Monday 18 August 2014

OS : Red Lighting!

Mature OS - Warning!


“Arre saab…mast item hai…you will not have any complaints!” the slimy thin man said, as he ushered Arnav towards a softly lit corridor smelling of sweet perfume…it reminded him of those yesteryears movies he had watched that spoke of such kotha’s, full of splendor


“Here…this is her room…I’ll come back in some time to check; incase you need anything else” the man said with a toothy grin as Arnav gave him a quick smile and waited for him to leave


As his shadow disappeared around the corner of the corridor, Arnav took a deep breath and knocked on the door but was surprised to find it open already…running a hand through his perfectly gelled hair, he stepped inside the dimly lit seductive room, full of fragrant candles, before closing the door behind him


He looked around to find a svelte figure of a woman sitting on the bed, with her back towards him…he glanced around the rest of room before making his way towards the bed but stopped mid way as he heard her sultry voice


“Should I make you a drink first sahib?” she asked as she turned her face slightly towards him, giving him just a glimpse of her well defined features…though he could not make much of her face yet, he knew she was a rare beauty


“Uh…no....not yet…I…why don’t you tell me your name first?” he asked her as she giggled and got up from the bed, making her way to the side table to light up the lamps a little bit more, bringing in more brightness into the room…her nearly bare back enticing arnav’s senses


“You can call me whatever your heart desires sahib…we don’t have just one name” she said as she turned around and the full magnitude of her beauty hit Arnav at once making him completely speechless


She was absolutely stunning…with flawless milky skin, perfect doe-shaped eyes and high cheekbones…cute little nose and those oh-so kissable red pouty lips…his gaze travelled further down to her abundant curves, beneath the tiny choli and low riding ghagra she wore, with the too thin dupatta hardly covering anything (see ref pic below)


“Like what you see sahib? Or were you expecting someone a bit more…umm…should I say, younger?” she asked with a peculiar look in her hazel eyes as Arnav finally found his voice “H..how old are you?” he asked her as she giggled and sat on the bed…patting the space next to her


“I’m sixteen…will be turning seventeen in a month or so…why? Do you like us much younger?” she asked Arnav who shifted awkwardly on his feet before going and sitting next to her…his mind was running in many directions but his body was signaling just one damn thing…he was thoroughly aroused…but hearing how young she was, he felt ashamed to even think this way.


“You don’t look that young…at least, your behavior does not…and No, I don’t like young woman…I prefer older ones, those that are of legal age…you should not be here, in this profession…in fact no one should!” he said with disgust as the girl looked at him as if he had grown two horns


“Its disgusting that girls as young as you or even younger than you are forced into this trade…” he said as Khushi sighed and hit her palm on her head before giving him an angry look “Oh yeah! You are one to talk…let me remind you, what you came here for mister!” she said as she gave him an annoying look and cursed out loud and scrambled off the bed


“Dammit! Shit…” she said as she got up and took out her phone from the side table drawer and clicked on a number while watching Arnav with a steady gaze “Yes, K here…got the wrong guy…can you check who was the asshole that had specifically asked for this girl? I don’t have all night to waste here” she said as Arnav got up and snatched the phone off her


“Hey! That’s my phone you moron” she yelled as Arnav pulled her towards him and held her chin with his one hand while the other circled her arm around her back…but the girl was strong enough to knee him in his thigh, loosening Arnav’s hold on her, but he was quick enough to catch her again as he pushed her against the wall, holding her captive with his body pressing against hers.


“Don’t you dare move girl…who the hell are you? And who were you calling?” he asked her as she sneered at him “Who I am…well I’m Khushi Gupta, reporter for Khabardar newspaper…and right now I’m undercover trying to get proof on underage prostitution…” she said as she tired hard to push him off her, but he did not budge


“We got a tip this morning and this was supposed to be my big scoop…but you don’t seem to be the guy who had asked for Asha, the fifteen year old who was supposed to be in my place…so if you don’t mind, I need to go and find out who did! Now, if you don’t leave me this instant, I will taser your balls off!” she said as Arnav stared at her for a minute before pressing more into her struggling form


“You are not a?....wait, did you say Khushi Gupta? You’re the pest who keeps bothering my men at the station!” he asked incredulously as Khushi smiled at him “Yes, its me…and I….wait…hold on a minute…what men? Who are you?” she asked as Arnav left her and took out his badge “ACP Arnav Singh Raizada, crime branch…I’m here for the same undercover operation, which you have single handedly foiled!” he said as he finally let her go completely and stepped back


“What? You’re a cop? Oh wait! ASR…. that’s you!” she yelled as Armav shut her mouth with his palm “Keep quite...lower your voice…yes, I’m a cop…. and I was here to look into the exact same thing, you were trying for as well…to bust this place for underage prostitution” he said as Khushi’s delectable mouth opened up in an ‘O’ making Arnav want to kiss her senseless


“How old are you again?” he asked her stupidly as she looked on in confusion “I’m 26…but that’s not the point…I look young so was the only one who could pull this off” she said as he looked her up once again….now that she was well over the age she had originally told him, there was no harm in having those lusty thoughts about her right?…No…do your job ASR! He scolded himself as he stepped further away from her, creating some distance.


“So where is this girl…Asha you said right? How did you get here in her place?” he asked her as Khushi sighed and walked to the lamp where she proceeded to pluck out the small hidden camera, which she was obviously fixing earlier


“I smuggled her out of here with a colleague of mine…poor thing was shit scared but was more than desperate to run away….I took her place instead to get more concrete evidence before exposing these people” she said matter of factly as Arnav shook his head in disbelief


“Are you mad? Do you even know the kind of risk you have taken? These places are very highly connected…politically connected…they wouldn’t even think twice before getting rid of you and everyone in your bloody newspaper if they found out…you should leave this to us…after all its our duty ” Arnav said as Khushi sighed, loosening her hair, making the gorgeous tresses flow freely onto her shoulder


“Lets just say, we love to help you!…Listen ACP, I can lead you to Asha, whose confession should be more than enough for you to nab these guys…after all, it was she you were after right? Put her into witness protection to keep her safe, but let me write the expose on this…I can’t directly put her story into the newspaper now that I won’t get evidence, but with the police involved, it would be possible” she said as Arnav thought about it for a second before nodding


“I’ll see what I can do…but for now, lets get out of here” he said as Khushi nodded in agreement, when there was a knock on the door “Sahib…are you enjoying in there? Are you decent enough?” the same slimy man asked from the door making both Khushi and Arnav panic…they can’t be found out just yet


“Uh…yes, hold on a minute” Arnav called out before pulling Khushi towards the bed and making her lie down on it…he pulled off her dupatta making her gasp as he threw it somewhere on the floor…he then proceeded to take off his t-shirt making Khushi gulp at his powerfully muscle-packed body


“Get inside the covers and hide your face” he said as Khushi nodded but stopped him “Wait” she said as she got onto her knees on the bed and tousled his hair a bit with her fingers making him stifle a groan…but then he completely stilled as she pulled his head quickly towards herself and kissed him…it took him a second to respond before he held her face and kissed her back…but before he could deepen it further he felt her hands pushing him away


“Easy tiger…I wanted it to look authentic…now you look well kissed….Go” she said wiping excess lipstick off his lips before diving into the covers, leaving Arnav to wonder what the hell just happened “Sahib? All ok in there?” the man’s voice called out again as Arnav walked awkwardly to the door, thanks to his aroused lower half and opened it slightly to find him standing there with a guard


“Sorry sahib, but I am leaving a guard behind as we have been tipped of someone trying to snoop into our Kotha…these people might be harmful to us…. but you don’t worry…you carry on and whenever you are done, just inform him and he will get you out safely” he said as Arnav nodded…wondering what they should do now


“Oh and don’t worry…. these guards are very used to all sorts of sounds…you have fun now” he said as Arnav quickly shut the door and bolted it…making Khushi throw the quilt away and get up from the bed “What now?” she asked him as he told her to keep quite while walking towards her


He bent down to her ears and whispered “Make those sounds…till I make a quick phone call to my sub who is waiting outside for me” he said as Khushi looked at him in confusion “What sounds?” she asked him as he rolled his eyes “Those sounds….like your enjoying…uh….” He said as it finally dawned into khushi’s head what he was asking for


She gave him a thumbs up and went to sit on the bed while Arnav turned towards the window and called up Aman “Oooh….yeah…..ummm….right there…” Khushi moaned loudly, making arnav suddenly jerk his head towards her…he felt his body tighten in response as she sat cross-legged in that sexy as sin lehenga, moaning in abandon


“yes….oh yes….you are so good….oh yes….ummmm….bite me….aaahhh…..yes….” she kept moaning as Arnav hardly realized what he was saying to Aman…he could not help but watch her as she closed her eyes and kept speaking in a low seductive tone “Arnav…you are soo big…ohh….aahhh….baby….yes….” she continued as Arnav finished his call quickly before turning his fully aroused body towards her


He had almost climaxed, as he heard her say his name in that tone…what was he going to do? “Khushi….” He whispered as she suddenly stopped and opened her eyes to find Arnav sitting close to her on the bed, making her inhale his intoxicating masculine scent “It’s done…Aman will get us out…but it will take some time….” He said as Khushi nodded and shifted slightly as Arnav kept looking at her


“Um…shouldn’t you say something too? He might get suspicious” Khushi said looking at the door, as Arnav nodded in a daze “You seem like quite a pro at this…” he said as Khushi smiled at him coyly “Oh…experience always helps” she winked at him as she scooted closer to him while his breathing nearly stopped looking at her cleavage spilling out of the tight choli “Is that so? Well…. I too have experience, but I can’t act…it has to be real for me…” he said as he got closer to her


“How real?” she asked him as her eyes sparkled making him lose all the control he had kept restrained till now “This real” he said as he literally pounced on her and took her teasing lips in a mind numbing kiss…his hands went to tilt her face to deepen the kiss as his tongue sought entry into her delicious mouth


Khushi moaned for real, as her hands strayed to his shoulders, travelling over his bare muscled chest making him growl in need. He lifted her up slightly to make her sit on his lap, straddling him…he bit her lower lip as her hands went to hold him tightly while her nails dug into his back, making him groan in pain and pleasure


As they came away for breathing when it got absolutely necessary, their darkened orbs spoke of mutual desire and unfulfilled passions…before either could formulate anything else, their lips once again met in a smoldering kiss which all but let their bodies wanting more; nails scratching, tongues lapping, teeth biting…both did not realize who was the first to disrobe the other of all clothes as their hands travelled over each other intimately, while their bodies burned in absolute abandon


“Khushi…ask me to stop…if you let me go on, I won’t be able to” Arnav said as he flipped her beneath him as his lips descended on her feverish skin, nipping and sucking as she arched into him…she moaned loudly as his mouth came hot and urgent on her hardened peaks, leaving her wanting more as his fingers caressed her dripping core, making her breath hitch in sheer raw need


“D…don’t stop Arnav…umm….I want you….please….now…” Khushi said as Arnav came back up to look into her eyes… “I know this is not the best place b…” he started saying when she flipped him over and straddled him again “You talk too much…” she said with a wink as she leaned over him and kissed him hungrily…her long hair falling over them as they continued to rub against each other


“And I don’t care where we are…I need you….right now” she said as she pulled out the side drawer and handed him a foil packet…she giggled as she saw the surprise on Arnavs face “How?...off course you must have done your research…” he said as he pulled her underneath him and donned the protection


Just as he parted her legs, khushi kept her hand on his chest, making him stop as he looked on in confusion…his arousal bursting in need for her “Just so you know….I never do this….never…I don’t know why I can’t control myself with you…but I’m not that kind of a girl…” she said as Arnav leaned forward and kissed her on her forehead


“I know you’re not…and I’m too not like this…control is my second name…but with you…I just can’t resist….” He said as he kissed her deeply while entering her in one go…she screamed his name as he claimed her again and again, their bodies rubbing against each other deliciously as Arnav thrust into her welcoming heat


“Harder….Oh….Arnav…you are big…” she said naughtily as Arnav smirked at her and proceeded to play with her body making her scream in pleasure…he rubbed his thumb against her nub as he continued to fill her up, faster and harder as she demanded,  when he finally felt her inner muscles clench him…he kissed her again and again while she came apart under him as he too found his release with her


“Gosh…that was amazing...” Khushi said as Arnav pulled out of her and laid beside her on the bouncy bed…he pulled her naked form against his hard body as he bought her face close to kiss her lightly “it was amazing…you are amazing” he said as she leaned her head on his chest “So, I’m not an irritable pest anymore?” she asked him as he shook his head “You can irritate me all you want” he said as she giggled when Arnav’s phone vibrated as he suddenly remembered where they were.


He picked it up and ended the call in a few seconds and looked at Khushi apologetically “Aman will be here in a few minutes…he’ll take care of the guard and we’ll be able to leave…you will need to tell us Asha’s whereabouts so that the authorities can take her to a safe house” he said as Khushi nodded and got up with the bed sheet wrapped around her and opened a small bag to dress herself in a separate set of clothes, a plain kurta and jeans


“My actual clothes…” she said sheepishly as he too got dressed quickly and pulled her in an embrace, his face nuzzling her neck “You didn’t ask me what you will have to do after that Ms Gupta” he said as she looked at him with a naughty glint “Oh…I thought that will be the end of it…we will go our separate ways…whatever more do you need from me?“ she asked with a smile as he turned her around


“Once we are out and Asha is in safe hands, you will come with me and we can then share notes on this operation…what do you say? I can feed you as well…you have to eat anyways....uh breakfast at least” he said glancing at his watch that said 4 am “Is that so ACP? I didn’t know they call it ‘Sharing notes’ now a days…but your plan sounds good” she said as they heard some scuffling outside the door



“Shall we?” Arnav asked her as he offered his hands to her “off course Sahib” Khushi said with a wink as they opened the door to find a harassed looking Aman and another officer waiting for them…this night was going to get much more interesting!  Oh and it definitely wasn’t over yet…

Khushi's Lehenga

BTL - EPILOGUE


6 months later...

So much had changed since the night that Arnav and khushi had reunited...as the morning had dawned lazily, waking the two lovers entwined in their own small world, it had bought in a barrage of new revelations in Arnav's life as he had woken up to the annoying ringing of his phone and winced further when the caller ID showed a certain, Sr Raizada ... that had been then...six months ago; yet it seemed like a lifetime since that morning


Today as he sat pondering on the wooden bench, he sighed as he remembered how after that conversation, he had finally and completely broken all relations with the man who he once called, father.


He closed his eyes and rested his head on his crossed arms as he heard the now familiar tinkle of that one single anklet...the sound of which gave him a sense of peace as he had never imagines...he turned back to see her walking up to him with two steaming cups of their daily mint tea...she placed both the cups on the table in front of him before making herself comfortable next to him on the bench, her hands automatically going around him as she rested her head on his shoulder


"Your'e thinking about him aren't you?" Khushi asked him, snuggling deeper into his warmth as he accommodated her soft body; he pulled her closer still into his arms as he kissed her lightly on her lips, making her smile before she shook her head at him "No...you are not wiggling out of this...you have to talk about it Arnav...if you don't want to invite him, its ok...I only suggested it because I truly want to see you with your whole family...they are proud of you Arnav...you have proven yourself to them...now you need to let go" she said with a firm voice as he sighed nodding at her concerned face


"I know Khushi...I'm not even bothered about all that anymore...but after the conversation we had on that day, I cannot think of him as my father anymore...I mean, which father says he is finally proud of his son one moment and then treats him as a cash cow the next" he said as Khushi nodded in understanding "I know baby...but not inviting him for our engagement will only make you the lesser man...not him...the only way to let this all go, is by giving him one last chance...everybody deserves that right?" she asked him as he smiled slightly against her silken hair...he knew what she was referring to


"Fine, i'll extend the invitation to him...but if he even breaths a word about having me married off to some ultra rich heiress because now i'm worth a lot more than Akash, I won't be responsible for the spectacle our engagement party would turn into" he said with a scowl as khushi giggled "I hardly think he would do that Arnav...besides he listens to your mother and she happens to like me..." khushi said as he raised one eyebrow and leaned back to look at her sparkling, mischievous eyes


"My mother? You have met her once...and that too because she turned up at our house to see the girl her son is marrying...you didn't spend more than half a day with her" he said as khushi grinned at his irritated face "That half day was more than enough to get through to her tough exterior...and we had fun trying to find our way to the Gateway of India, since both of us were clueless about the city...plus we do speak occasionally on the phone...about stuff" she said as Arnav smiled at her and picked up their cups, handing one to her


"Fine...i'll take your word for it...and even though i'm curious to know about the 'stuff' you speak of, i'm not going to ask" he said as Khushi laughed freely while blowing on her hot tea "Oh, speaking of parents...mine are coming a week before the engagement...they want to see the city a bit and also make a small trip to Shirdi" she said as Arnav nodded and muttered "yeah, more like do another spanish inquisition on me like the last time" he said as Khushi thinned her lips "I heard that!" she said as Arnav pretended he didn't say anything


"Arnav! What is your problem with my parents? I admit my dad went a bit overboard with all the questions and stuff and keeping us away the whole week as he went over your background and...and..." she said as Arnav looked at her with his mouth open "Overboard? Khushi, your father went mental! He actually asked his friends in higher places for my entire background all the way down to how much taxes I pay! I mean...who does that! I don't know how a woman as sweet as your mother can tolerate him!" he said as Khushi shifted out of his hold with a huff


"Don't bring my mumma into this...and what did you expect?! His only daughter was leaving everything to come and live with you, moving in with you!...without even being engaged, let alone married! And ask me, how much I had to convince him for it...I mean, starting over in Mumbai and living with a man who is my boyfriend...that's a lot to digest for any father! If bua and mumma had not intervened...I would not be sharing your house with you today" she said as Arnav felt the corner of his lips lift up a bit


"Our house..." he said as Khushi looked on blankly "Did you even hear one word I just said!" she asked him as he smiled fully now and pulled her back onto his lap "I heard baby...and I can't thank him enough for allowing you to move in with me...I don't know how I would have survived otherwise" he said as Khushi's features softened and a soft smile lit up her already sunny face "I know...me too...I was anyways looking at renting out the flat next to yours...I mean, ours...if it had come to that...though how it would have come into my budget I can only wonder" she said as Arnav chuckled and held her face in his palms "Then I would have moved out of there to wherever you were...it doesn't matter where we live...as long as we are together" he said as khushi smiled and leaned in to peck him softly


She sighed as her small peck turned into a toe curling kiss, which left them both panting for more...they looked at each other with all the love they felt as they came up for some air...the balmy breeze ruffing their hair as they remained in a tight embrace "Shoot!" khushi shouted suddenly as she tried to scramble off Arnav's lap but was stopped from leaving as Arnav refused to let her go "What happened?" he asked her as she looked at him frantically


"Its already 10...I was supposed to send the approval for the visiting card and stationary design to Parul, she will kill me if I delay it again for another day!" she said as arnav shook his head "What is it with the two of you...I mean, sometimes I feel you spend more time with her than me...I'm sure Manav also feels the same...just the other day we were discussing how our better halves have time for each other more than us" he said pouting as khushi smiled at him


"She is my business partner Arnav...and I really don't think I could have had a better one...you know how difficult it was to start my own wedding planning company, that too in Mumbai where I had no idea about venues or sources...but with Parul's contacts and brilliant business sense, we could make it happen...i'm so glad we clicked on the idea of doing this together...so both of you need to stop being such kids and let us do our job!" she said as Arnav gently kissed her forehead


"I know baby...and I am so proud of you...you changed your whole life for me...love you soo much" he said as khushi hit him softly on his arms "It wasn't that much of a sacrifice arnav...stop making me sound like a martyr...I always wanted to start my own thing, but could never imagine competing against my own mentor...and it wasn't fair on her...so a different city was the only solution for it...plus I fell in love with Mumbai the first time I visited you...but Delhi will always be my first love" she said as Arnav mock saluted her "Aye aye maam" he said as khushi giggled and snuggled back into his arms


"You know we can always relocate to Delhi right? I'm my own boss now...and I can write from anywhere...so anytime you want to go back..." he said as Khushi shook her head and kissed his shoulder "No...I don't want to go back...i'm finally doing something on my own now...and with you by my side and such wonderful friends like Manav and Parul, it all looks pretty good to me!" she said as Arnav laughed and pulled her to her feet, kissing her soundly as Khushi pushed her hands inside his sweatshirt to caress his warm skin


"Don't you have to go and reply to her mail now?" he asked her as khushi looked into his darkened eyes with a slow smile "I'll do that tomorrow...its too late now anyways...and they might be asleep already...after all, they aren't the one's who are on a holiday!" she said as Arnav's eyes crinkled at her suggestive look...he swooped down and picked her up in his arms as she squealed in delight


"Shhh...be quite...Smitha and VK are light sleepers" he said as khushi pursed her lips and held onto arnav, her arms going around his neck as they made their way from the little seating area they had recently gotten made beneath the large guava tree...they smiled at each other as their eyes conveyed promises and love for a life full of excitement and happiness...the guava tree looked on in peaceful silence as the lovers made their way into the old house...its flowers puckering up into the newly formed buds for a promising bounty of fruits.

BTL - Chapter 20 (C)


"Miss? Excuse me miss?" Khushi felt someone tapping her shoulder as she blinked her eyes open...the dried up tears on her face felt stretchy across her cheeks as she winced, feeling her neck ache due to the odd angle her body was sprawled on the cool floor of the washroom

Wait..what?' khushi thought as she jerked up from her sitting position and yelped, as a sharp pain shot through her cramped up legs "Are you alright miss? How long have you been in here?" a petite woman who seemed like she was part of the cleaning staff asked her as khushi took the support of the wall to move her legs around in order to get rid of the pins and needles she was currently experiencing

"Wh..?...what time is it?" she asked the woman who looked at her oddly before checking her watch "Its nearly 10 in the night...are you all right?" she asked her again as khushi shook her head "No...no, I'm not alright...I can't believe I fell asleep...I...I was locked...and then I heard him...and he...he loves me...and he wants to drink mint tea and...and my guava tree...I...I have to go...oh my God, I have to go now!" Khushi screamed as she went around and collected all her things

"I think you should sit down...you don't seem to be all right" the kind woman spoke, looking at Khushi with a mixture of worry and curiosity as she flitted around in a frenzy "I'm fine...really...and I can't thank you enough for letting me out of here...but I really have to go..." Khushi said with an huge smile as she gave a quick hug to the bewildered woman before making her way out

She ran all the way to the reception area, making all eyes turn towards her "Hi...can you tell me Arnav's...I mean, Mr Crispin Pike's room number please? I'm need to meet him immediately" she asked the man at receptionist as he looked at her suspiciously "Are you expected maam? We are told to keep his information confidential" he said as Khushi smiled and nodded "Oh, I'm expected all right!" she said as the man asked for her name

She waited impatiently as he dialed the number to Arnav's room...but the call kept going unanswered "I'm sorry maam, but no one's taking the call..." he said as khushi felt her heart sink, but the next second a huge smile lit her face as she suddenly remembered her own phone that held his personal number... "Its ok...I'll call him on his phone" she said confidently as she took out her phone only to find a blank screen...she tried to switch it on again but it seemed to be not working anymore, thanks for her thrashing it earlier

She bit her lips anxiously as she tried to restart it by taking the phone apart...but nothing seemed to work...she looked up pleadingly at the man, who seemed to be wary of her "Look maam...maybe he's asleep...why don't you come tomorrow and try again?" he told her as she nodded her head slowly "Is there no way you can take me to his room? He is expecting me..." she said in a broken voice as the man sighed

"I'm very sorry maam...but its against protocol...the best thing for you to do, is to come in tomorrow morning..." he said kindly, as khushi nodded and turned around to leave...she was not going to go anywhere...she would sit here all night long if she has to, but she will not leave until she finds her arnav and tells him how much she loves him too

With a determined bounce in her step, she made her way to the lobby area and sat down on the soft plush sofa...taking out her phone, she once again tried to fiddle with it, hoping it will miraculously start, when her ears picked up a conversation between two men sitting opposite her "I can't believe he pulled that stunt...I mean, canceling media interviews! Only I know how much I had to pacify them, not to print anything negative about him...otherwise they were ready to spew venom about his unprofessionalism" one of the men said with a huff as the other looked on and nodded

"I know, but i'm sure he had a genuine reason...being his publisher cum manager, I have known him since a long time now and he's anything but impulsive...he'll be back soon, don't worry and then we can talk to him and work around a new schedule with the media" the other man said as the first one nodded and got up to leave

Khushi widened her eyes as she realized they were probably speaking about the same man, she was dying to meet "Are you taking about Arnav?" she asked them as they looked up at her in amusement "Arnav? Oh, a fan I see!...already using his real name huh?...!" one of the men said as he looked at khushi with interest "Yes, we are talking about him...and if you are waiting to get a glimpse of him or an autograph, its best you go home like the other ladies...he ain't coming back anytime soon" the other guy said as khushi felt alarmed

"What do you mean? He left already?" she asked them as they got up to leave "Yep...for now he's not here...and please don't ask us when he'll be back...I'm sick and tired of everyone asking me that question, to which the answer is 'God only knows when!'" he said as they both left the lobby, making Khushi choke back tears as she tried to get up on wobbly feet

He's not even in the hotel...what should she do now? What if he doesn't return? No...he won't just leave like that...Where did he go? She thought as she walked out of the hotel and hailed a taxi to her house What if all the things that happened since morning were a sign for something? Maybe she should not meet him...he loves her so much and she...she threw it all away without giving him a chance...without giving themselves a chance' she thought as the taxi stopped in front of her building

She paid the taxi driver, as she got down and made her way inside her building...'maybe she should leave things to chance...No...maybe she should go back and wait at the hotel...arrgghh!She screamed in her head as she got into the lift...as the lift made its way to her floor, she made up her mind to call VK and ask for his number from her home phone...then she will call him again and again till he picks up, and if he doesn't then she'll go and wait for him at the hotel lobby...there was no way she was leaving anything to chance now...bas!

She opened the old lift door as it pinged on her floor and got out; turning back, she closed the inner grid and the outer door as the lift once again started its the odd humming sound, shrouding the entire floor in darkness...she realized that the landing lights were off since she had not come in all evening and her usually nosy neighbors too were on a holiday

Sighing, she switched on the lights before the sight in front of her eyes made her gasp out loud...her heart nearly fell out of her mouth as she gazed dumbfounded at the mirage in front of her...cause that's what it was...a mirage...was her mind finally giving up on her? Because there is no way in hell that Arnav Raizada...aka, Crispin Pike was sitting at her doorstep, with his head resting on his arms placed on his drawn up knees, deep asleep and snoring away to glory...no, it.just.wasn't.possible.

She walked towards him in a daze as she pinched herself to check if it was a dream, but ended up yelping loudly, waking up the man in front of her with a jolt... "Kh...khushi?" Arnav mumbled before slowly getting up from the floor...he stood up straight as khushi came closer to him and poked him on his chest, receiving a loud 'ouch' from him as she looked on in confusion and disbelief "It is you" she said as Arnav looked on warily at her before raising his eyebrows at her dazed state "Yes, its me...I.." he started saying, but did not get to finish his sentence as Khushi flung herself in his arms, taking him by surprise

To say he was shocked would be an understatement, because since the two hours that he had been here, waiting for her to show up and to question her as to why she had not come to see him at the hotel, a lot of different scenarios of his and khushi's reunion had played in his head..they included her slapping him and asking him to get lost, her ignoring him and walking past him into her apartment and the worst, seeing her hand in hand with some other guy and breaking his heart into a million pieces

But nothing...nothing had prepared him for the bone crushing hug that she had given him as she remained viced around his body, her hands holding onto his neck while her body was plastered to his...so it was a natural reaction for him to instantly pull her closer to himself and bury his head in her familiar fragrant hair, finally finding the peace he was so restless for, since such a long time

They stayed like that for quite some time as Arnav felt a shudder run through her body before he heard her soft ...she was crying... "Khushi? Sweetheart...what's wrong?" he asked her as she started crying in earnest while he held her tightly to himself, his hands rubbing her back gently as her tears wet his shirt "Please khushi...tell me..." he said as he tried to pull back to look at her, only for her to tighten her hold on him

"I'm s..such a...a horrrible person...I...I did...did'nt lissten to y...you...and...and...today was sso bad..." she sobbed as Arnav pulled her face closer and kissed her gently on her forehead... "Shh...Khushi...stop crying please...lets go inside ok..." he said as she nodded while looking for the keys in her bag...her fingers shook as she tried to open the door making Arnav hold her hand steady "Let me" he said as he took the keys from her and opened the door

He followed her inside the house as she quickly switched on the main lights which flooded the apartment in a gentle yellow glow... "This is a beautiful apartment" he said as his gaze swept over the tastefully done up interiors "Uh...my bua and I designed it...she's not here right now...she's um...on a holiday with her friends" she said as Arnav nodded and saw her fidgeting with the hem of her dress...she looked breathtakingly beautiful with her blushing cheeks and flushed skin

He wanted nothing more than to just grab her and kiss her senseless...but this was not the right time; Khushi looked too stricken for some reason and looking at her state, it was clear that she had been pretty disturbed and probably very tired too "Uh...why don't I sit here till you freshen up a bit?" he asked her as she smiled at him in gratitude... "The kitchen's over there...please get yourself something to drink till then" she told him as he nodded and watched her go to her bedroom quickly making him smile at the fact that she at least wasn't being formal with him

Once inside, Khushi literally tore off the clothes from her body and rushed into the shower...as the cool water soothed her frazzled nerves and calmed her heated body, she went over all the incidents that had happened throughout the day that had been so damn horrible...but now...now arnav was here...in her house...did he leave the interviews for her? Was he here all this time? She thought as she quickly dried herself off and got into her comfortable shorts and t-shirt

She wiped her long dark hair before leaving it to dry naturally as she contemplated puting on make-up, but then changed her mind and opted for a light lip-gloss only...smiling at herself in the mirror she gathered her thoughts before making her way back into the living room

At the same time arnav sat in the small cozy balcony sipping on a glass of juice while munching on a few biscuits he had found in the cookie jar...he had not realized how hungry he was till he had walked into the kitchen...he hadn't eaten anything since lunch time and had completely forgotten about food as he had taken the rash decision to cancel the interviews and come here instead...seeking answers from Khushi...why didn't she come? where was she all day? And why was she in that state?

"Arnav?" khushi spoke hesitantly as his gaze shifted behind him to see her standing shyly near the balcony door...he nearly stopped breathing at the alluring sight she made as she stood there in her simple clothes and soft smile...her gorgeous face completely bare of any makeup and her long damp hair swaying in the late evening breeze...she was nothing short of a seductress out to make him her slave...he saw her blush under his intense stare and quickly got up to make his way to her

"Have you eaten Khushi?" he asked her as she shook her head...he offered her the other glass of juice he had kept ready for her and smiled as she took it from his hands...his own hands trembling as her fingers made contact with them...she quickly gulped down the juice, keeping her eyes lowered as Arnav started at her with a deep longing...when she finally kept the empty glass down, he could not take it anymore and pulled her closer to his body...his hands holding her tiny waist possessively as Khushi gasped at the sudden action

"Now will you tell me why you were crying?" he asked her in his husky voice as she took a deep breath to calm herself before placing her hands on his chest and looking up into his eyes "I know its you...and I...I read what you said in the note" she said as Arnav smiled and leaned more towards her "So you did come? Or did you watch it in the news?" he asked her as she shook her head "I came...I was there the whole time...but..." she said as he closed his eyes and let his head fall forward as his nose dove into her wet tresses to inhale her intoxicating perfume

"I knew it...I felt it, you know...why didn't you come ahead? Were you afraid?" he asked her as he dropped tiny kisses on her exposed shoulder and collar bone as khushi forgot to breath "N...no...I was stuck...in the washroom..." she said as he abruptly stopped and pulled back to look at her face...he saw her pouting sweetly as his mouth lifted in a smile before he burst out laughing "You were stuck in the washroom?" he laughed as she looked at him in annoyance and anger and pushed him away from her

"Go ahead and laugh...you find it funny right? Do you know how broken I was that I was right there and I couldn't see you? Hear you but couldn't be with you?" she said as Arnav stopped laughing looking at the tiny tears that had formed in her eyes "Today was so horrible Arnav...everything went wrong from the time I left my house till the time I saw you outside it...only I know how I sat dejected in that Godforsaken place which separated you from me by a mere door...How I...how I wanted to tell you that..." she said as Arnav held his breath...he came ahead and ran his thumb below her eyes to wipe the tears that were threatening to fall over and kissed her forehead as she held onto his shoulders

"Tell me what Khushi? What did you want to tell me?" he asked her as she sniffed and spoke in a soft voice "That I...that I too want to drink mint teas with you and..." she said breathlessly as he continued kissing her on her face...he kissed her cheeks...her nose...her chin...and finally dropped a kiss near her lips as they trembled for his "and what?" he whispered over them as she wound her arms around his neck again "and I love you too.." she said as he smiled and kissed her gently on her lips...the kiss was so tender and full of love that her insides churned with excited flutters

"I love you so much Arnav...and I'm so sorry that I didn't believe you...please forgive me" she said in between kisses as Arnav felt his heart overwhelm with her confession "There is nothing to forgive khushi...and I know khushi...I always knew...I knew that my love wasn't one sided...you are the only woman I have ever loved and will ever love...thank you for giving us a second chance...thank you for giving me a second chance" he said as Khushi shook her head "No Arnav...thank you for waiting for me...I was so stupid arnav" she said as he chuckled and kissed her on her neck

"We both were...I should have come for you a long time ago...but I wanted to prove my love for you...you asked me for time Khushi and I did...but why did you take so long Khushi? These three months were unbearable without you in my life...the uncertainty...the need to see you and be with you...it was too much...don't ever put me through all that again" he said as she nodded and hugged him tightly

"I won't arnav...never again...but I did call you, only for your phone to be picked up by your fiancee" she said as Arnav looked up at her, his eyes questioning her "I know it was a misunderstanding...but at that time I felt that you were fed up with waiting for me...that you had given up and gone and gotten engaged to that Lavanya" she said as his eyes suddenly registered that she was talking about that fateful day

"That was you? Oh God Khushi...you had called me that day?...I'm going to kill Lavanya for calling herself my fiancee...there was nothing like that Khushi..." he started to explain as Khushi shook her head and placed a finger over his lips "You don't need to explain anything...I trust you Arnav...it took time, but I'm finally there...I just want you to trust me too...will you?" she asked him apprehensively as he smiled and held her face "Always..." he said as she giggled and kissed him "Now stop making me wait and give me my punishment Mr Pike..." she said saucily, as he laughed and took her lips in a heated kiss

She sighed in contentment, as she opened her mouth to welcome his gentle probing...tingles ran up her body as he threaded his fingers through her hair and pulled her closer...he angled her face to get a better reach into her mouth as his tongue intimately explored it...they reveled in their mingled taste as their bodies went up in flames, desire ran rampant through their blood as the need to get closer and bridge all gaps became too potent for them to even realize when other's hands pulled away the unwanted barriers between their heated bodies

They both moved slowly inside the house as they continued kissing, their breaths coming in short bursts as their longing for each other took precedence over ever sane thought they possessed...there was no hurry...yet the feverish desire to be together in all possible sense drove their actions as they stumbled onto the soft bed in Khushi's bedroom...their eyes spoke volumes about their love and need as Arnav yanked off the last remaining bit of scraps from her body...his hands worshipping her soft perfect breasts, as his mouth followed the same path

He watched in satisfaction as khushi arched into him...her moans getting louder as the unfulfilled desire built into a crescendo within her...she rubbed her thighs together as she felt arnav's hand seek her down there...her eyes flew open as she gazed into his darkened eyes, full of love and waiting for her permission...she pulled him closer to her with one hand for a drugging kiss as her other hand went to caress his hardened form over his boxers...she felt him shudder at her touch, giving her a sense of boldness that she had never felt before...she opened her legs for him as he kept kissing her...his lips trailing downwards "Oh...Arnav..." she moaned as he nearly came undone with her whispered words and the feel of her hands on him

He quickly pulled his boxers off as he settled between her legs, making her gasp at the feel of him over her heated centre...he groaned as she ran her fingers over his length making him throw his head back at the intense pleasure that coursed through his body "I won't be able to survive if you do that sweetheart..." he said as she wound her legs around his his waist, the anticipation of finally being one with him in the most primitive way spiraling intense sensation down to her core...she rubbed herself over him as she squirmed against him...demanding he end this torture

"We again don't have any protection Khushi..." Arnav said as Khushi threw daggers at him with her desire laden eyes "I don't care Arnav...please make love to me...I can't take it anymore" she said as he smiled and kissed her again...she kissed him back with all her love as he quickly slid inside her slick warmth in one deep thrust, making her moan out his name in abandon...the welcome relief of finally having him inside her was so satisfying that she hardly felt the brief pain before he filled her up completely

He watched her face for any signs of discomfort but was marveled at the serenity he saw instead...he felt her legs keeping him imprisoned inside her as she adjusted to his girth and the glorious feeling of having him deep within her folds...but then the damn burst open as they kissed wildly and temptously while their eager tongues mimicked the action down below...their bodies danced to the age old rhythm as their suppressed passions screamed for release

Khushi held on tightly to his body as her nails pierced his strong back...their wet slick bodies ground against each other as with a final thrust, an immense pleasure beyond anything they had ever imagined, gushed and spread clear to each and every part of their bodies...they held each other tightly as they traversed through the passionate ride together, their hearts beating in tandem as the amazing sensations lingered away, till their bodies fell in a deeply sated state, as they remained joined in a glorious aftermath

"Arnav?" Khushi asked him a few minutes later as they lay snuggled together in her warm bed, with arnavs hands caressing the smooth skin of her tiny waist "Hmm?" he asked her as he looked sideways to find her searching his face with her inquisitive eyes... "How did you find my address?" she asked him as he smirked and turned over to pull her beneath himself, his body instantly reacting to the soft feel of her perfect curves under him

"I called Smitha...actually I've been in touch with her since I left Coorg..." he said as Khushi gasped "You were?" she asked him as her body started warming up under his gaze as he continued to caress her everywhere with his hands "Of course...how else would I know about you? She was my little spy...apparently your mother speaks to her a lot about you...and I had to be sure that your parent's did not start looking for a boy for you or something.." he said as khushi smiled softly at him...her hands cupping his face as he leaned in closer towards her

"And why would that matter? If they looked for some boy for me? Didn't you once say that you are not the relationship type?" she asked him as he shook his head "I did...but that was then...now I can't think of being even a second away from you sweetheart...I'm not looking for just any relationship with you Khushi...I only want the most sacred of them...and even though I never believed in them, I believe in you...in us...and that's all there is to it...so I'll do the whole romantic proposal one of these days...but for now, just so we are clear...you will marry me Ms Gupta...there is no other choice" he said as he bent down and took her open mouth in a searing kiss, sending shivers all the way down to her toes

"Hmm...yes sir...I will" she said as she giggled and hugged him tight "but how will we manage everything arnav? I am here and you are there..." she said with a frown as Arnav smiled against her neck while leaving tiny kisses along it "We will figure everything out sweetheart...but right now, there is only one thing I need to figure out" he said as she looked up at him breathlessly "What?" she asked as he grinned before trailing his lips down her body...finally reaching his destination as khushi gasped in pleasure "How loud can you scream my name" he said as once again the tiny bedroom was filled with sounds of love...love of two people who finally found each other amidst the scrambled words 

...THE BEGINNING...