Chapter 103

17^th Sep, Monday - Khushi's Birthday - Around 12:00pm Noon

"Coming ...", said Khushi in loud voice as the doorbell rang for the second time. She opened the door and found Raj standing there with a rather large shopping bag in his hand.

"Mam ...", said Raj with a tilt of his head, greeting Khushi.

"Hello Raj ji, ohh is this my birthday gift?", said Khushi looking at the shopping bag and then at Raj, who nodded but before he could say anything else Khushi continued, "But that was not needed ... why you bother for a gift for me, you could have just wished me and that would have been enough for me", said Khushi with a smile.

"What ... Mam ... No", said Raj ... his expression kind of scared, "Not me ... ASR sir send this for you", said Raj quickly.

Khushi suppresses her giggle looking at the scared expression of Raj, "Ohh, I thought its from you", thinking to tease him a bit.

Raj quickly shakes his head like a scared kid, who did't want to get a scolding for the thing he didn't do, "No Mam, I ... I can't ... um Sorry ... ASR sir would not like it". He didn't know that today was her birthday until ASR called him to office and instructed him to give this package to Khushi. And the thought of him giving gift to her was itself scary as he very well knows that how much possessive is Arnav for Khushi ... he doesn't want to be at his receiving end again, remembering the punch he got.

"Oh leave him, he won't punch you for this, I promise. You can gift me next time", said Khushi in a teasing way as she takes the package from Raj, "I love as many gifts as I can have on my birthday", she said in a childlike excitement that even made Raj smile.

"Thanks for bringing it, have a nice day", said Khushi peeking inside the bag to see a white large box and then look at Raj, who was looking here and there.

Before she could question, Raj quickly wished her, "Happy Birthday Mam", and then quickly went away from there. Khushi giggles at his gesture and went inside shaking her head that at one side Arnav's employees are scared of his temper and on other side, respect and care for him too.

She need to have a talk with Arnavji, about cutting his employees some slack, thought Khushi as she went inside her room.

She takes the white box from the shopping bag and sit on the bed. She opens its upper lid and found a note.

"Wear this tonight"

~A

Khushi smile as she takes out the dress, it was a full sleeve white anarkali dress which had white, with a touch of gold, embroidery on sleeves and neckline, white motifs below all around the border and a simple white duppatta with gold border.

She was surprised to find this dress, as she was expecting some saree, probably in red color, or even thought of some sexy dress like she had worn yesterday night.

She blushed, as last night scenes flashes in her mind; it was the best night of her life till now. The way Arnav had planned her birthday surprise was very romantic and lovely. To be honest, she hasn't expected that Arnav could do something like that, giving in his brooding and introvert nature. But they say that love does changes you. If Arnav had gotten more open and expressive about his feelings and emotions, Khushi had gotten bold and more open about her desires for him.

She hugs the dress, running her hand over it, remembering her intimate moments with Arnav from last night. How she touched him intimately, fulfilling her long awaited desire, how she kissed him boldly, how Arnav intimately touched her there, pleasuring her ... about which she had only read or heared before. And then she felt embarrassment, remembering how she had asked Arnav if she could help him with his relief as she knew what to do ... she couldn't believe it ... she had actually said that to him. She may be shy in these matters, but not that much nave which Arnav thinks her to be. Being with Arnav, getting intimated, kissing and touching, she had felt his desire for her many times, and she knew he was aroused, like he knew yesterday about her.

She hide her face in her hands, as her thoughts wander into more naughty ones, thinking of Arnav and how she wants to pleasure him like he did. Just thinking about it makes her cheeks warm and she could feel the heat rising inside her. She quickly shakes her head and takes a deep breath to get out of those naughty thoughts. She took her cell and was about to call Arnav when she heard Payal.

"Hey what's this?", asked Payal as she came in room with Arush in her arms. Payal looks at the dress and then at note, in Khushi's hand, she knew who must have send this and she was right when Khushi answered.

"Arnavji sent this", replied Khushi.

"Ohoo ... another gift? It seems like, Arnavji wants to spoil you", said Payal in a teasing way.

"Romantic destination, surprise celebration ... gift and what else he had plan for today ... haan tell me", said Payal in teasing tone.

"Jiji ...", Khushi pouted at her.

"What Jiji? You should be happy that you got someone who loves you this much.", said Payal as she sit on bed opposite to Khushi and place Arush beside her, "I can't believe that he actually took you to Agra. When he asked me about your favorite destination, I thought he was asking for honeymoon".

Khushi blushes at the mention of honeymoon. Arush moves near her and pats her knees, giving her a toothy smile. Khushi ruffle his hairs and then Arush's attention diverted to the box. He picked the lid and then the note. Khushi quickly took the note from his hand, not wanting it to get into pieces by him.

"And not only that, he took permission from Baba. Amma was literally shocked when Baba told her, Buaji did not want you to go that late in night with him but Baba made her understand. You know Baba said that it was the first time he had seen Arnavji anxious. If he wanted he could have taken you with him but he asked Baba about it because he knew that it was the right thing to do and Baba just couldn't say no", said Payal as her respect for Arnav increases more.

Khushi nods her head as she remembers how shocked she herself was when Arnav came here last night and took her with him. She was afraid that Amma and Baba will not like this and she didn't want them to think anything bad about Arnav. But she got another shock when Arnav told her that he had already asked her parents.

The last thing she remembers was getting into Arnav's car when they came back to Dehli. After that she woke up in her room, due to the tapping of Arush's hand on her face. She smiled as Arush give her his usual wet kissie and made his Mama more happy when he wished her "Appy Behdehh" is his baby language. Payal shook her head, who was standing beside the bed and told Khushi that she had been trying to make him say Happy Birthday more properly but no use. But Khushi was still happy that Arush was the first one to wish her ... um well beside his papa.

Payal wished her happy birthday and then teased her how she had slept in the car and Arnav called Payal to open the door, how he had carried her into the room and kissed her forehead before leaving. Payal didn't allow her to leave the room until she told her about how they had celebrated her birthday. Khushi told her how he took her to chopper and then surprised her with Taj Mahal in front of her ... their dance and his gift, obviously excluding the intimate details.

Khushi spend the morning with her family. Buaji, Amma and Baba wished and blessed her. Khushi demanded her Buaji's special alu poori for breakfast ... demanded her Baba to make Jalebis for her and demanded her Amman to make luckhnowi biryani for lunch. Khushi had long ago asked her parents and Buaji not to gift her anything on her birthday and if they wanted to give her something then they just make her favorite food items for her.

After eating breakfast, she played with Arush and tried to make him speak Happy Birthday, but he keep on saying Appy Behdehh in his baby language which made her Buaji and parents smiles and tease Khushi every time.

She got messages and calls from her friends. Anjali called to wish her and Rahul too wished her. Akash had send her a message and also mentioned that he will properly wish her tonight. Aman also called her and wished her. She was still upset with NK and didn't attend his call at first but then after ignoring his 3 calls she picked the 4^th one. NK wished her and apologized again for not being there on her special day but he promised to make it up to her. Khushi's upset mood got elevated when NK told her that he is coming to Dehli day after tomorrow.

Arnav didn't call her but left her message wishing her. She was disappointed but understood that today is Monday and he must be busy with work. But then it only takes 2-3 minutes to call up and wish the person. Aman did it, so Arnav can also do it ... thinking that she become angry and didn't reply back to Arnav.

Thinking about the same now, she dropped the idea of calling him, which she was going to do ... to thank him for the gift. Just then her cell rings and she got surprised seeing "Arnavji" flashing on it.

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Arnav looked at his cell for the seventh time and couldn't help but feel irritated of not getting any call or message from Khushi. She must have got the gift till now, he thought.

"ASR", Lavanya called his name, seeing his attention somewhere else.

Lavanya, Aman , Akash, AR Finance department Head and Production Unit Head were having a meeting. The exhibition was successful and Arnav was surprised to see so many people bidding for the AR designed clothes from its Paris Fashion Show. There were elite business men and women, few Bollywood celebrities and even some famous Television Soaps celebrities. He couldn't help but feel irritated to see how snobbish some people are. Lavanya was right, about how some people never care about anything but themselves and want to have best of everything ... to show off to others.

Not only AR clothes from Paris Fashion Show got sold, most of AR collection of Fall also got sold. They got orders from many people who could not win the bid or loose the chance of buying items from their fall collection. As per Lavanya's plan they had put the time limit of 2 days.

After that they will not take any more orders for clothes.

The meeting was about how to use the profits they earned from the exhibition and next course of action. As decided before, the major portion will be used for Anjali's New Orphanage in Luckhnow and some of it will be used for AR's new branch in London.

Next, they are preparing their winter collection to be display in Italy along with VF Brand.

"Yeah", Arnav looked up at Lavanya.

"Is everything ok?", asked Lavanya, "Do you want to continue later?".

Arnav always admires Lavanya's understanding towards his moods. He gave her a little shake of his head, "No its ok, I think what you have decided is fine. You can go ahead with her plans (looking towards his Finance Department Head). Lavanya set up the meeting with design team. I want to see what they have come up so far, for our winter collection".

"Ok ASR, will it be ok right after lunch?", asked Lavanya.

"Yeah", said Arnav and Lavanya left his cabin with Finance Head.

"Aman, we are not taking any more orders from anyone, I don't care how a big personality he or she is. We will deliver the orders we have got so far. And we will not compromise on the cost, got it?", said Arnav.

"Yes ASR", Aman replied as he quickly type in his cell phone, where he keep his quick notes.

Arnav then turn to Production Unit Head, "I want your unit to fulfill the orders within 3 weeks ... max a month. I want fast results. We have to focus on our Winter Fashion Show next and I want it to be perfect, because this time the dresses will be made here and then will go to Italy", said Arnav.

The Production Unit Head nodded, "Ok ASR", as he stood up and then went out of cabin.

"Akash what about the place I had asked you to buy in Mumbai?", asked Arnav.

"NK has finalized everything, he just has to collect the signed papers tomorrow", said Akash.

"Good, hire a team to make the place ready as well", said Arnav.

"NK has already done that", said Akash and Arnav nod his head and replied, "But I want you to go there once, before the wedding starts and see that everything is up to the mark ok, I don't want any last minute work left to be done".

"Don't worry ASR", said Aman giving him an assured look, "Me and Akash will handle everything".

"Hmmm", said Arnav and then look again at his cell phone.

"Are you waiting for some special call Bhai?", asked Akash in teasing tone, "Or someone's special call?". He had notice Arnav's glances towards his cell phone.

Arnav gave him an angry glare which made him sit straight in chair.

"Why would he be getting some special call, it's not his birthday today Akash", said Aman his tone was teasing, "Did you do something to make Khushi upset?".

"What? ... No, I am just waiting to know if she had got the gift or not", said Arnav in defensive tone.

"You already send her gift?", said Akash with a smirk, "Weren't we suppose to surprise her tonight?".

"She already knows that Di is planning for her birthday celebration tonight", said Arnav.

"What? Khushi knows?", said Akash getting surprised, "But how? Did Di tell her?".

"No, I told her last night when we ...", Arnav was about to say when he stopped realizing what he was going to tell them

"When we what Bhai?", asked Akash. Arnav look at his laptop ignoring his question.

"Yeah ASR, what you both did last night?", said Aman in teasing tone.

"Get out, both of you", said Arnav in stern.

"That's not fair Bhai", said Akash, "Did you already surprise Khushi last night? What about our surprise now?".

"Akash", Arnav gives him a warning look, "Get out and do your work".

Aman chuckles, looking at Akash's expressions, who was making a face.

"Aman you too", said Arnav making Aman made a face too.

"Gosh ASR, you should get married soon and go for your honeymoon for a month at least", said Aman as he stood up, "So that we can be spare from you and the amount of work you make us do".

Arnav gives him an amuse look, "Shut up Aman, that's never gona happen".

"Yeah I know, it's not possible in this life time", said Aman as he sighed making Arnav chuckles. Aman went out of cabin along with Akash.

Arnav picks up his cell and dials Khushi's number, that's it ... he cannot wait any more now.

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"Ji", said Khushi after picking up the call.

"Hey", said Arnav, "Why didn't you call me?".

"And why would I call you?", said Khushi being nonchalant and look at Payal who was gesturing her to know who called.

"Didn't you get the gift?", asked Arnav confuse.

"I did", replied Khushi.

"Then why didn't you call me about it?", said Arnav getting irritating.

"I didn't know that I was supposed to call you after getting the gift Arnavji", said Khushi.

Payal gave her a teasing look hearing Arnav's name. Arush took the duppatta and started to play with it.

"You didn't like the gift Khushi?", asked Arnav in low voice that melted Khushi's heart and her resolve of being upset with him weakened.

"No Arnavji, I like it very much. It's beautiful", said Khushi with a smile and lower her eyes in shyness when Payal give her a teasing look again. Khushi stood up from bed and went to the window.

"Then why your mood is off haan?", asked Arnav.

"Mammaaa", Arush crawl towards the edge of bed and tried to get down to go after her mama when Payal caught him, "Baby your mama is busy talking with papa", and wiggle her eyebrows at Khushi who give a stern look in return.

"Pappaa ... Alush papa pas jana", said Arush hearing the word papa.

"Haan haan, we will go to your papa in the evening ...ok", said Payal as she picks him in her arms and went out of room. Khushi smile at her sister's retreating back, how much ever she teases her but she knew well when to give her sister privacy and space.

"Khushi, I am asking something", said Arnav little irritating as he didn't hear reply from her.

"Because you didn't call me once today to wish me", said Khushi with a pout.

"Arey, but I did wish you", said Arnav.

"Yeah, just messaged me but didn't call me ... you know even Jordan called me today ... he remembered my birthday and ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav cut in.

"Who's Jordan?", asked Arnav.

"My friend with whom I worked in Paris Fashion Show", said Khushi, "Even he called me ... that too from Paris ... and you ... my fianc can't even call to wish me".

"Yeah right ... Jordan took you to Agra last night right ... he was the one you planned all that for you", said Arnav in mockup tone.

"Haww why are you taunting, mistake is yours. I have been waiting since the time I have woken up for your call and you still haven't wished me", said Khushi getting angry now.

"And what I did last night, what was that then haan", said Arnav, "Haven't I wished you right on time? Should I remind you what had happened last night haan?".

"No need to remind me ok", said Khushi quickly.

Arnav smirks at her quick reply, "Why not? You don't seems to remember that how I wished you, kissed you ... you kissed me and then touch me ... how we ...", Arnav was saying when Khushi cut in.

"Arnavji ...", said Khushi blushing, as she remember what all happened last night, those kisses and touches.

"How we kissed each other and then how I touched you there ... how you moaned my name when you ...", Arnav was saying in his husky tone when Khushi cut in again.

"Arnavji ... besharam kahin k", said Khushi as she cut the phone not able to hear anymore ... as the tingling sensation arises in her body just listening to his husky remarks. She could feel her heart beat rising.

She clutches her cell phone close to her chest ... wishing to be with him. She looks at the time on her cell phone and pouted ... still so many hours left to meet him.

Just then her cell beeped and she saw a message from Arnav.

"Don't worry, I will wish you tonight ... in my special way".

Khushi blushed more, reading the message as she very well knows what his special way is.

Arnav could very well imagine her flushed face with red cheeks and shy eyes. He wished to be with her now, so that he could kiss her luscious lips and taste her sweet mouth. He leans back in his chair resting her head on its back and close his eyes as a small smile appear on his lips.

Last night was not only memorable for her, but for him as well. He used to think that he was the only who had that much want and desire for her, that urge him always to make love to her, to get lost in her warmth and body. But yesterday night his thoughts proved wrong when Khushi asked him to touch him, he was happy to know that Khushi desires him in the same way. And he was astonished to found her aroused state, it would be an understatement to say that he was ecstatic to know that he could affect her to that extent ... just like she does to him.

Her beautiful face, soft and warm body flashes in front of his eyes ... he could still feel the silkiness of her skin on his hands and softness on his fingers. He opens his eyes and look at his fingers ... the same fingers which had pleasured his Khushi last night. His fingers tingles ... remembering her soft moans and purrs of pleasure and how she got her relief ... he was glad that he was able to pleasure her ... and smiled knowing that it was her first time and he was the one who did it to her. He had enjoyed watching her losing herself in his arms and his heart yearns for the same.

He look towards the watch ... it was 12.40pm. "Still so many hours ago", he murmurs longingly.

He wished for the time to travel fast ... so that he could go home and hold Khushi in his arms.

After some time ...

Khushi was about to put spoonful of her mother's delicious biryani in her mouth when the doorbell ring. Payal teased Khushi to check, if another gift is send by her Arnavji. Khushi stood up huffing and went towards the door murmuring, "If there is another gift from him Devi Maiya, then I won't leave him ... everyone teases me then" ... but secretly deep down she knows that she loves it ... when he give her gifts ... it makes her feel special.

She opened the door and got shocked seeing Aashima standing in front of her.

"Surprise ...!!", said Aashima and hug Khushi.

Khushi was speechless to find her here ... she was supposed to come next week.

"Happy Birthday Sweety", Aashima wished her by kissing her cheek.

"Aashi you .. how ... you were coming next weekend ..no?", asked Khushi stunned.

"Yeah I know ... but that jackass called me yesterday and first time literally pleaded me to come here ... so that you can have one of your best friend on your birthday", said Aashima as she break the hug.

Khushi knew about whom she is talking about ... NK. She smiles thinking of her best friend ... who always thinks of her happiness.

"At first I thought to refuse, but then I was anyway thinking to come here and when he called ... my plan got fixed", said Aashima smilingly as she pulls her trolley bag and they went inside.

Shashi and Garima were surprised to find Aashima but nevertheless welcome her whole heartily, they knows her since long as both Khushi and Aashima were best friends since their school days.

"Ah and here is my handsome prince, my cutto", said Aashima as she kissed Arush's cheek.

"Allshii", Arush exclaimed looking at Aashima and give his toothy grin.

"Hayee ... my prince remembers me", said Aashima happily and quickly pick him up from Payal's lap.

"Come beta, have lunch ... we just started", said Garima.

"Wow Biryani", said Aashima happily and then made a sad face, "I already ate in the plane ... but little bit won't harm right ... and who can say No to your delicious biryani", said Aashima with smile.

Khushi took another plate and put some of biryani and little raita in it for Aashima.

"You know Aashima, when the bell rang, we thought it was another gift delivery from Arnavji", said Payal as she didn't want to leave the chance of teasing Khushi.

"Jiji bus karo na abh (Jiji just stop it now)", said Khushi in complaining tone.

"Oh so Jeeju already had send you gift haan", said Aashima as she nudges Khushi

"Not only gift Aashima, you know Arnavji took Khushi to Agra to surprise her last night for her birthday", said Payal.

"Really ... wow yaar", said Ashima dreamily.

"That's enough now ... you both sit and discuss all this... I am going to eat my biryani in peace", said Khushi as she stood up and went to her room with her plate. Payal and Ashima giggles after her.

"Now stop it you two... how much are you going to tease her now", said Garima a bit sternly.

"What Amma, don't you know how much she teases me always, with every little thing ... so how can I leave the chance to tease her ... no way", said Payal as she wink at Aashima who also agree with her, "Right aunty ... it's so much fun teasing her".

In Evening - @ Shantivan ...

Arnav climbs down the stairs, ready in dark jeans paired with thin grey tee and navy blue pull over. He went towards the dining area where Anjali was instructing Jai Prakash and Hari Prakash about cutlery and snacks.

"Di ... has Akash came back?", asked Arnav coming near his sister.

"Not yet", said Anjali as she turns to Arnav and give him an overall look, "Wow ... my brother is looking handsome tonight".

"When he is not looking handsome Anji", came Rahul's voice from the door of kitchen, who was holding a tray of glasses. Rahul put the tray on dining table, "Here you go mam".

"Awh you're so sweet", said Anjali in her sweet voice.

"Jeeju, why are you all doing this?", said Arnav and then called loudly, "Jai Prakash!!".

"uff Chottey, they all are busy ... and nothing will happen if your Jeeju do some house chores", said Anjali, "It should be you, who should help us in all this ... after all its your to-be-wife's birthday".

Arnav roll his eyes at her, "Di, I didn't ask you to hold a party here, I told you we could have a gathering at some hotel or restaurant ... but you wanted it to be at home".

"And it would not have been special that way. Here we all are doing everything by ourselves and it will make her happy knowing that we did this all for her", said Anjali little annoyed with her brother's nonchalant attitude, "Don't you want to make her feel special by doing some work tonight ... she will be happy knowing that you did something for her".

"Which I already did last night", said Arnav instantly and presses his lips for the spill as he saw his Di's eyes go wide a little and then a teasing look appears on her face, "Oh, that's why ... you're like this ... so you did surprised her last night ... what was it tell me", said Anjali in excitement.

Arnav give his sister an amused look, "Di how long you have known me? ... and still you ask me the questions of which you know I will never answer", said Arnav and went from there, taking his cell phone out of his jeans pocket dialing Akash's number.

"What the ...", said Anjali and Rahul chuckles, "He is right Anjali ... we all know he never tells us about his plans ... still you ask him again and again".

Anjali smacks his arms, "I never saw his romantic side and its very new for me ... I am just curious to know what was his surprise ... no worries, I will ask Khushi", said Anjali giving him a teasing look and Rahul shakes his head, "Poor Khushi ... she will be in for a lot of teasing tonight", thought Rahul.

"Akash where the hell are you? Does it takes this much time brining an already made ordered cake?", said Arnav irritatingly as soon as Akash picked his phone.

"Bhai, I am on my way ... its just traffic", said Akash shaking his head.

"Come fast ... they will be here soon", said Arnav.

"Yes ... yes, just few minutes", said Akash and Arnav cut the phone.

Just then he saw Hari Prakash opening the door. He sighed seeing Aman and Lavanya entering. Arnav move ahead and greeted them ... Lavanya went to meet Anjali and Aman got busy in talking with Arnav.

Few minutes later Prachi and Vijay, Khushi's friend from AR came. Aman was surprised to see them here but didn't say anything in front of them, when they move away he looked at Arnav questioningly as Arnav never invites people from office to personal gatherings.

"They are very good friends of Khushi, so I thought they should be here for her birthday", said Arnav shrugging his shoulders. Aman nods his head in understanding manner and smiles.

Arnav is not very social but he always do things for his love ones which he doesn't do usually ... that's one of his rare traits and Aman really admires him for that.

Finally Akash came with the cake and hand it over to Arnav, "Here you go bhai ... your special cake", said Akash. Arnav took the box and move towards stairs.

"Where he is taking it?", asked Aman seeing Arnav going upstairs.

"Well we arranged everything on the terrace ... don't know why but Bhai wanted it to be there", said Akash shrugging his shoulders.

"Akash come here", Anjali called him and Akash went towards dining area, "Yeah Di?".

"Take these gifts upstairs, place them near the cake ok", said Anjali pointing at the gifts. Akash nods his head picking up the gifts and went upstairs.

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After half an hour Khushi and her family arrived. Nani did Khushi's arti and Khushi touched her feet. Buaji and Garima passes smiles to each other, feeling happy that their Bitya is going into very loving and caring family.

"Jeeti raho Bitay ... hamesha khush raho", said Nani patting her cheeks and Khushi smiles wide at her.

"Happy birthday Khushi", said Anjali and hugged her. Rahul patted her head and side hugged her as he wished her.

Akash move ahead to wish her when his mother pulls him back, "Hum jayein gey pehle ... bacha log sub baad mein haan (I will go first, all kids will go later)", said Mamiji and move ahead. Akash shakes his head and Payal look at him and his mother amusingly. Mamaji and Mamiji wished Khushi and then came Aman and Lavanya.

"Many happy returns of the day", said Lavanya as she hugs her. Akash gives Khushi a huge grin and lifted her in his arms and give a twirl, "Happy Birthday Bhabi ji". Everyone laughed at this and Khushi felt shy as she smacks his arm.

Khushi saw Rajat standing a little distance away, she moves ahead and came near him, "Won't you wish me Uncle?", said Khushi with a smile as she bend down and touch his feet. Rajat felt overwhelmed at her gesture. He was feeling out casted seeing all mingling with Khushi and her family but he felt very happy with Khushi's gesture, which give him a feeling of being a part to a family too.

"Jeeti Raho bitya, hamesha Khushi Raho", said Rajat as his got moist. Khushi gives him a big smile and then looks around and asked softly, "Rohanji is not here?", thinking whether he is not coming intentionally due to Arnav.

"He is on call, he will be here", said Rajat and Khushi nods her head.

Looking at questioning looks of Khushi's parents Anjali told them who Rajat is. Shashi nodded his head and went ahead to greet him while Garima and Buaji passed worried looks.

"Arey aunty where is Arush?", asked Anjali as she realized that Arush is not here.

"Oh beta he is with Aashima outside", said Garima and just then they heard Arush's voice. Aashima was coming towards them with Arush in her arms, who was holding a flower.

"Hello everyone", said Aashima looking at Raizada Family, "This little guy wanted to go in garden ... he is becoming so naughty". Anjali smiles seeing Aashima lovingly holding Arush.

"She is Aashima, Khushi's childhood best friend, she just came here today afternoon", said Garima introducing her.

Anjali shakes hand with her and then turn to Khushi who also came near, "I thought NK was your best friend Khushi".

"He is second best friend, I am the first one", said Aashima instantly and Khushi shakes her head. She and NK always argue on this that who is Khushi's best friend.

Aashima was with Khushi since 8^th class but she went abroad to do her bachelors in fashion designing and in that time Khushi had met NK and become best of friends. Aashima was angry at first when she saw their close friendship, fearing that she will lose her special place in Khushi's life, as she has very few friends, but got ok after some time on assurance of Khushi that no one is going to take her place.

Aashima move ahead and greeted Nani, Mamiji and Mamaji and shakes hands with Aman, Lavanya and Akash.

"She is a little bit jealous of my friendship with NK", whispers Khushi to Anjali who nodded her head understandingly.

Just then someone closes Khushi's eyes from behind; she put her hand over other person's hand.

"Guess who?", came a lady's voice and a surprise gasp escaped from Khushi's mouth.

"Prachi", said Khushi as she turns around and saw Prachi and Vijay standing there. They had moved away when they saw Khushi coming in as Prachi wanted to surprise her with their presence.

"Oh my, you are here", said Khushi as she hugged Prachi and looks at Vijay, who also wished her happy birthday.

"ASR sir invited us", said Prachi breaking the hug, "Today afternoon after our meeting he told me and Vijay to stay back. I got scared that may be I did some mistake and ASR wants to scold me but then we got shocked when he invited us to his home for your birthday".

Khushi felt happy that Arnav thinks so much about her ... just then she felt the breeze and her eyes went towards stairs where Arnav was coming down. Their eyes clashes and both look at each other. Arnav smiled as his pace got slow and he came near, where all were standing.

"Hi", said Arnav standing 2 feet away from Khushi.

Khushi was lost looking at him, she always found him extra handsome and dashing in casuals clothes like this. Arnav too give her a look over feeling happy seeing her in his gift.

(Arnav and Khushi's attire)

Prachi nudges Khushi's arms as everyone was giving them teasing looks.

"I think we should start now, what say Maji?", said Mamaji looking at his mother, understanding that his nephew wants to have few minutes with Khushi.

"Yes beta, Anjali bitya", said Nani looking at Anjali who nods her head and told everyone to come upstairs to go to terrace where all the arrangements has been made.

Everyone move after her, going upstairs. Arnav passes a thankful look to Mamaji, who patted his shoulder and held Naniji as they climbs the stairs. Khushi has just took a step towards Arnav when she heard Arush's cry.

"Maaammaa ... dooh ... doooh (mama ... milk ... milk)", exclaimed Arush extending his hands towards Khushi.

"Khushi I think he is hungry", said Aashima who was trying to steady Arush in her arms.

Khushi looks at Arnav who gestures his head towards Arush and smiles. Khushi moves to dining table where she had placed Arush's bag earlier. She opens the zip and takes out his thermos and milk bottle.

"Khushi, you go, I will make his milk", said Aashima as she look at Arnav who was getting impatient.

"It will just take a minute ... I", Khushi was saying when Aashima push her, "Go ... I will do it".

Khushi smiles at her and then went towards Arnav who quickly move ahead and grabs her hand ... he passed a thankful smile to Aashima and takes Khushi towards Nani's room.

He enters the room with Khushi and backs her against the door, between his arms, closing the door. Khushi heart thudded looking in his intense eyes ... his eyes move lower to her slightly quivering lips. He runs his thumbs on her chin, lifting it up a little and then scoop down, capturing her soft petal lips. He kept the kiss slow and sweet, relishing her taste. Khushi's hands move around his neck and her fingers caresses the hair on his nape. Arnav's one hand was holding her cheek and other was caressing her back.

They pull back due to the need of oxygen; Arnav gives a peck on her lips, "Happy Birthday My Angel". Khushi looks up at him with surprised eyes, "Angel?".

"Yes you're my angel, my beautiful angel", said Arnav rubbing her arm and put his forehead against hers. Khushi wound her arms around his waist and hug him close.

Rohan came out of his room after finishing his business call and saw Arush in Aashima's arms, who was having difficulty in controlling him as he was getting cranky ... calling out to his mama and making crying sound due to hunger.

"Baby stop it now", said Aashima in stern voice as she gives an angry look to Arush, "I am making your bottle na ... just a minute baby", as she put 5 spoonful of powder milk in Arush's bottle.

Rohan didn't like her scolding to Arush and moves ahead towards them, "Who are you? And how dare you talk to him like that?".

Aashima looks up hearing an angry voice, "Excuse me, I am not scolding him", said Aashima giving a stern look to Rohan.

Rohan presses his lips and takes Arush out of Aashima's hand little forcefully.

"Hey what you think you're doing?", said Aashima in anger as Arush started to cry, as he got scared with the sudden pull.

"Maammma ... Alush ... Maaammmaaa pass jana", he made a loud crying voice.

"See you made him cry", said Aashima as she tried to take Arush but Rohan push her hand away, "Who are you? And where is Khushi", said Rohan angrily.

"Who are you to ask me this?", said Aashima, "Give him to me, can't you see, he is crying".

Khushi and Arnav came out of Nani's room listening to Arush's loud cry.

"Whats happening here?", asked Arnav as they both came near to dining table.

"Ask this man, who made Arush cry", said Aashima in anger pointing a finger at Rohan.

Khushi move ahead quickly and takes Arush from Rohan and presses him close to her chest, "Shhshh baby Shhshh mama is here".

"I made him cry? You're the one who was scolding him", said Rohan in equally angry tone.

"How dare you accuse me? I was making his milk when you suddenly barge here and forcefully took him from me ... who are you anyway?", said Aashima as she takes a step towards Rohan.

"Aashima", Khushi give her a warning look.

"I am his Mamu, he is my nephew", said Rohan in anger, his voice got loud.

"Stop it please!", said Khushi worriedly as Arush was crying hearing loud voices, "He gets scared of loud voices".

"Give him to me, I will take him upstairs, you bring his milk", said Arnav as he takes Arush from Khushi who went without any protest and hide his face in crook of Arnav's neck whimpering, "Paaapaaa".

When Arnav move away Khushi look at Aashima, "Aashima apologize now".

Aashima look at Khushi in bewilderment, "Why would I apologize? He is the one who made Arush cry ... who told him to pull him suddenly ... and since when you have a brother?".

"I am Tania's brother", said Rohan instantly.

Aashima look at him and Khushi in confusion, thinking where she had heard Tania's name and looking at Khushi's expression she realizes who Tania is ... Arnav's first wife.

"So what ... it doesn't give you the right to behave rudely with your own nephew", said Aashima.

"What? When did I behaved rudely with him?", said Rohan in anger as he took a step towards Aashima.

"Ok that's enough!", said Khushi sternly looking at both, "You come with me now", said Khushi as she grabs Aashima's hand and move upstairs. Rohan followed them after few seconds.

"What happened?", asked Anjali coming to Arnav as she saw Arush in his arms.

"Nothing Di, he is just hungry, Khushi is bringing his milk", said Arnav in assuring tone. Anjali look at him going towards fairy lights and smile seeing him distracting Arush with them.

"Arush ... see lights ... do you want to catch the light?", said Arnav trying to make his voice baby like and look at Arush who looked at small bud of light in Arnav's hand and then turned his face away making a whining sound, "Naaah...".

"Acha ... so cake then ... Arush wants cake", said Arnav as he brings Arush to cake on the table.

"Naahhh", said Arush again ... "Maammaaa pass janaaa".

Just then Arnav saw Khushi entering terrace with Aashima behind her, "Look Arush ... Mama is here".

Arush looked up and extend his hand towards Khushi, who give him a big smile and gestures Arnav to make him lay in his arms, which he did. Khushi give Arush his milk bottle to him, who started to drink it quickly.

Anjali smiles and looks at Rahul who gesture her with his eyes, that he understands what she must be thinking ... happy ... seeing Arush with Arnav like this.

After few minutes when Arush had his fill, everyone move towards the big table where the cake was placed. Khushi pull Arnav to cut the cake with her ... everyone clapped and sing happy birthday as Khushi cut the cake with Arnav's hand on top of her. Arush was in his arms, who was bending down to take the cake.

Khushi put a very small piece of cake in Arush's mouth who made a wired face at first but then eat it, meanwhile Arnav had cut the small piece and make Khushi eat it and then he flicks his finger on her nose putting some cream there ... Arnav chuckles, seeing her Haww expressions.

Rohan look at Arnav and Khushi standing close ... talking ... as Khushi feed Arush small pieces of cake. He had never seen Arnav doing these small things for his sister. Yes he did take care of her but it didn't felt intimate, like it feels now seeing Arnav and Khushi together. He felt sad and angry; remembering his sister ... it should have been her place instead of Khushi, beside Arnav with their son Arush. He turned and went out of terrace. He went down to first landing and sit on sofa, his gaze fixed on floor.

He can see the changes in Arnav now, about which Anjali had mentioned whose reason is Khushi. He can see how much besotted Arnav is, with Khushi. He hadn't seen Arnav this happy and smiling before.

During their study days he had found Arnav very aloof, who always kept to himself and his only focus was education and earning money. Then when he joined his dad's company, he become little friendly towards him and Tania. He was shocked when Tania told him that she got married to Arnav, the person who is not expressive and kept his emotions or thoughts to himself, he doesn't find Arnav as a perfect match for his sister. But he came to in terms with it seeing Tania happy. He hadn't visited them much in India, so he didn't knew what exactly was happening between them. He thought that they both are happy with each other, which was not the case. Whenever he talked to Tania on phone, she always seems happy. He felt immense happiness when Tania told him that she was expecting. But his happiness was short lived, when after 2-3 weeks he got a call from his Dad, that Tania is in hospital and suffering from brain tumor. He felt the ground shaking when he got to know that his sister was suffering with tumor since months and he hadn't got an inch of idea about it. He immediately went to India and was shocked seeing his sister's fragile condition. He was angry, on not finding Arnav beside his sister, at that time his sister's condition was serious and she was not able to converse much, so he didn't knew what his sister had done. He went to AR to talk to Arnav and got angry when Arnav told him that he has broken all ties with Tania and had filed for divorce. Rohan accused Arnav for using his sister. They both had punched each other and would have hurt each other more if Aman hadn't interfered.

After the divorce Rohan took Tania back to US for her treatment but she had lost the will to live. Doctors were trying everything they could but they also need the willingness of the patient. Tania wanted nothing else besides Arnav. Doctor advised Rohan to take her back to her husband, maybe that way she show the will to live. Rohan had no choice but to do the same, so he took Tania back to India and went to AR to talk to Arnav and asked him to meet his sister. Arnav denied straight forward and in their heated argument Arnav told him everything from the start how Tania manipulated him. Rohan could not believe it and held Arnav's collar in anger, he thought that he was making all this up to demean his sister. Arnav told him to get out and never come here again. Rohan went back to his sister and told him what Arnav had said and he felt the ground shaking under his feet for the second time when Tania confessed that she indeed had manipulated Arnav. Rohan felt very ashamed that time, he had accused Arnav wrongly and how will he face Arnav ever again.

Rohan felt frustrated, as he punches the sofa, remembering all that. Why? Why his sister didn't tell him that she loved Arnav, he would have talk to Arnav, properly forwarding her proposal to him. Why his sister didn't tell them about her tumor? Why she manipulated Arnav like this? He felt ashamed and angry that being her brother he couldn't figure out what was happening in his sister's life or what she was doing.

He could not help but feel anger and hatred towards Arnav, remembering his sister's condition, withering in pain when she was in labor ... and her sobs, asking again and again for Arnav. Not able to see his sister like that he had asked his dad to talk to Arnav's sister, as he remembered Tania telling him how much Anjali means to Arnav. But his that hoped also got crushed, when Arnav denied his sister too, to meet Tania and his sister left this world without being granted her last wish.

Didn't Arnav has heart? How he can be that much heartless that he can't even come to meet a dying person?

And then he remembered Khushi's words of putting himself in Arnav shoes and think if someone had manipulated him like that, would he have forgiven that women? And he knows that the answer is NO. But he cannot help the pain, he feels every time thinking of Tania, his only sister ... whom he loves very much. He wished she wouldn't have done all that ... wished that she would have told them about her tumor so that they would have gotten her treated on time ...wished that she should not have hide her love for Arnav and confined in him about it. So she would have been alive today and could have been married to Arnav and would be beside him in place of Khushi now.

His thought process broke as he felt a soft touch on his arm. He looked at his side and found Khushi sitting beside him, with a plate having a small piece of cake. "You ok?", asked Khushi with concern.

"Yeah I am fine", said Rohan as he quickly wipe his moist eyes, which didn't go un-notice by Khushi. "What are you doing here?", he asked trying to be normal.

"I didn't saw you up there, so I came here to give you this", said Khushi extending the plate towards him. He takes the plate, "Thanks, I ... I will eat it later", feeling a bit good that someone has notice his absence.

He was about to move when Khushi said, "Thinking of Tania, right?". Rohan look at her surprised as to how she knew. Khushi gesture towards his eyes, "Its ok, there is no shame in crying while remembering your loved ones".

"I just can't help thinking that if Tania had told me about her love for Arnav, I might have been able to make things rights ... she would have been alive if she had told us about her tumor on time and wouldn't have to do all that which she did with Arnav. She might have been happy being married to Arnav if ... if things had gone differently", said Rohan as his voice chocked.

Khushi pats his arm, "I know ... I understand ... how we wish for things to be different but can't help it".

"Yeah right, you understand", said Rohan in mock tone.

Khushi presses her lips, "Yes I do, because I know the pain of losing love ones. I had lost my parents to accident when I was 8".

Rohan looks at her questioningly, "Your parents? Then who are they who ...", he was saying when Khushi cut in, "They adopted me and I am very happy that they did as I got a loving family"

"There are some wounds that can't be healed ever ... not even with passing time as people say. They just get dim with time, but never heals.", said Khushi in serious tone, "Arnavji is wounded because of what Tania did and he can never forgets it and you are wounded because you think that you are not a good brother who cannot saved his sister."

Rohan was again surprise at her statement as it was indeed he felt sometimes whenever he thinks of Tania

"Arnavji is angry on you for accusing him wrongly for using Tania and not believing him ... and you are angry on him that he didn't meet Tania in her last days or couldn't love her like she did", said Khushi as he held his arm again, "All I will say is ... give it time, to Arnavji and to yourself, because I have faith that ... there will be a day when Arnavji will forgive Tania and will not hold any grudges against you".

Rohan looks down thinking about what Khushi had just said. Before he could say anything they both heard Arnav voice, "Khushi".

They look up and found Arnav standing few feet away ... his expression stern. Khushi quickly stood up and went to him. Khushi smiles and lightly shakes her head answering Arnav's questioning eyes that Rohan is not saying anything bad to her.

"Dinner is about to start", said Arnav as he takes her hand ignoring Rohan. "Ok come", said Khushi and they move towards stairs.

"Khushi", Rohan called her as he stood up. Both Arnav and Khushi turned back to him.

"Thanks", said Rohan and quickly move down the stairs towards his room.

"What was it about?", asked Arnav.

"He was missing his sister", said Khushi looking at Arnav, whose expression got serious all of sudden. "Hey ...", Khushi cupped his face, "No anger on my birthday ok ... I want a smile over here all the while when I am here", said Khushi tapping her finger on Arnav's lips. He gives a small smile and they both went to terrace.