Past still continues..........

Walking into her grandmother's room, she paused staring at the old woman, Nani 'Anjali betiya, why are you standing there? Come inside' patting the space beside her.

As Anjali took her seat 'Kya hua betiya? You look worried'

Anjali 'Nani I'm worried for Chotte and Lavanya. Did you see them? Chotte is always avoiding her. And seeing Lavanya's disappointment and hurt I am getting angry on him. Already so much time has gone waste. Now he is alright and I'm thinking to get them married as soon as possible'

Nani 'Par beta....'

Anjali 'Nahiin Nani, we have already heard and seen enough, Chotte will be getting married to Lavanya soon. And I want you to talk to him. He will listen to you Nani. Don't you want to see him settled in his life?'

'Of course I wish to'

'Then please talk to him when he comes home. Will you do it Nani' the old woman patted his hand assuring her, and knew it is time they get Arnav and Lavanya married.

Filling the cup with black coffee and the plate with sugar free biscuits, she kept them both in a tray and carrying it knocked on the door interconnected with her boss cabin. With Arnav's sharp "Come In" she entered his cabin greeting him 'Sir your coffee'

Taking his eyes of the laptop for a moment he watched as she kept the tray on the table before him.

'Thank You, Khushi'

'You are welcome sir.' As she turned to leave 'ah Miss Gupta'

'Yes sir'

'Bring Mr. Rastogi's file and then I've a letter to dictate' nodding at him she went to her cabin to get the file and things for taking notes. She came back to his cabin in few second; Arnav took the file from her and requested her to take note for the letter to be sent for Rashmi Enterprise Ltd. As he dictated note he thought about Khushi, it is nearly two weeks since she had come to work for him. She is good and perfect secretary, plus makes nice coffee. Hardly does any mistake and does not hesitate to own it and correct at the same time. One should be lucky to get a proficient secretary but Arnav is not satisfied. There is something in her which is pulling him towards her. Something in her which tells an attachment with her, she never tried to be anything than his secretary but his heart is however feeling something for her.

What is happening to him? Why he does not feel anything like this for Lavanya? Why she feels stranger to me and Khushi feels someone who is very dear to me?

'Sir'

Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts, Khushi 'Is there anything else sir?'

'No that is all; you can leave and mail this letter to Rashmi Enterprise head, soon'

Khushi 'Yes Sir' as she reached the door to her cabin Arnav called her, as she turned to look at him he said 'It was nice coffee. Thanks' she just nodded at him but he knew her eyes were smiling at him when she left his cabin. He sighed leaning his head on the chair. Whatever it is he likes it.

The shrill ring of his phone shattered the piece, looking at the caller id "Di calling" he did not waste a minute to press answer button. Anjali 'Chotte, come home early today. We have something important to talk to you.'

'But Di....'

Anjali 'Your office will not collapse if you will leave for home early and don't give any excuse of important meeting and all because I've already checked with Aman. Just come soon, okay.' as the call got cut he groaned. What they want to talk now? From past few months whenever they have to tell something it always leaves bad taste in his mouth. It all started with his accident for which he had no memory of how and where it happened, all he knew is one day he woke up in hospital bed. And then they had to inform him he had lost his memory, suffering from partial memory loss to be precise. How in the hell one man would forget few years in his life but even then he felt he had lost something more than the memory of years he had lost. Later, they had to inform him Lavanya is his girlfriend, someone who he loved and was going to marry where he could not connect with her as if he is meeting a stranger. And now what they have to tell?

His family is giving him shock after shock. Why don't they leave him alone?

'Di I'm still trying to accept her. Why don't you understand it?' demanded by his Di he had come home early and after early dinner the two women had rounded on him telling him it is time he and Lavanya got married.

Anjali 'How much time will you take, Chotte? She is waiting for you. And how will you try to accept her, understand her till you don't spend time with her?'

'I'm trying Di' he is all but tired at the continuous argument they have over Lavanya.

Nani 'Bitwa, Lavanya is nice girl and what more she loves you. Is it not good to begin with?'

Arnav 'But I don't love her'

Both the lady taken aback by his outburst, looking at them confusion and exasperation leaping in his eyes 'You said I loved her. Maybe it was true but that was before accident. And now I don't feel anything for her. I don't know her and I could not bring myself to accept her. Why don't you understand?'

As they kept quite he said more to himself then to them 'At least my heart has to remember her but it does not. Whenever I see her before me all I see is a stranger. My mind might playing tricks with me but why does my heart could not remember her'

Nani held his arm 'Chotte......'

'Leave me alone Nani. I really mean it. Don't pester me with Lavanya anymore. I'm trying, don't I? I'm trying for both of your sake to accept her but.......' shaking his head in remorse he left to his room leaving them alone in worry after hearing his feeling.

Anjali cried 'Why does he not accept her? We failed Nani. We failed.'

Nani 'Shaanth ho jayiye bitiya, trust Devi Maya. She saved our chotte, didn't she? And she will help Lavanya to make her place in his heart'

'And Lavanya will be the one who will become his wife' Anjali stated firmly and left for her room.

Few days later,

'What the hell is going on?' Arnav's voice boomed at the entire room, Jack the photographer looked at him, his eyes looking annoyed, Aman standing behind him looked grim. And Monisha, the head designer was fuming. He had been working in the important coming project when Aman rushed inside his cabin telling issue has cropped up and he is needed in the studio. And coming here all his frown of confusion turned to anger as he looked at Monisha screaming at Khushi.

'Will anyone tell me why there was so much noise? And where is Monika?'

Monisha 'She left and that too because of this girl' pointing a finger towards Khushi who stood quietly.

She rushed to him 'ASR, this stupid girl ruined Monika's imported fur coat with the juice and she left stating she will not do the shoot anymore.'

His eyes were on Khushi who looked at them as Monisha went on ranting 'can't she say simple sorry to placate her but no all she said is she is not at fault and why should she say sorry. Now who will do the shoot? Time is too short with us. It will not be enough to hunt for another model and do it at short time.'

Aman 'Monisha, if Khushi is saying she is not fault then you should at least give her a chance to clear it. Maybe she is really at no fault'

Monisha rounding on him 'No fault? It is her fault; I had given her the coat to keep it safe with her. Monika was panicking at it, already. And without her doing her responsibility properly madam just ruined.'

Jack amidst the taunting and complain 'I've only few hours more with me to do this shoot. Is it ON or OFF?'

Monisha 'Great now only this was left'

Monisha's assistance came running inside the room 'Mam she did not listen to anything we say. I told her we will import another coat for her exact same like that but she screeched at us and left' she looked apologetically at Monisha and Arnav.

Monisha glared at Khushi 'If she is the one who destroyed this then she will be the one who will mend it. *taking a dress she held it before Khushi* now she will wear it and do the shoot'

Aman 'Monisha'

She did not heed but looked at Arnav 'Am I not right, ASR? Khushi will save the shoot now.' Khushi looked at the short dress then at Monisha, her eyes then went to Arnav who till now said nothing. Taking deep breathe, her eyes not leaving his 'Okay' snatching the dress from Monisha she left to the dressing room.

Aman 'ASR, Khushi would not have done it. You know how careful and dedicated she is when it comes to her work.......'

Monisha 'Not even a month has completed she joined the office and you are giving certificate of good employee. Does it not so soon? And what do you think? I'm lying putting false blame on her.'

Arnav held a hand stopping her from speaking further. His eyes hard and dangerously calm 'Out Everyone'

Taken aback by his request they all looked at him surprised, he barked again 'Out I said' the room in few seconds is empty with last of the employee vacated it.

Few seconds later Khushi came out of dressing room wearing the black dress looking stunning in it making his breathe go haywire. She looked around at the empty room and then at Arnav. Seeing his eyes stuck on her and the way it turning dark, she calming her beating heart and said in casual voice 'Where is everyone?'

That snapped him out of it, fisting his hand on his side lest he grab her towards him and kiss her senseless. Biting back the annoyance he felt at himself for losing control, gritting his teeth he said 'Go change into your dress. There is no shooting going to happen' like in hell he will allow anyone seeing her in that dress which is clinging to her body like second skin highlight her curves quiet dangerously and sinfully.

Shrugging her shoulder in the enticing way she disappeared inside the dressing room. When she came out she was alone in the room and he had left. Smiling to herself she too left the studio for her cabin.

Arnav on the other hand enclosed in his washroom looked at himself in the mirror, splashing water on his face trying to cool down the sudden heat he was feeling disoriented at the emotion as dark running inside him. Why I felt such possessiveness towards her? Why was I feeling such hunger for her? It was bad enough she is in simple traditional suit and looking at her in that black dress he all but wanted to ravish her. It never happened before with anyone he lost his control. Heck he is in this field for years and he never had felt such thing for any of the beautiful models even if they stood before him in two piece suit, for all in the contradictory they were like a dummies for him who is going to promote AR's collection. But with Khushi it is entirely different, she is evoking emotion he never felt and it is all but consuming him slowly.

It was late that night when Arnav, Khushi, and Aman wrapped their work. Back to back meeting with no breaks and demands were to be that day had drained them completely. Aman 'Gud night sir and to you Khushi, will see you tomorrow.' He left them alone in the parking lot walking towards his bike.

Arnav 'How are you going?'

'I'll take a taxi from here. It is too late to wait for a bus. Can't tell when the next bus to my stop will come' wishing him gud night she stepped away from him.

Arnav 'Wait'

'Haan Sir'

Arnav 'Come I'll drop you.' Khushi shaking her head 'it is okay sir I'll get a taxi'

Arnav 'Look it is not safe to go by taxi. It is better you come with me. Because of work you had to stay so late and it is my duty to make sure you reach your home safe'

She stood unsure, raising his eye brows 'You are wasting time. Come on I'm not going to bite you' giving him an embarrassing nod she followed him as he started walking towards his car. He pulled open the door for her, as she settled down he came around his side and took the seat behind the wheel and drove off.

The minutes passed in silence inside the car with only time they spoke when him asking and she telling her address. Khushi's apartment building came; as he stopped his car before it he impressed with it 'nice place' noting it was upper posh area.

Khushi 'Yes and I like it here. Will you come up and have cup of coffee.'

As he opened his mouth to answer her casual question his phone rang, his Di was on the other side 'Haan Di, I'll be there shortly.'

Cutting the call he looked at her apologetically 'That was Di, she is waiting for me. Thanks for the offer. But I'll let it pass'

Smiling at him she nodded and got off, waving him a cheerful bye she left inside the building. Sighing shaking his head he left to his house. His Di knows how to spoil the moment to T. He would have liked to go inside with her to her flat and have a cup of coffee. It did not seem bad idea. But Di........

Khushi, in her room fumed at the failed chance, she had been hoping he would come with her inside and she could have some more minutes with him, not only offering a cup of coffee but make something for him to eat....how much she would have loved it if he eats the food made by her but at last moment his Di had called. Arghh Anjali......

Looking at the ring in her hand, her angry tears escaped, he is hers.

Next day,

Lavanya entered his cabin; smiling at his frowning face she went forward to hug him. Pulling her away he frowned some more 'What are you doing here?'

Her face fell 'I came to meet you. And thought to go shopping with you if you are free'

Arnav 'First of all I'm not free and secondly I hate shopping.'

Lavanya 'But ASR I did not spend time with you. You are always busy.'

'That's right I'm busy and hardly getting time to breathe. Do understand it Lavanya.'

The cabin door opened and Khushi entered along with Aman 'Sir.....Oh we are sorry. Did not know you had guest? We will come later. Excuse us...'

'No Aman she is leaving, isn't it Lavanya?' looking at him disappointedly, with her face grim and cross she left his office. He sighed in relief and gave a nod to Aman and Khushi asking them to take a seat and tell what is the issue for they had to come to his cabin without him calling for them. Aman informed him the shipment of the material send by their client was not up-to mark. And Khushi gave him the file details regarding the client and the material.

Feeling head ache coming in he closed his eyes rubbing his temple, Arnav 'Send it back and cancel the contract. And Khushi mail to their head about the incompetency in giving us what they promised in the first place. We are paying for good fabric and not for some wasted material. Now you both can leave.' as they left his cabin he let his head fall on the headrest of his chair. It was only minute again when Khushi came inside placing tray containing cup of black coffee and beside strip of tablet.

Khushi 'Sir, drink the coffee and have the tablet your head ache will be okay'

'Thank you Khushi. But how did you know I'm having head ache'

'Bas pata chal gaya. And you are welcome sir' giving him soft smile 'I'll send the mail and inform you if I get a reply from them'

'Yes, they will try to contact me. I'll let you know if or when?' nodding at him she left leaving him to his coffee. He sighed in bliss at first sip of the coffee. She makes nice coffee like he preferred.

Anjali tried consoling Lavanya who cried on the phone complaining on Arnav's indifference 'La shaanth ho jao. I said I'll try to talk to him'

Lavanya 'Nahiin Di, he will think I complained to you. And he will be angrier.'

Anjali 'I don't know what that boy wants when a beautiful woman waits for you. He is mad to behave that way with you'

Lavanya 'I thought I'll get him back but Di I'm scared what if I lose him this time too. He does not care for me.'

Anjali sharply 'That will not happen. Do you hear me? I'll get you both married soon. Give me some time to think. I had to plan a way to convince him.'

Lavanya 'I trust you Di. I love ASR so much and I'll not be able to live without him. Aap jaanthi ho na Di'

'I know La and I'm happy you love my brother. He will soon see the sense. We will make him see' replied firmly. Satisfied with her reply Lavanya cut the call after greeting her. If anyone who will be get her ASR then it is Anjali.

Coming out of the Restaurant they looked at the rain with a grim look, before reaching the car they will surely drench like a cat. Khushi 'God it does not look like will stop any minute'

Arnav 'Yeah and we don't have any other chance then walk in this rain towards to reach the car.'

Khushi 'Good at-least we will be leaving for home from here since the office time has ended' They both had come for the meeting with the client at 3 p.m. and now it is seven the meeting concluded and they had time to get out. Inside the cozy restaurant in the private booth they did not knew it is raining outside but only at the entrance they could see what has started hour back.

Arnav 'come let me drop you'

Khushi 'It is okay sir I'll catch a taxi. It is not late today.'

Arnav 'Khushi don't argue. Where will you go in this rain and get a taxi. It would be easy and safe if I drop you' gesturing her to follow him he rushed to his car, they were almost to the car when Khushi slipped and his arm came around to hold her. Her heart thudded with his in unison, as his arm came around her holding her strongly. The falling rain did not bother them so much then the deep emotion churning inside them. As he looked at her alluring face lifting to his he lost looking in the clear hazel eyes, loving the feel of her in his arm, his grip became tighter. She felt like the world around them stopped looking in his warm chocolate eyes. As the thunder struck she shivered in fright jumping close to him, he held her safe in his arm, for a minute they stayed there and then he withdrew his arm from around her and she stepped back little.

In silence he opened the passenger door for her and once she got in he moved towards his. The drive towards her home went in silence.

'Will you come inside?' she asked him, this time doubting his answer.

'Is the offer for coffee still available?' he looked at her, relaxed at his question 'Of course and I'll prepare some pakoras too to go with it.'

'Great then I'll take you on the offer' she smiled at him pleased, both got out of the car and walked inside the building. It took another few second to reach her floor and get inside to her flat.

'Come inside, make yourself comfortable. I'll get you towel' she rushed inside her room. He walked around the flat taking in the simple but elegant style with which the flat is furnished. Looking at her home it did not look she is in dire need of working as secretary, she looks well to do.

Khushi came with a towel and t-shirt and track suit for him. He looked at the men's cloth with raised brow. Giving them to him 'The guest room is that one. Change your clothes into this. I'll put your wet clothes in the dryer and it will be dry before you leave.'

Pointing him towards the guest room door she rushed inside the kitchen saying 'Till then I'll make pakoras and coffee'

The doubt which rose did not come out of his mouth but he did as she asked. He went to the room pointed to him and changed himself to the dry clothes.'

The aroma of the coffee brewing and the pakoras frying hit him, Khushi smiled at him from the kitchen 'Settle down in the living room, in a minute your coffee and pakora will be there'

She brought the tray containing plate of pakoras and two cups of coffee. Settling beside him she handed him his black coffee she took hers, and reached for pakoras.

'Why are you not having? *gesturing towards the pakoras* Have some it is tasty'

Nodding at her he eats some of it glancing at her as she enjoyed her pakoras and coffee. As the minute passed he could not hold back from asking her 'Khushi, I thought you lived alone here but.....' Looking at the dress he is wearing.

Khushi 'You are right I live alone' keeping the half cup of coffee down on the table, she gulped 'I had someone in my life. *her voice became teary* I loved him but he is not with me now'

Arnav 'Khushi....'

Khushi 'I lost him to the fate but I miss him. Losing him is like losing life. I got away from the place I was living and came here. You would have noticed I'm not in too dire need of the work I'm doing now but I wanted to do something to keep my mind occupied. I applied in AR and got the job'

'Oh Khushi how could he......'

'No don't blame him, he did not know my existence and it is not his fault he did not know I'm still there where he left me' hiding her face in her palm 'why did that happened to us? We were so happy'

Her tears pierced him like thousand needles pricking his heart at same time. He wrapped her in his arm patting her back consoling her not to cry. His heart paining for her loss and at the same time hurt to know someone was there in her life and is still there.

I do hope you all liked this part.

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