Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Shantivan seemed like a complete mad house. There were guests bustling around in every corner of the house. The owners were on the verge of a nervous breakdown. However, the groom seemed to be extremely cranky and had been throwing tantrums randomly, at whomever he could lay his hands upon. The reason was pretty evident to everyone and they seemed to tease him about it. "Sumer!!!... Did Payal send you any pictures yet?" Arnav asked a hassled Sumer who glared and responded; "You have asked this question for atleast ten times, in the last half an hour ASR!! Payal promised to send you the pictures, right? Then why are you asking me? She will send them to you... please have some patience." Arnav checked his phone yet again, in the hope to see a photo of Khushi bathed in haldi, just like he was. He had been miffed with the fact that the haldi ceremony had been planned separately and that he would not be able to see Khushi, directly till the wedding. Even the fact that it was merely 48 hours before he could have Khushi completely for himself, did not brighten his mood.

Payal had promised to send a few pictures of Khushi, after the haldi ceremony in Dilergaj. Their house was flooded with guests from the Sharma's side, as well as a few friends from Lucknow. Even though the accommodations of the guests were done at a hotel close by, everyone had gathered at home for the haldi. The ceremony at Shantivan had been completed almost an hour ago, and he was still loitering around with the yellow sticky paste all over him. He did not want to miss the opportunity of having a video chat with Khushi instead of seeing the pictures, which Payal had promised she would try for. He was pacing across his room, when his phone beeped. It was a WhatsApp message, unlike the video call he had been expecting. He quickly opened the message to see a few photos being loaded. In a few seconds, the beautiful photos of his angel opened up on his screen. Her face was painted completely yellow, with only her eyes left untouched. However, those were the only things that always managed to move him. Extreme happiness, excitement and love shone in those hazel eyes, making him want to run straight to her and pull her into his arms. He sat on the lounger, staring at his phone dazedly for a long time, till Anjie literally pushed him into the bathroom for a shower.

Khushi had showered, had a lavish lunch, gossiped with her friends and had a relaxing evening. It felt slightly weird to be in the limelight, as everyone was taking care of what she ate, how she felt, what she was wearing or anything she needed. Payal had shown her a few pictures of Arnav covered in haldi and she had laughed at his grumpy expressions. She knew how uncomfortable he was in Indian attire and especially being coated in this turmeric paste. She hadn't been able to talk to him, as friends and guests had always surrounded her. Had she tried to call him in front of them, they would have definitely teased her endlessly. Not that it had stopped them... the friends had been going on and on about her wedding night and speculating the destination of her surprise honeymoon. She could merely blush and anticipate the upcoming weeks. Slowly as the day ended, the guests retired to the hotel, wanting to rest and be refreshed for the wedding on the next day. The Sharma's retired for the evening aswell in the guest bedroom and Payal declared that she would clear the kitchen quickly to join Khushi. Khushi breathed a sigh of relief as she finally got some alone time and decided to message Arnav to check if he was free to talk.

Khushi : Hey... are you free? Or surrounded with guests like I was?
Arnav : I am always free for you angel. Are you ready for tomorrow?
Khushi : Yesss... Can't wait to see you... to be married to you! :)
Arnav : And the wedding night? ;)
There was no response from Khushi, hence Arnav quickly sent another message.
Arnav : Blush all you can tonight Khushi... because tomorrow night... :*
Khushi : Arnav stop it! Kal ka kal dekhenge... although I wish we could meet tonight...

There was a long silence and Khushi wondered if Arnav was once again, hounded with friends and family. She was about to call out to Payal when the lights went off. She panicked slightly, walking towards the door, when a hand covered her mouth and the door shut with a click. Khushi struggled in the hands of the stranger for a few seconds, before realizing whose touch it was. Breathing harshly, she squinted her eyes in the darkness to see the features of his chiseled face. "Your wish is my command angel... you wished for us to meet tonight... and here I am," Arnav whispered into her ear, slowly removing his hand that was covering her delicious mouth and kissed her on the cheek. Khushi gasped and pulled away saying worriedly, "Arnav!! We can't meet... we can't see each other after the haldi. This is not right..." Arnav held her by the shoulder and pulled her close, saying, "Khushi relax... its quite dark here and we can barely see each other. So technically we aren't breaking any rule. And why are you so worried... because no superstition can keep us apart anymore. Tomorrow I am going to make you mine... body and soul."

Khushi blushed at his innuendo and he continued talking, "How I wish I could see the slight tingeing of your cheeks now Khushi. I have missed you so much today." He pulled her into his arms, breathing in her scent. She snuggled closer to his warmth. After living through the chaotic day, this felt like home. They stood like that for a few minutes... silent, content and happy. Their hearts beating in sync with each other, the feel of their bodies pressed to each other igniting a slow sensuous flame that threatened to consume them. Arnav moved away slightly only to take her lips into passionate kiss. Her lips were warm and soft beneath his, welcoming the fervent intrusion of his tongue. They stumbled in the darkness of the room, just like their lips stumbled onto each other, conveying their profound love... that mere words could never describe. Fearing that he will lose all control, Arnav pulled away and whispered against her lips, "I won't be stopping tomorrow angel..." "I wont ask you to, Arnav," was her prompt ragged whisper.

There was a soft knock on the door. Khushi straightened herself and Arnav rushed to open the door. "Enough love birds... I think I have given you both enough privacy. Thank God tomorrow you guys are getting married. I will finally be relieved of this duty of a watchman," Payal rambled as the couple chuckled at her drama. Arnav hugged Payal and said, "I owe you one Payal! And trust me when I say that you won't regret this. Let me just get back from my honeymoon and you will be surprised... No! Shocked actually." Payal looked at him uncertainly and said, "Are you guys pregnant? Is that the shock you want to give me... of becoming a maasi so soon?" Arnav almost stumbled on his way out and Khushi control the urge to whack Payal on the head. "Seriously? It's the only surprise that will make you happy? Gosh!! Keep your creativity to designing Payal... don't let it interfere in your real life. You will cause a disaster," muttering softly, Arnav moved towards the main door, followed by the girls. He quickly kissed Khushi for the night and waved to the girls. Khushi charged at Payal for her crazy ideas and in turn was thoroughly teased for being a bride who blushed at the mere talk of pregnancy. How was she going to deal with the intimacy the next night questioned Payal, while Khushi spent her entire night anticipating the inevitable.

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The next morning was comparatively relaxed, as the mahurat for the wedding was at four in the evening, followed by a grand reception. The guests were taking their time to get ready, while the bride and groom were given the liberty to sleep till late, considering how exhausting the day... and the night was going to be for them. However, the families were unaware, that the couple had barely slept in the first place, to rise late. They had been texting each other all night, teasing, flirting and chatting. After freshening up, the families performed the small rituals that were to be done at home. Arnav was busy rechecking all the arrangements for their honeymoon, to which they were supposed to leave the next evening. He really hoped Khushi liked what he had planned and didn't disappoint her in anyway. Not that the destination mattered much. He had plans to keep her enclosed in their bedroom, making love to her day and night. The mere thought made his body tighten with excitement. He quickly rushed for a cold shower to get ready for his wedding. He was getting married dammit!

The wedding was to take place at The Umrao Hotel in New Delhi. The invitations for the wedding rituals were only for close family and friends, while the reception included a long guest list by the Raizadas. Business associates, renowned people from the fashion industry, models and celebrities would be making an appearance. The security had been extremely tight, keeping the media away from the venue. A press release with a photograph of the couple had been promised to all the publications. Thankfully for Arnav, he had assistants who were extremely skilled at their job and he did not have to interfere or worry about any arrangements. Sumer had arranged for a very good photographer, whose assistants had been sent to both Shantivan and Dilergaj, to capture sweet moments of the bride and groom with their families. If the preparation of the wedding had seemed never-ending, the day itself seemed to be passing by in a blur. Arnav and his family had just reached the venue to be warmly welcomed by the Sharmas. They put a red tilak on his forehead; as he bent down to take their blessings. He entered the venue to be spellbound by its beauty.

Even though Arnav had approved and chosen all the decorations himself, to actually be standing in this grand hall... as the groom who was getting married to the love of his life, was truly overwhelming. He wished that time would slow down, so that he could memorize each moment of this beautiful day in Khushi and his life. He was directly ushered towards the center, where a beautiful mandap had been put up for the rituals. The families settled in their seats and so did the guests. Sumer took to his duty, sitting behind Arnav, to see if anything was required. The pandit started chanting the mantras, beginning the wedding ceremony. Arnav's eyes kept flitting to the entrance on the right, from which he knew Khushi would be entering. As much as he tried to concentrate on the rituals, his mind was only focused on seeing that one person, who brought happiness into his life... literally. The panditji, asked for the bride to be called and suddenly the focus shifted towards the narrow entrance.

There was a hush across the room and Arnav completely stopped breathing for a few seconds, as he saw his angel walk through the door. She looked exquisite, encased in the beautiful green and maroon lehenga. The earthen colours, the heavy jardosi work, the gorgeous fabric screamed of its exquisiteness. This was one outfit of their entire wedding rituals that he hadn't seen and boy was he glad! The surprise had been worth it, as he stood speechless, waiting for his bride to come and take her place besides him. The heavy kundan jewellery dazzled in the flashes of the camera and the rich gold work reflected its brilliance across the hall. Payal, Anjali and Vandy walked besides her, excited at finally being able to enact the duties of a bridesmaid. He waited with baited breath for her eyes to clash with his. He wanted a peek into her soul, know her thoughts at the moment and he wanted her to see the magnitude of his love etched in his own eyes. Finally her delicate eyelashes lifted, her eyes searching for only his face.

It was like a moment suspended in time, as Khushi reeled at the look in Arnav's eyes. All her life she had been waiting for a prince charming, who would sweep her off her feet and transport her into another world. This truly seemed like that moment. She felt like a princess from a fairytale, walking the way towards him... her prince charming... her laad governor... her Arnav. She took in his traditional attire to realize that he did look like a royal Rajputana prince. The gold and maroon of his elegant sherwani matched her dress, just like she had planned. The rich fabric and the subtle work were befitting the fashionista in him. His personality was always irresistible, however, today, she felt like she was falling in love all over again. She walked towards him in a trance, their eyes connected in an enticing bond. He took a couple of steps forward, asking for her hand and she demurely obliged. The entire world had faded out as the two of them began the wedding rituals.

Khushi garlanded Arnav easily. However, when Arnav was about to put the garland around Khushi's neck, Sumer quickly picked her up and raised her high above. A shocked Arnav asked, "Sumer, tu kiski side pe hain?" Sumer teased, "Offcourse I am on my sisters side. I finally have someone in the family who will protect me from you." After a lot of bickering, Arnav jumped up to put the delicate garland around Khushi's neck. Khushi could not stop laughing at the craziness when Arnav whispered, "Stop laughing angel... You will have to pay for all of this ganging up and torturing me... tonight! That's a promise." Khushi's eyes widened in shock and he merely smirked. As the panditji proceeded with the mantras, he called Payal's parents for the kanyadaan. Khushi closed her eyes in remembrance of her own parents, trying to feel their presence and blessings. Her eyes teared up and surprisingly Arnav caught onto her emotional upheaval. He pressed her hand, entwining his fingers with hers to lend the support she required. Mrs Sharma kissed her forehead and Mr Sharma literally threatened Arnav to take care of their lovely daughter.

After worshipping the sacred fire, the panditji told Arnav to tie the mangalsutra around Khushi's neck. With his eyes trained on her face, he tied the delicate black and gold string around her neck, which bound them together... forever. It was an exhilarating feeling, to be tied to someone, to own someone, to be the first priority for someone. Arnav could only feel overcome with emotion, as he pinched a little of the crimson powder from the plate and put the sindhoor in Khushi's forehead, marking her as his. She closed her eyes at the feel of his lips on the parting on her forehead, just where he had placed the sindhoor a few seconds ago. They looked at each other for an eternity, as the holy chants engulfed them, the sacred fire raged wildly and the entire universe tilted its axis for the couple. They stood to take the seven pheras, each circle binding them into a promise of togetherness.

Anjali had been watching Akash closely, who was standing quietly in a corner, watching the wedding rituals. His face was trained on Khushi and for the first time Anjali realized what that look meant. How had no one noticed this? Did the rest of them know of his feeling towards Khushi? Even though her own heart hurt a little, to see his pain was even more tormenting. She felt sorry for him and somehow could relate to his pain of unrequited love. Weren't her own emotions going through the same turmoil at the moment? Akash looked at Arnav and Khushi and sighed in submission. He surprisingly felt free, as if the last ray of hope had diminished and had broken the shackles around his heart, making it breathe freely after a really long time. He was happy for his friend and now it was time to find his own happiness. He turned sideways, to see Anjali staring at him intently. Her eyes clouded with worry and pain... and a little something that he conveniently ignored.

Anjali quickly gathered herself and rushed towards Akash, moving uncomfortably closer to him. "Akash!" she whispered and pulled him against a pillar. His stunned expressions made her giggle and she said, "Don't look so shocked Akash... I am not taking advantage of you." His angry glare made her a little serious and she continued, "Ok fine! Don't be that angry young man again. I just wanted to give you this. These are bhai's mojharis." Even before she could finish talking Akash interrupted her saying, "Isn't the bride's side supposed to hide these? Why are you giving them to me? And I am not going to do all these filmy things..." He kept ranting only to be shut up by Anjali's hand on his mouth. She ignored the weird emotions he made her feel and said, "Stop Einstein. I know all that, ok? Just give these to Payal. She is busy helping Khushi and had asked me to handover these to you. And by the way, I am always on the girls side. It's fun to trouble my brother you see." She winked at him and sashayed away as quickly as she had come. He looked at her retreating back and then at the mojharis in his hands, and shook his head in resignation. She was one crazy girl!

Chapter 38

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Hey guys,

I know it's not been a week since I last updated, but I had this one ready and thought that instead of responding to comments, I might as well post the next chapter. Thank you for all the wonderful and encouraging comments on the last chapter and hoping that you have enjoyed this one as well.

P.S.: To those who had been expecting thundering rains... I am sorry, I could not fit the wedding night in this one... But the next chapter is the last one of this FF and will definitely have an elaborate suhagraat!
Also, I am writing two epilogues... The first one being a honeymoon special...
and the second one, which will be of the story a few years later!!

See you guys at the end of this week... Next update might be up by Friday!