Chapter 38

Chapter 38

The reception commenced and the constant flow of guests kept everyone busy. Khushi and Arnav both, despite feeling tired had been warmly greeting the guests and posing for pictures with them. The exhilaration of being married diminished every other feeling of exhaustion and irritation. Arnav could not help himself from looking at his wife's radiant face from time-to-time. He either laced his fingers with her slender ones or held her by her appealing bare waist, using every opportunity to touch her. She squirmed quite often, glaring at him to stop touching her... But alas, he was a lost man. The smile on his face was a mere faade, his heart screaming to whisk Khushi away on their honeymoon. He glanced once again at the glistening mangalsutra in her neck, the flaming red sindhoor on her forehead... the two symbols that marked her, as his. He felt the all-consuming love for her and the pride of a husband, as friends and relatives admired her beauty. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning on what the matter was. He simply shook his head and whispered a soft, "I love you," in her ear, before going back to greeting the never-ending queue of guests.

Payal collapsed on a seat, in a corner close to the stage, exhausted by the day's chaos. The wedding had gone off well, the guests thrilled with the arrangements and delicious food spread. She looked at Arnav and Khushi on the stage, amidst a group of over-enthusiastic relatives and smiled warmly. Her best friend was now married to a man, who loved her unconditionally. His family adored her like their own daughter. Khushi looked so happy and beautiful today, and Payal could not help wondering how her own wedding day would be. Just as that thought crossed her mind, Sumer plonked himself besides her and sighed, "Phew!! I am so stuffed. Have been tasting various dishes since the evening and now I have no space for dessert." Payal was still lost in her thoughts and Sumer sensed her perplexity. He held her hand in his and asked with concern, "Hey PG... what happened? Tired baby?" She shook her head in refusal, rested her head on his shoulder and said somberly, "No... I am just looking at Arnav and Khushi... this beautiful ambience and the happiness that a wedding brings along with it."

Sumer looked at her with surprise and words just tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them... "You want to get married?" She moved away quickly, her eyes bright with mischief and said, "Hmmm... well I was thinking that our parents already know about us. So why don't we go ahead and get married?" She looked at Sumer's shocked face and controlled the urge to laugh on his face with great difficulty. To see THE' Sumer Diwan, at lost of words was a rare sight. He opened his mouth to speak, failing miserably to form the right words. Finally, Payal took pity on her dear boyfriend and burst out laughing hysterically. He gawked at her and soon realized what she was playing at. "PG! You almost killed me man. What is wrong with you?" He sighed and looked at her shaking form, her eyes tearing up with mirth. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen... strong, smart, loving and extremely protective towards her own friends and family. His heart burst with strong emotions for her and he said sincerely, "You know what... you just popped up this idea suddenly, which made me a little hesitant. However, Payal Sharma, I don't really mind marrying you... even now."

It was Payal's turn to be surprised as he continued talking, "PG... I love you very much... more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. It's actually easy for me to think of spending the rest of my life with you... and if that means being married to you... then so be it. I know you were kidding right now, but anytime you feel you want to marry a bhukkad like me... just let me know. Band baaja leke haazir ho jaunga!" How could a girl ever escape Sumer Diwan's charms? Payal hugged him close to herself and sighed in contentment. "Sumer, not today... not now and not anytime soon. I like what is between us and want to enjoy this freedom. Our careers are at a high point and our parents approve of our relationship too. What more can we want? Today is Arnav and Khushi's day... and someday will be ours. Till then lets feed you... my bhukkad boyfriend," saying that Payal rose from the seat, dragging a happily grinning Sumer along with her, towards the food counters.

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It was almost past midnight, when the entire Raizada family returned to Shantivan with their new daughter-in-law. There wasn't even an ounce of fatigue on the faces of everyone. Payal had tagged along, to help Anjie in getting Arnav's room ready for the couple. As per the family tradition, Arnav picked up a blushing Khushi in his arms and walked into their home. The youngsters got busy preparing for some odd rasam's that Arnav was continuously cribbing about. He did not care if he sounded desperate, but he just wanted to get out of the damned pricking sherwani. Khushi won in all the competitions, and even though Arnav would have loved to lie that he let Khushi win them... the truth remained that she had feistily fought to win. It would be interesting to see her aggression in their bedroom and Arnav simply clung onto the last thread of his patience with his family. Arnav was left to talk to a few cousins, as Anjie and Payal took a slightly shy Khushi upstairs to their room. After giving them enough time, Arnav quietly sneaked upstairs, to rush to his wife. Finally Khushi was in their room... all his... alone!

The sheer beauty of his room stunned Arnav. Scented candles were scattered all across the floor, surrounding his massive bed. The fragrance mingling with the subtle light, affected him in an unknown way. He was glad that Payal and Anjie had adhered to his one tiny demand of keeping the floral decorations away. He liked his room neat and clutter-free and did not want any hindrance on his soft squishy mattress. The white willowy drapes fluttered in the beautiful night... and then his eyes landed on the beauty sitting on his bed... now their bed. To his surprise, Khushi had the ghoogat covering her face like a typical traditional bride and he decided to tease her about it. He closed the door behind him, his heart anticipating a night full of pleasure and completion. He walked slowly towards the bed and sat at the edge, taking in the nervous frame of his wife.

Arnav cleared his throat and asked huskily, "So after all the kissing and romance of the past few weeks, you decide to shy away from me is it, angel?" She merely nodded and he continued, "So now am I supposed to be a typical husband and raise your ghoongat, and then you will blush some more. Then you will give me a glass of milk, which I will make you drink before I do and then I will slowly start removing your jewellery and..." He was interrupted by Khushi's loud giggles. However, to his shock... it wasn't Khushi's laughter in the first place. He swiftly raised the veil to see Payal controlling herself from laughing on his face. And before he could comprehend anything, there was laughter all around the room. Sumer, Anjie and Vandy rushed ahead from behind the curtains, shaking with mirth. Payal quickly stood up and rushed towards Sumer, shaking hands at the success of their plan to annoy Arnav. But the main man in concern was miffed the most, when the door to the bathroom opened and Khushi burst forth holding her stomach laughing hysterically. The entire gang had fooled him and if he hadn't been craving to be alone with Khushi for an eternity, he would have noticed Payal's hands and easily made the difference.

"I don't want to know what you plan to do with Khushi, bhai... Eeeuu!! All I am concerned is the nek, that I deserve to get as a sister, to leave the two of you alone... And haan! Payal, Vandy and Sumer should get some money too. After all, they have helped me in fooling my dear brother today," Anjie joked, causing another bout of laughter to resonate in the room. Arnav fumed and pulled out his wallet without a word. Drawing wads of cash from it, he handed it over mutely to them and said, "Here you go... and now out you GO! About this prank... you will be pleading for mercy with me later... I will make sure of it. However, right now I have someone else to deal with." Saying that he looked at Khushi intently, who immediately straightened up and started feeling the nervousness that she had kept at bay for a while. Anjali, Payal, Sumer and Vandy walked out of the room laughing and chatting about how it was easy to fool a desperate Arnav.

Arnav closed the door once again and turned around to see a fidgety Khushi, standing a little distance away. He noticed that she had changed into a simple kurta salwar, after handing over her bridal attire to Payal. He took slow strides towards her and stopped a few feet away from her. His intense eyes bored into her nervous ones. He unhurriedly unbuttoned his sherwani, making her widen her eyes in surprise. It one swift move, he pulled the top over his head, leaving his torso deliciously bare. Khushi gulped looking at his toned body, the rippling stomach tempting her to touch. He walked towards her, like a predator makes his way towards the prey and she took a few careful steps backward... stuttering, "Wh...what are you doing?" He gave her his most dazzling smile making her tremble with need. "I am just getting even, sweetheart...," he drawled. She was finding it difficult to form coherent sentences, seeing his body glistening in the soft yellow light. "It wasn't my fault Arnav... it was Anjie's plan... they forced me to do it," she pleaded.

He had almost backed her up against the wall, giving her no room to escape. Leaning closer, her bit her earlobe and whispered, "I am not talking about the prank, Khushi." He moved back just a little, to take a close look at her confused eyes and curbed the urge to smile. Taking a moment to admire her beautiful face, he whispered, "Well, you seem to be out of your uncomfortable bridal clothes... so I was doing just the same." He saw the blush rise up her cheeks and pressed his bare front to hers. Cupping her face, he kissed her lips softly... again and again. The feather light kisses turned frenzied and he pulled her more into himself. Her hand crept over his chiseled body, feeling its warmth, setting her heart ablaze. She arched into his frame, moving against him tantalizingly. His one hand held her face in place, while the other crept under her kurti, to stroke the warm skin of her waist. She moaned into his mouth, not being able to take the havoc he was creating within her. He moved away breathing harshly, brushing his thumb over her flushed cheeks. The exhilarating feeling of being married to her, had Arnav reeling. He took a moment to cool his body down and pulled her along with him towards the French windows.

He turned her around, to face the pool, holding onto her waist and resting his chin on her slender shoulder. The sight from the window was spectacular. Hundreds of small candles encased in glass bowls were floating across the shimmering water of the pool. Khushi smiled at him and said, "This is stunning Arnav. Looks like the starry sky is reflecting in the pool." He simply hmmed and nuzzled his nose into her neck, breathing in her essence. They stood like that for a few moments... quietly savoring the easy companionship. After a while, Arnav whispered, "I want to see you Khushi." She stiffened in his arms and then slowly turned around to face him, realizing what his words meant. She knew it was the night of letting go the last few barriers that remained between them. They had come a long way, from being strangers to acquaintances, then from friends to lovers... and now they were husband and wife. She looked into his deep brown eyes, the candlelight reflecting in them like flickering fire. She saw the love shining in them and the apprehension of taking their relationship to the next level, with her consent. He had take a huge leap forward... now it was her turn to take one tiny step.

Khushi moved away from him and he stiffened in response. Why was she moving away? Was he rushing her? Should he have spoken to her about how they would take things forward? A million thoughts cropped up in his head, as he saw her turn around once again to face the dazzling poolside. She walked towards the curtains and slowly closed them, cutting the light that had been streaming into their bedroom. The tiny flickering candles were now the only source of brightness, as Khushi moved her hands to the back, pulling down the zipper of her kurti, unhurriedly. He watched in awe at the seductive image she made. Khushi had always been a natural temptress, unknown to the effect she had on him. He moved closer, as the kurti hung loosely over her shoulders. His warm hands slowly pealed it off her as the cotton fabric, pooled at her feet. She shivered at his touch and all he could do to comfort her was hold her in his arms. It was the first time their bare skin touched each other causing a pleasing friction, the warmth spreading through their bodies. He took her lips in yet another bruising kiss, followed by another and gathered her in his arms, leading them towards their comfortable bed.

* Mature Content *

Arnav placed her tenderly on the satin bed sheet, never taking his eyes off her. He knew how anxious she was, and felt his own heartbeat escalating at the mere thought of where they were headed. Making love was much more than the act itself... it was a union of two souls... it was about trust and commitment, about hopes and dreams. It was a promise to make through whatever the future might bring along. He looked at her lovingly and kissed her gently. Khushi couldn't hold back the moan that escaped as his mouth slanted over hers. He growled into her mouth as her breasts rubbed against his chest teasingly. Her hands glided along the sides of his neck, into his ruffled hair, pulling him closer. He left a scorching trail of moist kisses along her neck, going lower still. His hands went around her back, fumbling with the hook of her bra. Her eyes widened as he pulled the tiny scrap aside, kissing her smooth, warm skin. She shied away from his intense gaze, as he loomed over her bare body.

"Khushi, look at me," he breathed. Her eyes instantly met his and he smiled at her comfortingly. "You are so... so gorgeous, Khushi. I love you so much..." saying that he swooped down once again, kissing her, suckling and biting her skin, laving it with his tongue. His hands cupped her fullness, his thumb flicking over the rigid peak. She writhed under him, the candlelight shining on her skin; golden and perfect, making her look like a radiant angel... his angel. His mouth replaced his hands and she almost lifted of the bed, at the havoc he was creating on her senses. His each touch, each kiss, each suckle awakened the sensuous woman within her. He was touching and kissing her everywhere, driving her insane with need. She pulled at his hair, drawing him back to kiss her lips. Desire and need coursed through his body, as he fumbled with the ties of her salwar, and his. It was only a matter of minutes before both of them lay entwined with only a thin flimsy barrier between them.

Khushi had long forgotten her inhibitions and moved against his erection, the friction making him groan in pleasure. His hand made its way to push aside her underwear, his fingers touching her in the most intimate way. She panted his name... "Arnav...!" He was quick to calm her down with a delicious kiss and whispered against her lips, "Shhh... Khushi. Just relax and let yourself feel... I love you so much, angel." He kissed her again and again, as his fingers found a rhythm of their own. Khushi had never imagined this kind of pleasure, as she let herself go wherever Arnav was leading her to. She shuddered with pleasure, as his fingers build up a frenzy within her body. All she could do was chant his name over and over, when she finally reached the peak and splintered into his arms. Her mind had lost semblance for a few moments and all she could remember was the man, who she loved with everything she had.

Arnav saw with immense satisfaction the way Khushi had shattered in his arms. His body hardened instantly, as he divested themselves of the last tiny scraps of clothes. He could not get enough of kissing her and looked at her flushed body with a husband's pride and a lover's yearning. He kissed her forehead where the vibrant red sindhoor had smudged slightly. Moving between her legs, the first intimate brush itself made him swear loudly. He gritted his teeth to gather some control. It was their first time and he did not want to do anything that would hurt Khushi. He kissed her passionately, bringing her out of the daze; he himself had set her in. "Look at me Khushi... I hmmm..." he struggled with words of comfort. However, she caught on to his emotions and said, "Hum jaante hai... I know you will never hurt me Arnav... I love you so much." Her confession was his undoing, as he gripped her hips and in one breath surged inside her. She bit her lips at the slight sting, her body quivering at the intimate intrusion. She closed her eyes; shut her mind, giving into the heady feeling of being enveloped in her husband's warmth and his soothing words.

As the pain ebbed away, Arnav and Khushi were lost in a vortex of passion unknown to both, yet inevitable. Every moment was pulling at them, dragging them closer to a fulfillment that was beyond their grasp. Every thrust gave a breathtaking hint of the mindless ecstasy that seemed to grow with every passing second. Their skin covered with delightful sweat, their ragged breath mingling with each other and their bodies joined in the most intimate way could only entwine their souls as a whole. He muffled her scream with a searing kiss, as the tremors of bliss shook her body. He felt the shudders as intensely as if she were connected to him. As he moved within her, reaching his own fulfillment, he groaned as bolts of spasms coursed through his body. They clung onto each other, their heartbeats in sync. Totally satiated and utterly complete, both Arnav and Khushi fell into a deep slumber, enveloped in the cocoon of love. It felt like a journey that had finally reached its destination... and then again, this was only the beginning.

* Mature Content Ends *

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Arnav woke up with a frown on his face. He grappled the cold sheets besides him, before struggling to open his eyes. He checked his watch that showed it was past ten in the morning. Why had Khushi left without waking him up? It was their first morning after, dammit! He would have to teach her, their morning rituals from now on... and he had ample of time on their honeymoon to train his beautiful wife. Wife... he smiled at the memory of last night, and their passionate lovemaking. He had woken her up twice in the night, not being able to get enough of her. And who would blame him, knowing how desirable Khushi was... and now she was all his. He made his way to the bathroom to take a quick shower, before going down to kiss his wife, a very good morning.

He rushed directly into the kitchen, where he expected Khushi to be. However, he was disappointed to see his maa cooking. "Good morning Arnav beta," Ananya wished him brightly and all he could do in return was ask her, "Where is Khushi?" Ananya giggled and told him that she had just gone to the temple side, along with nani. Arnav rushed out of the kitchen, to the praying area where he saw nani seated, stringing in a few flowers. "Where is Khushi, nani?" he asked hurriedly. Devyani simply smiled and teased, "Arnav, atleast pray to God before running after Khushi bitiya. Mujhe nahi pata tha, my grandson is going to be tailing his wife so soon." He quickly said a small prayer and took nani's blessings, who finally told him that Khushi had just gone upstairs to their room, to wake him up. Arnav smiled and took two stairs at a time to reach their room. The door was opened even before he could push it ajar. He looked at Khushi, who looked back at him equally stunned. And then before she could react, he had enveloped her in his arms, had shut the door behind them and was kissing her hungrily.

After a while, when their breathing returned to normal, he whispered against her neck, "I thought our time to play games was over, Mrs Raizada, but you seem to be in a mood to make me run after you, even now." When she looked at him with surprise, he told her how he had to run around the entire house to look for her. She giggled at his plight and was punished with yet another bruising kiss. "Angel, I think now let us stop this game of peek-a-boo between us. You know there are quite a few games that I could teach you... especially on our honeymoon," Arnav teased as Khushi pushed him and walked over to the wardrobe, to pack his bags. "Arnav, we are leaving in the next three hours... so stop wasting time and lets pack your bags," Khushi berated him. Arnav followed her and swiftly lifted her off her feet to take her to bed saying, "We could do much better things in these three hours, Khushi. Our bags are packed and already loaded in the car. Stop finding clues of our honeymoon destination... we will be there soon. Till then let me show you what we will be doing wherever we go." And with that Arnav had conveniently silenced her, only to make her scream in pleasure.

Epilogue 1 : Honeymoon Special

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Phew!! We have finally come to the end of this sweet game of Love.
What a superb feel-good journey this has been.
I do hope you have enjoyed this last chapter...
and will forgive me for the slight delay in updating.
As I had promised, there will be two epilogues...
The first one, will be an entire Arhiful update... who will soon be off to their honeymoon. The second one, will finally voice a few of the unsaid things between the characters, because only a leap of time could justify their behaviors.
I know, I have all you guys to thank... but I am saving that for the next update which should be up on coming Wednesday... yes you'll read that right!

See you soon darlings!
🤗