Arhi FF: The Matchmaker #6- Part 37 updated in thread 7 - Page 57

He had thought Arnav was not interested in her. And that he might care less if he approached her. But he was wrong. Things had gone wrong, Shyam cursed. He knew he would have to leave town soon and forever. The last thing he wanted was trouble from Arnav, who he knew, could be a very cruel foe.

The next morning Arnav left for office quite early, well before any of the office staff were expected to arrive. He sat in his office, deep in thought as the previous night's encounter with Shyam flashed in his head. Shyam's lack of interest in Anjali had been quite obvious yesterday but what about Khushi, Arnav wondered feeling uneasy. Shyam surely had expressed an interest in her. Would he still pursue Khushi despite how he had threatened him yesterday?, he wondered for a moment. Arnav shook his head. He knew Shyam would have no doubt about what Arnav could do if he dared to pursue his family after yesterday. Arnav decided that he would take no chances. He wouldn't let that bas***d hurt Khushi ever again, he resolved. He needed to end the Shyam chapter once and forever.

He picked up his phone and made a few quick calls. In the next few hours, all of Shyam's things were removed from the house where he had lived with Anjali and had been parceled to his office at Connaught Place. The house had been Arnav's gift to Anjali on her wedding. Shyam had no right on it now, Arnav decided. He next spoke to his lawyer to make sure the divorce proceedings were underway. Shyam had signed the papers two days ago, Arnav's lawyer informed him. Arnav let out a relieved sigh after the final call... to the Police commissioner.

As Shyam entered his office at Connaught Place which he shared with one of his friend and colleague Advocate Kapil Sharma later that day, it did not take him long to figure out why all his personal belongings had reached there. He had expected this sooner or later. As he settled on his chair, he shut his eyes for a moment regretting how everything had gone wrong. His whole world had changed in the last few days. Distracted by the sound of a vehicle, he opened his eyes and looked out of the window. His eyes literally popped out at what he saw! A police jeep! His heart pounded as he started to sweat profusely. He quickly told Kapil to cover up for him and raced to the toilet to hide. A good few minutes later, he stepped out once Kapil gave him the 'all clear'. Shyam noticed that Kapil had closed all the windows and the door. This must be serious, Shyam realised. And soon enough he knew it was, as Kapil handed him a piece of paper. His arrest warrant!

Shyam couldn't believe his eyes. How could he have been so careless and spoilt everything!, he scolded himself. All these years, despite leading a double life he had got away with it all as he had been quite careful. His marriage to Anjali meant he had access to her money, wealth and Arnav's powerful contacts. He had played the game very carefully all these years...until one day, his eyes fell on one Khushi Kumari Gupta who had turned his world upside down. He had been with several women in his life but he had lusted for her like no other. And the fact that Arnav had no interest in her, had made him feel encouraged. Her beauty had captivated him like never before. And before he knew it, he was pursuing her in Arnav's home. All the years of care had gone out of the window. That had been his biggest mistake, Shyam sighed with regret. Only if he had not been so careless...he would still be married to Anjali today, still be enjoying her money, her wealth and the comforts. Women like Khushi...he could have had elsewhere. That one mistake had cost him everything! he sighed.

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

Back at the Raizada house, Akash and Payal were getting ready to leave for their honeymoon. The Guptas too had come over to bid the newlyweds good bye. A teary eyed Payal hugged her father. Garima explained to the Raizadas how Payal had never stayed away from her father, let alone leave town.

Khushi was surprised as she watched Arnav step forward towards Payal.

"Don't worry, Payal. Khushi and I will look after your family. You go and enjoy your time away without a worry" he assured her. "I will make arrangements for uncle to be taken to rehabilitation classes as well." he added. Payal nodded with a smile.

Khushi stared at Arnav with admiration, a warm smile forming on her face. How much he cared about her family! she smiled with pride.

"Khushi..." Payal turned towards her sister. "I am sorry I won't be around for the anniversary this year." she said holding Khushi's hands in hers.

"It's Ok, Jiji. You have a good time. If they were alive today, they would be very happy for you" Khushi hugged her sister.

"What anniversary?" questioned a clueless Arnav.

"Khushi's parents, bitwa. The fatal day when my Jiji and Jijaji were killed in a road accident 12 yrs ago." Garima informed Arnav sadly.

Arnav's eyes moved to Khushi who smiled at him faintly, assuring him that it was ok. She was ok.

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

Several hours later in the darkness of the night, Arnav saw Shyam pack the boot of his car with his belongings in preparation to leave town, just as he had expected. He heaved a sigh of relief as Shyam finally drove off. He knew Shyam wouldn't dare return to Delhi! Not with an arrest warrant on his name!

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

Khushi wasn't surprised when Arnav left for work early the next morning. She knew how busy he was, now that he had returned to work after the wedding celebrations.

She accompanied her Babuji and Amma to the rehabilitation centre that morning. Seeing her Babuji's progress every time, even if only slight made her heart very happy. He was now much better. He was able to walk with a frame independently as well as talk, although not entirely fluently. Khushi knew such progress might not have happened if Arnav had not moved them to Delhi. After three hours at the centre and a quick chat with the health professionals, she dropped her parents at Lakshmi Nagar and made her way to the Raizada house, buying some fresh vegetables on the way. A chore she still very much enjoyed doing!

After lunch, she spent some time with the Raizada women in the living room. Naniji who had brought with her some old photo albums soon had everyone engrossed in them as they walked down memory lanes. Khushi was particularly delighted to hear everyone's childhood stories. Especially Naniji's. How Naniji had hid behind a tree an entire day fearing she would get punished by her parents for eating an extra mango. After a while, the women retired for their siesta.

Khushi walked up to her room. Noticing the dust on the coffee table, she picked up a cloth to dust the room. Her thoughts soon floated away to Arnav...How caring he had become! And how he looked after her every time she needed him! How he looked after her family, like his own! And yesterday, how he had reassured Payal before she left for her honeymoon! He was a changed man for sure, Khushi smiled happily. How much she loved him!

Suddenly she heard the sound of glass smashing, and as she looked down, she realised she had dropped the painting she had been dusting onto the floor. There were glass pieces all around her. She carefully picked up the painting...'Thankfully this has not been damaged', she sighed. She recalled Anjali telling her in the early days that it was one of Arnav's favourite paintings.

'And it was indeed beautiful!', she admired. She would have to get it framed soon, she decided as she placed it on the bed. She bent over to pick the glass pieces when...

"Khushi, What happened? What are you doing?" she heard Arnav's voice, and she looked up.

"Arnavji, woh. I was dusting the painting and it slipped from my hand"

"That's ok, Khushi. But there are glass pieces everywhere. You will hurt yourself. You come over here. I will get HP to clean it up" saying that, Arnav walked out to get HP.

Khushi knew there was no point arguing. A few minutes later, she watched as HP carefully removed all the glass pieces before taking their leave.

Arnav turned to the cupboard to get some comfortable clothes to change into, while Khushi walked up to him.

[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a8F-swXsfU[/YOUTUBE]

https://dai.ly/x16qko0

"Arnavji, That's not fair" Khushi yelled out struggling to keep a serious face, as Arnav climbed out.

"It is" he grinned, as he placed the photograph in his pocket.

He walked over to where she was and extended his hand. Khushi hesitantly took his hand and climbed out of the bed.

"Khushi..." Arnav hesitated.

Noticing that the laughter had disappeared from his face, "What happened, Arnavji?" enquired a concerned Khushi.

"I am sorry I didn't know about your parents' anniversary" he hesitated. "I know you believe in Gods and rituals. I am not good at all this. So, tell me what I need to do"

Khushi couldn't help smiling. How adorable was he, she thought to herself.

"Kuch Nahin, Arnavji. Each year, I perform a pooja at the Mandir for their souls; and then distribute clothes, food or books, depending upon what I can afford at an orphanage, to help all those orphan children who weren't as lucky as me to find a new set of parents" she informed.

Arnav's heart stopped for a minute, as his eyes nearly welled up.

"Can I come to the orphanage with you?" he asked, barely finding his voice.

"Sure, Arnavji. Di said she will come too" Khushi informed.

"Ok. And I will organise gifts for the children."

"But Aranvji..."

"Khushi, Let me..." he insisted.

"Ok" Khushi smiled back at him.

As Khushi turned around to get coffee for Arnav, her eyes fell on the broken bed.

"Oh DM! What will someone think if they come to know of the broken bed?" she blurted out not realising Arnav was still there.

"Don't worry. I will get it replaced" replied Arnav smiling.

"Yeah, but...they will..." Khushi stopped herself before she said out too much.

Arnav smiled at her. Damn ! She was cute. Especially when she flushed red, he admired.

"Waise Khushi. You are my wife now. If you want to see me without any clothes, all you have to do is say so. You don't have to go hunting for old nude photographs" he teased a mischievous smirk spreading on his face.

Khushi's mouth fell open! Her cheeks flushed red as she quickly turned around and rushed out. What was she to say to that! She could barely think straight, she realised as her heart pounded in her chest.

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

The next day as promised Arnav joined her at the orphanage with lots of gifts for the kids and enough food to feed an entire town. Khushi had informed him the details of the orphanage and accordingly, he had organised everything. As the manager showed them around the orphanage and each of its sections, Arnav felt very overwhelmed. He had known what to expect but still what he saw touched him like never before. The orphanage was full of kids...of all ages, right from newborns to teens. And what he saw in their eyes surprised him even more. He didn't see pain, tears, misery or hatred. But he saw hope and joy. He watched as Khushi happily interacted with the kids.

"Chote, Are you alright?" Anjali asked noticing her brother's eyes well up. She knew this was his first time to an orphanage.

Arnav nodded, assuring her.

They then distributed food to all the kids...a special meal Arnav had organised, prepared by one of Delhi's best chef from Arnav's favourite restaurant. He watched as the kids relished the food. They then distributed the clothes and books they had brought for everyone. Arnav watched as Khushi played with the kids literally becoming one of them. Her heart and soul, merry and free!

A few hours later, it was time to leave. Khushi and Anjali hugged the kids bidding them good bye. Arnav handed a cheque of 1 lakh rupees to the manager of the orphanage as a token of support. He also handed her his card, asking her to call if the kids needed anything. Khushi smiled at him with pride. Her love for him grew thousand times more, right then.

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

The next day after breakfast, as the Raizada women gathered at the living room, Anjali shared the details of their orphanage trip the previous day with Nani and Mami. How lovely the kids had been! And how Chote had brought a truck full of gifts for them and how the kids had been overjoyed!

"They are so pure and innocent, these kids, Aren't they Khushiji?" Anjali turned to face Khushi with a wide happy smile pasted on her face.

"Haan, Di. Kids are like that...their souls are so pure. Back in those days when I used to teach, we teachers used to say how these kids taught us so much in return. " Khushi explained.

"Oh, Yeah. You taught in a school, didn't you? You must have had so much fun!"

"Haan, Di. They are adorable. Spending time with them... you are transported to a different world altogether. A world of bliss! " replied Khushi smiling.

"Yeah?"

"Ji Di, Of course there are some really naughty kids. But all in all, they are all good"

"I know Khushiji. I loved spending time with them yesterday. I did not feel like returning"

"I noticed, Di. You looked so happy and at peace there"

"I was " Anjali agreed nodding her head.

"Yes!" Khushi shrieked

"Whatz happen, bitiya? Why screams?" enquired Mamiji unable to contain her curiousity.

"Children! I mean, school!" Khushi blurted. Realising no one had understood what she was saying, she explained further " Di, I mean you should start a school. You will love it and you will be so good with the kids"

"That's a brilliant idea, Khushi bitiya" Naniji agreed with a wide smile.

"I agree. It's a good thought. But I know nothing about running a school, Khushiji" Anjali stared back at Khushi, perplexed.

"You will learn in no time, Di. I can help you in the setting up process" Khushi offered.

"Wow, Khushiji! That's brilliant. Now I like the idea even more. " she said brightening up. She turned to Nani and Mami " What do you guys think?"

"I think that's a brilliant plan, bitiya" Naniji encouraged her, especially overjoyed seeing her grandchild take her first positive step towards her future... after all that had happened with her recently. This is perhaps what she needs, Naniji smiled thanking Khushi silently for the idea.

" Anjali, a schoolz means lots and lots of kidz. Imazine noise they wills make. You wills have to carry lot of headachez tablets" offered Mami, while everyone burst out laughing.

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

Arnav lay on the bed deep in thought. Khushi had told him regarding Anjali's plans of starting a school earlier. 'What a brilliant idea', he thought! Just what she needed! He knew how much his sister loved kids. Had she not had such a good time with them at the orphanage the other day, he recalled. Arnav smiled as it suddenly occurred to him! It surely was Khushi's brainwave he knew. No one cooks up ideas like she does, he smiled.

Arnav turned around to face the woman who stole his thoughts a lot these days! How she had stolen everyone's heart too! Arnav admired. He recalled the day at the orphanage...How she had laughed and played with the kids there, spreading happiness in their lives. How she had told him that she did not believe in being sad remembering her parents. She liked remembering them by the good memories they had left her with and... all the love they had given her. He had not known what to say.

The more he got to know her, the more he fell in love! She was so naive yet so wise, Arnav realised. She was the only one he felt very much at ease with! Someone he wanted to know more of! Someone he wanted to spend all his time with! But with work being busy as it was, he was unable to spend as much time with her as he would have liked. But Arnav knew this would change soon...he would have more time to spend with his Khushi, once Akash returned from his honeymoon.

He watched as she slept peacefully like an angel next to him...he could almost see a smile on her face. Was she smiling? he wondered. Her lips did seem to curl into a faint smile, he observed. His eyes then moved to her tender neck...the side of her neck pulsing away as if in response to his gaze. She sure as hell was sexy, he sighed. He let his gaze wander further down...and Arnav couldn't help getting carried away in his thoughts. He yearned to touch her... but he knew he needed to go slow with her. Especially after what Shyam had done to her. He needed to give her time to get comfortable with him...to want him as much as he wanted her. He needed to take it easy with her. He closed his eyes turning to the other side. As much as he tried to control his thoughts, he was unable to, and soon headed for a much needed 'cold shower' as Khushi slept through all of it completely unaware.

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

The next morning as Khushi made their bed, her phone sang ' Tere Naam... Tere Naam... Hum Ne Kiya Hai Jeevan Aapna Sara Sanam', another of Salman's songs.

She picked up lost in thought, noticing the number on it.

"Haan, Ajithji" Arnav who was getting ready for work heard her speak on the phone.

"In one week?"

"Where?"

"Who?"

"Ajithji, Can I call you back and let you know?" she hesitated as she hung up.

She sat down on the bed still holding her phone in her hand, Arnav noticed. He watched her with concern as she looked lost in thought.

"What happened, Khushi?" asked a concerned Arnav.

"It was Ajithji"

"You agent, right? So?" he asked confused.

"He has a job for me next week. What should I do?"

"I don't understand. What do you mean? Do what you want to do" Arnav replied.

"Matlab, you don't mind me working as a model?" Khushi questioned. " I mean... you are the head of a huge fashion empire?" she hesitated.

"No, Khushi I don't mind you working as a model if that's what you want to do. Besides, you have been working as a model all these days. Why are you asking now?"

"Because now what you think matters to me...Earlier, it didn't"

"Does that mean you are ready to obey me?" he asked.

"No, But I am ready to hear you out as your opinions matter. I will then decide on my own"

"Hmm...ok. Here is what I think" said Arnav as he walked up to her and sat by her side. " I think you should do what you like to do. If you like modelling, go ahead and do it. But I would like you not to work for money. All that belongs to me is yours, Khushi. At no point do I want you to work for money " Arnav explained. He patted on her head gently gesturing her to relax as he picked up his case and left for work.

Khushi sat there speechless for a few more minutes. She had expected a simple, "Don't work as a model because ..." or " it's alright to work as a model because..." But what he had said had left her even more confused.

It was true that she had begun to like modelling but it was also true that she mainly did it for the money. If she was not to work for money, should she model? Is that what she wanted to do? She wasn't sure anymore.

Feeling undecided, she called up Ajith and politely refused next week's job. She needed more time to decide what she wanted to do.

"O DM" Khushi jumped up from the bed as she recalled. She was to go shopping with Anjali this morning to get things needed for Janmashatami which was soon approaching. " Di must be waiting for me" she mumbled as she hurriedly got ready. Arnav had told her that he would accompany her Babuji to the rehabilitation centre, Khushi sighed in relief.

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

The next morning as dawn broke, Khushi was greeted by the familiar sight of her husband sleeping next to her, his hand gently holding hers. 'Does he think I will run away at night?' She smiled.

And as always she gently pulled her hand away stealthily so as to not wake him. To see him sleep so peacefully was heart warming, Khushi sighed. How much she loved him! She recalled all the sweet things he had done for her and her family over the last few weeks and even months. How caring he had been! He was the same man who she had once accused of being heartless! How wrong she had been! Khushi sighed. The more she knew him, she realised how warm he was, how kind hearted. The other day at the orphanage, she had noticed how overwhelmed with emotions he had felt. 'DM! Thank you! Thank you for giving me Arnavji' she thanked silently.

Just as she was about to get up from the bed, she felt him take her hand again in his. She turned around with a smile. Noticing he was still asleep and had caught hold of her hand more firmly, she lay back on the bed not wishing to wake him up. She gazed at him warmly. He looked so handsome even when asleep, she admired. The early morning stubble further accentuating his jaws. And his lips...She had never known a man's lips could be so soft and so tender. Khushi blushed, as she recalled the other day when she had felt them on hers. She felt a little swirl of pleasure as she recalled. The butterflies were dancing inside her again and before she knew it, Khushi found herself touching the corner of his lips. They sure were soft, just as she remembered, she smiled shyly. Her fingers then moved up his cheek gently caressing it...then she touched his sexy stubble just like she had always wanted to. 'Ouch! That pricks', she smiled, as she realised. She traced her index finger to his upper lip... His warm breath on her finger sending a tingle all inside her.

"Go ahead, Khushi. Kiss me... I know you want to! " she heard him suddenly.

Khushi quickly pulled her hand away in shock. Had he been awake all this while? Her heart raced a thousand times.

As her eyes fell on his face, she now noticed his cheeky grin...

"Nahi, Nahi. I was just...My hand accidentally fell on your face. I wasn't even looking" Khushi blurted.

"Achha? You weren't even looking?" Arnav smirked.

"Yes! " Khushi replied defiantly.

"So your fingers fell accidentally on my lips, my cheeks and then moved their way around to my lips again...accidentally" he teased.

Khushi nodded her head.

"Why don't you admit that you wanted to kiss me just like I want to?...You wanted to see me without clothes the other day and now this...May be then, It's time Khushi Kumari Gupta, to grant your wishes" he smirked.

Khushi sat up not knowing what to say. "Aisa kuch nahi hai" she muttered her hands trembling. "Like I said I wasn't even looking" she added.

"Do you want to know where I want my hands to travel on you?" he asked in a husky tone.

"No" she blurted quickly. DM! What is happening here! She prayed.

Arnav held her hand not letting her go while she struggled. He smirked at her flushed face. How adorable she looked, he grinned. And before she knew it he dropped a gentle kiss on her cheek, and momentarily let her hand go. Khushi jumped out of the bed making use of the opportunity and rushed to the bathroom. Had he been awake all this while! Oh DM! She scolded herself.

Although Khushi would have liked to have avoided him all day, she knew there was little chance of that happening today...especially since Arnav had promised everyone to be around for the janmashtami pooja. She quickly got ready avoiding his gaze while she was in the room, and rushed down to help Anjali with the preparations. An hour later, as expected Akash and Payal returned from their honeymoon. Nani instructed them to quickly freshen up for the pooja and so they went. Khushi knew she would have to wait until after the pooja to catch up with her sister. But she was just as well pleased to see them back. She smiled happily seeing her Jiji glow in happiness.

"Khushi bitiya, Where is Chote? It's time for the pooja" Naniji said, interrupting Khushi's thoughts.

"He is upstairs, Naniji" she replied. Even the thought of him had her heart racing, after what had happened earlier today.

"Go get him soon, Bitiya. Panditji also has come. And here comes Sumitra too" Naniji noticed her friend walk in.

Khushi greeted Sumitra Nani, Naniji's friend who was joining them for the pooja. Naniji had invited her friend to the pooja as all of her children lived abroad.

Khushi reluctantly walked up the stairs to get Arnav. 'Why does he set my heart racing every time?' she cursed under her breath. 'And DM, This is not fair. Why did he have to be wake?' she cursed.

As she walked in she noticed him working on his laptop.

"Arnavji, Naniji is calling you downstairs for the pooja" she said with a straight face.

He lifted his head and looked at her. She was damn beautiful, he admired. He had been in the shower earlier when she had got ready and made her escape downstairs.

A warm tingle started deep in her belly and radiated through her whole body as she felt his eyes scan her leisurely.

"Khushi..." he called out softly.

"Haan?"

"Not looking again, are you?" he teased as he noticed her glance up at him shyly lost in her thoughts.

He smirked. Seeing her blush and become more nervous, "Ok, let's go" he said.

[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d4ylexTNZo[/YOUTUBE]

https://dai.ly/x16qmy0

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

Later that night as Khushi walked up the stairs towards her room, her heart was pounding in her chest. Feeling flustered at what had happened earlier, she strode up slowly. 'Was he right? Did she want to kiss him?' Her thoughts drifted to their conversation that morning. 'But then his childhood picture she had used to tease him with,... how he had turned it around on her. He was just too clever, DM!' Khushi complained.

It was true that she had felt magical the other day when he had kissed her. And it was also true that she would love to experience the magic again...But if he went any further than that, would she even survive considering how she had felt the last time, she wondered. Khushi could barely breathe by the mere thought. But deep down she wanted to find out although she was terrified as hell.

As Khushi entered her room, she noticed Arnav texting someone on his phone by the pool. She quietly walked up to the dressing table and removed her ear rings bending down to place it on the table. As she stood back up, she shivered as she felt him standing right behind her. She starred at him nervously through the mirror in front of her...And so did he...the intense desire his eyes emanated sent pleasant shivers down her spine. He moved closer and his warm breath tingled her exposed back. Khushi involuntarily leaned back leaning on his chest, closing her eyes.

Arnav took a deep breath leaning forwards onto her neck, while one of his hands moved to her waist slowly travelling its way under her saree touching her exposed waist. 'DM! help me!' Khushi prayed as she tensed leaning back further into his chest.

Arnav teased her tummy for a few seconds before he held her shoulders with his hands turning her around. Khushi quietly followed his directions.

"Khushi..." he whispered her name, forcing her to look up.

As she looked at him, she could sense the yearning. She shivered in anticipation.

"I want to kiss you..." he started. He let his eyes fall on her lips as she quivered. "Properly..." he added. Khushi could feel her heart hammer in her chest. And her breath was getting heavier. 'DM! If I am like this now, what will happen when he does?' Khushi trembled.

"If you don't want me to, tell me now" he pleaded.

Khushi stood dumbstruck. Was she to tell him that she wanted him to kiss her? She closed her eyes not knowing how to face him. And suddenly it happened. Magic as his lips brushed against hers. This time his lips displayed a bit more hunger. As he savored her lips, she gasped in pleasure unable to contain herself and at that moment she parted her lips slightly. Her eyes popped out as Arnav slid his tongue in, finding the opportunity and sensually played with hers at the same time gently sucking her lips. Heat curled through her body like she couldn't explain.

A few minutes later as their tongues and lips parted, not only she but he too was gasping for breath.

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Very very eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts on the update.🤗The more you write, the happier you make me. I am also open to suggestions and criticism at every stage. Please like and comment, if you like the chapter. If you don't like it, let me know with your comment.

If you would like to read my previous fiction, here is my index- My Arhi stories

The credit for the videos belongs to the makers and actors and everyone involved with IPKKND. My story is inspired from theirs.

Next update will hopefully be in a week!

Note

Part 38