Academy building hallway,
KMA
"So... what now? Should we inform Captain Rajveer about this?" Yudi asked his friends.
"And when he asks who told us, what will we say?" Naina pointed out, raising her eyebrow.
"Yeah, Shahrukh doesn't even have a clue about what we've done," Pooja added with a sheepish smile.
"I don't know about what, Cadet Ghai?" came a familiar voice from behind.
All six of them felt their eyes widen in shock, hoping and praying that Rajveer hadn't overheard their conversation. Swallowing hard, Naina turned around with a forced smile.
Rajveer took one look at her face and instantly sensed that she was about to fabricate something. Tilting his head and folding his arms across his chest, he raised an eyebrow at his super six as the rest also turned around, wearing identical smiles. These six cadets of his were clearly hiding something from him.
"I hope you realize that those smiles on your faces gave away the fact that you're keeping something from me. Now, be good boys and girls and spill the beans. What did you all do, and when?" Rajveer inquired, a smirk playing on his lips.
The super six were taken aback by his direct question. They exchanged silent glances, silently asking each other how they should respond to Rajveer's inquiry.
Naina cleared her throat, mustering up the courage to speak. "Sir, it's not what you think," she began, her words coming out in a rush. "We were... um... discussing a surprise for you, sir! Yes, a surprise to show our appreciation for all that you do for us," she improvised, her smile widening in an attempt to appear genuine.
Rajveer arched an eyebrow skeptically, clearly unconvinced by the hastily concocted excuse. "A surprise, you say?" he echoed, his tone laced with skepticism. "And what kind of surprise requires such secrecy?"
Naina sauntered up to him with a playful grin, causing Rajveer and everyone else to exchange puzzled glances. To their surprise, she began to toy with the buttons on his shirt, her tone teasing as she spoke, "The essence of a surprise lies in its secrecy, Rajveer... Let's not spoil it now. I can't wait to give you this surprise."
Rajveer felt a blush creeping up his neck at her bold gesture. He hadn't expected her to flirt with him in front of her friends and his cadets, yet a part of him couldn't help but feel flattered by her confidence in their relationship. Clearing his throat, he nodded in agreement and gently replied, "Alright then. It's time for all of you to head back to your hostels. Lights out soon," before briskly making his way towards his quarters.
Once Rajveer was safely out of earshot, the super six turned their attention to Naina. Huda, sporting a mischievous grin, couldn't resist teasing her, "Well, well, well... Who knew our fierce Phoolan had a flirtatious side? I thought you only knew how to spar and bicker with everyone."
The rest of the group struggled to contain their laughter at Huda's playful jab, while Naina responded with an eye roll, clearly unimpressed with his theatrics. "Oh, absolutely," she deadpanned, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Did you want me to tell Rajveer sir what we were talking about?" she deadpanned, her tone dry.
With a collective chuckle, the group made their way towards their respective hostels, silently agreeing not to continue their discussion in the hallways where prying ears could overhear them.
... - ...
... - ...
Early the next morning, Naina decided to visit Rajveer before going to the ground. She went into Rajveer's room like she usually did [without knocking], looking for him. She thought he might be in the kitchen making his morning coffee. But he wasn't there. She got worried and went to check the bedroom. Naina looked puzzled when she saw that even the bedroom was empty.
"Strange! Why isn't he here? Hasn't he come back from jogging yet?" she muttered to herself. Suddenly, the sound of whistling made her turn around. Instantly, Naina froze in place, her eyes widening in shock at the sight before her.
Rajveer emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered, with only a pair of jeans hanging low on his hips. His upper body was sculpted and muscular, glistening under the morning light as water droplets from the shower clung to his skin. His damp hair, left untamed, still dripped water, adding to his rugged charm.
"Good morning, Naina," he greeted Naina nonchalantly, before moving to stand in front of the mirror and tousling his hair.
As droplets from his hair fell onto Naina's face, it snapped her out of her daze, leaving her momentarily breathless.
"Morning," she breathed out, her voice barely above a whisper. Clearing her throat, she refocused on her man and noticed he was about to grab the hair gel. "Wait! You haven't dried your hair properly yet," she scolded, hurrying over to him and snatching the towel from the chair beside the mirror.
Rajveer was taken aback as Naina pushed him forcefully onto the bed. He couldn't help but smile to himself as she continued scolding him while drying his hair standing in front of him.
After a while, she seemed satisfied with her work. "Hmm... it's properly dry now," Naina announced, feeling pleased with herself.
Rajveer wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, surprising her, before resting his chin on her belly to look up at her. "Do you know... you're starting to sound like my wife? Good. Keep at it. I'm liking it," he beamed up at her.
Naina felt her cheeks flush at his words. She lightly smacked his shoulder and playfully complained, "Rajveer, aap bhi na..."
Rajveer smiled, enjoying her blush. "Now that you've decided to start taking your wifely duties from today itself, you should fulfill them completely," he stated playfully.
"W-What do you mean?" Naina asked nervously.
"I want you to..." Rajveer paused dramatically, relishing the anticipation in Naina's expression before finishing his sentence, "help me get ready for the day."
"Huh?!" Naina was confused by his request.
"I want you to help me with things like putting on my shirt, brushing my hair, fetching my wallet and phone, and so on," he explained with a wide grin.
"Yeah, sure," Naina nodded immediately, feeling relieved that he hadn't asked for anything more intimate. While they had kissed a lot and groped each other over clothes in the past weeks, they hadn't taken their relationship further than that. Naina wasn't sure if she was ready for more intimate moments just yet.
Naina walked over to Rajveer's cupboard and picked out a light blue shirt. Returning to where Rajveer was waiting, she found him smiling at her. Naina helped him slip his arms into the shirt before standing in front of him. Rajveer stepped forward, crowding her personal space. He hung his arms on her shoulders and interlocked his fingers behind her head as Naina began buttoning up his shirt.
Naina managed to button up only two buttons before finding it difficult to continue, with Rajveer standing so close. She even ended up messing up the next few buttons in the process. "Rajveer, if you stand this close, how am I supposed to do this properly?" she complained, unbuttoning the ones she had just done in order to fix them properly. Noticing his intense gaze fixed on her, Naina inquired, "What are you staring at like that?"
"I want to kiss you. I'm just deciding where I should do it. Forehead? Cheeks? Nose? or maybe your neck?" he replied in a husky tone.
Blushing, she scolded him gently. "Enough of that. Stand up straight and let me button your shirt properly. I don't want to redo them again."
"Trust me, my love, I would love nothing more than to make you do... redo... and undo my buttons again... and again." He whispered in her ears before nibbling on her earlobe before leaning closer to rain wet kisses on her neck by moving the collar of her uniform's shirt.
"Ahh.. R-R-Rajveer... door... your room's door... it was open..." Naina moaned out as she pulled him closer.
"No one will dare... to come inside... without knocking..." Rajveer informed before raining kiss all over her face. Her cheeks, eyes, forehead, nose and lips were covered by his wet kisses. "My Naina... only mine... my wife." he growled before covering her lips with his.
After a while,
Rajveer was preparing coffee for both Naina and himself while she attempted to fix her hair, which he had unintentionally messed up. "Naina? What was that surprise you all were planning for me? And when do I get to see it?" he called out from the kitchenette.
Emerging from the bedroom, Naina replied, "You'll find out when the time comes. I have to leave now; it's almost time for the morning drill."
"I made coffee," Rajveer added.
"Oh!" Naina accepted it gratefully, quickly sipping the hot beverage before hurrying out of the room, sticking out her tongue to cool it down.
Watching her leave, Rajveer couldn't help but be amused. "What a crazy girl! That coffee must have been scalding," he mumbled to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.
...-...
...-...
...-...
That morning, Fab5 arrived at AR Designs after being summoned by Arnav. Aman Mehra, Arnav's manager, welcomed them and escorted them to the conference room. After instructing them to wait, Aman departed to update Arnav about their arrival.
"Manik, did Mr. Raizada mention why he wanted us here?" Aliya asked.
"Not exactly. I was discussing the lost album incident caused by Soha's antics the other day, and he unexpectedly instructed me to gather you all and come here," Manik replied with a confused shrug.
Before they could continue their discussion, the conference room door swung open, and Arnav made a grand entrance, exuding style and attitude. "Welcome to AR Designs! I'm Arnav Singh Raizada," he introduced himself with authority.
"Dude, we know who you are. Remember we met at the Shikhawat's Diwali party?" Cabir quipped with a relaxed smile.
Arnav shot him a stern glance. "Despite our personal connections, I haven't invited your band here for social reasons," he stated firmly before taking his seat. "This is a formal meeting, so let's maintain decorum."
"Official meeting? Mr. Raizada, we're a bit confused," Manik spoke up hesitantly.
Arnav nodded. "As you know, AR Designs is one of Asia's largest fashion brands, and we organize 4 to 6 fashion shows each year to showcase our collections. Each event has a different theme. The next show will revolve around music," he explained with a smirk.
"What's our role? Are we performing in the show or something?" Dhruv asked with curiosity.
"You'll be performing... while showcasing our collection. Each song will feature a different outfit, essentially modeling for the company while performing as a band at the event," Arnav clarified. "Manik informed me about the album you lost and the resistance from other music producers who were reluctant to sign you because of their ties with that previous producer. With this event, we'll not only promote our designs but also showcase your band. Two birds, one stone," Arnav outlined his plan in detail.
"That's brilliant!" Aliya exclaimed with excitement.
"It really is. With the right PR, our band will gain public recognition, boosting our demand. Eventually, no music producer will be able to turn us down if we approach them. We might even receive a few offers," Mukti summarized the potential outcomes of the event enthusiastically.
"Exactly. And don't think you'll be doing this for free. You'll be compensated just like every other model in our company," Arnav assured them. "Why don't you guys take a day? Discuss among yourselves about this deal and then come back tomorrow. We'll have a final meeting to go over all the details before officially signing the deal," Arnav suggested.
After exchanging handshakes, the meeting concluded.
.. .. - - - - .. ..
.. .. - - - - .. ..
Arnav was chatting with Shashi in the living room of Shikhawat Mansion. There was a formal party Arnav had to attend and for the first time in his life, he wanted to join a formal party with a date. Since he was now in a committed relationship, he wished to integrate Khushi into every aspect of his life. Though before extending the invitation, he sought Rajveer's approval, followed by a call to Shashi.
Initially hesitant, Shashi pondered whether he should grant permission for Khushi to attend the event with Arnav. However, he reasoned that Khushi and Arnav could have chosen to attend the party without informing them. Yet, Arnav's respectful gesture of not only informing them but also seeking their approval showcased his character and integrity. Thus, Shashi ultimately granted permission, with the stipulation that Arnav should take care of Khushi.
Khushi descended the stairs with a radiant smile adorning her face. She was clad in a black saree, intricately designed by Arnav himself, complemented by a pair of dazzling diamond chandelier earrings and a matching diamond bracelet thoughtfully selected by Arnav to accompany her attire. Khushi, uncertain about makeup techniques, sought Nandini's help to prepare for the party. Nandini expertly applied brown smokey eye makeup to complement Khushi's eyes, and a subtle brownish nude lipstick to enhance her natural charm. Nandini then styled Khushi's hair, leaving it cascading down in loose curls that added an elegant touch to her overall look.
Arnav rose from his seat, his gaze fixed on Khushi in sheer admiration. He had envisioned her countless times while designing this saree, but seeing her really wearing this saree surpassed all expectations. She radiated an ethereal beauty that seemed to enhance every detail of the outfit.
"You, my love, are simply breathtaking," Arnav murmured, his voice filled with adoration. He marveled at his good fortune, grateful that such a radiant angel had chosen to love him.
Khushi blushed at his words and suggested, "Shall we go?"
"Absolutely," Arnav agreed, offering his arm. With a joyful smile, Khushi linked her arm with his. They bid farewell to Shashi and the rest of the family before stepping out together.
As they settled into the car, Khushi turned to Arnav and complimented, "By the way, you're looking more handsome than usual."
Arnav's smile widened at her words. "Thank you," he replied, lifting her hand to his lips and placing a tender kiss on it. Khushi's cheeks flushed at his gesture, deepening the warmth in Arnav's smile.
Arnav was dressed impeccably in a three-piece designer black suit, complete with a black shirt and tie. A luxurious wristwatch adorned his right hand, featuring delicate diamonds in place of the numbers. Completing his ensemble were a pair of dazzling diamond cufflinks, adding a touch of sophistication to his attire. In every aspect, he exuded the aura of the affluent business tycoon he was.
They reached the party venue in an hour. Arnav was greeted by the host and his date. Arnav proudly introduced Khushi to them as his girlfriend. Soon enough, other businessmen and foreign delegates started approaching Arnav. For the first few hours, Khushi stuck by Arnav as he managed to sneak in two couple dances in between. But soon, Arnav got engrossed with too many delegates while Khushi started getting hungry and bored. Since it was a buffet-style dinner arrangement, guests were bringing food and chatting amongst themselves. Khushi excused herself from Arnav and went towards the buffet table.
Khushi was aware that eating with her hands wouldn't be suitable here, so she opted for finger foods. She also made selections keeping in mind Arnav's restricted food choices due to his diabetes. As she browsed through the food options, she remained unaware that someone was staring at her with lustful intent.
Khushi's blouse was short, revealing her slender waist and the fair skin of her belly beneath the saree. The backless blouse, fastened only with two hooks, added to her allure.
As Khushi leaned in to reach the table, her hair cascaded to one side, exposing her flawless back. This sight stirred up impure thoughts in the mind of the man observing her.
Khushi returned to Arnav and began feeding him while enjoying her own meal. Arnav was initially taken aback, but then he smiled warmly at her gesture of affection. Some of the businessmen who had been dealing with Arnav for years praised him for having such a caring partner. Arnav's chest swelled with pride as he accepted another bite of food from Khushi's hand.
Once Khushi and Arnav had satisfied their hunger, Khushi made her way back to the table for dessert. Knowing there wouldn't be any jalebis on the menu, she opted for some chocolate-filled strawberries and a few tiny chocolate cakes. As she turned to head back to Arnav, a waiter accidentally bumped into her, spilling various alcoholic drinks on her saree and causing her to gasp in shock.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am! So sorry!" the waiter cried out, distressed.
"It's okay. Just point me towards the washroom," Khushi replied with a small smile.
"Yes, yes, that way, ma'am. I'm extremely sorry about this," the waiter said, gesturing towards a hallway at the end of the ballroom.
Khushi offered him another smile before heading towards the hallway. After cleaning the soaked part of her saree as best as she could without damaging the fabric, Khushi walked out of the washroom. As she was still trying to compose herself after the unfortunate incident with the waiter. Her saree was slightly damp, but she hoped it wouldn't be too noticeable in the dim lighting of the ballroom. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the man lurking in the hallway until it was too late.
"Hey there, sweetheart," the man leered, stepping closer to Khushi with an unsettling grin on his face. "You look like you could use some company."
Khushi's heart raced as she instinctively stepped back, her discomfort growing with each advancing step the man took. "I-I'm fine, thank you," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly.
But the man didn't seem to take the hint. Instead, he continued to advance, his intentions clearly unwelcome. Khushi's pulse quickened, panic starting to rise within her as she scanned the hallway for a way out.
The only path out of the hallway lay blocked by the man, leaving Khushi with no other option. Mustering her courage, she attempted to maneuver around him, hoping to slip past without any trouble. However, her efforts were met with a shocking and violating gesture. Just as she was nearly clear of him, the man forcibly seized hold of Khushi's blouse, causing the fragile hooks securing it to snap under his rough grasp.
Reacting swiftly, Khushi instinctively shielded herself, crossing her arms over her chest to prevent her blouse from slipping off completely. Hastily retreating, she pressed herself against the wall, putting as much distance between herself and the leering man as possible.
A smirk twisted the man's lips as he advanced toward her, reveling in her vulnerability. "Looks like even your clothes can't resist me," he jeered, his tone dripping with malice as he closed in.
Fury and fear mingled in Khushi's voice as she snapped back, "What do you think you're doing? Stay away from me!" Her words trembled with anger and apprehension. Her heart raced with panic as she desperately sought a way to escape the unsettling encounter.
Just as the stranger reached out to touch Khushi, a commanding voice cut through the air.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"
Khushi's eyes widened in relief as Arnav appeared, his expression dark and menacing as he strode purposefully towards them. The stranger hesitated for a moment before backing away, realizing he had been caught in the act.
"Nothing, man, just talking," the stranger muttered, attempting to play it off casually.
Arnav's eyes narrowed dangerously as he stepped between Khushi and the stranger, shielding her from any further advances. "Khushi, what happened?" he asked.
"He grabbed at me and tore my blouse," Khushi relayed instantly, her glare fixed on the man from behind Arnav's protective stance.
"HE WHAT?!" Arnav's voice thundered with rage.
"N-No, man. I was... I was just..." the man stammered, attempting to offer feeble excuses. However, before he could utter another word, Arnav seized him by the collar, his fists delivering swift and forceful blows to the man's face.
"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH MY KHUSHI?! I'LL TEAR OFF YOUR HAND!" Arnav's enraged voice boomed with each punishing blow.
The man cried out in agony, pleading for mercy as Arnav relentlessly continued his assault. Within moments, the commotion attracted the attention of other guests, who swiftly intervened. Some restrained Arnav while others apprehended the assailant.
"Mr. Raizada, what happened?" inquired the party host, sensing the severity of the situation.
"This bastard harassed my girlfriend. If I hadn't arrived in time, he would've forced himself on her," Arnav seethed, his anger palpable.
The revelation incited fury among the onlookers. "Hand him over to the police. Call the police, Mr. Sharma," demanded a member of the crowd, echoing the sentiments of many.
Mr. Sharma, the host, nodded solemnly and promptly dialed the police. Meanwhile, some guests stood guard over the assailant, ensuring he couldn't flee.
As the chaos subsided, Arnav's attention turned to Khushi, who was trembling in fear. Remembering her earlier revelation about her torn blouse, Arnav swiftly removed his coat and draped it around her shoulders protectively.
"Thank you," Khushi whispered, her voice barely audible above the din of the party.
Arnav's expression softened as he reached out to gently cup her face, his touch reassuring and comforting. "I'll always protect you, Khushi," he promised, his eyes filled with a fierce determination.
Khushi met his gaze, her eyes filled with fear and vulnerability, before succumbing to the overwhelming emotions and fainting in his arms.
"K-Khushi?! Damn it!" Arnav swiftly gathered her into his arms.
"Oh my! Is she all right?" Mr. Sharma inquired, having finished his phone call.
"I believe the ordeal was too much for her," Arnav responded before squatting slightly to lift Khushi up in his arms, holding her in a bridal embrace.
"Why don't you take her to one of the rooms upstairs at the hotel? I'll have the police and a doctor sent there. You can speak with the authorities while the doctor tends to your girlfriend," Mr. Sharma proposed.
"Good suggestion. I'll inform you of the room number," Arnav agreed, setting off. The establishment's manager accompanied him to provide the finest available accommodations.
.. .. - - - - .. ..
It neared midnight. Arnav had lodged a formal harassment complaint against the man. Afterwards, he notified both Shashi and Rajveer that the proceedings at the party would extend late into the night, requiring he and Khushi to stay overnight at the hotel. Though Shashi seemed uneasy, he remained silent, likely because Rajveer had already granted permission. Arnav decided it was wise to refrain from broaching the subject further. He resolved to explain the situation to Shashi when he returned Khushi home the following day.
He sighed, shifting his attention to Khushi. She lay asleep on the bed while he sat beside her in a single sofa chair. The doctor who examined Khushi had explained that she had fainted from the stress of the ordeal. Assured she would recover after a restful sleep, the doctor administered a sedative. Then, addressing Arnav's swollen hands from the altercation, the doctor provided treatment. After icing and applying ointment, the doctor wrapped clean gauze around his hands for protection.
Arnav took Khushi's hand in his, his gaze fixed on her peaceful face. He couldn't shake the memory of her frightened expression when he found her in that hallway. The thought of what might have happened if he hadn't arrived in time weighed heavily on his mind, stirring up a mix of relief and anger.
Tu kahe toh kuch lakeerein
Aurr bana du haath mein (x2)
[If you say, I could draw some lines
And create them in my hands (x2)]
Arnav lowered himself, pressing a tender kiss to the back of Khushi's hand. With his other hand, he gently traced his fingers through her hair, pondering the thought of how he would cope if anything ever happened to this woman who held his heart so entirely.
Har khushi meri judi hai
Sirf tere saath mein
Ab mujhe tu hi sunai de
Meri har baat mein
Har khushi meri judi hai
Sirf tere saath mein..
[Every joy of mine is connected
Only with you
Now, only you are audible to me
In every word of mine
Every joy of mine is connected
Only with you]
Tu meri dua, Tu mera junoon
Tu meri sadaa, Tu mera sukoon (x2)
[You're my prayer, You're my passion
You're my call, You're my peace (x2)]
Arnav marveled at the turn of events in his life. Just a year ago, if someone had suggested he'd be head over heels in love, he might have dismissed them entirely. Yet here he was, smiling at the woman before him. He had always assumed that eventually, under pressure from his grandmother and sister, he'd reluctantly marry one of those affluent, socialite women, preoccupied with parties and shopping, who wouldn't offer much in the way of meaningful connection. But he never imagined he'd find someone like Khushi, a radiant beam of sunlight, capturing his heart so completely.
Khwabo me ho mere
Bahon me aa zara
Meelon sa lag raha
Ratti bhar faasla
Dil ne toh keh diya
Main na samjha saka
Zinda hai zindagi
Tu hi toh hai wajah
Khusbu teri mujhme kahin
Rehti hai har ghadi..
[In my dreams
Come into my arms, just a bit
Feels like miles
Yet just a tiny distance
My heart has said it
Though I couldn't understand
Life is alive
You are the reason
Your fragrance, somewhere in me
Lingers every moment]
"My dear, sweet Khushi," Arnav murmured gently to the sleeping figure before him. "I've fallen for you in a way I never thought possible... so deeply that I can't even fathom the extent of my love for you." He paused, a soft smile gracing his lips as he gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.
"I'm taking things slow not because I doubt our relationship, but because I want you to have the time to grow and flourish. I know that when we eventually marry, you'll want to give your all to our relationship and our families. But rushing into it now would risk you losing yourself again, and I can't bear the thought of that happening. When we do marry, I want the world to see me as your husband, proud to stand by your side, rather than you simply as my wife." Arnav's love for her evident in every word he spoke, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Khushi's sleeping form.
Naa sukoon din mein
Teri yaadein sataye raat mein
Har khushi meri judi hai
Sirf tere saath mein..
Tu meri dua, Tu mera junoon
Tu meri sadaa, Tu mera sukoon (x3)
[No peace in the day
Your memories haunt me at night
Every joy of mine is linked
Only with you
You're my prayer, You're my passion
You're my call, You're my peace (x3)]
Arnav tenderly pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before resting his head gently beside her hand. As he closed his eyes, he slipped into a peaceful slumber, his heart content in the presence of the woman he loved.
...-...
...-...
...-...
A/N:::
Song: Tu Kahe Toh
Singer: Shaan
Lyrics: Kunwar Juneja
From the serial: Haasil