Confused right? Read more... Arnav had years ago discovered his passion...

writing murder mysteries; he could get so immersed into the character that one would think the novel was written on personal experience...Although he was an engineer and had followed up with an M BA from one of the top most Universities owing to the pressures from his family. ..he was never into it...he was never meant for a 9 to 5 job...Nope...he was mea nt for far bigger and better things... So, by day, he worked in Banic Enterprises, a banking and hedge fund corporation ...his job was pretty easy, convince rich suckers to invest with them...and get paid shit loads for it! But where was the fun in it? So he finally gave in to hi s passion and started writing...if he could not follow up on his dreams openly, then he would do it behind closed doors...where it was just him and his desire t o write... He knew he could never write as himself, otherwise his parents would have a hear t attack if they ever came to know...what with being from a very rich and influe ntial family; he would be ostracized for being a writer...a profession looked do wn by the society he unfortunately lived in...'writers are penniless hobo's' tha t's what his father always said... And So...Crispin Pike came into being...his very first novel got published under this name and his publisher was more than happy to help him out with his secret identity, he knew the mystery around his latest find would only play to their b enefit...and it did...and how! So guys, here starts the story of Arnav...AKA, Crispin Pike...i'm sure most of y ou are bored with the huge intro...so without further adieu...Oh wait...I never told you about that 'Twist' that life threw at him!!! The one named...'Khushi'?. ..But there's time for that...all good things comes to those who wait...and Arna v Singh Raizada had waited for a long long time...sigh! Chapter 1 "What do you mean you are leaving for Coorg?" Manav asked worriedly as he saw hi s friend make some phone calls while sipping lazily on his freshly brewed coffee ...he went and sat on the couch opposite him waiting till he finished his calls and looked up "Manav, it means exactly what I said...I'm leaving for Coorg tomorrow...and I'll be back in 3 months tops!" Arnav said taking another long sip of his coffee...h e looked on with an amused expression as his friend stared at him with his mouth open "You are serious aren't you?" he asked Arnav who nodded his head "Ok..listen...let me explain why i'm going there" Arnav said calmly leaning forw ard with his hands resting on the coffee table in front of him, while Manav narr owed his eyes at him "Gee, thanks...I usually read your mind, but today it seems to be having a blockage!" he said as Arnav smiled "Alright Mr Sarcasm...listen up...I'm having writers block..." he said with a st raight face as Manav kept looking at him "Aaand? Please don't tell me that this is your reason!" Manav said as Arnav shook his head "No Listen, my new book...'T he Twisted Pendulum' is just not moving forward...I've put too much effort into it for me to just scrap it or change the plot...plus I have deadlines!" he said as he got up and walked towards the large balcony overlooking the beautiful arab

ian sea "Hold on Arnav..you've had these blocks before...its no big deal...you've come o ut of it...what is the meaning of this..." he started saying as Arnav looked bac k at him, leaning against the balcony railing "I am also wondering the same thin g Manav...its never taken me this long...two months...I can't seem to move forwa rd with my plot at all...everything seems so messed up!" he said as he closed hi s eyes and took a deep breath "I think its best I leave this godforsaken city and look for some peace and quit e...this house in coorg that i'm renting is really good...its secluded and has a ll the modern amenities...it will give me the quietude i need to finish this nov el" he said as Manav watched him quietly "I guess you've already taken care of everything huh?" he asked as arnav opened one eye and looked at him with a lazy smile "Arre...but what about your job? You r boss won't agree to this...and what reason will you give them? No one knows yo u are Crispin bloody pike!...not even your family" he said getting agitated agai n...sometimes he really did not know how to get across to his bull headed best f riend. "Its taken care of Manav; I've never taken a personal leave from the past 6 year s that I have been working...so I told my boss that I wanted to take an extended vacation and travel around Europe...he was reluctant at first...but he knows th at he can't lose me...plus he's very happy with my last three exclusive deals... so he agreed...his only request being that I keep up with my mails" arnav said a s Manav reached inside his pocket and pulled out his cigarette box "Boy, do I need a smoke or what!...want one?" he offered arnav who gladly took o ne...both of them lit their cigarettes before facing the cool breeze coming from the balcony"So...where in Coorg is this place?" Manav asked him as he drew in a deep drag "Its just a bit away from the main city...up in the hills...my publisher recomme nded it...apparently some other writers have also gone there...they found it hel pful" he said as he exhaled out the calming smoke "Hmm...and what about your daily stuff? Like food and other things?" Manav asked Arnav who seemed to thinking about something "Uh...yeah, there's an old caretak er and his wife...they will be helping with the cleaning and food arrangements.. .I really don't need to bother with anything...its a full package!" Arnav said a s he crushed his cigarette on the ashtray He walked inside the living room as Manav finished his cigarette and followed hi m in "So...I don't think I can persuade you amigo...you seem to have made up you r mind and your plans..." he said with a small hurt face which made arnav chuckl e "God! Why are you behaving like a typical wife!" Arnav said only to have Manav s cowl at him "Arnav! I'm not behaving like a bloody wife...I'm only concerned for my so called best friend...who is suddenly taking off leaving everything behind

and is informing me, Manav Bhatnagar a day before he flies off to God only know s where!" he said in a sulky tone only to have Arnav laugh loudly "You are such a drama queen man! Manav...don't worry so much...I'm a big boy! I' ll be fine...and these 3 months will be over before we know...plus i'll be back in the stands with probably the best mystery novel I have ever written!" he said as Manav gave him a sheepish smile "Yeah...can you like give me 10% of your earnings this time round?...looking at what you made last time, I think my life will be set if you feel this will be yo ur best novel so far!" he said as both burst out laughing. "Oh and I know you ..6 more years and ul set you up with e since the time I th a shudder are a big boy...a you'll be hitting someone nice when suggested pairing very big boy! Your'e getting old now Arnav. 40!...promise me, you you'll let me and Par you are back! That woman has been on my cas you up with one of her cousins!" he said wi

"Hey! Don't say anything about Parul...you are one lucky bas***d to have her in your life...and now you have to double up your'e love since she is pregnant!" ar nav said bringing a fond smile on his friend's face who nodded his head. The rest of the evening went by with Manav helping Arnav with his packing and pu tting the house in order...Arnav handed over the keys of his large 4 bedroom apa rtment to Manav who promised that he will get Arnav's maid to clean it twice a w eek. The night ended on good lucks and good nights as both the friends parted to once again meet 3 months later...but little did they know that life as Mr Arnav Sing h Raizada urf Crispin Pike knew...will be changed...forever! Chapter 2 "Hello sir...welcome to Coorg" an old but strong looking man dressed in a loose pants and a button down cotton shirt, greeted arnav as he stopped his car inside the bungalow's compound and got down. He peered at the main entrance of the cot tage hidden by the overgrown hedges around and took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp fresh air that filled his nostrils gaving him a sense of peace and calm. He returned the etaker? Sorry I angalore" Arnav f the cricks in man's smile as he shook hands with him "Thanks...are you the car did not have your number so spoke to the manager on landing at B said to the man, stretching his arms above his head to get rid o his back thanks to the long uphill drive.

The man smiled back at him and got busy pulling our Arnav's luggage from the car 's trunk "Yes sir, I am Venkateshan Krishamani Rao, but you can call me VK or ju st Rao...whatever you prefer" he said pleasantly as he kept the bags down and ca me towards arnav who was surveying the thicket around the place, his eyes flicke d back to the old man on hearing his name

"Okay...i guess i'll stick to VK" he said as the man nodded and started picking up the larger of the bags "No wait..thats very heavy..." Arnav started arguing a s VK hauled the bag over his shoulder while dragging the other bag with its whee ls on the cobbled path "Its ok sir, I can manage...please come this way" he said as arnav gave up and picked up his laptop bag, following him to the second gate , in front of the house. "Looks like this place has seen better times" Arnav commented as he surveyed the pale ivory color peeling off the outer walls of the cottage...he looked around and grimaced at the overgrown shrubs and wild plants lining the main pathway, wh ile the old creaky gate gave a positively horrific groan...a huge guava tree sto od guarding the bungalow in the small courtyard surrounding it. "Oh yes sir...actually the house has been more or less closed off for over two y ears now, the last it was used was by an author like you...after that no one had stayed here...even me and my wife used to come one once a week for the upkeep.. .but now that bade sir's grand-daughter is back here for a few days, she'll be t aking care of the repairs and other things.." he said as arnav suddenly halted a t the man's word "Whoa! What? You don't mean she is staying here do you? I was not told about thi s...I had precisely told them that I wanted the house to myself...I've bloody re nted out the entire place!" Arnav said fuming at the thought that he won't be al one in the house as he had imagined if this grand daughter was here. "Oh...Sir, I understand what you mean...but babyji decided to come here at the l ast minute...she wasn't aware of your visit since the rentals are overlooked by our estate manager...she too came to know about it two days ago when she got her e...and since this is her house..." he said as arnav gave him a stern look "Look VK...I don't care that your babyji decided to come here at the last minute ...my only concern is that I have paid for three months of exclusive use of this house...and if that is not given to me then I will look for other accommodation ...the last thing I need is some babyji dancing on my head while I try to work" arnav said with a frown as VK's face turned a slight pink "Sir...please don't talk like that about babyji...she is very special to us...If you do not wish to live here, I will ask babyji to talk to our manager and retu rn your money...but since its friday today, we can only do that on monday...in t he mean time, it will be best if you stay here till then and maybe look at other places for accommodation over the weekend...I will be happy to assist you" he s aid with a defeated sigh as arnav nodded He was too tired and exhausted from the journey and felt it was best to discuss this with their babyji at a better time...he really could not believe that he wa s already speaking about finding another place to live in before even walking in to the house! ... "Sir?" Arnav heard VK's voice call out from outside...he locked his laptop and g

ot up from the carved wooden table in his room and went to open the door to a pl easant sight...he smiled gratefully as VK came in with a tray laden with hot alo o paratha's, yogurt and lime pickle...there was also a pot of freshly brewed cof fee which arnav was dying to have. "My wife thought you must be very hungry...but since its an odd time between bre akfast and lunch, she thought that paratha's and coffee would be a good choice.. .do let me know in case you want something else" VK said with a warm smile "No, this is great...how did you know I drink coffee?" arnav asked him to which VK shrugged "the other writers all drank coffee..we just guessed you did too...I can bring you tea if you like..but I do recommend the coffee, its locally produ ced here in coorg" he said proudly to which arnav smiled "Oh no...this is perfect...by the way, how many other writers have stayed here b efore?" arnav asked him as he poured the smooth black drink and added a dash of milk "Oh...about 5 other writers...in fact, one of them used to come here quite often...he is a spiritual writer and finds peace and tranquility in this space" he said gesturing around the room and beyond Arnav nodded as could not have agreed more...as soon as he had walked into his r oom...he was astonished by the sheer beauty of the high ceilinged european style d room...the tiles were a warm terra-cotta while teak furniture gave the room an enchanted feel...the fresh linen and soft smell of eucalyptus from the forest o utside lent a feel of calmness to it. He had walked out into the large deck cum balcony, only to be astonished by the beautiful sight of the valleys and lush greenery in front of him, the steady str eams of late monsoon waterfalls were a sight to his sore eyes...this really was heaven on earth...and it would be a shame to let go of a chance to live here...h e somehow felt that the wily old man had given him this room to dissuade him fro m leaving the house. He waited till VK left the room before rolling one of the parathas and dipping i t into the cool yogurt...he suddenly felt famished as he remembered the last mea l he had was probably last night with Manav...he had not eaten anything from his flight in the wee hours of the morning and then he had driven non-stop from Ban galore airport to coorg. Once he was done with his food and second cup of coffee...he wandered out of his room in order to find VK...he needed to check with him if there was a LAN conne ction or wifi in the house so that he could check his mails ...though his phone coverage was all right, he hardly had any data speed...and he doubted that his d ata card will work due to the high altitude. He walked slowly drinking in the beauty of the interiors as he admired the wood paneled ceilings and colonial style furniture..large old paintings lined the wal ls while many different knick-knacks scattered around the house spoke of a well travelled owner. He really wondered which era had influenced this house..since h e saw soo many various styles in the construction and design of it.

He had now reached a longish corridor which was leading towards an open courtyar d...he continued on making a mental note to take down VK's phone number, he was just about to reach the end of the corridor when he stopped abruptly as he heard a soft voice coming from one of the rooms...he turned back and strained his ear s to check if it really was someone's voice when he heard it again It sounded like someone was calling from the room on his left...Arnav slowly tur ned the knob and heard a female voice call out from the bathroom for someone tha t sounded like 'chikappa..' he wondered what the hell it meant as he waked towar ds the voice and was left bewildered and astonished at the sight that greeted hi m Two beautifully long, tanned smooth bare legs were peeking out from under what l ooked like a humongous sink... "Chikappa...where are you?" the girl said again a s she struggled with something on the right side...her hand trying to locate som ething on the old tiled floor...Arnav quickly walked towards her, his footstep a lerting her "Finally...where were you? Please pass the spanner to me...I just need to tighte n this bolt...that should stop the leakage" she said as she held out a delicate hand to him...he bent down and looked around for the spanner and gave it to her as she clasped her hand around it and grunted in exhaustion as she tightened the said bolt It took arnav a minute to register that she was now wriggling out from under the sink...he wondered if he should stay back or leave...and finally decided that i t was best to leave...he had anyways not spoken to her yet...but the smooth expa nse of her khakhi shorts clad legs and the flat midriff peeking out from under h er t-shirt that had ridden up kept him rooted to the spot. He heard her curse as she hit her head on the underside of the sink base while t rying to slip out, when she was just about to come out, he swiftly turned and wa lked away from there...he had no idea why he did that...but he felt it was best to not meet someone like this...he should have first only announced his presence instead of ogling at her. He walked back to his room and closed the door behind him before walking towards the open balcony once again...he was surprised that the plumber was a girl...th at too someone who clearly was not a local..at least not in the way she dressed. .so was that babyji? ... "Chikappa?" Khushi called out to VK who suddenly seemed to have vanished as she slipped out from the bottom of the sink...she got up and dusted her clothes befo re checking the water that was now running steadily in the sink...she washed her filthy hands and gathered all the tools before zipping up the tool bag and haul ing it on her shoulders...where had he gone? She walked into the storage room off the kitchen and deposited the tool kit on t he old creaky shelves before pulling her hair free of the scrunchie holding her

bun together...she picked up a juicy apple on her way to her room when she spott ed VK cleaning his feet on doormat before entering the living room "Chikappa! Where did you vanish off to?...you just came handed me the spanner an d left...what happened? That mumbaiyya called you or something?" Khushi asked hi m gesturing towards the new tenant's room...VK had told her how he had refused t o stay in the house after he came to know that she was here too. "Chikappa! Where did you vanish off to?...you just came handed me the spanner an d left...what happened? That mumbaiyya called you or something?" Khushi asked hi m gesturing towards the new tenant's room...VK had told her how he had refused t o stay in the house after he came to know that she was here too. She really could not understand his reluctance...the house was huge! They won't even meet each other...plus she had too much work around the upkeep of the house to disturb his work...But she did not want to argue with anyone...she had alrea dy spoken to their manager to return all his money on monday. "Me babyji? But I never gave you the spanner...in fact after you got to work on the sink, I left to get some herbs from the garden and am just getting back" he said as khushi gave him a confused look...if VK did not give her the spanner..th en who did? That mumbaiyya?? Chapter 3 'He wondered where the foot prints came from...it wasn't like anyone else reside d in this house or even dared to venture in its eerie silence...why was it then, he felt someone's presence...the thought left a cold feeling lingering in his b eing...' Arnav stared at the words in front of him...he had already reread the six chapte rs he had jotted down so far...but after that he had badly got stuck on the seve nth...He sighed as he exited the software and shut down his laptop before leanin g back into the comfortable wicker chair in the adjoining balcony He closed his eyes as the characters in his latest is mind...his protagonist was loosely based on his never done beforebut somehow it had clicked and he o that he had finished the first three chapters in novel kept revolving around h personsomething which he had had been on a roll, so much s a single night!

But then things had gotten a bit difficult, because though he had started the no vel on a very solid foundation and had built over it quite well, his creative ju ices had simple stopped flowing once he reached chapter sixthe paranormal twist in the story was just not settling well with his psyche and he had been in a fix if he was probably wrong on basing his newest protagonist on himself..he felt t hat the climax he had originally envisioned may not come through if he continued in this way. He let out a long sigh before picking up the laptop and walking back into the om. He set the device on the study table to charge and switched on the lights the now darkened room as the evening had set in...He looked back towards the lcony to witness the last visible light of the setting sun, finally drenching e valley into cool darkness. ro in ba th

Half an hour later he was walking out of his room to look for VK...the hot showe r had done wonders to his tensed self and the calmness of the place was giving h im a sense of rejuvenation. He ran his hands through his damp hair before walkin g slowly into the dimly lit living area Arre sir...you are here? I was just about to come and call you for dinner VK sai d as Arnav nodded at him before walking towards a large showcase that held many old books, the same had intrigued him earlier in the day These are bade saabji's books...you can take them to read if you'd like VK said, looking at the way Arn av was taking a keen interest in them Thanks...I might.. he said as he opened the cupboard and ran his forefinger alon g the various books...ranging from political to spiritual topics...he finally fo und his favorite book amongst the collection and pulled it out with a smile A Ta le of two cities

That is a fifth edition original copy...1921, I think a soft voice spoke from be hind him as he was leafing through the yellowed pages. He quickly turned around to be greeted by a pair of startling hazel orbs..but it didn't take him long to take in the rest of her face..her long perfect nose, high cheekbones marred by a slight blush...full plump pink lips unadorned by any artificial color and strai ght long hair falling in a soft cascade around her delicate shoulders The rest of her was equally perfect with womanly curves and beautiful fair smoot h skin...he knew she was the same girl he had earlier found under the sink...her still bare legs confirming his doubt Beautiful...I...I mean, this book is b..Be autiful he said as the suddenness of his thoughts spoken aloud made him stutter. Hmm...Yes I agree...it is one my favorite booksthis one here was a gift given to my great-grandfather by the British Officer he worked under during colonial tim es she said walking towards him and closing the bookcase. She took the book from his hands and picked up a tissue from the nearby coffee table...she wiped the d ust of the book and offered it back to him I know we are supposed to keep these in better condition...but I had forgotten a bout this little treasure the house holds she said as she smiled softly, making arnav gulp at the unfamiliar feeling in the pit of his stomach...her smile trans formed her face further...taking her natural beauty to another level Khushi observed the man in front of her with interest...When she had heard his n ame, she had thought of an older gentleman...someone who was very authoritative and probably stern looking...she had never imagined that this man standing in fr ont of her will be that mumbaiyya she had cursed earlier. She had watched him discreetly for a few seconds, taking in his tall, lean frame ...he did not seem like the overtly muscled types, but the way his veins stretch ed over his bare forearms, spoke of a well toned, maintained body...and then his face...he seemed to have a kind of melancholy around his eyes when he had looke d up at her, but his rugged handsomeness had stopped her from delving too much i

nto it. I'm Arnav by the way...you must be babyji he said as he extended his arm to gree t her... Khushi Gupta...this is my nanaji's house she said shaking his hand brie fly before pulling away and stuffing her hands back into the pockets of her shor ts. They stood observing each other for a few seconds more before khushi cleared her throat Uh...was it you who came to the bathroom earlier? When I was fixing the sink? she asked him curiously only to have him nod his head at her Yes, that was me...I did not realize that was you fixing the plumbing though he told her as s he nodded Yep...I'm kind of like a DIY person...whatever I can fix, I'll do on my own...in fact its high time I fix up this place good...Its been ignored for a very long time she sighed as she slowly walked towards the dining room and poured herself a glass of water while Arnav observed her discreetly. Anyways...I heard from chikappa that you will be leaving? I'm sorry I came in at this time, but I work in Delhi and could only take a month's time off to come a nd restore this place...my boss only agreed to a long break since work's not cra zy busy right now...and she can afford to give me a break only when the season's off khushi said matter of factly drinking the cool water Oh...what kind of work do you do? he asked her with mild curiosity...since she s poke of seasons. Khushi smiled at him again before slumping down ungracefully in the comfy dining chair I'm a wedding planner...I work for a company called 'Dre amz Inc'...yes I know sounds corny...but we are one of the best wedding planners in Delhi and NCR she said proudly as arnav looked at her in amusement Sounds like a cool job he said as he too sat down and waited as VK placed dinner plates in front of them So youre here for a month only? he asked her as she ser ved herself some pickle and salad before passing on the plate to arnav Yes...if I can get things done before that, then Ill be gone before the month en ds...Why? Are you considering staying back now? she asked him wiggling her eyebr ows as he thoughtfully bit into a piece of cucumber I really don't know...see I rented this place because I wanted to do some serious writing...I wanted to be c ompletely on my own so that I can gather my thoughts and simply write! he said a s she nodded I know...they told me you were a writer...and if you are having second thoughts, let me reassure you that I will not come in your way at all...as it is, the par t of the house where you are staying will not be disturbed at all..And if you li ke, I can reduce the rental substantially since its only fair she said trying to change his mind...but for the life of her, she had no idea why she was trying t o convince him so much... Fine...let me re-think about it, I am anyways staying here for another two days, so Ill decideon Mondayif I want to move out...and don't worry about the money.. .its fine, the rent is pretty low any which ways he said as VK served him some v

egetables Sure, sounds good...trust me, you will probably only see me during meal times... Ill make sure to stay out of your way otherwise she said with a bright smile...a nd somehow those words made arnav feel restless instead of relief...something ab out her presence was very soothing...but maybe it was best to stay away from mak ing any attachments to anyone..not even the caretaker. So, what kind of book are you writing? And are you a published author? she asked him as he tried to come up with a reasonable answer...he had never had to answe r this question to anyone before and was at a loss of words... No...Im not publi shed yet...this will be my first book...its a p..political drama he said hoping she'll buy it Oh...ok..i'm not really interested in politics, so I probably won't understand nything...but hope it works out for you and you end up writing a bestseller... he said as he nodded politely and continued with his dinner...he wondered what he would say if he told her the truth about his books...that every book he had ver written had been bestsellers! a s s e

The rest of the meal went down in companionable silence, and after bidding each other good night...both Arnav and Khushi went their opposite ways...one thinking about the sadness in his eyes and the other thinking about the liveliness in he r hazel ones. Chapter 4 The next morning dawned on a positive note for Arnav...there was no jarring alar m to wake him up or the usual early morning honking on the street below his apar tment that irritated him, instead he awakened to sweet chirping of birds and the inviting rays of early morning sun...he stretched in bed before lazily getting off the canopied bed and walking to his balcony. He smiled as a cool breeze ruffled his hair and the soothing smell of eucalyptus in the air relaxed him further...how could he leave this place now? He wondered as he placed his arms on the railings and peered down into the valley. A soft knock on his door brought him out of his morning Nirvana as he padded tow ards his bedroom door and opened it slightly "Good morning sir...Hope I did not wake you up? I got you the newspaper and some fresh coffee.." VK said as Arnav o pened the door wider for him with a grateful smile "Breakfast is also ready...do come into the living room whenever you are ready" he said as he placed the tray on the small table in the balcony "Thanks...that s mells wonderful! I'll be out in some time" arnav said as the older man smiled at him and left. Arnav poured some of the tempting fresh coffee and sat down in the wicker chair to read the newspaper...he mixed some cream in the cup and saw it swirl around t he black liquid before settling...the browns and hazels reminding him of bright happy eyes...he shook his head before relaxing back into his chair to savor this piece of paradise.

... "Chickappa...I'm sure there is some mystery here...how can the guava's go missin g again? I'm positive that its those naughty kids from that Mr Srinivasan's esta te...I saw them loitering around the other day...wait till I get my hands on the m!" Khushi said as she sipped on her coffee...VK stood in front of her laughing at her comical expression "But then...the tree is inside our compound...if they were to steal the fruits t hen we would have seen some cycle tracks or even found their footprints around t he wet mud...it definitely is a conspiracy!" Khushi said still in her thoughts a s a VK cleared his throat, announcing the arrival of their tenant Arnav looked on amused as Khushi suddenly kept her cup down and gave him a brigh t sunny smile...the effects of which made her look even more beautiful than she was "Good morning...I hope you like Dosa?" she said to arnav who looked apprecia tively at the breakfast spread "I do actually...I don't get to eat much south indian t order for it...but i've always had a liking for the himself to some crisp dosa's and variety of chutneys "So...what was it you were saying just now? something ked khushi who sat up straighter and took another sip food at home, mostly I jus food" he said as he helped laid down in front of him about a conspiracy?" he as of her coffee

"Oh that!...our guava's are being stolen...the huge tree in our compound? It bea rs the best guava's in all of coorg...but recently a lot of them are missing bef ore we even think of plucking them...so I was trying to find a way to catch the culprits" she said with an annoyed face which arnav thought looked very cute on her He nodded and kept on listening to her rant about how she was going to keep a wa tch and maybe tie a dog around the tree to alert them when someone was around th e tree...and he realized that he liked her blabbering...something that he had al ways found annoying in others...he found it adorable on her. She was still talking as he finished his breakfast and poured himself another cu p of coffee...he was sipping on the same as she suddenly hit her hand in frustra tion "I so wish i had Crispin Pike's brain to figure out this mystery!" she sigh ed as arnav suddenly went into a fit of uncontrollable coughing...owing to the c offee going down the wrong pipe "Oh my God! Are you ok Arnav?" Khushi said as she leapt from her seat and quickl y came to help him out...she took the cup from his hand and handed him a glass o f water while rhythmically rubbing her hand on his back... "Drink the water..it will help you" she said as arnav's eyes watered from the coughing He gulped down the cool water and leaned forward resting his arms on the table.. .only then did he realize the soothing way in which her hands was still rubbing his back...he looked up at her and said a quick thank you as she hastily removed

her hands and gave him a small smile "Hope your ok now? Do you need something else?" she asked him as he shook his he ad in the negative...his back still tingling from where her hands were... "Ok th en...I'm going to go and do my work..and as I promised, you will not see me till meal times!" she said as she did a mock salute and left the living room...her p erfect backside swaying in the well fitting jeans. Arnav saw her till she was no longer visible to him...and only then did he relax back in his chair...she read Crispin Pike?...that means he had to be extra care ful around her...but then it was only for another day...after that he won't see her again...will he?...he again picked up his coffee cup with this in mind...mak ing his way back to his room. ... It was nearly lunch time and arnav had still not gotten anywhere with his work.. .he had replied to his mails as promised to his boss and had spoken to his resea rch assistant about some of the facts he wanted cleared, when he heard a slight drilling noise He quickly closed his laptop and peered out of the side window overlooking the f ront yard of the house..it took him a while to work out what was going on when a he saw khushi get up from a crouching position in front of her famous guava tre e...she held a kind of DIY drilling machine and was busy setting up a kind of wo oden permitter around the tree. The unusual scene took his mind of the gloominess that had set it as he had pond ered over his novel...he quickly donned his slippers and walked out of his room to go and see what she was up to. ... Khushi had just finished getting the main four bars ready to place around the tr ee when she heard footsteps approaching her..she looked up from her crouching po sition to see Arnav looking at her curiously as she very ungracefully got up and dusted her hands on her pale blue jeans "Hi..what brings you out here? I hope I didn't disturb you...i know the drilling was loud, but i'm done with it.." she started blabbering off when arnav shook h is head and held up his palm "No..its fine...what are you doing exactly?" he ask ed her as her eyes shone in enthusiasm "Oh this! I'm wires around and chuckled but smile at building a protective frame around the tree...i'll be placing barb this frame, so that no one dares to come near it" she said proudly at her own brilliance to the amusement of arnav who could not help her madness

Khushi looked up to see arnav smiling softly at her...the smile completely trans

forming his otherwise stern face...he looked years younger as his smile reached his eyes "Khushi...why are you so obsessed with this tree? And do you really thi nk placing a barb frame around it will deter the culprits from stealing the frui t? Did you know that some find it highly amusing to be faced with a challenge... your'e just inviting more trouble!" he said as her face fell "You think so?..I don't know...I felt this might scare them away...I knew my ini tial idea of tying a rottweiler around the tree was better..." she said mutterin g to herself, adding more fire to arnav's merriment "Oh and this tree is my tree ! I had planted this 20 years ago!...so i'm very very possessive about it!" she said proudly which made arnav raise his eyebrows "Really? Well then i guess you are correct in trying to protect it..." he said a s khushi smiled brightly at him, oblivious to the way his heart started beating a tad faster looking at her beautiful face, made more irresistible by her smile "Thank you!" she said as arnav nodded "Just an advice...maybe you should think of spreading some white boric powder on the ground below...if there really are people stealing the fruits, their footpr ints will be visible in the powder...the mud usually does not show if its trampl ed around...but the boric powder will stick to their shoes and will give you a c lear indication if there really was someone" he said as khushi started at him in wonder "Oh wow! I never thought of that...you are right! I should do that first...then when its confirmed that someone does come to steal, I'll lay down my trap! Gosh. ..i so feel like Agatha Christie right now" she said patting herself on her back as arnav cleared his throat "Ahem...I think I should be praised? Since I gave you the idea?" he said as khus hi hit her head "Haan...your'e right...but I can't call you Agatha christie na.. .she was a woman...uh, yeah...you can feel like Crispin Pike right now...in fact the idea you gave me...i'm sure I have read it in one of his books...have you r ead them?" she asked arnav who was suddenly very interested in the blushing frui ts on the tree "Uh..yeah...I've heard of him...not really read his books" Arnav said trying to end the conversation, but luck did not seem to be on his side as khushi spoke "Y ou should read them...he's amazing...although I feel he should try experimenting with..." she said as arnav turned towards her sharply but khushi seemed to be i n her own thoughts...what was she saying? "Uh Khushi? You were saying?" he asked her when khushi looked at him and shook h er head "Oh nothing...since you haven't read his books, you won't understand...l eave it" she said as arnav kept looking at her while she gathered her things and left saying she'll see him at lunch. He really wished she would tell him..this would be a first time that he could ha ve some face to face feedback from a reader...but he couldn't very well say that he had read the books...hell he had written them...and he knew he had to make u p something to know what she was about to say...but why did it matter to him tha t she seemed disappointed about something...something that he wrote.

CHAPTER 5 It was nearly 8 in the evening when Arnav shut down his laptop and leaned back i n his chair . He massaged his aching temple as the acute pain that ahd started a while ago seemed to have increased to a dull ache. He sighed as he opened his e yes and started at the blinking light on the laptop showing its charging status. He had hardly gone anywhere with the story and had spent most of the day researc hing more on the modus operandi of murder that he was trying to write about in t he story. He had been on call nearly all day with his researcher who had in turn been checking with their friend in the CID who usually helped them with the cas e study for the murders. It amazed him, how they had never shown any curiosity for his real identity and had been more than satisfied with the usual appraisal he showed them in his book 's foreword...he had a good team of loyalists from medical, judicial and public offices that had been more than helpful for him to formulate and research on his topics. But even after all the new notes he had made throughout the day and the directio n he had thought was a good decicion to take the story in, nothing seemed to be tying up...he was very close to scrape the entire thing ot base his character on anyone but himself! This was the first time he had to solve a mystery to write one. He got up and nearly buckled over as he felt pins and needles attack his sleepin g leg, thanks to the long time he spent sitting down...he could also feel a desp erate need to crack his spine but thought it was best to take an aspirin and sle ep after dinner. He was still trying to get his leg to feel normal when his phon e rang making him smile at the name that was flashing on the wide screen "Saale...now you get the time to call me?" Arnav said with a smile as Manav's wa rm chuckle sounded from across "Oh Hello! You were supposed to call me...remembe r? All I got from you was a text that you reached yesterday morning, bas..nothin g else...loser!...anyways, how you holding up? All ok down there?" Manav asked w ith concern as Arnav breathed deeply "Yeah...all is ok...but i haven't gone anywhere with the book man...I just cant seem to figure out where i'm going wrong.." he said as Manav sighed "Arnav...giv e it some time...its only been two days since you reached there...don't stay coo ped up inside the house, roam around a bit...who knows! Maybe the beauty in Coor g will help you focus better" he said as Arnav's mind suddenly conjured up Khush i's face "Arnav? Are you there?" Manav asked as his friend's voice suddenly went quite "U h..yeah, i'm here...sorry...what were you saying? Yes...roam around...I will be doing that tomorrow...i'm looking for alternative accommodation" he said as he g ot up and walked to the verandah to breath in the fresh night air, cool and refr eshing "What? Why? Did you not like the house?" Manav asked him as he looked down into

the deep valley "No..its not that...I actually wanted the house all to myself, b ut the owner's grand daughter is living here too...she's repairing the house...a nd Its distracting...so i'll be moving out as soon as I find another great place like this" he said as Manav coughed animatedly "Wait! Hold on...there is a girl living with you in the house?...and you want to move out? Dude! Is she that ugly??!" Manav asked in mock seriousness as arnav s miled "Shut up! She's not ugly...But I'm here to do my work Manav...not pick-up pretty girls...so its best I stay on my own...and concentrate on my work" he sai d as Manav started laughing "Oh ho! Pretty girl huh? That answers my questions about her being ugly...and di straction did you say? Arnav when did a single girl started getting distracting for you? Hell, i've seen you type away to glory in your room, at that wild party you threw for me on my bachelors...that too with half naked chicks running arou nd...so don't give me this bullshit...admit it, this girl is something special" he said as arnav sighed loudly "God Manav! Its nothing like that...I just want some peace and quite and all she does is talk, talk and talk...and she drills...and fixes things around the hous e..." he said as Manav chuckled "yeah...sure, I believe you...go and look for an other house all you want...but something tells me you'll be back to your distrac tion in a jiffy" he said as arnav rolled his eyes and was about to retort when h e heard VK's hesitant knock and knew it was a call for dinner...He quickly wishe d Manav a good night and promised to keep him updated about the book and also ab out other things that Manav wanted to so desperately know about. ... "So, hows your book coming along?" Khushi asked arnav as they sat sipping some m int tea outside on the verandah...they had just finished the wholesome dinner an d were about to part for the night, when Khushi asked him if he'd like to join h er for some refreshing mint tea Arnav agreed with her despite the fact that he wanted to run far away from her.. .her proximity was making him feel all sorts of weird things and was not letting him focus on anything...plus today she looked extra fetching in a white churida r-kurta...and it did not help his overworked brain that he still found her irres istible in a fully covered form too instead of those little ganji's and shorts s he usually wore. So, in a bid to spend more time with her, he ended up saying a yes to her offer. ..plus the mint tea might do his headache some good...or so he convinced himself for his want to drink it...but all he could think of right now was how her plum p lips blew on the hot tea before sipping on it daintily...his body reacting in unwanted ways as they sat in the verandah overlooking the guava tea, the steamin g cups of mint tea which VK's wife Smitha had served them wafting their light fr agrance around "Uhh...its going ok...i'm still working out the overall storyline" he said after a prolonged silence which was bought about by his wayward thoughts. Hoping that she did not notice him stare, he smiled slightly at her as she looked on with i

nterest "Oh..is it a fictional piece? I thought you were writing a factual book. .." she said as he shook his head "No...i'm not an expert to write on facts...I prefer writing fiction...it gives one so much freedom to express what they never would in reality" he said as she nodded "Yes, I agree with you...so tell me, who is the main character of your story? If you don't mind that is...i'll keep it strictly confidential" she said with a gr in as arnav smiled back making her breath hitch...what was it with this guy and his smiles... "Well, he's a guy in his mid thirties...not much family...strong a mbitions" he said as she looked on with interest "Oh...political interests?" she asked him at which he frowned "Why political?" h e asked her to which she gave him an odd look "Uh...cause you said its a politic al fiction?" she asked as he mentally slapped himself...he had made too many sli ps already and had to tread carefully here "Oh yeah..off course...but first his ambitions are not so politically inclined" he said as Khushi nodded and sipped o n her tea "I really don't understand why writers mostly have a man as the protagonist...wh y can't there be stories written on woman?...like even Agatha christie wrote for poirot, when she herself being a woman could have had a better insight for a wo man protagonist..." she said with a wistful voice as arnav looked on with an amu sed smile"Maybe because its easy to write about a man in all difficult situation s" he said only to get a scowl from her "Thats so sexist!...women have so much more depth...and even though some might a rgue about how men are more logical...they fail to see how women have instincts. ..which is more important some times...take Pike for that matter...I love his bo oks...the mysteries are so gripping...the storyline fantastic...I usually can't keep the book once I take it to read" she said as arnav felt warmth filling him up "But, the protagonist is always a male...and he solves the mystery based on logi c...how wonderful would it be if he writes from a woman's perspective...it will make the story more interesting...the findings based on instincts...that's what I feel his books lack..." she sighed as arnav suddenly felt like he was tied to his chair Why had he not thought of it earlier? His current book was a supernatural myster y...bordering on lines of a thriller...having a woman as the main character and following it up with khushi's suggestion on instincts and maybe a sixth sense wi ll probably work...hell, it would be great! He thought as he saw the woman in fr ont of him calmly sipping her tea She had no idea what she had done...he was so excited that he wanted to grab and kiss her for giving him such a brilliant idea...but he knew he obviously couldn 't...so he controlled himself and finished his tea in silence...he saw her eyein g him over the rim of her cup "Why are you so quite all of a sudden? Don't tell me you agree with everything I just said" she said skeptically as arnav shook hi s head "Not everything...but some of it" he said cryptically as she rolled her eyes and

bid him a soft good night, leaving him in a whiff of fragrant citrusy smell...a s heady as the eucalyptus surrounding them and as mild as the faint roses in the overgrown garden...making arnav smile at the unexpected twist that beckoned him . CHAPTER 6 Arnav had hardly slept a wink; he had been up all night creating a new character to replace his earlier protagonist in the story...he had been so excited by Khu shi's suggestion that he had not wasted a second to dive right into it..working alongside his trusted researcher from 11 in the night till the wee hours of the morning to perfect the new character. Once he was satisfied with the woman's profile and characterization, things just seemed to have fallen into place for him...as Khushi had suggested, the woman's instinct and sixth sense had opened up a lot of avenues for him, giving the sto ry a supernatural edge which would definitely make this story very different fro m his earlier ones. He had promptly fallen asleep on his laptop at roughly around 5:45 in the mornin g...and was now up at 9am, thanks to the loud chirping of a local bird that has made its way from the open balcony to perch itself somewhere above the wardrobe. ..its continuos chirping easing the sleep out of him. "Damn..." he said as he stretched his arms above his head and let out a huge yaw n to combat the cricks in his back and neck; he really could not remember the la st time he had typed so crazily all through the night and fallen asleep in such a way. He closed his laptop screen making sure all the work had been saved and g ot up to stretch some more before shooing off the bird out of the room He walked to the balcony and took in the early morning breeze as it ruffled his hair, the cool air taking away the last traces of sleep from his body. He smiled as he thought of the breakthrough he had had last night...at this pace, he coul d probably finish the novel in a week! ... "So! What time did you finally sleep last night?" Khushi asked arnav sauntering into the dining area as Arnav was finishing gobbling up his hot upma...VK had sa id that Khushi had had an early breakfast as she had some work in town and had l eft around the time arnav had woken up "Good morning to you too...why do you ask? I slept after I went to my room" he s aid as she sat opposite him and grabbed a banana from the fruit basket "Yeah rig ht! I saw your room light on when I had gotten up in the middle of the night...i t was around 3am then" she said as she peeled away the banana and took a tiny bi te out of it "Uh...yes, I got up again...remembered something that I needed to type up" he sa id eyeing her as she bit into the soft flesh of the fruit, her lips closing on i t, a small bit left lingering on her bottom lip which she quickly flicked with h er tongue...what was happening to him...even something as innocent as eating a f

ruit was making him uncomfortable around her...and it obviously did not help tha t the damn fruit was a banana "Hey! Earth to Arnav!" she said grinning as she clicked her fingers in front of his eyes making him look up suddenly into her mirthful eyes "Where are you lost? Remembered something to type up again?..." she asked him as she flipped her lon g hair over one shoulder while finishing off her fruit "Something like that" he said looking away from her and into his plate "Oh, did Chikappa inform you?" she asked him as he looked back at her inquisitiv ely "Inform me? About what?" he asked her as she slapped her forehead "Arre...he is taking you to look at the other houses today...and don't worry, I'll give yo u a full refund today itself if you like" she said as arnav felt his stomach fal l to his knees...'Shit! He was moving out today!' "Oh yeah...ummm...I was thinking, these other houses...are they in the vicinity? Because I would prefer this kind of an atmosphere only...gives me more inspirat ion" he said as Khushi looked at him with amusement "Oh, I'm not sure...but as f ar as i know, there is only one house on this hill...which is this one...the oth er's would probably be on the neighboring one or lower yet" she said as arnav no dded "Ok...fine, can you let him know that i'm ready to leave now? I have a lot of wo rk to complete and it would be best if we have an early start" he said as he got up "Yep, i'll let him know right away...he'll meet you outside" she said as she collected the banana peel and plopped it on his used plate...the gesture so dom esticated that it made him stare at her "What? Your'e done with it right?" she said as she gave him a sweet smile and we nt in search of VK...a faint tinkling noise following her...which arnav noticed on closer inspection, came from a tiny payal dangling from her left ankle...'How could he leave this place now? More than the place giving him inspiration it was its mistress who was responsib le for it...suddenly realizing that he had more or less based his new character on her...right down to the single enchanting payal on her left foot...something he had noticed the day he had seen her under the sink...dammit! ... "Make anything you want for lunch smitha, its his last meal here anyways" khushi said as she sat in the kitchen opening up old boxes of glassware that were stor ed lovingly in the attic by her grandmother...the beautiful pieces were rare and the handmade italian design made them worth a fortune in today's rate. She quickly glanced up to find Smitha cleaning up a bitter gourd and made a face "When I said make anything, I did not make something like karela...lets give hi m one last decent meal" she said as smitha laughed "No khushi babyji, Arnav sir told me that karela is his favorite vegetable...so i thought of making it" she s aid as khushi's mouth opened in an 'o'

Figures! The man really was make his countenance slip, d how he had readily agreed ..she had made sure that he sary chats...nothing!...but

as bitter as a karela...no amount of sweetness could she could bet he was diabetic! It irked her to no en to leave with VK to look for another house...idiot!. would have no complaints here...no noise, no unneces still...

Fine! If he disliked staying here that much, she would not bother thinking about it...he can go a live in the freezing valley for all she cared! "Did you say so mething babyji?" Smitha asked her as khushi shook her head 'God! She was going m ad thinking about him...her mind would not stop her from imagining him in anothe r light...something which was impossible... Yes she was attracted to him...stupid that she was...why was she attracted to ma ngly dogs, snotty kids and utterly boring men like Arnav!...Ok...he wasn't reall y boring...but serious...why did she not like men who were like her? Chatty and fun!! No...she had to go and feel butterflies in her stomach for someone like A rnav!Hmph.. But she knew that nothing could come out of it...she sighed as she recalled thei r conversation from the morning...he was leaving today...that was the end of it. ..whatever it was finished before it even started! Even she would finish up her work here and go back to planning weddings...other's weddings! She thought as th e door bell broke her thoughts "I'll get it" she said to Smitha who was busy putting masala's in the karela sab ji...Khushi straightened her white dress as she quickly went and opened the door to find VK standing alone on the front porch "What happened Chikappa? He alread y shifted there? He did not even come back?" she asked in a distressed voice as VK looked on confused while arnav walked towards them from the side "Nope! I'm right here...had gone to check up on your beloved guava tree" he said as she blushed and stepped aside to let both of them pass...she looked on as VK muttered something under his breath and made his way into the back of the house while arnav lingered near the door "Why do you look so worried? Did you really think I was that callous that I won't even come back for my stuff?" he asked as she blushed again and looked at him "I wasn't concerned...I just thought it would be ur stuff...plus your laptop and all other things he walked more towards her, the distance closing .so how could I not come back? Besides I did not ul as this house" he said as khushi looked up to more work for me to send for yo were here only..'" she said as in on his every step "Exactly.. find any other place as beautif find him staring at her

"Oh..." she said as he took a few more steps towards her, leaving hardly a foot of a distance between them "Yes...oh...so, i decided that I will stay here only. ..I really did not have any complain or how do I put it...uh...distractions" he said remembering his conversation with manav last night "Hope that's ok with you " he said as he leaned towards her, his eyes on her parted lips Khushi stood paralyzed as her body reacted in various different ways to his prox imity...her heart beat raced, her lips quivered, her palms felt sweaty and her k

nees felt like jelly...he was staying back...here, in this house...she will see him everyday...the thought making her happy and nervous at the same time...she s lowly licked her lips to moisten them from the sudden dryness that she had felt only to see him looking straight at them, his eyes darkening slightly But before she could process her thought and answer him, he stepped back suddenl y and ran a hand through his hair and looked away "Ok, so great...you are ok wit h it...I'll uh...i'll go and work now...see you at lunch" he said as he swiftly turned around on his heels and practically ran to his room...leaving a throughly bewildered Khushi behind, not sure what he was about to do a few seconds earlie r...kiss her? Maybe? CHAPTER 7 Kiss her...yes, he was going to bloody kiss her!...Arnav ran an agitated hand th rough his hair as he thought about what had transpired a few minutes ago...he pa ced along the length of his room as the tantalizing visual of Khushi's soft, dew y parted lips kept playing in a loop inside his head...the way she had licked he r lips had really been the last straw...he knew that it really would have been a point of no return if he had not gained his control in time. Dammit! Why was this happening now...yes he was attracted to her...like a bloody moth to the fire, but at least here he knew that he would burn if he got any cl oser...these kind of feelings had no place in his life...he always expected too much out of life and all he ever got were lemons...and no! He will not make bloo dy lemonade...damn those optimists! He would live his life, the way it was...on his own...he does not need anyone el se in it...least of all Khushi! He had always stayed away from any kind of relat ionships...be it short term or long...he preferred being a loner cause that's wh at he knew best...and he could not play with Khushi in this way...it wasn't fair on her. He stripped off his sweaty clothes before stepping into the bathroom for a showe r and adjusted the water to a comfortably cool temperature...the water calmed hi s heated body and his extra heated thoughts as he relaxed under the soft stream. ..the best thing for him to do right now was to finish his novel and get the hel l out of here...he knew at the pace he was going, he might just finish the novel sooner then he had anticipated...but the thought of leaving this place was maki ng him uneasy...why? He turned off the shower as he took a towel off the shelf and dried himself with it...he rubbed his hair to get rid of the extra moisture and wrapped the towel around his hips...he was still in his disturbing thoughts when he stepped out of the bathroom to come face to face with the last person he wanted to see...Khush i Khushi gaped at him as he stood there shocked...probably shocked to see her stan ding there with a cup of coffee in her hand...trembling hand to be exact...and w hy wouldn't she be trembling...when a man as perfect as Arnav stood in front of you in nothing but a towel, it was inevitable...and right now the trembling in h er hand went all the way to her knees...turn around Khushi...turn around dammit!

Finally her addled brain registered what was being commanded and she turned arou nd at once, but the coffee cup being filled to the brim with the fragrant coorg coffee, splashed some of the dark rich liquid on the floor...making her quickly place the mug on the nearby table before she looked around for something to wipe it off... "Uh...I think there is a rag here somewhere" she said as she started looking around the room...anywhere but at him "Its ok Khushi...i'm sure VK will get it cleaned...did you need anything?" he as ked coming out of his shocked state to observe the energizer bunny in front of h im...he was holding back a laugh as he saw her scuttle around his room trying to find a damn rag...she finally stopped at his words as she stood stiffly and poi nted towards the coffee on the table "I..uh, got you some coffee...actually today is Smitha and Chikappa's off...I me an, they are going into town to visit some family...so...i thought i'll get you your coffee...anyways, I gotta go" she said as she started walking towards the d oor "Wait...why are you facing away from me?" he asked her amused by her reactio ns to his nearly naked form.. "I hope your'e not embarrassed?" he said as she qu ickly turned around "Embarrassed? Me? Pfftt..its not like i have not seen naked bodies before...I me an, naked men...ha..half naked men...I have never seen those...fully naked ones that is" she shut her mouth and her eyes as her verbal diarrhea continued "I got ta so...see you at dinner..." she said quickly before rushing out of his room an d dashing towards her own...Arnav finally laughed as he picked up the now tepid coffee muttering 'pagal'...how the hell was he going to stay away from this madn ess! ... Khushi sat filing her nails as she waited for her email to boot up...the connect ion was really slow today and it was irritating her to sit at the desk while her email loaded...finally when the familiar 'ting' of the new mails came up on her screen, she kept the emery board aside and started going through her mails...as she deleted some of the unwanted mail that littered her mailbox, one caught her attention...the subject line having the word 'Naked' in it She groaned as she deleted it along with the rest of the junk mails and closed h er eyes trying to forget what had happened a few hours ago...apart from being mo rtified for blabbering rubbish in front of Arnav, she had gone ahead and started at him like a lunatic...so what if he had a greek God's body...she did not have to act like such a fool! How was she going to face him now! Plus that man reall y did not emote...except for irritation and shock, she had not really seen any o ther emotions crossing his face. She clicked on her mails absentmindedly as she recalled the conversation she had with VK earlier "Arnav saab had soo many reasons not to e on the neighboring Kadamba valley was e one that Capt'n Nair owns? And he was but he said it was too beautiful...what he never really wanted to look only for like the other houses...in fact one hous more perfect than this one...you know th getting it at a better cost than ours... kind of stupid reason is that?! I think other houses...such a waste of time!" he

had grumbled as a delighted Khushi had run into the kitchen to make coffee...ob viously for him... But then, she never had thought that the next few minutes will go as it had...sh e had knocked on his room before opening the door...her plan was to keep the ste aming mug of coffee on the table and rush out, but as luck would have it, the da mn shower door had opened at the same time she had walked in...and the fool that she was, she had stood like a mannequin and started at him...his oh so...shut u p khushi! ... Arnav looked at his freshly typed chapter, pleased with the kind of progress he had made in just one day. He saved his work and closed the laptop before walking to the balcony to light up a cigarette...he dialed his researchers number and t old him a few other things he needed worked out for the new character and the ne w twist he was planning for his story. He took a deep drag of his cigarette and leaned his forearms against the creaky grate as he looked down into the valley...the calm early evening breeze ruffled his hair as he snuffed his cigarette and breathed in a huge lungful of air...so pure!...he kept looking to spot the last point of the endless valley as his thou ghts once again shifted towards the one person he was trying to avoid...both men tally and physically He had seen her reaction to him earlier...he knew that she too was affected by h im...even his stunt earlier in the day had left her breathless...but what was he thinking...he needed to get his thoughts sorted, there was no place for all thi s...suddenly the beautiful scenery looked like a deeply stretching death valley in front of him...one which would swallow him whole if he did not step back righ t now. He tightened his fists as he willed himself to think about something else...abou t the characters in his books...but nothing was working...the calm and peace he had felt a minute ago was now replaced by restlessness and unease...he was just about to go back into his room when his phone rang making him walk inside, towar ds the coffee table he had placed it on. He saw the name flashing and grimaced before picking up the call "Hey dad.." he said as a deep voice at the other end commanded his attention "Arnav...what is t his? Why have you taken such a long leave from work? And why did you not tell us ? Where are you anyways?" he said as Arnav held the phone away from his ears til l his tirade stopped "Hello dad, thanks for asking about me...I am fine, how have you been?" he said in a sarcastic tone as his fathers angry reply vibrated though the phone "Seriou sly Arnav...stop being juvenile...what is the meaning of taking a month off from work and going to do, God only knows what!" he said as Arnav's jaw stiffened un der the usual disdain his father showed for his elder son "I'm not being juvenile dad..I needed some time off, so I took a few days off...

I've been working non-stop since the past few years...I am sure I deserve this b reak...as for where I am, you need not worry...I am at an amazing place and thor oughly enjoying myself, thank you!" he said as he heard his father sigh from the other end "Arnav...I know you deserve a vacation, but you are visiting us in a few weeks right? So taking such a huge leave.." he said as Arnav let out a deep breath "I am not coming home for the holidays...whats the point anyways! All you guys k eep doing is comparing me with my baby brother...who according to you is more su ccessful than me...and I'm happy for him...and I'm happy for you too...at least one of your son's has made it big!" he said with a sneer as his father's calm to ne turned angry again "Why do you always have to bring Akash in between...the poor boy has worked hard and is running a successful empire now...and yes, we are proud of him...but tha t does not mean we are not happy with what you are doing Arnav, your job pays re ally well too" the father said, his voice again an octave lower "Dad...you are happy, not proud...and as far as Akash's success is concerned, th e empire he is running is his father in laws! If Payal's father had not taken hi m on and given him the reins of his so called empire, Akash would still be in un iversity struggling to finish his damn degree!" Arnav said in an irritated tone as his patience wore thin "Anyways dad...I really don't need this right now...th anks for inquiring about me, but I am fine and I am alive..." he said as his fat her interrupted him "Enough Arnav...I too don't see any point talking to you...but you should have t old me about this change of plans you had...I had invited the Kashyaps over this time...you know how they have been asking about you for Lavanaya" he said as Ar nav closed his eyes and pursed his lips in exasperation "For the millionth time! I do not want to marry Lavanya Kashyap...Period!" he said as he held the bridge of his nose between two fingers "And please don't pretend that I don't know why you want this marriage to happen ...maybe your dreams of finally seeing your elder son managing an 'empire' would come true, but no thank you..I am not interested!" he said as he walked inside his room "And now id you don't mind, I have work to do...say hello to my mother. ..does she even remember me by the way?" he asked before he cut the call and thr ew his phone on the bed. His father had definitely succeeded in doing something Arnav had been struggling with for the entire day...drive someone's thoughts away from his mind and make him more miserable than he already was and felt! CHAPTER 8 "Arnav?...hey...are you in there?" Khushi asked knocking on his door...she defin itely did not want to barge inside his room unannounced...the earlier incident s till making her blush throughly...she knocked a few more times before slowly tur ning the antique knob of the large wooden door...she peeped inside from the smal l slit to find the room in total darkness She wondered if maybe Arnav had stepped out when a small rustling sound startled her making her look in the direction of the bed which was now visible from the

light streaming inside from the hallway...she could make out arnav's form sleepi ng peacefully with the covers over his head...she wondered if he wasn't well, bu t then thought that he must have been tired and will wake up in his own time She slowly closed the door and went back to the kitchen to heat up the food Smit ha had made and kept ready; she had received a call from VK earlier, that they w ould be staying back in town at his sister's house owing to the bad weather...kh ushi sighed as she looked out of the large window in the kitchen...the constant pitter patter of the rain was soothing but the occasional thunder shook her to t he core...like it always had She kept the curry and rice to heat inside the microwave and checked the oil she had kept for heating on the stove...she opened the overhead cupboard and fished out some yummy rice papaddams to fry...she smiled in delight at the way the sma ll pappadam s instantly grew double in size as she slid them into the hot oil... the sight making her remember how she used to stand by her mothers side and watc h her fry them the same way...the thought also making her sad at the fact that s he hardly got to spend time with her family now "Hey! Be careful!" Arnav said brining khushi out of her thoughts...the pappadams were burnt to a dark brown, making the whole kitchen smell with its burnt stenc h as she had kept them in for a very long time...she quickly took them out and t ook the oil off the flame as it had started smoking from the overheating. She wiped her hands and turned around to face arnav who stood watching her with an odd look "What were you thinking about so deeply? The damn burning smell woke me up from a deep slumber!" he said as he went and poured himself a glass of wa ter Khushi rolled her eyes as she kept the kitchen cloth away and stood with her han ds on her hips "Oh please! Even with the rain pouring down and more than occasio nal blasts of thunder, you were sleeping like a baby...don't tell me this smell from all the way up here woke you up!" she said as Arnav raised his eyebrows "How did you know I was sleeping? That too like a baby?" he asked her as he lean ed against the refrigerator making her squirm...she had to go and blurt that out didn't she! "I had come to call you for dinner...when you didn't open the door, I peeped in to..." she said as he smirked "To see if I was dressed?" he asked a s her cheeks turned crimson "Haha..very funny...anyways, i'll get the dinner for us...its only fish curry an d rice...hope that's ok?" she asked him as he nodded enthusiastically "I love fi sh curry...let me help you with setting the table..." he said as khushi pointed towards the crockery cupboard...she took the hot bowls out from the microwave an d walked outside behind arnav to the dining area After a few minuets of arnav setting the plates and glasses for them, they sat d own and served themselves... "Why were you frying papaddams anyway?" he asked he r suddenly as she put the first morsel in her mouth...she was anyways finding it difficult doing such a daily chore with him by her side and she had hoped that they could quickly eat and part ways...but she knew that he would probably be cu rious about her frying escapade

"I always liked to eat rice pappadamns with my fish curry..." she said as he loo ked at her suddenly "You are weird!" he said as she made a face at him "Hey! My amma used to eat it that way...she still does...there is nothing wrong with it! Don't tell me you don't have some odd food habit" she said as he thought about h er question and shook his head "Nope..none...i'm pretty normal and average when it comes to food" he said relishing the fresh fish on his plate "Yeah right!" she said as she rolled her eyes when he looked up and regarded her "So...where were you lost really?" he asked her as she suddenly smiled... "Oh t hat! I was just thinking about my mom...we used to fry them together when I was small...I just miss her...and my dad" she said as she sighed not notcing the yea rning she saw in arnav's eyes for something similar he always wanted to feel for his parents...missing them. "Hey! Where are you lost now?" Khushi asked snapping a finger in front of his fa ce making arnav look at her blankly "Huh? Oh nothing...so where are they? Don't you live with them?" he asked curiously to which she shook her head "No..not any more" she said as he waited for a further explanation "My father is a navy man.. .Admiral Shashikant Gupta actually" she said as arnav nearly choked on his rice "Seriously? Wow! That must be exciting" he said as she smiled sadly and took a s ip of her water "Yeah, it was I guess...but then his position and work always ke pt him away from us...He loved us for sure, but his country and duty came first. .." she said as Arnav listened to her "I grew up with my mother and my aunt...wh o was a young widow" she said as she leaned back in her chair "We would wait impatiently for papa's call every evening...as if it was our favo rite soap and we could not miss a single episode!" she said as she laughed remem bering her memories... "Holidays were the best...Papa would come for an entire m onth with a sack load of gifts and toys that he had bought along from all the co untries and places he had visited over the year" she said as she pushed her plat e away and reached for an apple on the table "He spent his entire time with me throughout the holidays and the joy and happin ess that our house always held went up many notches when he was present...it rea lly was a blessed time...especially for my mother who waited for him for an enti re year" she said as her eyes got moist...she cut the apple expertly and sliced it into smooth crescents "When I turned twenty one, papa had finally finished hi s seafaring years and was then posted permanently in Chandigrah" she said offeri ng the apple pieces to arnav who took a few without moving his eyes from her fac e "I insisted that mom should go and stay with him since it wasn't fair on them to stay apart, especially when I was old enough and plus my aunt was with me...so around seven years ago, mom shifted to Chandigarh...I still meet them for Diwali and summer time, or when they visit Delhi, but its not the same as living with them..." she said as arnav held her hand that was lying on the table, making an instant current pass through her arm as her eyes met his and held "You know Arnav? Papa nearly had a heart attack when I told him about my decisio n to work for an event management company and that too who specialize in wedding

s...after all I do hold an MBA...but those boring corporate jobs were not for me ...and thankfully my parents understood that...it was a defining moment when the y gifted me my very own i10 so that I don't have to take the notorious Delhi pub lic transport to and from work..." she giggled as she looked up to find a very t ensed looking arnav...she raised her eyebrow at him to inquire if everything was ok when he abruptly pulled away his hand that was resting a few seconds ago on hers...making everything around her go cold "You are very lucky to have parents who love you Khushi...consider it a blessing ...even if you don't meet them often, you are blessed to have their love...some people don't ever get that" he said as he quickly got up and pushed his chair aw ay leaving Khushi gaping at him "Arnav?" she called out to which he looked back before stepping into the kitchen "Don't ask...long story!...lets just say not al l are lucky to have parents who love them" he sighed as he walked away leaving K hushi staring at his back ... Arnav turned on his laptop and waited for it to boot up as he flipped through so me of the notes he had made...he tried to focus and read the pages but his thoug hts kept going towards the conversation he just had with Khushi...he knew it was absurd, but he felt jealous of her...jealous of the fact that she had parents w ho loved her...of the fact that they accepted her career choice and did not forc e their opinions on her... He seldom wondered what his parents would say when they come to know that their son was a successful writer? More famous then Akash could ever dream of being... how would they react when they come to know that his fame was due to something t hey abhorred and always denied him having any part of it...There were times when he had found himself too close to revealing the truth to them...but something a lways stopped him Perhaps it was a kind of mental satisfaction he got when he thought about the ti mes they disregarded him...when they belittled him in front of his little brothe r...he found a perverse pleasure in not allowing them any place in his other lif e...not letting them be a part of the real life he lived...something which was m ore real than the fake one he orchestrated in front of others..he wanted it that way...this part of him was too pure and fragile for them to be a part of...and he wanted to keep it that way But maybe one day...one day he will let them in...when he thinks he has punished them enough by keeping them in an illusionary world...when it would stop matter ing to him what anyone thinks of him, least of all his parents...that would be t he day Arnav Raizada would make himself be seen...he chuckled as he clicked on h is manuscript and went back to gazing aimlessly at his notes...now blurry and bl otched as he realized that his tears had once again betrayed him. Next one coming up soon...will try and update before the weekend is up...pssst.. .its Raining and lots of interesting plots in the rain! Stay tuned! xoxo CHAPTER 9 She stared at the insistent rain that had become increasingly rough over the las t one hour after they had finished up with their dinner...her thoughts kept wand

ering towards Arnav and his parting words at the dining table. They had not shared a single word after that as arnav had helped her silently cl eaning the table and leaving the dishes in the sink to be washed later..she had not stopped him from helping her but had kept quite and not probed him further a bout his statement... That had been nearly two hours ago...she lifted her body off the wall adjoining the large verandah in the outside sitting area and came back inside the living r oom...she closed her eyes and smiled taking in a deep breath to inhale the heady smell of wet earth before wistfully shutting the sliding door... How she wished she could go and play in the rain...but that wasn't possible...be cause even if she did want to...she wasn't foolish enough to go out in the pelti ng rain that occasionally shattered the night sky with thunders She walked back inside the kitchen and kept her now empty cup of her ritualistic mint tea and went back into the living room to shut off the lights...but when s he was about to put the lights off, her eyes went towards the dark corridor that showed a ray of light peeping from beneath arnav's door...she wondered if she s hould go and ask him if he wanted some tea or coffee..but then decided against i t The day had been weird enough, and now, she really wanted to just cozy up in her warm bed and dream about molten caramel eyes...wait...what? No...she didn't jus t say that! Khushi shook her head as she put her hand forward to switch off the front lights when a movement outside the window caught her eye...she saw a flash of something yellow move quickly inside their dimly lit courtyard... She quickly ran to the window and peered outside to make out a small person...a kid to be precise who was now walking slowly towards the guava tree...her guava tree! She threw open the main door and walked into the blitzing rain, shouting on top of her voice at the silly boy who was now climbing up the tree...her voice start led the boy, making him slip as he hung halfway from the tree...the rain making it difficult for him to grasp the large trunk...Khushi knew that if he fell, it might be fatal...so before she could think about anything else...she ran back in side the house and called loudly for Arnav It was only a second or less when she saw arnav's door being thrown open with hi m striding towards her with a panic ridden face "Khushi! What happened...why are ..." he started when khushi dragged him outside towards the tree... "There...we need to help him" she said as arnav nodded at once and made his way towards the now hanging boy.. The boy looked positively frightened with the double trouble he was in with him being caught and his current predicament... "Listen kid...its ok...just hang on ok...I'm going to help you climb down" Arnav's calm voice sliced through the thu nderous night as the boy nodded his head and gripped the trunk with one hand tig htly as Arnav made his way up the tree

"Arnav...careful!" khushi screamed as arnav's foot slipped repeatedly on the mos s covered trunk...he looked back and assured her that he was ok... "Now give you r other hand to me" Arnav instructed the boy as he swung his body over and lay o ver the huge main branch...Khushi just hoped that the old tree was strong enough to hold on to both of them over the large branch It took a couple of tries but the boy eventually found Arnav's hand and hauled h imself over the large branch as well...but as soon as both of them were safely o ver it, the branch started shaking...its end attached to the trunk slowly snappi ng away...but before it could totally give away, Arnav grabbed the boy and pulle d him across another branch to reduce the weight over the earlier one The snapping stopped and both Arnav and the boy got a better grip to slowly clim b back down the tree...as soon as they got down, Khushi went around the bars and looked over at arnav once to make sure he was fine before kneeling down in fron t of the boy who did not look a day older than 10... "What were you doing! Don't you know that lightening strikes trees? What if it would have struck now??...do you even know what would have happened?" she asked him sternly to which hot fat tears started running down the boys face, mingling with the rain drops "Khushi..lets take him inside first" Arnav said as khushi quickly got up and hel d the boys hand, pulling him into the safety of her house...but as soon as they reached the threshold of the house, he pulled his loosely held hand and ran away from there...before arnav and khushi could fathom what had happened, he ran out the gate and hopped on to his cycle before pedaling down the slippery path "Foolish! Foolish boy...what if he slips down and hurts himself?!" khushi exclai med as they stepped inside the house and shut the door behind them...she pulled her soaked hair over one shoulder and wrung them out...in her annoyance she did not even notice the way arnav's gaze lingered on her body that was now completel y defined from her thin wet clothes sticking to her. His eyes darkened as a hit of desire ran rampant in his blood, making it difficu lt for him to breath as water trickled down her form...right from the tiny dropl ets over the bridge of her nose to her bare long legs, glistening under the dim yellow light of the porch. "I mean...who the hell climbs trees in thunder! Foolish, stupid boy.." she said as she looked up to finally notice arnav looking at her...her instant blush and soft gasp making him aware of his extremely dirty thoughts and blatant staring.. .he quickly looked away and ran a hand through his wet hair "Uh...yeah...but are n't you glad you finally found your thief?" he asked her as she recovered quickl y and nodded "Yes, I suppose so...but I never imagined him to be a child...he looked so innoc ent" she said as her eyes took in the water clinging to his hair, running a path down his face to his throat where his adams apple bobbed up and down...before f inally ending somewhere inside his white t-shirt...white...that was now plastere d to his well defined body...ok...stop, now she was being really shameless...she looked up to find Arnav staring at her once again

"Lets get out of these clothes" Arnav said suddenly, just because something need ed to be said...the tension was too much to take otherwise...he saw khushi's eye s widen at his suggestion which struck him at the way it sounded "No...I mean... not together...I...in our room...separately" he said as her lips twitched "I kno w what you mean arnav...Good night" she said as she quickly walked towards her r oom without giving him another look Yes, he was disappointed...but he knew that if they stayed in the same room for a second longer, looking the way they did...the consequences would have been...w ell justified but totally wrong! He switched off the lights and walked into his room...but as soon as he shut his door...his well lit room suddenly got cloaked in darkness... "Shit!" he exclaimed as he realized that the damn lights had gone out He strode towards his desk and saved his work once again before shutting down hi s laptop...he kept his laptop on perpetual charge and that had weakened its inte rnal battery which did not last for long if left off DC power...he tried to sear ch around for some sort of candle or similar when he heard a knock on his door "Arnav?" he heard khushi's hesitant voice as he groaned and walked towards the d oor...the last thing he wanted in this co-incidental bollywood movie type situat ion was to find her in front of him with a candle, dressed in a wet white flowin g sari... Well...there definitely was a candle...but not a white sari...she was still dres sed in the same sinfully thin clothes that were still stuck onto her like glue.. .and had increased her sensuousness a thousand fold as the faint flicker of the flame cast a bewitching look to her countenance... "Did you find the candles? I'll show you where they are kept otherwise...the pow er cut is probably from the bad weather only and might last all night" she said as she walked past him...her elbow brushing against his arm, making him stiffen at once. "They are some over here.." she said softly as she held the candle in front of t he small cabinet near his balcony...but yelped as the melted wax fell on her han d...arnav was next to her in a second, taking the now flickering candle away fro m her and dropping it into an empty glass on top of the cabinet... "let me see" he said as he took her hand and scraped away the hardened wax which had fallen n ear her wrist...the now flaming candle illuminating the area around them "Its...ok...I..." Khushi said as arnav kept holding her hand with one of his whi le his other hand swept over her forehead to tuck damp strands of hair behind he r ear...the sudden touch making khushi close her eyes... She knew she had to pull away...but his proximity created sudden difficulty in h er breathing...she went closer to him as if in a trance while he left her wrist and wound a hesitant hand around her slim waist, as if giving her a chance to pu ll back...to resist...but she shamefully went closer still, her body slightly br ushing against his

She felt a moan erupt in her throat as he trailed a finger over her jaw, before lightly brushing her moist pink lips with his thumb...making her lips tremble in barely controlled desire...she slowly opened her eyes to find him staring inten tly at her lips while his hand tightened around her waist Arnav could feel his heart trying to make its way out of his chest as he felt kh ushi's labored breaths over his finger...her closed eyes seemed serene in total contrast to her trembling lips while her body felt limp in his arms as he tighte ned his hold on her...he could feel the goosebumps form over a small patch of sk in that was left bare at her waist due to her wet vest riding up He knew she had her eyes open...waiting...expecting him to do something...but he did not want to give in yet...not till he knew she wanted this too...but then i t happened...he felt her tiny fists curl into his wet t-shirt as she let out a t hroaty moan "Arnavv..." and he felt the last of his constraint break away before he wound his hand into her thick lustrous wet hair and covered her lips with hi s own. CHAPTER 10 Arnav could feel his heart trying to make its way out of his chest as he felt kh ushi's labored breaths over his finger...her closed eyes seemed serene in total contrast to her trembling lips while her body felt limp in his arms as he tighte ned his hold on her...he could feel the goosebumps form over a small patch of sk in that was left bare at her waist due to her wet vest riding up He knew she had her eyes open...waiting...expecting him to do something...but he did not want to give in yet...not till he knew she wanted this too...but then i t happened...he felt her tiny fists curl into his wet t-shirt as she let out a t hroaty moan "Arnavv..." and he felt the last of his constraint break away before he wound his hand into her thick lustrous wet hair and covered her lips with hi s own. Khushi stilled as she felt arnav's lips catch her's...she knew it was leading to this...she had anticipated this for the past few seconds as his hands lay posse ssively over her while his mind contemplated...her treacherous body reacting vio lently to his touch and her skin breaking out in goosebumps wherever he touched. ..but never in a million years she had imagined the way his lips would feel on h ers...nipping, sucking...urging her to give in...and give in she did With somewhat akin to a whimper she kissed him back...her hands went to loop tig htly around his neck as his lips increased their pressure on her soft ones...she responded equally to his sudden invasion as she sucked on his bottom lips makin g him growl in approval...he let her continue as his hands slipped inside her ve st to caress her soft skin making him marvel at the smoothness Khushi shuddered as his fingers trailed over the heated skin of her waist...she held on tighter as he raised her against the wall behind, to press himself more into her...no words were required between them to make the other understand the scorching need and desire running wild in their blood...arnav trailed his tongue over the seams of her lips as she finally opened her mouth to welcome him twist ing her fingers into his damp hair

He slid his tongue inside the sweet recess of her mouth as her tongue met with h is, shyly at first and then boldly as she wrapped her now tangling legs over his hips, his hands reached her lace covered breasts as their fullness strained aga inst the soft satin, aching for his touch...Khushi slid one hand inside his loos e t-shirt to feel his strongly muscled back as Arnav left her mouth to trail kis ses along her jawline.. Khushi threw her head back as he cupped her breasts in his large hands. making h er aware of the warmth emanating from her lower body...as Arnav's lips dipped lo wer towards her soft swells, the electricity came on with full force around them , the whirring of the fan cooling their heated selves, thought not much...making them come out of the desirous haze they had been ensconced in... Khushi opened her eyes; her hazy orbs reflecting confusion, desire and a quickly forming awareness...she looked down at the way she and Arnav were entangled, an d then into his darkened eyes which seemed to be as hazy as hers...she quickly u ntangled herself from around him before bodily pushing him away...they looked at each other for a mere second before she sprinted out of the room... "Khushi...wait..." Arnav said as he saw her running out of his room towards hers ...he went behind her but she had already gone inside her room and banged her do or shut...he ran an agitated hand through his hair as the last few minutes of co mplete bliss played over and over in his mind... He had never acted like this...he was 36 years old for God sakes, not a bloody t eenager! what was wrong with him! Kissing her was a big thing...but taking thing s so far was altogether something else...he had never lost control like this...t rue the attraction between them was explosive...and she had responded equally to him...and their kiss...their kiss was mind-blowing...but he had to stop at that ...not get carried away! He looked forlornly at her closed door; a sliver of light now visible from under neath it...but he decided against trying to talk to her now...she needed time to come to terms with what had just transpired between them...but will he too come s to terms with it by then? Just hours ago he had made up his mind to not get in to anything complicated...not to play with Khushi...and here he was...doing the exact same thing! He had to talk to her tomorrow. He took one last look at her door before heading back to his, shutting his door slowly...he walked to his desk and considered writing for a bit, but the thought s his mind was occupied with left no space to think rationally...and it did not help that his body was still tingling from that kiss...he groaned as he switched off the lights in his room and fell into his bed...hoping that sleep will come eventually. ... Khushi looked at the illuminated light of the LED clock beside her bed...3:30am it read...it had been a few hours since that incident had happened...incident... such a funny word...one can use it for all, good, bad, funny and confusing thing s that had happened in their life...and this one was probably a mix of all four

Good because...it simply felt good, Oh soo good!.., bad because it shouldn't hav e happened the way it did...where did all her control vanish off to!and when did she turn into such a wanton hussy! Funny because, it was probably very comical the way she ran out of there as arnav stood watching her...whacko! Thats her...! And confusing because frankly...it really was...confusing! She had wanted that kiss...so badly! And when it happened, she felt like she was floating on air...literally since arnav had raised her off the ground...but all that aside...the man knew how to kiss...she smiled slightly as a blush marred h er pale skin, making her remember the feel of his lips against hers...his hands and fingers caressing her skin She had been kissed before...and fondled too by an annoying ex-boyfriend during her university time...but what she had experienced with arnav was beyond anythin g she had every felt before...it was difficult to explain the tumult of explosio ns her body had gone under as it shuddered under his touch, the intimacy of thei r lips together had left her mind reeling...she wanted more...a lot more...but w here would all this lead to? She had not forgotten that he was her tenant...he would be leaving from here soo n...hell, she would be leaving before him...they lived in different parts of the country...how would all this add up? And at this point in her life, there was n o place for flings and affairs...she wanted someone more permanent...not marriag e or anything like that...not now...but she could not go for anything casual eit her...she was nearly 29! She had paced her room for several minutes as she oscillated between going back to his and talking...but the embarrassment of not knowing what to say to him and the fear of her probably jumping his bones, had stopped her...she had finally g one to sleep with a nagging thought of what the morning will look like, but the damn sleep had evaded her till now...so she stayed awake...wondering what they w ould talk about in the morning...because talk, they had to! ... The morning light streamed through the slits in the curtains on Khushi's bedroom window...the brightness blinding her as she opened one eye groggily...she stret ched her body as she yawned before slowly getting up, her legs slinking over the duvet to find the cool teak flooring She stifled another yawn as her eyes went to her clock, now showing a glaring 10 :00 am...'Shit'! Khushi thought as she quickly got up and rushed into the bathro om...she could not believe she had overslept for that long!...but it could not b e helped since she had finally gotten to sleep in the wee hours of the morning She blushed as she stood at the sink brushing her teeth vigorously, thinking abo ut last night...she washed her face with the cold water and dabbed it dry before pulling her hair in a tight bun at the nape of her neck...slipping on her soft slippers she stepped out of her room

She stopped momentarily outside Arnav's door...only to quickly move away from th ere, she could hear sounds coming from the kitchen and she wondered if Arnav was in there...she steeled herself as she stepped into the inviting warmth of the c osy kitchen, but instead of finding Arnav, she found Smitha pouring freshly brew ed coffee into two cups "You are up babyji?" she asked Khushi who blinked once before giving her a warm smile "Yes...I overslept...but when did you and chikaapa get back? I thought you will come in later" Khushi said as she gratefully accepted the cup of coffee fr om her and sat down on the small stool that stood against one of the walls of th e kitchen "We left early since everything seemed to be ok in the morning...as it is, I had to prepare breakfast here...and the rains had stopped ages ago...we just got he re an hour ago actually, but since you were sleeping, I did not wake you up" she said as khushi nodded and sipped on her brew...the pungent smell and robust tas te relaxing her body and mind at once "Also, I forgot to tell you...Sir said he will be out all day today...he said he had some work in town...I suppose we he will get back by late evening" Smitha s aid as khushi nodded and went back to sipping her coffee...she looked calm and c omposed on the outside, but she was hurt and angry on the inside...how dare he j ust leave without talking about last night...but then wasn't it she who had run away when he had called her? She sighed as she got up and went back to her room...she checked her phone, just incase he had left her a message...but was disappointed further to find out tha t he hadn't...she switched her geyser on and proceeded to get ready for a shower ...she had too many things to take care of and something told her that the day w ould be very long...very very long. CHAPTER 11 Khushi wiped her forehead as the sweltering noon heat continued to drench her sweat...she took the shears once again in her hands and started clipping the wanted parts off the smaller shrubs that grew inside the front garden...today ey were cleaning up the garden area and planting new flowering plants so that next year they would have a full bloom in un th by

She looked up to find the two men she had hired for helping out pull out the unw anted weeds and throwing them in the huge plastic bin they had stationed at the entrance for easy removal later...she walked up to them and explained in the loc al language to mix up the manure in the mud before laying the ground for newer s aplings..luckily for them, the unexpected rain last night had done wonders, maki ng the usually dry land soft and manageable She was just about to start on another larger shrub when Smitha called her in fo r lunch...she looked at the time to see that it was already half past one and co nsidering she had not eaten anything since morning barring the cup of coffee, he r stomach started rumbling at the reminder...she dropped the shears and told the helpers to clean up and eat their lunch as well before starting on the next leg of work

After quickly wiping off her her damp face and a much needed glass of cold water , khushi sat down to eat...her damp hair was stuck to her scalp, thanks to the h eat while her clothes were filthy due to the mud and other stains sticking to it which Smitha reprimanded her for...but she shrugged it off knowing that she wou ld have to continue her gardening work anyways, so there wasn't any point in cha nging... The loose multicolored t-shirt and old cotton shorts were very comfortable...not that she would be found dead wearing them in front of anyone...especially someo ne who had been on her mind the entire time...the cutting and cleaning being the rapeutic for her to clear his thoughts off her mind for a bit...almost for a bit She wondered what he was doing out all day...he didn't even know the town that w ell and what if he lost his way? She wanted to call him to see what was so impor tant that he had to leave so early...but then what would she say? Things were ex tremely awkward now thanks to what happened last night...she turned bright red j ust thinking of the way they had lost control...no...never again...or at least t ill things were more clear...she muttered to herself ... And this is how Arnav found her, looking adorable in her oversized clothes and d isheveled avatar muttering to herself...probably very much cursing him...but he shook his head, reminding himself of what he had decided on his long drive to th e city and then an aimless hour of sipping coffee at Cafe Coorg...a total rip-of f of CCD but with better coffee He had been up since five in the morning thanks to the lack of sleep, but then h ad decided that he had to get out of the house to put things into perspective... how did it come to this, he wondered? A week ago, he had not even imagined that he would meet a girl who would literally turn his world upside down...he had nev er been so unsure of anything in his life...not even the decision to lead a doub le life The things he felt in her presence was something he had never felt before...the peace and calm of just being in her company...her craziness adding that zing tha t his life missed...everyday sleeping with her thoughts in his mind and waking u p with a smile to once again either spar with her or give her ideas for catching her guava thief...and then the attraction...it was so combustible that even now his blood roared at the sight of her...why was this so complicated! So he had decided...he will stay away from her...things will never work out betw een them considering how different they were...yes, opposites attract and this w as what was happening here...plus his rational mind knew that his feelings and r eactions to her were probably due to the fact that they both stayed in the same house...and since he never really had any kind of female company, his body and m ind were finally reacting in a very natural way Yes, that's all it was...and when she leaves in a few days and he finishes his n ovel, everything would be back to normal...he would forget about her and she abo

ut him...they would go back to their routine life and move on...so with that tho ught in mind, he had come much earlier than he had anticipated only to find her looking absolutely fetching sitting there at the dining table in her own world He cleared his throat softly when at the same time Smitha noticed him...she call ed out his name loudly "Arre sir, you came early! Come and have a seat, i'll ser ve lunch for you too" she said as Khushi nearly spat out the water she was gulpi ng down...so that feeling she had of him being close was right...and here she wa s thinking that its her hallucinations again... She sat up straighter as he came and sat opposite her...his fresh woody scent ma king her insides do an about turn while her senses stood up in attention...she k ept looking down into her plate as Smitha came out with a fresh one for him...sh e could feel his eyes on her but she did not look up..instead she quickly got up and called out to Smitha "I'm going back to the garden Smitha..." she shouted b efore she went to her room for a quick freshening She closed her eyes at her stupidity, wondering what Arnav must be thinking as s he made her way into her bathroom...she released her hair out of the no nonsense bun she had atop her head and ran a hand through them...she then wore it in a l oose pony at the nape of her neck and scrubbed her face clean before applying so me slight kajal and lip balm Stupid! What was she doing!...she hit her palm on her head as she glared at her reflection on the mirror and walked out of her room into the garden...she was te mpted to look at him again but refrained from it and went back to work on her cu tting and shearing...with much more gusto then before... ... Arnav finished his lunch in record time as curiosity at what she was doing outsi de ate at him...he had seen the large bin in the courtyard, stuffed to the brim with the foliage and other weeds that the garden was apparently being cleaned of f...he had glanced at the two burly men sitting a little away eating their lunch and assumed they must be the ones cleaning But seeing Khushi in her 'filthy' state had confirmed his suspicion that she too was involved...how could she not be? Miss DIY! He drank a tall glass of tamarin d sherbet that Smitha had made for him and got up to walk slowly to the porch... there he stood watching her cutting and pulling at the shrubs as if she was gunn ing for an award He wondered how he should approach her to talk about last night...she obviously wasn't being very mature about it since she point blank ignored him and actually refused to even acknowledge his presence...so much for a nice talk...was she up set about him leaving in the morning so abruptly? But why should she be? Unless she...did last night affect her as much as it affected him? Keeping that in mind he turned away from her, hoping to talk to her later when s he would hopefully be in a better mood...because right now he did not want to be anywhere near her for more reasons than one, he thought looking at the 'snip' '

snip' her fast shears made across the overgrown bush He was just about to turn back and go inside when his eyes caught one of the hel pers watching khushi with a shameless glint in his eyes...he saw him ogling her long legs as they glistened under the sun as she bent down to reach the lower ed ges of the shrubs, her beautifully curved bottom up for free viewing for one and all! He suddenly felt his blood boil as the helper continued to gaze at khushi who was blissfully unaware of the lascivious looks she was getting Without thinking about anything, he walked straight to the man and caught him by the lapels... "You bloody swine!..." he started saying to the throughly scared man when Khushi came running behind him "Arnav! What are you doing?" she asked h im when he turned around and gave her a reproachful look "Get inside Khushi" he said as Khushi looked at him in bewilderment and irritation "What? Who are you to tell me...?" she started saying when Arnav left the man's shirt, but not before giving him a look that probably chilled him to his bones a s he grabbed khushi's hand and dragged her inside...for a second Khushi did not register what was happening as Arnav walked inside the house and then towards he r room as she struggled to free her wrist of his strong grip "Arnav! What is wrong with you? Are you on drugs or something?...leave me!" she shouted as Smitha came running outside only to see Arnav push Khushi inside her room before slamming the door shut "Do you even know what that guy was doing Khu shi? Who the hell wears such clothes in front of strangers and struts around in the garden? Don't you have any sense?!" he said, still angry at the way that man was eyeing khushi "Oh, Hello! Who are you to tell me what to wear and what not to huh? And what do you mean? What were they doing?" she asked him as he ran a frustrated hand thro ugh his hair "Khushi, that man was looking at you...at...at...you!" he said his hand gesturing towards her whole self...she looked down at her legs bare from ju st above her knees and her loose t-shirt that kept slipping off her shoulders Ok, maybe he had a point...but who was he to lecture her! "I know what i'm weari ng...these are comfortable work clothes alright?! And seriously why should it bo ther you!...I can handle myself ok! If he was doing such a thing, I would have k nocked him out by now" she said, her voice full of false bravado as Arnav pursed his lips "Fine! Sorry I was worried about your dignity...you are right, I have no place i n telling you what to do and what not to...so...fine!...do whatever you want!" h e said as he turned to leave while Khushi's shoulders drooped with sudden tiredn ess...he was trying to protect her and she was she acting like a pricey b***h... she quickly went and held the door as he he stepped out "I'm sorry Arnav...I went too far there...thanks for looking out for me...but I' ve always been doing that for myself...so it was a bit odd when..." she said as Arnav's relaxed his angry stance...he sighed as he looked at her biting her lowe r lip...shit! Don't do that! He mentally tried to communicate to her and it seem ed to work as she quickly stopped and looked up into his eyes, making his heart once again beat in anticipation and need

"I...Khushi..." he said as she nodded and said a soft "I know..." she said as he said "We need to talk" at the same time...they both gulped wondering what the o ther would say...but the way Arnav kept his gaze away from her spoke of only one thing...he regretted it...she knew it...and it hurt So she did the first thing that came to her mind...she took a deep breath and bl urted everything in one breath "Last night was a mistake and it will never happe n again" she said as Arnav looked on shocked at her...her face deep red as her s he tried to meet his gaze "Thats what you were going to say right?" she said as Arnav went speechless for a minute...he knew that the ultimate goal of his talk was to stop this thing right here...but he never in a million years felt that sh e regretted it...hell, it did not look like it last night...but if this is what she wanted, then fine "Yes, you are absolutely right...I'm glad its mutual" he said in a gruff voice a s she nodded slowly, not really understanding the tone of his voice as she kept wondering how easily he agreed to it...they both wanted to say so much more, but Smitha's voice called out, breaking the awkward silence between them "Babyji... the helpers went away...they said they had some other work...should I call someo ne else to help?" she asked as she warily looked between Arnav and Khushi "Uh...No, that won't be necessary...most of the work is nearly done anyways" she said as Arnav looked away... "I...uh...have to go..." she said as arnav nodded "Listen...I hope this won't make things weird between us" he said as she gave hi m a quick smile and shook her head "No...no, it won't...what happened was very u nexpected...these things happen Arnav...besides i'm leaving in a few days...so I mean..." she said as Arnav suddenly felt an ache in his chest "You are?" he asked her as she nodded slowly "Yeah...just the exterior painting and restoration is left...we should be able to finish it in four to five days... after which...there is really no point in staying back here...I need to get back to work too" she said as Arnav frowned "But how can you paint when its raining? " he asked trying to get a reason for her to prolong her stay...why Raizada!? "This is coorg...it rains here half the year...but the rain last night was very unexpected...it won't happen again" she said as arnav tried to find similarities in her words to their situation "I should go...see you later" she said as Arnav stepped away to let her pass...he looked on forlornly as she slowly made her wa y to the living room and out of the house to finish her work It hurt that she regretted last night...it hurt that she was leaving in a few da ys and he probably will never see her again...it hurt that whatever it was betwe en them...that excitement and anticipation ended so abruptly...so final. And eve n though he wanted exactly this to happen...the fact that it happened...hurt. CHAPTER 12 "Tomorrow would you hushi cut ooking at ll you to is the Kaveri Sankraman pooja at Tala Kaveri, everyone will be going, like to join us?" Smitha asked khushi as she stirred the curry while K the salad for dinner...she looked up from her chopping to see Smitha l her curiously as khushi's face split into a knowing smile "Did amma te ask me?" Khushi asked as Smitha looked down sheepishly before nodding

her head "Seriously! My mother needs to stop worrying so much about my unmarried state" K hushi said as Smitha shut off the gas and came to stand next to khushi to help h er transfer the cut salad on a plate "No no, babyji...she is a mother...its her duty to worry...and you too should think about settling down now" smitha said as khushi sighed deeply and went to wash her hands "I'm perfectly fine this way...if I find someone along the way, i'll marry...oth erwise i'm not the kind of girl who needs a man in her life to complete her" khu shi said as Smitha hit her palm on her forehead "Babyji, you really should not t hink like that...don't you want to marry and start your own family...what will h appen when there is no one and you are all alone?" Smitha asked as khushi giggle d "Then i'll adopt as many cute kittens as I can and raise them as my own...they w ill give me company" khushi said making smitha once again shake her head at khus hi while she went about getting things ready for dinner "Your generation...I don 't think any of us can get through to you..." she said as khushi followed her ou t of the kitchen into the living room "Leave it na Smitha, and you aren't all that old to separate our generations..." khushi said cheekily as a sudden buzz caused them to look near the coffee table in the hallway where a phone seemed to be vibrating quite agitatedly "Whose pho ne is that?" khushi said as she went towards it and realized its Arnav's...she p icked it up and was about to go to his room when Smitha stopped her "Sir has gone out for a walk...said he wanted fresh air...he'll be coming in any time now" Smitha said as the phone stopped buzzing...khushi nodded at smitha and went to look out the window to see if he was anywhere in the vicinity "Did he g o out now? At this time..?" she asked Smitha who nodded while placing the hot ve ssels on the table "He went an hour ago when you were resting in your room...told me that he will c ome back by dinnertime" she said as khushi turned around, but once again the pho ne buzzed on the table making Smitha nod at Khushi "Maybe you should take it? It might be important..." she said before leaving the room to get some more things from the kitchen Khushi shrugged her shoulders as she went to pick up the call, but the name on t he caller id made her stop... 'Mrs Raizada', it read...she wondered who it was b efore quickly answering it... "Arnav! Why are you not taking your calls baby?" a woman's voice came from the other end...but due to the static disturbance she c ould not make out what was being said very clearly...though she did hear 'arnav' and 'baby' Gulping down an uneasy feeling she quickly spoke "Hi, Arnav is not here...he lef t his phone by mistake...he should be back in sometime..." she said as the woman once again spoke something that sounded like 'What'...'who'?...khushi winced as the static got worse...she walked around a bit to catch a signal when his phone beeped once before shutting off

"Low battery" she murmured, observing the phone once before placing it back on t he table...she probably should not have picked up the phone...God knows who 'Mrs Raizada' was...but then it struck her...Raizada...Arnav's surname was 'raizada' ...so Mrs Raizada...? was that his relative? Was it his wife? Wait...was he marr ied?! She panicked as unwanted thoughts started assailing her confused mind It can be...her cousin Arun too had stored his wife's name as 'Mrs Gupta'...he h ad told her it was a joke amongst them...and most couple do it...to show their p ossessive side towards their better half...plus the woman did call him 'baby'... and only a girlfriend or wife will call you that...Was Arnav married? But...he n ever...oh my god! Did she kiss a married man? Did he cheat on his wife?...she he ld her forehead with her palm as the front door clicked open and Arnav walked in She looked at him with an accusing look in her eyes to find him watching her war ily... "Khushi? Anything..." he started asking when she picked up his phone and thrust it in his hand "Your phone" she spat at him as he looked down bewildered before looking back at her face, her eyes spitting fire at him "Khu..." he said before she pulled him by his hand into his room before Smitha o r VK saw them and shut the door before facing him...she took a deep breath and l ooked directly into his eyes...there is no way she would let him get away if he was married "You are married" she said and looked on as his confused eyes turned more confus ed before a sort of amused glint shone in them "You are asking me or telling me? " he asked her as she folded her arms over her chest and stared him down "I know Arnav...your wife called" she said as the amused look he had a few minutes ago turned completely bewildered "Now I should ask you, are you on drugs?!" he said as khushi continued to glare at him "Don't lie or try and work up a story...your wife 'Mrs Raizada' called... nice name for you wife...shows how possessive you are...I picked up her call won dering if it was urgent since your phone kept ringing...Oh, and she called you ' baby'...so care to explain how you conveniently forgot to tell me that you are m arried and then ended up kissing me...cheating on your Mrs Raizada" she said as Arnav's amusement and confusion turned into irritation and slowly increasing ang er "Do you really think so low of me? That I would kiss you when I'm married? How t he hell did you come to a conclusion that I am married, just because a woman cal led 'Mrs Raizada' calls me baby? Didn't you speak further to her and work out th at its my mother!" he said as his voice went up a few decibels on the last word Khushi looked on mutely as he ran a hand through his hair "Mrs Raizada is my mot her...and yes, she calls me 'baby' when she suddenly remembers her firstborn...H ow could you think so cheap of me Khushi? That I would keep something like being married a secret? Forget about being married...I never even want to get married ..." he said as he threw his head back and sighed "Stop assuming things about me and for me Khushi...and its best you keep yoursel f away from my personal life...I don't need to explain anything to you" he said

as he brushed past her and went out his door...khushi took a second more before she followed him out to see him once again walk out of the house to the utter co nfusion of Smitha and VK ... His head hurt as he walked briskly up the uphill road while his stomach grumbled from hunger...he took a deep breath as he reached the gate and opened it walkin g directly to the guava tree...'Mrs Raizada'...he grimaced as he thought about w hat khushi had assumed about him...how could she!? He thought as he kicked a sma ll pebble with his foot But then, she couldn't be completely blamed...no one stores their mother's numbe r under such a name...but his relationship with his mother was of a formal natur e...one of the reasons he left for a walk before dinner was to clear his head of her message earlier in the day 'You should be present for the holidays to meet Lavanya. No excuses' it had said, irking him to an extent that had made him leav e the house in a huff He knew that he should have explained something to Khushi...but he did not want to...he was afraid that he'll end up telling her everything if he started...and so as always he had taken the easy way out...he told her to keep off his persona l life...it was the safest way to make her stay away from him...her thoughts wer e plaguing him to a disturbing degree now...so much so, that it would soon start affecting his work too He sighed as he opened the door with his key and walked into a dark corridor...h e knew that everyone must have slept since it was well past 11pm...he thought of drinking a glass of milk from the kitchen when a sound coming from there made h im stop...he saw the lights go on in the kitchen as he walked towards it "You know it is foolish to avoid a in the dark..." khushi said as t...she looked back to see arnav tured towards the small table in went and sat dinner...and go walking in an unknown hilly are she pulled her hair up from her nape and tied i stare at her as she raised her eyebrows and ges the kitchen "sit" she said as arnav wordlessly

She took out the bowls of food from the microwave one after the other and placed them in front of him...when he kept staring at her, she sighed and served him t he food making him come out of his stupor "You didn't have to..." he started say ing when she finished serving him and went to turn on the kettle "Think of it as a peace offering" she said as she took out a cup and poured the heated water in to it over fresh mint leaves and lemon. "I am sorry for assuming such a thing about you..." she said as she came and sat opposite him as he wolfed down the food, satiating his hunger...his eyes never leaving her face "But frankly speaking...I think I was only looking for a reason " she said as he gave her a curious look "After that...the...rain thing..." she said as he smiled inwardly "Kiss khushi..." he said as she blushed a deep crimso n

"Yeah, that...I was just looking for a reason to justify why it was so wrong...w hy it should be something to regret when in reality..' she said keeping the sent ence open ended which made arnav suddenly look up...right into her hazel eyes "W hen in reality?..." he asked as she shrugged making him gulp harder "Did you not regret it?" he asked her finally when she sighed and shook her head "No Arnav...I didn't...maybe you did...I don't know, I got the feeling you did.. .so I thought there was no point stretching it...we have to be honest Arnav...we are attarcted to each other...lets just first accept that...it will make our li fe a hell lot easier" she said hoping to God that she wasn't making a fool of he rself...but then took a breath of relief as he nodded slowly She did not regret it...but had assumed he did...at least they were clear on the attraction part, he thought as a strange lightness settled in his chest region only for it to be scratched raw again as she spoke her next words "But I also kn ow that nothing will come out of it...and when I think about it maturely...we wi ll both move on from here...you to your life in Mumbai and me to Delhi.." she sa id as he continued to look at her "So, its best we stop pretending and accept that there is something between us.. .and that something should be stopped before it complicates things for us...so I sincerely hope we can put all this behind us and start anew as we discussed..." she said as she finished her mint tea and got up to place the bowls inside the refrigerator She turned around to see Arnav still sitting at the table "Say something.." she said as he sighed and looked into her eyes "Whats there to say when you have dec ided for both of us...Yes, I am attracted to you...and its not helping me that a ll I think about is you when I'm here to do my work...but yes, I will never give you false hope...you are right...this will never work...I am not a person who i s good with relationships...and you seem like a person who is" he said getting u p and keeping his plate in the sink before washing his hands "Lets just put all this behind us...and then...you are anyways leaving in a few days...so its best we finish our work and go our way...separate ways" he said wi th a slight edge to his voice as Khushi nodded, her throat too constricted to sa y anything... "Thanks for staying up...I'll see you tomorrow...Good night" he sa id as she remained standing near the sink while he made his way to his room. The door of his room shutting got her out of her thoughts...thought about what w ould he have said if she had suggested they take a chance? Would he have agreed so readily even then?...would they have sorted out something that could work? Sh e closed her eyes to keep the betraying tears at bay as they threatened to overw helm her...the decision was taken...there was nothing left to think or say now. Note: The Kaveri Sankraman Pooja is held after the first harvest of rice...Coorg is famous for its 'Tala Kaveri' or the kaveri well where it is believed that th e water from river kaveri resides...all woman, married and unmarried do their po oja here on this day to either ask for longevity for their husbands and a happy married life or good husbands for single women...it is said that the water colle cted form here on this day is as good as 'Amrit' and all women carry some back h ome to make payasam...this is a local Coog festival and is celebrated with a lot of pomp.