Part Ten A

When Arnav had called startling her out of her nostalgia, he had informed that he will come to pick her for the meeting in 15 minutes and then they will both go together. She had somehow managed to get ready in that restricted time and left with him as soon he had rang her doorbell.

That was the beginning and then the time had passed in a flurry. The meeting continued for 3 hours, where Khushi took notes and kept records, other than stiffening numerous yawns of boredom.

As the lunch time clashed with the meeting timing, they ordered it there only but Arnav and she had had almost nothing, she was because to keep herself awake and Arnav had been busy taking and making calls when others enjoyed their lunch.


When they had finally come back to their respective rooms after the tiring meeting, Arnav informed that they will leave for the show around six in the evening, so she had 2 hours to get ready. But the only thing Khushi had in her mind that was sleep and so she decided to take a long warm shower taking the full use of the inviting tub and then sleep for an hour, before getting ready.

As she had planned, Khushi started getting ready half an hour back and now it was five minutes to six  and she gave herself last and overall look before taking the clutch and leaving the room.

**

Arnav had called Khushi and informed her to meet him in the lobby as he had already left his room to meet one of his important distributors, also a resident of this city, who had suddenly decided to meet him to discuss something important. Well, to Arnav's amusement that man had anything but business in mind to talk about. He had appeared with his daughter, who was also working with him and very much taken by Arnav as she and his father hinted, and also indirectly had given a proposal in matrimony for him.
If it would have been any other occasion ASR would have outright discarded the proposal but keeping in mind that person's role in his business, he had very politely told them that he had no such intention in near future. They had left disappointed but he couldn't give a damn. For him the little time he had to rest got wasted thus.
The cling sound of the elevator ended Arnav's musing and he looked at its direction only to stare stunned. For a moment he forgets to even breathe.

He had already seen her two avatars and never in his wildest dream also had he thought that something like this of her was still left to see. Sometimes she acts like a pure professional and sometimes she emerges as a crazy stage performer who had thrown caution to the wind and being as reckless and careless possible. And times like this, she appeared being something like this, a perfect plus one of his worth to accompany him. 

He watched her walking to him,  in awe. The way she was carrying herself with so much ease and grace, proof enough of her practice. Though he had seen her once in AR party but still today as it seemed she had left all her reservation behind. There was a carefreeness of all new level combined with elegance.

The knee length snake print wrap dress had wrapped her figure well enough to accentuate her curves and reveal her long legs, empowering her to bring any man on his knees, even ASR. He accepted to himself.

(pic credits: Google)

She had styled her hair in a French knot, keeping a little shorter front hair loose to give her face a soft yet attractive look. She has worn a multicolour pyramid stud bangle, the only jewellery, on her left hand and a metal colour clutch is gracing her other hand. And for the first time, ASR was seeing her on heels, a black ankle-strap sandal about 2 inches high and thank god for that, if she would have worn another inch more then, ASR was afraid that she would have crossed his height. And when finally she neared him, he could not help but check his own appearance in full, off course when she was not seeing.

"Shall we?"

Arnav snapped out of his personal musing and found Khushi standing before him.

"Sure, let's go."

They walked in synchronisation till their Jaguar. Like a gentleman ASR opened the door for her, ignoring Aman, who at the same time had moved to Khushi to do just that, and held it till she settled in comfortably. He took the next seat to Khushi from the other side.

As soon Mathur took his seat on the passenger side the chauffeur ignited the car, followed by the guards in another black SUV.

**

The snake print with the neutral colour palette on that silky material looked like a second skin to Khushi, mixing with her complexion, giving her sensually mysterious aura, a statement of her own self, thought ASR while giving her a sidelong glance inside the car.

The designer in him had already guessed that the dress and accessories she was wearing were  worth a few good thousand and ASR could only think that her normal appearance did not show her as a person who could afford these.

**

Throughout the ride a not so comfortable silence prevailed inside the car, each lost in their own thought, only to be broken a few times by Mathur and ASR's adamant phones, which kept on ringing until answered. The only person who had never made any attempt to break her silence was Khushi and kept staring out unseeingly, occasionally answering in monosyllables or in short sentences when asked something .

**

The car came to a halt before the grand entry of The Hyatt, where the event had been organised, crowded by media and reporters and few commoners too as many celebrities were going to join the show and later the gala.

 ASR came out of the car first and as the gentleman, he was, gave his hand to help Khushi out. Khushi took his hand with a small smile. As soon she came out, the blinding flash of the cameras made her blink quite a few times to clear her vision.  At that moment a sudden husky whisper, taking her name, made her look at her right, startling. She found ASR's handsome face mere an inch away from her. And as she looked into his eyes he whispers only audible to her, "Did I mention that you look phenomenal tonight"

To ASR's astonishment she did not shy away or blush, like any other girl in her place would have, after a compliment like that from his side. Rather she smiled to the compliment and with a mischievous glint in her beautiful eyes she tilted her head to whisper back in his ear "You don't look too bad yourself". And for the first time, shocking himself, ASR found himself looking away blushing!!

Seeing the amused expression on her face, he soon overcame from his uncharacteristic shyness and sobered up his features to the typical ASR in little friction of time, with long practised ease. Keeping a steady eye contact with her he folded his right arm a little and with a little jerk of his head asked her to take it. She hooked her left hand with his elbow, smiling. Both walked the red carpet in sync, refusing to answer any question asked by the media with a polite smile, and entered the venue.

**

The fashion show had been a treat to watch, where new potential, out of the internship stage, designers introduced, their capability and the promising new era of fashion, sponsored by some well-known fashion houses. And Khushi would be lying if she did not accept that she had enjoyed it more in ASR's company, as he kept on passing comments very unlike ASR , levity at its best. But he had also sincerely appreciated some of the designs and even had asked Mathur to offer one of the designers to work with AR, as his designs have proved him to be an asset.

One thing Khushi has realised in this little time with him, that what she had said in her defence in his office, was a truth after all. He was not the same as he looked like or better say as others thought of him. His outer appearance was all people could see when they looked up to ASR, and as the private person he was, not many had the chance to know him. It had only worked against him making him unreachable and letting others drawing a conclusion, almost knowing nothing, about him. And she hadn't been able to help the rueful smile that involuntarily formed with the thought that the conclusion that they had drawn only to support their own theory to fill their undying hunger for gossip, where they criticised celebrities like a piece of art, not human like them. They forgot that those celebrities too needed as much space and privacy to live their life as another normal person would like, and they are as capable of making mistakes in their life like any other mortal do. And the most amusing part was, ASR has never really made any attempt to block these gossips. Well in a place like His who cares of some baseless gossips. Doesn't bother his life much, or does it at all?

An outrageously hilarious comment on one of the models from him had Khushi come out of her little thoughtful speculation about ASR's real self and gossip monger public making her laugh inelegantly, but his poker face never betrayed a little hint of mischief he was up to. He had only raised an eyebrow nonchalantly in the manner of questioning, what was there to laugh so much, making her laugh a little more.
Looking around Khushi had forced herself to stop and she had glowered at him making him raise both of his hands in surrender, a silent promise to keep his tongue in check henceforth.

As the show had ended with everyone appreciating the young new talents, they moved towards the area for celebration.

**

"Introduce us to this beautiful lady with you ASR, will you?"

"Sure Mr. Gujral, meet Ms. Khushi Gupta, my secretary, and Khushi he is as you heard is Mr. Gujral, owner of Sunshine Modeling Agency, one of the bests in the country."

"Hello Dear, I must admit, ASR is one lucky person to be around with such pretty faces but lady it would be a shame to not have you in my agency's next launch, have you ever considered modelling?"

As ASR's countenance showed the signs of pure displeasure on this direct proposition to his secretary in front of him, Mr. Gujral, a man of early 40s, chose to ignore him as he thought the girl can be one of the faces of the next Miss India contestants, whom his agency would love to groom. She was just ruining her time being ASR secretary and he will be damned if he let her do so without a try from his end, in the fear of ASR's wrath.  If she showed a tiny bit of interest to his blatant suggestion then he will be signing the contract with her first thing tomorrow. He will deal with ASR later.

The fact is Khushi was leaving AR in few days and free to choose her new career as she pleased, did not ' help the urge to punch Gujral square on his face. for Arnav. His eyes darted between Gujral and Khushi willing her to look at him once, therefore, he can read her answer in her eyes. But she did not and his fingers clenched into fists, tightening more with every passing second.

Khushi smiled politely at the man for his complement while shaking her hand with his. As the unexpected offer came from him, her eyebrows went up in surprise and it took her a few moment to form a short coherent speech as not to offend any of them by any of her words. She slowly retracted her hand from Gujral's firm grip and smiled softly before speaking in an even tone "Mr. Gujral I do appreciate that you considered me worth asking and I truly feel lucky to be considered by you. She darted her eyes between the two men, one standing rigidly beside her and another looking at her hopeful. But I am afraid that I have no attraction towards a modelling career and I am really contented with what I am doing."

With a jolt, ASR realised that unconsciously he had been holding his breath for quite a long now and as Khushi declined the proposal, it released with a whoosh. And with that he also recognised the truth staring on his face since some time now that the girl named Khushi Gupta's presence had become important in his life and the prospect of her going away did not suit him well.

On the other hand, if someone said to Mr. Gujral that ASR's presence had influenced Khushi to deny him, then he will readily disagree because this girl before him had an aura, which spoke for her. Influencing or intimidating her was almost impossible. The spark in her eyes and the firmness in her voice said it all. It was sad that she was not interested. It would have been thrilling to work with her. But he surely can respect her wish; therefore he again stretched his hand to take hers  for a handshake before bidding a goodbye.

"I hope you didn't mind Mr. Gujral", Khushi asked gently.

"Not at all. You are clear in your choice and I surely respect that, but if anytime you want to give it a shot, don't forget to call me, here is my card." Mr. Gujral spoke good-naturedly extending his card.

Khushi took it  with a soft smile coupled with a nod.

"Ok ASR, hope you didn't mind me asking her for modelling, but I believe you will agree with me that it was worth a try." Gujral shook his hand, chuckling on his own words.

"No it is fine and I do agree with you, She is Worth a Try." The bitterness had ebbed away from his features and his voice and the last part of his sentence sounded like more a promise to Khushi as he looked at her with an intensity, hard for her to comprehend and she choose the better option, ignorance is the bliss.

"Ok then see you later"... Gujral says to both finally stepping away.

**

As ASR was absolutely busy with few of his clients who were also invited to this party and Mathur being held away by a few acquaintances, Khushi looked around in an attempt to ease the boredom a little. Surprisingly she found one of her college fellow in the crowd and realised that he was one of the models who had walked the ramp a while ago. That time with ASR passing commentary and her divided attention, she hadn't been able to recognise him. After a moment of contemplating, she decided that she would go and talk to him. Excusing herself she walked  towards her once classmate.

**

For a moment Arnav had thought that she might want to use the washroom so when she asked to excuse her, he had acknowledged her with a short nod not looking which direction she went. But now when he turned to look around for Mathur, his searching gaze rested in one corner of the hall, where one of the male models had Khushi in a bear hug and she was laughing, shaking her head on his shoulder. There were few more models, male and female, who had walked the ramp tonight were standing around. Another of them looking at this exchange amused and when the guy let her go, he draped a hand around her shoulder casually and from the look of it he was introducing her to others surrounding them.

Arnav could not tell what exactly the emotions he was undergoing after seeing this whole exchange. Though he was far from them and could not guess what were they talking about, but he felt it little shocking that she knew people here in Mumbai, because since they had decided to come here together, never had she told that she was familiar with this city. Another feeling suspiciously seemed to him Jealousy, causing a red haze. Though it surprised him that he could feel that emotion for a girl he vaguely knew, but he chided himself nonetheless, what are you? Nineteen? If you are so affected go and talk. Reminding himself that he was ASR, he briskly started walking towards the group.

**

"Hello"

The deep husky voice drew everyone's attention and all gasped in surprise. And why not? If the newcomers of fashion world find the latest fashion sensation of India standing behind and greeting them, then you cannot blame them for overreacting. When they did  not have any expectation of meet him personally in next 5 years, or more, it was actually more than they could expect. He had himself had come to them causing their hearts to beat at a breakneck speed, especially girls'.

Arnav watched all the stunned faces amused and smirked, sending the girls on the verge of fainting. It was the time when Khushi decided to intervene, shaking her head on their state.

"ASR, Arnav turned his head towards Khushi, do you need something? Sorry if you had to look for me... Actually, I saw my friend (she pointed the guy who had had his hand around her shoulder and looked in a state of shock comprehending the fact that Khushi knew ASR very well. Well, so  the others in the group, )and came here to say Hi. (When Arnav assured her with a warm smile that not to worry, she started the introduction,) guys you know ASR, (all of them nodded robotically and vigorously and with much difficulty Khushi suppresses an urge of laugh out loud, even Arnav hid a smile )and ASR he is Arun, my classmate in college and a good friend, and they are his friends, as you know they are from the models who walked the ramp today."

Arnav politely shook their hands while they introduced themselves.
As soon as they finished their greetings Khushi tried to steer ASR away from the vicinity, but Arnav Singh Raizada was nothing if not an opportunist and right now he had gotten  a chance to know a few things about Khushi in silver platter, therefore he started a friendly chat with all of them and especially with Arun much to their pleasure and Khushi's displeasure.

"Well you guys were great on-ramp, especially you", he pointed a girl, who looked flattered but Khushi choked on her drink, and only gaped at him while gasping for air. Because it was the same model, whom he had regarded as a crane, an hour back.

Arnav gave her an innocent look before asking her if she was okay and she could only glare.

"Too bad we are going back tomorrow or you could have caught up with Khushi a little more", he says to Arun.

Arun smiled at that, "Ya, she told me but she never told me that she is here with you, and looked at Khushi with mock accusation in his eyes, and she is your secretary and then he smiled warmly at his friend, but we will catch up later in phone, don't worry.

Arnav nodded, "So have you finished your studies?"

"Oh it is our final semester in business school, and then Arum sharply turned towards a visibly uncomfortable Khushi, with a frown, and that reminds me Khushi, why didn't you come back after your internship? Sharma just told us that you are not going to continue this year for some personal reason. Hope all is fine with you Khushi," he asked with a genuine concern.

Khushi cleared her throat and once looked at ASR's surprised face before answering to Arun with a bright smile, "all is fine Arun, actually Ma and bhai have been grilling me to move with them from a long time so I thought to finish the remaining of my studies in states but for some health reasons my plan got delayed but I will be completing it soon."

Arun looked satisfied with the answer but Arnav's frown only grew more prominent, because if he had known Khushi a little also, then he was sure that she was giving only parts of the real truth. If he ignored the fact that she had never said or mentioned anything about her stay in Mumbai since they were here, but he could not ignore the fact that she was s partly lying to her friend. She had not stated that she had been studying MBA, and seeking for only an internship, nowhere in her resume which he had read thoroughly and now remembered by heart. Truth to be told she hadn't mentioned her educational knowledge after her grad in there. As he had got from their conversation, they were meeting after almost 5 months but she had been working for a month or so in Desire and AR altogether.  So what had she been doing before that, ignoring her studies, and why had she moved out? Yes, she surely had a plan to go to states but she had never been cleared of her reasons. And Arnav really doubted that the health issue part. Too many why s without a real answer.

 **