Accepting Reality

Part 3 - Ambition

Girl (moaning): "Ahh, ahh, ahh!"

Arnav: "Call me Arnav Sir!"

Girl: "Arrrnnnaa—"

Arnav: "Arnav Sir!"

Before she could finish, he pulled away and moved to the other side of the bed. Emerging from the washroom with nothing but a towel draped around his waist, Arnav's presence was commanding. The sleek, polished floors of his penthouse shimmered under the soft, ambient lighting, reflecting the modern luxury of his abode. In the opulent bedroom, the girl lay on the bed, clad in a lavish black bikini set from ARD's latest summer collection. A paid escort, she represented a world Arnav knew all too well, a world where physical pleasure was often a currency of its own. Yet, despite the lavish surroundings and the pleasures at hand, Arnav's mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with something or rather, someone else entirely.

Arnav Singh Raizada was far from the saintly figure Khushi believed him to be. His desire for her had burned fiercely since their fateful meeting in Lucknow, a passion he could not satisfy through his usual means. Over the years, he had invested in her, both financially and emotionally, creating a facade of mentorship and support. He had meticulously crafted his plan to win her, albeit in ways that were anything but noble. His initial fascination with her had evolved into something far more complex. The innocence and determination she displayed had drawn him in, but he had never intended to act on his feelings directly. Instead, he had chosen a subtler, more manipulative approach, investing in her career and shaping her path from the shadows. The escort, oblivious to the deeper currents of Arnav's mind, continued her tongue's work on him. But Arnav's thoughts were a chaotic storm of desire and strategy, his fantasies of Khushi, a stark contrast to the reality he was navigating. The room's atmosphere grew tense as Arnav's frustration mounted. He roared her name, his voice was a mix of anger and yearning, "Khushi!" as he came. He had groomed Khushi, not just out of genuine belief in her talent but also with an unspoken hope that he could one day possess her.

His feelings for her were a tumultuous blend of admiration and obsession, a dangerous cocktail that drove his actions and decisions. Arnav's obsession with Khushi had led him to orchestrate a complex web of manipulation. For three years, he had kept a vigilant eye on her, employing subtle tactics to shape her understanding of the big city's harsh realities. He had planted Lisa into Khushi's life to acclimate her to the city's unspoken rules, how ambition often required compromises and how some people used their allure to climb the social ladder. Despite Arnav's intentions, he maintained an angelic facade in front of Khushi, hoping to one day hear her scream his name in his bed, under him with the same fervour as he demanded.

The evening sun cast long shadows across the city as Khushi Gupta stood on the balcony of her apartment. Her journey was marked not only by hard work and talent but also by a shrewd understanding of the less glamorous sides of her profession. Over the past three years, Khushi had navigated the treacherous waters of the fashion world. She had learned to maneuver through its crooked ways although her ascent had not been without its challenges. She was acutely aware that success in high fashion often came with ethical compromises and moral grey areas. She had observed the power dynamics, the subtle alliances, and the unspoken rules that governed the fashion industry. She also saw how networking, cultivating relationships helped. She understood that here alliances often meant more than talent alone. This understanding coupled with her desire to rise above the rest had gotten her the post of senior designer a couple of months ago. Although happy, she wasn't satisfied, she was determined to climb higher up the ladder by any means necessary, driven by her desire for wealth and acceptance in elite circles.

Khushi was no longer a damsel in distress. Thanks to Lavanya, Lisa, and her work, she was well aware of the culture of the fashion world. She had seen it all with her own eyes: parties, alcohol, trading favours instead of sex, drugs, enhancement surgeries to secure a job, escorts, blackmails, unwanted pregnancies, and same-sex partners. These were commonplace realities, she saw people in her vicinity navigated daily but she did not indulge in them, neither did she judge those who did. Khushi was also beginning to understand the needs of her own body and her desires. Her flatmates had introduced her to a world of lingerie, porn, masturbation, and sex toys, which broadened her perspective on personal pleasure. She also understood the advantages of her body, especially in the cut throat world of fashion. She knew she was an attractive female and intended to use her allure shrewdly to advance her career. Khushi had learned to leverage her beauty and charm, recognising that these assets could open doors and create opportunities that talent and hard work alone might not achieve.