Eight Days Left

 

As Arnav walked towards Khushi, she moved back… She keeps going back as he kept walking towards her, trying to lose the distance between them. Finally, her back hit the wall and he trapped her between his arms, closing the distance between them, looming over her.

 

“Arnavji, please…”

“Khushi, please.”

“Arnavji, we can’t, its not right, we’ve only got 8 more days anyway and then I will no longer be yours and you no longer mine. I mean, you were never really mine any way…”

“What nonsense, I have always been yours and you know that. Don’t stop me today Khushi, this is my way of showing you that you’ve always been mine and you always will be… I’m not good with words the way you are, so let me show you. Please, let me show you.”

“You don’t love me. You think you do. Once I go, you’ll forget me. I’ll be a faint memory, nothing more… You never wanted me in the first place, it’s just because I’ve been around for so long that you think that you do want me now. Once I leave, you’ll move on, and realise that you never felt anything for me the way you think you do.”

“Is that what you think? Khushi, I love you… From the first day… Okay not from the very first day, but from very early on up until today, I love you. Yes, things got messy in the middle, but I never stopped loving you. If anything my love for you just intensified as time went on. That feeling on wanting you but not being able to have you, it drove me insane. It made me want you in ways you can’t even imagine. You’re the first woman that’s actually pulled the strings of my heart. Khushi everytime, every night, when we get into bed, I want to touch you, I want to reach out to you. I want to hold you, make you mine, yet I can’t, I mean I couldn’t. Khushi, I desire you like nothing else. I need you Khushi. And when you sleep with your legs thrown over my waist, do you know just how much your testing my patience?”

“You’re making it sound as though you are the only one feeling the pain. What about me? When I was falling in love with you, you went and got engaged to someone else, you shouted at me, reminded me of what a low class family I’m from. Despite all of that I’ve still loved you. I still wanted you, I still wanted you to accept me and make me your wife in all true respects. But you…”

 

Khushi looked away from him and shook her head. She didn’t want to cry, she couldn’t cry. But speaking about it all again was bringing up emotions that she had thought she had repressed, that she thought she had packed away into the deepest corner of her heart. But now it was all coming up again, as though the floodgates had opened and she was feeling overwhelm with the emotion and depth of it all.

 

“You know I’m sorry about that and I will always be sorry about that. Look Khushi, I love you and now that I know that to be a fact, I really need you. I can’t let you go. I can’t let you walk away from me once these 8 days are over. I can’t Khushi! I won’t let you leave me. I will make you mine. In every respect.”

 

Khushi looked into his chocolate eyes, those lovely eyes… They were the first thing she noticed about him when she fell into his arms in Lucknow. How she could simply drown in them. She continued to stare into those eyes, while Arnav moved closer towards her, closing that last bit of gap that had been between them.

Slipping his hand around her waist, he pulled her towards himself, causing Khushi to gasp as she finally came round to her senses and realised how close they are. They had never been this close before, never had he held her around the waist so tightly and intimately. His hands were burning a hole through her clothes, she felt her skin on fire under his touch.

The heat from his body was causing hers to heat up, the desire and need in his eyes stirring up all kinds of thoughts within her.

For the last few months, she had been very aware of how he felt about her. After his kidnapping and after all misunderstandings had been cleared, there had been a whole different air around them and she knew that he wanted to start up their relationship for real. But one thing after another had caused them to stay apart, to come close but not close enough. But now, after hearing all that he had to say, knowing all that she knew, she knew that this was it. That it was finally time to take the next step. Because if they did it now, they may never do it and she knew that they needed to.

Mustering up all the courage within her, she looked into his eyes and decided to express what was in her heart.

 

“Prove that you truly love me, Arnav ji. Cherish me the way that I want to be cherished. Show me how much I mean to you. You say you can’t find the words to express it, then I give you permission to show me the way you want to show me. Make me forget about the fact that I am meant to be leaving you forever in 8 days.”

 

Arnav smirks at her words, “With pleasure.”

 

Arnav closed the distance between them, taking her lips between his own. Khushi hesitated for a moment, but then wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, responding to the kiss with the same amount of passion.

Arnav allowed his hands to go up the back to her dress, letting his hands slip under the fabric to touch her soft, bare skin. With his thumbs, he drew little circles on her back and he felt her hands go up his t-shirt, touching his hard abs. This all felt so right, his hands on her bare skin, hers on his, this was right. This was what they should’ve done a long time ago.

As Khushi kissed Arnav back, her hands wandering from his front to his back, to his neck and then into his hair, she realised how long awaited this moment was. She had wanted to touch him like this for so long and now it was actually happening. And it was every bit how she had dreamt it would be.

After a long, long time, Khushi pulled away, needing air and blushing slightly. Letting himself move back a slight bit, Arnav cocked his head to the side, a playful smirk on his lips.

 

“Have I proved myself, or do you want more?”

 

Khushi thought about how she could respond to this. Should she play shy and move away from him, or should she be bold and tell him what she actually wanted? Taking a step towards him and placing her hands on his chest, she gave him his response.

 

“I need more. Hit me with your best shot, Arnav Singh Raizada…”

 

Glad to hear her response, Arnav moved back in, pressing her back against the wall, taking hold of her leg and placing it on his waist. Holding her up, he kissed her neck. His hands moved frantically over her small body. His hands brushed over the breasts but came to rest on her hips as he ground his body against hers. He need to get closer to her wasn’t missed by either of them. Khushi lets out a low moan of pleasure.

Arnav knew that a few more minutes of this and getting Khushi into bed would be no trouble at all. He could tell she wanted this as much as he did. The way she was subconsciously moving her body against his, rubbing herself against him, he knew she wanted this and more. He had been dreaming about making love to her for the longest time and now it seemed like it is finally going to happen.

Letting her down, he kept his eyes on hers, making sure that every move that he was making was something she still wanted and that she was still feeling comfortable. He let his hands rest on either side of her breasts before slowly letting them drop to find the hem of her kameez. Eyes still locked on hers, he gestured if he could take it off her. She gave a little nod as he took her lips between his once more before pulling back slightly, finding the zip of her kameez and slowly pulling it all the way down to the base of her back. With the zip off, the garment became limp on her and he was able to slowly ease it away with her hands. Perhaps she had been slightly distracted for she gasped and attempted to raise her hands to cover her exposed body as the cool breeze hit her body. But her gasp was broken as his lips captured hers once more and her arms were unable to fully find their way to her chest as he captured her wrists and wrapped them around his neck once more.

Arnav lifted Khushi off the ground, causing her to wrap her legs around his waist as he carried her over to the bed. Laying her back, his lips travelled down over her body, massaging every inch of bare skin as he moved lower and lower. With difficulty, he unclipped her bra, pulled it off and threw it aside. Moving back over her, he kissed her once more as he closed the distance between them, coming down on her, placing her leg on his waist. It was then he became acutely aware of her shelwar. Finding the strings of the tie, he pulled it loose and then used his hand and his leg to help him get it off her body.

Aware of her semi naked state, Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav’s neck as she pulled him back towards her, taking his lips between hers, while finding his hands and placing them back on her breasts. This little action shocked Arnav slightly as it was one of her boldest physical moves to date. It meant she wanted him to touch her, that she was enjoying the feel of his hands on her in this manner.

Pulling his lips away from hers, he kissed the side of her face and then the side of her neck while he rubbed his body against hers, imitating an intimate action which he was waiting to do with her. She moaned at the feel of the friction between their bodies and pulled at his t-shirt, gesturing that she wanted it off. Taking it off, Arnav let Khushi feel his body, her hands cause havoc on him. She wasn’t even doing much to his body, just touching him, feeling his skin, and yet she was making him crave her in a way he didn’t know was possible. The warmth and slight hesitation in her hands as she touched him, only heightened his need to get further intimate with her. As he moved back up to her lips, he felt her hardened  nipples against his exposed chest and he lightly took one of the hard peaks between his thumb and forefinger, caressing it.

Turning, Arnav moved Khushi to be on top of himself so that she was straddling him. She kissed his neck and worked her way down how his body, kissing his exposed skin as she went. Arnav played with her underwear, pulling at the waistband, fingering the skin on her hips. Khushi felt this happen, and felt all kinds of new sensations shooting through her body, but she was too busy kissing her husbands washboard abs, feeling his hard skin against her hands. Arnav, highly turned on by her actions, pushed Khushi onto her back as he moved on top of her again. Keeping his eyes on here, he pushed his trousers away and rests his length on Khushi.

 

“See how hard I am Khushi, it’s all because of you. That’s proof, that’s how much I want you.”

“What are you waiting for then? Do what you need to do to prove your point.”

 

Arnav was taken aback with how bold she was being, how fearless she was right now. Lowering himself, he found her lips once more as his hands found the waistband of her underwear and slowly slipped it down her legs. Khushi’s arms found their way around Arnav’s neck and she pulled him closer to herself, deepening the kiss as she felt his pull her panties away completely. She felt as his fingers sneaked up her leg and as he gently touched her in the most intimate way possible. She felt his finger within her, still at first as then move slowly and carefully. Eyes locked on hers, Arnav watched as her expressions change as her body accommodated his finger within her. At first there was some hesitation, a sense of nervousness, but when she hooked her leg onto his waist and he felt himself being able to move his fingers further into her, he watched as she closed her eyes in pleasure, her body arching up against his. He allowed himself to move faster and to his delight, she let out a moan of pleasure. He felt as her body clenched around his fingers and he knew it was time. Withdrawing his fingers, he kissed her gently as she opened her eyes.

 

”Are you ready?”

 

Her eyes locked on his, she gave him a slight nod as she pulled him back on herself, her lips finding his once more…

 

*****

 

“Khushi, that was amazing.”

 

Arnav rolled off of Khushi and lay beside her, pulling her into his arms. The actual act of making love had not lasted long. Almost as soon as he had entered her, he felt she was close. And given how tight she was, it didn’t take much to tip her over the edge. He hadn’t found his release yet, but he didn’t mind it. Today was about her and proving to her how much he wanted her and needed her.

 

Blushing, Khushi cuddles up to her husband. She still couldn’t believe it, she had just made love with the man of her dreams. She had never thought that they would reach this point in their relationship, but they had. There was a dull ache in her body and she knew it would only intensify by the morning, but she didn’t care. This was the best feeling in the world. 

 

“Arnavji, I’m so tired.”

“Go to sleep. Otherwise you’ll wake up tomorrow, aching even more than normal.”

 

Wrapping her arms around him, Khushi tucked herself into his chest as she allowed sleep to take over her body…

 

*****

 

The next morning, Arnav woke up to find his arm thrown around Khushi and his leg on top of hers. He looked at her face. She was so beautiful and looked so innocent. But she wasn’t as innocent as she looked. He recalled all the moments that they had shared last night and he couldn’t believe that it had happened and that Khushi had responded the way that she had. Last night had only been her first time, yet she had shown so much confidence, so much enthusiasm to do so much with him, he could only imagine what would happen a little later on in their relationship after theyt had done it a few more times. He was looking forward to it.

Arnav’s thoughts were broken when he saw Khushi slowly opening her eyes and her eyes finding his.

 

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, what time is it?”

 

Arnav looked at the clock and gasped.

 

“It’s half 9.”

 

“Kyya! Half 9! What will everyone say, we’ve missed the pooja and breakfast!”

“Khushi, calm down. They won’t say anything. Everyone in this house is married, they understand what it means if a couple wake up later than usual. Besides, this is the first time that we’ve ever woken up late, no one will say anything.”

“Arnavji! Have some shame! What will everyone think, 6 months into our marriage and we are waking up so late!”

 

Arnav chuckled as he turned onto his back, his arm under his head.

 

“Khushi, relax.”

 

Typical Arnav. He never cared what anyone thought and he wasn’t about to change his ways now. Gathering the sheets around her, Khushi sat up.

 

“Arnavji, close you eyes, I need to get out of bed.”

“So why should I close my eyes? I’ve seen everything Khushi. Kissed it all, touched it all, you don’t need to be so shy now!”

“You are unbelieveable, Arnav Singh Raizada!”

“You make me like this Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. And now you’re going to have to deal with it for the rest of your life!”

 

He sat up and cupped her face as he kissed her.

 

”I love you so goddamn much.”

”I love you too…”

 

She moved away slowly and got out of bed and Arnav watched her as she went into the bathroom. Collapsing back into bed, he sighed a sigh of relief. Finally things were going the right way.

Maybe now they would find their happy end.

 

*****

 

Author’s note:

This little number has been sitting in my drafts since 2017 and I have just never put it up because I’ve never been happy with it. But now I have decided to rework it slightly and just put it out there because even though I don’t love it, I’m sure some of you guys will enjoy reading it.

I also decided to post it so that I don’t miss an upload day while I get ‘Wilted Heart’ ready for posting. I’m so excited to say that I will finally start posting it from not next Sunday, but the Sunday after that.

Khushi, I love you

 

The man I hated the most stood before me. I’d almost reached my gate, was ready to go through security when he came and found me.

 

“Saale Saab, there’s something really important I need to talk to you about.”

“I don’t have time, I need to get on my flight.”

“But if you hear me out, you won’t need to go to London.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I need to tell you the truth about me and Khushi ji.”

 

Now he got my attention. My full attention. He wanted to tell me the truth about him and Khushi? But he’d already told me the truth? The night I got married to Khushi? He told me he was having an affair with her.

I didn’t need to hear anything he had to say so I started turning away but he caught my arm.

 

“Come with me so we can talk about this properly.”

 

I contemplated it for a moment, really thought about it. Had Khushi been telling me the truth? Had Shyam lied to me about him and Khushi? Nodding, I decided that it would be best for me to go with him. Shyam led me out of the airport and he gestured over to his car. Did I trust him enough to get into his car with him? But I got in any way, what did he have to lose?

At first I assumed he would drive us home, then I thought maybe he was talking me to his office, but he carried on driving for miles and miles.

 

“Where are we going?”

“Don’t worry Saale Saab, we just need to go somewhere so we can talk in peace without anyone getting in the way and overhearing us.”

 

He carried on driving, not saying much. A few moments later however, Shyam parked up. I had a look around, it seemed as though we’d come to some run down warehouse.

 

“Where are we?”

“I have some business here after so…”

 

As Shyam got out of the car while I remained seated for a while. Did I want to go into a building that looked like it was about to fall at any moment? Regardless, I got out of the car and followed Shyam. I needed to know the truth. Had Khushi been telling him the truth the entire time? Had I been wrong about Khushi, was my heart right all along? Was she innocent? I needed to know.

Following Shyam, I walked into the warehouse. The moment I stepped inside, I realised I screwed up. I shouldn’t have come here, I shouldn’t have trusted Shyam. The door shut behind me and I felt hands on me, pulling at me.

 

“What the?”

 

I struggled against the hands holding me, but I realised that there were many of them.  Had Shyam planned this? I looked around me, where had these men come from? How hadn’t I noticed these people? How had I walked into this trap? Was Shyam going to tell me anything useful regarding him and Khushi?

I tried to get the men off me, I needed to get out of here, how had I fallen for this? But there was many of them, forcing me down into a chair.

 

“Shyam?”

“I’m right here Saale Saab. Just sit and then we’ll talk. You don’t need to be worried about anything. I just want to talk to you in peace.”

 

They got me down into the seat and as soon as I was down, one of the guys took hold of my arms and strapped me down, tying my arms down to the armrests of the chair.

I should’ve fought harder, but I didn’t. I was so confused, shocked… What the hell was happening?

Once they had my arms and legs tied down, Shyam came before me, dismissing his goons.

 

“Shyam… What the actual…”

“Saale Saab. You wanted to know the truth so I’m going to tell you the truth.”

“But did you need to have me tied up to tell me the truth?”

“Yes I did. Now sit quietly and listen.”

 

He started walking around, it seemed as though he was trying to work out how he was going to start. Then he turned back to me.

 

“Actually, what do you want to know?”

“Khushi said that she wasn’t having an affair with you, that you lied to her and her family about being married and that the moment she found out the truth she broke off the engagement with you. Is that all true?”

“It is.”

 

I clenched my jaw. What the fuck?

 

“You told me she loved you?”

“I lied to you to make you jealous.”

“Why?”

“Because I loved her! I wanted her! And she wanted you! So when I realised you thought ill of her, that you thought she was with me, I took advantage of that! I didn’t realise that you’d go and marry her.”

“She wanted me…”

 

She wanted me? She wanted me?! I mean I always got the feeling that she cared for me… What she said on holi… I thought of all the times I thought I caught her looking at me in a loving way… But my head had always told me it was all fake… Surely…

 

“She loves me?”

“Yes.”

 

She loves me! Khushi chose me. She wanted me? I thought back to only a little while ago, when she held onto my hand, begging me to listen to her, begging me to not leave her. I thought of the look in her eyes when I told her I knew about her and Shyam’s affair. The way she tried to talk to me… The way she held me hand, trying to stop me from leaving her… How hard she had fought to make me stay so that she could prove her innocence.

 

“You’re so stupid Arnav. If you looked into her eyes, you would’ve seen her love for you. Every time you were remotely close to her, you could tell the way her breathing changed. But you were to blind to see it, too stupid to realise. Do you know, she only agreed to marrying me in the first place was because of you? After you announced your engagement with Lavanya ji, she agreed to marrying me. You broke her, made her feel like you didn’t want her and so she agreed to marry me under duress. Had you not been so cruel to her, then she would never have gotten engaged to me. All of this happened because of YOU Arnav.”

 

I thought back to Diwali, the way I’d gone close to her, the way she had anticipated the moment. The way she tried to speak to me after… The way she looked at me with tear filled eyes when I said I was going to marry Lavanya. I remembered the way I spoke to her in front of Buajis house. Telling her that our moment didn’t mean anything to me. The way her eyes filled with tears once more and they streamed down her face… I knew that moment had meant a lot to her. I knew then that she had feelings for me and that I had feelings for her. She was in love with me and I broke her heart… Because I let my ego get in the way.

 

“Shyam, we need to get home, I need to talk to Khushi.”

“You know that day on the terrace, when you saw her in my arms? The only reason she went up there in the first place was because she thought she was meeting you…”

 

I remembered… I had wanted to tell her that day I loved her. I was following her upstairs so that I could tell her that I was in love with her. But then I saw her in his arms and I thought… God how did I think that?

 

“All she ever wanted was you and your love. And you thought she was after me and your money. It’s so sad you never understood…”

“Jijaji please. Please, we need to go home.”

 

I watched as his expression changed, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

 

“Do you think I’m that stupid? That I’d just tell you the truth and let you run off to her? Do you think I’d tell you the truth and then let you run off to the woman I love? No Saale Saab. I’m telling you the truth because this is the end of your story.”

“I don’t…”

“You don’t understand? I’ll explain. Khushi ji can never be mine now, she loves you too much, but, everything you own, your money, your business, all that can be mine. But I can only have all that if you’re dead…”

“Shyam…”

“If I can’t have the woman I love, I’ll have the next best thing. Money, wealth… You’re going to rot here until I see it fit to kill you.”

“Jijaji please. I’ll give you anything, just let me go to Khushi. I need to make things right with her… I’ll give you money, I’ll buy you a house, I’ll give you whatever you want but please, let me go and make things right with Khushi.”

“Nah. You’ve taken enough from me, insulted me enough, this is where your story ends. It’s such a shame. Poor Khushi ji will be your widow, will mourn for you, probably never be able to move on from losing you… She’ll probably love you forever, mourn everyday for the rest of her life, but she’ll always think that she was never loved by you.”

“I do love her! Shyam please, please I need to go to her.”

 

I felt like I was becoming hysterical. He could take my wealth, take my name, anything. But I needed to get to Khushi. I needed to apologise to her, grovel for her forgiveness. I needed to tell her the truth, that I love her, that I’ve always loved her.

 

“Jijaji please!”

 

I struggled against the bindings, I needed to get free, I needed to go to her. Shyam just stood there laughing. And then he stopped and he looked sinister again.

 

“Tut tut tut… Poor Saale Saab. Played high and mighty all these years and now look. Begging me, ME to let you free. Tut tut tut.”

 

He walked towards me and opened up a little briefcase that was on a little table beside me. He pulled out a syringe with a needle and filled it with some kind of liquid.
No no, he couldn’t… I needed to talk to Khushi! He pulled at the sleeve of my shirt, pulling it up. I tried to struggle but it was no use, I was tied up too tightly. I felt the needle prick me and then I felt nothing more…

 

*****

 

I don’t know how much time had passed. Had it been a few days? Or a few weeks? I couldn’t tell. The room was always completely dark, someone always watching over me. They gave me food to keep me going, gave me my medication but that was it. I was always tied up, unable to even use the bathroom on my own… It was embarrassing…

But I thought of Khushi and that kept me going. I needed to get to Khushi. I needed to apologise, needed to beg… I needed to convince her that I was the stupidest idiot in the world. And then I needed to tell her that I love her.

Since I’d been here, whenever I was awake, all I could think about was all the times she’d looked at me with nothing but love in her eyes. I thought about the times she tried to convince me of her innocence and I insulted her. I thought about the time she told me it mattered to her what I thought about her. That she didn’t care what anyone else thought but couldn’t bare the idea that I thought ill of her. How could I have been so stupid? So blind? I hurt her over and over again… How had I been such an idiot?

I remembered Diwali… I had been so close to kissing her… I knew it felt right at the time, why hadn’t I accepted my feelings then? Maybe then all this wouldn’t have happened. She wouldn’t have had Shyam in her life, we wouldn’t have had this misunderstanding. Maybe we’d have gotten married on happy terms, maybe by now we would have consummated our marriage… God how I wanted to feel her soft skin against mine. How I wanted to run my hands along her body… How I wanted her to moan my name as I pleasured her. I wanted all this, I have done. Then why? Why had I been such an idiot?

I remembered the few times I had woken up beside her… On the recliner on our fake honeymoon and then during those days at Buaji’s house. The way she held me even when she was unconscious… She found comfort in being close to me even when I hurt her… I thought about the innocent look on her face as she slept, the feel of her body draped over mine…

I needed to go home to her. I needed to hold her in my arms, kiss her, love her, touch her, make her mine… I struggled against the me bindings. I needed to see Khushi once, just once! I needed to tell her the truth!

 

“Oi! Stop it!”

 

Shyam wasn’t around so he left his goons.

 

“I need to talk to my wife, please let me speak to her once.”

“Shut up and sit there quietly.”

“Please! I need to tell her I love her! Please!”

 

I begged him, I just needed to speak to her once! He shook his head and looked over to another guy who nodded and walked over to me. I watched as they prepared another syringe.

 

“Please, no I just need to speak to Khushi!”

 

He came over and poked it into my skin and moments later I slipped into darkness.

 

*****

 

More time passed. I don’t know how much time. But I had learnt that begging them did nothing. It just angered them and caused them to give me a shot. I couldn’t deal with that anymore so I remained silent, plotting how I could get away and go back home.

I was sat, minding my own when I saw one of the goon pull my phone out of his pocket and he handed it over to me.

 

“You have one call. Your only and final call to your family. Make something up, tell them your safe and not to worry. Say whatever you need to say because this is the last time you’re going to speak to them.”

 

He handed me the phone and I dialled home. I just needed to get a message to someone, to Khushi… But how?

 

“If you try anything at all, we’ll kill you on the spot and then boss will hurt your precious little wife. So think before you act.”

 

I couldn’t do anything. I didn’t care for my life but Khushi… They couldn’t hurt her. I couldn’t let Shyam hurt her. I dialled home and almost instantly Di answered. She shouted at me for not calling them, for not letting them know I was safe.

I cooked up a bullshit story about being in Scotland and I could tell Di believed me.

I spoke to Nani and mami, taking in their voices, remembering what they sounded like, just in case this was the final time I got to speak to them. Then Akash took the phone. He asked about Scotland and I fed him some more lines.

 

“Akash… Take care of Di and… Keep an eye on Khushi.”

 

If they did kill me, if I couldn’t get away, I needed to make sure that Khushi was safe. I know Akash, I know he’d look out for her, keep her out of harms way. He said he would handle everything until I got back and then he handed the phone over to her.

The moment Khushi took the phone, I could hear her breathing and I could tell she was crying.

 

“Khushi stop crying. Khushi, I’m fine, main theek hoon, stop crying.”

 

She kept crying. How did I let us get to this point, how did I let this happen? I should’ve stayed with her, I should’ve believed her. If I had, I would’ve been with her now, not miles away, trying to comfort her when we both knew something was wrong.

 

“Khushi that’s enough, stop…”

 

It was evident she wasn’t going to stop crying. How had I left her so susceptible to so much pain? How could I have been so stupid? If I hadn’t been so arrogant we could have been happy together right now, we could’ve been together. I could have been with her right this moment, with her in my arms, in my bed. Instead I was miles away from her, trying to comfort her… How had I fucked it all up so badly?

 

“Khushi I love you…”

 

I couldn’t think of what else to say. There was nothing else to say. I listened and I heard her breathing stop, her crying stopped. She was shocked, she couldn’t believe what I said but she heard me. Her mind was probably doing overtime, trying to make sense of what I had just said.

I held the line, waiting for her to maybe say something. In my heart I wished she would tell me she loved me too. If she did, then even if they killed me, at least I would be able to die happy, knowing that it really was me that she wanted. But she didn’t, she just held on and I listened as her breathing resumed and then I cut the call…

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon

 

“Khushi, I need to talk to you.”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi was ready to run away. Things had been so weird between her and Arnav ji. To begin with there was the kiss from the mehendi day, the way he got all jealous and annoyed when NK was around her, the way he hadn’t objected to her kissing him in return in front of everyone. Then there was his concern when he had thought she’d been in an accident. The bangles that he had brought for her… And how could anyone forget the general niceness that Arnav ji had been showering her with.

Now, she didn’t want to hear anything else he had to say. Whenever he spoke or was close to her, all she could think about was how fast her heart was beating. Enough was enough. She was going to avoid him for the rest of the day so she could keep her heart under control.

 

“What about?”

“I just do.”

 

Taking steps towards Khushi, he was ready to talk about what was on his mind. But alas, interruptions were constantly getting in the way.

 

“Saale Saab, the groom needs you.”

“Akash…”

 

Nodding to Khushi, Arnav walked away, they’d resume their conversation later. Khushi stood there, she wasn’t going to go talk to him. It was her Jiji’s wedding, she had other things she needed to think about. She didn’t have time to think about the Laad Governor.
But she couldn’t help but think about his tone, how calmly he had spoken to her.

 

*****

 

“Bhai, I’m tense.”

 

Pulling at the buttons on Akash’s sherwani, Arnav looked up.

 

“Tense? Why would I be tense?”

“Not you bhai, I said I’m tense. And why are you in such a hurry?”

“I’m not in a hurry you are, after all you need to see Khushi.”

“What?”

“I mean Payal…”

 

*****

 

Sitting in the guest room, Payal was going through her jewellery, trying to work out what she was going to wear with her wedding outfit. She took one item out at a time, putting it aside after she’d explained her thought process to Khushi. However, Khushi wasn’t listening. She was rushing around the room, moving things from one side to another.

 

“Khushi! Are you listening to me? I said that the Jhumka isn’t here.”

“Kya?”

 

Running over, Khushi took the box that Payal was holding and started panicking and mumbling about how she would go looking for it.

 

“Khushi what’s the matter with you? I’m getting married yet you’re the one that’s getting all worried.”

“Me worried? Why would I be worried.”

 

*****

 

“Bhai have you forgotten? I’m not allowed to see Payal until the wedding now.”

“Yeah… right.”

 

*****

 

“I found it!”

 

Holding up the jhumka, Khushi handed it back to Payal.

 

“There you go. Now we have time.”

“Can you go and find amma and buaji for me?”

“I need to go and find Arnav ji too.”

“Arnav ji?”

“Haan, he wants to talk to me.”

 

Knotting her hands in front of her, Khushi thought about all the things he could possibly want to say to her.

 

*****

 

“You… You wanted…”

“I need to talk to you about something.”

 

It hadn’t taken her long to locate Arnav, and by the looks of it, it seemed as though he had been waiting for her to find him too. Walking towards her, Arnav closed the gap between them.

 

“Khushi main tumse…”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi looked up into Arnav’s eyes. Main tumse kya? What was he trying to say? Was he trying to tell her that he… No, no surely he didn’t…

Arnav walked towards her, and Khushi moved back. She didn’t want to move away from him, but her feet moved automatically, further and further back until her back hit the wall behind her. Arnav reached out, seemingly wanting to touch her.

 

“Arnav ji…”

 

He carried on, his hands close to her body, but not quite touching her. His phone began to ring.

 

“Arnav ji your phone…”

 

Arnav pulled his phone out of his pocket, never moving away from Khushi. A waiter approached from behind them, letting Arnav know that Nani was looking for him.
Moving away from her, Arnav spoke to Khushi with his eyes. They weren’t done yet. Pushing herself off the wall, Khushi looked up at Arnav as he moved back, but before he left, he pointed to the mirror beside them.

Confused, Khushi turned around and looked at her reflection. There on the mirror, on her forehead was a bindi. Khushi looked up to where Arnav was standing and saw that he was smirking slightly. Laad Governor, he did this. Blushing, Khushi reached out, peeled the bindi off the mirror and placed it on herself and looked up at Arnav again. He smiled and then walked away.

What was happening? What did he want to say? What was he doing?

 

*****

 

Anjali had gotten into an accident and the Raizada’s gathered around Anjali on her bed.

 

“I really am fine, please don’t tell anyone, they’ll just get worried for no reason. NK bhai, please go and stay with Akash so he doesn’t find out and get worried. And mama ji and mami ji, please take Nani. I’ll just get changed and I’ll come down.

 

Arnav watched from the door as he held his tears back, yet he failed as his tears flowed down his face. What if something had happened to his Di? How would he live? He could’ve lost her. He could’ve lost the woman who for a long time brought him up singlehandedly. He could’ve lost his Di before telling her that she was right…

The Raizada’s got to their feet, understanding that Anjali didn’t need to change, but she needed to talk to her brother who was on the verge of a breakdown. Slowly, they all filed out of the room, while Arnav remained perched on the edge of Anjali’s bed.

 

“Chote… I’m fine, absolutely fine.”

 

Finally letting his guard down, Arnav rested his head on his Di’s lap, while he cried like a child. Anjali stroked his hair, letting her own tears flow.

 

“I’m sorry Di.”

“Chote, why are you saying sorry to me?”

“For all the times I was rude to you and for all the times you asked me to do something for you and I said no straight out. You are my whole world Di, please never leave me like Ma did. Please Di, if you do I won’t be able to live.”

“Sh Chote. I would never leave you. Never. I’ll always be here for you, right here, always by your side. But you see, what I told you the other day about having no guarantees about tomorrow. This is why I said to you, if someone comes into your life and if there is something in your heart, you should tell them. You shouldn’t hold back, for we don’t know what could happen tomorrow. We don’t even know what could happen today. Now you go down, I’m going to change and then I will come down.

Getting to his feet, Arnav made his way over to the door before turning around and smiling at his Di. He recalled all the times his Di had told him how one day a girl would come and his heartbeat would increase, if anything happened, it would feel like his heartbeat would stop. He thought back to the night before when he thought Khushi had had an accident. And he realised that his Di was always right. That day had come, and that girl had arrived. It was Khushi.

 

“Di, I need to tell you something.”

“Haan, Chote, tell me.”

“You were right.”

“About what?”

“Remember all the time you told me someone would come into my life and mera saase rukh jaygi and all that stuff. It’s happened Di.”

 

He walked back over to her, and sat by her side. Anjali smiled her widest smile and cupped her brothers face.

 

“Di… I’m in love with…”

“Khushi ji. I know. You may only be telling me know, but I have known for the longest time that there was something in your heart for her. Have you told her?”

 

Arnav shook his head.

 

“But I want to tell her. Today, right now.”

“Then go tell her!”

“Lekin Di, do you think she loves…”

“She does Chote.”

“How can you be so sure?”
“I’ve seen the way she looks at you and the way you look at her. It’s clear what is between your hearts. Go and tell her Chote.”

 

Arnav got to his feet again and was ready to make his way out when another thought came to him.

 

“There’s something else I want to tell you and something else I need you to do.”

“Anything Chote…”

 

*****

 

With a smile that was refusing to leave her, Khushi made her way up to the terrace. Of course the note wasn’t signed from Arnav, but she knew it was him. Who else could it have been? She made her way up the stairs and onto the terrace where all the lights were sparkling around her. A hand came and rested on her shoulder. Slowly, Khushi turned around. Arnav. He’d arrived.

 

“Khushi, I need to talk to you.”

“About?”

 

Carefully taking her hand, Arnav held it in his own.

 

“I… Mein… I love you Khushi.”

 

His words echoed in her ears. He did? Did he?

 

“K… Kya? What did you say?”

 

“I said I love you. Mein tumse pyaar karta hoon Khushi.”

 

Tears fell from her eyes as her smile widened and she rushed into his arms.

 

“Hum bhi aapse… I.. I love… I love you too Arnav ji.”

 

Arnav felt his heart swell with joy, he’d never felt this much joy in his life. His arms tightened around Khushi and he held her close. She loved him too. He was right. She did…

They remained in their embrace not wanting to let the other go. They had finally got each other. They weren’t about to let go just yet. Arnav’s hand moved from around Khushi’s waist into her hair. He pulled away slightly, only slightly so that he could look at her face.

 

“I love you Khushi.”

“I love you too.”

“God I feel like saying that to you over and over again.”

“Same.”

 

Khushi made to rest her face in his chest again, but Arnav stopped her, placing his finger under her chin and lifting her face to his. Her eyes fluttered shut as she recalled the last time his face had been this close to hers. Diwali…

 

“I’ve been dying to kiss you. Can I?”

 

Saying nothing, Khushi felt her cheeks heat up as she moved her face only slightly more towards him. Arnav’s eyes too closed as he held her close and let his lips fall on hers. He felt her lips quiver between his, but her arms around him tightened as he slowly moved his lips against hers. She attempted to mimic his action, her hand reaching up to cup his face. They fumbled slightly, but their lips remained sealed to the others, trying to establish a pace and a familiarity.

Finally, when they felt that they needed air, they pulled apart ever so slightly. Their eyes opened, and Khushi saw Arnav’s eyes were much darker than usual.

 

“Marry me.”

“I will.”

“I mean tonight.”

 

Eyes widening, Khushi pulled herself out of Arnav’s arms.

 

“What?!”

“Yes. I want you to marry me, tonight.”

“But how?”

“I’ve already spoken to Di and Di is speaking to your family right now.”

“But even if they agree, how can we…”

“After Akash and Payal get married, we’ll get married on the same mandap.”

“But you don’t even believe in marriage.”

“After what happened yesterday, when I thought I lost you, I realised that life is unpredictable and then something happened today and I realised that I don’t want to have to let you go, ever. And if making sure you’re always with me is by marrying you, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

 

Taking everything in, Khushi felt so confused. Arnav wanted to marry her, Arnav loved her! She shook her head, trying to make sense of it all when Arnav’s phone buzzed.

 

“It’s Di.”

 

He clicked open the message and read it, his eyes wide with surprise.

 

“You’re family have said yes. Di said ‘larki wale maan gaye! Took some persuading but they have agreed! My Chote is getting married?'”

 

Mind going into overdrive, Khushi didn’t know what to think. Or how to react for that matter. Arnav realised that she was confused, so he placed his hands on her shoulders.

 

“If you don’t want to, we don’t have to. We can wait, do everything properly and then get married. But I want you, hell I need you and now that I’ve realised it, I won’t be able to stay away from you.”

“What if we do this and then you realise what you were feeling was wrong and you don’t actually want me that much.”

“Ever since I’ve met you, I’ve been pulled towards you. You’ve been changing me, slowly slowly. You’ve been taking bits of my heart to the point where yesterday I felt like I was empty because I thought I lost you. I don’t think my feelings towards you are going to change Khushi.”

 

Hearing him say those words, talk about his feelings like that, it pulled at Khushi’s heart. She hadn’t realised it until recently that she was in love with him, but when she realised, she knew that she wanted him. And now it seemed that it could become a reality.

 

“I need to talk to my family. But if they really do say yes and if they really are okay with this, then yes, I will marry you tonight.”

 

Arnav pulled her back into his arms, pressing his lips between hers once more while his fingers knotted into her long hair. He liked this, the feel of her hair in his fingers, the feel of her body against his, the feel of her lips on his. It was all new, yet he was already addicted to it.

 

*****

 

“Arre Sanka Devi. What is all this? Anjali bitya came and told us that Arnav babua wants to marry you tonight. What is all this?”

 

Looking to Arnav, Khushi really didn’t know how to answer the questions that her family were asking her. Placing his hand in hers, Arnav nodded and then addressed her family.

 

“Me and Khushi are in love with each other. This isn’t something that has been happening behind your back, we have only expressed our feelings for each other today. But now that I have realised my feelings for Khushi, I don’t want to have to wait before making her my wife. I understand this is very last minute but… I love Khushi and I want to do this.”

 

Buaji raised her hand to her forehead, called out to her Nand Kishore and then turned her attention back to Khushi.

 

“Dekho titaliya, of course you getting married tonight isn’t ideal, but if this is what you and Arnav babua really want, then we will not stand in your way.”

 

Looking between her buaji and her parents, Khushi nodded shyly. She’d always dreamt of a big lavish wedding, but now that it came down to it, she realised that all she really wanted was the man standing beside her. It didn’t matter to her if they didn’t have a big lavish wedding with lots of rituals and ceremonies before and after. She just wanted him, to be joined to him in holy matrimony.

 

“Then if this is what you want, we won’t say no.”

“What are you saying buaji?”

“I’m saying, take your hand out of Arnav babua’s right now and move away from him because the bride and groom aren’t allowed to see each other before they reach the mandap.”

 

She couldn’t believe it! She was getting married! Tonight! Payal took hold of Khushi’s arm and led her away from Arnav and into her room where she was getting ready.

The two sisters squealed with joy. They were both getting married, at the same mandap, into the same family!

 

*****

 

There was a rapid knock on the door and Khushi went to open it. She opened the door to see Anjali, standing there with a bundle of red clothes in her arms. She walked into the room and shut the door behind her.

 

“Congratulations Khushi ji! You’re getting married!”

“Anjali ji… I don’t know what to say.”

“Well for starters you can start calling me Di now. I can’t believe this is happening! You don’t understand how much I have dreamed about you and Chote getting married and now it’s happening! I’m so happy!”

 

Payal walked over to where Khushi and Anjali were standing.

 

“Do you see what she’s like Anjali ji, she’s hijacking my wedding day!”

“You can start calling me Di too! And you should get used to it, this is what my Chote is like. He always needs to be the centre of attention. He’s stealing his brothers wedding day.”

 

Together Payal and Anjali joked and teased Khushi for a while. However, once Anjali saw the time, she realised that she needed to rush off, after all, there were two weddings to take place!

Anjali handed over the bundle of clothes to Khushi.

 

“It’s not the best wedding outfit, but it’s the best I could have brought to me at such short notice.”

 

Turning the fabric over, Khushi looked at it and saw the blue boarder on the lengha and smiled.

 

“It’s beautiful Di!”

“Do you really like it?”

“I really do!”

“I’m so glad! Anyway, you start getting ready, I’ll have someone bring some jewellery for you too.”

 

Anjali turned away and left the room, shutting the door behind her. Payal came and stood beside Khushi as she opened up the outfit that Anjali had left for her. It was a simple lengha, definitely not bridal, but it was still beautiful. She couldn’t wait to get it on and get married to her Laad Governor.

 

*****

 

As Akash and Payal made their way around the holy fire, both families watched and showered them with flowers. They were on their sixth round, almost done. The evening had been long, with many rituals to complete for both the couples that were to get married. The Raizada’s and the Gupta’s had to make sure that they kept Arnav and Khushi away from each other during Payal and Akash’s wedding ceremony. But their eyes kept meeting, and Khushi blushed every time she remembered that she too would be getting married in a bit at this very mandap. She was ready, dressed in her bridal gear, waiting for her turn. As she looked over to Arnav, she realised he was still wearing his suit. Was he going to marry her wearing a suit? Typical Arnav Singh Raizada. Only he would do something like that. Shaking her head, Khushi went back to showering her Jiji and jijaji with flowers.

 

*****

 

When Akash and Payal’s wedding was complete and they had taken their blessings from the elders of both families, Payal moved to Khushi’s side and Akash to Arnav’s and they led their siblings to the mandap for their marriage. Some of the guests were not aware of the sudden double wedding plan and so looked to each other confused. But regardless, people came together once more for the second marriage.

 

*****

 

The rounds were completed, vows had been made, mangalsoothra was tied and sindoor was applied. Arnav and Khushi were officially married and they couldn’t be happier. They got their blessings from the family members and were congratulated by all their guests.

Arnav placed his hand on Khushi’s, pulling her into himself.

 

“I can’t wait to fully make you mine.”

 

Blushing, Khushi realised what he was insinuating. She hadn’t thought about that, about what he was suggesting but maybe she should have been. Hadn’t she been teasing her Jiji all week about her wedding night? How had her own wedding night slipped her mind?

The bidaai of Khushi and Payal took place and then they were welcomed into the Raizada house with Akash and Arnav carrying their respective brides over the threshold.
Usually they would have got the new couple to play some games, however due to the unexpected second marriage, it was late and everyone was tired so the couples were sent to their bedrooms.

 

*****

 

Walking into his room, Arnav didn’t expect it to be decorated for their suhaag raat, but was surprised to see that it had been decorated. Flower petals and candles were scattered all over the room. The bed too was decorated with flowers hanging all around it.

Arnav carried Khushi over to the bed and lowered her onto it, lowering himself at the same time, his face moving closer to hers as her back hit the bed. His lips pressed between hers just as he settled her onto the bed and positioned himself over her.

Cupping her face and making sure that his weight wasn’t on her, Arnav kissed Khushi passionately, his lips urgent against hers. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Khushi pulled Arnav close to herself. Biting her lip ever so slightly, Arnav used Khushi’s momentary shock to slide his tongue against hers. The intrusion of his tongue caught Khushi off guard for a moment, but she let him steer the kiss and she attempted to mimic his direction.

 

*****

 

Some time later, Arnav and Khushi were still in bed, still just kissing. They lay on their sides, Arnav’s leg slung over Khushi’s as his hands caressed her back.

Finally he pulled away and got to his feet.

 

“I need to get out of these clothes. Do you want to get changed?”

 

Shaking her head, Khushi sat up in bed.

 

“You change, I’ll wait for you.”

 

Nodding, Arnav walked over to his wardrobe, pulled some clothes out and went into the bathroom. Leaning back against the headboard, Khushi lifted her hand to her lips and smiled. When her day began hours and hours ago, she hadn’t thought she would end up being married at the end of the day. Heck, she didn’t even think that she and Arnav would confess their feelings for each other. Yet they had and here they were, married.

Loosening the dupatta that was pinned to her head, Khushi took it off her head and just used it to cover her chest. She slowly began to take off the heavy jewellery that she had been wearing when her hand fell upon her mangalsoothra.

Smiling to herself, she let it rest around her neck. She was married. To Arnav ji! To the man who she had been in love with!

Before Khushi could proceed any further with her thoughts, Arnav came out of the bathroom in nothing but his sweat pants. She took in his toned abs, his muscular arms.

Her eyes travelled shamelessly down and she took in the sight of his feint V lines. Holy crap.

He walked over to the bed and pulled Khushi off of it and onto her feet.

 

“Arnav ji… What are you…”

“I need to undress you.”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked away as Arnav reached out and slowly pulled her dupatta away from her. As he did so, he saw her chest heave slightly, moving up and down in a rhythmic manner. She attempted to raise her arms, to cover herself, but Arnav stopped her, moving her arms away. He took a step closer to her, letting his lips move to her not exposed neck as he trailed a line of hot kisses down to the base of the neck. His hands wrapped around her exposed waist as he ground her body against his.

 

“I know this is all happening really fast, we can slow down if you want.”

 

He whispered the words into her ear, his warm breath made her shiver with a new kind of wanting.

 

“But I’ll admit, I really want to make love to you tonight.”

 

His words ignited a new kind of fire within her and Khushi wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

“I want to be yours.”

 

Still hugging her close to himself, Arnav began to undo the doori of Khushi’s lengha top, letting it sag around her shoulders as it began to come undone. Pulling it over her head, his eyes fell onto her exposed body.

 

“Are you sure?”

 

It was all happening fast, but this was one thing Khushi was sure of. She loved Arnav ji, her husband, and she wanted to be his. Some may think she was being insane, given the fact that only 12 hours ago she had no idea that 12 hours later she would be married. But she was and she knew how she felt about him and he felt about her. She wanted this, she wanted him.

He kneeled down before her, his fingers in the waistband of her lengha as he pulled it away slowly. Khushi shut her eyes, breathing hard. This was happening, it was really happening.

Lifting her off her feet, he put her down onto the bed once more before proceeding to free her of her panties and his own trousers. Once their clothing was no longer near them, they finally came together as one…

 

*****

 

Morning arrived sooner than either of them had expected and light hit their eyes, ruining their peaceful slumber. Khushi’s eyes fluttered open and looked at Arnav, sleeping peacefully beside her. Or should she say under her. Her head was resting on his exposed chest, her leg was draped over his and her arm on his shoulder.

Blushing, Khushi remembered last night, their expression of love, their marriage, their kisses, their love making… Pressing a kiss on his shoulder, Khushi gathered the covers around her as she began to get out of bed. But she felt his hand around her wrist and he pulled her back onto himself.

 

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“To get ready for the day.”

 

Running his finger along her body, he felt her melt back into him.

 

“I love you Khushi.”

“I love you too.”

 

Laying in each other’s arms, they both enjoyed the warmth that they were receiving from the other. Both smiled at their respective thoughts. But ultimately, only one thought stayed in their minds. It felt so good that their relationship finally had a name.

 

*****

 

Author’s note:

So many of you are probably seeing this and thinking “What? Another OS this week?” I didn’t have any intention to post this, but after realising that today marks the fifth anniversary of IPKKND ending, I thought we may as well make the day special by remembering and celebrating the union of our fave jodi. So here you go, a special, long OS that I have been saving for a special occasion. Hope you guys enjoy it. Be sure to let me know what you think. 

Suhaag Raat

 

“Kis cheez ka mathlab hai?”

 

Grabbing hold of her shoulders, Arnav pulled Khushi to himself.

 

“THAT I LOVE YOU DAMMIT!”

 

His eyes bore into hers, his anger and frustration evident. Khushi stared back at him, her eyes wide with shock. His words stopped all thoughts flowing through her brain, and she could feel herself drowning in a sense of happiness. He loved her, he wanted to take their marriage further because he loved her.

Arnav let go of Khushi and walked away. He needed to clear his head. His words rang in her ears and she played the moment over and over again.

 

“THAT I LOVE YOU DAMMIT!”

 

Remaining on the terrace for a few moments, Khushi thought about what she wanted to do, how she should react. Once her mind was made, she made her way back to their bedroom, pushing open their shut bedroom door.

 

“Arnavji?”

 

Looking around, she saw Arnav wasn’t there. Closing the door behind her, Khushi knocked on the bathroom door before pushing it open. He wasn’t there. She rushed over to the poolside, he wasn’t there either.

Sitting on the edge of the decorated bed, she realised he’d probably gone for a drive to clear his head. Picking up some of the petals from the bed, Khushi couldn’t help but smile. He had done all this for her, so that they could spend a special night together. He did it so that their first night would be special. He did it for her…

She remembered all the times she had asked him “kyun faraq partha hai?” and he had stopped himself from replying, now it made sense. He loved her that’s why he cared.

When he had told her he loved her on the phone, Khushi had been overjoyed to hear his words, to finally hear that he felt that way about her too. But then she had realised that he was in trouble. She had chosen to believe that maybe he said that to alert her while still being discrete. She had been confused… But now there was no doubt, he loved her and she loved him. That’s all that mattered.

Getting off then bed, Khushi placed the dupatta on her head again and went to sit down on the recliner, waiting for him to come back home.

 

*****

 

It was nearing 10pm when Khushi saw their bedroom door slowly open. Getting to her feet, she rushed over to the door just as Arnav was shutting it behind him.

 

“Arnavji!”

 

Running into his arms, she hugged him, held him close to herself.

 

“I was so worried you weren’t going to come home tonight.”

“Where else would I go? How come your still awake?”

 

Breaking the hug, Khushi placed her hands on her hips.

 

“How could I go to sleep when you left so angrily?”

“I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have got so angry… Why haven’t you got changed yet?”

 

Turning around quickly, Khushi locked the door and then stepped closer to Arnav. She walked right up to him and whispered in his ear.

 

“Aaj hamari suhaag raat hai.”

 

Stepping back, she looked down, blushing. Arnav smirked, something had changed in her and he liked it. But he remembered why he’d left in the first place.

 

“No… Not tonight. I went for a drive and I really thought about everything. If the phere matter so much to you, then we are going to go tomorrow morning, with the whole family and we are going to do our phere. We’ll tell them we’re doing it because last time they weren’t present but we’ll do it. Just like you want us too.”

“You’d really do this for me?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

 

Coming back to him, Khushi threw her arms around Arnav. Pulling away, Khushi cupped his face.

 

“I can’t believe you’re willing to do that for me. But you were right. Yes, the phere are important and I’m so happy that we’re going to do them, but at the same time, you were right. There really isn’t anything that is more important than our love and our feelings. And if you’re willing to do our phere for me then I am willing to…”

“What are you saying Khushi?”

“I’m saying, I love you too dammit.”

 

Instantly her cheeks began to glow red and she bit her lip, trying to hold back the smile that threatened to take over her face.

Arnav stepped close to her, and placed his hands on her hips, pulling her into himself.

 

“Are you sure you want to do this tonight?”

“Positive.”

 

Lifting Khushi off the floor for the third time tonight and placing her down onto the bed for the second, Arnav let himself move over her. Hands on her hips, Arnav moved in, moving towards her neck. Khushi turned her face away from him, giving him more exposure of her neck. Her breathing was fast and heavy, her chest moving up and down rapidly. As his lips touched her neck, Khushi’s breathing stopped altogether. He placed a line of light kisses down the column of her neck while his hand moved over her exposed belly before resting over her belly button.

Arnav moved back slowly, and looked at Khushi, who had her eyes tightly shut.

 

“Khushi breathe. If you don’t you’re going to pass out.”

 

She began to open her eyes very slowly and watched as Arnav took this moment to take his waistcoat off. Once off, he moved back over her, his lips inching towards her neck once more.

Placing her hands on the back of his neck, Khushi closed her eyes and held him close as she felt his lips press into the side of her neck. Moving round, he began placing kisses on her cheeks, her eyes, her nose… Moving towards her lips. Arnav felt Khushi hold him more tightly. He opened his eyes slighted and saw that she’d parted her lips, anticipating his lips on hers. Closing his eyes once more, he reduced the distance between their lips. When finally his lips fell between hers, Arnav felt her tense momentarily, but then she melted into the kiss, her lips slowly moving against his. Her hand moved from the back of his neck into his hair. He let his hands move from her tummy and up to the sides of her breasts, feeling her. He let himself move over her more fully, his lips moving against hers faster, far more urgently.

Trying to touch every inch of her, Arnav’s hands too moved urgently along Khushi’s body. He moved his body against hers too, grinding his body against her, imitating a very intimate action, all of which caused Khushi to let out a moan of pleasure. Arnav took this as an opportunity to slide his tongue between her lips, and pressed it against hers, coaxing her to do the same.

But they needed air and so Arnav pulled away and looked down at a highly breathless and flustered Khushi.

 

“Can I take your clothes off?”

 

Eyes snapping open, Khushi looked into Arnav’s. His eyes were dark, almost black, his desire to take things further evident in the way he was looking at her.

Giving a little nod, Khushi attempted to sit up, but was stopped by Arnav. He rolled her onto her front, leaving her back visible to him. He looked at all the tied up doris of her choli and started working his way down them. With each one he untied, he placed a little kiss on her exposed back.

One by one the doris came off until they were all off. Turning Khushi back around again, he watched as her chest heaved as he slowly slipped the choli off her. As he pulled the choli off, her breasts came into sight.

 

“Fuck.”

 

Khushi’s eyes opened and she attempted to cover her breasts with her arms, feeling self conscious. Did he not like the way she looked? Did he not approve?

 

“No don’t.”

 

He took hold of her arms and moved them away before taking one of her little pebbled nipples between his lips. He placed a light kiss on the hardened little nub before flicking at it with his tongue, suckling on it lightly. Khushi felt as though her body was on fire. All her nerves tingled, she felt as though his lightest of touches would cause her to burst into flames.

He moved back away from her chest, placing a kiss on her cheek before brushing her hair out of her eyes.

 

“You have such perfect breasts. Looking at them when you have clothes on, I knew they’d be special, but looking at them now… Fuck Khushi. You don’t understand how much they turn me on.”

 

She looked into his eyes before averting her eyes again. He approved, he thought they were perfect. She no longer felt self conscious. She felt precious, special… She felt like she was fully becoming his.

Arnav moved down her body, placing kisses on her exposed skin. He went from her neck, to the valley between her breasts, down to her belly button and the went further, stopping just along her waistline. Hooking his fingers into her lengha, he slowly began pulling it away. Khushi felt her breathing stop once more. She shut her eyes as he slowly pulled her lengha away, throwing it away when it was off. Arnav came back over her, placing kisses from her ankles and then moving up. He kissed her knee, her thighs and then moved to her inner thighs, getting closer and closer to her most intimate area.

 

“Arnavji…”

 

Her voice was breathless but her desire for him was evident. Arnav moved back up, pressing a kiss onto her lips, touching her naked body. He lifted her slightly, and flipped them, so he was on his back and she on top of him.

Breaking the kiss, Khushi sat up straight, straddling him. Khushi threw her hair over her shoulder.

 

“Don’t you think I’m overdressed?”

 

Arnav raised an eyebrow at her, a smirk on his lips. He sat up, so they were both in a sitting position, but she was still on his legs. Khushi bit her lip lightly as she reached out for the blanket.

 

“What are you doing?”

“I… I feel awkward.”

“That’s why you should undress me, so we’ll both be as naked as each other and you won’t feel awkward.”

 

Arnav watched as she hesitated slightly. He saw her eyes dart towards the blanket and Arnav let her reach out and cover herself with it. Then she came back, her cheeks bright red and she slowly started unbuttoning his shirt. Arnav watched as her fingers fumbled on the little buttons, but he didn’t intervene. He wanted to give her the opportunity to explore his body on her own as he did hers.

Once all the buttons were off, she slide her hands along his body, up to his shoulders and pushed the shirt off. As the shirt fell onto the bed, Khushi moved in, kissing his neck as he had done to hers, all the while letting her hands feel his naked chest and arms. She pushed him back slightly, getting him to lie back on the bed. She then came over him, kissing his chest and then carrying on down his abs.

To begin with her kisses were slow and tentative, now her kisses felt far more urgent, far more confident, like she needed to cover every inch of his skin with her kisses. Arnav bunched Khushi’s hair into his fist, and held her close to his body. As she moved further and further down his body, Arnav felt all his blood rush down south as well.

 

“Khushi…”

 

Pulling her back up, Arnav flipped Khushi onto the bed and moved over her, his lips moving urgently against hers. She kissed him back, the same amount of fire in her, her hands bunching into his hair. Arnav let his hand move down her body and slipped his hand into her panties. Khushi felt her breath catch in her throat as she felt him touching her down there, his fingers brushing against her opening.

 

“Arn…”

 

Pushing his finger into her, Khushi gasped at the intrusion, but as he started moving his finger, all thoughts were gone from her. Arnav was careful, he didn’t want to scare her or shock her by being too abrupt, but when dipping his finger into her and finding her absolutely wet, he realised he couldn’t hold back any more.

Pulling away, he freed himself of his pants and boxers. Khushi opened her eyes ever so slowly and took in his thick, erect length, standing proud. She blushed at the sight him, she couldn’t believe this was happening. Arnav moved back and pulled Khushi’s panties away in one quick, effortless motion and then came back over her, position his body above her, ready to dive in.

 

“Are you sure you want to do this tonight, we can wait until tomorrow if…”

 

He watched as she shook her head and wrapped her arms around him.

 

“I trust you and your love.”

 

Settling between her legs, Arnav pressed a kiss on Khushi’s forehead before diving in, connecting their bodies in the most intimate manner, finally making them one.

 

*****

 

Rolling back onto his side of the bed, Arnav lay on his back, panting for breath. They’d been at it for a while, going slowly, trying to establish a pace and intensity they were both comfortable with. He went extra slow, giving Khushi’s body time to accommodate and get accustomed to his girth.

But now they were done. They’d reached the heights of pleasure and now had come back down to reality.

Khushi rolled onto her side and cuddled up to Arnav, hiding her face in his chest while placing light kisses on his chest hairs.

 

“Khushi are you okay, you’re not hurting or anything are you?”

“I’m fine…”

 

Arnav wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to himself before placing a kiss on the top of her head.

Resting her cheek on his chest, Khushi looked up at Arnav.

 

“Ab hum puri thara ek hogayi hoon.”

“And tomorrow we are going to do our phere.”

“I love you so much Arnavji.”

“And I, you. You know Khushi, tomorrow after our phere, we can make our suhaag raat again.”

 

Looking away, Khushi blushed as she hid her face into his chest once again.

 

“In fact, I think we should do it again right now.”

 

Pushing her back onto the bed, he took her lips between his once more and they were off again, ready for another round.

A few moments passed before moans of pleasure emitted from both Arnav and Khushi, signifying that their suhaag raat was far from over…

 

 

*****

 

Author’s note: 

Just a quick note to say, WE HAVE REACHED A MILLION HITS!!! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my work, whether you have only just arrived or whether you’ve been here since 2012, thank you so so so much! For having faith in me, for being patient, and for always supporting my work, no matter what I come out with. Thank you for being here and I hope you all stay with me for years to come. 

Thank you so much to everyone, I love you all so so much! 

Birthday

 

“You can’t force someone to celebrate their birthday! You can’t force someone to cut a cake! I don’t want all this, this cake, that bag, I don’t want all these materialistic things! I wanted something that was personal, filled with love. All I wanted was a simple happy birthday. But you’re Arnav Singh Raizada. How can such a simple, unglamorous phrase leave your mouth. But thank you, for your 2 lakhs bag, this cake, all these decorations anyway.”

 

Turning away angrily, Khushi stormed back into their bedroom, leaving her presents and her slightly defeated husband behind.

Arnav recalled what she had said when he’d gifted her the bag, the way she’d questioned whether it was really from him if he hadn’t even picked it out. And he realised she had a point. Khushi had never been about materialistic things and that’s all he had done today. He’d showered her with materialistic stuff when he knew all she wanted was a simple wish.

After everything that had happened between them, after the kidnapping, after her wanting to leave, he should’ve used this opportunity to make her birthday special, to shower her with love, to try and win her back. Instead he’d tried to buy her back.

Mentally kicking himself, Arnav looked at the clock. Her birthday wasn’t yet over, there was still time to put all this right.

 

*****

 

When Arnav returned from his mamas garden, Khushi was already in bed and she appeared to be asleep. There was 10 minutes or so of her birthday left.
Sitting down beside her, Arnav placed the rose he had brought back on Khushi’s pillow before leaning in to place a kiss on her forehead.

 

“Happy birthday Khushi. I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

 

He’d screwed up, and he knew it. It was so easy to wish her, why couldn’t he do it when she was awake. He could have made her day. Instead he had ruined it.
Wiping a tear that had gathered in his eye, Arnav got off the bed but was stopped by the feeling of a small hand on his wrist.

Turning around, he looked to see Khushi lying in bed, her eyes open with tears flowing down her cheeks, holding onto him.

 

“Khushi you’re…”

“Arnav ji…”

 

Arnav felt slightly thrown. She was awake and she heard what he had said. He may as well just try to make things right while he had the chance.

 

“I… Happy birthday Khushi.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re not asleep yet?”

 

Shaking her head, Khushi sat up, picking the rose up from beside her. She looked at it intently before smiling and putting it on her bedside table.

 

“I love it, thank you. It’s my favourite present.”

“I’m sorry that I ruined your day. That I forgot your birthday to begin with and then shouted at you. I’m… I…”

“Shh…”

 

Pressing her finger to his lips, Khushi shuffled closer to Arnav. Shaking her head, she slowly lowered her finger, placed her hand on his chest.

 

“What’s done is done. You’ve made up for it now, it doesn’t matter any more.”

“It should! I’m your husband, I should’ve remembered and I should’ve…”

 

Wrapping his arms around her, Arnav pulled Khushi close to himself.

 

“I should’ve known you didn’t want me wasting my time on materialistic things. I should’ve known you just wanted my attention and my wishes.”

 

Breaking the hug, Arnav realised what he should do to make her birthday special. What he wanted to do to make her birthday memorable.

Looking at the clock, he saw that there was still a few minutes of her birthday left. Arnav moved away from Khushi slightly as he pulled his jumper off. Moving back towards Khushi, he took her face in his hands and inched towards her.

 

“Arnav ji…”

“Sh… We need to make the most of your birthday.”

“Lekin…”

 

But what she wanted to say after that was gone. All thoughts were gone as he moved closer to her, closing the distance between them, his lips inches away from hers.

 

“Happy birthday Khushi.”

 

Before she could respond, his lips were on hers. Khushi’s eyes widened before they fluttered shut. His fingers caressed her cheek, while he used the other hand to hold her neck. Khushi’s hand that had been resting on his chest, moved to his collar as she held onto him for dear life, while her other hand moved up to his face, holding his stubbled jaw.
Their kiss started off slow as Arnav eased Khushi into it. His lips gently tugged on hers while she attempted to mimic his actions.

He had wanted to kiss her like this for so long. Since before Diwali actually. And after getting so close to kissing her on Dilwali, he couldn’t stop thinking about her lips and how much he wanted to take them between his own. He thought about how close they had come in that hut that night…

Now, after a stupid long time, he finally had her where he wanted her. In his arms, on his bed, her lips fused to his. As he moved his hands away from her face and down to her neck, Arnav realised this wasn’t enough any more. He wanted more, he wanted to give her more.

Khushi’s hands too had moved away from his face and were exploring his body. She’d untucked his shirt and had let her hands wonder under his shirt as she felt his muscular back. She wanted more.

Biting down on her lip slightly, Khushi’s parted her lips in shock and Arnav took the opportunity to slip his tongue between her lips.

This may have been a step too far too soon, as Khushi broke the kiss and jumped away from Arnav. He watched as she slowly raised her hand to her lips.

 

“Khushi…”

“Aapne…”

 

Scooting closer to Khushi, Arnav placed his hand on her arm. He stroked her bare arm, making circles on her skin with his thumb as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

 

“Yeh aap…”

 

Moving towards her once more, he placed a light kiss on her cheek before whispering in her ear.

 

“If you’re so shocked to have my tongue in your mouth, how will you manage when we try to take things further?”

 

Smirking, he moved back, taking in her wide eyes, her cheeks starting to turn pink. Arnav moved back towards her, hand on the side of her neck while the other rested on her waist, pushing her down against the bed slightly.

 

“C… Contract…”

 

This stopped Arnav in his tracks. She was still thinking about the damn contract. But it wasn’t her fault. He’d reminded her, used it against her to try and keep her. Moving back, he ran his hand through his hair.

 

“The contract doesn’t mean anything to me. Maybe it never did. I only brought it up again because… Because I… I was scared you were going to leave me and I couldn’t think of anything else. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it! The contract means nothing to me. You, me, this, us… This is what matters, how we feel about each other.”

“And how do we feel about each other?”

 

Arnav hadn’t been expected to be asked this question. He thought his feelings for her were obvious, but maybe she just needed some reassurance. Cupping her face, Arnav leaned close to her, placing a light kiss on her lips before pulling away.

 

“I… I… I lo… I love you Khushi. More than anyone else in this world.”

 

The way he was looking at her, the impact of his words, realising that she hadn’t been mistaken, Khushi felt a surge of happiness course through her body. When he had said it on the phone, she’d been ecstatic, but later when she realised it could have just been so that she knew he was in trouble… It had shattered her slightly. She thought maybe he didn’t mean it, but just wanted to alert her. But now… Him saying it now, here, when there was no pressure… She knew it was real.

 

“I don’t know about you, but I really love you dammit.”

 

Feeling as though she could fly, Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav, resting her face in his neck.

 

“Hum bhi aapse bohot pyaar karti hoon.”

 

He knew this, but hearing her actually say it, it changed everything. She loved him. She really loved him. Maybe she’d always loved it?

Pulling back once more, Arnav placed his hands on either side of her neck and pulled her back towards him for a kiss.

Tonight, he surely was going to make her birthday night memorable…

 

*****

 

Awaking the next morning, Khushi smiled as she felt the heat of Arnav’s body on her back. Nestling closer to her sleeping husband, Khushi blushed as she recalled the events of the night before.

After they had expressed their love for each other, things heated up fast. Their lips met in urgent, almost frantic kisses, as their hands grasped for the other. When had they actually undressed each other was still a mystery to her. One moment they were both fully clothed, the next she was lying below him, his hands on her naked waist while his lips were trailing down her neck.

The bottom line was, they had done it. They had become one. They’d made love to each other, promised themselves to each other in a way she never thought they would when they initially got married.

Despite all of their challenges and misunderstandings, their love had won.

Turning in his arms, Khushi smiled as she took in the face of her slumbering husband. Holding the sheets close to herself, she propped herself up on her elbow and pressed a kiss on his cheek before sweeping his hair out of his eyes.

 

“Hm, good morning.”

“Good morning.”

 

Opening his eyes and stretching, Arnav smiled when his eyes met Khushi’s. Laying back in his arms, Khushi snuggled close to him, hiding her face in his exposed chest.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

Arnav felt a little nod against his chest. Running a hand along her naked arms, Arnav smiled as he recalled their night of passion.

 

“So Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, on a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate your birthday night?”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked up and met his eyes.

 

“My birthday night was off the scale Mr Raizada. Best birthday night ever.”

 

Smiling, Khushi tucked herself back into her husbands arms.

Best birthday ever.

 

*****

 

Author’s Note: 

Hey guys! How are you all doing? I hope you enjoyed this little shot. As it’s my birthday, I wanted to put together something for you guys, so here it is! 

Let me know what you thought in the comments and I’ll be back soon with the next instalment of Fifty Shades. If you aren’t caught up with Fifty Shades, please do go give it a read. We’re nearing the end now but I still have so much coming. 

Furthermore, I would highly recommend everyone keep a close eye on my blog. As we’re nearing the end of the year, I do have a lot of content which I want to post before the end of the year. Also, as we’re almost at a million hits, I will be posting something big for you guys when we reach that milestone! 

Also, I will soon be notifying you all on scheduling changes for 2018, so that’s something to stay tuned for. All in all, there’s a lot to come! So please be sure to keep a close eye! 

Thank you all for your time and love and I’ll see you all again soon x 

Dhadkan

Head banging from the after affects of yesterday’s baang, Khushi struggled to open her eyes. But the light was hitting her eyelids and she knew that it was time to get up. Stretching her arms out, she realised that her movement was restricted. Opening her eyes a little more, the sight before her left her slightly baffled. Arnav ji…

Moving back slightly, she reached out and moved his hair out of his eyes. They were in the same bed? How did this happen? It was then all the memories of the night before slowly started coming back to her.

 

“Hamari dil ki dhadkan ek hojati hai…”

 

She remembered how they had come close to each other, touched each other in a way they had never done so before, the way they had whispered words of love to each other, the way they took their relationship to the next level. The way they’d made love to each other.

Eyes now wide, Khushi moved the sheets off of Arnav slightly, revealing his exposed chest to her. Covering him again, she looked at herself. She was naked, not even underwear on her.

Replaying the previous night, Khushi recalled everything that had happened between them, blushing a deep shade of red as she remembered it all.

Arnav started stirring in his sleep, and slowly he too began to open his eyes. Memories of the night before flooded him and his eyes snapped open only to find Khushi staring back at him.

 

“Good morning…”

 

Blushing, she moved into him, hiding her face in his chest. She raised her hands and placed it on his upper arms and pressed light kisses on his chest.

Closing his eyes, Arnav let her hands move across his body as she carried on placing kisses on his skin. Pushing him back, Khushi moved over Arnav, clutching the sheets to her chest as she continued kissing his exposed body. His hand slowly came up to hold her, but then it all came back to him. His reason for the marriage, the reason he’d kept his distance from her all this time.

Pushing her off of himself, Arnav got out of bed.

 

“Arnav ji…”

 

Getting up, Khushi moved to the edge of the bed, trying to reach out to him.

 

“Don’t touch me!”

“Arnav ji…”

“Don’t come near me.”

 

Turning away, Arnav grabbed a t-shirt that was lying on the floor and pulled it over his head. She noticed how at some point in the night he’d put his boxers back on.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t talk to me.”

“Arnav ji…”

“For gods sake Khushi, stay the hell away from me before I say or do something that’s out of my control.”

 

With that, Arnav grabbed his towel and went into the bathroom. He needed time to think and he couldn’t do it when she was around. Slamming the door behind him, Arnav locked the door, leaving a very confused Khushi on the bed.

What was happening? Why was he behaving like this? After what had happened between them last nights…

 

*****

 

“Arnav ji, please speak to me, what happened? What’s wrong? Why are you so angry with me?”

 

How did she not know what was wrong? Was she really that shameless. Anger ran through Arnav’s body. Turning around, he grabbed her by the upper arms, pulling her into himself.

 

“You’re asking me what’s wrong? Why am I angry? How do you not know.”

“Arnav ji…”

“You act so innocent but really you’re…”

“I’m what?”

 

Tears ran down Khushi’s face. Why was he being like this? Why was he treating her like this when the night before he had handled her so delicately, with so much love and care. They’d become one, their heartbeats had come together in a way she didn’t know was possible. Then why now was he being like this?

 

“You disgust me Khushi Kumari Gupta. You are disgusting.”

 

Pushing her away, Arnav left the room, he couldn’t stand to see her face for even a moment longer. How could she? How could she let him go so close to her when she wanted Shyam? How could she do that?

 

*****

 

Weeks passed by and Khushi tried her best to try and get through to Arnav. But it seemed as though something had switched off in him. Before, at least sometimes he would show some compassion towards her, but now, all she saw was hatred. She had tried to get close to him, show him how much he meant to her, but he remained unresponsive, always pushing her away, throwing hurtful words over his shoulder at her before he left. She didn’t understand. Why was he being like this? What had she done wrong?

Arnav walked into their bedroom, and Khushi walked over to him to take his bag from him.

 

“How was your day at work?”

“Get lost.”

 

Her patience with him had slowly reaching its limit and today she finally snapped.

 

“Why are you like this? What did I do to you to make you behave like this with me?”

“Leave now before I say something.”

“No. I won’t. Say something. Anything to explain why you’ve been so hostile towards since that night we…”

 

Spinning around to face her, Arnav grabbed hold of her.

 

“That night we… What did we do that night?”

“Arnav ji you’re hurting me.”

“No tell me, what did we do that night?”

“You know very well what we did.”

“I don’t know about you. But I made the biggest mistake of my life that night.”

 

He let go of her, and Khushi felt her heart break ever so slightly. He… He regretted…

 

“The biggest mistake of my life. I don’t know what happened to me or how it happened. But it did and I regret it like nothing else. I’m disgusted at myself for touching you like that. But more than that, you disgust me. The fact that you could… Disgusting.”

“But I don’t understand. We made love…”

“Don’t.”

 

She tried to reach out to him, tried to put her hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged away, moving away from her.

 

“We didn’t do anything disgusting? What happened between us was pure and true…”

“SHUT UP. Do you have no shame? No respect? You, Khushi Kumari Gupta, are a sl*t. You slept with me when… I can’t believe I let that happen. It makes me want to boil myself so I can be clean again. You’re disgusting.”

 

He left the room, slamming the door behind himself. His words rang in her ears.

 

“You, Khushi Kumari Gupta, are a sl*t.”

 

Why did he think that of her? Why would he use such a word? She hadn’t done anything wrong. She’d taken what her husband had given her. She had expressed her love for him in the same way he had done. Then why?

Breaking down, Khushi fell to the floor, her heart breaking, her head hurting. Why was this happening? Why was he being like this?

 

*****

 

Days passed and nothing changed between Arnav and Khushi. He remained hostile and aggressive, avoiding her most of the time, only speaking to her when he had something harsh to throw at her. To begin with, Khushi had dealt with it, she was used to his hatred, however after a while she could feel it all taking a toll on her health. Her head hurt more often, she felt drowsy and nauseous. She couldn’t understand what was happening to her.

In the kitchen, Khushi was with Payal, preparing dinner for the evening when all of a sudden she felt light headed. Grabbing hold of the counter, Khushi stopped herself from falling but not before Payal noticed.

 

“Khushi! What’s the matter?”

“Nothing Jiji, I just felt a bit dizzy, I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“Go and sit down, I’ll bring some juice over to you.”

“Jiji, I promise, I’m fine. I’ve just not been sleeping to well.”

 

A thought hit Payal and her eyes widened.

 

“Khushi… Are you…”

“Kya Jiji?”

“Have you felt dizzy before?”

“Haan, a lot of the time. But like I said, I haven’t been sleeping properly. I’m just really tired.”

“Really tired or preg…”

 

Jaw dropping and eyes wide, Khushi looked at Payal who had a slight smirk on her lips.

 

“No no Jiji, I can’t be pre… No, I’m just tired.”

 

Getting to her feet, Khushi rushed to her room. She hadn’t even considered that she might be pregnant. She couldn’t be. No, no not at all.

Going into her room, Khushi picked up her phone and opened up her calendar app. The last time she had had her period was before Holi. And Holi had been over a month ago… She thought about her symptoms, yes she had been feeling sick and dizzy but that didn’t mean she was… But she had never been late in her life. Surely one night hadn’t left her… She couldn’t even say it. She couldn’t be. But she needed to be sure.

Locating her bag, Khushi rushed out of her room again. She needed to get to a pharmacy.

 

*****

 

Looking at the results of all three strips in her hand, tears fell from Khushi’s eyes. All three screamed positive. She fell back against the wall of the bathroom. Why was this happening? Why now?

She turned her attention back to the pregnancy tests, tears of happiness finally fell from her eyes. Her hand rested on her still flat tummy and she smiled. She was carrying a child. Hers and Arnav’s child. The result of their love and their passion filled night. But then she remembered his harsh words.

 

“You, Khushi Kumari Gupta, are a sl*t.”

 

She had to tell him. She couldn’t keep this away from him. Regardless of what he thought of her, this was his child too and she wasn’t going to let him turn around and walk away. Not now.

 

*****

 

“Khushi ji, what’s the matter, you look so distracted.”

 

Brought out of her thoughts, Khushi smiled at Anjali. She knew that Di would be happier than anyone else in the house to find out that her Chote was going to have a Chote, but Khushi wanted to tell Arnav first before telling anyone else.

 

“I’m fine Di. I was just thinking of calling him. I need to talk to him about something.”

“I don’t know if he’ll answer now Khushi ji. He’s probably on his way to the airport.”

“Airport?”

 

Airport? Why was he at the airport?

 

“Haan! He’s going to London.”

 

Anjali stopped when she saw the confusion in Khushi’s eyes.

 

“Wait, didn’t you know?”

 

Shaking her head, Khushi looked away. He was going to London? Why? Why hadn’t he said anything to her? How could he just leave without saying anything? She needed to see him before he went to London. She needed to stop him. He couldn’t just leave like this. Not before he knew about their baby.

 

*****

 

She saw him, just as he was about to enter the airport. Running towards him, Khushi tried to make her way through the crowd. She needed to get to Arnav before he left. She needed to tell him the truth.

She pushed forward, and finally reached him. She grabbed hold of the sleeve of his suit jacket.

 

“What the…”

 

Spinning around, Arnav looked at Khushi, disbelief that she was there.

 

“What are you doing here?”

“You can’t go to London! I need to speak to you about something very important.”

“Khushi, I really don’t have time for you right now, I’m already late.”

 

He turned away but Khushi grabbed hold of his hand, he couldn’t go. Arnav turned back, shaking his head. He took his other hand and used it to peel her fingers away from his.

 

“Please.”

 

Pushing her hand away, Arnav moved away and entered the airport, leaving Khushi behind him.

 

*****

 

A week and a half had passed and Arnav was finally coming home. Khushi had called him over and over again, but he hadn’t answered her calls. But she was aware that he had been in contact with Di, Nani and Akash, letting them know how he was getting on.

It hurt, that he hadn’t even bothered to answer her call once, just tell her once that he was okay, but she was used to it. She had bigger things to worry about at this moment of time.

Since finding out that she was pregnant, Khushi found that she felt sick more and more often and it was starting to become a chore to hide her pregnancy from the family. But Arnav was coming home now. As soon as she told him, she would be able to tell everyone else as well.

It was late in the evening when Arnav finally arrived. Di served him food, asking all about his time away. Khushi could tell he was tired but he replied to his Di politely, telling her everything she wanted to know.

 

“Arre, look at the time! Chote, you should go to bed, you’ve had a long day.”

 

Nodding, he got to his feet and made his way up to their room, Khushi followed him.
Once inside the confinement of their bedroom, Khushi pulled out the file that the doctor had given her earlier in the week when she had a check up.

 

“How was your trip?”

“I went there for work, it wasn’t a holiday.”

“I know but…”

“Also, I don’t appreciate the fact that you caused a scene when you found out I was going. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t feel you needed to know. You didn’t need to cause such a fuss.”

“I’m your wife! I had every right to know where you were going.”

 

Arnav scoffed and turned to his wardrobe but Khushi reached out for him and stopped him.

 

“Arnav ji, I need to tell you something.”

“I don’t want to listen to anything you have to say.”

“Please, just listen to me.”

 

Turning to face her, Khushi could tell he wasn’t bothered about what she had to say. But she had to tell him, he needed to know.

 

“Woh… Mein… I…”

“Spit it out or stop waisting my time.”

 

Taking a deep breath, Khushi mentally prepared herself for what was to come.

 

“I’m pregnant.”

 

Arnav stopped for a moment, his face draining of colour as he took in what she was saying.

 

“What?”

“Aap papa bane wale hai.”

“How?”

“I…”

“No I know how, but HOW. We’ve never…”

 

Flashes of that night came back to Arnav and he ran his hand through his hair. Surely… Then all of a sudden his expression hardened again.

 

“You’re lying.”

“No… I…”

“What are you trying to do? Act like you’re having my child so that you can get more money off of me?”

 

Shaking her head frantically, Khushi tried to pass him the file that she was holding in her hands. Arnav took it from her and threw it across the room.

 

“Listen to me and listen carefully. You aren’t getting a penny out of me. So I suggest you end this little drama now. I’ll even be gracious enough to act as though this never happened.”

“But Arnav ji…”

 

He raised his hand, to tell her to stop talking. Girls like her, what could he expect. She was trying to use his one moment of weakness against him, but he wasn’t going to allow it, he wouldn’t fall for her tricks.

 

“Please just look at the file.”

 

Taking hold of his towel, Arnav went into the bathroom. He was done. He didn’t need to hear any more. She could carry on spouting her rubbish, he wasn’t going to take any of it in.

Once the door of the bathroom shut, Khushi fell to the floor, her hand resting on her tummy, tears falling thick and fast from her eyes. Why wouldn’t he believe her? Why did he think so lowly of her? She was carrying his child and he thought she way lying? Making it up for money? How could he do that!? Wiping her tears away, Khushi realised that it didn’t matter if he didn’t believe her now. In a matter of a few weeks, she would start showing and he would have no option but to believe her. But in the meantime, should she tell everyone?

Deciding against it, Khushi decided not to say anything yet. She was not yet 8 weeks pregnant, it was still early. She would wait, until Arnav believed her and then they would be able to share the news of their child together.

 

*****

Another week had passed and Khushi’s attempts to make Arnav believe her had gone to waste. He wouldn’t listen to her, and he refused to acknowledge anything she was trying to say.

However, at some point it did make Arnav think. What if she really was pregnant? That night, they hadn’t used protection and he didn’t know if she was on birth control. What if she really was pregnant? What if he really was going to become a father?

Arnav pushed the thoughts away. She was lying, she had to be. With that in mind, Arnav made his way downstairs, only to find that everyone was busy, working away.

 

“Di, what’s going on?”

“We’re holding a pooja today. So we are all just preparing for that.”

 

Rolling his eyes, Arnav asked if there was anything he could help with. Anjali shook her head but said to check if Khushi needed anything.

 

“I’m sure she’s fine Di.”

“She probably is, but I still want you to go and check if she needs any help.”

 

Nodding, Arnav went over to the kitchen and saw that Khushi was busy at the cooker. She didn’t look like she needed any help, so Arnav stood back, just watching her. His eyes dropped to her stomach, there was no sign of a baby growing within her, but after doing the math, he realised that even if there was, she wouldn’t start showing just yet. He was about to leave, when he saw Khushi raising her hand to her head. She swayed slightly but grabbed onto the counter to steady herself. Arnav rushed to her side.

 

“Khushi, what’s wrong?”

“Dizzy…”

 

Rushing over to the sink, Arnav poured her a glass of water and came back. Taking Khushi’s into her arms, Arnav held her and the glass while he made her sip at the water but it was futile as Khushi still fainted.

 

*****

 

“There’s nothing to worry about at all, Khushi is absolutely fine. Fainting and feel light headed during pregnancy is all normal. Just try to stop her from doing anything that causes too much pressure or stress.”

“Wait Khushi ji is pregnant?”

“Haan. Hasn’t she told anyone yet? She came to my office a couple of weeks ago for a check up and I told her then that she was pregnant. Perhaps she hasn’t said anything yet because it is still fairly early.”

 

The doctor took his leave and all eyes rounded on Arnav. Khushi was still unconscious but was slowly beginning to come round.

 

“Khushi ji… Pregnant?”

 

Arnav couldn’t believe it. She really was pregnant. She hadn’t been lying. Anger ran through Arnav’s body.

But before he could say anything, his Di hugged him.

 

“Congratulations Chote! I can’t believe it, my Chote is going to have his own Chote?”

 

The family members all came round to Arnav one by one, hugging him and congratulating him before going and sitting beside Khushi who was slowly opening her eyes.

 

“This is amazing! Chote, my baby and your baby are going to be so similar in age! They’re going to grow up together!”

 

It was then a thought crossed Arnav’s mind, something he hadn’t thought of before. Hadn’t even considered it. He looked up and looked at his jijaji, who was as pale as a sheet of paper. Could he be… Arnav’s hands fisted by his side. He knew Khushi had been having an affair with Shyam, but had it carried on after they got married? Could she be expecting Shyam’s child?

 

*****

 

Now in her eighth month of pregnancy, Khushi was very round. She waddled along the house like a penguin, and everyone pampered her, not letting her do anything for herself.

Anjali had recently given birth to a healthy baby girl and now the Raizada’s were waiting on Arnav and Khushi’s baby.

Arnav had remained hostile towards her, never saying what was on his mind, but always taunting her and reminding her of her status. Khushi took all his abuse, never saying anything against him. She didn’t have the energy any more and she knew that she needed to stay strong for her baby. Her baby had now become her life, and she couldn’t wait until she could finally hold him or her. Every time she had gone to a scan, she had come home in tears, upset that she still had to wait longer until she could actually hold her little baby in her arms. Every time she saw her baby’s heartbeat, it made her own swell with pride and joy. There was a little person with their own heartbeat growing within her.

Arnav had refused to go with her to her doctors appointments.

Khushi’s pregnancy so far hadn’t been easy. She kept feeling sick for a very long time and her doctor had warned her of complications at time of birth. But Khushi didn’t care. She had faith that everything would be okay and that soon enough she would be able to hold her baby.

Earlier in the day, Khushi had been out shopping with Di, and she had brought some baby clothes. She was now tidying them away when Arnav came home.

 

“Arnav ji look, I brought some baby clothes today.”

 

He didn’t turn around, didn’t look at the little sleep suit that she was holding up.

 

“Arnav ji, look na.”

 

Throwing his briefcase down onto the bed, Arnav walked up to Khushi and grabbed her by the upper arms.

 

“I don’t want to look at your god damn baby clothes because I want nothing to do with you or your baby.”

 

She had controlled her temper for months, but she finally felt herself lose it. Pulling herself out of Arnav’s grip, Khushi threw the little sleep suit onto the bed.

 

“What the hell is your problem? Why are you like this? This isn’t just my baby! It’s your baby too. Why the hell cant you accept us?”

“Because I know the little spawn inside of you isn’t my kid.”

 

Taking a step back, Khushi looked up at Arnav. What did he just say? Why would he say that? How could he think…

 

“Caught you out on your lie, don’t you have anything to say for yourself now?”

“You think our baby is… You think someone else is the father? Why would you think that? How could you think that!?”

“Because I know you!”

 

Feeling her temper rising once more, Khushi moved into Arnav.

 

“How the hell can you think like that about me?”

“Because I know about yours and Shyam’s affair! I have done, for a long time. I’ve known since the day we got married.”

 

Blood running cold, Khushi looked up at Arnav. He knew about Shyam. He’d known since their wedding day? But he thought she was having an affair…

 

“I knew you were characterless when I married you, but listening to you talk about your god damn baby, being so proud and happy… You disgust me. What happened? Did he not accept his child? Is that why you’ve been hellbent on trying to make me believe that this is my baby?”

“You think I was having…”

“I know you were! I saw you, in his arms, on the terrace. I heard you tell him to leave my Di.”

“You misunderstood…”

“No, I heard you, and I saw you.”

“You heard and saw what you wanted to see and hear.”

“I know the truth, he told me everything.”

“Did he tell you how he lied to me and my family about being single? Did he tell you how he fooled me and my whole family so that he could get engaged to me? Did he tell you that I broke off our engagement the moment I found out that he was married? No, no he didn’t. He must have told you his f*cked up version of the truth and you lapped it up. Why didn’t you ask me!?”

 

Jabbing her finger into his chest, she made her point. God, she’d been so in love with this man and now… She couldn’t stand him. How could he have thought so low of her. Tears pricked Khushi’s eyes and she let them flow.

Her words ringing in his ears, his heart was telling him that she was telling the truth, but how could he trust her words.

Dropping her hand to her stomach, Khushi cried. Cried for herself, cried for her baby, just cried.

 

“All these months, I couldn’t understand why you were being like this. I tried to understand but nothing made sense to me. All these months you’ve been believing a lie, letting it come between us. You’ve been living with that lie, letting it consume you and I… I was living with the memories of that night. That one night where I thought you loved me and cared for me. You thought the worst of me, believed that our baby wasn’t ours and I… Our baby became my life because he or she proved that you had some love for me in your heart. You’ve hated me and pushed me away for something I didn’t do. And here I was, waiting for you, hoping you would find love for me and our baby and you’d accept us.”

 

She stood there, crying her eyes out. Arnav remained rooted to the spot he was standing in. He couldn’t move. He felt paralysed with the weight of her words. She wasn’t lying, he could tell, she wasn’t. His eyes fell to her tummy. She really was carrying his baby…

Taking a step towards her, he stretched out his hand, trying to reach out to her. But something changed in Khushi. Her face changed, crippled with pain. She let out a yell of pain.

 

“Khushi, Khushi what’s wrong?”

“Baby…”

“What about the baby?”

 

She clutched her belly, her eyes shut, tears rolling down her face.

 

“I think the baby is coming.”

“But you’ve still got a month to go.”

 

Falling to the ground, Arnav took hold of her, lifting her into his arms.

 

“Just breathe.”

 

He rushed out of the room, calling for Di and Akash. He explained what was happening and Di gasped, Khushi was having contractions.

 

“Get her to the hospital now!”

 

The pain was overwhelming Khushi and the weight of Arnav’s words jabbed at her heart over and over again. How could he believed that she was sleeping with his brother in law? How could he believe that the product of their love was someone else’s? How? How? HOW?

The effect of everything suddenly felt all consuming and Khushi couldn’t hold onto anything any more. Her will to live was slipping, her will to fight. Slowly she lost consciousness…

 

*****

 

“It’s been half an hour, she isn’t regaining consciousness. If we leave it any longer it could have a negative impact on the baby and the mother. We’re going to have to do an emergency c section.”

 

Arnav stood back, watching as the doctors and the nurses fussed around Khushi. His family were all waiting outside, praying that Khushi and the baby were going to be okay. Arnav felt tense, was this happening because of him? Had he stressed her out so badly that she went into labour early?

He felt so angry. Angry at himself for thinking so badly of her, never giving her a chance to explain the truth. And angry at the baby for sucking the life out of her.

He left the emergency room and sat down beside Anjali.

 

“What did the doctors say Chote? Is Khushi ji okay? Has she regained consciousness?”

 

Shaking his head, he rested his head on his sisters shoulder, tears starting to fall.

 

“What if she isn’t okay Di? What if… The doctor said there had been complications throughout her pregnancy and said that they were anticipating the birth to be complicated too but… What if I lose her Di? What if I lose her before I ever even got to tell her just how much I actually love her?”

“Sh Chote, she’s going to be fine. Don’t worry, soon you will have your wife and your baby. I promise Chote, everything will be fine.”

 

*****

 

An emergency c section was done and baby Raizada was born. Anjali had been in the delivery room at the time, Arnav couldn’t bring himself to be in there. Khushi had remained unconscious throughout the procedure.

 

“Chote, come and meet your little boy!”

 

Anjali had helped the doctors to clean the baby and wrap him up in clean clothes. Khushi was still under observation, doctors watching over her the whole time.

Walking into the room, Arnav looked around at his family, they were all so excited, so happy that the little boy had arrived. No one seemed to be worried about Khushi, and this angered him. Didn’t they realise that Khushi’s life was in danger? Didn’t they realise that the little boy in Anjali’s arms was part of the reason why Khushi was like this now. He walked into the room, and walked over to Khushi, taking her hand. Her body was cold and still.

 

“Why hasn’t she woken up yet doctor?”

“We’re not sure yet. Mr Raizada, when she started experiencing pains, was she under any kind of serious stress that could have triggered the responses she had?”

 

Arnav remained silent, his mind going back to the argument that they had. How could he tell the doctors the truth?

 

“We’re afraid she may have fallen into a coma.”

“What?”

 

Any colour that had remained in Arnav’s face, drained and he fell to the ground beside Khushi. Anjali, still holding onto the baby, also stood there, unmoving, shocked at what the doctor was saying.

 

“We will try our best to see what we can do, but for now we have to move her somewhere else so we can keep her under better observation. You may stay with the baby here until he is ready to be discharged.”

 

Arnav remained on the floor as he watched the doctors and nurses cart Khushi away to another room. Anjali sat down beside him, still holding the little boy.

 

“Stay strong Chote, everything is going to be okay, Khushi ji is going to be fine.”

 

Arnav shook his head, his tears falling thick and fast.

 

“This is all his fault.”

 

He pointed at the sleeping new born in Anjali’s arms, refusing to look at him.

 

“He did this to her, he’s destroyed her.”

“Chote, don’t speak like that. He’s your son.”

“I want nothing to do with him.”

 

Getting to his feet, Arnav went after the doctors who were taking his Khushi away.

 

*****

 

A week had passed since baby Raizada had come into the world and Khushi still remained in her coma. The doctors were feeling positive, they believe that she would come round very soon. Arnav hadn’t left Khushi’s side at all, he’d remained with her all the time.

Someone from the Raizada house also stayed. After talking amongst themselves, they had decided that they didn’t want to take the baby home. They wanted him to be in the hospital so that Khushi would be able to see him as soon as she woke up. Arnav still hadn’t set his eyes on his little boy and so it became necessary that someone stayed so that they could tend to the baby.

It was the ninth night after the baby was born and Arnav lay beside Khushi, stroking her body, willing her to wake up. Head rested in her crook of her neck and his hand locked in hers, he felt her fingers twitch ever so slightly. Arnav pulled back, and he felt it again.

 

“Di! Di! I think she’s waking up!”

 

Her movements were slow and small but they were there. Her fingers kept flexing for a while and Arnav called the doctor. Then her saw her hand move a little and then a little more until she had is rested on her tummy.

 

“Baby…”

 

Her voice was quiet and hoarse and her eyes flickered. Her hand carried on moving over her belly.

 

“My baby…”

 

Her eyes now opening, Arnav could see the panic in her eyes.

 

“Hey, I’m here, Khushi, it’s me, Arnav. I’m here.”

“Arnav ji… Baby…”

 

Tears filled her eyes, panic evident in them. The doctor came into the room and did what they needed to do to stabilise her.

Anjali brought the little boy over and sat beside Khushi.

 

“Khushi ji, look, don’t cry, here is your baby.”

 

Anjali held the little boy out to Khushi and she took hold of him, holding him close to her chest. Tears rolled down her face as she looked at her little boy.

 

“Arnav ji, have you seen him, he’s so beautiful.”

 

Sitting back down beside he, he took a look at their baby, the first time he was actually looking at him properly.

Anjali watched as the new parents peered down at their baby, and decided to leave them to it, give them some time alone.

 

“He looks exactly like you.”

 

Arnav watched as the little boy’s eyes flickered open and as he stared at him with his little eyes.

 

“His eyes, they look exactly like yours. His hair, his lips. He looks exactly like you, he looks nothing like me.”

 

He continued to stare at the baby who stared back. Khushi was right, he did look exactly like him. One would be able to tell that Arnav was the father in a matter of moments, but it would take them longer to work out that Khushi was the mother. There was no doubt that this baby was his.

Pressing a kiss onto her baby’s forehead, Khushi held him close.

 

“Our baby. Little Aarav… He’s so beautiful.”

“Aarav?”

“I want to call him Aarav. What do you think?”

“I like it…”

 

Passing the baby over to Arnav, Arnav took his son into his arms for the first time. He couldn’t help but feeling a warmth pass over his body. This was his baby. He’d helped to make him.

 

“Khushi… I’m so sorry. All of this… Its my fault.”

“Sh. The past is the past. This is a new start for us. We have our baby now. Please let’s just start again.”

 

Moving closer to Khushi, he took one of her hands and placed it on their baby and he pressed a kiss on her lips. This was a new start, and he was going to do things right for once.

 

“I love you Khushi and I love you Aarav. I promise… You both are my life now. I’ll never do anything to hurt either of you.”

“We love you too Arnav ji…”

 

Pressing her face into his chest, Khushi felt a sense of calm take over her body. This was a new start and she couldn’t wait to get started with her baby and her husband. Under her hand, she could feel her baby’s heartbeat, and against her cheek she could feel her husband’s. The two people who meant the most to her, the two people whose dil ki dhadkan meant more to her than her own. They were the reason behind her heartbeat.

Forever and always.

 

*****

 

Author’s Note:

Firstly I would like to take this moment to say that this is my own writing, however the main plot was provided to me by Amirah (who is also the creator of the banner) and Aisha. Thank you to the both of you for giving me the opportunity to take your idea and create something from it.

Secondly, I would like to bring it to everyone’s attention that this one shot is 5945 words long. It took me a very long time to write it and it took an even longer time to edit it. Due to that, I ask everyone to be generous with their comments and likes as it means a lot to me to see that my work is being appreciated.

Please leave me your thoughts and opinions and I will be back again very soon with some new content. x

 

Faraq Partha Hai

 

‪Fumbling with the ring, Khushi struggled to slip it onto her finger. Why wouldn’t the damn ring just go on. Tears rolled down Khushi’s eyes, she didn’t want this, and that stupid Laad Governor had made her hold her ears and apologise to him.‬

Arnav watched as Khushi struggled before taking her hand in his own and taking hold of her ring. He held out her hand, and began to slip the ring onto her ring finger when Khushi pulled her hand out of his grip. ‬

 

“Nehin. You can’t put this ring on me.”‬

“What the?”‬

“Yeh… This is my engagement ring, you can’t put it on me.”‬

 

Arnav’s eyes widened as her words hit him like a tonne of bricks. Her engagement ring? She was engaged? Engaged to marry someone else? No. No, not possible. The ring fell out from between his fingers while he stared at Khushi. Tears were rolling down her face. When had this happened? How had this happened? ‬

‪The ring rolled away and hit Anjali’s foot. Picking the ring up, Anjali walked over to Khushi as Arnav turned away.‬

 

“Khushi ji, you really should take care of this ring. Come here, I’ll put it on you.”‬

 

Arnav turned around and saw Khushi extend her hand out to Di. She slipped it onto Khushi’s ring finger on her left hand. ‬

 

“Looking at your reaction, it seems this ring is very important to you. Will you tell me what this ring is in aide of?”‬

“This is my engagement ring.”‬

 

Again her words hit Arnav’s heart. Her engagement ring… Anjali too looked shocked. ‬

 

“You’re engagement ring? When did you get engaged? You didn’t tell anyone? Congratulations Khushi ji!”‬

 

Anjali hugged Khushi and Arnav watched. Khushi looked at him over Di’s shoulder, and he saw the ring shining on her finger. Anjali broke the hug and rushed off to tell everyone else the good news. It was just Arnav and Khushi again. Khushi looked straight at him, and he looked back. ‬

 

“Khushi…”‬

 

Her phone rang and she answered it. It was buaji.‬

 

“Haan buaji, I found the ring.”‬

“Khushi!” ‬

 

He shouted out her name before marching over to her and disconnecting her call. ‬

 

“What are you doing, I was talking.”‬

“I was talking too!”‬

 

Looking into his eyes, she saw anger and confusion. ‬

 

“What are you saying, I don’t understand.”‬

“What are you doing?”‬

“What did I do?”‬

 

How did she not know? Did she really not have a clue? How could she not realise.

 

“You’ve got engaged! When? How? You didn’t think it was important to tell me!? Why? Why doesn’t anyone know about this?”‬

“Aapko kyun faraq partha hai?”‬

 

Grabbing Khushi by the upper arms, Arnav held her close to himself.

 

“Kyun faraq partha hai? Faraq partha hai dammit kyunki‬… because I love you dammit!”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi looked into his eyes. What did he say? Did he just say what she thought he said… Those four words, ‘I love you dammit,’ ringing in her ears.

 

“Kya kaha aap ne?”

“I love you Khushi.”

 

Letting go of her, Khushi stood in her spot, not moving. She couldn’t move. His words had paralysed her. His words had paralysed himself even. He loved her. That’s what he’d said. Is that what he had been feeling? All those times when he wanted her close, all this anger he felt about the thought of her marrying someone else. Was it all because he loved her? Khushi’s mind whirled as she thought of the times when she thought maybe, maybe he felt something for her. Does this mean her feelings were correct?

 

“What are you saying? I don’t understand anything. Why are you saying this to me? Why now? And how? How can you love me? You hate me!”

 

The use of the word hate struck him like a slap across the face. But why should it. Ever since he had met her, all he had done was belittle her, and remind her of her status. Even when he got close to her, he pushed her away, acted like it didn’t mean a thing.
Taking a step towards her, Khushi took a step away from him.

 

“I don’t hate you, as much as I’ve tried to, I can’t.”

“Please. Please stop this.”

 

Moving further away from him, Khushi tried to put as much distance between them as she could. He was playing with her emotions. Just as he had done on Diwali.

 

“Khushi please, believe me.”

“How can I! All you have ever done is made me feel bad about myself. Now all of a sudden you love me?”

“I’ve known it for a while, but I tried to push it away. What happened between us on Diwali, I lied to you Khushi, it did mean something to me. That almost kiss has been haunting me, all day, every day since it happened. I haven’t stopped thinking about you..”

“Why are you saying all this now? Now when we are both engaged to other people. Why are you doing this?”

“I can’t lose you dammit.”

“But what about Lavanya ji and my fiancé?”

“It’s better we hurt them now. Otherwise, if we go ahead with our respective marriages, we’ll end up ruining 4 lives.”

 

Shaking her head, Khushi looked away. This was all too much, far too overwhelming for her. Arnav took Khushi’s hand.

 

“Just tell me one thing, do you love me too?”

 

Lifting her eyes, Khushi looked at Arnav. Memories with Arnav filled her mind. Their almost kiss, him putting her Payal on, when he wrapped her ring finger with a bandage, the way he had put his hand on her head in the hospital, all the times she had felt her heart beat erratically when she was near him… Khushi nodded. She did love him too.

Arnav’s eyes lit up, he knew it, he knew she loved him and here was his proof. He gathered Khushi into his arms and hugged her. Hugged her the way he had wanted to that day in the hospital but was unable too. He placed his hands on her back as she slowly wrapped her arms around his waist. Nothing else matter, nothing else could get in their way, they knew what they wanted.

Breaking the hug, Arnav took Khushi’s hand. He slipped the engagement ring off her finger and put it down to the side. Khushi tried to protest, but her efforts were futile. He wasn’t going to listen. Walking over to his wardrobe, Arnav opened it and then unlocked the locker within. Unlocking it, he took out a box and came back over to Khushi. Handing the box to Khushi, he opened it and took out the treasure within. Khushi recognised what it was as soon as she saw them. Arnav and Anjali’s mama ka kangan.

 

“Arnav ji yeh…”

 

He took the box out of her hands and put it aside as he took her hands in his own.

 

“I don’t have a ring to give you right now, but I have these. Ma wanted to put these on my wife herself, but she isn’t here so I’ll have to do it.”

 

Tears gathered in Khushi’s eyes once more as Arnav began slipping the kangans onto her wrists. Once they were on, Arnav placed his hands over the kangans.

 

“Congratulations Khushi, we are now engaged.”

“But what about…”

“We will deal with all that afterwards, right now, this is about us and our engagement. We should celebrate.”

 

Dropping his hands down to her waist, Arnav pulled Khushi into himself. He thought of all the times she was close to him and he had pushed her away. Now, finally, he had her in his arms and he wasn’t about to let her go any time soon. Khushi gasped and her eyes fluttered shut as her hands rested on his chest. Arnav too shut his eyes as he moved closer to her. He’d wanted to do his since Diwali, the thought of her this close haunted him, but now, now he had her this close again and he didn’t intend to let her go this time.

Lips parted, Arnav pressed his top lip between both of Khushi’s and he sucked on her bottom lip. Her arms tightened around him, as did his.
They broke their kiss, and Khushi hid her face in Arnav’s chest.

 

“What happened Khushi, I thought my presence thume koi faraq nehi partha.”

“Arnav Singh Raizada, you know hame faraq partha hai.”

 

The stood their, locked in each other’s embrace, basking in the warmth of each other. They were finally coming together. Yes it meant hurting some people along the way, but for true love, this slight consequence is one they would have to face and one which they were willing to face. How could they not now that they knew why it mattered to them? They finally found out, kyun faraq partha hai.

 

*****

 

Authors Note:

Another chapter for my IPKKND remake series, let me know what you guys think of it. The beginning of this scene is what actually happened in the show and the ending is my work. This scene begins to play out after the following scene ends.

https://tune.pk/video/4348299/arnav-teasing-khushi-with-her-ring

 

 

Usse Raat

 

Looking around the small room that she was locked in, Khushi realised there was no way out. The door was locked, there was no way she could leave. Closing her eyes, Khushi whispered Arnav’s name. She needed to find him, she knew he was in danger, but where was he? In her heart she knew he was close by, but how to find him?

 

“Arnav ji…”

 

Arnav felt it, he felt her close by. She was there, but how? She couldn’t be there?

 

“Khushi…”

 

Turning around, Arnav looked up to see the grill on the wall. It was fairly high up, but he realised he needed to have a look over. Surely she couldn’t be there? Walking over to the wall, he went right up against it.

 

“Khushi!”

 

Rushing towards the wall, Khushi pressed her ear against the wall. No? No way? Was he here?”

 

“Khushi!”

 

He was! He was there! He was on the other side of the wall. She’d found him. Tears began rolling down Khushi’s cheeks as she clutched the wall. She found him. Unable to get her voice out, Khushi stood there, resting against the wall, letting her tears tumble from her eyes.

Arnav looked around, he needed something so he could reach the ventilator. There were stacks and stacks of boxes, but were they safe? He kept looking and found the chair he had been tied to and pulled it over to the wall before standing up on it.

 

“Khushi, look up there’s a ventilator.”

“Yes I see it, I see it. One minute.”

 

Looking around, Khushi saw a table like thing. She pulled it out and pulled it over to the wall.

 

“Khushi careful.”

 

Pushing it up against the wall, Khushi careful stood on it and there before her was her husband. Tears rolled down Khushi’s cheek.

 

“You found me.”

“I knew, I knew something was wrong. I had a feeling right from the beginning, I knew you were in trouble.”

 

Pressing her fingers onto the grill, Khushi still couldn’t believe that she’d done it. She’d found him. Arnav connected his fingers with Khushi and they both stayed like this for a moment, just touching. The last time their fingers had connected, Arnav had pulled her hand away from hers, now, all he wanted was for this grill not to be there so he could hold her hand without any barriers between them.

 

“I need to break this grill.”

 

Tears still running down her face, Khushi clutched onto his fingers more tightly. She’d found him, she was touching him, she didn’t want to have to let go of him again.

 

“Khushi, do you want me to come to you?”

 

Khushi nodded, she wanted nothing more but to be close to him.

 

“Then I have to break this grill. Khushi, I’m right here, near you. But I need to break this grill so I can come to you. Okay?”

 

Nodding, Khushi lowered her hands as Arnav began to pull at the grill. The grill didn’t seem to be moving, and she wanted him near her. She needed his touch, she needed him close to her again. Khushi raised her hands to help him get rid of the grill.

 

“No Khushi don’t! I’m doing it, you’ll get hurt.”

 

Removing her hands from the grill, Khushi got down and waited for Arnav to come to her. He tried with all his might to take the grill off, but it wasn’t working. Time passed and Arnav kept trying.

 

“Arnav ji.”

“Don’t worry, I’m right here, I’m coming.”

 

Arnav continued to tug at the grill, but his efforts were futile. Khushi had enough of waiting so climbed back onto the table and looked at Arnav. She couldn’t help but smile.

 

“Khushi I told you to stay on that side and to wait!”

 

She continued smiling at him, and this annoyed him a little.

 

“What’s so funny? Why are you smiling?”

“It’s been so long since you’ve shouted at me.”

 

Arnav’s expression softened and tears rolled down his own face. He raised his hands to connect with Khushi’s, and they stood there, hands linked, not caring that there was still a barrier between them. For the first time in their relationship, this was the only barrier between them, this one tiny physical barrier. They were almost there, almost completely together.

 

“Khushi one second.”

 

Arnav got down from his chair and picked up a piece of rope. He threaded it onto the grill and Khushi looped it back and passed it back to Arnav. He prepared to pull, when a sudden thought hit him.

 

“Khushi, you said you knew I was in some kind of trouble. How?”

 

She closed her eyes, and recalled how he told her he loved her on the phone. It hadn’t made sense, they had parted on such bad terms, he’d pulled his hand away from hers, he’d walked away from her, not looking back as she called out to him and cried. It hadn’t made sense that after all that, all of a sudden he’d called her and told her he loved it.

 

“That day, you called and you said that…”

 

There was movement outside the room and Khushi stopped talking. Someone was coming back to check on them.

 

“Someone’s coming, Khushi get down. Quickly get down.”

 

Both Arnav and Khushi quickly got down and Khushi sat herself on the floor just as the kidnapper walked into the room.

 

“You still haven’t eaten your food. Why aren’t you eating?”

 

Khushi didn’t respond. She didn’t need to say anything to him, she didn’t need anything from him any more. She’d found her Arnav and they were going to get out of here at the first opportunity.

 

“Whom are you observing a fast for? Come, I’ll feed you.”

 

Arnav heard this and jumped back onto the chair so he could see what was going on. How dare he? How dare he feign concern for Khushi after kidnapping her and bringing her here in the first place. And how DARE he even think about coming close enough to Khushi to be able to feed her.

The kidnapper came close to Khushi, attempted to feed her. Khushi turned her face away and moved further away from him.

 

“You don’t want to eat? Fine. I’ll eat it, no need to let it go to waste.”

 

The kidnapper sat there, eating away. All Khushi wanted was for him to take the damn food and go away so she could get back to her Arnav. After finishing all his food, the kidnapper put his plate down and turned to Khushi once more.

 

“So tell me, why were you following me?”

 

Getting to her feet, Khushi moved away from him and went over to the others side of the room. She needed to leave.

 

“Where are you running to? There is no way to escape.”

 

The kidnapper placed his hand on Khushi’s shoulder.

 

“What’s the matter, are you still angry with me for hitting you?”

 

Arnav had already been seething with anger but this tipped him over the edge.

 

“Don’t you dare touch her!”

 

The kidnapper looked up slightly shocked. Arnav pulled the rope away and began pulling at the grill with all his might. Sure enough, it didn’t take him long to pull it away. He jumped over to Khushi’s side and ran towards the kidnapper before hitting him.

Hitting him over and over again, Arnav was ready to kill this guy. He’d touched Khushi, he’d hurt Khushi, he had held her captive. He wasn’t going to let him carry on breathing. Arnav hit the man over and over again, but of course the kidnapper hit back too. Grabbing hold of a metal rod, Arnav hit the kidnapper round the head. Not hard enough to kill him, but hard enough to knock him out for a good couple of hours. Whilst the men had been fighting, Khushi had been stood there, calling Arnav’s name. She wanted him to stop, she didn’t want him to get hurt.

Arnav dropped the rod and finally acknowledged Khushi calling him. He turned to her.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

Shaking her head, Khushi rushed over to Arnav and flew into his arms, knocking him back slightly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close to herself. Arnav raised one hand and placed it on her back, before looping the other around her. Khushi’s hand moved to the back of his neck as she held him close to herself, breathing him in. He didn’t smell like his usual fresh self, but a scent that was distinctively Arnav was still there. She’d found him, she was holding him in her arms. Arnav pulled her closer to himself, he was never going to let her go. He almost lost her, he’d been such an idiot, he hadn’t believed her, had treated her like crap, but regardless of everything, she’d come looking for him. She’d stayed loyal to him, as she always had done.

Arnav broke the hug just a tiny bit and cupped Khushi’s face in his hands.

 

“I don’t deserve you. I treated you like shit. I didn’t listen to you, didn’t believe you, and yet you still risked everything to find me.”

 

Placing her finger on his lip, Khushi shook her head, signalling him to stop. She didn’t want to think about the past, now was the time to move on and start afresh. Their misunderstandings were gone, he loved her and she loved him. It was time to focus on the things that mattered.

 

“Arnav ji, let’s just move on. The past is the past. Now is the time to start again.”

“But Khushi, I need you to know I was an idiot. I knew in my heart you couldn’t have done that but I still… I’m so sorry.”

“Arnav ji. Please.”

 

He searched her face, his apology wasn’t doing anything to her, it’s as though she had already forgiven him, already moved on.

 

“I love you Khushi.”

 

Khushi’s eyes widened and tears ran down her face.

 

“I love you too Arnav ji.”

 

He gathered her back into his arms and held her tight against himself. This is how things should have been, always. Him and Khushi, Khushi and him. One.

Arnav hid his face in the crook of Khushi’s neck and placed small kisses on her soft skin. Khushi held the back on the neck, holding him close as he carried on kissing her neck. But they couldn’t be doing this here, not right now.

Pushing Arnav away, Khushi took his hand.

 

“We need to get out of here.”

 

Arnav nodded. Khushi was right. They needed to get out of here before the kidnapper came round or before someone came to check. He took the keys of the kidnappers pocket, along with his wallet and his phone and unlocked the door and left the building.

 

*****

 

The building that they were being held captive in, was somewhere in the middle of a forest. There were trees everywhere and neither Arnav nor Khushi could figure out which way they needed to go.

They ran. Going whichever way felt right. They ran for ages, hand in hand, looking for a safe place. There was no single on the phone so they couldn’t even call anyone.

Wandering around for hours, Arnav and Khushi were both exhausted. They were lost and they had no idea which way they needed to go, but they were certain that no one was following them. They carried on moving, no longer running. Darkness was falling around them and they needed somewhere safe to rest. It would be too difficult to try and leave the forest in the dark so it would be better for them to find some shelter and get some rest.

After walking for a little while longer, they found a little cabin. It looked abandoned, but it was the only sheltered place they had seen and it was completely dark around them so they had no other choice but to hope for the best and go into the cabin.

Hand in hand, they walked over to the cabin. Arnav pushed the door open and went in, Khushi following him.

It was more of a stable than a cabin. There was hay all around them, but it was cosy. The door had a lock, so Arnav latched the door while Khushi went to sit down on a barrel of hay. Arnav made sure the door was secured and then came and sat down beside her.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

Smiling up at him, Khushi nodded and then proceeded to rest her head on his arm. Arnav reached over and placed his hand on her other shoulder and smiled, but then realised that the seam on the shoulder of her dress had ripped.

 

“Arre, Khushi, your dress is ripped.”

 

Looking at the rip, Khushi tried to cover it with her dupatta.

 

“There’s a small box of clothes, see if there’s anything in there that you can wear and get changed if there is.”

 

Nodding, Khushi went over to the box and had a look. There were a few bit and pieces but nothing looked suitable, until she found a white sari. It wasn’t ideal, but it would be better than wearing a ripped dress.

 

“Arnav ji, I found something”

 

Arnav nodded and walked over to Khushi. He understood that she didn’t feel comfortable getting changed with him around.

 

“Khushi turn around and hand me your dupatta.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

 

Listening to what he was saying, Khushi turned and removed her dupatta and handed it over to Arnav. He then draped it over some wire that was hanging across the length of the cabin. This formed a curtain.

 

“You can get changed now.”

 

Turning around, she saw what Arnav did and smiled at how much he respected her and understood what she needed. Khushi began to undress, and Arnav watched. He could see what she was doing through her shadow. There was an open window near where she was and the moonlight was emitting enough light to form a silhouette. He watched as she unzipped her dress and then let it fall down her body. He watched as she looked down and undid her shelwar. He watched as she tied the blouse up and then draped the sari over herself.

Arnav felt his temperature rise as he watched her do this and so removed his shirt. Seeing her like this, it ignited a new passion within him. One which had been there before, but now had intensified. Khushi pushed back the make shift curtain and stood there and Arnav made his way over to her slowly. He walked towards her and she moved back, kept moving back until her back hit the wall.

Arnav placed one hand on her waist and pulled her into himself. They’d waited long enough, their time was here, he wasn’t going to wait, tonight he was going to make Khushi his in the true sense. He ran his finger down her face and Khushi’s eyes fluttered shut. Arnav leaned in, closing the distance between them before placing a gentle kiss on her lips. His arm around her waist tightened, pulling Khushi closer to himself and intensified the kiss. Khushi’s lips parted and Arnav took this moment to let his tongue run between her lips. His arm moved from around her waist, and he let it run down the length of her colds exposed arm. A shiver ran up Khushi’s spine. Breaking the kiss, Arnav lifted Khushi off the for and her arms around his neck tightened.

He carried her over to the hay and lay her down gently and lay on top of her, looking down at her. Slowly coming down over her, Arnav was ready to make Khushi his. Arnav lowered himself, Khushi’s eyes shut, anticipating what was to come.

Arnav came closer and Khushi could feel the intensity around her. She rolled away from Arnav but he grabbed hold of her shoulder.

 

“Khushi…”

 

Arnav’s hand moved down her exposed back, feeling her skin under his hand. His hand moved down to the little knot she’d tied at the back to hold her blouse together. With one hand, Arnav pulled at the bow, pulling it off. Khushi’s breathing got heavy and she rolled back into Arnav, she could feel her blouse beginning to sag. Arnav lay her back down and began removing her sari.

 

“Khushi, can…”

 

Nodding, Khushi pulled Arnav closer as he slowly began removing her clothes. This was it, it was happening, finally, after months of staying away from her, he was going to make her his. He was going to get intimate with his Khushi.

 

*****

 

Khushi’s sari was off, leaving her just in her panties and the scrappy material that was her make shift blouse. Arnav placed kiss down the length of her neck, his hands exploring her body in a way he’d never done before. Khushi had one hand in Arnav’s hair, pulling him ever closer, not wanting to let him go out of fear she’d lose him again. Another hand was balled at her side. She could feel her body humming, a pressure between her hips growing. Involuntary, Khushi raised her hips up to Arnav’s and she felt the bulge in his pants between her legs.

Pushing the blouse away, Arnav took in the sight before him. Khushi, his Khushi, laying before him in nothing but her lacy underwear. Arnav lowered his hands gingerly onto the sides of her breasts, feeling her. Khushi gasped at the feel of his hands on her.

 

“Can I take these clothes off you?”

 

Arnav voice was low and husky, asking her permission to take things further. Khushi knew where this was going. Khushi shook her head and sat up.

 

“I can stop…”

 

She shook her head once more and reached out for his vest and pulled it over his head. She’d seem him like this before, but something about the lighting and knowing that they were going to become one, made him look oh so much more delicious. Khushi moved into him and kissed his neck, while her hands explored his body. Arnav’s hands moved round Khushi’s back, the fumbled a little as he tried to unclasp her bra. The finally managed to get it off and Khushi felt her breath catch in her throat. Arnav shifted so he could lay Khushi down. She fell back, and he took her bra off, revealing her breasts to him. Arnav gasped and Khushi felt maybe he wasn’t impressed so tried to cover herself with her arms. Arnav stopped her.

 

“Let me look at you.”

“I’m not…”

“You’re perfect. Beautiful.”

 

Khushi lowered her arms, blushing as Arnav lowered himself so that he could take one of her hard little nubs between his lips. Khushi gasped, her back arched back and she laced her fingers back into his hair. Arnav licked at her nipple and his hand moved down between her legs. He let his hands rest above her panties and just stroked her. Khushi let out a little moan and shifted her body. She’d never felt anything like this before, Arnav was doing something to her, so alien but so good.

 

“Arnav ji…”

“Arnav.”

“Arnav j…”

“No call me Arnav, just Arnav.”

 

Arnav’s fingers slipped under her panties and he hooked a finger into her.

 

“Ah.”

“Say my name.”

“Ah..”

 

She wanted to say it, but every timed she tried, he started moving his finger in her, making her feel things.

 

“Stop.”

“Stop what Khushi.”

“Playing with me.”

“Say my name.”

“Ar… Arnavvv…”

 

Arnav smirked. His name sounded so good when she moaned it, he could only imagine how good it would sound when she screamed it out into this empty barn. Pulling his trousers and boxers away, Khushi took in the sight before her. He was so big! His length so long and standing there in front of her. Khushi pressed her legs together, trying to stop the sensation she was feeling. Arnav leaned down, and pressed a kiss on Khushi’s lips before proceeding to pull her panties away.

 

“Khushi if you want me to stop, just say it.”

“Don’t stop. Please, don’t ever stop.”

 

Khushi kicked her panties away once they were fair enough down her legs, and Arnav came onto her, holding her close as he pressed his lips onto hers once more. His fingers dipped into her once more, she was ready for him. Arnav shifted his weight onto his arms and positioned himself over Khushi, she wrapped one arm around his neck and held onto his muscular arm with the other.

 

“I love you Khushi.”

“I love you too Arnav ji.”

 

Arnav smiled and guided his length into her. Khushi’s grip on him tighter as she felt him filling her. It felt so strange, so alien, yet so good.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

Khushi nodded and Arnav held himself there for a second, letting her body adjust to the size of him. When he felt she was ready, he began moving, pulling back slightly, before pushing himself back in. Khushi sighed and closed her eyes as she wrapped a leg around his waist.

 

“Arnav…”

 

Her breathing was shallow and her grip on him tightened as Arnav moved a little faster, pushed a little deeper. He rested his face into her neck and kissed her there.

 

“Ah.”

 

Arnav picked up his pace, he wanted to take it slow, savour the moment, but at the same time, their situation wasn’t ideal and although they were safe, he didn’t want to think about what could happen if someone walked in on them. So as much as he hated it, he needed this moment to come to an end so they could rest up and then get going again.
He moved faster, rubbing her all the while thrusting in her body.

 

“AH.”

 

Khushi’s leg around Arnav’s waist tightened and she felt her body coil tightly. They carried on until Khushi could take no more and Arnav too was so close. He upped his pace, pushing them both over the edge. Khushi called his name out and it echoed around the empty barn and her leg went limp around his waist. Arnav held her close, and pressed a kiss onto her forehead as he carefully lay her down. He grabbed his shirt and covered her and Khushi cuddled up to Arnav.

 

“Are you okay?”

“Better than ever.”

“Rest now, we have to get going as soon as it’s light.”

“I love you Arnav.”

“I love you too.”

 

Sleep took over and Arnav and Khushi let themselves drift away into oblivion.

Their day had started with Arnav locked away and Khushi had been hopeful to find him. Hours later, here they were, together, free and more than hopeful. Because tomorrow was a new day, the first day of their forever. They would move on, move forward, together as one, but for now they slept, content, fulfilled, complete. Years from now, the memories of this ordeal may fade away, however this night, this very night, the night they got away and became one, this night would always stay with them. Forever and always.

 

*****

 

Authors Note

So this is a part of my IPKKND remake series and this is one that I have wanted to write for so long but never got round to doing. The scenes from this day are some of my favourite, they way they find each other and the dialogue that is exchanged between them. Due to this, the beginning is pretty much the same as it was on the show. However, I and I’m sure many other people was very frustrated that Arnav and Khushi escaped only to get caught again. I really didn’t like that and due to that I felt like I needed to change it up. Also, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who wanted Arnav and Khushi to consummate their marriage in that barn, so in my version of the story, I have made that happen.

Please do leave your comments and thoughts, as you know I love reading feedback. I have also found links to the scenes which inspired this one shot.

Khushi and Arnav are locked up and then they find each other. – https://tune.pk/video/4136643/arnav-khushi-rabba-ve-scenes-kidnapping-track

Arnav and Khushi get close in the barn. – https://tune.pk/video/996971/arnav-khushi-love-scene-320-arnav-gets-kidnapped

 

I would also like to take this moment to ask, does anyone know where I can watch all the episodes of IPKKND from the beginning? I am in England so I can not use hotstar, but if there is a way that I can, please do let me know, or if there are other websites which contain the episodes, please do let me know. I really want to watch the show again.

Thank you for your help and love and support and I will see you all again very soon with another update. (Which will actually be in a little bit because I have a Pardesi Pyaar update scheduled to be posted in a little while)

Baang ka nasha

This is a part of my IPKKND Remakes series. This is what I think should have happened after the holi scenes. 

 

Khushi slowly opened her eyes and found Arnav sat there by her side watching her. Khushi sat up straight and raised her hand to her forehead.

 

“Arnavji… When you’re near my, why does the pace of my heartbeat increase?”

 

Arnav took Khushi’s hand and placed it over his own heart.

 

“Because my heartbeat too increases and they become one…”

 

They sat there, with theirs hands together over Arnav’s chest. It was a little while later, Anjali came along and told them to come downstairs to sober up and watch the video that had been made. Arnav and Khushi began to leave when Khushi realised she didn’t have her dupatta.

 

“Dupatta…”

“Go and get it, I’ll wait here for you.”

 

Khushi went back to get her dupatta but Anjali came along and made Arnav go with her. Khushi came out and found that Arnav had gone, but Shyam grabbed hold of her and took her aside.

 

“What were you saying before Khushiji?”

“I… Please let me go. Arnavji is waiting for me.”

“No you have to tell me today.”

“No, I will tell Arnavji, now let me go.”

 

Khushi took herself out of Shyam’s grip and made her way downstairs where Arnav was already sat down and was sucking on a lemon. Khushi too sat down and Anjali passed one to her. They all watched the video together and Arnav and Khushi started to become aware of just what had happened. Arnav excused himself and left and Khushi left too.

 

“Arnavji… Do you remember what happened?”

“I… Not really. You?”

 

Khushi too shook her head, but both played what had happened between them in their heads. Arnav looked over to the poolside and Khushi did too.

 

*****

 

It was later the same night. Arnav was sat on the recliner trying to work. But hid mind kept going back to what had happened between himself and Khushi. He had meant what he had said to her, it wasn’t a drunken mistake but… Could he trust her? Could he actually believe that he was the reason of her increased heartbeat? Were they not together only to stop her from going with Shyam? Arnav slammed his laptop shut, all the thoughts troubling him. He went outside to the poolside and there in a corner he could see two figures, talking in hushed voice. Arnav moved closer and realised it was none other than Khushi and… Shyam?

Arnav clenched his fists and got close enough just so that he could hear them but they couldn’t see him.

 

“Khushiji you have to tell me.”

“I have nothing to say to you, let me go!”

“No, you started saying something about Saale Saab forcing you to do something. What did he do? TELL ME.”

“NO.”

“Khushiji please, you know I love you, you know I’d do anything for you…”

“But I don’t love you. How many times must I say this. I never saw you like that and I never will, why don’t you understand and leave me alone!”

 

This hit Arnav like a tonne of bricks. Khushi wasn’t having an affair with Shyam.

 

“Oh please, don’t lie to me. I know you love me.”

“I DON’T.”

“Do you seriously want me to believe that you’re in love with Arnav?”

“Believe it if you want, but I am in love with my husband and I have been for ages. It’s because of YOU we can’t be happy.”

“It’s because of ME you’re married to him!”

“No it’s not!”

“I know the way Saale Saab thinks. He believed me when I told him you loved me. He wanted to protect his sister, so he married you. Be happy Khushiji because this is all you’re going to get. Saale Saab never loved you and he never wanted you and he never will.”

“That’s where you’re wrong Jijaji.”

 

Khushi and Shyam both turned, shocked. Arnav showed himself and marched towards them.

 

“That’s where you’re wrong. I do love Khushi, I have done for the longest time.”

 

Arnav turned to Khushi.

 

“I wanted to tell you, on Akaash and Payal’s wedding day, that’s why I was coming up to the terrace to find you, because I wanted to tell you that I loved you. But then I saw… I saw you in his arms and he told me that… He told me you loved him. I was an idiot, I’m so sorry Khushi.”

 

Khushi’s heart did somersaults. Arnav loved her. Arnav had always loved her. Arnav wanted her. Khushi rushed into Arnav’s arms and hugged him tightly. Shyam mentally kicked himself and sulked off. Arnav held Khushi tightly against himself. Arnav pulled himself away slightly and looked down at Khushi, who looked up at him. Arnav leaned forward slowly and Khushi closed her eyes and tiptoed. Their lips brushed on each others and Arnav did what he’d been dying to do for months. He pulled Khushi into himself and kissed her, hard. Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav’s neck and kissed him back. Arnav lifted Khushi off her feet, trying not to break the kiss and took her into their bedroom and put her down on the bed.

 

“Do you think this all would have happened if we didn’t get drunk?”

“Maybe…”

“Khushi.. I love you.”

“I love you too…”

 

Arnav came down on Khushi and they kissed again.

Their night was filled with passion and love… Looks like baang had a good impact after all…

Heer-Ranja ki baad

This is what I feel should have happened after the Heer-Ranha scene.

 

Khushi looked at Arnav. Had he truly meant everything he had just said. Did he really… Khushi looked at Arnav,  his eyes closed. She knew she loved the great Arnav Singh Raizada, but did he love her too?

 

Their performance ended and the audience burst out with applause,  they loved it and Arnav And Khushi had win the competition.

They both made their way to the dressing room, Khushi in deep thought. Was she to say anything to Arnav or was she to leave it because hances are her thoughts were probably wrong.

 

“What’s wrong Khushi you look like you’re lost in deep thought.”

“You know what you said on stage about all the bad things you’ve said and done having no meaning, did you… Did you mean all of that?”

 

Arnav turned away.
“I was acting and those were Ranja’s lines” not mine.”

“No, they were the words of Arnav Singh Raizada! Not Ranja. Please dont lie to me.”

 

This angered Arnav.  She didn’t want him to lie to her yet all she did was lie to him. She lied about Shyam, lied about not having anything to do with him, even though she was in a…

 

“You expect me to tell you the truth even though all you do is lie to me?!”

“Me? I have never lied to you about anything.”

“Fine. You want the truth from me? Then listen. I love you Khushi Kumari Gupta. I always have. But you, you don’t give a monkeys about me. All you care about is…”

 

Khushi looked at Arnav, she could feel tears welling up in her eyes. He loved her… Arnav loved her? Unable to contain her emotions, Khushi rushed herself into Arnav’s arms and hugged him tightly.

 

“Do… Do you… Do you really love me?”

“Yes.”

 

Arnav felt Khushi squeeze him that tiny bit tighter.

 

“I love Arnavji! I love you more than anything and now… You don’t understand how happy you have made me. I thought I was going to have to live with you hating me forever. Oh god. Arnanji I love you so much, you’re everything to me.”

 

Arnav listened to everything Khushi had to say, not knowing what to believe. Here she was, in her arms declaring her love for him. But then Shyam… Shyam had said Khushi and him were having an… No he had to make sure he knew what was happening, what was going on.

Arnav pushed Khushi away from himself.

 

“Do you truly love me?”

 

Khushi blushed but nodded.

 

“So you wouldn’t stop me from kissing you, stop me from touching you?”

 

Khushi bit her lip and blushed a deep shade of red. She shook her head ever so slowly. Arnav’s mind went into overdrive. None of this was making sense. From what Khushi was saying it seemed as though she was truly in love with him and she wanted to be his wife in true sense. He had to make sure she wasn’t playing him in any way.

 

“Khishi, there’s something I need to know. Have you ever had any kind of feelings for Shyam?”

 

All the colour drained from Khushi’s face. Did Arnav know?

 

“What?”

“God damn Khushi, you heard me. Tell me, please.”

 

Khushi exhaled and realised it was time. Time to tell the truth.She took Arnav’s hand and took him to the sofa and made him sit down and she too sat down beside him. She began her story, right from the very start, telling Arnav exactly what happened. Arnav listened patiently, never interrupting, never asking any questions. When Khushi finished, she wiped a tear.

 

“That’s what happened, but I swear to you, the moment I found out he was married, the moment I realised what kind of a person he was, I ended it. I broke of our engagement. I wanted to be with you and after Diwali… After Diwali, I just knew, it had to be you.”

“So the day we got married. On the roof when you told him to leave Di, it’s not because you wanted to be with him, but because you didn’t want him cheating Di any more?”

“He was hurting Di indirectly and I couldn’t stand it. We weren’t related at the time, but I knew she loved him, I knew she cared for him, I couldn’t bare it. How could someone do that to Di?”

 

Khushi cupped Arnav’s face and looked into his eyes.

 

“I love you Arnavji. I wanted to tell you all of this, honestly I did, but I thought I’d put an end to it and then I thought with Di being pregnant he’d stop. I didn’t want to bother you if he’d gotten over it. And then we got married. I’d assumed he’d leave me alone then too.”

“Why didn’t you tell me even after we got married when he was still troubling you.”

“I didn’t think you’d believe me.”

 

Khushi looked away and Arnav felt his heart break. He pulled Khushi into him and lifted her chin.

 

“I’ve been such an idiot. I thought. God damn how did I ever…”

“It’s alright, he manipulated you, I understand.”

 

Arnav got up and walked to the door. He shut it and locked it too.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

He walked back to Khushi and pulled her against him.

 

“Making up for lost time.”

“But… Here?”

“Why wait?”

 

Arnav pulled Khushi in tight and kissed her. He took her breath away. His hands smoothed down her back and his lips caressed hers. Khushi kissed him back. Their first kiss! His hands moved into her hair and she did the same. He pulled her hair ever so slightly, making her open her mouth and he slid his tongue in. His fingers fumbled with the dori of her top and Khushi freed Arnav of a couple of his button. He moved into her, making her move back and fall onto to the sofa. Arnav moved on top of her, kissing her like a man deprived. His hands moved down her body and rested on the sides of her breasts, feeling her body.

Khushi pulled away ever so slightly, needing air. Arnav tried to pull her back.

 

“No Arnavji stop.”

“Arnav, call me Arnav.”

 

Arnav pulled her back, kissing her again. Khushi struggles and broke free.

 

“What is this, you said you wouldn’t stop me from kissing you or touching you.”

“I’m not. But we have to stop. Otherwise god knows what’ll end up happening.”

“Don’t you want this?”

“I do… But not here.”

“Why not.”

“I want us to do this in our bedroom.”

 

Arnav smirked.

 

“And what exactly is this?”

 

Khushi blushed a deep shade of red.

 

“Fine, lets go home. I need you baby.”