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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Chapter 11 - Carry you in the Background


(play the music for mood)

The tension was palpable. The Lebanese music filled the air with seductive blend of tambourines and drums. The tribal decor, the dim lights, shimmering candles on the table, the sinuous flow of belly dancers laid the primal feelings bare as Gitu and NK virtually tore each others clothes with their eyes. 

The belly dancer was especially awed by the handsome couple seated in the dark, secluded corner of the restaurant. Gitu felt a rising bout of anger inside her as the dancer came wiggling down to NK for the nth time, showing off her flat abs and shaking her ample boobs for him. NK was beyond himself with glee. The dancer left them alone shaking her hips for the bald diner in the next table, who generously tipped her. 

"Was I supposed to tip her?" NK began opening his wallet. 
"Nah! She got an eyeful of you. Good enough." She bit out. NK laughed. Dinner was irrelevant.

The air was thick with sexual tension. The two were getting along like house on fire with enough dashes of flirty mischief, easy conversation and shared interests but with a strong undercurrent of raw physical attraction. NK could not believe he was getting lucky with a fantastic girl like Gitu. Smart, intelligent, beautiful…and Khushi’s friend.

The drive to her apartment was rife with anticipation. They barely made out of the elevator when Gitu turned and grabbed NK’s collar. A crazed kiss-session followed with more grabbing and pushing as NK squeezed her bottom eliciting a nervous laugh from her. The two stumbled down the hallway and she fumbled with her keys, finally succeeding to open it. The apartment had ambient lights, just perfect for the explosions waiting to happen.

Gitu pushed down NK’s blazer and tore through his shirt. Planting a burning path of kisses from his adams apple to his navel as the fabric gave away. Then she pushed the shirt away and ran her nails along his muscled chest.

“Ow, careful! Wild cat!” NK grinned as he bunched her hair and pulled her head back. He lifted her dress and swiftly drew it over her head. Their lips locked again as they stumbled in to the bedroom. They laughed as the two fell on the bed and tore through the rest of their clothing. Gitu leaned forward to the nightstand while NK took advantage of the situation devouring her pert mounds. She pushed him down on his back and sat astride on him

“What do you have in mind?” NK asked naughtily.
“Well” she answered in a whisper, “What I have in mind will leave you begging for more? Ready or not, here I come”  . She tore the small shiny small packet with her teeth.
“Raarrhhh” she mock roared before she got down on him. NK was lost beyond his imagination.

****

NK was snoring softly. Gitu felt a pang of guilt using him in this way to extract the information she needed. A girls gotta do what she’s gotta do to survive! She consoled herself.

She softly moved his arm across her waist. She got out of the bed, taking considerable effort not to wake NK. She picked his cell phone and tiptoed into the kitchen. She sat down hiding behind the counter and flipped his phone open. The phone was locked!

Darn! All for nothing. Maybe he has something in his shirt pockets. She picked his clothing laying strewn in the living room and rummaged through his pockets. Nothing!

She had the sinking realization that she may have to repeat the performance and soon. I hate doing this to you NK, because honestly I care for you. If she couldn’t reach Khushi soon, things would turn really bad for her and she could not afford that.

NK watched through narrow slits of his shut eyes that Gitu had taken his cell phone to the other room. He got up and leaned on the bedroom door. He watched her rummaging through his things in the living room unaware of his presence. 

What are you hiding, my lovely Gitu? Whatever it was, you stand no chance, darling. I can razzle-dazzle you just as well as you can. It’s a game two can play, let’s see who reaches the finish line first.

He turned and threw himself on the bed. He fell asleep instantly. A disappointed Gitu came in to check on him and noted with satisfaction that he was fast asleep. She snuggled into the bed with him but she felt herself getting pinned to the bed. She purred as NK pushed her arms down into the mattress and began working his way down. NK and Gitu stirred up a nice storm first thing in the morning. 

*****

Sasi spent the better part of the morning struggling with his decision. He was left with no choice. He had to do what was best for Khushi. He had expected a lot more support from the SOS hotline he was given but he was disappointed by the quickness with which they washed their hands off the issue.

He closed the study door and sat on his leather office chear. He picked the phone and dialed a number.
“Hello, who’s this?” Kevin answered the phone in his characteristic west Chicago accent.
“This is Dr. Gupta….Khushi’s dad. I have some information about the Sabres that might be useful to you.”
“Dr. Gupta, don’t say another word over the phone. We will get in touch with you. Hang up now and don’t call anyone about this, and I mean anyone. Is that clear?”

Sasi looked at the disconnected receiver. His hands were cold and stiff with excitement and panic. He knew he had aged years in the last week since Khushi was attacked but it didn’t matter. He had to protect his daughter and if the SOS didn’t protect her, he would make a deal with the FBI.

*****

Noam was pacing his hotel room impatiently. It had been two fucking days and there was no sign of the birds or the Snitch. Without new information his hands were tied. He wanted a fresh kill and soon before it consumed him. (for all you Dexter lovers, and I love Dexter)

“Hi, here is some food. Do you want to starve to death or what?” David placed a bag of takeout food on the small table. Noam looked up, his eyes blood red and angry.

“I am not here on vacation. I don’t have to remind you that if we don’t get the whereabouts of the two soon, Boss will bust our chops.”

David took a mouthful of a burger and sat across Noam. He was busy savoring his food rather than focusing on their mission. In some ways, Noam envied David and his simple needs in life. There were no complications or care and he could simply place himself in the moment and relax. Like at this moment, he wiped the dribble off his chin and took a sip of his Coke.

 Noam envied David and Noam did not like envy because he was used to be in power. Boss was about the only person Noam could tolerate but with huge resentment. He had never met the Boss but knew the chain of command leading to the Boss was rife with dangerous people, even more dangerous than him. He had to bide his time, get the spoils of this mission and retire. He could live the rest of his life with Mariam and satisfy his need for blood by butchering animals.

Noam banged his fist on the table. David almost dropped his burger and looked up in surprise.
“What was that for man?”

“Listen, you motherfucker. You better send the Snitch a sign soon. Show that we matter, that we are not to be fooled around.” Noam got up and leaned close to David face. David’s eyes widened in fear. “Am I clear?”

“Yes Noam, you are clear. I will be right on it.” David shoved back his leftover food, cursing Noam in his head for taking the joy out of eating his burger. He got up and left the room with his bag of food.


*****

Kevin had called in to share that Dr. Gupta was ready to spill the beans on the Sabres. ASR was mad as hell at Khushi’s dad for hiding any leads that could have saved all of them a lot of trouble and kept his daughter out of harm’s way. First, he wanted to listen to what the old man had to say before he gave him a piece of his mind.

The drive to her house was over 10 hours. Unusual to her, Khushi could not sleep through the drive. She had trouble facing ASR, embarrassed that they had let themselves fall prey to the moment. She was mostly quiet for the first half of the drive.

He must really love her, her rational side reasoned, yet, her heart refused to accept that there was nothing between them. She had seen those eyes melt for her, his genuine concern and care for her. He was not just doing his job. The kiss was sincere and his need for her was real too. If all he had wanted was a booty call, he would have been very careful spilling another woman’s name during their make out. That reasoning made her feel better.  She had to know about Lana, for her own peace of mind.

ASR  had apologized to her for his stupidity, but a simple word could not erase the blow he had dealt to her. He wanted her to know the truth but was unsure because he didn't know how she felt about him. He was afraid that after she found out the truth, she’d probably like him more out of pity than anything. He didn’t want pity or sympathy. He wanted her as the wholesome person that she was with her ability to love him as a wholesome person.

But you are not whole, ASR. Admit it. You are scarred, for life. And Lana will always be there, with you. You can’t run away from reality. Tell her and leave it at that. She deserves to know the truth.

He fiddled with the radio stations, struggling and debating how to broach the subject. Thankfully, it was almost time for lunch. He swerved into the nearest exit where they could find a diner to sit and talk.

“Where are we going?” She sat up and looked at him.
“To a diner. Lets grab some lunch.”
“Ok”


(play the music for mood)
The small quaint diner seemed hidden enough not to attract much attention. Third Eye Blind played in the background while the place swarmed with truckers and construction workers on afternoon lunch shift. The two found a corner booth hidden from plain view. A tart and heavily made-up waitress stopped by to take their orders but not before she got a full minute of flirting with ASR. Khushi watched the interaction and realized he could be a charmer if he wanted to. She sighed.

The waitress left them alone and the two sat there for a few moments. Khushi decided to break the silence.
 “Who is Lana?” she asked flatly, staring straight at him.  

“Yeah, about that.” He sat back scratching his forehead. “I am sorry, Khushi, about the other day….” He stole a glance and did not like the blank look he saw. She was clearly upset.

“Who is Lana?” she repeated, as if she never heard his apology.

ASR decided it was best for him to come clean with her.

“About Lana.” He repeated and paused. He was fighting his inner demons, unsure of his choice of words but it had to be done.

“Her name is Svetlana. She was my fiancĂ©.” He said it without ado and searched her eyes for any emotions. He didn’t find any, leaving him slightly flummoxed. She was waiting for him to continue.

“I met Lana three years ago. It was during one of our operations on a drug cartel. She was a hostage in the Russian encampment, smuggled in from Russia for prostitution.” He choked and swallowed with difficulty. Khushi watched him, fighting her own upheaval inside.

“We….I…made a deal with her. She had to help us, FBI and in return she would be free. I let her go after she agreed to become our informant with the Russian mafia. I took her responsibility, you know, her safety and protection and she would bring us useful information. She put her life in danger…to help….me”  grief washed over him as he explained his past to Khushi. She was beginning to understand his intense need to protect her, his confusion between Lana and her. He was reliving those moments with her. Suddenly, she felt a deep sorrow that she was not Lana and she will never be.

ASR exhaled for the hundredth time and continued, “Lana and I worked closely for a year, and… we started developing feelings for each other. It was against protocol, so we tried to keep it a secret. When the operation was put on hold due to budget cuts in the department, we thought it was over. We thought we could go on with life and be together, forever. So, we got engaged. ” 

He stopped and took a sip of water. Deep down, she could sense his fight to lid his feelings. He remained silent, grasping in the dark annals of his soul for more strength to continue.  

She reached out and squeezed his hands. “It’s ok. You can tell me.”

He nodded and she noticed his eyes moistened. He clenched his teeth to keep his emotions under check and looked away.

“And…” She prodded.

“Well, we planned to marry in secret and everything was ready to go. But….someone tipped off the sleeper cells of mafia that she was working for us and…” he couldn’t continue. Khushi knew he was revisiting old wounds he had probably long covered with a scab. She regretted taking him down this path.

“You don’t have to say anymore. I….I understand.”

“She wanted a full wedding, picket fences, and the whole American dream thing. You know she loved kids. I thought I could give her the life she deserved. She made me happy, she was….everything I had.”

He rested his elbows on the table and covered his face with his palms to hide his tears, his weakness for a past that he had tried hard to bury. He took several sharp breaths in. Khushi wanted to reach across and hug him. And she kicked herself for making him do this.

He composed himself and continued.

“She had planned the entire wedding, a small affair, because we did not want fanfare or unnecessary attention. So we invited closest family and friends to her friend’s house.”

 “That’s enough, Arnav, you don’t need to tell me anymore.”

“No!” he insisted, “you should know.”

She felt it was cruel of her to ask him about his life. She had shared nothing with him but here he was, baring his soul and revealing his vulnerability to her. She waited for him. After several more deep breaths he continued.

“Well, do you remember reading about the Galena Wedding massacre in the newspapers?” he asked sufficiently composed.

Khushi knitted her brows to recall, “Yes, I remember. An entire family was gunned down….oh my god! Oh no, oh my god! I am so sorry, Arnav, I am so, so sorry!” her face flushed in agony and tears rolled involuntarily.

He lowered his head and his body shook in suppressed weeps as he tried to control himself. Lana was massacred in a brutal shooting event. The newspapers had reported twenty deaths and the news had run on TV for months, in every gory detail. It was a massive case of organized crime related death in Illinios. And then Khushi remembered the gut wrenching part of the macabre event. The bride-to-be who was killed was reported to be one month pregnant at the time of her death. Khushi felt dizzy and her chest constricted on her. She fought to breathe, hyperventilating and allowing air into her lungs. 

“Oh my god, Arnav, I am so sorry. I am so sorry.” She repeated a million times more but she knew her words weren’t enough.

Khushi could not stop herself. She got up and sat next to him and held him, rocking gently to take away his pain in any way she could. He welcomed her warmth and pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face into the crook of her neck. A few diners gave them curious looks but Khushi didn’t care. She understood his devastation and knew she had to forgive him.

He was a scarred man. A wounded and lethal animal, whose dreams were shattered and destroyed by organized crime. His anger and single minded devotion to the mission and to her protection became clear to her. His resistance to their growing affection and his need to find warmth despite his resolve became clear to her. She knew he would need her as much as she needed him.

*****

After the conversation in the diner, the two were somber for the rest of the drive. However, with every passing hour, the air lightened considerably. She made up her mind that she would not ever ask him about his past and resolved to lighten his mood by steering the conversation to mundane. He warmed up to her attempts.

He admired her for trying to cheer him up. After another hour passed, they were back to shared jokes, sing-alongs with classic rock playing on the radio and discussing the Sabres. He felt better that she had chosen to forgive him.

The work ahead was cut out for him. She had begun to mean more to him than his next project. Her safety and well being had suddenly become the front and center of priorities. He marveled at how easily he had let her capture his complete attention, without trying. But then again, she was a sterling human being, kind, loving and caring. It was easy to fall for her.

ASR pulled into the long driveway of the Gold coast home of Dr. Gupta. The mansion was impressive to say the least and ASR realized for the first time that Khushi came from moneyed family. And it made him feel inconsequential for no reason at all.

He parked the SUV in the long driveway. He was satisfied to note the FBI security detail around the premises and noted the installed cameras surveying the area. He located a small guest cottage on the far right corner of the wooded property where the FBI security personnel had put up its makeshift office. He watched Khushi, one last look before her family claimed her back.

He opened the passenger side door, waking her from her short nap.

“Oh! We are home!” she noted with a smile. 

And his shoulders suddenly dropped in disappointment. For the next week, he was not going to get any private moment with her. 

60 comments:

  1. Early birthday update! Thank you!!!! :D Be back after reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay, I'm back! Had dosa for dinner ;) #SouthIndianGossip LOL!

      First of all, I just want to give a big hug to you and Arnav. I can't believe he went through so much with Lana, I thought she was his former girlfriend, but never this! She was pregnant? Poor girl! And I can't even imagine what Arnav must be going through!

      Arnav-Khushi bonding was perfect in this chapter!

      And Gitu! That biotch got laid the day before my birthday! Can you tell I am jealous? LOL! NK! Mere jaan! Don't worry! I will heal that broken heart that she is trying to give you! Aaja, mere hero, aaja! ;) Bahaha!

      And the deal with the sabres is finally, hopefully, going to be revealed by Sashi? Can't wait! Also dreading what that bitch payal is upto!

      Continue soon, SJ! LOVE IT! #Hugs

      Delete
  2. SJ-

    I just read the whole thing today!!! Lovely concept..can't wait to see where u take it!

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  3. I feel terribly sad for Arnav. My heart broke for him. Oh god, that's so cruel. He lost Lana on their wedding day not only that she was one month pregnant when she died. That's devastating :"( :"( :"( Now, I can understand why he called out Lana's name while kissing Khushi. I choose to forgive him too. He is a poor, tortured soul. I'm in love with him all over again. Mwaaaaaaa :)
    Gitu and NK- that was some steamy, hot moment between them :) Gitu is a wild cat lol. I wonder what she is hiding and why she is doing whatever she doing??? She definitely is not a bad person but something is pressurizing her. Errrrr!!! I think that filthy Shyam is behind this. Ughhhh!!! May be I'm wrong lol.
    Btw I don't know why but everytime "Kevin" is mentioned, I start to picture him as a very, very hot Boss lol. I hope he is :P
    Loved it yaara :)

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  4. I just finished reading all the 11 chapters.
    I have read Filgreed sun as well and i must say your stories Rock!!!!

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  5. Hi SJ, Arnav has experienced such pain it's a wonder that he stayed with the FBI! Glad to see NK getting some "one on one" but I am sad to see that Gitu is pulling the wool over his eyes!
    Very curious to understand the mystery of the Sabres and looking forward to Sasi's disclosure to the FBI.
    Question is, can Kevin be trusted? Is he the mole?
    Cheers
    Maya Di

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  6. i like this NK. i think their scenes r gonna be interesting.
    arnav's past is indeed depressing. i hope khushi can help him fight those demons.

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  7. Sigh!

    Whom do I love more? Arnav or Nk? Cannot decide. It s deuce I guess. Let me see if it is advantage arnav or advantage Nk in the next round.
    Will anything tip the balance. I don't think so. They both are so different and yet so loveable.

    Thanks SJ for the update :-)

    A

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  8. The sizzling hot Lebanese music was the perfect backdrop for the sizzling chemistry between NK and Gitu ... So NK knows that Gitu is upto something ... hmmmmm

    It was heart breaking to know the sad past Arnav shared with Lana ... that even to loose her on their wedding day ... hope Khushi is able to help him overcome his past ...

    Finally Shashi is going to reveal the secret connected with the Sabres ... waiting eagerly to know the connection they have with Khushi ...

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  9. I'm glad he's thinking about Gitu in a suspect kind of way unlike the many men on our planet who forget after one night of sex...Arnav's past is utterly heartbreaking...so much pain and loss...no one ever deserves that much pain...

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  10. Lana was pregnant when she died..Felt bad for Arnav..
    NK is a smart guy..he knows his moves..
    waiting for Shashi to spill the secrets..

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  11. Nice weekend treat... So NK knows that Gitu is upto something but still plays along, interesting..so is Gitu the snitch?cannot believe that....
    Arnav and Lana fB was indeed very sad, seriously she was a month preggo and massacre , cruel....

    Interesting Update!

    Soloperson

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  12. I have a feeling that he's still going to manage to get plenty of private and revealing moments.
    Excited to get to know more about the sabres and khushi's connection to them and why the mafia are after them.
    ASR's story! Oh! My heart goes after him, its just to sad, poor thing. To loose your love and your baby, and like that!! Too much to bear...
    Booksfreak07

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  13. Gitu and NK-- wild animals! Sizzling and so masked. Secrets, secrets, secrets... Sigh
    .Shashi and FBI. Sounds dangerous.
    Arnav's past... No wonder he's still wounded. Brutally massacred, the two most precious people of his life.
    Finally reached the Gupta's house. Let the games begin!

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  14. i'm loving this.it is so damn interesting.the suspense definitely is killing me.
    who is gitu doing the job for?n y?is nk the snitch r not?both wud benefit gitu n kushi,i feel.but lets wait n see.

    no shyam,yea thanks.lol.

    ASR was awesome.i felt so sad abt Lana!some things r just so sorrowful.no words!

    kushi was perfect.gupta was realistic n at best.kevin,garima did their roles well i must say.

    payal!oh my God.now she is gona play like pain.my God.egone payal,i dont want more tension on ur accord!

    moly,think rationally baby.waiting for atleast u to support kushi.n ASR entering home wud certainly cause either destruction or love among the sisters.lets wait n see wat is it?

    n yea ASR,i dont think tht u wud be unlucky enough to not get a moment,i mean "private moment" with kushi.there can b golden n risky chances in this one week,im dreaming abt it.fun is more wen risk is more.lol.

    waiting for the future updates.feel sorry for gitu n nk though.the confusing pair this time!

    daljeet

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  15. Svetlana - oh the tragedy was much worse than i scaled it to be! Am glad Khushi understands the past and her role in this too.
    What is Sasi going to say, i am edgy with curiosity! Somehow cannot picture Gitu as a snitch, hoping its something else Gitu is trying to do :D


    -preetihere on IF

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  16. NK is real smart guy ..am sure will uncover Gitu's secrets...felt bad for Arnav..good they will be seperated for sometime,they will have time to sort out their feelings for each other...and waiting to know abt the sabres..

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  17. Hmm, NK is a smart guy.. what is Gitu up to? Arnav's past is devastating, my heart went out for him. His and Khushi's bond is really good. Who is the snitch? Waiting for Sabres' secret to come out. Intriguing update!

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  18. NK is wise and vigilant.... he hides it well beneath his carefree demeanour..
    What a heart-wrenching past!!! Am happy to perceive that all is well between A&K....

    Excited to know what Shashi has to divulge about the Sabres' mystery even if it is just the tip of the iceberg and, it felt good to read that,even Noam wants a normal life...

    ASR a little low spirited thinking about less private moments..very endearing...K seems to have already become an important part of his life without him, apprehending it..

    Await next...

    Aanchal15-IF

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  19. So, Gitu boss is lady...
    Nk and Gitu they both are smart ha..ha...NK u r smarter than her...

    Khushi and Arnav she suddenly felt guilt asking about Lana...
    ummm So...they are not meeting....
    I think in those weeks they should realise their feelings...
    Beautiful update SJ

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  20. The mystery surrounding the sabers deepens, but will be revealed by sasi very soon I hope. Gita , the b$&@$, god that NK used his other organ too!
    And Arnav's past is too heartbreaking,very very sad

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  21. Hate gitu , wonder what she's upto, what she is doing this for?
    As Arnav's past is too heartbreaking. But loved the bond formed between khushi and him

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  22. So we finally know about Lana! I feel so bad for her. And Arnav? Oh My God he has been suffering so much. My heart goes out to him.. Loved these lines --- "He was a scarred man. A wounded and lethal animal, whose dreams were shattered and destroyed by organized crime. His anger and single minded devotion to the mission and to her protection became clear to her. His resistance to their growing affection and his need to find warmth despite his resolve became clear to her. She knew he would need her as much as she needed him."

    I'm sure everything will be alright for him, with Khushi by his side. What a lovely soul she is, forgot everything to comfort him. I love these two!!

    NK and Gitu - wild games! Both are pretending to be oblivious but both are equally shrewd. Thank god NK knows something's wrong. Whats up with Gitu, anyway? She has a secret too. I wonder if she's the snitch, but its too early to say. Thanks to your extraordinary writing that everyone looks lie a suspect!

    Looking forward to A-K's time in Khushi's house. And, one thing I'm sure - ASR is going to get plenty of time with Khushi. They both would find a way, since they can't keep their hands off each other for long, hahaha! Also, wanna see what 'satyanash' Payal's planned.
    Update sooooooooon. Thanks for this one SJ!

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  23. arnav's past was heart-rending, but khushi is there to offer support! who is goiing to win the nk-gitu cat and mouse game? can't wait to hear what sasi has to say and what khushi's 'sisters' reactionns are going to be... payal was up to something wasn't she?!

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  24. OH.. what a devastating past he has! He and we are yet to know the secret of Shyam and Khushi.
    Me also diappointed that no private moments for ASR and Khushi :(..

    Nk is a smart guy! Gitu - now wht is her secret?
    -shree10

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  25. NK and Lana stole my heart! truly touching part on Lana!

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  26. An entire family shot down...that is just so painful, I'm glad he told Khushi about it.
    This update was wonderful and revealing his story has uncovered the sorrowful truth that had me confused for so long. NK is a smartie and the part where Khushi comforts Arnav warmed my heart!
    -choco_123

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  27. Oh i feel sorry for our hot asr! NK man he is smart and cool. iam disapointed to like asr cos they wont get any time alone. waiting for the next part.
    latha

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  28. Hi SJ...
    Brilliant update...NK was awesome lol, i knew he'd figured out abt Gitu earlier....good goin dude :P
    OMFGGG, Lana's story, she was pregnant? that's so sad :( i feel so bad for Arnav, the guy's been through so much, but his feelings for Khushi are genuine, right? its more than just attraction...
    i hope he doesnt take Khushi's caring nature towards him as Sympathy now :/ i feel Khushi already in love with him!!
    Ahhhh, Khushi's back to her parents house, Payal the BIATCH, i scared of her intentions :( hope Khushi stays safe...awwwww, Arnav's already started to miss her :)
    Cant wait to read the next chapter now!!!
    continue sooonnnishhhh...
    tc, love
    JIA (Pinkss)

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  29. Oh god...poor Arnav.....
    It's surprising how he shared everything with khushi...I hope khushi's dad is of help...nk and Gitu...lol! They are perfect!:D
    Great update!
    Last line-awwwwwww....
    Rabzooo

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  30. Nice update
    prpk525

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  31. Very beautifully written ...
    Just came across your ff and I must say after filigreed this is a heartwrenching story ...
    Thanks for the pm
    I adore your writting SJ :)

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  32. Wonderful update! My heart went out to ASR and his unimaginable distress at having lost his fiancé and child to organized crime. No wonder he feels the immense need to protect khushi, who is in a similar plight as Lana was. He is attracted to Khushi, but is unsure as to how to deal hith these new feelings...he is afraid that if he gives in to this temptation, he will only make things worse for Khushi, whom he has vowed to protect. He realizes that his past has left him scarred and he is not even sure if he can do justice to a full fledged relationship....

    I feel a bit protective about Khushi right now....she is as such dealing with a lot right now...the last thing she needs is a complicated relationship with a battered man. I realize that she empathizes with him, and his rugged good looks will not make it any easier to ignore him....I hope they don't get embroiled in a relationship right now....

    NK's smartness was impressive...

    Waiting to see what happens next.....

    Niharika111

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  33. Fabulous as usual! Omg I feel so sorry of Arnav and Lana. And she was pregnant! Somehow it makes the violent act seem even more brutal. I love the Kaushi knows what's up finally and their bonding was awesome! I know that their relationship is complicated and would be even more complicated if they fall in love but I can't help it! I want them to fall in love! And I bet Payal would be so all over ASR! Can't say I would blame her cus he's sexy but still! Keep up ur great work SJ! <3 sandy

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  34. Ok. I'll spill.

    I was so mad at Arnav in the last chapter when he said Lana! But now I'm just ashamed, I judged him too quickly. The death was awful to say the least, and I can't even begin to imagine to kind of pain and grief he would have.

    But I'm glad he told her. It tells me that he cares a lot about her. And he wants to do the right thing no matter what's the outcome.

    As for NK, I found him to be very smart and very attractive. Gitu, improve babes! This guy is a keeper.

    And can't wait to hear Sasi's secrets!

    Thank you SJ!

    Sachi. / JerryTheMouse

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  35. Arnav & Lana.. tragic ..but ahh that's life isn't it.Loved how Khushi was a pillar to Arnav without being judgmental.The way u explained in the simplest of the words as to why K was not really angry was just too good ..:-)
    "He must really love her, her rational side reasoned, ........ She had to know about Lana, for her own peace of mind".. My fav part of the update :-)

    Now coming to the most interesting part in my POV ..NK & Gitu ..Two can play at a game indeed ..:-).
    Waiting to see what Mr.Gupta has to say about the sabres..wonder how the gupta sisters react when they see ASR by K's side :-D..

    Keep Rocking
    Somya

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  36. Thanks for the update! NK is alert where Gitu is concerned , passionate affair hope no one gets hurt.
    Felling sad for Arnav such a tragedy, entire family gunned down.... Pregnant Lana... Horrifying , no wonder he is extra careful Hope Kushi can comfort him.
    Can't wait for what Sasi has to say. Waiting for the next update
    Kavita1970

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  37. Good for NK, I'm glad he's not a pushover. Hope Gitu is one of the good guys. It would be devastating for Khushi if her best friend turned out to be the person who betrayed her to the Mafia.
    Arnav's story is heartbreaking. To lose your wife-to-be and your unborn child in such a violent manner. Now waiting to see Arnav's reaction to the Gupta family dynamics, particularly Khushi's relationship with her sisters.

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  38. Commenting after a long time, and clearly the story has become more and more intriguing.
    First of all this chapter was heart wrenching..Lana and arnav's story. ah a wedding massacre :(
    Geetu is definitely playing for something important, and she cares for nk but not khushi?
    I wonder what Shyam knows about K, that she wants to hide..
    adding to all this the sabres, the fbi, the SOS hotline, parents and infidelity, khushi's indian connection, and then russian mafia!
    But for now i cant wait to see what happens in the Gupta household. will be stalking this blog for an update :)

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  39. Good for NK, I'm glad he's not a pushover. Hope Gitu is one of the good guys. It would be devastating for Khushi if her best friend turned out to be the person who betrayed her to the Mafia.
    Arnav's story is heartbreaking. To lose your wife-to-be and your unborn child in such a violent manner. Now waiting to see Arnav's reaction to the Gupta family dynamics, particularly Khushi's relationship with her sisters.

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  40. Arnav has had such a hard past!

    I was soo mad at him in the previous chapters, but reading the whole story now..I realize I'd judged him too soon and too badly.
    Poor thing, to suffer so much when you believed you were getting a happily ever after...very tragic.

    Glad Khushi decided to forgive him and tried to cheer him up. And I'm glad Arnav told her about Lana, she finally knows the whole story behind why Arnav is how he is. She needed to know this.

    Nk and Gitu, lets see who gets to know whose secret first!!! And waiting for Mr.Gupta to spill the beans on the Sabre issues....

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  41. My heart ached for Arnav...to have loved and lost...like that! I had a lump in my throat by the time he finished telling Khushi about Lana and himself. Although, I am glad he came clean with Khushi....their attraction makes me shiver so I can't begin to imagine how they would manage had they not talked about it.

    NK! I love you! I am glad you are that smart and the breains are not in the d***...phew! ;) But wonder what Gitu is up to? What could it be that she has to deceive Khushi? Dying to know!

    Also, can't wait to read about Payal, Molly and Khushi...actually can't wait to go forward with everything!!! Please update soon! ;)

    Rayolight

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  42. OH MY MY look what just happened here, someone went down on someone and then someone went down on that someone and my universe just exploded.

    It's belly-dancingly-orgasmic bwahahaha

    I FINALLY GET ACTION IN AN FF, NOT JUST AN FF, BUT SERIALJUNKIE GOT ME LUCKY.

    MUAH!

    Ok Sasi babua is all ready to spill it out.. how why when and what only time can tell.

    ASR :( LANA :(

    Kyon dard hai itna tere ishq main

    I am pretty sure Khushi means a hell lot to ASR, he just poured it all out to her. Khushi is home... I like where this is going bcos when you say they arent going to get private time together you're going to give us just that.

    SEX??

    PLEASE

    HAHAHA!

    LOVED MY CHEMISTRY WITH NK, WE ARE GOING TO BURN IT UP IN STYLE BABY

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  43. Read chapter 6 to chapter 11 in 1 go and what a read it was! Feeling very very bad for Lana & Arnav. The more the read about this Khushi, the more I like her. Sasi babua is gonna reveal the secret soon. Update soon sooner soonest! :)

    Amrita_12(IF)

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  44. Poor ASR, the guy has been through so much and to lose his love and child in a morbid shootout, is gut wrenching to say the least. It is not difficult to understand the overpowering need he feels to protect Khushi and the attraction to her. This could just be his only change to find closure, his actions may not be legitimate but to come clean in that manner to her needed strength and not the physical kind but the emotional kind.
    Not to forget Khushi in this whole deal, she is tormented beyond words, he life in danger and heart at risk, poor girl can she ask for anything more? Did I forget to mention relations who are titular only? She needs all the protection she can get, every bit of it.
    NK is no idiot, Gitu is wicked to say the least….
    Smashing update!

    - Kalyaani

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  45. OH MY!
    GITLI GOT SO MUCH ACTION! WITH NK! FBI WALA NK!
    DOUBLE OH MY!
    ASR..My heart goes out to him. Poor guy
    I am happy Khushi was there to console him, and that he let her.
    Aur yeh ek hafte ki kya deal hai? Sasi hai ki Dadi haan?
    My ASR will climb the pipe and meet her BAS.
    [And maybe stumble upon me on the way too. Hehe I am a supporter of louu so will let him pass.)

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  46. The story is extremely gripping, can't wait for next update. I love your version of Arnav and Khushi.

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  47. awesome update. NK is smart. arnav' s past is so sad and the massacre is so horrible. khushi wld b next to him when he needs her. wil shyam b back cos khushi is home. hope khushi revels her past to arnav and clear shyam.

    loving this story

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  48. Hey SJ,

    Interesting story you've got here. Just wanted to point something out though, the image of your background is not a sabre, it's a sword. I thought I'd let you know because a sabre has a very distinct curve and are slighter in the hilt and pommel than the straight sword you have in the background.

    I hope you don't mind, but it just distracts from the actual story.

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    Replies
    1. munches, you are right. I was trying to find a good pic of a sabre with a dark background that set the written part in contrast, but i couldn't. so settled on this one because i liked the burgundy color. anyway, will keep looking for a good one with scabbard and the authentic curved handle that defines a sabre. :D

      Delete
    2. and a big THANK YOU!! for reading. as ever, it makes my day.

      Delete
    3. oh munchy, i can't stop laughing now, actually sabre has hidden meanings yaara.
      its ASR's functioning chotey!!! LOLLLLLL

      Delete
  49. NK is pretty smart..making Gitu play her own game

    very sad about Arnav and Lana story..but Khushi is here for him


    -Smarties-

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  50. What are you hiding, my lovely Gitu? Whatever it was, you stand no chance, darling. I can razzle-dazzle you just as well as you can. It’s a game two can play, let’s see who reaches the finish line first.

    Smart Gitu and Smarter NK! I love this lethal combination. Gosh this story is moving at an incredible pace given how you brought out Lana's story. Reminded me of the scene from The Punisher. That massacre scene sends shivers down my spine. I feel the Boss is someone like Akash since you havent introduced him then again, you are going to throw us a curveball and we are going to be left in the dust, recollecting our jaws!!!

    Question regarding the cast of this amazing story. Who do you have imagined Lana to be?

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  51. NK and Gitu did stir up a storm!!!! So nk is now aware that gitu is up to something. I just hope none of them is snitch. Arnav had such a heart breaking past. One question did ASR know that Lana was pregnant before she was murdered???? He is in a similar situation like before and is therefore emotionally drawn towards khushi. Sasi is going to come clean abt the sabres now. Let's see what we learn. One week and no private moments with khushi I truly doubt that... Star303(IF)

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  52. Awww gosh poor arnav....he lost everything...loved the way kkg talked to him....thank god nk knows abt gitu

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  53. Amazing, fabulous, gripping...i know I'll run out of adjectives if I started complimenting your work!!! I fell in love with Filigreed sun and even posted in my FB recommending to read it n my friends loved it. And now I'm in love with this too. Its a nice change to not have Arnav as an arrogant businessman and Khushi as salwar-kameez type. And you also have a very beautiful way of story telling. I really love it, keeps me hooked :). Keep writing . We shall always be stalking ;)

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  54. Fab update!!!

    Poor ASR to loose not only Lana but also their child it's heart wrenchingly sad!!!

    I can certainly understand what drives him & why Lana is on his mind constantly with this case & why a slip up would occur!!!

    Hopefully some of the mystery is about to unfold regarding the sabres & Khushi's background!!!

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