Chapter 11

The hospital smell was making him nauseous as the doctor kept going in and out of the examination room, making him more nervous than he already was. This was the first time that his sister had fainted due to her allergies and frankly, he could not make heads or tails out of the situation.

Just a few minutes ago, he had rushed his sister to the closest hospital in her unconscious state and after getting her through A&E, had robotically told the doctor about her allergies and other medications she was on due to the post-pregnancy thyroid condition she had been diagnosed with.

He was now waiting outside the room with Akash, hoping someone could tell them for sure what was wrong with his sister; plus the smell of spirit and chlorine was making his head spin uncontrollably.

“Mr Raizada?” the doctor called out as Arnav nearly ran up to him with Akash tailing behind “Yes doctor, how is my sister? Is she ok?” he asked anxiously as the doctor smiled “She is perfectly fine, there was anyways nothing to worry about; her allergies are quite normal and according to her, she usually only breaks into a rash” he said as Arnav looked on confused

“But, she fainted doctor. I am sure the almonds she ate, must have caused her more than usual…” he started saying when the doctor laughed “Yes, she fainted, but I will leave it to her to tell you the reason for it” he said with a smile, as he gestured him to go inside and meet his sister who was now very much conscious and resting.

Arnav rushed inside while Akash stayed back, giving some privacy to the siblings. “Di? What happened? The doctor said that..” he said as Anjali got up and gave him a radiant smile; her face was covered with a thick slab of anti-allergy cream but her eyes sparkled in mirth

“Chote!...hold on, breath little brother…first tell me, did you inform your jijaji about this?” she asked him as he shook his head “No, I did not want to worry him right away…if it was anything more serious..” he said as Anjali smiled and asked him to come forward and sit next to her

She held his hand and looked into his worried eyes with her smiling ones “I’m pregnant” she said as Arnav stared at her for a few seconds before it sunk in. His face brightening up with a radiant smile “That was the reason I fainted….Oh God Chote! I can’t believe it…I mean, I am late this month but I..” she said as Arnav made a face and cut her of “too much info di!” he said as he hugged her and sighed in relief.

“I was so worried! For a minute there I thought something bad happened to you!” he said in a strained voice, as Anjali caressed his hair and smiled softly at her little brother “Nothing will happen to me chote…you worry too much” she said as Arnav smiled and held her hand

“So! I’ll be a mama second time around huh?…this time I want a niece…she will be cute, smart and bubbly just like you” he said as Anjali laughed “We will see…but speaking of cute, smart and bubbly, I hope I didn’t scare Khushi and the rest of the staff too much. The poor thing baked me such a wonderful cherry pie and I fainted on her…she must be worried now….I should have informed her about my allergies…” Anjali said as Arnav suddenly remembered how he had shouted at Khushi before taking his sister away

He looked at his sister and held her hands gently “You should have told her di…many desserts have nuts in them and you have to be careful in such things…Ms Gupta too should have asked you about it” he said adjusting the pillow behind Anjali’s back

“Anyways, leave it now…don’t think about all that…” he said trying to look away from his sister’s curious face “What did you do Chote? You are hiding your face from me” she asked him as he sighed and looked at her “I…kinda shouted at her in front of everyone…I mean, I was stressed and..” he said as Anjali gasped and hit him softly on his arm

“Are you mad? I was equally at fault! Like you just pointed out, in fact more! She did not know about my allergies, I should have informed her…” she said as she huffed at her brother “Poor thing…you better go and tell her sorry Arnav” she said with a straight face, as Arnav scowled at her “No way di…I don’t apologize…” he said as Anjali tried to get up but was held back by Arnav

“Fine! If you won’t apologize, then I will…” she said and started getting up again when Arnav sighed and ran a hand over his face “Ok! I’ll go speak to her...happy?” he said to her as she grinned and nodded “Very! Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to wash off this goop so that I can get my rash-free face back and then, we can go home…or rather, you can go back to the restaurant while I head to yours” she said raising her eyebrow as Arnav nodded

“Fine, Akash will drop you home…I’ll come back early and cook you some dinner later” he said as she smiled brightly “I feel like eating pasta! Can you make the one with mushrooms and chicken?” she asked happily as Arnav smiled “Anything you want di!” he said as she hugged him before he left; hailing a taxi, he made his way back to the restaurant.

***

“Khushi, stop worrying so much, he won’t fire you baba” Payal tried to pacify Khushi who kept wiping the tears that formed in her eyes continuously “I also got Akash’s text saying Anjali ji is fine now…” Payal said as Khushi filled her bag with all her stuff from her locker.

She tied her hair back and neatly folded the apron before giving it to a forlorn looking Madh, who took it from her silently. She then smoothened out her t-shirt and skinny jeans before putting on her sensible walking shoes and lugging her backpack on her shoulder

She gave a watery smile to the girls who were in the changing room with her as she packed up all her stuff “Payal, I’m not worried about sir firing me, I’m resigning myself because I can’t work here anymore…my recklessness nearly cost someone their lives and for a cook, that is a crime!” she said as she opened the door to walk outside and came face to face with the boys who also tried to persuade her

“Guys please! You all should get back to work now…its way past prepping time” she said as Arnav’s voice boomed at them from the door “Damn right it is…what is this sabha sammelan here? Get back to work people!” he said as everyone scattered back to the kitchen except Payal who stood next to Khushi

“What do you think you are doing? You need to be in there, scrubbing and washing…why are you standing here with all your things? And you Payal, go and mind the damn phone! It won’t stop ringing!” he said as Payal gave a triumphant look to a confused Khushi and went away whistling

“What?” Arnav asked her as Khushi shook her head “H….Hows Anjali ji?” she asked him as he took a deep breath to calm himself “She’s fine now…” he said as Khushi stepped forward towards him “I am really sorry for what happened…I did not know that she had nut allergies and I know it’s  a crime that I have committed so…I can’t work here anymore…I’d like to resign” she said as Arnav looked at her in amusement

“Yes, you did commit a crime today…and that is specifically because you are not a professional chef Ms Gupta, but you try to be without learning…without taking time and patience to understand the intricacies of being a chef” he said as Khushi looked on

“You want to rush into everything! Just good cooking does not qualify you to work in a kitchen such as mine! What if this was not my sister today? What if it was a customer? Do you know that my restaurant could have been sued? I would have had to close down all this!” he said gesturing around the restaurant

“Do you know that people die of food allergies? Any trust me, even though customers usually tell us about their allergies, many don’t! So you have to be careful while serving things that have nuts, shell fish and mushrooms…which are very common allergic foods” he said as Khushi nodded slowly and felt her eyes fill up

“That is the difference Ms Gupta…of formal training and home cooking…You may be a brilliant cook, but you have a long way to go to start cooking in any kitchen like Perido…because trust me, I’m being very lenient with you…other’s would not let you within 10 feet of their cooking area without a formal degree!” he said as she looked up, making his heart constrict at her teary face…damn!

“Go now and get back to work! No need to resign…just learn from your mistakes” he said as he walked past her leaving her staring at his back…he could not stay and watch her sad face…it did something to him “wait” she shouted as he stopped and groaned “What is it now?” he turned around as she walked towards him quickly

“Anjali ji? She must be in so much pain na? She fainted and all…” she said with a sad face, as Arnav rolled his eyes, what is it with this girl and his sister!! Its like they suddenly became BFF’s in a few hours “She did not faint because of you, it was something else…she only got a rash that she usually gets due to nuts…Now  please go and do your job!” he said as Khushi’s face relaxed

“Oh…that’s good to know…but why did she faint then? She seemed fine…although there was some darkness under her eyes, she must be working too much…maybe I should make her my tulsi and lemongrass tea…that will refresh her a lot…or maybe she can try…” Khushi kept blabbering when Arnav kept his finger on her lips, effectively stopping her from talking “She’s pregnant alright? Now stop over analyzing” he started saying as her lips lifted up in a big smile making his finger caress the soft dewy perfectness of them

He pulled his hand away as if scalded when she squealed and in her excitement hugged him, once again shocking him as her soft plaint body molded against him, albeit for a very short time as she realized what she had just done, and pulled away in an instant

“I’m sorry sir….but I am so happy for her! Oh my God! There’s a baby on the way!…how wonderful” Khushi said as it took Arnav a few seconds more to clear his mind and remove all the sinful thoughts that were roaming around in his head and before he could think anymore, he quickly made his way away from her and her hypnotic presence.

***

“Oh wow! That looks amazing NK!” Khushi said as NK smiled at her and picked up a spoon to make her taste the duck confit he had just made “Umm…this is amazing!” she said as NK shook his head “Its ASR’s recipe…in fact, almost all the recipes are his…but he’s a good boss and lets us try some of our stuff too” he said as Khushi shuddered, remembering the two incidents where she had cooked!

She watched in her usual fascination as vegetables were chopped, meats sizzled on the grill, spices let out their aromas…the crazy chaos in the kitchen was what she absolutely loved and always wondered if she would ever get to do all this…She looked on as Arnav flitted around the ready dishes, making sure everything was perfect before it went out

It amazed her always at the perfection he always sought in everything. She was now used to his screaming and shouting as he blasted everyone on the delays and overcooked, undercooked things on the plate. It had scared her at the start, like everything about him usually did, but then she got used it as everyone seemed to only work their best when he bought in this energy in the kitchen

As the last few orders rolled in, she saw him take a swig of his coffee, before looking up to see directly in her eyes. She quickly turned around and got back to her station that was now piling up with dishes…shit! She really had it now! She thought as she looked over her shoulders, knowing he was probably coming her way to scold her.

After yesterday’s incidents, she really did not want to give him a reason to complain. She had taken to heart what he had said and had promised herself, that she will be patient and learn from him and the rest of the staff…she might need a formal degree too sometime later.

She straightened her back and took a deep breath as she waited with the usual dread of ASR’s remarks...but nothing of the sort happened and when she turned around, he seemed to have vanished; She sighed and got back to her usual soaping and sudding as she gauged the enormous task in front of her…looks like she will be here for quite a long time today!

***

“Aren’t you done yet miss?” one of the cleaners who stayed back till the end to finish cleaning the kitchen, asked her as Khushi placed the last of the freshly washed plates in its place before turning to him “Just done…didn’t know it will get so late” she said as the man nodded “I’m going to lock up in a bit…you should finish up” he said as she nodded and gave one last sweep over the place. Everyone had left a while ago and she was the only staff left now

She quickly changed and stepped out after saying bye to the cleaner, as she walked out, she was startled to see a car waiting right outside the back exit of the restaurant. The car seemed familiar, but she got more bewildered as a man seemed to be picking up boxes of packed food kept piled near the exit door and kept it in his boot. She walked towards him and nearly shrunk back as the man turned out to be her boss.

“What the hell? Why are you still here Ms Gupta?” he asked her as she looked curiously at the boxes in his hand, which he quickly kept inside and closed the boot “I asked you a question!” he said as she stepped back while he walked towards her “I had a lot more dishes to do today…so…got late” she said as he looked at her in annoyance

“If you didn’t spend time day dreaming and chatting with everyone, you would have gotten work done more efficiently and quickly” he said as Khushi narrowed her eyes. She was about to retort when she schooled her expressions and took a deep breath, before wishing him a polite ‘Good Night’ and turning away to leave

“Where do you think you are going? Do you know what time it is?” he asked her as she shrugged “I know…but I don’t have any other way to go except take a bus to Mahalaxmi station…I have a direct train to my place from there” she said as Arnav looked around the deserted area

“Get in…I’ll drop you” he said as she looked on in shock “What? I’m going that way anyways…so I’ll drop you” he said as he held the passenger door open for her. She did not argue and sat inside his car quickly, before strapping on the seat belt as he reversed out of the back alley and on to the main road

“I thought you lived somewhere near here” she said and he nodded “I do…but I have some work at Haji Ali, and Mahalaxmi station is right next to it” he said as she nodded and leaned back quietly against the familiar plush interiors. She glanced a look at his profile and was once again marveled at his handsome features. It’s a crime to be so handsome, she thought as he turned to face her, making her blush instantly

“You said something?” he asked her as she shook her head “No, was just wondering how Anjali ji is” she said as he kept his eyes on the road “She’s fine now…and will be going back to Pune in a day or two” he said as Khushi nodded…they didn’t speak again till Arnav suddenly stopped right in front of the beautiful Dargah

“I’ll be a minute” he said as he got down and three men came to greet him. He hugged them and then proceeded to open the boot for them to remove the boxes he had stacked earlier…after bidding them a smiling good bye, he got in and started the car

“What was that? They ordered food at the Dargah?” she asked him incredulously which made him chuckle at the suddenness and absolute stupidity of her question “Pagal ho kya? No they did not order food…I usually bring over the left over food from the restaurant when we have private do’s and buffets…as it is, we make a lot of food and when there is excess, I bring it over here and they give it to the homeless” he said as Khushi’s eyes widened at this new information

She did not even realize when they got to the station. Before getting down, she turned towards him with a soft smile on her face “I really don’t understand you sir…” she said as Arnav looked straight ahead, but relaxed his body as he leaned back and closed his eyes “Then don’t…Good night Ms Gupta” he said as Khushi shook her head and got out…she kept on watching till his car was out of sight…. “But I really want to” she whispered to herself, before making her way into the station.

Chapter 10

Surprisingly, ASR had not sent any text to Khushi the next day. She was wondering if maybe, she had said too much the night before and had hardly slept, thinking about the impending text she may receive the next day...but the day had dawned bright and fresh, without any text!

As she entered the restaurant with an excited jump in her step, she knew things were going to change and it did! She realized that this was probably the most normal day she had ever had since joining Perido. Her boss had hardly interfered in her work, keeping distance from her and in fact even stopped his usual taunts that he specially reserved for Khushi. 

Everyone seemed to be very surprised with this new ASR and were more bewildered when he actually complimented the clean glasses that the server's were laying on the table for dinner service. This definitely put Ms Gupta's mind in a tizzy, as for the first time she didn't' mentally curse her boss all day!

On the other hand, Khushi was also finding it very difficult being normal in front of Akash and Payal, who were back to being their usual selves. She tried to find some romantic body language or just about anything on which to catch Payal! But then thought it best to wait till they went public...she respected their decision to keep it a secret.

As the day finally came to an end, and the staff gathered in the kitchen for a quick bite before going home, Arnav called for Khushi in his office to everyone's astonishment and especially Khushi's who was dreading meeting him alone.

She knew that things won't change in a day...he had probably kept all the nastiness for bombarding her at the end of the day. But when she went to meet him in his cabin, he seemed to be in some very deep thoughts, hardly noticing her presence in the room

"Uh..Sir? You called me?" Khushi asked him as he came out of his trance and looked at her "Yes, Ms Gupta...I wanted to speak to you about something" he said as Khushi nodded and remained standing clutching the back of the swivel chair tightly, as she waited for him to continue.

"What you said yesterday..." he said as Khushi closed her eyes...this is it...be ready Khushi Gupta for a barrage of taunts and bitterness that ASR will be spewing any minute "You were right.." he said as Khushi opened her eyes in shock...did she hear him correctly?

"You were right about me wanting to remove you...but not in the sense you think..." he said as she kept staring at him wide-eyed "I was not sure about you when you joined, mainly because of the circumstances in which you did and also the fact that you seemed to be looking down on lower menial job" he said as Khushi's eyes flashed

She was just about to open her mouth to again defend herself, but stopped when she heard his next words "...but then, I saw your dedication towards work and how diligently you have been doing your job and even though I'm quite sure you are suitable for a much better role than a dish washer...I won't be promoting you right away...you have a lot to learn still" he said as Khushi started breathing hard...this was a dream...yes, that explains it

"What I'm trying to say here is, I don't want to remove you anymore Khushi...you are doing a good job and I want you to continue doing it. However, what I said about NK and you, was my perception of how I saw things" he said as Khushi came out of her shock and frowned at him "No, I know you said you don't think of him that way...but NK...something tells me that he likes you" he said as Khushi sighed 

"And I only ask you to make sure that there is no awkwardness in the work place, so its best you deter NK from making any moves" he said and mentally cringed at his choice of words Making moves!' what was wrong with him? 

"Sir...first of all, thank you for appreciating my work and I assure you that I will keep doing my best at whatever I do, but as far as NK is concerned, he is just a good friend and has never shown any such interest in me. So, there is no question of me doing anything about it and even if it does come to that, then I know how to keep my personal and professional life separate" she said as Arnav narrowed his eyes at her

"Does that mean you will date him if he asks you out?" he asked her as she once again felt like punching his face in sheer annoyance "He will not ask me out and even if he does, it will be my choice to say yes or no, but whatever my answer is, it will not affect my work and if it does, I will willingly leave my job" she said as Arnav felt an icy rage take over him, making him grit his teeth in annoyance

"Please leave Ms Gupta...I have work to do. You have already wasted enough of my time...go and do what you do best...clean the damn dishes!!" he said dismissing her so rudely that she had no option but to turn around and leave "So much for a good day!" she said tiredly, as she went back to the loud kitchen, leaving a fuming and utterly frustrated ASR behind!

xxx

The next three days went smoothly, with ASR not being there. Things were perfect without the usual heat of their boss breathing down their necks and everyone seemed to be doing just fine in his absence.

As Khushi sat reading the newspaper in the staff area, she sighed as she took a sip of the aromatic coffee Madhu had made for her. After that late evening talk between them, ASR had suddenly left for Delhi the next morning, leaving an odd feeling in Khushi's heart.

Why was he so bothered about her and NK? And why didn't he understand that she did not think of NK in that way and neither did he! In fact, if she were to tell NK about their boss's doubts, he will most definitely die laughing! Plus what did he mean by saying that Payal and Akash are professionals? Why did he doubt that she would not be?

Hmph...on top of everything, she was having these strange not so appropriate dreams about her boss, depriving her of her well deserved sleep! It was damn annoying because ever since that dance, her stomach had been doing all kind of flippity floppity actions, whenever ASR was near her. She felt unnecessarily nervous in front of him and it wasn't helping that she kind of missed her Kroor Singh of a boss...what was wrong with her!

She sighed as she popped a warm cookie in her mouth, it was a slow day today, but would be crazy busy in the evening with the weekend coming in. She went back to sipping her now tepid coffee, when a commotion in the kitchen made her hastily leave everything and walk in to see what was going on

"It's been so long since I've stepped into the Kitchen. I just love the smell of fresh baking and other goodies you guys whip up" a beautiful woman in a simple but elegant pant suit, stood talking to Madhu and Payal who were giggling away with her.

When they noticed Khushi, the woman gave her a gorgeous smile, bright enough to lift anyone's spirit "Oh, Anjali ji, this is Khushi...she's just joined us recently...and Khushi, this is Anjali Desai, ASR's sister" Payal said as Khushi gave her a genuine smile and shook hands with her 

"It's such a pleasure meeting you maam" Khushi said as Anjali left out a tinkling laugh "Maam? Oh God!...I feel like such an old woman...please call me Anjali or as the staff here insists on calling me with a Ji' at the end of it" she said as Khushi watched in awe Is she really ASR's sister? What a contrast!' Khushi thought as Anjali burst out laughing

"Yes, we are a contrast. If I am day, he is night!" she said as Payal gave Khushi a reproachful look, making her aware that she had once again spoken out her thoughts loudly! "I'm so sorry Anjali ji...I didn't mean it that way" she said apologetically, when Anjali shook her head and continued smiling at her

"Don't be silly...at least you are honest and I like a woman who speaks her mind!" she said as Khushi relaxed in her company. Soon the four women were discussing various topics ranging from Baking to films. They also came to know that Anjali was visiting Mumbai for a day or two, while she lived with her husband and son in Pune

"Since you love pie's so much, I'd love to bake one for you..." Khushi said, as she genuinely wanted to do something for Anjali  "I would love that Khushi, and if you aren't too busy right now, I'd love to help you make one" she said as Khushi paled, making Payal chuckle at her 

"Anjali ji, Khushi is scared of your brother...the last time she cooked without permission, he nearly threw her out" Payal said as Madhu giggled away while Khushi's pale face now turned tomato red "Oh ho! Arnav will never change!...Listen Khushi, you don't worry about that, If I say it's ok, he will not mind" she said as Khushi smiled, but her mind was in a dilemma.

On one hand she really wanted to make that pie for this wonderful woman, but she remembered how ASR had blasted her the last time, saying that even though Akash had allowed her, she should not do anything in this kitchen without his express permission. But then, Anjali ji is his sister, so he won't mind right?

"Ok...if you say so...let's get on with it then! How about cherry? They are in season and we just received a fresh batch in the morning" she asked as Anjali smiled indulgently at the child woman, who had already made a place in her heart with her honest, innocent talks and lively character...she really was a beautiful girl, inside out

"Sure Khushi...I love cherry!...but you have time right? I don't want to interfere in your work" Anjali said as Khushi shook her head "No, it won't...I've done everything for now and it shouldn't take me more than half an hour to whip it up since we have pre-baked pie crusts" she said as Anjali laughed at her enthusiasm!

Anjali had only come in to say a quick hello to the staff before making her way to Arnav's cabin to wait for him. But his flight had gotten delayed and she was more than glad that she got to meet Khushi who was busy flitting around the kitchen preparing the pie for her.

She watched in rapt attention as she pitted the cherries and kept them to boil in a sugary syrup with some aromatic spices. She then started whipping up stuff that looked like a meringue preparation making Anjali's mouth water.

She reached out for her phone and sent a quick text to Arnav who would probably wonder where she was when he came to the restaurant, which if she calculated correctly, would probably be in a few minutes now. When she turned back to Khushi, the girl was standing pacing around the oven as she waited for the pie to bake

"Khushi...come and sit here...it's not going to quicken up if you walk around it" Anjai said as the rest of the staff laughed at the sight of Khushi walking to and fro. As Khushi made her way back to seating area and started chatting once again with Anjali 

They were soon bought out of their talks,when the oven pinged , indicating that the pie was ready "Khushi...that smells awesome!...please tell me you've made enough for all of us" Madhu said sniffing around as Khushi carefully removed the small tart pan out

"Sorry Madhu...I did not want to waste any of the produce as ASR does not like it...so made only an individual pie" she said as Madhu made a face at her while she served the hot pie on one of the dessert plates, decorating it with the remaining jus from the cherry syrup and presented it to Anjali who was waiting impatiently.

"Oh my! Khushi...this looks so wonderful...and I just love meringue!"Anjali exclaimed as she cut a piece out and blew on it before tasting it. Khushi waited with anticipation, as Anjali let out a long "Ummm..." making Khushi sigh in relief.

"This is so delicious!! You are a genius Khushi...Have you ever thought of being a pastry chef? Or wait...are you one already?" Anjali asked, as she gobbled down the warm pie when Arnav's gruff voice interrupted their little bubble of happiness "She is neither Di...Ms Gupta is merely a dish washer who has no rights to cook in this kitchen!" he said coming in, dressed in a three piece suit, looking more lethal than ever!

"Arnav...is this the way you speak to a girl? She just made me a wonderful pie which for your very kind information is absolutely delicious and it was I who asked her to make it for me when she was clearly afraid to go against you. And if she is merely a dish washer, you should immediately change her position to that of a cook...this is just..." Anjali started saying when Arnav stopped her with his palm up

"Please di, I know who is capable of what in my Kitchen. Just because she made you a pie, she does not qualify to work as a cook in a Michelin started restaurant. Now if you are done with your little pie experiment, should we head home?" he asked his sister who gave him an angry stare before getting down from the chair

She looked at a forlorn looking Khushi, who smiled at her in spite of Arnav's caustic words. Her brother really needed to watch himself, how rude can someone be! She did not say much to him at the moment since his staff was privy to their conversation but as soon as she sits in the car with him, she will be twisting his ear like old times to scold him

"Khushi...thank you so much dear for the pie. You are truly a wonderful cook and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!...I hope to see you soon" she said as she hugged Khushi who hugged her back quickly before nodding and smiling at the kind woman "It was a pleasure meeting you too Anjali ji...please have a safe journey home and do try out the recipe I gave you for your son" Khushi said as Arnav rolled his eyes...but his gaze suddenly shifted to his sister who seemed to be swaying on her feet

"Di!" he shouted loudly, as his sister who was just now hugging and laughing with his staff, fainted in his arms. Someone got water for him, which he sprinkled on her face, but the redness that was slowly creeping up on her fair skin gave Arnvav a good idea of what had happened.

"Were there any nuts in that damn pie?" Arnav asked as he picked up his sister in his arms while Akash went to get the car to go to the hospital. He looked angrily at Khushi who stood mute for a while as Arnav screamed at her "Were there any nuts dammit?" he shouted again as Khushi nodded weakly "Yes...Al...almonds.." she said as Arnav looked at her with such anger, that it made her tremble.

"She is allergic to them you fool!" he shouted at her before turning around and rushing out of the kitchen, leaving Khushi standing shell shocked while Payal held her hand...his sister was allergic to nuts...and she had probably put her life in immense danger by serving her the same.

Chapter 9

 One more Night by Maroon 5

Khushi stood mortified as her supposed' favorite song played loudly around them; Damn that NK! She only said that she likes this song, thanks to her sister playing it on repeat at home. It certainly wasn't her Favorite' song.

You and I go hard at each other like we're going to war

You and I go rough, we keep throwing things and slamming the door

You and I get so damn dysfunctional, we stopped keeping score

You and I get sick, and I know that we can't do this no more

She quickly glanced at ASR, who stood staring. He probably wanted to run back to his girlfriend instead of being stuck here with her "Um...should we head back to the lounge area?" Khushi asked as Arnav visibly stiffened and shifted his gaze away from her towards the lounge

She knew the song was very suggestive and at present there was only awkwardness between the two of them; best to start walking ahead and get them out of this situation. She took a step away from him, intending to go back, when she felt a sudden pull on her wrist, as her boss's arms arms went around her waist and bare back, making her hands involuntarily land on his chest

The sizzling jolt she felt at his touch had her shivering as his eyes found hers, dark and mysterious and slightly angry "NK is not in the lounge right now...I'm sure you can have one dance with me...unless, you have reserved all your dances for NK tonight" he said with a bite, as she widened her eyes at him...their bodies settling into the fast paced rhythm as their eyes spoke the unspoken words

Yeah, but baby there you go again, there you go again, making me love you.

Yeah, I stopped using my head, using my head, let it all go.

Got you stuck on my body, on my body, like a tattoo.

And now I'm feeling stupid, feeling stupid, crawling back to you.

"N..no, it's nothing like that" she said, as words refused to form on her lips. As the music took a fast turn, all further conversation stopped between them as they surrendered to the music and the feel of each other.

So I cross my heart and I hope to die

That I'll only stay with you one more night

And I know I said it a million times

But I'll only stay with you one more night

When Arnav had pulled her into his arms, his senses had probably left him at that point. What was he doing? Why was he doing this? Where was his control! This girl was driving him insane and it really did not help that she seemed to be so much bothered about NK, refusing to even dance with him...her boss!

But all his anger and frustration took a back seat, when his hands landed on her bare skin. He could feel her soft gasp as the silk of her skin made blood roar in his ears, she fit perfectly against him as she splayed her hands on his chest, their bodies barely an inch away, teasing and testing them.

Try to tell you no, but my body keeps on telling you yes

Try to tell you stop, but your lipstick got me so out of breath

I'll be waking up in the morning, probably hating myself

And I'll be waking up feeling satisfied, but guilty as hell

They looked into each other's eyes as the song took on a sensual turn, making them change their steps unconsciously to a similar rhythm where their bodies were perfectly aligned to sway to the music; Khushi's arms entwined around Arnav neck, while his were holding her securely against himself. Their bodies pulsated and hearts thundered, as the song demanded them to come much closer than they could have imagined

So I cross my heart and I hope to die

That I'll only stay with you one more night

And I know I said it a million times

But I'll only stay with you one more night

When the music finally came to an end and the last strings of the songs fluttered onto the dance floor, Arnav and Khushi were still very much spellbound to the sensuality of the music that got their pulse racing. It was only when a another couple collided with them, that they came back to their senses and sprung apart as if burnt

"There you are...thanks ASR, I thought you will leave the lady on her own here on the dance floor" NK said as he came and laid his arm across Khushi's tiny waist, making Arnav stare at it for a few more minutes before he stepped back "If you thought that, then you should have never left her alone. She is your date NK and you are responsible for her" he said in a rough voice, before quickly turning and walking away, leaving them both staring at his back

"What happened to him?!..." NK asked as he looked on bewildered at ASR's strange mood while Khushi stood confused and breathing deeply "Anyways, you wanna get something to drink?" NK asked Khushi as she suddenly felt parched, like her entire system was on fire and she was dying for a drop of water "Yes, lets..." she said with a quick smile as they made their way towards the bar...unaware of a pair of eyes trained on them

***

As the night drew to an end, Khushi understood that there was definitely something going on between Payal and Akash. She could make out from their body language that there was something fishy and was excited to find out more about her new friends.

But her excitement once again dimmed, as her thoughts wandered to that dance with ASR. What was wrong with her? How did she dance like that with him! She closed her eyes in embarrassment as she remembered the way her treacherous body refused to obey her, getting lost in the song and ASR's arm's, while her stomach kept doing flip-flops throughout. 

But then he rushed away as soon as NK came back, obviously to his girlfriend whom he had left alone while he danced with her!...Was that taunt really meant for NK? Or was he berating himself for leaving Sheetal Kapoor alone while he danced with Khushi? Luckily they did not see both of them after that, which relieved her, but also irked her to a new level!

As they made a move to leave, Akash told them that ASR had already left; leaving him to hitch a ride with Khushi and NK in Payal's car, but NK too declared that he was going with a friend who lived very close to his house, making it more convenient all around.

Khushi looked at Akash and Payal who stood giving longing gazes towards each other. She knew that they were looking for some alone time and thought of going with Madhu and her husband. She convinced Payal of the same, saying she hardly got to catch up with them and left the two love birds alone.

As she waved goodbye to Akash and Payal who seemed visibly more jovial, she looked around the club to find Madhu, but after calling her and not getting through her phone, she realized that she too must have left while Khushi was busy convincing Payal.

Sighing she tried calling the local taxi number to book a cab and walked out to stand by the cloakroom "Hi...I need a taxi from Colaba..." she started saying, when she felt someone tap her shoulder startling her. Her phone fell down from her hands but was caught by familiar ones as he handed it back to her

"Why are you calling a Taxi?" he asked her as she looked on in bewilderment "ASR...I mean, Sir you? Here? We thought you left" she said as Arnav shook his head "No, I was in the office upstairs...has everyone left? What are you doing here alone?" he asked her as she told him that she was supposed to ask Madhu to drop her but had missed them by a few minutes. When he asked about Payal, she told him that she had asked them to leave so that she could travel with Madhu instead.

"And what about NK? Isn't he your date? He should drop you home!"Arnav said in irritation, as he picked up his jacket from the cloakroom "Let's go now...I'll drop you" he said roughly as Khushi's eyes widened in horror "No...I mean, its fine sir...I'm calling for a taxi anyways" she said as he looked at her in exasperation

"Its 2am in the morning Ms Gupta and you are my employee...I can't let you travel all alone. Come on, I'll leave you...where do you stay?" he asked her as she reluctantly agreed and told him her address. He nodded once before ushering her inside his Audi A8 making Khushi sigh in satisfaction at its plush interior and comfortable seating "Uh, won't Miss Kapoor be joining us?" she asked as he ignored her question and started the car

They rode in silence as Khushi looked out at Mumbai's forever blinking night lights while Arnav kept giving her sidelong looks "Sheetal has her own car and driver...and she and I..." he said as she suddenly looked at him with her wide hazel eyes, making him catch his breath...her beautiful eyes were so mesmerizing "Never mind" he mumbled getting back to concentrating on the road

As they neared her locality, Arnav glanced at her once more before clearing his throat "Uh...I just wanted to make something clear to you Ms Gupta" he said as she looked at him with full attention "I don't allow relationships between my staff...it spoils everything if things don't work out between them" he said as Khushi nodded and waited for him to say something more, but when he didn't she assumed he was talking about Payal and Akash.

"So that means something is going on between them?" she asked, as Arnav looked at her in confusion "Who?" he asked her as she blurted out "Payal and Akash...you are talking about them right? You want me to speak to Payal about it?" she asked with genuine curiosity as he once again looked totally bewildered and a bit shocked

"How do you know about them?" he asked her as he pulled into her lane "It was a bit obvious today...but if you weren't speaking of them, then who?" she asked him as he took a deep breath to calm himself down "Payal and Akash are a different story. They are very professional" he said as Khushi nodded and waited for him to continue

"I am talking about you and NK..." he said as it finally dawned on her, shocking her and annoying her at the same time "Sir, if a boy and girl dance together, they are not in a relationship! I mean, we danced today...does that mean we are dating?" she asked him making his heart suddenly leap at the picture she created...dating Ms Gupta?

"I'm sorry if I spoke out of line, but NK is a good friend...there is nothing like that between us..." she said as Arnav finally pulled up in front of the building she had pointed to "It didn't look like that Ms Gupta. He seemed too much into you tonight" he said as she unbuckled her belt and turned towards him

"I'm not sure why, but I think you are just looking for an excuse to remove me from your restaurant. If that is so, please tell me and I will leave, but don't keep trampling all over my self-respect and dignity. If it weren't for Akash and Payal threatening to quit their jobs, I would never have joined back. I have a spine ASR and I have never stood for any injustice!" she said as her traitorous eyes filled up in anger and irritation

"If you want to remove me, tell me so and I will gladly leave...but don't keep finding reasons which are completely preposterous" she said as Arnav felt a smidgen of guilt raise its, but he also felt a much larger emotion of relief as he realized there really was nothing going on between NK and Khushi.

"Thank you for dropping me sir...and I know you are not as bad as you make yourself look in front of me, but I'm also not sure why you target me so much. If you are still bitter about the earlier misunderstanding we had, I have apologized for it many times"  she said, reminding him of their first encounter. 

She sighed before opening the door and facing him "Please text me if you don't want me to come to work from tomorrow...you'll never see my face again. But if you don't, I'll assume that you'll let me work in peace; even if it's a job of a dish washer" she said before making her way out of his car, leaving him looking at her retreating form with something akin to a small smile...she still had that spunk!...He waited in his car till she got into the elevator and then left for his own home which was all the way to the other side of town.