He’s Amazing ~ Part 5 {Reloaded}

“Oh my God! He asked you out!”

“Lavanya, you’re acting as though he’s asked me on a date! We’re just going so that he can discuss my work with me! It’s not a big deal.”

“If that was the case, why can’t you do it in the library or the canteen or the cafe? Or if he needed a more private setting, why not his classroom or in his office?”

“Maybe it’s just to get an informal atmosphere! And all the informal places on campus always have lots of people around and it’s distracting. It’s not a big deal La.”

“Why are you so oblivious! Okay fine, don’t believe me now, but wait and watch Khushi, it’s a date; I’m telling you that now!”

 

*****

 

Over the next two days, Lavanya constantly pestered Khushi, telling her that it was a proper date, yet Khushi chose not to believe it. After all, even Arnav had said that he wanted to discuss her work! And besides, why would he even want to go on a date with her when she didn’t even show interest in him when he could go on a date with any of the other girls who were constantly throwing themselves at him? AND he had said that this was a professional environment and he didn’t want his personal life to get tangled up with it. It definitely was not a date. Khushi was sure of it.

But as Sunday came, Khushi got more and more nervous. She started doubting the whole situation. What if it was a date? It couldn’t be, but what if it was? What if for some reason he had thought she was interested in her and was taking her out to let her down lightly. That would be so awkward. Khushi shook her thoughts away, she was overthinking. La had gotten into her head and she was thinking about things that would definitely not be the case. This was just an informal dinner between a tutor and his student so that they could discuss her work, it was nothing more. 

Sensing that Khushi needed some time alone with her thoughts, Lavanya decided that she would go out to lunch with Karan so that Khushi got some space to think her thoughts through and compose herself. Before she left, she realised that Khushi needed a pep talk.

 

“Why are you feeling like this Khushi? It’s not a date, it’s just dinner. Calm down Khushi, it’s nothing. Listen if it’s what I have been saying that has gotten into your head, then I’m sorry. I was just teasing. Khushi relax, it’s going to be fine. But why are you acting like this and why are you so nervous? Khushi, do you actually have feelings for him?”

 

Khushi shook her head.

 

“I definitely do not have feelings for him. I’m just a bit nervous because I don’t know what to expect.”

“Just relax and don’t think so much about it any more. It’s just dinner and you are just going to talk about your work. It’s nothing to worry about. Relax babe.”

 

Khushi nodded and told La to go and enjoy herself. She reassured Lavanya that she would be fine and that she would stop worrying. But the moment Lavanya left, Khushi felt herself feeling tense again.

 

What if it really was a date? And why was she feeling like this? She never felt this nervous before a meeting with a tutor, so why now was she feeling like such a mess? What if she did… No, no, she couldn’t! She couldn’t have feelings for him. It wasn’t possible. She hadn’t even thought about him like that. Given she thought that he was good looking, but beyond that, she hadn’t really thought about him. She definitely did not have feelings for him. She wouldn’t allow herself to have feelings for him. 

Putting her thoughts aside, Khushi sat down on the coach and clicked the tv on. She had time. She could relax for a little while before she had to start getting ready. Settling down, she turned over to a movie channel and found that one of her favourite Salman Khan movies was playing. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she felt herself relax as she left herself get absorbed into the film. 

 

*****

 

The movie ended and Khushi looked at the clock, 4:30. She gasped, and realised that there were only 3 hours until she was set to meet Arnav. Watching the film, she had lost track of time and now she felt overwhelmed. She hadn’t even considered what she could wear.

Her heart jumped and then tightened. She could tell she was nervous; this was the first time anyone had asked her to dinner. Date or no date, this was the first time any man had ever made the effort to ask her out and to take her somewhere. Even Nikhil had never been bothered to take her out. He had always opted for easy options like them just hanging around school or sitting in his car. He never actually had taken her anywhere. The only time he had taken her out out, they had gone to see a film but even then it had ended badly because Nikhil had spent most of the time touching Khushi thigh and trying to get a kiss out of her.

Shaking those thoughts aside, Khushi opened her wardrobe and looked inside. She had tonnes of clothes, yet nothing seemed to call out to her at this point of time. One by one she took all her dresses out examined them. After going through over 40 dresses, Khushi picked a kameez that was light blue, simple yet dazzling like she was. It had silver work, not too heavy, but not plain. It could easily pass as something that she could wear to class, but paired with the right shoes and she could easily dress it up. She pulled a silver pair of sandals out of her wardrobe and placed them on the floor by the door. She turned and looked at the clock, it was past half 5. She didn’t need to get dressed just yet, she could start getting ready in another half an hour or so. 

At about 6:30, Khushi was ready to go, her thumb hovering over Lavanya’s contact ID, trying to decide if she should call her to ask her if she would be back soon. She wanted Lavanya’s opinion on her outfit because this was definitely La’s department more than her own. La would know if this was actually the right outfit or not and if it wasn’t, La would help her to pick something else. They still had time. Before Khushi could actually click on Lavanya’s name to call her, La walked into their room, her eyes red. She had been crying. This caused alarm to Khushi because La never cried. La was always the tough cookie, nothing made her cry. Khushi rushed to her side.

 

“What’s the matter La?”

“He, he-he dumped me!”

“WHAT!”

“Khushi, he dumped me! He’s fallen for this other girl in some other uni! He’s not been cheating on me, but knowing that he was looking at someone else while he was with me… How could he?”

“Oh my god La. What an ass! How could he do that? I don’t even… Wait let me go and see Mr Raizada and cancel him. I don’t want to go anywhere. I’m going to sit with you and you can tell me all about what what happened or we can just put a movie on… But I want to spend time with you, I can’t leave you like this.”

“No Khushi, don’t do that, you have to go. I’m fine Khushi, honestly. I was a bit of a shock and that’s why I am reacting so badly. But honestly I don’t feel like crying any more, see.”

 

La wiped her tears away and gave Khushi a small smile.

 

“I’m the one that’s always told you, if a guy doesn’t realise how important you are, he isn’t worth it. I’ve always said it to you and now its time for me to have faith in my own saying.”

“But Lavanya…”

No buts Khushi, I know what you’re trying to do, you’re trying to wiggle your way out of this and you are trying to use me as your excuse. No way am I going to let you do that! I told you, I’m fine. I’m just going to put a movie on, get some chocolate and I am going to enjoy my night and I want you to do the same. Any ways, lets get you dressed!”

 

Khushi knew that La was putting on a face so that she wouldn’t back out of going with Arnav and she knew that pressing La would be futile, but she knew in her heart that she couldn’t leave her friend like this. But she also knew La far too well to know that she was going to lose this battle. Sighing, Khushi knew that it was better all round for her to just drop the topic here and listen to what La was saying.

 

“I am dressed! See!”

 

Khushi gave Lavanya a little twirl so that she could see her dress properly.

 

“You can’t go wearing that on your first date!”

“It’s not a date La!”

“Whatever, I’m not going to let you leave this room wearing that, maybe another time, but no today. Now lets see what you’ve got!”

 

Lavanya opened Khushi’s wardrobe. It was still a mess as Khushi hadn’t had the time to tidy it up again. La flicked through Khushi’s hangers, shaking her head and tutting as she rejected outfit after outfit. Khushi sat on her bed and watched La, knowing that they were going to be here a while because nothing Khushi wore was Lavanya’s style. After rejecting almost all of Khushi’s outfits, La finally stopped and pulled one out.

 

“You’re wearing this!”

“I can’t wear that! What will he think? He’ll think that I thought it was a date and then it’ll get all awkward because he will assume that I too like all the other girls just want to get into his pants. It’s a meeting about my work! I can’t wear this, it will give all the wrong impressions.”

“Stop complaining and go and get changed. When he sees you in this, he will think that you’re damn sexy! Now go Khushi, get changed.”

“But La…”

 

Lavanya pushed Khushi into the bathroom. Grumbling from inside, Khushi hope that La would see her way of things and realise that this dress was highly inappropriate, but when La didn’t give in, Khushi stopped, sighed and got changed. Lavanya pressed her ear to the door and she could hear the rustling of fabric and knew that, as always, she had gotten her way. 

 

“Khushi! Quick! It’s nearly 7!”

“Coming!”

 

Moments later, the door opened and Khushi walked out. She looked amazing. So unlike Khushi. She was wearing a red western dress. It was quite low cut at the front and back, and reached just below her knees. Taking Khushi in, La noticed that Khushi had done her makeup again. She had changed her subtle blue eye shadow for a more neutral shade and had completed the look with a pinky-nude lip-gloss. Lavanya looked at her and gasped.

 

“Wow! Who are you?”

 

Khushi giggled and slapped La playfully on the shoulder.

 

“La, I feel really exposed like this. You can see far too much cleavage, this really isn’t appropriate at all. And not to mention there is far too much leg on show…”

“Wait I got the perfect thing to go with this dress and that will fix your problem.”

 

She rushed over to her own wardrobe and pulled out a sequined black shrug. Khushi put it on. It covered her arms, back and chest, and added to the overall looking without taking away from Khushi’s beauty and the dresses beauty. 

 

“I knew that dress would come in handy one day. See Khushi, when I buy you things I buy them knowing that you will need them in the future. So next time you turn your nose up at a dress I buy you and say that you don’t wear something like that, remember this day and this dress and remember that La always knows best!”

 

Laughing at La and her dramatic nature, Khushi walked back over to her wardrobe and pulled out a pair of black strappy sandals and put them on.

 

“Khushi, come on, lets go! We both know that you can’t walk fast in heels any way. If you don’t get moving, you will be late!”

“Wait, what will I say if someone sees me. They will realise something’s going on, that’s why I’m dressed like this. I never dress like this. Oh La, people are gonna say all kinds of crazy things and Mr Raizada said to not make a big deal of it and not let anyone know. “

“I’ve got it covered, stop panicking!”

 

As they made their way out of their dormitory, they got stopped by Sia who called them into the common room. Lavanya protested and said Khushi didn’t have time, but Sia being Sia wouldn’t take no for an answer, grabbing Khushi by the arm and pulling her into the common room.

 

“Khushi?”

“Nikhil?”

 

Khushi looked to Lavanya, the shock evident. Khushi had known that she would bump into Nikhil at some point, given that they were at the same university. But he lived in a different building and most of his classes too were in a completely different building. They rarely bumped into each other. So what was he doing here? Now? In her building?

 

“Wow… You look so… Different.”

“Erm, thanks?”

“You look beautiful! Wow Khush, I’ve never seen you like this. You look incredible.”

 

At this point Sia stepped in. She wasn’t here to listen to Nikhil fumble like a fool just because Khushi was showing a little leg and did her make up for once. 

 

“Where are you going Khushi?”

“What’s it to you?”

“Lavanya, stay out of this, I’m speaking to Khushi. Any way, don’t you have some crying to do? I heard Karan dumped you!”

 

Lavanya felt like she had been slapped across the face. In attempts to get Khushi ready, she had forgotten what had happened to her, but now that Sia had brought it up, it stung all over again. She felt here eyes prick with tears and she looked down, blinking her tears away before looking up again.

 

“I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me. I will find someone better. Besides, what’s it to you any way?”

 

Sia shrugged off Lavanya’s comments. She had wanted to set La off but she hadn’t been able to, she didn’t care. She had bigger fish to fry at this moment.

 

“Khushi tell me now, where are you going? I’ve never seen you all dolled up like this.”

“Sia, I…”

 

“She’s going on a date.”

 

All heads turned to Lavanya.

 

“She’s going on a date with a really hot guy from another university. And if you’ll excuse us you’re making her late.”

 

As Lavanya grabbed Khushi’s hand, she heard the gasps behind her. Girls whispered and she could hear Nikhil asking no one in particular when Khushi had started dating again. Pleased to have killed multiple birds with one stone, Lavanya pulled Khushi out of the common room and they ran to the back entrance.

Arnav was already there, waiting for her. 

Lavanya hugged Khushi, wished her luck and then turned and rushed back towards their dormitory. Having spotted Khushi. Arnav slowly made his way towards her.

 

“Good evening, Khushi.”

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.

He’s Amazing ~ Part 4 {Reloaded}

“Akaash, I need your help.”

“Hey Bhai! Nice to hear from you too, how can I help you? What’s up?”

 

Arnav rolled his eyes at his cousin’s sarcastic tone. He knew that he should call home more often, or at least text his siblings, but life got busy and these little things just skipped his mind. Pushing aside his thoughts, he remembered why he had called in the first place and resumed the conversation.

 

“Tell Nani, I won’t be able to come home this weekend. I’ve got loads of work here and I’ve got a really important presentation on Saturday and I can’t miss it for the world.”

“Why do you always get me to break the tough news. You get saved but Dadi bites my ear off. But sure bhai, I’ll tell Dadi, but you know, she and di were really excited about you coming home. Mom was too. She had everything ready! They’re all going to be so disappointed. It’s been ages since you came home.”

“I know Akaash, it sucks. I don’t do it on purpose, I just hadn’t realised how much work it would be and how little spare time I would have. But being here now, I’ve realised it’s a lot more work than I had anticipated. You know I barely get time to meal prep properly. I’ve been eating pot noodles the last few days. But don’t tell anyone at home that, they’ll just get hyper. But enough about me, how is mamaji? And how is Payal?”

“Dad’s fine and Payal’s good too! Everyone’s just been missing you but otherwise, it’s been pretty normal around here. Oh my god, bhai did you know NK’s coming soon!”

“NK! He’s coming!? That’s great, how long will he be staying?”

“Well for now he isn’t sure, he wants a long break from Australia, and he was missing home. I hope he stays for a while, it’s always so much fun when he’s around right? By the way, bhai, dadi’s selecting girls.”

“Girl’s for whom?”

“For you!”

 

Arnav rolled his eyes and balled up his free hand. He knew this would be a topic that would come up again, but he didn’t appreciate dadi trying to select a girl for him behind his back. He was sure he would go home and he would be presented an extensive list and if he didn’t select anyone from it, there would be hell to pay. But it wasn’t even fair because he hadn’t had a say in the shortlisting process. He would have to have a word with di later and get them to back off.

 

“Akaash, I told you people, I’ll get married the day I find the perfect girl for myself and when I am mentally prepared for marriage. Tell nani to tell all the families of the girls that Arnav isn’t interested at the moment. If they still want their daughters to marry me, tell them to contact me again in 10 years time! And tell nani that she needs to stop going behind my back and pulling these stunts because she’s just wasting everyone’s time. When I am ready, either I will find myself a girl or I will tell nani what kind of girl I want and then she can start her search. I don’t appreciate her and di doing their own thing and acting like it’s the best for me when it probably isn’t.”

“Bhai, chill! I get the point, I’ll tell dadi, don’t worry. Bhai. I mean she will probably give you an angry phone call and you’ll have to deal with that yourself but I’ll pass your message on for now. Also, before I forget, I wanted to tell you, that me and dad have finalised a deal with Malhotra and sons. For their new hotel opening they want all their staff to have matching outfits. We have said we will do some designs for them and send them on. We’ve also said we’ll finalise the prices once they have looked at our original designs. I’m sending you a file regarding it through email. Please check it and tell us if there’s anything you want changing.”

“Akaash, you and mamaji know what you’re doing, you don’t have to ask me every time your signing a new deal.”

“I know, but it’s your company.”

“Mamaji has more of a right to it than I have. He’s been handling it for years now. I trust you guys to know what you are doing and to make decisions that will positively impact the business. I trust you guys, just go ahead with it.”

“I know but still, I like making sure that you approve. This company is your one true love after all. Anyway, look bhai I have to go. I promised Payal we’ll go out for dinner tonight and she’s getting cranky now. Apparently I’ve been on the phone too long.”

“Bye Akaash.”

 

With that Arnav disconnected the call and turned his attention back to his work. On his desk in front of him was Khushi’s assignment that he was going to use. He flicked through it, taking in all her graphs and diagrams, making sure that everything was up to scratch. He knew it would be, but there was a thrill in checking her work. Going through it and just appreciating the brilliant mind behind the report.

 

“Amazing work.”

 

*****

 

“Khushi, hurry, you’re making us late today!”

“La let me get dressed! Any way, class doesn’t start for another 15 minutes; we don’t need to get there so early! Why are you so hyper for this morning, who are you so impatient to see.”

 

Khushi smirked and raised her eyebrow at La. Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Lavanya ran her fingers through her hair, making sure it was still tangle free.

 

“Arnav doesn’t like it when we’re late!”

 

Rolling her eyes, Khushi laughed and went back to applying her lip balm.

 

“I knew it. You’re rushing me so you can sit and stare at Mr Raizada before the class starts. You have noticed that he never turns up this early any way. He walks in just a minute before class starts. He probably tries to avoid all you pervs.”

 

Lavanya feigned shock at being called a perv, picked up a pillow and threw it at Khushi’s head.

 

“I’m not a perv, I just like appreciating good looking men.”

“Pervvvv.”

“Shut up you, hurry up! Look at the time!”

“If you’re so impatient and want to get to class 13 minutes before we need to be there to stare at a wall, then you go on ahead. I’ll join you in a bit. I’ll be there before class starts.”

“It’s ok for you, he loves you! You won’t have to worry about getting told off if you’re late!”

 

Putting her lip balm down, Khushi laughed and turned her attention to Lavanya. Her poor friend really had the biggest crush on their tutor and it was clear she wasn’t handling it that well.

 

“He doesn’t love me La; he just respects me because I pay attention to my work, not him! But okay miss moody, I’m ready. Let’s go and sit and stare at an empty room for 12 minutes.”

 

Lavanya pretended to be mad and puffed out her cheeks.

 

“Fine! Whatever! Let’s go!”

 

*****

 

“You’re all failures and none of you will get your degrees unless you concentrate! I don’t understand what is wrong with this class. I have seen your marks from before and you all had been doing relatively well and now all of a sudden your marks are taking a dive? Are we not taking final year seriously enough any more? Or are you guys not taking me seriously enough? If you would much rather have a more senior member of staff taking this class, please let me know because I don’t want you all tanking this class and then you all blaming me. Mr Malhotra, please stop texting your girlfriend! This is precisely the issue!”

“I wasn’t texting my girlfriend!”

“Whoever, just stop! As I was saying, none of you are pulling your weight. Your quality of work is what I would expect from first and second year students. This isn’t third year quality at all. I know for most of you just passing is enough, but I really need you to understand that if you are putting yourself through school, it is far more beneficial that you put that little bit of extra effort in and securing those top grades. They are far more useful to you and your futures than weak pass grades. I have photocopied Miss Gupta’s last assignment for you all to look at. It’s perfect in every way. Read through it and compare it to your own work. If your work is anything close to this, then it means you are on the right track, otherwise learn from Miss Gupta! Please take notes from her work so you can see what she is doing and what you are not doing. Only then will you clearly be able to understand what you need to do in order to improve your work.”

 

Khushi looked down and blushed. No one had ever praised her work so much before. Not only was her work being praised, it was being used as a benchmark for other people. It was such an overwhelming feeling.

She looked up at Arnav and gave her a small smile before turning back into the strict lecturer.

 

“Miss Gupta, can you stay back again please. I have got some extension work for you. Seeing as you have completed this assignment there is no point holding you back with the rest of the class. Doing this extra work will mean that you can work towards an additional module which will help you to increase your GPA.”

 

Khushi nodded and the looked away again. Lavanya smiled and shook her head. It was so clear that Arnav was attracted to her! And he wasn’t just in awe of her work but in her as a person too. But obviously Khushi was oblivious to it. Lavanya knew what was cooking but should she tell Khushi? Would Khushi even believe her or would she just brush her off again as she had done every other time?

The clock struck the hour and the class filed out of the room. Khushi held onto Lavanya and wanted her to wait for her outside. She would have much rather La wait with her in the room, but Arnav had a strict policy where he liked to speak to his students one on one so that their conversations could remain confidential. It also gave students the freedom to express their feelings without feeling worried about what other people thought.

Khushi had hoped that Lavanya would wait for her outside the way she had that first time, however Lavanya said that she had told Karan that she would be waiting for him at the common room. She couldn’t be late because they were going to go and grab some food before his next class. Khushi nodded sadly and remained seated while everyone and La filed out.

Once everyone else had left, Arnav closed the door and walked towards Khushi and sat down on the desk next to hers.

 

“Khushi, are you ok?”

“Yes sir, I’m fine thank you? Why?”

“Are you doing anything Sunday evening?”

“Erm, no.”

“Well then, how would you like to go out for dinner with me then?”

“Dinner? To discuss my work?”

“Well… Yes! To discuss your work!”

“Ok then.”

“Great, will you be able to meet me at the back entrance at 7:30? And please try not to tell anyone. I don’t like that thought about everyone knowing that I took one of my students out for dinner. I’m sure you can imagine the kind of rumours that it would fuel.”

 

Khushi felt her cheeks heat up. She looked at Arnav, who was looking down at her with a serious expression. She nodded and then looked away before speaking again.

 

“Can I tell Lavanya? She… She’s my roommate and if I don’t tell her where I am going, she’ll worry.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sure Miss Kashap will understand. But again, please make sure she doesn’t tell anyone else. I’d rather this didn’t cause more of an issue then it is actually worth.”

“I understand and yes I will tell La.Thank you for understanding why I need to share this information with her.”

“Not a worry. Well then, I guess I’ll see you Sunday evening!”

“Bye sir.”

“Bye Khushi.”

Unwanted ~ Part 41

Khushi

A few days had passed since we had returned home and slowly things were starting to finally feel like they were fitting into place.

The first day when we had got here Arushi had been super overwhelmed after seeing everyone and had wanted to go straight back to Mumbai. But after explaining to her that this was our home, our real home and that we had to slowly get used to being here, she understood. But despite that, for the first few days, she did stay close to me most of the time, not really going to anyone else, not even Arnav.

Bedtime had been a hassle too. The bedroom that was next to ours, the day we got home, Arnav had made quick arrangements to get some nice pink bedding in for Arushi and had unpacked some of her toys so she would feel at home, but she refused to sleep in her bed. I’d said I would stay with her, and only then did she agree to sleep in her new room. The night after the first was a repeat telecast. She refused to sleep on her own, so I stayed with her again that night.

On the third night, she had fallen asleep in her bed on her own, but after maybe an hour or so, she came into mine and Arnav’s bed.

The fourth night however, she finally slept in her own bed, the whole night through. The nights after that were the same and we finally concluded that Arushi was starting to feel at home here. And now that Arushi was feeling better, it made me feel a whole lot better too.

Though Arnav had been trying to spend as much time with us as possible, he was struggling. As he’d been away for so long, his work had piled up and he was having to spend more time at the office than he was at the house. It meant that me and him got less time to spend together, but it was okay.

But it was also because he was out of the house so much that he hadn’t noticed that Di wasn’t okay with me.

At first, I hadn’t realised it myself, but then I noticed and I realised. If there was anyone in the house that didn’t seem happy that I was back, it was Di. I didn’t know why she was behaving like this with me, but I knew that I should try to address it as soon as possible. I had wanted to ask Arnav, but I didn’t want to stress him out. So I asked Jiji.

She hadn’t noticed it, she was just glad that I was home. But she said to just ignore it. She just put Di’s behaviour down to the fact that everything had changed and that it was taking her a while to readjust to it all again. Perhaps it was that, but it had to be something else too. But I was going to leave it for now. Right now my priority was my little girl and making sure she was comfortable here.

 

*****

 

As we sat down for dinner later that evening, engrossed in conversation, none of us noticed Nimisha and Pari slowly descend the stairs and come and stand before us, bags packed. Di was the first to react.

 

“Nimisha? What’s all this?”

 

Putting her bag down, Nimisha took Pari’s hand.

 

“I have decided that the time has come for me and Pari to leave.”

“How can you…”

 

She turned to me and gave me a funny look before turning back to Di.

 

“Pari and I have never had much of a place in this house. This has never been our home, and now that Khushi is back…”

“Nimi you don’t need to leave, you’re the mother of Arnav’s eldest child.”

 

At this point Arnav got to his feet, ready to protest, but was stopped by Nimisha shaking her head.

 

“I… I don’t know how to say this but Pari… She’s not Arnav’s.”

 

It took me a moment to realise what she was saying but as her words finally sunk in, I could feel anger starting to coarse through my body. Arnav was the first person to react.

 

“What did you say?”

“I said Pari isn’t yours.”

 

I turned to Arnav and placed my hand on his arm because I knew he was about to lose his top. He opened his mouth to say something but Di beat him to it.

 

“Nimi please don’t feel you have to say such things just because Khushi is back. Pari is yours and Arnav’s and no matter what happens that won’t change. Whether you are Arnav’s wife or not, Pari will always be Arnav’s child.”

 

If I wasn’t already mad at Nimisha, I would be mad at Di. What the hell was she doing and what the hell was her problem. But that was a situation for another point of time, now we needed to handle Nimi and get to the bottom of what she was saying. I turned my attention to her. I needed answers.

 

“Nimisha, stop playing games. Cut all the crap and explain yourself. Is Pari Arnav’s child or not?”

 

I watched as Nimi paused and composed herself. I already knew what she was going to say but I still needed to hear it clearly from her mouth.

 

“Arnav is not the father of my child.”

“You’re so lucky there are kids in the room otherwise I would slap you so hard I…”

 

Arnav put his hand on my shoulder and I knew that I needed to calm down. I watched as Jiji ushered the kids and took them into the other room. Everyone moved away from the table and we all moved over to Nimi. Nani was the first one to address her.

 

“I think we all need to sit down and you need to explain yourself young lady.”

 

We all moved over to the living room and sat down. Arnav sat down close to me, his arm protectively around me and his other hand resting firmly on my knee. I was getting impatient, this whole thing was being drawn out. And everyone was being so calm about it? She had just said that Pari wasn’t Arnav’s child, yet no one seemed to be reacting? We just needed to know what the hell was going on and then send this girl on her way.

None of us spoke, I think we all needed a moment to compose ourselves properly and mentally prepare for what was going to happen next. Nani took lead of the conversation.

As Nani questioned Nimisha, she began to explain herself, I felt my temperature increase and I could feel the same happening to Arnav too. His hold on me was getting tighter and I could tell it was only about time before he lost his cool.

But before Arnav could speak, I spoke.

 

“So you’re telling me, all these years, I stayed away, kept my child away from her father, and my husband away from his daughter for absolutely no reason?”

“I’m sorry…”

“You’re sorry? Sorry? Is that all you have to say for yourself? Do you even understand…”

“It was stupid, it was ill thought out and if I could take it all back then I would but I can’t.”

“Maybe when you first came up with this crazy idea you thought something of it, but why did you keep playing along all these years? Why didn’t you admit the truth sooner?”

“You were already gone and no one knew where you were. It didn’t feel like it was worth saying anything.”

 

At this comment, I could tell Arnav really got mad.

 

“Do you even understand the amount of tension and distress that you have caused? Even if Khushi wasn’t here, I deserved to know the truth. I always said Pari wasn’t mine, but you kept lying to all of us. For years, Payal hated me because I was the cause of all the problems. There have been tension between me and Di for years because I didn’t accept you and now you’re telling us… I didn’t deserve this. I didn’t deserve to be lied to for all these years.”

 

He shook his head and turned away from her. 

 

“I know, I know I have caused a lot of harm and it is naive of me to expect for you guys to forgive me, but I really am sorry.”

 

Arnav got to his feet and turned to leave. Just as he got to the bottom of the stairs, he turned back to Nimisha. 

 

“Make sure you take all your crap with you. Because after today I never want to see you anywhere near this house or my family ever again. If you leave anything behind, you’ll find it all at the dumpsite.”

 

Before she could reply though he was already gone. Nimisha turned back to me. 

 

“I really am sorry.”

“I can’t believe you and Ranveer… Just leave honestly. I don’t want to hear anything more from you and I don’t think anyone else wants to have anything more to do with you. Just leave.”

 

I got up too and left. I didn’t want to have to deal with this any more either. The whole situation was just insanity and now knowing that I had spent so much time away from my husband over a lie, it just made me so much more angry at myself for leaving. I should have stayed. I shouldn’t have been so weak. Had I just stuck it out, it would have been hard but perhaps it wouldn’t have taken Nimisha this long to admit the truth and for this chapter to have been closed. Because I had been weak, Arushi and Arnav had lost out on so much time together. 

As I made my way up to my bedroom, I knew I needed to apologise to Arnav too. I opened our door, I saw that Arnav was standing by the door to the poolside, looking out at the blue water. Closing our bedroom door, I walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. It took him a moment to realise that I was there, but I watched as he wiped his eyes before turning his attention to me. 

 

“Is she gone?”

“She’s going.”

“Finally.”

 

Taking his hand, I led him over to the old recliner and got him to sit down as I sat beside him. Wiping his eyes, I took his hand in my own. 

 

“Why are you crying?”

“I just… I don’t know to be honest with you. This is all just so much more overwhelming than I ever thought it could be. I always knew Pari wasn’t mine, but… Just hearing her finally say it… And then I just can’t stop thinking about all the time that we lost because of her…”

“I’ve been thinking about that too. Had she not done all of this, we could have been together the whole time. It’s just… Insane that she and Ranveer did all this and that they played along for so long. It just doesn’t make sense to me. They’re just both deranged.”

 

He half scoffed and half laughed as I said this. He turned his attention to me and looked into my eyes.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Cupping his face, I dropped light peck on his lips. 

 

“You have nothing to apologise for. If anything, I should be saying sorry to you. I shouldn’t have been so weak, I shouldn’t have left. I should have been here to deal with it with you. Had I stayed, this game of theirs wouldn’t have lasted so long, I’m so…”

 

He silenced me with a kiss. It wasn’t a peck like I had given him either, it was a mind clearing, soul stealing kiss. With one hand on my waist and the other on my face, he shuffled closer to me as he deepened the kiss. I let him. I felt his hand came down onto my thigh and I could feel his hand moving up slightly the longer we kissed. When I felt his hand creeping too far up, I had to stop him.

 

“Not now…”

“I need you.”

“I know and I need you too, but it’s the middle of the day and we’re not home alone any more.”

 

I watched as he moved back a bit, the irritation evident. 

 

“I miss when we were newly weds and when we were able to just lock ourselves away for an hour or two in the middle of the day.”

 

I shouldn’t have laughed, but I did. And he was annoyed that I was laughing but his annoyance melted away a moment later and he laughed with me.

He wrapped his arms around me and just looked into my eyes for a moment before he spoke. 

 

“You know, even when everyone tried to convince me that Pari was mine, I just knew she wasn’t. I felt like I was going crazy, I really started to doubt myself and sometimes I did think that maybe she was mine. But inside, I knew she wasn’t. It drove me crazy but I just knew it. Everyone in this house told me that I should accept Pari and Nimi but I couldn’t. I always just knew.”

 

Placing my hand on his knee, I gave it a squeeze. 

 

“You should always listen to your gut. If your gut told you that something wasn’t right, then you should know that something isn’t right.”

“I’m just so glad that I stood my ground and that I didn’t listen to them. Had I listened to them, I may not have you in my arms right now.”

 

I gave him a quick kiss and then rested my forehead against his. This was nice, this was right. This is how things were meant to be. How had we lived without this for so long? When we both finally came back to our full senses, we decided we should go back downstairs. As we approached the door though, he blocked it, and turned to me. 

 

“Just know though, you might have stopped me now, but tonight, we will do it. It’s been six years since we last made love in our bed and I can’t wait any longer.”

 

It took me a moment to put together what he was saying, but then I realised he had circled back to what I had stopped from happening between us not too long ago. Cupping his face, I dropped a quick kiss on his lips.

 

“I won’t make you wait any longer.”

 

*****

 

The rest of the day passed slowly. After Nimisha left, Di went up to her room and refused to see anyone. I wanted to speak to her, there was clearly a problem, and I needed to address it, but I knew that now wasn’t the time. It was clear the whole family were still trying to comprehend everything that had happened and that it would take them time to really accept it and move forward, but I was glad. It meant that Arnav and I could really try and move forward in our lives and we didn’t have to keep looking over our shoulders to see what Nimi was doing. 

As the evening crept on, the mood began to pick up slightly but I started feeling more and more nervous. It didn’t really make sense, because it wasn’t like it would be the first time that Arnav and I would sleep together, but the idea of doing it in our marital bed again after so long was causing me to be equal parts anxious and excited. 

Dinner ended and I put Arushi to bed. I stayed with her for a while, to make sure she was fully asleep before I got up to go back to our room. As I pushed the door open, I noticed the room was far darker than usual. Shutting the door and locking it, I walked further into the room and made my way over to the light switch and attempted to click it on, but as I went to flick the switch, Arnav stopped me and swept me off my feet. 

 

“Arnav…”

“Don’t turn the lights on.”

“But I can’t see anything, I can’t see you.”

 

He didn’t say anything, just bought his lips to mine and silenced me with a kiss. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I snuggled into him as I let myself kiss him back. I felt his arms tighten around me as he carried me over to the bed and gently put me down. Breaking the kiss, he reached over to his bedside table, and I heard him flip a switch.  Above our head, a string of fairy lights came on. They weren’t bright, they were the softest shade of white, just about bright enough that I could see him. Smiling I moved back into kiss him. Our lips met and he pulled me over himself, his hands on my waist, holding me close to his body. Involuntarily, my body moved against his, causing a friction to grow between us. 

When we came up for air, I rid myself of my clothes and he did the same. The feel of his skin against mine was still enough to give me goosebumps, but the feel of his lips and his hands on my bare skin was enough to make me feel like I was going to explode. Flipping me onto my bad, I let him overpower me and take the lead. 

As his hands touched me in the most intimate of ways, he stopped for a moment and looked into my eyes. 

 

“You ready?”

“Always.”

He’s Amazing ~ Part 1 {Reloaded}

“Oh my god Khushi, look at him! He’s gorgeous!”

“Lavanya, please we aren’t going to go through with this again, remember you’re with Karan!”

“I know Khushi, but look, he’s so totally adorable.”

“It doesn’t matter; you’re not going to have time to get to know him.”

 

Lavanya sighed and took Khushi’s arm as they began making their way down the corridor towards their classroom. Khushi and Lavanya were studying business and mathematics and were in their third and final year of university.

 

“Khushi do you know who’s taking over from ‘the old grouch?’ He left at the end of last semester and they didn’t tell us who was taking over!”

“I think it probably will be Mrs Chopra.”

“Khushi, we can’t be taught by her, we’ll all fall asleep and we’ll never get our degrees!”

 

They had reached their classroom and taken their seats. Lavanya looked up only to see the hot guy she was talking about entering the room.

 

“Oh my god, Khushi, look it’s him. I think he’s probably moved from some other uni and is going to finish his degree with us! He’s going to be in some of our classes oh my god!”

 

Khushi shook her head and sighed. La would be La. There was absolutely no hope for this girl.

 

“Everyone settle down please!”

 

The class settled down and Lavanya looked on in disbelief. Wait. What was happening? Was he…

 

“I’m Arnav Singh Raizada and I shall be taking this class and lecture until you all finish your course. You may all call me Mr Raizada.”

 

Lavanya dropped her face into her hands, This was really happening. He was… The tutor.

A girl, tall and beautiful raised her hand.

 

“Yes?”

“Arnav, are you sure you’re supposed to be teaching us, you don’t look old enough to be a lecturer. Moreover personally I find that you’re too good looking to be a lecturer.”

“Well I’m flattered to hear that. Yes, I am your lecturer, as for my age, I just got my masters from Harvard for the same subject. They needed a new lecturer to take over the senior class, so here I am. As for my name, you may call me Mr Raizada.”

“Khushi, look at the nerve of Sia, what the hell! She’s such a try hard!”

“La, why are you getting so angry, what does it matter? He’s our lecturer. What’s the big deal?”

“So you don’t find him good looking?”

“No, not really.”

 

As Lavanya and Khushi argued over how good looking Arnav was and why men should be avoided, the rest of the class progressed.

 

“Well we haven’t got anything done today, so from tomorrow, it will be all focus on the work and nothing more. Good afternoon everyone.”

 

With that, everyone began to put away anything they had taken out. Arnav looked around the room and his eyes fell on a girl. She was busy reading her textbook as Arnav walked over to her. She saw his shadow over her and looked up.

 

“Yes sir?”

“Miss Gupta?”

“Yes sir.”

“Can you stay back please?”

“Sure sir.”

 

With that Arnav walked away. Lavanya rushed to Khushi’s side.   

 

“Khushi, what the hell are you! Its like he doesn’t affect you at all! You didn’t even look at him twice!”

“He doesn’t La. He’s just another man, and my lecturer!”

“But he’s gorgeous! How can you not be affected by him at all? I know you’ve had your issues with men, but really, you should stop acting like you never what to be with another man again. It’s okay to look at men you know. Ok maybe not Arnav, but there are so many guys, it’s like no one affects you.”

“Lavanya, my hearts been broken once, I don’t want it to happen again.”

 

The bell rang and the class began to walk out, Khushi remained at her desk, waiting for everyone else to leave so that she could speak to Arnav. Lavanya said she’d wait for Khushi in the hall. As Lavanya left the room, Arnav closed the door and approached Khushi.

 

“Miss Gupta, I was given your assignment from last semester and I must say your work is absolutely amazing!”

“Thank you, sir. I’m glad you liked it.”

“I didn’t like it, I loved it!”

“Thank you.”

“Any way I’m not going to keep you for any longer, I’m sure you want to make the most of not having any work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

With that Khushi left the room only to find Lavanya standing outside with a serious expression on her face.

 

“What’s up with you? What’s with the face?”

“Did he want your number?”

“What? NO! Why would he want my number?”

“Oh I thought he wanted your number.”

“God Lavanya, get real. Do you think he’d go for someone like me when Sia will practically throw herself at him. Any way he’s a Harvard graduate, I’m sure he’s got a girlfriend! Even if he doesn’t, I don’t think he’s looking to date one of his students. And even if he is, I’m not interested!”

“Ok, ok! I get it! But you have to admit he’s fit!”

“Lavanya, what do you want from me? If you want him go ahead, but I’m not interested! So I don’t look at him like that.”

“Khushi tell me what’s happened! Before we could sit and rate guys for hours but now, you’ve changed so much!”

“You want the truth? Then listen! Guys remind me of Nikhil. What me and him had. Every time I’m with another man I remember him. And I hate him Lavanya! Please, try to understand.”

“I understand Khushi. I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain.”

“It’s ok. Lets go, I want to get into bed!”

 

The two girls linked arms and walked off towards the girls dormitories, completely brushing away the conversation that they had just had and forgetting about the gorgeous man that they had left behind… 

 

*****

 

Author’s note:

So here we go again! For those of you who have been on this journey with me before, it would mean a lot to me to have you guys came on this journey with me again because I have been making a lot of changes to each chapter before posting it again. Anyone who has read this recently will also realise that I have taken the decision to merge chapters. So what you have just read was previously posted as parts one and two, however they were both very short chapters so I have decided to merge them together. This is something that I plan to do for most if not all chapters. So the next chapter (part 2) will be what used to be part 3 and 4. So ultimately instead of having 100 parts, this story will only have 50, but they will be much longer chapters and hopefully you will be able to notice the improvement of writing quality.

That is all for today, thank you so much for taking the time to read both the part and my note. I have scheduled the next chapter to go up in exactly 2 weeks. I do hope to start working on other unfinished projects again because I have a bit more time now with this pandemic going on and I feel you guys will also appreciate a more regular flow of content.   

First Night Back

 

Taking the tray with the tea from Hari Prakash, Khushi made her way out to the poolside. The closer she got to Arnav, the more she felt her hands shake. Her breathing increased and her eyes welled up with tears.

Initially, especially after that night in the jungle, she’d thought when he finally came back home, they would have a big reunion, everyone would be happy, everything would be perfect. And maybe after reuniting, they would finally unite as husband and wife. But now… Everything was a mess. Everyone was upset. Di was completely broken and it was all because of her.

As she neared Arnav, her hands trembled viciously. Hearing her, Arnav turned around. Her hands were shaking, her eyes full of tears and she was unable to look at him. Taking the tray, Arnav set it aside.

Turning away, Khushi was ready to leave, but Arnav grabbed hold of her hand. Turning to face him slowly, Arnav placed his hand on her shoulder and shook his head.

Throwing her arms around him, Khushi hugged Arnav in a manner she’d never done so before and just cried. Gripping hold of his t-shirt, she pressed herself closer, letting her tears fall. Pressing his hand into the small of her back and holding her head with the other, Arnav attempted to try and comfort Khushi.

 

“Sh… Don’t cry. There’s no need to cry.”

“Di… I’ve ruined everything for her.”

“No, no you haven’t! Don’t say that.”

 

Pulling away, Arnav held her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

 

“Shyam is scum. If not you, he would have found some other woman to pray on. One who may not have backed off the way you did when you found out he was married. It’s not your fault.”

“But he didn’t pick any other woman, it was me. If I never came into your life then he would’ve never come into mine and he’d still be happily married with Di.”

“Maybe, but Khushi, fate plays a funny game with people. We can go through all the what ifs but it’s not going to change what’s happened. It’s better this has all come to Di’s attention now. Yes, she’s hurting now, but this is the lowest she can feel. From this point onwards, she can only go up.”

 

Nodding her head, Khushi realised that he had a point. Watching as her expressions changed, Arnav felt his mood change too. Of course he was worried about Di, how could he not be, but at the same time, it finally was starting to hit him that he was home, that he was safe. Whilst he had been kidnapped and locked away, the one thing that kept him going was knowing that when he got home, things would be different between him and Khushi, that things would be better between them. That finally, despite everything that had happened between them, they could finally come together.

Replaying what had happened and what had almost happened between them that night in the hut, it was evident that Khushi wanted him as much as he wanted her. Now they were home, safe, no one was after them, he wasn’t going to let this moment slide.

Moving towards her, Khushi realised that his mood had shifted. She stepped back. Every step he took closer to her, she took another step back until her back hit the wall behind her.

 

“Arnav ji…”

“I think it’s finally time to take our marriage to the next level, don’t you?”

“But Di…”

 

Moving closer to her, he placed one hand on her waist and with the other, pushed her hair off her shoulder. Arnav watched as Khushi’s chest rose and fell rapidly, as the pace of her breathing increased. Moving in, he pressed a kiss on her neck, just as he had done in the hut that night. He moved from her neck back up to her cheeks, her eyes, her nose and then inched closer to her lips. Eyes closed, her saw the anticipation on her face, she wanted him, she wanted to take things further too.

He moved closer, his breath fanning her face, but just as their lips were about to touch, Arnav lifted Khushi off her feet, causing her eyes to fly open. Her eyes looked into his questioningly, not understanding why he stopped. He carried her over to the bed before putting her down and coming over her. He placed his hand back on her waist, the other by her side on the bed as he moved into her, slanting his face ever so slightly so that he could take her lips between his.

He’d been waiting for this moment for so long, and now that it was here, he couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous. But he wasn’t going to back down. He almost lost his Khushi, brought her back from the brink of death, he was going to make her his tonight. With this new found determination, Arnav moved in, taking her lips between his, pressing his body into hers. For a moment, her lips didn’t move against his, but soon she too melted into the kiss. Her lips were inexperienced, she fumbled slightly, trying to meet his every caress. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Khushi pulled Arnav closer to herself. Arnav’s hand moved from the bed onto the side of her body, touching the side of her body. Khushi felt herself go breathless, feeling his hand on her like that. His hand moved slightly, over her completely and he squeezed her gently. Gasping at the sudden bold action from him, Khushi broke the kiss, her eyes wide.

 

“Arnav ji…”

 

Pulling back slightly, Arnav looked into Khushi’s eyes. She looked confused, nervous, flustered… Maybe she wasn’t ready for this. Pulling away, Arnav sat up and then got off the bed. Khushi too sat up.

 

“It’s okay, if you’re not ready, there’s no pressure. I’ll wait until you are ready.”

 

Turning around, Arnav was ready to make his way over to the recliner when Khushi grabbed hold of his hand to stop him. Slowly, Arnav turned around.

 

“Khushi…”

 

Looking down, Khushi blushed.

 

“I… I want… I want to… I’m ready.”

“Are you sure? If you’re not, really, it’s fine.”

“I am ready.”

 

He sat back down on the bed and Khushi shuffled closer to him. Cupping her face, Arnav moved back in and kissed Khushi. This time, she was ready and started kissing him back as soon as their lips touched. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into herself as she lay back, pulling him over herself. Arnav placed his hands back onto her body, feeling her curves.

Finding the bottom of his jumper, Khushi let her hands go under, but to her distaste, instead of finding his skin, she found another layer of clothes. Breaking the kiss and pushing him back, Khushi sat up. Her cheeks were bright red, but she proceeded to pulling his jumper off. Then she began to unbutton the buttons of his shirt, placing kisses down his chest as more and more skin got exposed. When all the buttons were off, Khushi pushed the shirt off of him. She took in his wide chest, the little curls of black hair on his chest, his strong arms.

 

“My turn.”

 

Slowly he began to push her dupatta away. He took in her chest, still covered, but he watched as her chest rose and fell. Reaching back, he slowly pulled at the dori of her kameez. Once the dori was off, he moved back slightly and found the hem of her kameez and pulled it off. Well tried to pull it off. Arnav forgot to take the zip off and now the kameez was stuck around Khushi’s chest.

 

“Wait wait.”

 

Laughing, Khushi pulled the kameez back down, unzipped herself and then pulled it off again. Leaning in, she moved toward Arnav who met her more than halfway, taking her lips between his once more. Pushing her back against the pillows, Arnav lay Khushi down and moved over her. His hands fell to her shelwar and he pulled at the strings before pushing her shelwar away. Once they were off, Khushi pushed her thighs together, trying to suppress the feeling that was brewing within her.

He caressed her exposed skin, his touch light, letting her get accustomed to the feel of his hand on her body. His touch made her breathless but left her wanting more.

 

“Ah… Arnav…”

 

He pushed a finger gently into her, causing her to moan out involuntarily. He pumped his finger in her, building up the pressure, all the while kissing her face and neck frantically. And then all of a sudden he stopped. Khushi’s eyes opened slightly. Why did he stop?

 

“I want you naked.”

“I am…”

 

He shook his hand and reached back to unclip her bra. Again it took a bit of fumbling but he got it. Pushing the straps down slowly, he waited patiently. It felt like he was unwrapping a gift, savouring the moment until he actually saw what was within. As he pulled the material away, one perky breast revealed itself to him, and then the other. Khushi attempted to raise her arms to cover herself, but Arnav was faster than her. He lowered himself over one pebbled nipple and took it between his lips. Back arching off the bed, Khushi couldn’t believe the sensations that she was feeling. Lacing her fingers into his hair, Khushi pulled Arnav closer to herself. He licked at the hard nipple, flicked at it with his tongue, grazed it with his teeth lightly… One hand massaged the other breast while the other pulled her panties away. Khushi was so distracted, she didn’t even realise when he discarded her panties.

 

Pulling back, Arnav pulled his own trousers away, along with his boxers. Khushi’s eyes opened slightly, but when she saw his length, her eyes widened.

 

“Like what you see?”

 

His voice was husky and low, seductive, sexy… Biting her lip, Khushi looked away, pushing her thighs together. He was so… So big… He wouldn’t fit… This caused Khushi to become slightly nervous. What if he didn’t fit, what if it didn’t work…

Arnav could see the tension in Khushi’s face. Pressing a kiss onto her face, he told her that if she didn’t want to, it was still okay. They could still cool off now.

 

“Woh… You… I… I don’t think… You’ll fit.”

 

He looked at her, her nervous face. He took in her body, the fact that she was completely bare before him, waiting for him. He leaned in, whispered in her ear.

 

“I think I’ll fit perfectly.”

 

Feeling her cheeks go bright red, Khushi shut her eyes as Arnav used his leg to push her legs apart. He settled between her legs, his lips on her neck as he placed little kisses there.

 

“It’ll hurt a bit, but I promise this is the last time I’ll ever hurt you again.”

 

He wanted to kiss her down there, touch her, make her feel other things. But right now they both craved intimacy, both needed to become one.
Bracing himself, he pushed himself in slightly. Khushi clenched her eyes shut, her arms tight around him.

 

“I love you Khushi.”

“I love you.. AH.”

 

Before she could finish, he’d pushed himself all the way in, breaking her barrier. He held still, stroking her body.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

He felt a little nod and looked at her face. Tears threatened to escape from under the closed eyelids. He felt her body adjust around him, and he felt her ease up slightly. When he felt her body was ready and well adjusted to him, he braced himself and slowly began to move within her. Pulling back slightly and then pushing all the way back in. He felt Khushi grip his forearms. Taking hold of her leg, he placed it around his waist and Khushi gasped as she felt him slide deeper into her.

As the pain starter to subside, Khushi began to enjoy what was happening. Her grip on him tightened, and she attempted to move her body in time with his, rolling her hips in time with his each thrust. A moderate pace had been set and both were really starting to get the hang of it.

Arnav opened his eyes to find Khushi’s shut tight. She was biting her lip, trying to stifle her moans.

 

“Look at me.”

 

He wasn’t asking, he was demanding. Khushi’s eyes fluttered open momentarily, but with the next thrust, her eyes were shut once more. Grabbing hold of her hips, Arnav moved a little faster, pushed a little harder, causing Khushi to moan out. The pressure between her hips was intensifying and she felt her insides coil violently.

 

“Arnav…”

“It’s okay, don’t resist.”

 

Nodding, Khushi let go of anything she may have been holding back and soon enough she felt herself go tumbling into oblivion. Moments later, Arnav was done too and he collapsed on top of her. He held still for a moment, not moving, and Khushi wrapped her arms around him, holding the spent Arnav close. When the aftershocks stopped rippling through his body, Arnav slowly peeled himself away and lay beside Khushi. Pulling her into his arms, he reached out for the bedsheets and covered them. His hand on Khushi’s face, he asked if she was okay. Pressing her face into his chest, Khushi nodded. She was okay, more than okay. She was spectacular!

As they felt sleep threaten to take over their bodies, Arnav placed a kiss on Khushi’s forehead.

 

“I love you Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.”

“I love you too.”

 

After months of misunderstanding and deceit, things had finally been cleared up and they were ready to begin a new chapter of their lives. Khushi snuggled close to Arnav, the way she had wanted to do for the longest time, and let sleep consume her body and he did the same.

 

Finally, they were at peace.

 

*****

 

Author’s note:

This was one of the few OS’ that I had exported and saved onto wordpress. Though I am not entirely comfortable posting this content, I feel to just post it because I know a lot of you guys do like this content and I want to get some content out to you at least. 

Jalebi ~ Part 40 ~ Last Part

Wrapping her arms around her husband, Khushi snuggled up to Arnav and smiled to herself.

 

“Happy second anniversary baby.”

 

It was unbelievable. Khushi still couldn’t believe that she and Arnav had already been married for two years now.

Over the last two years they had faced a number of hurdles, nothing major but just little bumps in their journey. For example, for extended periods of time, they were apart due to work. Only last month, Khushi had to go to England due to issues in her main office and Arnav couldn’t accompany her because he had to attend to business in Mumbai.
And even if they were in the same city, there were multiple times when Arnav got home so late that Khushi was already asleep, or sometimes Khushi would get home so late that Arnav was already asleep.

But they we’re grateful for the time that they did spend together and they understood the issues they had regarding timing. It was something that they had come to terms with over the years and had learnt to deal with.

Other changes that had taken place over the years was that Arnav had made Khushi co CEO of AR Designs. This meant that for any major decision that needed to be made, Khushi had an equal say in them. Initially she had straight up refused to accept his offer, but Arnav wasn’t prepared for her to say no.

Picking her phone up, the latest iPhone, gifted to her by Arnav on her birthday, Khushi checked the time and saw that it was still only half 5. Putting her phone back, Khushi pressed herself into Arnav, her body pressed into his. Taking his arm, she placed it on her waist and snuggled closer.

 

“Khushi what you playing at?”

“Are you awake baby?”

 

Turning in his arms, Khushi smiled as she took in his face.

 

“Hi.”

“Good morning. When did you wake up?”

“The first time you snuggled up to me and wished me a happy anniversary.”

 

Pushing himself up onto his arm, Arnav placed his free arm on Khushi’s waist and pressed a light kiss on her lips.

 

“Happy anniversary to you too baby.”

 

They both settled back down, holding each other close and allowed themselves to fall asleep again for another few hours.

 

*****

 

“Arnav can you please tell me where we’re going?”

“You’ll see any moment now! Be patient.”

 

Rolling her eyes, Khushi sat back in her seat again and looked out of the window, trying to work out where they were headed.

After a relatively quiet morning with the family, Arnav was now taking Khushi to a secret location where they would celebrate their anniversary alone. All Khushi had been told about their little get away was that she didn’t need to pack anything at all as everything they needed would already be there.

 

“You said I’d be able to see any moment. I don’t see anything mr Raizada.”

“You’ll realise right about… Now!”

 

Turning quickly, Khushi looked out of the window. It took Khushi a moment to take in her surroundings, but soon she realised, they were at the Raizada farmhouse.

Turning back to Arnav, Khushi watched as he smirked and she too couldn’t help but smile. They had only been here once, many many years ago. But the memories of their last visit were still fresh and very much treasured by them both.

As Arnav parked the car, Khushi looked at Arnav questioningly.

Once the car was parked, Arnav got out of the car and made his way to Khushi’s side and opened the door for her.

 

“Arnav why…”

“I wanted us to go back to London, to that hotel where we expressed our love for each other and where we spent our first night together, but the room we stayed at was booked and I didn’t know if it would be the same if we stayed at another room. So I thought I’d bring you here instead. After all, this place too holds special memories for us.”

 

She knew exactly what he meant and knew he was right. This place was special. More than special.

Taking hold of Arnav’s arm, he led them into the house. The moment they stepped inside, Khushi gasped as she took in her surroundings.

 

“Happy anniversary babe.”

 

His voice was low and husky, his desire evident. But Khushi didn’t notice. She was too busy taking in all the red drapes and the big balloons and the roses scattered all around.

 

“When did you…?”

“I got Akash and Payal to do it earlier today.”

“You got my pregnant sister running chores for you?”

“She offered!”

“Of course she did Raizada.”

 

Feigning anger, Khushi turned away but Arnav realised what she was trying to do. Wrapping his arms around her waist, Arnav held her close to himself and kissed the side of her neck.

 

“Either you can stop pretending to be mad at me, or I can take you to bed and you’ll forget all about your fake anger that way.”

 

Turning in his arms, Khushi playfully slapped Arnav’s shoulder.

 

“So what arrangements do you have for us?”

“Well first I have a cake for us to cut and then for you to eat.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll eat you later for dessert, don’t you worry.”

“Arnav!”

 

Once again, Khushi slapped Arnav’s arm and he laughed.
Taking Khushi’s hand, Arnav led her over to the table where the cake was waiting for them. Khushi looked down at the little chocolate cake and smiled at it.

Picking up the knife that was sat beside the cake, Arnav put it in Khushi’s hand and then held it himself as they cut the cake together. Arnav leaned in and took a bit of the cake and fed it to Khushi. Just as she swallowed the cake, he pulled her into himself and pressed his lips between hers, kissing her deeply. He could taste the chocolate cake that she had just eaten.

As he pulled himself away, Khushi giggled and hid her face in Arnav’s chest.

 

“I love this, all of this! It’s perfect.”

 

Arnav held his wife close to himself, smiling because he knew he did a good job. As they broke their hug, Arnav picked up a big brown envelope and handed it to Khushi.

 

“What’s this?”

“It’s your present.”

 

Taking it from Arnav, Khushi looked at it highly confused. Slowly, she peeled back the flap and carefully took the papers out. Arnav watched as her eyes moved down the paper, taking the information in. Her mouth kept dropping the more she read.

 

“No way Arnav, no way in hell. I can’t…”

“You can.”

“But this isn’t you’re decision to make. Nani ji… Mama ji…”

“I held a family meeting and consulted with everyone before I made this decision, they had no objections.”

“Arnav, this is too much I can’t…”

 

Going back to the papers, Khushi couldn’t help but feel slightly stressed but overwhelmed at the same time. According to these papers, the property they were stood in, was now hers. Arnav had gifted Khushi the Raizada farmhouse.

 

“Arnav…”

“The farmhouse was in my name before, now it’s in yours. Everything that’s mine is yours anyway so I didn’t see the issue to make this property officially yours.”

“I can’t…”

 

Taking the papers out of her hands, Arnav took Khushi’s hands into his own and pulled her towards himself.

 

“You can. I told you, I spoke to everyone and they have no objections. I know Shantivan is our family home, but in time I want to sign it over to mama ji and Akash so it’s officially their home. Whereas I want to keep the farmhouse for ourselves and Di.”

“But then Di’s name should be on the deeds too.”

“I did speak to Di about that, and she said she doesn’t feel that her name needs to be on these papers. She trusts you enough to know that there will always be a place for her in this house.”

“I don’t know what to say…”

“Don’t say anything, just kiss me and let us enjoy our anniversary.”

 

Khushi wanted to argue, to explain why she couldn’t accept this gift but then she actually thought about. Arnav was right. Whether it was in his name or her name, it would be theirs. After all, Arnav and Khushi were one.

Wrapping her arms around him, Khushi kissed Arnav, bringing him closer to herself. His hands moved under the folds of her sari as he started to push the layers away, getting to her skin. Khushi too let her hands move under his shirt, feeling his toned back.

Breaking the kiss, Arnav lifted Khushi into his arms. Squealing, Khushi held onto Arnav as he properly gripped onto her and slowly made his way up the stairs. Tucking her head into his chest, Khushi smiled and she recalled the last time they had been upstairs in this house. They’d spent the night together and then had a steamy shower together at ungodly hours. But Arnav didn’t take them to his bedroom, he carried on, taking them both up to the terrace.

 

“Arnav…”

“You didn’t think I was taking you to the bedroom were you? I mean I will take you there, but only after we recreate our last encounter that we had up here.”

 

Biting her lip lightly, Khushi hid her face back in his chest as she slowly made his way over to the canopied area and sat Khushi down on top of the silk sheets. He moved back in, slowly beginning to unravel her sari and letting it fall down beside them.

The act of undressing Khushi wasn’t as smooth as Arnav wanted it to be and he needed her help to take the pins out, but soon enough, Arnav was left with a semi undressed Khushi. She slipped out of her underskirt and then let Arnav take her blouse off.

Moving back slightly, he took Khushi in, sat there under the fairy lights in nothing but her satin underwear. He loved it when she wore black lingerie, it made her milky skin look absolutely pearly.

Stripping out of his own clothes, he watched Khushi and he put each item of clothing aside. When he had taken even item of clothing off except his boxers, he watched as Khushi’s eyes moved over his body and he smirked seeing her bite her lip.

Leaning in, Khushi captured Arnav’s lips between her own and she moved into him, resting her hand on his thigh while he gripped hold of her waist.

Getting a good hold of her, Arnav lay Khushi down against the silky sheets, his hand roamed over her body, feeling her exposed skin, nearing the waistband of her pants to remove them. Khushi broke their kiss and pushed Arnav off of herself.

 

“Hey…”

“Wait wait! I need to give you you’re present!”

“I can wait…”

 

Arnav was ready to move back in, to resume what they were doing, but Khushi shook her head and pushed herself off of the floor and grabbed hold of a blanket. Wrapping it around herself, she got to her feet.

 

“Give me in minute!”

 

Arnav was ready to protest but Khushi was already halfway down the stairs. Laying back, Arnav looked at the top of the canopy, waiting for Khushi to return.

She came back a few moments later, her handbag in her hand. Still holding onto the blanket, she kneeled down next to Arnav and opened up her bag and fished out a large brown envelope.

Smiling, Khushi handed over the envelope, pressing a kiss on his cheek at the same time.

 

“Happy anniversary baby.”

 

Taking the envelope, Arnav looked at it.

 

“What’s this?”

“Open it.”

 

Slowly opening the envelope, Arnav pulled out the file that was waiting for him within. It was a file with the Khushiyan branding on it.

Looking up, he looked at Khushi was confusion in his eyes before slowly opening the file.

He skimmed through the first page and then quickly flicked to the next, and then the next.

 

“Khushi…”

 

She’d signed over 51% of Khushiyan.

 

“Khushi…”

“You can’t say anything. You made me co CEO of AR and the owner of this house. The least I can do is…”

“But Khushi…

 

Taking the papers out of his hand, Khushi set it aside on the little patio that was beside them. Dropping the blanket that she was using to cover herself, Khushi slowly made her way into Arnav’s lap. Settling herself into his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a light kiss on his lips. Arnav placed his hands on either sides of Khushi’s breasts, giving them a slight squeeze.

 

“I’ve not done this as a return for what you’ve given me, I’ve done it for my own reasons. A few months back, you said you wanted us to start our family, and I said I wasn’t ready for that yet. Well…”

 

Blushing, Khushi bit her lip as she slowly took Arnav’s hand and held it in her own.

 

“I… I’m ready for us to start our family now.”

“You are?!”

 

Hiding her face in Arnav’s chest, Khushi nodded shyly.

 

“I’m ready for us to start trying for our baby. And if I do fall pregnant, then I don’t want to have to be worrying about the business, or looking for someone to step in and take my place for me. And when we are blessed with a baby, I want to give all my attention to the baby, I don’t want to have to be worrying about needing to get back to work.”

“I get all that, but 51%?”

“If I left it as 50/50, then whenever you need to make decisions, you’d need to consult with me. This way, you won’t have to bother me.”

 

Arnav took in all the information that she was providing him with and thought about it all. She had a point and it was all making sense.

 

“Again, this is something else we can forget about today. Now, we should make the most of our anniversary.”

 

She was right, but Arnav knew there was no point discussing this at a later date. Khushi was exactly like him, once she had decided on something, nothing would make her change her mind after that.

Taking hold of Khushi once more, Arnav slowly lay her back down on the sheet and moved over her, his hand on her waist as he kissed her once more. He touched her over her underwear, getting a good feel of her before attempting to take her underwear off. It came off in one go and Arnav pulled it away and threw it aside.

Moving down her body, he trailed a line of kisses down her neck all the way down to her bellybutton. Khushi arched back, holding onto him a little tighter. He dropped his hand back down to her thigh and then let it slowly make its way to her inner thigh. He let himself carry on, feeling her shiver under his touch. Khushi held him closer, her nails biting into his skin as she pressed her face into his shoulder, her arms around him tight.

 

“Arnav…”

 

Her moaning his name was the undoing of his patience. Pulling away, he stripped her of her underwear and pulled away his boxers.

It was over two year ago when they had first made love, but to this day, every time they did it, it still felt like the first time. The feelings they felt, the way their bodies reacted… It always felt like the first time.

As they came together as one, Arnav and Khushi both sighed, the satisfaction of being joined so intimately taking over all other feelings. This was all that mattered. Them, their love, their being one… All of that mattered far more than wealth and their businesses.

 

Once they were hardheaded business people, concerned only about success. Now all they needed was love. Love and to be together.

 

~ The End ~

Jalebi ~ Part 39

Arnav and Khushi rushed around their bedroom as they made sure that they had all their things together.

 

“Come on Khushi, we have to be there in half an hour otherwise it’s going to mess up our air-plan.”

“I’m ready I’m ready, let me just check I put my bag of necessities in my bag.”

 

Rolling his eyes, Arnav stood by the door and waited for Khushi.

 

“Okay it’s there. I’m ready to go.”

 

Hari Prakash and Om Prakash came and grabbed hold of the luggage and followed Arnav and Khushi down the stairs. Getting into the hall, Arnav looked around.

 

“Where are Akash and Payal?”

 

Looking around too, Khushi spotted Payal and Akash’s bags by the door.

 

“We’re here bhai.”

 

Rushing down the stairs, Akash apologised as he came and stood by Arnav.

 

“Payal couldn’t remember if she packed our wardrobe key. So we had to go back and check.”

“Listen bro, I’m already sharing my honeymoon with you, don’t make me regret it.”

 

Laughing, both sets of Mr and Mrs Raizada made their way down to the car. Once they were all settled and all the luggage was in the car, they were off for the air field where the private jet was waiting for them.

Payal gasped as her eyes fell on the jet.

 

“Bhai, this is your jet?”

“Yep.”

“Wow! This thing is amazing.”

 

Placing her hand proudly in her husbands Khushi beamed up at him before replying to Payal.

 

“The outside is impressive, but wait till you see what it’s like inside.”

 

As the cabin crew took the bags away from the couples and loaded them into the jet, Arnav led Payal and Akash into the jet and gave them a quick tour. He explained how they’d have to sit in the proper seats during take off and landing, but after that they were free to move as they wish around the jet.

 

“Bhai you and Khushi Bhabi can have the bedroom section of the jet.”

“I wasn’t planning on giving you the bedroom but thanks for offering it up.”

 

When directed by the crew and the captain, the Raizada couples took their seats. Khushi laced her fingers into Arnav’s as the jet prepared for take off. She didn’t have an issue with flying, but there was something about everything that was happening that made her feel oh so nervous. Maybe it was the fact that she knew she was married and was about to go on her honeymoon, or maybe it was because she knew how much her life had changed, but something made her feel on edge.

Arnav locked Khushi’s fingers with his and then let their hands rest on his lap.

Payal squealed as the jet took off and Akash chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her.

As the plane stabilised and the cabin crew let them know that it was safe to come off their seats, all four made their way into the living area of the jet and took a seat. Arnav and Khushi sat together on one side, whereas Payal and Akash sat opposite them on the other.

Picking up the remote, Akash flicked through the channels before settling on a film. Payal cuddled up with him and placed a blanket over them.

 

Arnav turned to his side to find Khushi staring at the tv too. Leaning towards her, he whispered, “do you want to stay here and watch a film with these two or should we take things into the bedroom?”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked to Payal and Akash, who were completely absorbed by the film and then turned her attention back to Arnav. Locking her hands in his, she gestured towards the bedroom area with her eyes. Holding her hand tightly, Arnav got to his feet and pulled Khushi up with him.

 

“We’re going to go to the bedroom. See you guys before we land.”

 

And with that, Arnav pulled Khushi into the bedroom area. Looking around, Khushi found the bedroom area to look exactly the way it had done so the last time she had been in here. Turning her attention to the bed, she smiled as she recalled how she and Arnav had fallen asleep together. That had been first time they had shared a bed.

Pulling Khushi into his arms, Arnav placed his hand on her lower back, and used the other to push away stray hairs. Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav’s neck and moved closer to him.

 

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

 

Cupping her face, Arnav leaned in and pressed his lips between Khushi’s, coaxing her lips apart gently. Patting her lips, Khushi gave Arnav the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth. Moving his hands round to the back of her neck, Arnav pulled her back ever so slightly, causing her lips to part further. Running his hands down her body, he let them come to rest on her waist, and he pulled her closer still, making her hips touch his. Khushi placed one hand on the side of his neck and the other slipped under his shirt, touching the planes of his muscular back. She too slipped her tongue in between his lips, meeting his halfway.

As their kiss intensified, Arnav pulled Khushi even closer to himself to the point where there was absolutely no space between them. He moved his body against Khushi’s, pressing his groin against her pelvis.

As they came up for air, Khushi looked into Arnav’s almost midnight black eyes. Lifting Khushi up in one swift motion, Arnav placed her down on the bed and then pulled back so he could strip himself of his own clothes. Khushi’s eyes widened as he took his clothes off.

 

“Take your clothes off too.”

“But jiji and jijaji?”

“We’re on honeymoon. Who cares if they know what we’re doing while they’re in the next room.”

“But…”

 

Climbing onto the bed, Arnav silenced her with a kiss as he started fumbling with her clothes. To begin with, Khushi was apprehensive, but soon melted into the moment and allowed Arnav to undress her while she pushed away at his clothes.

Once all her clothes were off, Arnav lay Khushi back in the bed while he walked over to where he’d had his hand luggage put and opened it up. Khushi lifted her head and watched as he rummaged around in his bag. After a moment or two, he found what he was looking for, opened the box, took out whatever it was that he was looking for and then closed his bag up again.

As he came back to Khushi, she noticed what he was holding and smiled. Moving back over her, he placed a light kiss on her lips before covering her body with his own….

 

*****

 

Sitting close together with their arms around each other, Payal and Akash enjoyed the films that the jet had to offer. Payal rested her hand on Akash’s knee and looked up at him.

 

“Babe.”

“Hm?”

“I love you.”

 

Turning his attention to Payal, he looked down at her face and smiled. How had he not accepted her whole heartedly from the start? How had he been so fixated on Khushi and revenge that he’d almost neglected the amazing woman in his arms. Turning the tv off, Akash placed his finger under Payal’s chin and tipped her head up.

 

“I love you too.”

 

They moved in towards each other, their lips inches apart. But a loud moan made them jerk apart.

 

“What on…”

 

“Arnavv…”

 

The moaning subsided, and was replaced with other noises.

Payal and Akash looked at each other with wide eyes before Payal looked away blushing.

 

“Are they really…”

 

Payal hid her face in Akash’s jacket. The thought of her little sister doing what she was doing in the next room was something Payal wasn’t entirely comfortable with. And it was worse that Akash had to hear it too.

 

“Sounds like they’re having a good time.”

“Akaaaash! Can you not.”

 

Laughing, Akash pulled Payal into his arms and held her close. This was going to be a good couple of days, he could feel it.

 

*****

 

Lying spent, Khushi curled up into Arnav’s side, her face buried in his chest. He ran his hand along her arm, making her shiver ever so slightly at the sensation.

 

“Did you ever think we’d make love in the sky?”

 

Arnav smiled as he felt Khushi shake her head. He stretched his limbs out while Khushi snuggled up closer, feeling sleep start to take over her body.

 

“Go to sleep for a while, I’ll set an alarm so we wake up an hour or so before we have to prepare to land.”

Almost as soon as the words had left Arnav’s lips, Khushi was fast asleep. Tucking her in properly and making sure she was comfortable, Arnav swung his legs out of the bed and pulled his trousers back on before making his way over to his laptop bag and pulling out his laptop.

After briefly checking over all this emails and responding to all that that needed his attention, he switched the laptop off again and stowed it away. Pulling his trousers back off, Arnav got back into bed and pulled Khushi into himself. This was how things should always be, this was the good life.

 

*****

 

As the plane prepared to land, Khushi cuddled up to Arnav in her seat. After getting intimate, Khushi needed to be close to Arnav. He too understood this need for intimacy and wrapped his arm around Khushi and held her close to himself.

The jet landed and both couples prepared to get off and get their honeymoons started.

As both couples got off the jet, they were met with a gust of hot air. For someone like Khushi who had spent most of her life in England where the hottest it ever really got was about 30°c, the temperature in Dubai was a bit too much. She flapped her hands around her face, trying to cool herself down.

 

“Babe you okay?”

“I’m fine but it’s so hot! I’m sure it wasn’t this hot the last time we came.”

“It was a little cooler but it was roughly like this.”

 

Khushi wasn’t the only one that was struggling with the heat, Akash and Payal too found it very hot. But they weren’t about to let that that have a negative impact on their holiday.

 

*****

 

As their car pulled up at Grosvenor House, both couples looked up at the building in awe. This hotel was just another tall building, but the design of it was stunning, really something to be looked at.

Taking the lead, Arnav took Khushi’s arm and led them all into the hotel and got them booked in. To Arnav’s pleasure, he and Khushi had been placed on a completely different floor to Payal and Akash.

He hadn’t done this entirely intentionally, but he hadn’t wanted them to be right near them either. Once both couple were fully checked in, they made their way over to the lift and pressed the bottoms of their respective floors.

Payal scooted over to where Khushi was stood and spoke quietly.

 

“Make sure you guys keep it down when you get busy, don’t want the neighbours to hear.”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi head snapped back slightly as she looked at Payal.

 

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying, keep it down! Me and Akash could hear you really clearly on the flight.”

“No!”

“Yup!”

 

Burying her hands in her face, Khushi felt her face go completely red with embracement.
When the lift pinged, Akash and Payal got out first, leaving and Arnav and khushi by themselves. The moment the doors closed, Arnav moved over to Khushi, covering her from the view of anyone else who may have got in.

 

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

 

Placing one hand on her waist and another on the wall behind her, Arnav leaned in and pressed his lips against Khushi’s for a slow and drawn out kiss.

 

“So we’re officially on honeymoon.”

“Finally!”

 

*****

 

Three days later when Arnav and Khushi finally arrived at their tree house in Chewton Glen, they couldn’t help but take in the difference. Dubai has been blisteringly hot, but here in England, there was a chilling breeze. In Dubai they had been surrounded by glamorous tall buildings, here, all that was around them were tonnes and tonnes of trees and the next tree house was miles away.

Once inside the tree-house, they both took in everything around them, enjoying the little touches that had been made when decorating the place.

 

“Okay, is it bad that I actually prefer this place to the hotel in Dubai?”

“No. This place is great!”

 

After exploring the storehouse a little, Arnav found Khushi in the little kitchen area making some tea. Wrapping his arms around her, he stood close to her, pressing kisses on her neck.

 

“Arnav… Tea…”

“It’s been hours, let’s go to bed.”

 

She knew exactly what he meant, and knew he didn’t want to sleep. Blushing, Khushi turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips between his as she gave him a playful kiss.

 

“What do you want to do in bed?”

He raised his eyebrow before leaning in toward her ear.

“How about I show you?”

 

His voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down Khushi’s spine. His intention were clear as day and she had no objections towards them.

Taking his hand, Khushi led the way as she made her way towards the bedroom area, her tea lay completely forgotten…

 

*****

 

“Khushi have you seen outside! It’s snowing!”

“Yes, I’ve seen the snow!”

 

Looking out over the forest, Arnav took in all the snow and how beautiful it looked outside.

 

“How are you so calm? Look at how amazing it looks.”

 

Walking over to the large window, Khushi sighed as she took in the snow.

 

“Arnav, I’ve spent years of my life in this country, I’ve seen snow plenty of times. And yeah it looks pretty, but now we can’t go into the hot tub like we planned.”

 

Arnav’s attention shifted to the little hot tub that was out on the balcony. It had snow all over the cover on the top.

 

“We can still go in, the water will be hot and I know how to warm you up any way.”

 

Khushi wasn’t even slightly shocked or taken aback by his suggestive comment. Since they’d been here the last couple of days, his bold statements came out constantly. And his statements were also constantly being backed up. Even Khushi had a sex drive, but Arnav’s was something else altogether. He constantly wanted it. But she couldn’t complain, she was enjoying it too.

Playfully slapping his shoulder, Khushi walked away.

 

*****

 

It was a little later the same evening and the snow was still falling. Arnav had gotten a fire roaring in the fireplace and was sat on the faux fur rug, looking into the fire.
Khushi came and sat down beside him, placing her hand on his thigh.

 

“Hi.”

 

He smiled as he turned his attention to her. She’d had a shower and so her hair was still wet. And instead of wearing her own clothes, she’d opted to wear one of Arnav’s t-shirts and seemed to have forgotten to put some pants on.

 

“Aren’t you cold?”

“I was hoping you could warm me up. You know, the way you wanted to earlier on.”

 

Arnav smirked as he pulled off his own t-shirt and pushed her down onto the rug.

 

“Arnav! I didn’t mean right here!”

“Why not right here?”

“Because…”

 

But her argument was forgotten about as he slid his hand under her shirt and squeezed her lightly, all the while kissing her neck. He let his hand trail down her body and came to rest on her inner thighs.

Shuddering at the feel of his hand on her, Khushi held onto him tighter, kissing him more intensely. Wrapping a leg around his waist, Khushi moved her body against Arnav’s, the wait to become one was starting to kill her.

Pulling off her shirt and pulling off his own clothes, lowered Khushi back onto the floor and slowly let himself touch her. The way her body reacted, one would think he inserted a live wire into her.

A fine layer of sweat lay on Khushi’s skin. The heat from the fireplace, the warmth from the rug and the intensity of Arnav’s actions were causing to make Khushi feel as though her entire body was on fire.

 

“Arnav… Bed…”

 

He was well aware of what she meant and what she wanted, but he knew neither of them would actually be able to move now.

Stripping himself of the last of his clothes, Arnav caressed Khushi’s body and checked one last time to make sure she really was ready for him. She was.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

Wrapping her arms around his more tightly, Khushi’s eyes fluttered open as she gave a little nod.
Arnav lowered himself over Khushi and kissed her slowly as their bodies joined in the most intimate manner, Khushi let out a sigh and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as they carried on kissing.

As the act of love and passion took place, all either of them could think was that this was how their life was meant to be, how it was meant to be spent. Wrapped together so they couldn’t tell where one ended and the other started.

This was how life was and how it should forever remain.

 

*****

 

Author’s Note:

So I just realised that I had finished writing these chapters years ago and though I don’t like them as much as I did at the time, I have decided to just post them so that the story is complete for you guys.

I will be uploading the last part of the story within the next few weeks. 

Unwanted ~ Part 40

Arnav

As we stood in front of the door of Shantivan, I felt Arushi’s hand tighten in mine. I looked down at my little girl, he looked as pale as a sheet.

I knelt down before her and took her little hands in mine.

 

“What’s the matter Aaru?”

 

I called her Aaru and Khushi called her Ari. Arushi loved both names and found it highly amusing when me and Khushi pretended to fight over her name. Now though, me calling her Aaru didn’t bring a bright smile to her face.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“Scary.”

 

She was only little and wasn’t too good at expressing her feelings but I knew what she meant. Shantivan was a huge house and I think the size of the house as well as the impact of what was happening really got to her. All her life she had lived a certain way and now all of a sudden, everything was changing. I turned to Khushi, she would be able to deal with this better than I would.

 

“Don’t be scared Ari. There’s nothing to be worried of. This is our home! Inside you have lots of family members just waiting to meet you.”

“Yes lots and lots of family members. You have a badi naani and dada and dadu and chachu, bua and maasi… And your cousins! Remember I told you about Shalini and Akshay?”

 

Her little eyes widened hearing Shalini and Akshay’s names. The idea of having other children in the house was something she seemed most excited about when Khushi and I had spoken to Arushi about coming home.

Standing up to my full height again, I took Arushi’s little hand in my own as we stood in front of the door. I rang the doorbell and we waited for someone to come and open the door.

Just as I could hear someone on the other side, Khushi’s phone rang.

 

“It’s Raj, let me quickly speak to him and then I’ll be inside.”

 

I nodded and she took the call as me and Arushi waited for the door to be opened. We waited patiently and I could feel the tension building within me. What was taking them so long? Why weren’t they just opening the door?

Finally, Hari Prakash opened the door. He let us in but I could tell he was baffled to see Arushi with me, trying to work out who she was. I hadn’t told anyone about finding Khushi and Arushi yet. Me and Khushi had discussed it, but in the end, we realised it was better we didn’t tel anyone at home because then there would’ve been the pressure from them for us to go home. Plus if they knew I was bringing Khushi back, they would’ve gone into a weird zone and I didn’t want them to make Khushi or Arushi awkward. So hoping for the best, we decided to just keep the matter to ourselves and throw the family into the deep end when we got here.

As we walked into the main part of the house, I felt Arushi’s hold on me tighten as we started seeing the other members of the family. It was tea time and everyone was sat around the table in the dining hall.

Di was the first to see me.

 

“Chote! What a pleasant surprise! Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home!”

 

Di gave me a big hug and it was only after she left me go that she noticed Arushi clinging onto me.

Kneeling down to Arushi’s height, Di crooked her head to the side as she looked at my little girl.

 

“Hello? Who are you?”

“A… Ar… Arushi…”

 

Her voice was low, almost a whisper and I could tell the whole experience was getting far to overwhelming for her. I looked over my shoulder to see if Khushi was coming. If Khushi came, then perhaps Arushi would feel a little more at ease.

Coming up to full height, Di turned her attention back to me.

 

“Chote, what’s going on, who’s this little girl? Is she a family member? She looks so familiar?”

 

As I prepped myself to tell everyone, Payal came forward and knelt down in front of Arushi, taking her little hands into her own.

 

“What did you say your name was?”

“Arushi.”

 

I watched as Payal’s eyes widened, her hands slowly moving to Arushi’s cheeks.

 

“Arushi?”

 

Arushi gave a little nod before looking at me. Payal stood, tears gathering in her eyes.

 

“She’s yours and Khushi’s? She’s your child isn’t she? Is Khushi with you?”

 

I was stunned that Payal had worked it out so quickly. Lifting Arushi into my arms, I nodded in response to Payal’s questions.

 

“How did you know?”

“Khushi always loved the idea of merging her name and her husband’s name to make the name of her children. Arushi is the perfect blend of both your names. And she looks exactly like Khushi did when she was that big. I realised instantly…”

 

I watched as the fact hit home to everyone else, as they all slowly came forward around us. The doorbell rang and Payal went running for the door. Upon opening the door, I could hear Payal squealing with joy and then I heard Khushi too. Mami, Nani and Akash went running, leaving Shyam jiju and Di with me. Jiju came and stroked Arushi’s cheek, smiling at her before introducing himself as her pupa ji. I smiled as Arushi gave him her sweetest smile and offered her hand to him to shake.

As everyone came back to the main area, Khushi came and stood before me and took Arushi from my arms.

 

“Chote can you tell us what the hell is going on? You’ve been in Mumbai for months, you don’t tell us what you’ve been up to and you don’t tell us when you’re going to come back, and when you do return, you have Khushi and a child with you. What on earth is happening?”

 

I ushered everyone to sit down and they all did. Payal went to arrange for tea and snacks for me and Khushi, and I started to explain to everyone everything that had happened and how I had found Khushi and Arushi.

 

*****

 

They had a lot of questions and so much that they needed to take time to digest, but everyone came to terms with the change of events. Everyone embraced Khushi and happily welcomed her back and did their best to make Arushi comfortable. Everyone except Di…

Nani told Khushi and Arushi to take some rest, and Payal went with them up to my room. I hung back to deal with Di. I waited until everyone cleared out of the living room before getting hold of Di.

 

“Di, what’s up?”

“Nothing up, why are you asking me?”

“Because I can tell something isn’t right. Everyone seems to be so happy to see Khushi and Arushi but you… I just feel like you aren’t pleased to see them.”

“I’m just shocked, nothing else.”

“No it’s something else, I can tell. Everyone was shocked but your reaction is saying something else to me.”

 

I watched as Di composed herself.

 

“It’s just… Everyone is acting like nothing has happened. Like 6 years haven’t passed, like she didn’t just abandon you in the middle of the night…”

“Di you know why all that happened. She thought she was doing what’s best for me and Pari and Nimisha.”

“Yes but…”

“No Di. I don’t know what you’re holding against Khushi but I need you to drop it. After years, I have my entire family with me, together. I want to enjoy this. I have my wife back and I have a daughter! My own child that I made with the woman I love, and I want to get to know her better in our own house. I just want to finally start living my life. For more than six years, I have been in limbo, but the last few months, I finally feel like I have my own life back and I want to carry on feeling like that. I don’t want to be lost again.”

 

I left Di speechless, that was clear to me. I also knew there was something going on in her head but I also knew that she wouldn’t say anything. But it didn’t matter. Right now I wanted to focus on Khushi and Arushi and make sure that they were okay, they were what mattered the most right now.

Turning away from Di, I made my way up to my bedroom.

Upon entering our room, I realised there was a mini party going on. Payal, Akash and Akshay were sat with Khushi on the bed, and Shalini was sat on the floor with Arushi, showing her some books.

 

“What’s going on here?”

 

They all turned to me, smiled and then got up.

 

“Hey you guys don’t need to leave.”

“We know, but you guys need time to yourselves so.”

 

They filed out, taking Shalini with them. Arushi came to me and wrapped herself around legs.

 

“Papa when can we go home?”

“This is home beta, this is our home.”

“I miss Raj papa.”

 

I turned to Khushi who was clearly taken aback by this comment.
Khushi came over to us and peeled Arushi off of my leg.

 

“Arnav, can you give us a few moments please? I think me and Arushi need some mommy and baby time.”

 

Nodding, I left the room and shut the door behind me. Though Arushi was comfortable with me, I knew there were times when she just needed Khushi, or when only Khushi could speak to her properly.

I made my way downstairs, to go and kill some time in the living room when I saw Nimisha and Pari return home. I had forgotten about them but I realised that now was the time when I needed to speak to Nimisha.

 

“Nimi, I need to speak to you?”

 

She looked at me, surprised that I was back and that I was speaking to her so normally.

 

“Arnav… When did you… You should’ve called me and let me know, I would’ve been home when you got home.”

“It doesn’t matter. Can we go to your room and speak?”

 

She nodded as she led the way to her room. Pari had already run off, she was probably already playing with Shalini.

As Nimi and I entered her bedroom, she shut the door behind us, put down her bag and turned to me.

 

“It’s good to see you.”

 

She came in to give me a hug, but I held out my hand. That wasn’t necessary.

 

“Arnav…”

“I’m not going to beat around the bush and waste our time, I’m going to tell you the matter as it is. While I was in Mumbai, I found Khushi.”

“What?”

 

It was clear she hadn’t been expecting that.

 

“You found Khushi?”

“Yes. And she’s here too.”

“What!”

 

Whatever was going on in Nimisha’s head, this hadn’t been something she had been prepared for.

 

“And not just Khushi, we have a daughter too. Who’s also here. So, I just thought you should know.”

 

Eyes wide, Nimisha looked at me, her face becoming paler as seconds passed. Her games had lasted long enough. I was done with them. She had always known what importance she had in my life, and now she should definitely now what I want and what I don’t. Though I didn’t explicitly tell her to leave, I hoped she knew that I wanted her to leave now. I knew Pari wasn’t mine, and she wasn’t my wife. Before it was different, but now with Khushi and Arushi here, I needed Nimisha out. I just needed to start living a normal life again with my family.

Jalebi ~ Part 38

“Are you ready for tonight?”

 

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

 

“Yes.”

 

Stripping himself of all of his clothes except his boxers, Arnav cupped Khushi’s face as he moved over her once more. Dropping his hand to her waist, he held her down as he ground his body against hers.

 

“Arnav…”

 

Trailing kisses down her neck, Arnav let his hands explore her naked body before coming to rest on the waistband of her panties. Khushi’s breath caught as he slipped his hand into her panties, touching her down here.

 

“Ar… AH.”

 

He’d pushed a finger into her, dipping it as far into her core as he could go before slowly pulling it out again. He pushed it back in, and then slowly withdrew again, causing her to try to clamp her legs together. Arnav pulled back slightly, stroking her body as he spoke.

 

“Khushi… I…”

“Hm?”

“I want you on top.”

“Mathlab?”

“I want you to lead us tonight.”

“But how can I…”

“I’ll guide you, but I want you to take your right over me. Your right as my wife.”

 

Wife… The word echoed in her ears as she played with it in her head. She was his wife. Giving a playful smile, Khushi pushes Arnav onto his back before coming over him, placing kisses all along his body. Placing kisses from his neck, all the way down to his waist…

Stroking his bulge in his boxers, it was evident he was ready to explode at any moment. Slowly, Khushi pulled down his boxers, revealing his long, hard length to herself.
Placing a small kiss on his length, Khushi gave it a long hard stroke before she freed herself of her own panties.

 

“Do you want me to lie back or sit up?”

 

Thinking for a moment, Khushi took Arnav’s hands and pulled him up into a seated position. Climbing into his lap, Khushi took his length into her hand and carefully guided it into herself. Arnav closed his eyes as he felt her body wrap itself around his length.

 

“Khushi…”

 

Taking hold of her waist, Arnav held her down, really pulling her body down, making her take in as much of him as she possibly could.

Tipping her head back, Khushi let out a moan of pleasure.
Bringing her head back near his, he took her lips between his own as his hands came to rest on her waist. Slowly starting to move, Khushi used her knees to push herself up, so part of his length slide out of her body and then he pulled her back down again, causing her body to take him in again.

It took Khushi a few attempts, but soon enough, she was moving by herself, with little to no guidance from Arnav. She picked her own speed and she chose how much she wanted to take or release of Arnav’s length.

Arnav loved watching her. He loved seeing her taking charge of her pleasure. The way she tipped her head back, letting out moans of pleasure each time she took him back in. He loved the way her mangalsootra bounced on her chest as she moved.

 

“Khushi wait.”

 

Stopping, she opened her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. Unclipping her bra in one swift motion, Arnav threw it aside.

 

“That’s better.”

 

Arnav’s hands moved over her breasts as Khushi rested her face in the crook of his neck as she carried on. Her legs were aching and she knew she was close. He too was close to his release. Speeding up, Khushi moved faster. Arnav took hold of her waist and helped her. Dropping her face into his shoulder, Khushi kept going.

 

“Do you want me to…”

 

Shaking her head, Khushi sped up. She didn’t want Arnav to have to take over. She wanted to know she could be in charge of their pleasure as well. She kept going, and soon enough they both reached their climax.

Going completely limp in his arms, Khushi closed her eyes as she breathed her husband in. Taking hold of her, Arnav lay Khushi down and then lay down beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close to himself.

 

“Are you okay?”

“Tired.”

“Go to sleep baby.”

 

Covering them up, Arnav smiled as he felt Khushi bury her face into his chest as sleep took over her body.

Pressing one more kiss on her forehead, Arnav too shut his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep.

 

*****

 

When Khushi awoke a little while later, it was still pitch black outside. Turning, she was met with the slumbering face of her husband. Husband. She wasn’t going to get over that any time soon. It still felt completely surreal that they were married and that she was sleeping in his bed with him.

Shuffling back into him, Khushi pushed her leg between his and tucked her head under his chin.
Right now, all she needed was to be as close to him as she could possibly get.

She didn’t need anything else from this world now.

 

*****

 

Waking up because the curtains had been pulled open, Arnav squinted as he turned to his side to find an empty bed. Sitting up, he saw it was Khushi that had pulled the curtains open.

 

“Why are you up so early?”

“It’s my first day here. There’s so much that needs to be done.”

“Come back to bed.”

 

Laughing, Khushi came and sat down at the foot of the bed and poked at Arnav’s foot that was sticking out.

 

“I’m already dressed, I can’t come to bed now.”

“You don’t have to worry about undressing. I’ll get you out of your clothes in no time.”

 

Looking down, Khushi blushed before looking back up again.

 

“I don’t doubt your undressing skills, but there’s no time for all that now.”

“Okay fine, how about you just jump into the shower with me?”

“I…”

 

But before Khushi could respond, there was a knock on the door.

 

“Chote, Khushi? Are you guys awake yet?”

 

Walking over to the door, Khushi pulled it open to reveal Anjali stood at the door with a tray of tea and coffee.

 

“Good morning Di!”

“Good morning Khushi, did you sleep well?”

 

Smiling, Khushi nodded before taking the tray from Anjali.

Looking behind Khushi, Anjali saw that Arnav was still in bed.

 

“Get up Chote! It’s your wife’s first day here and you haven’t even showered yet.”

“What can I say Di, we had a busy night.”

 

He said this with a smirk, making Khushi feel highly uncomfortable.

 

“I don’t doubt how busy you guys were, but you need to get ready. So many rituals to get done, so little time. Also, I got your jijaji to call Aman to let him know you’re not going to be at work until further notice.”

“Wait what?”

 

This really got Arnav’s attention as he sat up.

 

“Wait, you’ve got me time off work?”

“Yes.”

“But…”

“No but. You’ve gotten married. There’s so much that needs to be done. I’m sure Khushi’s taken time off work, haven’t you Khushi?”

 

Turning to look at Arnav, Khushi nodded sheepishly.

 

“There you go. If your wife can take time off, so can you. Besides, how will you be able to go on honeymoon if you don’t have time off work?”

 

With that, Anjali turned around and made to leave.

 

“Honeymoon?”

 

The honeymoon had slightly slipped Arnav’s mind. With everything happening to soon, he hadn’t really had time to think about it.

Taking hold of Khushi’s hand, he pulled her back onto the bed. As he ran his hand along her face, Khushi eyes fluttered shut. As he spoke to her, his breath fanned on her face, making her hold onto him tightly.

 

“Our honeymoon. Where do you want to go?”

 

Hiding her face in the crook of his neck, Khushi shook her head. She didn’t know where she wanted to go.

 

“As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we go.”

“How about we go to Dubai so I can show you around properly? And then maybe we can go onto Italy because you’ve never been?”

“I would love that!”

 

Looking up, she placed a small kiss on his cheek as she got off the bed and fixed her sari.

 

“Come on Arnav! Get up now! I’m going downstairs, you come when you’re ready.”

 

Turning to leave the room, Khushi was almost out of the door when Arnav called her back.

 

“Khushi wait.”

 

Turning, she placed her hand on her hips and looked at him slightly unimpressed.

 

“What now Arnav?”

“I love you baby.”

 

Hands falling away from her hips, Khushi smiled at his words.

 

“I love you too.”

 

Blushing, Khushi quickly spun round once more and rushed out of the room and made her way downstairs.

 

*****

 

Once all the necessary post wedding rituals were done, the entire Raizada family sat down together, taking a breather after a hectic couple of days.

Arnav came and sat down beside Khushi and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in to place a kiss on her face.

Blushing, Khushi pushed Arnav away, sneaking a look at her in laws to make sure that no one had seen them.

 

“Guys, no one minds if I kiss my wife in front of them do they?”

“Of course not Chote. You married Khushi, you can kiss her whenever you feel like it.”

“Thank you di. See Khushi, you don’t need to feel uncomfortable.”

 

Blushing even more deeply, Khushi hid her face in Arnav’s arm. The Raizada’s cooed at how cute Arnav and Khushi were.

Everyone went back to just talking, when there was a loud knock at the door. Hari Prakash came in, followed closely by Rohan.

Upon seeing Rohan, Arnav got to his feet and rushed over to meet Rohan, his arm outstretched.

 

“Rohan! Good to see you, what brings you here?”

 

Ushering Rohan into the living room, Arnav showed him to a seat. Khushi too got to her feet to meet Rohan.

 

“Rohan! Oh my god!”

 

Giving him a quick hug, Khushi moved away and sat back down next to Arnav.

 

“How are you both? I was debating whether or not to come today, but I didn’t want to leave it for too long so…”

“Is everything okay?”

 

Rohan looked around the Raizada living room and took in the concerned looking faces.

 

“You Guys don’t have to worry. I haven’t come bearing bad news.”

 

Pulling an envelope out of his jacket pocket, Rohan handed it over to Arnav.

 

“What’s this?”

“Open it and have a look.”

 

Opening up the envelop, Arnav took the papers out that were inside. Upon realising what they were, Arnav looked up at Rohan, his lips parted as he gasped.

 

“Rohan I…”

“Please take it as a wedding present.”

 

Taking out the tickets, Arnav read through all the details.

 

“I can’t take this, this is too much.”

“Please Arnav. I have no use for a honeymoon now, so please.”

“You’ve already done so much for us…”

“Arnav please. When I get married, I’ll expect you to book my honeymoon for me. But for now, please take this as a gift from me to you guys.”

 

Looking over to Khushi, he tried to get an indication of how she was feeling. Getting no response, Arnav decided to make a decision for them.

 

“Okay, but like you said, when you get married, your honeymoon is going to be on me and Khushi.”

“Deal.”

 

Looking at the tickets, and all the details inside the envelope, Arnav realises that the main part of their honeymoon was taking place at Chewton Glen resort in England, however there was still a week before that.

 

“I hope you guys have a great time! And be sure to send me loads of pictures of what it’s like. When you have time, maybe you can come and see me.”

 

Khushi finally spoke up.

 

“Are you going back?”

“Yeah, there’s no reason for me to stay back any more.”

“I’m still sorry…”

“Khushi if you apologise again, I’m going to have to end our friendship. I should say sorry to you, for making you choose. I should have realised… Anyway, what’s done is done, we have to move on now.”

“But Rohan…”

“All that matters is that you’re happy now. And one day I will meet the right person for me and I will be happy too.”

 

Giving Rohan another quick hug, Khushi thanked him once more. Arnav too have him a bro hug, thanking him once more for everything that he’d done for them.

When Rohan took his leave and Arnav excused himself and Khushi, he led her up to their bedroom. Arnav handed the reservations to Khushi.

 

“After looking at these and looking at the dates, I was thinking maybe we can go to Dubai three days before we need to be in England. And then maybe after that we can go to Italy like we planned?”

“Are you sure, that’s a lot, we’ll need time.”

“Well were not due to be at Chewton Glen until a week later, so we have time to spend some time in Dubai first.”

“Maybe we can save Italy for another time?”

“If that’s what you want, then yeah, sure. We’ll go to Italy another time.”

 

Wrapping her arms around Arnav, she placed a light kiss on his lips.

 

“I can’t wait to go on honeymoon with you.”

“I can’t wait either baby.”

 

Placing his arms around her waist, Arnav pulled Khushi into himself a lazily draped his lips back over hers.

Suddenly getting an idea, Khushi pulled herself away from Arnav.

 

“Arnav can I make a suggestion?”

“Sure.”

 

Leaning in, Khushi whispered her idea to Arnav. Arnav’s eyes widened as he heard what she had to say, shaking his head frantically as he listened.

 

“Hell no khushi! Hell NO.”

“Please! It’ll be so much fun!”

“No way in hell! Absolutely not!”

 

Arnav shook his head, while Khushi folder her arms, tapping her foot as she patiently waited.

Realising that Khushi wasn’t going to give in, Arnav looked at her and sighed.

 

“No isn’t an option is it?”

“Absolutely not Raizada.”

 

Rolling his eyes and letting out another sigh, Arnav finally agreed.

 

“Okay, fine! But that doesn’t mean I like that idea.”

 

Giving a little leap of joy, Khushi threw her arms around Arnav and hugged him tightly.

 

“You’re the best! Thanks Arnav!”

 

Pulling away, Khushi rushed out of the room and Arnav watched her go.

 

“Pagal. But she’s mine.”

 

*****

 

Author’s Note:

So as I am editing this (on Friday 1st Feb) it’s making me realise just how uncomfortable I am with sex scenes at the moment. This chapter was written over a year ago, and at that time I was fine with them but now… They make me feel super uncomfortable. So I think it is safe to say that sex scenes are going to have to go on hiatus.