Jalebi ~ Part 18

“Khushi! I can’t find my bangles!

“Jiji they’re in the top drawer of your dressing table!”

 

Waiting at the bottom of the stairs, Khushi paused to see if Payal found the bangles herself or if she needed to go up.

 

“Arre haan, I found them, thanks!”

 

Going back to making sure all the decorations were up properly, Khushi went to find a mirror to check herself out. Khushi had been so busy with work and making sure everything was perfect for Payal’s engagement, that she hadn’t really had time for go shopping for an outfit for herself. When she realised she had nothing to wear, she’d just decided on wearing one of her old outfits or she’d take something from one of her Khushiyan ranges, but when Payal’s lengha arrived, Khushi was shocked to find a smaller box for herself. Inside was a simple, pale gold lengha with a note from Arnav.

 

“This is the first major event that we are going to be attending since after becoming a couple. You didn’t expect me to not style my girl did you?”

 

It wasn’t the most romantic note in the world, but Khushi treasured it regardless. The lengha itself was something she’d usually look at and like in a store, but she’d never buy. It was relatively simple, with a flowy bottom but the top was fairly tight and also quite small, just big enough to cover Khushi’s bust. It was a beautiful lengha and Khushi could imagine where Arnav’s mind was going when he picked this out for her and she loved it, but didn’t know how comfortable she felt wearing it around both their families. But if course the outfit came with a large, heavily detailed dupatta which Khushi draped in a way so that she could cover all the exposed skin at the front, without ruining the look of the outfit.

She couldn’t wait for him to see her!

 

*****

 

The Raizada’s arrived and Khushi rushed to the door to greet them. It was during all of the engagement prep that Khushi finally met every single member of the family. She had been nervous to meet the elders of the Raizada family, but it made things a lot easier meeting them as Payal’s sister and Arnav’s business partner. Arnav and Khushi weren’t quite ready to take the dive and let the elders of the family know about their relationship.

Anjali came forward and gave Khushi a hug.

 

“Hi Di!”

“How are you Khushi? You look absolutely stunning today.”

 

Breaking the hug, Khushi looked over her shoulder to find Arnav watching her.

 

“What can I say Di, your brother styled me.”

“Chote? Really?”

 

Nodding, Khushi winked at Anjali who laughed.

 

“But really, you look really beautiful.”

“As do you Di.”

 

Shyam also came over to Khushi, asking her about her general wellbeing.

Finally, Arnav approached Khushi as the Gupta’s ushered the rest of the Raizada’s into their home.

 

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, I really love this outfit.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“You look really good yourself Arnav.”

“Thanks. Are you parents here?”

“No they haven’t arrived yet, but they are on the road. I’ll introduce them to you as soon as they arrive.”

 

Arnav pulled at his collar and Khushi placed a hand on his shoulder.

 

“If you’re not ready to meet them, it’s cool. I’ll invite you over one night and you can meet them at home.”

“No no, I want to meet them and get the awkward stuff over and done with. I also don’t want them to think I’m hiding from them.”

“I still can’t believe you want to face them already.”

“I want them to know that I am serious about you and that my intentions aren’t to just fool around with you.”

 

Taking his hand in her own, Khushi leaned into Arnav, wanting to kiss him.

 

“Are you guys still standing here?”

 

Shyam rushed over to Arnav and Khushi, blocking them from everyone else’s view.

 

“Guys, I know you’re a couple and haven’t spent much time together recently, but now isn’t the time to start getting intimate. Especially if you don’t plan on telling the elders about your relationship just yet.”

 

Moving apart, Arnav put his hand on his brother in laws shoulder.

 

“Thanks jiju. For having our back like this.”

 

Shyam gave them and understanding nod and then went back over to his wife.

 

“We should…”

“Yeah, I need to check on jiji as well.”

 

Moving apart, both Arnav and Khushi headed in their respective directions, away from each other.

 

*****

 

Descending the stairs, all eyes were on the blushing bride to be, but her sister was also attracting a lot of attention. Around Arnav, he could hear aunties asking about Khushi, talking about how she would make a beautiful bride for their sons. It angered Arnav hearing people talk like that, but he knew he didn’t have to worry. Khushi was his.

Khushi helped Payal down the stairs and then led her over to the stage where Akash was waiting. As they reached the foot of the stage, Akash stepped down, took Payal’s hand and helped her up to join him, while Khushi came and stood beside Arnav.

 

“They really do look lovely together don’t they Arnav.”

“They do. But I’m pretty sure we make a better looking couple than they do.”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi looked around to check if anyone heard what he had said or if they had noticed them at all. But no one seemed to be paying attention to anyone other than the couple getting engaged.

Payal and Akash stood on stage, waiting for the right time for the engagement to begin. Everyone spoke amongst themselves, waiting.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rang.

 

“Mama and papa are here!”

 

Rushing away, Khushi went and threw the door open. There stood before her were her parents.

 

“Mom, dad! Finally! I’ve been waiting all day.”

 

Throwing her arms around her parents, Khushi called over a helper to take their bags while she led them into the main living space where all the guests and the rest of the family members were.

Payal descended from the stage and went over to her aunt and uncle and hugged them, before taking their blessings.

 

“Maasi, why are you and Mausaji so late? I was worried you were going to miss my engagement.”

 

Lalita Gupta hugged her niece and placed a kiss on her head.

 

“I wouldn’t miss your engagement for the world my dear. Now where is that mother of yours?”

 

Garima rushed forward, arms open as she embraced her older sister.

 

“Jiji! I’m so glad you and jiju have made it! I was worried jiju wouldn’t come, but dekho, you are both here.”

“Again, our only niece is getting engaged, how could we miss this?”

 

Once the initial hugging was done, Garima and Shashi ushered Lalita and Karan into the house and introduced them to the Raizada’s, starting with the elders and ending with Akash.

Greeting everyone in turn, both of Khushi’s parents eyes were looking for one individual. Arnav stepped forward to touch their feet before introducing himself.

 

“Namaste, I’m Arnav…”

 

Blessing him, both of Khushi’s parents took him in. Arnav felt nervous. Neither were saying anything but there was a silent exchange taking place between them. Khushi too noticed this and couldn’t help but feel nervous.

After what felt like a lifetime, Karan Gupta finally smiled and took Arnav into his arms.

 

“Arnav… We’ve heard so much about you from Khushi, it’s such a treat to finally meet you.”

“I wanted to come and see you and aunty while I was in London, but our plans changed and I had to come back soon after the conference.”

“No matter, no matter, we are meeting now. We are staying with Khushi until the wedding, so please do come by and meet with us when there is more time to sit and talk. I would love to pick at your brains regarding your business and future plans.”

 

What Khushi’s father was implying wasn’t missed by Arnav. It was clear that he wanted to talk to Arnav about what his intentions were regarding him and Khushi.

 

“It’s time for the engagement ceremony to begin.”

 

The attention once more shifted to Payal and Akash as everyone went back to their original positions, waiting around the stage. Arnav took Khushi’s hand just before she left to go stand beside Payal.

 

“I think your parents approve of me.”

 

Blushing, Khushi moved away from Arnav and went to stand beside Payal and handed her the ring so she could place it on Akash’s finger. She couldn’t help but wonder when it would be her turn to have a ring placed on her finger.

 

*****

 

Rings had been exchanged, Payal and Akash were officially engaged. Guests and the family members were all around the new couple, congratulating them on their engagement. Arnav saw this as an opportunity to spend some time with Khushi.

Taking her hand, Arnav dragged Khushi away and into the empty kitchen.

 

“Arnav, what are you doing?”

 

Shutting the door behind them, Arnav moved close to Khushi, putting his hands on her exposed waist.

 

“Did I tell you I think you look god damn gorgeous today?”

“You did…”

“In my opinion, I think you even look better then Payal.”

“Thanks…”

“I’ve missed you Khushi.”

“I’ve missed you too. But we’ve been so busy…”

“And now with the wedding preparations, were going to get even more busy. Plus with your parents staying with you, I won’t even be able to come and spend some time in the evenings with you.”

 

He stepped closer, his body heat making Khushi feel very warm. His hand brushed the dupatta away from her, and he placed it on the side. Raising her arms, Khushi tried to cover her chest. Her breasts may have been covered, but she felt exposed due to the tightness and the smallness of the material.

 

“Don’t feel shy, you look sexy as hell.”

 

He moved closer, one hand still resting on her exposed waist, the other on the side of her neck. He pulled her into himself, causing Khushi to gasp. Arnav took this moment to capture Khushi’s lips between his own. The initial shock melted away and Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav’s neck, pulling him closer as his hands caused havoc on her exposed skin.

As they stood there in the kitchen, kissing, they both realised how long it had been since they’d been like this. Khushi bit down on Arnav’s lip slightly, causing his lips to part and she took the opportunity to slip her tongue between his lips.

As their tongues duelled for dominance, Arnav ran his hand down Khushi’s exposed spine, causing her to shiver with anticipation. Her hands raised to the top button of his shirt, attempting to unfasten it. Just as Khushi took the top button off, the door, causing them to jump apart. Khushi quickly turned around, grabbing her dupatta off the worktop.

 

“Chote! Really?”

“Di!”

 

Fixing her dupatta, Khushi slowly turned around, keeping her eyes fixed to the ground.
Anjali shut the door behind her and moved towards Arnav, her arms folded across her chest.

 

“Chote, Khushi, I understand that you are a couple and that you are in love, but really, now? Here? At this moment when there’s a houseful of guests? Anyone could have walked in. You’re lucky Nani asked me to bring her water.”

“I’m sorry Di… We haven’t had time to spend together… You know how it is.”

 

Anjali looked at Khushi, who’s eyes were still down as she fiddled with her dupatta, making sure she was properly covered again.

 

“Look, I understand what you two are going through, but you really need to keep yourselves in check. Anyway, it is evident that you’re serious about each other, and seeing as everyone else knows, Chote, I think it’s time you told Nani and mama and mami about your relationship. After all Khushi’s parents know so…”

“No Di, we can’t. The moment we tell Nani, she’ll start planning the wedding. We need more time.”

 

Looking at Khushi, Anjali moved over to her, placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted her face.

 

“Khushi, do you want to wait too, or is that what he wants?”

“I do… I want to wait a bit.”

 

Taking a step back, Anjali nodded.

 

“Okay, fine. I respect your wishes to want to take time, but please. I need you both to be more careful. You have two minutes to finish up what was happening here, and then I want you both outside before someone notices something’s up.”

 

Leaving the kitchen, Khushi hid her face in Arnav’s chest.

 

“That was by far the most uncomfortable moment of my life.”

“It’s only Di.”

“I know, but still. I didn’t want her to see us like that.”

 

Lifting her face, Arnav pressed a kiss on Khushi’s forehead and hugged her.

 

“Let’s go away tomorrow evening.”

“We can’t…”

“We can. We’ll just go to the farmhouse to spend some time together. We haven’t had any time to ourselves and I really miss you.”

“But how can we. My parents…”

“Business trip.”

“We can’t lie…”

“We’re not lying. We’ll go there during the day, do all our work there and then spend the evening there too before heading back.”

 

Taking a moment to consider Arnav’s proposal, Khushi thought about it properly. What he was saying sounded like a good idea. It was true, it had been a very long time since they last spent any time together. This way they would be able to do that without anyone thinking much of it.

 

“Okay… Let’s do it.”

“Great! So, come to the office first thing and then we’ll leave together from there.”

 

Nodding, Khushi placed a quick kiss on Arnav’s cheek before rushing away. Arnav watched as she left, smiling to himself. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

 

*****

 

As Arnav and Khushi rejoined the rest of the family, they saw the elders all sat around together with the pandit.

 

“Khushi, they must be setting the date for the wedding!”

“I still can’t believe that they’re finally getting married. It feels like it was only yesterday when they were first getting together.”

“Time has flown by hasn’t it?”

 

Nodding, they went over to where Akash and Payal were standing. As soon as Payal saw Khushi, her eyes widened.

 

“Khushi, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything for you.”

 

Leaning in, Payal whispered what she wanted from Khushi.

 

“Oh come on! Really?”

“Please!”

 

Letting out a sigh, Khushi nodded.

 

“Anything for you jiji.”

 

Moving away, Arnav raised his eyebrow as he watched Khushi walk away. What was she up to now?

Suddenly the lights dimmed down, and a spotlight came on, focusing only Khushi. The melodies of a song began to play.

 

“This ones for you jiji and jijaji.”

 

As the song began to play, Khushi began to dance. The guests all cheered her on and clapped.

Everyone watched as she twirled and danced, lip syncing the words as she went along.

While dancing, Khushi couldn’t help thinking about herself and Arnav and how the lyrics also reflected them.

 

*Mere sapno ke khidiki pe aa gaya*

 

It was true, somehow Arnav had arrived at the windows of her dreams. He was in all her dreams, all the time. If she didn’t see him in her dreams, her night felt incomplete.

Continuing to dance, she turned to Arnav, singing to him without making it too obvious. He realised though and couldn’t help but smile.

 

*Hua dil pehli pehli baar re*

 

Never had she felt this way about someone before. Never had she been so in love with anyone and she was sure, she would never love anyone in this manner ever again.

 

*Dhadkano ke paas mein*

 

He was close to her dhadkan, even when they were apart from each other, he had made a space for himself in her heart and she knew that she could never let him get away again.

The song continued and Khushi carried on dancing. Payal placed her hand on Akash’s arm.

 

“This song… That’s how I feel about you.”

 

Smiling, Akash pressed a kiss on the top of Payal’s head, but his eyes remained locked on Khushi and Arnav. Their relationship was getting stronger, he could tell by the way Khushi kept directing certain lines of the song at him and the way he looked at her. If he wanted Khushi’s business, he knew he needed to act fast. If Arnav and Khushi’s relationship peaked, then there would be no way he could take anything of Khushi’s from under Arnav’s nose. He needed to work fast but what should he do? And how?

As the song came to an end, Khushi took a small bow. Anjali walked over to Arnav and gave him a nudge.

 

“I don’t know about anyone else, but I saw all the subliminal messages that Khushi was throwing your way during the performance.”

“Di!”

“I’m just teasing, but honestly Chote, I hope you both always stay this happy.”

“She’s becoming my life Di.”

“Then make sure you keep her close. And I hope no ones evil eye ever falls on your happiness.”

“If you keep praying for us Di, then I know no evil will ever be able to touch us.”

“God bless you and your relationship Chote.”

 

Turning his attention back to Khushi, he watched as people congratulated her on her amazing performance. He couldn’t help but feel proud of his baby. His Khushi, his love. Maybe he was ready to make them official after all. Maybe he needed to give their relationship a real name sooner than he thought.

Unwanted ~ Interlude I

Payal

I shut the door behind bhai, and I moved back and sat down on the bed.

I couldn’t stand it, the way he spoke to me, the way he looked at me. He acted like he cared about me, but if he cared for me, he couldn’t have let my sister leave. He wouldn’t have let Khushi go. Or even if she had still managed to go, he would have found her by now. He wouldn’t have married someone else, no matter what the circumstances had been.

Going over to my dresser, I pulled out my little box and opened it. Inside were envelopes containing all the letters that Khushi had sent me over the years. She didn’t write often, tops of maybe 3 times a year. But there was never a return address so I could never write back to her.

I pulled out a letter at random and found that it was the first ever one she wrote to me after leaving. Taking it out of its envelope, I sat down with it.

 

“Dear Jiji,

I hope my letter finds you in good health. I am doing well, I was unwell for a while, but I am well now. I know that you are probably really angry at me for leaving and not telling you, but I couldn’t do anything. Even the night before I left, I didn’t know that that would be the last night I would spend at the Raizada house with my husband. I didn’t plan to leave… It’s just something I had to do. I’m sure by now you are aware what happened. But I am writing to you to explain what I was thinking when I left. What caused me to decide to leave.

Initially, even after Nimisha returned, I didn’t plan on leaving. I was ready to stay with Arnav, to support him through her pregnancy. I knew he loved me, and no matter what happened, he would always care for me. But then I thought about it and realised that if I stayed, his priorities would always be with me. And as much as I wanted that, I realised that that wasn’t fair or right. He may not love Nimisha any more, but he did at one point, and she’s carrying the evidence of his love. He may not love her any more, but that baby is still his. The baby deserves his love and if I’m there, he’ll never be able to accept the baby.

I hope you can understand why I did what I did. I hope that you support my decision and that you forgive me for leaving without telling you. Maybe one day I will return, or maybe I’ll just come to see you, but right now, I think it would be best if I just stayed away.

Take care of yourself Jiji, and if he needs comfort, please be there for him. Reassure him that I love him more than I love my own life, and it’s because I love him that I have had to leave. Tell him that no matter how far I am from him, I will never forget about him, that I will never stop loving him. But sometimes, even those who truly love each other cannot be together. And that is us.

I will write again soon, I promise.

I love you always Jiji and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Khushi.

PS: I know I haven’t given a return address, but it’s because I don’t want anyone to know where I am. If anyone knows, Arnav will come looking for me, and he can’t find me. For the sake of the baby, he can’t find me.”

 

Tears streamed down my face. I remember receiving this letter for the first time, I remember the initial shock. I was still so angry at her, I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t give me her address or her number. I’m still angry with her.

I put the letter back and pull out a different one. I opened it up and realised that it was the one I received a few months after my wedding.

 

“To my dearest Jiji,

I hope you are doing very, very well!

I am doing fine. I’ve been working (what’s new, all I seem to do is work) and that’s about all I have been doing. It’s been a few years, but I feel like I’m really settling into my new life now. I’m hoping that’s the case for Arnav as well. Although, I feel like maybe he would’ve settled a long time ago.

I don’t really have much to say in this letter, I just wanted to check in on you so that you know I am well and that I’m happy.

I will write again,

Love you,

Your Khushi.”

 

This had been such a short letter, but it meant so much. If there had been a return address, the response to this letter would have been a very long one. I would’ve told her about my marriage.

When me and Akash got married, it was hard. I feel like I didn’t enjoy my wedding and the build up to my wedding the way I should’ve done. My sister should have been by my side, the way I had been for her at her wedding. But she wasn’t here and I was alone.
Even after getting married I struggled. Me and Akash didn’t consummate our marriage for over a week after we got married. I don’t know why, I couldn’t do it. My sister should’ve been here. She should’ve been in this very house. She should have been in the bedroom beside mine, but she wasn’t.

Wiping my tears away, I pulled out another envelope and took out the letter. This was the second letter she ever wrote to me, and only came a few weeks after the first.

 

“Dear Jiji,

I hope you are well. I am relatively well considering the circumstances.

I read in the newspaper the other day that Arnav and Nimisha had got married. I must admit, it did come as a shock to me. I had imagined them raising their child together, but it never occurred to me that they would marry. Maybe that was me being naive. Perhaps I should’ve realised that this would happen. But regardless, I was shocked when I read the news and I must admit, it did upset me a bit. I wanted him to move on and be happy with his baby… I just didn’t think I’d be replaced so soon. But I am glad he is happy. He deserves to be happy.

I guess there really is no space in his life for me any more, I guess I won’t be coming back into his life.

I really miss you Jiji. Maybe soon we can meet up one day? I don’t know.

Take care of yourself Jiji and take care of Amma and babuji and buaji. Tell them all that I love them and I miss them all so very much.

Tell Arnav… No don’t tell him anything.

I will write again soon Jiji, take care of yourself, I love you.

Love,

Khushi.”

 

She thought Arnav bhai got married out of choice. She thought he moved on and was ready to start afresh. He wasn’t. He didn’t want to get married, Di and Nani made him in order to save Nimisha and the Raizada family name. They didn’t want the Raizada heir to be born to an unwed mother. The wedding had been a small affair. Family only. Even me, Amma, babuji and buaji hadn’t been invited. But I guess it made sense. It would have been weird for us to see him get married to someone else.

I remember Arnav bhai coming to see me after the wedding, he had actually cried. He asked for my forgiveness, reassured me that he loved Khushi and only Khushi. That he would remain loyal to her for as long as he lived. As far as what I know, he stuck to this promise, he did remain loyal to Khushi. As much as I didn’t like Nimi, we did talk and I knew from her that to this day, she and bhai have not shared any kind of relationship and that their marriage still hasn’t been consummated.

That day he had cried some more, saying he didn’t want any of this, he just wanted Khushi back. He begged me to tell him if I knew where she was, if I had heard from her. I told him the truth, that I didn’t know where she was and I told him about the letter. He asked if he could read it and I took it out and gave it to him.

I’d watched as he sat and cried as he read her words. It felt so weird, seeing him cry like that. I was so angry at Khushi in that moment. She shouldn’t be making him cry like that.

She should be here, happy, by his side. But she wasn’t.

 

I kept going through the letters, reading them all one after another. All her letters came to our house and Amma would tell me to go and collect it.

Finally finding the last letter, I started reading it again.

 

“Jiji! How are you? I hope you are doing very very very well! I am well, I have been busy with life, but not a moment has passed when I haven’t thought about all of you guys.

I was in bed the other night and I thought about something. I have been gone for almost 6 years! I didn’t even realise so much time had passed! It also hit me that you have probably got married! And you may even have your own Aloo Kumar or Puri Kumari! I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of this before!

Well if you are married and if you do have a child, please say hi to jijaji for me and give a BIG kiss to my sweet niece or nephew. Tell them that even though they don’t know me, I love them.

Jiji, I miss you all the time. You are probably the person I miss the most. I wish I could come to see you, but I fear that if I come, I won’t be able to leave again.

How are Amma, babuji and buaji? Please tell them that I am always thinking about them and that I love them more than anything.

I love you all so so much,

Khushi.”

 

In this letter she had mentioned children and I wanted to tell her about Akshay. She didn’t know, didn’t have a clue that he existed and that hurt. She should know! She should have been here to spoil her nephew. But she wasn’t.

In Khushi’s letters she asked about Arnav bhai less and less, and it made me think, had she moved on with life? Six years is a long time, and a lot has changed, had she met someone else and started a new life? Or had she just come to terms with the fact that he had a new life and she was no longer a part of it?

I remember her telling me years ago that she had a job and it made me wonder if she was still working. I wondered what she was like, was she still the same old Khushi or had she changed?

Over the years, I’d searched her up on Facebook, I’d googled her, even called up random businesses asking if she worked for them, but there was no trace. Khushi had vanished. If it weren’t for these letters, one would think she fell off the face of the earth. Bhai knew people everywhere, and had people from all over find out if they could find her, but no one came up with any results. He had travelled from city to city, looking for her, but he couldn’t find her. She was missing.

When we were kids and when we played hide and seek, I would always win. I’d always find Khushi. Sometimes it took me all of 5 minutes, other times slightly longer. But I always found her, no matter where she was hiding. Why was I struggling now? Why hadn’t I been able to find her yet?

Wiping my tears away, I put all the letters back and closed the box. Maybe that’s what I needed to do. Put all my memories and emotions related to Khushi into a box and put them away. Maybe it was time to finally let get and move on with life…

Maybe.

Dinner

Khushi looked at Arnav, he looked so sweet praying. She knew that whatever he was doing, he was doing it for her and she couldn’t help but feeling super happy about it.  Arnav looked up at her after he had finished his prayer.

 

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You just look so sweet praying.”

“Why thank you. Now shall we go to dinner as we had planned?”

“Where are we going for dinner?”

“Blue Waters Hotel. They have the best restaurant on the ground floor.”

 

They left the temple and started walking towards the car.

The journey was short. As they drove up to the hotel, Khushi couldn’t help but to gasp at how beautiful it was. The building was a large one, with large white pillars at the front which were on either side of the front door. Arnav got out of the car and opened the door for Khushi, she stepped out and took his hand. They reached the door of the hotel which was opened by the footman and  they looked around.

The inside of the hotel was absolutely lovely. The waiter showed them to a table and they sat down. Arnav asked Khushi to order, but she said that he should instead as she didn’t know what would be the best dishes. Arnav chuckled as he went through the menu, trying to decide what they wanted to eat. They placed their order and then  waited for their food to be served, Arnav held Khushi’s hand and smiled. The food arrived and they ate happily. Khushi enjoyed the food and watched Arnav who in turn was watching her.

Once they finished their food, Arnav asked for the bill and leaned over the table to talk to Khushi.

 

“Khushi, should we just get a room and stay here for a bit. You know, spend some quality time with each other.”

 

Khushi blushed a deep shade of red and looked down.

 

“I… Yeah, lets do it.”

 

They made their way to the reception and Arnav got them a room. The woman at reception handed them a key. They made their way to the elevator and went up to the fourth floor. The doors of the lift opened and went down the hall to find room number 45. As Arnav opened the door, Khushi looked around in awe like a small child.

 

“This place, is beautiful.”

 

Arnav put his arm around Khushi and pulled her into his chest.

 

“Khushi, I came to the temple and prayed for your sake… Won’t you give me what I want?”

 

Khushi looked into his eyes and then looked down. She knew what he wanted, but how could she give him what he wanted?

Arnav lifted Khushi’s chin and looked at her lips. Slowly he came closer, itching to kiss those beautifully soft lips. After what felt like a decade their lips met. Khushi responded instantaneously. The pace of their kiss began slow, but when Arnav realised she knew what she was doing, he increased the pace, putting more and more passion into it. When they finally came up for air, Khushi looked into his hooded eyes, passion and desire highly evident. He came down for a second kiss this time the increasing the intensity. He placed his hands on her waist and pulled her closer to himself but at the same time pushing her against the wall. His hands touched every inch of skin that he could get to. Both were into the kiss and wanted more, Arnav could tell Khushi wanted him from the way she was pulling him closer to herself.

He began making his way towards the bed, taking her with him. The back of Arnav’s knees hit the bed. He lifted Khushi off the ground and placed her onto the bed, he broke the kiss and looked at her face. She wanted more. That was obvious, more than obvious now.

 

“Khushi, do you trust me?”

“More than I trust myself.”

 

With this, he took his top off and threw it down. He moved her dupatta off her, kissing her neck and she touched his hard chest. Her hands brushed over his nipples and he shuddered with need.

 

“Khushi, I need to see you baby.”

 

She blushed and smiled shyly. She wanted him and she wanted to do things with him. They were to get married very soon, it didn’t matter any more. Waiting wasn’t something she wanted any more. She wanted him, and that’s all she could think about right now.

Arnav grabbed the bottom of her kameez and pulled it over her head. His eyes feast on her perfect body. God she was beautiful, way more beautiful than he could ever imagine. Arnav lowered himself and placed kisses on the side of her neck. Khushi threw her head back and let out a tiny moan of pleasure. Arnav’s hands went round her back and he unclasped her bra. The sight before him was… Was magnificent! She was perfect. Her breasts were plump and were perfect rounds. Khushi tried to lift her arms to cover herself, but Arnav stopped her and touched on of her nipples. It instantly hardened, demanding Arnav’s undivided attention. He lowered his head to the tight little bud and ran his tongue over it. He felt it get ever slightly harder and he took the whole bud into his mouth and sucked on it. Khushi arched her body back slightly and let out another moan of pleasure. He gave the other nipple the same attention before moving down her body, placing little kisses as he went. He reached her belly button and dipped his tongue into her belly button. Khushi took hold of Arnav’s shoulder as she felt him move further down her body. His hand travelled down into her shelwar and then he allowed it to move into her shelwar. His fingers hovered over her panties and then he allowed his hand to dip into her core. She was so wet.

In one swift motion, he pulled her shelwar off of her, taking her panties with them. He looked down at her body, all of her, taking in every inch of her. He kissed his way down her body, finally kissing her down there. Khushi bit back a moan, trying to keep it within herself but failed. She let the moan out.

 

“Baby, do you want me? Do you want it? Do you want us to do it now, or shall we wait?”

Highly flustered, Khushi replied with a single word, “Now.”

 

Arnav placed one of his strong manly fingers into her and moved it within her, mimicking what he wanted to do with her with a completely different body part. Khushi gasped at the sudden movement, at the invasion of her body. His finger felt so alien in her, but still it felt good. He increased the pressure in her body and then let another finger join the first. After a while, Arnav took his fingers out.

 

“Khushi, that’s going to be my little one in you. Do you want it? Because Khushi he’s dying to get in.”

 

Khushi nodded, biting her lip. Arnav rubbed himself against her, readying her for him. He made light work of his clothes and slowly took his boxers off. Khushi’s eyes fell to his ‘little one’ who wasn’t really little at all. She blushed the deepest shade of red. He was huge, but she didn’t care, she wanted him. Arnav rubbed his length at her entrance, all the while kissing her. His hands rested on her breasts, playing with her nipples. He was causing havoc on her body, preparing her for everything that was about to be felt between them and then he thrusts into her.

 

“Khushi stay still, it’ll hurt if you move.”

 

Arnav continued to thrust in her, each time getting stronger, moving faster. Khushi’s moans rumbled deep in her throat and she pulled his body closer to hers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing Arnav to move deeper within her, making her feel something new all over again. Arnav took her lips between her into a hard kiss and he continues to plunge himself into her.

Before too long, they both climaxed, more or less at the same time. Arnav pulls his flaccid length out of her and lay next to her.

 

“Babe, how do you feel?”

“I need you inside me again, that’s where you belong.”

“I want to be, but little one needs a rest. He tires Khushi, but he wants to pleasure you so badly.”

“So it’s not really you that want me.”

“Are you crazy Khushi!? Only I know how much I want you.”

“Do you really love me that much?”

“Do you need to ask?”

 

Khushi cuddled into Arnav’s chest, shaking her head. She didn’t need to ask him, she knew. She knew exactly how much he loved her.

 

“You know, Khushi that was the best dinner we’ve ever had together.”

 

*****

 

Author’s note:

It’s been a while since I last posted an OS. This is an old one that I wrote while I was still on IF but I’d never posted it here, so now it is finally being posted here. I hope you guys like it, and happy Valentines Day 🙂

Also, be sure to have a look at my stories section because I have posted the page for my new SS which I will be starting very soon! So go find the page for that and leave your comments. Tell me what you think about it and what you think is going to happen in it!

I will be back on Sunday with an update to one of my FFs x

Jalebi ~ Part 17

Sat in a cute little coffee shop, Khushi was waiting for Anjali to arrive. She’d been dreading this meeting all week, but Arnav had told her that he really wanted her to meet his Di and that Anjali too really wanted to meet her. Khushi knew just how important Anjali was to Arnav and so felt inclined to meet her, despite how worried she felt. She’d tried to make excuses, mainly using the fact that she would meet all the Raizada’s any way during Payal and Akash’s engagement, but Arnav had made it clear that he wanted Khushi to get to know his sister and for his sister to get to know Khushi as his girlfriend, not just Payal’s cousin and his business partner.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to meet Anjali, it was just that she didn’t want Anjali to be disappointed with her, or disapprove. She felt sick with nerves and was ready to bail when the door of the cafe opened and a tall woman in a pretty pastel pink sari walked in. She had long dark hair which cascaded down her back, and a face with very sharp yet innocent looking features. Khushi recognised her instantly as being Anjali Manohar Jha, Arnav’s sister.

Getting to her feet, Khushi smoothed out her anarkali style kameez that she was wearing and smiled at Anjali. She had decided to wear Indian clothes for a change as she thought it may help to impress his Di. He’d always said how she was all about tradition and rituals. Returning the smile, Anjali walked over to Khushi, her arms outstretched for a hug from a mile away.

 

“Oh my goodness, you’re Khushi aren’t you?”

“I am, namaste Anjali Ji.”

 

Breaking the hug, Anjali took the seat opposite Khushi, her smile wide and genuine.

 

“I can’t even begin to tell you how great it is to finally meet you. I’ve been wanting to meet you since you and Chote went into partnership, but you know how it is, life just keeps getting in the way.”

“It’s so great to finally be able to meet you as well. He talks a lot about you.”

“He talks about you a lot as well! Ever since you guys have merged businesses, he hasn’t stopped talking about the way you work and the way that you run your business. He’s very taken by you.”

 

A waiter came round and asked Khushi and Anjali what they would like, so they placed their order and then went back to their conversation.

 

“You know Khushi, I’ve had a feeling for ages that there’s been someone on his radar but he never admitted it. I was quite shocked when he actually told me about you.”

“I guess maybe he didn’t want to say anything until we were actually headed somewhere. Up until before we went to London, I’d been doing my best to maintain a distance between us so that it wouldn’t cause any issues in our professional relationship.”

“What changed?”

“I’ve been attracted to him for a long time and when we went to London I just couldn’t deny it any more. Probably one of the most reckless decisions I have ever made, but honestly, he makes me really happy and I didn’t want to throw that away.”

“You make him very happy too Khushi. From speaking to him and speaking to you now, it is evident that the way you feel about each other is very strong.”

 

Blushing, Khushi took a sip of her coffee that the waiter has just brought round.

 

“How are the engagement preparations going?”

“Oh they’re going great! Me and Payal were shopping yesterday. How about for you guys?”

“It’s been going well on our side as well. I’ve never seen Akash so excited about anything in his life.”

“Aw that’s so sweet. I really like Akash jiju. I have done since high school. He was so responsible and kind and so easy to talk to.”

“Were you and Chote close in high school?”

 

Memories from her high school day hit her and Khushi couldn’t help but feel uneasy. She remembered the way Arnav and others like him who had always looked down on her, always assumed that she wouldn’t amount to much. She knew she’d taken Arnav by a storm now, but it still hurt a bit knowing that he once thought she wasn’t worthy of getting to know.

 

“No, we were never really in the same groups or anything so I didn’t really know him.”

 

From this point onwards, the conversation went back to the upcoming wedding, with Anjali teasing Khushi that maybe soon she and Arnav would also tie the knot. Khushi simply replied saying that it was still early and that they needed to get to their feet first before thinking about going further.

Their time was nearing its end when Anjali got a text. She turned her phone over, looked at the message, laughed and turned it over again.

 

“That was your deewana. He’s reminding me that I shouldn’t tease you.”

“I’ll make sure to tell him you teased me lots and lots!”

 

Pretending to be taken aback, Anjali’s eyes widened and her hand covered her mouth in shock.

 

“Oh please don’t, he’ll kill me.”

 

Both woman burst out laughing, going back to finish their coffee. When they were both finally done, they got to their feet, preparing to part ways.

 

“Really Khushi, I’m so happy to have finally met you.”

“Same! I will be honest, I was really nervous, but I feel much better now. It was lovely meeting you.”

“I guess I’ll see you next week at the engagement.”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

 

They hugged once more before they went their own ways.

 

*****

 

The moment Anjali returned home, Arnav ambushed her like a child.

 

“Di, Di, Di! You’re back! Tell me everything!”

“Do you want me to tell you in the middle of the hall where everyone can hear us?”

 

Shaking his head, he took his sisters hand and dragged her over to the poolside.

 

“Chote! Stop! What are you doing? You haven’t acted like this since we were kids.”

“You can tease me later Di, just tell me what happened and what you thought of her.”

 

Anjali took in the look on her brothers face. He was so excited, so full of joy and hope. His happiness reminded her of the way he was when they were children.

 

“You want the truth Chote?”

“Yes!”

“I didn’t like her at all. Not one bit. I don’t think you should carry on seeing her Chote.”

 

*****

 

Instead of going to her own apartment, Khushi decided to stop by Payal’s house. She still hadn’t told Payal about her relationship with Arnav and now after meeting Anjali, she wanted to talk to someone. And who better than her jiji.

Engagement preps had began, with all the lights and decorations already up and ready. As she walked in, Khushi was met by Payal who was walking around the house, looking very frantic.

 

“Hey jiji, what’s up?”

“Thank goodness you’re here Khushi! I was going to call you and ask you to come but seems like you read my mind.”

“What’s wrong?”

“My lengha for the engagement hasn’t arrived. What if it doesn’t arrive on time!”

 

Laughing, Khushi took Payal’s hand and led her over to the sofas and sat her down.

 

“I called Arnav regarding it last night and he said that it will be with you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Arnav is personally overlooking the alteration process so you have nothing to worry about. The lengha will be perfect when it arrives and it’ll be here tomorrow. So rest easy.”

“Oh I feel so much better now. I was seriously worried I wouldn’t get it in time or that it wouldn’t fit and I would have to send it back to AR and it would take longer and…”

“JIJI! Stop! Calm down! You’re rambling on and on and on!”

“I’m getting engaged Khushi. If I don’t get nervous, who will?”

“Are you nervous about the actual engagement or are you nervous about the honeymoon.”

 

Nudging Payal suggestively, Khushi raised her eyebrows as she watched Payal blush.
Hitting Khushi’s arm, Payal laughed.

 

“Besharam!”

“I’m not shameless jiji, I was asking a genuine question.”

“Acha forget all that, tell me, what made you remember me all of a sudden? Usually I have to call you three times before you agree to come.”

 

It was now Khushi’s turn to blush as she thought about all the things she wanted to talk to Payal about.

 

“Let’s go to your room and then I’ll tell you.”

 

*****

 

Arnav looked at his Di, waiting for her to start laughing, to tell him that she was messing with him and that actually she loved Khushi and couldn’t wait for Khushi to one day become a part of the family. But what he was waiting for never came.

 

“You didn’t… You didn’t like her?”

“There’s nothing special about her Chote. Very average, unlike you. I’m sure we could find you a girl ten times the person Khushi is. I felt like she was quite stuck up, up herself a bit because of this little business she has. I don’t like her.”

“But Di…”

“You don’t have my blessings Chote and I want you to end your relationship with her before Akash’s engagement.”

 

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Di didn’t like Khushi, and she wanted him to break it off with her. He couldn’t do that. Not after waiting for almost a year before actually getting her.

 

“I can’t do that Di.”

“Why can’t you? It’s easy, just tell her you don’t feel seriously about her any more and that you don’t want to proceed with your relationship.”

“But that’s a lie! I am serious about her and I do want to be with her. Di… I think I may even be in love with her. If you need to, please meet her again. I can’t let her go Di and I really want you to like her.”

 

Taking in her brothers worried expression and the intensity of his words, Anjali found out what she wanted to know. Placing her hand on her brothers shoulder, she turned his head to her.

 

“I was joking Chote, I wanted to check this is what you really, really wanted. I have no issues with her. In fact I think she’s perfect for you, I don’t think I could have selected someone more worthy for you even if I tried.”

“So you liked her?”

“Of course I did! What is there not to like? She’s soft spoken, kind, attentive, cultured and most importantly she really cares about you. What more could I possibly want from a girl for you?”

 

Arnav let out his breath that he’d been holding and hugged his Di.

 

“You scared me! I really thought you didn’t approve and I would have to break up with her.”

“Would you have really let her go if I said I didn’t like her?”

“You know I would! I’d do anything for you Di.”

 

Touched at her brothers words, Anjali blessed him with all the happiness in the world. She really couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of that than her Chote.

 

*****

 

“Khushi, will you tell me what’s up? You’ve been pacing for the last 10 minutes and you’re starting to scare me.”

“Okay, I’ll tell you but promise me you won’t freak out.”

“I promise.”

 

Taking a deep breath, Khushi sat down beside Payal.

 

“I… There’s… I’m seeing someone.”

“You are?! Who? Since when?”

“It’s… I… Arnav.”

“Arnav? As in Arnav Singh Raizada? As in Akash’s cousin? My jetji to be? Your business partner?”

“Yes jiji. You didn’t need to mention all of those, but yes, that Arnav.”

“But I thought you were going to stay away from him because you didn’t want anything to come between you and your business.”

“I know, but things have been happened between us for a long time and I’ve tried denying my feelings for him, pushing them away, but when we went to London… I just couldn’t do it any more. I couldn’t resist. I think I really love him jiji. At first I just thought it was attraction and then… I don’t know what happened.”

“All I want to know is, Khushi does he make you really really happy?”

“He does jiji.”

“Then you have my blessings. If he makes you really happy and you really want to be with him. Then just be with him. Sometimes it may get complicated because of the whole business partners thing, but I don’t know anyone smarter than the two of you, so I know you’ll be able to keep a balance and make things work out.”

 

Exhaling, Khushi rushed over to Payal and gave her a big hug. She always knew her sister would be supportive but she hadn’t fathomed that Payal would accept hers and Arnav’s relationship just like that.

She couldn’t believe her luck. So far everyone was happy with her relationship with Arnav, and everyone who knew so far were the ones who were most important to her. Not wanting to jinx it, Khushi prayed that her happiness remain this way and she hoped that this meant that her and Arnav’s relationship would sail smoothly now.

After all, what could go wrong now?

Unwanted ~ Part 22

Arnav

My bags packed, I was ready to leave for Mumbai. Di had been annoyed that I was just suddenly leaving like this, but she couldn’t say much. I was leaving for work after all. But regardless, she walked into my room, and I knew she was going to try and convince me to take them with me one last time.

 

“But if you’re going for a long time then you should take Nimisha and Pari with you.”

“Di, I’m going for work. It’s not a holiday.”

“I know, but it’s not good for you to be away from your wife and daughter for so long.”

“Di please. If I take them, they’ll just be a distraction.”

“Chote, your wife and your child are meant to be your priority.”

 

I didn’t want to lose my temper with Di but Di wasn’t the same as she used to be. She was so much more forceful and there was so much more friction between us. Even while we were growing up we didn’t argue as much as we did now.

 

“Di please!”

“What please? You can argue all you like but Nimi and Pari are the most important people in your life. You’re still hung up over her when…”

“Don’t. Don’t say anything against Khushi.”

“You still defend her and care for her, but did she care for you? She just left you.”

“Di please. Just leave okay.”

 

I hated speaking to Di like that, but I couldn’t bare it when she started to speak about Khushi like this.

 

“You may not be able to accept the truth Chote, but one day you will realise that while you pined over her, you missed out so much with Nimisha and Pari.”

 

Turning away, Di left. I seriously don’t understand her sometimes. Initially when I wanted to marry Nimisha, she was against it and went and found Khushi. Now that I’m in love with Khushi, she expects me to accept Nimisha? My life is a joke and this is one of the main reasons why I need to get out of this house.

Stuff packed, passport and boarding pass in my pocket, I was ready to leave. I looked around my bedroom, making sure that I had picked up everything when Nimisha arrived in front of me.

 

“Hey.”

“I need to go, I’ll miss my flight otherwise.”

“Arnav, I know you have time.”

 

Sighing, I let go of my suitcase and folded my arms across my chest.

 

“What is it?”

“I know you aren’t sure when you’re going to be back, but it’s Father’s Day in about a month. Will you be back in time so that you can take Pari to the Father’s Day functions at her school?”

“I don’t know when I’m going to be back. As for the Father’s Day functions, maybe it’s time you got Pari’s real dad to take her.”

 

She stood her, her shoulders down. She looked exhausted.

 

“Arnav… When will you accept us? Pari is your daughter! She doesn’t have any other dad! When will you accept her?”

“I can’t accept her because I know she isn’t mine. Nimisha, no matter what you say, no matter how many times you try to convince me we did it at a party whilst in a drunken state, I still won’t believe you. I know I’ve never touched you like that and I know Pari can’t be my kid.”

“But she is! And I’m your wife!”

“Look, I need to go.”

 

I pushed past her with my things. Six years on she was still trying to convince me that Pari was my daughter when I knew that she couldn’t be. I don’t know what Nimi’s game is, and frankly I couldn’t care less any more. Yes it was hard, having them there all the time, but generally, I didn’t care. Their presence didn’t make much of a difference to me. Sometimes I did feel harsh, treating Pari the way I did. After all she was just a child, innocent, she had no faults of her own. But her mother left a bitter taste in my mouth, had ruined my life, and because of that I couldn’t look at Pari the way I should’ve.

As far as Nimisha being my wife went, yes she was my wife, but not in my eyes or the eyes of the law. As me and Khushi never legally separated, Khushi is still my legally wedded wife.

When Nimisha arrived saying that she was pregnant with my child, Di was adamant that we had to marry in order to save both Nimisha’s name and the name of the Raizada family. I didn’t have much of a choice. I received pressure from everyone to marry Nimi and by this point Khushi had already left me. I fought, saying that I couldn’t and that I wouldn’t, but not a single member of my family listened to me. So I married Nimisha. But the law doesn’t recognise this marriage as I’m still married to Khushi, and so lawfully Nimisha doesn’t get anything from me. And she hasn’t got anything from me. She hasn’t got a penny of my more, nor has she got an ounce of my affection. She may be my wife in a religious sense, but I’m not a religious person. So this marriage and her, mean nothing to me. I’ve never treated her as my wife, never touched her, and I never will. For me there’s only Khushi.

Pushing all those thoughts away, I went looking for Payal. Her bedroom door was shut, so I assumed she was inside. Knocking on her door, I waited. Moments later, Payal came to the door.

 

“Do you need something bhai?”

“Can I quickly speak to you before I leave?”

 

Moving out the door, she let me inside her room. I shut the door behind me.

 

“Payal has Khushi sent any letters?”

“No, I haven’t heard from her in a while.”

“Do you have any of the letters she sent you?”

“I keep all of them, you know that.”

“Is there any sign of an address on any of them?”

“We’ve been through this before. There is absolutely no way to trace where she is from those letters.”

 

Over the past six years, Khushi had been writing letters to Payal. I never received a letter from her, I didn’t hear anything from her after she left. But knowing that she was in touch with Payal was reassuring. At least I knew she was out there somewhere and she was still thinking about us.

 

“I wish I could write back to her once. Just once. There’s so much I want to tell her, so much I want to ask her… She doesn’t even know about me and Akash or about Akshay.”

 

Tears fell down Payal’s face. As much as Payal tried to hide her pain, I always saw it. When she and Akash first got married, it was hard for her, very hard. Knowing she was at her sisters in law’s house but her sister wasn’t here any more. Payal held me responsible for Khushi leaving and I could understand why. She, like everyone else, thought that Pari was mine.

I tried brushing away Payal’s tears but she pushed my hand away and got to her feet.

 

“Please, just go away.”

 

It didn’t even anger me, the way she spoke to me. I understood why she disliked me so much. But I needed her to know and accept the truth. But she couldn’t. Grabbing hold of my things once more, I left her room and made my way downstairs.

At the door, Nani and mami were waiting for me. They both wished that I had a safe journey and that I arrived back home soon. I was just about to cross the threshold to leave, when I heard little feet run across the house towards me.

 

“Papa, papa, wait!”

 

I watched as Pari came running, moving as fast as her little legs would carry her. Finally she arrived by me and hugged my legs.

 

“Come back jaldi papa.”

 

It was awkward and uncomfortable. I wanted to hug her, because she was a sweet child, but at the same time I wanted to push her away, after all she was the reason that Khushi wasn’t with me. I settled for something in between. Patting her head, I told her I’d be back soon and I took my leave.

 

*****

Upon arriving in Mumbai, I suddenly felt so much more free, so much happier. As much as I loved my family, living at home became suffocating. There was this constant pressure to accept Nimisha and Pari, but I couldn’t do it. I know some people, after all these years, would have given in, would have started to accept their circumstances. They would have probably been glad to be reunited with someone they once believe they were in love with. But I couldn’t. Maybe if things had been different between me and Khushi, maybe I would have accepted Nimi by now, but I couldn’t. Me and Khushi hadn’t even been married 6 months when we were ripped apart. We were still very much in the honeymoon phase of our relationship, definitely not ready to part ways. And maybe that’s why I can’t move on. I can’t move on knowing that I was far from done with Khushi.

Over the years I searched high and low for Khushi. I left no stone upturned to find her, but my efforts had been futile. I couldn’t find her. I assumed she’d probably changed her name to ensure that no one recognised her as being associated with the Raizada’s, but I hadn’t expected her to drop her maternal name as well. There was no sign of Khushi Kumari Gupta or Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada anywhere.

At one point I thought maybe she had left India, but after tracking her passport, it became clear that Khushi hadn’t left the country. Khushi was still in India, but I didn’t have the slightest clue where. She was hiding from me and in these six years, she’s failed to let her guard down, failed to leave a trail. She vanished, but I knew in my heart that I would find her. She couldn’t just walk away from me like that. I would find her.

I did think maybe in all this time Khushi had started her life again. Maybe she got married to someone else. She may even have her own child with someone else, but in my heart I knew she wouldn’t do that. She couldn’t. She loved me as much as I loved her, she wouldn’t just give up on me like that, would she?

Jalebi ~ Part 16

“Arnav!”

 

Running forward, Khushi threw herself into Arnav’s arms. Her time in London was done, she’d done everything she’d wanted to do, and now she was back for good. She was ready to finally settle down in Delhi and move forward with her relationship with Arnav.

 

“Hey, I missed you.”

“I missed you too Arnav.”

 

They remained in their embrace for a long moment, taking in the feel of each other, basking in the warmth of each other. Finally breaking apart, Arnav took hold of Khushi’s suitcase and they began making their way down towards his car.

 

“How was your flight?”

“Just felt super long and very tiring.”

“Were you able to sort everything that you wanted to deal with?”

“Yes, I’ve done everything I wanted to do.”

“So are you here for good now?”

“I think so.”

“I can’t believe your parents accepted.”

“I know! I didn’t think they would agree so easily, I was so worried they’d talk to me about Rohan, but it was as though dad was waiting for me to tell him about you.”

 

They’d reached the car and Arnav filled the back with Khushi’s luggage as she got and sat down at the front. Turning in her seat, she looked at the back seat and recalled the time her and Arnav got intimate back there. Arnav slid into his seat and grinned as he realised what Khushi was thinking.

Leaning over, Arnav gently turned Khushi’s face towards his and pressed his lips between hers. Khushi’s arms wound around his neck as she moved closer to him, letting her lips move against his in an intimate dance for dominance. Placing his hands on either side of her neck, Arnav lightly bit down on Khushi’s lip, making her part her lips, allowing his tongue to trace her bottom lip. His hands dropped down to her breasts and at that point Khushi snapped out of it and pulled away.

Arnav’s eyes slowly opened, a look of confusion crossing his face.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… I just don’t want to do this here.”

“Backseat?”

 

Laughing, Khushi ran her finger over his face and moved into him before whispering seductively.

 

“How about we take it back to your apartment, the one that’s mine until further notice?”

 

Smirking, Arnav pulled away and put the car into gear and they were off.

The sexual tension between the two and the anticipation of what was to come was as tangible as anything else, yet they controlled themselves, waiting to finally get to the apartment.

 

“So what else has been happening here?”

“Nothing much. Everyone’s been busy trying to put plans together for Akash and Payal’s wedding.”

“Has anything been decided yet?”

“Not really but I think we’re close to finally deciding on an wedding date, but they’ll finalise it on the night of the engagement. Are your parents going to come for the wedding?”

“I think they will. Papa isn’t too sure about how he feels about coming back, he hasn’t set foot in India in years.”

“Well I hope your parents come, I really want to meet them. Especially your dad.”

“I’m sure he wants to meet you too. Now more than ever.”

 

Taking hold of Khushi’s hand, Arnav placed it on his lap.

 

“You know, I feel so at peace being back with you. I feel like I can let my heart and my mind rest.”

“I’m sorry I asked you to leave like that. I understand it would’ve been confusing for you.”

“It was, but I understand that you needed time to process.”

“Thank you, for being so understanding. Not just now, but right from the beginning. You’ve always respected what I want and put my feelings above yours.”

 

Squeezing her hand, Arnav reassured her that it was all okay. They carried on driving and soon enough they reached their destination. Getting out of the car, Arnav moved to the back to take Khushi’s things out.

Taking a set of keys out of his pocket, Arnav handed them to Khushi, telling her which floor they needed and which apartment number. Khushi led the way while Arnav followed her with her luggage.

Taking the lift, Khushi took them up to the correct floor. They waited in silence, for both were just waiting for the lift to ping so they could get out and find the apartment as quickly as they could.

When finally the lift did reach the floor they needed, they got out and Arnav pointed out which way they should go to find the apartment.

Once at the door, Khushi unlocked the door and stepped in, putting her bag down. Arnav walked in behind her and put down her luggage, shutting the door behind him. Even before he could turn back, Khushi was on him, pushing him back against the door as her lips crashed onto his. Her hands were fumbling with his buttons before he even had the moment to start kissing her back. His hands dropped to her waist as Arnav melted into the kiss, following the rhythm that she had set. Khushi pushed his shirt off his body just as Arnav had started unzipping Khushi’s dress. He went slow, pulling the zip down slowly as he slowed down the pace of the kiss also. He pulled at the zip, and Khushi felt the cold bit of metal move down her back until it finally rested at the base of her spine. Pushing the dress of her shoulders, it fell away, pooling around Khushi’s feet.

Arnav broke the kiss at this point and looked at her.

 

“You’re so god damn beautiful.”

 

Lifting her off her feet, Arnav made his way over to the bedroom, turning the light on before putting her down onto the bed. Coming over her, Arnav settled between her legs, his face falling to her neck so he could place kisses there. Khushi’s fingers bunched into his hair, pulling his face closer to her. His stubble brushed against her skin and Khushi giggled.

 

“Do you find my love making funny?”

“Were not love making though.”

“Am I not expressing my love for you in a physical manner?”

“You are…”

“Then this is also classed as love making.”

“Acha baba. We are love making. And no I’m not laughing at your love making skills, your stubble is tickling me.”

“I can shave it all off if you don’t like it.”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi sat up in the bed and cupped his face.

 

“Don’t you dare!”

“What?”

“Don’t you dare shave off your stubble. I love you like this.”

 

Moving in again, Khushi placed small kisses along Arnav’s jaw before taking his lips between hers again. Trying to push her back down onto the bed, Khushi resisted, just holding him more tightly and kissing him faster. His hands slipped down her back and rested on the clasp of her bra. But she broke away, stopping him.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

Grabbing a blanket that was sat at the edge of the bed, Khushi clutched it to her chest and draped it over her exposed body.

 

“I… There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Sure.”

“I… Woh…”

 

Taking her hand, Arnav nodded her to continue.

 

“I… I don’t want us to make love again.”

 

Arnav looked up, his hand still on hers, his eyes expressing the confusion that had hit him.

 

“It’s not that I don’t want to do it with you, I do. But I’ve always been brought up to believe that sex outside of marriage is wrong. And I know we’ve already done it and that it was I who instigated it that night, but I don’t want us to do it again.”

 

Her point made sense and he understood how she felt. He placed her other hand on hers as well.

 

“Don’t worry, I completely understand. My family are the same. Nani and Di would kill me if they knew that I’d had sex outside of marriage. Especially Di. She follows every ritual and tradition down to the T. It’s okay, I understand.”

 

Placing a kiss on his hand, Khushi moved in to hug him.

 

“Thank you so much for understanding. Growing up in London, my parents always told me to go and find myself. But they always said not to fool around with men. And I’m serious about you Arnav, I really am, but I still can’t ignore what my parents have told me. It was literally the only rule they ever gave me. I know, I’ve gone against them once but…”

“Really Khushi, I understand and I get where you’re coming from. I have no objections and I respect your wishes.”

 

Getting off the bed, Arnav left the room, but returned moments later with the dress that she had been wearing earlier and her suitcases.

 

“You freshen up and get dressed, I’ll make some food for you.”

“You don’t need to.”

“I know, but I want to.”

 

Once again Arnav got off the bed and left the room. Khushi remained sitting in the middle of the bed, clutching the sheets around her, smiling at how understanding he was.

 

*****

 

Dinner eaten, Arnav was ready to leave.

 

“If you need anything at all, just call me and I’ll come over straight away. If you don’t, then I’ll just see you tomorrow.”

 

Leaning in on her tip toes, Khushi kissed Arnav lightly before pulling away.

 

“Thank you so much Arnav. I’ll definitely call you if I need anything but you’ve explained everything so I think I’ll be okay.”

“Make sure you lock the door and all the windows before you go to sleep.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

 

Arnav turned to leave, but then he remembered something.

 

“Khushi, I want you to meet my Di.”

“Di?”

“Yes. You’ve never officially met her as my business partner and now that you’re more, I want you to meet the woman who was the most important person in my life before you came along. Don’t get me wrong, Di still is the most important woman in my life, but you are too.”

“Have you told Di about us?”

“No I haven’t. But I want to.”

“Okay! Then I’d love to meet her!”

 

Pulling Khushi into a hug, he hugged her tightly. He thanked her and pressed a kiss onto her neck.

 

“So I’m going to go home and tell Di! I’ll call you later letting you know what she said and we’ll see when she is available to meet you.”

“I can’t wait!”

 

Saying their goodbye Arnav finally took his leave. He didn’t want to leave her, he wanted to stay with her, always. But she didn’t want that right now and he didn’t want to move fast. Their relationship was new and he didn’t want to do anything to ruin that. It may be too early to say, but Arnav knew that he wanted a future with Khushi, that he wanted her in his life forever, but he didn’t want to tell her all this and overwhelm her. Khushi was moving at her own pace in this relationship, and he was certain that she too would soon catch up with his love.

 

*****

 

“Come in.”

 

Pushing the door open slightly, Arnav stepped into his Di’s bedroom and shut the door behind him. He felt nervous, but he wasn’t going to back down, he needed to tell his Di. Khushi made him the happiest he’d been in the longest amount of time, and he needed to share his happiness with his Di.

 

“Chote? You at this time? Is everything okay?”

 

He looked around and saw that his jijaji was sat in the room too, working away. He didn’t want the whole family to know just yet, but there was no point trying to hide this from jijaji, Di would just tell him anyway.

“I need to tell you something.”

Getting to her feet, Anjali started feeling a bit nervous. She could tell that Arnav was feeling worried about whatever he wanted to tell her and this instantly started making her think about the worst things.

 

“Chote, is everything okay? Are you okay?”

 

Taking her hand, he say his sister back down on her bed and perched on the edge beside her. Anjali couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. It was evident in the way that Arnav was acting that whatever it was that he wanted to say was a big deal to him.

 

“Everything is fine, I just wanted to tell you something.”

“Tell me.”

 

Taking a deep breath, Arnav began.

 

“Di… I’m… I… I have a girlfriend.”

 

Anjali let out a sigh of relief, but then shock took over, this wasn’t something she had been expecting at all.

 

“What? Who?”

“Khushi…”

 

At this point Shyam looked up too.

 

“Khushi as in your business partner.”

“Yes jijaji.”

 

Shyam got to his feet, walked over to Arnav and pat him on the back.

 

“Good going Saale Saab! You picked a smart girl! I was always worried you would end up with one of those models that worked for you. Here you’ve picked a girl actually worthy of you.”

“Thanks Jiju.”

“But Chote, how?”

“I’ve had feelings for her a long time Di. But she wanted to keep a distance between us because of the business relationship. But things happened when we went to London and we couldn’t deny our feelings any longer.”

“Is that why you came back early?”

“Haan Di. She wanted some space to think things through and she needed to talk to her parents.”

 

Placing her hand on top of her brothers, Anjali smiled.

 

“I’m guessing she’s serious about you if she’s already told her parents about you, but the real question is are you serious about her?”

“Very serious. You know me Di and you know I’ve never really had anyone in my life before. No other woman has captivated me the way she has. I think she’s the one Di, the one I want to spend my whole life with.”

“Then you have my blessing Chote.”

“Thank you Di! I didn’t want to hide this from you, that’s why I am telling you. But please, Di and jijaji, please don’t tell anyone else. It’s still early stages and we want to take things slowly.”

“Your secret is safe with us Saale Saab. Don’t worry, we won’t say anything until you are ready.”

 

Nodding at his brother in law, Arnav appreciated what they were saying to him. The way they were accepting his relationship and accepting his wishes to remain quiet about it for now.

 

“Di, I want you to meet her. You’ve never met her as my business partner, but I want you to meet her now as my potential life partner.”

“I would love to meet her! Find out when she is free and I will take her out for lunch one day.”

 

The three of them continued talking for a while, Anjali and Shyam teasing Arnav about his new relationship.

 

“Wait! She’s Payal’s cousin. And Payal is marrying Akash. Just imagine, if one day you and Khushi also get married, it’ll be so much fun!”

“Maybe. But marriage is a long time away. We still want to get to know each other better.”

“I understand Chote. Any way, it’s getting late, you should go to bed.”

 

Getting to his feet, Arnav said goodnight to his sister and his brother in law and left their room with a smile on his face. Things were on the way up and nothing could come in the way as they moved further up. He wouldn’t allow anything to come in the way of their happiness.

 

*****

 

Sitting on the bed, Khushi brushed her fingers over her lips, reminiscing the passionate kisses that they had shared not too long ago. This was happening, this was really happening! They were going to try and make their relationship work. Laying back in bed, Khushi remembered all the passionate moments that she and Arnav had shared in the short time that they had admitted their feelings for each other. Pulling a pillow close to her chest, Khushi smiled at what was happening. Her life was changing, coming together in a way she never thought was possible. She was becoming complete.

Arnav too lay on her his bed, looking up at the ceiling, smiling to himself. He felt content, complete… His life felt more colourfully than it had ever done before. Life was perfect.

Unwanted ~ Part 21

Khushi

I looked at my watch, it was still only 2pm. Yawning, I stretched and then picked up the file on my left and opened it up.

Reading through the first couple of lines, I realised it was another business proposal. Closing it again, I put it back on the pile with all the other files that I couldn’t be bothered to work through right now. I know it’s my job but it was tedious as hell.

 

“Khushi, can you hand me the Singhania file. Boss asked for it.”

 

I handed Jai the file he was asking for, along with the notepad with all my notes.
When I had initially taken the job of a PA, I hadn’t realised how much reading and annotating I would actually have to do. I had assumed that I would run around after my boss, making him tea whenever he wanted it and scheduling his appointments. But here, I did more work than boss himself. As well as giving him his food and coffee and scheduling his appointments, I also had to read through all files before they reached him, make any notes and make sure that it was all correct. Basically, I did all the hard work of checking if the proposals were worth his time or not.

It was long and tiring. But one had to work. Especially when one has a little girl to look after as well. After all, as her mother, it’s my responsibility before anyone else’s to make sure that she has everything she needs. My baby was the reason why I dragged myself to work every morning. If I didn’t have her then I probably wouldn’t be working. Making sure she had everything she wanted was my priority and so I would continue doing this job even though I didn’t like it.

Sure our family members cared for her and gave her anything she wanted, but I was still her mother, her mama. I needed to make sure that I had enough money to fulfil any of her little needs at any given time. And seeing as her father…

I pushed that thought away, I didn’t need to think about that right now. But my eyes fell on the two pictures on my desk. The first was of me and Arnav on our honeymoon. A happier time of life. A time of life I deeply missed no matter how much time passed. I wish life could be how it was back then, but too much had happened and too much had changed, we couldn’t go back to being the couple we were on honeymoon all those years ago.

Even though this picture was on my desk, I made sure no one ever saw it. I didn’t need people to start asking me questions about my relationship with Arnav Singh Raizada. It would affect my work life and I didn’t need that. I was doing this job so I had enough money for my daughter, I didn’t need people treating me different because I was Arnav’s wife.
The second picture was of my baby. This is a picture I update all the time, making sure I have the most recent one. The current picture in the frame was one from only a few weeks ago. She looked a lot like me when I was younger, but she had her dad’s temperament and attitude. She was a lot like him. And I kinda liked that.

 

*****

 

I looked at my watch, 5pm. Almost time to go home. Finally! I finished up with the file that I was working on, and then grabbed the next and quickly started working through it.

As I was finishing up with the file, Jai came over once more.

 

“I swear Jai, if you hand me another file that needs proofing, I’m going to kill you today.”

“No no, boss asked you to go up to his cabin.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

 

I let out a loud sigh and put my file down and made my way up the stairs to Raj’s cabin. Knocking on the door, I waited for him to let me in.

 

“Come in.”

 

Pushing the door open, I walked inside.

 

“Take a seat.”

 

I sat down opposite Raj, my boss and my friend.

 

“You okay?”

“I’m fine, did you need something?”

 

Tapping his fingers on the desk, he reached out to open a drawer in his desk, took out an envelope and handed it to me.

 

“What’s this?”

“Khushi…”

“Are you firing me? What the hell? I know I’m not the best PA but Raj, you know I need this job, you more than anyone else knows. I get everything done and I do it by when you want me to get it done. I…”

“Khushi calm down. I’m not firing you.”

 

I looked at the envelope in my hand. What was it? Opening it slowly, I saw that inside was only a small slip of paper. Taking it out I saw that it was a cheque.

 

“What’s this? It isn’t pay day yet?”

 

Looking at the slip, I saw that the cheque was made out to me for 50,000 rupees. Which by the way was far more than what I had ever received in the form of a bonus.

 

“Raj? What the hell?”

“Just take it.”

“I can’t.”

“You can.”

“Raj I can’t, this is a lot of money and I haven’t even done anything to earn it.”

“Look, we’ll talk about it later. Please just take it now. You’ve been working for me for years and I’ve hardly ever given you a decent bonus, so…”

 

Putting the cheque back into the envelope, I thanked him before taking my leave. Raj knew I needed this money and I did really need it. But I couldn’t just accept it like this. Especially knowing that this was way way more than my wage. Should I accept the money? Should I not? I needed to think about it properly.

 

*****

 

Finally the day came to a close and it was time for me to go home. My day was no longer than any other working day, however, I felt exhausted, completely drained. I just wanted to get home and get into bed, but that wouldn’t be possible, not when I have a 5 year old at home waiting for me. I needed to go home, feed her, do her homework with her and then get her off to bed.

Gathering my things together and putting my envelope with the cash into my bag, I made sure my computer was off and left the office.

Once outside, I made my way into the car park to find my car. It was only a little car, but I loved it regardless. I love the sense of freedom that I have, knowing that I can just get into my car and go somewhere when I want, at whatever time.

Getting into the car, I put my bag down in the seat beside me and then set off for the grocery store.

 

*****

 

“Mama!”

 

I’d just shut the door behind me when my little girl came flying into my arms.

 

“Hey baby! Did you miss me?”

“I miss you lots and lots and lots and LOTS mama! Why you take so long?”

“Mama had work. But look what I have for you. Quickly close your eyes!”

 

She took a step back, looking at me with her big eyes and then closed them, waiting for me to give her whatever it was that I had for her. I dipped my hand into my bag and pulled out the giant lollypop and placed it in her little hands.

 

“You can open your eyes now.”

 

I watched as she opened one eye first and then the other. She looked at the big lollypop in her hands and squealed with joy.

 

“Thank you mama! But am I allowed this one?”

“Of course you can have it. Just make sure you don’t eat all of it at once, otherwise you’ll get bugs in your teeth!”

“I promise! I’m going to go and show papa!”

 

I watched as she ran away and made her way up to her papa’s office. Laughing, I walked up the stairs myself. I needed to go and freshen up. As I walked past his office, I could hear them talk about the lollypop.

 

“Papa papa look! Mama got me a big lollypop!”

“Wow! It’s bigger than you! Will you share with me?

“No way! It’s mine!”

“Pleaseeee?”

“No no no no no no no!”

“Well then if I catch you, you have to give it all to me!”

 

I heard her squeal before I saw her run out of the room and towards me.

 

“Mama! Hide me!”

 

She rushed behind me and grabbed hold of my kameez. He ran out of the office after her, laughing as he grabbed hold of her little arm and pulled her back towards himself.

 

“My sweetheart can never hide from me! Nor can you run away from me, I’m much, much faster than you.”

 

Lifting her into the air, she wrapped her little arms around his neck and gave him a big bear hug.

 

“I love you papa! I promise I’ll share with you.”

“I love you too beta.”

 

I watched as he pressed a kiss onto her cheek and then she did the same. Still carry her, he smiled at me before turning around and making his way back to his office. Before he went inside, he turned around.

 

“Khushi, what we discussed in the office, really, I insist, just keep it. If not for yourself, for my Arushi.”

 

He went inside, and I made my way to my bedroom. It didn’t feel right keeping the money, but I guess he had a point. I should keep it, not for myself but the for the sake of his Arushi… Our Arushi.

Jalebi ~ Part 15

 

Arnav’s jet landed in Delhi and he was ready to get off and get home as soon as he could. The last couple of days had been so strange, so unexpected, yet had been so good. Taking his phone out of his pocket, Arnav realised he had no calls or texts from Khushi. Feeling slightly disheartened, Arnav put his phone away, made sure he had his luggage and got into the car that was waiting for him.

 

*****

 

“Arre Chote? What are you doing back?”

“I called my trip short Di. Something important came up.”

 

Anjali looked at her brother. He looked tired and she could tell he was slightly distracted. But she knew that if she pressed the matter, she wouldn’t get a response, he’d never tell her what was really on his mind. Not unless he was ready to tell her and it was evident that he wasn’t.

 

“You go and freshen up, I’ll get some food ready for you.”

“There’s no need Di, I ate on the way here, I’m not hungry.”

“Chote…”

“Please Di, I just want to be left alone.”

 

Leaving his Di hanging, Arnav went off to his room, slamming the door behind him. He didn’t know why he was feeling so angry. When he’d left Khushi, he had felt fine, but on the way here… The more he thought about what had happened, the more he realised he shouldn’t have left. Was she running away from him? Was she trying to run away from what had happened between them? What was going through her head?

He knew that he shouldn’t be reacting like this, not until she actually said something. And he definitely shouldn’t have reacted with Di, but he didn’t know what was going on in Khushi’s head. They had parted on a good note, things had seemed to be going the right way, then why in his heart did something feel wrong?

Picking up his phone, Arnav dialled Khushi’s number, only to find her phone was unreachable.

 

“Dammit!”

 

Throwing his phone aside, Arnav went into the bathroom to freshen up. Maybe a bath would help him to clear his mind.

 

*****

 

Sitting on the edge of the grand bed, Khushi touched the sheets and smiled. Memories of her passionate night with Arnav came back to her. She remembered the way he had touched her, the way he’d kissed her skin, the way his rough hands felt against her sensitive skin. She recalled the way it had felt to have him within her, the way he made her feel so… So complete… He’d made her feel so much and she couldn’t help but want more.

But she knew what she needed to do before she further committed herself to this relationship with Arnav, she needed to talk to her parents…

 

*****

 

“Bhai? You’re back already?”

 

Walking into the in house bar, Akash took a seat next to Arnav, who had a glass of vodka in his hand.

 

“What’s up bhai?”

“What makes you think that something is up.”

“You’re sat in the dark, drinking vodka on your own when you’re meant to be away on a trip in London.”

“Plans change.”

 

Taking the glass out of Arnav’s hand, Akash set it aside, and placed his hand on his brothers shoulder.

 

“Tell me, what happened?”

“I slept with her.”

“With who?”

“With Khushi obviously!”

 

Eyes wide, Akash took in what Arnav was saying. He’d slept with Khushi? His business partner? The woman whose business they were trying to steal?

 

“What the hell? How?”

“You realised it a long time ago that I was interested in her. And I was interested in her. Well turns out she was interested in me too.”

“So what’s the issue? If you both are interested in each other and if you spent the night together, why are you here? Surely you should be with her, making the most of the time alone.”

“She told me to come home Akash. She said she needed time to think about things but she said things between us would be okay. But look, it’s been so long and she hasn’t even sent me a text to ask if I got back okay. It’s been radio silence from her the moment I left.”

 

Taking in what Arnav was saying, Akash felt alarm bells go off in his head. Arnav and Khushi… They were interested in each other. His brother was hung up over the fact that she hadn’t called him in a couple of hours. This was going to complicate things.

 

“Bhai, do you think… Do you think you’re in love with her?”

 

Arnav looked up, his eyes sad.

 

“I know I’m in love with her.”

“But how is that going to work with the business and…”

“We’re both adults, we can keep our personal and private lives separate.”

“But bhai, we wanted to take her business.”

“Akash, I told you ages ago, we can’t. I don’t want to. I never wanted to. And now I definitely don’t want to. Please Akash. Drop this. God has given us so much, we can’t take her business away from her.”

 

It was evident that Arnav was completely taken by this girl. He wasn’t going to let Akash succeed in his plans and Akash knew that he needed to change his game.

 

“Okay, fine, we won’t try to steal her business. But I can still tell you’re feeling uneasy about something.”

“I think I just need some sleep.”

 

With that, Arnav got to his feet, bid Akash goodnight and made his way back to his bedroom. He felt slightly at ease knowing that Akash wasn’t going to do anything underhand regarding Khushi’s business, but Arnav still felt tense. He didn’t know why, but he knew something wasn’t right. Or maybe it was his heart was telling him that something bad was coming? Either way, he knew that he needed to remain vigilant. Nothing could go wrong. He wouldn’t allow it.

 

*****

 

A few days had passed and Khushi was still in London. She and Arnav had spoken on the phone a couple of times and they had texted numerous times. She kept reassuring Arnav that she didn’t regret what happened between them and that she loved him, but Arnav still felt uneasy. It didn’t make sense, but he knew something was off. But what?

 

*****

 

“Papa! I’m home!”

 

Walking into the living room, Khushi announced her entry with her arms wide open.

She’d already greeted her mother at the door and was now looking for her dad.

 

“Arre here comes my little princess.”

 

Karan Kumar Gupta opened his arms and embraced his daughter.

 

“What took you so long? You should’ve come to see your old dad as soon as you got back to England.”

“I know dad, I wanted to, but I had meetings and I needed to go to the office and there was so much work that needed sorting. I’ve barely had time to eat.”

“Lalita, are you hearing this. Our girl has been so busy she hasn’t even been eating properly.”

 

Laughing, Khushi’s mother came and sat down next to her.

 

“It’s a good thing I cooked all of Khushi’s favourite dishes then. I’ll go and get them ready right now.”

“I’ll come with you Ma.”

“No beta, you sit and talk with your dad.”

 

Leaving father and daughter to catch up, Lalita went into the kitchen to prepare the food. She could sense that her daughter needed to talk to her father about something. Call it a mother’s intuition, but she could tell. She didn’t want to disturb them.

Watching her mother leave, Khushi turned to her father, her hands knotted in her lap. She needed to tell her dad about Arnav but she didn’t know how he’d take it. What if he reacted badly and said that she needed to end it with Arnav?

 

“Woh, papa, I need to talk to you about something.”

 

Karan looked at his daughter and he could feel the tension emitting from her body.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“Papa… You know…”

 

Placing an arm around his daughter, Karan reassured Khushi that she had nothing to worry about. Taking a deep breath, Khushi began speaking.

 

“You know how you have always said that me and Rohan would one day get married, what if one of us doesn’t want to marry the other?”

 

Looking up at her father, Khushi saw that the question threw him off guard. He wasn’t expecting Khushi to ever say something like this and she knew that. She and Rohan had been brought up to believe that they were only going to marry each other, there was no other option.

 

“Has something happened between you and Rohan?

“No…”

“Has he said or done something to hurt you?”

“No papa…”

“Then why are you asking this question beta?”

“I just… I’m curious.”

“There’s a lot riding on you marrying Rohan, for both families. Promises were made many, many years ago…”

“But what if…”

“What if kya?”

“What if one of us falls in love with someone else.”

 

Karan got to his feet, leaving Khushi on the couch. Khushi realised that this wasn’t going to go well. She should have known. All her life she was told about Rohan, yet here she was, trying to tell her dad she was in love with another man.

 

“Who is it?”

“Who is what?”

“Who is the one that you’re in love with.”

 

Shock took over Khushi’s body. How did her dad know it was her that was in love with someone else? But then she remembered. Her dad always knew.

 

“Arnav Singh Raizada.”

“Your business partner?”

“Jee papa.”

“How long?”

“I… I’ve had feelings for him for a long time, but I’ve never acted on my feelings, not until we came here earlier this week.”

 

Turning back to face his daughter, Karan smiled his widest smile and came back and sat next to his daughter.

 

“Does he feel the same way about you?”

 

Looking away, Khushi blushed as she remembered her passionate night with Arnav. The way he’d caressed her body, the way he’d whispered how much he loved her.

 

“Jee papa.”

“Lalita! Come here quick!”

 

Running back into the living room, Khushi’s mother looked panicked. She looked at her daughter who looked as pale as a ghost and then at her husband who was beaming like a 100 watt bulb.

 

“What happened?”

“Our baby has fallen in love.”

 

Looking at her daughter, Lalita’s eyes widened.

 

“What?”

“You know Arnav, her business partner. She’s in love with him and he’s in love with her! Didn’t I tell you? Didn’t I tell you when we saw the merger party pictures that there was something between them! I told you!”

 

Hearing this, Khushi looked up.

 

“Wait? You knew…”

“We saw pictures of you two. The way you were looking at each other, it was undeniable there was something between the two of you. There have been rumours for months.”

“But papa, don’t you have any issues?”

“Why would I? You have fallen in love with a very capable man, one who I am sure loves you dearly otherwise you’d never risk your business.”

“Am I making the right decision?”

“What is your heart saying Khushi?”

“My heart wants this…”

 

Blushing, Khushi realised she couldn’t say any more, not to her parents any way. But they knew what she was trying to say and she watched as they embraced each other.

 

“But mama, papa, what about Rohan’s family.”

“You don’t worry about them, I will talk to them, I will sort it all, don’t worry.”

“But the promises…”

“Rohan’s parents are good people, they will understand. You can’t help who you fall in love with, they will understand.”

 

Feeling a whole lot of weight get off her shoulders, Khushi finally smiled. A real smile. One that showed she was at peace. They ended this conversation here and they all went to the dining room to have their dinner.

During dinner, Khushi felt her phone vibrate, signifying that she had a call and she couldn’t help but feel a blush come on. It was definitely Arnav. Her dad realised this and told Khushi to go into the kitchen and take the call.

Answering the phone, Khushi walked into the kitchen, her cheeks still bright red.

 

“Hello?”

“Khushi?”

“Arnav… Hi. I was going to call you as soon as I got back to the hotel.”

“Are you okay?”

 

Looking around, Khushi made sure that her parents weren’t around, or that they wouldn’t be able to hear her.

 

“Woh, I told my parents about us today.”

 

This caught Arnav off guard. He didn’t realise that Khushi was going to tell her parents about them just yet. He felt himself start to sweat slightly. He was aware of Khushi and Rohan’s relationship, knew that her family wanted her to marry Rohan. What if they said they couldn’t accept her relationship with Arnav? What would he do? He’d only just got her, he couldn’t lose her.

 

“What did they say?”

“They accept our relationship Arnav!”

“What?”

“Haan! Papa said that he had a feeling about us all along and he couldn’t be happier that I found someone like you!”

“You are speaking the truth aren’t you Khushi?”

“Really Arnav! I am!”

“Oh my god. Oh my… I love you Khushi! I can’t believe…”

“I’m coming back to India tomorrow. Arnav… Will you come and collect me from the airport?”

 

Arnav couldn’t believe it. She was coming back! She was coming back to him! Tomorrow! Her parents approved! Arnav let out a breath that he didn’t even realise that he was holding and ran his hand through his hair.

 

“I can’t believe we can finally be together. A proper couple.”

“I can’t either. I love you so much Arnav. Tomorrow can’t come sooner.”

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…

Fifty Shades Of Raiada ~ Part 20 ~ Last Part

The day of Arnav and Khushi’s sangeet had finally arrived. Arnav, who up until very recently didn’t believe in marriage at all, didn’t really want to have to go through with all the rituals, and even if he did have to go through with them, he didn’t want to have to do it in the presence of a large audience. But being Arnav Singh Raizada, it meant that whether he liked it or not, his marriage would be a big deal.

So to Arnav’s dismay, every function so far had been a very big and public affair. But he could tell that Khushi was enjoying it. She didn’t generally like all the attention that was on her, but she loved all the functions and for her sake, he was trying his best to enjoy them too.

Today was the sangeet, and this was by far the ceremony he was looking forward to least. For the past week, the Raizada’s and Gupta’s had been getting together to practise for the sangeet. Now this was something he didn’t understand. They wanted each performance to seem spontaneous and unplanned, yet they were planned down to the t. To his displeasure, Arnav was made aware that he would have to partake in the performances. But even though quite a few people had been invited to the sangeet, compared to the other ceremonies, it was relatively small, so he was glad that there wouldn’t be much of an audience.

 

*****

 

Sat right in front of the area that had been marked off as the performance area, Arnav sat with his hand clasped in Khushi’s.

As the evening went on, their family members all did little performances for them. Arnav found some to be slightly cringy, however on the whole their families and friends had made a grand effort for them and he appreciated that. He especially liked Lavanya and NKs perform to Desi Girl. He’d enjoyed because he loved how fitting the song actually was to his and Khushi’s relationship. She was his Desi Girl and she had rocked his world in more ways than one.

Soon enough, it was time for the performance he had been dreading. It was a dance off between the boys and the girls. On the boys team, it was himself, Akash, Shyam and NK, while on the girls team, they had Khushi, Anjali, Payal and Lavanya.

As they all took their places, the music started up.

 

This was a number that Khushi found from somewhere, and was adamant that they did the dance off to this song. He couldn’t help but see why she had chosen the song. She had taken a risk by choosing to come back to him and due to that she knew she’d always be his queen.

The girls danced around their respective partners, while the boys tried to carry out their dance moves. It was evident that the girls were now improvising and it was throwing the boys off, making them forget what they were meant to be doing. It didn’t take long for the boys to completely forget and for the girls to win.

 

“We won! We won!”

 

The girls rejoiced while the boys sulked. Everyone took their seats once more while Anjali took to the microphone.

 

“Now we have a special performance from the bride for her groom.”

 

Arnav looked up at this point. He hadn’t been aware that Khushi was going to do her own piece. The lights dimmed down and a spot light came on, focusing on Khushi.

 

 

“Bole churiya… Bole kangana…”

 

Arnav felt a smile spread across his lips. He couldn’t help it. Something about her performing this song for him did something inside him. He was well aware of the lyrics, well aware of what they meant and he realised what she was trying to show him.

As Khushi danced, everyone watched her in awe before other girls and danced behind her. Khushi danced around Arnav, clicking her bangles together, coming as close to him as she could without it seeming inappropriate.

Arnav knew when the male part of the song was coming, and so braced himself. He was going to do this for his Khushi.

When the male parts came, Arnav gave his best performance shocking everyone. But once he got into the performance, he too began to enjoy it. Then Khushi’s lines came back again and he took in all the words she was performing it.

 

“Hai hai main marjawa marjawa tere bin… ab tho meri raath kat thi thaare gin gin…”

“Aake mere dunya mein vaapas na jaana…”

 

It was obvious why she had picked this song. It was obvious what she was trying to tell him. And he understood every word of what the song was saying.

The Raizada’s and the Gupta’s also joined in and everyone danced together with and around Arnav and Khushi.

It was a happy night that came to a happy closing.

 

*****

 

As seasons changed and time went on, a year passed since Arnav and Khushi had gotten married.

Things had been going very well. For a while, Khushi had been worried that what she could give Arnav wouldn’t be enough, that he would start missing his old way of life. But it seemed that he really had turned over a new leaf for her. There had been no mention of the playroom since they had gotten married, he hadn’t even hinted at it. It seemed as they were well and truly past that phase of their life.

One evening, Arnav had been working out of town and had told Khushi that due to bad weather, he would stay at his penthouse apartment. Khushi decided that she too would join him, after all there was nothing else for her to do. So despite the bad weather, she made her way to the penthouse apartment.

Once arriving at the penthouse, she checked their bedroom to see if he was in there, he wasn’t. Walking through the apartment, Arnav wasn’t anywhere to be found, so she started making her way up the stairs. Maybe he was in the upstairs office.

The room which had for 5 months been her bedroom, was now Arnav’s extra office space.

As she reached the top of the stairs, she saw a woman leaving the playroom. Stopping dead in her tracks, Khushi glared at the woman, who looked startled to see Khushi there.

 

“What the hell? Who are you?”

 

Feeling her blood running cold, Khushi started feeling light headed. What was another woman doing in their home? What was another woman doing coming out of the playroom? Surely Arnav didn’t… He wouldn’t?! Would he?

Before Khushi could think any more, Arnav too walked out of the playroom. Seeing Khushi stood there, he stopped.

 

“Khushi… Woh… Ishaani, thanks for your assistance, I’ll be in touch with you very soon.”

 

The woman nodded and walked past Khushi, giving her a small smile as she left.

 

“Arnav…”

 

She stopped, making sure that the other woman was gone. When she heard the doors of the elevator clang shut, she let it all out.

 

“WHAT THE HELL ARNAV? What the hell is going on here?”

“I swear it’s not what you’re thinking.”

“Arnav have you been… I refuse to believe that you have but… Have you been using the playroom with other women? HOW COULD YOU?”

 

Arnav walked towards Khushi, his hand outstretched. Khushi moved back, stepping away from him. She couldn’t believe this. Had he really not changed? Had he just found someone else to… UGH.

 

“Khushi, listen to me.”

 

Shaking her head angrily, Khushi could feel the tears prickling her eyes. Arnav realised that Khushi wasn’t going to hear him out, so he took her by the wrist and led her over to the playroom. Khushi struggled against his hold, wanting to pull away, but Arnav was much stronger than she would ever.

Pushing the door open of the playroom, he pulled Khushi inside. Once inside, Khushi’s eyes widened as she looked around the room. It was completely empty and had been painted. The old dark walls were gone, and the room was now a plain white.

 

“What…”

“If you heard me out I would have explained myself. I got rid of all the equipment that was in here a while back, and I want us to move into the penthouse. For this to be our permanent home. But before we could do that I needed to change some things around.”

“That woman…”

“She’s an interior decorator! I wanted her to check out all the bedrooms upstairs, so that she could look at the sizes. Then she would be able to give us a good indication as to which room we should use for what purpose.”

“I don’t…”

“When I’ve been coming here, it’s because I’ve been trying to get the planning of the renovations sorted. I’ve decided that I don’t want our bedroom to be downstairs any more, I want our bedroom to be upstairs and to turn our current bedroom into either a gym or a study. Ishaani is helping me to decide which of these rooms would be suitable for our bedroom, etc etc.”

 

Finally understanding what was going on, Khushi let out the breath that she was holding and rushed into Arnav’s arms.

 

“I’m so sorry! I assumed… God I… I’m so sorry Arnav, please forgive me. I’m such a horrid wife. I thought you were… Oh god, I can’t believe I actually thought…”

“No I’m sorry, I should’ve just told you what I’ve been doing here. I just wanted to surprise you…”

“I’m so sorry…”

 

Cupping Khushi’s face, Arnav placed a light kiss on her lips before pulling away again.

 

“When I got you back into my life, I said that I would never do anything that you didn’t like. You wanted me to change the way I lived my life and for you I did. We both know that wasn’t an easy transition, but I did it, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m content with the relationship we share and I would never, EVER, seek pleasure of any kind from another woman.”

“I know…”

“I belong to you. Only you Khushi and nothing is about to change that.”

“I love you so much Arnav. Again I’m so sorry…”

“It’s okay, I can understand. That was a big part of my life, I can understand what was going through your head. But now you see, this room doesn’t exist, this part of my life is gone. I don’t need it any more and I don’t miss it either.”

 

Looking around the room, she took in the emptiness again. He was right, that part of him was all gone. Now they had an empty room, a blank canvas, an opening to start a new chapter in their lives.

 

*****

 

Walking up the stairs, Khushi couldn’t believe that it was hers and Arnav’s third anniversary tomorrow! Time had flown by. It still felt as though they had only gotten married yesterday, but somehow three years had passed.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Khushi made her way down the long corridor and stopped in front of the last door at the end of the corridor. The door to the playroom.

Pushing the door open, Khushi couldn’t help but smile at the sight before her.

 

Arnav was laying on the floor with their little 10 month old Aarav by his side. They were both looking up at the ceiling, watching the projections of the stars moving from one side to another.

Little Aarav kicked his little legs and laughed as the colours of the stars changed, while Arnav just lay there, arms tucked behind his head, staring up at the stars.

The room which she had once loathed, the room which she had once been afraid of to an extent, was now her favourite room in their home.

When Arnav and Khushi had found out that they were expecting a baby, Arnav set to work right away, buying furniture for the nursery and toys. He brought so many toys for their baby that half of them didn’t fit in the nursery any more. It was then that they decided that they would give their baby a play room. A room where the baby would have all his or her toys. It just so happened that this was the only room that was still empty, that didn’t have a purpose for it. Arnav had said that he didn’t mind redecorating again, moving his office into here so the baby’s playroom wouldn’t be in this room, but Khushi no longer minded. That chapter of their lives was long over, it was a distant memory, it didn’t bother her anymore.

She couldn’t believe how far they had come in their relationship. There had once been a time when Arnav didn’t believe in marriage, when Arnav hadn’t even believed in love. When he didn’t believe in the idea of love making. Now he was a tender lover, someone who handled her with great care, who whispered words of love in her ears every time he came near her. Now he was the father of her baby, a baby who was conceived out of love and passion.

When Khushi found out that she was pregnant, she had been a little nervous about what Arnav would say and how he would react. They had talked about children, and they were planning a child in the near future, but Khushi hadn’t thought she would fall pregnant so soon after coming off her birth control. She got pregnant almost immediately after and had been worried Arnav would react badly because it was all happening so soon.

But he had been ecstatic, happier than she had been when she first realised she was pregnant. He went out that very day and spent hundreds and hundreds buying things for their baby.

From the moment Aarav had arrived in their lives, Arnav’s priorities switched completely. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with his baby. Work was forgotten about for an extended periods of time. At night, if Aarav started to cry whilst they were making love, Arnav would be out of bed faster than anything and he would be there to sooth his son. At times, it seemed as though Arnav forgot about her completely, and this wasn’t something she minded. It filled her heart to see her boys together.

Leaning against the doorframe, Khushi watched as Arnav tucked their son into his arms and placed a kiss on his forehead.

Of all the shades of Raizada that she had seen, this most definitely was her favourite.

 

*The End*