Chapter 44
Khushi’s POV
I am here to meet the man behind all this ploy with the Ghosh! Aatish said he would be joining later as he had some urgent meetings lined up so I am the only one who would meet the third partner of this deal between the Ghosh and the AR Group. I wonder who he is. This meeting has been arranged in a hotel and I am told the man I am here to meet is in conference room number 3. I feel a bit weird. Could this be a trap? I don’t know but to make the Ghosh believe I am on their side meeting their third partner is must. I knock at the door and an unknown voice greets me asking me to enter in. As soon as I step inside the conference room, I see a bald man in suit getting up to shake hands with me.
“Hello, I am Mr. Naveen Das,”
“Hello, Khushi Gupta” I introduce.
“Of course, I know you Miss Gupta. So you are the second partner in this deal? I mean, Aatish has paid you 30% of the profits to bag this AR Group’s deal for the Ghosh?”
“Yes,” I nod.
I can feel it. Someone else is present in this room. I scan around and realize the center chair of this 20-seater oval table is turned around and someone is sitting there, smoking. Who is he?
“So, you Mr. Das, are the third partner?” I query and he gives me a wicked smile.
“On papers, yes. But actually, I’m just following orders.”
“Orders of whom?” I glare and then stare back at that same chair as I know he is the person Mr. Das is talking about.
“Me,” comes the reply from the man himself and then he turns around looking straight in my eyes. “Arnav Singh Raizada.”
Seeing Arnav there, I feel like the ground just opened up to swallow me as a whole. What the hell is happening here? And wait, Arnav is as shocked as I am to see him here. Will he think I ditched him and his company for some share of money? Hell no!!
My heart stops beating as his gaze burns my skin.
“Is this … some kind of joke?” I ask, whereas he is still the same. Quiet, calculative and attentive to my gestures. “What are you doing here, Arnav??” I probe and the very same minute, the doors of the conference room opens and Aatish Ghosh enters inside.
I stare at him but he doesn't look surprised that Arnav is here with me. In fact, it looks like he was here to warn me about the same.
“ASR,” Aatish greets him with a warm smile which obviously Arnav doesn't return. “Such shocking turn of events, huh?” he grins. “Dad just told me that you are working with us on this project. Now that’s very .. shocking… isn’t it? I mean, why would you deceive your own company?”
Deceive? That’s quite a big word. I hope Arnav is not doing that. If he is, I don’t think I can ever trust him again. I keep my negative thoughts to myself knowing well enough that Arnav too might be thinking the same about me. If he is with the Ghosh Group then so am I at the moment. We are both cheating his father’s company.
I wait for Arnav to say something and put an end to my queries. He takes another puff of the lighted cigar and then puts it off on the ash tray. He smokes? That’s really new to me. It’s like the Arnav I knew so far, he is not the same at all. This man is someone else. He is not the man who touches my body with so much love and warmth every day, he is not who cares about me and his parents so much, he is not someone who could be trusted. He is someone else. I am so annoyed at him that if I get a chance, I wouldn’t mind even smacking his face and asking him to tell me what is happening here? Whose side is he and why?
“I am not deceiving my father’s company, Aatish” Arnav finally speaks, getting up from his chair. He straightens his suit jacket before turning to me. “I’m just making way to snatch what is rightfully mine.”
Snatch what is rightfully his? What is he talking about?
“I beg your pardon, ASR, but I didn’t get you.” Aatish seems genuinely confused like I am at the moment.
Arnav strides to me, taking his own leisure time. None of us are interested to break our eye lock. I want him to look in my eyes when he tells me whatever he is doing this for.
“It’s simple. I am here to take the current CEO of the company down so that I take her place which is rightfully mine,”
My eyes widen in shock. Really? He wants me to step down from the position so that he takes the controls of the company in his hands?
“Woah!!” Aatish grins. “But, aren’t you dating the present CEO? I mean, why would you do that to her?”
“Power, Aatish. It’s a wicked thing. Anyone who is addicted to power can never let anyone else rule them.”
He turns to me again. “And I don’t like to be ruled. I want to make my own decisions for the company that my father owns.”
I clench my jaw.
“I needed a deal which could prove I am worthier to lead it than the present CEO. So, when your father Aatish, proposed me with this deal, I was more than happy to join hands with Ghosh Group, so that we could create such circumstances where Khushi would not be able to handle it and I would come into the picture and sort the issue.”
He stares in my eyes again.
“Where I be the hero,” Arnav mutters. “To show Dad that I am the one he has to trust upon henceforth to make things work. That’s the reason why I was so eager that Dad and Khushi agrees to sign this deal but Khushi was skeptical. I tried to convince her but she didn’t. And then suddenly one day, Khushi agreed. Now I know why..” he passes me a cheesy grin. “For some more bucks… for some extra income..”
He is not trusting me? I swallow angrily. Who the hell is he to believe me or not when he himself is faking it all.
“But now after knowing Khushi has sold her loyalty for 30 percent extra share, I don’t have to do anything. The moment Dad gets to know this he will throw her out from the CEO’s chair and then.. its all mine to take..”
That’s it. I can’t believe he can do that. Will he?
“Wow.. That’s a superb plan,” Aatish claps.
“And what about us?” I ask Arnav, holding back the tears which are almost on the verge of coming out from my eyes.
“Us…!!” he repeats sighing loudly. “I don’t think there will be us ever. I don’t date cheaters, Khushi Gupta.”
The moment he says this I laugh. Yes, I laugh which probably shocks him too.
“Cheater? If I am a cheater, so are you, Arnav Singh Raizada. I’m still doing this for money, you are cheating your father, and the company that he formed for you to takeover someday..”
“Desperate times calls for desperate measures Khushi Gupta. I had to do this.. My motive is bigger than yours.”
Now I go quiet.
“But I can’t be that harsh on you. After all, we have made great moments, haven’t we?”
I don’t speak a word and Arnav continues.
“So, here’s the offer to you, Khushi. I wouldn’t utter a word to dad about you cheating us. I don’t even mind to continue flaunting you by my side for some more days, as partners. All you have to do in return is step down from the company’s CEO role.”
I clench my jaw.
“What if I don’t?”
“Then I am telling dad everything and you are still going to step down.. Just that I will miss what we had between us.. It was great though..”
He stares at my lips and then back in my eyes.
“So? Pick your side Khushi Gupta,” Arnav urges.
“C’mon, Khushi. It’s still a win-win situation for you.” Aatish continues. “At least if you self step down from the role, you will still get good offers from other companies. But if Arnav and Ayush Singh Raizada take you down knowing you have cheated on them, you will be jobless.”
Arnav nods.
“He is right. Do what I want you to do.. Stay by my side.. Just step down..”
Now I know what he wants and I am not going to let him win that easily.
“I need time to think..” I confidently reply.
Arnav grins again
“Just like I thought you would ask,” he mocks before turning to Aatish. “I’ll deal with her separately on this. You or your father don’t need to get involved. Just remember, what I say goes in the deal. We are on the same side Aatish and I don’t want any complications.”
“Same here,”
They both shake hands and Arnav finally returns his gaze on me.
“The meeting is over. Should I leave you somewhere?”
“You have left me already, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I don’t need your faking love service anymore.”
I glance at Aatish again.
“Didn’t you tell me about some party at your cruise next week?” I ask him and he shamelessly grins.
“Yes, Why?”
“Count me in.. I think I need a break from this office politics a bit. Plus, maybe I should hang around more with other businessmen. I might need their job offer if I step down from the CEO’s role in AR Group.”
“I totally agree to that,” Aatish grins. “And you are most welcome.”
He reaches me and touches my hand. I glance at Arnav who is behind Aatish and I see him clearly clenching his jaw.
“I have all my known associates attending that party. I’ll personally take care of you and I mean also introduce you to the big shots who could offer you some good role in their company,” he mentions and Arnav’s face turns red.
Finally!!
“That’s very kind of you to do so, Aatish. It’s such a strange world isn’t it? We trust someone but the person we don’t expect anything from finally turns to be your saviour.”
Aatish laughs.
“You are too good with words..”
I smile back. Yeah. I am too good and the person standing behind him is going to realize that too … Very soon. Saying goodbye to Aatish Ghosh only, and not to Arnav, I turn around and march out of the conference room. Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada… I am not going to leave you. Just pray to God you don’t meet me alone anytime soon..
To be Continued.
Note: The suspense of who is on whose side is still thick, isn't it? But what's the fun if it isn't!! ROFL
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Completely mind blowing..... What a twist and turn..... I didn't expect this madhu.... 😱😳
ReplyDeleteHey.... First to comment...🥰🥰🥳🥳
ReplyDeleteWhoa whoa...that was shocking...
ReplyDeleteI am waiting for Khushi's action.....🤩
ReplyDeleteinteresting! Don't know but it looks like arnav khushi are still a team and they've devised a plan to take aatish's company down.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same. Love the update madhu
DeleteAwesome Update . What just happened. Can't believe Arnav did all this for the CEO's position. He can be so manipulative and calculative. Feeling really bad for Khushi. He acted all along it's unbelievable. I feel Arnav himself will expose Aatish. So he is doing this. He is acting. Glad that Khushi stayed strong and hope she turn the tables. Arnav 's jealousy is evident as Khushi is going to cruise party with Aatish. Thanks for the Update😍😍
ReplyDeleteAs expected Arnav is doing this for the CEO position.......but why I feel that there is more to reveal......IS Arnav and Khushi are trapping that Atish.......
ReplyDeleteI predicted it is Arnav but most of you don't want to see it from this angle. Right from day one he has been very ambitious and clear he wants his father's company and power.
ReplyDeleteBoth Arshi are in the same team. Both are acting to expose this Aatish. No one can beat Arshi if they are together. To Aatish kya cheez hai.
ReplyDelete😂😂
DeleteWhat a twist? Can’t wait for the upcoming chapters.
ReplyDeleteDon't know why but I like it better when they fight atleast in this one, confident khushi and equally ambitious Arnav are treat to watch only keeping senior Raizada's in prayers a lot is happening 😂
ReplyDeleteI have gone crazy with this update,both are ready to safe company but won't accept it so easily. I am desperately waiting for next update
ReplyDeleteWow I'm a little speechless what just happened who is really playing who here
ReplyDeleteI think Arshi is a team
ReplyDeleteThere are too many unsaid things between arshi in their conversation and eyelocks. As arnav said his motives are bigger than her's. And even khushi Gupta realized this i guess.
ReplyDeleteMind-blowing update
ReplyDeleteIt's heartbreaking to c Arshi separated. Their chemistry in dis FF was mind blowing. I sincerely hope they clear their misunderstandings & get back together very soon....
ReplyDeleteOoops I am shocked in arnav I think khushi's state will be miserable
ReplyDeleteUntil I finished reading I was hoping that this turn out to be a plan of Arnav and waiting for that revelation. I mean I wanted to see how Arnav and Khushi talk alone. But that didn't happen yet.
ReplyDeleteSo we still don't know whether Arnav is still the same person or whether he had a mask on to show that he is all good with Khushi being the CEO. From the start it was obvious that he was annoyed of being under someone else when he was the rightful owner. I'm not blaming him for that. As a human he is tempted to have more power and he is willing to become the CEO. But I never thought he would be create a situation like this. I'm doubting about his personality. He was kind of degraded their relationship in front of others and that will change Khushi if he did mean it.
If this is the real Arnav, Khushi will not trust a man again. I don't think she will give a second chance and I wish she does not. Arnav didn't deceive only the company but also Khushi (if only he was not putting an act before them). So waiting for the next chapter to see the confrontation between Arshi.
Thank you bringing this twist. Honestly speaking I was bored even though story was perfect there wasn't that push to wait for another chapter. This twist spice things up and we got something to ponder and wait for. BTW what about Shyam? Is his chapter finished? I don't think so. Amazing update. Thank you!
Please post second part soon I can't hold breath.. Next part only reveal what real arnav is...
ReplyDeleteDammnnn dude, what have you done with this story. Two updates back it was a warm hearted romantic story and now it's a thriller
ReplyDeleteSeriously scared to know the future of it, I don't want arnav as villan😭😭😭
Oooops what just happened!!! Arnav is going against his own company.... Hmmm hard to believe. Maybe there’s a plan behind it and Khushi might not aware of it too. Fabulous update
ReplyDeleteI think arnav also planned to trap ghosh like khushi, but he should have shared with khushi bcz he is the one want this deal when Khushi clearly not ready for risk.
ReplyDeleteKhushi to save company and arnav, ready to spoil her name. And I think Khushi already got arnav planned but she is not going to be easy with arnav for his words and hiding his plan. Arnav needs to put lots of effort to pacify Khushi.
Wish you can give a full update on this story again
Waiting for the next update dear...
Two things.
ReplyDeleteEither both playing with aatish and trap him
ASR just want aatish to go into his trap so said all those words to khushi
It's heartbreaking if Arnav is not acting 😭 I am really in tears .
ReplyDeleteEagerly waiting for next update
Namrata
I think Arnav don't want Kushi 2 work wth Atish alone,thats y he make this plan,2 b alwys along her side.like wat i seeArnav wth kushi love her,alwys protect her,i don't think he will betraye her.let see wats happen next.
ReplyDeleteArnav know how atish is,thats y he put on the show,the plan.i think so
ReplyDeleteDamn you’re evill!!!! Why would you leave us at a cliffhanger?! :(
ReplyDeleteWOAH! I'm blown away. I really hope Arnav is faking it otherwise it'll be really heartbreaking for Khushi & me too. I liked Khushi's never-say-die attitude in the end. You go, Khushi!
ReplyDeleteEven today also plzz update new boss only. Eagerly waiting for upcoming arguments between arshi.
ReplyDeletePlease can v hv an update of dis one today instead of Bride of SM or RINH..:(.."there is never going to be us.." is a real heartbreaking statement from Arnav.. :(
ReplyDeleteI am sure, Arnav is doing this to save Khushi, seems some trap. Waiting for next part
ReplyDeletePlzzzzzzz give us another update of this ff.... can't wait
ReplyDeleteI think Arnav trust Khushi.. he won’t let her alone.. and they both will take their enemy down together
ReplyDeleteAh thats an interesting twist! Obviously more to it than meets the eye! Waiting to read ahead
ReplyDeleteCant wait to read more! Instead of the others, can you please update this ff next again? I don't think I will survive the supsense! Please please :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteThough I must confess I am a little puzzled about why would Arnav be trapping Aatish as so many readers have commented? He could have just chosen not to work with them? Isn't he is the one who brought the Gupta deal to the table?And as per the senior Gupta, all was being done on the orders of Arnav.. Very intriguing!
ReplyDeleteExactly my question. Why would Arnav want to trap Aatish, especially when he wanted this collab. It was always Khushi who was doubtful. I in fact wrote a big comment here on the same.
DeleteThe romance was perfect in d previous part. This is a big jolt :( can't wait 2 read wat happens next!!
ReplyDeleteWaiting for Khushi’s reaction.
ReplyDeleteSuniti
Arnav is faking it for sure.. he can never betray his own dad and Khushi.. Khushi will surely get to know when they are alone.. he trusts Khushi I'm sure he must have to got know about her plan and got himself involved to make sure she's not alone or at risk . Just that they need to talk alone where he can clear it out to her.. arshi can never separate.. I trust this Arnav
ReplyDeleteArnav words were very shattering and down graded. I don't any dignified girl will ever want to go back to a person who is ready to betray, degrade and show her worthless just for some position and act as if it wasn't a big deal,... who used, mock, insult and make a deal out of their relationship in front of others.
ReplyDeleteWonderful fabulous update dear
ReplyDeletemy god!!! what is this? Did Shyam do plastic surgery to make him look like ASR?? Shit!!! I'm not liking this betrayal at all!!
ReplyDeleteI am confused. Because there are 2 things here - does he truly love her & is he ambitious enough to become CEO by hook or crook.
ReplyDeleteBecause I have read chapters from his POV which showed how besotted he was with her. Wanted her to become his and part of his family. Was jealous when she was with others. BUT at the same time, I also know that Khushi did not want this project. She didn't trust them. It was Arnav who was pushing it. He wanted this collaboration. WHY? That means he had a motive there, especially when he knew the people involved (Aatish & family) are not that trustworthy & Khushi told him too. I guess, he really wants to become the CEO. He is smoking too. Something that is so unlike him till now.
If he loves/trusts Khushi but creating this drama before Aatish, then its still difficult to digest. Because he wants to become CEO by spoiling Khushi's name here. Its kind of sabotaging. Just waiting for the next 2 chapters to see what this is exactly about.
Smoking part and in last part at the end he stops Khushi and said he will go for their engagement
DeleteBoth are playing and with whom that's what we want to know let's see what's next and didn't i say last time you are very heartless hanging us to death till next week ufff
ReplyDeleteBoth have the same gaol bring Aatish down and emotionally they are so much in sync that I think they will know they r playing the same game. They are such matured and balanced couple in this story that I would hate for them to be separated.
ReplyDeleteOh my God what a mindblowing twist. Who is in who's side is interesting
ReplyDeletePlease give us another update of this ff today..... Can't wait to know what will happen next
ReplyDeleteMind blowing twist.. but I think Arnav is not what he is showing. Really hope Arnav and Khushi will be in same team and will bring that Atish down.
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling it was Arnav! All though th reason seems sceptical! Chalo let's see how this unfolds. Cheers
ReplyDeletePlzz don't make us wait for next.......give us another update of this ff today🥺
ReplyDeleteAnother part please of this .i can't wait for their alone conversation
ReplyDeleteI always knew arnav is not what he looks like. Like a person who hate girls like Khushi can fall for her. In last part when Khushi wants to take a next step he stops her saying he is waiting for their engagement. Its mean he is pretending to love khushi
ReplyDeleteGood. It would be sad to know if Arnav had been faking his love all the time but at the same time the story will be interesting. Want to see the old Khushi who was confident and had the guts to turn him down always. Somehow the twist does not fit though as it never felt that he was faking his feelings, be it Shyam or Khushi's anxiety attacks or their sweet moments in Dubai, I don't think it can be fake. Uff, whatever it is I will like Arshi anyways, ultimately they will be together.
ReplyDeleteHere comes the sick fantasy with sick mentality "ultimately arshi will be together" no matter what sh*t happened and despite of any prejudice.
DeleteWant one more chapter of this please. Can't wait more for their confrontation!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Update.
ReplyDeleteI think both Arnav n Khushi are on the same side….both wants to know what hidden agenda Gosh have behind this deal….its just that both trying to do it without each other knowledge…but unfortunately had to come face to face….so guess Arnav had to keep his drama going…. But Khushi mistaken him…..
ReplyDeleteAwesome
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me how the standards are so different for Khushi and Arnav. When she was apparently cheating the company, everyone was confident that she is just acting and when it is shown that maybe Arnav is playing a game, the vote is so divided.
ReplyDeleteHis words towards Khushi were harsh but not uncalled for. Seeing the one you love, cheating you for money is not easy. In some stories when Anjali doesnt believe the proofs in front of her and places her trust in her husband of years, she is called an emotional fool and if Arnav chooses to do so, he fails the test of trust. Again double standards.