Desert Rose Chapter 6 - 9

Desert Rose – Chapter 6

  

Arnav Singh Raizada looked like he was posing for the cover page of GQ. He was dressed formally in a charcoal grey three-piece business suit with an immaculately white dress shirt. His tie was light grey with black lines criss-crossing in diamond shape patterns. His back combed hair looked like it was set with gel, completing his business tycoon look.

 ‘What …..what are you doing here?’ Khushi was flustered.

‘I knew you had an appointment with Manav this morning.’ He took off his aviator sunglasses and stared at her coolly, ‘I thought we should talk.’

‘And Dr.Manav just jumped up and left so he could accommodate your whim.’ she said bitterly.

‘Well, don’t blame him. I have some influence around here.’ He said smugly.

‘Yeah I know. He told me how you funded this clinic for him.’ Khushi drew a breath. ‘That was very charitable of you. But, someone should have told you that charity begins at home.’

‘Exactly.’ He agreed to her surprise. ‘That is what I wanted to discuss with you.’ He moved to the desk and sat on the edge of it, looking smooth and relaxed.

‘Are you telling me that you are going to allow Payal to see Akash?’ she asked directly.

‘Of course not.’ he said.

‘Then, what else there to talk about?’ she walked past him to the door.

‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Khushi.’ His menacing voice stopped her in her tracks. ‘I am not done talking here.’

Khushi felt her mouth dry up and heart beating erratically at the tone. She looked at him lounging there, totally in control of the situation, and anger shook her voice.

‘I don’t want to talk unless you change your attitude toward Payal.’

‘Where is she right now?’ he drawled.

‘At the hotel.’ Khushi looked at her watch again. ‘And she will be wondering where I am.’

His mouth twisted, ‘I am sure she would have found some entertainment.’

‘What is that supposed to mean?’

‘You know I saw her dancing last night.’ He sneered. ‘She was so …..uninhibited.’

‘Then your brother must have been a good teacher,’ she returned. She smiled inwardly as she saw his lips tighten.

She continued, ‘I am just curious to know how your brother turned out to be working with the groom, as a low level employee? It seems an odd way for a future millionaire to earn a living.’

‘You think a man’s inheritance should be handed to him on a plate ---- without any hard work or responsibility from his side?’  His voice was suddenly harsh. He shook his head. ‘No, Akash will work, in every branch of our business undertakings, and at every level, from the lowliest menial job to top administration.’ He paused. ‘Good management skills comes from actual work experience, not just a degree.’

‘And I suppose you have a lot of it.’ It nettled her that what he had said made so much sense; that he had thought of making Akash a more responsible person instead of allowing him to become a useless rich brat like many rich people tend to do.

Khushi couldn’t imagine Arnav Singh Raizada doing menial jobs he had mentioned above. But from what Dr Manav had told her earlier, he had erected his company from scratch.

She said, ‘And Anjaliji ---- did she also have to work?’

‘No. In our families, it is different for a woman.’

Not where I come from, thought Khushi wistfully.

Aloud, she said, ‘And I suppose her marriage was arranged as well? Did she at least have a say in that? Or did you interfere in her life telling her who she should spend her entire life with?’

He said tautly, ‘Firstly, it is none of your business.’ He continued, his eyes cold as ice, ‘Secondly, I care for my family. I am responsible for them, and for all those who depend on me. I cannot afford to slack off in my responsibilities.’

‘And they all just stand in line and heed your every command?’ Khushi found it hard to believe.

‘They know where their duty lies,’ he returned flatly. ‘So don’t get your hopes too high. Your sister has no place in Akash’s life.’

‘And if Anjaliji were in the same situation as Payal ---- what would you do?’ she demanded, her eyes flashing.

He said softly, ‘If he had any love for his life then he wouldn’t want to be found by me.’

Khushi was shocked at the menace that laced his words. Breath hitched in her throat and she suddenly had the urge to escape. She turned around and ran into the sanctuary of the garden, hoping there would be a way out.

But it was not to be. The garden was completely surrounded by high walls.

The sun shone brightly, blinding her in its glare.  The heat was getting to her, sweat trickling down her neck. She walked to the fountain, and let the cool water play on her wrist, as she strove to calm her screaming pulse.

As she looked around her in the beautiful green garden, she had to remind herself that she was in Rajasthan ----- where people were known to have killed for honour. She had read articles that chronicled horror tales of how a couple was killed by the girl’s own family because she had fallen in love with a boy from a different community. She felt a shiver go up her spine.

Arnav had followed her into the garden and stood watching her, his hands in his pockets. He had discarded the jacket, and the sleeves of his white shirt had been turned back to reveal his tanned forearms. His tie was loosened, and a few strands of his hair had escaped it confinement immediately lessening the severity of his face.

His gaze was almost meditative, lingering on the few strands of hair that had escaped the constriction of her clips covering her cheek, the quiver of her parted lips, and the trust of her rounded breasts against the thin material of her plain blue kurti. She was covered from neck to ankle, but she might as well have been naked, she realized as she nervously adjusted the glasses on her nose.

She had never been so physically aware of another man in her life before, or so helpless in controlling her own reactions. Her dhak-dhak began slowly and he wasn’t even close!

The silence between them was charged ---- dangerous.

As he advanced in her direction, she took a step back, and found her dupatta had caught fast, anchoring her, to the spot by the trailing briar of a bush of those pink flowers that had surrounded the fountain.

‘Hey Devi Maiyya.’ She twisted, struggling to free herself, shying away with a yelp as Arnav walked across to her. ‘I can manage.’ Her voice sounded oddly breathless.

‘Be still, you are making it worse,’ he cautioned sharply. ‘I don’t want to end up providing you another saree today.’ Images of her in the saree flashed across his mind making him swear under his breath. With infinite care, he detached her dupatta from the clinging tendrils. ‘Nor any further marks on your skin,’ he added quietly.

‘Thank you.’ Khushi swallowed, smoothing her dupatta over her neck.

‘You are welcome.’ There was a note of veiled amusement in his voice. He leaned past her deftly picking the pink flower from the bush.

‘So soft,’ His voice was husky. ‘So beautiful.’ He brushed the velvety petals against her cheek, moving her hair out of the way. ‘So unique.’ The flower touched the corner of her mouth making her gasp. ‘Do you know what this flower is Khushi?’

He was standing close enough for her to feel the warmth emanating from him.

‘It’s a Desert Rose,’ he continued down her jaw. ‘This rare exotic flower doesn’t need to be watered often…….’ He was brushing the damned flower against the pulse in her throat now, moving down to the demure rounded neckline of her dress, his gaze following the path of the flower.

Her breathing had become uneven, her breast heaving up and down against the thin, revealing fabric.

He continued, ‘Making it perfect for the hot desert conditions.’

Suddenly he looked up into her eyes, his eyes blazing like the sun above them. She was actually beginning to shake under its intensity –hot molten chocolate…….like the baazigar of her dreams!

Oh, God, she thought dazedly as a hot flush washed her from head to toe. What is happening to me?

She was supposed to be the cool one, the girl who was practical and in charge, and she couldn’t allow him to destroy her equilibrium like this.He was playing some kind of game with her, and she knew it, even if she didn’t fully understand what it was.

She stepped away, firmly putting some distance between them. ‘Is this the purpose of your discussion ---- to talk about rare exotic flowers?’

‘Is that what we were doing?’ It was not my intention --- however enjoyable.’ He smirked, the molten eyes darkening, letting her know he had been well aware of her body’s involuntary reaction to his caress. He said, ‘If you can behave like an adult and stop running, I have a business proposition for you.’

‘What kind of proposition?’ asked Khushi warily.

‘A financial deal. I realized that I might have been a little rash yesterday. It’s just that you took me by surprize when you landed in my house unannounced.’

‘A little?’ she asked incredulously. ‘Did you think that Payal would just forget about Akash? That she’d make no effort to find him?’

He shrugged. ‘There are girls who brush away things like this and put it down to experience.’

‘But Payal is not that sort of a girl,’ she said desperately. She looked up at him, her eyes pleading to him for understanding. ‘I wish she was here to convince you.’

‘It would prove nothing.’ He said flatly. ‘I wonder if she would have been this enthusiastic to find him, if he’d just been an employee of AR industries instead of being a Raizada.’

‘She didn’t know about that until very recently, and she hadn’t really believed it.’ she said wearily.

‘And now?’

‘Nothing has changed.’ Khushi hesitated. ‘I haven’t told her anything …yet.’

‘Why not?’

‘To protect her from the hurt of knowing she’s not considered good enough for your family.’

His mouth tightened. ‘Don’t you have any elder to speak for you?’ he asked.

Khushi shook her head. ‘We’re alone.’

‘Then any negotiation has to be with you.’ He paused. ‘I am willing to deposit a suitable amount of money in your sister’s name, which if invested wisely will provide child support ---- under certain conditions.’

Khushi tensed. ‘Conditions?’ she repeated. ‘What conditions?’

‘She will have to sign a legal document that would state that she would be entitled to the agreed amount if she promises to stay away from Akash.’

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Arnav Singh Raizada was proposing to buy Payal out of Akash’s life.

She said shaking with fury, ‘And if Akash tries to contact Payal after he recovers?’

‘He will not.’

Utter confidence that his brother will not go against him.She said, quietly ‘As simple as that.’

‘That’s how it has to be,’ he said. ‘Or no deal. I want this to be done before it gets worse. And you should be grateful for this offer,’ he added icily. ‘I saw the way she was dancing yesterday at the hotel. Does she know for sure Akash is the father of her baby?’

Khushi’s face flamed. ‘How dare you say such a thing?’

‘Why not?’ he flung back at her. ‘Why should I think she is a saint? And you Khushi, you are no different either.’

He tossed the flower away from him suddenly. He came closer and held her roughly, crushing the soft flesh of her upper arms. ‘If I wanted you, I could take you, and we both know it.’

His words fell into a hot stinging silence.

The blood was pounding in Khushi’s head. She shrugged off his arms angrily, drew back her arm, and slapped him hard across the face.

‘What the f***!’ he swore as his hand went up to touch his bruised cheek.

She saw anger and disbelief flare in his eyes, then he reached for her, and she dodged past him, and ran for the open glass doors.

She ran across the doctor’s office, her heart pounding furiously in her chest. As she stepped into the reception area, she found Dr Manav and Anjali, their faces mirroring their surprise.

‘Bye,’ Khushi said breathlessly, and kept running.

Her legs were still shaking under her when she arrived back at the hotel. Luckily she had found an auto waiting just outside the clinic and got into it, huddling at the back, resisting the urge to peek outside to see if Arnav Singh Raizada was still chasing her.

Khushi thought about what she had done and a shiver went down her spine. He had totally deserved it though. He was so used to women falling all over him for his sexual charm that he had taken her silence for compliance.

Well, the sting of the slap will remind him that he was wrong about her.

And he was wrong if he thought that Payal could be bought off. Not if she could help it, she thought savagely. There wasn’t enough money in the world!

At the hotel, Khushi found Bhairav Chauhan’s wife giving her a venomous look as she tried to pass by her. Before she could take one step toward the stairs Bhairav called her from behind. Khushi turned around.

‘Khushiji.’Bhairav looked extremely uncomfortable. ‘There has been a mix up in your reservations. Your room has been booked for other people --- it was a booking which my wife had made earlier and forgotten. I hope you understand. You will have to vacate your room tomorrow.’

Khushi felt butterflies in her stomach.

‘But you can’t do that Bhairavji! I have booked for 10 days and I paid in advance,’ she protested.

He put his hands together, ‘Please forgive me Khushiji. I will return all your money.’

‘This is not fair Bhairavji. Instead of refunding the money, can’t you just find me another place to stay?’ Khushi saw Bhairav’s wife sneering at her from her spot outside the kitchen.

What was going on here? Was this anything to do with what had happened with Arnav outside the hotel yesterday? She knew there would have to be repercussions.

Bhairav looked even more uncomfortable. ‘This is the Camel Festival season Khushiji. I doubt if there will another hotel available at this rate. I am sorry I will not be able to help you here.’

‘What?’ Khushi was getting more furious by the second. ‘Are you trying to tell me you will not be able to find another room in the whole of Bikaner? Tell me Bhairavji, would Arnav Singh Raizada have anything to do with this?’

Bhairav went visibly pale. ‘Khushiji, this is not easy for me, but please leave my hotel. I will give you back your money.’

Khushi lifted her chin defiantly. She said, ‘Don’t worry. I don’t want to stay in your hotel anyway!’

She was almost in tears as she went upstairs to her room. She couldn’t escape Arnav Singh Raizada’s wrath could she? He must have called the hotel and instructed Bhairav to chuck her out.

I should have kept my temper, she thought as she paced the room. What would they do now? They would have to return to Delhi. Would Payal be able to bear all this? And Akash, in his blank confused world won’t even know.

Now she would have to find Payal and break this bad news to her.She went to the night stand where she had put a small idol of her friend, philosopher and guide. Hey Devi Maiyya show me a way please!

Suddenly, the phone in the room rang and the Khushi was told that she had a visitor ---  Anjali. Sent by her brother to check if she had left or not, no doubt. Khushi picked up the pink bandhej saree, put it in a plastic bag and left the room.

On the stairs she met Anjali who was on her way up. She looked up at her and smiled mischievously.

‘So,’ she said. ‘You survived the storm. Kudos to you.’

‘Oh.’ Khushi paused, taken aback. ‘You ---- you know what happened?’

‘The look on Chotte’s face was enough to tell me,’ she explained. ‘My brother is not used to opposition.’

‘Then he will have to get used to it,’ Khushi drew a furious breath. ‘Because I will be fighting him every step of the way ---- even if he gets me kicked out of this hotel. You can tell him that.’

‘What do you mean Khushiji?’

‘Your brother tried to buy me off, and when I refused he instructed the hotel to throw us out. We have no place to stay as of tomorrow.’

Anjali’s brows snapped together. She said flatly, ‘No, Chotte would not do such a thing. I think there has been a misunderstanding.’

‘But Bhairavji didn’t deny it when I asked if your brother was involved,’ Khushi argued. ‘And I did make him very angry.’

‘Yes.’ Anjali’s voice took on an amused tone. ‘More angry than I can remember. Generally Akash is the temperamental one. Chotte is usually …..cold as ice. So it is good for him that someone, for once, is not doing as he says --- especially a woman. She smiled. ‘Come Khushiji, we need to talk.’

Khushi followed her to the restaurant, surprized at the turn of events. She took a seat at the table while Anjali ordered for some tea.

‘Why are helping us Anjaliji?’ she asked her in a low voice.

Anjali took Khushi hand in hers. ‘Akash is my baby brother. I want him to be happy. And I know that he will be happy only with Payal. He told me all about her you know. I am absolutely convinced that Akash will get back his memory if he sees her.’

Khushi wasn’t sure what Anjali was up to. She wondered if she dared get her hopes up.

‘So Chotte offered you money.’ Anjali said adding some sugar into her tea.

‘Yes.’ Khushi flushed stormily at the memory.

‘Don’t blame him too much Khushiji,’ Anjali said calmly. ‘I think life taught him at a very young age that everything and everyone has a price. And then what happened? You refused?’

Khushi took a sip of tea. ‘Not really,’ she said carefully. ‘I ….. I just lost my temper.’

‘That is a good thing then.’ Anjali pondered over what she had said. ‘That gives you an excuse to stay ---- and continue your discussions with Chotte.’

‘I don’t think that will possible Anjaliji.’ Khushi paused. ‘Your brother won’t want to see me again.’

‘Really?’Anjali smiled as she glanced past Khushi. ‘Then why is he here?’

Khushi twisted round in her chair in time to see Arnav Singh Raizada, storming into the hotel his face a thunderous mask.

Desert Rose – Chapter 7

KHUSHI pushed her chair back and stood up, aware that her knees were shaking.

‘Have you come to throw us out in person, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada?’ she challenged as he came up to them.

Arnav ignored Khushi and turned his stormy gaze toward his sister. ‘I saw your car parked outside,’ he said gruffly, ‘What are you doing here Di?’

Anjali looked up at him and smiled, ‘I thought I should save Khushiji the trouble of coming all the way to return my saree you lent yesterday.’ She held up the plastic bad Khushi had given her earlier. ‘Remember?’

‘Yes….’ he agreed, ‘I remember.’ He looked at Khushi, his eyes darkening instantly.

Images of Arnav grasping her bare waist flashed through Khushi and she hoped her inner turmoil wouldn’t show up in her face.

‘I thought I should have some tea with her before she leaves.’ Anjali quipped.

Arnav turned to look at Khushi, ‘You are leaving?’

Khushi’s anger rose up a notch at the surprized look on his face. She said, clearly and coldly, ‘You should know. You are the one who arranged it.’

His brow snapped together in disbelief, ‘I am glad you have made the right decision in leaving. But what have I got to do with it?’

‘Because of you, Khushiji and her sister have been asked to leave the hotel, Chotte.’Anajli explained.

‘What nonsense!’

‘Of course you are going to deny it.’ accused Khushi.

‘I don’t lie,’ bit out Arnav, his eyes boring into her angrily. ‘I will talk to Chauhan and get to the bottom of this right away.’ He strode toward the reception area.

‘I told you Chotte wouldn’t have done this,’ Anjali said looking at Khushi, ‘I am sure this will get cleared up soon. Don’t worry Khushiji.’

This was easier said than done thought Khushi, as she sat nervously fiddling with her dupatta. Where was Payal? Hope she didn’t land up here in the middle of all this confusion.

Arnav came back to their table, with an annoyed look on his face. ‘I spoke to Chauhan. It is his wife who wants you to leave. Apparently, her brother was insulted because of you.’

‘Because of me?’Khushi’s eyes widened in disbelief. ‘What did I do?’

‘You hired that scooter from Guman, didn’t you?’ Arnav snapped at her. ‘I gave him a piece of my mind yesterday ---- told him I would have him arrested if he continued to rent out the piece of junk again.’ His mouth twisted. ‘It wasn’t a very pleasant conversation.’

‘Guman is her brother?’ Khushi asked blankly.

‘He complained to his sister that you ‘coerced’ him to lend you the scooter. And as she had witnessed your return to the hotel yesterday, she thinks you are …,’ Arnav let the sentence hanging.

‘That’s ridiculous!’ Khushi exclaimed as the memory of the way he had held her against the jeep flashed in her head. ‘She can’t turn us out just for that, can she?’

Anjali touched her hand. ‘Khushiji, she comes from a very conservative background. People here tend to become very sensitive about small things. There is no way she will allow you to stay here if she thinks a member of her family has been insulted. It becomes a matter of honour for them.’

She turned toward Arnav and said, ‘So, Chotte looks like Khushiji was right. She and her sister are being turned out because of you.’

‘What the ___?’ Arnav swore. ‘How was I supposed to know that this would become such a big problem?’

‘Then, we have no choice but to set this right Chotte.’ Anjali said solemnly.

‘What do mean Di?’ he asked warily.

‘How can we let two young girls be turned out like this?’ she asked in earnest.‘One of them is pregnant. Since we are responsible, we have to help them out.’ She paused, ‘I think they should stay with us at the Haveli.’

‘NO!’ Both Arnav and Khushi exclaimed in unison.

Anjali laughed. ‘At least you both agree on something.’ She continued, ‘I don’t think we have a choice here.’ She paused, ‘If not at the Haveli, then they could stay in the guest house. No one uses it and Lakshmi can take care of them.’

‘No Anjaliji,’ Khushi protested at Arnav’s stony silence. ‘I will find another hotel…’

‘That is not so easy Khushiji.’ Anjali looked at her sympathetically, ‘It is the Camel Festival season and all hotels will be full.’

She turned around and looked at Arnav, challenge in her eyes, ‘Moreover, it has always been our family tradition to be helpful to people in need.’

Arnav’s face was expressionless but Khushi sensed a barely controlled temper seething inside.

‘I will manage Anjaliji.’ She bit out.

‘I know that Khushiji, but what about your sister?’ Anjali pointed out. ‘Will you drag that poor girl around in her condition? Please come and stay with us.’ She looked at her brother, ‘Chotte?’

Finally he broke his silence, ‘Okay you can come stay in the guest house. I will have the car sent to pick you up tomorrow morning.’ He paused. ‘It is a short distance from the Haveli, so there will some privacy.’

The warning was loud and clear. The Haveli and Akash were strictly out of limits.

‘I understand.’ She lifted her chin.

‘That’s good.’ Arnav nodded curtly. ‘I will go and make the necessary arrangements.’ He looked at his sister. ‘I will see you later Di.’ His tone was clipped as his icy glance flicked once more to Khushi.

Khushi watched him stride away, and sank back in relief. She said weakly, ‘Anjaliji, we couldn’t possibly come and stay in you guest house like this.’

‘Believe me, Khushiji this is the only way, if you if you want to stay in Bikaner. You have to let go of your fight you have with Chotte.’

Khushi bit her lip nervously, ‘It is not that simple Anjaliji.’

‘Don’t worry Khushiji. You will not see Chotte in the guest house. He never goes there. That is where his fiancée used to stay. It has bad memories for him.’

‘Hey Devi Maiyya,’ said Khushi huskily. ‘This is getting worse. I don’t think he will want us to stay there ___’

‘Stop worrying and listen,’ Anjali interrupted. ‘The reason I want you to come and stay with is because it will be easier for me to arrange for Payal and Akash to meet!’

Khushi looked at Anjali in stunned silence.

Anjali pushed back her chair, ‘Shall we go and find you sister Khushiji? I think it is time we met.’

‘Yes….Yes, of course,’ said Khushi.‘I will call her right away.’

Her legs were shaking as she got to her feet. The full implications of what she’d agreed to were just staring to sink in. She was about to become the guest of Arnav Singh Raizada! Luckily she will not be under the same roof.

They found Payal sitting on a bench in the garden. She was looking at the children playing in the sand.

She listened quietly while Khushi, explained the situation. She was visibly upset when she heard about Akash’s accident but calmed down as Anjali assured her that he would recover in time and there was nothing to worry about.

‘But, why can’t I see him?’ she asked anxiously, ‘He needs me.’

‘Of course you will see him,’ Anjali cupped her cheek affectionately, ‘unfortunately, we have to convince his big brother before that.’

Anjali looked so sophisticated in her elegant saree and simple but expensive jewellery, her neatly groomed straight hair and perfectly manicured nails. But her goodness reflected in the openness of her smile and affectionate way she touched Payal. Khushi was relieved to know that they had an ally in Anjali.

‘I have always wanted a younger sister my whole life,’ Anjali laughed happily. ‘Akash told me I would love you on sight.’

‘Did he talk about me?’ Payal asked shyly.

‘Of course. He knew I would be happy for him.’ Anjali sighed. ‘But Chotte was a different story.’ She shook her head. ‘My God, what a fight. The whole of Raisar must have heard it.’

Payal looked upset. ‘Akash mentioned there might be some difficulties.’

‘Those two fight a lot,’ Anjali said serenely. ‘Though they are four years apart in age, mentally there is a lot of difference. Chotte, for some reason thinks that Akash will be better off marrying a girl with a background that is similar to ours. I think he has already spoken to one family. He was not very happy when Akash came up to us and told us that he has already made his own choice.

‘Then Akash reminded Chotte that he himself had done the same,’ Anjali’s eyes filled with sadness. ‘Chotte was so angry. Even after four years, it hurts him to remember.’

‘Well, that’s understandable,’ Khushi said hesitatingly. But Arnav Singh Raizada didn’t behave like he was grieving anymore. ‘If he wants this marriage so much, why doesn’t he marry the girl himself?’ she said a little sharply.

‘Chotte is not interested in marriage Khushiji,’ she said carefully. ‘I think it is a case of once bitten twice shy.’ She smiled mischievously. ‘But that doesn’t mean that he leads the life of a saint.’

‘I know,’ said Khushi caustically. ‘I saw him with a lady here yesterday night.’

‘Oh that must be Ria Chopra,’ said Anjali, ‘She is his event manager. She comes down from Delhi whenever she needs to discuss things over with Chotte. She used to be an ex-model.’

The way the woman was dressed, in an off shoulder figure hugging, thigh length dress, Khushi knew exactly what they might have discussed in the meeting. A dull pain started somewhere in the region of her heart.

She stood up abruptly, ‘I think I will go up and start packing.’

‘I’ll come with you.’ Payal said trying to get up.

‘No, stay here and enjoy the fresh air.’

‘I will also stay here for some more time,’ Anjali said, ‘I am sure my future bhabhi would like to know more about her future husband, don’t you Payal?’

Khushi was surprized at the way Anjali had taken to Payal. It seemed too good to be true. Was Anjali really genuine about her affections?Maybe she was being unnecessarily paranoid thought Khushi as she went towards her room.

**

Arnav sat in the office thinking about the day’s events, the sound of Khushi’s slap kept resonating in his ears. He remembered the last time he had been slapped --- by his mother.

You think a man’s inheritance should be handed to him on a plate? He had asked Khushi.

There was a time he had thought just that. It was seven long years but Arnav remembered the day as if it was yesterday.

He had arrived at the Haveli after completing two years of MBA from Harvard Business School. Before that he had stopped by in Delhi and spent a week catching up with his friends. His parents had been overjoyed and had welcomed him and his American friend Jenny with warmth --- until his dad found out that he intended to go back to the states to pursue a career in investment banking.

‘Dad, Mom I have a job offer in Bank of America.’ He announced proudly.

‘Who will run our business here?’ His dad had asked him shocked at his announcement.

‘You should sell that factory to the first good offer,’ he had countered carelessly.

‘Sell the factory your grandfather started with so much pride?’ he had asked him, his face red with anger.

‘It’s time to move on dad. The machines in the factory are as old as grandpa. The factory is running at a loss and we don’t have enough money for a rehaul.’

‘That is exactly why I sent you to America for higher studies,’ he said. ‘So you could come back here and turn things around.’

‘But dad,’ Arnav tried to reason with his father, ‘I didn’t really have to do an MBA to run this old beaten down factory. My MBA is in finance. I want to be an investment banker.’ He paused, ‘In fact, I want to settle down there. You and mom could come and stay with me.’

‘Oh my God!’ his mother had exclaimed, ‘Are you going to marry that white girl you brought along with you?’

‘Mom, Jenny is just my girlfriend. I am just twenty two years old. I am not even thinking about marriage right now. I want to concentrate on my career.’

‘After all that we did for you, gave you all the luxury in the world, educated you in the best schools in Delhi, sent you abroad for your MBA, is this how you repay us?’ his dad had yelled at him.

‘Dad, this is not fair. When you give birth to children it becomes your duty to take care of them. You provided us with everything you thought we needed. But have you ever asked us what we want?’

‘Stop it Chotte!’ his mother had tried to warn him.

 ‘You have taken a huge loan for Di’s dowry. Have you ever asked her if she was really interested in this match? She wanted to study further, but you wouldn’t let her. Why don’t you ask yourself if you have done the right things before you ask me anything further?’

His mother had come up to him and slapped him hard across the cheeks.

His father had quietly left the room after this. ‘Never ever talk to your father like that again!’ she had told him. ‘You want to go, just go. We don’t need you.’ She had walked out of the room in tears.

Anjaliwho was a silent spectator during this tirade, walked up to him and took his trembling form into her arms and had cried her heart out. They had no idea that there was more heartbreak in store for them. That afternoon, his parents along with their uncle had left for Jaipur to attend a wedding. They had left for Delhi right after the wedding and had been killed in the road accident on the Jaipur-Delhi highway.

After the accident, he had been left with an entire family to take care of ----  his Di, Akash, mami andnani. He had rejected the plum job in the States to stay back here in India.Because of the huge loans his father had incurred they were forced to leave the haveli and shift to Delhi.

He had started AR industries. After one year of sheer hard work, he had managed to earn enough profit to get the factory going. After that, he kept rising. He had never stopped. His parents would have been proud of him today. But they would never know it would they?

That was when his war with God had begun. Why had He taken them away without giving him a chance to apologize for the way he had spoken to them? Why had He left him here to live with this guilt all his life?

He had been trying since then to be everything that his dad would have wanted him to be – responsible. Images of Khushi slapping him flashed unbidden in his mind. His eyes filled with rage. No, he could never let anything go wrong in Akash’s life. It was his duty and responsibility. He wouldn’t let anything or anyone come in the way.F#$*! He took the small crystal clock on his desk and threw in on the floor smashing it to smithereens.

**

When Khushi stepped into the room, it was dark as the curtains had been drawnto keep the room cool. Khushi couldn’t believe they were going to be leaving this room so soon. Had they just arrived the previous morning? It seemed longer for some reason. Was it because ofhim?

Suddenly, the image of Arnav Singh Raizada rose unbidden in her mind. The memory of the way he had brushed that exotic flower on her skin, made her close her eyesand heat enveloped her from head to toe. It felt so real that he might have been there standing in that small room next to her. So near that she had only to turn to touch him – to feel the warmth of his skin under her hand…..

She felt her whole body clench in a sudden shock of sheer yearning, and stopped, shocked at herself. What was wrong with her? How could she let her thoughts stray in directions that were strictly forbidden?

Just remember Khushi, she admonished herself savagely, you are not alone. Ria Chopra was probably indulging in the same fantasies at this exact moment --- and probably a hoard of those women he had claimed to have seen half naked, in his fashion house. 

No wonder the man had a reputation. Raizadakiaurat…..she remembered the sniggering comments she had heard from the hotel staff. It should be in plural she thought with contempt, marching into the bathroom. She needed to cool off and the outside heat was only part of the reason, she thought as she let the cool water wash over her body.

She felt refreshed and more in control of her senses when she stepped out of the bathroom. She had changed into a thin faded pink kurti, her hair hanging damply down her waist.

The rap on the bedroom door startled her. Payal was back sooner that she’d expected. She opened the door with a smile.

But the smile died on her lips when she saw who was standing there.

It was Guman. The way he leered at her told her that he was going to be trouble.

She said curtly, ‘What do you want?’

‘I came to see you madam.’ He peeked into the room. ‘You are alone?’

‘Come back later,’ she tried to push the door shut, but he was too quick for her, shouldering his way into the room.

‘What happened madam?’ he sneered at her. ‘You were very friendly yesterday when you wanted information about Raizada. Now that he is taking you to his haveli, you are trying to act very pricey.’

‘How dare you?’ Khushi’s eyes widened with shock.

The sneer turned uglier as he looked at her expression, ‘You think I don’t know what that means?’ His voice became insinuating. ‘You should thank me for telling you how to find him.’

‘You’ve already been thanked.’ Khushi tried not to show how frightened she was. ‘Now get out before I shout for help.’

‘No one here cares.’ He laughed. ‘They know what you are. One of the numerous women who warm Raizada’s bed.’ He took a step nearer, his dark eyes lecherous as he looked at her quivering form. ‘Who would know if I also tasted the honey that Raizada has chosen for himself?’

‘I would know.’ Arnav’sicy voice came from the doorway behind them.

‘Raizadasahab.’Guman turned around startled. The waiter’s face paled visibly. ‘I….I was just joking ….’

Before the man could finish the sentence Arnavhad strode up to him, caught him by the collar and slapped him hard across the cheeks, twice. He dragged him to the door, ‘Listen carefully you good for nothing scum bag,’ he said his voice pure menace,‘If I ever catch you even looking at her again, I will peel the hide off your back.’ He banged the door shut.

‘No..Nothing happened,’ Khushi stuttered shocked at what she had just witnessed. She had never witnessed violence up close.

‘And that is no thanks to you.’ He looked her over, his brows snapping together angrily. ‘Are you mad to let a man like that enter your room when dressed like that? Where is your dupatta, dammit?’ Khushi realized when she looked in the mirror that her wet hair had dripped water onto her kurti creating wet spots. She turned red as she hurriedly snatched her dupatta and covered herself.

‘I thought it was Payal at the door or I would never have opened it. He said such hateful things…..’ She halted, aware that she was blushing. ‘He…..’

‘I heard him.’ He was silent for a moment.

‘Why are you here?

His mouth twisted. ‘I don’t know,’ he said his voice husky.‘I was driving past the hotel and I ---- it was almost as if I heard …..’ He looked at her, his eyes glinting with awareness.

Khushi remembered with horror how she’d conjured up his image, here in this room and her dhakdhak began slowly.

He continued, ‘So I came back  --- to tell you that it might not be safe to stay here tonight.Pack your bags and be ready in fifteen minutes. I will take you home ……I mean to the guest house.’

‘I will have to go and get Payal. She is out in the garden.’ Khushi said in a low voice.

He frowned again, ‘I will have Chauhan go and find her. Pack fast and don’t be stupid and open the door to strangers again.’

Khushi drew a deep breath. She had enough of men for the day, ‘Don’t call me stupid. It’s all your fault in the first place. If you hadn’t mauled me in front of the entire hotel yesterday we would still be staying here. Instead we are moving into your house and people are bound to draw the obvious conclusion.’

‘I have never cared about what people think,’ he said tersely.

‘But I do,’ she glared at him. ‘Especially when I know I am going to be regarded as just another in a long line of --- willing women,’ she added bitterly.

Arnav took a swift harsh breath, his brown eyes glimmering with a barely controlled temper. ‘Then just accept my offer.’

‘Never.’ She said her voice loud and clear. He left, banging the door shut behind him.

Khushi sat down on the bed and finally gave in to the tears that had been threatening to drop for a long time. RaizadakiAurat …that is what they would all think ---- all say as she left. It was a label which would haunt her until she left Bikaner, maybe even afterward.

But was it only her reputation that would haunt her, she wondered, as a sharp pain began in the region of her heart.

Desert Rose – Chapter 8

IT was late afternoon when they arrived at the guest house. No one talked during the journey. Khushi, had tried to keep her eyes trained on the scenery, which was nothing but miles and miles of hot burning sand. At a first glance it looked like one of the most inhospitable landscapes on earth. Just like the man sitting next to her, thought Khushi. Payal was also her usual quiet self.

She had been the same when she had been introduced to Arnav. The meeting had been uncomfortable from both sides. Arnav had maintained a formality and Payal had been a little intimidated by his formidable demeanour.

The route seemed very familiar to the one she had taken to the Haveli for the most part until they had taken a deviation. The area looked so remote that Khushi wondered if this was a deliberate attempt to put them in a hidden, inaccessible place easily forgotten until their money ran out and they were forced to leave.

Hey Devi Maiyya, the money! Khushi hit her forehead with her palm. In her scramble to get ready fast, she had forgotten to get the refund from Bhairav Chauhan.

‘What?’ Arnav asked her.

‘Nothing.’ She shook her head. No way was she going to tell him about it. If he knew that every pie counted, then he would use it to his advantage.

The Jeep swung off the road, and began to wind its way down a narrow track. It then turned a corner, and there in front of them was the guest house. It was a two-storey white house with Georgian windows, a sloping roof coming all the way down to the first floor, complete with a white picket fence. Anjali stood in the garden filled with desert rose plants and various varieties of colourful cactus flowering plants. She welcomed the two girls with enthusiasm ----much to the consternation of Arnav. He picked up the bags from the Jeep and dumped them on the ground.

‘I will be going back to the haveli Di. I will see you at dinner.’ He reversed the Jeep and drove away at full speed, tyres kicking up some dust.

‘Welcome Payal…..Khushiji!’ exclaimed Anjali. ‘This is Lakshmi.’ she said turning toward the young woman who had just joined them. ‘She is HariPrakash’s wife and she will take care of you when you are here.’

Lakshmi was a pretty young woman with a round face and mischievous smile. She wore a navy blue mirror work lehenga choli with beautiful embroidery. ‘Namaste didi,’ she greeted both the girls. ‘I will take your bags. Please leave them there.’

Khushi and Payal followed Anjali into the house. The house opened into a small foyer, with a dining area and a kitchen on the right. On the left was the living area. The decor in the house was a complete contrast to the haveli. The marble on the floor was beige speckled with brown and gold, matching the beige paint on the walls. The upholstery on the sofa was a combination of beige and green, with brownish-green embroidered design on the cushions.  The silk curtains were bronze with patterns of green leaves weaved into it.The dark coloured furniture, though not traditional still had an elegant and classical look. The chandeliers and light fixtures were made of antique gold and were simpler and less intimidating than the ones in the haveli. The kitchen was modular with the cabinets made of solid wood in walnut brown.

‘This house is a replica of the house Chotte had planned to buy in America after he had completed his MBA.’ Anjali explained at Khushi and Payal’s wide-eyed perusal of the house. ‘He had this house built five years ago and had the entire furniture shipped from the States.’

Anjali showed them to a room which was in the one corner of the house. It was a bright room, painted in yellow with large windows on one side. The room had a queen bed in the middle with bright floral prints on the bedding.The furniture in the room was rose wood which was in stark contrast to the wall colour adding beauty to the room. The painting of a mountainous landscape adorned the wall behind the head board making the room look like a page from the Home Décor magazine.

‘I think this room will be good for Payal,’ suggested Anjali as Payal sat on the bed and looked around dazedly.

‘This room will be good for both of us Anjaliji.’ Khushi said looking around equally dazed.

‘No Khushiji, your room has been prepared upstairs,’ explained Anjali.‘Come on. Payal looks like she could do with some rest.’

They went up the stairs and walked through an open sitting area to the bedroom.As she stepped into the room, Khushi stood completely stunned. A four poster king bed dominated the centre of the large room. The comforter was embroidered with red and gold silk threads with several silk throw pillows in the same colours arranged neatly on it. Everything from silk curtains to the dark mahagony furniture to the persian carpets reeked of sensuality. This large room decorated in rich red and gold was clearly the master bedroom – a room probably shared by Arnav Singh Raizada and his ex-fiancée.

‘I….I couldn’t possibly stay in this room Anjaliji.’ Khushi said slowly. ‘Is there a smaller room I can take?’

‘Sorry Khushiji. The other room on this floor has been used for storage.’ Anjali explained. ‘Chotte brings a lot of items when he travels but hardly uses them. They just get dumped into that room. I don’t even dare look into that room. I am just going to leave that headache to his future wife.’

‘But ___’

‘Stop fussing now Khushiji,’ said Anjali. ‘Now come take a look at the balcony.’

Khushi walked through the French doors to the balcony terrace. There was more bogunvillae creepers and other exotic flowers growing in pots.

‘What is that building?’ she asked pointing to a single story glass structure with a sloping roof at the edge of the back yard.

‘Oh, that’s a greenhouse Khushiji.’ Anjali explained. ‘Chotte had this built a few years ago in the memory of my mother. She was from Nainital and just loved plants like crazy. But when she came here after her marriage she was disappointed that there was hardly any greenery here. My father tried his best to grow plants here for her sake. But they just wouldn’t grow in these weather conditions.

‘When Chotte was in America, he learnt a lot about how plants can be grown artificially in a green house. He had this built along with this house. Unfortunately, my mother isn’t alive to see it. She would have loved it.’

Anjali fell silent and Khushi understood the feeling of loss too well. ‘Is that the Haveli I see there, Anjaliji?’ she asked her trying to distract her.

‘Yes,’ said Anjali coming out of her melancholy mood, ‘Beyond the green house, there is a rough beaten down path that leads to the Haveli. Though it is a walkable distance, I wouldn’t recommend it. We have rattle snakes here.

‘Alright Khushiji, I will leave now and arrange for dinner to be sent over to you.’ she said as she walked back into the bedroom.

Khushi saw her off and came back into the house still feeling completely dazed. So Arnav Singh Raizada had built all this in the memory of a world he had left behind.

Arnav had to take responsibility of his family and business at a very young age.

Achieving so much in such a short period of time was definitely a commendable quality thought Khushi. But he wanted to control two young lives -----a small triviality he wanted to dispose off by signing a contract.

That was something she should remember ---- foremost to keep the fire of anger and resentment against him burning. She couldn’t afford any more weaknesses where he was concerned. No more aching yearning to feel his hands weaving a web of delight on her skin.

The kind of spell he knew so well how to weave. The way he probably enthralled other fools.

But not me, she told herself vehemently. Never again.

‘Everything is going to be okay now,’ Payal said cheerfully, munching on her roti and bhindi masala at dinner.

Khushi stared at her. ‘I wish I could feel as confident as youjiji,’ she said wearily. ‘Akashji’s amnesia has made matters very complicated.’

Payal shook her head. ‘I don’t think so,’ she said firmly. ‘Di says we must just be patient for a while ---- just wait for the right time.’

‘Really?’Khushi asked sardonically. ‘I don’t know how she is planning to do all this.’

‘She is not going to do this all by herself of course,’ Payal said serenely. ‘Dr Solanki --- Manavji will help her.’

‘Oh jiji you have no idea, have you?’ Khushi asked faintly. ‘Dr Manav is very close to Arnavji.’

‘It is you who doesn’t know Khushi,’ Payal told her confidently. ‘Dr Manav is Di’s childhood friend. They both studied school together. ‘

Poor Dr Manav, thought Khushi. He was going to be sandwiched between his childhood friend and his benefactor Arnav Singh Raizada.

Payal went on. ‘After high school, Dr Manav went away to Manipal University to study medicine and returned to Raisar four years ago.’

‘She told you all this today?’ Khushi asked, frowning.

Payal nodded.

‘I don’t like the sound of this jiji.’ Khushi shook her head. ‘What if something goes wrong?’

‘Don’t forget that we have Akash to protect us Khushi,’ Payal said gently, her eyes shining.  ‘Everything is going to be fine. I know it.’

Khushi could find nothing to say in the face of such sincere and passionate conviction.

Later, alone in her room, Khushi looked around her room in dismay. Her plan to swap rooms with Payal was foiled first by Lakshmi who had unpacked for her and put all her things in the wardrobe.

Then Payal had disclosed that she could see the lights of the Haveli from her bedroom window, which made her feel that Akash was close to her.

Khushi realized that she couldn’t say anything further after this. She would have to bear it.

She stepped into the bathroom to change her clothes for the night and let out a low shriek. The walls of the bathroom were made of glass and she could see the entire bedroom from there. She scurried out of the bathroom appalled. Then she was relieved when she saw that a curtain had been provided from the outside. She drew the curtains shut over the glass and went back into the bathroom.

She wondered why would anyone would build a bathroom with glass walls and then blushed when the realization hit her.

She came out of the bathroom and looked for a place to put away her jewellery. The nightstand drawer seemed to be the ideal place for it. But when she tried to open it, it wouldn’t budge.She realized that something bulky had got wedged and she used her comb to free the obstruction and open the drawer.

Khushi found herself holding an ornate silver photo frame studded with crystals. It was the picture of a beautiful woman, with flawless dusky skin, sparkly eyes and a mischievous smile framed by dark hair that fell in waves around her shoulders.

She looked strangely familiar thought Khushi just asher eyes fell on the writing across the bottom of the photo.

‘To Arnav, With Love, Lavanya.’

Khushi drew a sharp breath. Of course she thought. It was Lavanya Kashyap, the model turned actress. She’d been a super model who had blazed across Bollywood in a brief career of a couple of movies, of which she had been sacked from one due to unprofessional conduct. After that she had not made any more movies and a few years later, according to papers she had read at the time, she had died of a drug overdose in a hotel in Delhi.

She sat down on the edge of the bed.  This was Arnav Singh Raizada’s fiancée she thought faintly. Is this why he was dead against a love marriage for Akash?  Because his relationship had ended badly?

Lavanya Kashyap had died alone. In fact, Khushi recalled the day four years ago, going into work to find Siya, her employer Mrs Malhotra’s daughter, crying. She was a professional photographer and a friend of Lavanya Kashyap. She had mentioned that Lavanya had been quite unhappy in her life.

What had happened between the two? Had Lavanya Kashyap loved so deeply that she had been burned in its fire?

The thought struck her like a blow from a clenched fist. What had driven such beauty and talent to destruction like this?

Hands shaking, Khushi put the frame down beside her bed. She would keep it there, she thought, shivering, as a timely reminder --- a warning.

She felt suddenly cold. ‘Hey Devi Maiyya,’ she whispered. ‘He could destroy me too – so very easily.’

The white horse galloped toward her in the twilight. It came to a stop a few feet from her and the rider alighted in one swift motion. As he began to stride toward her, the skies began to darken throwing him in shadows. He came up to her, pulled her flush against himself and bent down to touch his lips to her.His eyes…..the colour of molten chocolate.She felt like she was drowning in their depths.  A lightning struck and his face was illuminated for brief seconds…….

Khushi sat up in the bed, clutching her heart which was beating erratically….dhak-dhak. She had been dreaming about ………not him! Laad Governor!

She drew an angry breath kicking away the imprisoning tangle of sheet from her over heated body. What was happening to her? How could she possibly feel these things about a man who was still virtually a stranger, and almost certainly an enemy?

‘I should never have come here.’ She whispered into the darkness. She sat up, pushing her hair back from her face and switched on the bedside lamp, to check the time. It was 5.30 AM. She went up to the French doors, drew the curtains open and stepped out into the balcony.

She had tossed and turned the entire night as sleep eluded her on this big wide bed. Finally, she had dozed into a slumber only to be woken up by the horrid dream.

The sun was just beginning to rise in the far horizon throwing the entire landscape into hues of grey and light orange. Khushi gasped at the beauty of the scene in front of her. When she looked down she found narrow stone steps that would take her to the ground floor. A good morning walk was exactly what she needed to clear her head she thought.

As Khushi began to walk, she found herself in front of the green house. She stepped inside and her breath caught in her throat. The inside looked like a miniature forest with lush green plants. She walked through the aisle in awe and she found exotic flowering plants of different varieties. She stood in front of a miniature desert rose plant.  It was a sight to behold.  It had clusters of gorgeous pink flowers that grew at the tips of the stems, widening into a swollen base. Khushi brushed her fingers along the stem to feel its roughness.

‘That is where it stores the water.’ Arnav Sigh Raizada’s husky voice whispered into her ear from behind her.

Khushi snatched her hand away and jumped up as if she had committed some sacrilege by touching the exotic plant. ‘You scared me!’ she exclaimed loudly, ‘What are you doing here?’

Arnav looked at Khushi fidgeting as she unnecessarily adjusted the dupatta on her neck. It doesn’t take much to get her all fluttery like this he thought. It was still a little dark inside the green house as the glass only let in diffused sun light and there was not much of it right now. Her hair was plaited and fell down her shoulder like a rope.She wore a snug fitting short white kurti with patiala bottom.There was something different in the way she looked.

‘This is my greenhouse Khushi,’ he raised an eye brow arrogantly. ‘I think I have every right to be here.’

‘I couldn’t sleep so I just thought about going for a walk and then I just came in here.’ She said in a rush.

‘I wouldn’t recommend venturing beyond though. It is not safe.’ He rasped.

‘Oh I’ve got the picture Mr Raizada.’ Khushi glared at him. ‘We have to stay locked up in the guest house at all times.’

‘You are not prisoners,’ he said causally. ‘You are free to leave whenever you like.’

‘But on whose terms?’ Khushi looked him square in the eyes.

He smirked. ‘Oh, I am pretty sure you have the picture.’ He paused. ‘You should at least listen to my offer, Khushi. It is pretty generous.’

Khushi shook her head. ‘No deal.’

‘That can’t be your final decision.’ Arnav’s voice was silky. ‘Here you will have the time and tranquillity to think carefully. And when you are ready to talk, just let me know.’

‘You will have to wait a long time,’ she said tersely.

‘I have all the time in the world Khushi,’ He paused, ‘but the question is, do you?’ He stared into her eyes for a few seconds.

‘Bhairav returned the money you had paid him for the booking. Lakshmi will bring it over to you later. This will buy you some more time if you plan to continue this battle with me.’

‘That’s alright. You don’t have to send it. Keep it as rent.’

The molten brown eyes flashed, ‘I don’t have the habit of taking rent from my guests.’

‘But I’d prefer to pay you for our stay,’ said Khushi stubbornly, ‘You can’t pretend we are welcome here.’

‘Maybe not, but this is a good opportunity to settle matters between us before you go home.’

She took a breath, ‘You are really so sure you will win?’ she said bitterly.

‘Oh yes.’ His voice was soft. ‘One way or the other.’

His glance seemed to touch her, lingering on her mouth, then sweeping down to the swell of her breasts. Khushi’s heart began beating its erratic pattern.

‘I must get back, I am expecting a call from Delhi.’ Arnav said hoarsely.

‘To discuss about upcoming events I suppose.’ Some demon prompted her to say.

His mouth twisted as realization hit him. ‘Ah, Di has been busy,’ he commented with a touch of grimness. ‘But I don’t think it is any of your business.’ He paused. ‘Think about what I have said, and remember I am prepared to reopen negotiations any time.’

‘I’ll negotiate,’ she said steadily. ‘But only on condition that you let Payal see Akash. Can’t you see that she might be able to jog his memory? Isn’t it at least worth trying? He could be restored to the way he used to be with no blank spots in his mind.’

His face hardened. ‘Akash will recover in time. And if there are blanks -----‘ he shrugged ‘---I think he would be better off forgetting his interlude with your sister.’

‘Why are you like this?’ Khushi’s voice shook. She took a deep breath. ‘Just because your relationship ended in a tragedy ---- that someone so lovely, with so much going for her ----‘ her voice faltered a little ‘--- should be simply wiped out-----,you can’t do this to them. Payal and Akash are still entitled to their own lives, whatever the cost.’

Arnav Singh Raizada had gone very still, his tall figure suddenly menacing in the dim morning light.

‘What the f@#$!’ he swore quietly.

She continued her fierce tirade. ‘It’s not like you are still grieving over it anyway, with RiaChopras of the world running all the way from Delhi to “meet” with you!’

‘You are flattering me too much.’ The chocolate eyes glittered at her.

‘No,’ she said. ‘I am sure there is an entire fashion house full of girls ready to jump at your every command!’

‘Except for you I suppose.’ The smile that twisted the firm, sensual mouth was not a pleasant one.

‘Absolutely, but what I am trying to say is ____’ Khushi stopped as Arnav strode up to her. Alarmed Khushi took an involuntary step backward, and he smirked.

‘Scared, Khushi Kumari Gupta? You should be. You have a bloody nerve, standing on my property preaching to me about my morals, when you yourself expose yourself in front of thousands. What a two-faced little ____!’

‘Attack is the best form of self defence, they say.’ Khushi said her voice thumping violently. ‘What’s the matter? Are you feeling so guilty that you are resorting to false allegations and name calling now?’

‘No,’ he said grimly. ‘It’s just old-fashioned temper combined with something you probably don’t want to know about.’

He grabbed her shoulders in a painful grip and said with soft clarity, ‘Let’s see how secure that pedestal of yours actually is.’

She realized what he meant to do, and aimed a blow at him with her clenched fist.

‘Not again! ’ He avoided it easily, jerking his head to one side, and the next moment both her arms were pinioned behind her back, his hand clamped like a vice round her wrists. His other hand fastened in her hair, not gently, forcing her to be still as his mouth came down on hers.

She shuddered weakly, closing her eyes, bracing herself against the first bruising onslaught. Only it did not come. Instead his lips closed on hers with bewildering gentleness, exploring their softness with warm sensuousness.

She stood passively enduring the featherlight kisses pressed to the corners of her mouth, the delicate grazing of his teeth against the soft fullness of her lower lip.

She was desperately and shamingly aware that her breathing was changing, quickening as the long deliberate caress went on, and she tried to pull away. Immediately his grasp tightened in her hair, and with a little choked gasp of pain, she was forced to submit.

The pressure of his mouth against hers was subtly more insistent now, his tongue stroking teasingly along the contour of her lips, silently coxing her to part them, and allow him a deeper, more passionate intimacy, and she felt her whole body shiver as she fought its traitorous urging to let him have his way.

She couldn’t believe what was happening to her. She was being deliberately punished, and she knew it, yet deep within her, a soft, sweet trembling was beginning to take control, compelling her to move towards his so that their bodies touched as well as their mouths, prompting a first bewildered response to his kisses.

A little aching sigh escaped her, as her lips parted, yielding him the sensual dominance he sought.

But the mere fact of his victory seemed to be enough. Arnav lifted his head and put her away from him, his smile slow and contemptuous as he looked down at her.

‘No,’ he said softly, ‘you are not blessed with any special immunity, sweetheart.’

‘Let go of me!’ Her voice cracked on the words.

‘You are free Khushi Kumari Gupta.’ He stepped back, raising his hand ostentatiously, his dark face sardonic. ‘And would you please clarify if this is a false allegation?’

He showed her an image on his phone. It was a picture of her modelling a designer blouse for the boutique.

‘These were not supposed to be exposed to public viewing.’ Khushi said quietly, her eyes filled with tears. The model hadn’t turned up that day and Mrs Malhotra had begged Khushi to help her out. She had told her those were being made for a physical catalogue exclusively for the clients. ‘Where did you find them?’

‘In the catalogue section of their website,’ He absorbed, with irony, the stricken look on her face. ‘When you realize finally that you don’t make conditions you will be free to concentrate solely on the terms of our eventual bargain. There is no other alternative, I promise you.

‘And now go back to bed.’ The molten chocolate eyes glittered at her. ‘Sleep well  ----if you can.’

He inclined his head to her almost formally, and was gone, his parting words smarting like a whip lash across her consciousness.

Desert Rose – Chapter 9

HER first kiss, Khushi thought as she sat on the stool of the dressing table looking into the mirror.

She had run all the way from the green house, rushed up the steps up to the balcony terrace and into the sanctuary of her bedroom. Her heart was still pounding wildly in her breast and she held one hand on it, trying to stem its velocity. Her other hand crept up to her mouth, feeling the contours of her swollen lips. She groaned inwardly, as hot colour surged in her face and she unwillingly recalled those few moments she had spent in his arms.

She knew that she had been subjected to the sexual expertise of Arnav Singh Raizada who had been totally in control the entire time. God only knew what might have happened if he had not decided to call a halt.

It should have been me, she accused herself miserably. But she had been paralysed into inaction, as bewildering sensations had assailed her body for the very first time in her life. And at the end, she had been very far from passive, she remembered with shame.

And she had achieved nothing, except to reveal herself as the worst kind of naïve fool, and to tell herself that she was trying to protect Payal, wasn’t the slightest comfort.

From now on, she resolved, she would keep her distance and avoid provoking him the way she had. She would have to develop extreme patience while dealing with him. Otherwise, she would be solely responsible for ruining Payal’s future with Akash. And probably her own, a small voice told her.

Arnav sat in his study, looking at the pictures of Khushi on his lap top. Each picture was a head- to-hip length shot, showcasing the back design of the blouse. The photographer had a done a fantastic job. Only a side profile of her face was visible in each of the pictures, her eyes at half mast, looking down demurely. Her hair was tied up in a sophisticated style covering her forehead down her cheek, going around her ears and then disappearing around her front.

There was one particular short sleeved blouse in pink brocade silk with a thin gold border, in which she was absolutely stunning. The back seemed almost completely open, held together with intricately doris at the top and bottom. The intricately designed tassles of the top dori sat perfectly at the centre of her shoulder blades and the tassles of the bottom dori aligned with her spine in the centre of her tiny waist. But it wasn’t the beautifully designed blouse that stood out. It was the aura around her.

Her long neck curved into gently rounded shoulders,tapering down to her tiny waist.  Her slim, delicate arms lay gently on her sides. Her skin looked smooth and creamy like butter. She was utterly sensuous.

No one else would be seeing these pictures again.He had made sure of that. His closed his eyes as images of Khushi’s stricken face flashed before him. His thoughts went back to the phone conversation he had with Mrs Malhotra, Khushi’s boss at the boutique.

‘You will take those pictures off your website right now.’

‘But Mr Raizada ____’

‘Would you like a defamation suit slapped on you by my lawyers?’

‘Of course not Mr Raizada, we will have those pictures taken off the web site.’

‘A person from my office will come by later to pick up all the catalogues you have in your boutique.’

‘But Khushi did agree…..’

‘He will also compensate you for your loss.’

‘Oh…..that’s very kind of you sir.’

‘Everything in this world comes with a price Mrs Malhotra.Kindness has nothing to do with it.’

It had been just three days since he had laid eyes on her and now he just couldn’t even go to the gym without thinking about her. What was it about her that affected him so much? He shut the lap top in frustration. This wouldn’t do. It just wouldn’t do.

Khushi sat in her room dressing herself after a refreshing shower. She tied up her hair in her usual bun and put on her glasses. As she came down the stairs she heard excited voices coming from Payal’s room. It looked like Anjali was here on her daily visit.

It was amazing how Anjali and Payal had grown so close so fast. Her initial misgivings about the woman changed as her visits began to work wonders for Payal who looked better each day. Hearing about Akash from Anjali seemed to keep her in best of her spirits.

Three days had passed since that devastating encounter with Arnav and the scene in the green house kept playing over and over again in Khushi’s mind.

Why had she attacked him about his personal life like that? Temporary insanity, she decided. That was the only plausible explanation for the way she had behaved. What had she been trying to accomplish? she asked herself in despair. Some sort of appeal to Arnav Singh Raizada’s finer feelings? Some hopes, she thought with bitter irony. He was a tough ruthless millionaire at the top of his business. He had no need to bother with those kindo f refinements, as his behaviour towards herself had clearly shown.The Laad Governor!

‘Khushiji, you made tea for us ---- how wonderful!’ exclaimed Anjali breaking into Khushi’s thoughts as she came into the kitchen, ‘I still don’t know why you insist on cooking when we can have food sent over for you both.’

‘There is nothing to do here Anjaliji and cooking makes Payal and me feel we are at home here.’ Khushi explained. Couple of days ago she had requested Lakshmi to bring her some provisions and grocery so that she would be able to prepare Payal’s favourite food. It was a pleasure to cook with a five burner stove, Khushi admitted to herself. The only problem was she was worried to use the fancy stove and treated it with kid gloves.

‘Let’s go up to your room Khushiji,’ Anjali said, ‘I will get Payal and we could all sit in the balcony.’

In Khushi’s room, Anjali sat in the balcony as Khushi brought the tea to the table. The fragrant smell of the white coloured plumeria assailed them. Those flowering plants grew lush and green in the pots kept on the balcony.

‘Di, you look so different in jeans and t-shirt,’ said Payal as she joined them. Khushi realized that Payal had found Lavanya’s photo. There seemed to be an album attached to it.

‘Oh my God! This old college photo! I didn’t know that Lavanya had this all along!’ Anjali let out a stream of words in excitement.

‘Isn’t that Lavanya Kashyap between you and Arnavji?’ asked Khushi surprized.

‘Yes, Khushiji,’ said Anjali nodding, ‘and next to me is my husband, Shyam. We all studied in the same college. Chotte and Lavanya were in the first year, my husband and I, in the final year. This picture was taken just before we graduated.’

‘So Lavanyaji and Arnavji had been together a very long time.’ Khushi said, her voice hollow, a dull ache starting somewhere in the region of her heart. She stood up quietly and went up to the railing,unconsciously staring at the green house.

‘Well, Chotte had a group of friends in college and Lavanya was in the group,’ said Anjali looking at Khushi.

She began to reminisce. ‘He was a little wild back then. But not in a bad way. In the very first year, he was made captain of the football team and had automatically become the most popular boy. As a result of that, he won the student elections defeating Shyam for the first time in three years. Chotte was very carefree and did not give a damn about anyone --- not even the lecturers or the principal. He bunked classes to go watch English movies in the cinemas or for football practice. In spite of all this, the principal couldn’t say a word to him because he always stood first in class and brought in all the medals for football. But he was great with his friends and always helped them if they were in trouble.’

She paused before continuing, ‘Everyone thought Lavanya and Chotte were a couple but I knew better. At that point of time, all Chotte was interested in was to go to US to pursue his MBA. So, right after graduation he left. I think Lavanya was a little disappointed but she went back to modelling full time, which had begun even while she was studying her bachelors.

‘After Chotte came back, we went through tough times due to our parents’ death and moved to Delhi. I had also lost touch with Shyam after we graduated. A year after we moved to Delhi I got reacquainted with Shyam and he proposed. Lavanya came to our wedding and Chotte got back in touch with her. Her movies had not done well and she wasn’t getting any modelling contracts any more.So, Chotte gave her a job at AR fashions.’
‘Is that when they fell in love with each other?’ asked Payal her face lit up with joy.

‘Uh…they began to date,’she answered smiling at Payal.

‘And then, he must have proposed to her.’ Payal mused.

‘Well, it is never that simple with Chotte,’ she answered amused at Payal’s curiosity. She realized that Khushi was also just as curious though she was trying her best not to show it. She continued, ‘What happened was that, nani caught wind of it and began to create a fuss about it. She was not happy that Lavanya was an ultra-modern girl who knew nothing about our culture and traditions. Chotte had never been the kind to bother about social norms or customs and he and nani started to argue over it which ended with Chotte threatening to leave the house, only to prove his point. Finally,Shyam intervened and reconciled them to a compromise. He convinced nani that Lavanya should come and stay with us so that she understands our customs and traditions.’

‘So that’s when Lavanya came here and stayed in this guest house.’ Khushi said at last.

‘Yes. But after she came here, it became clear to us that she would never really adapt our customs and traditions. Nani didn’t like her very much and even though I tried, Lavanya did not show much interest. She preferred to live here like a guest and kept traveling to Delhi at every opportunity. After couple of months, nani brought up the marriage issue and Chotte refused saying he had never ever agreed to a marriage. Once again there was a fight in the house and even Shyam was unable to help this time.

‘Oh God!’ exclaimed Payal appalled.

‘Then, suddenly a week later Chotte announced their engagement out of the blue. Everyone was surprized by his sudden decision but none of us wanted to rock the boat by asking too many questions. There was a small engagement ceremony where they exchanged rings in front of the family.

‘Very soon, Chotte surprized us again when he announced that they will be marrying two weeks later. We just couldn’t understand all this haste. I tried to talk to him but he told me evasively that everything was alright and that I shouldn’t worry about it.

‘Then just one week before the wedding, she died. It was Chotte who found her ---- in the hotel. It was all over the new papers the next day and it was ugly. They made it look like somehow Chotte was responsible. But, even to this day he refuses to divulge what really happened.

‘After that, Chotte has steered clear of long lasting relationships. I wonder if he will ever come out of what happened and lead a normal life.’

Tears had welled up in Anjali’s eyesand Khushi quickly suggested to Anjali that they should all go downstairs before Payal could ask any more questions.

‘I will quickly freshen myself in the bathroom,’ said Anjali getting up from the chair to go the bathroom.

Just as Khushi was just about to follow Payal out of the room, Anjali’s phone began to ring. Khushi thought it would be better to answer the phone and take a message. She clicked on the answer button.

‘Rani Sahiba?’ said a man’s voice from the other end.

‘I am sorry?’ asked Khushi confused.

‘Anjali?’there was confusion in his voice.

‘Anjaliji is unavailable at the moment,’ Khushi informed him, ‘can I take a message for her?’

The man seemed to hesitate. ‘That’s ok ----- I will call her back.’

‘Ok.’

‘Hold on……may I know who is on the line?’ he asked her.

‘Khushi.’

Khushi.

ShyamManohar Jha felt a shiver go down his spine when the girl on the other end had told him her name. That voice!He was absolutely sure that she was from Lucknow. He could recognize that way of speaking anywhere. And that pure hindi.

Anjaliji abhi vyasth hain….. ..aapka koi sandes ho tohaap hamede sakte hai….

Who was she? He would have to ask Anjali about this when he called her back.

But right now he had another problem to deal with. He looked at the name flashing on his phone and cut it. That bitch was not going to let him go that easily, was she? He was at this beautiful party, amidst beautiful people in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Shyam twirled the drink in his hand. He was here to have a good time with his friends. He wouldn’t let anything or anyone come in the way. He would deal with problems tomorrow.

‘Shyam!’ one of his friends called out to him, ‘what are you doing standing there in a corner --- come over here man. No one is allowed to brood in Bali!’

As he approached them he heard them get into the usual topic with him around. Shyam is married to a bank account ……..

Wish we had a wife who would fund our political campaigns…….

Shyam is a married bachelor……wish we could be so lucky……

Heard the new item in his life is quite feisty…..

Usually he took it as a good sport. But lately, it had started to bug him. This “new item” was being an absolute pain in the neck. He would have to fulfilher wishes and pay her a visit when he got back to Delhi. And then he would explain to her patiently at first. Otherwise there was a saying in hindi ---laaton ke bhoot baton se nahi maante…….

And after that he would go to Raisar and spend some quality time with wifey dear to stop these wagging tongues. It was time for a break ---- lay low.

Khushi couldn’t sleep that night. Her thoughts kept going back to what Anjali had told her about Lavanya and Arnav. What had happened between the two? Mrs Malhotra’s daughter Siya, had told her that Lavanya had been unhappy. Had Arnav’s indifference driven her to take that fatal decision?

But Arnav was going to marry her, wasn’t he? He must have loved her.

This is none of your business Khushi, she admonished herself and got up from her bed. She went up to the French doors of room and stood looking at the green house. The lights were on. Was he there tending to his Desert Rose? Or was it the venus fly trap? Her heart began its erratic dhak-dhak. She clutched at her heart. She had to stop this madness. There was only one way to get her mind off this madness --- off him.

She came down to the kitchen.She took a pan, filled it with water, added sugar and put it on the stove to boil. In a large bowl she took some maida, some lukewarm water, along with other necessary ingredients and mixed them together.

The batter and sugar syrup were ready for making jalebis. She filled the batter into a piping bag and began to squeeze the batter into the hot oil in small circular motions. She began to transfer the fried jalebi into the warm sugar syrup. Soon she took the soaked jalebis out and placed them on a tray.

Just as she had begun to munch on the jalebis she heard familiarly mocking voice. ‘Couldn’t sleep Khushi Kumari Gupta?’

No! She whirled around shocked, her mouth open, the jalebi slipping from her hands. Arnav was standing, just inside the living room window from which he’d obviously snuck into the house.

He was wearing old  faded jeans, a little torn at the knee and a t-shirt in tomato red. The short sleeved t-shirt, showed off his broad shoulders and bulging biceps to perfection. Looked like being a foot ball captain in his college days had paid off. He looked tough, virile, and devastatingly sexy ---- the baazigar of her nightly dreams come alive in front of her.

Remembering the precise natures of those dreams, Khushi found colour mounting in her face and her hand went to her throat, discovering with dismay that she was not wearing her dupatta.

‘You!’ she said unevenly. ‘What are you doing here?’

Khushi looked exactly the way she looked in the green house. Her white kurti was replaced with a pink one and her braid lay on her shoulder. Her hands had crept up to her throat and she stood there with her breasts heaving up and down. Images of her pictures rose unbidden in his head, his body instantly hardening at the memory.

‘Once again Khushi, this is my property,’ he reminded her arrogantly,clenching his fists not wanting to display his inner turmoil.

‘But you never come here,’ she protested, then caught herself. ‘At least …’

‘That is what Di told you,’he supplied. ‘She tends to exaggerate. I come here once in a while to look into the maintenance.’

‘At this hour?’ Khushi looked at the clock.

‘I was in the green house and I saw the light go on in the kitchen.Since it was quite late, I came here to check if everything was alright.’

She bit her lip. ‘Everything is fine. I…..I couldn’t sleep.’

‘No?’ The dark eyes mocked her.

‘No,’ she returned grimly. ‘This is not an easy situation ---- for any of us.’

Arnav shrugged. ‘You can resolve it any time you wish,’ he retorted.

‘You mean --- take the money and go.’ She lifted her chin. ‘Never.’

‘I don’t think that is going to be your final decision,’ he said confidently. ‘I can wait.’

‘It is not my decision to make --- or yours for the matter of fact. Akash and Payal are the people concerned.’

‘Unfortunately such sentimental notions have no place in real life.’ He sounded bored.

‘And what do you know about real life, Mr Raizada, shut up in your ivory tower of power and money?’ Khushi’s voice had and edge. ‘You only have to wish for something and it’s granted --- snap your fingers, and everyone dashes to obey.’

‘And you exclude yourself from this list, I suppose?’ Arnav said his mouth twisted sardonically.

‘Of course. You can’t expect to own the whole world.’

‘I’ve never wanted to.’ His tone hardened. ‘And coming back to sentimental notions, I think that love is an emotion that is highly overrated. People seem to think that it could conquer all barriers. But I know that a collision between two different worlds can lead only to disaster.’ His face was brooding, bitterly introspective, as he looked around him.

‘I know enough to understand that it leads to pain,the kind I would wish on no one ---- least of all my young brother.’

‘But you can’t protect him from experiencing or prevent him from making his own mistakes,’ Khushi protested.

‘So you admit that Akash and your sister would be a mistake.’

‘No,’ she said wearily, ‘I’m trying to say that you and I aren’t qualified to make judgements for them.I know it didn’t work out between you and Lavanya ___’

‘F@#$!’ he swore as he came toward her angrily. ‘You keep bringing her up. Who told you?’

‘I ..I found her photograph, and realized who she was.’ She swallowed not wanting to put Anjali into trouble.

‘What the hell are you talking about?’ His face was thunderous.

Khushi pointed to the photo frame that Payal had left on the side table. ‘It was in the drawer of the nightstand in my room.’

He said harshly, ‘Someone is going to pay for this. I gave clear instructions for everything to be removed. I wanted nothing left here to remind me.’ He looked at her his dark eyes intense, ‘Nothing,’ he repeated slowly.

Her voice shook a little. ‘But you can’t easily forget --- beauty like hers.’

‘You can if you try.’ His mouth was set. He took the backing from the frame, which he tossed contemptuously aside, then ripped the print across, again and again, letting the torn fragments flutter to the floor.

Khushi gave a small distressed cry. ‘How could you do that?’

‘Believe me, it was extremely simple.’ He said his eyes intense as he looked at her.

‘Would you like to try some jalebi?’ she asked him holding out the tray in front of her, trying to diffuse the intensity.

‘What the ___?’ he asked her incredulously.

‘Ja….jalebis …..they help in forgetting troubles.’ Khushi said in a low voice.

‘Is that what you were doing so late in the night?’ he said, ‘trying to forget yours?’

‘It’s a habit.’

‘Thanks for the offer but I can’t have them,’ he said. ‘I am diabetic,’ he added at her questioning look.

‘Hey Devi Maiyya!’ she exclaimed her eyes going wide with disbelief. ‘But, that’s terrible.’

‘Are you feeling bad for me Khushi?’ he asked her huskily, taking a step close to her.

‘No!’ Khushi took a step back shaking her head and then nodding her head it turns. ‘I mean yes. I _’

‘But the doctor has told me that I can have a small taste now and then.’ He said taking another step.

Khushi realized she couldn’t move back any further when her back hit the counter top. She kept her eyes downcast suddenly unable to look up at him.

Arnav placed one finger under her chin and lifted her face up to him. Her quivering lips looked as pink and soft as the desert rose. There was only one other time a long while ago that he had this same thought, the memory still elusive. He bent his head down slowly and licked the glossy syrup, first from the upper lips, and then he took the full lower lip between his lips and began to suck on it.

Khushi clutched at his arms as an electrifying jolt streaked through her body from her mouth to the pit of her stomach. What she had experienced in the green house was mild compared to this, all numbing, sensation. She froze, her eyes screwed up tightly.

‘You might be right,’ he whispered. ‘they might just help in forgetting troubles.’

Khushi opened her eyes wide. Up close, his chocolate brown eyes had little flecks of gold in them and Khushi felt like she was drowning in their depths. She was once again caught in her dream --- one from which she never wanted to emerge.

‘I…’ Khushi began, but the words died in her throat, as suddenly, Arnav dipped his head placed an open mouthed kiss on end of her jaw line. His free hand moved infinitesimally slowly over her breast, feeling the hardening peak with satisfaction as he moved down to the curve of her waist, spanning it before taking her hand to put it on his heart. He continued the wet trail downward to her throat and then slowly moved to the swell of her breasts just above the neckline.

Part of Khushi’s mind wanted desperately to break free, get away, but another, less rational side to her brain seemed to be controlling her body, so instead she found herself doing the opposite, instinctively leaning nearer, the warm scent of Arnav’s body filling her nostrils and drowsy, glowing sensation flooding her vein, drugging her senses so that she couldn’t think straight.

‘Khush,’ he rasped, his voice husky against her throat, as he pressed his body into her softness, ‘I want you. Is it possible?’

And with those words that spoke only of physical need, and no warmer emotion, he sent her dream into a shattering reality.

She was insane, she thought with fear. How could she stand here, in the house he’d once shared with his fiancée --- a girl, whose promise filled life had ended in isolation and despair. Whose torn photograph was scattered at their feet in ultimate rejection. How could she let him touch her like this?

She braced her hands against his chest, pushing him away, her body rigid with panic and denial.

‘What’s wrong?’ he asked her lifting his head

‘Everything,’ Khushi said hoarsely. ‘Let me go. How --- how dare you……?’

‘There was no question of daring, Khushi. You wanted what was happening as much as I did,’ he retorted angrily.

Khushi gasped, mortified colour burning her cheeks. She said unsteadily, ‘I want you to leave.’

‘Are you sure?’ There was deliberate insolence in his voice --- in the look which raked ---stripped her.

‘Don’t overestimate your attraction Mr Raizada.’ Khushi’s eyes flashed at him.

Arnav’s eyes narrowed, but he shrugged as he walked back to toward the window. ‘That is your choice, of course.’ He paused at the window and turned around to look at her.

‘I just want to let you know there is a time limit to the terms I’m prepared to offer. It would be wiser to hurry up and make a decision for the sake of your sister. ‘Let me know when you have made up your mind,’ he said and was gone as quickly as he had come.