Chapter 9

First of all, thank you everyone for appreciating the last few chapters and posting such beautiful comments.  I have finally been able to write the next chapter.  
Happy reading everyone!  :)

Chapter 9

Please note I retain sole ownership of all the works of fiction on this blog so please do not reproduce or alter my work and claim it as your own.

NK had once again tried to have Arnav hang out with his friends, but Arnav's moods and temper were both off today. He simply wouldn't hear any of that.  Arnav proceeded with dinner, not speaking unless an utmost need may arise. Vikas and Manorama also sensed the uncomfortable silence during dinner, but both chose to dismiss it as work stress. Arnav sneaked out of everyone's sight after dinner and went to his room.

Arnav simply had to analyze his thoughts calmly, and for that, he needed complete silence. He needed to think about someone, a certain Khushi Kumari Gupta. Yes, he had met her yesterday even, but today was something different. He had his actual direct conversation with her, in fact many for that account.  Presently, Arnav was confused, and it was not because of her, instead it was because of himself. He couldn't understand why whatever she said in a fit of anger reached his heart and made him realize that he was treating others wrong.  He didn't understand why he couldn't stop himself from admiring her cute face in spite of all the anger he was assuming towards her.

Most of all, he didn't understand why, when he knew that she would be leaving, he wanted to meet her himself. He could have just called Aman and let it him know about the meeting tomorrow, but it was like he simply couldn't stop his feet from moving in her direction. Another trigger was also when he saw Aman and Khushi talking through the glass wall. A sudden pain stung his heart, and he raced out of his cabin to be with her with an excuse for the meeting.

Arnav was lying on his bed, a hand under his head, while the other rested on his side. He was looking up at nothingness on the ceiling. He couldn't understand why she even mattered to him. For the most part of the day, he felt that his attitude was the only thing that helped him to keep his sanity playing in front of all.

When Khushi first came in his cabin to hand over her assignments, he was genuinely impressed by her work. Even though her resume showed that this internship is the only actual job-like work she has ever done in her life, her assignments showed otherwise. She did her job as a pro. None of the other interns were able to finish the tasks assigned in such a short period of time, but she had. ASR had always appreciated people who actually made true efforts towards whatever job they may be doing. And then once again, when he had been looking at the next batch she was doing at her desk, he was surprised to see her almost half-way done with that as well. If it hadn't been for his ego, he would have, just maybe, let down his ASR mask and praised her work. But ASR's image simply couldn't have handled that and he obviously wouldn't have wanted anyone else in the office to find out. But somewhere, deep within him, Arnav knew that she is just as dedicated towards her work as he is.

BEEP! BEEP!

Arnav, subconsciously, reached for his phone at the side table. If Arnav had been in his full senses, he would surely have been surprised to be receiving a message at 10:30 pm. But of course, Arnav's senses were a bit flustered since the past few hours. After all, that's why he had been trying to analyze his thoughts since the past half an hour. Arnav looked at the screen of his iPhone: Message from Group Work. Arnav had, just the day before, added all the contact information of the employees into his phone and saved it in a group “Work.”

Aman, you surely are going to get more work tomorrow for disturbing me this late.

Arnav opened the email he had received, only to discover that it wasn't from Aman, but a different employee, kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org .

KKG? An intern? Who would that be?.....Wait....could it possibly be....?

Arnav suddenly sat up on his bed and tightly held the phone. As realization dawned upon him, he immediately opened the emailed to reveal the contents:

From: kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org

To: ArnavSinghRaizada@extreme.ibm.org

Subject: Questions :)

Good Evening, Sir.

You mentioned this afternoon that I should send you all the questions I may have other than already answered from you. Well, I do!  Actually, a lot of questions.

1. Why are you so obnoxiously rude to everyone? Is it a habit or a choice?
2. When was the last time you smiled? Do you have a set time to smile, laugh, etc, (like that one guy I saw in a serial few years back) ?
3. Is work your passion, your obsession, or simply a way to be able to rule over people?
4. Why do you torture poor Amanji the most? I mean to say that there are so many other employees, aren't there? And yeah, I do know that he's your assistant. But give the poor guy a break! You are a new adventure for him as well.
5. If you had to pursue acting, would you love to play the role as "Laad Governor" or "Raakshas"?
6. Do you think the British left you here to rule all Indians on behalf of them after they left the country?

Well, I would be awaiting your reply to these questions. I do have a list of other questions I want to ask, but I would just like to set up a foundation with these. :)

Thanking you sincerely,

Khushi Kumari Gupta

Intern at IBM

“WHAT THEEE!!!!!!!” Arnav almost shouted at the top of his voice. Surely his frustration had been increasing while reading each line, but it had to erupt, didn't it?

Arnav clicked on “Reply” and typed rapidly on the phone screen and clicked the “Send” button. A few curses began to emerge from his mouth, at a low volume just for the sake of the silent night.

Khushi had been pacing around her room from the time she sent the message. Khushi had purposefully waited till past 10 to start on her mission.  It wouldn't have been any fun earlier.   It took her another 30 minutes to finally think through all the questions she wanted to write to him.

That Laad Governor must have received the messages by now. Hey Devi Mayyia, I wish I could see his expressions right now. He must be erupting like a volcano right now. But he deserved all this after the way he had been treating everyone today. And I haven't even asked anything inappropriate. I honestly do want to know all that. But why hasn't he replied yet? I hope he isn't going to wait till tomorrow to blast me for this.

On the cue, Khushi's phone vibrated in her palm. She instantly opened up the reply email.

From: ArnavSinghRaizada@extreme.ibm.org

To: kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org

Subject: Re: Questions :)

Work related questions, Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta! Not nonsensical questions!

Your BOSS,

ASR

Khushi's jaw dropped slightly before a surge of determination ran through her system. She typed on her phone fiercely and hit the “Send” button. Khushi's lips were in a tight line with her nose and ears turning slightly red.

BEEP! BEEP!

From: kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org

To: ArnavSinghRaizada@extreme.ibm.org

Subject: Re: Re: Questions :)

My questions are not NONSENSICAL! How can you say that? These are questions any normal human being would ask any other normal human being by the kind of first impressions set by you, BOSS!

KKG

Vibrate~~Vibrate~~

From: ArnavSinghRaizada@extreme.ibm.org

To: kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org

Subject: Re:Re:Re: Questions :)

When did I ever say that you are a normal human being? In fact, I don't think you are even capable of being anything close to normal.

ASR

BEEP! BEEP!

From: kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org

To: ArnavSinghRaizada@extreme.ibm.org

Subject: Re:Re:Re:Re Questions :)

I don't care whether you consider me normal or not, but you surely are not a human being. Forget normal. You just look like one!

KKG

Arnav gripped the phone tightly in his palm and closed his eyes to control his temper.

How dare she? Fine! If that's what she wants!

He dialed Khushi's number and waited for her to pick up the call.

Khushi was burning in anger. 
How dare he? He may be my boss but he has no right to talk like this!

The sudden, constant vibration of her phone jerked Khushi out of her thoughts. She kept looking at the screen.

Arnav Singh Raizada calling....

She didn't know what to do. The call eventually ended by itself. She breathed a sigh of relief, but her phone vibrated once again to show a new message.

From: ArnavSinghRaizada@extreme.ibm.org

To: kkg_intern@extreme.ibm.org

Subject: (no subject)

Scared much? So, I was right. You are all for talk, but nothing for act!

ASR

Arnav finally had a smirk playing on his lips, content with the message he had recently sent. But the ringtone of his own phone ruined the moment. Arnav knew, without even looking, who would dare to call him. He picked up on the third ring and held the phone close to his ear.

“How could you? What do you think about me? Who are you to say anything about me? You know what? I was the one who was right because you are really not a human being. All you care about is your ego and.....”

“SHUT UP! If it hurts so much to hear about yourself, how do you think I felt about what you wrote? Do you think I enjoy being the way I am? I am who I AM for a reason. You cannot say anything about me without knowing me. Is that understood? I said IS THAT UNDERSTOOD, MISS KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA?”

For once, Khushi was at a loss for words. Not because she was scared of his anger, but because she was seriously affected by the intensity of his words. She knew he was right. If she felt bad, even he can feel bad. How could she forget such a simple thing in her childish act?  She knew that she had to apologize, after all, this was her mistake. A mistake she shouldn't have committed, ever.

A constant beep tone entered Khushi's ears as soon as she came back to reality. Arnav had long disconnected the call, without waiting for her response. Khushi's eyes filled with tears as she continued to look at the screen of her phone.

After Arnav finally said the last word, he was waiting for an argument from Khushi as always, but he instead received silence. A complete silence. A silence which convinced him of the intensity of his words. He had said something he would never say to anyone else. It was simply not what ASR would do. It was what Arnav would do, and he was never Arnav with anyone, besides himself. How could he have said this? Moreover, why did he say it to her? How was he able to?

The few seconds turned into minutes as both simply stilled in their positions, pondering over the last few minutes.

He had been looking at his phone again and again.  Hoping she would call back to bash him.  Wanting to call her back.  But he simply couldn't do anything.  Arnav finally laid back on his bed and closed his eyes, even though sleep had already eluded him.

Khushi sat on the edge of her bed and kept looking at her phone again and again, in the hope that maybe, just maybe, he might call back. She knew he wouldn't, but she still hoped that maybe he would. Just once. Khushi didn't realize when she fell asleep, in an uncomfortable position, on the edge of her bed, but she only knew that she had hurt him.

The next morning – 7:45 AM @ IBM:

Khushi was already waiting at the main entrance of the building. She knew that both of them had to prepare for the presentation for today's meeting. She was supposed to be here at 8:00, but she simply couldn't wait that long. She had woken up as the first rays of the sun entered her room. After quickly dressing up, she had prepared a small size rainbow cake for Arnav. It had always worked with Payal whenever she would be upset. But, she still knew that it wouldn't be enough for him. As Khushi stood near the door with her purse hanging on her left hand and a small box in her right hand, she saw him striding toward the building from the parking lot.

Arnav had only finally drifted to sleep around 2:00 am, while his alarm clock woke him up at 5:30 am. As he was jogging, his mind went back to the occurrences of last night. For some reason, he just couldn't stop himself from feeling guilty. He had always judged a person from one glance and he had judged her as well. He knew that she was innocent, but crazy, naïve, but childish. He knew she didn't mean anything she said to him, then why did he react in such a way? She didn't know anything about him and it definitely wasn't her fault for any of this. She was simply joking with him, trying to annoy him for the past day. Then why did he burst out on her like that? Was it because he wasn't able to tolerate such words from her? But why did Khushi Kumari Gupta matter so much to him? He had dressed up and left KM before anyone could woke up. When he got to IBM by 7:35 am, he simply sat in his car, without moving. He was nervous to go in front of her. In any other circumstances, he would never accept that he, Arnav Singh Raizada, could be nervous, but the truth was that today he was nervous to face her. He finally got out of his car, assuming that she wouldn't be coming until 8:00.

As he walked to the building, the vision in front of him stilled his movements. There she was, standing in all her glory, with a worried expression gracing her snow-white complexion.  She was looking down at her feet.  Dressed in a white blouse and a black skirt, she looked too glamorous for her simple dress. Just by seeing her, a wave of calm wind went through Arnav's heart. Somehow, her presence seemed to be soothing his troubled heart. He simply stood there, admiring the vision in front of him.

Khushi was getting impatient while waiting, when a cool wind rushed toward her direction. She looked up and found Arnav standing few feet away, staring at her. Was that a smile on his lips? A hint of smile began playing on her lips as well. His smile sure was very rare, but it was a sight like no other. His smile was cute and adorable like a baby's, yet charming and enchanting for sure.  All her worries and guilt were set aside because she could only see that smile. How she wanted to do everything in her power to keep that smile brightening his face always? Why doesn't he smile always?

 Do you think I enjoy being the way I am? I am who I AM for a reason.

The memory of his words from last night brought Khushi back to her senses. She knew that he had been hurt in some terrible way to make him like this. Her face hardened once again with the guilt seeping in. She looked away from him. She couldn't look at him and show him her torn face. She needed to apologize. After seeing his smile, she earnestly wanted to make up to him and bring that smile back to his face.  The smile that wasn't a major part of him anymore.  The smile that she wants to see on his face for as long as eternity may be.

Arnav had completely lost track of time, losing himself in the innocence and purity dripping from her face. But he felt something changing in her eyes, something that hardened her serene facial expression. Before he could read what was in her eyes, she looked away. He felt disappointed. But right at that moment, a voice came back in his mind.

How could you?

Even though she had said these words for other reasons, these words only seemed to be haunting him. Her words made him feel guilty for behaving so badly with her. Her words felt as if they were accusing him. Arnav looked away from Khushi and closed his eyes. Moments later, he regained his composure and opened his eyes with a new determination. There wasn't really anything that Arnav Singh Raizada couldn't do. If he has been at fault, he will be the one repenting for it. He will make it up to her.

Arnav's look for the new day: Arnav
Khush's look for the new day: Khushi

So, how was it? I tried to write it bit longer than usual. Tell me what you think about and leave me all your lovely comments below with your IF name.
The credit for Khushi's question # 5 and # 6 goes to Ravneet aka TouchofArhi aka RavneetKaur1PM.  She's the one who suggested those two questions for the update.  Also, the email ids are a work of pure fiction. 
An important note: I won't be updating tomorrow. Busy busy.  The next update may be the day after (Friday) or surely over the weekend!  Thanks to all!

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Please note I retain sole ownership of all the works of fiction on this blog so please do not reproduce or alter my work and claim it as your own.

Arnav sat down on his chair and ran a hand over his face.

“The first assignments of the interns were to be handed over to Mr. Wick.”

“Mr. Wick?.....Sorry.”

Arnav sighed harshly.

“He is the editor-in-chief. As I was saying, when I received the assignments yesterday, I didn't had enough time to go through them. Right then, Mr. Wick showed up and he himself went over all the assignments. He chose you as the leader of the team Extreme and you would be working in league with all of us. Now, Miss Gupta, did I make myself clear?”

“So you mean that I got chosen amongst all four of us?”

“Yes.”

“Yeppppeeeeee!”

Arnav raised his eyebrows as if to say this-is-so-not-your-house.

“Oh sorry! So, does that mean that I will be working with you directly?”

“Yes.”

“So no Amanji to play an in-between role?”

“What the?!” Arnav again sighed. “No, he will be assisting you though when you need him. He will also be working WITH you.”

“Oh, fine then. And also, do I still stay at my cubicle or do I have to be shifted someplace else?”

“No, you stay there. You will be informed where to be present for any meetings etc.”

“Okay. But I still am an intern in IBM, right?”

“Yes. If you have any more questions, Miss Gupta, ask Aman. I have work to do now.”

“Just one last question?”

“Ask.”

“Does this mean that you cannot disqualify me, no matter what the circumstances may be?”

“Yes, you would need to be present for the program.......(Arnav suddenly looked up to find Khushi grinning from ear to ear.) Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta, I am still your boss and you would still have to behave and I can still severely punish you if not disqualify you. Is that understood?”

“But you cannot disqualify me, right?”

“Miss Gupta!”

“Yes or no?”

“I think I made myself clear. Now LEAVE!”

“Oh cmon, can't you say yes just to make me feel nice?”

Arnav gave a bewildered look to Khushi.

“What??? It's not like I am asking you to wear a shirt with Tom & Jerry drawn on it!” Khushi said while rolling her eyes.

“Who are they?” asked Arnav, since he had never really paid attention to cartoons during his childhood.

“Don't you DARE tell me that you don't know who Tom & Jerry are!”

“Miss Gupta, don't YOU dare talk to me like THAT! I am....”

“My boss, of course, I won't forget that. And I don't like Miss Gupta, can't you just call me Khushi?”

“ENOUGH! LEAVE RIGHT NOW OR ELSE YOU'LL REPENT BEING CHOSEN AS THE LEADER!”

Hearing his steel-like tone, Khushi quickly got up and ran to the door and to her cubicle, without even once glancing back. Everyone else in the office suddenly shot their eyes up as they heard a sudden clattering of heels to see Khushi literally running to her cubicle. From her looks, everyone expected Khushi to have faced the wrath of ASR, but of course, no one really knew what actually happened.

A shrilling ring of a phone brought everyone back from the staring game and turn toward the voice. Aman quickly held the phone up to his ear and in the pin-drop silence that prevailed the office at the moment, everyone heard a voice loudly and harshly saying, “GET IN MY CABIN RIGHT NOW!”

Aman quickly placed the phone down and sprinted toward the cabin, having had enough for the day already. While re-stabling his breath, Aman knocked the door only once to hear “Come in” instantly. He entered the cabin and saw ASR furiously typing at his laptop.

“Sir, you called me?”

Arnav shot a deadly glare to Aman.

“If you are standing in my cabin, with my permission, and upon my call, then I think the answer to your question might just be a Yes, right?” Arnav said in a steel-cold tone with a hint of sarcasm.

Aman gulped, noticing that ASR's anger had shot up incredibly since his latest encounter and somehow, he was already able to connect a certain Khushiji with it.

“Sorry, Sir. I am really sorry. I didn't mean to....”

“Just shut it! I don't need another session of sorrys. Just tell Khushi to be here at 8:00 am tomorrow and dismiss her for the day. She can take the next batch home if she wants to, otherwise she can do it tomorrow afternoon.” Arnav said in a nonchalant and a firm voice as he continued to type on his laptop.

Aman jaw dropped open, but he quickly closed his mouth before ASR could look at him. He went out of ASR's cabin, lost in his thoughts. 
Sir wants Khushiji to come early tomorrow and he is letting Khushiji go home EARLY? Wasn't it Khushiji who came out of his cabin, running and scared? And on top of that, he called her Khushi instead of Miss Gupta? Am I missing out on something?
Aman subconsciously walked to Khushi's cubicle while scratching his head to understand the current situation. Khushi was writing an analysis on one of the reports when she saw a very confused looking Aman approach her. Khushi placed her left hand on her cheek while supporting the elbow with her desk, while her right hand sat on the file with the pen entangled in her fingers.

“Amanji? Did you need something?”

“Khushiji, Sir wants you in the office early tomorrow morning.”

“Did he say when I should be here?”

“8:00 sharp. Also, you have been dismissed for the day. But you can take the next batch with you or finish it in the afternoon tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you Amanji, but are you okay? You looked pretty confused when you came over.”

“Yes, I mean, no Khushiji. I am fine. I was just....”

But before he could finish, he saw Khushi's eyes go wide open and she immediately stood up and her warm smile was replaced by slight intimidation. Aman turned around to follow her gaze and found himself looking at ASR, who stood directly behind him with a firm expression.

“Sir, you should have called me. I was just informing Khushiji about....”

“I know. Get back to work. I'll manage her.”

Manage her? Khushiji is such a nice and a friendly person. What does Sir mean by managing her? What is there to manage? I must just be tired of being worked up from the entire morning or maybe Sir is tired after doing all that yelling. Yes, that must be it.  Aman thought while leaving the two alone and walking to his desk.

~*~

Manage? What did he mean by manage? Am I some sort of uncontrollable animal that needs to be managed? This Laad Governor, what does he think of himself?  Khushi thought while glaring angrily at Arnav, who by now was actually looking at the file on Khushi's desk to see how much work was left.

Arnav looked up to find Khushi glaring at him.

“What?”

“You were here to manage me, so go ahead. Even I want to see how you manage me.” Khushi said in a low-whisper so only Arnav could hear her.

“What the?!!! That's not what I meant.”

“Really, so what exactly did you meant, SIR?”

Arnav closed his eyes to control his temper and spoke in a calm but firm voice.

“I have a meeting with Mr. Heinlein at 11:00 tomorrow. You need to be in at 8:00 to prepare the presentation. Mr. Heinlein is one of the investors for the project. And if you have anymore questions, email them to me. Get my email from Aman.”

Arnav turned around and quickly paced to his cabin, not wanting to answer another parade of questions and without looking at Khushi.

Khushi sighed irritatingly and began muttering under her breath. She quickly cleaned her desk and placed all the files in her bag to finish up at home. She went to Aman and got ASR's id. After Khushi left, Aman still was clueless to the turnout of events, and it was not until another one of his visits to ASR's cabin that he actually found out what was happening. ASR had asked Aman to prepare an official letter stating Khushi's acceptance as the leader for Extreme and have it mailed to her address. As Aman left for his desk, he finally had his usual grin pasted on his face, happy for the friendly Khushiji and for himself, since the confusion clouding his efficient brain had finally cleared.

Khushi got home in a frustrated mood, but her face brightened up as soon as she saw her family sitting together, warmly smiling at the childhood videos of Payal and Khushi. Since everyone was busy with the movie, no one noticed her walking in. Khushi sneaked up behind her Bauji and held her hands to his eyes, blocking his views.

“My Gudiyaa!”

“Baujiii, how did you know it was me? I didn't even make noise.” 
Khushi pouted while pulling away her hands and coming in front of everyone's view. Her parents and Bauji laughed at her antics. 
 “Princess, no matter how much you try to hide, your soft hands and your childhood habits are very hard to forget.”

Khushi grinned at her Bauji and hugged him.

“But how come you are home so early today, dear?” asked Amar.

“Actually, I have some great news for you all. But I'll only tell if Maa promises to make me three different types of pakodas today.”

“I surely will if your news is worth it. Now don't be a drama queen and tell us.” Garima said while looking at her daughter fondly.

“I got chosen as the leader of the Extreme team, which is the interns team for the entire program. And as for my coming early, I have to be there by 8 am tomorrow, so I got off early. I am going to do a presentation for one of the investors of the new project.”

The entire family, minus Payal since she was away on her job, were elated by the news. After a shower of kisses, hugs, wishes, and blessings, Garima set off to the kitchen to prepare snacks for everyone, Khushi went to her room to freshen up, and Bauji and Amar went ahead with watching the childhood videos. Khushi joined her Maa in the kitchen and both brought the snacks out for everyone. Sure enough, three different kinds of pakodas were present: paneer pakodas, mix-veggie pakodas, and bread pakodas. Afterward, Khushi went to her room to finish her assignment. After giving the finishing touch to the reports, she was about place everything back in her bag when Payal's voice came from behind.

“Khushiiii, Maa just told me about it. Congratulationsssss!” Payal said while entering the room. Khushi stood up and hugged her sister.

“Thanks Jijiiiii.”

The two sisters chatted the entire time until their mother called them in for dinner. Finishing dinner, both sisters went back to their respective rooms. Khushi quickly prepped her stuff for the morning, not wanting to end up being late. Just as she was placing her files in her bag, a shiny little card caught her attention. It was ASR's business card with his contact information printed in a stylish, yet an elegant way. A mischievous glint flashed in Khushi's eyes and her lips curved up in a naughty smile.

So, how was it?  Leave all your lovely comments and your views with your IF id below. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for what kind of questions you want Khushi to ask Arnav, include them to your comments. But Khushi will also be doing her Sankagiri with Arnav's id. *Hint*  :)

Chapter 7

Hello everyone!
I am back with Chapter 7 for my FF. Read on and see for yourself how it is.  Leave all your lovely comments with your IF name below.

Chapter 7

Please note I retain sole ownership of all the works of fiction on this blog so please do not reproduce or alter my work and claim it as your own.

Sometimes, it takes only one to make a difference.

Not wanting to run into a certain someone, Khushi volunteered to go with Lavanya at her usual time. Both girls made their way out of the Gupta household 25 minutes before 9:00 am. As soon as they entered the building, the quietness of the atmosphere was enough to tell them that something was surely amiss today. Khushi looked around to find a fidgety Aman running from one place to another with a bunch of files in his hands.

Khushi looked at her watch that it was only 8:55 yet, then why was Aman in such a terrible state? As Aman was about to go towards the receptionist to drop some instructions, Khushi stood directly in front of him.

“Amanji, what happened? Why are you working so early? It's not even 9 yet” said Khushi with a worried expression.

“Miss Gupta, actually....”

“Khushiii! I said yesterday as well, my name is Khushi, not Miss Gupta, Amanji.”

“Yes yes Khushiji, Sir is already in his cabin and he's in a very bad mood today. He called me at 7:00 in the morning to be here by 7:30. It's for some new project he's starting. Our floor was opened early just for him. Many other staff/faculty were called in as well. Now if you would excuse me, I have to run about 50 errands before Sir calls me again” said a stressed out Aman with a terrifying look clouding his usual morning grin.

Before Khushi could reply back, Aman had already moved out. Khushi looked back at Aman's retreating back and at Lavanya, who by now had a terrifying look similar to Aman.

“Ohhh Khushi, I am heading to my cubicle. I certainly don't want to get into any trouble with ASR.”

Lavanya also made an escape as Khushi just stood at the same place observing everything.

Till yesterday, everything was fine. What happened so suddenly? It can't be just because of a new project. Why is poor Amanji like this? But what else can that Laad Governor do other than terrorizing people! Huhh. Well, Devi Mayyia, you please stay with me today and keep me away from HIM!

Khushi walked to her cubicle to find the list of assignments stacked on top of a bundle of files on her desk. She looked at the glass wall to ASR's cabin to find him pacing in his cabin, barking unheard commands on his blue-tooth. Khushi angrily glared at him, while he was too busy to notice anything else. 
Raakshas!!!

Arnav felt as if someone had called him and looked toward the glass wall to notice Khushi glaring at him angrily, but then she suddenly looked away, and sat on her chair to fiddling with the files on her desk. Arnav looked back from her and retreated to his call. 
“Yes Mr. Heinlein, I would like to have a conference with all of the directors tomorrow to confirm all the changes.”

And so, the day continued in this flow. While Arnav was bent on making everyone work harder than they were required to, Aman continued to be the scapegoat for ASR's anger while Khushi was determined to finish all the work before the assigned time. Sure enough, Khushi finished the entire stack by lunch time. She looked around to find everyone immersed in work and Aman nowhere in sight. With a confident smile brightening her face, Khushi proudly went to the lion's den herself.

Hearing a slight knock on the door, Arnav spoke, “Come in,” and he continued studying the file in his hand with his back towards the door. Few seconds passed by, no sound came from Arnav or the one who had entered his cabin. Few more seconds, not a single sound. A full minute went by. Arnav finally looked away from the file, raised his eyebrows in confusion, and turned around.

Khushi had knocked the cabin door and heard a response immediately. When she entered, she saw that Arnav had his back to the door. So, she waited for him to turn around and acknowledge her. Few seconds passed and Khushi already began to get a bit impatient. 
No Khushi Kumari Gupta, even you won't speak until His Highness finally gets some time to pay attention! Devi Mayyia, how much is this Laad Governor going to make me wait?

As Khushi was still going on with her conversation, she saw his head moving and straightened up quickly. 
Finally!

“Good Afternoon, Sir. These are all the assignments that were due for today.” She said with a confident smile, even though her heart was banging loudly in her chest.

Even if Arnav was shocked and surprised, he didn't let it show on his face. “Ask Aman for the next batch.”

Arnav took the file she had kept on the table and began to look at it. Realizing that she had still not left, Arnav looked up again.

Khushi kept staring at him with her lips in a firm line.

“Miss Gupta?”

“Mr. Raizada?”

“Excuse me?”

“Excused!”

“What the!”

“Oh, did I say something wrong, SIRRR?”

“How DARE you? Miss Gupta, this is an office and I am your boss here. Learn to talk with the proper etiquette!”

“Exactly, SIR! This is an office where EVERYONE is required to talk with the proper PROFESSIONAL etiquette. The exact thing you seem to be lacking by not acknowledging anyone of their presence or their work. You may be our boss but that does not give you any reason to be rude to us. Even if your mood may not be nice today due to your personal or professional reasons, nothing entitles you to treat anyone the way you have been treating EVERYONE for the entire morning! And SIR, I will have Amanji give me the next batch.”

Khushi left in anger, stomping her heels, without waiting for a reply, or looking back at Arnav's precious expression. No one, absolutely NO ONE, had ever dared to talk in this manner to the ASR. No one had ever tried to teach him something or ever mentioned that he may be lacking anything out of perfect. But today, someone had dared. Arnav wanted to answer back to her, tell her to stay in her limits, but he simply couldn't. He knew that she was right. He did had personal reasons for behaving like a ruthless boss with everyone since morning. Maybe, he even kind of tortured some people. No, not some people, only Aman, since he's the only one who had directly contacted him throughout the day. And Aman hadn't even complained but simply followed each of the orders given to him.

Arnav closed his eyes. He needed to sort his mind before communicating with anyone.

He sat in his chair and laid back his head. The morning events played in mind.

* Flashback *

As Arnav was about to walk out of his room for his morning job, his phone beeped.

Dad calling

A pang of anger hit his heart. Arnav picked up the phone and pressed it against his ear.

“Arnav Singh Raizada”

“Arnav, how are you, son?”

Arnav closed his eyes at the last word. “I am fine!”

“Good. When are you coming back?”

“I am NOT coming back ever!”

Before Angad could answer back, his wife Ananya took the phone from his hand and un-did the speaker mode.

“Arnav, what way is this to talk to your father? We are worried about you. We want you back home. Your father is getting old and he needs his rest. How much more can he do?”

“He isn't old for his business parties, is he now?”

“ARNAV”

“Leave it Mom. I am not coming. Take care of each other like you have always. Goodbye.”

Before Ananya could say anything, Arnav had disconnected the call. He closed his eyes to control his anger. Without giving a second thought to the talk, Arnav went for his jog-less sprint-more. Upon returning, Arnav called Aman and Mr. Guido, and the ASR moved the project which was supposed to be taking place a week later to this very morning.

* Flashback ends *

How could I have done this? I had never lost control, and yet, once again, I did! How could I have let my personal reasons interfere with my work? But that doesn't mean she was right. No! She still had no right to speak to me in this tone. She didn't! She didn't, right?

Khushi went to Aman's desk and asked for the next batch. As soon as Aman handed it to her, she moved back to her cubicle. But anyone could see that she was angry, no, not simply angry, but furious! 
What does he think of himself? It's good Devi Mayyia that you gave me strength to talk some sense into him. Laad governor. Let him think whatever he wants to, at least he would realize how he had been terrorizing everyone. 
Suddenly, a light bulb lit in Khushi's brain and she finally realized what had she done exactly. 
Hey Devi Mayyia, why didn't you stop me? I talked so rudely to him. What if he disqualified me from the internship? He was already so angry and whatever I said must have increased his anger tenfold! Devi Mayyia, raksha karna! Please Devi Mayyia, just save me this one time. I won't do it again. Pleaseeeee?

Before Khushi could proceed with her pleading, Aman came over to her cubicle.

“Khushiji, Sir has called you in the cabin. I think he must be impressed with your work!” Aman said with a friendly smile.

Khushi gave a slight smile and nodded at him. Amanji, only I know how impressed he must be right now!

Khushi reached for the water bottle on her desk and quickly gulped it down her suddenly dry throat.

“Are you fine, Khushiji?”

“Yes Amanji, I'll....I'll just be back.”

Khushi went towards ASR'S cabin, her lips trembling from what might lay ahead of her, her hands folded praying to her Devi Mayyia.

She knocked on the door, once, twice....no response. She was about to knock once again when the door opened and her hand, which was aimed for the door, got mistakenly aimed for someone's chest. Her eyes went wide open to see ASR standing in front of her.

ASR hand-motioned her to enter and signaled toward a blue-tooth attached to his left ear.

Arnav went toward his table with his back towards Khushi. “I'll see you tomorrow at 11:00 am sharp then.....Yes, I'll have that done. Goodbye!”

Arnav turned around to finish Khushi standing near the door. As soon as Khushi saw him looking at her, she went into defense mode.

“I am so so sorry, Sir. It will never ever happen. I don't know what happened. Maybe I was just a bit disappointed that you didn't care about my work. No, no, not that it's your mistake. It's entirely my fault. I shouldn't have thought like that. Stupid me. I am really sorry, Sir. You won't disqualify me from the internship, will you? Please, please don't. I am sorry, Sir. Papa and Bauji are very proud of me for being here at IBM. I can't let them down. I can't be disqualified. I am sooo sorry Sir. Please forgive me. Please?”

Khushi took a deep breath and finally looked up at Arnav. Arnav was literally gawking at her with his eyes open wide and his mouth slightly open.

“What the?!” said a very confused Arnav, drawing his eyebrows together in confusion.

“I said I am sorry.” She said meekly, looking apologetic.

“What? But why?”

“Why?! Well, I was rude to you when I came earlier. You were right. You are our boss and I shouldn't have crossed my line.”

Arnav simply stared at her. He couldn't understand what to do. Be proud that she apologized? Punish her for being rude? Smile at her innocence? Drop the matter?

Arnav realized that while he began staring at her, Khushi had also looked up at him. She was staring at him with worry and confusion written all over her face.

“Hmm. Fine. Sit down.” Arnav said while looking away and sitting himself down in his chair.

Arnav looked back at Khushi to find her standing still at the same position.

“I said SIT DOWN Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta!” gritted Arnav through his teeth.

Khushi quickly paced to the seat, half-stumbling and half-running. She sat herself down and looked at Arnav as if she had just won a trophy.

Arnav just shook his head at her antics and cleared his threats.

“The reason I called you.....”

“Arre, I already said sorry. Why are you still bent on doing this to me? I won't apologize now for being rude because you are being rude without any reason. Fine, I crossed my boundary the last time, but now what have I done? I have already apologized and my Bauji says that if a person asks for forgiveness with a pure heart, one should always forgive them. See, now you should forgive me. What say?”

Arnav just stared at the creature in front of him, trying to understand her, and unsuccessfully trying to finish what he had planned to do so.

“Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta, I have not....”

“You haven't forgiven me yet? What kind of a person are you? How can you not forgive me after I said all that? Not even after talking about Bauji? I said na I am sorry.” Khushi gave him a pleading look.

“Can you keep quiet for two minutes?”

“What? How does that have anything to do my sorry? I am sorry. See, I'll hold my ears if you want. I'll do sit-ups as well, should I?”

“What?”

“Sit-ups?”

“What?”

“Should I do sit-ups to say sorry?”

Now Arnav really lost his cool completely. He stood up, while Khushi threw herself more into the chair slightly trembling.

“SHUT UP! I don't need your sorry. Hell, I don't even want you to say sorry! Now, just listen to me for two minutes without opening your mouth and turning that speaker on.”

“Speaker? But.....”

“TWO MINUTES MISS GUPTA OR I'LL DISQUALIFY YOU THIS VERY MINUTE!”

Khushi nodded her head while staring back at a stern and angry looking boss.

Precap for Chapter 8:

“Miss Gupta!”

“Yes or No?”

“I think I made myself clear. Now LEAVE!”

“Oh cmon, can't you say yes just to make me feel nice?”

Arnav gave a bewildered look to Khushi.

Arnav's look for the day: Arnav's Armani!

Khushi's look for the day: Khushi's professional attire!

Chapter 6

Hello everyone!
Chapter 6 has been updated. Leave all your lovely comments with your IF name and let me know how this chapter was. 
Enjoy <3

Chapter 6

Please note I retain sole ownership of all the works of fiction on this blog so please do not reproduce or alter my work and claim it as your own.

A sudden knock on the cabin door crashed the reality upon Arnav and Khushi's dreamy states. Khushi came out of her shock and a strange sensation filled her body to find the object of her thoughts so close to herself. While Khushi was busy stabling herself, Arnav had successfully pulled the ASR mask and a throaty “Come in” left his lips, though it came out more harsh than he had intended.

An excited Aman entered his boss's cabin to find Sir standing next to one of the interns. Ignoring the confusion as an angry glare came his way from the ASR, Aman greeted his boss. “Good Morning, Sir. The maintenance told me that you were already here. Was there any work I could help with?”

Arnav looked everywhere, other than in Khushi's direction. “Yes, take this intern and give her the work assigned to her.” While saying this, Arnav walked to his table, kept his laptop bag down, and sat on his chair.

“Ma'am, excuse me? Ma'am, Ma'am?” Aman constantly tried to get Khushi's attention who was by now glaring at Arnav.

The audacity of the man! To say that I was thinking about him while he is nothing but a rude and an arrogant person. Laad governor!

Arnav was quietly observing the entire scenario from the corner of his eyes. He could feel Khushi's angry gaze on him, but he was very engrossed in his laptop all of a sudden for the other two present in the room. Arnav didn't want to risk looking up at Khushi, but somewhere deep in his heart, he felt glad that someone was finally daring to show anger towards him.

In an attempt to get Khushi's attention, Aman finally placed a hand on Khushi's shoulder.

“Ma'am?”

“Huhh??” Khushi turned around to see Aman with a confused, but professional, yet scared expression on his face.

“Ma'am, your name?”

“Oh, I am so sorry! I am Khushi....Khushi Kumari Gupta.” She said with a smile brightening her face, trying to hide the embarrassment and awkwardness of the situation.

“Good Morning, Miss Gupta. I am Aman Stephens, Sir's assistant. If you would follow me, I'll show you to your cubicle and give you your assignments.” Aman said, finally having a smile on his face with warm presence of the lady, very unlike the cold presence of his boss.

Aman and Khushi left the cabin.  While Aman looked at his Sir for some sort of permission, Khushi did not even desire to look in Arnav's direction anymore. Aman took Khushi to the cubicle which was assigned to her. Aman had came in early this morning only to organize the cubicles of each of the interns according to the requirements of their assignments. Since Khushi would be majoring in managing most of the stuff with direct help from ASR, she needed to be placed near his cabin. Well, Aman surely wasn't aware of the new developments around the office, so it really was not going to be his fault for any mishaps which may result from this simple action.

Aman told Khushi to wait for a couple of minutes, whilst he go and bring in the assignments given by ASR. Finally, Khushi had her share of privacy. 
Hey Devi Mayyia, here I spent my night thinking what kind of enigma for God's sake his eyes are, and he did not even acknowledge my presence. So much arrogance? Did you forget to add arrogance in anyone else the year he was born that you ended up giving him the share of everyone else as well? Just look at audacity of the man, Devi Mayyia. He could have at least asked me why I was in his cabin in the first place or simply appreciate me for being early. But NO, how could the arrogant snobbish ASR do that?

While Khushi was busy in her “important” discussion with her Devi Mayyia, Arnav was observing her from his cabin. His eyes took in each of the varying expressions dancing on her face. He could see the anger flashing on her face, and he knew who the anger was meant for. He didn't want to be so harsh on her. The only reason he did act in this way was because he had lost control over himself. Arnav Singh Raizada never lost control! He didn't understand why he felt drawn toward her. Why he wanted to be close to her? No, he didn't want to touch her. It wasn't that. Instead, it was the innocence dripping from her face which attracted him. How much he wanted to believe once again that the world wasn't completely materialistic, that there really were people who were kind at heart. 
No, there is no such thing as kind people in the world.  There couldn't be. When my....then.......a girl? No, there is no thing such as goodness in the world. Everyone is here for their own selfish reasons. Yes, that's it!

The ASR rose once again, hiding Arnav beneath several layers of anger and resentment for the world. With that, ASR began to furiously type on his laptop, without much concern to what he really was typing.

~*~

Aman handed Khushi her assignments and explained all the rules and regulations concerning the work. Khushi finally began to lose herself in work, in order to avoid thinking about a certain Laad Governor! Soon after other interns and faculty members began to fill up the place. Khushi simply waved a hi towards Lavanya since she didn't have any time to waste with her current assignment on hand.

After almost two hours, Khushi had typed her first assignment, proofread it, and analyzed it. She handed a copy to Aman since the first day work would be reviewed by ASR himself to choose a leader for the interns team. Khushi finally looked around herself for the first time. Scattered around the office, set near specific sub-departments were other cubicles. Lavanya's cubicle was set near the Finance sub-department, but Lavanya was busy on her desktop to look at her. Khushi finally looked towards Arnav's cabin, when suddenly her eyes fell upon the glass wall of the cabin. Her mouth opened to her favorite “O” shape when she realized the severity of the setting of her cubicle. She was in the complete view of ASR, while she was also able to see him crystal clear, writing non-stop on a file on his table. 
Raksha karna Devi Mayyia! This means he can see me whenever he wants to! Ohhhh, whyyy, why me? But yes, Amanji did say that I would have to work closely with the Laad Governor due to my major. Oh Devi Mayyia, why did you do this with me? Wasn't those five minutes enough with him? How am I even supposed to look him in the eye now? I was literally gawking at him in the morning, and then, I glared at him after his rude talk. Well, he did deserve the glare, but how can I explain the stare? Please, please, pleaseee help me Devi Mayyia.

Khushi once again forgot everything and was busy praying to Devi Mayyia with her eyes closed. Meanwhile, Arnav had finished scribbling his notes, and as he began to look at something on his laptop, his eyes fell on her once again! He could see that she was worried about something and praying earnestly for the same maybe. A smile crept on his face as he looked at her innocent gestures. He simply couldn't help but notice her, lose himself within her.

Well, it is said that if the nature plots something for or against something, there really is no stopping, now is there? Thus the loud sound of the cabin phone ringing woke ASR from Arnav. ASR once again lost himself in the work with a mental note to himself: Avoid a certain something because it's nothing but a plain distraction. And there really isn't time for any kind of distractions now!

For the rest of the day, Khushi and Arnav both avoided each other, while their dreamy hearts would always make them look in the desirable direction, when the other was deeply buried in the “ever-important” work. But of course, their constant fights with their inner-selves continued throughout the day. 
 There were many questions both were unable to answer: Why they were able to see goodness in the other? Why they wanted to see that goodness in the other? Why they wanted to know more about the other? Why they wanted to lose themselves within the eyes of the other? Why they wanted to forget everything they knew and they were taught for each other?

Wanting to avoid an intriguing pair of eyes, Arnav told Aman to dismiss the interns as soon as they finished all three assignments for the day. No matter how much he tried, Arnav did look at a specific someone through the corner of eyes, while she cleared the mess from her cubicle, placed her stuff back in her bag and finally stood up talking to his annoying assistant. For a moment, Arnav couldn't help but feel jealous of Aman. Aman and Khushi seemed to be at complete ease while talking to each other, while Arnav hadn't spoken a single word to her yet. 
No, why should I care? She can talk to anyone however she may wish to. It doesn't make a difference to me. It doesn't! Arnav once again looked away and began to work on the presentation.

Khushi was thanking Amanji for his help on one of the assignments and finally bid him goodbye. She looked at the glass wall to a figure working on a laptop. For some reason, she couldn't stop herself from wanting to have him look at her once. She wanted to see his caramel eyes once again. 
No, why should I care? Why do I need him to look at me, acknowledge me, appreciate me? No no no, I don't want any of that. It doesn't make a difference to me. It doesn't! Khushi walked out with a determination but still lost in her thoughts.

Arnav finally finished his presentation, only to find all interns gone and only few faculty members left. He quickly packed and left the office. Not wanting to go to KM yet, Arnav found a park farther away from KM through the GPS and drove over. He badly needed some time alone to himself. Arnav arrived at the park and got out of his car. The park had few scattered visitors here and there. Finding a lone bench away from everyone, Arnav sat on the bench and placed his head back while closing his eyes.

“Khushi....Khushi Kumari Gupta” Arnav had lost himself as soon as he heard her voice. A gentle, sweet voice. Her face, her eyes....everything was filled with innocence....a purity.  Khushi....happiness....it meant happiness....one thing he had forgot to feel anymore....one thing he wanted so much to give to others.....the only thing he had scarce of....the only thing not meant for him....happiness couldn't be a part of Arnav Singh Raizada's life....NO, he wouldn't let it enter again....it would once again make him go through THAT! It would give way to all other emotions to enter....emotions, the power which can destroy anyone within a second....NO, there is no place for emotions in his life. There is no thing such as emotions. Distraction! That's all it is. ASR would not fall for distractions at any cost. Success and money were the sole powers in the world if one wants to be superior to others. The only way to protect oneself and to place oneself at such a place that no one could reach you, no one could hurt you. NO ONE CAN HURT ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA AND NEVER WILL!