Chapter 138

"Uffoo, when will it come out", said Khushi in sad hopeful voice looking up at the sky for moon.

"Khushi", she heard Arnav calls her name and immediately her expression change into an annoyed one.

"Come with me, I want to show you something", said Arnav as he extend his hand to take hers but Khushi quickly move a step back.

"No Arnavji, how many times I have told you that I can do this. It's just a matter of few more minutes. So whatever treat you have in your pocket, you can eat it yourself", said Khushi in angry annoyed tone and move away from him. She looks around at the terrace for Anjali to complain about her husband, but didn't saw her. So she went through the terrace door, to go down and find Anjali. Arnav had been teasing her since afternoon, when she started to have hunger pangs ... taking her to the corner or their room on pretext of some work and then show her chocolate or a pack of chips, saying that she can eat it as no one is watching. And he don't mind if she eats some little and break her fast before time. At first Khushi found it cute that he is concern for her but then his insistent turned into annoyance for her.

She saw Anjali coming up the stairs and stop on the top landing to wait for her. Just then she saw Anjali swaying and Khushi instantly went to her, "Anjali Di", Khushi grab her arm and then led her to the first landing sitting area and make her sit on the Sofa.

"Di, Khushi?", said Arnav who had followed Khushi.

"Anjali Di, are your alright?", asked Khushi as she crouch on floor in front of Anjali.

"Yeah Khushi, just a little dizziness", said Anjali as she rubs her temple.

"I don't understand, why you have to be hungry all day for this stupid thing", said Arnav irritatingly.

"It not stupid", both Khushi and Anjali said at the same time and then they both smile at each other.

Arnav rolls his eyes at them, "Di, you are not feeling well. Why can you just drink a little?".

"Its doesn't happen like this Chottey, and I am fine. Nothing that I haven't done before.", said Anjali in strict tone.

Arnav sighed and went upstairs towards terrace. Khushi held Anjali's hands, "Di, you sure you ok? Is it paining somewhere?".

"No baba, I am fine", said Anjali with a smile.

Khushi pouted, "Di I am so hungry and that moon hasn't come out yet".

Anjali cups her cheek, "Just few more minutes, I know how difficult is it for you to fast when you love food so much and cant be without it for that long and I am so happy to see that you have kept the varat".

"Obviously Di, I had to keep the varat. After all its for Arnavji", said Khushi and made a sad face, "But he doesn't understand. You know he have been offering me treat since afternoon".

"Really? Chottey?", asked Anjali being surprised.

"Yes, chocolates, wafers, biscuits and even toffees", said Khushi counting the items on her fingers.

Anjali giggles, "How cute".

"It was cute the first 2 times but then it annoyed me so much", said Khushi making a face.

Just then Arnav came there with Rahul, "Anjali, Arnav was saying you are not well", said Rahul with concerned as he sit beside Anjali.

Anjali shot an annoyed look to Arnav, who folded his arms over his chest and stood there giving his sister the same stare back.

"I am fine Rahul, it was just for a second that I felt dizzy. I have kept varat before. You know its not a problem for me", said Anjali as she squeezes.

"Jiju don't listen to her, you should check her BP", said Arnav quickly.

Before Anjali could retort, Rahul spoke up, "Arnav don't worry, she is fine. She has been keeping varat for me since we have confessed our love to each other", his eyes went to his wife and Anjali beamed up at him. "And I trust her that she won't hide from me if anything is wrong with her".

"True", said Anjali, "And same goes for him. He can't hide things from me even if he wants to ... like I know even this time he had also kept the varat for me".

Rahul avert his gaze with a sheepish smile.

"Really Rahul Bhai? You are fasting today?", asked Khushi surprised and Rahul nodded his head.

"Not only today, he has done it in the past as well", said Anjali as she put her head on Rahul's shoulder. Arnav smiled seeing her sister glowing with happiness but his smile soon wipe off when Khushi stood up and shot him an angry look.

"See ... learn something from Rahul Bhai. He is such a good husband ... and here you, can't even fast for me and upon that tried to pass me treats", said Khushi as she put her hands on hips.

"What the ... you told me not to compromise on my health and you know I am diabetic", said Arnav.

Khushi put her hands down and tilt her chin up, "So ... so what ... nothing would have happened to you if you haven't eaten for a day".

"Seriously", Arnav raise his eyebrow, "You scold me and get worrt when I even skip a single meal in a day and here you are saying this".

Khushi wave her hand in the air, "That's not the point. Even if you didn't fast, at least you could have supported me like Rahul bhai supports Anjali Di in this matter. Learn from him how to be a good husband", saying that Khushi move past him.

Rahul and Anjali were both silently enjoying their banter.

"What the ... Khushi listen to me", said Arnav as he followed Khushi.

"I am not going to listen to you until the moon comes out", said Khushi without looking back and enter the terrace and went to Naniji, who was sitting on the swing there. Arnav pressed his lips and look up at the sky angrily cursing the moon.

Luckily the moon came out just after 2 minutes and he shouted for Khushi, "Moon is out".

Khushi jumped from the swing and quickly picked up one of the pooja thal placed on the table. Akash went down to call Anjali and Rahul.

Khushi waited for Anjali to come up and then impatiently look at Naniji, "Can I start now Naniji?".

Naniji noded with a smile and Khushi quickly lift the chalni, saw the moon through it and then turn to Arnav. Anjali and Mamiji did the same, standing there with their husbands.

Khushi smiles at Arnav, looking at him through the chalni and then put it down, she did the necessary stuff and Arnav lifted the small pot and make her drink water, "Hurry na Arnavji", said Khushi looking at the sweets hungrily.

Arnav lifted the sweet and Khushi took a bite. Arnav was about to put it back on the thal when Khushi snatch the sweet from his hand and put the whole in her mouth.

"Khushi careful", said Arnav but Khushi closed her eyes and sighed, "mmm". And then she looked at Naniji.

"Naniji, can I go eat now, I am so hungry ... mice and horses are racing here", said Khushi rubbing her tummy, she cannot wait anymore.

Naniji laughed a little, "Go betiya", knowing well about her eating habits.

Khushi smiles wide and dashed towards the terrace door. Arnav was behind her. Before she could take a step down the stairs Arnav quickly grabbed her back and lifted her in his arms.

"Arey Arnavji, what are doing? Let me eat na", said Khushi as she pushed on his shoulder.

"I told you I wanted to show you something in the room", said Arnav as he move towards their room.

"Arnavji please na let me eat first, then I will see whatever you want me to see", said Khushi making a face.

Arnav didn't said anything and enters their room with Khushi in his arms, "Arnavji, you are so bad, you don't even care that your wife has been hungry for whole day for you", said Khushi in annoyance.

Arnav enter the pool side and make her stand near the swing.

"I do care", said Arnav as he make her turn and Khushi gasped seeing a table filled with dishes.

Khushi went there and pick up the lids, the food was all her favorite, from chat to kabab, biryani, naan and other delicacies, "Haye itna sara khana", Khushi beamed and look back at Arnav, "You did this?".

"Yes I did it, for my wife", said Arnav as he took a step closer to her.

"Wow Arnavji, you are amazing", said Khushi as she look at all the food and then back at Arnav, "Others should learn how to be a husband like you are, thank you thank you", said Khushi as she come up to Arnav and kiss his cheek hard and then went back to food table.

Arnav shakes his head, just few minutes before she was saying something else and now changed her statement. Arnav watch his wife with amusement who was filling two plates of food. Khushi sit on the swing and savor the food. Arnav sit beside her and Khushi feed him as well in between.

After dinner they all sat in the living to spend some family time together. Khushi had shared about the places they had seen in London and Paris. She hands over gifts to everybody. Anjali scolded her but had to accept when Arnav insisted on it. Khushi also given Anjali, Minnie and Dhruv's, gifts and requested to parcel them over to the kids.

They retired to their room very late around midnight. Arnav came out of washroom, changing into his night clothes, and saw Khushi standing in front of the dressing mirror. She was taking off her bangles slowly, so that they doesn't sound and make Arush wake up, who was soundly sleeping in his crib. He came up behind her, "Let me help", he whispered as he removes her earrings and then slide her hair on shoulder and unclasp her necklace.

Khushi closed her eyes, feeling his fingers caressing her skin. Arnav had no intention other than helping her. But he always has this effect on her whenever he is this closes to her ... her heart goes DHAK DHAK.

"Khushi", Arnav whispered her names seeing her closes eyes, as he put the necklace down on the wide dressing slab.

Khushi opens her eyes and look at him through mirror. Arnav own eyes now reflect the desire. Arnav move close, her back touching his, and he places his hands on her waist. Khushi didn't avert her eyes like last time they were standing like this ... on their wedding night. The past few days they had been intimated together had made Khushi confident in specking or showing her need and desire for him.

She turns and faces him.

"Arnav ...", she whispered his name. Arnav's hold tighten on her waist, saying his name without a ji is a clear sign that what she is thinking and want, so he close the distance between their lips and kiss her slowly and passionately. After kissing to their heart content, Arnav remove her red pink sari. She had looked beautiful in that piece. He carried her to bed and places her gently on it. Arnav remove his shirt and then join his wife and they made love together.

Next day - Friday Afternoon

Khushi sighed as she look at the 3 suit cases on her room floor and then her eyes went to the curtain of ward-robe section where her other suit-cases and boxes were placed. She haven't unpacked them properly, just took out few necessary things. She didn't get the time to do it.

"Khushi why haven't you unpacked them yet?", asked Arnav as he enters through the pool side.

"Arnavji", Khushi pouted at him, "Is there a need to unpack? We will pack the same things again".

"Not all of them, we are taking just few of our clothes, if needed, we will buy from there", said Arnav as he kneel down on the floor beside the suit-case and started taking out his clothes.

"There is no need to buy new clothes when we have plenty of them", said Khushi quickly.

"Khushi", Arnav gave her a warning glare and Khushi twitch her nose at him.

"I said, if needed ok. In case you are forgetting we do have laundry service in 5-star hotels.", said Arnav.

"Have you booked the room? Don't tell me you have book the prestige suite again, because its not needed and we can adjust ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav move closer and put his finger on her lips stopping her rant.

"You are doing it again Khushi", said Arnav and Khushi pouted. Arnav removed his finger, "I haven't book the suite. I booked a superior room, its same like the one we had in London, but just a little bigger. Happy Now".

Khushi nodded her head and then asked, "So how's the weather in Italy at this time?".

"Its same as Paris", replied Arnav as he went through his clothes, piling them on recliner.

"Here", he pushes the empty suite case towards Khushi who was sitting on bed, but climbed on floor.

"Pack only 4-5 set of clothes. And don't forget your coat and sweater. We will take only 2 suite cases", said Arnav as he hand back his clothes to her which he wanted to take with them.

"Where we are going in Italy?", asked Khushi as she started packing clothes with Arnav.

"Naples", replied Arnav, "It's a sea coast. You are fond of sea so I thought you will like it here".

"Awwh ... shoo shweett", Khushi made a baby voice as she pinches his cheek.

"Khushi", Arnav push her hand away.

"After that we will go to Rome?", asked Khushi.

"Nope, Milan. We have a fashion show over there remember?", said Arnav.

"Oh haan ... I forgot about that", said Khushi as she look through Arush's clothes, "Don't you need to go to office?

"Aman is handling everything perfectly", said Arnav, "Though, I do need to go for few hours to VF office in Milan", his tone apologetic.

"No worries Arnavji", said Khushi putting her hand over his arm while giving an understanding smile.

Arnav return the smile and went to dressing table to take his things.

In the next hour, they both pack their stuff and Arush's. Arnav had bought a small backpack, telling Khushi that it's easy to carry with them when they will go on a tour around city, instead of Arush's normal baby bag, as it has straps with which one can wear it on its back.

They took their flight to Italy that night and reach Naples airport in afternoon the next day.

Next Day - Saturday Afternoon

Khushi looked around the area in awe as she came out of car ... freshness can be felt in the breeze flowing from the sea. They were staying at the "Eurostars Hotel Excelsior, located on the sea front next to the iconic Castel dellOvo'. It has spectacular panoramic views of the Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples and the paradise islands of Ischia and Capri.

They enter the hotel and came to an elegant lobby, with a giant stair case going up. Arnav collected the keys of their room and a bellboy guided them to the second floor. Classicism exudes from all corners of the hotel as they went to their room. Khushi was happy to see that the room had a view of sea and a small balcony. It contains Murano crystal lamps, Carrara marbles, fabrics and silk coverings with its stylish and refined decor.

The bell boy told Arnav they have free wifi, complimentary amenities in the bathroom, all made of marble, and complimentary champagne and a sweet delicacy. Arnav thanked him and tipped him. He closed the door and saw Khushi on bed changing Arush who was cranky due to the time difference between countries. Usually its his sleeping time back in India.

"Hey ... buddy", Arnav sit on the bed and Arush crawl to him, "Arent you sleepy?". Arnav place Arush on his lap.

"Naah ...", said Arush.

"He is sleepy ... but his timing is disturb that's why he is like this", said Khushi as she scooted closer to them, "Normally when I show him poems he sleeps but today his mood if off".

"Hmm Arush ... you want to go out haan?", asked Arnav, "Want to play with water?".

"Pani thelna ...", said Arush nodding his head.

"Are you tired?", asked Arnav looking at Khushi.

"Not much", replied Khushi.

"Come on then, lets go out. His mood will get better then may be he sleeps", said Arnav as he stood up from bed with Arush in his arms.

Khushi picked up Arush's baby bag but Arnav told her not to take it as they will be back soon. So Khushi just took Arush's water sippy bottle.

Same time @ Mumbai - (Evening time there)

Akash was in Mumbai at India Times Office, he had assembled a team that will be going to Milan to cover the fashion show. Arnav, Aman and Akash wanted to see if they can be trusted with news related to AR or its future projects, they wanted to check which employees are loyal and which are not.

So Akash told the team not to post anything related to fashion show on their social media accounts nor discuss it with anyone outside the office. If they found out that someone has done that, strict action will be taken against him/her. After long discussion Akash dismiss the meeting and went out of conference room. He dialed Payal's number.

Payal: Hello janab.

Akash: Hello teacherji, I just want to tell you to be ready to give me treat tomorrow.

Payal: Don't tell me you came to Mumbai just to get treat from me.

Akash: Of course not, I had some work but it's my luck that your birthday fell at the same time.

Payal: Don't you have to go to Italy for the fashion show?

Akash: yeah, but I will leave on Monday night, so don't find excuses, I will meet you tomorrow for my treat.

Payal: On one condition that you wont give me any gift.

Akash: come on, that's un fair, its my ...

Akash was saying when he turned the corner and bumped with someone and his cell phone fall on the floor.

"Sorry I ..", he stopped seeing Sidharth who had bend down and picked his cell phone.

Sidharth was surprised to see Payal's pic on Akash's cell phone ... as Akash had save Payal's number with her pic.

Akash took the phone from his hand and put it back on his ear.

"Hey you there?", said Akash and step side Sidharth giving him a stern look.

Sidharth felt envy and anger as he watched Akash walk away. So Payal's number is working fine if she is talking to Akash, thought Sidharth, as she hasn't return any of his messages and calls.

Back In Naples ...

Arnav and Khushi came out of hotel and went to the harbour ... that was just in front of the hotel.

"Arnavji?", Khushi look at him questioningly.

"We are going on a boat ride", said Arnav and Arush exclaimed seeing the rows of boat along the dock.

"Arush ... this is boat ... what is called haan?", said Arnav.

"boot", Arush exclaimed. Khushi smiles as Arnav nods his head, "Well its closer to boat". Khushi giggles as they went to the rent office and asked for a boat ride for 30 minutes.

A man guided them to a motor boat, "Hey guys, I am Alessandro", he said in his Italian accent. Arnav shakes hand with him and introduces himself, "I am Arnav, this is my wife Khushi and my son Arush".

"Pleasure meeting you", Alessandro bowed a little greeting Khushi.

He then unlatched the rope and helped Khushi climbed inside. Then he took Arush from Arnav and handed it to Khushi and Arnav climbed in.

"Ok guys, tell me where you wana go?", asked Alessandro as he started the boat.

Khushi look at Arnav, "Um just around here, we don't want to go far", said Arnav and Khushi nodded.

Alessandro circled the boat around the castle at the back telling them about Castle is the oldest standing fortification in Naples. It's an amazing place to visit with views over harbour.

They came back to hotel around 5pm and Arush was half asleep. Khushi laid him on bed and pull off his shoes and jacket.

"Khushi I am going to take a shower", said Arnav and Khushi nodded at him. Arnav went to washroom and Khushi laid on bed as Arush turned to him seeking her presences, "Mama".

"I am here, baby", cooed Khushi as she patted his head lovingly.

Arnav came out after half an hour, he showered and shaved. He smiled seeing both mother and son sleeping. He adjusts the comforter on Khushi and Arush and place a kiss on Khushi's hair.

"mmm", she made a sound in her sleep.

Arnav couldn't help but sit there for few seconds admiring her face. Then he went to the writing desk and pull out his laptop. He checked his emails and replied to some. Then he messaged Aman to call him asap. India is 3.5 hours ahead of Italy so the time at Dehli will be 9.30pm.

Aman call came after few minutes and Arnav went out of the room to talk to him about the progress of the fashion show that will be held in Milan on November 1^st, Thursday.

When he came back into the room, he was surprised to find the bed empty. "Khushi", he called out to her.

"We are here Arnavji", came Khushi's voice from the balcony.

They woke up so soon, thought Arnav as he checked the time on his cell and was surprised to find that he had talked to Aman more than an hour.

He come into the balcony and saw Arush in Khushi's arms, with his head on her shoulder.

"Arush see papa is here. Now tell papa what mama has told you ok", said Khushi as she turned sideway to Arnav.

"Ok whats this blue thing called?", she pointed to the sea.

"Seaaa", said Arush as he pull his head off from Khushi's shoulder.

"Good baby, and now what this triangle thing in the back?", Khushi pointed to a mountain.

"Montain", said Arush and Khushi smile up at, "Good".

"And now this", Khushi pointed towards the rows of boat.

"booot", said Arush and then look up at Arnav, "Alush boot pe jana".

"Arush we will go tomorrow, right now we will eat food ok?", said Arnav.

"Naah ... Arush boot pe jana", said Arush as he tap his hand on Khushi's shoulder.

"yes we will go ... but tomorrow. Right now mama is hungry na, right mama", said Arnav and Khushi made a sad face with her lower lip jutted out, "Mama is very hungry".

"Mama khana khaana?", asked Arush and Khushi nodded her head.

"Alush bhi kahan", said Arush as he look back to Arnav.

"Ok then lets go down, they have restaurant that serve buffet dinner", said Arnav and Khushi's eyes lit up. "Buffet?"

"Yup and they had a whole different section of desert, with chocolate cakes, brownies and other sweets", said Arnav with amusement as Khushi licks her lips.

"Arush come on lets go, Mama wants chocolate cake", said Khushi as she enters the room and went to washroom to wash Arush's face and hand.

"Alush bhi khana choco", said Arush.

"Haan haan , we both will eat choco", said Khushi as she enter washroom. Arnav smiled, thinking that both of them are crazy for every form of chocolate.

After dinner the stroll around the hotel for few minutes and then came back to their room. Khushi put on cartoon on TV and Arnav take off his jacket.

"uff ho", exclaimed Khushi as she swatted her forehead.

"What happened?", asked Arnav as he came near her.

Khushi put up a finger telling him to wait and she dialed a number but it went on engage.

"tuch", said Khushi as she sit on the but feeling dejected.

"Khushi", said Arnav standing in front of her.

"Its jiji's birthday ... I can't believe I forgot to wish her", said Khushi looking at the time on her cell phone, "It must be 12.40pm in India, I am late in wishing her ... it never happened before".

Arnav didn't know what to say to that so he just sit beside her and put arm around her, "Call her again".

"Its going busy, her friends or collegues must be wishing her", pouted Khushi.

"Then send her a message", said Arnav.

Khushi send Payal a message and then call her after 2 minutes, luckily Payal picked up.

"jiji ... happy birthday ... I am so so sorry I got late, we were out for dinner, it doesn't mean I havent remember that your birthday was coming up ... it just slips my mind on the exact day", Khushi was blabbing away.

"khushi ... Khushi ... bus", said Payal as she laugh at her sister's rant, "its ok baba I don't know, its understandable to forget things, afterall you are on your honeymoon. Arnavji keeping you busy".

"Oho jiji ... don't tease me. You tell me who was the first one to wish you? NK?", asked Khushi as they both tries to race each other to win in wishing payal first.

"Um ... no. Another friend wished me", said Payal not telling the truth that it was Akash who had wished her first and it was him to whom she was talking before Khushi's call.

"Hmm chalo acha hua, he won't brag about it now. How are you and Amma, Baba?", asked Khushi.

"Everyone is fine here. You tell me how is Arush and Arnavji? And are you enjoying?", said Payal.

"Yeah they both are fine, and Jiji you must go to Paris and Italy, they both are so awesome", said Khushi and both sister talked for some more minutes then Payal said bye was it was late and she wanted to sleep.

Next Day - Sunday Morning

"Khushi ... wake up", said Arnav softly as he nudges her shoulder.

"mmm ... Arnavji let me sleep", murmurs Khushi in sleep.

"Khushi ... wake up. I want to show you something", said Arnav as he nudges her arm with more force.

Khushi wave her hand pushing his hand away, "I don't want to see anything. Let me sleep".

"Khushi, you wake up easily haan?", said Arnav in stern tone.

"No. Go away", sais Khushi and in next moment she gasped as Arnav remove the comforter from her and pick her up.

"Arnavji ...", Khushi chided him.

"Shhshh ... Arush will wake up", said Arnav as he move towards balcony with sleepy Khushi in his arms.

"You are so bad Arnavji. We slept late yesterday because of you and now you wake me up", said Khushi as her eye fell on outside scene, "Its not even morning. Arnavjiii ...", Khushi whined.

Arnav put her down and make her face the sea and stand behind her.

"Look, sun is rising", said Arnav and Khushi blink her eyes and they opened properly seeing the purple pinkish streaks on the water.

Arnav had woken with an urge to go bathroom and when he came out he went out to balcony just to breath the air and saw the sun started to rise. He had never given any thought to things like sun rise, or sun set ... but today he wanted to experience this thing which couples find romantic, with Khushi.

Khushi gasped a little as the color changes to dark orange then went to lighter tone and then towards yellow.

She leans back on Arnav as he wound his arms around her. They both watched the sun rise. The scene was beautiful with sea lighting up with different shades of color.

"I could never figure out why couple find it romantic watching sun rise and sun set with their partner but now I know", said Arnav as Khushi turns to him.

"because its beautiful and experience something beautiful with your partner is in itself is beautiful", said Khushi as she cups his face.

"True. You are beautiful. My beautiful", said Arnav as he lean down and capture her lips in a sweet kiss, which soon turned into a hot one as their hands move over each other.

Arnav picked her up and Khushi wound her legs around his waist. Arnav carried her like that into the room and place her on bed. They had requested 2 queen size beds so they have space to sleep in each other arms at one side and Arush on the other. He places her on bed and came on top of her.

"You want to sleep?" asked Arnav ... his voice heavy with desire.

Khushi shakes her head and pull his head down for a kiss.

"Good", said Arnav as he slide his hand under her night shirt. Soon their clothes were scattered on floor as they indulge in making love.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

NO PMs for this part.

Next update will be late. Cannot tell any specific day as I need more time to think scenes through to show in next part.

Do let me know what you think of this one 😳