Chapter 53

Chapter 53: TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Thank you for the tremendous response to the previous chapter... The thread is on the 190th page...😲

And now I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who will comment on this chapter and like... Every like that you add and every word that you type makes me emotional and happy... Thank you once again for being by my side throughout this journey.

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They sat in each other's arms by the poolside for a long time experiencing the magical feeling of togetherness in true sense. Arnav was overwhelmed by what had just happened. They had Kissed... a mutual Kiss...

For Khushi it was all a dream and couldn't really believe that it was really happening. The past that had been haunting them for so long was finally fading out. They were finally coming out of the past...

As time passed the clock chimed indicating that it was Four in the evening. Khushi groaned and hid her face in his chest. He made her look up at him and she could see the concern in his eyes.

"What is it Khushi?" He asked worried.

She smiled and said, "I have to go."

He looked at her scared and his arms automatically gripped her tighter.

"Arnav..." She pouted hitting his chest playfully. "At least listen to what I'm saying." She said and he relaxed a little. "Jiji and Akash Jiju are going to the Mandir. Jiji wanted to take blessings for her baby. I promised her I'll go with them."

"Oh okay... that's fine then." Arnav said though he was not happy about Khushi going away when he was there at home.

"Will you come with me?" Her words were like music to his ears as he looked at her. "Please?" She said a little pleadingly knowing how he didn't like going to Mandir.

"Okay..." He replied instantly and smirked when she looked shocked. "You are with me today is a miracle in itself Khushi... And your love... it has to be a blessing... I want to thank your Devi Maiya for giving me YOU, in spite of everything." Khushi was about to protest when he placed a finger on her lips. "Let's get ready?"

She smiled shaking her head indulgently and then nodded.

~~~~~~

As she was looking for something to wear in the wardrobe, his arms snaked around her waist from behind, making her automatically lean back against him. "Shall I help?" He whispered huskily in her ear and she smiled. Pressing his lips against her cheek he stretched an arm and pulled out a Saree and handed it over to her. "Here wear this." He said and she wasn't surprised to see that it was a Red Saree.

"Okay..." She turned around and put her free arm around his neck. His palm caressed her face as his eyes that were brimming with love, closed and they both leaned to kiss. Khushi felt her chest constrict as the Saree slipped down from her hand. She clutched his hair, her need growing painfully.

Arnav groaned and broke apart, "We should get ready Khushi." He said harshly breathing hard and she picked up the Saree and rushed into the bathroom.

~~~~~~

Arnav had come downstairs before Khushi got ready to avoid being alone with her when she came out dressed in his favourite colour. It had been ages since he had last seen her in red and he was not sure if he could hold back himself if he saw her in their room in his present state of out of control feelings.

Even then his fists tightened and his breath caught when she came down. He remembered their first Diwali together when he had completely lost his senses on seeing her in that revealing Red Lehenga. His state right now was no different than that first time if not worse. Not missing a single expression of his face, she came next to him and her hand covered his fist and her thumb massaged the back of his hand soothingly until he somewhat relaxed. Their fingers entwined as they followed Payal and Akash outside.

~~~~~~

Arnav bowed his head and closed his eyes as he thanked the goddess for being so generous with him and vowed to never hurt Khushi ever. When the priest came forward with the arti, Arnav pinched the Sindoor from the plate and filled it in Khushi's Maang. She smiled her eyes moistening, feeling complete.

Payal and Akash stood aside and watched them; a heavy weight lifting off their chests. They had always felt guilty for the way Khushi had been forced by Arnav to marry him by threatening their relationship. And now they were overjoyed to see Arnav and Khushi together in a bond so strong that it was hard to imagine the two apart.

After spending some time in the Mandir they came back to their car and Khushi spoke, "Shall we go out for dinner tonight? I'm going to be a Maasi and that surely calls for a celebration."

"Definitely." Arnav agreed.

Akash was about to agree but Payal held his hand and squeezed it to stop him. "Actually Khushi, I'm not allowed to have outside food for the first three months so we can't go."

Akash caught on and nodded. "Yeah Bhai, but why don't you both go? Celebrate on our behalf too."

"No Jijaji. If you can't go, we won't go either." Khushi frowned and Arnav nodded.

But Akash and Payal wouldn't hear a word of it and finally won the argument. Arnav and Khushi dropped them back at RM and moved to have dinner together.

"I'm sure Payal was faking it." Arnav smirked as he drove on.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Khushi asked puzzled.

"Oh come on Khushi, she had no issues having Samosas yesterday and today all of a sudden she can't have outside food?" He asked.

"You mean they are avoiding us?" She asked shocked.

"I'd say they are giving us privacy." He grinned and continued looking at her confused expression. "After becoming parents now Payal and Akash seem to be really eager to become Chacha-Chachi too."

Khushi turned pink but held her chin high and replied, "Maasa-Maasi"

Arnav just shrugged smiling.

~~~~~~

Arnav took Khushi to a private lounge where they sat in each other's arms. Arnav had given strict instructions to the hotel staff that no one enters their space without knocking.

Khushi wouldn't let Arnav eat on his own so he just leaned back against the cushions and she fed him and herself alternately.

"I could get used to this..." He smirked as he swallowed the rice she had fed him.

"You better..." She smirked back.

"So you mean you are going to feed me everyday? Wow..." He had a devil grin on his face.

"Why not?" She asked looking confused.

"I'd love to see you do that in front of Nani and Mami." His grin widened. She blushed and he pulled her closer. "I don't mind eating in our room everyday if you like."

"No..." She pouted. "That would only get them to tease me more."

"That would be fun to watch." He teased and she hit his chest in mock anger.

They ordered for the dessert and Khushi hugged Arnav from the side. Arnav breathed deep, her scent taking over his senses. His arms that were around her waist, moved up caressing her bare back and she shivered holding him tighter in response.

His lips came down to the crook of her neck and she could feel them tremble against her skin. She rubbed his nape with her palm soothingly. "It's okay Arnav. You don't have to rush. We can take it slowly." She said reassuringly.

He pulled back and looked at her guiltily. "Khushi..."

"Shhh... It's alright. What matters most to me is that you are leaving the past behind. Rest I'm sure will fall in place with time." She caressed his cheek and smiled.

"Khushi... I... I do want you... It's not like I... I don't want you to feel that I don't..." He didn't know how to express his dilemma.

"All I know and feel is that you love me Arnav. What else would I want?" She asked. "And whenever you have any doubts or hesitation, just remember that I love you as much as you love me. I trust you more than I trust myself and I know that you can never ever hurt me again."

No matter how many times she said that she loved him, that she trusted him, it always felt like the first time, giving his troubled heart and mind a soothing reassurance. She pecked his lips lightly and smiled.

There was a knock then and they pulled back to let the desserts be served.

~~~~~~

Arnav could barely keep his eyes off Khushi as they got into the car and she kept blushing.

"Arnav do you want me to drive?" She finally asked.

"Huh? No, why?" He asked surprised by her question.

She giggled while replying. "So that you can stare at me and I don't have to be worried about the car crashing again like last time."

"I wasn't staring at you the last time." He smiled sheepishly, remembering their small adventure on the way to Chandigarh.

"I know you had fallen asleep. But the fact remains that your concentration was not on the road then and even now." She teased.

He laughed and leaned across to her. "But it wouldn't be my fault this time."

"Maybe I shouldn't let you look at me then." She said and covered her face with the pallu.

He looked at her face through the semi transparent pallu. "You know that makes you look even sexier."

The pallu slipped off her face and she looked at him her mouth open in the perfect 'O'. He had never called her something like 'Sexy'. He smirked at the expression on her face and flicked the tip of her nose. She blushed harder than ever turning her face away.

"I think it's best that I drive now." He said chuckling at her state.

She bit her lower lip and stayed quiet.

~~~~~~

Khushi and Arnav walked into their room and Khushi started to move towards the cupboard to get her night dress. Arnav held her hand before she could move away from him. She turned and moved into his arms.

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Did I say how beautiful you are looking today?" He asked huskily.

Khushi pouted and shook her head.

Arnav's smile faded off as the intensity of his gaze increased. "I have never seen anyone more beautiful than you."

"You own a Fashion house. You are surrounded by models all day." She said frowning, not liking the idea.

"I have never seen anyone more beautiful than you." He repeated, his eyes boring into hers making her speechless for a moment.

"Arnav... I..." She couldn't bear the intensity of his gaze and lowered her lashes. Her skin burning under his gaze.

Arnav leaned forward and kissed her earlobe. She clutched his shirt in her fists as his lips trailed down her neck raising Goosebumps along. Her hand moved down to caress her bare waist. She tried to move away but he held her waist firmly. His trembling lips worked their way along her jawline and she held his neck to stop him.

"Arnav wait... You don't have to..." Her remaining sentence was swallowed up by him as his lips covered hers now moving along a firm and smooth rhythm along with hers.

Arnav broke apart looking at her breathlessly. "Let's just give it a try Khushi." He lead her to the bed and made her lie back coming on top of her. "I'll never hurt you." He promised.

"I know Arnav." She replied without a doubt.

He pushed her pallu off her shoulder making her blush and turn away. He looked at her back that was exposed due to the low cut blouse she was wearing. His fingers worked upon the doris that were holding it together, undoing their knot. Khushi gasped as she felt the blouse come loose.

"Arnav..." She whimpered as his lips started leaving a moist trail along her spine. She tried to turn but he pressed himself on her making her lie flat on her stomach. "Please Arnav." She begged and turned to hug him.

He gently turned her to make her lie on her back and kissed her forehead, eyes, cheek and his hand moved down below her belly button and pulled the pleats off. She buried her face in his chest feeling shy.

Once he got rid of her Saree he continued with the rest of their clothing until both of them had no veils between them. "Come to me Khushi." Arnav beckoned her as Khushi tried to hide herself behind her arms. She didn't respond and he slowly ran his fingers along her hair. "Please come to me Khushi. I don't know if this is right. I don't want to force myself on you."

"ARNAV!!!" She looked up at him shocked. She saw his small face and closed her eyes tightly. Then leaving behind all the inhibitions she came forward and hugged him. "Here... I'm all yours Arnav. Everything... Just yours... no force, no fear. I love you.

He looked into her eyes that were overflowing with love for him. The feel of her body against his was making him go crazy with sensations. "Are you sure Khushi?" He asked covering her form with his and as she gave her consent he pressed herself against her, taking control of her lips until she struggled to breathe. As he moved lower to worship her mounds, her nails dug into his back, marking him as hers. It was only when he sensed a sob break into her chest that he looked up at her face, shocked and worried.

He caressed her face again and again, wiping off her tears and asked urgently. "Khushi... What's wrong? I... I'm sorry... I..."

"Arnav..." She interrupted him. "I love you so much. Nothing is wrong. In fact this can never be wrong Arnav. We belong to each other."

"But then...? Why are you crying?" He asked worried.

She hid her face in the crook of his neck. "I... I'm just a little shy."

"Are you sure?" He asked again and she nodded against his neck.

He held her close for a while until she calmed down before resuming his ministrations on her sensitive skin.

The tears in her eyes were scaring him but her hold remained firm around him as she responded to every kiss and caress of his.

"Khushi I love you more than every thing else in this word." He said and continued to tell her how much he loves her as he entered her holding her securely against himself. "Nothing can separate us now."

"Not even the past?" She asked in a weak voice as her whole form shook violently.

"Not even the past." He reassured her, "Never again."

~~~~~~

Khushi came out of the bathroom wiping her hair and saw Arnav dozing off on the recliner. She smiled and came to sit next to him slowly. She leaned on him and brushed her wet hair against his face.

"Mmm..." He groaned and opened his eyes to look at the most beautiful sight in his world.

"It's time to wake up Arnav." She smiled at him. "We'll be late for work."

"I'm not going to work today." He yawned and closed his eyes again.

Her face fell. "Okay, I'll get ready and leave then." She said sadly.

"You are not going to work either." He said and she looked at him surprised. "I have informed to AR and Emerald that we are taking a break from work today." He put an arm around her waist and she leaned back against the backrest.

"Really?" She asked her face lighting up.

"Yeah..." He nodded and pulled her closer. "Are you feeling alright?" He asking as for a moment his face reflected the fear he was feeling from within. She blushed and hid her face in his chest. "Khushi? Did I... Did I hurt you?"

"Arnav..." She bit her lower lip blushing harder. Feeling worried and confused he looked down at her face. To his surprise, her face had turned redder than ever and her eyes were tightly shut but on her lips played a smiled that clearly reflected how happy she was.

Her shyness, love, satisfaction and happiness all reflected in her smile and he smiled with her.

~~~~~~

Three years later...

Khushi rocked the crib as she watched over her tiny son Arush sleeping snugly wrapped in his blanket. And Arnav watched over his beautiful wife and little son smiling at how perfect his life was. Khushi smiled sensing his gaze on her.

He came forward seeing her smile and sat next to her. He looked at his son fondly and spoke. "I can't even be jealous of him for taking up all your time."

"Arnav...! He is so small and our son... How can you think of being jealous of him?" She asked shocked.

"I sometimes miss you even though you are right here with me." He said sheepishly.

She hugged him from the side, "Me too..." Khushi stayed quiet for a few minutes and then started giggling.

Arnav pulled back to look at her. But she broke into peals of uncontrolled laughter.

"Khushi??? Shhh..." He said eyeing the sleeping Arush making sure that his mother's laughter didn't wake him up. She pressed her hand over her mouth and continued to giggle. "What? Are you okay?" He asked looking worried.

"I was just thinking what if Di and Jiji heard us talking about missing each other..." She said controlling her laughter.

"Ah! They would be outraged and shocked maybe." He smirked.

"Yeah and Jiji would say... 'Khushi... when have you been away from Arnavji in order to miss him?'" Khushi giggled again.

"And Di... She'll say... 'Chote... Miss each other? You have been barely going to work for the past six months ever since you have become a father. Why you and Khushi are practically inseparable... How in the name of the heavens did you guys manage to miss each other?'" He smiled as he imitated Anjali.

They looked deep in each others eyes and smiled with an understanding that would be beyond anyone's grasp. "No one can ever understand." Khushi smiled running her fingers along his face and lips.

"Except us..." He said and leaned to kiss her when...

"Unnnggghhh... ummmummmummmummm..." The sweetest sound of their lives caught their attention and they turned to look at their son who had woken at the exact moment and was struggling to free himself from the blanket that Khushi had securely wrapped around him.

Khushi pouted but then smiled fondly at him and got up to take him in her arms.

Their baby smiled sleepily at them as Arnav wrapped his arms around both of them. Within moments he fell asleep again.

"Chaaachuuu..." A sound echoed and silver Payals chimed as tiny feet rushed into their room.

"Shhh..." Arnav shushed as the three year old jumped up into his arms.

Her eyes widened as she saw Arush sleeping in Khushi's arms. "Chachu Dinnel is leady." Payal and Akash's daughter Palak spoke in hushed tone. "Anjali Bua has asked to get Alush down. She finished dinnel. But I can sit with him here you know. I'm his Di." She said proudly.

"After you've had your dinner Palak Di." Khushi said pulling her cheek.

Palak pouted but smiled as Arnav winked at her.

Arnav and Khushi went downstairs with the kids and Arnav let out a long breath for missing another chance to be with Khushi alone and she blushed knowing the reason for his sigh.

Khushi handed over Arush to Anjali and went to join Arnav, Akash and Payal at the dining table. Arnav immediately held her hand under the table. She glanced at him shyly and smiled at how their love only grew with every passing moment. His over possessiveness, her unconditional love and their unrestrained longing for each other had only grown stronger with time.

The only thing that didn't exist for them anymore was the Past... It was only happiness for the Present and hopes for the Future that filled up their lives now.

~THE END~

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