Chapter 53
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OS 2: Finding Khushi
Part 17
Sec 1
Arnav looked at his watch. It was late. But he was going to disturb the Guptas. There was no way he was going home without seeing Khushi.
As he turned into Laxmi Nagar, he noticed signs of celebration. A temporary stage had been built. Residents were seated in chairs facing the stage. Children were being given prizes for their excellent performance in studies... Was Khushi here too?
He leaned out to scan the crowd. He saw Amma & Buaji clapping their hands at the achievements of the children of their neighbourhood, but Khushi & Payal were nowhere to be seen. Babuji too was absent. He drove slowly through the crowd to Khushi's house.
He parked in front of the house. The lights were on, the door was open.
He left his car, & walked up the steps, almost walking into Payal who was on her way out.
"Arnavji! Aap!", Payal exclaimed.
"Err..Khushi...", he muttered.
"She is in the bathroom.", Payal looked worried. "Babuji is asleep... I was going to join Buaji & Amma at the function. Woh kya he, Arnavji, children from our colony are presenting dances and I have to help them dress ... Khushi will be coming later..."
Arnav nodded. "You go on, Payal. I will meet Khushi, & send her on her way."
"Ji.", Payal smiled. She walked out of the house & Arnav walked in, shutting the door after himself.
Khushi smoothed the yellow paste of sandalwood & turmeric on her beautiful face, humming, Chale Aao Saiyyan, Padoon Mein Tohri Paiyyan...
Diye Ki Mein Bathi, Jal Jal Mein Mariyaan...
Arnav stood outside the bathroom door, smiling, listening to her song.
There! She was done. She would bet a fortune that nobody could recognise her now! Her eyes alone twinkled on her yellow face.
Humko Raja ji, Saiyaan ji
Aaj Neend Nahi Aaye...
Tum Baithe Koti Pe Bangle Pe Mehfil Sajaye...
Aaj Neend Nahi Aaye...
Tum Baithe Koti Pe Bangle Pe Mehfil Sajaye...
She opened the bathroom door & came out smiling...
She let out a squeak. "Arnavji! Aap?" He wasn't at any kota or bungalow, but standing outside her bathroom door!
"Khushi...?"
"Ji.. It is me... under the yellow paste."
"What... What have you done to yourself, Khushi?" Arnav struggled to keep the laughter from his voice.
Khushi sighed. "It is haldi & chandan, Arnavji. To look beautiful!"
"You don't need it, Khushi." He pulled her into his arms.
"Arnavji! Yeh aap kya rahe hein?", Khushi squealed. "You will stain your clothes."
"They will wash.", Arnav held her tighter.
Khushi squirmed. "Let me wash my face, Arnavji."
"Let me help you.", Arnav said softly, a wicked look on his face.
"No!..No.. I will manage." Khushi ran into the bathroom, Arnav following her on quick feet.
Khushi cupped water in her palms & splashed it on her face. Rivulets of yellow poured down her face & neck and wet her white suit.
After she finished washing her face clean, Arnav took a towel hanging on a peg, and moved towards her to wipe her face dry.
Mistrusting the look on his face, Khushi took a step back. He followed, imprisoning her against the wall.
He ran the thin towel over her forehead, her nose, one cheek, the other, her chin, her lips...
Khushi pulled her face away, gasping for breath.
The sound of their hearts beating rapidly in tandem almost deafened them.
Arnav touched her neck with the towel. She shuddered.
He ran the towel gently along one side of her neck. Khushi fell back against the wall.
Looking into her wide, fascinated eyes, Arnav swallowed hard. He gently ran the towel down the other side of her neck, his hand trembling...
He moved the towel to the wet neck of her suit, rubbing the fabric to dry it...
Khushi took a deep breath, trying to retain her slight hold on her sanity. She pushed him aside, and ran out of the bathroom.
He followed her silently but swiftly.
She raced into her bedroom, and turned to shut the door.
He was right behind her.
They stood looking at each other.
Behind her, he saw his red roses arranged in a big vase by her bed. Her first bouquet! The scent of the sixty roses he had sent her perfumed the air.
He walked in, taking slow but sure steps towards her. She withdrew, walking backwards in matching steps till the back of her knees hit the bed and she half fell, half sat on it.
Arnav took a rose out of the vase, and brought it to his nostrils. It smelled divine. She watched him with a heaving chest and anxious eyes.
He brought the rose to her cheek, trailing the soft, red petals against the creamy skin. Khushi closed her eyes and struggled to swallow with a mouth as dry as a desert.
He brushed her lips with the rose, letting the soft petals linger lovingly against the plump curves. Her lips parted.
In a quick move that Khushi never expected, he covered her surprised lips with his warm, hard ones.
A few moments later, he drew back slightly, his lips freeing hers reluctantly.
Her eyelashes fluttered and she opened her eyes to look at him, all dazed and languorous.
"Your first kiss, Khushi...", he whispered.
She stared at him, too caught up in the dream to move.
"Liked it?", he asked, his devilish eyes twinkling.
Khushi blushed.
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