Lawful Sins - Season 2 - Part 27

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Chapter 27



“One of us has to be sober tonight”

“A woman with not many defenses around her”

“Everyone has their own demons Khushi. You are not an exception”

“I would just not believe you but also burn the people alive who neglected you so far”

“I don’t do sleepovers”

“You have some serious… desires Miss Gupta”

“We don’t want to repeat what La and NK did. If we hold them wrong, we will be wrong too”

Khushi Gupta tossed on the bed. She was awake from past an hour and slowly the flashback of last night danced before her eyes. One side of her wanted to punish herself for revealing her desperate side to Arnav Singh Raizada but the other side wanted to go back to him and finish what they couldn’t last night. Her body was hyperventilating by imaginations. This had to stop. Her rational side took over. How would she face him after what happened? To be specific.. What didn’t happen.
She missed Bella. She wanted to cuddle her and share what she was going through. Not only because Bella and her bond were getting stronger but also because Bella was his gift to her. The most sensible gift ever. He had read her loneliness so very cleverly and showered her with Bella’s presence in her life. How practical!! And his promise to burn those people who troubled her in the past had given her the confidence she required in trusting him. Trust never came easily in her life. But today she had someone she could trust upon with her flaws… She cuddled the pillow harder. Wish the pillow could be replaced with the man himself. She kissed the pillow shutting her eyes but it didn’t feel like it had last night when she kissed him. She was done with these lifeless resources, now she wanted him. Only HIM!!

******************

An hour later

Now that Khushi Gupta wanted someone so desperately, she had no clue what to do about it. She needed advice and who better than her friend Ruby could offer her that? She dialed Ruby and explained her everything that happened last night.

“Oh Damn” Ruby shouted. “He seems to be a very decent man. A woman was offering him everything and he just… just settled with a kiss?”

Khushi brushed her hair, sitting before the dressing mirror.

“Khushi.. please tell me if you stop liking him some day. I will be more than honored to make him mine”

Khushi gripped the hairbrush.

“Ruby… mind your intentions” she scorned.

“Alright. Though I did mean every word of it, I am not so selfish. Okay, so coming back to the main problem, did he call you or text you this morning?”

Khushi clenched her jaw. That was her complaint. He didn’t show any such courtesy.

“No”

“Maybe he is.. as confused as you are. And these men are very cunning. They want women to run behind them”

“Run behind him? And me?” Khushi asked with sarcasm. “I am never going to do that”

“Oh you will Khushi Darling. Because that’s how it always works. And please get one thing straight. It was you who tried lured him last night so now that he knows you want him, don’t act like a dumbass. Just talk to him directly”

“Talk? What will I talk about?”

“The kiss!!” Ruby rolled her eyes.

“Never. I am not going to talk about that to him again”

“Baby unless you be vocal with your feelings, a man like Arnav Singh Raizada would never reciprocate”

Ruby was right. Arnav was a thorough gentleman. He would never cross lines with her unless she clarifies her feelings for him. Speaking to Ruby for some more minutes, she made up her mind.


*****************

Arnav Singh Raizada signed the deal. It was one of the most profitable contracts for AR Group this year.

“Look forward to work with you Mr. Toshi” he shook hands with the Client.

“Same here, Mr. Raizada. Please join us for drinks tonight. It will be our pleasure”

“I will”

Exchanging few more pleasantries, Arnav made his way back to the car. He had to return to the Hotel and attend few conference calls with his team back in India. He was totally busy today and tomorrow but it was the only kick he needed to brush off the thoughts of Khushi Gupta. Last night their vulnerability made them take a step in a dark zone which he so wanted to explore but he wouldn’t. Khushi Gupta was a fire and he would never let her get close to him. She had that power to burn him down. But walking out of her bedroom today morning invoked some guilt in his heart. A message or call would have sorted the coldness between them but he didn’t. He was still preparing himself to face her again.

As soon as he got down the car and strode to the lobby, Mrs. Pinto blocked his way.

“Mr. Raizada, Ma’am wants to see you. She is in the Open cafeteria”

Arnav swallowed the uneasiness and shook her head. He wouldn’t avoid her anymore. He strolled to the Open cafeteria and scanned the place to find a woman in business attire like she always wore but the moment he met her eyes, his defenses sank. She was standing by the pool in a light pink Anarkali dress. They stared at each other for long moment. Last night’s memories flashed before their eyes, blackening everything else around them. Why did she dress traditional? Was it for him? And her hair.. she had let them loose. Her lips had the same gloss it had last night. His body perked up realizing he knew how her lip-gloss tasted. Dammit!! This was insanely wrong how his own body betrayed his resolve of not repeating last night. He took lazy steps towards her, slowly taking in every inch of her face and by the time he had reached her, he was fully dazed.

“Running away from me?” she casually asked.

Arnav came out of his stance and let out a brief chuckle.

“I would never” he tactfully answered. “Had an important meet this morning”

Khushi never felt weak or anxious like she was now.

“What’s your plans for the rest of the day?” she desperately needed to know so that they could hang out together.

“Blocked till midnight” he curtly replied. He wasn’t lying.

“Tomorrow then?”

“few more meets lined up, I…” he shook his head in dismissal.

“Are you avoiding me Mr. Raizada?” she snapped.

Arnav stared at his reflection in the pool and with a heavy heart turned back to reply.

“I am avoiding things that could repeat last night” he uttered.

Khushi clutched her phone. Why? Why was he backing off? Their attraction for each other was visible from miles away. How could he not acknowledge that even now?

“Khushi..” he came closer. “Last night we.. we were drunk and… I do realize it wasn’t the right way to…”

She placed her arm between them to stop him. Her eyes spit fire as she met his repentant gaze.

“Which part of last night are you sorry for?” she shouted. “handling a vulnerable woman? Supporting a scared woman or kissing the wrong woman? Which of this do you regret Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada?”

Arnav was confused. Why was she dragging this in unwanted zone?

“Or you regret them all?”

Astonishment widened his eyes.

“You are not understanding..” he tried to explain but the moment he touched her forearms, she pushed him hard on the chest.

“Back off.. just… back off”

Her heart thudded like it would stop beating any second due to malfunction. Rejection!! He had brutally rejected her and she wasn’t prepared for it.

“Khushi.. listen to me.”

She denied to listen. He had said enough and she would believe him. Because he was in his full senses right now unlike last night. Whatever promises he made her to burn down the people who hurt her was all a lie then. He didn’t mean any of it. She ran back to the elevator. Arnav was disheartened for this fragile soul but not enough to change his mind. They had no future together. He never would give false hopes to a woman and spoil her life. But he didn’t intend to end things like this. She didn’t even listen what he wanted to convey.

Khushi got back to her room and without wasting time tore the idiotic dress she was wearing for him. He didn’t deserve her. He didn’t deserve her!! She pulled the earrings out, almost bruising her earlobes. She rubbed the gloss from her lips and scrubbed her face with the tissue to wipe off the glow from her face. She hated to see her own self in the mirror. What had she become in just one night? She had practically taken a 180 degree turn in her attire for whom? A man who regretted being with her last night? Nope!! He was not worth it then. And she wasn’t so miserable either to cry or hurt herself for him. He wanted her to understand they weren’t meant to be together. Fine!! She understands it from hereon.

*****************

Arnav strode in his room and paced until his legs ached. He didn’t mean to hurt her yet he did. He wanted to make her realize that it might never work. He genuinely wanted to support her but if she was expecting him to give her the place of a life partner, she was wrong. They were hard opposites. He had seen enough in his life, paid enough for his mistakes and lived in guilt for long. He had to overcome his own demons and make peace with himself and his family. He wouldn’t complicate his life by involving another hurt soul in his heart. He would give her all the support she needed because she was still a family now. But anything higher than that was a strict NO!!

*****************

The evening drinks with the Clients went well but Arnav had to focus hard to stop his mind thinking about Khushi Gupta. She was like a drug he badly needed and wanted to stay away too. He faked to enjoy himself and the Business company he had around and finally head back to the Hotel. Shyam Jha called on his mobile a while later to remind him of the conference calls he had that night but Arnav was not in a mood to focus on any of them. He asked Shyam to reschedule them for the next day and made his way to the lobby. Arnav had tried to reach Khushi’s number to explain her why he was denying their togetherness but her number was switched off. He was afraid what she might do to herself because of his rejection hence hurried to the reception desk to dial the Intercom in Khushi’s room.

“Sorry Sir but Miss Gupta has already checked out this evening” the manager informed.

Checked out? Where did she go? Other hotel or. .back to India? He couldn’t wait to know. He rushed back to his room and dialed Nani. He talked to her casually for some time and in few minutes asked her if she had any clue if Khushi was returning back to India.

“Back to India? But she was in Singapore with you, wasn’t she?” Nani queried.

“Yes she was but.. she left this evening without letting me know”

“Left? You mean she left the hotel or is she travelling back home?”

“Nani” Arnav sighed. “That’s exactly I am asking you to find out. Can you check with Nandakishore if he has any idea about this? I .. I am worried for her.. that’s all.”

Nani sensed his fears. He genuinely cared for Khushi.

“I will check and let you know”

“Please do. Will call you later. Good night”

He hung up and lied down on his bed. Did he rush to reject her? Should he have dealt this in a different manner? Everything was so messed up right now. How was he suppose to sort it? Just when he thought he and Khushi will pretend to be happy in order to smoothen Lavanya and NK’s marriage, this happened. Now only God knew how he would sort the entire mess?

Late night, Nani messaged Arnav. It was already early morning in Singapore by then and Arnav had just woken up.

“She is back home. Resting for now. Should I convey her to call you?”

Arnav took a sigh of relief. At least she was home. There were people around to look after her. He typed back.

“Please give her a good company. I have made her upset which is why she left. Will sort it out once I am back”

Nani was confused. Arnav always worked for keeping his family happy and if Khushi was really his girlfriend now, he would never hurt her intentionally. Then what happened between the two in Singapore? Though her mind juggled for answers, she decided to hold them for now and focus on Arnav’s instructions. She will look after Khushi until he is back.


*******************

“I hate you… Just go away.. Shooo” Khushi scowled at Bella who innocently blinked her eyes at the woman. Last night she had made Bella sleep in the servant quarters because she was so pissed off by anything that reminded her of Arnav Singh Raizada. She didn’t want the puppy to face her wrath. But today morning Bella was curtly back in the room, probably through the window and had cuddled to her feet.

When Bella showed no signs of leaving, Khushi shut her eyes to calm down. Why was she hurting the poor animal? Bella wasn’t to be blamed. Unlike everyone else, Bella was the only one who sincerely wanted to support her. She gently pulled Bella in her arms and embraced her. The puppy rubbed her little head on Khushi’s chest and snuggled closer. She kissed Bella’s head and stroked her body. The rest of her morning passed by hugging Bella. It was only at 1:00 pm when the door knocked. Khushi had specifically informed the servants not to disturb her. She didn’t want to face anyone.. not even Nandakishore. But the constant door knocks annoyed her and she decided to give an earful to the person responsible for it. The moment she opened the door and was about to shout, she paused.

“Khushi bitiya, are you not well?” Nani asked with concern. “You didn’t even come for breakfast”

Khushi swallowed her anger and decided to shrug off this overconcern from the old woman.

“I was busy working” she lied.

Nani didn’t believe her.

“You seem tired and if you have to work, do it with your stomach full. I have asked Maria to serve your breakfast in the room”

Khushi frowned. Who did the Raizadas think they are to control her life? She will eat when she wants to eat, sleep until she wants to sleep.

“Let me remind you Naniji this is my house. I will let my servants know if I am hungry. I don’t need anybody’s interference”

Nani would have taken her words seriously but she knew the woman had a bad time in Singapore and this was just the aftereffect. So Nani ignored her orders.

“This might be your house and you rule this place but being the eldest one here, I cannot see my grandchildren starving”

Grandchild? Did she include her as her grandchild? Maria pushed the food trolley towards the door which Nani took from her.

“Thanks Maria, I will ensure she eats”

Maria was stunned but slipped away nodding.

Nani pushed the wheels of the trolley and stepped in Khushi’s bedroom. The room looked messed.

“What happened here?” Nani shouted in shock scanning the chamber.

“I command you to leave my room” Khushi snapped.

Nani was too determined not to obey her.

“You start eating, while I will neaten your room. You broke this vase?” she asked looking at the broken flower vase at the corner of the room.

Khushi’s blood boiled seeing the old woman disobeying her.

“Don’t make me shout. Just leave me alone” Khushi clenched her teeth.

Nani started collecting the broken pieces of the vase.

“These could hurt you Khushi bitiya. You should be careful”

Khushi strode to her and in no time snatched the pieces of the broken vase from Nani’s hands. She didn’t want to make this old woman work in her room. Plus, not when she wanted some space from everyone. Especially, from the Raizada family. The moment she snatched the broken pieces, one of them pricked her palm. Khushi winced in pain throwing it away.

“Khushi bitiya.. you are hurt. Show me” Nani forced her to open the palm and then dragged her to the washroom. Tears brimmed in Khushi’s eyes as the pain was intense but Nani’s gentleness in cleaning the wound made her forget all the anger bubbling inside her. Why was this old lady so good? So caring and so.. giving types? She never discriminated between her own grandchildren and NK and Khushi. She almost loved them equally these days.

“You should stop hurting yourself” Nani warned taking her back in the room. “If Chotte gets to know I didn’t look after you, he will be angry on me”

“He doesn’t care” she mumbled holding her tears from slipping down her eyes.

Nani passed a weak smile.

“He cares more than you know. You came back without informing him. He was so worried”

Was he, now? She looked away ignoring that thought. She didn’t want any third person knowing what happened between them in Singapore. Nani bandaged her palm and then served some meals in the plate. She broke a piece of aloo paratha, dipped it in curd and held it towards Khushi’s lips. It was a gesture no one had ever done for her. Khushi watched the old woman, startled.

“Eat bitiya”

Khushi opened her mouth and allowed Nani to feed her. Bella immediately hopped back on Khushi’s lap and snuggled closer. For the first time, Khushi felt she had a company despite being alone. She had Bella and this motherly figure who was feeding her meals right now.


To be Continued.


NEXT PART

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Kajal never imagined in her dreams that her cousin’s fiancee, the shrewd Arjun Raheja would marry her on a gunpoint and her life would take a 360-degree turn. Will she ever find the reasons behind it? His known motive turns out to be the most bitter event of her life. And only when she decides to part ways from their already broken ties, the heartbreaking truth of his unconditional love for a 5-year old baby surfaces. Who is this baby? What connection does she have with Arjun? Will Kajal ever find out the other side of the man she hates? Where will this Imposed Knot lead them to?

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