Hearts Unfettered💞

14

It was 6 in the evening when they were driven to the minister's residence in the elite part of the town of Ahmedabad. Khushi, dressed in a designer pink saree Arnav got for her couldn't help but feel nervous.

It was the first time she was ever meeting someone of such high stature and power. She glanced at Arnav sitting beside scrolling through emails on his phone was anything but.

She wanted to go back to her home and make some jalebis and have them sitting by the porch. The servants were planting a few roses, hibiscus, and lush green foliage Arnav personally selected in the garden. The once-dormant place is finally starting to come alive. She looked outside of the window and watched the evening traffic go by and thought back her days in Lucknow. "

Yeah Aman". Arnav's voice as he picked up the call caught her attention.

"Yes, I did see that.."

"Well, I don't care."

"Do that first thing in the morning."

"Yup. No, send the account for further inspection to Mumbai."

"yes."

"No...mail me that."

"And schedule a meeting with the investors on Tuesday. Check my calendar with Megha."

"Yes. Cool.", he said wrapping up the call to find Khushi staring at him when she didn't look away, he said,

"You are staring."And continued scrolling through his phone.

Khushi gulped and looked away,

"You make all this seem so effortless.", she said with admiration.

"What?", Arnav asked chuckling now his attention back on her. "Nothing', she nodded and looked away, making him inch closer and clasp her dainty hands in his observing the ring finger where all traces of the once-present ring had vanished, the smile on his face dimmed but not wanting to go there again, he shifted his thoughts.

"How do you know Minister Saab?", Khushi asked making him look up.

"He is Mamaji's friend from college. In fact, and he and my mom were in the same class then.", Arnav said and Khushi looked up surprised.

"Very long friendship indeed.", she remarked and he nodded.

Ten minutes later, once they arrived, they were escorted into the mansion.

"Arnav ...", the old man stood up to take him in for a hug, which Khushi could tell Arnav was not very comfortable with and she stifled a giggle.

"Hello Rakesh Uncle.", Arnav said shaking hands with him once they pulled back and sat down on the sofa. His secretary and the maid left the room giving them some privacy.

"How are you feeling now uncle?", Arnav asked handing him the flowers they brought along.

"As good as a man who suffered a heart attack can be.", he said with a smile but Khushi felt bad, remembering the time when her Babuji got heart attack.

"This is Khushi.", Arnav said gesturing towards Khushi and she smiled and greeted him with a namaste and took her seat beside Arnav.

Arnav and Rakesh engaged in a lengthy conversation about his business ventures, political matters, and the government's policies concerning industries. They delved into discussions about newly enacted government orders and recent scandals that had unfolded. Observing Arnav's animated participation, Khushi couldn't help but notice that he wasn't as reserved and taciturn as he often seemed. She found it endearing that he enjoyed discussing topics close to his heart and expressed his genuine interest in them.