Chapter 18 - Stealing Chances

Friday Morning - 8.00 AM

Zoya looked around,the lounge, as she waited along with her brother to board.Boarding would be announced, in another five minutes.Where the hell was Asad?? She could not beleive, he was late.She had been planning to spend some good time, with him,yes she would have to sneak around, but it would be so much easier to sneak out in Bombay, than it was here in Delhi.She was sure her thoughts were on her face, as she heard her brother ask - "Zoya whats up? finish your meal, now will you already? boarding will be announced shortly, hey whats wrong??", she saw him wave his hand in front of her face.

Zoya looked at him and faked a smile - "nothing Bhai, you know its a early day, i was just thinking, nothing actually leave it, i see you have finished, ill hurry, dont worry..", and she started to gulp down her sandwich.

Arnav looked at his sister starting to gulp down her food and he couldn't help but smile, Zoya was still such a kid, he said - " ill be back from the washroom, you take your time, we still have ten minutes...dont want you to choke..."

And with that he walked to the men room.

It was right then Zoya heard her phone beep, and she saw Asad's message - " how do you do this, Zoya??"

Zoya typed fast - " do what?hey where are you? you aren't going to miss the flight?"

her phone beeped -

" how do you mange to look so beautiful, even when trying to gulp down food...it amazes me..."

She looked around,in the front of the lounge,scanning the room for him, she couldn't see him.She typed back -

"what the hell? you are here??where are you?? i was so worried you'd miss the flight!!"

"ofcourse Zoya, i am here, i want to live you see, i knew you'd kill me, if i missed this flight..."

"Then why cant i see you??", she typed back.

"because you aren't looking in the right place, im right behind you, look across...at the back, im right where i can watch you from..."

Zoya looked back in an instant and she spotted him, in an instant, and their eyes locked across the room, and she smiled,and watched him smile ,as he resumed his attention to his phone,he was typing something, and she waited for his message,and it came within a few seconds - "you have no idea, how am i fighting the urge to come pull you in my arms...."

Zoya saw him get up, and she shot him a horrified look , and she typed fast- " very funny, you know bhai...would be here any minute so...Asad , don't even think about...."

Her phone beeped in a second

" and here he is, you think im scared of him?"

She couldn't reply to his message, as she saw her brother walk up and sit in front of her, and she just hoped, Asad wasn't going to do something stupid.

She watched her brother stiffen, and she spotted Asad walk right past them,and the cold look, they both shared, gave her shivers.

She watched Asad leave the lounge, as she heard her brother state angrily- " what a terrible start to my day, what the hell is he doing here, anyway?

Zoya drank her water as she said - " oh bhai, cmon, maybe he is attending the conference too...you can't do anything about it, now lets go....", and with that she pulled him with her.

They boarded, and she spotted Asad sitting, and she saw him give her a look, and she looked at him briefly and then looked away immediately, because her brother was behind her.She checked her seat no, and she said to her brother - " bhai, what's this? didn't you ask them to give us seats together at check in?

She heard him answer - " yeah, i did, but the business class is full already, you know these morning flights are jam packed..whats your seat number??

Arnav saw Zoya speak carefully - " iv got a seat next to him..."

Arnav checked her seat no, and he realised what she just said, these damm Vistara attendants, had given his sister a seat, right next to Asad Ahemed Khan.

He found himself glaring at his enemy, who gave him a cold look, and resumed his attention to the newspaper, and he stated angrily- " what the hell?? no way are you sitting next to him, no way, i will not allow it...under no circumstances...will i...allow this nonsense...ill just ask the crew to

"

People were gathering behind them, to get in, and she said - "oh bhai, stop creating a scene, how about this, next time, we send a disclaimer to Vistara or maybe all airlines stating Khan -Raizada rivalry...how dare they give us a seat beside each other, but for now, i dont want to create a scene...pls..."

People were lining up, behind them, and Arnav reluctantly got into his seat, which was right in the second row, his blood boiled as he watched his sister walk right at the back,and she gave him a small reassuring smile, as she sat next to Asad Ahemed Khan.

..........

Asad continued reading the newspaper and he tried to hide his smile, as he saw Zoya next to him , and he saw Zoya see his smile, and he stopped,as he heard her whisper - " no no, go on smile all you want, i am sure you are enjoying it..."

He couldn't help but smile - " yeah, i am obviously, i am thoroughly enjoying your brother's discomfort..."

Zoya rolled her eyes as she gently touched his hand - " Asad, will you exchange your seat with him, please?? he will be..."

Asad winked - " he will be boiling for next couple of hours, just like he is now, no way am i exchanging this for anything, and miss the opportunity to sit next to you, and have Raizada sulk at the same time,im loving it..."

Zoya couldn't help but give a small smile, his dimpled grin, was way too contagious, but she said in a soft voice - " Asad, please, hes my brother, for me, i dont want him to get uncomfortable, you know it can affect my opportunity to sneak out to meet you in Bombay, now you decide..."

Asad rolled his eyes, this woman knew how to handle him.Hewhispered softly - "blackmailing with a point, i can't fight, alright fine, go tell him ill change the seat..."

Zoya smiled - " thanks, you get some extra points for that...but hey, it makes no sense, if i go tell him ,and then we come back here, and then you go to ur seat, why dont you just go tell him, and he will come here...easy..."

Asad looked at her shocked - " what?? you want me to speak to your brother, i haven't spoken to him since..."

"ten years , i know, god Asad, quit it now is not the time, almost ready for take off, please, for me....for your Zoya??", she said in the voice he couldn't say no to.

Asad groaned - " Fine.Doesnt matter, its only about exchanging seats, shouldn't be a big deal, but do i get some brownie points for that?"

Zoya grinned - " yeah maybe you do..."

Asad winked - " just so you know when i redeem these so called points,you will be in no state to think anything else, other than me",he finished with a naughty smirk, which made her blush.And he got up in an instant, and made his way front.

Zoya watched Asad walk, and she made the mental note to thank him again for this.

Arnav looked at his watch, it had been 7 minutes, since Zoya had been sitting next to Asad Ahemed Khan,and it made him very uncomfortable, he didn't want his sister to ever be in a situation, that could lead to a conversation with Asad Ahemed Khan, and right now, she was in the exact scenario, sitting right next to him , for the next couple of hours. It was right then he spotted Asad, standing in front of him.He watched him straighten his coat,but he continued to stand, in silence.

He finally asked - " what is it ?? why are you standing here?"

He heard a curt reply - " well, your sister was kind enough to request me to exchange seats,she knew it was making you uncomfortable..."

Arnav looked back at Zoya, and she smiled at him gesturing to come back to sit next to her , and he asked - " you agreed?"

He heard another curt reply - " Like i mentioned, she was kind enough to request...now if you will excuse me.."

Arnav immediately shot up from his seat and started to make his way back , but before that he muttered in a cold tone -

" thanks.."

He saw him acknowledge it with a nod, as he sat in the seat.Arnav walked and sat next to Zoya, and he said - " so he told me that you were kind enough to request him to change seats"

Zoya smiled - " yeah bhai, and you know what he agreed in an instant..."

Arnav - " yeah whatever, but Zoya, thats i hope the first time and the last time, that i will have you speaking to him?"

Zoya - " what? it was just a sentence, oh bhai, cmon..."

Arnav - " yeah, you heard me, dont want you speaking to him, even if its through or in reference , of that best friends of your's, you get it?"

He saw her nod as she said - " yeah, i get it...".

Zoya felt her insides churn, how was she going to get the situation to improve.Maybe it never would.She put her phone on flight mode,and then started to listen to the music on her phone, and then closed her eyes,and she decided to get some sleep, which she knew would calm her nerves.

........

The Trident - Nariman Point - 5 30 PM

Asad stole another look at Zoya. who was sitting at the round table, two tables in front of him, with her brother,and few others associates from AR. Ever since, Noon, she had barely even looked at him, even at lunch, she had avoided meeting his eye, and for obvious reasons, Arnav was around her, all the time, but he didn't know why he felt that something was bothering her,and as much as he hated this pretending to be strangers arrangement, he knew there was nothing he could do about it,and so he just texted, her there were still 30 minutes, until the conference finished,and the speaker at the stage, wasn't of much interest to him.

"Zoya, whats wrong?? you'v barely looked at me all day..."

He got a quick reply -

"Yeah, i know, but what can i do, bhai is around..."

"yeah, but he wasn't looking all the time, is something on your mind...Zoya?"

"no Asad, its not that, its just that its weird, you know its the first time, you , me and bhai are in the same venue, I'm just nervous, don't want to give myself away..."

"oh cmon, Zoya, the woman i love, isn't scared of anyone..."

"Yeah, im not, but right now i cant help but think of how much im hurting him, already..."

He felt her words had just whipped him,as he typed -

"Hurt him, by being with me? Is that what you mean?"

"Yes, and No, Asad, dont take me wrong, ill explain, when we talk..."

he hadn't felt angry with Zoya in a long time, but right now, he felt angry, and so he wrote - " yeah, i dont see that happening, anytime soon,you know what, why dont you go back to enjoying your family time..."

"Asad, dont be mad, please understand, please??", came her quick reply.

But he was angry, and he was so so pissed at her.And so he didn't reply.

....

30 Minutes later

The conference finished,and everyone started to leave, and it was right then he spotted Asad Ahemed Khan.

Arhaan, straightened his tie, and brushed his hand through his hair, it had been a long day, his other meetings had kept him preoccupied, and he had only been able to join the conference, after lunch,and then even at the high tea, he had been busy networking with his old business associates, and he had spotted Khushi's brother too, but he had been surrounded by many people too.He had also seen Khushi's best friend, Zoya, but he hadn't spoken to her , yet, and he didn't know if the two of them had seen him yet,khushi did say, they would recognise him , from the pictures, just like he had recognised them too.For some weird reason, as Khushi had explined, some old family feud's apparently, her best friend Zoya was from the family, her brother despised,so as that complicated things a little,she had specially told him, to meet the two of them separately.So maybe, he would take out some time to meet her brother now, and maybe over at the dinner, which was organised for all conference participants,he would take out time to meet Zoya. He didn't have much time, anyway, as he had his return fight tomorrow morning.He instructed himself to ease up, he was getting nervous like a school boy, as if he was going to be meeting the Principal, who was incharge of his admission process, of a school he wanted to get in so badly.He almost smiled to himself,at that comparison, well it was somewhat similar, afterall, he was meeting the brother of the woman he really liked for the first time.She was a precious girl, Khushi, it was easy to fall for her, and he had fallen in a way, that he had no control over.

He finally walked upto him, and he spoke - " Asad Ahemed Khan,hi, Im Arhaan..."

He saw him turn around ,and he looked at him from head to toe, scrutinizing him,and Arhaan couldn't help but smile, the brother in him had surfaced, for he had definitely recognised him,and he finally saw him give him a small smile, as he shook hands with him - " hey Arhaan, iv heard a lot about you..."

Arhaan smiled - "i hope all good, bhaijaan, i hope you don't me calling you that, its just have always heard Khushi calling you that..."

Asad - " yeah its ok, so how are you here?? i mean what do you do?"

Arhaan smiled - " why dont you going me for a coffee and you can ask me all the questions, the brother in you wants to know..."

.....

Asad sat opposite him, he seemed like a decent fellow.He took out his checklist and started to observe the man in front of him,he had to scrutinize,this man was spending too much time with his baby sister, his Khushi, he had to be sure,if he should let him pursue,and for that he had to observe his intentions.It was right then he heard him say -

"So bhaijaan, to start with, i want to make it perfectly clear, i really like your sister, i really do, she's precious,and i would never do anything to hurt her,ever..."

Asad nodded - " well, I'm glad, you made your intentions clear, because if you think of hurting my sister, you will have to face me first...anyways so what do you do? and what about your family?"

Arhaan stiffened a little , and admitted honestly - " I lost my mother, at the age of 5, and my father when i was 19, i was the only child, after my parents death, i moved to germany, with my maternal uncle and aunt, they took me in, and then i knew, if i had to make a world for myself, i had to fight my way in, the struggle began..and i'v just worked really hard, to be where I am today,so obviously, i started my business in Germany, my base is there, but have expanded into the UK,and a few other European countries,and have invested in a few real estate groups in India, as well, and I come a couple of times, a year,to oversee all of that..."

Asad - " so thats why you are here, i mean for work..."

Arhaan smiled - " yes, and also you know, if i manage to make a good impression with you, maybe Khushi will finally give me the chance, to be with her, I want to make her happy, and i promise you i will try my best too...if she agrees to be with me, that is..."

Asad mentally tick marked his checklist he had for the man he wanted for Khushi.

Decent - yes.

goodlooking -Yes

Self Made- yes

family background - hmm,something he probably had to probe into.

Honest - yes

Intelligent - yes

prioritizing Khushi - yes.

Not bad, he thought to himself.

Asad smiled at the man in front of him- "well, Arhaan,that decision lies with Khushi, however, if you want me to put in a good word, lets just say, ill think about it..."

Arhaan smiled - " i guess, thats a good thing..."

......

Zoya was in the lobby, waiting for her bhai, to come.She wanted to go to her room, asap, and then find a way out to talk to Asad,he was mad at her, for sure.And it was right then she spotted Arhaan with Asad, as they walked towards the coffee shop.

Right then, she heard her brothers voice - " Zoya, come lets go..."

Zoya - " wait, bhai...", and she continued to look, the two seemed busy talking.

Arnav asked puzzled - " what are you looking at?"

Zoya pointed - " look, there..."

Arnav follwed where Zoya was pointing and he felt his anger rising and he asked his sister in a curt voice - " why are you asking me to look at Asad Ahemed Khan...Zoya, and wait, why are you looking at him?"

Zoya rolled her eyes - " oh bhai, look closely, its him, Arhaan, he's with him, and the two seem busy talking, was just wondering what it's about..."

Arnav looked closely, and he finally laid his eyes, on the man, from Khushi's pictures, for real, he felt his blood boil, at a heating point, he didn't know it was capable of boiling at, and before he could control himself, the words left his mouth - " what the hell do you think hes trying to do?"

Zoya sensed the anger in her brothers voice, and the look on his face, ahh the things jealousy could do,she hid her grin, as she decided to add fuel to the fire - " why? what do you think bhai, probably hes just trying to impress Khushi's bhaijaan...you know thats what guys do, impress the family f the girls they are into, and anyway i know hes so into Khushi, actually look at him, he looks even better in person, doesn't her?"

She saw her brother scowl, as he said - " what the hell is wrong with Zoya? if thats your defition of good looks, then i guess its time i need to get you checked...by a doctor..."

Zoya really had to control her laugh this time, her brother was totally unmanageable, but she said - " oh please bhai, and honestly its good, that he wants to get into Khushi's brothers good books, i think she's kind of into him too..."

She heard his curt question - " She is?"

Zoya laced her arm in his, as she they got into the lift , enjoying her brothers misery - " obviously, or why else, would they be hanging out together all the time, you know from Khushi tells me, they even have breakfast together, go to work together, then meet for lunch, and...well i could go on, but good for her no?"

Arnav didn't know what the hell was happening to him,but he really wanted to break something, but he dismissed his emotions,and said curtly - " yeah, good for her..."

Zoya watched him stomp out the lift on their floor, and she caught upto him - " ok so bhai, ill see you at the dinner party, I'm planning to take a long shower, and relax a little, before dinner...."

Arnav nodded - " yeah alright, ill see you at 8...", and he watched his sister get into her room.

He walked a little ahead, and then entered his room, and threw coat on the bed,and he lied down on the bed,trying to understand the anger and the frustration, he was feeling.Only if he could really punch that Arhaan in the face, that would give him immense pleasure.

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

Friday - Noon - London

Khushi heard Mark say - " So, this is great isn't it? I mean we get to work for this amazing campaign with AR, and now I just need to make sure,i impress the boss...so we gotta follow his plan to the T, pass it on to me once your are done reading Khushi"

Khushi gave him a small smile - " yeah, its great...and yeah i will", and she resumed reading the rest of the plan, her boss had sketched out for AR, and she and Mark had been given the responsibility of execution.

Two days ago, she and Mark had been assigned to work on the behalf of their firm, for this new campaign AR was doing. She had tried to talk to her boss,she had tried to make an excuse to get out of this,but it hadn't worked,and so she had no option other than to comply.Ever since,she had stepped into AR yesterday morning, she couldn't help but remember old memories that came attached with this place, her working here all those months ago, for her dissertation ,and then the party,all the times spent with Arnav Singh Raizada, came flashing back.It didn't pain to remember anything anymore, but now that with time, she had gained her srtength, she knew, if she had one option to go back in time, and undo it all, she probably wouldn't.She would still opt for everything that had happened,because it was an important chapter of her life, complete or incomplete it was the chapter of her first love, which shaped her into stronger person today.And because she had felt herself change and become stronger with time, she knew acceptance was the key here.And it was that acceptance that made her see and live with the fact that,no matter how much you wish to erase it, the past will always be a part of the older you,and how memories of true love never could be erased,because they had nailed themselves to the walls of your heart and soul,but they could still be dealt with in a way, that could make you smile,and move on,and still give you strength to make new memories.She had accepted the fact,and it had helped greatly, and so she had decided to keep her personal and professional lives separate, and moreover, it was just a coincidence that her firm was assigned this campaign to oversee.

She finished reading the campaign brief, and then she handed it to Mark,and said - " here you go, iv gone through it...and.."

Right then she saw, Andy enter the meeting room as he exclaimed happily - " so i just got the news that you are here to work with us for this campaign , Khushi, why didn't you come see me earlier, or yesterday??"

Mark looked on as Andy pulled her into a hug , and he asked - " So you guys know each other?"

Khushi - " yeah, AR the brand was an important part of my dissertation,so i was here, for a while you know researching and stuff..."

Andy grinned - " and we were so happy to help, anyway, you still didn't tell me, why you didn't come to see me yesterday..."

Khushi - " oh, they told me you were busy with the photoshoot, and i know its a immediate pre-requisite to our campaign plan, so didn't want to disturb you..."

Andy grinned - " not changed at all Khushi, still the same, anyways, why don't you and Mark join me up in the studio, we are almost done..."

Khushi - " are you sure??"

Mark - " yeah, that'll be so kool..."

......

Khushi entered the studio, and she saw the immediate flash of cameras, and she walked a little inside,and she found herself looking at the gorgeous Lavanya Kashyap. lavanya, ofcourse, she was also one of the top models for AR, apart from being Arnav Singh Raizada's girlfriend.She looked amazed, as the photoshoot went on, it was fascinating.She spotted Mark, get into a conversation with one of the other models, immediately .She was still looking, at Lavanya,trying to comprehend what she was feeling looking at her,six months ago, a picture of her would make her burn in jealousy, but right now she was not feeling jealousy, she felt nothing at all.Infact the only thing she could see now, was how this woman was really good at her job, and really really gorgeous.She had been insecure of her in the past, for various reasons,she had been insecure about how she could never be Lavanya or like the other's Arnav had been with, but not anymore.She had learned to love her self for who she was, and she felt very safe and secure within herself, now.

Right then she heard Andy next to her - " so, how'v you been, Khushi, long time, why didn't you keep in touch, i thought we were friends..."

Khushi smiled - " sorry, was caught up with Life,so hows things been?", and she continued looking at Lavanya.

Andy smiled - " great..."

Khushi - " she's gorgeous, Lavanya, and i must say really good at her job, iv seen her the first time ever, and i must say, she's a natural...."

Andy - " yeah, the camera loves her, and i guess she loves it even more, but hey are you ok ? i mean with?"

"With?? what??", she asked puzzled.

Andy sighed - " so you know, back when you were here, all thos months ago, i dont know why i could sense, like something, between you and ASR,and...you do know, Lavanya is his girlfriend..."

Khushi - " yeah ofcourse I know Andy, and why would i not be ok, we were just acquaintances you know me and Arnav,and because of Zoya, he was being just kind,you know helping me out, thats all..."

Andy looked at her skeptical - " thats all...? are you sure?"

Khushi gave him a reassuring smile - " yeah, so chill..."

Right then the photographer, stopped the shoot for a while,and she saw lavanya walk upto Andy as she asked - " so did you get what you wanted, Andy?"

Andy - exactly, just what i wanted...lav..and i want you to meet someone, this is Khushi,she had researched on AR earlier for her project, she's best friends with Zoya...."

Khushi saw lavanya smile as she offered a hand shake - " hey, khushi..."

Khushi shook hands and smiled - " hi Lavanya, have heard so much about you, nice to meet you, and that was fabulous, your shots..."

lavanya - " if you heard about me from Zoya, I don't know what you heard, she doesn't like me much, and thanks , nice to meet you too..."

Khushi immeditaely replied - " no, it isn't so, Zoya has told me good things, you know, maybe you guys haven't got much time to know each other personally, but its not that she doesn't like you...."

lavanya smiled - " well thats good to know..."

Right then Lavanya had to go to change for another shot, and so she said - " ill see you in a while,Khushi...glad to have you helping us..."

Khushi watched her leave,she wasn't as bad,shed thought her to be.Maybe she would have to let Zoya know that.

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

Delhi -700 PM

Arnav woke up,and he looked at his watch, it was 7pm.He didn't know how when had he fallen asleep.He had been tired, and then all the turmoil he had been feeling hadn't been helping much. The last few months had been terrible, it was like he had this weird weight on him, which he didn't know how to remove in anyway whatsoever. He drank some water, and then sat in the chair, at the study, and took out his phone to check his emails. It was right then he saw - 5 missed calls from Lavanya.

He dialled her number,he needed an update how things were going there.

She didn't pick up.He dialled again, and after a number of rings,he heard someone pick up, and say - " hello..."

It wasn't lavanya.

"hello...hello...."

He recognised it in an instant, and as shocked as he was to hear her voice, he felt his insides jump,as he finally said - " Hi Khushi..."

........

Lavanya's phone was ringing, and she was giving a shot, and so she had gestured to Andy to pick it up, but someone came to Andy, so he just handed Khushi her phone and said - " hey khushi, Lav's phone, someone has been calling , whoever it is, pls tell them she is in the middle of the shoot, and will call back..."

Khushi - " ok...", and then there was noise, so she moved outside the studio, and picked the phone , without looking at who it was - " hello..."

No one answered.She spoke again - " Hello, hello..."

And right then, she heard her name, in the voice,that had sent shivers down her spine - " Hi Khushi...."

She finally looked at the screen, and the minute she saw ASR, she didn't know what to say, but she had to say something, now that she had already picked up the call,he had recognised her voice, she took a deep breath as she finally said - "Hi Arnav..."

.....

"Hi Arnav...."

The minute he heard his name,in her voice, he felt his nerves calm down, like they never had in all these months.It was strange,he found it very very stranger.How could Khushi's voice calm him down.

He thought of what to say,he was thinking of what to say,but no words came, and she spoke nothing too, a silence followed.

A few seconds later, he finally heard her speak - " hey, im sorry, i didn't know it was you, or I wouldn't have answered, anyways, Lavanya is in the shoot, she asked to say, shell call back..."

That felt like a whip, those words.I wouldn't have answered, if I knew it was you.

He fought his emotion,as he asked, curiosity getting the better of him - " thats ok, but hey, whats her phone doing with you? and how do you know, the shoot?

"Arnav, im here at AR, thats why, look the firm i work for, we'v been assigned to oversee this new campaign at AR, my boss wanted me to do this, so i couldn't argue its work afterall,anyways dont worry, its just ten days, ill...", she replied.Her tone was casual, very normal, and casual, as if she weren't feeling a thing talking to him after all these months, and here he couldn't get his emotions to simmer down, at any cost.

And before he knew it the words left his mouth - " ok, i get it,how'v you been, Khushi??"

........

Khushi felt herself clutch Lavanya's phone hard, did he just ask her how she was?? how'd she been??

She didn't know what to say.She had never imagined or thought off what to say, if they ever spoke again.What was there to say?

She replied - " I'v been great Arnav,hope you are doing well, anyways so ill ask Lavanya call you back...ok...bye..."

But before she could hang up, she heard his deep voice, which seemed full of emotion reply - " bye, Khushi..."

And then she cut the call, and walked back into the studio.

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

Arnav put his phone aside, and he couldn't help but smile.He hadn't heard her voice in months, and all of a sudden two sentences is all she says, and he felt his nerves calm down, like they hadn't in the longest time now.

He didn't know, how was it still possible,to still like the sound of his name in her beautiful voice.

he didn't know how it was still possible, to want to talk to her even more, now that he had heard her after months.

He didn't know how was it still possible, to think of Khushi.

He immediately walked to the shower, dazed,and confused,maybe, just maybe the hot water would give him some relaxation.

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

Asad heard a knock on his door, and he flung his phone on the bed, and walked to open it, wondering who it would be,and the minute he saw Zoya, he felt so many emotions at the same time, he wanted to hug her, but he was angry at her too.

Zoya immediately steeped in and shut the door behind her, she didn't want to risk being seen,lucky for her Asad's room was on another floor.She watched him walk back into his room, with his back to her, without saying a word,so he was mad at her.

She smiled as she walked up, and sat on the bed - " so, what is it you were talking to Arhaan? i saw you two, hows he?? is he nice??"

Asad heard her talk about Arhaan,great so now she was avoiding, talking about, them.

But he answered, because this was about his baby, khushi - " yeah hes nice, you know,maybe i wouldn't mind, if thats what Khushi wants..."

Zoya gestured for him to come sit next to her, and he did, as he heard her - " thats good, i hope to talk to him, over dinner..."

Asad - "thats good..."

Zoya finally shot straight to the point - " so you are mad at me? so mad , that you wont even look at me??"

Asad finally looked into her, eyes, sure she could hear the hurt in his voice,as he said - " you know what,im not mad, I'm hurt, I'm hurt that all you could think about for avoiding me all day is, that you would be hurting your brother by being with me.It did not like the sound of that Zoya, you knew this from the very beginning, its not a new news,and then you'v been acting so weird today, just makes me wonder, if you could walk out on me, on us, if your brother asked you too, then just what do you expect, i should just sit and watch?", and got up and walked towards the balcony of the room.

Zoya immediately said , walking next to him, and took his hand - " look, I'm sorry, i really am, i didn't want to hurt you, and you are right, i knew, this was coming,but when it finally happened,like i was so fuzzled, im torn between my love for you and him, you know this morning, in the flight after you changed seats, bhai told me clearly, how he hoped that me asking you to exchange seats would be the first and the last time hed want me talking to you..."

Asad felt his anger jolt up, and he held Zoya by both her arms, taking her by surprise - " so is that what you come to tell me here, your brother doesn't want you talking to me, obviously Zoya, he hates me,just like I hate him,why would he want us talking ever, you'd be insane to think otherwise, and you know what you are mad, for getting us into this mess, and I'm mad to love you, as much as I do...", and he tightened his hold on her.

Zoya looked at his pained face, and his grip was hurting her, but she said - " no, it isn't like that Asad, look it just made me wonder, how hurt he would be, when he will find out about us, thats all, im just torn between the two most important men in my lives, i love him, hes my brother, you know after dad passed, i was so little, i looked upto him as that, and i love you so much, i cannot even think about my life without you...you are right Asad, im insane to have gotten us into this mess, for I walked into it, knowing it all, you didnt...."

Asad couldn't believe what he was hearing, he tightened his hold on her further as he spat angrily - " so what the hell are you saying now?? are you saying, that you regret being with me?? that you regret, us??"

Zoya squirmed,under his harsh touch and she said - " Asad, you are hurting me..."

Asad finally let go of her arm as he spat - " oh yeah, well's here's some news, Zoya, so are you?"

Zoya looked at him, now tears rolling down her cheeks - " Asad, no please you are angry, stop assuming things, you know, i could never regret any of this,i love you, all im doing, is talking about what i feel,if im not going to be open about it you, its not going to be fair to us,dont misunderstand any of this, please..."

Asad didnt want to look at her, and hurt her further by his words, and so he said - " you know what, i dont want to talk right now..."

Zoya ,felt hurt, he wasn't being understanding here,she didn't know what was wrong with him,and she said - " if thats what you want, ill leave..."

And he heard her footsteps, and he didn't know what took over him, he didn't want her to go,he wanted to hold her, he wanted her to assure him, that nothing just nothing could and would ever come in between them.He caught hold of her hand,and spun her around, and he caught her hair in a fist, pulling her closer - " you want to know, what I really want?"

Zoya felt him pull her closer and she could see the fear in his eyes, he feared being apart from her, and that is when she understood what all this anger was about, and she could only say - " Asad, I....", and before she knew it, his lips were on hers,and he started to kiss her, a little harshly, as if to punish her,but she kissed him back nontheless, gently,she brushed her hands, in his hair, gently and softly, and he softened a little and then she broke apart a little and whispered softly, looking into his eyes - " Asad Ahemed Khan, I cannot live without you, and i want you to know, id rather chose to die, than to be apart from you, i love you...please...don't misunderstand what i feel, what we share, its too important..."

Asad heard her, and he felt his rage simmer down, and he said , cupping her face- " im sorry Zoya, its just that, this constant worry, the fear,what if I loose you?"

"You won't, Asad...."

Asad finally smiled,at that, and he whispered - " great, for i dont know if ill ever be able to handle that...", and before she could say anything further, he started to kiss her again,he held on to her waist and pulled her body closer to his, it had been so long since they had some privacy to themselves,and now that she was finally here in his arms,all he wanted was to make love to her, he picked her up , a little, and he felt her wrap her legs around his waist, as she started to kiss him back,as passionately.He finally played her down on the bed, and started to trail a chain of kisses down her throat, and right then her phone rang.

Zoya's eyes opened in a flash, it was her brother calling, she had a distinct ringtone for him, and she shot up immediately much to her disappointment and Asad's,as she said - " its bhai..."

Asad snatched the phone out of her hands - " bad timing always, how about if you dont pick up? cmon Zoya, you can miss one call..."

Zoya tried to reach for her phone - " Asad, stop it....please....give me the phone...", and she snatched it from him, and picked up, gesturing him to be silent.

"Yeah, bhai...", he heard her say.She was listening keenly, and he took that time, to trail, a line of kisses at the back of her neck, and she shivered,and obviously she couldn't react.He was loving it.

"ok, yeah, what is it 730 already? ok ill see you down at 8, straight at dinner, yeah...bye...", and she hung up,and then looked at Asad in fake anger.

And they both burst into laughter.

Zoya controlled herself - " ok, so now, i gotta hurry and get ready, bhai is already ready, hes meeting some associate, before dinner, so, i must hurry...later...Asad?"

Asad kissed her hand tenderly - " yeah, later, ok..."and she was about to get up from the bed, but he held her hand and asked - " but wait, before you go, i want you to tell me, whats been on your mind? like you said, you will ask me, when we have time..."

Zoya looked back at him - " yeah, but i have to hurry now, i can't...", and she got up to sit in bed.

Asad sat next to her holding her hand,and he insisted - " we have time, Zoya, just get done with it already..."

Zoya sighed and spoke cautiously - " so over the past couple of months, iv finally got to know, bhai's version of whatever happened that day, he told me, he had wanted to investigate further,that he couldn't believe that our fathers would just kill each other, or dad could just shoot Najma,you know he loved her, just like he loved me or di...but why didn't you want to investigate further Asad? why did you get the crime scene cleared before any investigation could happen?I mean, what if you had investigated like bhai wanted, maybe it wasn't what it seemed, then all this enimity, this rivalry, what if it was all for nothing, Asad? just have you ever given that a thought"

Asad felt himself harden as he heard her question, and the anger rose again, and he let go of her hand,and got up , and replied curtly - "No, i haven't given it a thought, because i know what i saw, and you are exactly speaking your brother's language,so convenient ,you know, trying to cover up..."

Zoya - " No, Asad, not trying to cover up, just a question, i just wanted to know..."

Asad looked back at her and spat angrily - " i just want you to stop inquiring and being so pushy over this Zoya...and now I want you to leave..."

Zoya walked to him, trying to touch his face, but he threw her hand away violently - " didn't you get what I said, just leave, get out Zoya..."

Zoya looked at him shock as she couldn't believe her ears - "you are throwing me out of your room...?"

Asad took her by the arm and opened the door and pushed her out as he said in a cold tone - " damm right, I am...", and with that he shut the door on her face.

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

9.00 PM

Zoya sipped her drink and pretended to be an active participant in the conversation her brother was having with one of the industry associates,but she was busy in her own thoughts and turmoil.She couldn't believe Asad had just thrown her out of his room, like that.When all she had asked was a genuine question. Yes, they had made a rule ,to never discuss the past, but how long could it go on like that, not forever, as it as, she had abided by the rule for five long months,but somehow deep down, she knew that one day, they would have to face the past, they would have to face it all, with all the anguish and the pain, that would be the real test of their love, and she believed deep down that they could get pass it,but she didn't know how.How would it happen, if Asad was going to go on a rage fit, like this,everytime,she questioned.And this was the first time, she had asked him anything in five months,and well, he had thrown her out.She was so mad at him, and angry too. It was right then she saw the associate leave, and her brother turned to her as he said - " Zoya, where are you lost?"

Zoya faked a smile - " no, nowhere, bhai...", and then she saw his forehead line up, and she said - " go ahead, say it, i know you want to tell me something..."

Arnav looked at her - " no, i don't..."

"yes, you do, your forehead is lining up, it always does, when you want to talk something to me and di, but are in two minds about it, and since di isn't here, im guessing its me...now cmon, spit it...", she said,and sipped her drink.

Arnav sighed - " well, i just thought you should know, i spoke to Khushi today..."

Zoya almost spat out her drink in shock as she asked - " what?? when??how??what did you guys talk?"

Arnav rolled his eyes - " it was a mistake, why are you getting so worked up, relax..i called lavanya,and she picked up, and i know you are wondering how is that even possible, which i did too,so thats what i asked, she explained how the firm she works for has assigned her to oversee the new campaign we are undertaking at AR...so..."

Zoya asked in a rush - "oh my god bhai, you didn't ask anyone to get her replaced, or worse fire her...off the campaign..."

Arnav - " what?? you think id do that? "

Zoya - " well, you are unpredictable, you can do anything bhai.."

Arnav was just about to answer,when he spotted the guy,whose mere sight was making his blood boil, as he patted his sisters shoulder - " hi Zoya Singh raizada, aren't you? Hi, im Arhaan..."

Zoya turned, and gave him a smile - " Hi Arhaan, i finally get to meet you, iv heard so much about you, from Khushi, and before you ask me, ill clear ,what iv heard is all good...."

Arhaan smiled - "thanks, and i have heard only good things too, Khushi absolutely loves you,glad to finally meet you too..."

Zoya saw her brother's face harden and she said - " Arhaan, thats my brother Arnav..."

Arhaan - " hey Arnav...", and he offered a handshake.

Arnav didn't want to shake his hand, instead he wanted to find a way to get this guy kicked out of there, or better haul him up and beat the hell out of him,but his sister nudged him and gestured him to do so, so he muttered a "hello..", and shook his hand.

Zoya fought her smile, finally some good entertainment, she would have,and so she said , pointing to the chair next to her, at their table- " hey arhaan, why don't you join us..."

Arhaan smiled and sat down.

Arnav groaned, great,just why did Zoya have to do this.But he gave a small smile, and then returned his attention to his phone,pretending to have no interest in what Arhaan and Zoya were about to talk,even when, his ears were ready to pay extra attention.

Zoya - " so,you are here for work....Arhaan?"

"yeah, but almost done, going back tomorrow, have the morning 7am flight,and honestly cant wait..."

Zoya teased - " cant wait to be back to see Khushi?"

Arhaan grinned - " yeah sort off..."

Arnav flinched.

Zoya - " so I know from Khushi, that you have been living in Germany for quite sometime, but you only shifted to London a couple of months ago..."

Arhaan - " yeah, honestly, i moved four months ago,hadnt planned on it, but then I met Khushi, five months ago, and although for a month,i would travel back and forth, and meet her in between, i just felt like I should move, I wanted to be in London, you know, around Khushi..."

Zoya looked at him shocked - " what?? you moved for Khushi?? im sure she doesn't know that...."

Arhaan - " yeah, she doesn't...told her it was because of work, but you know, it was for her, you are her best friend, what can i hide from you, i really like her..."

Arnav felt his insides burn.

Zoya - " wow, you obviously do,but moving n all....lot of courage when...."

"When I'm not sure, if she will give me a chance, but i cannot stop trying atlas,you know ones gotta follow the heart, after all its not everyday it really finds someone, who really makes it happy,and Khushi does that, you know, she brings me happiness....", he finished.

Zoya saw her brother hide his emotions, but he was clutching his phone so hard, his knuckles were white.

She said - " she's like that you know, my best friend, the joy of everyones life..."

Arhaan smiled - " I agree, no wonder as you can see, im smitten, but you know, im her friend first,and I didn't want to be pushy, I didn't want to rush her into anything she wasn't ready for, obviously you would know, she was in love with someone, and apparently he just threw her out of his life..."

Zoya looked at her brother, he was as pale as a sheet.

She said cautiously - " yeah, about that...so you know...."

Arhaan - "yeah, khushi told me, well she didn't tell me who it was, but hey who cares,whoever it was, was stupid enough to not see, what I see, or even appreciate what came their way, too bad for him, his loss, my gain, if khushi gives me a chance, i plan to make her really happy, she's precious, and i plan to cherish her...and you know what i think she might be ready now, you know with time,things have changed, she's put it all behind her...so you know I wanted to come here, also so that i could meet her brother, which i already have and her best friend, a guys gotta impress the two most important people of his girl's life.."

His girl.What the fuck?? Arnav wanted to get over that itch of his hand already and punch him so hard, he was talking as if Khushi was his personal property already.

Zoya smiled - " yeah, you are right, and you know what, i like you already...."

Arhaan - " thats great, i guess...."

Zoya - " hey, lets get something to eat,shall we?"

Arhaan nodded, and they started to walk towards the buffet.

Zoya turned to her brother - " bhai, you coming??"

Arnav snapped- " No, im not hungry...."

Zoya - "whoa, relax bhai, all i asked you was if you wanted to eat, why are you getting so worked up??"

And with that she walked with Arhaan, and continued to talk.

Arnav didn't know why,he just didn't want to sit there for a minute longer.He immediately got up and made his way to his room.

Zoya was busy talking to Arhaan, as they walked to the buffet,and she saw him, walking in front, returning with food on his plate,and she was so mad at him, and so she gave him a good glare, and then walked right past him,and he ignored her too.Great, so now they were on to royally ignoring each other, could day this get any worse, it wasn't going as she wanted, she had thought that of spending some good time with Asad and amongst all this fighting,there was no good time at all.

........

Arnav slammed the door to his room.

He felt pure rage,so bad, as if it was like a volcano was heating up his system, and he couldn't handle it anymore, it was as if, something would burst inside of him.

He recalled Arhaan's words -

She was in love with someone.

Apparently, he just threw her out of his life.

His loss, my gain.

She's precious,I plan to cherish her.

Damm this Arhaan, and Damm his existence.

And somewhere deep inside, a small voice told him, that it really was his loss, if he would just see it for a minute, the beautiful girl who had mesmerised him,who had been in love with him, was Khushi.And he had brutally, thrown her out of his life.He felt his heart question, that amongst all the misery that he was feeling right now, did it really matter who Khushi was, did it really matter anymore,that she was Asad Ahemed Khan's sister, and even though as much as he wished, he couldn't change who she was,and did it really stop him, from wanting him? Did it really stop him from thinking about her??

No , it never did stop him,and he was tired of trying to pretend to hate her.When all this while, he couldn't get himself to hate her literally, he never could.Yes, he had been angry, furious for the lie, but no matte how hard he tried, he couldn't get himself to hate her for it.

And it was right then it struck him, maybe, just maybe, she had been right,maybe she was as helpless about it, about lying because of what she felt for him, and she had no control over what was happening, because of how she felt for him,just as helpless as he was now,because as much as he wanted to control his emotions, he just couldn't, hold onto the anger any longer.

He had hurt her so bad.Right then, all the memories, came flashing back, her tear stricken face as he was leaving.Her messages, in an attempt to get him to listen, to her, to understand what she was saying.

He opened his eyes, in an instant, he needed to hear her voice, and he needed to hear it now he didn't know what he would say,but all he knew was that he wanted to talk to her.

He immediately took out his phone, and dialled the number, he had never deleted.

He called once, she didn't pick up.

He took a deep breath, and called again.

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

5.30 PM - London

Khushi walked back from work, to the Tube Station.She had come by to her office to update her boss, about a few minor changes in the campaign advised by Andy,and since it was her boss's plan, he needed to know.She heard her phone ring and she ruffled through her bag,and then it stopped.She let it be, but then it rang again, and she quickly picked up, thinking it would be Arhaan,she had been missing him and she instantly said - "Arhaan, so if you are done with your work and impressing bhaijaan and Zoya, then be back already,im walking back from work, just like we do everyday, and you know what, i miss you..."

There was silence on the other end and she said - " arhaan, you there??"

She was about to ask again, when she finally heard his voice - " Khushi, its Arnav...."

Khushi halted right in her tracks. Why was he calling her ??

She said casually - " sorry, i thought it was someone else,maybe just like you did...im sure you dialled by mistake, this is Khushi Ahemed Khan"

She heard him reply - " No, i didn't dial by mistake, i knew i was calling you...Khushi..."

Khushi was shocked.

"Why are you calling me?"

"well,I know you met Lavanya, so....", came his reply.

Khushi rolled her eyes, so this was what it was about.

"So,what?? just incase, if you are worried,dont be, im not going to tell any one anything,like i said,nothing ever happened,i told you, i wouldn't acknowledge it to anyone, and specially not to your girlfriend..."

"well, im glad we got that clear, Khushi....", she heard him say.

Khushi- " great....", and without saying a word further, she hung up, and walked into the tube station,as she put on her earphones,to listen music.

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

Click.She hung up.Just like that.

Obviously, Arnav didn't know what was he going to say anyway, and then all he could come up with was to bring in Lavanya.

What else was he expecting?

He closed his eyes, and he recalled how he had purposely patched up with lavanya to hurt her, all those months ago, how he had made sure, the pictures reached her. He really had hurt her, in the worst possible way.

He didn't know what else he could do, now, or from here,but he knew what he had to do,and so he called Aman and asked him to get him, booked on the first flight out from Bombay to London.

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

Midnight

Zoya walked in to her brother's room,in her night suit and she asked sleepily - " whats it about bhai? and you vanished earlier too,and i was sleeping by the way...", and it was right then she saw his suitcase packed up.

She asked - "what?? where are you going, we still have to attend the second leg of the conference tomorrow...."

Arnav looked at her and he said - " yeah, i know, you do that, and go back home, after, and i just called you here, to tell you, that I am going to London...."

Zoya felt her sleep vanish in an instant as she rushed to his side and exclaimed - " what???? London???why???whats with you? i am your sister, but i am now officially giving up on predicting you, bhai..."

Arnav - " oh cmon Zoya, please, something came up at AR London, about the new campaign, i need to be there..."

Zoya narrowed her eyes, and glared at him - " Bhai, what are you upto??"

"Nothing Zoya...really...", he said pulling her in a hug- " i just wanted you to know,that i was leaving thats all"

Zoya hugged him - " so your leaving now?"

"yeah, there a flight at 4.00 am...im taking that one...want to be there as the office started tomorrow, so..."

But she knew him way too well,Arhaan's presence had riled him up, and he knew Khushi would be at AR.

She looked at him straight in the eye, and folded her arms - " But i have something to say bhai..."

Arnav looked at her - " what ??"

Zoya said sternly, her anger rising up, just what did he think himself to be, he had walked out just like that all those months ago,and now he was flying back in, and she was sure, it was to disturb Khushi's perfect life, without him - " you open your ears and listen to me bhai, if this is about Khushi, then i have two advices for you, because Arhaan is a nice guy, and he likes her, and she likes him too, and i suggest that, you should please just stay away from her, and him, for if you do anything to hurt her again,you are going to have to face Zoya Singh raizada's wrath, and im sure you know, where i get that from, and secondly, even if this isn't about Khushi, which I highly doubt,because i know it is, you just stay away from her even then, because i know, you will never admit to what you have been feeling all this while, you think i dont know? neither am i blind or dumb, but if you can't accept what you feel, then you really shouldn't be talking to her at all,so unless you plan to not hurt her, which again I doubt,because i know anything you will do , or so, will hurt her, so please if you can, stay the hell away from her..."

And with that, she walked out his room, and into her's.She wanted to call Khushi straight away,but what would she say?? What if her brother was just going for work? What if, he really wasn't planning to talk to Khushi at all? An knowing him, maybe he wouldn't and maybe he would.And so she didn't call her.He was so unpredictable, just no one but his devil of a mind, knew what he did and why he did it,maybe really she should just give up on figuring out.Even though they were united by blood, Arnav Singh Raizada was a puzzle, she hadn't been able to figure out in 24 years of her life.

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

Fate grinned - " aha....unpredictable he definetly is..."

Destiny smiled - " I didn't see that one coming...."

Love grinned - " Oh i did..."

Fate - " But another unpredictable thing too, i didn't think Asad could fire up like that...?"

Destiny - " no matter how strong their bond it,no matter how much they love each other, you know it, they have to face this, she is right, it cannot be avoided forever...although they did an excellent job until now..."

Love smiled - " yeah they did, but i have faith..."

Hate rolled his eyes, as he finally said, looking up from his book - " you always do, don't you? why dont you just give up already?"

Love - " Well,Thats not who I am. You know, i never give up..."

Hate nodded in agreement - " yeah, just like I don't..."

Love smiled - " well, i know, thats why i dont ask you too,atleast we have something in common..."

Hate almost smiled, love was right, but he saw Fate and Destiny hiding their smiles,looking at him,and he controlled his smile, he didn't believe he was almost about to smile at Love.She was clever, this Love, and he had to stay at a safe distance,he reinstructed himself the same, and returned his attention to his book.

.......