Chapter 16

ARNAV woke up to the smell of parathas and wondered if Daler was back to work already. It couldn't be as there were couple of days of the festivities left. 

The events of the previous night came flooding back to his mind and he stretched his hand seeking, only to find the bed next to him was empty. He freshened up and walked to the living room to see Khushi standing in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She looked breathtakingly beautiful. And she was his.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked her as he approached her.

"Good morning to you too Arnavji," Khushi smiled radiantly. Her hair was still damp from the shower. "I am making breakfast " food is not going to cook itself you see."

"Being sassy, are we?" He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned in to place his lips on her neck. 

"Arnavji stop it!" Khushi admonished him and elbowed him on the ribs. "There is a hot pan in front of me. Let go of me " I am almost done."

Arnav continued nibbling on her neck. "I have something hot in front of me as well." He said huskily. "Do you see me complaining?" His hands slipped up to capture her breast.

As she felt his hard body behind her, she began to feel week in the knees. "Done!" she said breathlessly. "Are you hungry?" She switched off the stove and turned around.

"Sure." He leaned in to capture her lips. 

She placed her hands on his bare chest and pushed him back. "Do you know what time it is ?" She gasped.

"I don't care!" He swept her in his arms and walked toward the bedroom.

"Arnavji " Have you forgotten that you need to get to the fields to meet Anshul Nigam? The drones are going to be installed today, aren't they?"

He laid her on the bed. "The drones can wait."

"You said every day was important during the sowing season." She repeated the words he had told her just a few days ago.

"Do you believe everything I say?" His eyes twinkled with mischief.  "I have to let you in on one secret." He said, "In the days following our marriage I was a little " frustrated." He admitted. "To be sleeping next to you and not being able to touch you, was taking a toll on me.

Khushi's heart fluttered to hear those words from Arnav.

"I might have taken it out on the workers." He said looking contrite. "They might appreciate the off today." He grinned.

Khushi blushed a deep red as she realised he was planning to skip work.

"Khushi I need to ask you something." His caramel brown eyes were rife with concern. "Are you okay?"

"What?" Khushi's eyebrows twisted with confusion.

"Last night " I didn't realise "until it was too late," he said, "did I hurt you?"

"Oh!" Realisation dawned on Khushi, "I get it." She said, "You didn't expect it " me being brought up in Canada and all."

"Well," Arnav paused, "I wouldn't be surprised "- the culture there is different and I am sure you were pursued " a lot."

"That's true " " She acceded with a nod, ""but we didn't belong to that culture. Mom and dad would have been disappointed in us if we broke the rules and Payal would never cross the line."

"You didn't either." He pointed out.

A mischievous gleam entered her eyes. "Yes but that's because none of the guys there caught my interest."

He leaned in, feeling oddly delighted. "So I interest you, do I?"

"Very much." Khushi pulled him to herself, "And I am absolutely fine." He pressed her lips to his.

**

A few days later, Arnav sat in the garden of the Riazada house, his eyes closed.

"How do you feel?" Manav approached him and sat next to him on the bench.

"At peace." That is exactly what he felt after the Shraddh ceremony had finished. He had sincerely prayed for his parents' souls " especially for his mother.

Khushi had been a pillar of strength to not only him, but also to his sister and grandmother. She had taken care of all the arrangements efficiently and had sat by him silently offering her unconditional support.

"I am glad you decided to do the ceremony Arnav," Manav smiled at his best friend, "Nani is so happy."

Arnav nodded. "Thanks Manav," Arnav said something he had never ever said before."

"What for ?" 

"For being my friend " my brother " through thick and thin," Arnav held his shoulder in affection, "If I had any semblance of sanity left since I came here from Delhi, it is because you were there to hold me." He reminisced. "I am sure Di agrees."

Manav stood up and walked a little distance, fidgeting a little. "Arnav I have to tell you something "" He fell silent without knowing how to start.

"I know you proposed to Di." Arnav leaned back a little and saw that Manav was a little red in the face. "Di told me " but then I knew even before that."

"You did?" Manav's eyes went wide.

"Of course I knew " I am your best friend." Arnav decided to be forthright with him. "Most of the girls in college irritated you, but you used to have long conversations with Di whenever we met. 

"Just before her wedding you took up a job in the US. You came back when she was going through her divorce, took over your dad's business and gave her a job."

Arnav paused. "Did you think all this would look like coincidence?" He said, "I can do the math buddy. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

Manav's face fell and he looked away. "I am sorry Arnav. I don't know what to say " I"

Arnav walked up to him and turned him around. "You don't have to be sorry. I am happy you finally took the step."

Manav was visibly relieved. "You mean that?"

Arnav nodded. "I can't imagine a better partner for my sister than you." The two friends embraced.

"Arnav, what did Anjali tell you?" Manav asked tentatively. Anjali still hadn't replied to him but Aranv's words had given him hope.

"I think she will tell you herself," Arnav said pointing behind Manav as Anjali approached.

**

A few nights later, Khushi sat in Anjali's room in her Jalandhar residence. Anjali held a saree on herself and stood in front of the mirror. It was a lavender coloured chiffon saree with blue and green threadwork embellished on them.

"This saree is beautiful Di!" Khushi said emphatically, "I wish you would consider wearing the orange one though."

"I think I will stick to the lavender one for now," She looked sombre. "I don't know why I bought the other one. I don't think the colour will suit me at this age." she said sceptically. "That saree was made for someone like you."

"Oh please Di!" Khushi rubbished her words, "I am sure Manavji will have a different opinion." 

"I have a confession to make Khushi "  " She said tentatively, "For a while " I thought Manav was interested in you."

"Me?" Khushi was taken aback, "whatever gave you that idea?"

"Why not?" Anjali countered, "have you looked at yourself ? You are gorgeous. If Arnav could be attracted to you the moment he saw you " why not Manav?"

"There is something you should know," Khushi smiled at Anjali. "From the moment I met you both, in this very house, it was hard to miss the connection between you and Manavji." How could she explain to her that Arnav had already occupied her mind in those days and it was impossible to look at anyone else? "It's quiet obvious."

Anjali continued. "Arnav and your marriage took place in such a hurry that it was difficult to figure out what was happening. You didn't look happy after marriage "" Anjali said, "Neither did Arnav. What was I supposed to think? 

"You and Manav seemed so close " I saw you both talking in the garden one time and when I was in Delhi I had called home " Mami told me you both had lunch together. I had never felt such jealousy in my entire life."

"He missed you badly when you were in Delhi."

"Then when Manav came to Delhi and told me about the letter " I was so angry that you had left me out. He yelled at me for the first time and I just wanted to cry.

"I am sorry Di!" Khushi said in dismay.

"No no. Don't be sorry Khushi," Anjali said in a rush. "If not for you "- I might never have felt the need to acknowledge my feelings for Manav.

"When I was doing my Masters in Delhi " Arnav and Manav used to visit me at the hostel. Sometimes Manav would come even if Arnav couldn't make it. I used to have a such a good time in his company you know. We would discuss philosophy, art, culture and various other topics under the sun. I knew he was a little sweet on me at the time but I didn't take it seriously. After all, he was my younger brother's friend " almost like my brother as well. 

"I was dating my ex-husband around the time and around the end of my second year, he proposed and I accepted. Manav stopped talking to me " he didn't even attend my wedding.

"In hindsight, I realise that I made a mistake in accepting the proposal from my ex-husband "" She walked up to the window and looked outside into the darkness. Khushi waited silently,  hoping Anjali would say more about this mysterious person who was her ex-husband. "Anyway I don't want to get into that.

"After the divorce, Manav helped me come back to my original self. I had slowly started to develop feelings for him but I was afraid to get into another relationship. More importantly, I didn't want to jeopardise our friendship.

"That day " when he told me he loved me, I just wanted to say yes right away but I didn't"I couldn't." She said.

"But I am glad you said yes Di."

 "I don't know if I am doing the right thing Khushi."

"Of course you are doing the right thing!" Khushi exclaimed, "You deserve all the happiness in the world!" Khushi took Anjali in her arms.

"This looks like a scene from my TV show," Naniji walked into the room. "What's going on?"

"I don't know what Manav's mom will think about me," Anjali lamented, "She loves me " as her best friend's daughter. But will she accept me as her daughter-in-law ?" Anjali said anxiously. 

"Stop worrying so much Anjali bitiya," Naniji touched her granddaughter's cheek affectionately, "They are lucky to have you as their daughter-in-law. You are beautiful inside and out.

"Now have a good nights sleep so you can look fresh for your engagement tomorrow."

"But "" 

"No buts Di "" Khushi jumped in "" just remember that Manavji loves you."

The doubts cleared from Anjali's face and she smiled. "I love him too."

Later that night, Khushi sat in her old bedroom in Anjali's house talking to her mother. Her grandfather's operation had been successful and the doctors were hopeful that he would do well.

"Khushi, I think you should come and visit your grandfather sometime soon," Garima said solemnly. "He is alright now but he is old and you never know."

Her mom had told her something she had been thinking about herself. "You are right Amma " I will book my tickets soon."

"There is another thing," She said. "He will have to return back to India the moment he is fit to travel," she continued, "it is terribly expensive here."

That was another thing Khushi had wanted to discuss with her mother. "Amma, I couldn't find any of Nanaji's insurance papers here," she told her, "I think he didn't have any. Is chachaji bearing all the expenses?"

"We didn't have to worry about he expenses at all," her mother informed her, "Akash beta handled everything."

As she hung up the phone, she knew that it was Arnav who had "handled" all the expenses. She walked to the balcony to find Arnav working on his laptop seated on a sofa. The balcony was dimly illuminated by an overhead light.

"You finally found some time for your husband ?" He said looking up from the screen.

"As though you were pining away for me," She retorted, "You are sitting there with your girlfriend on your lap."

He raised his eyebrow."Alright "" He smirked. He put his Mac on the floor next to the sofa and pulled Khushi onto his lap. "Happy?"

"Don't let me come in your way!" Khushi exclaimed in mock anger. "You can continue with your all important work." Khushi made an attempt to get off his lap.

Arnav tightened his hold on her. "Hold on there kitty cat!" His eyes simmered as he looked into her hazel ones. "Looks like it is the right time for this." He handed her gift bag.

"What is this?" Khushi raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"I have heard that some husbands gift their wives on the first night." He said huskily, "But since I have been subjected to a "surprise" first night ""

"Oh God!" Khushi went red in the face.

"On our actual first night you locked me out of my own room. And then when I least expected it "- you jumped me in the middle of the fields."

"Arnavji!" Khushi slapped his arm, "don't talk like that." 

"I don't know Khushi," he rubbed his arm feigning pain, "it's kind of an unforgettable moment."

Khushi took out the item from the gift bag and opened the lid of the jewellery box. Her eyes went wide. It was a solitaire earring and pendant set that matched the ring on her finger. 

"You found a matching set!" Khushi said emphatically delighted beyond words.

"No " these were made to order " along with the ring."

"Oh." Khushi was a loss for words. "It's beautiful!" 

"Let me put it on." He took the box from her hands and clasped the earrings on her ear.

The feathery touch of his fingers on her ear increased her heart beat.

Next, he turned her around, her back to his front and fastened the thin chain holding the pendant around her neck.

He kissed the back of her neck, tracing his way to her nape and heat began to suffuse her body. "You are wearing your old night suit again." His hands slipped into her t-shirt and with one flick he unclasped her bra and captured her breasts.

"Arnavji!" Tiny darts of fire began to course through her veins and she covered his hands with her own in an attempt to pry them away. "Someone might see us." She protested. "This is not Batala."

"It's alright Khushi." He whispered in her ear. "It's pretty dark here and you are still dressed." As he began to knead her breast and roll the erect buds between his fingers, liquid heat began to pool deep in the pit of her stomach. 

"Di and Nani haven't slept yet "" She breathed. 

"Is that right?" Arnav took the delicate skin on her nape and sucked on it. "Then you will have to keep it quiet," He bit into her softly. 

"Arnavji!" She jumped as a jolt went right down to her core. "Stop it!"

"Don't say this things you don't mean." He laved the skin with his tongue. "Stop squirming " it hurts." 

Khushi froze when she felt his arousal throbbing against her. "Let's go inside " please." She begged.

"Later"" He moved so that his back rested on the arm of the sofa, placing one leg against the backrest, with Khushi nestled between his legs."But first"" Without warning, he slipped one hand into the waistband of her capris pajamas, his fingers seeking her moist centre.

"Oh!" Khushi had no control over her thoughts anymore as she threw her head over his shoulder and leaned back against his hard chest even as one of her legs slid down to rest on the floor.

The following evening Anjali and Manav exchanged rings in a private ceremony in Manav's house in the presence of elders. Next, the couple took blessings from Manav's parents and Naniji.

After dinner Anjali stepped out into the balcony for some fresh and in a little while Arnav joined her.

"I am so happy for you Di." He said.

"I am happy Mama and Mami are visiting Akash," Anjali said, "I would be a little uncomfortable in Mami's presence. She is so judgemental."

"She is going to find out soon enough," Arnav said, "You will have to call Akash and let him know. He is going to be upset if you don't tell him."

"I will call him tonight."

"Arnav," Anjali said tentatively, "I don't know if this was a good idea. I am a little scared."

"Di " just remember one thing," Arnav said holding a hand to her cheek. "I am your brother and I will always protect you. If Manav ever hurts you ""

"That's not what I am worried about Arnav," Anjali's eyes filled with tears. "What " what if he tries something ""

Arnav's eyes turned dark. "That chapter is over and done with Di," Arnav dismissed her fears, "Shyam is out of your life forever." Arnav wiped the stray tear that tricked down one cheek. "It's time you forget the past and move on. Manav is a good guy."

"I know." Anjali nodded. "I know I am lucky to have Manav in my life."

"He is luckier." Arnav said firmly, taking his sister in his arms.

A few days later, Arnav walked into the bedroom just having returned from Batala after overseeing the last of the sowing for the season. As he freshened up and stepped out of the bathroom he wondered where Khushi was. She wasn't even in Nani's room when he had gone to meet her. 

Her purse and cellphone were kept on the night stand on something that looked like a legal document. As he picked up it and read through it, his anger rose. She had transferred the deed of her plot to his name. He walked to the french doors and stepped out into the pool side area and saw her wading in the pool, fully clothed.

She wore a peach coloured cotton top which stuck to her body like second skin. God he had missed her like hell but he needed to know something first.

"Khushi I need to talk to you! " He said coming to the edge of the pool. "Get out of the pool."

Khushi turned around to him to see him with his hands on his hips. "Oh you are back "" She wasn't happy when he had left her behind telling her the work was going to be gruelling and he needed to channel all his energies without any distraction. "Did everything go well?" 

"I said get out of the damn pool!" He barked.

"No!" She hit back. "I am trying to find my diamond earring which fell into the pool a little while ago." 

"Why the hell did you transfer the plot to  me?," he repeated, his voice louder.

She had forgotten to hide the document which she meant to give him later.

"What the f@#$!" His anger rose when she ignored his question. "I don't want the goddamn plot " it belongs to you!"

"Not anymore." She dipped her face in the water and came up gasping.

"Khushi!" He exclaimed angrily. "What did you do that for?" 

Her eyes flashed at him. "Firstly " that plot wasn't really mine Arnavji. My grandfather gave it to me. Secondly, it wasn't his either. It was your grandfather's."

"Khushi " you can't make such impulsive decisions!" He said in exasperation. "Things don't work that way."

"Now that you have helped pay all his medial expenses it is only fair to give the plot back to you." She continued to look into the water. "Forget about all that and come help me find my earring."

"Alright then" since we seem to be keeping scores " what will I get if I find your ring?"

"Anything you ask for." She retorted.

He quickly took off his trousers and kurta and jumped into the pool. He walked up to her. "You should be careful when you say something like that." He warned her.

"I am not afraid." 

"Is that right?" He raised hie eyebrow. "You are not likely to find it walking like this." He mocked. "The only way to find the earring is if you swim to the bottom."

"Hey! I was swimming champion in my school in Canada!"

"Doesn't look like it." He challenged.

Khushi took off her leggings and kurta top and threw the wet garments not the stone floor. His eyes moved down to see that half her nipples were visible through the wet lace. Before he could get to her, she divided in like a fish and swam away from him. 

She surfaced a little later. "I can't see in the water without my goggles." She said breathing hard.

"It's my turn." He swam under the water and Khushi began to panic when he didn't surface for a while. Suddenly he surfaced just in front of her and pulled her to himself with one arm. With his other hand he held up her earring and watched as she clasped it on her ear. "Now for my prize." He whispered.

Khushi brushed her hands up his strong arms and took  his mouth in her soft ones, sliding her tongue inside his mouth, the way she knew he liked. 

He pushed her against the wall of the pool and slipped his finger into her panties and cupped her round bottom. Then he slipped her lacy panties down her hips.

"What are you doing?" She whispered breathlessly.

"Shhh," he said as he wrapped his hands around her small waist and lifted her onto the stone floor. He moved between her legs to lean forward and close his mouth over one rosy bud right through the lace.

"Arnavji!" She squeaked clutching at his shoulder as warmth invaded her body.

"You said you weren't afraid." He undid her bra and peeled it off her.

As darkness set in, the underwater lights switched on automatically and he moved his attention to her other breast.

Helplessly, she threw her head back, gripping the edge.

When he stepped back Khushi's eyes opened to see his brown eyes simmering as he pushed her back to lie down on the stone floor.

When she felt the softness of his tongue on her most intimate part, she tried to sit up. "Arnav "" 

"Relax Khushi." He whispered as he placed a hand on her stomach to hold her.

Each stroke of his tongue was an ecstasy and an unimaginable pleasure enveloped her entire body as it tingled from head to toe.  As he increased his pace, she began to whimper, quivering with sensation. As he continued his ministrations, he thrust two fingers into her and pushed upward. The sensation of pleasure she experienced at  that precise moment was something out of the world and she climaxed like never before. 

As she held out her arms seeking the warmth of his embrace, Arnav hauled himself out of the pool and swept her up in his arms and Khushi wrapped her arms around his neck, shivering uncontrollably as she held on to him tightly.

He carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed. Disposing off his only garment he joined her on the bed. He began an exploration of her body from her feet, her legs, slowing making his way up.

As memories of the pool side assailed her, she closed her eyes pressing her cheek against the pillow and desire engulfed her in its throes. 

Gazing at him though half closed eyes she grasped his shoulders and tried to pull her to him. She wanted him to feel as loved and desirable as he had made her feel when he had covered her body with kisses.

She loved him so much and she had the strongest urge to tell him. "Arnav ?"

"Shhh "" He covered her body with his, one knee parting her legs even more. He pinned her wrists above her head and brushed his nose against hers. "I can't wait any longer." He murmured and kissed her deeply.

Knowing she was ready for him he entered her slowly and gently at first. 

Khushi closed her eyes and moaned again, arching against him.

As he began to thrust, a slow tingling sensation built inside her. She tugged at his hands so she could touch him and he released her hands to brace them on either side of her head even as he increased his motion.

She brushed her hands across his strong chest and shoulders. She scraped her nails down his back, marvelling at how his muscles flexed as he moved. 

As he continued to thrust, Khushi cried out, her fingers digging into his muscles as she was gripped with waves and waves of pleasure.

Arnav remained still until her frenzy settled down and then he began pushing again. Soon with one final hard thrust he reached the same peak she had moments earlier.

For several moments they lay there with their legs entwined, their breathing and heartbeat returning to normal.

His arm was still around her and she placed a hand on his chest and she looked at his face calm and relaxed. As she continued to watch him, his breathing became even and deep.

From the time she had discovered that she was adopted " thanks to Buaji's cruel outburst one day, she had become self conscious about not truly belonging. Even having discovered the truth about her parents hadn't given her any respite. 

But her relationship with Arnav was different. From the moment she had met him in the garden eight years ago she had felt a connection. Since fate had brought them together again, it was meant to be. She belonged to him " mind, body and soul. And he belonged to her. The past was to be left behind for a new beginning. 

Overwhelmed with feeling she whispered the words that was always stifled deep in her heart.

"I love you Arnavji." She said softly as she snuggled into his neck and succumbed to slumber.