Chapter Eight

I arrived to work nice and early. I sat at my desk and started my work. I worked away on my Mac when everyone stood up. I stood up as well and saw a guy coming in.

"Good morning Sir," the other's said.

I quickly said good morning as well and the guy nodded once as he walked past.

That's the boss?! But-

"Morning Khushi."

I turned and saw Lavanya. "Morning Lavanya."

"So how was the alliance thing?"

"Good, actually. For once," and we chuckled.

"Oh yeah, wanna come to a party," Lavanya asked.

"Party? What kind of party?"

"Its an annual thing that the company signs on with this other company and a party is thrown. It's just a whole staff thing, that's all."

"Um, how do I dress?"

"Sir prefers western when it comes to these things. But eastern's fine as well. It's on Friday."

"Um... okay. I'll just have to decide on my outfit then."

And then it occurred to me.

"Wait, you said that Sir looks scary, but he didn't seem so scary to me."

"I told you, it's the face. He looks okay, but he has a hot head."

"Really? But he looks so peaceful. And then when he smiled lightly-"

"Whoa what? He smiled?!"

Lavanya's jaw had dropped. She looked like someone had just smacked her across the face out of nowhere.

"You're lying," she said.

"No I'm serious. He smiled lightly and- there he is," I pointed.

Lavanya turned and looked at the man I was pointing at. He was in a light olive colored button down and brown pants and he had glasses.

Lavanya chuckled. "That's not Sir."

"What? But everyone greeted him."

"Well, yeah, I mean yes, that's Sir, but not Sir."

"What do you mean?"

"I should've known you meant him. I mean I was just in Sir's room. That guy you saw in the glasses is Sir's cousin brother, Akash Sir. He had gone away to Bangalore to check on the branch there. His job is to check on the branches and if there's a meeting Sir can't go to, then Akash Sir goes."

"Oh."

"Yeah. And Akash Sir is much nicer. He doesn't have a temper like Sir."

"Yikes."

"Mm hmm. And when Sir gets pissed, well-"

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!"

Everything in the office went quiet. They all looked up at Sir's room, curious as to what was going on.

"Here we go," Lavanya whispered to me.

"This is your fucking work?! This is what you call work?! This is completely unprofessional! Get out! You're fired!"

In a few seconds, a guy came out and he was looking down. He walked past everyone and headed right out.

Poor guy. But did he mess up that bad? And the sound of that voice! It seems so....

Hmm....

"Well that's it, for a taste I guess," Lavanya said. She looked at everyone. "'Kay everyone, back to work" She looked at me. "Could you get me thirty copies of each of these," she asked, handing me five papers.

"Sure," I nodded, and I went to the copy room.

I made thirty copies of each and carried them in my hands. I went to Lavanya's room, but it was empty. She was nowhere to be seen, so I went to the reception desk and asked the receptionist if she saw her, but she didn't.

Great. Now what?

I decided to head back to my desk and would leave the papers there when I saw her. The papers were becoming a pain so I had to shift the way I was holding it. To think carrying 150 pieces of paper is work. Either that, or I must be weak.

I was shifting the papers around and trying to get a proper hold, not realizing someone was walking right ahead of me and I walked into them. The papers flew out of my hand and swiveled to the floor, as I nearly tripped and fell. The person quickly caught me and got me up on my feet.

"What. The. Hell," the person growled.

My hair was all in my face because of this stupid jerk. I tossed it back and looked at the jerk. "Hey, what the hell yourself you j-"

My jaw dropped. No. Way. Looking back at me was a guy, who looked not much older then me, brown eyed and no stubble. He was in a white button down, gray waistcoat and gray pants, wearing gray leather shoes.

Lavanya came running forward. "Oh my gosh! Sir, I'm so sorry! This is-"

"Khushi?"

I blinked, completely shocked with my eyes wide and eyebrows shot up through the roof. "Arnav?"

Lavanya looked at me with wide eyes as Arnav and I just looked at each other in shock.

This. Cannot. Be happening.

Chapter Seven

I glanced up at him and saw him looking the other way. Awkwardly, I sat down on the swing. He didn't notice since he was looking the other way.

Hmm....

"Would you like to sit," I practically whispered.

He turned and looked at me and instantly, I froze. He looked at the empty space beside me and sat down, leaving some space in between us. We sat for a while, not saying anything. There was just this awkward silence around us, when finally, he spoke.

"So what do you do," he asked.

Wait a minute - why does his voice sound so familiar? Have I met him before- no, I've never even seen him in my life! So then why...? Ugh, whatever. I'm not even gonna think about it anymore.

I shrugged slightly. "Not much. I recently graduated with my Master's and recently got a job."

He nodded. "That's good. Fresh mind, fresh job."

I snorted lightly. "Yeah. ... what about you?"

"I run my own business."

My eyes shot up to him and he turned and looked at me.

"You're kidding," I said.

He scrunched his eyebrows. "No, he said slowly.

Hot Stuff say what?!

"Excuse me but dayum," I exclaimed. "And how old are you?"

"I'm 28."

"Wow." I nodded my head, impressed. "Thats really good. How long have you had it?"

"Since I was 17."

My eyes shot up back to his, very wide. "Wow," was all I could say.

He slightly smirked. "I guess."

I lightly chuckled. This guy sure is something. But....

"You don't seem like one of those snobs," I said daringly.

I looked at him and he looked at me. I couldn't exactly tell what he was thinking, but I knew he was thinking something. I had to end up looking away, slightly blushing. I could notice him looking at me from the corner of my eyes.

Eep!

"I'm here!"

We both looked up and saw Anjali with a tray. She came our way and set the tray down on the table in front of us.

"I see we're looking at each other, hmm," she teased.

Arnav and I looked away. Anjali giggled and then asked how much sugar I took. I told her and she handed me my tea and then she handed Arnav's his tea. She took the tray and left, smiling, and I looked at him.

"You don't take sugar with your tea," I asked.

"I can't. I'm diabetic."

My eyes widened. "You are?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Oh. ... I'm sorry."

He looked at me confused, yet humored. "Why?"

"Well, you can't have sweet stuff! I mean you can't have candy unless it's sugar free, or gum, unless is sugar free, or jalebis!"

"What the? Jalebis?"

"Haan! Yummy, sweet jalebis," and I was off in La La Land.

"So you like jalebis?"

I snapped back. "Yeah. But...."

"But?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

I quickly took a sip of my tea so that he wouldn't question forward. Had I continued what I was going to say, then it would've been that if we did actually get married, then I would lower down my sugar-eating habits =3

We both sipped on our tea and Anjali came back.

"So are you two talking," Anjali teased.

I slightly blushed.

Arnav gave her a face. "Have you spoken to Jeejaji?"

Anjali blushed. "Yes."

"When will he be back?"

"You know how lawyers are," she rolled her eyes, and then placed her hands on her hips. "Why? Trying to get rid of your sister huh?"

I couldn't help but to giggle, not noticing Arnav looking at me. "Your husband is a lawyer," I asked Anjali.

Anjali nodded. "Yeah, and he spends his time in the court all day," she pouted.

"Aww."

Just then Arnav's phone rang and he pulled out a BlackBerry. Typical business man phone.

"Hello," he said Ito the phone. He held a finger up and we both nodded and he walked away to talk.

I looked at Anjali. "So your husband is a busy man?"

Anjali nodded. "Yeah. He's one of the top lawyers, not meaning to brag, but that actually sucks. Especially if you're the wife of a top lawyer," she pouted.

"That must suck."

"Hmm." She looked at Arnav and then quickly sat beside me. "You know, my Chote is always at the office too."

What? "Really?"

"Mm hmm." She sighed. "I'm hoping and praying that he gets married fast. That way he won't be working all day. He needs to get away from it all."

"Ooh...."

She wrapped her arm around my neck. "Don't worry. My brother does have a heart and from what I was hearing inside..."

I looked up at her.

"... you just might be the answer to my prayers," she winked.

I blushed instantly. Omg, I hope Buaji didn't say anything. Then again, she would never do that.

"So, if you'd like," Anjali whispered, "would you like to meet my brother again?"

I blushed harder. How do I reply to that?

Anjali giggled. "I've got my answer."

She got up and went off to her brother before I could stop her. Arnav had just gotten off the phone when she reached him and spoke to him. I couldn't hear them, but in the end, Anjali beamed and went back inside.

Arnav looked my way and I quickly looked away. He came my way and I'm just hoping Anjali didn't say anything.

"I hope my sister didn't say anything to disturb you," he said. "She can be a bit...."

I shook my head. "No."

"Khushi!"

We looked up and saw Buaji.

"Come inside please."

I nodded and she went in.

"Guess thats the cue," I said.

He nodded and held his hand out. I looked at his hand and then at him. He was looking right back at me and slowly I placed my hand in his, held it, stood up, and then let go of it quickly because it was as like as if I had felt a spark. We walked back to the house not saying anything.

When we got back inside, I found my family beaming.

"Of course we'll be there," Babuji smiled.

Nani beamed. "Great! Friday it is then."

Babuji nodded.

Both Arnav and I looked at them.

Anjali came to my side and beamed. "We're having a party on Friday evening and you must come Khushi."

I smiled lightly. "I will."

"So, we'll leave now," Babuji said, putting his hands together.

Anjali slightly nudged me and whispered "if you want to catch Chote's attention that day, wear red," and she smiled.

I looked at her and then at my anarkali. Oh. Em. Gee!

Nani smiled and then looked at Arnav. "Chote, take them to the car," she smiled.

Arnav nodded and led us out. Amma and Babuji walked in front and Buaji and I walked behind them, Arnav behind us.

Buaji tugged slightly on my hand. "Like him?"

I looked her. "Buaji please."

Buaji chuckled. "Sorry."

Arnav brought us to the car and we all got in. We bid our goodbyes and the car pulled away. I looked back once and saw him looking at the car, on the phone.

Hmm... maybe he really is a busy man. But is that a good thing for me :/

Chapter Six

Standing in front of my mirror, I looked myself up and down. Today we're going to that guy's place Amma mentioned two days before. Apparently, the guy is rich, and I mean stinking rich! I told Amma to call it off cause I dont wanna marry a stuck up rich snob, but she said that the family is really nice. Taking her word, I agreed.

I turned around and checked to make sure the inner layer of my red anarkali was down and not bunched up. I placed my dupatta over my left shoulder checked my makeup and left my room.

We got in the car and arrived to a beautiful mansion. There were some workers working in the garden and the plants looked so well taken cared of. We entered and Babuji rang the bell. A worker opened the door and greeted us. He looked well dressed, so I'm guessing these people are nice to their workers.

The man led us into the living room and seated us down, Amma and Babuji sitting down on a sofa together and Buaji and I sitting on a sofa together. As we waited, I looked around and scanned as much of the house as I could see. It was extremely beautiful and spacious, everything neat and clean and in their space.

Just then I heard footsteps and looked up to see an elderly woman come down. She was wearing a very light pink and white sari and she was smiling sweetly. We all got up and greeted.

"Namaste," she smiled. "Thank you so much for coming."

She gestured us to sit back down and we did, her sitting across us.

"I'm Deviyani Raizada," the elderly woman said.

"My name is Kabir," Babuji said. This is my wife Kajol, my sister Madhumati, and my daughter, Khushi."

I put my hands together again and slightly nodded once.

The woman smiled. "Such a sweet looking girl. She seems so cultural! These days, all you see are girls wearing those small foreign dresses," she shook her head.

I'm guessing I'm somewhat approved?

"I'll call the others." She turned to look upstairs. "Anjali betiyan," she called out.

"Ayi Nani!"

In few minutes, a girl appeared. She looked a little older than me, wearing a light blue sari. Her parting was filled and she had a nuptial necklace, so I know off the bat that she's married. So she must be older than the guy.

She joined us and smiled really sweetly. "Namaste," she chirped. "I'm Anjali."

We all nodded and the elderly woman introduced us to her. When she introduced me, Anjali chirped up.

"Oh, you're Khushi!" She came over to my side and sat down beside me. "If all goes well with you and my little brother, then I'll be your bhabi, and you can call me Di."

Little brother, eh? So that means the elderly woman would be my future nani in-law.

"At the moment my son, bahu, and grandson are away in Lucknow," Nani said.

Buaji chimed in. "Lucknow? You're from Lucknow?"

"Yeah."

"We're also from Lucknow," Buaji exclaimed, and I knew then and there that she had already accepted the marriage without seeing the guy.

"Oh my gosh! Really," Nani asked.

Buaji went off with Lucknow talk with Nani. Anjali had left and came back with food and seriously, there's this weird feeling in me that's going on, making me feel... nyeh.

"I'll call my grandson down," Nani said. "Chote," she called out.

'Chote?' What in the world...? Who names their kid 'Chote'?

Suddenly I felt a soft breeze. I felt the small hairs on my neck rising, giving me goosebumps. I felt this weird vibe course through me, but it wasn't a bad one. It felt good, but I had no idea what it could be.

I looked up and saw a guy walking towards the stairs. I couldn't see his face and i was feeling curious about this guy. Then Anjali got up and went towards the stairs. Nani got up as well and so did we, and we turned towards the stairs, Buaji and I in the back of the group.

I looked down, not exactly feeling sure of these feelings I'm getting. I mean why am I randomly getting these feelings? Maybe it's from breakfast. Yeah, it must be that.

Anjali smiled. "This is my little brother, my Chote, Arnav."

I looked up and my jaw dropped. I had to quickly compose myself before anyone saw, but still, my mouth slacked. This guy was gorgeous! In every way gorgeous! And he was dressed up, all official and business type. He was wearing a navy blue button-down shirt, a black waistcoat, black suit pants, and shiny, polished black leather shoes. His hair was slightly gelled up in that typical mohawkish way guys like, his face clear of grizzles.

Though I'm positive that if he were to have grizzles, he'd look sexy!

Buaji nudged me and I looked at her.

"Close your mouth," Buaji whispered so only we'd hear. "I know you like him, but still, you have to look decent," she teased.

I shut my mouth and looked away. Crap! Buaji figured out!

Anjali brought him over to Nani, and she moved beside him so that he was in between the ladies.

"His name is Arnav, but we lovingly call him Chote," Nani explained.

We nodded in acknowledgement and we all sat down. I snuck a glance at him and his expression read 'how long will this be?'.

Hmm.

"Chote," Anjali began, "this is Khushi, and Khushi, this is my brother Arnav."

He slightly smiled, just curling the corner of his lip slightly and I nodded once with a light smile. He looked away and my parents and Buaji began their so called 'interview', which I really think is an interrogation.

All the while, I zoned off, not hearing a single thing. I didn't pay attention to anything they were saying, but just observed him. He looked serious, yet laid back, if that's even possible. He looks like a man who takes his work really seriously. He's definitely not a push-over, and with the way his sister keeps beaming at him and she says stuff now and then and he responds, I know for a fact that he loves his sister very much.

"What do you say Khushi?"

I came back to earth and looked at Anjali. "Me?"

"I mean, I think it would better if these two spoke," she said looking at the others. "It is their lives and if all goes well, then they should get to know each other." She looked at Nani. "What do you say Nani?"

Nani nodded. "I agree. What do you say Kabir beta?"

Babuji nodded. "Sure."

Anjali smiled and stood up. "I'll take them somewhere to talk then." She came over to me. "Khushi, come with me."

I stood up and smiled humbly.

"Chote, you too," she smiled.

He stood up and Anjali led us out. I walked beside Anjali as Arnav walked behind us. I felt awkward, even though I really shouldn't be, yet I am! Anjali led us out to the backyard, over to a swing.

"Why don't you two sit here," Anjali said, "and I'll go bring tea for you two, hmm?"

What? Leave me? With Mr. Hot Stuff? Uh....

I just nodded, not having any other options. Anjali smiled and then looked at her brother and smiled at him, and then she left. The both of us just looked at her and then when she was out of sight, it just got awkward.

Sigh... well, let the games begin?

Chapter Five

When I arrived to work, I asked Melissa for Lavanya. She told me to go to the 33rd floor. When I arrived to the floor there was another reception desk and I asked for Lavanya. The woman stood up and and led me to a room where Lavanya was seated at behind the desk.

"Hi Khushi," she smiled.

The woman left.

"Hi," I smiled.

"So are you ready for your first day?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"Great."

We walked out and she led me to a big room. There were a bunch of desks with people working there. There was an empty desk and we walked towards it.

"This will be your desk," Lavanya said. "You'll do all your work here."

"Okay."

"If you need anything or have any questions, just tell me."

"Well, I do have one question."

"Hmm?"

"Whose up there," I asked, pointing at room that went up some stairs surrounded by glass walls."

"That's our boss's room."

"Is he really that... cold?"

"Yeah. No one dares to mess with him. And he can get pretty furious sometimes."

"That bad, huh?"

"Yeah. That bad."

"Is he here yet?"

"No. But he will be."

"Hmm. Haven't seen him yet."

"Well, you'd be surprised when you see him. He's really hot, but he's very hard to get through."

"Dayum."

"You bet. Oh yeah, so to get you started, let me take you to the file room."

I followed her to a room and listened to everything she had to say. When we got back, we saw everyone sitting back down.

"Why were you up," Lavanya asked one of them. "Did Sir arrive?"

"Yeah. And he doesn't really seem to be in the mood."

Lavanya sighed. "Okay." She looked at me. "You better get to work."

"No problem."

*~*

Once I had managed to get things going, it was a breeze. The morning went and then it was time for lunch. I headed to the staff lounge and got a cup of coffee.

"How are you holding up," Lavanya asked when she joined me.

"Great. Though it's a lot," I chuckled.

"Yeah. Wanna go out and get something from the deli?"

"Sure."

We went out and went to the deli across the sweet. We each got subs and went back to the lounge. We spoke and ate and it turns out Lavanya is 26 and wants to be a fashion designer. She's been working here three years also and hopes that someday her luck will change.

"Well I wish you the best of luck," I said.

"Thanks. And I wish you the best working here."

"Thanks."

We got up and went back to our work. The receptionist came towards us.

"Ma'am," she said to Lavanya, "Sir has left."

"What? Why," Lavanya asked.

"I don't know. He said he had to go home and he didn't look so happy."

"As if he ever is," she said below her breath.

But we heard and the receptionist hmm-d.

"Okay. Fine. You go back to your work," Lavanya said.

"Okay."

When she left I nudged Lavanya. "Wow. You have some control."

"Only because I'm his personal assistant."

"Could you be more," I teased.

"As if. And no way! I'm taken."

I gasped. "Who is he?"

Lavanya turned and scanned the room. "Him," she said, pointing at a guy.

He was wearing a light blue button down and black pants. He looked up at us and nodded his head. Lavanya waved back at him and he smiled.

"Thats him," I asked.

"Yup," she smiled.

"What's his name?"

"Aman. He's another one of Sir's personal assistants. Though he's higher than me."

"'Higher?'"

"Whenever Sir needs something, be it at home or work, he usually calls up Aman and has him do the work. I do some but that's only when he's here."

"Oh. Wow."

"Aman's just so cute!"

"You're lucky you have a boyfriend at least."

"What do you mean? Do you have a boyfriend?"

I shook my head.

"Did you guys break up?"

"I've never had a boyfriend."

Lavanya gasped. "What?! As in never ever?!"

I shook my head, embarrassed.

"Oh, poor you."

"Yeah... and now my parents are trying to get me married."

"What?"

I told her the whole story and Lavanya hmm-d.

"Well, best of luck on finding your Mr. Perfect," Lavanya said.

"Thanks," I smiled humbly.