Joy is lovely

Congeniality reflects peace

Warmth sometimes embraces only those

Who dare to take some scary risks.

So will warmth embrace him?

Who runs from its very essence?

Or will derision drown him?

Ending his fierce pretense?

But amidst all of this

Can she be a sparkling hope?

Or can she have her own baggage?

Standing on the edge looking for a rope?

.

''Aww.. This is so emotional. Oh my god!''

Alisha finished yet another box of tissues, wiping her tears, blowing her nose, as she delved herself completely in her TV screen, where she was watching one of her favorite movies for the nth time: P.S. I Love You.

NK rolled his eyes, watching the dramatic antics of his cousin, while two seconds later he paid his attention to the sight he had lately become quite fond of: Khushi Gupta.

A faint smile adorned his face as he relentlessly watched Khushi, whose eyes too were glued to the TV screen, just like his cousin Alisha's.

'What was with girls and chick flicks?'

He thought to himself.

It was over a week since this became their daily routine. The mornings, all three of them were out for their respective jobs, and when they came back late evening, they would happily sit for a yummy dinner, or sometimes go out for it, only to come back to Alisha's apartment and watch a movie together with a huge bowl of popcorn, which both Khushi and Alisha would spill more on the carpet rather than eating them.

He chuckled at the recollection and once again darted his eyes towards Khushi.

For some odd reason, this girl, who at first sight looked like some 8 years old in the body of a 20+year-old, had suddenly started appearing to be a fresh breath of air in his otherwise hectic life, and for once, he had no complaints about it so far.

There was no denying that she was exceptionally pretty. Her fair white skin tone, natural blush, long hair, and style sense, all of it was something that could give anyone a run for their money. But for NK, it was her positivity, her unique logic, and explanation for things that made her way different from all others in the lot.

As NK assessed aspects about her once again, he noticed her expressions a little too close this time. It was so evident that she was getting emotional just like Alisha was, watching the movie, wherein the happy couple Gerry and Holly don't end up together, yet Gerry motivates her to find a purpose in her life even after his death due to brain tumor.

He noticed that the whole deal was upsetting her, and he certainly didn't like the thought and sight of it.

As the end credits rolled marking the end of the movie, and Alisha sighed out loud, throwing yet another box of tissues sporadically, Khushi remained silent. A little too silent, which was so unlikely of her.

And with that realization, NK couldn't stop himself anymore, and ended up asking her,

''What happened Khushi? You look upset. Didn't like the movie?''

She lifted her gaze and instantly pouted, looking like a little school girl, and NK totally had this strong urge of pulling her cheeks, but he somehow controlled himself.

Khushi shook her head, validating it quite concretely that she didn't like the movie. And before NK could ask her the reason, she herself spoke,

''I hate separations. They are just so bad. So sad. It is something I don't ever want to happen to anyone, not even my enemy! Nobody deserves such sadness!''

NK knew she was sensitive.

In fact, Alisha had said this to him long before Khushi arrived at Texas. But he didn't know that she could be this sensitive, that even a movie could make her voice her thoughts this strongly. Not that he found anything wrong with it, but weren't movies supposed to be something like out of sight out of mind kind?

He was analyzing all of it in his mind when he heard Alisha say,

''But Khushi, look at the bright side of it, despite his death, Gerry managed to make Holly find happiness. Isn't it cool? The separation hurts I agree, but at least Holly ended up smiling because of her love, not depressed.''

NK too nodded in affirmation at Alisha's theory, while he looked at Khushi once again, who only seemed too reluctant to buy in any other theory rather than the one she believed in.

And so she said,

''Maybe that's what you think and the writer of the movie too thinks, Aly! But to me, separation is the worst form of sadness you can have in your life. If anything like that ever happens to me, I swear I will die!''

Alisha slapped Khushi's arm lightly as soon as she mentioned the last words.

She made an angry face and warned her, ''Shut up, you silly Khushi! Don't you dare say about dying! And dudeee! It's just a movie! So chillax, okay?''

Alisha's playfulness totally worked on Khushi, and after what seemed like eternity she flashed her million-dollar smile, and NK totally wished to frame that moment.

However, the moment was only short-lived for the next minute, he saw a frown replacing her smile and that made him worried. Without wasting another second, he asked her,

''What's wrong Khushi? Ab kya hua (Now what happened)?''

She shook her head like a kid and said in a voice barely audible,

''Back at home, I used to watch loads of movies with my sis, Kia. And now I am missing her!''

NK smiled warmly at her words and said,

''So what? We are here, no? And if you are missing your sis so much, just give her a call okay?''

Khushi nodded slightly, and before she could proceed to pick up her cell phone to make a call, NK added,

''By the way, you have a brother too right? Kunal? Don't you miss him too?''

As soon as he mentioned Kunal's name, he watched her stiffen slightly, and after five seconds, she only shook her head negatively, and for some reason, NK didn't wish to probe further.

Alisha gave him a ''Dude! Stop hitting on her so much!'' look, while NK only stuck his tongue out, deliberately teasing his cousin.

As Khushi dialed the number, the phone on the other end was received right after three rings, and one of her favorite voices instantly greeted her with a ''Hello!''

Khushi's lips instantly curved into a wide smile and totally elated, she said, ''Yay, Nancy! What's up?''

Nancy was elated no less in return on hearing her little baby's voice, and said with sheer joy, ''Khushi baby! How are you dear? We are all missing you so much!''

Khushi's smile deepened at that and hopping like a bunny she said, ''Yay yay yay! Of course, I am being missed Nancy fancy! Khushi Gupta is the besttt!''

Nancy chuckled hearing the words of her ever-lovable Khushi, who was more than a daughter figure to her, although she never biologically gave birth to anyone.

''Are mom and dad still busy at the hospital?''

Nancy heard Khushi ask her, and she quickly replied, ''Yes, baby! Both sir and ma'am had emergency patients to attend to. So they may come in late today.''

''Oh! God, they work so much! I so wish they could have some time to themselves. Anyway, how's Kia di?''

''She is fine dear, she had tried calling you this morning, but I guess you were busy at office. Now she's already asleep. I will ask her to call you first thing in the morning.''

''No probs, Nancy! Chill!''

Khushi giggled, as she then went on talking about her day at work, her life at Texas, not so vividly, yet mentioning most of what she possibly could, over the phone.

After around 40 minutes, when she finally hung up, Alisha was already half-asleep on the bean bag, while NK was browsing some random channels on the television.

As she started preparing herself for bed, she picked up her ever so amazing companion, Mr. Snuggles in her hands, and looked at him as if he was really a human being!

NK watched her keenly with humor, but dared not to laugh, lest she felt bad. But even he couldn't deny, that the sight of a childlike Khushi was oh-so-adorable!

''Mr. Snuggles! It's time for bed!''

Khushi grazed the little soft toy's ears, and while doing so, noticed the little ball of cotton coming out from Mr. Snuggles' right ear, and that instantly made her displeased, flashing in front of her eyes, the scene from the other day when her monster of a boss, ASR, had thrown her little darling Mr. Snuggles mercilessly on the floor.

She fumed inwardly, but told herself continuously to ''Breathe in, breathe out.''

And with that, she regained her composure, and retired to her room wishing NK a good night, but not before muttering to herself- 'Such a monster you ASR! You hurt, poor Mr. Snuggles! Grrr!''

..

.

The next morning at AR Designs was a busy, busy day.

Not that it was otherwise on other days, but today it was ultra-hectic, courtesy, the upcoming Fall Fashion Show, which was also going to be the first design flash from AR's Fashion House in Texas.

No doubt, everybody was busy, tensed, nervous, and at the same time excited.

Khushi was no different.

She enjoyed penning down what was assigned to her, and she thoroughly enjoyed her job. Agreed, it wasn't something she would feel given her first devastatingly weird day and encounter with her boss on day one, but hey, wasn't time the key to everything?

She smiled once again as she concentrated on her designs and in between, kept chatting with her now quite a close friend, Kartika.

Kartika was someone who was not only supportive but also a proper guide to Khushi. She would not just appreciate her designs but also constructively criticize her if it was necessary. And that made Khushi strive and put extra efforts to do better. Something she totally wanted.

Kartika totally loved the new design that Khushi was working on and gave her a much-deserved compliment, and before Khushi could reply, her phone rang.

She took the call, spoke for 20 seconds and quickly ran outside, only to come back 5 minutes later with a huge box in her hand.

Kartika watched an overly excited Khushi as she quickly unwrapped the huge box, revealing two gorgeous pairs of Steve Madden boots, and if it was not known already that she was a fashionista, it just got all the more cemented with her choice this time.

''Wow! These are gorgeous!''

Kartika exclaimed as she saw the classy boots, and Khushi flashed her a warm smile, taking the two pairs out from the box.

''I didn't know you are a fan of online shopping too!''

''Oh, I am not. Not really. But now I hardly have the time to visit retail outlets, so gave it a try! And I am totally impressed! These are great, aren't they?''

Khushi said joyously, while Kartika nodded and agreed, 'Of course, babe!''

And in no time, Kartika was shocked categorically as one of the pairs from the box landed on her hands, and her mouth flung open, seeing the constantly giggling Khushi who was looking at her with anticipation.

''Whaa-'

She had merely begun, when Khushi said, ''This is my gift to you! It was your birthday na? 2 days before I joined? Consider this as a belated birthday gift! Yay!''

She clapped her hands together in excitement like a schoolgirl, and Kartika was way too overwhelmed to react.

Her life hadn't really been a bed of roses, and if anything, warmth from a person you knew only for a week was something she had never expected. But when this was truly happening, she was really surprised.

She would have stood there as it is, if not for Khushi breaking her trance, by shaking her, and saying, ''God! Why are you not saying anything? You didn't like these?''

Kartika immediately shook her head in denial.

How could she not like this gift?

She loved it!

Not because they were some high end branded boots, but because a girl had valued her so much, that she even considered giving her a birthday gift when her birthday was long gone.

She instantly hugged Khushi tightly, showing her gratitude to her, and also reeling in this innate happiness that she had got her as a friend in her life.

Khushi too hugged her back, sighing in relief that her friend liked her gift, and as they finally pulled apart, Khushi was all smiles.

''Thanks Khushi! These boots are amazing!''

Kartika said with a smile, looking at the footwear, but added a little later,

''I only hope they don't give me shoe bites, though! I always have a tendency of getting shoe bites whenever I wear a new pair of shoes!''

She waited for Khushi to say something in return, but when no words came her way, she lifted her head, only to see Khushi smiling to herself with a little glint of playfulness in her eyes.

Confused, she asked, ''What happened Khushi?''

The crazy girl still didn't reply and when Kartika began to feel all the more confused, she stared in utter surprise, as she saw Khushi lift the new pair of boots, bring them closer to her mouth slowly, and in a jiffy, she saw her bite the edges of the shoes lightly and keep them back in the box.

To say she was shocked would be an understatement.

She was way too stunned to verbalize anything, and fortunately, the crazy girl who did something as weird as biting her new shoes spoke for herself in a fully mischievous tone,

''Hehe! Don't be shocked! It's a weird kind of superstition of mine, and trust me, it totally works for me! If you bite your shoe, it won't bite you. I am abiding by this theory since Grade X, and it works wonders! I never had a shoe bite ever since then!''

Kartika pursed her lips, not able to make head or tail out of this theory, but for some odd reason, she even contemplated, could this actually work?

'Perhaps I should try it too!'

She thought to herself a little too thoughtfully, and then on the second chance, she thought, 'Gosh! Khushi can actually make you do crazy things!'

She chuckled at that thought, dismissing the bizarre set of ideas and told Khushi to get back to work, while she herself deviated her attention to her computer screen now.

In all of this, they both totally remained oblivious to a pair of widened eyes behind rimless spectacles, who was stunned beyond his guts at the scene, which was the interaction between these two girls moments ago.

Yes, Aman was bedazzled.

And little did Aman know that behind him stood the man himself, Arnav Singh Raizada, with eyes not just widened, but shooting daggers at the cubicle where Khushi sat, followed by, looking at Aman, gritting his teeth.

''Talented budding designer with a lot of potentials who could be an asset for AR, it seems? THIS is the bundle of talent you were talking about? Biting the shoe so that it doesn't bite you?''

Arnav tried keeping his voice low as he gritted the words, making Aman gulp and turn to look at him.

He was about to say something, but Arnav was too fast, as he stormed out of the lobby and disappeared upstairs into his cabin.

''Gosh, Khushi Gupta! You are really going to make ASR murder me!''

Aman said with a puppy dog face, before retiring into his own cabin.

.

.

.

The rest of the day saw all the employees running here and there, with files, designs, CDs, DVDs, all working thoroughly for the upcoming event.

The whole office was bustling, and amidst all that, ASR was busy barking orders to everyone, in his usual foul mood, while Aman only sighed, watching his friend losing all touch to his once fine reality. He only wished something could just happen, some miracle or something that could bring some essence of normalcy back to Arnav's life.

Try as you might

To make it all fine

Sometimes you don't need to look much

To find your little source of sunshine.

But if you remain blind,

Despite open eyes

How can someone join your broken bones

Inspite of hugging you tight?

So give it a chance,

Give it some time

Give it your everything

A little hope to let everything become fine.

.

''Why do you look sad?''

Khushi asked Samantha, a fellow fresher, who currently had a little upset face, and but naturally wasn't able to concentrate well on her assignment.

Samantha and Khushi had spoken to each other quite a few times in this last one week, and pretty obviously, they had connected pretty well. Samantha had found Khushi to be very endearing, and this was precisely the reason why she didn't feel the need to hide anything from her.

And so she said the reason that was making her so upset.

''I just had a big fight with my boyfriend, Khushi. It's just so frustrating. Despite him being at fault, it's always me making up. And now too I am calling him since the morning, but he isn't even receiving my call. I don't know what to do!''

A lone tear escaped her eye as she opened up to Khushi, and the latter, of course, felt too bad seeing the vulnerable side of Samantha.

She instantly pulled her in a bear hug, and after caressing her hair, she pulled back and said one thing that she deemed right at the hour.

''Sammy, I don't know who is right here or who is wrong. But if he isn't valuing your efforts, I think it's better if you stop pushing it so much. Give it some time. Time heals a lot, trust me! And know what? You can have a solution too. Till your boyfriend fixes his head and calls you back, why don't you consider speaking to your family?''

Samantha instantly looked at Khushi, suddenly a little too keen to hear what she had to say. She had told her that she was not really in touch with her family, ever since her mom remarried post her dad's death, and she started living on her own.

''Sammy, family is everything you know. And we must be really glad that we have our families because many people don't! You are running away too much dear. Sometimes we chase after things that don't value us while undermining things that treat us precious. So just try to talk to your mom. If not daily, then for this little while when you are mending it with your boyfriend, okay? Who knows, you might receive positive results from both the ends!''

Khushi's words unknowingly acted as a balm on Samantha's wounds. She didn't know how fruitful this idea was going to be, but for starters, she really did want to give it a chance.

And with that thought, she finally smiled warmly after quite long, and averred, ''How do you do this Khushi? How do you know how to make everything right?''

Khushi grinned at that compliment and said with immense pride, ''Because I am the princess of joy my dear! And I am too lucky to have the best family in the world! You know, last night even I was feeling so lonely, but this morning I spoke to my parents, my sis, and wow! It was all back to being good! I have the most amazing family EVER!''

She bragged with joy and Samantha too chuckled seeing such positivity reflect from Khushi as always.

.

.

It was the eighth time that Arnav cut his father's call and wished to throw his phone somewhere far away.

And maybe he would have done exactly that, but a voice had stopped him in his tracks. And what greeted him later, only made his blood boil.

'I am too lucky to have the best family in the world! You know, last night even I was feeling so lonely, but this morning I spoke to my parents, my sis, and wow! It was all back to being good! I have the most amazing family EVER.'

He didn't know and couldn't even predict what would come out of his mouth, and when it did, it didn't just shock the person he meant it for, but also himself.

''Miss. GUPTA! FYI, THIS IS A WORKPLACE! NOT YOUR PHILOSOPHY CLASSROOM! IN MY CABIN, RIGHT NOW!''

Khushi was flabbergasted looking at the raging figure in front of her eyes, and so were others who witnessed yet another sight of an angry, glaring ASR, who looked like he was capable of bringing the whole building down right at that moment.

As Arnav stormed out of the place, everyone began murmuring among themselves, and some prayed fervently for the poor soul Khushi who was currently scared out of her wits, not knowing what wrong she possibly did for him to react this bad with her, that too in front of everyone.

On the other hand, some females in the office were totally happy with this change in the storyline, for obvious reasons. The new pretty female in the office aka Khushi was someone who stole all the attention that was previously bestowed upon them, so having her cornered by the ever so handsome yet angry ASR was a total treat for their eyes.

.

.

As Khushi clutched the ends of her dress in fright, Kartika tried encouraging her with words like, ''Don't worry'' ''Be strong.''

She hated that her friend always ended up being the target of the mighty ASR and only wished he didn't fire her or do something wrong to her. To say the least, this girl never deserved anything bad in her life.

Samantha too wished ASR wouldn't go harsh on her new friend.

And Khushi, for the first time, was running out of solutions to her predicament.

..

.

.

As she knocked the door of his cabin, he replied curtly,

''Come in!''

She gulped and opened the door, taking some unsure steps, her mind slightly lost and obviously frightened.

She neared his table, and he instantly lifted his gaze, his eyes shooting daggers at her, and his harsh voice, made her lookup.

''BAHOT TALENT HAI NA TUM ME?''

(You have a Lot of talent, right?)

He barked sarcastically, and before she could even assess his words to form her own as a reply, he roughly threw a heavy file towards her on the table, and averred rudely,

''AR's upcoming fashion show- FLEUR! I want you to prepare FIVE unique designs for the final segment. FIVE. UNIQUE. DESIGNS. Designs that have never been repeated before. If you do it, you stay. Else be ready to pack up and leave!''

.

.

Khushi was stunned.

Five unique designs? That too for the finale segment? That too for FLEUR? Which was AR's maiden fashion show in Texas after the brand launched here only recently?

She was only a fresher, a learner, who had so much to learn and understand. And at this stage, she was thrown the onus of something as serious as this?

She knew it completely that it was the monster's way of getting back at her.

But why?

Why was he being so harsh? What did she do so wrong to have him behave this bad with her? Did she hurt him? Did she unknowingly make some mistake in her work?

Before she was even done contemplating a list of things that could be the reason of ASR's rude behavior, she was in for another shock, as she watched Arnav get up from his chair and walk dangerously towards her.

She looked unblinkingly at him, as he marched forward, his face too stern, his eyes, watching her intently.

And right then, she didn't know how and why, her steps began sliding backward, one by one, on their own accord.

What furthered her shock was that he didn't stop at all.

Instead, he kept coming forward, and she, backward.

But halt she had to, for she found herself hitting the wall on the corner of his cabin, and she couldn't stop clutching the ends of her dress tightly, while he came dangerously close to her, his gaze not leaving hers, as he stood barely inches away from her, his face in a dangerous proximity against hers.

Her heart thudded unwarrantedly as he said in a voice barely audible, but with an audacity that was filled with arrogance,

''Accept the challenge. Or resign, Miss. Gupta. The choice is yours.''

Khushi's grips on her dress tightened further, as she tried to muster all the courage in the world to face this monster, this devil in front of her, and to thank her stars, she did manage to do so. At least to some extent.

''Challenge accepted, Mr. Raizada.''

She knew that from inside, she was too petrified.

She had never witnessed someone as harsh as him. Someone as arrogant, as evil as him. But she couldn't lose to such a person, could she?

She could not.

And she will not.

And with that determination, she accepted his challenge, and before she could let her rebel heart thud louder than it already was, she quickly escaped from the spot and lifted the heavy file with details of the upcoming event from his big round table, and giving one final look at him, ran away from his cabin.

.

.

Arnav clenched his fists, his insides reeling under a sadistic pleasure of witnessing her shocked face, her disappointment, her hurt face.

This was what he wanted to see, wasn't it?

Her crestfallen face?

He wanted to give her a reality check, a better look at how life really is, how relations really are, which is anything but hunky-dory, and here, it was just the beginning!

He was winning it and he was always going to win because losing wasn't an option for him.

Not now, not ever.

But then why wasn't he feeling the real joy of hurting her, as he had anticipated?

Why was he feeling rather restless?

He shut his eyes, his fists tightening all the more as his nails dug into his skin. The flash of her cornered against the wall, so close to him, greeted him instantaneously.

Even if only for a moment, he could still distinctly remember the sight of her quivering lips, frightened hazel eyes, pale skin, and...

''STOP IT!''

He muttered to himself, rather angrily.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Here, he had so much on his plate, and this girl was hell-bent on messing with his head, his life. Who the hell was she? She had no bloody right to intrude in his life and put a pinch of salt on his already unhealed wounds when it came to his family and personal life by constantly reminding him that she had everything that he had recently lost.

And that recollection instantly brought back the cold, manipulative ASR back in form, with mild traces of Arnav, all gone.

In a fraction of second, he threw the heavy paperweight rashly on the floor, making even Aman, who was there at his doorstep with some files, shocked. And he knew that very second, that perhaps his wish of watching his friend come back to normalcy, was only wishful thinking.

**