Apologies for the late update! My hands were kind of tied with work. BUT it's another long one, so I'm sure it's all good. 😉
Lol, i'm not exactly sure what to make of this encounter, it's slightly jarring in places, and after reading the last bit again, it sounds like i'm promoting fairy liquid! 🤣
I shall say no more, read on and you shall see what I mean!
And thank you all for your continued support - please do comment/like if you enjoy the read. It really does motivate the mind!
P.s. All encounters link to previous ones so be sure to check them out. 😃
First encounter: Me, You, and RM (pg. 1)
Second encounter: A sweet prayer (pg. 8)
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/54529843
Third encounter: Making out with sweet jalebi (pg.13)
Fourth encounter: Table for two (pg.17)
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Fourth encounter: Table for two
"... lo chordiya"
Both stood there; hearts beating in unison, too nervous to say anything. After what seemed like eternity, Arnav slowly retreated, conscious of the havoc their closeness created. His mouth curved into a playful smile watching her stand there, frozen, like some ornate statue.
He stood there for awhile, re-living their moment of intimacy; the floral scent of her long soft tresses; the sweet musk of her tantalising body pressed against his, the quickness of her low shallow breathing, and the softness of her full lips, trembling with anticipation'he shuddered in delight before shying away from his thoughts.
"Khushi", he called out, forcing her out of her trance; "tum gayi nahi? Soch lo...agar..."
"nahi! H-h-hum ja rahein hein..." she cut in, panicking at his steady resolve
"toh jao..." he teased, "roka kisne?" he replied, smiling mischievously.
It was precisely this overbearing smugness that riled Khushi, and which prevented her from taking any initiative. Yet, she also found this side of him strangely alluring. His over-confidence made her wonder what it would feel like to be loved by such a man. But it also made her grow weary.
Both were stuck on stalemate since their last set of encounters, and that too was sealed with a kiss. It was high time they both came out of this limbo; but both were adamant on coming out victorious.
Khushi was intent on bringing the arrogant "laad governor" back down to earth, and for that, she needed to play ball. She wanted him to accept her whole heartedly by confessing his true feelings for her. Deep down she knew that he was finding it difficult to come to terms with his own feelings, but she didn't blame him for it. Rather, she felt obliged to help him overcome this emotional barrier, thinking of all the times he had been there for her, acting as her strength. The time her father was taken ill to hospital, the time she found out about Shyam's ugly truth, the time when her sister denied Akash's love - he had been there to support her every step of the way, giving his shoulder for her lean on, quietly witnessing her tears of sorrow, and providing her with words of comfort. All the memories came flooding back; whenever he asked:
'tum teekh ho Khushi?''
'Khushi kya hua tumhe?''
'kuch baat karni hein?'...
'tum kuch bolti kyun nahi Khushi'...
'Kaha ho tum Khushi'
'Khushi tumhare ghar pe kuch problem hein?'
'Khushi, it's ok...'
'Tum ne phone kyun nahi uhthaya, kitna pareshan hogaya tha mein'
'Khushi talk to me...tum teekh ho...kaha ho tum...?'
It was always clear to her that he cared, but his refusal to admit his concern for her always left her feeling anxious. Perhaps that is why she hesitated to fully open up to him whenever he asked if she was ok. But then again, the offer was always open to her; all she had to do was trust in him. She winced at this, knowing she too hadn't been honest with her feelings.
Arnav too was eager to make Khushi his and he knew exactly what unsettled her, his strong willed faade. Thinking about it, he had made every effort to free himself from his inner turmoil which prevented him from opening up to Khushi, and admitting his own feelings for her, but, it was proving difficult...even for the mighty ASR. At times he found himself envying Khushi for her care-free, selfless and emotionally liberating attitude towards life, yet it was also this very attitude of hers that pushed him closer to her. The thought of not having Khushi in his life was now unbearable, for she embodied the true nature of carpe diem, without which he would have been lost. He smiled sincerely as this realisation settled in his mind.
With a newly found motivation, Khushi made to dart out of the room when she came to a sudden halt. Nervously, she glanced over her shoulder to see the cause of her obstruction and found Arnav holding onto her dupatta, preventing her from moving any further. Drawing in a deep breath, she began tugging at the flowing piece of fabric...
Smirking, Arnav recalled Khushi's unsuccessful attempt at releasing her dupatta during their poolside encounter, fondly remembering how it led to a passionate filled kiss.
Khushi blushed deeply at the thought of Arnav pulling her in for another sinful close encounter. Shutting her eyes tightly, she waited for him to make his next move.
Grinning broadly at her predictability, Arnav tightened his hold on the dupatta, enjoying the feel of its smooth, silky texture. Taking slow and deliberate steps, he made his way towards her. Sensing his closeness, Khushi forced hey eyes open, determined to prove just how much she affected him as he affected her. Shuffling her feet slightly, she waited patiently for his next move. Closing in on her, he lowered his head level with her ear and throatily murmured...
"accha suno..."
She gulped, momentarily losing herself in his deep address, waiting for him to continue.
"mujhe bhook lagi hein..." he whispered, lightly caressing her ear with his warm breath.
Khushi let out a deep sigh of relief as she turned to stare him straight in the eyes. Hiding her nervousness, she batted her eyelids, forcing Arnav to raise his eyebrows quizzically...hmm, this was not the reaction I was expecting dammit, he thought calculatingly. Her expressions told him that she wasn't done.
Growing slightly nervous, he waited for her to continue.
Taking some time to think, she casually remarked: "aap haath mooh doh kar aye, hum khana laga dete hein..."
Arnav looked at her, perplexed: "what!"...he cried
She smiled at him sweetly before repeating herself: "hum ne kaha hum khana laga dete hein..."
Arnav blinked profusely as he tried to process what she said. He didn't know why those words affected him the way they did, but they did. He was genuinely surprised and happy to hear those words coming from Khushi. The only other person who ever took care of his meals was his Di, and she had every right to, both as a sister and as a maternal figure. It was his Di's maternal affections that never let him feel the loss of his birth mother, and for that, he owed her.
But coming from Khushi...with what right? He thought. She doesn't have to take care of his meals, but the way she asserted her right over him was so affectionate and intimate, that it stumped him. Itna upnapan? he pondered...
Hesitating slightly, he asked again,"kya kaha tumne...phir se kaho"
She gave him a bewildered look, taken aback by his reaction. She knew her taking care of him would cause him to react, but she had no idea just how much it would affect him.
Carefully, without breaking eye contact, she inched closer to him so that she could hear the rapid beating of his heart. Then without warning, softly, and with great sincerity she uttered: aap haath mooh doh kar aye...hum khana laga dete hein'"
He shied away from her gaze, not quite knowing how to react. After some moments he looked up at her and gave her a silent nod before turning to leave.
...
Khushi turned to watch him leave, contented with the outcome of this sweet encounter. She smiled to herself as she glanced down at her to do list:
3. Remind Hari Prakash to serve Chote his lunch
She knew that she didn't have to take care of his meals, but still, it gave her great pleasure to do so. Strangely, it gave her a sense of belonging; not to mention, it was a gesture that she prayed to devi mayaa would push Arnav to raise the white flag.
...
Arnav was a man of very few words, but he knew that praise was due where it was owed. Thinking it was one thing, but actually doing it was another task in itself. And such a task did not come so easily to the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada, especially when he was so use to getting his own way without ever having to bow down to anyone. His face grew flustered as he sat down at the dining table, seeing a line of dishes prepared for him with so much love and attention, rendering him speechless. Khushi had obviously gone to great lengths to prepare food which was suitable for his dietary needs, and for that he was grateful. But how to show his appreciation he thought...sitting there looking timid. I've got it! He thought to himself proudly.
As soon as Khushi walked in, he quickly got up from the table and took out the chair opposite him. Khushi paused in her tracks. Though he remained quiet, Khushi knew from their previous encounters that this was an invite to join him.
Anticipating her reaction, he eyed her intently.
Flattered by his gesture, Khushi eyed him with equal intensity, before breaking into a mischievous grin. Ignoring the chair he pulled out, she haughtily moved on to take the seat next to him, leaving him wide eyed in shock. "what the..." he cried indignantly, "Khushi meine tumhare liye chair pull kiya tha, are you blind" he continued in exasperation, annoyed at her haughtiness.
"haan, pata hein, likin humein yahan bhetna hein" she replied with enthusiasm,
"kyun? Aap ko koi problem to nahi hein na Arnavji? Mera matlab hein, agar aapko koi fark par...
"don't talk rubbish Khushi, mujhe kyun farak parenga, tumko jaha bhetna hein waha bheto, humein kya?" he countered with forced derision.
Khushi gave a knowing smirk, aware of just how tense he must be feeling seen as though he was no longer in control of the current situation. Now it was her turn to revel in her victory.
Grimacing at her unpredictability, Arnav slowly moved to take his seat. No sooner had he sat down, Khushi busily began serving him food, making him feel rather out of place. Again, he was both estranged and delighted by her actions, not quite sure how to respond. Just then, Khushi cut in...
"Koi baat nahi Arnav ji, aap ko Shukriya kehne ki koi zaroorat nahi hein" she replied whilst stuffing her own face with food.
Arnav hedged her comment by replying "unbelievable..."
Triumphantly, Khushi smiled at her own sweet success, as she had now regained the upper hand.
A calm serenity spread through the Raizada mansion, as both sat quietly, eating their lunch. Whilst Khushi was revelling in her own victory, Arnav ate uneasily, conscious of her sitting beside him. He had hoped she would sit opposite him so that he could admire her openly, making her blush...he loved this affect he had on her. But he wasn't at all prepared for this: her sitting this close, making him feel nervous, taking him out of his comfort zone.
Lost in his own world, he cursed himself quietly, reprimanding himself for acting this way: what are you doing Arnav!? It's not like you've never been this close to her before-get a hold of yourself dammit! Show her who's boss, at this rate, you'll be forced to raise the white flag even before the day ends! How would you look yourself in the mirror if that were to happen? Shaking away his jarring thoughts, he returned back to his hearty meal, which he devoured gracefully.
Soaking in the silence and bashfully enjoying each others company, neither of them was in a rush to leave the dining table.
After some time, Khushi grew restless of the growing silence and reached out for some water, accidentally brushing her arms against his. Arnav froze in his stance, and swallowed his food nervously. Khushi too froze at this searing contact, leaving them spell bound. He began shifting in his chair nervously, unsure of what to make of all of this. Suddenly, he grew very alert of her body so close next to his, taking note of her steady breathing with each side glance he took, her loose bun coming untied, covering the side of her face; her soft thighs inches away from his. Dhak, dhak, dhak, dhak, dhak, dhak...
Arnav swiftly got up from the table and strode towards the kitchen, unable to take anymore of this sweet torture. Supporting himself against the kitchen worktop, he breathed deeply, trying to tame the beating of his chest. As he relaxed, it hit him. She was playing him at his own game! He thought exuberantly. He chuckled inwardly at her daring boldness, and at how slow he was on the uptake. Unable to believe how close he was to surrender himself to his feelings, he couldn't help but feel proud at how Khushi almost beat him at his own game. He grinned in acknowledgement of her perceptiveness, reminding himself to never underestimate her. But now it's my turn to play Khushi Kumari Gupta.
...
Khushi entered the kitchen, clearly delighted in her win. But her change in expression revealed otherwise. The tumult of emotions which unleashed as a result of playing this game was almost too much to bear, leaving her to grapple with newly felt desires. How is it that Arnav is able to bear such emotional weight? She thought to herself whilst biting her nails. Hai devi mayaa, humari raksha karna, she prayed to herself quietly, trying to calm her loud thoughts
She turned to wash the dishes, unaware of Arnav, who stood suppressing his laughter as he watched her turn into a nervous wreck. Admiring her bravery, he was tempted to declare his feelings right away; but admittedly, he was having far too much fun teasing a headstrong Khushi to do that now, and besides, he still had the rest of the day to open up to her. What really mattered to him however was the fact that he was no longer in denial of his own feelings for her, but was merely waiting for the right moment to reveal them. And for that reason, he was becoming more and more shameless when it came to teasing her.
Smiling playfully, he advanced towards her, knowing she was still oblivious of his presence. Reaching her side, Khushi jumped, startled to find him standing there. His grin widened at her reaction, causing her to put on a brave front. Recovering herself quickly, so as to appear unaffected by his presence, she moved her hands away from the sink, thinking he wanted to wash his hands.
"a-aap haath dholijiye, phir hum baaki bartan dho le ge" she stammered, hoping he wouldn't pick up on her nervousness.
Too late, he thought mischievously, noticing her anxiousness.
Seeing that her hands were still lathered with soap, he drew closer to her, circling his hands around either side of her, trapping her against the sink. Before she could even react to his bold advances, she felt her hands being pulled into his, as he gripped them in a firm hold.
"yeh kya karahei hein aap, paagal to nahi hogaye? Chodriye humein"
"relax Khushi, hum wohi karahein hein jo tum chahti ho..."
She turned to look at him, puzzled by his response
Returning her stare with a look of adoration, he replied wittily: "haath doh raha hoon'"
She squirmed against him, not daring to look up. Her thudding heart beat violently against her chest, conscious of his body, which was now moulded against hers. Trembling desire shook through her as his firm hands gently began to caress hers. He rubbed his palms against hers in a motion that made her breathe in sharply. He had long wanted to feel her hands in his, claiming them as his own; this was his chance.
She had pulled back, hesitated, and grew increasingly fearful whenever he reached out to hold her hands in previous encounters. But today was different, though she was still anxious, he could feel her hands relax in his, surrendering them to his soft touch.
Feeling their hearts beat in unison, he gently turned her hands over, allowing his fingers to entwine with hers, teasing out the smooth soap from in between; she closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his rough hands, gently massaging hers. Taking his sweet time, he massaged the tips of each finger, before encircling them in his grasp again. Feeling intoxicated by the sight of her creamy white skin against the gold tan of his own, desire surged through him, signalling him to withdraw.
Letting his cheek rest against the side of her head, he softly called out to her: "Khushi...aankhe kholo"
Her eyes fluttered open as he raised her hand, still firmly held in his, so that she could see what he could see; the contrast of their skin colour merging into one. Both stood, breathing heavily, taking in the glorious sight. Reluctantly, he brought their hands down again and positioned them under the tap. He let the warm water cascade onto their hands before gently washing away the creamy soft lather, gently stroking with his thumb and fingers. Fleetingly, he caressed the whole of her hands, kneading them with his, causing the water to gurgle and splash. His throat was now dry, as was hers, trying to keep their desirous rage under check. Satisfied with their gleaming hands, Arnav pressed down on the tap to stop the flow of water from tantalisingly caressing their skin.
A moment of silence echoed through the still air, a witness to their moment of intimacy. Without too much movement, he loosened one of his hands, and gently turned her body to face his. Meeting her soft gaze, he steadily moved to envelope both her hands in his.
Their breathing stilled as their hands continued to probe each others. Still keeping a firm hold of her hands, Arnav reached out for the towel and gently began to wipe away the droplets of water clinging to her skin. Taking his time, he dried away the moist dew; all the time making sure her hands remained relaxed in his. Khushi remained lost in his gaze, when a phone ring snapped her out of it.
Arnav let out a sigh of irritation, as he reached out to switch on his Bluetooth, still keeping a light clasp on Khushi's hands.
"Oh, hi Di" he answered sheepishly. Khushi kept her eyes fixated on his, growing agitated at his reluctance to let go. For some reason, seeing her flustered only made him tighten his hold.
Grinning at her feeble attempts to untangle their hands, he continued with his conversation, keeping his eyes locked onto hers.
"Don't worry Di! Han, Hum ne khaliya...Yes Di, Khushi ne bhi khaliya..."
Khushi could hear Anjaliji's faint giggling on the other end of the phone, as she strained to hear the rest of the conversation, afraid his Di may get the wrong idea.
Smiling warmly, he rested his eyes on hers before continuing"...haan Di, khana accha tha"
Her eyes widened in disbelief...she couldn't believe that he was complimenting her cooking.
Grinning broadly at the look of disbelief, he continued his conversation, keeping his tone playful..."haan Di, in fact Khushi ne sab pyaar se tayaar kiya tha...mmm...she was the one who set the table for two."
Khushi gasped at this unexpected accusation.
He gave her a teasing wink, before sauntering away; leaving her gawking.
...
Quickly, she ducked, as a tea towel came hurtling towards her...uff, wo laad governor kahi ka, chodu gi nahi mein usko...she groaned harshly, breaking into a faint smile.
Kumkum Bhagya
15