Removing invisible lint off of his navy blue Armani suit, he walked out of the dressing room and headed down to Khushi's room. He hadn't spoken to Khushi since their encounter, earlier in the day. Arnav was about to stride into her room, but he stopped. He knew better, knowing that Khushi would not like him barging into her room, especially after what he had done.
Arnav looked down and frowned. It puzzled him - he noticed that he was changing. The Arnav Singh Raizada he once was, was definitely different than the Arnav Singh Raizada now. He hadn't even realized his change, but he knew one thing - it was all because of Khushi.
And maybe, just maybe, Arnav wondered, it might be because-
Khushi's door opened and out came Khushi. Arnav looked up and was stunned. Khushi looked absolutely beautiful, not to mention sexy, in her yellow sari. But Arnav wasn't the only one ogling - Khushi ogled Arnav down like there was no tomorrow.
"I didn't realize you were ready," Khushi said once she snapped back.
"Doesn't take as much time as it does for you," he lightly smirked.
Khushi rolled her eyes. "Us girls can take as much time as we want. Problem?"
Arnav smiled. "Absolutely not."
Khushi squinted her eyes. "Making fun of me, are you?"
Arnav raised his hands up, gesturing his innocence. "Absolutely not."
"Hmm... now let's go."
Arnav bowed. "After you, my love."
Arnav froze as the words left his mouth, as well as Khushi, who had already started to head towards the stairs. Arnav wondered on why he had said that and Khushi couldn't believe her ears. But knowing him, she knew not to think that he meant it when he said my love, and she continued to walk away. Arnav on the other hand stood in place. Did he really just call her my love?
Coming back to reality, Arnav went downstairs, finding Khushi in the kitchen. She was drinking some wine and Arnav wondered why. Going over to her, he joined her and poured some wine for himself as well in a glass flute.
"Why the sudden need for wine," Arnav asked.
"I'm nervous," Khushi simply replied.
Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "Of what?"
Khushi looked at him. "There's going to be so many people there, all big officials, CEO's, etc. I'm scared."
Arnav smiled. "There's nothing to be scared about, Khushi. It'll be fine."
"And if it doesn't?"
"Trust me - it will be. And if there's any way the night will turn to crap...."
Khushi cocked an eyebrow.
Arnav shook his head. "Nothing. Just- If something does happen, there's no need to worry because it'll involve something else."
"Involve what?"
Arnav finished his drink and placed the flute down. "Me."
Khushi looked at him confusedly, but Arnav turned away to put their glasses in the dishwasher. When he turned back, he asked if she was ready to go, Khushi nodding in reply. The two headed out and met Nigel downstairs and got into the Benz. Through the whole drive, Khushi just wondered on what Arnav had said.
How is it that if a problem were to occur, it would involve him? Did he do something in order for something to happen? She was puzzled.
As for Arnav, he was busy thinking about Khushi, looking out the window. He wondered about what he had said earlier. He wondered on his actions. He thought about his whole lifestyle. He thought about his life. Above everything, he thought of his mom. He was pained when he thought of her, not realizing that he had clenched his fists. It was when he felt Khushi's hand on his that he had realized. He looked down at their hands and then at Khushi's confused face. He simply shook his head, and looked back out the window.
She's an angel, he said in his head. After what I've done, she should've been gone... but yet she's still here. She really must be a strong person... stronger than me.
Arnav glanced at Khushi, who was looking out the other window.
How in the world did I manage to have her in my life? I don't deserve her. She deserves better - she deserves someone who will treat her like the angel she is.
Khushi was about to turn her head, so Arnav looked back out his window.
I don't deserve her. I should've had her leave when I had the chance. I shouldn't have had her stay and live with me. I thought I'd show her what I really am... but I couldn't. I can't! She's just too good for that. ... she's too good for me - she should find someone else.
It pained Arnav to think that, but he knew he was right.
She should find someone else.
*~*
Pulling up to the Hilton Hotel, Nigel opened the door for Khushi, and Khushi stepped out. Arnav came out as well and went around to Khushi's side. Offering his arm, Khushi took it and the two walked in, cameras capturing picture after picture of the two. The couple followed the others in and entered the grand ballroom. Khushi looked around on amazement, the ballroom shining in the bright lights from the very crystallized chandeliers.
Not even being there for a minute, the couple had been attacked by other guests. They were people Arnav knew, most of them CEO's of their own companies, or something else that Khushi didn't really pay attention to.
"So who is this fine, young lady," asked one of the suits.
"This is Khushi," Arnav smiled. "My girlfriend."
Everyone that stood around Khushi and Arnav looked at Khushi in shock. Of course it was there for a split second, but Khushi had noticed it all.
"Well she must be very lucky," the man smiled.
Arnav wrapped his arm around Khushi's waist. "She is," he stated.
Khushi glanced up at Arnav and then smiled at the others. She didn't know what to think. Arnav was confusing her very much and it was making her head spin. Not only was he confusing her, but the other people were as well. They all looked at her like they'd never seen Arnav with another girl. She remembered of Arnav mentioning his exes, so why was it so weird that he had brought her? It took her a moment to realize that maybe Arnav had never gone public with them. Otherwise they surely would've came up in her research on Arnav.
The night went on, and it became easy for Khushi to talk to the people there. She had met some CEO's who were rather impressed with her skills. Some had even told her to try to apply for their company, and she told them that she'd keep their offers in mind.
Khushi was now talking to two women, both wives of CEOs. They were talking about Khushi's sari, when someone tapped Khushi's shoulder. Turning around, she found a man smiling at her. He was in a crisp black suit, his smile stunning, and sharp eyes.
"Hello," he smiled. "my name is Dhruv."
Khushi smiled softly. "Nice to meet you, Dhruv. I'm Khushi."
Khushi held her hand out and instead of shaking hands, he kissed it. Khushi didn't know why, but she inwardly cringed. Something about him sent of a huge red light in her head, saying that there was something wrong with him. But she found her thought absurd since she didn't know him at all.
"Pleasure to meet you," he smiled, standing straight. "Especially since you're Arnav's girlfriend."
Before Khushi could question him, he turned and called a waitress over for drinks. He had them all take a glass of champagne, as well as for himself, and the waitress left.
"So tell me about yourself Khushi," Dhruv said. "I believe you're still in school."
"I am," Khushi said, taking a sip.
"What do you study?"
"Accounting."
"Planning on taking the CPA exam?"
"Definitely."
Dhruv went on with questions, as if he were trying to get every detail he could of her. Khushi didn't feel very comfy about it, so she gave as many blunt answers as she could. Things got worse when the other two ladies left them to talk. She really didn't feel comfortable talk to Dhruv whatsoever.
Arnav, on the other hand, had been busy talking to a stock broker, when he noticed Dhruv talking to Khushi. He scorched up instantly, not liking things one single bit.
Khushi noticed Arnav and saw the anger, mistaking it as jealousy, all over his face. With Arnav being confusing, she needed to know what he truly felt for her. What Arnav did to her was inexcusable, of course, but if how Arnav was acting lately was a way of apologizing, she wasn't sure. She had seen Arnav changing, but she needed to know what he felt for her. The only reason why she was still here was to be positive on whether or not he loved her. Seeing how he was acting now, she needed to see if she really was his love as he had said earlier.
Dhruv had said a stupid joke, and wanting to get Arnav boiling with jealousy, she started to laugh. He continued on with his corny jokes, but Khushi laughed on and on, touching his arm now and then. Arnav was definitely boiling, and he wasn't going to stand there and watch.
Just as he excused himself, Arnav saw Dhruv touch Khushi. It made him absolutely furious and he was about to yell at Dhruv, when he saw how uncomfortable and awkward Khushi was getting by him touching her. Arnav took a sharp breath, now knowing very well that she had done what she had, just to make him jealous. She had done well, but now it backfired.
Walking over like the powerful man he is, Arnav went over to Khushi's side. Khushi looked at Arnav as he moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her bare waist. Dhruv glanced and saw Arnav's protective hand over her, and then looked at Arnav with a fake smile.
"I see you've met Dhruv," Arnav said to Khushi, not taking his eyes of Dhruv.
Khushi could hear the iciness in Arnav's voice and knew that her instincts were right - something was wrong with Dhruv.
"He's a business rival of mine," Arnav continued. "Of course, my company has always done better than his. He's always lagging behind in second."
Dhruv faked a smile. "There can always be a change."
"And I'll make sure it doesn't happen," Arnav said sharply.
Khushi looked up at Arnav and saw the fierceness in his eyes. She looked at Dhruv and then back at Arnav. There was definitely something between these two, and she knew she had messed up here - big time - trying to make Arnav jealous with this man.
"If you'll excuse us," Arnav faked a smile, and took Khushi away with him.
Khushi tried to catch up with Arnav's pace, glancing at everyone else around them, who were looking at them. She slightly blushed, and hurried behind Arnav. Once they were out of the ballroom, Khushi followed Arnav down some halls to the elevator. Once they were inside, Khushi tried to free herself.
"Arnav, I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't know there was something between you two. I-"
The elevator doors opened and Arnav took her out. She followed him down the hall and stopped in front of a door. Swiping it open with a key card, he took them both inside and then released Khushi, shutting the door behind him, placing the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Khushi gulped and was scared.
Is he gonna do it again, Khushi wondered, scared.
Arnav went up to her and then grabbed her by her waist and leaned her up against the wall. Khushi gasped to the sudden action, but was cut off because Arnav kissed her.Pulling away, Khushi looked at him in shock. She was totally confused.
"Don't ever - EVER - try to make me jealous," Arnav warned. "And don't EVER be around Dhruv again."
Khushi just blinked.
"I mean it Khushi - Dhruv is bad news! He's bad with the girls and if you favor your life, you will stay away from him."
Khushi gulped. Is Dhruv that scary, she wondered. "I'm so confused," she said softly.
"Better confused than knowing anything about him, baby."
Khushi nodded, taking in his words. Both were silent for a moment until they noticed their position. Arnav looked at how he had Khushi pressed up against the wall and it was making him crazy, completely turned on by her. Khushi, on the other hand, was in awe by how much care he showed and how protective he had gotten back in the ballroom. But to say she still wasn't confused, would be a lie.
Everything this man before her made her feel was a million percent confusing. She hated how he had treated her, but she still loved him. She loved his caring side, and she absolutely loved how passionate he could be. Khushi was downright confused but if she understood anything then it was that she loved him, no matter what he said or did to her - and she felt damn right confused about it.
Arnav thought of their position and thought that Khushi would not be liking it. After what he had done, he wouldn't be surprised if Khushi never wanted to have sex with him again. He tried to pull away, but Khushi caught onto him and stopped him.
"Don't pull away," she pleaded.
Arnav looked at her confusedly.
"I want you Arnav," she practically panted.
"What?"
"I want you. I want you now Arnav - right here, right now."
Arnav blinked in confusion. "Khushi-"
"Please Arnav! I want you dammit!"
Khushi smashed her lips onto his and Arnav was in total shock. He felt her trying to push her tongue through to his mouth, trying to show how much she wanted him. Trying to pull away, Khushi stopped him and managed to push her tongue forward. She began to unbutton his suit and disposed of it. She loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt and disposed of it as well. But through it all, Arnav was confused. How could she wants him after what he had done?
"Love me Arnav, please," she begged. "Here, now, at this very moment."
Arnav just looked at her.
"Touch me Arnav," Khushi begged, taking his hands in hers. "Feel me," and she moved his hands over her sensitive parts.
Unable to control himself, Arnav gave up to her passion and kissed her, groaning from his throat. He disposed of her sari, and Khushi disposed of everything that was left on his body. Both were naked and moved and stumbled back onto the bed.
To say that Arnav was shocked, was a total understatement. As Khushi continued her craziness, Arnav couldn't believe how much she wanted him, nor how much he wanted her. He had never felt this way for a woman before, not ever! As Arnav watched Khushi shudder beneath him and gasp his name, he realized then that she was the only one he ever wanted to hold. She was the only one he wanted to cherish, both body and soul. As he watched Khushi cry out beneath him, coming off her high, he knew that she was the only one he'd ever make love to.
Pouring himself into her, Arnav collapsed. He rolled over beside her and held Khushi tightly to him. Catching his breath, Arnav got lost in thought.
Why was it that with her, things felt better? Why was it that with her, sex had meaning? Why was it that with her, his heart felt content? Why was it that with her, his life seemed better and worth living? Why was it that with her, he was happy? Why was it that with with her... he felt love?
Because you love her, a familiar voice said.
Sitting up with a start, Khushi looked up at him in confusion. "What's wrong Arnav?"
Arnav shook his head. Khushi sat up, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Out of nowhere, Arnav crushed her lips with his and kissed her desperately. Khushi was shocked at first, but then kissed him back. He held her face in his hands and Khushi held onto his hands.
Breaking away, Arnav said "when we get home tonight, I want to make love to you."
Khushi looked at him and nodded. She knew something was up and something was bothering him.
Out of nowhere, Arnav hugged her tightly, surprising Khushi. She held him to her and Arnav had his eyes screwed shut. Suddenly, visions began to play in his head.
"No," he whispered.
Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. She tried to pull back to ask what he meant by no, but when she tried, Arnav's grip tightened.
"No!"
Arnav shook, the visions still flashing in his mind. He saw him and his mother playing in their old backyard. He saw his mother holding him tightly to her chest, reading a story. He saw his mother hugging him tightly, telling him that she loved him.
Khushi placed her fingers in his hair. "Arnav?"
Arnav's grip tightened as another vision played. It started hazy, Arnav in a white room. He couldn't figure out where he was or how to get out. He turned around and saw a woman standing with her back facing him. As he approached her, she turned around, revealing to be his mother. Arnav couldn't believe his eyes and ran towards her. She held her arms out and Arnav hugged her tightly, tears releasing.
Cupping his face, she tilted it up. "I love you Arnav. No mother could ever be as proud as I am of my son."
Before Arnav could say anything, a gush of wind blew really hard. The room started to blacken and both mother and son looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. The wind blew harder and pushed in between the two. The two recoiled back, the wind blowing even harder. When Arnav looked back, he saw his mother being pushed back farther.
"Arnav," his mother cried out.
The room was getting darker and Arnav needed to save his mother. He ran towards her but the wind blew harsher. The lights blinked and the room shook. Suddenly a dark shroud appeared and began to wrap around Arnav's mother's feet.
"Arnav!"
Arnav's eyes widened and he tried to run towards her. But the wind was still harsh and the shroud continued to take her. Arnav tried his best and got to his mother, but the shroud was taking her away.
"Arnav, I have to go, they won't let me stay!"
Arnav shook his head and tried to get her but they took her away.
"No," Arnav cried, "Don't leave me!"
Arnav was shaking in Khushi's arms, his eyes clenched tightly. She ran her fingers through his hair and held him tightly.
"Arnav, I'm right here," she soothed.
But Arnav was still lost. He was trying to free his mother, but the shroud had engulfed her.
"No," Arnav yelled.
But the shroud had picked her up and the room faded to black. Arnav couldn't see anything, until moments later, when the lights came back on. He looked all around, but his mother was gone. He ran around like a lunatic but she was nowhere to be seen.
"No! Please don't leave me," he cried.
Arnav was shaking and sweating in Khushi's arms. Khushi was really scared now, but she didn't let go of him. She held him securely to her and kissed him on top of his head.
"I will never leave you," Khushi soothed. "I love you."
Arnav's eyes shot open. He was breathing heavily, registering everything he'd just seen. Pulling back he looked at Khushi, who looked absolutely worried.
"Are you okay," Khushi asked, holding his face in her hands, observing him.
In a matter of seconds, Arnav cracked. Tears streamed down his cheeks and he hugged her again. Khushi stilled, completely shocked. She had never seen Arnav in tears before!
"Arnav?"
Khushi couldn't believe she was seeing the love of her life break apart. Arnav held onto her and cried on her shoulder and Khushi could feel her heart break. She never would've thought that a strong man like Arnav Singh Raizada would crack and fall into pieces. But then again, she knew Arnav to a farther extent than anyone and the misery held within him.
She just never thought she'd ever see him in such a state.
"Please don't cry baby," Khushi said softly, tears pooling in her eyes. "Please Arnav?"
"Why did my mother leave me," Arnav asked. "Did she not care? Did she not love me? Did she fake her love?!"
"Hush Arnav," she soothed. She pulled back and held his face in her hands. "Don't say that. It's not your fault Arnav and she loved you very, very much-"
"I don't believe that!"
Khushi looked at him in shock as Arnav pulled back and looked away.
"I hate her," Arnav muttered.
Khushi gasped. "Arnav don't say that!" She cupped his face again and had him face her. "You don't mean that-"
"I do! And I hate her to the core!"
Arnav abruptly stood up and headed towards the bathroom, locking the door behind him. Khushi just stared at the door, very much upset that Arnav was saying such things.
*~*
Later that night, after hours of intense love making, Arnav had fallen asleep. As for Khushi, she could only watch Arnav sleeping. It hurt her to hear Arnav say such harsh things about his mother. She didn't like it whatsoever. From all she had learned, she would've said that his mother loved him to bunches!
Lying down and turning to her side, she faced Arnav. Arnav groaned and held Khushi around her waist, pulling her in, burying his face in her chest. Khushi wrapped her arm around Arnav and sighed. She didn't want to see Arnav like this, so she knew she would have to fix this. But in order to solve this, she would have to find out more information.
Hopefully this was a long enough update *fingers crossed* lol
So what did you guys think? Tbh, this was one scary chapter for me to write. Not because of the content, but because of the emotions I wanted to portray here. I wanted to show that Arnav isn't so cold hearted as many of us think and I wanted to show a crack of the emotions inside of him.
Hopefully it was good? o_O
Please like and comment :)
