Chapter 4 – Just Life, Or A Movie, It Is ?

Each of our Lives, is a unique story of its own, it has its share of happiness, the ups and downs , the sadness, the romance, the mix of emotions that we all face as we grow up , and everyday is nothing but another tale of its own. We plan a zillion things, sometimes all in our heads, only to end up doing everything differently, which ofcourse is the fun, knowing what would be in store for us tomorrow would make it boring.It's the thrill , the mystery , the anticipation that Life brings to us is what makes it interesting, to wake up not knowing what is in store for us today, to wake up to hold on to a new dream , to wake up to see different realities shape up, to wake up to live each day as it comes, to wake up to learn new things, to live different emotions, to smile, to laugh, to cry, to fight, the list is endless.And it is indeed true that we all are really Living One Story through our Lifes, the story that was meant for us, each day almost representing different phases and chapters of the book , our Life is.We all have this unique starcast and script in our stories due to which there will come a Time in each of our lives when we will all wonder , as we keep believing and keep pretending , and keep living our tales ; that few moments in our lives are scripted to happen so beautifully , and so perfectly , and some so differently with twists around its corner – that we will all mostly be questioning in awe , that even though our lives don't have the forward, rewind and pause button to it, sometimes it does feels as if it is more than what it seems, and that is when we wonder, that although people say that Our Life is not a drama or a movie, but maybe, It Is? And that's when we will often be seen asking ourselves ; Just Life, Or A Movie, It Is?

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

London – 6.45 AM

Khushi was almost ready , and she thought whether she should check if Arnav wanted to join her from today onwards itself, he had said that the timing 7- 8 am did suit him well , and she was just about to call him right when there was a knock on the door and she quickly opened it to see him stand right in front of her all ready in his workout wear and she thought that she was wrong, kust when she had thought that Arnav Singh Raizada could not amaze and affect her more than he already had, he just managed to prove her wrong , either with his amazing sexy smirk, intense gaze, or with how sexy he looked with almost anything he wore. She commanded herself stop staring at him and so she smiled – " Hi Arnav, goodmorning , I was just wondering if I should call you to know if you would like to join in from today itself"

Arnav smiled inwardly as he saw her check him out and he did not break his gaze from her and waited for her to finish looking at him , whilst he enjoyed gazing at the various innocent expressions that were playing on her face, right when he heard her finally speak, and so he decided to tease her as he said – " so why didn't you Khushi?"

Khushi looked at him nervously – " Why Didn't I what?

Arnav smirked, he loved the fact that he was making her nervous, for she looked adorable – " why didn't you call, if you were thinking too"

Khushi fumbled for words – " I guess I don't know, anyway so you ready? Lets go then.."

Arnav smiled – "I am , if you are.." and she walked out shutting the door to her studio and they walked towards the lift and he knew that she was aware that he had his gaze on her so he said as they started walking towards the healthclub with Khushi walking almost silently next to him so he asked – " so you will join us in AR from today on? For your project? Or are you still thinking about it?

Khushi looked at him and smiled - " No I have thought already , I will start today , so what time do you have to leave?"

Arnav smiled and patted himself for this development and said – "At 10 maybe, after breakfast"

Khushi – "Kool, and btw Arnav, you like eggs don't you?

Arnav – " yeah , I do, but why do you ask?"

Khushi smiled – " I was thinking to make us omelets for breakfast, you know its only fair since you almost cooked the dinner yesterday"

Arnav smiled – " If you want to , I do not see why would I have a problem with that, and honestly im kind of happy about the fact that you are not as nervous to share a meal with me, or even spend some time with me for that matter, like you were two days ago" and he teased her further as he saw her smile – " well I guess you do know now, I am not going to eat you up Khushi"

Khushi smiled, hoping she had hid her excitement as she heard him , and she said – " yes, I know you wont, its just that...actually nothing"

Arnav – " what is it?"

Khushi looked at him for a minute silently and said – "like I said...nothing, and cmon we have reached" , and she was glad that they had already reached the healthclub which she had been able to use as a distraction to avoid his – I can-see- through- you- gaze.

Few Minutes Later –

Arnav started his workout and just as he started the treadmill , and the indoor pool was right in the front of the cardio studio and was only separated by glass wall, and so he felt his eyes searching for Khushi, as he resumed his run , and it was right then he saw her walk towards the pool, and he felt himself gaze at how beautiful and attractive she looked in her simple one-piece black swimwear, his imagination of when a picture of her in swimwear had flashed in his mind yesterday had not done her justice – she looked exquisite and very very atrractive and he realized that the sight of her had started to create a havoc on his mind , and it was as if she could sense it too as that very minute she looked right at him and their gazes locked for a second before she smiled at him nervously and dived into the pool, and he stopped his treadmill and walked towards the weights section , because he definetly needed some distraction from the sight of Khushi swimming.

7.55 AM

Khushi waited for Arnav in the lounge, and she tried to control her heartbeat that had gone all haywire a few minutes earlier when she had finished her swim , changed and had walked towards the gym area to tell him that she was finished, and she had seen him working out with some weights, and she felt her heart store in it another very appealing image of the man it had attached itself too , as she gestured to him silently from across that she would be waiting for him in the Lounge to which he had nodded and signaled that he would be there soon.

Right then she saw him walk up to her and she smiled – "So how did you like it, it's the best gym I could tell you about nearby"

Arnav smiled – "It works for me, Khushi, don't worry , lets go"

Khushi – "Yup"

They talked some more on their walk back home, as Arnav began to ask her about her experience at the London Business school , and she asked him a few questions about the memories he had about his time in London all those years ago. Arnav couldn't imagine how easily he had started talking to Khushi, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and it did seem really weird to him that he was so comfortable around someone he had just met two days ago , for the second time in his life, and he wondered what could the reason be, and he realised that probably the attraction he was feeling towards her was at work here and he almost felt guilty one again as her age crossed his mind, but right when he saw her smile at him , he shrugged the thought away and reminded himself that he was just getiing to know his sisters best friend, that's all , and there was nothing wrong about that, and right then they finally reached their building.

Khushi opened the door to her studio and asked him to come in as she started to get things ready for cooking and she felt herself think of what is it that could he be thinking in his mind, and she ofcourse rejected the possibility outright that he would be thinking of her, just like her thoughts had been preoccupied by him, right when she saw him walk up next to her and he started helping her out so she looked at him and said – " Arnav, why don't you just let me, I am not a bad cook, you will survive, if you eat my food..."

Arnav couldn't help but laugh as he said – "that I am sure of ofcourse, but like you said last night , its only fair", and he thought he saw a blush come up her face as she smiled.

Khushi smiled and gave up – "And I don't think , I can win this, so yes you can help"

As they ate their breakfast together, Arnav saw Khushi deep in thought and so he asked – " what is it?"

Khushi –"what is what?

Arnav – "What is it that you are thinking and frowning about"

Khushi felt surprised at the fact that he had noticed so she said – " Its Nothing just that , I was just thinking in a few weeks, ill be heading back to India for good, as in back home, I am going to miss everything here so much and ofcourse my friends, and Zoya..."

Arnav nodded – " I understand, zoya tells me that youv been here ever since after your Grade 12, just like her, so four years is a long time to not miss Khushi, and as long as Zoya is concerned, you can meet back in India ofcourse, you live in Delhi right?

Khushi sighed – " Yeah, ofcourse I can, and you are right , four years is a long time not to miss, that's why I am thinking...."

Arnav – " Thinking what..?"

Khushi was just about to answer him when his phone rang , and he said before picking up– " Its my secretary , Aman, I gotta take this call...get ready , we will leave by 10" and he didn't know why he turned around before walking out and said – " smile Khushi, I don't like that frown on you"

Khushi felt a smile on her lips as she saw him walk out to his studio and she quickly walked upto her room and started to get ready, this was her first day at AR and she had to start on her research asap, so that she could get back to writing the rest of her work , and that was the only way she could take those two days off in the coming week, since Aaditya and Tanya had really been persisting her to join them in Manchester for Rahul's engagement, ofcourse she wanted to go , and all her batch mates would be there, it would be a good chance to spend time with everyone before she left.

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

9.00 AM – Boston

Zoya quickly finished getting ready and she was just about to call Asad to see if he were ready , right when her phone rang and she picked it up in an instant to hear his voice on the other end –

Asad – " Are you ready Zoya, Il be at your door to pick you up in precisely two minutes"

Zoya smiled to herself – "Allah Miyaan . whats wrong with you , I was about to call u and tell you precisely the same thing " , she said walking out of her apartment and locking it to see him step out of his with a grin that gave her butterflies in her stomach and she heard him say grinnng–

" we got some telepathy at work here already Miss Farooqui"

Zoya smiled – " I guess so , Mr.Khan", hiding her uneasiness at hearing him call her Miss Farooqui once more"

And they made their way into the Lift , towards the basement and walked towards the Car, Asad opened the door for her and Zoya smiled as she got in and took her seat and watched him setlle on the wheel as he asked – " so where do you want to have breakfast today?"

Zoya smiled – "Im good with Starbucks if you don't mind it again , you know since its so close, and I guess ill get late for class if we go anywhere else, and also don't you think we should buy some basic stock of groceries, we cant be eating out everyday, don't you think ?"

Asad smiled - " we can do that later in the evening once you are back"

Zoya – " Kool..."

Asad – " So whats your plan after summer school, Zoya? Going back to your job in London?"

Zoya – " well honestly haven't thought much about it Asad, I guess I might just head back home , as in India, you know its been really long since iv been away, I miss my family", and she regretted saying it out loud because she knew what he would ask next and she was right as she heard him ask – " so tell me about your family, Zoya.."

Zoya tried to put things in the best possible way as she said with a a smile – " well, im the youngest actually, I have an elder brother and sister, and then there is my mom ofcourse, my nani, mama and mami , and then my cousin brother and his wife...so yeah a big family it is, we all live together...and I get pampered to bits, although I sometimes wonder why would everyone want to spoil me"

She saw him smile as he parked the car and they walked in and ordered their coffes and croissants for breakfast and started to eat as they sat on a table for two near a window , when she heard him say – " Your family sounds lovely , Zoya"

Zoya immediately took the opportunity to change the topic as she asked – " so tell me what is it that you have planned for work , will you be all busy?"

Asad smiled – "I guess kind off , lets see how it goes, we shall be discussing about the investment terms today"

Zoya – " sounds interesting"

Asad – " what time will you be free ?"

Zoya – "five thrirty I guess"

Asad – " Kool , so ill probably see you by 6"

Zoya nodded and right then she saw a crumble of the croissant right on the side of his lips so she gestured him to move it away , but somehow he couldn't get it right , so she bent forwards and rubbed the side of his lips shoving the crumbs away , and his gaze locked with hers and she thought she saw something very different in his eyes and she quickly looked away taking her hand back as she said nervously – " its ohk now" and she started to sip her coffe.

Asad thought that until now only he was the one who was capable of making her nervous and blush and flutter, but when he felt her brief touch on the side of his lips, he had no sensible explanation to explain or comprehend the jolt that had gone through his being, and his mind immediately started thinking or rather craving for her touch once more, and he sipped his coffe almost silently shrugging the thoughts that's were starting to take over his mind, for he couldn't understand what the hell was happening to him , he had never ever let anyone effect him in a way he was letting Zoya have, he knew it even months ago when hed first met her that there was something very different about her which held his attention , but this attraction and the wish to know her and spend time with her was somewhat really all new to him and he had to admit the fact that although he was happy , it was all a little too scary at the same time.

A Few Minutes Later –

Asad brought the car to the halt and he watched her hop off and he smiled at her and was just about to drive away when he saw her walk back to the car and he pressed the switch to let the window down and he heard her ask – " All ohk Mr.Khan?"

Asad nodded – "Yes ofcouse, why do you ask "?

Zoya looked at him for a minute as she tried to wonder what was on his mind – " well youv been on a serious thinking spree...since the past few minutes, I wondered if I said something"

Asad - "No, you didn't, was just thinking about work"

Zoya smiled – "Ohk, well you see that thing in the mirror, those few lines on your forhead, everytime you frown or think..it doesn't look very nice on you Mr.Khan..."

Asad immediately felt himself look into the review mirror to understand what she meant and when he saw that what she had observed was absolutely right , he felt a grin break on his face and he said – " I guess you are right, it doesn't look very nice to me too"

Zoya grinned in triump as she saw his small dimple appear and she said – " I like that smile on you , Mr.Khan , keep it on , it would be tragic to not witness it" and she smiled and turned to walk away towards her class, she knew she had stunned him with his own sentence he had used on her the previous day.

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

LONDON – 5.30 PM

Khushi worked on her dissertation sitting on the small desk Arnav's had asked Andrew to show her, and right then her phone rang and she immediately picked it up seeing that it was Zoya so she said – " Zoya, AR is wonderful , now I know why you keep so glued to your work all the time, hows everything going?"

Zoya grinned – " perfect, classes are good and also I am getting a little bit more comfortable around your Bhaijaan, so yes everythings good, what about you, is everything ohk with Bhai?"

Khushi smiled as she recalled the morning events – " ofcourse, honestly to be honest, its getting a little bit easier for me too you know around him and also hes being so kind, helping me on my work, infact he's asked Andrew and Annie to help me out with everything I need, and he even called me a while ago , to see if there was anything else I needed, so yeah, I guess everythings perfect here too"

Zoya – " Great , Andrew is a darling , and so is Annie, like that bhai has assigned the right people to help you out, Khushi , im glad this is working out better than what we thought , don't you think?

Khushi – " yeah, definetly better, I didn't know Arnav Singh Raizada isnt as intimidating as I assumed him to be.."

Zoya grined – " He is my brother, aint her? Kuch toh asar hoga mera...and also I must add your bhaijaan isnt as much of a khadus , I assumed him to be"

Khushi laughed and right then she felt another call and she saw it was her bhaijaan on call waiting so she said – " Zoya ill call you back ,its bhaijaan on the other line..."

Zoya – " Yup sure, I got ahead back to class as well , bye and you know I love you right"

Khushi – "I know, and you know I love you too"

And she picked up the other line and spoke for a few minutes to her Bhaijaan , telling him how she was superbusy with her project and right then she remembered that she had to ask him something so she said – " bhaijaan , you know its one of my friends as in Rahul's engagement next week in Manchester, and all my friends are going , so I was wondering if I could go , its just two days, it will give me a good chance to spend sometime with everyone before I leave...and waise I would have asked Zoya to accompany me , but since she isnt here, I thought ill ask you if it were ohk for me to go alone..."

Asad – " Khushi , you know this is what I love about how you talk to me about everything, yes ofcourse you can go, but just keep careful and keep in touch with me, and also will that guy , yes whats his name Aaditya will be there too? The one who likes you "- he said teasingly.

Khushi's eyes widened – " Bhaijaan , im going to kill Zoya for telling you about this, but don't worry, we are just friends"

Asad laughed – " yeah right Miss Farooqui, but don't kill her Khushi, and I know if there was anybody , you would tell me right?"

Right then Khushi saw Arnav step out of his cabin and she tried to fight the guilt that started to surface again as she lied – " yes ofcourse bhaijaan I would, ohk now I gotta work , ill speak to you later, and don't worry , ill speak to ammi in a while"

Asad – " Ohk you take care Khushi , bye"

Khushi immediately shoved her phone aside as she saw Arnav walking towards her and she smiled nervously as she heard him ask – " hows it going Khushi? Hope Andrew and annie were able to help you out"

Khushi – " yes, everythings is well infact I was just writing about whatever information iv gathered today"

Arnav smiled as he felt relieved that he was able to help her and he said – " Glad its working , so im just heading for this teleconference, ill finish in an hour, and incase you are working and want to wait , we could leave together"

Khushi smiled – " yes ohk , not a problem Arnav, I anyway need an hour to put together the draft to email to my tutor to see what he thinks about it"

Arnav – " great and I hope we are hungry, I am taking you out for Dinner tonight" , he stated with a smile.

Khushi looked at him confusedly – " You are? But I didn't know...thanks...I guess?

Arnav grinned – "well know you know, and you are good with Lebanese"?

Khushi smiled – " yeah, Lebanese is good..." and she saw him walk away and she sat down wondering if all of this was for real , Arnav Singh raizada was taking her out for dinner...she felt a smile curve up her lips as her guilt vanished, because all she felt was sheer happiness in that particular moment.

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

BOSTON – 2 PM

Asad just finished his lunch when his phone beeped and as he checked it, only feel a grin on his face as he read its content –

" You are dead Mr.Khan, I cannot believe you teased Khushi about Aaditya, now im feeling all guilty about breaking our BFF code, and btw since when did you loosen up that way when it comes to your sister, I always thought you were the big bad wolfy brother.Jokes apart – seriously you are not going to get away with this one."

Asad quickly replied –

"I stopped being the big bad wofly brother when I learnt that my sister has grown up and its time I learnt to trust her.And I just finished lunch, did you have yours? Btw what the hell is the BFF code?

He waited for her reply and it came quickly and he read it –

"Just having it, have class at 230.And BFF code is – the Best Friends Forever Code. You see we aren't supposed to leak parts of our lives to our friends elder brothers"

Asad grinned to himself as he quickly replied –

"Oh really , I guess there maybe a lot more secrets in there.So is there anything else that you are hiding?"

He quickly received another text –

"You think you are funny dont you? Im not going to tell you anything anymore, ok..so don't ask! And im getting back into class, so ttyl.will let you know once am back at the apartment"

Asad smiled to himself as replied – " Yes, do that" , and deceided to return to his work, as he walked in the boardroom to resume the discussion regarding Khan construction investment plans.

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

7.30 PM - Maroush, 4 Veer Street, London

Arnav finished placing the order and he smiled at Khushi across and said – " well im glad you like it"

Khushi smiled – "ofcourse I do, I love the food here, and also the ambience, I just didn't think you would like something like this"

Arnav raised his eyebrow – " Oh so I guess you do some wrong assumptions about me then, Khushi"

Khushi tried to hide the embarrasement she was feeling as she said – " i guess I do, since I got it all wrong, but don't blame me Arnav, you are the one who is full of suprises, like uptil yesterday I wasn't aware you are an amazing cook , and then today this dinner was no less then a surprise"

Arnav smiled – "Im sorry I didn't ask, not that I didn't want to, but I was busy during the day and then you were busy too with Andrew and Annie, but I really wanted to take you out, so ..."

Khushis eyes widened in surprise as she felt her heartbeat soar and she asked – " but why?"

Arnav looked at her confusedly – "why what?"

Khushi – " want to take me out ..."

Arnav felt himself at a short of words, as he thought of what to answer, he couldn't just out right say the truth right that he was attracted to her, so attracted that it was making him want to spend time with her in every way possible,but he lied and said – " well remember how you were asking me earlier today about my time back here, when I was 16, this was one of the places I used to come to all the time, so I thought you would want to see, and also the food is pretty good, so"

Khushi tried to control her laugh as she saw him answer, and she knew it right then that he was ofcourse making it all up and right when she heard that last bit , she couldn't help but break out into a line of giggles, which made him exclaim his famous – "what the? Whats funny?

Khushi , in between her laugh – " im so sorry , but you are, and that's another surprise I just witnessed, Arnav singh Raizada has the ability to crack me up"

Arnav couldn't help but grin and was just about to answer her back , when the steward came with their starters and served it to them and they both started to eat, as they were both starving.

An Hour Later, just as they finished and were walking out –

A very good looking man walked up to Khushi and he said – " hey Khushi, how are you , haven't seen you in a while..howv you been..."

Khushi smiled as she recognized who it was and Arnav thought he didn't like the way this man was smiling at her, he didn't know why though and he was just about to comprehend a reason for the same just when he heard her say – " Hiii Nikhil , how are you? I know its been long...crazy bumping into you here..." and she turned to introduce Arnav and she said – " this is Arnav Singh Raizda, Zoya's brother and Arnav, this is Nikhil Oberoi, he used to be in Zoya's batch of MBA"

Arnav shook hands and he felt a weird feeling creep up so both his sister and the girl of his interest knew this fellow and right then he heard Nikhil say – " hows Zoya doing at summer school? I spoke to her before she left..."

Khushi smiled – "great...shes really enjoying it, and wait Aadi told me that you were about to join some course at Harvard too this summer, what happened?

Arnav felt his insights groan as he heard Khushi name another guy and before he could reason who he must be , Nikhil said – " yeah, I am ...next week , but haven't told Zoya about it...and are you joining everyone next week in Manchester, or wait you need to ask your bhaij.."

And Khushi interrupted him right their because she couldn't risk him saying – bhaijaan in front of Arnav so she said – " yeah maybe, I guess we should get going now and we will leave you to catch up on your meeting....see you later..."

Arnav casually nodded at the man and they started walking out and he couldn't help but question but even before he could ask it was as if Khushi read his mind and started to explain , as they sat in the taxi – " so that was Nikhil, Arnav, like I said he was with Zoya in her batch , and I know him through Zoya ofcourse and also his cousin Aaditya is in my batch, so we are all like really good friends...they are both really nice"

Arnav felt the brother in him surface as he asked – " so Zoya is good friends with him?"

Khushi heard a hint of pssesiveness in his voice for his little sister and she felt so much warmth embrace her as she saw in the flicker of a moment a caring side to him which is probably hidden from the rest of the world and she said – " yes just friends, don't worry, although he likes her , and did ask her out , Zoya made it very clear to him that they could only be just good friends, you know how she is right , shes always so clear in her head about what she wants, I gotta learn that from her"

Arnav felt a wave of relief wash over him as he realized that his little sister wasn't very little anymore, and perhaps she was more sensible than he had imagined and then he asked – " what do u mean you gotta learn it from her, I guess you are pretty clear in your head too"

Khushi admitted honestly – " yes sometimes I am , but sometimes I am so confused, like I have been almost the whole day – you heard Nikhil mention about Manchester right?"

Right then they reached their building so Arnav paid the taxi guy and they made their way up and he asked – " so what about it?Manchester?"

Khushi got in the lift as she explained – " so its of my batch mates Rahul's engagement next week , although my brother has given me the permission to let me go and I kind of want to , but im still confused whether I should or not" and she saw him give her an amused look and so she said – " see now you know what I mean, about being clear?"

Arnav asked , very much amused with himself for finding her confused look even more mesmerizing – " but why are you confused"

Right then the Lift opened to their floor and they walked out and Arnav asked her to show him her draft work over a cup of coffe because he didn't know why but he wanted to talk to her more.He watched her set out her Mac from her bag as she switched it on and then joined him in the small kitcheneete as they made coffe, he asked again – " im sorry , so why are you confused about Manchester? You should go if you want to , it will give you a chance to spend sometime with all your other friends before you leave"

Khushi – " I know right , that's exactly my point but then I am only confused because Aadi will be there"

Arnav shot her a confused look – " so isnt he your friend"?

Khushi sighed as she explained picking up her cup as they walked to the table – " ofcourse he is Arnav , he is infact a very good friend of mine , the one I can really count upon apart from Zoya ofcourse, but he kind of you know likes me,..."

Arnav deceided that he already disapproved of this guy Aaditya but he asked – " as in ?"

Khushi – " as in you know, hes asked me out and stuff, and I , you know do not feel anything for him that way , so I denied, and although hes pretty kool about it and has made me promise that it shudnt get in between our friendship and stuff, iv been careful spending time around him , you know I don't want to lead him on unnecessarily, speacially now that I like.." and she stopped mid sentence and covered up – " now that I know he still likes me..i mean I just know it"

Arnav didn't know why , he felt quite relieved as he heard her admit that whoever this Aaditya dude was didn't stand a chance with Khushi and so he said trying to sound as casual – " well don't worry much , think about it, don't go if it makes you uncomfortable, and hell get over it too , since I assume hes as old as you, boys are immature at that age..and...now that youll leave" and he heard her say in between sipping her coffe – " no that's what Arnav, he isnt immature, and he isnt as old as me, he is 26, and very mature , he just joined MBA late because he was working earlier and I knowas in I can sense this is serious for him so...that's why"

Arnav asked in a reflex– " so you are good friends with him despite him being much older to you"

Khushi shot him a confused look – " ofcourse, why wouldn't I , you know age doesn't matter Arnav , he is nice that's all that should matter right , infact also Nikhil looks much younger but he is as old as you too , and we are all very comfortable around each other"

Arnav felt all the guilt he had been feeling for being attracted to his sisters best friend who was much younger to him , wash away in that split of a second as he heard her and he kind of felt happy with the knowledge that age wasn't much of a worry factor for her , so he said to distract himself– " Yeah, he doesn't look as old as me though , I agree"

Khushi – " Just like you don't"

Arnav grinned and asked – " excuse me? Is that a compliment? And just for the records how old do u think I look?"

Khushi judged the teasing tone in his voice so she teased him further – " oh wait, now id like to think about the exact number, hmmmm, 32 maybe, you see I said you don't look your age , I didn't say you look younger"

Arnav shot her a ridiculous look – " what the Khushi? No one has ever teased me that way"

Khushi grinned – " im sorry baba, jokes apart, I meant you don't look 28 too, much younger , but don't ask me to say a number please"

Arnav smiled – " alright , so show me what did you work on today"

Khushi immediately placed the laptop on the table in front and turned it as she went to sit next to him to show him , and she started to explain him what all information had she gained from Andrew and annie and how was she planning to analyse it further.

Arnav listened to her and saw her work and he was quite impressed, and so he said after a few minutes – " well this is great work Khushi , and also I must tell you , I guess you are going to ace this one"

Khushi smiled as she said – " thanks Arnav" and she shut down her laptop , and she could feel his gaze on her , and so she said – " guess I should get going now....goodnight Arnav" and he nodded so she stood up but her knee hit the table bottom and she immediately fell back , and because Arnav was startng to get up too , he fell back on the sofa and she fell right in his arms and he felt his one hand go around her shoulder and the other around her waist to hold her, and their eyes locked and he said teasingly – " you love hurting yourself don't you ?"

Khushi felt herself drowning in his gaze and also his touch was already making her mind spin just when she heard him , so she broke her gaze and tried to get up – " no ofcourse not , im sorry" and she looked at him surprised when he strengthened his hold on her, and did not let her get up – " don't be sorry , Khushi" and he looked at her confused eyes and he asked – " are u sure, you aren't hurt?"

Khushi – " yeah im alright ..." and she tried to get up once more and this time he let her go and so she immediately picked up her laptop and started to walk out the door, feeling very embarrassed and cursed her balance for forgetting how to function with him around right when she heard him say and so she turned to see a grin on his face– " but be careful when im not around Khushi , I wouldn't want anybody else to save you from your clumsiness, you see in three days, of saving you almost thrice, I am almost used to it" and he saw her blush furiously as she stood at the door and so he walked up straight to her and he saw her step back nervously until she hit the wall and he put his hands on the wall, almost caging her in between and he watched the play of expressions on her face as she continues to look into his eyes, and did not break away although her eyes gave away the fact that she was hell nervous and so he said – " looks like you got another surprise Khushi , I have the knack of making you nervous too , very nervous" and before she could say anything he removed his one hand from he wall and flicked her nose tenderly and said – " and also the knack of making you blush"

Khushi looked away embarrassed and she thought of what to say and right then she noticed him look at her as if he were trying to comprehend what was on her mind so she said with a smile – " and looks like I have a knack of wanting you to figure out whats on my mind all the time" and she quickly escaped under him and stepped out the door as she said – " see you in the morning Arnav"

Arnav – " See you" and he watched her step ino her studio and he walked back into his wondering how did she know that he was trying to read her expressions and he felt a smile curve up his lips as he recalled how his closeness affected her, and the fact that she did not break the gaze everytime their eyes locked, could mean that she was attracted to him too? And he immediately scolded himself, his sensible self to act like a hyper teenager jumping to conclusions with a moment so minute for his record of numerous flings but he did feel like as if he genuinely hadn't liked and felt so attracted towards someone in a long long time, and how her mesmerizing face had caught his attention at once all those months ago , and he thought amused that all these moments and feelings with Khushi seemed so new so different to his Life altogether, and he smiled and walked into his room right when he saw the time on the clock and he decided to ring his sister Zoya.

Khushi changed and got into bed and she tried to get some sleep , for she also had a long day ahead tomm which started early and she felt herself rewind the day in her head and the moments with Arnav , and she felt herself blush furiously as she recalled the affect that his closeness had on her when he had almost caged in between his arms, she had been surprised ofcourse, everything about him today had been no less than a suprsie or rather a happy shock to her.She twisted in bed as she sighed and felt as if she was being granted everything she had ever wished for, and it seemed too good to be true, the things that had happened today seemed as if they were perfectly out of a script of a movie , because that's how it seemed, isnt this how they show it in all those movies, girl meets the man of her dreams and they fall for each other etc etc, but right then reality crashed into her that the truth here was more complicated than it seemd and she questioned her fate as to why was all of this happening in the first place if the truth had to crush it all later, and she realized that her life had quit being simple the day she had met him all those months ago, and now it seemed more like this mysterious puzzle of which she had no particular idea of what turn it would take next, she felt worried, happy , nervous, excited all at the same time, and she had no clue that her Life would bring her face to face with such a situation that she would wonder , what she was wondering in that exact moment that although people say that our life is not a movie, but just maybe hers just turned into one.

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

BOSTON – 6 PM

Zoya just finished talking to her di, and she saw her brother's missed call and she rechecked the time, it was 6 , Asad had texted that he would be there by 630 , and ofcourse she couldn't talk to her brother with him around, so this was some good time for her to catch up with him so she called him immediately and he picked up in an instant –

Zoya – "sorry bhai , was talking to di , shes going crazy please tell her to stop shopping for me and waste her time, iv told her a hundred times that I can get whatever I want either in London and now that I am here, and oops btw its almost 11 pm , were you sleeping already ?"

Arnav – " not yet , was about to , since my day is going to start early, and btw you know none of us can stop di , she just loves to spoil us, and you more, and I can see no reason why she shouldn't, we love you, and tell me how is it going so far , any problem settling down?"

Zoya – " ofcourse not bhai , no problem at all , do u think any problem stands a chance in front of Zoya Singh Raizada? Nahhhh...and what do u mean your day will start early"?

Arnav – " well iv joined the gym , you know the one Fitness First , khushi said.."

Zoya grinned to herself , this conversation just got interesting and she said – " yes that's the one we both go to , its awesome bhai , and its good that you did, I mean I know how important it is for your health too...and also I want to thank you for helping khuhsi so much , she was telling me how youv been ..."

Arnav sat up in bed , quite interested to know what did Khushi tell Zoya , so he asked trying to hide his inquisitiveness – " so what did she say ?"

Zoya smiled to herself as she said – " that ofcourse you are being so helpful and everything.thats it, why is there anything else you want to know ?", she teased and she was sure her brother caught her tone as he said – " no ofcourse not , anyway shes your best friend, im glad to help her, that's all"

Zoya – " yes ofcourse bhai, I know that's all"

Arnav – " I met your friend Nikhil , at dinner and btw why wasn't I aware that he asked you out and you refused?"

Zoya made a mental note to fight with Khushi for this one , but she knew this was only fair since she did leak a similar info to her brother and it wasn't of any harm so she said – " bhai cmon , it didn't matter ohk? Hes a friend, that's all , anyway di knew, so chill"

Arnav – " alright , and im impressed by the way by your work at AR here, everybody really thinks of you in high regard, and that's not because you are my sister, im proud of you"

Zoya smiled – " well what can I say , I learn from the best" and then her brother filled her in about the development at work on the project she was handling and she said – " im not worried at all , since you are handling it"

Arnav – " Yeah , but since you are the one who started it , you should know everything Zoya" , and they spoke for a few more minutes until his sister finally heard him yawn and directed him to get some sleep.

Zoya just put the phone down and she looked at the watch it was almost going to be 630 and Asad was going to be back soon , so she quickly used the time to make a list of all the things she wanted to buy on her Ipad, and waited for Asad to come.

A few Minutes Later –

Zoya heard a knock on her door and she opened it quickly to see the man of her interest stand in front of her all changed from his business attire in his rugged casual which would qualify him to be awarded for the hottest man on the planet and he smiled – " so I was back a few minutes early , but I thought I will get changed first , I wouldn't want to walk around Wal- Mart in a suit"

Zoya grabbed her bag immediately from the shelf and put her ipad in it and smiled back – " great , then lets get going already , Mr.Khan, iv made out a list of the basics"

Asad looked at her in surprise – " You have?"

Zoya admitted honestly– " that's something iv learnt from Khushi , she has this habbit of writing it all down , which ofcourse I don't approve of, and I usually buy whatever just pops into my head, but that usually leads me to forget something , so I started to list it all down , which made Khushi really proud of me , you know"

Asad grinned , this girl was definetly more amusing that he had imagined – " nice, so how was your day" , he asked as they got into the car.

Zoya – " great as usual , lot of work tho ofcourse, I already have an assignment to work on , and I have the submission in two days, but I am loving it , and how about you, how did the investment discussion ago ?"

Asad smiled – " it is going better than I expected , and we might sign the deal papers and the terms of the contract , the profit share and all the other formalities, next week, so yeah I guess that's good"

Zoya – " that's great Asad , btw I still cant believe you allowed Khushi for Manchester, in one go, do u have any idea she has been confused to ask you about it for weeks since she knew I would be coming here, I must say you are kooler than I thought you were"

Asad grinned as he drove – " so what else have you already assumed about me Zoya?"

Zoya teasd – " well for starters I definetly assumed to be Akdu , and Khadus and a little Sadu and all strict and reserved, but I can see that I was all wrong , because you definetly aren't any of those, Mr.Khan"

Asad raised his eyebrow and said teasingly – " oh really , I didn't know that my first impression is that bad ..."

Zoya replied in an instant – " ofcourse it isnt all bad, there are a few other things that leave a positive mark you know"

Right then Asad pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car and looked at her and said – " maybe you could tell me more about that , once we are done with this..."

Zoya looked away , dam his gaze was again messing up her mind as she said – " yes ofcourse later though, cmon Mr.Khan , lets go now"

Asad watched her spring out of the car and he smiled to himself, quite eager to know what positive mark had he left on her mind in the first go.

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

8.00 PM – Zoya 's Appartment

Asad and Zoya walked in with all the grocery bags and Asad dropped them on the table and Zoya started to settle it all up as she exclaimed – " Allah Miyaan , now I know why Khushi makes a list , it makes it so much easier, I don't think we missed anything"

Asad grinned – "Yeah we didn't" and he realized hed been smiling and grinning way to much in the past three days , than he had smiled in the whole of three months, since the last he met her, and he started picking up his bag to take over to his apartment when he heard her – " Allah MIyaan , where do u think you are going? Put that down , you can settle it later, im cooking us dinner tonight"

Asad put the bag aside and folded his hands in front of him and looked at her amused – " now that's a surprise, Zoya, so you can cook too, so what is this lavish menu you are going to craft up tonight"

Zoya sensed the tease in his voice – " very funny Mr.Khan, well im not a expert but .." and she ruffled up through the bags as she took out the pizza base and said " tada...I make the worlds best pizza, mind you, and I am an expert because its my favourite, you know khushi always tell me, if I don't do anything else in life, I can open a Pizza Chain and ofcourse I shall be the head chef", she smiled.

Asad immediately felt himself crack up and he said in between giggles – " so Miss Head Chef, do I get to help..." he asked walking up to her side in the kitchenete.

Zoya grinned – " well no , but you can watch and you can Learn" she winked and started to get to work .

Asad watched the scene unfold in front of him amusingly as started to cut the vegetables and grate the cheese with utmost concentration as if it were some exam and he couldn't help but take that chance to admire her once more as to how beautiful she was, the way her eyes lit up in excitement and glinted with mischief everytime she teased him , the way those dimples marked her creamy cheeks and the way her hair fell over her face....and her soft lips, the ones he had barely touched to brush the crumble off, and his mind immediately thought of how he wanted her to trip once more so that he could catch her in his arms like yesterday and he immediately shrugged the thought away and used his phone to distract himself, because he knew this was way too different, it didn't seem like him at all and right then she asked him to hand her the gloves so that she could wear them before placing the pizza to bake in the heated oven , so he did and smiled, and their hands touched for a split of a second and their eyes locked, until she quickly looked away and placed he pizza in and took out her gloves and pushed her hair back which led to some of the flour stain her cheeks and she said – " here you go , a few more minutes, and dinner will be served Mr.Khan , I hope Jahanpana is hungry"

Asad smirked as he walked up close to her and she hit her back on the hitchen counter and he said putting hi shand on the cunter from one side – " could you share with me origin for that one, Jahanpana, seriously Zoya, do I look a tyrant emperor to you" and he watched her look at him nervously and he continued – " so what was the positive mark of the first impression I gave you that you were talking about" and he leaned in a little bit closer and his hand on its own accord went forward and brushed the flour off her cheek , suprisng her to the core, because her eyes went as wide as they could but she didn't look away , so he brushed his knuckles on her cheek softly as he said – " better now, you had some flour on your face"

Zoya felt as if a thousand currents were going through her body as he continued to brush her cheek softly and stand so close to her that she could almost feel his breathe on her face and she realized in that moment that probably or maybe really he was attracted towards her too and she felt really happy at that realization so she said – " well for starters, the positive impression could be, is isnt not possible for anyone to not think of you after they meet you , it could be because of how good you look , but also because you have this whole enigma around you , which makes it impossible to not think of you , and makes one wish for a chance to get to know who is really the man behind the mask of sterness, Asad Ahemed Khan reflects"

Asad couldn't understand what did he feel more as he heard her say those words, happy that she wanted to know him or thrilled that she had been thinking about him too and so he asked teasingly – " so you want to know the real me.."

Zoya felt goosebumps go through her as she heard his husky voice and she nodded meekly as she said – " yeah , since you know you are my best friends brother and I guess im a good best friend"

Asad smirked as he heard her say that and he teased her further while his hand was still at her cheek not wanting to pull away – " so you thought of me after you met me , is it Zoya?"

Zoya's eyes widened as she said to her defense – " not exactly you know, not the way it sounds.." and before she could say further, she felt him cup her face gently and make her look into his eyes as he said – " would it make you feel better if I say I thought about you too , I don't know why, but I found myself think of you , a number of times more than the usual"

Zoya saw him gaze at her lips and she thought for a second he was going to bend and the remaining distance would be closed between their lips and she said , barely recignising the voice as her own – " you did? But why?"

Asad pulled her closer and his hand finally went around her waist and he said – " well lets just say , your first impression was better than mine, since it caught my attention , in a way no one ever has...and that's why I want to get to know you , and not because you are Khushi's best friend"

Zoya looked at him for a second and she said – " I don't want to know you only because you are Khushi's brother too , I want to know Asad"

Asad felt a grin curve up his lips and he said – " well im glad now that's clear between us" and he finally let her go reluctantly as the timer in the oven buzzed and Zoya jumped apart immediately to get their dinner out .

A Half Hour Later –

Zoya knew she was talking way too much all through out the dinner and it was really all random but she couldn't help it because whenever she was nervous, she did end up talking constant nonsense,and she didn't know how she was blessed with that ability because usually people shut up when something was making them nervous, but not her, when she was nervous she blabbered like an idiot and she was sure Asad noticed as he said, as they walked up to the sink to keep their plates and then walked back towards the seating area– " So I learnt a few things about you Zoya"

Zoya smiled as she sat and said – " I hope all good though"

Asad laughed as he sat next to her – " first things first , you cook the pizza great , and I must agree with my sisters thought on this" and he saw her grin as she said – "kaha than a maine, waise aisa koi kaam nahi hai which I cant do"

Asad grinned – "and second when you tend to become way too nervous or rather restless, you distract yourself by the talking , isnt it? Maybe that's something u cant do yet Zoya, be all mormal around me"

Zoya immediately stood up and pinted a finger at him – " Allah Miyaan , who do u think you are Mr.Khan , who said im nevrvous or restless, im normal and why should I be anyway"

Asad stood up and immediately pulled her by the arm and his one hand went around her waist as he teased – " so you mean , this doesn't make you nervous"

Zoya , to her defense – " No it doesn't " and she felt as if she was trapped in his gaze as she couldn't get herself to look away.

Asad softly brushed his knuckles on her cheek once more and he literally felt her shiver so he grinned – " well I guess then this does"

Zoya looked at him nervously – " ohk fine, maybe it does, happy now are you , now let me go" although she didn't want him to let go.

Asad grinned victoriously and let her go although he knew she didn't want him to and nor did he but he did and said – " your crazy , you know that don't you , but adorable, no wonder everyone in your family wants to pamper and spoil you too , honestly I would like it too you know"

Zoya looked at him in surprise as she asked and watched him walk out towards the door – " what, what did you just say?you would like what?

Asad grinned from the door – " I said, I would like to spoil you too Zoya" and he watched a smile curve up her lips as she looked away, blushing and he said – " Goodnight Miss farooqui, ill see you in the morning"

Zoya nodded – " Goodnight Mr.Khan" and she watched him leave and she sat back on the sofa completely dazed over what had just happened.

Her life was making her feel as if it were on its way to give her everything she'd been dreaming impossibily about eveer since she met him all those months ago.Asad Ahemed Khan definetly was a package of a surprise mystery that her life had dropped right in front of her , a mystery that she wanted to discover.And she remembered her conversation with her brother earlier, she knew he would expect her to not do what she was doing here, she knew he would be terribly hurt with her actions, because she already had a feeling where this was heading , she knew this was going to get twisted and complicated because more of her feelings were getting into the picture here but she felt like letting it all complicate for a while, it couldn't get worse anyway, and she wondered if her simple life had turned into a a maze, a maze she was following blindly because it reflected what shed always wanted, although it eemed to good to be true in the first place but atleast it would be a while until it all turned ugly and she hoped that it didn't have to turn ugly at all , if she could get Asad and her brother to understand and end this war between them and she felt anticipation and hope build up and she realized that she felt like a audience watching a story, the story which seemed like the Movie of her life.

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

Fate grinned – " its funny how they still wonder , don't they know their lives are no less than a movie for us, the entertainment we love to witness"

Destiny winked at him – " and isnt these crazy ones that we term as the blockbusters anyway"

Fate grinned – " Exactly, my thoughts" and he looked at Love and asked – " so what up next ?

Love smiled as she said – " so I just thought of this brilliant idea, so Iv called someone to join us"

Fate teased– " I know youv given Hate a break since he actually needed it , but I miss him already ...so who is it now?"

Love grinned – "Patience is virtue my friend, you will know, she will be here soon"

Destiny smiled as it dawned on her and she said – " please tell me it is who I think it is?"

Love smiled and Fate looked on confusedly as he hated to be cluless so he asked restlessly – " can the two of you tell me already?you know I don't like to play guess who, when we are at business here"

And right then Jealousy with all its green aura walked in and hugged Love – " Long time, I have missed you , and you called , whats the matter?"

Love and Destiny grinned as they said – " we need you to get into your role asap, we have a job at hand"

Jealousy grinned mischeviously as she said – " another assignment , oh I love you so much already Love, I was almost bored to death , and you know what more do I love, how I m so different but yet still an important part of you , and how much you trust me to do my job here, I guess I must be good at it " she winked.

Fate grinned as he finally realized what was being cooked here – " Not just good, you are brilliant, let me show you how to go about this"

Jealousy joined Fate as he explained her what needed to be done, and Love and Destiny looked on amused as destiny asked – " remind me again , how did you manage to create all these emotions and still have them remain a part of you , I love the way they all look up to you"

Love smiled as she stated honestly – " I don't know, maybe I should ask them the same, and I wonder what will they say though?"

Destiny smiled as she said – " Oh quite being humble now, your maginificent you know that right? we all downright love you"

Love smiled modestly as she said – " Yes, I know and I love all of you too."

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