Chapter 85

[MEMBERSONLY]

Author's Note: Hello all. It's so good to get to post something in my beloved forum, & that's why I am posting this in a new thread.

I know many of you were expecting a pre-wedding rituals & wedding ceremony for SAY's ArShi, & this is hence my last gift to all of you. This last OS is dedicated to all the readers of SAY, old & new & yet to come. I have gotten so much love from all of you for SAY. Always.

Halfway through the FF, I was sending way less PMs than the number of people who was reading it. So, thank you all for the incredible response. At this point, I ask nothing from you as I have gotten so much, & I would just like to wish you all the happiness & send out my love. Thank you very very much for everything.

& yes, this post is here today because it is my beloved show's anniversary. Happy anniversary to the best show I have ever seen. & the fact that, in these 3 years, IPK has been off-air longer than it has been on-air & still it can boast of such a loyal fan base, is a testament to the show's genius. (& I am trying to say less here, cos I don't want to get emotional now!) So hats off to the lovely show, & congratulations to all who love it.

I am once again thankful.. grateful to each & everyone who ever read SAY & sent out even one kind word in my direction. Thank you very very much.

PS: Sorry for the massive post😳

Banner Credit: asrcraze

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times.. always with the same person.

-Annonymous

Arnav looked down at the gurgling baby at his lap & thought to himself, that she was the only thing keeping him sane amidst this circus. It was supposed to be their Haldi. Khushi's & His. & his bloody Dadi had imported this ridiculous rule about the functions being held separately, because apparently that's how it was properly done. & now Arnav found Di's panditji murmuring God knows how many mantras over his head with the big bowl of Haldi for a good 20 minutes with no Khushi in sight to make all of this worthwhile. & so his only ray of hope was the bouncing Muskaan on his lap, who to her credit, resembled her youngest Bua more with each passing day.

Finally, panditji finished blessing both the Haldi bowl & Arnav, & passed on the bowl to Arnav's grandmothers. They both applied Haldi over Arnav's right hand, first his Dadi & then his Nani, but he couldn't help but notice how timid both of their movements were while doing so, as if they feared that, a drop of excess Haldi & Arnav would let out a string of 'What the's or 'Damn it's or 'Enough's. So, when Anjali came next, & was about to follow suit, Arnav couldn't hold back anymore & asked gently, but pressingly, "Di, what are you doing?!" Anjali immediately held her hands back to herself in an apprehensive movement & asked nervously, "What's wrong, Chhote? Sorry! Is it still too much?.. OK, I'll just-" Arnav was about to correct her misunderstanding, when his phone alerted him of an incoming message. He put a finger up in front of Anjali to indicate he needed a moment & got his phone out to check if the message was from Aman regarding any last minute crises in the wedding arrangements. & as soon as he opened the message, which was from Payal, Arnav's heart stalled for a moment & his mouth fell open slightly in awe, & then his heartbeats started tripping over one another in their erratic race to beat faster.

It was his bride.. in her Haldi outfit.. that he himself had designed. Arnav had never quite been able to get the image of Khushi out of his mind from the day of Anjali & Akash's Haldi function. She had looked hauntingly beautiful to him that night & hence he had designed a similar outfit for her to wear on her own Haldi function. & looking at the picture, where Khushi in the pale gold lehenga, with orange & hot pink flowers over it with matching floral ornaments adorning her hair & body, appeared completely covered in Haldi everywhere- from her bare arms to her neck to her face. & she looked so radiant & happy, that Arnav cursed his Dadi mentally all over again for keeping him away from his gorgeous bride at a day when she looked like she had stepped out of his dreams.

Arnav had to look up from admiring the photo when Anjali snapped her fingers in front of his glued-to-the-phone eyes, & Arnav dazedly showed Anjali the picture & said in a slow drawl while indicating towards Anjali's hands with little Haldi in them, "Di, aise thode hi Haldi lagate hain? Waise lagate hain!" He tilted his head towards Khushi's snap on his phone to drive his point home. There was a stunned silence that followed his mild suggestion, only to be followed by a wild roar of laughter that emerged from the crowd gathered around him, while Manorama leaned forward laughingly & to Arnav's utmost horror, put an evil-eye-warding kohl smudge on his left temple. Anjali didn't need to be told twice as she gleefully scooped up handfuls of Haldi & rubbed it all over Arnav's cheeks before pulling them adoringly like he was some 5-year old kid.

Arnav tried to pull his cheeks back from his sister's offending hands & mumbled in what he hoped was a matter-of-fact voice, "Um.. I only said because.. Khushi will later taunt me that I didn't fulfill these silly rasams properly. Otherwise I-" This time Anjali did the unthinkable & she pinched Arnav's nose with Haldi covered fingers, smearing Haldi over his nose too & said in a perfect imitation of Arnav's voice. "What the-! Mere zindagi mein koi ladki aayegi?! Jiske bina meri saansein ruk jaayegi?!..Mere saath aisa kuchh nahi hoga, Di.. Kyunki normal logon ke saath ye sab nahi hota, hmph!" & she turned her nose upwards with the 'hmph' in a haughty expression that made her look so much like Arnav that even Arnav had to suppress a laugh at that. & then she cupped Arnav's cheek lovingly & said with a naughty smile that Arnav had always loved on his sister, "Now who's behaving normally 'abnormal' like us mere mortals, Chhote?"

Arnav mock glared at his sister & said in a mean voice, "I don't like you very much right now, Di." & then he shifted his glare to his grandmothers & Mami, who were all giggling enjoying Anjali's ribbing of him, & informed them too, "In fact, right at this moment, I like only Muskaan in this whole room!" & before his words could hit the floor, Anjali picked up the chance to tease him even more & said cheekily, "Of course, you only like Musu in this whole room! Not only is she a Gupta, she is also the miniature version of your bride-to-be!" Arnav said nothing to that & holding Muskaan up a little, he tickled her belly, to which the toddler gave out a guffaw of loud giggles that made quite a few heads turn in her direction.

Anjali stood up & then stood back to watch her daughter bouncing with joy in her brother's arms, & when she saw the fond smile on his lips & the laughter twinkling in his eyes, Anjali's eyes promptly watered up so much that tears fell down her cheek. Manorama swiftly moved up to her & hugging Anjali sideways, she wiped Anjali's tears away. Devyani also came & squeezed Anjali's shoulder & Anjali quickly turned towards her & said in a barely audible whisper, "Nani!.. & we thought we'd never see him whole again.. never see him living his life with happiness again!.. If only Ma-" Devyani nodded promptly, her eyes too filled with tears, indicating she also wished what Anjali wished.

Suddenly there was collective 'haw' around the room, & Anjali & Devyani both instinctively looked towards where Arnav sat & they too gasped when they saw Arnav's the front of his white Kurta was totally slobbered with what seemed like drool & Anjali's daughter was still giggling while her mouth & whole dress was wet with drool. Anajli took a step towards her, saying, "Chhote, I always tell you na, don't make her laugh so hard.. she drools like its raining.", but she stopped when Arnav picked up Muskaan's washcloth from beside him & gently wiped her face & her dress, & then he said loudly in a straight voice, "You were right about one thing, Di. Your daughter definitely takes after her bua. Absolutely no manners & a total slob!" & he bent his head & adoringly kissed the still gurgling baby while everyone around the hall laughed again with wonderment at the fact that, albeit at his bride-to-be's expense, the often rude & unsociable Arnav Singh Raizada had just cracked a joke!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arnav worked around the ballroom, & once again appreciated the organizational skills of his- his.. Arnav thought astonishingly that he didn't even know what to term Aman as! He was so much more than just one designated position! He suddenly wished he was as uninhibited as his bride-to-be was, who now always counted 'Amanji' as one their households. Arnav smiled at the thought of his bride-to-be & turned his eyes on her.

She was right in the middle of their families, where she seemed to be doing some really enthusiastic dance routine with a 4-months pregnant Payal, who was trying to slap her naughty sister more than she was trying to dance it seemed. Arnav sighed as he realized how different the Sangeet had turned out from what he had envisioned it to be. He had thought his Sangeet would be a sort of pre-wedding cocktail party, which would be totally organized & sophisticated, & yet, because it was a Sangeet, he would be able to take his Red into his arms & roam around the room in the name of dancing.

But after only 2 & a half hours in the party now, & Arnav admitted to himself that he probably shouldn't have invited his business associates to the Sangeet as it had turned out to be a totally crazy & insane affair. He didn't know who it was, but he had a suspicion it was his overly excited Mami, who had first suggested of staging a competition between the bride & the groom's families. & before he knew it, Khushi, who was supposed to be the blushing bride, was throwing her fists into the air & yelling what sounded like 'Yalgaar ho!' & egging everyone from her family to defeat the opponents from the Dushman family! Arnav itched to remind her that the enemy family was going to be her own in less than 48 hours, but she didn't even seem to recognize him in her frenzy. & so Arnav sat through, his patience growing thin with every second, as his Mami battled Khushi's Buaji, his Nani danced with NK like she was younger than Khushi, & to his supreme amazement his very responsible brother Akaash & his super-cool brother-in-law Rohan too joined the wagon by dueling each other!

Arnav didn't even pay attention to who won & who didn't; he just wanted some time alone with Khushi, who seemed completely oblivious to his presence. But Arnav was only acutely aware of her. Khushi. She was like an oasis for Arnav in her ocean-inspired outfit designed by her groom. In sea-green & blue shades, with diamonds & emeralds adorning her, she looked so exquisite that Arnav couldn't tear his eyes off of her for even a second.

Suddenly Arnav's ears picked out a phrase Khushi was yelling over the song that was playing. "Jiji tere jethji deewane.."Arnav's brows furrowed as he tried to decipher what that meant. Jethji.. Jethji.. Jethji! Payal called him that sometimes to tease him! Oh, so, that's why Payal was trying to hit Khushi. Khushi was annoying Payal by singing about Arnav! Arnav glared at Khushi through narrowed eyes. & as if instantly sensing his intensified gaze, Khushi suddenly turned, stopping in her tracks, & looked straight at him. Arnav saw her face turn crimson with a pretty blush as her eyes fell on him staring at her, & then she smiled shyly, & nodding her head in an inviting motion, she beckoned him to join her there in the midst of all the dancing. Arnav shook his head like a petulant kid refusing something terrible. & then he tilted his head sideways & called her with his eyes to come away from the crowd with him. He saw Khushi visibly hesitate, & looking back at the dancing crowd, she flashed Arnav with her most pacifying smile & held up her index finger to indicate she wanted him to join her for just one dance. Arnav slightly furrowed his brows to draw her attention & firmly tilted his head downward to beckon her one last time, & Khushi gave in, flailing her hands like a child, & motioned for him to go ahead so that she could follow him.

Five minutes later, Khushi entered one of the rooms at the back of the ballroom that they could be used as greenroom of sorts, & saw Arnav standing by a table in front of the window upon which a gift-wrapped rectangle box was sitting conspicuously. Khushi ignored the box however & concentrated on the magnificent man standing beside it, who turned towards her just as she reached him & Khushi wondered how ridiculous it was that her legs still turned to jelly from just one look from the man. To dispel of her stupid reactions to him, Khushi teased him casually, "Aapne toh kaha tha aap saare rasme nibhayenge! Aise nibhaate hain rasam? Not even a dance with your bride-to-be! Way to prove your love for me!" & she had been off her guard for a moment there to look away from him, when Arnav's arm shot out as it snaked around her bare waist & pulled her body flush up against his.

Khushi suddenly felt totally breathless & she accounted it to the surprise reaction to his sudden action rather than his nearness. Arnav's right hand stealthily reached down & it slowly brought Khushi's left hand up to his lips. He slowly turned his face towards the inside of her palm, his eyes never leaving hers, as he pressed a scorching kiss on the moon of her palm, & then he rasped against her hand, his warm breath fanning her palm, "Mere pyaar ko kissi bhi saboot ki zaroorat nahi hain, Red. & I am not properly fulfilling the rasams?! What is all these then? Kya kya karna padh raha hain tumhe ghar laane ke liye!" Khushi laughed at his mock-tortured tone, & wrapped her arms around his neck snugly.

Khushi felt him move & as she pulled back from his shoulders, he pushed the wrapped box in her hand. As she looked up at him questioningly, he cleared his throat, & hoping to sound casual, he explained, "Um.. Di said.. I owed you a present on our wedding night.. & as your parents insisted that they would provide your 'Shaadi ka joda'.. I still wanted you to wear something from me on the day.. & I thought.. Remember my homecoming party at the Farmhouse? Not the ugly part! The part afterwards.. Red, I went around the farmhouse looking for your missing shoe.. & there, while I was searching for your shoe, I found something else. I think, that was the moment. & so.. this. I want you to wear this to our wedding." Khushi remembered that night clearly, & as Arnav spoke, she remembered how Arnav had returned her shoe to her later. & her curiosity peaked, Khushi impatiently tore the delicate wrapping away & flung the box open to reveal the most delicate & gorgeous pair of shoe she had ever laid eyes on.

Khushi hugged the shoes to her breast as Arnav whispered, "Every princess needs their glass shoes.. & only the best for Princess Gupta." Khushi could say nothing as she felt herself falling in love with Arnav all over again & just hugged the shoes more closely. She was always stumped at how Arnav always noticed & remembered even the tiniest things about her. Khushi carefully put the shoes back in the box, & just then she heard the song change through the overhead speakers. Arnav reached out & put the box back down on the table, & holding her hands in his own, he said arrogantly, "I believe, my bride-to-be owes me a private dance now." & Khushi gave out a happy laugh, suddenly remembering the dance in the rain after their first date as Arnav twirled her away from his body & then spun her back inside his arms. As Arnav lifted her up with his arms around her hips & she looked down at his caramel brown eyes, she wondered how was it that the song playing described them & their relationship so aptly.

Teri Meri Baaton Ka Har Lamha Sabse Anjaana

Do Lafzon Mein Ye Bayaan Na Ho Paaye

Khushi was gently swaying with her head pressing over Arnav's heart, not knowing when that song had finished & another had begun, when the door of the room suddenly opened & Rohan & Anjali walked in. Khushi immediately stepped a considerable distance away from Arnav, & Arnav's face showed the instant displeasure he felt in that. Anjali informed Khushi that her family was preparing to leave as they had to host Khushi's Mehendi tomorrow. & Arnav's face darkened more as he remembered that, it was another function he wasn't allowed to attend. But he didn't say anything as Khushi said her shy goodbye to him & just handed the shoebox to her.

Even after Khushi & Anjali went out, Rohan stayed back & Arnav knew he was in for some grilling from not his friend, but his brother-in-law, as he had been frequently getting these days. Rohan wasted no time in beating around the bush & said, "So, I heard you have booked a villa in Algarve, Portugal, for your.. outing.. after the wedding?" Arnav noticed how Rohan avoided saying the word 'honeymoon', & said hiding a smile, "Yep. It's a private little spot.. a remote village.. & I think I will be able to avoid my business while I am there." Rohan continued as if Arnav hadn't spoken, "Yeah, but, a villa? No hotel? Do you expect Bachchi to cook & clean? I mean, Arnav, you are not going on an adventure trip.. But I guess you would know nothing about taking care of- After all she had been through, you have to be more careful with her.. All I see is you guys snapping at each other, locking horns, like you always used to.. & then she cries sometimes when you argue!.."

Arnav didn't really know for how long Rohan had gone on, because Arnav knew he was just being a protective brother like Arnav himself was. But there was something that was really troubling Arnav. Every time anyone said anything like 'Chhote ka sehra' or 'Chhote ke baraati' or 'Chhote ki shaadi', Anjali would cry harder than her 5 month old daughter, & lament over the fact that neither of their parents were here to witness their 'Chhote's shaadi'. & as Arnav consoled his sister every time, he felt his heart sink a bit. Because Anjali's & everyone else's bittersweet remembrance of his parents only reminded him of the mental ghosts that had chased him away from his family all those years ago.. before he had found a home in Khushi. Before Khushi had chased the darkness away from his life & brightened every corner of his being with her sparkle.

For Arnav their marriage meant, from tomorrow, he would be accountable for her.. for her happiness. He would be the one responsible for her & what if he failed? Her family had cherished her with all they had.. & Arnav would do the same. He would do his best.. But what if his best wasn't enough? After all Khushi had been through, since the time they had secretly begun seeing each other, & the horrible kidnapping & all.. She really deserved only happiness in her life from now on. But both his & Khushi's temperaments were so volatile, they clashed so frequently. & he had seen her crying because of him far too many times.

As a particular flash of Khushi's big golden eyes welling up with large teardrops flitted across his mind, Arnav ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He knew what was happening. It was all because of dadi. She had strictly forbidden & for good measure blackmailed everyone emotionally into maintaining her ridiculous rule that, Arnav & Khushi couldn't see each other post the Shagun ceremony. & Arnav had felt himself growing more & more unsure with every day he had spent without seeing Khushi. & although they talked every hour, he had never wanted to worry Khushi with these thoughts of his & so he had let her babble on about the wedding preparations & other things. & yesterday at the Sangeet too, he hadn't been able to talk to her about it. But talking to her always did calm his nerves down. & Arnav knew that no matter what his Dadi felt about it, he had to see Khushi tomorrow one last time before the wedding & let her heal his soul like only she could do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arnav reached the Gupta house around 11pm, hoping that the Mehendi ceremony will be over by now. But as her Buaji let him in through the front door, too stunned to see him there to speak anything, & strode through the corridor to the big hall, he saw his Khushi, dancing more than anyone else, on 'Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna', with her hands covered in Mehendi, wearing the gorgeous emerald green fitted lehenga-choli AR Creations lead wedding designer had designed for her, & her dupatta was tied around her Buaji's head like she usually tied a towel.

Suddenly, Anjali noticed Arnav & as she said 'Chhote' with surprise, all of the singing & dancing abruptly stopped & after a moment's pin-drop silence, Khushi squealed & then clutching her fitted lehenga in both hands, she fled up the stairs to her own bedroom.

It was Anjali who recovered first & came towards Arnav to ask him gently if he was there to bring Muskaan & her back to Shantivan as they were supposed to return there that night. But when Arnav revealed that he was there to talk to Khushi, all of the Gupta & Raizada ladies gave out a collective outraged gasp & rejected him on spot. But if they were adamant, Arnav was.. Arnav Singh Raizada. In the end, the ladies had to concede defeat, cos Arnav just won't budge till he had talked to Khushi, & hence, huffing & puffing the ladies went to see how they could achieve it without Arnav & Khushi actually seeing each other.

When Arnav entered Khushi's bedroom 15 minutes after, he saw Khushi was sitting out on her verandah with her back against the partially closed French door & he could only see her silhouette through the blue silk curtain. Arnav took one look at that & immediately scowled at Anjali, "Di, it's ridiculous! The sky won't fall off if we just saw each other. In fact we kinda did downstairs!" Anjali put her hands up defensively in front of herself & said sternly, "& you won't spontaneously self-combust if you actually followed some of our norms, Chhote, no matter how ridiculous you thought they were!" Arnav narrowed his eyes as he reminded his sister, "You saw Rohan after your Mehendi!" This time Anjali said a little bit angrily, "Yes, & we spent our honeymoon separated while trying to console you two over your broken hearts, & you remember what all happened afterwards!" & without giving Arnav the chance to say that she was talking all rubbish & nothing had happened just because she had seen Rohan on the eve of their wedding, Anjali walked away shaking her head, irritated.

& Arnav focused on the person sitting on the other side of the French door, looking up at the night sky. He slowly went & sat down leaning his back on the French door too & now Khushi's & his back were separated only by the glass & the curtain. As soon as Khushi felt the French door shake, indicating he sat down against it, she spoke up accusingly, "What's all this?! You irritated everyone- Amma, Buaji, Naniji, Dadiji, Di-" But she stopped mid-speech when she heard Arnav call her simply through the gap where the French door was open, "Red." It was his usual serious, yet not strict, manner in which he humored her silly jokes, encouraging her to continue. But today Khushi felt something amiss & she forgot her annoyance at him for the ruckus he had caused downstairs. Her brows furrowed, but unsure of what it was that was bothering him, she continued in a much more normal tone, "Waise, Arnavji.. NK told me all about your 'Kawwe ka jalsa'!.. You wrapped it up quite early I must say. Considering the fact that the entertainment you hired spent all evening giving you lap dances to the 'Baby Doll' song,. Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Khushi tried to inject a note of banter in her voice. In truth she wasn't worried about some dancer or anyone. Arnav Singh Raizada could have been with anyone he wanted, & he chose her. But when she had heard of him getting lap dances, though not very enthusiastically according to NK, Khushi had been incredibly jealous. She had decided to make her displeasure felt to him when the topic arose, albeit teasingly. But now Khushi sensed something else was more important than that whole topic.

As Arnav said nothing, Khushi asked quietly, "What's wrong?" This time Arnav answered lightly, "Nothing's wrong.. except for the fact that you use my cousin to spy on me. Why would you think something's wrong? Maybe I just couldn't go through the day without seeing you." Khushi looked up at the stars that were abundant in the sky that night & said slowly, "You do realize, I can read your silence now?"

Arnav smiled for the first time that night, & somehow, he knew what Khushi was doing on the other side. He said with a caress in his voice, "Tum taare dekh rahi ho na?" He felt rather than hear the smile in Khushi's voice as she replied, "Aapke aur humari Amma ko dekh rahe hain." & Arnav suddenly had to convey at least some of his doubts to her, so he said in a rush, "Pata hain, Red, aagar yeh baat kissi ne mujhse ek saal pehle kahi hoti, toh main uspe vishwas nahi karta. Par aaj mujhe lagta hain, ki yeh baat sach hain." Before he could finish he heard Khushi's firm voice, "Baat sach ya jhooth ki nahi hain, Arnavji. Baat vishwas ki hain.. Ek atoot vishwas." Arnav nodded his head like an obedient student despite knowing Khushi couldn't see him, & said truthfully, "Aur tumne mujhe iss vishwas mein vishwas dilaya.. Red? If Ma could see us right now, what do you think she would feel?"

Khushi looked up at the sky & gazed at the two brightest stars she could see, close to each other, surpassing all the other stars in their brightness. & when she answered Arnav, there was a confidence in her voice, "She'd be happy.. they both would be happy.. that we got each other. That we got true love." & it was the confidence in her voice at that moment that tugged at Arnav's heartstrings, & at that point he just craved that same confidence, so he just asked her desperately, "Red, are you sure? Are you sure about me? Why do you wanna marry me?"

Khushi heard the desperation in his voice, & she forced the panic that threatened to arose in her down. Tomorrow was her wedding day, & her frantic groom, who just happened to be the most confident man she knew, was seeking reassurance from her. Not every girl's fantasy, but when had Arnav & her story been a fantasy? Khushi bit the corner of her lower lip & said with a calm she didn't feel, "Because, it seems Salman Khanji may never marry anyone ever. & I can't wait for him forever-" Arnav's impatient voice cut her out, "Enough, Red!" & then as if unable to hold it in any longer, he said in a rush, "I just see the way your family is so protective of you, how they had insulated you from the whole world, how they cherish you.. & then I remember how we fight.. how you cry.. how I trouble you. & I.. You know I have never been responsible for anyone else other than Di & myself.. & seeing how I almost ruined Di's marriage when Rohan got to know about us.."

& Khushi understood in a flash what it was all about. Of course he wasn't worried about the wedding or their marriage. In fact he had surprised everyone with his all too enthusiastic approach towards all the pre-wedding rituals. He treated the whole wedding thing as a "Making Khushi Mine" project, & he had made it clear to everyone that, he didn't want to leave anything incomplete, any of the numerous rituals undone, when it came to making it known to anyone & everyone that, after all of these circus, Khushi was his, & that when it came to Khushi, he would trump all.

So Khushi understood completely that today the doubt she heard in Arnav's voice didn't mean he doubted them or their relationship, it was his old doubt in himself, in his nature, in his origin & how dark he went even at the thought of failing Khushi. So when she spoke, although her voice was wet with tears, there was a conviction in it that drew Arnav's attention, "I know you doubt yourself, but I don't. Arnavji, no offense to you, but I know you come with a lot of baggage. & so do I. & despite all of that, I know we are perfect together. Yes, we fight! Hum aapse ladte hain.. jhagadte hain.. lekin apke jaane ke baad aap hi ki raah dekhte hain.. Hawaaon se aapki baate karte hain.. & yes! You make me cry.. Par hum jante hain, humare ankho mein se ek bhi ansoo, aap ke dil ko hazaar baar chot pauhchata hain-"

& she had to stop as she heard Arnav's firm whisper, "Har baar.."

Khushi sighed & said in a gentle voice, "Aur jab aap humse dur chale geye the, jab hum chhote the?.. I have died all those years.. waiting for you every day, yet never knowing that I was waiting for you. & I have loved you.. it seems for a hundred years. Since I have known what love was, I have loved you.. & my waiting paid off.. time brought your heart to me! You are my home, my one true love.. You are mine & I am yours. & yet, even with this knowledge, you still affect me like I am meeting you for the very first time. Why does it still happen that after all this time, jab bhi aap humare paas aate ho, toh hamare dil ki dhadkane tez ho jaati hain? Aisa kyun hota hain, ki humare dhadkane humare saanson se bhi tez daurne lagti hain?"

& as always, it was her voice, her words, her question that brought clarity to Arnav. Khushi. The world may see an independent, brave, cheerful, lovely girl who was doted on to the point of being spoiled by her family. But Arnav..? He had seen a side of Khushi Kumari Gupta that he was sure she had shown to no one else. He had seen a frustratingly stubborn adversary who challenged him in every way; a vulnerable girl, struggling with her past, on the tethers of her world as she had known it; a defiant lover who had forgone every last of her beliefs & every hope for a normal life, who had risked her own virtue just so she could be with the one she loved. & after experiencing every facet of her being, Arnav could bet his soul on the fact that, he had never known anyone with such gentle grace and more pure heart. He found beauty in all she was. Time stood still when he looked into her eyes, his heart beat fast even now just from the knowledge that she was on the other side of the French door, & Arnav felt himself falling in love with Khushi all over again. Hence, he really had no qualms about pledging the rest of his life to Khushi, in fact, it's the only thing he could ever imagine doing.

Arnav was quiet for the longest time. Khushi had spoken so much, & it had drained even more out of her emotionally, so she just concentrated on calming her breathing & emotions down for a while, but even after she had calmed down, the silence from the other end of the door hit her like a bad omen. For a horrible moment, Khushi thought he had left, & she let out a frantic hand through the gap in the door, & called in a panicked voice, "Arnavji!" & her hand was instantly clasped in a warm, firm grip, & she felt the little bits of Mehendi that were still wet getting smudged onto Arnav's hand as he said reassuringly, "I am here, Red!" & then she heard Arnav's slow, raspy whisper answering her the question she had asked, "Main batata hoon aisa kyun hota hain.. Jab tum mere paas hoti ho, toh tumhari dil ki dhadkanon ke saath saath mere dil ki dhadkanein bhi tez ho jaati hain. Jo tum mehsoos karti ho.. Jo main mehsoos karta hoon. Humari dhadkanein ek ho jaati hain."

Although there was complete silence from Khushi's end, Arnav knew she was crying, & he said after a pause, "Pata hain, Red, jab tak tumse mila nahi tha, toh aisa lagta tha ki sab kuchh adhoora sa hain.. jaise koi kami thi.. & I am done living incomplete. I can't imagine spending another day apart from you."

Khushi let Arnav's reassuring words wash over her as she regained her confidence with every word he spoke. When Arnav stopped, she said with a final reassurance, "Don't worry about anything, Arnavji. No relationship is like another. Kuchh rishte ajeeb hi dor se bandhe hote hain. Takrar se shuru hote hain.. girte hain.. padte hain.. par kaayam rehte hain. We are who we are, but fact is, we can never live apart from each other. Hum dono-"

"Kitne ajeeb hain na?" There was a fond laughter in Arnav's voice as he completed her sentence that made Khushi laugh through her tears too. Arnav sighed, letting go of Khsuhi's hand, & standing up he said, "It's late, Red. All the pre-wedding rituals are done. Now even I have Mehendi smudges on my palm. & the poolside is all decked up to receive you & I assure you tomorrow night when you're there, we'll neither be talking nor sleeping. So catch up on as much sleep as you can now. I'll see you tomorrow at the mandap." Arnav waited for a moment to hear her say something, but when she didn't say anything, he called softly, "Red?.. I can read your silence too. I will be there!" This time Khushi answered with all the love in her voice, "Hum jaante hain. Hume bharosa hain. Aap pe.. Aap ke pyaar par.."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's true. Every girl dreams about her wedding day since she was a child. But dreams are rarely realized in real life. & as Khushi stepped out of the car with Payal's help, she appreciated that the fact that her wedding day wasn't at all like she had always dreamed it would be.. It surpassed all of her dreams. She had never dreamt that the outfit she would be wearing would be the one which her Babuji would get made especially for his beloved daughter by staying away from his family in Lucknow for 2 weeks. She had known her Amma & Buaji would want to contribute in some way in her wedding trousseau, but not like she had seen them, pouring over the dupatta of her outfit till 3-4am in the night, doing Chikankari on it, sometimes laughing at Khushi's antics, sometimes crying over the sadness of her departure. & she hadn't imagined her feet would be adorned in the most gorgeous shoes her groom would give her as a wedding present. & now draped in the outfit that spelled of her Babuji's adoration, the dupatta that had the protection of her mother's tears, & the spring in her steps from the shoes Arnav had given her, Khushi felt she was the luckiest girl in this whole universe.. until her eyes fell on the beautiful red & white mandap..which was empty, except for the panditji.

& for a moment, Khushi went blank with panicky fear. & then as Payal helped her stand up on the platform beside the mandap, she whispered more to herself than to her sister, "He'll be here, Jiji.. I know he will. He promised-" But Payal cut her off with a hushed rebuke, "What are you mumbling, Khushi? Who else is left to come? Please, don't bring out your 'sanak' today; otherwise Buaji will make us count off all of your names!" & Khushi was about to ask Payal why she didn't look for Arnav instead of scolding her, & she was looking fixatedly at the near-empty mandap, when from behind her, she heard the call. "Red?" & as she turned, all thoughts went out of her mind as she saw, Arnav Singh Raizada, dressed as a groom. & he looked so devastatingly handsome in the subtle, yet so dreamy, sherwani, that Khsuhi felt she could weep just at the sight of him. & then he looked in his eyes, & saw he was equally bewitched at the sight of his bride, all decked up in wedding finery.

& it was Anjali, who broke their trancelike stare at each other as she came forward with a huge golden plate carrying the 'varmala's. Arnav nodded when Anajli probed him to come forward, & then taking a garland in his hand, he spoke mutedly for Khushi's ears only, "Did you think I hadn't come? I am right here, Red. Aur main yahan sirf tumhare liye hoon." & when Khushi guiltily lowered her eyes, he chuckled, & said aloud, "I told all the rasams would be done properly. & 'varmala' is exchanged before we go into the mandap, right, Buaji?" Madhumati beamed at their son-in-laws seemingly good knowledge of rituals & all, & thanked her Nandkishore that their apparently crazy Sanka Devi at least got a groom who was sensible & wasn't bothered by her antics. Then Arnav surprised everyone further, when he caught Khushi by her arm, & gently dragging her, he made her stand on his other side, & informed her, "You have to stand on this side of me, right, Nani?" Nani nodded happily, while Khushi mentally rolled her eyes, calling Arnav a 'show-off Laad Governor', as she suppressed a giggle.

After the garlands were exchanged, they all proceeded to the mandap, where the pandit started the wedding rituals. Khushi frequently stole glances at Arnav who was sitting with an expression of acute concentration on his face, readily throwing things at the holy fire whenever panditji instructed so. & when she looked ahead, Arnav stole glances at her, his beautiful bride. She looked so angelic, so pure, that it was all Arnav could do not to reach out & touch her creamy cheeks to convince himself that this was reality.

When it was time for the Kanyaadaan, Khushi's Amma-Bauji came forward, & after the mantras were read, they placed Khushi's hand delicately over Arnav's hand. Then Khushi's father seemed unable to hold himself, & he placed a hand over Khushi's head caressingly, & on cue, Khushi's whole body shook once, & she broke in an uncontrollable sob like a 5-year-old. It was so unexpected, as she was shyly smiling even the moment before, that everyone was at a fix for a moment about what to do. & before Payal, Rohan or Garima, anyone could come forward, the groom who had been sitting too obediently through out the whole process, leaned over, & after whispering a brief, "Don't cry, Red!" to Khushi, planted a loud, smacking kiss on Khushi, just beside the mole on her left cheek.

Khushi was so shocked, she gasped amidst her sobs, causing her to hiccup in a very un-bride-like manner. Suddenly there was traumatized silence around the mandap, & then panditji abruptly started saying mantras a little too rapidly. Khushi's parents, her aunt & Anrav's grandmothers all started looking here & there, as if they had vowed they would never again look at each other. Akaash suddenly got his power of movement back & he showed Arnav two thumbs up, which in turn led Anjali to get her power of movement back & she slapped Akaash's shoulder with all the irritation she felt towards Arnav.

All these actions gave Khushi her power of movement back, & she leaned towards Arnav & whispered furiously, "EVERYONE SAW!!!" Arnav shrugged carelessly & said impishly, "Dekhne do!" Khushi gasped at his insolence, her mouth forming that perfect 'o' that made Arnav always want to kiss her senseless, & then she said much more furiously than before, "Dekhne do??!! You don't care about anybody?! Who do you think you are? Laad Governor of Chanakyapuri?" Arnav promptly shook his head & corrected her, "I am Laad Governor of Khushi Kumari Gupta-" & it was more of an auto-reflex for her as Khushi corrected him, "Singh Raizada!" & that made Arnav look back at Khushi with that look in his eyes which Khushi had mentally termed as the "I-had-devoured-you-before-&-right-now-I-wanna-do-it-again" look, she looked away blushing a bright crimson red. Arnav smirked at her flustered expression & leaning in for one last time, he said teasingly, "Laal hain.. tumhari naak!"

& Khushi closed her eyes & prayed, "Raksha karo, Devi Maiyya!" & it seemed her best friend did listen to her prayer as Manaorama chose that moment to squeal excitedly & ask Mamaji why he was never as daring as his nephew was, to which Mamaji sarcastically answered with, "Ee lo, banat ho saas, aur khud ko samjhat ho khaas!", causing everyone to laugh out loud & divert their attention from the couple getting married.

& as panditji continued to read the mantras & everyone else beamed down at the couple, no one noticed as the grooms hand reached under the screen of his bride's lehenga & dupatta & clasped the bride's smaller hand in his. When Khushi looked back at him, Arnav said in a super-hushed voice, "It's an auspicious day, so I thought I'd say it to you.. I love you, Red!" & Khushi smiled radiantly at him with her heart in her eyes as she mentally registered that it was the third time in total he had said that to her, & she answered simply with a, "Hamesha!"

A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to love their differences.

-Farah

One last time, press 'like' if you do like. :D

& this is a very special anniversary thread from our La (asrcraze), which I know will make the most practical soul nostalgic for IPK : From ASR to Arnav

[NOCOPY]