TC of KG - Chapter Fifteen

"It is impossible to love and be wise."

6:30 AM, Bed.

How bad can things get any way? What's the worst case scenario? I mean, I guess, I could die due do all the blushing. But..but... maybe it's like what Priya said. He's just going to pretend nothing happened. In fact he's (probably) already doing that! Right.. Right? I mean that's the only reason he sent this perfectly normal text message.

If you're done hating, I'll pick you up at 7.

I'll just re-read my impossibly long lists. That's right, what's there to fear? Just two perfectly normal friends hanging out together.

We are just going to do some photography and then I'll be on my way after a cordial wave. I can live my life and he can live his. Separately.

7:03 AM, Bus Stop.

I knew it. He just wanted to make fun of me. That ass hat. I hate him. I hate him so much right now. I bet he gets some sort of sick satisfaction from making me feel like a fool.

Poor, innocent Khushi Kumari Gupta, let me kiss her and ditch her. That stupid oaf. He doesn't know what he has gotten himself into.

I HATE HIM.

7:30 AM, Arnav's car.

Yeah. *ahem* A little bit of mild over reaction. Gosh, why am I so paranoid? More importantly, why the hell am I the only one feeling awkward in this car?

Stupid pounce, sitting there with his perfect blue shirt and perfect shades and perfect everything. There I was having a mild panic attack and he comes in that pristine car of his, all high-mighty, and faintly mutters a 'hi Khushi' in that stupid low tone of his. I think I stopped breathing at that point. Before anyone asks- No it wasn't because of him, it was just the mild panic attack. Sheesh, as if he could ever affect me. No way hosay.

I got in without acknowledging his pleasantry. If I pretended he didn't exist, everything will be better. But of course that was never to be.

I think me glaring daggers at him combined with the metaphorical steam coming out my ears, prompted him to say the next few words.

"Are you alright?"

I'll let him know just how alright I am, by punching his nose into his face. Then I'll push him out of his own car and laugh maniacally when I drive away.

"Fine as fine can be."

"You don't look fine." Came the swift response.

No of course I'm not fine. I'm fuming and embarrassed and I want to kill you.

"Why would you say that? I've never been better." I let out pathetically nervous giggle. Someone please kill me.

"Oh really?"

Oh really? Oh, I'll show him how real I can get. I'll really step on his feet with my pointed heels and enjoy as he jumps about like a crazy person holding his feet.

"Yup." Can anyone lend me a gun? Please and thank you.

"Then why are you blushing?"

Shit caught. Abort mission. Abort mission. Think fast.

"It's mighty hot today."

"Khushi it's October, remember? Try again."

Oh, so he wanted to see me squirm. And I was falling for his silly little plan. Damn, I hate him.

"In the car I mean."

"The Air conditioner is switched on. Third time's the charm Khushi. Go on"

Breathe in. Breathe out.

"I had this horrible experience yesterday." Finally, my brain acknowledges that it has some grey cells. Go on Raizada, I dare you to react. And react he did.

After a slight pause he said,

"Horrible, was it?"

Success! Finally an edge in his voice. I bet his eyes were flashing under those shades.

"The worst ever. It made me cringe on so many levels."

"Cringe worthy, was it?" His extremely calm voice unnerved me. I knew that that Laad Governr was planning something.

"Yup."

"Interesting. That's a first." And cue more blushing. How the hell does he do that? Every. Single. Time.

Now I get why he wears those damn shades. I turned to the other side and pretended to look outside, waiting for the eternally long ride to come to an end.

After one light year and 23 days, the car finally stopped. I shuffled with the seat belt and reached for the door handle, wanting nothing more than to put some space between us. It was getting stuffy and the proximity was increasing my acidic levels.

Just as the door clicked open his hand shot out, covering mine and pulled it shut. The thud resonated with in the small space. I was startled and all my breath left me. His shades, as I faintly noticed, were discarded on his seat.

He leaned over his seat and gear box, his hands over mine and his face alarmingly close to mine. His uneven breath washed over my face. His eyes were completely strained on me and everything else just sort of faded out as his nose brushed against mine causing more blood to rush up to my cheeks. 

"Horrible, was it?"

"Ye..yes.."

His hands reached forward and brushed off my fringe, lingering on my cheeks, forcing my eyes to snap up to his.

They were dark, really dark. Dark like melted chocolate. Hot, burning, melted chocolate. Smouldering.

My chest heaved as I tried to get some air back into my lungs.

"Well you know what they say."

"Wa..What?"

A slight smirk lined his face.

"Practice makes perfect."

He then reached forward, his hands tightened over mine for a second. The door sprung open and he moved away, back to his seat and then outside, through his door.

"Aren't you coming?" He looked back me.

So I sit here, still in his damned car, writing furiously and whishing Arnav Singh Raizada to an early grave. 

What the hell have I gotten myself into? (If I was a movie, this would be my subtitle.)

8:45 AM, History.

I.. I.. I..

9:46 AM, Political Science

In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out. In out.

10:45 AM, Creative writing.

Knock Knock

Who's there?

Adam!

Adam who?

Adam if I do and Adam if I don't!

12:40 PM, Lunch.

Priya waved frantically at me, trying to gain my attention. I gave her a classic not now later look and walked off. Being alone was the best option in times like this. I could go and sob into her shoulders in a few hours.

Remember when I said that we'd just do some photography and then I'd wave cordially and leave? Want to know how wrong I was? I was more wrong than when the Marauders believed in Wormtail.

After getting my breathing in control I slowly got out the car and walked tentatively towards the grounds. My mind was a huge mess and I was sure things couldn't get worse. And boy was I wrong.

He stood in under the shade of some tall trees, amidst some heavy gear. His equipments of course, not mine. There was this huge tri-pod and attached to it was a a top-notch camera.

"So, who's shooting a movie?" I asked genuinely curious.

"You." He answered.

"Arnav, I can't even hold my poor excuse of a camera without dropping it a hundred times. Do you actually think that I can handle.. handle that?" I said vaguely gesturing to the monstrous equipment.

"Trust me."

I have no idea what that meant. But I moved forward and towards the mean-machine.

"Okay then Mr Raizada, it's your choice."

"It always is."

Okay what was up with this guy? Or am I just reading too much into things?

He instructed me on how to adjust the focus and use the lens to zoom in and out.

"I could never get my sister to enjoy photography." The sudden personal comment caught me off-guard.

"Oh.. Hmmm.. It's not everyone's cup of tea."

"Translation, you'd rather be anywhere but here right now?" His voice was teasing but his face was completely neutral, giving nothing off.

I let out a slight giggle.

"Guilty as charged."

"You'd rather be anywhere else as in away from the camera or away from me?"

"Both." I replied without thinking.

His eyes immediately hardened. The spark in it giving way to anger.

"I see. Khushi, loosen your grip, it'll cause the camera to shake if hold you on too strongly."

And there goes the pleasantly mild tone. How do I always get myself into these situations?

"I didn't.. Actually what I meant was.."

"Right so gently turn the lens till you can clearly see the object." He completely ignored me.

I continued stubbornly.

"You're a great teacher Arnav."

He sighed and closed his eyes. And when he opened them, Oh god, the same look. The soul burning one. I felt like I was naked, under a spot light and he could read my every thought.

"What do you want from me Khushi?" He took a step closer and turned me to face him.

"I don't understand what that question means." I answered truthfully.

"Don't you Khushi?" He move closer but no part of him was touching me. But the message was loud and clear. The next step would be mine. Metaphorically and quite literally as well.

"I don't understand anything."

He sighed again and moved away, closing his eyes as if trying to clear his head.

"Well, then, we're on the same boat."

He instructed me some more and then it started. Initially I thought they were casual. But the more I noticed, the more deliberate it seemed. 

The slight caress of my hand as instructed me on how to hold the camera, the grip on my waist as he adjusted my posture, the lingering hands on my shoulders as he continued his explanations- It was driving me nuts and I couldn't even call the bloody sod out.

"Bend a little Khushi, angle is very important." His hands rested on my waist. He spoke innocently enough, but it felt like so much more. The hands on my waist were slightly drawing circle there, making it impossible for me to concentrate on what he was saying.

His hands trailed up, slowly and deliberately towards my shoulders again.

"Gently. It's art. Concentrate." His tone dropped a couple of octaves and my mind sort of blanked out after that.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"What you're doing."

"What am I doing?"

I didn't answer his question. Enough was enough. I quickly pushed him off, grabbed my bag and simply walked off. I needed to think. I needed to stay away from him. I needed to evaluate what the eff I wanted. Did I even want something?

Who exactly is Arnav Singh Raizada and what the hell did he want from me? Was he my friend? Did he want more? Am I reading too much into this? Why is the number of questions piling up without any answers?

4:30 PM, Home.

A phone conversation between Priya and KKG.

We need to find out more about Arnav Singh Raizada.

And hello to you too.

Priya, I am serious. The guy is driving me nuts and if he thinks he can get away with it, he's so wrong. I'm not one of his silly fan girls.

Whoa, what exactly happened Khushi? Calm down and before you ask, murder is not an option.

*A brief re-telling*

What the hell is he doing, Priya?

I.. I.. I honestly don't know Khushi. This is not at all like Arnav.

Whatever it is, I need to find out more about this guy. All the mind games and secrets are getting out of hand.

But where to start? What do you want to know?

We can start with Shyam. He seems to be the link between the two of us. Whenever Shyam comes up to me, Arnav is there.

I don't know Khushi. Shyam and Arnav have a pretty deep rivalry. Do you think it's wise to get into the middle of it?

I'm already in the middle of it Priya.

So what do you suggest?

I'm going to talk to Shyam. He seems more inclined to share information than our favourite manipulator.

Don't Khushi. That doesn't seem wise at all.

So what do you suggest?

There is one other option. A much safer option.

What's that?

Anjalie Singh Raizada.

CHAPTER 16

INDEX

TC of KG - Chapter Fourteen

"The list could surely go on, and there is nothing more wonderful than a list, instrument of wondrous hypotyposis."

The impossibly long list of reason why ASR and KKG will NEVER work out

1.       He's the most arrogant guy I've ever had the misfortune to meet. If you looked up arrogant on Google, the first picture there will be of Arnav Singh Raizada.

2.       His ego is bigger than Mt Everest. Actually it's bigger than the freaking sun.

3.       We are exact opposites.

4.       I hate people who can't say sorry and the aforementioned won't say sorry to save his life.

5.       He has a million secrets. Scratch that, one would have to redefine infinity to place a number on it.

The impossibly long list of reason why KKG should clean her room

1.       It looks like something died in here. No joke.

2.       To get rid of the ugly jacket that smells like the aforementioned.

3.       To get rid of all the things that smell like the aforementioned in general. Eg My red kurta and everything that was within his proximity on Saturday.

4.        To find a place to hide my camera from line of sight.

5.       To find the spare batteries that amma bought just yesterday. I'm pretty sure she'll lecture me about how I'm a failure in life just because a freaking pair of batteries went missing-ish.

The impossibly long list of reasons why KKG should just stay in her room forever.

1.       Let's face it; the cleaning process will take at least that long.

2.       The room is a confusion free zone: No college, no crazy stalker dudes etctec

3.       The outside world is a dangerous place and I'm less likely to die within these four walls. Note- Death due to excess hyperventilation and dhak dhak is so legit !

4.       I love my room and love solitude even more.

5.       I don't have to face the aforementioned. Ever.

The impossibly long list of reasons why college is so unnecessary.

1.       It's a proven fact that over 70% of the people don't even use the stuff they learn in college. Ever.

2.       Too much drama is hazardous to health. No joke.

3.       Mr Sinnah is going to kill me one of these days, I'm sure of it.

4.       All the billionaires in the world are college dropouts. 'Khushi Kumari Gupta- On the list of Forbes magazine's Richest' has a really nice ring to it.

5.       I make excellent jelabies. I can make a living out of it without all this education crap. Speaking of jelabies, I must go make a new batch.

The impossibly long list of reasons why KKG should make jelabies.

1.       I don't want to think.

2.       I don't want to think.

3.       I don't want to think.

4.       I don't want to think.

5.       I don't want to think.

The impossibly long list of reasons why KKG should call Priya

1.       She's going to kill me if I don't. (Are we seeing a trend here, why do so many people want to off me?)

2.       She has the right to know about the *ahem* aforementioned event with an aforementioned person.

3.       She can convince me otherwise regarding my all-too-sensible plan of permanent exile.

4.       She can offer her comforting, albeit a little fake, words of encouragement to my over dramatic life crisis.

5.       It's in the Best-Friend-Hand-Book. 'Thou should call Best Friend regularly.'

The impossibly long list of reasons why Anil is such a sweetheart.   

  

1.       He's drop dead gorgeous.

2.       He's got GREAT hair.

3.       His smile is absolutely infectious.

4.       He can say sorry.

5.       He's uncomplicated.

The impossibly long list of reasons why Shyam (probably) wants to stalk KKG.

1.       He wants me to be a part of his underground organization. Sex/Homicide/Drugs/Scandal

2.       He wants me to be his friend. Sex/Homicide/Drugs/Scandal.

3.       He wants to use me as bait. Sex/Homicide/Drugs/Scandal.

4.       I probably look like one of his psycho ex-girlfriends. Sex/Homicide/Drugs/Scandal.

5.       Sex/Homicide/Drugs/Scandal.

The conversation between Priya and KKG- A small briefing (with swear words omitted.)

Cupcakes. Fudge muffin. Double scope of chocolate ice cream. WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?

Calm down. What do half those words even mean?

Fish fingers and custard.

Now you're going too far Priya. Surely I don't deserve to be called Fish Fingers and Custard.

You're lucky you called. I was planning on looking you up on google, in case you were declared dead or something.

I just had a couple of things going on Priya. A couple of big, gigantic, mammoth, prominent...

Get to the damn point Khushi.

Arnavkissedme also Shyamencounter.

Can you go over that again... Arnav what also Shyam what?

Arnav may or may not have kissed me which may or may not have been due to the talk I had with Shyam.

-...-

Priya are you still with me?

Hello?

HELLO?

Stop screaming into my blue berry cupcake ears.

Well? What do I do? Damn, is my plan of permanent exile the only option left? Damn Damn Damn.

Khushi. Just breathe for a second 'kay? It's a very easy task. In Out. In Out. In Out.

Okay. Fine. Tell me in detail what happened.

*A brief detailed account of yesterday's events*

So that's why I'm going to be a jelabie maker for the rest of my life.

Jalabie making? Khushi where do you come up with stuff like this?

Stop laughing. I'm having a mid-life crisis here.

Okay, look, if I know anything at all about Arnav, it's that he loves to be in his comfort zone which is basically just academia and tennis. You are wayyy away from his comfort zone, so trust me he'll ignore you. As for Shyam, just keep your distance from him. Let's not judge him at the same time let's just steer clear of him.

Priya what will I ever do without you?

Probably be rotting in your hell-hole of a room for the rest of your life?

Very funny.

I try.

A summery to the presently unnamed story for creative writing.

There was once a girl, beautiful and naive. She was adored everywhere for her silly antics and funny gestures. Everything about her screamed innocence. Until, one day she was grabbed by a hideous behemoth and thrown into an ugly world where stalkers were common and evil kissing monsters thrived. Will our damsel make it out alive? Will she overcome this cruel torturous world and reach for the light? Only time will tell.

A brief message exchange between ASR and KKG because I was stupid enough to message him.

I hate you.

Come again?

I hate you.

Okay.

I hope you drown in a puddle.

Okay.

I hope you accidently slip and break your nose.

Okay.

If you say 'okay' one more time I'll make sure it's your last word. Ever.

Okay.

I HATE YOU. FOREVER.

OKAY.

An extremely small list of reasons why ASR and KKG may work out.

1.       He's an amazing kisser and looks hot when he's angry. Maybe. 

CHAPTER 15

INDEX

TC of KG - Chapter Thirteen

"While all deception requires secrecy, all secrecy is not meant to deceive."

10:30 AM, Bed.

For no reason am I getting out of this bed before noon. Nothing and no one can ruin my lazy Saturday this time.

Not Priya. Not Arnav. Not even Shyam.

I am going to laze about all day, watch TV with my jiji , eat jelabies till I can't feel the sweetness anymore and you know, basically just ignore all and any kind of drama. That's right today will be drama free.

A day may come when I have to face the drama head on, when I forsake even jelabies and break all bonds of sanity, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and frienmies, when reality comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day I sleep!

Amen to that. Sheesh.

1:00 PM, Living Room.

You know the odd feeling you get when you know everything is going your way and you're absolutely convinced that it's the wrong way. Yeah that's how I'm feeling right now.

It all started when I walked into the kitchen this morning and my entire family was whispering amongst themselves. Since I'm now an A-Grade hot-shot 007 I, naturally, stood outside listening in. A picture perfect sleuth.

"But we have enough Garima..."

"But the water tax ... "

"Amma I could always ..."

"The savings ... "

"Absolutely not Amma ...  that's for Khushi's college.. "

"Yes Garima ...  we cannot ... "

"Maybe ...  I have a little bit of jewellery ...  we could ... "

Then I unceremoniously dropped the aata dabba, placed precariously on the ledge next to the door, as I strained forward. I roughly resembled a polar bear after that.

"Khushi ...  Pagli.. what did you do?" Payal asked, quickly coming towards me.

"Khushi ...  it's nearly noon and you're still drowsy?" Came amma's stern voice. "I'm telling you've given her too much freedom ... " She continued, looking at Bau-ji.

He gave me a half smile and a practiced disapproving look after meeting amma's cold stare.

"What's going on? What water tax? Do we need mon ... ?" I hurriedly asked, panic engulfing me. We were in financial trouble and I didn't even know about it. What sort of a pathetic daughter am I?

"No Khushi ...  don't worry we have it covered ... " Payal interrupted, giving me a slight smile.

My eyes darted back and forth between the three of them.

"I could help ... " I started hesitantly.

"Yes you can ...  go buy some aata ...  Or else I'll have to cook you instead ... " Amma smacked me in the head and ushered me off. "And for Devi Maiya's sake brush off the aata before you step out."

I gave her weird gesture of acknowledgement, absentmindedly brushing of the aata.

I thought all the financial troubles were cleared when Bau-ji got his promotion along with Payal's tutoring money. I knew it. I should have gone to work as well. Because of me the entire family now has to suffer.

I walked aimlessly towards the market place, my mind reeling, when I collided with a hard body. Clammy hands settled on my waist, steadying me.

"Khushi ... ."

An instant dread over took me as I registered the voice.

Shyam Jha.

"Let go off me this instant or else I'll scream bloody murder ... " I said, trying to pry Shyam's hand off my waist.

Surprisingly he let go, raising his hands up as if to show his innocence.

"Calm down Khushi ...  you were the one who crashed into me ... ?"

"What? Look Mister I really don't have time for your little games ...  Some of us actually have work to do ...  So if you'll excuse me" I quickly turned on my heels, ready to bolt.

"So they convinced you I'm an axe murderer ... " That stopped me dead on my tracks and I turned around.

"No..No one needs to convince me of anything ...  You do a good job of proving you're vile sans any help ... " I gave him a mocking smile.

"What's this Khushi ... ? One small incident and you write me off ... ? How's that fair ... ?"

"Life's not fair ...  deal with it." I gave him an eye roll, ready to leave.

"Tell you what Khushi ...  we really shouldn't be having this conversation in the middle of the road...  why don't we go to that chat shop?"

"I am not going anywhere with you, you creep. Besides what the hell are you doing in the middle of the market place."

"I think you will Khushi, after all you want to know more about me right? And I was here to supervise on my dad's shops." A smile was permanently planted on his face. I wanted to rip it off him and make the dogs chew on it.

"What the hell gave you that idea?"

"So if I was to tell you something's about Raizada and myself you will not be interested?"

Well that effectively shut me up. His smile further widened as he extended his hands towards the chat shop.

"After you Khushi."

We took the table closest to the exit, you know just in case he decides he wants to kill me.

"You have ten minutes." I told him.

"Would like to eat something?"

"Nine minutes twenty seconds to go."

He sighed and sat straighter in his chair.

"Don't you think it's weird that only Raizada and his minions have a problem with me in the entire college?"

That was very true. Shyam was definitely one of the most popular guys on campus. I gave him a 'go on' look.

"How can you judge me based on a personal problem that I have with a singular person?"

"No I judged you when you opened your filthy mouth on the tennis courts the other day."

That made him laugh out loud for some reason.

"Okay I may have been out of line there and I can only offer my apologies. Raizada has a knack of bringing out the worst in me."

I don't know what prompted me to utter the next few words but I did.

"I know about Anjalie."

That immediately wiped the smile of his face. Shit Khushi ...  wing it ...  wing it...

"I ...  I ...  know that it's because of you that she can't come to college ...  You sick person ... " Somebody give me an Oscar, seriously.

He watched me for a few seconds, as if trying to make up his mind.

"No you don't ... "

"How would you know?"

"For one, Raizada would have never told you, I'm sure of that. His pathetic sister is too precious to him."

I didn't know anything at all about Anjalie Raizada but I had the sudden urge to defend her honour, just like Arnav.

"How dare you? Your ten minutes are up."

His hands grabbed my mine as I stood up to leave.

"You will let go of my hand if you know what's right for you."

He let go instantly.

"Just remember Khushi- it takes two to tango."

"What does that mean?"

"It means my ten minutes are up."

I was the one who supposed to make the dramatic exit, not him. The bad guy never makes a dramatic exit. Not fair.

5:00 PM, Bedroom.

I'll pick you up in 10mins. Be ready.

He must be joking right? Did Arnav Singh Raizada usually joke around? But sure enough in exactly ten minutes (OCD much?) a white SUV was parked in front of my house. In front of my house. In front of MY HOUSE.

My phone beeped again.

Should I come in or?

NO

I replied.

How the hell am I going to explain this to amma. Oh god and Bau-ji's home too. Boys and Khushi in the same sentence gives my father allergies.

Two minutes or I'm coming in.

Shit. Shit. Shit. DOOMED

Who the hell do you think you are?

Arnav Singh Raizada. One minute.

I quickly ran towards the living room grabbing my book bag.

"Amma ...  I ...  actually ...  that is to say ... " My mom looked at me like I was half crazy, then again that isn't exactly different from how she usually looks at me.

"I have that project work in photography to do ...  so my tutor said he'll help me ... " And that wasn't even a full fledged lie. He was my tutor after all, although I highly doubt if we're going to do anything pertaining to photography.

"That Arnav boy? Is that why there's a white car standing outside ... "

"Yes Bau-ji ...  I called him ...  He's busy for the rest of the week and I really need to get this project work done ... " I am going to hell, I know it. Hai Devi Maiya, I promise this is my last lie.

"One hour, that's all you get." He said. "Or I'll send a search party after you."

I gave him a vigorous nod and sprinted out.

"The hell is your problem?" I asked getting into the car and fastening my seat belt. Then I turned to look at him. I think I audibly gulped. He looked livid. His hands forcefully gripped the steering wheel and his eyes were smouldering with silent rage.

So I changed tactics.

"So ...  where are we going?"

No response.

"The weather is nice."

Silence.

"I love Saturdays."

...__...

Okaayyaa?

I sighed. This was getting really old.

"Arnav, seriously tell me where we're going or stop the car."

The car came to an abrupt stop, screeching and propelling me forward.

"Get out ... "

"Wha ... "

"I said get out..." He reached forward unfastening my seat belt and opening my door.

I got out and was about to walk back home when a vice grip grabbed my hand and pushed me against the car.

I leaned against it, curving my spine as his face loomed dangerously close to mine. My breathing quickened as his eyes bore into mine.

"What were you doing with Shyam Jha?" His words washed over my face, causing a blush to rise up to it.

I was hypnotised. At that point I would have done anything he asked me to.

"He ...  He ... was trying to explain himself ... "

"Really?" A mocking smile settled on his face. That snapped me out of it. I felt my own anger rise up.

"And you know what ...  he made some really valid points ...  Seems like a perfectly nice guy ... " I said, deliberately trying to rile him up.

"Shut up." I glared up at him and turned the other way, pouting a little, fully expecting him to pull away as he usually did.

"Stay away from him ...  what part of that can't you comprehend?"

"The part where you aren't telling me why?"

His nose flared and anger flashed in his eyes. He roughly grabbed hold of my shoulders, forcing me to look at him.

"So typical ... "

My eyes wavered due to his cold tone.

"What? Are you going after every rich guy in college ... . Shyam ...  and don't think I don't know about your little crush on Anil."

The scene this morning coupled with his harsh words instantly brought tears to my eyes. How could he? Like I needed a reminding that I wasn't rich and that my parents were struggling to make ends meet. To top it off he threw Anil at my face. God was I that transparent?

My strong stance crumbled and I slouched against the car, turning my face away as treasonous tears made their way down my face.

His grip on my arms slackened but he didn't let go of me yet.

"Please take me home now ... " My voice came out a little breathless.

He grabbed my chin like he did yesterday and waited till I looked at him. My eyes stung from the tears and my face flashed as the sheer embarrassment of not being able to contain my feelings washed over me.

His thumb hesitantly rubbed away the tears that clung to my chin.

"I ... I ... "

"You didn't mean to say it right? That's what you're going to say ... "

"Listen Khushi ... .."

"Just say sorry ... ." My eyes burned through his.

He hesitated a second too long.

"Oh, how silly of me? How could you, Arnav Singh Raizada, ask me, Khushi Kumari Gupta, sorry? Preposterous! " His eyes darkened ...  in anger? Or?

"Just shut up Khushi, just shut the hell up ... and for the sake of my sanity stop biting your lips." My eyes snapped wide as a shiver went down my spine. Suddenly I couldn't feel my legs. His eyes were darting between my lips and my eyes. That didn't help with my already melting insides. Think Anger Khushi ...  and rage and insult ...  and hate...

"What are you doing?" I hesitantly muttered.

"Giving up."

With that he leaned in brushing his lips against mine. It was slight brush but I felt like my entire body was on fire.

I held onto to the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. His hands on my shoulders left its place there, slowly trailing up, finally settling in my hair, pulling me even closer.

"We shouldn't do this ...  I hate you right now ... " I said in between his relentless kissing.

"Yes ...  hate ...  later ... "

I mean how could you argue with that? I've been kissed a couple of times before but this ... . This was something completely ...  completely...

Who would have thought, soft lips on a man, made otherwise of steel. The feeling of his strong hands in contrast to the softness of his lips was maddening.

"Khushi ...  ask me stop ... "

His words were fuzzy, barely registering.  One really didn't have the option of thinking when one was kissing Arnav Singh Raizada.

I knew he was trying to distract me, avoiding apologising and being a total jerk in all fronts ...  But for the love all things good I couldn't possibly stop. Not when he had his hands all over me, pushing me closer and closer to him.

I have no idea how long we stood there, in the middle of a deserted road. But I do know that it was long enough for me to be left completely breathless and the taste of his lips to linger even after parting.

I wish I could say that it ended magically with both of slightly shy and all those things which represented unicorns and butterflies. But no. We broke apart hastily when we heard incessant honking from a truck whose path we were blocking.

Well after that everything went in typical ASR way.

The said jerk drove home completely ignoring the big pink elephant in the car. While I was totally convinced of two things'

1.       Arnav, on some level, liked me. (How much ever he tries to deny this tomorrow!)

2.       I, on some level, liked him as well. (I will vehemently deny this fact in the next few pages!)

CHAPTER 14

INDEX