Scars of the Past Chapter 1: We Found Love in a Hopeless Place

Hey Guy! I'm here with a new story. I know what you're thinking, "Why is this girl starting a new story when she hasn't finished her old one and barely has time to update?". The answer; I have a disease. If I have actual work, I prolong it as much as possible because I want to write and update and all that jazz. It's not good and I can't stop. Oh well, I'm not going to complain because I bring this on to my self. So enough about me, let's move on to the story.

Summery: it's about Arnav's parents and how they meet and how they struggle with their love. It's quite dark. The fist few chapters will be in the past. Before you stop reading, yes this is an ArHi story, I'm just setting up the background. Jeez you people are so impatient. Also, later chapters will be dark. It's a crap summary. Let's just say there's strict parents, star crossed lovers, whore house, death, blackmail and lots and lots of drama. Just read the first chapter and if you don't like it, don't continue.

Character sketch can be found here. Enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own IPKKND or it's characters. However I do own this story.

Chapter 1: We Found Love in a Hopeless Place

Delhi 1983

It had been a very long day for the Malik’s. The oldest son, Abhi Singh Malik, had just turned 18 and that meant a huge celebration. The servants had worked their fingers to the bone and all the rich, high class people had attended the party to wish Abhi a happy birthday. No stone was left unturned to ensure that Abhi had the most unforgettable experience ever. Little did he know that the party was just the beginning.

It was around 11 o’clock and Vijeesh Singh Malik had invited Abhi to his study to have a glass of wine and to talk about the responsibilities that he now had.

“I know that you still need to go to university before you take over the business Abhi but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have responsibilities. This means that you’ll be spending less time with girls and more time with work. The Malik name is in your hands now, don’t tarnish it.” Said Vijeesh.

“Dad you know I’ve never looked at a girl twice. I’ve always been too busy with my studies.” Replied Abhi as he sipped his wine.

“Wait, are you telling me that you’ve never been with a girl before?”

“Of course, as you said, I shouldn’t tarnish the Malik name.”

Vijeesh burst out laughing. “Oh my boy, you can do that and have a little fun.”

Abhi was confused. “What do you mean?”

“Come with me my son, for tonight, you’ll finally become a man.”

Abhi had never questioned his father and he wasn’t about to start now. He knew that his father had a lot to drink today but he still trusted him. Vijeesh led Abhi outside and instead of heading towards their garage, he walked up to the road.

“Dad, are we going far?” asked Abhi.

“Yes.” Vijeesh replied whist trying to hail a taxi.

“Then why aren’t we taking the car?”

“We’re going to a place that if you take a car there, it’ll be stolen in 10 seconds.” Vijeesh had finally managed to hail a cab and was now gesturing for Abhi to get in. “Come on.”

Abhi hesitated. “Dad do you really think that this is a good idea? It’s nearly midnight and we’re obviously going to a dangerous part of town.”

“Just get in.”

No more questions were asked. Abhi got into the taxi and it drove off. He tried to figure out where they were going but after a while he couldn’t recognise the streets. Abhi had always lived in the rich part of town so he wasn’t used to seeing so much rubbish and ruin everywhere. It was all so bleak.

It became much darker and then a lot lighter. There were lights everywhere. A lot of men were hanging around the houses and a lot of women with brightly coloured sarees and too much make up were hanging around pretty much everywhere. A light bulb went off inside Abhi’s head when he finally figured out where they were.

“Dad, I think we’re in the wrong place.” He said.

“No we’re not.” Said Vijeesh as he climbed out.

“Dad this is the red light district.” Said Abhi, hoping that he’s father would realise his mistake and get back in the cab.

“I know, I’ve been here before.”

Dumbstruck, Abhi climbed out of the taxi and followed his father into one of the houses. He just couldn’t believe his father had been to a whore house before. Vijeesh looked back to see what was taking his son so long to follow him when he saw his expression.

“Look Abhi, I’m going to tell you some sad truths right now. Your mother and I don’t love each other. We got married to join our fathers’ companies. She has people to satisfy her needs and I have people to satisfy mine. It’s my fault really, I never gave my marriage a shot. Truth is, I never wanted to get married. But it is what it is. Now stop looking shocked and start looking handsome.”

Abhi chose to store that information away for another time because right now he needed to get out of this situation. “Dad, what are we doing here?”

“I’m going to give you a birthday present.”

“Dad, you already got me so much-”

“Shut up and let me spoil my eldest son.”

Abhi shut up and took a seat on one of the many filthy chairs in the reception. He was too tired and too shocked to do anything else.

Meanwhile, Vijeesh was having a conversation with the owner of the whore house.

“Vijeesh?” said the portly man in a dirty vest. “I haven’t seen you here in ages.”

“Virgins aren’t my thing anymore.”

The man let out a gruff laugh. “So why are you here?”

“I’m here to choose a girl for my son. I know you specialise in virgins and my son is one too.”

The man craned his neck to get a better view of Abhi. He whistled. “There’s no way that one is a virgin. Girls should be throwing themselves at him. I think he’s lied to you Vijeesh.”

“My son never lies to me.” He said seriously. “Now do you have a virgin or should I take my business elsewhere?”

“There’s no need to be like that. The virgins are very rare these days but I got one just this morning.”

“Has anyone touched her?”

“We give the girls a month to learn before they actually do the dirty.”

“Fantastic. Set up your most expensive room and get the girl cleaned up.”

“Of course Vijeesh. It’s only the best for you.”

Vijeesh went back to sit with his son and smiled at him.

Abhi tried to convince his dad to go back home again. “Dad, let’s go. It’s really late and you have work tomorrow.”

“I am the boss of my company Abhi and I can take a day off if I want. You are not getting out of this.” He said sternly.

Abhi sighed and waited for whatever was going to happen. 20 minutes later the owner came back grinning.

“Everything is set up.” He said.

“Good man.” Said Vijeesh as he handed the owner a large wad of cash. “Lead the way.”

The man led them up to the top floor of the whore house. When he reached the end of the corridor, he stopped and pointed at a door.

He gave Abhi a pat on the back. “Have fun.” He said and then he walked away.

Abhi looked at his father in confusion. “Dad why did he say ‘have fun’?”

Vijeesh could hardly contain his glee. “Open the door.”

Abhi opened the door to find a room with gold and red décor. The room looked better and more expensive than the entire whore house. There was soft music playing and incense burning. In the middle of the room stood a girl.

Abhi slammed the door instantly and gave his father a hard stare.

Vijeesh was slightly disappointed. “Why did you do that?”

“Let’s go home dad.” He said as he began to walk away.

“No.” he said firmly, stopping Abhi in his tracks. “I paid a lot of money for that room and that girl so you better enjoy it. Plus she’s a virgin so she won’t judge you.”

“I never asked for this!” Protested Abhi. “I don’t even know her.”

“Which makes this better. Now go in and have fun. I order you.”

“Dad-”

“Are you going to disobey me?”

Abhi stared long and hard at his father before he opened the door again, stepped inside the room and slammed the door shut behind him. He let out a frustrated cry and punched the wall.

After a while, he looked over at the girl who was still standing in the middle of the room. She was dressed in a green choli and a three quarter length lehenga. He moved to look at her face and stopped dead. She had the most innocent face of all the women he had ever seen. Her face was milky brown and flawless. Her hair was chocolate brown. Half of it was cascading down her front. It was so long that it went past her hips despite it being wavy. Her lips were pale pink and quivering. And her eyes held more than those magnetic orbs that pulled him in, they held fear.

“You’re really beautiful.” He blurted out.

She shifted nervously and nodded her head in acknowledgment. “Thank you sir.”

He realised what he had just said and mentally berated himself. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to have sex with you.” He said reassuringly.

She visibly relaxed before stiffening again. Then she whispered, “If you don’t, some one else will.”

Her voice was so musical that it took a moment before what she said registered in Abhi’s brain. He then felt an anger that he’d never felt before. He couldn’t quite understand where it was coming from but he knew that he didn’t want anyone to touch something so pure and taint it.

He sighed. “Look, you seem like a decent girl, you shouldn’t be in a place like this.”

She laughed bitterly. “You really think this was my choice? My parents sold me because we’re so poor. They couldn’t afford to get me married off so now I’m here. I’ve tried escaping many times today but they always manage to find me and drag me back.”

Abhi was shocked and deeply saddened to hear her story. “I’m really sorry.” Then he had an idea. “I’ll try and see if I can buy your freedom.”

“Thank you but it won’t work. The owner never sells anyone, no matter what the price, he made that very clear.” She paused for a while before she came to a decision. “You seem like a gentleman, I honestly wouldn’t mind losing my virginity to you.”

“And I you but-”

“Please.” She begged. “You can try and negotiate but it won’t work and then some other man will come in and take it from me. Maybe some one who isn’t as nice as you.”

“You really want me to make love to you?”

“Yes.” She said in defeat. A small tear fell from her eyes but she quickly wiped it. “This is what my life is going to be like from now on so I might as well get used to it.”

Abhi hesitated. She was a very beautiful girl but he didn’t want to take advantage of her. “I’m a really rich man. Let me just talk to my father about this.”

He quickly exited the room and went to find he’s father. When he finally found him, he saw that he was getting a lap dance from a young girl. He swallowed the disgust and disappointment and approached him.

“Dad?”

He’s father waved the girl off. “That was quick. Are you ready to go?”

“No I haven’t, that’s not why I’m here. Dad I want to buy that girl.”

Vijeesh burst out laughing. “You’re joking right?” He then saw his son’s face and straightened up. “No.”

“Why?”

“We use the whore but we never take them home, do you understand?”

“But dad-”

“No buts! We are not buying her. Now you can come and enjoy her as much as you like but we are not buying her!”

Vijeesh then signalled for the girl to keep doing what she was doing and Abhi took it as a sign that he was dismissed. He trudged back to the room to meet and expected girl.

“What did your father say?” she asked.

“What’s your name?”

“Shruthi.”

He came close to her, cupped her face gently and kissed her softly. Shruthi could tell by the way that he kissed her that the conversation hadn’t gone well.

“I’m so sorry Shruthi.” He whispered as he rested his forehead on hers.

“It’s ok, at least you tried.” She whispered back.

“I’ll try something else I promise.”

She sighed, she knew that he was of a pure heart. “What’s your name sir?”

“Abhi Singh Malik.”

“Make love to me.”

“What?”

“In case your trying doesn’t bare fruit, let’s just pretend that tonight we know and love each other.”

“Are you sure?”

She looked in his eyes and he could see that she honestly wanted this. He didn’t waste anymore time. He captured her lips again but this time savouring her in case he couldn’t make good on his promise.

AHEA Chapter 1: Q & A

Thank you guys for commenting and liking the prologue. Here's the next part. Enjoy :)

 

 

Chapter 1: Q & A

 

Everyone but Anjili stopped eating their breakfast and stared in Anjili’s direction. They couldn’t tell whether she was being serious or she was just joking.

 

“Are you being serious Di?” asked Arnav.

 

“Why would I joke about something like that Chote?” she replied.

 

Everyone looked at her in despair and Naniji burst out crying.

 

“When?” growled Arnav.

 

“I don’t know.” Shrugged Anjili. “About a week or two after I went to visit Shyam in prison.”

 

They all gawked at her and her ability to talk about something like this as if it were a conversation about the weather. They had all thought that she was fine. She was acting so independent that they all just left her to it. When ever they asked her if she required something, she would decline their help. They had agreed not to suffocate her or treat her like a child but no one could have predicted what she would do.

 

“Why?” asked Arnav in a broken voice while Payal tried to calm Naniji down.

 

“Because I didn’t want to bring a child into this world who shared his genes.”

 

They all knew who she was talking about.

 

“That baby was part Raizada!” protested Arnav.

 

“It was also part Jha.”

 

“Di-”

 

“Chote, you don’t understand and you never will. I will explain everything to you and the family once you’ve all calmed down and tried looking at things from my perspective.”

 

“But Di, you’ve been going to the doctors regularly.” Said Akash. “If it wasn’t for pregnancy check ups, what were you going there for?”

 

Anjili took a deep breath before she replied. “I was seeing a psychiatrist.”

IAL Chapter 1: What She Saw

I can't remember the events properly and when I tried to find the episodes online I was unsucessfull so I'm going to make up the events as best as I can remember. Enjoy :)

Chapter 1: What She Saw

 

When Khushi saw the note written in lipstick on the mirror, she knew that it could only be from one person. Arnav Singh Raizada. The world may view him as a cold individual but she knew better. She knew that deep down he was a hopeless romantic.

 

She reread the note just to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. To say she was happy would be like saying she only liked jelabies not loved them. She was ecstatic. Finally after running around and playing games he finally decided to come clean. She for one certainly wasn’t going to keep him waiting and give him a chance to chicken out.

 

Ignoring all the strange looks people threw her way, she practically ran to the roof. She didn’t care. She was in love and love certainly makes people blind.

 

Before she opened the door to the roof she composed herself. She didn’t want him to think she was desperate or anything. She opened the door and walked out on to the roof. She was facing away from the door, enjoying the breeze, when the door opened behind her. She smiled and turned. But the smile froze on her face and she gasped when she saw who it was.

 

 

 

Angels and Devils Chapter 1: First Encounters

Disclaimer: I don't own IPKKND or it's characters. However I do own this story concept.

This is a darker version of how Arnav and Khushi met. If you don't like an abusive Arnav don't read this story. I wanted to write this for ages so I did. The italics are thoughts. I've decided to continue this but I don't know when I'll update. People this story is 16+ so kids please don't read it. So until then, enjoy!

Chapter 1: First Encounters

Arnav was furious. The girl had decided to ruin his fashion show and now she was running away?

I don’t think so

He got on his Bluetooth immediately. “Security! Make sure that girl in the green and pink lehenga doesn’t leave the Sheesh Mahal. When you find her, take her up to my room and make sure you lock the doors so she can’t get out!”

The press had gathered all around him asking him bothersome questions.

“Who was that girl?”

“Why was she wearing green, when the theme is red?”

“Is she new? Is that why she looked nervous and fell?”

“Was this planned?”

“Where’s your original show stopper, Diva?”

ASR wasn’t listening to any of these questions, he waded through the crowd and stormed into the building. He went straight up to his room. He slammed the door shut hoping it would calm him down but it didn’t. He took off his ascot, his jacket and rolled up his sleeves and waited. He didn’t know why he wanted to hurt her but he did. Everything about this place made him violent and all the bad memories came back stronger. He tried not to think about it and calm down but the anger just built up inside him as the seconds went on. Finally he could hear a commotion in the corridor. A girl was shoved into his room. She didn’t acknowledge his presence and turned to bang on the door.

“Please let me go. I need to find Abishek Kannah and return for my sister’s wedding. I’m late as it is. Please let me go. Please.” She kept begging and banging on the door for another 5 minutes before she slumped to the ground and began sobbing. All through this ASR was watching her with a kind of sick pleasure.

Maybe next time she’ll think twice before she goes up against Arnav Singh Riazada.

After a while, Khushi became aware that she wasn’t alone in the room. She turned around quickly to find Arnav staring at her. She became aware of her situation and tried to fix her dupatta to cover herself more. There was silence. Arnav was staring at her and Khushi was staring at the floor, shifting uncomfortably.

After a while Khushi spoke, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know I was thrown into someone’s room. Can you please open the door so I can get out?” she asked in a shaky voice.

Arnav took a step towards her and she took one back. They kept at this until she hit the door and finally looked up. She gasped. It was the same man who had caught her when she fell off the stage.

“Umm oh it’s you. Thank you for catching me when I fell off stage. I can be really clumsy sometimes.” She laughed nervously. “Umm sir, would you mind opening the door?”

But Arnav wasn’t listening to a word she was saying. Now that he had been staring at her for a while, he could see her beauty. Her big brown eyes, which had gone slightly red due to her crying, he could stare at all day and not get bored. Her porcelain skin was flawless except for the tinny mole on her cheek, which in his opinion, added to her beauty. Her slightly sniffling red nose. Her plump rose lips that were begging him to be kissed. He wanted to fist her glossy black hair. Saying that Arnav Singh Riazada was hypnotised would be an understatement. He kept on stepping closer as if stalking his pray. He could see the movement of her breasts heave up and down due to his closness. He smirked before he realised he was openly admiring her.

Khushi was confused at the man who was slowly etching towards her with passion filled eyes. She had never seen a man looking at her like that before. Sure she’s seen men look at her with lust or longing but not the kind of intensity that this stranger was giving her. She couldn’t tell what it was about him that made her so breathless. For a minute she forgot why she was even in the Sheesh Mahal and concentrated on the man in front of her. He looked like a Greek God. The stubble on his face really defined his jaw line. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair just to see if they felt as soft as they looked. He’s shirt did nothing to hide his muscular form and Khushi wondered if God had spent extra time in creating him.

Before she knew what was happening he grabbed her hand and twisted her around and brought her crashing into his chest. This caused her dupatta to slip off a little. He revelled in the feeling for a while before he got back to the task at hand. Khushi was so shocked at the turn of events that she didn’t know how to react and Arnav used this to his advantage.

“Who sent you?” he snarled into her ears. When she didn’t reply, he shook her and this seemed to bring Khushi out of her dazed. “I said who sent you?” And this time he squeezed her wrists to make sure she had heard him.

Khushi hissed in pain but managed to mumble, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Arnav had had a long day and he knew that tomorrow he would have to face his bastard of an uncle. He had been preparing for this show for over 6 months and he wanted perfection. But this girl had to come and ruin it. He was going to make sure she was punished and punished severely.

Especially a low class girl like her who is always after easy cash. I bet she doesn’t know the meaning of hard work. A little discipline will help her in life.

He spun her around in his arms again until her chest crashed with his. Her dupatta had completely slipped off now and was only being held together by their bodies. Then he brought his other hand up to her dori. Khushi gasped and looked at him with pleading eyes. He smirked and ripped the dori. As the small pearls fell on the floor, Khushi’s heart sank. She knew she was in big trouble now. She tried to struggle in his arms but his vice like grip didn’t falter.

“I’m going to ask you again. Who sent you here?! You have 1 minute to give me an answer or else.” He hissed.

By now Khushi was shaking badly and she had tears streaming down her face. She didn’t understand what was going on but she knew that he wanted an answer. For some reason that Arnav couldn’t understand, he wasn’t enjoying her tears as much as he had hoped to but he brushed that thought aside.

“No one sent me here. I came to talk to Abishek Kannah about my sister’s dowry. I swear that’s all I’m here for.” She said in between sobs and hiccups.

The way she said it with such sincerity made Arnav want to actually believe her. Then he remembered that trusting people lead to down falls and girls such as her were taught to be expert liars and that they’d do or say anything to make you believe them. He didn’t let her tears or her words affect him. He took a deep breath, held her tighter and brought her closer to him.

“This is your last chance to tell me the truth before I get ugly.” He warned.

“I am telling the truth!” she chocked out.

He was beyond angry now. This girl just wouldn’t let go of her story.

“Fine, have it your way.”

Her dupatta fell to the ground as he picked her up and walked towards the bed. Khushi began to struggle violently in his arms but he had a firm grip on her. He dropped her on to the bed roughly and before Khushi could bolt out of the bed, Arnav had her pinned. She opened her mouth to scream but Arnav quickly covered it with his hand.

“Don’t even think of screaming because this room is sound proof.”

He removed his hand. Khushi chose to disregard his words and began screaming at the top of her voice. She stopped when she realised he was telling the truth.

“Good, now tell me the truth!”

“I already told you everything, I swear!”

“I don’t believe you. I think someone paid you to spy on me to get information. Did they tell you to get close to me? To fuck me if necessary? Huh? Girls like you make me sick. You’d do anything for money, right? How much did they pay you? I’ll pay you double, no triple, to leave me alone.”

Khushi was shaking her head to all these allegations. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, I swear. I’ll leave you alone for free if you let me go.” She begged.

“I hate liars and since you’re so adamant to stick to your story, I guess you wouldn’t mind if I do this.”

With that he pulled off her lehenga and claimed her lips. Khushi was numb. She just lay there as she couldn’t process how she had gotten into this situation. He bit her lips and pushed his tongue into her mouth. Her taste was addictive; he couldn’t get enough of her. He brought himself closer to her to make sure there wasn’t any gap between them. His hands began to caress her soft milky thighs travelling higher to her hips, waists and her breasts. He craved her touch and at that moment he knew he wanted her. Khushi didn’t even try and protest she knew it would be futile.

He eventually came up for air and made the mistake of staring at her face. The tears had gone now but the trails they had made on her face were visible. Her eyes looked empty and held a slight tinge of fear to them. Arnav got off her hastily when he realised what he was about to do. She didn’t move an inch. He had forgotten that she hadn’t consented to this and he was about to go and claim her. He covered his mouth with his hands and stared at her, hoping for some kind of reaction but none came. He moved to his jacket, got out his wallet and flung some cash at her lifeless body.

“I hope you learnt your lesson; never mess with Arnav Singh Riazada. Now take the cash and leave. I hope you’ll think twice before you do something like this again.”

He turned and waltzed out of the room leaving Khushi in exactly the same position she was. After a while she realised he was no longer on her or touching her. She sat up on the bed to find the room empty. She gingerly got out of the bed and put on her lehenga. She picked up her dupatta and adjusted it so no one could see the bruises he had created. She was about to leave when she saw her broken dori pearls on the floor. She released her hair from her plaits so it could cover her exposed back.

She opened the door and peered out to see if anyone was around. When she was sure there was no one there, she made a straight beeline for her scooter. All thoughts of finding Abishek and confronting him about the dowry flew from her mind. Fresh tears fell from her eyes as she tried to ignore her aching body and mind. She could only thank Devi Maya that nothing major happened to her back there and pray that no one would stop her on the way to her scooter. She got to her scooter with no hindrance but she didn’t relax, only when she was sure she was half way home did she choose to relax.

Back in the Sheesh Mahal, Arnav was angrily pacing the building. He couldn’t believe he was about to do something so monstrous. He came to a stop at an open room. He stepped into the darkness of the room and just stood there for a while, thinking about his actions. Finally he decided to turn on the lights to find out where he had ended up. The light illuminated a large room with a high ceiling that had chandeliers hanging from them. The chandeliers sprinkled a rainbow of light on the silk drapes and the mosaic floor. It was truly a grand room but Arnav’s eyes didn’t admire its beauty, he was looking at the one thing that spoilt the room. His father’s painting. He stared at his father’s smiling face and with a roar took the painting down. He ripped the painting to shreds and threw the pieces into the fireplace before lighting the fire. He watched as his father burnt down with empty eyes and remembered Khushi.

“I’m nothing like you, you bastard!” He spat. He left the room as the final embers died down.

When Khushi reached the house she finally remembered that today was her sister’s wedding and that she had gone to convince the groom about the dowry. She rushed in to find everything deadly quiet. She looked around to find the aarti fire put out, the mandeep empty and unused and most of the decorations were taken down too. She ran to the house and into her room. She found Payal sitting in front of the mirror staring into space. Khushi walked toward her but Payal showed no signs for moving. Khushi grabbed her shoulders and shook her a little. Payal looked at her like she was seeing her for the first time and launched herself at her. Khushi flinched at the sudden touch but held her as she cried. Payal sobbed on Khushi’s shoulder until Khushi pried her away.

“What happened Jiji?”

“They refused to lower the dowry and then cancelled the wedding.” Then she hit Khushi on the head. “On top of that you went missing. Do you know how worried we were? It’s 1am now!”

Khushi shuddered before answering her question. “Sorry Jiji, I went to see if I could convince Abiskek but obviously he didn’t listen to a word I said.” She lied easily.

“Khushi was that all you were doing? Did he do anything to you? Please tell me you didn’t do anything stupid because of me?” Payal’s eyes filled with concern as to what kind of convincing her sister had to do that would get her home at 1am.

“I only talked. HE didn’t do anything to me. Besides there was a lot of traffic.”

Payal didn’t seem convinced but she didn’t push the matter.

“Let Amma, Babuji and Buaji know you back, they’ve been really worried.”

“Ok.”

Khushi went to see her parents and after a slap and a few lies she came back to her room to find Payal had already fallen asleep. She went to the bathroom and stared at her naked body covered in bruises. She knew they’d be there for a while. She had a long shower and scrubbed her body until it was raw. She didn’t want to remember his touch. When she finally came out, the first lights of day were touching the sky. She was so tired but she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep so began her daily chores.

Upon returning to his room, Arnav found that it was empty. He was really surprised after his behaviour towards her but what did surprise him was that she hadn’t taken any of his money. It lay there scattered around the room.

Maybe it wasn’t as much as she hoped for.

He called Aman to make sure none of the news crews launched the video of her falling into his arms at the catwalk.

No need to give her the attention she craves for and I don’t want the world to know my perfect show was so imperfect.

He went to his personal bar and made himself a drink. He drank until it was dawn and no matter how much he tried to forget her she always managed to get into his thoughts. The angel disguised as a devil.

She worked extra hard on her chores but no matter what she did, he was always on her mind. The devil disguised as an angel.

HWGA Chapter 1: Barely Qualified Teenagers

London: Lawson’s Limited

“WHAT!”, the bark was heard all around the office and everyone in the vicinity flinch and tried their best not to go near the man who was currently shouting verbal abuse down his phone. It was safe to say Mr Arnav Singh Raizada was not having a good day. First the incompetent secretary of his new business partner messed up his schedule and so he arrived 3 hours early for a meeting. The poor girl had left in tears and was still shaken. Then he finds out that his business partner has had to go to the hospital and either they reschedule him for next month or he could have a meeting with their “most trusted employee”.

Like hell I’m going to wait another month! he thought.

“I demand to see someone right now!” he yelled at the secretary.

Before the unfortunate woman could utter a word, someone cut in before her.

“It’s ok Susan, I’ll take Mr Raizada from you.” Susan gave a sigh of relief and smiled at the new comer.

“Who the hell are you?” Arnav demanded.

“I’m in charge of this project until Mr Lawson recovers,” she said calmly, “If you’d like to follow me Mr Raizada, we can finally discuss your proposition”.

She led Arnav into her office and instantly Arnav could tell what kind of worker she was. Every thing was in it’s right place. The stationary was neatly arranged on her desk, paperwork was stacked neatly or put in the filling cabinets, there was not a mess in site. He also noticed there wasn’t a picture on her desk or plants in the office.

She must like keeping her business and personal life separate, he mused and then smirked slightly. I like her already.

Arnav didn’t wait for her permission before he sat down and got himself comfortable. He could tell this irked her and smirked again before he started to analysis his associate. She looked very young, too young to be given a project already. Her hair was tied up in a professional looking bun, her glasses were hiding a pair of beautiful hazel eyes. She looked awfully familiar and he couldn’t help but let his mind wonder. His associate noticed the far away look in his eyes and cleared her throat. That seemed to bring Arnav back to the present and he was full on ASR mode. He gave her a cold and composed look and before he could start his famous ASR speech she cut in.

“First of all I’d like to apologise for keeping you waiting for such a long time sir. Susan is new and is still trying to figure out the system.” She explained.

“Mr Lawson should hire competent employees.” He replied snidely.

“I’ll be sure to pass on that message when he comes back.” She replied coolly.

He hated the fact that she didn’t even bat an eyelash to his comments or behaviour.

He was a man that liked to think he affected everyone so he tried to push her again.

“Are you even qualified to handle this project?”

“Mr Raizada I assure you that if I wasn’t qualified you wouldn’t be speaking to me right now. But I can sense your lack of faith in us and I think we shouldn’t move forward unless you fully trust us, so good day.”

She got out of her chair and started to move towards the door.

“How dare you?!” He got up and march right to her. “I didn’t fly all the way from India to be told that MY project will be postponed by some teenager who looks barely qualified to handle anything! I demand to speak to Mr Lawson’s son.”

Now it was her turn to smirk, “Unfortunately I am his senior and he is unqualified to handle this according to Mr Lawson. But if you want to deal with more ‘barely qualified teenagers’, go ahead. But know this, Mr Lawson wouldn’t have made me head if he didn’t think I could handle this and as you can see by the way I’m handling you Mr Raizada, I can handle anything”

By this time Arnav was highly impressed and frustrated. How dare this girl talk back to him like that! But he was truly impressed by her backbone. Hardly anyone stood up to him now a days and he felt the rush again, a rush he hadn’t felt in years.

“Look here Miss…”, Arnav realised he didn’t even know her name and turned back to see the plaque on her desk. “Miss Amba Singh-”

“My name isn’t Amba Singh it’s Amba-”

Before she could complete her sentence the door opened and they both saw a flustered looking secretary. She was about to say something before she felt the tension in the room and hesitated.

Amba sighed and massaged her forehead, “Julia, I told you to only contact me in emergencies when I’m with a client. If you accidentally spilled coffee on the reports do them again!”

Maybe Mr Raizada is right, she thought, we really need to start hiring some intelligent employees.

“I know Ma’am, but Mr Malik is on line 1 and he says it’s an emergency. I told him you were with a client but he’s very persistant.” Julia gave her an apologetic look before exiting.

Arnav saw a range of emotions that flitted across Amba’s face as the conversation ensued; from anger, to confusion, to sheer panic. As soon as Julia exited Amba took long strides to her desk. As soon as she picked up the phone he noticed a brief change in her personalitiy before her mask was on again. Arnav couldn’t be sure about what is was but he sensed it was fear. She put down the phone after a while, looked at him and smiled. Arnav could tell it was forced.

“Looks like you’ll be getting you’re wish after all sir,” she said before she picked up the phone again and pressed a number.

“What do you mean?” he asked but she completely ignored him and started taking on the phone.

“Logan, come to my office immediately, you’ll be discussing the project with Mr Raizada, it’s your chance to show your father you can handle this so get up here pronto!” she yelled.

Arnav could tell her composure was slipping by the second and it was only a matter of time before she lost all her professionalism.

“What is going on here?” Arnav demanded.

“Logan Lawson Jr is going to handle this meeting as soon as he gets here as I’m needed else where.” As soon as she finished her sentence a man walked in and looked at her questioningly. “And here he is.”

“What is wrong with this company?” Arnav remarked incredulously.

“A lot as you’ll soon find out,” she said before she turned to Logan and said “Mum.” Before taking her coat and bag and leaving.

Arnav noticed Logan’s eyes widen in fear before he composed himself and started the meeting.

What have I gotten myself into, Arnav thought.