Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Aanewala pal jaanewala hai
Ho sake toh ismein Zindagi bita do
Pal jo yeh jaanewala hai ho ho...
Ek bar yun mili masum si kali
Ho khilte huye kahan pushpash me chali
Dekha toh yahee hai dhundha toh nahi hai
Pal jo yeh jaanewala hai ho ho...
Aanewala pal jaanewala hai
Ho sake toh ismein zindagi bita do
Pal jo yeh jaanewala hai ho ho...

The soft music played in the background, as all of them sat huddled together, playing a game of cards. It was the night after the new years, when Arnav had invited Sumer, Payal and Akash to stay over at Shantivan. Khushi was there offcourse. It had been about two months post their engagement, where the dynamics of their relationships had changed to a great extent. Payal had started working for AR, making her a close confidante. She had also told the Sharma's about Sumer and her relationship after the Shyam fiasco. She did not want to hide things any further from anyone. Knowing that Sumer was Shyam's cousin did not create a very good first impression of him and hence Arnav had intervened. He had vouched for Sumer's character and how good a friend and son he had been to him and his parents respectively. Gradually, he had risen in their good books. No one could resist the charm of Sumer Diwan for too long.

Akash Roy had earlier been a reason of concern for Arnav. His one-sided love for Khushi used to make Arnav feel uncomfortable. However, in the last two months things seemed to have changed for the better. He seemed more at ease in their company, looking like he had possibly moved on in life. He had also suggested a vendor for good quality fabric to AR, which had been quite beneficial for the company. Arnav had finally stared realizing who Akash truly was and why he was so dear to Khushi. He was an ethical man, who was extremely loyal and hardworking... characteristics that Arnav always admired. Although, what he could not tolerate was the growing friendship between his sister and the man.

Only a fool wouldn't notice the way she was smitten by him. He had early on feigned ignorance, thinking of it to be mere infatuation. He had noticed how Akash managed to always maintain a distance, which was actually a relief. But things seemed to have changed between them in the last few weeks, as they would chat and laugh freely, completely disregarding the rest of the world. He had spoken to Payal concerning this and the always-logical girl, had told him not to worry about it. She had vouched for Akash in the same way he had supported Sumer and assured him, that Akash would never break Anjali's heart. However, a brother's heart could not be put to rest and he had kept a close eye on the duo. As they sat playing a game of challenge, Arnav noticed the undercurrents between them and shifted restlessly in his seat.

"Okay guys... I think we should wrap up. We have an early morning flight to catch and an extremely hectic two days. No scratch that! Extremely hectic two weeks." Arnav held Khushi's hand and said happily, "We are getting married." Sumer groaned in annoyance and said, "God! Stop rubbing it in. You don't have to keep announcing the fact every two hours Arnav. You have not let me forget this for almost a month now, making me do all your bidding. I seriously feel like a slave." Khushi and Anjie giggled as Payal spoke dramatically, "I agree Sumer... I haven't been spared either. I thought I would join AR to fulfill my dream... but here I am fulfilling my best friends dream of a grand wedding. I am a slave too." Arnav looked at the made for each other' couple and said firmly, "If you guys are done with all the drama, get to work. Ten days of non-stop work for you guys. You had known this was coming, considering how much I had to butter-up your parents about Sumer. So if you guys want to get married some day, Khushi and my wedding has to be perfect."

Sumer and Payal mock-saluted Arnav, as everyone decided to go to their respective rooms. Arnav stopped Khushi, wanting to speak to her. Payal stopped too and said teasingly, "Oye! That's not allowed anymore, you know. Naniji and auntiji have put me in charge to keep you both away from each other... especially during the night! No raat ko saath saath." Arnav almost pushed her out of the room, making faces and closed the door swiftly. No one could ever keep him away from his angel and in the next ten days, she was going to be his forever. As decided by the elders, the tenth of January had been decided as their wedding date. Prior to that, there were rituals like haldi and mehendi, which the women had decided to organize at Shantivan itself. There was a crazy bachelor's party, which Sumer and his gang of friends were planning that Arnav was actually dreading and considering calling it off. He had agreed to all of the rituals and customs quietly, making only one tiny demand. He wanted to organize a destination cocktail party, for his friends, where the youngsters could enjoy. After a lot of persuasion, his maa and dad had agreed. That is why they were heading to Goa, early next morning.

"All set Khushi? Are you ready to be bound to this crazy guy for the rest of your life?" he asked pulling Khushi close to himself, just like he had been craving for the last few hours. Her soft supple body always felt good in his all-muscular arms. It was a delicious contrast, causing a friction that drove both of them completely insane. She kissed his cheek softly and replied, "I am more than ready laad governor. The question is... are you ready for a lifetime of slavery?" He looked at her through his desire-laden eyes and pulled her lower back closer, to let her know what she did to him. She gasped, as she felt his arousal nudging against her waist. He smirked and said hoarsely, "I have been ready for too long, Khushi... and slavery is so kinky. I already have images of handcuffs and whips." Her eyes rounded and her delectable mouth formed a perfect O. She blushed and wriggled in his hold to get away. He had been teasing her of their wedding-night too often these days. Her quick-witted brain had failed miserably to garner a response to his constant flirting.

"Don't do that angel. Your wriggling is hurting me to an unbearable extent," he ground through gritted teeth. She blushed some more if that was even possible, as his mouth closed in on hers, telling her just how much he loved her. It was a long time later that she closed the door of the room, that Payal and she were staying in. Arnav had grumbled about needing a cold shower and she had only managed to giggle. He had threatened her to take revenge as she almost sprinted out of his room. Now lying down on the bed, she smiled contently. The last two months had been like a dream come true. Her second book was on its way to completion. She had been helping Ananya in Ashadaan and its activities. Also, being pampered by her fianc and his entire family had actually spoilt her. She was more at ease with his circle of friends and at business parties. All the self-doubt had completely vanished, making her a strong and confident woman.

Post the engagement party; the media had gone completely berserk. For weeks there where photos and articles about them, about her and her background. There was gossip, speculation and even some defaming. Arnav had already prepared Khushi for the inevitable, considering that the media would soon find all the information about her. He had asked her not to read any newspaper for weeks, to keep her away from all the dirty games the media played. Frankly for her own sanity, it was best that she ignored everything. She knew her place in his and his family's life. She admired Arnav, about how he had literally transformed her from a timid, self-conscious girl to an assured woman. She was no more insecure in this relationship and that had only deepened their bond. Khushi was also pleased to see her best friend happy with Sumer. She really hoped that things worked out for them and soon she would be planning their wedding. To see Akash and Anjie together had been an icing on the cake. Who could have imagined she and her friends would land up falling for a brother sister duo and his best friend. With this pleasant thought in her mind, she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning was a complete chaos, as the entire group hurried to reach the airport in time. They had to almost rush through the procedures, making it to the plane just before takeoff. Most of Arnav's friends were travelling by the same flight, while a few of Khushi's friends would make it by evening. He had the tickets organized for whomsoever she had wanted to invite, be it from Lucknow or Delhi. She was slowly getting used to being a soon-to-be Raizada bahu, where all she needed to do was request and things would be done. It was an exhilarating feeling, to be the one demanding instead of the one following orders. As the flight landed in Goa, the salty air hit her in the face. It was quite chilly, considering it to be the beginning of January. However, due to being accustomed to the extreme Delhi winters it did not make her feel as cold. They made their way through the exit, to the already awaiting cars. In a matter of minutes, they were on their way to Park Hyatt at the Arossim Beach in South Goa.

Khushi was extremely excited at the mere mention of a beach party. She knew Arnav had decided on this venue, especially for her. Infact the theme for the party was "Blues Hues", where everyone needed to be dressed in shades of the sea. Khushi didn't have to bother about getting ready because Payal had planned everything weeks ago. She was dreading to see the outfit, as Arnav and Payal had both decided to surprise her on every occasion. The only liberty she had been given was to choose her bridal outfit and she had conveniently extracted a promise from Arnav to not see it until the day of their wedding. He had agreed immediately, considering the amount of things he was keeping from her, just in order to surprise her. After about an hour they reached the beautiful resort that gave a stunning view of the sparkling clean waters. The beach was private and pristine. Khushi immediately sprinted towards the beach, with Anjie in tow.

After a scrumptious lunch and fun-filled conversations, everyone retired to their respective villas to nap. With the workload of the last few days and the craziness of planning the wedding, each one, fell off to sleep almost immediately. With the arrival of the evening, the rest of the friends and acquaintances started pouring in. Vandy had to skip the event due to some last minute work. However, she had assured Arnav and Khushi that she would be there for every other ritual of their wedding. The boys were getting dressed in one room of their villa, while the girls had taken the other room for themselves. After getting dressed themselves, Anjie and Payal were helping Khushi with her dress. She had been fussing about the bare shoulders and how uncomfortable she felt. Payal knew this was coming, but the stubborn groom had approved of only this design and nothing else. As a backup Payal had added a last-minute bolero jacket to go with the gown and had promised Khushi to give it to her the minute she felt awkward.

Khushi had been kept away from the entire planning and preparations. So the two girls quickly exited the room, to go down and check on the arrangements. Khushi fiddled with her gown once more, looking at her reflection in the mirror. With one last look she made her way towards the door and opened it, to see a surprised Arnav standing in front of her. As usual he looked extremely handsome in a vivid blue tux. The crisp white shirt fit snugly to his chiseled body, and her treacherous mind wandered to the moment when she would be helping him unbutton it. She blushed slightly, coming back from her dream world to where they were. "What was that naughty thought in your head, angel?" Arnav asked huskily as he took a step closer to her. She looked up in surprise and asked without thinking of its consequences, "How did you know what I was thinking?" He smirked while she blushed some more. "Well, that is because I am having those exact same thoughts and maybe some more," he replied shamelessly while winking at her.

There was a moment's silence, where Khushi's breathing became erratic and Arnav's heart thundered in his chest. He took in her untainted beauty. She looked so gorgeous that she could easily pass of as an AR model. She added elegance to every design he thought to be stunning on paper. The flowing blue gown, that had a myriad shade's of blue and green, made her look like a mermaid from the ocean. The sweet-heart neckline, left her ivory shoulders bare, accentuating her slender neck. He bent forward and placed a scorching kiss on her rapidly beating pulse. She sucked in air, her eyes fluttering close at the feel of his lips on her exposed skin. Her fingers clutched onto the sides of her dress tightly, anticipating his next move. But to her surprise, he merely placed his warm hand over hers and loosed its hold on her dress. Holding it firmly in his hand, he looked at her and said, "You look beautiful Khushi... my soon to be wife. I can't tell you what I am feeling right now. I feel so proud that you are mine... all mine. I feel envious, of every man that would look at you today. I feel thrilled at being the only one to give you immense happiness and I feel content that I am the one you have chosen to love." Khushi held onto his hand, speechless at his heartfelt admission.

They made their way towards the venue, which seemed to be on the beach. The sun had already set and the sky was darkening, making Khushi feel excited for the upcoming party. She stopped short at the entrance towards the beach and the breathtaking view in front of her, made her gasp loudly. A huge canopy was set in the middle of the beach, with white drapes accentuating the setting. The entire place was illuminated with radiant lamps that warmed her heart. People seemed to have already gathered and were enjoying the picturesque ambience and the pumping music. She looked over at Arnav and said brightly, "This is just too beautiful, Arnav. I can't believe you guys have been doing so much without letting me help you'll." He smiled and replied, "These are your days to get pampered Khushi. Enjoy them while they last. Kyonki shaadi ke baad, main yeh sab soot samet vasool karunga." He kissed her cheek softly and pulled away only to return back to kissing her again. He knew how hard it was going to be to control himself. Just nine more days', he kept chanting mentally.

The couple of the evening was welcomed with a thunderous applause. They were flocked by their friends as Sumer took the job of hosting the evening. They began by opening a bottle of champagne, toasting to a lifetime of happiness. It was the first time Khushi had a sip of champagne. She had already mentioned to Arnav about not having alcohol and Arnav had managed to convince her to savor some wine atleast. The lavish food spread was extremely delicious, as always courtesy Sumer, who had taken up the responsibility of entertaining the three ladies. Arnav, to his annoyance, was being dragged from one group of friends to another. His few friends from Harvard had also come down to enjoy the great Indian wedding. That had miffed him slightly, as it kept him away from Khushi, who was busy with her own set of friends. This is not how he wanted to enjoy this party. And now he had started feeling a little buzzed, with the continuous flow of alcohol that his friends were forcing into him and the loud music putting him in a trance. To clear his head a bit he walked over to the DJ and whispered something. Soon the music came to a halt, causing an irritated murmur amidst the crowd, grabbing their attention to the center-stage. They heard Arnav's soft voice over the microphone, "This one's for you, my Khushi..."

Ho, Chehra Hai Ya Chand Khila Hai
Zulf Ghaneri Shaam Hai Kya
Saagar Jaisi Aankhon Vaali
Ye To Bataa Tera Naam Hai Kyaa

Tu Kya Jaane Teri Khaatir
Kitna Hai Betaab Ye Dil
Tu Kya Jaane Dekh Raha Hai
Kaise Kaise Khwaab Ye Dil
Dil Kehta Hai Tu Hai Yahaan To
Jaata Lamha Tham Jaaye
Waqt Ka Dariya Behte Behte
Is Manzar Mein Jam Jaaye
Toone Deewana Dil Ko Banaaya
Is Dil Par Ilzaam Hai Kya
Saagar Jaisi Aankhon Vaali
Ye To Bataa Tera Naam Hai Kya...

The spotlight was now on Arnav, who had parked himself on a barstool, playing a guitar and singing the melodious song of Kishore Kumar. As everyone cheered loudly, Khushi stood mesmerized by his soothing voice. She had a glimpse of his singing during their car rides quite often. However, the ambience at the moment, the cool sea breeze, the mellow lighting and the slight buzz of red wine did something to her. She dreamily walked towards him, as if in a trance. His deep brown eyes spoke volumes of his love and she stood entrenched by him. As the song came to an end, the crowd cheered and soon got back to their conversations and the loud party music. The two of them though, were lost in a world of their own. He walked towards her and clasped her hand tightly within his, and then he was leading her, away from this maddening chaos.

All Khushi could do was follow him mutely, as the loud music reduced to a soft thump. She realized he was taking her to their villa. The silence between them sizzled with extreme intensity. The anticipation to the unknown was driving her insane when he closed the door behind them. For a moment they stared at each other, the room glowed by the warm lights that filtered through the huge windows. He was in front of her in an instant, crowding her against the wall. Her beauty took his breath away and he slowly swooped in to capture her trembling lips in a slow sensual kiss. The alcohol caused a slight dizziness, adding vigor to his frenzied hands that were feeling her sinuous body. He moved away from her lips to her jaw, her soft neck that had been calling to him since the evening. His hand threaded through her hair that had now come loose, spoiling the low-bun from earlier. Khushi arched into his body, pulling him closer to her. His lips kissed, licked, and tasted her bare skin. He dropped tiny kisses above the neckline of her gown, which had dropped lower in this passionate haze.

"God! You are beautiful...hmmm... so beautiful," he murmured against the curve of her neck. All she could do was moan his name in pleasure, relishing the strange sensations that he was evoking within her. She was about to push away his jacket from his broad shoulders when there was a loud knock on the door. "Khushi? Arnav? Are you'll in there?" Payal's worried voice broke through their daze. Arnav immediately pulled away as Khushi blinked her confused eyes. He was quicker to reign in his emotions and replied, "Yes Payal... Khushi is with me. We will be back shortly. You go ahead." As the footsteps faded, their breathing returned to normal once again. He looked at her tenderly and brushed his thumb across her swollen lips. Her face was flushed and hair tangled in a mess. She looked so adorably loved that Arnav craved to not let her go out of this room for the remainder of the night. However, he recalled the promise to his mother, about keeping his distance from Khushi till the wedding. Threading his fingers through her hair and fixing up her dress, he whispered, "Just eight more days Khushi and then there is going to be no stopping us... no stopping me!" She simply blushed at his statement, as they left the room, to join their friends at the party that lasted till the crack of a new day.

Chapter 36

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey friends,

🤗

Thank you once again for the overwhelming comments and love.
I do hope you enjoyed this update as well.
With only five more chapters to go, including the epilogue, I am trying to include the wedding rituals along with the changing dynamics of relationships between all the characters on this story. I can't believe that I have been writing for over a year and dammit I forgot to even celebrate my first writing anniversary!!
Anyways, I have a lot to say and a lot of people to thank. 😆
But that can wait for another day. Still a few more chapters for us to arrive there!
See you at Arnav and Khushi's mehendi and sangeet, next week!

P.S. : I am too sleepy now, so will send the PM's tomorw morning! 😃