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Chapter 18
Note: Text conversation in italics π
Finally, I have a few minutes to myself before I need to go back downstairs for dinner. It’s time to see what my sulking boyfriend is up to.
Yes, sulking! That too, no less than a child. Itβs hard to believe the moping type behavior that has taken over this shrewd business tycoon the past week with regards to me being away. Mind you, itβs only for two nights.
To make matters worse, we havenβt had a chance to connect properly, since I left work last evening. Either he has been busy with work or I have with preparations. Along with being out shopping with Payal earlier today.
But, itβs time to change that, and see what heβs been up to.
βAre you home? Β Call me if you are not busy.β
He replies immediately, bringing a bright smile to my face. Though reading his text, I shake my head.
βWell, look at who it isβ¦ is this the Khushi Kumari Gupta?β
βNope. Itβs your sweetheart. π I was hoping we can talk if youβre not too busy for your girlfriend.”
βNah. You go enjoy yourself, while I work away on a Friday evening. I am busy right nowβ¦ I have been calling and texting you since last night, but it looks like you have no time for me. :(“
This guy can be so stubborn at times. But he should know me better by now, I always get my way. And there is one sure thing that will have him calling in no time.
Switching to the camera app on my phone, I point it towards me, and take a selfie. Not just any selfie, but one with my signature pout that he canβt resist. After a quick glance at the picture, I am satisfied, and hit send.
And, now I wait. Letβs see how long it takes him to call me.
Wah, Khushi, what a brilliant idea, I tell myself. Β It hasnβt even been a few minutes, and heβs calling. Before I can even say anything, his husky voice comes through.
βYou think youβre so smart, Ms. Gupta.β
βWhat can I say? Iβve learned from the best, Mr. Raizada. Still upset with me? Β I am missing you very much if that is any consolation. We both are suffering.”
βI am not upset, just miss you. Sorry, I saw you called earlier, but I was in a meeting. Β This office isnβt the same without you, heck I’m not the same without you. Β Lavanya refuses to deal with me today, and left work early. I think I may have been a bit too rude. Nothing is going right. My lunch meeting with the new software company didn’t go well. It’s just not a good day, and to top it off youβre not here.”
βBaby, I realize you are having a bad day. But why do you take your frustrations out on Lavanya? Especially today, when itβs a big day for her. Β You need to learn to be nice to her. Β After all she is about to become a part of your family.β
βFamily?! What are you talking about Khushi?β
βIt looks like NK and Lavanya are getting married. Her parents are here right with their rishta. They have been waiting for NKβs parents to come from Australia. So, they came as soon as they got here. I am so happy for them. And of all the days, you had to be rude to her today.β
I wait for a response from him, but he doesnβt say anything for a few moments.
βArnav, are you there?β
βYeah, I got preoccupied with something. So, theyβre getting married, I suppose thatβs good news. Listen Khushi, I am finishing up some work. Can we talk later?”
“Sure, figured I will call you before dinner. Afterwards, I will be busy with Payal with tomorrow’s preparations. But I will text you before I go to bed… I love you.”
βMe tooβ¦ talk to you later.β Β He murmurs, before disconnecting the call.
I lay down on the bed looking at his picture on my phone, feeling disappointed that yet again, we didnβt get a chance to speak. After having all his attention last weekend, I have missed it this week. And, so has he.
Work has been extremely hectic for him this week, which hasn’t allowed us to spend much time together with the exception of a couple of nights in the beginning of the week. Nights which were filled with passion, as we explored our intimacy. Not being with him the last couple of nights has left me desiring him in ways that I had never thought possible. Even now I yearn to have him by my side to hold me, touch me.
And I canβt help, but worry that there was something about his tone towards the end of the call which didnβt seem right. He wasnβt his normal self. Perhaps heβs just tired with his day not going well. Plus there was the important meeting with a software company he is looking to acquire.
Arnav has always made time for me no matter how busy he is. What could be bothering him today that he ended the call so abruptly?
Maybe I am just overthinking it. Β
I should really get back downstairs to help Payal in the kitchen to set-up for dinner.
As I make my way back downstairs, I notice the living room is buzzing. Not spotting Payal and Anjali, I head straight into the kitchen to make myself useful. Β Β Β
βThere she is! Khushi where were you?” Anjali asks anxiously the second I enter the kitchen.
βWhat happened? Are you okay?” I walk up to Anjali giving her a glance over, and place my hand on her shoulder.
βYes, I am perfectly fine. How can I not be when no one allows me to lift a finger? You wonβt believe the latest news. They have finalized NK and Lavanyaβs Roka for Sunday afternoon. There is so much more to do now, and we are going to need your help. There isnβt much time and I am not able to do much in this condition, I hope you donβt mind.β
βWhy would I mind? You just tell me what you need, and I will help where I can.β
βI am so glad youβre here, and now if only my brother would get here. I canβt believe he is coming tomorrow right before the Godbharai starts.β
βArnav has a breakfast meeting with some potential clients that are here from out of town. Otherwise, he would have been here.β As soon as I finish my explanation it dawns on me what I have just done, noticing the smirk on Anjaliβs face. Looking away, I walk towards Payal to help her arrange the food on the serving trays.
And then, they both start laughing.
βPayal, it looks like someone is defending my brother. Finally he has someone on his side.β
βWaise Di, did you also notice itβs no longer Mr. Raizada?β
βItβs about time. Β Kyun, Khushi?β
βUmβ¦ what? I donβt know what you are talking about. All I said was he has a meeting, and since I work with himβ¦β
Anjali and Payal both surround me, as I try to walk away.
βItβs the way you said it. No matter how much you try to hide it, itβs apparent there is something is going on with you two. And we couldnβt be happier.β Β Anjali beams, wrapping her arm around my shoulder
“Khushi, would you like to share some good news with us?β Payal inquires, taking my hand in hers.
I sigh, looking at both of them, then try to move away. Β
What do I say to them?
It would be best to change the topic.
βYou two are too much. Donβt we need to serve dinner or is everyone fasting today?.β Β I quickly walk over to the oven, and check on the biryani that I have prepared. It allows me to blush, and not hide my smile, hearing them giggling behind me.
After dinner, as Payal and I are cleaning up in the kitchen, I feel a bit anxious, and my heart picks up its pace. Though, I have no idea why. Could it be related to Arnav?
βKhushi, I am going to fix up outside with Hari Prakash, then start with the decorations. Are you okay in here by yourself or should I send someone?β
βNo, I am fine, there isnβt much left. Once I finish, I will be there to help you.β
Once Payal leaves, I glance at my phone to see if there are any messages from Arnav. But nothing. I decided to take it upon myself, and text him to check in.
βHi… I know you are busy, but can you please let me if you are okay? Β Did you have your dinner?β
And now, the hard partβ¦ waiting for his reply, as my heart pounds against my chest. Luckily I donβt have to wait too long as he replies within a few minutes.
βI am much better than okay right now. As for dinner, I was hoping to have some of the biryani you made. Itβs my favorite!β
βThatβs why I made it. I wish you were here to have some. :(β
Then it hits me… how does he know that I made Biryani?
As I begin to type, I feel two arms wrap around my waist. Even without turning around, I know who it is, and smile. Heβs here, my Arnav. That’s when I realize why my heart has beating so fast, aware of his presence.
He places a soft kiss on my neck, and I lean up against him, feeling bliss in his arms. How I had missed his touch.
βHi.β Β He whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down to my spine.
And, I turn around, burying myself in his arms. Β
βI canβt believe youβre hereβ¦β
βI missed you, Sweetheart.β
Just as I look up at him, we hear someone let out a cough.
βIt looks like my brother found what he was looking for. Kyun,Chote? β
As I get out of his hold in utter embarrassment, being caught in this position, he slips his arm around my waist. I look up at him, pleading to let go. But the devil has other plans, tightening his hold. As I sneak a glance at Anjali, it seems she is soaking us in as a couple, almost in an awe. Β
βYes Di, I finally found what I have been looking for, and donβt plan on letting my Khushi go.β
His declaration has me overwhelmed with emotions, as I close my eyes, fighting back the tears that threaten to escape.
βYou better not, otherwise you will have me to deal with. She deserves all the happiness, and more that I have been seeing on her face recently. You both look perfect together. Nazar na lagey tum dono ko.β
She slowly walks over to us with her hand over her baby bump, then embraces both of us.
βThis is the best gift, I could ever receive. I have always wished for this moment, but it has been worth the wait to see it today. You both donβt know how happy I am.β
We pull away, and I wipe away her tears as she wipes mine.
βYou both can stop the water works before this kitchen gets flooded. Now whereβs the biryani that I have been smelling, since I walked in the door. Anyone planning on feeding me?β
βArnav!β
βChote!β
We both admonish him at the same time, lightly smacking his arm. The amusement not overlooked on his face, as we laugh. There is a sense of relief not having to hide this from Anjali anymore.
Arnav helps Anjali sit down at the kitchen table, while I warm up his food.
βAww how sweetβ¦ sheβs making a plate for you. It must be nice not to fend for yourself. So, tell me how long has this been going on? I canβt believe you didnβt tell me earlier when I questioned you, Khushi. Humph, some friend you are.β
He looks over at me raising his eyebrow as I walk over to the table with his plate, and sit down next to her.
βSorry Anjali, I just wanted to speak to him, before I said anything. Just so you know your brother has been chasing me, since I got here. Though I made him wait before actually saying yes. I wanted to make sure it was going to work out. Β Especially after…”
Anjali takes my hand, and squeezes it, then nods.
βI completely understand. Anyway, I knew for a while, but figured you both needed time. I canβt wait to tell Nani, she is going to be so happy. Do you know, she keeps telling me to talk to you both? She even asked me for your parentsβ number to talk to them about you. Maybe we should do your Roka on Sunday as well.β Β She says giving us a mischievous wink. And it seems heβs ganged up with his sister, raising his eyebrow.
βBy the way, your friend here had me waiting for forever. Did Nani really talk to you about us?β
Anjali animatedly tells Arnav about her conversations with Nani. Along with her own wishes to see us together ever since she had met me at Wharton. Thereβs a sense of contentment with the happiness that surrounds the three of us.
But I canβt suppress this unknown fear inside of me, about our relationship being public. Which makes me interrupt the conversation.
βAnjali, can you please not say anything to anyone just yet?β Β
βBut why, Khushi?β Β His questioning gaze seeks for an answer, which I donβt have at the moment.
I gesture at him to understand, but he simply looks away, continuing to eat.
Thankfully I hear the voice of reason.
βYes thatβs perfectly fine. We can do this when you both are ready. In the meantime, I will have a lot of fun blackmailing you both keeping your secret. Let me go see whatβs going on outside. We need to make a list for the Roka. Β You both take your time in here, but donβt be too long. I will make sure no one comes in here.β
I help Anjali up from the chair, and watch as she leaves the kitchen.
βCan I get you anything else to eat?β Β
He looks up at me, and for the first time in our relationship, thereβs affliction in his eyes. Which he blinks away, before finishing his food in silence.
βBaby, please talk to me.β I plead holding his hand, as he puts down his fork.
He takes a deep breath, and stands up.
βThis isnβt an appropriate place to have this discussion. We both know how I feel about this situation, and frankly, I am tired of sneaking around. I want to share this with our families, they have the right to know. But I know this isnβt something you are ready for, so not much left for me to say. I only came here tonight because I needed to see you. Now that I have, I am going to go get some work done.β
I watch as he wraps his arms around me, and leans down placing a soft kiss on my lips, then proceeds to walk out of the kitchen. As much as I want to stop him and talk about this, now is not the right time.
Why did I stop Anjali from saying anything to Nani without speaking to Arnav first? Β
Knowing how much Arnav wants us to let our families know about our relationship, what is stopping me? Β
We owe this to our relationship to not have to sneak around. If I am being honest with myself, itβs fear of losing him once everyone knows. Β
Why the insecurities, when I know he loves me?
These are the thoughts that run in my mind as Payal and I spend the next couple of hours getting things prepared for the morning. During that time I have seen him sitting with the family but he rarely makes eye contact with me. Β
I can see how tired he looks when he says goodnight to everyone with a quick glance at me, and then goes up to his room. All I want to do is follow him upstairs and take him in my arms. But that is not possible.
By the time Payal and I are done, an hour later, everyone has gone to bed. Β She goes to her room which is located downstairs, while I head up to my room upstairs. The same room that I have been using since my first visit here, right next to Arnavβs room.
As I approach our rooms, I smile noticing his lights are on, and the door has been left slightly ajar. I glance back even though everyone is asleep in their rooms on the other side of the house or downstairs, before I stop at his doorway.
He has assumed his usual position on the bed, sitting with his laptop, and working. Β And as he sees me, the laptop is closed immediately. My feet move on their own accord inside the room closing the door behind me. Β
His lips curve up in a half smile, as he approaches me.
βThatβs my girl, smart move locking the door. Remind me to thank Di for giving us this private section.β His voice low, and husky, as his fingers trace the side of my face.
βI thought you would be asleep already. You look so tired, Arnav.β Wrapping my arms around his neck, I move in closer, feeling his arms around my waist.
βItβs been a very long day, and without you, I havenβt slept properly the last couple of nights. So, I waited up to see you, and of course, some meetha before going to bed.β
He leans down bringing his lips to mine. In anticipation, I part my lips waiting for them to touch mine. And, when they do, I lose myself as the heat takes over my body. His body molding against mine, as his hands make their way inside my salwaar kameez caressing my waist, then cupping my breast. Β
The kiss intensifies, as his tongue finds mine losing ourselves in the depths of passion, wanting and seeking more. I moan sliding my hands inside his shirt, feverishly caressing his back as he leans closer to me. Feeling his arousal against my thigh, I pull away slowly before we lose control.
Our foreheads leaning against each other to steady our breathing, and his darkened gaze stares into mine.
βItβs a good thing you pulled away. Guess it wouldnβt be right for us to get carried away here, especially with Naniβs room right below mine. You do get pretty loud, so we canβt have the whole house wake upβ¦ can we?β
The nerve of this guy with his wicked smirk, causes me to gasp, and I hit him against his chest.
βWhat?! I canβt believe you just said that. For your kind information, I am not loud.β
βOkay, you are not that loud, but if you keep hitting me like that, I might have to scream for help. Come, letβs go to bed. You look exhausted.β
I shake my head hitting him one more time, but then realize no matter how much he tries to act normal there is something bothering him. I saw it in his eyes in the kitchen, and again, when he made his way upstairs.
βArenβt you going to tell me whatβs bothering you, Arnav? It might be better if we talk before going to sleep.β Β I grasp his hand, stopping him when he attempts make his way towards the bed. Β
βKhushi, letβs not do this now. I really donβt want to talk about it, and like I said earlier there isnβt anything to say.β Β
He letβs go of my hand, then walks over to the bed. I watch as he fights with himself, pretending there is nothing wrong. He picks up his laptop from the bed, and struggles to place it in his bag which is on the chair in the corner of the room. Without looking at me, he takes off his shirt throwing it on the chair, then climbs into bed.
I stand there for a few minutes in silence, watching as he tries to get comfortable in the bed. But he fails miserably with the comforter, continuing to toss and turn with his back facing me. Β
βI guess you wonβt mind, if I do the talking since we both know you are not falling asleep anytime soon.β
He turns to face me with his serious gaze on me, and I smile knowing he has lost his patience as he gets out of bed running his hands through his hair.
βWhat do you want to know? Β You are not going to like what I have to say, since we do not agree on this topic. You need time, so I am giving you that. Please just drop it.
βI donβt want to drop it. Clearly itβs something that bothers you, and quite frankly my behavior with this topic in front of Anjali disturbs me. And it’s not like us to avoid something that impacts us and our relationship. Β Itβs about time we discuss it and come to an agreement on how to move forward.β
Neither of us look away for a long moment, aware this conversation is much needed.
But I am startled when he lets out a throaty chuckle, before speaking up.
βI never thought there would be a day where I would be jealous of NKβ¦ but today when you told me he is getting married, I was envious of him. I was so frustrated that here I canβt even tell anyone about us, and they are already planning their wedding. Β That too, within the month according to Nani. And, I have to sneak around like we are committing a crime. Β Do you know how ridiculous that is?β
βArnavβ¦β Β
I walk over to him, and put my hand on his shoulder, but he sits down on the bed looking up at me with torment shimmering in his gaze.
βNo, Khushi, I get that you need time and I respect you enough to give you that. Β But, when I say forever I mean that in every sense of the word. Β I want a future where we are married, damn even have kids one day. I donβt want us to have to hop from your place to mine depending on what day it is, I want us under one roof. Do you doubt my love for you that itβs stopping you from telling our families? Β Please make me understandβ¦β
He takes my hands and urges me to sit next to him. There is a heavy ache in my heart seeing him this way, and it’s because of me.
How can I do this to him? Β
The past few months, he has given me my space, never asking for anything in return. Β Telling me he loves me without expecting me to say it back. Β Waiting patiently for me to reveal my past, which he has accepted. Β Always allowing me to set the pace of this relationship, without any pressure.
Then why canβt I give him this, when I want it as well?
I take a deep breath, squeezing his hands and look into his questioning gaze that is waiting for an answer.
βThatβs because I am afraid of losing you, Arnav. What if you decide to leave me or realize I am not what you want anymore? Β Do you know how hard it is when society blames a woman and your loved ones for a broken relationship? I am not sure I can go through that…β
I swallow back the tears, as I let out my fears. Β He surprises me holding my shoulders, raising my chin up to face him.
βYou listen to me Khushi Kumari Guptaβ¦ Β forget that asshole, because I am not him. You are a strong, independent woman who should take what is hers without any hesitations. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and your parents, since you have done nothing wrong. Β As for you, donβt you ever doubt my love and commitment to our relationship. I love you and want you to be mine. Those arenβt just words that come out of my mouth, but itβs etched and embedded inside my soul. Am I clear?β
How can I hold back when this man is clearly not Sameer?
He is right, I need to put this behind me and fully embrace us. Itβs time to give him and our relationship the importance that it deserves.
βI am sorry, Arnav. I donβt why I let my fears get a hold of my better judgement. Β I know you love me, and there is no doubt in mind about it. I love you and want that forever too. Perhaps it’s time to look forward to see what our future holds for us with the blessings from our family. Β Why don’t we tell Nani and my family next week?”
He smiles at me pulling me into his arms.
“Thank you, Khushi. But if you still need time-“
I shake my head, smiling.
“I love you. I want a future that includes you in my life. Us.β
He pulls me closer, and my heart soars in happiness as I hear him whisper.
βI promise to always be by your side, hamesha sweetheart.β
I look up at his tender gaze which holds nothing but love for me. I pull his face towards mine, taking his lips into a gentle kiss. A kiss acknowledging my love for him, and claiming what is mine. Β Tracing my lips over his, he parts his mouth turning it into a passionate kiss as he pushes me down to lie down on the bed.
A few moments later, I sit up and fix my salwaar as I get off the bed.
βI think we need to get some sleep now, good night. I will see you in the morning.β I say leaning down to give him a quick kiss.
βWhat do you mean see you in the morning? Arenβt you sleeping here?β
He looks at me incredulously getting up from the bed. I shake my head grinning, expecting this reaction from him.
βNo I am going to my room. What if Payal comes looking for me early in the morning? Please wipe that frown off your face, and letβs go to sleep now. Β Unlike you, I have to be up early to help Nani and Payal. And I am really tired.β Β
I whine through my last statement hugging him, and walk out of his room before he has a chance to say anything.
A few moments, just as my eyes are drifting off to sleep, I hear a low tapping against the wall behind me. I sigh, knowing what he is up to, since his bed is on the opposite side of the wall.
This man is worse than a child at times! Β What is wrong with him?
Hearing him tapping again, I quickly pick up my phone and decide to text him.
βWhat the hell are you doing? Β I am trying to sleep, please stop!β
βKhushi, itβs been two days, and you wonβt let me come near you. Β I canβt sleep with you being so close. And, if I canβt sleep you can’t either!β
βKeep it up Mr. Raizada. Β Two days will become one week really fast if you donβt stop.β
βYou wouldnβt dareβ¦β
βOh you know I will, so donβt even try it!β
βThatβs itβ¦ letβs see how you stop me…β
What does he mean by that?
Just as I about to reply back, he comes inside my room, closing and locking the door behind him.
βWhat is wrong with you, Arnav?β I gasp, as he climbs into bed wrapping his arms around me.
βIf you donβt let me sleep with you, I will wake everyone up by yelling, and I know you donβt want that. So be a good girl, and letβs sleep for a few hours. Β I promise to leave before you wake-up. Good night, Sweetheart.β Β
He places a kiss on my forehead, and then closes his eyes pulling me close to him. I resign myself, closing my eyes, and wrap my arms around him.
βGood night, baby.β
*****
The next morning I groan out loud hearing the alarm go off on my phone, reaching over to the side to turn it off. Β My hands automatically reach out for Arnav, but I get further irritated not finding him next to me. But, just like he promised, he must have left earlier. I drag myself out of the bed knowing there is so much to do.
After a quick breakfast, the next few hours go by like a blur as we get the house ready for the Godh Bharai. The house is decorated in pastel colors using mainly pink and blue. We came up with a great idea for the center pieces using different types of teddy bears holding onto balloons that we spread out around the main floor. Even the flowers use the same color theme which adds a nice touch to complete the look.
We enjoy ourselves ordering the men to assist to complete the work faster. I find myself laughing at Arnav as he keeps mumbling βunbelievableβ every time I ask him to do something. Β Even Akash and NK, tag team with him grumbling. Β Even with all the chaos we all work together and get the place ready in time.
Once we are done, Payal and I make our way to Anjaliβs room to see if she needs any help. The sight in front of us makes us emotional seeing her look so elegant in a heavy red silk saree with matching jewelry. Β There is a glow on her face that makes her look radiant, her happiness evident.
We both walk up to her and embrace her, then at the same time apply some kajal from our eyes behind her ears.
βOver here I am supposed to be all sentimental, and look at you both. Why arenβt you both ready yet? The guests will be here soon.β
βDi, donβt worry about us. We just wanted to make sure you were ready.β
βYes I am, but all this feels so heavy. Β Once Shyam is ready he will take me outside. I am so glad Nani is allowing the guys to be there.β
βAnjali, even if Nani didnβt let them come, I donβt think that would have stopped Shyam. Right Payal?β
We start laughing as she blushes, but she kicks us out to get ready once he enters the room mesmerized by her.
βHave fun love birds!β Β I say as we make our way out of the room.
I quickly run upstairs to change knowing I donβt have much time. Β
As I am about to approach my room, I bump into Arnav who looks absolutely dashing. Β He is dressed in a black bandhgala suit with a velvet collar contrasted red piping edge and red handkerchief stuffed in his jacket pocket.
βKhushi, what are you still doing? Β Why arenβt youβ¦β
I glance around, and shut him up by placing a brief kiss on his lips, then head towards my room.
βArnavβ¦β Β I call out for him when I reach my door. Β βYou look extremely hot today.β Β I say winking at him.
βI knowβ¦ now hurry up so I can see how hot you look.β Β I hear him before I close my door.
In record time, I am ready in twenty minutes with my hair left loose pulled to the side with loose curls. My makeup is light and natural, though I decide on a darker shade of red for my lips. Which coordinates well with my favorite creamy net beige lehenga with a thick red border at the bottom. Β The choli is black velvet with contrasting beige netted sleeves and a matching beige dupatta. I fell in love with this color combination when I had seen it in Delhi.
For jewelry, I put on my long standing chandelier earrings and matching bangles. Once I am ready I glance at myself in the mirror, not bad in twenty minutes.
When I get downstairs, my eyes search for only one person. But he is nowhere to be seen. But, I get distracted when Nani calls me.
βKhushi Bitiya, come here I want to introduce you to someone who is from Lucknow.β Β
βComing Nani.β Β
I walk over to her and spend a few minutes talking to them before Payal frantically comes over needing help.
βDo you know where the tray of loose flowers are? I canβt seem to find it.β
βPayal, relax. We still have some time before the ceremony starts. All the guests are still not here yet. I know where the flowers are, you take care of Anjali and I will bring it out.β
βSeriously Khushi, what would we do without you? You need to teach me how you stay so calm with all this work we have been doing the last couple of days.β
I canβt help but pull her into an embrace to calm her nerves a bit. She relaxes immediately and smiles at me. Β
βWe will manage it together, theek hai?β
I take a deep breath, and go in search of the flowers. Β If my memory serves me correctly, we put them in the study last night.
When I walk into the study, I smile seeing the tray on the coffee table.
βI knew it was in here!β I pick up the tray, fixing the flowers.
I gasp feeling two strong hands pulling me against a hard chest, and the tray goes flying out of my hand with the flowers showering upon us. I look up to see Arnav mischievously smiling down at me.
βHai Devi Maiya! Look at what you made me do. What are you doing?β
I grab onto his jacket, and try to get out of his hold but stop hearing his low husky voice. Β
βOh I am admiring how beautiful and ravishing you look. Absolutely stunning, Khushi.β
I close my eyes feeling warmth spread through my body, as his hands go inside my dupatta caressing my waist.
βArnav, someone is going to comeβ¦β Β I whisper trying to control my rapidly beating heart.
βNo one will come in here, they are all busy outside. I also locked the door.β Β He whispers, laying soft kisses on my neck.
βIβ¦ weβ¦ need to go outside.β
βNot just yet, sweetheart. After seeing you in this, you do realize what has to happen tonight, right? Β There is no way I am going to be able to keep my hands off of you.β
He pulls me closer wrapping his hands around my waist.
βUm… wellβ¦ you have no choice. That is not happening till we get back home in the city. We canβt do anything here, it won’t be right.β
βWeβll see about that tonight, I know you want it as much as I do. But I just remembered, we probably canβt because you, my sweetheart, can be loud.β
He smirks at me, and I see the challenge in his gaze as he tilts his head. Β
He should know me better by now, I do not back down!
I wrap my arms around his neck, and whisper into his ear.
βBaby, I think you are mistakenβ¦ itβs you that is loud, but we can test that theory tonight in my room.β
βWhy donβt we test that theory right now?β
He leans down close to my lips, but I stop him by putting my hand over his mouth then shake my head.
βPatience Arnavβ¦ wait till tonight and I promise it will be rewarding.β
I wink at him and turn to walk out of the room, but stop for a moment at the door hearing him.
βIt always is with you.β
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEnB3vDN9AI
Β
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102 Comments
desaimamta
Hello jigs
Thank u for this long beautiful update dear.
Loved every word of it.
I am glad they spoke about the issue, communication is key, which they r aware.
Thank u so much
claucrispop
i love it…
it was great…
is a great pleasure to read all over again this story…
please update soon..
waiting….
soniia daula
Love this chapter………this companionship…….comfortableness….and love that arshi share is so rare in real life…….and the feeling one gets when the word FOREVER is uttered in a relationship is magical …..ππ
psiri123
awesome one..understand where khusi is coming from with her insecurities but the way anrav handled is awesome. loved thei lovey dovey scenes
gkapoor123
Welcome back jigs was really missing this story arnav sulking for khushi so cute happy anjali knows about both of them and she is so happy the best godbharai gift the best was that he said that he was not like sameer kudos to you and your writing.
jayasamhita
Finally relief for the parched romantic soul!
greyasr1
Absolutely wonderful….can see them in my head mwah
sandiamalik123
Haaye I love them π they are so adorable especially Arnav in this chapter.
Aaee
Finger licking good!
Swapna
welcome back Jiggs hope you had good break, loved the chapter with naughty Arshi, waiting yo meet them in the next episode.
Swapna
simi82sikha
Oh this childlike n adorably annoyed arnav z so cuteπππloved it…I missed ur updates so much jigs…
madhurao1210
Simple mind bloweing update..
Cranky Arnav..didnt realise NK La weddfing news will hurt him this much..
Anjali payal khushi amaxing bonding..
They tried to tease khushi wjen she defended Arnav…
Wow he came early .finally Anjali knew about them…
Khushi’s insecurity once again hold het but totally admire Arnav the way he was upset but still supported her..
Finally she manage to let him speak what is bothering him ..
Loud haha with this passion definitely it eill be loud..
Now he is totally bold seeing her in this dress..
Eagerlt looking forward
mrshulkinfinity
It feels great to have you back with the great chapter jigs… Welcome Back…Hopefully everything is fine now π
and it was an extremely endearing chapter to see how those two miss eachother and anjali comes to know about them….then khushis confusions n fears and arnav’s over whelming love for her is enough to get rid of all negativity….all in all…it was awesome..love it as always
keep up great writing π
Vin(newfan2016)
Finally here!
Jigs, while you were away, my husband was asking me about our favorite couple at Columbus Cir. π
Oh! How I missed this story….
Arnav was actually so adorable… as the sulking boyfriend. I sensed that he was off after hearing about the NK-Lavanya wedding. Khushi’s insecurities are valid. The stigma associated with broken marriages in India is unbelievable, but we are making progress on that front now.
Anjali was hoping and wishing for Arnav and Khushi to come together and she finally caught them together literally π. Loved the Arnav Khushi conversations. And finally Arnav convinced Khushi for their next milestone of letting the families know.
This story is such a pleasant read, Jigs. Loving it all along!
Love,
Vin.
fermeen30
Loved the update. Patient caring Arnav. Khushi ready to move forward. Eager for the next part.
lovebooksmusic
Loved everything about this update. ….. arnav n khushi s nok jhoks….. snjalis finding abt thrm…their conversaton about their fears n love…. u ‘ve worded everything so beautifully…. can’t wait to read wat happens next
ccf94
Awww so cute arnav. Jealous of NK as he openly wants khushi to be his and forever. Such a romantic Romeo. Hope khushi accepts this soon. Awesome update. Happy that you started writing again. πππππππππππ
cutieeijaz
Awesome update. Cute Arnav.
Puj.
Didn’t realize you were re-updating this story also until I saw your note on the temptation! Just re-read it all in one go so wasnt able to do individual comments but I forgot how much I loved reading this story back on IF!!! Except to continue on this one. Also I loved your writing earlier too but the way you have edited this story, I am so impressed at how different the same story seems! My fave part was the Sameer-Khushi conference meeting and then the subsequent him showing up at Khushi’s house and Arnav crashing it. I think its coming up soon so I look forward to that part!!!
mamtapuri2000
Great to have you back!
The chapter was sooo good!
Loved the romance!
Hopefully everything is better at your end.
Take care!
Really enjoyed your update, the wait was worth it!π