Rashmi, very aptly put: For, she had not received much in her life, selflessly. That is why she is unable to comprehend that she could be the recipient of such gestures... Hitherto, there has always been either an unspoken or a clearly stated understanding that Khushi would have to repay, in one way or another, whatever kindness was shown to her. Concur with you that that be one of the reasons why she always put another's happiness before her own.
That innocent' kiss was quite scorching... what a beginning to the update! Loved the description: He had his hands under his head, a small smile on his lips, looking up at the ceiling with so much attention as if it contained the answers to all the mysteries of the universe... Here she was a puddle of need, her heart running faster than a team of racing horses, her body racked by tremors, and there he was, lying at his ease, contemplating the fate of the universe! It must be galling for Khushi to see Arnav sporting a smug smile, supposedly quite unaffected by that stirring kiss whereas the flames of desire are on the verge of consuming her! Little does she know that he's also waging a battle with himself so as not to succumb to his overwhelming desire for her. One can't help but commiserate with a Khushi trying to figure out the workings of her husband's mind by listing his quicksilver and confusing changes in behaviour. One can also understand the conflict raging within her regarding her wanting her husband to consummate their marriage while she is still determined to leave him at the end of the contract marriage period. "Then there will be no escape for you, my Jalebi Rani," he threatened, his husky voice dripping honey. Khushi stared at him. He turned and pulled her into his arms, spooning her, his front to her back. He whispered in her ear, "You won't sleep all night, Khushi. I promise." Wow, it's a wonder she didn't combust there and then nor the sheets go up in flames! First it was a marriage that was not a marriage. Now they had a suhaag raat that was not a suhaag raat... you've hit the nail right on the head! Love your wordplay! Poor Khushi, the world seems to have been turned on its head thanks to her hubby's antics... there he is, all excited about their day-long shopping and sightseeing spree, and then there is she, wanting only to crawl into bed and sleep the sleep of the dead! Arnav's ploy of keeping Khushi so occupied that she would have no time to think of her desire that's just waiting to be unleashed and satiated reminds me of how my brother and sister-in-law would plan a number of interesting activities for my nephew so that he would exhaust himself and adhere to his bedtime without demur! He sat down by her, smoothed a strand of hair off her cheek, gathered her gently into his arms, and hugged her close to his heart... the sheer gentleness of this gesture and the love it reflects really touches one's heart! He had tired her out. Deliberately... I am sure he would rather tire her out in a far more sensually fulfilling manner, but that will have to keep for another time. It is right on Arnav's part to give Khushi the long-overdue freedom of choice and not want it to be influenced by her craving for him, but how far he is going to be successful is another question altogether! She is going to be either so exhausted by all the other activities or so frustrated by the desire coursing through her that she will have no time to think logically of their future. Powerful words: She had to come to him, his in heart and mind, with no reservations, ready for a life together. Not out of any compulsion, not because he had mesmerised her by introducing her to her own sexuality or sensual pleasures, not because she felt a good wife had to stay with her husband, but because she wanted to. Because she couldn't even draw breath in his absence... Arnav keeping his fears at bay by telling himself that she would ultimately return to him having realised that she can't do without him just as he can't do without her, and then he would carry her off to a long-overdue honeymoon is quite a poignant moment. All he can do is trust in the strength of their love. His promise to wait for her brought a lump to my throat. This story is turning out to be one emotional roller-coaster ride!
10