Chapter 17 - Stealing Time

Five Months Later

Raizada Constructions

6.00 PM - Monday

Zoya shut her laptop, and packed her bag for the day.It had been a long day, Monday's always were.However, there was one thing that kept her very excited about her day, which was her weekly date with the love of her life. It had been five months, since she had returned to India, and then Asad had too.Five months, they had been meeting in hiding,mostly only once a week, and that too Monday nights.That was so because, Monday's were superbusy days for the rest of her family members, specially her brother.He worked overtime on Monday for sure. It was easier , also because just no one she knew,her family or friends went out on Monday nights, so the risk of being spotted with Asad was really low. It was frustrating for sure, because obviously, meeting once a week, that too for a few hours,wasnt just ever enough.They hadn't got much time, with each other, no matter how much they had tried to steal time for each other, something or the other always came up.And to top it all, three months ago, just when shed completed two months at AR Designs, her brother had handed her, the reigns of Raizada Constructions, he supervised over her, for sure but he had handed over the operations,and the execution bit of it all.She had tried to fight his decision, because she didn't want to work in a company that was directly in competition with Asad, but he hadn't left her with much choice, he had explained how he had too much on his hands, and he really could use her help.She had to agree reluctantlyShe smiled as she remembered the shocked look on Asad's face, when shed told him, that she was taking over the management of Raizada Constructions.It had complicated things a little, but all settled soon, as they made a pact to keep their professional and personal lives, miles apart from each other. And things had been working out, expect for the fact, that amongst Khan- Raizada, personal and professional rivalry, they weren't getting as much time, as they had thought, for each other.They literally had to steal time to even talk, and the meetings, were possible only once a week.She knew, Asad was disappointed too, just like she was, but he also knew this was the best that could be done, given the circumstances.

She was ready to leave, when her phone rang, and she picked it up as she smiled -" Khushi , how are you??

"Great Zoya, just busy with work, you know how Monday's are...but just stepping out for lunch with Arhaan...oh do you know, he's going to Bombay this friday, for a conference, and few meetings with the real estate group, he's invested in,and i found out, its the same conference you and bhaijaan will be attending too....", she replied.

Zoya - " thats great Khushi, so finally i guess, ill get to meet this mystery man, Arhaan..."

"Oh cmon Zoya, hes not a mystery, you know everything...hes been a very good friend, amongst all this change...", she heard Khushi.

Zoya smiled - " ofcourse, i know, he's been a great support to you, and i cannot thank him enough for that, but you know what,i really feel,by looking at the pictures of the two of you together, he's really into you, I'm sure he is, but don't you think this will mess up, incase you don't clear out...I mean, you know what I mean?"

"yeah, i do, but i cannot clear it yet, because, im trying to figure out if I feel something too, you know he's different, i can trust him, if anything he's been there for me, always, and theres no harm in giving this a chance...."

Zoya asked worriedly - " are you sure? you know, i dont want you to hurry into anything..."

"Oh Zoya, you know I am not hurrying into anything, its been five months, and i think i know him well enough..look i know you are worried for me, but trust me, you dont have to be, i got this, anyways what are you doing??"

Zoya sighed,so Khushi was indeed over her brother. Not even once, in the last five months, had she once asked about Arnav, and even if his name came up, she ignored it and didn't ever talk about him, or about what had happened.She really had found a way to get her brother out of her system.And deep down she knew, Khushi had every right too move on.She replied - " ohk,so i was just leaving for..."

"For your date in hiding, oh yes, its Monday...ok bye ill catch you later...enjoy dinner, Zoya, ill speak to bhaijaan later then...", chipped in Khushi.

"Ok bye, Khushi..", and she cut the phone.

She walked towards her car, and got in behind the wheel, and she started to drive, as her thoughts went to her brother. He had buried himself in work, even more than what was humanly possible,over these past five months.She knew, he missed Khushi.She was sure, he did, and she was also sure he hadn't forgotten anything, because there had been numerous times, she had spotted him checking out Khushi's Facebook profile on her laptop, but she had never acknowledged it in front of him, that she had seen him.She was sure, she had seen jealousy and hurt, everytime, Khushi had been tagged in a post, by Arhaan, with their pictures,and every time he had seen them, some wrath and fury took him over, due to which he would just bury himself in work and if anyone in Shantivan spoke to him, on that fateful day, then they'd meet the fury of the devil himself.Only she and anjali di knew what this was about, and where was this coming from, but she couldn't do a thing about it.Because her brother could burn in hell of jealousy but he could not admit to himself that he missed Khushi,his pride didn't allow him to bend down in front of the girl he wanted so bad.Not once in these last five months, had he made any effort to get in touch with Khushi. Infact, Lavanya Kashyap was become more of a regular feature in his complicated life.And as much as shed wanted to help him, she couldn't because he didn't want to help himself,and so she had just let him be, just like her di had advised.Whereas, on the other hand, Khushi had been moving on, in the right spirit, and this Arhaan, seemed like a nice guy, from whatever Khushi told her.Maybe, now she would finally have a chance to meet him,in the coming weekend,at the upcoming conference.She knew, her worry for her best friend, wouldn't wash away until,she met this guy in person.She raised the volume on the radio, as she continued to drive, a few more minutes until she finally met Asad,the only thing that kept her going for the next whole tiresome week.

...................

7.00 PM

Asad looked at his watch, he was right on time, and mostly Zoya was on time too, maybe she was just stuck in traffic, this place was quite from her office.He took the time he had on her hand, to drink some water, and think.The last five months, hadn't been easy for them,they couldn't meet as often as they had wanted too.Only once a week, and that too in this not very popular resturant.He smiled to himself, Zoya had found this Chinese place,he didn't how, but she felt it suited their situation, for no one they would know, ever came here,but the food wasn't that bad.They had been coming here, every week,every Monday night, for the last five months.That was the only time, he would get to see her, and god that frustrated him greatly, but things weren't in their favour, and so they had to steal as much time as they could, to be with each other.Steal time to meet, steal time to talk,steal time to keep their relationship going.And she was now managing Raizada Constructions,that had been a complication for a while.She was sitting on the seat which made her a direct work rival, but they had decided to keep things apart, had been conflicting earlier, but with time, they had managed too,get past it.And he had so much faith in them, he knew, just believed that they could get past anything.Right then his phone rang, and it was his assistant, he immediately said - " Ruhi, i told you, I am in an important meeting, what was so important, that you had to disturb me, when i asked you not too.."

"Sir, im sorry, Jeevan here from the finance department, wants to talk to you importantly..."

Asad looked at his watch , Zoya wasn't here yet - " ok, give him the phone.."

He heard his employee say - " Sir, i have some tip, about that tender tomorrow, i know what the Raizada's have bid, if we change ours at the last minute, we might get this one, in our favour..."

If it was Arnav Singh raizada, who would have bid for this, Asad wouldn't have thought even a minute and gone ahead with this scheme.But it was Arnav, it was Zoya, and he couldn't cheat her, in any way.Everything had to be fair and square, and so he said sternly - " No jeevan, thats not what I want, our bids will remain what they were this morning, when i finalised it, no no more discussions..."

"Ohk sir, im sorry, i just thought, it would benefit us greatly, i thought you would be interested..."

Asad replied sternly - " no, i am not, and i dont want you spying like this ever again, or else you will loose your jb, which i guess is very important to you..."

"No, sir, i didnt, someone from within Ra c≈izada Constructions gave me this tip..."

Right then he spotted Zoya walk in, and he said - " ill talk to you tomorrow, but remember, something like this shouldn't ever happen, again..."

Asad grinned, as he hugged Zoya - " For a minute I thought, you weren't coming,now that would break my heart..."

Zoya hugged him back as she grinned , and kissed him on his cheek - " oh cmon, as if i would miss this one opportunity i get of seeing you, was stuck in traffic, its terrible...", and she saw him pull the chair for her, and she sat.

Zoya smiled,as she felt his hand cover hers,and she laced her fingers in his as she asked - "Sorry, did i make you wait long??"

Asad - " well, not much...but you do know, for you i can wait forever..."

Zoya blushed - " Oh god, Six months into our relationship, and you still make me blush, Mr.Khan..."

Asad grinned - " Just like you my heart race, even now..."

Zoya heard her stomach rumble - " oh im so hungry, can we order"

Asad raised his eyebrows - " do you think you have too, we been coming here, every week, for the last five months, they already know what we eat, in fact the waiter asked me if he could serve our usual, once you arrived, and i said yes,i hope thats ok..."

Zoya grinned - " obviously, it is..."

"You know, when you chose this place five months ago, i had no idea why you did, but as discreet it is, i kind of now understand why you did, and to your credit, the food isn't so bad..Zoya..."

Zoya rolled her eyes - " Oh please, its just bearable, but i guess its ok, because the company makes it wonderful..."

Asad grinned - "oh yes, i didn't think of that.."

"Very funny...anyways i missed lunch today, thats why so so hungry"

Asad - " but you know you shouldn't no matter how busy you are...and on that note, i wanted to tell you something..."

Zoya saw the waiter get their soups, and starters ,and Asad waited for them to place it and leave,and she saw him serve them as he said - " why don't you start eating, and fill you in..."

Zoya smiled.This man was the most thoughtful one, on this planet.

"what would i do without you Asad, so what is it? everything ok??"

Asad - " yeah, actually i dont know, but you know, whilst i was waiting for you...so you know that tender right, which we both have bid for, i mean, khan and raizada constructions have been bidding for...the result comes out tomorrow morning..."

Zoya sipped her soup as she said - " yeah, i know what about it?"

"Well, so my assistant called me, some guy in my finance department had a tip about what you guys bid, and he was suggesting we alter ours..."

Zoya looked at him in shock - " what?? how is this even possible, only I and a few very trusted team members knew about this"

Asad - " look at first i thought my team was spying in , without my knowledge, but when i told my employee to stop doing so, he said that someone from within Raizada Constructions, called and tipped him off"

Zoya looked at him - " so you didn't alter your bid?"

Asad gave her a small smile - " no way, are you crazy? i told him, i didn't even want to know, what your's was, you know what Zoya, if it was your brother, i would have probably given it a thought, but its you, the woman i love, i want you to know that ill never cheat on you, in any way, personally or professionally.Its gotta be fair and square,you win some, you loose some.Thats all, but i guess you should find out who this person is, i mean if they tipped us, they could tip off others too.I mean there are two other companies bidding for the same."

Zoya held his hand - " thank you so much Asad,for telling me..."

Asad smiled - " ofcourse i would, we made some rules to avoid conflicts, remember..."

"Ofcourse...", replied Zoya, as she started to wipe the corners of her mouth, but she saw him bend forward, and do the same, with his thumb, and she felt his thumb caress her lips for a few seconds, and she felt her entire body jolt up, with a simple touch as that.

Asad grinned - " well, if you are going to meet me just once a week, you know im going to find excuses to touch you.God, you have no idea, just no idea, how this arrangement is starting to get to me, its been so long,since i felt you melt in my arms...and then all i get is to kiss you once a week, what do you expect"

Zoya threw the napkin at him,as she gaped at him in fake shock - " Asad, your shameless, you know that, we are in a public place, how could you possibly talk..."

Asad winked at her - " alright, fine, i won't go on, that is, you promise to take out some good time for us soon, by good i mean, i want to be with you for just sometime, without worrying about you having to leave already..."

Zoya nodded - " ok ill see what i can do...", and right then a thought came to her mind as she said - " oh you remember, theres a conference this weekend, in Bombay..."

Asad rolled his eyes - " what the hell Zoya, that doesn't count ok, its just some stupid conference, where we have to pretend to be strangers, which sucks, so..."

Zoya - " oh will you listen to me please, so i was speaking Khushi earlier, she said Arhaan would be there too..."

Asad - " what? why??..."

Zoya - " some work, i guess, anyways we will finally get to meet him, i mean..."

"yeah, i know what you mean, Khushi has been spending quite some time with this guy, i guess now would be the time to meet him...", he said.

Zoya - "yeah...thats what i meant...", she didn't know how to tell him, that no matter who it was, he wasn't khushi's first love.

They chatted for some more time, as they ate, and soon it was time to leave.

Asad held her hand, as they walked out towards their cars.

Zoya kissed his hand - " so bye then, ill see you in Bombay, then but bhai will be there so..."

Asad stiffened - " so yes, strangers we will be...", and he saw confused look on Zoya's face.

He cupped her face tenderly - " hey, why do i feel since quite sometime, that you want to ask me something, but then you don't , whats it about??"

Zoya - " Yeah, i want to, but when we have a lot of time, not in a hurry...anyway ill go now...", and with that she turned to walk to her car.

Asad pulled her back, into the side, against the wall, right beside where he had parked his car, his vehicle blocking the front view - " not before you kiss me goodbye, Zoya...", and before she knew it, his lips were on her's, and she felt herself kiss him back,there was so much emotion, so much passion,and so much love.

..................

11.00 PM - Shantivan

Arnav walked in, exhausted.He knew, everyone would be asleep.he went to the kitchen first, drank some water, and then made his way to his room.He had a dinner meeting, which was very important for the expansion, he had in mind for AR Designs.He was glad, the meeting had gone well.

He got into his room, freshened, and changed.And a few minutes later, he lied down on his bed, and checked his phone. He didn't know,this part of the day, he hated or loved.For this was the one part , his heart had stolen from him.Everyday, as he had retired for the night, his traitor of a heart that it was, would start thinking of Khushi.Every night, for the past five months, she was the last thing on his mind, as he slept.And he didn't know, he hated it or loved it. He didn't know why this stupid heart of his that was responsible for all these complicated emotions, wouldn't let go of her. Of Khushi Ahemed Khan.He knew, she didn't remember him anymore,for she never talked about him to Zoya,she never mentioned him to his sister, even once, in these last five months.She had let him go, then why had it hurt him so much, and it still was hurting. Arnav Singh Raizada, had never bent in front of anyone, so how could he in front of a girl, his pride wouldn't allow him, and thats what he had thought for the first two months.There were so many times, he had almost messaged her, or called her, almost, but his mind had won, for he had always ended up deleting the messages, always ended up staring at her number on his phone screen, but could never get himself to dial it.he had thought it was pride, at first, but it wasn't just that, he didn't know, what to say to her, he had no clue, as to what could he have said, to started a conversation.He was the one, who had thrown her out of his life, she had begged him,he now realised, she had, not once, not twice, but thrice, she had tried her best.And he had just plucked her out, like a fly.The truth was, he didn't know, she mattered this much to him then, and he didn't know even how it was so possible, even now.Somehow, he couldn't just let her go, he couldn't get her out of his system. And then ever since those pictures, of that guy Arhaan and her started popping up on Facebook , which he had spotted on Zoya'a laptop, he didn't know why rage and fury was all he felt.And even though his mind warned him, he found himself often stalking Khushi, from Zoya's laptop, to see what she was upto, good for him, his sister was always logged in.And the way that guy, looked at Khushi in a few of them, well it was almost similar to how that friend of hers aAdi looked at her, and it made him burn.he just wanted to break everything, and anything that came his away.The day he would spot a new picture, he just felt himself go beserk, and he had no idea what the hell was happening to him, and he had no idea how to handle it, and so work came to his rescue, and then he would distract himself with dates, with lavanya,hoping that his restless heart would find find some solace.But he had failed, not one thing lavanya said or did, was of any interest. It was like, as if he had still held on to Khushi, in the form of hate, jealousy, and pain.It was all about her.And the fact that she wasn't interested in even acknowledging his existence anymore, made him want to back off, and he would give anything to get her out of his system, but he had tried a numerous times, and failed.She was the still the last thing on his mind, every night as he slept. It was like as if his heart had made this regular routine of stealing this time, to torture him, with her memories.

He told himself a numerous times, that he could control, all of this, should not be happening to him, but it was. He had found himself thinking about how Khushi met this new guy, of what would they been doing?were they close? had he touched her? had she let him kiss her yet?

he quickly drank a glass of water, he needed it to calm the fire that rose within, because of a picture, that came along with that thought. What was happening to him?? he had thought , initially that if he had given himself time, everything would change, but nothing had, it had been five months, but her every memory still had the similar affect on him.

There were times, when his heart had almost instructed him to catch the first flight out to London, and meet her, just see her.But his mind would win again, because it was not ready to look beyond the fact, that she was the enemy's sister.

And so as he switched off his night lamp, he twisted and turned in bed, in complete misery, torn between the battle of the heart and mind, until sleep took over.

.....................

10.00 am - Shantivan

Anjali and Zoya ate breakfast, as they saw Arnav join them.

He smiled at his sister's - " goodmorning..."

Anjali smiled - " goodmorning Chotte.."

"Goodmorning Bhai...come ill serve you breakfast...", and she started to serve him, and then she said - " Can you put your phone down, please...not on the table bhai..."

Anjali took the phone out of his hands - "yes, Zoya is right, you been working hard Chotte, the least you can do is eat properly, and i don't even think you been sleeping well, is everything ok?"

Arnav shrugged - " yeah all ok, and di, i sleep well..."

Anjali looked at Zoya who raised her eyebrow - " oh really? anyways when do you guys leave for Bombay?

Arnav - " Friday Morning, di, should be back on Monday..."

Zoya - " oh bhai, i wanted to tell you, we got that tender, for Raizada Constructions..."

Arnav - " good work Zoya, that was a close call, im just glad we got it...could have lost out to anyone, but im just happy we didn't loose to Asad Ahemed Khan...that would have given me a headache, as if it weren't enough that one of the Khan siblings has given me a migraine that seems to last a lifetime"

Zoya gulped down her emotions to that sentence and continued to eat.And right then she heard her sister speak - " Oh, cmon Chotte, you have never learnt to let grudges go, get over it already, its been months,and some breaking news from what i know off, none of the Khan siblings care about what you think, so just stop it..."

Zoya saw his brother flinch,she knew this was another opportunity to add fuel to the fire,maybe the volcano that was building up would finally erupt one day, and she said - " yeah bhai, di is right....like i told you Khushi doesn't even bother, she's moved on, intact wait, di i wanted you to see this picture, of Arhaan and her...they look so good together, and yesterday when i spoke to her, she did tell me, that they might get together soon, you know like a couple..."

Anjali knew what Zoya was doing, so she played along, and saw the picture, it was indeed a nice one, and she shoved it in Arnav's face and she saw him glance at it and flinch, but didn't say a word , so she said - " whatever, anyways Zoya its a nice picture...", and she handed her phone back to her sister.

Zoya - " yeah and guess what, Arhaan is coming to this conference too, in Bombay, Khushi told me yesterday, honestly i want to meet him already, you know as a best friend, gotta watch out for Khushi, dont want her to get hurt again..."

Anjali watched her brother stomp out, angrily and Zoya and she high - fived.

Anjali rolled her eyes - " Five Months, and he still hast made any effort...."

Zoya - " Di i guess, hes like this dormant volcano, all the fire is building up, will erupt soon..."

Anjali - " on a serious note, Zoya, by the picture, and if what you say is true, if Khushi has really moved on, i dont think if its fair if we should continue to rile up Chotte like this, i dont want him to hurt himself, somewhere where there is no hope.."

Zoya - " maybe you are right di, but you know what, no matter what, alls fair in love and war, I'm sure you'v heard of that, i want them to atlas make a conversation, for once, if they have to move on, they should face each other,and get past this amicably...thats what i feel, but i dont see that happening anytime soon, you see, she's not coming back and he's not going there...."

Anjali - " things will be ok if they have to Zoya, atlas you know you tried your best..."

Zoya - " yeah, i know, anyway, now i gotta go di...late for work..."

Anjali nodded - " im getting late myself...see you later..."

Zoya kissed her on the cheek - " yeah, later di..."

As she stepped in her car and started to drive, she heard her phone ring.It was Asad.She picked up instantly , as she heard his voice - " Now thats a first Zoya, you dont usually pick up my phone in one go..."

"Thats coz for a change your timing is right, I'm by myself, in the car, leaving for work...."

"Ok, then you drive, i dont like it when you talk while you drive...."

"Mr.Khan, you know you are sweet, when you get into all your I care for you Mode...anyways i havent started yet..."

"ok, anyways i have to rush too, have a meeting, you know, and Congratulations Zoya, for the tender, now since you beat me to it, i gotta figure some other way out, to win the next one....".Zoya could almost sense the smile in his voice.

"Thanks Asad for that, for not changing your bid,honestly, I really appreciate it..."

"Oh and i appreciate a challenge, and this just challenges me to beat you next time, anyway have you found out who the traitor was, yet??"

Zoya sighed - " not yet, but will soon do so..."

"Ok, now i gotta go, speak later, my love..."

"Later, my love...", replied Zoya, as she finally started to drive.

..................

London

Wednesday - 830 am

Khushi got ready for work, she had to be there by 10.00, for apparently there was this new assignment, her boss wanted her and Mark to get started on from today itself.

She quickly picked up her bag, and made her way out, just when her phone rang.She picked it up, as she smiled to herself - " Arhaan, good morning, im on my way...yeah ill see you right there, in about 20 mins...".

And she started walking, towards her favorite waffle place, which was right outside the Bond Street Tube station.It had been a ritual for almost a month now, since Arhaan and her were both tied up with work, and weren't getting as much time to hang out, Arhaan had suggested they meet in the morning and then go to work together.Before this, Arhaan used to drive to work,but then he decided this way he would also get to see Khushi, and also avoid the traffic.He was much happier with the tube, it made him reach on time.So every morning since the last month, they would meet outside the bond street tube station, which was walking distance of 20 mins from her place.She would walk down, they would grab a coffee and quick breakfast from cafe's around, and then make their way to work.Both their offices, were around the Picaddily Circus.Over the last five months, they had really become very good friends.She recalled how she bumped into him, all those months ago, and then how he'd taken her number, and then they'd met a couple of times, and completely hit it off.And then slowly, she had been comfortable to share with him, about her heartbreak,she didn't tell him who the person was,but apart from that, she was honest to tell him, that she had loved someone, and whoever he was didn't love her back, and had literally thrown her out of his life. She smiled to herself, she was lucky to have found him.He was a great friend, a great support system, that had helped her in probably one of the most toughest phases of her life.He was a nice person, he really was, he was smart, intelligent, and very kind, and not to forget understanding, and very funny too, he would crack her up, very often. She fellt like she could be herself around him, all the time, no pretenses, no lies, just herself.

In the past few months, first she had travelled with Riya, around the country, and then she had found this job at this Marketing and PR firm, and was working as an assistant to the PR & Communications Manager, and she was loving it.She had made sure she stole out time,to do the things she she liked, and she had finally started putting herself first, and she hadn't realised that make one's self a priority could bring so much happiness. Loving herself, had given her the light, to be herself again.And she couldn't be happier.

It wasn't as if she had forgotten what had happened.She probably couldn't, she couldn't wipe the memories,of her first love, but she had learned to live with it , in content, cherishing the fact that it had happened, and wasn't a thing that could last a lifetime,but for some reason, it was with her for a season, and she had accepted its fate. She would be lying to herself, if she said, that she hadn't looked at their pictures, in her stolen time for herself, she had ofcourse,and she had missed him, she had missed what he made her feel, but with time, she had been able to look at the pictures and smile, and not cry, and then with time, she had been able to just browse through, normally, and then also with time every picture she had seen of him and lavanya, had helped as well.She remembered her last words to him, she had wanted him to be happy,and she was really glad, now that he was happy too. It was indeed for the best if they stayed out of each other lives, and she knew that if she ever met him again, she would be able to look at him as her best friends brother and nothing else.She had changed,as a person,and for the better ,the tornado called Arnav Singh raizada, had finally passed.

She spotted Arhaan,and then increased the pace in her steps and when she reached she grinned - " Goodmorning, Im sorry, 5 mins late today..."

Arhaan grinned - " thats alright, and here...iv got this for you", he handed her , her favourite belgian waffle and coffee.

Khushi smiled - " Thanks, what would i do without you?"

She saw him wink, as he said - " well, you know, you don't have to do without me, Khushi, I'm with you, always..."

Khushi smiled, as she started to eat, and then sipped her coffee, and watched him take his from the counter,as they stood right there and ate,amongst various other regulars, who had an excellent appetite, for waffles,and she heard Arhaan say - " So, you know, like i told you, about going to India on friday, well i have to leave tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow, how come??"

"Well, the meetings have pre poned, but i should be back a day early too..."

Khushi - " great, so i told Zoya, that you'll be there..."

Arhaan smiled - " oh yes, I'm waiting to meet your best friend, and also your brother, what do you think, will I be able to make the impression that i want to make..." he finished and winked.

Khushi hit his shoulder ,and rolled her eyes - " oh cmon, just stop with your outrageous flirting, Arhaan...and yes, they will like you, dont worry...", and she straightened the flap of his coat.

She felt him, touch her hand there as he spoke - " well, what can i do, its like the minute I see you, something just happens to me, something that i don't have any control over..."

Khushi smiled.

They had just finished with their coffee and waffles, when she gestured their way into the station.

Arhaan walked in silence, watching her out of the corner of his eye, Khushi Ahemed Khan, had bumped into him, one fine day, five months ago, and smitten him.He had never liked anyone the way he liked her. And he knew, she knew that, he hand hinted her enough over the last two months.But he didn't want to push her, with his emotions, he knew what she had been through.Shed been in love, and whoever that someone one was was stupid enough to not feel the same.Well, bad luck to him.All he knew, this girl in front of him was precious, and he wanted to make her feel so, at every step.

He smiled, at her as she watched him, offer him a seat in the tube, and he stood next to her.He wanted to know, what was going on her mind, so badly,but he couldn't figure out,and so he just focused his attention to his phone, to distract himself from staring shamelessly.

Finally, they reached Piccadilly Circus, and they both walked out, and Khushi looked at him, out of the corner of her eye, as they walked up the stairs, out of the station, and it was then she finally spoke, about what shed been thinking , on the entire way, and the thats why she had been silent.

She stopped him from rushing ahead as she said , holding his arm - " Arhaan, in the last few months, you know you have been so supportive, like my pillar of strength, and i know how you ..."

Arhaan smiled, as he looked at her - " you know how I feel for you, Khushi, you know I really Like you, i really do,but i know after all that you 'v been through, look i just want you take your time, and think about this, about a possibility, if we could be "us..", and im ready to wait...as long as you want..."

Khushi felt him tuck a strand of her hair, behind her ear, and she smiled at him, they both deserved this chance,and she said - " thats right, and about us, is what iv been thinking about Lately..."

"You have?? well, then i already like where this conversation is heading..." he grinned.

Khushi grinned back, as she laced her arm in his, and they started to walk, as she said - " let me just say, i may have an answer to give you, when you are back...from India..."

Arhaan winked - " hey, i can cancel i hope you know that..."

Khushi rolled her eyes - " very funny..."

And before she knew it, he had pulled her into a hug as he said - " you know, if your answer is positive, then i want to thank you in advance, i promise, just so you know, i wont let you down...ever..."

Khushi hugged him back briefly - " yeah, i know, now go to work, and let me go to mine..."

Arhaan grinned, he had never felt happier,as he started to walk towards his office - " Later, Khushi..."

"later, Arhaan...", she smiled,and waved him bye.

...........

Wednesday - 3.00 PM - AR

Arnav saw his phone ring, and he picked it up instantly - " Zoya, whats up?"

"Bhai, calling to let you know, I just fired Shukla,from the finance, department..."

"ok, but you dont need to tell me Zoya, you have all the rights..."

"yeah bhai, but i just want you to know, why I fired him, he tipped of Khan Constructions, about our bid, for the tender..."

Arnav was now shocked, and stated angrily - " what?? how?? and why?? im sure, that he was a spy for Asad Ahemed Khan..."

"Bhai cmon, if that were so, we wouldn't have got the tender", he heard his sister point out.

He sighed - " yes, you are right, Zoya, but I wonder why didn't he change his bid..if he knew about ours, i know him, hes way too competitive..."

"Bhai, maybe they want to play fair and square,hope you can see something right in this...anyways i gotta go, i have a meeting, bye, see you at home..."

"yeah, ok bye..."

And he put the phone down, a little confused about what he had just heard, why would Asad let him get away with this win? He was still trying to comprehend the reason for the same, as he saw Lavanya enter his cabin,and she asked him smilingly - " ASR, is this a good time...?"

Arnav faked a smile as he said - " yeah, come in..."

He saw her take a seat in front of him as she said - " so, i gotta go to London tonite, apparently theres this new marketing campaign, that AR London is starting with on friday, lasts for about ten days, and Andy wants me to be there, also, he wants me to model for the new collection, and we need the photoshoot to be done, as soon as possible...so I leave tonight..."

Arnav - " well, thats good...now if you'll excuse me,i have work to finish..."

Lavanya walked to him,as she sat on the arm of chair, and put her hands around his neck - " you'v been working too hard ASR, also why dont you come with me? i know, you like London, you were there for almost a month,some time ago...."

Arnav felt his insides churn, as the memories of his last visit to London, flooded in, but he stated curtly - " no, i can't, i have this conference in Bombay, over the weekend, its important...", and got her hands off his neck - " and this isn't the place to show your affection for me Lavanya, im working..."

He saw her roll her eyes as she stated getting up, her hands on her waist - " well dont blame me, you hardly have time for me, these days..."

Arnav stated curtly - "Lavanya, you can complain later, dont you have to go home and pack, or im sure, you will be late..."

Lavanya grinned,and she bent forward and kissed him briefly on his lips,and then his cheek and neck - " oh yes, ill be late, ok so then ill see you once, im back...good luck for the conference..."

Arnav watched her leave, and it was then those memories came flooded back in again, and then came along the recent developments.He closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair, as he recalled Zoya telling him two days before, how that Arhaan fellow would be there too.Obviously this conference was important, but he was more inclined, in seeing this Arhaan for himself.Zoya had stated, how he and Khushi were thinking of being together.He felt his insides churn again, he knew somewhere deep down, one look at him, and he'd have to fight a severe urge to punch him in the face, and probably beat the hell out of him, black and blue.And maybe he would have to find some valid reason, to satisfy that itch of his hand, it had been really long, since he had punched someone hard.

...............

Fate rolled his eyes , and he asked Destiny - " could i just get up and punch him already? or you know what, maybe I will, one day, i really will..."

Destiny said reassuringly - " relax my friend, thats just how he works, it isn't his pride talking, hes confused and torn between his emotions, and logic that his arrogant mind gives him, you cant blame him, he doesn't know the way out yet..."

Love nodded - " yeah, destiny is right Fate, you gotta take it easy...relax, why dont you drink some water..."

Fate nodded and drank the glass in front of him - " yeah, i know guys, but its been five months..."

Destiny smiled- " you gotta have some faith , fate..."

"yeah...", fate sighed, and then he said - " well, on the other side, im quite satisfied with my love birds Asad-Zoya, Asad is cooling down, isn't he you know with the revenge?"

Love replied - " well i dont know that just yet..."

Destiny smiled - " its ironical isn't it? how the maze of both love and hate has to be solved by one themselves, just no one can do it for them, even if they wanted too..."

Love smiled - " Yeah, ironical it is..."

Hate looked at the three of his counterparts,love,destiny and faith.He scowled first by default of his emotions, and then he smiled to himself, as he continued to write away,he still had to get his dose of fun.

Fate glanced at Hate across and he stated - "hes got something up his sleeve again, i tell you, by the look on his face...when will he change?"

Love smiled - " he never will Fate, something aren't just subject to change,and no matter how much you wish for it, Hate is one of them..."

.....