Arhi SS : Chemistry - Part 1
Khushi Gupta sat in her plush cabin,
staring intently at the newspaper. The soothing hues of blue that adorned the office
were a stark contrast to her inner melancholy. She admired the smiling face of
Lavanya Kashyap. The girl looked exceptionally gorgeous and poised for her
rather middle-class lifestyle. However, Khushi's eyes were trained on the man
besides her in the picture, Khushi's fiance... scratch that... ex-fiance.
Nandkishore Mittal seemed to be holding
onto his bride, with extreme possessiveness and love. Their body language oozed
of passion with their eyes focused on each other. Khushi wondered how
everything had fallen apart between NK and her, in just a few months. It had
taken all of six months, for Aman's personal secretary Lavanya Kashyap, to snatch
away her fiance and get hitched to him for a lifetime.
Khushi sighed in frustration, and shut the
newspaper rather cruelly. Throwing it across the huge glass table, she stood up
from her chair and walked towards the French windows. The view like always
calmed her frazzled nerves. The never-ending Arabian Sea and the beautiful
curve of Queens's necklace looked spectacular on this dull, clouded day.
The Mumbai winter... if you could call it,
had set in... giving the common man some relief. Khushi stood rigid, gazing at
the shimmering body of water; lost in thoughts of the past seven years... the
time since NK had entered her life.
NK and she had met at Oxford University,
where they both were pursuing their MBA. Coincidently when they had begun
talking, they had realized that their fathers were well acquainted with each
other. This information had given her worried mother some respite, especially
with her beloved daughter living alone in a different continent.
Slowly and steadily NK and she had become
best of friends. Their interests matched, their attitudes were in sync, their
perspective in life was alike and Khushi did not even realize how the two years
flew by, while studying at Oxford.
He was a quiet, reclusive guy, with not
too may friends. Khushi admired his wit, his focus on work and commitment
towards everything he did. She had found a strong support system in him and
somewhere down the line; the comfort that they shared with each other had
eventually landed up ruining their friendship completely.
She had returned to India, only to find
out the merger between Gupta Industries and Mittal Group... forming MG Corp. She
had been thrilled at the idea of working with her best friend and NK had shared
her feelings aswell. As the years passed by, their bond became stronger. Somehow,
there was never a romantic inclination from either of the two.
Then one fine day, two years ago, NK's parents had brought up the topic of extending
this business relationship into something much more stronger. They had put
forth NK's rishta for Khushi and her parents had managed to convince her about
the same. Khushi still remembered the conversation she had with NK about the sudden
change in their relationship.
They
were seated at the Salt Water Cafe, relishing their favourite food. "Are you in love with me NK?" Khushi
had asked a shocked NK, who had spluttered on his drink. It took a moment for
him to respond... "Are you crazy Khushi?"
She looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Then
what is all about this? This rishta for marriage business? Suddenly why do you
want to get married to me?"
NK
had laughed hysterically and replied, "Look
Khushi... I know this is strange. It is kind of weird for me too. You know what a
workaholic I am and I have never given this a thought. But when mom and dad
asked me if I was ok to get married to you... I really didn't see a problem in
it."
She
had looked at him confusedly as he continued; "We have been best friends Khush... for a really long time now. There is
no other girl that knows me as much as you do. I can be myself in front of you,
with no pretenses. I like you and admire you. We think alike and spend almost
fifteen hours a day, working with each other. Then why not give "us" a shot?
Maybe we can explore the possibilities of falling in love. What say?"
"I am not so sure about all this NK. I
can't imagine you in any way more than a friend. God!! No! I think it's a
terrible idea. You please tell your parents to remove this thought from their
head. I don't want to lose our friendship NK... it's too precious for me,"
Khushi had spoken her heart out, like always. With NK... there was no need to
pretend, to hide or shy away from stating what she felt.
Khushi smiled to herself, thinking about
what she had said that day. Her gut feeling had been right then... she had not
only lost her fiance... but she had lost her best friend too. She suddenly felt
alone and lost. Walking back to her seat, she slumped in it, silently staring
at the pile of files that needed her urgent attention. Another scenario flashed
in her mind... the time she had finally given in to the constant pressure from
her parents and his, and not to forget the man himself.
"Ok fine! I give up. I am ready to get
engaged to NK. Lets give this a shot as you say NK. But let me warn all of
you'll that I really don't want any pressure to get married, like how you have
been putting now. I am sick of this constant emotional blackmailing and coaxing,"
Khushi had said angrily, only to be engulfed into NK's friendly arms. Their
families had been thrilled to plan a grand engagement party, which had
officially announced the alliance between two majestic families.
However, the months that followed were
not as happy as they were supposed to be. Khushi and NK had tried to gradually
move their friendship to the next level. But Khushi did not feel any spark or
the need for him in any different way. It was getting tough to break the
complacency that they had shared for so many years. Going on dates, spending
time together, going out on holidays with friends had been a way of bonding
their hearts in some way.
And quite frankly Khushi had thought that
this is what a strong, happy relationship is all about. Being there for one another,
making your partner laugh, the simple kisses, and the comforting hugs... is was a
good relationship meant. She and NK had gotten into such a comfort zone that
her idea of love and attraction had been what they shared with each other. But
then... all her beliefs had started crumpling... everything had started falling
apart when Lavanya Kashyap had entered their lives six months ago.
Lavanya had joined their office as his
personal assistant. Her colourful attire, her love for the Hindi language, her
greed for delicious food and the constant need to chatter, had her standing out
in their cold, corporate world. NK had blown his fuse for the first time in the
entire span of time Khushi had known him. The mere presence of Lavanya incensed
him and the spunky girl gave it back to him with equal fervor.
At first Khushi had brushed this off as
mere difference of cultures and had advised NK to hire another secretory for
himself. However, as weeks passed by, Khushi had started noticing how Lavanya's
presence affected NK. Even though he reacted in annoyance... it was the fact that
she was the only girl who managed to get such a strong reaction out of him. There
was this tangible tension between the two, which apparently had started being
noticed by others aswell.
It was during the time of Khushi's London
trip that things had gone completely wrong. She was travelling regarding a new
business lead, and to handle the existing businesses, NK had decided to stay back
in India. Two weeks were all it had taken for NK to realize his true feelings
towards Lavanya. The day she had returned from the trip, NK had wanted to speak
to her urgently. She still distinctly recollected her conversation with NK two
months back.
"Khushi, I am in love with Lavanya,"
NK had said softly yet without any hesitation. Even though Khushi had known
this coming, she was shocked at his impudence. Even though she knew what NK and
she shared was not love, she felt deeply cheated. Even if she had not expected
undying love from the man sitting in front of her, she feared the end of a
strong friendship that they shared.
She
flared in anger and accused NK, "What
the f**k do you mean NK? I was away for two weeks and you started cheating on
me? It was you who propositioned our marriage... And now you are telling me that
you are in love with some other woman!! This was something I never expected out
of you NK. Why??" Slumping back in her chair, Khushi held her tired face in
her palms and tried to rub away the traitorous tears that were streaming down
her face.
NK
was on his feet in seconds, kneeling down in front of her, trying to pry her
hands away from her face. She knew how much effort it was taking him to tell
her the truth as he had said miserably, "I
am so sorry Khush... please... please don't cry like this. You know I can't see you
cry." She pushed at his hand angrily and replied, "Yes... I can see how well you have been trying to make me smile.
Cheating on me... behind my back... with that cheap woman Lavanya... who knowing the
fact that you were engaged, tried to cling onto you!!"
At
the mention of Lavanya, NK had gotten up abruptly and said coldly; "Don't drag Lavanya between us, Khushi. She
has no idea about my feelings for her. I wanted to speak to you first... before I
even told her about how I feel. I could never cheat on you Khushi and you know
that. You are my best friend and I just cannot stop the feelings I have for
Lavanya. She is crazy, frustrating, annoying with her constant chatter... yet when
I am with her... everything is magical... its beyond what I have ever imagined...
ever felt... Its chemistry Khushi... and I don't even know how to put it in mere
words."
Khushi
sighed dejectedly, and nodded at everything he had said. Even though the shock
hadn't worn out, she knew for sure that NK was not a guy who would cheat and
lie to her. He was voicing the exact emotions for Lavanya, that she had found
missing in their own relationship and somehow despite not understanding most of
what he was saying... she said, "Its ok
NK... I understand. I guess we were never meant to be. We were better off as
friends and now we have somehow managed to ruin both our relationships. This is
going to affect the families... you realize that right, don't you?"
The days after seemed to be never ending.
The families' involvement had only worsened matters. With the Guptas and the
Mittals at loggerheads in their personal lives, the business had been affected.
They mutually decided to part ways, considering how angry and hurt Shashi Gupta
had been. He could not stand the sight of NK around Khushi and knowing how
professional his daughter was, he knew they would have to keep bumping into
each other time and again.
Coming back to the present, Khushi sighed
dejectedly, as she once again glanced at the stack of files on her desk that
she had to go through. Days... weeks... months that followed her separation with NK,
had passed in a blur. She had submerged herself in work, not wanting to have
any free time to think about him at all. More than missing her fiance, she had
missed her friend... a companion, a guide and a mentor. The bottled-up hollowness
had clogged her heart, making her immune to any sentiments that came her way.
Somehow keeping her tormented heart at
bay, she managed the excruciating task of getting through the day at work. Ignoring
calls from home for a change, she had conveniently kept the discussions,
conversations and lectures on NK-Lavanya, away for the day. The media was being
handled extremely well by her PR and her reliable assistant, Aman. She was
thankful for his presence. Aman Mathur was her father's faithful ally, who had
been assisting her for over a year.
"Maam...
I have handed over your statement to the media, congratulating the newly wed Mr
& Mrs Mittal. They had been desperately wanting to get a byte from you, but
I had them scurrying off, threatening to banish them from attending the
upcoming Gupta Industries conference. I think they realized, they had good
chances for juicy gossip at the conference than any interview with you.
Everything for today has been handled and if you aren't ready for tomorrows presentation,
then I can try and postpone it by speaking to Mr..."
Aman was cut short by Khushi, "Aman, how many times do I have to tell you
to call me Khushi. You are older to me in age, way senior to me in terms of
years at Gupta Industries and also in terms of experience. Isn't that enough
reasons for you to call me Khushi over "maam"?" Aman simply smiled in
return like always and Khushi knew that he would never back down from his
beliefs in the hierarchy and its protocols of this organization.
She sighed in resignation and continued, "We are prepared for the meeting tomorrow,
Aman. Lets just get this done with. Things are changing at work and we have to
go along with the flow. I guess it is time for some fresh change... don't you
think? A new perspective at work will do us some good." Aman nodded in
agreement and replied calmly like always, "Offcourse
ma'am. A new perspective always does well... be at work or in life." His cryptic
words made Khushi ponder about her own life for a few seconds, before
dismissing him for the day.
She picked up her phone and punched a
number on her speed dial. As soon as the phone was answered, Khushi asked "You up for a drink?" The response was prompt
with a, "I am always up for a drink
darling. See you at our usual, in an hour?" Khushi hmmed into the phone and
ended the call. Quickly winding up the remaining documents in front of her, she
made her way out of the luxurious office. With her bodyguard in the front, she relaxed
in the backseat of her Lexus that made its way towards the Taj Mahal Hotel at
Colaba Causeway.
Khushi entered the beautiful restaurant...
her all-time favourite... Masala Kraft at Taj. Whenever she was upset or
completely distressed, she would take the refuge of scrumptious Indian food.
The kebabs, the biryani followed by delicious rabdi and kulfi, would always
uplift her spirits. However, today was a day where Khushi could not understand
the reason for her own melancholy. She needed some wine to calm herself down
and get back her life in perspective.
And what better companion for a glass of
wine, than her childhood best friend Sheetal Kapoor! She saw the always-smiling
face of her friend at their favorite table and walked swiftly towards her. "Hey babes! You look terrible," Sheetal
greeted her friend knowing very well the reason behind it. Khushi smiled
genuinely... and replied, "Thanks Sheetal...
your comment makes me feel better! Did you place the order for our regular?"
After a positive response from her friend, Khushi sat down in her chair,
relaxing a bit.
Sheetal Kapoor and Khushi Gupta had been
neighbourhood friends. Their parents were well acquainted and the girls, not
having too many children around, had gotten along pretty well. Despite the
contrast in their characters, they somehow managed to have a certain liking for
the other. While Khushi was generous, Sheetal was selfish. Garima and Shashi
had come up in life from a small town; hence their upbringing had kept Khushi grounded.
Whereas, Sheetal and her family had inherited a hefty bank balance and a
successful business from their ancestors, making Sheetal a little more snobbish
and sophisticated since childhood... just like her parents.
Despite all of it, Khushi and Sheetal
were inseparable. "Woah tragedy queen!
Snap out of it. The wine should start making you chatter and not get into long
silences. I know it has been a tough few months for you and today has been
tougher, but lets just move on ya!" Sheetal tried to loosen up this uptight
Khushi, who seemed to be lost in a world of her own.
"I
know Sheetal, that I need to move on and believe me I am trying. But it's not
easy considering I have not only lost my fiance, but also my best friend and a
business partner. Everything seems to be changing in my personal and
professional life and I feel like I am losing control over it." Khushi vented to her bestie to which
Sheetal replied, "Cut it out you bore. Frankly
I am truly glad you guys broke up. You'll definitely had something missing. Both
of you'll put together were like flat soda... without the fizz... the zing! Absolutely
no chemistry!"
"What
the! What do you mean Sheetal? How can you say that? We loved each other. We
got along so well. We barely ever fought... and..." Khushi's explanation was cut short by
Sheetal, "Exactly! How can you not
fight? The friction makes everything interesting... don't you get it? Fighting is
fun because make-up sex is the most pleasurable..."
"Stop!
What crap are you talking Sheetal? Don't revolve everything around the physical
aspect of a relationship. There is much more to it... its important to have
matching wavelengths, intelligent conversations and similar likings," Khushi countered proudly, describing in
short whatever her relationship had been with NK. Sheetal laughed heartily and teased,
"Woman you need to get laid! Were you in
a relationship with your professor? Intelligent conversations... similar likings
for the subject!! All bullshit!"
Khushi frowned digging into her dish of
biryani, cursing herself for actually thinking that Sheetal's company could
make her feel better. She was a brat and their thinking was poles apart. Yet
she was her BFF!! Looking at Khushi's sulking face, Sheetal steered the topic
to more interesting topics, "Hey! So you
are going to be attending your first joint meeting with the heir of Raizada
Industries right? One of the most eligible bachelors in India... Arnav Singh
Raizada. He is so hot. Aren't you a least bit excited?"
Khushi made a face, thinking about the
Raizada Corp. and Gupta Industries merger. It was her father's idea, which she had
been completely against. She had tried convincing him, that she did not require
a partner. One experience was quite enough and she did not have the strength to
begin a working relationship with someone from scratch. The thought of going
through the grill of understanding Arnav and his working style and find a
convenient way forward, was driving her crazy.
"What
is the big deal about that man? He is just another guy... who cheats on his girls
and moves from one to another... or atleast that is what I have heard. However, I
don't quite believe the media. I myself have had about two marriages, ten
affairs and one abortion for god sakes!!" Khushi laughed at the crazy gossip that media churned up
for fodder.
"Ha
ha... very funny! But seriously Khush, he is way too handsome and you are
definitely going to be distracted. Anyways, I am glad that you are not
interested in him because I for one am. Stay away from my guy and introduce him
to me at the grand party after your boring conference, next week. I am invited
right?" Sheetal teased
Khushi again, yet there was a small underlain truth to it.
Khushi simply nodded at Sheetal, her
dazed mind working through the glimpses and flashes of Arnav Singh Raizada,
that she had encountered in the magazines and newspapers. As they walked back
to their respective cars, Khushi rambled on about her plans for tomorrow's
meeting and how she had decided to floor the Raizada heir with her ideas. The
wine had done its job, making her happily buzzed as she smiled at the face
flashing in her mind... a dark aviator guarding his enticing eyes, the flawlessly
chiseled face, the impeccable gelled hair and that brilliant... dazzling smile.
Part 2
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