Chapter 70: Arnav-Khushi

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Chapter Seventy

Arnav-Khushi

Khushi readjusted the pallu of her bottle green chiffon saree, for some reason nervous about her impending departure from Gupta Manor. 

She had returned from Agra only two days ago, promising a very reluctant Arnav that she would move back to the penthouse after discussing it with her father first. He was not happy to say the very least, but thankfully had understood enough about the fragile relationship she had built with Alok over the last three weeks to let it slide. Arnav –in between longing goodbye kisses– told her he would pick her up from Gupta Manor in exactly two days whether she was ready or not. 

Khushi agreed knowing better than to push him. After hearing his outburst in the hotel room that night, she highly doubted whether he would be able to survive another week apart. He had been so livid and so broken at the same time… as though burning in a thousand hells.

She shivered, unable to forget the dejection in his eyes. 

For the better part of her life, Khushi had always prided herself on being a practical person. It was perhaps the biggest thing that had fueled her anger and resentment for the past three weeks, reasoning that Arnav possibly could not love her like he had once loved Myra. But all that rationale flew out the window the minute she saw him, and saw the bags under his eyes, the droop to his shoulders and when he spoke, the ache…

God, it would probably take her years to forget that ache.

And how could she forget his words?

I have always felt guilty for meeting Myra before you… As if I have somehow betrayed your trust… but not anymore. I’m human. When Myra was in my life, I genuinely thought she was the love of my life, so I did everything in my power to keep her… If someone would have told me to wait, told me that my soulmate was not her, but someone else, then I would have waited without blinking an eye. But no one did. So, I did what I thought was right… how can you punish me for not knowing better?

That had been her breaking point. In all these days that she had forced herself to stay away, she only thought about Myra’s haunting words or what her own position was in Arnav’s life. Never did she pause to think what he was going through. 

She had always heard love was insane and impossible. But never, in all her life, had she imagined love would be this impossible. All the logic in the world didn’t stand a chance against Arnav’s pain. And to know that she was the reason behind it… it was much, much worse.

It was exactly as her father had said. Arnav was an honest man, so why would he not be honest about his feelings? His undeniable loyalty to Myra, more than anything, was proof of his character. He was a man who gave his everything to the people he loved, the one who was always willing to give a second, third and even tenth chance… in fact, wasn’t that one of the very reasons she had fallen for him to begin with?

So how and when did Myra’s cutting words mean more than that?

Watching him in the hotel that night, Khushi had realized with a jolt that it was not. Whatever his past was, Khushi knew that his present was her and her alone. The pain in his voice was proof enough.

As for the future… for that, she had no answer. And she was not looking for it either. A few years ago, she had never imagined that she would be coerced into a marriage, let alone marriage with a man who loved another. And yet, it had happened, and it was with that very same man that she had fallen hopelessly in love with.

So needless to say, whatever the future held, Khushi knew she would be pleasantly surprised with it.

Satisfied with her appearance, Khushi turned away from the mirror. Her room at the Gupta Manor was once again as empty as it used to be, her belongings having been packed up, ready to be sent to the penthouse. Although the room had been her solace in the last few days, she definitely was not going to miss it.

Collecting her phone, she made her way to her mother’s room for one last goodbye. Garima looked much more peaceful than usual when Khushi entered, the monitors beeping comfortably in the background.

“I’m going to Arnav’s house Maa,” she told her, perching down on the bed, holding her limp hand. “I know what you are going to say. I made all this fuss… only to go back…”

There was, of course, no reply. But somehow, Khushi felt that her mother was anything but exasperated to hear of her decision to return to the penthouse. It was oddly reassuring.

“Papa is doing well now,” she continued quietly. “I will make sure he goes for his check-ups regularly from now on… I know you must be worrying about him… especially ever since Vihaan left.”

Silence.

“Vihaan is well too,” she said, suddenly being overcome with an urge to comfort her mother. “Happy in London… he of course didn’t believe a word of the papers Papa sent him, saying he will inherit half of the company.”

If Garima was awake, she too would have rolled her eyes. Vihaan’s disbelief and anger at Alok’s change of heart did not lessen in the slightest over the last three weeks. He continued to vehemently refuse the shares and return to Delhi, which was very surprising. Her brother was never known to be stubborn.

“But don’t worry,” she continued confidently. “He will come around… he always does.”

Khushi watched Garima’s even breathing, wondering what else she would want to know. It was odd that in all these months, Khushi had always come to this room looking for answers or solace, but never had the thought to give it back. If her mother was indeed around as her father believed, then she deserved to know that her family was doing okay, not perfect, but hanging on.

“Ma’am?”

Khushi looked up to see one of the servants at the door.

“Arnav Sir is here.”

Khushi’s heart took a swing. Dismissing him with a nod, she turned back to her mother, searching for the right words.

She finally settled for gratitude. “Thank you Maa… thank you for teaching me everything I know, thank you for knowing what I needed more than what I wanted, thank you for fighting for me… I understand now what you meant about Papa. He is not perfect by any means, but he is also not the villain I believed him to be either. I promise I will take care of him… and Vihaan too. I spent so long running from this family, but believe me when I say that even though I found a home in Arnav, this will never stop being my home too. I love you… I miss you… I wish almost every day that you were here with me, but I also know that you deserve to move on. Please don’t worry anymore… we are all okay.”

Leaving a final kiss on Garima’s forehead, she stood up to leave. 

Khushi had to be imagining it, for there was no other explanation –medically anyway– but she was sure she saw a small smile on Garima’s lips as she left. Perhaps after all these years, her mom was finally at peace.

She proceeded to the grand staircase of Gupta Manor, her heart thudding in anticipation. She wished she knew why she was so nervous. Arnav –looking extremely handsome in a fitted black button-down shirt and dark coloured jeans– was seated in the living room along with a serious looking Alok, a stoic silence emanating coldly between them. An untouched tray of tea was placed on the coffee table.

Arnav stood up as soon as he spotted her, his face splitting into a warm smile. “Hi.”

Khushi smiled back. “Hi.”

She could tell he wanted to say more, but catching Alok’s unrelenting expression, he decided against it.

“So, ready to go?” Arnav asked.

Khushi mutely turned to look at her father. Alok had been quite gracious when she returned from Agra and told him of her reconciliation with Arnav. He simply smiled and said he was happy with whatever made her happy. 

“You don’t want to stay for dinner?” Alok asked, standing up. 

Khushi was not sure. It was only 6 o’clock in the evening, and judging by the unnatural quiet in the room, she didn’t think it would be a good idea to drag this obligation out any further.

Arnav intervened. “Actually, I made plans for dinner… if you don’t mind.”

Alok nodded. “So, this is goodbye then.”

The sadness was unmistakable in his voice, forcing Khushi to step forward.

“Of course not,” she told him. “We live in the same city Papa.”

He just smiled in answer, and –surprisingly– pulled her into a hug. Khushi couldn’t remember the last time she had embraced her father as such. It was both odd and heartening.

When they broke apart a few minutes later, Alok turned his attention to Arnav.

“The next time my daughter comes back home upset,” he said ominously. “I will not be sending her back. You’d do well to remember that.”

Pin drop silence followed his statement.

For Khushi, who had only ever heard her father say that daughters were guests after marriage, it was perhaps the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. She stared, dazed, at Alok, for the first time ever feeling as though she had a family to lean back on, as though she was not an afterthought, but in fact her father’s very first priority.

Arnav too, it appeared, had not been expecting that. He stood still, taking a moment to absorb what Alok said.

“No, Mr. Gupta,” he finally replied, clearing his throat. “There won’t be a next time. I promise I won’t give you or your daughter a chance to complain… nothing means more to me than Khushi’s happiness.”

Alok nodded, seeming to be satisfied with that answer.

“Make sure you take all your medications on time,” Khushi told her father as he walked both of them to the door. “Ramesh will call me if you don’t. And don’t forget you have an appointment with Dr. Matthews next week, I will meet you directly at the hospital–”

Alok cupped her cheek. “Yes, I know,” he reassured her. “But you must take care too. No more skipping meals–”

“She’s skipping meals?” Arnav cut in with a disapproving frown.

Khushi averted her eyes, guilty. Luckily, they had reached the entrance of the manor where Arnav’s car stood, loaded with all her luggage, ready to go.

“Khushi will catch you up to speed,” Alok said with a chuckle. “Drive home safe.”

It was a polite dismissal.

So, as was customary, they jointly touched his feet for blessings before quietly making their way to the gleaming white BMW. Much too soon, they were driving away from the manor, the skies in front of them steadily darkening.

“So, you’ve not been eating?” Arnav asked. His tone was light, but his expression was a little frightening.

“Papa is just exaggerating,” she lied.

He eyed her scrutinizingly. “You’ve lost weight.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Don’t lie Khushi, your clothes seem a little looser.”

She scoffed. “Come on, there is no size to a saree.”

“When was the last time you checked your weight?”

She rolled her eyes and refused to answer. Of all the things she wanted to discuss with him, her weight was not anywhere on the list. Thankfully, he didn’t push the matter either.

As they settled into a comfortable silence, Khushi’s nervousness slowly began to creep up her heart. A lot had been said and done in the time they were apart… would they ever go back to way they were? Could they?

“Out with it Dr. Gupta,” Arnav said suddenly.

She looked up to catch his knowing eye. 

“What’s bothering you?”

She bit back a smile. “How’s the restaurant doing?”

“Is that what you were thinking about?”

“One of many, yes.”

Arnav grinned. “Restaurant is doing well I think, too early to say anything. The one month numbers come in next week, which reminds me… when are you free for a meeting?”

Khushi didn’t follow. “Meeting?”

“You’re an investor, aren’t you? I need to give you financial updates.”

It was Khushi’s turn to laugh. “Hilarious.”

“But it’s true. You did pay for the whole thing.”

“When will you accept that my money is your money?”

Arnav slipped his hand in hers. “I already did… doesn’t mean I will stop being thankful.”

Her heart swelled. “I don’t care about the money Arnav, you know that. I care about the reviews, and the food and…”

“And?”

“And you. I care about how happy you are.”

He brought their entwined hands to his lips at that and kissed the back of her hand. “With the restaurant, beyond happy I would say… Apparently, one of the customers wanted to personally thank me for the food last week. I don’t even have words to describe how it felt when Saket told me…”

Khushi smiled, imagining the giddy grin that must have overtaken his face. “Where were you?”

“At the company, where else? Papa is pushing for a new deal, so I have been caught up with that.”

“Look at you all busy.”

He rolled his eyes. “Not the busy I like. I’d much rather spend all my time at the restaurant, but Saket is a doing a good job, no complaints there I guess.”

“And your family?”

“What about them?”

“Did they… notice…?”

“Notice you were gone?”

She nodded.

“Of course, they did, but I told them you were taking care of your dad after the heart attack.”

That was good excuse, Khushi thought with relief. For some reason, she wanted to keep her separation with Arnav private.

“Did they bother you?” he inquired. “I very specifically told them not to message you…. I know you wanted to be left alone.”

She shook her head. “No, they didn’t… which knowing them was weird to be honest. They are always there, you know?”

“They still are Khushi. Sam and Mitali are desperately waiting for you.”

“Why?”

Arnav paused, internally debating something.

“What happened?” she asked curiously.

“Okay, you didn’t hear it from me, but Bhagi is going to propose.”

Khushi’s mouth dropped opened. It was an open secret that Bhagi, who had been dating Mitali –his younger sister’s best friend– for years now, was scared of commitment. Although he appeared to be the sane and sorted one compared to the rest of the cousins, Khushi never really understood his hesitance, especially since Mitali was perhaps the easiest girl to live with. Like the rest of the clan, Khushi too had accepted that maybe the happy couple would just grow old together without any strings attached, until now of course. 

Arnav chuckled upon catching her expression.

“You’re joking right?” Khushi asked, regaining her voice.

“Nope. He is planning it secretly, so naturally the entire family knows including Mitali.”

Khushi snorted, the least bit surprised. “Of course she does… So when is it happening?”

“I don’t know if he picked a date yet… I really haven’t been following up, given…”

Khushi had no trouble understanding. She simply squeezed his hand in reassurance.

“But the girls, I think, want your opinion on the ring,” Arnav finished. “Lavu knows the full story.”

“But isn’t the ring Bhagi’s choice?”

Arnav gave her a confused look. “It’s just a technicality… don’t girls always know what they want?”

Khushi didn’t know what to say. She instinctively glanced down at her own engagement ring, a solid two-carat round cut solitaire diamond sitting on a delicate gold band, wondering if she too should have given it more thought. The ring was brought by the Raizada family during their engagement ceremony and she had accepted it without further thought, wearing it now more out of habit than desire.

“You want a new one?” Arnav asked, following her eyes.

She shrugged. “It’s just jewelry.”

“I knew you would say that. You probably care more about your stethoscope, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

He sighed, pulling up into the parking garage of their apartment building.

They were home.

And that too, much too soon, for Khushi’s stomach seized up into a familiar knot, her nerves in a fix. Why did it feel so ominous returning to a place that was the closest anything ever got to feeling like hers?

Arnav –a gentleman always– swiftly got down and walked around to hold the door open for her to descend, not noticing anything.

“Thanks,” she muttered awkwardly.  

“This is a nice colour,” he commented, holding her pallu so that it doesn’t get caught in between the door.

She paused. “I thought red was your thing?”

“It is,” he agreed, locking the car. “But then again, you make every color look like it was made for you.”

She rolled her eyes, and began walking towards to the elevators.

Arnav easily kept up. “What? Am I not allowed to compliment my own wife?”

“If it's genuine, yes.”

They were inside the elevators now. “Everything I say to you is genu–”

He was cut off when the elevator stopped on the first floor, and a group of six people entered, pushing the two of them towards the very back of the small space. Khushi had just stumbled on the pleats of her saree, when she felt Arnav’s arm sneak in through the sheer chiffon material and encircle her bare waist, first steadying her and then gently pulling her against him.

She gasped inaudibly. Although dreams of their night together had never really seized to haunt her during their separation, it didn’t compare to what his touch on her bare skin felt like. They had been so consumed by the relief of their reunion in Agra, that neither had really addressed the passion that had been simmering in between them.

When Arnav’s free hand tucked her hair behind her ear, Khushi murmured in a low voice, “Not here.”

Arnav leaned down so that his lips were at her ear. “No one is watching.”

And it was true. Everyone was facing the doors, completely oblivious to the drumming of her heart.

Thankfully, however, the elevator opened before he could do anything else and the group of six exited, leaving the both of them, once again, all alone.

“You can’t be doing this,” Khushi said, trying to step away from him.

He brought up his other arm as well in answer and tucked his chin on her shoulder, tightly embracing her from behind. “Clearly we have a lot of catching up to do Dr. Gupta.”

“On what?”

“On each other,” he continued, the smile unmistakable in his voice. “I’m a touchy person. Although I have somehow managed to control myself for the past few months, please be very assured, that I won’t be so gracious moving forward. You will have to face the full brunt of my affections, with or without an audience.”

Khushi tried very hard not to grin. “Don’t I get a say in this?”

“Nope.”

The elevator, as if on cue, finally stopped on their floor. Arnav briefly released her, before taking her hand and leading her out into the hallway, where the main door to the penthouse stood.

“You’re being a little obsessive, don’t you think?”

He scoffed. “I haven’t even started.”

Khushi stopped short.

They had just reached the penthouse, and Arnav had dug into his pockets for the keys, when her eyes fell on the golden name plate engraved beside the walnut-colored door. Usually, it read ‘Raizada’. Today, however, it was something else altogether.

“What happened?” Arnav asked, catching on to her puzzled look.

She pointed to the name plate. “When did you get this changed?”

He followed her finger. “Oh, this.”

Instead of the family name, the plate read ‘Arnav-Khushi’, as though even on paper, they were inseparable.

“Probably a week ago,” he answered nonchalantly, unlocking the door. “I totally forgot you haven’t seen it yet.”

Khushi just stared at the letters in response, a mass of emotions clutching her already fragile heart. It was no secret that she had always felt shackled by her family, first by her birth and then through marriage… it was always about living up to the Gupta name or fitting in to the Raizada expectations. She had gotten so used to the cage that she had almost forgotten she was more than the obligation shackling her.

Almost.

She felt Arnav’s hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?” he asked gently.

Khushi gazed at him, not sure what to say.

“Words Dr. Gupta,” he teased. “Use your words.”

Khushi simply turned back to the nameplate, reaching out to trace the letters on it. The metal felt cool under her fingers, the carvings somehow putting it all into perspective.

This was their home.

“Thank you,” she finally mumbled at last.

“For what? This is your house.”

She shook her head. "No… Thank you for reminding me that Arnav and Khushi are one and the same.”

A dazzling smile lit up his handsome face. Lacing his fingers through hers, he pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

“Always,” he told her. “And forever.”

She brought his hand to her heart. “Always and forever.”

It was everything she wished for, everything she had been too scared to ask, everything that came the wrong way, but was here to stay. Her heart feeling full, Khushi finally tore her gaze away from him to enter the penthouse, only to be stilled into silence by another surprise waiting for her.

The entryway of the penthouse, which was once elegantly arranged by who she assumed was her mother-in-law, now stood starkly empty.

“Where did the paintings go?” she asked, very confused.  

“Go inside, you’ll see.”

“But–”

“Go on, you’ll see.”

She had no choice but to oblige. Careful to step inside with her right foot –her mother’s training was hard to shake off after all– she gingerly walked forward, her steps oddly echoing through the penthouse.

It wasn’t until she reached the living room, from where the entire space was visible in one glace that she understood. It wasn’t just the entrance foyer, the whole apartment, except maybe Arnav’s beloved kitchen, was empty.

She stared at the blank walls, horrified.

“Like it?” Arnav asked smugly.

It took her some time to find her voice. “I was gone three weeks.”

“Yes…and?”

She turned angrily on her heels to face him. “Only three weeks and you managed to throw out the entire penthouse?! What’s wrong with you?!”

His face fell. “But… but I thought you wanted a fresh start?”

If it was any other time, she would’ve found his fumbling face adorable, but after spending three weeks aching for the familiarity of the penthouse, this sudden change annoyed her. She wanted things to be the way they were.

“A fresh start with you, not the whole apartment!” she snapped, whipping around to scan the space once again, hoping there was something to scavenge. “Where are we going to sit or eat or sleep?”

Arnav sighed. “You worry too much.”

“But–”

She felt his arms encircle her once again from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. “You can have a whole new living room by tomorrow morning if you want.”

“I want the old one.”

“If that is really your choice, then fine. But it cannot be my family’s choice and most definitely not…”

He refrained from taking Myra’s name and suddenly the empty penthouse didn’t seem so absurd anymore. Was it so wrong for him to want a fresh start just as much –if not more– as her?

“I even got samples for you,” he finished, pointing to a line of paint cans against the far wall of the living room.

Khushi followed his finger, her anger dissipating. “You know how excited Lavanya was about redecorating–”

“I don’t want Lavu’s choice,” he interrupted stubbornly. “I want yours.”

“You are my choice,” she reminded him. “And she is going to be so mad.”

Arnav kissed her shoulder, sending a new wave of shivers down her. “I frankly don’t care. I’m sure you’ve had many dreams about what your house should look like.”

She did, but that was a very long time ago, back in the innocent days of her childhood when she believed in the fairy tales her mother told her. Now, as a grown-up, she realized the only thing that mattered was the prince and not the castle.

“Well?” Arnav asked, when she remained silent for a minute too long.

“I thought of it,” she admitted, leaning back into his hold, letting his soothing warmth take over her mind.

“Tell me then… I want to know.”

Khushi smiled and turned around so that her chest was pressed against his. “You want to know now or later?”

He on caught on very quickly. “Later when?”

She stood on her tip toes and reached for his lips.

It was like a moth to a flame. One second Khushi was looking into his warm eyes and in the next second, all she could feel was his fiery mouth on hers. He pulled her harshly against him, kissing her roughly with need.

It was much like the night of the restaurant opening, and yet so different. Back then Arnav was gentle with her, taking his time to work through her clothes, giving her time to breathe, to adjust… but today, he had no patience. Although his lips were just as soft, he was unyielding with his kisses. His hands yanked on her saree, unraveling it within seconds.

“Wait– do we even have a bed?” Khushi asked him breathlessly as he moved down to her jaw.

He pulled back to give her a blazing smile. “I’m not that idiotic.”

As if to prove his point, he scooped her up in his arms like a doll and carried her into the bedroom, her undone saree trailing at his feet.

Khushi frowned when she spotted the room in question, however. Just like the rest of the penthouse, the bedroom too was completely empty save for a mattress and a couple of pillows.

“There is no bed,” she said, her tone accusatory.

Arnav did not care in the slightest. He simply finished unhooking the rest of her sleeveless blouse, hurriedly pulling it down her arms.

“Did you get rid of the dresser too?” she asked, looking at the corner –now empty– where the dresser used to be, accompanied by a full-length mirror.

He gave her a very hard kiss before answering. “All of your things are in the cupboards.”

“But I liked–”

He was in no mood to listen. Having successfully discarded her blouse, his hands began to knead her freed breasts while his lips trailed down to the hollow of her neck.

There was no point; clearly, his –no, their– needs took precedence. Khushi surrendered the last of her resistance and let him caress her into oblivion. 

The mattress, when they eventually tumbled onto it, too wrapped up in passion to really notice anything else, turned out to be not so bad. When they had finally climbed down from their high, the sky was midnight blue speckled only by a few stars. The penthouse was glowing warmly, luminated by a few night lamps.

“I missed you,” Arnav murmured, his fingers tracing random patterns on her arms.

They were sitting up on the mattress, Khushi curled up in between his legs, her back to his chest.

“Understatement of the century,” she replied watching his slender fingers, silently marveling at how comforting they felt against her skin. “But I’m glad it happened.”

“You are?”

She intwined her fingers through his. “Yes… how else would we know the value of what we have?”

Arnav peppered light kisses in the nape of her neck. “It was only worth it for the make-up sex if you ask me.”

She grinned. “And to think I was nervous about coming back…”

“You were?”

“A little bit.”

“Why?”

She took a deep breath. “Because you were right in the elevator… we have a lot of catching up to do.”

“Okay, so let's play twenty questions then.”

“What's that?”

“We take turns asking each other questions, until we hit twenty.”

“And then?”

He nibbled her ear lobe. “And then it's round two.”

She felt her cheeks blaze.

“Ladies first,” he invited. 

Where to even begin?

“Why do you like children so much?” Khushi asked, choosing her words with great care. She didn’t want to ruin his mood, least of all tonight.

“You don’t?”

“Is that one of your twenty questions?”

He chuckled. “Touché.”

“I’m counting it as one,” she teased. “And to answer your question, I'm not really sure… I haven't given kids much thought.”

“Figures.”

“That sounds judgemental.”

“Not in the slightest. You’re too young to think about kids.”

Khushi found that odd. “I’m only three years younger than you.”

“So, when did I say I was thinking about kids?”

Khushi was very confused. “I don’t understand… weren’t you upset about Myra’s abortion?”

Arnav was quiet. 

“I’m sorry if I hurt you,” she mumbled, straining over her shoulder to get a better look of him. 

He gently kissed her cheek, his arms tightening around her. “No, it’s not you… I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Try.”

“I was not planning to have kids Khushi… it was completely accidental. But just because it was unintentional doesn’t mean they are unwanted, right?”

“Right… but if it’s accidental… couldn’t you have cut Myra some slack?”

His voice dropped a few notes. “Why are we even talking about her?”

“We are not talking about her… I want to know if kids really are everything to you.”

“I don’t know if they are everything, but yes, they are a very big part of it. Are only women entitled to dream of having a big happy family?”

“Of course not–”

“I grew up with two sisters and lots of cousins who knew me better than I knew myself, so even when things went sour between me and my parents, I always had them to rely on. I would like the same for my kids… not that I would ever subject them to the horrors of being the Raizada heir, but just saying.”

Khushi oddly understood that. Having grown up with just Vihaan, she didn’t really appreciate the inexplicable bonds that come with a joint family until she saw the Raizada clan. And now that she was a part of them, she couldn’t imagine her life any other way.

“So, lots of kids then?” she asked after a moment of silence.

She felt Arnav grin against her ear. “That depends on you. It’s a fifty-fifty partnership.”

“Do I have to decide now?”

“Not at all… but now that you’re back home, I can’t really promise how long it will be before the inevitable happens.”

Khushi gulped, beads of guilt trickling down to her stomach. She didn't know how to respond to that. 

But he wasn't Arnav for no reason.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, immediately. 

She took a deep breath, deciding that honesty was the best way to go. “I’m on the pill.”

He waited for her to elaborate.

“I know we should have talked about it,” she continued quickly. “But after that night, I didn’t want any accidents… no matter how happy they are supposed to be.”

Holding her waist, Arnav gently slid her around in his lap so that she was facing him.

“Why do you sound guilty? Do I seem that unreasonable to you?”

Khushi avoided his eyes. “No… but you have dreams, and you were so livid at Myra for not–”

He cupped her cheek, forcing her to meet his piercing gaze. “Listen to me, deciding to get pregnant will always be your choice… I was not mad at Myra for getting an abortion, I was mad because she assumed that I was not worthy of even having an opinion. Either way, it’s in the past, and what matters now is what makes you happy. I will never push you to have a baby until you are ready Khushi, you must know that.”

“And what if I don’t want one?”

Arnav gazed at her, lost for words.

“I’m not saying I don’t want a baby for sure,” she added nervously, hating the look on his face. “But since he or she will inherit fifty percent of the Gupta genes, I don’t know if it will ever be a good idea.”

He let out a sigh and pulled her in for a deep, fervent kiss.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he murmured.

She was taken aback. “Seriously?”

“Yes, because when has anything ever happened the way we wanted it to? That morning after Keyes opened, I wanted to wake you up with your favourite breakfast and show you all the reviews that came out… and look what happened instead.”

It took everything Khushi had to not let the image of Myra storming into the apartment cloud her mind.

“So, I’m not going to argue with you about things that are so far away from now… who knows, maybe I will be the one who will vote against kids in a few years.”

“I highly doubt it.”

He smirked. “I highly doubt it too, but that’s not the point.”

Khushi laughed and snuggled into his chest. “So, you aren’t worried about the Gupta genes at all?”

His hands automatically began to stroke her hair. “Of course not, you turned out wonderful didn’t you?”

“I don’t know about wonderful–”

“Exceptional?” he interrupted cheekily.

“No–”

“Brilliant?”

Khushi slapped his shoulder. “Stop complimenting me!”

She felt his lips on the top of her head before she heard his voice. “But it’s all true.”

Khushi hugged him tighter in response. He was an expert at making her worries disappear, that she always knew. But today, his words made her feel loved… and she knew, regardless of what the future held, he alone would suffice at making it all better.

It was several minutes before Arnav spoke again. “Are you hungry?”

Khushi didn’t move. “That depends.”

“On?”

“On what you cooked for me.”

“That, believe it or not, was the most difficult part of welcoming you back home.”

She frowned. “How come?”

“What could I possibly make that lived up to the happiness of you returning to me?”

Khushi leaned back so that she could get a better look at him. “You know I like everything you make.”

“I know… but not everything I make is special.”

“It is to me.”

He pretended not to hear that. “I was stuck between making something completely new, or making something you already love.”

“So what was the winner?”

“Well, firstly, you need to start being a better critic. You’ve literally liked everything I’ve experimented with–”

“Then you need to start being a bad chef.”

He grinned. “In the end, I settled for Spanish food.”

Khushi was instantly reminded of that night in the balcony when Arnav had served her a six-course meal in celebration of her winning the best first year resident at the hospital.

“You didn’t have to,” she murmured, a smile spreading up her face at the memory.

“Oh, but I did Dr. Gupta,” he replied cheekily. “Just to see this sweet smile on your beautiful lips.”

She blushed. “That was one of my favourite nights that we spent together… it was the first time you kissed me.”

“Technically second,” he corrected. “First was in the hospital.”

“Well, the hospital one doesn’t count… you did that only to show the nurses, not because you meant it.”

He shrugged. “Well in my books, neither of them count. It’s not a kiss unless it’s on the lips… and for that, you made me wait for an eternity.”

“Don’t exaggerate… it was just a couple of weeks.”

“Well, it was excruciating,” he countered drily. “Having you right beside me, just fingertips away, and not being able to do this…”

His fingers climbed into her hair, tugging her closer until she felt his breath fan her face, sending a trail of goosebumps down her arms. He stopped a few centimeters short of her lips, however, and let her simmer in the anticipation of the kiss that was surely about to come.

Khushi didn’t last longer than a minute. She leaned in and sealed his mouth with hers. She felt him smile against her lips as his hands slid down to her chest, kneading her.

“But I guess it was worth it in the end,” he finished. 

Khushi felt her stomach turn into knots. 

“But you never told me,” he continued, watching her very closely, his fingers heaving chaos on her. 

She closed her eyes, letting the thrill of his touch travel down to her legs. “What didn’t I tell you?”

“Did you like it? Our first night together?”

Khushi couldn't help but grin. Keeping her eyes closed, for his fingers didn't seem to stop, she asked, “Does Mr. Chef need validation?”

“Not validation… just some good old compliments.”

She couldn't reply, not with him toying with her like this. 

He seemed to realize for he let out a soft chuckle and slid his arms down to rest on her hips.

Khushi grudgingly opened her eyes. “Doesn't the fact that I am back here, sitting naked in your lap, say it all?”

Another soft laugh. “I’m curious Dr. Gupta… sex is important in a marriage. Did I live up to your expectations?”

She leaned forward and cupped his cheek. “It was perfect… you are perfect.” 

Khushi felt, rather than saw, his elation. She had to accept, there was some unknown power in knowing that she stirred such deep desire in him. 

“I have another question,” she said, her thumb stroking his lips. 

“We’re still on twenty questions?”

She grinned and pecked him on the lips. Now that the uncertainties were out of the way, Khushi found that there was so much of him that was unknown to her. All these months that they spent together, she only viewed him as her best friend, but now as her husband, there was a whole new side of him that she wanted to know and own. 

He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Go on.”

“How long….,” she began, trying to find the right way to frame it. “I mean… when did you start… wanting me? Like a wife?”

He paused, his eyes unfazed, looking past her to the darkened sky outside. “I don’t know when exactly… it was a combination of things I think.”

“Like what?”

“Like Holi for starters.”

Images of him in the pool at Shantivaan flickered in front of her eyes. 

“But that was long before I…” Khushi trailed off.

“Before you what?” 

She shook her head and encouraged him to continue. 

“That was the first time I felt it,” he said with a smile. 

Khushi still didn't understand.

He gently took her hand and placed it on the center of his chest. “My heart racing for you.”

Oh.

“Holi?” she repeated, amazed. She had felt her heart racing too that day when she had unknowingly leaned in to rub her cheeks against his to colour him. Of course, back then, she hadn’t really registered what it meant. 

He nodded. “The signs were always there Khushi… I was just too scared to accept them. I feared falling in love again, I was convinced that love was frivolous and inconsequential, and more than anything, I was afraid of losing you. I did not want to repeat my mistakes.”

Khushi had guessed as much. The pain of his broken relationship had been palpable in between them for as long as she could remember. 

“So when did you start changing your mind?”

“You’re gonna laugh,” he muttered, with a sudden roll of his eyes. 

She shook her head.  “No, I won’t. I have done far stupider things than you, believe me.”

Arnav took a deep breath. “It was Ved.”

Khushi had not seen that coming. 

“I kept trying to find humor in it,” he continued in a low voice. “But deep down, it bothered me that there was another man who could very well swipe you off your feet… the only reason I took it as well as I did was because I knew you didn’t return an ounce of his feelings.”

Khushi stared deep into his eyes. “Ved?” she asked. “You really saw me falling for Ved over you?”

He bit back a grin and began to twirl the ends of her hair. “I didn’t even know I was an option for you back then… you made it abundantly clear that our marriage was a pretense and a nuisance.”

Khushi gritted her teeth, recalling the many conversations they had during his brief stay in the hospital for a fractured leg. 

We pretend in front of our families out of obligation, yes, but that doesn’t change the truth. So, tell me, why do I have to keep up this façade even here? Life at this hospital is simple for me. No one expects me to act like your wife, people recognize me for who I am, and I can forget –even if it is for a few hours– the circumstances that led to our marriage. Am I really being unreasonable?

She inhaled sharply, realizing how she must have sounded to him that day.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she explained. “The truth is, I didn’t want to get my hopes up either… You told me that there was no room for love in your life.”

He smiled in reassurance. “I know… but the fact that I was hurt was pretty foretelling, don’t you think?”

“I guess so… so, that was the turning point?”

He took a moment to ponder before saying: “The turning point was you deciding to stay with me instead of going to London with Vihaan.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “When Vihaan told me of your choice, I couldn’t run away from my feelings anymore. How could I even deny you of your rights as my wife, when you had never stopped, even once in these six months, from being one?”

She looked down, feeling overwhelmed with his words. “You make it sound nicer than it was… I stayed because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving you. It was selfish.”

“Hardly,” he replied, unexpectedly. “You stayed with me even when there was no hope of a future. I call that selfless.”

She blinked, bewildered. 

“And that’s what I told her too,” he continued seriously. “Myra… I told her you’re not a rebound, but in fact a woman who stood by me despite knowing how badly I screwed up. If it wasn’t for you, I would still be wasting away in this very penthouse, unable to forget my past, mourning over my failed dreams, and being an utter disappointment to my parents.”

She shook her head. “No, don’t say th–”

He cupped her face. “I should because I do not ever want to take you for granted. Before now, I was thankful to you for saving Raizada Industries, and giving me a chance to keep my father’s dream alive. If it was anyone else in your place, she would have walked out the second I disappeared on our wedding night.”

Khushi bit her lip. “You know I had my own reasons.”

He pretended not to hear, and instead leaned over to the edge of the mattress and pulled out a small jewelry box from underneath.

“What–”

He popped open the box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring in pear-cut shape, slightly smaller than the one already on her ring finger, but somehow looking more alluring than any she had seen before.

Khushi gaped at him. “You didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to.”

He held her left hand and gently began to slide off her engagement ring.

“This one my mom picked,” he murmured. “And I know it doesn’t matter for you, but I wanted you to have something that is completely my choice. So that the next time even the tiniest of doubts crosses your mind about what you are to me” –he slipped the new ring on her finger– “you can look at this and remember that you are Arnav Singh Raizada’s life.”

Khushi stared at the ring, a gazillion emotions filling her heart. He always had a way with words, that she knew and loved, but today in the sweetness of their reunion, his words were taking on a whole other meaning. In many ways, the pear-cut diamond suited her slender fingers more than the round cut one her mother-in-law had chosen. It somehow felt more fitting for their love.

She broke out of her reverie when she felt him cup her face.

Unable to find words good enough to convey what she was feeling, Khushi threw her arms around him, hoping he understood.

And he did. He hugged her back equally tight, as though he wanted to absorb her very essence deep into his soul. 

“I’m nothing without you too,” she murmured in his ear. “You gave me everything I dreamed of but was not allowed to ask. You gave me a family, a home, and the freedom to be myself… it’s like I finally belong somewhere…. I belong to you.”

Arnav leaned back, breaking the hug stare at her for a moment before seizing her lips. He kissed her hard on the mouth, his intentions clear. Khushi let him, feeling her desires soar high yet again, realizing with a jolt that she would never get enough of him. No matter how much he gave himself to her, she would always want more. 

They spent the entire night like that… intwined, sometimes laughing, sometimes teasing and other times completely silent. They talked about everything and nothing at the same time. Arnav was… well, Arnav. He was unabashed, honest and just so carefree that Khushi had a hard time believing he once used to be just a broken shell.

They had indeed come a very long way.

Much too soon, the night sky slowly began to lighten, and although Khushi very much wanted to stay in his arms, she knew putting off her duties was not an option. She waited until the first rays of sunlight peaked through the open windows before speaking.

“I have to start getting ready for the hospital,” she murmured.

She felt him freeze underneath her for the tiniest of seconds.

“You can’t be serious,” he replied.

Khushi lifted her head from his chest to meet his eyes. He was looking at her incredulously, his arms absent-mindedly stroking her back.

She didn’t follow. “What’s wrong?”

Arnav grudgingly rolled her off him and sat up, leaning back on the pillows. “You didn’t sleep even for a minute… aren’t you tired?”

Khushi shrugged. “Nothing coffee can’t fix… I used to stay up all night for my board exams back in college.”

He frowned.  “What time is it?”

Khushi stretched her arms with a yawn before looking for her phone.

“It’s five forty-five,” she answered, finding it stuck between the wall and mattress. She had no recollection of how it ended up there.

“Damn,” Arnav cursed suddenly. “Can I make an urgent phone call? My phone is out of battery.”

Khushi silently passed him her phone, suddenly being consumed by guilt for not letting him sleep all night. She may be used to it, but he certainly wasn’t. She watched him calmly scrolling down her contacts list.

“Who are you looking for?” she asked, wanting to help.

He didn't reply. 

Khushi's eyes widened when she saw him pause at Dr. Awasti’s name, but before she could ask, he dialed her number. 

“What are you–” she exclaimed, but before she could finish, she heard Dr. Awasti’s phone echo through the phone.

“Yes, Dr. Gupta?”

Khushi gulped, not knowing what to say. 

It was Arnav, however, who answered. “Good morning Dr. Awasti, this is Arnav Singh Raizada.”

There was an awkward moment of silence. Like Khushi, even Dr. Awasti appeared to be taken aback.

Arnav kept his composure. “Hello?”

“Err…. Yes, good morning Mr. Raizada,” Awasti finally said, the confusion and hesitance very evident in her voice. “How can I help you?”

“Actually, I wanted to let you know that Khushi is very sick this morning. I don't think she will be able to come into work today.”

Khushi couldn't believe her ears. “Wh–” 

His hand, like lightning, clamped down on her mouth, silencing her in a second. 

“Sick?” Dr. Awasti repeated. “What happened?”

“I think it's something she ate last night… she has been vomiting nonstop.”

Khushi glared at him and tried miserably to claw his fingers off her lips.

Arnav smirked but didn't loosen his hold. 

“Are you bringing her in?” Dr. Awasti asked. 

“Um, no. I think it will pass… just food poisoning.”

“Well keep a close eye. If she starts feeling dizzy or she doesn't stop vomiting, she needs to come into the emergency room.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you so much for understanding… she will be relieved to know that you gave her the day off.”

“She can take two days,” Dr. Awasti replied. “Our best resident needs her rest.”

Arnav grinned. “I couldn't agree more. Take care Dr. Awasti.”

“You too Mr. Raizada.”

And the line went dead. 

Khushi was so livid that she didn't even notice when Arnav released her.

“You're welcome,” he said cheekily, leaning forward to peck her on the lips.

She glared at him. “What the hell were you thinking?! Do you even know how many important cases I have lined up for this week, why–”

He wasn’t listening to her. Waving away her complaints, his hand firmly wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her tightly against him.

“Arnav!”

“Khushi.”

She struggled to break out of his arms, but her strength was no match for his. Having no other choice, she grumbled incoherently and closed her eyes in surrender.

“Feeling better?” He asked, his voice sounding quite amused.

She refused to answer.

He waited for a few minutes more before letting out a sigh and pushing her down on the mattress so that he could see her face.

Khushi made sure her pout was obvious.

“Doctors are allowed to get sick,” he told her slowly.

“That's not the point. You should have asked me before calling Awasti.”

He pondered that for a second. “Yes… but I knew you wouldn't agree.”

“For good reason!” she retorted. “Now some other resident has to cover my shift, that's unfair–”

Arnav dangerously hovered over her. “What's unfair is depriving me of you for three freaking weeks.”

“Stop,” she muttered, her hands pushing against his toned midriff.

But her heart wasn't in it.

And he knew it too.

Forgoing further explanations, he kissed her and kept going until she couldn’t remember anything except him. And perhaps that was for the best… what more could she possibly want on her first day of their forever other an empty apartment, his arms as deep as his eyes, her heart brimming with pure untainted joy?

* * *

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