Flames - Ep 5 & 6

EPISODE FIVE

Perhaps lady luck was on Khushi’s side, for she stood outside Zara’s main door barely minutes after the unexpected guest.

She knocked on the door and waited. A teary eyed Zara opened the door and shook her head apologetically. “I am so sorry Khushi, but can you please come a little…” she began.

“No,” Khushi firmly refused Zara’s request. She saw Zara all nervous and jittery, and took her hand into her own, reassuringly. “We have come a long way from this morning, Zara, and now is the only time we can actually do something to sort out this mess. His future is now in your hands. You have the key in your hands - it is only you who can decide whether or not to turn it. Please, Zara. And over and above Ri’s future, there is an even more pressing issue here. Women need to realize that they can’t always play the weaker sex and sympathy card, and get their own back on people! That Sim should not be able to get away with this!”

Zara half-smiled, impressed by Khushi’s strong views and sense of purpose. But the watery smile faded away as fast as it had appeared. “Come in…” Zara said, hesitatingly, after a pause.

As soon as Khushi walked in, she stiffened as she sensed another presence in the room. Suddenly it all added up -  her intuition, Zara’s hesitance.

Was Zara fine?

“Zara are you fine?” she asked.

Zara gave her another weak smile and nodded, “Can I get some tea for you…? I’ll make myself some too.” Khushi would have preferred to talk to Zara right away, but instinct told her to let Zara go. She nodded.

As soon as Zara went into the kitchen, Khushi followed her on tiptoe, to be shocked beyond measure by the sight that greeted her there.

Zara was holding her head and trying to control her tears, while Hridhwaan had wound his arm around her waist, pulling her closer in an intimate embrace.

But Khushi knew better than to jump to conclusions. She peered at them closely and was surprised at the comfort level of the couple.

“Aap!” Zara looked at Hridhwaan in disbelief as he marched into her house and shut the door. “How could you come here knowing the media is hounding you! Aapko zara sa bhi ilm hai ki agar kisiko khabar lag gayi to kya hoga… Sim ke baad Zara… a series of secretary flings!”

“I DID NOT DO ANYTHING WITH SIM!” Hridhwaan shouted. “And why are you avoiding me like this? It’s been a week! You want to know about Sim? Fine! I admit I was attracted to her and we did get involved but trust me Zara we didn’t sleep together! Also this attraction was before August, last year… before you came.And you know better than me that that kid can’t be mine. I don’t need you to doubt me now.” Hridhwaan sank onto her sofa, with a helpless and defeated look on his face. He rest his forehead against Zara’s.

“I didn’t know you both had an affair, Hridhwaan…” Zara sighed. “I am just a shadow in your life, right? Do you regret me, regret us? I know the child isn’t yours, but...”

“Trust me Zara… I k…” Hridhwaan froze as he heard the doorbell ring.

Khushi cleared her throat and spoke before either of them got a chance. “Khushi Kumari Gupta… Don’t try to deny anything. I know you two are in a relationship.”

Zara and Hridhwaan paled and moved away, clutching the edge of the kitchen counter nervously.

“How?” Hridhwaan asked, while Khushi shrugged her shoulders. “Now…”

“How do you know it’s not any one of my ‘flings’ and…” Hridhwaan growled and threw an accusatory glance at Zara.

“Stop.. there is no way it is a fling and I don’t think even you like the idea of it. Your face betrays that you are clearly repulsed by the idea and your words are laced with sarcasm. According to me, you are innocent. And just the way you were holding Zara just now says everything…” Khushi said, while Hridhwaan just squinted his eyes.

Khushi was quietly impressed as Hridhwaan didn’t attempt to lie nor did he appear embarrassed. However, Zara looked thoroughly exhausted and mortified.

As they awkwardly sat in the living room, three definitely being a crowd, Hridhwaan spoke up.  “What are you? Sigman Freud? Why are you helping us?”

Khushi sighed “Sir, it’s not just me. Even some other colleagues of mine in the media have faith in you. But since you have chosen to keep mum on the issue, there is not much any of us can do. I believe and know that you have been dragged into this controversy for no fault of yours.”

“Why the sudden display of humane emotions, Miss Gupta? I don’t remember your MBC being any saintly channel!” Hridhwaan said, still refusing to believe her genuine intentions.

Before Khushi could reply, Zara snapped “Hridhwaan, she’s trying to help! Stop behaving like an arrogant and conceited fool! We need her… and badly!”

“It makes no difference… now,” Hridhwaan stated, the air of defeat reappearing on his countenance. “No matter what I do, my reputation will always be that of a characterless womanizer!”

Zara threw the magazines aside and started pacing the room, restlessly, while Khushi shook her head, and said earnestly, “No, Hridhwaan! Nothing has been given to you on a silver platter. It has taken you years of honest toil to become who you are. Would it not be injustice to your efforts if you were to call it quits now, and that too all because of that cheap woman? Keeping mum will only reinforce the public opinion that you are guilty. Being on the right is not enough in today’s world. You need to assert yourself. Trust me. I have not come here to request an interview for our channel or anything. All I ask of you is that you break your silence. Cancelling that interview with Raizada sir, has not helped you one bit, trust me!  The only person who can prove you innocent is you! Come out and put your side of the story before the people, and trust me, all this will be cleared! You have my back on this.”

Hridhwaan looked on silently, as Khushi tore a paper from a notepad on the table and scribbled something it. She handed it over to him. “Here’s my promise in written not to play dirty - in short. If I violate any of these then you can take action against me. I hope you will trust me at least now!” she said, with an earnest glow on her face, that even Hridhwaan was forced to believe.

“Why are you helping me?” Hridhwaan said at last. He couldn’t comprehend the reason behind Khushi’s honest efforts, and something in her eyes made him want to believe her and her intentions.

“I trust my instinct, Hridhwaan. And something inside tells me you are innocent. I believe you!” Khushi said, with emotion in her tone.

“Are you sure that he will get help?” Zara asked, clearly concerned.

Khushi smiled and said, “Let’s see who comes in his way, now. Unless he has actually done the act or fathered the child, there is no way he won’t emerge the winner from this mess!”

“That’s impossible!” Zara said, firmly.

“Khushi, I think I will join you,” Hridhwaan said softly, finally seeing a ray of hope, and being motivated by this young and honest journalist’s words.

“Sure!” she said. Khushi seemed distracted as she glanced alternatingly between Hridhwaan and Zara. Suddenly it all seemed to fall into place. Zara’s concern and attachment, his affection… all made more sense. “And Zara, don’t worry,” she continued.  “I agree it’s late but MBC is like the city we live in, Mumbai - it never sleeps. If you want a telecast within the next seventy two hours, we can get it done! Your husband will definitely get help.”

Hridhwaan, being the impeccable actor he is, followed Khushi without revealing how astonished he was, leaving Zara reeling under the shock.

How did she know?

Khushi smiled to herself. Another instance of how her instincts were always right.

~*~

Five days later

“Your name should’ve been Rollerblades! Had someone told me just a week ago that I would manage to clear my name from this controversy, get Sim arrested, and reveal a very personal secret too, I would have thought they were kidding me!” Hridhwaan laughed half-heartedly and sighed. “Thank you, Khushi… I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done! But I still don’t understand why you did so much for me. I am just a superstar.”

He shrugged his shoulders and gave her a puzzled look. Khushi just smiled. “I told you, right...Sometimes involving yourself in other people’s problems, and solving them like your own, helps you get a sense of purpose in life and reduces your own guilt.”

“I understand...” Hridhwaan smiled. “Thank you again, Khushi… You’re almost like family for us, now! But how did you figure out that we’re…” Hridhwaan stopped abruptly and rolled his eyes. With a smile, he continued, “Standing in a news channel’s office, I shouldn’t even utter the M word! Who knows when the news-hungry journalist in you might suddenly spring up?”

“Kuch bhi! It’s just that both of you had a rather pronounced ring mark on your ring fingers. And she does act like your… you know who. So I just made a wild guess.” Khushi shrugged her shoulders while Hridhwaan laughed.

“You are crazy, but thank you,” he said, after a pause.

“I think you’ve thanked me enough! We’ve both just done our job. I don’t think we need to feel indebted to each other! So relax, Hridhwaan!” Khushi said, with a smile.

Hridhwaan suddenly looked pensive. “I don’t know if my fans will continue to love me, now that I have revealed this fact about myself. It does concern me…” he said, pulling out his car keys and heading towards where his car was parked in the private parking lot of the building.

“Hridhwaan, the only people you should be concerned about in this matter should be Zara and your parents. No one else matters. And see, fans are like the sky. Baadal aane se kya aakash chup jaata hai? Nahi na… I know this might prove to be a tough time for you, but trust me, it’ll all be alright again! And anything’s better than being a rapist!” Khushi sighed. “My main advice to you would be to focus on the people who actually matter to you and will always support you no matter what the circumstances are. That’s it.” Khushi smiled. Hridhwaan, touched by the wonderful blend of innocence and maturity in her, gave her a hug.

“Thank you, Rollerblades!” he said, giving her another lopsided grin, while Khushi pretended to faint. “Did Ri just smile at me?! Oh my god!”

“You should be in the movies!” he said, with a laugh. “But on a serious note, Khushi… never let anything, I mean anything, corrupt your sense of justice. All the best, girl!”

Khushi found herself smiling as Hridhwaan drove away. The burden of guilt on her shoulders felt lighter.

~*~

Another person in the same office wasn’t feeling even remotely as happy as this particular junior reporter. Yes, he was proud and happy on having recently conducted one of the best interviews of his career, and yet he had this strange grudge against the actor, the cause for one of MBC’s highest TRPs so far.

But Arnav was unable to enjoy his success, wholeheartedly. He knew he had only her to thank for this entire case, yet he had behaved so abominably with her. He had insulted her, belittled her and her views, and alienated any hope of a reconciliation by not even thanking her after the interview. He had wanted to deep inside, but then, he thought, by thanking her would he not be contradicting his self-made image of an arrogant, ruthless boss, who cared nothing for any person? He had to keep up his appearance.

Rational yet charming, hot tempered yet collected.

That’s what defined Arnav Singh Raizada.

His eyes had narrowed to slits watching them laugh and hug each other a week ago, after the interview.

The smile had vanished from her face when she realised he had been watching her intently for a long while. Of course she had sensed that long before she had turned back and given him a cold, inexpressive gaze… what else would explain her sudden shiver in the blazing heat out there?

But why was he looking at her like that, he had asked himself many a times. Arnav was surprised at himself.

He didn’t like it. Period.

What did he not like?

He was at a loss...once again!

…

It was astonishing how many times the controlled, logical, man with a purpose, Arnav Singh Raizada was finding himself confused and at a loss since he had met this girl!

Khushi had this strange charm about her. She wasn't like other journalists, who maintained a certain distance from all people, and tried to keep their emotions a secret. But boy, she did know her job!

She never had glass facades around her. She was always so genuine and true to her feelings. She followed her heart but didn't let it lead her astray. She connected with everyone as Khushi - a simple girl who wanted to spread smiles and happiness all around her. And boy, did she know how!

Years of experience had taught him to size people up as soon as he met them and group them into categories subconsciously. And invariably, his judgement proved to be perfect.

But for the first time in all these years, he had come across a girl who had broken every stereotype. This girl was different!

She wasn’t the sultry siren he  had expected her to be.

She certainly wasn’t the child everyone thought her to be.

Arnav resisted a smile as he recalled overhearing NK calling her a fangirl of Arnav Singh Raizada.

He hadn't thought seriously about Khushi Kumari Gupta. She had caught his attention right from their first meeting, but he had dismissed her from his consciousness in his usual style. But it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to do that. She was so different in everything she thought and did that he could not help thinking about her.

He hadn’t even thought that she would take his casual behaviour so seriously. He behaved the same way with all his juniors but they did not react like her!

He was not vain enough to not see through himself and the shallowness of his pursuits and achievements in the material world.

But he was proud enough to value what he was today.

Her disapproval at his sharp reprimands, attitude and ethics almost made him recall his earlier self. He admired her for clear sense of right and wrong, patience, perseverance, and strong opposition to all wrongs inflicted on her or other people. She never suffered anything in silence. She raised her voice, no matter what the consequences would be. She wasn't intimidated by anybody. Her confidence would take her heights.

He wondered how she and her ‘Ri’ could become the best of friends in a day. Did honesty and genuine emotions really have more power than bucks passed under the table?

Khushi had conspicuously been avoiding him ever since the interview and that irked Arnav. She couldn't act pricey with him just because he had been a little firm and rude with her! For Pete’s sake, if the editor in chief acted all sugary and sweet and started mollycoddling his reporters, he might as well hand in his resignation and look for a job as a nursery teacher somewhere!

He frowned. No junior reporter came to report to him, neither did Khushi.

Why was it affecting him?

He had known women who deliberately downplayed their beauty, and letting it all loose at an opportune moment to achieve their own ends. Was she one of them?

But a closer view of Khushi’s barely there kohl and gloss and her naivete, put all such suspicions to rest. She was blissfully oblivious of her beauty.

And for a reason not too comforting he was blissfully aware of her beauty.

He was a man. He had always appreciated good looking women. And what was the harm? Wasn't it the most natural thing to be doing?

For a reason unknown to himself, he didn’t want to be in the bad books of Khushi.

She shouldn’t matter to him but she did.

He shook his head in a desperate attempt to gain some control over his thoughts and settled on his chair. Some nagging voice inside told him that he should do some damage control.

For she would be an extremely resourceful journalist in future! Wasn’t that the exact reason Mr. Raizada?

Pleased with his perfect reasoning he rested his head on the chair, trying to avoid answering the other question fast emerging in his mind - how can a budding journalist be of such use?

Of course he knew the answer. He shouldn’t be vain and discount other people’s talent. The more human resource he gathered, the better it would be for his channel.

Totally satisfied with this explanation, Arnav once again tried to delve into his work, when another question plagued his mind.

Why so many explanations for one woman?

Right then Arnav did the most strangest thing in his life, he actually called Anjali, who had just walked into his cabin and had started some mundane conversation, a Godsend for drawing the extremely-strange-schizophrenic-self-talk to an abrupt end. Finally he had something better to do.

Something that didn't involve full cheeks, rosy lips… yeah, Arnav Singh Raizada why don’t you continue the rhyme with eyes are blue?

“I don’t know I am so bloo*y sarcastic, even to myself," he muttered under his breath.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, got him to the 15th fact which he seemed blissfully oblivious to.

He couldn’t help but wonder - was there something between Zara and Hridhwaan?

~*~

“Hey…” Zara smiled at her husband of two months, as he entered the house and gave her a warm hug.

She turned and continued working on  the chicken pilaf she was cooking for the two of them, when she felt two fingers gently removing a few strands of her from her forehead and tucking them behind her. She giggled.

“Looks like the romantic roles have got the better of you," she said.

He frowned. “Can’t I be like this, loving and caring, on my own?”

Zara washed her hands and wiped them on her apron. “I didn’t mean it that way. Just that you took me a little by surprise when you suddenly…” she trailed off, realizing that her words may sour their conversation.

His mild frown transformed into a rather pronounced scowl. “You aren’t happy aren’t you?” he asked.

“No, love, I am very happy. It's just that things are taking a bit of a toll on me," she said, and managed to give him a weak smile. She started to set the dishes, looking and feeling uncharacteristically fatigued.

“Hmm… You haven’t been at the office since the telecast," he said, looking grim. “Are you upset that I disclosed…  I mean do you think that this will have a negative impact on my image?"

There they were, back to being actor and personal assistant. She barely let out that she craved to once again see the passion and love in his eyes, that was so evident when he had proposed to her, inside the janitor closet, and they had together planned their secret little married life.

Their honeymoon period had worn off quite fast. He slowly grew tired of shuttling between two houses, and making sure no-one suspected anything, and Zara’s insecurities had gotten the better of her.

She often felt like Elizabeth who had accepted the first proposal from Darcy.

Hridhwaan stared at his wife, slowly losing herself, right in front of his eyes. Her eyes seemed hollow and she looked more pale and fragile than ever. It was so easy for media to speculate over their lives - didn't they ever think what effects their mindless speculations could have?

But whom was he kidding? His was a life that would be dissected daily on page 3 - he was a superstar, and he had no choice but to go through it. And did he not seek media publicity when he wanted to promote his films? This was a necessary evil of his life as an actor and superstar.

But his wife deserved better. He grew tired of the struggle, but even now, a smile from her made his day. As time passed by, he felt the guilt that she did. He felt them drifting apart day by day, and today he realized, that they were no longer able to have even a conversation with each other.

Had he done the right thing marrying her?

Watching her place the lid on the pan and gently remove her apron, his heart warmed up, yet again, to her.

This was the best decision of their life.

“I'm sorry for getting distracted. Actually, your disclosure hasn't worked at all against you. People are lauding your courage for going public on such a personal matter. And Khushi is definitely doing a good job managing the story. She often sends me little notes updating me on the situation," she said, a soft smile appearing on her lips, as she thought about this little spark called Khushi.

“And I thought it was only me who could bring the smile," Hridhwaan feigned hurt, while Zara’s eyes widened. She curled her fingers around his wrist and hugged him.

“I am tired of seeing you struggling. You should take a break, Ri," she said after a pause. He smiled at her.

“Perhaps the truth is that I am tired seeing you give up so early," he mumbled, as his fingers trailed her soft skin, loving the way the blush crept up her neck, ears and cheeks.

Guilt found Zara again, and she blinked back the rapidly forming tears. "I have always wanted to see you happy, Hridhwaan. That's all. And I won’t give up on us, ever! You know that better.” Hridhwaan cursed himself for hurting her and felt gratitude welling up in him, for the amount of love she gave him.

No prejudices, no pretence. Just honest love.

Did he even deserve it?

“You do…” Zara kissed his cheek while Hridhwaan raised an eyebrow, wondering how she could read his thoughts.

“Thirty minutes before the pilaf  is ready,” Zara added softly. “True, a pity, if I don’t make myself useful in here.”

After a few minutes, there was a soft whisper and shy giggles, as he pulled off her lace.

Not too gently.

“Bora Bora…” Hridhwaan said dreamily, staring  the ceiling, while Zara rested her chin on his shoulder.

She blushed at his reference to their upcoming late honeymoon. She turned to grope for the remote and switched on the television. A rerun of his interview was being played.

Zara sighed at their healing wounds, and hugged him tighter.

The courage her husband had was unparalleled. Why, which star would do what he had done - reveal his most personal secret to the world?

“So, what do you have to say about this mess, Hridhwaan. Honestly speaking, it is a bit difficult to admit but I must laud your efforts in coming public with this," Arnav smiled, genuinely, at Hridhwaan who cleared his throat.

“I can say that I have never seen such an convincing and specious liar before - of course I am referring to Sim. Firstly I was abroad during the entire period, and proof of that has been submitted to the court. I am not insensitive to women, but Sim has no conclusive medical evidence of such a crime having been committed. I have requested for another medical investigation to be conducted. And her claim of being pregnant with my child is laughable. It is just impossible,” Hridhwaan added dryly.

“Why?” A thoroughly curious Arnav asked.

“I'm medically incapable of procreation…” Hridhwaan replied.

“What!” Arnav failed to hide his astonishment.

“Yes, I am infertile."

--------------------

EPISODE SIX

“Miss. Gupta!” Khushi was shaken out of her reverie by his firm voice calling her name. Seated opposite him in his cabin, she bit her cheek, trying to overcome the overpowering nervousness she always felt when around the man who was her once-upon-a-time-crush. It was astonishing, even to herself, how such a dauntless and indomitable spirit as hers was intimidated by him, every time he came face-to-face with her. It had been more than two weeks since she had joined MBC, and she was now quite used to seeing him everyday.

In fact, now her infatuation had pretty much died away. She was so disillusioned by his style of working that she desired no more contact with him than was unavoidable.

But even now, she found it impossible to get over her erratic heartbeats when in his presence.

“Miss. Gupta?” he said again, this time his annoyance more evident. Khushi coughed.

Arnav was puzzled by Khushi’s strange behavior. She had been sitting in silence for the last five minutes in his cabin, totally lost in her thoughts and fidgeting with her fingers. She was occasionally giving him distant smiles, and had not wielded her sharp tongue even once. She seemed so lost in her own world that she did not even answer on his calling her name repeatedly, but yet he could feel her sharp gaze on him.

Having succeeded in gaining her attention, he cleared his throat.

Why did he call her?

Oh to see whether she would talk to you and smile at you, so that the two of you could live happily ever after!

“Shut up!” Arnav muttered to himself.

Khushi stared at him, surprised. “I didn’t even say anything!” She said indignantly, and scratched her head.

“I wasn’t speaking to you!” Arnav scratched his neck to avoid the flush of embarrassment rapidly covering his face, while she looked at him, even more confused.

“You speak with yourself kya?” she chuckled, but abruptly checked it as Arnav glared at her.

“Umm… I wanted to discuss…” Arnav stopped, trying to think of something to discuss. It was one of the most embarrassing situations he had ever found himself in.

“Discuss…?” She prodded him to continue.

Arnav began turning red with embarrassment. He, who was always on top of things no matter what the situation was, was finding himself so helpless and lost!

“How are you?” he said at last, and immediately winced for he realized he had made a complete fool of himself.

“Kya?” Khushi almost screamed, her eyes bulging at his question.

Arnav fiddled with his cufflinks and glared at her “What the! I simply asked ‘How. Are. You?’”

“That, my health… is a matter of your discussion?” She said, too surprised to digest his question.

“Yes, it’s my duty to make the reporters feel comforta…” Arnav made a laughable attempt at redemption.

“Of course, sir! I know the lengths you went to just to make me comfortable here on my first day here. I couldn’t have wished for a more supportive boss. A man of his words, eh, sir?” Khushi said, in an overly sarcastic tone that irked Arnav all the more.

“Here I am trying to have a civil conversation with you, but you seem to spit fire, Miss. Gupta!” he said, losing his cool.

Khushi winced at his tone. She shut her eyes, and counted down from ten to one. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Sorry sir,” she said. “Yes, I am fine. How are you?”

To say he was taken aback by her calm demeanour would be an understatement. “Eh… finel. How’s work?” he said, at last.

Khushi’s mouth remained hanging open at this mundane conversation. What in the world was that man trying to do?! “Sir, are you fine? Kahi… like by chance has someone kidnapped the real Arnav Singh Raizada and replaced you, which is actually not you. Like in the film, Satte pe Satta? You know, ASR and mithaas are not exactly the same thing!” she said, after a pause.

Sarcasm rules!

“What the!” Arnav glared at her and caught the slight mocking smile on her face. “Well, you don’t exactly believe in burying the hatchet, so professional of you Miss. Gupta.” Arnav stood up, and walked over to Khushi, leaning over her chair. Khushi kept her cool and tried to think of her monstrous Buaji to calm her rapid heartbeats.

“I never started anything Mr. Raizada. Like a Laad Gov…”

“What?”

Arnav frowned while Khushi cleared her throat and smiled weakly at him, “Ahem, forget that. Honestly, I don’t see why should I be interested in forming any sort of a relationship with my editor in chief. That we are able to have a conversation, a perfectly civil one, is more than enough.”

Arnav, who was struggling to control his anger, gave up. This woman, a mere junior reporter, was provoking him endlessly! Why he was affected so much by her flippancy, he could not comprehend, but he was!

Khushi had not anticipated an encounter at such close quarters with him. She was visibly unnerved, as she felt his warm breath fanning her face “I don’t understand this “perfect” civility, Miss Gupta,” he said, in a steely voice.

“How does it matter to you? Waise I had imagined to you be my hero, aur kya nikla? A khadoos Laad Governor!” Khushi muttered under her breath and twisted her fingers. From the day she started work till now, not only the hot and cold behavior from him but also his cold being had broken her little dreams and hurt her endlessly.

Forgetting to filter her speech, she replied, "Sir, it's just that I've realized that you aren't as important to me as I had first thought, and moreover, that you aren't that man I had imagined and expected you to be, so..."

“Shut up for one second, if you can, Miss Gupta.” Khushi sat up, startled and realised that she had verbalised her frustration. Gulping slightly, she watched as Arnav dug his hands in his pockets and gave her the ‘I-am-pissed-off’ glare.

“I felt that I was, perhaps, a little too tough on you on your first day, and to make you feel a little more comfortable over here, I thought I would have a decent chat with you, but you, Miss Gupta, fancy yourself to be above all this, right? You want to shower me with all the sarcasm that your little head there can afford you! Suit yourself, then! And I really can't be bothered about you think of me! I don't give a damn about whether I am the man you imagine and want me to be or not. Why, I don't even care about whether you exist or not, and you've just proven that you aren't worth even a second glance."

A deathly silence ensued.

Both looked equally affected. Khushi was deeply stung by this outburst, but what hurt her most of all were his last words - not even worth a second glance. But why was she bothered?

Arnav bit back a curse as he saw sadness reflect in her eyes for a second. What in her made him lose his temper?

Having got over the shock and sadness of the moment, Khushi felt the sting on her pride and self respect. She stood up and fought back. "I don't see why you are interested in a simple conversation with a woman who isn't even worth a second glance!" she said, irate. "I think we have enough work to keep us fruitfully occupied at least through the office hours. I don't see why we should waste our time in each other's presence, when neither of us derives any pleasure from this conversation. Yes, you have succeeded in your motive - you have shown me my place quite well, now. There is nothing further for us to discuss, I presume. You are my senior and I respect you for that. That is all."

Arnav stepped back abruptly, as strands of her long hair brushed across his face as she swiftly turned. In a few quick steps, she had reached the door to his cabin.

Suddenly, she paused. “For a man who doesn’t care about society's opinion of him, it is surprising how a mere reporter's lack of appreciation bothers him,” Khushi said, confusion and triumph reflecting in equal measure in her voice. "Strange!"

Arnav could've banged his head against the wall in that moment.

What the f*** was he thinking!

Wait, was he even thinking? Why were her opinions important?

Unable to find any other reasonable answer to his questions, he reluctantly admitted the truth to himself.

He was attracted to her.

Period.

Trying to divert his attention from his laugh-worthy attraction, he decided to take the next flight to Delhi. Anjali had worked around the bureaucracy and managed to convince the Finance Minister for an interview with him, regarding the central fiscal budget. Since it was just the week before the official announcement of the budget, and pre-budget speculations were filling the air, an interview with the Finance Minister was just what MBC needed to boost its ratings. The interview was scheduled only for the next evening, but Arnav decided to leave immediately. A little time away from Miss Gupta would definitely do him some good!

Arnav was forced to call Arnjali a God-send, yet again!

If Anjali kept doing this, she might get a place in heaven very soon.

~*~

Anjali was peeved off by Arnav’s lack of attention towards her. She was extremely conscious about maintaining her image as a focused and no-nonsense professional, and did not like mooning around men and appearing to be desperate, but Arnav Singh Raizada was not just any man.

He was a magnet - it was impossible not to fall prey to his charms. She had almost thought that things were going her way when he started taking her out on dinners frequently.

But Arnav kept things strictly professional, and not once did he venture into personal spaces. Even Anjali felt utterly powerless in his presence, and none of her usual coquettish ways were at her disposal with him.

Arnav Singh Raizada had considerable shares in the company, so had she. If they came together, they could be the majority stakeholders in MBC, and she could become one of the most powerful women in the field of journalism.

But such ambitions were meant to be a secret.

She put on a fake smile as her handsome but pea-brained boyfriend came into her cabin. She wasn’t unaware of his roving eye or his intermittent casual flings, but she didn’t really care. She wasn’t serious about their relationship, nor had any hopes for its future. He was just a source of entertainment for her. He would bring her gossip from all around the office, fawn over her with his honeyed praises, giving her an ego boost, and of course satiate her desires.

“Hey, sweetheart, how is work?” Aman asked, with a large smile plastered across his face.

Anjali gave him an equally insincere smile, and said, “Perfect! I was missing you terribly… Where were you today?”

“That’s a surprise, Anjali. You’ve almost forgotten that you have a boyfriend, nowadays. What with Raizada sahib all around now!” Aman chuckled, while Anjali snorted in an unladylike manner.

“Oh, please, Aman! You’ve never considered me a girlfriend, or that roving eye of yours would’ve got some rest, so let’s not get into that topic,” she checked him, sharply. “You tell me, how much gossip can you get on that Rawte’s son?”

Aman lazed casually on the couch, and helped himself to a can of chilled beer. “Wants you or Lavanya or basically any woman to interview him! Tharki saala…Oh and yes, I’ve spoken to Partho Maitra, the Nobel Prize winner. He’s agreed to come over for an hour’s chat with us sometime this week,” Aman said, and received an appreciative nod from Anjali in response.

“I’m impressed. So there isn’t anything big this week other than that rape case, that road safety drive and these two interviews, right?” Anjali asked, helping herself to glass of wine.

“Paralympics…We need to keep a watch on that, since India is expected to perform quite well this time,” he said.

“Hmm… that’s good news. Anyways, I am going to my hot tub to get a much needed relaxation…” her hips sashayed as she walked away. She turned behind and tilted her head slightly.

Anjali was no less than a gold hen for Aman. It would seem utterly foolish to give up on her… at least now.

Easing his shirt off himself, he followed suit.

~*~

“No, Nazu, tell me, what do I think of myself? The queen Sheba? For the first time Raizada sir wanted to apologif to me, but I refufed that fol…” Khushi stuffed another pani puri into her mouth and continued pouring out of her woes and regret at having behaved like that with Arnav.

“Khush...” NK’s half tired voice came through the receiver.

“Haan, now you also get tired of me and call me silly for ordering gol gappe in a five star hotel and chomping them with Om Prakash! I know in five star hotels one must chomp on creme brulee or stuff like that but you know that I can’t resist chaat! I’ve been waiting so long for that MLA’s son anyway. And I feel so low after having behaved so foolishly, that I just needed some comfort food to revive my spirits! And anyway, what’s wrong with gol gappe?” Khushi rambled on, while NK listened on in exasperation.

“Khush, topic was ASR, not gol gappe!” NK bit back a laugh, while Khushi faked a sob. “Waise, where are you?”

“At Grand Maharaj. Chal rakh, I’ll send him a sorry message.” Khushi relished the spicy liquid oozing out of the gol gappa, and shook her head.

“OP ji, I’ve paid my bill, you pay your half and wait outside the hotel. I don’t think he’s coming today. We’ve been waiting for two hours, and it’s almost eleven,” she said.

“Arrey, but Khushi ji where are you off to?” OP grumbled at the bill.

“Washroom!” Khushi said, and walked away.

OP shook his head and walked back to where his scooter was parked. “Parking ka yeh hi problem! Hotel kahi toh parking kahi!”

~*~

Having dried her hands, Khushi dialed Arnav’s number. She caught sight of her flushed cheeks in the mirror and chided herself.

She didn’t care about what Arnav said to her, because she was above taking people’s insults to heart. But for her to get anywhere, professionally, staying on the right side of her editor-in-chief was absolutely imperative.

Arnav’s eyebrows rose, as he saw Miss Gupta flashing across his phone. He kicked off his shoes and socks and settled down comfortably on the bed in his hotel room, taking his own sweet time in receiving the call.

He answered her call at last. “Tell me,” he drawled into the phone.

His exhaustion and fatigue disappeared, as he prepared himself for a witty and sarcastic repartee with her.

But all he heard was her quivering voice. “H… help…” Her muffled sobs shook Arnav, and he sat up on his bed, cursing himself for not having answered the call earlier.

“Khushi! What’s wrong… are you fine? What happened…” he asked, worried.

Arnav clenched his fists in frustration as he heard the call being ended, his instincts telling him that something was definitely wrong.

He debated whether he should call her back or not. If she cut the call, was it wise to call her back? Not knowing what to do, he called up NK, from whom he learned that OP and Khushi were at the Grand Maharaj Hotel.

He immediately dialed OP’s number. As he casually turned on the television, the blood drained from his face.

“We have news coming in just now from sources that there has been a terrorist attack at the Grand Maharaj in Mumbai. We do not have any estimates of the damage done as yet, but several casualties…” Arnav sat, shell-shocked, his eyes glued to the screen.

OP was screaming hysterically on the phone, “SIR ji! Khushi andar hai! Main bas abhi bahar aaya… Khu...”

“Khushi…” he whispered.


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Episode Seven
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