Sunday..

"Why am I not allowed to go with you guys?" Meera whined as she sat on Khushi's bed with a thud watching Lavanya and Khushi getting ready.

"Well that's your punishment for messing up with ASR.. If you hadn't been stubborn and listened to Khushi.. maybe he would have invited you too.." Lavanya replied grinning.

"There's nothing I can do Meera.. He's angry with you and he's right in his place only.." Khushi explained.

"NK is also going Di.. Can't I come as his friend? We will convince NK to take me as well.." Meera said with hope.

"No.. I'm not going to do that.." Khushi glared at Meera.

Meera pouted, "Please Di.. Will you leave your little sister alone here at home? That too on Sunday?"

"As if you're scared.." Lavanya rolled her eyes.

"Go out with your friends Meera.. make some plan.. I don't know but I can't take you with me.. when Sir already denied it.." Khushi said.

Meera sighed hard and left the room angrily.

Lavanya and Khushi looked at each other and shook their heads.

"Just leave her.. You're looking gorgeous baby with ASR's gifted dress!" Lavanya complimented Khushi smiling.

"Am I?" Khushi asked unsure, staring at herself through the mirror.

Lavanya dropped her purse on the bed, and rushed to Khushi, hugging her from behind, she whispered in Khushi's ear: Of course you're.. the most beautiful woman of this world.. My Tomato!

Khushi glared at Lavanya, "Stop teasing me.. I'm not doing this for him.."

"Oh really?" Lavanya raised her one eyebrow.

"Yes really.." Khushi said.

Lavanya giggled, "If lie had a face, it would be yours only!"

Khushi's phone rang, she quickly rushed to take it on her bed and picked it up, "Yes sir.. You've reached already" she signaled Lavanya to hurry up, "Yes.. we're almost ready.. just give us two minutes.."

Khushi hang up the call and ran to get her sandals, "This is all your fault La.. You engaged me in your talks and I lost my precious time to get proper ready.. see I haven't done a double check on my make up yet.."

"Come on.. let's go.. stop your blabbering.. you look beautiful!" Lavanya took their purses and one bag and dragged Khushi out of the room.

************************************************************************

Arnav was chatting with Isha in the car while waiting for Khushi and Lavanya, when his eyes fell on her closing the door of their house and walking towards the car with Lavanya by her side. He stopped talking, just to take his own time admiring the gorgeous woman she can be in just a simple attire. He felt proud that he had the chance to buy that dress for her and get to see this beautiful sight in front of him.

"He's staring at you as if you're his favorite food.." Lavanya whispered to Khushi and giggled when Khushi pinched her arm, and lowered her eyes shyly with a smile adorning her lips.

What Lavanya failed to notice, that she had an admirer too who was staring at her since long, praising her beauty in his mind.

Arnav got down the car leaving Isha dumbfounded as he just left her talking alone like a fool. 

Now Khushi could see his whole look, she bit her lips drooling over him again. He looked handsome as always and everyday she's finding it difficult to hide that she's literally having a crush on him. 

Arnav opened the door for Khushi and Lavanya like a gentleman. But his chocolate brown eyes were only on his Khushi, he smirked at her.

Khushi smiled at him and got in the car, followed by Lavanya.

Arnav closed the door of the car and before he could get on his driver seat, NK and Aman called him from NK's car that was behind Arnav's car.

He frowned and went near the car, "What happened? Any problem?"

"Is that fair that all the ladies are in your car?" Aman whined.

"I invited them.. so it's fair only!" Arnav shrugged and Aman pouted. He smirked at Aman,  "Let the girl breath Aman.."

"Bhai please call Lavanya to this car.. otherwise he'll keep crying on the way.." NK pleaded.

"Alright.. then I'll call Isha to join you guys as well.. otherwise Lavanya will get suspicious!" Arnav said.

"Okay.." NK said.

Arnav went back to his car and convinced the two ladies to go with NK and Aman. Lavanya readily agreed as she knew NK and Aman as well, but Isha agreed sulking and unwillingly.

Arnav gestured Khushi to sit at the front seat beside him. Khushi joined him at the front seat.

"Kushie you look beautiful today.." Aayu complimented her and kissed Khushi's cheek.

"True!" Arnav said and started the car heading towards their destination.

"Thank you.." Khushi said to Aayu smiling, then glanced at Arnav: And you look handsome!

When Arnav looked at her, she immediately shifted her attention to Aayu. Aayu smile, "Thanks Kushie!"

"You're way more handsome baby!" Khushi said, this time to Aayu, who stared at her confused. Arnav smirked as he understood that the first compliment was for him.

************************************************************************

Hotel XYZ.. (Imaginary)

Arnav handed the car keys for the security guard to park. The hotel manager came rushing towards him, "Welcome Mr.Raizada.. It's great to have you here today.."

Arnav nodded, "Thanks!"

"Hope you like the arrangements we did especially for you and your family.." the hotel manager smiled sweetly trying to please ASR as he was one important client for them.

Arnav looked back at Khushi, Isha, Lavanya, NK, Aayu and Aman walking towards them. Once they reached, Arnav signaled the manager to show them inside.

"This way please.." the hotel manager guided them inside the hotel. The hotel manager called the receptionist to handle the room keys to Arnav and his family.

"Oh wow.. he booked rooms for us too!" Lavanya whispered to Khushi smiling excitedly.

But Khushi felt bad about this. She's not enjoying all this with her hard earned money but her boss's money.

"I'll take you to your room Mr. Raizada.." the hotel manager offered to help.

"No, it's okay.. I know the way.. I've been here before.." NK said.

"Alright.. If you need anything, then do call us.. We will be available to help.." the hotel manager smiled.

Arnav nodded.

"Come bhai.. I'll show you guys your rooms.." NK said walking ahead and everyone followed him. 

************************************************************************

Arnav's room:

Aayu stood on the bed impatiently waiting for his Arnav uncle to finish applying the sun screen on his whole body.

"Annav uncle please make it fast.." Aayu whined pouting, "I want to go and swim with Kushie!"

Arnav sighed shaking his head, "It's almost done.."

Aayu jumped on the bed happily making Arnav scold him for not staying quiet.

"Done now.." Arnav said and took his bag, "Now it's my time to change the clothes.. you wait here!"

Aayu whined, "Noooo.. I cannot wait any longer!"

"Oh you'll have to wait.. Yes!" Arnav said messing with Aayu's hair leaving the little one sulking.

"Let me go to Kushie's room then.. I'll stay quietly with her.. promise!" Aayu pleaded finding the solution for his boredom.

"Do you even know where is her room? I don't want you to get lost in this hotel!" Arnav said.

"I know.. Her room is next to ours only.." Aayu said.

"Hmm.. Ok!" Arnav accepted. Aayu rushed to the door and opened it quickly to go to Khushi's room.

Arnav walked to the door and stood at the door frame, keeping a watch on Aayu and waited till Khushi open the door of her room for Aayu.

Khushi opened the door and smiled at Aayu, she knelt down: So someone is ready to swim!

"Yes I'm ready.. Only uncle will take time to change and apply sun screen on his body yet.. that's why I came to you.." Aayu pouted.

"Okay.. come in.." Khushi giggled, taking him inside her room. 

Arnav smile a little and closed the door of his room.

************************************************************************

At the swimming pool..

"Yaay.." Aayu squeal in happiness staring at the huge pool in front of him.

"Along with your excitement, be responsible too Mr. Aayu!" Arnav reminded him, "Remember what I told you?"

"Yes.. I remember everything.. No running around the swimming pool.. No going in the swimming pool without any adult around.. No swimming alone.. No diving.. No swimming for long hours.. and use the swim ring!" Aayu said.

"Good.." Arnav said.

"Don't worry Bhai.. I'm here.. I'll keep a watch on him.." NK said. 

Arnav nodded.

"Come Aayu.." NK called him. Aayu went running to his NK uncle and Arnav was about to stop him when Aayu turned back to him and smiled, walking to Arnav, he took the swim ring from his hand, "See Annav uncle I remember every rule!"

Arnav pulled his cheek smirking, "Naughty boy!"

Aayu giggled and ran to NK as they jumped into the pool together. Isha followed by Aman also took a dip in the pool. They called Khushi, Arnav and Lavanya to join them also.

"You go and join them La!" Khushi said to Lavanya.

"Are you sure?" Lavanya asked.

Khushi nodded. Lavanya went to swim leaving Arshi standing there and watching them have fun in the pool.

"Khushi.." Arnav called her and gestured her to sit on the pool lounge chair. Khushi nodded and went to sit.

He also sat on the lounge chair beside her chair, and kept staring at the pool watching on Aayu.

Suddenly Khushi started feeling a burning sensation and uneasiness in her heart realizing that Isha and Lavanya were just in their swimsuits and Arnav was staring at their side only.

Khushi held his chin and made him look at her, "Don't look at that side!"

"Why?" Arnav smirked. Her eyes were really expressive and it didn't took him much time to realize that she was jealous that while keeping a watch on Aayu he had to stare at the girls who were just in swimsuits.

"Because of the sun.. it may burn you.." Khushi quickly covered it up making an excuse and pointed to sun innocently.

Arnav smirked, he rested his elbow on his thigh with his hand under his chin, staring only at her now.

"Khushi.. come na.. join us.. why didn't you change your clothes?" NK shouted calling her.

"Kushie doesn't know how to swim!" Aayu replied to NK.

"Oh okay.." NK gave an upset look to Khushi, who just smiled at him.

"ASR.. let's have a swimming competition like we used to do in London.." Isha giggled calling him through hand gesture.

"Later.." Arnav shouted replying to her.

Isha nodded, "I'll be waiting for you!"

"Why don't you go and join them? I'll be fine here.." Khushi said.

"I had promised to you that I wouldn't leave you alone.. let me keep my promise.." Arnav said.

Khushi smiled faintly admiring the man in front of her.

"You don't know how to swim or you're uncomfortable to swim here with us?" Arnav asked. 

"Both!" Khushi replied embarrassed.

"So will you be comfortable to learn how to swim in a private pool.. just you and me?" Arnav asked with an intense stare.

Khushi's cheek turned to red shade as soon as she heard his question in his husky tone and the way he was staring at her so intensely making it difficult for her to keep the eye contact between them. She lowered her eyes fidgeting her fingers feeling shy.

"Is that a yes or no?" Arnav insisted on getting no reply from her side.

"Maybe!" Khushi whispered.

"Does your Maybe means you are still in doubt whether to trust me or not?" he asked raising his brows.

"No..  I trust you!" she shook her head trying to clear his misunderstanding.

"Then it should be a Yes!" Arnav smirked.

"Okay.. Fine!" Khushi blushed. 

"Great.. come with me.." Arnav stood up and extended his hand to her.

"Are you going to teach me now?" Khushi asked in disbelief.

"Yeah.." Arnav nodded. Khushi held his hand nervously and stood up, "Can't we do this another day?" she asked feeling scared.

"No!" Arnav replied curtly making Khushi pout. They left from the swimming pool and went back to third floor.

"Do you have any swimsuit or should I arrange it for you?" Arnav asked, while walking through the corridor of the third floor heading to his room.

"I've one Lavanya brought.. in case I changed the idea of not swimming!" Khushi said.

"Ok.. Go and take it then.. I'm waiting here.." he said as he stood near his door and waited for her to take her swimsuit from her and Lavanya's room. 

************************************************************************

Arnav's room..

Arnav waited for Khushi to change into her swimsuit at the balcony.

Khushi came after few minutes, she cleared at her throat staring at his back "I'm ready.."

Arnav turned to her and gulped, his eyes blinked in awe and his mouth slightly open, she looked hot in swimsuit and he was just numb and dumbfounded. No words came out of his mouth till he was done checking her out.

Khushi lowered her gaze feeling extremely shy to be standing in front of him like this. If he continued to stare at her like this, then she'll run back to the bathroom for sure.

For her relief and not at the same time, as she would have to face her fear now, Arnav spoke while walking towards her, "Let's start then!"

(Arnav and Khushi's looks respectively)

"Wait.." she said and put her foot inside the water for few seconds before taking it back to the balcony floor, "The water is too cold.. I'll freeze to death here! I think we should do this another day only.."

Arnav chuckled seeing how desperately she was trying to escape from learning how to swim.

"The water is not cold at all.. it's a sunny and hot day after all.." Arnav said.

"But I felt it cold really.." Khushi said trying to convince him otherwise.

"Khushi relax.. I'm here.. come.." he said extending his hand to her.

"No.. I'm scared.." Khushi took a step back in fear.

"There's nothing to be scared about.. I'm here with you.. Nothing bad will happen.. Trust me.." he pulled her closer to him and caressed her back trying to keep her calm and relaxed.

"Can you please bring a swim ring here? I think I'll feel more safe then.." Khushi pleaded innocently.

"I'm your swim ring.. You're safe with me.." he said huskily, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Khushi closed her eyes, her heart was beating faster now.

"Shall we start now?" Arnav asked as held her hand again to take her to the pool.

Khushi opened her eyes instantly, and held his hand tightly and pulled him back to stop him, "Please no.. not now.. I'm not ready yet.. let's wait for sometime..Please.."

Arnav sighed hard as she left him with no option. He lifted her in his arms and jumped with her into the pool making Khushi scream.

Once in contact with the water, Arnav quickly took a panicked Khushi to the side of the pool.

He made her hold on to the sides of the pool and did the same.

"Relax Khushi.. breath in and out now.." he instructed her, patting her back gently. Khushi did as he instructed, then glared at him shivering: this water is really cold!

"Then you don't the definition of cold yet.." he replied in a sarcastic way. 

"I want to go out of the pool.." she frowned.

"Just calm down Khushi.. don't panic.. let go of your fear.. and enjoy yourself.." he said.

Khushi stare at him with I'm still not sure about this look.

"Now take a deep breath and while holding on to the side of pool, let your legs float behind you.." he said and did as he instructed to show her how it's done.

Khushi took a deep breath and did as he said.

"Good job Tomato.. let's do this few more times.. till you get used to it.." Arnav smiled messing with her hair.

They practiced floating but still with the support of the side of pool.

"Are we done now?" Khushi smiled.

"We've just started!" he smirked and her face fell.

"Now let's practice floating on your back.." Arnav said.

Khushi held on to the side of pool tightly and nodded sideways, "No please.. I'm afraid of drowning!"

"Khushi I'm here.. relax.. I'll hold you.." Arnav said as he placed his hand under her back and helped lie back flat as taught her how to float on her back calmly. He didn't left her side till she was completely calm to float on her back on her own.

"Good girl.." he complimented as she started floating on her own, a bit insecure but she was enjoying it.

Arnav held her and took her back to the side of the pool, that she held for support.

"Now let's practice to exhale under water.." Arnav said.

"What??" Khushi freaked out.

"Listen to me.. Don't panic ok.. Just take deep breath and put your face underwater.. slowly exhale it out till you're out of breath and come back up.." Arnav said.

"Till I'm out of breath?" she gasped shocked.

"We'll do this together!" he said, "You're doing pretty good Khushi.. I'm sure you'll be able to do this as well.."

He held Khushi's hands and gestured her to take a deep breath the same way he did. She signaled him that she was ready and both put their faces underwater at the same time, they exhaled and when out of breath, both came up together. Khushi breathed in and out as she was panting, then looked at Arnav and giggled, "Bubbles came out!"

"Want to do it again?" Arnav asked smiling at her.

Khushi nodded excitedly.

"Alright!" he said as they did it again few more times.

Everything was going on well until Arnav taught her to do front stroke.

Khushi panicked and started patting the water, feeling out of breath.

Arnav held her immediately and got her back to the standing position, he wrapped his arms around her waist and patted her back. Khushi rested her head on his shoulder coughing badly.

"I told you not to panic.." he said concernedly, holding her closer to him while taking her to the edge of the pool again.

Khushi glared and said angrily to him, "You think I panicked.. I told you I wasn't ready to swim now.. but you kept on insisting.. I could have died right now.. and you're saying that I panicked!"

"Ok fine.. I won't teach you anymore.. let's go back.." Arnav said sternly.

Khushi circled her arms around his neck, pouting: Teach me again!

"For you to.."

"I promise I won't panic this time.. You know na.. I'm afraid of drowning.. Don't be angry with me please" Khushi didn't let him finish what he was about to say. 

"Just one more time and then we're done for the day.." Arnav said trying to hide the smile on his face.

Khushi smiled nodding. Arnav kept staring at her face from close, he caressed her cheek with his thumb and Khushi stare at him numbly and nervous as she was clueless about what he's going to do next. So lost in her, he didn't realize when he bend his head eyeing to her pink lips making Khushi feel butterflies on her stomach, he was just about to place his lips on hers when reality hit hard on him. They're not in a relationship right now. They're just getting to know each other and he should control himself to keep the trust she has on him intact. He moved back when these things ran on his mind, "Let's try it again.. the front stroke!"

Khushi nodded awkwardly and shy. She did know he was about to kiss her but she felt glad he moved back because without giving a name to their relationship, their first kiss would only bring guilt and regret for both of them.

They tried the front stroke again, one more time. She did good, but needed more practice.

************************************************************************

"So you like Khushi?" Isha asked once they were out of the pool and sat at the lounge chair drinking juice.

"Yeah.." NK nodded sipping his juice.

"Why don't you tell her then?" Isha asked curious, "Don't tell me you're shy!" she teased.

"She just see me as a friend.. I don't want to make things awkward between us.." NK replied shrugging.

"I cannot believe this NK.. Are you seriously going to give up of your love without even telling her about your feelings? Just go and confess to her man.. don't think too much.. maybe she too loves you but is afraid to tell you.." Isha tried to motivate him.

"Woah.. hold your horses Isha.. I don't love Khushi.. How can I love someone I just met recently? I like her.. I just see her as woman I could probably have a relationship with.. but I realized that she considers me as her friend only.. from her side our relationship is till friendship only.. not more.. not less.. that's it.. so we'll be good friends only.." NK said.

"I see.." Isha nodded understanding.

"I would suggest you to analyze your situation with Bhai as well.." NK said.

"You didn't talk with him yet?" Isha asked.

"No, I didn't had time to talk with him about you.. Like I seriously have to do this Isha?" NK asked unsure.

"Yes.. Please NK.. I only have you now to help me.. I need to know what he feels about me.. I know he likes me, but will never confess his feelings.. and now that he's staying with Aayu here in Delhi.. he won't confess it at all.. because he is totally focused on Aayu now.. I just want you to make him spit out his feelings for me.. so that I can assure him that I'm ready to wait for him and also ready to take care of Aayu like his mother as well.." Isha said.

NK nodded his head, "I'll talk with him.. Don't worry.."

Isha smiled, "Thanks! I'm glad I talked with you about my feelings for ASR the day we went to shopping mall.."

"NK uncle.." Aayu walked towards them and asked, "Where's Kushie and Annav uncle? I don't see them anywhere!"

"That's true.." Isha said. 

"I think Bhai took Khushi to take a look around.. maybe she was bored and to give her company.." NK shrugged.

"Okay.. Hope they won't take much time.. I'm missing Kushie now.." Aayu pouted.

NK smiled, "They'll be back soon! Who's hungry?"

"Me!" Aayu and Isha raised their hands laughing.

"What? You told ASR that I work for Roy Designs yesterday.. I told you not to Aman.. now he'll hate me for working with his rival company.." Lavanya scolded Aman. Both were chatting in the pool, resting their hands on the edge of the pool.

"He won't hate you .. but it wasn't a good news as well.. Roy Designs actually belongs to Shyam Jha.. ASR's brother in law.. and we actually don't bond well with him.." Aman said.

"Oh yeah.. Khushi told me about this .. I didn't know that my boss was actually ASR's brother in law.. You see for me it's just a job.. so I don't notice much all this.. the names and all.. I work in HR department as an assistant only.." Lavanya said.

"It's okay.. I understand your situation.." Aman said.

"Lavanya if you want.. then you can join AR.. I discussed with ASR about this.. in fact he only had this idea on his mind to get you to AR.. You'll get a good post with a great salary.." Aman said.

"When did you both discussed all this?" Lavanya asked shocked.

"The day after I dropped you at your office.." Aman said sheepishly.

"God.. The offer is great but I've signed a contract with Roy Designs.. I can't just resign without any valid reason.." Lavanya sighed.

"Don't worry.. I'll manage everything to take you out of that hell.." Aman said readily.

"Are you sure?" Lavanya asked.

Aman nodded smiling, "Trust me La!"

"Don't call me La.. We're not that close yet.. Miss Kashyap is better for you!" Lavanya said with attitude and started swimming again. Aman followed her with a smirk.

************************************************************************

Arnav's room..

Khushi walked out of the bathroom after changing into her pink dress.

Arnav handed a towel for her to dry her wet hair.

"Just water to make a calm and composed girl like you.. freak out like this!" Arnav teased.

Khushi glared at him as she grabbed her hair and squeeze it with towel.

"Tell me something.. when you turn on the shower.. do you also panic and freak out like you did in the pool?" he grinned.

"Stop teasing me Sir!" Khushi cried.

"Arnav.. call me Arnav now.." he took the towel from her hand and helped her dry her hair, "Sir doesn't sound good now.."

"I can't call you like that.. You're my Boss!" Khushi said.

"You're my employee, but I call you Khushi.. Don't I?" he asked.

"That's different.." Khushi said.

"Karela.. Laad governor.. Mr. Wall.. Is it allowed to call your Boss like this then and not by his name?" he asked raising his brows.

Khushi giggled, "Ok fine.. You won! I'll call you Arnav.. but only when we're together alone or with Aayu.."

"Done.." Arnav agreed.

"I'm a bit tired.. Can I rest for a while?" Khushi asked.

Arnav nodded, "Take my bed.. I'll take a shower meanwhile.."

Khushi laid on his bed and rested her head on the pillow, blushing deeply while thinking about the time they spent together few minutes ago. How he was checking her out in swimsuit.. How he patiently taught her how to swim.. How he was about to kiss her but stopped himself.. How they went underwater together.. Everything was so beautiful..

Few minutes later, Arnav walked out of bathroom wearing another black shorts. He saw her sleeping peacefully with a beautiful small smile adorning her lips.

He walked towards the bed, and carefully laid beside her. She was facing her back to him. 

Arnav stroke her hair lovingly and gently, taking his own time to admire the angel sleeping beside him.  He placed a gentle kiss on her hair near her ear and stood up from the bed, leaving the room and closed the door carefully not to disturb her sleep.

************************************************************************

"ASR.. where have you been ahn?" Isha asked as Arnav appeared.

"Where's Kushie Annav uncle?" Aayu asked peeking behind Arnav to see if Khushi is coming or not.

"She's resting.." Arnav said.

"Come ASR.. Let's do a swimming competition now.." Isha said excitedly.

"Not now.." Arnav sat on the lounge chair with a tired sigh, "I'm tired and hungry.."

"Sandwich?" Isha asked as she readily showed him a plate with sandwiches.

Arnav grabbed one and started eating. Isha served him juice also.

They sat all together chatting and eating.

"What made you so tired ASR?" Isha asked.

"Let me eat.. Will you?" Arnav asked in teasing tone.

Everyone giggled and Isha slapped his shoulder lightly.

************************************************************************

Sometime later..

Khushi came in the swimming pool after she woke up. 

"Like always I won the competition!" Arnav smirked.

Isha looked away trying to hide the smile on her face.

"Yaaaay.. Kushie came.." Aayu shouted and smiled brightly at Khushi. He went running towards her and jumped around her happily like a rabbit.

Khushi smiled to him and he stopped jumping and hugged her legs tightly looking up to her with a cute smile, "I was missing you Kushie!"

"I'm here now.." Khushi said.

"Yes.. Are you hungry Kushie? There's sandwich.. burger.. potatoes.. for you.." Aayu said taking her near the table that had food.

Arnav shifted his attention from Isha to Khushi. He got out of the pool and walked towards Khushi and Aayu.

He sat with them and looked at Khushi, "Slept well?"

Khushi nodded smiling.

Aayu served sandwich and potatoes for Khushi and poured juice on a glass for her.

"I'll feed you Kushie.." Aayu said and brought the sandwich near her mouth. Khushi took a bite smiling at Aayu's gesture. He's a such a cutie!

"ASR.. Give me one more chance to defeat you!" Isha shouted calling Arnav to the pool again.

Khushi placed her hand over Arnav's shoulder, "Bas (Enough).. You'll just tire yourself now.."

"Bas (Enough)" Arnav blinked his eyes, nodding at her.

He looked at Isha and denied to have another round of swimming competition with her, making Isha upset.