Hey my lovely readers 🙋‍♀️

Hope u all r doing well ☺️

I'm also feeling better now. Thanks to all those who asked for my health & wished me speedy recovery 🙏

Also thanks for all the votes & comments on the previous update 🙏

Now here's the next update...

Not proof read... So please ignore the typos if any...

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Anu & Meghu were fast asleep, cuddling their didu who was sleeping between both of them.

Both were snoring softly, their hot breaths fanning Khushi's neck who was wide awake, caressing her both sisters' hands which were on her midriff.

No matter how much she tried but couldn't get herself to sleep because the moment she closes her eyes, a pair of deep, brown orbs would gaze her with so much of intensity that she couldn't bear even with closed eyes & her eyes would flutter open involuntarily.

She looked at both her sisters' sleeping calmly on her either sides without any tension or turmoil & here she was wide awake like an owl in the middle of the night.

She heaved a frustrated sigh.

Frustration of not being able to understand her own heart which is experiencing some alien yet sweet yearning since she has met the owner of those intense, chocolaty eyes who had already made her senses go haywire in day time in his office & now he isn't averting his hypnotizing gaze from her in the night as well.

In both their meets she had felt his eyes conveying some unknown emotions which she couldn't decipher. Still she liked the way his eyes would limn different emotions he would feel while looking at her or talking to her.

When she would enter his cabin & meet his eyes, she felt his eyes would sparkle in joy.

When she would smile, she felt his eyes smiling as well.

When she would look straight at him, she felt his eyes would turn soft yet intense.

When she would ask for his permission to leave, she felt his eyes going all sad which she wouldn't like at all.

She clearly remembers today when he had asked her that if she would take care of his meals in the office & she had readily agreed, she had felt his eyes literally glistening in pleasure.

But amidst all these different shades of emotions which she easily understood his eyes had portrayed, she feels there's still something very deep, strong & potent his eyes were depicting & she felt as well but isn't able to name it & is still a mystery to her.

She so wants to elucidate this mystery & reach to the depths of those intense eyes haunting her in the dark nights.

She closed her eyes in hope that she might be able to crack this mystery if she gazes with same intensity in those haunting eyes behind her closed eyelids, eventually slipping into slumber in the wee hours of the morning.

Only if she knew that she can decode this puzzle only after staying close to him & not by closing her eyes in hope of some miraculous epiphany.

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If Khushi Gupta was deprived of sleep due to the haunting brown orbs then how can the owner of those orbs himself have peaceful night.

The Lucknawi beauty was invading his dreams with her inebriating eyes covered with the curtain of her dark lashes, her silky long traces tickling his cheeks, her rosy petals flashing her sweet contagious smile, tantalizing him to taste the sweet nectar beneath their softness.

His lips were just inch closer to her lips to get his first bout of their sweetness, she pushed him & ran away from him giggling, turning back again & again with her tongue out teasing him to catch her if he could.

Khushiiii!!!! He woke up, sitting upright in his bed.

He was sweating in the coldness of his air-conditioned room.

He sighed. It was a dream. A sweet dream.

He smiled to himself remembering the tempting closeness between his & Khushi's lips in his dream.

This girl is gonna be a death of me. He mused shaking his head.

But before that I would make her my LIFE. He promised himself & laid back to get some sleep with a hope that he might catch her & fulfill his heart's wish in his dream at least.

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Khushi is making Anu's braid standing behind her & Anu sitting on a stool is busy painting her toenails stretching her leg straight on the opposite dressing table.

Anu sit properly otherwise you are going to get a cross braid today. Khushi instructed Anu while combing her hair.

Anu has always liked her hair made by her didu only right from their childhood & its the same even after they have grown up.

Didu.. I am not getting my black dupatta. Please help me. Meghu shouted standing near the wardrobe & fumbling in the clothes in search of her dupatta.

Why don't you keep your things on its place Meghu?? You always bother didu for your things. Anu commented closing the cap of the nail paint bottle.

Oh really... As if you are a very well organized girl. Meghu remarked lifting her eyebrow & gesturing towards her scattered things in the room.

That's because my didu takes care of my things since childhood so I don't need to bother. Anu replied shrugging her shoulders arrogantly.

She is my didu as well & takes care of my things too. Meghu replied glaring at her.

Before Anu could counter attack Khushi interrupted.

Ok.. Ok.. Stop you both. I will find your dupatta Meghu till then you prepare your college bag. Khushi said keeping the comb back & moving towards the wardrobe.

Meghu stuck out her tongue at Anu who showed her her punch as of gesturing her to punch her face.

How do you girls manage to mess up the organized cupboard within a day?? Khushi complained looking for Meghu's dupatta amidst now piled clothes which were arranged properly before Anu & Meghu raided the wardrobe in search of their clothes.

Both the culprits stayed quiet as it was their joint deed.

They pretended to be busy arranging their bags for college.

Here you go. Khushi said fishing out the dupatta from under the huge pile. I will have to arrange the whole wardrobe again today. She said mock glaring at her sisters.

Sorry didu. Both apologized holding their ears, pouting cutely, melting their not so angry didu.

That's ok. Khushi replied handing the dupatta to Meghu.

Ok now I'm going down & if you both don't want to be late for your college then come down fast. Breakfast is ready. Ok. Khushi said collecting the clothes to be washed.

Ok didu. Anu & Meghu replied together & Khushi left the room carrying the dirty clothes.

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Why don't you girls wake up early?? Everyday you wake up late & then rush for the college making Khushi also rush behind you feeding you breakfast properly. She is on toes since she wakes up, finishing all the household chores & getting everything ready for you two as well. You both just have to get ready but that also you can't do on time. Mami started with her daily dose of scoldings to Anu & Meghu who were busy stuffing their mouths with aloo paratha as they were getting late for college.

Mamaji was smiling from behind the news paper, witnessing the everyday scene.

Mami.. Let it be na. They are already getting late. Khushi beseeched mami passing milk glasses to her sisters who made faces as usual not wanting to drink it. But one glare from their didu & they gulped it in a go.

Khushi placed their lunch boxes in their bags instructing them to have it in their break time.

Keeping their glasses back on the dining table with a thud, both got up from their chairs & quickly hugging & kissing their didu, moved towards their mom/mami & kissing her cheeks said in unison From tomorrow hum sudhar jayenge... pakka.

That you say every morning but your tomorrow never comes. Mami rebuffed.

Both giggled shouldering their bags.

Mami glared & then smiled caressing their heads.

Waving bye to their papa/mama both rushed towards the door.

Khushi saw Anu's mobile on the dining table & picking it rushed behind her.

Anu your mobile. Khushi called from behind.

Anu hit her own head for forgetting her mobile.

Taking it back from her didu she quickly kissed her again. Love you didu. Bye. See you in the evening. She rushed behind Meghu towards the bus stop.

Bye. Take care both of you. Khushi instructed them. waving her hand.

Ok didu. Both shouted back.

Khushi returned back in the house.

Giving her mamaji his BP meds she started clearing the dining table with the help of mami.

Mamaji shall we leave?? Khushi asked wiping her hands with a napkin, her eyes on the wall clock.

Yes beta. I'm ready. Lets go. Mamaji said getting up from the dining table & taking his bike keys from the peg on the wall, moved towards the door waving goodbye to his wife.

Ok mami. I'm also leaving. The lunch is prepared. But do heat it before eating. Don't have it cold & no need to do any work. I will look after everything after I return from canteen. You just take rest. Khushi instructed mami as usual.

Don't worry about me beta. You take care of yourself & don't think about anything that upsets you... Ok?? Mami instructed back, kissing Khushi's forehead.

Khushi nodded her head with a smile & moved out.

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Raizadas were having their breakfast.

As soon as the late riser Adi arrived for breakfast, his ear was twisted by his mother for coming late in the night from the party & now waking late as well for college.

Comeon mom. Take a chill pill. College won't start till Aditya Raizada reaches there. Adi replied proudly, blowing his hair strand from his forehead.

Adi... It's not your papa's college that you go anytime you like. Now speed up & leave. You are already late. Amar said sternly, looking at his wristwatch.

Sorry badepapa. Adi replied touching his earlobe & biting his tongue.

Akki guffawed & then covered it with a cough.

Adi glared at him but Akki gestured him towards the wall clock reminding him that he getting late.

Adi concentrated back on his breakfast.

Arnav was signalling his dii to talk to their chachi regarding not sending his lunch to office as per their last night talks.

Anjali blinked her eyes at him in assurance.

Arnav... Akki... What should I sent for your lunch today?? Radhika inquired from her son & nephew.

Adi will be coming home after college & then will come to office after having his lunch. So I will sent tiffin only for you both. So tell me what do you both want to have for lunch today?? She asked serving tea to her mother in law.

Arnav coughed hearing that & again gestured his sister who now chirped in.

Ummm.... Chachi.... No need to send Chhote's lunch at the office for a few days. Anjali said gaining everybody's attention.

Why?? Is he going to come home for lunch?? Dadi asked excitedly, hopefully.

No.. No.. Dadi. Actually Chhote is appointing some new chefs for our company canteen. So he needs to take practical test by tasting food made by the candidates. This tasting would go on for a few days. Afterall we all know how strict our Chhote is in such matters. Anjali said trying to sound utmost genuine.

Arnav's eyes widened hearing his dii's excuse which was partially true.

Did she come to know?? He asked himself then shook his head replying to himself Better not.

Bhai.. When did this happen?? I mean if that's the case then we should appoint that Shuklaji's niece. She is a wonderful cook & we have tasted her handmade food as well. Akki interrupted making Arnav spill the water he was about to drink.

Are you alright Chhote?? Ankush who was sitting next to Arnav asked caressing his back.

Yeah... I'm... I'm fine. Arnav replied wiping his mouth with a tissue.

He looked at his dii who was giving him suspicious looks after hearing to what Akki said.

Arnav smiled sheepishly at her.

Yeah bhai. Akki bhai is right. She is indeed a good cook. Adi too gave his input while sipping his juice.

Now Arnav was in a fix. His dii was looking at him suspiciously & the others were waiting for his answer.

He gulped nervously & drank the full glass of water in a go.

Akki.. Adi.. You both don't need to bother about canteen matters. I'm there to take care of it. Ok. Adi you are getting late for college so get going & Akki if you are done with your breakfast then let's move for office. Arnav replied tactfully which was enough for his brothers to follow his orders.

Arnav stood up to take his jacket placed on the back of his chair.

Oh yes bhai. I'm getting late. Adi too stood up hurriedly & waving bye to all rushed out of the house for college taking his bike keys.

So I have to send only Akki's lunch now?? Radhika asked to confirm.

No mom. Don't bother for me then. I will also eat from the canteen only, along with bhai. Akki replied getting up.

Noooooo.... Arnav yelled suddenly making everybody flinch & they looked at him with wide eyes.

Sorry...He apologized, smiling sheepishly.

Actually chachi. My lunch time won't be fixed. I'm going to have lunch meets more often in coming days regarding our bridal fashion show. I don't want Akki to miss his lunch timings because of me. So you sent his tiffin & I will taste the canteen food made by new candidates as per my schedule. Arnav replied with his hands behind him, his fingers crossed in a hope that his family buys his excuse.

He can't let Akki have food with him because that would be the only time he would get to spent with Khushi alone in his cabin.

Ok then. I will sent only Akki's lunch. Chachi replied.

Chachi was convinced & so were the others accept one but she won't be any hindrance for now. Arnav was assured.

Arnav heaved a huge sigh of relief for passing the big hurdle.

Bhai, I'm waiting for you in the car. Akki informed & moved out waving goodbye to his family.

Chhote... Me & Ankush would come after attending the meeting with the Singhals. Amar informed.

Arnav nodded smiling & turned to leave waving at his chachi & dadi.

Anjali followed him.

Chhote... She called

Dii please... Don't ask me anything more. He requested.

Ok... I won't. But you owe me big time. She said with a lopsided grin.

That I do. He kissed her forehead. Thanks dii. Bye. He moved out smiling.

Bye. She waved at him.

Hey devi maiyya. Please help my Chhote in whatever he is planning for his girl. She prayed in her heart to her goddess for her Chhote's happiness & then moved back to take her purse to leave for her college.

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It was 10 minutes left to 1pm. His heartbeats started accelerating. Khushi would be in front of him within 10 minutes with his lunch.

Only he knows how he had controlled himself from going to canteen & seeing Khushi first when he arrived in the company in the morning.

He doesn't want to make her feel uncomfortable or think negative about his desperate behaviour, gaining minus points for himself even before their love story starts. So he restricted himself from going to the canteen first thing in the morning.

A knock sounded on the door. He knew its not Khushi. Unwillingly he gave permission to whoever it was.

Aman entered shutting the door behind.

Yes Aman. Arnav asked pretending to be busy on his laptop.

Sir, your lunch hasn't arrived yet. Shall I ring at your home to confirm?? Aman asked politely.

Shit... Aman too needs to be informed. Arnav murmured.

Aman frowned.

Aman... For next few days I'm going to have lunch from our company canteen only. Arnav said & turned back to his laptop.

Why sir?? Aman asked immediately.

Excuse me!! Arnav intimidated Aman lifting his eyebrows.

I'm the boss Aman... Remember?? Arnav asked tilting his head. I don't need to reason my decisions. Got it?? Arnav asked.

Of.. Of course... Boss... I'm sorry. Aman replied apologetically.

Arnav shut his eyes & exhaled hard.

He shouldn't be rude to Aman. He is just doing his duty.

That's fine Aman. Arnav said.

Actually I'm thinking on your suggestion of appointing Khushi permanently. But I want to taste her food for a few days so that's why I would be having lunch from the canteen only. Arnav stated making his side clear to his assistant as he would be needing his assistance in coming days in his actual mission.

Ok sir. Aman replied. Though not convinced as his boss has never insisted on tasting or testing food from new chef candidates for these many days. But he cannot dare to raise his doubt in front of his boss.

So shall I ask the peon to get your lunch plate from the canteen... boss?? Aman asked.

No... I have already done it. You go & have your lunch. I would be fine. Arnav ordered raising more doubts in Aman as his boss has never ordered food from canteen on his own ever before.

But he chose to keep silent & exited his boss' cabin to have his lunch.

It was almost 1pm but Khushi was nowhere to be seen with his lunch so a desperate Arnav rang his canteen landline hoping that Khushi only receives the call & she did receive too.

Khushi.. Arnav said huskily as soon as he heard a hello from her.

Khushi immediately clutched her heart as her name from his baritone always raises her heartbeats to an insane speed. .

Yes... Yes sir... She stuttered.

Arnav's heart too wasn't behind in running marathon hearing her syrupy voice.

It's lunch time Khushi. You didn't get my lunch. Did you forget what I told you yesterday?? He asked softly.

How can she forget such demand from him which has been creating sweet havoc in her senses since yesterday.

No.. No sir. I... I do remember & your lunch is ready. I was about to send it with the peon. She replied to hear him yell immediately on the other side of the phone.

NO KHUSHI. He cleared his throat sobering down, not wanting to scare her.

Don't sent it with the peon. Get it to me yourself. Arnav ordered but softly & cut the call without hearing her reply.

Khushi blushed subconsciously hearing his another order which was again a sweet demand for her.

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Khushi was standing outside Arnav's cabin door, holding his lunch plate with both her hands.

She tried to balance the plate freeing her one hand to knock on the door.

But before she could do that she heard his voice from inside the cabin.

Come in Khushi.

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise as to how did he knew she was standing outside the door.

Balancing the plate in one hand she turned the door knob & opened the door.

Swallowing nervously she entered his cabin, pushed the door with her shoulder & shut it.

Taking a deep breath Arnav moved back on his chair, watching her every moves with hawk eyes.

She was wearing light green Kurti paired with maroon leggings & maroon chiffon dupatta which was lying on her right shoulder & her thick braid on her left as usual.

The moment she turned towards him & met his eyes his heart started galloping in excitement in his chest.

She was looking beautiful as always with a small round green bindi adorning her forehead & green trinkets dangling in her earlobes.

A few of her hair strands loose from her braid caressing her cheeks were tickling his senses just like they did in his previous night dream.

Her lips were painted with pink gloss, arousing his hunger but certainly not for the food but to complete the incomplete action of his dreams.

Khushi saw him gazing at her with same intensity as in her dreams.

He was certainly the most handsome man she has ever seen. But why does he always stare her as if she is the most beautiful woman on this earth because she knows she isn't. There are way too beautiful girls working as his staff & his models in this company then what makes him look at her with so much intensity. She mused to herself.

It's been minutes she has arrived but neither he spoke nor she uttered a word.

She cleared her throat breaking his staring session.

Sir.. Your.. Your lunch. She reminded him what she is here for gesturing towards the covered plate in her hands.

Where should I keep it?? She asked.

He stood up from his chair & came towards the sofa at the corner where he has his meals daily.

Keep it here... Khushi. He said gesturing towards the table in front of the sofa.

She slowly moved towards the table & kept the plate on it.

Arnav sat on the sofa.

Enjoy your lunch sir. Khushi said & turned to leave.

Khushi... He called her in his husky voice & as always she clutched her heart.

How she wishes that his voice should be banned as it's definitely not healthy for her heart.

She turned around gulping hard.

Yes...Yes sir. She stuttered fiddling with her fingers.

Where are you going?? He asked looking in her eyes.

Back to the canteen. She replied.

No... You would sit with me till I finish my lunch. He said casually as if they do it daily.

Jii?? She asked astounded.

Yes.. Sit. He said gesturing towards the place besides him on the sofa.

She shifted on her feet nervously.

Arnav noticed her nervousness.

Don't worry. I have my lunch in front of me so I won't eat you up. You can sit without any fear. He said smirking.

Her eyes shot to him. Seeing him smirking she understood he is teasing her.

She blushed looking down & slowly went & sat on the sofa at a distance from him which he didn't like at all. But he couldn't do anything as she is sitting with him on the same sofa is a big thing in itself for now.

So, what do we have for lunch today?? He asked uncovering the plate.

As always the delicious smell wafted from the food in his plate.

He smiled looking at his plate assorted with variety of food.

There was mutter paneer, aloo gobhi, roti, dal tadka, jeera rice, boondi raita & green salad. There was fruit custard for dessert.

Tearing a piece of roti he dipped it in mutter paneer & brought it to his mouth but stopped having it.

Khushi frowned.

Did you have your lunch Khushi?? He asked.

No sir. She replied shaking her head. I will have it afterwards. She smiled.

He wanted to ask her to share his lunch but he knows it would be too much for her & he doesn't want her to run away from him.

Ok. He replied & ate the morsel in his hand.

The flavoursome mutter paneer was very tasty, more creamier version with added fresh cream & cashew paste.

He licked the curry from his fingers.

Then he took a spoonful of dal tadka & mixed with rice & taking a spoonful put in his mouth.

Umm... It's absolutely delicious Khushi. He praised her looking at her face which lit up with a bright, proud smile.

Your hands are really magical Khushi. He praised more continuing to have his food.

After tasting everything he said Other things are also good but the mutter paneer & dal made by you is the most scrumptious. He put all his fingers in his mouth one by one, licking them clean.

Khushi's eyes widened unbelievably & her mouth agape in absolute shock.

What?? He asked looking at her surprised face.

Sir.. How did you know that I have made these two dishes from the entire food?? She asked amazed.

He smirked at her question.

Bas... pata chal jata hai. He replied & resumed eating with same fervour.

She saw him relishing the food heartily. The way he used to close his eyes in contentment, the way he used to lick his fingers after having every morsel of her made dal & curry swelled her heart with pride & satisfaction.

A tiny thought subconsciously rose inside her that she would love to cook for him all his life.

What rubbish am I thinking!!

She chastised herself immediately for even thinking of something like that, forgetting her status in front of the fashion king.

A burp sound brought her back from her thought process.

Sorry.. He said covering his mouth in embarrassment.

Khushi smiled at his innocence.

She saw the plate was clear of all the food she had filled it with. But the dessert, the fruit custard was as it is.

Sir.. You didn't have the dessert?? She asked looking at him hesitatingly.

Actually.. I'm a diabetic... So I can't have much sweet. But still I tasted a spoonful & its yummy. He replied looking at the custard bowl.

Then you can definitely have it sir because it's sugarfree. Khushi said smilingly.

Arnav looked at her surprised.

I know you are a diabetic & very diet conscious as well. So I made everything as per your likes, the dessert as well. She supplied looking down shyly.

He was thrilled to know that she knows about his dietary restrictions & food preferences.

He smiled at her in admiration & took the custard bowl in his hand & started relishing it.

Sir... Khushi cleared her throat to get his attention which was completely on her only even if he wasn't looking at her but the custard bowl in his hand.

Yes Khushi?? He asked eating the custard.

You... I...I mean... She stammered, fiddling with her dupatta.

What is it Khushi?? You can ask me?? He encouraged her.

How did you knew that I'm outside your cabin door even before I could knock?? She asked the question which was bugging her since she entered his cabin.

His lips again lifted from one side for his signature smirk.

He kept now the empty custard bowl, back in the empty plate.

He sat comfortably turning towards her now. His one hand on his lap & the other resting at the back of the sofa. The hand stretched till the point she was seated.

Though she wasn't resting back but still she felt as if his fingers were playing with her hair strands.

She swallowed, looking at his stretched hand from her peripheral vision. It wasn't touching her at all.

Gosh!! What's happening to her. She shut her eyes tight & opened them back.

Arnav was looking at her every movement & was enjoying her nervousness as it indicated that he was affecting her & that's what he wants.

She looked back at him waiting for the answer to her question.

Ummm... Bas.. Pata chal jata hai. He repeated the same line shrugging his shoulders.

Though she was confused & wanted him to elaborate but somehow she felt good to hear that & she blushed at her own craziness.

Khushiiii... He called her huskily creating havoc in her senses.

She fisted her dupatta tight.

His husky voice & confusing talks were definitely driving her crazy.

Yes... Sir... She asked raising her head at him.

He scrunched his nose a bit.

He was not liking her addressing him as sir. He is not her boss neither has any intentions to become one ever.

He wants to hear her calling him with his name in her sugary sweet voice.

Oh how desperate he is now to hear his name from her those delectable lips.

His gaze shifted at her lips which quivered arousing desires in him to devour them.

He gulped his sweet from custard saliva, trying to control his desires.

Khushi looked at him going all silent all of a sudden. It was then she noticed a small piece of cashewnut from the custard stuck at the left corner of his lips.

She wanted to tell him to clean it but was hesitating to indicate the place to him, where the nut was stuck.

She somehow gathered some courage & said, sir.. There is... There is a piece of cashew nut stuck at... at.. the corner of your.. of your... lips.

Oh really... He immediately tried to clean it off. But he was cleaning at the wrong corner of his lips.

No... Not there.. The..The other side. She said now pointing her finger from very near to his lips.

Seeing her finger so close to his lips a naughty idea clicked in his mind.

He showed as if he is trying to clean on the other side where she pointed. But deliberately avoided to actually touch there.

Khushi's innocent mind couldn't decipher his real intention. She thought that he actually isn't able to clean it.

So involuntarily she raised her hand to clean the chunk from his lips.

The moment her thumb & index finger touched the corner of his lips he closed his eyes in ecstacy.

He breathed deep to inhale the feel of her soft fingers on his face.

She slowly wiped the cashew chunk from his lips.

Unlike the owner of those lips who was caught into the web of an unexpected pleasure, her eyes were completely on the task she was doing but the moment she felt his hot breath on her fingers she felt her senses creating same sweet havoc inside her & her fingers froze on the spot, near his lips.

His eyes were closed & she got a perfect opportunity to gaze his face, completely hypnotized from such close vicinity.

He appeared more handsome then what she noticed from far.

A few hair strands falling on his forehead made him look charming & boyish.

Sharp nose & light stubble were adding to his charm.

His lips seemed bit rough & hard but felt warm to her fingers.

She felt a sudden urge to caress his lips with her fingers & that thought itself was enough to bring her out of her hypnotized form.

She immediately pulled back her hand & hid it under her dupatta on her lap.

She inhaled & exhaled quickly to control her senses.

The sudden loss of the feel of her soft fingers against his skin compelled him to open his eyes.

Her jitteriness indicated that she was equally affected.

He was gazing her actions intently whereas she was looking everywhere but him.

After a minute of silence she found some courage to speak.

You.. You were saying something... Sir?? She reminded him of his forgotten talk.

THIS... He immediately said pointing a finger at her.

Huh!! She frowned, perplexed.

This... when you call me sir, I don't like it. He cleared.

Her frown deepened.

You are my boss so I address you accordingly.. Sir. She replied back.

No... I'm not your boss. You aren't officially appointed as a chef. You are like a guest chef. So technically I'm not your employer or boss so you can't call me sir. He reasoned skillfully, not giving her chance to object.

Khushi shifted into a thinking mode for a while & Arnav was observing her keenly with a smirk.

Then should I call you Mr. Raizada?? She came up with an option.

NOPE... He discarded immediately. It's exclusively for my corporate acquaintances only. He clarified.

She accepted that as well nodding innocently.

Then... What should I call you?? She asked him only to give her the best option.

ARNAV... He suggested immediately. His voice eager, desperate.

Her eyes resembled saucers.

How... How can I call you by your name?? She said awkwardly, looking down at her lap.

Because that's my name... Simple. He stated casually as if informing her about the whether.

No... I.. I can't. She refused.

Why?? My name is not that complicated. Just try it. It's just ARNAV... You can say it. He said simply, encouraging her & in the process he shifted closer to her but both were unaware as he was desperate to hear his name from her mouth & she was shying to do the same.

Though she was feeling awkward & somewhat shy but she could read the desperation in his eyes & surprisingly her tongue was also itching to utter his name.

She licked her lips nervously, increasing his desperation unknowingly.

I'm waiting Khushi. He urged her.

She looked down at her hands & then slowly raised her lashes to see him looking at her unblinkingly.

ARNAV... She whispered... JI... She added blushing.

His heart skipped a bit & he felt his world stopped. All the other voices around him just evaporated in thin air & only his name in her intoxicatingly sweet voice echoed in his cabin, in his mind, in his heart, in his soul.

Say again Khushi. He urged again earnestly.

Arnavji. She repeated loud & clear then before & saw a smile of ecstacy broke on his face, his lips stretched from ear to ear, his eyes shining in jubilation.

Her eyes & lips reciprocated the same joy.

Arnavji... He murmured to himself. It sounded so intimate from her sweet mouth.

His family calls him Chhote. Close relatives call him Arnav. His business acquaintances address him Mr. Raizada or ASR. But nobody addresses him as Arnavji. Khushi is the first one who has called him so & now she will be the only one who will have the copyrights to address him Arnavji forever.

Thanks Khushi. He said softly.

For what?? She asked confused.

Nothing... Just like that. He replied shrugging.

She wandered how can a man behave warmly & bizarre at a time.

Seeing her shifting on her place he understood she is ready to leave his cabin but he isn't yet ready to let her go.

She was about to ask his permission but he didn't let her. Khushi... He called her gently.

She looked at him.

Khushi.. Would you make the same Awadhi pulao tomorrow, you made it for the first time that day?? He asked eagerly.

She remembered him telling her the next day that he had liked her made Awadhi pulao very much.

Yes sir. She replied.

He lifted his eyebrows at her.

I mean Arnavji. She smiled lowering her eyes.

She looked at her wristwatch.

The lunch time is about to get over. I should be going now. She informed him & stood up.

He knows now he can't stop her. Ok Khushi. He permitted half heartedly.

She bent to take his empty plate but he stopped her holding her hands in his.

Both felt current run through their spines with their first intimate touch.

Let it be. The peon will take it back to the canteen. He said making her stand straight in front of him.

Her delicate, shivering hands still held in his strong ones.

She felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

She was about to pull her hands back but he held them firmly yet gently.

His brown orbs looking intently in her hazel eyes.

Your hands are really magical Khushi. Whatever you make, tastes nothing less than ambrosia. He praised her sincerely, genuinely, bringing a content smile on her face.

He slowly raised her hands towards his face & before she could understand anything, bending his head a little, he slowly pressed his lips on the back of her hands.

She gasped.

Her heart started drumming loudly in her chest.

Though her senses had gone haywire but surprisingly the touch of his warm lips on her hands didn't make her cringe but she felt as if he is honouring them & for the first time she felt proud of her cooking skills.

He raised his head & smiled warmly at her when she didn't detest his touch but shied cutely.

The red hue on her cheeks made her look more enchanting.

She slowly pulled back her hands & he let her do so.

I....I should go now Arnavji. She said tucking her hair strand behind her ear.

Oh how he wished to do it with his own hand. He sighed.

Ok... He nodded his head.

She quickly turned & moved towards the door.

The moment she touched the door knob he again called her from behind, just like their both previous meets.

She slowly turned around with thudding heart as she knows he would definitely say something which would make her shy more yet feel happy at the same time.

He was standing folding his hands.

She looked at him earnestly. Butterflies still fluttering in her stomach.

You look beautiful with your hair tied in this single braid but I like more when your hair is kept loose just like yesterday. You looked more beautiful then. He said unabashedly, without any hesitation.

She was right. His words indeed make her happy yet she felt like hiding her face with the amount of shyness she was feeling now.

She felt like the fluttering butterflies in her stomach were trying to bore holes in her stomach from inside to come out & before they literally come out & start fluttering in Arnavji's cabin, embarrassing her she better leaves from here.

Giving him one last shy smile she opened the door & left his cabin leaving an ecstatic Arnav behind who was now looking at his hands.

The feeling of her soft hands still intact in his hands & on his lips.

He smiled looking at the closed door.

The ringing of his mobile reminded him of the work waiting for him.

He sighed & moved towards his chair to resume his work.

In all these sweet chaos either of them didn't realise that they didn't behave like fresh acquaintances but like two desperate souls who wanted to latch onto the other very closely in any which way possible & this is just the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^

So this is it...

Sorry for posting it a day late then promised. But I compensated it with a pretty long update & very much ARSHILICIOUS as well ❤️

Hope u would like it...

Do let me know your views thru ur votes & comments as usual ☺️

Love
Kavita ❤️