Arhi SS The Marital Affair Thread Two

The Marital Affair

"Arnavji! Let me handle this & you only nod your head to whatever I say!" Khushi whispered from behind as everyone had their eyes fixed sternly on them.

Arnav was just about to say What the hearing her but she hurriedly added, "And please refrain from saying "What the" atleast in this situation,"

"What is all this Chotte??!!!" Devyani questioned appalled, "Both of you have been together the whole night & that too before wedding!!"

"Exactly Arnav!! This is clearly not acceptable!! We shouldn't have believed your cock & bull story!!" Niharika uttered in dismay.

"Arnav Bitwa cannot be at fault, right Khushi??" Madhumati glared at her.

"Buaji is right...Actually, it was my plan to elope & marry. I forced Arnavji into it..." Khushi admitted with her eyes looking at the floor.

Arnav grew wide eyed hearing that. He was just about to speak the truth when Shashi asked in disbelief,

"But why did you want to elope & marry when we were anyways getting both of you married! If you didn't like the wedding decorations & preparations then you should have told us!"

"Of course! We could have changed everything as per your liking bitiya!" Vikrant added.

"Woh..." Khushi fidgeted with her dupatta, still not meeting anyone's eye, "Eloping to marry is the latest trend...so I thought that Arnavji & I too should follow it...!"

The hall was overriding with unabashed silence, given the fact that everyone was speechless hearing her! Arnav's stunned face was screaming with what the expressions he stared at her in disbelief!

"Stop it Khushi!!!" Garima broke the silence, "She is yet again playing a prank!!" she told everyone & then faced her daughter again, "Khushi!! No mischief this time!! Tell us the real matter!!!"

Arnav was about to speak but Khushi stopped him by clutching his hand tightly behind her dupatta. Shocked, he freed himself from her grip but before he could say anything, Khushi spoke,

"Okay...I will tell the truth now..." Khushi now looked up at everyone, "Actually, I made a promise to myself that if my to-be husband is medium heighted then I will go with him to see the Red Fort before our wedding & if my to-be husband is tall, then I will go with him to see the Qutub Minar before our wedding. Since Arnavji is around six feet tall, we had gone to Delhi to see the Qutub Minar. He had refused point blank to come but I forcefully dragged him with me. To make long story short, I am at fault, not Arnavji." She said all that in a grave tone.

Once again, Each & every soul present there stood dumbstruck hearing that. All jaws were dropped. Arnav's eyes almost popped out in shock hearing Khushi. He cursed the fact that why he was alive to hear something like that!

"Hai re Nandkishore!!!!I knew it!!!! Something like that must have been the reason!!!!" Madhumati shot from the silence, "I just don't understand what to do of this girl!!!!!!"

Madhumati was clearly angry. Khushi gazed the floor with her head hung low. Arnav was even more shocked at the fact that everyone believed her!

"Khushi is talking rubbish!!!" Arnav looked at the elders, "I had to go to Delhi for a meeting. Is she hadn't come with me then I wouldn't have been able to sign the deal & this is the truth!!!!"

"Arnav bitwa!! Please don't shield her!! We know Khushi very well. She surely must have taken you to Qutub Minar!!" Garima spoke in an upset tone.

Arnav grew wide-eyed, "But I--"

"Bitwa! We are well aware that only Sankadevi is capable of making such promises!!" Madhumati eyed Khushi in anger, "There is a limit to everything Khushi!!! Is marriage some kind of joke???!!!!"

Arnav looked at Khushi. She stood there having a sad face with her eyes lowered without uttering a word. He knew how much she loved her family & how much it was hurting her seeing them angry on her but even then she was determined to take the blame on herself...Her gloomy features were pricking Arnav like a rough thorn...

"No Madhumatiji! Khushi bitiya didn't do anything!" Devyani spoke, "Chotte is at fault! He----"

"Naniji, everyone please!!" Shyam interrupted, "I think it will be best if we adjourn the court...I mean close this matter now itself because the arguments are turning out to be endless. It doesn't matter who is at fault. What is good is that Saale saab & Khushiji were able to spend some time together, know each other better before their wedding & we should be happy with that!"

Anjali agreed with her hubby.

Vikrant drew his breath, "Shyam is right! Whatever happened has happened! We are already late for the haldi rasam. We shouldn't delay more."

Madhumati still seemed upset with Khushi. Arnav once again wanted to clarify things with her but she departed. Khushi gave an assuring glance at him before following her Buaji.

~*~*~

"Damn it!!!!!"

Arnav shut his laptop down in exasperation. He was to type & send an email to one of his clients but he just couldn't concentrate. His mind wasn't able to get rid of Khushi's sad face.

Just then Niharika walked in. Seeing his son tensed, she sat next to him, growing very concerned & worried, "What happened Chotte?...Is your head paining...Shall I massage your head with oil? I am sure you will feel better...Or do you want some balm?...I have told you so many times to not work so much still you never listen to me... Wait I will bring water for you first..."

Niharika was about to rise when Arnav laid on the bed, resting his head on his mother's lap. She knew he always did that when he was in some sort of turmoil.

"What's the matter Chotte?" she caressed him lovingly.

Arnav squeezed his eyes shut. He couldn't bear to see Khushi being shouted at without her being at fault. She had grown so upset...

"I did not tell her to take the blame neither I told her to come with me!!!!!! I don't want any of her favors!!!!!! Why can't she just leave me alone!!!!" he just blurted that out.

"She won't leave you alone because a wife never leaves her husband alone Bitwa." Niharika spoke, "You have disappointed me a lot by attending the business meet. But I'm not upset with you since I'm happy that Khushi will be you wife."

"Khushi had come with me only so that she could take the blame entirely on herself. That had been her plan all along!!!!!!" Arnav though in guilt.

"I have to go & see her right now!!!" Arnav announced as he rose to his feet.

"You're not going anywhere now Chotte." Devyani spoke in finality as she came in, "We are already upset because of you. Its time for the haldi ceremony. Now whatever you want to say to Khushi, tell her directly after marriage."

But Arnav didn't pay any heed & just walked out! Niharika sighed seeing a shocked Devyani!

~*~*~*~*~

Khushi was drinking water when Arnav suddenly barged into her room, locking the door behind him!

"A-A-Aaap...???..." she was so shocked that the steel glass dropped from her hand to land on the floor with a thud.

"Khushi We need to talk!!!!" he said with finality as he walked up to her, unperturbed by her reaction.

She panicked, "what are you doing here...did anyone see you coming here...Amma can come here any moment & if she finds you here then there will be a big problem...Everyone is already upset with us...Please go from here...Please Please Please!!!!!"

Her plea with folded handed fell on deaf ears,

"I won't go unless I finish my talk with you!!" he spoke stubbornly.

Khushi grew wide eyed, "Then...Then you need to hide...because I don't want anyone to discover you in my room!!!"

She was so frightened that she clasped his hand & dragged him all around his room to find a suitable place to hide his six feet tall figure!

"Khushi!!!! I said I have a talk with you dammit!!!!!!! Can't you understand???!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he spoke in rage.

She was horrified, "Ssshhhsshhh!!! Please speak in a low voice else---"

The words died away in her throat as Arnav jerked her to him, making her crash against his steel torso. Her wide & shocked hazels were subjected to his irises that were black in anger. His heated breaths fanned her face making her nerves run dry due to increased humidity. Their eyes locked. Also there was barely any distance between their lips... Her eyes turned dazed & lost as she stared at him while she experienced violent fluttering in her stomach...

Realizing that his hands were on her waist & how close they were, he immediately distanced himself from her & averted her gaze. Khushi could see the nervousness & hesitance in him.

"Why did you do all that drama for??!!!" he questioned without looking at her.

"Because you didn't want to hurt your Ma & Di by letting them know about the meeting." she replied sincerely.

"You won't speak a now!!!" he warned, "I will call Buaji here & tell her you are not at fault!"

"No No No No No" she hurriedly blocked his way, "Arnavji! Its okay! You don't have to be tensed! I will convince Buaji! Its not the first time she is angry with me! Its our daily routine!" she assured him chirpily.

"Now you please go before anyone comes here!" she requested.

Arnav was about to leave when stopped him,

"By the way Arnavji, why are you worried about me so much?" she winked playfully.

He rolled his eyes, "What crap!!!!" he gritted.

Khushi giggled. He again prepared to depart but stopped on his own & turned to look at her.

"Qutub Minar???!!!! Seriously??!!!!" he glared at her.

"Woh...actually I was supposed to say Eiffel Tower but then Paris is not in India na!" she confessed.

"Unbelievable!!" he uttered in annoyance.

Khushi chuckled after he exited. It was fun to irritate him!.

~*~*~*~

"Buaji..."

Madhumati turned away when Khushi came there.

"I am sorry Buaji...won't you talk to me...?" she lovingly wrapped her hands around Madhumati's neck from behind.

That was when Madhumati couldn't help but melt. She heard Khushi speak again,

"I know that you are getting me married off so that I don't stay here & trouble you anymore."

"I swear I won't talk to you ever if you say this again!!" Madhumati turned to her with moist eyes, "You very well know I cannot remain aloof from my Sankadevi for a long time!"

Seeing her Buaji teary-eyed, even Khushi grew emotional, "You are the best Buaji...!"

They hugged each other, wiping each other's tears. Garima & Shashi smiled amidst tears watching them. Tears had already begun to pour...After all, the daughter of the house would have her bidaai soon...

~*~*~*~

The haldi ceremony began. Arnav was made to wear a white dhoti & white inner vest & all his family members were merrily applying haldi to him. Arnav groaned inwardly. The last thing he would want to see would be the yellow thing all over his face, hands & legs! He had instructed everyone beforehand that they should put only one drop of haldi on him for formality sake & nothing more than that but his family was in no mood to listen to him that day!

"Chotte, haldi will make your skin glow & make you radiant!" chirped Niharika!

"Yeah! And Chotte would glow even more after his suhaagraat!" Vikrant winked at his son.

Everyone laughed teasingly. Arnav rolled his eyes. But seeing his family so jovial, he was ready to endure the turmeric!

On the other side, it was a joyous occasion for the Guptas as well. Shashi, Garima, Madhumati lovingly applied haldi to the apple of their eye who would soon start her marital life. Suddenly Khushi put haldi on Madhumati's nose!

"Sankadevi! This is not holi!"

"Buaji! Even you should put haldi! Who knows even you might find a handsome Nandkishore for yourself!" she chirped teasingly.

Madhumati had a mouth parted in a perfect O, "Sankadevi!! Wait!! I will not leave you for this!!!"

Madhumati ran behind a giggling Khushi. Shashi & Garima chuckled as the two souls ran circling them!

But all of a sudden Madhumati stopped & her eyes were moist with tears...Even Shashi & Garima wiped the tears off that were forming in their eyes as well...Soon their darling daughter, their princess would go away from them...The house will seem empty & silent, devoid of her mischief, chirps & giggles but the fact that she would be having a blissful married life in her sasural made them happy...

Khushi saw their moistened eyes laced with more of joy but even of sadness...Knowing what the matter was, she wiped their tears as she shook her head telling them not to cry even when her own eyes were filled with tears...Khushi shared an emotional hug with her parents & Buaji...

~*~*~*~

After the haldi rasam got over, Khushi walked into her room. Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it. Tears rolled down her eyes effortlessly. She fell on the bed over her stomach, clutching the pillow with her fingers & cried profusely...She recalled every moment with her family right from her childhood days. Her Amma's unconditional love & support, Buaji's scolding & motherly care, her father who always pampered her, encouraged & motivated her & her pranks that always met with some frowns & some smiles!. Khushi remembered how when she was a kid, the moment she had come to know that she won't be able to stay with her family after marriage, she at once had told her Buaji that she would never ever marry! It was then that Buaji had made her understand that her parents would be hurt after hearing that as every parent wants to see their daughter happily married. That had affected Khushi so much that she had literally promised to marry since she can't see her family sad!

Khushi was flooded with so many memories that but now the time was nearing when she will have to live separate from her family...That thought made more tears well up in her eyes...And when she looked at her future, it scared her...The contract of the marriage loomed over like a dark cloud & she didn't know whether she would be able to win her husband's love & affection...For the first time, Khushi felt unsure of whether she had taken the right decision...She prayed to Devi Maiyya to let her know if she has done the right thing or not...

~*~*~*~*

Arnav was back in his formal shirt & trousers working on his laptop when Anjali walked in the room.

"Chotte! This is not the time to work but to think how beautiful Khushiji would look in her bridal attire!" she quipped as she sat next to him.

"Di Please! Don't start all over again!"

"You know! I still can't you're getting married! My little brother is getting married! You have given me the best happiness ever!"

Anjali pressed his arm lovingly. Seeing her all smiles, Arnav smiled a bit too.

"Okay! Now take the phone & call Khushiji!" Anjali handed over his phone to him.

"But why?" he asked startled.

"Chotte, your haldi rasam was full of fun & merriment but Khushiji's haldi would have been very emotional. After all, there is not much time left for her bidaai. So if you speak to her, she will feel good!"

Seeing Arnav grow nervous, his sister couldn't help but giggle.

"But Di! What will I tell her?! Di wait---"

But Anjali had left. The number was already dialed. Arnav held the phone to his ear,

"H-Hello."

Hearing his voice from the other end, Khushi felt as though it was an answer to her prayers. Wiping her tears away she spoke,

"Aree wah! Normally it is I who always called you after every ritual but this time you called me! Not bad! Not bad!"

"Khushi are you okay???" Arnav sensed her heavy voice behind her chirpiness, "Listen...I can understand how you must be feeling about leaving your family...But you also know you can obviously come & meet them as and when you want..."

She didn't reply. Arnav knew he was very bad at all this. But for some reason, he wanted to console her but he didn't know how. He made another futile attempt,

"Marriage is the worst kind of deal with worst clauses ever. I mean I have signed so many business deals but there never has been an obligation or a clause that the opposite party has to leave their family to come over & stay in my house until the deal is over!"

"That's because Marriage is not a business deal Arnavji." She rebuked him. He didn't know what to say. She spoke again, "But thanks anyways for trying to make me feel better."

Arnav was about to put the phone down, when he heard her,

"By the way, why are you so much concerned about me that you couldn't resist calling me up?" she asked teasingly.

"I don't care for you!! I rang you up just because Anjali di told me to! That's it!!" Arnav ended the call.

"But I felt your concern for me in your voice Arnavji" Khushi thought as she kept the phone down.

~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~

Niharika's eyes glistened with tears seeing her son decked up in a cream shervani looking as handsome & dashing as ever! Finally it was the wedding day & the Raizadas couldn't help but get teary-eyed seeing Arnav all ready to marry.

"Chotte got my looks! Even I had looked very handsome on our wedding!" Vikrant whispered, elbowing his wife.

"No! He got my looks! Because I looked beautiful on our wedding!" Niharika whispered, snapping back!

"No! He has got good looks from his Nani!" Devyani said, tucking away a tear.

"If all of you are crying then its better we cancel this wedding!" Arnav offered in a matter-of-fact manner.

"Chotte! You shouldn't say like this!" his mom reprimanded him, "It still seems like a blissful dream to all of us that you are getting married. With the way things were going on, I had already given up of seeing you with a girl instead of laptop & Bluetooth."

Arnav rolled his eyes. Everyone laughed a bit.

"But now no worries because my brother is finally settling in life!" Anjali said & all smiled.

Arnav's face took a grave form.

"Saale saab! I know it's a big day for you but there is no need to be nervous! Believe me everything is going to be fine!" Shyam put an assuring hand over his shoulder while leaving the room with others.

After everyone had departed, Arnav recalled all the moments spend with Khushi. He clenched his fists, closing his eyes tight shut. He had arrived at decision which she was required to be aware of...He dialed Khushi's number. The phone was ringing but no one was picking up...

~*~*~*~*~

The phone was on silent & not at all near Khushi as the ladies around were helping her to deck up for her wedding. Her bridal dress was an exquisite & heavy red lehenga choli donning intricate gold embroidery designs & also studded with precious stones.

After Khushi was all dressed up along with ornaments, all the ladies left except her mother & buaji.

"Do you remember bitiya as a young teen, you were tempted to wear this bridal attire when you first saw it?" Garima asked as she turned her daughter from the mirror to face her, "And today the day has come when you are getting married...My little daughter has grown big.." her voice was choked with emotions.

Madhumati knowing she wouldn't be able to control her tears, departed from there wiping her eyes...

"Bitiya, these are tears of happiness as you have got such a good sasural that only lucky ones get!" Garima told her, "And I'm sure Arnav bitwa will be a very loving & caring husband that you could ever ask for. My blessings & prayers will always be with you. Devi Maiyya will protect you from every danger. My heart says that happiness in every moment will kiss your feet. I know you will bind your sasural with threads of joy, spread cheer amongst all & keep everyone together during tough times like you have done in your house. Marital life has its own set of problems & difficulties but I am sure Arnav & you will together sort everything out. I wish you a great marital life ahead!"

"I love you Aamma!!!" Khushi hugged her mother tight, tears gushed down her eyes. Garima caressed her trying hard to control her own overflowing emotions. They wiped each other's tears.

"Enough of crying & all! This is the time for us to have big smiles on our faces!" Garima consoled her.

"Exactly!" Madhumati made a re entry, "We should be happy that Sankadevi is getting married. With the way things were going on, we were doubtful that such a mischievous & crazy girl would ever get a life partner!"

Khushi pouted cutely hearing that!

Just then Shashi walked in to call his wife. Seeing his daughter decked up in bridal attire, he too couldn't hold back his emotions. Khushi hugged her Bauji & kissed her forehead with all the fatherly affection...All this while, the forgotten phone kept on ringing...

When the elders had departed from her room, Khushi's eyes fell on her phone. She checked it to see missed calls from her to-be hubby!

~*~*~*~*~

"Damn it!!!!!!"

Arnav tossed the phone on the bed in anger, "She is not even answering my call!!!!!!!!"

But just then his phone buzzed,

"Khushi!!!!! What the hell took you so long to attend your phone!!!!!" he spat in fury!

"Woh I...I---"

"I want to meet you right now!!!! Meet me on the terrace within ten minutes!!!"

Khushi grew wide eyed in shock, "N-Now?? But I cannot meet you Arnavji...its impossible..."

"Fine!! Then I'm coming to your room!!!!" he declared.

Khushi was even more horrified, "No No No No Nooo! Arnavji...please try & understand...we cannot see each other before marriage...if anyone comes to know about this, we won't be spared this time...how can I come up to the terrace without being seen?" she tried her level best to reason out!

"That's none of my concerns!! Manage it on your own!!! You are expert in making plans, right??!! Then think of something quick & come to the terrace, else I will come there!!!! Choice is yours!!!!!!"

That made her freak out in fear, "O-O-Okay...I-I am coming...you please don't come here!!"

Arnav rang off!

"Devi Maiyya!!! He is literally a Laad Governor!!!!" Khushi frowned, "He is done with giving his orders but now it is I who have to see to it that his wishes & orders are fulfilled at any cost!!! At first he didn't want to see me at all but now, every now & then he blackmails me to speak to him!!!!"

She whined!

Arnav was already at the terrace & after a while Khushi too somehow managed to reach there without being noticed.

After a while, Shyam just casually went to check on Arnav. He was left aghast to find the room empty. It didn't take long for Shyam to guess that even Khushi won't be in her room,

"On no!! NOT AGAIN!! Did they seriously elope this time??!!! What will I say to everyone knowing that I will be suspected again!" Shyam shivered in dread!

~*~*~*~~*

At the Terrace...

"I just don't know what your problem is!!!!" Khushi started to fire at Arnav as soon as she stood facing him, "Couldn't you wait till our marriage??!! Only I know how I came here!!! I felt as if I am eloping alone on my wedding day!!! And do you even know how heavy this wedding dress is??!! Why don't you wear this & give me your shervani??!!!! Once you get to know of the weight of this bridal wear, then you will come to know how "easy" it is to come to the terrace!!!!I---"

"Don't marry me." he shot in between.

Khushi grew wide eyed, "Uh...This bridal wear is not that heavy...Infact, it is as light as paper! Really!"

"I want to make quite a few points clear to you once again before this marriage so that you know you're making a very big mistake by marrying me. You will ruin your life. I'm never going to be that kind of husband that you want me to be. After six months, it is you who will be at a grave loss because nothing will change in my life because of your presence." he spoke as if reading the clauses of a business deal.

Khushi smiled, "You have kept on telling me this before every ritual but you know what, my answer is still the same. I will marry you & I'm not spoiling my life by doing that."

"Oh really? I can't believe you're ready to put your life at stake just to win a stupid challenge of getting me involved into a marital affair with you which will not happen anyways."

"I am not marrying you to defeat you & win the challenge!!I'm not that insane!!"

"Then why do you want to marry me??!!!" he grabbed her shoulder, pulling her closer in anger!

"Because I cannot imagine anyone else to be my life partner except you. I think I love you Arnavji." she admitted frankly.

Arnav stepped away from her in a huge shock! Her words were not less than a jolt to him. Khushi saw his fingers forming a ruthless fist...

"You said this today, never dare to say this again." he gritted his teeth.

"Why?? Its not an infatuation as you are thinking!! I know myself better! I have feelings for you Arnavji but I admit I have to figure them out properly!"

"Do whatever you want but don't expect anything out of me from this six months marriage!! You have entered this deal at your own risk." he looked away!

"If you can speak business language, even I can speak medical language. Doctors perform heart surgeries so that---"

"You two are here??? Thank God I found both of you!"

Arnav & Khushi were shocked to see Shyam there!

"Saale Saab, Khushiji! It's a dire request to not keep on disappearing every time from your rooms!! I will end of having a panic attack!!" he pleaded.

"Now please get back to your rooms before you're seen by anyone. Both of you will soon be required at the wedding mandap." Shyam spoke like a school headmaster.

Khushi left from there after throwing a last glance at Arnav...

~*~*~*~*~

Garima welcomed Arnav with an aarti. He was already at the mandap when Khushi arrived. Arnav couldn't stop his eyes from locking with her...She was beautiful. Just a mere observation, Arnav assured himself. The garlands were exchanged & everyone clapped in delight. Arnav & Khushi sat before the holy fire while the pandit recited the mantras...Shashi came forward & did the kanyadaan...Soon Arnav tied the mangalsutra & put sindoor on Khushi's maang...

The seven pheras were taken around the holy fire & everyone showered them with flowers & their blessing too...The Guptas had their eyes moistened with happiness & the Raizada too felt ecstatic & blissful.

That's how Arnav & Khushi got married with all the rituals & rasams...Though they viewed this alliance from their different perspectives but the truth was that two lives were joined...Two destinies got intertwined...They begin their marital journey with their separate mindsets & different outlook towards life...Now it has to be seen whether this marriage breathes only for six months or prospers ahead to be a bond of seven lives...

I'm very nervous abt this part! Hope it turned out well!😳

Next is bidaai & suhaagraat😆

*edited*

Lovely lady simply lovely!!

My god what an update!! Definitely a roller coaster. Sweet man. It had everything that IPK promises about...

Loved how he felt guilty that she took the blame and he being asr definitely thought she planned it all ..just so him...and then the concern for her...aww cho chweet...

And finally don't marry me... I love you Arnavji.. Perfect.

Simply loved it..looking forward to this joy ride ..

Cheers to the new thread!!

awesome update!!

full packed update with humor, emotions, and shock as well but finally.. they are married!!

lol.. I thought arnav had stage fright.. but glad khushi handled well!! 😛

cant wait to know how their contract marriage will turn in real marriage😃

continue soon

thanks for the pm 😛

awesome update. arshi are married. waiting for d next update