Chapter 155

CONTINUING .....

---------Next Day - Morning

His sleep broke as he felt a caress on his cheeks and then something wet slides near his mouth. He smiles thinking of Khushi and murmurs her name as he moves his hand to gather her body close. He heard her giggles as his hand met empty space beside him. He register something wet touch his cheek again and he tried to locate the body and as his hand touch something warm he wraps his hands around it and pull it close, puckering his lips to kiss his wife and then next second he heard a shriek and laughter.

"Papaaa... eeeehhhhh", Arush screeched loudly at the sudden movement and heavy squeeze of Arnav's hold.
"What the ...", Arnav opens his eyes in an instant and saw that it was Arush he was holding and Khushi was sitting 2 feet away from them laughing.
"Papa ... choroo ... chorooo", said Arush as he pushes Arnav's chest. Arnav let him and go and wipes the wetness from his cheek.
"You think it is funny?", asked Arnav glaring at his laughing wife.
"Hahaha ... you thought ... hahaha that was me", said Khushi between her laugh.

She wanted to wake Arnav up and thought to see his reaction when Arush wakes him up. She couldn't help but laugh when she saw that Arnav was about to kiss Arush, not that it was a bad thing ... but thinking that it was her makes the situation indeed funny.
"Come here...", said Arnav as he quickly grabs her arms and pull her close, making her stumble over him.
"Ohh Arnavji ...Wha ...", before she could say something Arnav places his lips on hers kissing her like he initially wanted. But alas, this was not his time, as Arush slaps Arnav's face.
"Noooo ... papa ... Nooo", he exclaimed as Arnav breaks the kiss.
"No kissie Mama ...", said Arush trying to show his anger, "Mama Arush kissie buss".
"I can kiss mama too", said Arnav and again tried to kiss Khushi when Arush places his hands over Arnav's mouth making Khushi laugh again.
"No kissie Mama ... Papa Nooo", said Arush as he climbs in between both Arnav and Khushi and pushes Khushi away, "Mama kissi Arush bus",he repeated.
"Seriously...", Arnav sighed and laid back down on the mattress,"I cannot kiss my wife". Khushi giggles as Arush climbs in her lap and Kisses Khushi's near her mouth, as to show Arnav that only he has the right to kiss Khushi.

"Seriously?", he eyes both his son and wife. Khushi smiles wide,"Mama Arush kisses bus, hain na Arush", said Khushi trying to goad Arnav.
"Yesshh ... Mama kissie Arush buss", said Arush agreeing with his mama.
"Ha ha ha ha ... Khushi you can laugh all you want. I will show you tonight, when you become all putty in my arms when I kiss you", said Arnav sitting up with heated stare.
Khushi bit her lower lips as her heart thudded seeing the intensity in Arnav's eyes and remembering the night of Mehndi function, how deeply and passionately Arnav have kissed her and made love to her. She knows that he will make true of his words. She gathers Arush in her arms and stands up.

"Arnavji freshen up, breakfast will be ready in few minutes, then we have to start Akash's haldi rasam", said Khushi as she move out of their room.

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"Devarji... are you ready to be bath in haldi", said Khushi mischievously as she places a thal of haldi near Akash's feet, who was sitting on the small stool,wearing only trouser that was pulled up to his knees.

Akash looked at the thal apprehensively and then at Khushi and women gather around him, "Di please, not too much", he said looking at Anjali a bit pleadingly.

"We will try my brother", said Anjali cheekily.

Nani came forward first and put haldi on Akash's both cheeks and arms and gave him blessing. Mamiji and Mama ji came next and applied haldi on Akash followed by Nitu (Nani's friend), Shanlini Masi, Anjali, Rahul, Aman, Lavanya, Dhurv,Minnie and Akash's friends Sania and Manav.

Akash was happy that everyone was heeding to his say and not applying much haldi when his happiness was thwart by Khushi who applied a generous amount of haldi on Akash's face arms, upper chest and legs.

"Khushi... please its enough", said Akash a bit whiningly, the smell of haldi was getting to his head.
"Arey what enough, I didn't even applied to your back and hair", said Khushi cheekily as she moves her hand towards Akash's hair.
"What? Oh no .. not on hair please", said Akash as he move his upper body backwards and saw Khushi's eyes move to something behind him and before he could ask or look back someone held his shoulder, "Gotcha", said Uday, his best friend, and haldi was applied on his entire back and chest.
"What ... come on guys", said Akask irritatingly realizing that Uday was holding him and his other friend Harsh was roaming his hands all over him.
"Now you will know how I felt that time", remarked Arnav with a smirk. Khushi and Anjali giggle while Akash friends applied haldi to him.
"Arey Arnav babwa what are you waiting?", said Mamaiji, "you also apply haldi".
"Where Mamiji, he is already all yellow", said Arnav making everyone chuckled.
"Di, I think its enough now... look you all got your wish", said Akash as he look all over his body, "I don't think a spot is left".
"Yes Akash is right Di", said Arnav as he move closer to Akash and crouch down to inspect his face and body, "Ahh ..", he said and swipe his finger on his arms and then pinches Akash's nose, "Now everything is covered", as he smirked.
Akash's mouth open at Arnav's open gesture of fun and couldn't help but smile seeing the mischievous expression on his brother's face.
Anjali and Khushi exchanged elated looks, while Nani, Mamiji and Mamaji smiled and Aman and Lavanya shared a happy look.
"Ok bus, I think its all done now", said Nani, "Come on now, we have to take haldi to Payal bitya" and she stands up usher everyone to wash up and told the ladies to get ready as they will be leaving in an hour or so.
Khushi came infront of Arnav stopping him, seeing the look on her face Arnav understood her intention, "Don't even think about it".
"Arey, you don't even know what I am thinking and you are scolding me", said Khushi with a pout.
"Khushi I know what that crazy brain of yours come up with, so whatever idea you have about putting haldi on me, I am telling you ... don't", said Arnav sternly and move towards the kitchen.
"Uffo .. I am not thinking about it", said Khushi as she followed Arnav to the kitchen, "I was just about to ask if you will come with us to Jiji's haldi rasam".
Arnav turned making Khushi stopped with a jerk, "You want me to come? I thought only ladies go for the haldi rasam to bride's place. Isn't it what happen back in our time", he looked a bit suspiciously and Khushi.
"Haan ... toh ... I thought I just ask you na if you want to drop me to spend more time together you know ... but its ok. Never mind", said Khushi and turned to go.
Arnav turned and move towards the fridge taking the water bottle out. Before he could do anything else, two hands came to his faces and swipe the haldi on his cheeks.
"What the ...", Arnav exclaimed and Khushi jump in front of him,"And yes you cannot get rid if my craziness", said Khushi out loud and run from there.
"Khuuushiiii ....", Arnav exclaimed angrily as he stormed after her.
Khushi run towards the stairs and nearly collided with Rahul who was coming down holding little Aarav, "Arey Khushi ... easy", he said trying to grab her arm but Khushi side stepped and climbed up the stairs.

Rahul opened his mouth to ask and heard Arnav calling Khushi's name and running after her. Rahul chuckles as he catches the yellow paste on Arnav's face, he shakes his head at Khushi's antics and move towards the front door thinking that with Khushi in his life, Arnav will never have a dull moment. He felt really happy for his sale sahib and a bit worried ... only teeny tiny bit worried of Arnav dealing with his wife's craziness.

Khushi huffed as she runs to her room as fast as her saree allowed her. She wanted to go to bathroom and lock herself before Arnav could catch her but as fate always sides with her husband in these situations, she was just a foot away from washroom when Arnav caught her and spun her around caging her between the wall and his chest.

"Araanavvjii ...", Khushi exclaimed as she tried to wiggle herself away but Arnav held both of her wrists down.
"I told you not to do it and still you do these antics", said Arnav irritatingly.
"Acha, if I don't these antics then who will do it, you?", said Khushi, "You don't even know fun".
"oh you think I don't know fun?", said Arnav as he move into her space, making her chest squash with his.
"I ... I ... don't think ... I know for sure", said Khushi as she tried to free her hands but couldn't.
"oh I know fun Khushi", said Arnav as he moves his face closer to hers that she could feel his breath over her lips, "But my type of fun isa bit different", Arnav hover his lips over hers making Khushi shiver a bit with the sensation of his body heat, his musky smell and anticipation of akiss.
"I .. I ... Arnavji, please let me go na ... we have to leave forJiji's", said Khushi as she look at the button of his kurta.
"You should have thought of it before doing your antics, now I will not leave you", said Arnav as he rubs his cheeks with hers, transferring some of the haldi on her cheek, "Not until I get my fun with you", Arnav move to her other cheek, rubbing his on her delicate skin.
"Arnavji ... p..please", said Khushi, her heart doing dhak dhak. But Arnav is a man of his words, he move in instant pushing Khushi into the washroom and closing the door.
"Arnavji ... what are you doing?", said Khushi as Arnav move both of them under the shower.
"Having my fun", said Arnav as he open the shower and then pull Khushi close, drenching both of them with shower spray.
"Ooohhh...", Khushi exclaimed as water hits her and she blinks her eyes. And before she could protest further Arnav claims her lips and his hand move all over her body. Khushi moans into his mouth as she wound her arms around his neck.
Arnav twirl her and pushes her back against the shower tiles and pushes her saree upwards.
"Arnavji ...", Khushi came back from her haze feeling his hand over her underwear, "No please ... not now. I have to get ready please".
"Khushi ... just shut up. The more you protest the more late you will get", said Arnav as pushed her underwear down. All other protest drowned in Khushi's throat as Arnav fingers her sensitive part down there. She moans and groans while kissing Arnav and clawing his back as he get rid of his trouser, hauls her up grabbing her hips and Khushi wound her legs around his waist and then he was inside her in a swift stroke.

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

The back garden was decked in white and yellow drapes and marigold followers. The stage looks beautiful in marigold flower hangings. Payal was sitting on the settee and ladies were applying haldi to her face, arms and legs. Some ladies praised her beauty and some praised her dress. Even for the haldi function her lehgna was elaborate and grand.

Payal told every lady who gushed about the design that it was her sister Khushi, who personally design and stitched the lehnga much to her Dadi's irritation.

Every time her Dadi gushes about the decoration and the elaborate lunch they have setup for the ladies and guests, the more Payal sing praises for Khushi. She knew the ladies were comparing both sisters' functions. Khushi's was held at their modest house with modest settings as haldi function didn't need the extravagance. But her Dadi had made the simple handi function grand by decking the whole back garden of the farm house in decoration and the grand buffet set at one side. Whenever a guest or their relatives praise about the décor, her Dadi would answer that her grand-daughter deserves nothing but the best and she can afford it easily. It was same with the Mehndi function as well, which was held by their side. Evey thing was too elaborated and made grand much to Payal's modest wishes.

Their Dadi haven't taken part in any function or responsibility in Khushi's wedding functions, but with Payal she had taken personal responsibility for every function, decor and food included. It was her way for being apologetic of herbehaviour towards Khushi, though she apologized to her, but Payal knew that she didn't do it with her heart, or may be she did. But the way her Dadi was showing extravagance it didn't set well with Payal. Her Dadi had spent more money than Payal can imagine spending on her wedding. She wanted it to be simple and modest but her Dadi said she wanted it to be grand as theirs in-law are rich and they need to uphold the status. She had protested that why these thoughts were not present during Khushi's wedding and her Dadi had replied that at first they haven't told her about Khushi's wedding beforehand, otherwise she would have prepared for it and second that Anjali had taken responsibility of Khushi's wedding functions and didn't left them much to do. She wanted to call her Dadi bullshit on it but her mother and father told her to keep quit and let her Dadi do what she wanted. At one side Payal was not happy with all this but on the other she was happy that her father didn't have to spend money on these functions as all the expense was handled by her Dadi. Let the old lady waste her money, she doesn't care. But she did care about Khushi and her feelings.She knows Khushi won't say but she knows it surely does bother Khushi somewhat.

Payal catches Khushi's eyes and give her an apologized look, which Khushi dismissed with shaking her head. It doesn't bother her anymore, but Khushi know Payal eels bad and she didn't want her sister to feel anything but happiness at her functions and she voiced the same thought later when they were both alone after the function in Payal's room, as Khushi was helping Payal remove the haldi.

"But Khushi thats not fair. I know she apologized to you. But that didn't seem genuine. I know she only apologized to you because of Baba", said Payal.
"Jiji, its fine ... really. Dadi has not been much part of my life anyways so whatever I felt before, I don't now. I tend to focus more on you guys and my family with Arnavji", said Khushi handing Payal another wet towel.
"Khushi you are too soft hearted", said Payal as wipes her arms,"I just don't know what you are made of. Its not good to be that much selfless you know".
"Arnavji says the same thing to me", said Khushi with a smile,"He says I am too good for this world and I need to be selfish some times like him. But I don't think he is selfish. He is selfless in his own ways. He doesn't let the world see it. But I have seen it and I know it how much heloves and care for his family and friends".
"Arnavji is right. We do need to be selfish sometimes or else others will take advantage of us", said Payal with a frown, "I feel selfish when I think about Dadi's spending all the money on my wedding. I am happy that Baba doesn't have to spend his money as Dadi mentioned to him that he doesn't need to because she has some kind of remorse that she feels can be atoned this way.And I am glad about it. I don't even feel bad. But I do feel bad that we didn't do that much on your wedding".
"You did more than you could Jiji. I know you used your savings and Baba used the savings he put aside for both us", said Khushi seriously and Payal was stunned, "How did you ... who told you?".
"No one ... I am not stupid you know. I was happy during my wedding. It didn't mean I didn't notice things around me. I know Arnavji took care of the Mehndi and Sangeet function. But Haldi and Wedding, you spend your savings.That hotel was expensive and you book the suite, the hall and all that décor and buffet. I know it was expensive. I didn't ask because I knew you would deny it and you won't take help from others. I was angry at first and I asked Amma after my reception. She told me not to talk to you about it because what you did was because of your love for me and it will taint it if I ask you or give you back your money. Though I didn't have that much money back then, but now I have. And its not Arnavji's, its my earnings from the AR and that fashion show from London. I wanted to spend money on your functions but Dadi beat me to it.I thought to transfer it to your account but Amma said I should talk to you first or else you will get angry and ...", Khushi was saying when Payal interrupted her, "No ... I don't need that money Khushi. Amma is right, I spend that money because I love you and I wanted you to be happy. I didn't have any intention of taking it back".

"Why not Jiji? You did that because you love. Let me return it because I love you too and I want you to have it", said Khushi as she grabs her sister's arm,"Let me at least do this for you".

"Khushi, bacha (Payal's cups her cheek) you already have done so much for me", said Payal with a watery smile, "You became my sister, my friend; you brought fun and happiness to our family. You fought for me, you stood by side when society taunted me for my broken marriage and not to forget the endless hours you have spent on my wedding attire. I knew you designed all my dresses but I also know it you personally stitched them as well. And this type of work takes months and you have been working months on my dresses and not to forget the money you must have spent on the fabric and all these embellishments on the dresses ... thats enough for me".

"How do you know that?", said Khushi.
"Akash told me", said Payal, "He saw you working on my lehnga and told me".
"I asked him not to tell you", said Khushi irritatingly, "That man can never hide anything from you haan. Just let me get my hands on him.Can't he keep my secret from you".
"Don't say thing to Akash please. He didn't wanted to but I insisted him to tell me", said Payal a bit worriedly, thinking that last time Khushi had punched Akash.
"Relax Di ... I won't do anything to your to be husband and that too just before the wedding", said Khushi with a teasing smile, "I know you have a big NIGHT ahead of you".
"Khushi ...", Payal slaps her arm in warning and then before Khushi could tease her more she went inside the washroom to change her clothes.

----------Next day - Evening - Wedding Day

Akash fidgeted with his shewarni nervously, today he will be married to Payal. He was excited but more nervous. Anjali put the pagri on his head and then put the mala around his neck. She adjusted his sherwani swatting his hand away.

"Would you stop it?", said Anjali. "Relax".
"I am relax Di", said Akash with a nervous smile.
"Yeah I can see that", said Anjali and pull back, "You are nervous. Relax Payal is not going to run away.", she teased.
"I know Di. I am both excited and nervous to be with Payal", said Akash.
"Hmm ... good. And don't you dare think of doing that stunt like Chottey", warned Anjali, "This time I am going to ride in the car with you so that you don't even think about it", said Anjali with a huff.
Akash shakes his head. She had already mentioned that today morning while Arnav, Akash, Mamaji and Rahul were recalling Arnav's wedding day and Rahul had teased Akash to take Payal away. Anjali had warned the boys not to even think about such things and if Akash did something like this she will personally make sure that Payal stay away from him for a month after the wedding. Arnav came to him after Anjali went away and told him not to worry about Di, he had already thought of the solution.

"Don't worry Di. I am not even thinking about it. I am already nervous thinking of the wedding", said Akash with a smile. He knows that how much Anjali had disliked that move of Arnav and he won't be subject to his Di's wrath.
Just then Mamiji and Nani came to them with the pooja thal. "Haye my bitwa... looking so handsome", said Mamiji and take his son's balaiyan,"May evil eye stay away".
Nani did Akash's Aarti and touch his head as Akash bend down and touch hi sDadi's feet, "Jeetey Raho... Khush Rahoo".

"Di...", Arnav called out to Anjali, "Let go ... we will get late if you don't leave now".
"Ok ... ok lets go", said Anjali and they all move to the front door.

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Garima couldn't hold the tears as she saw Payal all dress up in her wedding finery.Her daughter is looking beautiful. She blessed Payal and did her Aarti while Buaji took her balaiya and ward of the evil eyes.

"Amma... you will make me cry too", said Payal emotionally. Before Garima could say anything the room door open with a bang and Khushi came in, "Jiji ...your barat is here", said Khushi loudly and move closer. She looked in awe at her sister, in her bridal attire. Her eyes got misty too.
"Oh no", said Aashima, "Not you too ok. No tears. You will make Jiji cry. We don't have time to redo the make up".
"Jiji you look beautiful", said Khushi as she move closer and hugs Payal.
"Of course I look beautiful because you designed my lehnga and its nothing short of gorgeous", said Payal as she squeezes Khushi.
"you like it?", asked Khushi as she breaks the hug.
"I love it", said Payal.
"And Akash jiju will love it too", said Aashima.
"His jaw will drop for sure", said Divya.
"And what about Arnav jiji", said Poonam, "Our Khushi is also looking so gorgeous".
"Oh yes, tell us Khushi, how did Arnav jiju let you go away from him", teased Divya.
Khushi blushed and swatted Divya's arm and before she could answer back, Buaji gesture them all to stop talking, "Come on girls", said Buaji,"Lets go ... its nearly time for the mahurat".

Akash gulped as he saw Payal coming towards the mandap, erected on the front ground of the farm house. She looked really beautiful in her gold lehnga and red duppatta draped around her head and body. Payal smiles at him nervously as she stands next to him. The next hour was a hazy blur to both Payal and Akash as they tried to focus on the ceremony but both were nervous. They took the pheras and Akash put mangulsutra on Payal. Their family cheered around them as the pandit declare them husband and wife.

Khushi hugged Payal and congratulate her while Arnav gave a side hug to Akash. Soon each family member came forward and congratulates the newely wed couple.

"Ok guys, are we ready for our mission", said Khushi to her group of friends... Aashima, Divya, Poonam, NK and Naina.
"Yes ready. The shoes are with Uday", said Divya pointing to Akash'sbest friend who was standing few feet away from the mandap, talking with Harsh and Rohan.
"Exactly where?", asked NK, "in the box or shopper?".
"In that thal covered with flowers", Naina pointed towards the thal sitting on the chair beside Uday.
"Ok ladies, go and use your charms to distract the boys and I will fetch the shoes", said NK.
"Yes ... Aashima you go and distract Rohan", said Khushi, "And Divya you go distract Uday".
"Why I have to distract Rohan?", asked Aashima irritatingly.
"Because you work with him now and it will be easy to make an excuse of work. He won't suspect it. Now go", said Khushi as she pushes Aashima.
"Ok ok ...", said Aashima and move away. They all watch Aashima go to Rohan and talk to him.

"Rohan,can we talk for a minute? I have something important to tell you", said Aashima.
"I am sure it can wait", said Rohan giving her suspicious looks. Uday had already told him and Harsh that the girls will likely plan something to steal the shoes and he requested his help in keeping an eye out.

"As you wish. But don't complain to me later on that why didn't I tell you about Mr. Ashish Mehta's call. I will surely forget after some time", said Aashima and turned to go but Rohan called her, "Wait ... when did you talked with Mr. Mehta?".

"Yesterday.I was busy and it skipped my mind to tell you and I just remember it now seeing you here ... but who knows I will forget again. Its ok. You can talk to himy ourself then", said Aashima and turn to go when Rohan stopped her again,"Ok ok ... lets go talk".

They both move few distance away, "You look really nice in Sherwani", said Aashima admiring his attire.
"What?", said Rohan at her compliment. She never compliments his attire.
"I never saw you in traditional clothing before. It suits you", said Aashima as she swipes the unseen dust on his shoulder.
Rohan was dumbfounded at her gesture. They have been working together since 8 months now. Aashima had joined as a marketing expert in his company Xottica, on behave of Arnav. They have discuss things, had argument, fights and even lunches together. He tried to flirt with her few times, he had seen her staring at him few times but she never ... never showed interest in him neither said anything like a compliment.

"Hello... there?", Aashima waved her hands in front of his face.
"Um ... right", Rohan coughed, "What did Mr. Mehta's said?".
"He was not impressed with our presentation. He said that it was nothing interesting. He meant our proposal", said Aashima
"But why? I remember he said that its different from other proposals he had received", said Rohan.
"Well he lied", said Aashima and went on to tell him her talk with Mr. Mehta, which actually had happened with Mehta's assistant, but Rohan didn't need to know that now.

Meanwhile Divya had managed to distract Uday and poonam and Khushi went to Harsh and distract him and NK nicked that shoes just in that instant when Uday eyes fell on him.
"Harsh ... shoes...", he shouted and run towards NK. Harsh was about to move but both Khushi and Poonam had held his arms.
"Go NK go ...", said Khushi loudly.

"Oh you clever ...", said Rohan as he bumped his shoulder into Aashima's and move towards NK. Aashima too run towards NK who was now dodging Uday between the seating of guests.

"Aashima... here take them", said NK and throws the shoes at her who catches them and move back. NK had grabbed Uday giving Aashima time to move out of the marquee. She needs the place to hide the shoes now. She heard her name being called and saw Rohan coming near her.

"oh no ...", she murmurs and run into the farm house and look behind to see Rohan running after her. Aashima turned the corner and dashed into the living room and move forward running to door at the other end of the room which opened into another corridor, she move ahead and climb up the stair and then went into the first room on her left. She stand beside the door leaning on the wall breathing heavy and waited for any kind of noise. When she heard nothing for the next few minutes she sighed and slowly came out of the room. She looked around and saw empty corridor. She carefully climb down the stairs. She just put her foot on the last step when Rohan came in front of her,"Gotchaa".
Aashima gasped and she dropped the shoes. She smacks Rohan chest and fisted his kurta, "God Rohan ... you scared me", said Aashima as she regulates her breath with her eyes closed.

After few seconds she opens her eyes and see Rohan standing very very close to her that she can feel his breath on her face and his arms on either side of her trapping her back against the wall.She got lost in his eyes which were looking at her with a new intensity.
Rohan haven't expected to be this close to Aashima and he had also not expected for Aashima not to push him away. They way she was holding his kurta and looking at him was making his heart thud faster. His hand move on his own accord towards her face and his fingers caresses her cheek. He heard her breath hitched and her fist tighten on his kurta. His eyes move lowers to her lips and then back to her eyes, which were lower looking at what? His lips? He thought with a thudding heart.
Rohan lowered his face and Aashima closes her eyes. Their lips brush together and both of their breath hitched again. Rohan presses his lips on her and Aashima sighed.

A crash sound came from outside breaking their moment and both froze on theirspot. They move back, shocked at what had transpired between them. Aashima was the first one to move as she bend down, picked the shoes and went out from the front door. Rohan closes his eyes and run his hand through his hair ... he was feeling mixed emotions. Elated ... excited ... nervous ... and fear?

Nevertheless the girls side won as they got good amount of money from Akash in exchange of his shoes. While Khushi, Divya, Poonam, Naina cheered, Aashima caught Rohan's eyes who was standing opposite to her and their eyes locked for few seconds before they averted them. They all went back garden for dinner and then soon it was time for the bidaadi.

Payal hugged her Amma, Baba and Buaji tightly. She couldn't hold her tears hugging her Baba. Khushi couldn't hold her tears as well and Arnav hugged her from behind.

"Rona zarori ha kia?", he asked, "You should be happy that your sister will live with you from now on".
"You will not understand Arnavji. Yeh Khushi k ansoo hain", said Khushi as she sniffs.
"Haan hain toh meri Khushi k hi ansoo", said Arnav as he makes her turn to him, "But even if they are happy tears, I don't like them on your face", as he wipes her tears.
Khushi smiles at his wordings and sighed feeling his warmth around her.

-------------A day later – Back to Dehli

They were all having the evening tea in the living room, discussing about the wedding functions and upcoming reception. Akash wanted to wait for at least 2-3 days before the reception. He didn't get to spend much time with his new wife.Even they didn't get to celebrate their wedding night. He was too nervous about the Suhagraat and wanted Payal to be comfortable with him. That night was spent a bit awkwardly while talking and some hand holding. He didn't even kissed his wife and he really wanted to but he didn't get the opportunity because the very next day Payal went back to her home for paghphera and then came back in evening where they had played game of finding the ring which Payal had won and then they all talked late into the night and then early next day they went back to Dehli as Anjali wanted to welcome Payal properly into their house and family without waiting for another day. After that he get few moments alone with Payal in his room, which went in adjusting her things into his cupboard and washroom.Then Khushi and Anjali took Payal away to get her ready for her Muhdikhayi rasam and now its evening and they all are here in living room, chatting.

He really wanted to have some time with his wife. Because if his Di started planning to have reception a day later, he knew she will drag Payal in the preparation and he won't see much of his wife. He wished he could have his brother's courage and could whisk Payal away for a day or 2 like Arnav did on his wedding night with Khushi.

Finally Akash manage to bit out, "Di, can't we wait for another 2-3 days?"
"Why we would wait? You are in hurry to have a mini honey moon my dear brother", teased Anjali making both Akash and Payal blush.
"No Di ... I mean that we didn't get to have proper rest. I mean all of us. I think we should rest a bit and then can plan for reception", said Akash nervously.
"Arey bitwa we can rest properly once we are done with all functions",said Mamiji, "Why waitz ... there is just one more".
"Yes and we can all rest tonight. I am not asking you to do any work", said Anjali.
"Haan Akash ... you don't have to worry. You can rest plenty. We will do the entire planning, right Di", said Khushi with a smile.
"Yes Khushi is right. You can rest all you want ... we will not disturb you", said Anjali and Akash pinch his nose in irritation thinking now what he should say to them. He wished his Bhai would come now and discuss his solution which he mentioned to him on his wedding day that he had taken care of. Akash thought again what Arnav meant by that.

"Di I know you guys can do the planning but I think we should wait for 2-3 days for reception. We just had Payal's muh dikhayi and now tomorrow you want reception.I think she needs rest too. She didn't even adjusted her things properly",Akash tried again to reason with Anjali and the ladies.
"Akash bitwa is right bitya, I think we should wait", said Nani,understanding Akash's plight with an understanding smile. Akash give her a thankful smile.
"Arey we are not having the reception tomorrow. Akash and Payal can rest tomorrow. I promise I won't disturb them", said Anjali giving a teasin glook to both Payal and Akash, "The reception is a day later. Or do you have some other important thing to do Akash? That you need time for".

Before Akash could reply they heard Arnav, "Of course Di he has an important thing to do", as he came in the area and sit beside Khushi, "He needs to go to Italy".
"What?", said Anjali.
"Italy?", questioned Akash.
"Why Italy Bitwa?", said Mamiji.
"Don't tell me you are sending him for some meeting Chottey", saidAnjali a bit sternly.
"Not work Di, for mini vacation. Away from all you nosy people", said Arnav nonchalantly.

Anjali's mouth opens in haw, "Nani see what chottey is saying. Akash is going nowhere. We are having his reception day after tomorrow".
"Yes Arnavji. We already have booked the hall and send the invites",said Khushi.
"Which is taken care of", said Arnav as he pour his tea, "Aman postpone the booking and all the invitees have been updated with the change of date and time".

"Whaaattt??",Anjali, Khushi and Mamaiji exclaimed.

"Akash here are your tickets", said Arnav taking envelope out of his trouser's pocket. "All the information about flight and hotel is in there. Your flight is for tomorrow morning", he places the envelope on the center table. Akash picked the envelope excitingly, feeling grateful of his brother.

"Chottey you cannot do this. Why didn't you tell me about it?", said Anjali irritatingly, not liking the change in her plans of the function.
"Di, seriously you are asking me this? I think by now you should know perfectly well that I can do anything I want. I am Arnav Singh Raizada after all", said Arnav smugly. Khushi roll her eyes at him to which Arnav gave her a wink.
"But ... but ... what about the function? They could have gone after the function. Its just 2 days", said Anjali with a huff.

"Sorry about that Di, but I already booked the tickets before going to Mumbai. It was my wedding gift to Akash and Payal. I thought they would need some time away from everyone. I know how I felt after all those functions ... it makes you irritated and tired. I don't think it will matter to have reception after a week",said Arnav and then turned to Nani, "Nani it is not a problem to have reception after few days right?".

"No bitwa", said Nani with an understanding smile.
"And Di the travel package is expensive you know", said Arnav with a frown, "It would cause me extra money to cancel it now. I don't think you want my money go to waste".
Anjali huffed, "Like you care about money chottey".
"I don't but I will feel bad for cancelling the trip. You know I personally arranged their trip so that they can enjoy their time there",said Arnav and then sighed, "I will cancel it if you really want it. Sorry Akash", he takes his cell phone out.

"There is no need to cancel it Arnav bitwa", said Nani seeing the panic expression on Akash's face. "We can have reception after few days, right Anjali bitya".

Anjali huffed and leaned back on the couch, "Ji Nani".

Akash mouth Thank you to Arnav who nodded back and Khushi smiles as she gathers the empty cups on the tray, knowing well how her husband play these games.

-----------------Later in Night

"It's so nice of you to send Akash and Jiji to that trip. I know Akash really wanted some time with Jiji", said Khushi as she adjusted the blanket around Arush who was asleep in his crib, "And jiji was telling me that you told Akash to take the whole next month off from office". She turned towards him.

"I have my reasons behind it.", said Arnav as he put his cell phone down on the side table and turned to Khushi.

"What type of reason?", asked Khushi. Arnav move close to her, caressing her cheek, "Very selfish reasons Khushi".

"Meaning?",Khushi murmurs as her eyes drop down to his lips.

"The very same where your thoughts are going", said Arnav huskily as his fingers move to her lips, "I gave Akash off for a month because I am planning to take a month off from work after he come back to office. So that I can take you and Arush away from here and then have plenty of alone time with you", as he move closer and pecks her lips.

Khushi closes his eyes at his touch, "A month?", she asked, "What about your work? I don't ... don't think ... you (Arnav pecks her lips again and then move lower to her jaw and neck) you will leave of ... office for that long", Khushi bites her lower lip.

"Oh you really underestimate me sometimes my wife. I can do anything I set my mind to. Didn't I said the same down there. I am Arnav Singh Raizada. And I can do anything I want", said Arnav with a smirk.

"Not everything", said Khushi as she opens her eyes.

"Is that a challenge Khushi?", asked Arnav with a gleam in his eyes. Khushi gulped. She knows that look. His challenging look. Which always turns out to be in his favor. But she is not the one to back down either.

"We will see husband", said Khushi as pushes him on the chest.

"Oh yes we will", said Arnav as pull her close, "It will be just you and me, together", as he wound his arms around her.

"Together... Always", murmurs Khushi as she cups his cheek.

"Always",replied Arnav.

Let me know how is the first Epilogue ... more is coming soon.