Chapter 124

Raj stopped the car near the long stairs of mandir. Khushi asked Arnav to come with her.

"Khushi you know I don't believe in these stuff", said Arnav.

"I know. But you came to Mandir that day, so come now too", said Khushi as she opens her door to go out but Arnav caught her hand.

"You and I both know that why I came that day. I didn't wanted to give your Dadi a chance to pass a remark on us", said Arnav.

"I know that Arnavji", said Khushi with a smile and cup his cheek, "It made me very happy that we prayed together that day. Today is the first morning after over marriage and I want to do this with you by my side. Please come. I won't ask you to do the pooja. Just come with me".

Arnav sighed and nodded his head making Khushi smile wide. They both went up the stair. Khushi put the pallu on her head. She takes his hand in hers as they stopped under the bell. She extends their hands upward and ring the bell. Then she went inside and Arnav waited at the edge of place, from where Pooja Area started.

Khushi went to the priest who blessed her and give her the thal. She was a regular at this Mandir, as it was the nearest to her house. The priests know her and her family well. In fact the priest who did their wedding ceremony was from here. Khushi looked back at Arnav once with a smile and then quickly do the pooja. She prayed for Arnav, for him to be happy and healthy always and asks for strength and patience from her devi maiya to lead her life with Arnav happily.

Khushi passed the thal back to priest and he offer her Prasad. Khushi move towards Arnav while eating the Prasad.

They were about to move from their when the priest called Khushi. They turned and saw the priest coming towards them with a thal in his hand.

"Bitya, suhagan ki maang khali nahi honi chahiye", said the priest as he extended the thal towards Arnav.

Khushi didn't have the sindoor with her so she haven't filled her mang, "Maaf kijiye pandit ji wo sindoor tha nahi humare pass isliyee ...".

"Koi baat nahi beta, abh laga lo", said priest. Khushi extend her hand to take the sindoor but priest stopped her and extended the thal towards Arnav, "Jub pati pass ho to usko hi apni patni ki maang bharni chahiye".

Arnav was a little taken aback with this but nonetheless he takes a pinch of sindoor and filled Khushi's mang. Khushi closed her eyes feeling his fingers on her scalp.

The priest went back after blessing them with long life of togetherness and happiness.

Khushi move forward but Arnav grabs her hand, "Khushi, I wanted to ask you something".

"Ji?", said Khushi.

"Yesterday when I filled your mang, why did you cried?", asked Arnav the questioning he had been meaning to ask her.

"I didn't cried Arnavji", said Khushi with a smile.

"Don't lie. I saw you tears", said Arnav in serious tone.

"That was because when you filled my mang, I finally became yours. When you put the mangulsutra around my neck (she touched her mangulsutra) you bounded me to you for a life time. I was very happy because in that moment I fully became yours", said Khushi her voice full of emotion.

Arnav was overwhelmed with her answer, he pulled her close and said, "yes you are right. Now you have become fully mine in every sense". Making Khushi blush.

Both remembering the past incident, from the day of their engagement.

FLASHBACK STARTS

"Finally ... you are mine now", said Arnav as he backed her up against the wall.

"uh .. nahi (No)", Khushi shakes her head with a smile.

"Nahi? ... tum meri nahi ho? (No? You're not mine?)", asked Arnav with intense eyes.

"Hum toh app hi k hain (I am yours)", said Khushi (smile appear on Arnav's face) "Lakin adhey (but half)".

Arnav frown a bit, "Adhey? Matlab? (half? Meaning?)".

Khushi lifted her left hand showing him the ring, "Abhi toh sirf mangni hui hai ... toh hum adhey apk huye ... jub shaadi hogi toh hum pure yap k ho jayein gey(Now its just the engagement ... so I am half yours ... when we get married then I will be fully yours)", said Khushi with a wide smile.

"Is that so?", said Arnav as he move closer, now that his body touching hers ... Khushi eyes widened and she put her hand over his chest and try to push him away.

"Arnavji ... what are you? Someone will come", Khushi look around to see if someone is coming or not.

"Waisey Khushi ... I can make you fully mine ... I just need 3 things for that", said Arnav with mischievous glint in his eyes.

"What 3 things?", asked Khushi getting curious.

"One locked room ... a big bed ... and you under me (Arnav leans to her ear and whispers) naked", said Arnav and lean back and smirk seeing the shocked expression on her face with her usual O shape moth.

Khushi pressed her lips and push him with force, Arnav move back.

"Besharam ...", said Khushi and run from there...

"Only with you ...", Arnav shouted back.

FLASHBACK ENDS

They both smile in understanding that both were thinking the same thing. Arnav leaned in to kiss her but Khushi quickly put her hand over his lips.

"What are you doing? At least look around, we are in Mandir", said Khushi shyly.

Arnav move her hand away, "I don't care. You are my wife now and I have full rights to kiss you whenever I want".

"I am not stopping you from it, but this is not the place. Sabar kijiye ..Sabar ka phal metha hota hai ... remember?", said Khushi with a shy.

"Aur yeh phal kub miley ka mujey?", asked Arnav in his husky voice.

"Aj raat ko", whispered Khushi.

"Mein wait karun ga", said Arnav in same husky tone.

"Acha, abh chaliye", said Khushi as she takes her hand and they climb down the stairs.

------------- Guest House - Around 10.00am

Nani warmly hugged Khushi and then Arnav, blessing them for long happy life.

"You look beautiful Bitya, kisi ki nazar na lagey", said Nani as she runs her hand over Khushi's head. Khushi smile shyly at that and move back.

Everyone was just coming out of their rooms for breakfast. Our little Arush greeted his mama with his wet kissies. The youngsters teased the newly married couple and specially on the topic of how they weren't here last night.

"Sasuma dekho toh kaisan sherma rahi hai, jaise pehli dafa hum sub se mil rahi ho", said Mamiji.

"Arey mano, samjho na ... kal raat k baad toh sharmana banta hai na", teased Shalini Masi.

Khushi's cheeks adorned the red color at the teasing while Arnav just stood there with a nonchalant expression.

"Arey bus chup, abh koi tang nahi karey ga hamari bahu ko", Nani chided both the ladies and give an angry glare, much closer to ASR's, to everyone and ask them to settle down for breakfast.

Khushi was happy that Anjali wasn't upset with her as she greeted her with a hug and smile. But that was not the case with Arnav. Anjali had given him a serious look with just a cold good morning. Khushi held his hand as they sit down together. Arnav give her an assured smile telling her that he is ok ... he knew that he will be getting a serious treatment from his sister but he also knew that it wasn't for long.

The breakfast was loud, with everyone talking about different topics. Whenever the topic will lead to teasing Arnav and Khushi, Nani would budge in to stop it. As the breakfast came to end Mamaji informed that everyone will be heading back to Dehli in afternoon. Only Anjali and Rahul will stay behind and will come along with Arnav and Khushi back to Dehli tomorrow.

"Why tomorrow? We will also come with you today", said Arnav.

"Arey nahi Arnav bitwa, you cannot leave today.", said Mamiji, "Khushi bitya have to go back to her maika na".

"Why she have to go there? We are married now, so she will stay with me", said Arnav instantly. Even the thought of Khushi getting away from him was unsettling.

There were giggles and chuckles around the table with Arnav's response, while Khushi looked down with shyness.

"Awwh cute Arnav bhaiya, you can't even stay away from Bhabhi for some hours haan", said Minnie.

"Beta, it's a rasam that the bride go back her maika on next day of marriage", said Nani.

"What the? Another rasam? When these stupid rasam are going to end?", said Arnav annoyingly.

"Chottey rasams are not stupid. Don't disrespect them. I have told you earlier every rasam has its own importance and meaning", said Anjali in stern tone, "After wedding, the brides goes back to her maika to assure her parents that she is doing fine and seeks their blessings for her life ahead. The groom goes to bring her back, which in turns assured the parents that her daughter will be taken care of".

Arnav so wanted to argue here that he had already assured Khushi's parents that he will take care of her. But he also knew if he does that Anjali will get more upset and he didn't want that ... but he couldn't help but show his displeasure at it.

"Forget it", said Arnav as he stood up, "Do whatever you guys want, no one cares what I think or feels anyway", saying that he move away from there and went up to his room. Khushi stood up, ready to go after him, but Arush had caught her pallu ... demanding her attention.

Mamaji glad that he speak up when the breakfast was over or else Arnav would have left his meal incomplete.

"Don't worry Khushi it's momentarily, he will be fine in some time", said Anjali, "You get ready Rahul will drop you".

"Me?", said Rahul confused, "Wasn't someone supposed to come from Khushi's home to pick her up?".

"Bride's brother comes to pick her up but as Khushi doesn't have any real brother and she had already declare you her brother ... so now this responsibility is yours", said Anjali joyfully.

"I don't mind", said Rahul with a smile as he looks at Khushi passing him a smile as well.

He stood up and went to Khushi and places his hand on her head, "Chalain behna". Khushi nodded and asked Rahul to take Arush out and she will come in a minute. Rahul give an understanding look as he picked Arush and move out.

Khushi went upstairs to talk to Arnav but his mood was already off.

"Arnavji, why did you say that no one cares about you?", asked Khushi.

"Did I say something wrong?", said Arnav in irritated tone as he turned away. "Everyone do what they pleases ... just let me be"

Khushi sighed and said, "I won't go if you say. I will call Jiji and will tell her that I am not coming".

Arnav look back at her surprised that she will do something like this. Khushi look at him for a few seconds and then picked his cell phone from the bed.

"Won't Nani, Di or your parents gets upset with this if you don't go?", asked Arnav as he held her wrist, stopping her from dialing the number.

"Don't know. I only know that I can't see you like this", said Khushi looking into his eyes, "Because its important to me what you think or feel".

Arnav closes his eyes for a second or two and then take his cell phone out of her hand, "I am fine. You go".

"But ...", Khushi wanted to say but Arnav stopped her, "Khushi just go ok. I will come to pick you up in evening".

When Khushi didn't move and kept looking at Arnav he gesture towards the room door, "Go".

Khushi didn't want to leave him like this but knew that Rahul is waiting downstairs, so she hug him for few seconds and then left the room.

Arnav sighed looking at his hands, which were itching to bring her back in the previous position.

-------------------------

Rahul looked to his side and found the worried expression still intact on Khushi's face since the time they left few minutes ago.

"Just Chill yaar, he will be fine. It's a matter of just few hours", said Rahul.

"But he was not happy with it", said Khushi.

"No husband feels happy staying away from his wife on the very next day of wedding ... specially after ... (Rahul paused for a second) you know", said Rahul.

Khushi looked to side hiding her blush, knew well about what he meant.

"Even I was grumpy all day when Anjali went for her peg phera", said Rahul trying to ease the atmosphere.

Khushi looked at him surprise. Arush was on Khushi's lap busy drinking his milk as he haven't eaten much in the breakfast.

"Again and again I would just look at the clock wanting it to strike 6 so that I can rush to pick Anjali. Nothing worked to distract me. My mood was off and nothing I did made it better", said Rahul with a small smile, "only I knew how I passed those hours."

"I can understand ... I will be with my family but I know I will be missing him a lot", said Khushi softly.

"Yeah I know, it was same with Anjali. When I went to pick her up she just hugged me so tight telling me how much she had missed me", said Rahul with a chuckle, "And believe me Arnav will be missing you loads and will be looking at the clock wishing for time to move fast and he will rush to you in the evening". Khushi also smiled at his remark.

--------------------------

Payal opened the door and instead of greeting Khushi she just picked Arush in her arms cooching cooing him.

"Jiji, I am also here", said Khushi with a pout.

"So? you were always here anyway, so I didn't miss you even a bit but I missed my handsome so much", said Payal placing a kiss on Arush's cheek.

"Alush hanchum", said Arush in his cute baby voice.

"Yes my baby is so handsome", said Payal as she move back. Khushi huffed and move inside while Rahul shakes his head at their antics as he moves inside carrying Arush's bag.

"Ammmaaa", Khushi exclaimed loudly as she saw her mother and hugged her tight.

"Arey o permeshwari ... bus ker ... Apni Amma ki jan legi kia", Buaji chided Khushi when she saw how tightly Khushi had hugged Garima.

"Arey Buaji, naraz kion ho rahey, ap bhi ajao", said Khushi leaving her mother and then hugged Buaji tightly.

"Arey oo sankadevi choro ... choro", said Buaji as she push Khushi and take 2-3 big breaths and then swatted Khushi's shoulder, "Paglaye gayi ha ka".

Khushi just gives her a big smile and then move towards her father who takes her in his arms. "Kaisi ho?", asked Shashi.

"Ek dum thek", replied Khushi with a big smile.

Arush wiggled in Payal's arms to be put down and then he came running towards Garima and held her saree, giving her a toothy grin, "mii mii".

"aw mera bacha, come I will give you mii", said Garima as she taken him to the kitchen.

"Amma just give one tiny piece, he had drank milk on the way here", shouted Khushi.

Garima take the plastic bottle of mishri pieces out of cupboard and give him one tiny piece. Arush quickly put up his 2 fingers and said, "two ... two". Garima laughed and give him another piece. The little baby just loved mishri and he wants to eat two of everything which is given to him.

Rahul left after greeting Shashi and Buaji. Payal drags Khushi upstairs to her room and asked her teasingly about the wedding night. Khushi blushed and showed that she is upset with her as she haven't greeted her properly.

"Acha baba sorry na, now tell me how was it", said Payal nudging Khushi's shoulder as they sit on the bed.

"Kia Jiji, stop it now", said Khushi ... her cheeks were already adorning the pinkish hue.

"arey I am your sister, if you don't share it with me then with whom will you share haan", said Payal.

"No I wont share it with you because you havent share it with me either", said Khushi.

"Arey I havent gotten married yet then how can I share the ahem details", said Payal.

"I am not talking about that. I saw Sandeep uncle and aunty yesterday. I am sure you have met them too. I wanted to talk to you about it but I didn't get the chance", said Khushi and held her sister's hand, "Are you ok Jiji?".

"Arey pagli I am fine. Sandeep uncle was excusing that he will not come to the wedding but I called him and request him to come", said Payal assuredly.

"Jiji you know na you can tell me anything.", said Khushi squeezing her hand.

"yes I know Khushi, don't worry I am fine. We cannot blame uncle or aunty or hold grudges against them when they are not at fault. Whatever their son did its his mistake not theirs. I don't want Baba to feel hesitate being friends with sandeep uncle just because of what happened. Its in past now", said Payal in determine tone.

"I happy to know that you think like this. Yes you are right we cannot hold grudges against them. Beside sandeep uncle is baba's closest friend", said Khushi side hugging her sister.

"Ok now I have shared with you now its your turn", said Payal.

"Jiji I think we should go down, don't know what Arush will be doing with Buaji and Amma", said Khushi as she quickly move towards the door.

"Arey don't change the topic, I want to know", said Payal as she run behind Khushi.

"And I am not telling you", came Khushi's voice.

She had a good time with her family ... discussing childhood tales of her and Payal ... teasing each other ... playing with Arush. After lunch time Kunal informed that they will be leaving in an hour as he haven't got more off days and needed at office.

Khushi had made Arush sleep and went to her mother's room to spend some time with Sriti masi before she leaves. She stopped at the door when she heard her Masi mentioning Arnav and Arush.

"Arnav and Khushi's pair looks great na", said Sriti Masi, "Made for each other".

"Yeah they are. At first I was worried about their age difference, different views and thinking. But after seeing them together all my worries vanished", said Garima with a smile.

"You know sometimes I think what if Arush was not in the picture", said Sriti Masi.

"Jiji?", Garima was surprise to hear this.

"Don't get me wrong Garima, I like Arush ... he is good naughty boy", said Sriti with a smile, "But you know Khushi is so young and after marriage the responsibilities increase for a girl and now upon that she have a child to look after and raise. If he was not there, she would have less stress and enjoyed her married life more".

"Yeah I thought that too but Khushi loves him loads", said Garima.

"We know that, but not the people and relative. They will always see Khushi as his step mother and him as his step-son ... there are bound to be talks and taunts".

Before Garima could say something, Khushi enters the room, "Please don't say like that Masi. Arush is my baby", her tone was serious.

Garima and Sriti Masi was taken aback to see Khushi. "Arey beta, when I am saying he is not. I was just sharing something with your mother".

"Khushi, we were just talking beta", said Garima.

"But I don't want you to talk something like this again. I know with Arush, there are more responsibilities but I am happy to fulfill them. I may be young and not fully matured but I have faith that I will do good by both Arnavji and Arush and my Devi Maiya will help me.", said Khushi emotionally.

Sriti stood up and cups Khushi's face, "Meri jan, we all know that you are the strongest among all. I am sorry if I hurt you. I was just sharing my thoughts".

"Its ok Masi, I am sorry too", said Khushi and lowered her eyes.

"Nah Beta, come here", Sriti Masi takes Khushi in her arms. Kunal called for his mother and Sriti left after patting Khushi's cheek.

Garima takes Khushi's hand and made her sit beside her on bed, "Bitya I know that you know your responsibilities towards Arush and Arnav bitwa. But now its not only about the two of them. Now you are linked to their family. You are not only a wife but a bahu too now. A bahu and a sister-in-law. You have some responsibilities and duties towards other family members as well. Whatever you do or decide, think about the effect of it on your in-laws and their respect. Here you can be naughty, immature and impulsive. But not there. You have to think about your actions first because the society will always see you as a Raizada bahu now. You have to take care that no one raise a finger on them, talk something due to your actions or harm their reputation and respect in the society. You understanding na beta what I am saying", said Garima with motherly love.
No matter how much assurance she gets from Arnav or his family, she knows how her daughter is and cannot help but get worried about her and her life ahead.

"Yes Amma I understand. I will try my best to fulfill my responsibilities towards Arnav and his family. And if I falter, you will be here to guide it me right?", said Khushi as she put her head on Garima's shoulder.

"Yes bitya, I am always here for you", said Garima as she places a kiss on top of Khushi's head.

------------------------

True to Rahul's words, Arnav had spent most of his day watching time ... pacing in his room. Before, whenever he has to spend time in waiting, his laptop was the best option for him always. Surfing the news website, working on reports or going through presentation again and again looking for flaws or adding more points had always worked for him, in order to utilize time.

But nothing was working for him today and it was making him frustrated. No emails, no work calls, no presentation, no reading books and no watching the business channel either. Even he couldn't take the stroll outside for more than 10 minutes. He just wanted to rush to his Khushi and bring her back. Only he knew how he has spent his day.

Just as the clock strike 6pm, he had rush down to his car and drove towards Khushi's house. But it seems like today was not going to go on his terms. Guptas had insisted that he and Khushi stay for dinner. No matter how much he wanted to deny and go back home ... just wanted to spend some private, intimate time with his Khushi ... but he couldn't. So, reluctantly he stayed for dinner. They left from Guptas around 11pm.

And needless to say they were all tired when they reach back to guest house after half an hour. After changing and freshing up Khushi had taken Arush to bed to make him sleep, because they will be leaving early morning to airport for their flight back to Dehli.

Arnav came out of washroom and saw Khushi singing the usual song for Arush to sleep, who was drinking his milk. He put away his things in his suit case, so that he doesn't have to do it in the morning. Actually he was just waiting for Arush to sleep so that he can spend some intimate time with his Khushi. After some minutes his phone rang, an international number flashed on his screen. Khushi quickly gestures him to take the call outside, worried that Arush would wake up from his half sleep state.

Arnav quickly went out of room, picking the call, "Arnav Singh Raizada".

"Arrnnab my boy, how are ya?", came a voice with French accent and Arnav recognized the person, the only one who calls him like that.

"Mr. Ives, I am good. How are you doing?", said Arnav in polite tone, though just a minute ago he was ready to blast the person who had disturb him at this time. But he cannot blast the CEO of VF, the company he is now associated with.

"Good good. So I just wanted to congratulate you on your wedding. Richard told me about it. Sorry for late wishing. Congratulations boy.", said Mr. Ives in joyful tone.

"Oh thank you Sir, there ...", Arnav was saying but stopped when he heard a female voice in the background speaking something in French.

"Is that so?", came Mr. Ives voice, "Oh My bad then".

"Arrnnaab, I am really sorry boy to disturb you this late. My better half just told me that it is after midnight in your country. I thought it will be around 10. My apologies ... the old man forgets common things", said Mr. Ives in apologetic tone

"Its ok Mr. Ives, no need to apologize. I am glad that you remember to wish me.", said Arnav in assured tone, he did not want Mr. Ives to feel bad. These things happens with old age and he understands it. He really liked that a busy and influential man like Mr. Ives remembered to wish him, its very considerate of him

"Ahh its nothing. Wish your wife from me and my better half too.", said Mr. Ives

"Yes sure", said Arnav.

"And bring her with you when you come here to Italy for our fashion show. My better half wants to meet her", said Mr. Ives chuckles, "She is insisting".

"Yes sure Mr. Ives, I am already planning on it", said Arnav with a smile.

"Great, then we hope to see you soon. Take care boy", said Mr. Ives.

"Same here Mr. Ives", said Arnav and Mr. Ives cut the call.

Arnav went back in his room and was surprise to found Khushi asleep. He went to her side and called her name but she didn't budge ... seems like she was fast asleep. Arnav sighed and went towards his side ... he had waited all day to spend some time with Khushi and now he wasn't even able to kiss her.

He punched his pillow as he lay down on bed. Arush was sleeping in middle of the bed. He thought to wake her up but then rejected the idea thinking that she must be tired thats why she had slept that fast ... he had gone just for 2 minutes to listen the call. He turned to face Khushi and held her hand, which was placed over Arush's stomach.

Sleep will not be coming to him that easily tonight, when all his body craves is ... her.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Do let me know what you guys think of this. 😳

Next update will be after A WEEK, or may be more than that. I am still busy taking care of my mom so i won't be getting much time to write.