Chapter 31

This update is dedicated to the most powerful emotion, feeling in the world- Love.

ArHi SS: A Thing Called Marriage

Chapter 27 (A)

Khushi Singh Raizada always led a life where no one remained by her side for a long period of time. When she was a teenager, she lost her parents and then lost the two people whom she loved more than anything. Her sister, Payal always tried to fill the void that Khushi always felt whenever she saw anyone with their family but it wasn't enough. Not then, not now.

She remembered a question that her friend has asked. Every word of the answer she gave was itched in her mind.

She still remembered that day very well. Sprawled in the lawn in front of her college, she was scribbling down in her notebook furiously when her friend sitting next to her, asked randomly "Khushi, what love is to you?"

Raising a brow at her question lazily, she stopped writing and tapped the pen on her lips looking thoughtful. After few minutes, she shrugged casually and said "How does it matter anyway? I will marry the guy my Aruna Maa and Avinash Papa will choose for me anyway. Love doesn't come in this equation."

Her friend stared at her in shock before she chuckled and insisted "Still I want you to think about it. What do you think it is? For me, love is something which connects you to a person, makes you stick to him throughout your life in every up and down of his life. For me, it means a lifetime commitment."

"Hmmm. I don't think that way. For me, love is an emotion that makes you overlook every obstacle, every pain in your life. Love is an emotion that consumes you, challenges you making you push your own set boundaries. Love is something that makes you a better person. You know I think love enables any person to drop the facade of strength and let the person you love see your vulnerable side. I mean that makes you realize what you mean to him and gives you an advantage over everything." Khushi elaborated, taking her friend by surprise the way she has put everything in words.

"Wow, for a girl who doesn't think about love much, you have underestimated your feelings. You think that if you ever loved anyone, will you let that happen?"

"I think, I will. If I fell in love with anyone, I will do anything to be with him which includes fighting for him. But let's just not think about it." Khushi answered in an authoritative voice which made her friend simply nod before going back to writing down the notes.

Back then, she wondered in her mind if what she said is going to happen ever. Does love really makes it happen?

Now she knew that it was damn true and possible.

She has witnessed the panic and fear in Arnav's eyes the moment she landed in his arms.

She has witnessed his anger when he faced the person who tried to harm her. She remembered how he winced every time she tried to move and hissed in pain as if he was hurt.

She has witnessed how everything related to her has consumed him, breaking the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada. Enabling her to take a glimpse at the vulnerable Arnav, who will do anything to assure her safety.

When it comes to her, he is ready to let even his company suffer, the only reason why after Latika threatened to sue his company, he didn't budge even a bit. The same company that he has claimed to love more than anything.

She realized that as much as she was fighting for him, he is dealing with his inner demons, his own set beliefs so that he can move on with her, love her.

And the moment she realized how vulnerable Arnav is when it comes to her, she knew that she has won.

She knew that if there is a person meant for her, it's him. Her husband, Arnav.

And she was so overwhelmed with the sudden realization that when Arnav came forward to steady her, she couldn't do anything other than throwing herself in his arms and pressing her lips on his.

She wasn't going to tell him everything she was feeling but she can atleast kiss him, right. No matter how strong and adamant she had been about making their marriage work, she wanted Arnav to be the one to succumb to his feelings first.

She wasn't hoping for a romantic and cheesy confession, but she was hoping for Arnav to come to her and confess what she means to him.

She knew that it'll take time for him to do the same but she was willing to wait for the said moment.

The moment when they will be together, not because of their marriage, their responsibilities and their past.

But because of love.

She felt him freeze the moment she kissed him but she didn't relent from caressing his lips softly with hers. Holding her breath, she slowly moved her lips twining her fingers together at the back of his head.

She waited patiently.

And smiled when Arnav sighed, his hands cupping her face lovingly, tilting it up so that he can kiss her back. It was a slow, languid kiss that made her heart swell with love.

Because she knew no matter what, how much she had to wait for him, he will make it up to her, always.

Caressing her thumb at the side of his neck slowly mimicking the movement of their lips, she stepped back from him eventually, looking down.

As she inhaled sharply, she looked up only to see Arnav looking down at her in daze.

"What was that for?" he asked hoarsely, his just-kissed lips twitching.

"For being you." Khushi answered, smiling brightly making Arnav reciprocate her smile. She was about to rewind back to the kiss they had shared when Arnav pulled her back in his arms again.

Tucking her comfortably in the safe, warm cocoon of his arms, making her rub her nose against his throat before resting her head on his chest. Listening to his galloping heartbeat.

She flattened her palm against his chest, just above the area where his heart was beating wildly.

Knowing very well that it belonged to her.

_______________________________________________________

"I don't care dammit. Do anything you have to but I want her out of this fashion world. She is finished." Arnav bellowed, pacing to and fro in the room looking angry.

He waited to listen what the other person has to say before cursing under his breath harshly. He was about to start another match of shouting when Khushi stepped into the room, looking very pleased and happy with something.

"I'll call you later." Arnav said quietly making Khushi frown.

"What were you doing Arnavji?" She asked confusedly, looking adorable and innocent as ever. Arnav shook his head before turning to walk towards the closed French windows and looking ahead.

He sighed rubbing his hands over his face as a pair of dainty, small arms closed around his waist. He closed his hands over her as she hugged him from behind, resting her cheek against his back.

"You don't need to shout so much you know. I am fine. She cannot harm me ever again." He heard her muffled, soothing voice as her hand glided upward, rubbing his chest in a soothing manner.

"I know, Khushi. I just can't help it." Arnav replied, looking helpless and desperate equally. He caught her hand in his, spun her around gently.

Pressing her back against the window, he sighed before resting his forehead against her "I know I haven't told you how I feel about you, Khushi. But I care for you and want you happy with me or without me."

He was about to say further when Khushi pressed her index finger against his lips "I know, Arnavji. You don't need to tell me. I will wait, for you. Living without you isn't an option."

"You are a wonderful person, Khushi. And you deserve much more. Give me some time to be the one." Sliding the silk fabric of black nighty from her shoulder, Arnav murmured trailing moist kisses down her neck making her shudder as his hot breath fanned the skin his lips has touched.

"You don't need to, Arnavji. You already are the person I deserve." She whispered faintly, running her hands over his back before fisting his shirt in her palms.

Arnav groaned, titling her face up as her lips quivered, begging to be kissed and devoured by him.

As he slammed his lips down on her, she smiled melting in his arms further hearing him mumble between the kisses "You mean everything to me, Khushi."

Okay I know this is a short update. But I had to cut it short owing to the fact that it's Valentine's Day and you all would like to read a cosy, romantic update. I had planned to write something else but I typed it nonetheless.

Will update next part soon. I am highly inactive nowadays so I apologize for the delay in reply to your scraps and pm's but i will do reply, hmm.

Aditi