THE PRETEND WORLD

Chapter 1

6 months prior to Arnav and Khushi's wedding.

8.00 pm

Khushi was there to attend the party of Mr Ashwath Sinha who was her dads old friend or one of the known business family in India. She hated parties from the beginning because she knew people faked to their maximum level in the parties with all those fake smiles and most of them are here only to be in good books of each other none of them cared about anyone else apart from their own profit. Her parents had another party to attend and she had to be the scape goat to attend this party. She counted already she had given over 100 fake smiles to people present there who hardly knew her apart from being Shashi Gupta's Daughter and now who was working for her dad in their company SIZZLE FASHION HOUSE which he had built from scratch when she was just 2 years old. Now she was 24 and her dad's company had not only flourished but he was ruling almost every industry in India now be it construction, oil and Hotel Chains. You name it he would be the King there. He was exceptional businessman no doubt but not a best dad to her for that matter.

She came out of her thoughts when she heard few ladies targeting a woman for being a divorcee though not directly but she could see that she was uncomfortable with their words. Khushi realized the lady who was getting free lecture from the old ladies was Anjali Raizada, daughter of Arvind Singh Raizada who had got recently divorced and she also knew the media was not very kind to her.

One thing Khushi hated is women pulling down another woman and she would not just stand and be the spectator for them to just go on and thought to intervene.

Khushi goes near the ladies and greets them with a big smile which was the fake one obviously

Mrs Mehta: Hi Miss Gupta.. How are you?

Khushi(smiles): I am fine.. I was just thinking why not join the interesting conversation as I was getting bored already being at the party..

Mrs Shah: Oh no no dear.. We were just talking to Anjali and how she should not have taken the decision of divorce and thought of covering it up no matter what the problem is now you see simply she will cause bad name and it will hurt the reputation of her family as well.

Khushi: Oh.. Mrs Shah.. Anyways that's great that you are advising us young people we surely need it from you guys as you are more aged and experienced than us. But I have heard some gossip and please let me know if this is true. I heard Mr Shah has some secret girlfriend in Paris and has a kid with her. Is it true? What would you do in case if that is true? will you cover it up for your family reputation sake? Just wanted advise from you..

Ladies were left shocked as they dug their own grave and Mrs Shah felt humiliated and had no answer to her question and stood fumbling without answering...

Anjali couldn't control her smile seeing the faces of the ladies who were outright making her feel bad for divorcing a womanizer.

Khushi(smiles): You can take your own time Mrs Shah till then I will take Miss Anjali with you.

With that Khushi took Anjali with her who was also surprised with Khushi.

Khushi(smiles): Hi I am Khushi...

Anjali(smiles broadly): Hi I am Anjali... Thank you so much Khushi.. you saved me there...

Khushi(smiles): Its okay and there is nothing to be saved the moment you give them back in their own style they wont open their mouth. I suggest you do that from now or else these people will eat you alive.

Anjali(chuckles): Thank You Khushi..I will keep that in mind from now.

By then Khushi's bodyguard  Ray and the one who accompanies her everywhere she goes for security reasons comes there and says to Khushi so that only she could hear.

Ray: Mam I think its the right time to wish the Sinha's and you have 45 minutes left to be in the function.

Khushi: Okay I will go now. Thanks Ray!

To which Ray just nods his head acknowledging her.

Khushi(smiles): Excuse me Anjali... I have to wish the host now..

Anjali(smiles): No worries.. It was nice meeting you Khushi...

Khushi(smiles): Same here!

With that Khushi leaves to wish the couple...

As soon as he leaves Arnav who had witnessed all these from ladies insulting his sister who has already ready to go and lash out on them but then this prettiest girl had come and had dealt them in her own way. He was very impressed by her and he was there anywhere where there were beautiful girls. Being a playboy changing girls like clothes was never issue for him and girls willingly threw themselves at him. Few for his richness and few for his handsome personality and charming talks. So he was sure even Khushi would fall for him..

He comes to Anjali and asks her..

ASR: Di that's' Khushi Gupta right?

Anjali(smiles): Yes chote such a nice girl!

ASR(smirks): Interesting!!!

Anjali(glaring): No chote you wouldn't do any flirting with her and I don't think she would even spare a glance at you.....she seems different!

ASR(proudly): Everybody is different until they meet Arnav Singh Raizada! then they become my fan because I am irresistible!

Only if he knew how wrong he was in judging Khushi Gupta!