Chapter Three

An offer? What kind of offer could he give me that would change my life, Khushi wondered. Could it be a new job? Oh my gosh, could it actually be that? An opportunity to work for one of the greatest companies of all time?

Before Khushi even realized it, she had finished her food. So had Arnav and he was settling the bill with the waitress.

"Wait, no, I-"

"I've got it," Arnav said, handing his credit card to the waitress before she walked away.

"But-"

"My treat."

"But-"

"And maybe this will pacify you into accepting my offer."

Khushi slightly shrunk in her seat. "I don't even know what the offer is."

"You'll find out soon enough."

Khushi looked at him with confusion while the waitress came back with his card. They exchanged a few words but Khushi paid no attention, her mind full of its own words.

What can this offer be? And how long will it take for him to tell me it? It's a cold winter night with snow outside, and I haven't even figured out a place to stay. At this point a hotel is my only option but-

Arnav stood up and stood before her. "Let's go."

Khushi's eyes met his and without asking where they were going, she followed up and trailed behind him.

For all I know, he may be a psychopath and an on-the-low killer.

Walking outside of the diner, Khushi followed behind Arnav in the little flurries of snow. They walked through the lot until they reached a black Bentley. Unlocking the car, Arnav held the door open to the passenger seat for her. Khushi looked at it and then at him in confusion.

"Well I don't want to freeze you to death," he teased.

Khushi gulped and hesitantly sat in the car. Although her mind was telling her to get out of the car, something within her told her to relax and to hear what he had to say.

Arnav went around the car and sat down in the drivers seat. For a moment, they sat in silence as the car warmed up, defrosting them from the bitter cold that had quickly taken hold of them in those short few minutes.

"Warm," he simply asked.

Khushi nodded, holding her hands in her lap.

"So, I have an offer for you, and I want you to think through it clearly."

Oh boy, Khushi gulped.

"You're a very beautiful woman and judging by the looks of you, you seem like a bright and talented woman."

Khushi blushed at his words.

"I would like for you to become my private secretary."

Khushi's eyes darted to his, wide with shock.

"It's a well paying job and it shouldn't be too difficult."

Khushi couldn't believe it. She was so worried about getting another job and maintaining her finances until she had gotten one, and yet here the opportunity was!

"But..."

Khushi's excitement paused. She should've known there would be a clause.

"Besides giving you a position from my company, there's something else you must do."

A darkness shrouded his eyes, making Khushi gasp. "What," she whispered.

"You must become my submissive."

*~*

Staring out the window with a cup of hot cocoa in her hands, Khushi couldn't stop thinking of the proposal she had gotten from Arnav Singh Raizada.

"You must become my submissive."

Khushi stared at him in shock. "What?"

"Become my submissive. There's a contract with all the information, which I can give you. In exchange for working with me, you must also be my submissive."

Khushi couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Why on earth would I want to be... be... spanked and treated like I'm an infant or something? Or be whipped and punished?"

Arnav slightly smirked. "So she does know something about BDSM."

"I think it's safe to say a majority of people do these days," she scoffed. 

He cocked his eyebrow at her and Khushi slightly shrunk into the seat. 

"I can email you the contract for you to review and then we can go over it and negotiate. And if you choose to call out, then that's totally fine."

"But... then I won't have the job?"

"No."

Khushi looked down at her hands. What do I do? What do I say? Should I agree? But-?

"Don't overthink it."

Khushi's eyes met his.

"Like I said, I'll email you the contract, unless you'd prefer me to get you a hard copy now-"

"No... no that's okay."

Arnav sighed and reached his hand out. Khushi watched as it got closer to her, though it played out slowly for her, as if years were passing by as his hand came closer and closer. She watched as his hand went into her hair and she couldn't help but to snuggle into his embrace. Something about it felt... passionate. But in an instant, his hands clenched onto her hair and gripped it, causing her to release a moan mixed with a gasp. Her eyes met his dark and clouded ones, making her bite her lip without even realizing it.

"Don't ever cut me off like that again."

Not knowing why, she nodded, and his grip loosened and caressed her hair.

"I'd really like this to happen between us."

Khushi blinked. "Why," she whispered. She truly didn't understand, it was all happening too fast.

He looked at her for a moment before taking her hand with his free hand. "To be honest... there's just something about you... something special."

Khushi didn't understand. "What do you mean?"

"I can't explain it, but I do intend to figure it out."

She pursed her lips.

"Just think it through with an open mind. Okay?"

Again she didn't know why, but she nodded.

After that, they exchanged emails and Arnav drove her to a hotel and got her a room to stay in. Again he had covered the bill, even though she had insisted she'd pay. But being the man he was, he paid anyways and the hotel treated her with luxury. After all it wasn't everyday the Arnav Singh Raizada came to your hotel. And since she was his guest, she would be treated like royalty.

Is this what it would be like if I agreed, she wondered. Luxury? ... with pain?

She took another sip of her hot chocolate as the snow got heavier.

Suddenly her phone pinged, showing her email notification. She knew what it was and when she looked at it, she was right. It read his name with the subject 'Read it with an open mind'.

Taking a deep breath, she set the mug down and picked up her key card.

I don't know why I'm not thinking this through, I mean this is all crazy! Yet for some reason, there's a part of me that's just saying to go with it. Why? What is it about me that he sees? What is it about him that has me picking up the key card and making my way down to the computer room? What is it that has me so engulfed by Arnav Singh Raizada, the Dominant?

Chapter Two

"Can I get a medium hazelnut coffee with half & half and sugar?"

"Sure thing hun," the waitress smiled, and walked away.

Khushi Kumari Gupta no longer knew what to do. She no longer had a job and no longer had a place to stay.

What do I do? I took my stuff and left home. I've left everything behind and... oh what do I do?!

The door to the diner opened, the wind chimes chiming when it did. The customer walked in and went to the counter to make an order. At that moment, Khushi felt something within her. She looked up to see the person who had entered the diner - perhaps out of sheer curiosity? - and gasped.

The first thing her eyes landed on were his dark chocolate ones. They just seemed... sensual, and Khushi felt a desire to be gazed at with those eyes.

The man spoke to the waitress and when she walked away, his eyes moved to her. Khushi instantly flinched and looked down at the counter. From the corner of her eyes, she watched the man move and sit one stool away from her.

Oh my gosh, I'm done for! Why did I have to stare?!

A waitress came walking over to Khushi. "Here you go kitten - one medium hazelnut coffee with half & half and sugar."

"Thank you," Khushi said softly as she wrapped her hands around the cup.

"Anything else I can get ya?"

Khushi shook her head.

"Alright kitten; if ya need anythin' lemme know," and she walked away.

Khushi looked down at her coffee when she heard the man chuckle lightly. She looked up at him and saw him playing with a sugar packet.

"... is something funny," Khushi asked.

The man shook his head. "It's nothing."

"Well it must be something... i-if you're chuckling to yourself."

The man glanced at her and Khushi looked down. "It's interesting how she gave you the perfect pet name."

Khushi looked at him confusedly.

"Although, she should probably be more specific and say stray kitten."

What? How does he know? "W-what makes you say that?"

He glanced at her once more before focusing on the crinkled sugar packet in his hand. "Your face - it tells me that you're worried about where you're going to go and where you're going to stay. You've recently broken up with your boyfriend, which explains the flames in your eyes, as well as the tear stains on your cheeks."

Khushi touched her cheek.

"And then of course you've got your bag, which surely must contain your belongings, which means you've left your home. Now judging by the size of it, I'd say you left your home, not your boyfriend's home, you two lived separately. You've also got a worried family member, your phone being right by your right hand, which also tells me your right handed. Judging by the number of times your screen has come to life in these past few minutes, it's a woman repeatedly texting you, but who exactly? Your mother? No; elders don't really use technology like we do nor know how to use it. So it could be a sister or maybe a cousin, but I doubt a cousin would ever care so much, unless of course you're close, but I don't think so, so I'd say that your sister is texting you, trying to figure out where you are and why you were stupid enough to leave your boyfriend."

Khushi just blinked. "That's incredible," she breathed.

The man looked at her. "I know how to read people very well."

For some reason, Khushi felt naked. It was amazing how this complete stranger was able to figure her out so well.

Another waitress came over to them with a plate of food and placed it before the man. "Here you go pretty eyes."

Seeing the steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, and corn made Khushi realize how hungry she was and how she hadn't eaten much all day.

"She'll have the same," she heard the man said.

Before Khushi could even say anything, the waitress nodded and went to give the chef the order.

"But I-"

"You should eat up - a beautiful woman like you needs to have her strength."

At the comment, Khushi blushed hard.

"It's important that you eat so that beautiful color stays on your cheeks."

And Khushi blushed harder.

"Flattery isn't something you take so easily; you bloom like a rose."

Khushi looked down at her hands. Oh my, this man... he's so... wow.

The man turned to her. "How about this - until your food arrives, you will eat with me."

Khushi's eyes widened. "Oh no, I couldn't-"

"I insist."

"No-"

"A beautiful woman like you needs her strength."

Khushi sighed lightly. "I should probably not take food from a stranger," she pointed out.

The man chuckled. "Well then, how about we make proper introductions - what's your name?"

"Khushi. Khushi Kumari Gupta."

"Nice to meet you Khushi, I'm Arnav. Arnav Singh Raizada."

At the sound of his name, Khushi's eyes widened. No way!

"You're the Arnav Singh Raizada? CEO of AR Industries?"

"Ah, so my reputation precedes me."

Khushi couldn't believe it. "My ex, he... he used to talk about you a lot."

"Is that so," he questioned before placing a fork full of potatoes into his mouth.

Khushi nodded. "He was always like how he'd love to meet you one day at one of his company parties that he works at and hopefully get a chance to work for you."

"Ah, I see.... Well, if I ever do, I won't give him the chance."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Why not? He-"

Arnav looked at her. "He hurt you."

Khushi felt her cheeks heat with blush.

"I don't like men who hurt women, not in that essence that is."

Khushi didn't understand what he meant.

The waitress came back and set down a plate of food for Khushi and went away.

"Thank you," Khushi muttered before digging in.

At the feeling of food in her mouth and eliciting her taste buds, Khushi moaned around the fork full of mashed potatoes. She hadn't realized the noise that had escaped her mouth until she noticed Arnav gazing at her with a heated stare.

"That's quite a lovely sound," he said, his voice low and velvet.

Khushi felt her body heat up and her insides clench, causing her to clench her legs together.

Arnav smirked to himself. "Eat up. Finish everything and I'll make your an offer."

Khushi looked at him, puzzled. "A-an offer?"

Arnav looked her straight into her eyes. "Yes - an offer that could change your whole life."

Chapter Seventy Two

"Marry me. Right now."

Arnav blinked as his angel looked down at him with a serious expression. "Angel-"

"Please? I don't want to wait anymore."

Arnav looked at her for a moment. "Khushi, if you still think I'm going to leave you-"

"No. I know now that you will never leave me. I probably did before, but my fears and insecurities may have blocked it. But I know for sure now that you never will, because I'm your angel, and you love me."

He smiled softly and placed a kiss on her forehead. "You better."

She smiled softly as well. "I just don't want to wait anymore, I don't.The moment is perfect and I don't want to lose it."

"You mean fucking in a parking lot sets the perfect moment," he teased

Khushi paused for a moment before bursting into laughter. "I can't believe we just did this."

"Neither can I," Arnav chuckled. "But that's one thing off the list."

"Oh? What else does the kink-meister have in mind?'"

Arnav entangled his fingers in her hair and tugged her face closer to him. "Lots of things."

Khushi felt her body shudder and Arnav groaned.

"Clench my cock like that again angel, and I'll have to fuck you."

"That sounds like a good idea," she whispered, biting her lower lip.

But as exciting as the idea was, Arnav lifted her up and pulled out of her.

"What-?"

"I'd rather get out of this parking lot and bury myself into you and fuck you so hard that you can't walk, elsewhere."

Khushi gasped. "And where would that be," she breathed.

Arnav had her sit back down in the driver's seat and handed her the keys. She started up the car as Arnav pulled out his phone.

"Patty.... get the jet ready."

Khushi pulled away from their spot and headed towards the exit. The jet?

"Set the flight plan to Brazil."

Brazil!

"Yes, Rio.... okay," and he hung up.

"You want to go to Rio?"

"We're going to Rio."

"To fuck me into the next century," she said sarcastically.

"Hmm... that's not a bad idea."

Khushi glanced at him with a smirk. "Pervert."

Arnav grinned roguishly and Khushi beamed. She pulled up to the exit, where the security guard noticed them. He looked at them oddly, remembering that they had gone down quite a while ago.

"Couldn't find the car," Arnav said, and Khushi quickly pulled into traffic, wanting to avoid any bit of embarrassment.

*~*

Khushi followed Arnav's directions and they arrived to the airport. "Why are we here?"

"Well I did plan a flight to Rio."

Khushi rolled her eyes at his sarcasm and ignored his frown. "Without any luggage? What happened to packing."

"Don't worry, I've got it all under control."

Khushi looked at him with confusion as he got out of the car. She followed out behind him and saw the jet waiting for them. She followed him up and sat down across from Arnav when he sat down.

"We can't legally leave, we don't even have our passports."

"That, my angel, is where you're wrong."

He pointed out the window and Khushi looked out to see Nigel.

"I texted Nigel and he's got our stuff."

"So he has a key to the apartment?"

Arnav nodded. "He only goes in when directed."

"Ah.... I see." Khushi turned to him. "So he picked out all of our stuff?"

"Just the necessities."

"I see.... Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, I must say, you really are something else."

Arnav leaned forward, taking her hand. "Future Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada..."

Khushi's face instantly filled with blush.

"...you truly are something else," he winked.

A grin spread across her face and she moved forward, and kissed him.

All the necessities were completed, Arnav taking charge while Khushi sat and watched him. Once everything was complete, the plane soon took off into the air, and once again, Khushi left her stomach behind, 3000 feet below.

The couple was served their meal and the two made a toast.

"What exactly are we toasting to," Khushi asked.

"To an intense week of nonstop fucking."

"Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada," she mocked with distaste, "Have you no shame?"

"Have I said anything wrong," he asked innocently.

Khushi shook her head. "Unbelievable."

Arnav licked his lower lip and Khushi felt her insides clench. "You have that look on your face."

"What look," she breathed.

"I think you know very well which one."

Khushi bit her lip, holding back her moan. "I won't make the same mistake as last time."

"And which mistake is that?"

"Forgetting that there are other people on board."

As if on cue, the air hostesses came and took their empty plates away and refilled their wine. When they disappeared, Khushi pursed her lips, forcing back her smile.

"See? I learn my lessons," she smirked.

"I can see that."

Khushi stood up and held her hand out to him. Arnav took it and followed after Khushi, entering the bedroom. She had him sit down then straddled him.

"Now then, if memory serves me right, we were about to start round two in the car."

In an instant, Khushi was placed on her back and he grinned up at Arnav.

"Wrong. You were bout to start round two. I just fixed the setting."

"Setting, shmetting! Are you ready to fulfill your promise," she asked, a gleam in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Arnav smirked and kissed her along her neck, and made his way to her earlobe, sucking it and biting it. "That I will," he whispered beneath it.

Khushi moaned, gripping onto his hair.

"However I won't be fulfilling it right now."

"Why," Khushi breathed.

"All in good time, sweet angel of mine."

Khushi nodded and let Arnav take control of her body and pleasure her. She looked forward to their escape from reality. Some time away from home just might clear her head of the current jumble, not to mention recover from the jumble of emotions they had experienced the day before  

Who knew one day could make so much of a difference.

*~*

When the couple arrived to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport, they immediately got into a car and drove off, Arnav driving. Khushi couldn't believe that they were Rio de Janeiro! She had always dreamed of coming here, and now she finally was!

"Oh my gosh, Arnav, I can't believe we're here!"

It was absolutely beautiful! The sun shined brightly and the sky was clear blue, a variety of sounds and smells filling the air. 

"Are we staying at a hotel by the beach," she asked. 

"Not exactly."

Khushi looked at Arnav with confusion and he simply winked at her. The look on his face told Khushi that he had something planned out, but what it was, was the big question. 

Not long later, the couple arrived to the docks, filled with many boats. A man greeted Arnav and Khushi wasn't so surprised that Arnav had a friend around here. They were helped onto a boat and soon the boat was off on full speed. Khushi absolutely loved the feeling of the wind blowing through her hair and grinned from end to end as Arnav held her around her waist. 

About 20 minutes later, they arrived to an island. When she was helped off the boat, Khushi looked at the large yet simple house that stood in front of her. She was instantly snapped out of her thoughts when she was swooped up into Arnav's arms. Arnav thanked his friend for dropping them off and the captain tipped his hat at the couple, then left. 

"So you've brought me to a secluded island," Khushi said, cocking her eyebrow. 

"Isn't it amazing? No distractions, no one to bother. It's absolutely perfect."

"Maybe... but I doubt my boss would like me leaving like this without saying anything."

"Oh don't worry angel, it's all been taken cared of."

"Oh? Is that so? My boss can be quite unpredictable."

Arnav cocked his eyebrow and placed her down. "Is that so?"

Khushi nodded, slowly stepping back. "He can be quite bossy. And he doesn't like it when he doesn't have his way."

"Uh huh," he commented, slowly stepping towards her. "Sounds like a control freak."

"He is."

Arnav paused and so did Khushi. The second he reached out to her, Khushi dashed to the house. She ditched her flats behind on the sand and before she could reach the house, Arnav caught her and swung her up in the air. Khushi shrieked with laughter, her laughter mixed with Arnav's. 

"Control freak huh?"

Khushi giggled and kissed his cheek. "My control freak."

"Damn right," he smiled. 

Arnav walked to the house and carried Khushi in. Khushi glanced around at the vast home. It was very open, the sun shining in from all directions. 

"How did you find this place," Khushi asked. 

"I own it."

Khushi's eyes widened. "You own- should I really even be shocked?"

Arnav chuckled as he went up the stairs. "No you shouldn't. Also, I got it through one of the VIPs at the club - he didn't want it anymore."

"Wow... that's some investment?"

Arnav chuckled as he walked into the master bedroom. Khushi took in the fine wood that defined the room as it did the rest of the house, as well as the plain white walls with simple decorations, the large windows which led out to a hot tub on the balcony, and the clear white curtains that flew in the wind. 

"A hot tub on the balcony, huh," Khushi pointed out.

"Well let's just say the previous owner had a bit of a romantic in him."

"A male romantic? How rare!"

Arnav cocked his eyebrows at her but he chuckled. He placed Khushi on the bed and laid atop of her. 

"Now that you've got me alone," Khushi began, running her fingers through his hair, "what next?"

"Indulge," and he kissed her neck.

Khushi moaned as he sucked and teethed her flesh, when a thought came to mind. "Arnav?"

"Hmm?"

"Where's our stuff?"

Arnav paused then pulled back. Khushi looked at him curiously, sitting up.

"They're where they belong?"

"Which is where? Did they even put our bags in the car?"

"They can't put any bags in the car if there aren't any to begin with."

"Wait, what?" Khushi was confused. 

"Simply put - there's no bags."

"What do you mean? What about our clothes? Unless...."

Khushi got up from the bed. Knowing Arnav, he must've gotten someone to get them all new clothes and fill up the walk-in closet before they got there. However when Khushi entered there closet, she found nothing. 

"Uh, Arnav," she called out. 

Arnav came strolling in and wrapped his arms around her. "Yes angel?"

"There's nothing here, we have no clothes."

"Exactly," and he kissed her neck and nibbled on her earlobe. 

"So... does this mean you're taking me shopping?" Khushi prayed that wasn't so. While she would want to shop at H&M, Arnav would take her to Tory Burch, and that was something she just wasn't okay with. 

"No angel," he said as he moved his hands to the straps of her dress. "This means..."

Arnav brushed the straps of her dress off and it fell to the floor. 

"...that while we're here..."

He unhooked her bra and removed it. 

"...nothing will stop me from ravishing in you."

Arnav's finger traveled down her spine and with each trace, her body bowed. A moan escaped from her lips and Khushi wanted him more than anything. 

"There's only one rule here, Khushi," he said, his voice low as he admired her naked body. "And that is no clothes, no disruptions, just us."

Khushi turned around and faced him. She gazed into his eyes and saw her own heated passion reflected in his eyes. "Well if that's the case..."

Her hands went under his shirt and Khushi removed it. She undid his jeans and let them fall to the floor, along with his boxers. He was hard and ready for her and she felt her core ache for him.

"I think I look forward to this vacation," Khushi smiled.

Arnav stepped out of his jeans and Khushi stepped back. 

"There's nowhere for you to go angel," Arnav smirked devilishly.

"Are you sure," Khushi teased. 

Of course, she knew there nowhere to go. She just enjoyed the game. 

Arnav paused and so did Khushi. Immediately he reached out and picked her up into his arms. 

"Now then, I've got a promise to fulfill," Arnav smirked as he walked out of the closet. 

"That you do," Khushi replied, her tone light and breathy. 

But Arnav didn't walk towards the bed. Instead he headed for the bathroom. Khushi looked at him with confusion but her question was soon answered as they entered the shower. She was placed down on her feet and Arnav turned on the shower, water cascading down onto the two instantly. Khushi flinched at the cold and held onto Arnav, welcoming his warmth.

Arnav tilted her chin up to him, taking both her hands behind her back. Khushi gasped, gazing up at him. 

A devilish smirk grew on his face. "Let the fun begin."

Chapter One

Ah!

When I think of the world I was in before I met Arnav, it seems strange to me. It used to be the world that I only knew of... the normal world.

Mmm!

Normal. I always hated that word. Yet it was the only thing I knew of, yet didn't exactly understand nor belong to.

My day would start at 6:30, getting up and getting ready for work and the day. I worked a regular 9 to 5 job, sitting at a desk in a cubicle that looked like hundreds of others, staring at and punching in numbers all day on a computer. At 5 I would leave, get home by 6, and spend my evening with a little more work and watching mindless TV.

At first everything was good. I had a master's degree, a good job, and a good looking boyfriend. Dhruv was my high school sweetheart and we had been dating ever since. He was my first love and the first man I had ever been in bed with.

Everything was great until I realized it was too perfect. Everyday started the same - wake up, wash up, shower, get ready, go to work. The nights would differ now and then, since now and then I would either just do things on my own or be with Dhruv.

And that's what really made me realize how dull and repetitive my life was.

The sex! Oh the sex! ... it was horrible!!! Every time Dhruv would thrust into me, it felt like a jackhammer was drilling into me! Don't get me wrong, I used to love having sex with him. But then everything was just too repetitive - no foreplay, just kiss and bang, and sis boom ba!

Wake up, work, Dhruv, sis boom ba! Wake up, work, Dhruv, sis boom ba!

I couldn't take it anymore!

My sister Payal had told me I was being crazy.

"You're crazy Khushi! Dhruv is so hot! Who wouldn't want to be with a guy like that? He's perfect! Good job, good looks, normal, perfect! Why wouldn't you want to be with him?"

My sister just didn't get it. For her, that was perfect. Take her boyfriend Akash - high school sweetheart, takes her out on nice dates, works a regular 9 to 5 job, normal - that was perfect for her. That was almost exactly like me, not to mention Dhruv and I, but the only difference was that while my sister would scream in the middle of the night from a mind blowing orgasm, I would just lay there and never reach my orgasm while Dhruv would.

I tried explaining that to my sister and she told me to get checked out by a doctor. I found that absolutely ridiculous since I could achieve an orgasm on my own.

For days I didn't do anything, months even! Until finally, I broke down. It was a tough day at work, my manager getting on my last nerves! She was barking away at me, telling me of her problems and taking it out on me, giving me excuses and making me the bad guy like I did no work at all! It was then that I had snapped, screaming in frustration. Everyone in the office turned to me and looked at me like I was some sort of freak but I didn't care. I simply grabbed my things and charged right out of work.

Somehow by the time I got home, Dhruv had found out. I'm sure it was that Seema from work who had told him. Ever since the two met at a work event I had taken him to, I knew there was something going on between them, only I never had the courage to say anything. So when he barked at me, yelling at me for being stupid for walking out on the job like that, I kicked him right in the balls and told him to go to hell and to take Seema with him and his broken dick.

After that, I walked right out. I took my valuables and belongings, left Dhruv crying on the floor like the pussy he was, and walked right on out.

I wandered around town, unsure of where to go. I debated on going to Payal's but I knew she'd say the same thing like Dhruv and say that I was stupid for doing what I did... which turned out to be true because that's what she said in her text.

I was in a diner in the middle of town, with nowhere to go, when I saw- ah!

"Not paying attention, are we?"

Opening my eyes, I left the world of my memories and met the dark chocolate ones that I loved.

"You will be punished for that."

Leather strips met my femininity, bringing a cry of pleasure out of my lips. However they were cut short, stifled by his mouth as his lips crashed onto mine.

"Kitten, you know better than that," he muttered over my lips before slightly tugging on the nipple clamps.

A cry left my lips once again as I nodded like a bobble head.

"I thought so," and he removed the clamps.

My eyebrows scrunched immediately, watching him unhook me from the cross I was being hung on.

"What-?"

His fierce eyes met mine and I looked down immediately. His eyes remained on me while he continued to unhook me from the x-cross, and then picked me up and carried me in his arms.

As he walked through the house, my eyes remained down, never daring to look at his. I was to never look at him, at least, not without permission. And since he had stopped the scene, I knew for sure that he was not in a good mood.

Taken into my room, I was dropped onto the bed and I landed with a thud. Before I could even blink, my hands and feet were spread out and strapped into cuffs which were attached to the corners of the bed.

"Do you understand why I'm doing this," he asked.

With a gulp, I nodded. "Because I wasn't paying attention."

He didn't say anything and pulled open the top drawer of my bedside table. I watched as he pulled out my vibrator and I could only wonder what was to come.

Putting his fingers between my folds, my body jerked to life. I desperately wanted him to enter his fingers inside of me. But instead, he inserted my vibrator and turned it on with the little remote that was attached to it. Immediately my body felt pleasure, humming as the vibrator hummed within me.

"Please," I moaned, needing more.

A smirk appeared on his face and he increased the power of it. Moans escaped my mouth and I was close. But just as I was about to reach my high, he turned off the vibrator.

"No," I mewled.

I felt him straddle me and I looked up at him.

"What's that kitten," he smirked.

"Please," I cried.

He turned on the vibrator again and I moaned in pleasure. It was much quicker to reach my high again, but when I was close, he shut it off again.

"No," I cried out, thrashing my head from side to side.

"Does my baby girl want to cum?"

"Yes," I cried, pulling on my restraints.

"Well then baby girl should pay attention," and he turned it back on.

Damn you!

My body climbed higher and higher, ready to get to my release but he turned it off again! I screamed, wanting him to stop all of this.

"Please Master," I cried.

The sound of his chuckling echoed in the room. "Too bad kitten," and he turned it back on.

"No!"

I didn't want this, I hated it! To be denied of my orgasm... no!

"Please," I whimpered.

"Why weren't you paying attention kitten?"

"I was- ah! I was... I was thinking about my life before you!"

A heartbeat passed and he turned off the vibrator. He took it out of me and tossed it aside, then released my feet and my wrists. Taking me into his arms, he held me and cradled me in his lap. No words were spoken for a moment, only small pepper kisses placed on my head.

"Why were you thinking about that Khushi," he asked softly.

I sighed into his arms and held onto his shirt over his chest. "I couldn't help it," I admitted in a whisper.

Tilting my chin up to him, he placed a soft and tender kiss on my lips, then let me simply lay in his arms.

It just couldn't be helped. The past kept coming into my mind; taking me back to the day I first met him.

Chapter Seventy One

Life. That was what Arnav was to her. Khushi understood this perfectly clear when he held her protectively in his arms that night. However, Khushi couldn't sleep. She couldn't believe that after everything she told him, after telling him her grave secret, Arnav was still here, sleeping beside her.

Even after knowing that I'm a murderer, he's still here.....

Arnav stirred and sighed, his hold loosening for a moment before tightening again.

"You didn't kill her Khushi."

Arnav words echoed in her mind. It was true, for a time she thought the same. But because of Akash....

Memories of them flashed in her mind and she cringed with disgust. She tried her best to empty her mind and fall asleep,  but she could only think of memories past. She thought of the old days in high school, Akash in his blue varsity jacket with the rest of the team and her sister under his arm. She would watch from a distance, seeing the two kiss right before her eyes.

Khushi turned, hoping that the sight of Arnav would calm her. So she turned in his hold and found eyes looking at her. Only it wasn't Arnav looking at her - it was Akash.

"Did you miss me?"

Khushi shot up straight, breathing heavily. She ran her hand through her hair, trying to process what had just happens. She never realized when she had fallen asleep and that nightmare....

Arnav stirred and woke up. He saw the condition Khushi was in and sat up. "Angel, what's wrong?"

Khushi shook her head. "Nothing-"

"Angel," he warned.

Khushi sighed and looked down at her hands in her lap. "I had a nightmare that Akash was sleeping beside me instead of you," she whispered.

Arnav nodded in acknowledgement and held her to him. "He's not here Khushi. I understand that telling me this has opened old, unhealed wounds so it's likely for you to have a nightmare like that."

Khushi shook her head, running her hand through her hair. "Why did I have to be so damaged," she muttered.

Arnav took her hand in his. "I guess that's what makes us perfect for each other."

Khushi looked up at him.

"We're both damaged goods."

Khushi smiled sadly, squeezing his hand lightly.

"But that's what makes us perfect. Because we'll fix each other up along the way."

He placed a kiss on her forehead and got up. Khushi watched him for a moment and when he got to the door, she spoke.

"I love you, jaan."

Arnav paused at the door and looked back at her. "I love you too angel," he smiled softly.

Khushi smiled softly with a blush, as if she were a newly wedded bride.

Newly wedded bride?!

Khushi got out of bed and looked at the calendar. They were already more than halfway through summer. The best time for a summer wedding was over. She could do a fall wedding, but weather was unpredictable and it might end up being chilly. And a winter wedding? Snowfall is pretty but the cold? Forget it!

What do I do?

Arnav came back into the room and found Khushi in front of the calendar, looking worried. "Is everything okay angel?"

"No!" Khushi nibbled on her finger nails.

Arnav went over to her and looked at the calendar. It seemed absolutely fine, there was nothing on it-

Oh shit!

Every month, the calendar would always get a big red circle on just one date, and one date only.

This month didn't have that.

"Khushi-"

"Don't you Khushi me!"

"Okay, angel-"

"Don't you angel me!!"

Khushi continued to nibble on her nail and Arnav tried to reach out to her, but she swatted his hand away.

"Angel-"

"Hush Arnav, I need to think."

"Okay, just don't panic-"

"Panic?! Why would I panic? There's no need to panic, I'm not panicking!"

No she wasn't, and that's because she was being hysterical instead.

"Angel-!"

"This is serious Arnav! I mean I can't have my wedding in the cold!"

Arnav's eyebrows shot up.

"Can you imagine that? The breeze will make the flames go out and we won't be wedded! That's awful!"

Arnav blinked a few times. "What the-?"

"Oh don't you start with the what the crap now Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada! If we're going to get married, it's gonna have to be next summer and I can't wait that long!"

Khushi turned to him and gripped his arms.

"Can we elope?"

Now Arnav looked at her with shock. "What?"

"I don't want to hold the wedding off anymore. To be honest Arnav, I haven't thought about marriage and my wedding in years, at least, not in detail. When I was younger I would always dream about it, but for years I didn't have the time to really think specifics. Don't get me wrong, I do want a grand wedding, but I just don't want to wait anymore," she said softly.

Arnav blinked and then brought her into his arms. Khushi hugged him back then rested her chin on his chest with a pout.

"Pweez," she asked sweetly.

Arnav chuckled and kissed her pouting lips. "To tell you the truth, I would love to elope with you."

Khushi's eyes widened with joy and she hugged him again, then kissed him. "Thank you, thank you!"

Arnav smiled softly. "Anything for you angel. Though I have to admit, you had me worried for a moment."

"What do you mean," she asked, scrunching her eyebrows.

"The way you were looking at the calendar and with the absence of the red circle..."

Khushi's eyes widened.

"...it kind of had me thinking something else."

She looked at the calendar and then at him, then mentally calculated. "I've got time."

Arnav nodded.

Khushi thought about it for a moment. "You thought... you thought I was pregnant?"

Arnav nodded. "Or at least thought you did."

Khushi looked down. "That's...."

It hadn't been long that Khushi had gone on the pill. It was some time after they had returned from Dubai that Khushi had decided to go on them. In fact, she had thought of doing it before, but always forgot to. Arnav had agreed with her on it, though he would use a condom now and then to be extra safe and simply out of habit.

"If I were to get pregnant...." Khushi looked up at him.

Arnav caressed her cheek. "I wouldn't love you any less."

Khushi simply looked at him.

"To be honest Khushi, I've never thought of having a family. Ever. Because I thought I was incapable of love."

Khushi looked down, taking his left hand in her right.

"And now here I am, engaged to the most beautiful girl in world."

Khushi blushed, toying with his ring.

"Because I know now that I am capable of love and am getting married to my angel, only now does having a family come to my mind."

He cupped her face and tilted it up.

"And having a little baby girl like you..."

Khushi blushed harder.

"Would be perfect," he smiled.

Khushi looked down and toyed with his t-shirt. "And if I want a baby boy like you," she nearly whispered.

"Then we'll have you on your toes."

Khushi frowned but her smile could not be helped. She buried her face in his chest and hugged him, Arnav hugging her back.

"One day."

"One day," Arnav confirmed. "Now come on, time to get you ready."

"Wah," Khushi pouted.

But Arnav would have none of it, and took her to the bathroom to get her ready for the day.

*~*

After the emotional evening and bumpy morning they had, Arnav had decided that he would take his angel out and lift her mood. Both had gotten ready and while Khushi whined, wanting to know where they were going, Arnav kept giving her the eye, refusing to answer her.

"Keep whining angel, and I'll have to take you over my knee," Arnav warned.

"What's so wrong in telling me," Khushi pouted.

"It won't be a surprise, that's what."

"Wah!"

Arnav tried to frown, but couldn't stop the curving of his lips. "Angel," he tried to warn.

"You're humored, don't deny it," Khushi teased.

She strutted to the door, purposely swaying her hips, and Arnav charged at her, taking her over his shoulder.

Khushi gasped, gripping onto Arnav's waist. "Arnav!"

Instead of responding, he playfully smacked her butt.

"Hey!"

Arnav only chuckled and locked the door. "Behave."

Khushi frowned and wiggled in his hold, hoping that he'd release her. Instead, he smacked her ass again.

"What the-!"

"Oh don't you what the me, angel." He brought her forward, putting her on her feet. "That's my line," he smirked.

Khushi tried to frown at him, but she couldn't help her smile. So she stuck her tongue out at him and when he frowned back, Khushi dashed, Arnav running after her. They both got outside and immediately Khushi halted, Arnav stopping behind her when they saw Shyam.

"Khushi, where have you been," Shyam asked as he went over to her.

He tried to pull his sister into a hug, but Arnav wrapped his arm around Khushi's waist. Shyam's eyes darted to his hold then back at his sister. "Khushi, where did you disappear off to? You just left without a word and wouldn't pick up the phone!"

"As you can see, I'm fine," Khushi said, not looking at him.

"But-"

"Let's go angel," Arnav said softly, and tried to guide her away, when Shyam blocked him.

"My sister and I are having a conversation."

Arnav scoffed lightly. "The way I see it, there wasn't one to begin with." He looked at Khushi. "Let's go."

Arnav tried to go around Shyam again, but again Shyam blocked him.

"My sister and I need to talk, so let her go."

"I don't think she wants to."

"That's for her to decide."

"Well he's right," Khushi said. "I don't want to talk to you."

"What? But Khushi-"

"You've done enough Bhai, seriously, enough. I don't want to talk to you... nor look at you."

Shyam's eyes widened a Khushi tried to go around him, taking Arnav with her.

"He's taking complete control of you Khushi," Shyam called out. "Are you really going to let him-?"

Khushi whipped around and went up to her brother's face. "I am my own person, and I decide for myself. I don't want to talk you, nor look at you!"

"Khushi-"

"You gave Akash my number! How could you?"

Both Shyam's and Arnav's eyes widened.

He did what, Arnav thought as his fists clenched.

"But then again you don't know everything, now then do you? Regardless, you shouldn't have done that, not at all! Just go back to being a pathetic druggie!"

Khushi joined Arnav and grabbed his hand, pulling him away. She didn't want to see her brother, she didn't want to be anywhere near her brother. She just wanted to get away.

*~*

It wasn't the reaction Arnav had wanted and expected, but going into Buffalo Wild Wings lifted Khushi's mood. He had wanted her to jump with joy, knowing how much she loved this place, let alone chicken wings. He didn't understand it, but he chose not to question it - if it brought her joy, then it brought him joy.

Having been together for so long and being engaged, Khushi didn't care if she made a mess of herself in front Arnav. So when their food arrived, she dug right in and she knew Arnav had hard her moan.

"Don't judge me," she said immediately.

Arnav chuckled and reached out to wipe away the sauce that had smeared on her face. "I won't."

Khushi frowned. "You are."

"I am not."

"Then eat."

"Okay," he chuckled.

Khushi eyed him, watching him get his hands dirty, smeared in barbecue sauce. "The great Arnav Singh Raizada is eating with his hands - I never thought I'd live to see this day."

Arnav frowned at her. "This is not the first time I'm eating with my hands."

"True... eh, it's still a big deal, Mr. Fancy Pants."

Arnav rolled his eyes and Khushi chuckled, taking a sip of her drink.

For a moment, neither said a word, though Arnav was watching her as she devoured her food.

"I'm changing your number."

Khushi nearly coughed out her drink. "Whoa, what?"

"He won't even get a chance to talk to you."

Khushi gulped. Oh boy.

"Knowing you, you pick up almost any call you get, and I won't take that chance."

Khushi looked down. Suddenly, the wings didn't seem so appetizing.

Arnav looked at her carefully. "Unless...."

Khushi refused to look at him.

"He already did."

Her pursed lips told him exactly want he needed to know. Khushi knew he was angry and opened her mouth to speak, when their waitress arrived. Only now did she notice the way she was ogling Arnav, and she wanted to punch her as bad as the thought was. But Arnav pain her no attention, looking steely at Khushi as he commanded her for the bill. Khushi heard the waitress speak flirtatiously and her blood boiled, not just to her tone, but the way Arnav's voice was demanding.

"You are not allowed to take to anyone with that tone," Khushi gritted.

Arnav said nothing and the waitress came right back. Immediately, he popped out his black AMEX and the waitress was momentarily stunned before going away to charge the card.

"We're leaving," he said cooly.

Khushi scoffed. "Gee, you sure you wanna use that tone with me, I thought you'd rather use it with her!"

Arnav stared her down and Khushi refused to break. It didn't take long for the waitress to return. As she spoke and thanked them for coming, Arnav took his card, glanced at the receipt for the tip, and pulled out his wallet. Placing more than asked for, he got up from his seat. Khushi twitched her lips and walked away, Arnav following not to far behind.

Times Square was bustling as always, or as Khushi would say, insane! She wanted to stomp down the street, but that was impossible with the number of tourists stopping in front of you every five seconds, and the swarm of people only creating little walk space. So she huffed as she walked, feeling Arnav right behind her. He eventually caught up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Khushi wanted to push him away, but there was no way that she could, no without losing her step and being stomped over, so she had to let him do it.

When they finally got away from the swarm, she released herself and stomped to the parking lot, not stopping until she had gotten to the car. She waited for Arnav to unlock the doors and when he did, she got into the driver's seat. Khushi was somewhat surprised when Arnav didn't say anything, but forced herself to cover it.

Arnav shut the door to the passenger seat. "You know you're failing miserably at hiding your shock, right?"

Khushi growled, staring him down - not that it had any affect on him.

"You're an angel sweetheart, not a little monster."

Khushi growled again. "Don't talk to me like that, I'm not a little girl!"

"You sure about that? If you want, you could be, and I'll be your daddy," he said softly, taking hold of her hand.

But Khushi freed her hand with another growl. "Oh don't try to pacify me with your kinky sex talk!"

For a minute, Arnav was stunned, until he broke out with laughter. It left Khushi stunned, though her heart melted at the sight of him.

"Now how can I be mad at that," Khushi sighed.

Arnav calmed down, a smile on his face.

"I'm sorry," Khushi said softly, hugging herself. "I don't know what came over me."

"Jealousy?"

"Hormones," she said casually.

Arnav grinned and Khushi finally broke out into a smile.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, jealousy."

"That's very cute of you angel."

"Hey," she reached out and fisted his shirt in her hand, pulling him to her. "You're mine."

"Possessive," Arnav said with appreciation, a smirk making its mark on his  face.

"Very. You're mine and I'm yours, and you can only use that tone with me, no one else."

"You sure you went me to tell you what to do?"

Khushi remembered her brothers words, and knew that Arnav was thinking the same. "Arnav, don't."

"He has a point."

"He does't know anything!"

"And if he finds out?"

"He won't."

"Khushi-"

"Arnav, don't. He won't find out, and besides he has no say in my sexual life whatsoever, that is so disgusting and I can't believe that sentence came out of my mouth."

Arnav chuckled lightly. "That's what any normal brother-sister relationship should be like."

Khushi's mind instantly thought of Kalvati as much as she didn't want to. "Forget Kala."

"I know," and he took he hand, placing a kiss on the palm of it.

"I wish Bhai hadn't come like that - he ruined the wings," she pouted.

"True... but I think the thought of Akash really ruined it."

Instantly at the sound of his name, a tremble shuck through her body, and Arnav had noticed it. He held her hand in his with a firm grip. "When did he call you."

As he had expected, Khushi tried to free herself, but he wouldn't let  her. This was one thing he wouldn't let go.

"When did he call you."

Again, it wasn't a question, and Khushi knew better. "Before we left to Dubai," she nearly whispered.

Arnav's eyes widened with shock. "Before we-"

It all made sense now. Arnav now understood why Khushi had quickly changed her mind about going away with him. "Tell me."

Khushi looked down and with a sigh, she spoke. "I already have his number saved on my phone."

She felt his shock before she saw it, but he didn't speak.

"After what I had been through, I just wanted to be cautious. An old friend from high school had given me his number when I asked her for it - she knew everyone in town pretty well, so getting the number wasn't hard. I think she's one of the only people who was on my side in all of it.

"Once she got me the number, I held onto it. I made sure to save it on my landline so that I knew it was him in case he ever got my number, however it was possible. Then you gave me a phone as a present, which still to this day makes me feel myeh cause that's too expensive, and I saved it on there, paranoid he'd get my number somehow. Each phone you gave me, regardless or not I wanted it, I saved it as a warning. I knew it was crazy of me to do, but I needed to do it... and then it finally happened.

"It was right after classes ended, and the day was perfect. But then he called and it all went to shit! My body... it was as if all of the alarms went off and I was stunned, curling into a ball. Etta heard me screaming and came running. Bhai came and I forced the two not to say anything to you. ...I was afraid you'd leave me," she whispered.

Arnav squeezed her hand and she looked at him. It still didn't make sense to her that he was still here, that he still wanted her with all of his heart.

"Bhai kept asking what had happened, and I acted like a maniac, saying that you were going to leave me."

"So... he doesn't know?"

"About what Akash did to me? No, he was always stoned out of his mind."

Arnav scoffed. "Why am I not surprised he was a druggie."

"What is it with all these men in my life who love smoking pot," Khushi said sarcastically, and Arnav frowned, though Khushi could tell he was struggling with his smile trying to come though.

"No, Bhai didn't know," Khushi sighed. "I couldn't tell anyone, not with the way he as torturing me."

Arnav was quiet for a moment, toying with her ring. "What did he do?"

Memories of the past came crashing in her head and she had to grip onto the steering wheel to get her grasp back on reality.

Arnav understood that this was difficult for her. "Khushi-"

"No. I always wanted to tell someone of my problems. I need to get it off my chest."

Arnav squeezed her hand lightly and Khushi took a deep beath.

"It was like he stalked me. Where I was, what I was doing, he knew. Even in my own house I wasn't safe. Bhai and him are friends, so he was constantly over, and I was helpless. He would pop out of nowhere and constantly taunted me of Payal's death. My parents were barely home, working, and with Bhai being constantly stoned, I was basically alone.

"He constantly cornered me... touched me..."

Arnav's grip on her tightened and she squeezed his hand as well.

"He never got a chance to go too far but... he once got close."

"What happened?"

"I had gotten home after going over to Sheetal's - the friend I mentioned earlier. We had just had a study date, so to say. I was in the bathroom washing up, when he came walking right in...I was bent over the sink to wash my face...."

Arnav's grip tightened once more and so did Khushi's at the disgusting memory.

"He... he pressed himself against me and..."

His grip tightened even more and so did Khushi's.

"He gripped my hair and my waist-"

Tears came streaming down Khushi's cheeks. Her mind played the memory before her eyes, remembering how he had grinded against her and how she had felt him. She felt disgusted and wanted the memory out of her mind immediately, so she moved over and straddled Arnav, jamming her lips onto his.

"Make me forget it, get the memory out of mind, I don't want to think about it, I don't, I don't, I don't," she cried.

Arnav didn't respond and simply kissed her, caressing her face. Khushi reached in between them and undid Arnav's jeans, undoing the button and tugging down the zipper. She felt him and ran her hand over his length, making him hard, and released his length. Arnav reached below her dress to the waistband of her panties and pulled them apart, the simple piece of lace disintegrating in his hands. Not wasting a second, Khushi buried him inside of her and groaned, gripping onto Arnav's hair.

"Slowly baby," Arnav whispered.

Khushi did as he said, moving slowly along his length. The bad memories began to fade away with each thrust, removing fear from her mind as bliss took it's place.

"Don't ever let me go jaan," Khushi said softly, through her tears.

"Never, angel, never."

Khushi pulled him closer to her, resting her cheek on top of his head. "Arnav I can't, I need this faster."

Without waiting for his response, she began to ride him faster, her grip tightening on his hair. Arnav gripped onto her waist as she rode him harder and faster, burying his face against her chest.

Khushi kissed the top of his head. "Fuck Arnav, I'm going to cum," she cried with a whisper, afraid someone might her her.

After all, they were still in the lot.

"Cum for me angel."

Arnav maneuvered her along his length, meeting thrust for thrust as he kissed and sucked along her neck. In an instant, they came crashing down from their high, Khushi quickly bringing her hand to her mouth to bite back her scream, while her other hand gripped tightly onto  Arnav's hair. Arnav tightly gripped onto Khushi's waist as he released his load into her, forcing back his groan.

Khushi came down from her high and tilted Arnav's chin up to her so that he looked at her. "Marry me."

Arnav smiled softly. "I believe I was the one to ask that first."

"Marry me. Right now."

Chapter Seventy

Sneaking in from a side entrance, Khushi led Arnav into Glendale High School. It had obviously been quite some time since the to of them had been in a high school, yet while it felt like yesterday for Arnav, it felt like a millennia for Khushi.

Arnav had to admit - this high school wasn't like those typical high schools in the cities that looked like trash, but like an actual institute for learning. For some odd reason, he thought of all of those movies he had seen as a teen and how his sister would get excited about going to a high school like this - clean, spacious, and high-school-musical like.

Yup, it was that kind of school.

The hallways were filled with clean, white, pristine lockers, and they weren't even the half sized ones where you would get towered by your neighbor above, but the full-sized ones. Arnav couldn't help but to think of his trashy half-sized locker in high school when he saw these.

Walking down from one hallway to another, they ended up to another side of the school. The lights outside came in through the wide windows, illuminating the dark halls. At the corner, Khushi halted and so did Arnav.

"This was my locker," she said softly, placing her hand over it. "And if I'm not mistaken...."

Khushi turned the lock, Arnav watching her as she put in the combo: 4: 23, 20. The lock clicked and the locker opened.

"Same ol', same ol'."

Of course, as it was summer time, the locker was empty.

"They never change the combination," Khushi shook her head. "But then again, once you got a locker, it was yours till you graduated. They expected us to never tell anyone our combo, but its not like anyone ever listened. And that's how people would get their stuff stolen," Khushi chuckled.

"A lot of my life was here," she continued. "These halls, these classrooms, this locker,"she said, running her hand over the door, "this was the only life I knew."

Khushi took Arnav's hand and led him down the hall.

"But I wasn't alone in all of this. Even though Bhai had already graduated from here, he was constantly a part of it since he was once a member of the football team - he had left a legacy."

Arnav rolled his eyes. I should've known he was once a football-head.

"But besides him, there was someone else... who helped me survive my first two years... was always by my side...."

Arnav looked at her curiously as she took in a shaky breath.

"My older sister, Payal."

Arnav's eyes slightly widened. His thoughts were immediately transported back to the first day he had met Khushi. After their first encounter, Arnav had called his people up to get the security footage from the camera near where the two of them were and to run a facial recognition on her. While his team did that, he worked on the school database, which was why Khushi had seen him in the library then. When his people gave him a name and searched her up, he looked her up on the school database. Of course, the school didn't have much to offer, but that was what his team was for.

When Arnav had gotten home that night, Nigel had handed him the file the team had gathered on Khushi. So Arnav knew what her full name was, her date of birth, place of birth, parents, and of course her siblings. He knew that his sister had passed away while Khushi was still in high school, but didn't care about it to know the details. Today, he was glad he hadn't because he knew now how important this was.

"Payal was two years older than me. So when I came into this school, I wasn't as worried. I mean, it's not like I'd just get away with it if I did nothing, but I did have a guide.

"When it came to pressure, she was by my side. She kept me on track, made sure I did my homework - she was always there... and while she was, I wasn't."

Arnav was confused. "What do you mean?"

"I was in my sophomore year and Payal was in her senior year. She was determined - determined to go out of the school with a bang like Bhai had. She aimed to be valedictorian, which had always been her dream. ...and she wanted to conquer her fears."

"Her fears?"

Khushi stopped in front of a trophy case. Along with the many trophies aligned on the shelves were picture frames as well. Several of them contained pictures of the various teams they had had over the years. Some were of the captains, others of star players. Arnav noticed there was a picture of Shyam as well, holding onto his trophy, and he fought back the urge to scoff.

"Ever since she had entered this school and had seen him, Payal was in love with him, but could never tell him."

"Who?"

Khushi pointed at a picture. "Akash."

Arnav looked at the photo. Like the other photos, Akash was pictured with his winning trophy. But he wasn't alone in the picture, a girl under his arm while holding the trophy with him. Like Khushi, she had had wavy brown hair and her smile was close to hers, but it didn't bring that ray of sunshine like Khushi's did. But it wasn't hard for Arnav to tell that she was Khushi's sister Payal.

"She was in love with him - or so she would say - but could never tell him. She secretly crushed on him for years but when she got to her senior year, she was determined to tell him... and she did.

"It was the first day of the school year and she was determined to tell him, not caring if she'd possibly end up looking like a fool. I told her she was crazy and shouldn't do it, but the second she saw him on the courtyard, she marched right up to him. She told him that she needed to talk to him and he stepped aside from all of his football buddies, and just like that, she told him of her feelings; how she had this humongous crush on him since the first day of their freshman year and all of that. Next thing I know, he's kissing her."

Arnav's eyebrow cocked up on its own.

"No one could believe what they were seeing. I found it hard to believe the most... because I wanted him."

Immediately his eyes met hers, but Khushi looked down.

"Just like my sister, I, too, had fallen hard for Akash my first day here," she said softly. "And while my sister made it known to me, I hid it from her. I didn't just tell her to not tell him of her feelings because she would probably make a fool of herself, but because I was selfish - I wanted him for myself.

"I watched them day after day, and at first it hurt. But slowly, without even realizing it, it grew into jealousy - extreme jealousy."

Khushi released her hand from Arnav's and began to walk away. Arnav followed behind her, the two going back to where Khushi's locker was, only a little more further than it, six lockers down.

"This was Akash's locker. Every day I would see him from my locker and would watch him and my sister with envy; I wanted to be in her place so badly. No one was able to tell how I truly felt though... except for Akash.

"I had stayed after school for tutoring and went to my locker to get my jacket, when Akash came to his. He had stayed after school for practice and was on his way home, when he saw me. I remember it like it was yesterday - I saw him and when he saw me, I flinched away. For a moment, I wondered if I should just leave but then he came over to me. I was speechless, I didn't know what he could possibly have to say to me, and before I could react, he had me trapped in between his arms against my locker."

Arnav's fists clenched and even though he knew he had no control over what had happened in the past and didn't know her at the time, he still wanted to punch the chump.

"Akash told me that he knew how I felt for him, how he could see it in my eyes. He told me how he liked me and wanted me, not my sister, which filled up my heart, but he couldn't leave her for me because that would cause drama. Everyone would be pointing fingers at me and he didn't want that." Khushi looked away. "...so we had a secret relationship."

Arnav's looked at her in shock - he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"While my sister walked these halls with her boyfriend and kissed him in front of everyone, I snuck around with him and would kiss him beneath the stairwell," she nearly whispered, shutting her eyes in shame as a tear trailed down her cheek.

Arnav really couldn't believe what he was hearing. My angel... she really did that?

"At first I would feel guilty about it but then... I just wanted him all to myself. When we were together...."

Khushi walked away and Arnav followed behind. They got out of the school and walked back towards the car. Khushi took the keys from Arnav and went around to the driver's seat. Arnav didn't question her and sat in the passenger's seat. She drove away from the school and while she drove, Arnav watched her - he couldn't help himself. It was just a matter of minutes before Khushi stopped in front of a house. Arnav didn't understand why and looked at her curiously while Khushi gazed at the house.

"The entire year passed. Payal became valedictorian and both she and Akash graduated. On the last day of school, there was a party here. I didn't know the guy, nor did many, but everyone went regardless. The place was loaded with alcohol - from cases and cases of beer to the guy's parents' booze, it was loaded. My sister was excited to go and at first I couldn't understand for the life of me why, because she hated these things. But then I found out her true intentions - she was going to lose her virginity to him."

With that douchebag? Arnav was disgusted.

"I couldn't believe it and it made me seethe with jealousy. The thought of the two together... it had made my blood boil! So I went to the party as well to make sure it didn't happen. She drove her car and I sat beside, thinking of ways to stop it from happening.

"When we got there, Payal got busy with the other football heads' girlfriends. Akash saw me and knew that I meant business so he stepped aside. I told him about Payal's intentions and told him that it better not happen, that I refused to let that happen. I told him that if there was anyone he was going to sleep with... then it was with me."

Arnav's eyes widened and Khushi could feel his shock. It was as if it hummed in the confined space around them.

"I told him that I was sick and tired of seeing him and Payal parading around - so sick and tired, that I wanted her to find out about us, not caring if it broke her heart."

Angel....

"He was mine and I was finally going to let her know. I intended to reveal it that night and when the time was right, I kissed him and he kissed me back, right in front of Payal."

Khushi turned away, not even wanting to look at Arnav. She could feel his distaste, perhaps even disgust to her. She pulled away from the curb and drove away.

"Payal was furious and hurt, and she charged right out of the house. Shyam was at the party too, unknown to us both, and when he found out about the situation, he told me to go after her. I didn't want to, but he gave me his keys, so I went after her."

Khushi drove down a two way road, surrounded by cornfields.

"I followed her down this road. It didn't take long for me to catch up with her since she was driving slowly. At first I didn't get why she was going so slow, but then I remembered she had drank at the party. So I honked the horn and called out to her, telling her to stop ...instead she increased the speed."

Khushi pressed down on the break hard, coming to an immediate halt, sending the two jerking forward slightly since they were held back by their seat belts. She stepped out of the car and Arnav followed behind, standing beside her.

"I sped up too and got beside her, telling her repeatedly to stop, but she continued to refuse. She was crying and she was drunk and she was speeding and...."

Tears pooled in Khushi's eyes.

"Payal sped ahead, cutting right in front of me, forcing me to stop and I stomped down on the break. My body jerked forward but was held back by my seat belt and she...." Her tears came free, flowing down her cheek. "I never wanted this to happen, I never ever did but...."

Khushi's fists clenched, her knuckles whitening by her tight grip.

"When she cut me off and sped forward, she wasn't watching ahead and she... she... she  crashed into an electric pole."

Arnav's jaw dropped as his eyes widened in horror.

"The pole came crashing right down onto her car and... and her car burst into flames!"

Khushi broke into a sob as her feet gave away. She collapsed to the floor, sobbing into her hands. Arnav couldn't believe anything of what he had just heard, too shocked by it all.

"Everything else went mute and the only thing I could hear were my own screams," she sobbed. "I dashed out of the car and tried to get to her, but the other drivers who had stopped, stopped me from going any closer. I tried and tried to pry away from them, but they wouldn't let me go. One of them had called 911 and the cops and the fire brigade arrived in a matter of moments. I was delirious and wanted to get my sister out but they wouldn't let me, everything blurred and they tried to get the fire out, my brother somehow arrived and the next thing I know, I had fainted.

"When I woke up, I found myself in the hospital. Bhai was beside me and with just one look of his face, I knew that my sister was gone... Payal was dead and it was all because of me! I had killed my own sister!"

Khushi sobbed even harder and Arnav couldn't stand the sight of it. He knelt down beside her and wrapped her up in his arms as she sobbed, gripping onto him.

"I never meant for it to happen, I swear I didn't, and yet I killed her!"

Arnav hushed and soothed her, running his hand through her hair. Never had I ever imagined that she would have a grave secret like this. "Angel-"

"I'm not an angel, Arnav, I'm a murderer!"

His eyes widened.

"I'm a murderer, I killed my own sister, I'm a murderer, it's all my fault!"

Arnav held her tightly. "Hush, don't say that-"

"It's all my fault," she cried.

Khushi sniffled and pulled back, holding his arms and creating a distance between them.

"I'm not the angel you think I am Arnav, I'm not," she sniffled. "I know you think that - believe that - but I'm not. I'm the devil," and she turned away.

It hurt Arnav to see her like this, but it hurt him more that she felt this way.

She's been through so much, and I'm only now finding out about this. How could I have been so clueless? And how could she think so low of herself?

"You believe that I was a blessing from your mother," Khushi whispered, still not meeting his eyes. "But the truth is, I'm just a bad omen."

Khushi looked down at her hands and as hard as it was for her to do it, she removed her engagement ring and held it out to Arnav.

"Take it," she said, her voice barely audible.

Arnav's fists clenched and anger formed in his eyes. He stared at the ring, his jaw clenched as he channeled his rage. Khushi wouldn't even look at him, just holding the ring out as if it were nothing, and it made him angrier.

One moment, Khushi was kneeling on the floor, and the next she was laying down on the hood of the car, her left hand extended out, with Arnav's body atop of hers.

"Arnav-"

"How dare you," he sneered.

Khushi's eyes filled with fear.

"How dare you take of this ring?"

Arnav forced the ring down her ring finger,  slightly hurting her in the process.

"Don't you ever take that ring off, do you understand?"

Khushi just stared at him wide eyed. When she didn't respond, Arnav gripped her waist tightly with his left hand, causing Khushi to hiss slightly.

"Do you understand?"

Khushi simply didn't understand. "B-but you were supposed to hate me and leave me-"

Arnav cut her off, covering her lips with his as he kissed her roughly. He bit down on her lower lip and teethed it, Khushi moaning to the pain.

"Arnav-"

"How stupid can you be?"

Khushi's eyes widened.

"How could you think something as stupid as that, angel, how?"

Khushi was speechless.

"How could you ever think I would let you go for that?"

"But... I killed someone-"

"No you didn't."

Khushi looked at him with confusion. Arnav pulled her up and stood in between her legs, his left hand still on her waist while his right hand took hold of her left, placing it over his chest.

"You didn't kill her angel-"

"Arnav-"

"You didn't kill her, Khushi."

Khushi looked down.

"How could you possibly think that you killed her? You didn't Khushi, you didn't."

Khushi didn't say anything.

"I will admit that what you did was wrong... and that I'm surprised by it."

She looked back up at him.

"I never expected that from you..."

Khushi turned away in shame.

"...but that was before I even knew you existed."

Still, Khushi was ashamed.

"But you're not the only one at fault; it isn't only your fault that you sneaked around behind your sister's back, but that fucker's as well."

Arnav cupped her face and tried to make her look at him.

"It isn't your fault Khushi, it's his. He killed your sister."

Khushi looked at him in confusion.

"Think about it Khushi - even though he was dating Payal, he still went up to you, his girlfriend's sister, and proposed the idea of sneaking around behind her back. The fact that he wanted to be disloyal to her is what caused this. He wanted to cheat on her with you. He probably thought he was this really cool guy for dating both sisters at the same time, and I'm so fucking sure some of his friends knew; there's no way he hid this ego booster from his fellow meatheads. And I'm damn sure Khushi, that had he gotten the opportunity, he would have slept with you both. He would have lied to you about not sleeping with her, just to sleep with you. And if not her first, well, he's already lying to her as it is."

"But-"

"Khushi, you did not kill her. Yes she left the house because she saw you kissing her boyfriend, yes that did upset her. But he kissed you back - he snuck behind her back as well, he cheated on her, he wasn't faithful. The only person who is a killer here, is Akash."

Khushi looked down. "For some time, I thought that as well," she whispered. "But everyone else was right; I killed her-"

"Who said you killed her?"

Khushi could see the anger in his eyes. "M-my parents...."

Arnav's eyes widened.

"The entire student body at Glendale High, people in town, Akash-"

"How dare he," Arnav sneered.

Arnav's fists clenched and Khushi could see how badly he wanted to beat he living crap out of that guy. "If I ever get my hands on him-"

"Arnav-"

"That will be murder."

Khushi looked at him in shock and caressed his face. "No Arnav, don't even think such a thing!"

"Khushi-!"

"It doesn't matter if he tortured me about it for two years, you will not kill-!"

Khushi realized the words that had just escaped from her mouth while Arnav looked at her in shock.

"He tortured you," Arnav questioned, his voice low and menacing.

With a gulp, Khushi looked down. "Y-yes," she whispered. "After she passed away, for my remaining 2 years here, he taunted me, telling me that I had murdered her. He tried to have his way with me."

Arnav's fists clenched.

"If I had been here any longer... he would have taken advan-"

"Don't. Don't...."

Khushi quietly sobbed and Arnav turned away. He ran his hand through his hair, trying to control his anger, not wanting to snap in front of Khushi; she just didn't deserve it.

"Khushi get in the car."

Khushi looked up at him.

"We're going home."

Crossing her arms, Khushi ran her hands over her arms, her jacket not helping her with the chills within her body. "Are you sure you want to be with a murderer like me-?"

Arnav grabbed her by her arm and pulled her to him. He kissed her roughly once more, bruising her lips, teething it.

"If I ever hear you call yourself that even again Khushi, so help me from above, I will spank the living crap out of you."

Khushi's eyes widened as her cheeks filled with blush.

"And that's a promise." He kissed her once more and cupped her cheeks. "You didn't kill her. Remember that."

"I... you were supposed to go running to the hills. Instead-"

"Angel, don't you understand by now that I can never let you go?"

Khushi was shocked. "Arnav, I'm not an angel-"

"You're my angel, I don't give a shit about anyone else."

"Arnav-"

"I don't. And as for your parents, well, they're no invited to our wedding."

Khushi's eyes widened. "You still want to marry me?"

Arnav looked away, though he couldn't help the slight tug from the corner of his lips. "Oh angel... you humor me."

She simply blinked at him.

"Yes Khushi, I am. No I'm not running to the hills. I love you, and what happened in the past - I'm glad that you trust me enough to tell me; I respect that."

Khushi looked down.

"But the present and your future are in my hands now. And any wrong that was done to you before, I will do my best to correct."

Khushi couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You... you won't leave me?"

Arnav shook his head. "No angel, I'm not."

Tears streamed down Khushi's cheeks. She had truly believed that he would have left her, right here in the middle of the road to get away from her, yet here he was, right in front of her, holding her.

And she didn't want it any other way.

Khushi reached into her pocket and pulled out a ring. It was the very ring she had set her eyes on, the one she had chosen for Arnav. At first she had thought of not buying it, positive that Arnav would leave her once he knew the truth of her past. But then she thought of buying it anyways, as a way of forever remembering him, by putting it on a necklace. She would forever wear it and would have considered herself a widow - she would have even told people that. But now, everything was different.

"I bought this ring... I thought I was going to lose you... this was going to be my memory of you...." Khushi bent down on one knee and looked up at him. "But if you're not leaving, I have no choice but to give it to you."

Arnav smiled softly and bent down, kneeling in front of her. "I'm not going anywhere angel - ever. So put the ring on my finger."

Tears formed in her eyes once more and she placed the ring on his left ring finger. Once she did, she threw her arms around him and cried, never wanting to let him go. Arnav placed his hand over her hair, soothing her with soft kisses.

"I promise you Khushi, my angel, that all the people who have wronged you will most certainly get their punishment... no matter what."

Chapter Sixty Nine

Before the alarm even went off, Khushi had woken up. It had become a habit now. It was almost 5:30 in the morning and Khushi started to get ready for work. She washed up, took a quick shower, and dried her hair. She put on some quick makeup and ate some breakfast, and before she knew it, it was almost 7. Khushi left the house and headed to the subway to catch her train.

This was Khushi's mornings now, going to work 5 days a week. She would always have to go one hour early to prepare anything for Arn- Mr. Raizada, and he would come in at 9.

Not only would Khushi do the normal things, like get his phone calls, help make his appointments, etc. but Khushi did more. Since they did have special arrangements, Khushi would also act as his submissive, moving to his beckoning. The other day he was on the phone and he had important paperwork to talk about and Khushi knelt to the floor, holding the papers in her mouth while Arnav read some points off of it.

This was her life now, and she loved it. Being able to spend more time with him, professionally or romantically, was all that mattered to her.

The day went on with the usual, Khushi loving every moment of it. At lunch time, the two ate together, and at the end of the day, both left together.

By working, Khushi had managed to earn and save some money for her paychecks to buy a ring for Arnav. It really wasn't so hard to do, since she never got to spend her paycheck, Arnav always beating her to paying for something.

Khushi had her eyes set on a black rhodium plated ring with small diamonds on it. It had stood out to her when she and Lavanya had gone ring hunting on her day off, especially because of the infinity loops accentuated in the ring. Of course, she hadn't told Arnav about it since she wanted to surprise him.

Khushi had finally gotten around to telling everyone about hers and Arnav's engagement, including Shyam. At first, Shyam wasn't as okay with it, but she told her brother that she didn't care what he thought. She did her duty of telling him that she would be marrying the man she loved, and that was it. So Shyam didn't push on it, respecting his sister's wishes.

Since then, the two hadn't said much, but Khushi felt bad and broke the silence between them. She planned on meeting up with him, inviting Anjali just to be safe. Unfortunately for Khushi, Anjali had to cancel on them, leaving just the two of them.

Khushi went to her brother's place so that they could go together. Shyam went to his room to get ready and Khushi waited for him. She looked around his apartment; it was very him with his simple sense of style. There wasn't too much, since Shyam would go down to Florida every now and then for his job.

Khushi looked at some of the pictures on the wall. There were old pictures of them, their parents, some of himself, and-

Shyam's phone began to ring.

"Bhai," she called out.

"Could you check and see who it is?"

"Okay."

Khushi went over to the counter to see who was calling and she froze. She felt her body turn to ice, numbing her.

It's... no... but... why?

Shyam came out of his room, ready to go. "Alright Khushi, let's-"

When Shyam got to the living room, he realized that he was alone; Khushi had left.

What-? Where did Khushi go?

*~*

Khushi walked down the streets, clinging onto her purse. She could only think of what she had just seen at Shyam's place.

After his phone had rang, a text had arrived and Khushi had seen it.

Sure dude, I'll see ya next week. BTW, thanks for her number.

Bhai gave him my number? But why-? Then again it's not like he knows....

Khushi heard her phone ringing, but she refused to pick it up. She knew it had to be Shyam trying to figure out why she had left. So she let it ring continuously, when the ring tone had changed. Taking her phone out,  it was just who she had suspected - Lavanya. Khushi had made sure to keep special ring tones for those of importance, like Arnav and her. Khushi took the call and before she could even speak, Lavanya growled.

"Ugh I hate men!"

Khushi was confused. "What happened now?"

"Aman's a pig head,  that's what!"

"What did he do?"

"Apparently his ex had been texting him for the past few weeks and I'm only finding out now!"

"No!"

"Yes! He said he thought it didn't matter because he wasn't replying to the desperate whore! Can you believe him," she shrieked.

Khushi pursed her lips.

"Like what is wrong with him? Doesn't he realize that keeping secrets breaks a relationship?!"

Khushi's eyes widened.

"Like how stupid can you be?"

It felt as if a huge lump had grown in Khushi's throat and no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn't go away.

"Anyways, how are you doing? Save enough money yet?"

Khushi found her voice. "Y-yeah.  Hey listen, something important just came up so I've got to go."

"Fine. Tell Arnav I said hi."

Khushi nodded and she hung up. Looking up to the sky, she shut her eyes and prayed for strength.

Lavanya was right; secrets broke relationships and Khushi knew it. She had though of keeping hers from Arnav, but now she realized that no matter which way she went, she would lose Arnav no matter what.

It just came down to making one decision - hide it from him and let it come out on its own... or tell him the truth and face him unlike a coward would?

Khushi felt a tear stream down her cheek. What do I do?

*~*

Arnav entered the apartment, back from his jog. He headed straight to the shower, ready to get the ick off of him. Once he was showered and clean, he came out to grab a bite. He decided in making a sandwich. There was a Tupperware filed with chicken salad so he took it out and got some bread. As he prepared his sandwich, the door unlocked and Khushi came in.

"Hey angel. Back already?" Though he was glad. He didn't know why, but there was something about Shyam that made him not like him.

Khushi didn't respond and simply headed to the bedroom. Arnav watched her with confusion and when he heard the bedroom door shut, he went over.

"Angel?" He knocked on the door. "Angel?"

Khushi didn't reply, increasing Arnav's confusion.

"Angel? Open the door."

But Khushi didn't and Arnav was beginning to get angry.

"Khushi! Khushi, you open this door right this minute or I swear I'll-"

The door opened, revealing Khushi in a different outfit. Arnav looked at her confusedly, looking at her scarlet floral dress. She wore black tights beneath it and brown combat boots.

"Wanna go for a drive," she asked.

Arnav was puzzled. He searched her face for answers, but he couldn't read it. So to get his answers, Arnav nodded. "Just let me change."

He changed into a navy blue button down and black jeans, taking his leather jacket in case it got chilly. Khushi took her denim jacket in case she got cold as well.

Arnav had called Nigel to bring the R8 over. When he arrived, Arnav gave him the keys to the Cadillac and Nigel gave him the keys to the R8. Nigel headed back to the CitySpire and Arnav and Khushi headed out.

"So where did you have in mind," Arnav asked.

"Long island."

Arnav looked at her with confusion as she put in the address in his phone on Maps, giving him the driving directions. He wanted to question her on it but chose not to.

He knew that the two of them were different when it came to telling their secrets.

Arnav followed the directions Google gave him, driving far out. They were about 3 hours into the drive when his phone told him that they had arrived to a small town known as Glendale. As he continued to follow the last few driving directions, Arnav couldn't help but to wonder why they were in small town like this. But then he remembered the file he had on Khushi, recalling that it had mentioned her coming from a small town.

Note to self: give Khushi that file.

It was only a matter of minutes until they arrived to their destination - Glendale High School

When the car stopped, Khushi got out first and Arnav followed behind. He stood beside her as she looked up at the high school in front of them.

"For a long time, I've always been asking you of your secrets," Khushi said softly. "And when the time was right, you did. I asked, you answered. ...yet I continued to hide my secrets from you."

Arnav reached out and held her hand, giving it a light squeeze.

Khushi took in a deep breath and looked up at him. "It's time I tell you mine."