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Chapter 26
Khushi’s POV
I take another swig of my wine before putting my hands over the table.
“Plus.. This is no secret that no man can bear my tantrums for long..”
“Try me..” Arnav leans over the table like me, with his fingers gently grazing mine, flaming my heart and those two words creating a swirl of warmth in the pit of my stomach.
It’s true that no man has captivated me like Arnav Singh Raizada has. It really surprises me how he’s the only one who has managed to bring out the womanly feelings inside me which I never thought would ever erupt and beg for some attention. I might spend the whole day thinking about work but he definitely haunts my nights. He’s someone I think about every morning when I wake up and the last person in my mind when I try to sleep at night. But he is my Boss’s son and God knows he is also going to be my boss someday. We have our differences and it’s not just in terms of money or class but our personalities.
“Say something,” he urges stroking my fingers gently to bring me out of my daze.
“I don’t think that’s … that’s the wise thing to do..”
I sip some more wine and get up. The best thing I can do to avoid this conversation is to bring in more food from the buffet counter. That will also give me some time to think. I march to the counter and serve myself some green salad.
“Why do you think it is not wise thing to do?” Arnav asks, approaching me.
I keep serving myself.
“I have just come out of a relationship, don’t want to end up into another one so soon.”
I turn around and head back to the table. He follows with his plate filled with starters. I hope he doesn't extend this conversation but I am not so lucky.
“Whatever you had with Shyam Jha wasn’t even a relationship, Khushi. Think about it. You ignored him all long. Even his presence irked you and if I remember correctly, you hardly even talked to him like his fiancé. That wasn’t a relationship. You were never into a proper relationship with him.”
“Even then I am not interested in whatever you are asking from me..” I snap. “Now can we please change the subject?”
He frowns, and I see a glimpse of hurt on his face too which he cleverly tries hiding.
“Answer me why you don’t want to try and I’ll end this conversation forever.” I demand. “Don’t give me lame excuses Khushi Gupta. They don’t suit you.”
Now he is challenging me which really gets on my nerves so I speak my heart out. That’s the only way I can shut him up.
“You want a reason? Fine. Then listen. We both come with a lot of baggage with us Arnav and that’s not good for any relationship. I don’t have that strength to tackle your pain nor I believe any man is that capable to handle mine.”
Arnav hasn’t dropped his heated gaze from me.
“Baggage?” he scoffs. “Can you please explain what baggage you think I come up with?”
He wants me explain? I’ll then.
“You told me in Abu Dhabi that you don’t think you are made for permanent relationships because somewhere you never got to see one after your parent’s divorce. You are not confident that you can marry and give your wife a happily-ever-after. Remember that Arnav?”
As if he recalls that too, he looks away.
“When you can’t trust yourself with it, how can you expect me to trust you?”
Arnav is again quiet. I hope he gets it now.
“And coming to my baggage,” I pause to exhale. “Trust me you wouldn’t want a wife who can’t even sleep well because every night she is haunted by that accident which took place six years ago in her life.”
Tears cloud my vision as I continue.
“Transparency is the key to every relationship, Arnav and I can never be brave enough to open up about a few chapters of my past which haunts me even today and I can’t guarantee a normal future with whatever personality changes that one accident has got in my life.”
Arnav finally has his eyes on me again.
“We need partners who are less tormented than we are Arnav. We are not compatible in any terms. So why complicate our lives than it already is? Let’s just be what we are at the present. Me the CEO of your company and you my Boss’s son learning the business from me and your father.”
I look down at my plate and continue eating. I have suddenly lost my appetite and probably so has Arnav. He stills eats some food without putting another argument. I am glad he gave up debating because I didn’t have any excuse beyond this. We finish the dinner in silence and then head back to the car. One thing is sure, Arnav may be silent but he is thinking something and that worries me. Though I am the one responsible for it, this sudden distance between us pricks my heart.
“What a surprise…”
We both hear this familiar voice from behind us at the hotel lobby and before I turn around, Arnav is visibly close to me, shielding me from Shyam who happens to approach us from the other corner.
What is Shyam doing here? I flinch when he grins like everything is normal.
“Never expected my fiancée to have a date night with her Boss’s son.” Shyam tries to provoke us.
“Don’t even think of stepping near her.” Arnav stands between us, growling at him.
“I don’t need your permission to meet my fiancé” Shyam argues.
Both men have no regards to the decorum of this place. I won’t be surprised if they even start a physical fight. Especially Arnav, he is that pissed.
“Khushi is no longer your fiancée,” Arnav reminds Shyam. “In case you didn’t get the update, check with your father. She has settled the debt and she is free of this relationship imposed on her.”
“Only settling the debt doesn't break off our engagement. Her father had promised her hand in marriage to me before my family and hers. She belongs to me. She always will.”
That’s it. Arnav loses his cool and clutches Shyam’s collar.
“One more time you call her as yours, and I will dig your grave then and there, Shyam Jha. Men like you and your father only know to manipulate people. Try this act on someone else not Khushi because to reach her, you would have to cross me first.”
I grab Arnav’s hand.
“Arnav, leave him. Lets go.” I spat.
Obviously he doesn't obey my words. Shyam’s wicked smirk tells me he is not going to take this lightly either.
“Only hiding her in your home can’t stop me from reaching her. And you don’t know whom you are dealing with. Let me warn you, Arnav, stay out of this..”
“I know whom I am dealing with..” Arnav groans. “Two cowards who are targeting a woman for their egos and selfish motives.”
Shyam gets agitated and tries to punch Arnav but he defends himself and punches him harder on his nose. Shyam’s nose bleeds and I literally drag Arnav from hurting him more. Three guards surround us the next minute which I suppose are on Arnav’s payroll because they immediately escort us out till the car. Where these guards following us all the time? Has Arnav hired them to keep me safe? When did he do that?
Arnav pushes me in the backseat of the car first and then joins me in a second. The door shuts and Mohan drives us back to AR mansion. What the hell happened?
******************
Arnav’s POV
My blood is still boiling as we enter the mansion. How dare Shyam claim Khushi to be his? The mere thought of him trying to get back to Khushi is enough to enrage me.
“What the hell was that?” Khushi roars as soon as we enter the living room. “You can’t punch him, Arnav. He is a politician’s son. He has influence in this city and he can sue you if he wants for this silly action.”
“Then let him sue me,” I groan. “Do you think I care?”
She clenches her jaw striding to me.
“What you did out there is childishness and I want you to refrain from doing so next time. This is my fight. I know what I have to do and how to tackle him. I am not stopping you from helping me, Arnav but if you do such foolishness again, I am snatching that right from you even..”
“As if I am going to let you do that” I scoff grabbing her arms and pulling her to me. She doesn't fight back as I draw her to my body. “Today I punched his face, tomorrow I’ll break every bone of his body if he puts his eye on you.”
Her mouth hangs open at my threat but she has nothing to debate over. She is still contemplating what to reply when I leave her arms and cup her face instead.
“I might not know much about relationships but I know one thing for sure. Feelings drive every bond and I have that enough to keep us survived together if you give us a chance. And you will, Khushi Gupta. Maybe not now but some day. You and I will take that risk and see where this leads us. I am sure about that and no matter how many Shyam Jhas come in our way, I am going to show them their right place and that is nowhere near to you. I promise.”
She stares at me with an untamed emotion, the one she can’t hide from me no matter how much she tries. My gaze lowers on her quivering lips. God knows I want to claim them but for now, all I do is stroke them with my thumb. She lets me do that and only when she shuts her eyes, giving into this feeling, I leave her. Khushi opens her eyes in panic, pain and anger but all I do is walk away from her. It is not me giving her any mixed signals. Its her doing that to me and I am going to change that. Soon!!
To be Continued.
“I don’t think that’s … that’s the wise thing to do..”
I sip some more wine and get up. The best thing I can do to avoid this conversation is to bring in more food from the buffet counter. That will also give me some time to think. I march to the counter and serve myself some green salad.
“Why do you think it is not wise thing to do?” Arnav asks, approaching me.
I keep serving myself.
“I have just come out of a relationship, don’t want to end up into another one so soon.”
I turn around and head back to the table. He follows with his plate filled with starters. I hope he doesn't extend this conversation but I am not so lucky.
“Whatever you had with Shyam Jha wasn’t even a relationship, Khushi. Think about it. You ignored him all long. Even his presence irked you and if I remember correctly, you hardly even talked to him like his fiancé. That wasn’t a relationship. You were never into a proper relationship with him.”
“Even then I am not interested in whatever you are asking from me..” I snap. “Now can we please change the subject?”
He frowns, and I see a glimpse of hurt on his face too which he cleverly tries hiding.
“Answer me why you don’t want to try and I’ll end this conversation forever.” I demand. “Don’t give me lame excuses Khushi Gupta. They don’t suit you.”
Now he is challenging me which really gets on my nerves so I speak my heart out. That’s the only way I can shut him up.
“You want a reason? Fine. Then listen. We both come with a lot of baggage with us Arnav and that’s not good for any relationship. I don’t have that strength to tackle your pain nor I believe any man is that capable to handle mine.”
Arnav hasn’t dropped his heated gaze from me.
“Baggage?” he scoffs. “Can you please explain what baggage you think I come up with?”
He wants me explain? I’ll then.
“You told me in Abu Dhabi that you don’t think you are made for permanent relationships because somewhere you never got to see one after your parent’s divorce. You are not confident that you can marry and give your wife a happily-ever-after. Remember that Arnav?”
As if he recalls that too, he looks away.
“When you can’t trust yourself with it, how can you expect me to trust you?”
Arnav is again quiet. I hope he gets it now.
“And coming to my baggage,” I pause to exhale. “Trust me you wouldn’t want a wife who can’t even sleep well because every night she is haunted by that accident which took place six years ago in her life.”
Tears cloud my vision as I continue.
“Transparency is the key to every relationship, Arnav and I can never be brave enough to open up about a few chapters of my past which haunts me even today and I can’t guarantee a normal future with whatever personality changes that one accident has got in my life.”
Arnav finally has his eyes on me again.
“We need partners who are less tormented than we are Arnav. We are not compatible in any terms. So why complicate our lives than it already is? Let’s just be what we are at the present. Me the CEO of your company and you my Boss’s son learning the business from me and your father.”
I look down at my plate and continue eating. I have suddenly lost my appetite and probably so has Arnav. He stills eats some food without putting another argument. I am glad he gave up debating because I didn’t have any excuse beyond this. We finish the dinner in silence and then head back to the car. One thing is sure, Arnav may be silent but he is thinking something and that worries me. Though I am the one responsible for it, this sudden distance between us pricks my heart.
“What a surprise…”
We both hear this familiar voice from behind us at the hotel lobby and before I turn around, Arnav is visibly close to me, shielding me from Shyam who happens to approach us from the other corner.
What is Shyam doing here? I flinch when he grins like everything is normal.
“Never expected my fiancée to have a date night with her Boss’s son.” Shyam tries to provoke us.
“Don’t even think of stepping near her.” Arnav stands between us, growling at him.
“I don’t need your permission to meet my fiancé” Shyam argues.
Both men have no regards to the decorum of this place. I won’t be surprised if they even start a physical fight. Especially Arnav, he is that pissed.
“Khushi is no longer your fiancée,” Arnav reminds Shyam. “In case you didn’t get the update, check with your father. She has settled the debt and she is free of this relationship imposed on her.”
“Only settling the debt doesn't break off our engagement. Her father had promised her hand in marriage to me before my family and hers. She belongs to me. She always will.”
That’s it. Arnav loses his cool and clutches Shyam’s collar.
“One more time you call her as yours, and I will dig your grave then and there, Shyam Jha. Men like you and your father only know to manipulate people. Try this act on someone else not Khushi because to reach her, you would have to cross me first.”
I grab Arnav’s hand.
“Arnav, leave him. Lets go.” I spat.
Obviously he doesn't obey my words. Shyam’s wicked smirk tells me he is not going to take this lightly either.
“Only hiding her in your home can’t stop me from reaching her. And you don’t know whom you are dealing with. Let me warn you, Arnav, stay out of this..”
“I know whom I am dealing with..” Arnav groans. “Two cowards who are targeting a woman for their egos and selfish motives.”
Shyam gets agitated and tries to punch Arnav but he defends himself and punches him harder on his nose. Shyam’s nose bleeds and I literally drag Arnav from hurting him more. Three guards surround us the next minute which I suppose are on Arnav’s payroll because they immediately escort us out till the car. Where these guards following us all the time? Has Arnav hired them to keep me safe? When did he do that?
Arnav pushes me in the backseat of the car first and then joins me in a second. The door shuts and Mohan drives us back to AR mansion. What the hell happened?
******************
Arnav’s POV
My blood is still boiling as we enter the mansion. How dare Shyam claim Khushi to be his? The mere thought of him trying to get back to Khushi is enough to enrage me.
“What the hell was that?” Khushi roars as soon as we enter the living room. “You can’t punch him, Arnav. He is a politician’s son. He has influence in this city and he can sue you if he wants for this silly action.”
“Then let him sue me,” I groan. “Do you think I care?”
She clenches her jaw striding to me.
“What you did out there is childishness and I want you to refrain from doing so next time. This is my fight. I know what I have to do and how to tackle him. I am not stopping you from helping me, Arnav but if you do such foolishness again, I am snatching that right from you even..”
“As if I am going to let you do that” I scoff grabbing her arms and pulling her to me. She doesn't fight back as I draw her to my body. “Today I punched his face, tomorrow I’ll break every bone of his body if he puts his eye on you.”
Her mouth hangs open at my threat but she has nothing to debate over. She is still contemplating what to reply when I leave her arms and cup her face instead.
“I might not know much about relationships but I know one thing for sure. Feelings drive every bond and I have that enough to keep us survived together if you give us a chance. And you will, Khushi Gupta. Maybe not now but some day. You and I will take that risk and see where this leads us. I am sure about that and no matter how many Shyam Jhas come in our way, I am going to show them their right place and that is nowhere near to you. I promise.”
She stares at me with an untamed emotion, the one she can’t hide from me no matter how much she tries. My gaze lowers on her quivering lips. God knows I want to claim them but for now, all I do is stroke them with my thumb. She lets me do that and only when she shuts her eyes, giving into this feeling, I leave her. Khushi opens her eyes in panic, pain and anger but all I do is walk away from her. It is not me giving her any mixed signals. Its her doing that to me and I am going to change that. Soon!!
To be Continued.
_______________________________________________________________
STOLE MY HEART - eBOOK RELEASED
SHE STOLE MY HEART (RELEASED ON AMAZON KINDLE)
ebook Link HERE
Official Page of She Stole My Heart (All Video Trailers / Reels / Sneak Peeks / Work in Progress) HERE
A Standalone Office Romance by Madhuri Tamse.
BLURB
How does it feel when the most charming man in the city chooses you for a dance, ignoring every other gorgeous face around? Splendid, isn't it? And what if that man is also your Boss who has never shown a bit of interest in you so far? Bizarre!! But that's how Ritwik Bajaj, the most eligible bachelor in the Fashion industry, also known for his playboy nature, swooned me. It was not just a ball night to remember but the most nerve-tickling three weeks of my life after, where he fulfilled all my romantic fantasies, which I wondered a man like him will ever shower upon me.
But Why? My mind kept asking me that a million times, whilst my heart coerced me to go with the flow.
"They say charming a woman was my art, though none ever stayed in my life cart. But with flowers and wines... gifts and dines, She Stole My Heart ~ Ritwik Bajaj."
Shyam backoff otherwise arnav will not leave you alive
ReplyDeleteWow.. I'm just loving this Arnav.. even though Khushi is giving him a hard time he isn't leaving her side nor changing his mind to woo her.. hope he continues his efforts and Khushi gives in soon..
ReplyDeleteWhat happened in that accident? Did Khushi lose her parents in that accident? Please reveal soon.. hope Khushi shares her past with Arnav soon..
ReplyDeleteAwesome Update. Khushi has trust issues and has been carrying the baggage of her past. Pain can be lessened only by sharing. Arnav loves Khushi and love his possessive and passionate side. Khushi will realize her feelings soon and Arnav will make her fall in love. Thanks for the Update😍😍
ReplyDeleteArnav's emotions are wow. Sometimes restrained sometimes out i nt he open as a son and a friend and a lover. This is so awesome. I would say who needs fireworks when we have your words to start the new year. Lage raho Madhu.
ReplyDeleteHehhehe thanks Fiddy ☺️☺️☺️
DeleteKhushi is affected by Arnav and has feelings for him though both are contrast personality both make a good pair. Khushi has trust issue and is not ready to let go of the past. What happened in that accident that still haunts Khushi. Khushi needs to share her pain. Creepy Shyam got a punch from Shyam. He deserves that. Arnav is so possesive about Khushi. Hope Khushi reveals something about her past and what's bothering her. Arnav will help her to overcome it with his maturity and sincerity. Please give one more part of this story .😍😍
ReplyDeleteExcellent!!!! How intense feelings and dialogues.... Totally Fida!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely update
ReplyDeleteWOW the way Arnav shows his possessiveness towards Khushi 😍👏
ReplyDeleteKhushi will mellow down soon. Awesome update
Khushi is having feelings for arnav and is affected by arnav closeness but scared because of her past and nightmares. Glad arnav changed his view about love and marriage and ready to got into relationship and very sure he and Khushi can lead their marriage successful.
ReplyDeleteArnav very possessive for khushi, arnav punch sham, he will plan something for arshi to take revenge. Hopefully, both will be safe and fail Shyam.
Waiting for the next update dear...
Now that was a heavy dose of emotions and dialogues amazing update arnavs reactions were wow
ReplyDeleteNice update!
ReplyDeleteWowww... It's awesome the way Arnav also support Khushi and his possessiveness towards Khushi is mind blowing hope Khushi also realise her feelings soon and give Arnav a chance.
ReplyDeleteWonderful awesome update dear
ReplyDeleteArnav's feelings for Khushi are getting intense & deep... Khushi can't save herself for long from being driven away... He will soon swipe her off her feet & all she would b able to do is open up to him with all her past secrets she thinks she won't share with him ever.. He would make that possible soon... Very soon ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, Madhu
Love
Kavita Wadnerkar ❤️
Awesome written
ReplyDeleteWhy do I feel that there will be big U turn in the next update ☺️
ReplyDeleteAwesome update.
ReplyDeleteLoved all the updates from 22nd till 26th just read all.
ReplyDeleteLoved the way arnav is vocalising his feelings..
Khushi can feel the same but she doesn't want to think about it..
Eagerly looking forward
It takes a lot to understand what khushi really whats.i think 🤔 ahe her self is confused 😕.
ReplyDelete