Khushi, I love you

 

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

 

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

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

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

“What do you mean?”

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

“Where are we going?”

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

 

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

 

“Where are we?”

“I have some business here after so…”

 

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

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

 

“What the?”

 

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

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

 

“Shyam?”

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

 

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

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

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

 

“Shyam… What the actual…”

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

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

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

 

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

 

“Actually, what do you want to know?”

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

“It is.”

 

I clenched my jaw. What the fuck?

 

“You told me she loved you?”

“I lied to you to make you jealous.”

“Why?”

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

“She wanted me…”

 

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

 

“She loves me?”

“Yes.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

“I don’t…”

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

“Shyam…”

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

“Jijaji please!”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

*****

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

“Oi! Stop it!”

 

Shyam wasn’t around so he left his goons.

 

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

“Shut up and sit there quietly.”

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

*****

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Khushi that’s enough, stop…”

 

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

 

“Khushi I love you…”

 

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

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

Pardesi Pyaar ~ Part 13

 

Pulling up in front of the large house, Khushi felt as though her eyes were going to fall out of her head. She had been anticipating a large house, but she hadn’t expected this. The Raizada house was HUGE, way bigger than anything she had ever seen before.

 

“Welcome to Shantivan.”

“This is your home?”

“Yep.”

“It’s beautiful!”

 

Turning in his seat, Akash looked to his future sister in law.

 

“Welcome home bhabi!”

 

Arnav got out of the car and then helped Khushi out while Shyam and Akash got their luggage. Arnav placed his hand on Khushi’s and led her to the front door.

 

“Don’t be nervous. I’m here, with you.”

 

They reached the front door and Arnav rang the doorbell, his hand remained in Khushi’s even when she wanted to break away.

They stood waiting for only half a moment and then the door flew open and a pretty woman in a pale pink sari opened the door. She looked at though she would be a couple of years older than Arnav. This must either be his Di or Akash’s wife.

 

“Chote! You’re home!”

 

Moving forward, Arnav hugged the woman just as another, also beautiful and young woman, joined the first. Khushi realised that the first woman must have been his Di and the one that joined them now was Akash’s wife.

The woman who Khushi assumed to be Akash’s wife handed the woman who Khushi assumed to be Arnav’s Di, a pooja ki thaal.

 

“Di, must you do this?”

“Yes Chote! You’ve arrived home after moths and our new sister in law is entering the house for the first time, this has to be done.”

 

Realising that Khushi was right, she smiled. This was his Anjali Di.

Anjali began to do the aarthi. When she was done she allowed Arnav and Khushi into the house.

 

“Chote, you’re so rude, you haven’t introduced us to our bhabi to be.”

“Sorry, sorry. Di this is Khushi, Khushi this is my Di.”

“It’s so good to finally meet you Khushi. We’ve all heard so much about you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”

 

Anjali led Khushi and Arnav through the house and gestured for them to take a seat in the living room. Khushi watched as Akash passed the luggage over to a man named Hari Prakash and asked him to take them up to Arnav’s room and the guest room.

 

“Did you guys have a good journey?”

“It was okay.”

 

They all made small talk about the journey when the other young woman came out of the kitchen with a tray of drinks and snacks. She placed the tray down on the table and then took a seat beside Akash.

 

“I’m Payal, Akash’s wife. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Khushi.”

“Same here.”

 

Arnav looked around the house and then addressed his Di.

 

“Di where’s Ma, mami and Nani?”

“They went to the temple, they should be back any time now.”

 

Nodding Arnav settled back down, placing his hand on Khushi’s knee. He leaned forward and whispered to her.

 

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, thanks.”

“Aw look how cute they are!”

 

Pulling away from Arnav, Khushi blushed a deep shade of red as she watched Arnav’s siblings and their partners all look at them.

 

“Don’t worry Khushi, we’re all couples here and we all share things any way. As long as the elders aren’t around, you guys can get as cosy with each other as you want in front of us.”

 

Turning to Arnav, she watched as he smirked and slipped his arm around her. She tried to shake him off but he kept his arm in place.

 

*****

 

Some time had passed and Khushi was feeling a lot more comfortable around the younger members of the Raizada family. Anjali Di was very sweet but she teased them a lot. Shyam jiju was the opposite of his wife, even though he was still very sweet, he calmed his wife down, making her go easy on Arnav and Khushi.
Akash was quite quiet, he didn’t say much, but he was very friendly. His wife Payal was also like that. She didn’t speak much, but she was warm and very attentive.

Feeling herself starting to loosen up, she relaxed against Arnav and laughed at the jokes and stories that were being told.
It was then that the door rang.

 

“Looks like they’re back from the temple.”

 

Moving away from Arnav, Khushi stood up and smoothed out her clothes, making sure that she looked presentable. Anjali and Arnav also got up and they led Khushi over to the hallway, waiting for the women to approach them.

 

“My Chote is home!”

 

Taking in the three women, Khushi established who was Nani. Then she looked at the other two women beside her. The first woman looked like a rainbow with a colourful sari and equally colourful jewellery, the other woman, looked a lot like Anjali, just older. This must be Arnav’s mother.

 

“Ma, Nani, mami. This is Khushi.”

 

Moving forward, Khushi touched the feet of all three ladies, all of whom gave her their blessings. She then came back and stood before Arnav’s mother.

Arnav’s mother, Anaamika Raizada looked at the girl before her. Khushi stood there, watching as Arnav’s mother looked at her from top to bottom, an expression of deep thought never leaving her face. Khushi felt her heart dropping the longer Arnav’s mother looked at her. Maybe she wasn’t going to like her, maybe she wouldn’t approve of Khushi as their daughter in law.

Then all of a sudden Anaamika broke into a smile and moved towards Khushi, pulling her into her arms.

 

“Chote, you have picked an absolute jewel to be your wife. She’s absolutely beautiful. Your father was right, you have picked a girl that’s more beautiful than your mother, I am impressed.”

 

Feeling her cheeks go red, Khushi hugged Arnav’s mother, so glad to be accepted. Breaking the hug, Anaamika took Khushi’s hand as she led Khushi into the living area where the other Raizada’s were waiting nervously. Sitting down, Anaamika took the seat next to Khushi.

 

“Ma, you are right, she is beautiful, but you are still the most beautiful woman in my life.”

 

The Raizada’s laughed at Arnav’s attempt to butter his mother up. Anaamika laughed.

 

“Nice attempt Chote. But there really is no harm in agreeing with me and saying that Khushi is more beautiful because she really is.”

 

Nodding, Arnav blushed. His mother was right. As much as he loved his mother and sister, Khushi definitely was far more beautiful.

Anaamika turned her attention back to the girl sat beside her.

 

“How was your flight dear?”

“It was good aunty.”

“Have you had the opportunity to freshen up yet?”

 

Shaking her head, Anaamika nodded.

 

“Go to your room to freshen up and I’ll get some food ready for you.”

“There’s no need for that aunty, I’m not hungry.”

“Nonsense! You have to eat. Anjali, go and show Khushi to her room. Khushi, freshen up, rest a bit and then I’ll send someone to get you when the food is ready.”

“Ji auntyji.”

“Also, stop calling me aunty. I’m going to be your saas very soon so you can call me ma.”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked up at Arnav who was staring at her, smiling.

 

“Ji Ma.”

 

As Anjali led her up to her room, Khushi couldn’t believe her luck. The Raizada’s were all lovely people and they all accepted her. Khushi thanked her lucky stars. For once, things in her life seemed to be sailing smoothly.

 

*****

 

A week had passed since Arnav and Khushi had arrived back in India. Things had been going very well with wedding talks starting. At first Khushi had been quite nervous because she didn’t know if she was ready for marriage, but now, she knew that she wanted to spend her life with Arnav and she loved this family so she didn’t mind getting married.

Arnav and Khushi were currently in Khushi’s bedroom, locked in a tight embrace, Arnav’s hand running up and down Khushi’s back as his lips caressed hers. Khushi’s hand tightened in his hair, while the other ran up and down his chest.
They had tried to stay away from each other, mainly because Khushi was worried someone would see them and they’d disapprove, but they could no longer resist each other.

Finally they broke the kiss before things went too far.

 

“Arnav we should stop.”

“Ugh, I can’t take this any more. I need to be close to you.”

“Well we’re going to be married soon.”

“Soon isn’t soon enough. Besides, the pandit can’t find us a good date yet.”

“They’ll find us a date soon Arnav. And besides, sabar ka fal meeta hoti hai.”

“I’m sure you’ll be meeta anyway Khushi. Let me take a bite to check.”

 

Batting him away from her, Khushi laughed and straighten out her clothes. But she understood Arnav’s impatience. She too wanted to get close to him, but she knew she had to wait, it was the right thing to do.

 

“I swear, watch what I do to you on our wedding night.”

 

Feeling the heat in her cheeks growing, Khushi hid her face in his chest. She didn’t want to think about what is soon to happen between them, excitement and nervousness about the matter all mixed together, making her feel slightly sick.

Smirking, Arnav stepped away and slowly exited the room, allowing Khushi time to process his words. He loved seeing her like this, so completely absorbed in the thoughts of what was to come.

Once Arnav was out the door, Khushi moved over to the door, shutting it and resting her back against it. Her breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling rapidly, thoughts of him taking over her mind. Recalling all their semi intimate encounters, Khushi replayed all the emotions she had felt. It was all so intense, how could it get any more heated. But of course she knew it could and the prospect of what was to come made her burn up with both shyness and desire.

She couldn’t wait to become Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada.

Usse Raat

 

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

 

“Arnav ji…”

 

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

 

“Khushi…”

 

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

 

“Khushi!”

 

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

 

“Khushi!”

 

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

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

 

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

“Yes I see it, I see it. One minute.”

 

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

 

“Khushi careful.”

 

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

 

“You found me.”

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

 

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

 

“I need to break this grill.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Arnav ji.”

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

“Khushi one second.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The kidnapper placed his hand on Khushi’s shoulder.

 

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

 

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

 

“Don’t you dare touch her!”

 

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

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

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

 

“Are you okay?”

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

“Arnav ji. Please.”

 

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

 

“I love you Khushi.”

 

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

 

“I love you too Arnav ji.”

 

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

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

Pushing Arnav away, Khushi took his hand.

 

“We need to get out of here.”

 

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

 

*****

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

“Are you okay?”

 

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

 

“Arre, Khushi, your dress is ripped.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Arnav ji, I found something”

 

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

 

“Khushi turn around and hand me your dupatta.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

 

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

 

“You can get changed now.”

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

“Khushi…”

 

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

 

“Khushi, can…”

 

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

 

*****

 

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

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

 

“Can I take these clothes off you?”

 

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

 

“I can stop…”

 

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

 

“Let me look at you.”

“I’m not…”

“You’re perfect. Beautiful.”

 

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

 

“Arnav ji…”

“Arnav.”

“Arnav j…”

“No call me Arnav, just Arnav.”

 

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

 

“Ah.”

“Say my name.”

“Ah..”

 

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

 

“Stop.”

“Stop what Khushi.”

“Playing with me.”

“Say my name.”

“Ar… Arnavvv…”

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

“I love you Khushi.”

“I love you too Arnav ji.”

 

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

 

“Are you okay?”

 

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

 

“Arnav…”

 

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

 

“Ah.”

 

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

 

“AH.”

 

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

 

“Are you okay?”

“Better than ever.”

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

“I love you Arnav.”

“I love you too.”

 

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

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

 

*****

 

Authors Note

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

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

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

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

 

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

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