Chapter Five

An hour or so later Arnav looked up from the file he had been reading hearing the knock on the door. 

After his 'come in', in walked Khushi, pushing the door open.


"Sir, I am going to the party venue with Akash for last minute checking, do you need anything before I go?"

With a nod of his head, Arnav let her know tat he required nothing before going back to his file

*** 

Hello.

Are you good?

Ya, I am.


Have you taken care of the papers?

I will take care of it... Soon.

Good. When will you be back?

I will be late.

OK, it seems you will get to taste my yummy pasta tonight.

Yummy! ... Really!! ??

Err! You have no choice.

Yeah, I guess so. Please just don't burn it.

I will try.

OK, I have to go.

Bye. See you soon darling.

Bye.

***

Akash spotted Khushi behind the pillar instructing a worker about something and walked to her.

"Good job. The arrangements look great." Akash complimented.


Khushi smiled in return but didn't forget to thank Akash for his help, " Don't praise me alone. You helped me enough to do my job better. Thank you Akash." earning a grin from him.


It is already past 8.30 of night and Akash offered Khushi a drive back home but she refused saying that she had some personal work nearby so she will go back on her own. 

Akash left reluctantly not feeling good to leave a girl to travel alone in the city like Delhi in the night. But Khushi too didn't budge today.

***
Personal work, is it?

Yes indeed.

Her personal alone time.

The day had ended so was the torture. Now all she wanted was some time for herself to be able to cope up with the numerous memories testing her sanity since morning. 


***

She sat quietly on a rock. A lone tear travelled down her cheek. She wiped it, but she knew this was just beginning before the dam broke. And soon more tears followed. She didn't care to wipe them this time. 

No one was there to watch her. She was free to weep and mourn here. No one will hear her. She could even scream out her suppressed agony. There was nobody to stop her. She had the freedom to cry her heart out today. 

Since morning, she was pretending. Pretending to be normal. But now when there was no pretence needed and when she could embrace all the memories sweet and bitter, freely, she started the journey back to the memory lane under the cover of the night sky.

But as she has expected rather than good and soothing ones, more painful memories came forth and she groaned ... Agh!

Aghhh...


Finally, she let out the scream she had been holding for so long and realised, it felt good.

Once more may help her to vent it all out, she thought hopefully. But this time, the scream got stuck in her throat and she sobbed loudly.

She would not be able to keep this charade going anymore. 

She needed to get out of this place. She would go far away from all these.

Anyways what she had come for was over. Now all she wanted was just to go back in her real life.

She will leave the day after tomorrow... yes.


***
It was the day of the grand party of the Raizada's.

All the guests had arrived and the Raizadas too sans Naniji and Mamiji.

Yes, all Raizadas had arrived from the UK today morning especially to attain this party to claim their territory in Delhi in every way... in business, in society, in politics (not much), in glamour (very much), in sports (very less) and in every field which speaks power. The Jhas had joined them too.
Only missing personalities were, the organiser and the event planner... ASR and Khushi.


Khushi has called Akash to let him know that her cab had broken down and she will be late. For ASR nobody had a clue...

Everyone in the party was waiting for Him to show up... The Man who was the talk of the town, Hot gossip among all women and an Enigma for all...

In the dimly lit hall, according to the party theme, a spotlight is following every hot shot who was walking in through the entrance... 

All was set to begin the celebration of the year as soon as the man of honour graced them with his presence. 

Suddenly the spotlight fell on someone and this time, it was His Grace who had walked in through the entrance ... LADIES AND GENTLEMAN PLEASE WELCOME THE HOST OF THE EVENING, THE FASHION MOGUL, THE ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA... the voice of the DJ boomed in the hall followed by a huge roar of applauds.

He walked in all his glory, casually, taking all the time in the world, nodding at everyone in his way. His aura spoke of power and astuteness. The man was a force to reckon with and it showed as he took each powerful step inside the hall.



As the meet and greet went on, with ASR approaching each who's who personally and greeting them with his manager's help, the guests start to doubt about the rumours regarding ASR. About his Rudeness...

Rude?!! Oh, he is gentleman enough and that smile is to die for, Arrogance... Well that comes with money and arrogant male with good features looks Hot. Stubborn... he has to be... after all he is a business tycoon and has a great empire to run, little stubbornness is required for dealing ...and about being Shrewd... or else he wouldn't have been The ASR... and they draw a conclusion, especially the females, that he is a walking talkig power that everyone wants to become but only a few acheives.


ASR walked to the podium and took the microphone in his hand. Automatically silence fell upon the place as if they had been waiting for ages to listen to him, his voice. So was his effect.
His ever so seductive voice echoed in the hall hitching the breaths of women and making the men jealous of his impact on their females, "Ladies and Gentleman... Welcome to the world of ASR. I am glad that you all could join me this evening. I look forward to spend this evening with you. Let's celebrate our first meet and hope that it wouldn't be our last. So Delhi let's have a blast."

As soon he finished waiters walked in with a huge Champagne bottle settled in ice. ASR took the bottle and walked near the pyramid made by champagne glasses. Akash, Shyam, Mamaji also stood near him each holding a bottle themselves, delivered by the bearers after the first one . ASR popped open his bottle and other followed him announcing the start of the big night. They pour the first few glasses and then the waiters who had been waiting close by took control.

All cheered together to start the journey of the big night ahead.


After a long discussion with the clients and distributors ASR and Akash excused themselves. Where Akash set out for his hunt of a suitable dance partner , ASR settled himself near the bar in a secluded corner.

The theme of the party was black and western. The DJ was playing some old English melodies. The dance floor was flooding with romance and seduction...

And it was the time when in walked  the last missing person...



Though not much people noticed her as the party was well full of beauty and glamour so another one in the lot made only the difference of a bucket of water in a pond. There were a few ripples but no wave. 

But the one sitting in the corner sipping his drink watched her intently... Her graceful walk, her lustrous smile, her confident walk and off course her beauty which was very visible in that elegant costume that she wore ...she looked Exotic.

Akash was the first one to compliment, "Somebody is looking gorgeous."

Khushi took it with a graceful nod of her head which told she was no novice to such appraisal of her look.

"So it is true Sabar ka fal mitha hota hai... in this case, it is sweet and spicy both I must say," Akash said in his accented Hindi before winking at her.

Khushi only rolled  her eyes in response.

"Come let me introduce you to my family" Akash invited.

Khushi flashed a smile but a close looker could easily tell that it was  forced and less interested she was to meet the Raizadas.

They walked to the place where Anjali, Shyam and Mamaji were sitting and chatting with few close guests.

Akash called for Anjali, "Hey Di..."

Anjali looked back and caught the sight of a gorgeous girl beside Akash who introduced her enthusiastically, "Meet Khushi"

Anjali frowned... by the time Mamaji and Shyam were also looking in their direction. Khushi smiled dazzlingly though a made up one which held them captive for a moment or two before they stood in their own accord giving their full attention to her pulled by her charm.


Anjali smiled and said an excited "Hi" and so did Shyam. 

In reply, Khushi said her hellos but folded her hands to greet Mamaji.

"She is the one Di whom you blasted the other day." Akash said with a naughty smile.

Anjali looked puzzled.

"She is Bhai's Secretary Khushi Gupta." Akash cleared the confusion.

"OH!" Anjali looked at her guiltily and tried to explain, "Well you know how he works day and night... I wanted him to rest and I was angry too so just got carried away... I hope..." 

Khushi cut her off in the middle saying "No problem Anjali Ji... I understand a sister's care for her brother, you don't need to say anything..."

Anjali smiled  sweetly understanding she was too a sister of a brother, "So you too have a brother?"

"Yes, a younger brother," Khushi said smiling fondly.

"Wow," Anjali exclaimed before introducing Shyam and Mamaji properly to her, "He is my husband Shyam Jha and He is my Mamaji,  Manohar Singh Raizada."

"Nice to meet you" Khushi again passed a contagious smile.

"Well I will meet you in the office regularly I guess" Mamaji said smiling liking the girl instantly.

Khushi's smile faltered for a second before she composed and nodded her head agreeing with him.

"I am not that lucky to meet this gorgeous lady regularly ... Shyam winked at Anjali as he flirted with Khushi  and she slapped him on his arm playfully but he still added... but I hope to see you soon again..."

Khushi nodded smiling at his attempt.

Then without wasting any more time Akash asked Khushi for a dance and dragged her to the dance floor as soon she agreed.

There ASR rose from his dark corner and walked to them watching Akash dance and laugh with Khushi at the same time. 

"Hi DI enjoying?" Arnav asked genuinely.

In reply, Anjali gave a wide smile nodding her head excitedly.

Shyam  thought of teasing his salhe sahib or at least to give a try at it... "hmm... so  Salhe Sahib, I guess now I know your reason behind working extra in the office." smirking smugly.

Arnav looked at him and then at the other two persons before he shrugged his shoulders and said casually, "Well I have many inspirations there, you just have seen one." And smiled meaningfully. 

Shyam shook his head on his failed attempt as Anjali gaped and Mamaji chuckled openly.

Soon he left their side whistling ''Wicked Game'' towards the DJ. Three pairs of eyebrows hit the roof as they listened ASR whistling that too Wicked Game. And then watched hawk-eyed as he walked to the DJ corner.

Here Akash was enjoying his dance with his beautiful partner when the music changed and out of the blue Arnav appeared to their side before asking Akash, "Can I borrow the lady for a dance?"

Akash who rose his brows in shock, composed himself before saying, "Why not, if the lady wants to"

Both men looked at Khushi... but ASR looked  into her eyes almost hypnotising her in agreeing and she did. 

With Khushi's nod, Arnav took her hand in his and Akash joined the gawking Raizada and Jha group along with other ladies who have tried their best to have one dance with Him but have failed miserably.

She is one lucky bitch,  Someone exclaimed.

The Wicked Game' played in the background as they swayed slowly...

Twirling her around ASR held her closely. Her back to his front. Her arms crossed and clasped with his and they gently moved like a pendulum.

No I don't want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
No I don't want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
With you
With you (this girl is only gonna break your heart)

ASR turned her to face her. They moved and drowned into the music and danced like there was no tomorrow.

What a wicked game you played to make me feel this way
what a wicked thing to do to let me dream of you
what a wicked thing to say you never felt this way
what a wicked thing to do to make me dream of you

ASR looked deep into her eyes as if he was searching for something... answers of some unasked question. But Khushi instantly looked away.

And I don't want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
With you

He twirled her in circles  around him.

The world was on fire and no-one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I'd never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you
I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

She came crashing on his chest breathless.

No, I don't want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't want to fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
With you (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
With you (this girl is only gonna break your heart)

He scooped her in his arms encircling her knees and twired before slowly putting her down, brushing her body all over him, feeling every curve of her on his hard chest.

As the song was about to end, he led her out of the floor holding her hand like precious. 

No I (this girl is only gonna break your heart)
(This girl is only gonna break your heart)

The song ended but the spark still flowed in the air. ASR picked a glass of juice from a passing waiter and offered to Khushi who readily took it. Their close proximity, while dancing, had left her parched.

She empties the glass in a go and excused herself to go to the washroom.

As soon she left the women in the party hovered around ASR in a desperate attempt to catch his eyes.

Who doesn't want a sensual dance with ASR?

***

Khushi splashed cold water on her face.

His face reminded her of everything... the fire again started burning in her eyes... and ASR, what is it with him? Why out of all he chose to dance with her?  Her of all people!! She had to get out of this place as soon as possible...

She splashed some more water without caring about the make-up on her face that melted out.

Leave me you bustard... 

Khushi frowned , isn't it Natasha's voice?

But whom she is cursing? 

She again heard voices outside the washroom door...

Leave me you scoundrel...

By this time Khushi was sure there was something highly wrong. She hurriedly wiped off the water drops from her face and walked out only to face the Scoundrel in the talk. 

A man thoroughly drunk was trying to force himself on Natasha, one of her office mate.

Natasha was struggling very hard to get herself free but she was no match with the giant size man.

Khushi looked around but found none. This place was little away from the main gala area. So if she screamed on top of her voice also no one will hear and the music inside is another minus point.

I have to help her... I have to help her... But I don't think I can help her without getting into trouble... then... then... what to do? What to do? Yes Akash... She thought furiously.

She tried to call him. She could see that Natasha had almost given up. She had no power left to protest anymore against his molestation.  She needed to intrude before things go uglier.

Shit... Shit...Shit! he is not picking up...

It was time for her to panic. She dialled the next number who could help and walked towards the commotion after sending a silent prayer to her DM. She could hear the ring was going and at the same time she reached them...

By the time the man had torn a little part of her dress near her cleavage and Natasha was almost on the verge of losing her senses... she can not wait any longer she needed to act and she did...

"Hey, you monster... leave her."

The man got a little startled and looked back to see the owner of the voice and not to mention his eyes twinkled to see his bonus meal for the night. For him, it couldn't be any better. 

The look in his eyes made Khushi want to puke and shudder in disgust. It was not that she hadn't came across of this kind of animal before but she had help to deal with them in past. But here she was all alone and too weak for that huge size to fight with. 

She remembered that she had called for help. She put the phone on her ear to check that if somebody had picked up on the other end or not, but at the same time she tried to keep the leech's mind away from Natasha who wass trying to recover her lost strength, hearing a known voice, though her vision was still blurry...

"Keep your hands off my friend... you as*hole."

The man really left her hand and Natasha fell with a thud on the floor. 

Khushi looks at her in horror. She wanted to help her but the monster was standing blocking her way.

This man I know this man... he is ... he is...  Raghu Raichand, he is a client. She has seen him with ASR.  She thought 


"You are Raghu Raichand, right?"

"Right Sweetheart... you are right... you are ASR's secretary... aren't you? I must say ASR has a good choice... he doesn't want to get bore in the office... does he? I don't think so... that is why he has a nice collection of beauty their... I don't think he will mind if I try a few of them... he has plenty... isn't it?" Raichand sneered like a true leech. 

His voice was also disgusting like him but the scary part was he was closing the gap between them fast while talking and Khushi admitted to herself that she was terrified, though she tried to keep a calm facade. Not wanting him to gloat anymore.

In a lighting speed, he yanked her towards him grabbing her free arm... and the phone slipped from Khushi's hand in that sudden pull and broke into pieces... Khsuhi watched helplessly the destruction of her last hope.

Raghu had pinned her on a nearby wall and his full concentration was on her plump lips. Khushi tried her best to keep her mouth away from that creepy creature but she also knew it was of no use. Too much smell of alcohol was burning her nostrils.

Raghu was inches away from her lips when a hand came into their view. It harshly took the whole of his face in its grasp digging the nails and wrenched him away from Khushi with full force.

The sudden attack made Raghu fell flat on the floor and both him and Khushi saw to their astonishment the owner of that hand was none other than ASR.

Khsuhi heaved a sigh of relief.

So he has received her call on time.

Raghu jerked up holding his stomach after a smashing kick in his gut.

ASR held his collar and pulled him up to his eye level...

By the time, Khushi had reached Natasha and helped her to sit.

She watched the action drama before her eyes with a chill running down her spine, seeing the burning rage in HIS eyes... literally a Killer's look... his eyes had taken a shade of blood red and his brown orbs were dark in fury. Khushi could tell from this far that he is gritting his teeth real hard. 

Raghu was suffocating in his vice grip. But he was way beyond to care.

Khushi ran to them and said urgently," Leave him ASR... it seemed he had become deaf... ASR leave, he is chocking... nope he wouldn't budge, Khsuhi hesitantly put her left hand on his right shoulder and shook him a little saying... ASR leave him or he will die."

"Let him..."

Khushi shivered hearing the voice... he knew this man from last few days but she doubted, did she really knew him an ounce? She didn't recognize the voice... it is harsh and thick, far different from any she heard from him.

She was sure if she didn't do anything to stop him he will kill him without a second thought. So she used her little knowledge of marital art and delivered a straight power shot on that bust*rd's nose with all her might.

It helped her in two ways, The two men absolutely weren't expecting this from her so with the blow Raghu's body turned into noodle and ASR, who had been taken aback for time being  felt his body go limp and threw him away, alive.

The punch was really hard and Khushi knew it as she could see his bleeding nose. She would not be surprised if it was broken as she could feel the reaction of her action on her knuckles which were paining very badly. While punching they had been in contact with Raghu's teeth too and now bleeding if not same like Raghu then not much less. She tried to sooth the pain by moving the hand up and down ...  but she didn't get much time to think about the pain as she had Natasha in her mind so she walked back to her as fast she could and helped her to stand on her feet.

Natasha's dress was torn and she was trying very hard to cover herself with her hands. ASR's presence was making her more anxious. Khushi covered her with her body and helped her to get inside the washroom. She had left her bag while coming out and luckily she had a scurf in there which she gave to Natasha to cover the torn area. Natasha looked physically and emotionally completely drained and rightfully so.

When they came out they saw some guards taking Raghu away and Akash had also reached the spot. Khushi called for Akash...

"Akash she is not feeling well ... can you drop her home... I would have done it but it is better to send her in some private car rather in public transport she won't be comfortable and it is very late also, my home is in completely opposite side of hers..."

"Khushi you don't need to say that I am taking her home." He looks at Natasha kindly and asks her if she is okay to go with him or he can send her with his Di...

But Natasha knew Akash was a nice guy and there was no reason to be uncomfortable with him... so she nodded and Akash took her with him but not before asking Khushi to take company car to go back home. Khushi agreed with a smile.

All this while ASR had been talking in his phone in a far corner. Khsuhi had a little idea that he was talking with the COP. She had also hard him instructing to keep Natasha out of it  to The Commissioner who had been present in the party an hour back, in ASR's personal invitation.

She sighed and turned to leave when she heard him calling ...

"Khushi"

He walked to her and without saying anything took her right hand in his.

Khushi looked at him shocked.

ASR inspected her hand closely, "You didn't clean the cut." he said then.

Khushi had forgotten to tend her own injury while taking care of Natasha but she never expected ASR to notice that.

"Come"... he said as  he wanted her to follow him, but she would follow only when he would leave her hand... in a way he dragged her with him.

Khushi entered in a hotel room with him. On the way he had already called someone for the first aid box.

He gestured her to take a seat. Khushi didn't say a word but obeyed him feeling terribly exhausted and hungry. Well, about the hunger she could do something later, for now she sank into the comfy couch of the 5star hotel room gratefully. She closed her eyes for a moment to relax, she could thank him later. 

A knock on the door made her look at its direction and she saw sees him unlocking the door and taking something in his hand from the person behind the door.

He came with a first aid box and sat on the coffee table in front of the couch. Again without saying anything he took her hand in his wanting to clean her wound.

Khushi tried to protest, "I will do it myself ASR"

"Hmm..." was his reply but he carried out on his job...

Khushi didn't understand what that hmm was for so she kept quite.          

"Ouch!" the anti septic liquid made Khushi exclaim as it burned like hell. But a gentle blow of cool air soothed the burn to a great extent. She looked on amazed at the man who changed every moment. 

He is anything but predictable. She thought to herself.

He finished sticking the third band-aid and left her hand.

 ***

Khushi sat inspecting the ban-aids in her hand while pondering over the event happened half an hour back. She still couldn't believe that she had actually knocked a person off of his senses. NO, she cannot take the full credit herself as ASR had done his part too, but still the point remained. She had done something... something...quite...
.
Her chain of thought broke and she got startled as he spoke exact the same thing which she was about to conclude in her mind, "quite feisty".



She looked abruptly towards the man who was now filling two glasses with wine on the small bar counter around the corner.

Huh" all she managed. 

He clarified, "if his nose isn't broken still he is not going to forget you soon, is he?" by that time he was close to her and held a glass of wine before her, asking her to take it, "It will calm you down."


Khushi started at him for a brief moment before she took the glass obliging him without a word just like she had been doing since she had started working under him. An argument with ASR last thing she wanted. Not because she was afraid of him but herself, that she might lose control and speak more than she can afford.

"So why did you?"

His question brought her back to earth and she answered seeing him in the eye "or you would have killed him."

ASR, who was now sitting on the opposite couch said in a matter of fact way, "he deservs it."

"Nobody deserves to get killed and anyway who we are to decide who deserves what, God?" Khushi blurted out in a breath and next moment realized what she had done, seeing the speculative gleam in his eyes. She averted her eyes and concentrated back on her drink.

Has he mistaken or he just has seen a raw anger mixed with hurt in her eyes... the question is why? Why she reacted that way? In her place any other girl would have agreed with him, wouldn't they? He is quite sure about that but what is wrong with this one?

He looked intently at the girl before him who waas now meditating over the red content inside the glass in her hand.

She is beautiful alright. But today she is looking divine. He has seen much better figures but this one will just fit perfectly in his arms and surely will feel cozy.

He shook his head on his own thought. He tried to find her eyes but she was looking down...

She always hides those eyes whenever he wills to read them but still he knows they are quite attractive. At least those hazel orbs are successfully interested him in last few days... he cannot deny that...

Khushi was aware of his constant gaze on her; she shouldn't have opened her mouth.

She drank the whole liquid in her glass in one go and sprang up from her seat, ready to leave. Arnav looks at her amused.

"I should leave now... it's quite late." she started walking towards the door.

"Stop"

Khushi  stopped feeling the authority in the voice.

"I will drop you."

Arnav finished his drink and then walked towards the door, Khushi tailing behind him having no other choice.

They walked  till the lift when ASR got a call,

Hello Di,
---------
Yes I am here only, got caught up with something. I will be back in sometime.
---------
Ask Mamaji to take care of the party till I reach. I have also asked Aman to  be there with him.
----------
Akash has gone out to drop somebody. He will be back soon, don't worry.
----------
Ye Bye Di

They silently walked in the elevator.

But after 2 floors, the lift comes to a sudden halt and darkness engulfed the chamber followed by a loud gasp.

ASR reached for Khushi and put one hand on her shoulder.  He found her breathing heavily.

"Tum Theek Ho?" he asked in a genuine concern.

"Ye..s ...I am fine", came the reply in the darkness.

ASR understood from her voice that she was anything but fine. He searched his jacket pocket and found the lighter.

Luckily or unluckily he was an occasional smoker.

He lit the lighter and found her disturbed form.

"Are you a claustrophobic?"

"No not really but darkness and confined places always makes me feel suffocated."

"Don't worry it won't take long."

"I hope so."

She rubbed her face with her palms. Clearly not feeling well.

"Why don't you sit for a while?"

"No I am fine"

"Yeah right"

ASR reached for her hand and enclosed her right hands in his left and foud it cold and clammy. Khushi got startled with the sudden touch but relaxed understanding his intention. She found the hold comforting. He himself sat on the floor taking her along.


Both sat in silence in that little light, emitting from the lighter. He didn't leave her hand and she didn't pull it away. If it would have been some other time she would have run away before this could happen but right now she cannot thank him enough for this gesture.

It really didn't take long for the power to come back and the lift again started moving. Both stood up smoothing and dusting their clothes. When Khushi made herself sober enough she turned to ASR, who was now keeping the lighter back in his pocket, and thanked him for his kindness. He acknowledged her with a nod.

The moment they came down few ladies who were also guests in his party, saw them or rather him and came flying to ASR... as they circled him and started talking, taking the opportunity Khushi made her way out from the crowd towards the exit. Last thing she wanted from him to drop her home and grilling her some more. ASR watched her escape but could not do much as these ladies all acquires high profiles to ignore outright. He would see her tomorrow in office.