He’s Amazing ~ Part 20 {Reloaded}

For the first time all evening, Khushi finally took a good look at Arnav once she was seated beside him and it was then that she finally realised he was wearing a black sharwani. He caught her taking him in and she smiled at him before quickly looking away. God he looked sexy!

Nani moved forward and proceeded with the shagun ceremony. Everyone beamed with happiness as they watched, glad their their children had found happiness in each other and that they were preparing to start a new life together. Buaji and Garima had tears in their eyes, their Khushi soon wouldn’t be theirs.

Khushi had periodically turned to Arnav and had tried to read his expressions. She noticed how he had been beaming throughout the ceremony, regularly taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

Once the rasam was done, Nani turned the Shashi and Garima and smiled.

“Shashi ji, your daughter is now ours! And you don’t have to worry, she will be the darling of our family. We will treat her with the same love we give to Anjali and Payal.”

“Thank you, and you Arnav, for both choosing my daughter and taking a stand for her today. I know you will all keep her very happy.”

Arnav smiled and nodded, but quickly got to his feet when he saw Anjali and Shyam glaring at him, gesturing for him to touch Shashi’s feet.

“Shashi ji, would it be possible for all us elder people to go and talk about other arrangements.”

“Of course, please follow us to the other room.”

The elders left to discuss what was to happen next and the youngsters stayed behind, talking excitedly about the function that had just happened and about all their plans for future functions. Arnav casually put his arm around Khushi and pulled her closer to himself.

“Hey babe.”

“Hi.”

“So, you’re officially mine!”

“Not officially. I become yours officially after the wedding!”

“Who are you trying to fool. You’ve been mine right from the first moment we both properly looked at each other. By the way, did I mention that you look beautiful?”

“Thank you, you look incredibly hot.”

“You look hotter. In fact you look so hot that I want to take you upstairs right now. Can I take you upstairs?”

“What do you plan to do there?”

“Someone’s got naughty ideas in her head hasn’t she? I want to make love to you for so long and so hard that you can’t move tomorrow morning.”

Khushi bit her lip and felt her cheeks heating up as he nuzzled into her neck.

“I’d love that!”

Both Arnav and Khushi got caught in the moment and completely forgot that they were surrounded by their siblings. Bringing his face to hers, Arnav smiled as he leaned in to kiss Khushi. As if on autopilot, Khushi too moved forward. Their lips touched ever so lightly, but they both felt the insane fireworks go off around them.

Anjali was the first to notice what was happening and cleared her throat loudly. Arnav and Khushi jumped apart and looked at their siblings feeling extremely awkward.

“Ahem, chote, as much as I have no issue with what you two are doing, would both like to pay attention and help us plan YOUR wedding. Or would you both rather we just let you carry on and we do all the wedding planning for you.”

Arnav ran his hand through his hair and gave his sister a sheepish smile while Khushi kept her eyes on her lap, feeling too shy to meet anyone’s eyes.

“Nanav, you’ll have plenty of time with Khushi on honeymoon. But I don’t think you need it, seeing as your honeymoon period started a long time ago!”

“Nanheji, they have to go on honeymoon, after all it’s time to ‘bond’ every couple needs their honeymoon. Why I remember our like it was yesterday. Rani Sahiba, do you remember how much bonding we did during out honeymoon?”

There was scattered laughter throughout the room and Anjali blushed before punching her husband on the arm. Khushi looked around in awe at the people sitting around her. They were all so open with each other. She decided that if she was to be a part of this family, she too would have to speak up and actually interact with them properly.

“Payal bhabi, tell us, how was your honeymoon?”

“Horrible, all Akaash did was sleep all day! We barely went out to sight see and there was no time at all for shopping.”

Akaash turned to his wife, his eyebrow raised. He then turned to Khushi as he offered his side of the story.

“Yes I did sleep all day, but someone has left out a vital part of the story. You should ask her why I had to sleep all day. But I’ll save us all time and tell you all. It’s because someone wouldn’t let me get to sleep until the early hours of the night. If she wants, she can tell you why we were up so late every night.

Again there was scattered laugh and Payal blushed. Anjali came to her sister-in-laws rescue and diverted the attention away from Payal.

“Chote where will you guys go on honeymoon?”

“Wherever Khushi wants to go.”

“Where would you like to go Khushi?”

“I don’t care as long as I’m with my husband.”

“Then it’s settled, Saale Saab, you and Khushi ji shall have your honeymoon in the storeroom at home!”

“What, no way Jijaji! There’s no space for one man to lie down in there, how will me and Khushi both fit?”

“I’m sure you’ll find a way to manage. After all, the less space there is during the honeymoon, the better right?”

The group burst out laughing and Khushi hid her face in Arnav’s chest. Lavanya who had been watching the scene that was playing out in front of her, laughed. She couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with happiness for Khushi. The people who were sitting around them right now were some of the best people she had ever met and she was so glad that they were so open and fun. She just knew Khushi would have a great time with them.

“Please stop teasing my sister! Her honeymoon is private and all details of the honeymoon are confidential and should stay between her and Jeej. But of course as her sister and best friend, I will know everything…”

“La! You know I wouldn’t tell you!”

Before Lavanya could reply, the elders of both family came out, causing Arnav and Khushi to jump apart.

“We have decided that the engagement will be the day after tomorrow and the rest of the ceremonies will start after that. We have decided that this will happen as soon as possible as we want it be done before Khushi and Arnav have to go back to university at the start of next semester.”

Everyone nodded in agreement and began talking excitedly.

“But Nani, with everything being so soon, Chote and Khushi won’t have time to go on honeymoon?”

“They will leave as soon as the wedding ends. That will give them 5 days for their honeymoon.”

The Raizada’s and Kashyap’s embraced each other, excited that this was happening and so soon.

They sat around for a little while longer before the Raizada’s decided it was time to leave. As they greeted each other and slowly left, Arnav hung back and waited for his family to leave and for the Kashyap’s to be out of earshot before he turned to Khushi.

“I’ll FaceTime you tonight. Be ready.”

Before Khushi could reply, Arnav dropped a quick kiss on her cheek and left.

*****

It was later the same evening and Lavanya was finally settling down after a long evening. After the Raizada’s had left they had got changed and then got straight on to tidying up the house before sitting down with their parents and discussing all the things that needed to be done within the next few days before the engagement. Khushi was in the bathroom and Lavanya was waiting for her to come out so that they could finally actually talk about everything that had happened today.

Just as La picked up her own phone, Khushi’s laptop, which she’d left on was now ringing, signifying that someone was FaceTiming her. Lavanya answered the call upon seeing that it was Arnav. She waited as the call connected and waited for Arnav’s face to pop up on the screen. When he did finally appear, Lavanya got the shock of her life and instantly averted her eyes. Arnav was sitting in front of her without his shirt on.

“Arnav What the hell! Please put your shirt on!”

“What the? Lavanya?”

“Yes!”

“Where’s Khushi?”

“In the bathroom. Where’s your shirt, do I have to tell Khushi to buy you one?”

“No Lavanya, I don’t see the need to wear a shirt when I’m talking to my girlfriend. It’s not like I have anything to hide.”

“Yeah true, she’s seen it all hasn’t she?”

Eyes still averted, Arnav and Lavanya laughed at the last comment and it was then that Khushi walked back into the bedroom. She came to sit down beside Lavanya and said hi to Arnav. La said bye before passing the laptop back to Khushi.

“Hey darling.”

“Hi handsome.”

“Has Lavanya left?”

“Yeah, she’s sitting in her bed.”

“But she’s still in the same room?”

“Yes, why?”

“Fine go to an empty room and take the laptop with you.”

“Why?”

“Just do it! I want to talk to you in private.”

Khushi looked to Lavanya who simply smirked. Khushi left and made her way to the guestroom.

“Ok I’m here.”

“Good. Now lock the door and close the curtains.”

“But why?”

“Just do it!”

“Ok, ok, laad gavarnor.”

Khushi went over and locked the door and closed the curtains. She flipped the lights on before coming back to sit on the bed.

“What now and what are you up to?”

“I just wanted to see you.”

“Oh seriously? Is that all? Why did I need to lock everything and close everything? You can see me na?”

“Because we need privacy for I want you to do for me.”

“What do you want me to do?”

Arnav smirked and Khushi felt herself getting a little tense. Was he going to make some sort of strange request?

“Strip!”

“What!?”

“What did you think I meant when I said see you?”

“See me, like this!”

“Oh gosh Khushi, why would I want that? And look I’ve already done what you would have wanted me to do; I’ve only got my boxers on!”

“Arnav, stop being silly, if you really want to see me, we’ll go out tomorrow!”

“Oh we’ll do that, but this is going to be fun as well.”

“I refuse to take my clothes off!”

“Then I refuse to meet you tomorrow!”

“Oh don’t be mean!”

“Please baby, I want to see you.”

“Fine.”

Khushi grumpily placed the laptop on the bed and stood up.

“God this is so awkward!”

“Just imagine it’s me taking your clothes off.”

Khushi looked at herself, took a deep breath and slowly pulled her kameez over her head. Once off, she slowly put it aside before turning back to the computer screen. Arnav on the other side gasped. She looked amazing. No matter how many times he saw her in her underwear, she still took his breath away every single time. There she was, stood before him in a black lacy bra. Arnav could feel himself harden, how he wished he was there with her, to touch her, to kiss her…

“Your shelwar has to go.”

“What!”

“Babe, do it. Please.”

Khushi took a breath and then undid the strings on her shelwar. Arnav gulped. Khushi stepped out of them and it took her a moment to have the courage to look up to the screen and take in his expression. Though she had stood before him in nothing but her underwear before, doing it like this made her feel so much more exposed, so much more vulnerable. Arnav on the other hand was sat there, taking her in. There she was, in nothing but two pieces of skimpy black material and he couldn’t do anything about it.

“God I want to touch you and kiss you.”

“I want to feel your touch on my skin.”

“Tomorrow baby, I promise!”

“But engagement preparations!”

“We’ll think about that then. Khushi… Take your bra off…”

“Arnav!”

“Babe, we’ve got this far.”

Khushi shook her head but turned around all the same. Arnav saw her hands go to her back and she unclasped her bra. She pulled it away and turned, excruciatingly slowly. Her checks were bright red. Arnav’s mouth fell open. She looked amazing and instantly he regretted his decision because it made him want to be with her. He desperately wanted to be with her desperately. Khushi looked up and she could tell that he was fighting for his self control, that perhaps he hadn’t thought this rendezvous through properly.

Arnav shifted and Khushi got a slight peak of him, it was evident he was hard. She felt herself flush further as it brought back all the memories of the two nights they had spent together and it made her long for him. To be with him, to be in bed with him. To be touched by him, to be intimate with him again…

“What now?”

“Nothing, we don’t have to do anything, we can just sit and have a normal conversation… Or we could have a sexy conversation, it’s up to you…”

“But like this? Shouldn’t we get dressed again?”

“No, it’s so much more fun to do it like this…”

To begin with, Khushi felt extremely self conscious about the fact that she was sitting before him, naked. But after a while, she stopped thinking about it and they fell into a regular, easy conversation.

“You’re damn sexy.”

“I know, you’ve mentioned it at least 4 times in the last half an hour.”

“I’m going to have to go now Khushi, I desperately need a cold shower!”

With that, Arnav bid her goodnight and then disconnected the call. Khushi closed her laptop and looked at her clothes that were strewn all over the floor. Picking each bit up, she looked at the clock as she got dressed again. It was well past midnight, so she decided to sleep in the guest room.

Pulling the last of her clothes back on, she shook her head as she smiled to herself.

“He’s mental, but I love him.”

He’s Amazing ~ Part 11 {Reloaded}

When the song came to an end, Arnav dipped Khushi and they held their position. Their eyes locked on each other. Everyone was still for a moment, not knowing how to react. The dance had been passionate, very passionate. There had been lifts, dips, tight embraces and close proximity throughout the entire dance that amazed everyone. Payal was the first to pull herself out of the trance and began to clap, causing everyone to follow her lead. Arnav and Khushi’s trance broke and pulled away from one another, Arnav smirking and Khushi blushing. The next song came on and all the other couples took to the dance floor. Arnav smiled at Khushi as he stepped towards her once more.

 

“You’re an amazing dancer.”

“So are you.”

 

“Yikes! Khushi! What the heck you guys!”

 

Arnav looked up and saw that Lavanya was making a beeline towards them.

 

“This is my cue to make an exit otherwise she’s going to attack me.”

 

Before Khushi could protest, Arnav rushed away. She watched as Lavanya closed in on her. Putting her hands out, Khushi addressed La before La had the chance to attack her.

 

“La, please don’t say what I know you’re going to say.”

“What, that you and Arnav totally burnt the dance floor and that your chemistry is just mind blowing!”

“Yup, that.”

“Khushi, I told you. He was the one for you!”

 

Rolling her eyes, Khushi took Lavanya’s arm and they left the dance floor.

 

The remainder for the night was a blast, everyone danced and when they were hungry made their way towards the food table. Arnav had hardly let go of Khushi all night. They had danced until there came a point where Khushi’s feet wouldn’t permit her to stand any longer. Sitting down, Khushi took off her heels and Arnav sat down with her. Wrapping his arm around her, he moved in to kiss her, but was interrupted by Pooja.

 

“Oh, sorry guys, am I interrupting anything?”

 

Sighing lightly so that only Khushi would notice it, Arnav moved away from her.

 

“No, not really. What’s up Pooja, are you enjoying yourself?”

“Oh that’s great that I am not interrupting. It means that I can make my request without feeling bad. Arnav come on let’s dance. You haven’t danced with me all evening! You can’t expect me to enjoy myself when you haven;t even danced with me yet.”

“Poo, I’m slightly tired now. I don’t really feel like dancing.”

“Oh come on Arnav! You haven’t danced with me and it’s nearly the end of the night!”

 

Khushi felt bad. She knew that part of the reason why Arnav hadn’t danced with anyone else was because she wanted him to dance with her. Putting her hand on his arm, Khushi urged Arnav to go.

 

“Go Arnav. It’s not fair, you haven’t danced with Pooja yet.”

 

Arnav looked at Khushi and she smiled. She hoped that she was able to convey to him that she wanted him to go and give his other guests attention too. He reluctantly got up and Pooja took his hand and led him onto the dance floor.

Once they hit the dance floor, Khushi noticed how Arnav kept a safe distance from Pooja but she pulled him closer each time. Khushi watched as Arnav kept putting distance between himself and Pooja but she kept closing the distance between them. There was something about this that caused Khushi to feel slightly uncomfortable. She looked away just as Lavanya came and sat down beside her. 

 

“Oh god Khushi, I’m so tired. NK has been keeping me on my feet for ages, all he wants to do is dance! But it’s not all bad, I’ve got to know quite a bit about him. He’s really sweet and kind! Any way, where’s Arnav?”

“Dancing.”

“What, with whom?”

“Pooja.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I told him to go and dance with her. She’s his friend after all and she came here today to spend time with him and celebrate his birthday. It would have been rude if he spent all his time with me and then I still kept him beside me even when I didn’t want to dance any more.”

“I guess you have a point. As long as you’re okay though, that’s all that matters.”

 

Khushi nodded and Lavanya went back to speaking about NK. But Khushi’s eye’s kept making their way back to Arnav and Pooja. Was she really okay with this? Was she really comfortable with Pooja having her hands all over her Arnav?

 

*****

 

“Khushi, I’m so sorry, I really do want to spend time with you. I wanted to come back ages ago, but Pooja just wanted to keep on dance.”

 

Arnav had finally broken free from Pooja and he had finally come back to Khushi. She had lost track of how long he had actually been with her for, but Khushi was certain that he had been with her for about an hour. In that time, she had spent a fair amount of time on her own. The Raizada’s had come over to her to keep her company, but they all left after spending a few moments with her because they all wanted to spend time with their respective partners. La too had spent a fair amount of time with her but she had felt it was unfair to ask La to stay with her when she knew how much Lavanya was enjoying her time with NK.

It had been a bit of a drag but Khushi knew that she couldn’t complain, after all, it was his birthday celebration.

 

“It’s fine Arnav, really. She’s one of your oldest friends, she has rights.”

“I’m so glad you understand. Any way, do you want to go somewhere more private? I mean we could book into a room and spend the rest of the evening there. Just me and you… That way no one else would be able to bother us.”

 

The offer was tempting, but Khushi knew that she couldn’t take Arnav away from his own party.

 

“We cant do that Arnav, I mean what will everyone think. They’re all here to celebrate your birthday and then you go missing. It wont look right.”

 

Khushi looked at her watch. It was nearly 11. She gasped.

 

“Oh god! Arnav I have to get home! Aunty will kill me and Lavanya if we don’t get home soon.”

“Shall I drop you off?”

“No it’s fine. We’ll get an auto.”

“Not at this time of night Khushi. Who knows what these late night drivers are like? There are some really dodgy people out there. I’m not going to risk it, Khushi.”

 

Just at that point Khushi’s phone started ringing. She answered it without looking at the caller ID.

 

“Hello?”

“Khushi, where are you girls!”

 

Khushi jumped to her feet upon hearing Garima’s voice.

 

“We’re still at the hotel, we were just leaving.”

“How are you coming?”

“By auto.”

“No Khushi! Not by auto, it’s not safe! Isn’t there any of your friends there that can drop you off?”

 

Khushi thought about it for a moment and thought about Arnav’s offer to drop them off, but it was too risky. If someone saw her and Lavanya with him, there would be a whole lot of questions that would have to be answered.

 

“No, there isn’t anyone.”

“Tell you what, you’re party is at a hotel right?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Fine, you and Lavanya book into a room and spend the night there. Don’t worry about the bill, just tell Lavanya to put it onto her credit card and your uncle will pay for it.”

“Aunty there’s really no need, we’ll come back. We’ve taken autos plenty of times before.”

“No Khushi, just spend the night there. Look I’ll call later, your buaji needs something. Keep safe and don’t leave your room!”

“Ok, bye aunty.”

 

Arnav looked at Khushi and she smiled.

 

“What happened?”

“Aunty said to get a room and then La and I should stay.”

“Excellent! We’re all staying too! Me, Di, Jijaji, Payal, Akaash and NK!”

 

Khushi nodded and Arnav took her hand as they made their way back onto the dance floor.

 

*****

 

By 12, all the guests started to leave. Pooja eyed Khushi and realised that she wasn’t going to leave any time soon. She huffed a little and then left. Only the Raizada’s, Lavanya and Khushi remained. They all sat around a large coffee table in the main hall and talked. Arnav was looking at Khushi the whole time, his eyes not moving at all. Khushi blushed as she felt the heat of his gaze on her.

 

“Hey guys, I have an idea. Let’s play a game!”

“NK, aren’t we a bit too old for games?”

“Payal bhabi, you can never be too old for games!”

“Fine, tell us, what do you want to play?”

“Spin the bottle.”

 

All groaned and protested, but NK remained adamant that they should play. Finally, for the sake of NK, they decided to play. He was as old as all the rest of them; however had the mindset of a child. He pulled an empty bottle out, made sure that the lid was secured and placed it down onto the table. finally, he spun it. Everyone watched it going round and then it began to slow down. It stopped on Arnav.

 

“Ah, Nanav! Truth or dare.”

“You know me; it’s got to be a dare.”

“You have to kiss someone from this circle, full on, on the lips and it has to be in front of us all.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes, it is.”

“As you wish. You’ve just told me to do, what I’ve wanted to all evening!”

 

Arnav walked over to where Khushi was sitting and took her hand. He pulled her to her feet and she stood up slowly, and she looked into Arnav’s eyes nervously. His hands slowly reached up to cup her face, and moved in. Khushi closed her eyes, anticipating the kiss. Then she felt his lips. Warm and hard. The kiss started gently, until he pulled her flush against him. This made Khushi gasp and Arnav took this opportunity to push his tongue into her mouth. She tasted so right. So sweet and feminine, nothing compared to her taste. Khushi let her own tongue wonder into Arnav’s mouth. They had completely forgotten about the rest of the family that were still there. Everyone had looked away, blushing slightly. NK mentally cursed himself. After a long while, the kiss slowed and Arnav and Khushi broke away. Staring at each other for a while, they remember that they weren’t alone. Khushi pulled herself out of Arnav’s arms and blushed. However Arnav wasn’t satisfied, the beast within him was still roaring, it needed more.

 

“Akaash, what room am I staying in?”

“Room 45, floor 4.”

“Fine, I’m off then.”

 

He took Khushi’s hand and pulled her away. She looked at Arnav confused and then looked to Lavanya who was equally confused. But she followed his lead. As they approached the lift and as they waited for the door to open, Arnav wrapped his arm around her and whispered into her ear.

 

“Khushi, I can’t hold back any more. I need you!”

He’s Amazing ~ Part 10 {Reloaded}

 

It was nearly half 5 the next evening and Khushi and Lavanya were getting ready to go to Arnav’s party. Dresses were draped over the sofa, the bed and scattered all over the floor. In the end, Khushi had chosen a dark green anarkali suit. The suit that she had picked was a relatively simple one, with a simple dark green and gold boarder running along the bottom of the dress and along the dupatta. Lavanya had picked a similar but slightly more simple one but in blue.

Both were doing their hair and their make up, looking to each other to make sure that they weren’t going overboard.

By half 6 both were completely ready to go.

 

“La, tell me honestly, how do I look?”

“You’re gonna knock him dead!”

“Are you sure? I mean I know you had suggested wearing a western dress, but I’m meeting his siblings for the first time, I just think traditional is a far safer option. I don’t know what his sister is like but from what he said, she sounds pretty traditional and I…”

 

Grabbing Khushi by the shoulders, Lavanya shook her slightly.

 

“Snap out of it, you’re spiralling. You look amazing and you’re going to knock them all dead. You look dressed up without being too dressed up and I’m sure his sister will appreciate the effort that you’ve made. Any way, tell me, how do I look?”

“As always, stunning! I swear you look so much better than I do!”

 

Playfully Lavanya shook her head.

 

“You need to relax and be more confident in yourself. When one feels confident, it shows on the outside. You just need to relax, take a deep breathe and truly believe me when I say you’re looking like fire. So, hhall we leave? It’ll take a while to get to the hotel, you know, its traffic time and we don’t want to be late.”

 

Nodding, Khushi looked at herself in the mirror once more and took a deep breathe as she picked up her purse. She could do this, this was going to be fine.

 

*****

 

A couple of minutes past 7, Khushi and Lavanya reached the hotel. Looking to each other, they asked one another if they still looked fine. Once they were sure they looked good, they made their way towards the hotel. As they entered the lobby and were greeted by NK, who beamed the moment he saw them both.

 

“Ah, Khushi, Lavanya! Come in, come in! I’ve been waiting for you to come for the last hour!”

“Hi NK!”

“Hey NK. Why were you waiting for the last hour, we were told 7?”

 

NK smiled sheepishly at Lavanya’s question and ran his hand through his hair awkwardly.

 

“I guess I was just eager to see you both again.”

 

Before he could say anything more, a voice drifted through the lobby.

 

“NK bhai! Where are you?”

“Di, I’m in the lobby, Khushi and Lavanya are here!”

 

There was a moment of stillness and then four people rushed out from respective areas, coming to greet the new arrivals. Khushi looked from one to another, the two women were both as beautiful as each other, one slightly taller than the other, with the slightly older woman displaying striking similarities to Arnav. The two men that had emerged were absolutely dashing, one displaying a similar facial structure to Arnav but only slightly.

 

“Hi, I’m Anjali! Arnav’s big sister.”

“Oh, er.”

 

Lavanya rolled her eyes at a dumbfound Khushi and put her hands together to greet the people in front of them.

 

“Namaste Anjali ji, I’m Lavanya and this is Khushi.”

 

“Khushi you can speak to me! No need to be shy!”

“Na-na-Namaste.”

“Chote wasn’t joking, you really are very cute.”

 

Khushi blushed and bought up the courage to respond but the other man, the one that looked lightly like Arnav, playfully nudged Anjali aside so that he could be standing in front of Khushi.

 

“Di, enough, let us meet Khushi too! Hi, I’m Akash and this is my wife Payal.”

 

Akash stuck his hand out and Khushi shook it and smiled at Payal. So this was his cousin and his sister in law. Meaning the man that was now coming towards Khushi was Arnav’s brother in law.

 

“Hi.”

“Hello Khushi ji, I’m Shyam, Anjali’s husband, Arnav’s favourite brother-in-law.”

 

“You’re his only brother-in-law!”

 

Khushi smiled as she watched Anjali nudge her husband, but before anyone could say anything more, NK came back and got everyone’s attention.

 

“Di, Jijaji, Akaash bhai, Payal Bhabi, enough of the introductions, let’s gets into the hall!”

 

The 7 of them made their way over to the grand hall which had been decorated for the event. It had blue lights and cream drapes. It was simplistic but classy, just how Arnav would like it. Khushi and Lavanya looked around in awe.

 

“NK, where’s Arnav, Khushi’s dying to see him!”

“He’s just got called from work, he had an urgent meeting that he needed to attend, but he’ll be here soon.”

 

Khushi felt both relieved and disappointed at the same time. She was relieved because it meant that she would have a little more time to speak to his siblings and get to know them so that she was more comfortable around them by the time he arrived, but she was disappointed because it meant that she would have to wait longer before she would be able to see him again. As Lavanya spoke to NK, Khushi walked over to Anjali.

 

“Anjali ji, haven’t any of the other guests arrived yet?”

“No, they will all arrive after 9. They may even be later if they want to be fashionably late which is what a lot of Chote’s friends like to do.”

“But Arnav said for me and Lavanya to be here by 7.”

“That’s so that we could all get to know each other. If you had come at the same time as all the other guests, it would have meant that I wouldn’t have been able to give you undivided attention as I would have had to make sure that I was attending to all the other guests as well.”

“Oh! Of course, yes that makes sense.”

“Any way, Khushi, please call me Di, seeing as you and chote will soon be tying the knot!”

 

Khushi was thrown off by this comment but before she could respond, Lavanya, who had come back to her side, responded for her.

 

“They will?”

“Of course they will Lavanya. Well that’s after Khushi finishes her degree that it. Marriage is important but that doesn’t mean education should be ignored!”

“I so agree with you! Khushi looks like I should start selecting my dresses!”

 

Khushi looked down and blushed. They were already thinking about getting her and Arnav married! And they didn’t even know her that well yet. She loved this family! But she also felt a knot in her stomach. Was this all going too fast? She hadn’t even thought about marriage at all, let alone with Arnav and now she was being told that this was something that they had already supposedly spoken and thought about?

 

“You know Lavanya, NK was talking about you quite a bit about you the other evening. I feel he’s quite taken by you as well. You never know, we Raizada’s can do anything at anytime, it might just end up being a double wedding!”

 

It was Lavanya’s turn to look down and blush.

 

“Di, Akash! Where the hell are all you people?”

“We’re in the hall Chote!”

 

Startled by his voice, Khushi looked at her dress, checking that she looked nice and took a deep breath. Arnav walked in and Khushi couldn’t help but gasp. He looked amazing. He was wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt and a dark blue tie. He looked totally hot!

Arnav too was blown away looking at Khushi. Slowly he made towards her, holding eye contact the whole time as he closed the distance between them. 

 

“Yo, Nanav, we’re here!”

 

This bought Arnav out of his trance and made him break his eye contact with Khushi. Shaking his head, he looked to Khushi and then Lavanya, smiling as he approached them. 

 

“Hey, Khushi, Lavanya! You’ve arrived.”

“Happy birthday Arnav!”

“Thanks La!”

 

“Ha-ha-Happy birthday Ar-arnav.”

“Thanks, why are you so nervous?”

 

He casually wrapped his arm around her as he pecked the top of her head.

 

“Chote, it’s because we’ve told her about our plans!”

“What plans?”

“Your marriage plans!”

“Oh god, Di, I told you, its way too soon to think like that!”

 

Khushi breathed in relief. She knew she loved Arnav, but marriage was still something she didn’t want to think about. She still wanted to get to know him better, spend some time with him to get to know his little quirks and then, once she had finished her studies, then they could think about moving to the next level of their relationship. But for now she was happy with how they were. 

 

Everyone sat down and talked for a while, waiting for the rest of the guests to arrive…

 

*****

 

At half 9, most of the guests had arrived and everyone was wishing Arnav. Khushi hung back with Lavanya, watching everyone greet Arnav. It wasn’t until a tall, skinny, beautiful girl in a short dress walked in, that Khushi actually began to pay attention to the guests. The girl walked in, looking around at everyone that was there and the moment she saw Arnav, she flew into his arms.

Khushi gasped and turned away feeling stung. Who was this woman?

 

“What the hell! Khushi who the hell is that? She’s got her hands all over your dude! Stop her!”

“Lavanya, it’s probably his friend we can’t do anything!”

“Wanna bet? Yo! NK!”

 

NK walked over to Lavanya and smiled.

 

“Yes, what’s the matter?”

“NK, who’s the girl with Arnav?”

“It’s his childhood best friend, Pooja.”

“And why exactly are her hands all over ASR? Khushi’s feeling insecure and uncomfortable! And you can’t blame her.”

“Of course not, Khushi come with me!”

 

Reluctantly, Khushi followed NK but looked back at La, cursing her for doing this to her. Yeah she was feeling insecure but that didn’t mean she wanted to confront Arnav about it. She didn’t want him to think of her as a clingy, insecure girlfriend. She knew he wasn’t the type of man that would appreciate that. 

 

“Nanav! You left Khushi! She wants to spend some time with you as well you know!”

“Hey Khushi, sorry babes, just got caught up.”

 

“Ahem.”

“Oh sorry, Pooja, this is Khushi, Khushi this is Pooja, my best friend from when we were in kindergarden.”

 

“Oh, hi, I’m Khushi, Arnav’s… I’m his… Student from university.”

“Student?”

 

“Gosh, Khushi, you’re not just my student! Pooja, Khushi is my girlfriend!”

“Oh! Wow! Arnav! You’ve finally found yourself a girl! Aw darling, I’m so happy for you. Khushi you are absolutely beautiful, I’m sure he’s told you that, but really, I’m really happy for you guys. I hope that you have a proper future and not just dating and stuff.”

“Well di and the rest of my crazy lot want us to get married, so let’s see!”

“Wow, you’ve already told Nani, and she agrees?”

“Well no, nani, mamaji and mamiji don’t know yet, but I’m sure they won’t have any problems with Khushi.”

“Yeah, I’m sure they won’t!”

 

Khushi looked around nervously. So everyone in his family knew apart from those who really mattered. And not just that, but he wasn’t even trying to hide their relationship, he was telling everyone about them. What if the elders found out and thought ill of her? What if they didn’t approve. And there was still her family to think about! God, maybe this wont work! There were so many things that could go wrong. Khushi could feel herself spiralling but she couldn’t stop her thoughts. They just kept hitting her, one after the other and she could feel herself starting to hyperventilate a little. But before she completely lost control of her thoughts and her breathing, her thoughts were interrupted by Shyam.

 

“Saale Saab, hurry up, we want to make the official announcement and then we need to get this party started. Oh, Pooja ji, hello, lovely to see you again. Please come through. Khushi ji, come on, you are needed to!”

 

Arnav offered Khushi his arm and she took it gladly. Pooja looked at the happy couple and smiled.

 

“God, you’re both so cute.”

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take a seat. Firstly I would like to thank all of you for joining us today to wish my brother, who is 26 today. Big round of applause guys! Now as per tradition, Arnav bhai will dance with someone of his choice to the first song. Bhai choose your partner.”

“Khushi, will you give me this dance?”

 

Khushi took Arnav’s hand and they made their way to the middle of the dance floor. Pooja saw this and gasped. Every year Arnav had danced with her for the first dance. She knew that he had a girlfriend now, but even in then past when he had a girlfriend, his first dance at his birthday was always reserved for her. It was an unwritten rule. This was wrong. All wrong. How could he dance with someone else instead of her? Pooja knew she shouldn’t feel so strongly and that she shouldn’t let herself get this upset, but she couldn’t help it. This wasn’t right, this had never happened before?#

 

Arnav and Khushi reached the dance floor and the music came on. ‘Teri Meri’ came on and Lavanya silently had a moment. That was Khushi’s favourite song and she had always dreamt about dancing to it with her prince charming.

Khushi’s breathing had stopped when the music came on. Since this song had come out, it had always been a dream that she would dance with her Mr Right on this song and now it was happening? It was actually happening on it’s own accord?# She looked at Arnav who was getting ready. His arms were placed protectively around her and he gestured for her to place her arms around his neck. She did so and thought,

 

“Is Arnav truly my prince charming?”

Unwanted ~ Part 42

Arnav

As I awoke, a strange sense of familiarity took over my body. Rubbing my eyes, I vaguely became aware of the of body that was draped over mine. Feeling myself become alert, I looked down at Khushi and pulled the sheets up over her to cover her exposed back. As she felt the soft sheets move along her body, I felt her stir in her sleep, her leg moving against mine as she snuggled closer. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her closer to myself. This felt right, finally felt really right. Even when we had been together like this in Mumbai, it still felt as though something was missing, but now, it was perfect. Everything was perfect.

Looking over at the clock, I realised there was still a little time left before we had to get up. I snuggled down next to Khushi and closed my eyes once more. But just as I felt myself starting to drift off, I heard a little voice at the door.

 

“Mama, papa?”

 

Ah shit. I had forgotten that it was about time that Arushi usually got up. Untangling myself from Khushi, I pulled the covers up around her neck and pulled my t-shirt and sweat pants back on.

As I reached the door, I turned back to the bed to make sure that there was no sign of what had gone on between me and Khushi. That’s when I saw Khushi’s clothes all pilled by the foot of the bed and her bra and panties lying on my bed of the bed.

 

“One second Ari…”

 

Rushing over to her clothes, I pushed them under the bed and went back to the door.

 

“Why you take so long papa?”

“I door was locked and I couldn’t find the key.”

 

Stepping into our room, Arushi raised her little arms, gesturing that she wanted me to pick her up. Picking her up, I shut the door with my foot and sat down with my baby girl on the recliner. I watched as she turned to the door, creasing her forehead.

 

“The door doesn’t need a key?”

 

My kid was smart, a brain as sharp as her mothers.

 

“That’s the thing na. I was so sleepy when I heard you and when I couldn’t open the door, I thought I needed a key to open it.”

“Silly papa.”

 

Wrapping her little arms around my waist, Arushi snuggled into me.

 

“What’s the matter? Still sleepy?”

“Little bit sleepy.”

“Why did you wake up so early then?”

“Sleepy gone.”

“Do you want to have breakfast?”

 

Arushi nodded and I took her hand as we made our way downstairs to the kitchen.

 

“So what do you want to eat?”

“Pancakes?”

“Pancakes? You really are you mothers daughter aren’t you?”

 

Sitting Arushi on the worktop, I got to work. We made small talk as we made our pancakes. We talked about how much she liked her new room, how excited she was to start at her new school, how much fun she was having with her cousins.

 

“I like it here, I have lots of people to play with.”

“And you get to be with me all the time.”

 

She gave a little nod, but the now bubbling pancakes had taken her attention. I had never paid close attention to kids before, but after spending so much time working with little kids and now being a full time father of one, I realised just how easy it was for their attention to be diverted. The smallest of things intrigued them.

Just as I was plating up the last pancake, Payal walked into the kitchen.

 

“Good morning bhai, good morning Aru! You’re both up and in the kitchen very early today.”

“What can I say, like you sister, your niece needs sweets as soon as she wakes up too.”

 

Laughing, Payal came over to where Arushi was sat and lifted her off the worktop and into her arms.

 

“You like pancakes?”

“I like pancakes lots!”

“Okay, next time you want pancakes, tell maasi! I make better pancakes than your papa!”

“Really?”

 

Arushi looked at me with big eyes. Clearly the idea of yummier pancakes meant she was ready to leave my time and join Payal’s.

 

“Your maasi’s pancakes are good but mine are the BEST!”

“Aru your papa is lying to you. Mine are better than his!”

 

I was about to hit back when Arushi lifted her hand to stop us. We both looked at each other, holding back the laughter.

 

“Today I will have papa’s pancakes and tomorrow maasi will make me. Then I will decide who’s are best.”

“Deal!”

 

I plated up the pancakes and put them down onto the table. Payal put Arushi down and she began to eat her food. With my head, I gestured for Payal to come to the kitchen with me.

 

“Payal can you watch Arushi for a few minutes while I quickly go and have a shower? I don’t want to leave her alone…”

“It’s okay bhai, you don’t need to provide me with a reason when asking me to watch Aru. She is my niece after all.”

“Thanks Payal.”

 

As I turned my back to leave, Payal called out to me.

 

“Bhai, just one minute please.”

“Yeah sure, what’s up?”

“I just…”

 

I watched as Payal took a moment to compose herself before she carried on.

 

“I just wanted to apologise.”

“For what?”

“For my behaviour towards you over the passed few years. You are elder to me both in age and relation and I misbehaved you with…”

 

Placing my hand on her shoulder, I stopped her.

 

“Hey, you don’t need to apologise. It’s not fault. The situation was what it was and it was hard for all of us to deal with. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“But still, please forgive me.”

“Payal, you are my little sister, you never have to apologise to me. But if it will make you feel better about everything, then don’t worry, you are forgiven.”

“Thank you bhai. I can’t even tell you how horrible I have been feeling. I mean I have always felt bad for my behaviour because at the end of the day you are my husband’s older brother and I felt like rubbish when I disrespected you, but the sister in me couldn’t bring myself to be normal with you.”

“It’s understandable Payal. If I was in your position I’m sure I would have done much worse. You just avoided me, I don’t know what I would have done but I can assure you I would have done worse.”

 

Payal chuckled and then gestured that she was going to go back to Arushi and that I could be on my way. As I made my way back to our room, I couldn’t help but smile. Things really were starting to sort themselves out. The bad phase of life was finally coming to an end and the good phase was finally starting.

 

*****

 

It was a little later and everyone was now up and at the breakfast table. Payal and Khushi had put together a grand breakfast for us all and we were enjoying it wholeheartedly. It felt so good to be sat like this as a family after so long. While we adults sat at the table sipping our tea and talking, our kids sat in the living room, their breakfast done, playing with each other. Baby Akshay was sat in his little bouncer watching his sisters as they tried to make a puzzle. I smiled to myself. Soon enough, we wouldn’t be able to keep Akshay tied up in the bouncer, he would want to be on the floor too, getting in on the action. It felt good watching the kids. Just knowing that my entire family was together again after so long felt amazing.

 

The day dragged on. As it was a Sunday, there was no work to be done and so all of spent the majority of the day either in our own rooms or pottering around with the kids. I spent most of my day walking around behind Arushi. It was fascinating how much kids actually did during the day and how they acted like they were the busiest people in the house. I watched as she playing with Shalini and Akshay, how she went looking to Khushi whenever she needed something. How Payal was almost always only a metre behind Arushi, waiting for when she could come in useful to her niece. I watched as she sat with Nani and told her about her life in Mumbai. I watched as her little face dropped when Nani asked her if she missed Raj.

In a way, I felt jealous that my daughter had such a strong bond with another man, but at the same time I knew it was unfair of me to feel resentful towards Raj. He had been there for Khushi and Arushi when I couldn’t be. He loved Arushi as if she were his own child and never let her feel that she didn’t have a father in her life. I owed that man so much. But still, hearing her speak so fondly of Raj, talk about all the things that they used to do together, it stung a bit.

 

As I watched my daughter interact with the family, I realised that there was one person, and only one person, in the house, who didn’t really seem to be trying to bond with Arushi and that was Di. At first I didn’t really notice anything, however the more I watched, the more I realised that Di was really cold and aloof towards both Arushi and Khushi.

I had noticed when they first came home, but I had put it down to the fact that we had all been apart so long, we all just needed time to readjust to the new situation, but now that time had passed, it just didn’t seem that Di was warming to them. I wanted to talk to Di about it but first I decided to talk to Khushi about it, see if she had noticed it or if I was just overthinking.

 

Just before dinner, I finally got the chance to speak to Khushi alone.

 

“Khushi, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“It’s just, I don’t know how to ask this, but… Is everything okay between you and Di? Has she been normal with you.”

 

Putting down the shirt she was folding, she turned her attention to me fully.

 

“Why do you ask?”

“I’ve just been watching Di around you and Arushi and I just felt like something wasn’t quite right. At first I thought that maybe Di was having an off day but then I kept watching her around everyone else and I thought about how she’s been with you since you got here and I just felt…”

“I just… I did realise and I was going to say something to Di but I just haven’t had the chance yet.”

“Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

“I just didn’t want you to worry. With everything that’s been going on and everything that has happened over time, I just didn’t want to add to all that by telling you that Di was being weird with me. Plus it just didn’t feel like something that would be a big deal, I had just thought that I will speak to Di myself and I will sort it with her.”

“I get all that, but I want you to still tell me these things. If something isn’t right, if something is bothering you, I want to know so that I can help you deal with it.”

 

She smiled and took hold of my hand.

 

“I know you want to be my knight in shining armour all the time, but there are somethings which I can deal with myself.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’ll go and speak to do after dinner. I was planning to speak to her any way, but now that you have said it too, I feel I should do it. Better to get it over and done with instead of letting the situation fester.”

 

The conversation had reached an organic ending and so I dropped the topic. If Khushi said that she would deal with it, then I was going to let her deal with it without interfering. She was right, there were some battles that she could fight on her own and I should leave her to it so that she could deal with it.

 

*****

 

I sat in bed, waiting for Khushi to come back. After dinner, when everyone else had retreated to their bedrooms, Khushi had caught hold of Di in the kitchen. I had offered to take Arushi to bed. I felt it would be better all round if I just wasn’t around while they spoke.

I didn’t have to wait too long, within half an hour, Khushi returned to our bedroom. Her expression didn’t give much away, but at the same time, I knew her well enough to know that the conversation hadn’t got well. She avoided my eye as she walked around the room, getting ready for bed.

 

“Hey, what happened?”

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.”

“Khushi, tell me, what happened.”

“I told you na, nothing happened, it’s all fine.”

“Khushi, I’m asking you once more, if you don’t tell me what happened, I’m going to go over there myself and get to the bottom of the situation myself.”

“Arnav please, for once listen to me and drop this.”

“Khushi I can tell you’re not happy and Di too isn’t okay. I can’t see you guys like this. I want a happy family, all of us together, happy like before. I don’t there to be tensions between anyone.”

 

Khushi shook her head and grabbed her night clothes and went into the bathroom. It was clear she was going to hold her ground and not tell me anything. The moment the bathroom door closed behind her, I got out of bed and made my way down to Di’s room. I wasn’t going to let this situation fester, nor was I just going to leave it like this. I wanted peace in my life. And knowing that there was tensions between my sister and my wife was enough to cause the peace to go out of the window.

Upon reaching Di’s bedroom, I knocked on the door and waited. Moments later, Di opened the door and smiled when she realised it was me.

 

“Ah chote, you finally remembered your Di.”

 

Ushering me into her room, she gestured for me to sit down. I decided to stay standing.

 

“What brings you to my room at this hour?”

“Where’s jijaji?”

“He’s putting Shalini to bed and then he’s going to the study to get some work done before bed. Did you come for him?”

“No I came to speak to you about something.”

“So I was right, you finally have found some time for your Di? Or did your wife complain about me and so you’re here now to tell me off?”

“I… I don’t know what happened between you and Khushi, she wouldn’t tell me anything, that’s why I’m here to get to the bottom of the situation.”

“What situation, there is no situation.”

“Well clearly there is something. I have noticed that something isn’t quite right between the two of you and Khushi even admitted that much. And I know that she was going to speak to you about it, but when she came back to our room, she won’t tell me anything that happened and I can tell that she is more stressed now than she was before. So clearly something happened between the two of you and I want to know what it is so we can sort out the issue.”

 

There was an elongated pause and I could tell that Di was taking in everything that I had said and she was thinking about what she wanted to say before she actually said it.

 

“If Khushi says there is no problem then I suggest you listen to her and just accept that there is no issue.”

“No, she didn’t say that there wasn’t an issue, she just wouldn’t tell me what the issue is, and like I said, I don’t need Khushi to tell me that there is an issue. I have noticed it myself. I have noticed how distant you have been with Khushi since we’ve been back and I have also noticed how distant you have been with Arushi as well. So please, let’s stop wasting time and let’s just deal with this.”

 

Di watched me closely as I spoke, but I could tell from her expression that she wasn’t planning on saying anything to me.

 

“Fine, if you don’t want to tell me anything, I’ll just go and tell Nani and then she can sort the issue out.”

“Okay fine, I’ll tell you. I just…”

 

She paused and I knew from the way that she was looking at me that whatever came next, I wasn’t going to like it.

 

“I just, I can’t get all cosy and become best friends with her, not after everything that she did and everything that has happened.”

“She didn’t do anything, what are you talking about?”

“Are we all really going to forget about the fact that she left and we didn’t hear from here for years, and then all of a sudden you find her again and you come home and we are all expected to play happy families again.”

“What happened has happened, it’s over now. What’s the point of talking about it still and what’s the point of holding it against her. We all made mistakes, but it’s a part of the past now, we are all just trying to move on and start our lives again. So I want you too to accept the passed and just move on too. I just want peace. I finally have my entire family together again and I want to enjoy my life.”

“I’m sorry chote, I can’t just act like all that didn’t happen and that I didn’t see you go through all that, I can’t forgive her for just leaving like that. And on top of all that she hid your child from you.”

“I get all that but we know why she did it. It’s not her fault that she made the decision to leave. I’m sure if you were in her situation you would have done the same.”

“Maybe I would have, but when I realised I was pregnant, I would have come home.”

“Look, I get it that you have your reservations, but for the first time in years I feel happy and I have my whole family together. Please just try and be happy with me.”

“I can’t. I can’t accept Khushi any more.”

“Di, I think you’re forgetting that you were the one that was adamant that I marry her in the first place. If you hadn’t been so stubborn about it all, I was going to marry Nimi.”

“I made a mistake, I should have just let you marry Nimisha.”

 

I paused and took a step back. What the hell? Why was Di speaking like this?

 

“What the hell is wrong with you Di? I’m sorry that I am speaking like this but what the f… That’s my wife and the mother of my child that you are speaking about and I don’t appreciate…”

“I would like you to leave now.”

“No, I’m not going to leave until we resolve this issue.”

“There is nothing left to say. I have said all that I wanted to say and you know how I feel now. So I suggest we just leave this here and move on.”

“No, I’m sorry, I can’t do that. I want peace, I don’t want any bad feelings and tension.”

“Arnav stop pressing the matter and just leave.”

“I won’t until you tell me what the real issue is because I know there is more to this.”

“Fine. You want to know the full story? Then I’ll tell you. I don’t accept Khushi, I will not accept Khushi and I don’t want her here. Ever since she has entered your life, our relationship has been non-existent. After you got married, you only had time for her. You never sat down and talked to me, you never had time for me. The moment you got home, you just wanted to be with your wife. And then she left and again all your time, you spent moping over her. In all those years you never gave me the time of day. If anything, our relationship deteriorated after she left. Then you left for Mumbai and clearly you got busy with her because you didn’t even have time to call me any more. And now that you’re back, all your spare time you spend with her and your child. You don’t care about anyone else, you don’t think about anyone else. You don’t even ask me if I am okay forget actually sitting down and having a proper conversation with me. She ruined everything and I regret that I ever chose her to be your wife.”

 

If I hadn’t been standing right here and if Di hadn’t been speaking to me directly, I would never believe that my Di was capable of speaking like this. I couldn’t believe that all of this was because she was… She was jealous? I didn’t even know what to say, what was I meant to say?

 

“I don’t even know what to say, why didn’t you just tell me that you wanted more attention?”

 

Clearly that was not the right thing to say. I watched as Di’s nose flare. Shit.

 

“I didn’t realise that I needed to beg my brother for attention. I would have thought he would just known that sometimes he needs to spend time with his sister. Clearly I was wrong.”

 

I knew I shouldn’t let myself get angry, I understood her insecurity, but there was something about her tone that just really pissed me off. She was a grown ass woman but she was acting like an absolute child about this. I knew I should let myself breathe before I spoke but I was just so angry.

 

“I can’t believe you are behaving and speaking like this Di! This is just… I’m a married man and I am a father. My wife and my child are my priority. You’re being so difficult with me about this, but I’m sure if jijaji prioritised his sister over you and Shalini you would be annoyed.”

“That’s not the same.”

“Yes it is! It’s exactly the same. You are telling me that I should put you before my wife and daughter, so now I am asking you, how would you feel if jijaji’s sister put him in this position and asked him to choose between you and her.”

“I am not asking you to choose…”

“Yes you are. You spoke about my behaviour after marriage. I was a newly wed! I wanted to spend time with my new wife and you’re telling me you were jealous of her because I was spending more time with her than I was with you. And than you mentioned about now. After all these years I have got my wife back and I recently found out I have a child. You are holding the fact that I want to reconnect with my wife and that I want to get to know my daughter against me. Had our lives gone ahead as normal, I would have had time for you, it would have been a naturally process as things settled down. But our lives haven’t been normal. Me and Khushi never had the time to just be a couple. We went from being newly weds to being separated for 6 years. I can’t believe you’re really holding it against me that I want to spend time with her.”

“Even if I explained myself you wouldn’t understand.”

“That’s because there is nothing to understand. You are being irrational and are acting childish. I’m sorry Di, but it’s true, you’re behaviour is just out of line and I am sure if I told Nani this, she would agree with me too.”

“If that’s really how you feel then fine, please leave. I would like to get some rest now.”

“I will leave, but I want you to say that you will start making more of an effort to make my wife and child feel welcome.”

“I cannot promise that.”

“Di…”

“I can’t accept Khushi I’m sorry.”

“If you can’t accept Khushi and if you can’t make her feel welcome in her own home then I will have no choice but to take my wife and daughter and leave. I want us all to be happy, and if you can’t accept them and make them feel welcome then it better that we just don’t stay here.”

“Would you really?”

“Yes Di, I really would. I have had enough tension and drama in my life to last me a lifetime. I just want to be happy now and not have to worry about stupid things.”

 

I watched Di carefully. She was deep in thought but I knew she would be stubborn about it. I turned to leave the room and it was just as I was leaving that I realised that there was something else I wanted to say and something else I wanted to do.

 

“I want to do my marriage vows with Khushi again. Not marry her again but just do our vows again. I will have to speak to her and see what she says, but if we go ahead with the idea, I really want you to be accepting of it all and I want you to give us your blessings again.”

 

Di looked at me with wide eyes, clearly she had never expected me to say this and let’s be honest, I hadn’t thought I would say this either. But the thought had just come to me and it just felt right.

As I left Di’s room, I thought about it and I knew this was something I wanted to do. When Khushi and I had got married, we hadn’t planned on it being a long haul thing. It was a bit of a game for us. We had both used marriage as a means to reach our ultimate goals, and maybe that’s why god punished us by keeping us apart for so long. We had treated marriage as a game and not respected it as it was happening. It only felt right that we should rectify our mistakes. And after everything we had been though, renewing our vows felt like something we needed to do before we really started afresh with our lives.

 

I just hoped that Khushi would get on board and not think it was insanity.

Jalebi ~ Part 37

Taking in Rohan’s words, Arnav didn’t know if he should feel happy or if he should feel sad. It was obvious Rohan cared about Khushi. But Arnav knew that he definitely cared about Khushi more than anyone else ever could.

 

“I’ll take my leave.”

“No. No you have to stay.”

 

Unable to understand why Rohan would make him stay, Arnav tried to argue with Rohan. But he wasn’t having it. He wanted him to stay.

 

“I can’t.”

“You have to.”

 

The way Rohan spoke, Arnav realised that there would be no use arguing. He had to sit through the wedding, he would have to watch the woman he loved become someone else’s.

 

*****

 

Returning to the main hall, one of Rohan’s cousins approached him and told him that the auspicious time had arrived and that he needed to make his way over to the mandap.

Taking his seat at the mandap, he waited for Khushi to come over.

Offering Khushi her hand, Payal gave Khushi a little smile.

 

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

“Jiji I…”

 

Starting to panic slightly, Khushi realised the greater implications of what was happening. She was about to marry Rohan. Actually marry him. She would have to live with him, share a room, a bed with him…

 

“Jiji I cant!”

“What?”

“I can’t marry Rohan.”

 

Payal and Khushi were using hushed voices, but they caught the attention of all those around them. Rohan looked over, and he saw Khushi still at her seat.

 

“Now is not the time to get cold feet Khushi. You’ve had so much time to change your decision, you can’t do it now.”

“I know… But honestly Jiji I can’t.”

 

Feeling at a complete loss, Payal moved back slightly, trying to think of what to do.
Wanting to know what the delay was for, Rohan got to his feet and made his way over to Khushi. Putting his hand out to her, he waited for her to take it.

 

“Rohan…”

“Come on, everyone’s waiting.”

“I…”

“You’ve watched Kuch Kuch Hota Hai right? If you don’t come on, I’m going to drag you to the mandap.”

“I can’t…”

 

Realising exactly what Khushi was thinking, Rohan took Khushi’s hand and dragged her over to the mandap.

 

“Rohan…”

 

Those who hadn’t been paying attention before were paying attention now. Anjali saw what was going on and nudged Arnav.

 

“What’s happening?”

“Did he ask me to stay so I that he could make me watch him forcefully marry her?”

 

Khushi tried to get her hand out of Rohan’s, and struggled even more when she saw the mandap getting closer to them.

 

“Rohan please…”

 

She saw the mandap approach and she realised… This was it. She had made her decision and now there was no backing out.

But much to Khushi’s surprise, they walked straight passed the mandap and only stopped once they were a little further down. Arnav looked up again, trying to make sense of what was happening.

 

“What are you…”

“Today Khushi, I realised what love is. True love is when you are ready to sacrifice your happiness and what you want so the other person can be happy. I learnt that from a man who up until now I didn’t like at all. He made me realise that if you truly love someone, you should let them go if that’s what is going to make them happy. Arnav… Arnav taught me that.”

 

Turning her attention to Arnav, Khushi gave a little smile.

 

“Arnav is ready to let you go because he loves you truly and he thinks you marrying me is what you want and he just wants you to be happy. But I think we both know you’re only marrying me because you think that if you said no now, you’d be betraying me.”

 

Tears fell from Khushi’s eyes because Rohan was right. He was spot on.

 

“I’m sorry…”

“No I’m sorry. I should have realised and I shouldn’t have been so pig headed when making you choose. I knew the truth and I decided to overlook it for my own selfish reasons.”

 

Khushi felt her head spin as she took in Rohan’s words. What was the meaning of all this? Feeling slightly light headed, Khushi raised her hand to her head and tried to keep herself stable. She felt herself sway slightly and then the next thing she knew, she had a strong pair of arms around her.

Turning to her right, she saw Arnav stood beside her, holding her tightly.

 

“See, he was stood all the way on the other side of the room and he knew you needed him. I was stood right here and I didn’t realise. This is why you should make him your life partner. Put the guy out of his misery.”

“Rohan…”

 

Taking Khushi’s hand in his own, Rohan carefully pulled the engagement ring that he’d put on her off.

 

“I set you free.”

“I don’t know what to…”

“You don’t need to say anything to me Khushi. Turn to the saint of a man next to you, and ask him for his hand.”

 

Giving a little smile and mouthing her thanks, Khushi turned to Arnav and took his hand into her own. Looking at her, Arnav smiled before brushing away the tears on Khushi’s cheek.

 

“I screwed up Arnav. I thought I was doing the right thing but I… Will you marry me Arnav? After everything that I have put you through, do you think you can forgive me and marry me? I think we both know that I am yours. Only yours.”

 

Reaching into his pocket, Arnav pulled out the velvet box that Anjali had given to him a little while ago. Opening it and carefully taking out the ring, Arnav gently put it on Khushi.

 

“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to put this ring on your finger.”

 

Taking her hand, he pressed a light kiss on her hand.

Smiling, Rohan mentally pat himself on the back. He did the right thing. As much as it hurt and as much as he wanted to marry Khushi himself, he knew he did the right thing. She was never his and she never would have been.

 

“Now now, let’s not get too caught up in the moment, there are still tonnes of people watching you.”

 

Taking her hand out of Arnav’s, Khushi wrapped her arms around Rohan and gave him a big hug.

 

“Thank you so much.”

“We’ve been friends for the longest time, if I didn’t have your back, who else would?”

 

Taking his turban off, Rohan walked to Arnav and placed it on his head.

 

“Be good to her bro.”

“I promise you, I’ll never let her or you regret this decision.”

 

*****

 

After giving the bride and groom a few moments to freshen up and to allow their families to take in everything, Arnav and Khushi’s marriage ceremony was well on the way.

The Raizada’s and the Gupta’s had been overjoyed by the change in events. Anjali had called Hari Prakash and asked him to quickly go out and get the supplies that she needed.

 

*****

 

Wedding done, bidaai done, Payal helped Khushi into the back of Arnav’s car as Akash got into the drivers seat.

Pulling Khushi into his arms, Arnav brushed her hair out of her face as he took her lips between his own and kissed her as though he’d never kissed her before. Taking hold of his collar, Khushi pulled him closer to herself as she kissed him back with the same level of intensity. His hands dropped to her waist as he pulled her onto himself, needing to get closer.

Breaking apart to come up for air, Khushi ran her hand along Arnav’s face and placed a little kiss on the end of his nose.

 

“I never thought… I thought we… I thought I lost you…”

“Sh, we’re together now, we’re married. That’s all that matters now.”

“I love you Arnav. I’m so sorry I…”

“Shh. I told you, it doesn’t matter any more. This is a new start.”

 

Cuddling up to Arnav, Khushi tucked herself into him and closed her eyes, feeling peaceful.

 

“Hey Khushi, remember the time we made out here. How about…”

“Don’t even think about it bhai!”

 

Laughing, Arnav reached over and poked Akash in the back of his head. Snuggling back down, Khushi tucked herself into Arnav and simply inhaled his scent.

Finally peace had been restored.

 

*****

 

After being welcomed into the Raizada house as the new Raizada bride, Arnav and Khushi were sat on the sofa with the family, waiting to be granted permission to go to their room.

 

“Whatever happens, happens for the best. And all that matters now is that Khushi bitya is home.”

“I told you Nani, I’d sort it and I would get her back.

 

Before anyone could say anything more, Anjali re-emerged from wherever she was and came to collect Khushi.

 

“Come on Khushi, I’ll show you to your room.”

“There’s no need Di, I can show Khushi to our room.”

“Hush chote. It’s a rasam. I showed Payal to her room after the wedding and I’m going to do the same with Khushi.”

 

Helping Khushi to her feet, Anjali turned away, leading her up to Arnav’s room. Arnav too got to his feet but was stopped.

 

“No Chote, wait. I will tell you when you can go up.”

 

Rolling his eyes, Arnav sat back down and was met with a whole lot of teasing from Shyam and Akash for being too eager.

Helping Khushi up the stairs, Anjali turned her attention back to her.

 

“How are you feeling?”

“So nervous and overwhelmed.”

“Are you happy though?”

“Of course.”

 

Teaching Arnav’s bedroom, Khushi gasped as she looked around the room.

 

“Di when did you…”

“Just because you and Chote got married at the last minute, doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t have made sure that everything was perfect.”

 

Looking around the room, Khushi took in the beautifully decorated room with flower petals and candles.

 

“But so quickly…”

“I got Akash to take a detour. Don’t think you and Chote realised that though did you?”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked down. No, she hadn’t realised. She hadn’t gone to sleep in the car, but she had drifted off slightly. It had been so long since she had last felt so content and at ease, that it was so easy to just zone out.

Leading Khushi over to the bed, Anjali was ready to help her onto the bed when Khushi stopped her.

 

“Di, I’ve been in this outfit for so long. I know it’s not the norm, but can I please get changed before he comes up?”

“Of course it’s fine. I completely understand. Would you like me to call Payal to help you get changed”

“No no, I’ll manage.”

“Okay, you get changed. I’ll send Chote up in half an hour. And I won’t come up with him so I won’t see you.”

 

Anjali gave Khushi a suggestive nudge with a cheeky wink, causing Khushi to want to curl into herself because she felt so shy.

 

Anjali left, leaving Khushi alone in Arnav’s bedroom. Well hers and Arnav’s bedroom. Khushi hadn’t had the intention to dress to impress Arnav, but now that Anjali had hinted at it, Khushi decided that she wanted to wear something special for him.

Picking up her suitcase, Khushi placed it onto the bed and went rummaging. She hadn’t brought many pieces of sexy nightwear because she hadn’t seen the need for it. But things were different now. She was married to Arnav.

Picking out what she wanted to wear, Khushi took hold of it and made her way to the bathroom to get changed.

 

*****

 

Sat back on the bed, Khushi had draped her dupatta back onto her head and had pulled it around her shoulders. She knotted her hands together as she waited for her husband to arrive.

A little while passed and then the door was pushed open and Arnav walked in. Quickly turning around, he locked the door behind him. With the door locked, he pulled the curtains on the doors to the poolside and then finally, slowly made his way over to his bride who was waiting on the bed.

Sitting down beside her, Arnav places his hand on hers.

 

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

 

Keeping his hand on hers, Arnav leaned in and placed a kiss on Khushi’s cheek before pulling away again. Slowly, he raised his hand to her dupatta and pulled it off her head carefully, letting it fall around her shoulders.

As soon as her dupatta was off, his eyes fell on the red sindoor that he had placed on her, marking her as his. He also saw that she’d taken off all her jewellery except her mangalsootra and her ring.

Clutching at the dupatta, Khushi tried to pull it around herself, suddenly feeling self conscious about her attire underneath.

 

“I can’t believe I have you in my bedroom, on my bed, as my wife. When I woke up this morning, all I could think about was how this evening you’d be married to someone else, but now…”

“I’m yours. I’ve always been yours.”

 

Biting her lip, Khushi blushed as she reached out to him. Shuffling closer to her, Arnav took hold of her dupatta and slowly pulled it away from her, revealing what she was wearing underneath. Or more correctly, what she wasn’t wearing underneath.

 

“Khushi…”

“I thought you would appreciate it if you didn’t have to take so many layers of clothes off of me.”

“You know me too well baby.”

 

Completely pulling the dupatta away and dropping it down the side of the bed, Arnav took Khushi in. Here she sat, on his bed, in nothing more than a deep red bra and panties. Taking her in, Arnav gulped.

 

“Shit.”

 

Feeling super self conscious, Khushi looked around her, trying to find something to cover herself with. But before she could reach out, Arnav had moved into her, pushed her against the pillows and his lips were on hers, his hands on her exposed waist.

Moving over her, he quickly unbuttoned his shirt and attempted to push it off. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Khushi pulled Arnav into herself, hooking her leg onto his, letting herself feel his body move on hers.

Keeping one arm around his neck, Khushi’s other hand found its way into Arnav’s hair, massaging his scalp with her fingers as they carried on kissing.

Pulling apart for air, Arnav pushed his shirt off, and then moved over Khushi once more.

 

“Arnav…”

 

Whatever she wanted to say was forgotten about as he started kissing her neck, all the while touching her breasts. His hands moved over the silk and lace and he could feel her pebbled nipples on his palms.

Arnav pulled back, and looked at Khushi who’s eyes were half closed.

 

“Khushi…”

“Hmm?”

 

Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with Arnav’s dark molten orbs staring into her soul.

 

“Are you ready for tonight?”

 

Wrapping her arms back around him, Khushi pulled Arnav to herself and whispered into his ear.

 

“Yes.”

Jalebi ~ Part 36

 

The long awaited day had finally arrived. It was finally Khushi and Rohan’s wedding day.

At the wedding venue, there was a great amount of hustle and bustle as everyone made sure that everything was in place and that all arrangements had been done properly. Khushi’s father, alongside Payal’s father, rushed around, making sure that the catering service had prepared all the food properly, while Khushi’s mother and Payal made sure that all of Khushi’s things were properly packed.

 

“Ma, Payal, you guys need to stop worrying. Even if I don’t have all my stuff it isn’t a big deal, in a weeks time me and him are moving back into my house.”

 

As Rohan and his family were primarily based in London, they didn’t have their own home in Delhi any more. As a result, it meant that Khushi didn’t actually have a sasural here where she would have to live.

For the purpose of rituals and traditions, Rohan’s uncle had said that they could welcome the new bride into their home and that Khushi and Rohan could stay there until they went for their honeymoon. Then, when they came back, they would move back into Khushi’s apartment.

Some girls dreamed to have a sasural, others not so much. Khushi found herself on this side of the spectrum, she was glad that she wouldn’t always have to live with in-laws. When Khushi thought that she may be marrying Arnav, she had been overjoyed at the idea of living with her in laws, of living with Payal. But now… Considering all the changes, she was glad for not having immediate in laws in India. It would mean that there would be less pressure on her. And she would have to feign happiness less.

 

“We know you’re going to be moving back into your own home, but you still need to make sure you have your things so you can stay there without any issues.”

 

Giving a noncommittal grunt Khushi turned away and Lalita threw her hands into her hair and turned to Payal. Khushi was driving her insane! She wasn’t making decisions about anything, she wasn’t getting a move on, she wasn’t doing anything! It was her wedding day, yet she was completely stoic about everything.

Nodding to her aunt, Payal signalled that she would handle it. Waiting until her masi left the room, Payal went over to shut the door and then came and sat beside Khushi.

 

“Khushi, what’s the matter.”

“Nothings the matter jiji.”

“Khushi…”

 

Letting out a sigh, Khushi turned to her cousin, letting her shoulders drop.

 

“It’s just all of this. I’m expected to constantly be smiling and to be that blushing bride, but I can’t. I don’t feel like smiling and as far as feeling shy goes, all these suggestive comments that everyone is making, I know they mean nothing, because I know I’m not going to be getting down with my husband tonight so…”

“I’ve said it to you over and over again Khushi, if this isn’t what you really want, there’s still time to walk away.”

 

Khushi knew that there was still time to walk away, but she also knew it was too late. The guests has started arriving, her groom was ready, she was ready. She couldn’t get cold feet and back out now.”

 

“How is he? Arnav I mean? Especially after the fashion show?”

“He’s been… Disturbed. He doesn’t really interact with anyone, Akash said he’s been keeping himself busy with work. But I saw the way his face fell when he realised that all of us were coming to your wedding today.”

“Did he say anything?”

“He didn’t say anything to me and Akash obviously because he knows we need to be here. But he did ask Di why she felt the need to come. She explained that your parents invited everyone on account if them being my in laws and that they had to go otherwise it would seem rude. I don’t think he was too impressed with that.”

 

Sighing, Khushi turned her attention back to the mirror and looked at herself. She knew she looked beautiful, but she didn’t look like the bride she wanted to be. And that was down to the fact that her groom wasn’t the man she wanted.

Placing her hand on Khushi’s shoulder, Payal looked at Khushi through the mirror, trying to tell her it would all be okay.

A little while later, there was a little knock at the door and Payal told whoever it was to come in. Anjali walked in tentatively.

 

“Di?”

 

Turning, Khushi looked up at Anjali, her eyes wide.

 

“Di, aap?”

 

Shutting the door, Anjali came and sat down on the stool by Khushi’s side.

 

“Hi Khushi, I’m okay, you?”

“I’m okay.”

 

There was a pause, a silence stretching out between the three ladies in the room. Payal decided that maybe she should give them some space so excuses herself. With Payal gone, Anjali felt herself loosen up a bit, felt a bit braver.

 

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you Di… I mean, Anjali ji.”

 

Realising how inappropriate it was now to call her Di, Khushi felt the need to change the way she addressed Anjali.

 

“You don’t have to stop calling me Di. It may not have worked out between you and Chote but that doesn’t mean that I don’t still care for you. Please, keep calling me Di. I really like it.”

“Okay Di.”

 

Looking away again, Khushi realised that there was much that she needed to say, and something she needed to do.

Taking hold of her bag that was sat beside her, she fished in it until her felt the little velvet box under her fingers. Pulling it out, she took one last look at it before handing it back to Anjali.

 

“Can you… Can you give that back to him. I can’t keep it.”

 

Looking between Khushi and the ring box, Anjali felt at a loss. She didn’t know what to do.

 

“I can’t…”

“Please take it and give it back to him. I can’t keep it.”

“I think he’d want you to keep it.”

“I understand that, but if I held onto it, I’ll never be able to move forward in my life.”

 

It made sense, Anjali knew that. But she also knew that if she took this ring back, it really would be the end of Arnav and Khushi and she wasn’t sure it she was ready for that. But alas, she knew that she couldn’t be selfish and took the box from Khushi.

Tears fell from Khushi’s eyes as she handed the box over. It really was over.

 

“I’m sorry Di. I hope you know that I’m really sorry.”

“Sh, it’s okay.”

“And tell him I’m sorry as well.”

 

Nodding, Anjali got to her feet because she didn’t know how much longer she could remain here without having a breakdown on behalf of her brother.

 

“I wish you a very happy married life Khushi.”

 

And with that, Anjali left. The moment the door shut behind Anjali, Khushi get herself completely shatter. She had given back Arnav’s ring. Their relationship was done.

Sat alone in the room, Khushi waited for someone to come for her when there was a little knock on the door.

 

“Come in.”

 

Slowing pushing the door open, Lalita returned and took the seat next to her daughter.

 

“Mom…”

“Dekho Khushi. I’m saying this for the very last time, if this isn’t what is going to make you happy, there is still time to turn back. It’s not too late yet.”

 

Bless her mother. She had been repeating the same thing over and over again. She knew that Rohan wasn’t who she truly wanted to be with.

 

“I told you Ma, this is what I want.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing Khushi. I really do.”

“I do.”

 

*****

 

The main wedding ceremony was about to begin. The baraat had arrived and Khushi was seated beside Rohan on the stage. They greeted guests while they waited for the auspicious time to arrive. Looking around, Khushi took in all the guests that had come to the wedding. As she looked around, she saw an upset looking Anjali towards the back of the hall. Shyam has his arm around her, talking to her, patting her. She then saw Naniji. She too didn’t look entirely happy.

Carrying on round, Khushi’s eyes finally fell on her mother. She looked so pale, her smile so forced. Khushi knew her mother wasn’t convinced by what she had said, and it showed.

Sighing, Khushi turned away. But her attention was brought back when a whole lot of static played overhead.

Turning her attention the sound desk, she saw Arnav.

 

“Testing, can everyone hear me?”

 

There was a pause as Arnav waited for a response. People started turning his way to see what he had to say.

Feeling her palms start to go all sweaty, Khushi felt herself panic. What was he going to say, what was he going to do?

 

“What is he doing?” Hissed Rohan. Shrugging her shoulders, Khushi turned back to Arnav.

“Hi everyone, I’m Arnav Singh Raizada. Some people may know that Khushi and I were in business together before. I’ve come here today to wish her and Rohan a happy married life.”

 

Khushi watched Shyam and Akash daft through the crowd and make their way over to Arnav. They must have been telling him to come away, but he wasn’t done yet.

 

“I would like to present a song for the lovely couple.”

 

The guests, unaware of anything, began to clap, thinking Arnav was being sweet. But Khushi had a sick feeling in her stomach. Why was he here? Why would he come today? Why on her wedding day? Didn’t he realise how hard it was going to be any way without him actually turning up here?

But before any other thoughts could pass through Khushi’s mind, the music started up.

 

Of course, of course he would pick this song. The insinuations weren’t missed by the guests, many turned to Khushi, eyebrows raised. They knew what was going on here.

 

“Channa mereya mereya, o piya… O piyaa…”

 

Tears fell from Khushi eyes. Why would he do this? How could he… But Khushi watched as the tears fell from his eyes as well and she realised how he could do this. She’d hurt him beyond anything else.

Arnav kept singing the soulful lyrics, the guests completely swept away by him. When finally the song came to an end, there was a big round of applause for Arnav, as he took a little bow. Getting out from behind the sound desk, Khushi watched as Shyam put his arm around Arnav and led him away to where the rest of the Raizada’s were sat.

Looking away, Khushi turned to Rohan because she knew he would need calming down, only to find Rohan was no longer seated beside her. Turning back, she saw him, making his way over to Arnav.

 

Oh no.

 

If Arnav had created a scene, it meant Rohan was going to create more of a scene now.
By the time Rohan was able to make it across the crowd, Arnav had already started turning away to leave. He was at the door when Rohan places his hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

 

“We need to talk.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t be here any longer.”

“You came here today, now you have to wait until I dismiss you.”

 

Guiding Arnav back into the venue, Rohan steered him towards an empty room down the side. Pushing Arnav in first, he followed him in, shutting the door behind them.

Away from all the crowds and in the dim light, Rohan really took Arnav in. His eyes were red, he had large bags under his eyes, and his hair and beard were all starting to go slightly out of control.

Rohan had come in here with every intention to beat the crap out of Arnav for creating a scene on his wedding day, but looking at him now… Rohan felt for the man in front of him. The first time he’d met Arnav, every aspect of him was clean cut and perfect. Now, Arnav was the complete opposite. It was also evident that Arnav had lost a fair amount of weight.

 

“Why did you come here today?”

“I don’t know… I hoped… I don’t know.”

“What did you hope?”

 

Rohan watched as Arnav tried to answer. But there was no answer, just tears.

 

“Arnav…”

 

Wiping his tears away, he pulled on a smile.

 

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s up with me. I’m fine. I should leave.”

 

Turning to the door, Arnav was ready to bolt. He didn’t want to be here, he didn’t want to be sharing the same space or the same air as Rohan.

 

“Wait! Let me speak.”

 

Letting out a sigh, Arnav turned his attention back to Rohan.

 

“Do you love her?”

“What kind of a question is that?”

“It’s a serious one and one I need an answer to, right now.”

“I’d have thought it was obvious.”

“It was, up until you publicly called out yesterday for being a cheat.”

 

Rohan watched as Arnav turned away again, his cheeks the lightest shade of pink.

 

“I need to apologise to her for that. I didn’t mean to… I wasn’t drunk, but I’d had a few drinks to calm myself down and I guess… I reacted badly last night. I wanted to make it up to her, but I realise my song choice today wasn’t ideal either.”

“It wasn’t. Especially when you’re so transparent. I think all the guests realised that you’re in love with her.”

 

There was a pause. Neither men could think of anything to say.

 

“Just keep her happy Rohan, that’s all I ask. I know it must be weird, marrying her, knowing everything you know about us, but please. Be good to her. She picked you because she sees a future with you, so keep her happy.”

 

Once again, Arnav turned to leave but Rohan stopped him.

 

“I will. I’ll make her happy. I’ll bring her smile back again, and give her the happy ending she deserves. I promise you Arnav.”

Jalebi ~ Part 33

A little while Arnav had left, there was a light knock on Khushi’s door.

 

“Not now Rohan, please.”

 

Quietly, the door opened and Rohan walked into the room and sat beside Khushi on the bed.

 

“Are you okay?”

“Please just let me be for a while.”

“I can only imagine how hard this is for you. I’m sorry, that your hurting so much.”

 

Turning away from Rohan, Khushi opened the ring box once more time, looking at it as she cried harder. Looking over her shoulder, Rohan saw the ring.

 

“Did he…”

 

Nodding, Khushi turned to face Rohan.

 

“I think he was going to propose to me with it.”

“You need to give it back.”

 

Rohan was firm with what he was saying.

 

“I wasn’t going to keep it but…”

“You need to give it back. Either he can get his money back for it or he can give it to someone else. But you can’t keep it.”

 

The way Rohan was speaking to her, angered her. What did he think of her? That she was going to keep it? And how could he even suggest that Arnav would give this very ring to someone else? It was clear that this ring was one that he had picked especially for her, it had her name written all over it.

 

“I need you to leave and give me some time.”

“Khushi…”

“Just go Rohan!”

 

Letting out a loud, exaggerated sigh, Rohan got off the bed and left Khushi’s room. Just before leaving, he turned to her one last time.

 

“You need to accept that we’re getting married. The sooner you accept it and learn to deal with it, the less memories of him will affect you.”

 

Shutting the door behind him loudly, Khushi turned to the door, wanting to say something back to him. How dare he? Khushi felt so angry. Angry at the circumstances that she was in and angry at Rohan being such a jerk at a time like this. How she wished she could just turn back time so she never came back to India in the first place.

 

*****

 

When Arnav got home, he was glad to find that everyone had gone out. But as he made his way up to his room, he saw Payal sat in her room, lost in her own world. Knocking on her door, he waited until she acknowledged him.

 

“Bhai? Is everything okay? Come in.”

 

Walking into Payal’s room, she got to her feet and gestured for him to take a seat on the sofa. Taking in his face, it was evident that he wasn’t okay.

 

“What happened?”

“She chose him over me.”

“She what?”

 

Payal knew what had been going on. She knew about Khushi and Rohan and about how Arnav had won the businesses back and given her her business back. But Payal had thought that when all of that got sorted, even if not immediately, at some point Khushi and Arnav would get back together.

 

“Last night… You know I was with her. I thought things would be okay between us. But now, today, she’s telling me she chooses him over me and that despite everything, she wants to marry him.”

“But… She loves you? Surely…”

“That’s what I thought. I thought because she loved me, if I made things right, she’d come back to me. But evidently not.”

“Would you like me to speak to her. To see what she’s thinking and why she’s reacting like this?”

 

Shaking his head, Arnav looked Payal in the eye as he spoke.

 

“No. Don’t bother. She’s not worth it. Screw it and screw her. She’s made her bed and now she can lie in it. I’m done with her and her games.”

“But bhai…”

“I don’t want to speak about her any more. Forget about it Payal.”

 

Knowing that the conversation was over, Payal looked down at her hands. She couldn’t understand why Khushi would do this. She knew that Khushi loved Arnav a lot. And Arnav was everything she wanted. So why…

 

“Payal can I say something to you?”

 

This brought Payal out of her thoughts as she turned her attention back on Arnav.

 

“Of course. There’s no need to ask.”

 

Putting his hands in his lap, Arnav looked up at Payal before looking away again, feeling uncomfortable.

 

“I just… I wanted to apologise.”

“For what bhai?”

“For taking the businesses back from Akash.”

“Why are you apologising for that? He wrongfully took Khushi’s business from her and you did what you needed to do to get it back for her. You didn’t do anything wrong. If anything, I should apologise on his behalf. I still don’t understand why he’d do that to Khushi. Why he’d do that to you!”

 

Arnav had thought about maybe telling Payal the truth. Telling her what he had heard Akash say to Khushi that day, but he decided against it. He knew Payal and Akash’s relationship was already under a lot of strain, he didn’t want to add to that.

 

“You don’t need to apologise for him. He’s a grown man and should’ve known better. You aren’t responsible for his actions.”

 

Shrugging, Payal knew Arnav had a point. She didn’t know he was planning anything like this and even if she did, she didn’t think that her views would have made a difference to him.

 

“How has he been doing?”

“He’s been okay. I thought he would have been angry or under a lot of strain, but he’s not. If anything he seems a lot more free. So I guess it doesn’t bother him that you’ve taken everything back. I think he had realised that he was out of his depth and whatever his plan was, he must have realised it wasn’t going to work.”

 

Nodding, Arnav looked at his watch and then got to his feet.

 

“Right, I’m going to be off to my room. I need to look through some files and make sure that everything’s in order again.”

“Are you going to be okay bhai, regarding…”

“I just need some time to process and accept what’s happened, but I think I’ll be okay.”

“If you’d like to talk, or if you need anything, I’ll be right here.”

“Thanks Payal. I appreciate it, I really do.”

 

Once Arnav left Payal’s room, she picked her phone up and called Khushi. But her Khushi’s phone was unreachable. Sighing, Payal decided to leave Khushi a message, asking her to call back as soon as she was able to.

 

*****

 

As the days slipped by, Rohan saw less and less of Khushi. He had thought that once she got over the fact that her and Arnav were over, she’d started accepting it better and that she would start trying to move forward with him. But if anything, he found she was going backwards, speaking to him less and less.

It was abundantly clear that Khushi was very much in love with Arnav and that she wasn’t ready to let him go. But Rohan was beginning to lose patience. He knew when he got into this relationship that he would be second fiddle, but he’d also through that Khushi would realise how much he cared for her and would start trying to move on. But it just wasn’t happening.

On a number of occasions, Rohan had seen Khushi in her room, wearing the ring that Arnav had given her and staring at it.

So far Rohan had managed to keep his cool, to not get mad at her, but it was getting increasingly harder as time went on. On one particular evening, Rohan decided that enough was enough.

Putting dinner together for them, he knew what he needed to do in order to make headway with the situation in hand.

 

*****

 

“This was some really good food, thank you.”

“It was my pleasure Khushi.”

 

Putting his fork down, Rohan realised that now was the time to say what he had been thinking.

 

“Khushi… I was thinking maybe… I think we should go back to England.”

 

Putting her own fork down, Khushi looked up at Rohan. At the back of her mind she knew that this was coming, it made sense why Rohan wanted to go back.

 

“Okay.”

 

Khushi’s response threw Rohan a bit. He hadn’t expected Khushi to agree so easily to his request. He had thought that she would argue and would want to stay here. But apparently not.

 

“I was going to book myself a ticket for London any way. I need to go and sort things at Khushiyan.”

“So when do you think we should leave?”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

 

Picking up her plate, Khushi made her way over to the sink to wash up. She didn’t really need to go to London to sort out her business. But she had realised that if she wanted to get over Arnav, then the more distance there was between them, the better it would be. Plus she was missing her parents a lot. She needed to be with them right now.

 

*****

 

A week had passed since Khushi and Rohan had decided that they were going to go back to London and now they were finally back. Between the time she had made the decision and now, Khushi had regretted her decision at least 50 times. She knew that the moment she saw her parents, they would grill her once more about all things related to Arnav and she wasn’t ready for that.

On the other hand, Arnav was completely shattered when he learnt that Khushi was leaving for London once more. He had tried to get in contact with her, but his efforts were futile and she had blocked his number.

He was struggling to cope, but didn’t seek reassurance in alcohol this time for the sake of his Nani. But he knew he needed to do something in order to help deal with the dull ache in his heart.

Payal had observed her brother in law and she couldn’t help but feel broken for him. His momentary happiness that had come to him was gone again. He walked around the house like someone haunted. She had tried to contact Khushi, but when she finally got through to her, she found out that Khushi was leaving again. Payal wasn’t impressed. She couldn’t understand why Khushi was being like this.

And then there was Akash. He wasn’t happy with how things had turned out, about the fact that he no longer owned the business, but at the same time there was a new found peace in him. He had come to terms with what had happened and he also realised that he was a mess. Akash knew that he had made a royal mess for his brother, and he knew that he needed to do something to make it up to him, but at the moment, his efforts were fruitless as Arnav didn’t want to have anything to do with him…

 

*****

 

“I really don’t understand what’s going on Khushi. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

 

Rolling her eyes, Khushi put the kettle on before coming to sit down opposite her parents at their kitchen table.

She and Rohan had been back in the U.K. for just over 4 hours and she already knew coming back here was the worst idea. Last time she was here, she had gotten engaged to Rohan so suddenly, her parents hadn’t really had time to process things and so they couldn’t say much before she left. But this time, they had time to think about the matter and so were full of questions.

 

“Amma, Babuji, please. I really don’t want to talk about it.”

“You may not want to talk about it Khushi, but you have to. What on earth are you playing at? You didn’t explain to us whey you made this decision when you left and you still haven’t explained to us. And Rohan won’t say anything either.”

 

Wishing that she had invited Rohan back to her house, Khushi sighed as she got back up to make the teas.

Looking between each other, Shashi and Garima knew that there was something wrong. Getting to her feet, Garima walked over to where Khushi was and gestured for her husband to leave.

 

“Khushi, please, tell me. What happened. We know what happened between you and Arnav regarding the business, we understand that. But all this with Rohan. Khushi…”

 

“Amma please. If you know and understand what happened between me and Arnav, then why is it so hard to accept me and Rohan.”

“It’s hard to accept because your father and I both know how much you cared for Arnav. We know things went horribly wrong, but we don’t understand why you’d make such a big decision regarding Rohan.”

“You and papa wanted me to marry Rohan and I’m doing that! Why can’t you just…”

“No we can’t accept it Khushi! Because we know you don’t want to marry Rohan.”

“Well I do now.”

 

Turning away from her mother, Khushi knew that it was going to be hard to convince her parents that this was the right decision. Coming back towards her daughter, Garima placed a hand on Khushi’s shoulder.

 

“Dekho Khushi, I can kind of understand why you are doing this, but that doesn’t mean I agree. Rethink what you are doing, you’re making choices for what’s going to happen to the lives of three people, not just yourself.”

“Mama please. I’ve made my decision. And my decision is Rohan. The sooner everyone accepts this, the better.”

“We just want your happiness. I won’t say anything more on the topic, but what I will say is that, you need to think about this carefully and clearly with a fresh mind. Will you be happy with Rohan? Can you see yourself living your whole life with him? Maybe even starting a family with him one day. If your answer to any of these is no, then don’t go ahead with this.”

 

Garima placed a hand in her daughters shoulder and made her turn around.

 

“Please Khushi.”

“Okay. I will think about it.”

 

Leaving the kitchen, Garima walked away, hoping that her daughter would make the right decision. Khushi watched her mother walk away and couldn’t help but think about everything her mother had said. She had taken it all, and she had already thought about everything her mother had mentioned before. But she knew she couldn’t go back now. She couldn’t betray Rohan’s trust and go back to Arnav. She just couldn’t.

Jalebi ~ Part 32

 

When Arnav got home, it was safe to say that his aura had completely changed. If over the last couple of weeks he had been walking around with a dark cloud over his head, today he had a rainbow over his head.

The moment he walked in through the door and Anjali saw him, she knew things had changed for the better.

 

“Chote, where were you last night? I called you so many times.”

 

Rushing to his sister, he gave her a big hug, lifting her off her feet slightly.

 

“Chote! What are you doing, put me down!”

 

Hearing the commotion, Shyam came out to see what was going on.

 

“Arre what’s going on here?”

 

Letting go of his sister, Arnav went over to his brother in law and gave him the same treatment.

 

“Saale Saab! Have you go crazy! What are you doing? Put me down right this moment!”

 

Putting his brother in law down, Arnav sat down on the sofa and pat the seats next to him. Shyam and Anjali came over and sat down on either side of Arnav.

 

“Will you tell us what’s going on? And I still want to know where you were last night.”

“I was with Khushi.”

“What? You spent the night, with Khushi?”

 

Blushing slightly, Arnav nodded. Anjali gasped whereas Shyam slapped Arnav on the back in a laddish manner.

 

“Shyam ji! Don’t encourage him!”

“Di! Come on, you know it’s not the first time me and Khushi have spent the night together.”

“I do know, but that doesn’t mean I approve. You know how I feel about premarital sex.”

“Rani Sahiba, go easy on him. He thought he lost her, so to have her back…”

 

Anjali shook her head as she watched her husband pat her brother on the back. Boys, such idiots they were.

 

“Okay forget that. Did the plan work?”

“It did Di! It worked like a charm. What was Akash like when he got home last night?”

“He was very quiet, but he seemed at ease. He hasn’t looked that relaxed in a long time.”

“So he’s okay?”

“He’s alright. I don’t think he’s going to be a bother any more.”

 

Stretching his arms, Arnav placed his arms around his sister and brother in law, pulling them close to himself.

 

“I can’t believe everything is working out again. I thought…”

 

Anjali placed her hand on Arnav’s shoulder.

 

“The bad period of your life has passed Chote. Things are only going to get better now.”

“I hope so. I hope her fiancé isn’t too mad at her about last night…”

“Wait! Was her fiancé… Please tell me you didn’t sleep with her while he was in the house!”

“Of course not! Come on Di! What do you think of me. He’s been out of town for a while, but he… He kind of walked in on us this morning.”

 

Anjali groaned and put her face in her hand, while Shyam laughed.

 

“Were you both… At it?”

“Yep.”

“Oh god!”

 

Shyam was in absolute stitches with laughter and Arnav smirked. But Anjali was not impressed at all.

 

“In glad that you both find this so funny. Do you understand how much of an issue this could cause for Khushi? Her fiancé walked in on her, sleeping with another man! Do you understand how vulnerable you have left her?”

“It’s not ideal but I think it’ll be okay. I’ll call her in a bit to make sure that everything’s okay.”

 

Getting up, Arnav took his leave from his sister and brother in law and made his way over to his bedroom.

 

“I can’t believe Chote…”

“Go easy on him Rani Sahiba. He’s had a hard couple of weeks.”

“I know… I just hope he hasn’t made more of a mess of things.”

 

*****

 

“I need you to pick. Either you’re with me and you marry me and you forget about him. Or we end our relationship now and you can go back to him. It’s up to you. But bearing in mind, if you pick me, you can’t ever see him again.”

 

Stumped as to what Rohan had just said, Khushi felt herself lose her balance slightly, but she regained her strength. Why was she surprised that Rohan was asking this of her? She should have known this was coming.

Sitting down on the sofa, Khushi placed her hands on her face, trying to fight back the tears that threatened to fall. Rohan’s expression softened as he came and sat down beside Khushi, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Putting her arms around Rohan, Khushi held him close as she cried. She wanted Arnav, she still loved him but…

 

“I pick you.”

 

Wiping her eyes and breaking the hug, Khushi looked up into Rohan’s eyes.

 

“I pick you.”

 

*****

 

Rushing back into her bedroom, Khushi leaned against the door, letting her tears fall.

Was she making the right decision? She knew Arnav was innocent, that he hadn’t done anything to hurt her or to cause her to distrust him. But how could she go back to him now? Rohan had accepted her, despite knowing her past. Rohan was willing to marry her even after seeing her with Arnav today. How could she betray Rohan like that and go back to Arnav now? How could she do that to Rohan when he had accepted her time and time again despite being aware of everything she had done?

Much later the same day, Khushi had spent most of her day in her room, trying to get over the decision that she had made. She was still weighing it all up, making sure that she had made the right decision.

Just as she was getting ready to leave her room and to face Rohan, her phone began to ring. Walking over to her bedside table to pick it up, Khushi saw that it was Arnav calling. What was she meant to say to him?

Taking a deep breath, Khushi answered the phone.

 

“Hi…”

“Khushi, hey! Are you okay?”

“I’m… I’m alright.”

“He didn’t say anything to you did he?”

“No, not really. I mean he was angry, that was a given, but he was okay.”

“I’m sorry that we were in that position.”

“It’s okay. What’s happened has happened.”

 

There was a silence as they both tried to figure out what to say.

 

“Arnav…”

 

Arnav felt himself tense up. The way she said his name, it caused a shiver to run up his spine. He could tell something wasn’t quite right.

 

“What’s wrong? Khushi, tell me what happened.”

 

Trying to fight her tears back, Khushi composed herself before saying what she wanted to say.

 

“I… I can’t… I can’t speak to you any more, I’m sorry.”

 

Ending the call, Khushi threw her phone aside me collapsed down onto her bed. Everything was over.

Looking at his phone in disbelief, Arnav couldn’t believe what was happening. After what they had been through, after everything, she was still willing to let him go?
No, he couldn’t allow that. He couldn’t just let her go like that.

Calling her right back, Arnav was disappointed to find that his call went straight to voicemail.

He waited a few moments before calling right back. He called over and over again, but his calls went straight to voicemail every single time. Had she blocked his calls?

Anger coursed through Arnav’s body. How could she let him go like that over and over again. Did he mean so little to her? Maybe Rohan had said something?

Trying to call her a few more times, Arnav realised that it was futile. He needed to go over to see her, whether she and her fiancé liked it or not.

 

*****

 

“You can’t be here.”

“I need to see Khushi.”

 

Barging passed Rohan who had opened the door, Arnav walked into the living room, of Khushi’s apartment.

 

“She doesn’t want to see you.”

“My ass she doesn’t want to see me.”

“She doesn’t Arnav. She picked me over you. So how about you take the hint and you leave.”

“She’d never pick you over me. She loves me.”

“I hate to break it to you buddy, but she did pick me. So I suggest you leave quietly before I call the police.”

“I’m not leaving until I see her.”

 

Door opening, a puffy eyed Khushi walked out of her bedroom.

 

“What’s going on…”

 

As her eyes fell on Arnav, any thought that was going through her head fell away.

 

“Arnav…”

“I tried to tell him that you don’t want to see him, but he won’t listen.”

“Can you give us a few minutes please Rohan?”

 

Rohan looked high unimpressed at the request Khushi had just made, but he wasn’t about to argue. After all, she had picked him over Arnav. He didn’t have anything to lose.
Nodding, Rohan placed a hand on Khushi’s shoulder before making his way over to his room.

The moment the door shut behind him, Arnav was on Khushi.

 

“What the hell are you playing at Khushi?”

“I’m not…”

“This morning, everything was fine between us, you were all over me and now… You’re not taking my calls, Rohan is claiming you don’t want to see me. What the hell is going on?”

“I… I just realised that me and you, our relationship, it isn’t sustainable.”

“Not sustainable? What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Arnav please.”

“No! What kind of bullshit is this Khushi? You keep playing with me like I’m some kind of toy.”

“How…”

“Last night, everything that happened was initiated by you. You came onto me, making me think that we were… You wanted us to make love, YOU wanted that more than I did. And now you’re blocking me out again!”

“I made a mistake.”

“That’s the thing with you Khushi. When you want me, you’re all over me and then you ice me out! You did that to me in London. Spend the night with me and then the next morning you completely block me out and ask me to leave. I don’t hear from you for days and then when you’re ready to talk again, you’re all over me. You’ve done it so many times and… I’m being patient with you. I want to be with you but you… Do you even know what you want Khushi?”

 

Arnav hadn’t wanted to be so harsh, he didn’t want to bring the past up. But she was getting under his skin, driving him insane.

 

“Arnav…”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you more than you can possibly imagine. Please… I know you love me too. Don’t make us both suffer like this.”

“I can’t…”

“You can!”

“Rohan…”

“Ugh! For gods sake Khushi, you don’t love him! You know in your heart you don’t really want to be with him.”

“But I do. I mean… I…”

“You what?”

 

Looking at the beautiful man stood before her, Khushi was struggling. But she knew she had to do what was required of her.

 

“I have picked Rohan. I’m marrying Rohan. I’m sorry.”

“Khushi…”

“Despite everything, Rohan has accepted me. I can’t go back on him now when he accepted me.”

“But what about me?”

“I’m sorry.”

“So that’s it? Everything we’ve been through, everything between us, it doesn’t matter?”

 

Looking down, Khushi fought back the tears that threatened to fall. Turning away from Arnav, she looked at nothing in particular and hoped he would leave soon.

 

“You’re really going to pick him over me?”

“Yes.”

“Do I really mean that little to you?”

 

Looking away, Khushi refused to comment. She couldn’t lie to him, nor could she tell him the truth.

 

“Then I guess we’re done here.”

 

He moved towards her, only to stop midway and turn back. Moving back over to the door, he looked at her one last time before slamming the door shut behind him.

 

Turning, Khushi had to stop herself from running after him, taking him into her arms and telling him that she picked him. But she knew she couldn’t do that. Moving back towards her bed, Khushi sat down. Why was everything such a mess? Why was it so hard? Why couldn’t they just be together?

Letting her tears flow, Khushi soon noticed a little box that was sat on her bedside table. Picking it up, she opened it up to find a beautiful ring nestled within. A flower shaped diamond ring, with multiple little diamonds making up the petals for the flower and going along the band, while a larger diamond sat at the centre of the flower. Was this…
Khushi looked between the beautiful ring in the box and the one that was already on her hand. The one from Rohan was a simple solitaire diamond ring. It was stunning but it wasn’t anything special or personal. Whereas this one from Arnav… It was evident he had really thought about her when he had brought it.

Slipping the ring from Rohan off of her finger, she placed the one Arnav had left on. It for perfectly and it looked beautiful. The ring was made her for in the same way that Arnav was made for her… But she couldn’t go back. She couldn’t accept Arnav and leave Rohan.

Slipping the ring back off, Khushi put it back in the box and snapped it shut. Opening up her drawer, Khushi pushed the ring to the back, along with all her memories and feelings for Arnav.

Jalebi ~ Part 28

As days pass, it became abundantly clear that Arnav was struggling to come to terms with the events that had taken place. By 5pm every day, Arnav is completely drunk. Anjali had thrown out all the alcohol in the house, but despite that, he still managed to get drunk.

 

“Anjali bitya, what are we to do? Chote can’t carry on like this. He was hurting so at first I didn’t say anything despite being completely against his actions. But now. This is too much.”

“I know Nani. I’m trying, but I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you been able to get through to Khushi?”

“No. But I know Payal has been talking to her.”

 

Nani nodded and then sat down. She was stressed. Seeing her grandson like this was really hurting her. Arnav was always so strong, so kept together. And now all of a sudden he was a complete and utter mess and there seemed to be no way to help him.

 

*****

 

“But Khushi…”

“Jiji please. How about you come round and meet Rohan? He’s really nice, I’m sure you’ll really like him.”

“Khushi, I told you Akash doesn’t want me to contact you. He’s holding you responsible for Bhai being such a mess.”

 

Gritting her teeth, Khushi stopped herself from telling Payal that Akash was the cause of the condition Arnav was in, not her.

 

“There’s nothing I can do jiji. I’ve moved on and he will too. Any way, I have to go now.”

 

Before Payal could say anything more, Khushi put the phone down. She didn’t want to speak about Arnav any more or hear how much he was struggling. She had received a number of calls from the Raizada household and a tonne of messages from Anjali. She understood their concern for Arnav, but at the same time there really wasn’t much she could do. She’d made her bed and now she had to lie in it. It was hurting her, knowing Arnav was a mess and that’s she was the cause of his state, but she just couldn’t bring herself to face him.

Sitting down on the edge of her bed, Khushi scrolled through her camera roll and found a picture of Arnav. It was one she had taken of him while he was asleep in bed. His hair was over his eyes and his bare chest was on show. Looking at the picture, it hurt Khushi’s heart as she realised just how much she actually missed him. How she wanted to lie beside him again, to be able to push his hair out of his eyes and cuddle into his chest. But she couldn’t. That phase of their life was over and she was trying to move on with Rohan.

Locking the screen of her phone, Khushi put it down and got to her feet before turning to fix the bed. As she leaned down to fix the pillow, a strong pair of arms came to hold her, their body pressed against hers.

 

“Hi.”

“Rohan let me go please.”

“Nope…”

 

Pushing her hair over to one shoulder, Rohan pushed Khushi’s kameez off her shoulder and attempted to kiss her exposed skin.

 

“No!”

 

Moving out of his grip, Khushi fixed her clothes and moved away from him.

 

“I can’t… I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“We’re getting married soon, we don’t need to worry.”

“It’s not that. I just can’t do this… With you… I…”

 

Clenching his jaw shut, Rohan looked to Khushi. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes said it all. He wasn’t impressed.

 

“Right. Okay. Whatever. I just came to tell you I’m going out of town for a few days. I need to get some work related stuff sorted. I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me, but I think it’d be better if you stayed here and tried to get your head sorted.”

“I’m sorry…”

“I’m being patient with you Khushi, you know I am, but you’re starting to test my limits. I get that you’re not ready to get intimate with me, but I need you to at least start trying to accept me.”

“I am… I will…”

 

Grabbing his things, Rohan said goodbye to Khushi and then left her room. Sitting down, Khushi realised that she really needed to find closure, if she didn’t, she’d never be able to move forward. She realised with Rohan out of town, now was probably the best time to get anything done.

 

*****

 

“Sir, do you know where the file is?”

“If I knew where it was, I wouldn’t be asking you! Find that god damn file! I have a meeting with the Mehta’s in less than an hour.”

“Maybe you should ask ASR…”

“I am ASR.”

“I mean Arnav sir…”

“No. I can do this myself. I don’t need his help.”

 

Akash dismissed Aman who shook his head and walked away. Ever since Akash had taken over, the whole company was a shambles. Even though all the employees were slightly scared of Arnav, at least they knew that he was fair and that if he got angry, there was a reason behind it. But Akash… If was unable to do something, he’d take it out on everyone else. And he never was able to do anything. If Arnav was a natural born charismatic businessman, then Akash was the complete opposite. He couldn’t lead a business when he didn’t even have business knowledge. No matter what his qualification stated, his business’s acumen was zeeo and he couldn’t control his temper at all.

Aman had never minded having Arnav as a boss, but right now, he prayed for Arnav to return so they wouldn’t have to deal with Akash any more.

Akash was struggling. Nothing was going right for him. Since his time here as the owner, he had failed to close any deals successfully and he was constantly messing up at meetings because he seemed to always have the wrong files on him.

He had never struggled this much when he was working alongside Arnav but now, nothing was going right. But he wasn’t going to admit defeat and go to Arnav. He would manage this. How hard could it be to manage two businesses that were fully equipped with more than capable staff. If Arnav and Khushi were able to do it, then surely he would be able to do it too.

 

*****

 

Arnav was sat by his bar, drinking his sorrows away. Nani walked in and wrinkled up her nose. Arnav was just attempting to reach out for the bottle and was about to pour himself another glass when Nani stopped him.

 

“Enough is enough Chote. This isn’t you! You aren’t a drunk. You need to start coming to terms with what had happened in your life and you need to start working through your issues.”

“I’ve tried Nani, but I can’t get anything sorted and I can’t make things right. I’ve failed Khushi and I’ve failed myself.”

“Chote you can’t blame yourself.”

“Oh I don’t. I mean I do, but I blame my brother too. How did I ever trust that scum?”

 

Devyani Raizada looked at her drunk grandson, her eyes wide. What was he saying?

 

“Chote, what do you mean?”

“I mean, I didn’t steal Khushi’s business, Akash did. He took advantage of the fact we were both distracted from the night before and used that against us. I trusted him despite knowing he had bad intentions and now I’m suffering while he’s living the life.”

 

Devyani knew that she should be angry at Arnav. She didn’t miss what he meant when he said they were distracted from the night before. And she knew exactly what he was insinuating happened between him and Khushi the night before. But she wasn’t angry. If anything it hurt her more because she realised that Arnav’s feelings for Khushi were very much real, otherwise he would never have slept with her. He knew what their families rules were and he wouldn’t go against his Nani for the sake of any old woman.

But more than that, she was concerned about what Arnav was saying about Akash.

 

“Chote, are you sure about what you are saying about Akash?”

”It’s the only thing I’m sure about any more. He went against my wishes, stole my girlfriends business and ruined my relationship with the woman I worked so hard to win over.”

“Arnav, I will sort this. I’ll sort it all for you, but you need to stop drinking.”

”There’s nothing that can be done Nani. To give Khushi her business back, Akash needs to sign off the papers and he’ll never do that. And even if he did, she’s getting married to someone else. My life is destroyed.”

”We will sort this Chote. Just please stop drinking.”

 

Arnav looked into his nani’s eyes. It was evident that his behaviour was hurting her and he couldn’t bare to see that hurt in her eyes. He put down his glass and pushed it aside.

 

“I’ll try Nani. Only for you.”

 

Thanking Arnav, Nani turned around. She needed to go and speak to Anjali. If there was any kind of funny business going in, Anjali would know. Arnav wouldn’t be able to hide anything from his Di.

 

*****

 

Slumped over on the Anjali’s bed, Devyani couldn’t believe what she was being told. How could one brother do that to another brother?

 

“Anjali bitya, we need to get this sorted.”

“But what can we do Nani. Akash won’t hand the business back over and Khushi is about to take Chote back.”

“We need to talk to Mamorama and Mahendar”

“I don’t know Nani… Chote wouldn’t want to cause problems within the family.”

“I know he wouldn’t, but this needs to get sorted. Chote is a mess and I’m worried… I’m worried that if he can’t pull out of this, he’ll do something stupid.”

“He wouldn’t do that Nani.”

”At this moment I don’t know what he’d do. He’s hurting so much.”

“Maybe if you spoke to Khushi…”

”I’ve called her as you have, but she isn’t taking our calls. No Anjali, I think we need to sort our house first before trying to contact Khushi.”

 

Getting to her feet, Nani walked out of Anjali room and made her way over to mama and Mami’s room. Anjali knew this probably wasn’t the best thing to do, but maybe Nani was right, maybe this was the only thing left to do. Getting to her feet, Anjali went after Nani, but made sure she stopped by Arnav’s bedroom first. His door was open and so Anjali could see him lying on his bed, facing the ceiling.

She’d never imagined her brother would fall in love to this extent. But then she never expected her other brother to stoop to such an extent. Sighing, Anjali left Arnav and made her way over to mama and Mami’s room to find Nani already there, speaking to them.

As Devyani and Anjali explained what was happening, the colour fell from both Manorama and Mahender’s faces.

 

“Sasuma… Are you sure? Our Akash bitwa… But he never goes against anything Arnav bitwa says. Why would he do something like this?”

“That’s what I don’t understand Manorama. If Akash wanted a share of the business or if he wanted more responsibility, then Chote would have given it to him, but why… I don’t understand.”

“Anjali bitya, you tell us, Arnav bitwa tells you everything.”

 

Explaining everything she knew, Anjali talked them through everything Arnav had told her. Both Akash’s parents were in disbelief, but they didn’t disbelieve what was happening. They had senses the tension between the two brothers and seeing how Arnav had been, all the stories fit together.

Manorama turned to her husband.

 

“Call Akash home now! We are going to sort this.”

 

As Akash’s father dialled his sons number, Anjali turned and found a pale looking Payal stood at the door.

 

“Payal…”

”He… He’s the reason…”

“We didn’t want you to find out like this.”

“He’s caused this? My sister’s life is a shambles because of…”.

 

Payal felt her world come crashing down around her as she turned away. How could Akash do that? How could he do that to Khushi? How could he do that to Payal!? Did he not for a moment think that he was hurting her if he hurt her sister? How could he?

 

*****

 

“Okay yes! I am responsible for everything that’s been happening between Arnav and Khushi and with the changing ownership of the business, but I had a good reason for it.”

“What reason could you possibly have for cheating your brother like that and ruining his life? Akash, have you seen Arnav bitwa recently? Have you seen the state he’s in? If you wanted more share of the business or more responsibility, why didn’t you just ask him? Why…”

”Ma please. I did what I needed to do to protect myself and secure myself a future.”

 

Anjali and Nani remained quiet as they watched the face off between Akash and his parents. Admittedly, they had been worried that Manorama would react badly, that should would side with her son and refuse to believe what was going on. But if Manorama loved her son, she loved her nephew equally.

 

“Akash bitwa, he’s your own brother!”

“He’s not my own brother! He’s my cousin! Everyone acts like…”

“Don’t! Don’t you dare say anything against my Arnav bitwa. He has always loved you like a brother, always cared for you. He would do anything for you.”

 

Turning away from his mother, Akash was fuming. How dare his own parents tell him he was making the wrong decisions and that his actions were wrong? Shouldn’t they be telling him that he did a good job, he secured their family a stable future?

Turning to leave the room, Akash saw his wife standing in the doorway and she looked livid.

 

“Payal…”

 

Walking towards her, Akash stretched his hand out, urging her to take it. She didn’t. Coming up to her, Akash stood before Payal, waiting for her to say something. Remaining unmoving for a moment, Payal thought about everything she’d learnt that day. Pulling her hand back, she slapped Akash across the face, hard.

Everyone in the room gasped as they took the seething Payal in.

 

“Payal…”

“How could you? How could you do that to my sister? You may not accept bhai as your own brother and may not care for what you do to him, but Khushi is my sister and I love her! Did you not think…”

“I did it for us! So we’d have a better future!”

“Right. So for our happy future, you destroyed my sister’s life?”

“She seems fine to me, she’s getting married…”

“Are you stupid? You know as well as I do that it took Khushi so long to accept her feelings for bhai, to give their relationship a go. It took her so long to admit that she loved him, she was ready to spend her life with him and you… You took that happiness away from her.”

“Again, she seems fine, she’s getting married…”

”She’s only doing that because she’s trying to run away from all this! She’s never been good at dealing with her problems and this… I can’t believe you…”

 

Shaking her head in disgust, Payal realised that there was no point arguing or trying to explain anything to Akash. Entering the room, she approached both Nani and Manorama.

 

“Dadiji, ma ji, I would like to go home for a couple of days.”

 

Akash turned around to protest, but he saw his mother and grandmother had already given her permission to go. Turning away, Payal left the room, throwing one angry glance at Akash before she left.

Did he do the wrong thing? Had he made a mess? Why was everyone so angry when all he was trying to do was make a future for himself?

 

Unwanted ~ Part 31

Khushi

“Mama mama! Can you make special jalebis for my Mr Raichanda?”

”Your special jalebis?”

“Haan mama! It was Sir’s birthday today. And did you know, he got sugar ki bimaari too like me!”

 

I looked at Arushi, and I’m pretty sure that my eyes were bulging out of my head. Her Mr Raichanda has the same birthday as Arnav? Is diabetic like Arnav? Even his name… Could it be…

No no, of course not. It’s not possible. It’s just a coincidence. That’s it. Purely coincidental.

 

“I’ll make jalebis for your teacher and you can take them tomorrow.”

“Yay! Thank you mama.”

 

Placing a quick kiss on my cheek, Arushi rushed away. Something about all this was starting to make me feel uncomfortable. Everything about this man made me think about Arnav but it couldn’t be. Of course it couldn’t be. I was just overthinking, worrying for no reason.

 

*****

 

Have you ever realised how quickly the weekend comes round? Some weeks it feels like the week doesn’t end, whereas other times, Saturday seems to come round so quickly.

It was Saturday today, and me, Raj and Arushi had come to the mall. I needed to pick some bits up for myself and Arushi and Raj decided to tag along with us.

 

“Mama! I just remembered! I forgot to tell you that my teacher said that the jalebis were the best jalebis he’s eaten in a long time and that you make them exactly like his wife makes them.”

“Oh that’s good, that means he liked them?”

“He said he loved them!”

 

Hearing this made me feel some kind of relief. Since hearing about Mr Raichanda being a diabetic who shared the same birthday as Arnav, I had been worried about the what ifs. But hearing that this man was married and his wife made him good jalebis put me at ease. I mean, I know Arnav is married to Nimisha, but she never struck me as the type to make jalebis like me. So it couldn’t be Arnav. Surely not.

Turning my attention back to my daughter, I watched as she tugged at Raj’s arm because she saw a large bear walking around. It was one of those, where there was someone inside a bear costume, trying to promote something. But Arushi was still to young to realise that there was a normal person inside.

 

“No Arushi, we need to get you new shoes.”

”PLEASE mama!”

 

She looked up at me with big eyes. But I was immune to her big eyes. Raj however was not.

 

“I’ll take her to see the bear. You go and pick anything you need and we’ll meet you at the shoe shop in 20 minutes.”

 

Jumping, Arushi hugged Raj’s leg before taking his had again and dragging him towards the bear. I looked around myself and decided that maybe I should go and get myself a coffee while I waited for them.

Walking over to the little cafe, I ordered myself a coffee and took it to a little table by the window.
There used to be a time when I hated coffee. I used to make a coffee for Arnav every morning and he would force me to take a sip and I never would. Then one day, I actually did take a sip and I positively hated it.

But since coming here, I found myself drinking more and more coffee. I still wasn’t on Arnav’s level of coffee drinker, but I didn’t mind it either.

Taking my phone out of my bag, I scrolled though my messages, replied to a couple and then put my phone back. Picking up my coffee, I took a little sip and looked out of the window and then looked away again.

 

Wait a minute…

 

Eyes wide, I looked back out of the window again and there… There he was.

Blinking twice and rubbing my eyes, I needed to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating and I wasn’t.

There, stood just across from the coffee shop was Arnav. I should turn away, make sure he didn’t see me, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. There he was. Rubbing my eyes one more time, I needed to make sure that he was actually real. Closing my eyes and opening them again, he was still there. He was real.

I felt frozen, stuck. I didn’t know what to do. Quickly turning away, I needed to get out of here and fast. Arnav couldn’t find me. I remained sat in my seat and when I looked out the window again, he was gone.

What… How? Did he know that I…

Taking my phone back out, I called Raj.

 

“Khushi?”

“Raj, I’m going to the car, come quickly. We need to leave.”

“But Arushi’s shoes…”

“Please. I need to go home now.”

“Khushi…”

“Please Raj! Just bring her and let’s go!”

 

I disconnected the call before he could say anything more and left the coffee shop. I looked over my shoulder at least a million times as I made my way back to the car. Arnav wasn’t following me and I don’t think he saw me.

Once I got to the car, I tried to stay hidden behind it, just in case Arnav did turn up, but he didn’t.

What was he doing here? How was he here? Arnav didn’t have any business in Mumbai? I mean he had his branch of AR, but he never really came down here. If anything needed to be done, he’d send Akash or mama ji. He never actually came to Mumbai himself. So why now? Did he somehow find out that I was here?

Hitting the side of my head lightly, I pushed that thought away. He wasn’t here because of me. He’s moved on with his life. He’s married to Nimisha. He wasn’t here for me. He must be here due to his own personal work. But regardless, I needed to lie low. I didn’t want to have to bump into Arnav randomly. I couldn’t deal with that.

It took me a while, but I remembered that day when Raj had seen in the paper that Arnav was in town due to business. I had forgotten all about that. So that’s why he was here. He must still be in down due to work regarding AR. That made me feel a little bit of peace. It means that he didn’t know that I was here and that he wasn’t here for me. Suddenly, I felt like I could breathe again.

A little time passed but not a lot when Raj and Arushi finally joined me. Unlocking the car, Raj strapped Arushi into her seat before coming over to me. I got into the car quickly and he came over to my door.

 

“Khushi, is everything…”

”Please just get into the car. I’ll explain everything when we get home. But now we need to get out of here.”

 

Raj looked at me like I was slightly crazy and I couldn’t help but feel slight crazy. He took a long hard look at me before finally shutting the door and coming back over to his side of the car. Sliding into his seat, he got ready and soon we were off. As we drove home, I felt myself calm down a little, but not a lot. Arnav was here. He is here! I saw him! He was right in front of me.

Leaning back in my seat, I rested my head against the headrest and shut my eyes.

He looked pretty much the same as he did all those years ago. Only his stubble was no longer stubble, he had a full beard. His hair was a little longer than how he liked it six years ago, but other than that he looked exactly the same.
It didn’t seem as though he had gained much weight, nor did it seem as though he had lost any weight.

Six years had passed, over six years, but he hadn’t aged at all. He still looks pretty much exactly the same. I wonder what he would think if he saw me. Would he think I’ve changed?

Seeing him again, it’s cooked up all kinds of feelings within me. I feel good, seeing him again after all these years, but at the same time, it also feels bittersweet.

Bittersweet because even though I saw him, I couldn’t speak to him, couldn’t hold him close, couldn’t touch him…

 

*****

 

The moment we got home, Raj sent Arushi off to find Veera mausi. He made sure that she was well and truly out of the room before turning his attention back to me.

He walked over to where I was standing and placed a hand on my shoulder. This makes me pay full attention to him. Taking me by the hand, he led me over to the sofa and got me to sit down and then he sat down beside me.

 

“What happened? Are you okay?”

“I…”

 

Taking a deep breath, I replayed what had happened in my head and then started to explain to Raj.

 

“I saw Arnav.”

“You did? Did he see you?”

”No. No he didn’t.”

“Then why did…”

”I panicked. It was afterwards that I remembered that you had already told me that he was here. When I saw him… I just froze. I thought maybe he had found me and I guess I got a bit scared. But then, when I was able to calm down, I thought about it properly and I realised I didn’t need to panic. I’m sorry Raj. I realise that I must have really got you worried as well.”

 

Placing a hand on my knee, he gave me a small smile before removing his hand again.

 

“It’s okay. I understand why you reacted the way you did. It must have been really weird to see him again after all these years. I can understand why you got so scared. But Khushi… Maybe you should try to reach out to him?”

 

Looking up, I could feel myself become tense again.

 

“Why would you say that?”

“I just think that maybe you should. Before we were speaking hypothetically, but now… Knowing he’s here, actually having seen him, I think maybe you should actually speak to him.”

”But what would I even talk to him about? Besides I don’t want to cause any trouble. He looked well. I’m going to assume he is doing well in life. I don’t want to re-enter his life and cause problems.”

 

Sighing, Raj got to his feet.

 

“I’m not going to argue with you, but I think maybe you should. Think about it.”

 

With that Raj left. I remained seated and I thought about what he had said. But I couldn’t… I couldn’t speak to Arnav. What would I say to him? I don’t even know how he feels about me. Would he mad at me that I left him, or would he react indifferently?

I needed to get my head straight. I needed to get everything I was feeling down. I needed to write a letter to jiji.

 

*****

 

“Dear my pyaari Jiji,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and I hope you’re really happy. It was about time I wrote you another letter any way, but I’m writing this letter to you as a way of trying to clear my own head.

I was out today, and I thought I saw Arnav at the mall. I know, crazy right? At first I thought maybe I was hallucinating, maybe because I’ve been missing him so much that I had started seeing him. But after I paid close attention, I realised that he really was there.

Now I would love to say that I handled the matter well, but I really didn’t. I hid and then I ran away, hoping that he didn’t see me.

I was out with my friend, the one who’s house I am staying at as a paying guest. I told him that I saw Arnav and I saw how I reacted. He thinks that I should try and reach out to him, maybe speak to him, but jiji, I really don’t know what to do.

You know how I feel about him, you know I still care for him. But I don’t know how he feels about me. What if I do try to speak to him and he completely shuts me out? What if he really has moved on with life and doesn’t want to have anything to do with me? I’m scared jiji. Part of me wants to speak to him, but at the same time, I’m scared that he doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. Being away from him hurts in one way, but to be rejected by him would hurt even more I think. I can’t just drop into his life again. I can’t, can I?

I honestly don’t know what to do. I just feel like too much time has passed and that I’ve left it all too late. Maybe if all this had happened a couple of years ago, then maybe I would have approached him, maybe I would have tried to speak to him. But now… After over six years, I don’t think I can do that to him.

I don’t know what to do.

I hope you are well jiji and I hope everyone at home is well too. I miss you all so much and I really do wish I could come to visit. Maybe I will do. I don’t know. But for now, please know that I think about you all all the time and that I miss you more than anyone else.

Also, please don’t tell Arnav about this letter. Please don’t tell him that I saw him. Don’t alert him that we are in the same place. I don’t want him to find me. Please jiji, please, don’t tell him.

Love you lots and lots,
Always thinking of you.
Yours, Khushi.”

 

Signing off my letter, I read it back to make sure that it was perfect and then took an envelope out of my desk along with a stamp. I would send this off first thing on Monday and jiji should get it by Wednesday. I was unsure about whether or not to actually mention that I saw him, just in case she alerted him, but this was my jiji. She wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t say anything to him.

 

*****

A few days had passed since I had sent the letter off to jiji. Maybe she would have received it by now. I wish I had given her a number so that I could talk to her, but I knew that was dangerous. With a number they would have a direct link to track me down. At least with a letter, even now that I had made it clear that me and Arnav were in the same city, it would still be hard to find me even if anyone tried. There are a crazy amount of people in Mumbai and it’s also a huge city. It would take ages for them to find me. Plus I know for a fact that I am not the only Khushi here. So even if they tried to locate me using my name, it would take a long time.

When I arrived in Mumbai, I had decided to drop both my maiden and my married name. So here, I wasn’t Khushi Kumari Gupta, or Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Here I was just Khushi Singhania. Singhania is Raj and Veera mausi’s surname and I had asked them before using it. They didn’t mind. So if any of my family did try to find me, they’d have to go through all the Khushi’s to find me. I had done the same with Arushi. I hadn’t given her my maiden name or Arnav’s name. She was Arushi Signhania. Initially, I had thought of naming her Arushi Singh Raizada, but then I realised that her name would draw too much attention to her. To have the Raizada name, someone would have alerted the Raizada’s and they would have found us.

With all the bases covered, I believe that we are relatively safe. There’s no way Arnav would be able to find us even if he did know we were here. We were safe. He wouldn’t be able to find us…