Chapter 1
OS Khushi's First Karva Chauth
By: Satina
"He's not coming Khushi," Payal said softly, her voice full of concern and disappointment.
"Please Khushi," Lavanya pleaded, "Eat something!" She pushed a plate filled with food closer to Khushi.
Khushi looked up at her two sister-in-laws; she would do anything for them, but not this.
"I can't'I won't eat without him here," whispered Khushi, her voice soft, but firm. They nodded understandingly, and Khushi heard the door close as they quietly left.
With tear-filled eyes Khushi gazed out at the moonlit pool through the glass doors that connected it to their room. The muted sounds of laughter and conversation drifted down towards her from the terrace above. She could imagine the scene up there: Jiji and Akash jiju smiling at each other, Nanheji joking with Lavanyaji, Mamiji and Mamaji speaking with Naniji. Khushi smiled as she thought about her family. Anjali Di would be there too with her husband'
Khushi's smile immediately vanished at the thought of the snake. Once she had been a happy, innocent girl; but Shyam's endless lies had changed everything. Shocked and confused, Arnav had confronted Shyam after discovering that Shyam had been Khushi's fianc. Her heart began to beat faster as Khushi remembered how Shyam had convinced Arnav of his lies:
Arnav had grabbed Khushi's wrists, ignoring her questions, and avoiding her eyes. Shyam was waiting for them ahead, glaring at Arnav's hand on Khushi, an evil sneer on his face.
"Saale saab, listen to me once! This girl has been plotting to ruin your sister's life for months. She loves only me, but when I told her I was happily married, she started going after you just so that she could remain near me!!"
Arnav let go of her wrist, stunned at his brother-in-law's words.
"All the moments she has spent with you, everything has been her plan just to be with me. She has no feelings for you," Shyam said and began laughing, "Did you really think she cared for you?"
Arnav's anger rose with each passing word, his pain and hurt evident in his eyes. Khushi had tried to explain, but Arnav hadn't listened. All he remembered was how heartbroken she had been when her engagement had broken, never telling him her truth all these months.
But he'd surprised her the next day by asking her to marry him. She knew he was only thinking of protecting his sister's marriage and keeping the family together. Yet, she had said yes. This was the only way for her to prove her innocence and more importantly, she loved him and couldn't live without him, even if he hated her.
After their marriage, he'd ignored her for weeks, only acknowledging her when someone was around. But Khushi hadn't given up. She'd sensed his feelings of pain and hurt underneath his mask of anger.
Khushi shivered as she remembered the past. She had always dreamt about a loving huband and a happy marriage, but reality was much different. Today was her first Karva Chauth, and her husband wasn't even here.
Hungry and thirsty, Khushi was determined to only break her fast when he was with her.
Absentmindedly, she touched his laptop and noticed a bright pink envelope stuffed underneath. Inside a letter read:
To Mr. & Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada:
We would be honored if you would both attend our "Spanish Romance" Event.
Your presence is requested, as Mr. Raizada will be presented with an award and is the evening's honorary guest.
Enclosed is a formal invitation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
INTERNATIONAL FASHION ASSOCIATION (IFA)
Khushi lifted the invitation and realized that the date was today's. So this is where he has gone, why didn't he tell me, thought Khushi frowning slightly. Suddenly, Khushi jumped with excitement, she had a brilliant idea on how to save her marriage. She opened her closet and knew just what to wear, it would perfectly match the theme of the party! She slipped into the red silk dress Lavanya had given her, hesitantly. She pulled on her matching stilettos, and smiled as she wore the silver earrings from the photo shoot. As she quietly left Raizada Mansion, she couldn't help but think, tonight would change everything.
The party was in full swing when Khushi arrived, men in tuxedos and women wearing gorgeous, brightly colored dresses. Khushi admired the beautiful outdoor setting: lanterns hanging from the treetops overhead casting a warm glow, couples dancing on the makeshift dancefloor, and a band playing romantic Spanish music at one end. Rose gardens surrounded the area, and their aromatic scent drifted over, making the night all the more magical.
Khushi felt nervous in her red, silky dress; however, noticing the admiring looks people gave her, she became more confident and ready to face her husband. But where was Arnav?
A woman in a bright yellow flamenco dress stepped away right then, and Khushi glimpsed the night's honorary guest. As she began walking closer to him, she saw that although many people surrounded him, he seemed strangely unhappy and lonely. A woman in a little black dress was trying to pull him to the dance floor, but Arnav adamantly shook his head. He glanced up and his eyes met Khushi's.
And like always time seemed to stop, it was only him and only her, nothing else mattered. Khushi saw his expressions shift from shock to warm affection, almost as if he was glad to see her. When she was only a few feet away, Arnav's eyes ran up and down her silk clad form, his gaze heated. Khushi blushed under his looks, but her confidence didn't waver, and she looked directly into his eyes with quiet resolve.
As she opened her mouth to say something, a short, portly man jumped in front of Arnav, like a shield. The short man looked at Khushi apologetically and said, "Are you a new model too? I'm sorry dear, but Mr. Raizada refuses to dance with anyone. He must be missing his wife," he told Khushi, while slapping Arnav's back playfully.
Arnav's face hardened and in a frustrated voice, he said, "Mr. Kapoor, this is my wife." Although Arnav seemed aggravated, it made Khushi happy that he at least acknowledged her.
"Oh my," said Mr. Kapoor, "What a beautiful wife you have, please dance and enjoy the night," leaving the two of them alone.
Arnav grabbed Khushi, pulling her against him, and furiously whispered in her ear, "What are you doing here Khushi? Go home now." Khushi looked right back at him, her own temper rising, "I was invited, so I will leave when I want to, after I enjoy the night!" He turned away, shaking his head at her constant need to defy him.
Just then a man behind Arnav turned towards Khushi, who knew well how it felt when her husband became angry. He introduced himself as Aman, and politely asked her to a dance.
Hearing their conversation, Arnav looked at the man in anger, but then smiled smugly as he knew that Khushi always declined to dance with any other man at such parties.
Khushi smiled at Aman, tossing her glossy, black hair over her bare shoulder, "Sure, I would love to dance with you." Khushi held Aman's arm and allowed him to guide her to the dance floor. As she turned away she caught a glimpse of her sulking husband, his hands in fists, his jaw tightened, and his eyes following her every step.
She danced with Aman to the soft playing song, barely paying attention to what he was saying. Her attention was on her husband, who stood feet away and was staring at her with such intensity that it seared her through her red silk dress. Once the song ended, Khushi found herself on the far end of the dancefloor, her eyes searching for Arnav. Suddenly, she felt a cold hand yank her arm and drag her to a corner. Her face froze as she recognized Shyam tightening his grip on her, refusing to let go. "Khushiji," he whispered in a tone that made her shudder. She tried to pull away from him, but he held her even closer and said, "You know how much I love you! How dare you dance with someone else without my permission?" Khushi stared at him, revolted by his demeanor. Khushi glared at him, her arms throbbing with pain, she tried to elbow him as hard as she could, but he wouldn't let go. As she saw Shyam bringing his face closer to her's, she heard Arnav's thunderous voice.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY WIFE!"
Arnav's voice echoed in the small corner of the party in which Shyam had trapped Khushi. Furious and shocked, his words sliced through the still air. Relief enveloped Khushi as she took in her husband standing a few feet away' his eyes dark as midnight and his expression livid. Shyam's head flew up, surprised at seeing his brother-in-law and he reflexively tightened his grip on Khushi's arms.
Stunned at the turn of events, Shyam roughly pushed Khushi away. Khushi's steps faltered and she fell as she was thrown sideways. As the cold night air nipped at her bare shoulders and stung her bruised arms, a whimper escaped from her lips involuntarily.
Shyam didn't even notice Khushi's pained cry, too focused on plotting his own escape. But, Arnav's eyes blazed as he heard Khushi's soft whimper.
There was a flash of swift movement and a howl of pain. Khushi looked on as Shyam staggered backwards, grasping his jaw as blood seeped through his fingers. Arnav's expression of pure fury remained as he stomped towards his brother-in-law, and he threw another punch, this time hitting Shyam's right eye with force.
Shyam dropped down onto the grass, looking shaken as Arnav towered above him. With a rough pull, Arnav jerked Shyam up by his collar.
"How dare you touch my wife!" Arnav said in a deathly whisper. "I saw and heard everything. How could you do this? I never want to see you near my wife, sister, or anybody else in my family ever again!" Disgusted by his brother-in-law, Arnav violently shoved him away, and Shyam hastily slithered away like the snake he was.
Arnav quickly knelt beside Khushi, his expression changing rapidly to one of concern and affection. Khushi, startled by what had happened and shaken by the fear that had gripped her, pulled Arnav into her, holding him tightly, her arms wrapping around him. He hugged her back just as tightly, his strong hands gently rubbing her bare back in soothing circles. He felt her body tremor against him, her tears staining his black coat.
"Khushi, please, don't cry'" Arnav said in a strained voice, unable to bear the pain he and others had given her. "I'm here, I won't let anyone come in between us ever again," he reassured her, repeatedly until her sobs finally stopped.
Suddenly aware of their precarious position in the secluded, grassy corner, Khushi reluctantly moved her head off his broad shoulder, trying to stand. He followed her up, his eyes looking deeply into hers with tenderness. As she took a step back, he reached forward, his arms encircling her waist. His hands slid up her arms, and as they touched her bruised arms, marked by Shyam. Khushi flinched, her eyes closing in pain. Arnav looked up at her concerned, and with gentleness he massaged her bruises with his thumbs. As Khushi watched stunned, he bent his head and lovingly kissed her bruised skin. Khushi's heartbeat increased as he continued kissing her arms, and she moaned as she savored his touch.
When he finally lifted his head, he looked up at her and said quietly, "You're freezing Khushi." He rubbed her bare back and shoulders again, but the cold remained. With a slight sad smile on his face, he removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
"Khushi'I, I'm so sorry," he whispered his voice filled with regret. "HE told me, he had a relationship with you and you didn't love me," his voice breaking, "And even though my heart knew it wasn't true, I just couldn't believe that you could love me so deeply'so truly. And then I reminded myself about the harsh realities of love in my past'I was wrong Khushi, I was so wrong."
Khushi gazed at her husband, her eyes filled with tears. She knew that her love was strong, and even through months of pain and sorrow, she had never lost faith in their love. She was so glad that Arnav had finally learned the truth.
She leaned forward to cup his face, but just then a wave of dizziness engulfed her. The hours of fasting for her husband and Shyam's attack on her had left her weakened, and she swayed on her feet.
As she was about to fall, she felt Arnav's arms sweep around her, lifting her up into his arms.
"Khushi! Talk to me! Are you okay?" he asked, walking briskly towards the adjacent rose gardens. With growing fear in his heart, he set her down onto a stone bench. He held her in his arms, pushing away stray tendrils from her face with loving care. He sighed with relief as Khushi opened her eyes and softly smiled at him reassuringly.
"Khushi, what's wrong? Let's go to a doctor right away," he said urgently, standing up.
But she shook her head, and held her hand towards him, pulling him back onto the bench.
"No, there's no need to go anywhere, I am probably a little weak from my first Karva Chauth fast today," she explained with a knowing smile.
Guilt flooded Arnav, and he closed his eyes. "Khushi I'm sorry, I wasn't sure if you would fast' especially for such an awful husband like me," he said with a gloomy, anguished face.
"Don't say that," said Khushi, "I have always loved you, even if I wanted to, I could never stop."
He smiled, his eyes lighting up. He was about to reply when he noticed a lone waiter carrying a large tray passing nearby. Arnav rushed towards him and quickly took a single plate of food and a glass of water. He quickly walked back towards Khushi, a determined look on his face.
"I love you too," he said softly and as her eyes became tearful with happiness, he lifted the glass to her awaiting lips, finally breaking her fast.
He then adoringly fed her a bite of food from his hands, looking happier and more peaceful than she had seen in months.
But she saw something else too in his eyes, and couldn't help but ask, "You didn't eat anything today either, did you?"
He looked at her, surprised that she knew him so well. "I couldn't'knowing that you could possibly be hungry," he finally whispered. Her heart leapt at his words and with shaking fingers she fed him from the plate they shared. Time seemed to stop once more, it was only her and only him as they fed each other amidst the blooming roses.
"You know when I came here tonight I had a plan of how I wanted the evening to be, but everything changed'for the better," said Khushi laughing softly.
"Really?" said Arnav, an amused look on his face.
"Yes," said Khushi matter-of-factly, "There were 3 steps. Step 1: Get you to notice me."
"Well, you certainly did that'I couldn't take my eyes off of you," he said gazing at her beautiful face. "What was Step 2?"
"Step 2 was the easiest of the three: Make you jealous," Khushi said with a naughty smirk.
"You didn't have to do that," he said with a scowl. "I have never been so jealous," he admitted remembering her dance with Aman and how he resisted the urge to follow her to the dance floor and take her in his own arms.
Khushi, happy to see his obvious jealousy, leaned towards him, leaving a lingering kiss on his jaw.
"I wish you had come because Step 3 was to dance with you'" she trailed off, looking up at the starry night sky.
When she brought her eyes back towards him, she was shocked to not see him sitting beside her.
Instead, her Arnav was kneeling on one knee on the grass, his right hand extended towards her.
With a smoldering glint in his eyes and a naughty smile on his lips, he asked her, "Khushi, may I have this dance?"
"Y'Yes," Khushi stammered, her fingers entwining with his.
He pulled her into his arms, as they danced in a close embrace to the faint Spanish music drifting through the gardens.
She felt his hands around her hips, his lips absently brushing against her hair. She looked at him, and with an adoring look, he kissed her, his lips hot against her neck. She instinctively sighed, her head turning away to give him more access to her. He smiled against her throat, and left a string of hot kisses across her jaw and cheeks.
Unable to wait any longer, Khushi held him closer, her hands in his hair, her lips seeking his. Arnav kissed her on the lips passionately. Minutes passed, but they were lost in each other.
Breathless, they pulled back slightly, "Let's go home," Arnav said leading her out of the romantic rose garden.
"But what about the party? Your award?" said Khushi flustered.
Turning towards her with a smile, Arnav shrugged, "Doesn't even matter," anxious to go home with his wife.
As they reached the parked white SUV, Arnav opened Khushi's door, and walked around. Khushi looked at him in wonder. He quickly sat in the driver's seat, and mischievously leaned towards her, his hand reaching for her seat belt. They looked into each other's eyes as the seat belt clicked. His eyes were drawn to her lips, and he kissed her firmly. With her hand in his, they drove off towards home after an unforgettable evening.
The moonlight was still shining on the pool as Arnav and Khushi sneaked into their room. She looked at it, reminiscing how only hours ago she had looked at it in despair. His arms wrapped around her hips, and he pulled her back against his body, his lips on her shoulder. Khushi sighed contently as Arnav smiled at her and led her to their bed'
The next morning, Khushi awoke feeling the sunlight streaming into the room. She looked at Arnav's arm around her waist and smiled, feeling happy and complete. She tilted her face towards him, quietly observing his ruffled hair, toned body, and serene, handsome face.
Khushi nestled closer to him, remembering last night with a blush. Her first Karva Chauth truly had given her her husband back. This was only the beginning of their life together, they had many nights ahead of them, she thought blissfully. She knew that they would face problems in the future, but knew that together they could defeat anything'or anyone.
She felt Arnav move slightly and looked up into his sleepy, chocolate brown eyes.
"Good Morning, Love," he whispered, holding her tightly against him, and Khushi embraced him, never wanting to let go.
The End. Thanks for reading my OS! I have a continuation in mind, but I'll wait a while to post it, I think.. Enjoy the show and see u around the forum!! FOR FUTURE FF'S SEND ME A BUDDY REQUEST IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!
-Satina
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