OS - Dupatta, Part XIV, posted on 1/11 - Page 2

he never asked till now, whom this house belongs to…yes many in the locality there were many rich people and in Delhi people liked to keep themselves to themselves, Anjali was not sure how would Dev take her brother's possessive attitude …
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Khushi woke with a jolt, the room was dark, street lights filtering through the curtains, Khushi put her hand out next to her just to ensure, though she knew it but wanted to be sure, he was not there!! Once again missing tonight. From her past experiences working in the house as Lavanya's coach, Khushi knew at times ASR worked odd hours in his studio, the moto was not to disturb him, even Anjali avoided it though she was the one who could go in anytime unannounced, without a summon...Khushi sat up, it was a queer feeling to sleep alone, she was not used to it, when she came to bed she kept the light on, he must have entered the room like previous nights and switched it off…the first night about 3 days back, when Khushi realised he had not come to bed, she knew he was worried about his sister hence she did not disturb him but then this is 3rd day…Khushi lay down once again, trying to close her eyes she thought she should be happy for he was leaving her at peace when a thought struck her, what will Nani and others say? The studio lights must be on as he must be working….well what a good wife I am not disturbing my husband instead letting his creative juices flow but then this is India for everything wrong in the marriage the girls get blamed first…am I being a heartless wife? Khushi jumped out of the bed..atleast I need to show to be a good wife, taking care of him is my top priority, chalo dikhane ke liye hi sahi….nobody should say my parents have not raised me well…parivaar ka naam kharab nehi hona chahiye!! Khushi crept out of the room …
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Arnav sat back on the lounge chair, the detectives appointed by him are yet to give him proper findings..Dev Dutta was indeed a mysterious man, he lived alone in a decent size flat in one of the posh highrises not very far from this house with his dog Mojo, he had no servants, he did his own housekeeping, at times he left with his car and dog, away for days or returned at night….a non interfering person who liked to keep to himself….what he did and how he earned his living was not yet known and Arnav was hating it, he never liked such mysteries, whatever he might be, he liked to be straight and open, a lesson learnt early in life left him bitter, it is strange in spite of everything his sister has fallen for such a man, while he was against marriage always, Anjali never spoke about marriage, she cited her handicap as an excuse saying only would marry someone special, while Nani and Company spared her, he had no relief, the family should grow, you are a man etc etc…he was yet to see Dev Dutta in person and since his return the man somehow did not seem to drop Di upto the gates or have a glass of juice….Arnav's ears became alert, somebody was opening his studio door….
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The room was dark, except for a very low light clipped over the drawing board, Khushi looked towards the light and blinked he was not there, no man hovering over the board and sketching furiously...Khushi bit her lips, he is not here then where? At 3 in the morning where can a man go, Khushi's mind raced towards all possibilities and then she came to a conclusion that he is not happy with her and already hence already looking for greener pastures, what can you expect from a man like him, the man who does not believe is marriage, only live together for sex, tears flooded her eyes, she turned to leave, when suddenly she felt a pair of arms engulfing her...
Missing me? He growled into her ears...Khushi's voice got stuck in her throat...her cry became a squeak...
What Khushi Kumari Gupta is loss of words he mocked...
Aaap idhar ho? Khushi asked wondering how come she missed seeing him pouncing on her...
Toh kya soch ke ayi thi...he asked pressing himself against her, making her feel his want...
Just..just wanted to find out if you need anything...Khushi's cheeks became red, thank god it was dark she thought...
What does a man want from a woman in the middle of the night? He nuzzled his nose against her hair...
Khushi tried to release herself...I thought you must be working...
Oh yes I am working on you now...Arnav gave a low laughter...
Oh no!! Khushi protested...
Oh yes, Arnav mocked, is kamre me ghushne se pehle you should of thought about it...and anyway working with girls I know their 'No' is their yes!! He lifted Khushi up and marched towards their room...
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Nani observed the man sitting opposite her, appreciating and eating whatever was being offered to him...well mannered and polite but there was something in his personality which refrained you from crossing certain bounderies, getting too personal, Akash and his father talked about general subjects from politics to poverty, from scandals to share market...
Khushi came out with a plate of fruit salad from the kitchen...
Beta Khushi, go and see if Chhote has awaken, tell him Dev is having breakfast with us...
Khushi hesitated...
Naniji not to worry, I am sure we will meet each other sometime later...Anjali was telling me he works quite hard and at times through the night...Dev observed...
Yes Nani...last three nights he has not slept virtually working non stop….aaj use sone dijiye…Anjali looked cool, Nani smiled but then she wondered how come Anjali was not in a hurry to introduce her new friend to the person she is closest to on this earth….
Khushi remembered the night or lets say the early morning when Arnav unleashed his physical desire for her and then falling into deep slumber, she too was feeling very lethargic to get up but then she remembered she was the bahu of the house, her parents would be very upset to see her lying till late hours and not helping around in the house…..
Dev Dutta took leave, getting up he thanked everyone for the nice breakfast, whistling at Mojo his dog, he walked out with Anjali who saw him off….
Khushi Didi nehi Khushi Bhabi, Jaiprakash stammered, Arnav Bhai is up and wants to know if you are free to take his tea….
Khushi became flustered, Arnav wants her into their room and she did not want to become physical with him now, not when the whole house was up
Areh jaldi ja Khushi, every man specially when newly married loves it when his wife serves him his bed tea…Nani urged with a big smile…
Hello Hi bye bye but then Maaji your pota is not a normal man he is a phunny man
Phunny? Nani frowned….
Errr phunny nehi phunny nehi extra—keya kehte hai extra- ordinary man….Mami justified to glaring Nani….
As Khushi walked past carrying tea for Arnav, she could not agree more….
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Lying half on the bed, Arnav watched Khushi entering with his tea, three days of sleeplessness worrying about his sister and then when Khushi entered the studio, his desires overtook his worries and now still sleepy he hoped Khushi brought him a good strong cup of tea….
Aapki chai, she put in down next to the bed side table avoiding to look at him…picking up his clothes and taking out his towel etc indicating she was expecting him to have a bath before he steps out of the room…
Hmmm he took a sip….watching her looking fresh as a dewdrop, you get up quite early…..
Kya karu adaat hai, in my family never had the luxury of sleeping late…Buaji taang tor deti….
What is there for breakfast he asked instead, so with her he won't have the luxury of snuggling till late morning….
Breakfast? whatever you want, bana denge….waise Devji loved my paw bhaji I made for him just now, Khushi was now feeling quite safe, atleast he was not pouncing on her….
Devji…who the hell is Devji…? Arnav sat up….You mean Dev Dutta?
Yes and he had breakfast with us ….
AND NOBODY WOKE ME UP? How could you do it Khushi…..you know how desperate I am trying to get to know about him….I am present in the house and I AM BEING IGNORED THAT TOO BY MY SUPPOSED TO BE WIFE !! DAMN DAMN DAMN!!
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Anjali never had seen her brother so mad….Chhote, Naniji did say but then you have been working 3 nights continuously and I told her what is the hurry, it is not the last time Dev is having breakfast with us,kisi aur din mil lena….
Arnav was walking up and down the room….then call him over for breakfast tomorrow or still better today night for dinner….
Anjali hesitated…Chhote…dekho it is like this…I mean chhote take it easy…..I mean ….
Di …you told me you are attracted to the man, fine …lekin you know I don't want to get you hurt….
I know ….lekin to be truthful I do not know his phone no., mane we have not exchanged it yet….
Kya…..Arnav could not believe what he was hearing….
In this time and era…he muttered…..
Err lets say we are a bit old fashioned…Anjali smiled….
Old fashioned my foot….you are just 8 years older to me….ok tomorrow breakfast then….
Errr I am not sure he will accept my invitation specially when he already has had breakfast today….
Arnav flopped onto the seat next to his sister…..clenching and unclenching his jaws….
Chhote, Anjali touched his shoulders….
Di I have been trying to get information about this Dev Dutta for last three days, what is disturbing is he is a mysterious man, yes I do knowsome details like where he stays, which floor, flat no., but nothing beyond that, he is a loner with his dog….the mystery surrounding him is what I am not liking….
Chhote I am not contemplating marriage as yet….why are you getting hyper….I mean….
Arnav kept quiet for sometime and then said Di…I hope you have not forgotten our past….and that is why I hate mysteries and commitments….I did not even want to get married except Khushi acted impossible to get otherwise….aur tumne bhi mere saath nehi diya….but then I don't want happen the same thing to you what happened to our….
Nehi chhote nehi, aisa maath bol, why should our past happen once again, every person is different, children are different from their parents, no two sibling is same even….there is something called fate Chhote, something called destiny …..each person has difference destiny….

Just leave it as it is…A voice spoke from behind….Khushi looked up to see him standing….

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No no Sir, I will not do anything on her, she will not wear it on the ramp anyway I think…The tailor quickly replied, it was just an observation……

Arnav stood watching Khushi, who was frozen on the spot, from her feet to head, his eyes climbed studying her, resting briefly on her on her bosom, her lips and finally bore into her eyes, Khushi's eyes fluttered under the intense glance, she remembered the incident, her cheeks became red, with another smoldering glance, Arnav Singh Raizada turned and walked out of the room….

Bapre I thought he would strangle me any moment, Lavanya slumped down on the first available stool as he walked out….

And I thought he was going to devour your Chamkili on this very spot only we came in his way…Jazz observed to which most models nodded in agreement….

ASR aur Chamkili, what rub….Lavanya turned to look at Khushi, Khushi gave an embarrassed look and raised her hands, I told you Lavanyaji, aaj toh mai bach gayi , mujhe zindahi gar dete idharhi as he does not like me modeling his dresses, trying to hide her face from others reading Khushi turned ran towards the changing room….

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Arnav went back to his office, taking out the folder he opened the specific page and stared at his sketch, he smiled to himself, no he has not got it wrong, almost perfect measurements, he could have made the neck a bit more defined as the tailor was wanting but then it is Khushi, her modesty was something she guarded with her life, he recalled how a little while ago she was trying to cover her bosom with her dupatta when she saw him hovering over her….in age and time when girls were….

ASR, Akash entered with a brief knock, Arnav quickly closed the master folder and looked up…..

The rest of the rooms of Sheesh Mahal are now painted and remodeled as per latest needs, here is the latest photographs, Arnav handed over a CD alongwith a folder containing the photographs for you to design the linen and the upholstery….

Hmmm, what about the ones I had done already….

They are gone to the factory once ready we will place them in the rooms and take fresh photographs incase you will not be visiting Lucknow..

Ok since these rooms will be typical Indian design and not the Victorian ones we made earlier, get me some samples of cotton and linen fabrics too…a bit coarse ones for me to feel them before I design….

Sure Bhai, anything else? Akash asked in crisp voice….he knew ASR hated people loitering around himself, being a creative person he loved his solitude, once he has given his decision, he would not entertain anyone anymore….

That's it I think for now Akash, he replied picking up the folder to see the photographs….Akash turned the knob to go out of the room when he heard….

Errr Akash, can you get me a Dupatta please?

Dupatta? Akash was stunned to hear such a peculiar request…..

Hmmm a dupatta…….ASR was looking lost thinking something…..Akash knew no use of telling his cousin that he was in the hotel business of ASR Group of Companies and not in the dress designing department…..

What colour Dupatta do you need Bhai? Akash asked carefully….just incase ASR had made a mistake….

I don't need those designer stuff, you know the ones you get at the cheap road side hawkers….

You mean the ones like…like Khushiji wears…..Akash asked …..

ASR darted a glance towards the reception area which he could see from his office, as if he was searching for someone….yes he nodded….

Akash smiled and went out…..his brother acted weird at times but then creative people are weird….

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As Akash walked out of the chamber he stood sometime pondering over the funny request Arnav made, Arnav was aware that unlike him, Arnav had no clue about women clothing….he had done his hotel management and due to him, Arnav had decided to buy heritage properties and run them as hotels, he came down the stairs to go to his section in the office when he found Khushi hurrying past him, bye Akashji she wished as him darting a glance to see if ASR was in his chamber looking this side…..he was standing with his hands in his pockets and watching the reception…..Khushi did not waste anymore time, virtually ran out….

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Anjali stood in front of the mirror, she was wearing Arnav's latest design for her, inspite of her handicap she was her brother's favourite muse…some dresses are for show and some for wear, all my clients are not models so I have to cater to everybody's physic….Anjali smiled at the perfect fit, the cut had a touch of 70's fashion, trousers with a slight flair, the top too a bit longer than usual as Anjali did not like short tops, picking up her handbag she went towards her brother's studio to show it to him…

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Payal watched Khushi roaming about in the house a bit aimlessly, what is wrong with her, why is she not leaving for work for a couple of days now she has been not within herself. What is wrong and it is so unlike Khushi to keep quiet about something…..was she again in some sort of trouble, Payal watched the clock…she herself had to go out, Akash had a funny request, wanted her help. Somehow Payal was not ready to talk about it with Khushi yet, she knew Khushi had reservations about the Raizada family, she went to work there out of compulsion…..more Akash just needed her help, he did not say about anything else….

Kyre Khushi kya baath hai? Payal asked…..

Errr kuch nehi kuch nehi….

Kya kuch nehi, phir koi problem….

Ji..nehi nehi waisa kuch nehi, I think I will go now, picking up her bag she ran out….Payal shook her head…

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Anjali walked into his studio to see Arnav walking up and down the room speaking through his blue tooth to some buyer overseas…watching the hall below as he spoke….

Derek your country is under recession, do you think people will like to spend so much on my clothes for I have told you yesterday I will not reduce any prices, I cannot even, things are costly here and labour rates have gone up….

Anjali sat down waiting for him to finish….this room was specially designed by him, it had the best view of the outside and inside, though he loved to work in solitude, he also loved to observe people, colours, the effects of light etc, from this glass room, which was sound proof otherwise ,he stood hours and hours gazing out at times…..Anjali observed even while speaking on the phone, Arnav was noting the time, is he expecting another call, Anjali looked at her watch, she too had to go out lunch with friends, who were also clients of her brother just then she saw Jaiprakash darting across the hall and Khushi entering, Arnav went still watching her…

Ok Derek,that's it then, I think you are getting late by your time and I have said all I had to say, you take your decision and let me know, I will carry my best I promise but then I want my price….he disconnected the line and stood observing Khushi forgetting that his sister was waiting to speak to him, as Khushi went towards Lavanya's room away from his view, he turned….

Oh di? When did you come….

A little while ago, Anjali observed her brother, Arnav lowered his eyes quickly, she reads his eyes like the back of her hand, see I wore the dress she said standing up…Arnav went upto her to a better scrutiny….

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Khushi found La sitting on the bed looking lost….Kya baath hai Lavanya ji, you are not up yet….

Chamkili I am tired…..

Hmmm with the show coming up, you are running after millions of things so I guess you should be tired….

Nehi Chamkili woh baath nehi hai….Lavanya looked sad…..

Khushi went around picking her things, tidying her room, somehow after that incident she could not meet Lavanya eye to eye…..

Are you not well?

Chamkili idhar a na , baith have tea with me…..

Khushi came over…..

You know Chamkili, Lavanya started with a bit of hesitation…..I don't know if shifting into this house was a good idea…..

Well I never supported it but then why are you saying this now?

Kaise batao tujhe Chamkili you are such a kid….Lavanya sounded frustrated….

Utna bhi nehi hu Lavanya ji, Khushi turned red remembering Arnav's kiss…

You know Chamkili before coming into this house, ASR and I, I mean he and I….tu samaj le…we were normal boy and girl, of course he had his moods lekin …tu samaj rahi hai na…..what I am trying to say…

Hmmm

Lekin idhar, I mean ek to Nani's dictums and secondly, lately mujhe lag rahi hai I have lost him, matlab he is not interested in me anymore ….

Khushi gave a nervous laughter, you are worrying too much Lavanya ji, it is just that you are too busy with work and so is he….

Nehi re Chamkili, I know it is very difficult to understand ASR's heart, uske dil me kya hai, nobody knows but then he is a normal man with his needs…somehow …I don't know…..

Khushi stood up, looking flustered she tried to gather her wits…Lavanyaji enough of feeling self pity, now get up and lets get going for the day, just because you are so busy you are feeling like this, you have a show coming up and you are tensed a bit too much…chaliye chaliye uthiye….

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Anjali returned after her lunch, her dress was very well appreciated by her friends, it was a fund raising lunch wherein she met top notch people, many wanted to know about her brother, she had a happy time distributing his business card….Jaiprakash informed her he was in the house, working in the studio….

Anjali went towards the studio to give the happy news…as she entered it her eyes fell on some discarded drawings, Anjali picked up, it looked like some bed sheets and pillow covers but it also seemed Arnav was not happy with it…..Anjali frowned, he was an organized man and seldom he threw things around, Kya baath hai Chhote she asked to see him standing and watching, Anjali looked down, Khushi was teaching Lavanya how to make' jilebis' her stress buster ….Anjali observed her brother silently till the door opened Akash entered….

Bhai sorry for the delay, here is the du…hi di you are here too….Akash greeted…..

Hi Di when did you return? How was your lunch…yes Akash what is it…

Bhai at last I could procure it with some expert advice of course, he scratched his head….

Hmmm keep it on the table, Arnav's eyes darted past to watch the scene below, Khushi was agitated moving her hands vigorously obviously Lavanya was not doing it correctly….

Bhai I got it in two three colours since you did not specify any….

Thanks ….he answered a bit absentmindedly…..as Akash left Anjali frowned at the packet on the table…'Dhak Dhak Dupatta house for all types of Dupattas etc etc……she walked upto stand next to her brother, Khushi looked nervous, she was darting a glance or two at this direction for last two days Khushi looked stressed out and now Anjali knew the reason why….

Chhote, I will not allow this…..yeh tum jaan lo, whatever you did with Lavanya, we accept it as it was fine with her too but Khushi is different so, no we will not allow you or let's say cannot allow you…..

What are you saying Di? Arnav looked at his sister

No wonder Khushi is looking so flustered for last couple of days, she must be feeling it too, girls always do but then you do not believe in marriage so we cannot let you play with her virtue!!!

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remain forever with you, dil se dekho …no Khushi had no complains but as the night fell, time to go to bed…..

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Arnav pushed back the curtains of the bedroom, outside was pitch dark, except for the twinkling of stars, once in a while a firecracker lighting up the sky from somewhere in the hills…..he loved it that way, the candle lit room, he waited for Khushi to come in, standing in the shadows….

It is an old excuse but it works, Lavanya told Khushi prior to leaving home, when she had called up on getting to know about the marriage, Chamkili tere saath mere kuch aur hi rista hai, mujhe out of sight out of mind maath kar dena….saying a small prayer Khushi entered the room, to see him waiting for her in the candle lit room….

Khushi raised her hand to switch on the light to break the effect, Khushi NO…he said ….

Abh…Ok as you say….Khushi marched to the bed, picking up her pillow she walked to the settee…

Arnav blocked her way…Navratri is over, today is Dushera…..

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Anjali sipped her coffee, the caf was jammed packed, to speak you had to raise your voice to the highest pitch, inspite of everything Anjali was enjoying it, sipping coffe silently, opposite to her sat Dev, today as she finished her walk, he was entering the park, can we have coffee somewhere in the evening, he asked suddenly….

Errr today is Dushera….she replied with a bit of hesitation….

Hmmm at 6 in the evening at the 'Coffee Xchange" what say?

I guess it is alright, I will reach there, we can sit next to the glass wall overlooking the park, atleast get to see the firecrackers going up….

I will wait for you….

See you then in the evening, Anjali smiled

My name is Dev….

Anjali…nice to meet you Dev…..

He was waiting for her when she arrived at 6 p.m. ….After a couple of rounds of coffee, one round of hot chocolate fudge, Dev said, Anjali I have a past, which has made me wry of women, but then I feel you are different, I would like to know you a bit more though I cannot promise you anything at the moment….

Anjali looked at the sky, a cracker going up and sprinkling many stars…Dev what is the hurry, you may have noticed how best I try to walk fast I can only limp….

Dev smiled…..Anjali reciprocated so he felt just like her that she is a bit different….

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I know it is Dushessa Khushi raised her hands in exasperation, but I have …you know …I am….

Oh Khushi, now what?

I have my periods…..Khushi turned red….she never had to tell a man before….

Periods? Exclaimed Arnav….

I think you would know what it is….I mean you must have studied in school…about…about….

Clenching his jaws, he cursed damn damn damn, you should have told me...

You never asked ...Khushi hid her glee...

Arnav stomped towards the bed, blowing out the candle flopped on to the bed, leaving Khushi stranded in the middle, my my Lavanyaji this surely does work!! Khushi went to the settee…

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Manorama Mami looked at the watch, Anjali was late in returning home, dinner will be announced in a few minutes and her saas, the overbearing woman would ask thousands of questions to the poor girl, she has not taken the car, saying going around the corner and today unlike other day's she even reveal with whom she has got a meeting…strange…Manorama came to stand on Arnav's terrace, thank god, Laat Governor was not there….within a few seconds she saw Anjali coming but who the hell is with her, they were standing at the gate and having a chat…Manorama could not curb a curiosity, she flew down the stairs towards the main door, after all these years a man was seen at the gate seeing off Anjali, who could that be….

Manorama where are you going at this hour…Nani called from behind…

Hello hai bye bye peechhe se tok diya aapne….

Kaunsa mahan kaam karne ja rahi thi? Nani persisted….

Jane deti toh dekhti kaunsa ladka aya Anjali ko chhorne….

Ladka? Nani frowned

Shhh sasuma….If I have seen correctly that is….

When did you see anything wrong..Nani became sarcastic, just then the bell rang and Anjali entered….ayo Beti, Jai Prakash, Anjali is back, lay the table for dinner….

Nani I am too full for dinner, if you will excuse me….

Too full, bataya nehi that you will not be having dinner….Nani frowned

Err Nani actually …I mean I did not have dinner but too much of coffee…I think I will retire early today….kal walk pe toh jana hai…..

Both Manorama and Nani observed Anjali going towards her room, didn't she have a glow in a face, both the ladies observed but did not say anything to each other….

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kabhii to sub'h tere kunj-e-lab se ho aaGhaaz
kabhii to shab sar-e-kaakul se mushk-baar chale

(When will we wake into the morning,
To the sweet sound from your lips,
And when in the evening will we rest,
Taking in the scent of your hair)

(A para from Faiz's ghazal, courtesy KB2010)

Khush's eyes flew open, the whole cottage was shaking, she saw lightening flashing across the mountains followed by ear splittering thunder….Khushi never liked stoms, the only thing she was afraid of so to speak and dead in the night, middle of nowhere winds growling was making her sick already, in the midst of everything she heard Arnav's soft snoring, goodness gracious me, yeh toh kumbkarne ki tarah sowta hai….Khushi crept on and went to the bed, slid next to Arnav, lying close to him she thought let the storm pass first and before he knows I will go back to the settee….the storm grew louder, the window panes shook, hail storm splattered at the window….Khushi clutched Arnav's arm, after what seemed like endless hour, the storm started to subside, Khushi thought it was time for her to go back to the settee when the arm came and pinned her to himself….

Khushi lay still, he slept on but his arm did not budge, Khushi closed her eyes sometime during the night she felt a peculiar sensation going through her body, Arnav Singh Raizada was awake!! Khushi tried to push him away as his hands crept under her dress, Khushi caught his hand, his released himself using his strength and carried on with his quest after sometime Khushi reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, Arnav growled getting on top of her, they forgot the obvious….

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The singing of birds, sound of utencils made Khushi open her eyes, she was still lying on the bed feeling lethargic, wishing she could sleep a bit more then she remembered last night, her thoughts made her spring up on the bed only to dive back pulling the cover up, Arnav was standing at the window turned….

I never knew Khushi you can lie, yes you are a big trouble at times but then I thought pretention and making up stories is something Khushi Kumar never indulges in…

Hardly a kumari anymore, Khushi grumbled to herself toh mai kya karti Arnav Singh Raizada ? I never liked your ways, aaj Lavanya hai, kal Khushi a gayi, porso koi Reema, uske baaad koi Rinki, Pinky wagera wagera…Khushi was angry with him but more upset with herself for losing her control and letting him take over….

I am married to you damn it!!

It is just a piece of paper Mr Raizada, do you understand the difference of living together and being married?

Why not…tum kya sochte ho…..

Just then his mobile rang, Arnav tried to ignore but the ring meant it was from his home….Ji Nani he was forced to answer…

Ji what?...I did not get you, come again please….Arnav exclaimed, clearly hearing a more shocking news!!

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