Accepting Reality

Part 7 - Relationships

Khushi had started following Arnav's daily schedule diligently. She still received a copy of his daily schedule, courtesy of Saira, the secretary she had trained. Over the past week, she had invested heavily in her appearance, dressing provocatively to catch Arnav's eye. She paid close attention to his preferences, hoping to use them to her advantage. One evening, Khushi spotted Arnav at a hotel bar, drinking alone. Unbeknownst to her, Arnav had called for an escort that night and was waiting for her when he saw Khushi. He saw this as the perfect opportunity to get her into his bed. He remembered how she thinks she had forced him, and now he intended to turn the tables. He was confident that her guilt would make her submit to him. Khushi, on the other hand, was pleased with herself for successfully tracking him down. Arnav, pretending to be drunk, discreetly informed Aman to cancel the escort. When Khushi approached him to say hello, he feigned a sad mood. She saw this as a stroke of luck a sorrowful, drunken man could be easily seduced, or so she thought.

Khushi: "Arnav Sir, what a surprise to see you here"

Arnav (pretended to be drunk): "I'm just having a rough night, so! What about you though?"

Khushi: "Oh, I just thought I'd unwind a bit after a long day. But seeing you here, maybe it's fate."

Arnav: "Fate, huh? More like bad luck for you, seeing me like this."

Khushi: "Don't say that, Sir. Everyone has rough days. You don't have to be alone in times like these."

Arnav: "It's been a while since someone cared enough to say that. I'm just...just so alone you know!"

Khushi: "You don't have to be. I'm here now." She placed a comforting hand on his chest. "Why don't we get you back to your penthouse? You shouldn't be alone here."

Arnav: "Maybe that's a good idea. Could you help me please?"

Khushi: "Of course, Arnav Sir."

They made their way to his penthouse, with Arnav holding Khushi for support. Once inside, he gestured towards the living room.

Arnav: "Would you join me for a drink?"

Khushi: "Sure, Sir. What would you like?"

Arnav: "Anything strong. Something to drown these thoughts."

Khushi: "I'll make us something nice. Why don't you relax?"

Arnav sank into the couch, watching her move around the kitchen with ease. She returned with two glasses, handing one to him before taking a seat beside him. She had added extra alcohol to his drink, leaving hers untouched. Khushi intended to take full advantage of this unexpected opportunity. Alone with him in his penthouse, she was determined to seduce him tonight and get into his bed. It worked in her favour that he was seemingly drunk.

Khushi: "To better days ahead" she said, raising her glass.

Arnav: "To better days" he echoed, clinking his glass with hers. They took a sip and settled into a comfortable silence.

Khushi: "I just want to tell you that you're not alone, Arnav Sir. I'm here for you. You can talk to me. I know it might sound stupid coming from me but still I mean it."

Arnav: "Thank you, Khushi. It means a lot.Do you ever feel like you're just... lost?"

Khushi: "More often than I'd like to admit. But we have to keep moving forward, right? You taught me that!"

Arnav: "Yes, I did, but sometimes I feel so lonely you know. The entire world sees us with sympathy for being an orphan. Over the years I have come to terms with it and don't get me wrong I love my family but nothing has been able to fill that void. Plus I can't talk about this stuff to people because they say they understand but the truth is no one understands what it is like to be an orphan."