Hey dearies...

I m back with a new update 😃

Thanks to all those lovely readers who voted & commented on the previous update 🙏

In the previous update I asked u all to guess that how would Arnav meet Khushi the next day being a Sunday. I had also left a hint for u all in the chap.

Many of u tried to guess but

rupakukku  & user14608721

only these two could guess the perfect answer 😃

Well done Rupa & Fateema 👍 &  those whose guesses weren't right, still wanna thank u all for ur indulgence in the story 😘

Now enjoy the update....

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Arnav was descending the stairs, all ready for office with his laptop bag in his right hand & his eyes on his watch on his left hand wrist.

It's nine already. The canteen staff must be already there & so must be her as well, KHUSHI. The name itself was enough to accelerate his heartbeat & make his senses alongwith his heart fly to his company's canteen even before he reaches there in flesh. He  smiled incredulously, shaking his head at his own unbelievably weird thoughts.

His musings got interrupted as he crashed with his dii who was coming towards him with the arti thali in her hand.

Careful Chhote. Anjali said splaying her palm on Arnav's chest stopping him in his hurried, unwatched steps.

But due to the sudden halt their foreheads banged with each other & all of that particular Lucknowi chef's thoughts flew out of his mind when he heard his dii hissing & rubbing her forehead with her free hand.

Immediately keeping his laptop bag on the floor Arnav held his dii's head from back with his one hand & with other hand he started rubbing her forehead, unmindful of his own pain.

I am so sorry dii. I didn't see you coming & I just banged into you. I am so sorry. Is it paining a lot?? Shall we go to the doctor?? He asked still rubbing her forehead, worry etched on his face for hurting his dii, unintentionally though.

Anjali slowly removed his hand from her forehead.

No Chhote. She said shaking her head sideways. Its not that painful & no need to feel guilty as it was accidental. She smiled, knowing her Chhote's nature of feeling guilty for even a tiny bit of hurt caused by him to any of his family member.

But did you get hurt more Chhote?? She asked now rubbing his forehead which was a bit red due to the hit.

Arnav removed her hand. Dii, your Chhote is very strong to feel such minor hits & pain He said smirking.

Yeah, yeah I know. She said twisting her mouth.

By the way where were you lost that you didn't see me coming. She asked lifting her eyebrows, forwarding the arti plate towards him, putting him into a fix with her question unknowingly.

Arnav circled his hand over the diya,  two-three times more then usual buying time to think of some valid reason as he can't tell his dii that he was lost in a certain hazel eyed girl's thoughts.

He cleared his throat before looking back at his dii who then fed him some prashad from the plate.

Wo dii, I was thinking about the important meeting I am going to attend in the office today. He lied & then looked at the direction of their temple & sent a swift apology in his heart to devi maiyya for lieing while having her prashad.

Meeting?? today?? Anjali frowned & then looked at her Chhote from head to toe who was all ready in his office clothes.

Chhote, you are going to office today?? She asked with somewhat shocked expressions.

Now Arnav got confused.

Dii, you look shocked as if I said that I am going to the borders for war & not to the office where I go daily. Arnav said chuckling & then bent to pick his laptop bag.

Office?? On Sunday!! Anjali asked back to her Chhote making him drop his laptop bag back on the ground with a thud startling Anjali.

Su...Sun.. Sunday?? Arnav whispered. Shocked.

Yes, Sunday. Anjali repeated nodding her head confirming him.

He closed his eyes in exasperation as he suddenly remembered that they had been to the party yesterday night on Saturday so it is indeed Sunday today which he had very conveniently forgotten due to the longing of seeing & meeting the Lucknawi beauty.

Chhote... Anjali called him waving her hand infront of his eyes seeing him lost thinking something.

Arnav looked at his dii who was now throwing a scrutinizing gaze at his already stumped face due to the new found knowledge of today being a Sunday. A holiday.

Chhote, why do I feel that you forgot that it's Sunday today?? She asked maintaining same scutinizing gaze.

Swallowing the sudden lump of embarrassment, he worked his brains to think about some valid excuse that could save him from this unexpected Sunday disaster.

Nope dii. How can I forget what day it is today?? Of course it's Sunday today. I remember. He said with a forced broad smile, trying to make his dii beleive him.

Then why did you seemed so shocked when I mentioned about today being Sunday?? Anjali asked again, not letting it go easily.

Arnav slide both his hands in his pant pockets & relaxed his posture trying to appear normal when unknown to his dii he was actually fiddling his fingers in nervousness in his pockets.

Dii, actually I was just segregating this week's important works in my mind to be handed to Akki & Adi. As today being SUNDAY he said emphasizing on the word which was now about to become the most disliked day for him they both won't be available at office. So I thought to just figure out what work should they both be given as from tomorrow onwards Adi's new semester would be starting & he will have his college in the morning & he will come to office in the second-half so now there would be more work pressure on Akki & me. So I was just thinking all these & got collided with you. He said trying to sound utmost genuine with the same forced smile.

You managed to think all of these within a few seconds of descending the stairs?? She asked incredulously, widening her eyes.

Arnav's forced smile faltered a bit but he composed himself.

No dii I was thinking all these since I woke up. He said throwing his hand above his shoulder just like a kid, indicating since how long he was thinking all these.

Anjali smiled at his Chhote's kiddish gesture & stoped her investigation making him sigh in relief.

Then why don't you take both of them with you to the office today & discuss about your plans with them so it would be easy to make a new schedule?? She suggested.

Noooo. He almost yelled startling his dii.

I mean it's Sunday & they must be in relaxation mood. Let them rest. As it is now Adi won't get much of his late morning sleep owing to his college from tomorrow & Akki you know he relaxes only on Sundays rest of the day he works with me round the clock. If I didn't had this important meeting then I also wouldn't have gone to office. Atleast let them both have their SUNDAYS. He again emphasized on the last word & gritted his teeth as if chewing the word SUNDAY into pieces flaring his nostrils.

Okay. If you say so. Anjali said shrugging her shoulders.

If they would come then my lie would come out infront of you dii. He muttered.

Did you say something Chhote?? Anjali asked unsure.

Huh!! No. Nothing di. He shrugged off.

Now before his dii starts with another round of investigation he thought better to leave for office where God knows what he would do on SUNDAY.

SUNDAYYYY... I hate you. He again muttered exasperated clenching his jaws.

Chhote, now I definitely heard you muttering something to yourself. Anjali stated confidently.

No. I mean, yes. Yes di. He said. First shaking his head in negation & then bobbing it in affirmation like toy doll.

He was no where feeling like THE ASR who gives complex to all his competitors with his sturdiness. He was feeling like a school kid, caught by his teacher for doing mischief & is now finding an excuse to not get punished.

Seeing her brother's weird behaviour & getting all lost again, Anjali shook him through his shoulder, bringing him back to their conversation.

Chhote, you were saying something?? She asked expectantly.

Yes dii. I was saying that I am getting late for the meeting so I should get going. He replied & bent to take his laptop bag.

Ok. Have your breakfast first & then you can go. She insisted & started pulling him towards the dining table handing the puja plate to HP who was passing by.

No dii. Arnav stopped her. She frowned.

Dii, I am already late. I will have something in the office. You don't bother please. He requested because he himself was bothered of getting caught by his dii as he is very bad in maintaining his demeanor while lieing to his dii & his chances of getting caught are maximum.

He can't even backout from his lie now. So he needs to get away from her sight as soon as possible. Also there are high chances of Akki or Adi waking up & coming down worsening his situation all the more.

So much for just a look or just a meet or just a word or just a touch of that enchantress. He shook his head on his own helplessness.

Chhote, the breakfast is ready. Just have it then go. You need to take your meds as well. Anjali forced & again started pulling him through his hand & Arnav started to pull his hand back.

He was feeling like he is playing tug of war with his dii & chances of his dii winning here are maximum. Only if his saviour somehow comes at his rescue.

Aman, where are you?? Just give me a call man?? Why don't you call when I really need your call you idiot!! Otherwise you are always there to disturb me with your calls even if I am in no mood to be disturbed. Useless man, if you don't call me right now then I will fire you right away. He scolded Aman in his mind, wanting him to give him a call anyhow that very instant.

As if on cue or say THE ASR & his FRIDAY MAN'S telepathy worked miraculously & Arnav's cell rang.

Dii, hold on. I have got a call. He withdrew his hand from his dii's & fished out his mobile from his pocket praying it to be Aman's asking him to come to office & his eyes shone the moment he read Aman's name flashing as the caller.

Wow Aman. You are too efficient. You are definitely gonna get a rise this month. He praised Aman in mind unknown to Aman himself just like he was unknown to his boss' scoldings just a second back.

Yes Aman. Composing himself he said in his usual ASR tone.

Ummm... Sir I am so sorry to disturb you buy its really important & unavoidable otherwise I wouldn't dare to disturb you on Sunday.

SUNDAY again... Arnav muttered annoyingly.

Yes sir Sunday. I know you don't like to work on Sundays as you like to spend Sundays with your family. But its really important that's why I am bothering you on Sunday.

STOP YOUR SUNDAY EXPRESS AMAN & COME TO THE POINT. Arnav snapped at already scared Aman.

He saw his dii frowning at him on his raised voice. Smiling sheepishly at her he moved a bit away to talk to Aman.

Now why have you gone silent?? Say something Aman BUT DARE YOU USE THAT WORD SUNDAY. He managed to intimidate Aman on the phone & poor assistant gulped nervously on the other side not understanding the reason behind his boss' sudden unexpected anger for the word SUNDAY. But he has to comply.

Yes, yes sir. Certainly. He replied politely. Actually sir your presence is needed in the office right now. So if you could...

Ok. I will be there right away. Arnav replied instantly astounding Aman before he could even finish his sentence.

Ok sir. I will wait for... But the line was already dead on the other side &  Aman was shocked, stunned.

Everybody knows about his boss' strict rule of no working on Sundays for him as well as his staff apart from the shift workers. He believes that Sunday should be only for family & friends. Then what happened to his boss that he snapped on him for using the word Sunday & more then that how did he agreed to come to the office this easily?? Aman sat there thinking, scratching his head at his boss' rapid change in personality on this Sunday morning.

No. Not Sunday. Boss doesn't want me to use this word Sunday today. So don't say it Aman even by mistake. He reminded himself covering his mouth with his palm & shaking his head sideways.

Keeping the phone back in his pocket, Arnav moved towards his dii.  Pecking her forehead quickly he said Dii, my presence is urgently required in the office so I am leaving rightaway. I will have something to eat in the office. You don't worry.

Before his dii could stop him he lifted his lappy bag from the floor & scurried away towards the exit door  making Anjali scrunch her eyes in suspicion.

Chhote, I am sure you are definitely hiding something from me. Before the Sherlock Raizada in me awakens you better tell me whatever it is. She muttered to her Chhote's retreating figure.
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The moment Arnav entered his company his steps automatically halted near the steps towards his cabin.

He felt that familiar powerful breeze tingling his senses which he had felt yesterday before Khushi had entered his cabin for the first time.

He inhaled deeply closing his eyes.

Is she also here today?? He thought & his whole body literally vibrated with enthusiasm to get dampened the next minute.

How is it possible?? Did you forget Raizada, it's that damn SUNDAY today?? He chided himself gritting his teeth.

Its just because she has occupied your brains the moment you have seen her yesterday & your desperateness is the reason you are feeling her presence right now. Whereas in real she must be at her home, enjoying this damn SUNDAY. No, not damn, it shouldn't be damn for her like me. The good side of his wished. She must be enjoying her holiday with her family unlike me who has himself hit the hammer on his own toes & is wasting his holiday here. He twitched his mouth, annoyed with himself.

Now you will have to wait for next 24 hours to see her Arnav. He let out an upset sigh.

God!! This 24 hours are going to be the most torcherous hours of my life. He said to himself, shaking his head in exasperation.

Comeon ASR. Stop behaving like a hormonal teenager. You are a grown up man. You are THE ASR. So behave like him. There she is all happy tappy at her home enjoying her holiday & you are behaving like a 'sappy little puppy'. Get a grip over yourself. He chastised himself.

Then straightening his demeanor crisply he climbed the stairs to his cabin but not before glancing once towards the canteen area.

Aman was already in his boss' cabin waiting for him.

Good morning sir. Aman greeted standing up from his chair as soon as Arnav entered his cabin.

Morning Aman. Arnav greeted back corteously with a slight nod.

Aman was relieved that his boss' mood is not that off as he had expected as per his tone over the phone neither he seems angry.

Aman was busy assessing his boss' mood when Arnav suddenly kept his hand on Aman's shoulder startling him.

Thanks Aman. Arnav said thumping  Aman's shoulder lightly.

Aman glanced nervously from the corner of his eye at Arnav's hand on his shoulder.

For... for what sir?? He asked confused.

Nothing. Just like that. Arnav replied casually shrugging his hands & moved towards his chair.

Aman stood skeptical for a while then replied Ok sir. You are welcome. But welcome for what?? He muttered the last line to himself, scratching his chin in confusion.

Aman will you stop scratching yourself & tell me the reason for calling me here today. ASR was back.

Yes, yes sir. Aman hurriedly moved towards his boss with the files in his hand.

Actually sir, yesterday evening when you gave me a call about leaving from the office I was about to tell you regarding this pending work. But you said that the leftover work would be done tomorrow, means today. So I had to request you to come to the office on SUND... He stopped abruptly. I mean today. He completed apologetically.

That's fine. Now tell me what's that important work?? Arnav asked calmly making Aman relax.

Sir your signatures on our shipping documents were needed. The export consignment is to be released today itself. The ship is loaded with the order. They are just waiting for the official documents with your signatures to set out the ship to sail. Aman informed keeping the file infront of Arnav & offering him a pen from its stand.

I hope you have checked the documents thoroughly Aman?? Arnav asked giving a cursory glance to the documents.

Yes sir. I did. Aman replied turning pages after pages of the documents where Arnav kept on signing.

Arnav knows he can blindly rely on Aman for certain works. So he doesn't need to recheck the documents.

What else?? Arnav asked once the signatures were done.

Sir yesterday evening you had a teleconference lined up with our Paris investor Mr. Jacob regarding our upcoming bridal show. But as you left suddenly yesterday I had to shift it on today because Mr. Jacob won't be available professionally for a week after today, owing to some personal functions at his house. So I had to arrange it today & its scheduled at 12noon. I hope that's fine with you sir?? Aman asked politely.

That's fine with me. Arnav replied. Good you arranged it today & sorry you had to come to office today due to my negligence in work yesterday. Arnav apologized genuinely without being egoistic unlike other bosses who are never wrong according to them so they never need to apologize to their staff.

No, no. That's fine sir. Aman said immediately. We all seldom need to come to office on SUNDAYS he immediately covered his mouth with his palm. Sorry sir. Aman apologized  removing his palm. I mean on holidays. He completed smiling sheepishly.

Arnav frowned in confusion then he remembered what he had said to Aman on phone a while ago & he couldn't stop his bubbling laughter & ultimately guffawed making Aman smile as well.

Ok Aman. You can go to your cabin for now. Come back at the time of teleconference. I will need your help with the figures & clauses. Till then I will reply to some pending mails. Arnav said taking out his laptop from its bag & logged in.

Ok sir. Do you need anything else?? Aman asked & that made Arnav's stomach growl reminding him that it needs food. Lappy & documents won't fill his stomach.

Ah, yes Aman. Can you please arrange some breakfast & coffee for me?? I couldn't have it at home & I am very much famished now. Arnav asked.

Of course sir. I would arrange it right away. Aman said.

Good. But before that make sure  this documents reach to the concerned people. Arnav ordered & turned to his laptop.

Yes sir. I will. Replied Aman before exiting the cabin.

After some 15 minutes Aman knocked Arnav's cabin & getting the permission entered with a peon behind him carrying Arnav's breakfast tray.

Arnav asked the peon to keep the tray on his working desk itself. He was very hungry & just wanted to indulge into his breakfast immediately.

The peon obeyed & left the cabin.

Arnav opened the lid & familiar aroma hit his nostrils. But he was way too hungry to ponder over it.

There were pancakes & some freshly chopped fruits. Also there was freshly brewed black coffee.

Taking the knife & fork Arnav immediately dug them into the pancakes & tearing a piece put it in his mouth.

The soft & spongy pancakes, generously topped with maple syrup  were extremely delicious & literally melted in his mouth.

He relished the first bite heartily, closing his eyes in content.

Aman smiled, satisfied now as he was feeling guilty for calling his boss to the office on a holiday & that too boss arrived without having his breakfast.

Sir, you enjoy your breakfast. I will come later. Aman said & started to move towards the door.

Aman.. Arnav called stopping him.

Yes sir?? Aman asked turning back to his boss.

Send Khushi to my cabin. Arnav said without raising his head, busy filling his starving stomach.

Aman was surprised.

Sir, how do you know Khushi has come to the office today?? He asked.

Just like that. Arnav replied casually, shrugging his shoulders, taking a piece of watermelon from the freshly chopped fruits & plopping it in his mouth.

Aman was stumped again as this was the second time he was hearing the same line from his boss since he arrived but couldn't grasp the meaning behind it, both the times.

Aman are you day dreaming standing over there?? Arnav asked humorously, sipping his black coffee with the extra taste of cinnamon just like yesterday.

No. No sir. I will send her right away. Aman replied & left the cabin.

As soon as the door was closed Arnav leaned back on his chair heaving a sigh of ecstacy.

So his intuition was absolutely right. She is indeed here & she was present there in the canteen when he had arrived in the office & had stood near the stairs feeling her presence & this breakfast is also made by her only for him. He had smelt that particular aroma & that particular taste which is so much like her. Like Khushi. Like he had always known everytime her handmade food was served to him. He thought looking at the last bite of the pancake in his plate.

Heavenly... He uttered relishing the last bite as well & sipping even the last drop of his coffee with his mug bottom up.

Wiping his mouth with a tissue he sat waiting for Khushi. His eyes darted to the door with bated breath.

But what is she doing here today on a holiday?? The canteen remains closed on holidays then why is she here?? He thought but then shrugged it off as he was happy that she is here & he doesn't need to wait for 24 hours to see her, meet her.

His heart was somersaulting impatiently waiting for her.

He felt the same familiar gust of wind indicating him of Khushi's arrival.

A full bloom smile adorned on his lips & so did his eyes smiled in jubilation.

He sobered up when he heard the soft knocks.

The door was opened slowly getting his permission & there entered the stealer of his sanity, clad in a simple yellow cotton kurti, paired with brown leggings & brown chiffon dupatta resting on her right shoulder. Unlike last time her hair were left free down her waist in a half pony.

Man she has really long, straight, silky, beautiful, dark traces. How would it feel burrying my head in those thick mass of black silk, inhaling its fragrance then smoothening them feeling its silkiness on my rough fingers?? He asked himself unbashedly.

Unlike last time he was shamelessly ogling her sitting back comfortably on his comfy chair noticing her appearance from head to toe.

Just like yesterday she appeared all nervous & fidgety. Sometimes arranging her dupatta which was already well set, sometimes tucking her hair strands behind her ears, sometimes gulping thickly, doing everything accept one what he actually wanted her to do & that is to raise her downcasted eyes & give him a clear view of her beautiful face.

As if she heard his unsaid wish, she raised her head & met his yearning eyes with her unsure ones & he felt as if he was struck with lightening that hit straight at his heart.

She was epitome of flawless beauty with simplicity.

Her face again devoid of any make up. Just a thin layer of powder which she actually didn't need to, owing to her milky white skin. A thick stroke of kajal in her doe shaped eyes making them look more beautiful. Her naturally pink lips were mildly painted with cherry gloss, tempting him enough to taste them or may be feast them thoroughly. Simple yellow & white pearl trinkets dangling on her delicate earlobes. Her neck devoid of any jewellery giving him a much clearer view of the flawless expanse of her neck. His hands were itching to caress her smooth skin over there.

Just like yesterday Khushi saw him staring at her right now as well. But today his gaze seemed more intense making her stomach churn & her senses tickle.

Surprisingly today she wasn't feeling nervous or uncomfortable under his smouldering gaze. She was kind of liking his attention.

Khushi Gupta, have you forgotten who he is?? He is The ASR. King of fashion world. Owner of this & many more other companies & you are just a simple girl from Lucknow without any fashion sense apart from your Lucknavi traditional outfits. How can you even think that he is paying attention to you & not your out of place attire?? She chided herself smoothening her kurti & arranging her dupatta properly on her shoulder wanting to look a bit presentable infront of her temporary boss.

His unwavering gaze was now making her feel conscious about her appearance.

Clearing her throat she initiated. Sir. Sir you called me??

Her sweet syrupy voice brought him out of his ogling session.

He straightened himself on his chair.

Khushi. He said huskily making her heart accelerate.

If her sweet melodious voice was intoxicating enough for him to stir his insides making him yearn to hear more from her then his baritone was injurious for the health of her heart.

She kept her right palm over her heart clutching it as if to save it from coming out of its cage.

Arnav frowned at that gesture of her's & Khushi immediately removed her hand smiling sheepishly looking here & there, hiding her embarassment.

Are you ok Khushi?? He asked concerned, getting up from his chair ready to lend his support.

Yes, yes sir. I am alright. She replied with a tight smile.

Arnav was half convinced & half doubtful.

But then thought it to be her jitteriness for standing infront of him.

Comeon Khushi, I am not going to eat you up. He muttered inaudibly. Well, not that I don't want to. He added brazenly to his own surprise.

Shaking his insane mind which was producing bold comments he asked Khushi to seat on the chair opposite to his, across his desk.

She obeyed & slowly sat on the chair almost at the edge of it.

Arnav occupied his own chair & seated comfortably unmindful of Khushi's warriness of being called by him to meet him.

Khushi I wanted to... He started to get inturrupted by the ringing of his mobile.

He saw his dii's name flashing.

He can't avoid this call. So he excused himself & received the call.

Yes dii. He asked in the phone. His eyes fixated on Khushi.

Yes dii. I had my breakfast. He replied to his dii's inquiry about his breakfast. His eyes not leaving Khushi's who was now noticing the interiors of his cabin.

She seemed impressed & it made him feel proud.

Yes dii. I will try to come soon. He replied to his dii's command to return home soon & then he cut the call with a polite goodbye to his dii.

His attention was back to the object of his interest sitting infront of him.

His eyes narrowed as a sudden smile bloomed on Khushi's face looking at something behind his chair. He followed her line of vision & realized her gaze stuck on his large photo hung on the wall behind him. It was of him receiving his first youngest entrepreneur award. After that he received many but this was special as it was his first award, the payback of his hardwork.

He always felt proud of himself looking at this photo but today he felt a whole new level of pride seeing  Khushi's eyes glinting with happiness at his photo.

This was taken when I won my first youngest entrepreneur award. He supplied feeling nostalgic.

Khushi's eyes were back on him.

Proud moment for you & your family. She said smilingly conveying her happiness.

He nodded at her.

Again there was silence but not an awkward one because Arnav was getting his fill of her. All of her enchanting beauty, her besotting fragrance everytime she exhales, her changing facial expressions, the fluttering of her eyelashes, the movement at her throat when she would swallow her saliva, every twitch of her muscle visible.... Oh he can go on without stopping & tiring.

His intense staring was again making her feel those alien feelings she had felt for the first time yesterday. She could feel butterflies fluttering their wings inside her stomach, too desperate to come out. She never felt breathing was so hard of an exercise as she was almost forgetting to breath. That was the effect of his strong gaze on her.

This silence has to be broken otherwise he can sit through it his whole life just gawking at her. Contemplated Arnav.

By the way how come you are here today Khushi?? It's a holiday today & canteen remains closed on holidays?? He asked breaking the silence making her feel a bit relax as well.

The monthly groceries & staples of our canteen were to be deleivered today. Manjuji was about to come to receive the same but her son got caught with fever yesterday night so she asked me to come & receive the stuffs as she & I we both had made the list of the needful stuff yesterday. So that's how I am here today. She replied.

Hmmm... Good for me. He said with a lopsided grin. But his heart was dancing excitedly as she said 'OUR CANTEEN'. He was feeling joyous that she feels his office canteen as hers.

Ji?? She asked not sure about his words.

Nah... Nothing. He shrugged it off.

Is it done?? I mean the groceries & everything?? Has everything reached properly?? He asked.

Yes sir. The van left stuffing everything in the storeroom. I checked everything according to the list. Its all there. She replied moving back on her chair, sitting comfortably now as she was comfortable with their conversation as well.

Arnav was all ears for her but at the same time he was noticing each & every movement of her facial features intently.

Specially her lips which would open & close when she would speak. They felt so so inviting.

He held the arms of his chair tightly to control his desires.

Sir... She called him hesitantly.

Yes Khushi?? He asked expectantly but at the same time wishing that she won't ask to leave.

Sir, did you... Did you liked the breakfast I made?? She asked  gesturing towards the empty tray besides him on the desk. Her fingers crossed anxiously on her lap.

He gave her a heartwarming smile before replying.

I loved it. The pancakes were so soft & spongy. The maple syrup made them more delicious & the coffee was just too good to leave even a drop in the mug. He praised her genuinely with all his heart.

She felt over the moon hearing his praises & her joy was visible on her face. She could feel it & that surprised her because she never wished for anybody's praises ever for any of her skills as she felt that she does what she likes so it doesn't needs to be praised. Then why is she liking his praises & wants him to go on & on & on??

Whatever the reason is she is happy he liked her made breakfast.

When Aman sir asked me if I could make some breakfast for you in less time as you were starving I could think only of pancakes which could be made soon. Aman sir also said that you like pancakes but without honey. So I added maple syrup, skeptically though. She said smiling sheepishly. But I am glad you liked it.

I loved it Khushi. Just like all other food I tasted made by you including your mindblowing coffee. He said raising the empty mug from the tray & then keeping it back.

I have become a die-hard fan of your cooking Khushi. I am so so in love with you... He faltered in his words unknown to himself making Khushi's eyes widened in shock & her heart almost skipped a beat. I mean in love with your food. He stated altering his words but surprisingly wasn't embarrassed for his folly.

Khushi's heartbeat had gone uneven & he was staring passionately at her flushed face & at the heavy rise & fall of her chest which was driving him crazy.

Now it was getting too much for Khushi due to the sudden change in the atmosphere between them, due to them as the ease of last few moments was replaced by torrid awkwardness, atleast for her.

She needs to move out of here, away from his hot burning gaze.

She stood up from her chair immediately, ready to leave.

Sir, I... I would take your leave now. My... My family must be waiting for me. She said hurriedly, looking here & there.

Arnav understood that he has made her uncomfortable with his slip of tongue. But he can't help as he himself becomes helpless infront of her & losses control over his words & senses.

He saw her moving towards the door hastily.

Khushi... He called her halting her in her steps.

Composing herself she slowly turned around to face him.

The red hue on her flushed cheeks was still very much visible to him & somewhere he felt proud of himself that his words had such an effect on her.

He could feel that she is just shying & is no where annoyed or angry on him. So he could say to her what he wants to.

Coming out from his chair he moved towards Khushi whose breathing again got laboured due to curiosity.

He stood at an arm length opposite her, folding his hands at his chest.

His deep brown orbs staring at her curious hazel eyes.

Khushi, would you mind if I ask you to take care of my lunch & evening snacks everyday in the office?? He asked her earnestly.

Khushi was absolutely surprised. But she could see no traces of fun or mischief on his face or in his eyes & suddenly the awkwardness in her of a while ago was replaced by a pleasant, homely feeling due to his words & all she could do was nod her head in acceptance.

Yes sir. I would like to take care of your meals in the office. She replied with equal honesty, without any trace of duplicity, making him smile widely in elation, contagious enough to make her smile wider with rapture.

He immediately pushed his hands in his pant pockets, curling them into a tight fist, not wanting to shock her with his uncontrolled desire of pulling her in his arms.

Ok sir. I would leave now. Have a good day sir. She wished smilingly.

You too. He wished her back & she turned around to leave.

She was about to open the door & he again called her. She stopped with her hand on the door knob, just like yesterday.

She turned her head towards him.

You have a very beautiful smile Khushi. He said heartily, genuinely & was awarded with her more beautiful, shy smile.

Thank you sir. She said swiftly opening the door & moved out quickly without turning back again.

She was gone leaving him all smiles & a torchurous wait of the next day.

To be continued....

➖🔼➖🔼➖🔼➖🔼➖🔼➖🔼➖🔼➖

So how was it??

Let me know through your votes & comments as always....

Love
Kavita ♥️