The Learning Curve - Chapter 25

 Confessions of a different kind...

"What the! Khushi...how the hell does she know about kissing? What is she taught at school?...you better keep a watch on her khushi...I want every boy 10 feet away from her...I..." arnav said as khushi got up and came to sit in the chair next to him "Shh...arnav...stop!..breath!" khushi said as arnav calmed down and looked at her "She likes me..." khushi said with a sweet smile as arnav pulled her close to himself "No Khushi...she loves you...just like her father does" 

Khushi looked up suddenly when she heard Arnav speak those words…her mouth was slightly open making arnav chuckle at her expression "What? Just because I didn't say it…" he started saying and stopped looking at the nervous look on her face "Hey hey…" he said holding her cheeks in his palms, he tilted her face upward and made her look at him " Don't be upset…" he started saying when khushi's eyes teared up.

"Arnav…I'm not upset…I…I just…" she started saying when he hushed her "Its ok Khushi…I know what you're thinking…you don't have to say it till you don't want to…I don't want to pressurize you into saying something when you are not ready for it…" he said lovingly as khushi shook her head again "No arnav…I'm just really overwhelmed…I mean…I cannot believe that someone could say that to me…and I'm not afraid to acknowledge or say those words to you…its just that…" she said trying to make sense of what she was blabbering when arnav held her hands giving her strength.

"Arnav…all my life, I have been alone…yes I had Buaji and then Shilpa di with me…and I can never question their love for me or mine for them…but I always wanted someone to love me…someone I could spend my life with…someone who is for me…so it's…Arnav I've never said those words to anyone…in fact I don't even know what love is…I just know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Anaya…I can't imagine a future without the two of you…and I don't know if I can express it in just three words.." she said as arnav embraced her tightly, his own eyes misty at the thought of her growing all alone…all those years craving for someone's love.

"I'm here now khushi…and Anaya too…we are yours…and only yours…I don't know how, but you have made such a deep place in my heart that it cannot beat without you in my life…in our life…I love you khushi…and I don't need you to say it back…because I know you do too " he said as khushi sighed in happiness, she snuggled closer into arnav as he held her for a while more

"You know Khushi…I have had too many regrets in life…I have wasted too much time staying away from people I love…who love me…and I don't want to waste another minute, another second…I know you may think this is going too fast and I know we agreed to take this slow…but I can't help loving you…I can't…" he said as khushi pulled him closer to her and kissed him full on the mouth..she wound her arms around his neck and splayed her fingers into his hair as arnav bent down to kiss her back in equal fervor…when they broke apart, khushi stroked her finger on his cheek as she shyly said "me too…"

...

"Arre titaliya…what are you saying? Who is this boy you are talking about?" buaji shouted from her phone, khushi held the phone away from her ears as she smiled at her buaji's surprised voice "Buaji…i'll tell you more in details soon…In fact, I'm planning on coming to Delhi next weekend…will tell you everything then" khushi said as she said her goodbye before pouring herself a glass of water in the staff room.

It had been two weeks since their confession of sorts and things could not have been better...khushi now used to go to the mansion every day to spend time with Anaya and Maggie; after putting Anaya to sleep , arnav insisted on coming all the way to leave her home…not that she minded because that was the only time they got to spend together..and obviously the perks of having him over at her's were too satisfying.,,he had gotten pretty close to Shipa di as well, who could not help but praise arnav about absolutely everything...for her, he was the perfect man for her khushi.

Just yesterday arnav had told her that he's taking anaya over the weekend to Delhi to sort some property stuff out, apparently there was some property under payal's name which was to be transferred to anaya, but due to some issue it was held up. Finally the papers had gone through and they had to personally visit with anaya to take possession of the land.

When khushi's face had become sad at the prospect of not seeing both of them for three day, especially the weekend since they spent nearly all of it together, arnav had suggested that she should join them too...it was a fantastic idea since this way she could finally make arnav and anaya meet buaji..she had thus thought to at least inform her of this instead of just turning up with her future family...her family...she smiled as she packed her bag for the day...it all seemed so surreal!

...

Arnav was pacing his office restlessly as he waited for the clock to chime 4...he had made a point not to call khushi during her school hours since she was always running around from one class to another...he finally breathed a sigh of relief as he picked up his phone to make his urgent call...he smiled as she picked his phone on the first ring, knowing that he would be calling her "Hey..." she said sweetly and waited for arnav to speak "hi gorgeous.." he said in his usual husky tone which always sent goosebumps down her body.

"So, have you left? I was thinking we could all go out for dinner tonight...I mean it is friday, so holiday tomorrow...oh and you can always sleep over...we could have our own pajama party...pajamas being optional off course" arnav said naughtily, making khushi laugh and blush at the same time "God Arnav...you can be so besharam sometimes!" khushi giggled as she agreed for the dinner and promised to get dressed and reach the mansion by 7:30

...

"Pa! Please wear the jeans and white shirt...khushi ma would love you in those!" anaya said excitedly as she sat playing on her iPad in arnav's room...after the day they had disclosed about their relationship to anaya...or rather she had figured out, anaya had insisted on calling her khushi ma...khushi had hugged her tightly while stroking her soft hair, whispering her thanks for the recognition anaya bestowed on her...after that day all the mansion would hear was, khushi ma this and khushi ma that...though she still called her ms gupta in school

"Hmmm...you think so? I thought she likes me in black" arnav said holding a white and shirt over his frame in front of the mirror "Nah...she likes you better in white...now please get ready! Maggie and I have been ready since half an hour..." she whined as a grumbling sound from her stomach made her giggle "Looks like someone is Hungry!" arnav said as he went to change inside the bathroom.

It had been another 15 minutes after that and it was nearly 7:45, but khushi had still not turned up...he picked up his phone to call her, but her phone only kept ringing "What happened pa..where is khushi ma?" anaya asked arnav who shrugged his shoulders "She's not picking up...must be on her way..she probably got delayed getting a rickshaw...I know i should have sent mohan to pick her up" he said as he sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

They waited another 15 minutes before calling her again, but once again she did not pick up..Arnav was now a little bit worried since it just wasn't like khushi to ignore calls or keep her phone on silent...she usually texted if she was getting even a minute late...where was she!Arnav wondered...he looked at a grumpy anaya, now bored with her iPad..she was lying lazily on his bed as he tried khushi's number once again.

"Maggie...!!" arnav called out loudly after he had called khushi for the third time and had not gotten a reply...he waited till maggie came to his room "Why don't you give anaya some milk of something light to eat? Its already 8:15 and I think khushi might have gotten stuck somewhere...we may get late for dinner..." he said as maggie nodded and went to take anaya downstairs "I'll feed her something till khushi gets here...we'll be waiting down" maggie said as arnav nodded absentmindedly...he really was worried now...khushi was nearly 1 hour late.

He thought it would be best to call on her home phone to check if in-case she has not left, so he tried that as well..but once again it just rang without anyone picking up...he immediately called Shilpa's number, thinking she may know when khushi had left for here...but unfortunately for his rotten luck, her mobile kept coming switched off..'What the!' he exclaimed as he ran a shaky finger over his face, trying to calm his terrified self...what if something happened..

No!...she is fine...she's probably forgotten her phone...and she may have gotten stuck in traffic...after all, it is friday night...he took a deep breath and called aman to message him shilpa's home number...he had not stored it on his phone, but the yellow pages would help...he waited for a few more tense minutes as aman's text beeped with shilpa's home number...he called on it immediately but here too no one was picking up.

At this point, arnav was really shit scared...he dropped everything and ran down the stairs "Maggie...the dinner's cancelled...i think...i think something is not right...I can't get through to Khushi...you and anaya have your dinner and if Khuhsi comes here, just call me immediately..." he whispered to a worried maggie, making sure anaya does not hear any of it..he turned towards his daughter who was happily sipping on her strawberry milk "We are not going out tonight baccha...so eat your food and go to sleep ok" he said trying to pacify her

"But why? I wanted to show khushi ma this dress that she had got for me ..why is she not coming here? She's never so late!" anaya whined which made arnav close his eyes and pray that all was well...he forced a smile on his face as he faced his little girl "Khushi got held up somewhere baby...so i'm going to get her...You'll see her tomorrow morning ok?" he said as anaya pouted but nodded. He quickly gave a grim look to maggie before running out of the house and into his SUV.

"Sir? Did you get through to Mrs Iyer? I can try and get some of her other neighbor's number perhaps?" aman's voice came on arnav's bluetooth as he drove like a maniac towards khushi's house...he cursed bombay's traffic which had seemed to get worse on today of all days "Yes that would be great aman...I could not get through to Shilpa...i'm heading there right now..." he started saying as he got a call from an unknown number on his call waiting.

"Aman, i'll call you back" arnav said before ending aman's call and picking up the other one, but as soon as he picked it up..it got cut...he wondered if the call could be from khushi...maybe she really had forgotten her phone...and was now stuck in traffic somewhere...she must have finally gotten time to call him from a payphone or something...he concluded as he called on that number right away, he turned his cra towards khushi's colony...as the phone got picked up and an automated IVR started running on it...making his heart stop...

"Welcome to Arogyanidhi Hospital, if you know the extension, please press now...otherwise please dial 1 for accidents and emergencies, 5 for ambulance service and 9 for reception..."

The Learning Curve - Chapter 24

'We are Family...'

"You what??" Shilpa asked loudly as khushi placed her palm over her open surprised mouth "Not so loudly di...we are in a public place" khushi whispered to her while looking around the quaint little cafe to check if anyone heard shilpa's little outburst.

"No..seriously Khushi...did you really?" Shilpa started asking when khushi suddenly looked down an sighed "I know di...I know, we should have waited...at least I should have had the sense to wait...but, you know...i just felt that..." Khushi started saying in a dejected voice when Shilpa's delighted laughter made her look up in surprise.

"Uh...di...why are you laughing? Did you not understand what i said? I said, arnav and I did IT...and by IT i don't mean knitting a sweater together.." khushi said as shilpa's sudden "Stop khushi!" made her look at the best friend suspiciously...she wondered why shilpa di was not giving her a lecture or listing down a list of woman's virtues.

"Khushi..did you really think I would be upset with you?...you silly girl! I'm glad you finally took your relationship to the next well..I mean...i remember when me and Navin started dating...we made love on the third date...i mean it was so passionate and I just knew it was right...why the hell do you think I gave you those co****s?" shilpa asked her smiling widely.

"Di! First of all...too much info! And secondly...you're not gonna lecture me on this? I mean...I know you gave me the co****s...but di, Arnav and I had not even started properly dating yet..." Khushi said trying to understand shilpa's casual and cool acceptance of what had happened between her and arnav...she knew that Shilpa's opinion was the only thing that mattered.

"Oh God babu...stop thinking about all this...you and arnav started dating the day you both had you're tongue's explore each other's molars!...plus with the kind of vibes one could sense between you too...i'm really surprised, you both didn't combust" shilpa said as khushi finally smiled "I know di...i'm being very besharam here...but i wanted him from a really long time!..and you know what? I just knew it was the right time...Oh di...i've never felt so alive before!" khushi said happily, her dazzling smile lighting up her face,

"I know sweetie...and I'm so happy for you..." shilpa said as she fondly smiled at her khushi. She laid a hand over hers and said in a soft voice "Now, you both really need to make it official..I mean, you need to tell Anaya first...and Arnav being a public figure...things will get a bit tricky" shilpa said as khushi chewed her lips.

"I know di...we actually discussed this earlier...I mean...both of us are very sure about what we feel for each other...but i think, we need some time to ourselves first...its not like we are getting married di...I mean...eventually i guess...but right now, we just want to see how things work out...plus we have anaya to also think about..." khushi said as shilpa nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, you are right...but i really can't wait for your wedding now!...did i tell you that Navin and I are planning for our plus one? And I sure as hell don't wanna be heavily pregnant during your wedding!" shilpa said as khushi squealed in delight..."Oh di! You'll be a wonderful mother!" khushi said as shilpa joined in her laughter "So will you khushi...so will you"

...

'Where are you?' Arnav texted as he waited impatiently for khushi's reply...he drummed his fingers on his mahogany desk while aman shuffled around talking on his phone...his eyes lit up as the phone beeped once 'On my way...see you soon' he smiled at her reply and got up quickly to don his coat.

"Uh Aman...you can handle the Auditor's meeting right? I'm leaving early today" arnav said quickly as Aman's eyes rounded "Ss..sure sir..not a problem...Uh...may I call you if anything important turns up?" he asked nervously to which arnav nodded "Off course you can..." he said leaving aman wondering why his boss is suddenly taking early breaks...yesterday he left around lunch time, never to return back or take his calls...and today he was leaving one hour before office closes...'Strange!'

...

"Khushi...do you want these finely chopped or chrushed?" maggie asked khushi with a huge smile as khushi wiped her hands on her apron "Oh..uh..finely chopped please maggie" she said as she removed the apron and draped it over the kitchen chair, she looked at the watch, wondering where arnav was.

She smiled as she remembered the amazing day she had spent with Arnav yesterday...they had slept soundly till five in the evening to wake up lazily and make love again...when they had finally showered and freshened up, khushi had been pretty sore from her late afternoon activity. Arnav had called for takeaway pizza which they had eaten sitting in her little balcony while telling each other more tid-bits of their past.

It had really been a magical day for them as they opened up completely to each other, sharing their future plans and dreams..they spoke at large about anaya and khushi realized how much the little girl had come to mean to her. She had insisted that arnav tell her about them..so they had planned to tell her together...tonight..after dinner. Khushi had insisted that she wanted to make anaya something she liked...so here she was cooking up a storm of Italian food...nervous as hell about talking to anaya...who obviously was more than happy to find her ms Gupta cooking for her

"Are you making white and red sauce both Ms gupta?" anaya said excitedly as she sat doing her homework on the kitchen table...she had not left khushi for even a second since she had come to their house..she had deemed it not necessary to question khushi about why she was here...it was as if, she knew khushi would be coming.." "Umm..no, actually i'm making lasagna sweetheart...with garlic bread" khushi said happily as anaya smiled at her "Oh wow! I love lasagna!...you are awesome Ms gupta" she said breaking into a huge smile as maggie chuckled.

"Ok now anu...lets go up...you need to freshen up before dinner..." maggie said as she washed her hands and helped anaya pack up her things "Khushi..if you need anything else, please let me know...also HP is in the conservatory..." she started saying when khushi interrupted her "Maggie, don't worry...i'm good...you have already dome most of the preps..i'll just finishing up with the rest" khushi said as anaya waved a bye to her promising her that she will be back quickly after her evening bath.

...

Khushi smiled as she saw them go...this entire thing just seemed so normal..so domestic, like she was meant to be here..she sighed as she layered everything in the casserole for the lasagna, finishing it off neatly before popping it inside the oven...she had just straightened up when she felt strong hands quickly grab her from the back while warm breath ticked her ears "Hi.." she heard his husky voice as she relaxed against his hold...she let her body rest on his as she smiled while placing her hands over his "Hi to you to Mr Raizada" she said breathlessly as her body started reacting immediately to his closeness

"Umm...i love it when you say Mr Raizada...its.just.so.sexy" he said haltingly as he nipped at her ear making khushi tilt her head towards him "Arrnav...stop...we are in the kitchen...anyone can.." she started protesting, trying to wriggle out of his arms when he turned her around and gazed at her blushing face "No one's here...I sent HP out for some work..and as far as I know...maggie is upstairs with anaya...so..." he said as he lowered his face to kiss her gently on her cheek.

Khushi closed her eyes as her hands involuntarily went around arnav's neck...she shivered as he continued kissing her face, her heart beating with anticipation as his lips finally captured hers in an sensual kiss...she sighed in satisfaction as his lips bit her bottom lip, drawing it between his teeth...he ran his tongue over the swell before entering the sweet recess of her waiting mouth..khushi moaned as she felt arnav's tongue explore hers in a slow dance of seduction...she held onto him harder and pressed herself more into his aroused body as his hands went inside her kurti caressing the heated skin on her back.

"God..khushi...' arnav groaned as her fingers now went to curl inside his thick hair while she deepened the kiss making him loose all control...his right hand climbed her silky waist to reach her lace covered breast "I want you..now" he demanded as khushi whimpered in want and desire...her body shuddering at the feel of his hand over her sensitized skin when she heard the beep of the oven...indicating the timer was off...she quickly broke away from the kiss and placed her hands over his chest, making arnav too realize where they were...he smiled sheepishly at her as she tried to get her breathing back to normal

"Arnav...i really don't know what happens to me when you...when you..." she said shyly as arnav placed his hands on either side of her over the counter "When I what khushi?" he asked her trying to act all innocent as khushi blushed profusely...she smiled at him before pushing him away "I need to finish up here...anaya and maggie will be down any minute.." she said as arnav chuckled at her... "excuses...excuses...admit it khushi..you like it when i.." he started saying when a soft 'ahem' made them both jump apart from each other

Khushi looked down in embarrassment as maggie walked in and went straight to the fridge...she seemed flustered but kept her features very normal...she poured a glass of water and brought it to arnav who was now standing 10 feet away from khushi "I did not realize you had come Arnav...aren't you a tad bit early today?" maggie asked him with a poker face to which arnav cleared his throat before answering "Yeah...i had some work here.."

Maggie smiled at him before turing towards a red faced khushi "Khushi...you need any help dear? Or should i start setting up the table?" she asked her warmly to which khushi simply smiled, before glancing towards arnav who was now looking intently at his phone screen while leaving the kitchen.

She went back to removing the lasagna and bread from the oven. She kept them on the table to take it outside later when maggie came and stood next to her, placing her hand on her shoulder 'I'm very happy for you both Khushi...very happy.." she said as she gave her a huge happy smile before enveloping her in a warm hug. Khushi looked on dazed and giddy as maggie left with the plates to set up the table, a skip in her step as she hummed an old song...

...

"Yummy! Ms Gupta...i really love your lasagna!...i mean you should have your own italian restaurant!!" anaya said with a happy smile as she polished off her second helping while munching down more garlic bread... "Pa...you should not eat too much garlic bread...otherwise your breath will stink of garlic!" she said as arnav raised his eyebrows at her..he sipped on his red wine before winking at her "Oh really? I know your'e only saying that so that you get to eat more of it..." he teased her as anaya struck her tongue out.

Khushi looked on amused as father and daughter both kept on with the teasing game...she tried to catch arnav's eye and gestured him to talk to anaya..she felt this was the best time for them to bring it up since it was just the three of them at the table...khushi bit her lip as she looked at arnav's relaxed face...why is this man so relaxed when i can feel the entire jungle doing a stampede in my tummy!

"Anu...there is something Ms Gupta...Khushi and I want to talk to you about..." arnav said carefully as anaya suddenly looked up from her plate "Ya pa I know..." she said as she drank her orange juice. Arnav looked at khushi who gave him a questioning look before both looked at anaya "You know what sweetheart?" khushi asked her as anaya's face broke into a huge smile

"I know that you and pa will marry soon...and that you will be my new mummy" she said very matter of factly as if it was an inevitable thing...khushi looked on wide-eyed at arnav who seemed to be at a loss of words "Uh...anu...how did you?" he asked her when anaya looked at him with a knowing look "I have been praying to God since many days now...and I know that I have been a good girl as well...so i knew that God will listen to me..." she said as both the adults looked at her with love

"What did you pray for sweetheart?" khushi asked, her voice choking with a rush of emotions the little girl's words brought up...she watched as anaya got down and came to her, she side hugged her which khushi returned back with all her heart "I prayed for you Ms Gupta...i prayed for you to be my mummy..." she said innocently as tears clouded khushi's vision...she bent down and kissed anaya's soft hair as she finally let her go from the hug.

Anaya's smiling face then turned towards her father who was watching them with a fond and loving expression "Oh and Pa...i seriously only told you not to eat those garlic breads to avoid bad breath" she said watching arnav's confused face, wondering why she suddenly got that up.. "Uff oh pa!if you have bad breath...how will you kiss Ms Gupta?" she said while running towards the kitchen giggling away.

"What the! Khushi...how the hell does she know about kissing? What is she taught at school?...you better keep a watch on her khushi...I want every boy 10 feet away from her...I..." arnav said as khushi got up and came to sit in the chair next to him "Shh...arnav...stop!..breath!" khushi said as arnav calmed down and looked at her "She likes me..." khushi said with a sweet smile as arnav pulled her close to himself "No Khushi...she loves you...just like her father does" 

The Learning Curve - Chapter 23

And we Burn together...Oh! what a burn...

WARNING: Mature Content Ahead (18+ only)

“Just..yes or no khushi...” he said looking at her with an odd glint in his eyes..khushi who was a little hurt by arnav's questioning, before even hearing her side looked at him and said in a soft but confident voice “Yes, i did” she knew she was right in the way she reacted and arnav better..., she started thinking when the shock of arnav pulling her body roughly against him and slamming his lips on hers left her completely fazed out and shocked beyond her wits 'What the hell just happened'

Khushi gasped as arnav's insistent lips moved over hers in a hurried rapid motion, eliciting a surprised moan from her, she could hardly make sense of her immediate response to this...this frenzied need which was building inside as arnav continued to plunder her lips...she wanted more, she wanted it all...her hands went around his neck as she whimpered against his lips, pulling him closer to herself.

Arnav groaned as he felt her surrender herself to him..he reveled in this new-found sensation of needing, wanting, giving...his mind, a tangle of feelings...feelings which he had dared never hoped for...feelings he had kept buried inside for far too long..feelings he had stopped from ever surfacing, dead in the abyss of lost hope and fear that forced him to keep them away...but along came this woman...this lovely enchanting woman in his arms...and he was lost...in her, in this feeling...this thing he was too scared still to name...

“Arrnav...” khushi whispered against his lips as they both broke the extremely passionate, heady kiss they had just shared...if it wasn't for the need to breath..they would never have parted. Arnav smiled as he took a deep breath while resting his forehead against her damp one....he took in the sweet smell of her freshly washed hair, loose tendrils caressing his face as they teased her silken flushed skin.

“Shh...don't say anything khushi...just...just give me a few more minutes..” arnav said huskily as snaked his arms around her midriff and pulled her closer to his body...Khushi sighed as she laid her head against his erratically beating heart while he laid his chin atop her head..both finding solace in the silence and a sense of belonging in the embrace.

“What was that Arnav?” khushi asked in a soft voice as she finally lifted her head from the comforting warmth of his chest..she moved her head a little back to gaze into the deep dark pools of arnav's eyes..he smiled at her as he cupped her cheeks “I don't know khushi...I truly don't know...but I just knew I wanted to kiss you at that moment..I just had to...” he started saying as khushi gave him a wry smile “You kissed me because I threw your aunt out? Boy you must really hate her!” she said as she pulled away from his embrace and laughed.

Arnav gazed at her with an indescribable look in his eyes which got khushi's heartbeats soaring...she stopped laughing and smiled at him indulgently as he stepped towards her, instantly making her take a backward step...arnav raised his eyes brows at her reaction and smirked inwardly as he turned on his heels and strode towards her door “Wait..where are you going?” she asked as she quickly went to him, making him smile as he turned back towards her.

“Why? What happened? Just a minute ago you were stepping back from me..” he said as he looked in to her eyes. Khushi blushed prettily as she tried not to get affected by his smoldering gaze...“That..uh...No, I did no such thing..I...I only...” she started saying as arnav stepped again towards her..closer “You what khushi?” he asked as he stepped closer and trailed his finger from her forehead to her nose, making her close her eyes at his touch

“N..nothing” she said as she lowered her eyes and willed herself not to step away from him...she did not know why, but she could not stop herself from wanting him...she could not stop herself from running into his arms and staying like that forever..she wanted to clear the webs in her mind before she did anything stupid...what was it about this man that completely undid her..

“Fine..since you are not answering this question...tell me this...why did you throw dadi-bua out of your house?” he asked her in his husky voice which had had look at him straight in the eyes “Arnav!..your'e still stuck on that? Do you really hate her that much? I mean...you kissed me when i agreed that I threw her out...If i had done something worse...God only...” she started saying as she suddenly realized where her words would lead to

“I know you Khushi...you wouldn't have done something worse...and No, I don't hate her that much...its not about why I kissed you...its about why you threw her out...tell me khushi...why did you?...” he asked her again as she looked away and stared at the kitchen area behind him...she gave him a quick smile before quickly dodging him “Coffee? Lets have some coffee..” she said as arnav quickly held her wrist making her stop “Khushi...” he said in a soft voice as khushi closed her eyes.

“Fine..if you must know...she was very rude to me...she insulted me and Shilpa di in this very house...in My house!...I could not take it anymore...so...so I...” she said as arnav's lips tightened at the thought of dadi-bua insulting Khushi and her best friend...he took a deep breath to ebb his anger away...this was not the time...he will deal with the older woman later.. “Is that all Khushi? Was that the only reason why you did what you did?” he asked her tenderly and stepped more closer to her.

Khushi forgot to breath at the tender look in his eyes..his musky scent was seducing her senseless...she had no control over he tongue...so mesmerizing were his orbs that they sought out the real reason behind her anger at anjali devi “No..thats not all...” she said getting sucked deeper and deeper into the vortex of an unknown new feeling that his man was invoking in her

“Then what was it Khushi? Tell me...what more was there?...” arnav asked as he took in her innocent face, her beautiful eyes shining with a clarity of that unexpected feeling... “Let me hope khushi...let me hope” he whispered against her cheeks as she drew in a deep breath...her hands slid over his forearms as they climbed up higher till she clutched onto his powerful shoulders...both their bodies shuddering in anticipation... “She wanted me to deny you...she wanted me to say a no if you ever...” she whispered back as arnav closed his eyes and leaned his face towards her “Khushi...” he said in a hoarse voice.

She knew she didn't need to say anymore...she knew that she could trust him, but there was still a nagging thought in her mind...something she had to clear before taking things further. She slowly slacked her hold on his shoulders and slid them back on his forearms, creating some distance between them...but not completely letting him go. Arnav looked at her with confusion as she took a shaky breath.

“Arnav I don't think..we need to say anything right now...but i need to know if...if this...between us...will it...will anaya...” she just could not word what she wanted to say but was relieved when arnav spoke up “Khushi...you don't need to say anymore...I have never felt so strongly about anyone...I truly cannot express what i feel for you...but I know that this..Us...is not something I want to give up on...not now...not ever...and as far as anaya is concerned...she knows...she really likes you Khushi...” he said softly looking into her eyes

He held her gaze steady as he pulled her back towards him “Will you consider giving me...us..a chance?” he asked uncertainly...hoping against hope...khushi looked down before she looked up slowly...He saw the answer in her starling hazel eyes before she even said it “Yes...yes arnav...” khushi exclaimed as a smile broke out on her gorgeous face as pulled him forward for a deep kiss...it only took a few seconds for arnav to realize what she had said before he responded almost feverishly to her kisses...nipping, biting, sucking till her lips were swollen form his ministrations

Khushi moaned as arnav's mouth left her lips to travel down her long neck..she splayed her fingers in his thick mass of hair as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, biting and soothing near her pulse points..his hands travelled the length of her upper body as khushi bit her lips and arched towards his touch “Arrnav...” she said throatily as his lips sought her left ear “I want to see you khushi...” he said breathlessly as khushi blushed fiercely...she looked up to see his intense stare on her as a smile graced his lips “Sorry...I don't know what came over me...” he said as he mentally slapped himself for making her so uncomfortable

Khushi melted at his understanding and slowly caught his wrist pulling him along with her into the bedroom...arnav gave her a questioning look before stopping her right before she entered “Khushi...you don't have to...” he said as she shook her head and pulled him inside “I want to arnav...” she said as she made him sit on her bed before closing the curtains of her room..the hazy afternoon light filtering vaguely through the opaque curtains..

Continued from IF...

Arnav sat as she came near him and stood between his legs....he lost himself in her mesmerizing beauty as she guided his hands on her waist...slipping them boldly under her vest...arnav knew she was too new at all this, but his feelings for her multiplied by this simple submissive act of hers...he looked at her blushing face as she slowly pulled off her vest and threw it on the bed...she looked at him and the blatant admiration in his eyes gave her the confidence to go further.

He gulped as his eyes roamed her perfect body, her gorgeous boobs covered by a black lace bra..her milky skin standing stark against it...he slowly roamed his fingers lightly over her soft skin as khushi gasped at the sensations he was invoking in her “Help me arnav...” she said huskily as khushi caught his hands and placed them on the waistband of her track pants..she bit her lips saucily as arnav tried to control his treacherous body while slowly sliding the soft velvety material off her...his eyes travelled over her taut stomach to the lacy black triangle covering her feminity...his breath hitched as the track pants fell off completely leaving khushi nearly bare in front of him.

Khushi saw him get up slowly...his eyes never leaving her body...she felt him slide his hands over her bare waist, pulling her closer... “God..I want you soo much khushi...” he said as she shyly looked down, not being able to take the scorching heat from his eyes...he turned her around slowly as khushi leaned into him...his hands slowly caressed her sides as they came to rest over her lace covered breasts....she moaned in pleasure as he cupped them in his hands...both perfectly fitting each other...she turned her head to one side, as arnav's fingers deftly undid her bra from behind.

Khushi felt molten heat pool at her core as arnav now placed his roughened hands over her bare breasts, squeezing them, pinching them...taking her to heights she had never dreamed of experiencing...he bit her shoulder as she moaned loudly..wanting more...she wanted this throb that had started between her legs to ease away...she felt restless and excited as arnav's hardened form rubbed leisurely over her bottom....making her bite her lips to stop the endless moans from escaping “Oh God khushi...you have no idea what you do to me..” he rasped against her ears as his other hand went to cup her above her panties

“Arr..arnav...” khushi gasped as she felt him probe her core over her wet panties... “Show me arnav....gg...give m..me more...” she said breathlessly as arnav groaned in his throat...he turned her around before taking her lips in another passionate kiss...but this time it was full of raw desire...he deepened it further as khushi kissed him back with equal ardor while she undressed him...ripping his buttons away...he pulled his tie off and over his head as khushi pushed open his shirt... “Khushi...are you sure?” he asked her in an urgent voice as she nodded against his jaw...her mouth tracing a delicious trail all over his body.

Arnav growled as she struggled to open his belt, which he helped her with in an impatient tug...she unzipped his pants as he quickly stepped out of them before picking her up in his arms and laying her softly on her bed...he slowly stripped her of the last scrap before gazing down at her flushed body “You are soo beautiful khushi...” he said as he felt himself harden further...he pulled her up by her hands and placed her dainty hands over his arousal...she looked at his face in wonder as he closed his eyes while she stroked him over the thin boxers

“See what you do to me...I...khushi...” he said hoarsely as khushi slowly pulled his boxers away...taking his hard length in her hands...she kept stroking it as arnav's body shivered at her inexperienced touch...he finally opened his eyes when he could not take it anymore and gently took her hands off him making her give him an annoying look “I can't have you do that anymore baby...or i'll be undone before we even begin...” he said to her as her cheeks flamed red, she pushed back slowly on her bed as he climbed over and knelt in front of her “Khushi...baby...you need to tell me if...” he said as she got on her knees and pressed her body on his, making him groan again

“I want this arnav...please...make me yours...” she said with such passion that arnav stopped breathing for a while before trapping her in his arms...both of them gasping as their bodies rubbed over each other...khushi's sensitized nipples pulling her towards an unfulfilled want..while arnav's hard arousal throbbing with a need to be inside her warmth...only she could provide the ultimate satisfaction he desired...he laid her down gently as she looked at him with hooded eyes... “Dammit...I don't have protection...” he said as khushi rolled away from him and opened her top drawer before pulling out a foil covered square.. “Shilpa di gave me...” she said as arnav mentally thanked her wonderful friend.

He did not waste a second more as he quickly donned it and placed himself right at her entrance... “Khushi...I...is this...I mean i know..” he said as khushi placed her palm on his cheek which he turned around and kissed “Yes...Its my first time arnav....” she said while looking into his eyes which made him smile...he was so blessed to have her here with him...and the fact that he was her first gave him a sense of belonging...not just her to him...but him to her...he belonged to her...this memory will always be special for both of them..

He pulled her up for a mind numbing kiss as he first eased a finger insider her wet core parting her folds... “Aaahhh...arnav...” khushi moaned as she was more than ready to receive him...he slowly pushed in another finger as she arched against him.. “That's it baby...i'm going to take it slow ok...just let me know if you feel uncomfortable..” he said as he eased his finger out as he slowly nudged his arousal at her entrance... he entered her half way through, when her tightness stopped him...he felt khushi hold her breath as he suddenly slid into her deeply in one long thrust, breaking through her barrier..her gasp at the sudden pain was muffled by arnav's kisses...he then started thrusting slowly but steadily inside her as her pain started transforming into pleasure...she relaxed as he moved inside her with slick strokes making her writhe in pleasure.

“Oh God Arrnav...” khushi moaned as he increased his pace...khushi felt stretched beyond impossible as he thrust more deeply inside her with each firm stroke, taking her higher and closer to her building tension... “Look at me Khushi...” arnav whispered against her ears, nipping them softly...she looked up in to his eyes as he thrust into her one more time before she shattered with a pleasure she had never imagined.

Khushi felt stars shooting off as the sheer intensity of the pleasure she had felt overwhelmed her...her body shuddered with the impact of her orgasm as she bit her lips to stop screaming...arnav felt her incredibly hot sheath milking him as her tightness took him to the ultimate peak before spasms of ecstasy rocked his body...he felt utterly satisfied and spent as he stayed throbbing inside khushi while his body calmed down from the aftershocks...they stayed like that for a few more minutes, savoring the feel of their bodies entwined in the most natural way, till arnav pulled out slowly from her warmth.

“Khushi...” he asked her taking in her flushed face...her chest heaving from their love making, her eyes closed “Baby...did i hurt you? Are you...are you ok?” he asked her uncertainly as he watched her face for any sign of distress...he relaxed when he saw her open her sparkling eyes...a shy smile spread over her beautiful bruised lips “I'm fine arnav...i'm more than fine...that was...God...that was amazing...” she said as he pulled her closer to himself, her hands going around his waist holding each other tightly.

“Amazing huh?....i'm flattered..” he said smirking to which khushi pinched his arm “Oi..what was that for?” he asked her as he rubbed his arm “That is for having a big head Mr Raizada...it was my first time...how am I to compare you to anyone else?” she said cheekily as he all but climbed on top of her, imprisoning her body under his as a fierce light crossed his eyes “Oh yeah..and what makes you think i'll let you compare? Don't you even think....” he said as khushi leaned up on her forearms and kissed him gently “I know...i'm yours arnav...only yours...” she said as arnav smiled at her before both fell into an exhausted but satisfied sleep...yes it was only 3 in the afternoon!

The Learning Curve - Chapter 22

'Pride and...Prejudices?'

"Anjali devi..." khushi said uncertainly as she saw the older woman standing stiffly by her door, she looked on, shocked by the sudden appearance of the most unexpected person "Yes, me..now are you going to let me in or should I stand here all night?!" anjali devi said haughtily to which khushi blushed and stood aside to let her pass.

"So...you must be wondering why i'm here..." anjali devi said stiffly as she looked around khushi's flat; her eyes looked up Shilpa once before moving over to the rest of khushi's modest abode, she finally turned to look back at khushi who had a puzzled and confused expression on her face "Y..yes...I mean...you c..came to my house?" khushi said nervously, glancing at Shilpa di who shrugged her shoulders after realizing that this was the woman khushi had just told her about.

"Yes..i know..it is shocking isn't it? I mean this is the first time I have come to a ser..I mean an employee's house" she sneered as she surveyed the small couch before sitting down; shilpa who was annoyed at the woman's audacity spoke up before khushi had a chance to respond "Madam, khushi is not an employee...she is counciling Anaya out of the goodness of her heart...so please show some respect to the woman who is helping your family out" shilpa said calmly, her anger simmering just beneath her serene face.

Khushi looked between anjali devi and shilpa di and tried to diffuse the situation "Di..I'm sure anjaliji did not mean it that way..." she said, gesturing shilpa to calm down, she then turned to Anjali devi and asked her in a polite voice "Anjaliji, what can i get for you? Some tea? Coffee?" khushi asked softly to which the older woman shifted her piercing gaze from shilpa to khushi "No..i don't need anything...plus I highly doubt you will stock the brand of tea that i drink or for that matter even the mineral water that I prefer" she said snootily which got both khushi and shilpa bristling, but they did not say anything.

"Anyways...lets just drop the pleasantries...I have come here for a very important thing" anjali devi said to khushi who silently nodded and sat down on the opposite couch, facing her "And we need privacy...so if you don't mind.." she said glancing at shilpa who pursed her lips and was about to walk out when khushi's voice stopped her "Shilp di is more than family for me...what ever you need to speak to me, can be spoken in front of her..I will not have it any other way" khushi said firmly as shilpa gave her a warm smile and came to sit next to her.

"Very well then..." anjali devi said as she cleared her throat and looked straight at khushi "Are you and Arnav having an affair?" she asked her directly without even blinking an eye. Khushi who was shocked at first at someone, practically a stranger asking her such a personal question took a deep breath and said in a barely restrained voice "I don't see how that is of concern to you"

"Oh, it does concern me!..you see, I don't want just anyone in Arnav's life...after all the woman who marries him will be responsible for anaya as well" she said to which khushi gave her an annoyed look "Oh, so you think the girls you were looking for him fit that bill?" she asked casually when in actuality her heart was beating like a drum

"Yes, obviously they do...they come from Rich, cultured background...and know how to poise themselves as a billionaires wife...which I think, you lack in plenty" she said snobbishly to which shilpa started her protest again but quieted down when she felt khushi hold down her hand "So, I will ask you once more...since you are not denying you have an affair with arnav..I need to know if he has proposed to you" she asked khushi again, completely unfazed by the rudeness of her questioning

Khushi closed her eyes against all the insults thrown at her and said in a very controlled voice "Anjaliji, like I said earlier...you have no rights to come and discuss my personal life with me...In fact if your thoughts reflect in such a way about me and Mr Raizada...you should have asked him these questions". Anjali devi observed her for a second before saying in a much lighter voice "I did ask him...but he refused to discuss anything with me"

Khushi widened her eyes at anjaliji's words "Oh, don't get any ideas...arnav is a playboy..once he gets bored of you he will move on...plus I don't know what I thought...he will never propose to you...I know the kind of girl you are...looking for a better life, getting friendly with the household staff just to get through..." she kept on saying when Shilpa shouted at the top of her voice "Shut the f**k up you batty old woman!"

To say khushi was shocked was an understatement, she had never seen shilpa like this...she was positively shooting hellfire from her eyes "Now you listen to me An-ja-li-ji...Who are you, to come and question khushi like this...you have no rights to belittle and insult her in this way...whatever is between her and arnav is their personal matter...and if you ask me, Khushi will be the perfect mother and wife...while you on the other hand, I can see very well...were probably never a good daughter, a good sister, a good aunt and most definitely not a good mother...no wonder you are childless...I am sure even God shuddered thinking how your child would have turned out" shilpa screamed at the woman who was visibly shaken by her words.

"Shilpa di...please...calm down..." khushi said pleading her to sit down, she then turned toward the fuming old lady and said in a very stiff voice "Anjali devi ji, please leave my house at once...I have tolerated enough of your nonsense...I cannot take any more of this...I gave you respect as you are an elderly person...but even I draw a line when it comes to the kind of behavior you have displayed in my house...towards me...so please, the door is that way..." khushi said in one breath as the older woman got up in a huff

"As if i want to stay another second in this god forsaken house with such slum mouthed people" she said looking at shilpa, but before shilpa could say anything, khushi spoke in a very cold voice "How dare you insult my di...if you don't leave my house this instant...I swear to God, i will do something that I have never dreamt of before.." she said menacingly her eyes blazing with anger.

Anjali devi strode straight past them to the open door and turned around as she stepped out "I can't believe the kind of people you are...so rude! But let me warn you...if arnav ever proposes to you...and if you accept, the consequences will be severe...so I need you to promise me...you WILL say a NO to him when he does...otherwise..." she said trying to sound threatening when khushi came right in front of her and said in a calm voice "Make me" before shutting the door right in her face.

...

"Aman...i hope dadi-bua has left by now" arnav said in a relaxed tone as he leaned back in his chair; he was still on cloud nine after the incidents of this morning when he had come down for breakfast. As he had sat down to sip on his coffee, maggie had informed him that dadi-bua had cut her trip short and was leaving by lunch time. He was very surprised at first..but then waited to talk to her, as she got down.

He saw the stiffness in her stance when she spoke of some emergency which had come up, because of which she had to leave early. He nodded at her before informing mohan about dropping her to the airport...but when he was about to leave, she stopped him and told him the most bizarre thing. She told him how she had visited Khushi last night to ask her about her and arnav, since arnav had point blank refused to tell her.

At first arnav's shoulders had gone stiff at the audacity of the woman, but when she told him about khushi's behavior and how she had rudely thrown her out of her house..he could not help but smirk inside...he knew dadi-bua too well to understand why khushi might have reacted that way, so when he did not show any remorse or anger at khushi's behavior dadi-bua had stomped her foot and cursed him saying that they both deserve each other before stomping out out the room...and hopefully out of his life as well.

He grinned as he looked at aman observing him "What? Is anything the matter?" he asked a perplexed aman who shook his head "N..no sir, its just that you are smiling a lot...now a days...I mean..." he said as arnav threw his head back and laughed loudly "Happy days are here my friends...why will I frown when I can smile?" he said as he dismissed a confused aman before texting khushi...he had waited till lunch time to text her, since he knew she was busy with classes till then

'Hi...how are you? I did not get a reply for my text last night' he texted and waited impatiently for a few minutes before grabbing his phone as it beeped with an incoming message 'Sry...m nt feeling 2 well...nt in school...i need to talk 2 u abt sumthing impt' her text said. Arnav pondered and was concerned for her as text seemed a bit off. He quickly called aman and canceled his other meetings of the day before informing the driver to bring his car around. Time to visit sabrina.

...

Khushi had just finished her shower. Since she did not go to school today, she had lazed around the entire day eating a late breakfast and simply catching up on her textbook corrections..but her mind was very obviously occupied with other thoughts...all night she was worried about how bad the situation had gotten between her and anaya's dadi-bua...she did not even text arnav back since she had no idea what anjali devi had told him.

She dried her hair and left it open to dry as she went back to check her phone...after the text arnav had sent half an hour ago, she had relaxed a bit...but he had still not replied to her reply about talking to him...was he upset about the dadi-bua episode? Was she mistaken about how he felt for her? Was he really just looking for something casual with her? All these thoughts were running amok in her head as she slipped on a simple loose vest over her old comfy track pants. She was just about to walk into her kitchen area when the door bell rang.

...

Arnav waited impatiently at khushi's door..waiting for her to open it. He knew that he should have called and told her that he was coming...but he just could not wait...he had to know why Khushi had reacted the way she did last night...he was sure she was affected by him...but to what extent..that was what he wanted to know...and the fact that khushi would not give dadi-bua a straight answer about their relationship when she knew that anjali devi was fixing his marriage, gave him a confidence like nothing else.

He took a deep breath as the door slowly opened and khushi's fresh dewy face peeped out, her eyes widened as she started at him before opening the door a little bit wider. Arnav took in her intoxicating scent as he stepped inside her flat before closing the door behind him..she had still not said anything and was probably wondering if he was a hallucination "Khushi?" his husky voice made shivers run up her spine 'He was really here'

She stepped back as arnav stood stiffly by the now closed door watching her "Arnav?..what.." she started asking as arnav looked her squarely in the eyes "Khushi...i'll only ask you this once...did you throw dadi-bua out of your house last night?" Khushi looked down guiltily before slowly raising her head "Arnav...it wasn't like that...I mean...I'm sorry for behaving soo horribly with her but..." she started saying when arnav held up his palm

"Just..yes or no khushi..." he said looking at her with an odd glint in his eyes..khushi who was a little hurt by arnav's questioning, before even hearing her side looked at him and said in a soft but confident voice "Yes, i did" she knew she was right in the way she reacted and arnav better..., she started thinking when the shock of arnav pulling her body roughly against him and slamming his lips on hers left her completely fazed out and shocked beyond her wits 'What the hell just happened'