Hey my lovely readers ❤️

I m back with one more delicious update 😋 of this delectable story 😜

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Anjali found her Chhote all lost at the breakfast table. She has been observing him after his unexpected shouting on Adi yesterday at the dinner table.

She had noticed that he wasn't sharing eye contact with her. Even if their eyes met he averted his eyes immediately & now his lost stance is enough to arouse doubt in Anjali's mind.

But she didn't ask him anything as she knows he himself will share with her whatever is there in his heart.

Both siblings share a very close bonding since their mother died. They share almost everything with each other & never hide anything with the other. Even if they hide anything then the other comes to know through their changed demeanor.

Like just now Anjali does. But she will wait for her Chhote to come & confide in her as always.

Chhote tonight there's a party at my friend Mr. Kohli's house. He has invited all of us. Will you three be able to attend it with us?? Arnav's father asked him expectantly.

Not sure about me dad. But still I will try to come. Akki & Adi would definitely join you all. Arnav replied politely to which his brothers nodded their heads in agreement to their bhai's words.

Chachi please don't sent my lunch today. Arnav informed his chachi after completing his breakfast & wiping his face with the napkin.

Why Arnav bitwa?? I mean yesterday you wanted to check the canteen food so I didn't send your lunch. But why today again?? Radhika asked while serving tea to her husband.

Wo... Wo actually chachi I... I have a lunch meet with the CEO of Mehta textiles regarding our next collaboration that's why. Arnav replied standing up & taking his coat from around his chair.

Nobody else but Anjali noticed her Chhote stammer for the first time & this added to her doubts.

But bhai that meeting is on Monday means day after tomorrow. I have the whole agenda with me. Akash said confused, looking at his bhai & Adi as well.

Yes bhai. Its on Monday not today. I think you are confused with the dates. Adi tried to clear his actually not confused bhai's confusion.

Ohh... Did I say I have a meeting with Mr. Mehta ?? Arnav asked back now making others confuse.

Yes Chhote you said that only. Ankush replied sharing a glance with his elder brother.

Oh yes, you are right Adi. I forgot. That meeting is on Monday. Actually today I have the lunch meet with ummm... He paused to remember scratching his stubble haan yes I remember the lunch meet is with the manager of THE DIVAS modelling agency regarding the new showstopper of our next bridal show. He replied with an euphoric expression which actually made him look funny.

Anjali was observing him keenly strengthening her doubts.

Akash & Adi didn't know about this meeting so they & the others bought his lie which they actually didn't know is a lie.

Ok then. Bye everybody. See you all in the evening. Akki Adi come fast I am waiting in the car. He almost jogged out of the door without giving another glance to anybody specially his dii who he knew was eyeing him doubtfully, lest she inquired further more & put him in an awkward situation.

Ok then Akki Adi I will sent only your lunch today. Have it on time. Radhika told her sons & they too left bidding adieu to their family.

Today being Saturday Amar & Ankush are ought to stay home.

Their sons have strictly ordered them that they will attend office on weekdays only & weekends they will stay at home, go out with friends & family & just chill but no office on weekends for them unless their presence is mandatory.

Anjali too left for her college with several doubts in her mind regarding her Chhote's behaviour from yesterday night & today morning.
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Arnav & Aman were going through the budget file for Monday's meeting with Mr. Mehta.

Aman noticed Arnav checking his watch every now & then. Initially he just ignored but when it continued for long then he couldn't stop from inquiring.

ASR, are you expecting someone??

No. why?? Arnav asked back frowning at Aman's irrelevant question.

No actually you are checking the time again & again. As far as I know neither you have any meeting nor you have any appointment. So I just guessed may be you are expecting someone. Aman asked highlighting some points in the file with a highlighter pen.

Ummm... No. It's... It's nothing like that. Arnav stammered for the second time since morning.

Aman though not satisfied, concentrated back in the file he was reading.

ASR I think we need to discuss about the models budget with Mr. Mehta in the meeting. Aman said looking up from the file to find Arnav again checking the time in his watch.

But before he could ask anything, Arnav for the second time since morning found an euphoric moment & exclaimed delightfully. Aman its 1:00 pm.

Not able to decipher the reason behind Arnav's excitement Aman asked him So what ASR??

Its lunch time Aman. Arnav replied still excitement written all over his face.

Aman was very much confused as he has never seen ASR this eager or excited for lunch time.

Although he was a diabetic & very much diet conscious he was never punctual in having his meals while working. Its actually his brothers or him(Aman) who remind Arnav of lunch break & to have lunch. Then why so much of excitement today for lunch?? Aman thought but didn't ask him the same.

Ohkay ASR. I will see if the peon has got your lunch from home. Aman was about to go when Arnav stopped him.

No Aman. I have asked chachi not to sent my lunch today also. Just ask Shuklaji to sent my lunch from the canteen. Arnav replied in a calm voice now but his eyes still held that excitement.

But ASR you tested the food quality yesterday only then why today again?? Aman asked skeptical.

Ummm... Wo.. Wo... I & Arnav Singh Raizada had a hatrick of stammering since morning today.

Seeing Aman frowning in confusion Arnav composed himself & replied sternly.

Aman I am the boss here remember & I am not answerable to anybody. Now do as I say. Ordered Arnav & got back to the file in his hands.

He saw a confused Aman still standing at the door from the corner of his eyes.

You are still standing there Aman. Now move & follow my orders. Arnav said without raising his head.

As if coming out of his stance Aman replied nodding his head Yes ASR. Right away & he left the cabin embarrassed.

After a terribly long wait of 10 minutes there was a knock on Arnav's cabin & with his permission Aman arrived with a peon following behind holding a covered plate of Arnav's lunch & he kept it carefully on the small table near the sofa where Arnav always has his meals.

As soon as the peon left without waiting for a second Arnav excitedly got seated on the sofa & was about to uncover the plate he realized he has an audience who was actually staring at his actions wide eyed.

Composing himself Arnav cleared his throat grabbing Aman's attention on him then his actions.

Aman I guess its your lunch time as well & I am sure you too must be hungry so you can go & have your lunch till I finish mine. Arnav ordered authoratively.

For the second time since morning Aman felt embarrassed infront of his boss getting caught staring him unknowingly.

Yes, yes, ASR certainly. I.. I will leave you to have your lunch peacefully. I will come after lunch hour. Bon appetit ASR. Wishing him Aman rushed out of his boss's cabin to save himself from unexpected embarrassments.

As soon as Aman left Arnav took a deep breath & uncovered his lunch plate & just like yesterday his nostrils got filled with mouthwatering aroma of the food.

Closing his eyes he inhaled more deeply.

Slowly opening his eyes he glanced at his plate.

There was dum-aloo, paneer tikka, roti, steam rice, sprouts salad, curd & nawabi-curry.

Out of all the dishes his heart & mouth just yearned to taste the nawabi-curry first.

Somehow his heart said that this nawabi-curry is made by Shuklaji's niece - the unofficial chef of his company canteen & official recipient of his heart & mind since yesterday after he tasted the pulao made by her.

Taking the curry bowl in his hand he brought it to his nose & again inhaled its aroma & he was damn sure that its made by her only.

Excitedly he picked the spoon & filled it with the curry & put it in his mouth.

The rich creamy curry assorted with vegetables brought the feeling & taste of ambrosia back on his taste buds as soon as it touch them.

The creamy taste of cashew nuts & almond paste was adding more to its rich flavour along with the spices.

He relished its flavour heartily.

He kept the bowl aside & finished the rest of the food first & then again took the curry bowl in his hand, leaned back on the sofa & ate the curry enjoying its scrumptious taste leisurely.

As he finished the curry he licked his lips & smiled in heavenly satisfaction.

He didn't drink water to keep the taste of the yummy curry intact on his tongue as long as possible.

The strong urge to meet the maker of this curry came to the fore but not knowing what exactly he would do or say to her he backed out again like yesterday.
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Arnav with his brothers & Aman was discussing on the plans about the new outlet of their designed apparels in some recently opened malls in Delhi when the peon knocked on the door & with Arnav's permission entered with a tray filled with coffee mugs for them.

Passing the four men with their beverages the peon left & the men got back to their discussions.

As Adi tasted his creamy coffee he squealed excitedly. Wow this coffee tastes so different then our usual yet very delicious. Its just too good.

Hearing him Akash & Aman too tasted their coffees which was similar to Adi's & agreed to his words.

Indeed its very different & tasty. I am so loving it. Akash said sipping his coffee to which Aman nodded his head in agreement after sipping the coffee from his own cup.

Arnav frowned at their words & expressions.

How can their usual coffee taste different today?? He thought.

But just as he sipped his black coffee he couldn't agree more to his coffee mates present there.

His usual black coffee consists of only coffee powder & hot water. But today along with both these ingredients he could taste a dash of cinnamon in his coffee which made it different & tastier then usual.

He was sipping his black coffee enjoying the way it was soothing his caffeine thirsty throat.

I guess its made by Shuklaji's niece.
Aman said which was enough to get back his boss's attention from his coffee ride.

How do you know Aman?? Arnav inquired straightening himself on his chair.

I just guessed it because the taste of our coffees is different from everyday which is made by our regular chefs. Aman replied keeping his mug on the table after finishing his coffee.

Hmmm... Yesterday the tasty pulao & today this delicious coffee. I must say she seems very skillful in cooking. Adi replied licking the coffee from the corner of his lips.

Yes Adi sir. She is a very good cook. Today also she had made a very yummy curry in lunch that I ate more then my usual appetite. Aman said smiling, unknowingly confirming his boss's assumption about the maker of the nawabi curry.

How do you know it Aman?? I mean you bring your lunch from home then how did you taste that curry today?? Arnav inquired scrunching his eyebrows feeling uncomfortable with Aman's reaction.

Actually boss my parents have gone on a religious tour for a few days so I will be having my lunch in our canteen only, starting from today itself. Aman replied making his boss more uncomfortable & restless unintentionally.

Oh is that so!! Then me & Akki bhai missed the nawabi curry. Adi replied pouting.

But ASR did taste it today. Wasn't it tasty ASR?? Aman asked looking expectantly at his boss who had gone stiff at Aman's question but before he could say anything Adi interrupted.

But Aman, bhai had a lunch meet today that's why he had asked mom not to sent his lunch from home. Then how could he taste the curry when he wasn't even present in the office for lunch?? Adi said looking at his bhai & Aman with confused expression.

Arnav again tried to say but got late as he was interrupted by Aman again.

Lunch meet?? When?? How?? With whom?? Aman asked scratching his head, more confused.

Before Arnav could say anything Adi again jumped in between.

With THE DIVAS agency. That's what bhai had said. Isn't it Akki bhai?? Adi said looking towards his Akkibhai for confirmation who nodded his head in agreement.

Arnav gulped hard. He was on the verge of getting caught so he tried to do the damage control but again Aman beat him to it.

No no Adi sir. There was no such meeting. Infact boss was in the office only whole day & he had his lunch from our canteen itself. Aman said confidently. Not wanting to be proved wrong infront of his bosses.

Now Arnav was very much pissed off as he was not getting any chance to do the damage control, also his lie was about to come out in open infront of his brothers & Aman which would be very embarrassing for him so he did what he is best at.

Adi was about to counter back Aman but this time he was interrupted by his bhai himself.

Enough both of you. Arnav said sternly looking at Aman & Adi. I had the meeting but then it got cancelled so I had my lunch from our canteen only. Ok. Is that clear?? Arnav asked arching his eyebrow.

But... Adi & Aman both started together but one look from Arnav & they understood that the discussion is over & they kept quiet.

But I think we have got a very talented chef & we should make her permanent. What say bhai?? Akash who was till now quietly watching the whole happenings asked his bhai.

Yes bhai. Akki bhai is right. We should make her permanant.

Yes ASR I was also thinking to tell you the same.

Adi & Aman replied enthusiastically seconding Akash's opinion.

Looking towards the other three men's excited & expectant faces Arnav gulped his uneasiness.

I will think on it. Arnav replied moving his cup aside & opened his laptop not wanting to discuss anything more on this topic right now.

Ok bhai whatever you decide but I think I should go & talk to Shuklaji's niece & thank her for this tasty coffee. Adi said excitedly pointing towards his empty mug & as he got up from his chair to go, he & the other two men got startled with the sudden loud banging of the laptop being shut hard by Arnav.

Woah... Bhai easy. You scared us. Adi said dramatically keeping his hand on his heart, looking towards equally startled faces of Akash & Aman.

You are not going to meet anybody. As both of your's today's work is over You & Akki are going home right now. Did you forget you have to attend Mr. Kohli's party with rest of our family?? Arnav reminded raising his trade mark eyebrow.

Oh yes bhai. We had actually forgotten. Thanks for reminding us. We will leave right away. But aren't you going to join us?? Akash asked standing up from his seat, collecting his things from the table.

I am still left with some of my work. I will try to finish it soon & join you all. Arnav replied opening back his laptop.

Ok bhai then we will get going. Akash said.

Yeah bhai. Good bye. Hope to see you at the party. Adi said to which Arnav nodded smiling.

Akash & Adi moved out waving to Aman who waved back to them.

Aman sat there waiting for his boss's next orders who seemed to be engrossed in his laptop but in real he was battling with his heart & mind.

His heart won the battle & Aman got his next order from his boss.

Aman I want to meet Shuklaji's niece. Ask her to come & meet me now. Arnav said without looking at Aman, trying to keep his tone casual whereas his heart was doing somersault in his chest on its win.

Aman thought that his boss wants to talk with the girl regarding the proposition made by Akash, Aditya & himself a while ago.

Ok boss. I will sent her to you rightaway. Aman replied & moved out of the cabin to do as asked by his boss.

The wait for Shuklaji's niece was no more then a torchure for Arnav.

Its been just two minutes Aman left but Arnav felt like he is waiting since ages in anticipation.

He stood up from his seat & started pacing his cabin restlessly glancing at the door again & again.

Not able to control his curiosity he moved towards the glass window behind his chair.

He observed the traffic on the road which was comparatively less then the week days being the weekend.

Suddenly he felt a gust of wind carrying some known yet unknown fragrance. His heart started beating loudly & the blood flow increased rapidly through his veins & he just knew she was there, outside his cabin door.

The soft knocks on the door confirmed his intuition.

Composing his restlessness, calming his racing heart, wiping his face with both his hands, combing his hair with his finger tips, fastening his tie knot, straightening his waist-coat he sat on his revolving chair.

Looking down in a file he tried to appear busy.

Come in. His tone polite yet commanding.

The door opened slowly & he took a sharp intake of breath.

Not seeing any further movement he raised his head a bit & two delicate fair feet wearing flat black sandals came into his vision.

He raised his head some more to witness two long delicate legs clad in pink leggings compared with full sleeves white cotton kurti having pink threaded Lucknowi chickenkari work & a pink chiffon dupatta hanging on her right shoulder.

Her fair hands with delicate long fingers were fidgeting with her dupatta showing her nervousness. Only if she knew how nervous he himself was.

These were the same amazingly magical hands which had cooked those tasty dishes & that out of the world black coffee for him.

Good that he was sitting on his chair or he would have fallen on his knees near her feet & would have fulfilled his desire of kissing those magical hands & would have embarrassed himself infront of her in their first meet itself.

Gulping his desires, his molten besotted eyes stuck to her lissome, attractive body.

Her completely covered body was unable to hide her hour-glass tempting figure from his sharp predatory eyes which were memorising every single curve of her body.

Finally he raised his head completely.

His breath left in a whoosh at the sight before him.

His eyes moved from her delectable body to her beautiful face & Arnav Singh Raizada was a goner.

She was beauty personified.

Beautiful beyond beautiful.

Hazel eyes getting covered uncovered with her long battling eye lashes.

Creamy alabaster cheeks bobbing to & fro nervously.

Cute button nose with a glittering, single diamond nose pin.

Perfect bone structure of her chin adding shape to her face.

Perfectly shaped ears adorning simple pink small jhumkis.

Pink rosebud like juicy tempting lips quivering & rising desires in him to suck on them.

Waistlong black hair in a single, thick plait resting on her left shoulder with a few strands of hair falling on either sides of her face.

Long, vase like neck with smooth creamy skin worth a hikey.

With extremely fine features, slender body with attractive curves at the right places, satiny soft flawless skin, she could give a run for money to any model of his company or any of the companies for that matter, at any point of time, any given day.

He saw her pushing her hair strand behind her ears with trembling fingers which he himself wanted to do with his own fingers which were itching to touch her skin in any which way possible.

She was all jittery due to his staring session.

Gathering some courage she raised her eyes to her unofficial employer.

Namaste sir. She greeted him joining her hands together. Her lips trembling showing her pearly white teeth.

Her sweet melodious voice was no less then a heart warming music to his ears.

He reciprocated with a nod of his head but he wanted to hear more of her melodious voice.

What.. He paused to clear his hoarse voice. What is your name?? He asked softly. His chocolate brown orbs looking at her hazel ones in anticipation.

Khushi....Khushi Kumari Gupta. She replied with same softness & a mild smile on her plump lips.

Khushi. He said in his baritone, feeling heavenly repeating her name, aptly kept by whoever named her because right now he was feeling indescribable, immense happiness seeing her, meeting her, hearing her.

Sir, Aman sir said you.. you wanted to meet...me. She asked nervously seeing him going all quiet again.

Yes...No...Yes... I... I mean yes I wanted to meet you. The stammering ASR made a comeback.

She looked at him with interrogatory yet scared eyes.

I just wanted to thank you for the coffee you made today for me, for the Avadhi pulao you made yesterday & for the curry you made today for lunch. I really liked them very much. He appreciated her genuinely making her smile wider.

Her beautiful smile warmed his heart & desires all the more.

She felt at ease knowing that he just wanted to thank her, not scold her.

Oh that's ok sir. You don't need to thank me for that. I am glad that you liked them. As I am not an official employ of yours, I was a bit scared of your reaction before coming here to meet you. She confessed genuinely making his heart flutter at her innocence.

He stood up from his chair, coming around his table, he stood before her at a respectable distance not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable.

You love cooking very much, don't you?? He asked folding his hands, wanting to stretch the conversation.

Yes sir, very much. She replied making him smile at his knowledge.

Sir I hope you don't mind me cooking in your canteen?? She asked skeptically fidgeting with her hands.

No, no that's fine until you cook such yummy dishes for me. He replied with a hint of naugtiness in his voice & eyes, stretching on the last two words.

Thank you so much sir. She replied smiling in gratitude at his generosity, failing to understand the naughtiness hidden in the last two words.

Arnav understood that she is not only beautiful but innocent & naive as well which is actually not good for her in this not so innocent world.

He felt protective towards her.

Khushi felt flustered seeing him all lost & silent, again staring her.

Sir, can I take your leave?? Mamaji (Shuklaji) must be waiting for me. He might get worried. She asked his permission slowly, making him feel important in her life.

Though he wanted to keep her with him for some more time but he knows he can't. So with tight lips he nodded his head in permisson unwillingly.

Thank you sir. She turned around & slowly moved towards the door making Arnav release an upset sigh.

Holding the door knob she was about to open the door she turned her head to look once more at him & smiled.

Arnav who was already watching her every move with hawk eyes, smiled back in return with tender, soft eyes & she left his cabin closing the door behind.

To be continued....

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Kavita ❤️