Chamkili Ch-19

                                 'Chamkili' 

                                           Ch-19

                                            Together

Water boiled atop both the stoves and she bustled around the kitchen getting things ready. She poured milk into one of the tumblers and opened the container for coffee, inhaling the aroma before adding a spoon of it to another tumbler. She then added some tea, followed by three spoons of sugar to the boiling milk and water. She had taken off today; it wasn’t like KaLa would shut down if she didn’t show-up one day. Her husband, however, didn’t have the same luxury; AR might actually shut down if he wasn’t there. She had just turned the gas off, when she heard his car stop in the premises. Oh nothing even remotely filmy was going on here. He had called her a while back to inform that he was leaving work and would be home soon, it was as simple as that.

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The door opened to a deathly quiet living-room. Regardless of the difficulty that he was having admitting this to even himself, he missed the days when he was greeted by his women dancing to some ridiculously catchy bollywood number.

He was still trying to remember the song when she hugged him from behind and then took the bag from his hand.

“Why don’t you head to the room and I’ll follow. The coffee is ready.”

He kissed her cheeks before doing exactly what she had asked.

She was thinking about the events of the day as she headed to her room. It had been almost a week since her Jiji had received the medical reports and it was like they were all stuck in some weird time-loop where nothing ever changed. Where days flew by and yet time had stopped crawling.

Nani was trying to be strong and yet the vulnerability and despair in her glassy eyes gave her away. Dadi and Mami had also stuck to their routine of taunting Payal at every opportunity they got. Anjali supported Payal and yet that hardly helped. Anjali had been uncharacteristically phased and was seldom even in the house, something that had not escaped Khushi’s notice.

Just then she heard some sound coming from the kitchen and peeked in to find Payal pouring a glass of water. Aakash ji must have come home. Probably now her Jiji could shed a few tears in the privacy of her room, with Aakash ji right there to hold her. She needed that.

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Her eyes searched him the moment she entered their room. But then she heard the shower running and busied herself with setting the patio-furniture and the beverages beside the pool. She herself settled on one of the chairs, quietly waiting for him. Soon he joined her there. A set of black track-pants riding low on his hips and a wet towel around his neck comprised his entire attire for the evening. She poured the coffee for him and tea for herself and with that, they shared their day together.

She told him about Payal and Nani and Mami and Dadi and Aakash and he patiently listened, offering his own comments or asking a question every now-and-then. He then talked about his day, about the meetings and projects and problems and she chimed in between, with her own two bits, telling him about her own work issues and the project she was working at and the client who hadn’t got back to them yet and asking questions when she didn’t understand certain things. Their conversations now rarely held the urgency of ill-fated lovers, stealing a moment in time. Instead, now they seemed to have the composure, calm and contentment of two souls who shared their lives together, and were pretty sure they would for a very long time.

A bead of water trickled from his head to his shoulder and was then lost in the towel. Tracing its path with her eyes, she couldn’t hold back and got up, moving behind him. Taking the towel from his shoulder, she started drying his hair herself, while the two constantly talked about random stuff.
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She was lying stiffly on her side of the bed, consciously trying to regulate her breathing, to hold back her sobs that threatened to breakthrough any moment now. She knew he wasn’t sleeping either and was hoping against hope that maybe tonight he’d reach out to her… that maybe tonight he’d hold her in him arms and let her sob through the night… that maybe he’d cry with her and let her hold him when he did so… And yet she knew her maybes would remain maybes… until the point when she wouldn’t even be left with maybes… The man she had fallen in love with all those months ago, was lost somewhere along the way…

Payal closed her eyes and promised herself that she’d try harder tomorrow… try harder on giving-up…

_______________________________________________________________________________

She could hear the constant humm the AC and yet she felt warm… wrapped up in his arms, the cold could no longer get to her. She thanked her Devi Maiya in her heart. Snuggling in the nook of his neck, she wondered how long had it been since she had had to talk to her Devi Maiya? Too long probably… and with a content smile she fell in a deep slumber…

AN: Aren't we just super excited to see our favourite jodi again??? I have been screaming and smiling since last week when I first got to know of it... Dreams do come true :)

PS: Do let me know what you thought of this update.

Love 
Srija

Arhi ff Chamkili. Ch-18 'The Silent Chimes'

                                           Ch-18                        

                            The Silent Chimes 

“Oh of course, because you are the almighty God, aren’t you Dadi?”

Every eye in the room turned to the door and to say that they were all shocked at who the speaker was, would probably be the understatement of the century… because there stood in all her fierce glory ASR… Anjali Singh Raizada, the woman who was lost several years ago… had finally found her way back.

“Anjali bitiya, you don’t even know what she has done.” Mami tried to make her case.

“Oh right, I am sure Payalji has been plotting this all along… that to not be able to experience the joys of motherhood has been her lifelong dream. Right Mami, Dadi…” she paused for a second before adding another name “…Nani”

“Is this the way to talk to your elders Anjali? I can see that the ill-bred members of this family have changed you for worse.” Dadi tried twisting the argument.

“Are you seriously going to lecture me on manners Dadi, when not a minute ago you were taking sadistic pleasure in ripping apart the woman who has already lost too much?” Everyone and everything fell silent,

‘Di was making sense and accepting truth, for once in her life! It sure was one of Devi Maiya’s greatest miracles.’ The thought crossed Khushi’s mind, however she had the good sense of keeping it to herself.

“Khushiji, please help Payalji to her room and stay with her.” Anjali had taken command in every sense of the word and Khushi did just that.

“Anjali, aap…”

“That’s enough Dadi! There is nothing to discuss here. Once Aakash is back, and I hope someone called him, we’ll talk about all this. We’ll definitely go for more medical opinions before arriving at any final conclusion and making any future plans, and even then it’s going to be Aakash and Payalji’s decision.” With that said she looked at Nani, the woman was simply sitting with her head drooping, seemingly oblivious to anything. Anjali moved to her,

“Nani, you need to keep it together. You are our rock. We need you… Aakash and Payal need you. Nani please…” the older woman then hugged the younger woman and finally broke down.

“Nani…” Anajli’s voice broke a little as she hugged her back. Still she kept herself together… telling herself she needed to be strong for Nani, for Aakash, for Payal…
____________________

Khushi was tightly hugging her Jiji, as if she could shield her from everything. She couldn’t fathom that such miseries would taint her precious Jiji’s life. She could do anything for her and Devi Maiya knew, she had… repeatedly, and so right now, at this very moment, she felt helpless, more so than ever in her life. What could she possibly do to make it all okay? And to think that she was away having the weekend of her life, with the love of her life, just when her Jiji needed her the most? How could the gods be so cruel and to such a lovely, innocent creature? A tear rolled down her cheek.

Khushi gently rocked Payal, as grief and helplessness and guilt assaulted her, holding her in a tight embrace… as if she’d never let go… only… it escaped her that her Jiji wasn’t holding her back…
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“We are surprised Mr. Raizada, and pleasantly so. After the last presentation, we were quite sure that we wouldn’t really stumble upon anything better, but thanks to AR Designs, we did.” Arnav shared a smile with Aman and Sheetal, after all they were the ones who had handled everything from scratch. Hiring Sheetal was turning out to be a wise decision.

“The contract is yours Mr. Raizada. We just need to fulfill some formalities, but for all practical purposes, the decision is made.” The middle-aged European shook hands with Arnav, making it official… in an unofficial manner, that is.

“Aman, Sheetal, good job! Keep up the good work!”  Arnav bestowed them with a tight-lipped smile and Aman felt like he had won the employee of the year award (well, of course he never had, considering AR didn’t have such cheesy awards). Sheetal had a more subdued response, employee of the year, wasn’t really her agenda. Yet, she congratulated herself a little, small victories, right?

“Now, I want the both of you to head the entire project. Aman, you will handle the management and Sheetal shall be the in-charge of designing. I am sure you’ll do a good job.” And with that Arnav left the office and headed home.

Aman was in seventh heaven, he was proud of himself, pretty sure that if AR did have an employee of the month award, he’d be sure to win it.

Sheetal, however, felt a little let-down. She had hoped that this would give her the opportunity to work with Arnav, and here she was stuck with this what-the-bloody-hell-he thinks-of-himself-Aman. But again, small victories, eh!
______________________

Arnav was at a loss of words.

He was standing a Payal’s door. The two entwined women in front of him. One sobbing, the other still… one holding on, the other had let go already…

He didn’t know what to do, or even say. The fates had dwarfed the unreachable Raizada all over again.

“Arnavji aap?” Khushi’s voice brought him out of his trance. He didn’t say anything though; he simply started walking towards them. When he reached the foot of the bed, he halted. Payal was still staring into nothingness, oblivious to anyone and anything. But for the first time in his life, Arnav saw her… really saw her. He saw how slight she was, how ordinary, and how broken. He was reminded that he had glimpsed quiet strength in her in the past, which was missing now. He wanted to reassure her, tell her that everything will be alright, that he was there for her, but as always words failed him…

Payal felt  something, a warm, reassuring hand on her head; an alien one though. She lifted her head to see Arnav Singh Raizada’s figure towering over her. She knew he wanted to comfort her, to reassure her of his presence and yet the only person whose presence could even attempt to comfort her, was no where to be found…
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 AN: So, how was the update? I have always felt that the characters of Payal and Anjali were underplayed in the show as were so many others. So, this is my attempt to redeem these characters. 

Chamkili. part 17 'Back to Reality'

 
Chamkili
   Ch-17        
Back to Reality

Khushi was happy, really really happy, and no her happiness had nothing to do with her precious Arnavji, or her jiji, or Di, or Buaji, or Happyji, or even the paan-wale bhaiyaji. She was happy for herself and a little proud too actually.

She had returned from Nainitaal that very day and she hadnt even been home yet. She and Arnavji had decided to head straight to their respective offices as she had her meeting with the foreign clients and he, well he had this and that and everything to attend to. She had been very nervous throughout the morning and for the most part of the afternoon, but once the presentation started, she began to feel more self assured. Lavanya was handling the presentation but she had the decency to give Khushi and the other team-mates their due credit. The clients seemed impressed and were quite vocal about it and they particularly praised a few designs by Khushi and even asked her a few questions regarding the same. Lavanya gave Khushi her space and even though initially the younger woman was quite nervous talking to the clients in English, explaining the relevance of subtle mirror-work on an evening dress, she actually managed to do that, enunciating each syllable of English while conversing, and the clients were impressed by her skills.

The market and design representatives of the European corporation had left KaLa, quite appreciative of the presentation and sort of sure of their decision as they openly said that KaLas collection, in its entirety, was the best they had seen yet and that even though they had one more presentation left, still KaLaa chances were in fact quite bright. Mr. Kapoor and Samay had congratulated Khushi and her Lavanyaji had all but beamed at her, truly proud and happy for her friend. Even her other team-mates, who had only given her cold stares until then, actually smiled at her while offering their congratulations. Well, in that moment Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada forgot everything else and for barely a moment, became Khushi her true spirit resurfacing once again.
_________________________________________________________

"Aa gayi aap!"

For a moment there Khushi wasnt quite sure just when had she had entered Shantivan and was shocked into the realization with a very familiar voice familiar yes, but she still couldnt put her finger on exactly who it was. Subhadra Malik, there she was in all her glory.

"Dadi aap?" Khushi was still unsure of what she was seeing. Hadnt Dadi swore off ever coming back to Shantivan?

"What? Surprised to see me, huh? You didnt really think that I would leave the happiness of my heir in your hands now, did you?" Khushi stood there quietly listening to the older woman. She was wondering what she could have possibly done to invite Dadis rage again. But then reason was a silly little inconvenience that Maliks never let get in the way. She had learned that by now, after more than a year at Shantivan.

"Aree Titaliya!" Was that buaji?

"Buaji Amma, aap sab yahan? Is everything okay?" They didnt answer her though. Their heads hung low, in shame? What had she missed? She looked around the living room, trying to find someone who could explain just what the hell was happening here.

"Aree why are your asking your Buaji, ask me you phatee saree. I'll tell you whats wrong." Mamiji hadnt been this rude to her in quite a while. What the hell was wrong with everyone? A movement near the kitchen caught her attention. Payal had just come out from there. Khushi noticed that something was quite off about her. No, it wasn't that she quietly stood in the corner, ever the observer, because even though she'd hardly ever say much, that quiet strength was what actually defined her. That same strength seemed missing. Khushi's protective instincts were heightened.

"Jiji, are you alright?" she asked while walking towards her. But the answer didn't come from Payal.

"Of course she is alright. Why wouldn't she be? After all she is Garima's daughter, the ones around her are the ones doomed, not her, but all because of her." Subhadra taunted. Garima once again looked uncomfortable, ashamed even and Khushi was angry, not at Dadi, but rather at her Amma. Why does she let Dadi bother her so much? Why couldn't she stand for herself for once and especially when her daughter needed her? On the exterior though, Khushi remained quiet.

"Will someone please tell me what's happening here?" Khushi was on the edge now. Enough of this drama, someone just tell her already.

"Hum batate hain." Subhadra said, and then halted for a dramatic pause.
"This woman, your sister, she is not worthy of this house, this status, or this marriage. I had always known that these were ill-matched couples..." she drew a pause again and gave a meaningful look to Devyani. Her subtle shift from this to these was not lost on Khushi. Payal, however, seemed lost in a world of her own...

"In fact, she is not even worthy of being called a woman, not when she cannot even give this family an heir."

What had Dadi just said? Had she heard it right? But that couldn't be, Devi Maiya couldn't do this to her, not to her Jiji. No of course not, she must have heard it wrong or maybe Dadi had some confusion. She had to do something, clear this up, and she would have but Madhumati pulled at her arm, signaling her to stop.

Madhumati hated herself in that moment. She had just stood there as Manorma and Dadiji had shredded Payal's dignity, over and over again, to the extent that her lovely niece didn't even show signs of hurt anymore. She hated herself for not doing anything, for not stopping those women, for simply having to hang their heads in shame when they weren't really at fault, or were they? Garima had been her usual self, there and yet not really. What came as a shock to Madhumati was that even Devyaniji had remained mum during all this. She lost a little respect in Madhumati's eyes in that moment. And then there was Titaliya, her brave Titaliya, she knew she was the strongest one of them all, that she would have said something and yet years of conditioning had won over instinct once again and Madhumati had ended up stopping her. After all, they were the ones with daughters, acquiescence should come naturally to them... it hurt though.

"What are you trying to say girl, that I, Subhadra Malik, am lying? I don't come from an ill-born and ill-bred line, like yourself." Dadi had been back at her derogatory remarks in an instant. She was like a dog with a bone, and everyone knew that she wasn't going to let-go of it, not anytime soon.

"In fact, Manorma, I think why should Akash and all of us suffer in all this? He deserves better."

"Sahi kahat ho Dadiji." Manorma was quick to agree as she threw a death glare in Payals direction.

"Its only fair that he marries again, and this time to someone that I approve of.." Subhadra was cut-off by someone before she could actually finish.

"Oh of course, because you are the almighty God, aren't you Dadi?"

Arhi OS 'Namesake'

                                     

AN: Hey guys! How r u??? A one shot from me on our favourite couple. Do let me know what you thought of d story.

                     NAMESAKE

A beam of light fell on him, msking the streaks of grey in his hair shine and she was entranced, all over again. He was saying something, gesturing with his hands. Oh right, they were in a board meeting, werent they? There was some problem with the investors or something, she wasnt really sure, but Aman sir seemed really concerned this morning. But then why didn't he look bothered? How can he be so cool, how does he manage to do this every freakin time?

"Please turn the projector on."

He had said something. But why was he looking at her? Did he just say something to her?

"Miss Gupta?"

"Oh yes sir."

She finally was jerked out of her day-dreaming.

"The projector?"

She stood rooted to her spot still, unsure of what had just been going on. Why did she have to make a fool of herself all the time, and especially in front of him. Why the hell did the gods hate her so much? She looked into his eyes, scared as hell and he simply motioned his eyes towards the projector.

"Oh right!" she said to herself, or at least wanted to, albeit the entire board-room heard her supposed mumble. She cursed herself again and then moved to the projector to switch it on.

"Thanks Miss Gupta." He said with a polite smile and she blushed like a frigging 14 year old. Curses curses! Bloody curses! Curses on that bloody projector and this board-room and these people and hi... no not him, she would never do that.

He was back to his gesturing and talking with the important people in the room. Well, in the order of importance she was stuck on the lowest runk, probably even beneath the canteen-wala bhaiya who had just entered the room with some refreshments. At least he did his job and didnt just day-dream and crush on his boss. Or maybe he did... If she was to believe Simmi, then Raju bhaiya was straight as a... as a... jalebi, oh yes jalebi. A dreamy smile replaced the previous look of achievement oh her face. He was looking at her again, he was looking at her but so was everyone else. Shit! Not again!

"Miss Gupta, please the projector."

Aman sir had said this time. She hurried to the damned projector and turned it off. The devil may as well just blast it! She raised her eyes to him again, but he wasnt looking at her. Oh great, he was already frustrated of her. After all, ASR wasnt really known for his patience. Her first day on the job and she has already managed to piss-off the boss. Great going gal! She gave herself a mental mock pat on the back. Well what's done was done, but she was going to do better now. Deciding thus, she focused all her attention on what ASR was saying something about share prices and investments and diversifying into robots... or was it rockets? Well, who the bloody hell cares! And concentrating on the boring stuff wasn't her strong suit either. In fact, the only reason she managed to pass college was because that useless Vikram agreed to show her his answer-sheets. And that was when that bloody Economics teacher looked like some four-hundred years old haunted house, and not the pretty ones from the classics like Raaz or Raaz 2 but rather from some B-grade movie like like Raaz 3. And now when this man looked like some drool-worthy dreamy older-guy with grey-streaks and stormy gaze from a Mills and Boons novel, how the hell was she supposed to focus?

"Okay then gentle-men, that's all for now. Let's proceed as discussed!" ASR stood up, signaling the end of the meeting.

"Miss Gupta, please see me in my office." Somehow, this time his gaze didnt really seem all that polite.

"Yes sir." Oh god! Her first day at AR Designs and she was going to get fired already! Good going girl! You are going to go down in history, and there was another mental mock-pat. Grudgingly she followed him.

"I know this is new to you Miss Gupta and I am not expecting a break-through on your first day. But, I should at the very least be able to see some effort and willingness on your part regarding your job. You have to deserve what you are getting, I dont do charity. Are we clear Miss Gupta?" He was all business.

"Yes sir." Years and years of public humiliations in class-rooms and yet this one, the mellowest one in a private office brought tears in her eyes.

"You may leave now."

"Yes sir."
___________
Finally the day was over, and what a day it was! From the big job interview, to falling in love at the first sight, and that too with her new boss (so what if it was one-sided, yet...) to having her first lovers quarrel (okay fine, that was a one-sided too!), to that embarrassing joke that Simmi woman played on her... Some day it was. She was almost at the door when his voice called her.

"Miss Gupta!"

"Yes sir?"

"There is a bouquet and a jewelry box at my table, please get it to my car."

"Yes sir." And with that she rushed to glass-palace (yes, that's what she called his office, Crazy rich men, like seriously?)

She was in the parking area, but it was dark already and she was having some trouble locating him.

"Miss Gupta!" she turned towards the voice and finally found him.

"Sorry sir, I was trying to find you but..." and she all but chocked on her words, Arnav Singh Raizada was not alone. She followed his gaze and saw her. The beautiful woman by his side, a trickle of grey in her hair and some hardly there wrinkles on her forehead. All they did though, was make her even more unbelievably beautiful. How could she not be with those beautiful honey-tinged eyes? The beaitiful woman, that's what she called her. She didnt need to ask who she was. His impassioned eyes and her content smile had already whispered their love-story to her. Some movement brought her back to the land of the living. Arnav had taken the flowers and the box from her hands and had already turned to his wife.

"Arnavji, manners! Introduce me to this lovely girl at least." The woman all but chided the great ASR. He smiled, and not just with his lips.

"Hmm, this is Miss Gupta, I mean Miss Mayarah Gupta, my new assistant and..."

"And I am Khushi, his wife." The beautiful woman smiled at her. And he, he was smiling at her, his wife, completely oblivious of any third person's presence.

"I hope he isnt troubling you much. Well, and if he does, just come to me. I'll see to it. This man is clueless about how to treat pretty girls like yourself." She continued.

"Mmmm... yes maam... I... I mean no maam. I mean sir treats me well." She tried to smile politely.

"Khushi we are getting late." Arnav said while holding open the door for his wife.

"I can open the door myself, you know." The beautiful woman taunted.

"I do. Now just climb in."
The beautiful woman mumbled something... did she hear governor or something? Myarah wasnt sure. The beautiful woman smiled at her once again, and then climbed in the car. Why did she feel like there was something different about this smile, she couldnt tell.

"Get home safe, Miss Gupta." Arnav said and then moved to the drivers seat. The SUV zoomed into the darkness and Myrah took a moment to realize that she was alone. She picked her bag with a heavy heart and hailed an auto. She was going to need a lot of chocolates and another doze of Vampire Diaries tonight. And maybe she'd call Vikram, her ego needed some boosting as well.
_______
"Lovely girl!"

"Hmm?" Arnav wasnt sure what his pagal wife was rambling on about.

"Myrah, lovely girl and very beautiful." She clarified.

"Hmm!" he was busy focusing on the road.

"She likes you, you know." She said with a smile, the smile of a proud or even conceited woman, who owns something that every other woman wants.

"Are you crazy Khushi! Our Aashi is almost Myrah's age." He said with an incredulous shake of his head.

"You men, you can be so unbelievably thick-headed at times. I really dont know how you can deal with corporate espionage and yet be so oblivious of such obvious things."

"Well, if thats true then you need to be extra careful sweetheart and maybe try to work a little harder on me... with me..." he said with a teasing smirk on his face as he parked the SUV in front of their home. They got off the car and she came to him.

"Dont kid yourself Mr. Raizada! Arrogant, thick-headed men like you are plentiful..."

She then lifted herself up on her toes, her eyes dancing with mirth as she whispered in his ears,

"But, a woman with a 28' waist at forty-eight... is impossible to find." She bit on his lobe lightly, leaving him wanting for more...

AN: how was it guys??? Did any of you manage to guess d twist??? Do write back please.

Love,
Srija

Chamkili. Part 16, The Hunter and the Prey

                        Chamkili
                        Part 16
                 The Hunter and the Prey

Her back rose and fell gently, indicating that she was still deep in sleep. The duvet covering them had slid to her waist in the back, while she clutched the front of it to her chest, along with one of his hands. She mumbled something in her sleep and he couldn’t help but smile, her voice had sounded a little whiny, and he was sure she was dreaming about him, complaining about something or the other. He treasured these few moments every morning, looked forward to them, in fact. These were the simple moments, the ones he had craved his entire life, the ones that had eluded him, and the ones that actually mattered. And so he held on to these moments, clasping them in his palm, closing his fingers tightly around them, making sure that these moments would not escape him again, unaware that the tighter his grip got, the faster they’d slid from his hold…

She stirred a little and then her hold on his hand loosened. She was awake, and he knew that. Well, he knew that she would be on edge after last night and had he been Mr. Merciful Singh Raizada, he could have pretended to be asleep and let her slip off the bed quietly. But no, he was Arnav Singh Raizada…

She felt the cold touch of his finger on her lower-back and a shiver passed through her entire body. It was after quite a while that the haze dissolved and she noticed that her husband wasn’t just drawing random patterns on her back, but was actually writing something… o r n i n g… she smiled at that and then nodded lightly. She felt him rub her back then, as if he was erasing something written on a board. Some long forgotten memory of rubbing an eight year old Payal’s back while playing the same game floated in her mind, before the ravishing sensuality of the present moment overpowered the untouched innocence of the previous one. He was writing on her again and her mind struggled with her body to make sense of it… S o r r y…

She lay still… thinking… contemplating. When and how had he changed so much? Was it really her, was she the one who had managed to change him so much. She turned to him then, hugged him to her.

“It’s okay, I understand.” She always did and it made him feel like the biggest jerk in the world. He hid his face in the crook of her neck and let out a sigh.

It had been quite some time. They didn’t want the moment to end, but it did.

 They had to head back to their real lives soon, leaving this dream world behind. She was in the wash-room, freshening-up, and he was busy with packing, frankly Khushi had many talents but organized packing was one of his. However, with the amount of trinkets that she had managed to get for everyone, it was becoming almost impossible. She came out of the wash-room right when he chained the over-stuffed bag.

“Oh Arnavji, I needed to get my pink shawl from the bag.” Arnav groaned but opened it anyway.

“It won’t always be like this you know.” She said while brushing her hair, her back to him.

“Hmm?” he halted amidst tying the knot of his tie.

“I might not be so easy to pacify every-time, you can’t take me for granted.”

“I know Khushi and I am really sorry. I don’t know what came over me last night. He was just sprouting bull-shit about you and I couldn’t take it. But, that’s no excuse, I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.” He had moved closer to her and was holding her arms by the end of that very passionate admission.

“It’s okay Arnavji, I understand” she said while planting a chaste kiss on his lips.

“I don’t deserve you Khushi.” He would come to regret these words soon…

“Well, that’s for me to decide.” She had no inkling of the choices and decisions that lay ahead of her… but she’ll know soon…

He saw the SUV leave the hotel grounds. The couple seemed happy, subconsciously attuned to one another,  a romantic person might even say they were made for each other or that they were so in love. But he was not a romantic, he didn’t even believe in happiness or humanity. No… he was a hunter… a predator. And it had been quite a while since he had found a chase worth his while, he was going to have his fun. And by time he was done not even the ruins of the lovely couple would be left behind for their loved ones to commemorate.

 The unattended wounds from last night were blue in the morning cold, blue and raw. He wanted to keep those raw, he wanted a reminder, needed the pain... the pain made him feel alive and he hadn’t felt this alive in a long long time.  A predatory smile grazed his lips…Hunter was ready for the hunt…

AN: Hey guys, so long time huh? Sorry about that but I was going through a writers block and had to delete 4 drafts before coming up with this crap. I m really sorry if u don't find this upto the mark, as even i m not completely satisfied. However, the next part s going to be a very crucial one, a lot of twists and turns there, so stay tuned :)

Love,
Srija :)