Coerced Alliance: Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Khushi had applied to university to do her MBA again as usual.  Before she was in IIT delhi but she had to leave and now Nanihas given her the privilege of attending and she was happy enough. She entered the class and found an empty seat next to a girl. The girl turned around and smiled at her.  Thankfully the professor already knew her so he didn't embarrass her by introducing her again.

20 minutes into the session, a guy sneaked into the class while the professor was writing on the blackboard. He came and sat down next to Khushi as soon as the professor turned around. Khushi stared at him in shock. The class soon ended and the professor walked out. The guy turned around and forwarded his hand.

Heyy...I am NK he said excitedly. By this time his whole gang surrounded him.

Hi I am Khushi...she replied enthusiastically.

NK you are late once again! Lavanya chided! Oh hi Khushi...I am Lavanya! But you can call me La! You are new here right! she said excitedly.

Yeah...I just joined today! Khushi said.

Cool said Lavanya. Let me introduce you to everyone. He is arjun, and that's NK and thats Riya. 

Yeah...said Khushi.

Cool...ab college toh khatam ho gayi hain! So let's go and enjoy! Said NK.

Yaahh...aur woh project ka kya hoga? Replied Riya sarcastically.

Kuch Nahi...we will do it later...lets grab a cup of tea..said Arjun.

Yep...you and your cutting chai...! said Riya. 

Khushi you come too! Said Lavanya.

Okay...challo why not...par main Nani ko phone kardeti hun...so she will not be worried. Said Khushi happily.

(yeah why not...lets go but I will phone nani...so she will not be worried)

It was her first outing with anyone in delhi and she wanted to enjoy it. All of them went to a cafe to enjoy. Riya and Khushi hit it off instantly even became good friends with NK. Arjun was a quite a nice guy but mysterious. Everyone had finished their beverages and was now ready to go home.

-

Arnav on the other hand had just reached office . The siren went off so everyone was just trying to organise themselves so they wouldn't be shouted at by MK. That's what everyone called him, no had dared to call him by his real name apart from Nanima. As soon as he entered the building he saw everyone stand up immediately and wish him but he didn't even give a damn, but before he entered in his cabin he said.

Aman come to my cabin now with the NY deal account files he said arrogantly before entering his cabin.

Aman stood there in shock for a few more seconds before moving, as if to register what he had just said. This was not a good day for anyone. Both were scared to go inside and face the wrath of their boss. 

After 5 minutes Aman make their way in his cabin carefully with the files and stood quietly by his desk. After a few minutes Arnav looked up and was speaking to them directly.

Aman...I am not here for 5 days and I see the deadlines are not being met? What is this? Do you want me to baby sit you guys? In the next 2 days...everything should be finalised otherwise whoever is responsible for the incomplete work will get fired immediately. Understood?

Yes sir...replied Aman confidently. Aman was a quiet man and the right hand man of ASR. He always managed to handle the office well in ASR's absence but this was a crucial time of the year. The Winter fashion shoot was in two months.

Good...now with the account files. I want this file complete and the quote ready. Aman I want a list of all the models that will be part of the Winter fashion shoot and I also want the relevant materials ready. Also speak to the photographer and arrange a time for him to meet me.

Okay siirrr...replied Adi.

Arnav then looked at his secretary who stood there with her mouth open.

Is there anything that you would like to discuss? He said calmly.

No sir...replied the secretary.

THEN GET OUT! He shouted. The echo of his voice could be heard to the whole floor. The secretary just sprinted to get out of his cabin before he decided to fire them. On the other hand Arnav got busy with work. He didn't even get time for lunch.

-

Khushi on the other hand, got home and greeted Nani straight away.

How was your day bete? Asked Nani.

It was too good...thankyou Nani for letting me pursue my career. I am really thankful. As you know our family is really conservative so they wouldn't let women even educate themselves, to them they think that women should just stay in the house. I am really thankful that you are letting me do this said Khushi, tears were dripping from her eyes as the her emotions were getting out of control.

In return Nani just hugged her and they patted her cheeks.

Aap ko yeh sab bolne ki koi zaroorat nahi hain? Hum aapki Nani hain aur i know what is good for you! I want an educated bahu who can stand on her two feet...understood? said Nani lovingly.

(You don't have to say all this...I am your Nanu and I know what's good for you! ! I want an educated bahu who can stand on her two feet...understood?)

Hmm...I love you Nani! Said Khushi.

Later they all went to have dinner, it was seven o'clock and yet Arnav wasn't home yet Akash was but he loved his wife a lot so was always there to look after his wife. Khushi didn't want to be worried for Arnav but she is his wife legally and her mom always told her to tend to her husband's needs. For some reason her heart was telling her that she should wait for him to come and then eat but her brain contradicted her.

Why are you thinking about him so much? Do you love him? No then...why are you thinking about him? Anyway this marriage doesn't mean anything to him! So why are you even bothering? To him you are not his wife? He doesn't even want to look at you? Why are you so concerned for the one Arnav who has always been accusing you since you met him? Khushi thought.

All these questions were running in her mind but the battle with heart and brain, the heart always wins. So she stood up.

Kya hua Khushi? asked Anjali. Do you want something?

Umm...No Di...actually! I am not hungry, I will eat later said Khushi.

Okay...as you wish! Said Anjali.

Khushi got up from the table and went into his room, no their room, she corrected herself.

It was ten o'clock and everybody had gone to sleep. She slowly went downstairs. She was really hungry and was still waiting for Arnav but he still hadn't arrived yet. She got out all the food and was sitting on the dining table. She felt really tired so fell asleep itself on the dining table.

Arnav returned at 11 o'clock. He was really used to the late nights, he knew everyone would be sleeping. He had a lot of pending work so he stayed at home. He came in and took his tie off when he noticed someone sleeping on the dining table, an angel like figure. Her tresses were disturbing her sleep and was annoying her. He could see that from the funny expressions that she was giving him. He moved closer and tucked her hair behind her ear. No-one had ever waited for him to come home so they could eat together but Khushi had. He gently woke her up...

Khushi...he said but she didn't move an inch. This time he nudged her and she woke up with a jerk.

Woh aap? She instantly stood up. I am sorry...you scared me!

Hmm...what are you doing sleeping on the dining table?

I was waiting for you to come so we could eat together.

Khushi...you don't have to wait for me! I can do this all myself! he said arrogantly. Even though he liked someone caring for him, but the hatred for Khushi was stronger.

Okay...I will get the food ready, she was just about to go when she heard his voice.

I have already eaten he said. She knew he was lying as Nani already told Khushi about his whole routine from what time he wakes up to what time he comes home.

No you haven't she stated.

Excuse me? He raised his eyebrows up. This girl was just too much, she was questioning Arnav Singh Raizada.

Hmm...Nanima told me that you never have lunch in the office! I will get the food warmed up! She said.

This was the first time he was actually at a loss of words, but he liked the way she knew him.

Focus...what are you thinking? That Khushi is messing up your brain! He thought. He went to his room and got freshened up. He came downstairs but saw Khushi digging in the food, he could tell that she was really hungry. Khushi finally looked up.

What you told me not to wait for you! And eat the food...i am sure that you will like it as it's not made by me! She taunted him.

Whatever...he said and just ate silently.

They both left for their room silently. Khushi slept on the couch, even though she was uncomfortable and Arnav was sleeping on the bed. Khushi wanted to tell him about her joining college but then thought of waiting till tomorrow morning.