featheredclover

[featheredclover]

"How can you like these very toxic and horrible characters that have done despicable and unforgivable things?" oh it's quite simple actually, this is fiction and I think with my dick.

[featheredclover]

Found this clip on X, and well who wouldn't want a glimpse of a younger Arnav in an alternate universe ?

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

13

Read from the beginning

12.........

The sunlight streamed into the room, waking up its inhabitants. Her eyes fluttered open, even as his grip on her waist tightened. She stilled as his lips met the nape of her neck.

“Morning”, his sleep riddled voice slid against her skin.

“Good morning “, she whispered.

He stretched, making her go crazy. Brushing her hair away, he spoke into his ear, 

“You want to take a break or go to the office today?”, before nipping at her ear playfully.

Khushi shifted, his warmth flaring the butterflies in her.

“Office”, she said softly but decisively.

———

It was what corporate dreams are made of. AR media was in the heart of the city. A magnate building bustling with people and paper. 

And as Arnav walked in with her in tow, she couldn’t help but draw parallels with Miranda Priestly. She could see from the corner of her eyes, all those who scurried off upon seeing him.

Walking far from the normal set of elevators, he led her to a copper encased one.

She glanced at him, when he didn’t speak a word. He didn’t even meet her eyes.

The doors opened to reveal an empty floor. Fully furnished in purple and pink hues, but empty.

“Welcome to your office”, he smiled.

“Could you be any more late?”Aman's chirpy voice reached them a moment before him.

“Khushi ! Welcome to Rhapsody “, he grinned.

She looked around to see the luxe interiors. 

“It’s going to be a vision. Mix style with politics. A magazine aimed for youth. And Khushi you’ll be heading it with NK”

“NK?”

“Nikhil Khurrana, he used to be an editor in Vogue”

“Vogue! That’s so cool”

“Yes, so he’ll bring in the style and you will bring in the words. We’ll have a team of photographers, off site journalists and fact checkers. You take charge from now on!”

Khushi stared at Aman, trying to keep her face neutral. Arnav stood silent, eyes moving between them.

“How much time do I have?”, she asked after a pause.

“A month from now”

She nodded, “I’ll get right on it. When can I meet NK?”

“I have asked him to meet you for lunch”

“Thanks sir”, Khushi smiled.

But Aman looked mildly affronted.

“Please Khushi,  call me Aman “

“Even here?”, she frowned.

“Of course. After all only this guy runs a risk of being called partial to you”, he chuckled , rolling his eyes at Arnav.

“Board meeting at ten, remember?”Arnav cut in smoothly before heading towards the elevator , only to be followed by Aman, who waved at her one last time.

 

She looked around at the pretty office, the role seemingly too big for her. But if she won’t muster up the courage, somebody else will. And she couldn’t let the golden egg slip by, even if she felt undeserving.

——

“Khushi Gupta? Oops! Sorry, Raizada ain’t it now?” 

NK was nothing like what she imagined. Dressed in rugged jeans and a leather jacket, with a helmet in tow, he looked far from the vogue editor she had in mind.

“It’s okay”, Khushi smiled, “You can call me Gupta. Or Raizada. Whichever’s convenient “

NK returned her grin before plopping down beside her.

“I actually had a couple of meetings with Raizada before this”

“You were still working in Vogue?”

“Yes, you know Arnav. He is someone who goes after what he wants head on. Once he decided he wanted me for Rhapsody, he made the offer so lucrative, I would have been an idiot to  or accept it”

She knew. Of course.

————

By the time the clock struck four and four cups of coffee were downed, they had come up with a plan for the first issue, finalised the core members from a list Aman had given them and decided on the celebrity they want for the cover.

“Dhruv Singhania. Industrialist. Silver spoon guy. Known for funding paralympics. And also opened up a rehabilitation centre in Mumbai for amputees”

“That’s generous”

“Well, he used to sail when he was younger. Had to undergo a below knee amputation after a disaster. He has a prosthetic leg and has done much since then for the cause. He even sponsors prosthetics for the Lucknow city hospital”

“Is he coming here anytime soon? Or do we have to go all the way to Bombay?”

“I’ll email his manager”

“That’s great!”

NK shut his laptop and looked at her in awe, “You know an aweful lot about the intricacies of high society here.”

“Oh I was always surrounded by them. Even though my family really wasn’t one of them”

“Is that how you met Arnav ?”

“No, my sister married his cousin and…”

“Oh! The world was wondering who is the girl who got Arnav Singh Raizada to settle into matrimony ”

A sudden uneasiness fluttered through her.

“What?” She asked cautiously.

“He is quite famous you know. But nobody had the scoop on him. There was news here and there. But nothing substantial. Well, there was something five years ago”, he frowned as if remembering.

“Lavanya Kashyap”, she provided dryly.

“Yes! She kept calling my juniors to get a gossip article into the magazine. She wanted to break the news of their relationship”

“Oh”, she muttered, not wanting to hear anymore.

“Shit! Sorry Khushi, I didn’t think-“

“It’s okay! Please don’t measure your words for me NK. I know she was a part of his life years ago. It’s not really a secret”, Khushi assured him.

NK smiled, relieved of his folly.

“So, same place tomorrow?”

“We should meet early. Brief everyone.”

With that, tha ball on Khushi’s first job started rolling.

———

Khushi didn’t know if she should call Arnav or take a rickshaw. She guessed his schedule was too hectic to be disturbed by her, and anyway it was just a short ride from here.

She stepped into the elevator, stilling upon noticing Arnav and an elderly man.

“Welcome to the company Mrs Raizada , I hope you had a good day. I am Mr Dixit, Arnav’s adviser”

“Thank you Mr Dixit. I have had an eventful day”, Khushi smiled sheepishly 

“Good. Good. I hope my son’s not giving you any trouble ha? NK?”

“Oh no, not at all. He was remarkable. I learnt so much from him”

“Well! That’s a relief to know”, Mr Dixit chuckled.

Turning to Arnav with a twinkle in his eyes he said in an exaggerated whisper, “You did good Arnav”

She blushed and before she could look at Arnav the door opened once again, now filling the lift to its full capacity.

Shuffling back, Khushi’s back hit the wall. And the descent began.

It was slight at first. Just a brush of skin. A mistake, she thought. But then he was there sliding his finger against hers. Taking her hand in his 

She trembled, feeling herself unravelling. Looking at Arnav, he was staring straight ahead, engaging in conversation with whoever vied for his attention.

He was Arnav everywhere for her except here. Here was ASR. The man responsible for every single operation taking place in the building. The man who managed the top media company in the country. The man who held her hands discreetly and looked at her like she was a sin.

She wanted to go home and she wanted to go now.

————

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

12

Read from the beginning

11..........

Hugs, laughter and some tears later, they had been bundled up into his car.

Khushi looked back to see buaji, Payal and the Maliks waving enthusiastically. Manorama aunty bore the widest grin.

“They could at least pretend to be sad”, she mumbled seeing the happy faces.

Arnav chuckled.

“You are going to live just fifteen minutes away”

“Doesn’t matter. I couldn’t sleep alone for a week after Di got married.”

With a sigh, she turns to the passing surroundings. 

Khushi didn’t know what was coursing through her at the moment. The wedding had been beautiful, so had the lunch that followed. The celebrations had continued into the drinks time. Aman and Akash hadn’t let anyone rest. Even Arnav had to stand and move to a few songs before they let him go. Even then he managed to look completely unbothered. As if rhythm came naturally to him with those sways.

“You are smiling “, he said, a thumb gracing her dimples.

“I was remembering how you danced. Almost as if you weren’t dancing, and yet you were”, she giggled.

“Never ask me to dance again”, he shook his head, hiding a smile.

The grin remained, as the chauffeur took a turn and there they were. 

Sheesh Mahal. 

Khushi had heard of it. A gated residential area where the elite of Lucknow lived. Where tradition kissed opulence. Tall towers of ivory stood stark against the night sky. 

Stepping out, she let Arnav lead her, even as her eyes roamed around the structure. There were no obvious displays of wealth so far.

Even the fountains which flanked the structure were sleek and elegant. But when she stepped into the lobby she was mesmerised. All the walls were bare except for one. An art installation of red crystals shone across it.

“It’s called ‘Birth’”, Arnav said, tracing her gaze, “Mrs Khan from 16th floor sourced it from a local artist”

“It’s beautiful “, she said in awe.

As he pressed the ‘PH’ button in the elevator, Khushi felt a surge of nervousness rise within. He lived in a penthouse. Of course he did. 

———

Khushi could see the effort he had put into the renovation. The entire backdrop of the penthouse was black. And she was certain, the entirety would have been black had she not entered his life.

The plush sofa felt incredibly soft beneath her. She glanced at Arnav, who was now pouring juice into a glass. 

“Thanks”, accepting it with a smile, she looked pointedly at his cup of black coffee.

“Coffee this late?”

“I am an addict”, he winked.

“All this was black wasn’t it?” she looked over at the majestic twelve seater dining table with ice shard chandeliers hanging over them. A pop of colour which did not look out of place.

His eyes twinkled with surprise and his lips curved into a smirk.

“Yes, I realised that what works for a bachelor wouldn’t have worked for us”

“Like Aman’s place?”, she giggled.

“At least I didn’t have red monkeys all over the place”

She laughed at that. 

Now convinced that all her fretting was unnecessary, Khushi stood up. 

“I want to take a shower”

“OP has placed all your luggage in our room. Should I ask him to unpack for you?”

“That’s fine”

She turned, “Who’s OP?”

“The housekeeper “

“He lives with you?”

Arnav raised an eyebrow, “Staff quarter downstairs”

She hummed and left him in the dining area. Di had warned her about the drastic change in lifestyle. She should just get used to the slight shocks she is going to get .

The bedroom was in shades of grey and brown. But the chaise? The chaise was an emerald green. She stepped into the wardrobe. The only break in the black palette there was a purple lamp. 

And all of a sudden, she missed her room. The plain walls decorated with posters, the arched windows where the moon greeted her and buaji’s chatter in the background- she needed to stop! 

Brushing away a tear, Khushi stepped into the shower.

——

She sat in the boudoir terrace, dressed in a simple yet “womanly” white camisole and pants. Making a mental note to thank Sara, she rested her head on her knees.

She looked up at the stars. They were there. The twin stars. Side by side. 

Ma and Papa. They would be forever young in her memory. But then again, what did a two year old remember?

Her parents were a Lucknow anomaly. They had fallen in love in the spirit of youth, uncaring that they were different in a way society would frown upon. They didn’t believe in the same gods.

Khushi had heard it a thousand times. How she was a pleasant but anxious surprise. How her birth took place before the wedding could take place. And how even in death, they were together. 

Di had been with her even then. Stifling her own tears, for the baby cousin who cried relentlessly. After all, Payal had lost her parents in the car crash too.

Khushi shook herself, scolding herself for going along those lines on this day. It was a beautiful day. They would have been happy.

“Khushi?” 

The alarm in Arnav’s voice startled her.

“What?”

“What-why are you crying?”

She raised a hand to her cheeks and was met with warm tears.

‘I-I don’t know”, she wiped them off, flushing at the thought of Arnav’s impression of her.

In a blink, he settled in front of her cupping her face.

“Tell me”, he commanded in a way which left her defenceless.

“I was just….it’s been a long day. I was just thinking about buaji, di, my parents…It would have been nice had they been here”

“Khushi-“

“I know! I know! So many milestones without them. I should be used to it by now…”

He sighed.

Brushing her hair away from her face, he kissed her. A kiss so soft, it felt just like a touch.

Pulling away, he held her hands in his.

“It’s okay to remember them. I…I feel the same way about my mother. I can’t even begin to imagine how strong you are for bearing it all this time, Khushi”

She could see the way his eyes softened. A man ,who just like her had lost a dear one, and yet the grief was not overwhelming for him.

“I have heard about Ratna aunty…”

He smiled,”I’ll tell you more about her…someday..soon”

Khushi sniffled.

“Come”, his voice settled into a deep baritone, “Let;’s get some sleep”

He held her in his arms. The gentleness of his hold belied his strength. A shiver ran through her, shaking her very soul at his touch.

“Cold?”, he frowned.

Without waiting for her reply, he pulled the duvet over them. Slipping into the strains of slumber, Khushi looked over one last time at the French window. And there nestled in deep blue was her beautiful moon.

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

11

Read from the beginning

10......12

Billionaire media mogul married!

She stared at the fine print, clenching her fists. He had done it. Her Arnav was married. 

Lifting her cigarette to her lips, she drew in a smoke before letting it all out into the air. Her frustrations, her grief, her love.

Love for a man who simply never loved her back. She knew that now.

Despite everything, she had dared to hope. 

He had made it clear to her. The terms of their relationship were clear to them from the moment they laid eyes on each other. 

——

The city of Mumbai was chaotic on the best days. But today? It was a bustling pot of press, models and designers. 

Chanel was finally doing a show in India. 2012 the year of fashion import.

Lavanya sat in front of her dresser, as Rodrigo lathered on rouge on her cheekbones.

At 23, she had achieved what most models wish to achieve in their lifetime. She was Chanel’s showstopper. She was on all billboards across the country. Her father was happy but she knew he waited for the day she joined him. 

She was ready to go. Out on the ramp, where she will make history.

“On 1 Lavanya! 3,2,1 go!”

The lights blinded her but she sashayed forward. All eyes on her. She felt it all. Awe, envy, desire. That’s the thing with beauty. It never fails to inspire emotions.

Lavanya Kashyap was truly the showstopper.

—-

“Darling”

She turned to see Mia, the Anna Wintour of the Bombay fashion scene.

“Lavanya! You look drop dead gorgeous! I told you ASR, no one could have done the Paris in Bombay theme better than her.”

Mia moved aside to reveal the man who would change her life forever.

Arnav Singh Raizada.

A man whose arrogance was the talk of the country. He was the same age as hers. And just like her, he had painted the town red. AR media was dominating every aspect of the press. She finally met the man responsible for it. All wrapped in six feet of Armani.

“Honoured to meet you, Miss Kashyap”, Arnav nodded. His eyes…they were the most gorgeous shade of brown. 

She faltered. She was surrounded day and night by beauty. But never had she been left this struck. Arnav wasn’t a model, but there was something far more dangerous he possessed. An “it factor” so as to speak. 

“Likewise, Mr Raizada”

Arnav smiled then. And she knew what she felt.

——

Slipping off her mink coat, she prepared a glass of whiskey. Just like he used to like it.

Walking over to the window of Diego’s apartment, she looked at the twinkling lights of the city. Her slinky dress fluttered against the howling winds. The weather was echoing in her heart.

She glanced over at Diego who was sprawled over their bed. He was fun, gentle and just like her. She enjoyed him and herself with him. 

And yet….She hated that she had known Arnav once. It was like settling for a cheap bottle of wine after tasting the Cheval Blanc.

He was everything. Everything a girl wanted.

———

She stretched lazily. Her Egyptian cotton sheets brushed against her bare skin.

Arnav sat up, reaching for his cell on her bedside table.

She caught his wrist, “In a hurry, aren’t you, tiger?”

He rolled his eyes, letting out a chuckle.

“I have a meeting to attend. See you tonight”

He didn’t wait for a reply, just leaned over to kiss her. A kiss which left her deliciously warm.

—

“I painted this”, she declared as soon as the door swung open.

Arnav frowned, raising a quizzical brow.

“See these two birds! I saw them on my visit to New York.”

“Very nice”, he nodded, his cup of black coffee resting in his hand.

She walked in. 

“I was thinking of putting it here in the foyer-“

“Lavanya “

The cold composure of his which she had always found sexy now made her nervous.

“What are you doing? You know what this means. You know where we stand”

She looked away, “It’s just art, Arnav “

He sighed, “I don’t want anything to be misunderstood.”

She knew. She knew it when he had taken her to his place after the show. She knew it when he showed her stars on earth. She knew it when he had made it clear that it was a relationship where he didn’t want a future. He didn’t want a future with anyone, he had said.

But she didn’t want to give this up. The fireworks they shared were worth fighting for. Arnav was her Prince Charming. He was such a gentleman, it made her feel things she had never felt before. The intensity he brought to their intimacy made her dream things she hadn’t dared to.

But he drew the line. She knew he liked her company. But he was not a man in love.

And her? She had fallen ,and fallen how!

She wanted him. She wanted to be the mother to his children. She wanted to be the woman he came home to. To be the woman his eyes always seeked.

———

She lit another cigarette, the ashtray now resembling a crime scene. Tears streamed down her cheeks, as she struggled to look at the rising sun.

How could he?How could he do this to me?

———

Lavanya settled on the plush seats of Imran’s parlour. She needed this now more than ever. 

Arnav had not attended her show last night, choosing to go on a business trip to Dublin instead. She didn’t ask. Just smiled and kissed him goodbye.

“Lavanya?”

There under the bright lights stood Anjali Raizada. She walked up to her, resting on the seat beside her.

“Thought we would never meet”, Anjali smiled.

“So nice to meet you Anjali”

——

That’s how she felt hope beginning to grow in her heart. His sister liked her. How long till he resisted what he felt for her? She knew he did. 

Lavanya chuckled, drowning herself in whiskey. At least she thought he did. But did he ever really? Arnav didn’t really hide anything did he?

——

“I want marriage Arnav! Why can’t you see what we have! You are so scared of commitment you can’t even see me! You would be lucky to have me!”

She ran a hand through her hair.

Arnav sat there, his eyes enraged.

“Lavanya “ he blinked, “It’s clear we are not on the same page-“

“I met your family for god's sake!”

“No!”, he thundered, “My sister invited you to dinner. I was never asked. Lavanya, I have never acted in a way to hurt you, to mislead you”

“But can’t you see what we share? Why can’t you factor me in your life in any real way?”, her voice broke into a sob.

“I have never led you to believe that this was something which would lead to marriage. It was a relationship of mutual pleasure and company. And I had your consent from day one-“

“Screw that! You never care, Arnav! You never fucking care! You didn’t attend Toto’s funeral-“

“My mother was struggling from cancer”, his eyes now blank,” I apologise if I couldn’t prioritise your dog’s funeral over my mother’s life-“

“And that’s why Arnav”, Lavanya moved towards him, her eyes softening instantly, “You need me. I need you. You need a companion. You need a wife”

He stood up.

“Ratna aunty would have wanted us to be-“

“Enough!”, he snapped, his face etched in a snarl.

In a quick moment he was out the door.

Leaving her alone. Alone with her dreams. Alone with her love.

——-

“Lava?”

Diego’s concerned voice reached her. 

“Yes baby?” 

“How much did you drink? What happened baby?”

Lavanya leaned heavily on him, her eyes fluttering shut.

——-

“He is getting engaged. He is! Yes the ASR”

She stilled in the middle of her shoot, when an assistant spoke those words.

That evening, Anjali confirmed it.

Khushi Gupta. A journalism student. Twenty one. 

She had gripped her phone tight, denial twisting her into something ugly.

How? How can a man so averse to marriage now be ready to get married?

What had this girl done?

——

Nothing, Lavanya realised now.

Diego placed her on the bed, before slipping under the covers with her cuddled in his arms.

Khushi Gupta was nothing. An average girl. Someone who didn’t warrant the whiplash Lavanya lashed out on Anjali’s insistence.

“Oh she’s absolutely nothing. I feel sick just thinking about it. How could Arnav settle for someone like her? You must come to the engagement party. She needs to realise who’s shoes she’s trying to fill”

Lavanya hated it. Hated that Arnav now despised her more. 

She had never apologised for bringing his dead mother into their argument.

And now she needed to apologise for insulting his….wife.

Clutching her pillow, tears poured out. Her pain would dull with time. But she needed to ask him, why not her? Why couldn’t it be her?

-----

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

10

Read from the beginning

09........11

It was a beautiful day in Lucknow. 

The rickshaw drivers hunting for their first passengers, the pigeons who flew in a flock and the chai stalls preparing their first batch of garam, garam chai.

But Khushi Kumari Gupta couldn’t see the beauty of the day. Neither could she bring buaji or Payal to stop zooming in and around her bedroom.

In a blink of an eye, it was here! The wedding day.

The day of….irrevocable changes.

Well, of course not! She could file for a divorce. She definitely didn’t believe in buaji’s old school lifestyle of “till death do us apart”. She will kick Arnav to the curb if this doesn’t work out!

“Khushi! Stop daydreaming and look at these!”

Payal was flourishing out packets of handkerchiefs. 

Elegant ones. A cream colour, she knew was all the rage in the nineties.

“That’s…alright”

“No, look what Sara did as a present to you! These are all embroidered with threads of indigo. Your initials!”

And there it was. In each corner, KKGSR

She felt a lurch in her stomach.

“Oh god, I can’t do this. I am too young to make a bride”

“Khushi”, buaji called out, her voice surprisingly gentle.

“Think of the man you’ll be marrying. You like him, don’t you?”

His face floated in her mind as she nodded.

Buaji smiled, “Then don’t worry. Nandkishore’s blessings are there with you”

Khushi sighed. That’s all she could depend on Arnav and all the Gods buaji has been praying fervently to.

———

It was on the outskirts of the city. A vast, green lawn rented by Manohar for his nephew’s wedding. 

Arnav wanted the ceremony to be private and intimate.

After the Anjali fiasco, he had taken charge and dismissed even the Lucknow reception, narrowing it down to one ceremony only.

And honestly, Khushi had nothing to complain about. Preeto, Rahul and a few other friends from her college were invited. They seemed to be more thrilled than anything that she was marrying the ASR.

A lot of buaji’s relatives had refused to come, citing her parents out of wedlock history as the reason. 

“Good riddance!”Payal exclaimed when their aunt broke the news.

When their car rolled into the compound, she couldn’t help but gasp.

Tents and tents of  white drapery all over the lawn. The guest list seemed to be limited on paper. But not so much, with the rows and rows of chairs.

In two hours, she will be through with one of the most important decisions of her life. 

———

Sara had really done her best. 

Her lehenga was a muted sage green. Her choli was truly blush pink. And they all glistened with hand embroidered zardozi and sequin detailing in rose gold and champagne crystals. The dupatta was a sheer dusty rose gold accentuated with starburst motifs.

Payal clasped the chain of the necklace, before pulling away with a smile.

“You look absolutely stunning “

And she did. The makeup was dewy making her look like a pretty little deer.

Buaji reached for her Kajal, “Just for good measure”

Khushi smiled as Buaji marked the tiniest speck of Kajal beneath her ear to pay homage to the age-old tale of nazar.

“They will be smiling upon you today, bitiya.”, Buaji  teared up.

“It’s time”, Payal hugged Buaji, “It’s going to be a beautiful marriage. I just know it”

———

The wedding was going to be out in the open. With the sun for light and tents for shades. Live musicians sat on a dias, dressed in white and gold.

There were shrubs all around and lillies. Her lillies.

——

“So, I called the planner today-“

“Planner?”

“For the wedding”

“….”

“Khushi?”

“It seems so..so surreal”

“Help me make it real. What flowers do you like?”

“Lillies! Ooh and shrubs!"

“Shrubs? Okay, how many guests do you want?”

“No more than 75. Since we are ditching a reception “

———

It was straight out of a dream. Khushi felt her heart lurch as she gazed at the scene.

It looked like clouds had descended on earth. She could see everyone that mattered to her were here.

The soft tinkling of music filled the air, as the sun lit up her aisle. A path leading upto the man, who had been a stranger to her just a month ago.

What was it about him that had melted a pragmatic girl like her?

Stepping on the glass aisle laid out for her, Khushi looked up, her dupatta fluttering prettily.

That’s when she saw it. The reason it had all led up to this.

His eyes.

Circles of molten chocolate, they stood stark against his sharp, composed features. They gave away more than he wanted to. 

She had seen it even when she had first laid eyes upon him. Even when she had said ‘yes’ to his proposal. Even when he had kissed her.

Every time he kissed her.

Taking a deep breath Khushi looked at him again, overwhelmed at the desire in her veins. 

He stood tall in an ivory heavy chanderi kurta, beside the mandap, marked with enough lilies to make her blush.

He smiled as their eyes met. But his eyes? They were burning coal themselves.

“Khushi”, he breathed as he extended a hand to her.

She slipped her shivering hands into his. His gaze anchored her against all the feelings which overwhelmed her.

The fire in the mandap came alive right then, flames of fire flaring up into the air.

——

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

09

Read from the beginning

08......10

Buaji held the invite at arm’s length, her eyebrows scrunched up in a frown.

“I can’t believe that Naina is having an art show again!”

“That’s her job buaji,” Khushi flipped through the day’s newspaper.

“Oh, I’ll never understand them. You go alone this time”

“Now that I am engaged , you won’t bother?”, she teased.

“Shut up and eat your dinner!”, buaji hid a smile as she ruffled her hair.

The invite lay on the coffee table. Cream with silver embossed letters.

Kala invites you to an evening of ‘Sculpture under the stars’

———

Khushi knew Naina had outdone herself when she saw the parking of the gallery fill up upto its capacity.

Payal wasn’t kidding when she insisted Khushi ditch her car and hop into theirs. The show was already one for the books.

Music designed to incite images of Arabian nights and magic carpets greeted them, as Akash had whistled playfully, “Trust Naina to pull this off”

The sculptures were highlighted beautifully. The ceiling had swinging lights, which created such a beautiful play of lights- it had everyone gasping. 

She decided to slip away when the third couple approached Akash and Payal , before they could reach the first display. There was only so much business talk she could take in a gallery ,screaming for an immersive experience.

It was beautiful. The music. The lights. The art. 

She smiled as she drifted from one display of talent to another. They were all stunning. The attention to detail, rendering a feeling of disbelief over her.

The craftsmanship was amazing.

“Khushi!”Naina grinned,engulfing her in a hug. 

“Your face tells me everything that you feel about this! Thank you”, she whispered into her ear.

Khushi giggled, “Hardly! You have done a fabulous job, Naina”

“Go on! I wouldn’t want to stall you”

———

And that’s how she found herself moving across the gallery, as if in her own world. Khushi could see the sculptor’s effort in each. It was the best Lucknow had witnessed so far. 

It was when she was admiring the hands on a sculpture, that she felt it. A change. A glitch. Something in the air.

“You are reading it wrong”, his husky whisper set things into motion. That strange sensation in her belly, the goosebumps on her arm, the way her eyes fluttered shut and her lips parted. She was ensnared by him.

Gathering her scattered senses, Khush turned, “Meaning?”

“You are moving from art to art, without seeing it.”

“Oh really? I happen to understand the beauty of their talent. They all are so realistic”

“You see the realistic structure, but you don’t see the realism”, Arnav smiled softly, leaning away from her.

“What does that mean?” 

He clocked his head to the sculpture she was observing, “What do you see in this one?”

Khushi turned her back to him.

“These are torsos of a man and a woman. He is holding her in his arms.”

He moved closer behind her,”And?”

“The veins on the hands are so..so real. As if this was a picture”

“You don’t see the story Khushi?”

“What?”, she whispered back.

“He is a man ,Khushi. You see the grip he is holding her with? That’s a man who’s holding his woman in place. The garment she is draped in has slipped away partially. But it still conceals her. As if telling about her state of mind. She wants this, but something holds her back-“

“Holds her back?”,she was aware. Aware that her voice had dimmed down to a purr. Aware of his warmth pooling around her back. Aware of his voice which seemed to promise to take her to heaven and back.

“Overwhelming. These emotions…can be too much to handle. But she’s not moving away. She craves it as much as the man. Or maybe…”

She turned to face him again, unaware of the blush in her cheeks and glint in her eyes.

“Maybe?”

He smirked, leaning forward, “Maybe I am just getting over my head and it is really just a pair of torsos”

She couldn’t help it. Later she would think to herself, 

Which woman could?

She covered the distance between them in a blink and kissed him softly. A kiss as innocent as her.

Standing on her tiptoes, Khushi clutched the lapels of his jacket.

Arnav pulled away, cursing under his breath.

And just when she thought she had acted out of the bounds of propriety, he slipped his hand into hers and was dragging her behind the nearest copper door leading into a  narrow, dim lit hallway.

Cupping her neck, he tilted her jaw upwards.

“Khushi”

He murmured, before plunging into her mouth. 

She moaned in surprise as he kept up the pace. His tongue slipped in to pull hers into the play of their desires. 

His thumb caressed her cheek the next moment, proving to be her undoing.

Imitating him, she kissed him back. Pouncing on his lips, just like the way he did to hers, Khushi elicited a groan from him.

Her back hit the wall, as she realised he had pinned her. 

A thrill ran through her as he bit her lip, before laving it with his affection. 

When they finally broke away, breathing hard , she marveled at the truth.

Yes. Yes, it was overwhelming. Yes ,something did hold her back. And that was what everything would lead up to. What did she really know about sex?

And Arnav? The way he kissed, his age and experience? She didn’t know what that meant for her. What did she even possess in that department compared to his previous partners? Compared to Lavanya Kashyap?

Suddenly, the prospect of marriage with this Adonis bubbled up insecurities within her, she didn’t even know she had.

———

“Where were you?”, Payal asked with a pointed look.

“Er..just looking around”

“Khushi”, Payal shook her head,”Remember to reapply lipgloss after every rendezvous in the future”

Her sister winked, even as she stilled in shock.

“It’s okay, Khush! You’ll learn”

Groaning internally, she looked away. 

Her eyes clashed with Arnav as he sipped amber liquid from a whiskey glass. Leaning against the wall, he was surrounded by men and women of his stature. All engrossed in shop talk.

For a moment, he seemed just like a mind reader. His gaze resembled the blaze of a fire. And she was in its path. 

But Khushi didn’t know if she had the armour to protect herself from incineration

---+

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

[featheredclover]

Hello fellow ipkknd fan! Been reading your fic, Fanaa, and i gotta say, you're making me feel like Arnav is perfect, almost too perfect, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop 🫢 eager to know what the story holds ahead <3

Hullo!

Well, I have always wanted to explore Arshi within the dynamics of an age gap~ so I took the liberty to base it on Mr Bajaj (played by Ronit Roy in Kasauti Zindagi Ki~ 2001) and of course majorly ASR. In this story, Arnav honestly fulfills a certain fantasy of mine 🙈~ and so far, I am letting the story flow.

I don't know if he is perfect ~ but the things I make him do is simply because I wouldn't respect a man if he didn't do the same in those situations 😅 ,,( let alone that the fictional 'hero' of my ff!)

I hope I didn't give too much away ;)

Can't wait for you to read how the story unfolds (⁠^⁠^⁠)

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

08

Read from the beginning

07.......09

Sara’s boutique was a quaint little store, tucked away in the city’s corner.

Payal had discovered it accidentally, when she took a wrong turn once. 

But it was love at first sight, as Payal bought everything for her wedding from there.

The pastel tone of the store and Sara’s exuberance made Khushi feel at ease. But Payal was like a maniac, with a long list on her hands.

“Sara, we need everything. From lingerie to formal dresses. I want lounge wear appropriate for Khushi’s age but not too childish. A mixture of suits,coord sets and skirts for work. I want saris, but their blouses should be sleeveless. And for her wedding? It will be a day event, so how about a blush pink lehenga?”

“Ooh! I have a wonderful piece for the wedding”

Sara rushed off into the back, even as Payal skimmed through the rack.

“Di, this is too much. I have clothes”

“Do you realise who you are going to be after this wedding? Someone leading a magazine! I can’t have you walk in there with your plaid shirts and worn out kurtis. And don’t even start about your lounge clothes-“

“What’s wrong with my pyjamas?”, Khushi whined.

“You may find this odd, but you will be living with Arnav after the wedding “, Payal rolled her eyes, “And a man like that will be very impressed seeing your Spongebob SquarePants shorts”

Khushi pouted, knowing any argument would be futile at this point.

———

An hour later, they were stuffed back into the car, surrounded by the best pieces of clothing.

Buaji had prepared an elaborate lunch, as Khushi gathered from Payal who was on the phone.

Bored, she looked out at the bustling stream of cars and rickshaws.

A ping interrupted her musings, and she looked down at her phone.

Arnav R.: Hey! My friend wants to invite you for a movie night. Are you in?

She didn’t have to bother wondering why the text sounded so unlike him, as he was calling her the next moment.

“Hello?”, she said a bit unsure.

“Khushi? Hi! I am Aman. Aman Sethi. We met last night, if you recall?”

“Oh yes”, she could hardly sit still,”Of course, I remember “

“Well, since Arnav doesn’t want to introduce us properly , I have taken the liberty to steal his phone and invite you myself”

Before she could agree, a distant rumble of displeasure reached her ears.

“Aw come on! Arnav here says you would have no interest in an old film- is 1989 that old? Come on Khushi, Arnav was born that year! How could you be so insensitive?”

She couldn’t help but burst out laughing at Aman’s theatrics.

“Not that old at all. I’ll be there”

“Great! Can’t wait!”

As soon as she hung up, Payal coughed.

“Date night?”  She smirked.

“More like a hangout, Di. Aman Sethi invited me to watch a movie with them. Feels surreal”

Payal shrugs, “You should get used to being around media personalities. After all, you are going to be one yourself soon”

Khushi scoffed, “Me? I am just marrying one”

“We’ll see”

———

Aman’s bachelor pad was the one selected for the viewing. Arnav had mentioned it to her that his apartment was undergoing minor renovations.

So when she drove upto Athena apartments, she reallly didn’t what to expect. One day in, and already she was parking into the most influential residential area in Lucknow.

The sleek black elevator greeted her with a blast of jazz.

Glancing at her reflection, Khushi pushed a stray strand of hair away. 

She was surprisingly not that nervous. 

“Hi”, Arnav greeted her at the door, dressed in a simple black tshirt.

“Hey”, Khushi smiled.

“You really wanna spend your Saturday night with two boring men?”

, he teased after letting her in.

“Who the hell did you call boring?!”

“Come”, Arnav rolled his eyes before grabbing her hand and leading her into the living room.

The entire apartment was truly a bachelor’s haven. Completely set in shades of black and red. Khushi was bemused seeing some strange artefacts, like the monkey statues, staring right at her in the living room.

“Interesting decor”, she quipped.

“Isn’t it?”, Aman grinned as he walked in with two bowls of popcorn.

“Khushi, Aman. Aman, Khushi “, Arnav introduced them with a wave of his hand.

“Aw come on man! We deserve better. Khushi, I am this idiot’s only friend. Held that position since college and here we are!”

Khushi smiled as she shook his hand,” Honestly, I am lucky! I have read all your books”

“Really? I hope you didn’t bring any of them to slam it in my face?”

“Nonsense! My friends and I treat them as the gospel”

“I like you already!” Aman winked.

Arnav cleared his throat, “Let’s start the movie, shall we?”

“Sure!”, she settled down next to him on the plush couch, “What are we watching?”

“Her alibi”

“It’s a Tom Selleck movie”

“Ooh! I love Tom Selleck!”

Arnav looked at her, “Have you seen any of his movies?”

“No, but I loved him as Dr Richard in Friends”

“Aah! Love that”, Aman passed her a soda before pressing play on his remote.

———

She loved it. 

The old school charm of the movie. The sexy older novelist of mystery genre who rescues this beautiful, younger murder suspect, but lives in two minds between his attraction to her and doubt that she might actually be guilty.

It was just plain sexy.

She hesitantly admitted to herself that she did find the age gap sexy.

Maybe it was the fact that it was Tom Selleck . Maybe it was because her own prospects were leading into that direction.

But as she glanced slyly at Arnav, she felt herself inexplicably drawn to him. Everything that he was, chivalrous, masculine and intelligent. He had everything a girl dreams of her man to have. 

Drunk on her attraction for him, she scooted closer before resting her head on his shoulder.

He turned immediately.

“Bored?”, he whispered.

“No”, she whispered back before curling her arm around his bicep.

Arnav allowed her to cuddle closer, before kissing her forehead.

Turning back to the screen, they saw the couple in their own battle of emotions.

Khushi felt a burst of contentment in her heart. 

She could get used to this.

———

Much later, after a wonderful dinner and a heavy discussion on the film, Khushi was down in the parking, walking towards her car with Arnav.

“Aman is amazing! I have loved his work for so long, I can’t believe he is as wonderful in person!”, she gushed.

Arnav said nothing, simply holding her hand tighter.

“I guess I should watch more Tom Selleck movies”, she mused.

With no warning at all, he pulled her flush against his hardness in one quick second.

“You should, but only with me”

And then. That infuriatingly sexy man kissed her. 

He pressed deeper into her. Caressing the nape of her neck, he pulled her closer, teasing her lips with his tongue.

She clutched onto his shoulders, before letting him deepen the kiss. 

He groaned before plunging in. Kissing her again, again and again.

She couldn’t get enough. When he tried to slow down the kiss, something possessed her into kissing him back harder.

Arnav moaned before holding her tighter.

Damn it all! This felt so good!

When they finally broke off, Arnav rested his forehead on hers.

“She might have been the murderess after all”, he said with a sinful smirk.

For a first kiss, Khushi knew he had given her the best.

-------

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

07

Read from the beginning

06.......08

“Who said what?”

She stared at the man before her. Moments ago she was bursting with the need to find him, give him a piece of her mind. But now?

His deceptive state of calm made her hesitate. 

“I-I can’t get married to you if her paintings are going to be on your walls”

Buaji’s voice flitted into her conscious:

Think before you speak bitiya. What is life without tact?

“Paintings?”, he frowned.

“Lavanya’s paintings”, she mumbled, “Maybe I am not mature enough to view them as simply art….maybe you can move them s-someplace else?”

She hated herself for feeling this insecure. She wanted to think of them as just objects, but the only thing on her mind were those paparazzi pictures of them.

It spoke of an intimacy which made her burn with jealousy. 

He was just so unlike his usual self in those pictures. A time when he had the most beautiful woman in his arms. A time probably spent in between sheets and laughter. A relationship so strong that Lavanya could adorn his walls with the right of a lover.

“No. Khushi, there are no paintings anywhere. I asked Naina to take them a month ago. She might auction or return them back- I am not handling that.”

A gasp escaped her as his strong grip held her chin and tilted her to meet his eyes.

Good lord! How does he expect her to think straight when his eyes are so..so seductive?!

“Khushi? It’s non consequential. It means nothing”

“She sounded so sure though”

“Did she now?”, the fury in his eyes flared.

“Your sister didn’t help”, she chuckled humorlessly.

Arnav’s demeanour changed visibly.

And now, he was nothing but calm.

“Nothing to worry about then”

Before she could ask him about the sudden clarity he seemed to have, he grasped her hands in his. Kissing her knuckles, he sent a flurry of warm sensations whoop in her lower belly.

‘I-“, she whispered, words failing her.

“I am not going to let some nobodies ruin the evening for you. Come let’s go”

He didn’t get go right away. 

Caressing her foot, his eyes seemed to be focused on the task at hand. And with a final clasp, her Louboutin was back on.

———

Payal was the first person she saw as they returned to the party.

With the raise of an eyebrow, Khushi was asked if everything was fine.

And with a purse of her lips and shake of her head, it was communicated to Payal that it was not fine.

But before Payal could walk upto the pair, Arnav had guided her to an elderly couple.

“Greetings Arnav! Quite late for the evening aren’t you? Ha! I was just telling Malik that his nephew might even be late for the wedding !”

“Good evening to you too, Mr Kashyap, Mrs  Kashyap”

The woman,laughed, her eyeshadow of heavy glitter reaching her eyebrows, before glancing at Khushi 

“Come on, Arnav. Was the incitement not enough for you to leave work?”

“Not at all. But hey, you know the Majumdars? They are a tough negotiator. Just had to put the money bags in today”, Arnav ended it with a smile.

Khushi could see the paleness that fell over the couple in front of her. Their mask cracking.

“B-but Arnav. We were in talks for this since months-“

“Too bad”, he shrugged, “That was before your spawn decided to dig up dead bones”

The spite in his voice made Khushi bite her lip.

“Excuse us”, he walked away, with her arm in his tender hold.

Arnav led her away, and before they reached the Maliks, Khushi managed to sneak in a whisper, 

“You didn’t really finalise the deal with the Majumdars tonight, did you?”

His sheepish smile sent her reeling.

“No, but it will be in a week”

And then he looked straight at her, “Catching me with my bluffs already Miss Gupta?”

She blushed a pretty pink, as she attempted nonchalance.

“You are not that great a liar, Arnav “

“Is that so?”, his gaze dropped to her parted lips.

That’s how they were found by Payal.

She cleared her throat, before looking at Khushi, all concern and chaos.

“Everything alright? Glad to see you finally, Arnavji”

“Everything’s fine”, Khushi piped up, communicating wordlessly with her sister once again that all information will be passed onto her later.

“Everything’s fine Payal. And please, call me Arnav “

He smiled, aimed to put her sister at ease.

“Arnav!”

Anjali looked at her wristwatch before looking up at him pointedly.

“Couldn’t make it to time for your own engagement party?”

“Why are you upset? My delay gave you time for the little stunt you wanted to pull”

Gasps of shock rippled through the women, except Anjali. 

She held a tight smile, engaging Arnav in a battle of wills.

“Arnav”, Devyani spoke up. The matriarch could sense the tension, and wanted to extinguish the fire before anyone got hurt. Or worse anyone witnessed the fire.

“Behave now, Anjali. I think it’s time for the announcement Arnav. Let this go”

Payal was now at Khushi’s side, “What happened?”

But she simply didn’t get a moment to get her sister into the loop, because everyone hustled them onto the centre.

Arnav held her gaze as he slid his hand down her arm to entangle it with her hands. Only when he saw that she was ready, did he turn to their curious audience.

“Good evening, everyone. I am honoured to have you all join in for our special evening. A thousand apologies to everyone who awaited me. The traffic was a pain, and well, the traffic police didn’t allow me to break signals to reach the club-

A couple of chuckles from the crowd at this point made Khushi at ease.

“I want to thank my beautiful fiancé for not toppling her glass of cosmopolitan all over me. And to thank her…”

And there, right in the centre of the beautiful decked up Navy club hall, Arnav Singh Raizada knelt in front of a woman.

He reached into his pocket, to reveal a velvet box. Khushi could see the frayed ends of the box, and the subtle tremble in his fingers. It opened to reveal the most beautiful ruby set in a gold band. It was an heirloom without a doubt.

“Khushi Gupta? Will you do the honour of marrying me and making me your husband?”

She cracked a smile at that. Trust him to be as simple in public as he was with her back at the restaurant.

“Yes”, her soft acquiescence sent the room into the spirits of cheer.

Akash hollered, Payal clapped, Buaji wiped away a tear and she was pretty sure she saw Aman Sethi open a bubbling bottle of champagne.

The ring glided down her finger with ease. Arnav stood up, taking her hand to his lips. Kissing it with a passion which mirrored in his eyes.

———-

Her heels were now positively clawing at her feet, as she leaned heavily on Payal even as buaji admired her ring.

“Such old craftsmanship, such beauty. Oh, it is the most beautiful ring I have seen!”

“How couldn’t it be, Madhumatiji?”, Manorama smiled, “It belonged to Ratna”

Buaji gasped, “Was it her wedding ring?”

“Oh no,this was a ring she had bought in Ajmer. Crafted for her bahu.It is a tradition in their family, you see. When a son is born, they craft one piece of jewellery for their future daughter-in-law”

“My, my”

With that, the two dived into a deep dissection of jewellery, Rajasthan and Raizadas.

With a sigh, Payal turned to Khushi, “Now, tell me. What had happened ? One moment I saw you with Anjali. And the next moment, you were gone! Akash told me you stumbled into Arnav-“

“Di..di that Anjali..”

“Anjali? What exactly did she do?”

“She is a bitch!”

Payal straightened up, “What did she say Khushi? Let me give her a piece of my mind-“

“No di, please. I think Arnav will take care of it”

Payal didn’t move, but Khushi knew she wasn’t convinced.

“She told me that Lavanya had left her paintings over Arnav’s properties. And then they took a dig at my age”

“Oh really? What does she think she will gain by bootlicking Lavanya? That’s it! No one needs her Mr Feroz. I am going to take you tomorrow to Sara’s boutique. We don’t need her opinion on your trousseau.”

Khushi couldn’t help but be pleased seeing her usually composed sister so furious.

“Okay Di! No more Mr Feroz and his painful shoes!”, she winked managing to coax a smile out of Payal.

———

The road held a stream of cars. One of them was the limousine going to drive Akash, Payal and the Guptas. 

As all of them walked to the waiting car, occupied with each other, Khushi trailed behind, the evening finally taking its toll.

“Khushi”

His touch reached her first, as the seared through the dress at her waist. 

“I’ll take care of everything. Forget it, forget about everything that bothered you tonight”

She was going to forget her own name if he kept that up. 

God! He smelt so damn good!

The grip on her waist made her not want to even wait till few weeks.

“I’ll call you”

He leaned down, pressing his lips to her flushed cheeks. He held her there for more than appropriate. 

Was a cheek kiss meant to feel so damning?, Khushi thought before drifting off to sleep on her buaji’s shoulder lulled by the smooth roll of the car.

-----

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

yes yes

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

06

Read from the beginning

05.......07

The evening seemed to stretch longer than either of the Gupta sisters could anticipate. Buaji had dressed in a simple emerald sari, embellished her hair with a beautiful red rose, before setting off to Shantivan for the evening.

But Payal and Khushi had been asked by Anjali to go to Mr Feroz’s boutique.

And now, sitting amidst the wooden panels of the store, Khushi couldn’t help but wonder if Arnav’s cocktail party would be any different from what Akash had thrown for Payal.

“Miss Gupta! Mrs Malik!”, Mr Feroz exclaimed as he walked into the lounge, followed by two assistants carrying their outfits for the evening.

“Is Anjali going to come soon?”Payal asked.

“No,she is tonight’s hostess”, he said simply.

“Well then let’s not waste any time. Khushi, come now…”

———

The chandeliers gleamed over the floors of Navy club, an esteemed private club known for hosting the highest echelons of society. Tonight, it saw the biggest names from media, politics, fashion, business and law. 

The armour Khushi had donned was a black dress, red lips and louboutins. She swallowed down the uneasiness clouding her senses, and slipped her arm around Payal’s.

“Di”, she whispered, “Your engagement party was far more toned down, it only had friends and family…”

Payal shook her head, “There’s also a difference in families, Khushi. Anjali and Arnav ,both, are the most speculated celebrities in the city. So if she hosts a party, no one declines an invite ”

She looked around, hoping to see a familiar face or two. But wherever she looked, she could only see the subtle display of wealth. A display not intended for envy, but still managed to incite some.

“Khushi “

She turned to see Manorama aunty walk towards them.

“Anjali has been looking for you-“

“Where’s Arnav?”, she blurted out .

Manorama smiled knowingly, “Somewhere around”

With a sigh, Khushi grabbed a drink from the nearest waiter. If she was going to wait, she might as well enjoy herself. 

No sooner had she thought of resigning herself to a quiet corner, that Anjali found her.

“I have been looking for you all evening” Anjali’s measured smile grated at her.

“I have been looking for Arnav all evening “,Khushi shrugged and took a sip out of her glass.

“Arnav is stuck in traffic. You see, Friday is the worst day for the city’s roads . You’ll realise once you join the workforce Khushi “

She sighed, “I’ll wait then”

Twirling the glass of wine in her hand, Anjali shakes her head, “Please let me introduce you to some of the guests in the meantime. It would be such a waste if the star of the evening doesn’t grace them with her presence.”

———

Led by Anjali, Khushi met politicians, actors, erstwhile royalty, and media personalities in a daze. She could hardly believe herself, simply accepting their greetings with polite smiles.

After meeting Aman Sethi, Arnav’s right hand man and the one ruling Indian media at the moment, she turned to Anjali.

“Gosh! I can’t believe I met the Aman Sethi! I have read all his books! Thank you Anjali “

“Of course”, Anjali smiled, “I hope you weren’t as starstruck with Arnav, given how much more famous he is in his field-“

“Not really, I had no idea about him…” Khushi trails away.

Because it was the truth. She admired AR media, and had even attended a job interview for a junior level position before he swept into life with the proposal.

But the man? No, she really hadn’t heard of Arnav. The only ones she knew were the ones who had published papers, been in front of the screen- not the power magnets who financed it all.

“Aah!”, Anjali looked at someone behind her, “Here is someone else I wanted you to meet Khushi”

Khushi didn’t have to turn around, because that person walked straight up to Anjali and air kissed her cheeks.

Lavanya Kashyap 

Supermodel. Heiress. And the one who had shared her heart with the man she was going to marry. 

The olive beauty stood tall , draped in the most gorgeous white sari. Her hair fell around her beauty in waves, and her lips were glossed up in the most beautiful shade of pink. Her perfume in the tones of jasmine and bergamot flooded the air around them.

And then the vision flashed her pearly whites at Khushi, as her eyes crinkled and her cheeks dimpled with a smile.

Khushi Kumari Gupta had never felt so ugly. Not even when that one jerk from seventh grade had dropped black paint over her head. 

She might be the girl betrothed to him, but it was this woman who stole the spotlight.

At this point, seeing the glimmer of the chandeliers reflect off Miss Kashyap’s diamond earrings, Khushi wouldn’t blame anyone who doubted Mr Raizada’s judgement.

“Meet Lavanya Kashyap, Khushi. You might recognise her from her modelling days. She now heads Kashyap industries-“

“Hardly”, Lavanya dismisses, her husky voice like whiskey on scorched earth,” Dad still heads everything. I am just trying to do a decent job at learning the ropes. And how would Khushi recognise me? She must have been in school”

Lavanya shares a meaningful look with Anjali. A look meant to not go unnoticed.

“Oh, probably. But I remember your retirement very well”, Khushi smiles watching the glee on Lavanya’s face falter.

Anjali laughs forcefully , “Lavanya didn’t want to work anymore Khushi. You can’t call resignation retirement “

“Well, that’s what my generation believes “, Khushi shrugged smugly, surprising even herself. 

Because when she saw that the two women were going to use her age as their target, she was going to use theirs. 

Even if she was trembling from fury and humiliation within, Khushi reigned herself in and kept her head held high.

Why did the Raizadas invite Lavanya? Did…did Arnav know about this? Did he not think of warning her even once?

“I hear he is remodelling the Lucknow apartment”, Lavanya said, now seemingly oblivious to Khushi’s presence, “I hope he keeps my painting safe”

And she laughs. The sound grated at her like shards of glass against her skin.

A moment goes by. She holds her silence, looking over them as if bored.

“Don’t mind Khushi. Lavanya is an excellent painter. She has her art displayed all over Arnav’s properties”

That’s it. The straw that broke the camel’s back. She was not a doormat. And yet, she was raised to be a Lakhnavi enough to not create a scene.

“Excuse me”, she willed herself to withhold her tremors, before walking away. 

————

She rushed past everyone and everything. 

The glitter which had fascinated her, now hurt her eyes. The perfumed air of the hall was now a source of nausea. The music was giving her a headache and her heels bit into her skin. She needed to go, and she needed to do it fast.

But the Gods were clearly not acting in her favour this evening.

Slam!

And she crashed into all muscle and suit. The man himself.

“Khushi”, his fingers curled around her arm.

Her lashes fluttered open to reveal her hurt.

“Khushi, what’s wrong?”

He was now frantic. Startled upon seeing the tears in her eyes, Arnav held her tighter.

She couldn’t say anything. Not now, not with hundreds of eyes watching her every move. 

Shaking her head at him, Khushi ignored the pain in her ankle and left the hall. There was only so much she could take in twenty minutes.

She walked on, till she reached the staircase at the end of the corridor. All grey and sleek. Settling herself on the steps, Khushi wanted to breathe. Just breathe for a moment or two. Breathe before Payal or buaji came running for her.

And then she noticed them. The pair of leather shoes.

She hadn’t even heard his footsteps. Swallowing her discomfort, Khushi looked up to see him.

Only, he wasn’t looking at her. His brows held the most fierce frown she had seen. His eyes held a storm in them. 

 Neither spoke. 

He knelt down, reaching for her foot. Unravelling the straps in a second, he removed the heel to reveal the bleeding little toe. His warmth had her gasping as he engulfed her foot in her hand. 

Reaching into his pocket, Arnav took out a pristine white handkerchief. Crumpling it into a ball, he placed it at the site of injury.

Khushi could sense it.

The restraint. The concern. The fury.

And just before she decided she couldn’t be silent anymore, he asked, in a controlled manner belying his eyes,

“Who said what?”

------

Next chapter>>>

———

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

05

Read from the beginning

04......06

Summer was still persisting. It was testament to the weather reports of Lucknow that buaji had prepared chilled glasses of rooh afza in anticipation of Payal’s arrival.

“Khushi, they want a June wedding”

“What?! The humidity! The rains! Are they crazy?”

“Offo! So what, if it’s a June wedding and I am sure the Raizadas will choose a venue appropriate for the weather you want bitiya”

Khushi grumbled in her seat, as Payal hid her smile.

“There is no use delaying it till November, Khushi “

“But he was the one who mentioned November Di!”

“That was before you showed any signs of accepting his proposal. You can’t deny that circumstances have changed”

“And in Lucknow “, buaji huffed, “a long drawn engagement causes whispers”

Rolling her eyes, Khushi sipped her drink. 

Of course, circumstances had changed. No one else could say that. Because her cell was filled with his presence. She had told him she was busy with all the documentation graduation brings with it.

He had taken it in his stride. Calling her for only a minute or two every morning and evening. Just asking her how she was, her plans for the day and letting her know of his plans for the day.

She felt a little weak in her knees after those calls ended. She really was fascinated by his work, the power he yielded in the industry, she was just going to step her foot into. The way he talked about meetings with personalities she had admired over the last few years always left her in awe.

But it was when he talked about Rhapsody, that her heart buzzed with an anxious energy. A magazine set for scandalous news. Politics, style and humanity. He wanted her to combine them all in a sleek package. She didn’t know how she would fare with her first own project being an AR backed venture. Will they dismiss her as the much younger wife of their boss? 

“Khushi! What are you daydreaming about?”, Payal quizzed.

“Well, what else does a young woman dream about?”, buaji chuckled, before continuing with dreamy eyes, “I dreamt of your fufaji every night before our wedding “

“Oh really?” Khushi couldn’t hide her amusement.

“Of course, every bride to be has her thoughts filled with nothing but of the man to be her husband “

“I don’t know about that, but she definitely needs to be thinking of her trousseau “

“Excuse me?” Khushi gasped, “I am not going to have one of those typical wedding trousseau like you did! Why should I even bother?”

“Because you are going to be a Raizada now. No! Don’t argue with me! Weren’t you going to revamp your wardrobe before beginning your career? Consider this to be the same. You are going to work on his magazine anyway”

“I don’t want to look like a sad bahu”, she whined.

Payal smirked,”I don’t think you could ever look like that but trust me Anjali ji has an eye for fashion which would put famed stylists to shame”

“What? How is Anjali Raizada involved in this?”

“Because it’s her only brother’s wedding! Of course she will take time out for the preparations. Anyway she wants to meet you to discuss your trousseau this Friday “

“Wonderful ! Khushi you must be well behaved. A pleasant sister in law makes for a pleasant marriage! Trust me!”

She could do nothing but pout. After all, this wasn’t what she signed up for. 

———

The moon shone its way into her bedroom, as she lay on her stomach, legs tangled, hair twirling around a finger and phone cradled under her ear.

“So, can we meet this Friday?”

“I can’t and it’s all your fault!”, Khushi whined before she could stop herself.

His laughter made her bite her tongue.

“My fault?”

“Umm…yes…your sister, the Anjali Raizada wants to meet me to discuss outfits and everything”

“Oh”

She could make out that he was surprised as well.

“You didn’t know?”

“No”, he sighed , “I guess she felt it was better to leave the men out of it”

“I can’t believe I am going to meet her”, she whispered in awe.

“Didn’t know you were a fan”, he said dryly.

“Who wouldn’t be?! I have followed her for years. She is a legend!”

“Hmm, is that the only Raizada you followed?”, he asked with something Khushi doubted was envy.

“Yes”, she said breathlessly.

She cringed at how nervous she felt even on a phone call with him. Goodness!

“Were my achievements not legendary enough?”, he teased.

She sighed, “I don’t know. I have just always had female role models. I have never looked at a man…and thought I want to follow the path he took”

Waiting as he took a long pause, Khushi couldn’t help but wonder if she had said something weird.

“I hope I can change that?”, he asked.

She grinned as the imperceptible tremor in his voice made her bolder.

“You want to be my role model or husband?”

“I can vie to be both, Miss Gupta”, he said. Tremor all gone, now his voice screamed nothing but sin to her.

“I have to go! Good night!”

————

The entire flat was white in colour, with furniture and art being the only pop of colour. Payal had detailed on the car ride to the other side of the city about Anjali, the woman almost as mysterious as her brother. 

She was a well sought lawyer by her late twenties, when she had tied the knot with her boyfriend ,Shyam Jha, a civil lawyer. But at her fortieth birthday last year, she had announced her divorce. Like everything with the Maliks and Raizadas, this had led to wagging tongues with no knowledge of the truth. The divorce had been smooth, with no kids in the picture. Mr Jha had moved back to Delhi, and all was left unsaid in society.

Payal felt it was infidelity, but Khushi didn’t care about the reason. She was just doubting the smooth way the divorce seemed, a fairytale divorce so as to speak. And now, as they sat in Anjali’s beautiful minimalist apartment, Khushi knew this was a woman who cared about appearances.

“Payal, you are here! Khushi! How nice to finally meet you”

She walked with grace in spite of the six inch heels elevating her already tall frame. Draped in a beautiful set of trousers and shirt, Anjali looked like the lawyer who gave her opponents a run for their money. A red lip adorned her smile as she enveloped Khushi into a hug.

“I am sorry for keeping you waiting”

“Nonsense Di, we have been here for hardly five minutes”, Payal smiled.

Anjali glanced at the three member team standing ready in the living room.

“Meet Mr Feroz. He is a renowned stylist specialising in bridal wear. And this is Mansi and Yash, his two assistants. They styled me recently for even my last trip to Greece”

Khushi smiled nervously at the trio, who seemed to be gauging her. Dressed in a simple white top and blue jeans, she felt way below expectations.

“You’ll make a lovely bride my dear”, Mr Feroz smiled at her genially, “Raizada is a lucky man! Tell me, are you partial to any colour Miss Gupta? “

Absolutely indecisive, Khushi glanced at her sister.

“I don’t think she is”, Anjali smiled knowingly. 

“Don’t worry Khushi. First of all I think we should make things clear about the ceremonies you want. Mami and Payal told me you didn’t want mehendi, sangeet or haldi. Did you just want a court marriage? One of those town hall ones? Oh, Arnav would have been very happy!”

Khushi flushed under the teasing.

“No- I- a simple ceremony is more my cup of tea”

“Really?”, Anjali smiled fondly, “How about this Khushi-simple ceremony in Lucknow and a reception- like ceremony in Delhi?”

“In Delhi?”, she frowned.

“Oh yes! All the relatives on dad’s side of the family live in Delhi you see”

Khushi nodded. She had no idea about anyone beyond the Lucknow society. Her knowledge of Raizadas ended at Ratna Raizada nee Malik.

“But one small thing, you’ll need to wear a white gown for the Delhi event. Dad’s mum was a Roman Catholic,you see. It would be a lovely tribute to her”

Khushi smiled, “I would love that”

“How about red for the ceremony here then?” Payal chimed in.

“Of course! And how about black for the cocktails?”

“What?”, Khushi now had dread creeping into her veins.

How many more events were under her sleeve!

“Oh we need to announce the engagement, even if it wasn’t in the traditional way. And what better way other than a cocktail party!”

Khushi felt the scrutiny under Anjali’s beaded eyes. She couldn’t help but feel like a misfit. She had attended her first cocktail party after Payal’s wedding. And back then, it was clubbed with the reception. 

“Is that really necessary?”She straightened her spine to fight against the woman who acted like she was playing a game.

“Oh yes! Arnav’s business associates will expect it”

Now Anjali’s warm tone appeared to be dripping in artificial saccharine to her.

But what she didn’t know was that Khushi Kumari Gupta was not going to be brow beaten into doing anything. No one had manipulated her successfully so far, and Anjali wasn’t going to be the first.

“I will discuss with Arnav, and let you know if it’s needed”

Anjali stilled, her lips curving into a smirk.

“That will do”

———-

Two hours and forty minutes later, the Gupta sisters sat in Khushi’s room completely bemused.

“What was that? She acted so weird! Trust me Khushi, she has never been so..so-“

“Bossy? Puppet master?”, Khushi quipped.

“Well yes! Like she had planned something for you”

“That bitch”, Khushi muttered under her breath.

To her sister, she simply said, “ I need to call Arnav”

Turning away, Khushi walked over to her window, as the ringtone greeted her ears.

“Khushi. Hey, I was just going to call you-“

“Do you want a cocktail party?”

“What?”

“To announce our engagement. Why do we need a party if an article in your paper can do the job?”

“Did I mention a party?”, he asked sharply.

“No, but your sister did. She told me we needed to have two events for the wedding. One in Lucknow and one in Delhi-“

“In Delhi? We won’t need to do that”

“Your sister said all the Raizadas were in Delhi-“

“Screw them”, he snapped

Khushi fell silent. Had she touched a nerve?

“There’s going to be no ceremony in Delhi. And you are right the engagement can just be an announcement-“

She couldn’t help but feel guilt. It felt like he was going to have to explain to a lot of people if the wedding was just one single ceremony without an event commemorating the engagement.

“Arnav” she interrupted, “ Do you want the party?”

“No, it’s not needed”

“But the deal with Mr Kamble, that you were talking about? Won’t that progress through this party?”

Khushi knew it was right. A party was never just a party. It was always a networking opportunity. And with the Kambles who were the largest  international distributors of Indian content, the extra mile was needed.

“I don’t want to do anything you wouldn’t want to”, Arnav confessed.

She faltered at the sudden nervousness in his tone. The kind of care in his voice as he treated her like a rare china bowl. 

“It’s fine Arnav. Two events in Lucknow, I’ll manage”

Khushi looked over at her sister, who had fallen into a nap on her bed.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, she thought even as Anjali’s eyes swam before her.

------

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

Fanaa

04

Read from the beginning

03........05

The afternoon was peaceful in the Gupta house. Buaji was in the midst of a siesta. The curtains in the living room lifted ever so slightly with the breeze, as the oranges on the dining table gleamed under a ray of sunlight. While the cooler in her room whirred, Khushi sat in front of her computer, eyes  hooked on the monitor.

All tabs had one man’s face plastered over them. Buaji was right. Arnav was fiercely protective of his privacy.

But the internet never forgets, so here it was. Paparazzi pictures of Mr Raizada leaving Lavanya Kashyap’s condominium in Bombay. He was dressed in a suit, like always. But just like at the gallery, his tie lay loose around his neck and he seemed to have let go of his jacket.

She checked the date. 2015. He was 26. 

Hassle free to last long enough 

His calm words seemed to belie the picture. What if it was a passionate affair? And he was simply trying to dim it down to get this marriage done as soon as possible?

The problem with old flames was that it flickered up again when you least expect it.

Going deeper down into the rabbit hole, Khushi clicked a few more links. 

Diego Mascarenhas

The man who is spotted with Lavanya lately. They were picturesque together- the Portuguese swimmer and the Indian model. Both heirs to business empires with a couple of articles on their rumoured engagement.

She grabbed her phone in a blink. 

“Hello? Di, text me Mr Raizada’s number, will you?”

———

The clock struck two, and Khushi stared at the number Payal had given her an hour ago. She shouldn’t hesitate. But she did. Of course, she knew he was an enigma. But to actually prod and get beyond the surface of this man, was not something she was ready for!

Gathering her courage, she stopped hovering her finger around the cell and pressed on it. There! She had done it!

“AR media, who’s speaking?”

Khushi faltered, as probably his secretary answered unexpectedly.

“Um..hello…my name is Khushi Gupta. I wanted to speak to Mr Arnav Raizada.”

“May I know what this is about ?” 

“It’s…personal “

Personal? Was she personal now? But what else could she have said?

“Please give me a minute, Miss Gupta “

She waited for two whole minutes, before biting her nails. The waiting was not helping her already frail nerves.

“Miss Gupta? Please wait while I transfer the line to Mr Raizada’s office”

God! The president wouldn’t make somebody wait this long-

“Khushi, what a surprise.”

His cool voice flooded her ears, like the gush of cool air on a hot summer day.

“Mr Raizada”, she greeted and then winced. She really didn’t know what to say.

“Yes, Miss Gupta?” His voice barely hid the amusement , she knew he was basking in.

“Why do you want to marry now?”

“Excuse me?”

“Is it because of the Kashyap- Mascarenhas news?”

There. The cat had pounced out of the bag.

“What? Kashyap? Are you still on about Lavanya?”

The absolute incredulity in his tone made Khushi frown. Of course she was still on about Lavanya! She was the only woman he had introduced to his family- and this “hassle free” nonsense wasn’t going to work with her.

“Khushi”, he broke off, “Lavanya and I split amicably. It is nothing which will affect our life together.”

“How would I know that?”, she mumbled.

With an audible sigh, he continued, “Meet me for dinner tonight? Orion at seven?”

—————

Dressed in a simple butter yellow dress, Khushi hopped into the esteem. Buaji had been more than happy to send her off to dinner.

As she drove onto the busy roads of Lucknow, she couldn’t help but peep into her own heart. The call with her sister earlier that evening replaying in her mind.

“So, did you call Arnavji?”

“Arnavji? Is that what you are expected to call him, Di? And yes, I called him”

“He is older than me , as well as Akash. Not all of us have the luxury of calling him Mr Raizada and not being called out on the formality! By the way, why did you call him? To say yes?”

“No, di! I wanted to ask about Lavanya”

“Lavanya? Lavanya Kashyap? You mean the supermodel?!”

“Yes di. The one and only. She is getting married apparently. I thought he was trying to get married only to one up her…”

Payal’s laughter had interrupted her then. Her sister had called her silly. According to the Maliks, Arnav had broken up with Lavanya because she had demanded marriage! There was no jealousy or spite in the picture. They wanted different things in life, and had gone their separate ways.

But why then, she thought, had he twisted back into the same path Miss Kashyap had wanted? If he didn’t want marriage then, why had he changed his outlook now?

As she entered through the ornate gates guarding Orion, she knew that even through all of this thoughts and doubts there was one persisting truth she kept at bay.

That she was undeniably attracted to Mr Raizada.

 She couldn’t say yes, because well it would seem like an act of her raging hormones. But she really couldn’t say no! She felt she was twirling him around. Making him justify a relationship that ended five years ago. Was she just stalling him?

A knock on her glass window made her jump.

“I think we need to be seated inside to order Miss Gupta “, his muffled voice reached her.

Switching off the ignition, she stepped out. Smiling sheepishly, she handed over her keys to the valet.

“Come”

And there it was again. His hovering hands. She could admit it now. It made her ache for his touch.

———

“….Lavanya and I parted ways because we wanted different things in life. At that point it was marriage. I didn’t see that life with her-“

“But you do with me? How does that make any sense?”, she questioned, exasperated.

His eyes glimmered with something. Something her inexperience failed to identify.

“Somethings in life may not make sense Miss Gupta. They hardly make sense to me”, he let out a throaty chuckle.

“Khushi”, he leaned forward, as if to hold her hands in his, “I don’t mean to beat around the bush. I am not a very verbal man. I can’t spin good words, which will convince you to marry me. But I can give you my word, that I will do my best to fulfill my duty as a husband. In every which way”

Her breath caught in her throat, as she held his eyes. She could end the agony for both of them. He was not like anyone else she had met. She really hated herself for being so predictable.

“I was born out of wedlock. Doesn’t your family mind that?”

He laughed. The man laughed at her!

“Miss Gupta, I think we left that in the the twentieth century, don’t you think?”

His lips curved into a persistent smile.

Blushing, more at his carefree demeanour than anything, Khushi found herself shy all of a sudden. Clearing her throat, she decided to turn the tables on Mr Raizada.

“Well, dadiji told me you were driving her up the wall to get my answer…”, she trailed away, watching for any signs of squirming.

And there it was! In that subtle clench of his jaw lasting only a second.

“What can I say Miss Gupta….”, he looked away before meeting her eyes again.

In an exaggerated whisper, he spoke “You drove me mad with your indecision”

It was her turn to look away. The little game they played tugged at her heart, more than she liked to admit to herself.

“And it’s nani for you from now on Khushi, not dadi”

She stilled, her heart racing a mile a minute.

“You think I have said yes?”

“Should I take that you have said no?”, arrogance oozed into him once again.

She gaped at him.

“Should you?!”

“Well as you love to remind me Miss Gupta, I am not getting any younger. I think it would be futile for me to pretend I want you to take your time, when I know I will spend every damn moment of my life convincing you beyond measure to be my wife”

Khushi swallowed thickly. And to think, he didn’t have a way with words.

“Well…”

“Well?”, he asked, his eyes shuttered.

“Yes, let’s…marry”

———

Next>>>

[featheredclover]

September Rain

Chapter Twenty Four

Read from the beginning

Previous<<

The printed papers fluttered as Khushi took them out of her pink folder with a flourish. She ignored Arnav’s raised eyebrow- an expression that seemed to be stuck on his face these days. She had to force herself to stop commenting on it- after all, she had expected him to shut her out completely. 

“These, my dear “ she began in an exaggerated accent , “are your worksheets. They include everything the past ten years of questionnaire, contestants faced”

He visibly stilled for a moment.

“Well, I don’t think the library has that”

She grinned, lowering her voice down to a whisper, “I have my ways”

He only sighed, before grabbing the bunch of paper and began solving it. It was her turn to still.

She jolted herself to get her history book and start working on her assignments. She sat on another step on the rusty staircase of the dome. Their dome.

Her eyes flitted over to Arnav every now and then. She didn’t know if she was miffed or if it was disappointment that rushed through her as he ignored her. It had been like that for the past three weeks.

Khushi knew that what she and Arnav shared had seen too many years to fall apart now. But she didn’t know if Arnav would ever see her as his girlfriend again…Was this their future? Where he tolerates her for old times sake and she moons over him hopelessly? 

He’ll probably move on first, she thought glumly. And just like that a sudden memory cropped up….

———

Summer had arrived. And just before they left for Lucknow, where their grandparents resided, Payal had invited some friends over.

Garima had left after presenting the girls some lemonade and watermelon slices, blissfully unaware of what Payal’s friend Sara was going through.

Khushi sat wide eyed, but quiet. She really didn’t want to be kicked out of the room. And a peep from her now, would ensure Payal di’s wrath upon her.

Sara’s soft sobs filled the room, leaving no room for any doubt for the state of her heartbreak.

“Sara, stop it. Veer was not worth it”

“Stop lying Payal “, her tears were relentless, “Veer lost interest in me”

“His loss!”

“No, you really don’t understand. He will get anyone he wants! And my heart will still want him”

Sara had collapsed into Payal’s arms then, unaware of the young girl who watched her in shock.

——

Sara Di had since then moved on. She was dating someone she had met in college.

Even at sixteen, Khushi knew that no one was invincible. Let alone a relationship. And even if she wasn’t ready to let go of what they shared, would Arnav? She hated that he was so logical. Always so pragmatic. Would they have the same fate as Veer-Sara?

“We should go”

She looked up from her book, startled out of her thoughts.

“It’s eight”, he said simply. His eyes offered her nothing. His lips refused to form that beautiful smile that made her knees weak. His arm didn’t extend to offer her a hand. 

Forcing a smile on her face, Khushi stood up and packed her bag.

The walk back to her dorm had been uneventful. It was only her thoughts which echoed in her mind, not his voice.

“Goodnight , Arnav “ she bid him goodbye and headed into the green building without waiting for a reply.

———

“Arnav did it! He is the treasurer!”

Khushi gleamed at a visibly relieved Aman. They both knew how much he needed that win. 

“He talked to Akash bhai yesterday. On the phone “

“What? What did he say?”

Aman sighed, “I don’t know honestly. But they are brothers. No wedge is that deep, you know?”

She nodded,still uneasy about Arnav.

“Let’s celebrate!”

——

“Arnav! Congrats!”

She hoped her hesitancy didn’t reach her tone. Her eyes had chased him as soon as she set foot into the cute milkshake shop, ‘Pop shack’ on the corner.

“Thanks, Khushi “, he nodded before turning back to NK, who was ribbing Mona, leaving the group in splits.

She took her seat beside Aman. She was tired of Arnav’s coldness. She had apologised for her role in his misery, and was done serving her sentence. Maybe everything happens for a good reason. She and him? They were better off as friends.

Her lips pursed around the straw, as she looked everywhere but him. 

“Why did you pick this NK? I mean I love the milkshake, but you? Didn’t think so “ Aman chirped up, seeming lighter than he had in weeks.

“If you must know my friends, for the exchange programme….my cousin has been selected”

As a series of questions were aimed at NK, Khushi marvelled at how she had forgotten all about the exchange programme. Six months of exchanging a group of ten students with the other Woodsmith school in Ooty. 

“So, who is it ,Khurana?”, Mona asked impatiently.

“Did someone call me?” 

There at the entrance, stood a guy who knocked the wind out of the girls on the table. 

NK rolled his eyes, “Guys, this is Varun. Shilpa maasi’s son”

Varun laughed, “You sound happy Nikhil bhai”

As Varun winked, Khushi immediately took a liking to him. 

“So, Varun..I hope you are nothing like this cousin of yours”

“You should find out”, he quipped with a wink before catching Khushi’s eye.

“What’s your allotted house?”Payal asked.

“Oh, I am in green”, he drummed on the table, without breaking eye contact with Khushi.

She smiled, “Welcome to the Dehradun version of green then”

“Can’t wait”, he grinned.

————

[featheredclover]

Hi,JWB. Why do think Arnav-lavanya had a deep friendship ? As per my knowledge, they doesn't know anything about each other except some surface level things. Also,in my opinion, Arnav can't have deep friendship with anyone.

Wasn't it contradictory that he was asking explantion of the 10 minute he was wasting while saying she can waste his 10 min ? He doesn't even respect her feelings(calling that cake cutting waste of time). I think phati sari had said in her percap that Lavanya interrupted Arnav's work & he didn't mind. Maybe that's her opinion. But I don't think so. In my observation,she didn't interrupt his work.He was going to office finishing his meeting there.She just stole 10 min between that time to celebrate. I don't think that indicates he priortizes lavanya(That too over his work). If he had prioritize her over his work,they can celebrate any time. She didn't had to stole his time. But, anyway, What is your interpretation of that scene ?

P.S:- I genuinely want to know your interpretation. If you feel I shouldn't have share my opinion, then please ignore what I said & just answer my question. And Please don't say statements like "sounds like you already know how you feel about the situation. I don't have anything to say ". It's a request. And ignore my grammatical mistakes.😑

Hello Anon!

To be very very honest, yes, my thinking of Arnav-Lavanya being friends really stems from their breakup time.

There was something deep between those two when they broke up - not just a "I'm sorry this happened,"

Both Arnav and Lavanya are reacting to the person they know, and who they have become. Lavanya reads a lot into Arnav - and it's not just because she's observant. Lavanya is a little bit more on the chill side, Arnav does not expect her to think so deeply about people because she usually does not.

It's what Lavanya thanks Khushi for - her friendship with Khushi brought the best out of Lavanya as a person.

And the way Arnav is kind to Lavanya - it just made me think that there could have been something genuine, something nice between them.

Yes, they're not best friends forever, but for an introvert like Arnav, Lavanya could have come around being to one of his closest people in life.

Because if we take Khushi and forever love out of picture, there are slight nuances of humor, or just liking what the other person brings in the picture. I don't take their interactions in Shantivan as a way to measure how their relationship had been because it's clear as day that things between them got progressively worse.

The 'ten minute' thing that Arnav says to Lavanya is very similar in nature to what he tells Anjali about giving 'free hospitality to doctors from abroad' for her treatment.

And by that I mean he's treating Lavanya pretty similarly to how he treats his family. A little sulky at their antics, but ultimately enjoys their company and their space in his life.

If Arnav truly did not have time - he wouldn't be there.

If anything, Arnav is amused that in between all meetings his girlfriend thinks one must celebrate a five month anniversary?

Which is why Lavanya grins because she knows if she asks for five minutes - she's going to get it.

Nothing in the world could compel Arnav to cut cake and celebrate a five month anniversary if he wasn't invested in making Lavanya happy. Which he is. Even if he is sulky about it because he's never been one to have a good temperament.

Hope this answers your question!

Best,

Jalebi <3