ARSHI FF: Meant to be...

CHAPTER 03: Aadha adhoora main hoon tere bina...

G.K. CONSTRUCTION, DELHI, 10:30 AM







The staff present for meeting gathered their files and moved to exit the conference room to get on with the day’s regular work, already feeling tired with this early long meeting for the Govt. Project with AKR Corp. initially working on presentation and tender quotation will be Arnav-Lavanya who would work on architecture plans with Khushi-Anjali in interior designing department. After the project gets on floor and arrival of rest of the team of A.K.R. Corp. the teams will be divided to work on the project.





The gang too exited the conference room as Lavanya longingly kept glancing at Arnav who talking to Sashi, Epishita and Kunal with Khushi beside him much to her dislike. They all walked to canteen taking their usual big table and ordering coffee, taking a seat.

G.K. CONSTRUCTION CANTEEN

NK yawning sleepily muttered: “Gosh, I’m so sleepy! Who calls a meeting at freaking 09:00 AM in the morning? I had to get up at freaking 07:30 and I’m so sleepy, I wanna sleep!!!” banging his head on table.

Aman nodded too in agreement making a face yawning himself said: “Arnav was never a morning person and he hated early morning meetings, God knows why he called one?! I couldn't get half of the things they flew over my head and above that he is so goddamn scary with that attitude of his. God! If it’s now like this what would happen on upcoming days?!” imagining the horrors, wide-eyed with fear.

Mayuri: “Yeah guys, I knew Arnav is scary when he gets angry but I never knew he could get this scary. Yaar, he is scarier than Lady Hitler, Lav-Anji best of luck working with him!”

Yuvi: “BTW guys who is this Khushi?”

Mayuri: “Why are you so interested?” narrow her eyes at him almost accusingly.

Yuvi: “Mayu it’s not like that”

Mayuri: “Really! Than how is it?!”




Before Yuvi could reply Anjali interrupted: “Guys, stop fighting you two!”

Aman: “Yuvi, Khushi was an intern here for 6 months”




Confused Yuvi asked: “Really she was intern here? But I never saw her?"




Samar: “Khushi joined when you and Mayuri were 8 months off to New York for NYC Project and Anjali was in Australia for a project that yr. She resigned when Arnav did, so you guys weren't here when she joined and resigned.”

Yuvi: “Why does she have British accent like Arnav?”





Aman: “Khushi is born and brought-up in England, why are you asking so much about her?” frowning at his friend’s sudden inquiry on Khushi.

Yuvi shrugged replying: “They seemed pretty close”

Aman casually replied: “Good close friends, maybe.”




Anjali questioned: “Where they this close back then also?”




Samar: “Well, Arnav-Khushi hit pretty well since beginning both were from England and that time Arnav was quite aloof from us with whole Lavanya marriage thing.”

Lavanya sadly said: “He is still aloof and angry, ek bar bhi meri taraf nahi dekha.”

Anjali kept an assuring hand on her sister’s shoulder said: “I bet it’s this Khushi doing, but don’t worry due to this project you’re getting lot of time with him and we all know he can’t be angry with you for long, he would melt soon and be back to you in no time.”

Lavanya asked sad: “How is that going to happen, Di? He doesn’t even look at me!”

Anjali smiled encouragingly: “Well you’ll see, you’re wearing his favorite red color suit and now he won’t be able to keep his eyes off you when we go to discuss project with him. And don’t worry about Khushi; I’ll keep her distracted enough for you.”

Lavanya gave a grateful smile to Anjali and hugged her tight smiling as hope filled her again. Others too smiled seeing their dear friend smile with hope and new determination; it was only Samar-Tuli who shared knowing looks shaking their heads in disagreement unnoticed to others but said nothing. They finished their coffee hurriedly and got up parting ways to get going with their respective day’s schedule.




















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ARCHIVE LIBRARY OF G.K. CONSTRUCTION

Lavanya-Anjali exited the elevator on 6th floor where the Archive library of the office is and right now Arnav-Khushi were there working on project researching. The Gupta sister’s walked into library were greeted by the scene of Arnav in blue suit with white shirt, black tie and wearing a black frame reading glasses, looking quite sexy in it with Khushi in white short dress having blue floral design, hair in cute bow sitting together sharing a cup of coffee, laptop and many books and blue-prints all over the large table as they were going over.

ARNAV'S SUIT

KHUSHI'S DRESS

KHUSHI'S HAIRSTYLE

Khushi sipped coffee said: “Arnie, look at this design I quite like it giving Victorian feel, what do you think?” turning the laptop screen at him as she looked at him and forwarding the mug to his lips as he looked at the screen taking a sip.

Arnav: “Hmmm, it’s nice. But won’t it be expensive?”

Khushi: “No, it’s quite in budget. I’m putting this in the shortlist option for now, what do think?”




Arnav: “Hmmm okay, whatever suits you.” Giving her a sweet smile and Khushi poked his left dimple giggling.









Lavanya and Anjali made a face of distaste watching the scene and Lavanya thought of interrupting before Khushi getting any touchier with Arnav as it is their closeness irked them. The sisters made their way to the table Arnav-Khushi were seated as the pair looked up from laptop screen at them standing other side.








Anjali said: “Good morning guys”

Hesitantly Lavanya said: “Good morning Arnav and Khushi”

Khushi chirpily greeted: “Good morning guys! How are you both?”

Arnav just nodded uninterested and simply said: “You both are late by 30 mins and next time if you’re even a minute late consider yourself out of this project because I hate latecomers and I need sincere people in this project, not lazy bums. Now get to work ASAP!”

Lavanya and Anjali were shocked with Arnav’s such rude behavior as they gasp at him open-mouth frozen in their places. So an irritated Arnav without looking up from the blue-print said: “Stop staring like fish and get to work or else I won’t hesitate replacing you both from this project. And. I. Mean. It. NOW!”





The sisters came out of their shock and hurriedly sat down on the other side of table facing Arnav-Khushi and immediately got on work opening their respective laptops and files, scared knowing well that he would actually work his threat in real. Khushi swatted him saying: “That’s very rude, Arnie. Be good!”





Arnav gave her a stern annoyed look and fake a glare at her, but she knowing him all too well showed him tongue said: “I’m not scared of you, so show these big eyes to someone else.”





Arnav melted at her cute antics and smiled at her as he ruffled her hair earning a whiny ‘Stop messing my hair Arnav!’ Got up to a bookshelf looking for an architectural book he needs while Khushi pouted straighten her hair and back to working research in her laptop. All the while Gupta sisters watching the duo with giving Khushi hateful glares who was blissfully unaware immense in her work.











Anjali signaled Lavanya as to go to Arnav and called Khushi to show an interior design sample with intention of engaging her in discussion successfully. Lavanya carefully got up straightening her duppata and pulling her open hair over her right shoulder as she walked to bookshelf beside Arnav with pretense of looking for book but kept glancing at him if he notices her but to her disappointment he royally ignored her.











Arnav was about to take a book and Lavanya too placed her hand on the book same time and both looked at each other. Lavanya hoped to see old sparks in his eyes but Arnav just pulled his hand back motioning her to take the book turned to pick another book as her face fell in disappointment. But Lavanya wasn’t to give up so easily and she turned around colliding with Arnav stumbling and he caught her before she could fall as she held on him and innocently looked up at him over her lashes saying: “Thank you, Arnav”

Arnav formally replied: “It’s okay” as straighten them up but she wasn’t ready to leave him so soon and she held him in longer of him by holding his hand in both her hands, tightened her hold hurriedly said: “No seriously thanks, if you hadn’t caught me I would have injured myself and you saved me, like always.”

Hoping to see the past to reflect in his eyes but before he could respond Arnav was called out by Khushi who had her eyes glued to laptop and hadn’t witnessed the scene between Arnav-Lavanya as she had her back to them while Anjali was watching them secretly.







Khushi called out: “Arnav! Look at this, you might like the architectural idea of this, check it out!” waving her hand over her shoulder at him without looking behind.

Arnav straightened without an ouch care for Lavanya almost dropping her who was caught off-guard by his sudden action but somehow managed to balance herself while he walked to Khushi without any backward glance because for him Khushi comes before everything and everyone, and certainly long forgotten past which is deliberately trying to force herself on him doesn’t matter to him at all.










Arnav came towards Khushi and put the books on table as stood behind her and bend down to look at screen to see what his Mahiya was showing him and rested his chin on her shoulder listening as she animatedly went on explaining her view. Lavanya fumed seeing them and she didn’t like the way Arnav kept his head on Khushi’s shoulder while Anjali was too cursing Khushi.












Lavanya’s thoughts were broken by Arnav who sarcastically called out from his position as he scrolled the page reading the article Khushi showed him: “Miss. Gupta, please grace us with the honor of working on the blueprints. I hope you remember you are selected in this team to work not daydream or stare at our faces while we work, but if you want to do that please tell me I’ll replace you with someone sincere and you can daydream and stare as much as you want sitting in your cabin.”

Embarrassed Lavanya hurriedly sat down and got on working thinking that she needs to be in this project to be near Arnav and also to him again, starting with impressing him. Rest of the research working session was uneventful with Lavanya’s unsuccessful attempts to get his attention while Arnav royally ignored Lavanya’s advances knowing very well what she was attempting along with Anjali but was thankful that his innocent Mahi is such dedicate worker that if she solely focuses on her task if its office related or else her tender heart might get hurt by this annoying pair of sisters which he would never be able to take.











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CAFETERIA, G.K. CONSTRUCTIONS, 02:00 PM











At lunch time the gang sat eating their lunch at their regular table together as Lavanya-Anjali were narrating the events today at library. Lavanya expressed her sadness and grief of Arnav’s ignorance and hurt of seeing him so close to Khushi as they consoled her that Arnav still loves her but is angry and once he melts down that Khushi would be out once and for all. But they were interrupted by the sounds of familiar laughter and looked in the direction to see laughing Arnav walked in with holding Khushi’s hand who animatedly talked as he looked at with soft smiling eyes as they all expectedly kept watching Arnav-Khushi.








Arnav-Khushi walked to the counter as he asked: “Mahi what will you have, your usual or something else?”





Khushi: “Usual, Arnu”






Arnav nodding placed the order: “One cheese chicken extra large burger with extra cheese, one cheese chicken sandwich and one coco-crunch cappuccino please.” 
As he gave his credit card for payment and taking it back, held Khushi’s hand walking to a table as their order gets ready.












The gang were expecting Arnav to join them but he waved at Samar, Tuli and NK while Khushi cheerfully graced them a ‘Hello guys!’ and might have even joined them with him but Arnav dragged her to two-seater table near window as he glared at her as they sat down.












Khushi: “What Arnav, we could have sat with them! They were looking so expectantly hoping you to join...You broke their heart that is so not nice!”

Arnav glared at her: “Well I don’t care what they expect and what not...they lost all right to have any expectation or hopes from me 6 years back.”

Khushi pouted saying: “But they're trying to mend things, you too should melt a little and appreciate their efforts.”

Arnav: “I told you already before we left England; ignore them and their attempts please. BTW you better stay away from them I don’t want you to get hurt because of them and you know that’s something I can’t handle.”

Getting grumpy as he never ever likes to refuse his Baby-doll it always agitates him but her this wish was something he cannot grant because it might cost him his most precious thing, his Mahiya and he won’t let anything get in-between...not his past, not so-called friends and certainly not that ever-confused Lavanya who seemed to have decided now that she want him again.











Khushi saw his restlessness knowing well that it is from refusing her and quickly changed the topic because she knew and believed that whatever differences he had with people here for the past shared is for him to solve and she would be with him n every step, she just doesn’t want him to get hurt again. Their order was brought by the canteen boy who smilingly placed in front of them and left as an ever hungry Khushi just started groping her extra large extra cheese chicken burger while Arnav could only shake his head but had fond loving eyes watching her as he ate his burger.










Khushi sipped her cappuccino pause in between devouring her burger and as she placed the mug Arnav too picked it up, sipping from it and she made a face seeing it said: “What is Arnav can’t you order one for yourself, why do you always steal mine?!”

Arnav smiled mischievously: “Now what is the fun in that if we order two cups and anyways my coffee never gets sweet unless you sip from it first” winking at her and his grin got even big seeing her blush as she swatted him trying to hide her embarrassment unsuccessfully.

The gang heard the talks of Arnav-Khushi as they were intensely listening and weren’t happy to see Arnav so close to Khushi also somewhere considering her responsible for Arnav been so distant from them. While Lavanya felt so angry seeing Arnav-Khushi close and mentally thought that after she wins Arnav back she would throw Khushi out of his life, considering her culprit for Arnav’s ignorance and it was Samar-Tuli watched the gang with watchful eyes, they cannot say anything because it would be of no use except unnecessary conflicts. Hence for now they thought to watch and let them realize on their own that with times has changed and so has priorities for everyone, so does has Arnav’s.


























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Day’s passed on with Arnav, Khushi, Anjali and Lavanya working on the big Govt. Housing project tender were Lavanya’s futile attempts to get Arnav’s attention were royally ignored and Arnav always made sure Khushi be blissfully aware of those because he cannot afford his Babydoll getting hurt. Anjali faked been friendly with Khushi no matter how much she hated her because she figuring that right now Khushi is the bridge to get in Arnav’s good books again and Lavanya to get her love back while innocent Khushi happily mingled with all much to Arnav’s dislike and he kept her away from them as much as possible.










Despite being in same office their seemed an invisible wall between Arnav and the gang for which they held Khushi responsible as he was strictly professional and formal with them and ignored an effort of theirs in getting personal while with Khushi he was anything but professional. So many occasions Payal had seen Arnav in the corridor and called for his ‘Bestie’ but whenever she turned around thinking it was for her, only to find him holding Khushi’s hand walk past her laughing and joking.










Everyone was well aware of ASR’s famous temper and also had witnessed first-hand numerous times. But they also discover that if ASR is raging thunder storm than his Mahi is the cooling summer rain and only person how could calm him and never ever gets shouted at. Also everyone got well aware that Khushi rather is off-limits for all male if they loved their life and females better not gossip and spread false rumors if they don’t want to get skinned alive, this protective instinct of Arnav’s was annoying the gang especially getting on Lavanya’s nerves. What surprised them more was that he was quite friendly with Tuli, NK and Samar which they hadn’t expected specially Arnav been in civil terms with Samar, let alone friendly.










Lavanya was burning in jealousy Arnav was with Khushi all the time; they are together in Khushi’s cabin or canteen lunch together at corner window two-seater table or in archive library researching sitting close sharing a cup of coffee etc. made her feel so offended when he ignored her advances. Arnav knew all too well what his once-upon-a-time-so-called friends were feeling with his attitude but he could care less about them and their feeling now because he needed them most they weren’t there then and now he has everything he needs and they're not in his list of needs anymore.






























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It was late evening most of the staff had finished and gone for the day, the gang finishing up the day’s work sat in cafeteria having a cup of coffee before going their respective home with Lavanya-Anjali giving them the today’s update if any progress with Arnav and they were also very tired of all day meetings and deals. They saw a tired Khushi in white lace blouse with light orange short skirt and high heels, hair in French braid holding an orange purse walked in alone...the all guys had same thought running that Khushi is indeed quite beautiful and has a style of her own and they guessed that Arnav might be discussing something with Mr. Gupta or Epshita ma’am.

KHUSHI'S DRESS

KHUSHI'S HAIRSTYLE

Khushi ordered a cold coffee and passing at smile at others, started going to sit on a table but saw a big cockroach there and started jumping screaming: “AHHHHHHH!!!!!! COCKROACH!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!” jumped on the first nearby vacant chair which was of the gang’s table.

The people who were lazily sitting too jumped at the screaming as seeing the cockroach the friends’ gang were wide-eye and immediately jumped on their chairs with all the girls screaming together and the guys too jumped up hearing the girls.








Khushi: “Please someone kill that big cockroach!”

Anjali: “Guys what are you going, koi isse maro please!”

Mayuri: “Oye idiot! What are you staring at, bhaga isse yaha se...Or else I’m gonna cut you in pieces and fed this cockroach!” ordering her husband who rolled his eyes.

Yuvi: “Shut up Mayu! Wait I’m doing something” looking around to throw at the insect.

Payal fearfully said: “Guys! Why is this cockroach staring at me like this? Is it going to attack me?!” clutching Anjali who was standing beside her on chair.

In between all this chaos walked in Arnav in white shirt and grey suit (without waistcoat) holding his grey jacket, his hair ruffled and was confused seeing all standing on table-chairs looking down at something and bickering with each other.

ARNAV'S OUTFIT

Arnav confused called out for attention: “What is going on here?!”

Khushi meekly replied: “Arnav there is a big cockroach her, get up on a chair fast, it will bit you” looking around fearfully.

Arnav busted out laughing hearing the cause of all this chaos.

Arnav: “Oh Gosh! This all because of a cockroach, what are you kindergarten students?” and started laughing more as other made a face seeing him laugh at them.





Khushi angrily retorted: “You are saying as if you are ‘Superman’. If that is so than kill this, just don’t stand there like a moron!”

Arnav: “Mahiya I’m your Superman! Fine, I’m getting rid of it for you. And you guys what are you doing up on chairs and table like girls. Be a man!” as he put jacket on nearby chair and rolled up his sleeves and started looking around for the cause of all the terror in all too dramatic manner as if going on war.










The other guys also got down from their chairs and joined Arnav in his cockroach hunt. All the grown-up men were running after a little insect as girls pointed out and kept bumping with each other and falling out. The cockroach running with the guys on its tail, who kept trying killing it but kept missing it like Akash had tried to hit the cockroach which hit NK’s head who clutched his head jumping bumped into Yuvi and fell down taking Akash, Aman and few other guys as all humped feeling the air sucked out of them. Arnav saw the cockroach and picking up the book on a nearby table aimed at it and successfully killed the cockroach, he walked up to the dead victim and picked it up moved towards the girls.












Arnav: “At your service ma’am” as he waved it in front of them laughing and the girls moved back screaming disgusted.




Khushi: “Ewe! Arnav, stop doing that! And throw that thing away NOW! And don’t touch me unless you wash your hands with Dettol. Go now!”










Laughing Arnav nodded following her orders as he threw the dead cockroach in a dustbin and washed his hands with hand-wash in nearby basin and walked back to the table girls were standing on chair still chuckling. The other guys were helping girls getting down from chairs; Akash brought Payal down holding her hand, Aman helped Anjali, Samar helped Tuli get down and Mayuri hopped on Yuvi’s back rather than holding his hand to get down.












Lavanya smiled as she watched Arnav walking towards her smiling to herself knowing that no matter how angry he gets with her he would always for her when she needs. Other too looked expectantly and smiled seeing Arnav walking towards Lavanya knowingly but their expressions soon changed as Arnav walked past Lavanya’s chair to the chair next to her on which Khushi was standing pouting cutely seeing him still laughing at her.











Arnav chuckled seeing Khushi pouting as he held by her waist and pulled her down as she complained cutely: “Arnav, you are such a weirdo! Why do you keep doing weird things?”

Arnav: “You are the one who got scared of cockroach and I’m the weirdo, really now?!”





Khushi swat him on chest said: “Arnav if you teased me one more time than I am not coming with you on Friday evening race and also no after- party” warns him showing big eyes.

Arnav smiled sweetly said: “You won’t do that Babydoll.”

Others who were eavesdropping their conversation; were shocked getting to know that Arnav again started bike racing and wild-partying, Lavanya whose face fell seeing Arnav walk past he and was burning with jealousy seeing them close was now shocked hearing the conversation thought in her mind: “Oh My God! She again turned Arnav into what he was a party animal and he is back racing, sari mehnat pe pani dal diya iss lardki ne! I knew this girl was no good for him!!”

Arnav sweetly continued: “Mahi, you can’t do that to me, you’re my lucky charm. And if you’re not there whose cheer for me?”

Khushi: “Cut the drama Arnav! What if I don’t come what would you do?”

Arnav: “If you don’t come than I would skit the bike, deliberately getting in acci--”





But couldn’t complete as Khushi placed her hand on his mouth and shook her head in no as she got teary said: “Don’t say that! You know very well I can’t handle you getting hurt, so don’t say that even in joke, you get that!”

Arnav pulled her in a hug said: “Hey Babydoll, sorry just don’t cry. I won’t say ever again, stop crying Mahiya” as hugged her tight and pulled back wiped the little tears and to distract her asked: “BTW where are we going on Friday night partying? I wanna booze hard!”

Khushi: “Let’s go to Wink at Gurgaon West, they have nice booze I heard and I’m so in mood of boozing because I need to loosen up! Hell, I’m gonna dance and rock the dance floor! You’re not gonna stop me, okay?!” pointing at him as he obediently nodded in agreement and was rewarded with her charming cute dimple smile.






As Khushi started chatting animatedly and Arnav held her by the shoulder picking up his coat in one hand, waved Samar-Tuli and lead her out to the car listening her chatting nineteen a dozen with loving soft silver grey eyes, he could never get tired of hearing his Babydoll’s chatterer, his cute adorable Mahiya.






The group of friends were shocked knowing that Arnav is back to his old way of bike racing and wild parties as Lavanya exclaimed: “Did you hear that Di! He is back to his old way and that girl, rather than stopping him joined his plans. That girl is so wrong for him; she ruined everything I changed him into!”

Anjali helped Lavanya getting down from chair said: “Yeah, I could see that and we need to do something about that girl....and something soon” cursing Khushi in her mind.

Samar: “Why are you guys after Khushi? What did she ever do to you? Listen to me guys don’t do something stupid or mean to her, Arnav would kill you if you as much as hurt a hair on her head.” 

Warning his friends in hope for them to see senses because it’s one thing to dislike Khushi but if they did something to her he knew Arnav’s temper would burn them.






Mayuri: “Oye Sammy! Anji is right we have to do something about this Khushi ASAP!” taking Anjali’s side.

Yuvi: “I think Sam is right, we shouldn’t do anything to Khushi. I mean she is sweet girl and never did anything to us plus Arnav would kill us if something happens to her” he was actually terrified of Arnav’s anger considering he is already angry with them and had no intentions of adding more reasons.

Payal: “I’m too with Anjali. BTW what is with you guys going all defensive of Khushi, aisa kya kiya uss ne sab lardke mare ja rahe hai?!” looking at the men suspiciously.

Akash: “It’s not like that and Sammy is right, we want Arnav back in gang, not give him more reasons to get angry on us.”

Aman: “I agree they do have a point, Arnav is fiercely protective of Khushi.”

Anjali: “So than we create drift between them first!” as all looked at her questioningly and she went explaining: “We need to turn Arnav against her and once that happens he’ll be back to us and Khushi out!”

Tuli: “Guys that’s a very bad idea and it won’t work. It is not that easy to separate them, just drop these silly ideas and just sincerely ask sorry from Arnav, maybe Khushi could help you; but don’t even think along these lines.”

Mayuri: “Tuli cut the crap! Are you in or not?”

Tuli nodded in no as Samar too disagreed to any part of such thing. To this Lavanya said: “Tum toh disagree karoge him Samar and Tuli, after all Arnav is friendly with you guys while he barely acknowledge us.”

Samar: “Don’t try these stupid things or else he won’t even acknowledge you for courtesy sake”

Lavanya: “We’ll see that!” as she challenging looked him.





Samar: “Fine you called it on yourself but I’m not part of this suicide planning, let’s go Tuli.”





NK: “I agree with Samar, I’m out too guys. I don’t want to get slaughtered by ASR.”

Mayuri: “Yeah right, you guys would say this na, as Lavanya pointed, Arnav doesn’t ignore you guys. Okay fine!”

Samar, Tuli and NK could only look at them in disapproval and walked away, they tried to warn but they didn’t listen and now it’s their fate. While the rest of gang talked about how wrong Khushi is for Arnav and discussed plan to drift Arnav apart from Khushi, silly them don’t know that nothing and nobody could take his Mahiya from him.