Khushi Kumari Gupta had felt humiliated before. The morning after that fateful night she met Arnav Singh Raizada. After she gatecrashed his fashion show, he locked her up for the whole night. As the next day she was released and returned home, not only was Jiji's wedding broken but she was pointed fingers on for she had been away the whole night. People had looked at her with judgemental eyes, blamed and cursed her for immorality.

Another time she felt extremely humiliated was when whole Lucknow saw her as a Golddigger who fell into rich men's arms to trap them. There were judgemental looks and disgusting words thrown at her. Goons' teased and misbehaved with her. People with no sense of morality themselves had taken the liberty to stamp her as an immoral.

Both the incidents had brought shame and humiliation upon her and her family. Yet she stood through both the times with dignity because she knew she was not the wrong one. She had been an innocent victim.

But this time she could not feel righteous in her own self. Guilt built up inside her. She blamed herself for the condition her family was today. Almost at the verge of being thrown out. Had she not been so busy turtling around with Arnav, she would have noticed how her mother and aunt were struggling with the finances. She had been so oblivious to her surroundings. All of her focus seemed to had been on Arnav. And she felt guilty. The fact that she hasn't been able to keep a job and had herself wrapped in an egoistic clash with Arnav instead of accepting his offer for work just added onto her guilt. Yes, it was his fault that she didn't have a job. But was it the right time to fight with him over it? How could she be neglectant to their situation? How could she not have her priorities set straight? Her family shouldn't suffer because of her stubbornness.

All these thoughts dug through her finally making her grab her phone and dial his number.

It wasn't time to feed the ego. It was time to use her brain and do what needed to be done. For her family.

And the moment she pressed on the green receiver symbol, everything was forgotten and forgiven. What was left behind was the knowledge that he's currently the only person she can turn to for help. And she trusted him to help her. This less she could be sure of. He's played her savoir a couple of times before even when they couldn't stand each other. He's been saving her from falling and hurting herself numerous times. At first it didn't mean anything to her. After all he's hurt her many times too. But ever since he started behaving so sweet and charming, all the nasty things were forgotten. Her mind constantly flashed those touches, the falls and catches, those eyelocks, the kisses, his confessions and the proposal in front of her. A warm and pleasant vibration runs through her upper body when thinking about him. Everything else didn't feel important anymore.

Arnav - Hi

She didn't realize the bell no longer sounding. It was a husky masculine voice that pulled her out of her thoughts. This man was making her crazy. At one moment she's crying and as soon she thinks of him, her eyes sparkle like a unicorn. Euphoria takes over like an infectious disease. But next she hears his voice and a tingling sensation rules her body.

Khushi - I, I need your help. I, please, can...can you lend me some money?

Although he was miles away, she lowered her eyes in defeat. The stupid argument between them was secondary at the moment, yet somewhere it did matter. And he was Arnav Singh Raizada, so she assumed he'll boast much to her shame.

Arnav - You can have any desired amount. But there's a condition.

Only he didn't. It was straight business. She didn't need to be reminded about the condition. She believed it goes without saying she'll work at AR if she asks him for money. She wasn't expecting any favors because she didn't want any.

Khushi - I know.

She was at loss of words. And the only words she spoke, they revealed her powerlessness. His only interest currently was her soon to happen arrival and her working-at-AR period ahead. His contentment had no limits. And she heard it in his voice.

Arnav - Come over. I'll keep a cheque ready.

She nodded to herself and dropped the call. She didn't really have the energy and mood to go anywhere now. But the knowledge that Shukla will return at 4 pm was enough to push her off her feet and move.

*

Arnav - Why don't you come in?

Her head shot up to look at the person standing right in front of her.. As soon their eyes made contact, she stood up from the couch but her vision was not directed at him anymore. A slow and steady breathing accompanied her anxiety. Her orbs everywhere but at him.

After bragging declamatory and betting with him so over confidently she couldn't even imagine meeting his eyes. Since the moment she entered the building she struggled with herself to move and go in.

Arnav - Khushi?

He stared her form curiously. He's been watching her since at least two minutes.

His security had the orders to inform him of her arrival. He was impatiently awaiting her. But she hadn't come into his office and sat outside in the foyer istead.

Arnav - Hey, are you okay?

She acknowledge his hand on her shoulder and responded with a nod to his question. But his hand moving towards her chin indicated he wasn't pleased with that. She closed her eyes and took one deep breath before glancing up at him.

Khushi - I am alright. But, um, in a hurry. Can I have...?

The smile on her mouth didn't deceive Arnav. He could differentiate between her genuine and her made up smile in the meanwhile. But he couldn't address it right now. She was not in a good mood and he was the reason. Once again.

Arnav - Here.

He pulled the folded cheque out of his pocket and handed it to her. She looked at it. It was signed. But the amount was left blank. She was to fill it. She let out a sigh of relief. The piece of paper in her hands was their remedy. Finally half of the problems in her life will be solved. She'll pay off the loan by working at AR and everything will fall into place.

Khushi - Thank you.

Even if she was elated for she'll be able to pay off the loan of her family, she looked and sounded crushed to him. That was not the girl he loved. This was a person wrecked by defeat. He loved the over confident, always-open-to-challenges, unbeatable and mouthy Khushi Kumari Gupta who likes to keep him on his heels. This character in front of him was a result of his stupid bets. He wanted her to work with him, at the office but not at the cost of crumbling her soul.

The plan had been to call her here so he can see her, talk to her and just spend some time with her before she leaves again with the cheque. Things quite don't always turn the way you want them to. Even if it's Arnav Singh Raizada. He can't influence everything.

This scene did not feel personal at all. She was emotionally so distant, so cold. It was as if they never exchanged love confessions. And it stung his heart. And at sudden he felt horrible. He couldn't just let her go like this. There was no way he wasn't having his Khushi back.

Then it struck him. Of course. The bubbly girl won't be seen so soon. That'll take time. But the only way to get Khushi to explode and fight with him was telling the truth. Once her guilt and shame fades off, she'll be back to being the tigress she is. And the ASR in him way anyway burning to brag after winning an open bet. The prize was still to be decided after all.

Arnav - I told you Khushi, I will get you to work for me! Didn't I?

She scrunched her brows together not stopping, hurt for he chose to brag. Right now, when she was already feeling so dejected.

Her feet slowed down and came to a halt as eventually she processed his statement. He wasn't gloating for he won the bet. No. He was arrogantly showing off his power! His power to manipulate everything and everybody!

She instantly rotated her body to perceive the grin on his face. And in a matter of a nanosecond all the hurt and guilt just vanished leaving behind a furious Khushi flaring her nostrils.

And the tigress awakens!

While he enjoyed the scene, she stomped back to look him in the eyes and glare the hell out of him.

Khushi - How dare you! You- you, youuuuuuu.

She pointed a finger at him coming dangerously close and her face turned red with rage. Still her wrath had no effect on him.

Khushi - How could you? How could you do this?

She asked with all her might. Her yells then finally giving him a chill down his spine. This petite girl had the ability to shake his inside without even touching him. And that not even in a sexual way!

Arnav - Everything is fair in love and war, Miss Gupta!

She wished to beat the simper out of his perfect face. She desired to follow her violent side and thrash this mastermind. What stopped her was not the fact that she believed in non-violent living and his much stronger physique than her, it was that damn heart of hers. It was too attached to this particular man and would counter all bad thoughts about him. And she would find herself praying his well being instead.

Arnav - Arnav Singh Raizada never loses any bet or challenge! Better to never mess with me!

She spinned gritting her teeth and fisting her hands, crushing the cheque. There was this craving of letting her anger out in some manner, doing something, something violent without hurting anyone. And her eyes located just the right item for that. Her lips formed a malicious pout.

Arnav was satisfied with himself and with her. She was just the Khushi again he loved and adored. But least did he anticipate that attack by her...with a jug of water.

It did shoot his anger up to the top, erupting extreme animosity towards her. She crossed the limit. And in the heat of the moment ASR overpowered him again. Because the truth was Arnav had no control on his alter ego.

Arnav - KHUSHIII

She turned with the intention of warning him. To not come close for the time being. To stay away from her. But it was all washed over as a bucket full of water was propelled at her through the air.

She parted her arms which had gone into the defense position as a reflex and peeked at him.

He just seemed to realize what he did and suddenly as she examined her whole wet body, his eyes shifted drastically. They went from frenzied to intense. And she looked at him in disbelief.

The sound of three slow claps diverted their focus to Aman standing at the door.

Aman - Great show. Once again. And an incredible waste of water.

Arnav's neutral gaze turned into pissed off in no moment. Khushi was no less uptight. Both stood there like two bulls blocking each other's ways. Each wanting the other one to back off first.

Aman had seen enough and enjoyed the entertainment but this was office for God's sake and his boss was behaving like a kid. AR has a reputation and even if the owner may forget it but Aman cares about it!

Aman - ASR-

As soon he walked towards them to knock some sense into his brain, Khushi interrupted him.

Khushi - Amanji, a new cheque please.

She stretched her arm towards holding the damped piece of paper in her hand. Her eyes still locked with the other man. He grabbed it from her and crushed it in his hand looking at Arnav.

Aman - ASR-

Arnav - Aman, prepare an appointment letter for Miss Gupta! She's joining us from tomorrow. Sharp at 10.

Aman scratched his forehead looking down in exasperation. He closed his inhaling a sharp breath. He was ready to open his mouth again but restrained himself for he knew this cat and dog fight did not end yet. They both will want to have the last word.

Khushi - Amanji, I want a work far away from this manipulative man. I don't want to see his face.

Arnav - Quite big words for someone who won't stop staring at me!

She blinked at him fuming and then realizing it's just not worth it, she twisted and walked back to the sofa placed in the foyer.

Aman - Miss Gupta, you're all wet. You should go home and change. I'll send your landlord the cheque.

Khushi mouthed a thank to him not even looking at Arnav and trailed out of the building. She didn't want to argue with him anymore. Considering the current happenings she's sure once she starts working there will be arguments only. So she should save something for the next day.

Aman was grateful to the almighty for sending Miss Gupta away. As long she would have stayed, his employer would have continued with this childish behavior and neglected serious work.

Aman - So if you're done playing Tom and Jerry-

Arnav - Just shut up!

He raised a hand at him. They exchanged a look of sheer annoyance before getting back to the office. Aman had work to do and Arnav had things to reconsider.

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Sooo...who here really pities Aman? The poor fellow stuck there 😂

I hope you all enjoyed the water fight of our very own Tom & Jerry 😋

Also am sorry for the irregular updates but I got another free month of Netflix and you all know what that means😂 Netflix and chill 😎😉

That doesn't mean there won't be any updates the month though. Don't worry, the next update is already half done. I'm trying to get back into regular updating.

Love,

Pari