Chapter 36

Chapter 36

It had been four days since the entire group had returned back to Delhi from their Goa trip. All of them were in particularly high spirits and for Sumer it meant literally. He had gotten completely drunk at the party, proclaiming his love for Payal on the practically empty beach. It had taken a sober Akash and a giggling Anjali to pull him back into their villa and calm him down. Payal had been extremely angry and had wanted to strangle him to keep his mouth shut. Arnav and Khushi had been silent witnesses to this entire commotion, as their hearts were lost in each other. The six of them had managed to fall asleep in the wee hours of morning, sleeping throughout the next day. They had to rush once again to catch their evening flight to head back home on time.

Once back in Delhi, everything seemed like a complete chaos. Arnav had to wind up a lot of things at work before he went on a month's break. His father and his managers had assured him, that they would definitely manage everything and contact him immediately, if required be. With his dad around, he had nothing to worry about. He also knew how hard he had driven Payal in the last few weeks, who has been designing all of their wedding outfits... not only Khushi and his; but also Anjali, his maa, his nani, dad and Sumer. He decided to surprise her later with a plan that had been forming in his head for a while now. She had become a sister to him, whom he felt protective about, just like how Khushi was to Sumer. Except that Sumer and Khushi bonded at a different level... their love for food drove them insane, making them versus the rest of the world.

The next three days were going to be crazy and despite its madness, Arnav felt exhilarated. He was finally going to marry Khushi. They would not have to hide and sneak around to get a few private moments anymore. He would not have to control himself, when desire seemed to explode around them. He would now have her completely for himself, all the time. These thoughts brought a huge smile on his face as he looked at himself in the mirror. Sumer had just left him to check on a few arrangements. They were in one of their farmhouse rooms, getting ready for the mehendi followed by a sangeet. It wasn't really a men's function. However, the Raizada's had taken pity on his plight and planned it in a way that they could celebrate the occasions together. The sangeet was Anjali's idea, who got strong backing from Payal and Sumer. They had been sneaking around and practicing some dance numbers and all Arnav could do was wait patiently to see the drama unfold. Although Khushi had not been that patient, and had tried to overhear conversations; peek through doors to see what they were planning and had also threatened Sumer to blurt out everything. Arnav had simply laughed at her adorable antics and had assured her that she would soon come to know about it.

The guests had already started pouring in, with women excited to get their hands painted in a stinky gooey paste, that Arnav could never stand. He had mistakenly told Khushi of his hatred for mehendi and she had given him a devilish smile in return, her mind working on ways to torture him. His angel was turning into a complete rogue day-by-day and he seemed to like it that way. Arnav made his way towards the poolside, to find it completely deserted. He called out to his family, to Sumer, but everything seemed eerily silent. He wondered if everyone had already made their way towards the huge gardens of their property. They had actually left the groom behind? He took quick strides through the thick foliage, walking towards the beautifully illuminated lawn. The sky was losing its brilliance, making the night even more beautiful with the shimmering lights and lamps that adorned the pathway.

Mehndi hai rachnewaali,
haathon mein gehri laali
Kahe sakhiyaan, ab kaliyaan
Haathon mein khilnewaali hain
Tere mann ko, jeevan ko
Nayi khushiyaan milnewaali hai
O hariyali banno
Le jaana tujhko guiyyaan
Aane waale hai saiyyaan
Thaamenge aake baiyyaan
Goonjegi shehnaayi

The faint music of the dholak and the earthy notes of the rustic singers that were hired, grew louder as Arnav neared the main venue. The vibrant colourful drapes, the buzz of conversations and the warm smiles that adorned the faces gathered, just made this occasion perfect. He spotted his parents in middle of a group and headed towards them. "Hey Arnav, finally you have made it. Everyone has been asking about you. It's been an hour since Khushi has been here," his father joked. "One hour? Nobody told me about this! In fact Sumer said that the function begins at 7 and I had been waiting for someone to call me. Were you guys planning on keeping me away from my own wedding functions?" asked a shocked and irritated Arnav. The older people around, laughed at the young mans plight as Ajay said, "I think you should ask your childhood friend about this, Arnav. We have been here for a couple of hours welcoming guests and were surprised to not see you hovering around Khushi."

Arnav ignored the playful comments of his relatives and made his way through the crowd to look for Sumer. He would definitely be near the food counters and Arnav was not off the mark in guessing that. The lavish buffet was spread under trees, with beautiful lamps that hung from its branches. It seemed like a scene from some enchanting movie and Arnav was thrilled at the prospect of how much Khushi would love this kind of setting. "W*F Sumer! When were you going to tell me that the function had already begun? All you can think is food, right?" Arnav cornered Sumer who had just stuffed a huge piece of kachori. He tried to mumble through a full mouth, failing miserably. If Arnav hadn't been slightly miffed, he would have laughed at this sight. "Speak up idiot! You could not manage to get me to meet Khushi since morning and now that she has been around here for over an hour, you did not bother to even inform me," he went on ranting. Poor Sumer gulped the food quickly to respond to Arnav's barrage, when his feisty girlfriend intervened. "Stop screaming Arnav. Sumer and me are tired of covering up for you guys. Now we are in a state, where we can't wait for the two of you to be married. You have wanted to meet Khushi and she has wanted to avoid you. What are we supposed to do in this mess? Look there she is... go ask you angel why she has been running away from the devil, since morning."

Arnav gawked at an annoyed Payal, actually feeling guilty about driving these two up the wall. He would have even apologized, had the one face, which always made his heart skip a beat, not distracted him. There she sat amidst unknown women, laughing, chattering and blushing. Her face was radiant with a glow that only a bride could have. As he neared the group, he was mesmerized by her tinkling laughter, reminding him of all the times he had been smitten by her. They had come a long way, since their first meeting at the signal. The initial peek-a-boo, that had made him anticipate their first actual conversation, had been the most memorable. He recollected the days that he had spent thinking about when he would catch one glimpse of Khushi... and he laughed mentally at his plight. Despite the passed time and changes in their relationship, here he was, even now a little desperate for one glimpse of his angel. He stood rooted to the spot, entranced by her mere sight.

She looked gorgeous in the deep purple and gold lehenga that was bunched up around her knees, as she sat in an uncomfortable position to dry the mehendi applied to her pretty feet. Her delicate hands were now being adorned with the intricate designs. He walked pass the giggling and smiling ladies, who tried to grab his attention. However, his sole focus was on the woman, who had his heart... and soul. As if she could sense his presence, she looked up, hazel eyes clashing with deep brown ones, the happiness and excitement reflecting in both. She took in his appearance. He looked stunning in the black jodhpuri, with the elegant maroon work adorning the collar and the wrists. The contrast of a loose dhoti-type white pyajama and maroon mojhari's, made him look extremely stylish and definitely a fashionista. Her breath hitched seeing the intensity in his eyes. She understood how much he must have missed her since the morning and felt the urge to just rush into his arms.

He walked closer, amidst all the sniggering women and sat opposite to her, admiring the graceful curves on her hands. "No...no...no!! You can't look at her hands right now dulheraja," one of the excited ladies who was applying mehendi on Khushi's hand spoke, breaking Arnav's trance. He looked at her confusedly as she went ahead to explain, "The thing is, we have written your initials on her hand... and on your suhaagraaat..." she paused dramatically to giggle, and all he could notice was Khushi's flushed face. She continued comically, "...so on your suhaagraat, if you cannot find your name in there... you will be sleeping in the hall, instead of your fragrant bedroom." He smirked seeing his angel's red cheeks and said, "Oh! You don't have to worry about that. I am not getting away from my pretty bride even for a minute, from the moment we get married. She is sentenced to a lifetime imprisonment... and as for the A' in the mehendi... I will most definitely find it... hain na Khushi?" He looked at her teasingly, as she looked back in surprise. Was he really flirting with her in front of all these women? Laad governor kahin ka, she admonished him by widening her eyes.

Ananya Raizada came around to her rescue, chiding Arnav for sitting amongst the women in a ladies function. She told him to go and mingle with his cousins and friends who were having a small party at the bar counter. He got up dejectedly, and strutted towards his friends, giving one parting look to Khushi who simply winked at him in return. The minx! He would soon show her what it was to tease Arnav Singh Raizada. The mehendi ceremony was wrapped up shortly, as the gathered women started settling in the seats that faced a small stage. Most of the men still hung around the bar, however, Arnav immediately dashed towards the front rows where Khushi was seated. She was chattering with some of the women, who seemed to notice the groom's desperation and left the bride to him for a while. "So you think you are going to get away easily on our wedding night are you?" he asked huskily. She looked at the challenge in his eyes and replied teasingly, "Suna nahi aunty ne kya kahan? We will have to find out... No! Scratch that. YOU will have to find your name in my mehendi and only then you get to spend the night with me."

"You just wait and watch soon to be Mrs Raizada. I will not only spot my name but search for every tiny freckle or the smallest of moles on your entire body," Arnav responded heatedly, making Khushi's cheeks burn at his brazen promise. Her body tingled with the anticipation of being one with the love of her life. They had made out often during the last few months, but a boundary always remained between them. She wondered how their passionate love would be, beyond this periphery. Her vehement thoughts were broken by Sumer's announcement of beginning the sangeet ceremony. Arnav put his arm across her shoulder and pulled her closer, his fingers stroking the delicate skin of her neck. She trembled at this slight touch and he smirked at a brilliant idea that was forming in his head, to whisk her away.

The performances began much to Arnav's surprise. His cousins had put an act together to showcase his growing up years and the tiny instances of his life that had the audience in splits. Sumer, Payal, Vandy and Anjali put up a dance performance that consisted a medley of retro songs, which teased both Arnav and Khushi and mocked their various traits. Akash seemed to have stayed away from all this chaos, much to Arnav's liking. He did not want Anjie to hang around with that Roy, more than required. The next performance shocked even Khushi. To see her maa and nani, shake a leg to a Bollywood item number, which had the crowed howling and whistling. Khushi's eyes teared up, to see so much love being showered upon them. There were a couple of other performances by friends and colleagues, by the end of which Arnav was feeling a little restless and in need to spend some alone time with Khushi. To add to his annoyance, Payal dragged Khushi away from him, leaving him to sulk alone.

The lights on the stage had dimmed after the last performance, as Arnav had believed it to be. However, to his surprise, suddenly the stage brightened to reveal the creamy, bare back of his beautiful bride. Sumer and Akash were besides her as the upbeat music began. He realized, that she must have ben busy all morning practicing for this performance and hence had kept away from him. He could not believe she was shaking a leg to the song... "Desi Girl!" with Sumer and Akash, who were describing her attributes. Her slim waist, that was left open for admiration, moved deliciously to the fast beats. Her bright eyes, taunted him, teased him to touch her. He was glad that Akash was maintaining his distance from her; otherwise there definitely would have been blood on his knuckles. Forgetting all about him, he tried to focus on a dancing Khushi. It was the second time he was watching her perform on the stage after the Ashadaan annual day. He smiled at the thought of how things had changed between them so quickly. That was the first time he had come to know her name and at this moment he wanted to kiss her senseless and make her forget her own name.

As the performance came to an end, there was a thunderous applause, the loudest possibly from the groom. Arnav made his way through the crowd towards the backstage and without paying any heed to the teasing eyes of his friends, held Khushi by the elbow and dragged her along with him. He did not stop till they had reached a secluded corner, sheltered by the thick bushes. It was kind of dark, with soft light filtering through the small opening. Arnav pulled Khushi flush to himself and wrapped his hands around her waist just like he had been wanting to. He rested his forehead against hers and sighing in contentment and asked, "Do you know what you have been doing to me all evening?" She innocently shook her head in denial, that flared Arnav's need for her. He bent down capturing her lips in a desperate kiss. His hands skimmed her bare waist, pulling her upwards. She placed her toes over his feet, giving into the heady kiss. Her hands went around his neck, holding him closer without spoiling her already dried mehendi.

Arnav teased her bottom lip, tugging on it to make her gasp. Taking advantage, his tongue meshed with hers, tasting her, teasing her and giving her a glimpse of what was to come. A few minutes later, they broke apart, gasping for oxygen. However, he could not get enough of kissing her. His lips skimmed over her closed eyes, her forehead, her dainty nose, her jaw and her slender neck. He pulled her silken duppata and threw it to the ground. His hands roamed boldly over her waist, her bare back... not leaving even an inch to be touched. His head dipped lower, kissing the tops of her breasts that were now visible to his intoxicated eyes. The low-cut miniscule blouse was barely holding her fullness together and all he wanted to do was to free her from its confines. He sucked onto the delicate flesh of her neck, soothing the slight sting with his tongue. She shivered in his arms, not because of the chilly winds that blew across the garden, but because on his fervent ministrations.

His hands pulled the tiny dori at her back, as she whispered his name throatily... "Arnav!" Her desire-filled voice made him stop. He cursed mentally, for losing his control with Khushi. Two days!! He could not freaking control his desires for two days? He pulled away gently, to look into Khushi's hooded eyes. She was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling at an excruciating pace. He brushed his thumb across her swollen lips and then hugged her tightly to his hard body... breathing in her floral fragrance mingled with the henna that he had always hated. But today... it was her essence that he was taking in, making him crave for her taste yet again. He closed his eyes for a couple of minutes, calming down his dangerous heartbeat and slowly tied back the dori of her blouse. Pulling away from her for a moment, he bent down to pick the dupatta from the ground and placed in gently around her neck. He combed her hair with his fingers; all the time looking at her beautifully flushed face. God! She was gorgeous... and she was all his!

Khushi felt mortified at her behavior. The craving for him was so strong, that she had completely lost semblance of where they were. His simple touch could unravel her and everything he did to her, created a havoc on her senses. She hugged him closer, hiding her face into his chest as she felt his quick heartbeat. He smoothened her hair and dropped a kiss on her head saying, "I want you so much Khushi... but I love you much more. I want to make our first time extremely special and memorable. Come lets go back before they send a search party to look for us." She peered up at him and whispered, "I love you, Arnav." She kissed him on the cheek and then they were quickly making their way back to the party, hand in hand.

"Cover you neck like this," Payal whispered into Khushi's ear, readjusting the dupatta around her neck. For a second Khushi stood confused, but the twinkle in Payal's eyes, made Khushi realize what she was hinting at. She blushed profusely mentally cursing Arnav for his wantonness. The shameless laad governor was now literally turning her into a blushing bride. The party had almost wound up, leaving only the close family and friends to finish their dinner. They decided to give the young bride and groom some privacy, and sent them in a separate car. After the haldi on next day morning, they were not allowed to see each other and would be meeting directly at the wedding mandap. It was a content feeling, as Khushi rested her tired head on Arnav's shoulder, snuggling close to his warmth. Sumer drove Payal and her family home, happy at they way his parents had bonded with the Sharmas. Things had gotten much better at home, as his uncle and aunt had broken all ties with their son, who seemed to be out on bail. On the other hand, Akash drove home alone in his car, remembering the cute blabbers of Anjali and how she had coaxed him to dance on atleast one song. She had completely changed his mood in the past few days, with her constant jokes and crazy talks. For once his mind was occupied with Anjali's happy face instead of Khushi's.

Chapter 37

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