Chapter 14 (B)

Arnav woke up to a sudden dull pain in his wrist while being completely disoriented as to where he was. He tried moving his head against the heaviness he felt, when his face pressed down on a soft pillow...no not a pillow, it was something else. He blinked in the dim lights to focus where his head was resting, when he realized his head was resting on someone's lap.

Mustering all his strength, he tried to get up, when the person he was apparently sleeping on fell right on him, a dainty hand sliding against his chest, while her long fragrant hair fanned across his face, making him close his eyes again and savor the silken feel...and that fragrance...wait!

Khushi jolted out of her deep sleep, when she felt the sudden fall. Her groggy eyes looked right back into ASR's startled confused ones, as her hair acted like a halo around them, their faces a mere centimeter away. Their trance was only broken when Arnav yelled loudly with a wince, making Khushi shoot up and scrambled out of the bed to his other side.

"Shit...I had to turn off the drip when the glucose ran out" she murmured before doing just that and carefully unscrewing the long pipe from the appendage inserted in Arnav's wrist "It must be hurting na...can't believe I slept off" she said picking up the empty glucose bottle and throwing it in the bin, while Arnav looked on in complete bewilderment.

"What is happening? Why are you here? and my arm...wait is this a dream?" he asked groggily, still trying to make sense of the fact that Ms Gupta was in his bedroom. Khushi turned around and smiled softly, before sitting on the chair by his bed "I'll tell you everything sir, but please don't move too much...how are you feeling now?"she asked him as she looked on in concern while Arnav winced once again.

"At least the pain confirms it's not a dream" he mumbled, trying to get up, when Khushi came forward and helped him rest his back against the bed, adjusting the pillows "My head hurts like crazy and I have a needle in my writs...and you...what are you doing here?" he asked again as Khushi sat back and texted someone before looking back at Arnav

"Are you well enough to talk to Anjali ji?" Khushi asked as Arnav felt completely helpless "Will you just answer me? What are you doing in my house? And...here...I mean, what is going on?" he asked as Khushi sighed and dialed a number before giving the phone to Arnav

"Please speak to you sister...she is terribly worried; She will tell you everything" she said as she gave the phone to Arnav and got up"Wait...where are you going?" he asked in a panicked voice as Khushi pointed outside "I'll get some soup for you till then" she said as Anjali's voice came on the phone and Arnav started talking to her after a quick nod towards khushi.

XXX

Khushi heated the now tepid soup and checked the time 5am' she said as she tried to locate a mug and some tissues "Too tired to start his usual rant and insults I bet..." she muttered as she leaned against the kitchen top and waited for the soup to reach a slightly hot temperature.

She was too involved in the now gently simmering soup, to notice her boss standing in the doorway and watching her; He had heard what she had just said and felt bad at the way she thought about him; but was it really her fault?

He just didn't understand this pull he felt towards her, or why he always tried to push her away by being unnaturally rude to her. Even now, with her standing so casually in his kitchen, stirring that pot of soup she had undoubtedly made for him, got his body humming and his heart thumping like always. It just felt...so right.

As Khushi turned around after filling the large mug with some soup, she found Arnav staring at her from a distance, making her blush and fumbleabout "You shouldn't have gotten up sir...you need to rest" she said as she walked towards him and followed him back to his bedroom...a space that looked too intimate, now that he was awake.

"I just spoke to Di, she's at the airport right now...umm...thanks Khushi..." he said as she looked up in surprise and handed him the steaming mug "Are you sure you don't want to call security and throw me out?" she asked with a teasing smile, before she realized he had said her name again...

"Uh, can we sit and talk?" he asked her, ignoring her words deliberately, as she sat back on the chair, while he lied down "You have to take these tablets once you are done with the soup" she said, pointing towards the tablets on the bedside table, as he nodded and blew on the soup before taking a sip, his eyes closing at the delicious flavors tingling his taste buds

"You made this?" he asked her as she nodded nervously...did he like it? Or would he say something horrible about it...she thought twisting herhands "It's really good. Where did you find the ingredients?" he asked her as she shrugged "In your kitchen...it was well stocked" she said as Arnav drew his eyebrows together

"I'm not sure with what you made this, but when I make chicken soup, its usually with a lot of stuff which I know I don't have in my kitchen currently" he said as he savored the flavorsome broth "I'm used to cooking with limited ingredients...and I anyways don't get to cook with a lot of exotic stuff...so I improvise my recipes"she said as Arnav felt his heart squeeze; He had been so bad to her.

He finished the soup and dutifully took the tablets she gave him before leaning back against the bed and watching her. She was truly so beautiful. Even now, with a thin worn t-shirt, snug old jeans, her long hair in a disarray, eyes swollen from lack of sleep, she took his breath away...and finding her next to him, on his bed had gotten him thinking on another tangent all together

"Thank you again Khushi...you didn't have to do this...all this; especially with the way I have been with you, but you did and for that, I'll always be grateful" he said as Khushi blushed and gave him a shy smile, making him quirk his lips up a bit

"Its ok sir, I would have done it for anyone and Anjali ji was so worried" she said as Arnav smirked at her "Off course, you did it for my sister. Why would you do it for your Khadoos boss" he said and grinned as he saw her gasp, her mouth opening in a big O'...oh how he'd like to kiss that mouth...

"N..no sir, it's not like that...I mean, yes I did it for her and y..you. You're my boss and I know things have never been rosy with us, but I respect you and also understand why you are the way you are" she said softly to which Arnav remembered the incident two days ago, when he came across his sister regaling Khushi about his past

He slightly stiffened, but then sighed and looked back at her worried face...she knew, he was remembering their last encounter "I don't hold it against you Khushi...I was only upset that di told you something I don't usually want anyone to know about...its very personal for me and it wasn't her place to speak about it to anyone" he said as Khushi nodded

"I know sir, I too did not want her to tell me, but she looked so torn and needed someone to talk to...she loves you very much"Khushi said as Arnav smiled at her, his first genuine warm smile towards her "I know; its been us against the world...ever since...anyways, lets forget about all that...I think its high time, I apologize to you" he said as Khushi shifted uneasily

What was up with him? First he is being nice to her...then he compliments her...and now he wants to apologize. Did the low sugar do something to his brain? Kushi thought, as she glanced at Arnav's amused face "Nothing is wrong with me...I have wronged you Khushi, by being unnecessarily rude to you, by taunting you and making you feel miserable working for me...so I am sorry" he said as Khushi shook her head

"Its ok sir...you had your reasons...most of the time" she said, adding as an afterthought, making him chuckle...this felt so good. Speaking to him normally "Yes, most of the time...but Khushi, I know that you have talent, very raw talent and you can be great one day...but, for that you really need to work" he said as Khushi nodded

"There are lots of good cooks in the world, my mother was a fantastic cook, so was our neighboring aunty...I'm not comparing them with you, I am saying that being a good cook is not enough...what you need, truly need is passion...you need to be passionate about food, you need to be so in tune with the way things taste, feel, smell...its an art and you have all that Khushi...I have seen it, and you need to hone that" he said as Khushi sat there with her heart beating very hard..he had truly observed her all this time.

"But you want to do everything at once...you want o be a chef, without understanding what being a good chef entails. Just by cooking well, you cannot be where you want to be...you need to put in hard work...you need to sweat it out and learn and soak up every bit of information and technique you come across...being a chef is not cooking someone else's recipe to a tee...its inventing your own and making sure its damn well perfect" he said as Khushi felt her heart soar at his words

"I will help you Khushi, you have earned it...not because of what you did for me today, but because of how you have been working diligently all these months, without complaining; and I know you deserve this and more" he said as Khushi smiled and nodded"Thank you sir...I understand now why you wanted me to start at the bottom" she said as Arnav leaned back and listened to her

"Ever since I discovered my love for cooking, I've wanted to be a chef...not for the fame and money, but to cook for others...It gives me a different kind of euphoria when someone appreciates my food or I succeed in bringing a smile of satisfaction to their faces" she said as Arnav smiled and pointed to the soup cup, making her blush again

"As you rightly pointed out once, without a formal degree, I can never be a true chef...and I want to pursue that" she said as Arnav nodded and agreed with her "Yes, you should and I would suggest a part time course, where you can learn and practice at the restaurant...if you can manage it" he said as Khushi beamed

"You mean, you will let me cook?" she asked as Arnav chuckled "Not exactly...but I will be your mentor...and help you reach your potential...and yes, it will include some cooking" he said as Khushi leapt up and gave him an impulsive hug, making his breathing stop for a minute as her lush body pressed up against his

But before he could savor the feeling for a bit longer, and put his arms around her...she pulled back with shining tears in her eyes, making him confused "I will be so honored sir...I really don't know how to thank you for this; I'll start looking for part time courses right away" she said as Arnav centered his attention back on the conversation they were having

"Uh..yeah, I'll ask Akash to help you out and will give my letter of recommendation if required, but Khushi...you have to do this on your own. Can you afford the fees? You can apply for a loan from Perido if you like" he said as Khushi felt an overwhelming need to just hug him again and kiss him soundly on his lips...God! What was she thinking? One impulsive hug was enough to make her heart beat wildly for the next few days

"I will be fine sir...I have savings and if required, will take my family's help...but as you said, I have to do this on my own..." she said as Arnav nodded and held her hand "You'll do great...I know you will" he said as Khushi blushed and watched his large hand on hers...she was sitting very close to him on the bed, and if they leaned forward, their faces would be very very close...

"Chote!!!" they heard Anjali's voice from the living room, as both sprung apart...making Khushi hastily get up and tidy things around her as Arnav sat back, ram rod straight on the bed...they did not realize that it had been nearly two hours since they sat talking, and Anjali and her family had already reached his apartment

"Oh God...Chote, are you all right? I can't believe you forgot' to eat!! You own a restaurant for God's sake!!" Anjali said as she rushed by his side and enveloped him in a fierce hug "Di...I'm fine..." he said as Anjali's husband walked in, carrying their sleeping son on his shoulders. He lay down the little cherub next to Arnav before coming to stand by Anjali "You just had to spoil our vacation" he said as Arnav laughed loudly while, Anjali hit him on his stomach

"Ouch! Anju...it's high time your brother marries...only then there will be some privacy in our lives!" he said chuckling away as Khushi felt she was intruding in on a private moment "Shut up, but yes...I do agree with what you just said...Chote, now I will get you married as soon as I can...let you wife take care of you!"Anjali said as Arnav rolled his eyes "Di..please...you just got here and I am sick" he said as Anjali caressed his cheek before turning around to find Khushi standing awkwardly near the door

"Khushi...oh God, I totally forgot to thank you" she said as she got up and went to hug Khushi, who smiled at her "It's nothing Anjali ji..."she said as Anjali, tightened her hug before letting her go "No Khushi, what you did for me...for us, we will always be indebted to you...you truly are an angel" she said as Khushi blushed fiercely

"Khushi, this is my husband Abhishek, and Abhi this is Khushi...she's my friend and..." Anjali was saying when Arnav interrupted her "and part of Perido family..." he said making Khushi gape and Anjali smirk "Yes, she is...but didn't you say something else lat time..." she said as Arnav warned her with his eyes, making Khushi go further red in the face

"Umm...I have to go Anjali ji...need to go home and then get to the restaurant...its nearly 8 now" she said as Anjali shook her head vehemently "Nonsense!!...you will take the day off today, and please get some rest in chote's guest bedroom...I know you have not slept at all" Anjali said as Arnav watched on amused...no one could argue with this sister

"N..no Anjali ji...I have to go home, my cousin is coming back from her trip and I need to get some things done before I leave for work...I'll be fine.." she said as Arnav decided to take the matter in his hands, otherwise they would be stuck in this to and fro

"Khushi, please take some rest, if not here then go home and get some sleep...you can take a half day and go in the evening for work" he said as Anjali nodded "Yes, my cab driver will leave you...he's our trusted taxi guy in Mumbai...you just relax and take some rest...you can go in the evening" she said as Khushi nodded and agreed to take a half day.

"Khushi, take care..." Arnav said softly, as Khushi smiled and said a quick good bye to Anjali's husband; Anjali smirked mischievously as she walked Khushi out while calling the driver to keep the cab ready "Take care Khushi and thanks once again for everything, also If you don't mind...please call me only Anjali or di..." she said as Khushi nodded and hugged her before getting inside the elevator

Anjali rushed back in and made her way to Arnav room...she smiled as she saw her brother joke about with her husband, while running his hands on her sleeping son's head...Her brother deserves this too...a family, someone to take care of him...be with him and somehow, fate her landed her right in their midst...she only hope both were smart enough to figure it out soon!

Chapter 14 (A)

It was a Tuesday, and as always things were a bit crazy during the afternoon, with corporate lunches and high-society kitty parties, while the evening had been much calmer and more subdued. That's how Tuesday night usually was at the restaurant.

Khushi looked on, as NK bid good bye to everyone while giving her an awkward smile. She smiled back and took off her gloves and soiled apron, as the cleaners went about their chores "Let's go Khushi" Akash called out, as Khushi nodded and quickly went to freshen up before following him out

Payal had not come in today, and Akash had offered to drop her at the station, and since NK had behaved very oddly with her, asking him for a lift was out of question. But somewhere she knew that all this will pass and things will turn normal again for them.

"Why are you looking so off Khushi? You've been like this since yesterday" Akash said, as Khushi  shrugged and gave him a small smile, while getting more comfortable in  the passenger seat of his car "Nothing like that...just tired I guess" she said as Akash grinned mischievously.

"Yeah, I bet not having ASR breath down your neck, makes you feel exhausted!" he said as Khushi blushed crimson "But, I guess he has calmed down considerably now, and does not even bother you much...right?"Akash asked, glancing back at Khushi, who seemed be in her own dream world, making him chuckle at the crazy girl

Yes' Khushi thought, he had calmed down and things had definitely started looking up. But after that day at the Orphanage, God only knows what new troubles were coming her way. She had not seen him since then anyways, as he had left for Delhi, but he would be back tomorrow and that thought made her oddly restless and excited.

"Earth to Khushi!" Akash said as he pulled up outside the station "S..sorry...I was just.." she started saying as Akash laughed at her "Don't worry...you need rest! Go home and relax..." he said as Khushi smiled sheepishly at him and waved a good bye. This was going to be another long night! She thought as she trudged her way towards her usual platform.

XXX

"Didi...aapka Phone baj raha hai" a young girl sitting next to Khushi nudged her from sleepy state, as she registered her phone was indeed ringing "Kab se baj raha hai...aapko sunai nahi diya kya?" the girl asked Khushi, who thanked her and sat straighter as the name flashing on her mobile took away all traces of sleep from her eyes

"Anjali ji?" she said as she picked up the call to hear hysterical blabbering, making her get up and go to stand at the back as the noise from the tracks was too loud "Calm down Anjali ji...please tell me calmly what has happened"Khushi said as Anjali tried to speak much clearly now

"Chote..I can't get through to him. He was supposed to reach Delhi yesterday evening, but his phone is coming switched off and when I spoke to the architect in Delhi, he said that he did not come to the site today. He too has been trying to get in touch with him, but no one was picking up the call and then later on in the day, it was coming switched off" she said as Khsuhi didn't seem to understand heads or tails of what she was saying.

"I tried calling Akash, but can't get through his phone. Th...the security at Chote's apartment building said that he had not seen him go anywhere since the time he came back after dropping me at the airport that day...Khushi I'm really worried and I can't even make it there since me and my family are in Goa at the minute...I don't know what to do" she said as Khushi got down at the next station.

"Anjali ji...when did you last speak to him? Sir hasn't come to the restaurant since yesterday and all of us thought he's in Delhi. Was he supposed to meet anyone else in Delhi? Was there someone picking him up?" she asked Anjali who denied everything

"No...he usually takes a taxi and he had only one meeting today with our Architect. He was supposed to leave by the afternoon flight yesterday. Khushi, I think there is something terribly wrong with him...oh God! What if..." she started panicking when Khushi tried to calm her down "Anjali ji...can you please message me his address? I'll go there and check it out myself. I'll also try and call Akash sir and see if he can join me there right now" she said as Anjali calmed down a bit and agreed.

Khushi changed her platform and got onto the train bound in the opposite direction, to once again take her to Churchgate and tried to call Akash , but his phone could not be reached. What should she do? Khushi thought as Anjali's message pinged on her phone.

She got down and ran to the taxi stand, before showing the address to the driver. After settling down in the taxi, she called Anjali again "I am on way now, but can't get through to Akash sir's phone, do you think the security will help me out?" Khushi asked as Anjali sniffed "I'll call and tell him you are coming...you will have to go up to his apartment and check...I just hope he is fine Khushi" Anjali said as Khushi suddenly remembered something

"Anjali ji, what about Sheetal? Wouldn't she know?" she asked as her heart seemed to squeeze painfully, while taking ASR's girlfriend's name. He might be with her at the moment. Shit, what if she walks in on them, she though shuddering at the thought, when Anjali's next words shocked her.

"She is not his girlfriend...it's a PR stunt! Anyway all this is irrelevant, he won't be anywhere near her..." she said making Khushi take a deep breath and sit back...how many more revelations are left? "Ok...ill reach there and call you back" she said as the taxi driver pulled into a very posh lane lined with very expensive looking designer apartments

He stopped in front of an imposing building which screamed ultra luxury. Khushi paid the fare and got down and started walking towards the security cabin that was located outside the main gate "I am here to visit ASR..." she said as the sleepy guard regarded her in her thin t-shirt, faded jeans, colorful juttis and jhola"Who?" he asked as Khushi took a deep breath

"Arnav...singh Raizada" she said as she took his name for the first time loudly. It seemed so intimate all of a sudden "Oh, Anjali madam had called...can I see some ID?" he asked her as Khushi whipped out her never in use driving license and gave it to him.

After making sure, she was indeed the same woman ASR's sister had told him about, he came out and locked his cabin, before opening the main door with a password. The huge gates opened up, making Khushi's eyes go wide at the beautiful manicured lawns and marble structures in front of her

"Residents have a magnetic id on their cars...the gate opens automatically for them" he said, trying to explain more of the luxurious setting to her; she nodded as he took her to ASR's apartment, which was on the top floor.

As they walked out of the elevator, he went ahead and rang the door bell, once...twice...No one seemed to be inside "I guess he is not in, I've been trying the intercom as well" the guard said, as Khushi felt more concerned now...what should she do? She rang the bell a couple more times but no one came to answer it

"Are you sure he did not leave the apartment?" Khushi asked the guard who nodded "Yes, we have CCTV feed of every floor; No one entered and no one came out from yesterday morning, I checked. Sir had come home on Sunday after dropping Anjali madam, after that he has not left..." he said as Khushi bit her lower lip

"He is not here and none of the neighbors have a spare key to check also" he said as Khushi remembered Anjali saying that she is the only one who has a spare key. But something told Khushi that he was here only. Acting on instinct, she held the ornate door handle and pushed down to knob.

"Oho Madam! Door is open!" the guard said happily as Khushi felt her heart rate race. Why was the door open? Was he robbed? She pushed it further and stepped inside to face a dark hallway, only lit up by the light outside"There...that is the light switch" the guard said putting it on, as dim lights flooded the hallway

"Most residents have automation and all controls are on iPad...Sir also has same I think" the guard said again, making Khushi turn around in irritation "Can you please look for more switches? And stop giving me gyan on the lifestyles of the rich and famous" she said as the guard shut up at once and mumbled "I was only trying to help...humph..."

As they walked inside, Khushi's eyes adjusted to the dim light and she nearly let out a scream as a figure came into view, resting on the huge recliner near the balcony in the living room "Arre madam...do you think he is dead? Police ka mamla ho sakta hai" the ever helpful guard said as Khushi nearly hit him with her bag

She ran to Arnav's still figure and checked his pulse first which was weak, but steady; she let out a relieved sigh as she wiped the sweat from her brow and located an iPad on the coffee table. Swiping it open, she pressed icons for light and breathed deeply as the room was splayed with bright lights and the air conditioner came on

"Kya hua madam? Ab kya Karen?" the guard asked as Khusuhi told him to help her take Arnav to his bedroom, which they located was at the end of the living room. They carefully placed him on the huge bed and Khushi once again checked his pulse while he lay there unconscious.

"Doctor...I have to call a doctor" she said as she quickly dialed Anjali and explained everything to her "Thank God...he might have fainted due to low sugar...Oh My God...how long has he been like this? Ok..I'll just call his doctor and ask him to make a house visit...till then, can you please feed him some sugar water?" she asked Khushi who assured her and went to work

The guard left them alone, and said he will bring the doctor as soon as he comes. Khushi made some sugar water after locating the massive kitchen. She was amazed at all the equipment she saw, but thought it better to drool on it later and concentrate on her boss for now

She went into the bedroom and tried to make ASR shift into a more comfortable sitting position, while being acutely aware of how close she was to him. She mentally slapped herself for thinking of unnecessary things, while he was in such a state

She quickly divested him off the coat which he was wearing, and opened up the top few buttons from his  shirt with trembling hands. She then pulled his chin down gently, while slowing making him take in the sugar water, drop by drop.

She continued to feed him, till she felt him stir a bit, making her stop and look nervously at him. He seemed to be mumbling something incoherent which was difficult for her to understand. She gently cupped his face and made him face her before leaning forward to hear what he was saying

"D..di..di..." Arnav said as Khushi understood he was calling his sister. Khushi quickly called Anjali and asked her to speak to him while holding the phone to his ear. As Anjali spoke on the other end, he seemed to calm down and closed his eyes in exhaustion

"Anjali ji..." Khushi said as she laid Arnav back down on the bed"Khushi...thank God, you are there...is he fine Khushi? We have booked out flights for tomorrow first thing in the morning...but we can also leave right now and come by road" she said as Khushi assured her that he seems to be fine and the doctor would be there any minute

As soon as she finished reassuring Anjali, the bell rang and Khushi went to open the door for the guard and Arnav's doctor. After doing a thorough check-up, during which Khushi and the guard stood outside the room, the doctor came out shutting his bag and closing the door behind him

"He is fine now...his low sugar caused him to faint and he seems to be in that state since yesterday afternoon...it could have been fatal if you had not come in today. More than 48 hours of no sustenance could be very dangerous to his system" the doctor said, making Khushi go pale

"I have put him on IV right now, so he should be better by morning...he might wake up in between and then go back to sleep. Best if someone is here with him...otherwise he might get bewildered and try and take off the needle off his wrist...also please keep some light soup ready, so that he can drink it when he wakes up" he said as Khushi nodded "His sister will be here in the morning, till then I'll stay back" Khushi said as the doctor smiled and patted her head before explaining what to do when the glucose runs out and leaving some medicines with her.

Khushi closed the door behind them and went back to sit by the bed, as Arnav continued to sleep...his face more relaxed than it had been earlier. She quickly updated Anjali and then went to the kitchen to make some soup for him.

After looking around the vast kitchen, she gathered ingredients for chicken soup and started preparing for it. When the soup was ready and bubbling away, she cleaned up the mess and covered the vessel before switching off all the lights and going back to sit by the bed

She tried to make him more comfortable by tucking in the blanket around him, when his eyes suddenly opened up and started right back at her, making her look in shock and nervousness at his unwavering by still not very lucid stare"K..khushi?" he said in a hoarse voice as he closed his eyes and mumbled "Not again..." confusing Khushi immensely before closing his eyes and again falling into a deep slumber.

Khushi wondered what that was about, when he got slightly agitated and moved about restlessly on the bed. She quickly scooted closer to him, careful not to touch the IV tube inserted in his wrist and sat by his side, while holding his shoulders gently "Shh...sleep sir...just relax" she said softly while running her hand through his slightly damp hair

She felt him relax against her caress and continued to do so while he went back to sleep. She did not remember how long she kept at it, but before long her tired eyes too succumbed to sleep as she fell into a deep slumber right by his side, her hand meshed in his hair while her head rested awkwardly on the headboard...with only one thought on her mind, he said her name...

Chapter 13

The day at the orphanage was probably one of the best days Khushi had spent since she had come down to Mumbai. She couldn't remember the last time when she had so much fun and had already made up her mind to come there often, with large containers of Jalebi's for her young fans.

She happily packed up the rest of Jalebis for the cook to store in the kitchen, while ASR and Anjali, along with the rest of the staff cleaned and stacked the washed containers that were to be taken back to the restaurant

She was just walking out of the common washroom after washing her hands off the sugary sticky syrup, when she walked smack into her boss, who was coming inside at the same time, making her nearly fall at the impact.

"Watch where you are going!" he said loudly, making her take a step back and hold onto the wall in shock "Sorry...I didn't see you coming" she said softly, as she tried to get around him when he stopped her by putting his hand on the wall, blocking her way.

"I'm...its...ok" he said as she suddenly looked up at his unusually calm voice, her eyes rounding in disbelief, as she glimpsed a streak of guilt in his caramel brown eyes, "Listen Ms Gupta...I...umm.." he said, clearly struggling to say something to her

"Yes, sir...?" she asked uncertainly as he took a deep breath and let it out in one go "The Jalebi's were good...I approve...and I also appreciate your help today" he said quickly as Khushi was once more left stunned

  

"Now, if you don't mind I need to go to the washroom" he said as Khushi looked at him weirdly "Sure sir...It's not me blocking my way out" she said, as a small smile threatened to break from her lips. Arnav quickly took his hand off the wall and walked past her quickly, but not before he heard a soft Thank you" from khushi, making his lips quirk for a second before it went back to his usual signature scowl.

XXX

Anjali smirked and started walking towards Khushi as she saw her make her way out of the washroom, silently giggling away "Hmm...didn't I just see my brother walk in there? And what' the joke that made you giggle?!" she asked with a grin, making Khushi's face go tomato red.

"Oh...n..nothing Anjali ji...just like that only" Khushi said as Anjali narrowed her eyes, but before she could ask any more questions, Khushi pointed towards the photos and frames lining the wall across them, adorning  ASR's achievements and news clippings related to him and Perido.

"What's all this? Looks like everyone here really loves ASR" she said with a smile as Anjali nodded proudly "Yes, they have all been a part of chote's life and have seen him struggle to reach where he is today...he's been through so much..." she said emotionally as Khushi scrunched her eyebrows in confusion and concern

"Struggle? What do you mean?" Khushi asked in curiosity, but apologized right away to Anjali, in case she thought Khushi was being too personal  "Sorry...I didn't mean to pry Anjali ji" she said as Anjali shook her head and smiled gently at her; she held Khushi's hand and led her outside to sit on the small verandah overlooking the playground where some of the kids were busy playing football

"Khushi, there is a lot about my brother that many don't know. All they see is the ruthless and reclusive man who is well respected and also feared to some extent. But they don't know the real ASR...Arnav...who was more or less forced into changing himself to the way he is today...who sometimes even I don't recognize" she said as Khushi sat very still listening to her every word

It was making her a bit uncomfortable to hear about her boss, especially something that was clearly very personal, but she did not have the heart to stop Anjali and she herself was more than curious to know more about him, for reasons she was very unsure of at the moment.

"We were a very happy family, Chote, me, ma and papa, but our parents  died suddenly in a terrible car accident when chote was only 9. I was taken in by my nani who ran this Aashram, while Arnav was sent to Delhi, to live with my chacha ji's family" she said as Khushi listened with rapt attention as Anjali continued to tell her ASR's past

She was horrified and shocked to hear about all that Anjali told her, and her heart cried out for the little boy who was so badly tortured. She wanted to close her ears and block out all the things Anjali was telling her, but also wanted to know and understand the man who had somehow become very important to her.

Anjali was openly crying by the time she finished telling Khushi about Arnav and all that he had been through. Khushi herself felt salty tears run down her cheeks as she leaned forward and hugged Anjali sideways, comforting her as the other woman took solace in her embrace

They both looked at Arnav, who was now busy giving football lessons to some of the younger kids that looked up to him as if he were their idol, the awe and respect for him, visible in their eyes as they followed his instructions and played just as he taught them to.

"Thank you for listening to me Khushi...I'm not sure why I told you all this, but there is just something about you that is so comforting, that I could not help myself. You are the first person I have seen standing up to my brother and not cowering when he gets into his ASR mode...maybe that is why I wanted you to know, what makes him what he is today" Anjali said as Khushi nodded.

"I understand Anjali ji...I do now; Why he always taunted me about my lack of interest in my job, why he was strict with me when I went out of line...the Restaurant is his life...and after all that you just told me, I can relate to why he must have felt like..." she started saying when Arnav's cold voice spoke from behind them

"Must have felt like what Ms Gupta?" Arnav asked as he stood right behind them, the chill in his voice making them turn around swiftly to face him. One look at their teary face, and he knew what his sister might have done after listening to the last few snippets of their conversation

He closed his eyes to reign in his anger and ignored Khushi's compassionate face while turning his stony one towards his sister "How could you di? I have not given you any right to speak about me or my past to anyone...especially her!" he said, her as Anjali got up and went to him

"Its not like that Arnav...please, I was only..." she tried saying when Arnav looked away from her and fixed his steely eyes on Khushi "I don't know what you have done to charm my sister, but if anything about my past comes out of your mouth, I will make sure you are finished...you get that?" he said as Khushi sat stock still, not sure how to respond to her boss

"Chote! Enough...she did not ask me anything! It was I who wanted someone to speak to, and Khushi is my friend and I.." Anjali said as Arnav once again cut her "She is my staff di...and I don't need her sympathy... plus if she goes and blabbers about all the juicy gossip you have given her..." he said as Khushi got up and stood facing him

"I will never do such a thing sir...please, believe me. I was only empathizing with Anjali ji and trust me, I am not the kind of person to gossip and especially not about something so sensitive. Your journey is inspiring sir, and it's not sympathy but respect that I feel for you"Khushi said stunning Arnav as he continued to stare at her before turning back towards his sister

"Lets go di...everything is loaded. Ms Gupta can make her way to the restaurant...I'm anyways coming home with you first" he said gruffly, before making his way out, not glancing even once at Khushi

"I'm so sorry Khushi...I truly did not realize things could get so wrong, but after hearing what you said to chote, I'm glad it was you I spoke to; come let's get going now, don't listen to chote, we will leave you" she said as Khushi shook her head "You go ahead Anjali ji...I'd like to spend some more time here before making my way to the restaurant...and I hope to see you soon" Khushi said as Anjali hesitated and smiled at her before giving her a quick hug and following her brother out.

XXX

Khushi scrubbed extra hard at the stubborn grease on the copper pots, before plonking it in the hot sudsy water; it looked like she was trying to take out her frustrations on the poor pots, scrubbing them so thoroughly like never before, leaving them shiny and sparking.

"Whoa! If you make them look so pretty, how do we cook in them?" NK asked Khushi who simply scowled at him and went back to scrubbing, making NK look at her closely "Oook...something is not right...you did not give me one of your famous Khushi' comebacks" he said trying to gauge her mood as she stood stiffly doing her work before looking up at NK who seemed concerned by her unusual mood.

She kept the pot aside and took off her gloves before giving him a small smile"Sorry, NK...I'm just not feeling too well" she said as NK shrugged and smiled brightly at her "Nah...its ok, you want me to make you something?" he asked kindly to which she shook her head "No, thanks...I'll be fine, guess I'm just coming down with something" she said, wondering what she should call this abject gloominess she had been feeling since yesterday

ASR's past had really touched her and she had no idea why it mattered to her so much or why her heart felt so tight as she went over all the things Anjali had told her. Her respect for her boss had gone up many notches, but she was afraid it wasn't just respect she felt for him now; it was a little bit more than that.

"Hello! Earth to K!!" NK said as she came back to the present and once again wore her gloves to finish up the rest of the work "Sorry NK...let me just finish all this up, then you can make me a nice cup of hot chocolate!" she added, trying to make up for being so moody with NK

"Done! I'll do just that...but seriously, whatever it is, you know I'm always here to listen to you and also give my expert opinion" he said as she giggled at him, making his face light up before he sauntered off to finish of his pending work

Half an hour later, Khushi sat sipping the gorgeous dark chocolate that NK had made for her, with whipped cream and marshmallows "Umm...this is so good...I love it!" she cooed as NK held up his cup of green tea and sat beside her on the couch. Most of the staff had left, leaving only the two of them and the sweepers.

"Ok, so now can you tell me what is wrong with you? Are you sad because ASR is in Delhi this week and you're missing his taunts?" NK joked making Khushi nearly scald her tongue with the hot drink before she composed herself "No...don't be silly and nothings wrong...I just...dunno..." she said as NK shifted a little closer to her, making her suddenly aware of the miniscule space between them.

"I know why you are feeling this way K..." he said as Khushi looked up at him in surprise. How does he know? Is she that transparent? "I know about your frustration and I think I have a solution for it" he said as Khushi looked further bewildered but NK continued on excitedly

"Ok...so this is strictly confidential. I mean, ASR knows, but no one else does and I think I can help you out of your situation as well" he said as Khushi looked more confused "NK...what on earth are you talking about?" she asked him when he grinned at her and shifted closer, making Khushi move back a bit on the couch.

"Here's the deal K...I have got an amazing offer from Sudeep Chabbria" he said as Khushi widened her eyes "Sudeep Chabbria? Of KEL hospitality?" she asked as NK nodded "Yes! He is opening a new International Restaurant, and wants me to be the head chef there and is also giving me shares in the venture" he said as Khushi squealed in happiness for her friend

"Oh my God! That is wonderful NK! Congratulations!! You totally deserve it!" she said as NK laughed and nodded "I know...it's the best damn thing that has ever happened to me and I know, that it will be difficult to part with Perido and rest of the gang, but this is the only way forward for me" he said as Khushi looked confused at his sudden dip in mood

"ASR will always be the head chef here K...it's his passion to cook and he will never give that up and me, I'll always be a sous chef. There is nothing further for me here, but with the KEL offer, I not only get to be the head chef, I also get to own some part of it. What more could I want?" he said as Khushi nodded understandingly

"Aaand...that is why I said, I have a proposition for you" he said, making Khushi furrow her eyebrows "I want you to come and work with me, as a Line cook and I'll also see if I can get KEL to sponsor a formal course for you from Mumbai university. You'll be touching the sky in no time! You have raw talent K...and I have seen it, so has everyone else...you can do great things with me in the new restaurant" he said excitedly as Khushi was left speechless

She will finally get to cook...be a chef! but what about Perido? And ASR... "What are you thinking!!? K...you will always be a dish washer here. ASR will never appreciate you or give you a promotion. He's too hard headed that way..." he said, making Khushi turn disbelieving eyes towards him "NK..how can you say that? He may be a tough and strict boss...but he means well and he has appreciated my work...sometimes" she said as NK exhaled and leaned back on the couch

"No, you don't get it K...he's too egoistical...he will never let you succeed. You'll be stuck on the same thing..." he said as Khushi shook her head "Thanks NK...what you are offering me, is like a dream come true...but I want to prove my mettle...and I will do so here in Perido only...I know that my hard work will come through one of these days"she said as NK lips twisted in a sneer

"Keep dreaming K...it will never happen and trust me, you will be a fool to let go of this offer" he said when Khushi shook her head gently "I know NK...but you are my friend and I want you to respect my wishes...I'll come to you when I know I'm worthy of the job you are offering today" she said as NK took a deep breath and took her cup from her before holding her hands, a strange glint in his eyes.

"I don't want to be just friends K" he said, further shocking Khushi, as she hastily pulled her hands away, making NK look away in hurt and rejection"NK..I'm sorry...I don't" she started saying when he held up his hand "It's ok...I just wanted to tell you how I felt about you...I'm not sure when it happened, but I care for you more than a friend...I really like you K...and I wish you would think a bit about us..." he said as Khushi sat still, confused at his words

Never had she thought that NK would like her in any other way, when all she saw in him, was a friend. She got up and picked up their cups to rinse them out. When she got back to the staff area, NK had already left, making her feel bad at the way she had out rightly rejected him...maybe she should have explained to him a bit more.

She sat down dejectedly as she thought of what the world had come to...Few days ago, NK was her friend..now he wanted to be something more, few days ago she had never met Anjali ji, now she felt very close to her, so much so that she chose to speak her heart out with her...few days ago, she loathed her boss...now...now she was plain confused about what she felt for him...she liked him more than she should...a lot more! Dammit!'