Living Without You: 3: Link to Thread 4 (Part 41)

List of Smita's OS:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/iss-pyaar-ko-kya-naam-doon/2652341/list-of-smitars-os

Living Without You:

Thread 1: (Parts 1 to 17)

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/2972233/ss-living-without-you

Thread 2: (Parts 18 to 27)

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/2990495/ss-living-without-you-part-27-updated

Thread 3: (Part 28 onwards)

Part 30:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=13

Part 31:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=24

Part 32:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=35

Part 33:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=45

Part 34:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=54

Parts 35 & 36:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41

Part 37:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41

Parts 38 & 39:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41

Part 40:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41

Thread 4: Part 41 onwards:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3024313/ff-living-without-you-4-part-59-last-updated

Part 28 & 29

(All pics credited to uploaders!)

"Debt? That you owe me? What do you owe me? I never gave you anything...I never had anything to give you..." Her voice trailed away as she tried to figure out what he was talking about.

"There are other debts than money, Khushi... Money can be repaid, but... but the other debts can never be repaid."

She looked at him, unsure where exactly he was leading with this conversation.

"The laughter and happiness that you brought to my house and family. How should I repay you for that?"

She just looked at him, speechless.

"Nani and I were at loggerheads all the time. I was on the verge of leaving the house." She drew in a sharp breath. "You brought peace to my house, kept us together. How do I repay that gift?"

"You hid the shameful truth about Shyam because you couldn't hurt Di. You put up with his disgusting behaviour while at RM, and made sure that Di never found out. How do I compensate you for that?"

"You would have thrown yourself down the building when you thought that I loved Lavanya and wanted to get rid of you so that I could marry her. How do I repay that kind of love you have for me, Khushi?"

She looked away from him.

"You brought colour and laughter in to my life. What can I give you in return, Khushi?"

"You left me your stars in the will. How do I repay you for that kind of selfless love?"

"You put up with my bad temper and my insults for a year. You never gave up on me...You love my family like your own. You love even Laxmi & HP. And you put your life in danger to rescue me from Shyam. How do I repay you for all these?"

Khushi looked at her fingers held knotted tight in her lap.

"Shall I give you my life in return, Khushi?" She lifted her head, startled, and looked into melting eyes. "It is a worthless one and you own it anyway. Shall I give it to you?"

Khushi looked away, tears in her eyes.

"Khushi, I told you this once before. There is no you and me, only us. We are not two different people. And we are in this together. You don't have to shoulder all the burden alone."

Khushi remained silent.

"It is a wedding, Khushi. Our wedding. I want you to be happy. I want you to have everything I took away from you the last time we got married. I want you to laugh, dance, be carefree, enjoy spending time with your friends and family... I don't want you worrying about money, running around trying to do everything at the same time... If you want we can order sweets from another..."

"No way. I will make the sweets." Her eyes were filled with fire.

"Khushi..."

"I will make the sweets. I want to make special sweets for you so that you too can enjoy the wedding. I don't trust the others to make sure that they are sugarfree.", she fumed.

Arnav sighed, a smile on his face.

"I am worried about you, and you are worried about me... Khushi, let's negotiate. You can make a list of things that need to be done. I will send over 4 men to do the hard jobs like shifting furniture and decorating the house with garlands and lights. I want you to let me help you in the shop...

AND, most importantly, I want to buy the staples for the next month or so."

"What?"

"Khushi, my family is coming to stay here for 2 weeks or more. They should actually be staying in Sheesh Mahal, but... You know why they don't want to stay there. Even Akash won't step in to it unless and until I do, and that too only because he does not want me to be alone when I go there. We are all going to be staying in your house. Can't you let me pay for the provisions?"

She hesitated. "No, Arnavji. It is not right. They are our family. I will manage."

"I don't want you to manage, Khushi." He sighed. "You leave me no choice. I will arrange for them to stay in some hotel."

"No, no. How can you do that? Arnavji, please don't..."

"Then let me pay the bill..."

"Arnavji!"

"Let me pay the bill."

She reluctantly nodded. He sighed in relief.

"Our firm uses caterers regularly, Khushi. Give me the menu. Let me arrange the caterers. They will give us a discount."

"But I will pay for it."

"Yes. Yes. You pay for it. Just let me arrange it.", he said, making a mental note to pay the full amount in advance so that she wouldn't be able to pay them.

They reached Gomti Sadan. Arnav and Khushi hauled the bags out. Munna and Krishna ran to help them. They stocked all the ingredients in airtight containers in the shop's kitchen while Arnav and Khushi went in to the house. Amma and Buaji were ready with tea for them. Babuji, Buaji, Amma, Arnav, and Khushi, they all sat companionably around the dining table, drinking tea and chatting. After a while, Khushi left the room to check on the shop.

"Bitwaa, It is Madhu's wedding tomorrow. Will you be able to attend it with us?", asked Amma.

"No, I am sorry, Amma. I won't be here. I need to leave for Delhi in a few hours."

"Oh! Your work! That's alright, Bitwaa. When will you return?"

"I will need to stay in Delhi for a couple of days, Amma. I will be back by Thursday, the 25^th of October. Akash called a while earlier. The family will be here by 1 November."

Amma and Buaji were all smiles. Babuji nodded his head, and said softly, "Goo..od."

"Buaji, Amma, Babuji, don't worry about the arrangements for the wedding. I will arrange 4 men to help you here. If you need to purchase anything, just give them the list. Please give Khushi the menu to be given to the caterers. I will arrange it. Akash, Mamaji, and I will be here from the beginning of next month anyway."

They smiled thankfully at him. "We have asked the Punditji to come over. We will fix the dates and time for the sagai, sangeet, mehendi, and wedding today itself. We will start inviting the guests from tomorrow."

"If there are relatives coming from far, just let me know. I will arrange their stay in a hotel nearby..."

"No, no, Bitwaa. They are from Lucknow and Kanpur. The ones from Kanpur can stay with our relations in Lucknow. Don't worry about that."

Khushi came in at that moment.

"Titliyaa, Damadji is going to Delhi. We will get you the sweets from the shop. Why don't you pack it for him so that he can give it to Naniji, Anjali Bitiyaa, Mamiji, Mamaji, Damadji, and Payaliyaa?"

She stared at him, shocked.

Part 30

(All pics credited to uploaders!)

Arnav sat back, weary beyond words. He had been working non-stop for two days, driving his team hard. Sketchy meals had not helped, and he was ready to droop. He looked at Akash, who had his specs in one hand, and the fingers of the other hand pressed against his eyes.

"Enough for today. We can start early tomorrow."

The collective sigh of relief was hushed by the sound of rustling papers as the group of employees left the room.

The family was waiting for them. They had wanted to collar Arnav the moment he had crossed the threshold, but Arnav hadn't crossed the threshold till very late. And he had left very early the next day. He had gone directly to his office from Lucknow, and for two days, his family had been trying to pin him down.

Mama, Mami, Nani, Di, and Payal sat around them as Akash and Arnav had their very late dinner.

"Chotey! How is Khushiji?", Anjali asked with a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Fine." He blushed slightly.

Mami tittered. "How will she be? The bridewaa will be the same colour as our Arnav Bitwaa ijj now."

"Mannu, don't tease the boy... Alone. Give all of us a chance.", said Mamaji.

Nani said, "Finally, happy times are here. May Devi Maiyya keep our family happy and safe from evil eyes for ever."

"Haan, Naniji.", said Anjali. "Chotey, tell us about the house."

"It is a nice house."

"Chotey!", Anjali was exasperated. "What is its name?"

"Gomti Sadan."

Mami asked, "What does it looks like? What ijj its figure?" Arnav looked at her, unable to understand. "Its figure? Its lookwaa...", she explained.

"It is an old house. Big. Airy and windy. It has a courtyard. Ladies come to visit Buaji & Amma and sit and talk there."

"Khushi Bitiyaa is running her shop there?"

"Haan, in the first 2 rooms. One is the shop. The other is the kitchen. Khushi takes orders in the third room."

"Does she have anyone to help her?", Mamaji asked, concerned.

"Munna and Krishna."

Payal asked concerned, "Are they good boys, Arnavji?"

"Very good. They love her. And work very hard."

"It has been so long since we saw Khushi Bitiyaa...", lamented Naniji. Anjali seconded her. "Our house seems silent without her."

The interrogation continued. Getting information from Arnav was like squeezing blood from a stone. A torturous process. It took a long time, but the final picture emerged to everyone's satisfaction. They understood that the pace of life in Lucknow was a slow one, giving him ample time to relax... That Buaji and Amma loved him to bits and spoiled him silly... That Babuji was getting better and enjoyed spending time with Arnav... That he loved all of them... That Khushi had finally accepted him with an open heart. That he had laid his heart and past open before her and that she had accepted him, the whole him, warts and all, with open arms. And that he was counting the days when he could marry Khushi... His family was thrilled. Anjali's eyes filled with tears of happiness. Chotey had finally found a home.

Nani and Mami were filled wih nostagia. Sitting in the courtyard under the sun, chatting with the ladies of the neighbourhood, making lamps for Diwali, going to the temple nearby with friends, having the mehendi lady come home to decorate their hands, bargaining with the bangle seller, having tehri and halwa poori... These were pleasures of a past they had been forced to give up. The sweets that Khushi had sent with Arnav reinforced this sense of loss and the desire to go to Lucknow at the earliest.

"Chotey! When are you returning to Lucknow?"

"Hopefully on the 25^th."

"We want to come with you.", said Anjali.

"Haan, Chotey! I can't wait any longer. Let's go to Lucknow."

"Yejj, Saasumaa. Why wait till Navember 1?"

"Yes, Bhai. Let's go together. I can travel between Delhi & Lucknow as and when needed."

"Yes, Bitwaa. Let's all go. We will be of some help to the family, and our Payaliyaa will be happy too...", said Mamaji.

They all looked at Payal's face, flushed with happiness.

"Let me see...", said Arnav.

"Yes, Bhai. We need to wind up the negotiations for this project before we can leave."

Khushi called him daily at night. Not that she didn't want to call him during the day. Her fingers itched to press his number and hear his voice. But his phone was always switched off during the day as he was in one meeting or the other. If he got a moment free, he would phone her. Night was the only time when he was available to talk or text at length.

How are you?

Tired.

You are working too hard, Arnavji.

I need to finish this in 4 days.

How are the others?

Missing you.

There was a silence.

Are you missing me, Khushi?

Silence.

No? Then maybe I should stay away some more time.

Arnavji!, came her cry on cue.

Haan?

Don't you dare. You can't stay away for more than 4 days. Please come back soon.

So you are missing me, came the satisfied drawl.

A little.

Only a little?

Haaan.

Sure?

Haaan.

Khushi, he whispered. I will demand payment for every lie you have told me. Just let me get back to Lucknow.

But Arnav did not return on the 25^th as he had promised to. The days passed, one by one. Khushi worked day and night, Buaji and Amma pitching in.

The boys remained by her side, watching her become paler by the day. Arnav called Buaji and Amma every night, talked to Babuji, chatted with Munna and Krishna on the phone in the house at night, called and texted Khushi. But he did not say when he would be coming back. Khushi gave up trying to sleep, and spent the few hours she was supposed to sleep, lying on his bed, hugging his pillow, wearing his white shirt or hugging it to her chest.

Madhu's wedding passed in a haze for Khushi. All she remembered was making batch after batch of jalebis and other sweets and binning them to be delivered by the boys to Madhu's house and Madhu's tear-stained eyes as she left her home with her husband and in-laws.Without Arnavji by her side, Khushi felt as though she were viewing the world through a filter, through a semi-transparent curtain. Events around her failed to touch or interest her. Her mind was totally focused on a man sitting miles away, slogging to get to her at the earliest.

The men Arnav had arranged came promptly, and helped them in every way they could. The rooms were ready for the guests, beds were carried to the rooms and set up. Most of the purchases for the wedding were over. The dates for the sagai, sangeet, and mehendi were fixed, and Buaji notified Arnav and Naniji about them.

Khushi spent all the time she was not working or crying over his shirt making notes of the many expenses left. She needed more money. She went to Amma, and asked for a pair of kangans and a necklace belonging to her mother. She needed to sell them.

"Khussi, will you go alone with the gold and find a jeweller, Nandkisore! I wil do it for you. You concentrate on your work."

Buaji phoned Arnav to tell him of Khushi's plans to sell the jewellery. She got him on the fifth try.

"I will send you the money with an employee, Buaji. Don't tell Khushi."

"Shall I give the ornaments to him?"

"No, no. Please keep the gold with you. I will be coming over soon."

Within half an hour, an employee in casual clothes sauntered up to the kitchen and handed over a bag with an obscene amount in it to Buaji.

Buaji gave the money to Khushi.

"Buaji, this is far too much. Where did you sell the gold? Somebody has made a mistake..."

"No, Titliyaa, no one has made a mistake. I closed two fixed deposits that your Bhuphaji had opened in my name a long time back...", Buaji lied.

"Buaji, it is your money. How..?"

"Your money, my money? Have you grown up so much, Titliyaa, that you can argue with me over money? There is no your money and my money. You take this and see to the expenses."

Khushi returned from the market on the 28th to see two familiar cars parked outside her house. Her heart that had been beating sluggishly for the past 7 days, made up for it by thudding loud and fast. She ran in to the house to be embraced by a tearful Nani, a Di delirious with joy, a Jiji who couldn't express her happiness enough, and a pleased Mami. Mamaji smiled widely at her, and her Jiju looked thrilled to see her. Laxmi ran up to her, and Khushi hugged her. Her eyes searched frantically for Arnavji among the crowd, but couldn't find him. Nani was apologising to Babuji, Amma, & Buaji for arriving too early, and her family was expressing their happiness in having them here. She asked faintly, "Arnavji?" during a lull in the conversation.

Many sad faces turned towards her.

"Arnav Bitwaa ijj so bijjy that he couldn't come with us.", said Mami.

Anjali pouted. "We asked him to come with us, but..."

"You know Chotey, Khushi Bitiyaa. Nothing matters to him more than his work...", Nani said, a frown on her face.

"Yes..", said Jiju, looking uncomfortable.

"Looks like you will have to meditate like Parvati Maiyya did to get your Arnavji's attention, Khushi Bitiyaa...", teased Mamaji.

Khushi's lips stretched in a mockery of a smile.

After showing the guests to their rooms and serving them tea, she ran up to his room. She shut the door behind her, tears flowing down her eyes. She fell on to his bed, her face hidden in his pillow, sobbing, his shirt clutched in her hands.

She was so caught up in crying out her disappointment that she did not notice someone coming to sit by her on the bed. She felt a tug at the shirt she was holding. She clutched it tighter. She felt the next tug. She turned around to see Arnavji sitting by her on the bed.

(Thanx, UltimateBarun!)


"I am here. You don't need my shirt any longer, Khushi..", he whispered.

Part 31:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=24

Part 31

(All pics credited to uploaders!)

She sat up so fast that even wind was surprised, and threw herself into his arms. Arnav held her close, breathing in her jasmine scent, running his hands up and down her back, crushing holds of her unbound hair in his hands. It had been so long since he had touched her, held her...

"Khushi..."

"Arnavji... Arnavji...", she chanted his name. "Where were you? I... I missed you so much..." She clutched him tight.

"I...I had to finish the work, Khushi..."

"Arnavji..."

"And the family...they wanted to come down with me..."

She shook him, clutching his shoulders. "Promise me..."

"Alright."

She looked at him wonder struck, tears dripping down her cheeks, her hands cupping his cheeks.

(Thanx, UltimateBarun!)

"Don't you want to know what you just promised to do?", she asked, a smile peeking out at him through her tears, her hands roaming over his chest.

"Anything is OK."

Khushi stared at him.

"Is this Arnav Singh Raizada speaking?"

He smiled.

"You just promised to take me with you where ever you go in the future..." She touched his neck, as though making sure that it was in place.

"OK."

Khushi sat looking at her Arnavji.

"What happened to you?", she asked earnestly, softly, as though she were asking him to divulge a great secret. Her fingers were lost in the collar of his shirt.

"What happened to me?", he asked surprised.

"Where is your anger? Your ego? Where did you misplace your What the.. What the...? Why aren't you shouting at me anymore?"

He laughed. "I grew up, Khushi. I finally, finally grew up..."

(Thanx, UltimateBarun!)

Dinner was a feast. The family met Munna and Krishna, and they in turn were introduced to all the family, including Laxmi. HP alone was absent, as he had to remain in Delhi to watch over the house. Arnav sat back, watching Mami cracking jokes and the whole table laughing, his Nani's smile, his Di enjoying the care showered on her by Amma and Buaji, Payal glowing, Mamaji teasing Munna and Krishna, Akash silently relishing the food and the conversation around him, Babuji's happiness, Buaji's and Amma's excitement, and his Khushi's twinkling eyes and a smile that wouldn't die...

Sensing his eyes on her, she looked at him. And blushed. He looked as though he wanted to gobble her up. He looked at her lips. She parted her suddenly dry lips, and felt her skin burn at his piercing gaze.

"Bitwaa...", Buaji called lovingly, touching his shoulder. "The sagai is on the 4^th. There are just 6 days remaining...", she reminded him.

All of them started discussing the many arrangements to be made and dividing the responsibilities among themselves. They left Khushi, Arnav, Munna, and Krishna free of tasks because they would have to see to the sweetshop. The ladies made plans to go shopping the next day, and sat chattering till very early in the morning. They went reluctantly to bed, their yawns splitting their faces.

After all had settled for the night, Buaji knocked on Arnav's door.

"Buaji, what happened?", he asked urgently.

She held out a pouch with Khushi's Amma's necklace and bangles.

"Bitwaa, here's the gold."

"Buaji, I don't want it. It belongs to Khushi."

"Yes, it does. But if I return it to her, she will return the money, Nandkisore!. And she will go out and sell them at some jewellery shop. Bitwaa, why did you send so much money with that boy? It was more than five times what these are worth. Khushi correctly noticed it, and wanted to go to the jewellers and return the money, fearing that they had made some mistake. I finally had to lie that I had cashed two fixed deposits, and added that amount to the money from the sale of the gold, Hai Re Nandkisore!".

Arnav closed his eyes. Khushi was sharp. He would have to be more careful.

"Damadji, keep the gold with you. And give it to her after your marriage."

Arnav nodded.

"Remember Bitwaa, AFTER your marriage.", Buaji warned him, wished him a good night's sleep, and moved towards the doorway.

"Buaji!", he called. She stopped. He walked towards her, and asked, "Buaji, do you need anything? Money? Provisions? Servants? Any kind of help?"

Buaji cupped his face between her palms. "Nahin, Bitwaa. I don't need anything. You care enough to ask if we need anything. That alone is more than enough."

She looked down for a moment, and then said softly, "You know, Babua. The greatest blessing in life is one's friends and relations. Not money, Nandkisore! Not a big house. Not a beautiful body or a good job. All these can go one day, but people who love you, care for you...they will stay with you in good times and bad. Sasi Babua always used to say that dil ke rishte are greater than khoon ke. He was, is right. You are blessed to have so many people who love you, Babua. And we are blessed to have you in our family..."

Arnav put his arms around Buaji, and hugged her close.

"Buaji, if you need anything, anything at all, just let me know."

"Jeeyath raho babua!" She blessed him, smiled, and left the room.

Arnav took the pouch, opened it, and let the bangles and the necklace slide into his hand. Two beautiful antique bangles. He touched them gently, running his finger along the curve. Her Amma must have worn them. These bangles must have felt the warmth of Amma's hands. He swallowed. He was glad that they hadn't left the house. The elaborate gold necklace must have adorned her Amma's neck.

How could Khushi think of parting with them? Her pride... Her pride had made her swallow her tears, suppress her feelings... She had good reason not to take money from him. He had insulted her too many times to count. Maybe she would take the ornaments from him after they were married...many years...when she knew him better...knew that he hadn't meant all the cruel nonsense he had spouted...

Breakfast was a riot, the room filled with people and noise, all enjoying a meal of halwa poori and sabji.

Khushi had made sugar-free halwa for him. When she came to place his filled plate on the table in front of him, he caught her gently by her arm and made her sit next to him. He filled a plate for her, pretending as though this were a daily occurrence, as though he were not aware of the many wide eyes on him. There was a moment of silence in the room as both families gaped at this new avatar of Arnav. Khushi flushed tomato red. Akash choked on the poori, and Payal thumped him on the back. Mama & Mami looked at each other and smiled. Anjali & Nani hugged each other. Buaji and Amma smiled. Payal blushed. Everyone laughed. Laxmi said, "Meeeh!"

Part 32:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=35

Part 32

Arnav, Khushi, Munna, and Krishna started work in the sweetshop as soon as breakfast was over. One by one, Arnav's family members peeked into the shop's kitchen and the shop to gape at Arnav working as the cashier, carrying trays of laddoos into the shop for the boys to arrange in the display counter, writing down lists of things to be purchased according to the demands of Khushi and the boys who were checking the store when they had a moment free--- all with his characteristic business-like, ASRish air. The most successful businessman in India, one with global offices under his belt, who dealt in crores, looked very happy to give change for Rs. 50 to a child who had come to buy 2 laddoos. Akash looked at him with his mouth open till Mami shut it for him. Nani and Anjali couldn't believe their eyes.

"Anjali Bitiyaa, is there something wrong with my eyes, or did I just see Arnav Bitwaa selling laddoo?"

Anjali laughed. "Laddoo it was, Nani! Miracles will never cease. Our Chotey is finally happy!"

Mamaji and Mami heaved sighs of relief.

The family soon left for the temple. They were planning to start inviting their friends and relations from that morning.

Arnav Singh Raizada realised something curious...the pleasure of cooking something and having people relish it... Khushi's shop was a hive of customers. As soon as he carried sweets into the shop, the customers would start buying them. Sometimes, the boys did not have to arrange them in the cabinets. The sweets would be sold out while in the tray. The high quality of the ingredients used, the magic of Khushi's hands, the purity of her heart, her goodnatured chatter, her personal bond with the customers who never failed to ask after Babuji, the love and respect that Babuji had earned --- all these had a role to play in the large number of customers. And the love of Lucknowites for sweets. And the Diwali season. And their proximity to a crowded temple. And the hard work and pleasant demeanour of Munna and Krishna...All these factors together had made her shop a success from day 1.

And when Arnav watched people eagerly buy jalebis that he had helped to make, or large quantities of the badam halwa that he had helped to stir, he felt a strange flutter in his heart. It took some thought for him to realise that it was the pleasure of doing something well, of seeing people appreciate one's efforts... He had never felt this in his own business. There it had always been the need to succeed that had driven him, the nightmare of poverty & helplessness keeping him working day and night... And then his responsibility towards his family & the thousands of employees...All these had kept him tied to his chair. He had rarely had the time or the inclination to enjoy a takeover or a successful negotiation or a completed project. Now he realised why she had been so proud to call herself the daughter of a halwai. He smiled.

He looked at her. She was sitting on a small wooden stool, shaping laddoos with both hands from the mixture in a big pan placed on the floor. He looked at her, the hair tied back tightly, the dupatta tied across one shoulder and around her waist, her eyes focused on her work. He watched one drop of sweat trail down her neck. His feet took him directly to her. She looked up to see him walk closer. He kneeled by her, not letting go of her eyes. His finger slowly, carefully captured that drop of sweat. She closed her eyes at the touch of his finger on her throat, her breath leaving her chest in a rush. When she dared to open them again, she saw his head moving closer to hers, his eyes full of playfulness and devilish intent.

(UltimateBarun, thanx!)

"Arnavji...", she quavered.

"Hmmm?"

"Aap...I am covered in sweat..."

"So?"

"You will get dirty if you come close to me. Please sit in the shop. It is cool there...", she spoke fast.

"No."

"Arnavji, don't..." The words died in her throat as Arnav kissed her on her cheek.

"Arnavji...", she protested weakly when she could find her voice from the long pilgrimage it had decided to make.

He kissed her neck.

"Arnavji...", she jumped up. She couldn't even push him away with her hands. They were covered with the sweet mixture.

"Khushi...", he murmured, advancing towards her.

(UltimateBarun, U rock!)

She tried to move away from him, dodging between the pots and pans. He moved steadily forward, chasing her, his eyes fully focused on making her his, hunting her, and finally trapping her against the wall between two flour bins.

"Ab kya karogi?"

She panted, looking at his incendiary eyes.

"Now where will you run?"

Her eyes slipped down to his no-less-incendiary lips, held too close to her. They were sinful enough to make a sanyasin give up her vows. No, not give up. Throw her vows away. With pleasure...

(Again, UltimateBarun!)

He saw her looking at his lips. He saw her swallow with difficulty. His mouth dried up.

"Khushi...", his husky voice pleaded. "Come out with me this evening for a long drive?"

Part 33:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=45

Part 34

{I had mentioned in my last PM that I would be unable to send any more PMs due to shortage of time. Pls excuse me. I will be updating atleast one part daily😉. So pls check the index & ENJOY!😆}

He got in to the back seat of his car, and closed the door. Khushi was sitting at the far edge of the seat, her fingers knotted, wondering what she was doing in the back of his car in a deserted parking lot.The only other car she had ever been in was her Babuji's, and that was now gently rusting in Chamanlalji's junk yard. Even there, she had shared the back seat with Jiji. This was a new and strange experience... Her heart pounded...

"Khushi?"

She looked at him, her eyes slightly anxious, the pulse in her throat rapid, her breath shallow.

"Come closer?", he invited, his voice as smooth as honey.

She moved an inch closer.

He hid a smile.

"A bit more.", he suggested.

She moved an inch more.

"A little more.", he persuaded her.

Finally she was sitting flush against him, her slender thigh aligned perfectly with his warm, hard one.

"Shall we play a game?", his husky whisper seduced her.

She tried to speak, gave up the cause for a lost one, and tamely nodded.

"I have a gift for you." She looked at him in surprise.

"It is hidden on me. Why don't you search for it?" His smile beguiled her in to thinking him to be an innocent lamb.

She looked at his body. He could hide it only in the pockets of his trousers or the lone pocket of his casual shirt.

She hesitated.

"Scared?", he challenged.

"Of course not!", she retaliated, lifting her chin.

"Then you will find the gift?"

"Of course! What do you think of me? I am no lily-livered girl. And I was always good in hunting for treasure.", she boasted cheekily.

Sense came rushing at the feet of her response, chiding her for falling for his trick yet once again. But...

"Really?", his tone conveyed his doubt at her prowess. "So start...", he invited. He twisted on the seat to sit facing her.

There was something in his shirt pocket. Not a box or a packet, but something thinner than that. Who had specified that a gift had to be in a box? It could be a piece of paper, a ticket to a movie, or a discount coupon...

She touched the shirt pocket, her fingers slowly making their way into it, her eyes trained on her fingers. She touched paper, and pulled it out triumphantly, smiling into his playful eyes.

She unfolded the paper. It was a list of things that Di wanted purchased before the sagai. She grimaced at it, her determination to win getting too strong for her own good.

She lunged at him, dropping the paper to the unoccupied right side of the seat carelessly. He laughed and leaned back. But she was like a lioness that had smelt blood. She pinned his shoulders to the door, got up on her knees, and tried to reach his left pocket. He turned and twisted, laughing loudly, raising his arms across his body to bar her access to him. She ducked and feinted, sending her arms through small gaps in his armour to reach his pocket. She squeezed her fingers into his pocket, digging for buried treasure. And she found it, not noticing his extreme stillness. She dragged out a pristine handkerchief. She pouted.

But Khushi was a never-say-die girl. She renewed her attack, this time on the last remaining pocket, sure that her treasure was buried there. Arnav did try to block her, but she noticed that his hands seemed to linger on hers, his fingers relishing the silky tone of her skin...loving her touch...

She looked at his face, in to his eyes. Her hands and her fight came to an abrupt stop. The naughty smirk on his face, the fire in his eyes... He was waiting for her to touch him... She panted, her heart seeming to leap out of her chest.

"The gift.", he reminded her, his voice a whisper, the effect heightened by the solitude and the night.

She gulped, her throat dry, her hands trembling, her eyes on his lips...

(Thanx, Illyria!)

"Are you going to let me win?"

She shook her head in negation, slowly as though she were not very sure what she was doing.

He raised his arms, crossing his fingers behind his head, resting against the window.

"Go on."

She slowly pushed her fingers into the pocket close to her. His arms came down suddenly, and began to wrestle gently with hers. He enjoyed watching the look of concentration on her face as she tried to find new and innovative ways to get to her prize. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she finally managed to get her hand in to his pocket. She found a hard object in it. It was wrapped in gift paper. She pulled it out with a cry of victory. He smiled.

He drew a finger across her cheek flushed with exertion and triumph.

"I enjoyed playing with you. We should do this more often.", he whispered in her ear.

Parts 35 & 36:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41

Part 38

Munna, Krishna, Akash, Mamaji and the boys of the neighbourhood served the delicious food to the guests.

Sweets that Khushi had prepared were presented in big thalis, some taken from the safe room and some borrowed from their neighbours.

The crowd milled around the Guptas and the Raizadas, congratulating them on getting such a handsome damadji and beautiful bahuriya. Mami was in her element, laughing and chatting with the ladies, loving the attention her nephew, Arnav and her son, Akash were getting. The ladies were full of praise for the good looks and polished manners of Khushi's mangetar and Payal's husband, whom they hadn't seen before.

Khushi stood a little way away from the crowd, clutching Arnav's arm, fearful of letting go. She frowned at the nubile Lucknow girls, all decked up, giggling and nudging each other, passing comments on Arnav's looks, his dhoti-kurta, his hair, his eyes... The girls hastily moved away. Arnav hid his smile, but not very successfully.

"Why are you smiling?"

He said mildly, "It is my sagai. I think I am entitled to smile once or twice."

Khushi muttered to herself, "If I talk to him, he finds it so difficult to open his mouth and give me a civil answer. He parts his lips only to scold me. In the whole year that we have known each other, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times he has smiled at me. And now he wants to smile at girls and talk to ladies! Uff, this Laad Governor! It was better when he was silent!"

Arnav burst out laughing, the sound bringing a smile to the lips of all his family members who enjoyed the rare sight of him laughing.

Buaji pinched his chin. "You look so handsome when you smile, Babua. May Nandkisore keep you smiling like this all your life!"

Khushi fumed. "Buaji! Don't the girls have anything better to do that ogle Arnavji? Haven't they seen a man before? Even the old ladies! Buaji, I am warning you. I am going to keep a board near the door to the courtyard with 'Keep Away from Arnavji' written on it!"

Buaji & Arnav smothered their laughter.

"How can they not be curious about Arnav Bitwaa, Titliyaa?" She leaned towards Arnav, and said confidentially, "They want to see the brave man who has dared to make this Sanka Devi his wife, and convey their condolences!"

"Buaji!", cried Khushi, while Buaji & Arnav had a good laugh at her expense. She stamped her foot, and walked in to her house. She wandered from room to room, accepting congratulations on winning the heart of such a gorgeous-looking man. Many of the girls asked her if Arnavji had any more brothers in the same mould. She ground her teeth while smiling at them. Her mind rested on Nanheji for a moment, but she decided to spare him right then. He would have to deal with all these girls when he came for the wedding anyway. He had called her that morning to wish her and to inform her that he would be arriving the day before the wedding.

Vimala Maasi had her granddaughter, Antara with her. Khushi eagerly stretched her arms out for the baby, a cute 1-year old with dimpled cheeks and heart-winning smile.

Antara left her grandma with alacrity, and latched on to Khushi. She inspected Khushi's long necklace with the green stones, her earrings, her maangtikka, her bangles... Antara loved jewellery a little more than she loved biting people.

Khushi talked softly to the baby as she carried her to her own room. She sat on the bed, Antara held snugly in her arms.

"Is this my beautiful, beautiful baby?", she cooed. "You are a good girl, aren't you? My good girl, my shweet girl, my jalebi, my balushahi..."

Antara's ears perked up on hearing the names of sweets. But the green stones were too good to leave... And after the stones, it was the turn of Khushi's cheeks.They were made to be bitten. Chubby, creamy cheeks... Antara opened her mouth, aiming for a good, solid bite. Her milk teeth almost touched Khushi's cheek, when a hard hand appeared from nowhere and blocked her path.

Khushi jumped. Antara jumped with her. They turned around to see Arnav standing behind them.

"You are not to bite her cheek.", ASR instructed Antara, a stern look hardening his eyes.

She looked at the imposing figure, the delicious voice, the expressive eyes, and the big, warm hands. She leaped from Khushi's arms at this new target, who stood shocked for a moment, and then gingerly opened his arms to receive the missile.

Antara sat in his arms, held safe but awkwardly against his broad shoulders. She looked at his face from close quarters. He had a nice nose. She curled her fingers around it. His lips trembled in a smile as he gently freed his one and only nose from her pudgy fingers. She took her fingers to his eyes, wanting to poke them. He ably defended his territory.

What is wrong with girls these days? Age no bar, height no bar! All of them are after my Arnavji!, Khushi thought, furious. She was about to free him from Antara's devoted attention, when Vimala Maasi came in to the room and took the baby away from Arnav. Antara squirmed in her grandma's arms, wanting to go back to the man with the twinkling eyes and crooked smile.

"Khushi Bitiyaa! Antara seems to like our Damaadji a lot. You are very lucky. He will make a wonderful father!", said Vimala Maasi.

Part 29

(All pics credited to uploaders!)

He smiled at her before proceeding to his room. She stood shell-shocked at the door of the kitchen watching him walk away. She hadn't expected this. She had thought that they would be together till the wedding. Nearing the stairs leading to the top floor, he turned to look at her. She looked distraught, as though someone had just died. He smiled tenderly.

She came to his room in a while, a big thaili full of packets of sweets for his family in Delhi, all made by her fair hands. He was packing his belongings, talking on the phone in the meantime.

Arnav Singh Raizada! Why do one thing at a time when you could do two?, she grimaced.

She sat on his bed, watching his deft hands as they put the phone down and began to pack in earnest. Soon the room looked naked, his books, clothes, medicines, all tucked into his bag. He took his laptop, zipped it into its cosy bag, and placed it beside his bigger one.

He looked at her, sitting on his bed, looking like a lost kitten in the rain. He walked towards her. She sat unmoving, her eyes on the floor. He touched her hair softly, passing his hand gently over the smooth strands. He put his fingers under her chin and lifted her face to get her to look up at him.

"I will be back on the 25^th."

She counted furiously. Four days!

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Because I didn't want to upset you."

She swallowed. "I need to attend a few meetings in Delhi. They are very important, Khushi. Akash can't handle them on his own. I will be back before you know it."

She compressed her lips. That's what he thought! She felt cheated, abandoned...

She hadn't noticed his face coming closer till she felt the soft brush of his lips on her forehead, like the warm touch of the wings of a butterfly. She closed her eyes, a slave to the simplest of his touches. He caught her gently by her shoulders, and pulled her up to stand in front of him.

He drew a line from her forehead to her nose and down her lips to her chin.

"I will be back before you know it, Khushi...", he whispered. The finger traced the line of her jaw and the rim of her ear. She shuddered.

"Babua, the driver and Amanji have come. They are waiting for you...", shouted Buaji from the foot of the stairs.

"I need to go...", he said, his husky voice reflecting his reluctance to leave her.

He withdrew his hands from her, and turned away. He halted. He could feel his hand being taken in a strong clasp by her. His heart filled with a thousand bubbles of joy. Praying that he hadn't imagined it, he turned to see her holding his hand, stopping him from leaving.

"Arnavji..."

The need in that one word was enough to unman him. He pulled her into his arms, and hugged her with all his might. She passed her arms around his shoulders and neck, clutching on for dear life. He pulled her as close as possible, and buried his face in her neck.

"Will you phone me?"

She nodded, too occupied with him to go in search of her voice.

"Daily?"

She nodded again.

"Bitwaa..." The call came again.

"Khushi, take care of yourself. Don't work too hard. Don't let anything worry you. If you want anything, anything at all, call me. Khushi...?"

She nodded.

He released her and unwillingly, picked up his bags and the thaili of sweets and went out of the room, looking back at her while crossing the doorway.

She stood alone in his room while he went down and bid farewell to Babuji, Amma, and Buaji. The ladies cried all over him, making him promise that he would return at the earliest. They accompanied him to his car, and saw him off. He looked up to see Khushi standing in the corridor outside his room. He got in, and the car moved forward.

Khushi ran to his room and fell on his bed, her face pressed in to his pillow. His scent lingered on it, and she wept uncontrollably.

Her phone pinged. It was a message from Arnavji. She wiped her tears, and opened it.

"Khushi, I Love You!"

Part 30:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=13

Part 37

The cooks came on time, and the house was redolent with the fragrance of good food being cooked on the premises. As Arnav started gathering the requisites for the havan, Akash stopped him.

"Bhai, please let me do this. It is my right."

Arnav looked at him with quiet affection as he, aided by Payal, helped the pujari with the wood, ghee, and other materials.

"Bhai, shall I help you change in to your kurta?"

Arnav hid a smile. "I think I can manage to do that myself, Akash. After all, I have been wearing clothes by myself for years.", he said mildly.

Payal and Akash looked scandalised.

"Bhai, you are the dulha. You are not to do anything yourself."

He led Arnav to the room with the clothes.

"So when one becomes the dulha, he loses the ability to function at all levels...?", Arnav drawled. Akash laughed.

Khushi ran from the sweetshop in to her house. It was time to dress. Actually it had been time to dress for quite a while, but the kheer in the pan had had other ideas. Buaji and Amma had called her many times, finally threatening her and asking her if she wanted the sagai too to be held in the sweetshop. But the kheer... Anyway, that was done, she sighed. Now all she had to do was reach her room without landing in front of Buaji or Amma.

She ran right in to Buaji, standing like a sentinel near the front door. Khushi sighed.

"O Sanka Devi! Who is going to get ready for your sagai? Shall I dress up in the new lehenga that your sasuralwaale have given, and sit by Arnav Babua for the havan, hein?"

"Buaji! I know you love your Arnav Bitwaa, but I will sit by him. You don't have to." The news about the lehenga registered once she had laid claim to Arnavji. "Lehenga? Naniji gave me a lehenga?"

"Haan. It is in your room. Payaliyaa has been waiting to help you dress for the past two hours. Go up and wake her up. She must have fallen asleep by now, Parmeswari."

Khushi turned to run to her room.

"Suno, Titliyaa!", Buaji called. "Your Amma & I, we have selected two necklaces and some bangles for you from your mother's jewellery. Wear it if you like them. Otherwise, select something else."

Khushi ran back to Buaji, and engulfed her in a long hug. Buaji held her hand on her ample chest, trying to find her lost breath. On the way to her room, she saw Naniji. Khushi threw her arms around her and hugged her within an inch of her life.

Naniji laughed. "I hope you like the lehenga, Khushi Bitiyaa."

"I will love it, Naniji!", she cried as she ran to her room.

A patient Payal helped Khushi to wear the red, green, & white lehenga. She wore the short and long gold necklaces of her mother, studded with green stones, a maangtikka, her mother's payal, and her arms full of bangles. Payal led her to the mirror.

"You look like a princess, Khushi." Payal hugged Khushi, and blinked to hide the moisture in her eyes.

Khushi looked at herself in the mirror. Who would believe that half an hour earlier, she had been neck-deep in kheer? She giggled.

"Khushi? What is so funny?"

"Jiji, I was just thinking that beautiful clothes can make me look beautiful." She smiled, admiring the chudi on her arms.

"No, pagli. Not beautiful clothes. Your love for Arnavji makes you look beautiful.", said Payal, smoothing down Khushi's skirt. Khushi blushed. "Shall we go down?"

Arnav came down to the courtyard from his room, escorted by Akash and Mamaji. He looked gorgeous, the quiet joy on his face accentuating his looks. Buaji gasped at the sight of him.

"Bitwa, you truly look like a rajkumar!", she exclaimed. All the ladies started laughing. Arnav smiled.

Naniji hugged him, and shed tears of joy.

"Chotey! I never thought that.."

"...this day would come...", he completed. "I too never imagined, Nani, that such happiness was possible." He bent down to touch her feet. She blessed him and hugged him. He whispered in her ear, "I am sorry, Nani. For arguing with you, for fighting with you, for not listening to you, for troubling you..."

"Sshh... All that does not matter, Chotey. I am so relieved to see you happy."

He gave her an extra squeeze, and moved on to his Di.

She hugged him as though there were no tomorrow.

"I am so happy, Chotey!"

"I am sorry, Di."

"For what?", she looked in to his contrite eyes.

"For letting you marry that cad. For not looking after you better. For not protecting you better. I should have known, Di. I should have known..."

"Chotey! I am older than you. I should be looking after you rather than you looking after me. And...and you suffered due to my folly. I fell for his flattering words, and you paid the price, Chotey! I will never forgive myself for that."

"Di..", he held her close to him.

"Chotey, shall I tell you something?", she whispered.

"Haan..", he whispered back.

"I lost my husband and had a miscarriage. I found out that my marriage was a joke and my husband a murderous cheat. The whole world knew that I had been taken for a fool. I was shocked, humiliated, and hurt. But I could face it, Chotey! I can face it. I can live through it. I can survive. And I will."

She looked up at him, "But had he hurt you...had something happened to you, Chotey, I would have dropped dead with you. That would have been the end of both of us, Chotey. Khushiji saved you. She saved me, and our family. I know she will take good care of you. She won't let any harm come to you. And she will keep you happy. As long as you are happy and well, Chotey, know that I am happy and well.

So don't feel guilty for being happy. And don't worry about me. Joy has come late in your life, Chotey. Enjoy it to the fullest, and know that your family loves you and will support you whatever happens. Not just me, Nani, Mama, Mami, Akash, and Payal, but also Babuji, Buaji, Amma, and Khushi..."

She looked into his eyes, cupping his cheek.

"Tum theek ho?"

He nodded, smiling at her, his eyes full of love.

Mamiji entered the courtyard, followed by boys carrying bags and bags of shopping. She had been out to renew her acquaintance with the markets of Lucknow.

"Arnav Bitwaa, you are luking goods. Lower the eyes, Saasumaa. Lower the eyes..."

"Manorama?"

"Nazar Utaro, Saasumaa, Nazar Utaro. No Inglis, only Hindi. Poor Sasumaa..."

She, Mamaji, and Akash hugged Arnav, wishing him a very happy engagement. Babuji blessed him. Buaji and Amma kissed his forehead and caressed his cheeks. Laxmi munched on the choicest leaves and a few jalebis that Khushi had sneaked in for her, standing placidly in one corner of the courtyard. Her beady eyes looked at the plates heaped with sweets, kept near the pujari. Yummm...

The courtyard soon filled with ladies, gents, & children from the neighbourhood.

Arnav heard a collective drawing of breath, and turned to see Khushi coming into the courtyard from her room, led by Payal. He looked at her, totally lost for words. The flowing lehenga, the jewellery, the shy flush on her cheeks, her lowered eyes. She lifted her eyes and looked at him. He felt current run through his veins. As though they were alone in a room...

Naniji, and the other ladies led Arnav and Khushi to the havan. The pujari started chanting the mantras. Arnav and Khushi sat side by side, praying for their joint family, thanking God for his kindness in having seen them through the terrible times, for keeping them together...

After the havan and the distribution of prasad, Amma came smiling up to Arnav with a thali, and applied a tikka on his forehead. Nani, Mami, and Anjali gave jewellery, clothes, and make up items as gifts to Khushi.

Arnav and Khushi exchanged rings, and the families exchanged gifts and congratulated each other. The guests hugged Khushi and pulled Arnav's cheeks, to the merriment of both families. Savita's Nani, taking advantage of her advancing age, dropped a kiss on his cheek. Khushi's eyes and mouth opened wide in shock. She caught him by the arm and dragged him away from the crowd. What if the young girls standing in line behind the Nani decided to follow suit?

Arnav smiled, his eyes dancing merrily.

Parts 38 & 39:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41

Part 33

"Khushi...", his husky voice pleaded. "Come out with me this evening for a long drive?"

She looked in to his eyes. No other answer was possible. Or acceptable. His eyes...his need. Her heart...her desire to be with him...

She nodded.

He released his breath in a rush.

Arnav was busy in the afternoon. He had to brief a few of his executives on the work accomplished in Delhi, check on the progress of the ongoing projects in Lucknow, go through reports sent by his HR manager... The list was long and killing. Khushi...He wished he could see her now. He peeked over the railing at her kitchen. Through the window, he could see her frying something. She was busy too, he sighed. But... but he would get to spend some 'alone' time with Khushi in his car. She had agreed to go on a drive with him. A long drive. He attacked his work with gusto, a part of his mind still lingering on her beeauutiful eyes, her lips, her soft hands as she caressed his face, her beeauutiful smile, her beeauutiful hair... A gentle smile played on his lips as he dealt with a whining manager via email.

Khushi was in the kitchen, frying jalebis, her mind on the man who had successfully fried her bheja. She could hear Munna and Krishna chatting with the customers as they sold sweets. The sounds wafted through the door, past her, not even registering in her mind. The oil was piping hot and the jalebis were done. Absently, she collected them in her slotted spoon and dropped them into the chashni, lost in her thoughts.

Arnavji had been in the shop's kitchen till lunch. He had teased her...chased her...challenged her...invited her out for a long drive with him... Her cheeks took on a red hue. And then he had left to work on his laptop. She had seen him sitting in his armchair, typing furiously while making her way to her shop after lunch. She twisted her lips in annoyance. That laptop! Where was a good pool when you wanted one? That laptop deserved to be dunked, dunked, and left to drown, like a biscoot in a cup of chai!

She peeped out of the kitchen window. She could see Arnavji sitting in the corridor. Was that a frown on his face? She tried to see his face more clearly, but ... She sighed and returned to her complaining, browning jalebis. A few moments later, she returned to the window. A couple of lingering glances later, she ran to her stove. After saving the last batch of jalebis from a fate worse than death, she ran to the window again. This wouldn't do...

She turned off the stove, ran to the kitchen at home, took a glass, filled it with water, placed it on a tray, and ran up the stairs to Arnavji.

He looked up at the sound of her payal, thinking that he had dreamt it. There she stood before him, a glass of water in hand.

"Arnavji, pani..."

"Pani? Khushi, I didn't..." He bit on his tongue. What if he said that he didn't want water and she left? He took the glass from the tray and sipped it. Slowly.

He looked at her while sipping the water. Her eyes were devouring his face and form. His were equally busy. Soon the water got over. He looked with dismay at the bottom of the empty glass. He shook it gently, hoping for one more drop. But...

He slowly extended the empty glass to her. She took it from him, her fingers caressing his as the glass exchanged hands. They looked at each other for a moment, and Khushi reluctantly turned to leave.

"Khushi...?"

She stopped, gladness filling her heart. She turned and looked at him.

"Tonight...", his voice promised her untold delights.

She blushed and nodded.

The rest of the family was exhausted after their visit to the nearby temples and homes of friends and neighbours of the Guptas. They had an early dinner, and as the meal was about to end, Arnav asked Babuji and Nani, "I would like to take Khushi for a drive. If you don't mind..."

Babuji smiled his 'yes'. He knew his Damadji. No one could take better care of his crazy Bitiyaa than Arnav Bitwaa. Amma smiled. Buaji said, "Why not, Nandkisore?" Nani smiled, but before she could reply, Anjali and Mamiji got into the act.

"A dribes? Anjali Bitiyaa, you want to go on a long dribes?"

"Haan, Mami. Chotey is so kind, wanting to take all of us on a drive. Chotey! You meant all of us, didn't you?", she pouted, looking innocent & guileless as only she could.

Poor Akash tried to stand firm in front of his brother, protecting his budding romance from being trampled all over by the marauding hordes of women.

"We are all tired, Di, Mom. Let's...ummm.. let's go to bed early. We can see Lucknow another day. Let Bhai ...er... emm... go out with Khushiji tonight."

"How can thats be, Akash Bitwaa? He is inbiting us with so much lauv. How can we say no to Arnav Bitwaa?"

Arnav looked harried, and the Guptas were laughing away. Khushi blushed. Finally, Nani put her foot down.

"Let Chotey and Khushi Bitiyaa go out together."

Mami and Anjali looked at Arnav with pseudo concern. "Chotey! You don't mind if we don't come, do you?"

"Haan, Arnav Bitwaa, will you be able to maneijje (manage) alone?"

"I will try.", said Arnav in a choked voice.

The family laughed uproariously. Arnav shot them a look of anger mingled with a touch of humour. A look at Khushi's bashful face melted him completely.

They finally set out in his car, sent off with instructions on what to see and what not to see, what to buy and what not to buy, what to do and what not to do... and much laughter...at their expense. Arnav snorted as he drove off.

She had a small smile on her lips. He looked at her sitting by him, looking gorgeous in a deep red anarkali. Her hair danced freely in the wind. Her fingers lay loosely clasped in her lap. He drove fast and parked with a flourish in the car park of his new office.

The place was well-lit but deserted, save for the security guards who had salaamed him at the entrance. Khushi looked uncertainly at him. He smiled at her, reassuring her.

He opened the door for her and held out his hand. Maybe he had left some file in the office that he needed. She took his hand and alighted from the vehicle.

He led her to the back seat and opened the door. She looked at him, wondering what exactly was going on. He smiled again. With a heart beating louder than a drum, she made her way in to the back seat, moving towards the far end of the seat so that he could sit by her. Arnav followed her into the back seat of the vehicle.

Part 34:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3001953/living-without-you-3-link-to-thread-4-part-41?pn=54

OS: Don't let Go of Me, Khushi!

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3022025/os-dont-let-go-of-me-khushi

Part 40

Babuji's cousin, Deenanath Gupta and his son Anand came visiting the next day. Payal and Khushi ran to them and took their blessings. The older man was jovial and easygoing, much loved by the family. Anand was in his late 30s, lean but muscled, his simple kurta hanging loosely around his tall, straight frame. He had strong features, a sharp nose, quiet eyes, a stubborn chin, & long hair. He gently ruffled Payal and Khushi's hair, and bent to touch Babuji, Amma, and Buaji's feet. He said "Namaste" in a soft voice when introduced to the Raizadas. Taciturn by nature, he then sat back, sipped unsweetened tea, and watched the others talking and laughing.

Arnav watched them closely. It was clear that the older gentleman was good natured. But Anand... He was a mystery. Being silent was not a sin, especially not to Arnav who used words sparingly in his personal life. But life and Shyam had taught him bitter lessons. He was determined to check them out thoroughly before letting his sister associate with them.

This resolution was weakened by Anjali's interest in the orphanage and school. She asked various questions of the older man about the children and their education. Luckily for Arnav, Buaji managed to force the two men to accept a visit from the family to the school the next day. Arnav had to be satisfied with that.

After the guests left, Arnav and Akash had to go to the office. As he drove through the city, Arnav turned to look at the bespectacled man sitting by him.

"Akash, I am sorry."

"Kyun, Bhai?", Akash asked, astonished.

"For spoiling your wedding day."

Akash smiled. "It doesn't matter, Bhai. I just wish... I just wish you had told me about Shyam. When I think of you and Khushiji trying to deal with him alone..."

"I... I was too shocked, Akash. Too many things were going wrong at the same time...", he said with regret lacing his voice.

Akash nodded. "It is over, Bhai. Thank God." He smiled. "And we are happy to be getting married again, and that too with you and Khushiji. We can celebrate all our wedding anniversaries together."

Arnav was grateful to have such a loving and uncomplicated brother. He remembered Buaji's words about how lucky he was to have so many people who loved him.

He returned from the office to find Khushi missing. She was not at home. Nor was she in the shop's kitchen. Munna and Krishna told him that she had gone to the temple. He changed in to casual clothes and the sweater that Amma & Buaji had gifted him, and slowly made his way to the temple.

She had finished praying and was at the steps of the temple, trying to balance on one foot while donning her footwear. He walked towards her, enjoying her beauty in a violet-pink suit with flowing lines. As he watched, a small child ran in to her on his way to the temple, knocking her off balance. As she tottered, he placed his arms around her and held her to his chest.

One moment she had been about to fall. The next moment, she was cradled against his heart, safe and secure. She looked up at his face. How did he always appear when she was in need? She inspected his features. The wide forehead with frown lines, the intent, possessive eyes that saw only her, his lean cheeks, his strong nose that begged to be pulled in fun, his lips that made her shiver when she looked at them, his heart that beat as one with hers... She smiled trustingly at him, and standing in the circle of his arms, slowly smoothed the frown lines with her finger.

"I am alright. Don't worry."

He nodded.

"Shall we sit for sometime? It is very peaceful here...", she suggested.

He led her to a bench near the steps.

"Do you remember...in Delhi...on Teej day... You helped me when I fainted."

"Twice."

"Haan. I am not used to fasting.", she said sheepishly.

He smiled.

"And you broke my fast."

"I didn't know that you were fasting."

She giggled. "Buaji said that I had to fast to get a good husband. She was very sure that nobody would be foolish enough to marry me, and that I wouldn't get a good husband without divine intervention."

He smiled, and caught her hand in his gently. They sat in the evening light, smiling at their many follies, sharing memories of their time together. Time flew.

"Khushi...", he asked. "What does Anand do?"

"Bhaiyya? He draws."

"Draws? He is an artist?" So that explained his overlong hair.

"No...", frowned Khushi as she broke a piece of the prasad and pushed it past his lips. "Not pictures of plants and people. He draws houses, with bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom etc. His company builds those houses for his clients."

"Oh, an architect!"

"Wahi! How else can he fund the orphanage? He studied in America and got a job there. But then his mother, Kamala Chaachi fell ill. He is an only child, you see. And Chachaji could not look after her alone. She was bedridden. So Bhaiyya gave up the job and came home to look after his mother. She was laid up for 7 years, and died last year."

"Is he married?"

"Bhaiyya?" She laughed. "That is a good joke. Chachaji says that he does not have the time to cut his hair, let alone marry."

Arnav smiled slightly.

A while later, he asked softly, "Khushi, you are happy, aren't you?"

She smiled, her teeth shining like pearls in the darkness.

"Very happy. We are getting married. Jiji & Jiju are getting married with us. Nanheji will arrive on the morning of the sangeet. All our family will be under one roof, all of them happy. Laxmiji is here. Our sweetshop is doing very well. What more do I want?"

Arnav swallowed. "You are happy that NK is coming for the wedding?"

"Haan..", she smiled widely. "You know, Arnavji! Life is so ajeeb!"

He smiled at her excitement.

"Jiji and I, we always wanted brothers. We used to feel jealous of other girls during rakhi. The only Anand Bhaiyya we had was never around, and anyway he was too old for us. He will be 38 years old this year, you know. So we used to tell ourselves that we would get married to boys with lots of brothers so that we could tie rakhi on all of them. Now Jiji has you and Nanheji. I have Jiju, Nanheji, and Hari Prakashji. Jiji and I, we are very lucky, aren't we?", she asked.

"Yes...", he said. "I am very lucky."

Thread 4: Part 41:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3024313/ff-living-without-you-4-part-59-last-updated