Early update! Its long,so plz hav patience. Thanks for the likes & comments! Over to..
Translation for Part 70
The next day also Khushi brought juice for Paayal,albeit a little early.
Paayal: Khushi,y did u bring juice right now? I've just had breakfast.
Khushi:I know,jiji. But I'm goin out with di after some time. And HPji will also b leaving for the market.Thats y I thought of givin u juice now itself.
Paayal: Thats okay! Come,sit next to me. U can keep the juice on the table..
When Khushi sat next to Paayal,she cupped her cheek.
Paayal(excited): So Khushi... What did suitcase contain?
Khushi(shocked): Jiji,how.. do u.. know about the.. suitcase?
Paayal: Di told me about.
Khushi(wonders aloud): But.. how did she come to know about it?
Paayal: Di had opened the door when Arnavji came home with the suitcase yesterday evening.
Khushi(thinks): Arnavji is too much! Couldnt he bring the suitcase secretly? Thank u so much,Devi Maiyya! Its only bcoz of Ur grace that nobody came to know about the contents of the suitcase!
Paayal: Khushi,what r u thinking?
Khushi: Huh? a.. nothing jiji!
Paayal: Tell me naa.. What was in that suitcase?
Khushi: Saarees & cholis (blouses).
Paayal(smiles): Didnt I tell u? Arnavji will never bring anything which wouldnt seem proper to u?
Khushi nods.
Paayal: Actually I know y he brought sarees for u. U dont wear sarees often naa,thats y! BTW.. did he bring something else?
Khushi: Ya jiji. (lowers her gaze)How do I.. tell u.. what he brought?
Paayal: What is it?
Khushi: He brought.. colorful.. undergarments.
Paayal(slams her forehead): Oh-ho Khushi! U're talking as if Arnavji got a bikini for u!
Khushi(thinks): That's one thing which he hasnt got for me till now,thankfully!
Paayal: So what!? Aakash had also got colored undergarments for me. They matched the color of my suits perfectly!
Khushi(shocked): Really?
Paayal(non-chalantly): Ya! What's the big deal? From that time onwards,Aakash made sure that I get colored ones for myself. Now I've got into the habbit of wearing matching undergarments.
Khushi(shocked): What?! Jiji,doesnt it feel.. wierd? How do u.. manage to wear red,blue n pink...?
Paayal: It doenst feel wierd at all! U might feel awkward talking about it right now but.. once u'll wear them,u'll surely feel good about them!
Khushi(thinks): God knows how I'll feel?
Khushi nervously chews on her nails.
Paayal(slaps her hand): Take ur hand outta ur mouth! Dont feel so scared,Khushi! I'm sure u'll look beautiful in those! And ur cholis will look much better when u'll wear matching..
Khushi(embarassed): Stop it,Jiji! Dont say anything more!
She hugs her and Paayal smiles at her shy, little sister.
Paayal(pats her head): Okay,okay! I wont say anything now! But u also dont scared,ya?
Khushi(breaks the hug): Jiji,did u.. feel scared in the flight? And.. how did u feel upon reaching there?
Paayal: Ya Khushi. I was pretty scared in the flight. I'd tightly clutched Aakash's hand. It did feel wierd. I couldnt even eat properly. But then Aakash put my fears to rest. He pushed my seat backwards n made me comfortable. Then he asked me to listen to some songs thru the headphone. I never realized when I fell asleep while hearing those songs? When I woke up,the flight was about to land in Moscow.
Khushi: How did u feel upon landing, jiji?
Paayal: It was very,very cold over there! My hands & legs were quivering & I felt as though I would freeze any moment! I cant tell u how long the escalator was over there! Unlike Delhi escalators,which r between 2 floors,the escalator over there covered many,many floors! It seemed to me like the escalator was never ending ! I was feeling dizzy but the moment I got inside the car,I felt better. Coz there's a considerable time difference between the two countries,for sometime my head felt heavy & I was feeling too sleepy. In fact,the first thing which me & Aakash did after we reached the hotel was going to sleep!
Khushi(thinks): That means I'll also feel very cold over there. I should take 1 or 2 sweaters. And also my new Pashmeena shawl.
Paayal: I did feel sick on the first day but then gradually I started feeling better. U may also feel sick on the first day but then eventually ur body will adjust n u'll start enjoying urslef!
Khushi: a.. jiji,I should take ur leave now.
Paayal: Y so soon Khushi? Sit for some more time. U came just now!..
Khushi: No jiji,I cant. I told u naa?I need to go to the beauty parlour with di. Plz dont feel bad, jiji! I'll come to chat with u in the evening.
Paayal(smiles): Okay. Hav a nice time!
They share a warm hug before Khushi departs.
________________________________________________________________
When Khushi returned from the spa at around 6 pm,she was surprised to see Arnav at home.
Khushi(shocked): U..? When did u come home?
Arnav: Half an hour back.
Khushi: I came home in a hurry thinking that I should b home before u arrive. But u came much before I did! (pouts)And u didnt even tell me about it..
Arnav: HP told me that u've gone out with di. So I thought that u must b busy shopping & ur phone,as usual,would b lying in ur purse. And,as usual,u wont answer it!
Khushi makes a face.
Arnav: Thats y I thought of waiting for some time. Had u not turned up by 7 pm,I would've definitely called u.
Khushi(smiles): Alright,alright! Whats the matter ha? Today u've come home even earlier than yesterday!
Arnav: Some things were yet to b packed. So,thats y I came home early.
Khushi: Okay..
Arnav: Khushi,why hav u stuffed all this in ur bag?
Khushi(feigns ignorance): What?
Arnav: As if u dunno!
He opens her suitcase & takes out an old metallic box.
The he opens it & points inside.
Arnav: What the hell is all this?
Khushi: There r all necessary,Arnavji!
Arnav: They're absolutely rubbish,Khushi!
Khushi: No,they're certainly not! Chavanpraash will help me stay fit,apart from.. (lowers her gaze) giving me.. required strength.
Arnav(amused): What?!
Khushi: These dryfruits will also give me strength & energy. a.. If I catch a cold over there,I'll apply this Ayurvedic balm on my nose & forehead. As soon as I'll apply this,the cold will b poof! gone!
Arnav couldnt help the smile that appeared on his lips.
Khushi: These r the ingredients for making kaadhaa. If either of us hav a sore throat,they'll come to r rescue.
Arnav rolls his eyes.
Khushi: These r anaardaane. They're good for digestion. This is Jaiphal & its very important! If my stomach is upset after having the food or water over there, I'll hav milk with jaiphal mixed in it. And this.. is.. jamaalgota(laxative). In case the opposit happens and.. a..
Arnav(interrupts): enough! Hav u heard of allopathy & allopathic medicines?
Khushi: Home remedies work far better than ur allopathic medicines! No matter where I go,I take this box with me. It went with me to Kashmir & now it'll come with me to Paris!
Arnav: So u mean to say that u wont take this box outta ur bag?
Khushi: Nope! I'm not going anywhere without this,my Devi Maiyya's idol & my sweater-shaal combo. Understood?
Arnav: Yeah,I understood. But what I dont understand is y hav u stuffed so many varieties of snacks in ur bag? Its not as if u'll b starving in Paris!
Khushi: Who knows what kinda food will b available over there? I'm anyways not able to palate much of the "foreign" food. And.. may b vegetarian food will not b available over there. I cant stay for 10-15 days without Indian food! Thats y I've taken these dry snacks & dry sweets.
Arnav: Take them out,now! There's no need to take all this & increase the weight of r luggage! And for ur kind information,Paris has a number of Indian restaurants & joints where in u'll get authentic Indian food. No need of taking this halwaai ki dukaan over there! Understood?
Khushi(pleads): Now that.. I've already.. put all this inside the.. bag,let me..
Arnav(interrupts loudly): No!
Khushi gets momentarily scared.
Arnav: Will u take these out or should I?
Khushi mutters lard governer & several other things under her breath as she takes out the snacks & sweets from the bag.
Arnav: Better! Now sit here & listen to me..
Khushi: I'm fine..
Arnav(holds her arm & forces her to sit on the bed): I said sit down,Khushi!
Khushi yelps as her bottom hits the bed.
Arnav(concerned): What happened? R u okay?
Khushi: Yes..
Even though Khushi tries to hide it,Arnav notices the pain in her expression.
He kneels down beside her & talks in a gentle tone.
Arnav: I'm sorry! I hope u're not hurt?
Khushi shakes her head.
Arnav: If there's some other problem,u can tell me about it. Khushi.. I hope.. u're not.. sore?
Khushi: No! No,I'm not..
Arnav: Then what's wrong?
Khushi(faint smile): Nothing is wrong,Arnavji! U're worrying unnecessarily! Since u.. dumped me.. on the bed.. I..
Arnav: I'm sorry!
Khushi: Its okay! I'm fine. Now,if u'll.. allow me to get up,I'll get u ur coffee.
Arnav: HP has already given me my coffee. Either u sit here or if u hav some other work,finish it off. My packing will b done in another 15 minutes. Then we'll go downstairs.
Khushi: Okay. Listen,hav u asked Mohanji to bring amma,babuji & buaji over here?
Arnav: Ya. He'll pick them up at 8 pm.
Khushi: Okay. And listen..
Arnav(putting a shirt in his suitcase): Ya,tell me..
Khushi: U've taken r passports & tickets,right?
Arnav(putting a file in his laptop bag): Ya Khushi..
Khushi: Plz check if u've taken the right set of tickets. I hope u've not taken the ones which I'd booked earlier.
Arnav(holds her shoulder): Relax Khushi! I'd got those tickets cancelled earlier itself. These r the tickets which I'd booked. Okay?
Khushi: Okay.
Arnav: Now,should I finish my packing?
Khushi: a.. sure! Lemme know if u need any help..
Arnav(smiles): No thanks!
Khushi: Fine. So,I'll go n freshen up..
Arnav nods & proceeds with his work.
_________________________________________________________________
When Khushi comes out of the bathroom,Arnav again notices pain in her expressions.
Arnav: Khushi,everything's okay naa?
Khushi: Ya Arnavji! Its.. just that I'm tired.
Arnav(cups her cheek): Looks like u've had a shopping marathon!Havent u?
Khushi(avoids his question): I'll ask HPji to make some tea for me.. Then I'll.. go & sit with jiji for sometime.
Arnav: Sure!
**10 minutes after Khushi leaves**
Anjali(knocks on the door): Chhotey..
Arnav(turns around): Plz come in,di..
Anjali: All set?
Arnav: Yup! (smiles)All set & ready to go!
Anjali smiles at her excited brother.
Arnav: U're here for something important?
Anjali: Ya. I realized that u never gave me the phone number of ur hotel!
Arnav(realizes): Oh yes! I'm so sorry! Plz sit. I'll text it to ur cell.
Anjali: I'm fine,thanks! U read it & I'll store it in my phone right now itself.
Arnav: Di,plz sit naa. U must b tired thanks to ur shopping spree!
Anjali(frowns): Shopping?
Arnav(fiddling with his cellphone): Ya.. Didnt u & Khushi go for shopping today?
Anjali: No Chhotey. I'd taken Khushiji to my friend Minakshi's beauty parlour cum spa.
Arnav(shocked,looks at her): What?
Anjali(nods): Ya! Didnt Khushiji tell u about it?
Arnav(covers up): No.. She must've.. forgotten in all the excitement of goin to Paris.
Anjali(smiles): Ya.. may b.
Arnav(wonders): Y didnt Khushi tell me that she'd been to the spa? And.. y was she looking so tired n dull even after visiting the spa?
Anjali: Where r u lost,Chhotey?
Arnav: a.. nothing di. So,how was ur spa experience?
Anjali(smiles): Superb! All my tiredness is gone!
Arnav: And.. what about Khushi?
Anjali: She enjoyed it as well! Ya.. some procedures did giv her a hard time but then later on she was back to normal! And that 1000 watt smile reappeared on her face!
Arnav: I see.. Di,the hotel number..
Anjali: Ya,wait a minute..
Arnav reads the number aloud & Anjali stores it in her cellphone.
Anjali: Thank u! Take rest for a while. I'll call u when buaji n family arrive.
Arnav: Okay. a.. di if u dont mind,will u ask Khushi to come here?I'm unable to find my black tie.
Anjali: Yes,I'll tell her. But where's she?
Arnav: Thanks! She's in Paayal's room.
Anjali: Okay. I'll tell her before going downstairs.
Anjali leaves while Arnav sits down on the recliner,trying to connect the dots.
_________________________________________________________________
**5 minutes later**
Khushi(entering the room): Did u call me?
Arnav: Ya. Close the door.
Khushi: Arnavji..?
Arnav: I said close the door,Khushi.
Khushi closes & bolts the door.
Arnav: Will u keep standing there? Come here..
She takes small,unsteady steps towards him.
Khushi: Wh.. what hap.. pened?
Arnav: I was thinking that.. may b u're right..
Khushi(confused): About what?
Arnav: About the lingerie that I got for u yesterday. May b its not of ur size.. So,I want u to try one of them.
Khushi(shocked): Now?
Arnav: Yup,right now! It would b much better if u try them right now than taking them to Paris n trying them over there. If they're not of ur size,u leave them here & take ur regular pairs.
Khushi: a.. Okay. So give 1 of those to me. I'll change in the bathro..
Arnav(interrupts): No,u try it here itself. In front of me..
Khushi(shocked): What?
Arnav: Ya.. Come on.
Khushi(lowers her gaze): Arnavji.. how can.. I..?
Arnav: Feeling shy? No problem! I'll help u..
Khushi(takes a step away from him): N.. no!
Arnav: What no? either u try it urself or else allow me help u.
Khushi: Thats exactly what I'm sayin! I'll go to the.. bathroom &..
Arnav(interrupts): What did I tell u,Khushi? Try it right here. I should come to know what exactly is the problem,shouldnt I? So that next time I'll get u lingerie which fits u perfectly. Hmm? Come on..
Khushi: Arnavji..
Arnav(in a no-nonsense tone): Khushi.. No more arguments!
Khushi(thinks): Agree to what's saying,Khushi. Lard governer is adamant on making u try it in front of him. He wont let u go until u do so!And.. anyways,he wouldve come to know about it in Paris. So.. whether he comes to know of it over here or over there,what difference does it make?
Arnav(holds her arm): What's the matter,Khushi?
Khushi: Huh? a.. no.. nothing!
_________________________________________________________________
With trembling hands Khushi undresses herself,not looking at Arnav even once.
Arnav stares at her in shock as his doubt gets confirmed.
Arnav(shell shocked): Khushi? Y did u..
Khushi(interrupts): a.. di took me.. to a.. spa cum.. beauty parlour today. She felt that.. I needed to.. go there.. before leaving for.. Paris.
Arnav: I'm sure di didnt ask u to go for this!
Khushi: No. I..
Arnav(tilts her chin): Look here! Y did u get a full Brazilian wax?
Khushi(gulps): I.. I thought that.. I should.. get it done.
Arnav: Y?
Khushi: a.. just.. like that!
Arnav: Really?
She averts her gaze,unable to bear the heat in his glare.
Arnav: Strange!U never felt like that in the last 1 year! What happened which prompted u to go for this?
Khushi: I..
Arnav(loudly): Khushi,look at me & tell me the truth!
Khushi slowly lifts her eyelids & looks at him with a scared expression.
Arnav looks away & lets out a huge sigh.
When he turns to her,he tries to keep his volume as normal as possible.
Arnav: Has someone said something to u?
Khushi shakes her head.
Arnav: Then y did u go for this? U never asked me but atleast u couldve informed me about it. Heck! U didnt even tell me about it after getting it done!
Khushi: Plz forgive me!
Arnav: Answer me Khushi!
Khushi: 1.. girl had.. come to the parlour.. She said that.. she's getting married.. sooni
Arnav: Yeah,so? How is she related to u?
Khushi: She.. was.. going for.. this. So.. I.. I.. thought that..
Arnav(interrupts): So y did u hav to copy her n do this? Tell me,if that girl had jumped in a well,would u have copied her n jumped in as well?
Khushi: No! I.. (gulps)Di's friend.. Minakshi di was.. also saying.. that.. many girls.. get it done.. nowadays.
Arnav: Did she say that to u?
Khushi again shakes her head.
Arnav: So? Forget about who said what! I want to know y u went for this? Dont u know how sensitive ur skin is? Just look at urself.. Ur skin is red. What if rashes erupted or anyother skin problem occured?
Khushi silently stiffles a sob.
Arnav: Hav I ever asked u to get this done?
Khushi: No. But.. u also.. get.. ur.. underarms, chest n.. that part.. waxed..
Arnav(losing it): Unbelievable man! Now u're insecure of me as well?!
Khushi: No Arnavji! I..
Arnav(interrupts): Earlier u used to compare urself to other females. But now u're comparing urself to me. Khushi,this is the limit!
Khushi: U're..
Arnav(interrupts loudly): Shut up! I dont wanna hear anything!
He slumps down on the recliner
Khushi follows him & silently stands beside him.
Arnav: Move away..
Khushi(almost weeping) No,I wont! If u're angry,u're free to shout n yell as much as u want. Dont keep quiet. And plz dont turn ur face away from me..
Arnav(turns to face her): So what should I do? I really dunno how to deal with u,Khushi? I'm tired of telling u time n again that u need not b insecure of anyone! I've told u a 1000 times that I love u the way u r! U need not change urself for me!(yells) But u never get anything,do u?! I dunno y.. u think that u're inferior to others? Everytime u tell me that u've understood what I'd said but.. u've just not got my point! (stands up)And frankly,I'm fed up of all this now!
So saying he opens the door & stomps out of the room.
________________________________________________________________
Arnav meets Anjali near the staircase.
Anjali(concerned): What happened Chhotey? U seem.. tensed?
Arnav(lies): a.. ya di. I forgot an important file in the office. I'm going to fetch it.
He goes towards the main door.
Anjali: Y r u going? Ask Mohanji to get it for u..
Arnav: Its okay di...! I'll b back soon...!
_________________________________________________________________
Arnav parks his SUV on the left hand side of the deserted road.
He comes out of it & bangs the door shut.
Arnav(thru gritted teeth): Why doesnt Khushi understand my POV? (smacks the door) Why,dammit!?
He closes his eyes in despair & that's when Khushi's image plops in his mind.
He winces upon recalling the red skin of her pubis.
Arnav(frustrated): She must've been in pain,her skin became red. But all this didnt stop her from going ahead with it. Why doesnt this girl understand anything? Her..
He stops abruptly when a thought crosses his mind.
Arnav(in a milder tone): She must've been in terrible pain. No wonder she winced when I forced her to sit on the bed..
His anger & frustration r instantly replaced by concern & worry.
Arnav: Di was also saying that she was in pain. (sighs) She managed to convince di with her smile but.. how come I never thought about it? She's been roaming here n there ever since she came back from the parlour. I guess she hasnt applied anything to soothe her skin. I lost my patience & yelled at her..
He immediately regrets chiding her & yelling at her.
Arnav's heart: U shouldnt hav yelled at her.
Arnav's mind: What else could I do? She was just not getting my point. Thats y I lost it.
Arnav's heart: There r other methods of explainin things to her..
Arnav's mind: I've tried every trick in the book. I calmly explained everything to her, chided her,but nothing is working for me!
Arnav's heart: So what!? Try again. If u dont make her see the point,then who will? And u're aware of the fact that she needs to understand this! Its very important to get rid of her insecurity & inferiority complex! And u know that!
Arnav's mind: I know! But.. what dod I do? Ultimately she's the one who needs to understand.
Arnav's heart: So will u give up? That too on ur own wife?
Arnav's mind: Noways! Arnav Singh Raizada never gives up!
Arnav's heart: So gow & try again. But,dont yell at her.. Dont forget-she's already hurt,physically. U've also hurt her emotionally. Now u dont want her to break down,do u?
Arnav's mind: No..
Arnav's heart: Go! What the hell r u waiting for?!
Arnav realizes that his heart is right. So he decides to go back home & deal with Khushi,patiently.
________________________________________________________________
When Arnav opened the door of his room,he found Khushi missing.
He checked the bathroom & poolside but Khushi wasnt there either.
Scared,he went to look for her in the kitchen.
He found Anjali,Paayal and HP in the kitchen.
Anjali: What happened Chhotey? Didnt u get ur file?
Arnav: No di. I mean,I got the file.. but I lost Khushi.
Anjali(frowns): What?
Arnav: I mean.. Where is Khushi?
Anjali: She must b in ur room.
Arnav: No di. I've checked the room, poolside,everywhere! She's not there. (to Paayal) Paayal,I hope she's not in ur room?
Paayal: No. Yes,she did come to my room. But she left when u called for her. I havent seen her after that.
Anjali: Ya Chhotey. Niether hav I seen her after that.
Arnav: May b she's in nani's room..
Anjali: But Chhotey I just came back from her room. Khushiji wasnt there.
Arnav: O sh*t!
By now Arnav's heart had started pounding fast & he was sweating profusely.
Anjali(wiping sweat off his brow): Y r u getting so tensed,Chhotey? I'll call Khushiji just now.
She calls Khushi loudly but she does not responds.
Anjali: I think she's gone outta the house for some work..
Paayal: No di,I dont think thats true. She knows that amma,babuji & buaji will b here soon. So she wont go outta the house.
Arnav: But then y cant I find her at home? Y didnt she answer di? (calls loudly) Khushi...
Still she does not respond.
Arnav: Di,u plz check again in nani's room & also in ur room. Paayal,plz check outside. Hari Prakash,u check in mamiji & NK's rooms. I'll check upstairs.
Arnav speeds up the staircase,two at a time,frantically looking for Khushi.
_________________________________________________________________
Aakash comes out of the bathroom in a hurry when he hears the door of his bedroom banging open.
He's shocked to see a visibly distraught Arnav.
Aakash(concerned): What happened bhai?
Arnav: Hav u seen Khushi?
Aakash: No.
Arnav(in despair): Dammit! Where did Khushi go?
Aakash: did u try to call her?
Arnav: She's left her cell in the room.
Aakash: a.. so.. hav u checked everywhere?
Arnav: Ya Aakash. I couldnt find her anywhere.
Aakash: Did u ask the watchman? May b he's seen Khushiji going outta the house?
Arnav: No, I'll ask him right now!
Aakash: Relax bhai! U let it b. I'll go & ask him. Y dont u check the terrace meanwhile? May b Khushiji is on the terrae?
Arnav(realizes): Y didnt I think of this earlier?
He runs towards the flight of stairs which lead to the terrace.
Once he reaches the staircase,he looks upwards and is somewhat relieved to find the door to the terrace open.
Aakash(follows him): Is she there,bhai?
Arnav: Lemme check.
He ascends the stairs as quickly as his legs would allow.
When he finds Khushi's sandals outside the door,he lets out the breath that he had been holding all along.
He turns towards Aakash & shows him a thumbs up.
Aakash: Great! I'll inform di & Paayal.
Arnav nods & turns towards the terrace.
_________________________________________________________________
Khushi,who was lost in her own world,gets momentarily scared when the door opens with a bang.
Khushi(getting up): Arnavji? U.. here?
Arnav(walks upto her in long strides): What the hell were u doing here?
Khushi(points to the starlit sky): I.. came here to.. talk to amma & babuji.
Arnav(grabs her shoulders):Couldnt u talk to them from downstairs? What was the need to come here,that too without telling anyone?
Khushi(yelps): Arnavji,u're hurting me..!
Arnav lets go of her arms with a jerk.
Khushi(rubbing her left arm): My wish! I can talk to them from wherever I want! I suppose I hav that much of right on this house.. or night? Or will I hav to ask for ur permission everytime I want to come on the terrace?
Arnav sees the hurt masked behind her rude words.Thus he melts immediately.
When he tries to hold her arm,she takes a step back.
Arnav: I'm sorry Khushi!I shouldnt hav.. said all that to u..
Khushi: U need not say sorry! Anyways,u're fed up of trying to make me understand whereas I'm fed up of trying to understand! This exercise is beneficial for nobody! Niether am I able to understand u nor r u able to understand me!
Arnav: Khushi I just..
Khushi(interrupts): Let it b! Plz forgive me! U've tried ur best but.. somehow I couldnt understand ur POV. Its my humble request to u-plz dont try to change me or my thinking! Plz let me live the way I am! And..
Arnav(interrupts): Fine. Now I wont try to explain anything to u!
Without a warning,he bends and scoops her in his arms.
Khushi(shocked): Areh! What r u doing?
Arnav: Taking u to the bedroom. Can I?
Khushi gives a short nod.
_______________________________________________________________
After laying her down on the bed..
Arnav: Tum yaheen leti raho,main abhi aaya.
He comes back a few minutes later with a bowl full of icecubes.
Khushi: Hav they arrived?
Arnav nods as he closes the door.
Khushi(getting up): We should..
Arnav(interrupts): U may leave,but not right now! I've told them that u're having a bath. And also that u'll b there in another 15-20 minutes.
Khushi lies down after giving him disapproving looks.
Arnav sits beside her on the edge of the bed.
Then he lifts her kurta to remove her salwar.
Khushi: What.. r u doing?
Arnav(untying the salwarstring): Ice will soothe the redness. And it'll also reduce the pain.
Khushi: It'll b reduced anyways by tomorrow. Plz,let it b..
Arnav(pushing her salwar down her legs): U let it b! I know what I'm doin..
Khushi: But when I'm saying that I'm fine y..
Arnav(interrupts): Y do I hav to remind u everytime that u can lie to the whole world but u cannot lie to me?!
He looks pointedly at her while saying that.
Khushi lowers her gaze, realizing the truth in his words.
Arnav(removing her underwear): If u want to go downstairs soon,b quiet n lemme finish my work.
Khushi(eyeing the bowl of icecubes): I'll catch a cold..
Arnav: No u wont. And even if u do,u hav that Ayurvedic balm naa? It'll come to ur rescue!
Khushi doesnt say anything after that.
Arnav takes out a pristine white kerchief from his trouser pocket & wraps a few cubes of ice in it.
Khushi closes her eyes & purses her lips tightly.
The moment the ice cube touches her sensitive pubis,a loud gasp escapes Khushi's lips.
Arnav: Relax..
He continues to rub ice gently while Khushi bites her lips in order to prevent herself from screaming.
Arnav asks her to turn around after sometime.
The moment Khushi lies on her stomach,she feels a throbbing pain in her lower abdomen and below.
Khushi: Its.. paining,Arnavji.
Arnav: I'm sure u must've been in a lot more pain while waxing. Still, get up.
Khushi lets out a cry while turning around.
Arnav wipes her tears with his thumb before removing her kurta & helping her up.
Arnav: Take the support of the Cupboard..
Khushi tightly clutches the sides of the wardrobe as Arnav bends down on his knees.
If the sight of the small bumps on her delicate,irritated skin was not torturous enough, her cries and gasps add to his agony.
Arnav closes his eyes each time Khushi winces.
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Arnav(after getting up): Change & go downstairs. I'll join u a few minutes later.
Khushi clutches on to his arm before he could move away.
Khushi(with tears in her eyes): Sorry Arnavji!
Arnav swallows a lump in his throat.
Khushi: Look at me.. plz..
When Arnav turns around,Khushi finds tears in his eyes.
Khushi: I'm very sorry! I'm..
Arnav: Ssshhh! Dont say anything.
He hugs her gently,careful of not hurting her.
Khushi: I.. went for this since I felt like doing it. But now that I've seen how my skin has reacted to it,I'll never get myself completely waxed again!
Arnav nods.
Khushi: What happened?
Arnav: Nothing. Go & change..
Khushi: R u still miffed with me? May b bcoz.. of my request?
Arnav: No. I respect ur decision. Everyone has flaws. I also hav my set of flaws. U've accepted me with my flaws & now its time that I accept u with urs. I agree,I wanted u to get rid of ur inferiority complex & insecurity. But.. even if that's not possible, its perfectly okay. (cups her cheek)That'll not change the fact that I love you!
An elated Khushi leaps into his arms.
Arnav: Careful!
She supresses her gasp and hugs him tight,despite the pain.
Arnav hugs her back,resting his head on her shoulders.
They stay in each other's embrace for a while.
Arnav(thinks): How I wish u'd understand me,Khushi! But.. I guess thats not to be. I know 1 day u'll realize urself that I was right. And that day u'll try to get rid of ur flaws on ur own. (sighs)I'll wait for that day!
Khushi(breaks the hug): Wait here. I'll b back in a jiffy!
Arnav nods.
She leaves for the bathroom while Arnav recalls her words.
Its my humble request to u-plz dont try to change me or my thinking! Plz let me live the way I am!
Arnav closed his eyes & sighed audibly.
He realized that there were a lot many barriers between them than he'd imagined.
Contrary to what he believed,not everything was in his control.
A lot was in Khushi's control.
_______________________________________________________________
Precap:
Khushi: In which language did the aiirhostess speak to u?
Arnav: French..
Khushi: What did she ask u?
Arnav: She was asking as to which drink I'd prefer?
Khushi: Dr.. drink?
Arnav nods.
Khushi: Which one did u choose-cola,thumbs up or pepsi?
Arnav: Khushi she wasnt asking about cola or pepsi. She meant alcoholic drinks.
Khushi: So she was planning to.. making u.. drunk?
Arnav: Khushi! Its not as if she was planning to sit on my lap & make me drink from her hands!
Khushi: Whatever! U.. refused. Didnt u?
Arnav: Of course not! I told her that I'd prefer red wine.
Khushi(shocked): What?
Arnav: Yup!
Khushi: Y?
Arnav: Coz I feel like having red wine,Khushi. As simple as that!
Kindly ignore typos & mistakes. Next update on 23rd June,Sunday.
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Shiv Shakti
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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