She walked inside the building just few minutes after 10 O'clock and looked around once nostalgically. It had been months since she last entered the office. It hadn't changed at all. Everything was same. There were few new faces but she could recognize most of the people present there. They were occupying their workplaces, opening their files and starting their computers. As silent and focused the whole environment appeared, it seemed Arnavji is there already. And her heart pounded thinking about him. This was going to be hard. She'll hurt him but it needed to be done.

She sighed once taking a deep breathe and looked at the reception area. She needed to announce her arrival and ask if Arnavji was available for speaking. This is how his office works. She couldn't just go up and barge in. She probably could, but it wouldn't look civilised. She'd just embarrass herself in front of his employees and maybe him too. He was already angry with her. It was possible he may explode. He could do anything in the fit of his rage.

So she moved to introduce herself to the new receptionist but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

Aman - Miss Gupta, there you are!

She turned to have a look of the person her Arnavji most probably spent most of his time with. She smiled fairly stepping towards him.

Khushi - Amanji! Nice to see you again.

Aman - The pleasure is all mine. How have you been?

Aman usually didn't stop by for a little hello hi session. Mostly it was all business he did. Right now he just wanted to be polite. Not because she was the girlfriend of his grumpy boss but because he really liked this girl as a person. She was nicer and more pure hearted than most of the people present.

Khushi - I'm fine. How are you?

Aman - Fit and fine as you can see.

He chuckled very lightly like his employer, opening his arms to go with his answer. Khushi nodded. Even though her sinking heart wasn't at rest, she took this pleasant meeting as a stress booster for herself only to have it dropped in the next moment.

Aman - ASR is awaiting you.

She gulped. So Aman is here to actually lead her upstairs to his cabin, not for a small talk. She bit her lower lip once looking at the ring on her finger. It was difficult but since the time she left RM yesterday, she had to hide it from her family and all the acquaintances. Of course it would have been quite easier to just take it off but she didn't have the heart to do so. Mainly because this is everything she wanted ever since they declared their love for each other. Not the ring but what it symbolises: that this love had a beautiful future. Taking if off would mean to give up on that dream.

Aman - Miss Gupta?

She jerked out of her thoughts and raised her head up at him. She nodded in positive and then trailed to the stairs, right up to his cabin. She gazed behind once to acknowledge if Aman was following her. No, he wasn't. He had gotten himself busy into checking out on others' work progresses.

*

Arnav stood leaning against the desk and waited for his girlfriend or better say fianceé to enter the territory. But he observed her as she stopped outside right in front of the door and hesitated. Her hand was settled on the handle, her eyes lowered. Maybe because she knew he was watching her. And she was avoiding an eye contact.

He flared his nostrils as she didn't seem to make any further movement. So he strode towards the door and held it open.

Arnav - Come in!

She jerked as the handle was pulled out of her hand. She gulped. Her heartbeat erratically took up on pace. She raised her lashes to meet his penetrating gaze. And for a moment she regretted having come here. He was suited up in his ASR demeanor, someone she had almost forgotten even existed. He was so lovable the last two months, she forgot he was a Laad Governor.

You're gone Khushi. You shouldn't have come here. Talking to him over the phone doesn't sound so bad. But...I need to return the ring.

She looked down at the ring adorning her finger. Deep inside she was breaking into pieces. But it was necessary. She needed to turn him down. There was no other way.

So she finally moved in, fidgeting with her dupatta. He closed the door behind and came back to stand right in front of her.

Arnav - Now speak. What's the matter?

She glanced at his stiff form before taking a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for her answer which won't make him as happy.

Khushi - I can't marry you.

Despite her rehearsing it repeatedly in her mind, the words came out quite serene. It it wasn't for his quiet cabin he wouldn't have understood her. But he did and he was not sure how to react.

She just saw him blinking few times. The sternness on his face didn't change at all.

Arnav - Khushi, I suppose you know I'm not a very patient person. So I suggest you stop testing my patience.

As calm he appeared in the beginning, his eyes and sound darkened towards the ending giving her goosebumps. As much she wished to run away, she couldn't keep avoiding and running away anymore. This needed a face off.

She looked up right into his eyes.

Khushi - I know I accepted your proposal and...but' I wasn't in my senses. I can't marry right now.

He gritted his teeth forming a fist and took one step closer. She stepped back out of reflex and tightened her hold on the band of her bag.

Arnav - I don't know what makes you act the way you're behaving but I'm about to explode. So you better start talking clearly and tell me what the hell you want, at last.

She heaved peering at his feet stalking more and more towards her. In response she walked back until her back finally hit the wall. He sandwiched her between his arms, glaring her viciously. There was so escape for her anymore.

She considered roaring back like in those times back then, but their relationship was changed. The concerning matter was delicate. And she didn't mean to hurt his feelings or lose him forever. She loved him too much for that.

Khushi - I can't marry you. Not right now. The time is not right.

She spoke tenderly not wanting to anger him further. Unfortunately it least helped.

Arnav - What the fuck!

She gasped at his infuriated swearing and closed her eyes as he thumped his hands against the wall. She winced and heaved in fear.

Upon realizing his mad behaviour and seeing her scared, he distanced himself from her and took a deep breaths to soothe his nerves.

It was difficult to cope up with her if she behaved implausible. He wanted nothing else but her to be happy and them to be together. But ever since they've been seeing each other in a sense of dating, she's started behaving weird in a way he was not used to. It seems she changes her mind every other day and he can't figure out why. That's frustrating.

But scaring her to death shouldn't be. He wanted to be the mature one of them both and hear her out. Listen to the problem and try to solve it.

Arnav - Ok, relax. Come, sit down and tell me why can't you marry right now. What do you mean the time is not right?

He pulled her by the wrist and seated her on the visitors chair. He himself occupied the chair next to her.

She stared him, composed. Her expression loosened and she traced the ring with her thumb.

Khushi - I have responsibilities and I can't neglect them.

He took her in. The way her face was fallen, her eyes were almost tearing and her fingers on her ring. He saw through her act now. This was not what she wanted. She was just in denial.

Something was bothering her and he needed to figure it out. Find out more about the responsibilities.

So he bend towards her and placed his hand on hers. He rubbed his thumb against the backside of her hand in a gesture. He wants to be there for her.

Arnav - I know you were avoiding me and didn't tell me the truth that day in the café. Can I expect it now? Will you tell me the truth? What's the matter? I thought you're uncomfortable being my girlfriend. I thought marriage is what you want.

She peered up at him and gently cupped his jaw. She smiled as she revealed herself.

Khushi - It is! I want nothing else than to marry you. I see my future with you, Arnavji.

He put his hand on hers and held her gaze. He asked tranquilly.

Arnav - Then what's stopping you?

She dropped her hands off his cheeks and looked down slowly.

She didn't wish to disclose everything to him for many reasons but it was getting impossible. He was not letting her go without an explanation. And she wasn't oblivious to why. Just yesterday they were all lovey dovey and the next day she barges in his office with the intention of breaking up.

She stood up sighing and walked to the window. She watched the men and women down there working while she sorted her words in mind before bringing them out on her tongue.

Khushi - My family is deep in debts and almost at the verge of being thrown out of the house.

Her eyes wandered from downstairs to the floor of his cabin, looking at nothing in particular. She didn't turn to see his reaction. She could imagine it. He must be frowning, unable to understand the causality.

Khushi - I took the job to pay off the debts and support my family. It's my duty as their daughter. And that's the reason I didn't accept your calls for two days and avoided you. I wanted to step back because my priorities have changed. I can't marry right now, so I can't be with you.

She gradually pivoted explaining the reason behind her decisions. He stood up dumbfounded and grabbed her elbow lightly to make her look up at him.

Arnav - Why didn't you tell me before? I could have helped.

He was not happy about her keeping it a secret. He'd have her rather run to him and tell everything so he could make it alright. He wanted to be her knight in a shining armour and always be there for.

She kept her hand on his bicep. She didn't want him to feel as if he was not important enough. She did keep this little secret hidden but she had valid reasons to do so. Payal too wasn't told anything after all.

Khushi - I know you could have! But no, that wouldn't be right. Already in Jiji's marriage, your family took over most of the expenses. Buaji and Amma would feel devastated and ashamed for taking money from their daughter's in-laws. We're a middle class family, Arnavji. Our pride lies in our values and honor. And I won't ever deprive them of that pride, at any cost.

Her eyes filled up. To her nothing was more important than the honor and happiness of the family who made her a part of their lives and brought her up with the best they could. Not even her own feelings and desires.

He softly tucked the strands covering her face behind her ears and delicately enclosed her jaws in his palms.

Arnav - But why can't we marry? You can still continue working after marriage and pay off the debts.

Khushi - The debts only happened because of one marriage. I can't have my family jump into another marriage, another financial burden...Not until we overcome the crisis.

She reasoned back with a matter of fact. She hoped for him to fathom her point of view. And he actually did. He wanted her to be comfortable in this rapport for he himself cared least about marriage. He just wanted to be with her. Nothing less.

But he doubted it was the same with her. Her intention of returning the ring was not in unison. He dropped his hands and crossed his arms on his chest.

Arnav - And what does that mean now?

She raised her left hand up to her eyes. Her heart suddenly became much heavy and she blinked in order to suppress water from forming in her eyes.

Khushi - You have to take the ring back. And it'd be best if we stop calling or seeing each other for now.

He stopped her from taking the ring off by putting his palm over hers. She glanced at him longingly.

Arnav - I have a better idea. You keep the ring and start working here at AR.

Admitted, she did want him to stop her because she didn't want to turn his proposal down. Though deep in her heart she was aware there was no other way. She had to do it. Her mind and heart were not consistent, but she knew better than to listen to her heart in such matters.

Khushi - No Arnavji. I can't.

She meant to deny not only his job offer but the proposal too. Once again. And she felt horrible refusing.

Arnav - Yes, you can. You're keeping the ring. We'll keep our relationship secret and you'll start working at AR. You can start either tomorrow or today already.

He became authoritarian. She stiffened her posture. He was not asking or offering her to work here, he was ordering it. And she had an idea that he was not going to accept a No. But could she really work at AR? That too being his girlfriend, or better say fianceé? No. Not at all. And there was a simple reason for that. She didn't trust them. Moreover she didn't trust herself. Not anymore. Diwali and Holi taught her she got no self-control at all when it was him. And she wasn't ready to take any chance. That was the real reason she didn't want to work at his office.

Khushi - Arnavji, no! I don't want to work here with you.

She turned sideways with her arms crossed on her chest. She was adamant and dared to challenge his authority. But he was ASR.

He moved towards the desk and picked up the receiver pressing a button on it.

Arnav - Yes, you do. Aman, prepare an appointment letter for Miss Gupta. She's going to work here from today.

She gasped as he made her feel unheard and just ordered Aman through the phone. She walked to him and pulled the receiver out of his hand.

Khushi - Arnavji, but-

He smirked grabbing her waist and pulled her closer. She collided against his chest and looked up at him gulping. He kept a finger on her lips.

Arnav - You argue too much, Gupta!

She had fallen soft in the head but apparently came back to realization and struggled under his hold.

Khushi - And you listen too less, Raizada!

He chuckled but left her.

Arnav - Call at the café and quit right now. In fact, don't. Aman will take care of that.

The way he talked she felt as if she had given up for real and accepted the job. Could she win here? Why couldn't he see through her for the real reason?

She groaned in frustration.

Khushi - I hate you.

Arnav - Keep hatin'.

He shrugged his shoulder which just annoyed her further. She fisted and gritted get teeth.

Khushi - You'll regret having me work here. I'll be the worst employee. I won't do anything and always be on leave. Starting from today!

She childishly stomped her foot on the bottom in an attempt to bring him on his knees.

Arnav - Fine by me.

She glared him in annoyance. He was getting on her nerves with his arrogance and ignorance. He was too calm for her liking. If only he would get angry. They would throw nasty words at each other and part. It would simplify things for her.

Khushi - You are...urgh!

But he was nowhere to losing his calm and neither was he giving up on his determination. His gaze was just fixated on her.

She slumped down on a chair and pouted.

Khushi - You're exhausting.

His lips curved into a genuine smile at the view. He missed this cute pout of hers. It reminded him of her carefreeness yesterday. The way she pulled him closer, wanted to kiss him more and more. And now he wanted nothing else but to hold her and kiss the cuteness out of her.

He occupied the chair next to her and leaned to peck her lips.

Arnav - And you're delicious!

She rounded her orbs and jumped up precipitously.

Khushi - No. Stay away from me. This, no...kissing or anything.

Her cheeks became red. She looked away fidgeting with her dupatta. Of course the images of their making out session flashed in her mind more and more. Het heart sped up rapidly.

Arnav - Drop the facade, Miss Gupta! You revealed yourself when you were drunk. You like kissing me. Can't deny it now.

He twisted his mouth with a slight pout in his signature smirk. This was so much fun. Her working here at AR would be the best thing that could happen to him. Unfortunately she didn't share his opinion.

Khushi - And you like forcing people to work here. Doesn't make it right. We both have some very wrong likes.

He smiled away her mock. He liked her this way. Challenging and fierce.

Arnav - Doing wrong things is fun, don't you think so?

He winked. Her eyeballs almost fell out. He had a hard time controlling a laughter attack. He didn't laugh much but it seemed that's going to change soon.

Khushi - I'm not talking to you. And I'm certainly not working here.

This time she tried it with more harshness and much louder voice. She wanted to be heard. Alas.

Arnav - You bet you will.

He acted so innocent. She didn't fall for that. And their banter continued.

Khushi - Fine. The bet is on!

Arnav - Fine.

Khushi - FINE!

She yelled loud once before marching towards the door. He watched her leave. A smile playing on his lips. Long forgotten was the ring on her finger which she had intended to return.