So far the day did not turn out as terrific as Arnav Singh Raizada had fancied. When he left home in the morning he had a clear visualization of the upcoming day which included him spending quite a good amount of time with his fiancée Khushi Kumari Gupta. It had been his sole motivation behind compelling her to work at AR.

Unfortunately his right hand Aman Mathur had other plans with him. Upon entering the cabin, he was reminded of his busy schedule for the day ahead and held captive with work.

So when it was finally lunch break, never had he ever before been so radiant about it. In fact usually he used to drown himself into work even during breaks, but today he cordially welcomed this one hour for he finally had the opportunity to spend some time with Khushi who was pretty much oblivious to his plans.

'Come up to my cabin.' Came his direct order as she picked up her phone.

Her head shot up. As foreseen her employer was standing right there at the floor to ceiling window of his cabin staring down at her.

'Why?' She asked darting her view back to the tiffin on her desk. If someone catches them phoning with their eyes locked she'll become the top topic for heated gossip throughout the breaks.

'You question too much unnecessarily.' He stated not caring to avert his eyes. Most of the staff were out or sitting in the canteen so he didn't even feel the need to harden his gaze.

'Can't you just simply answer?' She snarled close-mouthed.

'Let's have lunch together.'

'And why?' She asked casually in an attempt to seem disinterested though it was quite the opposite.

'Because I didn't bring any food today, so thought of eating you.' His teasing reply turned her cheeks into a rosy pink inducing a satisfied grin on his face.

She was innocent but not stupid to not fathom the implication.

She halted for a moment consuming his pleasant side of a tease. She had to match him. That's how it has always been between them and that's how it probably will always be. And despite her inexperience in such teasing matters, she overcame her hesitance and attempted a suitable comeback.

'I knew I'd regret falling in love with a non-vegetarian. Once you see meat, you jump on it.'

Pressing her lips together she met his eyes and the sight of his lips breaking into a genuine smile was enough to bring out the radiant simper on her face.

'Wow, I had no idea you can read minds.' He remarked huskily resulting in her utter confusion. 'Ji?'

'Stop jiing and come up.' He let the joking rest for now to continue it later.

'No Arnavji, I can't. Your staff will see and think I'm that type of girl.' She reasoned with an explanation, much to his amusement.

'What type?' He questioned jovially.

He was completely aware of the generalized type she referred to but his curiosity tended to check the way she will provide a definition.

'The type who has an affair with her boss.' She glowered right up at him while answering as accurately as possible completely in knowledge of his deliberate test.

'Technically you do have an affair with your boss.' He shrugged his shoulders maintaining a serious face.

'And technically my boss forced me to work here.' She narrowed her eyes in a matter-of-fact voice.

'Khushi, are you coming or not?' He brushed her off coming back to the original reason of his call lest they start digging already resolved matters.

'I'm sorry. Please don't be angry but I can't.' Regardless of her own want of spending some fun time with her Laad Governor, she couldn't risk becoming news and even being bad mouthed about. 'Please understand.'

He cut the call just blinking at her. She may think he doesn't but he completely understands her position for a change. His attitude and professionalism can control the proficiency of his staff, not their mouths and characters. People tend to be judgemental and in a company true and untrue gossips of folks sleeping their way up the ladder is pretty common. So Khushi's fear of being spotted with him and being bitched about is completely reasonable.

There ought to be another solution.

HP aka Hari Prakash, the ever loyal servant of Raizada House climbed up the stairs to the TV lounge where three of the four Raizada ladies were gathered together. But the absence of the fresh recruit was noticed and pointed out by the matriarch of the clan.

'Hari Prakash, where is Payal bitiya?'

'She's in kitchen Naniji.'

'Tell her to leave work and send her up.' She said patting her pet Laxmi resting on her lap. 'She should just rest sometimes and spend some time with us.'

'Sasuma, if Khoon bhari tang-' Manorama had to change her tone and words upon receiving a resentful look from her mother-in-law. 'I' I mean if Payal bitiya wants to work then let her. You keep taunting me for being lazy and to her you-.'

'Payal bitiya is the daughter-in-law of this house, not a servant. When we are all sitting here leaving our work why should she be there in the kitchen with the servants?'

Manorama rolled her eyes grimacing at her. Perceiving the tension between those two Anjali aimed for a diversion.

'Nani, I was thinking...' She faced Nani with a smile and voiced out her thoughts. 'How about we invite Payalji's family for dinner tonight?'

Ever since Arnav admitted his love for Khushi to her, she couldn't wait to see Khushi and him together. Her dreams of his marriage may not come true as soon as she'd rather have it but at least she could satisfy her heart by talking to her future sister-in-law.

But this wasn't the only intention behind the invitation.

'Hello hi bye bye, what's the need to call those people here?' Mami's rejection regarding her offer was not surprising for any of the two present there. But Anjali was for once glad that Payal was not there at that moment for else she would have been hurt.

Even though everyone including Payal was aware of Manorama's dislike for the Guptas, when she voiced it out spitefully it was hurting to her.

'Payalji must be missing her family. It would be nice if she can see them again.' Anjali reasoned with her Mami hoping she would understand.

'Then let's send that Khoon bari tang to her maternity home for a trip. She can see them as much she wants there.'

'Manorama, you have a mouth doesn't mean it's mandatory you use it always. Sometimes you can just keep quiet.' Having heard enough Nani intervened authoritatively and shut her daughter-in-law up for good.

'But Sasuma, I just-' She spoke up to excuse her behaviour but was glad when Nani just ignored her and darted her view at Anjali because Manorama didn't really have any justification to give.

'That's a wonderful idea bitiya. It's been quite a while since we saw them. Besides I've been missing Khushi bitiya too. This way we'll also have a good talk to her.' Nani promptly agreed making Anjali almost jump up from her seat.

'Payalji, good you came. You know we are planning to invite your family for dinner tonight.' Looking at her enter she broke the news to her which immediately brought a glow on Payal's face.

This has been the second intention behind her suggestion. Ever since Payal got married she hadn't visited the Guptas much except for one two times on occasions. So she knew that would make her extremely happy.

'Anjali bitiya, call Madhumati ji and hand me the phone.'

'Hi!' He whispered huskily in her ears resulting in her jumping off the spot at the sudden attack from behind.

'What are you doing here?' She shrieked taken aback by his presence in Aman's office.

'Just wanted to see you.' She sighed at his reply realizing it was him who called her up to Aman's office. And she premonished it won't be the last time he pulls off this stunt.

'Oh really? Gawking at me all the time from your cabin isn't enough?'

He cocked a brow displaying his signature look of astonishment as she crossed her arms over her chest.

So Khushi Kumari Gupta isn't that ignorant to her environment after all.

'No. I needed to see you and give me something.' He announced seriously, hiding his real intentions behind his mask.

Her eyes followed the one step he took ahead and then thwarted back to his face.

'What?' She asked uncertain.

The corner of his lips curved up at sudden and with one additional step he snaked his arm around her waist pulling her closer. Before she could comprehend the happenings he leaned towards her alarming her about their proximity.

'What are you doing?'

Though not completely out of his hold she could manage to distance them with a push on his chest.

'Trying to kiss my fiancée...!?' He answered as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Well, kissing was natural but not for a conventional Indian girl.

'And why?' She inquired horrified not really expecting an answer to which he just shrugged. 'Why not?'

'No kissing wissing before marriage.' She set the rule in a strict manner while simultaneously sneaking her arm behind to release herself out of his hold.

'You didn't have any problem yesterday, or on Holi.'

Instead of freeing her he drew her even more onto him. Her struggle having no effect on him.

'That's...different. No more kissing. You're my boss, behave like one.' She said poking a finger on his chest.

She had been intoxicated and not herself on Holi and the kiss a day ago, they were both emotional and she didn't have it in herself to withdraw at that time. It was a weak moment. Not that she regrets but she's not up for making it a daily thing. That's just not her. She doesn't want to go far before marriage.

'I'd rather behave the boss who has an affair with his employee.' He rendered with a wink at his girl who didn't share the enjoyment.

'But I am not that kind of girl.' She fumed hitting his hand lightly which he forwarded to brush her hair strands off her face.

'Then what kind of girl are you?' He made no attempts for hiding the hilarity in his voice.

'The kind you need to marry to kiss her.' She pouted grabbing his shirt in her fists for support and at the same time creating a gap between them.

' Ok, then let's get married secretly.' He proposed hastily causing her to yell in shock. 'What?'

'Yes. Then I can kiss you as much I want and also much more may be.'

'M-more?' She gulped repeating her efforts of freeing herself.

'Yes, m-more.' He imitated her and spoke further tantalizing her. 'I can show you everything, starting with a kiss.'

Her eyes widened like saucers as he neared her now with each second passing. But everything didn't seem to be lost after all.

'Amanji!?' She called out loudly and successfully diverted his attention.

She used the opportunity of him looking behind and pushed him to release herself. And in the next moment he saw her running towards the door laughing out loud.

A smirk played on his lips.

You'll pay for this Miss Gupta.

'There we are. That's 60 rupees.' He set his foot out of the Auto once it came to a stillstand. He forwarded a 100 rupees note to the driver.

'I don't have change.' The driver replied and received a generous tip from him. 'Keep it.'

Ignoring the person's grateful gratitude 'Thank you Saab' Shyam Manohar Jha raised his head examining the surrounding and the people carefully. Most of his work was risky but due to his immense and precise knowledge of law he was able to carry off without leaving traces behind. There was a reason he never used the Raizada's vehicles to drive around Delhi even let alone to Lucknow. In fact with all the illegal activities and the black money he can afford a car. Even Anjali offered to buy him his own but he never approved of it. Having a car meant leaving behind evidences. Cars can be recognized, they come with a number plate and can be tracked down. Accurately something he's been avoiding, especially for a task as horrific as this one.

Traveling down the narrow and stinky alleys he avoided as much eye contact with the indigent bypassers as possible. Contrary to the rich area of Raizada House this was a poverty-stricken zone. Dogs were resting and drinking from dirty canals. Children were to be found playing outside hindering the penetrating two wheelers. Men chewing tobacco stood at the corners and in front of shops filthily eyeing passing women.

He reached the house he destined and knocked at the wooden door. After waiting for few seconds it was opened by a man in his late 20s who in aghast shut the door as quickly. But Shyam was fast in thinking and stuck his feet between the door and the threshold.

And with a vicious grin he said 'Mehul...I just want to bargain.'

Hearing some footsteps she spun around and spotted the person she'd been waiting for approaching her as she stood there beside his vehicle in the parking lot.

'Arnavji, why are we leaving so early?' He was immediately bombarded with her questions once he neared her.

'Because you and your family are invited home for dinner tonight and Di asked me to get you home. We'll pick up your family on the way.'

'On the way?' She exclaimed in panic. Men have no idea how social gatherings work. 'But they will need time to get ready and so do I.'

'But you seem ready.' He browsed her from head to toe. To him she was wearing a decent dress like she always does and was looking beautiful. What else does one understand under getting ready?

'No, I- leave it. You won't understand.' She shook her head. It wasn't his fault. Rich people like his family wear expensive clothes in and outside home so he won't understand the types of clothes middle class people own for different occasions. What she wears at work weren't the same clothes she wears on a formal dinner. 'I will go home and get ready. We will come with an Auto.'

'No you won't.' He dismissed her idea. 'Let's do this. Akash is also going home so he can drop you to Laxmi Nagar and once you all are ready, give me a call.'

She smiled at his care for her. This is the same man who once threw her out of the car in the middle of the night, now refusing to let her even take an Auto during daylight. The same man who would try and oppose his Di's orders of dropping her home, now enthusiastically anticipating a ride with her.

'See you later.'

Her brows lifted up and her eyes widened at the unexpected peck on her cheek.

'Arnavji!' But before she could lesson him, he already walked out of the park lot. She was left standing there with her hand on her pinkish turned cheeks.

One final stroke on her Sari and Khushi Kumari Gupta was ready to go. She took in her reflection and flushed imagining the last two times she wore red Saris. The way he had been mesmerized and unable to take his eyes off her. And when thinking about Diwali, the memory of the almost kiss wasn't far behind. She had once pondered how it would feel to complete the kiss and she was lucky enough to experience the exciting sensation.

But the thrill wasn't the reason she decided to wear a red Sari. This was not just any Sari. It was his present and she couldn't wait for him to see her in this. She wondered if he even knows she had taken it after all. She doubted Aman may have told him. Aman was as talkative as her Arnavji. When it comes down to business they could spend a day giving speeches but small talk was definitely not their cup of tea. Maybe that's why they fit perfectly. Sometimes she couldn't help but just doubt if it was her or Aman made for him. As if his laptop and phone weren't competition enough.

A horn outside their house broke her trance and she leaned at her window recognizing his SUV with a huge beam on her face.

'Aye Sanka Devi, hurry up. Arnav babua has come to pick us up.'

She jumped in her sandals and strode out of her room. Hadn't it been for her family standing in the living room she may have ran out directly.

'Amma, what are you all waiting for? Let's go.'

'Freeze!' Buaji stopped her right there. 'Arnav babua is polite enough to take us, won't you at least offer him water or tea?'

'I'm ok Buaji.'

They turned at once to find him already standing at the door.

'Arrey bitua. Come in.' Garima welcomed him with joy. 'Have a seat.'

'No thanks Aunty but I don't need anything.' He denied politely and looked at the lady in red who was tilting her head towards her family with her big eyes motioning towards them.

He narrowed his eyes for a second trying to read her mind but as soon it hit him, he bent down to touch her family's feet one by one who in the state of perplexity blessed him.

Khushi smiled in satisfaction recalling their earlier conversation through a phone call.

'You have to win my family's heart.'

'So they don't like me?'

'It's not that. They like you Arnavji but as Jiji's Jethji. They need to like you as a prospective groom.'

'What crap.'

'Crap? Did you forget how you used to be? How you sent me to a construction building and how Buaji wasn't so fond of you afterwards. She knows everything you did to me. When you ask for my hand and she denies considering the past, don't tell me then.'

'Fine. What do I have to do?'

'It's not much. Just small things. For starters whenever you meet them, start taking their blessings. Touch their feet.'

'What will that do?'

'That'll show them you respect elders. And that's a quality people wish to see in a prospective groom.'

'Khusi, don't forget to lock the door.' Buaji and Garima moved out rolling Shashi's wheelchair.

With them out of the picture the couple had a moment to absorb each other's forms. He was in his usual demeanour wrapped in a three piece turning him into a handsome hunk. She balanced his dark form with her figure clad in the red Sari. Her hair was left open with minimalistic makeup. The last time he saw her in a Sari was on Sangeet when they danced together, so it was an appealing sight.

'Aye Parmeshwari' It was Buaji's call which disturbed their little moment.

Khushi grimaced as he walked out without a remark. She was wearing his gifted Sari, she didn't want to be complimented but expected him to say something at least.

Sighing once she closed the door and locked it before making her way to the car.