Chapter 5

While Aakash Singh Raizada was using all the ammunitions his brain cells had, to control his blushing, our very own newly wedded bride Khushi seems to be permanently suffering from erythrophobia.

However, that didn't last long as Anjali said Aakash would have to accompany her to the shopping mall as she had tons to buy before flying to Goa, and since Khushi would be leaving for her maika, he will have to accompany his Di.

Khushi just gave a sad smile to Aakash and said Don't worry Aakash ji hum apke ghar aane se pehle hi aajayenge. Aur phir Payal aaj ghar par hi hogi. Usne college se chutti le rakhi hai. So she will give me company.'

Listening to this Aakash was more disheartened. Arnav looked at his brother and then at his sister, while the former had a sad forlorn face, the latter had a mischievous grin on her face. Rather than getting more confused he thought of putting his mind to better and productive things: his beautiful and sexy wife.

He saw Khushi, give a confused smile to Aakash and then her eyes lost all the twinkle and the color on her cheeks went from red to pale. He couldn't fathom the reason for this. He thought of asking her in private about what went wrong.

Soon the breakfast was done, all went to their respective rooms. As soon as Khushi entered their room followed by Arnav, he held her hands and locked the doors.

Kya hua tumhe..? Why are u upset? Do you want Aakash to accompany you instead of me? Are you feeling uncomfortable with me? Is it because of what happened in the kitchen earlier?'

He watched the emotions on her face change from sad to confuse to panic to his favorite blushing.

Nahin, nothing like that, woh ... actually...woh I wanted to stay with mom for a few days and then return. I was missing her a lot.'

Arnav saw her face...he understood the fact that a girl would obviously miss her family for few days after the wedding, but something in his said was pointing out that this was not the reason she wanted to stay back.

Lets do one thing, why don't you stay until late and when all are ready for bed you let me know I will bring you back. Is that ok?'

Watching her face showing disappointment , he asked Khushi, is that the only reason you want to stay back ? Did someone say something to you? Did anybody offend you? Did I offend you?'

Waiting with bated breath hoping all the answers as a NO, he kept observing her face.

Nahin...nahin aisi koi baat nahin... Don't worry you can pick me up in the evening.'

You sure?'

Ji...'

And they were on their way to her maika.

While driving Arnav kept looking towards the passenger seat and each time found Khushi lost in thoughts. He couldn't comprehend what went wrong during the breakfast that she seems to have shut herself out. Soon they reached the house and were welcomed with a loud voice of Payal yelling of Jijiii'. Payal received them at the door and kept looking behind them. Jiju nobody else came?'

Arnav looked behind him as a reflex and answered her saali Nope, did anyone else had to come too? He asked looking confused. What's up with these people today?'

Garima(Khushi's mom) came out of the kitchen hearing the voices.

Arre Payal, at least let them get in the house.'

She made them sit Beta, how are you both?. Payal, get water for both. Damad ji how is everyone at home. And how is Devyani(Arnav's Nani) ji now?'

All are fine Aunty. Aunty, actually I need to leave for office. I have some important meetings. Ummm Khushi, I will come by 7 pm to pick you up. Is that ok ?'

Beta at least have some tea.'

Aunty I am really sorry but I am getting late. But I can surely have dinner here today. How does that sound?'

We would be glad to have you with us for dinner here beta. Return from office soon.'

ji Aunty.'

'Khushi, walk damadji to the door.'

Khushi looked nervous but never the less went to drop off Arnav till the door. Arnav turned to look at Khushi and dropped a chaste kiss on her forehead 'See you in the evening. Hmmm?'

Khushi smiled a little and answered a JI back.

Garima could see an invisible distance between her daughter and son-in-law. 'I hope she hasn't offended damadji in any way. How do I make this girl understand that this relationship is for her own good?'

Khushi come I need to talk to you.' Garima said calling her daughter to her bedroom.

But Ma I need to talk to Jiji too. U can talk to her later. O jiji I missed you so much. Acha tell me how is everyone at home? Was anybody asking about me?'

Khushi looked a little confused and thinking it to be Payal's general banter just replied about everybody's well-being at Shantivan(Arnav's house). Soon both sisters were engrossed into a chatter about everything and nothing. After lunch Garima sent Payal to get sweets from the neighborhood halwai. And took Khushi to her room for the much needed conversation.

Khushi, how is everybody treating you at your sasural. Are they nice to you? How about Damadji... He does seem to care a lot about you.'

Khushi didn't answer anything. She just kept looking at her bangles and playing with them. She was still angry with her for emotionally blackmailing her into this marriage. Though she knew that her mother would never do something to jeopardize her happiness but still in some corner of her heart she could not completely accept this decision.

Garima continued Look at me Khushi. Arnav is a very sensible man. He will keep you happy, always. I have heard about their family. It seems both Arnav and Anjali lost their parents when the kids were in their teens and have been staying with their maternal family. I have heard they are a very close knitted family and love each other to death. You, being a part of their family now, will get the same love and affection. But it's on you now, how you handle it. Will you preserve this love or destroy it? Whatever decision you take will leave the effect on for all your life. I get it that you were not ready for the marriage so soon after your break up, however you needed a person right now in your life who could take that pain away from you. You kids think that I don't understand what you are going through. But that's not the case. I was not against your love marriage but the person you selected for yourself. He was not worth all the pain you were ready to take, Khushi. It will take time for you to adjust in a life with Arnav, but I am sure that you will start loving him soon. Mark my words he will make you fall in love with him. I saw him the way he looked at you all through the wedding. He seemed to be in sync with you. Today too though he wanted me know the time he would be here to pick you up, but he was looking at you trying to find out if you were comfortable with it. Khushi, dekh beta jaldbazi mein koi nadani mat karna. Don't ever hurt your husband. He is a gem of a person. Tell him you need some time to get adjusted to his lifestyle and I am sure he will understand. Go out with him, the more you spend time with each other the more you would know each other. Tu samajh rahi hain na main kya keh rahin hoon.'

Khushi knew her mom was right. She hugged her mom letting the tears run freely down her cheek and then nodded in answer.

Khushi, unless you don't want to be happy in your life no one can make you happy. People around love you a lot. They will give you many reasons to be happy, but its you needs to accept those reasons and get that smile on your face. Now don't cry so much. Everything will be alright. You rest now, I will wake you up in an hour and then we can go have your favorite Gol-Gappas. OK?'

Khushi gave a sloppy smile to her mom and rested her head on her lap, chanting the mantra of All is well' in her mind.