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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Chapter 7 - Soft spot


Khushi was exhausted. She had lost her appetite for dinner. While ASR was in the shower, she decided to take a quick nap to clear mind. She wanted to discuss the Sabres, although the conversation always dead-ended the last time they had tried. She headed to the bedroom and threw herself on the bouncy mattress. She was out once again.

ASR was pleasantly surprised at the strawberry odor of her body wash in the bathroom. A strong urge stirred inside him, to be held in soft feminine arms, and to be comforted. He knew those luxuries did not belong to him, he was a man on a mission and all distractions had to be kept at bay. He got in the shower and began recounting the day, hoping to discover any clues as to how those men figured out their route.

It had to be some mole inside the bureau.

The ghastly conclusion reminded him of just how dangerous organized crime was. Their moles operated in every layer of public institutions. Sabres either meant drug money or someone’s reputation was at stake. Money and honor were almost the two most compelling reasons mafia killed.

Which one is it this time? 

He stepped out of the shower and toweled himself. He tied his towel around his waist and exited the bathroom. A gust of steam rushed out and cleared into the corridor. Khushi was heading to her bedroom when she was him in hallway. She stopped.

ASR was a sight to behold. Her eyes roved over him involuntarily as she noted the ridged terrain of his muscular body. Her eyes scanned the eight-pack that ended on a very flat ab, with a trail of hair leading from his navel and disappearing into his towel. She licked her lips and realized she was ogling him shamelessly.
He watched her watch him in awe and relished every second of her admiring look. She had tied her hair up, revealing her long neck that was temptingly too close for comfort. He noted she was not wearing any bra, as her pert nipples pushed against the tight white t-shirt, demanding his attention.

If looks could kill….

“Do you want anything, Khushi?” he asked teasingly, knowing full well his double entendre would not be missed.

“Errr, no” she looked away, her cheeks turning beet red at being caught. She hurried past him and got into her room. She turned and looked him in the eye. 

Oh those caramel eyes, she noted before bidding him good night. She shut the door and he heard her click it locked. He waited for a few seconds and realized it was foolish of him to get attracted to her this bad. It would not end well for either of us.

*****

The winds gathered speed and howled at blizzard strength. The large expansive lake did nothing to block the northerly gusts. ASR tossed in his bed and looked out the window. The full moon cast somber lights on snow covered perennials. The wind was unrelenting, picking gobs of snow and settling them on the sills. He checked the clock. 3 am.

It was pitch dark outside. A branch crackled as it bowed under the weight of snow. His mind wandered to the girl sleeping in the next room. Khushi. A smile crossed his face. He wondered if she was able to sleep. He could check on her but it was inadvisable, since he could barely keep his thoughts decent in her presence.

A loud crashing in the living jolted him upright. 

He grabbed his gun and tiptoed out of his room. Khushi appeared out of her bedroom, looking petrified. He placed his finger on his lips and gestured her to stay quiet. She nodded.

He tiptoed out of the corridor, sporting his gun ahead of him, and engaging it to shoot. Khushi followed.
He gestured her to stand back as he turned around the corner. Khushi watched him disappear in to the living room. Something crashed to the ground once more and she heard him swear, “Fuck!”

A gun shot rang through the air. A few more objects crashed about followed by a guttural cry of pain.

“Arnaaaaaaaaav!” Khushi screamed and dashed into the living room.

ASR lay on the floor under a heap of sofa cushions. She rushed to his aid when she noticed a raccoon backed into a corner, looking for the nearest escape route. The creature looked angry and scared in equal measures and bared its teeth in defense. ASR tried to fight his way out of the cushions and distracted Khushi. The animal snarled and ran out of the pet exit door of the small dinette.

He got up and sneezed. “Shit! The pesky thing got in through the pet door.” He sneezed again. “Dust allergies”

She took a moment to take stock of the scene. ASR stood with disheveled hair, cushions all about him, a hole ran through the dry wall of the cabin and a raccoon just exited the room. She broke into peals of laughter and crashed to the floor clutching her stomach. Doubling over and trying hard to pull a straight face, she snorted a few more times.  

“Ok I admit, I look stupid. “ He said with irritation and began placing the cushions back on the sofa.
“Yeah, you sure do! I got myself an FBI agent to protect me from a raccoon. The poor animal probably came looking for food. By the way, you look more scared than him.” She giggled and got up to help him. “Thanks for saving me. I wonder how well you will fare, when the real goons attack.” she chuckled.

Khushi didn’t know what hit her next. He pulled her with brute force landing her squarely on his solid mass. She lost her balance and was adeptly caught in a vice between his arms. She braced against his massive shoulders for balance. She felt herself crushed and unable to breathe.

“Don’t you ever say that.” He spoke through gritted teeth. The ferocity of his emotions scared her. Her eyes widened in surprise and she tried to wring herself free.

“Don’t” he commanded sternly. When she shot him a look she detected a sudden softening beneath those incredible caramel eyes.

“I…I was only kidding.” She tried to look away, half afraid of him and half afraid of her own emotions that were ready to betray her.

“I promised to protect you” he leaned forward, hovering tantalizingly over her right ear. His warm breath spread like wildfire through her. “And I will, till the last breath of my life.” He continued to whisper puffing hot and moist breath into her ear. His stubbles scraped her cheek, leaving a sensual trail of aftershave near her nose. She inhaled it in deeply and at that very instant, she knew she had betrayed herself.  

He tightened his grip on her waist, and placed a warm kiss on her throat, taking a moist mouthful of her flesh and feeling its silken texture under his tongue.

Oh!. Khushi let out an involuntary moan, feeling his tongue on the soft and sensitive flesh on the curve of her neck, as he deepened his kiss, a sensuous, moist and delightfully painful torture. She smelled of strawberries and every bit as tasty as he had imagined. He wanted to taste her, all of her.

Geez, I want her so bad it hurts.

“Khushi” he whispered as he laid feathery kisses down the long column of her neck. Her skin felt soft, and inviting. He wanted her, there was no doubt in his mind and he found no reason to stop himself. He pushed aside the neck of her T-shirt, revealing more of her creamy shoulder. He gently sank his teeth and took another mouthful of her.

She was surprised. He didn’t kiss her on her lips, instead he ravished her neck. It probably meant nothing, but a kiss would have been wonderful. The nibbles got her goose pimpled when suddenly the door from the dinette swung open letting in a cold gust of air.

The cold air brought in flurry of snow. ASR let go of her and took a step back. She was too stunned to move and her eyes pierced him with million questions. He hesitated to look her in the eye and walked away. He banged the door shut and dead bolted it.

“Damn! Let me check the other doors and windows.” He turned and found that she was gone.
“That’s a relief” he muttered, not wanting to face her after the brief stunt he pulled on her. He checked the doors and windows before deciding to check the windows in her room. Her door was ajar.

He pushed the door open softly. She was in bed, under layers of cover and blankets. He walked in softly and checked her windows. They were secure.

He watched her for a brief moment. Her gently rising and falling torso told him she was fast asleep. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to sleep after that taste of her. Nope, he didn’t think he would sleep at all for as long as she was with him. He was mad at himself for loading the girl with more than what she could handle. Her life was in danger and the last thing she needed was added complication of him slobbering all over her. He had to stop the train wreck and take control of his senses. He left the room.

Khushi exhaled as she heard him shut the door after him.
Oh dear god, I am dead, I am so dead. What in the world was that all about?

She shivered with excitement at the thought of his unconventional choice of a neck kiss. 

Hmmm, strange choice of location…but then again I like quirky, kinky even.

She pulled the covers closer to her body. She didn’t know if she could sleep after that encounter that left her feeling, alive. She touched the part of her skin where ASR had nibbled her. It felt raw and tingly.

Stop acting like a teenager, Khushi. It means nothing.

It was a delightfully welcome feeling she could never have with Shyam because of the dark secret she shared with him. Shyam, the conniving deceitful bastard had had her wrapped around his pinky from day one, unknown to her. And when the iron was hot, he struck leaving her with no choice but to agree to his terms, including a farce of an engagement. 


****

“Garima, I am worried about Khushi.” Sasi held Garima as the two spent another sleepless night.
“What do they want from her?” she asked impatiently.

“I am not sure. Whatever it is, it has to do with those dratted Sabres. I knew those were cursed and we should have never taken responsibility for them.” He said with irritation.

“Did we have a choice?” she retorted.
“Not really. Maharaja Ratan Singh Chauhan was like a god to my dad. No, we could not refuse. But I am afraid we will lose our child forever. I dread the day she finds out about the truth.” He pulled Garima closer for comfort.

“Shhh. Let’s hope for the best. We can’t hide the truth from her forever. But let’s hope it never comes to that.” she answered reassuringly.
“Molly and Payal are harsh on Khushi. They need to understand how unfortunate the kid is. They need to give her their best and know that they owe their comfortable lives to her on so many levels.” Sasi ruminated.

“We can’t expect the girls to understand. They are too young and they envy Khushi. If we tell them the truth, they’d only hate her more.” She got up and draped her robe around her.

“I’m making some tea, would you like some?” she turned to exit the room and stopped at the door. She turned back and her heart broke at the worried look of her husband. She knew the truth was gnawing inside him.

“Is the Sabre safe?” she asked tentatively, unsure if she wanted to know anymore than was necessary.
“Yes, it is as safe as can be expected, I think.” Sasi shot a weak smile. He decided it was time to find out.

*****

The ringing phone roused Joseph Isaacson from his sleep. There was nothing he hated more than being awoken from his precious sleep. His relentless pursuit of perfection while running The Field Museum of Chicago, kept him on his toes. He did not take kindly to late night disruptions to his sleep and grumbled as he reached over his wife to grab the phone.

“Hello” he answered grumpily, “there better be for a good reason for this call.” He added.
 “Dr, Isaacson. Sorry to disturb you at this hour but it is kind of an emergency.” Sasi replied grimly. Isaacson got up in a hurry, irritating his sleeping wife in the process.
“I understand. What can I do for you?”
“I….I wanted to make sure the Sabre is safe.”
“Dr. Gupta, the Sabre is safe. In fact, since it does not quite fit the definition of a Sabre, it raises no suspicion. But I do have some bad news….”Isaacson’s voice trailed.

Sasi was too scared to ask and waited for the curator to continue.

“Our art historian was doing some digging around the Sabres. He found the eleven others located in different parts of the world. We sent our historians over to locate the Sabres and every single one of them is missing and their owners are either dead or missing as well. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Great Britain, Greece, Monaco, Spain, Holland, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, all of them are missing.”
Sasi held his breath and gripped the phone in a death hold. He knew what Isaacson was about to say next.
“And I believe India is next.  They are looking for it. I think if things get worse, I might have to reach the authorities, despite your objections Dr. Gupta. I can’t risk the security of the museum.”

Sasi’s hands grew cold and he almost dropped his phone in horror. He knew the dangers his family faced. He could not let that happen.

“No!”


49 comments:

  1. The intense attraction between them is so apparent ...
    "I got myself an FBI agent to protect me from a raccoon. The poor animal probably came looking for food. By the way, you look more scared than him.” She giggled and got up to help him. “Thanks for saving me. I wonder how well you will fare, when the real goons attack.” she chuckled...

    "She shivered with excitement at the thought of his unconventional choice of a neck kiss.

    Hmmm, strange choice of location…but then again I like quirky, kinky even..." hehehehe ...



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  2. wow. that was amazing. cant wait for the next part.
    Love
    Afshi

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  3. Wow. You updated. I was just gong to crash and then I thought let me check.

    I am not even going to think where this is going. Just too excited to read.

    Annnnd, the nibbling sounds so cute, like a forbidden midnight snack. He he

    A

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  4. THAT WAS ONE ENTHRALLING CHAPTER....
    loved it!!

    Khusi and Arnav.... HOT!!! breathless imagining ASR and them together.....
    "strange choice of location…but then again I like quirky, kinky even." i would not mind either if it was with ASR darling.... hehehehe.. one lucky girl u are.....
    There is more to this green eyed monster u see.... like shasi indicated there is a big past of khusi which is hounding them now!!
    too much of excitement u see...
    cant wait for next....
    BTW perfect music score........ :))))

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  5. To many suspenses. Shyam and khushi then about khushi past and the great asr! great updt. ASR cant keep his hands of from khushi ha.
    latha

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  6. Oh my gosh! The kiss, the underlying current, the attraction.. So wonderfully described.

    History between Shyam and khushi.. Intriguing

    Can't wait for more action

    Manita

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  7. Did I mention I loved 50 shades of Grey and since then I kinda like kinky stuff? So bring it on, darling...

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  8. HAW THE HORROR OF A NECK KISS...

    ASR is scared of animals, Khushi is sure going to be one.

    How in the world is the Sabre safe? Is it on Khushi?

    The suspense is killing me and now we have a dark secret between Shyaam and Khushi that's going to unravel.

    Loving this so much..

    WOWEE

    Dies in excitement.

    Also look is here

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  9. God...this is scary...the suspense of the saber is killing me!!!:/
    And the attraction is uncontrollable!!!;)
    Rabzooo

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  10. all i can say is WOW!!! amazing writing. i love this story so much. its gripping and really leaves you wanting more.
    PI cant wait for your next update..Hope you do soo soon :-)

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  11. Hi SJ!!!
    FUCKING FANTASTIC!!!!!!! LOVED ALL THE THREE CHAPTERS, sorry i'm kinda late, have been a lil busy.. but i'm sooo hooked to this story dude, ArHi's sexually tensed (if that's what its called) chemistry...HOT HOT HOT...Arnav cant really keep his hands off her eh ;) Awww, the mafia killed Lana, i bet it connectes to the Sabers as well :|
    and the SABERS' secret, man, everything's so PERFECTLY described, loving each and every bit of it, Shashi should definitely talk to Khushi abt it, maybe it helps solving the case :/
    damn i'm sooo waiting to read the next update,
    PLEASEEEEEEEEE UPDATEEEEEEE SOONISHHHHHHHHH :)
    tc, love
    JIA (Pinkss)

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  12. I like kinky ASR!

    The suspense is really intensifying along with their rip-roaring chemistry. What will give away 1st? The sabres or their chemistry?

    Can't wait to read more.

    NB

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  13. SJ, this is pure thriller and I am loving it!
    So Shyam has actually blackmailed K into engagement?
    I was frustrated in last chapter when Khushi contacted gitu, shyam and her parents. She is under protection. Did FBI /Arnav not advise her to not use a cellphone? You dont need a snitch, boss The satellite can track u dammit!
    -shree10

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  14. I love how you are slowly opening the story brilliant

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  15. What is Khushi's dark secret that Shyam know about her..I guess in this case it is honor that motivates them, not money.

    I guess we have to wait a little while to find out more about what this Sabres is all about...Wonder who the snitch is, Shyam or her friend or someone in the FBI ?

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  16. love that ridged terrain!

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  17. Thanks for the update! Superb chapter
    Do you want anything Kushi" Yeessss we do my dear he he he
    It is thrilling can't wait to read more
    Kavita1970

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  18. Read all the chapters.. Its awesome.. Loved it..
    Prpk525

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  19. Read all the chapters.. Its awesome.. Loved it..
    Prpk525

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  20. Very gripping story .. cant wait for the Sabre truth to be revealed ...eagerly awaiting the next update ..:-)..

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  21. Suspense s killing me grl...
    The mutual attraction and the neck kiss was awesome.
    Raccoon attack was superb....asrs afraid of animals :-O

    Shyam- Kushi s having a dark past
    Ks not part of gupta family....
    Always loved the way you unroll the story.

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  22. Lana has been disturbed from her eternal rest.....she is not sure..............She is not ready......Arnav not so fast..........the wind does not blow itself ...white snow i blow upon you ...take you back to the canopy......of those days.............my flowing robe...Aaaaaarrrnaaavvvv

    All ye hoping was some neck lurrving........lana is not ready...to let go look forward to more interruptions.....focus Arnav fine me my peace...........so you can get on with your joy (Kushi)

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  23. Reading your updates is like watching a thriller!
    Too many secrets...what is with Khushi and the sabre??Then we have the dark secret of Shyam and Khushi and blackmailing her ...
    The neck kiss and the passion was awesome..

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  24. I love the thrill of the chase! Be it between them and their wild feelings or the now in danger zone, Sabre.
    Neck kiss. Sensually described and that's why ASR needs to walk before he runs!
    And kick Shaym out in between -.-
    Sabre in danger. Khushi in danger. I'm loving the pace of the story, fantastic job!

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  25. *rubs fake beard*
    this is getting even more intriguing...so many secrets...secrets are terrible for my brain because it starts to make me crazy and I start over thinking which drives my family crazy cause I start talking to myself trying to think of what it could all mean...
    anyway this update was just...I would no not have minded being the racoon...or even Khushi...awesome update!

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  26. An plethora of emotions....that was what this chappie, invoked ....I do not mind, penning an encomium, for you!

    Sashi/Garima being mendacious and their consternation ...A devious Shyam,..Khushi's neck-a cynosure,the amorous tension between the duo, the mystery about the Sabres....I loved it all!!

    Cannot wait to read more..

    Aanchal

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  27. Kushi does have a dark secret with Shyam (snakewa). and She is linked to those sabres. But hmmm, she had Rnav with her, in a safe house , all to herself! Go 4 it girl. You have built up the suspense very very well. edge of the seat thriller romance. Arnav Khushi ka romantic trailer dikha diya, ab picture bhi dikha deejiye.;)))) Loved the neck scene. *sigh* Arnav, hotwa!!

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  28. Khushi does have a dark secret with snakewa and the sabres r in some way linked to her. Loved the edge of seat thriller romance. Waiting for more between this hot couple! Love ur writing, feels like I'm watching a movie.

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  29. Oh man! Their brief encounter was SO hot! The chemistry, the attraction, the passion - so evident. SJ, you are an extraordinary writer! I had goosebumps.
    And the thrill in this whole story - whoa! Shyam and Khushi have past, then the Sabres, the mafia. Everything is building up so perfectly.

    Eagerly waiting for the next, early hmm? Thanks for this one! mwaaah.

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  30. this one is really interesting SJ.i dont hv words actually.it is wonderful n im awe struck.u once again proved to be of a strong metal n strange as always but welcome.i really liekd this work of urs.only tht i dont get the link so easily.but im happy with this one.looking forward for more.

    n arshi chemistry n physical pull in this one too is amazing n wonderful!!!!

    daljeet

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  31. Passion & dander, what more do u need to make a story sizzle & burn? Loved the 'unconventional' kiss. Why do i feel that K's not really Shashi & Garima's daughter....or maybe it's just my overactive imagination....Can't wait for more of this.

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  32. Hey u write really well... I read your filigreed sun in one go after that came to this....I check every day for your update.....can't wait for next update....

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  33. SJ, what I love most about this story is the fast-paced action. It's like watching a movie, except that I get impatient with the "Intermissions" between updates!! (-_-). I'm loving it.

    What is Shyam's hold over Khushi? What is the secret behind the "farce of an engagement"? Khushi obviously doesn't think much of her fiance!!
    And yet more secrets with Shashi and Garima.

    Loved the thought of the brave FBI agent going after a raccoon! From his reaction to Khushi's comment I felt as if he suddenly related it to Lana's death and his inability to prevent that.

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  34. SJ, what I love most about this story is the fast-paced action. It's like watching a movie, except that I get impatient with the "Intermissions" between updates!! (-_-). I'm loving it.

    What is Shyam's hold over Khushi? What is the secret behind the "farce of an engagement"? Khushi obviously doesn't think much of her fiance!!
    And yet more secrets with Shashi and Garima.

    Loved the thought of the brave FBI agent going after a raccoon! From his reaction to Khushi's comment I felt as if he suddenly related it to Lana's death and his inability to prevent that.

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  35. SJ,

    I had a very long day today and spent the best part of the morning in the doctor’s consultation room. This story was the saving grace and what a story it is so far, cannot thank you enough for writing this. I really like history, crime related fiction and not to forget the intrigue a romance has to offer in such a background. It is fair to say, I will stalk this blog. The seven chapters have been mind-blowing, cannot begin to imagine what is in store for everyone in this story, as not a single one is safe or protected and this makes it all the more thrilling. I did see the link to another story you have written, will dedicate the weekend for it.

    -Kalyaani (IF)

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  36. a helluva update! liked the pinch of humor in the middle when the raccoon came a-visiting... their brief passion-filled interlude was scorching as was khushi oggling arnav in his towel! would really like to learn more about the khushi-shyam 'relationship', too... love the way the story is progressing

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  37. nice update. smome humor, some heat n some mystery. loved it

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  38. Awesome......


    Read last 3 chapters together n loved it......

    Sasi part is auiye intriguing n Arhi god....as always magnets.......loving ASRS attraction to her......

    U create magic with words n transport is to a totally different world.

    Loving itttt gitu n thnq

    Avni. Highonshows IF

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  39. I always love the way u write the intensity love of A & K. I have a doubt even they still haven't have feeling for each other but there is something which is pulling them towards each other.
    Like Khushi I am in deep thought why he didn't kiss her lip? Is is only fascinate than why suddenly a promise to protect her till his death?ummmm need time to think of that or may be more update..wink.
    Ok..Sashi has to do with this mafia...I am waiting for the past reveal of sashi....

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  40. Ahh that neck kiss killed me!!!
    Their underlying currents of attraction are coming to the fore slowly....what's next for them?? ;)
    Hmmm...what secret do SHyam and Khushi share?? waiting for you to unravel that mystery...
    I absolutely love the way this story is progreessing!!

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  41. What an unconventional kiss!! I think it killed me with the heat!! ;)
    Damn...how are these two going to control their desires any longer???

    What is this secret that SHyam and Khushi share??? How does it give Shyam so much control over Khushi? Waiting for you to unravel this mystery too....

    Shashi..its time to act boy!! They're behind the sabre!!

    Love the fast paced action you provide in every single update!! <3

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  42. amazing update

    they have so much sexual energy around them...the neck kiss damn hot

    and Arnav in towel is every girls wet dream..i wonder why Khushi didn't just jumped on him

    -Smarties-

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  43. I read two updates at a go...and they were fab thrilling updates! Of course as usual! I was so scared when Khushi was talking to everyone about her whereabouts, my mind was screaming for her to stop! Poor girl though...all of a sudden she has been dragged into this entire mess...and I'm sure it is terribly difficult to deal with it all...

    Also....sooo many twists in the story, what is Gitu up to? And the a***** Shyam! SJ your writing pace is awesome...it is leaving me on the edge of my seat while I read! Loving it!

    ASR & Khushi's kiss encounter was hotttt....the tension in the air was thicker than ever..you capture the entire scene beautifully!

    Waiting for the next!! :D

    Rayolight

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  44. A raccoon...lol.. The encounter was sensual..and its a farce engagement??? That was a surprise...

    Peepli

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  45. Oh my god..he went for her neck! I'm so loving this SJ:-)

    This update got me laughing first and then shivering in anticipation..the neck!! Sorry for being all giggly..This is too amazing:-)

    -Pallavi

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  46. :D :D LOL and here's me giggling like a fool at his choice of seduction,wow the curiosity is building and TBH I love itt!! :))

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  47. So shyam blackmails kkg??
    Lov d chapter

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  48. I love neck kisses!!!

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  49. Wow the mystery deepens on so many levels!!!

    About Shyam as a potential blackmailer, about the Maharaja/Sabre/Khushi connection & I am also wondering if Khushi is really their daughter or not?!?!

    Loved the neck kiss & am waiting for the fire to be stoked even further now!!!

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