Chapter 19
Arnav’s POV
Khushi didn’t tell me the exact reason behind her engagement with Shyam but I am glad she is breaking it off and not proceeding with marriage. That surely relieves me from a massive attack. I have no idea why I am so much interested in ensuring she chooses the right partner but I think she deserves one who can look after her. I know she doesn’t need a man to take care of her, but come on, every woman needs to be loved and Khushi Gupta is no different. She might not need a partner now but she will crave for one soon. What about then? I really want her to get the best. And then what? I ask myself. Will I be happy and celebrating with her and her fiancée like this? Seeing her dancing in another man’s arms? Like the way I am dancing with her now? Am I ready to see that man touching her like the way I am touching her now? Am I willing to see that man kissing her like I yearn to kiss those gorgeous lips of hers at this very moment? Damn!! I freeze at my thoughts. Where the hell is this going?
Khushi stares at me a little disturbed.
“What’s wrong? Your face looks drained of blood right now,” she mocks.
Yea!! My entire body feels sucked off blood.
“Maybe I need a drink. Hold on..”
I leave her and then return gulping another shot. She stares at me in disbelief.
“Aren’t you drinking a lot lately?”
“You mind?”
“I shouldn’t I know but as the CEO of your company I have every right to make sure you are sober when in public and not a threat to the company’s reputation.”
I laugh. She can’t be serious, can she? The music changes into more romantic one and I pull her closer to me. So far, she doesn’t mind.
“So? When are you going to announce Shyam that he is going to be dumped?” I inquire.
She gives me a serious stare.
“Come on.. I am on your side. I won’t reveal this secret to him before you. You can tell me.”
She rolls her eyes and then gazes back at me.
“In Three days.”
“Three effing days?” I frown. “Tell him right now.”
“Stop giving me orders, Junior Raizada. I know what I am doing and when. You need not interfere.”
I grin at her controlling power. It’s like between us, I never have the final say!! It’s always what she wants.. she thinks and she does..
The dance floor gets crowded and one woman pushes Khushi in an attempt to accommodate and as a result, our bodies touch. It’s weird that a simple touch like this can make me so hot and flustered. I see that same reaction on her face. My arms snake around her waist a bit tighter than before to hold her in place. She looks in my eyes as if looking for the reasons why it affects her too. I don’t know what is this feeling that we have between us but its too massive to be ignored. I recall once Mom telling me that I deserve a woman like Khushi in my life and I had rejected that idea immediately but now that she is here in my arms, it doesn’t feel that bad. Is this possible? Khushi breaking her engagement and then hooking with me? I shamelessly decide to ask her that. I think it’s the alcohol effect.
“What are your plans after Shyam is kicked off?”
She swallows as if composing herself back to normal.
“We have two important clients to focus on.”
“I am not talking about business but your personal life. What do you plan to do with it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I was just thinking something.. I mean.. it’s a vague idea in my mind.. not idea..” I stutter. “A thought perhaps.. and I could be insane for even thinking about it.. but..”
“Say it Arnav. Stop wasting my time..”
Fine!! If she says so.
“Do you want to date someone really worth for you after you break up with Shyam?”
Her eyes widen.
“I told you it’s just a thought..”
She calms at the casualness in my tone and then goes into her thinking mode.
“no” she replies. “I don’t want a man and the complexities that come with him..”
I frown.
“What complexities?”
“Ego.. that’s first. Only because I am successful, I don’t want him to think I am superior and then fight with me to demoralize me..”
“What if he is also equally superior to you? I mean.. then he wont fight right?”
She thinks for a few seconds..
“I don’t have time for dating. I am fully occupied at office attending to the business needs. No man would like seeing so less of his woman.”
She has a point. We keep dancing.. the closeness between our bodies still intact.
“What if he is also equally busy like you and doesn’t demand more of your time? Like suppose he is in the same office as yours and can see you every day so doesn’t nag you to go out with him all the time..?”
She gives me a quizzical look.
“Are you asking me to date someone from AR Group?”
“You could..”
“Never” she snaps. “I don’t want to date a man who works in the same office as mine..”
Damn hell! I don’t like it. So this time I twirl her with the music and bring her back in my arms.
“It’s not always what your mind wants, Khushi Gupta. At times, you need to hear what your heart wants too…”
“My heart and mind are always in a sync..”
I haul her to me and the air between us immediately crackles. I know I am invading her personal space completely at this moment. Our faces are inches apart and our eyes are almost squinting to see each other so up-close. I hate that she has answers to all my questions. I hate that she can argue with me like no one else. I hate that she is always on the wining side. How can a woman be so perfect to bend a man like me who has never been defeated before?
“Arnav?” she gasps. It’s a silent warning to loosen my grip from hers and I don’t think I am ready to take her warning seriously.
“What if that man is me?” I ask, openly, without caring the consequences.
She stares at me in disbelief for a whole minute before responding.
“You are drunk.”
“And your reply would be different if I wasn’t drunk?”
She gives me one hard look before pushing me away.
“Good night, Arnav. Go home.”
I watch Khushi stride to the exit..
***********************
Khushi’s POV
I still can’t believe he asked me that. What is wrong with him? How can Arnav even think I will be interested in him? I.. I am not looking for any man, he knows. Then why? Probably it’s just the drink. He had too many shots tonight. He’s had a bad day too and isn’t thinking right. But no matter how many excuses I give myself this thought is not leaving my head. I need to regroup and focus on my present issues. This house I have will be sold in 3 days and I’ll have nowhere to stay. I have to contact Lavanya and tell her everything before she screams down the city that I didn’t tell her my problems so far. I know she is the only one who deserves to know it first. And coming to Arnav Singh Raizada, I hope tomorrow when he is sober and in fresh mood, he forgets what he asked me tonight.
I dial Lavanya after reaching home and give her a heads-up of my break up plans with Shyam and also the real reason why I am selling the house now. As thought, she is mad and comes straight to my apartment at midnight 02:00. I don’t think I could have avoided that from happening. We talk till early hours where I share with her about my father’s debt with Shyam’s family and how I am the only one left to repay them. She feels sorry about this and also relieved that I have found a solution to my problems after all. She offers me to stay with her in her apartment and that we could share rent. Though it is tempting I don’t want to do that. At least not now. I just can’t take help from others, I don’t know why!! So, I tell her I have already arranged for a new accommodation and will shift there once this house is sold. She agrees.
******************
Arnav’s POV
I barge into my father’s cabin the next morning only to see Khushi and him talking. We have a meeting between the three of us to discuss one of the project reports. The moment my eyes land on Khushi’s, she looks away. God!! I was so stupid to voice out that thing last night. How could I twist things between us? Already me and Khushi are like walking on the rope in terms of our so-called bonding. She never opens up to me anything and hardly allows me to do anything for her. How could I mess that up? From now I know she will run away farer from me only because now every time she will think I am pursuing her.
“Arnav? Are you planning to stand by the door the whole time?”
Dad’s voice breaks my trance.
“No.. I.. .I am sorry..”
I get inside and take the seat next to Khushi, opposite to my father.
“Shall we begin?” Khushi asks Dad, without a delay.
He looks at both of us and frowns.
“Are you two not talking to each other? I thought you both sorted it out last night.."
Shit!! I clear my throat unable to decide on an excuse but Khushi doesn’t have to think much. She is prepared. Always prepared.
“Actually, we had sorted it out but then once again our thoughts clashed on another topic by the end of the night.”
Now it’s my turn to glare at her.
“And you ran away.. instead of answering..”
“I didn’t run away Arnav Singh Raizada. I just avoided a debate..”
“I thought debating is your favorite thing..” I mock.
“I don’t debate on foolish topics..”
“That was a foolish topic for you?”
“You weren’t serious about it, were you?” She cross questions.
“What if I was?”
The room goes quiet again. Sure dad has no idea what we are talking about but more than his reactions, I am curious how Khushi reacts to this today. Last night I was drunk so maybe she ignored me. What about today?
“You have lost your mind” she snaps.
“Or you are losing your mind because this time your heart and mind aint in sync?” I tease her again and that surely shuts her lips.
“Arnav? Khushi? What is this? What are you even arguing for?”
“Nothing” we both say together.
“Let’s begin this meeting, Sir” she pleads to my father who gives her a gentle nod and then frowns at me. Huh! He too thinks I am at fault? Fine.. I raise my arms in defeat and then lean back on the chair as Dad begins..
Lets see how far Khushi Gupta doesnt respond to me. I am not asking her to say YES!! She has every right to deny wanting a man like me in her life. But I need an answer and I need it F***ing now!!
To be Continued.
“Aren’t you drinking a lot lately?”
“You mind?”
“I shouldn’t I know but as the CEO of your company I have every right to make sure you are sober when in public and not a threat to the company’s reputation.”
I laugh. She can’t be serious, can she? The music changes into more romantic one and I pull her closer to me. So far, she doesn’t mind.
“So? When are you going to announce Shyam that he is going to be dumped?” I inquire.
She gives me a serious stare.
“Come on.. I am on your side. I won’t reveal this secret to him before you. You can tell me.”
She rolls her eyes and then gazes back at me.
“In Three days.”
“Three effing days?” I frown. “Tell him right now.”
“Stop giving me orders, Junior Raizada. I know what I am doing and when. You need not interfere.”
I grin at her controlling power. It’s like between us, I never have the final say!! It’s always what she wants.. she thinks and she does..
The dance floor gets crowded and one woman pushes Khushi in an attempt to accommodate and as a result, our bodies touch. It’s weird that a simple touch like this can make me so hot and flustered. I see that same reaction on her face. My arms snake around her waist a bit tighter than before to hold her in place. She looks in my eyes as if looking for the reasons why it affects her too. I don’t know what is this feeling that we have between us but its too massive to be ignored. I recall once Mom telling me that I deserve a woman like Khushi in my life and I had rejected that idea immediately but now that she is here in my arms, it doesn’t feel that bad. Is this possible? Khushi breaking her engagement and then hooking with me? I shamelessly decide to ask her that. I think it’s the alcohol effect.
“What are your plans after Shyam is kicked off?”
She swallows as if composing herself back to normal.
“We have two important clients to focus on.”
“I am not talking about business but your personal life. What do you plan to do with it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I was just thinking something.. I mean.. it’s a vague idea in my mind.. not idea..” I stutter. “A thought perhaps.. and I could be insane for even thinking about it.. but..”
“Say it Arnav. Stop wasting my time..”
Fine!! If she says so.
“Do you want to date someone really worth for you after you break up with Shyam?”
Her eyes widen.
“I told you it’s just a thought..”
She calms at the casualness in my tone and then goes into her thinking mode.
“no” she replies. “I don’t want a man and the complexities that come with him..”
I frown.
“What complexities?”
“Ego.. that’s first. Only because I am successful, I don’t want him to think I am superior and then fight with me to demoralize me..”
“What if he is also equally superior to you? I mean.. then he wont fight right?”
She thinks for a few seconds..
“I don’t have time for dating. I am fully occupied at office attending to the business needs. No man would like seeing so less of his woman.”
She has a point. We keep dancing.. the closeness between our bodies still intact.
“What if he is also equally busy like you and doesn’t demand more of your time? Like suppose he is in the same office as yours and can see you every day so doesn’t nag you to go out with him all the time..?”
She gives me a quizzical look.
“Are you asking me to date someone from AR Group?”
“You could..”
“Never” she snaps. “I don’t want to date a man who works in the same office as mine..”
Damn hell! I don’t like it. So this time I twirl her with the music and bring her back in my arms.
“It’s not always what your mind wants, Khushi Gupta. At times, you need to hear what your heart wants too…”
“My heart and mind are always in a sync..”
I haul her to me and the air between us immediately crackles. I know I am invading her personal space completely at this moment. Our faces are inches apart and our eyes are almost squinting to see each other so up-close. I hate that she has answers to all my questions. I hate that she can argue with me like no one else. I hate that she is always on the wining side. How can a woman be so perfect to bend a man like me who has never been defeated before?
“Arnav?” she gasps. It’s a silent warning to loosen my grip from hers and I don’t think I am ready to take her warning seriously.
“What if that man is me?” I ask, openly, without caring the consequences.
She stares at me in disbelief for a whole minute before responding.
“You are drunk.”
“And your reply would be different if I wasn’t drunk?”
She gives me one hard look before pushing me away.
“Good night, Arnav. Go home.”
I watch Khushi stride to the exit..
***********************
Khushi’s POV
I still can’t believe he asked me that. What is wrong with him? How can Arnav even think I will be interested in him? I.. I am not looking for any man, he knows. Then why? Probably it’s just the drink. He had too many shots tonight. He’s had a bad day too and isn’t thinking right. But no matter how many excuses I give myself this thought is not leaving my head. I need to regroup and focus on my present issues. This house I have will be sold in 3 days and I’ll have nowhere to stay. I have to contact Lavanya and tell her everything before she screams down the city that I didn’t tell her my problems so far. I know she is the only one who deserves to know it first. And coming to Arnav Singh Raizada, I hope tomorrow when he is sober and in fresh mood, he forgets what he asked me tonight.
I dial Lavanya after reaching home and give her a heads-up of my break up plans with Shyam and also the real reason why I am selling the house now. As thought, she is mad and comes straight to my apartment at midnight 02:00. I don’t think I could have avoided that from happening. We talk till early hours where I share with her about my father’s debt with Shyam’s family and how I am the only one left to repay them. She feels sorry about this and also relieved that I have found a solution to my problems after all. She offers me to stay with her in her apartment and that we could share rent. Though it is tempting I don’t want to do that. At least not now. I just can’t take help from others, I don’t know why!! So, I tell her I have already arranged for a new accommodation and will shift there once this house is sold. She agrees.
******************
Arnav’s POV
I barge into my father’s cabin the next morning only to see Khushi and him talking. We have a meeting between the three of us to discuss one of the project reports. The moment my eyes land on Khushi’s, she looks away. God!! I was so stupid to voice out that thing last night. How could I twist things between us? Already me and Khushi are like walking on the rope in terms of our so-called bonding. She never opens up to me anything and hardly allows me to do anything for her. How could I mess that up? From now I know she will run away farer from me only because now every time she will think I am pursuing her.
“Arnav? Are you planning to stand by the door the whole time?”
Dad’s voice breaks my trance.
“No.. I.. .I am sorry..”
I get inside and take the seat next to Khushi, opposite to my father.
“Shall we begin?” Khushi asks Dad, without a delay.
He looks at both of us and frowns.
“Are you two not talking to each other? I thought you both sorted it out last night.."
Shit!! I clear my throat unable to decide on an excuse but Khushi doesn’t have to think much. She is prepared. Always prepared.
“Actually, we had sorted it out but then once again our thoughts clashed on another topic by the end of the night.”
Now it’s my turn to glare at her.
“And you ran away.. instead of answering..”
“I didn’t run away Arnav Singh Raizada. I just avoided a debate..”
“I thought debating is your favorite thing..” I mock.
“I don’t debate on foolish topics..”
“That was a foolish topic for you?”
“You weren’t serious about it, were you?” She cross questions.
“What if I was?”
The room goes quiet again. Sure dad has no idea what we are talking about but more than his reactions, I am curious how Khushi reacts to this today. Last night I was drunk so maybe she ignored me. What about today?
“You have lost your mind” she snaps.
“Or you are losing your mind because this time your heart and mind aint in sync?” I tease her again and that surely shuts her lips.
“Arnav? Khushi? What is this? What are you even arguing for?”
“Nothing” we both say together.
“Let’s begin this meeting, Sir” she pleads to my father who gives her a gentle nod and then frowns at me. Huh! He too thinks I am at fault? Fine.. I raise my arms in defeat and then lean back on the chair as Dad begins..
Lets see how far Khushi Gupta doesnt respond to me. I am not asking her to say YES!! She has every right to deny wanting a man like me in her life. But I need an answer and I need it F***ing now!!
To be Continued.
NOTE: I will post Rise of the Devil tomorrow.
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Standalone Enemies to Lovers Romance Novel
Jhanvi Sikand
I was supposed to marry my childhood friend, Mohit Raichand. Call it fate or destiny, I tied the knot with the Forbidden Heir of the Raichand family – Aarav Raichand, instead. I knew nothing about him except that he used me as a pawn to start a war to snatch from the Raichands what was legally his.
Aarav Raichand
Despite being the firstborn in the Raichand family, they forbade me from the rights and tags I should legally own. My father was secretly married to my mother, his middle-class lady love. Yet my egoistic grandmother got him re-married to another woman from her rich circle. She considers their offspring, Mohit Raichand, as the true heir of the family now. I would have ignored it all had her actions not taken my mother’s life. I pledged on my mother’s grave to crush the ego of my grandmother and snatch what is rightfully mine, including the woman she was getting Mohit married to.
A Fight for dominance altered to War for Love. One war, Three Lives, Only Two could survive.
Read on Amazon Kindle HERE
Amazon.com Users Click HERE
OFFICIAL PAGE OF FORBIDDEN HERE (You can watch all the Videos, trailers, sneak peek and Work in Progress of this book HERE)
Paperbacks COMING SOON
Jhanvi Sikand
I was supposed to marry my childhood friend, Mohit Raichand. Call it fate or destiny, I tied the knot with the Forbidden Heir of the Raichand family – Aarav Raichand, instead. I knew nothing about him except that he used me as a pawn to start a war to snatch from the Raichands what was legally his.
Aarav Raichand
Despite being the firstborn in the Raichand family, they forbade me from the rights and tags I should legally own. My father was secretly married to my mother, his middle-class lady love. Yet my egoistic grandmother got him re-married to another woman from her rich circle. She considers their offspring, Mohit Raichand, as the true heir of the family now. I would have ignored it all had her actions not taken my mother’s life. I pledged on my mother’s grave to crush the ego of my grandmother and snatch what is rightfully mine, including the woman she was getting Mohit married to.
A Fight for dominance altered to War for Love. One war, Three Lives, Only Two could survive.
Read on Amazon Kindle HERE
Amazon.com Users Click HERE
OFFICIAL PAGE OF FORBIDDEN HERE (You can watch all the Videos, trailers, sneak peek and Work in Progress of this book HERE)
Paperbacks COMING SOON
Awesome Update. Arnav was drunk he confessed his true feelings for Khushi while Khushi didn't open up. Khushi should accept his feelings when she too feels something for Arnav. Waiting for Khushi's answer. Thanks for the Update😍😍
ReplyDeleteDil maange morrr, can you plz update one more update ��
ReplyDeletePlease update one more episode of it😍😍
ReplyDeleteArnav likes Khushi so much. He loves her cares for her and want her good only. Arnav is getting passionate as well as possessive about Khushi. Khushi also needs time to understand she is very professional while Arnav is romantic. Hope Shyam don't hurt Khushi after she calls off the engagement. Arshi have sizzling chemistry between them. Arnav should propose Khushi. Arnav wants to date Khushi and is quite eager and is not ready to back off. And he is right Khushi should listen to her heart. Arnav confessed his feelings while Khushi thought it as a drunk confession. Lavanya is a nice friend. Khushi is now ignoring Arnav after he reveals his true feelings. Arshi's fight was cute. Arnav is quite serious hope Khushi realise that. Waiting for Rise of the Devil and sad too that it's ending 😢😢😧
ReplyDeletePlease don't let Khushi reply so soon.�� Thoda tadapne do. Mazza aane do. �� Also let Khushi get out of that mess first and understand her feelings.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you. Let Arnav chase her and eat his word that he said in the first chapter, that he hate women who has characteristics like Khushi 😁.
DeleteKeep Reading This Again And Again.
ReplyDeleteSis You Are AWESOME....
I Can't Get OVER Thizzzz.....
Plzzz If Possible Post The Next One...
From AMMU
I'm loving this.. can't wait to see how Arnav woos Khushi.. also hoping to see Shyam-Arnav face off...
ReplyDeletestill khushi is not easy but I think shyam will hurt arnav
ReplyDeleteTough nut to crack
ReplyDeleteKhushi has so much ego. That’s why she can’t even live with her friend until she finds an apartment. I don’t understand her. I understand why she is not willing to share problems with others. But she considers lavanya as her family. She shares her secrets with her. So why not? Sometimes she has this pride which is not necessary when she is facing all type of problems.
ReplyDeleteArnav is really invading khushis space and forcing her to give an answer. He should give her time to come out of her shell. She had made a barrier around herself so no one can’t hurt her. I guess that’s why she is not opening up to anyone. Nice update sis. Thank you.
My new boss is gettiing interesting day by day...
ReplyDeleteOMG Arnav asked Khushi to will she marry? Khushi taking lightly bcz he is drunk but he is admitted again in the office. And their cute banter in the office is very cute.
ReplyDeleteArnav was very adamant to know the reply, I think Khushi will not refuse or accept anytime soon.
Waiting for the next update dear....
Madhu you know I was watching the trailer for 83 today, and this was like India winning that year when noone expected. This is wow. Madhu tusse great ho!
ReplyDeleteOoooh Arnav drop the bomb directly on Khushi ... Hmmm will ever Khushi thinks about relationship !!! Fabulous update
ReplyDeleteFabulous update.
ReplyDeleteI am grinning ear to ear reading the last line, like I can picture it. Arnav being a grumpy todller demanding his favourite thing right this moment 😁
ReplyDeleteAwesome fabulous update dear
ReplyDeleteKhushi should not give up on a man like arnav every woman needs a man who won't give up on her her even if u tell him to who would share ur problem or who will make ur problem is.
ReplyDelete