Part 7
"Keep little space between your legs, Kusi. ... Now move your left leg and keep it aligned to the right one... Now move your left leg in front... in front of my right one. ... Now right one in front of my left one. . and now move the left one and keep it beside your right leg. ..." Arnav smiled as she did all the steps perfectly. .. " Very Good, Kusi. ..You are very intelligent and a quick learner. ..." Arnav praised, meaning his every word.
Khushi grinned at the compliment. "Thank you. ." She stepped back and bowed down, giggling. Everything was so new, exciting, funny.
Arnav chuckled. "Let's practice once again and then call it a day. ." Taking her left hand, he kept it on his shoulder, the right one in his hand. Sliding his right hand around her waist, he pulled her close again. "Start"
Khushi straightened her back, head held high, and moved with her husband in a perfect waltz. Just the way he was teaching her from days.
"Perfect" ... Arnav stepped back and bowing down, he kissed the back of her palm.
Khushi grinned again. "Now magic, please?"
Arnav laughed loudly, throwing his head back. He looked at her smiling face, like an eager child, waiting for her candy after finishing her task. "With pleasure" Sliding his hand again around her waist, he brought her close and stared in her innocent and beaming eyes. Kiss has become like a candy for her. And she shows no hesitations or shyness when she asks for a kiss. Believing his every word, she accepts that kissing is something husband and wife do to show their affection for each other, and there's nothing wrong in asking for a kiss-- or magic as she calls it. And he likes that she yearns and asks for her "magic", and not shy away. And he is more than glad to give this child her candy.
Smiling, he leaned down and touched her lips with his, and all the other thoughts fled, now all absorbed in the sweet little mouth pressed against his. His arms wrapped around her tiny waist and he lifted her off the ground, molding her sweetly curved body against his. He took her lower lips between his teeth, devouring it like his favorite desert-- which it had become. Now his mind far from being rational"Just like every time his lips touches hers. Her soft and warm hands holding him by his neck - on his bare skin, burning him in a sweet fire. A fire he was willing to burn in. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth, tasting every corner of her mouth -- and feeling heaven. Her soft breasts pressed against his chest, the feel of it making him moan in her mouth. And instantly he knew he needs to leave her and step back, or else, the scorching desire will possess him soon , detaching him from all his self-control. Slowly, he kept her on her feet, his hands shifting from her waist to her arms. Slowing down the kiss, he left soft lingering pecks on her lips. Her hands were still wrapped around his neck, unsatisfied, and so was he. But the difference was he knows how to satisfy the fire they were burning in, and she was the innocent one --- not knowing what the the flaring passion between them was.
He moved back, breathing hard. Her hands were still pulling him to her, but he held firm. He don't want the thin thread of his control to snap.
"Kusi ...?" He cupped her face between his warm and slightly trembling palm.
Khushi opened her drugged eyes to look into his dark green one. "I...I..."
"Shh..." Pulling her close, he kissed her hair. "You need to sleep, we have a big day tomorrow ..."
"I want..." She began softly.
"What do you want?" Arnav asked, willing to give her anything she wants.
"I...I want ...I want to wear gown .."
Arnav pulled back and looked at her face. "What?... You want to wear a gown in tomorrow's party?"
Khushi nodded her head.
"You don't want me to?" Khushi lifted her eyes to look at him.
"No.." he shook his head. "I mean whatever you want ... I just thought that you will be more comfortable in the dresses you wear... But if you want to wear a gown, its fine with me..."
Khushi smiled. "Thank you ... Just like Maria Jiji's ..please?"
Arnav chuckled. "Just like your Maria Jiji's ... " he promised.
And next day evening as he stood in front of his Duchess, clad in black breeches, white shirt and a coat on, all ready for the party, he forgot to breath. Wearing a pink silk gown adorned with pearls and precious stones, she looked like an angel. Her cloudy hair was held in a tight bun, few curls coming out and dancing on her cheek. With his heart sighing at the beautiful alluring thing in front of him, he walked towards her.
"How am I looking?" Khushi asked, the sweet smile on her face enhancing her beauty.
"Beautiful ...like an angel..." he took her delicate gloves clad hand in his. "Pure and innocent like a ..." He stared at her beautiful face, searching for a proper word to describe her beauty and innocence. His eyes rested on the simple pearl necklace adorning her neck. "Like a pearl ..."
"Thank you ..." Khushi smiled.
"Shall we go?" Arnav asked, his eyes fixed on her.
"Yes.." she grinned, too excited.
But the excitement died down as soon as she descended the stairs to see thousands of colorful people buzzing around. Her hold on her husband's arm tightened as everyone's eyes rested on her.
Arnav kept his hand on hers. "It's OK, sweetheart ... they are just looking at their Duchess.. .. Don't get scared.."
Khushi nodded her head, nervous. But the nervousness soon left her body as she started meeting and knowing the people there. To her the people were warm and welcoming, treating her like one of them, and not some outsider. The feel of acceptance was nice, overwhelming her.
"Kusi, dance?" Khushi averted her eyes from the people dancing in the hall, presenting a beautiful view, to her husband beside her. She nodded her head and kept her hand in his waiting one.
Arnav led her to the dance floor. "You remember everything, don't you?"
Khushi nodded her head. "Yes Yes, I do... I am very intelligent, you told me yesterday ..."
Arnav chuckled."That you are, Pearl." Keeping her left hand on his shoulder, he wrapped his hand around her petite waist and pulled her close. And then they moved in perfect waltz, presenting a perfect picture of grace and elegance for everyone present in the hall.
"Jiji, " Khushi stood in front of her Maria Jiji after few hours. Pouting, she went and hugged her Jiji. " I ... I miss you. "Keeping her head on her bosom, she held her tight.
" Awww.. I am sorry for leaving you alone, baby ... You missed me? ..Awww... I am so sorry. .. You see I have never been missed by anyone, so it's kind of overwhelming , thank you so much for missing me, honey. .. "
"Jiji, my stomach. .."
"Ohhh...what happened to my baby's stomach? Is it paining? Tell me " Maria pulled away from the hug.
Akash rolled his eyes and catching Khushi' s wrist, he pulled her beside him.
" Stop it, will you, Mother hen? If you were so worried about her, you shouldn't have given her wine and left her alone "
" Wine? So what? It was just a glass of wine... and I left her just few minutes ago, Akesh"
" It is "just" a wine for us, not for her, do you get me? ... She has never taken such beverages before ... Its muddling with her senses now.."
" Ohhh. ..I am so so sorry Akesh... I didn't knew"
"Forget it, I am taking her in the garden, when Arnav Bhai will be done talking with his nobles, tell him to come there OK?
"OK" Maria nodded her head.
"Akash Bhaiya... You know magic? " Khushi asked as they entered the garden.
"What?"
"Magic" Khushi sat on the grass, pulling her Akash Bhaiya with her.
Akash looked at her confused. "Magic?"
"Yes. .magic. ..wooop" Khushi took a big gulp of air. " Whooosh" and let it out." Magic! . .He does magic and all the oxygen. ..no...not oxygen. ..carbon. .carbon. ..carbon what , Akash bhaiya?" coiling her hand around his arm, she rested her head on his shoulder.
Akash chuckled lightly. "Carbon dioxide"
" Yes.. Carbon dioxide. ..he does magic and .." she hiccuped. " and all carbon dioxide leaves my body in a whoosh ... Whooosh"
Akash laughed. "Bhai does magic? "
"Yes, he does, bhaiya... Hum jhoot nahi bol rahe hain. .. But " She nodded her head as if understanding something. Lifting her hand, she caressed his shoulder. " How will you know? He told only husband and wife do magic. ..you are not married" She pouted, and then beamed suddenly. "Don't worry. ..once you marry Maria Jiji, you will know. ... " Her beaming eyes suddenly dimmed. " Par. . .par hume toh nahi pata chala what is magic till . .till he taught me. ." Khushi moved back, her eyes narrowing at his bhaiya. " Don't lie.. ..you know magic. ..husbands know magic. .. " Khushi accused him of lying.
It was slowly dawning on Akash what magic his sister-in-law was talking about. Resting his palm flat on grass, he laughed, throwing his head back.
"OK...so all the carbon dioxide leaves your body when he does magic? " Akash asked, trying hard to control his mirth.
Khushi again sagged against his shoulder and nodded her head. " Yes. .."
"Hmm...very very delicate situation I must say" He tried hard to keep a serious face.
Khushi yawned, humming softly.
After knowing from Maria that Akash and Kusi are waiting for him in the garden, he started towards the garden. He was about to cross the garden's threshold when he felt someone beside him.
"May I join you, my lord?"
Arnav gritted his teeth. Jennifer was like a deadly disease , once it catches you, it's very hard to get rid of it. " Will you stop...if I say no?"
"No" she replied nonchalantly. " I came late to the party... And didn't get to see my Duchess " She lifted her eyes to look at Arnav. " And I would like to see the lady who keeps our Duke occupied all the time. So much that he needs to reschedule his meetings with his nobles."
Arnav moved forward, not caring to reply her. The only way to stop her is to pick her and dump her out of his palace, which he knows he can't afford to do without creating a scene. And ruining this beautiful evening was the last thing he wanted.
His steps quickened as he spotted his wife and his brother, but stopped dead in his track as he heard Jennifer.
"No wonder she keeps you wrapped around her little finger."
Arnav turned to look at her, his light green eyes a shade darker. "What do you mean?"
" I mean look at her. " she gestured towards the laughing and talking duo. " She surely knows how to bewitch men... I have never seen Akash enjoying anyone's company so much, not even Jennifer's ... Look at the way she is leaning on him... I will not be surprised if she is enjoying both the. ..." All the remaining words died in her throat as a hard palm covered her throat.
" I always knew you are a vicious woman...but I was wrong. ... You are nothing but a sad excuse for a woman... Akash treats her like his child FOR GODSAKE! " He left her throat with a jerk, his nerves throbbing in rage
Jennifer stumbled back, her eyes burning with humiliation, but still fixed at him.
" I want you to leave this place. Right. Now. Jennifer. " His voice dangerously low, warning her to defy him.
Jennifer roughly wiped the tear that rolled down her cheek, turned and left the place.
" Kusi"
Khushi opened her eyes wide. " Woh aa gaye" She stood up in a hurry and turned to look at her husband.
"Aap aa gaye?" Walking towards him, she caught hold of his arm. "I missed you..."
Akash rolled his eyes and stood up. " You seem to miss everyone "
Khushi pouted, her half open eyes looking at her brother- in- law. She lifted her index finger at him. "I miss you too. .."
Akash chuckled. "Oh...I feel honored" Akash quipped.
"What is happening here, Akash? And Kusi. ..what happened to you?" Arnav tilted his head to his left to see his wife , who was hanging on his arm.
"Your wife is drunk, Arnav bhai. .with just a glass of wine. ." Akash bit his lips to stop the chuckle.
"What?!" Arnav looked down to see his wife taking hold of his cloak and covering her face.
"Search me!"
And unable to keep the bubbling mirth inside him anymore, Akash burst out laughing.
Khushi peeked out. ." No..no laughing loud. . bad manners, Akash bhaiya. .."
"Kusi? ...look up at me" Arnav removed his cloak from her face, his voice soft but demanding.
Khushi looked up, her eyes blinking rapidly.
" How are you feeling?"
" Feel. .feel. .like flying. . " Khushi giggled.
Arnav shook his head and looked at his brother. " Akash , I had asked you to take care of her.. "
" I am sorry, Bhai. ..I left her with Maria for few minutes and that idiot gave Khushi, wine. .. I am sorry "
"I am taking her to her room, you take care of the guest. ..tell them I am not feeling well " Arnav turned but the loss of her hold on his arms made him stop. He again turned to see her walking towards Akash and stand in front of him.
"Akash bhaiya. ..I...I don't want to leave you alone. ... sorry. ."
Akash smiled and took her hand in his ." It's fine ..I will be back in the party, and not be alone..."
" Sacch?"
"Saach"
"OK..Bye ..." Khushi waved her hand.
"Bye .." Akash waved back and saw them leaving.
Arnav dislodged her hold from his arm when they reached her room. "Kusi, you go inside, I will be right back."
Khushi nodded her head and entered her room.
Arnav entered her room after getting rid of his cloak and coat, now just in his knee breeches and a thin full sleeved shirt.
Khushi sat in front of her dressing table and held her doll in her hand. " Kusi, what happened? Tell me, sweetheart. ... Are you in pain? ... Talk to me, darling "
Arnav leaned against the wall and smiled as he saw her imitating him.
"What's going on, Kusi?" Arnav intervened.
Khushi picked the other doll and brought the two dolls close to each other, making their lips touch. " They are doing magic, they are husband and wife. I got them married. . .. two years back... "
Smiling, he shook his head and walked behind her chair. " May I?" he touched the beautifully draped silk ribbon around her bun.
"Yes please " she replied, her shoulder slumping down, suddenly feeling all tired.
Untying the ribbon from her hair, he let her long dark hair fall down over her shoulder. Catching her hand, he pulled her off the chair. " Time to change your cloth," Keeping the dressing gown on the chair which he had brought with him, he removed her gloves and untied her bodice, making her take a sigh of relief.
"So tight it was.." she sagged against him chest
"I know.." Arnav said and pulled her away. "Hands up" and in a swift movement, he pulled her heavy gown over head, leaving her in her petticoats and a white silk chemise. Untying the two out of the three petticoats she was wearing, he picked the dressing gown from the chair and made her wear.
"Now time to sleep ..." Picking her in his arms, he walked towards the bed. Laying her down on the bed carefully, he was about to move away, but was stopped by the hold on his shirt's collar.
"Magic , ...please?"
Smiling softly, he cupped her face and pecked her lips. "Later, Kusi ...now go to sleep .." He again tried to move back, but the hold on his collar tightened more. "Kusi ..." he tried to loosen her hold.
"No... Magic ... now"
Sighing, he sat on the bed and leaned over her. Staring at her sweet and innocent face for few seconds, he placed his lips on hers, making her hand move from his collar to his neck. Giving her a sweet, long kiss, he moved back. "Enough magic? He asked, his thumb caressing her cheek. "Now go to sleep ..."
"No .." she whined, her eyes close, whole body burning in an unexplored, dark, hidden desire. There was some thirst growing in the pit of her stomach, she wanted to dampen it. "More ...I want more ..."
Arnav rested his forehead against hers, very well understanding what her "more" meant. "No, Kusi ... I can't give you more now ... not until you are prepared for it .." he whispered against her lips, and saw a tear slip from the corner of her eyes, the unknown need frustrating her, making her emotional. Moving back, he unbuttoned his shirt and laid down beside her. Pulling her small body on his chest, he kept her hand on his bare chest, hoping that his naked, warm flesh can help quench the need in her.
Khushi , without much ado, snuggled on his chest, her hand twining around his waist, and nesting her face in the crook of his neck.
Arnav rested his chin on her hair and held her close. Her murmuring have stopped now, but what about the aching desire pulsing through his every vein that her close proximity was escalating. He moved little back and tilted his head down, touching her soft lips with his. He kissed her tenderly, slowly, trying to buy some amenity for his throbbing desire.
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