if he would disappear if she let go.

Khusi rested her cheek against his chest and heard the erratic beating of his heart, mirroring her own. She then looked up into his questing eyes, he was waiting for her to react in some way. She slowly smiled and said in the tenderest of voices "I love you too Arnav...i tried to stop myself from loving you, i tried my best...but how could i? When my heart was in your possession...has been since a long time now...i'm tired of denying it arnav...i love you" she said shyly and saw as arnav's lips lifted in a huge smile; he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. He buried his head in her intoxicating hair and sighed, they finally felt complete.

They stood like that in that embrace for God only knows how long, but it was evident that both did not want to move away from each other. Arnav felt like all his wishes had come true when he saw Khushi's love for him...he knew in his heart that she had started loving him but his ego was not letting him accept it nor was his stubbornness letting him confess, but today under this beautiful night sky, with twinkling starts gazing upon them, he let go of all his inhibitions as he pledged his love for his soulmate, his Khushi.

Khushi closed her eyes in bliss and smiled as arnav held on to her. She could not fathom how deep her happiness ran when she heard arnav speak of his feelings for her...she still felt it was all a dream and she would wake up and find herself all alone, she suddenly panicked and stepped out of their embrace. She looked into arnav's eyes clouding with confusion but his love was still very evident. He moved the hair lying on her forehead with one hand and cupped one side of her face "What happened Khushi?" arnav asked her stepping closer to her.

"I don't know Arnav...you say you love me, i can see it in your eyes...but then why were you having dinner with Lisel yesterday? You never told me...and don't even say it was professional...i saw how she was leaning towards you and holding your hand" khushi asked suddenly not sure about anything, how could she deny the scene she had seen yesterday night? That sight which had broken her heart into a million pieces. She looked up to see arnav give her an amused smile.

"Why are you smiling? This is serious...don't even try and make any excuse arnav" Khushi said in irritation, she could not believe he was taking this so lightly. "I did all that to make you jealous sweetheart..i wanted to know if my being with someone else affected you...if the feelings you had for me were deeper than what you showed, plus Lisel is a good friend and is happily married to our choreographer." he said calmly, placing his hands on her bare shoulders.

"What? You were doing all this for making me jealous?! Do you even know what i went through? I could not sleep all night wondering what you both were doing together..do you know how much pain i went through arnav? And you say you love me? Well you have a funny way of showing it! Plus i think you are really blind if you still could not see how i felt for you.." she said with angry blazing eyes shrugging off his hands from her body, arnav chuckled as she turned away from him looking towards the vast hills.

She felt arnav come near her, she went further towards the railing and stood stiffly, she did not want to give in this easily . She shivered as he wrapped his hands around her waist and held her tightly, his front to her back, he placed his head on her shoulder and spoke seductively in her ears, making her tremble against his hard body "Khushi, i was blind...i've always been blind...i did not know what love was, and trust me when i say that i never believed in it...till you."

He let his lips trail her delicate ears making khushi completely melt against him, she placed her hands over his on her waist and leaned in backwards giving him more access to her neck, 'that much for self control' she thought as he continued "Till you came in my life, i was just a machine..my life was spent in making money and keeping my family happy. Hell i did not even know how to laugh..but you changed me..for the better." khushi turned towards him and lightly touched his face with her palm.

"Arnav...do you know what happens to me when you say such things.." she said softly as arnav pulled her more closer to himself "I know sweetheart, because the same thing happens to me" he whispered as he swooped down to capture her perfect red lips, he had waited too long to kiss her...this was their first kiss after confessing to each other and he wanted it to be perfect.

Khushi gasped as she felt arnav's lips on hers..he pulled her bottom lip between his teeth while trailing his tongue over it..she moaned his name as she felt herself give in to his kiss, she really could not stay upset with him for long. She opened her mouth to welcome his tongue in, her own tongue eager to mate with it. Arnav groaned as khushi opened her mouth, he was dying to taste her sweet mouth..their kiss went from a passionate kiss to a wild one, both were parched for it..it was as if they were kissing each other for the first time.

Time stood still as Khushi and arnav reveled in their new found love..even the stars seemed to be twinkling brighter than usual; finally they broke apart, their breathing un-even, their bodies crying from the separation, their minds trying to make sense of the situation while their hearts beating as one, arnav took her hands in his and removed the heirloom ring which she wore on their engagement. He went down on one knee and looked at her with all the loved he felt.

"Khushi gupta, i know we met under odd circumstances...i know that i have been mean, rude and sometime diabolically unbearable to you" arnav said with the utmost seriousness to which khushi smiled merrily. "I wish we had met differently but if we had i would not have had the chance to ride on this roller coaster of discovering love...these few weeks with you have changed me a lot. I want us to start this over again. Forget about what has happened, and what we had planned." he took a pause and looked her straight in the eyes.

"Forget about the pretense, the contract. Forget about Katya and ASR. I am truly sorry for doubting you and not having the guts to accept your love when it was so evident. But i promise you this..if you accept me today, as i am..with a fresh new start in our life...i will spend all my seven lifetimes making up for all the hurt and pain which i have caused you. Khushi, i love you truly, madly and deeply. Will you do me the honor of being my life?" arnav held her delicate hand more tightly waiting to hear her answer.

Khushi was too shocked to say anything..she understood that he was going to propose to her when he went down on his knees, but his words..the sincerity and love in his eyes shocked her to the core...she could not believe this was the same arnav singh raizada who's arrogance and pride were his assets..she was truly humbled by his declaration, she nodded her head in acceptance, finding it too hard to say anything to the perfect words he just spoke.

Arnav quickly slid the ring back in her finger where it was resting a few moments ago. He stood up and pulled her towards himself, his placed a feathery kiss on her forehead and whispered in a naughty voice "Thank God you did not take too long to answer...my knees were giving up on me, one more minute and i would have collapsed...i think m getting old" khushi laughed at his pouty face "Don't worry darling...i'll always be there to hold you if you fall...but you did misspell one thing in your perfect speech...you said life instead of wife." khushi said smiling at him.

"No sweetheart, i did not misspell it, i meant what i said...wife is just a colloquial word, defined by the english language...but you are much more than a relationship, you are my life Khushi, I truly am nothing without you because you complete me. So i meant what i said" Arnav said pulling her into a hug, she rested her head on his chest and sighed as she thought 'Can life get more perfect?'

...

Anjali was really upset, nothing was perfect anymore! she had tried calling Shyam all day today but he was not taking her calls, neither was he replying to her texts. She felt her eyes fill up as she tried his phone one last time before hitting the bed, she waited patiently as the phone rang, finally he picked up on the 7^th ring "Anjali, can you please stop calling me? I'm really busy at the moment. I'll call you tomorrow ok?" shyam spoked in an irritated voice, Anjali sobbed as he cut her call without even listening to what she had to say.

"She flung her phone across the room as she sat thinking what had gone wrong...he was perfectly fine with her yesterday...but then when she had resisted him when he wanted to take things a bit further between them, he had turned cold. For a moment she was actually afraid of his cold eyes, but then he had softened quickly and had told her that they'll wait till she is completely sure of it. Anjali wiped her tears as she sat up on her bed'This was probably happening because she was being such a prude' she thought miserably.

She got up and went to her floor length mirror looking at herself from top to bottom ,she then pulled her band off her hair and let it spill across her shoulders, she pouted in the mirror making her lips look more fuller than they were. She smiled a shy smile as she turned back and lay down on her bed, 'This was it' she thought 'Enough of being little miss chaste...it was time she did something which would make shyam happy..after all he did so much for her. She was ready...ready to take the next step.' thinking of the beautiful new dimension their relationship will enter into, she fell into a deep sleep.

...

Shyam kept his phone in front of him after brushing off Anjali "Why is it taking so long for him to send it? I've waited too long to see who has taken the fancy of my dear friend Arnav..after all a mere mortal could never melt the hard crust around his heart eh..?" Shyam said in a menacing voice. He glanced at his PA's face who was smiling along with him "Yes Sir, i was thinking the same thing...i mean she really has to be something huh? Hopefully she is more in love with his money than him...it should make our plan much more easy" his PA, Mishra said gleefully.

"Oh, i'm sure that she can be bought..but if she does truly love him then i suppose we'll just have to look for alternate ways to get her on our side" Shyam said as he poured himself a large glass of scotch "I have had enough of his little sister anyways...she's such a prude! And the stupid girl thinks too highly of that b*****d! There is no way their bond can be broken...they were born with it. But this girl...she will be the downfall of you Mr Raizada. I can just feel it!" He sipped his drink slowly waiting for his aid to send him the photograph of arnav's fiancee'.

Shyam's phone beeped as he finished drinking the last bit of his scotch. He clicked on the MMS, waiting for the photo to load, impatience making it difficult for him to wait any longer. Finally it stopped loading and the picture came into focus, the red dress loaded first followed by her perfect bosom and finally her angelic face. Mishra jumped as Shyam's glass fell to the floor, the perfect crystal cut glass broken to tiny shards lying across the gleaming marble floor. He saw as Shyam's eyes turned to ice, his entire body going stiff, Mishra thought its best to move away from him in his current state, but the chilling voice made him stop..he had never seen his boss like this "Katya...my Katya.."

...

Khushi stood surrounded by the press who were asking her a myriad of questions..right from where she was born, to what style she designs and their favorite question...how did she meet arnav. She was finding it too difficult to give a logical answer to them, her eyes searched for Arnav who was also being held by the reporters eager to get his bytes. He smiled when her eyes finally found his, she urged him to come and help her out. He immediately left and came towards her with his entire set of reporters following him

"Ladies and Gentlemen, i have always respected the press and have promised all of you that i will answer all your questions...but that does not give you permission to harass my fiancee with so many harrowing questions. I would request all of you to give her some privacy otherwise you will not get anything from me" he wrapped his arm around her tiny waist and pulled her closer to himself protectively.

Khushi sighed with relief as she saw the press apologize to her and question arnav instead. She smiled as she saw him answer all their questions very professionally, without giving out too much, it was just perfect to whet their appetite and keep arnav's personal life at bay. She still remembered how he had insisted they go back to their room and continue their exploration as he put it, but khushi had persuaded him to attend the after-party. After all it was in honor of his show, plus the press would hound him a lot of he did not make an appearance.

Arnav was not too happy about it because all he wanted was to be in khushi's arms, and lose himself in her completely. But he felt it wont be fair to the designers and his company if he was not present, plus this was Khushi's night to shine as well...her dress was one of the best on the ramp. They had walked back hand in hand back into the waiting eager crowd, who had gone wild with questions taking them both away from each other. She was still in her dream world when she heard one of the reporters ask arnav a very difficult question.

"ASR, how did you both meet? Was it love at first sight? And how did you get engaged so soon?...because if our calculations are correct, you were quite cosy with the russian supermodel Anna? So how did you meet Ms Gupta?" the reporter asked him with a smirk. Khushi felt arnav's body go stiff, she she squeezed his hand, wondering how he will answer this question.

"Yes, you are correct...i was with Anna during that time, but we broke up amicably before i met Khushi, In fact i was the special guest at her final year show in London and the same dress you saw on the show-stopper was showcased there, I loved the dress...and met her the next day to discuss her future with my company...and the rest as they say is history...it was her innocence and kindness that made me fall in love with her..i did not take me long to decide that this was the girl i wanted to spend my life with" arnav looked at her when he said the last few words...there was no doubt anymore in anyone's mind as they saw the two of them together...this was a couple in love.

After a couple more questions..related more to the show, the press dispersed and the dance floor opened up for dancing, the string quartet started playing a beautiful slow song to which arnav pulled khushi right onto the floor, everyone clapped as the couple swayed to the romantic music, both unaware of everything else except being in each others arms. Khushi felt her body move to its own rhythm as she held on to arnav.

"Khushi?" arnav said softly, his arms holding her waist possessively "Hmm?" khushi replied her body completely leaning on to him "Can we leave now? I mean we have already done the mandatory hello's and interviews...plus i'm really hungry right now." arnav whispered, he saw her lean her head back and look in his eyes "Well, if your hungry lets go eat..why did you not tell me? They have an amazing speard you know.." khushi said looking at the buffet area, she gasped as she felt arnav's hand brush against her cleavage, he leaned in towards her and spoke seductively in her ears, trailing his tongue over it "Who said i was hungry for food?" 

When I Met You! - Chapter Twenty Two

Arnav stretched his arms and relaxed his back as he got up from the makeshift bed; he had hardly slept all night. He felt guilty about what he put khushi through last night, but he had no other option. He was prepared for the wrath and screams as soon as she saw him. He sat on the bed and moved his neck from side to side to get rid of the stiffness. He was just getting up when the door to the bedroom opened and khushi walked out.

"Good Morning! I'm so excited for today…can't wait for the fashion show to begin!" she went on excitedly. Arnav looked at her with shocked eyes as she sauntered around the small kitchenette. She switched on the water heater and plopped a tea bag in a mug. She looked up and gave him a radiant smile "So, when did you get back? Sorry I didn't wait up..i was just so tired! Hope your dinner meeting went well" she poured the hot water in the mug and added a sugar packet to it "Uh..sorry, would you like a cup a tea? Or coffee?" she asked sweetly stirring hers.

Arnav kept staring at her while she sipped on her hot tea, she looked so fresh and chirpy..'What the!' he thought. Here he was feeling guilty all night about last night and khushi did not even seem to care. Did he just imagine the cup crashing and her gasp? Was he just in an imaginative world where her feelings ran deep? He shook his head and looked back at her sweet smiling face, she was wearing a pale yellow sundress, perfect for the sultry weather outside. He slim smooth shoulders seemed to gleam and her cheeks had a slight twinge of pink on them. Why did she seem so happy!

"Uh..Khushi…why are you happy all of a sudden? Did I miss something?" arnav asked her uncertainly, still trying to understand her jubilant mood when he had thought she would be wallowing for him. He saw her make him a cup of strong black coffee just how he liked it. She brought it over to him and sat down on the single seater next to the bed "Oh, I don't know…I just woke up feeling fresh and happy I guess…plus the excitement for my first professional fashion show has made me really giddy!" she giggled as she got up and kept her mug in the little sink.

'She giggled' arnav thought, she never giggles! What the hell is going on, he observed her as she kept everything away and went to the bedroom, she came out a few second later with her bag and a sun-hat. She fished out her large sunglasses and put them on, she looked adorable arnav thought and his lips lifted in a slight smile at the fetching picture she made, but he came back to his senses quickly. He saw her coming towards him and he suddenly sat up straight "You know Arnav, I don't think I've thanked you for letting me have this opportunity. It really means a lot to me" She said sincerely and squeezed his shoulder.

"I'm going to the workshop now, have tons of work to do and things to finish before the big night! I'll probably see you directly at the venue since I'll be dressing up there only. Let me know if you need me for anything" she blushed as she finished her sentence..Realizing too late what her last words implied. She once again plastered a huge smile on her face and walked out of the room leaving a thoroughly confused arnav behind.

...

Khushi was munching on her ceaser salad, it was lunch time and the entire crew, stylists, designers all were on a lunch break. She saw as a couple crossed in front of her and sat down on the opposite table, they were a striking duo and looked so much in love. She felt the woman looked familiar but could not put her finger on it. Khushi watched smiling as the man produced a single red rose and gave it to the woman, she smiled shyly at him as he bent forward and kissed her sensuously on her hand. Khushi sighed as they both bent their heads together, their foreheads touching..life just seemed so perfect for them.

Khushi turned her head and looked down into her half eaten salad as fresh tears made way into her tired eyes, the morning's drama had really taken a toll on her. Only she knew how she kept up her pretense, when she had come out and looked at arnav looking all disheveled and sleepy she wanted to whack him hard, and give him a mouthful about last night. But all night she had thought that she should not look bothered.

It wasn't like he knew she had seen him, she also gave him a chance to tell her about his meeting with that woman when she asked him about his meeting, but he remained mum. Only she knew how her heart broke into a thousand pieces last night, how she kept checking if he had returned, but eventually she had fallen asleep waiting up for him. God only knows when he came back and after doing what with that girl. She knew he only wanted one thing from her. Only she could be so dumb and nave to think that he wanted more.

She kept her fork down and gulped down some water before getting up. She checked her phone again to see if arnav had texted, but was disappointed again to see that he had not. In fact she had not seen or spoken to him since morning. She quickly stuffed her phone in her bag and started walking towards the door of the restaurant when the woman from the opposite table looked up and smiled at her. Khushi stopped in her tracks.

It was her, the woman from last night. The same woman arnav was having dinner with. Then why was she sitting her canoodling with this man! God she thought, this woman was two-timing as well! Well she is perfect for arnav, khushi thought menacingly. Wait! Arnav is not two-timing. She is not in a relationship with him, so he is free to do whatever he wants! She again felt tears threatening her and she more or less ran the rest of the way to the workshop.

...

Arnav sat with aman going over the last minute last minute details. The show was going to be a huge thing for them, plus it was the first under their new flagship brand 'Joie'! He smiled as he remembered how he named the brand after Khushi; He wished he was with her right now. But one can't get everything they wish for. He wanted to go and meet her for lunch or at the workshop but he didn't know how he will react since he was still very confused after today morning. He felt it was best to meet her during the event itself.

It was already 5pm and the show was starting at sharp 6. He got up from the conference table and asked everyone to get ready and meet up at the show venue. They had finalized the outdoor area overlooking the vast hills around the palace. It was the perfect place for the kind of indo-western look they had planned for the fashion show. He wondered what Khushi was going to wear, but then she looked ravishing in anything, she could wear a potato sack for all he cared and she'll still look adorable. He walked towards his room with that image in his mind, his lips slowly turning up in a lazy smile.

...

Khushi was just putting finishing touches to her makeup when she heard a knock on the green room door. She assumed it was mihika, one of the younger designers who khushi had taken an instant like towards, She was going to come and dress up here with khushi. She unlocked the door and asked her to come in, she turned towards the mirror to apply one last coat of lip gloss. Then she turned around and her smile froze.

Arnav stood rooted to the ground, she was wearing the Red Marchesa dress, the same red dress he had bought her all those weeks ago at Harrods, the same dress which had made him lose his mind that day and was making him do something similar now. It was as if he had no control over his body as his legs travelled on their own accord towards her. She stepped back as he came and stood right in front of her, hardly a distance of a foot between them. He placed his hands on her delicate shoulders and looked into her eyes as she stilled, her breath coming in short gasps.

Khushi was absolutely shocked to find him in her room, she thought it was mihika. She saw a wild look cross his eyes as they traveled all over her body. She knew she should not have worn this dress, she remembered their encounter at harrods when she had worn this dress. She stepped back as he stepped towards her. When he stood right in front of her, she found it hard to breath. When his hands touched her skin, she felt that same stirring of desire run thought her. She looked at him steadily, waiting to see what he did next.

Arnav gently turned her towards the mirror, her back now facing him. She looked at him through the mirror with confused eyes, he could see her desire was as strong as his, but this was just a prelude. He snaked one arm around her collarbone and rested it against her beating pulse, he saw her open her mouth to speak but he shook his head and gestured her to keep mum, he kept staring at her through the mirror as his other hand started undoing her zipper on the back. Khushi gasped and held her bodice tightly to avoid it from falling away.

"What are you doing arnav" she said in a throaty voice, she was finding it difficult to even talk as she felt his fingers trailing her now naked back. She sucked in a breath and moaned as she felt his lips press against her neck and then slowly trail long her shoulders. He finally looked up to her and smirked "No one can zip up this dress except me, not even you" he then slowly zipped the dress back up. He saw her eyes widen as he stepped back from her "one more thing, I don't like you hair up" saying that he undid her hair clip and watched as her thick black hair cascaded down her back.

He then turned away and walked out the door without giving her a backward glance, Khushi kept staring at the door through the mirror. 'What has gotten into him' she thought, why does he keep playing these games with me, she thought miserably. This was it, she had enough of all this. Once this event was done, she was going to tell him that the deal was off, she'll repay him every penny, even if she has to work 24 hrs in day. But she could not step back and watch him destroy her heart, her senses, her sanity over and over again. She took her clutch and walked out of the room towards the stage.

...

Khushi watched as all the models got ready, this was the first time she was meeting them. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned around to find herself face to face with the same woman from today lunch, the same woman who was dining with arnav last night "Hi, i'm Lisel...the show stopper...you are Khushi right?" khushi nodded slowly and gave her a tight smile, 'what is she trying to do? Rub it in further that she slept with my fiance?' khushi thought angrily.

"I just love your design...its absolutely marvelous, such details! Ok I need to go and change. See you later, we'll catch up during the after party" Lisel said excitedly as she rushed back towards the changing room. Khushi looked at her strangely wondering what design she was talking about, she had not designed any of the dresses, so...she probably had her confused with someone else. Plus she had seen the show stopper outfit, it was designed by Wickram B, one of the senior designers. She straightened her dress and stepped out into the crowd, she went and stood quietly at the back, away from everyone. Her eyes on two things, the stage and Arnav singh raizada.

...

Arnav watched as the show started with a bang, one by one the models came out wearing the latest fashion which his designers had designed. He was very proud of all of them and he was especially proud of Khushi for taking care of the entire show. Aman had told him how she had co-ordinated everything and all the glitches and problems were solved very efficiently by her. He kept glancing at the pillar far away opposite him as she stood there watching the show with excited eyes. He wanted her seated next to him but felt he should give her the space she needed, after all she was up for a huge surprise.

Khushi felt arnav's stare on her, she gave him a sideways glance and then looked straight back at the ramp, all the dresses looked so gorgeous, they were all made with indian fabrics and traditional indian motifs and design but all the dresses were western. It made such a contrast that the entire audience, press included were in awe of the dresses. Finally the lights were all dimmed and white laser rays started shooting from the side, the tempo of the music changed to a fast wild beat as the show stopper walked out to the ramp.The entire audience went silent as a focus light came right on top of her. Khushi had to hold onto the smooth pillar as she saw the dress lisel wore.

Arnav felt the entire place go quite and then loudly erupt in a loud applause, people were standing up as lisel walked out on the ramp, perfectly showing the beautiful ivory dress but arnav's eyes were focused only on the one person who mattered, the person who had designed this dress, the person who had stolen his heart, the person who meant everything to him. He saw her look straight at him, her eyes conveying confusion, anger and even some gratitude, but overall she just stood there stunned as he was ushered back stage by aman for the final walk.

The applause died down as one by one all the models came back with their respective designers. Lastly when Lisel walked out, Arnav followed her on stage, the clapping increased and the camera's flashed wildly. Arnav took a mike and gestured everyone to quite down, all looked at him as he spoke "Thank you everyone for gracing this show with your presence, As you all saw, we had a mix of various designers young and old who work for Raizada fashion. But there is one designer who was not up here with her design"

Arnav looked at khushi directly who seemed to have gone into a permanent shock "Ms Khushi gupta everyone,graduate of Visguine Institute of Fashion, London, my fiancee' and the designer of the lovely dress which our beautiful showstopper, Lisel wore'" arnav pointed directly at her.

Khushi felt someone drag her to the stage, it was as if her body was on auto-pilot, she was still trying to figure out how her dress reached this ramp and that too on the show stopper! She could hear the mind numbing applause which ensued once arnav finished his little speech, she finally found herself standing right next to him on the ramp. The next moment she felt him pull her towards him and hold her tightly by her waist. She looked up to see the camera's flash at them, suddenly arnav pulled her closer and kissed her right on her mouth.

Khushi was too shocked to respond, it was a quick kiss but it was enough to pull the earth right from beneath her feet, she felt someone hand arnav an instant photo of their kiss; Arnav smiled at her lovingly and gave her the photo, she saw it and then looked back at him. He had a tender look in his eyes. She struggled to get out of his hold, all this was too much. What did all this mean? She saw as the media rushed forward to get his interviews and bytes, she took that opportunity to turn away quickly and walk our from the place before anyone could approach her. She needed air, away from all this.

Arnav saw her walk into the palace indoor, he excused himself and promised the press that he will give his byte and interview at the after party. He rushed inside to see Khushi walk briskly towards the verandah area, he walked behind her and closed the door as he stepped out into the quite breezy nook, away from the crowd, overlooking the hills. He saw Khushi stiffen as she felt his presence, she held on more tightly to the photograph as he slowly walked towards her and placed his hands on her shoulders, she spoked slowly in her ears "Khushi...what I did.."

Khushi pushed him away roughly and stepped back from him before he could complete his sentence, she had tears running down her beautiful face but the anger, hurt and confusion was clearly visible in her eyes, she spoke in a steady voice as she looked directly at arnav "Enough arnav...i've had enough! Of all of this" she spoke as she held the photograph up. "I am tired to trying to figure you out..i am exhausted playing this drama...i want to go back to being Katya, I cannot act anymore" arnav felt his chest tighten as he heard her soft words.

"I don't know what you want of me arnav, I know that I don't mean anything to you...like how last night you lied to me about your dinner...i know you were with Lisel...i just don't get you. I am tired of wondering if is it just a physical thing for you...i want out arnav. I'll pay your every penny back, but please just let me go. I can't act anymore" she cried as she held on to the railing.

Khushi then wiped her tears and said in a whisper "But then I wonder arnav...i wonder why you do such wonderful things for me...like getting my dress all the way here for this show, I can't even express what that meant to me, you have made me feel special so many times arnav...why? Why do all this for me when all of this will end?" she asked in a broken voice.

Arnav came towards her as she asked her question, he looked into the sooty depths of her beautiful eyes, her anguish, her pain he could feel all of it inside himself, he had pained her enough, he now knew what she felt for him, it was evident on her face. He cupped her face and looked her straigh in the eyes, and that was when she saw it, the emotion which both of them were hiding so perfectly for so long, felt a shiver run up her spine as he said in the softest whisper ever "because I love you Khushi".

When I Met You! - Chapter Twenty One

Khushi was busy cursing her stars as the helicopter descended onto the waiting tarmac around the vast expanse of Neemrana fort palace, Khushi forgot about her misery for a few seconds as she gazed upon the breathtaking view that the palace made against the early evening sky. The entire palace was lit up with tiny twinkling lights and the old world charm of it gave it a mysterious and romantic look. Khushi held onto the arm rest of her seat as the helicopter touched down and parked on the helipad.

Neemrana Fort Palace, Jaipur

Arnav smiled as he saw the pleasure and awe which had lit up khushi's face when she saw the palace, he was glad that they had chosen this place for the fashion show. He still could not believe that she was with him here, the stars must be aligned in the right formation for his mamaji to suggest her joining him for the show. He had thanked his mamaji a million times in his mind for his brilliant suggestion. This was the perfect opportunity for him to find out exactly what she felt for him.

...

Khushi was successfully ignoring arnav from the time they had left his house till their landing here. She remembered how she wanted to hold his hand during the helicopter ride since she was very nervous about her first time, but she resisted, and instead held on to the hard arm rests of her seat for the entire short journey. She knew that he kept looking at her the entire time but she made sure that she had not glanced his way even once! She wanted to keep up her side of the plan to keep their distance. But it was getting more and more difficult when she was pressed so closely to him in the current situation.

Arnav smirked as he saw her stiffen her back when he pulled her close against him, they were being greeted by his staff and they had to act as the newly engaged couple. He was really annoyed by the fact that she had ignored him completely since they left Delhi, but he knew her game-plan. He had kept his side of her wish as well since he did not force himself on her in anyway, but when the situation demanded her could not do anything. He thought he'll play along her game for now because he knew that by the end of this small trip, she will be the one begging for his touch willingly.

Arnav led her to the huge reception area where a beautiful girl in a gorgeous chiffon sari greeted them. She kept two keys on top of the counter for them and since they were VIP guests all the formalities were already done.Arnav took one key while Khushi snatched the other key from the desk and walked away towards the room no marked on the key. She asked one of the porters for directions leaving arnav in the lobby not giving him a backward glance. Luckily no one was there to see the exchange of angry and amused looks between the two.

Arnav smiled as he turned around and started walking towards the other end of the lobby, before going to his room he had to go and meet the designers in the makeshift workshop to see that everything was up to the mark, he called aman and asked him to make private dinner arrangements in one of the rooftop restaurants in the palace. He smiled as he entered the workshop where all his people where waiting for him.

...

Khushi entered the huge room and sighed as the cool AC blast hit her heated body. Jaipur was very hot at this time of year and the cooling interiors of her room was a welcome respite. She wondered how long it will take the porter to bring in her luggage, she was sweating due to the sultry weather and wanted to shower as soon as possible. She explored the huge suite and admired the beautiful inlay work on the walls and ceilings.

She opened the main gallery curtains and gasped at the beautiful sight in front of her, her room seemed to be on the topmost area of the palace giving her a gorgeous view of the hills below. There was a small private dinning area right below her overlooking the hills, perfect for lovers she thought with a smile. She stretched her arms above her head and leaned against the balcony, she stayed that way for some more time before going back into the room and calling up the reception; her bags had still not arrived. She was told that since the entire hotel is booked for the show, the porters had a lot of luggage to deliver, she assured her that her baggages should be up in some time.

Khushi kept the phone down and looked inside the bathroom, two bathrobes hung inside, she shrugged her shoulders as she entered the bathroom and closed it behind her, She might as finish her shower till the bags gets here; she'll wear the robe till then. She also had to go and meet the designers as well so there was no point delaying it any further. She stripped herself of all her clothes and stepped inside the huge shower cubicle, though she really wanted to relax in the bathtub next to it, she thought she could always do that later and started showering under the blast of hot water.

...

Arnav had totally forgotten to check with reception which room they had allotted Khushi, though if it was up to him he would have booked the same room for them but he knew that mamaji was more conservative plus he knew that khushi was not really his fiancee', he finally came to his room and saw the porter knocking softly on the door "What are you doing? This is my room..have you got my bags?" arnav asked gruffly.

The porter nodded and stepped aside for arnav to open the door, he stepped inside after him and kept the bags on the luggage stand, then he took arnav's leave who handed him a crisp Rs1000 note and closed the door behind him. Arnav took his jacket, vest and tie off and dropped them on the chair, he looked around the living room and found something was not right, he walked slowly into the bedroom and saw khushi's purse sitting on the bed while her heels lay at the foot of it.

He walked inside and stood next to the bathroom as the sound of running water caught his interest, he then realized what mamaji had done, the sly man had booked the same suite for them, arnav's face lit up like a christmas tree as a lazy smile graced his lips. He moved her bag aside and plonked himself on the bed, he rolled his sleeves up and opened some of his top buttons. He put on the TV on a low volume and leaned against the headboard and waited patiently for khushi to come out, his smile getting wider and wider as he heard the water stop.

...

Khushi dried herself quickly before putting on the smaller of the two robes, she stepped out of the steamy bathroom rubbing her damp hair while humming her favorite song, the first thing which hit her was that the TV was on, and that too on mute. She wondered how it got switched on when her eyes fell on the man sitting comfortably on the huge king-size bed concentrating on his phone while typing away something furiously. For a moment khushi thought that she was hallucinating but when arnav looked up at her smiled she was shocked "What the hell are you doing in my room mr arnav singh raizada!"

Arnav's smile became larger as he saw her staring at him with narrowed annoyed eyes "Oh, hi khushi..God! How long do you take in the shower! I've been waiting since a really long time" he said nonchalantly as he got up from the bed and walked towards her "Do they have any good toiletries in there, or should i just use mine" he said as he smelled her. Khushi moved back trying to make sense of this situation, she pursed her lips and asked again in a clipped tone "I don't think you heard me the first time! What are you doing in my room? And stop smelling me!"

Arnav grinned at her and moved back "Well Ms Gupta, in case you did not know...this is our room. And Before you start screaming and bring the roof down let me tell you that i did not do this booking, mamaji did. If you would like to move to another room feel free, but i am not moving out of here. Now if you don't mind i need to use the bathroom and you should get ready soon, the designers are waiting to meet you in the workshop" arnav said lightly as he started unbuttoning his shirt and walked into the bathroom, leaving a fuming khushi behind.

...

Khushi let out an unladylike growl as she saw him close the bathroom door, she marched over to the phone and called the reception "Hi, this is Khushi Gupta, there has been a terrible misunderstanding and i've been put in the same room as Mr raizada, Can you please give me another room and send someone to take my luggage there" she asked in the sweetest voice, but her face fell as she heard the person at the reception speak "I'm very sorry madam, but the king's suit was booked for you and Mr raizada. I'm afraid there are no rooms available since we are running on full booking owing to the show."

Khushi took a deep breath and asked again "Can you please check once again? If not is there another hotel nearby where i can shift?" the receptionist replied nervously "Umm..no madam, there really is no other room available. Also the next nearest hotel is in Jaipur city which is an hour or so away. I don't think it is advisable to go there since you are part of the fashion show. Do let me know what you decide madam, we are always here to help you out." with that the receptionist kept the phone leaving a sad khushi once again cursing not only her starts but mamaji as well!

She took a deep breath and walked towards her bag, she opened it and pulled out a soft summery tube dress, it left her shoulders bare and the long dress ended at her ankles, she walked into the huge dressing room and locked it as she slid into the dress, she left her damp hair open and applied lip-gloss and smoky eyeliner to enhance her eyes. She was already quite late and had to go and meet the designers, she would deal with the room issue later.

Khushi had just walked out when arnav came out of the bathroom, her mouth went dry as she started at the wide expanse if his magnificent chest and taut abs to the rippling muscles on his arms, he had only wrapped a towel low on his hips and her eyes traveled all the way down and back again to his face to see him watching her with an amused expression "Like what you see Ms Gupta?" he asked with a wink.

Khushi's cheeks went red as she looked away from him, she pressed her lips together and spoke in an irritated tone "Listen arnav, this is not going to work. We just cannot live in the same room. I checked with reception and there are no room available, but i'm sure that i can probably shift into one of the hotels in the city. I'll go and see what can be done on my way back from meeting the designers. You can enjoy this room on your own" she watched as arnav's expression turned annoyed, she knew that he will try and persuade her to stay back

"You are more than welcome to leave my dear, but remember you came here to help out with the fashion show. And you will not stay in any other hotel! you are my responsibility and i don't want to be worried and running around you when i have an important show to look after, So i hope you will stop being selfish and let go of you silly ideas. Since it is so unbearable staying with me in one room, i'll sleep in the living room while you can enjoy the bed. Now if you will excuse me, i need to get ready." with that he snatched one of suits and went to the dressing room leaving a stunned khushi behind.

Khushi could not believe the words which came out of his mouth, she was not being selfish but only wanted to keep that distance between them, but she understood that she was his responsibility and she did not want to add more stress that he already had for the fashion show, she looked at the closed dressing room before sighing and putting on her sandals, she took her purse and key and left quietly to meet the designers. She thought she'll talk to him later during dinner to sort out all this mess. With that thought in mind she smiled as she walked briskly to the workshop.

...

Arnav had just finished getting ready, he was spritzing himself with his perfume when he saw a small greenish yellow bottle of perfume on the table, he unscrewed it and smelled it he recognized it as khushi's scent, this was her perfume. He noted down the name of the perfume and kept it back on the table. He closed his eyes and remembered their earlier interaction, he went hard just remembering her gorgeous body encased in that flimsy robe, her beautiful hair sticking so enticingly on her cheeks as she rubbed them, he wanted to pull her towards him there and then and devour her completely.

The way she looked in that flowing dress, her milky white delicate shoulders on display while her hair lay curled on them, only God knows how he kept his control in place. He sighed as he kept repeating his mantra over and over again 'Patience, Arnav patience' he knew if he played his cards right, she will fall right in his trap. This was the only way to judge how she felt about him, if she really did feel the same he felt for her. He straightened up quickly as he glanced at himself one last time, he smirked as he thought to himself. 'let the show begin'

...

Khushi had the most amazing time talking to all the designers, some of them were fresh graduates like her while others were much more experienced, The dresses which would go on ramp tomorrow night were amazing, she felt so inspired after seeing all this that she wanted to take a sketchpad and start designing right away!But right now she was hungry, she winced as she heard her tummy rumble loudly, she wondered how much longer arnav will take.

She had just removed her phone to text him when she saw a her phone blinking with a message, she clicked on it to see that it was an sms from arnav, he heart sank as she read it 'Hi, Aman will meet you for dinner in some time, i have an important meeting and won't be able to join you.'as if on cue a lanky man came running towards her. He introduced himself as aman and proceeded to take her to the large dinning area of the hotel, khushi looked around but felt that her hunger had suddenly left her.

"I really don't feel like eating, thanks for accompanying me but i think i'll take a raincheck" she said sadly as she looked at Aman, he seemed to be very nervous and to bring him to ease, she told him that she will order something in the room if she felt hungry. He nodded and wished her a good night as she walked slowly to her room, exploring the hotel a bit more. When she finally reached her room, she was surprised to see a waiter waiting outside her room with a trolley laden with food, she understood that arnav must have sent it over, She felt her heart skip a beat at his thoughtfulness and she asked the waiter to leave the food in the living room.

The wonderful aroma of the rich food bought back her hunger pangs as she could not resist taking a bite of the soft hot naan and yummy curries, she piled the food on a plate and ate to her hearts content. She cleaned up before taking a steaming cup of hot coffee to the balcony area, she thought she'll wait up for arnav to return. She had just sat down when she saw some movement in the alcove below her, she looked down to see two people engrossed in each other as they sipped some wine, while enjoying the view. She smiled as she took in the lovers closeness; how she wished it were her and arnav.

She had just leaned back up when something about the guy made her look back, she strained her neck to get a better view, she gasped as her coffee cup fell from her hands and crashed on the balcony floor. She she recognized the guy to be no one other than arnav, her arnav...with some woman, gorgeous woman...sipping wine...in a lovers private dining area. She felt tears prick her eyes and she took in their body language, he sat relaxed in his chair while her arm was stretched over the table slowly caressing his arm. She walked back from the balcony and pulled the curtains together.

She stood shivering from the shock of seeing arnav with someone else, how many times did she have to go through this, she could not bear seeing him with someone else. He was hers, only hers! 'No Khushi!' he is not yours, he never was...you pushed him away, she reminded herself. She went to her bedroom and locked the door behind her, she got into her cotton nightdress and slipped under the blanket. She had to stop this, it was never meant to be. He does not belong to her, he is free to do whatever he wants now that she distanced herself from him, Then why was it hurting so much! Silent tears flowed down her dewy cheeks as she willed sleep to come to her.

...

Arnav had heard the distinct gasp and crashing of a glass or cup from above him, he knew she had spotted them. He looked at Lisel and thanked her for her time, she was a dear friend and their show stopper, her husband being the choreographer of the show. He had booked this place for the two of them so that they could enjoy a cosy dinner before the mad show day tomorrow, but when he had explained his situation to them, Lisel had given this brilliant idea to him, and it would work perfectly since their table was right below his and khushi's room.

He knew that khushi would eventually come to the balcony area and if she did not he had another plan up his sleeve, Aman. In fact only after Aman had told him about khushi going up to the room had arnav quickly ordered the staff to send food to her, he knew that she would not order anything on her own. He had waited for the precise moment when the curtains were pulled from their room and had sat in andre's chair when khushi looked out. As soon as she closed the curtains he had gotten up and left the area thanking his friends.

Arnav knew that this was probably the best way to see how she reacts in the morning, he had to keep acting aloof till she starts breaking. He hated doing this to her but he just could not go and ask her straightway about how she felt for him. He hated seeing tears in her eyes but he had no other option, especially when she had herself asked him to keep distance. He had to see of this affected her or not. He worked in the workshop till 5 in the morning before returning back to his room, he checked to see if khushi was ok but the bedroom door was locked. He stripped himself down to his boxers before adjusting the couch and promptly falling asleep.