"Relax Khushi ! You'll be fine, I won't eat you up if you make a few mistakes!" Arnav repeated for the hundredth time in the morning.
Khushi did not reply and stared at her reflection; she hoped she looked professional and not like a nervous wreck. She was doing her internship at Arnav's office and since his secretary was on a holiday, it came as a relief to him too. It was her first day and she wanted to look perfect. Dressed in a cream business suit, her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, framing her oval face. She wore tiny diamond studs on her ears and her wedding ring glinted on her finger. Her ring was something she never forgot and was a little superstitious regarding it, as if not wearing it would cause something bad to happen.
"Arnav you won't understand. I feel so tensed like I would throw up any moment. It's my first day for God's sake!" she said anxiously.
Arnav went to her and said in a very serious tone " Sorry to disappoint you, but I wasn't born in the office either. I also had a first day. At any rate, if you do mess up, I'll just smack you a few times and you'll get the hang of things."
Khushi gaped at him horrified, her lower lip started trembling and her tears were starting to flow. Arnav was shocked; he was just pulling her leg. He hugged her quickly and said " Khushi you are behaving like a baby! Were you like this on your first day to school too?"
"Arnav everyone knows I am your wife, it will so humiliating for you if I do something stupid!" Khushi managed between sobs.
"God Khushi! You are worried for absolutely nothing. You are expected to make mistakes during your first few weeks. And anyone who wants to stick to his or her job will not make my wife miserable" Arnav said with a dangerous look in his eyes.
"Arnav you can't fire someone over something so petty!"
"Probably not, but it just isn't very smart to mess with the boss's wife. However, even bosses are required to reach office on time, so do you think you can make it without crying?"
Khushi did manage to make it to the office without breaking down again. She was in for a surprise as soon as she got there. All the people stood up as soon as Arnav and Khushi entered, and Khushi was flooded with bouquets and good luck cards. Khushi had been to Arnav's office a few times before too and had struck an instant rapport with the staff. She was a pleasant and graceful lady who did not believe her husband's position entitled her to special priveliges.
Arnav then led her to his cabin and she asked "So dear boss where is your secretary's cabin?"
"Right here" he said pointing at the cabin adjacent to Aranv's with a connecting door in between. Khushi went to her cabin and immediately started working, checking files and presentations, confirming Arnav s signatures and then preparing her own notes. She knew this experience would help her later in her professional life. She reviewed her notes once more and looked through the glass door at Arnav. He was talking on the phone, while twisting a keychain with one finger. He then ended the call and glanced at the documents in front of him. Khushi noticed that he read each paper thoroughly and then signed. Even the way he twirled his pen was dipped with pure style and elegance. Khushi then went towards him to discuss the notes for the meeting.
Arnav's face lit up in a warm smile upon seeing her and he gestured her to the seat next to him. He was about to say something when the door burst open and Khushi groaned. It was Nisha Oberoi, Immaculately dressed in a beige suit, she presented a stunning vision and Khushi felt the familiar pangs of insecurity. She turned to leave but Arnav held her hand firmly. Nisha saw this and frowned. Arnav singh raizada was one hunk of a man and Nisha still had planned to become Mrs. Arnav singh raizada in the near future but that was out of the question now.
Nisha hugged Arnav and kissed him on his cheek by way of a greeting and Arnav did the same, and Khushi wanted to bang both their heads together. "Hi Khushi" greeted Khsuhi in that sickly sweet voice coated with honey which she had reserved for Khushi only. Khushi being Khushi returned the greeting in an equally aggravating tone "Hey Nisha! Long time no see. You should come for dinner sometime". Her enthusiasm did not fool Arnav for a moment but he could not suppress the grin creeping up his face. Little brat, he thought. He knew exactly how keen Khushi was to see Nisha
Soon they were in the board room, the conference was over and an analytical discussion was taking place. Khushi did not make any suggestion but listened carefully. Then Nisha suddenly said "Khushi! Why don't you share some of your enlightening views with us?", her voice dripping with sarcasm. Khushi rose to the challenge and replied, "Would love to, Nisha". In a clear, cool voice, Khushi gave her opinion, and her astute observations were a pleasant surprise for everyone and a nasty shock for Nisha. Her voice was confident, but not arrogant and she maintained eye contact with the audience, impressing everyone.
After the meeting was over and Nisha walked out in a huff, Arnav and Khushi too left. Arnav then stopped his car in front of a jewellery shop and they both got out. "Why are we here Arnav?" Khushi asked curiously.
"When you cooked for the first time, Mom Dad gifted you Mom's wedding set. Today was your first day in our office so we have to mark the occasion too" he replied simply.
Inside the shop, Khushi lost her heart to a choker made of rubies shaped as little hearts but its price made Khushi gasp. Hoping Arnav hadn't noticed her stare at that, Khushi called Arnav and then said "I am ready" and pointed at a simple gold chain. Before she could tell the shopkeeper to pack it, Arnav fished something out of his pocket and placed it around Khushi fragile neck. It was the same ruby choker Khushi had been admiring. "Arnav I…" she couldn't find the words.
Arnav took her outside the shop to a corner where noone could see them. "Khushi you are my wife, and you have a right over everything I possess, my happiness, success, money, office, and life. Everything. Next time if you want something you'll tell me. You are not going to compromise over your desires when you don't have too. By the way, you hate gold so you would have never bought that hideous chain by choice."
Arnav then saw Khushi s green eyes, brimming with that innocence and happiness that had always tugged at his heart. He couldn't control himself now so he did what he had been dying to do for the past many days. He kissed her. Only this wasn't a friendly brush of his lips over her hers, but a proper kiss, letting out the desire withheld in them for so long. His lips moved swiftly over her soft ones, and she slowly parted them. He held her waist and her hand raked through his hair. It was very gentle and said so much which they had never been able to say to each other. The kiss continued and they both felt new emotions develop in them. Even if this wasn't love yet, it would very soon become love.
