Chapter 27

“Good morning, sweetheart.”

My eyes open slowly to find Arnav propped on his elbow, caressing my face.  But I quickly shut them, groaning as the bright sunlight hits my face.

“Baby, today’s Saturday and I still want to sleep. Why did you open the curtains already? It’s freaking early…” I whine burying myself inside his arms, bringing out a chuckle.

He wraps his arms around me, and places a kiss on the top of my head. Snuggling up closer, I inhale the familiar crisp clean scent, and smile.

“Come on wake-up lazy girl, it’s almost eleven o’clock. I’ve been up for a few hours, and am starving. Aren’t you going to feed me?”

For a moment, I do a double take at the time, then abruptly sit up. And there he is to distract me, laying on the bed with only his towel hanging low below his waist.

“Um… woh…”

“Yes?” The corner of his lip curves, as he cocks up his eyebrow.  

The man is amused at my expense, as I attempt to push aside the distraction clouding my mind. The only way to accomplish that, is to stare at his face, and nothing else.

“Well, I don’t care what time it is, I am going back to sleep. Finally after so long I could sleep in on a Saturday morning, and you being your bossy self wakes me up since you’re hungry. Why don’t you get your own food?  Am I your cook or something?”  

“What the…”

Not budging, I lay back down, getting inside the comforter, and cover my head. The sunlight is spread throughout the room, taking over my personal space. Not to mention the hot man in a towel, looming over me.

“Khushi, this isn’t funny! I already let you sleep in, and it’s officially eleven o’clock now. If you don’t get up, I will call your mother and tell her you don’t feed me…”

“I don’t care. What is she going to do all the way from Delhi? For once she didn’t wake me up today, it’s a sign from Devi Maiya herself. Now shhhh, and go away.” I raise my hand up, waving him away.

“I am warning you, if you don’t get out of this bed this instant, then I will…”

“Uff, would you give it up already? And I am not scared of your threats.”

“Fine! Khushi Kumari Gupta get ready for your wake-up call.”

What does he mean by wake-up call?

Before I can think further, he gets underneath the covers, and pulls me against him. Before I can shriek, he’s quick to cover my mouth, going a step further, locking me in with his leg over mine.

“You see, I already had my breakfast, but I was trying to get your lazy ass out of bed. I made plans for you this afternoon before we head out to the reception this evening. Seeing that you want to stay in bed, I am going to join you now.  But there is no way any sleeping is going to take place. Got it, Ms. Gupta?” He smiles mischievously, removing his hand from my mouth.

“Arnav, um… what…” There’s no way I can coherently piece a sentence together, so I opt to stop myself from speaking, and stare at him.

“Have I ever told you how seductive you look when you wake up?” His husky whisper laced with desire, holds me captive. “Your half asleep drugged eyes that shimmer when you first see me…”

I close my eyes as he traces them, then drops a gentle kiss on both eyes.  

“Your flushed warm cheeks…”

He places a soft lingering kiss on both of my cheeks, blazing them with his touch.   

“Your luscious sweet lips…”

He traces my lips with his finger, not once but twice, making me feel dizzy with pleasure.  

I lean my face up towards him feeling his hand comb through my hair. Anticipating and craving for what’s to come, I place my hands on the back of his neck, tugging him towards me.

He presses his lips with mine then brushes them gently. His tongue slides against my lower lip, and I welcome him opening my mouth. He lets out a moan diving further, deepening the kiss. His hand caresses my legs sliding my silk slip up further to my waist.

We pull back, trying to control our breathing. He lays me down on my back, and whispers into my ear. “Hearing you call my name, and seeing you with barely anything on right now, you are the epitome of seduction… I want you, Khushi.” He places kisses on my shoulder, before traveling to my neck.

My eyes fly open hearing the shrill ringing from my phone, and I know exactly who it is.  

Our eyes meet, and he grunts out loud pulling the cover off of us. He leans over me grabbing the phone from the nightstand, and hands it to me with a nod, urging me to answer it.  

“Promise, I won’t be long.” My quick peck on his lips does nothing for him, as he wants way more.

He resigns, sitting up, and leaning against the headboard. I place my head on the pillow, and pick up the phone hearing my mother’s warm voice greeting me.

“What happened today, Mrs. Gupta?  You are three hours late.”

“Chup Khushi! Is that anyway to talk to your Amma? You always complain I wake you up, so I thought I would call you later. But now that I know you love when I call you early, how about we change it to seven o’clock next week, chalega?”  She laughs.

“Accha, so sorry my pyaari Amma. And please call me at this time, eleven o’clock every Saturday. I finally got to wake up late today.”

“Pagal ladki. It looks like no morning run in the park today. Let me guess I bet you are still laying in your bed.”

“Of course I am still in bed, I feel lazy today. So, I don’t plan on doing anything but staying in bed.” My words stretch, and I sprawl out on the bed then put my legs over his. He shakes his head, and grins as I wink at him.

“You are lucky I am not there, otherwise I would have dragged you out of bed so long ago.”

I frown, thinking about the many times my mother used to wake me up. But then I am saddened thinking about times sleeping on her lap as she would rub my head as I tried to convince her to let me sleep a few minutes more.

“Yes, I know, but you also would let me sleep longer when I would put my head on your lap. I miss that…” I say softly.

“Mera bacha, I miss you so much. But I will see you soon with Arnav Bitwa, when you both come to Delhi. I am counting the days, almost one month left now. You watch, it will go by really fast. How is Arnav Bitwa?”

I take a deep breath, fighting back the emotions, as Arnav wrap his arms around me.  

“Yes, it will. Arnav and I can’t wait to see you both. He is doing well, keeping himself, and me busy with work. And until we come there it will be crazy at AR as we close out the year. Where is Babuji?”

“Make sure you both take care of yourselves and eat properly, theek hai?  Babuji went to his friend’s house to do some work, he will back late so I figured I will call.”  

We spend the next few minutes catching up, and I tell her about my weekend plans. When I mention the reception we are attending tonight, she lectures me to dress properly in Indian attire since I am going with Arnav and his family. Then proceeds to tell me the proper etiquette at how to behave at the function.  

Mothers, I tell you!  

Arnav bursts into laughter when I get off the phone.

“What is so funny?” I throw daggers, and a pillow at him, which he catches.

“Your facial expressions when you talk to your mother. The best was when you were talking about tonight.”  

“Arnav, I am twenty-five years old, and she still lectures me how to behave in public. Unbelievable! And being the nice daughter I am, I will now get out of bed.”

As I am making my way off the bed, he clasps my arm and shakes his head.

“Not so fast, sweetheart, we have some unfinished business.” He says, gesturing me to get back in bed, pulling me forward with his penetrating gaze.

But he drops my hand, realizing he had grasped my injured hand. It’s healed, but slightly discolored.

“I am so sorry… what the…”

I stick my tongue out at him and start laughing, as he furrows his eyebrow cursing under his breath. Before he can get a hold of me, I climb off the bed, running towards the bathroom. But I am not fast enough as he catches up to me and grabs my waist.

“Gotcha, remember I am faster than you. You should keep that in mind whenever you try to run away from me. Now let’s go, time for a cold shower.” He bends down, lifting me up over his shoulder.

“Arnav! Put me down, I don’t want a cold shower.” I whine as we walk inside the bathroom, and he puts me down outside the shower. He keeps a hold my hand, while leaning in to turn the water on.

“I know how we can make the shower hot.” I watch him drop his towel, and I swallow thickly as he stands in front of me with nothing on. His toned body, along with his other assets have my insides burning with swirling desire.  

“Um… but… you already took a shower.”

“Yes I have, but this will be a different type of shower.”

Indeed, it will be.

And it most certainly was. One of the best showers we have ever had, I might add.

I smile, placing my hands over my cheeks, which are still blushing recalling the passion we shared in the shower. I walk inside the closet dressed in my robe, and luckily Arnav is not in here.

Who knows what else could happen with him taking advantage of my flushed face?

Who am I kidding?  I enjoy every bit of intimacy we share. There, I boldly admit it, but only to myself.

When I look around the closet, I notice how perfectly things are placed.  I remember seeing it for the first time when I visited the penthouse, and it looked capacious, and some what empty.  Not because of the lack of contents filling the closet but something was missing.

But now it’s divided into two sections, one side belongs to him, and the other to me. I realize the emptiness is now gone, filled with both of our belongings which makes this closet complete, like our relationship, in an informal way.

Informal?  

I shake my head at that thought, and take a seat on the bench in the middle of the closet at the edge of the island in the middle.

But we are complete, aren’t we?

We both love each other in every way possible whether it’s emotional or physical.

We respect and support the other whether it’s professionally or personally.

We practically live together as if we are marrie-

But we aren’t… married.

With everything happening around us the last few months, we had put off the topic of formalizing our relationship, or discussing whether that’s something he wants.  

If I am honest with myself, I am ready to make this official. I want to be his wife, and him my husband.

Wait… is Khushi Kumari Gupta dreaming about being married to the love of her life, Arnav Singh Raizada?

How do I bring up the marriage topic to him?  

I guess I will have to find the right time prior to going to Delhi. Knowing my parents, I can imagine them wanting to discuss this when I go home, especially my mother. They have been rather accommodating, not asking questions about our relationship. But the fact remains, I have been hiding our living arrangements. I know it’s wrong in the eyes of my parents. So perhaps, it’s time to make this permanent by finding a solution that Arnav and I can agree upon with our families blessings.

For now, I need to push these thoughts away for another time, and get ready.

I decide to put on my favorite jeans and a long sleeve royal blue kurta that my mother recently sent over with Arnav. After speaking with her this morning, I miss her, and the kurta is a way to make me feel close to her.  

But I sit irritated in front of the vanity attempting to fix my hair which is not cooperating. After ten minutes I give up, deciding to tie it in a ponytail.

“You look very pretty, I like that color on you. Is that the one your mother sent for you?” He walks over to me, as I approach the living room.

I nod, amazed that he remembers such little details. But then I smile, as I notice he is wearing the black pullover I bought for him with jeans.

“I guess you approve of what I am wearing.”  He smirks, shrugging his shoulders.

“It looks better than I had imagined on you. I love it!” I lean up, and place a kiss on his cheeks.

“So, Mr. Raizada, your cook is here. What shall I make you to eat? I assume you want lunch now, correct?”

He smiles, putting his hands in his pockets.

“It is, but you’re not cooking. We are going out for lunch, and then I have something planned for you.”

“Really? Where are we going to eat? And what did you plan?”

“You will find out soon enough, If you are ready shall we go?”

I glare at him for not filling me in, but he pays no attention as we head downstairs to an awaiting Mohan, whose benign gaze lights up seeing me laughing in Arnav’s arms.

“Good afternoon Mohan.”

“Good afternoon Sir, and Ma’am. It’s nice seeing you happy.”

I nod, and smile at him, touched by his care for me. His concern, and extra protectiveness has been apparent after the Sameer incident.

“Thank you. And as I have mentioned before, please call me Khushi.”

Mohan shakes his head, and urges me to get inside the car. I sigh knowing he’s not comfortable. Though maybe one day he will be.

Arnav frowns when I pick a fast food mexican place for lunch, but reluctantly agrees to go when I pout. I look up at the front seat, and notice Mohan smiling at my antics.

As much as he won’t admit it, I can see he enjoys the food, eating his share and is now working on finishing my share.

“That was your sister, telling me about the dress code for tonight. Can we go by the apartment? I have all my formal Indian clothes and jewelry there.” I put my phone down, after looking at the text from Anjali as he continues to eat.  

“Let me take care of  picking the clothing. For now, we need to head back, since I made an appointment at the Spa you wanted to try out at the Mandarin.”

My mouth drops open in surprise, and he smirks taking his last bite of the burrito.

When we arrive at the spa, I am blown away with the services he has scheduled for me that will keep me here for at least a few hours.

“Khushi, please relax and enjoy yourself. After the week you have had, you deserve this. Not to mention, I want my girlfriend to look stunning tonight. So let them do what I have instructed. Theek hai?”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I look around the Spa. I had mentioned coming here a couple of months ago, and he remembered, bringing me here when I need it the most.

“Thank you!  You’re right, though I don’t know if I deserve this, but I definitely need it. It’s been a long time since I have visited a spa. Look at my hair today, and these nails… yuck. Plus, I will be on the arm of ASR tonight, I need to make sure I look my best to live up to your standards.”  I smile mischievously, seeing the amused glint in his eyes as he shakes his head.

“Sweetheart, I highly doubt anyone will be looking at me when you are on my arm. Now go, these ladies are waiting. I will be back to pick you up, once you are finished.”  He leans down, and kisses my forehead.

As I am walking away with the massage therapist to a private suite reserved for me, I watch Arnav giving his business card to the receptionist and instructing her to call him when I am almost finished before leaving the spa.  

The next few hours I am in heaven in one of New York’s finest spas. I am pampered with a full body massage, a rejuvenating facial, and even a bath with their signature oil blends. I then receive a manicure and pedicure, and since I don’t know what Arnav will pick from my wardrobe at the apartment, I opt for a french manicure and pedicure.  

Now the last thing left is my hair, I stick with keeping my hair down with soft loose curls. I gleefully take up  offer to do my makeup as well, which I hate to do myself.

Overall this spa experience was a girl’s dream come true, being indulged and feeling pure bliss. All thanks to the one and only Mr. Raizada, who is waiting for me as I walk to the main waiting area.

“Look at you, I don’t think I have ever seen you so relaxed. Hold that thought, you are that relaxed after we make…”

“You are incorrigible.”  I interrupt before he says anything further.

He laughs, and takes a hold of my hand. As we are approaching the door, I stop him by tugging at his hand. He raises his eyebrow.

“Woh Arnav, I forgot to pay…”  

I look inside my bag for my wallet, but he stops me putting his hand over my open bag.

“Let’s not go there today, please. I have already taken care of it.”

His serious frown tells me that it’s best not to say anything further. The last thing we both need is to argue about money. Something we haven’t done in a long time. I have to accept the fact that it is a part of him, and I can’t let it come in between our relationship.  

I nod without saying anything further, as we make our way upstairs to the penthouse.

When we get inside I panic seeing the time.  

“Arnav, it’s almost four o’clock! Don’t we need to be there at five? Hai Devi Maiya! Wait did you pick up my clothes and jewelry from the apartment? Why are you standing there smiling?”

“Only you would react like this. You looked so relaxed and in matter of minutes it’s gone. Khushi the crazy has made an appearance…” He shakes his head and walks away towards our bedroom.

A few moments later when I walk inside the bedroom, I gasp seeing the clothes laid out on the bed.

I wait for him to say something but he says nothing, approaching me.

“Where? How did you get this?”  

“From a friend who happens to be a designer. I had called him during my visit to Delhi, and asked him to do me a favor. I was going to gift you this later but think it’s fitting tonight, since the dress code is formal. I would love for you to wear this for me.”

I walk past him over to the bed, and sit down, stunned as I look at his selection. I can see the label from one of India’s elite designers, someone whose pieces I have admired. And looking at the blue raw silk lehenga with a red and coral thick border embroidered with zari and stone work, it is more beautiful than any I had seen before. The matching navy velvet choli matches the intricate design, along with a sheer gold heavy dupatta that pulls together the ensemble.  

There are also matching bangles and an antique kundan set where the necklace is delicate, but the detail in the large earrings stands out.  I tilt my head and can’t help but smile looking at a packet of matching bindi.

This man has thought of every detail, I look up at him unable to voice what I am feeling at that moment.

It’s not the materialistic things in front of me that has my heart soaring with happiness. It’s easily something I can afford to buy for myself. But it’s the fact that he has gone to such effort to put this together is what makes this special and priceless.

“It’s all so beautiful, Arnav. I can’t believe you did this for me, I mean I can… but I never expected you to do all this. I would love to wear the lehenga… though, isn’t it too fancy for tonight. I mean too heavy, for a function where I don’t even know the couple. What if I save this for a special occasion?”

He shakes his head as I make my plea, and puts his hand on my shoulder.  

“I don’t think so, and no more excuses. It’s final, you are wearing this tonight, plus we don’t have time to go back to the apartment.”

The bossy tone makes an appearance, which I love sometimes like right now  looking at the lehenga that I am excited to put on.  

I stand up with a wide smile on my face, mirroring his, and wrap my arms around his neck.

“Yes, my love. I won’t say no to anything you ask for today. You have made today so special by letting me sleep in, the shower… lunch, the spa and now this. Thank you so much, Arnav! I love you soooooo much!” I pull him closer unable to control my love for this man, and place soft kisses all over his face.

“I am going to hold you to that later… not saying no to anything I ask. For now let’s get ready.”

There is an unknown glint in his eyes, which leaves me wondering what he’s referring to.

I decide to kick him out of the bedroom, which he isn’t thrilled about. But both of us know what would happen if we get dressed in front of the other. So it’s best to stay away.   

Thirty minutes later, I walk out of the bedroom to see him looking striking dressed in a dark navy blue bandhgala suit. There is something about him dressed in Indian attire that I find very appealing.

“It looks like Mr. Raizada has thought of everything today, we are coordinated.  You look very handsome, quite sophisticated, and regal. Now if you will close your mouth, and tell me how I look.”

He covers the distance between us, wrapping his arm around my waist,  A soft moan escapes me feeling his other hand trail my open back since the choli barely covers me. And seeing the smirk on his face, I realize that this is his doing.

“Beautiful… you my love, look exquisite tonight. This looks perfect on you, and I am honored to have you by my side tonight.”

His dark gaze is fixed on mine, and I feel my heartbeat quicken, finding myself blushing at his compliment. I close my eyes, as leans down placing a kiss on my cheek.

When he pulls away, I open my eyes to see his arm extended out to me with a smile on his face.

“Shall we?”

I wrap my oversized shawl around me, and take my clutch from the table.  I put my arm inside his, and we make our way downstairs.

When we get outside the building, the weather is beautiful for a fall day. It’s quite warm, for this time of the year, not to mention the evening when it tends to get colder.

The function is being held at the Boathouse, which is located inside Central Park. Arnav and I have been there for dinner a few times, and both of us love the ambiance of the place, which is situated right on the lake.  There is a magical, romantic aura about the Boathouse that leaves one mesmerized.  Another treasure in the park, that the both of us are fond of.

“Khushi, should we take a horse carriage ride into Central Park? I know you have always wanted to ride in one.”

I am taken aback at his suggestion so I stop in my tracks as we are walking towards the car.  

What is wrong with him today?

Did I sense a nervousness in his tone?

I shake that thought away, since Arnav Singh Raizada doesn’t do nervous.

“Wait… but you always said you would never climb into those horse carriages.  So why now? What are you upto? Out with it!”

“Because it’s something you have wanted to experience, and I would love to share it with you. That’s all. And why not this evening? The weather is perfect… I think it would be rather romantic.”

I stare at him fondly, as my heart swells with the love he continues to shower upon me.

“Arnav, what do I say?”

“Say, yes…”

“YES!”

He smiles, one that reaches his eyes and there is that unknown look again as he stares at me.

What could it be?

Since I am wearing my heels, not to mention my formal attire Mohan drives us to Central Park South where there is a horse and carriage waiting for us.  

Once we are settled in the carriage, the driver rides into the park. I take a deep breath embracing the slightly cool air as the horse picks up the pace.

Arnav sits close to me, with one arm wrapped around my shoulder while he holds my hand with the other. Both of us sit back, and enjoy the ride, more so me than him. I animatedly talk non stop about seeing everyone tonight after two weeks. He is unusually quiet, which I find odd. Even as we pass some of our favorite spots in the park, he doesn’t say much.

“Why is he stopping at Cherry Hill? The Boathouse is not here…”

“I asked him to make a detour, since the sun will be setting soon. I figured we can watch it from the bridge.”

He smiles at me, and all I can do is nod. At this point, I have no words left to say, feeling overwhelmed yet again as we arrive at Bow Bridge. There are so many memories here, and it’s a place I cherish deep in my heart.

A perfect way to end the day with just the two of us before going to a boring party.  And at this moment, I would rather just be here with him.

As we walk towards the bridge, neither of us say a word, walking hand and hand. The companionable silence feels right, words somehow aren’t needed. I take the opportunity to capture this moment in my heart that I will remember for a long time to come.  

This all feels like a fairytale walking on this beautiful bridge as the sun is getting ready to set showcasing the different hues surrounded by a natural oasis and tall buildings outside the park.  

And I gaze up at the man by my side who is no less than a prince. My prince charming who has given me a new life and taught me the meaning of true love.

How time and the people you love change your perspective on life?

We stop in the middle of the bridge and he comes to stand besides me. His arm grazing mine, as both of us face out at the lake looking at an orange glow shimmering on the water.

I shiver slightly hearing his voice as I am brought out of my reverie, feeling his touch on my waist.

“Khushi… we have come to this bridge and have stood in this spot so many times in the past eight months, but never at this time of the day. It’s stunning, isn’t it?”

“Yes it is. I am so happy we came here together. There is a sense of peace, similar to the time when we were at the Hamptons on the beach.”

“I hope you aren’t planning on going swimming in that lake…”  He grins gesturing towards the water, putting his hands in his pocket.

“You never know I might just do that one of these days. But not today. There is no way I am ruining my new favorite lehenga that my boyfriend has gifted me.” I smile, seeing him curve his lip.

“I am glad my girlfriend likes it. Sweetheart, you look amazing in it. Everyone at the party won’t be able to keep their eyes off of you. I am going to have to ask Nani to do… what is that thing called? To keep the evil eye away…”

“Kala tikka. And I can say the same about you, my Rajkumar. In fact, we need to keep the evil eye away from you. Here… mere Arnav ko, kissi ki nazar na lage.”

I take some kajal from the corner of my eye, and then place it behind his ear.  He takes a deep breath, wrapping his arms around my waist. And I move in closer, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Khushi…” His husky tone, makes me tremble as he pauses gazing down on me. “… I think… it’s time for you to get another promotion, don’t you think?”

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