FF-Marrge of Convenience wit Bst Frnd Th5 upd 22/8* - Page 7

Anjali was running everywhere at the same time.She was too excited today.It was decided to have the engament ceremony at Buaji's place.She and Naniji was arranging everything to take it over to Buaji's house when Shyam came down dressed in a sherwani for the occassion "Rani Sahiba you are looking pretty as always " he said smiling at her.Anjali smiled "Well, you are not bad yourself" She then frowned " Waise where is this chotte? What takes him so long ? Did you check on him Shyam? "

Shyam raised his hands in surrender "Whoa stop your questions.He is getting ready and will be down shortly.Relax Rani Sahiba" He said side hugging her with a smile.

Anjali shook her head smiling widely "I will relax after Chotte gets married and brings Khushi home as his wife .Until then there is so much to do ! I cant believe our dream is coming true " she said clapping her hands happily looking at Nani and Shyam who smiled back at her excitement.

Right on cue Arnav came down dressed in his usual three piece suit.Anjali's smile dropped and she frowned at him in disapproval "Chotte what is this? You are wearing this boring three piece suit today also? " She turned to Shyam pouting " I told you to be with him.You let him on his own and here he comes wearing this for his engagement "

Taken aback by her statement , Arnav uttered in confusion "What the ! what is wrong with this suit di?"

"Stop your what the 's Chotte.You are getting engaged today, not going for some official meeting.So go and change into the Sherwani I bought for you " She said sternly.

He frowned "But di ----" he was cut off by Nani "Chotte, Anjali Bitiya is right.Its one of your most important day and you are the soon to be groom.Go wear the new Sherwani " she said taking sides with Anjali who nodded in approval.

Shyam laughed "Saale Sahab now you don't have a choice.Come on.Lets get you ready " with that he took Arnav back to his room.

***************

Khushi stared at herself in the mirror.It felt as if it had been ages since she had dressed up. The past week flew by so quickly that left her spinning.After Arnav announced their decision to get married, the very next day the Raizadas brought the shagun to Buaji's house.And today is they are going to be engaged.

"Khush you look totally gorgeous in this lehenga.Arnav will not know what hit him when he sees you " Roshni chuckled while pinning up Khushi's dupatta.

Khushi rolled her eyes "Stop it yaar you know its not like that between us " She then turned to look at her with worried expression "Rosh I really don't know what am getting into.Everything seems to be moving so fast.I don't have the ability to handle yet another hurt and pain "

Rosh gave her a reassuring smile full of understanding her predicament " Khush I know how you must be feeling.But don't worry you are only marrying the guy you have known all your life.Arnav will never hurt you "

Khushi nodded still frowning "Ya he says the same thing too " Roshni smiled "Well that's the truth.Now stop thinking too much and let me make you get ready" she said in mock serious tone and made Khushi sit back on the dressing table as she hovered over her with make up kit.

Khushi looked over at her shoulder as Roshini finished braiding her long hair and was about to apply some lipstick on her" Rosh what is the need for the make-up? Am ok " she said uninterestedly earning a glare from Roshni "I told you to shut up and sit quiet.Did you not say the same thing to me at the time of my engagement ? "

Khushi sighed and gave up.At the exact minute she received an sms.Without realizing her face broke into a smile on seeing Arnav's message on screen which read 'Hey lazybones am on the way.Pl don't run away J '

************

Buaji welcomed the Raizadas with a big smile "Pls come in " Arnav took blessings from Buaji "Jeete raho Babua and you look like a Rajkumar " she said smiling.

Once they all sat down, Anjali smiled "Buaji Khushi is ready? " Buaji nodded "Ya she is, Roshni is with her"

Naniji asked with a big smile "Madumatiji, can we start the ceremony ?" and Buaji nodded "Oh yes ! Wait I will call Khushi " she was about to go to her room when Anjali stood up "Buaji , I will go and bring her " she said excitedly and left.

Arnav kept glancing at his watch.Its been almost 10 mins since Anjali left to bring Khushi and still they have not turned up.He was getting nervous as several thoughts plagued his mind.He pulled Shyam's sleeve and whispered "Jeejaji what is taking them so long? Why isn't di and Khushi here yet? Shall I go and check on them? "

Shyam chuckled at his impatience "Arey Saale Saab why are you worried? They will come " He then spotted them coming down the hallway and grinned "Ah here they are " he said pointing behind Arnav.

Arnav turned immediately and felt his breath catch in his throat at the sight that greeted him.Khushi was walking along with Roshni and Anjali , wearing a Peach colored lehenga and looking breathtakingly beautiful. He can see that she has very minimal make up but still she had never looked more beautiful to him.He had grew up with her and always knew she is beautiful. But this is the first time he is seeing her as a beautiful woman and not just his best friend. He cant name what is different about her today.Maybe her dress, he thought.He had always seen her in jeans during college days and lately in salwars but this is the first time, he is seeing her dressed up more traditionally.The lehenga complimented her complexion and figure.If he dint know already, he wouldn't have guessed she is pregnant.

Khushi knew Arnav is watching her, but suddenly she felt uncomfortable and nervous to look at him.Naniji stood up when Khushi came and hugged her "Khushi bitiya you look like a Pari today.So beautiful " Arnav stood up too and found himself unable to take his eyes off her.He wanted her to look up at him but for some reason she refused to look up.

Anjali grinned and pulled Khushi closer to stand close to Arnav " Ok I think its time to start the ceremony "

While Anjali was getting the rings, Arnav whispered to Khushi "Lazybones, you are looking beautiful today " Khushi jerked her head up in surprise.This was the first time he has ever called her that.He grinned at her " You look surprised? I know I always tease you about your little nose and big doe eyes but today am saying the truth,you are beautiful " he said sheepishly giving her his boyish smile.Khushi smiled back.

Roshini smiled brightly and handed over the ring to Buaji who gave to Khushi.Suddenly feeling nervous Khushi made him wear the ring without looking at him.Anjali gave the ring to Arnav and he smiled at her and whispered again "Khushi don't be nervous, look at me " Khushi looked up at him as he gave her a reassuring smile and made her wear the ring.

A loud cheer went up the room as Anjali hugged them both happily."Khushi now you are just one step short of becoming my official sister in law.I cant wait to get you guys married " She said clapping her hands excitedly while smiling at them.

Shyam agreed "Ya it will be fun with having Khushi in our home.I always loved their crazy banter and fights " he said teasing the newly engaged couple.

Arnav laughed " Oh yeah I love annoying lazy bones " Khushi just smiled slightly.Arnav frowned.She is all quiet today.

Looking at everyone he said smiling "I would like to talk to Khushi alone for few mins.Now that we are engaged I have all the more reason to take her out "

Rosh laughed "Oye oye Arnav when did you turn into a lover boy " Buaji smiled happily "Ofcourse you can Babua when did you ever need permission to talk to Titaliya " she said while Khushi gaped at Arnav in surprise.

Arnav smiled at Buaji "Thank u Buaji " and playfully hit on Roshni's head " Stop being a smart mouth " he then took the hand of a surprised Khushi in his and walked her out in the direction of the garden.Anjali was delighted to see this.She side hugged Nani and Shyam in happiness.Buaji thanked her Nanda Kishore for blessing Khushi with a second chance at happiness.

***************

Once they reached the garden, Arnav made her sit on their usual bench.He then gently held her hand in his and smiled gently at her "Lazybones what happened? You are unusually quiet today.Is it too much too soon? "

Khushi looked at him with a surprised look again.How did he know her inner thoughts.That is exactly what she felt.As if understanding her questions he smiled again "Khushi I always tell you I know you ,more than you know yourself right? It's a fact.Yaar if all this is making you uncomfortable I can really wait.But this is the right decision you have made Khushi.Never doubt that "

Khushi felt a big weight lift her chest.He seem to know her exceptionally well.She smiled faintly "Well since you already know it there is no point in denying it.Yes I did feel its kind of happening too fast.But don't worry I will be ok.I will never doubt your words Arnav.I know you very well too.I know you will never do anything to hurt me.But its just that ' I don't know how to name it " she said soberly.

He lifted her chin with his hand " Look Lazybones don't think too much.You already have a very little brain why are you giving it so much work ?It cant handle it " He said suddenly teasing her.

As expected her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open,she forgot her confusion for a second as she glared at him "What? I have little brain ? " Her nose flared as an angry flush adorned her face.

'Wow she looks damn pretty when angry ' a sudden thought popped into Arnav's mind momentarily taking him aback.'What the ! where did that thought come from ?' He asked himself surprised.

Khushi unmindful of his sudden confusion continued to glare at time "You are the one with pea sized brain not me.Am just thinking why I said yes to marrying a dumb guy " she said trying to give it back to him.Arnav always had the ability to make her forget herself and bring her evil side.With him she can be funny, angry and even sarcastic.She can be herself.Suddenly she realized with a smile 'That's it Rosh is right.Why am I worrying too much its just Arnav.My sleepy head ' as if a big cloud has lifted giving a clear view of the sky, Khushi's mind lifted from all the confusions and insecurities.

Arnav on the other hand was suddenly confused with the strange thoughts plaguing his mind.He dint know what changed in the last few days , he now found himself looking forward to marrying Khushi not for society, but for himself.

**************