Hey all 🙋‍♀️

I am back with the update as promised 🤷‍♀️

Thanks to all those who voted and commented on the previous chapter 🙏

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Arnav & Akash had completed their masters in Business Management in Harvard but Adi refused to go there & insisted on completing his masters in one of the best institutes in Delhi only. He has never liked to be away from his family. When he was admitted for the first time in boarding for his schooling he had fallen severely ill feeling terribly homesick & had to be hospitalized so the family had to get him back & then never thought of parting him from the family for any reasons. So he got admission in Delhi's top educational institute for his masters & now he was in his final year.

He was quite popular in his college between the girls & boys for various reasons. First for being a RAIZADA. Second for being the youngest brother of THE ASR the most eligible & richest bachelor in the country. Third for his charming persona, mind blowing sense of humour & happy go lucky kind of nature. Fourth for being very helpful & loyal towards his friends & last he isn't seriously involved with any girl yet apart from his every week changing girlfriends.

Parking his advanced Kawasaki Ninja sports bike which his Arnav bhai had gifted him on his last birthday he moved towards his group gathered at their usual place.

After their usual hi-hellos, hi-fi's & fist pumpings they all moved towards their class to get stopped in the corridor when they witnessed one of their friends Rohan getting slapped by a girl whose back was facing them.

How dare you try to rag me. Huh?? The girl shouted at the top of her voice at Rohan who was caressing his burning cheek raging fire from his eyes at the girl. Firstly ragging is completely banned & is a punishable offence. Secondly we are from different faculties so you don't have any rights to show your seniority on us what so ever. The girl snapped with murderous rage.

Rohan was feeling humiliated as the whole scene was witnessed by many students & also by his friends present over there.

Rohan was in Adi's group but his atrocious ways were never entertained by any of them & they always use to get into tussle with him on those reasons.

Today also when Rohan saw two new girls in the college premises he tried to rag them showing his seniority. He asked them to sing a romantic song dedicating it to him & if they don't do it then he would kiss them but he didn't knew that the girls he tried to overpower were way too ferocious for his own bad.

The girls immediately refused to his demand so he forcefully tried to kiss one of the girls & received a sizzling slap on his cheek from her. That's what Adi & his group witnessed along with many other students.

How dare you slap me?? Do you even know who I'm?? Who my father is?? He asked growling at the girl's face.

Why?? Don't you know who your father is that you are asking me??
The girl asked making fun of Rohan & all laughed at him.

You… Rohan tried to grab her upper arms angrily, humiliated.

But the girl pushed him on his chest making him stagger back. Don't you dare. She warned him again pointing her index finger at him.

Adi & his group were watching everything amused. They didn't interfere as they knew it must be definitely Rohan's fault.

Rohan saw them standing away & watching him getting insulted. He knew they won't come to his aid until provoked, specially Adi. So he resorted to that.

Adi was amusingly looking at the girl whose face wasn't yet visible to him. But he already felt attracted towards her as he had always liked courageous & strong girls not weak & clingy types & that's the reason he isn't hooked yet with any girl as he hasn't come across any such girl but this girl did manage to pull at his heart strings even without he saw her face or met her.

You don't know girl with whom you are messing. I'm Rohan Singhania & I belong to the the most popular & strongest boy's gang in this college & his name is Adi. If he comes to know that you insulted his friend then he would show you what a senior is actually capable of. Rohan deliberately took Adi's name to provoke him.

Listen Mr. Sing-chana She made fun of his surname this time making him clench his jaws in anger but others were laughing at this girl's spontaneous humour & so were Adi & his friends. I don't care whose gang do you belong. I'm not scare even of the underworld gang then who the hell is this Adi of yours to scare me. Let him come in front of me once then see how I make that Adi ITYADI (etcetra) She said proudly, folding her hands under her breasts.

I think this Adi is a monkey who keeps on jumping in this college marking his superiority. She said to the girl standing besides her who chuckled & this chellas of his she said gesturing her hand up & down at Rohan follow his footsteps oops sorry his jump steps & become his assistant monkeys as well. Go & call your Adi-Ityadi. I'm not scared of him. She boasted twitching her nose with her index finger in attitude.

Now this definitely hit the RAIZADA EGO.

He raised his eyebrows at this audacious girl's remark on him. She is making fun of him even without seeing him, meeting him, knowing him. Guess it's time she meets Aditya Raizada.

Though everybody felt like laughing at the girl's comment on Adi but they couldn't as he was standing right there & also they can't risk messing with a Raizada. All were now just waiting to see the clash of a popular senior boy & a gutsy junior girl.

Adi gestured his friends to follow him. Rohan saw that & smirked inwardly as his job was done & now Adi would take care of this girl from here.

Are you asking for me miss?? Adi said a bit loudly coming behind her.

The girl jumped on her place, startled due to the sudden loud interruption from behind.

She slowly turned around with her hand on her heart & Adi became actually ITYADI seeing the beauty in front of him.

He has had come across & even dated many beautiful & sexy girls but this girl was definitely different. Though she wasn't the most beautiful girl but sure has something different that attracted him even before he saw her. Delicate fair face with striking features. Her startled eyes with red flaring nose due to anger were making her more alluring.

The girl understood by his question that he is the famous Adi whom this Sing-Chana was boasting for.

Oh, hello Mr. Adi-Ityadi. She spoke breaking his trance.

He glared at her hearing her dissecting his name.

Friends, a while back she was calling me monkey but the way she jumped on her place it seems she herself is the descendant of monkeys. Adi commented smirking at her making everybody laugh.

She gritted her teeth angrily.

But she is such a small, delicate creature so calling her monkey would be insult of our strong ancestors. What say friends?? He mocked her looking around at everybody standing there who laughed nodding their heads.

So I guess.. Ummm… He scratched his chin as if thinking. How about squirrel?? Squirrels are small, delicate & always running, jumping & making noise just like you are making from quite a while. Squirrel suits you very much miss. He said laughing & hi-fied with his friends.

Rohan was laughing the loudest.

Seeing everybody laughing on her the girl got super angry & immediately grabbed Adi's collars silencing everybody.

How dare you call me squirrel?? She growled jerking him forward.

He grabbed her immediately through her waist. Just the way you called me monkey, Miss. Squirrel. He said tongue in cheek.

My name is Anvesha Gupta & not squirrel, you monkey. Don't you dare call me squirrel. She gritted close to his face still unaware of his hands around her waist.

He didn't reply. Just kept looking at her face, memorising her features from close circuit.

Everybody was witnessing the scene happening in front of their eyes & were surprised to see Adi behaving playfully with the girl who butchered his name.

Meghu's eyes widened seeing their position. She tried to pull Anu but Anu wasn't listening as she wanted to teach Adi a lesson for making fun of her.

What happened now?? Did cat got your tongue?? She mocked amused, raising her eyebrow, seeing him allsilent.

Uhunn… not a cat but a squirrel who is standing so comfortably in my arms. He remarked chortling, that's when Anu realised their position they were standing in. She started squirming to get out of his grip but he tightened his grip more.

Leave me, you monkey. She said trying to push him away.

His smirk widened seeing her failed attempts.

Suddenly everybody started dispersing frantically seeing a few professors coming in their direction. Even Rohan ran away.

Adi leave her. Professors are coming this way only. Adi's friends said pulling him from his shoulders.

Anu, let's go otherwise we would come into our professors bad books on the first day itself. Meghu said pulling Anu forcefully, looking at the professors.

Adi left her still smirking. Anu flared her nostrils more in anger.

Don't think this is over you monkey. I will see you. She warned him & started moving holding Meghu's hand.

Sure squirrel. Just tell me when & where you want to see me, I will reach there. He shouted from behind.

Anu turned her head & stuck her tongue at him whereas Adi winked at her & they went away to their respective classes.

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Arnav & Aman were discussing on an important presentation in Arnav's cabin when there was a knock on his cabin door.

With Arnav's permission Mr. Shukla entered his cabin.

Arnav immediately remembered that apart from being his canteen manager he is Khushi's mamaji as well. So Arnav immediately got up from his chair & welcomed Shuklaji with a smile followed by Aman as well.

Shuklaji was surprised to get such happy welcome. He greeted Arnav & Aman who reciprocated back warmly.

But before Arnav could say anything Aman came out of his chair smiling way too much & went towards Shuklaji & gestured him to come & seat on the other vacant chair besides his opposite Arnav's.

Shuklaji refused as he was a mere junior employ but Aman insisted & holding his hand brought him towards the chair & forcibly made him sit on it.

Are you comfortable Shuklaji?? Would you like to have something?? Should I order some refreshment for you from the canteen?? Aman asked politely with the smile still intact on his face. Arnav & Shuklaji's head shot at him at once as why he was behaving so warmly & showing so much hospitality.

No.. No… I’m fine. I.. I don't want anything. Shuklaji replied back, confused.

Why no Shuklaji?? You work so hard whole day in the canteen for us. So it's our duty to look after you. Let me order something for you. Aman insisted more increasing Arnav & Shuklaji's confusion at his behaviour.

What happened to Aman?? Why is he behaving so convivial with Shuklaji suddenly?? Arnav mused looking confusingly at Aman who was smiling foolishly looking at Shuklaji.

No… No Aman sir. I'm alright & if I want to have anything then I will have it in the canteen. Shuklaji said standing up from his chair feeling awkward to sit in front of Arnav.

Arnav was about to ask him to sit back but again Aman beat him to it.

Why are you standing Shuklaji?? Please sit. Make yourself comfortable. Aman pushed Shuklaji by his shoulders making him sit back on the chair.

Now Arnav & Shuklaji's eyes widened at Aman's gesture.

Arnav sat back on his chair still staring at Aman.

So Shuklaji how are you?? How's your family?? Hope everything is fine?? Aman asked taking his seat. The foolish smile was back on his face.

Yes.. Yes sir. Everything is fine. Shuklaji replied.

Shuklaji, please don't call me sir. You can call me Aman. Aman said moving his chair towards Shuklaji's.

Arnav who was till now just a mute spectator, raised his eyebrows, amused at Aman's sudden friendly behaviour towards Shuklaji.

Shuklaji was spellbound as he has been calling Aman as sir since he joined the company canteen & suddenly Aman is behaving so friendly with him & is asking him to call him by his name.

Arnav noticed the shocked expressions on Shuklaji's face, not that he was less shocked but he needed to relax the poor man who has started perspiring completely clueless.

Shuklaji, did you had any work with me that brought you here?? Arnav asked with utmost politeness bringing Shuklaji's attention from foolishly smiling Aman to him.

Haan… Ji..no..I mean yes. Shuklaji stuttered.

He took out his hanky from his pocket & dabbed his forehead.

Actually sir I came to ask about Khushi. Shuklaji said keeping his hands on the desk nervously.

Arnav's eyes lit up hearing Khushi's name but at the same time he got cautious as well.

Khushi?? What about her?? Arnav asked moving a bit forward on his chair.

Yes, what About Khushiji?? Aman too raised his question earning a frown from Arnav which he didn't notice though.

Wo actually.. I just wanted to ask that are you happy with Khushi's cooking?? I mean…is the taste of her hand made food as per your likes & standard sir?? I hope you don't have any complaints against her cooking?? Shuklaji asked Arnav, skeptical due to Arnav asking for tasting the canteen food for three days consecutively which hasn't happened before.

Of course Shuklaji. She is a wonderful cook. It was again Aman to reply before Arnav could.

Arnav gritted his teeth in annoyance at his assistant's sudden weird behaviour.

Aman was about to say more but Arnav stopped him a bit rudely. Aman, I'm the boss here… Remember?? Arnav arched his eyebrows.

Yes.. Yes sir. Certainly. Aman replied smiling sheepishly.

Good. Arnav said glaring at him & Aman looked down embarrassed.

Arnav then looked at Shuklaji. Don't worry Shuklaji. I don't have any complaints. Khushi is an excellent cook & her made food is just delicious. I loved her cooking. Arnav replied genuinely with a smile, putting Shuklaji's worries at ease.

See, I told you Shuklaji. You need not worry about Khushiji. Aman again chirped in with same foolish smile.

Shuklaji nodded at him.

Now Arnav was getting more annoyed & angry on his assistant & wanted to get him alone immediately to give him his piece of mind bringing him to his senses from his idiocracy.

Ok sir. I just wanted to ask that much. I'm glad you are liking the food. Shuklaji said joining his hands in gratitude.

No no. That's fine Shuklaji. We are lucky to get to taste such scrumptious & healthy food. In fact from now on I'm going to have my lunch & high tea from our canteen only. Arnav replied smiling.

Shuklaji was very happy to hear this but Aman was very surprised.

That's a great news sir. I'm very happy to hear that. Shuklaji replied happily.

Ok sir. I will take your leave now. Shuklaji said standing up from his chair.

Arnav & Aman too stood up from their seats surprising Shuklaji again by showing so much of respect towards him all of a sudden.

Shuklaji, if you have any kind of problem or need any kind of help ever then don't hesitate to ask me. Arnav said. & me too. Aman added hurriedly.

Arnav clenched his jaws flaring his nostrils at Aman's unwanted intrusion.

Shuklaji was getting surprises after surprises today from his boss & his boss’ assistant. Now before he faints getting anymore shocking surprises, he hurriedly made his way out of his boss’ cabin.

As soon as Shuklaji left Arnav turned towards Aman to give him earful but to his more surprise he found Aman looking at the door from where Shuklaji went, but now with a proud smile on his face as if he has achieved something.

AMAN MATHUR. Arnav yelled.

Aman jumped on his place startled & turned towards his boss.

Yes.. Yes sir… Aman stammered scared seeing his boss’ angry eyes.

What were doing?? Arnav gritted folding his hands on his chest.

Nothing… Nothing sir. Aman replied innocently.

All of a sudden why were you behaving so over friendly with Shuklaji as if you have met your long lost relative?? Arnav asked narrowing his eyes, intimidating Aman.

No.. No sir. Actually he is an elderly person & works so hard for all of us. So he...he deserves that much….respect sir. Aman replied not so confidently.

Arnav's frown deepened hearing his words. Actually he himself had same notions in his mind as now Shuklaji is not only his canteen manager but HIS Khushi's mamaji & only guardian as well. So for his own future plans he needs to be in Shuklaji's good books. Not that he has ever disrespected him or offended him ever in any ways but still they were bounded by a thin line of an employer & employee & he used to behave with him accordingly. But now due to his new found to-be-future-relation with Shuklaji he needs to become more familiar, respectful & polite with him for his own good. But this idiot Aman stole all the limelight. Don't know what's going on in his stupid brains.

Arnav huffed & threw a burning glare at Aman who flinched not knowing the reason for getting those furious looks.

Aman, Shuklaji is working in our company canteen since years & just now you realised that he deserves more respect & acknowledgement?? Arnav asked sarcastically.

Aman started looking here & there as if trying to find proper words or better any reason to escape his boss’ interrogation.

Arnav fisted his palms feeling like punching Aman who was behaving such idiotically.

Aman Mathur.. I'm talking to you & not to the walls of my cabin, you moron. Arnav snapped irritated with Aman's behaviour.

Wo.. Wo sir.. Actually I… I was just being polite & respectful. Aman repeated smiling oddly again.

Arnav rolled his eyes in frustration due to Aman's repetitive & irrelevant answer.

He was about to come out of his chair towards Aman to shake him & bring him back to senses & get some logical answer from him but Aman sensing the situation frantically collected his things from Arnav's desk & started moving out saying, Sir we have meeting with sales department in few minutes. I will make the meeting room ready & intimate them to be on time & he hurried towards the door.

Huh!! was only Arnav could utter at his assistant's absolutely bizarre behaviour.

Reaching the door Aman stopped & turned towards his boss. Sir what did you decide regarding Khushiji??

Arnav scrunched his eyes at him.

I mean hope you would decide to appoint her as a permanent chef in our canteen. She is really an awesome cook sir. We should not let go of such splendid chef. Aman said or say almost pleaded with praises for Khushi which now made Arnav uncomfortable.

He doesn't want anybody else to praise HIS Khushi except him. He wanted to chastise Aman for the same & for his weird behaviour in front of Shuklaji & then with him as well.

But he didn't lose it though on Aman as he didn't want to discuss anything about Khushi right now until he himself reaches to any conclusion.

I haven't decided anything yet Aman in those regards. Arnav said sitting back on his chair.

Aman was about to retort but Arnav cut him. Aman go & prepare for the meeting I'm coming in five minutes. He said dismissing Aman.

Aman sighed. Ok sir & he exited the cabin.

Arnav too let out a frustrated sigh in his wake.

What has gotten into this man today?? First his eccentric behaviour with Shuklaji & him & now his insistence on Khushi, all these was feeling so unconventional yet he felt that something was definitely going on in Aman's mind but he couldn't figure it out. Arnav tried to contemplate, then eventually shaking his head in sheer frustration left his cabin to attend the meeting.

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Arnav exited the meeting room after completing the meeting with Aman following him behind discussing the appreciative work of sales department.

They were headed towards Arnav's cabin when he stopped abruptly with Aman clashing at his back due to the sudden hault.

Aman apologized immediately looking at his boss whose eyes seemed fixated at the canteen front counter.

Aman waited for a few minutes for his boss to move but when he didn't he came & stood in front of his boss with his back facing the canteen counter.

Boss any problem?? Aman asked courteously.

Arnav was embarrassed but didn't let Aman notice so he asked for the latest sales figures file which Aman was carrying in his hand.

Aman handed him the file. Arnav opened it & started faking as if reading it.

Aman looked at his boss’ face flabbergasted because his boss was reading the file upside down still seemed completely engrossed in it.

Aman scratched his chin in astonishment. Then he noticed his boss craning his neck to look at the canteen counter again & again.

Aman too turned his head to look behind but found nobody standing there.

Then suddenly he saw his boss’ face lit up like thousand watt bulb with a rare full fledged smile blooming on his lips & his gaze was completely stuck at the canteen counter.

Aman turned back to know the reason & found Khushi standing at the counter arranging the styrofoam cups & other cutleries on the counter which would be needed during evening tea time to serve the staff.

She was completely engrossed in her work, unaware of the two pairs of eyes which were staring her.

One with adorable intensity & the other to know why the first one was staring her.

Aman looked back at his boss who was still busy staring at Khushi.

Aman frowned curiously at his boss’ expressions.

Then as if sudden realization had dawned upon him he gasped & then hiccupped loudly breaking Arnav's trance.

Arnav glared at Aman for interrupting him unknowingly.

Aman immediately palmed his mouth as he was about to hiccup again.

Arnav shook his head at his assistant's unending craziness today & then thumped the file back in Aman's hands.

Aman, go through the figures again & highlight the possible criterias for more profits. He ordered Aman & then moved towards the canteen counter or say towards his adorable attraction leaving a stupefied Aman behind.

Aman kept on looking at his boss with his heart beating faster as there were hell lot of thoughts running in his mind regarding his boss & Khushi which he actually didn't want to turn out to be true.

Arnav swiftly moved towards the counter where Khushi was working with sheer concentration. At Least Arnav thought so but the truth was she was very much aware & alert the moment she saw Arnav coming towards her through her peripheral vision but she didn't make it obvious & continued working by dropping a few spoons, letting the tissues fly away, making irritating sound of the cutleries & so on, which was actually so not Khushi like, who is always perfect in whatever work she does but Arnav's sudden presence was making her go all nervous & frantic.

The moment Arnav reached the counter standing exactly opposite to her with just the counter slab separating them, she couldn't help but raise her eyes at him with her heart jumping frenziedly in her chest.

Arnav's heart was no less treacherous the moment it viewed Khushi.

Hii Khushi. Arnav husked making Khushi grip the counter edge tightly as she couldn't grip her heart which was going all berserk in front of Arnav hearing his husky voice as usual.

Hello Arnavji. She greeted back smiling lightly, composing herself.

Arnav's heart now started doing somersault hearing his name from Khushi's pretty mouth, in her sweet voice with a cute suffice - ji.

He smiled admiringly at her.

How are you Khushi?? He asked leaning a bit towards her over the counter.

Khushi gulped nervously & looked around to see if anybody is noticing them.

She sighed relieved as all were busy in their works. Relieved not only to be unnoticeable to anybody but also for getting one more chance to talk to Arnavji… all alone, which she was liking & also was looking forward to again, after their lunchtime meet in the afternoon in his cabin, reasons still unknown to her.

Arnavji, we met just a few hours ago during lunchtime. What will happen to me in such short period?? She replied smiling naughtily at him.

Arnav smirked at her answer.

It's been exactly 4 hours 25 minutes & 46 seconds I have been missing you Khushi. Arnav replied looking at his wrist watch, then back at her, leaning more towards her with a more devilish smirk on his face.

Khushi's eyes widened initially hearing his words. Then her eyelashes fell instantly on her now flushed cheeks as she realised the underlined meaning behind his words.

She slowly raised her eyes to see him watching intently at her.

She swallowed & moved a step back not able to bear the intensity, much to Arnav's dislike.

Arnav felt like jumping over the counter & pulling her closer to him… Very very close.

But he straightened himself understanding her nervousness when he saw her glancing around cautiously.

It's better he talks to her in the confines of his cabin when they both would be alone, only the two of them. Without any fear of any intrusion or any conspicuous eyes watching them. Not that he was scared of anything or anybody but he doesn't want Khushi to feel awkward or jittery & ruin the unsaid & effortless camaraderie built between them.

I will be waiting for my evening coffee, snacks & YOU he said stressing on the last word in my cabin. Come soon. He added eyeing her up & down once affectionately before turning & moving towards the stairs to his cabin.

The moment he left, Khushi immediately clutched her heart closing her eyes tight trying to get grip on her haywired senses & laboured breathing.

The unofficial love birds were completely unaware of the pair of eyes which noticed every movement, expressions, actions & reactions happened between them hiding behind one of the vacant desks.

After witnessing the whole scene with his own eyes it was now Aman's turn to clutch his heart, not excitedly but wretchedly.

All that he witnessed screams only of something romantic taking place between his boss & Khushi.

He shook his head skeptically, not able to accept the possibilities his mind was producing to be happening between his boss & Khushi.

If whatever I'm thinking turns out to be true then what would happen of me?? What would I do?? I would be doomed. He mused ruefully & moved towards his cabin throwing a last glance at still very much ARNAV-AFFECTED Khushi, standing at the canteen counter.

To be continued....

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Kavita ❤️