Orphic : An IPKKND SS

Chapter Six

Her fingers tightened the screw of her earring, stumbling at the last step, she stopped herself from crashing onto the floor.

The breakfast table was untouched.
"Where are they ?"

Sumi pursed her lips and cocked her head towards the living room.

Taken aback at this change in routine, Khushi tiptoed into the living room.
The TV blazed on. A stern looking reporter broke the news.
"Sources have claimed that the Raizada group is entrusting their latest venture of 12 luxury hotels across India to Rocky Khandelwal. While Mr Khandelwal is new to business, his clients say he brings a youthful aspect to his work-"

"Oh Shashi!" Her mummy's despair broke through her shock.

"It's okay Garima . These things happen in business."

"But why not tell us if you are going to do whatever that corrupt son-in-law tells you to do?!"

"Well, family comes first for Rajiv. But yes it would have saved us a lot of time had he told us earlier. Even yesterday, he didn't mention a word-"

Khushi felt a feeling of dread begin in the pit of her stomach.
Had she caused this? Had that lunch caused Arnav to tell his father that the Guptas were not worth the deal? Had she and her big mouth cost her papa crores?

"Khushi!"

Her papa stood up, stunned at the tears in her eyes.
"Come on Khushi, this is part of business " he engulfed her in a hug. " Disappointments are part of life beta, no need to cry over them "

"Khushi, " her mum smiled. "Come,have breakfast. Let's not fret anymore about this!"

————
Raizada Group
She stared at the imposing building. She wanted to take the day off. But with no excuse to give, she found herself driven by Hari Prakash to this swanky office.

She stepped into the air conditioned space, and took the elevator to the top floor.
Her desk brought back uncomfortable feelings from yesterday. She pushed them to the back of her mind and began to work.

By noon, she had called all the suppliers and arranged deliveries with the telephone Aman had lent her. Satisfied, she shut her notebook with a smile.
"Khushi"
She looked up to see Arnav, walking towards her.
"Let's have lunch? I know of this great Mexican restaura-"

"No!"

That infuriatingly handsome frown appeared between his brows again.
"What?Why?"

"I am done with today's task. And I cannot begin without suppliers and workers.All of them will come here tomorrow. So I don't think there's any need for me to be here now."

"Then I'll drop you home after lunc-"

"My driver is down. Thank you, but there's no need for you to do that Mr. Raizada"

His frown deepened.
"What's going on Khushi?"

"Nothing, I wish to go home."

"Stop it! The least I am asking you is to be honest with me!"
She stared as his eyes filled with anxiety.
No matter how embarrassed she felt, she couldn't see him distressed.

"I am sorry for what I did yesterday. I overstepped a line and I just don't want it to happen again."

"What are you even talking about?"

"Everything alright?"
Khushi had never been as glad to see Aman as she was now.

"Yes! I was just leaving Aman "

"The hell you are!"

"ASR!" Aman said, clearly astounded at seeing his boss lose his cool.

"In my office. Now," Arnav gritted out in a low voice.