When I Met You! - Chapter Twenty

(Some mature content ahead)

Khushi could not believe she was doing this, she only wanted to give him the balm and run out of there, but the pained look on his face made her do it, somehow she could not bear to see him in so much pain, her heart lurched when she saw him wincing and holding his head. She quickly made up her mind and led him to the chair, she knew it surprised both of them but they could surely keep the civility away for a few minutes as she helped him out.

She took some balm out of the bottle and applied it on his forehead, her hands shook as they touched his heated face, she had given tons of head massages to buaji before and some to lavanya as well but doing the same thing on arnav was proving to be very difficult when all she could think of was to grab him and kiss him crazy. She tilted his head back and saw his eyes boring into hers; she quickly averted her eyes as he closed his and relaxed

Arnav groaned inwardly as he felt her soft fingers lightly touch his throbbing forehead, he closed his eyes and relaxed in his chair as she started applying some balm whilst softly kneading his temples, she applied the right amount of pressure while massaging his aching head and stroked her fingers from his nose to the top of his eyebrows. He started feeling much better after a few minutes of massage. He felt a feeling of bliss settle on him as her fingers worked their magic.

She saw arnav completely relax and lay back in his chair, the worry lines were now smoothened and he seemed to enjoy the head massage, she swallowed hard as she saw him sigh when she pressed her palms around the side of his head to relieve him of any lingering pain. She heard him moan as she rubbed her fingers slowly down the side of his head, his nose and lastly his eyes. After about 15 minutes of kneading, stroking and rubbing she stopped and wiped her hands clean of the balm.

She thought that probably arnav fell asleep since he was breathing quite deeply, she picked up her phone from the side table and was just about to turn when she heard him speak behind her "Khushi, can you please also massage my neck? My head feels better but the pain in my neck has increased" arnav smirked inwardly as he saw her standing stiff, he had felt such a loss when she had stopped the massage, there was no way he was going to deprive himself of her touch, its probably all he'll get for now.

Khushi pursed her lips as she saw him drop his head down, and hold the back of his neck. 'What the hell have you gotten yourself into Khushi!, this is what to get for being a bloody modern day florence nightingale!' she sighed and kept her phone back on the table and took the balm bottle in her hands "No, don't use balm...it will burn my skin, its already too sensitive. Can you use some kind of oil? It will help" arnav said stopping her hands midway.

He saw as khushi muttered something like 'yes my lord' and went inside to bring a bottle of almond oil, he smiled contently as she left but quickly resumed his pained face when she returned a minute later "I guess almond oil will do, I don't have any other with me. But I can ask anji if you want" she said with concern, she genuinely thought that his neck was hurting very bad.

Arnav nodded his head and gave her a thumbs up. He once again dropped his head as he anticipated her delicate hands on his skin once again, he went hard just imagining what it would be like when he got to massage her, he groaned as the images got very vivid 'Control arnav!' he reminded himself as she once again positioned herself behind him.

Khushi took some oil in her palms and rubbed them together before slowly lowering them to arnavs neck; she started rubbing her hands along it while she worked out the tense muscles on the side of neck, she heard him moan as her hands glided across the hard column and into the hair at the back of his head, she suddenly felt herself get all hot and bothered as her hands started a journey of their own, into his hair and down his neck, she slowly trailed her hands a little bit away from his neck and along the muscled upper part of his shoulders below his robe, she closed her eyes as she started kneading his shoulders with slight pressure gradually increasing it.

Arnav loosened his robe and let it slide over the upper part of his body as khushi's hands continued their erotic path over his shoulders, he assured himself that he was only helping her get a better hold by loosening his robe, but in reality he could not get enough of her roaming hands; all he wanted to do was grab her by the waist and bring her down on his lap, his hands were itching to explore her delicious body, but he had to control it, he was eagerly waiting to see what khushi did next and she definitely did not disappoint him

Khushi was so lost in massaging arnav's neck and shoulders that she did not realize when her hands started their decent towards his back and chest, she slid her oil slicked hands to the front of his chest, massaging the front column of his neck, his collar bone and finally his hard as rock pecks, she then retreated her hands and ran them over his rippling back increasing the pressure as she repeated the motion, her breathing had become labored as her body started responding fiercely to him, she sighed and whimpered as she felt heat pooling between her legs.

Arnav groaned as he felt her hands kneading his back and then his chest, he held onto the arms of his chair when she leaned in and slid her hands over his pecs, he was completely aroused when her fingers gently brushed his nipple while her soft breasts pressed against the back of his head, she continued this motion for quite some time testing arnav's control to the core. When he heard her hard breathing and sigh he knew she was as affected as him, without any pre-warning he turned around and pulled her hard towards him, she fell perfectly in his lap with the sudden impact.

Khushi was too turned on to complain when arnav pulled her harshly, she was too gone to say anything as she found herself sitting on his lap, she was too mesmerized by his lips to protest when he pulled her further towards him holding her prisoner between his legs, she was too aware of his arousal and her need to think before his lips crushed hers in a possessive hungry kiss.

Arnav felt like all his prayers had been answered when he found khushi's lips as eager as his to devour each other, she slid her tongue into his waiting mouth and fought with his for dominance, if it was possessive kiss from him while it was pure hunger from her. He sucked on her plump bottom lip nipping it between his teeth, his one hand in her luxuriant hair while the other pressed her aching breasts urgently. This was no time to be gentle with each other, they both were starved beyond reason and nothing could stop this madness which had enveloped them.

Khushi moaned loudly as her breasts were pressed and her nipples rolled between arnavs expert hands, she guided his hands underneath her top so that she could feel his touch on her bare skin. He did not need any more encouragement as he lifted her top and splayed his hands over her lace encased breasts. He started sucking on one taut tip through the bra while his hands fumbled with the hook, he kissed his way up towards her neck as she held him tight, winding her fingers in his hair, oh how she had missed this she thought.

Finally when her bra was undone, arnav pulled her closer to him joining their chests together, she rubbed her breasts against his hard rough skin as he trailed his tongue over her neck, he once again took her mouth in a crazed kiss while her hands travelled inside his robe to touch his throbbing arousal, he hissed with pleasure as khushi increased her pressure on him, he was just about to settle her in a better position above him when they both froze.

...

"Maaji, lets go..we are getting very late. Just because we are raizada's they won't keep waiting for us at the clinic you know" maya raizada's voice came from right behind them. Khushi looked with shock stricken eyes at arnav who had gone completely still at his mothers voice. They both realized at the same time that the only thing separating them and maya was a glass door which was obviously unlocked and a thin curtain behind it.

Khushi got up with super speed and wore her bra and t-shirt quickly, she pulled arnav up from his sitting position and tied his robe around him tightly, he was obviously still in a daze; she ran a hurried hand through her hair before doing the same for arnav. Then she took a deep breath and waited; either of the two would happen, maya would walk into the balcony which would be fine because both of them looked presentable now or she and arnav would be once again left in an awkward position cooking up reasons for their obvious attraction. The second happened.

Khushi let out a sigh of relief as she heard maya's retreating steps, she looked down into the empty garden and it hit her hard that today they could have been caught very easily, either by someone who could have maybe seen them from the far end of the garden or arnav's mother, who she had started loving and respecting a lot. She turned towards arnav who was looking at her with an odd look. She turned to leave when his voice stopped her once again.

"If that's the kind of head massage you give, I wish I have headaches everyday khushi" he said huskily. She turned towards him with an angry look "You think this was funny arnav? I know that we are both very much attracted to each other, that is something neither of us can deny...and whenever we are together we tend to not think of anything and anyone! It happens all the time..someone or the other is bound to find us like this...this...in a complicated...compromising position...it can be HP, Anjali or your own mother!" khushi said breathing hard.

"Relax khushi, why are you getting so worked up! I too cannot deny the attraction between us, and its difficult to control, especially today..but so what if anyone finds us! Its not like what we are doing is wrong in their eyes..we are engaged to be married right, so its perfectly natural" arnav said with a grin, he started walking towards her but was surprised to see khushi backing away. He stopped a few feet away from her as she said in a clipped tone "Its perfectly natural? Really arnav? Is that what you think? What is perfect or natural in this situation? We are not engaged arnav, not in the true sense at least" she said sadly, all the anger leaving her face.

Arnav looked at her sad face and felt his heart beat accelerate, was it possible that she was upset about their arrangement, he had to ask her "Khushi, what are you trying to say, please explain to me?" khushi looked up at him with teary eyes "If I have to spell it out to you and explain...then what the hell am I even doing here! Just forget it arnav, we only have a few more days left...lets try and keep away from each other ok? Its best for both of us..and do let me know the next part of your plan, I don't think I can keep this up anymore!" she turned on her heel and ran out though she could hear arnav calling her name. She had to get away from him!

...

"Dammit!" arnav said as he hit his hand on the balcony railing. 'Why does it always happen! What does she want? On one hand he knows she has strong feelings for him, the way she cares for him and looks at him, the way her body responds to his and the way she trembles when he is near her, thats not just lust...there's more to it, but then on the other hand she always reminds him of their fake engagement, the fact that all this will end soon, what the hell is he supposed to think! 'Women'! No..not all women...only Khushi!

'Fine' he thought, if she wanted to stay away from him, he will. He'll do exactly as she wanted, but he knew that she would not be able to hold on to her words for long. He had to find out what she wanted, because he sure as hell wanted a lot more. He wasn't going to let her go off so easily, there was no way he was going to break up this act till he was not 100% sure of her feelings. If she truly did not want to be with him then he will let her go but if there was any hope for them to be together, Arnav singh raizada will make sure that nothing in this universe separated them!

...

Anjali sat at the cafe waiting for him, they had decided to meet up for a quick coffee before anjali got back home for dinner. She sat tapping her feet listening to her favorite song on her iPhone when suddenly she felt strong hands on her eyes and husky voice whisper in her ears "Hows my baby been?" she turned around to meet smiling eyes of her boyfriend. She got up and hugged him tight before giving him a quick chaste kiss on his lips. She sat down holding his hands as he slid in next to her and held her other hand pulling her softly against him.

"I missed you baby, i'm so sorry for that silly argument we had. I should never had asked you for that photo. I hope you have forgiven me?" he asked in a sweet voice, anjali gave him a huge smile and hugged him sideways as she ran a hand through his longish locks "Off course baby, I know why you asked for the photos. And i'm sorry I could not send any to you" she said snuggling up to him, she felt his body stiffen as he asked her "What do you mean you know why I asked for them? I was just curious you know" he said in a nervous voice.

"Oh ho! Now don't pretend ok? I know how much you wanted to be part of my family's celebration, its sad that bhai did not call you when so many of his industry people were there. But I guess the old rivalry will only end once we get married. I know that the photo would have made you feel like you belonged. But don't worry baby, once we get married all this will be yours, my family, their love, their respect. Everything. All the old painful past will be forgotten. I just know it."

He saw as anjali closed her eyes and put her head on his shoulders, he had her exactly where he wanted her. He squeezed her petite soft body more closer to him and grinned at his genius. This was Shyam Manohar Jha's time..and no one could stop him.

...

"Khushi beta, arnav said that you are a fashion designer? Is that true?" mamaji asked khushi while she sipped her soup, the pungent thai soup nearly went down the wrong pipe as she coughed in surprise and dread 'Why the hell had arnav told him that?' She drank some water to calm her nerves and answered him "Yes mamaji, I just graduated." maya quickly looked up at khushi and said in an excited voice "Oh yes! I always forgot to ask you what you did beta, this is so good. You should join our company then, I am sure arnav can open a whole new line for you to design! Right chotey?" maya looked expectantly at arnav.

Arnav who was amused by the whole exchange smiled cheerfully at his mother "Off course ma, khushi just needs to demand, it will be lovely working with her..anyways I can't stay away from her for too long" he said in a saccharine sweet voice. Khushi wanted to bludger him right then and there! What was the meaning of this, she had just told him that they needed to stay away from each other, and here his mad family was trying to throw her in the lions den. She smiled sweetly at him before responding "Oh, no..that won't be necessary. Plus I want to get ahead on my own merit. I would like to start my own thing ma" she said looking at maya.

Arnav saw as maya beamed at her, she nodded her head and agreed to khushi's dream of making it on her own, she always respected people who were ambitious and had the will to come up in life on their own. They all resumed eating while arnav simpered at khushi's rebuke, 'so thats how shes going to play huh? He was just thinking of how to keep her close when his brilliant mamaji said the magic words.

"Khushi, since you won't work with us..you would really benefit from getting some experience you know. It will be great if you would attend the upcoming ethnic fashion show we have kept in Neemrana fort palace in Jaipur. It will showcase all the new young talent which our company has gathered plus the fabrics used are bought from third world countries through fair-trade. It will be a huge opportunity for you to meet and interact with all the new and old designers and get a first hand experience, plus its only a 2 day event" mamaji said in an excited voice.

Khushi felt elated at the prospect, she was a firm believer in fair-trade and such an experience would be amazing for her. She nodded her head enthusiastically and nearly jumped out of her chair in her excitement "Oh that would be so wonderful mamaji, when does it start? I mean if its ok with all of you..i'd like to attend this" she turned towards arnav and said in a mock sad voice "I know i'll be gone for two days, but arnav this would be an amazing opportunity for me. I hope its ok?" she asked looked triumphantly at arnav, 'hah! She finally had him, two days of bliss away from Mr raizada' she thought merrily.

Mamaji smirked inwardly as he saw his nephew hide his smile and khushi discussing her plans with an equally excited anjali, everyone had given their consent to her going 'Oh his plan was falling right in place...both did not know what he had planned for them over there, he looked at khushi and waited till she calmed down enough before breaking her bubble "Oh beta, why would arnav have any problem. Plus I would never have suggested you go alone, new place...and you don't know anyone, Arnav will obviously be with you for the trip. After all this is his brainchild" mamaji looked on as khushi smile faded into a horrified look. 'Ooh this is going to be helluva lot fun!' mamaji thought before going back to sipping his soup happily.

When I Met You! - Chapter Nineteen

"Arrgghh" arnav woke up with a banging headache, he looked around and grabbed the jug of water beside his bed, he chugged down the entire jug and laid back in his bed, kneading his fingers on his throbbing forehead. 'Damn' he thought, he had never felt like this since his university days, this was one hell of a hangover. He got up and sat on the edge of his bed, his eyes tried to focus on the wall in front of him as he tried remembering what exactly happened last night. Then it hit him!

He looked at his hand and found the band glinting in the afternoon sunlight, he held his hand up and started at the ring on his finger, 'Khushi's ring' he thought. He felt extremely guilty that he left her all alone with his family while he went on a drinking rampage, but then everyone must have thought that he was too happy so did not question his drinking, in fact even Dadi did not complain, everyone seemed to be in high spirits last night.

He remembered khushi from last night, she looked perfect; that dress, her smiling face..her lilting laughter, if only all this was real he thought with regret; he got up to have a quick shower, he needed to eat so that his headache would decrease. He had just reached his bathroom when he heard a knock on his door, he turned around and opened the door to find a fresh looking khushi standing with a tray in her hands, she was smiling but somehow the smile did not reach her eyes. He held the door open so that she could come in.

"How are you feeling arnav? I got you the perfect hangover drink. Just drink it all in one go and you'll feel much better" khushi said as she kept the tray on his table and held the glass of vicious looking brown liquid. Arnav looked at her warily but did as she told him, anything to get rid of the headache. He gagged as the pungent liquid went down his burning throat. His eyes were watering as he finished drinking it, he looked up to see her now holding a pill and some water up to him.

"Now take this pill, it will help with the headache" she said cheerfully before picking up with tray and making a move to leave. Arnav's headache had increased tenfold now looking at her behavior, he felt irritated that she was pretending like nothing had happened last night, he quickly caught her wrist as she reached his door and turned her around to face him "What the hell khushi, why are you acting as if it's all hunky-dory! What's wrong with you dammit!" arnav said loudly making khushi jump at his voice.

He watched as Khushi narrowed her eyes and pulled her hand out of his grasp, she looked livid as her eyes seemed to spew fire at him, she closed the door before speaking to him in a chilling voice "Excuse me Mr Raizada, you seemed to have amnesia! Wasn't it you who said to me last night that we need to keep up pretenses, oh and that i'm a very good actress! So how dare you question me on my behavior when your behavior last night was unacceptable! Do you know how humiliated you made me feel all night! I know that all this is fake for you, but you should have at least thought about what your family would think!"

Arnav looked at her with a shocked face, he had never seen her this angry before, but at least she was reacting, he watched her open the door and step out before once again looking at him with furious eyes "Lunch in 10 minutes, and you better have a good explanation for your incessant drinking and frolicking, everyone is very upset about it" she banged the door as she hurried down the stairs, her eyes were welling with unshed tears as she tried to gain control over her emotions, What an ass!' she thought cursing arnav singh raizada to hell!

Arnav stared at the closed door which was shut on his face as khushi stormed out, he was still trying to work out why she was acting as if he was the one who asked her to fake it, wasn't it she who had suggested that they remain civil and end this charade as soon as it neared its expiry date of one month! He ran a frustrated hand through his hair as he walked angrily to the bathroom, as he stripped himself of his clothes, something she said kept playing in his head, she had said "I know that all this is fake for you" why did she emphasize on him so much, why not her too? After all it was she who wanted to end this..

...

Khushi sat silently stabbing her fruit salad as arnav walked in half an hour later, he looked a state with bloodshot eyes and a pained look on his face, her heart leapt looking at him, she wished she could do something to ease the pain, but held her ground after their talk, no fight earlier, why should she be the nice one and the one who always gives in! and anyways he deserved that headache for his behavior last night, no one was happy with the way he acted and all were waiting for him to wake up and explain his actions.

Arnav looked at the five faces staring at him, all had various looks from anger to irritation on them, he took his seat at the table and picked up the roti's and chicken curry, he was starving like anything!, as he bit into his first bite of the succulent chicken maya spoke in a very controlled voice "Arnav, what was the meaning of last night?" he stopped chewing as he looked at his mother's angry face "What!? I just drank..What's wrong with that? Plus I was happy that I'm engaged officially to my sweetheart" he looked at khushi and gave her a smirk.

Maya got up suddenly said loudly "Well if you were so happy about your engagement why the hell were you dancing and sticking to Mr Mishra's daughter? That too when khushi was standing right there? Do you know how embarrassing it was for us! And your'e saying its nothing! I thought I had brought you up better than this arnav. All of us are extremely disappointed with this act of yours!" khushi quickly put her hand on top of maya's and said in a light voice "Ma, its fine..arnav was drunk and these things happen, please don't worry about this. Plus we spoke to each other last night and arnav has already apologized to me.

Maya sat back and calmed down after khushi's words, she looked at her fondly "I know beta, but I just wanted arnav to accept that he acted wrongly yesterday. I know how much you both love each other, God forbid if anything or anyone comes in between you two. I am glad he apologized to you" she kissed khushi on her forehead as she got up from her chair. Slowly one by one everyone got up and left leaving only arnav and mamaji behind, nearly all failed to see the shocked expression on arnav's face, even khushi had ignored him after maya's outburst.

...

Mahendra smiled inwardly looking at arnav's face, he was 100% sure that arnav had no idea what he did the night before, he felt pity for the boy, he came and sat beside him as arnav turned towards him "Mamaji, please tell me what ever ma said was a lie, how can I not remember doing any of those things! I actually danced with her?! What the! Why would I do that?!" arnav looked at him with a flabbergasted expression on his face, he slunk down in his chair as mamaji nodded his head.

"Yes, it is all true. First of all you just disappeared after the ring ceremony, I tried your phone so many time but you never picked up. When I went around looking for you I found you in your room with a bottle of scotch nearly empty. I made you drink a whole lot of water and brought you down. Everyone was very upset already, especially Khushi, then when you started taking to anamika mishra, things got quite awkward" mamaji took a pregnant pause as he observed arnav's face.

"You danced with her for a while, quite closely before collapsing on the bar after God only knows how many drinks. I had to help you out with rahul and bring you to your room. Well, then you know the rest." He sighed as he continued "It was odd arnav, I know that all this is pretend but it became extremely embarrassing for khushi. But then even she knows that all this will end soon. Poor girl..she seemed to be really getting on well with everyone" he sighed as he continued looking at arnav from the corner of his eye "She did seem sad last night, but then Raghav was wonderful company for her..they seemed to really hit it off!"

Arnav's ears suddenly perked up when he heard another man's name with khushi "What the! Who the hell is Raghav?" mamaji smirked as he had expected this reaction from him "Well, Raghav is Mr Shetty's son..you know the owner of Astro pharma? After you went, khushi seemed very lost, so Raghav struck up a conversation with her, in fact they were nearly inseparable. I also heard Mrs Shetty saying that she wished she had found khushi for her son before you did!" mamaji gave a dramatic sigh as he continued his assault on arnav's nerves "Anyways I guess Khushi is free to pursue any guy after this fake engagement is broken right? And I think Raghav might be the perfect man for her"

Arnav could feel steam coming out of his ears as he heard mamaji rant on about how perfect khushi and that Ass-tro pharma guy were, he had met Raghav shetty couple of times and one could make out he was a sweet charmer for sure..no wonder khushi fell for his talks, he looked at mahendra with angry eyes "How dare she talk to other guys when it was our engagement! How can she be this callous!" mamaji raised his eyebrows at his nephew, he was a total goner! "Arnav, stop being such a pig! She only spoke to the guy..you were all over that girl! So why is she to blame? Plus why does it bother you so much. Its all going to end soon anyways"

Arnav saw as mahendra got up , his words ringing in his ears. He kept looking at his ring finger twisting the ring around it, he hated the fact that someone else was already eyeing khushi, he hated the fact that some other mother was already vying for khushi to become her daughter-in-law. He closed his eyes to blank out the searing pain that had taken permanent residence in his heart. He opened his eyes when mamaii's question came out of the blue

"What are khushi's qualifications by the way? I never asked.." Arnav blinked once before answering robotically "She a fashion designer…you remember that intern I told you about? The one with the chikankari dress? That's her. Please don't ask me anything on that, I'll explain it some other time" arnav said and closed his eyes once again pressing his fingers to his temple, his headache has worsened since morning. Mahendra left him in that state with an amusing look on his face 'So shes a designer..That too a good one. Interesting' He smiled as he walked back to his room, already planning his next move. The first one had hit right on target.

...

"So bhabhi, I hope you are not upset still about last night? Bhai can be such an ass sometimes!" anjali said as she munched on some chips, khushi was lying on her tummy and resting on anjali's bed. They were both watching Casablanca while stuffing their faces with junk, khushi because she was upset about arnav's behaviors and anjali because of her fight with her boyfriend. Khushi turned on her side and looked at anjali with a smile "nope, like I said we worked it out. He just gets like that sometimes..guess he was too happy huh?"

Anjali slumped down on the bed next to khushi "yeah, he really was very happy..and why wouldn't he be bhabhi! Your'e the best thing that has happened to bhai..ever! trust me when I say, bhai has really changed since you came into his life. I completely agree with what ma said last night, you guys are soulmates!" khushi smiled sadly as she went back to thinking about last night, she was still very upset and hurt when she saw the way arnav was holding that mishra girl. More than embarrassment khushi was extremely jealous. Her hands were itching to go and pull that girls hair off her scalp!

Only she knew how she had remained calm and composed when that s**t was all over arnav. She wondered when he would want to break up now, since their one month was coming to an end in 10 days. She started thinking of all the ways in which he might break-up, maybe he will make her look like an infidel saying that she was having an affair with someone, 'No' she thought, he won't be that cruel. She was feeling very lonely today, she got up to go and call buaji, it had been a while since she spoke to her.

...

Arnav was standing in the pool since the last half an hour, he came there a while ago to work out this tense muscle and his raging headache which had still not decreased, in fact he felt like his head would burst out any minute. He held on tightly to the slippery edge as he recounted all that mamaji had told him, to say he felt horrible and guilty was an understatement. He should never have drunk that much. He just did not know how he would face Khushi now; to make matters worse she actually stood up for him and lied to his mother. He had definitely not apologized to her, but he knew he had to soon. He could not go on with knowing that he had put her through such embarrassment.

He was still trying to remember what he did last night and the last thing he remembered was leaving the party and going up to his room, he could not bear standing in front of her and not touching her, not being able to hold her and kiss her. All he wanted to do was haul her up on his shoulders and take her away; 'but she pulled away'. He closed his eyes and sighed before coming out of the pool. He put on his robe and walked out of the pool area. He was just walking past the balcony when he heard khushi's voice coming from there. He went towards the door, it was now or never. He had to apologize.

...

"I miss you too buaji, don't worry i'll be back soon ok. Tell La I miss her too. I'll probably call her later. Love you, muah!" khushi smiled as she ended the call. She had felt miles better after talking to buaji. She twirled around with her eyes cast down and bumped straight into a solid hard chest. He held her wrist to steady her as she looked up in his smoldering eyes, hers startled to find him there "Arnav, what are you doing here?" she said getting all flustered. She gulped when she saw that all he was wearing was a robe, a robe which was moulding the hard panes of his body quite well.

She realized her hands were lying on his chest; she quickly moved them away and stepped back from him. He had an odd expression in his eyes as he regarded her with curious eyes "Who is buaji? And La? Who are they? Are they your family?" he asked her. Khushi's face turned red, how much had he heard she thought "Yes, they are my family. And why were your eavesdropping? This was personal call" she said getting irritated that he was listening to her conversation.

Arnav relaxed when she confirmed that it was her family she was talking to, for a minute he thought she was speaking to someone else. He squared his shoulders as he answered "First of all I was not eavesdropping. I came here to say something and I just happened to overhear you speak, plus you had already finished your call. So don't accuse me of something that I have not done!" khushi looked at him with amused eyes as spoke, what did he want to say she thought...her heart leapt at the possibility, it could be anything from 'Lets break-up' to 'Lets give us a chance' she looked up expectantly at him as he fidgeted with his robe belt.

Arnav did not know how to say it, he knew it was the right thing to do; he had put her through a lot and she deserved an apology from him, he looked up at her to find her watching him with a funny look "What?" he asked in a gruff voice, "Nothing...are you going to tell me or what? Wait, did you come to apologize? Cause its fine..i forgive you" khushi said with a bright smile. Arnav could not believe the gall of this girl! 'There was no way he would apologize now, his ego was hurt.

He gave her a tight smile and said in a clipped voice "No, I do not apologize alright? I never told you to speak on my behalf to my mother, plus what ever happened last night was because I got drunk, I just cant handle alcohol, and why are you complaining? You got to spend good quality time with Mr Ass-rock!" khushi looked at him completely bewildered, what the hell was he talking about. She shook her head and thinned her lips "Well, what more can I expect from you! And I have no idea what the hell your'e on about, so please can you tell me what you came for so that I can leave?"

Arnav racked his brain for a good comeback, what the hell was he going to say now? He looked at her amused face and said the first thing which came to his mind "I needed balm..my head hurts, yes I need balm...can you look for some? I can't seem to find anyone in the house" he saw as khushi's eyes took on a sympathetic look, she nodded her head and went towards her room, she returned with a bottle and took his hand. He was surprised to find her pulling him towards the easy chair in the outside balcony. She made him sit and opened the bottle of balm, before arnav could say anything, he heard her soft voice "Let me, i'll do it"

When I Met You! - Chapter Eighteen

Arnav stood ramrod still, her words kept reverberating around the room as he steadied himself to not react; to say he was shocked to hear those words was an understatement. He felt frustrated.. because on one hand he wanted to take her in his arms and tell her that they should forget whatever happened and start anew, he was not angry that she lied about her being katarina, at least she was honest enough to admit that she did it for the money, but then on the other hand he was now completely unsure of what she felt for him.

Things were getting way confusing for him and Arnav Singh Raizada did not like confuse, he could not believe that just this morning he was thinking that maybe there was something more solid to this fake relationship, he had finally come out of his shell and was ready to explore what lay before them, he had wanted khushi in his life because he could not imagine a life without her sunny smile, her thrilling touch and her lilting laughter, he felt he could not survive...

He still felt the same things for her, and he realized that it had actually not mattered to him that she was an escort, what mattered to him was khushi herself, her place in his life...and the fact that she had permanently etched a place in his cold heart. He felt tears sting his eyes as her words kept repeating in his head "you plan to break this up soon so you only have to bear me for a few days more", did he want to break it? Did she?

He knew she was expecting some sort of response from him, and whatever he had thought of saying few minutes ago, went completely out of the window. Arnav squared his shoulders as his eyes took on a hard and cold gleam, he looked her straight in the eye and spoke to her in an emotionless voice "Fine, whatever you did, can't be taken back. I needed someone to act as my fiancee and you did that, quite well i must say! What a great actress you are!" he clapped sarcastically as his eyes bore into her.

Khushi flinched as she heard his cold harsh voice, she was surprised with his change of attitude when just a minute ago he seemed guilty enough to accuse her of being a spy; she had thought that he would be terribly angry but understand her predicament, the arnav she had come to know since the last few days seemed to have vanished, she looked with foreboding as his words cut through her already bleeding heart, a heart which held him very close. She turned her face away from him as he continued.

"So now, since you cannot pay me back, and since there are close to 200 people waiting for us downstairs, we can continue with this 'act' of ours and as you said, be 'civil'! to each other." arnav started walking to the door, he needed to get away from her otherwise he would break down in front of her, he looked at her back one last time and said in that same emotionless voice "Don't worry, since its so difficult for you to bear this, i'll plan our break-up soon, just like we planned. I'll see you downstairs" he swiftly closed her door shut before walking briskly towards the balcony, into the cool air.

...

As soon as arnav left the room, khushi slumped down on the carpeted floor, suddenly exhausted. She rested her head on the bed as silent tears rolled down her smooth cheeks, she closed her eyes shut to clear them of the treacherous tears and wiped her cheeks of the dampness, she had said what was right. Arnav deserved to know the truth about her, she wanted to see how he would react to it and how they could get past it, because she wanted more from him...much more.

She knew that their relationship had found a depth in the last few days and maybe if things were different they would have been getting engaged for real, 'Dream on Khushi!' she thought to herself, big tycoons like Aranav did not care about escorts, and even though she was not one, it would have probably been better if she was, at least she could have consoled her heart. She had really thought that when he comes to know about her truth, he would have seen her in a different light, maybe more than a fake fiancee?

But she had been wrong, when he did come to know the truth he had accused her of being a spy, the fact that they had shared such intimacy had not mattered to him. She was just another figure in his vast rich life, used and discarded. But she was not accusing him and she had no right being angry with him since he had been clear from day one what all this was, it was supposed to end bitterly and that too mutually, so why did she deceive herself, why did she let her heart rule her senses. Why? She thought sadly.

She got up slowly and went to the bathroom to fix her makeup, anjali or maya would be up anytime to take her down, she had to fix her make-up and plaster on her fake smile, which was something she had not done in a long time. Somehow she had imagined herself amongst these wonderful people, a part of their family. Oh how delusional she had been. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom as her room door opened and Anjali walked in.

Khushi was worried to see a dejected looking anjali, did arnav tell her about them? she thought as she neared anjali and stood right in front of her, she lifted her chin up and peered in her sad eyes "Anji, whats wrong...did arnav..uh...say something?" she watched as anjali's looked up suddenly and gave khushi a small smile.

"No bhabhi, its nothing I just had a fight with my guy..you know the one i told you about?" anjali said adjusting khushi's dupatta over her shoulders. Khushi gently held her wrists and looked at her with concern "What happened anji? Did he say something? You know i think you should tell you brother about this guy" khushi watched a horrified expression cross anjali's cute face.

"No way bhabhi! Bhai will first kill him and then lock me forever! Anyway it's not that big a deal..see my boyfriend wanted me to click an engagement pic and send it to him, he said since he was not invited i should at least send him a pic of you and bhai" anjali said as she sighed and started twirling khushi around to check for any creases in her dress.

Khushi felt odd about that request and for a moment forgot about her and arnav's situation, giving full thought to anjali's problem, why was this guy insisting on their engagement photo? That too so much so that he had a fight over it, a fight that it made anjali so upset?

"Why were you not giving the photo by the way anji? He is your boy friend right?" She asked anjali casually. Anjali giggled as she answered "Cause bhai has asked all of us to keep this totally secret, even guests are not allowed to bring in cameras and have been told to refrain from taking any photos on their phones, bhai has absolutely forbidden it "

Khushi gave a small smile to anjali, touched by arnav's gesture. She knew he had done this for her, and she was grateful for it but anjali's next words struck her odd "Plus he is kind of my bhai's competitor..so even though i love him...i'll never betray my brother..na ah!" anjali said as she now looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting her own jewelry before holding khushi by the hands and dragging her towards the door

"C'mon bhabhi, ma will kill me! I was supposed to bring you down ages ago! Lets go...everyone's waiting for the ring ceremony. All other rituals must be over by now" anjali said as she dragged khushi out of her room. Khushi stepped out gingerly and walked behind anjali holding her heavy lehenga, she glanced down from the upper floor towards the living room and her eyes immediately went to a dark brooding figure of arnav, like fate planned it, he looked up at the exact same moment and their eyes locked.

...

"Oh my God, you look so beautiful khushi beta" Maya gushed as khushi came and stood next to arnav, who had somehow gotten very busy on his phone. Khushi looked sideways to try and catch his eye, but he had more or less turned completely away from her and was busy texting and talking to mamaji about some work deal. She found herself getting royally pissed off by his behavior. What if someone caught their awkwardness? It was their engagement for God sakes!

She was relieved when dadiji and maya took her around to introduce her to the guests, at first it all seemed very odd and uncomfortable since it was just a pretend engagement for her but then she started enjoying herself mingling with the people, most of them were family and close friends and khushi was surprised to find almost all of them very agreeable and not at all stuck up. Even arnav's friends from the other day had come and she was just catching up with girls when maya came to take her for the ceremony.

...

Arnav tried to look everywhere but at her, but it was too difficult for him. She was the life of the party, her laughs resounded around the room, everyone seemed to love her and many of his guy cousins and friends kept giving her admiring looks; if only he had a machine gun. He watched her discreetly as she chatted with all the guests and seemed to genuinely enjoy herself. But he knew better than that, all this was just an act for her. He quickly took a glass of scotch from a passing waiter and gulped in one go, he had to have more than that if he was to get through this day.

He had just about to gulp down his thrid scotch when his mamaji snatched the glass away from him, "Arnav what is wrong with you? You should not be drinking right now. And why are you brooding here? You need to mingle with your family and friends, they are here for your engagement. At least have the decency to say a quick hello to the people" mamaji scolded him as if he was a two year old.

Arnav looked pissed, "Why shouldn't i drink huh? This is my engagement party right? And i am getting engaged to the woman of my dreams so why shouldn't i celebrate mamaji? Plus when have i ever been the one to say a 'quick hello'! Khushi is the actress here, let her charm everyone like she always does and then let her make them fall in love with her, like she always does oh and then let her crush their heart, like she always does!! arnav said quite audibly, but luckily no one seemed to catch it. He gave one more hard look towards her and walked away.

Mahendra was shocked to see arnav's behavior, he knew that khushi was acting as his fake fiancee but over the last few days he had seen a change in Arnav, he seemed more gentler more like his old self when he was with her. Mahendra knew that arnav harbored strong feelings for khushi and she did too, but he never knew that his nephew had gone and fallen head over heels in love with her. And as his typical behavioral pattern went , he was now denying it.

Mahendra could make out that something was not right here, they both seemed distant and he could feel the tension between them. But whatever it was, both seemed very stubborn to rationally think and work it out. He knew that arnav planned on breaking up with her soon as he had told him when he spoke to him in London, but now Mahendra was not so sure about that.

If these two kids were so blind to not see true love staring at them, then they needed a huge push. And mamaji was the one to do it. He knew the loss that comes from letting true love go, he had experienced it. He would be damned if he let arnav and khushi go through it.He smiled slyly as he picked up a glass of champagne, many different new plans had already started formulating in his mind.

...

Khushi held on to maya's hand as she made her stand in the middle of the room on a large round podium, then she looked around and told one of arnav's friends to call him. After a few minutes arnav came towards them, he seemed to be in an ok mood, at least he was not sulking anymore. Khushi maintained a smiling face as all the guests turned to look at them. Maya took both their hands in hers and said in a proud voice.

"Friends and family, if someone would have told me a month ago that i would be standing here today and giving this speech at my son's engagement party, i would have probably told that person to go and get himself checked at the nearest mental hospital!" maya said good naturedly as everyone laughed loud.

She then continued in a more sober voice "As you all know that after my husband passed away, my arnav was thrust with too many responsibilities, my boy was forced to turn into a man in a span of one day. Since that day he has only worked hard and harder to bring our company to this position today and provide his entire family with such a lavish lifestyle" her voice broke as she took a deep breath.

"I always wanted someone who would understand my chotey, who would be his strength when he was weak,his light when darkness beckoned. Someone who would share his sorrows and multiply his happiness, and today i am probably the happiest and luckiest woman alive when i see my khushi standing proudly next to him. She is my son's soulmate and i came to know that the first time i spoke to her." she winked at khushi as she said it. Arnav did not fail to notice this.

"I can't thank God enough for sending her to us, but i just know that they are both meant for each other. Please give your love and blessing for this wonderful couple, Arnav & Khushi" maya said loudly as the whole room erupted in a cacophony of claps and hoots. Khushi's moist eyes went to arnav as he slowly looked up, they seemed to stare at each other for ages. They both were very affected by maya's speech and did not know how to react.

Finally they broke the stare as anjali came and thrust the heirloom ring in his hands while maya gave khushi a simple gold and diamond men's ring. The entire room suddenly seemed to fade away, there was no maya, no anjali, no family, friends...not a sound or soul at all. All there was in the room were arnav and khushi, both lost in each others eyes. Both trying to control their emotions amongst such an onslaught of deep love.

Khushi felt shivers down her spine as arnav gently held her hand, his thumb making slow circles on her palm, she looked down at her hand as he slowly eased the beautiful ruby and diamond ring into her finger, it fit her perfectly as if she was meant to wear it. Arnav looked on as a beautiful smile lit up her entire face, it was as if only they both existed; all the hurt and despair forgotten, he felt his body puff up proudly as she slipped the ring in his finger, holding her gaze as she shyly returned his.

Arnav felt his mouth curl up in satisfaction as he clasped her hand in his and lifted it up to graze a fleeting kiss across her knuckles, he saw as her mouth opened in a slight 'o' at his gesture. She could clearly see the love he held for her, but then why was he being so adamant about it, why did he not say anything to her. Why did he hurt her so much! As soon as that thought came to her she remembered their conversation from earlier.

Its an illusion Khushi, he's only doing it for his family. This is just acting, please don't fall into this abyss of dreams again. She quickly averted her eyes and pulled her hand from his. By now the entire family was throwing themselves at them, hugging them, congratulating them. Khushi tried to catch arnav's eye but he seemed to have vanished.

...

Arnav was getting slowly sucked into the same vortex, her eyes shone with untold emotions and...love?...he let himself hope again. He hoped against all odds that maybe what happened earlier could be righted, maybe it was meant to happen this way. He let himself hope...but then just as suddenly that hope had surfaced, it was crushed once again. The perfect moment of their exchange of rings a few seconds ago was shattered as khushi pulled her hand away. She did not even want to look at him, he could feel her going stiff as she turned away from him.

Arnav had had enough, he would not be played with again. He should have known that all she was doing was just an act, to seem like the perfect fiancee in front of his family and friends, she was the epitome of perfection, his soulmate, as his mother thought, He wondered what made her think that, suddenly arnav started feeling suffocated. He had to get away from there, he could not act like the happy gent anymore. He quickly said a few excuses to the people hugging him and shaking his hand and passed un-noticed out of the hall. 

When I Met You! - Chapter Seventeen

Arnav was thoroughly frustrated, not only did he not get to meet Khushi all day but his mamaji and dadi were hell bent on making him wear the traditional sherwani for the engagement. It was already past 5pm and guests would be arriving in another two hours . He smiled remembering his early morning activity, he just felt so much at peace when he was with khushi that he was now allowing himself to welcome those feelings she aroused in him.

He quickly made an excuse to make an urgent call and left the room, leaving a muttering dadiji behind. He walked straight to the other side of the house where khushi's room was located. She had already called him twice and texted him saying that she wanted to talk to him; God only knows what was so important that she had to speak to him so urgently, but he had to go and meet her, maybe she was having cold feet but he knew she was fine with this engagement as long as it did not get into media; for this he had made sure that no media was invited for this and a couple of calls to the commissioner had solved his problem.

He sighed in relief when the coast was completely clear, no one was near her door, he just hoped she was alone inside. He turned the knob and walked inside slowly, closing the door behind him, he looked around the room trying to spot her but was disappointed to not find her anywhere; he was just about to turn back when the bathroom door opened and out walked khushi in all her finery, arnav literally had to hold the chair to steady himself, she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

Her red brocade lehenga sashayed as she moved while her black choli moulded her curves to its best advantage, her satin smooth back looked very inviting and arnav's hand itched to open the dori marring the perfect expanse of creamy skin. Her long hair was left open in curls and she wore a red maang tika on her parting, her eyes were made up with dark kohl giving her a mysterious alluring look while the delicate ring she wore in her nose looked picture perfect.

Arnav watched as she picked up the colorful dupatta from the bed and held it against herself, thinking how to drape it. She had still not seen arnav, but something made her look directly in his direction through the mirror. Khushi gasped when she saw arnav standing near the door starting at her, he looked breathtakingly handsome in his Indian ensemble, she blushed as she immediately turned around to face him "Arnav...what are you doing here? Someone might come.."

Arnav gave her a lazy smile as he drawled "Why ms Gupta? Are you worried someone might catch us doing something naughty?" he started walking slowly towards her and enjoyed the way a blush crept up her neck making her look all the more delectable, "Or are you hoping for a repeat performance of today morning's..uh..how do I put it..exercise maybe?" now her blush had fully taken over her face.

Khushi moved back as arnav came towards her, she was feeling hot all of a sudden, her body had just cooled down after the morning 'exercise' as arnav put it and now was now once again awake with all those forbidden feelings, she finally stopped when her back hit the solid wall behind her, arnav was standing a feet or so away from her, but the gleam in his eyes spoke of the desire that lurked so blatantly in them.

Arnav closed the small gap between them and lightly held her hands which he then raised above her head and held onto tightly on the wall "So..you did not answer me...a repeat performance maybe?..umm...you smell dinive" arnav drawled as his lips lightly kissed her right ear, his tongue tracing the delicate lobe, then they moved very lightly over her face as he kissed her maang tika, followed by her closed eyes one by one, then he pecked her slightly on her nose ring and finally her left ear, his teeth now grazing her ear lobe there.

Khushi moaned as she felt arnav's lips travel all over her face, she wanted to bury her fingers in his hair and pull him close for a mind numbing kiss but he wouldn't let her hands go and instead he held them more tightly now, he finally stopped what he was doing and spoke in a whisper "So...what was it you wanted to talk to me about?" he grinned inwardly as a totally dazed khushi looked into his eyes "Huh?...talk...?...what did I...?" khushi mumbled as her brain worked to make sense.

Arnav looked on as realization suddenly dawned on her and she started struggling to move her hands, he let go of her wrists immediately and moved back as she looked with mild irritation at him, somehow he loved it when she got all all flustered and irritated, he waited for her to continue as she walked sideways and away from him, she went and stood next to the bed, her eyes suddenly became serious and she gave a determined look to arnav as she looked him straight in the eye.

"Arnav, there is something about me that you don't know...i've not been honest with you and I think I need to clear everything before its too late" arnav raised one eyebrow as he saw her looking all serious and businesslike, he wondered what she wanted to speak about, then thought that maybe finally she would tell him something about her personal life, maybe finally she'll let him in, he hoped that she felt at least a little bit of what her felt for her. He looked at her and saw her eyes nervously move about, he waited.

"Ok, so this might come as shock to you..no wait...it will be a shock to you...i mean it is quite shocking..." khushi began not understanding how to start when arnav cut her off "Khushi just tell me instead of giving me a lecture of shocks! What is it? Is everything ok?" he looked at her beautiful face. Khushi looked down at her feet and started her long await speech "Well, the truth is, I am not K..." she stopped midway as the door opened with a bang and maya walked in.

"What is going on here? Arnav way are you not ready yet? And what are you doing in Khushi's room? The guests might will be arriving soon kids! C'mon chop chop...arnav to your room now, mahinder had been looking all over for you. And Khushi you look beautiful my dear, now lets drape that dupatta over you." Maya walked towards Khushi as arnav helplessly looked at her, he gestured her that they speak later and walked out giving her one last look while Khushi stood there with maya fussing over her.

...

Arnav came back to his room to finish getting ready, He was already wearing a dark blue Bandhgala instead of an entire sherwani and was just finishing up while by spritzing some perfume, when suddenly he remembered where he had smelled khushi's perfume, that amazing citrusy smell was from that girl in starbucks cafe that day, the one with whom his coffee had been exchanged, he also remembered the same fragrance from somewhere else; he shook his head as he realized that it must be a very well known perfume since he had smelled it in so many other places, but he decided he liked it best on Khushi, it suited her.

He was just putting on his watch when he glanced at his blinking phone, he wondered if it was Khushi again, when he checked he saw that it was indeed a text from her, he clicked on it to check when dadiji came and started pulling him towards the door.

"Chotey, we are getting late, there are many rituals to do before the actual ring ceremony, come now" Arnav took the phone along with him but in his haste did not check khushi's text, he slipped the phone in his jacket pocket and he walked out towards the main living room. He was truly impressed with the decorations and arrangements which were done and smiled as he saw his sister approach him, she looked beautiful in a baby pink lehenga "You look all grown up Anji, I'll have to shield you all night from roaming eyes" arnav said as anjali hugged him.

"Oh trust me, it's not me you'll have to worry about, let me see what you do when Khushi bhabhi walks in! Bhai she looks divine today, ma did the 'Nazar' ritual three times already!" Anjali said laughing; she wondered if there was a better looking couple than her brother and his bride, she saw as arnav went into a daze and said in a slow voice "Yeah I saw...she always looks divine" anjali shook him and pulled his ears "Earth to Arnav!" arnav looked at her irritated and was glad when his phone started ringing, he had to get away from her otherwise she was sure to continue teasing him.

He walked past the screaming event organizers and household help who were finishing the last few touches, he smiled as he opened the verandah door and stepped out into the balmy evening air, he saw the international number which was calling him and picked it up "Arnav! Dude..Where have you been man! I've been trying to call you since two days but your number was switched off, I finally got through to Aman who gave me this other number.." Arnav recognized Akshay's voice, he smiled as he answered "Akshay my man! Long time..you back from Brazil?"

"Yeah man, I got back three days ago, sorry it didn't work out with Katarina, but then I met her as soon as I was back and convinced her for it, that's why I've been calling" Akshay said excitedly as arnav's face lost some pallor, he continued in his ranting "So then when I call Aman, he says that you are bloody getting engaged! So who did you find? Or this for real you dog! I didn't get my invite" Arnav's face had gone completely pale now, he took a deep breath and spoke "So Akshay, you met Katarina right? The same Katarina who was supposed to meet me that night?"

Arnav knew the answer before akshay said anything; he grabbed the banister hard as he heard him reply "Duh! That's what I said, I texted you that night and told you that she said no, so why the confusion?! Anyways man I gotta let you go, guess you have loads of stuff to get busy with, lets catch up soon buddy, bye!" arnav was still holding the phone to his ear as he heard his phone click as akshay cut the call, he kept standing with one hand holding the banister and the other clutching the phone tightly, his back ramrod straight while many emotions from hurt to anger flitted across his face. He turned around before walking towards khushi's room.

...

Khushi sighed as she finished texting arnav, she just had to get this weight off her chest before she went down for the engagement; she just hoped to God that he'll get to read the message before she meets him, there was still another hour left before the guests arrived and after a lot of persuasion she had succeeded in sending maya and anjali down, they had insisted on staying with her, but there were some small rituals for arnav which they had to finish before the ceremony.

Khushi sat calmly by the seat near her window and looked down at the vast garden in front of her, it was such a beautiful sight! All the trees were lit up with twinkling fairy lights, there were beautiful lavender colored tents set up on the lawns where food will be served to the guests, even though the actual ceremony will take place inside the party and dance was kept outside in the cool lawns, she looked as anjali walked out speaking on the phone, a worried expression on her face, 'she probably had an argument with her boyfriend' khushi thought.

She kept glancing at her phone and at the door as she waited for either a text from arnav or a visit from him after reading her message; she knew it was a confusing text but how much could she explain on a small sms! She had to meet him face to face, and the only option was for him to come to her since she definitely could not run around the house in her heavy dress, that too with the whole family watching her like a hawk.

She heard a slight knock on her door, she wondered if it was arnav, she got up and slowly opened the door to find him standing outside, his back was to her, but as she opened the door and mumbled his name, he turned; Khushi was shocked to see him furiously stare at her, his eyes held an accusatory gleam in them and she moved back scared as he swiftly walked in with a rigid stance and closed the door before locking it.

"Who the hell are you?!" Arnav said in an angry tone, he was frustrated beyond reason! In the few minutes between finishing akshay's calls and walking to Khushi's room, arnav had gone thorough innumerable reasons and explanation for khushi being here, he had no idea who she was or what she wanted..he had never felt so cheated in his life. His brain was completely bogged down while his mind was totally confused, who was she and what did she want!

"Who sent you to me? Was it my competitor? Was it that bloody Jha!" Arnav shouted at her, he started at her as khushi's eyes showed disbelief and then anger as he continued "Tell me now dammit! How much did they pay you for this? What all information have you leaked till now?" he came forward and held her roughly by her shoulders, he looked directly into her eyes, daring her to deny anything he said, Khushi was breathing heavily as she pressed her lips together and pushed him away with all her might.

"What the hell is wrong with you!? What are you talking about? Did you not read my text? It was self explanatory..though I thought i'll tell you the details when we talk, calmly. Why are you shouting at me as if I am some petty criminal! Khushi looked at him with eyes spitting fire, she had no idea what rubbish he was taking about but she had not committed some heinous crime for him to talk to her this way "I know i've been wrong in my ways but my intention was never to hurt anyone. I needed the money you offered and when I did not get the internship I took up this job."

Arnav looked at her as if she had lost her mind, what text was she talking about? And internship? What the hell was going on here..he looked at her furious face and wondered if he was mistaken about her intentions, he remembered that she had sent him a text, he took his phone and checked the unread message "Arnav, wht I wntd 2 tel u is tht I'm nt Katarina da escort, I'm a fashion student n I took up ths job under false pretense cause I needed da money, n ths was da only way when my internship @ AR was offered 2 my colleague. Can v talk pls? Gimme a chance 2 xplain"

Arnav raised confused eyes towards her as khushi suddenly felt drained and exhausted, as if she had just battled an enormous war, she looked at arnav with hurt eyes and said in a sad voice "How could you accuse me of spying arnav...i guess you did not read my message, but from wherever you came to know about me, you actually thought that I was capable of this? I..." her voice stopped on a sob.

Khushi was finding it very hard to speak further, she knew she should have told him the truth long time back and she was fully to blame for arnav's mistrust, but she had trusted him enough to give herself to him, but all this while all she was to him was probably just an escort, she was just a temporary fiancee who will be discarded in a few more days, how did she forget that! She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she spoke.

"I am Khushi Gupta, just graduated from Visuigene Institute of Fashion with a distinction, I designed the winning dress at my institute's final year show, I was also told that I will be getting an Internship at AR since you seemed to like my dress a lot." She stopped to see that arnav was now sitting on the easy chair listening to every word carefully, so she continued "When I called your assistant, he asked me to meet you at the restaurant to discuss it further. I was in a financial situation and was wondering if I could get a paid internship"

Arnav let all this sink in as flashes of that day went through his head, no wonder she kept asking about her dress, he saw as khushi continued in a monotone, her face devoid of all expressions "You assumed me to be the escort Katarina and even though I wanted to clear the confusion then I was scared that you would not like me knowing about such a personal thing and I may get into trouble. I left that day thinking that i'll never see you again"

Khushi went and sat on her bed, she never knew this would be so hard to explain "Next day I came back to AR for the internship since my financial situation had gotten worse, but when I came to know that the internship was already offered to my colleague tony, I went back dejected, but then you called and offered me this job for 30K, so I took it"

Arnav sighed as khushi narrated the story to him, he could not believe that all this time he had thought of her as an escort, he should have known from her innocence and purity that she was not capable of such a job, she must have really been in a financial rut for someone like her to even consider this job, she had great caliber he thought remembering her dress now, he was just wondering what to say to her when her next words stuck him hard.

"Don't worry Mr Raizada, i'll go through with this job if you still want me to continue it, but if you want your money back, I wont be able to repay it right away. But I swear on my parents grave that I will return every penny back to you. If I am to continue with this, it will be best for us to remain civil with each other and anyways you plan to break this up soon so you only have to bear me for a few days more" khushi said with absolute resolve, she saw as arnav's soft eyes turned hard suddenly; she wondered why.

When I Met You! - Chapter Sixteen

(Mature content ahead..18+ Only)

Khushi got up with a banging headache, she was finding it too hard to even lift her head off the bed, she snatched her watch from the bedside table and looked at the time. 13:00! She got up quickly and in the process felt a searing pain in her head.No wonder she thought, every time she overslept her head got heavy. She slowly climbed down from her bed and went for a hot shower.

It was already past 2 pm when Khushi finally came down, she looked around to find the house very quite but heard some voices coming from the conservatory, she padded quietly to the room to find all the Raizada ladies surrounded by various fabrics, jewelery, shoes, bags and God only knows what other contraptions! When they saw her gingerly waiting at the entrance, they all got up at once to pull her in; Khushi found herself sandwiched between dadiji and anjali while maya walked around showing her various things.  

"Khushi beta, are you feeling better now? Arnav said you were not well last night again, I just hope you feel better by tomorrow, we are so sorry to tire you out yesterday. Have you eaten anything yet?" Maya asked with concerned eyes, Khushi shifted in her seat, her head was still banging like a hard rock concert, she smiled with difficulty as she answered "Uh..my head hurts actually, I think I'll just eat something and take some medicine. I think that should help".

Before she finished her sentence, Maya had called HP and asked him to get Khushi's lunch to the conservatory with some warm water and aspirin, she also asked for some balm to massage on her forehead, Khushi had never been so pampered in her life, she could get used to this she thought with a smile, but it quickly vanished when realty struck, this is not real.

She started listening half heartedly to anjali and dadi gushing about the dress and the arrangements for the engagement, she so wished this was her real engagement, Wait! What the hell was she thinking! She was a fake, this entire thing was a sham..then was what happened between her and arnav just a physical thing? Was it? She thought thoughtfully.

No...she had gone and fallen hopelessly in love with Mr Wrong...but then why did it all seem so right! She had to know what arnav thought of all this, what was between them? but first she'll have to tell him the truth, the arnav she had come to know over the past few days will understand, with that thought in mind, she let all her worries pass and joined in the excited banter.

The entire day passed in a series of mad events, first the mehendi lady came to apply her mehendi on her hands , then make-up lady and the hair dresser came by to experiment and decide on her do, and finally after all the madness, anjali took her to the parlour for various different therapies and the usual plucking and pulling. She felt like a new person when they finally returned home at 10pm at night! Her mehendi had come off and the pattern looked very exotic against her glowing white skin.

They walked in to find all the family waiting for them at the dinner table, Khushi was wondering why arnav was not down yet, she had got a text from him earlier asking if she was alright to which she had replied a 'yes' with a smiley face. She went up to keep her bags and freshen up, but when she came down again he had still not come to the dining room.

"Uh...anjali...where is arnav?" she asked anjali who was walking down the stairs behind her, "Oh bhai? Ma said he went to Jaipur, he had some urgent meeting, he'll only be returning tomorrow morning" anjali said as she skipped down, khushi felt sad suddenly, why did he not tell her she thought.She sat quietly throughout the dinner and finished it in record speed, anjali kept noticing how upset khushi seemed, she had an idea to cheer her up.

After dinner and warm good nights to everyone, khushi went to her bedroom, she changed into her vest and shorts remembering the the early morning scene between her and arnav, she blushed furiously, she picked up her phone and checked if arnav had texted her, she was again upset to find the inbox empty, she quickly texted him saying 'We need to talk, let me know when you get back' and got under the covers. As soon as she was about to close the lamp her door swung open and anjali ran inside.

"What the!" khushi said totally startled and scared out of her wits! She watched as anjali came and sat excitedly on her bed "Bhabhi! Not you too...i thought that phrase was trademarked by bhai!" anjali giggled as she sat cross legged in front of khushi, khushi smiled at her and sat upright "So! What brings little anji to my room!?" khushi asked as anjali got up and plonked a few dvds on khushi's bed.

"We are gonna have a sleepover! I have some good chic flicks which we can watch and you'll get to spend some quality time with me!, unless you are very tired and wanna go to sleep" anjali said with a cute smile, khushi looked at the movies scattered on the bed and looked at her, anjali gave her a sheepish look "Well...ok you must be wondering why this sudden plan, but truly speaking I saw how upset you were since bhai is not here...and you must be missing him...cause I can understand..so I thought this will cheer you up!"

Khushi picked up one of the all time favorite movies, she was soo touched by anjali's gesture that she could trust herself to speak, she would probably burst out, no one had ever bothered about her moods before, not even Lavanya..she gave the dvd to anjali and saw her beaming smile as she took the dvd to pop it into the player "Wow bhabhi! 'Sleepless in Seattle' is my favorite too! She put all the lights off as the movie started and sat next to khushi on the bed awkwardly.

Khushi pulled the cover up and gestured anjali to snuggle in, she smiled at her and and got under them next to khushi, both sat silently as the movie started, but after a few minutes, khushi held her hand and said softly "Thanks anji, for understanding, I have never had a sister, so it feels wonderful to have you by my side," anjali came closer and side hugged her tightly as khushi returned it equally "No bhabhi, thank you. I have never seen bhai so happy before, he truly loves you, and I am so lucky to have you as my sister, your'e the best!"

"No your'e the best!" khushi said laughing and blushing, 'oh if it was true' she thought sadly," By the way, what did you mean earlier when you said you understood missing someone? Who are we talking about kiddo!" Anjali gave her a mischievous smile, "Well, this is between both of us ok! Bhai should not know..promise me!!" khushi crossed her heart and promised, she sat sideways looking at anjali as she excitedly told her about her man

"Ok, well I met him few months ago, he's the most amazing guy ever!! he has the most dreamy eyes and great body, speaks very well and is as rich as me, so I know he's not after my money..but me! Hehe" anjali giggled as her excited chatter continued "Actually bhai knows him, but we want to keep this a secret till he comes and asks for my hand, the right way you know..plus since his company is one of our competitors, bhai does not get along with him"

Khushi thought about this for a second, Anjali was quite young to be so involved with a guy, but it wasn't her place to say anything to her, the only thing she could do was caution her and hope to God this guy was good "Well, its nice to have a boyfriend who loves and cares for you, but be careful darling, this world if full of very dark people" khushi said with a shudder.

Anjali squeezed her hand tightly, "Don't worry bhabhi, I know him very well, he's very respectable and he loves me madly! I'll be careful" khushi smiled at her "Whats his name by the way?" anjali turned to answer her when her eye caught the scene on the tv "Oh my God! I love this scene, the one where he sees her for the first time...i gotta see it again" she said loudly, khushi laughed as she saw anjali fiddling with the remote, this was her favorite scene too, she relaxed into her pillows as the movie progressed, both girls thinking of their prince charming.

...

Anjali woke up to her phone buzzing, she quietly got up and tiptoed across the room to the door, she did not want khushi to wake up. She walked out to take the call and closed the door slowly behind her, she picked up the call as she walked to the french doors which opened up into the balcony, she locked the balcony door and said in a sleepy husky voice "Good morning baby.."

...

Khushi was once again dreaming, she felt arnav lips on her neck, sending goosebumps down her spine, how can dreams be so vivid she thought, but enjoyed the feelings it evoked, she sighed as his lips travelled from her neck to her back, her hair was thrown to one side as his lips created havoc on her upper back, she felt one hand glide smoothly inside her top massaging her heavy breasts and pulling her already swollen nipples, she moaned as her dream got more wild, heat pooling between her legs.

She felt arnav's other hand move across her waist and slip inside her shorts, finally! she thought, since it did not happen in reality at least it will happen in her dreams, she moaned as she felt his hands reach her soaking wet panties, she cried out his name as his hands slipped inside them, her eyes flew open as his finger slid inside her core, jerking her out of her sleepy state, she was shocked to find arnav in her bed, his eyes were closed as he nibbled her jaw, his tongue licking the sensitive skin.

...

Arnav suddenly felt her tense, he opened his eyes to see a shell shocked khushi, his hands stilled as she completely froze "What happened baby? Are you ok? Is it too much? I thought you were enjoying it" khushi was still trying to make sense, did she just dream up anajli and her movie night? Was it arnav all along? What the hell was going on! 'Was anjali and aranv the same!' 'what!! no khushi...stop being stupid, she stuttered as her voice came out in small gasps "Whh...what are yy..you do..ing here?"

Arnav gave her a cheeky smile, understanding her confusion, she thought she was dreaming till now, he chuckled as his head bent down to take her plump lips in a passionate hungry kiss, he felt her resisting it at first, she probably wanted to talk, but there was time for it, her hands which were pushing him away a few seconds ago gave up, instead circling around his neck and pulling him closer, armav groaned as her delicate tongue thrust into his mouth, sucking on his with equal ardour and passion.

Khushi was trying to resist, she had no idea when arnav got here, he was still in his shirt and trouser, so he must have come directly to her room leaving his jacket and tie somewhere, but where the hell was anjali! Did she go back to her room? She was trying to tell this to arnav when once again his hand started playing havoc with her body, his fingers were thrusting in and out of her while his thumb kept up a rhythmic pressure on her swollen nub, she pulled him closer to herself, she wanted to finish what they started yesterday.

Arnav felt khushi writhing under him, he knew she was very close to her release, her hands pulled at his shirt while his mouth found her straining pink peak as he pushed her top up, he sucked on them hard as he increased the pressure on her nub, thrusting his fingers harder, he was growing stiffer by the second, but right now all he wanted to do was pleasure her.

Khushi was finding it very hard to breath, her entire body seemed to be consumed in an unknown fire, arnav's fingers had started a mad rush in her body, she crept her hands under his shirt and held onto his hard muscled back, her nails digging into the hard body as a final thrust of his finger bought her to the edge.

Khushi felt wave after wave of pleasure fill her body , she shuddered as the powerful orgasm hit her, her first to be exact. She never knew it felt so wonderful, she looked up to find a smiling arnav as her body settled down, she pulled him once again towards her and kissed him full on the mouth "Thank you" she murmured as he depend the kiss. She felt his hard arousal against her tummy and her hand instantly went under his waistband to it, she touched it tentatively at first, then rubbed her hand against it as she heard arnav groan loudly.

It felt so wonderful, her soft hot hand tightly wrapped against his member, she slid her hand against it as he hissed with uncontrollable pleasure, he guided her hand along his length as khushi continued her sweet torture, she started rubbing harder and quicker as she saw the pleasure flit across arnav's face, if this gave him so much pleasure she would do it right she thought.

She slipped his pants further down and gently released his member out of its constraint, arnav's eyes opened up as he saw khushi rub both her hands against him, her eyes were filled with desire that matched his, he was so consumed by his release that he did not realize when he spilled all over her, his body shaking with the amazing climax khushi's hands provided, he saw as her fascinated eyes roamed over his arousal, she lifted her shy eyes towards him and asked in a tiny voice "Does that hurt?" armav felt his heart roll over, how did he live without her til now he thought, he once again pulled her close and hugged her tightly "No baby, it hurts when I don't feel your touch.."

Khushi was mesmerized, she had never been this intimate with anyone, but with arnav it seemed very natural, she saw his body shudder just like hers and was very happy that she could provide him the same pleasure he gave her, she hugged him back as he clung to her and slid in next to her holding her close, he kissed her forehead and breathed deeply as he held her delicious body against his "So, you wanted to talk?" khushi nodded slowly "Arnav..there are too many things I need to tell you..i don't know where to start"

Armav smiled at her "Well then start at the beginning, is this to do with the engagement? Cause I wanted to talk to you too" khushi shook her head "Well, I need to tell you something before the engagement" she looked at him nervously before continuing "Its just that when I first met you, there was a big misunderstanding.." arnav suddenly got up as khushi started speaking "What are those bunny slippers doing here? Aren't they anjali's?" khushi looked around confused "Oh yeah, I told you that she spent the night here with me, we had a girly sleepover"

Arnav looked at her with a confused expression "You told me that? I don't think I heard..thats nice..so she left in the early hours huh? Typical! She can't sleep anywhere but her own cluttered room!" arnav grinned as khushi looked on thoughtfully, suddenly she heard the door knob being opened "Bhabhi..why did you lock the door? Can you open it please? I need my glasses and slippers" anjali's voice came from outside the door.

Khushi panicked, she quickly got up and took off her stained vest, she quickly donned another t-shirt and buttoned her shorts, arnav too got up and straightened his clothes, he went quietly to the bathroom and closed the door as khushi opened the door for anjali.

"Oh your'e up and ready?" anjali looked at khushi and asked "No, I was just feeling cold so i changed into a t-shirt, where did you go so early in the morning?" anjali smiled at her while putting on her glasses and slippers "Just a phone call" she winked at khushi as she turned towards the door "By the way bhabhi I had tons of fun last night, we should do this more often!" khushi smiled as she walked anjali to the door.

"Oh and bhabhi, can you tell bhai that mamaji was looking for him? Mamaji said he came back half an hour ago but seemed to have vanished...and I know exactly where he is..." she pointed at the jacket and tie casually draped across the easy chair, khushi blushed furiously as anjali gave her a bright smile and walked away singing some silly bollywood romantic song. Khushi closed the door and banged on the bathroom.

Arnav came out as soon as khushi banged, he had heard the entire thing, he looked apologetically at her and grabbed her before she could start ranting, he kissed her senseless before letting her go, she stood stunned as arnav casually took his clothes and opened her door, he turned back towards khushi and said in a husky voice "You should go and shower..and this is not over...the talk can wait" khushi stood with her eyes narrowed as he closed the door behind him "Men!" she thought as she locked her door and went for a shower...a loong one!