Chapter 7

 

Khushi looked at her watch. She was really late for college and her car chose the most inopportune time to break down. She tried getting Maya on her cell but there was no reception on her phone. Khushi held her head in her hands, "I need a miracle"

Right on cue, a car came and stopped. Khushi looked up to see a black BMW and relief washed through her. "Oh finally, maybe this person can help me get to college", she thought. But as soon as the window rolled down, her relief washed away. It was that jerk she saw fighting with his girlfriend on the street. What was his name? Ah yes, Arnav. Of all the people who could have stopped by, it had to be him. However Khushi"s reaction was not the same as Arnav. There was a satisfied smile on his face.

"Well its you. I am so glad I chose to take this road to reach college. Need some help there?"

Arnav's casual tone was already beginning to bug Khushi. "No thanks, my friend is coming to pick me up"

"Really? Ok then. Have fun waiting out here in the wilderness all by yourself" Arnav put his shades on and was rolling up the window. Khushi bit her lip. She didnt want to go with Arnav but she didnt want to miss the lecture either.

"No wait, can you please give me a lift to my college"

Arnav couldnt help but smirk, "Sure love. Hop in"

Khushi flinched when Arnav called her love but its not like she had a choice. She'll have to tolerate him for just this one ride. Khushi hesitantly sat inside in the car. After telling him the directions Arnav took off. He was going too fast and Khushi was feeling uneasy.

"Can you please drive slower. Its not safe to drive at this speed. Actually, its suicidal"

"No problem love. If it suits you"

Khushi was irritated again but she didn't say anything as Arnav did drive slower after that. They reached college in 12 minutes and Khushi hopped out of the car. Arnav also came out of the car and stood leaning against the car. Khushi turned around to face him.

"Thanks for dropping me to college. I appreciate it." She turned to leave but Arnav called out from behind her.

"What do I get?"

"What do you mean?"

"I dropped you to your college. So what do I get for helping you?"

"I don't know. What do you want?"

Arnav smiled with confidence, "Go out with me"

Khushi was shocked. Was he serious? He answered even before she could ask, "Yes I am serious. Go out with me"

"Are you crazy?"

Arnav grinned. This one was really different from the others he thought. "Nope. I don't do any favours so you'll have to compensate"

"I thought my first impression of you was wrong when you helped me out. But now I realize that I was right before. You are a jerk"

"Come on, its just one date. If you don't then I will follow you around reminding you everytime that you are in my debt. Do you really want that?"

Khushi bit her lip, "Fine, one date that's it. After that you wont show your face to me and you wont bug me and stop calling me love ok"

Arnav was amused now, "OK love, see you tomorrow. I'll pick you up after college".

Khushi let out an exasperated sigh and turned and walked away from him. She thought about how ridiculous this all was. She was going on a date with a stranger that too a jerk. She half thought of cancelling but then left it. Whats the harm anyway she thought. Arnav meanwhile give himself a pat on the back. He suddenly remembered he doesn't even know her name.

He shouted out to her," Hey I didnt catch your name". Khushi turned around and shouted back," Khushi!".

...

The first date didnt go the way Khushi anticipated. Infact she enjoyed herself a lot. She found out that there was more to Arnav than the jerk she met the first time. After dinner, Arnav took Khushi for a walk. The weather was pleasant and there was a little breeze which made Khushi's curls wave across her pretty face. Arnav couldn't stop staring at her, she was utterly beautiful and she was very different from the girls he had met till now. As they walked side by side, their hands brushed gently against each other. Arnav wanted to hold Khushi's hand but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. They reached Khushi's apartment. Khushi turned around to tell him she enjoyed his company but Arnav spoke first ruining her impression of him again.

"So I guess you had fun after all. You were on a date with Arnav Singh Raizada. I guess the girls in your college will be jealous of you now when we'll go on a second date."

Khushi couldn't believe Arnav found his way back to being a jerk again. She didn't even feel like saying goodnight and walked to the gate. Arnav was surprised Khushi was leaving without saying anything. Did he do something wrong? He caught her hand to stop her.

"Hey what's wrong? Why are you leaving?"

"Because you are a jerk and you will always remain one. I was going to say I enjoyed the time I spent with you and I was wrong about you before. But I am clearly not, not after your thoughtless comment".

Arnav's smile disappeared. "Hey look I am sorry. I am used to talking to girls like that but I have never met someone like you before. You are so simple, intelligent, caring and beautiful. I'll try to be better. Promise!"

"Arnav, you should learn to respect a girl's feelings! Doesn't your mom teach you how to talk to girls?"

Arnav smiled sadly. "My parents died when I was 9. I live with my aunt".

Khushi"s face froze. She cursed herself for being so harsh on him. She felt terrible now. "I am so sorry Arnav, I didn't know".

Arnav kicked absentmindedly kicked a pebble on the road. "Its ok. You didn't know".

But the sadness remained in Arnav"s eyes. He was pleasantly surprised when Khushi hugged him. He put his arms around her hugging her close. They sat on the bench outside the apartment and talked for hours. Arnav told her about his aunt, his grandma and his parents as he remembered them. He told her about his best friend Aditya and they even spoke about Tanya.

"She was really eccentric and possessive and I couldn't deal with that anymore. She wanted me to only care about her and she demanded that I move out of my aunt's house and live with her. So I had to dump her but she is not ready to give up"

Khushi smiled at him, "Why didn't you show this other side of you before. Most of the time you act like a jerk"

Arnav smiled a genuine smile this time and not his usual cocky smile, "Sorry. I am used to being flirty with girls but you are different. That"s why I like you so much".

Arnav glanced at his watch and realized its past midnight. He jumped up, "You must be getting late. I should leave now. My aunt will scold me for sure"

Khushi also got up, "So what time?"

Arnav looked at her confused. Khushi giggled at his confused expressions, "I mean when you will pick me up. We are going on a second date aren't we?"

Arnav's heart jumped with joy. He half thought Khushi wouldn't want to go out with him again. "I'll see you this weekend then. I'll pick you up from your apartment". He hesitantly kissed her cheek and Khushi didn't stop him. That day was the most memorable in Khushi's life because that was the day she found her true love.

...

"Arnav I'll kill you", Khushi muttered under her breath.

They had been dating for almost a year now and never was Arnav late for any date or special occasion. He chose the most inopportune time to be late. It was Khushi's birthday. Maya had thrown a big birthday party for Khushi and invited the whole college. But Khushi's eyes were only waiting for one person. He didn't even wish her at midnight, nor had she heard from him since morning. Had he forgotten her birthday? Tears threatened to flow out of her eyes, she couldn't take it anymore.

"Why so sad?" A voice spoke from behind her.

Khushi turned around and saw Arnav standing at the door. Khushi ran to him and hit his chest with her hands, "You idiot, you forgot my birthday. I hate you"

Arnav caught her hands and held them tightly in his, "Sorry Khushi, I was just hung up getting your birthday gift. Here it is. I hope you like it"

Khushi looked at him suspiciously. Khushi took the small box from his hand which was wrapped in glittery red paper and was tied with a pink bow and opened it.

"If you think you can escape my anger by giving a gift, you are mistaken mister. I am not.."

Her voice trailed off as she looked inside the box. It was an engagement ring. Her eyes filled with happy tears as she looked at Arnav who took the ring from her hand and bent down on one knee. Everyone in the party surrounded them and started cheering.

Arnav took Khushi's hand in his and asked her in his deep husky voice, "Khushi, will you marry me?" Khushi had imagined this moment in her mind a lot but the real moment was so much more special. She nodded her head, a sweet smile playing on her lips. Arnav kissed her hand and got up to take her in his arms. He rested his forehead against Khushi's, "I will love you forever Khushi".

...

Arnav carried his newly wedded wife into the bedroom of their new house. He had decorated the whole house and the bedroom himself, all for his love. Khushi was amazed at how beautifully Arnav had decorated the house just for her. Arnav put her down and she moved around to admire every detail of the room. She looked at the wall facing the bed. Arnav had put all their memorable moments on the wall. Her eyes were filled with tears. Arnav loved her so much. She basked in the glow of being his wife. Arnav came up behind her, put his arms around her and kissed the back of her head. Khushi fell back into his embrace. "I love you Arnav".

Arnav smiled ecstatically. He know had someone he could call her own, "I love you too Khushi. And I want to show you just how much"

He bend down and lifted her into his arms again and carried her to the bed. He gently laid her on the bed and kissed every inch of her face before putting his lips on hers. He kissed her softly at first and then the passion started building up as he pinned her hand beside her head. He kissed her more forcefully now while Khushi kissed him back shyly. His desires were reaching its peak now and he grabbed Khushi and were soon drowned in passion.

...

He waited anxiously outside the maternity ward. How much longer would he have to wait! He was dying to see Khushi. The nurse finally came out and told him he can go inside. Arnav ran inside to see Khushi holding their baby in her lap. She looked up, a beautiful smile playing on her lips. He went to her and sat beside her on the bed. The baby was playing with a lock of Khushi's hair. He took the baby from Khushi and she gave a small cry.

Arnav's heart swelled with love seeing his beautiful daughter, "Sshh, its ok princess".

Khushi took the baby back in her lap but the baby caught Arnav"s finger in its tiny hands. Arnav put an arm around Khushi and bend towards her and kissed her lips lightly, "Khushi, thank you so much for giving me this beautiful gift. She is beautiful. She takes after her mother huh"

Khushi smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, "What should we name her Khushi. I like princess" Khushi laughed. Arnav and his ideas.

"Arnav, we cant name her princess. We need a real name. I was thinking, since she is the symbol of our love, why not name her Sneha"

Arnav nodded his head, "Sneha, its perfect"

He kissed Khushi's forehead and leaned his head on Khushi's as they watched Sneha fall asleep in Khushi's lap.

...

"Sneha!!!!!!!", Khushi called out as she searched the house for her naughty 3 year old daughter with a glass of milk in her hand. She went back to Sneha's room and checked again. She was about to leave when she heard a giggle from under the bed. Keeping down the glass of milk, Khushi bend down and looked under the bed and sure enough Sneha was crouching under the bed holding her favorite Winnie the pooh teddy bear. She looked a lot like Khushi, she had the same curly hair and a cute pixie look but her eyes were just like Arnav.

"Sneha come out! I am getting late for work and I have to wake up your dad also and then make breakfast and drop you off to school. I don't have time to play around. Come on now, drink your milk"

Sneha made a face, "But mommy, milk tastes yuck"

Khushi was starting to lose her patience with Sneha now and spoke to her in her stern voice, "Sneha! Enough. Your tantrums are increasing day by day. Drink your milk or you'll get a punishment from me"

Sneha pouted her lips, came out from under the bed and ran to the other bedroom. Sneha jumped onto Arnav's chest and pulled his shirt to wake him up, "Daddy, wake up! Mommy is scolding me"

Arnav woke up to his daughter's beautiful voice. He opened his eyes to see Sneha sitting on his chest. He smiled seeing Sneha pouting her lips. He sat up and made Sneha sit on his lap, " Why is my little princess sad?"

Just then, Khushi entered the room. Sneha saw her mother still holding the milk glass in her hand and she crawled out of Arnav's lap and hid behind him and whispered to Arnav," Daddy help!"

Khushi tried to catch hold of Sneha but she jumped out of her reach. Arnav caught hold of Khushi"s hand and took the glass of milk from her and smiled,"don't worry, I'll manage this"

Khushi smiled back. "Fine, but don't fall for her tricks. She is getting very naughty these days"

Arnav smirked, "She takes after her father then"

He moved Khushi's hair away from her face and kissed her cheek softly. Khushi blushed red. Meanwhile Sneha silently tried to escape but Arnav caught hold of her.

"Sneha!" He began tickling her and the air was filled with Sneha's laughter, "Daddy stop. It tickles"

Arnav smiled hearing Sneha's sweet baby voice,"Ok, if I stop then you'll have to drink this milk"

Sneha surrendered, "ok ok, I'll drink".  After Sneha finished the glass of milk Khushi sent her to her room to change. She took out a suit for Arnav from the cupboard and kept it on the bed. She turned to leave but Arnav caught her hand and pulled her towards him making her fall on his chest.

"Ahem, I wasn't done with you". Khushi blushed some more and pushed him," Arnav you'll get late for work. So go and freshen up"

Arnav was in no mood to listen and rolled over so now he was on top of her. He pinned her hands to the bed and began kissing her softly. Khushi weakly protested but she lost her train of thought as Arnav kissed her neck repeatedly. He moved back to look at Khushi's flushed face and smiled affectionately. A thought crossed his mind.

"Khushi, I want a brother for Sneha". Khushi was tomato red and tried to wriggle away but Arnav kept her caged in his strong arms. Arnav decided to tease Khushi some more.

"Khushi, what is this! A good wife always fulfils her husband's wishes. Wont you fulfil my wish?" He bend down to kiss her again when Khushi said,"Sneha!"

Arnav left Khushi's hands and quickly moved away. He turned and saw that Sneha wasn't there. Khushi tricked him. He turned back to Khushi but she had already run to the bathroom door. She stuck her tongue out at him and closed the door.   

...

"Happy birthday Sneha"

Khushi kissed her cheek and handed her a big present. Arnav had Sneha in his lap. Sneha turned around to face him, "Daddy, where is your present?"

Arnav felt bad not getting Sneha a present. He had been really busy with work and hadnt found time to pick up a gift.

"I am sorry princess I don't have a present for you right now. But don't worry, your mom will take you out today and buy you another present"

Sneha smiled widely and hugged Arnav. Khushi picked Sneha up in her arms and walked to the dining table, "Come on Sneha. You have to get ready. After you finish your breakfast, we'll go out and buy you a present"

Arnav got up and went to his room to change. He had to reach office early today, "Khushi, I am getting late. I'll have my breakfast in the office"

Khushi quickly finished dressing Sneha and took out Arnav's wallet and car keys from the drawer and handed it to him, "Arnav, cant you take the day off? Come with us na".

"Sorry Khushi, I have to go. I have an important meeting and it doesn"t look good if the CEO of the company doesn't show up on time. I promise I'll be back early. Take care of my little princess. And don't let her out of your sight or she'll wander off by herself"

"Don't worry Arnav. I'll take care of her", She helped Arnav put on his coat. Arnav gave a quick peck on her lips and left.

...

"Mommy, I want ice cream"

"Sneha, you cant have ice cream. Your doctor has told you not to"

"But mommy, its my birthday". Sneha pouted. Khushi sighed. She knew Sneha will take full advantage today it being her birthday. Khushi saw an ice cream cart nearby. She made Sneha sit on one of the park benches.

"Sneha, I'll get your ice cream. You stay here and don't go anywhere. You understand me!"

Sneha nodded her head hugging her teddy close to her. Khushi bought Sneha's favourite strawberry ice cream and walked back to the park bench. It was empty. Khushi panicked. She looked around but there was no sign of Sneha. 

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