Chapter 44

Khushi peeped outside the room before gesturing to Arnav, who was waiting for her nod…she giggled as he rolled his eyes and walked out with her, pulling the door close behind him while Khushi gathering her sari properly in her hands

“We didn’t really think of anyone finding us together earlier when we came up…” he said as she shushed him while walking towards the elevator “That was different…no one’s room is on this floor except mine and maasi’s…and she was with motu earlier…now I’m not so sure” she said as she breathed out a sigh of relief, not finding anyone near the lift

“Ok, you go down and I’m going to mamma’s room” she said as she pressed two buttons inside the life, making Arnav look at her in surprise “You’re not coming with me?” he asked her as she shook her head

“No baby…how can we go together? Plus I have to get my hair done in her room…I told you already” she said with a smile as he sulked “Fine, but don’t be too long…As it is I hate weddings…I’m only here for you…plus you look too damn hot in this sari, please take the pallu over your shoulders” (see ref below) he said as the lift reached her mother’s floor

“Come on Arnav…. you go and enjoy downstairs…I’ll be there in a jiffy” she said lightly pecking him on his cheek before getting out of the elevator…she saw some of her relatives walking towards the lift and willed the damn thing to close before they reach her

“Arre Khushi beta…you’re not ready yet? Go and get your hair and make-up done…the phera’s will start in some time” they said as Khushi smiled in relief at the lift closing just in time before making her way to her mother’s room

 ***

“That’s it...I don’t want too much make-up” Khushi complained as the parlor ladies finished her simple hair-do and light make-up…she quickly got out of the chair and went to her mother and others who were ready to go down

“You are looking very pretty babu…this sari looks perfect on you” Garima said proudly as Payal came and joined them; Khushi give a quick kiss to her mother before smiling sweetly towards Payal “What? Why are you giving me that look?” Payal asked with raised eyebrows as Khushi shrugged

“What look…you are looking very beautiful…this color suits you” (see ref below) she said genuinely as Payal looked at her suspiciously “ookey…should we go down now? I’ve been preened and prodded too much by those ladies in there and now I need some food! How the hell do you guys stay awake for these late night weddings? Our weddings are done and over by noon!” she said as Garima smiled at her

“It’s a north Indian thing dear…but I agree that morning weddings are any day better!” she said as Khushi rolled her eyes “Already taking sides are we mamma?” she whispered to Garima who gave her a stern look “Khushi…she just got here, and does not know anyone…I hope you will take her around, as it is Shashi insisted on her coming because you prodded him to” she said as Khushi nodded solemnly

“Don’t you worry mamma…she will find more people she knows today…don’t you worry about a thing!” she said as Garima smiled as everyone walked out to reach the wedding venue downstairs…completely unaware of a huge storm that was coming their way!

*** 

“Arnav, I hope you are enjoying?” Sanjay asked Arnav as he nodded “Yes, thanks Mr Ahuja, the arrangements are done very well…” he said as Aakash give him a bored look while Sanjay smiled indulgently “Yes, its all thanks to Khushi…she made sure everything was perfect for today” he said proudly as Arnav smiled faintly

“You are serious about her right? Because if you’re just playing around….” Sanjay said with a heated gaze as Arnav confidently replied back “I love her…have never been more serious about anyone or anything else in my life” he said as Sanjay relaxed

“That’s good…just remember that I am like Khushi’s father…more so than her real one was, and if you ever hurt her or…” he started saying when Arnav held Sanjay’s hand and looked earnestly into his eyes “I love her too much to see any kind of sadness in her eyes…I will never hurt her, intentionally or unintentionally…and you can take my head off any day if I do” he said sincerely as Sanjay smiled and patted him on his back

“I’m glad Arnav…and I am very happy to see you support her so much, especially in this god damn investigation…God only knows how much longer this will stretch for” he said as Arnav nodded “I know, but rest assured, my friend is doing everything he can to put a lid on this for good…we will find the real murderer soon” Arnav said as Sanjay nodded

“That’s good to know beta…anyways, I have to go…its nearly time for the pheras to start, you take care and we’ll meet soon to catch up” he said as Arnav nodded and saw him move towards the mandap

“Damn Bhai! You are becoming a pro at this” Aakash said behind him as Arnav turned around “At what?” he asked as Aakash gave him a cheeky grin “being a sanskari damad” he said as Arnav punched him lightly making him yelp but soon both turned towards the mandap as the women from the grooms side came down

“Ooh…Khushi bhabhi looks hot…I bet everyone is looking at her only right now and not the bride” Aakash said as Khushi climbed up the mandap with an aarti thali in her hands “Shut up Aakash…look elsewhere…there are lots of pretty women around who will find you amusing” he said as Aakash sighed

“But bhai, I just want one woman…wish she was here” he said as Arnav turned amused eyes towards him “You still haven’t told me about this girl…” he said as Aakash winked at him “Soon bhai…soon!” he said as both brother sat down on the soft low seating meant for the guests

***

“Papa, I’m hungry” Payal complained as Shashi sat on the other side of the mandap, watching an animated Garima bustle around the place, looking beyond beautiful in a dark green saree “Papa!” Payal pulled his arm as he came out of his daze and looked at her “Huh? Did you say something?” he asked her as she looked at the mandap suspiciously

“Who were you looking at with so much concentration?” she asked him as he shrugged his shoulders “No one…just watching the wedding rituals…they are very different to ours” he said as Payal rolled her eyes “They are equally boring papa…now can I go and eat something?” she asked him as he looked at her and smiled

“Go…but you’ll be all alone…let me come with you” he said as she shook her head “I’m not a baby papa…let me get something for you also, didn’t see you eating much during dinner” she said as she got up and left to go towards the buffet area

She watched the bride and groom, as Khushi, her mother and maasi teased them, giggling away…a small smile lit her face as she imagined herself in the bride’s place with her goofy Aakash next to her…will it be a south Indian or North Indian style wedding? She wondered as she suddenly bumped into someone

“Oh…sorry” she said as the person held her by her shoulders and steadied “Hey! What a pleasant surprise…remember me?” Arnav asked as Payal gave him a quick smile “Off course I do…Arnav right? Heard you and Khushi are finally an item!” she said with a wink as Arnav laughed

“I guess so…what are you doing here alone? Is Shashi here?” he asked as she pointed at her father “Yes, there he is…I’m just here to get something to eat…” she said as Arnav nodded “I’ll go and say a hello to your father…why don’t you join my brother, he’s sitting there” Arnav said pointing to a man sitting on a table near the buffet, his back towards her

“Uh…no its fine…” she started saying when Arnav shook his head “No…I insist…you are around his age and he’s been going on about being bored…let me at least introduce you to him…” Arnav said as Payal giggled, “I’m bored too…I actually hate weddings! Only came cause Khushi insisted I do” she said rolling her eyes as Arnav laughed

“You go and meet papa Arnav, I’ll go and introduce myself, don’t worry…” Payal said as Arnav nodded “Fine, I’ll come and join you both in a bit” he said as he left and Payal turned towards the dark haired man…something about him looked very familiar

When she was just a few feet away, her heart suddenly started beating very hard…why did he look so much like Aakash from this angle…was it? She wondered as she went and stood right in front of him “Aakash?” she whispered in a surprised tone as Aakash’s hand stopped mid way to his mouth…the food from his spoon falling on the plate as he looked up with shocked eyes

“Payal?” he gasped, as he realized she was really standing in front of him… “What? How…” he said as Payal smiled widely “Oh my God! You are here? How do you know the Gupta’s? Or are you here from the bride’s side?” she asked excitedly as she slid into the chair next to him

“Uh…I….I…” Aakasj started saying as Payal suddenly caught his hand that was slightly trembling “Hey! What happened? Why are you so nervous? Are you that shocked to see me here? Or have you come here with my sautan?” she asked jokingly as Aakash felt his mouth freeze in a comical smile…what was payal doing here!

“Oh wait! Arnav said his bother…wait; you are Arnav’s brother? I didn’t know he was your cousin!” she said gleefully as Aakash got more shocked “You know bhai?” he asked in a choked voice as she nodded “Yeah, he is dating Khushi…plus my father works for Khushi’s company and I also stay in their house…I mean, their guest house…for the time being that is…I thought I told you that” she said as Aakash felt his head burst with all the information

“You know what’s weird? I was just thinking about you and how I wish you were here…looks like I have a silver tongue!” she said as Aakash nodded feebly “Oh, by the way, is your family here? No wonder you are so nervous! And your sister? ” she asked excitedly as another voice asked from behind her making her leave his hand “Who sister?” Arnav asked as both Aakash and Payal turned towards him

“Arnav, I…I mean me and Aakash are college friends…such a coincidence na? You’re his cousin na? had no idea!…but I was asking about Aakash’s sister…Arnasha…is she here?” Payal asked with a sweet smile as Arnav looked on in confusion from Aakash to Payal

“Who Arnasha? We don’t have a sister…you must be mistaken and I’m not his cousin, he’s my younger brother…this moron must have gotten you confused” Arnav said as he laughed and sat down next to them, completely oblivious to the heart burn that has started in Payal’s chest

“What are you taking about? Aakash can’t be your real brother…you are the Raizada’s…I mean…he comes from a….I mean, his sister was in our college…he told me himself…I…what’s going on Aakash?” Payal turned towards him as Aakash got up along with her “Payal, I can explain” he said as his eyes looked on guiltily at her.

“Explain what?” Payal asked as her eyes turned dark, hurt, anger and disbelief marring the beautiful coffee brown color when at the exact moment another voice piped in “Surprise!!! So the love birds finally met!!” Khushi said excitedly as three faces turned towards her, one angry, one guilty and one plain confused! What was going on?

Khushi

Payal

Garima

Chapter 43

Khushi twirled around on her bare feet as she watched her full ghagra of her lehenga flair around her legs…it was a stunning Sabyasachi design (see below) with a lot of minute work on the dupatta, which she had chosen after a lot of deliberation.

The white, gold & silver colors especially made her skin glow while her hazel eyes, seemed to have gotten brighter than usual…probably in anticipation of meeting Arnav after so many days apart

“Khushi! What are you still doing here? You have to go down with Akhil remember…” her maasi said as she walked into Khushi’s hotel room that was kept unlocked “Haan maasi…I was just finishing up...I’ll go now” she said smiling as she slipped her feet into her silver and gold heels while Trisha came and stood in front of her

She swiped some kajal from her eyes and placed it behind khushi’s ears “You are looking beautiful beta…and soon you too will be a blushing bride if the rumors heard are true” her maasi said with a wink as khushi’s mouth turned into an ‘o’

“Naani…” she muttered as Trisha hit her lightly on her shoulder “As if you would not have told me!” she said as Khushi hugged her maasi tightly “I wanted to tell you, but after this wedding…and that too aaram se with chai-shai, cause I know you will have tons of questions for me!” Khushi said with a giggle as Trisha laughed “That I do…but I’m so happy for you…you both are just perfect!” she said as Khushi rolled her eyes

“We are not marrying Maasi…at least not right away…but thanks for saying that…I do love him…a lot” Khushi said with a blush as Trisha smiled warmly and entwined her hand with Khushi’s as they walked out towards the ballroom where the wedding guests were assembled for the bride and groom to make an appearance

…

“Stop fidgeting bhai…I’m sure she’ll be here in a second…” Aakash said as Arnav kept turning his head towards the long staircase of the grand ballroom, waiting for Khushi to come down along with her brother for the reception; he could see the bridal party too making their way from the other staircase

“I am not fidgeting…I’m just…” Arnav said as he stopped talking; his breath getting caught at the sight of Khushi walking down the stairway….At this point he did not have any words to describe her…or her beauty which seemed to be shining more than usual, even giving a complex to the actual bride

The beautiful striking white and gold further high-lighted the milky smoothness of her skin while the fitting miniscule choli made Arnav’s mouth water in sinful thoughts…it also did not help that her perfect waistline was on full display which the embellished dupatta was not really hiding at all, instead it teased Arnav more at the way it sat perfectly on her chest…But the thing that really took the cherry was the radiant happiness glowing on her face…and he fell in love just a little bit more

“So…here she comes…won’t you officially introduce us beta?” his bua broke his thoughts as she teased him along with Aakash…He ignored them and started walking slowly towards the stage, his eyes not leaving Khushi as they headed towards the beautifully decorated stage. It delighted him to see Khushi’s eyes searching for him amongst the assembled guests

Earlier, when they had walked into the ballroom, they were greeted warmly by Khushi’s naani and her mother who both seemed to be looking at him with more than usual interest and tenderness. He knew Khushi had told them about their relationship, but this was the first time he was meeting them after being officially declared as Khushi’s boyfriend…at least to the family

It had been an awkward few minutes as his grandfather and bua had enthusiastically met Khushi’s family and shared knowing glances as if they had some secret agenda to discuss which he was pretty sure, they did…but thanks to the ever increasing guests, he could quickly escape from there and since then he had been desperately waiting to see Khushi

He stopped near one of the pillars and observed as the ‘Jai mala’* garlands were exchanged and the to-be bride and groom went to sit on their prepared thrones as people came to meet them…according to the north Indian tradition, the reception was taking place first before the actual wedding which would be held in the early morning at around 2am

He smirked as Khushi’s eyes finally found his and her eyes widened in joy as she took in his ensemble (see below)…he had thought that he should meet her demands midway and so had opted for a dark printed bandhgala over dark brown jodhpurs…it was stylish and he knew he looked good in it as he observed Khushi staring at him shamelessly

He blinked his eyes at her once as she gave him a 100 watt smile and looked around to find a way to get away from the stage…but as she was about to walk down, someone held her back and she had to return back to her place as people came to congratulate her brother and his bride…she looked up apologetically at Arnav who gave her an understanding look and smiled making her want to run into his arms

…

Khushi had been trying unsuccessfully to get out of her duty of being the groom’s sister and go to meet Arnav who had been standing looking at her. Their eyes speaking a language of their own, as they felt more and more desperate to be in each other’s arms…to touch…to kiss…all those days apart had been a torture

“Congratulations” Khushi’s came out of her thoughts as she found Arnav standing very close to her, in front of Akhil and Mihika as he wished them…the rest of his family too was congratulating them while Khushi felt her heart do flip-flops watching Arnav smile and laugh.

She had been admiring his attire all this while from afar, but as he came so close, she could not help but marvel at the fantastic choice of clothing that emphasized his broad shoulders and lean body to perfection…now if only all these people would not have been here

“Hello Khushi” Arnav said softly as she smiled while saying a quick hello to him…she then turned to his family who stood observing both of them “Paddu bua and Mr Raizada…thank you so much for coming…” she said as Arnav’s bua came and hugged her tightly “Pleasure is ours dear…after all we are practically family now!” she said as Arnav’s grandfather too blessed her “You should start calling me dadaji now Khushi beta” he said as Khushi blushed, making Arnav roll his eyes at her

“Or Yudi…he prefers that” Aakash suddenly popped around as Arnav gave him an irritated look “Oh Aakash…so nice to see you…thanks for coming” Khushi started saying when the photographer asked them to stand with the bride and groom for the customary photograph

Arnav took this golden opportunity to stand right next to Khushi and wound his arms around her slim waist, making Khushi’s body tremble as his calloused hand drew lazy circle on her open bare back and waist...making her gulp her rising desire “When can you meet me” Arnav whispered in her ear as she closed her eyes at the sinful pleasure his breath left on her senses

“After the reception and dinner…room 1204…” Khushi whispered back as Arnav pinched her lightly on her waist before smirking and leaving…leaving her feeling bereft of his warmth…she just had to wait for the damn reception to get over

…

“Yes mamma…I’m going to go and freshen up and then change for the phera’s” Khushi said as the Akhil and Mihika left for their rooms to rest for a bit before the wedding rituals that were supposed to start in about two hours “You also go and rest…or would you prefer chit-chatting with a certain someone?” Khushi asked, wiggling her eyebrows,  as Garima hit her lightly on her arm

“Chup…besharam! Shashi and Payal will be coming for the phera’s only…so there is still some time for that” she said blushing as Khushi hugged her tightly “Ma…its so wonderful to see you smile so much” Khushi said as she saw Aakash saunter lazily towards them

“Bha…I mean Khushi….” He said as Garima giggled while Khushi glared at them “When are the actual Phera’s? Bhai was asking as he and I will be staying back for them…Dadaji and Bua are heading back home” he said as Garima suddenly interrupted them “Oh…yes, Padmini did say they are not staying back for the wedding…I’ll just go and say bye to them” she said as Khushi turned back to Aakash

“Why does your bhai want to stay back? As it is, most of the guests have left…except for some close family” she said with a slight smile and Aakash let out a laugh “Oh I know that…but seeing him fume and get irritated at everything and everyone for the last three hours…staying back for a few more hours should not be a problem…as it is…he is pretty close to you right?” he whispered as Khushi laughed along with him

“Yes, I could see his lovely mood fluctuating all night…anyways, its in two hours…but I’ll go tell him that…meanwhile, you enjoy the musical program and other fun stuff that has been planned for all late night guests…I am sure you will be more than happy you stayed back” she said cryptically, leaving Aakash puzzled as she patted him arm and went to find Arnav

…

“Where is he?” Khushi muttered under her breath as she walked slowly to her room. She had explicityly asked him to meet her near her room, but had not been able to locate him anywhere…had he knocked and left?  

She was still in her thought as she opened her room door, but as soon as she walked into the darkened room, a hand stopped the door from closing and pulled her flush against the now closed door, taking her by surprise…it was so sudden that before she could scream, her mouth was shut closed by a soft but urgent pair of lips…Arnav’s lips

She moaned and opened her mouth as soon as she registered Arnav pressing her against the wooden door with his body while his hands held her by the waist and nape…he tiled her head for better access to her mouth as she responded wantonly to his insistent kisses

“God….I missed you soo much” Arnav mumbled as Khushi raked her fingers into his short hair and held on the silky strands while he continued to plunder her mouth, albeit more softly than before…she felt her toes curl as he kissed her with so much tender hunger that her body went limp in complete surrender to his loving caresses

Arnav smiled as her hold on him loosened and her arms went around his neck, hugging him with all her might “I missed you too” she said as he hugged her back, burying his face in her fragrant hair…he then picked her up in his arms as she held him by his shoulders and smiled brightly as he took them to the couch and made her sit on his lap

“I was going mad Khushi…how do you even know so many people!” Arnav whined as she kissed him softly on his eyes, then his jaw while he sighed in satisfaction…she giggled as she held his upturned collar and brushed her nose with his “I didn’t know all of them baby…but courtesy calls” she said as Arnav pulled her closer to himself, her legs curling against his strong thighs making her squeal

“I love this bandhgala…you look so hot…” she said in a throaty murmur as she trailed her hands over the rich raw silk while he pushed her silky hair behind her ear “I thought I should meet you half-way…I would never say a no to anything you ask of me…if its within reason” he said with a smile, as she leaned forward and kissed him softly on his cheek “Thank you” she whispered as Arnav shook his head “That’s not the thank you I hoped for Ms Gupta” he said as she pushed him back and stood up from his lap

“What kind of Thank you do you want then Mr Raizada?” she teased him as he pretended to think, making her giggle “You haven’t told me what you think of my lehenga” she said as his eyes went darker than before as they trailed blatantly on her delectable form making her shiver in anticipation

“I liked it so much, that I could not help but think when I could tear it off you” he said as Khushi gasped and walked a few steps back “Thank God you told me…I love this dress too much to get it torn off by you…so to avoid you tearing it off and to give you a better thank you…why don’t I take it off myself?” she asked wiggling her eyebrows as Arnav shifted in his seat, to make his suddenly aroused lower half more comfortable

“Khushi…it wouldn’t help my current state if you speak like this…You know I won’t be able to…” he started saying when Khushi’s hand went to the pin that held the dupatta of the lehenga in place on both her shoulders “Then don’t...just relax and let me thank you properly baby” she said as the dupatta came slithering off her body

Arnav’s breath caught as he saw her perfect body encased in that miniscule silver choli and long white ghagra…the thin gold waist chain made him go harder as Khushi continued to take off her jewelry, starting from the numerous bangles on her arms, then her necklace and finally her earrings…she was just about to take off her waist chain when Arnav’s raspy voice stopped her “Leave that on” he said as she nodded and bit her bottom lip making his blood roar

She then reached at the back and undid the small knot at the back that held the choli together…then carefully removed it from her upper body, leaving herself clad in a lacy hot pink bra making Arnav hold his breath…She cupped her lace covered breasts in her palms as she looked at Arnav with brazen desire

“Do you like this baby?” she asked him in a seductive voice as Arnav’s hand’s went to the top button of his bandhgala…. “Uh-uh…you have to help me first…then I’ll help you” she said as she made her way clad in her bra and ghagra…she stood right in front of him as she asked him to undo the ghagra fastening on the side of her hip

Arnav could hardly control anymore but wanted to give Khushi her time to do whatever she wanted to…how much ever that was testing his patience…he unzipped her ghagra slowly as the heavy material slipped quickly passed her gorgeous legs…he saw her lifting her sandal clad feet and push the ghagra away

She then sat astride him with her legs on either side on his as her hands went to his buttons…she looked into his eyes as her fingers deftly undid the button’s one by one, Arnav could not control himself anymore as he squeezed her buttocks and pulled her lower half over his arousal that twitched in his tight jodhpurs

“Umm…Arnav….” Khushi said as she undid the last button and pushed the top away from his strong muscled body…she splayed her hands over his chest as she continued to rub herself over him making him groan deeply at her “I can’t wait Khushi…its been too long” arnav said in a hoarse voice as he turned them around and pushed her back onto the soft couch…his lips found her eager ones in a passionate kiss as his fingers went to caresses her wet core

“Ooh…arnav…” Khushi moaned as she quickly undid his trouser buttons and helped him take them off…She went to remove her sandals as he once again caught her hand “Leave them on too” he said as she bit his ear “Kinky…” she whispered while he growled and flicked her bra hook…throwing the lacy scrap somewhere in the room

He latched his mouth on her straining peaks one by one as she arched into him, her hands travelling over his hard back as she pushed them further into his boxers, cupping his strong buttocks….he cursed as her hands wandered to the front and found his aroused member, stroking it with her dainty fingers, making him hiss in pleasure

“Not now baby…I won’t last” he rasped as kissed her parted swollen lips while pulling off her soaked panties…He lathered kisses all over her body as his lips found the waist chain…he licked his way across the span of her tiny waist, his hot tongue against the cold metal making Khushi loose all control

Before she could tell him that she could not wait anymore, he pulled off his boxers and slammed his throbbing arousal inside her hot, warm center, making her scream in pleasure… “Oh yes…Arnav…. I missed this so much…” Khushi panted as Arnav increased his thrusts...He wished they had more time to take It slow but he had been tested enough

He knew he would have exploded if he would not have had Khushi now…and it felt so wonderful and exhilarating to be inside her…as if this was the only place he always wanted to be in…He increased his speed at Khushi’s encouraging words as she joined him perfectly with every thrust

She wound her legs around his thighs and held him tightly as they kissed in abandon…tongues dueling, teeth clashing as their bodies rubbed deliciously against each others…while both of them finally coming together in a shuddering climax, taking them to a place they both craved

As their bodies relaxed and the aftermath of the beautiful but intense lovemaking made them lie satiated on the couch, Arnav pulled Khushi tightly in his arms, his fingers brushing away the errant hairs that were now stuck to her forehead “You have to move in with me…we’ll get a house together…I can’t live without you another day Khushi…please…tell me you will” he said as Khushi buried her head in his neck and sighed

“I wish it were that simple Arnav…this is India and I have my family and even your family…it won’t be that easy” she said as she looked at his handsome face, as he kissed her softly “But we’ll find a solution…I know we will…and once all this craziness is over...you and I will take a long vacation…just us…no work…only pleasure…and more pleasure…” he said as his hands started caressing her bare warm body

Khushi giggled and pushed him away as she got up and pulled his bandhgala jacket over her naked form “Yes we will, but now, I have exactly half an hour to get ready and reach in time for the pheras…and you too need to make yourself presentable…so chop chop Mr Raizada…we shall continue this…some other time” she said as Arnav shamelessly got up and started making his way towards her with a mischievous smile making her squeal and rush into the bathroom…both of them finally realizing the completeness they felt with each other.

Chapter 42

“No! You have to wear the Sherwani!” Khushi screamed on the phone as she went about sorting through the racks of designer sarees and dresses her designer had sent to her…she narrowed her eyes as Arnav once again refused to listen to her

“Khushi, I told you…I don’t do traditional, so please don’t ask me to wear a sherwani…I prefer my suits” Arnav answered back on the phone which further annoyed Khushi.

As it is, he had been out of the country for an R&S event when all the other wedding functions were taking place because of which they had not seen each other for more than a week now.

On top of that, Khushi was getting restless without him since her family too knew about them and had been pestering her to call him over to meet them officially…so at this point, she could not take anymore of this!

“You know what Arnav, wear whatever you want…I ask you one thing! One thing and you can’t do it for me!” She whined on the phone as she picked up a pink ensemble and held it to herself in front of the floor length mirror in her room

“C’mon baby, don’t be like this! As it is I am dying to see you since I got back this morning…and the last thing I want is to argue with you on something so insignificant!”

“You should be in a happy mood today! Your brother is getting married and we are going to finally see each other after so long! You don’t know how I have survived without seeing you all this time…” he said in a low voice, which completely melted Khushi’s heart

She smiled as she plonked herself on her bed, now littered with tons of silky, satiny dresses as she shifted the phone to her other ear “I missed you too Arnav…and I can’t wait to see you tonight…If only I could meet you right away…but there are just too many things to do….” She said as she sighed and laid down on the bed on her stomach

“Fine! Don’t wear the Sherwani…its ok, I won’t force you…Just come on time ok…” she said as Arnav sighed in relief…she could feel him smile on the other side “I’ll come right now sweetheart, but you know how scandalous that would be…so I shall be on time tonight…” he said as Khushi giggled

“Ok, I’ll see you later…Oh and baby…please make sure that Aakash comes as well…I have a surprise for him!” she said as she suddenly remembered her genius plan “Sure, he’ll come…but why are you not telling what it is!” he asked as she giggled some more “Nope! All in good time Mr Raizada” she said as she bid him a good bye and let out a satisfied smile…she could not wait to tease that little brat!

•••

“Khushi? Ah…what a pleasant surprise” Shashi said as he opened the door and stepped aside to usher her in…he was truly surprised to see her here and also a bit nervous since Garima had told him that Khushi knew about them

“Not sure if it will be pleasant Mr Dinkaran…but we’ll know soon” she said under her breath as she went and sat down on the couch while Shashi sat on the settee opposite to her.

Khushi observed the casual track pants and worn t-shirt that he was wearing while he had the Sunday times in one hand…he had obviously not expected to see her this early in the morning

“Your kids are in?” Khushi asked as Shashi nodded his head “Ritwik is still sleeping and Payal…I’m not sure…she’s not come down yet…I just got their breakfast ready…you want some?” he asked her as she looked up in surprise

“You cook for them?” she asked him in a surprised tone as he nodded and smiled “Yes, on Sunday’s we have a late breakfast cum lunch since they both don’t wake up till noon” he chuckled as Khushi let out a small smile…how nice it must be to have such a caring father…she shook herself mentally to not go there…not now.

“So, how are things at work? Heard you’ve been working from home all week” Shashi said as Khushi nodded…she knew that her mother must not have told him the real reason for Khushi’s absence from GR office, so she merely shrugged her shoulders “Yeah, too much work for the wedding…so I’ve been working from here” she said as Shashi nodded before keeping the newspaper aside and leaning forward, with a determined look in his eyes

“We both know why you have come here khushi…so why don’t you ask me what you want to” he said as Khushi smiled at him…she knew he was aware of her reason to visit, but to have him ask her directly was something she admired “I don’t want to ask anything Shashi…I just want to know how serious you are about my mother” she said simply as he leaned back and smiled as his eyes now turned tender

“I am as serious as a man in love can be...I want to marry her Khushi, as soon as possible…but she has some reservations” he said as Khushi looked on speculating his words “Why so soon? You hardly know each other” she said as Shashi shook his head

“It doesn’t take long to fall in love. I think it was love when I saw her the first time, cleaning the cowebs in this house…and I can’t wait because I am tired of playing hide and seek…I want the world to know that I love Garima gupta and marrying her is the only way I can…we are not a young couple anymore and I don’t want anyone pointing a finger at her…she is far too precious for me” he said as Khushi took a deep breath…he seemed genuine in his love for her mother, but she had to be sure

“Don’t take this the wrong way Shashi…but, my mother is a very rich woman…her first husband took that advantage and left her bleeding…what guarantee is there that you too won’t do that...and before you take offence, I’m only asking this because I don’t know you very well personally” Khushi said as Shashi smiled gently at her

“I can never take offence Khushi…what you have asked me, shows your love towards your mother and how can that be wrong? But if you need to know, I don’t care for Garima’s money…I have more than enough of my own and if you still don’t believe me, I am willing to sign on any papers that deter me or my kids from possessing anything that belongs to Garima…except for one thing....” he said as Khushi looked surpised

“What thing?” she asked as Shashi gave her a warm smile “Her heart…that is something that we all want a part of…that is something I want a share of…can you share that with us Khushi?” he asked her as Khushi felt her throat dry up…she smiled a genuine smile at Shashi and nodded “That can be arranged” she said as Shashi let out a laugh

“But I will still keep a close watch on you Shashi…and I think its time you and mamma tell nani about yourself…and your kids too…after all, we will have another wedding to plan soon” she said as Shashi grinned “Thank you Khushi…but do you think it would have any negative effect on the investigation?” he asked anxiously as Khushi shook her head “You don’t worry about that…to hell with the damn investigation…we all know none of us have anything to do with it, so why waste precious time?” she asked as Shashi nodded and agreed with her

“So, I’ll talk to mamma as well and I think as soon as Akhil’s wedding is over, you both should tell everyone…don’t worry…I am there to support you” she said as she got up “Oh and we’ll see you for the wedding later…try not to find a cozy corner with my mother tonight” she said as Shashi smiled and looked away “I can say the same thing about you and Arnav” he said cheekily as khushi blushed and look away

“Ah…that…well…” she said as Shashi laughed “Lets call it even” he said as Khushi smiled and nodded as she made her way out…she turned around at the last minute before leaving “Please make sure Payal comes tonight…I forgot to personally invite her” Khushi said as Shashi nodded and bid her a goodbye.

•••

Arnav checked his watch as he paced the living room waiting for the rest of his family to come down…he had been waiting impatiently since the last 20 minutes for them to start for the wedding venue so that they reach on time…he could hardly wait for another minute more to see Khushi

“Looks like you are desperate to see your lady love bhai!” Aakash said as he walked towards Arnav in a subtle dark red sherwani giving his big brother a knowing smirk as their bua and grandfather followed behind him…Arnav gave him an irritated look and ignored him as he strode towards the rest of his family

“What took you guys so long? We should have left by now…” Arnav said as his bua raised a perfectly arched eyebrow “Oh ho Arnav…you are acting as if this is your wedding…dekho toh isko (look at him)” she said with a mischievous smile as Arnav’s grandfather chuckled

“You are right beta…looks like we will have to speak to the Gupta’s about Arnav’s rishta now” he said as Arnav simply scowled at them “Enough you guys…its nothing like that…I just did not want us to be those people who reach for a wedding after everything is over” he said as his bua tutted

“Arnav! This is a north Indian wedding…abhi toh sirf reception hai, phere toh subah ke teen baje honge (right now its only the reception, the phera’s will happen at 3am) “ she said as Arnav shrugged his shoulders “So, we should still reach on time…and dadaji, you will not speak to the Gupta’s about any rishta…please” he said as his grandfather’s face fell

“So when can we speak to them? I don’t like this dating-shating thing, especially since you both are eventually going to get married anyways” he said as Arnav sighed in exasperation and started walking out as his bua turned to her father “Theek hai na papa…(its ok papa), leave it for now…let them decide when they want to get married…abhi toh enjoy karne do (Now, let them enjoy)” she said as Arnav threw her a grateful look before all of them walked out

“All this is fine bua! Bhai will get married whenever he wants to…but what about me? What if I want to marry right away?” Akash asked wiggling his eyebrows as everyone burst out laughing “Ok bacchu…as long as you get the right girl, you can marry right away!” she said as Arnav thumped Akash on his back

“No chance! He is far too young to marry…and anyways, which girl in the right mind would want to marry this cartoon!” Arnav said as Akash turned towards him with a bashful smile “Hai koi (there is someone)…maybe!” he said vaguely as everyone looked shocked except Arnav who had an inkling…thanks to Khushi’s intuition

“Kaun hai? aur ladki hi hai na? (Who is it? And it is a girl only right?)” their bua asked as Akash scowled while Arnav and his grandfather laughed loudly “Haan bua…it’s a girl only! And you will meet her soon!” he said with a dreamy smile as everyone chuckled while the car started on the way to the wedding venue.