Chapter 95

With age, comes experience. One doesn't have to be educated enough to gain experience. Sometimes the time, people and various conditions you face in life, teaches you a lot many things which education doesn't. Shashi was not educated much, he was not perfect, but he had experience. He had seen life and met different kind of people. And with that experience, he knows that there is something with the young man sitting in front of him, sipping his tea. Although he was talking to Shashi and Garima, but his eyes do move in particular direction every now and then. Shashi looked in that direction and saw his daughter Payal playing with Arush, in their back lawn.

The young man finished his tea and stood up asking his leave. "Akash Bitwa please stay for dinner, you have come here after so long", said Garima standing up.

"Thank you aunty but I really have to go now. Have to prepare for my meetings and other stuff", said Akash as his eyes once again darted towards Payal.

"Its ok bitwa, but do come here once before going back", said Shashi and Garima insisted too.

"Sure uncle, Namaste ... take care", said Akash as he folded his hand and went towards the back door of house, but stopped in his track when Shashi called Payal's name.

"Payal ... leave our guest at the door", said Shashi as he saw Akash's gaze on Payal as she came near and nodded her head. She smiles at Akash and gestures to move ahead. Garima picked up Arush and followed them.

Shashi sit back in his chair and sipped his tea. He always drink it slow, savoring the warm liquid as it helps sought out his thoughts.

He was confirmed with one thing that there is something with Akash and Payal. He had seen his constant gazes towards Payal since the time he came here to drop Khushi an hour ago. And he also noticed Payal's hesitation when he asked her to drop him at door. It can only be attraction or mere friendship, courtesy or may be more. But it's so soon to tell. He won't probe or ask his daughter. He had done this mistake before. Although it wasn't his fault, but he seems to think that way, if he hadn't insisted Payal for marriage 2 years ago, Shashi sighed as he remembered Payal's sad face.

The incident left his daughter broken and scarred towards love. She had handled herself well, got a job and become more confident. But she had put walls around her heart. He knows Akash is a nice guy, humble and of kind nature. Total opposite to his angry, arrogant and intimated brother. He was reluctant at first, of Khushi's relation with Arnav. But when he had seen his love for Khushi and watched him to go great lengths, risking his life to save her. It tells how much he loves her. Sometimes the possessiveness in Arnav scares him. But he has faith in Khushi that she will handle it. If Arnav is stubborn then Khushi is no less. If Arnav has a temper, Khushi has a cool personality. Now soon she is going enter in the most sacred bond with that man. And now he has to think about his other daughter.

Every father would want a well settled, caring and kind nature personality groom for his daughter. But more than that Shashi wants to know if Akash would be able to crumble the walls around Payal's heart, if he can restore her faith in love. And most importantly, will Payal let him? So he will wait and watch. He won't probe or insist his daughter like he did before. This time he will leave the decision on her and time.

"Baba why are you here alone? Where is Akash and Arush?", asked Khushi as she came near. She had gone inside to talk to Arnav. He had reached home few minutes ago and was getting his things ready, as he will be leaving for London tonight.

"He left bitya, said he had some work to do. Payal had gone to drop him at front door. Arush is inside with your Amma", said Shashi.

"And you still haven't finished your tea? How can you drink it cold?", said Khushi making a face. Shashi chuckled at her expression. Want he can say. He got so use to it know. It's hard to change it now.

"Just finished it, see", said Shashi as he shows her his cup, "So you talked to Arnav bitwa?".

"Yeah, both brothers are same ... Workaholics", said Khushi picking up the plates, "He had just come from the office few minutes ago and get started with packing, saying that he had some mails to send as well. If he keeps up that way, he will soon get crazy".

"Hmm poor guy ... now soon he will have another crazy with him ... god only knows what will happen to him then", said Shashi with a twinkle in his eyes as he stood up and gather the cups.

"Haww Baba, you are calling me crazy. On which side you are haan?", said Khushi as she makes an annoying face.

"What? I am only saying the truth", said Shashi shrugging his shoulders as he move inside. Khushi followed him. They move to kitchen and saw Garima making Arush drink water who was sitting on the kitchen slab.

"Garima, you tell what wrong did I say? Our Khushi is crazy right?", said Shashi as he puts the cups in sink.

"Yeah, no doubht on that", said Garima rolling her eyes as she put the glass down and wiped Arush's face.

Khushi stomp her foot, "Amma you too?".

"See Arush, your mother stills acts like a child. Only god know what she will do with you", said Garima. Shashi chuckled at that.

Khushi put the plates in sink, "Then you should feel happy that soon this crazy will be going away from you forever".

Shashi and Garima got serious hearing this. Shashi move towards Khushi and put his hand on her head. "It will be total opposite to that, we are going to miss your craziness terribly", said Shashi as his voice got emotional. Khushi turns to his father, "Baba I was just kidding".

"But I am not. You have filled our life with happiness and without your craziness it would have been boring", said Shashi.

"thelna hai, Alush niche taro(Want to play, put Arush down)", said Arush in his baby voice as he wiggle his legs sitting on the slab.

"And now you have to do same with your in-laws ok", said Garima, "It's your duty to keep Arnav bitwa happy and ..."

"And be a good bahu and take care of everyone needs etc etc ... Amma you have told me so many times that now I have it fixed here", said Khushi pointing towards her brain.

Garima made a face as she put Arush down on floor and held his hand so that he won't trip.

"I doubt that if that thing is anywhere near fixed", said Payal teasingly as she stood at kitchen door.

"Haww Jiji", Khushi taking step towards her, "I will tell you now, how nuts I am" and ran after Payal as she made a dash towards living room making their parents shake heads at their childishness.

"Mama Alush bhi thelna ...(Mama, Arush too wants to play)", said Alush as he too move out of kitchen and Garima followed him, taking care that he won't fall down.

Shashi smile as he watched his daughters run around the living room throwing cushions at each other and Garima scolding them to stop it.

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"You are unusually quiet today, what happened?", asked Rahul as he watched Anjali play around with her food, "I thought you would be happy that I came home early today".

Rahul didn't have much work at the hospital tonight, so he finished his shift 3 hours before and came to their apartment around 11pm.

"It's nothing", said Anjali as she smiles a little. Rahul move his chair near to her and grabs her hand on table.

"Anji, I and you both know that there is something bothering you and it will upset you further if you don't share it with me", said Rahul in soft voice.

Anjali look down at her plate, "I ... um .. Am I too pushy Rahul?", asked Anjali in mild tone.

"Pushy? What made you think like that?", asked Rahul surprise.

Anjali told him how Arnav and Khushi came home early than their expected time as Khushi probably had insisted to be with Arush, how she feels that she shouldn't have called them in the first place, how they had an argument over it and may not be talking to each other. How she had argued with Arnav on taking Khushi to Sheesh Mehal and how she feels that she is being pushy in wanting Arnav to forget his past's pain and feel wrong about it etc.

Rahul listened to her quietly and when she stopped talking, he handed her a glass of water. Rahul takes both her hand and make her look at him. His heart twisted a bit to see her moist eyes.

"Anjali listen to me sweetheart ... you are NOT pushy, you are just being A sister. It's a sister's right to be pushy towards her brother, to tease him, to blackmail him, to make him do things which he doesn't want or hate to do. And all these things comes with a package call sister'", said Rahul in soothing voice making Anjali smile a little at his descriptive words for sister.

"You do all this because you love him very much and you want to see him happy. It doesn't make you a bad person or wrong. It makes you a very caring, loving and best sister. You tell me, Arnav sometimes restrict you from doing things ... going places alone, argue with you, even sometime shouts at you and behave bossy ... does it make him a bad or dominant brother?", said Rahul.

Anjali shakes her dead in a No. Arnav do all these things, true, but she knows he is being protective of her as he loves her very much.

"And that's because you know how much he loves you. And that's why despite his all misdoings and rude behavior you forgive him, without him apologizing to you in the first place. In the same way, Arnav knows that you love him very much and only think of his happiness. So he may get irritate or angry with you but he will be never think that you are stepping over the line or you are wrong, understand?", said Rahul and Anjali nods her head with a smile, a weight lifting off her chest.

"You know I have always love and adore your and Arnav's bond. Seeing you both make me wish having a sister of my own. But I guess one doesn't get everything they wish", said Rahul with a small smile.

Anjali cupped his cheek, "Rahul ... Its ok".

"Yeah I know, leave it. We are talking about your thoughts", said Rahul as he caresses her hand on his cheek and bring it down.

"Now coming to the part of Arnav forgetting his past and move forward ... Anji, Arnav had changed so much if you compare to him with the Arnav of 1 year back. He allowed Khushi to enter his heart, he let his guards down with her, he shared his past with her and now he will be going to share his life with her. The Arnav who had literally sworn that he will never marry, is going to be married next month. What all this tell you Anji?", asked Rahul.

"I know what you are trying to say and yes you are right, I think I am just getting impatient, with all the changes in him I thought maybe he is over with his grudges to that place and when he said that Khushi will never go there and we argued. I got angry and now when I think about it, I feel bad", said Anjali.

"Anji, like I told you before. It's Arnav we are talking about. He may seem strong, arrogant and practical. But from inside he is still your Chottey, who is afraid to lose his love ones, who needs someone to love him and to guide him. You are like a mother to him and you have done a good job. He may not believe in god but he had his values in him ... intact by you. He had to become strong and responsible at a tender age, so it had made him tough but he is not that insensitive as he appears to be. Remember you told me yourself when I was going to meet him for the first time, that Arnav is like coconut, tough and hard from outside and soft and kind from inside. But to see his softness you have to break his rough exterior. And Khushi had already done that, so you don't have to worry about him now. You have done everything what you could no, now its time that you take a back seat and let Khushi handle him. More than a sister now, he needs a companion. Getting my point?", said Rahul and Anjali nods her head again and a few tears roll down on her cheeks remembering few old cherishable memories of brother and sister.

"And don't think that he won't need you in his life anymore, you will be always be there in his life because he won't let you go. If you remember how he had declare that after marriage you will not be leaving your house and how he made me agree to come and live with you all", said Rahul with a smile.

"Yeah I know, how much I argued with him but he didn't listen and then Khushi talked to him and he agreed just like that", said Anjali.

"Yeah, imaging asking him you moving to another country or even city, he would take a whole house down", said Rahul in a playful mood. Anjali smack his cheek softly, "He is not that bad ok".

"See, you can't even tolerate someone kidding about him and here you think all this rubbish", said Rahul and wipes her tears, "Anji, we all are human being. No one is perfect. We are bound to make mistake. You will make mistakes too, you will get pushy or irritating (Anjali open her mouth a little) but it doesn't make you wrong or a bad sister. In fact to me you are the world's best sister, who else put their happiness behind and makes her brother's happiness a priority. You didn't want to get married until and unless Arnav agrees for it and you didn't want to have a baby until and unless Arush gets his mother", said Rahul and put a hand up to stop Anjali who opened her mouth to say.

"I am not complaining about it, never did, never will. I understand your feelings and reasons for it. But now as Arnav is getting married and Arush got his mother, I would like to start a family with you", said Rahul with love and Anjali lowered her eyes as red blush spreads on her cheeks.

"Rahul, I .. I want to but ...", said Anjali and stopped.

"If you want to wait more then I don't have any problem with that", said Rahul quickly. He had been meaning to talk about this to her since many days but never got the chance. Now as they were discussing all the things, he thought to bring out this topic as well.

"No no, its not that. I was just ...um", Anjali stopped again feeling shy about this.

"Make up your mind woman, a man is getting impatient here", said Rahul trying to be annoyed.

Anjali smack his arm, "What I wanted to say is ... wait till the marriage is over and then ...".

"Then what? Then we can have a baby?", said Rahul in excited voice. Anjali blushed and nodded her head a little.

"Oh sweatheart", said Rahul and pulled Anjali on his lap making her gasped and wobbled s bit.

"Stupid Rahul, I would have fallen down", said Anjali as she grabs his shirt.

"I will never let that happen love", said Rahul and place his lips on her. Anjali cupped his face and let him take the lead, following his ministrations.

Rahul pulled back after kissing her thoroughly, "If all the matters are resolve now, can we take this to our bedroom madam?", his breath little heavy and eyes dark as he runs his hand over her bare arm. Anjali nodded and bit her lower lip as Rahul stood up with her in his arms and move towards their bedroom.

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Next Day - Saturday Morning

"Khushi ... oyee Khushi wake up", said Garima as she moves Khushi's shoulder.

"Amma, go away let me sleep", said Khushi annoyed as she turn away and hid her face in the pillow.

"Arush is down and having his breakfast and here you still want to sleep", said Garima in scolding tone, "He is much better than you in doing things on time".

"Amma I made Arush ready and give him to Jiji an hour ago, he also woke me up in middle of the night. I want to catch some sleep", said Khushi.

"Catch your sleep later, now come on get up now. We have so many things to do", said Garima.

"Naahhh...", Khushi whined like a child.

"Khushi I am warning you, get up or else I will pour water on you", said Garima in threating tone.

"Naahhh", said Khushi again.

Garima shakes her head, she knew if she put water on her than she will become more stubborn and will change clothes and lay down again. She had done this few times before. After few seconds a thought came in her mind.

"Ok fine, then I will till Arnav babua that you are sleeping and ...", Garima couldn't complete her sentence as Khushi sit up on her bed with a jerk, "Arnavji ... he is here? But he was going to London right?" Khushi get down from bed thinking that is Arnav here to surprise her?

"When did he come here and why nobody told be before, why didn't you wake me up before", said Khushi in super jet speed as she look here and there to locate her slipper.

Garima shakes her head, "Pagal lerki, Arnav babua is not here. I said that to wake you up, plus I saw your cell vibrating a minute ago, so I thought maybe he was calling you".

"Ammaa ...", Khushi whined again and then dashed to her cell phone on side table and saw 2 messages from Arnav and a miss call.

"Now no don't go back to sleep and come down, samjhi?", said Garima and move out of room, "And don't you dare leave your room without arranging your bed", shouted Garima from the corridor.

Khushi quickly open the messages:

"Hey, just landed. Going to hotel now. Let me know if you are awake to talk".

Khushi check the time stamp, it was showing 12.17am. She opens second message

"In room now. I guess you are asleep. Will talk tomorrow.". Time showed 12.56am.

She check the call log and found that Arnav called her before sending the first message. She checked the time, it was around 9.30 am here, that means it will very early morning in London.

So she sends him a message,

"Sorry, slept early yesterday and just woke up now. Call me when you can. Miss you loads and love you loads".

She put the phone back and went to washroom.

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Garima came to dining table with a smile on her face and sit on the chair. Shashi, who was eating his breakfast, looked up and saw Garima smiling.

"Amma is Khushi wake or whined like always that she wants to catch sleep", said Payal who was feeding Arush.

"She is awake, she will be down in few minutes", said Garima.

"Ahaan, that's why you are smiling", said Shashi.

"Nope, I am smiling because I found a new way of waking up Khushi", said Garima as she pour a juice for her.

"What Amma?", asked Payal instantly, as she too had face difficulty is waking Khushi.

Garima just shrugged her shoulder in response and started to eat her breakfast.

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Khushi was in the process of wearing her clothes when she heard the ringing of her cell phone. She quickly hooks her bra and went out of washroom, wearing only a long skirt.

"Hello Arnavji ...", said Khushi as soon as she clicked the green icon.

"Khushi ...", she heard her name in his husky voice.

"You are awake? What time is it there? You are ok right? Did you sleep well? What about breakfast? Have you ...", Khushi was asking question in her super speed when Arnav cut her, "Khushi ... Khushi ... stop, relax .. ok".

"I am relax, you tell me", said Khushi as she went back to washroom to take her top.

"Yes, I woke up just now. Its 5.48am here. I am fine and yes I slept well. I will have breakfast after sometime, I saw your message and thought to give you a call first because I know you will be busy later", said Arnav, "So you wake up late haan, like being lazy?"

"I am not lazy Mr.", said Khushi as she picked up her top.

"Yeah right, I am sure you must be in bed right now and Aunty must have already come many times to wake you up", said Arnav trying to rile her up.

Khushi open her mouth slightly thinking how did he know, "I am not in bed, I am freshed and wearing clothes".

"Wearing clothes? That's means you are without anything on right now while talking to me ... Kinky eh?", asked Arnav smirking.

"Um .. I .. no, I am not", said Khushi as she quickly put her both hands into the top and heard Arnav smiling on other end, "Gosh, wish I could get to see you right now, without anything on".

"Arnavji ...", said Khushi being scandalized.

"What? I just said what I wished, I am sure you have wished the same about me seeing without anything on", said Arnav.

"Haww ... you ... you besharam. I am not like you ok, I don't think these stupid stuff", said Khushi as she stammers a bit and wore her top.

"Lair ... I can bet that you have thought many times about me in that way", said Arnav enjoying the topic.

"No ... I don't, ok", said Khushi little nervous and little annoyed, because Arnav was telling the truth. Till now she had 2 chances of seeing that manly chest, smooth abs and collar bone jutting out ... the muscles on his shoulder and biceps and she did think about it, how it would be like to touch that handsomeness, to run her hands all over that warm skin and what his skin feels like? But didn't get the chance to touch it and complete her thoughts. It made her heart beat fast and some tingling in her stomach. She felt embarrassed and shy about her thoughts.

"There is no need to feel embarrassed about it Khushi. I know you desire me, just like I desire you. I have seen that in your eyes many times", said Arnav as his voice turn husky.

"Arnavji, I have to go, Amma must be waiting for me", said Khushi as she felt that sensation that she usually feels when Arnav touches her intimately.

"Run all you want Khushi. But next time when we will meet I will fulfill your wish and ... (Arnav pause for a second) I will fulfill mine", said Arnav his voice serious and challenging.

"Baye Arnavji", said Khushi as she cut the call and grab the phone with both hands over her chest. She could feel her heart beating fast.

She closes her eyes and Arnav's face came in front, their hug, their kisses, and his touches. Khushi opens her eyes and take a deep breath, wondering how he affects her so much that he is not here but still his voice, his talks can make her body tingle with want and wish to touch him like he does. She smiles and looks down at her wallpaper picture on her cell phone. It was from their engagement, she was looking at the camera but Arnav was looking at her, his expression showing his love for her. Khushi kiss Arnav's face and murmurs, "love you Arnav".

On other hand there was a goofy smile on Arnav's face. He just love to tease her, he didn't know that flirting can be so much fun. He had never flirted before, with any of his name sake girlfriends. His relation with them was only to show media, he did send them gifts but never showed his emotions or feeling ... it was more of robotic kind. But with Khushi, its different. He loved how she gets nervous when he say such things to her, love the blush on her face ... her shyness. He caresses her face on cellphone and then got out of bed to freshen up.

The day went by with Arnav busy in his meeting with Mr. Richard, discussing various things here d there and finalizing the time schedule for meetings with, realtors, constructors for next week. But he did miss Khushi whenever his mind got break from the talks and work.

Khushi had a fun time teasing her mother and playing around with Arush. Shashi sit back and enjoyed seeing her both daughters together after a long time ... laughing and playing and working around the house and dream of Arnav when she went to sleep.

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Monday - In Mumbai - Around 12pm

Akash stood up as the discussion ended ... he shook hands with the bank's director, "I hope this will get done soon".

"Don't worry Mr. Raizada, you are one of our old and potential clients, won't keep you waiting", said Bank's director, "I will call you as soon as the paper work is done and your cash is ready".

"Great, I will take my leave now", said Akash and went out of cabin with his assistant.

He had come here to get ready the new account for the India Time's share he will acquire today and wanted to ready cash for the payment.

"Shahid, let's stop for lunch somewhere then we will go to India Times' office", said Akash. Shahid nodded his head, "Ok sir, after the bidding you have to go AR office. 2 new project have come in, you have to review them".

"Ok, but if they are short and require less time then we can go ahead but if they are big or requires more time then we will schedule them for later as Bhai told us not to take any big project for next 2 months at least but I think we should anyhow ...", Akash was saying when he bumped into someone while taking a turn in corridor.

"Oh Sorry ..", said Akash

"Can't you watch", said Payal irritated and then got surprise seeing Akash in front of her.

"Payalji, you here?", said Akash surprised as he watched Payal go down on knee to collect the papers and he also crouch down to help her.

"Loan?", Akash murmured as he picked up a paper and read the heading. But he couldn't read ahead as the paper got snatched from him.

"Payalji, you are here for loan?", asked Akash

"This is none of your business", said Payal in angry voice, she didn't want him to know about it.

"Payalji, I can help you if you need ...", Akash was saying when Payal cut him, "I don't need anything from you.", her voice got a little loud and furious. Akash was taken back with her tone. He just wanted to help if she is in trouble.

Payal realizes as she saw the look on his face, she compose herself, "Sorry, look Akashji. It's a personal matter and I will be glad if you don't interfere in it".

"I just wanted to help you", said Akash.

"I don't need it. We have our problems and issues but we can deal with them very well. Thanks for asking", said Payal in a serious tone, "I should leave. Bye". Payal quickly turned and went towards the exit.

Akash watched her go, something about her tone, the way she talked didn't settle with him.

"Shahid, you go, I will come in few minutes", said Akash gesturing to Shahid to go and move back towards bank's manager desk.

After some minutes Akash came out and went towards his car. He gesture Shahid to start driving. He sends a message to Arnav: "Need to talk, let me know when you are free".

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@ Dehli - AR office, Lavanya's Cabin:

"No no no ... I don't want the same usual decorations like other weddings. I want different and something perfect ... um ok I know it can't be that perfect but close to perfect. Unique and still color full.", said Anjali as she passes the album of decors back to the man sitting in front of her.

"But Mam these colors are finalized by ASR sir himself and he specifically ordered not to make it extravagant", said Ankit Dobriyal who works for the one of best Event Management Company in India as a head organizer.

He usually doesn't go and meet his clients as his assistants do that thing and he supervises things mostly. But this is not some usual wedding, it's THE ASR's wedding and he wants the best man for this. So Ankit took things in his hands and planning his wedding will be a good mark in his portfolio too.

"Forget about what ASR said. Now this wedding will happen like I want to. Lavanya told me that cho... I mean Arnav told her you are the best in this. So I want something beautiful, simple yet unique to be remembered forever and colorfull as well", said Anjali with excitement and big smile making Ankit smile as well.

"Ok Mam, then for that I have something in my mind. We can try different themes for each function and ...", Ankit was saying when Anjali interrupt him, "No I don't want color themes only".

"Anji relax, let him complete at least", said Lavanya who was busy reading some file. She had called Anjali and Ankit both to office so that they can discuss on the wedding preparations.

"Ok fine, I will zip now", said Anjali making a gesture of zipping her lips.

Ankit take another thin album from his brief case and pass it to Anjali, "What I was saying is that we can arrange different themes for different functions like moraccan style, Arabic style, western style and other. Here this is the example of moraccan style (he pointed to the big picture open in file) we can do that for one function with the colors you choose and (he flips the 2-3 pages) this is the Rajhistani style, we can do that for main wedding or sangeet whatever you seem best", said Ankit.

"Wow, that's beautiful.", said Anjali and give a glare to Ankit, "Why didn't you showed it first?".

"Well Mam because ASR said not to make it extravagant, he said he want simple color decorations, that's why", said Ankit little taken back with her angry looks.

"Anji show me", said Lavanya extending her hand to take the file. Anji pass it on.

"Hmm yes Ankit, Anji is right. These are good. We will go for different themes for each function", said Lavanya looking through the file.

"Great, so its decided then different themes for each function", said Anjali in excitement.

"Ok, so tell me which theme you want for mehndi and what colors?", asked Ankit as he opens his ipad.

Lavanya and Anjali started to discuss about which themes to choose for which function, with Ankit giving his inputs in between.

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London - @ Night ...

Arnav dials Khushi's number as soon as he enters in his hotel room. She picked at the fifth ring.

"Hee .. lllooo Arnnavjii", came Khushi voice with heavy breathing.

"Khushi what happened, are you all right?", asked Arnav instantly as his stopped midway, taking his tie off.

"Yeess ... yess... fine. Arush is making me run after him since half an hour now", said Khushi as she watched Arush run towards the stairs.

"Arush ... no, baby come back here", said Khushi a little loud.

Arush look at Khushi with a mischievous grin on his face, "upal ...(upstairs)", said Arush in his baby language pointing a finger upstair.

"Yes we will go there, but right now come here", said Khushi as she move towards him. Arush exclaimed and run to other side in living room. He went around the small table and pick up the newspapers which Khushi had place them just a minute ago after Arush had thrown them.

"Arush baby no. I am gonna smack your bump", said Khushi giving an angry glare to Arush.

Arnav smiles as he hears this, "Why isn't he asleep yet? Its around midnight over there?", as he took off his tie and shoes.

"He usually sleep around this time but he slept for sometimes in evening that's why he is still energetic", said Khushi as she take the newspapers from him and put it someone place else.

"Annnhhh", Arush made an angry voice and smack on Khushi's legs.

"Arush shhshh, Nana, Nani is resting", said Khushi in loud whisper putting her finger on lips.

"Naahh aahnnn", said Arush in same anger tone as he move away.

"Oh god, he is just like you. Gets angry with every little thing", said Khushi in annoyed tone.

"Excuse me", said Arnav as he take off his coat.

"You are not excuse, I am telling you, I am not gona let him become an angry man like you. One is enough to deal with", said Khushi as she move behind Arush.

"And you love this angry man, don't you", said Arnav in his husky voice

"Um ...", Khushi scratch her ear feeling a little shy, his husky voice always have that effect on her. Just then she heard a noise. Khushi looked ahead and saw Arush standing beside the small shoe rack near the front door corridor. The shoe rack was tilted to side as 2, 3 shoes fall out.

"What happened?", asked Arnav.

"Arnavji can I call you back, let me put him to sleep", said Khushi as she straighten the shoe rack.

"Khushi its fine, you go to sleep as well, we will talk tomorrow. You must be tired as well", said Arnav.

"No its fine, I wana talk to you", said Khushi as she put the shoes back and grab Arush's arm who was trying to run away.

"Ok, ring me when you get free ok", said Arnav and Khushi cut the call after saying goodbaye.

"Come here you naughty baby", said Khushi as she smack his bottom softly.

Arush exclaimed making a happy noise as Khushi kissed him on cheek, "Come lets get you some milk and then we will sleep ok". She picks her in his arms and move towards stairs.

Arnav sends a message to Akash: "Calling you in few minutes", then he went to washroom to freshen up.

In afternoon when they took break from meeting for lunch Arnav called Akash and got to know about the loan that Payal had requested to transact within this week. He was surprised when Akash told him that he asked the manager or more likely probed him to tell Akash about that customer taking loan. Arnav asked him why he is getting worried about it, maybe she needed money, and it's a personal matter. But Akash told him that she had asked for 10lacs and that much amount requires security and Payal had told the manager that she will be back with their house property papers. They are going to mortgage their house. Akash told him that with time, the interest will increase on the amount and it may get double, how are they going to manage that much money. He understood that the money they needed was for wedding and also had a doubt that Khushi may not know about this or else she would have talk something regarding the wedding to make it quick or on small note or something else.

This got Arnav worried and thinking ... but he cannot ask Shashi or Khushi about it. It won't look good, so he told Akash that he will call him back, when he think over it.

"Yes Bhai, have you thought about it? What we can do", asked Akash quickly as soon as he picked the call.

"Yes Akash, look we cannot ask Khushi, Payal or Shashi uncle about it. You are right, I too think that Khushi doesn't know anything about it or else I would have got the hint. It's their personal matter and Shashi uncle is highly self-respected man. He would never accept financial help from us and I don't want to hurt his feelings by telling him that we can bare all expanses for the wedding. Its their right to do what they can for their daughter", said Arnav.

"I understand bhai and I agree with you on this. But the matter is not of now, it's for future. I am concerned that they won't be able to collect that much amount to pay, with the interest increasing every month and then there is a risk involve of losing their house", said Akash hurriedly.

"Yes for that I have an idea, you go to bank tomorrow and ask the director to sanction that loan from AR accounts. I know he won't agree because that way they will be losing the interest profit but you can tell him that if he don't then AR will pull all its account back from the bank. I am sure he would not want that. That way Shashi uncle won't have to pay the interest and when the loan is given from us then there won't be any time limit to pay it back. Shashi uncle can do that on his own ease. You can keep their house property papers with you till then. I will talk to Shashi uncle about it after few months when the time is right", said Arnav.

"That's great bhai, it didn't come in my mind that we can do this", said Akash in relief.

"But it won't be easy to convince the director because it's not bank's policy but you have to use your business acumen to make him agree on it, ok Akash", said Arnav.

"Yes bhai will, don't worry. I will let you know once this is done", said Akash.

"Ok good, you take care", said Arnav, "I hope everyone is fine at home".

Akash smile at his concern, "Yeah everyone is fine here and excited. You should see Di, she is like a kid given his favorite candy".

Arnav chuckled hearing this, "Yeah I can imagine.", said Arnav and bid goodbye to his brother.

He looked at the time and calculates that its 12.44am in India. He thought to dials Khushi's number but stopped thinking that she must be tired and have slept. If not then she will ring him soon. But after another few minutes when he didn't get the call he concludes that she had slept. So he sends her a good night message and went to his bed to lie down.

Next Day - Tuesday Afternoon ...

"Oh my gosh, ASR is looking so handsome here", said Aashima as she gush over Arnav's picture from their engagement.

Khushi smack her shoulder, "Stop it Aashi, he is my fianc".

"When I said he is not? I can't help it if he so handsome", said Aashima winking at Khushi. Khushi shakes her head.

Aashima, Poonam and Divya all came to Khushi's house to meet her. First they all scold her and complained that why didn't she told them about her relation with Arnav and why not invited them to her engagement and then they all had a group hug and tickling session. Now they were in Khushi's room on her bed going through the pictures from her engagement. Fortunately Arush was having his afternoon nap downstairs in Khushi's parent's room.

"Who is this cute guy?", asked Poonam pointing towards a man standing next to Arnav in one picture.

"Aman, Arnavji's best friend", replied Khushi.

"He's cute, is he single?", asked Divya.

"He is not married yet but he is taken", said Khushi with a smile and point to Lavanya in another picture, "by her, she is Lavanyaji AR's head of design department. She and Aman are a couple".

"Whaat? All handsome guys are taken?", whined poonam.

"Gosh you girls, why you always think about guys all the time", said Khushi little annoyed.

"Because we don't have anything else to think of, we finished studies, got jobs now its time to find a man", said Divya in an explaining way.

"yup", said Poonam.

"What about Akash Singh Raizada? He is still single, right?", said Aashima.

"Yea he is", said Khushi as she roll her eyes, "but I don't think you girls have any chance with him".

"And why is that madam?", asked Poonam as she look closely at Akash's picture.

"Because he is a very humble and kind guy, he will go for more of a mature and caring girl, not lunatics like you", said Khushi in teasing tone.

"What did you call us?", said Divya as she got up on knees with hands on hips.

"What you heard", said Khushi and quickly duck as Divya thrown a pillow at her.

"And you are one of us", said Poonam.

"Yeah, I wonder how ASR fall for you", said Divya, "I am jealous".

"Awwh, don't be sweety, we will soon find you a good handsome guy", said Khushi pinching her cheek. Divya swat her hand and turn her face.

"Tell us your story now", demanded Poonam.

"I already told you guys", said Khushi taking the laptop from them.

"Yeah that you went to work there, he challenged you, you got in, time pass and in London you got close and then one thing lead to another blah blah ... we need details girl, now come on ... speak up", said Aashima in bossy tone.

"Oh come on, you don't expect me to tell you all things", said Khushi and the 3 girls nodded her head at the same time making Khushi smile.

"Please tell us na, I know it would be so romantic, please", said Divya requesting Khushi.

"ok fine", said Khushi as she took a pillow on her lap and then told her friends how she went to AR office and started working there (she didn't tell how she met him 3 n half years ago at their university as it's a private moment only for her and Arnav) how Arnav throw challenges at her and then how she saved him from the falling light, his concerns, his taunts, his care.

She haven't told her friends the happening between her and Arnav, although she did mention few things to Aashima, as she was more close to her. But never told the details. As Arnav wanted to keep their relation private so that media don't get hang of it, she refrained from telling her friends as well.

"When did you guys first kissed?", asked Poonam

"Poonam", said Khushi in warning tone.

"What, tell us na, its nothing to hide, I know you guys have kissed each another many times till now", said Poonam winking at Khushi and they all giggle teasing her at her red cheeks and blushing.

Khushi then told them how she spend days at RM, her friendship with Anjali, her bond with Arush, her first kiss with Arnav and how he shouted on her later.

"Really he did that?", said Divya getting surprise.

"He is so mean, he first kiss you and then throw you out of house", said Poonam

"He is not mean ok", Khushi retort giving angry glare to Poonam.

"Oye hoyee, look how she is defending him", said Poonam.

"Ok stop it na, Khushi go ahead, what happened then?", asked Aashima.

Khushi then told him how Anjali went to Rahul's apartment and how Arnav bring her back. How they tried to ignore each other after the incident. Anjali's wedding, their first date, their closeness, their London trip, how he saved her, made her relax by taking her to orphanage and garden.

"Awhh its so romantic", said Poonam. "He is so sweet", said Divya.

Aashima roll her eyes, "What happened to he is so mean'?". Poonam smack her arm.

"Don't fight guys ok, do you want to listen or not?", said Khushi and they all nodded.

Khushi then tell about Arnav shouted at her on his parent's death anniversary day, how Arnav tried to force kiss her, how he went away, how she went to him and confess her love.

(She skip all the things related to her kidnapping to Arnav getting shot and further things. They havent told anyone about it wanted to keep it very private. She had forbid her parent and sister as well to not say anything about it to anyone.)

The Paris fashion show, how he propose to her, their engagement, how he address to media. (Skipping all her intimates moment with Arnav)

"Yeah I saw that, it was so romantic", said Aashima.

"And imagine our state when we got to know that you got engage to ASR and we don't know anything about it", said Divya in complaining tone.

"I am sorry, guys I know you all must have felt very bad but the circumstance was like this that we couldn't tell anyone and was already in tension that it slip my mind, even my relatives didn't knew about it", said Khushi.

"Its ok, we will forgive you, but on one condition", said Divya.

"What?", asked Khushi quickly.

"We want a treat from you and ASR", said Divya.

"Yeah we want to meet him, he is coming to Alumni dinner right?", asked Poonam.

"I don't know guys, he is in London now and then he have to go to Goa as well", said Khushi not sure.

"We don't know, you have to make him come to the Alumni", said Aashima.

"Yeah, you are his finace, demand him to come", said Poonam.

"Use some of yours girly charms", said Divya.

"Shut up, I will talk to him, will request him from you all but I am not gona force him to come ok", said Khushi, "He is a busy man and I don't want to disturb his work".

"Work rubbish, listening to your story we know how much he loves you and I am sure if you tell him that YOU want HIM to come, then he will", said Aashima.

"Ok meri ma, I will talk to him about it. Fine", said Khushi joining her hands in front of her friends.

Before they could say something else they heard a loud voice, "Mamaa passh".

Khushi quickly got up from the bed and saw her Mother coming inside with Arush in her arm.

"Aw my shona, you are wake", said Khushi in baby voice as she take Arush in her arms.

Arush smile wide seeing Khushi and patted her cheek. Khushi give him a kiss on cheek, "Give mama a kissy". Arush give a wet kissy to his mama. Khushi move towards the bed, where her friends were watching her in awe and amusingly.

"Guys, meet my handsome baby, my son ... Arush Singh Raizada", said Khushi sitting on the bed with Arush on her lap.

"Aww so cute, how are you baby?", said Aashima as she caresses his cheek.

"Naahh ...", Arush turn his head and tried to stand up.

"Baby no, see these are mama's friends ... so your friends as well", said Khushi as she make Arush sit properly in her lap.

"This is aashi, poonam and Divya", said Khushi as she hugged Arush from behind and pointed to her friends, "Now come on lets shake hand". Khushi took Arush's arm and extended his hand towards Aashima who shake his hand.

"Hello Arush, nice to meet you", said Aashima making a baby voice. Arush give her a shy grin.

"Awwh, cute ... look he is being shy", said Poonam as she shook Arush's hand.

"Junior ASR", said Divya, "Handsome just like her daddy eh?"

Aashima, Poonam and Divya were in awh of the little baby, his shy grins, angry gestures, the way he cling to his mama. The love between mother and son left them smitten. They all spend the afternoon playing with the little ASR.

TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT PART.

NOTE: i will not send PMs for the Next Part B, it will be up on Tuesday Late Night. So kindly check that on your own.

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