Chapter- Ten (a)
It didn't take too long for Arnav to realize that most of the things had changed for him after marriage, and one such example was exchanging those affection-filled secretive glances with each other while his wife served meal on the table. None of the two talked about it, but these stealing glances and passing lovable smiles were enough for them to realize that they had begin to develop a strong liking for each other with every single moment spent together.
Arnav now didn't back off from appreciating her cooking skills openly, though in his own usual way which was amusingly accepted by his wife. On the other hand, Khushi was the one to believe that her life with him wouldn't be an easy one, yet till now she was being proved wrong. With different thoughts & different perceptions, they walked together on the path which led them towards what is called love.
And today was yet another day when Arnav came down to have breakfast, as a surprise awaited for him and Khushi. He hardly began eating when Shekhar handed over an envelope to him, gesturing him to open it.
"What's this?"
"It looks like an envelope."
"Oh Dad... I mean what's inside this?"
"Your honeymoon tickets for Goa..."
"Honey...moon...?" Arnav said in a low tone, as he opened the envelope & looked at the tickets.
"Come on Arnav, you're behaving as if we're sending you on exile! You are supposed to be excited about this trip... It will be your first outing with Khushi... Go and have fun!" Exclaimed his mother happily.
"But..."
"Before you ask me about work, let me tell you that I will look after it in your absence..." Shekhar interrupted sternly, "So no need to worry about it."
"Anymore questions, grandson?"
"Ummm... No.."
"So buck up you both and get started with packing your stuffs."
"I shall help you, Maa..."
"You can help me as much as you want to, but only after you return back from your honeymoon..." Himani took the dish from Khushi, who looked away coyly, "Now go and start your packing... You have less time!"
It was probably the first time when Khushi blushed strangely after the discussion on Honeymoon topic, and adding more to it, Arnav didn't forget to bid her a loving goodbye before leaving for office. She could literally feel something different in his tone and eyes, which indicated that the trip to Goa was going to be quite memorable one.
***
Shyam's visit at AR came as a pleasant surprise for Arnav, who relaxed in his cabin after attending an hour long conference. His all tiredness seemed to be gone away when he saw his brother-in-law as they both hardly got some time to meet after the wedding functions were over.
"Yes of course, please order tea... You know that ginger tea is another reason why I love to come here!"
"Oh come on now don't say that!" Arnav gave a humorous stern look to Shyam on his amusing comment and called for two cups of tea.
"That's the truth, brother-in-law...By the way, I heard that you've been gifted with honeymoon tickets?"
"You heard it right. I & Khushi will be leaving for Goa... And return back around two weeks later..."
"Only two weeks?"
"I need to give some time to my work after spending so many days in wedding rituals..."
"And you even need to give some time to your wife. Life after marriage is not like what you think..."
"You're scaring me?"
"Not scaring you, I'm explaining you. And I even know about your silliness to forget Khushi at her home."
"Don't even remind me, I feel like a fool whenever I think about it." Arnav said in a regretful tone, "Mom was really upset at me, thankfully she's normal now..."
"Even your Di was upset at you..."
"She talked to me yesterday... Telling me to take care of Khushi and all that..."
"Hmm... So I don't need to give you any lectures, isn't it?"
"No you don't need to do that... I'm sensible enough to understand these things. And by the way what's up with you these days? You're always after me with those lectures on married life... You should have opted to become a lecturer rather than a lawyer!"
"Hmm... That sounds good anyway, if I face any troubles in this field, I can always go to become a professor!" Shyam laughed away, making Arnav even more amused.
***
Arnav never told her but he did like to see how Khushi happily made a cup of tea for him whenever he returned back from work and talked to him about the entire day while sitting beside him. It often surprised him how easily she developed that kind of relationship with him where she didn't hesitate before speaking like she did earlier and even complained openly if he would leave the conversation in between and go to attend any phone call from his office. At times he would even wonder how a married person feels frustrated with the demands of his wife, because Arnav loved to hear those innocent pleadings & complains from Khushi!
***
"Honeymoon trip to Goa... Sounds romantic!" Payal exclaimed chirpily on learning about her friend's honeymoon trip, as Khushi sat comfortably on bed while having all attention on the phone call.
"Hmm... You know, Arnav is eagerly looking forward for this trip."
"Really? And you were complaining that your husband isn't romantic and all..."
"Well, I'm still saying that... And he's eager for this trip so that he can return back quickly and resume his office work!" Khushi admitted, rolling her eyes.
"Seriously? Did he say so?"
"No, he didn't say anything about it, I simply guessed it by whatever he discusses with his employees on phone. But he's actually right Payal... Already he has been away from office for a long time because of wedding functions... He should be updated with his work also..."
"Oho... You're totally behaving like a businessman's wife... What's the matter, Mrs. Khushi Arnav Raizada?"
Before Khushi could reply, she left the bed for her husband, who was quite tired and needed some peaceful sleep after spending a hectic day at office. She took her pillow and quilt immediately on lounger after having argued once again with Arnav about the sleeping arrangement, since he asked her to leave the lounger for him but she denied, as usual.
But what Khushi didn't know was Payal, who was still on the call, happened to hear their conversation and remained surprised to no extent.
"Yes, so now..."
"Khushi... You don't sleep on bed? I mean... with Jiju?" Payal asked hesitantly.
"No." Came a straight but low answer from her, "I told Arnav that... I'd need some time to... You know..."
"Are you serious? What kind of a behavior is this? He is your husband... How can you sleep this way?"
"So? What's wrong in it? I've told to him that I still need sometime to adjust myself in this new place... And even he has no issues about it."
"He has no issues because he doesn't want you to feel uncomfortable there... You should understand a few things Khushi..."
"What few things?"
"You very well know what I mean... Some or the other day you have to sleep on the same bed, then what's the problem today? These little things matter too much in a married life..."
"I'll talk later on... Arnav is too tired today, I should look if he needs anything."
"Okay, but do think about what I said. Take care..."
Even though Khushi disconnected the call, she couldn't help but think about whatever Payal explained to her. She got her mind diverted towards Arnav when he turned to other side, feeling uneasiness.
"Aren't you feeling well?" Khushi asked in a concerned tone, as she kept her phone aside and walked to him.
"Not really.." Arnav gave a low reply while pressing his hand hard against his head, seeing which Khushi sat beside him and pressed his head, making her husband surprised.
"What are you looking like this at? I can do this much at least." Khushi said candidly, "And by the way, why do you work so much? You didn't even eat your dinner properly..."
"I ate enough. And you don't need to worry, I'll be fine after taking some rest."
Arnav gave a fainted smile while trying hard to keep a normal face, yet she could clearly see his lethargic expressions. A moment later when he closed his eyes to rest, Khushi had this sudden urge to talk to him, to make his mind divert elsewhere, but seeing him tired, she kept herself silent. And it was known only by her how tough it was to keep quiet even after having so many things to discuss with him! Arnav opened his eyes & looked at her perplexedly, trying to guess the reason behind the silence of his talkative' wife since he was used to it, no matter how badly he wanted to rest!
"Why are you so silent?"
"I shouldn't talk. It can increase your headache."
"How did you think that?"
"Amma & Buaji say that anyone can get a severe headache after listening to whatever I talk!" Khushi gave an innocent reply.
"But seeing you silent isn't helping me. You don't seem good when you're sitting quietly."
"Even I know I don't look good when I'm silent! Infact..."
Khushi got interrupted when he remembered about his office-related work, which he almost forgot about and wished to finish it off at the moment, but was stopped by her. Arnav would have been happily allowed to do the work if he didn't have any headache or extreme tiredness, but his wife behaved like a strict lady and denied him to even get off the bed till morning. He whispered an Unbelievable' under his breathe when he witnessed her strict side, and laid back on the bed on her order.
"Whatever your work is, do it in the morning. I don't want you to stress yourself too much."
"A phone call won't stress me, Khushi."
"Why are you so stubborn?"
"I should be the one asking you that... I can't believe I'm listening to you." Arnav looked around, wondering how a person like he could keep aside his work only on his wife's demand!
"And I know you'll always listen to me."
"What makes you think that?"
"The ring which I found in the milk during the game... Remember?"
"God... You're still stuck on that silly game?"
"No, the game is still stuck on my mind!" Khushi replied, making him amused, "I know you'll always listen to me because my heart says that..."
She looked at him affectionately, as Arnav flashed a convincing smile to her and felt his fatigue vanishing away gradually. For him, if getting married meant to see a beautiful smiling face of his wife after returning back from work, then he was content to be tied in a wedlock. But the only thing which he needed to realize was that listening to her non-stop talks & arguing with her on little things is what means falling in love!
"Feeling better?" Khushi asked sweetly.
"Much better..."
"Then sleep now... Good night."
"Good night."
PRECAP-: Honeymoon Trip to Goa :)
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