Guys here is the second shot of Tale of Madhyampur. Enjoy the supernatural Arshi.

Payal POV

I gulped feeling my heart in my mouth yet again. As Arnav Raizada slash a maniac crazy bazillion year old wizard joined Khushi and me at the dining table. Though the man agreed to have a civil conversation over lunch at my request I did not forget what happened with me a while ago. 

This weirdo interrogates me by compelling me to answer all of his questions. Believe me, feeling so out of control has made me go all bonkers now. Gosh. Arnav Raizada was supposed to stay in that rusty coffin as a mummy! However here we are scared out of our minds sitting with this specimen trying to make the best out of the situation.

He sat at the head of the table while Khushi and I made ourselves comfortable at the other end trying to keep a distance from him. Mr. Raizada keenly observed our table manners and a minute later he too started feeding himself.

Taking advantage of the situation I elbowed Khushi who in return prepared herself to question the supernatural Raizada. She cleared her throat a little too loudly making me cringe.

So...we work for the Archaeology department of Delhi. You probably don't understand what it means but...

I am not a stupid human Brown eyes, I understand everything. To be precise my powers are vivid. Very vivid.

Khushi locked eyes with me floored by the revelation. We both panicked in realization. Arnav Singh Raizada is a pretty dangerous company to keep. And imagining what all he could I pretty much lost my appetite.

My name is Khushi not Brown Eyes.

The annoyance in Khushi words made the weirdo smirk. What the hell? Is he enjoying all this? This is ridiculous.

I know Brown Eyes. Actually this is an endearment for you.

 Khushi's eyes bulged out while her cheeks turned scarlet in response. I could not help but gape at his blatant flirting. 

Uhh...what..

I enjoyed your meal. Thanks for the food. Now I believe I deserve some answers.

Exchanging a knowing glance with Khushi I trudged to the living room along with my friend, whose every movement was being followed by the wizard Raizada.

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Khushi POV

Is it possible to get goosebumps n red cheeks simultaneously? Actually it is. Never ever in my wildest imagination did I assume that one day the subject of my work would sit in my living room with full confidence and pride. And goodness how can one induce anxiety and shyness at the same time? Is it not enough that Arnav Singh Raizada is a scary 2000 years old wizard. But no it seems that this supernatural being is hell-bent on flirting with me.

His full of heat glances and playful smirk is ruining me now. Brown Eyes..really? It seems like an old way of courting someone. Well technically he is old...oh shut up I screamed at my inner self who is currently going gaga over Arnav Raizada.

So....whats the meaning of this favor Brown Eyes? And don't give me that research story. I am not a fool alright.

Oh really? Now he has the audacity to act all smart as well?? In that case why should I answer him at all huh...

First its Khushi. And second, I am not cooking up stories over here. Its the truth. We were planning to use you for our project but guess you are not really a mummy..are you?

He guffawed at my questions making me more annoyed with his mannerism if possible. Sitting at the recliner opposite to him I folded my arms across my chest and held up my chin high. He stopped immediately and locked his playful eyes with mine.

Well, Brown Eyes proof me wrong then. How can I trust your words? I won't be misled by you lot.

Before I could respond Payal spoke from somewhere behind me.

We are not lying Mr. Raizada. You are allowed to explore our study and the basement which is clear proof that we were looking for your coffin for ages.

He raised one perfect eyebrow with an appreciative look and grinned listening to my friend's words.

If you say so. But before that I would like to clean up somewhere. A bath sounds really good right now. So Brown Eyes would you like to help me perhaps...

What?!? How dare you.. are you implying to shower with me...listen to me you freak! I am not gonna do anything with you!!

He chuckled making me all the more livid. His disheveled appearance did need a bath but that does not mean that I would be anywhere close to him. Well you do like his attention. Quiet. I shushed my inner voice.

Raising his hands he stood up and advanced towards me.

I only want to know about the place where I can clean up myself. But..what did you assume Brown Eyes?!?

Show him the washroom Payal. And give him my Dad's clothes.

With a quick reply I rushed to the balcony leaving a nervous Payal with that jerk of a wizard.

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Arnav POV

Hmmm. A shower is quite enjoyable. Well, today's advanced technology has a lot of perks. Frankly speaking I would have acted like a total fool in front of Khushi if for my lack of knowledge about these drastic changes in lifestyle. However, that drunk, from whom I absorbed all of my energy, deserves a big thank you. My wizardly tentacles caught up with all that had happened in these thousands of years. Apparently a lot of things have changed since then.

Apart from enjoying a shower my sharp hearing made me smile as I heard Payal that mousy friend of Khushi appreciated my hotness. Also I did not miss that snort with which Khushi responded but my senses made me aware of the fact that her heart skipped a bit as she displayed her ‘I am not bothered by you at all'.

I quickly cleaned my self and changed into the clothes given by Payal. They are slightly unfit but this will have to do for now. Drying by hair vigorously I sauntered outside in the living room where my two companions awaited me.

Stop staring Brown Eyes. I know I look...what is it you call it these days...uh yes super hot.

YOU...YOU!!!! You are an eavesdropper.!!!

With a chuckle I threw my towel at the two blushing humans. A flustered Payal caught it and fell on the sofa in her clumsiness while my favorite human flared her nostrils making me grin at her reaction.

I don't have the time to chit chat, as you can see I have a lot to catch up to. So let us go and look at my coffin shall we?

You demanding...billion years old....stupid wizard...I

I can hear your mutterings Brown Eyes. Dare I say you have a beautiful voice. Why don't you call me...Arnav?

Her narrowed eyes and clenched fists made me want to laugh once again however I held back not wanting to vaporize her anger...if that is even possible.

Now follow me to that coffin and I will also show you that stupid parchment that is locked away. Maybe it has the information to make you go away...

I growled as realization dawned upon me. Khushi was casually talking about the one piece of grimoire that held the secret of my death. Anger boiled within me and I snapped. One second she was speaking to me and in the next second I pinned her to the closest wall making her gasp mid-sentence.

Unable to stop myself I cupped her face as compelled her to tell me all about the grimoire. I did not hear the complaints and call of Payal nor did Khushi’s face laced with fear made sense to me. Every noise faded...every sight blurred at that moment.

Flashback...

NO ONE CAN END ME....NO ONE CAN KILL ME, SHYAM JHA!!!! HOWEVER I WILL GET MY REVENGE TODAY AND YOU WILL DIE!!

His loud chuckle reverberated throughout the woods adjoining his village. Standing like a beast ready to take over the world, surrounded by the dead bodies of his people, he pulled out a parchment from behind his neck.

This will be your end. ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA’ END. This is DEVYANI’s grimoire which clearly states the spell that will bring death to you in the most torturous way. But for now, I won't kill you. I will only put you in a deep sleep. I want you to feel the same pain and hurt. I won't spare you so easily for killing my people, my kingdom.

And then a group of witches surrounded me pushing me to the brink of death ultimately paralyzing me. Darkness took over me leaving me in comatose for god knows how long. But I was satisfied as that parchment could only be read by me. Devyani my favorite witch had made sure of that one thing before she had attempted suicide.

Flashback ends...

Let her go!!! PLEASE LET HER GO!!!!

Payal's voice brought me back as I relived the memory of my death sleep.

My hands were cupped around Khushi’s face and her eyes were glazed. She was still under my trance.

The parchment is safely hidden inside the coffin.

As soon as her robotic voice reached my ears I let go of the beautiful human who has managed to make my heart beat erratically in the last few hours. 

She understood what I had done and pushed me away from her. The look of hurt and betrayal that crossed her face felt like shards of glass in my heart. I gulped the pain and looked away from her.

###

Khushi POV

A few hours later I was in the kitchen sipping a cup of tea to calm my nerves. Arnav Raizada had compelled me to know about that stupid paper. I was expecting him to do so since he is a wizard and all. But when it actually happened it felt like someone took over my will, my freedom, my privacy. And I have always hated that feeling. That's what my adopted parents did all the time when I used to live in Lucknow. Shashi and Garima felt that their nosy behavior came under of umbrella of parental rights. Fortunately I was granted the opportunity of living here in Delhi when I was offered the position of researcher in the Archaeology Department of Delhi. And Arnav Raizada’s recent act was enough to refresh those memories.

Naturally I tried to avoid him after that. I used all the excuses. I did all the possible household chores, I read a few research papers, I even watered Payal's greenhouse. Yeah I hate doing it but still it gave me the chance to stay away from that...wizardly Raizada.

I drained the remains of my tea and began to wash it in the sink when I felt someone watching me. Damnnn. I squeezed my eyes in desperation. Sometimes I wish I lived in a huge mansion with hundreds of rooms with no possibility of anyone finding me without a GPS. Wiping the now washed cup I skirted around the man when his bronzed hand grabbed my wrist causing me to gasp. The unexpected touch made me shiver all of a sudden.

Allow me to apologize Brown Eyes. I should not have done that. I realize I have hurt you with my behavior.

I cocked my head to his side only to see his baby brown orbs filled with pain. Whoaaa. He is the one who should be guilty then why the hell am I getting so affected by him. Trying to control my racing heart I answered him in a detached manner.

It is alright really. I mean I am simply a human, and you cannot help but be a wizard. You hypnotized Payal as well, there is no need to say sorry.

You are not simply a human Khushi. And when I usually compel people I don't feel any regret mind you. However I cannot forget your face when I tried that on you. I have never known such pain. You are different..the thing is...you a
mean more...I...

For a minute nothing really mattered to me. Raizada the wizard stood practically a centimeter away from me and I too leaned towards him. His words dazzled me and perhaps any moment his lips would touch mine. Our proximity ignited a fire within my insides.

My heart was beating like a machine gun hearing his confession. Without a second thought I found myself closing the little distance between us while his eyes widened in surprise as they practically twinkled with happiness. But then all of a sudden Payal walked in on us, interrupting our beautiful moment, bursting my bubble and making me jolt in disbelief. 

What the hell?? I distanced myself from him and acknowledged Payal feeling totally embarrassed for my own eagerness. Oh my goodness. I was about to initiate a....oh no no-no-no. He is your subject. Your Project. You cannot mix work with pleasure Khushi. No No. This cannot happen. Nope. I nodded towards Payal as her lips moved pretending to hear all that she said.

....so I guess we can show Arnav our basement. What do you think?

What??

What What? Should we show him the coffin or no? Khushi you alright?

I sheepishly agreed with her feeling each little hair on the back of my neck stand. Arnav Raizada stood a few feet away from me but his eyes were piercing me. Gosh can one person kill another with his intensity??! I am so dead. I have hots for the Mummy who was rusting in a coffin till last night!!!!

I am ok Payal. No worries. Let us head to the basement.

Payal walked in the lead making me follow her and the sexy wizard from hell stalked my movements as usual. I could hear his footsteps as we walked down the stairs adjacent to the kitchen area. Don't look behind. Keep walking. I pep talked myself. But then the crazy wizard whispered my name in his husky voice.

Khushi...

I turned around to face him only to see that stupid smirk back on his stubbled face. Sighing in exasperation I turned away. Trying to act all nonchalant about the whole thing. However now I am pretty sure that I am going to hell soon enough.
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Alright readers here is another update on Madhyampur OS. Hopefully this will wash away some of that gloominess associated with the lockdown. Keep calm, and pray for all as this is the holy month of Ramadan.