About Last Night THREAD 4**Part 38-48** - Page 88

"Thank you…for loving me."

Arnav Singh Raizada fell into that category of men who did not find it easy to thank his wife for her gift of love. Indeed, should he ever be interrogated, he would probably deny he had said those words last night. This was not to say that he had not been perfectly sincere; it just meant that he could not yet admit that he was so vulnerable to Khushi. The problem was—if one could call love a problem—that the more essential Khushi became to him, the more he feared losing her. And, fear was not an emotion that Arnav was accustomed to.

Which also explained why Arnav found it particularly distressing to see his wife having a cozy tete-a-tete with the Doctor at the dining table when he returned from his morning run. No reasonable man could doubt Khushi's devotion—especially after the night they had just enjoyed—but, Arnav had never been reasonable on the topic of Khushi. The Doctor's voice was low so Arnav could not make out their conversation; but, he felt from their body language that they were discussing a matter that would not allow the interference of a third party.

What did this mean: It meant that when Arnav came down after his shower to join the family for breakfast, he was resentful of the Doctor and provoked by his wife.

When Khushi saw that Arnav had taken his place at the breakfast table, she immediately brought his coffee. She met his eyes with a warm smile—but found her smile went unacknowledged.

Now Khushi did not belong to that category of women who believed that everything pertained to them. She was fully aware that her husband was concerned for his sister's well-being; and so she owed his preoccupation to that. By way of comfort, she placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Di attended arti this morning and she seems vastly improved from yesterday."

Again—not much of a response from Arnav.

Nani, Anjali and Little Khushi joined the table soon after, and Khushi left Arnav's side to serve the fruit salad. She felt Arnav's gaze follow her as she moved around the table. Khushi was musing on his behaviour when she heard Yash thank Nani for her hospitality and announce that he and Little Khushi would return to the Gupta House today, and then depart for Lucknow.

Anjali was the first to react. "You cannot leave!" she said rather anxiously. All those breakfasting ceased to chew and looked at her. Especially Arnav, whose brows gathered together. She corrected herself and said, facing Yash, "I mean…we have not been good hosts these last few days. There are many interesting places to visit. Places that Little Khushi would enjoy."

The child looked up at Anjali when she heard her name. She then looked at her father. Then, back at Anjali.

Khushi was most conscious that Arnav had his attention on her and not his sister.

Nani and Mama agreed with Anjali and pressed Yash to spend a few more days. He politely declined citing that the hospital was expecting him and he had already delayed his start date. But then he added—looking at Anjali—that it would be nice to see the Raizadas in Lucknow. He added that his home was open to them at any time, and nothing would please himself, his mother, and Little Khushi more than to have them as their guests.

"We have a house in Lucknow," Arnav said, flatly.

It was an accurate statement, but Khushi felt it was not necessary for her husband to speak in such a tone to the man who had been so helpful in Anjali's recovery. She tried to catch his eye; and when she failed, she knew for certain that he was deliberately avoiding her. This riled Khushi.

What is his problem?

Anjali made up for her brother's slight and said, "I hope we do all meet again soon. Very soon." She smiled at Little Khushi, but her smile was sad and forced, Khushi sensed.

"Then come as soon as next week. We can celebrate Khush and Khushi's birthdays."

"What?" Arnav asked.

Yash looked at Khushi. Khushi said nothing, but Payal replied for her.

"Khushi and Little Khushi share the same birthday."

"How lovely!" Anjali said. "Bhabhi? You didn't tell us this?"

Again, Khushi said nothing. This time she felt her husband trying to catch her eye, and she decided not to gratify him.

"I'll be five," Little Khushi informed her friend Anjali, holding up five fat digits. Anjali gave her palm a kiss. Khushi saw that Anjali's eyes had grown bright with emotion.