TAKE 18 - My Natural Habitat

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound amidst the rising Covid Tsunami in India. Stay in and Stay Safe - Guysss!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

So Yup here i amwith the next update off HW3.0...the Fourth one this week😉😉😉🤗🤗❤❤ 

So yes... Seatbelts On - My Dear Readers. I'v compiled this into One Longer length Update - trying to depict it as a roller-coaster Ride through various emotions and scenes - in every way possible - through my words. Winks.

Also yes - Some steamy Romance+ Mature content in there too in the latter half - towards the end.

Word Count - Medium-Long - 9.4K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off - Everything Covid! And I truly hope - that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too🤗❤🙏

Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc - since I have not proofread.

And I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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TAKE 18 - My Natural Habitat

Same Day - On the Night of 3rd Aprl, 2019 -

Maya's Home

10:20 PM

Khushi looked at her phone impatiently as she dunked down another glass of water.It was 10:20 PM. They were all sitting around the patio in the backyard deck that opened into a back -garden - at Maya's place.The BBQ was set - everything was ready.All she was waiting was for the love of her life to arrive.

She couldn't wait for Arnav to be here - because it felt like every second, every minute from now on was something she wanted to pause and freeze to just soak in the feeling off the present - given that the countdown of the numbers of hours left off his time here in the UK - had already begun - on that Godforsaken Timer - within the walls of her head and heart.

For his sake - she had obviously composed herself to go back into feeling all composed about the latter though. Ever since their little chat - she'd distracted herself with focusing more on the moment around for now.Maya and Sarah had reminded her again - to just live in and soak in the moment in the present too!

She is just about to fill up her glass with some more water - with her eyes still glued to the phone restlessly when she looks up to spot, her dear friends, Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack giving her the knowing amused look. They'd probably been staring at her amused for the last - 30 seconds.

Khushi looks at them as she shrugs sheepishly - " what??????????? guys?????? Can you not look at me like that?? please??this isn't funny...alright?"

Maya chuckles and grins as she says - "oh yes..it is...it is amusing...K.. we have never seen you so restless in wait.."

Sarah winks and adds - " Like Ever..Babe...so yeah...don't you blame us..for staring at you amused all lost.. in your own stuper....I mean you haven't even opened your drink.. haven't even taken a sip of your beer because you wana cheers to Arnav for their victory with it tonight...you'v prepped up that grilled chicken for him on the BBQ with your very own hands..."

Brian and Jack share a happy chuckle as they say sipping on their beers casually - "yup....she did not let us work the grill as we do usually....know what - K?this is great...actually.."

Khushi grins and she states in her defence - " that's only because I know the exact cooked state of that grilled chicken he - prefers alright? he doesn't like it when it's too done - which is why I just wanted to go easy with the simmer temperature..,"and she with that she eyes the grill right behind them - "and he also likes to eat his food like super hot...like as hot and fresh from the oven..which is why...I'v just got the grill covered so that the chicken is just getting that warmed up rest...,"and she turns around to look at her friends and catches them shoot her amusing looks too and she gapes at them as she states - " whattttttttttt??guys - seriously...don't..."

Brian and Jack chuckle as they state in unison - "just when we thought we would never see you more...head over heels in love - K...we do.."

Maya and Sarah exchange a playful wink too - " babe..should we look for another synonym for head over heels in love..maybe??"

Khushi chuckles and rolls her eyes playfully at her friends - "go on...take my case you all...just because you finally got the chance too....,"and she adds narrowing her eyes at them - " but please...no teasing me about this...when Arnav is finally here...Okay? I mean you guys know right - he's really perceptive - K?"

Brian chuckles - "if only Arnav knew - that everyone of us including Mrs.J..know about the state of K's heart - only he doesn't..know...yet..."

Khushi chuckles as she reaffirms - "yet...brother..yet..he just doesn't know it..yet...it's not that I never plan to confess to him...,"and she adds nervously - " I don't know why I just feel nervous about the same - you guys already know everything - you understand where I am coming from right?"

Jack adds in a soft whisper stealing a subtle look at Maya sipping on his beer - " yeah..I do... how often have we seen the bit that the one you are in love with - happens to be the last to know..about the same..through words...the vibe of the unsaid conveys things through in subtle ways - but maybe..at the end of the day it's that mindful confession of love that matters...right Maya??

That from Jack makes Maya pick up on her beer and sip it too as Khushi and Sarah shoot her another knowing subtle look. Maya obviously knew that bit was for her and she answers in a soft whisper - " yeah...you are right..about that Jack..yes..the mindful confession matters..but that does not mean that the unsaid...cannot be felt too...I think both the said and the unsaid..have their very own significance..."

Jack bites back his smile at that as he sips his beer - "good to hear you say that..M.."

Sarah exchanges look with Brian and Khushi that says - Can we get these two to begin dating already???????

Khushi winks at Sarah and Brian in a subtle gesture that relates. Let's Begin to Gang Up on them.Supersoon.

Brian and Sarah wink back in acknowledgement of the gesture.

It is right very then Khushi's phone beeps with Arnav's text.

Arnav : Baby...am..Reaching the door in thirty seconds !

Khushi leaps of her seat in sheer joy as she looks at Sarah and Maya and asks doing a little twirl - " Okay...he is here...as in..he is reaching in thirty seconds...I wana open the door to him before he rings the bell..but tell me..girls...how do I look?"

Brian and Jack exchange a chuckle and Maya answers - " amazing K _ I told you the minute you were ready - I am so glad I forced you to change when you reached...it's a good thing that the three of us are the same..size.."

Sarah winks - " because that means - that we just have an extended wardrobe..,"and she adds sipping on her beer - " hot...babe..you look..really hot...I told you that..too...now go on...rush to open the door to him..and don't you worry...I will keep the boys here from coming onto the entrance foyer - we are sure - you'd need a couple of moments with just him...given how impatient you'v been..we'll give you a couple of minutes to catch up.."

Khushi chuckles at that and she adds with a wink walking backwards- " yes..give me..five minutes with just him..k? ill get him straight here to the backyard..after...,"and with that she rushes to the door at the speed of light - her very own heartbeats matching the same pace within.

The minute she reaches the door - she flashes it open and it is right then she spots Arnav taking a step up with his hand all set to press the doorbell and Khushi grins and adds with a happy wink taking in the sight of his Mask+Cap get up in - " hey..you...My MaskCap Dude...nope...looks like...you won't need to ring that doorbell...at all..."

Arnav bites back his grin behind the mask and feels his heartbeats race and get clean bowled at Khushi's sight in front of him - finally. He takes his mask off from one side and adds grinning - " Dammm...you...woman...you wana kill me...from the very get go or what?? yeah - that's exactly what you wana do - the smug smile on your lips right now...just related the very same to me..,"and he eyes her all over again - head to toe - sensually.

Khushi chuckles happily as she asks - " ahaan? my plans working you mean??"

Arnav winks at her mischievously and dramatically places a hand over his heart- "totally working..am clean bowled..woman..."

Khushi grins playfully at him as she adds with another wink - "come on...in...you...I'v been waiting..,"and with that she holds his hand and pulls him in and closes the door shut and leaps into snuggle into his arms almost instantly as she whispers hugging him close all tight basking in the feel of his arms around her finally- " Congratulations on the victory tonight...Arnav..I mean..now that you are finally here...I cannot...not start with that.."

Arnav kisses her head lovingly and hugs her back all hard holding her close and snug in his arms preciously - "and the feel of this..of you in my arms...finally...makes...that victory..seem..complete..."

Khushi chuckles as she pulls back and cups his right cheek happily - "such a charmer...my charmer..."

Arnav winks at her leaning in closer to her lips for a kiss - "Always."

Khushi whispers softly leaning in forward towards his lips too - "ahaan? I like the sound of that..always...Arnav.."

Arnav pulls her closer by the waist his lips hovering closer to hers - "please tell me it's okay if I just use a couple of minutes with just you..here..before we go in to see everyone..I told you...I'd need to steal a kiss..to keep me going..until later..."

Khushi locks her happy gaze with his as she whispers - "yeah...I told them..I'd get you to the backyard in five...we'v spent a minute...out of that five...I guess.."

Arnav whispers caressing her waist gently as he shoves her against the foyer wall - "which means I got four minutes to kiss you like a mad man possessed..."

Khushi grins as she threads her hands through his hair - "yup...it means I got exactly 240 seconds to kiss you like a mad woman possessed...,"and just as those words leave her lips - Arnav finally leans forward and closer his lips over hers - in an urgent passionate kiss.

Within three minutes - of them kissing each other madly - and taking each other's breathe away momentarily - Khushi whispers into his lips reluctantly consuming his lower lip with her upper one - " I think we need to head in..now...Arnav.."

Arnav consumes both her lips once again briefly and intensely and he whisper locking his gaze with hers after pulling back reluctantly too - " yeah...okay..this just fuelled me for the next couple of hours...Fiore..."

Khushi grins happily at that and takes him by the hand now as they begin walking in and just as they are about to reach the backyard - Arnav states - "wait...Khushi...just a second..I need to put my mask back on.."

Khushi looks at him puzzled and amused as she asks - " what?why? it's just us..now..baby...there's no need for the mask.."

Arnav winks at her playfully and dramatically - " ofcourse there is...darling...I want to meet your friends - in the very exact get up I first met you..let me ask them - if I come across as a freaky MaskCap Dude...or not...you keep saying I never did come across as freaky...but I am sure..your friends will disagree.."

Khushi chuckles at that happily and her heart swells as she watches Arnav pull his mask up snug behind his ears and he adds with a playful wink - "come on...lets go now.."

Khushi nods and laces her hand with his and they walk hand in hand to the backyard.

Brian had Sarag hugged and snuggled into his side on one side of the bench and Jack and Maya were sitting next to each other on the opposite bench - all four of them in the middle of happy chatter - when they finally look up to see - Khushi enter in the backyard space her hands laced all snug with Arnav's as they were looking at one another happily.The warmth of the moment in between of them did not miss their eye. The four of them were also very amused by the bit that - Arnav had his Mask+ Cap on and they finally exchange a happy look amongst one another and get up from their spot to walk up to Arnav and Khushi to greet Arnav - first.

Arnav spots Khushi's friends begin to walk up to them with amusing grins up their faces and just as they were about to reach up to him - he states in a happy jovial mode - " hellooo guys - so before we all go on with the pleasantries - given that yes this is the first time I am meeting you all but because we'v known each other through Khushi so much indirectly - I wana ask you all something first so - M - S - Brian - Jack - how about the four of you tell me first - if you agree with me on this bit or not?? I kinda got a point to prove..to my lady here...,"he finishes with a happy wink at Khushi.

Khushi bites back her grin happily at that and shrugs playfully at her friends as Arnav pulls her to his side in a happy sidehug.

Brian, Jack, Maya and Sarah exchange happy glances and they nod in unison as they say - " helloooo....ASR..."

Arnav says instantly in a mischevious tone - " Arnav..guys...please...ASR is for the professional world on the out...I even told Mrs.J to call me that...she agreed...so please...I would love to hear the same from you all too ..."

The four of them exchange a happy nod again amidst one another.They obviously knew all about Arnav's brief encounter with Mrs.J as Khushi had filled them up on it in brief. They say in unison - "okkkies Arnav it is.....go on...what is it that you wana know from us first......"

Arnav immediately asks winking at Khushi again - " so..tell me...do I come across as a freaky MaskCap Dude...or Crazy MaskCap Dude ...or a normal MaskCap Dude in this get up...to be honest - I'v told Khushi this a zillion times - if I were her on that day at the Thorpe Park I would have been a tad bit weary about helping my very own self - given this crazy black mask and Cap - did she tell you that the guy behind the ticket counter was totally giving me the similar vibe too.."

Everyone exchanges a happy chuckle at that again almost feeling instantly comfortable to open up to Arnav without any apprehensions or formalities and Sarah nods with a playful wink - " yup...totally Freaky - MaskCap Dude.."

Maya winks - " Crazy MaskCap Dude.."

Brian winks hugging Sarah to his side happily - " I second..the love of my life..."

Jack grins nudging Maya - " I second..Maya..."

Khushi gapes at her friends amused as she states sidehugging Arnav who was enjoying this to the core- " guys - cmon...no....he just looks like the normal maskcap dude - who just wanted to save himself from the common flu in our country - under the pretext of concealing his real identity..."

Arnav kisses Khushi's head lovingly - " sorry..baby...its all of us on one side..,"and he finally whisks his mask off and grins at everyone and admits hugging Khushi snug again - " but...I am so glad..for this Mask and Cap guys - or else this one would have ran away at my very sight from the get set go...and I would have missed the chance to spend that awesome day with her in the ways I did...thank god..she only left me deserted by the end of the day.. with that Candy Floss in my hand.."

Khushi gapes at Arnav mischeviously as she states with a playful punch up his arm - " c'mon...Arnav..please..don't you remind me of that now...k?"

Maya , Brian, Sarah and Jack were loving this and Maya adds grinning - " Arnav..do you know..she was feeling guilty about it though...you know for jolting off on you...almost immediately.."

Arnav gapes at Khushi sideways mischievously - " oh wait...were...you now?? almost immediately baby..she told me..she came around to that much later...M"

Khushi gapes at Maya as she states sheepishly - " Maya...stop..."

Sarah winks and adds - " have you seen that Doodle? Of the Merry go round and the Candy Floss? That she drew in her book - influenced by the hangover of your first meet??"

Arnav states in a happy daze - " okay..seriously..S...I need those secrets...spill..please...for yes..I totally missed seeing that Doodle..."

Khushi gapes at Sarah now - "S...stop...please..."

Arnav grins as he states - " no baby..please...you can't do this to me..I need these details...please...you sneaked some details out of Ved , Raunak,Cap, Sameer already..right? its my turn now..only fair..."and he hears Brian and Jack add grinning - " yes..we wouldn't mind sharing them with you..for sure..Arnav..."

Khushi chuckles at that as she narrows her eyes at her friends and Arnav- sidehugging him back happily - " alrightyy...fine...go on...you guys...," and she pauses and looks at Arnav and he gestures her that he was now going to join her friends in the group and she nods back at him in acknowledgement of the same and Arnav steps forward and he adds grinning as he greets and meets Brian, Sarah, jack and Maya warmly - "ok then..now lets get done with the pleasantries..hi - again brian..M...S...Jack... I am so glad to finally meet you all...."

And the four of them meet and greet Arnav too as they voice the same back to him happily and they all get seated around the table and Khushi feels her heart swell with so much love as she catches the sight off Arnav beginning to chat with her friends - in a vibe that was very warm.

She states to all remembering the bit that Arnav surely must be hungry given that he hadn't munched on any snack too- " okay..guys...How about we start dinner too - side by side ??"

Everyone nods and they begin to get up and Arnav gets up too instantly and states - " yeah...let's..do that...but provided you all let me work the second batch of the chicken on the grill for us all...please??"

Maya, Sarah, Brian and Jack - exchange a happy warm smile again amidst one another and nod at Arnav. Khushi grins at Arnav as she states - " happy..now..."

Arnav winks at her happily - " Very..,"and they all begin to work and arrange for their dinner - together in a group - as if it were the most natural thing to do. Because yes - that's how comfortable Maya, Brian, Jack, and Sarah instantly felt with Arnav too. There was no denying the fact in either of their minds that Khushi had been right about the bit - that Arnav just had that superwarm vibe that did its trick in the very first go.

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One Hour Later

They all spent the last one hour throughout dinner and a little after - just chatting - catching up with the happenings of the tour and the other work stuff on either of their ends.

Brian, Jack, Maya, and Sarah - were delighted with the discovery that Arnav was as interested to know more about each of their life's professional lives too and the dynamics of the same. Khushi could not stop beaming in happiness as she was basking in the serene sight off Arnav be in such a comfortable zone with her friends. And for Khushi's friends - the sight of Arnav by Khushi's side all through out along his little gestures of great affection on display for her naturally - was what was warming each of their hearts too.

Arnav was loving it. He was having a very good time with Khushi's friends - Indeed.

Currently - Brian, Jack and Arnav had walked up to that little garden upfront and were just standing and chatting up casually - sipping on their beers. Given that Brian was from the finance & accounting background - Arnav had surely struck work conversations with him with regards to whatever knowledge of the workings of the business world he was involved back in India and was keen on hearing things from Brian's perspective as well. Given that he anyway - also read a lot - and loved knowing and learning about new things - he was also enjoying listening to Jack's experience with his wildlife photography. Brian and Jack were enjoying their time with Arnav - as much too. His genuine happy bloke energy - doing the works - with the comfortable vibe in the background.

Khushi takes a sip of her beer as she steals a glance at Arnav from across.She was still seated with Maya and Sarah at the table where they had just finished dinner and she looks at Maya and Sarah happily as she leans forward and says in a whisper - " now..you both tell me...how can I not be head over in heels in love with him haan? I mean - now you know what I mean..surely...just look at him...gelling so comfortably amidst us all as if he's known us for years...."

Sarah winks as she sips her beer - " well...I know what you mean babe..for sure now..anyway whenever you talked about him it was obvious...but now that we'v met him..we gotta agree..this MaskCap dude..is a keeper...indeed.."

Maya nods in agreement too in a happy daze - " copy that..K...I mean..just look at how comfortable Jack and Brian are with him right now...and that is when Arnav has made sure..he hasn't let the topic tread to cricket...much...he genuinely wants to know more about them...about us..."

Khushi sighs happily as she steals another look at Arnav from across -" uggh...what am I going to do when this Man leaves...girls...I'll just... miss him so much..."

The girls clutch on Khushi's hand back in support and they continue with their happy chatter.

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A Few Minutes Later

As their prior conversations about wildlife, business, etc nears to an end - Arnav steals a look from across at Khushi sipping on his beer - as she was in the middle of the happy chatter with Sarah and Maya on the table still.He just felt the need to steal a glance at her from across. The gesture catches Brian and Jack's eye almost instantly.

Brian asks instantly - " you really care for her..don't you? you are really into Khushi - right??"

Arnav looks back at Brian and Jack almost instantly as he admits with a happy sincere nod - " yes...I am..."

Brian nods at that - content.

Jack grins and adds with a wink now - " which sounds great to our ears for sure...Arnav..she's like a lil sis to us both...and you know what seems even better to our eye though - the sight off you knocking Wilson's bails off on the pitch and claiming his wicket every single time on pitch this tour too - I mean...ever since he dumped Khushi in the ways he did - we only began watching the matches after he lost his wicket..too..such a pity that he did not play tonight's game and will not be playing the last T20 because of that muscle spasm... we really missed the sight of you..picking on his wicket tonight...for sure.."

Arnav chuckles at that on reflex and he admits with his rakish side mischevious grin - " well to be honest boys...I gotta admit...being able to knock his bails off every time - after I'v met Khushi - does make it a lot sweeter in my head too..."

They all share a warm chuckle at that and because Brian feels like he needs to ask Arnav a point that had just made its way to his head - he asks - " Arnav..man...I wanted to ask you something.."

Arnav nods stealing a look at Khushi from across again - " yes..please...go on.."

Jack sips on his beer - for he surely knew what Brian was about to bring up.

Brian asks - "so you do know that we are all headed to Khushi's Dad's hometown soon..for a holiday...how do you feel about not knowing the exact details though? I mean we know you have the headsup that our travel formalities are under process with regards to the Visa and stuff...and Khushi did tell us that you are okay with not knowing it all for now...but are you? really okay with that??"

Arnav answers sincerely sipping on his beer - " yes I am okay..not knowing it all...as long as she is okay..through it all...that's what my priority is..and its not that she's not telling me anything at all - like you just mentioned - I have the general idea..and in my heart...I have faith.....I know she will talk to me about it when she is ready too - I guess...its upto me to make her feel comfortable about the same....I am working on the same..for sure...,"and he pauses and adds with a warm smile - " I am just glad she is not heading there all alone though - that you guys are with her - that's surely a relief for me - in my head..."

That from him warms Brians and Jack's heart immense and they exchange the subtle look amongst one another that said - We Hope he sticks around after he finds out the truth.

Brian smiles at Arnav and pats his arm - " nice to hear that...don't worry...we will make sure..she is okay.."

Arnav nods and grins - " I am counting on you guys to make sure of that...on my behalf too..alright..??"

Jack nods in acknowledgement of the same - " we are glad to know that..."

And it is right then they all spot - Khushi - Maya and Sarah getting up to clean and wind up and before Jack and Brian could say that they were headed to help the girls wind up - Arnav asks - " hey..guys...lets go help them...clean and wind up??"

Brian and Jack exchange a happy nod and they all walk up and join Khushi, Maya and Sarah and Arnav places a warm kiss on Khushi's cheek almost instantly as he begins to help her clean and wind up and Khushi looks at him surprised at that as she states - " hey you - I didn't spot you walking back here...why? Maybe because I was so lost in talking about you to Sarah and Maya..."

Arnav raises his eyebrow at her playfully - "really? what were you talking about??"

Khushi winks at him playfully - " it's a secret baby...,"and they share a happy chuckle and begin to walk in along with the rest - happily.

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Twenty Minutes Later - In Maya's Kitchen

Khushi bites back her smile as her eyes lock with Arnav's from across as they bent forward to place the last couple off plates in the dishwasher. They'd all divided their winding up chores. Maya and Jack were in the middle off cleaning and winding up the grill. Sarah and Brian were in the middle of winding up the kitchen - restoring it all to its prior set up.And - Arnav and Khushi had volunteered together to get to the Dishes.

Khushi says now in a happy daze as they finally close the dishwasher shut and get it on together - " who knew...that India's premier bowling all rounder..could work up the dishwasher so effortlessly..."

Arnav winks at her at that as he steps in closer to her and kisses her cheek - " my lady...you have no idea - how good I am at doing the dishes too - I wouldn't even need the help of the dishwasher..you know there are times at home...I just pop into the kitchen...plus my earpods in.. listen to my music..and do all the dishes...after a meal..."

Khushi gapes at him affectionately as she kisses his cheek too - " and I can't believe you missed this detail out...,"she finishes with an adorable pout - "a man who loves doing dishes...yeah...you are surely a keeper..,"she finishes with an adorable chuckle and they share a happy laugh at that and Khushi whispers caressing his cheek - " thank you baby...you'v been so amazing..they all loved..meeting you..tonight..."

Arnav kisses Khushi's head lovingly at that - " alrighty...you are just going to be paying up for this thank you - later...fiore..and I think I loved meeting them more...your friends are great Khushi..."

Khushi nods and holds onto his hand leaning sideways against the kitchen counter happily as she kisses his hand - " so...after a bit..as in after we spend a little more time with everyone...in the next twenty minutes or so...is it okay if we go out for a walk Arnav?? I wana show you around the neighbourhood as we walk around..for this is where I'v grown up..right?"

Arnav grins happily - " ofcourse...baby...I love the sound of that already...,"and he kisses her head and just holds her snug close for a second - " let's do that..for sure.."

The two of them didn't know that Sarah+ Brian had walked back into the kitchen at this very moment and had joint Maya and Jack as they stood across of Arnav and Khushi - taking in the happy sight off the two of them. They were totally lost in their moment with each other.

Maya sighs as she whispers - " just the way he looks at her..has me thinking...he's surely heading to that destination of Love...too.."

Sarah nods - " yeah...M...I think the same.."

Brian and Jack sigh in momentary worry in unison - " what do you think girls? Will he stick around after he knows the truth? We think - maybe yes...we mean ...we hope...that he does..."

Sarah and Maya nod as they exchange a knowing look - "yea...we hope so too.."

And they each exchange a knowing look that - knowing - that Khushi would not just be hurt if that happened.This time around she would be devastated and heartbroken and shattered - for Good.Which is why each of them just silently prayed - that when the time came - Arnav Singh Raizada would choose to stick around their friends side.

.........................................

Thirty Minutes Later - 1:00 AM

Khushi bit back her smile as Arnav and her walked hand in hand - towards her Home. He still had no idea - that was where she was taking him. They'd left Maya's about ten minutes ago and they'd been walking around hand in hand - as Khushi highlighted the major areas of the neighbourhood.She was loving the way his eyes were twinkling in happiness - soaking it all in - excited. He'd obviously got his Mask+ Cap on for the secrecy bit.

She hears Arnav state now kissing on her hand momentarily just as they neared the curb of her home - his tone all happy in glee - " Khushi...thank you so much...for showing me around your neighbourhood...baby...I loved seeing...and soaking in all these little aspects of your life...I mean now that when you actually tell me about it over phone that this is where I am crossing by - in the future - I would instant have a real time vision to relate to it...which is so cool"

Khushi pauses in her tracks as she turns to face him and winks at him happily - " really?? just cool or supercool?"

Arnav chuckles happily at that as he whispers leaning forward towards her ear- " supercool...my lady.."

Khushi holds on his arm and clutches it warmly and chuckles and locks her gaze with his now - " okay...so I have this one last bit to show you....ready??"

Arnav nods at her happily and Khushi holds her hand out to him again which he happily takes and he gestures her to lead the way.

Just as they near a curb of a House and he spots Khushi pausing in front of the gate and he asks soaking in the sight of the house- "okay...and this is...whose place? I mean - you showed me Sarah's, Jacks, from the out so this would be...Brian's??"

Khushi chuckles at that as she says - " no...Brian's is further down the block... baby which is why I just skipped showing you his house from the out..,"and she clutches onto his hand tight and begins to enter the black gate and once she's led them in and Arnav is looking at her puzzled as they near the main door she whispers looking at him sideways locking her gaze with his momentarily - " this place...would be mine...as in..this is my....Home...Arnav...I wana show you where I live...too...how do you like the sound of that??"

That from Khushi surprises the nightlights out of his Head as Arnav looks at her dazed in happiness as he states pointing to the Home upfront shoving one side of his mask off instantly - " wait...what????????come again...this is your Home...your place?? like where you live...for real??Khushi?? I mean it should have clicked with the way you entered in through the gate - but then maybe I thought we were about a midnight prank over someone's door - where in you just ring the doorbell like a zillion times and run off...and no..no...don't you laugh at that Khushi..I think..I'v loosened up a nut in here..in happiness..,"he finishes with a happy playful wink tapping to his temple at the side of his forhead.He was feeling beyond just elated with everything he had just heard.

Khushi chuckles at that happily as she shakes her head mischeviously - " really? though? you talk like you'v pulled up that prank for real ...and you really enjoyed it.."

Arnav admits with a happy wink just looking around the Structure of Khushi's home again happily- " yes...ofcourse I have..as a kid though...every single time...I visited Nani in lucknow - I'd do that to everyone in the neighbourhood...but seriously...Khushi...thank you...for bringing me here...."

Khushi chuckles as she pulls him by the hand and punches in the number lock at the door and as the door clicks open she turns around to him adorably and smiles and winks - " wait..for it...as in..wait..till you hear..this before you get in...just so you know..Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada...you are the first man I am bringing home in the 24 plus years off my Life..."

Arnav gapes at Khushi as he clutches on her hand at that and admits in glee with a happy wink - "and the knowledge of the very same delights me insane...my lady..."

Khushi kisses on his hand as she smiles at him and they exchange a warm nod and they step into her Home and the minute she closes the door shut and the foyer lights come on automatically - Khushi hugs Arnav instantly as vulnerable emotions return to overwhelm her as she whispers holding onto his tee over his heart - " I wana show you around...first...and once I am done...I wana tell you...why I wanted to show you were I live..before...you...,"and she pauses because she did not want to whisper the word out - Leave.

Arnav obviously understands the underlying meaning of what she was trying to imply by that last bit and he instantly pulls her up and kisses her head sincerely and locks his gaze with her's and nods happily - "I want you to show me - every nook and corner - that's a part of your life...okay??"

Khushi nods at that and she toes up a little on her feet to kiss his cheek and she hands her hand out to him again - into which he laces his hand through snug and they share a meaningful silent intense eye lock - before Khushi finally takes him in by the hand - in and begins to show him around bit by bit - sharing every bit off the tiny miny details of her life in action in its nook and corners in the process.

And the very sight - of the Happiness - on Arnav's face in the process of soaking it all in- just acted like that catalyst again in her being.What catalyst? A catalyst - that made her fall head over heels in love with him - all over again.

.....................................
Authors Note - The complete picture details of Khushis home are highlighted and inserted in the Take 1!

I am attaching a few major areas here for just a little recall.

..............

Twenty Minutes Later

Khushi bites her happy chuckle as she pulls Arnav to her study area now as she hears him add mischievously from behind - " Baby...you should have just let me kiss you in there..for another minute...I love the feel of your room - it is so You - feels like You..."

So - Arnav had obviously pulled in Khushi for a deep kiss after she had finished showing him around her room on the way out.

Khushi adds now looking back at him playfully opening the door to her study - " okay...Arnav..seriously...if I would have let you kiss me that way for another minute - we would have ended up - you know where..."

Arnav chuckles and winks - " your bed.."

Khushi chuckles and winks- " exactly...and I still need to show you a couple of things..okay? or else you will sulk after that I didn't show you that doodle with the Candy Floss and Merry-Go Round"

Arnav grins as he steps into her Study behind her - " well that's a fair point...my fiore..so come on..show me this Doodle...and Khushi...once again...this zone is so you - this is where you work on your animation projects right??"

Khushi nods happily and she walks up to her study and pulls out the sketchbook in which she had drawn the Doodle of the Candy Floss and Merry Go Round after their first meeting and just as she opens the page to it - she feels Arnav's arms wrap around her waist closely and snug from behind as he rests his chin on her shoulder and whispers softly touching the Doodle on paper - " and this is very impressive...I am touched baby...so glad to see a evidence that tells me that I was also playing hangman at the back of your head after our first meet in some way..."

Khushi snuggles into his arm as she whispers honestly - " in that moment of time - I was trying to push your thoughts out..though.....and I guess this is how my insides retaliated...by having my fingers sketch this moment out..in the form of the Doodle...you know the other day when we bumped into one another in the reading room - this sketchbook was there too - it was just closed...in that moment...I was glad it was...you know..closed...,"she finishes with a soft chuckle.

Arnav kisses her shoulder lovingly at that and it is right then he spots that huge frame with a Heart with the Words MUM written around it and he turns Khushi around in his arms and kisses her head - "every element of this room - is a reflection of You - Khushi - how much you love your art, your colours, your love for doodles and animation..your Mum...,"and he feels Khushi hug him instantly as she whispers into his arms - " Arnav...It's not that I do not want to talk to you about my Dad - K? as in his hometown..and everything...where I am headed...I really want to tell you..its just that - its going to be like a chained affect into many conversations then..though...and I just need..more...time..it's not that I am not comfortable with you or something...this isn't about you...it's just about...me...and I...,"and before she could even say anything further - Arnav pulled her up by her shoulders and placed his fingers on her lips as he whispers sincerely keeping his forhead on hers - " shh...sh....I don't wana rush you ever..Khushi...take your time...k?,"and because he didn't want her to somber up vulnerably at the thought of her Dad he asks changing the topic - " okay..so come..on then...tell me...now...baby...as in...you mentioned..you'd talk to me about the why - after you finished showing me around...right??"

Khushi nods at that happily as she understands that he had just changed the topic on purpose again because he didn't want her to somber up and that only makes her heart swell in love again and she whispers kissing on his hand - " yes...so..about that...we need to head down..for a bit..k??,"and with that she takes Arnav by the hand and leads him out and down the stairs towards the Kitchen and the Dining and the Informal sitting area around it.

She makes him sit on the couch as she asks grinning- " but first...before I get talking to you about that...tell..me...you want some...water?? I know you won't have coffee over beer...so...what is it that I can help you with...my hunk..."

Arnav grins happily - "and I will help myself with that water...my lady...", and just as he is about to get up from his spot - Khushi pushes him into sitting back on the couch playfully as she states - " no...you gotta statue...right there...in that very spot...alright...ill just get you your water...first...please...co-operate..baby.."

Arnav chuckles at that happily and nods at Khushi puzzled and adjusts himself back into the Sofa and he watches Khushi fill in two glasses of water from the kitchen.Thirty seconds later - she walks to him with the two glasses of water in her hand and hands one to him and he dunks it down happily and watches her dunk the same too.

Khushi takes the empty glass from his hand and walks back with her's empty one too - to settle it in the kitchen sink - snug and she takes deep breathes as she channelises her raw vulnerable emotions for this man - within- as she walks back to him. In her head - she felt like she probably needed to wait to confess her love to him - but at the same time she could not wait to talk to him about this bit - that she wanted too.

Arnav can easily sense by just Khushi's vibe as she is walking back to him that there's something vulnerable on her mind and just as he is about to get up to walk up to her to hug her he hears her whisper softly - " no baby...please...stay put...in that spot.."

Arnav sits back into the sofa seat puzzled and asks worried - " Khushi..what's wrong...I can sense somethings on your mind...,"and he sees Khushi nod at him from across as she paces her steps closer to him and the very minute she reaches in front off him - he feels even more puzzled and worried as he spots her plonks on her knees suddenly as her hands come to rest over his Knees and her eyes lock with Arnav's intensely.

Arnav holds her by the shoulders - " Khushi...whats up with you??why are your knees? I don't like the sight off it - don't kneel down in front off me this way please...come on up..or let me get off this seat.."

Khushi chuckles at the worried expression through her vulnerable emotions as she states - " baby..please...stay put...I am on my knees..because I just wana rest my head in your lap...and talk to you about something...while...you sit here...k? just promise me...you will let me say it all through...first...k?"

Arnav nods at her puzzled at that and the very next second as he feels Khushi rest her head on his knees her entire frame consumed up in immense vulnerability - he feels his very own heart swim with intense emotion. He touches her head sincerely and brushes his hand through her hair lovingly and asks softly - " for heaven's sake...talk..baby...I am going crazy...in anticipation...here..."

He hears her chuckle as she whispers - " yeah...I like the feel of that...your hand on my head right now..brushing through my hair...will you keep doing the same baby..as I say this out to you..."

Arnav says instantly - " yes...now..please...go on..say it...I can't see you on your knees dammit..."

Khushi rests her head even more comfortably on his knees and whispers closing her eyes - " 48 days ago - Arnav...on the morning off 16th feburary...before I was headed to the Thorpe Park that day...this was the very spot - I sat in - consumed in immense emotional conflicts within. I picked up that frame on the side of Mum and me from my graduation and I was just touching through her picture with all the angst with regards to her - consuming and conflicting my insides. And then ofcourse - there was also that thought about dealing with the leftover grudge due to Rob then. At that moment in time - I sat in this very spot - thinking god knows what not to myself...infact in my head I had branded myself destined to be the unlucky one maybe when it came to the angles of romanticism....what I didn't know then....in that moment of time....that within the very next hour or so - I was fated to bump into you.What I didn't know then - that you'd come by - and change just about everything within me - on so many emotional tangents. It is because of you that I could go on to have that courage to have the heart to heart with Mum...it is because of you that I have the courage today to head to my Dad's hometown soon...it is because of you that Mum and me feel so light in our being now that we can talk about Dad openly - it is because of you that I have been able to unpack so much baggage of angst from my shoulders...and...I...,"she pauses to take a deep breathe as an emotional line of tear leaves her eye and she hears him say in a tone super intense and emotional - " baby...please..."

Khushi whispers instantly just holding onto his hand over her head - " shh...shh...you promised...you'd let me say it all...please...let me...Arnav..."

Arnav fights back his own vulnerable sigh at that and he continues to brush her hair as he says - " ok...go...on..."

Khushi adds in a soft vulnerable whisper holding onto his knees tight- " so...when I first met you - all those days ago - I was still wrapped up in a shell of inner conflict on so many angles baby....it was only after you came in my life...that I felt my self-blossom..within in ways I never have before...you call me...Your fiore...Your flower...and I love the sound of that...Arnav...but today I want to tell you that...I wouldn't have been able to Blossom into feeling like that Flower within in my heart...if it hadn't been for you...I wouldn't have been able...to feel...a lighter sorted version of myself today...if it hadn't been for you...until you...it just felt like within... in my heart on so many angles- as if I was that seed that was planted in a land/soil/ecosystem that probably wasn't meant to be its right eco-system and natural habitat for it to thrive and blossom...you know how like you can't expect a rose to grow in the conditions that are meant for sunflowers or vice versa...its like every flower needs its own flowerbed with the right soil/nutrients/water/temperature..basically every flower needs that right ecosystem - right - so that it can bloom into what its meant to be - and it turns out - that the very minute you walked into my life - that process within my insides began - something within me shifted -it was like as if I was forced to uproot my very own roots from those shackles of unsuited -soils of inner angst and conflict and make my very own journey..towards that emotional ecosystem that my gut was now gesturing me to walk towards for that was that ecosystem which was my answer to so much within.Which was You. Everything about you bit by bit - started to be like that Natural Habitat for my insides ..my emotions...and my heart..Arnav..which is probably why I was fated to bloom and blossom within in the ways I never even imagined I could.......all because of you...and ...today..in the present moment of time....here I am 48 days later - all because of you feeling like a happy flower within basking in the season of spring...for real...so that is why I wanted to show you where I live before you leave...baby...because technically in reality...this is where I live..its home...my natural habitat in its literal sense...its where Iv spent major part of my life..its where I come back too - so it was only fair that I bring that one man home - the only man home - who feels like the very same within me too...your are my natural habitat too Arnav..is so many ways...and...I feel at peace with you in my emotions Arnav... the exact peace I feel when I am Home....which is why...I just wanted to bring...you home...."

That from Khushi - overwhelms Arnav immense with vulnerable emotion and he wipes a happy emotional tear outta the corner of his eye as he says brushing her hair and leaning forward to kiss her head - " damm you..woman...you are going to make me cry in all this intense emotion....please tell me if I can move from this statued position..and hug you..darling...I want to hold you close..now... I need you in my arms...now...,"and he pauses and adds - " Damm you...I am not going to wait for you to answer me now..woman..come here you..,"and with that he pulls her up in his arms immediately holding her close as he helps her adjust herself over his lap and Khushi just hugs him tight and close burying her head in the crook of his neck as she silently adds within over and over holding him close.I love you Arnav. I love you so godammit much.I am so happy to see you - Home...for.. My Hearts found its home in you- Mi Amor.

Arnav hugs her close and hard and he whispers kissing her shoulder now - " you feel like My Natural Habitat too - within...Khushi...until you...I'd never felt my heart consume itself in so much joy this way - for the first time.. ever...youv rendered me speechless in intense emotion...darling...you are my Happiness dammit. In every sense. In ever godammit sense.My Khushi..."

Khushi hugs him tighter as she hears that and holds him closer as she kisses his shoulder possessively vulnerable emotions engulfing her within again - " My Arnav...and...you are my Arnav...."

Just as he hears the sound of that from her - Arnav instantly pulls her up from the tight hug and tucks her chin up and closes his lips over hers in a crushing - poignant - vulnerable kiss that was also bad and deep loaded with immense passion through which they were both pouring in the hidden intensity of their love for one another yet again.

Five heated minutes later - this very vulnerable emotional kiss began to deepen a lot more in its potent emotional intensity because of the unsaid vibes and words that the two of them were wording into each's head in silence. That Unsaid precious - Confession of Love.

Arnav threads his hand into her roughly as he whispers into her lips in between kissing her bad and deep - wanting to act on his need of wanting to make love to her soon.A need that was that raw mixture of deep emotion + passion yet again - " Khushi...dammit...I want you..now...you know...I want you...I wana carry you up to your room...I want to be with you...have my intense ways with you...in your room...so that...you think off me...off us...when...I leave...every single night...dammit..."

Khushi whispers back into his lips in between haggard breathes - " I love the sound of that...baby..yeah...I do...I badly do...I love the sound of that so bad...so deep," Just like I love you.She adds in her head silently.Again.

But those were all the words she could muster as Arnav's lips began to duel her's in a wild passionate kiss again for the next five minutes or so - before he finally picked her up in his arms and carried Khushi up to her room - in quick impatient strides.

This woman in his arms - surely knew how to drive him Insaner by the Day.Both in Immense Emotion and Wild Passion and Desire and He'd be dammed if he didn't act on it.

..............................................

The minute Khushi closes the door to her room shut by extending her arm as Arnav carries her in - Arnav instantly places her on her feet and pushes her against the door in a rush pinning her hands to her side as his lips crush themselves over hers in a wild mad - kiss - almost instantly - again.

Khushi kisses him back as wildly and madly - loving the way his hands had also found their way under her skirt immediately and were caressing her backcurves hard tugging on her stockings - impatiently.She hears him whisper into her lips - " godammit...Khushi...I need to take these off - I need to touch you..baby..they'v been an obstruction in my imagination too..they won't rip..if I tug on them hard...or will they?"

Khushi whimpers into his lips her hands making their urgent way to unbutton his tee wanting to tugg it off him- "they might Arnav.....but who cares...all I care is about feeling your hands on me...right now.."

Arnav pauses on kissing her wild and mad as he feels her tug his tee off him completely with her hands coming to caress his torso urgently and passionately and he whispers locking his dark with desire eyes with hers - " that's precisely what I care about too..my fiore..which is why...I must request you to allow me to have my intense ways with you first.tonight....please...baby..like I said...we are in your room..and I know this is where you are going to stay after I leave - allow me to leave you heated memories of Us in just the way I want...please?? I wana leave you some heated memories in every corner..starting with this very door...ofcourse..I have a plan...a slow and a sensuous..torturous plan that surely will turn all wild and mad by the end off it...for us both...tell me..are you in it? I will need your co-operation..because if you touch me as passionately and urgently like this baby...I'm afraid I will not be able to keep going on...slow..."

Khushi nods at that immediately as if she were under his hypnotic trance. She absolutely loved the sound of that.She asks - " okay...alright...I will be more guarded in my caresses then? I mean I do wana co-operate with you while you are in the middle of executing this sensuous plan of yours...Arnav.."

Arnav steps forward to pin her hands to her sides his gaze heating up - " good...so wana know whats on my mind??"

Khushi nods feeling her insides flush and heat just by his gaze heaving in anticipation as she shivers in his arms at the same time - " yeah...a headsup..would be good..."

Arnav winks as he leans in to whisper in her ear cupping and careesing her cheek sensually - " given that I can't wait to get those damm stockings off you and touch you and feel you bare...its only fair that I have my intense ways with your intimacy right here...by the door my fiore.......after which I do plan to pin you against your wardrobe so that I can peel your clothes off your torso and have my intense ways with it first there...and given that I would have gotten you all bare by then - I'd like to carry you into that little tunnel of your that you love to chill and relax in and have my intense ways with my hands and lips with all of you...every inch of you..I'll devour you baby...every inch of you.....after which I am sure I'd be feeling as impatient and tortoured to bury myself in you - so yeah - I'd get myself bare too and carry you out to your bed and finally pin you underneath me on your bed and have my intense ways with you all the way - after - over and over....so tell me...baby...how do like the sound of that??,"he asks looking back up at her to lock his dark passionate gaze with hers.

Khushi shivers in heated anticipation yet again feeling her melt within for him already...and she whispers holding onto his arm looking back as passionately into his eyes - " I love it...I love the sound of that Arn...av...My Arnav...."

And the minute those words leave her mouth again she feels him tuck her chin up urgently as his lips claim hers in a wild kiss first for about four minutes again - and his hands caress her wildly all the way as he begins to get her stockings + lower intimate off her and she assists in the process by hopping on her legs to help him get the same off her too all the while keeping her lips wildly infused with Arnav's in a wild raging kiss.

The minute she felt her stockings get off her completely - she feels Arnav break away from her lips as he whispers - " sorry baby...my lips need to be elsewhere..for now..,"and Khushi can only heave and whimper in anticipation of feeling his lips and hands possessing her intimately again - a emotional passionate thrill she knew she would never get enough off as she watches Arnav drop to his knees as he picks up her one leg to make it rest and curve around his shoulder before he places a soft kiss on her left thigh - looking up briefly to lock his gaze with hers as he asks - " comfortable??"

Khushi nods in acknowledgement of the same as she leans back comfortably against the door - " very...,"and just as those words leave her mouth she bites back her own sensuous grin as she sees Arnav shoot her a sensuous wink as he rolls her skirt up and kisses his way up her thigh in heated kisses and very next second she feels his lips claim her intimately again with his hands continuing to caress her curves and thighs too.And Khushi can only succumb to her very own desire, passion and love for her man - as her hands grip his hair her body shifting on reflex giving him all the access he needed. And only heaving moans, whimpers, shuddering breathes - all wrapped up with his name in it- begin to escape Khushi's lips bit by bit filling up her room with passionate echoes - which only edged and fired up Arnav - more.

So -He continues.

He continues with his intimate exploration and intense ministrations on her driving himself mad in the process too. But this was what he wanted first. BAD.He wanted to drive her off the cliff of passion over and over - first. And so Arnav sensually and wildly - spent the next many heated minutes that extended into a passionate couple of hours in executing the very plan he had voiced out to her in all the different areas of her room - leaving Khushi with no choice but to yield - surrender, succumb, and give in to her very own passion and desire for him not once, not twice - not thrice - BUT many times over and over - in wild heated,emotionally potent and passionate ways.

Yeah.

It was True.

What was True?

The bit that - She was meant to be the Natural Habitat for his Mind,Heart, Body and Soul - in every freaking way. And that he was meant to be the Natural Habitat for her Mind, Heart, Body and Soul - in every freaking away!

Indeed.

....................................................

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss??

Next Update: Tomorrow Night.

I'll see you soon guys. 

Until Then - Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

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