He’s Amazing ~ Part 92

Lavanya and NK’s wedding day approached fast. Khushi was constantly on her toes. It was either due to decorations or planning or shopping. Arnav too had been more than busy back at Raizada household. However, even with all the preparations, Arnav and Khushi still found an hour or so every day for themselves.

It was the morning of Lavanya’s haldi and everyone was so excited. All of her cousins had arrived. Everyone was doing last minute preparations or they were getting dressed.
Khushi and Lavanya on the other hand were still waiting for their outfits to arrive from the Raizada’s.

“Khushi why are they taking so long! The ceremony will be starting in a bit and we’re still not ready!”
“I don’t know. Arnav said he was coming with our outfits.”
“Can you tell Jiju to hurry up? We’re on a pretty tight schedule.”
“Don’t worry La, he’ll get here.”
Just then someone knocked on Lavanya and Khushi’s door.

“Come in.”

Arnav slowly opened the door and walked in.

“About time too! Me and Lavanya need to get ready!”
“Oh jeez, what a way to be welcomed by my wife. I haven’t seen you since yesterday morning and this is how you greet me? Where’s my kiss?”

Khushi looked at La and then back at Arnav.

“Erm, we have company you know.”
“So? La’s heard things she shouldn’t have done.”

Both Lavanya and Khushi blushed. Khushi hits Arnav lightly on his arm and places a light peck on his cheek.

“Is that all?
“Yes Mr Raizada. That’s all! Now off you go, me and La are already running late.”
“I’ll get you later!”

Arnav left the room and Lavanya rushed to open the box. She looked at her sari and smiled. It was a heavy cream sari with a light yellow velvet border.

“Oh wow it’s so pretty!”
“Khushi don’t act like you didn’t tell Jiju what kind of a sari I would want!”
“I actually didn’t say anything! I swear.”
“Really?”
“Yup. The Raizada’s actually have amazing taste in outfits you know. I bet Di chose this, its something she would pick out.”
“But don’t you think its a bit too heavy to be wearing for the haldi?”
“It is a bit heavy but its so pretty and it isn’t that heavy I guess, its just right.”
“Let’s see your outfit then!”

Khushi opened her own box and pulled out a long anarkali dress. It to was cream with a heavy yellow velvet border. The design on Khushi’s dress was very similar of that of Lavanya’s sari.

“Oh wow! This is so pretty!”
“They must have had our outfits specially ordered hence why the designers are so similar.”
“Well I’m glad that they’ve done this!”

*****

It was a little while later, Khushi and Lavanya were both ready. All the guests had arrived and Khushi was just waiting for someone to come and call her to take Lavanya downstairs. Just then Lavanya’s cousin comes along and tells Khushi that everyone is ready for them. She helps Lavanya up and they then leave the room.
Khushi took Lavanya downstairs and everyone smiled. Both sisters looked so pretty. Khushi helped La sit down on the little stool in the middle of the room and one by one all the guests came forward and applied Haldi on Lavanya.
Khushi walked over to where Anjali and the rest of the Raizada women were sitting.

“Khushi!”
“Di, my dress is beautiful I love it! Did you choose it?”
“I would love to say it was me, but like you this is the first time I’ve seen it. Chote got them designed according to his own taste for you and Lavanya.”
“Really?”
“Yes, and I must say my brother has done a smashing job.”
“He definitely has.”

The ceremony proceeded and everyone enjoyed themselves. Khushi kept on her toes tending to everyone and attending to everyones needs. She passed a glass of water to an elderly woman when her phone rang. Khushi looked it at. Unknown number? Who was calling her from an unknown number?
Khushi answered the call and moved slightly away from everyone else.

“Hello?”
“Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, I have been watching you and now…”
“I’m sorry I don’t know who you are, so I’m just going to hang up now.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I was you. Now quietly move away from where you are and go up to your room. Don’t try and alert anyone, I’m watching you.”

Khushi looked around. She didn’t see any men around. How could this person be watching her. She felt very slightly self conscious.
Khushi sighed seeing as she had no other option and began making her way to her room. She opened the door and then spoke to the person on the phone once more.

“I’ve reached my room, now what do you want?”
“Hold up.”

The phone went dead and Khushi realised the person disconnected. Just then she had a noise behind her and she turned around. There was no one behind her…

“BOO!”
“AGH!”

Khushi whipped round to find that her stalker was none other than Arnav Singh Raizada.

“What the hell do you think you’re playing it Arnav?”
“I was missing you!”
“So you make me feel like I’m being stalked!”
“Well I have been stalking you.”
“Why did you scare me? All you had to do was say it was you.”
“Surprise element!”

Khushi pretended that she was angry and turned her back to him. Arnav wrapped his arms around Khushi and pulled her close.

“Are you angry with me?”
“A little bit.”
“I’m sorry baby.”
“Its okay Mr Raizada. But I think you might as well compensate for this while you’re here.”
“What would you like.”

Khushi ran her finger down the side of Arnav’s face.

“I think you know what I want.”

Arnav pulled Khushi ever so close and looked her straight in the eyes.

“You mean the world to me Khushi.”
“And you mean the world to me.”

There was a split second pause but the next thing either of them knew was that their lips were fused together in a fierce kiss.

“God Khushi, please come home tonight.”
“But…”
“Please, the mehendi’s this evening, and I’ll obviously be here with the rest of the family. After that, I say me and you leave and go to our flat. Baby I need you so bad.”
“Okay baby. We’ll go home this evening!”

With a final long kiss, Arnav and Khushi finally moved apart.

“Go finish up all this haldi business and I’ll see you later this evening for the mehendi ceremony.”
“I’ll be waiting for you…”

Midnight Memories

It was just passed 11pm and Khushi was waiting in bed for Arnav to arrive. Damn, did that man annoy her. Why couldn’t he be like all other husbands, and come home by 9 at the latest? Khushi sighed. So much had changed. Ever since AR had won best international company,  Arnav had become so much more busy. So busy that Khushi hardly saw him any more.

As it neared midnight their bedroom door opened slowly and Arnav walked in. Khushi got up and put her hand on her hips, waiting for her husband to notice her.

 

“Well mr Raizada, you better have a reasonable explanation as to why you’re so late.”

“I’m so sorry Khushi, there was just so much work, I didn’t want to leave anything incomplete.”

“Did it occur to you at any time that you have a wife at home who would be waiting for you?”

“I’m sorry babe.”

”Well, I won’t forgive you until you please me.”

 

Arnav smirked hearing this. Did she know what was she was saying? Did she actually mean it like that?

 

“And how would you like to be pleased madam?”

“Use your imagination Raizada.”

 

Arnav pulled his tie off and loosened his shirt as he slowly made his way over to the bed and his wife. Boy would he please her tonight.

Biting her lip slightly, Khushi realised just what she’d got herself in for. She moved back ever so slightly, but it was enough to make Arnav realise she was anxious and that just made him feel so much more primal. As Arnav made his way to the bed, he discarded his shirt, letting Khushi take in the wide expanse of his manly chest. Khushi bit her lip, her husband was so masculine,  the complete opposite of her. And she loved it.

Arnav climbed onto the bed and slowly made his way to his wife who was shuffling further back the closer he got.

 

“Arnav…”

“You wanted this baby.”

“But I…”

 

Khushi was instantly hushed when  Arnav moved fully over her. He looked down at her and smiled his oh so sexy smile.

 

“Baby, I say we make out.”

“Make out?”

“Yup, lets not make love. Lets just make out like a pair of teenagers.”

 

Khushi bit down on her lip once more. Damn, it had been a while since she and Arnav had simply made out. Before she could answer him, Arnav lowered his head and kissed Khushi lightly. Raising her arms slowly, she threaded her fingers into Arnav’s hair and pulled him closer to herself. Their kiss became that tiny bit more passionate.

A single moment passed and the heat built up significantly. Arnav bit down on Khushi’s lip, causing her to gasp. Taking the opportunity, Arnav slid his tongue into her mouth, thoroughly exploring her mouth. God, this woman was divine.

Arnav and Khushi kissed for ages, the kisses getting more and more heated all the time. Arnav slid his hand under Khushi’s nightdress and touched her body. Her skin was so warm and smooth under his hard a callous hands. Khushi mirrored Arnav’s actions by sliding her hands under his vest and racking her nails down his toned back. This caused their mouths to fuse together much more furiously. Arnav could feel the passion causing him to harden. He began moving on top of Khushi, humping her. Gasping, Khushi pulled away.

 

“Baby please… Let me undress you now.”

“No Khushi.”

 

Shaking her head, she refused to wait any longer to undress her husband, but she soon began to feel Arnav tugging at her clothes.

She moved back slightly so he could pull the dress over her head. To Arnav’s sheer delight, there were no barriers after her nighty. She’d already taken her bra off. Indeed her panties were still on, but he could make light work of that. Cupping Khushi’s breasts, Arnav rolled the already hardened peaks between his fingers. Khushi let out a throaty moan and her head fell back into the pillows.

Arnav took one stiff peak into his mouth and gently suckled on it. Khushi’s hands made their way down Arnav’s back onto his pert round buttocks. God his ass was damn firm and she loved it. Arnav took her other nipple into his mouth and gave it the same treatment as the first.

Khushi moaned out in delight and arched back, thrusting her breast further into his mouth. Her hand left his butt and moved round to his chest. Her husband was everything she wasn’t. He was hard and manly, while she was all soft with curves. Her hands kep exploring as they travelled south and cupped his hard member.
Arnav groaned at the feeling of her hand on him. Khushi felt this  moment of weakness of Arnav’s and pushed him so he was now on his back. He didn’t fight her. She made light work of Arnav’s vest and threw it aside. Within seconds she discarded all of Arnav’s clothes leaving him naked. She loved this sight. All muscle and hard flesh. Placing kissed down his body, Khushi descended south of Arnav’s body. She stopped just above his waist. Taking his hard member into her hands, she gave his length a long hard stroke.

 

“Khushi…”

“I said I’d get my back on you for making me wait so long.”

“Baby anything but that, you drive me mad. You know I can’t handle it when you do that.”

“I intend to make you beg the same way you make me beg you.”

 

With that, Khushi lowered her mouth over Arnav’s hardness. Arnav sighed. Khushi began her work and Arnav fell further into the mattress. To think, at some point his wife was almost completely oblivious to all that happened between a man and a woman and now she’d become an expert at pleasuring him with her mouth. Not just her mouth, but her hands too. She knew exactly what to do to pleasure him.

It was all too much for him. She almost always tried to push him all the way over the edge. Arnav threaded his finger into Khushi’s hair guiding her to take more of his length into her mouth.

When Arnav felt his breaking point was near, he pulled Khushi up his body and then threw her onto her back.

He pulled her panties off in one swift motion and kissed her passionately on her most intimate and sensitive area. He lapped up all her liquid desire, bringing her close to her climax.

 

“Arnav…”

“Hm…”

“St-sto-stop.”

“No. You didn’t stop when I asked you to. You wanted to torture me, now it’s my turn.”

“Please. Please.. Make… Make love to me.”

 

With that Arnav pulled back and looked at her face. He could tell just by looking at her that she was close. He could see it in the way her eyes looked, the way her body was reacting. She was so close, but she needed him to make love to her before she could truly relax. Arnav moved over her and pressed a kiss on her lips before pushing a finger gently into her. Her muscles clamped around his finger and he knew he was right. A few thrusts would push her right off the edge.

Moving back over her, Arnav plunged his hard length into his wife and froze for a moment, letting her accommodate him.

Once they were both ready to go on, Arnav moved himself within her, pumping into her. Khushi held onto Arnav for her dear life. They were both so close, but Arnav couldn’t allow them to hold it off. He needed her so damn bad. With a final hard thrust, they both exploded. Their climax came hard and fast and they were both left completely spent.

 

“Baby, I think we just made some midnight memories.”

Scars ~ Part 9

It was the next morning and Khushi was getting ready for her first day in college. She looked over to Arnav and hoped that he would say something, but he said nothing to her.
Khushi filtered through her dresses trying to find something appropriate to wear. Anjali knocked on the door and walked in.

“You ready Khushi?”
“I don’t know what to wear Di.”
“Wear anything.”
“But Di, all of my dresses are quite fancy. I can’t wear this stuff to college.”
“Can I have a look?”

Khushi nodded and let Anjali have a look. She looked through Khushi’s outfits and then pulled out a simple anarkali dress.

“Wear this!”
“Are you sure Di?”
“Yes! It’s simple yet elegant and red is so your colour.”
“Do you think I’m bold enough to pull this colour off?”
“Of course you are! Now hurry up and get ready!”

Anjali left the room and Khushi looked at the dress. She took a deep breath and got changed into the kameez. Once Khushi had dressed and had done her hair, she looked at herself in the mirror. She looked different even to herself. She looked like someone new, not the plain orphaned Khushi… Maybe this was going to be a new start for her.

*****

“You ready to go Khushi?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be Di.”

Anjali signalled to the driver so that they could get going.

“Di, what if I don’t fit in with everyone else?”
“Why shouldn’t you?”
“I don’t know. I guess I’ll be different from them all won’t I?”
“Why should you be different? They’ll all be around the same age as you and you’ll fit in just fine, I assure you.”
“I hope so.”

There was silence for the rest of the journey. They stopped in front of the college and Anjali and Khushi got our of the car.

“I’ll take you to the principle just so that you don’t feel awkward.”
“Thanks Di.”

Anjali and Khushi made their way through the college. Khushi noticed a little group looking at her and they smiled. Khushi smiled back at them. Maybe it wouldn’t be too bad.
They reached the principles office and the secretary instructed them to wait a few moments. It wasn’t long before they were called in.

“Aw Mrs Jha, how are you?”
“I’m fine thank you, it’s been a while since we last saw you.”
“Yes I’ve been busy but tell Shyam that we all have to meet up some time soon.”
“I shall. Any way this is your new student.”
“Hello Khushi.”
“Hello sir.”
“As Shyam ji said, we would prefer if you could keep Khushi’s identity hidden because Chote hasn’t formally announced that he’s married to Khushi.”
“Yes Shyam told me and that’s all fine. We have her down as Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta, and other than me, no one knows that she is married to Mr Raizada. In her file we have said, as Shyam said to do, Khushi is living with you guys as a tenant.”
“Yes that’s fine.”
“Now Khushi, we have got you doing business, maths, photography and psychology, are those fine by you?”
“Yes sir.”
“That’s great. Then I’ll show you to your business class now, because that’s the lesson your supposed to be in and someone can show you were to go after that.”

Anjali stood up.

“Khushi, I hope you have a great time! And good luck honey.”
“Thank you Di!”

Anjali left and the principle took Khushi too her business class. Before entering the room, he handed Khushi a timetable.

“This is your timetable and it tells you where to go for each lesson and where you have them. There’s also a map attached if you don’t know where to go. But if you do get lost, there’ll always be someone around to help you find your way, just walk into a classroom and ask one of the teachers and they’ll be happy to help. Don’t worry about not fitting in, there are always people who join after the start of the term. For example there was a girl who started only last week and there is a boy who is meant to start next week so don’t worry. And you’ll fit right in because most of our students here are about 18-20. There are some older people, but they choose to come back after taking gap years.”
“I understand and thank you sir.”
“You’re very welcome. So are you ready to go?”
“Yes, I guess so.”

The principle opened the door for Khushi and let her walk in first and then walked in after her. Khushi walked in slowly and looked around. Everyone was looking at her curiously, but they all seemed highly positive.

“This is Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta and she will be in your business class from now onwards. It’s her first day today so everyone, make her feel welcome. Carry on.”

The principle left and Khushi smiled at him. The business class teacher was a young woman, maybe the same age as Anjali and she too had a kind face.

“Welcome Khushi! It’s lovely to have you and I’m sure you will fit in just perfectly. Now where can you sit…”

She looked around the room and Khushi saw another girl raise her hand. She was one of the girls from the group of people who smiled at her when she walked into the college.

“Yes Lavanya?”
“Miss, Khushi can sit with me!”
“Well thank you Lavanya. Khushi would you like to sit with Lavanya?”

Khushi nodded and smiled and walked over to where Lavanya was sitting. Lavanya got up and smiled and took Khushi’s bag off her and helped her get settled.

“HI I’m Lavanya!”
“I’m Khushi.”
“Me and my friends saw you when you came in and we wondered when we’d be able to meet you! I love your dress by the way, it’s really pretty.”
“Really?”
“Yeah its beautiful and it really suits you!”
“Thanks!”
“So how come you’ve joined late? Just generally you decided later that you did want to come to college?”
“Yeah, just decided late.”

Khushi and Lavanya made small talk throughout the lesson and Khushi liked Lavanya. She was easy to talk to and really nice. At the end of the lesson everyone filed out slowly. Lavanya waited for Khushi as she got her things together. Before walking out, the teacher stopped Khushi.

“How are you feeling after your first lesson Khushi?”
“I feel a lot more confident now!”
“That’s great. Well go out and get to know everyone else. I’m assuming Lavanya has taken you under her wing?”
“Yes I have miss. I’m going to help Khushi round.”
“Excellent. Off you go girls.”

Lavanya and Khushi left the classroom and made their way towards the canteen. Lavanya explained to Khushi what each room was for and helped Khushi work out where her classes would be. Once they got to the canteen they joined up with the other members of Lavanya’s group.

“Guys this is Khushi. She’s new here.”
“Hi Khushi!”
“Khushi this is Amrita.” The first girl walked towards Khushi and shook her hand. She was as tall as Lavanya and also wore a kind smile.
“This is Raj.” Raj smiled at Khushi over his coffee mug and nodded in recognition.
“And lastly in our group is Tom. His name’s actually Tanvir, but he likes us calling him Tom.”
“Hi guys!”

Khushi smiled at all the members of the group. Raj got to his feet.

“So what can I get you Khushi?”
“Erm nothing, I’m fine thank you.”
“No I insist it’s your first day, let me buy you a coffee.”
“I’m not really a fan of coffee.”
“Tea? Hot chocolate? I insist!”
“Oh I’ll just have a hot chocolate then.”
“Coming right up!”

Lavanya smiled and took Khushi’s timetable off her and examined it carefully.

“Ok so, you see all 4 of us in business. You have Maths with Amrita and Tom. You have psychology with me and Amrita. And you and Raj are in the same photography class! So Khushi, looks like your a permanent member of our group now!”
“I feel honoured!”

Raj came back and passed Khushi’s hot chocolate to her. While they all spoke, Lavanya glanced at the time.

“Oh gosh, we should all start moving otherwise we’ll be late for our next class.”
“I have…”
“You have photography with me now Khushi. So should we start making our way there?”
“Erm okay.”

Khushi and Raj said bye to the rest of the group and they made their way to their next class.

Scars ~ Part 8

“Why! For gods sake! WHY!?”

Khushi locked herself into her bedroom. Why did her aunt hate her so much!? This wasn’t even fair. If only, if only she could go and be with her parents. How she wanted nothing more to be with her parents. Nothing good had ever happened in her life.
Khushi remained in her room for the rest of the evening. She didn’t bother going down to have dinner. Maybe if she wished hard enough, God would have mercy on her and take her away from this wretched world.

Downstairs Payal was filling the female members of the Raizada family in about the tensions between and her mother. The Raizada’s listened, taking poor Khushi’s past in. Anjali knew Khushi had a tough childhood, but all of this… This was something on a completely new level.

“Dadi ji I was thinking the other night. All of this, as much as she feels accepted here, I think she still needs her own space. I don’t think her and Arnav ji are ready to accept their relationship…”
“It’s not Khushi, it’s Chote, I’ve spoken to him so much about giving Khushi some time… But he’s just sooo, ugh my brother!”
“It’s understandable Di. But if you feel it fitting and if you all allow it, I was thinking maybe Khushi could go to college. She’s only 19, and she always had such dreams to get decent education. I think it would be good for her.”

Nani looked at Payal, her expression of that in deep though.

“Why, that’s an excellent idea! Why didn’t anyone think of this before! Yes, that’s what we’ll do, we’ll send Khushi to college! That’ll freshen her mind, she’ll be around people her own age and she’ll have the childhood she deserves!”
“Payal, why don’t you go and talk to her about it.”
“No Di, I can’t. I can’t face my little sister. Not after how that woman treated her. You please go and tell her. I need time, time to find a way to sort things out. Please Di.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll go tell her. Nani, can you talk to Shyam ji and tell him to call the college principal. He’s a friend of his.”
“Yes, of course my dear.”

Anjali made her to Khushi room and knocked on the door. She knocked a few times before Khushi actually opened the door.

“Can I come in?”

Khushi nodded her head.

“Are you ok?”
“I’m… I’m… I’m fine.”
“Are you sure, do you want to talk about it?”
“No, not really Di.”
“Ok, but if you want someone to talk to, I’m here you know.”
“Thank you.”
“Any way, I came to let you know that, we’ve been thinking and Payal has said that it might be a good idea for you to go to college. It’ll give you the opportunity to get to know people your age and you’ll get out of the house and away from everything.”
“What? Really?”
“Yes! I’m getting Shyam ji to talk to the principal and we’ll see if we can get you in by next week. The new terms only just started so you won’t have missed much.”
“Seriously!?”
“YES! What kind of course would you like to do?”
“Well I guess I would like to do a business course.”
“You’ll have 4 choices, so what else would you like to take?”
“Well I’d love to take business, photography, maths and psychology!”
“Are you sure?”
“Oh yes!! Yes please!”
“Then its settled, I’ll go and talk to Shyam ji and see what the principal has to say. And you have to come and have dinner first.”
“Ok.”

Khushi then went down to dinner and everyone spoke to Khushi about college and what she would like to do as her courses. Khushi may have grown up in an orphanage, but she wasn’t uneducated. She came top in her high school and really wanted to continue onto college but wasn’t allowed to do so. So now to be getting the opportunity to go back and fulfil her wish, she was more than happy.

After dinner everyone went up to their bedrooms. Khushi went online to see what she could find out about the college. She was still using Payal’s laptop when Arnav walked into the room. Khushi put the laptop aside and stood up.

“Good evening.”
“You don’t need to say that. It sounds way to formal. Hi is good enough.”
“Erm, ok. Have you had dinner? Or would you like to me get it ready for you Arnavji?”
“It’s fine, I’ve eaten at the office.”
“Ok.”

Khushi looked around and logged out of the laptop and turned it off.

“I’ll just go and give this back to Jiji.”
“You know how to use a laptop?”
“Erm, yes?”
“Oh, okay.”

Khushi felt very slightly offended. Did he think she knew nothing? Khushi left the room, gave Payal her laptop back and then went to see Anjali. She knocked on the door and waited. Then Anjali opened.

“Di, I just wanted to ask…”
“Oh Khushi, I was just coming to you. Shyam ji talked to the principal and he said you can start tomorrow! And you’ll be able to do all 4 courses you wanted to do because your high school grades were really good.”
“Really?!”
“YES!”
“But Di, Arnavji…”
“He’ll be fine with it, just tell him about it when you get back to your room. Also, Khushi just to make things easier, we have got you registered as Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta. They don’t know that you are married to Chote, but they do know you live with us. So, could you not let anyone know that you’re Chote’s wife? It’s just that once people find out they’ll harass you and Chote has to make a formal statement about him being married for the press, and he hasn’t got round to doing that yet.”
“Oh ok.”

Khushi left Anjali and was walking back to her room. Why hadn’t Arnav made a formal statement about being married yet? Was it due to the fact that he didn’t accept it? Or was it because… No, no, it couldn’t be because he wanted to end… No. Just no. It couldn’t be that.
Khushi walked back into her room, in deep thought. She shut the door and then addressed Arnav.

“Arnavji, I start college tomorrow.”
“You what?”
“I start college tomorrow.”
“Which one?”
“Central Delhi college.”
“I see. And I’m guessing Di’s told you that you can’t tell anyone your married to me?”
“Yes, Di’s told me that.”
“Ok, that’s cool then. Have fun.”

Khushi waited for Arnav to say something more, but nothing came.
Would their relationship ever blossom? Or was she destined to live with someone who didn’t care about her for the rest of her life?

He’s Amazing ~ Part 91

A few weeks had passed since Kabir had returned. Khushi had begun warming up to him once more, even then she kept her distance from him. After the first night Kabir went and found himself an apartment which he rented out so he no longer had to bug his sister and best friend.

NK and Lavanya’s wedding was nearing and Arnav and Khushi spent most of their time at Shantivan to help everyone with preparations. A date had been set for the wedding, it was to take place in exactly 3 weeks time.
It was late one evening and Arnav and Khushi were still helping NK’s parents make decisions about the wedding. NK was sat on the sofa texting away, smiling to himself. Khushi went and sat next to him.

“Who are you texting devarji?”
“Er, bhabi?”
“Tell me, are you texting your fiancé?”

NK blushed and looked down. Khushi nudged him and laughed.

“Bhabi, you’re bullying me! Remember I’m going to be your jiju soon!”

Arnav glared at NK.

“Hell no. She’ll never call you jiju and you’ll always call her bhabi!”
“Oh Nanav, I was joking, you got offended for no reason.”
“Yeah you best be joking mate.”

Arnav’s phone rang so he excused himself and left the room to answer it. Nani looked at Khushi.

“Khushi bitya I was just thinking, your aunt and your uncle wanted you to stay with them for the run up to the wedding. Seeing as the wedding is nearing, I think it’s time you thought about going to stay with them. You’re they’re only other daughter, they need you at a time like this.”
“But naniji I’m needed here too.”
“You are, but there are many of us here and as the Kashyap family daughter, it is your duty to be there with them before being here with us. I will tell Chote to take you there when you leave from here this evening.”

Khushi nodded. She picked up her phone and texted Lavanya: *I’m coming home!! Going to stay with you until the wedding! YAY!*
Lavanya replied seconds later. *YAYY!! COME QUICKLY, TELLING MOM AND DAD, THEY’RE GOING TO BE SOOO EXCITED!*
Khushi smiled to herself. She couldn’t actually wait to go back home. She hadn’t seen her aunt and her uncle in a while.

Arnav returned and Khushi got to her feet.

“Right then, I guess that’s us off for the night. Goodnight everyone. Lets go Khushi.”
“One moment Chote. You’re taking Khushi bitya to her maternal home. She needs to be there with them.”
“What!? Nani, how could you make this decision without consulting me! How can Khushi go to stay there for 3 weeks! I need my wife too you know.”
“She’s the Kashyap family daughter first and then your wife. It’s her sisters wedding and being the only other daughter she needs to be there to help with the preparations.”
“But even Khushi doesn’t want to go. She wants to stay with me and she’s going to come here every morning to plan for the wedding.”
“No chote, Khushi’s going to stay there and if you want, you can come and stay here so you’re not alone at home. And yes, Khushi bitya does want to go there.”

Arnav looked at Khushi accusingly.

“You want to leave me for 3 whole weeks?”
“Arnav, it’s no big deal, it’s only 3 weeks and it’s not like we won’t see each other!”
“But Khushi…”
“And with the wedding preparations, we’ll both be so busy, even if we were at home, we wouldn’t have time for each other.”

Arnav pulled Khushi towards him and everyone looked away, blushing.

“But if you’re at home, at least I’ll know I can have you every night.”

Khushi looked up and looked around and saw everyone smiling knowingly. She whispered back.

“Look, lets go to the car or something and then talk.”
“Fine. Nani, Di, Mami ji, Mama ji, Mausi ji, we’re leaving now. Goodnight.”

With that, Arnav grabbed Khushi’s hand and they left Shantivan. They got into the car and again Arnav pulled Khushi onto himself.

“Baby, you know I can’t sleep without you. How do you suppose I sleep without for 3 WHOLE WEEKS?”
“Arnav, please try to understand, it’s my sister’s wedding and I really want to be there. Please Arnav.”

Arnav thought about it. He knew this was mental, but Khushi’s happiness meant everything to him. He remembered her insecurities about the Kashyap family not wanting her after Lavanya got married and understood why all this meant to much to her.
Arnav sighed and then nodded.

“Anything for you princess.”

Khushi hugged Arnav and smiled.

“I love you so much Arnav Singh Raizada, you don’t understand how much this means to me.”
“I know how much this means to you. And I love you too baby.”

Arnav put his foot down and they zoomed off towards the Kashyap household. They reached there quite quickly and Khushi got out of the car. Arnav didn’t move.

“Aren’t you going to come in?”
“I have to go, work tomorrow and it’s getting late.”
“Oh please come in Arnav, uncle and aunty love seeing you and La misses you too.”
“Fine then, come on.”

Arnav and Khushi got out of the car and knocked on the front door. Within seconds the door was thrown open by Lavanya who lunged herself at Khushi and enclosed her in a tight hug.

“It feels like forever since I last saw you!”
“I know! I’ve missed you so much!”

The girls pulled apart and Arnav smiled at La.

“Aw Jiju you’re here too! I didn’t know you were coming!”
“I’m not staying or anything. I’ve just come to say hi to you and everyone else and drop Khushi off.”

They walked into the house and the Kashyaps got to their feet.

“Ah Khushi, Damandji, it’s great to see the two of you!”
“Uncleji!”

Khushi rushed forwards and hugged her parents and they smiled. After the initial greetings they all sat down and Garima went to get some drinks for everyone. She returned and everyone sat and spoke for a while.

“So how are the wedding preparations going at your house Arnav?”
“They’re going great!”
“Well you’re going to have to work harder now to get everything sorted because we’re taking our daughter back for a while!”
“Yup that’s fine. Well its getting late, I should get going.”
“Beta, please stay the night! It’s been a while since you last stayed.”

Arnav looked to Khushi who looked back at him with big eyes.

“Are you sure auntyji, everyone knows I can be a handful!”
“Nonsense, it’s our pleasure!”
“Ok.”

Lavanya jumped up.

“Well in that case, I’ll just make sure your room is tidy. I didn’t clean up before because I was hoping Khushi would sleep in my room with me.”
“Lavanya, don’t bother, it’s only for tonight, we’ll manage.”
“No, it’s fine, it won’t even take me much time.”

Khushi nodded. Khushi, Arnav and the Kashyap continued to talk for a while more about all the wedding plans. Everyone soon got tired and began to make their way towards their respective bedrooms. Arnav and Khushi got to Khushi’s old bedroom and Khushi locked the door and smiled. She loved this room. It meant the world to her when she was a child and now, looking back, this room still was like a paradise for her. When she had lost everything important to her, she had made this room her escape. Her means of getting away from it all. She’d rebuilt her own little world in this very room. Arnav saw Khushi looking lost and walked towards her and then wrapped his arms around her small waist.

“You ok?”
“This room. This room was my world when I was a kid.”
“You made this room into a beautiful little world, just like yourself.”
“I never used to think I was beautiful. I still don’t. Not really.”

Arnav whipped Khushi around and enclosed his lips on hers. He kissed her passionately, letting his tongue explore the depths of her mouth. He slowly pulled away from her.

“You are beautiful. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’re beautiful inside and out. You are a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. And don’t even get me started looks wise. Damn girl, you make me harder than rock.”

Khushi blushed and hugged Arnav tightly.

“I love you Arnav Singh Raizada.”
“I love you too.”

Khushi’s room may have been her world. But now, at the precise moment, her life was complete.

WordPress Anniversary

Hey guys!! How’s it been going?? So this is quite a worthless post but it’s just such a momentous moment for me because I’ve been here for 1 YEAR!!
The last year on my blog has been amazing, and I wish to have at least another year here!! Thanks for all the love you guys have given me and my stories over the last year and I love you all!

Scars ~ Part 7

It was the next morning and Khushi was brushing her hair and getting dressed. Arnav was in the bathroom having a shower. Khushi was still brushing her hair when Arnav walked into the room. Khushi jumped up and grabbed her dupatta. Arnav looked at her and rolled his eyes.

“You don’t need to be so formal when I’m in the room you know.”
“Sorry?”
“Rushing around and creating so much havoc just to get to your darn dupatta.”
“I feel uncomfortable without it when you’re around.”
“Typical.”

Arnav moved away from her and began getting dressed. Khushi couldn’t help but stare at him. He had his trousers on, but his chest and abs were exposed to Khushi’s eyes. She couldn’t help but think of how masculine and strong her husband was…

*****

“Chote have you taken your lunch?”
“Yes Di I have my lunch. God anyone would think you’re sending me to school and not work.”
“Age is only a number, I shall always care for my Chote.”
“Right, sure Di. I’m off.”

With that Arnav left the table and made this way to the door. On his way to the door he bumped into Khushi. She handed him his handkerchief.

“Thanks.”

Khushi smiled, but didn’t get one in return. Arnav left the house and Khushi sadly made her way to the table.

“Good morning Khushi!”
“Morning Di.”
“I love your dress Khushi! It really looks pretty!”
“Thank you.”
“You know, when you showed me this dress yesterday after you came home, I told you it was pretty, but seeing it on you, it looks so much nicer! You look stunning!”

Khushi blushed when Manorama mami walked in.

“Hello hi bye bye, who is this bootiful fairy?”
“Not bootiful mamiji, beautiful!”
“Bootiful, beautiful, what’s the difference Anjali? The fact is our Khushi looks magical.”

Khushi smiled and thanked everyone for their comments. Oh how she wished her husband would say she looked pretty. Payal walked into the room and saw that Khushi looked lost in her thoughts.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well Khushi?”
“Yes I did and good morning to you too Jiji.”
“Have you had breakfast yet?”
“No Jiji, I was waiting for you.”

Payal smiled and nodded and the two sister went and sat down at the dining table. They made small talk and then cleared up after themselves once they had finished eating. They went and sat down in the living room and were talking with Anjali and NK when the phone rang. Naniji answered it first.

“Payal bitya, it’s for you.”

Payal nodded and made her way to the phone. The call wasn’t a long one and she returned soon enough.

“Di, Amma and Bauji are coming!”
“Oh that’s lovely. We should start preparing some snacks.”

In all the excitement Payal forgot about Khushi. When she did remember her, she turned to find Khushi looking very pale. Payal sat down beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Khushi are you ok?”
“No.”
“It’ll all be okay, don’t worry about it.”
“You would say that wouldn’t you. It’s okay for you, they’re your parents and they love you!”

With that Khushi ran up that stairs and slammed the door shut of her bedroom. Khushi threw herself onto her bed and cried bitterly.

“This isn’t even fair God. I thought me getting married would change my life, but it hasn’t. My life’s more of a mess it was before. I’m married to a man who can’t stand to be around me, and my sister-in-law is actually my cousin who’s parents hate me! Why are you doing this to me God? I should have just stayed at that darn orphanage and continued living as a slave. At least its better than all of this crap I have to deal with now.”

*****

Shashi and Garima arrived about an hour later. They had sat down with everyone, unaware that their niece too was in the house.
Anjali, Naniji and Mamiji left the room so that Payal could talk to her parents in privet.

“What’s wrong my sweetie? You seem so upset today. Is everything ok? Have you had an argument with Damaandji?”
“No its nothing like that.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes I’m sure.”

They spoke for a little while, all the time Payal was concerned about her little sister who had refused to speak to anyone. She was going to tell her parents about Khushi, when Garima called Anjali over.

“Anjali bitya, where’s your new sister-in-law? Arnav beta’s wife?”

Anjali looked at Payal, not knowing what to say.

“Ma, there’s something you should know. Arnav bhai’s wife is… She’s… It’s Khushi.”
“Khushi?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s Khushi?”

Shashi’s eyes widened and then he glared at his wife.

“Khushi, our daughter.”
“We only have one daughter and that’s Payal.”

Garima now knew what everyone meant, but chose to believe or pay any attention to it.
Just then Khushi opened her bedroom door, hoping that her aunt and uncle had already left. However she noticed that they were still there, she suddenly felt lost and didn’t know whether she should turn back and go to her room or continue down the stairs. She was going to turn back when Payal called out for her. Khushi turned to look at her sister and took a deep breath and began going down the stairs.
Garima looked up and saw. Khushi looked exactly how her sister looked. Some things just didn’t change. She looked at Khushi and looked away again, she didn’t care about this girl. Not even after all these years. Shashi on the other hand jumped to his feet and rushed over to Khushi. When he reached her and she reached the bottom of the stairs Shashi hugged her.

“Why, my dear child! How have you been?”
“I erm…”

Shashi let go of Khushi and she stepped away slightly. The tears were prickling in her eyes and she knew she would burst into tears any time soon. She turned to her aunt and saw that she was looking away from her. Shashi felt the tension and tried getting through to Khushi again.

“It’s lovely to see you again Khushi, really, I’ve missed you so much!”
“I… I’ve missed you too…”

Khushi turned to look at her aunt who was still ignoring her. She contemplated what she wanted to do and then slowly approached her aunt.

“Na-Namaste maasi.”
“Huh.”

Khushi looked at her sister, then her uncle and then back to her aunt and rushed off in the direction of her room. Payal glared at her mother.

“Why must you be like this? I don’t know why you don’t like Khushi, I know it has something to do with Maasi, but this isn’t fair on Khushi. She never did anything wrong! She’s been suffering all her life and she’s still suffering! And you know what, because of you, the distance I have gotten rid of recently between us, will probably be back again. So thanks mom, you’ve shown me today how much you really care about me!”

With that Payal stormed out of the room too. Shashi looked at his wife.

“I hope your happy now. You’ve made a suffering girl, suffer even more and you’ve probably pushed our daughter away from us as well. Well done Garima.”

He’s Amazing ~ Part 90

It was 11pm. Khushi had said goodnight to her brother and was waiting for Arnav in their bedroom. Khushi could hear them laughing about something outside and it was annoying her more and more by the minute. Khushi sighed and decided that unless she went out, she wouldn’t get her husband tonight.
Khushi walked out of her bedroom to find Arnav and her brother watching the British football highlights together.

“Arnav… Aren’t you coming to bed?”
“What time is it?”
“Just passed 11.”
“There’s time, me and Kabir have soo much to catch up on.”
“But Arnav…”
“Khushi…”

Kabir looked up and saw that his little sister did NOT look impressed. He faked a yawn.

“Well I’m tried now ASR so I say we call it a night!”
“Oh, yeah, okay then mate.”
“Goodnight Arnav, goodnight Khushi.”
“Goodnight Bhai.”
“Yeah goodnight.”

Arnav nodded and they watched Kabir walk into the guestroom and as he shut the door behind him. Arnav looked at his wife and then did it hit him why Khushi was so anxious to get Arnav alone. It had been a while… Arnav scooped Khushi into his arms and kissed her cheek.

“Arnav, what are you…”
“Shh I haven’t spent enough time with my beautiful wife today.”

He walked them into their bedroom and kicked the door shut behind himself. He placed Khushi down on the bed and undressed.

“I’ve actually missed you so much baby.”
“I’ve been here all day…”
“I know you have. But it’s been so long… So long since I touched you… So long since I kissed you… So long since we made love.”
“Then why are you wasting time now?”

Arnav smiles and moves away slowly and starts undressing his Khushi. He moved his way down her body slowly, relishing the feel of her skin under his fingers. Within seconds, Khushi was lying under him in nothing but her bra and panties. Arnav moved up her body and stopped at her face. He reached out gently and stroked her face. Khushi bit her lip and Arnav leaned down and captured her lips with his own. The kiss began slow, a gentle caress of tongues. But very soon it became immensely hot, heated and passionate. Arnav grabbed hold of Khushi’s hips, pinning her down onto the bed, rubbing his hardness against her most intimate part. Khushi arched back into the bed and moaned into Arnav’s mouth. Arnav’s hands moved off her hips and up her ribcage and stopped once he had cupped her breasts. Arnav rubbed his palms on Khushi’s nipples, causing them to stiffen and harden. Arnav broke the kiss, in need of air and kissed a path down Khushi’s neck to the valley between her breasts. Khushi held his head and guided his to her arching nipple, where Arnav gladly look it into his mouth. He didn’t seem to care that there was still a barrier between his lips and her nipple, but Khushi did.

“Arnavv… Undress me properly baby.”
“Ohh, someone’s impatient.”
“Don’t tease me.”
“Your wish is my command.”

Arnav pulled away slightly and unclasped Khushi’s bra and pulled it away from her body, letting her breasts fall free. He then moved his way down her body, touching every inch of exposed skin. He fingured the waistband of her panties and then slowly, extremely slowly began pulling them away from Khushi’s body…

*Half an hour later*

“Oh-OH Arnavvv…”
“Eyes on me baby, I want to see you when you come for me.”
“I-I cant, this is too much for me.”

Arnav thrust into Khushi one last time and they both fell off the edge. Arnav collapsed on top of Khushi and she held onto him tightly.

“Damn, that was good.”
“As always.”

*****

“Arnav, I can’t sleep…”
“Round 2?”
“I’m sore Arnav… Can we just go watch TV outside?”
“Alright then, lets go.”

Arnav pulled his trousers and t-shirt on and Khushi her dressing gown. They then left their bedroom and went into the living room and settled down on the sofa and turned the television on. Khushi snuggled close to Arnav and found that Aashiqui 2 was on.

A while passed and they sat and watched the film. When it ended Khushi was in the mood to get romantic with her husband again. Khushi moved even closer to Arnav and started kissing his neck.

“Baby, what are you…”

Khushi’s hands slipped under Arnav’s t-shirt and she ran her hands along his hard abs. Arnav moved his hands to Khushi’s hips and pulled her on top of himself so that she was straddling him. At that precise moment the guestroom door opened and Kabir emerged. Arnav and Khushi pulled away from each other and tried to look casual.

“Oh, Arnav, Khushi, you guys are here? I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d come out and watch some TV.”
“Yeah sure. Join us.”

Khushi looked at Arnav and then at her brother and distanced herself further away from Arnav feeling highly awkward. The night progressed and Arnav and Kabir watched the football while Khushi drifted off to sleep. Arnav looked at his sleeping wife and smiled.

“She still has the same expression when she goes to sleep. I remember that expression so well.”
“Is it weird to find your little sister this way?”
“Definitely. I mean it’s lovely to see you both together so happy. But I must admit it wasn’t something I was mentally prepared for.”
“Didn’t you know Khushi got married?”
“I did, Kashyap uncle informed me, told me that they had found a nice boy from a nice family and that I should come and give my approval and then they’d get Khushi married. I told uncle that as Khushi’s father he had every right to find a guy for my sister and get her married off. He earned that right. I may have not been around, but I know how much uncle and aunty cared for Khushi over the years.”
“She really loves them and they love her too. I’ve seen, they treat Khushi the same way they treat Lavanya.”
“My sister has all the happiness in the world. She’s got more than I could have ever given her. So, even though I regret leaving her alone, it’s a good thing I left her. She had the life that our parents would have wanted her to have. Well it’s pretty late and you should take Khushi to bed. Goodnight Arnav.”
“Goodnight mate.”

Arnav lifted Khushi into his arms and carried her towards their bedroom.

“One last thing Arnav, next time you’re making love with my sister, keep it down mate. I don’t need to hear THAT.”

Arnav blushed slightly.
“Goodnight mate.”

Scars ~ Part 6

A few weeks had passed since Payal and Akaash had returned. Arnav remained distant from Khushi and this did not go unnoticed by the family…

*****

“I want to make an announcement!”
Everyone turned to Nani who was sitting at the top end of the dinner table. She looked to Khushi and Payal and gestured for them to stop serving and sit down.
“Well after chote and Khushi bitya got married I didn’t say much because Akaash beta and Payal weren’t here. Now they are back, I want chote and Khushi to go on their honeymoon.”
“Great idea nani! I was going to mention it myself!”

Arnav looked at Khushi and Khushi looked at Arnav.

“Nani…”
“Chote you can’t make any excuses, you have to go!”
“But Di…”
“Arnav beta, its your honeymoon, you shouldn’t be making excuses not to go!”
“Mamiji, I’m a businessman and my business is at its peak. I can not leave, not for something as minor as a honeymoon.”
“Chote…”
“I’ve made my decision Di, we’re not going and that’s final.”
“Your words mean nothing chote, lets see what Khushi bitya has to say.”

Everyone turned to Khushi who looked around. Khushi looked down. How could they make her decide something as big as this? Of course she wanted to go on honeymoon, it was her honeymoon for god sake! But she looked at Arnav. He had been nice to her, but she could tell he didn’t like her much at all. He kept his distance from her and only spoke to her when necessary.

“There’s nothing much I can say, if Arnav ji is saying we can’t go, then I guess we can’t go.”
“There now even Khushi doesn’t mind. So can everyone please stop trying to dictate and let us drive our own relationship!”

Arnav got up and left the table. Khushi watched him leave and sighed. Relationship? What relationship? The truth was there was no relationship between them. Arnav had wanted them to be friends, but they weren’t. There was no friendship between them.
Khushi noticed Anjali’s face fall when Arnav left the room.

“It’s ok Di. We can go on honeymoon another time.”
“But Khushi, it would be nice if you go now!”
“I know, but really di, its ok.”

Payal smiled. Her sister was still as giving and understanding as ever.

“Di, would you like to go shopping with me and Khushi today?”
“Oh, I can’t today Payal, my friends are coming round. But you and Khushi go and enjoy yourselves!”
“Ok Di.”

Payal turned to Khushi.

“Get ready! Me and you are going shopping after ages Khushi!”
“But I haven’t got any money.”
“Khushi, I’m your sister, I’ll pay for you!”
“No, I cant do that!”
“Khushi, you do consider me your sister right?”
“Of course Jiji.”
“Then its settled, I’m paying!”

Khushi nodded and then went up to her room to get dressed.
She picked her bag and phone up and then left.
Payal and Khushi met and the front door and then left the house. They got the driver to take them into town.

“Mohitji, Blue Waters Mall please.”
“Ji Payal Bhabi.”

The drive to the mall was quiet and Khushi made little conversation. This was the first time she and Payal had been completely on their own.
Payal decided there would be plenty of time for her to speak with Khushi when they reached the mall.

Within a short while, they arrived at their destination and they got out of the car.

“So where do you want to go first Khushi?”
“I’ve never been here before.”
“Then it’s a good thing your first visit here is with me!”
“Jiji, this place is very exclusive and designer.”
“So?”
“I don’t shop at places like this Jiji.”
“Well you should get used to it. You are a Raizada daughter in law and you’re my sister! This is the only place I’ll ever let you come shopping in now!”

Khushi looked away. She had hardly been shopping in the last god knows how many years. She was wearing rags more or less all the time up until she got married.
Payal looked at Khushi. She sighed and then decided that they should go to her favourite boutique. They entered the shop and Khushi looked around amazed. There were tonnes and tonnes of dresses and kameezes.

“You like this shop Khushi?”
“It’s amazing!”
“Di brought me here the first time we came shopping after me and Akaash got married. It’s my favourite place ever!”
“I like it too!”
“Come on then! Lets pick some nice kameezes for you!”
“Jiji, I…”
“No if and or buts Khushi, Di has given me extra money so that we buy you some nice stuff! And Akaash has given me his card and said that anything you want to buy we should just pay it with his card and he’ll happily pay the bill.”
“Jiji, I can’t do that.”
“Of course you can. You’re my sister, you have some right over your brother in laws money!”

Khushi smiled and she and Payal began looking at the dresses on the racks. Payal picked out various different dresses and got Khushi to try them on.

*****

After hours of tedious shopping Khushi and Payal decided to call it a day and have something to eat.

“Where did you and Jijaji meet?”
“We met in the coffee shop outside of my collage. I dropped my change and he picked it up for me.”
“And that was the start of your love story?”
“Pretty much!”
“Jiji, that’s a horrid starting to a love story!”

Payal laughed.

“Its nothing special, but it was the start of our love.”
“So you fell in love with Jijaji because he picked your money up?”
“Of course not. We had coffee together and then we got talking and then he gave me his number. After that we met a few times and we spoke almost every day.”
“Didn’t aunty and uncle say anything?”
“No not really.”
“Oh, ok.”

Khushi decided she no longer wanted to talk about her aunt and uncle. Payal too realised this.

“So how are you and Arnav ji getting on?”
“Ok I guess.”
“Have you guys…”

Payal looked away feeling shy at what she wanted to know from her little sister.

“Have we what?”
“Have you… I can’t say it Khushi.”
“What are you trying to say Jiji?”
“Have you guys consummated your marriage?”
“WHAT!? OF COURSE NOT!”
“Sorry, sorry, was just curious.”
“Jiji, do you really think we’d done THAT? Gosh he doesn’t even like me.”
“I’m sure he does.”
“No Jiji, Arnav ji doesn’t like me. He hardly talks to me and he avoids me all the time.”
“Khushi, Arnav ji just needs a bit of time. He never wanted to get married so soon, it’s only because of di and dadi ji he decided to get married. I think you should try and spend some time together to get to know each other more.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”

Payal felt as though they had hit another blocked road.

“So shall we head back home now?”
“Ok.”

*****

Payal looked at her little sister beside her and thought deeply. Khushi had already been hurt over and over again in life; she couldn’t let Khushi get hurt again. Not ever, she would do anything but let Khushi get hurt again.

Scars ~ Part 5

“Kh-Khushi?”
“Jiji?”

The two women looked at each other. Payal bit her lip and looked at Khushi. Anjali realised something wasn’t right and walked over to Khushi and Payal.

“Do you already know each other?”
“Di…”
“Tell me Khushi.”
“Di…”
“Fine Payal you tell me.”
“Di, Khushi… Khushi is my… She’s my cousin.”
“What?”

Khushi looked away, feeling the tears gathering in her eyes as the memories re-entered her mind.

“I think we should all sit down.”

Payal and Anjali walked towards the sofas and sat down. Khushi remained exactly where she was.

“Khushi, you come too.”

Khushi nodded her head and joined her cousin and her sister-in-law.

“Payal please explain this to me. Khushi has spent almost all her life in our family orphanage…”
“My mom and Khushi’s mom were sister. After Maasi and Mausaji died, Khushi came to live with us…”

*Flashback*
“Payal! Look who’s here!”
“KHUSHI! I haven’t seen you in so long!”
“I missed you so much Jiji.”

Payal looked down at her 8 year old cousin and smiled. She loved Khushi. Khushi was the little sister she always wanted but never had. But nevertheless, Payal treated Khushi as her own sister and Khushi did the same.”

“Payal, from today, Khushi will live with us forever.”
“Really Babuji!?”
“Yes.”
“That’s great! But why? What about Maasi and Mausaji?”

Khushi looked down at this point. Her eyes brimming with tears. Payal noticed this.

“What’s wrong Khushi?”

Khushi hugged her big sister.

“Mama and Papa are dead Jiji! A bad man killed them.” Khushi started crying.

Both Shashi and Payal tried to console Khushi, but found it immensely difficult. At this point Garima walked into the room.

“What’s Khushi doing here?”
“Garima…” And Shashi explained how Khushi’s parents were brutally murdered by a mass murderer and how Khushi was spared because she was a child.
“So we have to look after her now?”
“Yes Garima. We are her only family.”
“I refuse to care for my sisters burden of child.”
“Garima, don’t be like this. Khushi is a child. Whatever you had against your sister is the past. We must care for little Khushi.”
“Fine. But I refuse to care for her as my own. I will never see her as my own, you know that.”
“Fine. Don’t care for YOUR SISTERS daughter. I’ll bring Jiji here to look after Khushi. She needs someones warm arms to fall asleep in at night.”
“Do as you wish.”

*Flashback ends*

Payal concluded the story. Of course she didn’t tell Anjali about how her mother reacted with Khushi. Khushi too was remembering the first day she came to live with her cousin. She was so happy. To begin with, she didn’t realise her aunt didn’t want her around. But after that she started realising that her aunt seemed very cold with her…

*Flashback*
“What on Earth is that racket?”
“It’s me Maasi! I’m practising for our school recital!”
“Oh no you’re not! You are not playing that thing under this roof.”
“But Maasi! I have to practise!”
“I said NO!”

Payal ran into the room.

“Really Ma she does have to practise. Otherwise they won’t let her be a part of the recital.”
“Payal dear. You should be practising for your play. Go do that.”

Payal looked sadly at her cousin. Khushi put down her little recorder. Garima gave Khushi a cold smile and walked out of the room. The moment Garima left, Khushi’s tears poured out of her eyes. She walked over to the little photograph of her mother and father and hugged it to herself.

“Why did you leave me? Please let me come to you mama. I miss you papa. I hate it here. Maasi hates me. Please tell God to let me come to you too, please…”

*Flashback ends*

Payal went and sat beside her little sister. She noticed Khushi was lost in thought and put her arm around her.

“Hey…”

Khushi looked at her sister, an expression of discomfort on her face. Anjali noticed this.

“Why don’t you guys go up to one of your bedrooms and talk. I think you sisters need some time to catch up with one another.”

Khushi nodded and stood up. Payal too got up. Khushi walked up the stairs and led Payal to hers and Arnav’s bedroom. Once inside she shut the door and sat on the sofa. Payal sat beside her and looked around.

“You know, me and Akaash have been married just over a year and I’ve never been in Arnav bhai’s room before.”
“You’ve been married over a year?”
“Yup!”
“Congratulations!”
“Thank you… How have you been?”
“Ok, what about you.”
“I’ve been well. I missed you Khushi.”
“Hm…”
“Are you angry with me?”
“Why would I be angry with you Jiji?”
“Because…”
“I’m not. How’s Mausaji?”
“He’s well. He’s missed you too.”
“And Buaji?”
“She doesn’t live with us any more. She got angry with Ma and left the day after you left.”
“Oh.”
“Khushi, really. Talk to me, how have you been?”
“I told you, I’ve been absolutely fine.”

Payal noticed Khushi’s absolute tone and decided not to say anything more. She knew that pressing Khushi now would just mean pushing her further away. So she decided to change the subject.

“So you’ve been here a while now. How’s it been? Have you settled in?”
“I guess so.”
“How’s bhai been?”
“Erm… Okay?”
“Right well. Khushi we’ll talk again some time soon, but I want to go and freshen up now.”
“Okay.”

Payal got to her feet and left the room. Khushi watched her cousin go. Once the door was shut, Khushi let all her tears flow.

“Why are you doing this to me God? After all these years, after all this pain, I find a new life. Please, I love Jiji, but please don’t let my past ruin my future. Please God.”

Payal who was still outside Khushi’s door moved away. Her Khushi was in so much pain. Always, as a child she was in pain. And now again. Payal slowly began to walk away, her memories haunting her.

*Flashback*
“Ma where are we going? Papa tell me na.”
“Payal…”

The car came to a halt outside a large, dull grey building. Shashi and Garima began getting out, Payal and Khushi followed.

“Why are we here Ma?”
“This is Khushi’s new home.”

Khushi looked at her aunt, her eyes wide.

“Are we staying here too then?”
“No just Khushi. Come along.”

Garima grabbed Khushi’s hand and led her into the building. Payal tried to rush after, but her father stopped her.

“Babuji! Please I don’t want Khushi to go!”
“There’s nothing I can do beta. Your mother wont listen to me!”
“Why does she hate Khushi so much? Khushi loves her!”
“I know she does.”
“I HATE AMMA, I WILL NEVER FORGIVE HER FOR SEPARATING ME AND MY LITTLE SISTER!”

*Flashback ends*

“I promise you Khushi. I will make sure you get nothing but happiness now. My life aim is to make sure you’re always happy. And I will make sure of it. That’s your Jiji’s promise to you.”