Chapter 159

EPILOGUE - C - Part - 02

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--------------------------- October 2014 - Dehli

Arnav entered into the room, taking his watch off. He went to his side of bed and put his mobile and watch on the side table. His eyes scan the room as he couldn't see Khushi. He pressed his lips when his eyes landed on Khushi at the poolside sitting on the outer boundary of the pool, her face towards the water. He knew what she must be thinking. He has been noticing her for the past few days, she is her usual self in front of the family members, but there were moments when no one was around ... her face would take over a more wistful look, sadness took over her features. This time too, she seems lost in thoughts. And he knows the reason.

Payal is pregnant.

They had been given the good news just few days back. Everyone was happy with the news ... Khushi too. But she was sad that it was not her. She was not pregnant.

Arnav knew well that she wanted more kids. They haven't discussed about having a baby of their own since the last time they had a conversation on their reception and then once again when Anjali was few months pregnant. Arnav wanted to wait. He still feels irritated sharing her with Arush. He was afraid that if another baby comes, her attention will be more on the baby than him. He knows babies are a kind of a full time job in their own. They need constant attention and time. And he was also afraid that he wouldn't be a good father. Even after Khushi and Anjali's repetitive assurances and his relationship with Arush being more open and better, he still feel sometimes that what he is doing is not enough. He is lacking in his role as a father. He had this same concerns regarding new baby. Khushi had assured him when the baby comes everything will fall into their own places. But he knows its better said than done. He wanted more time to learn the patience and responsibilities of being a father.

Now seeing Khushi like this, sad and lost in thoughts ... giving falsesmiles to everyone, he wanted to fulfill her wish. There is only one thing forhim that is above all else ... that is ... loving his Khushi unconditionallyand seeing her happy and healthy.

She had done many things for him, changed some of her habits and choices to please him. Just 2 days back he had asked her what is making her sad. He had even hinted about whether its because she is not pregnant and Payal is, but Khushi just brushed it aside telling him that she is just missing her parents or she is feeling tired. And when he directly asked her if she wanted a baby of her own she would just smile at him and tell him that they agreed to wait and they have time. Even then she was giving more importance to his choice and wishes.

May be now is the time for him, to make a major change for his Khushi, because he cannot see Khushi like this ... his heart pinches whenever he caught her sad look. He went over to the poolside and slides the doors. Khushi head move towards him hearing the sound of sliding door being opened. Khushi stands up seeing Arnav coming to him.

"Your meeting is done?", she asked, giving a small smile to Arnav, "Come lets sleep now. Its already very late".
Arnav grabs her arm to stop her, "Khushi, I know whats going on with you", he said seriously.
"What you mean Anavji?", asked Khushi, "I was just waiting for you".

Arnav shakes his head, "I know why you are like this for the past few days". Khushi opens her mouth to reply but Arnav cut her, "No ... don't repeat the same sentence that you are missing your parents. If that was the case you would already have your suitcase packed, ready to go to Mumbai. I know why you are sad. And I understand. If you want we can try".

Khushi looked on questioningly, her mind running many scenarios in her head ... is he ready? What does he mean? Is he talking about ...?

"For the baby Khushi", said Arnav completing her thought process.
"I know you want it and I know it's making you sad", said Arnav and paused for a few seconds looking to the side, "So I think we can try for it now".

Khushi sighed ... seeing him pause at his last sentence her mind was telling her that he is still not ready. She knows she wants to have a baby ... oh how much she wanted it. But she wants Arnav to want it too. Not just to give in to make her happy. He will resent it later on and she doesn't want that.

"Arnavji, you are right ... I am sad because of that. I got married before Jiji and she is pregnant before me. Everyone is hinting to me to give them the good news too. But I know you are not ready for this. I want you to have the baby because your heart is telling you to, not because I am sad and you want to make me happy", said Khushi

Arnav shakes his head, "Khushi, it's the same thing. You are waiting because of me and I want to try for baby because you want it. If you are willing to delay your wish to have a baby because I said so ... in the same way I am willing to put aside my worries regarding it and go for it".

"Its not the same thing. Having a baby is a very big decision. Its not a business deal that if it goes wrong we can try with some other tactic. Its a human life, a life that will be tie to us forever. We cannot go back once he or she is here.", said Khushi and step aside and went into the room, "Let's sleep Arnavji".

"Khushi wait please", Arnav take her hand making her stop. His eyes flick over to the crib where Arush was sleeping, checking if his voice has woken him up or not. Khushi too was checking the same thing.

Arnav looks back to Khushi,"I know its a very big decision and I think I am doing ok with Arush, you agree on that right? That I am way better with Arush now, right?".

"Yes Arnavji ... but adding another kid will be an added responsibility, our jobs as a parent will be multiplied", said Khushi and move towards the bed, "And I want you to think on it.", she turns towards Arnav giving him a serious look, "Really think on it". She laid down on the bed and gesture for Arnav to lay down too. Arnav sighed and rubs his temple.

"Khushi you may think that i am not ready ... but i really am", said Arnav and laid down on bed and turns towards Khushi, "Let's try".

"We will talk about it later ok ... Let's sleep. I am very tired", said Khushi and yawned. She places her arm over Arnav's stomach and closes her eyes. Arnav was awake for a while thinking on their conversation and asking himself, is he really ready for the added responsibility?

-------------------------- A Day Later

"Arnavji ...", Khushi called Arnav's name out loud coming into their bedroom. He was not in the sight. "Arey where is he", saying that she move ahead, "Arna...", she was about to call his name when her eyes fell on a gift placed on the bed. A big card was attached to it, with her name written on it. She looked down her tea pink sari she had worn for the occasion.

"hmmphh that laad governer, if he wanted to gift me the dress, he should have done it before. Now I have to changed again", said Khushi as she sit on the bed and started to unwrapped the gift, thinking that its another saree or a dress Arnav wanted her to wear. He had done so many times before, whenever there was an occasion. He wanted to see her in different styles of clothes, some of them belongs to his own collection.

She was surprised to see a small shirt, a baby shirt with the words, 'Can't wait to meet my mommy', written on it.

"What ...?", she couldn't understand why would Arnav gift her that. She caught the movement from corner of her eyes and turn to see Arnav coming out of the wardrobe room, where he had been waiting for Khushi to come and open the gift.

"Arnavji?", she called her name questioningly as she stands up, "I think you got the wrong size. It won't fit Arush", said Khushi thinking maybe he was trying to gift this shirt to Arush.

Arnav shakes his head, "Khushi if i wanted to gift Arush a shirt then i would have given him the gift, not you", his wife is some time very naive, "It's for you".

"For me?", said Khushi confused, "But i don't understand".
"Really?", said Arnav, "You don't understand", he step close to her, "What does it says?"
"Can't wait to meet my mommy'", said Khushi.
"Umhmm ... so our baby can't wait to meet you", said Arnav looking at Khushi intensely.
Her mouth parted a bit, "Our baby", she mouth the words.

"I am ready Khushi.", said Arnav and before Khushi could say anything he hurriedly continued, "I have thought about it ... really thought about it. I know its an added responsibility and we will have to give more attention to our baby and may be Arush and I am willing to do it. I want to see you happy Khushi. I know you are willing to wait because I was not ready to share you. But just like you do things to make me happy, you change your choices depending on my happiness, why can't i do the same? Me and You are a team right, we are partners, husband and wife. We do things for each other, to make each other happy and I love you Khushi ... there is nothing more important to me than making you happy and loving you. I asked you once to wait and you didn't make an argument out of it. If you are willing to delay your wish for me then why can't I do this for you. I am ready ... because now I have you with me and I know you will help me, right ... So we can ...", Arnav was saying when Khushi put her finger on his lips, "Kitna bolte hein app", her voice was emotional yet a bit teasing.

"Ap ne keh dia hum ne man lia", said Khushi and then give him a big smile and hug the shirt to her chest, "Our baby", she whispered.

"Our baby", said Arnav and Khushi threw herself in his arms and hold on tight trying to hold her tears ... "I love you Arnav ... I love you ...", mumbles Khushi into his shoulder.

"I know", Arnav replied back with a happy smile.

---------- March 2015 - Pune – Aman and Lavanya's Wedding Days

"Laad governer ... what does he think of himself", said Khushi angrily as she takes out her bangles and put them on the dressing table. "It was just one dance. What would have happened if he had danced with me? No one would have said anything. But no, Arnav Singh Raizada always does what he wants. He doesn't care what other thinks. Oh yes that's right ... he doesn't care, then why couldn't he dance", she murmurs as she takes off her bangles and jewellery. She was angry, she was irritated and she was feeling sad and emotional ... all because of one person, her husband.

Today was Aman's and Lavanya's Sangeet ceremony, held in a big 2 Floor farmhouse, booked by Lavany's father in Pune. They all had come to Pune, to this farm house 4 days ago ... Arnav, Khushi, Arush, Anjali, Rahul, Aarav, Akash and Payal. Mamiji and Mamaji were back in Dehli with Naniji, as she was not feeling well. Rohan, Yuvraj, Anika, Lukas, Roxxane and Ellen have also come from the USA to attend the wedding, invited by Khushi and Aman and they all were staying at the farm house.

The rest of the guest includes Lavanya's and Aman's family. Lavanya's family already lived in Pune, so they were not staying at the farm house, only her parents and sisters with their husband were staying here. Aman's family included only his mother, sister and Chacha, Chachi and their kids. The rest of the extended family were back in Dehli and will attend the reception held after a week.

They have celebrated the Mehndi function yesterday and today was the sangeet ceremony. Khushi had insisted Arnav to dance with her on one song, but Arnav straight away denied. He doesn't like to dance in front of audience. He had said to Khushi many times in the past but Khushi wanted him to dance, because it was his best friend wedding. But he didn't and Khushi was angry at him now.

Arnav enters in their room and saw Khushi at the dressing table. He knows she is angry with him. He had suggested to Khushi that he can dance with her in private but Khushi wanted to dance in front of everybody and demanded him to dance with her, but Arnav denied and after that she wasn't talking to him and didn't even eat the dinner with him. She went to the other side and sat down with her friend Aashima and Anika.

"Khushi, come on. Its not that a big deal that you are not talking to me. Even Aman and Lavanya's know that I don't dance; they didn't even ask me once. So why are you this upset", said Arnav coming close to her.

"I don't care if Aman or Lavanya didn't ask you to dance. I only care that you denied me! Me ... your wife", said Khushi pointing a finger at him, "what would have happened if you danced a few steps with me haan. No one would have said anything to you. On other hand, Aman and Lavanya would have been happy to see you dancing on their sangeet. But no ... no one can force Arnav Singh Raizada to dance. Everyone told me that you will not dance, Aman even asked me not to ask you. But I said that you will never deny me. You always fulfill my wishes and this time too you will agree only because I ask you to. But you rejected and it made me feel embarrass in front of everyone".

"Did someone say something to you?", asked Arnav feeling angry that someone made fun of Khushi just because he denied dancing with her.

"There was no need for anyone to say something, because everyone saw how every time you rejected me when I asked to dance, how every time you went away from me", said Khushi dejectedly and turn to pull the pins off her dupatta.

"Khushi don't be dramatic ... rejected you ...? I just said that I didn't want to dance, you knew well I don't. Then why were you asking me again and again", said Arnav.

"I wanted you to dance with me. I wanted to show everyone that you can dance. Because no one was believing me that you know how to dance", said Khushi turning to face him.

"Khushi everyone in our family knows that I can dance, if you are forgetting, I dance with you at the AR event when you were working there", said Arnav.
"I remember. That was the one and only time you danced with me. And we weren't married then, not even loved each other that time", said Khushi, "But now things are different. You are my husband. I wanted to dance with my husband".

"Come on Khushi, why are making it such a big deal", said Arnav irritatingly, "I didn't dance because I didn't want to ... just leave it that".

"Fine, then why are you here arguing with me on it?", said Khushi as she turned again and take off her duppatta, "Go away, I don't want to talk anymore on this".

"This ... this is because I am here. You are not talking to me, you didn't even sit with me at the dinner", said Arnav sternly.

"Oh so you care that I didn't sit with you ...great", said Khushi mockingly and went towards the washroom but Arnav grabs her hand and twirl her to face him, "Of course I care ... you are my wife, you should have sit with at dinner".

"And you are my husband, you should have dance with me when I request you too", said Khushi angrily.

"Khushi stop this nonsense", said Arnav.

"You stop this nonsense", said Khushi a bit loudly, "If things don't go like the way you want, you can get angry and when I want something I can't get angry ... and its non-sense".

"Shhshhh ... Arush will wake up Khushi", said Arnav looking over at bed where Arush was sleeping.

"Why are you getting onangry on this? It was just the dance. We didn't dance that's it. Sangeet is over. Just for forget it", said Arnav.

"Forget it, it was easy for you to forget it. What about what I want haan? What about my wishes? It means nothing to you", said Khushi emotionally as tears fell from her eyes, "I was so proud on telling everyone that you will dance with me because you can never deny me but you proved me wrong. You don't love me", she sniffs.

"What the ...", said Arnav in surprise shock, "Khushi why are you crying", he grabs her face in his hands, "How can you say that I don't love you. You know well that I cannot den you. I went to USA with you no? I am sorry I didn't dance with you ok. I am sorry, please don't cry".

Khushi hugged Arnav feeling emotional and sad, not understanding why she is so worked up by this petty issue.

"Are you alright?", asked Arnav pulling back from hug, "Its not like you cry on this, angry I can take ... but please stop crying".

"I don't know why I am crying. I was angry and sad ... but I don't know", said Khushi with a sob and Arnav immediately hug her back, "Sshhshh ... its ok ... its ok. I am sorry about today. I will dance with you in every function from now on. Whenever you ask me ok. Just stop crying".

"There will no dancing now. Sangeet is over", Khushi mumbles against his chest.

"Fine, next wedding we will dance ok", said Arnav.

"What next wedding? Whose wedding?", said Khushi as she pulls back. You didn't dance on Akash's wedding, didn't dance on NK wedding, didn't dance on Aman wedding and you didn't even dance on Di's wedding. Who is left in our family now?, said Khushi as she sniff.

"ummm .. Yuvraj is left. I will dance with you on his wedding. I promise. If not his then ... then (Arnav thought for a second) I will dance on Raj's wedding", said Arnav.

"Raj's wedding? Raj as in my bodyguard ... that Raj?", said Khushi in shock.

"He is engaged no? So he will get married in future. I will dance in both Yuvraj's and Raj's wedding I promise", said Arnav with a wave on his hand.

"yeah right, you didn't dance on your best friend Aman's sangeet, you are going to dance on Raj's sangeet", said Khushi with a roll of his eyes.

"Yes I will", said Arnav seriously, as he cups Khushi's face, "You know I can do anything for you, if it means so much to you to dance with me then I will dance with you whenever you ask me in the future. I am really sorry, I didn't dance with you today. I didn't know it meant so much to you that you will cry on it".

Khushi sniffs and wipes her tears, "I didn't want to cry. I was just emotional I guess".

"Too much emotional I think", said Arnav shaking his head.

"Shut up", said Khushi smacking his chest.

"You violent woman", said Arnav dramatically and Khushi roll her eye at him, "Now who is being dramatic?", she move back and then went to cupboard to take our her and Arnav's clothes.

"I am going change ok", said Khushi as she handed Arnav his clothes and then went to washroom. She splashes water on her face and then looks at herself in the mirror, her eyes were red. Why was she crying like this? She never cried on petty issue?, she thought as she starting changing her dress.

============================

She was not feeling well, she had thrown up twice in the morning, she is feeling tired as well. May be something she ate yesterday that didn't set well with her. She was having a headache as well. She raises her hands and rubs her temple.

"Khushi you ok?", asked Arnav who was standing next to her near the mandap.

"Yes, I am fine. Its just a headache", said Khushi.
"I told you to rest but no ... you didn't listen. You were working all day", said Arnav in stern tone.

"Arnavji, today is wedding day. There were 100 things to do, I was just helping Lavanya and Aunty", said Khushi.

"What 100 things? Everything could be handled by Lavanya's family. You didn't had to do a thing. But no you don't listen to me. Last night you also stayed awake till late with Lavanya and Di. God knows doing what?", said Arnav irritatingly.

"Haww ... you are saying like we were doing something illegal", said Khushi flicking her hand over his arm.

Before Arnav could say something the Pandit announce for the Bride and Groom to stand for the pheras. Aman and Lavanya stood and started circling the holy fire. Khushi and Everyone else started throwing flower petals on them. Khshi nudges Arnav, gesturing towards the plate in her hand. Arnav sighed and takes the petal from the plate and throws in on the couple.
He was worried about Khushi, he noticed that she was not feeling well since yesterday. If it was not for the vomiting she did today morning, he wouldn't have been thinking about it much.

Let's get this over with, I will take her to doctor tomorrow, first thing in the morning, thought Arnav looking over Khushi, who was smiling and throwing petals on Aman and Lavanya.

After some time the ceremony was over and everybody move ahead to congratulate the new couple. Khushi and Arnav, hugged Aman and Lavanya and congratulate them on finally getting married. Khushi teased Lavanya about the wedding night, making her blush. The couple moves to side to sit on the chairs and guest started to come to congratulate them and give gifts.

Meanwhile Khushi, Aashima and Anika were planning to steal Aman's shoes. Rohan, Yuvraj, Akash and Arnav were standing near shoes, place to the side of mandap.

After few minutes the girls were successful in stealing the shoes and currently running inside the farmhouse to hide them. Arnav roll his eyes at them, he doesn't care much about it. Let them have their fun, he smiles remembering Khsuhis' laugh at stealing the shoes. He went to Anjali to help her with Arush and Aarav.

Khushi was running up the stair, shoes in hand, when she felt the dizziness creeping up. She stops at the landing above and move ahead. She shakes her head but it started pounding and she felt like throwing up.

Rohan was behind her and he saw her clutching her head as the shoes fell down from her hands.

"Khushi ...", he called her name moving close to her.
"Arnavji ...", Khushi mumbles Arnav's name and sway on the spot and blacked out.
Rohan immediately catches her in his arms and taps her cheeks with another, "Khushi ... Khushi ...", but she was not responding.

"Akash ... NK ... Akash ...", he shouted for them as he carried Khushi in his arms and move down the stairs very carefully.

"What happened?", said NK coming to him, "Khushi ...what happened to her", he asked worriedly.

"I don't know she just fell unconscious", said Rohan, "Call Arnav now", as he move towards the double door leading to garden.

"Oh my Khushi ...", exclaimed Aashima as she came near, followed by Akash and Yuvraj.

"She was not feeling well this morning", said Aashima putting her hand over khushi's forehead.

"Dammit ... can some on go and call Arnav", said Rohan loudly.

"I will call him", said Akash and run outside. Rohan move ahead and ask Yuvraj to bring the car to the gates.

Rohan was just took step outside the entrance when he heard Arnav's shout of Khushi's name.

"What happened?", Arnav asked with a force, expression angry seeing Khushi in Rohan's arm and move his arms to take Khushi from him

"I don't know, she was running upstairs with the shoes and then just black out I guess", said Rohan as he pass Khushi to Arnav.

"Khushi ... love ... open your eyes, come one", said Arnav as he murmurs and peck Khushi's forehead.

"Yuvraj is bringing the car, lets take her to hospital", said Rohan looking worriedly over Khushi.

Just then they heard the horn and Yuvraj stopped the card near them. Rohan quickly move ahead and open the back door and Arnav sit inside with Khushi in his arms.

===============================

Khushi open her eyes and blinked, her head was pounding and she was feeling nauseous.

"Khushi ... Khushi ... can you hear me?", a voice came from her side.

"Di ...", said Khushi and turn her head to see Anjali leaning over her.

"What happened?", she asked in low voice.

"You fell unconscious. Rohan and Arnav bring you here to the hospital", said Anjali.

"Where is Arnavji?", asked Khushi looking around the empty room.

"Aman took him upstairs to cafeteria to eat something", said Anjali as she runs her fingers in Khushi's hair, "He was sitting with you here since hours, and was getting restless, waiting for you to wake up. I asked Aman to take him out for some air".

"Oh ...", said Khushi as she closes her eyes and then open in next second, "Wait ... Aman is here ... but today was his wedding?", said Khushi as she tried to sit up.

Anjali help her in sitting up, "You know Arnav, he was shouting demanding the doctors to tell him whats wrong with you. They told him that nothing is wrong, you are tired and restless but Arnav was not satisfied. So Rohan called me to come and Aman was looking for Arnav. Its my fault, I told him about you and he came here with me."

"Oh no ... don't tell me lavanya ji is here too", said Khushi feeling worried that because of her, Aman and Lavanya's wedding fuction was ruined.

"No she is not, she wanted to but I told her not to.", said Anjali and then move back, "Let me call doctor and tell her you are awake", said Anjali and went outside.

After few minutes, Anjali came inside with a lady doctor. She asked Khushi how she was feeling, what she ate last, and about the vomits.

"Your blood pressure and heart rate is normal", said the Doctor, "I think you ...", she was about to say when the room door open with a noise and Arnav came in followed by Aman.

"Khushi ... thank god", said Arnav as he sit beside her on bed and hugged her, "You are awake. I was so worried".

"I am fine Arnavji", said Khushi, "Please don't worry".

"Don't worry", said Arnav pulling back from hug, "You were unconscious, you were not waking up. I told you to rest, what was the need to running when you were not feeling well. What if something had happened to you. Haan didn't you think about me. What would I have done without you", said Arnav in anger and worriness, his tone was emotional at the end, as he tried to hold in the tears.

"I am sorry. I am fine. I promise I am fine", said Khushi as she cups Arnav's cheek.

"You scared me Khushi", said Arnav, "Don't do this again".

"its nothing to be scared of Mr. Razaida, your wife is in perfect health", said the doctor, "Just some weekness which can be ..."

"Nothing to be scared", said Arnav in anger, "If you remember doctor she was unconscious and woke up after 3 hours ... 3 hours", his voice was hard.

"It happens in this situation", said the doctor pressing her lips in annoyance, "She just need rest and some vitamins".

"What situation Doctor?", asked Anjali, praying that hunch turn out to be true.

"She is pregnant", said the Doctor.

"What ...?", Khushi exclamid loudly.

"What the ...", said Arnav in surprised shock.

"Really? You are sure?", asked Khushi with happiness.

"Yes Mrs. Raizada. I am sure. Congratulations", said the doctor.

"Did you hear chottey? You are going to be a father", said Anjali as she side hug Khushi.

Arnav was shocked and happy both, seeing how happy Khushi is.

"When we can take her home doctor?", asked Aman.

"You can take her in few minutes, we just need a urines sample from her to run some tests", said the doctor and went outside the room.

"Congrats ASR", said Aman.

"Oh Aman, I am so sorry. You shouldn't be here", said Khushi, "you should go home and be with Lavanya".

"Its ok Khushi ...", said Aman and look at Arnav, "I was needed here more".

"Thank you, but I think you should go now please. I already feel that you had to come here on your wedding", said Khushi.

"Yes Khushi is right, you go. Me and Chottey are here with Khushi now", said Anjali.

"Ok Di", said Aman and then tap Arnav on the shoulder and went to the door .. he gesture to Anjali to come as well to leave Khushi and Arnav alone.

Anjali nodded and then kissed Khushi on the head and went ouside with Aman.

"Arnavji ... you ok, you haven't said a thing", said Khushi getting worried about Arnav's silence.

"You are pregnant", said Arnav looking at Khushi.

"I am", said Khushi.

"We are going to have a baby", said Arnav.

"yes we are", said Khushi.

"Our baby", said Arnav

"Yes our baby. Mine and yours", said Khushi.

"Mine and yours", Arnav repeated.

"Are you ... you ok with it?", asked Khushi bitting her lower lip.

Arnav move ahead and hugged Khushi, "Our baby Khushi ... we are going to have our baby".

"Yes Arnavji, are you happy?", asked Khushi.

Arnav move back, "Are you happy Khushi?", he asked.

"Yes I am, very very much. I have waited so long for this moment Arnavji. You cannot imagine how happy I am", said Khushi with tears in her eyes.

"I know", said Arnav as he wipe the single tear that fell down on her cheek, "But don't scare me like that. You don't know what I went through seeing you unconscious. It was like someone was ripping my heart out".

"I am sorry. But I am ok now", said Khushi understanding what he must be feeling. If the roles were reserved. She was sure she would have felt the same.

"I love you", said Arnav as he put his forehead against her.

"And we love you too", said Khushi.

"we?", said Arnav.

"yes, me and the baby", said Khushi putting his hand over her stomach, "We love you too daddy".

Arnav chuckled and kissed Khushi on the lips and then hugged her ... they are going to have a baby ... his and Khushi's baby.

END .....

Bubbles762022-04-15 16:38:26