Chapter 15

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Harvest Moon Chapter 15

ARNAV woke up to a familiar sweet fragrance teasing his nostrils as Khushi snuggled into the crook of his neck. He gently moved so that her head rested on the pillow but instead of moving away, his eyes focussed on her face in repose  " the face of an angel.

He was having a tough time understanding this beautiful creature lying next to him. Her behaviour post their marriage had flummoxed him beyond words. He had never before misjudged anyone that way he had Khushi. But even then he hadn't stopped wanting her.

During her injury when they had stayed in the small guest bedroom, each morning he had slipped out of bed and rushed off to work before he lost himself and did something he would regret.

At Jassi's wedding she had looked stunning both at the sangeet and at the reception and he was this close to kissing her senseless at the poolside that night if he hadn't left when he did.

But something had changed. She had gone out of her way to bring his mother's letter to him. Now, all of a sudden it seemed like they didn't have differences and everything was normal. She seemed content to play house with him as she cooked in the absence of Daler and managed the house with the help of the maid who came in to take care of the house work. She also seemed genuinely interested in his work and listened attentively while he talked about the progress regarding implementing the drones.

It was a few days since they had been staying at the farm house and things were getting from bad to worse. With no one around to disturb them, he was finding it extremely difficult to be close to her and not want to touch her. This was one of the toughest things he ever had to do in his life. She had no idea what she was doing to him.

Khushi moved in her sleep and the strap of her blue camisole top slid down exposing the swell of her breast. He had the strongest urge to move the garment lower " but before the temptation became too strong, he moved away from the bed and hurried into the bathroom. His chivalry and gallantry was proving to be the death of him he thought as he stepped into the shower and turned the knob to cold. 

When he entered the living room a little later, his heart skipped a beat when he saw Khushi in the same snug fitting top. She had clipped her hair with a clutch but stray hair fell all around her face and down her slim neck. She seemed to be saying something.

"Uh?" Was all he could muster.

"I said there is coffee on the table " you can have that until I bring your breakfast in just a minute."

Arnav sat on the table and took a sip of coffee almost scalding his tongue when he saw Khushi was wearing printed cotton shorts. What the hell had happened to the modest pyjama and t-shirt she used to wear ? There was a sheen of sweat on her face and neck.

"You are right about the power cuts Arnvaji," she said dabbing herself with the dish towel and then began fanning herself. "It's really hard to cook with so much heat."

She had no idea how provocative she looked. "What is this?" He said looking at the plate she had put in front of him.

"It's lightly spiced puffed rice flavoured with lemon " poha as they call it in some parts of India," She smiled brightly showing off her pearly white teeth. "You should lay off the ghee laden parathas for a while." She paused, "The truth is I can't make parathas like Dalerji does."

He had more serious problems than some ghee laden parathas Arnav thought trying his best not to look at her long creamy legs. "Why don't you eat with me?" He suggested, "Sit down " please."

Khushi sat down and served herself some of the poha. "Arnavji " I have been thinking about what you said about the automation the other day," Khushi said, "It's a great idea but "- what is going to happen to  the farmers?" Her eyebrows were creased with concern. "Won't they lose their jobs with all this technology ?"

Arnav leaned back as he considered her question. "Actually the lack of skilled labour is what has driven me to consider automation." He talked about how more and more farmers had left for cities seeking better job opportunities.

"It's nor their fault really," Arnav continued. "There are lots of problems in the farming business. I am sure you have heard about farmers suicides."

"Yes I have." She had read about them in the newspapers and also remembered watching a movie based on the issue. "It's because of failure of rains isn't it?"

"That's a force of nature we cannot control," He said, "The main problem is not being able to fix what we can control.

"We have crop failure due to shortage of water resulting from inadequate irrigation systems. We have harvest spoilage due to lack of cold storage. Our farming practices are outdated " many still use cattle to plough fields instead of tractors because they can't afford it. There are huge power cuts in the villages.

"When the produce has to be sold in the market, bad infrastructure in the villages makes it difficult for them to transfer the items on a timely basis. The list is long."

"That's really bad," Khushi said, feeling sad for the farmers, "living in the cities we don't realise all this."

"I try to place some of our farmers in our food processing unit  "" 

"Food processing unit ?" Khushi said surprised.

"Yes we have a flour mill factory in Faridkot which Mamaji handles. We make plain flour, whole wheat flour, semolina etc " we supply all over India and export as well. That is why I have to keep going to Jalandhar from time to time. We have an office there."

She leaned forward and touched his forearm."Can I serve you some more Poha?"

That movement brought his attention to the V of her neckline and Arnav lost track of what Khushi was saying. 

"Don't you like it?" She said.

Arnav looked at her his eyes wide with surprise. "Excuse me?"

She looked down at his plate. "Don't you like the poha?" 

He took a big mouthful of food. "I do." He mumbled. He was going to make a big fool of himself if he hung around for long. He stood up. "I have to go." He walked toward the door.

"Arnavji?" Khushi stood up and followed him. "Can we go to the mela tomorrow ? Dalerji had invited us."

"It's a religious mela for the Sikhs Khushi," Arnav said, "It's going to be really crowded there. I don't think it will be a great idea."

"Please Arnavji "" Khushi implored,walking upto him, "Dalerji wants us to come and meet his family there."

"Okay." He walked away as fast as he could. 

The following evening Khushi stood in front of the bathroom mirror adding final touches to her makeup. She wished there was a dressing table so she could get a better look at her appearance. She walked into the bedroom just as Arnav walked in looking dapper in his red kurta and black jeans.

"Did you pack all these clothes in the small knapsack of yours?" He said his eyebrows raised.

Khushi looked stunning in a bright orange silk kurta with gold thread work around the three fourth length sleeve and neck line. There was a beautifully designed gold motif at the centre of the neckline and similar motifs lined the border of the short kurta. The dark pink patiala bottom and a multicoloured dupatta contrasted beautifully with the orange. With matching bangles and earrings she had tried her best to look the part of a punjabi girl. 

She laughed. "I can pack a lot in that knapsack but no this hasn't come from there," she told him. "Naniji brought a bag for me when she realised I was staying here longer. She had gifted me this suit earlier but I didn't have a chance to wear it."

Naniji had also packed all her lingerie which she had bought before her wedding and wondered if the old woman thought that this was some kind of  a honeymoon.

She walked up to the bed. "I need your help," Moving her braid to the front, she turned around to show a glimpse of her creamy back. "Can you zip me up please?"

"Sure "" He croaked and he stood up.

 As he zipped her up with shaky hands, his hands paused for the briefest second at the strap of her hot pink bra. Hell! He held her shoulder and pushed her a little. "Hurry up if you want to make it on time! I will wait for you outside and don't forget your shawl."

Soon Arnav and Khushi were on their way to Ammo Nangal a village in Gurdaspur district which was the venue of the mela. As he had predicted it was extremely crowded and after being pushed by a couple of men, Arnav took her hand in his. Her outfit was a little too snug fitting as it hugged body, emphasising her tiny waist and flare of her hips. It was going to be tough taking care of her tonight.

"I told you it was going to be crowded," He grumbled.

Arnav looked so cute when he was annoyed Khushi thought to herself. However much she had tried, this man left no stone unturned to keep himself away from her " until now.

 She was thrilled at the way he had grabbed her hand albeit just to protect her. She brought his arm closer to herself. "Arnavji, what's going on here?" Khushi said looking at the decorations that were done just like a wedding reception. There were women singing traditional marriage songs and delicacies were being served to the people who had gathered.

"I really have no idea," Arnav confessed, "This is the first time I have come to this mela. Let's go and find Daler. He will be able to explain.

Soon Arnav and Khushi met Daler and his family who served them with some delicious lip smacking food, like sarson ka saag with makki di roti, aloo gobi, rajma with rice and some sweet lassi. 

Post dinner when Arnav asked Daler to explain what was going on, he explained that Guru Nanak Dev's marriage anniversary was actually a three day gala and that it was celebrated in the form of a Nagar Kirtan or a religious procession that began at Gurdwara Ber Sahib at Sultanpur Lodhi a neighbouring city in Kapurtala district. 

"The procession which includes a palanquin will arrive here at in a little bit and people here are gathered to welcome it like a real baraat." He said.

"Oh that's what all these decorations and wedding songs are for." Khushi observed. "What happens after this?"

Daler explained that the people gathered would all stay at the local Gurdwara that night and the following day a similar procession would begin at another Gurdwara which would then pass through the streets of Batala. There would be a Gatka or a traditional sikh martial arts display during the procession and then on the final day the ballad singers would sign the Gurbani kirtans at the Kandh Sahib Gurdwara where the devotees pay obeisance to the Guru. 

"There will be a fireworks display later tonight." Daler's daughter piped in. 

"Oh that will be nice!" Khushi exclaimed.

"Arnavji," Khushi said coming up to him a little later. "I need to use the washroom."

"Do you want me to come with you?" It was dark and he was worried about the crowd.

"No thank you!" She said, "I am perfectly capable of going to the washroom by myself."

"Alright " I will be right here."

As he watched Khushi making her way toward the ladies washroom, Arnav thought about how she had plastered herself to him the entire evening, holding onto his arm as she listened to him attentively. She looked almost " happy. He smiled to himself.

Half an hour later Arnav began to panic when Khushi didn't come out of the ladies washroom even after he had waited for ten minutes just outside the premise and the worst part was that her phone was switched off. There was quiet a long queue at the washroom but still she was gone longer than normal. He went looking for her at the alternate washroom located at the other end of the fair but she wasn't there either. 

Trying his luck he enquired at a small tea stall and the man there informed him that he had seen a girl wearing a bright orange suit walking with a man in a direction away from the fair, just minutes ago. Arnav followed the path hoping against hope that he was right and spotted Khushi walking with a man.

"Khushi!" he yelled out at the top of his voice as he ran toward her. He was at her side in under thirty seconds but there was no sign of the man who seemed to have slinked away in the darkness. "What the "?"

"Arnavji!" Khushi almost jumped up and threw her arms around him, hugging him tight like she would never let him go.

Arnav held onto her until his speeding heart calmed down."Where the hell did you go?" he yelled. "Why the hell was your phone switched off ? " 

"The battery was dead Arnavji!" Khushi retorted.

Khushi explained to him that she had waited in the queue at the washroom for a very long time only to be told that it was going to closed for maintenance purposes. After that she gone looking for the other washroom and then when she had come out she had lost her way. When she was trying to find her way back, a man had offered to help her get back. 

"Some strange man approaches you " and you just walk away with him?" Arnav shouted at her angrily. "Haven't you learnt anything from the last time?"

"I am sorry but I had to ask someone." She said her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

He raked his hand through his hair. "Lets go!" Still seething with anger he dragged her away toward the parking lot.

"But we haven't seen the fireworks yet."

"I have had enough excitement for today," he bit out angrily. "I should never have agreed to come here!"

As the Jeep sped along the darkened road, the headlight showing them the way, there was absolute silence except for Khushi's bangles that clinked once in a while. 

Arnav felt terrible when he saw Khushi trying to hide her tears. He had behaved like a jerk but to be fair, he had been terribly frightened when he thought he had lost her again.

"Khushi "" He said softly. "I am sorry."

He parked the vehicle and walked around to her side and asked her to step out.

"Why are we here?" Khushi looked around to see they had arrived at the fields as she could see the storage shed she had come to a few days ago.

"Come on " I want to show you something." He took her hand and led her on a narrow path between the fields. Finally they stopped in front of a small structure that looked like a small hut standing on stilts. Arnav climbed up the ladder and beckoned her to follow him.

"What's this ?" Khushi asked looking at small ten feet square platform covered by a thatched roof.

"This is a machan, where farmers used to sit in the old days and chase away birds with the help of sling shots."

"I think I might have seen these things in movies." Khushi observed, "These fields look so beautiful " " She stopped abruptly. "Wait a minute " how am I able to see these fields in the dark?"

Arnav took her hand and pulled her toward the edge of the platform. "Because of that." He pointed to the sky. "Remember where you saw that the last time?" The full, honey coloured moon looked brilliant in dark sky.

"It's the harvest moon!" She whispered looking up at the moon with her luminous eyes, reminding him of the young girl he had laid eyes on eight years ago. "It so beautiful!"

"Yes." He whispered, his eyes on her. When she looked up at him he said, "Let's sit down here, there is something else you have to see," he led her to the edge of the machan so they could sit with their back against the thin wooden railing.

"What is it?" Khushi was eager.

"You will have to wait for it." He said in an amused tone.

Khushi covered herself with the shawl and then after a slight hesitation covered him as well even as she pressed closer. 

Sitting close to her like this was absolute torture and Arnav had no idea why he was doing this to himself as they sat in the midst of the fields, surrounded by the chill breeze and sounds of crickets.

"Arnavji?" Khushi said, "how do I look tonight?" She asked on impulse.

Arnav was caught by surprise at the direct question."You look " nice." He paused. "It's the bindi, I guess." He said looked at the round red dot on her forehead. Her nose ring drove him crazy but he refrained from mentioning that.

"Just nice?" Khushi prodded.

He was at a loss for words when suddenly there was a burst of light in the distance. "Look !" He pointed to the sky.

As Khushi watched, coloured light, shaped like flowers burst in the sky as the fireworks from the ceremony began. In a few minutes the fireworks came to an end, leaving them in the glow of the harvest moon once again.

Khushi raised her face and looked at Arnav. "Thank you!" Her almond shaped eyes sparkled like diamonds and her rosy lips parted.

Arnav looked down her, his simmering eyes, his heart beating like a jackhammer wondering if Khushi had parted her lips consciously or not. "I think we should leave." He said standing up.

Khushi realised at that moment that the damning words she had said that fateful night hung between them like a dagger. Oh how she wished she could take those hurtful words back.

He descended the ladder and began to walk away even as she hurried down to join him. Khushi knew at that moment that it was all up to her. If they got into the Jeep she may never get the nerve. She had to do something " now.

"Arnavji " " She called out to him, "I am so sorry " for saying " those words ""

Arnav turned around and stood still.

She came up to him. "I swear I didn't mean them." It was now or never.

"Nothing can change what I am Khushi," his voice was anguished whisper. "I hadn't really thought of this earlier but I realised that it is my paternal lineage you should really be worried about "-"

"Please "" Khushi implored as she stepped closer. She held the collar of his kurta and pulled him close pressing her lips to his. She felt him freeze and waited with bated breath. Please kiss me back. Please.

As though he had heard her silent plea, his hands enveloped her and he pulled her tight. His hands moved up her back to slip into her hair to hold her head firmly as he took control of the kiss. As his tongue delved into her moist warmth to meet her own ready one, an electric jolt went right down to her core. 

"Khushi?" he rasped breathing heavily.

"Yes!" She sighed trying to answer the question even before he had asked it. She was happy that he hadn't pulled back but she couldn't be too sure if began thinking again. She pressed herself to him. Don't stop. 

"Khushi, there is no going back from here." He breathed.

Khushi didn't want to think anymore. It felt so right to be together like this with him. She moved her fingers into his hair to bring his mouth back to her lips.

He swept he up in his arms and carried her to the short distance toward the storage shed.

He seated her on the table. "Wait here." He walked up to the corner and picked up the lantern hung there on a hook. He found a match box in the table drawer and lit the lamp. The glow from the lamp illuminated the room in golden hues.

Khushi looked ethereal in the golden light and Arnav was drawn to her like a moth to the flame. He stood in front of her and took the shawl that was still around her shoulder. He spread it on the bales of hay stacked on the other side. 

He slipped the dupatta off her neck and threw it on the floor. He placed tiny kisses on her neck up to her collar bone and Khushi felt heat suffuse her body. He then traced his way to her ear. He unclasped her earrings next. His hands brushed down her slim arms and he slipped her bangles off her wrists and placed them on the table.

Holding her by her tiny waist, he captured her lips once again taking turns with her upper and lower lips one after an another. As his tongue dove deep into her mouth, his hands moved up her back slowly, until he reached the zip and just as slowly unzipped her.

As they came apart to take in some air, he caught the hem of the kurta and slowly peeled the kurta off her slim body leaving her in her lacy hot pink bra. His hands were urgent as they reached the  strings that were fastened at her waist. In no time the patiala salwar was out of the way. His mouth went dry. He had been dying to see how it looked from the time he had zipped her up in the evening and he wasn't disappointed.

His simmering eyes moved over her small rounded breasts, the slim curve of her waist that flared into slightly wide hips and the long shapely legs. His eyes rested on the silver anklets she wore. 

She was beautiful.

Khushi wished he hadn't lighted the lamp. The last time they were together her clothes were intact but the raw desire in his eyes made her nervous. "Please!" She pleaded turning away from him, "turn off the lamp."

He unraveled her braid so her hair fell softly around her shoulders. 

"Khushi " you are beautiful!" Arnav exclaimed. He caught her and turned her around, "Let me see you."

"Please ""

"Shhh " relax." 

He carried her to the bales of hay and gently laid her down on the shawl.

Khushi squeezed her eyes shut, her entire body quivering. She felt his lips on her forehead, her eyes, her nose and she parted her  lips. Arnav wouldn't give her the satisfaction and moved to her ear, nibbling on the lobes before his lips came back to her cheeks and jaw down to her chin.

 She felt his stubble scrape the swell of her breast as he moved lower down to her throat. His lips made a wet trail downward between her breasts, passing down her ribs to dip his tongue into her navel. A fire began deep in her belly and she clutched at his shoulders and pulled him up.

He stepped back to peel his kurta over his head. Khushi revelled at how magnificent he looked, the muscles of his shoulders, arms and chest rippling with strength. The hair on his chest glistened with sweat as it tapered down into the waist band of his jeans riding low on his hips. She had the urge to run her hands down his body.

She raised her hand and touched his bearded cheeks instead.

"If I knew " I might have shaved today." He teased her.

"You are beautiful." She whispered shyly.

Suddenly he leaned and touched his tongue to her lips and she parted them giving him full access. As Arnav slid his tongue inside the soft wetness of her upper lip, tracing his path to the corner and then slipped inside her lower lip, Khushi moaned deep in her throat, scraping her nails down his muscled back.

When he slid his tongue deep into her mouth she dug her nails in and arched her body, thrusting her soft breasts into his hard chest. Arnav's hand brushed against her stomach and waist moving around to her back to unclasp the hook of her bra. He tore off her lacy garment from her and threw them aside. Khushi's nipples began tingling with sensation the moment they came in contact with the matt of hair on his chest. 

Arnav lips moved down to her neck and be began to suck on the delicate skin even as his hands cupped her rounded breasts, his fingers rolling the rosy centres into erect buds. Heat began to pulse through her veins as  he next closed his mouth over one erect bud and began to suck deeply even as his hand slipped down her flat belly to brush over her panties. Even through the lacy material Arnav could feel Khushi's moist heat as she writhed under his touch.

He stepped back to peel the wisp of lace down her long creamy legs. 

Arnav leaned back a little. 

She was exquisite.

Looking at her in her state of arousal with just her anklets was mindblowingly arousing.

Arnav closed his mouth over her other breast and Khushi moaned clutching at his hair and her hips rose upward even as his hand moved down to her curls, his finger dipping into the moist flesh, stroking in circular motions with the lightest of touches. At the double onslaught of his mouth and fingers, the fire began to rise higher and higher and when he captured her lips, she reached her peak and fell even as she splintered into million tiny bits.

As she floated down like a feather, Arnav gathered her in his arms marvelling as before about how sensitive Khushi was to his touch. He could wait no longer.

Ridding himself of his jeans he moved her legs apart with his knees and thrust into her moist entrance in one swift motion. Khushi cried out in pain and Arnav stilled for a brief moment. Then taking her lips in a soothing kiss he moved in again more gently, feeling her relax in his arms gradually.

Using utmost control Arnav continued to thrust into her slowly but surely. Soon, she moved up to meet his demand as the initial pain turning into pleasure and Arnav felt his control slipping, his pace increasing with each thrust.

 At last they were moving together in a frantic tandem to the age old rhythm and Khushi began to feel the heat building again until she exploded just as she had done before. 

With one final thrust Arnav also joined her this time and they both floated together in oblivion. 

As the two lovers fell into a deep slumber, sated, the harvest moon shone on high and bright in the dark sky standing as a silent witness to something that had started years ago on a night similar to this one.

I feel motivated to write more when I hear from you so do comment and feel free to give me your feedback.

You can also read this story here Arhi journeys

My previous works:

Arhi: Charlotte'sArhi Journeys