Chapter 144

Back to Dehli - @ RH ------------

Arnav stormed down the stairs in anger. His wife is not obeying his summons. He will see to it now that when he calls, she should come to him without any excuses. He will not tolerate this from now on. He hates it when he didn't get to see her face, first thing in the morning. Since the time they went on their honeymoon, he had been woken up to see his wife's beautiful face and it had become a habit for him, to seek his wife first thing in the morning ... he loves to cuddle her.

But she was missing from his side when he woke up this morning. He went down in search for her and was informed by Hari Prakash that she had gone out to Mandir with Nani and Mami. He grumpily went back to his room, knowing well that Khushi won't pick his call in Mandir, but he still texted her to call him as soon as she reads his message.
He freshen up and check Arush, who was sound asleep in his crib. He checks the time, it was 8.44am ... still 2 hours left when Arush wakes up. So Arnav took the baby monitor down and had breakfast with Akash, Mamaji and Rajat. Another thing he dislikes now, is eating without Khushi. He checked his phone again and again but didn't get her call. After breakfast they all got talking and in between Khushi, Nani and Mamiji returned back home.

Arnav was angry that why didn't Khushi called him and wanted to ask her the same but the presence of everyone around stopped him. He asked Khushi to bring coffee for him to their room and he went upstairs with an excuse to check on Arush, when in reality he wanted to spend time with Khushi.

He got irritated when instead of Khushi, HariPrakash brought his coffee, informing that Khushi is busy with Diwali arrangements. He dismissed HariPrakash in anger and just then Arush woke up. Arnav picked him up and soothe him but baby wanted his mama only.

Arnav went down again, happy ... getting an excuse to take Khushi with him upstairs. But Khushi just picked Arush in her arms and went to Nani's room. Arnav pressed his lips irritatingly and went from there in anger not having an excuse to ask Khushi to come upstairs in front of Nani. To distract himself he got immerse in his office work and didn't realized that time has passed and was shocked when HariPrakash came to ask him to come down for lunch. He went down and was again irritated on getting informed that Khushi had went out with Mamiji to invite the neighbors for evening Diwali celebration.

Every year, one house of their society held the Diwali party and everyone comes there to celebrate for 2-3 hours. And this year Nani insisted to hold the party in their house, in happiness of her grandson's Arnav marriage.

He didn't want to eat as his mood was off now, but had to, when Nani scolded him and remind him that he cannot skip meals. So he reluctantly sit down and had lunch.

He strictly ordered HariPrakash to inform him the minute Khushi come back home or else he will lose his job. Poor Hari Praskash had to work near the front door nearly for an hour till Khushi returned home and he rushed upstairs to inform his Arnav Bhaiya.

Arnav was determined now to take Khushi with him upstairs, no matter what. He saw Khushi in the living room at one side, holding the bucket of flowers and instructing Jai Prakash in what pattern the flowers should be hung. Jai Prakash looked over Khushi's shoulder when Arnav was just few feets away. Arnav gesture with his head to go away and Jai Prakash quickly went from there without saying anything.

"Arey ... Jai Prakash ji ... ", Khushi took two steps to went after him, not realizing that Arnav was right behind her. So she got startled when Arnav grabs her arm and pull her back to him, making her turn with a jerk and the flower bucket go up in air ... and the flowers fell on them and on floor.

"Ohh", Khushi gasped as she landed on Arnav's chest. For a second or two she was lost and then when she felt the flowers falling on her she irritatingly said,"Look what you did Arnavji ...", and tried to push him but Arnav wound his arm around her, not allowing her to move away.

"Arey ... let me go ... now I have to pick up all these flowers", said Khushi.

"Forget about the flowers, what about me?", said Arnav in anger, "I have been asking for you since morning and now its afternoon. Don't you care about me?".

Khushi who was worriedly looking down on the floor at flowers, got alert hearing this.

"Arnavji, why are you asking this? You know how much I care about you", said Khushi.

"Really? Then where were you since morning? I asked for you so many times but you haven't come upstairs", said Arnav still holding her close.

"Arnavji, today is Diwali and Anjali Di is not here. So I have to help Naniji and Mamiji with all the preparations", said Khushi.

"We have servants for that Khushi", said Arnav.

"I know, but its my first Diwali in my sasural and as your wife so I want to do things on my own", said Khushi with a smile.

"The only thing you need to concern yourself is about ME", said Arnav emphasizing on the last word, "You're my wife and I should be your first priority dammit!".

"Arnavji you are my priority but please understand I am also a bahu of this house and I have some responsibilities to fulfill", said Khushi.

"I don't care. I just care about that you won't leave our room until I wake up. I hate not seeing you beside me", said Arnav.

Khushi cupped his face, "Ok I will be careful next time that I won't leave until you wake up and see me. Happy now?".

Arnav shakes his head, "And you won't leave without giving me a kiss", said Arnav as he lean forward.

"Oh so that's the real matter", said Khushi as she lightly slaps his chest, "You didn't get to kiss me that's why you are all angry and moody".

"Of course, now you have spoiled me so you have to take care about it", said Arnav huskily.

"What? I spoiled you?", said Khushi irritatingly.

"Of course, who kissed me every morning to wake me up in the last few days?, said Arnav, "You!".

Khushi blushed remembering all the times she had woke him up or woken up by him with kisses which continued to much more.

"Arnavji, that was on our honeymoon. Now we are back at home. There I didn't had any duties to perform but now here I do", said Khushi trying to push him away but his grip was still strong around her.

"Like I said I don't care. You won't leave without kissing me or else don't blame later for what I will do", said Arnav in a threating tone.

"Acha? What will you do haan?", asked Khushi.

Arnav lean forward and peck her lips, "I will kiss you wherever I will found you this house".

"Arnavji, Khushi looked around worriedly, "What are you doing? Someone will come.

"So, I am doing nothing wrong. I am just kissing my wife", said Arnav with a shrug and leaned forward again making Khushi worry.

"And that should be done in your room Chottey", came Anjali's voice from behind making both of them jerk. They both turn to see Anjali standing few feet away from them, covering her eyes with her hand.

Khushi pushed Arnav away with force, making him stumble back, "What the ..." he glare at his wife who totally ignored him and went to Anjali.

"Anjali Di, when did you come?", asked Khushi hugging Anjali.

"Just now. Thank goodness, or else if I got a minute late, I would have seen ...", she left the sentence in-complete seeing Khushi's red cheek and then look over at Arnav, "Chottey at least have some sense to do this in your room".

"What I do Di, Khushi doesn't come upstairs when I ask her so ...", Arnav was saying when Khushi cut him, "Arnavji !!", she was shocked and embarrassed by what he was about to say.

"What did I say wrong?", said Arnav innocently.

Anjali was enjoying Arnav's teasing his wife, who was now looking angrily at her husband.

Before Khushi could retort, Nani called Anjali's name and they all turn to see Nani, Mamiji and Rajat, who was holding Arush, coming there. Anjali went to Nani and hugged her.

"Where is Damadji?", asked Nani.

"I am here Naniji", came Rahul's voice who just entered from front door with Mamaji.

"Jeety Raho", said Nani as Rahul touched her feet.

"Where is Akash?", asked Anjali looking around.

"He went out to arrange caterers for evening", replied Mamaji.

"Never mind, we will tell him later.", said Rahul.

"Tell what Bitwa?", asked Mamiji.

"We will tell in minute, first you all come here", said Rahul as he move into the living room area.

Everyone sit down on the sofas and look over at Rahul and Anjali who was standing in front of them.

"We want to share a good news with you all," said Rahul holding Anjali's hand, who blushed and look down and her hand move over her stomach.

Khushi didn't miss the movement and understood what the good news is about. "Hey Devi Maiya!!", she exclaimed, jumping up from Sofa, startling everyone. Arnav looked at her as if she is crazy.

"You're pregnant", said Khushi and Anjali look at her shyly and nodded. Khushi screamed in delight coming to Anjali and hug her tight.

"Is this true Beta?", asked Nani with teary eyes, looking at Rahul.

"Ji Nani, we are expecting", said Rahul and everyone stood up wishing Rahul and Anjali.

Arnav shake his head as he stood up, looking at his crazy wife who was teasing Anjali. He remembered Rahul saying to him once that, how woman get to know about things before someone tell them.

One by one everyone hugged Anjali and Rahul and congratulate them. Anjali look over at Arnav who standing in his place. She move over to him and Arnav raises his arms, taking his sister in a hug.

"Congratulations Di, its about time", he said in low tone only for her to hear. Anjali got emotional and couldn't hold her tears.

Hearing the sniffing sound Arnav breaks the hug, "Di ...", he whined, "Rona zarori hai kia?(Is it necessary to cry?)".

Anjali smiled, "Tum nahi samjho gey (You won't understand)", she said and Arnav hug her again.

Everyone smile seeing them. Rahul went to them and Arnav remove one arm from Anjali and side hugged Rahul, "Congrats Jeju".

"Thanks man ... and don't worry about the water work ... its gona be constant in coming 8 months", said Rahul and Anjali mouth opened. She swatted Rahul's arm.

"And this will also", said Rahul rubbing his arm making Anjali irritated, "See Nani, what he is saying". Anjali turn to Nani, complaining about her husband.

"Damadji, Nani give stern look to Rahul, "Humari bitya ko tang nahi kijiye. Abh to aap ko inka bhut khayal rekhna hai.(Damadji, don't tease our daughter, now you have to take care of her very much)"

"Arey Nani, fikar na kariye. Is pal ka toh bhut intezar kia hai (Arey Nani, don't worry, I have waited for this moment for so long)", said Rahul look in his wife eyes, who blushed and looked away, "Apse ziada mujey fikar rahey gi iski hur pal (more than you, i will be worried for her constantly)"

"Di, have you consult with the doctor?, said Arnav, "Everything is ok right.

"Yeh lo, said Mamiji, "Arey bitwa Damadji doctor hi hai, sub check ker lia hoga (Arey Bitwa, Damadji is a doctor, he must have checked everything)".

"Mamiji Jeju is a cancer specialist not a gynecologist", said Arnav in serious tone. Khushi rolled her eyes at him.

"Chottey I am fine, everything is fine", said Anjali as she cupped Arnav's cheek who look into her eyes asking for confirmation again and Anjali nodded. Arnav sighed with relief.

"Ok guys now we have double reasons for celebrations today", said Khushi coming in between, "First its Diwali and now a new member will be coming soon ... so lets get to work".

"Khushi ...", Arnav was about to say but Khushi cut him, "Arnavji, abhi bhut kaam hai ... Ap Arush ko sambhaliye(Arnavji, not now. Have so much to do. You handle Arush)", saying that she picked Arush from Sofa and handed him over to Arnav.

"What the ...", said Arnav.

"da da ...", Arush tried to repeat the word making everyone surprise and smile.

"Arnavji", Khushi give Arnav an angry look, putting hands over her waist, "Don't say that in front of him ... I don't want him to learn that word".

"Khushi lets go upstairs, I want to talk to you about something", said Arnav but Khushi move back and took Anjali's hand, "Later Arnavji, first we have loads of things to do ... we have to make diyas, and the rangoli and so many other things".

"Why didn't you bought diyas from market?", asked Arnav angrily, "Why waste time in making them?".

"Arey Arnavji, we never buy diya ... me and jiji always made it ourselves on every Diwali", said Khushi.

"Really? Can you teach me?", asked Anjali getting excited.

"Of course, come", said Khushi taking Anjali towards stairs, "That's what I was going to do after instructing ... oh ..", Khushi remembered about the flower.

"Arnavji you make me drop the flowers, now you handle the decoration", she ordered him making Arnav glare at her but it didn't affect Khushi at all as she turned back to Anjali and linked her arm with hers. and went upstairs with Anjali.

Khushi talked about the upcoming baby and what she will do etc. Anjali was just smiling looking at Khushi's excitement. Khushi took Anjali to the pool side where she had placed all the things needed to make the diyas. Khushi was about to sit down on the swing but Anjali grabs her arm and then hug her tight.

"Anjali Di?", Khushi was confuse but then got worried hearing the sniffing sound.

"Anjali Di? what happened?", Khushi break the hug and grabs Anjali's arms, "Are you alright? Let me call Rahul bhai", saying that she just took a step when Anjali stopped her.

"I am fine Khushi", said Anjali with a smile and wipes her tears.

"Anjali Di you are worrying me", said Khushi.

"Sorry baba I got emotional", said Anjali with a sniff and she took Khushi's hand in hers.

"Thank you", said Anjali looking at Khushi adoringly, "Thank you soo soo much Khushi. I don't think it will be enough to thank you my whole life".

"Why are you saying this?", asked Khushi confuse, "You don't need to thank me Anjali Di".

"Oh yes I do", said Anjali and squeezes Khushi's hand.

"You don't know how much happy I am to see all this", said Anjali gesturing with her hand towards Arshi's room. Khushi was still confuse but waited for Anjali to explain further.

When Anjali entered, she was highly surprised looking around Arnav and Khushi's room. Its not that she haven't seen it before ... the redecoration Arnav had done. Its the small nick nacks that was adorning the room here and there made it more alive and what surprised her was the big portrait of Arnav and Khushi, from one of their wedding function, hung on the wall above their bed. And not only that ... there were other 4-5 small photos hung around the potrait, 2 of Arush with his parents and other 3 of family members.

Arnav hated hanging personal photos in the room. Anjali had tried once but Arnav angrily took them down. But now seeing the same thing in his room which he hated doing before ... made Anjali emotional ... that how much he had changed since the time Khushi had came in his life.

And then she remembered the videos and pics Khushi had whatsapp her, of them, from their honeymoon and she is very thankful of her for changing her chottey and bringing happiness in his life.

"Chottey never liked hanging family photos in his room, he never let me decorate his room. He never allowed me to change the interior but now looking all this happened now ... just made me super happy", said Anjali and cupped Khushi's cheek, "And thats all because of you. I was about to loose hope of ever changing my Chottey, of making him smile or love life ... but when you came in his life that hope was reignited and now I can say that my wish is finally fullfilled. I can never thank you enough ... I can never" ... her voice choked with emotions and Khushi instantly hug Anjali.

"Please Anjali Di, bus ... abh aur kuch na boliye (please don't say anything else)", said Khushi rubbing Anjali's back, "Its not good for your health. You shouldn't be crying so much in this condition"

Anjali smiled, "you forget what Rahul said? These water works will keep on happening till the next 8 months".

Khushi smile too and wiped Anjali tears, "I know, but if Arnavji see you like this, he will get worry".

Anjali nodded her head in understanding and then look over at the table.

"So what should we do first to make the diyas?", asked Anjali and Khushi started to tell her the procedure excitedly.

They started making the diyas and got talking. Khushi told her about many things of Arnav and Arush happened during the honeymoon. And Anjali asked if Khushi can show her more pics of them. Khushi agreed and remember that her cell phone was in her purse, that is in Nani's room. She went into the room to go down and just then Arnav entered with Arush in his arms.

"Mamaaa pass", Arush extended his hands, wanting to go to Khushi.

"Awh mela baby", Khushi cooed to him, coming near and kiss on Arush's cheek.

Arush lean forward wanting to go to Khushi but she gently pushed him back with the back of her hand, as her hand was dirty, "Baby, ap papa k sath kehlo ... mama kaam ker rahi ha ... thek ha? (baby, you play with papa, mama is wroking ok?)".

"Mama kaam kerna", asked Arush.

"Haan, bus 10 mins ok ... phir mama Arush k pass ajaye gi", said Khushi, "Ap papa ko apne new toys dekho ... wo ABCD wale boxes ok baby(Yes, just 10 mins, then mama will come to Arush. You show your toys to your papa, those ABCD boxes)".

Arush noded his head, surprising Arnav ... that the baby understood his mother's request.

"Thank you baby", said Khushi and kissed Arush's cheek, "Aur papa ko tang nahi kerna ok, Arush mela pala baby hai na? (And don't irritate your papa, Arush is my good baby, right?)", she kissed his other cheek. And then she went out of the room.

Arnav made an irritating face, not able to receive the same love from his wife.

"Papa Alush neche ..neche", said Arush as he wiggles in Arnav's arm to be let down.

Arnav carefully put him down and watched him with surprise as he went to his toy box, placed with the wall beside his crib. Arush opened the lid and take out the blocks. Arnav went to help him as Arush couldn't hold more that 3 boxes in his hands. Together they got all the blocks on bed and Arush climb on the bed.

Khushi smiled seeing them as she entered the room with her purse. She put it on the dressing table while taking out her cell. Arnav and Khushi look each other and she smile at him but Arnav only give her angry looks. Khushi sighed as she went to pool area, thinking she have to do something to reduce her husband's anger.

Khushi showed Anjali pics on her cell phone while they both made the diyas and arranged them in a line to get dry. After few minutes a pic came where Arnav was kissing Khushi near her lips and her eyes was close with a smile on her face. Khushi blushed and quickly swipe the pic but Anjali pick her cell phone with left hand, which was less dirty.

"Arey let me see it na", said Anjali and scooted away from Khushi, "Ayee hayee", Anjali give teasing looks to Khushi.

"Anjali Di, please ...", Khushi pouted and quickly wipe her hand with tissues.

"Is there more?", said Anjali and quickly swipe the pics and another came where Arnav was kissing Khushi's neck, her neck was bend back and her eyes were close in ecstasy. Even Anjali felt shy seeing the pic. She turned the cell to Khushi, whose mouth opened seeing the pic. It was new to her too. She didn't took it ... so that means ..., oh when did Arnav took it?.

Khushi quickly move and Anjali was expecting it, she jumped up and run around the pool with Khushi following her.

"Anjali Di, please give the phone back. I won't leave that lard governor ...", Khushi was embarrassed and angry at the same time.

"No ... I will show it to Rahul", said Anjali and went to the French door.

"Nooo!!!", Khushi literally shouted, which Arnav heard and he stood instantly getting worried, coming to French doors and collided with Anjali.

"Arnavji don't let her get away", said Khushi and caught Anjali's wrist,but she wiggled and tried to move behind Arnav. He caught both of them from waist and held them steady, "Whats going on?", he asked sternly, "Di, you shouldn't be running like that in this condition", he scolded Anjali, "And Khushi, you should have take care of it", he give angry looks to Khushi who looked down feeling bad.

"Chottey don't scold her ok", and nothing will happen if I run a little", said Anjali pointing a finger at his face, the same hand which was holding Khushi's cell phone and Arnav's eye went to the picture and he quickly snatch the phone from Anjali, leaving both of them.

"Arey ... give it back", said Anjali and extended her hand but Arnav move back, his eyes fixed on the photo and a rare smile on his face.

"No Arnavji, don't give her. She will show this to others and then they will all tease me", said Khushi whined.

"Sorry Di, its private", said Arnav and put the cell phone in his pant pocket.

"Acha private? Did you think of it while taking the pic?", tease Anjali.

"I was just saving a memory for me", Arnav shrugged making Khushi blushed and Anjali smiled. Khushi extended her hand towards Arnav, "Arnavji give my cell phone".

"Nope, I know you will delete it", said Arnav folding his hands over his chest.

"Arey ... do you want others to see it?", said Khushi putting her hands over her waist. "I have to show pics to my parents and jiji and my friends ... they will tease me if they see that pic".

Arnav just shrugged his shoulders in response.

Khushi stomp her feet and then went to bed, she picked Arush and went out saying, "Arush no one care about your mama, huh!".

Arnav smirked, as he loves to tease her.

"Dekha, naraz ker dia na Khushi ko (See you make Khushi upset)", said Anjali.

"Don't worry Di, muje usko manana bhi ata hai (i know how to manofy her)", said Arnav with a smile.

"Acha, jaise us pic mein mana rahey they(Right, like you were doing in that pic)", teased Anjali.

"wo toh kuch bhi nahi Di, abhi ap ne dekha hi kia hai(That was nothing Di, you haven't seen anything yet), said Arnav with a wink and went to washroom leaving Anjali stunned, opened mouth, with his statement.

Evening Diwali Celebrations -----------------

He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was looking so beautiful in that green saree, and she was also wearing his gifted earrings. He tried to not to look, really tired, but failed. Even his friend Uday, nudged him twice and teased him about it ... but he ignored it completely.

Payal again looked away when her eyes clashes with Akash, her heart was thudding faster. He was looking at her again. Why he isn't looking away?, she thought. Since the time Payal had arrived with her family an hour ago, she had found his eyes on her. The Raizadas had welcomed her and her family with smiles and warmth. She greeted every one with a smile and asked about their health, but couldn't say more than a Hi' to Akash. She felt shy around him today evening. She couldn't build up the courage to go and talked to him. They are very good friends now, they shared their everyday routine with each other through calls and messages. There is not a day went by that they haven't talked to each other. It has become their habit now and when there comes a day when they couldn't talk on call, they felt like something majorly is missing from their day. But today both couldn't talk as both were feeling nervous and some different feelings towards each other.

Payal was standing with Anjali, Rahul and Lavanya, near the gazebo. Khushi just shared the news with her and family about Anjali and she went up to her to congratulate her. As she moves towards Khushi, she could feel Akash's eyes on her, who was standing just few feets away with his friends.

"Arush, Arnavji ... look here", said Khushi as she held her cell phone up. Arnav was crouched down with Arush standing in front of him holding the firework stick and Arnav was guiding his hand in circles.

Arush looked at her mama and smile wide and Arnav too smile a little. Khushi clicked their pic, "Arnavji, thora aur muskaraye (Arnavji, smile some more)", said Khushi and Arnav smile more and Khushi clicked their pics, "Yeh hui na baat(thats like it)".

Arnav stand up and held Arush's hand, "Come I will take your's and Arush's pic now".

"Nah, we three. Lets take selfie", said Khushi.

"May I help?", said Payal, "Khushi give me the cell phone, I will take picture of you three".

Arnav nodded and Khushi give Payal her cell phone and went near Arnav. Khushi stand beside him and bring Arush in front of them, taking the stick from his hand. Arnav wound his arm around her waist and pull her close not even liking the few inches distance between them. Khushi look up at him in surprise and Payal just then tap the camera button, saving the moment where both Arnav and Khushi were looking at each other.

Khushi nudge Arnav with a pout on her face but he didn't budge and look towards Payal. Khushi pick Arush in her arms and Payal took their picture.

"Jiji now you come", said Khushi and look at Arnav, "Arnavji, please take one pic of me and jiji".

"Sure, Payal come", saying that Arnav took cell phone from Payal and stand infront of them. He took the pictures of both sister and his son. Few seconds later Khushi saw Nitu, Nani's good friend standing at the driveway looking over the lawn

"Nitu aunty is here", said Khushi as she put Arush down, "Arnavji take his hand. I will just come after taking Nitu aunty to Nani", she might not see her in this crowd.

Arnav take Arush's hand and Khushi went towards the driveway, where Nitu was standing looking here and there in the lawn area. She smiles seeing Khushi coming towards her.

"Namaste aunty, happy Diwali", said Khushi folding her hands in front of her and then when she come near, she bend down and touch Nitu's feet.

"Arey bus", said Nitu as she held Khushi's shoulder and make her stand, "Jeeti Raho, Sadha suhagan raho". Nitu blessed Khushi.

"Come aunty I will take you too Naniji, said Khushi and held Nitu's elbow. They both went into the crowd as Khushi guided her towards the back of the lawn where sitting arrangement was.

"mama pass jana, Arush said in crying voice.

"Arey papa hai na ... Kia chahiye apko hmm?(Arey papa is here ... what do you need?)", asked Arnav in calm tone, surprising Payal. Khushi had told her how Arnav has mellowed down towards Arush and how he started taking care of him, but seeing with her own eyes was surprising.

"Dhoodo ... Arush .. dhooso pena", said Arush ... "maamaaa", he extended his arms in the direction where Khushi went.

"Ok let go to our room and get your milk ok", said Arnav.

"nah ... mama pass jana(want to go to mama)", Arush said as he was near to crying.

"Arey first we take your feeder na then will go to mama", said Arnav getting irritating. He still has to learn to be patient with the kids.

"Arnavji, you take him to Khushi, I will bring down his milk bottle", said Payal.

"its ok Payal, I will take him upstairs", said Arnav and tried to pick Arush but he move back and in the direction where Khushi went. Arnav caught his arm and stopped him which made Arush burst into tears.

Arnav sighed as he picked him up.

"Arnavji please you take him to Khushi, he won't stop crying until he sees her. I will bring down his milk bottle. Khushi had told me that she keeps his feeder filled in the fridge in your room", said Payal.

"Ok, and heat the milk also. Just for 40 sec, there is microoven above the fridge", said Arnav.

"Yes, I know, Khushi told me about it. I will be back in 5 mins", said Payal and hurried towards the back entrance of house, which was near as compare to the front entrance.

Arnav looked around for Khushi as he moves here and there and spotted her after a minute, standing beside Nani.

Nani smiled and look over at Khushi proudly when Nitu praised the rangoli made just below the stairs of the entrance of house.

"Aunty, not only me Anjali Di also made it with me", said Khushi smiled.

"Yes Nitu, but Khushi did most of the arrangements tonight", said Nani proudly.

"Its very nice Khushi bitya, you did a wonderful job", said Nitu admiring the lawn decorated with lights and flowers.

"Thank you aunty", said Khushi, "Your son and bahu didn't come?", she asked.

"No beta, they have to go to my Bahu's place.", said Nitu with a sad smile.

Khushi didn't say anything further. Nani had told her that Nitu's bahu didn't care much for her mother-in-law. Her son married of his own choice, so her bahu was a little proudy, thats why Nitu shared her concern with her friend when she got to know that Arnav is getting married to his own choice of girl, Khushi. But Nani assured her that Khushi is perfect and indeed she is. Nitu had seen with her own eyes now that kind hearted and mannered Khushi is and how Arnav is mitten with her.

"Mama ...", came Arush's crying voice and Khushi was instantly alert. Arnav had come there with Arush and Khushi immediately picked him in her arm, soothing the baby.

"Shhshh, ka hua mele baby ko(What happened to my baby?)", said Khushi in cooing voice.

"Dhoodoo, Alush dhoodo pena ...", said Arush patting Khushi's cheek.

"Payal has gone to bring his milk bottle. He was insisting to come to you", said Arnav and Khushi nodded and tried to distract him till Payal comes.

Payal was climbing down the stair with Arush's milk bottle in her hands. Just then Akash came there and they both halted seeing each other. Payal stumbled as her foot stuck on saree. She tried to catch the curtain on the side wall to balance her but her foot twisted and Akash move quickly and held her before she couldn't stumble down.

"Hey you ok?", asked Akash being worried. "My foot twisted", said Payal making a face.

"Come", Akash took her to first landing and make her sit on couch. He crouches down and lifted her feet on his keen.

"What are you doing?", asked Payal being shocked as Akash took off her sandal.

"Checking your ankle", said Akash as he put pressure on her ankle, "Is it paining?".

"Not that much, said Payal as she moves her foot, "I need to go. Arush is waiting for his milk", she said taking her foot back, "I can walk".

Akash stand up and watched Payal standing up. She applied the pressure on her feet and was relax when she only felt a slight pain, that means there is no moch.

"Its fine", said Payal and look up. Her eyes clashes with Akash's who was standing too close to her that if he moves an inch their bodies would touch. Their heart started to beat faster and an intense heat surrounded them. Payal takes a step to side and winces with the pain in her foot and she bend to her side, her hand going to her leg. Akash catches her arm; as he leans down to hold her other arm, but just then Payal turned upwards to him and their lips brushes with each other, startling both of them. Payal's breath fastened as he looked down at her, his eyes going to her lips.

Just then a loud noise came of patakhas and Payal pushes Akash and hurried down the stairs, being scared and embarrassed at what happened. Akash watches her leave, feeling strange at what happened.

"Jiji, Khushi called Payal as she saw coming out of the back door", she and Arnav were standing close with Arush.

Payal schooled her expressions and handed the milk bottle to Khushi. Arush instantly grabs his bottle and put it in his mouth.

"Arey ... araam se", said Khushi as she went to nearby chair and sit down, laying Arush in her arms. Arnav followed Khushi and stand beside her while Payal move away from there without saying anything.

TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT PART - B