With or Without You

This is a story written based on the characters of a Hindi Series Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon.


The characters are from the Series but the story is my version of what I would have loved to see on Television. I have taken off from where the Indian TV restrictions curtail. My story is in a style of  M&B which  I have read for years.

It is incomplete and will be updated regularly.

Chapter 1


She was making jalebis at the speed of lightening. Her swift expert hand turning the funnel made out of a cloth to make perfect round swirling jalebis. As she removed the jalebis from the frying pan and put into the sugar syrup, she heard her Mom come into the kitchen and yelp.

"Ab kya hua?" her Mom asked. "iss bar kisne tujhe kuch keh die jo saara gussa in jalebiyon pe nikaal rah hai. Hai! ye lark na…" Just then her father entered as well and said, "Arre bhagyawan, woh Chaubeji ke  larke ne uski Jiji ko kuch keh diya tha, pehle toh uski badi tukaayi ki aur phir jab usne Khushi ko keh diya ki itna sab kisi paraye ke liye kyon, toh bas phir, ab achcha hai ki us bechaare pe nahi aur inn jalebiyon pe gussa nikaal rahi hai. Kya kehti ho?"

"Hmm! tab toh theek hai, par uske mooh lagne ki jaroorat ka thi. Chup Chap wahan se nikal aate. Par nahi, inhone toh ye seekha hi kahan hai? Jahan jaayengi koi naya bakheda khada kar deti hain?"

Shashi then whispers to his wife, "Arre ab choriye bhi nahi toh aur gussa aa jaayega toh aaj iss halwai ke yahan sirf jalebiyan hi milegi. Aur koi mithai ke liye jagah hi nahi rahegi."

"Aap ko bhi mazak soojhta hai har waqt. Aap hi ke lad pyar ne bigaada hai uses." Khushi heard her Mom give the final statement and smiled.

She was so happy to have family like hers. A fair mother, even though she was not really her mother, a doting father and a loving sister. She felt she must have been the luckiest girl to have been orphaned for she was sure her real parents would not have loved her this way.

Her mother was actually Jiji that is Payal, her elder sister's mother and she was brought home from somewhere but no one seemed to discuss from where.

As if thinking of her sister brought her in front  of her, Payal appeared  and softly admonished Khushi, "ab bas bhi kar, pata hai na Ma kitni chidh jaati hai phir, do din take sunset baithna."

Payal placed a hand on Khushi's shoulder and said, "itna gussa achcha nahi hai, Khushi, tu samjhdar hai na, phir kyon itna gussa karti hai. tujhe kitni baar kaha hai… ek se sau tak gin lo sab theek ho jaayega."

Khushi turned then to her sister and growled, "Par who samjhata kya hai apne aapko, larka hai toh kuch bhi bodega? Aap toh itne naram ho ki asp toh uses kuch kehte nazi," she continued putting her hands on her hips, "Mujhe hi kuch karna tha na, uski toh aankhein noch leti mein, who toh asp beech mein aa gayee. Bacha gaya aaj, agile bar…" she raise the hand that held the strainer."

"Theek hai! Theek hai! Ab ye toh band kar." Pointing to the stove and then switched it off.

Payal's Mom heaved a sigh of relief and got back to arranging things on the shop shelves.

Khushi then washed up and went to serve a customer. She was one of the best sales person as she had the ability to draw out people and bring a smile to their face. She epitomized her name, Khushi.

Helping her father was just one of the things she did. Her real passion was embroidery. Her Chikan work was famous in the old city area and many retailers gave customized work to her. She finished orders on demand and make beautiful creative embroidery with legendary Chikan thread.

No one knew where she got the talent but perhaps it ran in her blood, for her adopted father and his family were sweetshop owners from generations and there was no connection to the Chikan work that Lucknow was famous for in their family. But Khushi was someone who had some extraordinary skills.

A firebrand with sharp tongue and impulsiveness to go with it; Khushi got more in trouble than she got out of. It was Payal the sensible one who always was the peacemaker.

Just then a customer came to the shop and asked Khushi, "Kyon beta, aadha kilo halwa mileage."

"Haan chachaji, abhor deity hewn." she quipped as she started filling in a box with the halwa and put it on the weigh machine.

"Chachaji, Shobha jiji ki shaadi toh nazdeek aa rahi hai. Uski meethai ka order bhi de dena. Itni badhiya mithai banayenge ki saare baaraati ungliyan chaate reh jaayenge. Kyon Babuji, hum sahi keh rahe hain na?"

The customer replied, "Haan bitiya, soh toh hai, par ab tumhein apni shaadi ke laddoo khaane ka waqt aa gaya hai, naaki ki sabki shaadi mein laddoo bananeka."

"Arre chachaji apnea toh hamare dil ki abate hi boll di." she smiled as she joked with him.

"Sharam nazi anti, parmeswari, apnea shaadi ki abate karat hao." just then Buaji entered the store adding, "Hai re Nand Kisore, kaun samjhawe ab is chukariya ko."

Seeing Buaji, Khushi quickly packed up the box of halwa and gave it to chachaji and was about to scoot away when the Buaji caught her arm and asked, "Kyon ree, Payaliya se pehele hi apnea saadi ke sapne dekhat hai?"

"Nahi Buaji, woh toh mien …. unhid…" but stopped as her Babuji asked her not to argue.

"Shashi babua, hum uhai baat karne aayee hai, Humein ek rista mila hai jo Delhi ma hai Payaliya khatir. Kaho toh baat chalayee de?"

About to speak up, Shashi stopped Khushi with a raised hand and said, "Haan Jiji, iss bare mien ghar par abate kareka padi. Inhya theek naahi hai. Khushi Bitiya, jar dukaan sambhalo. Hum aawat hain. Chalo Jiji." Shashi escorted his sister towards their home which was a couple of blocks away.

With a twist to the mouth, Khushi muttered to herself, " Bas hamein hi koi batana nazi chahta. Yahan dukaan par chore die." she started twiddling with her long braid.

Khushi went home restless to know what the talks were all about and just as she entered she heard, "Arre Payaliya, ab toh tohar saadi samjho bas hui gay…. Shashi babua kar liyo tayyari."


Chapter 2

"Kya hua Jiji, aapki shaadi pakki ho gayee?" she asked her sister after dinner when they were both sleeping on their respective beds in their room. They were watching news on their tiny 14'' black and white TV, which a customer had given them after a wedding as a gift for making fabulous meethai.

"Arre nazi, woh buaji thora jyada hi utaawali ho rahi hain." Payal replied.

Turning on her stomach and cuddling a pillow in her arms, Khush said wistfully, "It would so much fun to get married na? I can't wait for my husband to come into my life and give me all the love there is to be had in this world. Kab hoga aisa Jiji? Kab who aayega?"

Just then a figure emerged on the TV, who was talking about the most eligible bachelor in the country. It said, "Ye hai…" And Payal changed the channel and Khushi let to her bed to snatch the remote and switched back to the channel saying, "Kya jiji, woh mera future husband ho sakta tha aura aapne uski shakal bhi nahi dekhne di."

Payal thumped her on the shoulder and said, "Bewakoof, woh tujhse shaadi karega, bas aise sapne dekhti raho."

But the newscaster had moved on to another story and Khushi, switched off the TV making a face and said, "Hey devi maiyya, bas woh TV wala kahin mil jaaye."

Payal laughed and said, "Pagal, so jaa, kal tumhein woh shop par jaana nahi hai kya, saari ka sample le kar?"

Nodding her head, she prayed to Devi Maiyya and switched off the lights and jumped into bed to dream of her Prince.

Khushi got ready in the morning to go the the big boutique that had opened up in the Zee Mall in Gomtinagar and they would be specialising in Lucknowi Chikan work with zardosi thread and fine needlework. Khushi was going to show them some samples of the work she had done and was hopeful to get an order that will put her work on the map and also bring in the much needed money in the family. The sweetshop was running fine but her father had recently had to update the shop to keep the license running with the new norms for health and sanitation in the sweetshop. The updated kitchen with new stoves that were fuel efficient and emitted less gas was what the new technology brought but that came at a high price tag. The set up had meant her father having to take a loan and had mortgaged the house for the same.

If her business took off, they would be able to comfortably pay installments towards the loan and have some saving to expand as well. She prayed to Devi Maiyya for her blessing and set off to Gomtinagar. It would take her good forty five minutes to reach as she will have to take a bus from Aliganj to Railway Station and then take an auto from there to the Mall. She hardly ever went to the other side of the river, unless they were going out of town.

And this rainy season was not going to help her. July was just that, rain, rain and then some more rain. But she loved it. The aroma of the earth was what she loved to breathe in every time it rained. She loved to stand on their porch and play with the droplets as they fell from the terracotta shingles on the roof. The jangle of rain was a lyrical music to her ears and it never stopped from bringing a smile to her face.

Happy in her thoughts, she bid her byes to her parents and sister and set out with her gathri of saris to the mall. A bright salwar kameez with embroidery work that she tried on her dress showed individualistic taste and classified her clothes as being unique. Her penchant for tingling bells on the dori of her kurta added to the sound her payal made as she walked. With braid hanging by her side, a jhora slashed across her shoulder, Khushi was a woman with a mission. Mission to bring stability and security to her family and its financial condition.

About to reach the Mall entrance, she moved her ghathri  from the floor of the rickshaw and started counting the money she would need to pay the driver. Just as the rickshaw stopped on the side, and she got out, she heard a screeching sound behind her and was rooted to the spot in shock.

A big black shiny car stopped two feet away from her. Terrified, the only thing she could do was glare. But not wanting to waste time she paid the driver and told him, "Bhaiyya, agli baar jaara aur side mein laga lena, aap toh jaante ho, ye bade logon ki badi gaadi ko badi jagah chahiye, hai na?" and with the smile she stepped up on the pavement.

Just then, the skies which had been threatening all morning to burst open, decided to pour, right on her. She not wanting to get her saris spoilt, ran with it in her arms and head bowed against the pelting rain. Just as she was about to reach the top step of the Mall entrance; she bumped into somebody from behind and dropped her ghathri.

"Kya aapko yahan rukna jaroori tha? Dikhta nahi hai baarish ho rahi hai joroki?"

The person turned and she looked up to see a man with eyes of a hunter, glaring at her.
"Mujhe pata hona chahiye tha, tumhi ho sakti ho jo phir se mere raaste mein aayee ho."


Chapter 3

"Tum" she yelp as she bent to pick up her fallen ghathri. "Phir se mera nuksaan kar diya na? Ab sari bheeg gayee. Kya tum hamesha mera nuksaan hi karoge.?" She looked up to realise he had stopped his raised hand mid air and was staring at something. She then straightened her dupatta to cover her front fully and gave him a stabbing look.

"Nuksaan, kitna hoga tumhari sari ka? Mere time ki keemat se toh jyada nahi na?" he retorted. "Aur tum larkiyon ko aata hi kya hai, apne fayde ke liye toh tum jitna ho sake utna jhukogi na," he glanced at the now covered chest in disgust, to make his point.

Riled, Khushi pointed a finger at him, "Tum jo bhi ho, tumhein tameez bhi nahi hai aur…"

"Haan tumhari aukaat hoti toh mein shayad tameez bhi dikhata." he interrupted.

"Dekho, mera dimaag mat kharab karo, ek toh mera nuksaan kar diya upar se ye bhi nahi ki sorry bole."

He did not understand why he was getting into an argument with this girl, but nevertheless he stepped closer to her and held her arm in his grip, "Kyon jaise tumne bola tha last time waise?"

Khushi colored and tried to step back, but he pulled her closer and muttered, "Stupid woman, you'll fall."

Khushi rammed into him at the unexpected force and placed her hands on his chest as she settled into him. She felt a current pass through her and she looked up to see a strange expression in his eyes. She tried to decipher it but he then turned his head and put her on one side, turned and walked away.

"Uski toh mein… how dare he go away… hey devi maiyya… kyon baar baar isse mere saamne laa kar khada kar dete ho?" she joined her hands, looked up to the sky which was still pouring blessed water and she decided, she was too late to dwell on that obnoxious man; picked up her bundle of sari and walked to the directory list to find the location of the boutique.

As she entered the shop, she was met with an elegant woman who was dressed in a crisp pencil skirt, a ruffled lanvender colored blouse and a waist coat of the same material as the skirt. She came forward to ask her and guided her to the office of the Manager of the Boutique.

Just as she was about to enter the office, she heard voices and stopped.

"You never give me time, Arnav. You have forgotten who I am." the woman complained.

"Stop being ridiculous. You know, what we had in Delhi was just that a mutually benefitting arrangement. I have promoted you to manage this Boutique. Just do that. Did I not come to meet you?" the man replied in soft yet firm tones.

"Of course, how convenient of you to shift me off to Lucknow and now you have only come because of the Fashion Show , don't try to smooth talk your way out of this ARnie." she belligerently added.

"You knew the score right from beginning, Lavanya. I am a busy man and this is the best I can do. Take it or leave it." He announced arrogantly.

The woman called Lavanya then gave a small laugh and said, "Arnie Darling, dont be so harsh. One day you will find out; that arrogance of yours will cost you everything."

"Is that a threat, Lavanya?" Arnav sarcastically countered.

Not wanting to hear more, Khushi knocked on the door, harder than she would have normally and heard Arnav say, "Get rid of whoever it is, I want to discuss the plans for the Fashion Show."


Aghast, Khushi's hand stayed on the door knob and then felt it turn and a head appear on the other side.

The woman again very elegantly dressed in a black skirt suit that was ridiculously revealing but becoming on her tall lean figure stepped out of the office to ask, "Yes, who are you and what do you want?"

"Woh…mein…I mean… I have an appointment with the Manager for showing samples of the chikankaari sari, could I talk…" Khushi fumblingly explained her presence.

"Oh! dekho, I don't have time right now, come tomorrow after the Fashion Show to the Taj and I shall show the samples to the owner as well. Today we dont have time. Sorry. Okay. Thanks." Lavanya explained, turned and went inside the door she had come out of.

With hand outstretched, Khushi, just stood there; realising it was all because of that man inside that room who was responsible for her wasted trip. In a mind to go and give him a piece of her mind, she stopped herself for anger would not achieve what she needed right now and that was the contract to create chikankaari work for this company.

Disappointed she left the Mall, but she made up her mind to showcase the sari tomorrow at the Fashion Show in a unique way. Happy with her idea, Khushi went to the shop and spent her day helping her sister and father.

When her sister asked her about the meeting, she said, "Woh toh kharab honi this, woh jo mil gaya tha."

"Woh?" Payal asked, "Woh kaun?"

"Wahi, Khadoos, Akdoo, pata nahi jiji, woh mujhe hi kyon mil jaata hai. Jab bhi milta hai, nuksaan karta hai. Yaad hai parson, jab mein Lalaji ke yahaan mein Mithaiyan pahonchaane gayee thi aur saari mithaai hamein phir se banani padi thi. Sab uski wajah se."

"Par tab toh tune bola tha ki tujhse gir gayee, toh woh kahan se aa gaya?" Payal voiced her confusion.

"Woh Jiji, hua aisa tha, ki…" Khushi started explaining the situation in detail in her usual animated manner.


She had taken ten boxes of Mithai to Lala Bhawani Shankar Choudhary who happened to be the biggest cotton textile merchant in the city for a Puja they were holding in their house for their first grandson's Mundan. She had dressed in her usual finery of bright Chikankaari filled silk salwaar kameez as it advertised her talent and many a times got her new projects.
Also it was an occasion for the family, so it would not do to go there inappropriately dressed. Being a designer, she had an innate sense of style which was traditional yet unique in the cut and style. The tailor who stitched her clothes ensured that the cuts flattered her slim figure and looked today's clothes despite being traditional salwaar kameez. According to him, "Kapde sundarta badhaye toh kaamke warna kafan hi pehen lete sab."

As she had reached the entrance to the big doors that were ornate and spoke of intricate Awadhi architecture, had been called out for help by someone.

She had turned to find a 4-5 year old boy asking to be helped with a ball that was stuck on the parapet above a window on the right side of the house. She had told him that she was carrying boxes and would be difficult but his big, round sullen eyes that had suddenly developed tears the size of a marble had melted her.

She had put the boxes on the wide platform on the side of the the stairway to the entrance and climbed up on it to reach the parapet. She could not reach the parapet so she climbed onto the window sill and tried to reach. She touched something and realised it must be the ball. She was about to reach the ball, when she felt herself lose balance and had tried to clutch at something nearby and found air. Trying to overbalance that she had bent backwards and titteringly as she lost her footing on sill. With hands and legs splaying, she had thought she would land on the platform when someone had bursted in, caught hold of her and in the process pushed the boxes of sweets down on the stairs. They unceremoniously opened and all the sweets spread on the last four steps.

Bracing her for her fall, she had felt weightless suddenly when she had been lifted out of harm's way and carried in strong arms.

With eyes closed and face dug into his chest, she had waited for them to fall to the ground. But nothing of the sort had happened. The man seemed to have unbelievable strength to not just have caught her but also land on his two feet with her secured in his arms.

She felt her breath whoosh out of her as they landed and a thud as her head hit his hard chest.

Before she could open her eyes, the man was heard saying, "Ab toh chor nahi Chorni ghumtein hain Lucknow mein." He then without preamble settled her on her feet but did not release her hand.

"Kya kar rahi thi, uss khidki par chaadhkar?" he growled.

"Woh mein, uss bachche…" she looked around for the kid, but he seemed to have disappeared.

"He had then pulled her to him and asked, "Kyon, report kar doon Police mein? ya batati ho yahan kyon aayee ho?"

Khushi feeling a bit better, countered him with a look and retorted, "Police kyon bulayange aap? Mein koi Chor nahi hoon. Woh mein mithaaiyan…" and turned around to where she had placed the boxes only to find the sweets strewn all over the steps.

"Hey Devi Maiyya, mera nuksaan kar diya."


Chapter 4

She came back to present in a jolt as her sister shook her shoulder and said, "Theek hai, para chal gaya, par uss samay tune kyon kaha the ki tujhse gira the?"

"woh kuch nahi…" she made a face and then changed topic, "achcha ab mujhe kal jaana hai, Taj Hotel mein, woh sari jo aaj nahi dikha paayee, usse dikhana hai aur wahan, maalik bhi aayega aisa bataya Lavanyaji ne. Kitna achcha hoga agar ek bada sa contract mil jaaye?" she jumped up and down excitedly.

Payal was wondering if her sister who always told her every little thing was hiding something essential, but it was not her nature to prod incessantly and she knew Khushi would come out with whatever was troubling her sooner or later. She smiled to herself as she let her sister off the hook.

Next Day, Khushi got ready in her finery with gold hoops adorning her ears, and bracelets in gold and silver jangling on her wrist. She dabbed some of the ittar Lucknow was known for, a jasmine one which permeated in air like a silken cloud of fragrance teasing nostrils of whoever came in vicinity.

Finishing the ensemble with a gold polti bag, Khushi was ready to knock the sock off the owner and the manager alike. She knew it was a fashion show at Taj and she knew she had to present her work of art in the best light to get that contract. Being a designer she knew what would create the best impact and knew too much jewelry would detract from the beauty of the sari she had selected to wear as her showcase.

Payal, Buaji and her parents were aghast to find her transform from an ordinary duckling into a beautiful swan in that sari and knew she was going to make a statement she wanted to for her business.

This contract was way too important for her to jeopardize it. This was the first step as a designer of exclusive embroidery work and she knew this sari was one of her best works. Lavanyaji would not be able to decline this offer now.

Walking into Taj Lobby, she found the posting that directed her to the Sheesha Hall where the fashion show for AR was taking place. She entered to find Lavanya near the door greeting someone.

As soon as the other man moved away, she went up to her and asked, "Lavanyaji, Khushi Kumari Gupta from yesterday. I hope you remember. I am here to show the sample of my work."

Lavanya looked at her empty hands and asked, "Haan! Haan! I remember, but where is it?"

Khushi gestured her sari and Lavanya then took a second look. She could not believe it. The zardosi work on a cream colored silk sari was intricate yet not overpowering. It had the right balance of Gold to not look gaudy. This was exactly the type of work she had be scouting for their boutique. Lavanya was impressed and she also reaslised many were looking at Khushi who looked breathtakingly beautiful in a full sleeved blouse which had the same pattern of work on the cuffs.

This girl had talent and tapping it for AR would be a feather in her cap that would make even ASR take a second look a her. Lavanya wondered how is he going to ignore me if I am going to make a name to reckon with in Lucknow. She tilted her head proudly and looked around to see if ASR was around. He seemed to talking to someone near the ramp and this was no place to get the introduction to a possible ace designer of AR in public right now.

She had a better idea and asked Khushi to go to the green room where she will get the owner to meet her and then discuss the contract.

Khushi was elated. Lavanya seemed taken with her design and knew that the contract was just a signature away.

She went to the room as directed and waited on the couch. Almost half hour had passed and she was just about at the end of her tether and got to up to go search for Lavanya, incase she had forgotten.

Just then the door burst open and entered a man who was unbuttoning his shirt and cursing under his breath. He threw his jacket towards her which landed on her face before she could see his.

By the time she removed it from her over her head, he had removed the last button and was walking towards the rack behind, when he noticed her.

"Tum!" he exclaimed.

"Aap!" she retorted finally seeing who it was. "Aap … apne..kapde.. i mean..shirt.." she blurted the first thing that came into her head.

"What? What the hell are you doing in this room?" he demanded advancing towards her.

She backed up till she walked into the rack and he grabbed her and pulled her towards him. With arms around her as she lost her balance, Arnav felt he was forever saving this girl from a disaster ever since he had laid eyes on her.

"What is it with you and falling? Does gravity not support you or is it my effect?" he smirked as he straightened her.

"Ha! no need to be so conceited. Mein yahan kisi ka intezzar kar rahi thi." she rejoined as she straightened her hair and then sari. just then she felt a wet patch near her tummy.

She looked down and saw a red stain on it. Pulling it upwards to get a closer look, she muttered bafflingly, "Phir nuksaan kar diya meta, You are impossible."

"Maine…maine… what are you talking…" and he shook her up and she tittered again on her heels at the force with which he shook her.

He grabbed hold of her again and pulled her into his arms.

"Ye tumhari koi chaal hai na…taaki mein tumhein hamesha bachata rahoon?" he whispered in her ears.

"Haan koi bhala apna nuksaan thud kyon nahi karma chahega, had baar meta hi ton nuksaan hot a hai…" she gave back to the impossibly arrogant man whose arms though felt like haven to her.

He then pulled back a little and muttered, "Nuksaan kiska hua hai… tum kya jaano… yahan ton…dil hi kho diya…tum chand paiso ke peeche padi ho…"

She blinked and asked, "kya kaha aapne?"


Chapter 5


"Kuch nahin… mein apni kismat ko kos raha hoon aur tum ho ki nuksaan ka ratt lagaye ho." He gritted as he once again straightened and set her on her feet.

"I am sure you said something else… but no matter… ye daag jo laga hai…mein ye kaise nikaloongi" she enquired, rubbing the spot that had a faint pinkish red stain.

"It won't go…its red wine…" he supplied gleefully.

"Kya…? Hai devi maiyya…meri sabse mehnghi sari…aapne spoil kargi…ab mein uss owner ko kya dikhaaongi?" she muttered more to herself.

He asked, "kisse dikhana hai?"

"Kuch nahin…waise..aap hain kaun..aur yahan kaise ghus aaye?" she looked up at him enquiringly as she put her hands on her hips.

"Mein… Arnav Singh Raizada…" extending his hand for a shake.

Khushi looked at it for a second before she placed her hand in his and felt a current pass through her. She felt strangely charged. What was it about this man's touch? Why did she feel comfortable yet restless? Why when he had held her the first time she had felt like she had been cuddled, even thought at the time she had not paid heed to it? Why was she thinking about it now?

And why did her hand refuse to come out of his grasp?

She frowned as she looked at the locked hands and said automatically, "Khushi Kumari Gupta."

He leaned closer and asked her softly, "Why do I feel you dont like your name?"

"Huh! What? What rubbish." she schooled her face into a blank mask as she looked up at him.

"Toh ye shikaan kyon hai tumhare maathe par?" he traced a finger on her brow and quizzed her.

"Nahi, kuch bhi nahi." she removed her hand from his and stepped back awkwardly.

She then turned around, walked to the door and slipped out of it only to hear a chuckle coming from behind the door.

"Luchcha…hans raha hai…kya samjhta hai apne aapko?" she muttered to herself as she went in search of Lavanya.

Once she found her and enquired why the delay, she said, "Oh! ASR had to leave and I was about to come to you but I will talk with him and fix a meeting. I am sorry but right now I have to go."

Before Khushi to utter a word, Lavanya had gone as if she had suddenly found wings.

Shrugging at her futile journey and additional loss of a sari that can never be sold or even showed to anyone was something she vowed she would make that Arnav Singh Raizada pay for soon. Very soon. "hey devi maiyaa…ye kya ho raha hai hamare saath. Har jagaye woh dusht kyon mil jaata hai aur hamara saara kaam kharab kar deta hai?" she prayed earnestly for him to disappear from her life.

A week had gone by and she had not heard from Lavanya so she decided she was going to call on her anyway.

On reaching the office, she found that Lavanya was talking to someone on the phone in a very husky voice. Not wanting to overhear any of the personal talks, she coughed loudly and hovered at the doorway.

On noticing her, Lavanya cut the call agitated and said, "Woh…tum aa gayee… Sorry we were very busy with order after the show and I could not call you. But I did speak to ASR and you have an appointment for next week Tuesday. Will you go with me? I am due at the head office for our monthly meeting and you can come with me." Lavanya explained.

"Head office? where is that?" Khushi asked with a feeling of dread.

"Why, New Delhi Of course. Do one thing, send the samples you have with you to this address in Delhi and then we will go on Monday afternoon to Delhi. I will have the bookings done. We will be put up in our corporate Guesthouse and the meeting is at 10:00am. Then you can come back the next day morning as we will be having a celebratory party for the 5th successful fashion boutique launch in Delhi in Imperial Hotel. You can attend that too and get to meet other managers and designers who will be part of the gala. The Train leave at 15:35 on Monday afternoon so don't be late." Lavanya rattled off like an LMG and Khushi was left with mouth open at the way the opportunity was handed on a plate for her.

"You mean, ASR, the owner, has agreed for a contract?" Khushi asked hesitatingly not believing how the things were moving so fast.

"Khushi," she said placing a hand on her shoulder, "All this is Lavanya's doing of course and ASR knows I have the best eye for scouting fresh and incredible talent. Agar meine keh diya ki tum mein kuch baat hai toh samajh loh ye contract tumhara. ASR waise bhi meri koi baat nahi taalte. Bas ASR sign kare deinge itni der hai. Samjhi tum?" Lavanya obliquely referred to her close relation with the big boss though she had her fingers crossed behind her back.

Khushi elated at being recommended so highly by the manager could not thank her enough and went home to give the good news to everyone.

Lavanya and Khushi talked enroute to Delhi on how she worked on a design and how she devised patterns that were intricate and unique. How she worked at developing the stencil to be printed on the cloth or dress and how she chose her thread depending on the occasion, current trends and specific requirements of special orders.

She blended traditional patterns with some motifs that typified Lucknow, its architecture and culture. How Tehzeeb and adab blended with modern times to make a dress elegant yet extremely wearable for today's generation. Be it light work on Kurtis or heavy embroidery done on a lengha for a bride, Khushi loved to espouse the old with the new in a seamless blend that spoke of history and changing times at one and the same time.

Lavanya in turn told her how she had finished her B.Des from NIFT, Delhi in Fashion Communication and learned brand development. Her keen eye to scout fresh talent had won her a place in AR Designs and she had accomplished very fast a reputation of developing unique boutiques like she had now developed one in the Mall and was managing it single handedly. Her ambition had paid off and she was the youngest manager in AR design and even in the industry to manage everything for AR DEsigns in Lucknow.

Lavanya seemed a very level headed girl to Khushi who had put her everything in becoming something and that was what she was hoping to do as well. She wanted to be successful designer for a house like AR Designs and become a designer who a name to reckon with.

She was about to drift off into her dreamworld when she heard Lavanya say, "Just be careful and not fall in love, for it only leads to heart ache and nothing more. A fair warning."

"Oh! aapko kisine dhoka diya hai Lavanya?" Khushi enquired, the ji dropped somewhere near Bareilly, "Nahi Khushi, woh toh mein apne aapko dhoka deti rahi ki kuch shayad hoga par usne toh pehle se keh diya tha ki usse kabhi shaadi nahi karni. Mein hi thi jo samajhti thi, that I'll change him." Lavanya told her with self derision.

Khushi placed a hand on her and said, "Waise bhi ho sakta hai na ki woh aapke liye aur aap uske liye bane hi na ho aur Devi maiyya ne aapke liye koi usse bhi achcha insaan banaya ho hai na?"

Lavanya just shook her head and smiled a little sadly.


They reached Delhi and Lavanya was surprised to find the company car and driver waiting for them at the station to take them to the guesthouse. She called him and said, "Thank you so much for sending the car, I did not know you cared. But I would have loved it if you had come."

"Don't be silly Lavanya, its 11pm and it was Di who asked me to send the car. So stop being over dramatic and be there tomorrow at the office on time. Good night." Arnave snapped back and cut the call.

Khushi saw the color drain from Lavanya's face and tried to console her but brave Lavanya just smiled and settled into the car and told the driver to take them to the guest house.

Next morning, Khushi was ready at 8am for she had hardly slept due to nerves and of course, it was the first time that she did not have her sister in a bed next to hers and she missed her already.

She called them to let them know she was fine and that she was ready for the meeting with ASR. Lavanya had laughed when she had found Khushin pacing the floor of the living room in agitation at 8:30 and told her, "Don't worry, ASR is not an ogre ki woh tumhein kha jaayega…." and laughed a little more.

The left for the office at 9am as the traffic in Delhi was notorious at the best of times. Reaching early was definitely more prudent where ASR was concerned was what Lavanya had announced and that had gotten Khushi even more jittery.

Reaching the office, the first person they encountered was Anjali Jha, who was actually Arnav's sister and one of the partners. She had helped set up the business many years back and had met her husband Shyam on one of the buying trips of material in Lucknow, which happened to be their native place but for reasons unknown no one talked about it.

Anjali Jha was the sweetest lady Lavanya had ever met and she promptly thanked her for sending the car for them.

Anjali replied, "woh chotte ko yaad dilana padta hai ki tum ek larki bhi ho, woh bhi, uski girlfriend and Delhi is not a safe place so late at night. But chotte toh chotte hain, waise bade intelligent hain par dil ke mamle mein ekdam budhdhu. Woh tumhein lene nahi aaya na?"

On seeing a shake of her head, she rejoined, "I knew it. Thehro abhi sabak sikhaati hoon usse."

Lavanya held her hand and said, "Rehne dijiye didi. Its ok. Waise, ye hai, Khushi, Khushi Kumari Gupta," she turned around to find Khushi not next to her but standing near a painting a few feet away. So she called out to her and then introduced Anajali and continued, "she is from Lucknow too like you, ek designer hai. Woh kamaal ka chikankaari kaam karti hain. Apne Lucknow ke boutique ke liye exclusive designs kareingi. Wahi contract ke liye woh yahan aayee hai ASR se milne."

"Oh! toh tum jao, warna woh naraaz ho jaayega agar late ho gaye toh. Hitler toh chala gaya, uske jaise dusht chorr gaya hai." Anjali laughingly accused Arnav.


Khushi had been admiring the various paintings and artwork that depicted various stages of chikankaari kaam and kalamkaari kaam. She was enthralled to know that AR Designs seemed rooted to the culture that defined Indian textiles and Indian cottage industry of art and handicraft. She knew this contract was exactly what she wanted. Lost in her thoughts, she only looked back to see Lavanya talking to a pretty lady dressed in elegant hand painted sari in yellow and red. She held a stick in one hand and that was the only mar in otherwise perfect picture.

She walked up to them and was introduced to ASR's sister and partner. She could not wait for them to move on to ask, "Kya hua hai unko, woh lakri le kar chalti hain."

"Oh!Her one leg is afflicted with Polio and has braces, so she uses a stick for support though she walks hardly with a limp. I often forget she has any special needs, the way she is lively and fun. She is so opposite of her brother. Anyway, chalein, we dont want ASR to lose his temper do we?" Lavanya ushered Khushi along the corridor to the bank of lifts that took them to the top floor where his offices and conference room were housed.

After a perfunctory knock, Lavanya opened the door to find ASR dressed in his customary Saville Row suit facing the city skyline, with his hands in his pockets as he talked with someone on the bluetooth headset.

They walked in as ASR finished his call and turned around to utter, "Tum!"

Khushi at the same time said, "Aap?"


 

Chapter 6

It was Lavanya who spoke first, as the two people whose eyes had gone to each other were still stuck in a limbo staring at each other,"oh! you two know each other?"

But the interruption did not seem to bring the two people out of their reverie. Arnav could not believe his eyes. Just a few seconds back he had been thinking of the very woman who was called Khushi Kumari Gupta and he felt his imagination had conjured her up right in front of him. For a second he was going to die of a heart attack, that had been a shock to his system.

He had not been able to get her out of his mind ever since he had met her; no since he had caught her in his arms like a ripe luscious fruit. He had then met her again and again. He had been wondering when next he was going to bump into her and it seemed somehow his unspoken wish had been answered.

Khushi was ready to pinch herself to see if she was having a nightmare. "No!", her mind screamed, "he cannot be ASR… Arnav Singh Raizada. Fate can't be this cruel. He was responsible for all her losses recently and now he seemed to the boss of the biggest blow she was yet to face; that of shattered dreams. No, life cannot be that vile. Please, Devi maiyya, let him not be the holder of my career. Please."

Just as she stood there imperceptibly shaking her head, she felt an elbow in her ribs and turned to look at the culprit who had broken the spell created by those…those mesmerizing eyes.

She again shook her head to dispel that thought and heard Arnav say, "What it is not you?"

"Come on ASR, do I see your non existent sense of humor at play here?" Lavanya interjected.

"What? He and not have a sense of humor, all he has done since he has met me is laugh at me." Khushi quipped.

Lavanya stood stumped to find a virtual stranger who knew a side of Arnav, she had never seen in last three years she was with AR Designs. She looked from one to the other.

Arnav stood there with his arms folded and recovering enough from his shock to take back the control he had marginally lost. "Lavanya will you please get to the point of the meeting. Is Ms Gupta the designer who sent those samples to me? If so, the contract is ready signed and sealed. Ms Gupta," he then looked straight at Khushi and addressed her finally, "Welcome to AR Design. Lavanya will take you through the contract and show you the finer points, your commitments and timelines. Also, I expect you at the Gala organised tonight to share ideas with other designers of AR and work with them. Now I have another meeting, excuse me."

About to leave, Khushi stopped him with, "I won't be coming to the party, sir, but thank you for the invitation."

Arnav stopped, turned his head looked at Khushi and said, "I don't think you heard right the first time, Ms Gupta, and I would appreciate it if this does not happen again, I said, I expect you to be there, what part of that statement did you not hear or understand?"

Khushi gulped, "I heard and understood it all, sir."

Arnav then turned and walked out the door.

Lavanya stood there wondering what had just transpired here. She realised she will have to train Khushi in not contradicting the boss ever. But more pressing than that was the upcoming party which she did not know why ASR had called her for. "Come on La," she reprimanded herself, "Don't go looking for trouble where there is none."

Khushi still baffled at the tornado who had given her the best news in one breath and taken the same joy away in the next asked Lavanyan, "Ye hamesha aise hi hote hain kya?"

Lavanya smirked and said, "Yep! on a good day! You don't want to be around when he is in a bad mood. The only person who can handle him then is his sister, Anjali."

Khushi rolled her eyes and spontaneously hugged her new found friend with thank you for the contract that will now help her family achieve stability and security.

Arnav had walked out the door only to exhale his held breathe and undertone curse which his secretary heard and stood up as if to counter it. He raised his hand and barked, "I will be in the conference room, no calls for next half hour." As he departed his office suite.

Arnav could not believe he had asked her to come to the party, no ordered. Why? That was not like him to ask a rookie designer to attend a Gala. He hardly ever interacted with junior designers unless their design caught his eye. Well, her design had caught his eye. He has seen her vision, her ability to bridge tehzeeb with modernity. It was visible in each curve of the pattern which was a symmetry and aesthetics flowing harmoniously. Her eye for detail, her intricate needlework was fine. Those fingers had magic.

Suddenly he saw a vision of her hand on his bare abs as she had supported herself when he had pulled her into him to stop her from falling into the rack behind her. He had reveled in that touch, fleeting yet soft like a caress; like silk running over him. He closed his eyes to stop the vision but it became sharper. He put his head back on the chair and sviweled on it, only to feel the rocking motion bring another vision of him holding her in his arms.

He rocked forward on his feet and got up running frustrated hands in his hair. "Its just hormones, Arnav…just hormones…nothing a good lay would not solve…" he told himself. But even that had lost its appeal ever since he had come back from Lucknow two weeks back.

He had hooked up with one of the models who worked for their shows and she had shown all the signs of wanting a good time. But he had dined her and to her astonishment had dropped her to her apartment door and left.

He had lost the fervor for casual, mutually agreeable relationships; case in point Lavanya, who had become clingy and no fun. She had started suffocating him and he had taken the best route to distance himself and promoted her to a manager of the new boutique in Lucknow. He never took a decision that did not make business sense, Lavanya deserved it, but he believed the distance to bring her back to ground zero. But even today, Di thought she was his girlfriend and had heard a lecture last night for not going to pick her up.

He could have gone as a courtesy but he knew, Lavanya would expect more so he had sent the driver. Still, for a smart woman, she was not getting the hint. May be he will let her know one of these days.

Making up his mind, he called up Khanna Jewellers and had them pack and send a diamond and pearl bracelet.

He had moved on and it would be best if Lavanya came to know about it and he felt tomorrow he would take her out for dinner and have the matter closed.

Happy with his thought process, he returned to his cabin to be assaulted by jasmine ittar that seemed to have lingered in the air. He knew he had to do something to escape thoughts of her.

He walked the floor mingling with his best designers and management team but there was a restlessness in him which he could not shake. He looked around as if searching for something. Then he felt an arm snake up on his and clutch and he felt his breath catch. Turning around, he saw Lavanya with an apologetic smile asking him to go along as his sister Anjali was looking at them fondly and announced, "About time you paid some attention to your girlfriend and danced with her rather than dance around the room as if you are walking on hot coals, huh chotte."

"Di, stop embarrasing Lavanya. This is an office party." Arnav seethed through gritted teeth and added, " And where is that husband of yours? Shouldn't you be paying more attention to him than what I am doing?"

Shyam as if summoned, came up next to his wife and said, "Saale sahab, aap itni aasaani se apni behen se chutkara nahi paa sakte. Bhai hum bhi sehmat hain, ki aapko Lavanyaji ko thora dhyan dena chahiye, Office party ho ya na ho." He then held his wife's hand and promptly turned her into his arms to start a slow smoochy dance with her.

It was unbelievable the way these two were that they had been married for four years. Arnav admired his Jeeju for the way he could handle his sister who as handful to say the least but then Shyam Jha was a well known lawyer who handled AR designs corporate matters. Shyam Jha had humble beginnings but sharp brains and quick silver tongue had won him contracts that had made him a name to reckon with in the corporate world. He was master at mergers and acquisitions and had saved AR Designs from hostile take over five years back from Mallicks. That had won him not just the brownie points with Raizada family but also the hand of his only sister.

Watching them dance, no one would say they were not newly weds and he did not realise but he had a wistful smile on his face which Khushi watched from across the room.

Khushi could not help but be drawn to him every few minutes. She had tried her best to blend into the background and avoid being noticed by him for the last twenty minutes that they had been her. But her eyes had kept straying to him. How Anjali had pulled Lavanya and joined their arms for a dance as her husband her come next to her and pulled her into a dance himself. She stood there smiling as she saw Lavanya and ASR dance together.

Suddenly Arnav felt someone looking at him and he turned to catch the pair of eyes he had been looking for staring at him. On finding him looking at her, she had disappeared behind a pillar. Arnav gave himself a wry smile and thought, "oh so that's where you are at Ms Gupta."

He could not wait for the song to get over so that he could politely let Lavanya go, who had not wasted the opportunity in welding herself to him. He had felt like moving away but he knew it would look churlish and he had stayed. What was a dance anyhow. He was going to end the matter tomorrow anyway.

He slipped into the nook the minute the song was over with an excuse that sounded even lame to him but he had followed Ms Gupta's progress who decidedly looked like she was avoiding him.

Just as she rounded a pillar, he swiftly turned around and went the other way around to stand right in front of her and said, "Ah Ms Gupta, you are hiding? I was wondering if you were part of the wallpaper. Come, dance with me." He then pulled her hand and took her to the middle of the dance floor, twirled her around and settled her between his legs to start, The Tango, the dance of passion.

Khushi, flustered, at what was happening only managed a "I can't dance…" before she was twirled around and set in a position that she knew was nothing but The Tango.




Chapter 7

"Will you stop, sir… what is wrong with you…i said..i cannot dance…" Khushi minced her words through her teeth as she automatically followed his lead and the steps she knew by many hours of practice.

"Liar…" he whispered in her ears, "just go with the flow, Ms Gupta and you may surprise yourself by actually enjoying it."

Turning her head away to avoid eye contact, she still followed the steps and at certain point she had to look at him. And what she saw there burned her to the bone. If those eyes could do nothing else, they could melt butter for sure, the heat in them was intense.

He winked at her and said, "Ms Gupta, you do surprise me, tell me where did you learn to dance like this?"

Khushi in return promptly stepped on his toes and deftly moved the weight to the other foot, tilted her chin and retorted, “That Mr Raizada, was for underestimating me and calling me a liar.”

The dance to the onlookers looked like one where the couple seemed in complete harmony while the the couple themselves were ready to glare each other down.

As the dance continued, Arnav pulled her into a corner and then slipped out the french doors to the outer patio that led to the gardens.

Once out of the door, he slowly let her go, and was aghast to find Khushi with hands on her hips looking at him seethingly and blasted off with, “aap samajhte kya hai apne aapko? So I work for you, I am not your slave, How dare you make me dance without my consent. How dare you make a joke out of me in front of all those people. How dare you…”

And before she could complete that, Arnav took two stepped, hooked his arm around her waist, lifted her into him and sealed her lips with his.

And time stood still.

Khushi did not know what had hit her. There was no ground under her feet and there was only this man to hold on to. Instinctively her arms wound around his neck for support as she felt his other arm wound around her waist encircling her in his arms and embrace as he continued to kiss her.

Khushi tried to moan her disapproval but just then he ran his tongue in a flicker on her lips and her eyes widened in shock and her lips parted. As if waiting for that opportunity, Arnav snaked his way into the cavernous depth of her mouth and deepened the kiss.

Khushi in reaction felt her eyes droop, her held tilt and mouth open wider to welcome the onslaught he wrought on her lips, her being and her senses.

Khushi had never felt like this, ever. She had been kissed by a guy or two in college but they were tame pecks compared to what Arnav was doing.

Arnav pulled her closer to feel her against him. What he had started as a way to stop her ranting, had now become a pool of nectar he wanted to drink from forever. He deepened the kiss for he could not get enough of her, her taste, the delicate way she moaned. Arnav felt himself grow harder and that if nothing else acted as a dampener.

He released her and her mouth to land her on her two feet, step back and say, “Now you know Ms Gupta, I dare, so never challenge me.”

He then turned and walked down the steps on the patio and disappeared behind a hedge.

Khushi stood there stunned at what had just happened and lifted her fingers to her still trembling lips.

She was still unsorted, when she heard footsteps and to escape them she turned and walked the other way to slip out of another door that led her into the main lobby of the hotel.
She promptly summoned a taxi and gave the address of the guesthouse, least worried about the lateness of the hour or her safety. She figured, she would be safer anywhere as long as it was not near a Arnav Singh Raizada.

Her mind still reverberated with the words…”how dare he…”

She banged her fist on the seat next to her and the driver asked, “aap theek hai madam?”

She just gave him a blank smile and nodded still seething inside.

She rubbed the back of her hand against her mouth but she could not erase the taste of him from her. She was going to have to shower. Even then she was not sure, she would be rid of his imprint on her.

She should never have let him drag her onto the floor. She should not have ever followed him step for step as if they knew them by heart. She should have stomped on his foot rather than stepped on it. She should have…Damn! Why did he do that to her? What had she ever done to him to deserve that treatment?

Just as she got out of the taxi after paying the driver and started walking towards the gate, when she heard screeching brakes coming and head lights hurtling towards her. She tried to move but her legs were as if glued to the asphalt and she stood there flummoxed as the car stopped a foot or two away from her.

She felt herself swoon and her world tilted when suddenly she felt she was rising, above the ground, above everything and then blessed darkness.




Chapter 8


He picked her up and walked towards the main door of the guest house and rung the bell after he shuffled her weight around on one arm. She was not heavy but my was she a firebrand. He did not know what had made him kiss her. He had been as surprised with himself as she had been. But once he had had the taste of those delicious lips, he had been unable to stop himself.

And now, here she was unconscious not because she was not safe, but he had scared the daylights out of her. He gave a mirth. He had not found humor in anything for a long time and here he was smiling at his he-man antics.

He still could not believe he had driven at break-neck speed to see if she had reached safely. That foolish woman had taken off in middle of the night in Delhi. Thank God, Di and Jeeju had told him once he had gone back into the hall about hasty departure of a very delectable girl he had been dancing with and if he had done something for her to have gone off like that. Anjali had of course taunted that it must be his famous rage which must have made the girl run away.

How did he explain, that for once it was not his anger but something more basic that had driven her away. Why did she rub him the wrong way? Hell, but it had felt right to have her in his arms.

He shook the thought away as the manservant opened the door and let them in guiding him to her bedroom. He placed her on the bed and sat on the edge looking at her as he ordered the man to get some cold water and a cloth.

He then could not help but push away wisps of hair away from her face and tuck them behind her ear. She looked serene and ethereal with her eyes closed, her bow shaped lips curved slightly upwards as if in a smile. He ran a finger on her cheek and felt her eyelids move.

He patted on her cheek to awaken her and found himself drowning in deep pools of brown eyes that looked questioningly at him.

“Kya hua?” she muttered, “Hum mar gaye kya?”

Then she sat up with a jerk as her eyes focussed on him.

“Aap… aap yahan?” Khushi yelped.

“Woh mein…ye dekhne aaya tha ki tum theek thaak pahonchi ki nahi..aur tum…meri gaadi ke samne faint ho gayee. I caught you before you fell.” he supplied in response and saw her visibly flich.

“Oh! mujhe laga, mein mar gayee hoon aur kahin baadalon ke upar pahonch gayee thi…” she stopped and smiled at her own imagination.

“Tum theek ho, ab mein chalta hoon.” he announced getting up from the bed. “Jaisinh, madam ka khayaal rakhna aur Lavanya madam aa jaaye toh unko kehna mujhe phone kar lein.”

And just like that he left.

As he drove away from the guesthouse after speaking with Lavanya, he laughed at the whole comedy of errors that had happened in last half hour. First, the unlikely Sir Galahard had come running behind to see if that pest of a girl was safe and then had made her faint with his dramatic entry to catch her in nick of time. He saw the humor now in her line of being dead already and had itched to reply, “haanji, ye jannat hi ho sakta hai, mein jo yahan hoon.” But he did not see humor in him being so drawn to the girl that he had even made the effort.


Khushi did not know whether she should thank him or beat him up for his earlier Himaakat. Reflexively her fingers went to her lips. She heard some murmurs outside but too wrought out she sunk back onto the pillows and pretended to be asleep as she heard someone open the door and peep in.

Lavanya saw a pale girl lying with her hair spread on the pillow sleeping and knew that there was something happening between Arnav and Khushi, which she was not liking but unable to stop it from happening. The way they had danced on the floor, she knew there was a chemistry between them that even they did not realised it at the moment.

Arnav’s charms once turned on a girl were usually unescapable. She hoped that the girl would be able to withstand the onslaught.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Khushi had been back for a month now and there was nothing more to remind her of Arnav Singh Raizada other than the contract which was what she earnestly worked towards and the first of those designs were ready for him to look at.

She dreaded the idea of meeting him, but final design approval were either done by him or his sister and it seemed his sister was not well so the meeting scheduled for coming Thursday would be with Lavanya and him.

The last month had gone in a blur with rishtas coming for her sister and almost finalising but Payal did not seem to be inclined. She had tried to tell her mother to not go ahead but no one had heard her. They had said, shaadi ke baad sab theek ho jaayega. Payal adjust kar legi.

But marriage was not about just adjustment but about sharing and love that helped one sail through the trials and tribulations that life threw your way. Just like their parents.

Khushi wanted to fall in love not compromise on a partner. But to fall in love one should have the liberty of having time, independence and opportunity.

And no Arnav Singh Raizada was not one, for he was the most arrogant man she had had the misfortune to meet and now who also happened to hold the key to her success.

Just thinking of him was good enough to make her want to get on her bouts of jalebi making sessions, but with that kinda rage happening almost everyday of the whole of last month, she figured she had to get a better control on herself especially the coming Thursday.

She went to the office the next day to discuss the designs for the sari collection for coming diwali with Lavanya and found her fiddling with a beautiful trinket on her wrist which she kept twirling wistfully.

“Lavanya, sab theek hai?” she asked as she sat opposite her in Lavanya’s cabin. “That is one fine piece of jewellery Lavanya.”


“Oh! yeh!” she put her hand on the lap after that and shrugged her shoulder, “Kuch nahi Khushi, ye toh nishaani hai, uss baat ka jo aapko karna nahi chahiye tha, kyon ki shayad, aaj woh cheez aapki hoti, jiski ab aap sirf justaju kar sakte hain.”

“Ye kya tumhein woh tumhare woh ne diya hai?” Khushi asked.

“Woh! na…ye usne diya jo kuch bhi nahi ye baat jatana chahta hai.” La retorted sarcastically.

Then changing subject they started discussing work and the designs that were up for approval the next day.

Khushi looked in the mirror one final time as she got ready to meet him, after 31 days and 10 hours. “Hah! you are counting.” she scolded her image. “Keep your cool and dont react.” With that final piece of advise, Khushi left for office, in a taxi for she did not want even a rumple to be present on her dress when she made her presentation.

Reaching office, she was surprised to find Arnav was already there, taken over La’s office and settled himself comfortably.

She knocked and went in after his “come in”

She stood inside the office, taking in his grey suit, pale silver shirt and a darker hue of the silver that was his tie. He looked breathtakingly handsome. His upswept hair, cut short so they were controllable. Though there was this lock which tended to curl and fall on his forehead like it did right now that defied his control.

“Are you going to ogle me from the doorway or come inside?” he startled her by suddenly looking straight into her eyes.

Shuffling her feet, Khushi went towards the desk holding the portfolio of designs for approval so that she can then start working on samples.

Arnav had seen her walk into the boutique as she had stood behind the glass partition in Lavanya’s office that gave him look into the main shop floor without anyone from outside looking in.

She was wearing a beige silk lakhnavi salwaar kameez with probably her own needle work in varied shades of maroon. The dupatta was mix of beige and gold needle work on a Maroon background which created a becoming contrast to otherwise very understated salwar kameez.

“She is again trying to blend into the background” was the thought ran into his head and he decided he was going to rise her hackles and get her to react.

Without a word, she put forward the portfolio in front of Arnav and sat on the chair he indicated.

Lavanya entered the office apologising for the delay as she had been dealing with a customer and was waved to the vacant seat beside Khushi.

With every turn of the page on the portfolio, Arnav gave his opinion in a sarcastic yet as if it was an underhand compliment. Khushi on her part, refused to be riled and answered in monosyllables.

Even, a dig at something about Lucknowi hospitality did not get a rise out her and Arnav was left seething as to his failure to get Ms Gupta’s goat.


Lavanya had seen the rally of silence meets the ogre with mild amusement and had ticked a point in favor of Khushi mentally.


Khushi took her leave after the batch of designs were approval with timeline fixed for two weeks to create the first samples of the designs on varied materials.

Once she reached home, she heaved a mental sigh of relief at having withstood the onslaught of Arnav Singh Raizada and his snide remarks. But she jumped when her cellphone rang and saw his name flash on the screen.

Mentally deriding herself for thinking about him for some weird telepathy was at work surely for this call to come now.

Picking up the phone, she heard him bark, “Khushi, I need you to drop the other designs to my hotel as I want to show it some potential clients whom I shall be meeting later. Be here by 5pm.”

Before she could acknowledge or even tell him ok, he had cut the call. “Luchcha, samajhta kya hai apne aapko?” she muttered as she assembled the designs that he has asked for.

The said Hotel was of course on the side of town and will take her good forty minutes to reach, so it meant she only had time for her mom’s excellent tea before she started again.

“Could he not have told her that at the office?” she mumbled to herself as her Mom came to her with her cup of tea.

“Maa hamein jaana hai phir kaam se, hamein shayad der ho jaaye. Hum phone kar denge…”

With refreshing tea inside she felt marginally better at having to run errands like a man friday for his lordship. She called him when she reached the lobby but he did not answer the phone.

On asking the reception to contact him, they told her to go upstairs as he was expecting her there. Muttering to herself about his high handedness, she took the elevator to the floor and knocked on his door to hear, “come in” not unlike what she had heard in the morning.


She entered to find him, buttoning his trousers and shirtless with drops of water dripping from his hair on his chest which were travelling down his torso to disappear in the waistband.
Khushi gulped as she let go of the door which closed behind her automatically and turned her head to see the movement.

Feeling trapped she raised her eyes to look at him turning back and wet her lips.

Arnav walked towards her without a care of his state of undress and all Khushi could do was stand there as if transfixed, the portfolio slipping from her hand.

He stopped a couple of steps away from her and said, “Never seen a man naked?”

“You are not naked…” she countered automatically.

He gave a lopsided smile and said, “Would you like me to be?”


“Stop it…Stop it…will ya…what do you want? to shock me? Well you have done that. You have been saying the rudest things all morning and now this. Have you no conscience? What are trying to do? First you make me dance then..you ..you…”


“kiss you…? he interjected.

“See there you go again. What pleasure do you get out of it? Why do you so enjoy hurting me? Riling me? What have I ever done to you that you treat me so abominably? Why?” Khushi’s voice had risen and the last word came out in a hitch as if tears were clogging her throat.

She tried to continue blinking away the tears that were suddenly welling up in her eyes and he closed the distance put her hand on his heart and said, “ This is what you do to me.”




Chapter 9

“Kya?” Khushi blurted and she snatched her hand away, which Arnav let go easily.

“Kuch nahi…” Arnav evaded.

“Did you bring the designs?” he asked turning around and went into the bedroom.

“Typical, Pehle kuch kehte hain, phir kuch poochte hain aur phir, gayab.” Khushi muttered to herself wondering what was she to do?

As if in reply, he walked back in buttoning his shirt though he had left it untucked.

“Mujhe laga, I should not subject you to my magnetism more; else I would be in serious trouble of being mauled.” Arnav interjected as an explanation for wearing his shirt.

Khushi just stood there with her mouth agape for a few seconds before she found her voice to reply, “aapko mazaa aata hai, aise baatein karke? Kyon aap samajhte hain ki aap itne khoobsurat hain ki mein aapko resist nahi kar paaongi? Kyon aapko aisa lagta hai ki mein marey jaa rahi hoon, aapke paas aane ke liye?”

But she stopped, as she realised the distance between them had reduced, reduced considerably and no she was not responsible. Why did this man rile her so much?

“Tum nahin kehti, Khushi, par ye tumhari aankhen hain na, woh mujhe dekhti rehti hain, ghoorti rehti hain, aur kehti hain …” he explained

“Kya…Kya..kehti hain aapko…kya bakwaas kar rahe hain aap?” she took an aggressive stance to call in his bluff; when unexpectedly he went behind her placed his hands on her shoulder and turned her towards the mirror behind the couch on the wall.

He pointed to her image and said, “Dekho… Dekho…Khushi… tum, tumhari aankhen…tumhare honth… tumhein kuch kehte hue dikhayee nahi dete?”

Khushi stood there transfixed. The image of him standing behind her with his head next to hers, one hand on her shoulder, other pointing to their image, they seemed to create a picture that looked complete.

Their eyes met in the reflection and stood there as if turned into statue other than their breathing which suddenly seemed labored. Khushi turned her head to see him not in the reflection but up close; looking at her with devouring eyes.

What was happening to her? Why was she feeling these things for him; a man she knew would only bring her losses.

Suddenly feeling parched, she ran the tip of her tongue over her lips and watched him follow the movement.

He groaned and swooped to capture her lips with his in a swift yet gentle kiss. It was the gentlest touch; like a feather rubbing her softly. He turned her into him and held her head as he deepened the kiss still looking back at her. He saw her eyelid flutter and close as the emotion took over her and he buried his hand in her hair to support her as he drank in her sweetness.

He closed his eyes and reveled in the moment of pure bliss when he felt her hands traveling in between them under his shirt up on his torso. He groaned. Is this what was missing in his life? Is this the reason he had felt his relationships lacking, for he was sure he had never felt anything like this before. He gathered her closer and came up for breath as he moved his attention to her up-tilted chin; raining kisses and moving down he throat to settle on the skittering pulse at the base.

She felt a moan escape her as he suckled her neck and one hand roamed on her back restlessly. He moved in closer and she felt his arousal and stopped. She removed the hands from underneath his shirt and pushed him away.

Were those her hands who had roamed up on his torso as if that was their playground? She looked at Arnav and whispered, “No, this is wrong…wrong…”


“How can it be wrong, Khushi…you want me…and I want you…” Arnav questioned uncomprehending.

Khushi without answering turned around and ran out the door.

Once outside near the elevator, she stood with her back against the wall, head back and felt silent tears of frustration and remorse fall down her cheeks. She looked down the corridor to see if he had come after her. But was grateful to see that he had not followed her.

The ding of the elevator brought her back from her reverie and she fled into them to be probably brought back down to earth.

No such luck.

She had suddenly discovered she had fallen in love with Arnav Singh Raizada.

Hey Devi Maiyya…ye kya ho gaya…she silently prayed.




Chapter 10


Khushi had ignored yet another call from Arnav Singh Raizada. She did not want to talk to him and if there was any work; she would deal with it on Monday in office. Sunday was one day she was not going to allow Arnav or this phone call to disturb her peace.

Ha! What peace. Every waking hour seemed to be filled with his thoughts, the way his lips felt, the way his skin felt, the way he smelt and the way he had held her. And when she was alseep it was even worse. She seemed hounded; with no reprieve. She was going to stay away from him going forward. She was not going to allow him to deviate from her goal. Her goal was to complete the order as per the timeline in accordance with the contract and then move on. She was not going to work with Arnav Singh Raizada or his company but for now she had to honor the contract for her father’s instalments depended on it.

She dreaded going to the office on Monday but she had to finish the catalogue for the client who had liked the designs she had given Arnav. Friday at the office had been one cat and mouse game. Arnav trying to corner her for a minute alone and she doing everything in her power to avoid talking to him directly.

At one point she had even heard Lavanya asking Arnav to leave her alone and that he should be careful of hurting women the way he did for one day he would find himself in a situation he had put her into.

She had fled from there without hearing Arnav’s reply. But she knew Lavanya looked at her with pity in her eyes. But still she could not say a word to her about what had happened between them. She felt too raw and torn inside to verbalise her dilemma of having fallen in love with Arnav Singh Raizada. Best thing for her would be to stay away from him and kept to her business.

Saturday evening she had started getting calls from Arnav and had resolutely avoided picking any of them. Today, was no different. There was nothing she wanted to hear from Arnav and taking his phone call was out of question; for she could not trust her heart to not melt with just one word from him.

Monday, found her warily looking around to see if Arnav was still around when one of the staff told her, “Boss toh chale gaye Delhi.”

Sighing heavily, she got around to finishing up the catalogue and started working on the samples for the Diwali collection.

Busy in her work, she never heard the door open and close till she felt someone staring at her. She looked up smilingly thinking it to be one of the staff and it faded the minute her eyes clashed with Arnav.

“What are you doing here? Khushi asked.

“Correct me if I am wrong; this is my Boutique and I am free to come and go as I please.” Arnav replied coldly; with hands folded and his feet in a stance that showed at ease, but the nerve working at the jaw was the give away that told of his contained rage.

“Sorry Sir, I meant is there anything I can help you with?” Khushi retracted immediately.

“Yes! By answering your phone.” Arnav swooped at the opportunity to put her in a corner.

“I was busy. And I dont think after office hours, I need to take your calls Sir.” Khushi supplied as an explanation.

Arnav’s eyes narrowed and he moved towards her work desk. Frightened of what he might do, Khushi stood behind her car as if seeking protection.

Arnav stood on the other side of desk, placed is hands flat on the desk and looked at her straight in the eye and said, “Dammit! don’t be scared, I am not going to hurt you.”

“What do you know about hurt Arnav Singh Raizada and it would best if you leave unless you have come here to talk about work.”

“I am telling you one last time Khushi, I want to speak with you and you will listen if not here, then somewhere, anywhere, but listen you will dammit.” Arnav gritted through clenched teeth.

“Show your macho power to someone else Arnav Singh Raizada, I dont scare easy.” Khushi announced her bravado.

Arnav finally losing his cool, went around the desk, took the handle of the chair and turned so that it rotated and Khushi had to let it go. He then took hold of her wrist and pulled it around her back and pulled her against him as he looked into her eyes and said, “Now, are you feeling scared, Ms Khushi Kumari Gupta?”

Unable to say anything Khushi simply shook her head and Arnav gave a wring to her wrist as he pulled her even closer. Wincing, Khushi bit her lip to stop from yelping and screwed her eyes shut and still shook her head.

“Not yet huh! Should I show you?” Arnav asked and ran a finger down her face and brought it to the corner of her lips which were trembling. “You are scared aren’t you Khushi, scared of what I do to you, scared of what you feel, scared of what we feel.”

Khushi unable to take contrast of a tight grip and soft touch and whispered words, had tears rolling down her cheeks from tightly closed eyes.

Arnav immediately let her wrist go and rubbed the sore spot saying, “Did I hurt you… You stubborn fool, why do you fight this Khushi, why are you fighting us?”

Khushi finding a slack in his grip, tried to escape but he caught hold of her and pinned her to the wall.

Khushi then murmured, “Please let me go, koi dekh lega toh kya kahega?”




“Maine sabko chutti de di Khushi, tum mera ek phone nahi uttha rahi thi, tum office mein mujhse bhagti phir rahi thi, phir mein karta toh bhi kya?” Arnav asked innocently.

Khushi looked at him blushing at the prospect of being alone with him in the boutique and everyone knowing about her and Arnav. She wished she could die from embarrassment.

“Khushi, please give us a chance, I don’t make any promises but I want to get to know you. I want us to explore what we have and see where it takes us. Will you give me that chance? Will you?’ Arnav asked earnestly.

Nodding her head for she did not know if her voice would cooperate, Khushi felt helpless as her heart seemed to be singing for joy at Arnav wanting to date her.

“Mein tumhein aaj shaam ko pick up karne aaonga, bahar jaayenge, khana khane aur tum mujhe Lucknow dikhana, apne andaaz mein. Manzoor?” Arnav asked her tilting her chin so that he could look into her eyes.

Smiling through her tears, Khushi nodded.

“Toh mein shaam ko saat baje lene aa jaaonga. Address file mein hai.” once he got her consent, Arnav did not waste time and left her to finish her work.







Chapter 11


Arnav picked her up outside her house at seven sharp and took her to the rooftop restaurant called Richi Rich which offered authentic North Indian fare in Lucknowi andaaz. He liked the service and food her and the open skies would give them the right ambience to get to know each other. He did not know when he had been this attracted to anyone. He definitely did not want to leave it unexplored. He also knew that Khushi was a traditional girl and somehow she brought out the protective side in him. Why else had he run to see if she had been safe in Delhi?

Why her silent tears melted his rage in a split second? Why did he feel the pain she felt as if he hurt her? He did not know what he was feeling but he knew ever since he had met her, she was never far from his thoughts and now, her fragrance, her feel lured him deeper into her. He knew he wanted her and there was nothing he would not do to explore the attraction they shared. He knew she felt the same way. She was trying to run away from it but he was going to show her that what they have was something they should not let go, so easily.

Khushi looked resplendent in gold and orange kurta with a cream churridar and dupatta. He had yet to find her dress gawdy or over the top. But then there was something innately stylish about this traditional girl who had her unique embroidery stamped on each of her dress. He had started noticing the unique patterns she developed on her dresses which made the dress stand out without taking away the simplicity and elegance. She had a rare talent and he would love to explore some ideas with her.

So far, they had always been at loggerheads, but something told him that if they teamed up, they would probably be an explosive pair who could bring unique design and exclusive tastes for the upper echelon of the society bigwigs in a unique manner. He wondered how Khushi mingled with both his business and personal goals. She was one unique woman.

Khushi could not take her eyes off of Arnav who was dressed in cream trousers, dark burgundy full sleeved shirt and a tan colored sport jacket. He took her breath away. She could not believe a man could look so good and not be aware of it. He seemed to be totally without the affectation that came with the knowledge of being attractive. She smile at him though she looked away the minute he raised his eyebrow in question.

She shook her head and picked up her glass of lemonade. She watched him over the brim of her glass and found him staring at her. She quickly looked down but knew her cheeks had turned pink in embarrassment. He took her hand that was on the table and played with her fingers. She snatched it away and put both her hands in her lap. Just then the food arrived and he said, "Khana khudd kha logi ya mein khilaa doon?"

She looked at him and retorted, "Mein apna kaam khudd karna jaanti hoon."

"Toh tum mujhe apna kaam kyon nahi karne deti?" he asked again with a raised brow.

"Kya aap hamesha mera mazaak hi banana chahte hain kya?" she asked in a perplexed voice that was laced with anger that simmered just below the surface. She was too embarrassed at the attention he was giving her and the only thing she could think of to push him away was work with anger.

He delved deeply into her eyes and muttered, "Tum mera kya banaa rahi ho jaanana chahti ho?" and on seeing a becoming color flood her face, smiled and squeezed her hand that she had brought out from under the table to lift the spoon.

"Khana khao… mein kuch nahin karoonga. Promise. At least not right now." Arnav let go of her hand and touched his hand to his heart like a scout boy.

Then they came to an amicable truce of not riling each other and talked about things like architecture of Lucknow which led to their tastes in designs and were both pleasantly surprised when they said together that their favorite, the Boys as they are known; Khosla and Jani. They looked at each other and quizzed as to why they liked them in particular and both said, for their eccentric talent and bringing Indian Art alive.

Khushi then admitted that her penchant for bright colors and weaving contemporary with traditional art of Chikankari was an inspiration she took from there.


Arnav admitted that their work had made him delve into the idea of bringing traditional Lucknowi work to the world. He had forgotten that his roots had so much to offer and that was the reason he had expanded to Lucknow and bring exclusive designs to the world in form of work such as what she created.

Khushi for once could not stop herself for feeling proud from hearing praise from this impossible man. On second thought he was not that impossible.

Having gotten mellow with insightful conversation and lavish dinner, when Arnav leaned forward to kiss her as he came to a stop outside her house, Khushi pushed him away with, "Ye kya kar rahein hain aap?"

"Jo mein shaam se karna chahta tha?" Arnav rejoined trying to bring her face to his.

She pushed his hands and away and said, "Stop it! What is with you guys? Why do you always have to think that nice friendly conversation and dinner leads to this?"


"I don't remember it that away, Khushi. I remember a certain someone, putting her hands into my shirt, willingly I might…" he reminded her. But Khushi put her hands on her ears and said, "Enough, I knew i should never have said yes to a date with you. You men are all the same, lechers."

Arnav then lost his cool, moved away and clenched his fists on the steering wheel; looking straight through the windscreen and barked, "OK Ms Gupta, i get the point, i guess you can get out of the car now so i can take my lecherous self out of your sight."

Khushi immediately felt contrite for saying those things. She did not know what made her say those things to him. If only, she could take those words back. She got out the car and saw it speed away with screeching tires and stood there till her sister came out of the house and asked her, "Kya hua Khushi, kyon ro rahi hai?"

"Kyon ki mein usse pyar karne lagi hoon!" Khushi muttered as she hugged her sister.





Chapter 12


"Kya?" Payal exclaimed.

"Aur mein samajh rahi thi ki tum usse nafrat…" and started laughing. Khushi glared at her,  turned around and went to the kitchen to start making jalebis. Her sister tried to make her stop her from crying and lashing out her anger at herself.

"Arre Khushi mein toh Khushi se hans rahi thi…" and then again burst out laughing at her own pale joke. Khushi just continued to brush away the tears that rolled down her cheeks and continued to make the jalebis.

Payal closed the kitchen door so that their parents won't wake up; but some explanation had to be given once they saw the mountain that been cooked by Khushi and her temper.


Payal asked softly after Khushi's anger dissipated, "achcha ab bata, tu apne aap se gussa hai, mujhse yaa uss…"


"Teeno se… par apne aap se jyada… woh… meine… usse…aiyaash bulaya."

"Kya?" Payal roared.

"Par kyon…ussne tujhe kuch aisa waisa kiya kya…agar kiya hai..toh…mein..woh…kahan..hai…" she looked around for some weapon and found the strainer that Khushi had been using to fry the jalebis and lifted in action as if to hit him then and there.

"Nahi nahi Jiji…woh mein gusse mein kuch bhi bol…gayee…i mean hadbadahat mein…" Khushi tried to explain.

"Hadbadahat….?"

"Woh…ussne.. i mean…he..tried …to…" Khushi stopped blushing, turned and ran away from kitchen towards her bedroom to run into her mother.

"ye kya hungama laga rakkha hai tum dono ne bitiya. Khusi…tu paglayee gayee hai ka?" Garima asked in whispered tones. "Tohre babuji jaag jaayenge…aur musibat hogi agar buaji jaag jaayengi."

As if mentioning her had made her appear, Buaji said, "Arre parmeswari, ka karat rahi der raat ko… saara mohalla sasuri sarr par utthai ke rakkhi ho. Tum Sankadevi ka sanak ka raat ko baara baje hi chadta hai, kohnu bhaang ki tarah?"


Garima tried to intervene with, "Jiji, woh kuch nahi aap so jaaiye… mein dekhti hoon ka hua hai…iyaah."


Buaji left them with mutterings of how Khushi can never do anything right.


Garima then shooed both the girls off to bed and went to sleep with the determination that she would ask Khushi what was happening with her and the new job and this meeting in the evening with her big boss that had made her mad.


Khushi decided she was going to have to apologise to Arnav and went straight to the cabin once she reached office to find that he had left for Delhi for some unexpected meeting. His sister not keeping too well was also what made him return early it seems was the buzz around the boutique.

Lavanya had seen the way Khushi and Arnav seemed to be like cat on hot bricks for each other and decided to ask Khushi what was happening.


Over coffee in the afternoon, Lavanya mentioned Arnav and the upcoming design and saw Khushi tense up immediately.

She asked tentatively, "Do you hate Arnav so much?"

"Yes," said Khushi with force as if convincing herself more than La.

"I dont believe you. What is happening between you two? I can literally feel the air thicken the minute you two are in the same room. You never told me what happened that night in Delhi after the dance."

Khushi could not stop the images coming to her mind of him holding her close, of her melting in his arms of him kissing her. Lavanya saw the far away look that Khushi had and knew that Arnav had affected this girl too in some way the way she seemed to have affected him. For she had never seen him enraged the way he was in the morning before Khushi had come in. He had given her set of instructions and asked her to come to Delhi, which seemed strange as the designs were to be shown by Khushi to him by end of the week, here in Lucknow. And now suddenly he had gone and asked her to get the designs.

La told Khushi about his instructions and saw Khushi visibly flinch as if slapped. She requested if she could go to Delhi herself and deliver the designs. La told her that Arnav did not like his instructions not followed.

Khushi told her that she had to apologise to him for something and she would like to go to Delhi to do the same. La just shrugged her shoulders and warned of consequences of going against Arnav's instructions.

Khushi  had mulled over the idea of calling Arnav to apologise at least a thousand times but she feared he would treat her the same way she had. Today, she felt ashamed for having behaved abominably with him. What was it that made her react so passionately to him whether in anger or in delight? What was it that made her feel the intense emotions for this one man when no one had touched her emotions. She always had felt that she was defective for her past was shrouded in darkness and her lineage not known. She felt incomplete and lacked identity and never let any man near her.

She went to Delhi with her designs complete after three days. Three full days when his thoughts had not left her. She felt she would go crazy thinking of the scenarios of how she was going to apologise to him.

She went straight to his floor where his assistant indicated to go in as he was not in a meeting, even though he was not expecting her for he worked closely with her. She knocked on the door and opened it to find Arnav staring out of his office windows not unlike the first time she had seen him there. He was wearing a dark grey suit, just like the clouds outside and her mood.

He then turned around with something in his hand and seeing her dropped it.

He was wearing a light grey shirt with a black tie and his faced showed his black mood just like his clothes.

Khushi looked at him as he stared back at her unblinkingly.

"Arnav…" Khushi's voice came out in a whisper.

"Khushi…." He asked in wonderment as if just realising that she was in front of him.

She moved forward towards him when he suddenly gravitated into action, pressed a button the intercom and said, "Did I not tell I did not want to be disturbed? What will it take for you to follow my instructions or are you fed up with you job?"

And shut it off before he could get a reply. He looked up, glared at Khushi, walked around the desk, said, "Excuse me" and went out of the office, leaving a gaping Khushi behind who was wondering what had just happened her.

What transformation happened in a man who had seemed almost stunned to see her and then walk out.

She went out to find a tearful assistant. She passed her a box of tissue and went out to the conference room, for somehow she sensed that that is where he had gone.


She this time entered the room without knocking. She went in to find, Arnav seated in the chair with his head back against the headrest, eyes closed and clenching the armrests as if he wanted to pulverize them.

She walked up to him and said, "I am sorry…"

He jerked out of the chair angrily which almost toppled it backwards but even it did not dare go against Arnav's wishes.

"What do you want… Khushi…from this lecher?" Arnav snarled at her.

"I…Ar….I…" Khushi stuttered.

He came to her then, shook her and scathingly asked, "What no new insults to hurl?"

Khushi tried to hold his arms to steady herself and make him listen but he suddenly let her go and said, "I am sorry, I should not have touched you… you will be defiled…"

He tried to once again move around her but this time she was prepared. She went to the door and stood against it and told, "Look i am sorry and i have come here to apologise. I know i have said the damndest things to you and i dont know what made me say those things. I guess it is because i am not myself whenever you are around me… I lose… myself when you touch me…and I lashed out in self defense… I dont want to feel the way I do but I cant help wanting to be near you…. I am.. I am sorry.." Khushi could not then control her tears and just stood there with her head hung, arms tucked behind her on the door and letting silent tears running down her face.

Arnav had been standing there perplexed about whether to physically move her away and get away from her or listen to what she said but he moved when he saw her tears. He closed the space between them tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to examine her closes.

"Khushi…Khushi…Oh Khushi…." he mumbled as he gathered her into his arms.






Chapter 13



Khushi still had her arms behind her back and now he locked her completely in his arms and put his head into her shoulder and nuzzled her neck murmurning how much she frustrated him, how much she annoyed him and yet he yearned for her for some reason.

Khushi took in his cologne. Woody and something so him that she inhaled deeply. She turned into his face and encountered his cheeks that wore stubble like always and could not stop herself from rubbing her cheeks against his. It seemed to send tingles down her spine and deep in her stomach. She squirmed her arms in between them for she wanted to feel him, needed to feel him. She ran her hands on his jacket unbuttoning it as she tried to reach him. She felt his abs taut and firm through the shirt and ran her hands on them.

Arnav moaned and ran kisses on her neck and reached her tear stained cheek. He kissed each streak of tears and her eyes licking of stray drops that remained on her lashes. Khushi whimpered and he pulled back a little to see her face and saw her trembling lips which were inviting him into their delectable depth, to explore and lose himself.

He held her head in his hands and tentatively brushed his lips with hers only to see her eyes pop open and a look of joy and something else lure him into their depth. He swooped down to capture her lips again.

She opened herself up to him and let herself be pulled into this vortex that sucked her into its core and took her high up into the clouds that gave her a giddy feeling. She swooned and felt her legs give way when Arnav took her into his arms and carried her to the nearby sofa. He set her down, removed his jacket and tie and threw it over an armchair and proceeded to sit down with her on his lap.

Sitting sideways, she wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist as he kissed her thoroughly. Before she realised, they were undressing each other and she came to her senses when his bare hand touched her stomach.

Khushi jumped out of his arms and straightened her clothes and said, "No, … No… I am sorry…" and ran out, leaving her dupatta behind.


Arnav was left sitting her with his shirt unbuttoned without recalling who had done it. He gave a crooked smile to himself and got up to fix his wardrobe. It won't do to have staff find him in state of undress and that too after a young lady who was on the run without her scarf.

He gathered her scarf and recalled what he had been holding earlier. A small ornament from her dupatta had fallen on the seat when she had gone and he had kept it with him since them reminding himself of the insult only to end up thinking about her rather than her insult. That was how he had stunned himself when he had turned to find her in the doorway. She could not have been real but she had been. And all her insults had suddenly surfaced. What was it that she did to push all the wrong buttons?

What was it that made him forget his own rules, his own decisions and only want her in his arms?


He was going to have to find out.


He went back to his office to find that his assistant had been left with a message from Khushi that she had gone back to Lucknow and the designs she had brought were with her.

His assistant passed on the folder to him and silently went about her work.

Arnav before entering his office, said, "Sorry, Anamika, for biting your head off earlier" and saw his assistant's jaw drop and hands flying up to cover her mouth. He winked at her and went inside.

Suddenly he felt in a great mood. He had made a decision. He was going to find one stubborn Khushi Kumari Gupta and ask her to stop the cat and mouse game and become his.

He buzzed his assistant to book a flight to Lucknow for the next day.

He reached Khushi's house at eight a.m., way before her time to leave for office and rang the bell.

He turned his back to the door standing with his legs parts, hands in his pocket, waiting paitiently for Khushi to open the door.

He heard the door open but waited for her to speak when he heard a voice say, "Kaun ho babua?"

He turned with a smile hovering around his lips only to have it fade when he saw her and said, "Maasi?"






Chapter 14


"Kaun hai Amma?" Khushi came up behind Garima and asked her as her eyes fell on Arnav.

Arnav looked at his Maasi and Khushi like he was watching a tennis match. Khushi called her Amma and that was his maasi standing in front of him. He was shocked. Khushi and he were…

He let that thought incomplete as Garima interrupted, "aap Kaun ho, beta?"


Arnav looked at his maasi and said, "Mein Arnav Singh Raizada."

Garima looked at him and her face turned ashen. "tum Arunima ke bete ho?"

All Arnav could do was nod.

"Amma aap jaante ho inhe?" Khushi asked.

"Woh… mein…" Garima started. But Arnav suddenly announced, "Mein chalta hoon." He then turned and left.


Khushi went up to him and asked, "Aap yahan kuch kaam se aaye the?" She kept her hand on his arm to stop him from leaving.

He gently removed her hand from his arm and said, "I have to go now Khushi. I have to sort something out. I am sorry. I will get in touch with you."

With that he left.

Khushi was left wondering what had made Arnav came and why he left so suddenly.

She went up to her Amma and asked her what had happened between them but even she seemed to be pondering about something and did not say anything other than a murmured "nothing."

Arnav could not believe it. He had finally fallen in love with someone. He had been about to go to her and woo her off her feet, to make her his and now this?

Why did his life treat him like this?

Why did he not have right to any happiness in his life? How had did cruel twist of fate happen? Why did he fall in love with his cousin? HIS SISTER?

He should not be feeling this. But he still felt it. He wanted to cut his heart out and throw away the emotions it felt. He just wanted to stop feeling. He knew he should never have let her come close. But he never realised when she ingrained herself in his heart. When he fell for her. And now try he did, he could not erase the feelings she had evoked in him. But it was wrong, he can't be in love with his own cousin. It was incest, he thought and shuddered.

He could not believe this could happen. He had to stay away from Khushi till these feelings went away. He will have to do something drastic to get away. He wished he had never met Khushi. He wished her mother was not his Maasi. He wished, but it did not change the fact that she was his, SISTER! He felt disgusted at himself. He felt as if he had committed a sin. But how was he to know that the woman who stirred emotions in him, was, was, no his mind rebelled she cannot be his sister.

She cannot be.

He had to find out about his Maasi more. He had to find out why Naani and Maasi were not on talking terms. Why did not meet her all these years. The only reason he had recognised her was because she was spitting image of his mother. She looked so like his mother that had he not known his mother was dead, he would have mistaken her.

But how did she know he was her sister's son. Oh! he figured it must be the name. After all she had been a Raizada herself.

Life had played the worst kind of joke on him. He who had vowed never to fall in love had fallen for the one woman who should be taboo to him.

"Arnav Singh Raizada, now try and get out of this one," he told himself.

Just then his phone rang and he saw it was Lavanya. She asked if he was in Delhi as there was someone from Lucknow who wanted to come and meet him tomorrow. He instead told her to come to his hotel in Lucknow as he wanted to discuss something with her.

Lavanya stunned to find Arnav in Lucknow and wanting to meet her. She wondered if Khushi was the reason and then let it pass for their matter was non of her business but she felt there was something important that Arnav wanted to discuss and she went there will her heart in her mouth with a feeling that something momentous was about to happen.

She knocked on the door and went in when Arnav said "come in" in clipped voice.

She went inside to find him pacing the floor like a caged animal who was looking for a way out. She watched him for few seconds before he looked at her straight and said, "Come in Lavanya, sit down."

Lavanya had never seen such restless energy exude out of Arnav before. She wondered what was it that was making him so restless.

As she sat down he asked her if she wanted something to drink. Not sure what news she was going to hear, she declined.

He sat next to her on the couch and turned to face her. She smiled wanly but saw that he did not return the smile.

He looked at her and said, "I have a proposition for you."

Lavanya sat there stunned. She was glad she was sitting, else she would have fallen.

She repeated in a small questioning voice, "Proposition? But…"

"Hear me out." Arnav stopped her with a raised hand. "I want you to marry me."

"What?" Lavanya squeaked as she got up to her feet in one jerky movement.




Chapte 15


"No." Lavanya said almost in a whisper.

"Kya..? Kya kaha tumne?" Arnav asked disbelieving what he was hearing.

"Haan theek suna tumne, mein tumse shaadi nahi karoongi. I know you don't love me. Well, you asking me to marry you proves that you are incapable of love. I know you don't love me and you don't want to marry me but something or is it someone making you take this drastic step. Huh! Arnie, are you running away from something or may be someone." She paused.

Arnav turned away for even thoughts of her were taboo. Lavanya need not know the reason for his offer. He wanted to do this for he had to stay away from her. And she had to know that he was out of reach for her. She was a traditional girl, if he was married, she would stay away.

He ran his hands frustratedly through his hair, took deep breaths and turned back around to face Lavanya.

"No I am not running away and no this is not a marriage out of love, which you know I am not capable of anyway. I am offering you marriage, my money, status as a convenience for each of us. It will suit me right now to be married. Naani has been pestering me and so is Anjali with their not so subtle hints and social meetings with "eligible" women. That is all i have to offer and I know you are ambitious so you won't have any issues with this."

He waited for Lavanya to take all the information in.

He saw how her face was drained off of any color.

He then continued, "I will draw up a contract for us to be married for six months which will suit me to convince…" he stopped suddenly, clenching his jaw as her thoughts permeated again in his being like a wave of pain that refuse to be ebbed despite taking strongest medication.

Lavanya suddenly exclaimed, "You are in love."

"What? Don't be silly Lavanya." Arnav retorted sarcastically.

"Yes, Arnie, finally it has happened. What happened? She refused you, you the great Arnav Singh Raizada?" Lavanya caustically gave it to Arnav who did not even know, he had broken her heart. How strange, she thought, life has its own way of paying back.

She wondered, if it was Khushi.

"Khushi." Lavanya said.

"Don't take that name." Arnav barked angrily. "I don't want to hear that name again."

Lavanya cowered at the rage she heard in him and raised her hands in defense.

"Sorry. I did not mean to…anyway may be you want to think about it and let me know. I will be back in Delhi tomorrow. You can let me know before I go?"

"No. It is fine. I have my reply Arnie. I will marry you. Not because of money or status but because I think you need a friend and I hope with what we have had together, at least we can be that, friends. I accept your proposition of marriage of convenience." Lavanya gave her reply in a slightly dejected voice.

"Ok. Thanks. I shall get the papers drawn up and then have a press release ready for tomorrow's paper. I don't want to wait another day, if that is fine by you." Arnav declared.

Lavanya knew for sure someone and knew it had something to do with Khushi. May be she will find out from Khushi what happened between them for Arnav to run scared and ask her to marry her.


Khushi woke and walked rubbing her eyes to the door. Opening it she picked up the packets of milk and newspaper. Slinging the bag on her arm, she opened the paper to see Arnav and Lavanya's face staring at her with announcement that read, The Business Tycoon Finally Snared.

The article read, India's one of the most eligible bachelor has finally been bitten by the love bug. Arnav singh Raizada announced his engagement to Ms Lavanya Kashyap, who happens to work for him in his Lucknow branch are going to be married next month after a whirlwind romance. It seems absence does make the heart grow fonder. It has been few months since Ms Kashyab came to Lucknow to take over as the branch manager and Arnav Singh Raizada has been making frequent visits to the city….

Khushi threw the paper as an acrid taste came into her mouth at the disgusting tale of him romancing Lavanya and he also had the nerve to kiss her, no more than kiss her. Her fingers automatically went to her lips.

How dare he? Her mind raged. How dare he use her like a puppet to cast away. How dare he announce his wedding in the most callous manner? Here, she had thought after that day in Delhi, he had come to say something important to her. Was it this? Her mind rebelled. No, No.

She grunted disgustingly at the duplicity of men. She knew she should not have apologised for calling him a lecher. He was one. He was in love with one, proposing to her and just the day before he and she had almost, if she had not ran away, God knows what could have happened?

Arnav Singh Raizada could not do this to Lavanya. She liked her and she was going to tell him a few things about himself.

"Ha!" she mouthed loathingly.

"Kya hua Khushi?" asked Payal.

"Kuch nahin Jiji. Kuch logon ko bataana jaroori hota hai ki woh kaun hai. Aur mein aaj aaina jaroor dikhaaongi." Khushi gave a cryptic reply and went to get dressed in a huff.

A shower did not change her demeanor and she decided she was going to see a certain Mr Raizada even if it was Oh! 6 a.m.

"Itni subah subah kahan jaa rahi ho Khushi." Payal tried to question but Khushi left without an answer.

"ye Khushi hi na…" Payal muttered to herself and then saw the paper lying on the floor and picked it up to see the page with photo of Arnav and Lavanya. She wondered what about this picture could have had Khushi get herself into a frenzy like that?

Khushi reached the hotel and went straight to the suite she knew that Arnav always booked for his stay in Lucknow.

She knocked on the door. When no one replied, she knocked harder.

She heard someone shuffling behind the door and then the door opened to see an unkempt Arnav in shorts and vest. A day's stubble darkening his chin. His hair ruffled as if he had run his hands through them a thousand times. His eyes looked red rimmed and bleak.

She heard him say, "Khushi," before he tried to shut the door on her.

She put her foot in it and pushed as hard as she could and saw him stumble backwards.

She went it and shut the door with a slam.

Arnav groaned holding his head.

"Easy will you?" he muttered.

"You have been drinking?" Khushi asked.

"Yes, what is it to you? Get out of here. Leave me alone." he snorted but he moved back unsteady and Khushi automatically went to support him.

He pushed her away and said, "Don't touch me."

"Ha! that's a neat one Arnav Singh Raizada, coming from you. Pehle tum mujhe…" she almost lost steam as images of him touching her flashed through her mind but no she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin with determination to say what she had to say.

"Tum mujhe choote ho. Tume mujhe, kiss karte ho. We almost were on the verge of going beyond a kiss, and here you are now playing a prude? That should be my line Mr Raizada. You almost make love to me one day and propose to another woman the next. Does she know you are a lecher, who can't keep his hands off of women despite claiming to love her?" Khushi accused freshly.

"Stop it Khushi! And go away. Yes I am a lecher. Now there happy? Now go." He showed her to the door with his hands as if to say scoot.

"What if I tell Lavanya, what you did with me. Do you think she will marry you?" She countered.

"Khushi, I am telling you to go before I do something we both will regret." He snarled through clenched teeth.


"No. I want answers. I want to know how you do it? How do you kiss me the way you do? Say what you said and then propose to another woman." Khushi asked putting her hands on her hips.


"You want answers. Ok here it is. Because I hate you. Because you rub me the wrong way. Because you dared to contradict Arnav Singh Raizada." He announced loftily.

"You are lying." Khushi sputtered unbelievingly but lacked conviction in her voice.

"Yes Khushi. I don't want to see your face. Now get out." he roared.

"No. Something has happened. I don't know what, but something has. I could feel it when you touched me. I could feel it when you held. It felt right. Arnav. It felt right." Khushi murmured musingly.

She knew her body felt it that he had been as affected as she had been. They had something that was special. She felt something that was like love.

"I love you, Arnav and I know you feel something for me. I know it. My body knows it." Khushi cried.

"No, No, No." Arnav denied, "Its wrong, wrong Khushi. Please just go. I can't bear this anymore. Just go." Arnav pleaded finally his anger gone.

Khushi walked upto him and he tried to back away. She prodded till he came against the window and she put a hand on his arm and said, "Wrong? How can it be wrong? I know there is something between us. You said so yourself. Why are you denying now? What has happened Arnav?"

"You are my sister. There, yes you heard right sister. Now, are you happy. Now you know why it is wrong? Why I hate you?" But before he could say anything more, Khushi had fainted.



Chapter 16


He had tried to reach her before she hit the ground. But the drinks he had had last night, no sleep had made his reflexes that much more sluggish.

He saw her sprawled on the floor and went to pick her up but again, there did not seem any strength left in him so he just sat down next to her, lifted her head and sat there softly caressing her hair.

He could care for her could he not? Then why did this heart beat a little faster with merely her presence? Why did he yearn to hold her in his arms?

Why could he not shake this feeling that he had jumped to some conclusion hastily?

Why did he suddenly regret asking Lavanya to marry him?

Would he be able to keep away from her even though it was not right?

Oh boy! he was in deep trouble.

Khushi stirred.

He called out her name like a litany hoping to make her come to her senses.

She mumbled something and opened her eyes to look at him. The love that shone in them was heart wrenching. He longed to gather her in his arms but he stopped himself. Knowing what his relation was with her, he could not do this to her or to him or to their families. This had to stop.

The minute she raised her head, he pushed away and sat at a little distance from her.

"Are you okay? Do you want some water?" he realized he should be giving her something. He got up and got water in a glass from the nearby kitchenette.

She gulped some water and then looked at him puzzled.

"You fainted, Khushi. Are you ok now?" He asked again.

Remembering what he had said last before the shock had hit her, her eyes widened.

"I can't be. I mean I am…" Khushi started.

"Your Amma is my maasi, and that makes you my cousin, my sister. What is not possible about this?" Arnav explained.

"I would tell you if can listen to someone before you get on your high horse and ride away Mr Raizada." Khushi sat up with her legs folded under her, hands on her hips and scowled at him.

"What's there to explain." Arnav insisted.

"There you go again. Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. Hear this and hear it well. You are not always right. Get it." Khushi accused.

"Who do you think you are to tell me, what i should and should not be doing? The fact is Garima Raizada Gupta is your mother and She is also my mother's twin sister. So our relationship cannot happen other than of course us being brother and sister. Now tell me if i am wrong." Arnav mimicked her stance and frowned at her.

"The fact is incomplete. She is my Amma but not my biological mother. Get it, Mr Dimwit Raizada?" She glowered with glee.

"She has never told me more than the fact that I am adopted but yes she is not my mother and you are not my brother." Khushi finished with finality.

Arnav slumped back in relief.

He did not know if he was happy or sad. He now had to get to the bottom of this. He had to talk to Garima Gupta about how she came to get Khushi as his daughter. What if Khushi was wrong. He could not handle a shock bigger than this.

He got up and gave his hand to Khushi to help her up who refused to take the hand and got up on her own.

He said, "Lets go to your mother. I want to talk to her. I need to know from her that this is true."

"Why?" Khushi asked.

"Because if you are not my sister, I…" Arnav stopped.

"It does not matter anymore Arnav Singh Raizada, you are engaged to be married. Congratulations. I hope I never see you again." And with that Khushi turned around and walked towards the door.

Now it was Arnav who came in-between the door and her, blocking her way.

"Arnav, please let me go." Khushi tried to reason with him

"No, not now, not ever." Arnav proclaimed.

"Ha! nice one. Who the hell do you think you are? Jab mann aaya, paas bula liya, jab mann aaya door kar diya? Tum ne jo socha, samjha apne hisaab se kiya. Mein bhi wahi kar rahi hoon. Toh mera raasta choro." Khushi retaliated.

"Khushi, what we have is wonderful. I know I lost my head when I saw your mother. I know but you can't leave like this. What about us?" he argued.


"What about us? There was no us and there will be no us. Do you even think about anyone else other than yourself? What about Lavanya? What are you going to tell your fiancee of one day that suddenly you have changed your mind? That suddenly you have fallen out of love with her? What about society?" She countered.

"I don't care about society." Arnav was not letting it go.

"But I do. I care that there is a woman who happens to be my friend too, who has agreed to marry you. You need to be committed to her rather than trying to …." Khushi spread her hands in an impotent gesture.

"Arnav, there is nothing left for us. You and I are not meant to be." Khushi then moved towards the door expecting him to move but he suddenly pulled her into his arms, turned her around and kissed her.

And everything tilted. Khushi felt herself melt with the onslaught of emotions that assailed her. And she kissed him back. She kissed him as if her life depended on it. She ran her fingers through his hair as he deepened the kiss and plundered her mouth as if it held the treasures he sought.

She whimpered her joy as he murmured how much he craved her, how much he wanted her. Arnav lifted her in his arms and carried to the couch to lay her down as he kissed her face, her eyes, her nose, her temple in feather light kisses that increased her desire rather than assuaging it.

He kissed her lips again, taking them gently this time to drink in her delicious taste, to feel their softness and asked her softly, "And this? Is this not meant Khushi? Do you think there is nothing left between us?" He slowly moved away to smile at her in victory.

Recovering from his assault on her senses, Khushi stared at him and then slapped him.




Chapter 17


Arnav's jaw worked and his hands clenched in tight fist as he resisted to punish her for her folly in manner he knew would get the best reaction out of her.

"Now you stay away from me and don't try to get in touch with me ever again. I don't want to see your sorry face." with that Khushi stormed out of the door.

Arnav mulled over what had transpired here. She was not immune to him that much was obvious. Their kiss ha fire that seemed to burn them right to their souls.

Why did she want to deny this? How could she deny this? How could she walk away?


It had been three weeks since she had walked away and he had never gone back to Lucknow, for memories of her had been too much to live with.

He knew world did not stop if you lost your love but his world had come to a stand still.

How was it that a chance meeting with someone could change your whole life even point of view?

But world around was hectic.

He had been a coward. He never did tell anything to Lavanya because his sister and Naani seemed extremely happy with his upcoming wedding. It was only a week away.

Yet there was nothing he felt. He knew he just had to probably work through this marriage for a few months. But he did not feel right. Why loving her had changed things for him so much?

He had also been waiting for something. Something important that would help him work things out. It was not fair that the investigation was taking so long. But old records were hard to find and he could not confront the one person who did know everything.

He had wanted to ask his Naani about his mother's twin. But never in the house were two things discussed the Mallicks and Maasi. Naani had made those rules years ago. No one was to rake up old wounds.

So he had done the next best thing. Got investigators to dig into Khushi Kumari Gupta and Garima Raizada.

He had gotten a call from them today and was waiting for the report.

He was in his favorite place in the Raizada Mansion. The terrace garden outside his room with a pond and trees that he loved to prune and pamper. One thing that had kept him sane through out his life. Gardening. It calmed him down. Allowed him to think.

Arnav Singh Raizada today was going to open wounds, old wounds that would bleed and burn his soul but he had to do this. He had to face his past then perhaps he could build on a future. What future? he scoffed. There was no future if Khushi did not figure in it.

He was cutting the thorns out of the rose bush as he let his mind wander into his past to the day when everything around him crumbled. His home, the life as he knew it changed. Completely.

He had been so happy to see Anjali's upcoming wedding. Everyone was happy. Mallicks were one of the affluent families of Lucknow and the marriage of their daughter to family of Bakshi who were one of the royals in Lucknow with the title conferred upon them by the Mughals. Mr Jorawar Bakshi was a proud man who had wanted to merge the two families as they were one of the biggest business houses in the City.

The alliance was mutually beneficial and agreeable. The Mallicks and the Bakshi's would then become a force to reckon with in textile industry in whole of Uttar Pradesh. A lavish function that would last for a week was planned.

But on the day of wedding things had gone wrong. First, his father and his chachaji had fought and his father had collapsed. The empire of the Mallicks was no more in control of Mr Taksheel Mallick, the elder of the clan and Arnav's father but now his brother through chicanery had gotten the control and had sold of the shares to a rival Mr Veer Bhadra Chaudhri.

The wedding which was then to be a merger had dissolved as there was no empire to speak of. His mother had shot herself as it was because of her that the brother had swindled the shares in his name and her guilt had killed her before she had even shot herself.

And all this had happened because of her, one woman who had ruined the family. Tanirika. His Chachaji's secretary and mistress. He had been swayed by her beauty and she had taken the  money and fled leaving even his Chachaji. Served him right.

Chachaji on her insistence had thrown him and his sister out of the house, their home. His parents death on the same day had given a blow to the kids and more was to come in the next few days when they were not given food or drinks. They were not allowed to mourn their parents and were abused verbally by Tanirika who had moved into the house. Even before thirteen days were over, they were thrown out of the house and it was Naani who had taken them to Delhi, changed their names to escape notoriety and raised them in a low profile manner.

He had been sent to boarding school so that he could study undisturbed while Anjali had helped Naani with her business. The fifteen year old Arnav had then lost his smile, his trust and his ability to feel for anyone other than his sister and be grateful to the matriarch who had sustained them through the tough time. Arnav had worked had and gotten into the business of AR Designs which his Naani had established in his mother's name.

Nine years of pain which he chose to remember was what shaped Arnav Singh Raizada. He had chosen to remember the betrayal, the humiliation and the loss every day of his life so that he would never make a mistake of falling in love and be swayed by emotions that would ruin him and his family. Arnav Singh Raizada had now done the ultimate mistake. He had fallen in love.

Trying to shake off her memory, he pricked himself with a thorn. As blood formed as a reminder of his wound, he knew Khushi was someone he would never have to be reminded of. She was in his being. And the report will determine how he was going to deal with it.

As soon as the report came, Arnav leafed through it searching for the connection to Garima and Khushi's mother. However, the only thing that came up was that Garima had adopted her as the orphanage that she had been regularly working at as a volunteer was shutting down and only one girl who did not seem to get any home was left with the Orphanage. In order to help, Garima had taken the child home and raise her as her own. The paperwork pointed to that.

Just when he was about to close the file, there seemed a birth certificate in the end. Curious to see if there was the name of her biological mother.

The name that he never expected to see was printed in black - TANIRIKA.





Chapter 18


His mind whirled. No. This was the ultimate betrayal. His heart had betrayed him too. He could not have fallen for one woman who should be bearing the brunt of his hatred. Who was Khushi Kumari Gupta? His heart's desire or what his heart should be shunning as she was part of someone he hated with his guts. He had been too young at the time to kill Tanirika. But today, he had Khushi Kumari Gupta to vent his hatred out at. He was going to subject Khushi to what should have been the fate of the likes of Tanirika.

About to throw the file, he saw a report added on Tanirika and how she had betrayed the man whom she had married and borne a child named Khushi and left them to be a mistress of a wealthy royalty of Lucknow called Mr Samar Chand Mallick, his Chachaji. The father had died in a car accident and Khushi was taken to an Orphanage by a neighbour where she had spent four years before finding home with Garima at age twelve.

He realised Khushi was not at fault but he would only see the woman's face in Khushi now, the object of his hatred and he knew now what he had to do. Khushi Kumari Gupta was part of his past that he would never want to encounter.

He then made up his mind. He was going to move on with his life. He was going to stick with his decision. He was going to put Khushi in the drawer never to be opened just like the file on her. He promptly went to his study and opened the safe to put the file in there and shut it close with a resound bang to put an end to a chapter in his life.



Khushi had not heard from Arnav and she thought good riddance. He was better to be put away in farthest corner of her mind and concentrated on the job she had to do and move on. She had congratulated Lavanya but had gotten the strangest looks from her. She had been invited to the wedding almost two weeks back and was mulling if she should go or not. Lavanya had become a friend and a colleague who now fielded her from Boss. She hardly ever heard about Arnav or what he was doing from Lavanya other than in relation to the wedding preparation which was minimal.

To Khushi it looked like Lavanya was going through the motions herself and was overwhelmed with the whole wedding. But work seemed to be going smoothly and the biggest relief was that there was no sign of Arnav in Lucknow. Lavanya told her one evening that the designs that she had made had been submitted for the upcoming World Wearable Art Awards organised by FDIC and the function was to be held in Delhi.

Khushi was elated and dreaded the event at the same time, for she might encounter Arnav. But it seemed the Event was in three weeks and at the time both Lavanya and Arnav would be on their honeymoon so she would be going to the event with either Anjali and her husband or another senior in the company.

One day last week she had come home to find hectic activities going on in the house. It had been two weeks and three days since her fight with Arnav not that she was counting but there had been nothing that had lifted her listless spirit and the activity was probably the diversion she did need after all.

She went to find a dignified lady in elegant beige sari, silver hair that did not just speak of age but wisdom. Huge diamond studs in her ears spoke of wealth that was part of heritage and a sapphire ring on her ring finger that was the only color that did not match with the rest of her but showed a spark where there seemed only neutral tones.

An autocratic lady who seemed to sit ramrod straight in their not so plush sofa with folded hands in her lap and Amma and Babuji sitting at her knees.

Looking at the scene, Khushi frowned at the absurdity. Payal was scuttling around like a headless chicken not wanting to be caught but the calm chaos go to Khushi instantly.

She went up the lady and said, "Namaste, mein Khushi Kumari Gupta."

The lady nodded and then looked at her Amma.

Garima then said, "Ye Khushi hai, hamari choti bitiya, Amma."


"Amma?" Khushi's mind screamed. Amma called the lady Amma? Who was she? she looked quizzically from one another and then questioned her Babuji silently. He just bowed his head to give a sign as if to patience and Khushi went and sat in a chair was at right angle to the lady and observed her.

"Mein, Naani hoon, tumhari naani. Smt. Nirmala Devi. Garima meri beti hai."

Puzzled Khushi again looked from her to her Amma and frowned. She saw her mother's red eyes and the way her Babuji had placed a placating hand on her shoulder.

Where was she all these years? Why had Amma never mentioned she had a mother alive and from the looks of it very wealthy for there was a car outside which she would have worried for, incase it got a dent in their small street.

Not wanting to start the barrage of questions, she went into the kitchen excusing herself and cornered her sister.

"Jiji, ye Nirmala Devi, Naani hain hamari? Toh ab tak kahan thi?" Khushi asked anxiously.

"Woh mein baad mein batati hoon, abhi mujhe unke liye kuch banana hai. Tu hut raaste se."

It was Buaji who came to the rescue for her disturbed mind. She said, "Nirmala Devi, Raizada khandaan se hain. Unhone apni beti ki shaadi apne hisaab se tayy kar di thi par tumri Amma aur hamar Babua dono ek doosre ko chahat rahin jab oo ihyan aayat rahin ischool ki chuttiyan maa. Oke Mahal maa hamre Chachaji mali rahin aur, Shasi Babua uke madad karne chuttiyan mein jawat rahin. Duyee jan ma pyar hui gawah aur jab Garima kis saadi pakki hui toh oo bhag kar aaye gayee Shasi ke saath Delhi se ihyaan. Tab se, tohar Naani Lucknow chorr chaadd ke Delhi maa rahat rahin aur, apni bitiya se rishta bhi todd layee. Ab aayee hain, sulaah kar khatir. Hai re Nand Kisore, Ka jaane ab kaa chahat hai. Garima bitiya toh jab se roh roh ke apna bura haal karat rahi. Uh toh Sasi babua sambhal payo hai abhai. Jaa tu jaa apne kamre maa." Buaji shooed her away.

Her "Naani" left after couple of hours and she learnt that her mother was very happy to have finally buried the hatchet with her mother. She had learnt that her twin sister had passed away and had left two children behind whom she had met when they were very young. It seemed the daughter was married and the son was getting married now. And it was the son who had found out about her and arranged for this meeting.

Garima said, "woh uss din aaya tha na idhar, Arn…"

Not wanting to hear his name she just got up and went to her room. Payal asked if everything was alright in their nightly session sitting next to her on her bed. Of late Khushi had pretended to be asleep by the time her sister had had her shower and came to the bed. But today, Payal had come to sit next to her lying form and shaken her to ask if she was already asleep. Not wanting to be too obvious, she had gotten up and sat with arms wrapped around her knees and nodded.

"Naaniji, bol rahi thi wahan Delhi mein hamare bhai ki shaadi hai aur usme hamein jaana hai." Payal shared the news.

Khushi's head jerked up and said, "Woh mera bhai nahi hai. Aur mujhe kisiki shaadi mein nahi jaana."

"Tujhe kya hua hai? Jab se Naaniji aake gaayee hain, teri toh hawaiyaan udd gayee hai. Ab bol rahi hai Arnav apna bhai nahi hai toh phir kaun hai woh?"

"Woh aapka bhai hai Jiji, mera nahin. Mein Arnav Singh Raizada se koi rishta nahi rakhna chahti. Bas bol diya toh bol diya." Khushi then put her head back on the pillow, turned her back to her sister and switched off the night lamp on her stand.

Payal tutting at the vehemency of her tone crossed over to her bed and slept. Payal knew that her boss who now happened to be their relative had always rubbed Khushi the wrong way, but to deny any relation with him was not in Khushi's nature. She wondered what had happened between them for her sister to be so adamant. She decided she would tackle that situation a little later.

It had been a week since her Naaniji had come and made peace with her daughter and now her mother seemed very happy to be part of a family again and they were to go to the wedding ceremony in Delhi which was a week's affair. Khushi had tried to get out of it pleading the upcoming event but had been vetoed by Buaji and her Babuji and now they were all leaving for Delhi in the afternoon.

On reaching she had found the same driver that had picked her up the first time waiting for them and on recognising her had come forward to take their bags. They were informed on the way by him that they were to be put up in the Raizada Mansion itself. Once there, her family seemed to be struck by the grandeur of the place including her. She had not seen a more magnificent structure than this in her life despite living in architectural wonder called Lucknow.

The grey stone building looked like a fortress with creepers on the walls giving it a less harsh or sterile look. The vast stone archway leading to the steps that were made of marble were glistening. She gaped as the huge doors were thrown open by two man servants from inside as they had gotten out and were waiting in dignified stance on the side of each door with bowed head in a welcome.

About to step in, Anjali and Naani came with a thali to welcome the daughter of the house with an aarti and rice confetti. Anjali gave Khushi a warm hug of welcome and told her it was lovely to know that she not just worked for them but now they were related. Khushi opened her mouth to say that she was not when Payal elbowed her. Glaring at her sister she walked into the house dreading any moment to come face to face with Arnav.

She gave a mental sigh of relief when in conversation, Anjali mentioned that Arnav was busy at office and often worked late due to the upcoming wedding. Though he had been given directive by Naani to stop work from tomorrow as the Pooja starts then, Arnav who did not believe in rituals was going to the office till the eve of his wedding day. Lavanya had been put up in the Guest House, as her family is from Chandigarh and they have been given the place for their exclusive use.

Khushi was about to ask if she could go and be with Lavanya and help her with the wedding when Anjali informed that Arnav was also not following the tradition of not visiting the bride after the haldi ceremony which was the day after.

Khushi stuck with staying here under the same roof as Arnav was busy devising ways to escape meeting Arnav when she wandered to the upstairs terrace garden and was enthralled by the rose bushes. She was about to pick a rose when a voice from behind distracted her and a thorn pricked her.

Yelping, she turned around to find Arnav standing in front of and say, "Khushi,"

Before she could react, he stepped closer took her index finger that had been hurt and he put it in his mouth.




Chapter 19


Shocked at his spontaneous gesture, Khushi tried to pull her hand away and felt his teeth graze the wound and she winced with pain as well as sweet awareness that started deep with her and she melted. She moaned without being aware of it.

"Does it hurt too much," Arnav asked softly removing the finger from his mouth but his breath was fanning it still as he spoke.

Khushi sighed and shook her head. But looking into eyes was a mistake. She knew it the second their eyes met. She read something there. Longing and something else. He stared at her and then suddenly pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Roughly, almost as if he was punishing her for staying away from him for so long. As if he had…. missed her. The thought popped into her head.

Arnav gathered her into his arms and devoured her. He deepened the kiss and held her head with his hands firmly yet with tenderness which belied his demanding kiss. Khushi whimpered and he became a little gentle. But khushi did not want any of that so she bit lightly on his lip and gave him back as good as she got.

"Vixen," he muttered before capturing her mouth again and kissing her till she saw stars. He picked her up and took her into his bedroom beyond. He laid her on the bed and removed his t-shirt quickly and threw it away without looking where it landed. He sat next to her on the bed, took one of her hand and put it on the chest. Instinctively, Khushi ran her fingers on the hard muscles and felt them quiver under her touch. Arnav gathered her and muttered, "You drive me crazy."

But suddenly she felt him stiffen. He got up disengaging himself. He turned to look for the t-shirt he had thrown, found it on the ground and picked up and put it back.

He turned with a blank expression and said, "You had better leave."

Khushi reddened. She scrambled out of the bed and felt used. With tears threatening to spill over she ran out of the room back into the terrace and gulped air into her lungs to stop herself from crying.

She was about to go turn to go down the stairs when she heard someone behind her.

"Hi! I am Aakaash. Who are you? Have you seen Arnav?" As he came onto the terrace. Khushi brushed her eyes with her hands to get rid of the telltale sign of tears, pasted a smile and said, "Hi! I am Khushi. Ar…he is in there." she supplied then added, "excuse me." and went the way Aakash had come.



Arnav fisted his hands and smacked one on the wall. He needed the pain to remind himself that she was Khushi, Tanirika's daughter. But seeing her after so many weeks had short circuited his brains.

Nursing his fist with the other hand, he scowled at himself when he heard a familiar voice at the sliding doors that opened to the terrace, "Saale! apne bedroom kyon chuppa hai? yaaron ko welcome karne airport nahi toh darwaze tak toh aa jaata."


Arnav shocked at himself for forgetting to pick up his friend from college gave a lopsided grin and said, "Yaar! I am sorry. I was busy… and it slipped my mind…"

"O Teri! Arnav Singh Raizada aur sorry? Bhai ab toh maanana padega, tujhe sachchi pyar ho hi gaya." he ribbed.

"Meine atleast paanch baar tera invitation padha, ki Arnav shaadi kar raha hai. I had missed the announcement in the papers, was out of country." Aakash slapped his friend's shoulder and gave him a hug.

"Congrats! Yaar, I am so happy for you. Ab bata, Bhabhi se kab milwa raha hai?" Aakash asked.

Suddenly Khushi's image flashed before his eyes. Arnav shook his head and said, "Jald."






Chapter 20


Aakash looked at his friend, who was always a person who spoke the least but he probably had the most expressive eyes and even he did not know that. He felt there was something troubling him but if quizzed, the guy could clam up worse than security at Fort Knox.

He instead decided to try another tactic.

"Arre i saw a pretty girl in your terrace, kya woh teri saali hai?" he tried.

"No, Lavanya does not have sisters." Arnav evaded.

"Chalo na teri gharwaali, na aadhi…toh apna toh poora chance hai, hai na?" He ribbed.

Arnav scowled in response.

"Hmm!" Aakash murmured. "Saale! ab toh bolna shuru kar de, Bhabhi ke saath bolta bhi hai ya sirf apne cartoon face banata hai." Aakash changed topic for he knew his friend had gone passive aggressive on him

Arnav gave a smile.

Ah! Aakash wondered now that was cryptic.

But then why was he feeling like a sleuth suddenly? He had come to enjoy his friend's wedding and not find out meaning behind the expressions of Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. So, he just pulled him out on the terrace and both sat as tea and some pakoras appeared for them.

At dinner Aakash was introduced to Payal, Khushi and rest of her family. He was stunned that Arnav had not told him she was his sister, may be the protective brother mode had set in. But he used to always tease Anjali Di as his girlfriend since college and Arnav had never taken exception to that.

Something was brewing here which he needed to find out. Oh well! not right now. He had found himself beside one pretty lady and sitting opposite another who was probably the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. And when she laughed it was exact sound of her name, Payal.

He had started a banter with Khushi so that perhaps he would create a rapport enough to get some information on a shy girl who seemed to enjoy testing her flexibility by tucking her chin in her chest.

He had yet to see someone who epitomized simplicity and grace. "Boy! he was in trouble." Aakash thought to himself.

Khushi to him was a riot, her infectious laugh was distracting and fun and he hit it off with her almost immediately. He knew he was going to enjoy this wedding for sure. The quirks of Khushi were enjoyable, her one liners were so funny by the time the dinner was over and they were in the study having dessert, Aakash knew, this girl was a special person. She knew how to spread love and laughter.

Khushi had seen the way Aakash had looked at her sister and then he had unabashedly quizzed her about Payal. She had after dinner in the study introduced them and now Payal and Aakash had gone for a stroll in the gardens. Feeling at a loose end, she had decided to go to her room when about to enter, a hand had caught her wrist and pulled her into the alcove that lead to an upstairs balcony.

About to scream, she felt a hand go on her mouth and Arnav say, "Don't scream, I am not going to hurt you."

Khushi stiffened yet was relieved in some part to know that it was not someone unknown.

She tried to pry his hand from her mouth with hers but touching him sent a frisson of awareness she knew only he could bring within her and she just stared at him in the semi darkness.He hand stayed on his.

He whispered, "what the hell are you up to?"

Khushi questioned with her eyes, "What?"

He slowly took his hands off her mouth so that she could speak.

"What do you mean," she asked in hushed tones not understanding.

"What is with you, now you are after my friend, one minute you kiss me like you can't get enough of me and the next you go and… If you are so wanting to… i can oblige…" He uttered throatily and before she could defend herself, he took her mouth in a bruising kiss.

She whimpered trying to break it but he held her hands and pinned her to the wall. He crushed her lips with his and punished her as if she had committed a crime.

Khushi held herself rigid as he wrought havoc on her lips. She managed to hold on to her instincts of melting as long as he was rough but suddenly the kiss changed. His lips became softer, his tongue sought rather than demanded a response and Khushi sighed and opened her mouth and Arnav deepened the kiss by plundering her lips hungrily, as if the taste of her was what he sought. His arms released her and furled around her to gather her completely. Khushi's arms automatically wound themselves around his neck, finding an anchor in his hair. He fingers toyed with his hair as she lifted herself on her toes to reach him. Arnav picked her up and indicated her to wind her legs around his hips.

He then moved to kiss her throat sliding his tongue from her base of her ear to her throat and nipped her pulse point. Khushi groaned arching her back into him and felt his desire hardened against her stomach. Arnav ground his hips into her to let her know in no uncertain terms what she did to him. His one hand crept below her kurta and reached up to her breast nestled in a lacy bra. He brushed his thumb over her hardened nipple and said, "Khushi,"

Khushi in response could only throw her head back and whisper, "Yes…"

Arnav kissed the top of breast and then not finding it satisfying enough, he took her mouth once again in a kiss that blew her mind away. Arnav kissed her till her senses were reeling, all sense of space and time had evaporated and the only thing she could feel was them, enveloped in each others arms.

About to give herself totally and ask him to take this to its natural conclusion, she felt Arnav stop.

Confused at what made him stop, she looked at him frowningly.

Suddenly he let her got, put her on her feet and straightened. About to ask what had just happened, she heard him sneer, "You remember this, when you want to seduce another unsuspecting man…"

Khushi's hand flew to hit his face but he caught it and said, "No, not this time Khushi…. This time I know what you are and I know how you want to be treated."

With that he melted into the semi darkness and Khushi was left panting, to gather her wits and her senses at what had just transpired.

She just sank onto the floor, put her arms around her knees and sobbed.




Chapter 21


The next morning saw Khushi woken up very early as the puja for the Ganesh Sthapana and Grah Shanti was scheduled for eight and loads of arrangements were happening. The first of the rituals for the wedding was under way with this Puja and in the afternoon a hawan was scheduled.


Khushi had hardly slept and her eyes were swollen from the tears that she had shed. She had berated herself for having succumbed to Arnav. She could not forgive herself and could not fathom why he had uttered those vile words. He had practically called her a… she could not even think of the word.

She decided she was going to avoid him as much as possible but when he was the center of attraction, avoiding him was going to be tad bit difficult. She would try and get involved in the arrangements so she would not be anywhere near him.

The Puja saw him wearing a dhoti and janeo (the sacred thread that brahmins wore around their torso), a must before such pooja for a brahmin. He looked a virile man in a saffron colored Dhoti and a tilak adorning his forehead. She could take her eyes off of him. The bare torso was running havoc with her senses and she found every pretext she could to be bringing fruits and other ingredients required during Pooja from the kitchen  to escape the bombardment of hormones within her.

She repudiated herself for such behaviour. In one of those expeditions near the end of the Puja found her colliding into Aakash who had also come to fetch another plate of flowers.

She dropped the coconut she was carrying on her toe and yelped. She had sunk on to the floor, to hold her foot when Aakash had knelt as well and had caught her foot in his hand and was running tender fingers on the soreness that had developed on her toe and she could not stop herself from wincing.

Aakash had looked at her and shrugged his shoulders before picking her up and taking her onto the divan in the other room. He settled her on it and gotten one of the servants to get him some ice and asked him to give the ingredient that was required. Khushi had tried to stop him from picking her up as they were in full view of the people who were gathered around in the room. She saw Arnav's eyes narrow and knew he had come to some wrong conclusion.

Despite her protests Aakash sat on the floor and nursed her foot. He even joked lightly near her ears, "Bhai, thora saali… i mean future saali sahiba ka dhyan toh rakhna padega na…"

Khushi erupted into laughter and the pain was forgotten. She slapped a hand on his shoulder in mock reprimand and smiled.

"Ye hui na baat… chalo ab dard yoon gayab kar detein hai…."and he blew a kiss on the toe.

Khushi saw from the corner of her eye that Arnav had not missed any of that. She did not know why Arnav was mad at her for being friendly with his friend when surely he was marrying someone and there was nothing between them, for her to not enjoy herself if nothing else.

She could not for a minute think that Arnav could be jealous of his own friend. She gave a mirthless laugh at that thought.

Aakash quizzed her silently with a raise of his head and she just shook her head in denial of anything important.

Payal had then come to check on her and Aakash had suddenly gotten up and gone. Her sister had also avoided looking at Aakash and taken a hobbling Khushi to her room to rest for she would not be able to do much anyway with a stubbed toe for at least sometime.


In the afternoon, she ventured downstairs as she felt better and was able to put weight on her foot without her toe hurting. She reached near the courtyard and saw the hawan was progressing. The holy was burning with smoke bellowing out of it proclaiming the fire that will burn all evils and the marriage will be a bright and happy. She sat near the corner so that she won't have to see Arnav for too long and there were throngs of people before her that obstructed her view. But his voice echoed with confidence. Each word he repeated after the Pujari was spoken with emphasis.

She had lulled herself into a daydream filled with his voice echoing deep within her. Suddenly she heard a gasp and she heard her name. Waking herself from the daydream she realised people had turned and looked at her. Wondering at what had just happened. She heard someone murmur. "Ye kya bol diya Arnav baba ne?"

Puzzled at the looks and the gaped mouths, she caught her sister's eyes and signed her confusion, when she saw her get up and come towards her. She put a hand to her elbow and took her inside.

"Kya hua Jiji, kyoon aap mujhe andar le aayeein?" Khushi asked for explanation.

"Tu bas chup chap chal pehle yahan se…phir samjhaati hoon." Payal literally dragged a reluctant Khushi.

Once upstairs, Khushi removed her arm from Payal's grip and asked, "bataiye bhi Jiji, kya hua wahan?"

"Khushi tu bann toh nahi rahi hai na? tune suna nahi?" Payal asked her in return.

"Arre Jiji, suna hota ho poochti kyon?" Khushi faced her sister with hands on her hips, now really getting annoyed.

"Woh.. Arnav ne, jab pujariji ne uski dulhan ka naam poocha toh tera naam le liya…" Payal revealed haltingly

"Kyaaaaaa?" Khushi sputtered.


"Woh… Kya ho raha hai tum dono ke beech?" Payal asked.

"Kuch bhi toh nahin Jiji…" Khushi evaded.


Just then Aakash came up running to them then said, "Khushi tumhein Naaniji bula rahi hai."

Khushi totally aghast at the situation, just stood there with her mouth open. What was happening here?


All three of them entered the study and found Arnav standing near the window looking out, Naani standing ramrod straight near huge oak desk with Anjali and Shyam next to her. Her parents were standing near the bookshelves murmuring to themselves.

Nani then asked, "Ye iss ghar mein kya ho raha hai? Ye shaadi tum kyon kar rahe ho Arnav?"

Arnav did not turn around.

It was Anjali who started explaining, "Hum sab jaante hain Khushi tumhari behen nahi hai, agar tumhein iss baat se chinta hai ki samajh kya bolega toh iski fikar mat karo."

Nani then announced, "Lavanya se shaadi nahi hogi tumhari, Chote. Khushi ki ijjat ka sawaal hai. Tum Khushi se shaadi karoge."

Khushi on hearing this stiffened. She opened her mouth and heard at the same time Arnav say the same word as she did, "NO!"





Chapter 22



Nani bristled, "Kya matlab hai aapka ki aap shaadi nahi kareinge? Aapko pata hai saare rishtedaar ka keh rahe hain. Sabko ab batana pade ki aap dono bhai bahen naahi hai. Aap ne ek naam lekar iss khaandaan ki ijjat par ungliyaan uthaayee hai."

"Naani aisa kuch nahi hua hai. Khushi meri behen nahi hai. Aur woh aap sabko bata dijiye. Par mujhe Khushi se shaadi nahi karni." Arnav interrupted.

"Toh aap uska naam kyon liye rahein?" Nani persisted

Arnav turned away and Khushi colored. Anjali and Shyam caught the telltale blush and knew that there was something in between these two and they were not admitting. May be they thought Aakash would know what is happening.

Khushi then joined in to add to Arnav's argument. "Naniji, mujhe bhi Arnav se shaadi nahi karni. Mujhe koi farak nahi padta agar unhone kisi kaaran se mera naam le liya par hamare beech aisa kuch nahi hai jo aapko chinta karni chahiye. Ye shaadi jaisi hai waise hi rehne dijiye. Mein yahan se chali jaati hoon. Woh shayad sabke liye theek hoga." She announced and saw Arnav turn and glare at her.

Now what had she done she wondered silently to get those looks from him.

The family looked at her. Naani was about to argue when Arnav added, "Theek toh keh rahi Khushi." And he gave her a glance and saw surprise there."Humein shaadi nahi karni, aur aap Khushi ki chinta kar rahi hain, Lavanya se kya kaheinge ki ek galat naam lene se shaadi tod di aapne? Uski izzat ke baare mein bhi toh sochna hai." He added with finality.

Nani knowing her grandson did not argue further for the look on his face told her that he had come to a conclusion and no one was going to move him

Nani advised the family and his friend to keep a low key about the incident and let the festivities be normal or may be they should have more verve in it.

The next day was the Mehndi and she wanted everyone to enjoy and not feel the fiasco had impacted the situation.

Khushi unhappy with the whole outcome was about to leave when Aakash came over to her and put a placating arm on her shoulder. Khushi noticed Arnav give them one scathing look but she chose to ignore it and went out with Aakash and Payal who were being very supportive.

Arnav felt his friend had just ditched him by taking her side. He was not going to let her get away with this. How dared she steal everything from him? She had taken his respect in the family with that slip of tongue. It was all because of her. If only she had never come into his life. Why did fate bring her in front of him all the time he cursed?


He slept fitfully waking in the wee hours. He went onto the terrace and pottered around with his plants but found no solace and watched desolately the sun spread its warmth and light onto another beautiful day but there seemed a coldness around his heart that now seemed permanent.

He went down to the kitchen to make some coffee for himself and found Khushi making jalebis, a smudge of batter on her cheek. He clenched his hands as he was tempted to remove it but just pointed to it. She blatantly ignored him and continued to make jalebis at a furious pace. He wondered what had gotten into her to be making jalebis so early in the morning when Payal spoke from behind him.

"Ab kis baat ka itna gussa hai jo jalebiyan bana rahi hai Khushi. Tu soyee nahi kya?"

Khushi simply glared at her sister without answering. Not wanting to know more, Arnav just left the kitchen. He wondered if Khushi had slept because she had perhaps been disturbed by the turn of events in the day but dismissed as being fanciful remorse on his side. He was sure Khushi had other things to occupy her now that she had attention from his friend. His blood boiled at the thought and he turned back around to get his point in but then let it ride.

He got ready to go to office and Aakash was going with him so that they could finish work and go to the designer and get the final fitting of his wedding outfit done. He got ready and waited for Aakash to finish breakfast in his study as he did not want to confront Khushi in front of everyone. The less he saw of her the better.

Aakash came in with some jalebis on a napkin and praised in between bites, "Did you know Khushi made these delicious jalebis, here have some."

Arnav grumbled, "No, I dont like jalebis."

"Saale Jhoote! College mein to hum Chandubhai ki halwai se hamesha lekar khaate the. This beats those anyday. She is a fabulous cook." Aakash argued.

Arnav rolled his eyes and took one. The trickle of sugar syrup in his mouth was warm just like her lips had been. He closed his eyes to savor the memory of those honeyed lips as he ate a cruchy piece of Jalebi.

"Hmmm!" he made a sound of satisfaction involuntarily and then his eyes flew open as he surprised himself.

Aakash pounced, "Dekha! Saale pehle se manaa kar deta hai… jaise tune shaadi ke liye kaha… kya pata, isme shayad bhagwan ki marzi ho isiliye tune uska naam liya tha. Waise tune uska naam kyon liya?"

Arnav suddenly uncomfortable, countered, "Ab chalein, mujhe office ke liye deri ho rahi hai."


Khushi knew the minute Arnav had left house. She felt as her tensed muscles relaxed a bit, the air seemed less oppressive to her. His presence always made her feel more aware of her surrounding, more aware of herself and she had not liked that feeling.

Happy to be helping now with the Mehndi preparation. She helped Anjali and her Mom in making the thaal with mehndi and shagun from the boy's house for Lavanya. The mehndi that the bride would apply on her hand for the wedding was to be sent from the groom's house. She was spooning it in the silver bowl from the larger bowl and looked up when Payal asked her something, a dollop of mehndi fell on her palm. Startled, she dropped the spoon in the bowl and was about to wipe when Anjali said, "Nahi! Nahi! Shagun ki mehndi ko nahi nikaalte, apshakun hota hai."

Khushi stunned at such logic just shook her head but complied when her mother told her not to do anything. She finished preparing the Thaal and the driver was to deliver it to her house when she offered to go and do it with Payal.

Nani happy at the suggestion, Khushi and Payal left for Lavanya's. They were advised to come back quickly as they had to apply mehndi as well and to remind the Kashyap family to be there on time for the Sangeet ceremony the next day.

Once at the Guest house, Khushi felt a little awkward to meet Lavanya especially after the interlude with Arnav the other night. Lavanya was surprised to see them. She asked, "Arre Khushi, you here?"


"Woh hum Arnav ke yahan se aaye hain, Mein Payal. Arnav mere maasi ka beta hai. Humein kuch samay pehle hi pata chala, toh hum shaadi mein aaye hain. Aapki mehndi lekar aaye hain." Payal introduced herself and explained. Khushi for some reason was totally silent.

"Kya Khushi, tum Arnav ki behen ho?" Lavanya exclaimed.




Chapter 23


"Nahi, Nahi, Khushi nahi, hum hain. Khushi hamari sagi behen nahi hai na. Par …woh sab jaane dijiye… kaisi chal rahi hai taiyyariyan?" Payal explained and changed the subject.

Khushi felt Lavanya look at her for a long moment before she said, "Sab theek hi chal raha hai. Bas ab hum mehndi ka shagun karne se pehle, designer ke paas jaa rahe hain apna lehenga try karne ki koi alteration ki jaroorat toh nahi. Woh last sitting mein Blouse bahut chota ho gaya tha toh thora lamba karwaya hai." She laughed and added, "Waise koi farak nahi padta….kyon ki…Arnav toh waise bhi..kuch notice nahi karta… par apni…" she then stopped as Khushi looked at her quizzically.

She had a different experience from what Lavanya had just said. She recalled how when they had gathered for dinner the other night, he had looked her up and down and the way his eyes had rested on the wooden buttons up front and while kissing her murmured how he had wanted to open them up the minute he had laid eyes on them and had found it torturous to see them. He had fingered them.

Khushi jolted back to the present wondering when was she going to stop behaving like this, that too in front of his bride to be. She felt as if she was losing her mind.

She tuned in back to the conversation to realise that Payal had agreed to something. Before she realised, they were settling in the car to go to the designer. Once there, Khushi helped Lavanya in deciding if she liked the length of the blouse. Payal had teased her and told, "Arre aap length ki fikar kar rahi hai…mein ye soch rahi hoon…itne saare buttons…kya hamare bhai…handle kar paayenge ya…phir…"

But stopped as Khushi pinched her. "Kya hai…. thora toh hamari hone waali bhabhi ko tease karne do…" Payal persisted and saw Lavanya blush.

About to leave the posh mall in which the boutique was situated, they ran into Arnav and Aakash. It was Payal's soft "Aakash" that had drawn her attention as she had been lost in her thoughts. Lavanya and Payal had gone forward to meet them while Khushi had hung back.

It was Aakash's voice which had made her turn around. But eyes had straight gone to Arnav who was frowning at her. Lifting her chin up as if to convey that this meeting was not her doing, she walked up slowly towards them to catch the tail end of the conversation that was about them having lunch together as after tomorrow  they won't be able to see each other before the wedding, as after haldi the bride and the groom were not allowed to meet. Arnav had scoffed when Payal had said this but it looked like they were to eat at an upscale restaurant in the Mall itself.

Scowling her discomfort, she went along and found herself the spare wheel in a nice foursome. She was about to suggest that she leave when she found herself sandwiched between the two guys who had their respective girls opposite them in the booth.

With her thigh brushing Arnav's, she tried to sit as tightly as possible but the more she tried to move away the more his leg spread to touch her. She gave him a scalding look to which he had blandly smiled.

Trying to ignore him, she turned her head towards Aakash but found him looking at Payal unblinkingly. Not finding any help there, she put both her hands in her lap and sat there in silence.

Lavanya then asked, "Arnav ye mein kya sun rahi hoon, Khushi tumhari maasi ki beti hai par behen nahi hai."

Khushi stiffened.

Arnav gave her a glance and said, "Sahi suna hai. Khushi ko Maasi ne adopt kiya hai, toh woh meri behen nahi hai."

"Par… agar dekha jaaye toh woh tumhari…" Lavanya tried again

"Nahi… woh nahi hai and that's that. I don't want to discuss this topic anymore. Now do you guys want dessert or shall we go." He said in clipped tones.

Aakash said, "Yaar coffee toh banti hai na."

They ordered coffee and once it came, Lavanya poured coffee from the pot into Arnav's cup. She picked up the milk jar and before she could add that, Khushi and Arnav spoke together, "Nahi… Black…" and they stopped and looked at each other.

"Woh…aapne…savere…" Khushi tried to explain but stopped when she saw the look in his eyes. There was this inexplicable emotion that seemed to reach out to her.

Khushi looked away and found Lavanya looking from one to the other.

Abruptly Arnav slid out of the booth and said, "Mujhe kuch yaad aa gaya, I have to go to the office. Aakash, tum log Lavanya ko drop karke ghar chale jaana, mein shaamko milta hoon." And with that he left.



Chapter 24

Aakash just shrugged and took a sip from his cup of coffee that Payal had made for him. They left quickly as the Mehndi girl had come for Lavanya a little early. After dropping, they reached home too as they had their mehndi's to be applied as well.

Aakash had stayed with Payal and Khushi and they were enjoying a banter as the girls were getting their Mehndi done. Arnav found the three of them laughing away as Aakash was applying the sugar and lemon juice mix on Khushi's hands. He went up to them and looked pointedly at Khushi. Khushi shifted uncomfortably and asked Aakash to leave it as what he had applied was sufficient.

"Arre aise mat dekh," Aakash turned to look at Arnav and said, "Teri behen ab meri dost bann gayee hai aur itna toh mein kar hi sakta hoon." Arnav looked at Payal and saw her blush. Suddenly it struck him that Aakash was sweet on Payal and not Khushi.

But somehow that did not ease the constriction he felt around his heart. Why could Aakash enjoy an easy camaraderie with her when he could not even talk to her. Without answering he scowled at the group, turned around and left.

It was dinner time and everyone wanted the groom to be around and as Payal and Aakash were helping with the food, Nani asked her to go and get Arnav from his room. Khushi about to protest, changed her mind and went upstairs. This was perhaps the time to clear the misunderstanding anyway.

She knocked lightly on his door and pushed the door open with her elbow so that the mehndi which was drying well would stay longer and the color would come better. She saw Arnav sitting in front of his laptop, looking at something intently and she cleared her throat to get his attention.

He looked up and pushed the lid down. Khushi said haltingly, "Woh Nani ne bulaya hai, sab dinner ke liye aapka intezzar kar rahe hain."

He got up and gestured to lead the way when she asked, "Kya mein do minute aap se baat kar sakti hoon?"

"Kaho." He stopped in front of her putting hands in his pocket and standing with his legs apart.

"Woh uss din aapne…jo mujhe…" She started in a small voice for images of what had happened flitted in front of her eyes.

"Khushi… tum kya keh rahi ho? Kis din?" Arnav asked irritably.

Khushi's fingers went up to her lips and Arnav could not take his eyes off. Her mehndi laiden hands looked even more delicate if that was possible. He unknowingly took steps towards her and she backed up till she reached the door.

"Woh… mein.." Khushi started as if in a trance as his eyes bored into hers.

"Tum ye kehna chahti ho ki tumhare aur Aakash ke beech mein kuch nahi hai… hai na?" He asked reducing the distance still and he was just a step away from touching her.

She nodded unable to say it. She had come expecting a fight with him and for her to be angry for the treatment he had given that night. But somehow the look in his eyes had melted all of her anger. She just stared at him.

"Mujhe pata hai." Arnav stated matter of factly.

Her eyes widened. Then why had he told her those caustic words? Her anger flared. There was a white spot in front of her eyes as she realised how used she felt and how demeaning at the way he had treated her. How hurt.

She stood up straight. Put her hands on her hips unmindful of the mehndi that was nearly dried was crumbling around her.

"Ha! Only you can do it isnt it Arnav Singh Raizada. Insult someone and not even apologise when you know you were mistaken. Typical." She then pushed him.


"Khushi…" He tried as he balanced himself and then caught her arms and pushed her against the wall.

"Listen to me…" Arnav cut through, "I just realised when … i saw Aakash and Payal… together."

"But Laad Governor could not even bring himself to say "Khushi, I am sorry… I was mistaken…" Who do you think you are…anyway.." She grated out but stopped when Arnav brought his face within an inch of hers.

"Khushi…. listen to me… before you rattle off…" Arnav tried again.

Khushi pushed against his hands that were holding her arms on the side of her head against the wall and said, "No you listen to me, stop trying to tell what i should do… ha! and here i was… thinking i should talk with you… to clear… But no …" Khushi accused.

"Khushi..just listen to me wont you…. I am trying to…" Arnav tried once more interrupting her, but Khushi gave a big push against him. Frustrated, he brought her arms down and behind her; pulled her into him and kissed her.

Khushi grunted her protest but Arnav was relentless. His hands were crushing the intricate mehndi drying and the crumbs falling behind them and similarly he was crushing her defenses with  soft yet firm invasion on her lips. He entered her mouth swiftly as she parted lips to speak and turned his honeyed tongue to wrought havoc within her. He croaked his satisfaction as his tongue met hers and pulled her even closer if that were possible into him. Letting go of her arms, he secured his around hers and lifted her in his arms. Khushi automatically wound the now free arms around his neck no more wanting to escape his hold.

They melted in each other's arms as the kiss deepened.

Arnav lifted his head slowly to look straight into her eyes and say, "You drive me crazy Khushi. I am sorry."

And before she could reply, he kissed her again with such tenderness that Khushi felt her toes curl and she gave herself to the feeling of being loved, loved by this man. For the moment she forgot everything and let herself revel in the feelings he evoked in her.

"Khushi…" he murmured, but before he could say anything, they heard Payal call out from beyond the door, "Khushi… Arnav…?"

Arnav let Khushi go and smoothed the shirt and helped Khushi straighten her dupatta and kurta. They left the room with Arnav saying, "Be there in a minute."

Once outside, Payal looked from one to other and then started laughing.

Arnav and Khushi looked at each other and then Payal and asked her what was the matter silently, when she pointed at Arnav's neck and the stain of Mehndi near the collar and said, "Kya hua Khushi… Arnav ko thappad maara kya?"





Chapter 25


Arnav stared at Payal and Khushi blushed. Arnav muttered something about getting rid of the stain and joining them in a few minutes and went back into his room. Payal kept giggling all the way and asked, "Ye kya teri mehndi toh saari bikhar gayee, ab rang theek se nahi aayega toh?"

"Woh… koi baat nahi … nahi aaya toh nahi aaya…" Khushi muttered evasively.

"Par tum dono kya kushti kar rahe the jo…" Payal asked persistently and then burst into giggles at the image that emerged.

Khushi then said irritatingly, "Nahi Di, mein kyon kushti karoongi… woh bhi Arnav ke saath. Woh uska peir phisal raha tha toh mein usse bachaane gayee aur hum dono…zameen par gir gaye…"

She finally fibbed with her fingers crossed praying her sister will not ask Arnav what had happened. Just then she saw Arnav join them on a trot, still rubbing the spot near his collar with a napkin.

She looked at him questioningly if he heard what she had said and he gestured with this eyes that he got the story.

Sighing her relief, they went on to have dinner.

It was Aakash who saw the telltale light orange mark of mehndi on his neck and asked elbowing him in the ribs as he sat next to him, "Arre Arnav… Lavanya se hickey milli kya, bhai tum toh bade utaavle ho rahe ho."

"Shut up and eat, Aakash, don't try and make an announcement please." Arnav hissed.

But Payal said, "Lagta hai bhai ko bhi mehndi lagani thi, kyon Arnav? Nani, hamare mein riwaaz nahi hai larko ke mehndi lagane ka?"

"Nahi beta woh toh marwariyon mein hota hai, par aisa kyon kahat ho aap?" Nani quizzed Payal.

"Woh, bas mujhe aisa laga ki Arnav ko ab haath peele karne ki jaldi machi hai." Payal ribbed Arnav who shifted uncomfortably in his chair giving dirty looks to Payal.

Anjali seeing this elbowed her husband and all of them started teasing Arnav and how to be a patient groom.

Arnav irritated with the whole Lavanya and how soon they will be married rant, just bore it silently. The only person who was not teasing him was Khushi.

"Kyon parmeswari, tujhe kuch nahi kehna, waise toh hamesha shaadi ki baaton se khush hoke apni shaadi ki baatien apne mooh karti hai, aaj ka hua..konhu saanp soongh gaya kaa?"

Buaji asked noticing Khushi's reticence in joining in the teasing.

Khushi's eyes darted to Arnav at the saanp metaphor for she felt like the desire he evoked in her was like a snake that would devour her and the poison was spreading into her as it was wrong to desire a man who was marrying another woman. She had gone into the room to tell him in no uncertain terms what she thought of his double standards. It was fine for him to kiss one woman, no not just kiss, they had practically made love that night; and he could marry another and if she laughed with Aakash, she was a woman with loose morals. But, things had just gotten out of hand the minute she has seen him look so intently at the laptop. He had looked as if he was somewhere else and when he had looked at her, for a moment she had felt as if everything had faded, her reason for being there, the reason for her anger. His eyes were deep pool the drew her into them only to drown and yet she felt alive, blessedly alive when he looked at her.

Khushi had been jolted out of her thoughts when she heard laughter around the table at something someone had said. She excused herself as quickly as she could and went up to her room. She decided she was going to stay away from Arnav as much as possible. She realised that this was going to be another night without much sleep. She paced in her room as leaving it would also meaning a chance of bumping into Arnav and she had to collect her thoughts before she saw him again.


The morning was another gorgeous one that seemed to be taunting her for her morose mood. She went into the kitchen and made chai for herself, took it out on the back patio and let the morning sun and the adrak chai improve her disposition and mood.

Feeling better for some reason, she pottered around the house only to find that Arnav and Aakash had gone to get some grooming taken care of and also that they were going to be in office. Relief washed through her at the news. The Sangeet was this evening and both the families were to kickstart the celebrations together at one of the heritage hotels in the city as after this the families would meet on the day of the wedding which was after two days.

There was a sit down listening to some top notch Ghazal Singers of Lucknow and some Sher-O-Shayari in typical Lucknowi andaaz. The whole set up was with mogra garland strings with white gaadi and takiya around the perimeter with oil lanterns between gaadis in various colored glasses, predominantly in green, golden and red. The mogra garland strings made fragrant curtains that enveloped the whole room and created an atmosphere that was simply breathtaking.

A raised platform with red carpet around was created for the Ghazal singers. There were some traditional swings interspersed around the room for the elders so that they wont have any discomfort in sitting.

Some hukkas and paan daani were also placed strategically. It looked like a Mehfil in Lucknow was recreated in Delhi's posh hotel.

The dress code was set for red, green and white that would add the color in otherwise stark set up.

Khushi had worn a white sharara that was pearl studded with her dupatta fixed over her head and a big maang tikka on the side. She looked like a Lucknowi Royalty. The golden lace and gold and pearl jewelry made her look ethereal.

Arnav and Aakash had worn white achkan but Arnav had put in a red scarf in his pocket while Aakash had put a mehndi green. Payal had worn a Green lengha with white work on it and complimented Aakash as he took her hand as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

Arnav had been spellbound as he saw the vision of pure beauty and grace walk down the stairs. He had wanted to touch her so that he could know that she was real. As she came to the bottom stair with her eyes glued to his, he extended his hand instinctively and felt a thrill run through him when she took it.

Something was changing between them. He had tried to remember the bitterness at who she was but somehow it seemed too small minded of him to hold a grudge against her when it was not her fault. She seemed as much a victim as he was of that woman's deception.

Suddenly he let go of her hand. She did not know what had just happened. One second he had taken her hand and the next he had left it. The man was contradictory if nothing else.

His curt, "Shall we go," did not help either. She did not know why he swung between tenderness and harshness from one moment to another. She figured she will never know him.







Chapter 26


Once at the Hotel, the revelry was underway. Khushi saw the room resplendent with beautiful lamps and fragrance that enveloped one in its sweetness. She felt as if she had been transported in Lucknow of late eighteen hundreds where tehzeeb, nawab and Lucknowi andaaz were at its glory. She loved the concept and knew this had to be Arnav's doing. He proclaimed not to be a traditionalist but somehow he knew his roots and the heritage he carried with him. Even the curving stairs from the corner of the room that led to some changing rooms for the guests or hosts and banks of restrooms.

The ghazal singers were fabulous with heart wrenching ballads that brought tears to ones eyes. They also gave what a glorious feeling love was and how it conquered all obstacles.


Tere hone se duniya nayee toh nahin
par tere na hone se ye tham si gayee hai kahin

Tera zikr jab bhi hota hai mehfilon mein kahin
khil jaata hoon jaise fiza mein bahar kabhi

Jab ki maloom hai tu meri hai arrse se
tere door jaane se uth te hain sawaal kayee

teri justaju, arzoo ki hai zamaane se
kabhi aa jaao baahon mein bahane se


raaz iss dil mein kayee chupaaye baithe hain
teri raah mein nazarien tikaaye baithe hain


Jab tum nahin toh khayalon se behal jaata hoon
tere paas aane se aur bekraar ho jaata hoon


iss tishnagi ko ab aur na tadpaeeye
bas ab aur kareeb kuch aur kareeb aaeeye


pyar toh hua hai, ikraar bhi karna hai
maang jo sooni hai usse sitaroon se bharna hai


Khushi felt overwhelmed when the singer rendered Ghazals that were meant for the bride and groom and their desires in being joined in the holy matrimony. She felt an ache within her at the longing they expressed about a union. She could not stop herself from recalling all the moments with Arnav and felt as if she was losing out on something precious and did not know how she was going to hold on to it.


Then some of the family said sher and shayari, some original and some from popular songs to Ghazals to poetry of well known poets. All filled with a mood of romance and life of utter bliss after marriage. All wishing them the best.

Before her turn came to recite something, she decided she needed to escape as she knew there would be not sincerity in her wishes to the bride and groom in their journey called marriage. She told Payal that she would visit the rest room and come and made her way upstairs.

She waited for good twenty minutes before she returned. She scanned the room from above and then her eyes stopped at his, who was standing facing her near the platform looking straight at her. He looked as if he had been waiting for her to turn up. Where did he think she would have gone? Run away. Well the thought had occurred to her but she was not a coward, she was going to see this through. He was getting married and she was going to be there to give her blessings, if that was what she had to do.

She started down the stairs her eyes locked with his. She again felt as if it was just them in this huge room. The music had faded away, the light had dimmed to wash only the two of them in its halo. The people had vanished and she was walking towards him, as if on a cloud. She saw his expression change and realised that she was walking on the cloud as she had missed the step and felt herself lose the balance. The last thing she saw before everything started whirling around her was his outstretched arm and she heard a loud "KKKKhhuuussshiiiii!" before she knew that she had tumbled down the flight of stairs and hit the ground and lost consciousness.

She did not see, Arnav run towards her galloping over the Gaadis or evading hitting lamps on the way. She did not see him slide to her on his knees and take her head in his lap. She did hear him say, "Khushi, Khushi aankhen kholo" before he yelled to someone "Ambulance bulao."

She did not even hear him say, "Khushi…. tum aankhein kholo…aise mujhe…chorr ke…nahin…kuch nahin hone doonga mein tumhein….kuch nahin…. Please koi Ambulance bulayega jaldi se?" He screamed as he rocked her lifeless body in his arms and then the tears.

Everyone had gathered around him, including Lavanya and his family staring at him incredulously.




Chapter 27



Nani and Garima tried to come to Khushi to help put pressure on the side of the head from where she was bleeding profusely, but he told harshly, "Choona mat usse, dijiye mein karta hoon."

He took the white hanky from his Nani and pressed it against the wound, murmuring words to let her that he was with her. "Mein hoon, yahin, yahin hoon."

There were tears running down his face. Anjali came to sit next to him and put a hand on his shoulder and he said, "Di, ye bhi maa ki tarah…mujhe chorrke jaayegi…" and he put his head on her shoulder.

The paramedics came just then and tried to take Khushi away but he did not let go. They had to coax him away and still he held on to her hand. He did even look away for a minute as the paramedic did first aid and asked questions about what happened. Arnav just stared at Khushi willing her to come to for he feared the worst. His mother had left him, now Khushi. He knew he should stay away from emotions, it just goes to show that he and love are not meant to be. It would have been so much easier if just hated Khushi. So much easier.

But he could not let go. He went to the hospital with the Ambulance holding Khushi's hand. Even Payal and Aakash had come with him but it was he who held her hand firmly and murmuring words to let her know that he was waiting for her, he was there for her.

When they took her into the emergency room, he requested doctor to let him be there. They sutured the wound and told her that it looked like shock and probably a severe concussion was the  damage done for the CatScan showed no other damage but they wanted to keep her overnight. There was no other injury but she was going to be severly bruised.

The doctor said as he looked at Arnav, "She is one lucky woman, also to have such a loving and caring husband. Just take it very easy for a few days. She should be coming around by morning, but if not then we will see if we need to do more tests. Don't worry too much she will get better." The doctor instructed nurse the medications to be given and left the private room they had shifted Khushi in after the procedure.

Payal was about to correct him but Aakash just put a hand on hers to stall her. She looked at him and he just indicated with a blink to let it rest.

"Thank you Doctor." Aakash said as he shook his hand and took Payal out of the room. Everyone had gathered around the ward including Lavanya and her family. Garima and Shashi went in to check on their daughter but the rest were advised to not disturb. Arnav refused to leave her side and it was Aakash, Payal who stayed in the hospital with Arnav in the room holding her hand through the night.

Payal had shed her tears of fear on Aakash's shoulder once everyone had gone and it was a tender kiss from Aakash that had ebbed the flow. Payal had felt secure and safe in his arms and knew that she had found the one person she had waited all her life. But the one topic they did not talk about by mutual understanding was Arnav and Khushi. They both knew that there was something here but tomorrow was better suited to ask all the questions they had to Arnav and his quizzical behaviour towards Khushi and the insistence on marrying Lavanya. There seemed a disconnect here and Aakash knew he had to get some sense drilled into that pigheaded friend of his. He seemed to be on a self destruct mode and was going to take Khushi and Lavanya with him if nothing was done about it.

Lavanya had seen the whole scenario and knew what was happening and knew that the always in control Mr Arnav Singh Raizada had well and truly fallen in love. She could see the stark fear on his face, the desperation, the helplessness on seeing her lifeless form in his arms. She knew what she had suspected to be true and it was about time that she put an end to this charade Arnav was hell bent on going through.

She was going to talk to Arnav and call the wedding off. She told her parents of the news and was not shocked when they readily agreed. No one knew about the contract between Arnav and Lavanya but they could also see that theirs was not a love match as it had been so believed.

They knew the new family member played an important role in Arnav's life and that was not of a sister.

It was wee hours of the morning when Arnav who had slept on the stool with his head next to hers on the bed and hand held firmly when he felt her stir. Alert to the slightest movement, he  looked up and touched his hand to her cheek saying, "Khushi…. ankhein kholo…"

"Sab andhera hai…" he heard Khushi murmur feebly as she opened her eyes and turned towards his voice.




Chapter 28

Khushi had felt her hand in his as she had come to and knew that he was there. Somehow she knew his touch. She knew he had been there all the time. She had tried to speak but at first the only sounds that came were a mumble. She had then heard him say, Khushi with a longing in his voice and she knew he would always bring her out from the depth of despair with just calling her name. She opened her eyes as instructed and looked into the darkness that pooled around them but she knew exactly where he was, she tried to move but her arms were hurting. She had then said, "Sab andhera hai…" and he had sounded pained at her inability to see, little knowing that he was the only light she needed to see.

He pulled her into his arms, moving onto her bed in one swift movement and gave her a bear hug. She hugged him back even it hurt to put her arms around him. Just when she was about to sink into him totally, he pulled back holding her shoulders and asked in a strained voice,

"Khushi…tumhein kuch dikhayee nahi de raha?"

"Nahin…meine kaha sab andhera hai… kya baj raha hai?" Khushi explained though her voice was getting stronger by the minute.

"What?" Arnav snapped getting up. Khushi sank back onto the pillows as her support suddenly seemed to be gone.

"Kya hua? tum uth kyon gaye?"

"Tumhein dikhayee deta hai?" He asked incredulously with anger lacing his voice. He then switched on the light and glared at her.

"Haan? Kyon tumhein laga mein andhi ho gayee hoon?" she asked perplexed at what had gotten into Arnav suddenly.

"Just shut up," He growled bending over her.

"Arnav tum theek ho? Why are you so angry at me? What did I do?" Khushi tried again though she was finding the whole situation beyond comprehension. The last thing she remembered was tumbling down stairs and now here she was all pins and needles and all this man could do was glare at her?

He then came even closer and said, "Ye tum mujhe pooch rahi ho? Pehle tum do kadam theek se le nahi sakti, jab se mili ho, hamesha girti rehti ho aur ab pooch rahi ho tumne kya kiya hai? Tum jaan na chahti ho tumne kya kiya hai?" his voice had taken a belligerent quality and Khushi had cowered back into the pillows to keep herself safe from his uncalled for anger.

"Tumhein pata hai… what you did…what you…made me go through..you…you…" Arnav started only to halt as he saw her eyes well up with tears and he pulled back, straightened and ran frustrated hands through his hair.

He turned around to find Payal and Aakash inside the room glaring at him. He had done it. He had now done the unthinkable, he saw the accusing eyes of theirs tell him.

Payal ran up to Khushi and hug her as she said, "Tum theek ho… hum sab itne pareshaan the. Kya hua Khushi…tum kaise gir gayee…?"

Khushi looked at Arnav over her shoulder and met his eyes which were now unfathomable. This man was totally beyond her she wondered as she pulled out of the hug and told her sister, "Woh pata nahin mein ek second seedhi uttar rahi thi aur somehow mere pairon tale se jaise zameen khisak gayeee ho…" And she again looked at Arnav whose eyes revealed that he too recalled the moment that they had shared.

"Jiji, sab dard kar raha hai…." Khushi finally said now totally exhausted. Arnav sprang into action and rang the bell to call the nurse. He then got some water for her and handed her the glass. As the nurse came in he told her what to do as if she did not know her job. It took a doctor on duty to get him out of the room.

Payal had then asked Aakash to take the distraught Arnav home now that Khushi had regained her consciousness and get some sleep as there was a wedding happening. Arnav ready to oppose the idea was halted by Aakash when he said, "Arnav Payal theek keh rahi hai. Hum chalte hain, Khushi is better now. I am sure Payal can call us if there is something needed."

Arnav left reluctantly torn between the need to be with her and the anger that brewed in him at the scare she gave him. He was silent all the way home and made an excuse to Aakash about being tired before he retired to his room.

He knew he was to face Nani and was ready for her. He showered and went downstairs. He went to the study so that he could catch up with mails as he knew he was not going to sleep anyway worried about Khushi the way he was. He was lost in his work when couple of hours later he heard the door open. He looked thinking it must be Nani, when he saw Lavanya walk in.

Surprised to find her here he asked, "Lavanya, you here? Everything alright?"

"Hi Arnav. How is Khushi?" Lavanya asked without preamble and saw the half smile that was forming fade.

"She is better. But tum batao, what brings you here?" Arnav evaded talking about her much.

"Arnav… what happened last night…what was all that about?" Lavanaya questioned.

"What do you mean, you were there…you saw…Khushi fell… what are you trying to say?" Arnav asked with incredulity that she had not seen what had happened.

"Tum kya kar rahe ho…" Lavanya questioned further without answering his questions.

"Mein kya kar raha hoon? What do you mean? Lavanya are you alright?" Arnav was wondering if Lavanya had lost her mind.

"Mein toh theek hoon. Par kya ye tum jo kar rahe ho woh theek hai? ye shaadi, kya ye theek hai? tum nahi dekh rahe ho jo mein dekh rahi hoon?" She quizzed him further.

Arnav spread his hands out in disbelief.

"See? What do you see? What do i not see? Wait a minute what do you mean about the wedding? ARe you trying to say…" Arnav tried to figure out the puzzle Lavanya was throwing at him.


"Haan Arnav, mein ye shaadi todne aaye hoon. Waise bhi hamari shaadi, ek dikhawa hi toh hai. A marriage of convenience and I dont know why you are denying your feelings for her. Why you cannot see that she loves you too. You might enjoy being obtuse but I am not going to be party to this charade anymore. I dont think we should marry and I have come to give you back the ring which should ideally be on Khushi's finger anyway." She explained patiently.

"What rubbish… you are talking nonsense, there is nothing between us…" Arnav denied vehemently.

"You might want to behave like an ostrich. Well, suit yourself but i am not going to be part of this. what you do is non of my business, but I know what i saw. I saw a man in love, a man demented in his fear of losing his beloved. Did you hear yourself Arnav. Did you realise what you said was admittance to your feelings? Did you realise that Arnav who prided himself on being in control has lost it and was a man who was scared at seeing  her hurt and possibly lost to him? Did you see all that? If not, then see it. Don't kid yourself Arnav, you love that girl. Moreover you are in love with her?"

"Lavanya!" Arnav stopped her militantly.

But Lavanya just removed the ring and also an envelop and added, "Arnav, its for the best. I am also resigning. Good luck. Dont let your ego come in the way of your happiness."

And with that she opened the door of the study to find Nani standing there. Wishing her a greeting, Lavanya left.





Chapter 29


Aakash had called Payal to check on her and Khushi and informed her that her parents were on the way so that she could come home. Aakash then prepared breakfast for her and took it to his room. He set up a table for two and put cucumber and tomato sandwiches with steaming pot of coffee. He had found some cookies and placed them on a plate. He was not much of a cook but he knew the basics but his breakfast was a toast with butter and he did make the effort for her. "Well," he thought, "its the thought that counts, right?"

He had checked on her minute she had come back home and told her to come to his room, for a surprise awaited her. Payal had been surprised that he had peeped in the minute he had come. Payal could not believe meeting someone like him was ever possible. He was a fun loving guy but it was a wonder how he was a friend of Arnav who always behaved like a grouch except for the previous night when she had seen a shocked man on the verge of desperation. She had felt a bit jealous of his emotional display for Khushi and knew she had wished for someone to care for her that much. Such passion and no one had ever seen that till that point. Khushi's injury had opened his wounds and he had bled as much as Khushi had. He did not carry his heart on his sleeve but yesterday was a momentous day. She had tried to tell Khushi in the hospital but Khushi had blocked any talks of Arnav as if she was defending a goal in FIFA World Cup in extra time where win or lose was a difference of one goal.

But she came back to the present to the man who was different from Arnav and equally vocal about his thoughts. He had given her the look right from when she had been introduced to him at the dinner. Then had wasted no time in taking her out for a stroll. He had asked her prodding questions which had somehow made Payal who was the reticent one open up for a change. He was a natural at drawing people out. Seeing him and Khushi together looked like they were meant for each other, but perhaps their natures were too similar and they seemed to get on like house on fire but there was no spark between them which she had seen between her and Arnav.

Well, truth be told she had taken one look at his open charming face and knew that a stable yet easy going guy was whom she had been waiting for all her life. She did not want great intensity but his eyes did look as if she was the most beautiful woman around and that was strange to her for Khushi was the beautiful girl. He had conversed with her easily and was not tongue tied like her but slowly over the half hour they had spent, she had practically told him everything about her.

He had there after made it a point of hovering around her all the time and held her hand on the puja day once in the kitchen when he had come in on some pretext. She had been taking something hot off the gas and he had come taking her hand and said, "here let me." And picked up the heavy pot.

She had felt a sweet sensation run up her spine. He also had the habit of coming very close and talking to her and that had sent shivers through her being. But it was last night that had made a shift in their relationship. That spontaneous kiss from him had made her melt at the tenderness and the warmth he had sufussed in her. Her worries had melted away as he had wound his arms around her and made her feel protected.

The warm feeling still stayed with her helping her cope with the worry of Khushi. They both had been shocked at the way Arnav had yelled her Khushi this morning when they had woken up and decided to check on them. She did not understand this man could be sensitive one minute and rude the next. It had taken Aakash to handle the situation. She had felt better that Aakash had been around, else she would have probably worsened the situation by giving him a smack. Brother or no brother, her sister was more important to her than this new relationship that she had with him.

She knocked on Aakash's door tentatively, wondering why he had called her to his room. She had almost hesitated but last night's tenderness had made her not question too much. She did trust the man after all. He had been very supportive last night. On hearing his come in, she entered the room.

It was a simple room with palest lemon walls, matching pastel curtains, a huge kingsize bed with matt gold bedcover draped half way on the bed with white bedsheets and pillows. She gave it a cursory glance and then took her eyes away to where he seemed to be directing.

A white table with two white chairs, yellow damask table cloth a white single flower vase with a peach rose, two bone china plates, a plate of sandwiches, cookies and coffee and he said, "Breakfast" smiling at her.

She was touched. She smiled at him openly and walked to the table where he pulled one chair out and indicated for her to sit. She sat and  he sat opposite her. Giving her a broad smile he served her sandwich with ketchup and placed some cookies. He then poured coffee and asked, "kitni cheeni?"

"Thora kam hi leti hoon. ek chammach, par aap ye sab kyon kar rahe hain?" Payal replied softly.

"I felt like doing something for you. Toh dekho sandwich is all i can manage, ya toh phir khichdi, jo abhi toh mein tumhein khila nahi sakta." Aakash explained.

"Lekin, mere liye kya jaroorat thi itni mehnat karne ki?" Payal quizzed.

"thora impress toh ho jao mujhse please? question mat karo just eat." Aakash implored.

"Mein toh pehle se hi… i mean… " Payal stopped and blushed looking into her plate. Aakash, leaned forward, tipped her chin up till she met his eyes and asked softly, "Pehle se kya?"

"You know…" she said, trying to move out of his grasp. He just ran his finger on her chin and said, "Toh mein aapke mummy daddy se baat karoon ki unki beti ne mera dil chura liya hai aur ab mein usse unse churana chahta hoon.?"

Suddenly feeling shy of the proposal, Payal got up from the chair and ran towards the door. He came behind he and held her wrist as her other hand reached the door.

"Toh mein kya jawaab samjhoo?" Aakash asked.

Payal turned and leant back on the door, with on hand on the knob and other still held by him but now he was closer.

"Haan!" she said shyly.

He tilted her chin yet again, and said, "I love you Payal. You are the most beautiful woman i have ever seen and i want to wake with you every morning for the rest of my life."

Payal blushed profusely and looked down biting her lip. Aakash tugged her hand and pulled her to him and nuzzling her neck murmured, "Will you marry me Payal Gupta and do me the honor of being your husband?"

Payal replied softly, looking into his eyes, "Yes."

Aakash then gathered her closer held her head and gave her a passionate kiss that seared her through to her soul and melded them together with a promise of things to come.



Nani gave an austere look to Lavanya and had entered the study and said, "Chote hamein aap se kuch baat karni hai."






Chapter 30


"Aaiye Nani, Mujhe bhi aapse kuch baat karni hai." He replied.

"Aapko jo kehna hai woh baad ma kahana, pehle ye batao, Khushi bitiya kaisan hai. Aap sab se pehile hamein khabar kaahe nahi diye." Nani questioned.

"Woh maine Rahim chacha aur Jai Prakash ko keh diya tha, aapko message pahonchane ko. Hum bahut savere aaye the." Arnav explained. He knew he had to do that else there was a volcano here, who could erupt any moment. He had expected something to come from Nani.

"Meine, Maasi se aate hi baat kar li thi. Waise Khushi ko hosh aa gaya hai." He explained further and could not help but recall what had happened this morning. The girl was impossible. She made him angry without even trying.

"Hum ne baat kar li hospital ma." Nani elaborated. He scowled then why bring up Khushi's topic he fumed inwardly but let it pass. His Nani had done strange things in last few days. Not that he had not.

"Ye jo Lavanya aayee thi, aur woh jo kehat rahi, ka woh sachch hai?" Nani attacked.

Ah! Arnav thought, now the penny drops. She heard. But how much?

"Ji Nani, woh hum ab shaadi nahi kar rahe." Arnav said matter-of-factly and looked towards the ring which Lavanya left on the table to confirm to Nani what she had heard.

"Arnav bitwa, humein tumse ye ummeed nahi thi. Hum jaanat rahe ki aap naye vichaar ke hain aur ye shaadi ke mayne alag hain hamar jamane se. Par ee ka, aap shaai ko ek karobaar ki maafik dekhat hai? Ek contract? Kahe ko shaadi kar rahe the aap Lavanya se? Humne toh kabhi aisan sanskaar nahi diye aapka?" Nani accused him with barbs that pierced his heart one after the other and he knew he had to take it.

"Aap aisan chup nahi reh sakat hai, Arnav, jawaab dijiye." She sternly demanded.

"Woh Nani, Lavanya aur mein ek doosre ko samjhte hain, aur usse pata tha ki mein pyar mein vishwas nahi karta, par usse shaadi ek samjhota hai, jo humne saath milke tai kiya tha. Woh ab nahi uss contract." Arnav evasively explained

"Chee! Ghinn aawat hai tumhein hamra pota kehte hue. Raizada khandaan ma ee nahi howat. Aap apna karobar apne dimaag se chala sakat hai, par ghar, shaadi, parivaar ee sab aapke dimaag se nahi, chaalat hai. Aap ek larki ko shaadi karke iss ghar ma laana chahat rahi, jo aapki patni toh kehlaye par aap ki humsafar nahi. Ka, sabit karna chahat hai aap?" Nani fumed.

"Aur to aur, aap ek larki se shaadi karane ka phaisala kiye aur doosri taraf uss Khusi ka dil todat rahe. Aisa ka kiya hai usne. Hum jaanat hai woh aapki behen naahi hai. Par aap humse baat karte ki aapko uss se shaadi karni hai toh hum sab milke soch vichaar ke nirnay lete. Ee ka? Aap Khushi ke pyar aur Lavanya ki ijjat se khilwaad kare rahi. Ka samjhte hai aap apan aap ka?" She advocated

"Par mein Khushi se shaadi nahi karna chahata." Arnav replied raising his voice in frustration.

"Toh ka, apne Chacha ki tarah…usse apni…" Nani could not finish but her unsaid word cut through Arnav's soul.

For a second, his Chachaji's mistress and her connection to Khushi flashed before his eyes.

He saw red. "Nahi." He screamed.

"Toh phir aap, Khushi se shaadi kareinge. Kal raat ke tamashe ke baad, Lavanya jaisi khandaani larki agar shaadi se inkaar nahi karti toh hum jaake tor aate shaadi ko. Aap Khushi ke saath aisa nahi kar sakte. Saare samajh mein baat phail gayee hai ki Arnav Singh Raizada, apne Chacha jaisa nikla. Aapke jaane ke baad, humne suna log ka bolat rahe. Aur Khushi aur aapka kaisan rishta hai uspe oongliyan uthi. Bas hum ne keh diya so keh diya. Aap Khushi se shaadi kareinge. Aur Parso hi kareinge. Kal haldi hogi. Uske baad aap Khushi se shaadi tak naahi milenge. Aap jaaiye, Khushi ko shaadi ke liye manaiye." Nani declared.

Arnav blanched. He was not ready to ask Khushi for a wedding. He did not know if he could live with the woman, whose mother had ruined his family. He knew he loved her but he also knew he hated her for being her mother's daughter. He knew it was not her fault but then he was not very rational where Khushi was concerned.

"Nani, aapne suna tha, Khushi mujhse kyon shaadi karegi. Mein shaadi cancel karwa deta hoon. Sab theek ho jaayega. Waise bhi kya farak padta hai." He argued.

"Farak padta hai, aur aap theek se sune nahi lagta hai. Aap shaadi kareinge, Khushi se kareinge." Nani then removed two kangans from her hands and gave them to Arnav.

"Ye kangan pehnakar aap usse manaiyenge aur hospital se ghar lekar aayenge. Ab jaaiye. Aur hamari beti ko lekar aaiye."

"Nani mein ye nahi kar sakta." Arnav dug his heel in.

"Toh aap, iss ghar ke nikal jaaiye. AR Design, aaj bhi hamare naam par hai. Aapko hum bedakhal karte hain apne ghar se, apni jaydaad se. Aaj se aapka aur hamara koi rishta nahi hai." Nani announced and turned around to leave.

"Nani, ye blackmail hai. Aap aisa nahi kar sakte." Arnav went and stood in front of her.

"kyon agar aap shaadi nahi kar sakte, toh hum ye kyon nahi kar sakte. Aap bhool rahe hain hum aapki Nani hai. Aaj bhi 51% (ekyavan) taka ke maalik hai. Hum jo chahe kar sakat hai Arnav bitwa. Aapko apni jindagi jeeni hai. Toh shaukh se jeeye. Par Raizada Naam ke saath rehna hai toh jo hum keh rahe hain woh karna padi." Nani raised her chin and gave him an ultimatum.

Arnav knew how determined she was. At a young age she had been widowed and had set up Chikankari work to support first herself and her daughters and then them. He knew he owed everything he was today to her. He also knew that this blackmail was something he would not cower to under other circumstances but Nani and Anjali were his anchors in his life and he was not going to lose them.

He would rather live with Khushi than without his family. He had to compromise, he figured.

"Theek hai Nani. Mein shaadi karne ke liye tayyar hoon!" He gave in not so gracefully.

Nani handed the kangan and said, "Jaiye, khushi ko ghar lekar aaiye."






Chapter 31


Arnav entered the room and found her parents with Khushi taking care of her. He had spoken to the doctor and he had assured him that she was better and could be taken home. The only thing to watch out for was if she saw double or any fainting spells. The doctor was to be consulted immediately if anything happened, he had discharged her as he had explained that he was not her husband but husband to be and their wedding was in a day.


He informed them about the discharge and told them to get Khushi ready as he finished the formalities. Khushi's smile vanished the minute he had entered the room. She had given him a monosyllable answer to his enquiry about her health. There did not seem any need for her to be civil to him when he had been so rude in the morning. She felt relief wash over her the minute he had left the room.

He had pushed the wheelchair, he had insisted she sit on even though she felt capable of walking. He also assisted her to sit up in the passenger seat next to him and strapped her in. She let him help without exchanging any words.

Once home, he carried her in his arms to her room despite protests from her. Her parents settled her and as she seemed exhausted, she had been forced to sleep after some light lunch.

She woke up as she felt something prickle her senses. The room was in semi darkness as the curtains were drawn and the only sound was the humming of the air-conditioner. Once her eyes got used to the minimum light in the room, she realized Arnav was sitting in an armchair, staring at her pensively. She immediately alerted sat up.

He got up and came to sit next to her on the bed and said, "How are you feeling? Do you want water?"

She nodded her head for the water and he brought a glass and put it to her lips as she drank looking over the rim into his eyes. She could not make out what they were saying other than this questioning look he seemed to be giving her.

"Thanks. I am feeling better. Did I sleep for long?" Khushi squinted and looked on the bedside table to make out the time and saw it was going six in the evening.  She did sleep longer than she had expected. Must have been the pills.

"We need to talk." Arnav announced without preamble.

"Can we not do it some other time? I really don't want to talk about anything?" Khushi tried to evade.

"Nani ne mujhe bheja hai." Arnav spelled out. Khushi tensed. She schooled her face to not let any emotion be reflected.

She kept quiet not wanting to say anything lest any emotion seeped through in her voice.

"Khushi, tumne suna maine kya kaha?" Arnav asked in a louder voice, irked that she was not even listening to him

"Hmm! Kyon?" Khushi asked reluctantly.

"She has asked me to marry you. And I guess she has a point. So we will get married day after tomorrow." He announced pacing the floor.

"And what makes you think I am going to agree meekly?" Khushi countered sarcastically. "I mean i know you are the great Arnav Singh Raizada, but you cant really be that egotistical to actually believe that I, Khushi Kumari Gupta will marry you." She let out a guffaw. She could not believe, he had just made an announcement as if it was a deal that was a foregone conclusion in his favor. Arnav Singh Raizada saw it fit, so it had to be it.

He had another think coming if he thought he was getting it so easy. "Mera naam bhi Khushi Kumari Gupta nahi agar, meine naak nahi ragdi iski" she mentally thought to herself. Though a part of her was astounded, she smiled at the way he seemed to think she would agree so readily.

Arnav had stopped hearing those words and turned to face her. She looked beautiful even when she had no make up, a huge white bandage around her head that competed with the color on her face which was pale, hell almost white.

He felt like a heel for doing this to her and felt rage bubble within him towards Nani for having twisted his arm. And he knew he had to keep cool, but with her there was no middle ground, she evoked in him emotions he had thought himself incapable of.

"Why cant you marry me? I will make it worth you while." He gave a sneer. "I know about your father's loan and I will pay it off. I am sure, the money I have to offer is something you cant refuse." He stood with his arms folded and chin tilted saying with his stance that he got her where he knew it would work.


Khushi got out of bed feeling at a disadvantage at him standing over her imposingly. "Who the hell you think you are. You think you will buy me to marry you? Not even if I am dying. You hear that? You can take your money and burn it. I am not interested in the offer or a marriage with you. No deal. You can leave the room." She had walked up to him and stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him.

"Even if I offer you, a million Rupees? Soch lo Khushi, aaj ke baad Mausa ko koi chinta nahi rahegi. You will lead a life of the lady of leisure. Itna paisa ki tumhein ek aur din kaam karne ki jaroorat nahi padegi." He lured her further.

"You. You Tum samjhte kya ho apne aapko. Ki sab ko khareed sakte ho. Toh jao, kisi aur larki ko kharido, apni Nani ke sharton ko poora kar lene ke liye. Waise Lavanya ne mana kyon kar diya? Tumne usse bhi paise diye kya apne saath shaadi karne ke liye? I am sure it was she who refused to marry you and no wonder. Tum jaise se kaun shaadi karega?" She sniggered at him

"Ha! Arnav Singh Raizada. A pathetic piece of a man, who cannot get any woman to marry him, unless he offers her money. Kyon, aisi kya problem hai... Arnav... scared you wont be able to perform... unless you pay?" She accused.


"Khushi... watch what you are saying.. " Arnav warned.

"Kyon..?" Now riled beyond reason, she continued, "It is okay for you to buy me to marry you as if I am a commodity but you can't it when I show you a mirror huh? If I question your ability... ?" she stopped. For Arnav had closed the gap and pulled her roughly to him. He had closed her mouth in a punishing kiss.

Khushi struggled. Her nails on his arms trying to find skin to rake and she did. She dug and scratched him, till she felt the wetness of blood.

He yelped, and said, "You wildcat." As he captured her hands letting go of her mouth and tucked them behind her. She grunted in pain as he pulled her against his hard chest and took her mouth in another kiss that was a punishment for having scratched him. She not easily subdued, bit his lip. But he did not let go. He instead took advantage of her parted lips and pushed his tongue inside her mouth. He captured her tongue between his teeth and held not too tightly but any movement would have made her bleed. So she stopped struggling biding her time for some slack to pull away. But he was a strong man and she did feel woozy. The second he felt her fight go away, he changed tactics.

He let his tongue touch hers. And knew she had felt a jolt the way her eyes had widened slightly as she had glared back at him. He had kept on staring into her eyes as he started a sensual assault on her senses. He let his tongue work for him creating a need in her that he knew she felt, for he felt it too. He had started the kiss as a punishment but there was something about her that cried out to him. She easily enraged the animal in him and yet she was also the one who tamed it. He laced his fingers in hers and pulled her between his legs to let her know what she did to him. To make her see that this thing was not one sided, he let of her hands and put his hand under her kameez and ran his hand on her back. He flicked the hooks on the bra loose he encountered on the way and moved his hand to the front under the slack of her bra and captured her breast. She moaned and her eyes closed. He still kept looking at her. Working both his lips and hand on her breast. He flicked the peaked nipple with his thumb and heard her hiss. He captured it between his finger and thumb and massaged it gently yet knew from the sounds emanating from deep within her throat were evidence of what was happening to her. Her grounded his hips into her so that she felt his hardened crotch against her belly.

He kissed her with a smile as her arms wound around him and dug her fingers in his scalp showing her need to him. He complied by putting his other hand on her bum and pulling her against himself so that she knew what she was doing to him and pushed into her to let her know what he intended to do.

He squeezed her breast in his hand and groaned when she kissed him back with fervor. He picked one of her legs to gain better access to her femininity and felt her heat through the layers of clothes. Frustrated, he let go for a second, held the edge of the kurta and pulled it over her head before she could protest.

Khushi had never felt this way. What was happening to her? She felt as if she was floating somewhere above it all and yet she felt each imprint on her soul as she felt his hand, his lips,  his manhood grind into her and she felt helpless, even dazed. Before she could think, she felt the cool air on her heated skin and again heat replacing it when he took her in his arms.

Something had changed, for he did not kiss her as if it was a punishment anymore but a need, a need that he had to assuage, even though his hands were trembling. She felt the brush of his shirt against her skin and she did not like it. She pulled his shirt out of his trousers and slid her hands under and sighed as if she had found home. She felt an electric current run through her as he bent her backwards and kissed her breast through the loose bra. Then he pushed it up with his teeth and captured her lips with warm lips. Lips that covered her in wet kisses. The tongue slathered her nipple in a stroke that elicited a cry from her as her head dropped back and she said, "Arnav."

He just murmured acknowledgement as he continued to run havoc on her breast. She had clutched at him. Then she felt herself floating and realised he had lifted her up without letting go of her breast with one arm around her waist and the other under her butt. Once near the bed, he bent with her and lay on the bed, with her under him and his legs dangling from the side of the bed.

He then kissed her breast in a leisurely fashion. Giving her attention as if there was nothing else that he ever wanted to do. His other hand kneaded her other breast and she felt her own arms which seemed have a life of their own reach his nipples under the shirt. She copied his movements and heard him groan. Suddenly he let her go. Got up and tore his shirt open and shrugged out of it.

Khushi had been stunned at that action and had forgotten to cover her breast as she saw his bare torso. She was yet again assailed with a need to touch him and sat up, only to have him put one knee on the bed and give her slight push before he put the other leg over her and leaned on her, ensuring that he did not put complete weight on her. He then braced himself on one knee and arm and removed the bra with one hand and tossed it aside. He looked at her now completely naked breasts and smiled. Feeling shy, Khushi tried to cover herself when he shook his head and kissed her.

He kissed her senseless and for a long time all they heard was their mingled breathes coming between their moans. It was his hand which had gone inside her salwar which had come loose somehow and below her hips and through her panty to reach the curls that hid her core that brought Khushi back to reality. She pushed him. And saw him fall over the edge of the bed with a thud. She covered herself with the kameez that was at the foot of the bed without the bra and was sitting up with her knees under her when they heard a knock on the door and the knob turn.

They both looked at each other and then at the door.




Chapter 32

Nani entered, though she took her time for Arnav had got up in one fluid motion and stood with his feet apart. But he did not have time to tuck the shirt in or roll down the sleeves he usually folded up above his elbows to hide the red marks that had been left after Khushi's imprint on him.

He folded his arms to hide them the best he could. He figured he was going to brazen it out. Khushi had colored and did not know if she should scramble across the bed to pick up her bra which was dangling over the edge of the bed at the other side, so she just picked up a pillow and threw over it to cover as much as she could. It still peeked from under it but most of it was covered.

She tried to sit in a manner so that part of the bed was behind her. Nani asked, "Ab pehle se thori behtar lag rahe hain aap. Dopar ko thora rang udda hua tha, ab kaisan lag raha hai, Khusi bitiya?"

Darting a glance towards Arnav, she blushed as she said, "Theek lag raha hai Naniji."

"Arnav ne aapse baat ki?" Nani enquired looking at Arnav and her alternatively.

"Aap ne kangan nahi pehnaye abhi tak?" She questioned Arnav.

Khushi could not open her mouth to say but Arnav saved her by saying, "Woh bas mein pehnaane wala tha. Aap hi pehna dijiye." He went over to the armchair and picked up the box that Khushi had not seen.

Nani stopped him from giving them to her with a raised hand. She then turned to Khushi and said, "Bitiya idhar aaiye."

Khushi did not want to leave her strategic place, but she could not deny Nani. She darted a glance at Arnav and got up and stood facing him. Nani indicated to Arnav and he took hold of her hand and slid first one Kangan and then the other ensuring that he did not hurt her. He was about to her hand go when Nani held them and putting their hands in between hers asked Arnav, "Beta humse wada kariye ki aap hamesha Khushi ka khayal rakhenge aur usse khush rakhenge."

He looked at Khushi and then at their joined hands. He simply nodded for he did not think he could have spoken.

Khushi had been stunned at the turn of events. She had wanted to make him squirm before she had accepted his so called proposal. But the arrogant so and so had made her squirm with desire, which still throbbed deep with in her. His hand holding hers was making her relive the moments they had just shared.

Khushi stole a look at him to find him staring at her. Nani happy with her work, gave a smile and walked out of the room. She gave a broader smile and thought, she had finally done something that was totally right. These two had something between them, that either they were too pigheaded to realise or admit. Getting them married was one decision she felt happy to have taken. The peaking bra from under the pillow that she had seen was proof of what could happen if these two were left alone. Happy with her highhandedness, Nani went about

Khushi sprang back the minute the door closed, letting his hand go as if it scalded her.

The movement made Arnav's eyes drop to her breasts and she folded her arms to stop the evidence of a missing garment show through.

She tilted her head and said, "Don't think you have won Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, you may have smoothed your way into making me agree to the marriage but I have a condition. If only you agree shall i go through with it. Or else I wont have any hesitation in going and telling that there is no wedding." she threatened.

"Your threats don't affect me as such, don't think i want to marry you. This is all Nani's doing else who would want to marry you anyway." He countered.

"But tell me what your condition is. I am interested at your audacity and want to know that despite not having much leverage you want to put conditions. Bolo." He asked magnanimously folding his hands.

"I won't sleep with you. I mean…" She tried to explain.

"I know what you mean." Arnav stalled her from spelling it out. He did not need to say more for even now, a certain part of him remembered only too well what had almost happened here.

He simply answered, "Fine."

Stunned at his immediate acquiescence Khushi gaped and then as if the pressure of what all had happened, she swooned and fainted only to be caught in his arms.




Chapter 33


Khushi had found temporary relief as they, as in her mom, dad and Payal had moved to the Guest House, now that Lavanya had gone till the wedding. The bride and groom could not be living in the same house before the wedding. They were not to meet after the haldi rasam which happened this morning. Her wedding sari was bought in the afternoon. A red shimmering ensemble with gold and green stones that winked at her as if they were part of some conspiracy that she was not privy to.

It was a beautiful sari. She had never imagined, she would get married like this. What did they say, marry in haste and repent at leisure? She already knew this marriage was something she should not have given in to but Nani it seemed had not only twisted her arm but also Arnav's. She wondered what Nani had told Arnav? Was it similar to how she had forced her to agree?

She remembered when she had almost drifted off to sleep after lunch and her parents had left, Nani had entered, sat next to her and held her hand as she had told her that she was to marry Arnav. She had tried to get up and argue but she had told about how the whole family izzaat was at stake after some fiasco had happened the way Arnav had behaved after she had fallen. She had come to inform her that Lavanya had declined to marry Arnav and now it was talk all in the community about Arnav and Khushi and their relationship. How it would create situation that was almost history repeating itself and how that had taken her daughter and now she did not want to lose either Garima or Arnav.

She had literally blackmailed her emotionally and talked about how she did not want to lose Garima again and that too drastically. Khushi, had found it a little too dramatic but she had agreed reluctantly but agreed and she did love the impossible man. Seeing him getting married was like thousand deaths she was living through each moment. But then he had gone and made her say the oddest thing in a fit of rage and revenge.

She had told him she will not sleep with him. "Khushi," she told herself,"this time you have really put your hand in the lion's mouth. Pani mein rehkar magarmach se bair. hey devi maiyya, ye hamesha mera saath aisa kyon hota hai? Uss adami ko challenge kar diya."

And she stopped her muttering as she sat at the window sill in her room. A sudden thought came to her. Why had Arnav agreed so easily to her condition? That was not like him. She had expected him to argue. She squinted her eyes in deep thought. Just then Payal came and told her that Aakash had come and wanted to speak to their parents and she should come too.

Happy that at least Jiji was happy and that would suffice for now and put the thought of Arnav aside and went to discuss another wedding that was going to take place in the Gupta family.

A flurry of activity with impromptu sweet making session by her as Payal and Aakash announced their betrothal. All this was too much excitement for her parents with one getting married tomorrow and the other one engaged and the whole family had formed a circle and hugged each other and cried their happiness.



Khushi woke up in the morning, feeling as if the whole world had a new meaning today. She stretched her arms up in the air and then rubbed her eyes, feeling light as a feather. She felt happy. For some strange reason, she just kept on smiling. The day she had thought would forever change her life was here. Her wedding day. Marrying the man, who made her feel…

She blinked. What, what did she feel? Why did she feel like she was on top the world? Why did she feel like she had won a war? Why did the birds seem more chirpy, the air crisper and the breeze more fragrant?

She knew then that whatever else she might say but she was in love with Arnav and was marrying him. But she sobered. He did not love her. That was one knowledge she had to live with. He desired her but love no? She was sure he did not know what love meant anyway. And it was good she had put that condition. At least that way she would salvage some pride. Giving herself to the man she loved but who did not love her. She would come out of this marriage intact. She had to ensure that this charade did not last too long. The first thing she would do when she got the chance was discuss the terms of their marriage. Determined, she decided to take a step at a time. First the wedding then she will deal with other things later.

Just then her mother came to tell her to get ready as they had to go to temple and pay respects before she got ready to become a beautiful bride for her groom. Smiling though it did not reach her eyes, Khushi got ready and went to the temple.

Khushi was dressed in her red sari, looking breathtaking with red, green and gold necklace gifted to her by her Nani with matching earrings. The kangan were accompanied with matching bangles. She looked like a bride who was marrying the man she loved. The glow, the euphoria showed in her radiant face, the dancing eyes. Anyone who looked at her only talked about how love shone through her eyes.

Arnav could not believe, he was getting married today. Where he had started one charade and now he had ended up in another one? He should have dug his heels and not given in to Nani. But now everything was happening. He did not find anything worth being merry about the way the rest of the household was. His sister and jeeju had taken upon themselves to tease the hell out of him. He could not believe, he was taking it all lying down. Well lying down brought images to him that had haunted him for two nights now. Why did not seeing her make him even more angry? His foul mood was not improving as Aakash made him get dressed.

Nani had gotten out the traditional kalgi to be put on his turban and Aakash was fixing it and teasing him about how the groom could not wait for his bride.

He had said something sarcastic but the recent betrothal could not dampen his spirits nor was he willing to leave his colored view of what this wedding and the wedding night was going to bring to him.

He had refused to get on a ghodi and had ensured that it was a car that took him to the venue.

Once at the Imperial Hotel, the dance, the band making a noise that was giving him one heck of a headache and he could not wait for all the drama to get over and done with. He had walked up to the entrance where the Jaimala was to take place.

He stood with boredom etched on his features as his Mausi/Saas put tikka on him and threw rice over his head and pulled his nose. He was not interested in saving himself from that ritual. He had given in.

And then something had happened.

He had seen her. And the world had stopped spinning.



Chapter 34


His breath stopped and stood there transfixed as he saw her. Had she ever looked more beautiful? Perhaps she did, when she had lain there on that bed, with eager eyes, inviting body and … he stopped himself before he lost hold on himself. He saw the way the bandage on her head was discreetly hidden with tikka and the paloo draped over it. Just looking at her in that beautiful red sari raised his temperature to an extent where he only saw him removing it and finding pleasures that he ached to taste.

Everything was tuned out till Aakash poked him in the ribs to pay attention to the present with, "Ab itna bhi mat ghoor ki usse yahin khade khade kha jaayega aisa sab ko pata chal jaaye."

He scowled at him and turned to see her blush as it seemed she had heard it. Then he had been hoisted up as she had come forward to put garland around his neck. She had waited and when the guys were about to give up, she had put it swiftly around his neck and given a shy smile at having accomplished it.

He had not had to work to hard at putting the garland around her as she had coyly bent her head and let him do it. The tigress not giving a fight was something new. He did not know what to make of it. But he figured, she did that to him all the time. She had given him kisses for kisses one minute and then bam! she had come up with that condition. How dare she put condition on him? Did she think he found her irresistible? He would show her, he promised himself.

It was time for the puja before the actual pheras. Mausi and Mausa had done their part of the washing Damad's feet and all that but his eyes waited for her to come. And then she did. She came and was seated opposite to him. And there was this curtain between them. He so wanted to tear it apart. Surely enough, as the curtain was taken off she blew him away. She looked stunning and this, when he had just seen her some half an hour back. Get a hold on yourself, Arnav Singh Raizada. There was no need to lose it. She had a condition. Remember?

Then it happened. The pandit placed her hand in his and his hand tightened around hers as  a current passed through him. He was never going to let her go, the thought popped into his head. Their eyes met. There seemed an awareness in hers but something else too, something elusive but it made something sing within him. He felt a flutter inside which made him want to protect her suddenly from everything. Everything that would come their way, he was going to be there for her. He was going to give her everything he possibly can to make her happy.

By the time, they were taking pheras and the Panditji explaining them the meaning of the vows and pheras, he felt he had already promised her everything. He suddenly realised, he loved her totally and completely. He would do anything to make her happy.

Khushi had heard him make the vows as Panditji had asked and she had repeated them as well. She had felt sincerity in his voice, as if he meant each word he was made to speak. As they took their pheras around the holy fire, holding hands, their differences, the reasons, the conditions all but burned away, leaving them like a brand new person who would walk together fighting every hardship that came their way.

The wedding was real to her. Totally real. And she would do everything in her capacity to be loyal, truthful and loving to him.

Once they were officially married, husband and wife, they went and touched elders feet, together in unison and in harmony. The first dinner together as husband and wife and they were made to feed each other and they had both felt awkward, except for one point when his finger had been in her mouth and his finger had grazed her lip and she had closed her mouth and sucked on his finger as he had fed her. It had been as if, a fire had been lit between them ready to blaze into an inferno that would devour them completely.

If it had not been for people around, he knew he would have kissed her. But soon, he promised her with his eyes. Soon.

The rest of the rituals and the ride back to the Raizada went in a blur. He could not wait to get her alone. The hunger for her was becoming unbearable. He felt like he was ready to burst. Only he knew what control he was exerting on himself as he sat next to her in the car, stood beside her as they did the rituals. Touching her, stoked the fire higher, brighter and it took unnatural amount of restraint to just pick her up and take her to their bedroom and show her what she did to him.

He felt he had gone through torture by the time his friends and family teased him as they had readied his bedroom and was finally allowed to go in there. He felt as if he had been transported to another planet when he entered the room. For what emerged before him was surreal.

Khushi, seated on the bed, arms around her knees, the paloo draped in front of face as a veil. He closed the door and bolted it very slowly for he knew his movements would not be smooth.

He walked slowly towards the bed, sitting down on the bed facing her, he whispered, "Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada, shaadi mubarak."

He leaned closer when he did not get any response. "Kya hua, meri sherni, ab kuch bologi nahi?"

Still no response.

Frustrated, he went on his knees and held her paloo and flicked it over her head only to find, not his wife but Payal stiffling her laughter.

And Arnav exclaimed, "What the…"




Chapter 35


Arnav could not believe his eyes. Payal now had started laughing in earnest. He fumed with narrowed eyes. He could not believe that his ardor could be dampened faster than mercury falling. He slowly got out of the bed and put his hands on the hips waiting for Payal to vacate the bed and looked pointedly at the door when she got out.

"Bhaisaab," She started still unable to stop the mirth completely.

"Jaao" Arnav chafed.

Payal opened the door and found Aakash on the other side and collapsed on him laughing. Arnav looked at Aakash and knew that it had to be his work. He knew if he spoke anything, it would not be in good taste so he just clenched his jaws and fists. He saw Aakash swiftly close the doors.

Arnav then went into the dressing room muttering to himself when he saw her sitting on the stool wearing a peach colored nightgown. Modest yet the silky material clung to her curves and left nothing much to imagination. He saw the smooth curve of her breasts through the V of the gown. Her creamy shoulders luring him where exposed in the sleeveless ensemble. Her dainty ankles peeking below the hem of the gown. The only ornament she was wearing was the anklets and they jingled as she got up coyly.

"I am sorry, woh Aakash aur Payal ne jabardasti mujhe…." Khushi elaborated.

"Forget it." Arnav snapped at her. He then started unbuttoning his shirt and Khushi not wanting to witness him undress, made an excuse and went into the bedroom. She then removed the flower petals and cleared up the canopy that had created a romantic atmosphere. She had collected everything and put in one corner when he entered wearing nothing but boxer shorts, and a towel around his neck, vigorously rubbing his hair.

Khushi gulped. She had not seen him look more handsome and she knew, the condition she had put forward would be the ultimate sort of self torture if he was going to be in this state of undress everyday. "Hey devi maiyya" she silently prayed, "Ye mere saath kyon ho raha hai?"

She then lifted her chin and asked, "Kya aap, kuch aur pehan ke nahi so sakte?"

"Mein aise hi sota hoon, at least, tum ho isiliye, warna, I have worn less. Do you want to know how less?" He asked sarcastically.

Blushing she changed topics and asked, "Mein kahan so jaaon? Dressing room mein toh koi jagah nahi hai. Aur ye armchair…." she pointed to the only arm chair in the room.

"Mere saath, bed par. Aur kahan. I sleep on the left so you take the right. Kyon, control nahi kar paaogi apne aapko?" He asked sardonically as he explained.

Khushi twisted her mouth at the logic of it all. But it rankled that he had to bring her control into picture. "Control ka sawaal nahi hai. I just wanted to clear things up."

She then went to the right side of the bed sat and slid under the covers before she switched off the light on the bedside table.

She hung onto the edge of the bed, fearful of even touching him in her sleep. She had thought she would lie awake but it just took her few minutes to drift into a dreamless sleep.

Arnav sat on his side of the bed, looking at her, for a long time before he switched off the lamp and slid on the bed without covering himself. He knew he was not going to sleep, so he put his arms behind his head as he stared into darkness with images of them playing like a movie.

He must have drifted into a slumber for he woke with a start when he felt an arm come on his chest. He realised she must have moved inwards towards him. He stayed still to see if she was going to move away on her own but after a few minutes, instead of moving away, her hand moved on his chest and touched his nipple. He froze and all the muscles in his body tensed into alert and his heart picked up pace.

She murmured something gibberish as she moved closer and her hand went south. About to reach the waistband, he captured her hands and heard her say, "Arnav."

Something melted in him at the yearning in her voice. He laced her fingers with his and tried to move her away from him when her leg came over his. "Right." he muttered to himself, "this is all I need."

He tried to move his leg from under hers but the only thing that happened was his foot encountering her silky shin. He could not help himself and he rubbed his foot up her leg.

She gurgled and entwined her leg with his and came closer, her gown riding further up her thigh. He wanted to see her, the desire to see her thigh without being clothed was playing havoc with him. He switched on the lamp beside him as he let go of her hand to do two things, one to get some control for darkness was making the whole scenario even more surreal and his imagination was running wild with how much of her was exposed and two may be just may be she would wake up with the light on.

But all the lamp did was bathe the room in a soft glow, enough to make his imagination lukewarm in comparison to the sight in front of him.

The shoulder of her gown had dipped over one shoulder, the hem had ridden to her upper thigh exposing one creamy breast and a very shapely leg his fingers itched to run themselves over.

He had made a mistake by switching the light on. He looked at her but she was still asleep, peacefully while he was fighting a losing battle to dampen the desire she invoked in him without even trying.

While his perusal continued for a minute or two while he came to a decision, Khushi placed her hand on his crotch and his heart jumped and so did his instrument. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply trying to get control over himself. But before he could summon up strength to take her hand off, she was rubbing it against him.

"Oh Man!" He groaned inwardly. "This woman is going to kill me."

But he laid still as she ran her fingers over him, her thumb circling over the head through the shorts. He groaned, unable to stop himself.

He then moved, placing a hand on her shoulder, he shook her, "Khushi…. Khushi…"

Khushi, coming out of a dream opened her eyes to find Arnav, looming over her with a halo around his head.

"Ummm!" she murmured before pulling his head with her hand and kissed him.





Chapter 36

He stilled. What was she up to? Did she know what she was doing? Was she awake or was she in quasi dream state where she knew who she was with but did not know what she was doing?

He tried to stay calm, "Ha! Who are you kidding?" He rebuked himself. His blood raging, desire was pouring out of each cell intoxicating him with sweetness called Khushi.
He wanted to devour her, pull her into him and show her what her boldness, even if sleep induced would get her.

She then made unintelligible sounds and pushed her tongue against his lips as she moved even closer. Her lips he could resist. Yes! he could, he insisted to himself but how did one stop oneself from reacting when that tight bud of her breast rubbed against his chest, tickling his hair and searing a trail of voracity in him?

Her hand on his manhood had strayed into his shorts when he had moved. And as her hand engulfed him, he lost his control. He slumped back on the bed, taking her with him. Sprawled over him Khushi kissed him wantonly, laving him as his lips parted and let her tongue touch his in a sure movement. He simply put his hands on her waist to hold her as his tongue, as if with a mind of its own, played with hers. He deepened the kiss raising his head and tilting it to gain more access. She shifted and her nippled brushed against his. His hand went into her head and groaned in her mouth as her turned her on her back and took over.

He went on on knee and let the other leg trap her under him and her hand still holding him. His one hand held her head as he gorged on her, her taste. He knew he would never get enough of her. Her free hand had found its way into his hair and was tugging at them as if an expert cellist tugging at the instrument to bring out the desired tune. And that is what he felt like. Her favorite instrument meant for her pleasure and he was reminded of how her other hand was running itself on him as if he was a smooth flute and every movement on him elicited a sound out of him.

He tried to shift a bit so that she had a free reign to explore him. Smiling as he continued to kiss her, he felt as if he had lost his favorite toy when her hand moved away from him and came up to his torso.

"Had enough of me already?" He muttered to her but all he got was incomprehensible "ummm" from her as she pushed him back on the bed and sat astride him. Her one shoulder down, the gown riding up to her hips and he felt he was in Khushi heaven at the sight he was witnessing. Her hips grinding against his in circular motion made him tilt his head back and give access to her tongue which she used to lav him blazing a trail of wet desire on his chest. He did not know his wife was brazen lady with no inhibitions and he was enjoying himself thoroughly. He pushed her other strap of the gown down her arm and held both her breasts in reverence. He felt all his prayers were answered in this woman. She was all he could ask for and more.

"Khushi" he murmured as he raised himself and sat up to kiss her breasts and pay homage to them. He took first one and then the other, imbuing each with his tongue in a leisurely fashion. Her hands clenched in his hair and pushed his head on her breasts as she arched her back to give him more room.

"AAAhhhh!" was all he heard from her as he kissed. Wanting to do more, he bit on one of the nipples and felt her jerk.

"Aaawww" and her eyes opened.

She blinked a few times as if assimilating the scene before her. Arnav's hands around her waist, the gown pushed down to her hips. Her sitting astride him, the only barrier between them was thin cotton of his shorts. Her hands in his hair, holding him tightly and his head bent over her breasts.

She pushed. He went backwards and said, "You want to play rough?"

She gaped. "What?"

Arnav suddenly sobered looking at her expression which had changed from being ecstatic to one of shock.

She scrambled over him but looked at him when he moaned. Her naked breasts jiggled as she moved and he had been enthralled by them. She quickly covered herself, pulling the straps of her gown and pulling the hem over her knees.

"What happened here? How could you? How could you take advantage of a sleeping woman Arnav?" she accused.

"Wait a minute woman? It was..the other way…" but it sounded impossible even to him and he shut up.

"Ha! Arnav Singh Raizada, taken advantage of by a woman. By me? I dont believe it." She lamented

Suddenly having had enough. He sprang out of the bed and said, "Think what you like. I am out of here."

With that he left.

Khushi was left thinking if what she had seen was a reality or was it some dream. No it was a nightmare. And then it all came back to her. Her dream and how she had seen his face and did not know what was reality and what dream and holding him had felt so good.

Covering her face in embarrassment, she slumped onto the bed and sobbed herself to sleep.

She woke up with a start when she felt a hand on her shoulder, waking her.




Chapter 37


"Khushi, utho… " Payal shook her awake.

Khushi opened her eyes as she sat up and looked around but did not see the person her eyes were searching for and saw Payal.

"Kya hua Jiji?" Khushi asked rubbing her eyes.

"Sab nashte pe tumhara intezzar kar rahe hain. Jaldi se tayyar ho kar aa jao." She looked at Khushi and her disheveled state and smiled at her as if to convey the message of understanding.

"Jiji…" Khushi shot back trying to quell the question in her eyes.

"Chal ab…jyada drama mat kar….  tum Arnav ke baad nichhe aa rahi ho… Woh toh usne bola ki tumhein thori der aur sone diya jaaye…. nichche aa phir mein kya sab sawaal karne waale hain…" and with that she turned and left the room.

Khushi smacking a hand on her head, went into the bathroom through the dressing room and got dressed. A sari in gajjari color with gold border and jewelry that was light yet appropriate for a newly wed with matching bangles. Her mangalsutra and bindi were the signs she carried with her of a married woman.

She walked down the stairs to see Arnav at the foot of it halted on the way to his study looking up at her. She had not seen him after the early morning fiasco and he looked a dish in his usual business formals though the shirt today was not his regular pastels but a bright red. The only thing that reminded her of was a raging bull. His eyes did not leave her as she came down and stood in front of him.

"I am going to the office. Please try to dissuade Nani about the honeymoon. I have had enough of this drama already." With that he walked away.

Khushi's shoulders slumped. "Right Mr Raizada, leave the tough task to me." she muttered to herself as she entered the dining room to find the whole family stop laughing at something they were discussing and turn and look at her collectively.

Aakash then asked, "Bimaar ke haal kaise hain?"

"Bimaar?" Khushi turned around looking here and there and questioned.

"Aap hi Khushi… I hope you remember that you were in hospital couple of days ago and have not done anything strenuous, though Arnav asked us to not disturb you but Payal could not wait for you to come and get some strength back after…" and all of them burst into peels of laughter.

Not enjoying the harmless jokes as they were far away from the truth and yet so close. She sat in one of the chairs and had breakfast. Nani after she had eaten suddenly said,

"Bitiya, jaraa mandir ma aaiye."

They all left together and joined hands in front of the Devi Maiyya in their home temple. Khushi said, "Sorry Naniji. Mein woh aaj bhool gayee, kal se pehle Devi Maiyya ko naman karoongi phir breakfast karoongi."

"Arre isliye nahi bulaye hai hum aapko ehyaan. Jai Parkas, jao Arnav bitwa ko bulao." She told first Khushi and then called out to Jai Prakash.

Arnav came, "Kya hai Nani, waise bhi mein office jaa raha hoon."

"Pehle aap idhar aaiye. Ye lijiye." She told handing him the sindoor box.

Holding it he asked, "Kya hai?" Opening it.

"Oh!" he exclaimed. And looked at Nani and Khushi.

"Aap ab se har subah, mandir maa aake, Khusi bitiya ki maang bhareinge. Chaliye." She instructed prodding him.

"Naniji… iski koi jaroorat nahi hai… mein khud kar loongi." Khushi tried to evade.

"Idhar dekho." Arnav then commanded. As she turned and faced him and he filled his forefinger and thumb with some vermilion applied it in her parting. The small touch made Khushi shiver deliciously.

She wondered why did he have to do everything contrary to what she wanted?

"Ab aap dono yahin hai toh jo humne Arnav ko bole aapko bhi bol dete hain." Nani announced.

"Arnav ne bataya ki saare rasamon ke baad honeymoon par parson jaana munasib nahi hai kyon ki aapke maathe ke taanke niklenge aur phir shanichar ko aapka koi aaward phunkson hai. Toh hum somwar ki tikut kiye denge aapke honeymoon ki. aap dono jaanyenge." She finished her announcement.


"Lekin Nani meine aapse kaha…na koi jaroorat nahi hai… hum phir kabhi chale jaayenge… bahut kaam hai… Khushi ko bhi abhi bahut designs ka kaam dekhna hai… Aur Lucknow ke boutique ke liye bhi naya manager dhoondhana hai, tab tak Khushi… sambhalegi… Nahi Nani..abhi time nahi hai…" Arnav tried to get out of it earnestly.


"Naniji…. Jaisa aap theek samjhe." Khushi agreed meekly and looked at Arnav who narrowed his eyes in displeasure.

Knowing he was defeated, he made an excuse and went to office.


It had been two days since the Honeymoon disagreement and at every point they had disagreed to what the other had said. It looked like they were on a war path than on the advent of a married life. If they were asked to do one thing one of them did the opposite. And today had been the classic. He had been silent mostly when they were in their bedroom and thankfully there had been no repeat performance of the first night, as he had taken to sleeping on the floor with some blankets put there every night and all traces of their arrangement taken off every morning.

But today, he seemed to want some sort of revenge for disagreeing with every plan of his. He claimed that he could not manage to tie the dhoti somehow for the pooja that Nani had kept and she had to help him. She had been ready wearing a Banarasi saree that had dual colors of shocking Pink and burnt Orange. It had been when she had walked out of the dressing room and found him in the bedroom that had made him ache with wanting and he had decided to torture her as he was tortured every night sleeping in the same room yet not together.

He knew it was going to back fire on him. Her one touch and he burned but he was burning anyway. Having her close to him, flaunting her loveliness every morning. It had been particularly agonising yesterday, when she had come out with her hair open, wet tendrils hugging the side of her face, her neck and drops of water running down the kameez between her breasts and he had stifled a groan for he had wanted to lick them away. Hell! he had such an instant hard on just looking at her, he wondered if he would last a week the way she was making him feel.

He had almost felt like damn to the condition and ravish her then and there but had held on, with difficulty but held on. He felt his control was hanging on a very thin thread which was already bare and ready to snap any minute.

But he had to do something, he had to feel her or die. Surely he would die.

And he had come up with this idea. And she agreed. She actually agreed? Whatever happened to disagreeing he wondered caustically.

He stood as she asked him to come wearing only his boxer shorts. As if he did not know. He stripped in front of her, her color increasing with every garment he discarded. he was wearing a white boxer shorts and warned his not so little self to behave itself and not raise its head too obviously.

She touched his ridged abdomen and tucked one end into his short. Sacrilege! What had he done to himself. Was torture not enough? First he stabbed himself now he was turning the knife deeper. He sucked in his breath and felt her finger slide deeper into his waistband. He removed her hand and said, "I can do that."

She did not reply and went around him as she moved around she touched him everywhere, his arm, his back, his spine, the waist. Having had enough of her fluttering movements, his control snapped and he turned and captured her in his arms and said, "Tumhein mazaa aa raha hai kyon?" and kissed her.

As if a pliable doll, she just melded into him and kissed him back. And the fire raged. He kissed her lips like he had been thirsty for ages. He drank her sweet nectar and deepened the kiss. He slowly let go of her lips, his lips still lingering over hers and murmured, "Khushi… Khushi…."


And she sighed, "Arnav" against his lips and yearning that he hear in the way she said his name had him delving back on her mouth and kissing her again. Her hands roaming hungrily on his body. And his on her back. He found the strings that tied the blouse and tugged at them  to make room for his fingers to feel her. He backed her against the wall and suddenly turned her and made her face the wall with hands on it. He pushed the paloo off her shoulder and moved the edges of the blouse away from her back to find no bra strap hampering him. He cursed and put his lips against her nape. Suckling velvety skin there as his finger traced the spine down to the small of her back where the sari was tied low. He let his knuckles run over her back as his lips followed the path his finger had taken a few moments ago. When he reached the base of the spine he traveled east and reached the curve of her waist and nipped it with his teeth.

She hissed but he was beyond mercy. He needed to do this, he needed her to know what she did to him. He had been thankful for once for she had tied her hair up in a bun and nothing hampered him while he ravaged on her back. The tantalizing glimpse of it through the deep back of her blouse and her open hair had been driving him crazy every time she had worn a sari which had been almost everyday for there had been some or other ritual in the house.

He travelled again on the delectable back a journey he had anticipated taking every time he had seen her in a sari and had his fill of fulfilling one of his fetish. Her back.

About to turn he around, they heard a knock on the door and a Payal say from the other side, "Ab aap dono tayyar ho gaye ho toh Pooja ka mahurat chala jaa raha hai."

Arnav cursed again, "Ye Payal meri behen aur saali ek saath na hoti toh mein… " and moved away from her asking Khushi if she needed help with the strings. She nodded silently as she knew her voice had deserted her. She looked at the state Arnav was, half tucked in Dhoti, with trails of it around his feet. She knew she did not look prim or proper at that minute but looking at him, she simply laughed out and Arnav first scowled then looked down at himself and joined her as well.


That moment changed something between them yet again. The kaleidoscope had moved, giving a different picture to their relationship.




Chapter 38


Arnav and Khushi had gone to the doctor to get the sutures removed and their new frienship even though a little tentative was something she preferred to the stoic silences they shared earlier. She had told him that night to sleep on the bed and had offered to sleep on the floor but he had refused. She had then done another unexpected thing, asked him to sleep on the bed and put pillows and blankets in between.

"Silly woman," he had muttered to himself, "As if that would stop me, if I put my mind to it." But had let it pass. He did not know what was a bigger torture, sleeping on the hard floor or sleeping next to her hard?

But for the sake of their new and tenuous friendship, if he could call it that, he had conceded. He had slept less and ached more but he was not going to complain. Today, was her day. The nomination for young new talent in the FDIC awards was an honor that she deserved and AR Designs would reap the benefit of that nomination, whether she won or not.

She came down wearing a black sari with white chikankari on it. It had discreet mokesh that twinkled with every movement she made. He was entranced. She looked vision of loveliness and more. The bandage on the side of her head was the only mar on otherwise perfect outfit. He had worn a black suit with white shirt and a bow tie to grace the occasion with the formality it demanded.

As they walked towards the door her arm in his, Aakash in white dinner jacket coupled with a white shirt and black bow tie and black trousers and Payal in a red and white Lucknowi saree joined looking fabulous.

All four went to the do as this would their last get together as Aakash was leaving for Mumbai to talk to his parents and of course, he had work to get back to. It had been decided that Payal and Aakash were to spend sometime together after the do and go for dinner by themselves and so were the newly weds.

The function was a glittering affair, with elite of the Fashion Industry and society were present. Arnav shook hands with them as they guided to their table. Once settled, Arnav ordered drinks for them. The ladies stuck to fruit juice and the men had their standard whisky. Arnav had felt today was a day for celebration for he felt it in his guts that his wife, yes his wife he thought; that his wife was talented enough to win the award. He was amused at the way he felt so possessive of her in such a short span of time.

He waited for the category to be announced and the winner declared. He saw her get up when her name was announced and she looked at him. He indicated for her to go and hog the limelight she deserved. His eyes told her things in that split second that made she smiled back at him. He suddenly rose on his feet and leaned forward to plant a kiss on her lips. He broke off when the applause increase and people nearby cheered him on.

He looked a bit sheepish but then brazened it out with a raised hand acknowledging the cheer. He then stood there looking at his wife walk put the step towards the podium and take the award handed to her. She then took the mic and looked at him as she said, "Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman. This has been the perfect week of my life. First my wedding and now this award. I feel I am blessed. I feel especially proud that this award comes to me because it is my husband Mr Arnav Singh Raizada who inspired me to create the designs. It was a conversation we had once and when he had told me "Lucknowi tehzeeb and Modern Technology would be my dream of being a perfect blend of tradition meets contemporary and to me that is art."

He froze as he heard that. Khushi had just talked about one night that had been perfect, perfect in every sense before everything had start to fall apart. He remembered, how much they had shared that evening. Their one and only date. How their conversation was juxtaposed with lines they had said at the same time and similar words. How their thoughts and dreams had melded and culminated into one cohesive picture. Where had it all gone? Why had he let that go?

He looked at her with stunned expression as she had looked at him and smiled again. He had smiled automatically but the introspection had left him wanting. Wanting to bridge the gap that was there between them. He wanted to correct every wrong that had happened between them. He wanted them to have a new start, a new beginning. Hell! they had yet to begin anyway. And he promised himself. I am not going to let past color my present or my future. He realised, Khushi was more important to him than the name in that damned birth certificate.

It was not her fault, what had happened to them and he had to stop blaming her for it. He was going to make it up to her, starting from tonight. Giving her a bright smile as she walked down the stairs looking at him; he walked forward to meet her half way.

Just as he was about to reach her , she teetered and was going to fall when he caught her by the waist and steadied her. She then looked down to see her paloo had gotten stuck in her spindly heels. He then bent down, indicating her to stay still, and muttered, "Why do you have to wear heels, when you can't walk with them. Women." he said exasperatedly as he removed the edge from under her heel, got up and held her elbow to hear her retort in his ear, "Why did you have to be so tall?"

Not wanting to answer, he just guided her back to the table.

After collecting all the congratulations en route, he suffered through the rest of the function, for he could not wait for it to end and have his wife to himself. He even got some remarks to that effect as they were ready to leave the function. Aakash and Payal had already left as Khushi's award was what had brought them here. It had been up to them to stay it the end as it would seem rude, even though one of the industrialist had quipped from the next table, "Mr Raizada, I am sure, people will not think it rude, if you want to go celebrate with your new wife. Double celebration of sorts, Abhi abhi toh shaadi hui hai bhai…" and the others around had joined in the ribbing.

He had just smiled and seen Khushi blush. But they had stayed till the end by mutual agreement.

He then helped her into the car and asked where she wanted to celebrate and found it strange when she said, "Can we go home?"

"Dinner nahi karna?" Arnav asked.

"Mein ghar par kuch bana loongi, if you dont mind. Ghar chalein?" Khushi requested.

Her "ghar chalein" was all he needed. He had another kind of celebration in mind and he figured for that, it would be better if they did go home. However, his plans had to be put on hold for as soon as they reached home, the rest of the family descended on her and joined in the celebration.

Arnav had just sat back and let her wallow in all the praise and appreciation as dinner was had together with everyone and all of them retired to the study to talk about the function in detail.

Arnav knew that his celebration would have to be put on hold, well there was that honeymoon Nani had organised for them. So, he decided, he would go about wooing his wife on their honeymoon. That would be the perfect beginning for them.

Happy with that thought, he begged tiredness and retired to the bedroom.





Chaper 39



Khushi wondered as he walked away from happy family scenario. Everyone was gathered around in the study, talking and laughing and he wanted to go to the bedroom? Strange man! He had kissed her in public, okay a fleeting touch but he had. She put fingers to her lips and relived the moment. But he was strange. He had saved her from falling but had to retort. Why did his actions and words did not match up? She wondered.

He was man full of contradictions. He was tender one minute and then he turned into this sarcastic man who spewed venom. Will she ever figure him out? But she did not want to confront him for it would jeopardize their tenuous friendship. She would probably do something for him that would make him happy. Deciding on that she joined the family till the wee hours in fun and games as the adrenalin was high. It had been even bigger celebration when Payal and Aakash had come and told them that his parents were happy with his choice and they wanted the wedding to be within a month.

Khushi for a change had gone into the jalebi making session with happiness rather than anger and all of them had had an impromptu jalebi party. The only missing person was the khadoos Arnav and Nani said, "Arnav baba agar thora apna akaddna kam kar dein toh shayad achcha ho. Kyon Khusi bitiya, aap ee kaam kar paaiyegi na?"

Khushi had shrugged and said, "Naniji, aap aur Didi milkar jo nahi kar paaye woh mein itni jaldi kaise kar loon? koshish karoongi par vaada nahi kar sakti."


And everyone had laughed.

Arnav had waited for her to come upstairs for two hours and then given up. He had thought she would follow him shortly, but looked like the family was having a get together. He had thought of joining them but had decided, he had better catch up on work and brought his laptop out of his bag and worked on it for some time. It was gone two in the morning and there was no sign of her. Giving up, he put his laptop away and slept. He guessed, he was not important enough for her to share her moment of glory. Then what was that line about him inspiring her. Women! he thought they were impossible to understand.

Drifting off to sleep, he woke to hear, hushed movements coming from their dark bedroom. He stirred and then saw in the shaft of light coming from outside, Khushi, wearing one of those negligee type of gowns and his breath stopped. The rustling of the material was enough to make him imagine how it moved against her body. He switched on the light next to him as he sat up.

"Oh! Meine utha diya kya aapko?" Khushi whispered.

"Why are you whispering? I am awake now." Arnav scoffed.

"Yeah! right. Sorry I disturbed you." Khushi apologised, arranging the pillows in between them.

"Hmmph!" Arnav said and slid back into the bed and turned the other way. He switched off the lights and she said, "Ek minute ruk toh jaate… meine abhi…" Khushi started then decided she could very well find her blanket without the light.

Now what had gotten into him, she wondered and thought may be the trip that Nani had forced on them was a sore point. She made a promise to herself that she was going to salvage the situation.

The next morning went in Arnav remaining stoically silent and avoiding her for most of the day. Even lunch was subdued as everyone was a little saddened with Aakash's departure and her parents and Payal had an evening train back to Lucknow.

She had spent rest of the afternoon with them as Arnav had closeted himself in the study and worked as if demons were behind him. She did not understand what was bugging him. He had gone to drop Aakash after breakfast. But he had come back and stayed in the study till lunch and again went back in there as if he had some treasures there for him. Khushi could not make out what bugged him.

Was it the imminent honeymoon? If so, may be she should go and tell Nani that honeymoon was not worth going on but then stopped herself as she remembered her promise to try and change Arnav's attitude towards life. May be she will have to do something else. But what?

Thinking about it she went into the kitchen to find Arnav there, eating the left over jalebis from the fridge.

"Why are you eating those?" Khushi asked.

"Oh! kyon?" Arnav turned around towards her as she asked and added, "These are go…ooood!! You made them?" he continued biting into one.

"Yeah I made them last night, after Payal and Akash announced their wedding a month from now. Par mein fresh bana deti hoon…." Khushi supplied the information.

"What? Mujh usne toh nahi bataya?" Arnav complained.

"Agar aap kuch bolne ke mood mein hoge toh hi koi aapse baat karega na." she jabbed him.

"Ah! toh kya hamari biwi bhi yahi complain kar rahi hai?" Arnav asked with a slight smile.

"Nahi mein kyon karoongi. I am sure you have lot of work. After all Arnav Singh Raizada ko koi disturb kaise kar sakta hai." Khushi goaded.

About to leave, she felt herself being pulled back and against the fridge as he held her wrist. "Disturb toh karti ho, tum." Arnav accused.

"Oh! woh kal raat, i mean aaj savere, uske liye toh meine tabhi sorry bhi bol diya…tha…" Khushi explained not understanding what he meant.

"Mein uski baat nahi kar raha." Arnav said, leaning closer.

Khushi then noticed the sugar syrup near his lip and indicated it to him and he frowned.

"Woh…jalebi.. I mean..chashni…" Khushi explained.

"Toh nikaal do…" Arnav leaned even closer.

Khushi gulped then placed the tip of her finger to the corner of his lip and his tongue darted out at the same moment to lick it off. Khushi felt scorched and her finger skidded on his lip over the tip of his tongue and Arnav ran it over it.

Her eyes widened at the blatant playfulness and admonished, "Kya mazaak hai?"

He closed the distance and asked, "Mazaak, ye tumhein mazaak lagta hai? Kal raat meri wife mere saath dinner nahi karne gayee aur ye mazaak hai? Woh ghar aa kar sabke saath time pass karti rahi aur ye mazaak hai?" By this time he was a breath away from her lips and stared into her eyes. Then his gaze darted for a second to her lips before he looked back at her and said, "Mazaak toh tum kar rahi ho…"

And kissed her.





Chapter 40


Khushi could not believe it. All day he had avoided her and now here he was kissing her. And she loved it. She smiled and opened her lips to taste the jalebi on him and murmured, "Ummm!" as the sweetness assailed her. Arnav deepened the kiss, frolicking with her tongue in a dance that made the fire between them burn higher. She was ready to burn to cinders in his arms and wound her arms around his neck wanting to feel him even closer.

He suckled and nibbled without pausing for even a breath as if her taste enhanced what he had just had. His hands roamed on her back and wound themselves into her hair holding her head at an angle that gave him better passage into the delights of her mouth.

She went on her toes to reach better and murmured a moan of satisfaction as he lifted her up in his arms holding her behind her upper thighs and under her breast without breaking the kiss.

He turned to walk out of the kitchen and bumped into the island in middle. Lifting his head, he cursed and said, "Hold on for just few minutes" and with her in his arms walked briskly out and up the stairs to only stop once inside their bedroom. She had tried to stop him to let her walk but he had just hushed her with a look which brooked no opposition.

He laid her on the bed and announced, "Khushi, I want to make love to you. Right now. I have had enough of that condition of yours and it is about time, we moved ahead. I know you want me as much too."

Khushi blinked.

"I would like that…. " Khushi said softly and looked at her husband through her lashes as acute shyness attacked her and she turned her face into the bed.

Arnav sat on the edge of the bed, leaned close to her face and pushed the curtain of her hair aside, tucking it behind her ear to whisper, "Tell me Khushi… What do you want?"

Not wanting to verbalise her needs, she just opened her eyes and looked at lips and then into his eyes, pleading him to understand.

"Oh! my dear girl, how is it that you are innocence and brazenness rolled into one." he teased.

He got up and went to the bedroom door to lock it when he saw, his Mausi coming towards their bedroom.

He groaned, "Not now."

"Kya hua?" Khushi asked from the bed now sitting up.

"Mausi… aa rahi hai." Arnav announced, disappointment lacing his voice.

"Oh! Arnav… unke jaane ka time ho gaya hai… isiliye bulane aa rahi hongi… mein toh bhool hi gayee… " Khushi blushed at her forgetfulness.

"Aap chalenge?" Khushi asked only to have him glare at her.

She raised her hand and said, as she left the room, "Mein jaldi wapis aati hoon…"

"Hmmmph!" Arnav muttered before he went out of the bedroom.



                                                              ----


"Amma, Babuji apna khayal rakhna." Khushi hugged her parents and then it was Payal's turned as she hugged her sister and felt as if her whole world was about to crumble, she sobbed into her arms.

"Khushi sambhalo apne aapko. Itna kyon ro rahi hai." Payal joined in with the crying as she tried to console Khushi.

"Ye lo ab dono yahan, Gomti nadi le aayeingi?" Their father tried to lighten the mood.

"Babuji…" said Khushi and all three hugged, joined by their mother. The family consoled each other after a few moments of togetherness.

"Hum jaldi aane waale hain Lucknow Amma. Woh boutique ka kaam dekhna hai na. Aap kyon chinta karte ho. Jab mann kare milne ka ya toh bula lena ya toh khud aa jaana. Theek hai?" Khushi gave some news of her imminent arrival in Lucknow to give her mother some hope of them meeting soon.

She went back home to find Arnav had gone out for some business. She waited for him for dinner but he called saying he was going to be late and that she should sleep. Disappointed as she had thought, they would… but then killed that thought as an aberration on Arnav's side as she prepared for bed.

He had not come home till midnight and she giving up, decided to sleep as she had a surprised planned for him tomorrow. Their honeymoon. She was going to give him what he wished for.

Khushi Kumari Gupta, no Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada was going to help Arnav in his kabhi haan kabhi na mode by ensuring there was no honeymoon to go to.





Chapter 41


Arnav could not believe everyone was playing truant with his life. It was either the people in the house, the business and if all else went smooth, Khushi seemed to be hell bent on ruining a perfectly brilliant moment with some inane talk. Why did women talk so much? And if they had to, why pick such timing? Did they have a device in them which blared at them at the wrongest moments?

He entered the bedroom, to find Khushi peacefully asleep, blessedly the pillows were not laid out in the middle. "Well, about time," he muttered, as he undress and went for a shower. It was going one and they had an afternoon flight to Bora Bora via Singapore and Melbourne. Long flight and the tickets were all set for a vacation of one week. He had finished the meeting so late so that they could have undisturbed time together.

He needed to learn about his wife and teach a few things to his wife about him, about them. He came out in the bedroom with his boxers on, thinking soon he won't need them as well. Smiling to himself, he settled next to her in the bed and then gathered her spoon fashion in his arms. He felt something tug within the region of his heart as she snuggled closer to him even in her sleep.

That had to mean something right? He was going to try and make up for all the things he had done wrong with her. Starting with tomorrow, he was going to be the Arnav Singh Raizada, Khushi never met.

Khushi woke up feeling light. She had had this feeling on her wedding day, as if everything was going to be right. She turned around to see if Arnav had come back and slept next to her or not? She wanted to know what had he made of her subtle but sure change with the missing pillows in the middle. And found the space empty. But the dent on the pillow, slight rumple in the bed did show that he had slept next to her.

Wondering where he was, she gasped as he came out from the dressing room, with only towel around his waist. The drops of water still clung to his skin and some giving themselves up to the force of gravity and ran down his torso. He looked, delicious. She braked wondering why she thought of food looking at him and then blushed as he asked with raised eyebrows what was happening?

She shook her head and scrambled out of the bed and felt her blush deepen as the gown rode up her thigh in her haste. She saw his eyes roam up her leg and rest on her face after perusing her leisurely along the way.

As she went past him, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close and let a few drops from his wet hair fall on her face and said, "Good morning."

"Good morning." Khushi whispered back, looking at the ground.

One more thing, and she looked up at him only to have her lips captured by his.

Releasing her after few minutes, "Now you can go."

Before she went into the bathroom she heard him laugh softly.

Khushi could not believe, he had done that.

What did this man want? But decided she would deal with it later and got ready quickly and went into the temple as she knew he must be waiting for her. She reached and found him patiently waiting. For a man who did not believe in rituals, he had followed the diktat of Nani's to put sindoor on her everyday with a religiousness that defied his proclamations.

She stood in front of him and he silently picked up the box of sindoor, took some and smeared it in her parting. Their eyes met and she smiled. He then said, "Chalo breakfast pe Nani wait kar rahi hai."

Just as they entered the breakfast room, Khushi swooned and would have fallen if Arnav would not have held her. Nani scrambled to her feet and asked, "Arnav kya hua Khushi ko?"

"Woh abhi tak toh theek thi… pata nahi Nani." Arnav said concern lacing his voice. He picked her up and took her into the living room and placed her on the sofa.

"Arre Anjali bitiya, jaldi doctor ko phone lagaiye, inhe aaj jaana hai na… dekhiye jaldi bulwa lijiye. Abhi flight ko toh kaafi time hai. Pata nahi packing bhi kiya hai ki naahi?"

"Nani, iss haalat mein jaana shayad theek nahi hoga." Arnav tried to reason with Nani.

"Haan! aap toh pehile se naa kahat rahi. Ab toh aap manaa hi karoge. Pehile daktar sahib jo aa jaane dijiye, oo jo kahe wahi theek rahi."

Just as Nani said this, they heard, Khushi grumble and open her eyes slightly and said, "Woh Nani, mein theek hoon… woh bas thora sa chakkar aa gaya tha. Doctor ko bulane ki koi jaroorat nahi hai."

Then she winked at Arnav.

He gaped.






Chapter 42


What the…, his mind screamed. What was this woman up to? Short of asking her to confess in front of everyone, he said, "Lagta hai, thori der aaram kar legi toh theek hoga Nani. Agar kuch der mein theek nahi laga toh..mein khud doctor ke paas le jaaonga. Waise shayad breakfast kha legi toh theek ho jaayegi?"


He then asked Jai Prakash to bring the breakfast in their bedroom and carried her even though she tried to protest.

Once inside, he unceremoniously put her on her feet, closed the doors and asked putting his hands his hips, "Ab ye kya naatak tha?"

"Arre aap mujh par bhadak kyon rahe ho? Aap hi ne bola tha na, aapko honeymoon par nahi jaana, toh meine socha…" Khushi started to explain only stop when he turned away from her in frustration and ran his hands in his hair.

Before he could say anything, there was a knock on the door, placing a finger on his lips to keep quiet, as he turned back and asked her silently to lie on the bed. He  then  put covers on her before he said, "Come in."

"Haan Di, aap kyon laaiyee?" Arnav got up from the bed and relieved her from holding the tray.

"Kaisa lag raha hai Khushi, aur chakkar toh nahi aa rahe?"

Khushi slowly shook her head trying to do a convincing act of being weak.

"Chalo kuch kha lo, sab theek ho jaayega. Mein khila doon?" Anjali asked.

"Nahi Di, mein hoon na, mein kar loonga." He hastily intervened as he wanted her gone.

"Oho! ab toh bada khayaal rakkha jaa raha hai biwi ka." Anjali teased.

Arnav scowled but heaved a sigh of relief as Anjali left closing the doors behind him.

"What are you up to woman? What kinda stunt were you playing downstairs?" Arnav asked heatedly.

"What do you mean? Here I am trying to help you and you instead of thanking me, app hum par hi chilla rahe ho?" Khushi got up on her knees and faced him mimicking his stance of hands on hips.

They at the moment looked like adversaries in a boxing ring than husband and wife, who should be on their way to honeymoon.

"You stupid woman. Don't try and help me. I can do that on my own." But the bite had gone out of his words as he started laughing silently.

"You are laughing? You think it was easy, trying to time my faint so that everyone saw us and to put enough faith in your reflexes to catch me as well?" Khushi complained.

"But why were you doing such…" Arnav started and stopped adding, "No…forget it… I don't want to know your typical woman logic… which is …"

"Don't say it…" Khushi dared him to continue with a pointed finger at him.

"Kya kar logi?" Arnav asked leaning close to her?

"Woh mein honeymoon par jaane se inkaar kar doongi." Khushi fumbled.

"Achcha? Aur mein Nani se keh doonga ki tum naatak kar logi." Arnav played his ace.

Stumped, Khushi sat back on her heels wondering what to do.

"Toh kya karein ab?"

"Kuch nahi. Neeche chalo, sab ko bolo, tum ab theek ho..aur packing karo… we are going. Nani has gone through lot of trouble for us. For her sake, we should go. Think of it as a holiday if …."Arnav stopped.

Khushi sulked and said, "Theek hai. Friends?" offering her hand.

"Friends?" Arnav asked startled but then captured her hand in a shake giving a mental smile to himself.

They had breakfast and then went downstairs to announce their departure. Khushi packed. Arnav finished his last minute calls and packed himself.

Nani, Anjali and Shyam went to the airport to see them off.

Once in the plane, Khushi told Arnav, "Mujhe planes se bahut darr lagta hai."

Smiling, Arnav held her hand during take off, teaching her various things to travel in a plane. The first class cabin of Singapore Airlines was a royal treatment and Khushi lapped up all the attention en route.

She was exhausted by the time they had boarded the plane from Melbourne to Bora Bora and had slept most of the way with her head on his shoulder. But she woke up as the Captain announced their landing and looked out the window only to exclaim as she for the first time saw sea the color of flourescent green, translucent from up here yet inviting. The last leg was on a chartered flight with only them and it had been the most luxurious part of their trip.

Gazing out at the thatched roofs in the distance as they neared the air strip, she said, "Hum kya jannat pahonch gaye hai?"

And looked around to see Arnav smile at her and say, "Haan! hamara personal paradise."




Chapter 43


"Huh?" Khushi asked and Arnav elaborated, "I mean Four Season's ka resort hai, very exclusive."

As they got off the plane, they were received in a very Polynesian manner at the airport and were going to be transferred from here to the resort by boat. Khushi had felt she was going through a fast forward mission on experience the world with the Airplane, now boat and whatever else she would do there?

She could hardly keep her mouthing from gaping open at the sites that emerged in front of her. She was enthralled. It did look like a paradise. Shayad Jannat aisa hi yoga, she mused.

Arnav held her elbow as she got up again and again to turn this way and that on the boat to catch every breathtaking aspect of this island called Bora Bora. Though the local who had greeted them with leis at the airport called it Pora Pora. And Arnav had explained about how the locals did not pronounce B and Captain Cook first heard the name he mistook the softly spoken P for a B and it was called Bora Bora. Truly, the most romantic island in the world. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale. "Was what the brochure had said," he added. He wondered how did Nani get to know of this place as their honeymoon destination. Then dismissed it as a travel agent's marketing ability.

But he knew if he were a romantic person, he could not have chosen a better place himself. But watching Khushi's excitement had been priceless. She was like a kid in a candy store, "Ha!" he scoffed at himself at that analogy, what he wanted to do was no where near treating her like a kid. But he knew he would have to take it slow. He did not want to scare her with his desires, the way they were running through him right now.

He walked on the pier that led to their bungalow with her on the side. Once inside, he asked if she wanted to freshen up, as they found their bags had already been delivered in the time it had taken them to check in and take the leisurely walk to the bungalow.

He was in the bedroom absently putting his clothes away from the bag he had opened on the bed when he heard a "Devi Maiyya"

Looking up he found Khushi had now turned towards him and said, "Iss bathroom mein to darwaza hi nahi hai! Upar se…jo khidki hai woh bhi…uss pahadi ko dekh sakte hain… waisi hai, issme hum…kaise ….?"

Arnav laughed.

"Aap kya hans rahe ho? Humein bathroom jaana hai … aur ye toh jungle mein jaane se bhi jyada khula hai …" Khushi too shocked to see the humor he saw.

"Achcha theek hai mein living room mein jaata hoon, toh phir tumhein problem nahi hogi na? Chaho toh bilkul bahar chala jaaon." Arnav offered softly still assailed with leftover mirth.

"Aap bahar bhi chale jaao toh iss khidki ka kya karenge? Koi bahar se dekh lega toh?" Khushi asked appalled at the thought of a voyeur.

He then walked up the window and rolled down the blind that was up there. "Lo ab theek hai? Par darwaze ke kuch nahi kar sakta hoon. Chaho toh mein bahar chala jaon?" He offered as a solution again.

"Nahi theek hai, aap bahar ke kamre mein rahiye … i mean … chalega …" and she smiled at the incredulity of it all.


He shook his head as he walked out of the bathroom and said leaning close to her, "Abhi toh theek hai … hopefully soon  you would not mind sharing that bath with me?" He winked at her and went away laughing as he saw her eyes widen and her mouth open.

Khushi blushed as she went to take a shower in the cubicle at the far corner, avoiding looking at the tub as she had too many images coming in front of her of him and her in it entwined together.

Closing her eyes, she let the cool water from the shower, refresh her and settle her ardor. The whole way from Delhi to here, she had tried getting used to Arnav being close to her, sometimes holding her elbow, sometimes her arma and sometimes a hand behind her back. But he was always around her, engulfing her in his warmth and she had been surprised at how at home she had felt when she had found her head on his shoulder in one of the legs of the journey. She had felt as if she was being coddled and cuddled. She had felt totally safe in his arms.

She went into the living room to see him sprawled on the couch, his feet over the armrest as he had not bothered to remove his shoes and his head on the cushions he had put up against the armrest at the other end.


She walked up to him with intention of waking him up but then thought better of it and walked out to the patio that had a sit out with cushions and bolsters over the water that flowed under them. She also saw a tray kept for them. She opened the pot to see Chai and smiled. He must have ordered and then slept off while she was having her shower. She was feeling tired but it was only 2 pm local time and must be around 6:30 am in India, time for her to wake but she was feeling so sleepy, yet strangely awake and if she slept now, she knew she won't be able to sleep at night.

She had her chai and stood at the railing, looking out at the distant mountain when she suddenly felt arms wound her waist and she jolted backwards to encounter a bare stomach where her hand had gone instinctively to support herself as she had been hoisted in air and twirled around.

She knew it was Arnav after the initial shock and tried to turn her face to see him but saw a tail end of only towel flying out as he twirled her. And all she could think of was of his state of undress and blurted out, "Arre kya kar rahein hain, toliya nikal gaya toh?"

"Toh kya hoga … meri rani?" Arnav asked in her ear and stopped to slide her on his body slowly before he put her down and then turned her and asked, "Mujhe uthaya nahi?"

Then added, "No scratch that, I think that's not true."



Chapter 44

"Aap bade besharam ho," she blushed as she avoided looking at him and looked into the distance as she accused him.

"Bas sab tumhari wajah se." He answered, as he held her chin in between his index finger and his thumb and ordered, "Meri taraf dekho. Tumhein pata hai na mujhe pasand nahi agar tum mujhe nazrein chura ke baat karti ho toh."

She looked at him and then suddenly feeling shy, covered her face in both her hands and put her head on his chest.

"Agar itna sharmaogi toh woh kaise karogi jo tumne hamari shaadi ki raat kiya tha?" Arnav teased.

She jerked her head up and banged her head on his jaw and yelped as she hurt both of them. He let her go as he had cut his lip with his teeth and blood oozed out of the cut.

But he asked, "tum theek ho?"

"Oh! devi maiyya… i am sorry …" and turned around to go to the kitchen when he caught her arm and pulled her to him and said, "Just kiss me better."

She blushed.

"Go on." He said, as he pouted his lip and bent down for a kiss from her.

She reached up and tentatively kissed his lip where it had cut.

"Itne se kaam nahi chalega." Arnav whispered looking at her with smoldering eyes. She then took her tongue out and touched his lip and before he swooped and took her mouth with lips, she heard him groan.

Oh! My God! all the litany that went through her mind before everything became one big pool of sensation as his kiss made her forget everything else but him. He gathered her in his arms and crushed her to him.

There seemed an urgency in his kiss, in the hands that roamed on her in a feverish fashion, trying to touch her and not finding satisfaction anywhere. While she was in her personal heaven. His lips playing havoc with hers while her hands had free reign on his body. His back, the rippling muscles as they moved to each of his movements made her feel more and more satisfied at having the freedom to explore him. And she dug her nails into his back as he bent her and deepened the kiss.

After some time, he carried her to the sit out and placed her on it against the cushion and sank on it next to her. He pulled her dupatta from around her neck and threw it away, and neither of them saw it fly over them and fall on the lower deck.

He then traced his finger leisurely along the edge of the neckline, tracing the lace pattern and then held the mangalsutra that lay nestled between her breast. "Ye mujhse jyada lucky hai. Hai mera representation, par woh jyada enjoy karta hai." tracing the upper curves of her breasts as her breath came in a ragged fashion.

Fascinated with the pulse that beat at the base of her throat, his finger reached there and lightly made circular motions on the point. She whispered, "Please Arnav."

"please what?" Arnav asked taking his eyes off where his finger was playing and into her eyes and she said, "Kiss me." Before shyness assailed her and her lashes lowered as a telltale color came up her cheeks.

"Achcha, Kahan?" Arnav playing with her now kissed the pulse point at the base of her neck and felt an answering tremor go through as she tilted her head back and sighed but said, "Na"

"Toh kahan, yahan?" He asked as if not getting her point and kissed the curve of her breast that heaved over the neckline. Khushi sucked her breath and said raggedly, "Kyon pareshan kar rah ho." And then not having any patience anymore, clutched his hair and pulled him a little towards her to place her lips against his and whispered, "Yahan" letting her breath mingle with his before she closed even that distance between them and kissed him.

But he was not helping. He seemed now wanting to take his time and did not open his lips and she frowned and parted.

She asked frowning, "Kyon?"

"Tum jo chaho woh karo … Mujhe batao tum kya chahti ho." he told her with emotions in his eyes that were heating her skin up that even the cool breeze coming off the water was not enough to give any semblance of control to her wayward thoughts.

She then sat up from the reclining position and pushed him back on the cushion and sat astride him. "Mujhe yaad nahi meine kya kiya tha uss raat. Par aap se thora bahut jo seekha hai, woh koi nahi toh aap par toh azmaa loon." She replied tilting her head up and folding her arms.

He suddenly heaved his hips up and turned their positions by holding her from the waist and putting her on her back as he came up on her, ensconced between her legs that were in the air, his knees and hands supporting him.

He tilted his hip towards her center and grounded out between clenched teeth, "Kisi aur par azmaa ne ki koshish bhi mat karna." A flicker of anger and some other emotion washed in those toffee brown eyes before he seemed to let that go and leaned his head to hers and said, "Meri rani, aapka toh pata nahi, par mujhe ab bhook lagi hai … aur aap iss bhook ka abhi kuch nahi kar sakti toh peit pooja ka kuch kar sakti hai?" he grounded his hips into her to let her know which appetite  he talked about.

He then suddenly let her go and got up. He fixed his towel that had threatened to be undone in their interplay and walked into the bedroom to change.

Not understanding the sudden change of mood and taking his cue, she went to the living room and phoned room service for some snacks and tea and coffee for them. She figured, she was a long way from understanding this man, who was her husband. How did he manage to switch off so suddenly, when her whole being was throbbing from those kisses and his proximity and of course how he could be aroused but move away from her that suddenly. She was wondering about it when he came out of the bedroom, wearing khaki shorts and a vest top.

He threw two scraps at her and said, "Ye lo, yahan tumhein ye itne saare kapde pehan ne ki jaroorat nahi hai. Ye pehan lo."

He smiled as she lifted a multi colored bikini one in each hand dangling and her mouth open incredlously and said, "Ye kapde hain?"





Chapter 45



"Chaho toh woh bhi mat pehno," he rubbed it in.

"Aap …. Aap Ko kya ho gaya hai?" Khushi could not believe Arnav had it him to tease her so much. She did not know this side existed and she was damned if she was not going to enjoy herself. This week looked like was an aberration, from the norm and so she decided she was going to take a page from his book and shed whatever inhibitions she had in front of her husband and bask in the warmth of his affection and whatever else he was willing to shower on her.

She thought about changing right way but then shied from it till he prodded with,  "Kyon darr gayee?"


Deciding to be a brazen hussy that her husband anyway thought her to be, she found the dupatta had already been shed some time back, so she put her hands behind and went up to the zipper and slowly tugged it down after putting aside the two little pieces of nothingness that were clothes according to him on a nearby table.

She let one shoulder slide down her arm revealing a bra strap of her practical garment. Nothing about the white strap though thin was there to make Arnav aroused, but he did. the creamy shoulder the bow of her collar bone, delicately moving as she had shrugged the garment off her shoulder had his temperature rising. He stood there transfixed wondering how did his wife know how to arouse him without even touching him. His hands itched to pull her in his arms but he controlled it and put his hands in his pockets, taking a nonchalant stance he was far from feeling.

Khushi then let the other shoulder of the dress slide and reveal her front. She stood there trying not to put her hands up to cover herself up but the look in his eyes stopped her. His toffee brown eyes had turned darker, if that was possible, molten chocolate that were inflamed to burn her from head to toe with just one look. She paused and took a steadying breath as desire coursed through her like a flash of lightning and her feet were beyond supporting her. But she stood. She was going to see this through she thought.

She was going to be beautiful and bold for her husband and give him whatever he desired, well she desired the same thing so it was time to shed everything and show him herself, warts and all.

Her modest bra in white was nothing the novelist talked about in their passionate tales and she scowled when he looked at her hungrily. But determined to go ahead, she pushed the kameez down her leg and stepped out towards him, a step at a time she thought.

Then she loosened the string on her salwar and wriggled to let it slide down her legs and was about to step out of them when she heard, "Stop! Doing that."

Stunned at the vehemence in the voice, she stopped her foot midair and looked up into his eyes, only to see his desire washed over his face, his eyes devouring her with his eyes and he muttered, "I only meant the wriggling. You are driving me crazy. But carry on." The last came out in a whisper barely loud enough for her to hear.

She took another step towards him and then put a hand behind her to unhook the bra. But cowardice assailed her and she turned around and let go of the bra only to bend and pick up the bikini top.

"Oh! Hell!" was what she heard before she felt him behind her.

"Do you even know what you are doing, meri rani?" Arnav asked hoarsely as he ran his finger up her spine up to her hair and then opened them to create a curtain on her back and straighten her.

He then flicked half over one shoulder and the other half over the other shoulder, clearing the path for him.

He murmured, "I love you back, smooth, with your perfectly sculptured scapula, inviting me to trace them," and he traced the edge of the bones first one and then other and then went down each vertebrae and followed each movement with a kiss.

He the led her to the couch and asked her to stand on it. She questioned with her eyes, unable to say anything but complied.

Once, up there he traced the back with his lips down to her hips where the final garment covering her modesty was waiting to be removed. He skirted around the edge of the elastic of the underwear and bit her near the curve of her hip.

She squirmed at that light but definite nick and he splayed his hand on her stomach to not let her move. Then he pulled the edge of the panty with his teeth and pulled it down. He then planted a kiss at the exposed top of her thigh that was covered by the band of panty. And she wiggled.

"Stop wiggling." Arnav admonished against her skin throatily.

She just giggled in response.

"Achcha toh all this is funny to you?" Arnav challenged. He stood up and moved a step backwards.

"Ummmm …. ha ha… ahhhh!" was all Khushi was capable of. In answer, he bent her backwards, supporting her neck with his shoulder and hands on her waist, the unhitched panty left midway from being brought down and Arnav kissed her on her lips. She was still smiling as he kissed her and gave into the passion he drove her to. Picking her as her moved a bit to the right and putting one arm under her thighs, he turned and sat on the couch with her on his lap.

She suddenly covered her front crossing her arms in reflex action as she did not even break the kiss. He lifted his head slowly lips still lingering over her and sighed against her lips, "Mujhe dekhna hai tumhein." His eyes burning like hot coals over her face. He then lifted her arm one after the other from her chest only to discover the curtain of her hair, covering her.

Groaning his frustration, he let his fingers brush the hair painstakingly slowly aside to let his eyes feast on her perfectly rounded breasts, the nubs tight and waiting for him.

Muttering a curse, he lifted her a little higher against the armrest and let his mouth settle on breasts and smiled over it when she assisted him by arching her back. His hot mouth covered her breast in an open kiss as his tongue laved her nippled and stroked it to even tighter peak responding to his ministration like a putty.

Khushi could not stop the moans that escaped her throat as he nipped her bud and grazed his teeth against it. A lightning went through her from her nipple to the center of her being, desire pooling between her legs in a whoosh. She could not stop herself from having her hands hold on his head and agitatedly running her hands in hair as her desire became uncontrollable.

He then moved from underneath her and shifted her totally on the sofa and himself over her as he kissed her from one breast to other and then to her navel circling that small dent and dipping in it to stoke the fire he had started somewhere deep inside her. His hand went up to her face and moved aside the hair clinging on to her now shimmer face that had some sweat beading on her. He laid on her for a minute looking into her eyes and said, "No, not here, at least not the first time. I want it to be perfect."

And with that he got up and took her to the bedroom.





Chapter 46


Khushi turned into him as he lifted her. She could not believe, she was finally going to be one with him. Was it a dream, she wondered and pinched herself.

"Ouch!" she yelped and heard his concerned, "You alright?"

and she just shook her head for answering would have meant revealing what she had been thinking.

He laid her on the bed, spreading her hair like a fan around her and gave a look that stopped her from covering herself again.

"Meine kaha na, I want to look at you." He explained. Khushi, closed her eyes, only to open them again when he added, "unh huh!…. and I want you to look me look at you."

He then stepped back from the bed and pulled his vest over his head and threw it behind him. His fingers went to the button on his shorts and stopped as he felt her eyes there and he looked at her and asked with an uplift of his head if he should continue. She gulped and nodded slightly and he gave a beaming smile as he let the rasp of the zipper be the only sound for the next few seconds. He then let his shorts drop down and he took a step out of it. He was wearing his usual boxer shorts and knew that they were not effectively restricting a certain part of him which wanted to show its head.

He hooked his fingers in the band and pushed the shorts down and looked straight into Khushi's eyes unblinkingly and watched as her eyes first stayed at his eyes but seemed drawn to the uncovering happening a little below and were drawn to that. He gave a lopsided smile as her eyes travelled down as if pulled by a magnet and watched with every widening fascination as he let his shorts pool around his legs.

He straightened and let her take in the fill of his total nakedness, take in his raw self, get used to it. He heard her breath hitch and she tried to close her eyes but remembering their pact opened them fully again and looked at him and then did the ultimate come hither call, she licked her lips and lifted her hands to him asking him to come to her.

He could not believe, such boldness could be garbed in total innocence that her eyes shone on him. He went to her, putting a knee on her left on the edge of the bed, he bent forward, not touching her at any place. He placed one arm on her right side and the other on her left. He leaned on her and said, "I would have had flowers on the bed so that they would not let me be so intoxicated with your fragrance. I would have had candles but they would not shine the way your eyes do. I would have loved to have …"

"aap kitna bolte ho… Pehle toh aise na the" Khushi stopped him putting a finger on his lips.

"Oh! you are so not romantic, meri rani … yahan mein koshish kar raha hoon, tumhein woh sab kehne ki jo tumne filmon mein dekha hoga … aur tum mujhe rok rahi ho." Arnav glared at her.

Khushi then wound her arms around his neck and said as she pulled him on her, "Aap ho, mere saath, iss  se jyada mujhe kuch nahi chahiye." "Hmmph" was the reply from Arnav.

"Ab dekhiye, mood mat kharab karna, aap toh ek light bulb ki tarah ho… kabhi on toh kabhi off." Khushi laughed.

"Kya?" Arnav roared raising his head.

Then he started laughing earnestly and put his arms under her and took her with him to have her sprawled across him and her hair covering them creating a private curtain around them.

"Arnav, I lo…" Khushi started, but before she could finish, he closed her mouth with his in a deep kiss that seared her to the soul.


Just then they heard a knock on the door and they both stiffened. They had completely forgotten about the food ordered.

Arnav turned her around and got up to put a throw on her and said, "Don't move, I will go and get it." He put on his shorts and went out to get the tray.

                                                                              -----

Khushi had sat up against the headboard with the throw across herself, feeling wanton as he brought the tray inside and put it on the bed. He then paid attention to the food on the tray and was happy to see some peaches cut in a bowl, some sandwiches with fries and a pot of coffee and tea for them.

He put the pot on the coffee table in the window as he did not want any spillage. He then went into the kitchen and got some soda from the fridge. He was getting some ideas and was looking forward to an eating session with his wife in bed.


He then removed his shorts and sat up on the bed next to Khushi and said, "Open your mouth."

He then put a piece of juicy peach into her mouth and she involuntarily went "Ummm" as she bit into it, the sweetness appealing to her.

He then asked, "ab tumhari bari." Following his instructions, she picked one piece up and went forward to put it in his mouth when he shook his head.

"Aise nahi," He said, and showed her how he wanted it.

Khushi blushed but put the piece in between her teeth and bent towards him and he then took it with his mouth, the juice trickling between them down their lips as he kissed her and ate at the same time. Their mingled lips, the juice from the peach and shared piece creating a whole new experience for them. The peachy taste of her was driving him wild and then he followed the path the juice had taken down her chin and licked it off of her with a stroke of his tongue and went down dislodging the throw from her covered breasts.

He then pushed it all the way to her waist as he down to her breasts. He then took one breast in his mouth and kissed it till he was breathless and she was pulling at his hair asking him to come back up to satiate the hunger her lips craved.

He kissed her lips and the fire burning slowly raged into an inferno.

Not wanting to burst into smithereens, he pulled back and then put the tray on the bedside, pushed the throw away from her and picked up the can of soda. He would have loved to have champagne or wine right now but he needed to have all his faculty fully on alert tonight, he wanted to make love to his wife, with all his senses awake and heightened and no spirit other than their was going to add to that fire.

He popped opened the can and took a swig of soda from it and then placed it on the bedside. He then went up to Khushi and pulled her leg to make her slide down the bed. He then let the now slightly warm drink on her breasts and her stomach.

Khushi yelped and got up with a jerk but he took her mouth in a kiss and put rest of the drink in her mouth. She spluttered and banged her fist on his chest to only see him laugh first and then look at her with desire as his eyes followed the liquid trail on her body. He then slid down to her stomach and sipped from the cup her navel made suckling her and licking her.

"OOohohhoh!" Khushi mumbled as her hands which she had initially placed on his head to stop him pushed his head further into her as the sensation washed over her like waves hitting a cliff. He then moved down, to the edge of the panty and used his teeth to move it down. His teeth grazed the sensitive skin of her mound through the curly bush protecting her modesty and Khushi sucked her breath.


"Arnav…." Khushi moaned.

He looked up and said, "Haan meri rani … tell me what you want." And proceeded to put his lips on the curls and licked her femininity.

Khushi tensed and arched her back in response and Arnav lifted his head up and looked at her to whisper, "Tell me honey …"

"Woh … Woh … " and Khushi got up as his lips were running havoc with her. She did not know she had so many senses in her that were being tugged at the same time. They were new and totally breathtaking. She put her hands on his head to stop him and not stop what he was doing to her at one and the same time.

He gave her a small reprieve when he raised his head for a minute looked and her and said, " Just enjoy … lie back and take your time. Experience the feeling rather than fighting it, let it go babe. Just let it flow."

He then pushed her lightly back passed on a pillow to clutch as he went back to playing her like a stringed instrument, evoking noises from her that were alien yet sang the tune that told him what he was doing to her. She screamed her pleasure with words interspersed with Ooh! and Aah! and a Yes! when she liked something that he did.

Then her throat was too hoarse to get any sounds out and she just tilted her head back as she saw starburst and felt her whole body go into spasms as something strange happened to her. She felt as if she was complete and yet there was a yawning abyss with in her.

Not satisfied still, she said, "Arnav … I want… I want you … there."

Understanding exactly what she wanted, he slid over her and placed himself between her legs to enter and fill her. He went in slowly to not hurt her. But she opened up to him like a flower to the sun.

She felt a tinge of burning within her and she flinched as the barrier was broken but Arnav was tender and slow to take her through it all with so much passion that he unleashed once that moment was crossed that soon she felt herself go to her peak and break over it into million little pieces where each piece only screamed satiation and one name that made her complete. Arnav.





Chapter 47



Arnav woke up in the middle of night to find Khushi not next to him.  He wondered what had woken him up and realised it was the smell of something cooking and went into the kitchen to find her cooking aloo ke parathe. The four season's it seemed had known their preferences and stocked the fridge and pantry with Indian groceries and spices with some local vegetables and some frozen vegetables for their guests.

He stood at the door jamb with his elbow against it and feet crossing at the ankles, arms crossed and said, "Bhook lagi hai." He was only wearing his boxers.

Khushi jumped.

"Oh! aap ho!" she said in surprised.

"Kyon nahi hona chahiye tha kya?" He looked around and then went forward to her with a smile. He picked up one paratha and danced about on the floor trying to make it cool down and she said,

"Arre bahut garam hai, thora toh intezzar kar lo." Khushi advised.

"Kaise karoon intezzar, bhook lagi hai mujhe bhi." He leaned to her and showed her exactly what his hunger was for as he nuzzled her neck and not bite the paratha.

Squirming she pushed him and said, "let me finish making."

He then concentrated on the paratha and ate without bothering with a plate. He fed her pieces from the one he was eating till she finished with the cooking. The both then went to the dinning table and sat with some yogurt and paratha with some juice she found in the fridge and sat.

She had been wearing one of the negligee's without the wrap and felt a little conscious at the way the spaghetti strap kept sliding over her shoulder as she moved to take a paratha and place it on his and her plate.

She scooped some yogurt on the paratha and put the morsal in her mouth licking the yogurst that had dribbled on her corner of lip with her tongue and looked up to see Arnav frozen in his act of eating paratha watching her unblinkingly.

She asked silently what happened and he said, " Aise kabhi hamein bhi khaya karo." And her eyes flew to his crotch and he smiled.

"Ah! meri rani, aap bade jaldi seekh rahi hai." Arnav bent forward and gave a peck on her lips as she blushed.

They finished their meal there in relative silence as they were famished, with no meals since last ten hours. They knew they wont be able to sleep now, so they lay on lower deck which was a trampolin pulled with strings tied to the edge over the water. They were enjoying a relaxing moment watching the moon and the stars on a clear night.

Just then, a shooting star streaked across the sky and she gushed, "Arnav toot ta tara." Pointing to the sky.

"Toh kya karein? Ab tum mujhe tumhare liye taare ikaatha karne ko toh nahi kahogi na? Mein romantic lines bolne ke liye tayyar hoon. Ye taare waare lana nahi. Theek hai." He announced, putting his arms behind his head and gazing at the sky without much interest.

She scrambled up on her elbow and said, "Nahi budhu, wish karna hota hai. You know your wishes come true."

He pulled her on him and said, "Tum bhi toh ek wish hi ho, jo poori hui hai. Now what else do I want. nothing. No what I want, it can't give me. So, i suggest we stop this star gazing now and you gaze into my eyes Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada." And before she could ruin a moment, he kissed her.

It felt like he could not get enough of her and soon their ragged breathing was testament to their need and he just slipped his boxers a little down and released himself to settle between her legs as he made her sit on him. He rocked both of them to a climax that left them not only breathless but totally satiated.

They drifted off to sleep on it and woke up with the dawn breaking. Arnav woke and lifted his wife in his arms and wobbled up to the cushion area and hoisted her on it before scrambling up.

Khushi it seemed was still off in her dream land and did not stir as he picked her up once again and carried her to the bedroom. He wondered as he settled her in the bed and joined her that he could get used to this.

And fell asleep with a smile on his face.



Chapter 48


Khushi woke up and it was pretty late from the way the sun was high on the sky. She stretched her arms and felt languorous as certain parts of her were pleasantly sore. She then realised that Arnav was lying on his side, head propped on one hand and watching her.

"Good morning." He said as he smiled at her.

Khushi wished him back and blushed when she saw that the covers had shifted and he had full view of her. She tried to cover herself and he laughed saying, "Pichle aadhe ghante ke baad, ab koi problem nahi hai. Waise we should get ready, we have a trip set up today for midday. A catamaran cruise with a picnic lunch. Kaisa rahega?"

He then got up and walked towards the bathroom, buff naked and Khushi gasped at his brazeness.

He turned around and said, "Get used to it. Waise bhi, ab toh tumhein pata hai, mein kaisa dikhta hoon."

Khushi was gaping and her eyes did not miss a certain part which was aroused. She wondered how her husband seemed to be forever ready then jumped out of the bed and decided they had a shower and a tub so might as save some time

She walked with a sheet around her.

As she entered the bath the sight she saw there had her stopping at the doorway. The smokescreen of the glass door of the shower cubicle could not hide the figure behind it, he looked delectable, with the steam, the drops of water clearing the glass in spots and giving glimpses of him that looked so tempting to Khushi. Her hold on the sheet loosened and she walked as in daze to the shower cubicle dropping the sheet somewhere along the way.

She pressed a hand against the glass and the warmth seeped through her and she could not help but open the door.

Arnav turned as he felt the door open and said, "What the …" and realised it was Khushi. He ran a hand over his hair and then face while offering his other to ask Khushi in.

What he had been trying to put off thinking it was too much too soon, he was glad his wife was taking some bold steps. He pulled her in as she slipped her hand in his and let the water run over them both as he held her close. He then pulled the door closed and picked up soap to lather Khushi.

Khushi had gotten a jolt when she had placed her hand in his and after that it was a pure ride of sensation after sensation that washed over her. He had soaped her body leisurely and kissed her as he cleaned her and she had repeated his movements on him and they had given each other pleasure. Khushi did not know one could do these things. She really had started thinking if there was this new person within her who had been created on the way from Delhi to here and then thought no, ever since she had met Arnav, things had changed within her.

She felt so blissfully happy that she could not believe loving him would be so overwhelming.

They had been late for their cruise as they had continued in the bed what had started in the shower and they did not seem to have enough of each other.

Arnav had insisted that she wear the bikini inside and had gotten her a pink sarong to wear over it and he had worn a white shirt with cream shorts and looked dapper. He had left several buttons open which had been so unlike him that Khushi had been stunned at this transformation. She had wondered if it was her but he had said what she had thought he would say to her. But she figured, it was new for both of them. She would wait. They had all their lives to say those words anyway and he seemed to say a lot with his body if not with words and for now she was happy with that.

It was just whenever he switched off that she felt as if a cold breeze had blown over her and they had given her some moments of worry. But he had always come back stronger after those off moments and she felt that may be he was trying too hard for something that did not come naturally to him and she decided she was going to make up for his off moments with her enthusiasm and verve.

They had the boat to themselves and they enjoyed the picnic as they cruised around the islands and then docked to a secluded cove where they stretched out on warm sand drifted off to a snooze. Khushi had not removed her sarong as she felt too conscious even though the captain was on the upper deck and now at the beach she did not want to let it go as she felt shy of any prying eyes around.

It was pretty secluded, but for some boats, passing by at a distance. She had been sleeping having orange dream of them on the sand making love when she was woken with a jolt when she felt a splash of water on her.

She sat up trying to see what had happened when she saw Arnav going back towards the water and scooping some more water. She got up and raced towards him trying to stop and yelled, "Ye kya kiya?"

"Sleepy head, kitna so ogi?" Arnav shouted back as he went deeper into the water. She went running into the water and got drenched in the process but she had to get her own back and she went in where he stood laughing as he said, "Ab toh poori bheeg gayee ho."

She reached him and said, "Toh kya hua … aap toh nahi bheege poore." And she scooped some water and splashed him with water and watched as his bare torso glistened with water. He then bent and splashed some water and Khushi tried to move back but got some on her anyway. Then trying to exact some revenge, she bent forward and tried to scoop some more water when he just lifted her and threw her in the water.

Khushi came up sputtering as she found her footing and pushed Arnav. He lost his balance and went back and into the water with a huge splash. Khushi happy with her tactics, jumped up and down in glee. When suddenly she felt his hands grab her ankles and pull her and she went forward and grabbed at air as she hit water.

They were playing like this for few minutes before Arnav brought her out of water in his arms and saw the sarong had dislodged and was floating towards the shore. Arnav suddenly had stopped laughing and had said, "You look beautiful."

He had then kissed her and only stopped because he did not want to make love to her out in the open. He found the sarong at the edge of water on the shore as he walked back with her in his arms. Dropping her on her feet, he scooped it and said, "Pehen lo, I dont want anyone to see you."

The sudden change in him was very disconcerting for her.

They then walked along the beach and Khushi picked up some shells and rocks. Arnav seemed to have gone off on another planet and Khushi let it be by just being silent and walking along side him. He stopped every time she stopped to pick up something and waited as she went to the water to clean it up and show it to him. He only said monosyllabic answers.

She did not know what to make of him. She decided to ask him.

"Arnav, kya kuch baat hai? Aap kabhi kabhi pata nahi kahin kho jaate ho." Khushi asked.

"Hmm! Kuch nahi." Arnav evaded, though he looked at her as they walked back on the beach towards the pier where the captain was going to pick them up.

"Abhi thori der pehle aap achche mood mein the, ab suddenly, aap kho gaye? Kya mera yoon bikini pehen na aap ko theek nahi laga?" Khushi asked for it was after her sarong had parted from her that his mood had changed.

"Hmm! What rubbish. I asked you to wear it. why would i mind if you wear it." Arnav pooh poohed the idea.

"Par kuch baat toh hai." She pushed, halting him and turning him towards her by placing a hand on his arm.

He looked at her but there was something in his eyes which she knew he was trying to hide.

He then held her arms and said, "Kuch nahi. Mujhe bas ek ajeeb si feeling hui. I did not want anyone to see you when I had asked you to wear it in the first place. And I did not like that feeling. I don't want to share you Khushi." And he pulled her into his arms and hugged her.

Khushi stood in the circle of his arms trying to figure out what he was trying to say, when the moment was broken by a fog horn of a boat. They pulled apart and looked at each other for a long time before they held each other's hand continued on their journey as if silently making a pact that they would always walk together hand in hand.



-----


The next few days went in utter bliss as they went sight seeing around Tahiti and Arnav taught her how to jet ski, para sailing and snorkelling as they tried all the facilities the resort had on offer.

Besides that they made love in practically all the rooms from Kitchen table to bath tub exploring each other and knowing what made the other exclaim as they reached peak of their desire, which looked to grow even more as they made love.

Khushi could not believe he could be so innovative and neither could she believe that she had enjoyed what he had done. They had made love in their private plunge pool off the lower deck of their patio and it remained one of the most sensual experiences for Khushi as she had felt water around them and him inside her making her see stars above in the sky and in her head. She had felt giddy at the way she had orgasmed. Arnav had explained things to her about love making and how what was between them was unique and special. She had even boldly ask him how he had felt with other women that he had been with and he had laughed and said, "Nothing like how it is with you meri rani."

She had been so happy that she had pinched herself a few times. She had felt this was too good to last even though she never forgot to thank devi maiyya for everything. And then the day before they were to leave, it all changed.

They were on the couch with his head on her lap as they were relaxing reading the magazines provided and the phone call had come.

Arnav had gotten up and picked the phone and things had changed.

It had been Anjali Di calling and all he said was, "I will be back as soon as possible. Aap rona band kijiye Di."

She had tried to ask but a curtain had fallen between them. He had then made calls to the reception, the airport and getting things organised for them to leave in couple of hours. She had silently gone and packed their bags and waited as he had paced the floor waiting for the confirmation of their departure.

She had tried to ask him but he had looked at her strangely and had ambiguously said, "Crisis hai. Koi take over karne ki koshish kar raha hai."

And before he could add more the phone had rung with the news that the boat was waiting for them and the plane would be ready as soon as they reached the main Island.

Khushi had then not asked anything more and waited for him to tell her once they were airborne. But he had gotten busy with Jeejaji and with details of the take over bid.

Khushi had sat on the seat curled up feeling alone but had not wanted to disturb him.

This is what I knew was coming she felt, the storm that she had felt was brewing. "Hey devi maiyya raksha karna" was the silent prayer she offered between sleeping and wakefulness on the journey back.

The contrast was what told her, the honeymoon was well and truly over.




Chapter 49


Arnav stood impatiently in front of the doors with Khushi fidgeting with her dupatta. She had worn her regular clothes after all, the dream had to finish sometime. Jai Prakash opened the doors and he asked, "Kahan hai Di," without preamble.

Jai Prakash said, "ishtudy mein hai Arnav Baba."

He took the bags from the driver as both Arnav and Khushi went to the study. As they entered, the scene before them was something that clenched at Khushi's heart.

Shyam was sitting with papers on the table in front of him. He looked up when they entered and saw him rush to Anjali. "Di, Aap itna tension mat lo … hum hain na," including Nani and Shyam with gesture, "business mein aisa hota hai. Hum dekh lenge." He then gathered Anjali in his arms who had gotten up on their entry in the room.

Soothing her back and running a placating hand on her head, he tried to calm her for she had worked herself up into this frenzy. The old fears it seemed were plaguing her again.

She sobbed in his shirt and after few minutes raised her head to say in between sobs, "Woh, Woh… aai thi, Arnav. Kal. Aur phir se aane waali hai. Dhamki dekar gayee hai. Ki sab khatam kar degi iss baar."


"Shhh! Shhh! Bas Di. Aur kuch mat kaho. Nani aap Di ko please room mein le jaakar sula dijiye. Mein Jeeju ke saath baat karta hoon, poori." Arnav reluctantly let Anjali go. Even though she was not told so, Khushi tried to go with Anjali but Arnav instructed her to go their room and rest as there was nothing for her to do.

Feeling as if she was an outsider, relegated to the ringside and not be a real help, she went up to her room. She knew there was something deep happening here beyond a mere take over bid. She had reluctantly left but had found a closed wall when she had asked before leaving, "Ye woh kaun hai, jo Di pooch rahi thi? Kaisi dhamki?"

Shyam Jeeju was about to tell her when Arnav interrupted with, "Jeeju aap keh rahe the papers sab ready hai to stall the take over, shall we go through those?"

She had then silently left knowing full well that Arnav was trying to evade something.


Surprisingly, she slept soon after she took a shower and Jai Prakash had got some food to the room on say of Arnav. He told her that Arnav would eat in study as he worked with Shyam and he had asked her to take rest and that he would talk to her in the morning.

Feeling as if Arnav had just brushed her aside, she had thought she would not sleep but she must have been jet lagged enough to sleep without realising if he had come to bed or not.

She woke up late. The sun was high up when she opened her eyes and saw it peeking through the blinds. Someone had pulled the blinds shut. She looked to her right to see if Arnav was awake but his side of the bed it seemed was not even used.

She then decided to go downstairs looking for him after her bath. Once down, she first went into the temple, bowed her head to Devi Maiyya and then went to the study where she had last seen Arnav. She saw the blinds in here were also closed shut but the room had some light peeking through it giving it a halo effect. She peered in the semi darkness trying not to make noise and saw, him sleeping on the couch.

Wondering why he had slept her itself, she was about to leave when she felt him stir. She walked up to him as he opened his eyes. He looked at her and gave a smile saying, "Good morning." as he stretched his hand to hold hers.

She smiled back wishing him back and added, "Uthiye, yahan kyon so gaye the. Upar jaa kar so jaaiye."

That's when he jerked up and looked around as realising where he was.

"Oh! mujhe laga …" And he stopped and got up letting go of her hand. She felt more than saw the change that came over him.

"Sab theek hai? Bahut der tak kya aap dono kaam kar rahe the?" Khushi asked but it looked as if a mask had come over Arnav feature and he said, "Haan! Abhi aur kaam hai. Mein freshen up ho kar aata hoon. Aur phir, mujhe aur Jeeju ko office jaldi jaana hai."

"Mein kuch madad kar doon?" Khushi asked trying to be of some use to him in his time of crisis.

He seemed to ponder for a few minutes and said, "Huh! Aisa karo tum Lucknow chali jao aur apne Boutique ko handle karo. Try looking for a new manager and see if you can hire someone soon. May be couple of weeks should be good enough?"

Khushi narrowed her eyes and said, "Ok sure! if you like. But I also need to work on the new designs. I mean, the new contract after the award winning design."

"Haan! Haan! Woh tum dekh lena.." Cutting her explanation and was about to leave when Nani entered and rebuked, "Ye kya dono aate hi kaam par lag gaye. Jao, pehle nah dho lijiye aap, Khushi bitiya nashta lag gaya hai."

"Ji Naniji." She went up to Nani and touched her feet. "Arre bitiya, aap hamari beti ho, aise har roz peir choona jaroori naahi hai. Jara Anjali ko kamre mein nasht de aaiye."

"Woh mein lekar jaata hoon." Arnav offered and went to the kitchen calling out to Jai Prakash.

"Ye Arnav bitwa ko ka ho gaya hai?" Nani asked. "Pata hai, ki mamla tanaav ka hai par aisan, bhag daudi kareinge, toh kaisan chalega? Bitiya thora dhyan rakhna ki jyada kaam na kare." Nani advised Khushi.

"Woh Nani, woh toh aapko hi rakhna padega. Inhone hamein Lucknow jaane ko kaha hai. Wahan bhi toh kaam dekhna hai." Khushi replied.

"Arre, abhi abhi toh laute hain aap, abhi bhej rahein hai door? Chalo theek hai, kuch din Garima ke paas bhi reh aao. Waise, bitiya, jyada naya toh naahi lag raha aapko?" Nani asked putting a hand on her shoulder.

They walked up to the dinning room and Khushi served Jeeju and Nani though she waited for Arnav to show up. Soon enough he came downstairs with the sindoor box in his hand and put sindoor on her parting before he said, "Mujhe sirf coffee de do. We really need to rush."

"Arnav bitwa, woh aapko kha nahi jaayegi agar aap khana kha kar jaaoge toh. Jo hoga sab achcha hi hoga, aap dekhiyega. U … Tani.." Nani advised but was cut off by Arnav with a "Theek hai Nani par aap Take over ki baat ghar par nahi kareinge. Yahan sab tension nahi kareinge. Jeejaji aur meine decide kar kiya ki iss baare mein hum baat yahan nahi kareinge. Aapki aur Di ki tabiyat kharab ho aisa koi discussion yahan nahi hoga."

"Aur haan Nani, Khushi aaj ki flight se Lucknow jaa rahi hai, meine intezzam kar diya hai. Driver chor aayega airport." The last he said looking at Khushi.


"Chalein Jeejaji." Arnav then looked at Shyam.

As they were all ready to move out of the dinning room. Nani called Shyam aside for a minute asking Arnav, "Bitwa, apni patni ko, bye theek se naahi kehna hai ka?"

Signing with a hand to stay put and say a few words in private.

Khushi stood there stunned at what Nani had suggested and blushed.

Arnav uncomfortable at being instructed by Nani, bent forward, gave a peck on lips to Khushi and said, "Be safe and let me know once you reach."

With that he was out.





Chapter 50


Khushi felt bereft. Was that what the novels talked about? Once you give in to your husband, the physical being was no more a novelty, the men lost interest in their wives? Could she believe that or chalk this strange behaviour down to the crisis? But why did she have a feeling that there was more to this than she was seeing? She felt strange to be packing before she had literally unpacked her bags.

Why did she feel Arnav was deliberately sending her away? Thinking she was being influenced by those dramas on the TV that her Buaji always seemed to watch, she decided, she would help Arnav in any way she could and he asked for her help with the Lucknow Boutique, so it would be blessing in disguise. She would be able to be with her parents and Jiji for sometime now.

Brightening up at the thought, she packed and went to see Anjali Di before she left, but found her asleep. As it was time for her to leave, she spoke with Nani, took her blessings and left with the driver. She had spoken home, while packing about her arrival and Payal had assured her that she would be there. But Arnav had organised a car at their disposal and she had informed Payal that the driver would come to pick her up and then bring her to the airport.

She had gotten from Payal the usual ribbing, "Haanji, ab toh bade ghar ki bahu bann gayee ho. Aisho aaram toh milega hi."

Smiling at that she had finished that call. She tried to call Arnav before boarding but he had not picked up her call. After landing the minute she switched on her phone, she was a missed call from him and called back.

He picked up this time but asked immediately, "Have you reached Ok?" On her affirmation he had added, "I am in a meeting. Will call you back." and cut the call.

She felt she was not even getting one minute with her husband, but before she could think further, her phone rang. She picked up and said, "Jiji, bas bag aajaaye waise hi hum bahar aate hain."

Once home, her Amma did the rasam of welcoming a daughter with aarti and all. She was touched with the rituals and then hugged her parents and Buaji who for once did not scoff at being smothered by her.


The family it seemed had missed her a lot and everyone was talking at the same time asking her things about the honeymoon and what all places she got to see. She described the place and the activities, trying not to blush as the picture emerged in front of her of all the things they had gotten up to in that bunglow and otherwise. She could not believe the same man was so different when taken back in the familiar setting of home and work. He at Bora Bora seemed a man who was totally removed from one she had met the first time or even the man she had married.

He had indulged her and then suddenly she had felt let down. She reprimanded herself. "Bas, ab baat samajh mein aa gayee. tum chahti ho ki woh jaise wahan the yahan kyon nahi hai. buddhu samajhti nahi hai. Woh sab kuch samay tak theek hai. Lekin woh kya ab bhi tujhe chaubeeso ghante, tere aage peeche ghoomeinge, aisa lagta hai?" She realised she was being unfair to the man for wanting him to be the same all the time. She then consoled herself with that. But she felt his dearth. The way he touched her for no reason. The way he would eat her with his eyes. The way her had asked her to do things she even now wondered how she had done. She did not know her husband was into such things and she did not know she had it in her to display herself the way he had asked her to.

She had pottered around the house unpacking the few new clothes she had gotten, for most of her wardrobe was intact here and she did not have to bring much. But now being a Mrs Raizada, she had to go to the office as a owner's wife besides being a designer and knew her own clothes though stylish enough, did not match up to the Raizada panache. She unpacked the sarees they had bought in Delhi for the impromptu wedding.

Spending a listless day with her sister, the excitement of being with her parents and sister and the worry about the crisis. She had mentioned it to her family about the crisis at dinner as her Amma had asked if something was worrying her. She also mentioned that the Boutique needed to be looked after as well as Arnav would be busy trying to save the company from a take over.

"Pata hai kaun kar raha hai ye? Koi take over kyon karta hai, jab pata ho ki uska maalik bahar gaya ho? Koi dushman hai ka Khusi bitiya?" Her father asked her.

"Lagta toh aisa hi hai, kyon ki Di ki tabiyat bhi kharab ho gayee. Woh kuch dhamki ki bhi baat kar rahi thi." Khushi explained, then suddenly realising that she had not spoken to Anjali Di, she called her only to find voicemail.

She called up home and spoke to Nani who informed her that Anjali was not well at all and the doctor had asked for a nurse to be stationed at home. Her blood pressure needed to be monitored for it was fluctuating too much. Khushi had asked if she should come back, but was dissuaded by Nani saying, "Naahi, aap unhaa hi raho, wahan bhi toh kaam hai. Arnav aur Shyam bitiwa, hai na aur hum hain na, sab theek ho jaayega bitiya. Aap chinta mat karo. Iss ghar ne aisa pehle bhi dekha hai aur jhela hai uss Nagin ke zehar ko. Iss baar Arnav bitwa naahi the, uska pata chal gaya hoga usse aur …" Suddenly she heard silence, before Arnav came on the phone and said, "Khushi, tum ho?"

"Ji." Khushi answered.

"Mein tumhara phone try kar raha tha, engaged aa raha tha. Achcha hua mil gayee…  suno, the suppliers for the boutique will be coming around 11 am. You will have to be there before that. Also … " Arnav gave her a list of things to be done at the Boutique and explained how and where things were and that the accountant would help her find her way around.

He then suddenly dipped his voice and asked, "Aur kaisa lag raha hai mere bagair?"

"Huh!" Khushi exclaimed, blushing at the sudden change in him.

"Kyon already mujhe bhool gayee?" Arnav teased.

"Nahi, aisa nahi hai… par.. woh…" Khushi blurted.

"Oh! toh kaisa hai…?" he asked sultrily.

"Woh … aap … hum … aapne toh humein theek se bye bhi nahi kaha tha." Khushi complained.

"Oh! toh iss baat ka gussa hai kya?" Arnav questioned.

"Woh … Nahi … magar … " She tried to say awkwardly.

"You are missing me?" Arnav asked reading her thoughts.

"huh?" Khushi could not believe he got her thoughts so well.

"Achcha, abhi Nani, dinner ke liye bula rahi hai …. mein thori der mein phone karta hoon." Arnav as abruptly cut the call.


She pulled the phone away from her ear and wondered, what was her husband all about? He was the strangest man she had ever met. He really was like a switch, on and off in a flick of a button. She was still reeling from the emotions he had evoked in her. Her body throbbing at the mere sound of his husky voice. The way he used to speak to her when he was making love to her. And he had just cut the call.

She shook her head and waited for an hour or so for his call only to fall asleep with the phone on her side, holding it with one hand, incase he did call.

He called around midnight and she picked up sleepily saying, "hello!"

"Tum so gayee thee, toh so jaao. Mein kal baat karta hoon." Arnav tried to cut the call, but she was awake the second she had heard his voice, "Nahin rukiye… "

she screeched and felt relief when he laughed and said, "Toh chilla kyon rahi ho, ghar mein sab so nahi rahe kya?"

"So rahe hain." Khushi then whispered, "Lekin mein ab uth gayee hoon."

"Achcha, toh ab kya kareingi? Jalebiyan banane ka toh program nahi hai na?" Arnav asked teasingly.

"Kyon aap mujhe gussa dilane ke program bana rahe hain kya?" Khushi countered.

"Filhaal toh nahi, Filhaal toh … tumhein poochna tha ki mere sawaal ka jawab kya hai?" Arnav asked impishly.

"Kaunse sawaal ka jawaab?" Khushi tried to evade.

"Khushi … !" Arnav roared then sobered and repeated, "Wahi ki are you missing me?"

"Kyon miss kareinge?" Khushi behaved obtusely, smiling away at the way he was trying to tell her something but not really saying it.

"Khushi!" He did roar this time.

Not wanting to answer, Khushi "Lagta hai Amma jaag gayee," and cut the call.

It rang again. She picked up and said, "Kyon phone kiya? Amma aa gayee toh?"

"Toh mein apni biwi se baat kar raha hoon. Mausiji ko kya problem hogi iss se?"Arnav replied.

"Khushi ab mujhe jawab do. Kya tum mujhe miss kar rahi ho?" he asked in a clipped tone.

"Nahi." And Khushi cut the call.





Chapter 51


Khushi then switched the phone off and flopped on the pillow hiding her flushed face. She did not know why she suddenly had felt shy and had cut the call. She felt her heart race at the thought of him near her. She felt she was burning up just with the thoughts of his hands roaming on her. She let her fingers touch her lips as she felt his kiss on her lips. She missed him. She missed being next to him. Cuddling up to him and sleeping. She could not believe that this was the first time after their marriage and the truce to sleep on the same bed, that she had slept apart from him. She wondered, if he missed her too. She hit her head with her hand and muttered, "Buddhu kahin ki. Woh bhi toh miss kar rahe honge. Aur tumne bol diya nahi. Aur toh aur phone kaat diya. hey devi maiyya, woh gussa na ho toh achcha hai."

Now unable to sleep, she did go and make jalebis. Her buaji woke up chanting her favorite names for her, "Hai re parmeshwari, abhi bhi ye sanka chorra nahi hai?"

On the other side. Arnav felt rage boil inside him as she cut the call for the second time. "What the hell…" he muttered as he threw the phone away.

He thumped his pillow wondering why he had called her in the first place. Why he had wanted to know if she had missed him? And she had said, No? Served him right. He deserved this, the way he treated her, how was she to miss him. Well, from now on he was not going to talk to her without reason.

Let her suffer. But what about him. He was suffering too. How was it that just her voice was good enough to arouse him? He was missing her, there he admitted it to himself. He wanted to be with her, taste her, feel her writhe under him and most interestingly, sleep with her next to him in his arms.

He got up and paced around the floor, sleep eluding him totally. He thought of calling her again but saw the time and stopped himself. No, he was not going to behave like a love sick puppy. He was going to stop himself from being so needy.

He went down to the study and worked on the papers for the next meeting with the lawyers of Tanirika and Mr Samar Chand Mallick. He refused to call him Chachaji. He had requested the lawyers that they not be present for the initial discussion and be only present when the final meeting was to be had in two weeks time. He figured he would go and find out more about how his uncle and his mistress had gotten the funds to bid for it. Shyam had given him a dossier on the Swiss MNC which had manufacturing units in several countries including India and they were the financiers for their new venture in Lucknow which would be in direct competition with their unit. He realised that the last five years, they had bided their time to regroup and he was now too huge to be simply bought over but this Swiss MNC could be something he will have to fight for they did have deep pockets.

He decided, he would go to Lucknow to kill two birds, be with his wife without looking like a fool and do the research on the opposition. He could not leave this to his staff and looking at Di's health, Jeejaji would want to be near her.


He got dressed around seven and went to office leaving a message with Jai Prakash to finish work and go to Lucknow by the afternoon flight. He was going to surprise his wife.


At lunch, Nani and Di had teased him of following his wife in just one day and he had brushed it aside with a, "Ye take over ke baare mein Swiss MNC se milna hai, isiliye jaa raha hoon. Chaho toh Jeejaji ko jaane de?"

"Saale sahab, ab bahane baazi choriye aur admit kijiye ki Khushi ke bagair achcha nahi lag raha." Even Shyam joined in the ribbing.

Excusing himself with not wanting to miss the flight, Arnav left for Lucknow.


He walked out of the airport, nostalgia hit him whenever he came to Lucknow but now there seemed to be anticipation in him for he was going to be with Khushi, his wife. He went straight to the office in the car organised by the office. He entered the Boutique to find his wife not in the cabin but was informed was in the supply room looking for some particular fabric for a design. He went into the back room that led to the loading dock and found her on the stairs pulling out a huge roll of fabric. She had managed to get it out, but looked at her amused as she struggled to carry it down with her.

"Pehle khud ko sambhal lo phir usse sambhalna. You know right that you can throw it down." Arnav said as he saw her trying for the third time trying to step down with the roll. But he realised he had spooked her for she jumped and turned around to look at him at the same time and he galvanised forward to catch his wife.

She overbalanced and went backwards and thought she was going to hit the ground but Arnav caught her before that. Like before he was there to catch her.

She wound her arms around his neck and her eyes closed as he held her in his arms. She knew it was him and somehow knew he would save her. But wait a minute, what was he doing here?

She opened one eye to see his grim face, the amusement which she had heard earlier vanished. He asked, "Are you trying to be funny? For I am not amused," with clenched teeth.

"Oh! lighten up Arnav, you scared me, you saved me, now stop being the big bad mad man! Aur mujhe niche toh uttariye!" Khushi tried to reason with him.

He squeezed her closer and walked out of the store room, to go into her cabin and put her on the table, with his arms on both her sides, face only an inch away and growled, "You are never to go up on those stairs again, you hear."

"Come on, Arnav, aap aisa kaise farmaan kar sakte hain? Humein kaam hoga toh hum kareinge. Kaun laa kar dega taaka hamein?" Khushi argued, placing her hands on the table and tilting back to see his face in totality rather than just his toffee brown eyes which were blazing at her.

"Meine bol diya toh bas. No arguments. I hope you remember, there are people here who can help you." Arnav in clipped tone to make the point clearer.

"Par …" Khushi tried to argue when he simply took her mouth with his and shut her up.

Everything forgotten, she straightened to be closer and allow her arms to wind themselves around his neck. His short hair had grown a bit and were threatening the severity that he subjected them to by curling at the ends. She ran her fingers through them mirroring the havoc he wrought on her senses with that sensual mouth of his. His lips warm and firm enveloped hers to suckle them as if he had missed their taste.

He pulled her closer to him by placing his hands on her backside and nudged her legs apart with one leg to find room between her legs as he held her close to the edge of the table. She had worn a retro look churidar kurta with red polka dots in white background and work around the boat shaped neck. The dupatta was a red scarf she had tied her hair with and dangled on one side and matched her churidar. He had worn his classic suit in grey with white shirt and red tie. The power dressing to the T, she mused absently as she reveled in his kisses.

She felt him nudge her center lightly as he pulled her closer still and lifted one dangling leg to hook it around his waist. She followed the other one without being prompted and hooked them behind him for now she wanted to feel his heat even through the clothes. He let her lips go with hesitation as he nuzzled her neck. From the base of her throat to her ear, which she had put a small stud in. He licked the pinna, following the shape and then dipped his ear into the concha stroking it with swift flicks of his tongue. Khushi's breath hitched and small gasps of air was released as desire lick her in tight concentric circles with each stroke going tighter by the second and her breath coming in spasms as she gushed his name out in a whoosh, followed by a "pleeeeaaase…."

"Ummm, meri rani," he asked in guttural voice, reflecting his state, in her ears. His eyes were dilated into warm dark chocolate color that melted her to the very core as he looked into her eyes, giving her a small respite from his assault.

For an answer, Khushi just gave him a half smile and covered his lips with her in a sensual kiss that robbed him of his senses. He kissed her back with fervor and soon their kisses turned even more passionate demanding satiation, here and now. He suddenly let her go, panting as he turned around and walked to the door to lock it. He then came back, picked her up and walked to the nearest wall to brace her against it. He then pulled the string of her churidar free and slid it down over her hips and down her legs along with her panty. He then, unbuttoned his trousers, pulled the zip down and let his manhood find the room to be free. He then picked her up again and put her legs around his waist and thrust into her. Their mingled "Ah" was all they needed to let each other know how much they wanted, needed each other. He supported her against the wall as he drove her over the brink and emptied himself in her. She had dug her head into his neck to stifle any sound she would make and he had grunted against her neck as he had found his release.

She did not know, they could be so wild and wanton to actually not bother about propriety. She feared that this passion of theirs was going to be the very thing that would either keep them together forever or tear them apart.

Once her heartbeat settled and she felt she had enough strength, she unwound her legs from around him and got dressed. He fixed himself too and muttered, "Lets get out of here."





Chapter 52


At first Amma, Babuji and Payal were surprised to find Arnav in Lucknow but he explained the need in terms of the work for the take over. Payal had teased her when Arnav had gotten her to pack her bag yet again as they were to move to the suite he kept in Lucknow, ever since the factory set up here.

"Tujhse ek din bhi Arnav Bhai door nahi reh sakte, tere peeche peeche aa gaye agle din aur ab aisa raub jhaad rahe hain ki kaam ki wajah se aaye hain. Toh phir rahe na akele Hotel mein, tumhein kyon le kar jaa rahe hain?" Payal aruged with Khushi as she helped her pack.

The next few days went with them working together, he somber for most of the day with change coming over him at night. He seemed to be moving from being a preoccupied man in the day who did not even look at Khushi properly to a man who could not seem to satiate his hunger the minute they were in their bedroom. His eyes followed her, the molten chocolate spreading over her leisurely burning a trail of desire wherever it touched. With the clothes, he seemed to be shedding whatever shackles he put around himself during the day.

Khushi wondered if it was that first afternoon that had led to this distance in the day time. She blushed remembering the passion that had short circuited their brains. It would have been disastrous if anyone had even knocked at that time. She would have died of embarrassment.

Arnav did not know what was happening to him. How did a man who always had control lost it in space of few seconds? He had behaved like an animal and from that day, he had ensured, he worked in the different cabin, did not look at her lest the snake became too ready to spread its poison. But at night, he could not help himself. He had to have her. All of her. The more he satiated his hunger, the more he wanted and more deeply he fell in love with her.

The last few days showed him how capable she was. Asking the right questions to learn about various aspects of the business. She seemed to have organisational skills ingrained in her for she set up a system that would help designers and supplier without hampering the production or the exclusivity that she felt was associated with AR Designs.

She seemed to be proving herself not only as a value asset to the company but also to him. He could concentrate totally on the take over and she had also started coordinating with the Delhi office and other branches to ensure that the designers and the suppliers of the materials were in sync.

The dossier on the Swiss MNC had become thick and Arnav now had enough ammunition to work his way around the take over. Giving himself a smile of satisfaction for the meeting the coming Monday, he decided, he would go back to Delhi and have things worked out Jeejaji and Di. He had asked Khushi to stay put, for next few days after his departure on Sunday morning, but the next two days he just wanted to spend with her.

He asked her in the evening, "Khushi, Taj Mahal dekha hai?" walking into her cabin.

"Ji?" Khushi asked looking up at him from the design she was engrossed in.

"Meine poocha, Taj Mahal …"

"Meine suna par aap ye kyon pooch rahe ho? Kya hua Taj Mahal ko?" Khushi asked wondering if some terrorist attack had happened that he was referring to.

"Arre nahi, kyon hoga kuch Taj Mahal ho? Tum kya terrorist attack tak pahonch gayee? Meri rani," She gaped looking behind him at the open door as he said his endearment for her, but smiled when he gestured that they were the only one left in the office.

He continued, "Toh meri not so romantic rani, I was thinking we should go to see Taj Mahal, if you want to tomorrow."

Khushi could not believe she was hearing him right.

Then was even more surprised when he spoke as if he was thinking aloud, "Well abhi saat baje hain, if we leave now, we should be there in five and half hours, abhi chale chalte hain. Suna hai, Taj Mahal Subah subah aur bhi sundar lagta hai. Would you like that?" Arnav asked her.

In response, she just ran up to him and hugged him.

"Aap itne romantic hai mujhe nahi pata tha." Khushi said against his chest.

"Haan! aur tum itni unromantic ho, mujhe nahi lagta tha. I had thought, you women only have these dreams all the time, especially you who weaves such beautiful motifs. Lekin hamari patni toh ekdam buddu hai." Arnav countered as he pulled her out of chest to look at her with his hands holding her shoulders.

"Budhu kise keh rahe hain? Agar hum budhu hain to aap humse bhi bade budhu hai." Khushi could not stop herself from arguing and placed her hands on her hips.

"Ab jhagda karna hai ya chalna hai? tumhein pata hai, jhagda hoga toh phir aage kya hoga…"Arnav moved his eyebrows teasingly, still not leaving her shoulders.

"Chaliye ab jyada itraane ki jaroorat nahi hai!" She punched him playfully on the shoulder as she disentangled herself from him totally.

They called up home at Khushi's and Raizada Mansion, to let them know as they just took essentials for the day trip. He got the hotel to organise their stay in their Agra hotel and once everything was set, Arnav took the hired car organised by the hotel and started towards Agra.

Khushi could not believe, she had met a man like Arnav and then the whole shaadi fiasco and now life had come to this. Surely, he must have love her too to do all this but he never said anything to her.

She thought, she will try all the things to make him admit he loves her or at least make him fall in love with her. "Now, what to do?" she thought as she sat next to him, the twilight giving way to night as they drove towards their destination.

"Kis soch mein doobi ho?" Arnav asked her taking eyes off the road for a few seconds to look at her.

"Soch rahe hain, ki aapko kaise …." then stopped clapping a hand to her mouth.


"Achcha… ruk kyon gayee? kya karna chahti ho? Kahin meri izzat toh…." Arnav gave her a lopsided smile.

"Aap ko aur kuch soojhta nahi hai kya?" she turned to her side to glare at him and he said, "Only with you … Dekho na, even now, i feel like … " Arnav started and then put his hand out to pull the scrunchy at the end of her braid and pulled it out.

"Aage dekh kar gaadi chalaiye aap, ye kya kar rahe hain?" She took the scrunchy from him and tried to put it on when he said, "Open your hair please, I like them open on you."

"Arnav … aap theek toh ho?" She questioned him as she complied and pulled the braid loose with her fingers and was stunned when he took some strands in his hand, inhaled the shampoo and let his lips kiss them.

"You have beautiful hair… " he said and suddenly pulled to the side of the road, cut the engine and took her in his arms from across the seat. The seat belts coming in the way and he clicked them off before he pulled her again in his arms.

He breathed into her neck and said, "What is it about you, Khushi that makes me so helpless?"

He then pulled back a bit and held her head in the cup of his hands and looked at her and said, "Don't ever leave me."

And before she could say anything, he gave her a kiss that told her of his insecurities. Then as suddenly, he let her go, straightened and restarted the engine, put the car in gear, looked into the rear view and then side mirror and pulled back on the road. He drove fast yet fully in control making the darkness seem like a blanket that had fallen over them with only two beams cutting it and guiding them.

The silence in the car was too thick with emotion for them to say anything.

Khushi wondered, if she would ever understand this contradictory man and did not stop looking at him all the way to Agra.




Chapter 53


Khushi had thought after Bora Bora, it would take something big for her to feel so overwhelmed but it was this monument and her husband beside her that told her that, he was a unique man even if he behaved strangely. She was going to relish these moments.

They had arrived at the Monument very early in the morning, even though it had been late in the night when they reached Agra, they had felt the lure of the beauty even at that time.

They had passed from a distance and the Momument stood there greyish in the darkness, with only half moon giving it a subdued lighting. She felt something move within her and tears had welled up and had felt, Arnav squeeze her hands in understanding. They had hardly slept, talking about the history of Taj Mahal and the love that was painful yet fulfilling between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. For, despite other wives, his favorite had been Mumtaz and he could not bear the pain of losing her. Even the aspect that Mumtaz died of child birth complication and that their passion was so great that they could not keep away from each other despite each birth of the child made it more difficult for Mumtaz. It was also said, that she was a constant companion for each of this military campaign.

Looking at the Monument, holding each other's hand, they marveled at the beauty and serenity of the place. The peace that enveloped them was like the sleep that is deep and undisturbed yet each dream in that sleep is vivid and enlightening. They felt overwhelmed.

She whispered, "Thank you for bringing me here. Meine photos dekhe hai, padha hai, suna hai, par aaj aapke saath ye nazara …. aaj meri zindagi ka ek bahut bada din hai. Thank you for giving me this gift, Arnav."

He just hugged her and planted a kiss on her forehead and said, "Mere liye bhi. With you the symbol of love the Taj Mahal stands for has meaning. I shall cherish this moment forever."

They spent rest of the day together, going for a walk on the banks of Yamuna, eating in the old market and then he bought her some panchi petha.

He even indulged in some earrings and bangles with Mughal designs, the typical floral design called meenakari. He even took her to local embroidery shops for her to find inspiration for her designs. Khushi was touched by all the things he did for her. Late afternoon they left for Lucknow and on Sunday he left for Delhi, leaving behind a teary eyed Khushi.

"I will miss you." Khushi said at the door hugging him.

"I will miss you too, Khushi. Ab rona band karo, warna mein jaa kaise paaonga?" Arnav said as he wiped the tears from her cheek and then gave her a tender kiss on her eyes and lips.

"I will call you." And with that he left her, raising a hand in goodbye, as he sat in the car. Khushi, raised her hand and then stood there watching the car till it turned the corner.

She felt as if he was taking a piece of her with him. Was it possible to love someone so much?


Arnav had looked at her through the dark window till the car turned and then put is head back against the head rest, eyes closed and felt as if he had left himself behind with her.

After tomorrow, he vowed, he was going to tell her everything and close the chapter on Tanirika.



The business with Arnav was not going well. She had done her own research with Mr Mallick and found out that Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada was his Mausi's daughter. Having been intrigued by that information, she had dug deeper and it was pay dirt time. She had something which made her smile.

Now, she had the leverage, that would ensure Arnav do exactly as she wanted. She was going to ruin the son of the man who had thwarted her plans. She did not just want money but she did not get the status as Mr Takshasheel Mallick had not let his brother give everything nor had he let her marry him. In one of their arguments about marriage she had run away with some money but had come back when it had finished and Samar had taken her back. With beauty fading, she had ensured that she held the purse strings and had enough of the business on her name to ensure, Samar Chand did not leave her.

But she had once again gotten him interested in taking down AR Designs as she could not stop the rage inside her from boiling over whenever she saw him on TV. Handsome, successful and money that she knew Samar Chand would not be able to make because he did not possess the brains. But the deal with Chaudhri had worked well so far and their Swiss collaboration was helping.

But she had been more greedy and asked Samar to topple Arnav yet again. Poisoning his mind, with how he could tolerate a child he had thrown on the streets, to be more successful than him. And it had worked the first time. But it had been a rash move, too soon, they did not have the necessary financial backing at the time. The smart lawyer they had at the time had saved them on technicality that time, but this time she had a huge backing. Chaudhri and Samar had one thing in common, indulgences. Well, she was with Samar because he was indulgent and she had forced him to think of more when their dwindling finances were something she had seen happening. That is when the Swiss Collaboration had come into picture. Chaudhri's son had been shrewd and she had encouraged him in one of her encounters with him. This deal with AR Designs would mean more money, more power and more satisfaction of seeing him down.


But the meeting was not going well. They had gotten some news right before the meeting that the Swiss Company had backed out of their collaboration, citing, issues with the Lucknow plans and the company was going to rethink on it. How did it happen just on the morning of the take over. She realised it sitting next to Samar and Chaudhri facing Arnav, Shyam and other lawyers. Anjali was not to be seen and neither was their Nani, but she knew it was Arnav who was the real brains, when the lawyer passed the papers that would counter the take over bid and instead buy the Mallicks out.

Tanirika, spewed venom with her eyes as she saw the tables turn on her and her plans. The meeting coming to an end, with Arnav looking smug, was the last thing she wanted to take.

Just before leaving, she walked up to Arnav and challenged, "Itna guroor achcha nahi hai, abhi baazi khatam nahi hui."

With that she left. She had now lost everything, save some money that would probably tide her over for the next few years, but with her lifestyle she was not going to let this go unpunished. "mein apni haar aise nahi maanoongi, Arnav Singh Raizada. Abhi toh ek aur waar hai mere paas." She looked at her reflection in the mirror vowing to exact blood from Arnav.

She did not know why she had taken upon herself to ruin him but now it had become the mission of her life. His success, ate at her for having been defeated in making the Mallicks pay for not accepting a middle class woman.

She was going to use, Khushi, yes her own daughter, flesh and blood to defeat Arnav Singh Raizada. She smiled at her reflection, a plan forming already in her head.




Chapter 54




Arnav called Khushi after the meeting was over, now that woman had been shown the door. He said as she picked up the phone, "I bought another company Khushi, we stalled the take over bid and did a counter take over. We bought the collaboration from the Swiss MNC and took the Mallicks apart."

"Arre saans toh le lijiye. Chalo achcha hai, ab toh bata rahe hain ki kya hua. Waise, hamein kyon nahi bataya tha ab tak?" Khushi now more confident about her husband, asked him.


After a few seconds of silence, he said in a low voice, "Jab wapis aaogi toh bataonga, abhi ke liye itna kaafi nahi hai ki tumhare husband ne jung jeet li?"

"Haan, soh toh hai. Congratulations. Waise, hum soch rahe the, ki Jiji ke shaadi ko ab sirf do hafte reh gaye hain, toh kya hum yahin rahe ki jaise hi woh naya manager train ho jaaye jo humne Friday ko appoint kiya hai, hum aa jaaye wapis?" Khushi asked.

"Ya aap aa rahein hain?" she added blushing at her boldness.

"Oh! tum chahti ho ki mein aa jaon? Waise bhi ghar waale toh mujhe joru ka ghulaam kehna shuru kar diye hain. Tum chaho toh mein aa jaata hoon.!" Arnav asked huskily.

"Nahi aisa, nahi hai. aap kaho toh hum aa jaaye." Khushi answered not wanting to inconvenience him.

"Arre nahi, meri rani, you stay there. I shall try and come over the weekend. Chaho toh kahin chaleinge. Nahi scratch that. We shall finish all the shopping. Buy Aakash and Payal some gifts. Waise, Mausaji ko koi madad chahiyegi, you know, money wise, should I offer…. what…" Arnav asked for Khushi's advise.

"Nahi, Arnav, Babuji is fine. Waise jo contract ke paise mujhe milte hain and my salary woh sab toh hai hi na help ke liye. So in a way you are helping me." Khushi told him.

"Waise that reminds me, meri rani, Jeejaji has made the necessary documents and I shall be sending them over to you for signing. You are to be one of the Directors in the company. So once you receive them, just sign and send them back so we can submit the application by this weekend." Arnav informed Khushi.

"Kya jaroorat hai inn sab ki. Hamein kya karna hai," Khushi tried to stop Arnav.

"Toh kya Arnav Singh Raizada ki biwi, uske yahan naukri karegi? Would that be fine? You are very important to me Khushi and you are going to be one of Directors just like Di, Nani and Jeeju. No arguments." He announced.

"Achcha, kitni important hoon mein?" Khushi asked softly.

"Tumhein pata nahi hai?" Arnav asked her in return.

"Nahin aap bataiye." Khushi, persisted.

"Jitna important mein tumhare liye hoon." Arnav answered obliquely.

"Oh! toh phir itni important nahi hoon mein aapke liye. Kyon ki aapki importance toh, Amma, Babuji, Jiji, Naniji, Di …" Khushi started counting and he stopped her with, "Haan par ye sab woh nahi de sakte jo mein de sakta hoon."

"Oh! aisa kya hai jo aap de sakte hain jo ye nahi de sakte… bataiye … bataiye." Khushi challenged him.

"Arnav … please … yahan …haan, haan, waise … please … there …. yes… yes … yes … " Arnav moaned throatily in the phone.

"ohhhhh! AAAAp bhi…. chup kariye!" Khushi turned beet root as she heard him imitating her.


"Kyon … ab kyon chup kariye? tab toh baal khinchti ho!" Arnav goaded her further.

"Hey devi maiyya…. " Khushi muttered as he was not sparing her anything.

"Nahi meri rani, tab aapki devi maiyya bhi kaam nahi aati, sirf… mein …" Arnav was on a roll.

"Arrrrrnav!" Khushi screamed. "hum phone rakhte hain." And cut the call as she heard him laugh at the other end.


She could not believe her husband would do these things to her. She felt aroused with just his teasing, she did not think it possible but she felt alive and happy. She closed her eyes reliving the moments with him putting her head back on the chair. She was jolted out of her reverie as the phone rang again and she picked up find a woman ask, "Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada?"

"Ji bol rahe hain." Khushi replied.

And the phone cut.

She just stared at the phone for a few seconds before shrugging and dismissing the call and getting back to work.

She had given the Manager his list of things to be maintained. He seemed a competent man with flair for understanding local tastes and have given ideas on how to bring some more designs that would add to the portfolio of AR Designs.

After a productive day, she went home and helped her parents in organising the menu for the wedding. She even told her father that she would make the sweets but she was dissuaded from handling everything herself. But she had put her foot down and had said that she would make some mithais for her Jiji's wedding and no one was going to stop her.

The next few days went with her husband calling often, teasing her, laughing with her, taking update on the preparation and work. She blushed as she remembered how last night he had called her in middle of the night and had asked, "Kya pehna hai?"

She had wondered aloud why he asked that when he said, "Mujhe pehen ne ki ichcha nahi hoti?

She had then said, "Pehna toh hai." running her hand on the mangalsutra.

"Budhu…" was the answer she had gotten.

"Toh … kya … matlab … Oh!" Khushi had hit her hand on the head in understanding when it dawned on her what he meant.

"Haan, Bolo na … kya pehna hai?" he had asked in a whisper.

"Arnav, nightie pehni hai aur kya?" Khushi asked.

"kaunsi wali?" Arnav persisted.

"Dekhiye …. aap… " Khushi now exasperated at him.

"Dikhaona." He said softly.

"Arrrnav… aap ko kya ho gaya hai?" Khushi now reprimanding him.

"Suno, mein Skype par phone karta hoon. I want to see you. Abhi." Arnav cut the call and after few seconds, her Skype ringer buzzed. She picked up the call to see and hear him.

"Can you see me?" Khushi asked.

"Haan, par aur nazdeek se dekhna hai." Arnav said.

"iss se nazdeek kahan se phone laayenge?" Khushi said, looking at him. He seemed to be walking.

"Aap kahan ja rahein hain?" She asked.

"Buddhu … Darwaza kholo." Arnav ordered.

"kya?" She looked up and then at the phone. "Par aapne toh kaha tha aap kal aane waale ho." she said flustered now.

"toh kya mein chala jaon?" Arnav asked now irritated.

"Nahi … " And she cut the call and ran to the door, to open it.


He stood there, hand against the door jamb, feet crossed at ankle and staggered when she flew into his arms. He had come home, to her, he thought, as he lifted her higher and twirled her. His Khushi.




Chapter 55


Hearing the commotion outside, everyone in the house had gathered around in the living room, only to smile and wait patiently as they saw them twirling around. Khushi put a stilling hand on her when she saw the light come on in the living room and they both stopped to look at the family smiling at them from inside.

He let her slide down to the ground but hooked an arm around her waist as they went into the house with everyone smiling. It was Buaji who started, "Ee parmeshwari ka saath ma, aapai bhi bachkai gaye ho Arnav bitwa?"

He gave her a smile she had never seen and the rest of the family just laughed out. Payal then moved out of the room sharing with Khushi and said, "mein Buaji ke saath so jaaongi."

Arnav came into the bedroom as Khushi said, "hum abhi aatein hai." Leaving Arnav there, she went to the kitchen and got some milk and fruits for him and bid everyone good night and went back into the bedroom to see Arnav standing near the windwow like she used to watching the moon. She walked upto him and put her arms around him after leaving the milk and fruits on the nightstand.

"Aap ko ye surprises dene ki aadat kab se hai?" Khushi asked softly against his shoulder.

"Jab se tum mujhse door rehne lagi ho." Arnav answered, running his hand over hers lightly.

She thumped with her fist on his stomach and he went, "Awww! ab maarna bhi shuru kar diya hai. Pehle izzat abh jaan par bann aayee hai."

She let go of him and in that instant he turned around and put his back against the window and smiled at her. She just could not let him just be smug about teasing her so she just glared at him.

He then pulled her into him and said, "Waise, tumse baat karni hai. Kal we shall go to the suite and discuss things?"

"Haan, par kabhi toh idhar ghar par reh jaaya kijiye. Amma, Babuji kya sochenge ki beta ab itna bada aadmi ho gaya hi ki usse ye ghar chota lagta hai." Khushi tried let him know how their going to the hotel would be perceived as.

"Arre I want you to myself, this house will not give me the privacy we need. Unless you don't me… you know … and tum awaaz bhi itna karti ho … toh … woh kaise … Arnav … Please …" Arnave teased her again, this time near her neck.

She pushed him and scolded him, "Bas bhi kijiye, ye sab kya hai?"

"Achcha, kya hai? Abhi dikhaon?" And picked her and took her to bed, showing her exactly what she did in throes of passion and had given her a pillow to stifle the sounds she always emanated when he made love to her.

Once satiated, he pulled her into his arms and said, "Aur demo chahiye?"

"Nahi, ab so jaaiye, tomorrow we have lots to be done. Waise aapko baat kya karni hai?" Khushi asked sleepily.

"Woh, take over ke baare mein kuch batana hai. Par i want your full attention so abhi so jao, kal baat karte hain." he told her brushing her hair and found that she had already fallen asleep.


He woke up to find no one around him in the room and got up to wear the trousers of last night again over his boxers. His bag was in the car, but then the door opened and Khushi walked in with the bag.

"Arre tum kyon le aai, I would have gone, I was just getting dressed." Arnav told her with remorse at making her work for him.

"Halki si toh hai. Chaliye, naah lijiye, sab wait kar rahe hain breakfast par." with that she left him to get ready.


After breakfast, they all went shopping of the things, Babuji, went to the shop Buaji and Amma went to the old market for the hawan and pooja things to be bought and Payal, Khushi and Arnav went to shop the dresses and other things that Payal would need.

Late afternoon, they dropped Payal home and Arnav could not wait any longer to get his wife alone. He took her straight to their Hotel, the frequency with which he kept coming to Lucknow, he thought may be he should buy a house here for them. Once in the elevator, he pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck saying, "Ye mujhe wise shopping pe mat le jaana phir se, torture hai."

"Achcha, agar torture tha toh aaye kyon?" Khushi trying to push him in case someone sees them like this. Just then the elevator stops on some floor and pings as the doors open. They move apart a little, but Arnav did not relinquish his hold on her waist. Khushi nudged him in the ribs but he just moved a bit to avoid the full brunt.

"Kyon ki mein tumhare saath rehna chahta tha." He whispered in her ears and the other occupants turned a bit to look at them and smiled. Khushi tried to move out of the arm that he had put around like a vise but it just tightened. The other occupants got out two floors later and they were left alone. He turned towards her and leaned in saying, "Have you ever felt like … you know lift atak jaaye aur …" Arnav asked.

"Aap pagal ho gaye hain kya?" Khushi stuttered at the side of him that had emerged, naughty beyond belief.

"Tum bhi na, haan bolne mein kya jaata tha?" and he kissed her. Just then the lift pinged again to open the doors to their floor. He did not stop kissing her but walked backwards with her in his arms, once outside her pinned her against the wall and continued to kiss her. Khushi pushed him but ended up clenching his shirt in sheer need as he deepened the kiss. He then picked her up, carrying her as he moved towards their suite. Once there he asked her to put a hand in his pocket to remove the key. Khushi complied and froze when her hand touched him there through the pocked only to look at him wide eyed.

"Ab mujhe aise dekhogi ya, chaabi nikalogi, yaa, mein yahin…" Arnav asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

Khushi put a hand on his mouth and with the other hand removed the keys but naughtily rubbed the ridge of his manhood with the plastic and heard him groan. She removed and put it in the slot pushing the door open. Once in, Arnav kicked it shut and walked towards the bedroom. He put her in front of the mirror and turned her towards it, standing behind her. He first opened her braid, removing the ribbon that tied it at the end. Leafing his fingers through the tresses he spread them over her back and look at her through the mirror.

He traced the hairline on her face and then flicked the hair over other shoulder gathering the hair in one hand, running his fingers lightly on her nape. She shivered deliciously. He then ran his finger along the edge of the back of the dress, where the dori was tied, pulling the string with his teeth. He grazed his teeth against her back and she sucked in her breath as slivers of desire raced through her being. He then went to the zipper at the back and pulled it down loosening the kurta. Shoving the shoulders of the dress over her arms, he let his hands run along with it to push it down completely and over her hand. Khushi was now looking at her image, hair over one shoulder, kurta down to her waist bunched up and her white lace bra covering yet revealing the treasures that awaited him. He looked her in the mirror meeting her eye over one should as he ran fingers along the collarbone and dipped between the breasts to trace the gentle curve there with the back of his fingers.

"Arnav…" khushi mumbled as if drugged, her eyes closing. He then whispered in her ears, "I want you to look at us, Khushi, in there" indicating to the mirror.

Khushi blushed, even after weeks of them being together, she felt warmth infuse her body, melting her insides with a mere look. The way he was looking at her now, she felt torched with a fire that will burn her and transfer her into this being that wanted to be devoured by his hungry blaze.

He then slid the kurta down her legs going down on his knees perpendicular to her. He turned his head to the right looking into the mirror and her and pulled at the string of her salwaar. He then pulled it loose to have it whoosh down her legs, leaving her in the matching underwear. He put his hand on one ankle and bent the knee to slowly remove the dress, first one and then the other.

He then ran his hand up her leg starting at the toes up her ankle, shin and stopped at the knee. He replaces his hand with his lips and moved up her thigh on her right leg and let his hand take over to the other leg. Once at the juncture of her thigh, he stopped at the edge of the panty, flicking the sensitive spot there with his tongue. Khushi's legs buckled. Holding her steady he moved her sideways to face him and then asked her to put a foot on his leg as he had sat with his legs under him. He then kissed the inside of her thigh, going up to her core still sheathed with thin cotton. He placed his lips there through the cotton, feeling her heat and her wetness. He moved it aside to touch his lips to hers. Her hips rotated, wanting his touch even more. His hands were now holding her butt, keeping her steady as he invaded her sweetness with his tongue, making her utter sounds that were unintelligible but told him in no uncertain terms her need for him. He then moved his finger and hooked it in the panty to bring it down. Once done with that barrier he hooked her leg over his shoulder and he went back to pleasuring her with his mouth giving her a release that made her weak. He then splayed his hands on her stomach and reach her breasts as fondled her through the bra and she held on to him with her hands on his shoulder and alternatively in his hair as the spiral in her tightened to the point where release was a sweet torture she craved yet wanted to prolong.

Khushi then tugged at his hair, asking him to get up. She motioned to go to the bed but he stalled her asking her to stay put. He then stripped himself of his clothes and took her in his arms standing behind her and making her look in the mirror. He then bent her forward and asked her to brace herself on the stool with her hand as he entered her from behind. Khushi looked at him through the mirror, stunned and yet exhilarated at this visual they made. It was even more arousing than she was already. She felt as if they were voyeurs of their own selves, watching each other as they united. Arnav bent over her to place a kiss on her shoulder as he thrust into her deeply and bit her. She saw two people elementally joined with her hair falling from one side. It was a vision that she knew she would always hold with her as another step deeper into their relationship.

What they were sharing was beyond just being married, they were one, a union of souls. She looked at him as spasms of release hit and only to joined by her husband who made guttural sounds as they found their peak with each other and in each other.

Spent, she straightened with him to take his support and stand there for few minutes as they recovered. He then guided her to the bed and both of them slid between the sheets to find themselves in each others arms.

He murmured, "Khushi, I have never ever felt this connected with anyone in my life. You complete me." Gathering her in his arms and placing kisses on her head.

"I need to tell you something very important." He said, as he pushed the hair away from her face, and lifted his head to look at her. She had fallen asleep.

Smiling at the way he tired her always, he just pulled her closer and went to sleep himself. He decided, tomorrow he will definitely tell her what needed to be said.




Chapter 56


Khushi woke up feeling lethargy as the rays of sun stole through the gaps in the curtain. She looked around to find Arnav had woken up already. She went to the bathroom and got ready and went to the outer room, to find Arnav, sitting at the dinning table with newspaper and breakfast. A cup of coffee, toast and conserve. She went up to him dressed in a peach lucknowi suit with navy blue embroidery and dupatta in the same color. Arnav was dressed in cream trousers, shirt in maroon and cream checks and he looked handsome with hair sleeked back

She sat on the chair as he looked up and smiled at her. "Sleepy head, kuch jyada hi nahi soti tum? You did not eat dinner and slept for more than ten hours. Sab theek hai na? Ya mein bahut thaka deta hoon?" Arnav asked concerned for when he had woken up couple of hours back she had not even stirred. He had woken up in middle of the night and had something to eat from the room service but again, Khushi had slept through it all blissfully.


"Nahi," she replied blushing, "must be all the work with the wedding." Khushi took some toast and coffee.

Once breakfast was over, Arnav took her hand walked to the living room and sat with her on the sofa, facing each other.

"Ab, I need to tell you something important." Arnav started, somber about the whole thing.

"The take over was initiated by our Chachaji, Mr Samar Chand Mallick." He stopped her from saying anything when she opened her mouth with a raised hand. "Pehle mujhe sun lo, sab pata chal jaayega. It is a long story Khushi. it is story that spans years of hatred, betrayal and alienation. Years of losing security, love and belongingness. Di and I have been through a lot. But what Mr Mallick has done is like an open wound that has salt rubbed in it ever so often." he started.  He then went on to tell her about Di's failed wedding, Chacha and his betrayal and the lady who ruined their lives, though he had looked at her deeply pausing when he had spoken about that woman. She got the impression that he seemed to softening the words and not telling her the real emotions he felt when he thought of that lady who had ruined his life. She understood how five years back she had tried to ruin again and how Jeeju had saved them and this time again it had taken smart move on their side to counter the take over and defeat her and his uncle.

He had brushed over the facts and told her how he did not want her involved.

"Why?" Khushi asked.

"It was for your safety. I did not want her to have any ammunition." Arnav explained. He also told that is why he had asked her to move to Lucknow. Khushi realised now why he had seemed distant at the time. He must have been preoccupied with worry for the company and her. But why her? What could that woman do that would put her in danger.

She asked him.

He went silent. He then recounted the story of how she, when they were young had tried to push Di from the staircase in the house in her viciousness to throw them out. It had been him who had saved his Di. From that day, he had been her protector, ensuring that no one came too close to hurt her. He would never let anyone touch the important people in his life he had said.

Khushi's heart sang. Her eyes brimming with tears. She must mean something to him, she thought. Why else would he have sent her away? Happy to know that she must matter to him. Hugging that thought to herself, she hugged him and said, "Thank you for trusting me Arnav. It must have been a difficult time."

They shared a tender kiss sealing the new understanding between them. Arnav though felt like a heel to not have told her about her mother. How much did she remember her? He wondered as they went to her place and get in to the swing of arranging a wedding.

Arnav went back the next day, promising to be there a few days before the wedding as he was from the side of the groom and the bride. He had double duty. The next week went in a breeze, with shopping, helping family and long sexy phone calls with Arnav.

She could not believe, she could talk to him in such fashion. They seemed to not just crave each other but enjoyed the nok jhoks and the sharing of things on daily basis. They could easily switch from work to play mode with a word, a sound or even silence.

They still fought about trivial things like what she was going to wear and what he was not going to do but Khushi felt she was in a world of happiness that gave her a buoyant feeling.

Even Nani, Anjali came to Lucknow to be with the family and everyone seemed in a very festive mood.

The wedding was day after tomorrow and Arnav was expected this evening with Aakash and his family.



Chapter 57


The sangeet had been gregarious affair with the punjabi tunes making the whole family dance and sing. As a Khatri, the wedding was done in typical punjabi fashion.