Music Of The Heart.

CHAPTER SIX.

*Flashback over*

"Haha. No buaa. We can't kill you. You are our only source of good home-made food, you know that?" Julia giggled, winking at Shilpa Bua.

"So mean." Bua rolled her eyes, chuckling.

"Never mind .. where's Khush?" Julia turned her head sideways looking for Khushi. 

"She's not home. Went to office today."

"What? on Saturday?" Julia frowned.

"Yeah. Can you imagine?" Shilpa bua picked Julia's shoes, keeping them on the shoe rack.

"Aww. Thats bad. She works her ass off for AR. She better get the promotion soon. Or I'll strangle the whole fashion house." Julia sighed. Flipping channels on the television.

"Ofcourse ofcourse. You can do that later, come have dinner first." Shilpa bua called out from the kitchen.

Julia and Khushi loved each other so much, there was no doubt, they could sacrifice their own lives for one another. Shilpa bua's heart filled with love, her eyes moistened. She silently prayed that they remain like this all their lives. Happy and together ..

"Naah. I'll have it later, with Khush." 

*----*----*----*

Nihaal took a deep breathe and entered Arnav's cabin.

He saw, Arnav was busy on a phone call, facing the window. He cleared his throat in order to get his attention.

Arnav looked over his shoulder and gestured Nihaal to sit.

"Okay, Di. Gtg. talk to you later." Arnav ended the call and turned to face Nihaal.

"Was that Anjali di? how is she?" Nihaal started with a light conversation. He didn't want to infuriate him further, by throwing Khushi's topic at his face. 

"Yeah. She's good. She was asking about you."

"Oh. Glad to know." Nihaal smiled. 

"So mate! How have you been? We meet after such a long time." Nihaal leaned back in his chair. While Arnav stood against the table. His arms crossed over his chest.

"So far, so good! What about you?" Arnav was a man of less words. If you wish to start a conversation with Arnav, you need to have a lot of topics in mind already. Or you'll have to just sit there and stare at the wall in front of you. Because there is no way in hell, you can expect Arnav to start a friendly conversation on his own. Point to be noted,we aren't talking about business here. When it comes to business, Arnav suddenly becomes the most talkative man on earth. He can talk about anything and everything, all day long, where business is concerned. 

No body can doubt the potential of this man. NOBODY. He is talented, smart, intelligent, confident, strong and what not. AR is one of the best fashion houses in the entire world. And it would NEVER have been possible, without Arnav. He made this fashion empire successful. He worked his ass off. From the beginning, when every one backed away from the idea, no body supported him, no financial help, NOTHING! But when you talk about strong will power, you'll find the best examples in this man. He built this industry from scratch. Nihaal was proud to call himself Arnav's friend. He smiled inwardly, before continuing the conversation.

"Im good. And so is work. Our deal with Mr. Rupert has been finalised. He is really impressed with our new summer-wear designs. And wants to work on the deal instantly. Our stock market, investments and budgets everything is quite satisfying. Our buyers are increasing every month. Last month Mr. Gilbert came up with a deal, that could boost our entire industry and bring it to a new level. Its all about traditional dresses. He said that people all over the world admire the simplicity of traditional dresses. Considering that you are  Indian and AR's potential and capabilities are excellent, he wants to work this deal out with us. He is ready to pay whatever price we ask for."

"I see. Fix a meeting with Mr. Gilbert. This deal seems very important for AR. We'll take it most probably. How is David's case doing?"

"He is in jail. Two more years of imprisonment. Then he'll be out. But the agencies are going to keep a check on him everytime! Any more signs of crime and he will be in jail for the rest of his life!"

"Hm. Make sure he gets punished for his mistake thoroughly. Betraying AR is the biggest mistake one can ever make! Did they manage to get the money he had stolen from AR? Did they find out who else was involved?" 

"Yeah. 45 lacs. He has returned every single penny. He also confessed that he was not alone in this, there was some guy named George who provoked him to do this. He is the master mind behind all this. It took the police alot of time to find him. He'd been hiding somewhere underground. But luckily they traced him and found him. Now he is rotting in the jail too."

"Good! Now nobody will dare try and cheat on us!" 

"Definitely!" Nihaal smirked. 

Nihaal wanted to bring out Khushi's topic. But he didn't know how to. He was looking at the floor trying to figure out something when he heard Arnav say

"Anything else Nihaal? Everything okay?"

"C'mon, talk to him man. You wouldn't get a better chance! Go on"

Nihaal cleared his throat tapping his fingers on the table.

"Uh .. Yeah. About Khushi--"

"What about her?!" Arnav snapped. 

'Oh boy. Guess, its not going to be so easy talking about her. What have you done princess!' Nihaal sighed.

"Look mate, Im sorry for what she said. I admit she's a bit straight forward but she's really good at heart. Trust me. Im sure she didn't mean a word she said to you." Nihaal tried to explain.

"I don't give a fuck about what she thinks about me. If she thinks im pompous   or arrogant or whatever, I DONT CARE! She's just a fucking employee! Who needs to be treated like one! Her audacity to talk to her boss like that is not acceptable!"

"I know, but --" Nihaal's protest was cut short by Arnav's hard gaze.

"I don't want such irresponsible, careless and lazy people to work for AR who don't understand the importance of punctuality and worth of time! AR wouldn't tolerate this. There are a thousand more people, who actually deserve this job. Who can work their heads off. Unlike her!" Arnav's patience snapped. His teeth gritted. Eyes spitting fire.

Nihaal could listen to whatever Arnav had to say but accusing Khushi of not being good enough and deserving this job was NOT AT ALL acceptable. 

That girl worked harder then any other employee in AR. No body could question her hard work and loyalty to her work. 

"Listen Arnav. You know nothing about Khushi. Okay, I admit that she was not able to pick you up from airport on time but that really does not mean you doubt her work. The loyalty, sincerity and dedication Khushi shows to her work is out of question. Trust me Arnav, when I say, this girl works her ass off for AR. Mr. Ruperts deal? For which we'd been working, since the past 7 years? she made it possible!"

Arnav let out a short laugh as if mocking at Nihaal. 

"Im serious Arnav! Her ideas are absolutely awesome. Mr. Rupert was really impressed with the ideas she put forward for the presentation. My decision to move her from accounts and finance department to the post of Garment Technician has proved to be very good. I don't think any body else would have been able to perform this job with so much hard work and perfection as she does!"

"We'll see." was all that Arnav said at the moment. 

"See you later, mate." Nihaal sighed. Making his way out of Arnav's cabin.

Arnav stared at Nihaal's retreating back. 

'We'll see, how much potential she has! One week Gupta. Just one week. You'll see what you've gotten your self into!"

*----*----*----*

"Nihaal?" Khushi knocked at Nihaal's cabin door.
"Come in princess. You know you don't need to ask for my permission to come in." 
Khushi smiled, entering his cabin and closing the door behind her back.
"So? Is everything okay with that grumpy friend of yours?" she asked, tying her hair in a messy bun.
"Yeah .. he is a little angry with how you talked to him, but don't worry. He'll be okay." Nihaal said, his gaze never leaving the laptop he was working on.
"Yeah .. whatever! When is he not angry, anyway! Always looking for a reason to bark at people. Im glad that he's here just for one week. I can't wait for him to get his ass out of NY!" Khushi muttered.
"How can you say that Khushi? You've just met him. He's not that bad. Trust me."
"GAY ALERT!" Khushi rolled her eyes, smirking.
"Uh .. forget it."
"Hahaha. Okay. Anyways. I came to tell you, that I'm leaving. It's already 15 past 7. See you on Monday!" Khushi hugged Nihaal. Grabbing her hand bag, she turned to leave when she saw  something .. someone, she'd never EVER want to see again. She instantly stepped back as fear gripped her.

'Oh My God! I hope he hasn't heard what I just said. Why Devi Maiyya? Why me? Always?' Khushi swallowed hard. Her whole form trembling and her heart started thumping inside her chest. So loud, that she feared it would burst.

Nihaal looked up to see why Khushi had suddenly stopped talking or walking, when he dropped the pen he was holding onto and stood up himself.

'Uh-oh! Not again! Shit! ASR would be so fucking furious! God save Khushi now!' Nihaal stepped forward, coming to stand beside Khushi. 

"Uh .. hey ASR. You need something?" Nihaal smiled, he could see Arnav's face burning red. 
"Yeah. I wanted to inform you that, Im extending my stay in NY to one month!" Arnav said through gritted teeth. Not even for a second his gaze leaving Khushi's face.
Khushi almost dropped her hand bag, choking on the air she was breathing. Her eyes wide like saucers. Jaw dropped.
"You okay Khushi?" Nihaal kept his hand on Khushi's shoulder. Bringing her out of the shock, Arnav just sent her into.
"Huh?" Khushi blinked several times, her face pale.
"Khushi? Everything okay princess?"

'Huh! there he goes all princess-y again. When is this man going to learn that she is JUST a damn employee!'
"Uh .. yeah. I uh .. I should leave. See you later Nihaal." Khushi was about to go when Arnav stopped her.
"Ms Gupta. It seems as if you are not happy with my decision. Is it?" Arnav smirked. His eyes shining bright with triumph. 

'Bastard! I wish I could swipe that damn smirk off his handsome face. Handsome? Oh God. There you go, again. Stop Khushi. He is trying to make your life hell. Why don't you get it!' 

"Uh.. Noth .. nothing like that. I uh.. Im getting late. Can I go?" 
"Ofcourse you can. I just wanted to inform you that as i'd be staying for a month now, I would need a PA. According to Nihaal you are very hard working, as he tells me. And we don't even have time to look for one, that too just for a month. So, you, Ms. Gupta are going to work as my PA for the next whole month."
Khushi's head snapped into Arnav's direction. She was unable to believe what he just said. 
"WHAAT?! ME? No no no. I mean, why me? There are alot of other people working here. Take .. take Emma. Yeah. She'd love to be your PA. Or Lily? uh .. Veronica?" Khushi was practically shaking out of panic.

'Shit. Shit. He can't be serious' Khushi thought looking at Nihaal desperately, for help. But he looked as much shocked as Khushi. Khushi turned her gaze back at Arnav, searching his face for any signs of laughter. 

'Devi Maiyya please let it be a joke. Pleeeeasee.'

"Thats an order Ms. Gupta! Im not asking you!" Arnav's face was dead serious. 
"But-- but why--" Khushi's protest was cut short when Nihaal nudged her shoulder gesturing her not to argue.
"Very well. Its final then. You are my PA for the next month." Khushi was too angry and too awestruck to argue more. She sighed and nodded her head. 
Khushi walked past Arnav, towards the door.
"Ms. Gupta?" Arnav called out.
Khushi was very very VERY pissed by now! 
'Bloody Hell! Whats wrong with him! Why can't he let me live in peace!'
Arnav walked towards her. Khushi clenched her fists, fury taking over her! Unaware of the fact that Arnav was standing right behind her now, she turned around so fast that she practically tumbled. Khushi closed her eyes tight, ready to hit the ground. She waited and waited.. and waited. But instead of the hard panes of the floor she felt strong yet gentle arms wrapped around her. 
*----*----*----*

Arnav was mesmerized by the beauty of this girl in his arms right now. Her eyes scrunched tight. Her nose.. her small nose, turned red due to .. anger?. His gaze fell onto her pink plump lips. Her lips quivering from the fear of falling. He wanted nothing more then to taste those lips at the moment. He wanted to burrow himself in the delicious scent of her hair. She felt so soft, so fragile in his arms. Something stirred inside his body, while holding her in his arms. He couldn't deny the fact that he was drawn to her, since the time he met her. What was it about her, that made him so .. out of control. He had never felt like this before. What ever it was, it was so fucking strong. He had been in alot of relationships but none of them felt so .. right. He was so lost in her, that he didn't realize Khushi had been holding her breathe all this long.

"Breathe Khushi .." His voice so soft, so gentle. He himself didn't know, from where did he manage to bring out such a voice. He has never used it in years. Hell, he didn't even know he had it .. until today.
Khushi, breathed lightly. She opened her eyes, to see the most glorious sight of the world. Arnav's caramel eyes had turned dark, his jaw firm. His face had left the usual ASR cover, and took over a completely new side. A much softer, concerned side. 
Khushi felt the urge to rub his slightly stubbly cheeks with her palm. She looked back into his eyes. Their eyes locked and it seemed as if everything else faded around them. Everything felt so perfect in each other's arms. 

Khushi's phone vibrated in her pocket, which brought her back to earth.
"Um .. Arnav?" Khushi couldn't even speak, with his deep, penetrating gaze on her.
"Hmm?"
"You can leave me now. Im okay.." Khushi said, her voice so soft. barely audible. If Arnav wouldn't have been gazing at her lips time and time again he would have never guessed what she said. 
Reality struck him hard, and he gruffly left her waist, stepping back. Avoiding his gaze Khushi hurriedly turned to leave when he called her .. again. Khushi stopped mid step. She didn't dare turn this time.
"Be on time tomorrow. As you are my PA, you have to be at the office whenever im here, or whenever I ask you to." His tone turned harsh and serious again.
Being in no mood to argue, she just nodded and left.
Without chancing a glance at Nihaal, Arnav left for his cabin right after Khushi.
'Damn. I knew it! They are attracted to each another! I mean, who the hell takes so much time to steady someone on the ground. Interesting ..'
Nihaal turned around, going back to his laptop grinning.