Chapter 7 - A Delicate White Rose

I know you guys love my Arnav and I love him too, he's my sweetheart :P. But I feel as if I haven't explored Khushi enough yet, so this chapter will provide you with a better insight into her - hence the title: "A Delicate White Rose", because she also has thorns ;)
Warning: no amount of explanation will excuse how stubborn she is, she was born in my mind as a stubborn character and that's just a fact that I've accepted :P x.

~”It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” - Vince Lombardi~

"Arnav?" Garimas worried voice came through the phone.

"Yes Aunty?" His heart immediately constricted, his mind jumping to all sorts of conclusions. Garima didn't usually call him unless something was wrong. He liked her, he saw glimpses of a mother in her, one he had never had.

"Arnav beta, I need to meet you," there was a trepidation to her voice, she sounded troubled.

"Is something wrong aunty, is it an emergency?" His voice was heavy with concern, almost on the edge of panic.

"No no beta, nothing urgent. I just needed to talk to you," Garima smiled slightly, a slow calmness spreading through her at the thought that she would not be alone in this.

"Okay aunty, just tell me the time and place and I'll be there," Arnav finally said, a bit calmer than before.

****

Arnav had his eyes closed, as if he were in pain and sat massaging his temples whilst listening to the chattering voice on the other end of the phone. He would let Lavanya talk today, he was the one that needed the job done.

"So," she finally breathed, "what have you been up to?" The phone was quiet on the other end. "ASR?" She tried louder this time, "are you there?"

Arnav snapped out of his quiet reverie on hearing his name, "oh La sorry I was just quickly glancing through something," he lied not showing that he had no interest in her useless daily activities. "Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself, so when are you coming back?"

Lavanya smiled to herself, overjoyed that ASR at least cared for her, maybe the distance was making him miss her. "Well I'm pretty much done with my shopping so I could come back early if you want me to," she replied gleefully, never one to back away from fulfilling any wish he would command upon her.

Arnav smirked to himself with contempt, he had her just where he wanted. "Oh that would be great La! Works piling up and I dunno it would be great if you could make it back early."

"Aw of course ASR! I'll come tomorrow itself!" She announced, already too excited at the fact that he was possibly missing her company.

"Oh good lord," Arnav though to himself rolling his eyes to the heavens, "No no La don't be silly, have another day of rest and come back the day after," he said, praying that she would agree.

"Oh okay are you sure?"

"Yes La, positive. Now I got to go. I shall see you when you get back. Bye."

****

Khushi paced around her room, forming a plan. She had to do something, she couldn't involve Arnav because Aakash was his brother. She couldn't tell Anjali because she was Aakash's sister. She couldn't tell her mother because she didn't want to create a rift. She would have to plan this out her self.

Now that she thought back on it she didn't even know why she had fallen for Aakash, had she even loved him? If she had would she have been able to make this decision of not marrying him so quickly? "Am I fooling my heart? Oh god heart you are so stupid!" She mumbled, placing her hands on her heart. If Arnav hadn't been so stupid so many years ago this wouldn't have happened. If he still wasn't the ignorant idiot things could have worked out differently.

But there had to be a reason for Aakash's sudden distance from her. For longer than she could remember he had been completely smitten by her. And why was he turning up home in the wee hours of the morning, where was he staying over during the night?

And why was Arnav suddenly so concerned over her relationship with Aakash? Ever since she had announced their relationship to him all of those years ago he had refused to comment on it. Refused to answer any question she would ask regarding Aakash and all of a sudden he was taking such a large interest into their relationship. Why? It had been like an unsaid rule among them, he wouldn't enquire about her relationships and she wouldn't ask about his many affairs or the many women he slept with. She made a face in disgust at that thought and came to a stop in front of her bed, exhausted from asking herself questions that she didn't have the answer to. She sat herself down, sinking into the soft mattress of her bed and sat lost in thought for a few seconds. No plan was coming to her, her mind kept on telling her to ask Arnav for help. "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" She shouted in her head for what must have been the fourth time and brought her hands to her hair pulling at it.

"Do I have no other option but to marry Aakash?" She finally thought to herself. Her father was a man of few words and when he did speak, his word was law. Would it even be right to defy the parents that had taken in an orphan? Heavy tears slowly brimmed her eyes and she let them fall, the frustration and despair bubbling up inside of her, threatening to push her over the edge. She desperately wanted to tell Arnav but she couldn't, she wouldn't! He already had his own problems; a mother that never loved him, a brother that he had never been close to and she didn't want to widen those gaps, she couldn't do that to him. Maybe she should just marry Aakash, he wasn't a bad person, maybe things were just getting a bit too much for him lately. "Urgh!" She exclaimed, flinging herself back onto the bed, sinking her head onto the large plump pillow. She tightened her eyes shut, she would wake up to a decision.

Garima came and sat on the bed, watched as Khushi turned around at the sudden disturbance, sighed then resumed her light snoring. She smoothed the hair back off of Khushi's face, smiling down at the gentle face of her angel. The little angel that her and Shashi had brought home from the orphanage so many years ago. Garima liked to imagine her daughter had her features, even though Khushi was not her offspring, fate had declared her womb unfit to hold a child but it hadn't declared her childless. Ever since that moment when Khushi had ran up to her and entwined her tiny little hand around Garimas finger Khushi had become her daughter. Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked into the innocent face of her only daughter and wiped the tears sliding down her face away. If only she wasn't this stubborn, she thought to herself, if only she would share her pain. She watched as Khushi frowned in her sleep, lightly mumbling something to herself; something she did whenever something deeply troubled her. Garima closed her eyes in prayer and asked for Devi Mayya to look after her Khushi, to make Shashi see reason.

****

"Ma'am I'm here to have a look at the computers."

Arundathi looked the dark, skinny, scrawny man up and down with distaste. He moved his glasses up his nose once more as he continued to smile at her."Look at our computers? I didn't call anyone," She said annoyed, ready to escort him out of the door.

"But ma'am I was told to," he continued, the smile fading as Arundathi began ushering him towards the door.

"I asked him to come." Arundathi's head instantly snapped up to see Arnav walking down the stairs, fixing the sleeves of his shirt. She glared at him then quickly fixed a kind smile on her face, "but why beta? There's nothing wrong with our computers," she said calmly.

Arnav watched her face with a look of dark amusement, "that's okay. The computers in my office are being checked for this new virus that's spreading over networks. I though there would be no harm in checking the ones at home." he replied matter-of-factly.

"But Arnav," she tried to protest.

But Arnav completely ignored her and walked over to the scrawny IT guy, "you can start off with my computer and Hari Prakash will bring the rest of them into my room. Give me a call once you are done," he ordered then walked out whilst Arundathi stood throwing daggers at his back, seething with rage, then stomped off in the other direction ordering Om Prakash to bring her a glass of water.

--

Arundathi sat tapping at the glass of water with her nails, racking her brain as to what the real deal with this computer guy was. A deep fear had once again planted itself in the pit of her stomach, Arnav had the same calculative mind as her husband. She gulped loudly, a shiver once again riding  up her spine.

She stood up suddenly remembering something, her heart hammered in her chest as she started taking shaky steps up the stairs then broke into a run. She ran through her bedroom doors, her eyes searching around for her laptop. Her eyes widened in fear and her breathing increased as she tried to process what had just struck her. "Shit! Hari Prakash!" She screamed, unable to contain her fear any longer.

She turned around, throwing a death glare at Hari Prakash as he shuffled into the room. "Where the hell is my laptop?!" She shouted through gritted teeth. "Ma'am.. woh..." He stuttered. "Answer my question you fool! Where the hell is my laptop?!" She screamed as he shook with fear. "Ma'am woh Arnav sir told me to take it to his room." "Urgh!" She screamed and stomped out of the room, shoving Hari Prakash out of the way.

Her whole body was trembling as she knocked loudly on Arnav's door, he was away, which meant she would be able to make up a lie and take the laptop off of that stupid man. "Damn it open the door!" She muttered through gritted teeth, knocking once more and her eyes widened in shock at the person that opened the door.

Arnav's eyes at first widened in amusement, smirking ever so slightly, he furrowed his brows, feigning surprise and concern. "Is something wrong?" He asked watching a shaking Arundathi.

"I thought you were away," she finally managed to say, whilst calming herself down.

"No I just went out, I came back."

"But haven't you got work today?" She asked a little confused.

"Well I don't have any meetings so I thought I'd work from home," he replied calmly, almost unable to contain a chuckle.

"Oh well erm that's good isn't it," she replied, unable to meet his eyes. "Well I'll send you up a glass of juice," she said whilst walking away, lost in her own thoughts.

Arnav smirked at her retreating back then turned back into the room, closing the doors he spoke to Sushant, the computer hacker. "Check Arundathi Raizada's laptop first," he ordered then walked off and took a seat at his table at the poolside.

****

"Stop! Stop here!" Khushi screamed at the taxi driver and her head banged off of the seat rest as the taxi driver stamped on his break. "Idiot!" She growled under her breath then narrowed her eyes to watch Aakash step out of his office and get into his car. "I want you to follow that car," she then ordered the taxi driver.

"What?" He asked turning around at her bewildered.

"Arrey yar! Follow that car! Don't you guys do this kind of thing all the time?" She exclaimed, exasperated.

"No ma'am," he replied a little amused.

"Oh god!" She exclaimed. "Fine! I'll give you double the fare! Just follow him please!" She exclaimed.

****

Khushi turned the phone on without even looking at who it was, "Hello!" She snapped into the phone gruffly.

"Whoa! Calm down there pumpkin," the voice on the other side chuckled.

She narrowed her eyes immediately, annoyed at him, "Shut up! Why did you call?"

"I shouldn't have called?" Arnav questioned, continuing to chuckle.

She breathed a heavy sigh, lying back on the pillow on her bed, "Hai Devi Mayya!" She chanted, rolling her eyes.

"Aww what happened baby? Did you stub your big toe?" He laughed, annoying her to the core.

"I lost him!" She droned, exhausted, closing her eyes.

"Huh?" Arnav questioned, instantly sitting up.

"Huh?" Khushi replied, as her eyes flew open, "Shit!" she whispered to herself, scrunching her eyes shut as she sat up and thumped the mattress.

"Err, I asked first," Arnav retorted lifting an eyebrow.

"What?" Khushi questioned back, now confusing herself.

"What the! What the hell are you saying? Are you okay in the head?" He half-shouted.

"Shut up Raizada! You're confusing me!" She exclaimed in the end, throwing her hand in the air.

Arnav rolled his eyes not comprehending a word she was saying, "oh whatever Gupta! You know what I couldn't care less. Anyway I need to go out tonight."

"Oh me too!" She exclaimed back almost instantly, her eyes lighting up.

"Well let's go then," he smiled.

"What now?"

"Yes sweetheart! Get your ass outside now!"

"Now?" Her eyes widened as she scrambled out of the bed.

"Yes now! 10 minutes then I'm off!"

Khushi flung the phone on her bed and began rushing around her room, upturning it and sending everything unwanted flying to the other side.

****

"You smell nice," Khushi declared, sipping at her beer as she swung her legs off of the balcony she was sitting on whilst resting her head on Arnav's shoulder.

"I always do," he smirked, resting his head on hers, sending his arm round her and cuddling her to him.

They both sat together like that, in companionable silence, slightly drunk, gazing at the far horizon. Both so unaware of the emotion much deeper than friendship that bound them together. Both hiding that feeling in the depths of their hearts, that they had buried so long ago.

When it's black

Take a little time to hold yourself

Take a little time to feel around

Before it's gone

You won't let go

But you still keep on falling down

Remember how you saved me now

From all of my wrongs 

"Look Arnav!" She pointed, her hand waving about as she attempted to point it at a specific spot in the sky, "look at those two bright stars! Amma and Babuji are looking down at me," she announced smiling in glee. She turned her head to look up at his smiling face, "and I know yours are looking down on you too," she said, placing her hand on his. He smiled down at her, his sleepy eyes twinkling. "You know those two stars next to my amma and babuji, those are yours," she smiled. He nodded back grasping her hand in his, as they both gazed into each others eyes.

If there's love just feel it,

If there's life we'll see it

This is no time to be alone, alone, yeah

I, won't let you go

Say those words

Say those words like there's nothing else

Close your eyes and you might believe

That there is some way out yeah

Khushis eyes suddenly welled up with tears, she quickly turned away, trying to wipe them off. He pulled at her arm.

"Khushi what's wrong?" Arnav whispered as he cuddled her against him once more, looking down at her face. She buried her head in his chest, unconsciously letting herself go.

Open up,

Open up your heart to me now

Let it all come pouring out

There's nothing I can't take

"I need you Arnav," she sobbed drenching his shirt with her tears.

"You know I'll always be there," he whispered back, bringing his other arm round to hold her in an embrace as he kissed her hair.

If your sky is falling

Just take my hand and hold it

You don't have to be alone, alone

I, won't let you go

And if you feel the fading of the light

And you're too weak to carry on the fight

And all your friends that you count on have disappeared

I'll be here, not gone, forever, holding on...

If there's love just feel it,

And there's life we'll see it

This ain't no time to be alone, alone

I, won't let you go

If your sky is falling

Just take my hand and hold it

You don't have to be alone, alone

I won't let you go...

Lyrics credit: I Won't Let You Go by James Morrison. Do listen to it, it's been playing in my car on repeat for the last couple of days and I found that it was actually perfect for this chapter ;) x

Chapter 6 - The Strongest Flame

This chapter is named "The Strongest Flame" because it pretty much focuses on the character of ASR, how much it varies and explores the different shades to it. I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed typing it out ;) x.

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him.” - Sidney Greenberg

Arundathi watched as Arnav strode out of his room and stood at the top of the stairs, his body perfectly erect, every pore in his body screaming out control and it angered her. She watched as he flicked through pages in a file, irritation flashing across his face then quickly closed it and fixed his tie, hurriedly walked down the steps and strode out of the house. He was the mirror image of her husband, the high jaw-line, the commanding stance, the molten caramel brown eyes and the attitude that bowed down to none, so unlike her son Aakash. Things should have worked out differently, she should have gone through things more smartly. But it was still not too late, she would fix it, things would change! She closed her eyes, controlling her anger, the images of the past flashing through her mind once more.

A memory:

Arundathi Singh Raizada sat caressing her bloated stomach, she was 7 months pregnant. Two more to go and she would give birth to the first born Raizada, hopefully a boy to take forward the family name, giving her the deserved respect as the elder daughter-in-law of the family. She watched her husband as he gathered his files and strode out of the room, without so much as a glance back at her. She needed this child; maybe holding the little bundle of joy in his arms her husband would become hers again, leave that worthless whore he had had the audacity to sleep with behind. She would make sure that that woman died along with the dirty child growing inside her. She didn't know Arundathi Raizada yet!

"Mamma!"Anjali screamed snapping Arundathi out of her past. "Mamma! Are you even listening to me? I've been talking to you for the last five minutes!" She exclaimed, bobbing up and down with joy. Arundathi smiled back delicately at her youngest child. Her reckless smile and bubbly behaviour never refusing to calm Arundathi down.

"Sorry hunny, I was lost in my thoughts for a minute there," she smiled, "what's up?" She enquired, placing a hand on Anjali's chin and looking into those glittery eyes.

"Well... I really wanted to go to this party tonight," she chimed, looking away.

"You know you can't go alone Anjali," Arundathi cut in immediately.

"I know mamma!" Anjali jumped in exasperation, "let me finish na," she moaned.

"Yes yes sorry, go on hunny," Arundathi smiled back at her daughter's childishness.

"Well I was wondering if you could ask bhai to come with me, I don't mind, some of his friends will be there too!" She finished off rapidly, one word quickly flowing after the other and Arundathi had to strain her ear to fully comprehend what was being said.

"Well I guess that's okay," she agreed, "I'll definitely ask Aakash for you."

"No mamma!" Anjali quickly snapped, "not Aakash bhai he's so boring and he hardly has any friends," she frowned disapprovingly. "I was talking about Arnav bhai," she smiled brightly.

Arundathi's eyes widened and anger flashed across them instantly. Why was her own daughter so desperately prepared to trust Arnav more than her own brother. Sure Aakash wasn't as approachable as Arnav at times but it didn't hurt to try. She sighed loudly, exhausted with Anjali's behaviour not for the first time. "Well if that's the case then I'm sure you can ask him yourself. He'll probably be more likely to say yes to you." She snapped gruffly and walked away leaving a confused Anjali behind.

"Oh well," she dismissed the situation out of her mind and moved onto planning how she would get Arnav to agree.

****

"Do you know what?!" Khushi screamed pushing back her chair and standing up, glaring down at Aakash, "I don't even know if I want to marry you anymore!" She threatened, pointing her finger at him, trembling with the anger she was feeling at the man sitting in front of her.

He stood up too, suddenly, his nostrils flaring with rage at Khushi for ruining his day, annoyed at his fate for having to pretend to love such a foolish stupid girl. He was done with being calm, with handling her stupid tantrums. "Shut up Khushi!" He bellowed, towering over her. "Keep your nonsense reserved for bhai okay! I don't have the fucking time!"

"What!?"She was irrupting with anger. How dare he? "What the hell did you say?!"

"You heard what I said!"

"How dare you!" She stared him right in the eyes, her hazel eyes scorching with rage. "How dare you bring Arnav in to this anyway! This is between me and you!"

"Put your finger down Khushi! I'm not taking your crap anymore!"

"You are not taking my crap anymore?" Khushi questioned, moving herself away from the table. "You know what Aakash? I'm not taking your crap anymore! This wedding is not happening! I'm sick..." She stopped mid sentence as he grabbed her arm, she yelped in pain as she felt his fingers grind against her bones."Aakash let go of me!" She screamed through the pain.

He yanked her towards him, her fragile body banging into his. "We are getting married!" He growled, his hot breath on her face.

Khushi stood trembling, crouching away from his gaze, her breath coming out quicker.

"I don't care for your decision anymore! We are getting married and that's the end of it!" He screamed then let her go, pushing her away from him and turned round, stomping away from a shaking Khushi.

Khushi watched him walk away, wiping her eyes, shaking with fear. What had just happened?

****

Arnav sat back on his chair, bringing the paper to his face as he scrutinised the highlighted numbers once more. Then he took the phone out, pressing the numbers in a flash.

"Aman?"

"Yes sir."

"I'll send you a list of numbers, I want a trace done on all of them," he spoke into the phone, his eyes calculating as he continued to glance through the numbers.

"Yes sir, I'll get that done."

"Good and one more thing, I want a computer hacker sent to my house tomorrow."

"A computer hacker sir?" Asked a bewildered Aman, not sure what Arnav was up to this time.

"Yes Aman a hacker," Arnav repeated sighing. "Just do what I tell you to do!"

"Yes sorry sir, will get that done."

Arnav replaced the phone and leaned back on his chair, closing his eyes satisfied with the way things were going. He opened his eyes and looked across to Lavanyas empty cubicle, a small smile spreading across his face, thankful that his annoying secretary was away for two weeks. Placing his hands on the desk and smoothly pushing the chair back he stood up and walked over to the large glass wall of his office and looked down at his employees working away, a feeling of contentment washing through him, when he caught a glimpse of a sobbing Khushi entering, and his face immediately scrunched up in worry.

He watched as she smiled to the security guards, nodding a smile and hurriedly wiped her face,she then fixed her hair, sniffed patting her face once more then attempted a few different smiles. Anger sparked in his eyes knowing that she was preparing herself for another lie and knowing who had made her cry. He watched her take slow steps up the winding staircase, her eyes planted to the ground and it pained him. It was like Aakash was on a killing spree with her soul, his darkness was seeping into her bubbly nature and that angered him to the core.He clenched his fists, straining himself from punching his fist into the glass.

He turned round just as she sprang into the room, a wide grin placed on her face and his heart welled up in pain for her. Her smiled faltered slightly at seeing the pained expression on Arnavs face. "What's wrong?" She questioned still smiling and moved closer to him.

"Arrey angry young man! What's up with you? Wrong side of the bed today?" She chuckled placing her hand on his shoulder and he smiled at her, proud of her courage to let go and keep going.

He turned round completely to face her and watched her face for a second and opened his mouth to tell her to give up on the act but then thought better of it. She'd probably make something up or tell him off in return and she wasn't here to see him because of that. She was here because she wanted to forget whatever had happened and because she knew he would always be there. "Something like that," he winked then walked over to the filing cabinet and took out a file.

"Anyways,whatevs, I was bored so..."

"You came over to chew my brain?" He looked back at her and smirked.

"No!"She was behind him in a second, turning him around, "I wanted to go get ice cream!" She jumped with a wide grin on her face.

"Ice cream?" He asked, lifting an eyebrow, "you are aware it's raining?" He smirked at her childishness, maybe Aakash wasn't getting to her after all and if he was he certainly wasn't doing anything to her madness, he thought rolling his eyes to the heavens.

"Don't roll your eyes at me! Don't you know it's best to eat ice cream in the rain? Come on we used to do it all the time!" She exclaimed, and then began to shake him, "Arnav ice cream!"

"Oh god! Let me go you psycho! We'd have ice cream in the rain and I'd always end up with the cold!" He retorted back, attempting to stop her from shaking him like a mad person.

"So? That'll just give you an excuse to stay off of work for a while," she winked.

"You make no sense!" He replied exasperated, removing her fingers one by one off his shoulder then moving her arms away when suddenly she moved back in pain. He watched her face scrunch up then the attempt to hide it with a smile and his eyes widened in shock as he witnessed the bruise on her milky skin. He moved her arm up to his face immediately, taking in the purple and red colouring and he felt the fire of rage consume his whole body. He glared at her for a second, his breaths coming out faster as he took in the fading smile from her face."Who did this to you?!" He growled through gritted teeth.

"No one," she lied, her voice trembling from fear of Arnavs reactions,"I...I," she stuttered.

"Don't lie to me Khushi!" He screamed.

"I'm not lying! It's nothing!" She screamed back, finally regaining her composure, standing tall and looking straight into his eyes.

"What the hell is wrong with you!" He exclaimed, pushing her back, "why the hell are you trying to protect him?"

"I'm not protecting anyone!" She yelled back louder, this wasn't the right thing to say to Arnav, she didn't want to create a rift between brothers, it wasn't right. "And who do you mean by he? Who are you talking about?"She questioned, attempting once more to make up a believable lie.

"WHAT?!"He yelled. "Khushi! Don't give me this crap!" He exclaimed pointing a finger at her, "you and I both know who I'm talking about!"

"Don't talk to me in that tone of voice Arnav Singh Raizada! I'm not your employee!"She growled back at him.

"SHUT UP!" He took a threatening step towards her, seemingly having lost all sense of control.

Her eyes widened and she took a step back, fearing how badly this could go. "You shut up!" She exclaimed pointing a finger back at him. "And I don't want ice cream with a maniac anymore! Let me know when you are done with your bloody man period!" She yelled then stomped out.

He sighed loudly, clenching his jaw and punched the table top, causing the items on it to rattle, then took the glass of water from his table and crashed it to the floor, his blood boiling with anger.

****

Arnav drove with blind rage, the car swerving round every bend, he slammed on the breaks and the car came to a screeching halt inches from the garage gate. He snapped off his belt and flung open the door then getting out slammed it shut. The bruise still played  over and over again on his mind, he scrunched his  eyes shut and leaned against the car, attempting to shut it out.

"I'm not protecting anyone!"

"There is nothing wrong Arnav."

"He's just got a lot going on."

"Sir he meets a woman called Payal."

"Rooms 241, 256, 128 and 176."

"There is nothing wrong Arnav."

"It's nothing!"

"I'm not protecting anyone!"

"Aaargh!"He screamed punching the side of the car, leaving a dent. He pushed himself off of the car and strode past a bewildered Anjali, flinging the door open. He was at Aakashs room within seconds, taking in the surroundings his eyes fell on a shocked Aakash, who watched him with surprise. His jaw clenched as he took in the form of his younger brothers, even looking at him brought disgust. Arnav pounced forward and grabbed Aakash by the collar, kicking close his door. Aakash attempted to escape his grip, flustered at what was happening but to no avail and screamed in agony as Arnav crashed him into the wall. His hot breath on Aakashs face, he watched Arnavs murderous features in confused shock and pain as Arnav gritted his teeth and brought his face closer to his. His blazing brown caramel eyes scorching with rage.

"If you lay so much as another finger on her again, I will personally rip that finger out of it's joint!" He growled through gritted teeth, "Do you get that?!" He slammed Aakashs body into the wall once more and strode out of the room as Aakash slid down to the floor in agony.

****

Khushi looked upon hearing his footsteps then looked away back towards the window again, in a huff, her eyebrows arched and mouth thin in a pout.

"So we are looking away now are we?" His husky voice asked and she continued to look away, refusing to look towards him. "Well I was thinking we could have some ice cream inside and that way I wouldn't even end up with the cold," he smirked at her, amused by her stubbornness that seemed to be getting in the way of everything lately.

She looked back at him through the corner of eyes, then tucking the loose strands of hair falling over her face behind her ears she look away once more.

"Well then I guess I'll just have to have this Baskin Robbins Very Berry all to myself," he continued then took a seat at her desk, slowly opening the lid.

Her eyes lit up immediately, and the tiniest of smiles spread over her lips but she hid it rapidly, not wanting to fall for his tricks. A feeling of irritation flickered through her at the fact that he always annoyed her then managed to force her to forget about it. She stood up suddenly, annoyed and fixed her pair of harems and started to walk towards the door when his strong hand grasped her arm and she stopped, annoyance clear on her face.

He made sure to hold her arm above the bruise, seeing it still made his blood boil and anger momentarily flickered through his face as he thought of the many things he could have done to Aakash for so much as touching her. Quickly brushing the angry thoughts out of his mind, he looked towards her irritated face and smiled at her idiotic pouting. "I'm sorry," he whispered, giving in.

All this feels strange and untrue

And I won't waste a minute without you 

My bones ache,my skin feels cold

And I'm gettingso tired and so old

The anger swells in my guts

And I won't feel these slices and cuts

I want so much to open your eyes

Cause I need you to look into mine

Tell me that you'll open your eyes

Tell me that you'll open your eyes...

His husky voice broke down all her defences, and she couldn't help but break into a smile then fixed it back to a pout quickly and she proceeded to removing his hand from hers then started to walk away.

"Hey I said I'm sorry, god stop being a drama queen," he said standing up, a little bit more annoyed and moved in front of her to block the way.

"Don't call me a drama queen!" She glared at him, "I'm going to get a spoon!" She shouted in his face shoving him out of the way and ran away laughing. Arnav laughed back at her stupidity, "get me one too!" He yelled back.

She stopped in her tracks, "What!? How the hell were you planning to eat that ice cream? With your paws?"

"I thought I'd lick it," he winked.

"Eeeeeewwww!"

"Shut up and bring the spoons before I actually lick it!"

Arnav watched as she rolled her eyes and walked off towards the kitchen. He wanted to jump forward and protect her from the whole world.

Get up, get out, get away from these liars

Cause they don't get your soul or your fire

Take my hand, knot your fingers through mine

And we'll walk from this dark room for the last time

Every minute from this minute now

We can do what we like anywhere

I want so much to open your eyes

Cause I need you to look into mine

Tell me that you'll open your eyes

Tell me that you'll open your eyes...

Garima watched smiling as her daughter who had been in her room crying for the last few hours now ran to the kitchen laughing. She had seen the bruise as soon as Khushi had entered and on questioning Khushi had told her that she was no longer marrying Aakash, which unfortunately Shashi had overheard. Shashis word was always final in the house and he had told Khushi right then that she was getting married to Aakash whether she liked it or not, Khushi had argued, shouted, cried but Shashis word was final and he had stormed out of the house threatening the both of them.

She sighed to herself, it was time to tell Arnav, it didn't matter that Aakash was his brother anymore. She needed someone on her side and there would be no one else but Arnav that would stand by Khushi, she was certain of it.

~ Get up, get out, get away from these liars

Cause they don't get your soul or your fire ~

I wanted towrite more :P but then realised that the update would then end up a bit toomuch on the long side. Enjoy! x

Lyrics credit:Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol - do listen to it, it's perfect! 

Chapter 5 - My Broken Shell

Okay so I know Arnavs a bit scary but his character has many shades and one of them is a bit dark, if it wasn't his character would end up being a lot more vulnerable than I aim to make it ;).

And he didn't end up in two places at the one time, the little **** indicate either a different scene, or a gap in time. So he's sitting watching the video at night after he has dropped Khushi home ;).

She bit into a large jalebi, closing her eyes to savour the sweetness of the syrup that flowed through her mouth. "Mmmm!" Arnav did the same, her expression mirrored in his face, this was the one food they shared the same passion for. "So do you mind telling me why we are randomly out eating jalebis?" She asked licking the syrup off of her lips.

"You'll know soon enough," he replied biting into another jalebi.

"You know we should get separate boxes, you eat like three in the space of time I take to eat one!" She accused, pointing a finger dripping with syrup at him, her eyebrows arched.

"Well maybe you should talk less and eat more then!" He retorted indifferently.

"Shut up!" She slapped his wrist, "why am I here?"

"I dunno. Why are you here?" He questioned back, making a face.

"Argh! You are so annoying!"

"Really?" He looked at her questioningly, cocking up an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes at him, grabbing another jalebi out of the box, then biting into it.

"Khushi," his voice was serious all of a sudden, the dark edge back in his eyes, turning them into a burnt caramel. "What's really wrong?" He was struggling to find the right words, he breathed out a sigh then moved his hand forward to touch hers and she looked up at him, a pained expression taking place on her bright face. "You know, if you'd tell me what was wrong at least I could help you," he finally managed to say.

"There's nothing wrong Arnav," she was willing determination into her eyes, "I wish you would just let it go!" She moved her arm away from his and gripped the edge of the chair, looking away and focusing her eyes on a shell that had fell on one  of the wooden boards. What followed was a deafening silence between the two and Khushi wanted to lash out and smack him. He knew how much she hated his muted waiting, how it made her blurt out things she didn't want to reveal. "And stop staring at me like that! You know I have nothing to say!"

"Okayy, let's pretend for a minute that nothing is wrong," he started, a scary calm to his husky voice, "then tell me Khushi why do I see a jarring distance between you and Aakash? You hardly speak, he's never there. You know I could go on forever," he listed as if he were talking to a client and not his best friend.

She felt his eyes boring into her, taking in her every slight move. This was the Arnav Singh Raizada talking, the one that presented the facts in front of clients and always had his way and she was afraid to look him in the face, for fear of breaking down in front of him.

"He's just got a lot going on and really Arnav if it's not bothering me then it shouldn't bother you," she eventually replied, her voice a lot quieter, still staring at the shell, fidgeting her fingers against the ragged wood of the chair she was sitting on.

He appraised her silently for a moment, giving her the opportunity to let it all out if she wanted to but to no avail. He sighed heavily then, "okay Khushi whatever you like, I need to get going now," he continued, looking at his watch and stood up. If she wasn't going to let him in, he'd have to do what he hadn't wanted to; sort it out himself.

"Are you going?" She asked finally looking up at him, a painfully sombre look to her face. "Yeh sorry, I have a meeting," he said pouting slightly then smiling at her. She returned a tiny forced smile then took her handbag, checking for her keys and began to fall in step with him as they walked out.

****

He looked up to see a very ecstatic Lavanya knocking on the door, he closed his eyes briefly to prepare himself for this meeting, any meeting with Lavanya was exhausting.

"Lavanya stop trying to smash the glass on my door and come in!" He snapped, glaring at her face which refused to break out of a grin.

"ASR!" She almost jumped in through the door, "this is Payal!" She exclaimed, moving back and introducing him to a slender girl with a simple face, her features emphasised by the layers of hair surrounding her face. The simple white blouse and grey blazer on top emphasised her broad shoulders, and the tight pencil skirt hugged her curves, outlining her hips which formed an hour-glass figure. "Well this will be a fun ride," he thought to himself, then extended his arm, grasping her hand in his for a firm hand shake. "Well it's a pleasure to meet you Payal," he said, regarding her face once more, she smiled a curt smiling, only making eye contact for a brief minute.

"So I understand you are looking for an internship?" He began, pulling a chair back for her then making his way back to his own chair. She nodded back, her eyes on the floor. "Okay sweetheart, I'll give you an internship on one condition." He let the words hang for a moment and watched as her face darkened, the smile slowly fading out of her face, he took in the slight tremble of her fingers and smiled to himself, "you'll need to talk some more," he finished off winking, rapidly noticing the relief that spread over her face.

****

"Shyam! Who the hell is dead?! Because last time I saw Arnav is very much ALIVE!" Arundathi Raizada screamed, exasperated into the phone.

"I know ma'am. I only just found out a few minutes ago. I was just about to call you."

"Whatever Shyam! Well it doesn't matter anyway. It's a good thing he's alive, we can't have him dead just yet. I only want him frightened, do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am but..."

"But what Shyam?"

"Ma'am everything we've planned till now has failed somehow, I..."

"Well make sure you plan something that works this time then!" She yelled into the phone then slammed it into the cradle.

****

"Sir, you have three meetings arranged for tomorrow," came Amans voice through the phone.

"Yes Aman, got it. Thanks."

"Sir, another thing."

"Yes Aman?"

"We found out that it was Payal Kashyap that was making the booking."

"Interesting," Arnav replied, twirling the globe of glitter Khushi had given him on the table, "good work Aman, I'll let you know what to do in a few days time. And Aman, another thing."

"Yes sir?"

"Get me the itemised phone bills for everyone in the house."

****

Aakash stormed into the hotel room, having had yet another heated argument with Khushi. He quickly walked over to the table, pouring himself a double shot, then swallowed it, letting the effects of it numb his mind.

"What's wrong baby?" She whispered in his ear, her soft lips brushing against his ear calming his mind. But then the events of that morning came back to him and he instantly turned round, grabbing her by the shoulder.

"Why the hell did you go to meet Arnav despite me telling you not to?!" He questioned, shaking her. She struggled out of his grip then shoved him back.

"Stop it Aakash! I have a degree! I can't sit at home idly all day! If he's giving me an opportunity I'll take it!" Payal yelled back at him, her temper flaring.

He stood glaring at her for a few seconds, "and why the hell is he offering you this bloody internship!?" He growled.

"Because La asked him for one! And no before you accuse me of asking her, I didn't!"

"You are getting yourself into deep waters Payal," his voice was gentle now, he moved closer to her, taking her in his arms, "I just don't want you getting hurt, you don't know what he's capable of," he said moving her hair back, kissing her ear.

"And he doesn't know me yet," she said placing a kiss on his neck.

***

"what does he think of himself? Telling me what to do?" Khushi huffed to herself. "Urgh!" She exclaimed tucking her hair back then grabbing all of her hair back and tying it in a tight bauble. But what he had said was right, he was always right for some reason but Aakash just wouldn't give her the opportunity to speak with him and because of that every attempted conversation turned into an argument. Was she even prepared to get married to a man that didn't seem to have the time for her anymore? But it will pass, she pacified herself, he'll get into a rhythm at work and then be able to accommodate her again. "But... Maybe I should talk to him," she said aloud.

"Aakash we need to talk. Not on the phone but in person, tell me the place and time and I'll turn up," she spoke out the words as she typed them into a text, "please," she added at the end and pressed send. "There. That'll work," she smiled pleased at herself.

Garima watched from Khushis doorway as her daughter sent a text to Aakash. She had never liked him and no matter how much sweet talk he attempted she still couldn't get herself to come to terms with him as her future son-in-law. Her husband wanted them married and that was for his own gain. The Raizadas were big influential people, association with them would bring her husband a better name in the field but was it really worth the unhappiness of their only daughter.

Then there was Arnav, he would keep her happy, it remained a mystery to her why they were so close yet love never seemed to have blossomed between the two. It made her wonder.

****

Arnav walked out from behind the pillar as Aakash entered room 128 and smirked to himself. "Aw brother how naive you are," he tutted, "you should have known surprise is an element that'll never be on your side when you play with Arnav Singh Raizada." He sauntered past the room, a morbidly amused expression to his face, it was time to bring in the knights...

Chapter 4 - Floating Dreams

You see the world in terms of what you would like to happen, not what actually does. - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.


"La?"

"Yes sir? What can I do for you? Did you get my text?" Her voice rattled on through the phone. Arnav rolled his eyes, the smallest breath of space and there was no stopping.

"Can you please stop!" He exclaimed into the phone, he did not have the patience for her at this point in time.

"Sorry sir!"

"La you said you had a sister that was looking for an internship. What was her name Pam something?" His voice perfectly masked his suspicion.

"Oh yes! Payal!" Lavanya beamed into the phone, suddenly feeling a bit too happy at Arnav Singh Raizada remembering something about her life.

"Payal," he emphasised, as if it had only just come back to him and his eyes lit up with that victorious glint. "Yes that's right. So?" He let the word hang in the air, giving her the opportunity to grab the chance.

"Oh my ghosh ASR!" Lavanyas voice was filled with joy. "You'll give her an internship?! Are you serious?! Can I pinch myself?" She was now bouncing up and down her chair, her hands waving about in an animated fashion.

"Well you can if you want to, he chuckled lightly. "But yes tell her to come over to my office tomorrow. And La?"

"Yes ASR?!"

"Get that grin off of your face and get back to work!" He snapped, returning back to his business tone and with that he replaced the phone in its cradle, a satisfied smirk now taking place on his face.

****

"Hellooooo!" She exclaimed, seating herself in front of Arnav, who looked up at her face then back down towards his file, smirking in the process.

"Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Well as your brother does't seem to have the time of day for me I thought," "You'd come and stalk me?" "Shut up! I'm not stalking just visiting!" He flitted his eyes up at her, amusement adorning his face.

She smiled a brighter smile at him, the edges of her eyes crinkling with the effort, "So?" She mused extending her arm out and placing her hand on his, momentarily pausing his writing, "if you aren't too busy, can we go somewhere?" He heard what she was trying to make it out to be and what it really was; a desperate plea, the dejection clear in her voice.

"Sure just let me finish off and then we'll go somewhere," he smiled at her, placing a genuine smile on her face.

"You know, you should have a word with Aakash, not one of those ear drum bursting sessions you had yesterday but an actual conversation," he said, not taking his eyes off of the page, wanting the fiasco over sooner rather than later.

"Arnav, we do have conversations you know? He's just busy," came the reply, as she pouted slightly.

He looked up pointedly at her, a little annoyed at what she had just said. He wanted to ask her if she was blind, if it would kill her to look at the non-sunny side of things for a change, but instead swallowed the words down. This was her coping mechanism and sometimes it was just best not to interfere with her emotions. "Do you really? And what the hell is it that he's doing exactly?" He asked instead, his left eyebrow lifted in question.

"Yes we do!" She slammed her palms of the desk, standing up, then continued to stare straight into his bewildered eyes which were staring right back at her. "And he's working for you! You should know! You are the one that's making him work so hard!" Her voice was getting louder, the tears just beneath the surface. "You know Arnav, I only wanted to hang out! It doesn't give you a ticket into my personal life!"

He pushed the chair back abruptly, anger flaring through his eyes and stood up to look down at her, having now lost the minuscule amount of patience he had had. He was in front of her within a mere seconds and grabbed her by the shoulders, she winced from the pain and looked up into his eyes which had taken on the colour of charred coal. "Why don't you stop hiding things behind that perfectly shiny happy cloak of yours and tell me what the hell is actually going on?!" He barked, glaring down at her eyes that were glazing over with pain.

"And why don't you stop acting like a beast and let my arms go!" She exclaimed looking him straight in the face. She struggled in his tight grip, hot tears steadily making their way down her face as his grip tightened then almost immediately let go. He turned away from her, clenching his fists.

"I'm sorry Khushi, I just..."

"It's okay Arnav. Never mind I don't want to go anywhere anymore I'll see you later," she cut in, wiping her tears with the back of her hands and turning round to walk out.

He let her go, refusing to look back at her. She needed the time to think, there was something severely wrong and he knew how to make her tell him.

****

"Sir, room 241, 256, 128 and 176. He alternates between those one."

"The same ones? And why does he alternate?" Asked a curious Arnav, noting the numbers down then folding the piece of paper in to a tiny square then dropping it into his wallet.

"I don't know sir. But that's the information I've managed to get so far. He leaves around 9am on most days."

"And what time does he get there?" His voice was lightly on the side of agitated, why did you have pull information out of people these days? Even the ones you paid?!

"It changes everyday sir, sometimes it's as late as 5am sir."

He nodded absorbing the information and calculating his next move. "Good work Aman, keep the work going and let me know if you find anything new," he said on his way to ending the conversation.

"Sir! There's something else," Aman cut in hurriedly.

"What is it Aman?" Arnav was quickly losing patience for Amans slow answers and closed his eyes awaiting this new information, stroking his temples from exhaustion of a very long day.

"Sir a man was found lurking around under your car in the parking lot, we managed to catch him but he's not uttered a word since."

Arnavs eyes flew open, he sat glowering into empty space for a few seconds, that same raw rage consuming his whole being. "Where's the man now?" He asked through gritted teeth, the anger flaring out of his every pore.

"He's sitting in the security point sir."

"I want you to put him in my car. Get him to drive it. Follow him from behind and film it. I'll wait with a bucket of popcorn tonight. And Aman, get my other car ready, it was high time for a new one anyway!"

****

"Khushi! Arnavs here! Come out of your room!" Garima thumped on the door. Khushi took the pen off of the journal which she had been writing in and turning her head back towards the door shouted back, "Tell him to go away! I don't want to see his face!"

"Aunty tell her if she doesn't come out I'm breaking down the door!" She heard him shout from somewhere in the lounge, the humour back in his voice. She frowned and looked back towards her journal mumbling back to herself, "what does he think of himself! Urgh! Ass! Thinks he can man handle me!" She could hear their hushed conversation behind the door and it irritated her. Her mum never seemed to enjoy talking to Aakash, always questioned his every word, whereas with Arnav it was almost like he was a son. But then again, Arnav would turn on the charm immediately, it was always difficult to escape that, hell, it was what she had fell for so many years ago. "Urgh!" She groaned again shoving the thought out of her mind.

"Khushi! Open the goddamn door otherwise I'm breaking in!"

"Go away!" She screamed then stuffed her head in a pillow.

"On the count of three! One! Two!"

"Oh my god!" She screamed flinging the door open. "First you man handle me! Then you threaten to break my door open! FREAK!"

"Yes yes I'm all evil, mean and threatening. Now if we are done with this little rant of yours, want to head out Beauty?" He smiled, already walking in.

"Fine! I'll grab my bag as you'll probably kidnap me otherwise anyway!" She shouted, giving in then stomped off to grab her things. He watched her smirking, a familiar glint sparking his eyes.

"Where's your normal car?" Khushi questioned as soon as she stepped out of the house, curiously eyeing the lamborghini aventador that Arnav only brought out on special occasions. "I wanted to make up for our little break up this morning," he winked. "Oh whatever!" She rolled her eyes, ignoring his sweet talk, "do you know what? I don't think I even want to know!" She retorted yanking the door open.

"Hey! Be gentle! Don't take your revenge by woman handling my baby!" He laughed.

"Don't woman handle my baby," she mocked annoyingly, "just shut up and start driving the car loser!"

"Okay there cat woman don't get your claws out on me now," he laughed throwing his hands back in defeat.

"So where are we going exactly? Typical Arnav Singh Raizada, a drink in a club?" She rolled her eyes, still looking away from him, straight ahead.

"No actually," he replied, getting in and turning towards her, "I thought you might like to help me pick out my new car," he said smiling slightly, knowing his best friend inside out, already reading her reaction.

She jumped around immediately in her seat, clapping her hands together, her face brightening up with the largest of smiles, "oh my ghosh! Yey!" She yelled engulfing him in a bear hug.

****

"WHAT?!" He's dead?! Can you not do anything right Shyam?!" Arundathi Raizada screamed into the phone, panic already taking over.

I'm sorry ma'am, I don't even know what happened," came the voice through the phone.

"Well you better find out!" She bellowed, breaking into a cold sweat, her fingers shaking from the fear. "Get the job done Shyam and get it done fast! I can't afford to waste anymore time!"She cut the call off not knowing if she had the energy to say anymore and popped two sleeping pills into her mouth, followed by a large glass of water, which she drank down in a frenzy, then began pacing her room.

****

Arnav sat in the dark, his legs out and crossed on the large coffee table as he sipped his scotch. He watched as his SUV went and crashed then burst into flames on the screen. A dark chuckle rippled out of his throat as he took one last sip, savouring the rich flavour in his mouth.

And he was still only using his pawns, they didn't know how well Arnav Singh Raizada played chess, especially when the pieces were humans.

Chapter 3 - When Angels Fall

"Tu hi mera mera meraaaaa! Tu hi mera mera meraaa! Tu hi meraaaaaa!" She blared out the song whilst driving, her head nodding to the tune, the music blasting out of the speakers.  She looked to her side mirror when she saw a large SUV quickly drive past her and then a streak of black in front. Khushi stamped on the brake and the car came to a screeching halt as the large black SUV swiftly cut in front of her and entered through the gate. She sat for a moment, throwing daggers at the four-by-four that had nearly caused her to crash, "urgh!" She screeched to herself, re-started the car and manouvered it in through the open gate, just as he stepped out, still in the white shirt and blue chinos from the night before, he slowly walked infront of the car, stood himself mid-centre and took his aviators off, smirking at her angry face. She narrowed her eyes at him then slammed her foot on the accelerator. He jumped back slightly, putting his arms up in surrender as she braked inches away from him. She slammed the car door shut and stamped up towards him, grabbing him by the collar. "You are such an ass!" She screamed. "I love you too," Arnav laughed back. 

"What time do you call this Raizada? And slow down! My legs aren't a mile long!" She exclaimed as he slowed his pace, letting her fall into step with him. "And why are you coming home now? Shouldn't you have been over last night?" He questioned her back, cocking his right eyebrow up. "Aakash doesn't go into relationships just for the fuck, like some people!" She snapped back. "Ouch!" He laughed, "you are mistaken babakins. I don't do relationships I only go in for the fuck!" He winked and laughed. "Oh my ghosh you are so disgusting!" She rolled her eyes and pushed him before entering the house. Her eyes automatically searching for Aakash, her eyes taking in every inch of the grand interior, but he was no where to be seen. She walked off towards Aaakshs bedroom. 

****

"I want his each step watched," Arnav spoke into the phone, "I don't know what he's doing but I want his each breathe tracked you hear me?" His eyes wear dark, calculative as he spoke the instructions into the phone. The person on the other end acknowledged knowing that a tiny mistake could cost his life. 

****

Khushi walked straight into a dancing Anjali who had been walking backwards, with her earphones plugged into her ears. "Khushi!" Anjalis innocent face burst out into a smile. "Hey," Khushi smiled, a frown on her face. "What's wrong KKG?" Anjali questioned, her face changing to one of concern. "Nothing, just wondering where Aakash is," she replied, pursing her lips together, letting her eyes glance around the house once more. "Oh I haven't seen him since last night, wasn't he with you?" She winked. Khushis eyebrows furrowed and her eyes darted around as she processed what Anjali had just said, unable to fathom what his repeated absences could mean. Aakash had dropped her home last night saying he was heading straight home, so where had he gone?

****

"Baby? What's the deal with this. I'm tired of being the second woman in your life," she purred into Aakashs ear then bit his ear lobe. He rolled her over, moving her hair out of her face and bit her lower lip, his hand roaming over her body and stopping at her breasts, carresing them gently. "You know you'll always take first place in my life sweetheart," he whispered into her ear. She smiled back at him softly, lightly giggling before she brought her lips to his and kissed him passionately. He pulled away slightly, to look her in the eyes, hers looking into the depths of his, "just a short while more Payal," he whispered, kissing her gently on the forehead.

A memory:

A sixteen year old Aakash stopped in his tracks, hearing the harsh, deep voice of his father speaking to someone else. He had just come back from boarding school and ran up to meet the only person remaining; his father but everyone knew you didn't disturb Avinash Singh Raizada when he was in the middle of a discussion, or in the middle of anything for that matter. He quickly turned on his heels to walk off when his ears automatically tuned in upon the mention of his name. "I want everything written in Arnavs name Mr Roy, because lets face it, with the way Aakash is growing up he'll never be able to handle anything properly." "But think about this rationally Mr Raizada," the other mans voice cut in, "they are brothers after all." "No Mr Roy he's too soft, not responsible enough. But Arnav, I know him inside out." "But..." "End of discussion. Just do what I've told you to do."

That had been eight years ago, now his father was dead. He knew where his brothers weakness lay and he now owned that weakness. It would only be a matter of time before he would twist it to his own need, before his brother would come crashing down for that one person. 

****

"Where have you been?!" She shouted as soon as he entered the house, her pointed finger shaking, her cheeks flushed red with anger and her lower lip trembling with the effort. Aakash took a step back, his mind abstractedly moving towards his perfectly formed plan, fear planting itself in the pit of it stomach as he felt it take a small lurch. He hurriedly composed himself, "what are you talking about?" He asked, keeping his face a picture of calm. "I'm talking about your constant sleeping away from home! The fact that I've come down to spend more time with you and not only do I never seem to know where you are but you don't seem to want to spend time with me either!" She screamed, her words echoing over the expanse of the Raizada Mansion. Aakash stood for a second, forming the right words to reply to her questions, the situation suddenly proving to be much more difficult than he had anticipated. 

"What the hell is going on?!" The voice boomed down the stairs as Arnav walked out, an angry glare on his face as he took in the squabble down below. "Nothing bhai, just Khushis impatience," Aakash replied, his voice still calm. "Impatience? IMPATIENCE!" She bellowed, the degree of annoyance she felt towards him increasing by the second. "How dare you?!" She took another step towards him as he took one more back. "Khushi stop, stop," Arnav came down the steps towards her, sending his arm around the front of her waist and dragging her back. "No Arnav! I want an explanation! What is going on here?" Arnav could hear the light tremble in her voice, how she was breathing faster now. "No Khushi. I've just been busy, there's a lot of work on my mind," Aakash lied, knowing anger was not the way to deal with her, he still hadn't played his move. Arnavs eyes lifted up to Aakashs, taking in what he had just said, then quickly flickered them back towards Khushi. "Khushi please, stop being stupid," the annoyance resurfacing now, he put his hand forward to rest on her shoulder but she moved back, sniffing and trembling in her attempt to conceal her tears. "No! I'm not being stupid! When I was in Aberdeen you'd call me so rarely. Then I came down here to spend more time with you and what do i get in return? This shit?! I'm just sick of having to constantly make the bloody effort!" She screamed in between sobs, the tight grip of Arnavs hands giving her confidence. Arnav sighed heavily, "Aakash I think you should just leave, let things cool off for a while," he said, his voice cool and in control causing the both of them to stare at his face. Rage flashed through Aakashs eyes as he composed it once more, "sure bhai," he agreed, feigning a concerned glance towards Khushi then walked back out of the door. 

"Khushi, are you okay?" Questioned a concerned Arnav, his voice low and husky. She closed her eyes, opening them back up as she moved herself out of his hold. "Just leave me alone for a little while," her voice came out a barely audible whisper as she timidly walked away.

****

Arundathi Raizada walked out onto the terrace, turning around one more time to make sure no one was around. She swiftly took out her phone, dialing the unsaved number. "Shyam. He's here. I want the work done and I want it done soon." She spoke into the phone, a low edge to her voice. "Are you sure ma'am," his raspy voice came through, "what about the will?" "Just put the first parts of the plan into action, I'm still working on that part." She ended the call.

****

Arnav stood at the french doors, his chocolate brown eyes melting with pain as he watched her quietly sobbing at the pool edge, letting out a sorrow she had held in for a long time. 

You will fly and

You will crawl

God knows even angels fall

No such thing as you

Must stay on

God knows even angels fall...