Mars v/s Venus (i)

Chapter 1

Her POV...

I stuff the books in my bag... this is so not my day... bhagvan... kya bigada maine aapka! The orientation of my first year in my masters would start within 2 an hours and I am at home still packing my bag!

I brush my long hair and place a metallic hairband “haan dada... i’ll go today... first day - arrey why take chinta! Arrey kisiki majaal hai mujhe rag karne ki!” I scream towards my brother reassuringly - my dearest bro... we’re twins but by being exactly 9 . 25 minutes early he believes that he is no less than 9 years older than me!

I struggle to slip on a plain deep red color full sleeved shirt as it gets stuck with my spectacles! “Ae ki Rab ji!” I grumble and put on a black skirt and go out when my bro looks at me “Ok dada... wearing the dark maroon one!” I replace my skirt and put on a chunk of bangles on my hand... placing a black and red scarf around me and pushing the spectacles up my nose I carry my books in a back pack and run to take the cycle, not before kissing my bro on the forehead and taking the juice bottle from Lizzie... it would at least take me two hours of cycling to reach there.. that’s why I was tensed...

Punctuality has been my surname!

Finally main college pohoch hi gayi! I parked by bicycle and gulped down water from the bottle and took a deep breath...

To get a chance at St. Stephen’s (make it equivalent to the top school in the world) for MBA.. was no less than an achievement... and with a scholarship!

I checked my watch to see that I am half an hour before the time... I smiled and pushed up my spectacles and walked inside the campus...

Nervousness, fear, anxiety were my friends at this moment... I gripped my cold knuckles harder and walked in..

“Kaisi kapde yeh ladkiya pehente hai! Chote chote skirts aur aisi tops jisse sab kuch dikh sakte hai - chi.” I frowned in disgust...

I just noticed one girl kissing a guy on the lips and run into the hall - eww!!!!

Suddenly I found myself in front of some boys and girls... wait let me describe... each and every boy was either wearing a leather jacket or an expensive shirt... aviators and gelled hair - in short spoilt brats!

And the girls... micro minis with tight tank tops... colored hair and the amount of make up they put would put the circus make up artists to shame!

I giggled slightly at my own thoughts when one of them spoke up “Freshman?”

I nodded.... then another guy spoke up “Indian?” inspecting me from head to toe... I nodded again... at the moment hating when he approached closer to me...

A girl came up to me... she was the only one who really looked gorgeous.. a bit dusky but had long wavy hair - her eyes lined heavily with kaajal.. she wore shorts and a loose top and seemed to chew a gum...

“Toh as tum ek new student ho... you have to go through a par... wait, yo Mohan.. what’s the word for traditon.. some parripa...” She scratched her head...

“Parampara...” I said softly...

I moved a little back as she came closer... “Darlin don’t worry... you just have to go through parampara.. toh hum jo kuch bhi kahenge... tumhe follow karna padega... yeh baat samjhi ya?” she smiled at me - to which I replied with just a look...

“Btw maine intro nahi kiya right - main hoon Ayesha, Ayesha Pratap Singhania...” Ayesha smiled at me but then walked towards the “gang”...

“Yeh naam... oh ya... Yeh toh Singhania Industries ki maalik - Mr. Pratap Singhania ki beti hai...” my mind clicked at that... and wow getting ragged on day one - kya start...

“Tumhari naam?” She asked...

“Kaam kya hai?” I asked straight on her face.. heck was I telling her my name...

“Attitude huh? Nice... jab tum ho tedi then... fine... options deti hoon.. ya toh you kiss a guy - aur haan miss sati savitri... on lips ok...” I gaped at the face of the girl...

“Yo chill Sati Savitri... ya phir you change into this...” some other guy spoke showing me a bikini top and shorts - literally short shorts...

I could feel my cheeks heating in humiliation... “Agar main kuch bhi nahi karna chahoon toh?” I asked - my voice shaking...

One of the foreigner guys step in front of me... I silently wished if my bro was next to me.. it’s just that... I so missed dada...

“You think you are very smart right miss... you know what... cooperate.. else I will kiss your perfect lips or I will be certainly interested in changing your clothes...” he gave me a disgusting smile and started walking towards me...

I could feel tears rise up in my eyes... what are you staring at? That I should give a slap and tell them to mind their own business... you know that only happens in movies... In reality one can just lower their gaze... and try to find the best way to escape...

~*~

Sakshi was not daunted but the fear factor slowly started growing on her... “No..” her mind thought as she stepped backward and immediately turned around to crash into a muscular wall...

“Oh” she groaned and found herself crushed with this tall man in front... she clutched his shirt and looked up... Her pupils became slightly large to see the rough yet handsome man in front... he had dark intense eyes... his shirt was tight against his body... one could even notice the abs from the shirt itself... my head went giddy with his cologne - Armani she guessed... he had perfectly chiseled jaws and a stubble which grazed her forehead.. then he looked right into her eyes... her heart did a random beat for a fraction of second... in her life she had never been this close to any man...

He heard a feminine groan and looked at the petite figure below... she wasn’t any of the models he was used to... but she so did have the curves at the right place... from her swan neck to the narrow waist till her swaying hips... but what caught his eyes were her lips... pink and soft... it was perfectly shaped and slightly pouty... he could feel her heart thudding as her body remained crushed with his... he grinned on his effect on her... it was a universal fact that no girl could escape his charm...

“Ho kya raha hai yaha?” He asked and she looked up at her saviour - what a voice.. he was an owner of a deep baritone as well...

“Ragging Bhai.. c’mon..” Ayesha answered....

“WHAT, yeh bhai - yeh poora family good looks pe based hai kya - kya genes hai...” she thought looking to and fro her savior and Ayesha...

“Ash - tu khud freshman hai... you’re not allowed to rag... and Jack... what were the conditions?” he asked sternly... and she stared at his intent eyes...

“Come on... Ash can” Jack started

“It’s Ayesha, Jack...” Arjun said...

“Chill.. btw the conditions were either kiss a guy or wear a bikini...” Jack replied with a wicked smile...

She looked away in embarrassment and to her shock he started laughing... “Yo.. what’s so tough in this? Last year’s was one thing to be scared off...” she stared at him...

“So babe... looks like it’s your lucky day... let me rag you personally...” he winked at her...

“WTH?” she thought...

Did her saviour just turn into the man who would torment her?

She stood frozen for two minutes and snapped out the minute he caressed her waist with expertise and pulled her head near his...

She turned her face away in disgust the minute she felt his breath fan on her face... his lips touching her ear he whispered “Tum toh bari sanskaari type dikhti ho... bikini pehenna tumhare bass ki baat nahi honey...”

“Tum apni aap ko samajte kya ho?” she glared at him... but the anxiety reflected through her voice...

“Umm... a great kisser?” he said...

She tried to wriggle out of his grip... but damn he was too strong... his grip around her waist was as tight as steel... he used his other hand turned her face towards his and angled her head so he could slam his lips over hers... “C’mon baby...” he said huskily

She whimpered and tried to turn her face away.. it would be a lie to say that she wasn’t attracted... but any girl would feel disgusted if she was forced... even if the guy in front was Tom Cruise...

The entire college had come fore and screamed and cheered “ARJUN!!! ARJUN!! ARJUN!!!”

Arjun... that was his name... “Don’t you dare touch me” I spat out... excited yet disgusted...

“Where am I touching... I am kissing you na? And suno.. sab dekh rahe hai - izzat bachalo aur bas do as I say..” he said - huskily..

She  stopped shivering in his hold... her fingers were a bit busy at the moment... she looked straight into his intense eyes... “Wohi baat hai... sab dekh rahe hai, izzat bachalo aur raaste se hatto... your chamchas wouldn’t like their hero to be slapped in front of everyone.” she said, anger rising in her...

He looked at her and his gripped loosened for half a second... she used that opportunity and shoved him out of her way... not before slipping something in his pocket... something dropped from her hand but she dare look back... she ran away but could feel his gaze on her retreated back...

She looked back once and showed a salaam to him... all her traces of being scared vanished...

And he knew that somehow she had the last laugh...

~*~

Arjun’s POV...

I walk in front to see this soft girl crash into me... I caught her narrow waist and turned down to see this girl... she had straight hair... fair skin.. pink lips and a big black spectacles perched on her perky nose...

“Hmm.. 5..ok 6... well her waist size is nice and she does have the right curves... maybe a 7 on 10... still an average piece...” I rated her in my mind... I looked in front to see Jack and Ash smiling at her...

Seriously! Ash! Khud first year hai aur doosre first years ko rag karna!

I literally laughed at their demands... what was tough in a kiss or bikini? Then I looked at girl below in detail.. her long skirt and full sleeved shirt... seriously... uske background main sitar baj rahe hai!

But one thing I liked was her pouty lips.. hmm... so let me complete the rag... doosre ladki ke liye yeh to rag kam aur luck zyaada lagega...

I was surprised by her puny fight that she put against me... that did turn me on... I could see her cheek color rising the minute I caressed her waist... wow... different combination... but what was intriguing was her nervousness yet her staunch decision to not come close... interesting...

She gave a few good lines as usual... wait did she tell me to izzat bachalo!

She pushed me but not before touching pocket... okay...

I checked my pocket to find a chit...

Don’t forget your sister is a newbie.. And I don’t have to be a third year to rag her... and who said that ragging has to be in public? Take care... of her...... it’s your good luck that your face’s geography remains same...

Did she just have the last laugh?

I gritted my teeth to see a card having fallen out - it was medical insurance one... and the name... Sakshi... Sakshi Anand...

“Milke mazaa toh zaroor aaya...” I said grimly and pocketed the card...

~*~

Sakshi rushed to the washroom and smiled at the mirror in front... true she felt humiliated but if she wanted she could have beaten him black and blue... but then... she trusts her brains rather than her brawn...

“Yaha main kisi Arjun Warjun se panga nahi lene aayi... bas teen saal.. woh complete karoongi and leave... let him be Singhania ka beta... as if I care...” She thought and left from the washroom - day one was over and she rushed towards her bicycle...

Arjun noticed her silently... his blood boiled... how dare she speak about his Ash... she would have to pay for this... he approached towards her but she literally ran towards her bicycle... before he could catch up with her she left and moved away like a gust of wind...

Sakshi returned home and locked the door... Lizzie came and hugged her “Princess.. how was day one?” she smiled but it faltered looking at Sakshi’s state... “kuch hua kya?” Lizzie immediately hugged Sakshi...

“Liz... woh I was about to be ragged... ya toh kiss ya wear bikini...” Sakshi mumbled out...

“Who was it?” Lizzie flared out

“Arjun.. Arjun Singhania...” Sakshi said...

“What?” Lizzie looked at her with disbelief...

“Itna neecha hi gir sakta hai...” she grumbled... then patting Sakshi’s shoulder,

“Jao Sash... Shree’s been waiting to see you since morning... no need to say about yeh ragging...” Lizzie said and Sakshi nodded...

Half an hour later Lizzie and Sakshi were sitting in the hall having their dinner...

Sakshi animatedly described how she reversed put a threat on Arjun... “Liz... reverse psychology ka kamaal dekhna chahiye tha... he thought I am a damsel in distress... bada aaya... sach main nervous thi par nahi darri kyun ki joh darr gaya woh marr gaya..” Sakshi completed...

“Sun yaar... Arjun se door hi reh... bade baap ki aulaad... kuch bhi kar sakta hai... and you pointed at Ayesha... that was not a good thing...” Lizzie said while clearing the dishes...

“Lizzie” Sakshi hugged her... “Mujhe kiss karna chaha tab koi galti nahi... jab uski behen ki baare main baat ki toh saare problem... don’t worry... yeh Arjun meri zindagi main koi bhi nahi hai...” Sakshi kissed Lizzie on her cheek good night while Lizzie motioned her to sit on the counter...

“Madam.. raat ko na baal khule nahi rakhte.. beith main na teri baal banati hoon...” Lizzie smiled and platted Sakshi’s hair...

Lizzie then took Sakshi to her room combing the ends of her hair and gently patted her forehead as Sakshi pulled the blanket... “Chal Drama Queen... goodnight!” Liza smiled and removed Sakshi’s spectacles...

She walked into Shree’s room... he was fast asleep.. with his spectacles on... “Jaisa bhai waisi behen...” Lizzie murmured and removed Shree’s specs... she settled on the bed next to his... she kissed Shree softly on his cheeks and held his hand... dozing off...

~*~

Arjun went back to his room furious... “yo bro... whaddup?” Ayesha came and hugged Arjun...

“Hmm” he grumbled and threw his jacket on the bed...

“Kya hua Bhai... mood ka kachumar kyun hai... broken anda said something kya? (imagine their dean to be like Virus of 3 Idiots - hence their dean’s name is broken anda) ya phir Raina is in the 9 th cloud with someone else?” Ayesha sat on the table and swung her legs...

“Tu itni der ko ghar kyun aayi... I was with Raina... tujhe kisne drop kiya?” Arjun interrogated Ayesha...

“Maine...” a 23 year old handsome, fair man walked in...

“Sam! Good... koi aur hota toh daant tor deta!” Arjun hugged Sam...

“Ya.. I know that... anyways my job done... I’ll leave...” Sam said and walked towards the door...

“Waise RJ... aaj woh uss ladki ke saath.. it was not required.. you don’t exactly need such publicity... she was a sadakchap...” Sam said and walked out of the room... not before looking at Ayesha once more...

Arjun just ignored Sam’s advise and opened the messy wardrobe to find his pajamas...

Ayesha threw a shirt on Arjun “Lo Bhai.. so Bharat Mata tera pissed off mood ka kaaran hai? Dude.. first girl who didn’t wanna kiss you... ab mat kaho for one kiss tera mood ka dahi ho gaya! I am sure Raina must have covered all that! ” Ayesha laughed as she rested her head on Arjun’s lap...

Caressing her head lovingly “Ash... puhleaze... (pls) obvi not that.. just ki ur Bharat Mata woh chit diya.. and I hate anyone pointing at you...” Arjun growled and gave the chit to Ash...

“Kya style Bhai... she’s a twisted stuff eh? But tu kuch karne nahi waala na... India se aayi hai... saari ladkiyaan from India carry this attitude of Bharat Mata to end up falling for some guy or the other - yeh TV Serial main bohot famous hai!” Ayesha said animatedly...

Arjun stayed grim but smiled at his sister... “But Ash... now she will know what it means to point out at my sis...”

Ayesha felt little uncomfortable with Arjun’s rising anger... she only meant to rag and this was slowly going out of hand... to deviate Arjun she said “Waise bro... how was your date?” she winked...

“Badmaash! Bhai ke upar aise jasoosi! As usual... Raina ko khush karne ke liye kya chahiye - 5 star hotel, orchids lilies aur roses ka bouquet, a diamond bracelet, exotic food, violinists and a drive in my lambo.... aur kya?” Arjun repeated as if it was a menu from a restaurant...

“Aur Kya! But bhai - are you happy with her?” Ayesha asked...

“As long as she kisses and makes out with me.. yes.” Arjun winked at Ayesha...

“Lol... ok... goodnight bhai...” She hugged Arjun and headed towards her room...

~*~

Sakshi woke up the minute Lizzie left... She looked up at the ceiling and thought and the next day... taking out her notebook she wrote...

Pata nahi yeh ameer logo ki fashion hai kya ek type ki hone ke liye? Hamesha loose character but good looking... maybe edging on the border of being dashing... but that is not the point... kya haq hai usse aise mere paas aane main... darr gayi thi... sach main... kya karoon zindagi utni mehrbaan to thi nahi... par bhagvan zaroor hai jo bachate rahe...

Arjun.. God knows what he thinks about himself... ragging, yeh cheez maine hamesha paper main padhi... but aaj I faced it for the first time... jittery toh thi main... I was blank... why I wrote that note... to just remind him.. that he too has a sister of the same age... but I know koi moral science effect nahi hone waala hai... today I learnt one thing... to steel myself... kabhi kabhi chahti hoon if someone would be there to protect me... hain na... main khud.. dada kehta hai ki ek insaan hi khud ki ifaazat kar sakta hai...

Sakshi walked out of her room and went to Shree’s room to see Lizzie sleeping while catching Shree’s hand... Sakshi smiled and put the blanket over Liza...

She walked out and sat on the sofa... “Thak chuki ho God to be like a small kid and pretend life is good... I wish I could open up... chal Sakshi sone chal..” Sakshi went to her room and winded up for the day...

~*~

Arjun went to the kitchen to have his cappuccino... relaxing over the lounge chair he closed his eyes and recalled his day...

“yeh ladki ajeeb kaisi ho sakti hai... uski body language dekh ke pata chal raha tha that she was hell scared... so I thought of playing through... but the minute main paas aaya I saw that suddenly she hardened herself... strange... and Ash pe point kaise kar sakti hain... waises bhi RJ she’s nothing ki you should even waste your time on... sochti kya hai apni aap ko? And this Raina... and similar type of girls... sirf paiso ki peeche hai... bas paise kharch karo and you get a kiss... and Bharat Mata Sakshi... her face told that she was excited... but then that note... she so shouldn’t have pointed at Ash...” Arjun shook his head and headed to the washroom....

~*~

Chapter Two

Three Years Later...

“Sash... so like did he really suspend you?? Shoot... I thought he just aise hi meant it...Toh phir tu waapas kaisi aayi? Dean toh should have said tata goodbye na... woh toh” a girl questioned Sakshi for the umpteenth time...

“Meri mata ruk ja! Sun... the next day was a shocker in my life...” Sakshi closed her eyes and reminisced

Flashback

As usual Lizzie shook a drowsy Sakshi off her sleep... Sakshi stumbled to fall off the bed but Lizzie held her in time...

“Liz... bas do minute... plish..” Sakshi groaned...

“Ok fine... par sirf 120 seconds... and ur time starts now...” Lizzie ordered and went down to the kitchen laughing...

“Yeh Sakku bhi na... kya karti hai jo hamesha jagi hui hoti hai?” Lizzie thought and walked into the kitchen to find the day’s meals prepared... Lizzie shook her head and walked back to Sakshi’s room...

Sitting beside Sakshi and gently stroking her head while Sakshi hugged Lizzie “Sakku... tu phirse nahi soyi... kyun jagi hui rehti hai?” Lizzie asked teary eyed...

Sakshi got up and shook her head “Tujhe pata hai na... neend se darr lagta hai... ek baar jab aankh lagi thi... toh kya hua...” Sakshi stood quiet and recalled everything making her shudder...

“Haan madam par iska matlab nahi ke tu khaana pakaana shuru kar de! Waise achi hai mere liye - full time cook joh mil gaya!” Lizzie joked to make the situation lighter..

Having their little fun moments and packing her bag Sakshi hugged Lizzie and waved Shree bye and ran out to her bicycle and started cycling in super sonic speed “Sakshi aisi hi bhagti reh.. teri aloo paratha burn ho jayega... aur tu toh cycling ki Olympics join kar legi!” She panted and reached the college...

Unaware of a pair of eyes silently noticing her.. the way she came on her cycle... and kept her hands on her knees panting “Yeh kitni cycle karti hai?” he thought...

Just then the wind blew and over Sakshi all the leaves blew over and she grumbled her way...

“Jao Sakshi... ek acha sa surprise is ready for you...” he grinned in a wicked manner...

A teacher informed Sakshi that she had to visit the dean’s room... “Oh Haan maine to ab tak scholarship bhi claim nahi kiya!” she thought and went into the office... she had received 85 % scholarship...

“Good Morning Sir!” She said and smiled brightly...

“Morning Miss. Anand... please take a seat..” the dean said...

“So Sir... about scholarship right...” Sakshi beamed...

“Yes... but” the dean hesitated... “you see Miss. Anand.. unfortunately the trustee has decided to award only four people and you happen to be the fifth one... so..your scholarship has been cancelled...” the dean threw a bomb on Sakshi’s head...

Sakshi was numb... she barely had enough funds left... most of her money was for the medication and now the account had a total of just a few thousand left... and the cost was 55,000 dollars... for one year... let alone 3...

He grinned as he saw the view from outside... but then he noticed something - tears...

“Sir..” she managed to croak... “I understand dear” the dean said sympathetically... “No you do not... it was highly important for me...” she flared...

He frowned looking at her reaction... he expected some begging.. but here she sat looking humiliated - yet undefeated...

“See..” the dean started.. “Sir... I want to apply for an educational loan...” she said... “Yes, of course ... but I have another issue to discuss... and personally I didn’t expect this from you...” the dean said...

“WHat happened sir?” She asked perplexed...

"Miss. Anand you are suspended from the college for having threatened the life of one of the students out here..." the dean said...

"What? Sir... I am not that kind of a person..." Sakshi asked exasperated...

"I know Miss. Anand but it was filed by our trustee himself... yesterday he had come to enroll his sister... he was an ex student himself..." the dean explained...

"Who was it?" Sakshi asked... her fingers turning cold...

"Mr. Arjun Pratap Singhania.”

Sakshi just gaped at the dean...

He smirked at her reaction... “This is what you get for pointing at my sister...”

Sakshi composed herself and smiled a little “And sir may I know what proof do you have of me being any sort of harm for anyone...” she asked

The dean said “Well... Mr. Singhania himself placed the complaint... about you harming Miss. Ayesha Singhania...”

“So?” Sakshi retorted back...

He scrunched his eyebrows... he thought that she would come back pleading to him... but here everything went off track... what!

“Sir.. we are in the United States Of America - it has a democratic governmental set up... under any conditions any action can’t be taken without a fair and free trial... and over here do I hear that without any concrete evidence and based on a particular person’s complaining am I getting suspended? And who Arjun Singhania sir? I just know Ayesha as yesterday we had a cordial exchange of pleasantries... and do you think sir that I would try to harm the Singhania’s daughter? It’s impossible.. even before I touched her would I be shot dead... and for what reason would I harm her? If there is any concrete proof do show me a copy of that at least...” She said triumphantly...

Arjun’s eyes popped out in her dialogue - what the hell.... she just turned the tables on her side... WHAT THE HELL...

The dean hesitated... clearly embarrassed at the situation... he immediately called Arjun in...

“Mr. Singhania - this is..” the dean started...

“I know!” Arjun said gruffly...

“Sir I am sure that she would have wanted to harm me and my sister...” Arjun said...

“Yes Mr. Singhania but pray explain why?” The Dean asked...

“Because I...” Arjun’s word got stuck in his throat.. what would he say - that he forcibly wanted to kiss her... as a part of ragging...

“Oh... so you are Arjun Singhania, hello sir, I have read quite a lot about your father... I am afraid ki koi ghalat faimi hui hai..” Sakshi shook Arjun’s hand without any sign of recognition...

Arjun decided to play along and clasped her soft hand tighter... caressing her knuckles with his thumb, squeezing her hand and passing a knowing smile at her... he knew that she would get infuriated and do something which would prove her anger, hence she would be expelled...

But instead of the rising Bharat Mata what he saw shocked him... she smiled back at him and nodded...

“Oh.. naatak... wait let me see...” Arjun grumbled and pulled her hand and gave a lingering smooch on her hand... expecting a roar or a slap...

And to his front he saw a blushing Sakshi... where the hell did all this ada come from?!?! She looked at him with a coy gaze and slight color came on her cheeks...

“Ji.. Mr. Singhania...” she said softly...

“Aisi ada kal dikhati toh koi bhi nahi chodta... yeh ho kya gaya hai - Maa Kali yeh sharmaana, muskuraana... is she like blushing!!” Arjun gaped at the different woman in front...

The Dean just looked at the scene in front ...

“Sakshi... glad you are like this... I myself was disappointed with Arjun but then you stood up dear - am proud... and now confirmed that you were indeed that girl who Arjun was about to rag...” he smiled... his teachers had seen the scene but as it was Arjun Singhania they had thought twice... he silently had prayed that the girl could be a strong one...

“Tum Sakshi Anand hi ho kya?” He asked...

“Haan...” she replied softly...

Arjun knew he had to save his image... he played the ringtone on his phone and suddenly picked up his phone “Haan Chandrakant.. kya? It was a prank! Main abhi Ash ka khabar leta hoon!” he grumbled...

“Wah wah Arjun sahab - Oscar award milna chahiye..” Sakshi thought but passed him a sweet smile...

Clasping her hand with his he said “Sakshi... I am so sorry dear... actually mujhe meri behen ka bohot fikr rehta hai... and she is a wild child... uffo.. Sakshi I really apologize...” he gave a dramatic speech and kept his hand near her heart...

“Ab bey Sakshi - ab toh thappad maar!” Arjun thought furiously...

“Nahi Mr. Singhania... main samaj sakti hoon... don’t take tension..” she smiled...

“Acha.. chalo let me take advantage of this situation..” he thought “Nahi Sakshi, let me treat you for coffee at least...” Arjun smiled his killer one...

The Dean just rolled his eyes...

“Ji I would have loved to come... but classes have started... and I can’t come...” Sakshi gave a true disappointed look...

“Yes Mr. Singhania... she can’t miss classes of day one!” The Dean said to rescue her... knowing very well that first class was free...

“Very well - after college then...” he winked and then in the name of exchanging pleasantries he hugged her and was about to kiss her on the cheek while she stepped back and bowed... leaving for her class...

“Smart girl!” the Dean approved... as Arjun walked out...

Just as Sakshi turned around the corner Arjun pulled her by the elbow and she crashed into his chest...

“Chodo mujhe!” she said angrily...

“Acha... abhi toh kaisi sharmaa rahi thi jab tumhare haat ko kiss kiya..” he cocked his eyebrow...

“Majboori thi...” she grumbled..

“Jisme meri manzoori thi...” he winked at her...

“Listen... there are many streets here where you can get relieved of your desperation!” she snapped at him...

“How dare you! Tumhe pata hai ki main kaun hoon?” Arjun flared...

“Arjun Pratap Singhania - son of business tycoon Pratap Singhania... your step mother - Avantika Singhania... your business tie up with Damsingh Rathore with a 51% majority on your side hence you are heir to the Lionex Industries worth 105 billion dollars... Lamborghini se Ferrari - every car you have in this world.. born in a platinum spoon... your father spent 25 years to make the enterprise rise in this world... your companies stocks are highest in the stock market... however with recession coming fore share prices can come down...” she said in one breath...

Arjun just stared at her for two minutes “Itna sab kuch jaane ke baad itni himmat hai mujhpe apna rob jataana?” he glared at her...

“Tum Pratap Singhania nahi ho joh mujhe tumse darna chahiye...” she retorted...

“What do you mean by that?” he glared coming incredibly close to her...

“Out of the 105 billion dollars - how much did you earn?” she stared at his intense orbs...

His grip went loose.. “Sorry let me ask you another question..” she said and he looked at her...

“Out of the 105 billion dollars - how much did you spend?” she said sarcastically...

She shoved him out of the way muttering “Ek phooti kaudi khud nahi kamaaya... bade Singhania ban fir ke ghoom raha...” he just stared at her retreating back...

Flashback ends...

“Boss Sash!! Shashtang pranam tujhe yaara!” the girl chuckled...

Sakshi laughed... “Ab chal... graduation ke liye jaana padega..” she dragged the other girl up with her...

That girl hugged Sakshi and said “ Sash! No wonder uss din bhai ka mood ka pichkew ho gaya! But dude... this ethics, tu jo paise ke peeche nahi bhagti - isliye best friend hai tu meri!” Ayesha shouted in the air...

Confused... time for another flashback...

Ayesha was sitting drunk on the road... “HO.. The night’s gonna be a good night!!! I go...go..got a f..f.f.fff..feelin.. WOOHOO!!!” she screamed till her voice’s end...

Just then a lady came running up to her... “Ayesha?” she said...

“Bey - Bharat Maata ki jai! Oopsh no shpiking... I am drunkie!” Ayesha said and put her finger on her lips...

“Ayesha uttho... haan teri Bharat Maata hi hai yaha par... chal ghar chal..” Sakshi tried to get her up...

“Oh Honey” Jack said inspecting Ayesha... then looking at Sakshi “... Yo aunty... leave this chick alone.. she’s mine tonight.. right Ash!” Jack said passing lecherous look to her...

“Sh..shuttie up you a**!” Ayesha staggered and stood...

“Oh... so what.. your big brother would come... but now honey he is nowhere to be seen! Wait isn’t he in London... who you protect you now - this Aunty!” Jack smiled and his chamchas laughed...

“Teri bhend di!” Ayesha started swearing as Jack approached her...

Sakshi walked away... leaving Ayesha there... while Jack caught her and tried to kiss her...

Sakshi looked around and thought for two seconds... there was a pole... a stick...

“Teri maa di!! Abbey Bharat Maata.. aa!” Ayesha screamed as Jack threw her jacket away...

Sakshi looked there and saw some petrol on the ground left by a car...

A plan clicked in her mind... she went up to Jack.. “Yo bro - have a lighter... for cigarette... gimme the lighter and the girl is yours..” Sakshi said...

“Woah! Dude... here man!” Jack smilingly gave Sakshi the lighter and pinned Ayesha towards the wall...

After a few seconds he felt punched...

“WTF****” he swore and turned behind to see Sakshi standing with a pole... “Leave her..” Sakshi growled...

The chamchas started walking towards her and Sakshi had the stick dipped in petrol and lighted it creating a fire torch... she sprinkled some water from her bottle to prevent the fire from reaching near her hand...

Blazing the fire burning Jack’s jacket and also adding to the misery of the other people they ran away...

Ayesha stared at Sakshi... “Hey maa... tu sach main Maa Duuga hai!” she cried and hugged Sakshi...

“Jai Maa Duggu!” Ayesha cried and hugged Sakshi...

“Ayesha it’s maa Durga...” Sakshi chuckled and threw the stick in a puddle...

“Oh live watching Maa Durga!!! Bachpan se kabhi maa mila hi nahi... hamesha sirf paise kharch karti hai... par tu toh real maa nikli re! Jai Maa Durgu!!!” Ayesha continued to hug Sakshi...

“Ayesha ek favour...” Sakshi said carrying a half drunk Ayesha near a bench...

“Jo houkum Maa Dudu...” Ayesha saluted...

“Shut up!” Sakshi laughed and sat on the bench with Ayesha sitting with finger on her lips...

Ayesha looked more like a lost child than the bully she knew...

“Bharat Maata... mujhe bachaya kyun? Main teri jagah rehti toh chod deti revenge ke liye...” Ayesha asked innocently...

“Dhat! Ayesha... gussa thi aur hoon for your stupid rag... but I can assure you that I would never let anyone touch a strand of your hair...” Sakshi smiled...

Ayesha started crying... “Tu kitni ach...achi hai!!! Aur main ek ladki hone... ke.. bawajood I forcefully tried to make u kiss another guy... or .. wea..r a bikini!”

Sakshi hugged Ayesha... “Ayesha... don’t worry... beeten pal ja chuke hai... and waise kya majaal thi kisi mai ka laal to kiss me! Jab Grad ho jayenge na then I would tell you everything what all I did... but for now ghar chal...”

Ayesha put her head on Sakshi’s lap... “Nahi Bharat Maata... ghar pe sirf bhai tha jo meri khayaal tera jaisa rakta hai... mom and dad busy in business... even if something would have happened today they would have made me married some guy..” Ayesha sobbed...

“Who says rich kids have a happy life...” Sakshi thought silently and then helped Ayesha reach her home... placing her on the bed Ayesha said...

“Aaj se am Ash n u r Sash... first time I feel like as if koi ghar waala hai... sun ek kaam karr na... bhabi ban jaa meri... bhai jab raega woh mera khyaal rakehga... phir bhai jab bahar toh tu khyaal rakehgi!” Ayesha sleepily suggested...

“Ayesh.. Ash - you are drunk! I have a better solution...” Sakshi smiled...

“Kya?” Ayesha mumbled from her pillow...

“Shadi karle... tab ur woh ji will look after you all the time!” Sakshi laughed...

“Sash - you are drunk!!!” Ayesha laughed!!!

Flashback ends...

From here their friendship went from strength to strength and now they were almost inseperable... for Sakshi, Ayesha just needed care and attention... then she could turn into one of the most obedient and sweet girls ever...

As the two proceeded to the graduation ceremony Ayesha impatiently waited... “Ash kiske intezaar main hai tu?” Sakshi asked...

“Bhai! He’s coming all the way from Japan - conference tha to just attend my graduation!!! Teri bhai aur hone waali bhabi?”

“Woh... they can’t come... you know na...” Sakshi said tearing aside...

Ayesha patted Sakshi’s shoulder... “But at least Lizzie...”

“Dada ko chodkar kaise? Pata nahi bhai mujhse itna naraaz kyun hai!” Sakshi started weeping... then wiped away her tears immediately...

“Your mom dad?” Sakshi asked....

“Dude... meri aur teri haalat almost same hai.. teri mom dad hai hi nahi jo aa sakte the... aur meri mom dad hote hui bhi nahi aa sakte - woh Australia ki ek important meeting main jaana hoga!” She mimicked her dad...

The ceremony started - both Sakshi and Ayesha had topped with distinction... it was time to announce the annual St. Stephen merit... that would only go to one student... the competition was between Ayesha and Sakshi...

Sakshi was the winner... and she saw Ayesha’s eyes tearing up...

As Sakshi received the prestigious award... the Dean congratulated her... Sakshi heard from somewhere that Ayesha had pulled out of the competition in the last minute - and Sakshi realized that so could she win...

She got a skype call from Lizzie and Shree who congratulated her...

Sakshi ran upto Ayesha and hugged her tight... “Mother India! Iski kya zaroorat thi!” Sakshi complained... Ayesha said “Oye Bharat Maata- mere liye duniya bhar ke paise hai - student loan kaun bharega!”

“F***” Ayesha swore... “Kya hua?” Sakshi asked...

“Bhai is stuck in Japan and he can’t come... wished me all the best! I hate him! Main usse baat nahi karni waali!” Ayesha started sobbing...

“Hey Ash... chill... see even my bro couldn’t come... hi five!” Sakshi cheered up and pulled Ayesha’s cheek...

Ayesha and Sakshi were standing side by side... When suddenly Ayesha pinched her “Tag!” Ayesha screamed... well it was the happiest day of their lives, at least they had their best friend by their side... Sakshi ran behind Ayesha...

Ayesha was caught and Sakshi started running.. laughing and giggling as it was Ayesha’s turn to catch her...

Sakshi was looking back when Ayesha disappeared... aha! Behind the tree!!!

Sakshi ran about and felt crushed into a person and he hugged her tight raising her in the air - her breath hitched when he kissed her cheek... “How could I not come for you sweetie!” that baritone....

“Aa..ah” she said softly as his arms were clutched tightly around her narrow waist.. pressing into her soft skin...

He heard her voice... her soft feminine muscles were literally crushed against his toned figure...  and he could literally feel every soft part of her petite body...

And suddenly both froze...

The scent wafted into her lungs - it was Armani...

He looked up shocked as an equally shocked Ayesha said “Bhai???” And he turned to see the person he was hugging...

For the horror of Sakshi, right now she was prisoner of arms of...

Arjun Pratap Singhania...

~*~

Chapter 3

“Yeh Bharat Mata Sash kaha gayi?” Ayesha thought and squealed to see her brother’s message

“Come near the third apple tree ;) - Bhai...”

And as usual she found her brother hugging intimately another girl... but this was not Raina either... hmm maybe timepass...

But then she noticed the slippers of the girl... and her brother’s shocked face...

“WT*... Sash AND Bhai????” Ayesha’s mind blasted...

And a shocked Ayesha could only say “Bhai?”

Sakshi was shell shocked upon hearing “Bhai” from Ayesha!!!

No way... till she realized that she was still in mid air... and still crushed against his hard and lean figure...

Arjun thought “WTH...WTH...WTH” and loosened his grip for Sakshi to fall straight on her bottom on the grass below...

“Ow!!!” she squealed...

“Oops..” Arjun thought on seeing an angry female on the floor... though he liked the fact that she was thrown on the floor...

Ayesha closed her eyes - hehe... war was nearby...

As a gentleman (huh - as if... aate hi pappiyan aur jhappian) he extended his arm towards “Bharat Maata”... though curious to see her full face... thanks to her disheveled hair and the cap and the huge gown that she wore...

She immediately refused his hand and tried to get up ... stumbling on her gown and he caught her hand...

It wasn’t like the other girls... nor like how he had met her before... it was soft... but then  slightly calloused and rough... not the dainty type... he turned her hand around in curiosity to see hardened painful blisters on her previously soft palm..

She retreated her hand and walked off in a huff...

Not before telling Ayesha “Tere khadoos bhai ne purposely zameen pe giraya!!!” loud enough for Arjun to hear and chuckle...

“Baby!!!” A girl’s voice squealed...

“Oh no... not Raina!” he groaned and pulled his Ash to a hug first...

“Toh finally... itni badi hogayi tu!!! Yaar kal hi dekha tha... nangu pangu running around in diapers... while I used to bathe you and feed you from my hands...” Arjun turned emotional and pecked her forehead lovingly...

“Itni hoshiyaar huh! Kal hi toh tujhe abc sikha raha tha!” Arjun teared up seeing the post graduate gown that Ayesha wore....

Wiping away her brother’s tears and pecking him on the cheek... “Bas bhai - aur zyaada nahi... shadi ke baad mere bidaai ke liye bhi kuch lines baaki rakho!” They both started laughing at that point...

“Oye Ayesha.. kisiko pasand kar liya... remember he has to go through me... and even Sam...” Arjun authoritatively said...

“Why Sameer!!! He will just check ki kaunsa company main kaam karta hai! Aur kitna paisa kamaata hai! Damn It machine!” Ayesha pouted...

“To tum aaye huh bro...” Ayesha punched him...

Arjun pretended as if he was punched by a WWF player “Oh Teri! Sun... teri graduation hai and I am not coming... dude you used to be sick and I used to cancel every flight and rush to you sweetie - itna toh kar hi sakta hoon!” Arjun smiled...

Ayesha hugged her bro to stop from the tears spilling from her eyes...

Ayesha’s phone started ringing... It read “MBM” ...

“Who is that?” Arjun said suspiciously and started thinking of all the guy’s name possible.. Mohan, Mark, Michael, Mihir...

“Stop thinking... it’s not a guy bro - it’s My Bharat Maata... ua phir My Best Mom.” Ayesha said excitedly...

“Best Mom?” Arjun asked surprised...

“Oh maine bataya nahi... long story bhai - our friendship was total dhinchak... but wait let me speak to her” Ayesha picked up the call and Arjun noticed Sakshi standing near her cycle - the same one that he saw three years ago...

And right next to him was Raina standing with her arms crossed... “Main kabse wait kar rahi hoon and all you do is just speak to Ayesha! And who was that girl?? huh? huh?” she ranted...

“Raina - you know Ash comes before everyone for me... and that girl - no one...” Arjun said irritated..

“Anyways missed you baby!” Raina said with a fake smile and hugged him - really tight...

“Really - so why didn’t you bother to call in the past 3 months?” Arjun asked...

Raina stammered “Woh..woh.. arrey leave all this na!” she said and slammed her lips with Arjun while he held her back in case if he or she fell...

“Oh God!” Arjun sighed as she kept on kissing his lips... he noticed Sakshi gaping at them...

Ayesha said on the phone “Kya hakla rahe ho.. kya keh rahi ho batao na... haa tonight we will meet.. ya ya - 5 in the evening.. tht is toh night for you na! Arrey kya ga..ga..ga.. Sash... what’s wrong?”

Arjun understood that Sakshi had got a primary shock by looking at the Public Display of Affection... he grinned wickedly and slammed Raina’s figure with him and kissed her passionately...

Ayesha’s eyes were open as well “Bb..bye Sash... wwwill... sp..speak later!”

Ayesha nodded her head and walked to the Bentley while Arjun kept on looking at Sakshi’s reaction... he grinned when she literally turned red..

To make her embarrased more he continue further... while Raina was really happy with this...

After sometime she parted... “So Babe... today dinner at 9... at the Ritz Carlton?”

“Yeah” Arjun answered.. his gaze fixed on Sakshi... he kissed Raina one more... his hands caressing her back... he still kept on looking at Sakshi who covered her eyes and mouth with her palms...

She looked again at him... he smooched Raina harder... he raised his eyebrow at Sakshi... who looked totally red... continuing his kiss he looked at Sakshi... then winked at her!

Sakshi’s eyes literally popped out! “WTH! Kiss kisi ke saath aur mujhe aankh maar raha hai!”

She quickly averted her gaze and sat on her cycle... her things falling apart... he grinned with a mischievous delight as she tried to huddle herself...

Before going she gave a quick glance and saw him making signals at her... Sakshi rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue at him...

Arjun immediately parted from Raina “WTH... how come yeh hamesha ulta reaction deti hai end main!” and he saw a dazed off Raina looking at him...

“So baby... why don’t we book a room at the Ritz Carlton itself?” Sh said naughtily...

“Hmm” he answered and went to the car where Ayesha was waiting for him to come...

Raina stood confused... at one second her kissed her like anything.. but then he barely speaks with her! Well who cares she got her amount of publicity as the other students - especially girls looked at her with envy!

Sakshi slowly drew her cycle out of the parking and rode “Kitna besharam behaya insaan hai! Disgusting! Eeewww!!!” she thought...

After riding for a few minutes a Bentley honked next to her... she saw Ayesha roll down the screen... welll Arjun wasn’t there! Phew! It was Ayesha alone in the backseat and the driver in front...

“Sash - chal I’ll drop you!” Ayesha said...

“Arrey nahi Ash.. I’ll manage! Aur phir meri pyaari cycle ka kya hoga!! Btw what was wrong with your bro!! Eeewww!!! Koi aisi publickly make out karta hai kya! I was embarrassed like hell... I know who mujhe kiss nahi kar raha tha- thank God... but it was pathetic... samajta kya hai apne aap ko... if he feels he looks cool like this - then no way...” Sakshi kept on ranting to Ayesha... Ayesha was looking at Sakshi with wide open eyes and shaking her head left and right...

Then she heard a husky masculine voice from the car “Ash.. do I have to wait here for another 5 minutes?”

Shoot! That driver - it was Arjun!!!!!

Sakshi looked at Ash “Bata nahi sakti thi!”

“Tu toh ruk nahi rahi thi!” Ayesha told her exasperatedly...

“Well... Ash tell someone that I do expect an apology...” Arjun said roughly...

“Acha... Ash tell someone that when nothing wrong is said then I do not find the need for apologizing...” Sakshi said and rode off with her cycle...

“What’s wrong with her? Woh teri best friend hui kaise?” Arjun asked an amused Ayesha...

“Well Bhai - she so hates these things... and what was wrong with you... you literally made out with Raina!” Ayesha asked with her eyes wide open...

“Well.. mann laga so I made out... and ya I do apparently love her!” Arjun rolled his eyes and continued driving.. he personally drove Ayesha - always...

“Jhoot!” Ayesha said..

Arjun looked through the review mirror shocked... “How come she knows ki I made out to spite Sakshi?”

“I know you don’t love Raina - aadhe se zyaada paisa tu uspe waste karta hai! Just because she is the niece of Damsingh uncle na...do you keep the relation...” Ayesha said...

“Phew!” Arjun thought...

“Haan.. like obvious... aur hum tycoons ka relations are always like this Ash... dad was thinking to get you and Sam married...” Arjun said...

“NEVER!!!!” Ayesha said... “Bhai am just 22... aur aap shuru ho gaye with all this crap of marriage!” she pouted... Arjun started laughing “Paagal, main khud uska daant tod doonga if he comes near you - waise bhi he is always busy in business... woh toh time milega toh apna business se hi shadi kar beithe!” he chuckled...

They finally reached the hotel and Arjun took her in...

“Acha btw Ash... tell me the story behind u and this Saakaashee!” Arjun mimicked her name...

“Shut up bhai! She is the loveliest person ever... lambi kahani hai - sunega?” Ash side hugged Arjun and said...

“Arrey tere liye 8 meetings ko cancel kiya... ab teri baat na sunu toh kiska? Raina ka!” Arjun gave a fake shiver on Raina’s name..

Ayesha laughed and told the entire story... not only that incident... but also when Sakshi had helped her in notes... yet not let her copy during test... even thanks to Sakshi Ayesha had stopped drinking...

After 2 hours of constant chatting she completed and fell on the bed with a huff...

“So madam... tu bhi Bharat Maata part 2!” Arjun laughed while removing her boots...

“Na... she has a life bhai... real zindagi... not behind exquisite walls or over furnished places and neither fake boyfriend...” Ayesha pointed at Arjun’s so called love life...

Arjun just smiled at her and pushed her to the washroom... Ayesha came out in her brother’s shorts and shirt... “Do you have to wear my clothes!” Arjun smirked at her...

“Bhai... it’s comfy and cozy.” Ayesha smiled and yawned...

Arjun smiled broadly at his baby sister and picked her up and kept her on his lap... combing her hair and tying it into a plat...

“Bhai... do you have to tie my hair?” Ayesha asked as Arjun neatly put a rubber band...

“Yes my dear - you be 2 or 22... apni haalat kya khayaal thodi na rakhegi..” he smiled pulled her cheeks...

“Btw... make up remover se make up remove kiya?” Arjun asked...

“Haan bhai aur maine brush bhi kiya... noow..aam...pheelin... shleeepy..” Ayesha yawned again...

Arjun laughed at her reaction and kept her on the bed... tucking her gently and patting her head till she dozed off... her mouth open to a perfect ‘o’...

“Waose Ash aisi dosti sirf college tak rehti hai... after that jab career comes in... sab kuch badal jaata hai...” Arjun sighed recalling his and Sameer’s friendship...

He looked at his phone - oh God.. another meeting... he was worried for Ayesha... even though he being 27 there was pressure in getting married he didn’t even think about it at the moment... his Ash needed to grow up and find someone suitable... he wouldn’t ever leave her alone with Raina... his dad and “mom” would barely even look at his sister... he couldn’t afford Ayesha making the same mistake as Ileana....

He set his phone to alarm at 4 o’clock and went out of and picked up a nice pair of jeans and shirt so that she wouldn’t run around finding for her clothes...

~*~

Sakshi reached home and hugged Lizzie tightly... Lizzie had tears of joy... “Oh God... I am so happy... I couldn’t have been happier..” Lizzie broke down to tears...

“Oye Meena Kumari - ho gaya ha!” Sakshi smiled and showed her the merit award that she got... and also told how Ayesha sacrificed her position for Sakshi...

“Lizzie agar yeh mehrbaani hoti toh kabhi na leti... par iske andar maine sachi dosti ki kasam dekhi hai....” Sakshi smiled... Lizzie nodded her head in agreement...

“Dada abhi tak gussa hai?” Sakshi pouted...

“Nahi rey... bas bohot jald he will melt down... he was crying too in happiness when we Skyped you..” Lizzie informed...

“Ab meri princess - treat toh banta hai! Aur woh bhi apne aap ke liye... Woh khatara cycle chod and buy a scooter - your hands...” Lizzie smiled... and then her smile faded by looking at the blisters caused in her hand through 3 years of constant cycling...

“Uffo - yeh senti waali baatein chod... aur agar main ainvayi paise kharch kardoon phir student loan kaun bhadega? Chal I know that you have cooked up lasagna! Yaha se hi khushboo aa rahi hai!” Sakshi walked in the kitchen with a trance...

“Bhukkad!” Lizzie laughed and set the table... feeding Sakshi with her own hands (she’s using a fork)

“Acha Lizzie... Ash keh rahi thi ki London main there is an awesome job opportunity for me... around 50,000 dollars per annum...” Sakshi said after swallowing her food...

“Acha.. position kya hai?” Lizzie asked..

“Secretary to Vice President... I will have right to preside into every matter and dealing.. Awesome position hai!!!” Sakshi said excitedly...

“Hmm good rey... Ayesha being the daughter of a businessman she will have a fair idea of lucrative jobs.. waise jaa kab rahi hai?” Lizzie asked while wiping Sakshi’s mouth with a tissue...

“Tum dono ko chod jaane ka mann nahi hai.” Sakshi said softly and hugged Lizzie...

“Acha! Madam for us you won’t stop your career... aur chuttiyon ke samay aa jaana.” Lizzie suggested...

“Cool toh main Ayesha ko job ke liye haan kehdoon?” Sakshi asked...

“Yeh koi poochne ki baat hai?”Lizzie asked...

“Nai!” Sakshi answered and got ready to go to meet Ayesha.... she was truly a great help in finding jobs for Sakshi... from all the partnered companies Ayesha had continuously supplying her with jobs...

Though Sakshi was adamant that she doesn’t want any reference or help.. but then Ayesha is Ayesha!

~*~

“So you are coming right?” Ayesha said looking at a lost Sakshi...

They were sitting at the Central Park.... enjoying the sunset...

“Hmm... tu kab jaa rahi hai?” Sakshi asked while throwing stones into the pond...

“Parso... join me na?” Ayesha suggested...

“Your bro..” Sakshi asked...

“Haan we will be going by chartered flight..” Ayesha said...

“Forget it! Main khud aa javungi in one week... waise I have some things to do... just ek acha rehne ke jagah de...” Sakshi smiled...

“Oye... you are coming to my hometown London aur tu kahi aur rahegi! Impossible!!!” Ayesha said...

“Uffo Ash!! Please yaar... you know I won’t be comfortable... I’ll come to visit you.. pakka... par rehna... you know..” Sakshi fumbled...

Ash nodded her head and clasped Sakshi’s hand... “Don’t worry... but sun I’ll be there at the airport... iss baat pe naa ki toh ek achcha waala thappad milega! Yeh baat samjhi ya...?” She smiled with her trademark dialogue...

“Theek hai meri maa!” Sakshi smiled back...

~*~

“Achcha bhai can I please work under you?” Ayesha asked for the hundredth time...

Arjun kept the newspaper aside and looked up at Ayesha’s puppy face...

“No sweetheart... in the office I am Arjun Pratap Singhani, not your bro... ok... and you will be working in our company - but under Sam not under me... yet baat samjhe ya samjhaaun?” Arjun told Ayesha...

“Bhai!!! NOT with Damn It! Machine!!!” Ayesha whined...

“Yes... I won’t let you work with me... aur Sam is a good mentor... he’s excellent in business.. agar mera under rahegi... then I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from pampering you... aur beginning main you need a strict boss...” Arjun went back to reading the newspaper...

Ayesha made a face...

“I saw that!” Arjun said...

“Waise bhai... a week back did you and Raina like ahem ahem... cuz  you see she was in your room throughout the night... and..” Ayesha smiled wickedly...

“Ash do me a favor - shut up!” Arjun smiled... “Aur aise cheezein toh hoti rehti hai... what’s wrong... anyways I’ll end up marrying her...” Arjun sighed and left the paper aside and took his cappuccino..

“OMG” Ayesha said and covered her mouth with her palm...

“Wow bro... matlab agar main kisi business tycoon...” Ayesha started dreaming...

“NO WAY ASH... first of all toh I wouldn’t let you marry a guy like me... daant tor doonga... aur secondly no hanky panky before engagement... engagement kya... not before marriage!”Arjun glared at Ayesha...

“Ah! Kya justice... khud hanky panky kar sakte ho aur main nahi!” Ayesha pouted... Arjun threw his aviators aside - anger alert...

“Just joking! Waise bhi mujhe shadi wadi main aur hanky panky main koi interest nahi!” Ayesha declared then looked at her watch... “Oh no! Bhai gotto go!”

“Kaha?” Arjun asked...

“Airport... woh Sash aa rahi hai na! For a job... I only referred her ki woh yaha London main aaye... there are so many job opportunities out here... and bhai she is as intelligent as me... kya woh Sameer ke under...” Ayesha started her puppy look

“No way Ash... you are going to work under him... and as for Bharat Maata... she is not going to live here... you get that right...” Arjun looked at Ayesha

“Bhai - she told no in the first place... bohot self respect hai uski! She said that she will find a place.. waise why didn’t you return her scholarship?? It would have really helped her a lot!” Ayesha said with her hand on her hips...

“I am not inhuman Ash... main gaya tha phirse par she told me on the face - kisiki mehrbaani ki koi zaroorat nahi hai... I will manage...” Arjun mimicked her...

“Bhai! That’s why she is one of a kind! Acha bye!” Ayesha kissed Arjun’s cheek and left...

“One of a kind my foot... she is more like a feminist! Sometimes aise behave karti hai jaise main koi angrez aur woh Subash Chandra Bose!” Arjun grumbled and went to his personal gym...

~*~

“Sash!!!!” Ayesha ran and hugged Sakshi!

“God! Kaisi hai... how’s your flight... sab kuch nipat gaya... Lizzie aur Shree dada kaise hai?” Ayesha bombarded her with questions the minute she met Sakshi...

“Ash chill! Don’t worry! One question at a time!” Sakshi laughed and got her luggage...

“Acha sun... for today and tomorrow na I have kept you at a hotel... being weekend the home wouldn’t be open... and I thought ki tomorrow being Monday you can apply for a few companies... aur haan there is this awesome job - same position but for 55k per annum!!!” Ayesha said excitedly...

“Wow really!” Sakshi smiled and went into her room with the luggage... “Acha ek minute...” Sakshi said and called up Lizzie... informing her that she has reached and is in a hotel...

“Ya!” Ash smiled...

Sitting on the sofa Sakshi asked “Which company?”

“W...woh... Lionex Industries...” Ayesha said softly...

Sakshi spat the water out of her mouth... “WHAT! I am in no way working for your bro!”

“Arrey Sash bhai is not the vice prez... it’s Damsingh uncle... he is an awesome person... aur haan you know that Bhai is always out for tours and he will never be there in the office.. trust me!” Ayesha said...

After 1 hour of coaxing Sakshi reluctantly agreed to what Ayesha said... as it was a company where she was going to be paid most... and she really needed that cash...

“Ok then... chal I have to go.. else my bhai... pata hai na!” Ayesha smiled and hugged Sakshi...

Sakshi changed into a soft fabric loose shirt and yoga pants... sinking into the bed she looked outside... new place.. new people... if Ash hadn’t been there how would she have been able to manage?

Well they do say that with bad people, good ones come as well...

She was just about to close her eyes

They were happy... driving and chatting...

Giggling as well...

Her dada told her something...

It was serious...

Then suddenly...

AAAHHH

“AAAH!” Sakshi got up screaming to find herself in the hotel bed...

Sweating in spite of the AC being on a blast...

Some memories never leave though... She hoped that the coming future would have something good in store for her...

She lost her sleep, again...

~*~

“Arjun bete... tumse aur Damsingh se kuch khaas baat karni hai..” Pratap called Arjun... Damsingh was already seated on the sofa...

“Hmm... hi uncle...” Arjun greeted Damsingh and joined them...

“Main bohot pehle hi yeh soch raha tha... but then now I think it’s the time...” Pratap told Arjun and Damsingh looked on...

Raina joined them as well...

“Oh no!” Arjun groaned... “Another round of beta you should get married!” he thought....

“So bete..” Pratap started...

“Waise toh from now I have decided ki Damsingh should rightfully be the co-owner of Lionex... what do you say!” Pratap thumped Damsingh on the shoulder...

Arjun closed his eyes... he was definitely sure that another marriage counseling round would start!

~*~

Sakshi pressed her knuckles hard as she entered the office... anxiety always got the better of her...

She entered the lift and pressed 13th floor... “Wah! Kya floor number!” She grumbled and waited...

She was dressed in a plain black dress with a cream blazer... highlighting her collar bones beautifully... her hair was swept on one side... her big black specs perched on her perky nose... her face just had a hint of make up... her big eyes had a slight liner on them... her lips had a touch of gloss... for she believed that it wasn’t looks but rather intelligence that got her every acclaim she had...

Moreover she felt calm as Ayesha had told her that Arjun was out for a meeting in Singapore... well she really wouldn’t have appreciated to have worked under Arjun!

Then the door of the lift opened... she was absent minded at the moment and walked out... to see that it was floor number 3!

She shook her head and ran back into the lift...

The minute she stepped in she felt a familiar gaze on her back... and a scent wafted into her lungs again...

It was Armani...

Oh Fudge!

~*~

Chapter Four

Her nerves chilled on that thought...

Especially when she felt a piercing gaze on her back...

As the mirrored doors of the lift closed she saw Arjun leaning on the side of the lift looking straight at her....

Clad in a seksy black shirt and cream colored pants... his blazer on his hand... his black hair swept back... and maybe he just trimmed his stubble...

She turned back to see his intense eyes add a mischievous glint on meeting her brown ones...

“Who do I meet here?” he led out a husky laugh...

“World is really small na... agar main ghalat na hoon toh kya tum mere peecha kar rahe ho?” he grinned...

She just looked aside and waited for the damn lift in going 10 floors up...

“Excuse me... it isn’t exactly polite to ignore a person in front...” Arjun told her...

“Aapne ek ghalat faimi door kardi Mr. Singhania..” Sakshi told and turned her head towards the other side...

My... she did have impressive and beautiful collar bones... he slid towards her and inspected her top to bottom... she had changed... first of all she seemed to lost quite weight... her hair was little longer , her glasses were same though... and more over she did look pretty...

“Aur bhi ghalat faimi door karna baaki hai na...” he smirked at her..

Sakshi immediately went to the other side of the life “Mera matlab tha ki mujhe laga tha ki aap samajdar hai yeh samajhne ke liye ki I am not here to socialize with people....” she snapped...

“Uffo... ab toh gussa chod do Sakshi!” Arjun grinned...

“Miss Anand would be preferable” she retorted... wow... boy did she have fire!

They sunk into silence again....

Sakshi kept on cursing Ayesha under her breath... “Kya kaha... Singapore main! AUr hain yaha!” she grumbled...

“Tumhe pata tha ki main SIngapore jaane waala hoon... meri khabar rakhti ho kya... interesting...” Arjun gave a devil look from the other side of the corner...

“Woh baaton baaton main Ash ne batayi... and why would I be interested in you?” Sakshi said and looked at him for an answer...

“Really Miss. Anand... tumhe nahi pata ki koi bhi ladki mujhe pe kyun interested hogi?” he said and started stepping towards her... coming closer and closer to her...

Sakshi was baffled for a few seconds...

“Tum jaha ho waha khade raho... paas aane se naahi sawaal na jawaab badal te hain... and I didn’t ask about everyone... maine bas apne baare main poocha tha... intimidation does not work on me...” Sakshi cut him...

“Okay! And about intimidation... am sure it works on you... tumhare gaal muft main toh laal nahin ho rahe hai...” he winked..

That damned handsome devil!

“Iss mudde pe mujhe baat karne main koi interest nahi...” she said curtly...

“Yeh gussa karna tumhara childhood problem hai kya?” Arjun asked Sakshi...

“Duniya main time pass baatein karne ke liye aur koi insaan baaki nahi hai kya?” she said... their eyes meeting for a flick of a second...

“Kya tum specially mere taraf aise behavior laati ho kya?” Arjun asked getting amused by her reaction...

“Logon ke saath waise behaviour liye jaata hai joh woh deserve karte hai...” She told him...

“Aha! Matlab... I do deserve this beautiful anger of yours ...” He grinned again...

“How is anger beautiful?” She asked him...

“Not any anger Miss. Anand... your anger... aur beautiful as cause when you are angry tab...” Arjun slowly put his gaze on every muscle on her face...

Sakshi tensed up by his heated gaze... she started feeling suffocated in this lift... finally it reached 13!

“You know what... sochte raho... Raina ke saath yeh baatein kaam main aayenge... wait uske saath baatein kam aur woh kaam zyaada na?” Sakshi muttered and literally ran out of the lift...

Arjun shook his head at her response.... he followed her as well... he asked her “Arrey Miss. Anand... yaha aayi kyun ho?” he looked at the perfect manner in which her hips swayed left and right in perfect sync... hmm the air of attitude blend with humility.. and with a perfect twist of innocence and anger... “Nice combination...” Arjun grinned

Sakshi didn’t even turn back and ran into the corridor... searching for the executive hall...

Arjun smiled to find Sam looking at him... “Kya hua? Itna has kyun raha hai? Waise forget that - under any circumstance am I letting Ayesha work under me... paagal bana degi woh mujhe!” he complained...

“Sam... please... she is very good... trust me...acha sun I gotto go... dad has called me to hall... byee!” Arjun thumped Sam on his shoulder and walked...

Sam grumbled “Saari life yeh Arjun mujhse Ayesha ko babysit karwaega kya? Pehle jaha pe bhi milo ghar pe drop karna... Damn It! What the hell is wrong with females!”

Sam patiently waited in his cabin when he heard a knock... “Damn it! I mean come in!” when Ayesha came in... wearing a formal blue blouse and black trousers...

“Hi Sameer...” She said with a smile...

“It’s sir...” Sameer snapped at Ayesha...

“A very good morning SIR! So SIR I wanted to know on which projects do I have to start working on...” Ayesha answered him with a dead face... standing...

“Sure... but then tum baith sakti ho chair pe..” Sameer said...

“Kaunsa waala SIR, left one ya right one... ya phir on the one that is there near the door.. aapke permission ke beghair main kaisi baithoon...” Ayesha gave a cheeky grin...

“That’s not funny... ek ghanta shuru nahi hua aur tumhari nakhre shuru! Waise main sochoon... Damn It! irrespective of the fact that you are looking pretty today... aur koi change kaise aa sakte hai!” Sameer answered while picking up the files and passing them to Ayesha...

“Oh wow... actually SIR aapko yeh baat notice main aayi that I am looking pretty today! Yeh toh miracle ho gaya! Before you either start Damn It! or project work SIR I know ki four deals are there and I will look into it...” Ayesha cut off and snatched the files from him...

“Please Ayesha don’t even try to flirt... tum waise bhi bohot bhayankar lagti ho in those wacky clothes and what you wore today is a bit... bit better than your other wise clothing sense!” Sameer smirked at her...

“SIR... you are way too old for me to flirt with... aur mere din itne bure bhi nahi aaye jo tumse nain ladaun! And I think that being one of the Board Directors tumhara dhyaan company, stocks aur Bhai ke saath dosti main rehne chahiye... not on my dressing sense...” Ayesha glared at Sameer...

“Did you just call me a budddha?” Sameer looked at a smiling Ayesha..

“Wow aapne toh abhi accept kiya!” Ayesha grinned...

“Agar tum Arjun ki behen na hoti toh I would have kicked you out... sirf reference se iss company main aayi ho tum...” Sameer almost shouted at Ayesha...

Ayesha was about to leave when she heard that “reference” part...

She turned around and gave a deathly glare to Sameer...

By the look on her face Sameer was sure that maybe he said a bit too much...

She took slow tentative steps towards Sameer and said in a cold voice “Agar tum mere bhai ke dost na hote toh by now not only would have I rejected this offer but also tumhare iss gore chitte Rajasthani mukh ka bharta banati...”

“And SIR, I don’t need reference... under any circumstances I could have got an equivalent job... just don’t point on that - again... aur yeh four deals ki links and contacts... ek hafte baad dekh lijiyega... table main zaroor hoga.... Bye SIR!” Ayesha stormed out of the room...

But Sameer caught her hand and she crashed against his powerful chest...

She looked into his fiery eyes for a minute... and she felt a jingle at his grip

However he looked at her smoky eyes and said “Mere saamne apna rob mat jataana... remember that you are below me...” he growled and tightened his grip on her hand...

Ayesha turned off her “just looking at Sameer” mode to angry mode and told back “Aur dare you catch my hand without my permission... you get that..”

She walked off in a huff...

“Hokie... (okie)” Sameer said and sat on his chair... continuing his affair in business!

Outside the Cabin

“Arrey Ash... apne aap ko Bharat Maata bana diya kya? Haan.. so toh hai.. par haila... 4 deals that too today evening! The only person to help now - Sash!” Ayesha panicked and searched for Sash...

When she heard about Arjun being in the office...

“Hein.. kal shaam toh Bhai should have been in home... office... Ash bhaag.. kyunki ab toh Sash teri band bajaane waali hai.. arrey real waala Bharat Maata! Kya karoon... ek taraf Sameer ke saamne ego... dusre taraf Sash ka jwala! Gayo!” Ayesha decided to go to one place now - home...

Executive Hall

“Miss. Sakshi Anand?” A deep voice called her in...

A fair middle aged man... tall and had an air of authority... his eyes is what struck Sakshi... “yehi hai Pratap Singhania - for sure! aankhein bilkul Arjun ki tarha!”

“Yes Sir! It’s a pleasure meeting you... and” turning to another side... a slightly leaner figure... his hair was neatly parted... clean shaven... she had seen him... oh yes! Damsingh Rahtore!

“you as well sir..” she flashed her smile and greeted both of them... just as Ayesha had said.. true both of them were very elegant and professional, in short just not like Arjun!

“So Sakshi... when you came here how many coffee cups did you see?” DR (i would be referring them with initials as of now...)

“Aha! Trick one in interview!”  Sakshi smiled...

SA : Sir I saw just as many as you saw... and that would be total of 387 cups...

DR and PS grinned at her reply...

PS (smiling) : If I say that they were less.. or more... and how can you be so sure about your information?

SA : Sir, at the moment I just spoke about the cups being in use... surely some of them might have been in the dustbin... I couldn’t have counted them... and then there might be more people who have just taken their coffee cup while I am speaking to you at this minute... so counting that would be slightly difficult... If I am wrong then sir we can leave and count ourselves... personally...

DS & PS smiled broadly at her response...

PS : Tum toh Akbar Birbal ke stories bohot padthi hogi? Tum toh Birbal se kam nahi lagti phir!

SA : Sir iss sawaal poochne ke liye ab ne bhi Akbar Birbal padhe honge... aur aar humne jawaab Birbal ke tarha diya hai... toh aap bhi Akbar se kam nahi..

DR (smiling) : Flattery is one side Sakshi... Akbar was a great man.... we are no where close to the king...

SA : Same thing sir... neither am I  near Birbal...

PS (chuckling) : So why should we hire you? Tum main aisi kya cheez hai jo un logo main nahi hai?

SA : Bas ek aadat hai meri...

DR: Kaisi aadat...

SA : I don’t deliver until I deliver the best...

PS (impressed) : Agar hum kahe ki baaki ke log ne bhi yeh kaha toh? How does that make you different?

SA : Shabd ek ho sakte hain sir... andaaz nahi...

(They have already seen her educational qualifications and everything...)

DS & PS : Well we’ll call you as soon as we are confirmed... have a really good day Sakshi!

SA : Thank you so much sirs...

PS (gets a call) : Haan.. bolo.. abhi... sure... fine...

DR : Kya hua Prattu? (whispers)

PS : (whisper back) beta the great Dam... waise I guess she is selected...

DR : Sakshi please wait for a minute...

SA : Sure sir...

“Well Sakshi... first of all congratulations... you have been selected... yes as the Secretary of Vice President... so I would like to meet you our Vice President...” PS smiled...

“Sure.” Sakshi smiled but could barely control her tears of happiness... sniffing a bit and controlling herself she shook hands with Damsingh Rathore....

“Yeh.. aankhon main aansoon?” DR asked...

“Kuch nahi Sir... when I will prove myself worth this happiness then I will say...” Sakshi’s eyes glistened in moisture...

“Waise Miss. Anand... naya Vice President ko dekhne ke liye palat na padega...” a rough masculine voice entered the hall...

ANd precisely that’s when Sakshi’s phone rang...

Palat!

Tera dhyaan kidhar hai...

O tera Hero idhar hai...

Tera dhyaan kidhar hai...

Toh Palat na...

Tujhe itni bhi khabar hai ke tera Hero idhar hai...

Sakshi turned around to find him leaning on the door... her jaws touched the floor...

He took slow seductive steps and flashed his grin to her and stood between Pratap Singhania and Damsingh Rathore...

“Kal hi hua yeh baat... Rathore Sir and Singhania Sir are the owner and Co - owner of this company... so Sameer and I have been promoted as Vice Presidents of this company... and Miss. Sakshi Anand.. you have been qualified as my Secretary... Congratulations...” he smiled and gave his hand forward....

“NAHI, NAHI, NAHI, NAHI...” Sakshi gulped her saliva... ‘ASH... teri aisi ki taisi!!!” she screamed... hehe in her mind...

“Not working with devil... working under the devil!!!” she shuddered and looked at him in shock...

“Dam... kuch toh choot raha hai...” Pratap said...

“I know Prattu...” Dam said and cleared his throat...

“Well Sakshi... tum Arjun se baatein kar lena... aur haan here is the contract!” Pratap said and left the hall with Dam...

Sakshi came to reality and took the contract paper... the salary was 60 K dollars... okay.. that was something...

She transfixed her gaze on the still open hand of Arjun...

She smiled and gave her hand in his...

His hands had the feel of velvet... but strong...

He enjoyed the flutter of emotions on her face...

As he gripped her hand tightly.. he felt the blisters on her palm... his fingers slightly grazed them... she looked at his eyes for a minute... his orbs seemed to be confused and asking her genuinely.. barely was there any sign of mock... but rather concern... she bit her lips subconsciously and that’s it... instead of concern she found him staring at her pouty and full lips...

He had never felt these kind of callouses on a woman’s hand... wasn’t a girl full of make up and beauty... isn’t she full of perfumes and dresses and being on the cover page... and all that she wants to be is kiss the most handsome man and be famous... in short all she does in the name of love is wear a gorgeous lingerie but here there is someone who was changing his viewpoint on what a woman is... she bit her lips and his focus went over to her pink and soft lips...

He needn’t had to touch to know how soft they could be... it was almost delicious... like a perfect strawberry mousse... soft and melting... best that he should try and rub across her lips.. touch them with his fingers... no.. taste them... with his expert lips...

Sakshi could feel the intensity build and jerked her hand out of his grip.. which brought him back to his senses...

“Did I just think of kissing Bharat Maata! Nahi... ab toh maata cut karna padega... Madam India is better...” Arjun thought puzzled and decided to play a little game with her...

Sakshi tried to remove her hand when... wait... it was stuck.. WHAT...

She looked at him... furious... “Haath chodo mera!” she grumbled...

“Aha... tum meri secretary ho... “please” add karo sweetheart...” Arjun said politely...

“Oh Please! Add your “sweetheart” to ur Raina...!” Sakshi pulled her hand away and wast about to leave...

“By the way... what did you mean in the lift by ki main Raina ke saath “woh” kaam zyaada kar ta hoon?” Arjun followed her and asked...

“Sir.. main aapki secretary hoon.. I am bound to answer every question related to business ya professional life... not private life...” Sakshi answered and headed towards the washroom...

“Miss. Anand... waise... you are sure that you never mix professional and private life?” Arjun looked at her carefully...

“Aapka real question kya hai?” Sakshi looked at him carefully...

“Well... what do you think about mixing business with pleasure?” he winked at her...

“Sir... I don’t think ki aapko pleasure ki koi bhi kami hai jo business ko iske saath mix karna padega... if you want to continue this conversation - might as well speak to the wall...” Sakshi replied in a straight face...

“Thank you for the advise... sometimes aisa lagta hai ki main apna waqt zaaya kar raha hoon tumse baat karne main...” Arjun mumbled...

“Waqt aapkka nahi mera zaaya ho raha hai... agar koi important cheez ho toh feel free to call me...” Sakshi retorted and went into the washroom...

Turning behind to see Arjun standing... “Aao.. ab washroom ke andar bhi aao!” she grumbled and walked straight towards the elevator...

“Arju.. Sir! Mere peecha kyun kar rahe ho!” she said the minute they were off the elevator...

“Sakshi... aah sorry.. Miss. Anand... mujhe meeting ke liye jaana hai... tumhe aane ki zaroorat nahi... car will be waiting for me... aur haan suno... in 10 days we are having clients from our rival company... make sure ki the presentation is a crack shot...” Arjun said...

“Rival comany ke saath deal?” Sakshi asked while they both headed out of the office...

“Miss. Anand... rival company ko khareedne ki mann hai mera... uski deals phir humari...” then coming closer to Sakshi... “aur phir dushman ko khareedna ho toh pehle usse dosti toh nibhani chahiye...” he looked at her and gave a lopsided smile...

“Sir... the car has come...” Chandrakant informed...

“Theek hai - Miss. Anand.. yeh hai Chandrakant Patil... basically my right hand man... he will brief you with everything as of now...” Arjun informed and said bye... giving a little dramatic au revoir to Sakshi...

“Mr. Patil... by chance agar main aapki boss ka the end kar doon... toh phir aapko bura nahi lagega na?” Sakshi muttered and Chandrakant smiled a little...

“Ma’am aap usse kabhi maar nahi sakegi... no.. not that he is invincible... it’s because kahi na kahi aap ko bhi yeh chedne waala attitude pasand hai... bhai life of opposites!” he thought looking her her focused gaze on Arjun...

Chandrakant turned to see that the clock’s hands showed the time to be 11.3o... exactly the time when the receptionist Rosy would reach the office for her 2nd shift...

Sakshi giggled looking at the minute distraction that Chandrakant had... telling him bye she went back to her home...

And called up Ayesha “ ABBEY, TU, TERI AISI... TERI TOH MAIN... ULLU DE PATTHI!!! SINGAPORE KABSE LONDON BAN GAYA!!!! ” Sakshi’s voice screamed on her phone...

Ayesha immediately got up from the sofa hearing that... “Isliye main sochoon ki tune office pe meet nahi kiya... sorry sorry sorry yaar kal laga tha ki Papa, Dam Uncle aur Bhai shaadi ke baat karne aaye the...”

“Haawww!!! Tu Sameer se shadi kar rahi hai!!!” Sakshi exclaimed...

“Oye! Tere muh pe kide makode! I thought they came for Bhai’s shaadi... mujhe thodi na pata tha ki bhai wld get promoted as Vice President!” Ayesha complained...

“Waise Sakshi... help chahiye...” Ayesha said...

“Bol...” Sakshi said...

“Woh..woh ek hafte main 4 contacts chahiye..” Ayesha said...

Sakshi spat out the water she was drinking... “Are you crazy!!!! 4 contacts in one week... Do I seem like Ratan Tata!!!”

Ayesha then recounted the entire thing (well not the staring part though)..

And Sakshi too recounted her whole story... regarding the interview and all... (obviously editing some part)...

Thus the night went like this and they somehow winded off to get ready for the next day...

The entire week passed in a hurry...

Literally...

Ayesha and Sakshi worked round the clock - one to complete Ayesha’s project.. and two to complete Sakshi’s presentation... as for the distracting Mars and Jupiter

One week later...

“Sakshi... please... kal shaam I have to submit... I really need your help in submitting these reports.. dekh teri presentation bhi khatam ho gayi... and bhai was out for most of these days... please come home today!!” Ayesha pleaded on the phone...

“Theek hai Ash... am coming...” Sakshi said and took her bag... finally reaching the house...

“WOW!!” her mind blasted on seeing the front...

However a car was just behind her...

Sakshi turned to see bright lights on her...

A car was about to hit her...

“NOOOO”

She screamed and partially collapsed...

~*~

Chapter Five

Arjun drove back home when he saw a girl in front...

“Sh*t!!” Arjun swore thinking he crashed the girl in front...

He walked out of the car and was surprised... rather shocked to see Sakshi lying on the road... unconscious... her files and laptop bag was thrown about...

“Sakshi?” he whispered and then bent down... he patted her cheeks...

She remained unconscious...

He then picked up her files and laptop bag and placed them in the car...

He slowly bent down and gently slid his arm on her soft waist... he looked at her closed eyes for a few minutes...

He hesitated to touch her... strange... this never happened while touching other women...

He slowly carried her... her head rested on his chest and he walked towards his home.. seeing Chandrakant he instructed “Gaari ko kisi se park karwado aur saare samaan andar laa do... aur haan... iske liye ek doctor bulwaado... thanks...”

Chandrakant nodded and went to work...

Ayesha kept her coffee aside and picked up a newspaper... seeing the visual in front she almost got a heart attack...

Arjun came in carrying Sakshi in his arms...

“DDLJ!” Ayesha gaped when she realized that Sakshi’s hands were lying side by side..

“Wait she is unconscious!! Ab bhai ne kya kar dia!!!!” She thought and ran towards Sakshi and Arjun...

“Bhai... Sash ko kya hua hao... tune kya kiya issko... kuch ulta seedha toh nahi!!” Ayesha started her rant and followed them till her room...

Arjun placed Sakshi gently on the bed...

Ayesha caressed her head... and was about to continue her rant when Arjun said.. “Ash... shut up... kuch nahi hua rey! I was coming with my car...”

“Tune gaadi se Sash ko udaana chaha!!!” Ayesha said and walked out of the room to get the doctor...

“Shut up!!! Ash... she fainted on her owwwwnnn...” Arjun stammered as he was pulled back and his face straight hit hers...

Her chain was stuck with Arjun’s shirt buttons...

His nose rested on hers... their breaths mingled... his eyes closed at the contact... he slowly pushed himself away and looked at her calloused hands...

Rubbing his fingers over her her callouses... he realized that they were caused by her continuous cycling... well she did have quite a good amount of money... and after that awards she could have easily got a scooter... why did she put in so much of hard work?

He saw her eyes and saw black circles adorning her eyes... her brows were knit together and she moved left and right..

She was having a nightmare!

Arjun immediately caressed her forehead and said “Calm down Sakshi... main hoon na...”

He didn’t know why that came out...

Suddenly Sakshi screamed and Arjun hugged her in an impulse...

She clutched him tightly...

“Nahi... usse kuch nahi ho sakta... please.. nahi...” she weeped while Arjun patted her back....

“Sakshi...” he said softly and held her head...

Sakshi hid her face in the crook of his neck... Arjun just closed his eyes and hugged her tighter...

After a few minutes Sakshi opened her eyes... she felt relieved at being hugged... but then she slowly realized whom she was hugging...

She slowly parted and looked at his face... their eyes met and confusion spread...

Realizing their position she weakly pushed him away...

Sakshi was going to smile and say thanks but...

Arjun immediately parted and he sneered at her... “Tumne hi kaha to not mix business with pleasure... but I must say you would enjoy it... mere ghar main pehle baar aayi... woh bhi mere baahon main.. interesting...” he winked at her...

Sakshi just gaped at him... “Excuse me Mr. I think I am hot! Main bas thanks bolne waali thi par tumne apne aap ko prove hi kar dia...” she grumbled at him...

Straightening his shirt he just turned towards her... “Kya kaha tumne? I think I am hot cause.. I am hot... kami kya hai mujhme? Six packs hai, achcha figure hai... achcha looks hain... I am rich and intelligent... and what level do you mean?”

“Inn sab ki faida kya... anyways... level in the sense you don’t deserve a thanks...” she looked at him...

“You do remember that I am your boss right?” he squinted his eyes towards her...

“Ghar pe ho... so you are not my boss... office main you are...” she looked aside and held her head...

“Bhai... please get out na.. mujhe kaam karna hai...” Ayesha came and literally shoved Arjun out of the room...

He went out not before giving a glance at the two girls...

“Nai rey doc ki zaroorat nahi.. you know na... haan chal.. I have prepared everything for you..” Sakshi smiled and Ayesha hugged her tight...

The rest of the night passed in completing their work...

Sakshi got up... “Shoot!!! Ash utt... utt rey kumbkaran!!! It’s 7!!” Sakshi threw Ayesha out of the bed and hurried up... looking absolutely lost...

“Ash maine koi kapde nahi li hai... what to do...” Sakshi panicked...

Ayesha mumbled from her head in the pillow... “Woh... mera koi le le na.. haan u r welcome... and plish call me after u r done...”

Sakshi just shook her head and picked up a dress from Ayesha’s wardrobe...

She went into the bathroom and prepared herself...

Pushing Ayesha into the washroom and then they rushed into the car... Sakshi didn’t eat anything and literally ran up to Arjun’s cabin...

He knew came and he said “You are late..”

“Woh ghar pe you know na kal raat bohot late...” she started...

“Hum yaha office pe hain.. if you want to be casual then I don’t mind.. however kal toh tumne hi...” his words trailed off as he saw Sakshi wearing a beautiful body hugging white lace dress and with her big black spectacles perched on her nose...

“Tu..tu...tum... yeh dress...” he asked...

“I know Ash ki hai.. she told me.. waise the presentation is ready... just tell me when we have to present it...” she said and found Arjun gaping at her...

“Aise kya dekh raho ho?” she asked..

“Kuch nahi.. hmm good.. I will just check.. tum jao..” he said and she shrugged her shoulders and he noticed every curve of hers... he grinned and moved his pen in the angle at which her curves went...

Wow... her collar bones highlighted beautifully... her waist was in a delicious size... he simply loved the way her hips swayed left right in perfect sync...

“Hmm... not bad.. I think she is no less than an  8 or 9 on 10... oh God Arjun... rating... again!” Arjun chuckled and looked into his work when Sakshi came in...

“Sir... I guess clients have come...” Sakshi said and Arjun nodded...

“Uffo.. mann karta hai that I box his face for checking me out! How dare he!” she growled as he walked by...

“I heard that!” Arjun smirked...

“That is the very reason why I spoke.. SIR!” Sakshi walked aside and pushed him a little...

“Hmm may I take that as a flirt sign?” Arjun winked at her...

“SIR... kitne paise chahiye? I will get you a girl who would be ready to jump in bed with you any second... 3 saal se zyaada wahi desperation leke ghoomte ho!” Sakshi muttered angrily...

Arjun grinned at her reply... “Wow Miss. Secretary... you are pretty concerned about my sexual life... I like it..”

Sakshi passed a “whatever” look then stopped for a second... “You know Sir... tumhe sharam naam ki koi cheez nahi na.. you didn’t even bother to apologize for that...”

Arjun just looked at her and caught her arm... “Tab toh bass ek kiss hi maanga tha... itni gusse ki kya baat hai! You are always this angry... you know what... I have had enough of being sweet and nice to you!” he growled at her...

“Toh sweet aur nice banne ko kaun keh raha hai... and sir... yehi baat agar Ash ke saath hoti toh?” Sakshi snapped back...

Arjun hissed in anger and told her... “Tum har baat pe Ash ko beech pe laati kyun ho?”

Sakshi pulled her hand away and retorted “Kyunki jab tak baat Ashi ki nahi hoti aap samajte nahi ki koi aur ladki ko bhi bura lag sakta hai... meri dada hota... toh... anyways...” she walked in front and dashed with a man...

“Hey there...” he stopped seeing the figure he caught... he gave her a sweet smile but Sakshi just walked into the conference cabin leaving him amused...

“Hey Arjun!” He smiled and shook hand with Arjun...

Arjun gave a fake smile and shook his hand with him... “Hi... please come in and make yourself comfortable!”

The minute Arjun entered the hall he signaled Sakshi that they are the clients... Sakshi nodded her head...

As the clients waited in the lounge Arjun went to Sakshi in the conference hall and whispered to her... “Suno... Miss. Anand... jo bhi khunnas tumhe mere khilaaf hai... please iss meeting main mat daal dena... it is pretty important for me..”

Sakshi just turned her head aside and looked at a different Arjun... someone who seemed serious about his work... “Don’t worry sir... it’s a fact that I hate you... but not the company... even I love every bit of this company... so.. chill... aur main kitni achchi presentation de sakti hoon... I guess you do have an idea about that!” Sakshi smiled and got her laptop ready...

After a few minutes the guests entered...

Sakshi smiled with her utmost brilliance and surprisingly took the lead of the meeting without even informing Arjun...

To say he was stunned was an understatement by looking at her skills... the way she presented... easy going, effective, brilliant... and she had this in born skill in catching people’s eyes while speaking...

“Wow... seriously mann karta hai ki koi bhi chup chap beithe aur Sakshi ki baat sunne...” Arjun smiled the minute they had an eye contact... and to his surprise... Sakshi smiled back...

“So friends... basically America is on the basic recovery stage of it’s finance and Japan as well... so maybe this is the best period of time to invest in American and Japanese markets... any questions?” Sakshi asked...

“Well... why should our company go into a partnership with yours... what is there in your company that is not there in the others?” The owner asked... and from that minute Arjun decided his personal enmity with him...

No not for the reason that he was a rival... well nothing could be even miles close to Arjun Pratap Singhania... it’s just the way the owner looked at Sakshi...

Or rather the way he looked at her figure.... even though he spoke to Sakshi... his entire focus was on her upper curves and lower curves... and as if reading his mind Sakshi crossed her arms above her chest... and bingo... he looked away immediately...

“Yeh Sakshi body language expert hai kya?” Arjun mused...

“Your company is famous for its alliances with the airline companies and we are the only company that helps in the manufacture of airbus and boeing... I don’t see any other company elsewhere where you cold get such a combination... in short we are a pair as good as idea and technology... made for each other...” Sakshi flashed her rare smile to the owner who gave back a grin... “So true...” he gave her a sweet smile...

“Exactly... along with that there is a 45% increase in our productions, leading to an overall estimate of 75% profits, that means our total profit increases roughly by 45.7 billion dollars per annum...” Arjun added in...

“So do I take it as a yes?”Sakshi smiled and gave her hand to the owner...

“Miss. Anand... he is known to not take a quick decision...” Arjun whispered...

“You bet... haar javoge....” she whispered back and smiled when when the owner slid his hand into hers... clutching it tightly...

“Well... I guess then the deal is done then!” the owner smiled and stood up... his board of directors seemed a little baffled by his sudden agreement...

“Yeh kaise ho sakta hai... his decisions often pend for a month...” Arjun quizzed when he saw his eyes screaming lust on seeing Sakshi when she turned back to pick up the file... he bent down and picked it up immediately for her...

“Chivalrous *****” Arjun swore...

As they all left Arjun immediately pulled Sakshi by the elbow... “Arrey pata hai na why he said yes... throughout the meeting he just...” Arjun looked in the other side in disgust...

“Stared at me...so aapka kya jaata hai?” Sakshi snapped at him....

“Oho! Yeh dekho... main smile karta hoon... toh you would possibly file a sexual harassment case... woh tumhe dekhe... tumhe toh pyaar ho jaata hai.. while the only thing he probably stared was at your... waist and...” Arjun gave a sarcastic laugh...

“It’s not like that sir... I would neither file a case on you nor fall in love with him.. I kept my mouth zipped taaki yeh deal crack ho jaye... sweet and simple...” Sakshi looked on at him...

“Do you even realize where and how he was looking at you...” Arjun just gaped at her...

“The same way you did when I left the lift and then now when I left your cabin while you moved your pen in the exact angle of my curves... farak kya parta hai... tum sab log ek type ke hi hote ho...bachpan se leke aaj tak I fended off guys worse than you can imagine... toh tum log kis khet ki mooli ho?” Sakshi shrugged her shoulders and walked off leaving a stunned Arjun...

Arjun just walked to his room with a sober face... true... he did look at her like that... but then he didn’t mean that... wait he always looked at that... what did he even mean in the first place?

Frustrated Arjun went into his cabin....

Came in a furious Ayesha... “Yo bhai... is Damn it machine ko coffee maker bana do... uski Damn it ki toh... bhai... BHAI?” Ayesha shook Arjun out of his reverie...

“Hmm.. yeah.. bol na?” Arjun said irritated...

“Kya hua... don’t tell me deal crack nahi ho sakta... I mean Sash aur tere hote hue toh pakka na!” Ayesha said disappointed...

“Sakshi ke hote hue matlab?” Arjun asked

“Aag hai woh... she is too good... alag hai... aur bas... she is damn fantastic.. aur tu bhi kam nahi mere bhai... tum dono ki business jodi toh solid hi hai! Par tere muh ka kima kyun ho chuka?” Ash asked...

“Ash... I am not a good guy na?” Arjun asked...

Ayesha looked at Arjun for a second... she slowly got up and hugged him tight... “Bhai... you are one of the best man I have ever seen in my life of 23 years... it’s just that kisiko pata nahi ke andar main ek acha sa Arjun rehta hai... a caring brother and a dedicated businessman... jitne bhi paise ho... hera phiri kahi bhi nahi karte... I love you bro!” Ash kissed her brother on the cheek...

Arjun smiled and hugged Ayesha back... “Kabhi kabaar lagta hai ki sab kuch hone ke elaava bhi... kuch nahi hai... you know I miss those days running around in the farmhouse with you... pata nahi kaha atak gaya... waise tere fuse kyun udi hui hai?”

“Arrey Damn it! Usse pata bhi hai ki ek ladki ek ladka ka equivalent ho sakta hai in business... bada I am the boss attitude leke ghoomta hai...” Ayesha sneered...

“Did you speak to him today?” Arjun laughed a little...

“Nahi toh... par chehra dekh ke pata chalta hai...” Ayesha looked in the other side...

“Hey... bachpan se dekh raha hoon that you have this special animosity against Sam... usse itni khaas karke nafrat kyun karti hai?” Arjun teased her...

“Haan.. wohi special nafrat that you and Sash share!” Ayesha laughed...

“No... I don’t hate her... but I know that she hates me!” Arjun winked at Ayesha and she left his cabin laughing...

His smile faded with her exit and he out his laptop to write his journal...

Am I reduced to nothing but a perv... why couldn’t I defend my point jab Sakshi ne woh sab kaha - that too on my face... she literally had the audacity to say that right on my face... maybe for the fact ki woh sach tha... life main maine barely kisi larki ko apna pehchaan banate hue dekha... kyun main darta hoon iss duniya ko dekhane ke liye ki Arjun kaun hai... why have I asphyxiated myself in this mask of  some rich spoilt brat jab mujhe khud yeh sab pasand nahi hai...

Aagh... I had read somewhere that women are complicated creatures... yeah right... I could give all the authors a run for their money...

And here is one girl who just changes my life... it’s true I feel vulnerable uske sammne... kyunki in front of her the old Arjun wants to come out... par darrta bhi hoon ki kahi mera mazaak na udaye jaye...

She is someone that I respect... aur main usse dekhta hoon toh zaroor... but I would never touch her...

Kahi maine apne aap ko kho diya hai iss duniya main... Ash is the only reason why that 1% Arjun still remains...

Arjun rested his back on the chair when he received a text... “Would love to have a conference in Las Vegas... get your team there.. that’s where we would finalize... both of you... please be my guest... SK”

“Aaj Arjun ne palat ke jawaab kyun nahi diya... kahi maine kuch... no... weird...” Sakshi thought when a man in front interrupted her thoughts...

"Hey beautiful... that was really amazing..." a tall man with sharp jaws and a handsome figure held her hand...

Slipping her hand away Sakshi muttered "Thank you Mr. Khanna..."

"Hey.. khaa nahi javunga tumhe! Aur kya main 80 saal ka budha hoon! Call me by my name..." he gave a killer smile and hugged her...

Sakshi gave a faint smile "Am sorry par main aapko itna nahi jaanti ki main aapko aapki naam se pukaaroo... now if you can excuse me.." he stepped back with mannerisms with a wide smile on his face...

His card dropped on the floor and the name read Sikandar Khanna

~*~

Chapter 6

“Sir.. aap itne jaldi decisions toh nahi lete...” one of the board of members argued with Sikandar...

“Arrey Mr. Khurana... please relax... I do have a perfect plan... I have accepted this deal which will only bring benefit to the company... toh harz kya hai?” Sikandar asked while grooming his hair...

“Toh Sir... phir kaam 3 mahine baad kyun shuru ho raha hai?” Mr. Khurana asked...

“Mr. Khurana.. have you really spent 20 years in this company? Come on... see waise bhi Arjun and his pretty secretary... Miss. Sakshi Anand... aah.. nice name na... they are invited to Vegas after 3 months... in these three months I want her entire detail... from her birth to her birthmark...” SIkandar gave a devious smile tipped his glass....

“Toh sir yeh baat hai... yeh toh aa pehle hi keh sakte the!” Mr. Khurana grinned...

“Ok.. cool... so now you know... move on with your work...” Sikandar snapped and stood in front of the pool table...

“Miss. Sakshi Anand... you don’t mind slipping into my hand jab business deal ho... par off time main tum humari naam bhi nahi lena chahti... yeh kya insaafi hai?” Sikandar gave a fake pout and angled at the stick at ball number 1...

“Par what to do... I have a really bad habit... jo hum chahte hai... woh hume milta hai... and as far as I know people... I know that once you are in Vegas... I’ll make sure that you wouldn’t have to spare the night at another room... except mine... hehahah” Sikandar led out an evil laugh and hit the ball...

Which went perfectly into the hole...

“Aur mazaa toh ab ayega...” Sikandar flexed his muscles and went towards his Lamborghini...

~*~

Arjun seemed to be heavily disturbed with the presence of Sikandar since yesterday... something told him that something bad was to happen with Sakshi...

“But I should I bother - as if I care!” Arjun shrugged his shoulders...

And as if reading his thoughts Sakshi knocked on the door...

“Come in!” he answered...

“Sir... here are the dealership contracts... I have been through everything... all are fine except the third one which has asked way to many demands... aur woh hi nahi... joh tender prices quote kiya hai... it’s way too high.. sir.. Sir!” Sakshi shook Arjun out of his disturbed mood...

“Haan... yeah Miss. Anand... reject the third one then...” Arjun put his head down in frustration... Sakshi clearly understood that there is a problem...

“Ahem...” she cleared her throat...

“Yehi poochna chahti ho ki kya problem hai...” Arjun turned his head aside and looked at her scratching her head and nodding no...

“Miss. Anand jhoot mat bolo... I know you are worried about me... like always...” Arjun gave his trademark grin...

Sakshi just huffed herself and pushed her spectacles up in anger... “always up with his idiotic innuendoes...” she hissed silently and was about to walk out of the cabin...

“Iss baar koi innuendo nahi tha Miss. Anand... I mean like why the hell are people behind getting me married!” Arjun thumped his hand on the table which made Sakshi drop all her files on the floor...

“Sorry...” he mumbled seeing her picking up her files hastily.. he was about to go and help her when she said “Madat ki zaroorat nahi...”

Arjun dusted his sleeve “Main madat karne waala bhi nahi tha.. I was just taking that file...”

“Waise agar shadi nahi karna chahte ho toh mat karo na...” Sakshi said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world...

“Oh ya right... bohot aasan hai kehne main... as if I didn’t try... phir dad asks... kisi aur se pyaar hai.. I am like no... toh then he is like Raina se hi shaadi kar lo na!” Arjun sat on the couch looking clearly frustrated...

Sakshi looked at Arjun... thoroughly amused by his antics!

Suddenly Arjun’s cell rang...

"Oh God... not Raina!" Arjun groaned...

"Agar Raina se pyaar hi nahi... toh yeh sab natak kyun?" Sakshi asked...

"Arrey.. business relations..." Arjun answered and cancelled the call...

"Sir... rishte ko sirf insaan dekh ke banaya jaata hai.. paiso se nahi... aapki mann ke baat keh do... it'll make a difference... that is you will be happy... aapko aur kuch ki zaroorat hi nahi... " Sakshi said...

"I love you..." Arjun said...

Sakshi looked at Arjun straight in the eye... they both seemed perplexed..

“Yeh baar baar kehke main thak gaya hoon main... pata hai iska matlab kya hai?” Arjun asked Sakshi...

Arjun motioned her to sit on the sofa... Sakshi hesitated... “Miss. Anand.. if you sit on the sofa I wouldn’t exactly jump on you and tear your clothes and forcibly make love.. tum aisi bhaagti ho jaise main koi rapist hoon?” Arjun asked her with a puppy face...

Sakshi grinned in amusement and sat next to him.. “Pata nahi... rapist banne ke liye toh paise nahi lagte...” she said...

“Oh please... tum bhi na!” Arjun shook his head and was reading through the files... ordering two cappuccinos...

“Main chai peeti hoon...” Sakshi said..

“Tea? Are you serious?” Arjun asked...

“Theek hai I don’t want anything...” Sakshi said and fumbled with the edge of her file...

Arjun smiled at her little annoyance... “Haan... suno... do cup Darjeeling chai leke aana...” he told the peon...

“Do cup kyun?” Sakshi asked....

“I thought ki main ek baar try kar loon...” Arjun said... Sakshi looked aside...

“Tum hamesha nazrein kyun churati ho Miss. Anand?” Arjun asked Sakshi...

“Aap humesha sawaal kyun poochtein hai Sir?” Sakshi asked...

Arjun grinned “Mera childhood problem hai... tumhari?”

“Pata nahi... aankehin padna acha nahi lagta...” Sakshi said...

“I love you ka matlab... jo tumhare aur Ash ke beech main hai... not necessarily it only means for romantic lovers... it can mean what is between a brother and sister... ya maybe what is between a mother and her child... aise rishton main pyaar jataane ki zaroorat hi nahi padti kyunki bas ehsaas hi hota hai ki pyaar hai... jab zindagi main koi aayega na Sir... she will be someone that you would want to know... to hold and understand... and just stare at her for the whole day... someone with whom you would want to marry...to be with her lifetime...” Sakshi concluded...

Arjun just quietly heard what Sakshi said... “Tumhe kabhi pyaar hua?” he asked...

“Nahi... bohot pehle hi aise cheezein hi dekh li jo mujhe theek raste pe hi laa diya...” Sakshi said with a sigh...

Arjun noticed the changing emotions on her face... he kept his hand on hers... and smiled... she immediately withdrew her hand... he sensed her un-comfortability...

He wanted to say something further but that is when the peon came in with the tea...

The whole room wafted with the smell of refreshing tea...

Sakshi made a cup for herself and took her own cup and saucer when she saw Arjun totally confused as to how much to add...

“Aap chai kabhi nahi...” she asked...

“Well no... I know how to make...” Arjun said... defending his ego... Sakshi just took his cup and added the sugar and milk to perfect combination...

“Ek baar ego na daal ke baat karo... koi problem nahi hoga...” Sakshi said firmly and passes his tea to him...

He makes a face before sipping it...

“Yeh chehra kyun bana rahe ho?” Sakshi asks...

“Kya pata.. jo level of nafrat karti ho... koi zeher weher daal diya... toh company kaun sambhalega?” Arjun gives fake worry...

“Don’t worry... main hoon na!” Sakshi gives a smile and leaves from the cabin... well somehow she felt that maybe Arjun is a different guy....

As the hot liquid goes slowly down his throat... his eyes closed as the whiff of the tea hit him... “aah... perfect...” he said slowly and finished the entire cup of tea...

Wow.. it was soothing... and refreshing... amazing... just like the person who made it for him... even though he didn’t say anything... a broad grin appeared on his handsome face as he thought of the definition of pure love to be of that between him and his sister...

He walked out of the cabin and told Chandrakant to pass a message to Sakshi...

Chandrakant smiled and went to Sakshi...

“Haan Chandrakant... bolo kya baat hai?” Sakshi said while opening her tiffin box...

“Woh sir ne kaha hai ki aapko unke saath jaana hoga India... Delhi... ek charity organization ke liye... waise woh biryani hai kya?” Chandrakant asked with his eyes glowing like a child’s seeing the biryani in her tiffin...

Sakshi smiled and brought another plate... dividing the tempting biryani which was flavoured with the perfect spices and masala... on the side bowl was raita of which half she poured on her side...

“Lo Chandrakant... half half!” Sakshi smiled with glee while Chandrakant tried to refuse...

“Please bhai!!! Main utni bhi buri cook nahi hoon!” She said with a cute face...

Chandrakant became emotional and ate the first spoon of the biryani and his eyes moistened...

“Kya hua?” Sakshi asked while eating her biryani...

“Yeh bilkul maa ke haath ka jaisa tha...” Chandrakant hiccuped...

Sakshi sighed... her eyes mositened as well... she knew the pain... “Hey Chandrakant... har Sunday main tumhare liye yeh biryani lavungi... ok?” she asked with a smile...

His eyes gleamed with happiness... “Sakshi... tum sach main meri behen hi hogi! Jab India main javogi toh yeh message... wait tum toh Sir ke saath...” Chandrakant...

“Oye... pakka bhej doongi... don’t worry!” Sakshi smiled and continued to eat when she heard a female say... as her spoon flew and hit a woman...

“Eww... oily food... isse khakar insaan jee kaise sakte hain?” it was Raina who was staring at Sakshi in jealousy as well as disgust...

“Eww... no food...bina kuch khakar insaan marte kyun nahi hai?” Sakshi answered back...

“How dare you speak to me like that?” Raina boomed...

“I didn’t speak to you ma’am...” Sakshi said and from the side she saw Chandrakant getting angry...

“Chandra... tum jao.. khaana leke main isse nipat ke aa javungi... aur haan... you are not going to say anything... am I clear on that, it’s an order...” Sakshi instructed Chandrakant...

Even though he took the food away he kept standing at the corner looking at the proceedings...

“Listen Miss... Abhi abhi gao se aayi... yeah I understand by the oily food and the steel ka dabba... don’t you dare raise your voice against me...” Raina commanded...

Sakshi just looked with Raina with a raised eyebrow and walked off...

“Hey... Attitude kisko dikha rahi ho.. villager kahi ki... apne maa baap ko hi dikhana!” Raina commented... Sakshi stopped at that...

“Listen your dress got stained I would pay to get it cleaned... happy?” Sakshi said...

Chandrakant fisted his palms... how dare Raina speak like that!

“Ya right... isse pay karne ke liye you would probably have to keep yourself at rent - it’s Versace... or better let you parents send some cash from India - Western Union Money Transfer... wait do they know the meaning of money transfer?” Raina sneered and her chamchis laughed with her...

Sakshi just looked amused at the girl in front... the entire office was looking at how Sakshi got humiliated by Raina... and cause she was the boss’s girlfriend... no one could even defend Sakshi...

Sakshi laughed a little and moved aside... “Yo chick.. what are you thinking?” Raina asked...

“I was thinking that whether I should leave from here or drop  myself at your level to fight against you...nah I better leave from this mess... sigh... your words so descirbe your parentage!” Sakshi sneered and was about to leave when Raina called her...

“So... miss sadak chap... how did you get this job... slept with whom? Yeah I know how girls like you get this job... koi reference nahi hoti so they jump into the bed...”

“RAINA!” Sakshi flared and thumped her hand on the table...

Raina really got scared for a second... but then keeping her pride above “Dare you speak in that high voice villager...” Raina flared...

The entire office felt like slapping Raina... anyone could see that it was pure jealousy that made Raina speak those... obvious she felt insecure of Sakshi!

“It’s a good thing I belong from the city... agar sach main gao ki hoti... toh gala nahi... seedha haath uth ta... samjhi?” Sakshi flared at Raina...

“Arrey Sakshi... maine tumhara kya bigaada... how could you just speak like that to me... I only said that yellow looks better on you but you just insulted me on my face...” Raina said and started howling... her two chamchis agreed with her...

Sakshi was perplexed at this behavior!

Suddenly she pushed Sakshi away and hugged Arjun who was standing behind them.. “Baby... Sakshi ne kya kya kaha... you know...” and she started a fake sob story...

The entire office was quiet and returned to their work and Sakshi just looked at them in amazement... she looked at Arjun and conveyed that she didn’t do anything...

“Sir maine kuch bhi nahi...” she said...

“Miss. Anand..” Arjun said softly and looked into her doe shaped eyes... blinking at him...

Nothing else came out from his mouth..

Sakshi looked up at Arjun expectantly... Arjun knew her that much at least to know how she is...

“I didn’t do anything...” Sakshi mumbled softly...

Over there Raina started her fake cry.. “Toh Juno baby... am I telling lies... poocho kisi se agar main jhoot bol rahi hoon toh!” Raina showed a glare at the other office people if they dared to say anything...

“See Juno baby.. no one is saying anything.. agar main jhoot bol rahi hoon toh let someone raise a voice against me..” She purred like a kitten against Arjun...

Sakshi was disgusted by this act... she looked around to see everyone quiet...

Chandrakant was about to raise his voice but Sakshi signaled him to keep quiet...

Sakshi looked straight into Arjun’s eyes... a last hope was attached in her as he looked at his orbs... their relation was improving since the past few weeks...

“Baby... ask her to say sorry..” Raina demanded...

Arjun stood still... in the bottom of his heart he knew that Sakshi could never be wrong...

Sakshi looked at Raina in undisguised disgust “I can’t believe you!” she muttered under her breath...

She looked at Arjun and conveyed through her eyes that she isn’t guilty...

Raina tugged at Arjun’s coat... “Juno... I asked something... warna you want me to speak to Damsingh mama?” Raina said...

Arjun was totally confused.. he so didn’t want this matter to reach Dam uncle as he would solely believe Raina... and if he asked Sakshi to say sorry now then her trust would break...

Damn! He didn’t even know what had been exchanged between the two...

Sakshi became crestfallen looking at his confused face... unknown to her... Arjun’s decision held as the most important one for her...

But the next moments ruined her entire trust on him...

“Miss. Anand... please apologize to Raina... now...” Arjun said half heartedly as he saw Sakshi’s shocked and hurt look...

Her eyes started to moisten up but she covered that well wnough... well not for Arjun... and that’s when he realized that he made a terrible mistake... he was not used to seeing her doe like eyes swell up in tears...

Sakshi’s face stiffened and she said icily... “I am sorry... for you Miss. Raina...”

Raina passed a fake tear and left from there...

Arjun looked at Sakshi whose eyes spoke volumes of accuse and pain... he felt a pang of guilt surge into his heart...

Wait.. Arjun .. from when did she start expecting from Arjun! She knew it was a mistake in her life to ever trust him...

As the office dispersed into their jobs... her cheeks reddened in pure humiliation... this was not college... it was office... work...

She looked at him and shook her head on disapproval...

“Sakshi...” he sighed and came close to her...

“Mr. SInghania.. I have things to look after... just excuse me..” Sakshi said stiffly...

“Sakshi please mera baat...” Arjun said softly but Sakshi pushed him away.. “Go away Arjun...” she whispered.. “Mere paas bhi mat aao..” she held back her sobs and ran into his cabin...

Arjun rested his palms on his knees... he had done a grave error... he would have to rectify it!

Chandrakant, from his corner, sighed helplessly... this was pathetic...

~*~

Chapter 7

In Arjun’s cabin...

Sakshi wiped out the tears that were forming on her now red cheeks... it burned with humiliation... not because of Raina’s words... but rather because of what she recollected... why should she only face this...

That dialogue of Raina’s made her shudder...

“So... miss sadak chap... how did you get this job... slept with whom? Yeah I know how girls like you get this job... koi reference nahi hoti so they jump into the bed...”

Sakshi started crying as she recalled as the first time she was offered with such a deal... she was so small that she didn’t even realize what it meant...

Catching the table corner and steadying herself those bitter memories tasted like sour poison down her throat...

Flashback

“Sir... please ek mauka dijiye... I swear this will be the best.... agreed ki I come from a small town... but I swear it won’t affect the multi millionaire project!” A naive 16 year old Sakshi told a businessman...

“See... you come from Guwhati... and here in Mumbai... I do understand that you have financial needs am I right?” he asked...

“Yes sir... par main koi kami nahi karoongi sir... bas ek mauka do mujhe... please...” Sakshi asked again...

The man sat next to her... caressing her cheek “Arrey... you are a beautiful girl... aise mat maanga karo... dil rooth jaata hai mana karne ke liye... don’t worry... I will treat every problem that you have... just tumhe ek cheez karni hogi...” he said with a small evil smile...

“Kya sir?” she asked innocently...

“Aao... main bata ta hoon” he said and beckoned Sakshi to follow him till a room...

As she entered there were two more rich men standing there... all of these men were fairly young... around 25 - 35 years old...

“Guys... as I promised you all... we just have to complete her one need... kuch 1 crore jaise chahiye and a full time job.. with schooling as well...” the man said...

Sakshi felt uncomfortable as she saw the bed right in the middle of the room...

One of the men placed a look at her top to bottom... “Ya.. Sakshi right... beautiful name... chinta mat karo... poora kharch will be covered... infact we will give five crores... aur haan... tumhara ghar, college... even tumhara bhai ka... sab ka khyaal rakhenge hum...” The man answered...

“Sach?” Sakshi asked innocently...

“Hmm bilkul... bas tumhe humare baat maana padega...” the other man said...

“Kaisi baat...” she thought when one of them caught her shoulder..

“Yeh aap!” Sakshi said alarmed and tried to move out... but then it was blocked by the other two men...

“Dekhie... mujhe jaane di jiye... please... maine kuch nahi kiya,... let me go...” Sakshi started crying when suddenly one of them pulled one side of her dress away... revealing her milk like skin...

Sakshi stood dumbfounded in shock...

She tried to cover herself but was hauled onto the bed by the other two men... she tried to kick them... she cried as she felt their ugly hands tracing her body...

She begged them to leave her but they were deaf to her ears... they ripped her dress away and there she was in just her undergarments and a camisole... she shivered in disgust and fear by their lecherous looks at her slender figure...

She begged for mercy at those men but they... they were animals...

As one pounced on her the other two literally enjoyed the show... she cried out feeling his lips giving disgusting wet smooches everywhere... then she remembered her brother’s words... and her chacha’s... that these dogs only like the pleasurable parts of the body... the minute you disgust them... that is when you are in trouble... they run away...

She jerked back to her senses when she felt the man tracing his finger near her delicate sweet flesh... he ruthlessly clutched her jaw and forced a kiss on her lips as well...

She looked in pure shock and terror, she tried to shout and move her head left right as he claimed her lips but it was of no use... he was removing her remaining (she shuddered) ... the other two men caught hold of her bare legs and spread them aside... severe sensations shot up her spine as she felt his weight come in between...

“No Sakshi.. darr mat... ye waqt hai sochne ka... think hard...” she consoled herself and breathed hard...

His attention broke away from her lips and he dived to her milky neck and started going lower to her soft chest... while his hands tugged at her lower barrier... before he could unclasp any of them he was in for a rude shock...

She thought as fast as she could and placed her finger in her tongue... near her epiglottis... just before the man could rip away the only barrier and ruthlessly claim her soul she vomited out... right on his face...

He repulsed back in disgust and ran away into the washroom... Sakshi vomited a bit more leading the other men to run away from her as well...

Sobbing she quickly gulped a bottle of water and threw that entire bottle of water on her... she somehow draped her torn dress... Then thinking harder she threw the alcohol into the washroom the man was in...

He was shocked seeing her... and before he knew it he was drenched in alcohol...

Sakshi then picked up a lighter and set him ablaze...

His screams provided relief for her ears...

Then she ran out of the place...

It rained heavily that night... as if in an attempt to heal her.. remove her from all the stains...

She sat on the road and cried her heart out... she had never been kissed in her entire life... yet she could still feel the pungent smell of his whiskey in her mouth...

From afar a middle aged man came running near Sakshi... “mera bachcha!” he exclaimed the minute he saw her...

“Chacha!!” Sakshi cried and hugged him...

Her chacha looked at Sakshi’s state...her torn dress... bleeding lips... scars on her body... his blood boiled... “Kin haraam zaadon ne yeh ki.. jake un ki ******”

Shree came running as well “Chutki... kidhar thi tu... tu toh kaam dhoondne ke liye gayi thi na... uss MLA uncle ke paas... jisne tujhe scholarship di... chutki.. CHUTKI!” Shree shouted on seeing his Chutki’ state...

He immediately covered her and brought a shaking Sakshi home... she was tucked into a blanket... Shree hugged her tightly... “Chutki... ab se mere hote hue tujhe kuch nahi hoga... samjhi tu... kuch nahi... I am so sorry...” Shree cried...

Sakshi hugged Shree tightly and howled out loud.. “Dadaaaa... woh... log.. mera... kapda...” she continued to howl... Shree bit his lips to control his tears... his blood boiled on that... he wanted to give them the most cruel death ever...

“Jala dia ek ko...” Sakshi said.. her eyes brimming with hot tears...

Shree kissed her forehead... “Acha kiya... kaash woh na mare... aur iss jalne ki daag leke hi bache...” he said determined...

Liza came rushing in... She teared up seeing Sakshi’s state and caressed Sakshi’s head... Chacha came and hugged both of them tight...

“Nahi bachcha... ab main tujhe yaha par nahi rakhoonga... pai pai jamaake bahar bhej doonga... meri achi bachchi... nahi rote na...” her chacha consoled and went towards the balcony...

It was too much for him to handle... Shree left Sakshi and walked into the balcony... hugging his chacha tightly and letting his own tears fall...

Liza cradled Sakshi near her and lulled a sobbing Sakshi to sleep....

Flashback ends...

Sakshi comes out of her painful memory when the paperweight slips from her hand and falls on the ground creating a large noise...

She immediately picks it up... taking her files away she finds Arjun looking at her helplessly...

“Sakshi I am sorry...” he says...

Sakshi ignores him and was about to leave when Arjun pulled her wrist and brought her closer to him... hugging her hand.. “Sakshi.. what did Raina tell you?”

“Agar pata hai ki Raina ne kuch bola then why did you expect me to apologize haan?” She spat at him...

He held her closer... “Leave me...” she said angrily...

“No Sakshi... not until you forgive me... please batau kya hua?” Arjun pleaded..

Sakshi looked aside in anger and disgust... “There’s no use Arjun... you are blind... Do you know kaisa lagta hai jab koi forcefully tumhare saath...forget... tum kya samjhoge..” Sakshi’s words broke off and she tried her best to push Arjun off her...

Arjun stared at Sakshi... she wasn’t a girl who would weep for a lost button... Raina must  have said something horrible... oh God.. over that he took Raina’s side! How much more foolish could he be...

Here Sakshi was repeatedly beating Arjun till her hands almost became swollen... he pulled her tight against him and whispered against her forehead...“I am sorry Sakshi... I will always take your side.. trust me.. I am sorry Sakshi...”

He hugged her tightly even though she resisted him but he kept her in his arms till she became tired of hitting him and stood still in his arms... “Leave me.... it’s not about taking sides... it’s about knowing what is wrong or right....” she said quietly and tried to push herself away...

Then he slowly parted and was about to cup her cheek that she went two steps backward... shoving him off her way “Pata nahi kyun.. main jab bi bhi tumhare bare main opinion change karwana chahti hoon tum usse kyun bigaad dete ho...” Sakshi composed herself...

Arjun looked at her helplessly... he took her hand in his which she shrugged off... “I really don’t know why but I thought ki maybe... I don’t know since when have I even started expecting from you... I am an idiot!” Sakshi flared and walked out of the cabin...

Arjun just sat on his chair.. “Damn!” he said and threw the files aside...

Just then he recalled Chandrakant was there... he would never tell lies... “Send Chandrakant in...” Arjun ordered...

“Yes Sir..” Chandrakant said..

“Exactly kya hua?” Arjun asked...

Chandrakant gave a wry smile... “Sir... mujhe meri naukri pyaari hai and I know you wouldn’t like to hear anything against Raina Ma’am... so I might as well keep my mouth shut...” he said icily..

“See... I realize ki ghalti meri hai... but just tell me what happened... bina jaane main faisla kaise loon.. yeh baat samjhe ya...” Arjun said...

“Ok sir...” Chandrakant said and recounted everything...

Arjun flared in anger... “Oh God... Raina hadd kar deti hai!” he nodded his head in disapproval...

“No wonder Sakshi ko itna bura laga... damn... will she come to India with me now?” Arjun thought and scratched his head...

Chandrakant looked at his boss in surprise “Wow.. aapko India tour ki fikar hai... no problem... Sakshi would come sir... she knows her duty well enough...” Chandrakant said and walked out of the cabin...

Seeing his two favorite employees turn a back on him Arjun knew only one person who could help him clear the mess - Sam...

It was decided.. tomorrow he would go and seek the help of his best buddy...

~*~

Chapter 8

Next Day

Ayesha walked into Sameer’s cabin with the latest report file and a delicious cup of coffee and *BAM* she hit right onto Sameer....

“Dikhayi nahi deta?” Sameer barked...

“Humme se kisi ek ko dikhayi deta na toh yeh crash nahi hota... chalo hatto.. let me do my work... and I have submitted... everything right on time!” Ayesha blew her nails...

“Hmm... thanks...” Sameer said and walked off... “Huh that’s it!” Ayesha glared in her mind...

“Kutton jaise kaam karwaata hai... aur hmm thanks! Main hoti toh kya kya karti aur kehti... isska kya hoga!” Ayesha mumbled...

Sameer grinned silently as he was able to hear Ayesha’s rant...

“Waise achchi dikh rahi ho...” Sameer quipped before he left!

Ayesha’s eyes turned into saucepans... “Sir... aapne abhi kya kaha?” she asked... not being able to believe what she heard...

Sameer turned and walked towards Ayesha... closing towards her... “Jo sach hai... kuch der pehle se hi kehna chah raha tha.. par keh nahi paaya..”

Ayesha looked here and there but into his intense eyes... “Not fair!” she mumbled... “Wait Ash... he is Damn It! Machine... he should be hated... tu nafrat karti hai... yeh kuch aur ho raha hai.. Ash get up!!!” Ayesha roared in her mind and looked into Sam’s deep eyes...

Sameer noticed for the first time that she does have beautiful dark eyes which complemented her light coffee colored skin... they were so artfully lined with kohl that he just stared at her eyes... hmm... pretty... well does he see anything beyond files and contracts... for the first time yes...

Ayesha came into her sense when she felt his breath fanning on her cheek... she turned aside and their noses hit... both of them looked at each other shocked...

A’s (MV) to S’s (MV) : Dude... we kinda hate each other... HATE.. like get that...

A’s (HV) to S’s (HV) : Yup.. but look... it’s always been a special kind of hatred... childhood haters... oh so made for each other right... I somehow.. feel that maybe we do have something more to us...

S’s (MV) to A’s (MV) : Ok... I agree that I have been physically attracted by you since day one... as you are Miss. Wildchild... but listen... this is just an infatuation which will run away... I am so right! I still hate you cause you are annoying...

S’s (HV) to A’s (HV) : And that’s why maybe I still kinda like you a lot and can barely resist watching your beautiful eyes... and feeling that maybe apart from cash and contracts I can have another commitment... with you...

Ayesha and Sameer shout “WHAT!!!!” together... hearing their heart’s voice...

Ayesha shoved Sameer out of the way.. “I still...” she started...

“Hate you!” Sameer completed...

“Yeah... exactly... so umm...” Ayesha looked around....

“Haan the very reason you are looking nice... is..” Sameer started...

“Is?” Ayesha asked...

“Is....” he said coming closer...

“Hmm...” Ayesha asked softly...

“Is due to the fact ki black skirt pe brown coffee spilt bohot achcha lagta hai...” Sameer concluded and cracked into laughter...

“WT****” Ayesha swore looking at her skirt and fuming at Sameer...

“You know what... on what does brown coffee look best?” Ayesha said sarcastically...

“On what?” Sameer asked...

Ayesha took the remaining coffee and threw it on his gray pants...

“It looks better on gray pants...” Ayesha sneered...

“AYESHA!” Sameer roared and ran behind her... Ayesha jumped “Yikes!” and ran around as well...

Sameer caught her hair... “Sam chodo na plish!!! Uff... mumma!!!” Ayesha whined like a little baby as Sameer tugged her hair...

“Agggh!!! Sammmy I hate you!!” Ayesha said and caught Sameer’s hair...

“Aah! Ok Ash you wanna fight... wait!” Sameer said and removed his blazer... and the two collar buttons and loosened his tie... Ayesha rolled up her sleeves and kicked her heels away...

“Let me tell you Fattu... pichle 18 saal se... like ever since you were 5 years old I have a track recored of defeating you every single time in hands on fight... isliye toh... daffod nati... thara naam Fattu!” Sameer said and grinned in a boyish delight...

“Oye Ullu de patthe! Cheating naal koi bhi win kar sakta hai... mennu pata hai tu kaisa jeet ta aaya hai... meri gal sun... iss baar teri defeat pakki... ya main apni naam badal waa doon haan!” Ayesha said and prepared herself for a full on attack on Sameer...

“Thara naam toh main pehle se rakh diya - Fattu!” Sameer sneered....

“Ullu de patthe.. teri toh main... twadde 206 haddiyon ke 10-10 tukde main toddoon.. phir mennu vi dekkhe tu jaanda kidhar hai!” Ayesha challenged and grabbed Sameer’s neck...

Followed was a full on fake version of taekwondu and martial arts session...

The two had resumed to the age of 5 and 9... forgetting that momentarily they were 23 and 27...

And that they were in the office...

And that they were boss and secretary.. all that remained were two childhood best fr-enemies...

After the hour long fight Ayesha and Sameer landed on the couch... laughing hysterically...

“Fattu... what the hell... I won okay!” Sameer said panting...

“Shut up Ullu de patthe... I won... any day...” Ayesha said and started giggling...

“Oye... ab kyun hass rahi hai?” Sameer asked...

“Teri Rajasthani has literally gone down the drain man...” Ayesha laughed...

“As if your Punjabi had the pure locale of the one in Amritsar!” Sameer argued...

“Yaar... kaha kho gaya tu... itna busy ho jaata hai... I know you don’t wanna fight kyunki haarne ka total chance hai!” Ayesha laughed to find her hands pinned by Sameer...

“Fattu.. I never loose... and you know that...” Sameer said viciously and pinned her hands aside her... his head dangerously close to hers...

“Ullu... I will kick you!” Ayesha said and got ready in her ninja pose...

“Ya right.. try karo!” Sameer challenged and tangled his legs with hers... “I am a genius in self defense!” Sameer grinned in delight...

Ayesha tried to hit him harder and both of them ended on the floor... with Ayesha below and Sameer on top of her...

“Aaah!!!” she said as her head hit the hard floor...

“Laga?” Sameer asked...

“Tu inta bhari hai.. tujhe kya.. tujhe toh soft landing hi hui hai... mera sarr...” Ayesha said angrily....

She was surprised as she found a hand of Sameer reach her head.. gently massaging the spot where it throbbed with pain...

“What is this? I have told you quite a few of times to be careful... don’t you understand... aur fight apni level ke logo se karo... mujhse karna javogi toh hamesha ki tarha haar hi javogi!” Sameer cracked a joke to find Ayesha glaring at him...

Then suddenly the look on her face stilled and softened...

Amidst their “usual” fights they had forgotten that their figures weren’t of small kids but of a grown up man and woman...

Ayesha’s eyes widened when she felt his weight in between her legs... none of them realized that... and Sameer became flustered to find her soft body crashed right against his body...

Their bodies reacted in a manner which was far different from being just friendly...

All of a sudden they were aware of their breathing and intimate distance... he could feel her pulse throbbing...

She could feel his heart hammering against her soft chest...

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!?!” A voice barked out...

The two turned their heads sideways to find a fuming person...

Oh hell no...

...

...

It was...

...

...

THE ARJUN PRATAP SINGHANA...

Oh Holy Mother of God!

~*~

Chapter 9

An hour before...

Arjun reached the office... nervous the minute he saw Sakshi go up the lift...

“Arrey Sir... aap yaha..” Chandrakant asked...

“Ssh... Chandra...” Arjun signaled Chandaraknt to be quiet...

“Kya hua? Aap darre hue kyun ho?” Chandrakant asked...

“Mmm...main... kk..kaha? Nai toh... I am cool!” Arjun lied..

“Dikh raha hai Sir!” Chandrakant smiled...

“Mujhe tension kyun ho rahi hai.. she’s just an employee... hai na? Aur... I should relax.. yeh toh mere office jaisa hai..” Arjun was breathing heavily and putting on a fake smile..

“Sir... yeh aap hi ka office office...” Chandrakant laughed...

“Hh..hhaan.. toh! Sakshi kya hai?” Arjun said...

“Kya hai Sakshi?” Chandrakant asked...

Arjun sat next to Chandrakant... “Yehi toh Masla hai... kya hai yeh Sakshi? You know this is not fair... woh intelligent aur pretty nahi ho sakti... aur woh hamesha right nahi ho sakti... I mean.. yeh na insaafi hai... pasand bhi aati hai... nafrat bhi aati hai... you know Chandrakant... main paas jaata hoon toh uski aankhein badi badi ho jaati hai... aur gaal laal.. phir.. muh pe insult karke chali bhi jaati hai... aur main kuch keh bhi nahi sakta kyunki woh hamesha right hoti hai... matlab samjke bhi na samaj banke samjhna mushkil ho jaata hai ki main usse samajtha hi kitna hoon.. ya phir samjhne ki koshish main shayad kuch samaj main hi nahi aata....” he completed his monologue...

Chandrakant just stared at Arjun...

“Kuch samjhe?” Arjun said...

Chandrakant nodded

“Toh phir Chandra tum samjho toh mujhe bhi samjhana ki main samajna kya chahta hoon...” Arjun sighed...

“Simple - aap Sakshi ko samajna chahte hai... uske nazdeek jao.. woh samaj main aa jayegi...” Chandrakant suggested...

Arjun smiled and got up “Exactly! Main samaj gaya! Chal Arjun bete... tu bhi Singhania hai... mana toh lega hi usse!” He smiled and went up the lift..

“Sir ji... sabse bade cheez aap samjhe hi nahi... chalo.. waqt aa jayega phir samaj jao ge!” Chandrakant laughed and went towards the reception - Rosy ki aane ka waqt jo tha...

In the cabin...

“Sakshi...” Arjun said softly before entering his cabin...

“Miss. Anand would be preferable Sir...” she replied curtly and and sorted the files...

“Miss. Anand.. main andar aa sakta hoon?” Arjun asked...

Sakshi turned to him and said “ Aap bhool rahe hai ki yeh aap hi ka cabin hai... aur aap mujhse ijaazat le kyun rahe hai? Aur haan... maine tenders ki order confirmation rakh diye hain...”

Arjun “Sh*t... yeh toh mera hi cabin hai!” he murmured and walked in...

Sakshi consciously avoided and kept a minimum of 3 feet gap with him...

Arjun got pissed off and pulled her with her elbow... she came crashing on his chest...

Her spectacles - as usual an inch below where it is supposed to be... her cheeks flushed... her eyes wide again... her pupils dilated in sensation when his arm slid around her waist... every nerve throbbed in her body by the intimate distance with him... she bit her lips in confusion and tension as Arjun stared at every single move of hers... locking her against a table... his scent - Armani... wafted into her lungs and she couldn’t help but take a deep breathe...

“Aap..” her voice was stopped

“Sshush...” he said and kept his finger on her pouty lips... they were soft, smooth delicious... her cheeks turned into a shad of crimson as his finger rested over her soft lips...

He sensuously grazed his finger over her lips and she could barely even move an inch... she was stuck and frozen... her eyes almost closed in the pleasure of the slight grazing... he chuckled seeing her reaction... and that snapped her from the trance...

“Itna gussa kyun Sakshi? Kyun?” Arjun asked... his breath fanning on her cheek...

Sakshi closed her eyes for half a second and looked at him...

“Mis..” she started...

“Shut up... I know you since a long time... tum Sakshi thi, ho aur rahogi okay?” he said intimidatingly...

She arched backwards as he came closer to her... to control her balance she gripped his biceps tight... no need to say the height at which her heartbeat went...

Arjun tightened his grip on her waist... and it was not doing a very good thing to his weak senses... she damned had the curves in the right place...

“So my son... what do you feel like doing with her?” his God asked from before...

“Oh Lord... if I had the chance I would just take her home with me... or just this couch...” he thought back..

“Wow... tum main aur Sikandar main BOHOT farq hai!” his God said sarcastically...

“No way... we are different... he would want her for a day... for me... it’s more... I just don’t notice her curves... her eyes... her smile.. her blush... sab kuch okay?” he argued back...

“Kyun?” God asked and he was silent...

Well in his mind at one side there was the usual lust spoilt brat... but on the other another side was developing...

Before he knew either of the sides he felt Sakshi push him slightly away.. “Arjun..” she started to be cut of again...

“Listen.. main tumhe itna jaanta hoon ki koi kahi hui baatein tumhe itna hurt nahi kar sakta ke tum aise rooth jao... wajah kya hai Sakshi... aur mere upar itne naraazgi kyun...” he asked sweetly...

“Naraazgi... nai.. bas I expected ki tum.. samaj jao... par chod do... forget it..” she breathed...

Arjun sighed in relief... “Maaf kar dia?”

“Aap koi kareebi insaan nahi hai jiske khilaaf gile shikhve rakhe hum...” she replied...

“Sakshi...” he said softly and caressed her cheek...

She just looked into his eyes...

“Chalo... you will come to the tour now na... you come with me in my chartered flight..” when he felt Sakshi gape at him...

“Umm... Sakshi.. I know I am hot... par aise kya dekh rahi ho?” he asked..

Sakshi slapped her hand on her forehead.. “Ab samjhi! Tumhe tour ki padi hai isliye yeh sab! Oh God... aur main kya soch rahi! Tum kaise badal sakte ho!?!? Sh*t! Hatto... aur haan... I will pay for your charted flight... 5K dollars na? Done!” she shoved him away and walked out of the cabin in a huff...

Arjun just stared at what he did “Stupid Arjun! Chandrakant ne kaha paas jao! Aur tu!!! Sam... ab teri madat chahiye!”

Arjun had just walked into Sameer’s cabin to find ways to manao Sakshi where the scene in front shocked him...

The coffee cup was strewn about... files were laying haywire...

As he walked in his legs touched something... it was heels.. and a blazer... that heels so belonged to Ayesha... and that blazer - gray color... it was of Sameer’s!!!!

What the hell!!!

As Arjun silently closed the door and walked into the inner cabin he heard Ayesha and Sameer’s voice... shouting at each other...

What the blo*dy hell!

Arjun’s blood boiled and he took slow tentative steps towards the inner cabin... and what he saw blew his fuse...

Ayesha was pinned on the floor... her hands were stretched at her sides... interlocked with Sameer’s hand... and Sameer was on top of her... literally... they were totally lost in each other’s eyes and were panting...

Arjun felt like puking and blasting the hell out of Sameer... and what the hell was his body doing in between Ayesha’s legs???

Were they making!!!!!

He shouts out “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING???”

Suddenly Arjun bolts into reality as he hears a girl’s shriek!

He turns aside to see Sakshi’s eyes popped out and staring at the couple on the floor...

Hehe... no prizes to know that she thought of the same thing too...

Ayesha shoved a shocked Sameer out of her way and he landed on his bum...

“Ouch...” Sameer rubbed his back and saw Arjun and Sakshi throwing him murderous glares...

“Oh Sh*t!” Sameer swore looking at their expressions...

That’s it... today is the end of their lives...

After today there will be RIP Sameer Damsingh Rathore...

Sameer gulped...

Sakshi pulled Ayesha up with her arm and told her to sit on the couch... followed with Arjun shooting looks at Sameer to sit on the couch as well.. Sakshi and Arjun took two chairs and sat in front of them...

While they went to take the chairs Sameer whispered “Ash... they thought we were... like... making...that..”

Ayesha’s eyes popped out in shock... she covered her mouth in shock and gulped as Arjun and Sakshi sat down... seething in anger...

Presently Arakshi forgot that they were in a not so comfortable situation as well...

“Sam... tu toh mar gaya!” Ayesha whispered...

Arjun roared at them... “Would u friggin’ bother to tell me what the **** was going on here?”

Sameer said “RJ... we were just fighting and got wet down...”he concluded to find the 3 glaring at him...

“WET!” Sakshi shouted at her... “Ash... I friggin swear I will kill you!”

“Maa..matl... matlab coffee gir gaya.. bhai you know na bachpan se how Ullu.. I mean Sameer and I fight... toh yeh ek fight hi tha!” Ayesha justified...

“Ash... tum dono bhool gaye ho ki tum 5 saal ke bachche nahi rahe!” Sakshi fumed at Ayesha...

“Exactly Sakshi... yeh dono toh... guys you know what it looked like? And I still feel that it’s that...” Arjun barked at them...

“RJ... yaar please... I am not blind to take Ayesha as my partner!” Sameer argued...

“You mean I am that ghatiya!” Ayesha asked shocked...

“Ghatiya... no darlin’... you are a chudail! Main buddha right!” Sameer squinted his eyes...

“Ullu de patthe... teri toh main aisi ki taisi... rab de sau tujhe ek buddhan mile vyah ke liye!” Ayesha screamed at Sameer and punched him...

“Thara main...” Sameer continued with his Rajasthani expletives and punched back...

Arjun and Sakshi gaped at them... looking at thee ping pong match between Sameer and Ayesha...

Sakshi put her hands on her head and rested her head on his shoulders... “Arjun... in dono ka toh kuch nahi ho sakta...”

He patted her head... “Hmm Sakshi... bachpan se bhi battar ho gaye yeh dono...”

“SHUT UP!!!” Arjun and Sakshi screamed...

“Bachche bhi tum logo se bohot zyaada tameez hai! Ash... foran mere saath chalo!” Sakshi barked at her... Ayesha kept her finger on her lips and quietly stood up...

“Sam... tujhe toh main achcha sazaa doonga!” Arjun shouted at him... Sameer shuffled his feet..

“Now... tum dono... abhi ke abhi uthak beithak karo!” Arjun ordered...

“Kya bachcho jaisi baat kar raha hai RJ!” Sam argued...

“Bachchon jaisi harkat karoge toh waise hi sazaa milegi..” Sakshi snapped..

Both of them kept quiet and did sit-up... holding their ears...

“Plish... Shashu... Bhaiyu... done na... plish plish... sowwie...” Ayesha made a baby face...

“Aww... how sweet... NO!” Arjun ordered and they grimaced while continuing their sit ups...

After 5 minutes Sakshi couldn’t control her laughter and turned her head aside... giggling... she held Arjun’s arm as she giggled and tried very hard to control her laughter...

And before she realized she found two fingers that poked her hard on her hips!

“Ouch!” She screamed to find Ayesha looking at her with mischievous glint in her eyes...

For some reason Arjun kept on looking at the giggling Sakshi...

And he barely knew that Cupid was more than happy looking at the situation from above.

~*~

Chapter 10

“Arrey Ash!Chod na!” Sakshi giggled and ran here and there with Ayesha pinching her...

Sameer smiled and put his hand on Arjun’s shoulder...

Looking at Sakshi Arjun said... “Beautiful na?”

Sameer looked at Ayesha and replied... “Bohot..”

Arjun grinned... then suddenly... “Oye.. tu kisko khoobsurat bol raha hai? Aur yeh haat... chal continue your sit ups!”

“RJ... please yaar! Aur haan... maa..ma..main Sakshi ko beautiful keh raha tha... she is actually a very nice person na!” He kept on saying praises to find Arjun ready to kill him...

“Matlab she is like a sister I never had!” Sam completed to find a wide grin on Arjun’s face...

“Haan... same here!” Arjun said...

“Woh behen lagti hai teri?” Sameer asked amused...

“NAHIIIII!!!!!!!!” Arjun shouted to find Sam blocking his ears and Ayesha and Sakshi looking at him shocked!

“Arjun... you fine?” Sakshi asked concerned..

“Haan.. bete kya ho raha hai?” Pratap asked to find Arjun Sakshi Ayesha and Sameer fumbling at each other... first of all they all looked messed up!

“Ww...woh Dad.. chuha!” Ayesha came up with the most intelligent answer!

“What? Arjun I know you don’t like mice... par larkiyon ki tarha chillaana!” his father asked amused...

“Nahi sir... woh actually Arjun... Arjun sir ke per main ek pin ghus gaya tha... so he kinda screamed.... so Sameer Sir and Ayesha helped him out and thus we are here... hoi kaam hai Sir?” Sakshi clarified....

“Kuch nahi... waise Sakshi ek baat poochu?” Pratap asked... he didn’t miss it when she called Arjun with his name first... then adding the sir!

“Absolutely sir.” Sakshi asked...

“Woh... tum Arjun ko kitne din se jaante ho? Like more than a year right?” Pratap grinned...

“Well... I met him 3 years before... aur phir yaha... main usse exactly jaanti  nahi... yeh sawaal...” Sakshi asked puzzled...

“Kuch nahi... woh I realized you and Ayesha were very good friends.. toh aise hi...” Pratap said and walked off...

“Congrats... tere shadi pakki..” Sameer whispered in Arjun’s ear...

“Haan.. what? Shut up man!” Arjun got puzzled...

“Acha Sakshi... woh hame aaj raat nikal na parega for the charity conference in Delhi... is that fine... around 3 weeks ka trip hai... we would be visiting all the metropolitan cities as well...” Arjun informed Sakshi...

Ayesha poked Sameer... “Bhai ke photo ke upar red maala ya white maala?” she asked...

“What?” Sameer asked...

“Yeh dono... ek saath... Bhai ka toh confirmed murder ho jayega!” Ayesha whispered to Sam...

“In dono ka kya equation hai Ash?” Sameer asked...

“Lunch time bolungi ok?” Ayesha said and Sameer nodded when... he found Arjun glaring at the two...

“Umm... Ayesha... jao jake dekho Mehra’s ki investment ka kitna profit aaya hai... and report to me in 20 minutes...” Sameer said...

“Par Sam..” Ayesha said to be cut off by Sameer... “Mazaak ho gaya hai Ayesha - it’s Sir now..” he said coldly...

Ayesha fumed... it hurt her a lot... whenever he turned cold...

Sakshi read the expression on her face.. something clicked in her...

Ayesha went up to Sameer and gave him 11 pounds... “Yeh kiske liye?” Sameer asked...

“Prega News khareed lo aur check kar lo if you are pregnant Sir! Har waqt mood swings!” Ayesha stormed out of the cabin...

Arjun and Sakshi somehow controlled them laughter and said bye... as they settled into the cabin and Arjun twirled in the chair while Sakshi received a call.. it was on the table...

“Arjun... please speaker pe rakh do na...” She said and checked the quotations...

Arjun did so... to be honest he liked the way she spoke to him as Arjun... it sounded so natural... so beautiful... nice..

“Hey Beautiful... Aaj friday hai... how does dinner at the Dorchester... like you know... a Salon Prive.. just you and me?” A husky masculine voice wafted into the room...

Sakshi kept the file aside and frowned.. The Dorchester was one of the most expensive restaurant in London... a Salon Prive literallt meant a cozy, private alcove..

“Aah... Mr. Khanna...” she said... it was obvious... it was Sikandar!

Arjun kept his glass of water aside...

“Arrey... aap humain pehchaan gaye... humain khabar nahi thi ki hum aise kuch impression de sake jo aapko yaad reh jaaye...” he said flirtatiously...

Arjun’s brows knitted together as Sakshi became highly uncomfortable in the conversation...

“Aisi baat nahi... London’s most expensive restaurant sirf aap book kar sakte hai... aur baaki koi humain na jaane bighair toh invite nahi karenge...” Sakshi said flatly...

“Of course there will be many other people... in fact ek toh aapke saamne hai... aapka boss.. Arjun... he does have a beautiful reputation...” Sikandar grinned...

“So do you...” Sakshi said sarcastically...

Arjun just looked at Sakshi...

Sikandar just laughed from the other end...

“So Mr. Khanna... may I know the reason why you called?” Sakshi asked irritated...

“Dinner darlin’... tell me when to pick you up...and yeah... there would be a black gown waiting for you... a butler with white a bouquet of lilies and birds of paradise... and a little diamond bracelet... and for the night you are booked at the Sheraton Park Tower... how does that sound?” Sikandar’s velvet voice spread throughout the room...

“Sh*t... this is more than what I have given Raina... this is too good... koi bhi ladki isse accept kar lega!” Arjun thought and crumpled a neat piece of paper into a ball...

“Kisi bhi ladki ko pataana kitna asaan hota hai!” he grumbled seeing the corners of Sakshi’s pretty mouth turn...

Sakshi icily said to Sikandar... “You should have been an event manager... but alas... I won’t be able to attend...”

Arjun looked at Sakshi... why does he find himself not that surprised... “Yeah... cause Sakshi “koi bhi” ladki nahi hai...”

Sikandar became a bit stern and said... “Miss. Anand... you do know we don’t take no for an answer... anyone else would have been instantly ready...”

“But Mr. Khurana I am a person who usually doesn’t give a yes for an answer... no if you can excuse me... I have a flight to catch... and thank you for your generous offer...” she spoke in a sugar sweet tone and signaled Arjun to cut the call...

“I can’t believe it!” Sakshi cursed and continued to check the file when she found Arjun looking at her...

“Kya hai?” she said...

“Well... kuch nahi.. haan... woh tum aaj 5 baje aa jaana mere saath.. we are going together by private flight... so it’s better if you come with me...” he said...

And that reminded her of the fight and everything...

She stiffened and pulled out a check from her bag... “Sir... 5k dollars...”

“Sakshi iski kya zaroorat hai...” Arjun sighed and refused to take the money...

“Sir..” she started...

“Pehle ki tarha Arjun bulao na...kya Multiple Split Personality Disorder hai?” he said angrily...

“See... I kind of forgot to call you sir... and no... I don’t have MSPD...” Sakshi said stiffly and continued “Yeh paise tum nahi loge.. theek hai... I’ll transfer it anyways to your account... aapki secretary jo hoon..” She said and took out her laptop...

He knew it was futile to tell her anything... and then someone enters the room...

Raina...

“Oh Sh*t... damn..” Sakshi mentally swore on seeing her..

“Jaan!!!” Raina came and hugged Arjun tight...

“Raina! Main office main kaam kar raha hoon... for Pete’s sake at least call me before you barge in!” he snapped at her and parted...

“Oh hi Sakshi!!!!” Raina said in a sugar sweet voice...

“Good day ma’am..” Sakshi said stiffly...

“Sir.. the cash has been transacted... and yes.. about the flight details I shall inform you shortly... the schedule would be finalized in an hour or so...” Sakshi said...

“Juno honey.. going somewhere... mujhe bhi leke chalo na... Malaysia, Spain, France..” Raina said...

“Uff... itni fake mithaas sweetner ke total bottle main nahi hota...” Sakshi thought...

“Official Tour Raina... another time...” Arjun said and tried to wriggle his way out...

“I don’t like to take no for an answer...” Raina said icily...

“Wah... iski aur Sikandar ki jodi toh rab ne banayi hai!” Sakshi smirked...

“Raina... when I said that it is an official tour matlab it’s an official tour...get that?” Arjun said...

“By the way ma’am... laundry main kitna kharch hua tha...” Sakshi asked Raina...

Arjun looked at Sakshi and picked up his phone...

Sakshi received a text... “Sakshi... you don’t have to do it.. pls..”

“So Ma’am how much...”

*Vibration* “Sakshi... listen to me... DARE YOU DON’T”

“It was just 6200 pounds...” Raina said with an icy smile...

*Vibration* “She’s fooling you.. itna price nahi hota... for Pete’s Sake!”

Sakshi looked aside... Arjun hissed in frustration and called himself... “Haan... listen... you better do as I say... arrey saamne se pata chal raha hai ki koi ullu bana raha hai... and I am just helping you out...  mujhse kaisi dushmani... you get that!” he barked on his phone... looking at Sakshi...

“Ma’am sure... bas aap bill mere yaha forward kar dijiyega... I would pay..” Sakshi said coldly..

“Sh*t... maine toh bada chadhake price di!” Raina thought... “Arrey Sakshi.. tum toh bura maan gayi.. chalo sorry for that day okay!” she gave a little smile..

“Don’t worry ma’am... fisool cheezein toh main apni dimaag main leti hi nahi...” Sakshi walked out of the cabin...

Arjun too left... he felt way too suffocated with Raina now...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Bhai!!! Took wallet?” Ash went around...

“Haan..” Arjun mumbled...

“Watch?”

“Haan”

“Pen?”

“Haan”

“Laptop...”

“Haan”

“Mobile?”

“Haan..”

Ayesha walked in to her bro’s room to see him sitting on the bean bag playing on the xbox and everything spread around...

“BHAI!!!” Ash screamed!

Arjun fell from the bag “WT.. kya hua?”

“Bhai... waha se Sash is ready aur she will be coming here in like 5 minutes... aur tu hai ki tujhe GTA (game) khelne main interest hai! Aaj servants ki kya chutti hai tne toh kiya hi nahi!!!” Ash wailed...

“Chill... main India jaake naya suitcase aur kapde khareed loonga... no tension!” Arjun resumed... “Ya man... come on!” he shouted at the screen...

*Ding Dong!*

“Sash!!!” Ayesha said excitedly and ran down and brought Sakshi in...

“Sab ready na MBM (my bhaarat maata)?” Ash asked...

“Haan re... waise Sir ready hai kya?” Sakshi asked...

Arjun hated that “sir” thing... “Sakshi... ghar main hoon... ab toh Arjun kehke pukar sakti ho...” he shouted from his room...

“Kuch nahi hoga iska!” Sakshi muttered...

“Bhai ne koi packing nahi ki!”Ash said alarmed...

“Servants?” Sakshi asked...

“Ganesh Chaturti... bhai ne sab ko chutti de di...” Ash said...

“Aur madam tujhe toh packing karna aata hi nahi!” Sakshi laughed...

“Mujhe nahi... par Fattu matlab Sam ko aata hai... he will guide me through skype... ek minute...” Ash started calling Sam...

“Wait! I’ll help... it’s fine... chal..” Sakshi said and Ayesha hugged her tight with a sloppy kiss on the cheek!

“Save that for Sameer!” Sakshi laughed...

“Hein... save what for fattu?” Ash asked...

“Hehe.. Nothing...” Sakshi laughed and was shocked by looking at the state of Arjun’s suitcase...

It was on the floor... his clothes were thrown on it... like as if he was dusting the floor... Ayesha went to attend nature’s call and Sakshi walked in thinking... “Yeh kya hai?”

Then Arjun bumped into her... and rather than the beautiful bollywood scene of him holding her... they both fell right on the floor... and the thing was that he had just come out from a shower...

And he was just wearing boxers...

Sakshi tried to get up... but in that her hand either touched his bare chest, torso or shoulders... sending up tingling sensations up her spine....

Arjun looked at the soft woman beneath him... her hair all shuffled... he felt like putting his hand through and feeling the soft hair... her cheeks were flushed red... her eyes were low... and he could feel the heat rise up slowly...

As he studied her carefully he noticed that she was beautifully dressed in a grey loose harem pant and a black sleeveless top... a grey and black shrug was there... the dress accentuated her curves...

Damn... he swore softly... even though her words were sharp... he closed his eyes for a split second as his hard body crushed against her very soft feminine one... she was softer than what he had imagined....

She blinked when the water droplets on his hair and skin fell on her.. little by little...

And as she looked down and realised that he was... ahem... shirtless... her mouth opened to a perfect “o”.. no not the fact that he had the most ripped figure ever... nor the caramel 6 packs... nor the perfectly sculpted chest.. but in pure embarrassment... she closed her eyes immediately!

Arjun was amazed to see her reaction... whenever he went out for swimming women would gape at him... and here she closed her eyes shut... even though the AC was on a full blast and he was wet... he was feeling anything but cold at the moment... he slid his arm beneath her waist to help her get up... her one hand automatically went to his bare shoulder... she turned her face away...

Lost in the perfect moment had not it been for a girl’s shriek...

“NOW... WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU 2 DOING!!!!!” Ash screamed looking at them...

Sakshi and Arjun immediately turned aside... full red in embarrassment... Sakshi tried to shove Arjun aside... but how could she do that without touching his half bare body!!

Finally Arjun himself got up and helped Sakshi get up... Sakshi’s eyes closed again as she didn’t want to see him!

Arjun chuckled and looked at his sis... “Ash... nothin... I came out.. and we both dashed and fell on the ground... maybe I had a pretty soft landing though!” he laughed and went into the bathroom to change...

Sakshi opened her eyes and her cheeks were at a bright shade of crimson... shrugging her shoulders and clearing her throat she gave a half smile to Ayesha... who was looking at Sakshi.. pretty amused...

“So Sash... packing main madat...” Ash said...

“Ya sure...” Sakshi mumbled and looked around... “Ash... pass me his shirts and blazers na... nahi ... uss black blazer ke saath give me lavendar, grey and deep blue shirt... ussme acha lagega... white one as well..” Sakshi took the shirts and placed them neatly in the bag... within 15 minutes the entire formals packing was done...

“Ab ek bag for casuals right...” Sakshi said..

“Haan... par tujhe kaise pata?” Ash asked...

“Simple.. yaha 3 bags are on the floor... so one must be for formals, one for casuals... and maybe one for belts and watches and sunglasses and shoes...” Saskhi said looking at the 3 cupboards filled with belts, sunglasses and shoes....

“Tumhe toh kisi Emergency Task Force main hona chahiye... kaha business main aa gayi!” Ash laughed and selected the casual shirts and jeans for Arjun...

As Sakshi completed the packing Ash looked at her amazed! Arjun came out of the washroom (with full clothes) and inspected her neatly folding and packing his clothes..

“Arrey Ash... where are home clothes.. as in pajyamas?” Sakshi asked after packing the 3 suitcases...

Ayesha precisely received a call from Sam about some quotations and she went to other room...

Ash looked away... scratching her head when suddenly she felt a whisper on her ears... “I sleep without a single piece of cloth on me Sakshi...” he said wickedly...

Sakshi’s eyes popped out and a shiver went up her spine... that means he sleeps... ahem... no need to think... she tried to shut her eyes and remove the yucky thoughts in her head when Arjun wickedly said... “What happened... chup kyun ho gayi... fighting off mental images of me...?”

Sakshi turned into a deep shade of red... she just nodded her head disapprovingly... he heard her mutter “Badtameez..” “Besharam..” “Behaya..”...

Arjun laughed and placed a hand on his stomach... “Oh God Sakshi... your face is worth watching! Oh... whew man! Jeez... main sirf mazaak kar raha tha!”

Sakshi turned away... angry furious but then a sigh of relief came as well... “So Sir... aapka pj aap khud pack kar lijiye... main jaati hoon...”

“Well I didn’t joke about me sleeping without clothes Sakshi... just like a newborn baby boy!” Arjun gave a delicious innocent face...

Sakshi just tied her hair up into a bun and pushed her glasses up... “I don’t care then sir... ab jaane do... we will get late.. and yes... pack your undergarments please...” she said firmly...

“Mujhse hamesha bhaagti kyun ho? Main khaa nahi javunga tumhe? Ya phir tumhare andar kuch hota hai?” Arjun lazily leaned against the wall... he was so enjoying this flustered Sakshi... she was so damn innocent, like an Angel! And he... a pure blue blooded Devil!

“Main pack kyun karoon... tumne toh sab kuch pack kar liya... yeh bhi kar do!” Arjun gave a tiny smile...

“Sir... main aapki naukar nahi hoon... nahi behen... nahi biwi... so I don’t prefer touching your personal clothing...” she cut him...

“Bhai!!! Come on... we are getting late!!” Ash said...

“Ash... just pack his ahem...” Sakshi said and that was more than enough for Ash to nod and help out..

“Bhai... in case if I find out that you harassed Sash then I swear I will kill you...” Ash whispered seeing Sakshi’s flushed face...

“Arrey Sakshi... woh mera wallet is in the desk of the bedside table... can you please pass it to me...” Arjun asked genuinely...

Sakshi nodded and was about to open the desk when Ayesha came to the rescue!

“Sash... don’t open any desk in Bhai’s room without me seeing it...” Ash said and opened the desk... clearly there was a slight color on Ash’s face but she passed the wallet to her and Sakshi gave that to Arjun...

“Oye Ash... tu laal kyun hai... kaunsa ladka hai bata de!! Main uski chaar chaar tukde kar doonga!” he said to find Ash slapping her head...

“BHai... you should clearly clean up your desk...” Ash giggled.. (info... there were a bit “private” things in the desk *wink* )

Arjun colored a bit and cleared his throat... “Umm.. so Sakshi chale?”

Sakshi nodded and hugged Ayesha tightly... “Sun... Sash.. if my bro irritates you I swear I will feed him to Tommy (their pet)! Don’t worry.. he is naughty but not wicked... he is a devil but not bad... he may get slightly turned on but you are at absolute safe hands!” Ash reassured Sakshi...

“Aye Ash... tu dilaasa de rahi hai ya dara rahi hai... and what do you mean by turned on?” Sakshi asked Ash...

“Well he likes woman who are strong and talk a lot... tu waisi hai toh maybe he will like you but don’t worry!” Ash smiled... not realizing that she had freaked out Sakshi like anything!

Sakshi smiled and realized Ash’s little prank! “Badmaash! Tu bhi na!”

“Ash... you know even I am leaving?” Arjun said... annoyed that his sister forgot him!

“Ullu le! My bro am coming na!”  Ash hugged him tightly planting a kiss on his cheek!

Arjun was happy when he noticed Sakshi’s eyes... they were slightly moist... why?

Sakshi looked as Ayesha hugged Arjun... she remembered her brother... wiping off that one tear they proceeded towards the flight...

“Hmm... Sakshi yeh 8 and 1/2 hours ki safar hai...” Arjun suddenly said...

“Haan... “safar” kya “suffer” toh zaroor hai!” Sakshi mumbled and sat in the BMW...

As they were dropped Sakshi looked at the chartered flight... “Hmm... nice...” she said...

Arjun looked at her... for a simple middle class girl a chartered flight is “nice!” Kaise?

She slowly took the steps and walked up.. having slight vertigo she had troubles in taking steps... and to her surprise she found Arjun lending a hand... with no trace of mockery...

She took that hand and entered the chartered flight and was awed by the interior...

Arjun smiled looking at her childlike grin... her large doe shaped eyes were looking here and there... “Wow..” she whispered...

“So... Sakshi... welcome to my flight... this is our lounging area..” he said... pride swelled up in his chest...

Taking her hand he led her to other areas.. “Beautiful..” she said... “Maine aisa pehle kabhi nahi dekhi...” she said...

“Toh ab dekh lo...” he said softly... she looked at him... their eyes connected... and something happened...

Sakshi pulled her hand away.. “Yeh hai dining room Sakshi... like humara lunch, supper and dinner ke liye we will come here...” he said... Sakshi looked here and there... a smile playing on her lips...

“Yeh hai washroom....” Arjun showed her and Sakshi just stood there... gazing at the beautiful bathroom

“Aur yeh humara bedroom...” Arjun said showing her a beautiful bedroom... Sakshi went and sat on the bed... her legs dangling in the air...

“Wow... this is... beautiful... wait... what did you say?” She got up and looked at him...

“Umm... matlab flight ka bedroom...” Arjun said.... scratching his head...  Sakshi nodded and sat back...

Arjun started thinking... 8 and 1/2 hours... only he and Sakshi... but only one bedroom... oh okay... and beautiful images started coming up... though it was not related about that... but then... like...

“SHUT UP!” his mind roared at him!

“So... kaisa laga mera flight?” Arjun asked smirking... he was ready for a floor of compliments....

“Amazing... jab apne paise se ek aadmi apna khwaish poora kar sakta hai... sapnon ko sach bana sakta hai... toh uss cheezmain ek alag ehsaas hota hai na... at every corner one can see the fruits of your effort... a sense of pride fills the heart... simply amazing...” she said softly....

She slowly got up and walked towards the lounging area... leaving Arjun lost in her words... till date not a single person ever appreciated the hard work... it was always the interior or the designs... or the cost.. and here she comes...

He was right about one thing... Sakshi wasn’t just any other girl... she was different...

And he just intended on knowing how much more different is she...