CHAPTER 02: Back to square one...!
TWO DAYS LATER
G.K. CONSTRUCTION, DELHI, 11:00 AM
It is a bright Wednesday morning & all stuff is gathered near main entrance with peon holding a bouquet near the reception area as Epshita addressed giving out last minute instruction to all: “Good morning everyone, as you the all know guests arriving are very important for the company & we need partnership with them, no mistakes. I want you all at your professional best; whatever or any personal problem with them I want you to keep it out of office premise & you’re going to cooperate with them. I don’t want anyone here becoming the reason we lose the deal. Understood?”
While all stuff nodded in consent, the gang of friends were passing comment to each other whispering as Mayuri exclaimed making a face: “Yaar what is this? Are Royals of England coming over that we are been briefed so much.”
In response Yuvi said to his wife: “Mayu she wants you at your best behavior in front of them & not your usual gunda-self making them from the doors within minutes.”
Mayuri huffed at her husband’s reply as she angrily warned him “Oye idiot! Shut up!” making Yuvraj roll his eyes at her response as if to say ‘here-she-goes-again’.
Other friends too hear the couple’s forever-going-batters on anything & everything as Payal still pointed out after a while saying: “But Mayu has a point, what’s with so much briefing?! I bet it does gonna be sticky-yucky old man of 50 or some rich Casanova type spoiled brat. But whoever it is, we are tolerating the lectures now, so not fair"
A yawning & bored-out-of-his-skull NK said: “Please someone tape her lips.”
Anjali charred them to behave saying: “Guys cut it out & behave, they are soon gonna arrive & better keep smiling if you don’t want wrath of Lady Hitler.”
But before anyone can reply Epshita’s strict tone calling then got them to quit childlessness & be mature who asked them: “Care to share what so important you guys discussing? We all like to know” raising an eyebrow at them.
Making them look down guilty muttering “Sorry ma’am.”
To which Epshita sternly said: “You should be” as she checks the time on her watch & look back up at others again says: “They should be arriving any minute now, it’s almost time.”
When inside the building Epshita was briefing others two black Audi A4 following behind it was black Camaro SS 2010 followed by two more Audi A4, all cars with black tainted glass.
From the four Audi’s bodyguards got down as they looked around ensuring it’s safe from any possible threat or media, after which one bodyguard went & held the door of the Audi as a man in black formal suit with white crisp shirt wearing aviators with stern pure-business-like expression on got down as he looked at the office building in front of him which brought many memories of past which he rather keeps forgotten.
Then turned his eyes back holding his hand out which is taken by small milky delicate hand entrusting into his warm large hands stepped out a beautiful girl with her long chestnut hair open wearing an multicolored halter short dress & a sweet smile on her lips showing her deep dimples which made his face soften with tender adoration as they share a silent moment in which she gave him strength to face his past again. They turn & walk in the building with bodyguards surrounding them as is held open by the watchmen at door who is surprised seeing it specially two very familiar faces which showed up so unexpected which are same yet changed.
Entering the doors all heads turned to them as at first all saw the beautiful angel in the short dress, high heels with perfect peach-milk complexion, unique blue-green eyes, red lips & deep dimples with long chestnut brown wavy hair framing her heart shape cute face. All the male population present were almost drooling at the angel who just stepped in while the females felt a pang of jealousy but soon the arm wrapping around the girl’s waist possessively catch attention making eyes travel to the owner’s face only to encounter life shaking shock. Their stood in all glory wear black Armani suite with white shirt having a no-nonsense expression on his face, his jet black short & perfectly gelled with sharp features as he pulled his aviators off revealing his expressive steel grey almost silver intense eyes making all the girls pant & males jealous of the reaction he got of women. But most surprised was old stuff that recognized the two faces, shocked seeing them again while the gang felt as if land slipped from their feet.
Epshita smilingly at the pair as they walked up to her saying: “Welcome back guys” giving them brief hug.
Turning to face all as she spoke doing the formal intro: “So, many of you know them who are shocked seeing them again & for many they are new face. Here I do the formal introduction, this is Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, and the MD & CEO of AKR Corp. Along with her is Ms. Khushi Ahlawat, the Head interior designer & board member of AKR Corp. Many of you know that they were once members of G.K. construction 06 years ago & now they are here on be-half of AKR Corp. for the deal.”
As nodding to Arnav to say as he taking the cue spoke in his strong husky business tone with British accent: “Thank you all for such warm welcome & yes today we are here to work on very important deal for both companies. I expect perfection from you all as AKR Corp. only knows perfection & I expect that from you all, nothing less is accepted here. You all are gonna be given the project details, go through it today & tomorrow there is gonna be meeting & group divided of people in this project. After which the project starts & it’s gonna be long way, so better do your homework if you don’t wanna be thrown out. That’s all for now everyone” his speech making all grasp & seeing ASR in full mode.
As Epshita ending it & asking everyone to get back to work as she told Arnav-Khushi that Sashi asked them to meet him at his cabin than walked off to her work along others but few people still stood in shock staring at them whom they didn’t notice.
As Arnav says turning to Khushi: “Shall we proceed to Mr. Gupta’s cabin?”
Khushi hummed in reply: “Not bad huh, quite good amount of attention you got on yourself” smirking pointing around the female stuff looking at his way.
But that didn’t register him because what he saw were the male eyes on Khushi making him groan in warning which made all back off averting their eyes as he grumbled about how he wants to take their eyes out & shoot them all making Khushi giggle at his innovative ways to kill all as Arnav rolled his eyes & started to pull her towards Sashi’s cabin glaring at everyone who dared to look at them.
The group snapped out of their shock after Arnav-Khushi were gone as Lavanya’s tears started making their way down her eyes as she turned to Anjali holding her hands she exclaimed: “He came back, Di. He came back for me. Now I would get my love back” with teary eyes & big smile.
As Anjali nodded agreeing with a giddy smile on face but Lavanya’s smile dimmed at bit & turning into frown as she said doubtfully: “But Di why did he ignored us? It was like he didn’t see us.”
To which Mayuri said: “Maybe he needed to meet Sashi sir that’s why. Surely he would come after wrapping up.”
Making all nod in agreement as they too went back to their work, wanting to wrap up soon as they wanna meet Arnav ASAP. But what they didn’t know was that their surprises aren’t over yet.
----------------
TWO HOURS LATER
SASHI’S CABIN, G.K. CONSTRUCTIONS, DELHI
Inside cabin Arnav-Khushi were engrossed in deep discussion with Sashi about the project & their plans with executing the whole thing. Sashi was quite shocked with this all new no-nonsense ASR who seems to have policy of ‘my-way-or-highway’ & very impressed with his professionalism. He always knew Arnav is smart & intelligent, its other things in which his believes used to clash with Arnav.
As the discussion on projected finished & when there was a knock after which Kunal peeped in who entered after getting permission. Kunal smiled at Arnav-Khushi greeting them cheerfully which was returned with pleasant smiles from both & Kunal than took few signs on files from Sashi for which he came.
Signing the files Sashi turned to Arnav-Khushi saying: “So that is all. I guess we cleared enough for now”
They both nodded in affirmation as Sashi conversationally asked: “So how has life been all these years Arnav & Khushi?” he was interested in knowing Arnav’s life status more.
Arnav replied mildly mellowed: “Never better sir, leaving India was best decision I took ever” yet his expression not giving out anything.
Excusing Arnav-Khushi left saying they wanna see their cabins before leaving & take few files along as they wanna go home feeling jet legged. Sashi stared at their retreating back deep in thoughts; he got Arnav’s words underline meaning that he is very happy in his life without Lavanya & is no interested re-connecting with her which made him worried because despite his every thought against him ultimately nothing is more important than his daughter’s happiness.
---------------------
Arnav walked out of the private elevator to the empty corridor of their cabin shouldering most of the weight of a tired Khushi who was literary hanging in his arms clinging to him as he lightly rubbed her shoulders asking: “Tried Angel?” looking at her angel face with tender eyes.
Khushi looked up meeting his soft deep grey-silver eyes replied tiredly: “Very much I just want to crash in a bed” trying to stiffen a yawn in an unsuccessful attempt.
Arnav guiltily looked at her saying: “So sorry because of me it got delayed. I should have listened to you & had we arrived earlier than you wouldn’t be suffering.”
She tsked him saying: “It wasn’t your fault, emergency call chill. Just lets finish up here ASAP...” as nodding in agreement Arnav led her the way their cabins were as Epshita had told him.
Arnav-Khushi saw a crowd in front of their cabins as coming close they saw Lavanya, Anjali, Aman, Yuvi, Mayuri, Samar, Akash, Payal, NK & Tuli gathered there to which Khushi gave a bright yet tried smile while Arnav’s face went all expressionless seeing them.
Lavanya didn’t seem pleased seeing Khushi hanging in Arnav’s arms & others didn’t gave much thought to it yet as the pair came stop in front of them.
Samar smilingly greeted them as he moved forward to hug both exclaiming: “Welcome guys, what a pleasant surprise? At least could have told you guys coming”
Which was reciprocated by Arnav smilingly who replied: “It just happened & I wouldn’t say that I’m exactly happy returning, just tolerating.”
Others were surprised with the exchange between the two as Samar greeting hugged Khushi briefly, after which Tuli & NK greeted them which was returned pleasantly.
Seeing the exchange Aman too excitedly moved forward to hug Arnav exclaiming: “Hey Arnav buddy! How are you?”
But was stopped in mid by Arnav who stepped back & replied expressionlessly: “I’m fine, thank you for asking Mr. Mathur” shocking all except Khushi with that.
Yuvi happily said: “Hi Arnav welcome back!”
Arnav replied formally again: “Hello Mr. Kundra” making all confuse.
Payal attempted as she complaining: “Hi Arnav, where have you been? No contact in these 06 years so not fair.” pouting at the end which had no effect on him.
Arnav replied to uninterested in her antics: “Well Mrs. Khurana you were very busy with your marital life, so didn’t mind bothering you” with sarcastic tone which made Payal awkward.
An ever-hyper Mayuri chirped: “Oye Hero! How are you? Got married or not?” which got glares at her from all friends.
Arnav's still with stern face replied formally: “Well Mrs. Kundra that is for me to know & for now I want to keep it to myself. Now if you all excuse us we have things to finish so we could go home, unlike you people we're truly tried & no way interested in your random talks.”
As he walked them with Khushi to their cabins leaving behind very confused friends.
Arnav held Khushi’s cabin door open leading her inside he said to her: “I’ll see my cabin & than we leave” to which she nodded yawning & went on her work.
Arnav closed the door & turned to go to cabin beside it which was his, from corner of his eyes he saw the gang whispering something but didn't bother knowing & proceeded to his cabin.
Actually the gang was discussing Arnav’s behavior & they were trying to console Lavanya who was disheartened by Arnav’s ignorance to her as they all guessed that Arnav is very angry with them.
Arnav opened the cabin door & was mildly taken back but not very surprised as he expected something like this from them. The cabin given to him was the same which was all those yrs back & it was all the same as years back before his fall out with Lavanya.
It seems like to revive the lost past the gang has set this up, putting his & Lavanya’s photos in there, a self-personalized coffee mug which had a photo of Arnav-Lavanya on table giving by Lavanya on some occasion & red roses in a crystal vase. Seeing this would have made him smile & happy 06 years ago when he wanted Lavanya back but now this was meaningless for him while the gang was looking at him expectantly especially Lavanya who was in hopes of Arnav coming running to her.
Arnav called out without turning out: “Mahi..”
He closed the cabin door & turned to face the gang as he started walking towards them. Lavanya’s heart was going crazy in happiness, ‘Mahi’ was the name Arnav always use to say he’ll give to his special one & he used to call Lavanya ‘Mahi’ on very rare occasions...maybe twice or thrice in their whole relationship period, while others looked expectantly at approaching Arnav who called out again “Mahi..Mahi”
But to surprise & shock of all he walked past Lavanya still calling out loud as they turned to see Khushi standing at her cabin door looking at him as Arnav stood in front of her saying: “Mahiya can you share cabin with me? Mine is not according to my taste & its clumsy, can’t work there”
Khushi smilingly replied in her own cute British accented angelic voice: “No problems, you’re welcomed to share mine & anyways we both spend most time in same cabin, in England it’s yours & here it will be mine. So totally fine, BTW you’re done?”
Arnav nodded replying her smilingly: “Yeah, let’s take you home before you face-plant somewhere”
Wrapping his arms around her waist as she hugged him & put her head on his shoulder allowing him to lead her while Arnav taking his sleepy baby home without sparing any backward glance to the audience.
The gang stood shocked, well not all Samar & Tuli looked at Arnav-Khushi’s retreating back with obviousness & seems like they knew something others don’t which they hid well enough from them as they turned to look at others.
Lavanya busted into tears hugging Anjali & crying: “He has forgotten me Di. He has gone ahead & replaced me with that girl, how can he do that Di?! Woh aisa kaise kar sakta hai?!” sobbing.
Anjali tried comforting her said: “He is just angry Lav & we all know he loves you too much. He is just trying to make you jealous or something, just wait & he’ll be back to you in no time”
Lavanya looked hopefully at her elder sister while Aman, Akash, Payal, Yuvi & Mayuri consoled Lavanya with same. Standing silent all this time Samar-Tuli knew it won’t be happening this time, they knew very well that for Arnav Lavanya is history which he isn’t opening again as he is happy & content with his present & NK too felt witnessing the Arnav ever since his returned that he is changed, that he is done & over with anything to do with Lavanya.
Despite knowing they kept their thoughts to themselves knowing rest would fight them contracting, so they’ll let them figure on their own time. Time is weird thing, changes so unexpectedly & now they all have to wait & watch what time brings & changes for all of them.
TWO DAYS LATER
G.K. CONSTRUCTION, DELHI, 11:00 AM
It is a bright Wednesday morning & all stuff is gathered near main entrance with peon holding a bouquet near the reception area as Epshita addressed giving out last minute instruction to all: “Good morning everyone, as you the all know guests arriving are very important for the company & we need partnership with them, no mistakes. I want you all at your professional best; whatever or any personal problem with them I want you to keep it out of office premise & you’re going to cooperate with them. I don’t want anyone here becoming the reason we lose the deal. Understood?”
While all stuff nodded in consent, the gang of friends were passing comment to each other whispering as Mayuri exclaimed making a face: “Yaar what is this? Are Royals of England coming over that we are been briefed so much.”
In response Yuvi said to his wife: “Mayu she wants you at your best behavior in front of them & not your usual gunda-self making them from the doors within minutes.”
Mayuri huffed at her husband’s reply as she angrily warned him “Oye idiot! Shut up!” making Yuvraj roll his eyes at her response as if to say ‘here-she-goes-again’.
Other friends too hear the couple’s forever-going-batters on anything & everything as Payal still pointed out after a while saying: “But Mayu has a point, what’s with so much briefing?! I bet it does gonna be sticky-yucky old man of 50 or some rich Casanova type spoiled brat. But whoever it is, we are tolerating the lectures now, so not fair"
A yawning & bored-out-of-his-skull NK said: “Please someone tape her lips.”
Anjali charred them to behave saying: “Guys cut it out & behave, they are soon gonna arrive & better keep smiling if you don’t want wrath of Lady Hitler.”
But before anyone can reply Epshita’s strict tone calling then got them to quit childlessness & be mature who asked them: “Care to share what so important you guys discussing? We all like to know” raising an eyebrow at them.
Making them look down guilty muttering “Sorry ma’am.”
To which Epshita sternly said: “You should be” as she checks the time on her watch & look back up at others again says: “They should be arriving any minute now, it’s almost time.”
When inside the building Epshita was briefing others two black Audi A4 following behind it was black Camaro SS 2010 followed by two more Audi A4, all cars with black tainted glass.
BODYGUARD'S CAR |
ARNAV-KHUSHI'S CAR |
From the four Audi’s bodyguards got down as they looked around ensuring it’s safe from any possible threat or media, after which one bodyguard went & held the door of the Audi as a man in black formal suit with white crisp shirt wearing aviators with stern pure-business-like expression on got down as he looked at the office building in front of him which brought many memories of past which he rather keeps forgotten.
Then turned his eyes back holding his hand out which is taken by small milky delicate hand entrusting into his warm large hands stepped out a beautiful girl with her long chestnut hair open wearing an multicolored halter short dress & a sweet smile on her lips showing her deep dimples which made his face soften with tender adoration as they share a silent moment in which she gave him strength to face his past again. They turn & walk in the building with bodyguards surrounding them as is held open by the watchmen at door who is surprised seeing it specially two very familiar faces which showed up so unexpected which are same yet changed.
Entering the doors all heads turned to them as at first all saw the beautiful angel in the short dress, high heels with perfect peach-milk complexion, unique blue-green eyes, red lips & deep dimples with long chestnut brown wavy hair framing her heart shape cute face. All the male population present were almost drooling at the angel who just stepped in while the females felt a pang of jealousy but soon the arm wrapping around the girl’s waist possessively catch attention making eyes travel to the owner’s face only to encounter life shaking shock. Their stood in all glory wear black Armani suite with white shirt having a no-nonsense expression on his face, his jet black short & perfectly gelled with sharp features as he pulled his aviators off revealing his expressive steel grey almost silver intense eyes making all the girls pant & males jealous of the reaction he got of women. But most surprised was old stuff that recognized the two faces, shocked seeing them again while the gang felt as if land slipped from their feet.
Epshita smilingly at the pair as they walked up to her saying: “Welcome back guys” giving them brief hug.
Turning to face all as she spoke doing the formal intro: “So, many of you know them who are shocked seeing them again & for many they are new face. Here I do the formal introduction, this is Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, and the MD & CEO of AKR Corp. Along with her is Ms. Khushi Ahlawat, the Head interior designer & board member of AKR Corp. Many of you know that they were once members of G.K. construction 06 years ago & now they are here on be-half of AKR Corp. for the deal.”
As nodding to Arnav to say as he taking the cue spoke in his strong husky business tone with British accent: “Thank you all for such warm welcome & yes today we are here to work on very important deal for both companies. I expect perfection from you all as AKR Corp. only knows perfection & I expect that from you all, nothing less is accepted here. You all are gonna be given the project details, go through it today & tomorrow there is gonna be meeting & group divided of people in this project. After which the project starts & it’s gonna be long way, so better do your homework if you don’t wanna be thrown out. That’s all for now everyone” his speech making all grasp & seeing ASR in full mode.
As Epshita ending it & asking everyone to get back to work as she told Arnav-Khushi that Sashi asked them to meet him at his cabin than walked off to her work along others but few people still stood in shock staring at them whom they didn’t notice.
As Arnav says turning to Khushi: “Shall we proceed to Mr. Gupta’s cabin?”
Khushi hummed in reply: “Not bad huh, quite good amount of attention you got on yourself” smirking pointing around the female stuff looking at his way.
But that didn’t register him because what he saw were the male eyes on Khushi making him groan in warning which made all back off averting their eyes as he grumbled about how he wants to take their eyes out & shoot them all making Khushi giggle at his innovative ways to kill all as Arnav rolled his eyes & started to pull her towards Sashi’s cabin glaring at everyone who dared to look at them.
The group snapped out of their shock after Arnav-Khushi were gone as Lavanya’s tears started making their way down her eyes as she turned to Anjali holding her hands she exclaimed: “He came back, Di. He came back for me. Now I would get my love back” with teary eyes & big smile.
As Anjali nodded agreeing with a giddy smile on face but Lavanya’s smile dimmed at bit & turning into frown as she said doubtfully: “But Di why did he ignored us? It was like he didn’t see us.”
To which Mayuri said: “Maybe he needed to meet Sashi sir that’s why. Surely he would come after wrapping up.”
Making all nod in agreement as they too went back to their work, wanting to wrap up soon as they wanna meet Arnav ASAP. But what they didn’t know was that their surprises aren’t over yet.
----------------
TWO HOURS LATER
SASHI’S CABIN, G.K. CONSTRUCTIONS, DELHI
Inside cabin Arnav-Khushi were engrossed in deep discussion with Sashi about the project & their plans with executing the whole thing. Sashi was quite shocked with this all new no-nonsense ASR who seems to have policy of ‘my-way-or-highway’ & very impressed with his professionalism. He always knew Arnav is smart & intelligent, its other things in which his believes used to clash with Arnav.
As the discussion on projected finished & when there was a knock after which Kunal peeped in who entered after getting permission. Kunal smiled at Arnav-Khushi greeting them cheerfully which was returned with pleasant smiles from both & Kunal than took few signs on files from Sashi for which he came.
Signing the files Sashi turned to Arnav-Khushi saying: “So that is all. I guess we cleared enough for now”
They both nodded in affirmation as Sashi conversationally asked: “So how has life been all these years Arnav & Khushi?” he was interested in knowing Arnav’s life status more.
Arnav replied mildly mellowed: “Never better sir, leaving India was best decision I took ever” yet his expression not giving out anything.
Excusing Arnav-Khushi left saying they wanna see their cabins before leaving & take few files along as they wanna go home feeling jet legged. Sashi stared at their retreating back deep in thoughts; he got Arnav’s words underline meaning that he is very happy in his life without Lavanya & is no interested re-connecting with her which made him worried because despite his every thought against him ultimately nothing is more important than his daughter’s happiness.
---------------------
Arnav walked out of the private elevator to the empty corridor of their cabin shouldering most of the weight of a tired Khushi who was literary hanging in his arms clinging to him as he lightly rubbed her shoulders asking: “Tried Angel?” looking at her angel face with tender eyes.
Khushi looked up meeting his soft deep grey-silver eyes replied tiredly: “Very much I just want to crash in a bed” trying to stiffen a yawn in an unsuccessful attempt.
Arnav guiltily looked at her saying: “So sorry because of me it got delayed. I should have listened to you & had we arrived earlier than you wouldn’t be suffering.”
She tsked him saying: “It wasn’t your fault, emergency call chill. Just lets finish up here ASAP...” as nodding in agreement Arnav led her the way their cabins were as Epshita had told him.
Arnav-Khushi saw a crowd in front of their cabins as coming close they saw Lavanya, Anjali, Aman, Yuvi, Mayuri, Samar, Akash, Payal, NK & Tuli gathered there to which Khushi gave a bright yet tried smile while Arnav’s face went all expressionless seeing them.
Lavanya didn’t seem pleased seeing Khushi hanging in Arnav’s arms & others didn’t gave much thought to it yet as the pair came stop in front of them.
Samar smilingly greeted them as he moved forward to hug both exclaiming: “Welcome guys, what a pleasant surprise? At least could have told you guys coming”
Which was reciprocated by Arnav smilingly who replied: “It just happened & I wouldn’t say that I’m exactly happy returning, just tolerating.”
Others were surprised with the exchange between the two as Samar greeting hugged Khushi briefly, after which Tuli & NK greeted them which was returned pleasantly.
Seeing the exchange Aman too excitedly moved forward to hug Arnav exclaiming: “Hey Arnav buddy! How are you?”
But was stopped in mid by Arnav who stepped back & replied expressionlessly: “I’m fine, thank you for asking Mr. Mathur” shocking all except Khushi with that.
Yuvi happily said: “Hi Arnav welcome back!”
Arnav replied formally again: “Hello Mr. Kundra” making all confuse.
Payal attempted as she complaining: “Hi Arnav, where have you been? No contact in these 06 years so not fair.” pouting at the end which had no effect on him.
Arnav replied to uninterested in her antics: “Well Mrs. Khurana you were very busy with your marital life, so didn’t mind bothering you” with sarcastic tone which made Payal awkward.
An ever-hyper Mayuri chirped: “Oye Hero! How are you? Got married or not?” which got glares at her from all friends.
Arnav's still with stern face replied formally: “Well Mrs. Kundra that is for me to know & for now I want to keep it to myself. Now if you all excuse us we have things to finish so we could go home, unlike you people we're truly tried & no way interested in your random talks.”
As he walked them with Khushi to their cabins leaving behind very confused friends.
Arnav held Khushi’s cabin door open leading her inside he said to her: “I’ll see my cabin & than we leave” to which she nodded yawning & went on her work.
Arnav closed the door & turned to go to cabin beside it which was his, from corner of his eyes he saw the gang whispering something but didn't bother knowing & proceeded to his cabin.
Actually the gang was discussing Arnav’s behavior & they were trying to console Lavanya who was disheartened by Arnav’s ignorance to her as they all guessed that Arnav is very angry with them.
Arnav opened the cabin door & was mildly taken back but not very surprised as he expected something like this from them. The cabin given to him was the same which was all those yrs back & it was all the same as years back before his fall out with Lavanya.
It seems like to revive the lost past the gang has set this up, putting his & Lavanya’s photos in there, a self-personalized coffee mug which had a photo of Arnav-Lavanya on table giving by Lavanya on some occasion & red roses in a crystal vase. Seeing this would have made him smile & happy 06 years ago when he wanted Lavanya back but now this was meaningless for him while the gang was looking at him expectantly especially Lavanya who was in hopes of Arnav coming running to her.
Arnav called out without turning out: “Mahi..”
He closed the cabin door & turned to face the gang as he started walking towards them. Lavanya’s heart was going crazy in happiness, ‘Mahi’ was the name Arnav always use to say he’ll give to his special one & he used to call Lavanya ‘Mahi’ on very rare occasions...maybe twice or thrice in their whole relationship period, while others looked expectantly at approaching Arnav who called out again “Mahi..Mahi”
But to surprise & shock of all he walked past Lavanya still calling out loud as they turned to see Khushi standing at her cabin door looking at him as Arnav stood in front of her saying: “Mahiya can you share cabin with me? Mine is not according to my taste & its clumsy, can’t work there”
Khushi smilingly replied in her own cute British accented angelic voice: “No problems, you’re welcomed to share mine & anyways we both spend most time in same cabin, in England it’s yours & here it will be mine. So totally fine, BTW you’re done?”
Arnav nodded replying her smilingly: “Yeah, let’s take you home before you face-plant somewhere”
Wrapping his arms around her waist as she hugged him & put her head on his shoulder allowing him to lead her while Arnav taking his sleepy baby home without sparing any backward glance to the audience.
The gang stood shocked, well not all Samar & Tuli looked at Arnav-Khushi’s retreating back with obviousness & seems like they knew something others don’t which they hid well enough from them as they turned to look at others.
Lavanya busted into tears hugging Anjali & crying: “He has forgotten me Di. He has gone ahead & replaced me with that girl, how can he do that Di?! Woh aisa kaise kar sakta hai?!” sobbing.
Anjali tried comforting her said: “He is just angry Lav & we all know he loves you too much. He is just trying to make you jealous or something, just wait & he’ll be back to you in no time”
Lavanya looked hopefully at her elder sister while Aman, Akash, Payal, Yuvi & Mayuri consoled Lavanya with same. Standing silent all this time Samar-Tuli knew it won’t be happening this time, they knew very well that for Arnav Lavanya is history which he isn’t opening again as he is happy & content with his present & NK too felt witnessing the Arnav ever since his returned that he is changed, that he is done & over with anything to do with Lavanya.
Despite knowing they kept their thoughts to themselves knowing rest would fight them contracting, so they’ll let them figure on their own time. Time is weird thing, changes so unexpectedly & now they all have to wait & watch what time brings & changes for all of them.
Arnav is back.La was very happy hoping 2 get him back.but he came with khushi,his beloved.La is shattered
ReplyDeleteThank you...and Lavanya has no idea of what relation ArShi share, she is sad because Aranv ignored her at point blank....
DeleteMindblowing outstanding writing
ReplyDeleteHi love the story. Beautifully written. Way to go Asr. Love that Arnav and Khushi are together and have a loving bonding. Lav had her chance and cant wait to read what her next actions will be.
ReplyDelete