SS: IPKKND Colours of Compulsion C10 P79 Conclude NEW SS PG 82 NOTE! - Page 15

Nice update!!

Khushi is trying to come to terms with her changed husband who seems a totally different person

Beautiful story...heart warming.

Thank you once again for dealing with delay, lots things getting in the way of what I would like to pay attention to but fingers crossed more updates and sooner.

Chapter 4

That was it their first evening together after Khushi's return from the hospital, Khushi was still extremely weak and Arnav encouraged her rest even if it was straight after the meal they shared.

Having cleared the plates, put Aditi to bed ASR finally was able to truly take in what today had bought to him. A new start, there was a slight awareness of the fact that he was a different man and that his time had now come to make up for the isolated past he had put Khushi through it.

Walking into the room to witness Khushi lying in bed on her side her expression creasing in discomfort, her eyes were closed but she wasn't asleep she wouldn't be able to sleep like that.

She was trying to sleep on the wrong side. Walking further into the room with only concern for his wife on his mind Arnav takes a seat on the side of the bed viewing her posture that told him she was in an enduring state

turning her over ever so carefully so she lay on the better side of her posture easing the pain on the surgery.

Waking her in the process, those eyes of hers now to face with him Arnav could see the hurt in Khushi's eyes both physical and mental. There were no words to be shared just feelings, those brown honey comb eyes of hers a slightly red shade, moist there was Khushi had been crying.

What that did to him only he knew, maybe for the first time he was receptive to her hurt and that's what made him feel ever so heavy hearted in this moment.

"Better?"

She didn't respond even if the immediate pain was slowly dying away from the simple change in posture. The hurt of loosing a child, the hurt in her life was something Arnav needed time to treat. Slipping his feet out of his shoes Arnav lies back into the bed beside her. Taking Khushis hand into his Khushi feels and watches him wrap his hand around her posture to comfort her. Estranged as she was to this type of interaction with him it was just what her soul required his proximity, his understanding, his affection.

As Khushi attuned to his careful soothing over her back the feeling was nostalgic. Nostalgic of nights in the hospital, a corner of her subconscious told her he had spent time with her this way whilst she lay unconscious. A subconscious memory or illusion whatever it may have been was warming to her heart helping her drift off.

...

Opening her eyes to the sound of faint conversation Khushi sitting up in bed tunes her attention further. The sound of water splashing behind the bathroom door and a mix of baby laughter and father talk. Arnav was bathing little Aditi by the sounds of it.. Khushi lay there in thought for a moment at how her world had changed ..the laughter was adorable as was her husbands conversation with his daughter.

Khushi lay awake in bed it was too comfortable to get up from and there was something about the moment she wanted to savor.

She watched the two of them as they walked out engrossed in one another's company, Arnav had Aditi all wrapped up in a towel against his chest her thin whispy brown her all damp and her cheeks all rosy from bath time.

Khushi watched silently as Arnav sat Aditi on the recliner wiped her hair and patted her skin dry. He went through a routine even Khushi wouldn't have been able to carry out as perfectly as he seemed to. From baby powder, to various lotions, and change of clothes he was the perfect father who knew all his daughters quirks.. from how to get her to behave whilst he tried to dress her stay still whilst he brushed her little strands of hair..not one cry or disapproval from the baby. She was soon sat there all smiles ready for the day and was and certainly had her fathers sense of intuitiveness she had spotted Khushi watching from a distance.. at first aditi looked towards Khushi with curiosity and then when Khushi smiled Aditi smiled to.

Arnav who at this point was on the phone wanted to see what it was that was getting his daughter all excited turning around to see Khushi Arnav mouths a "Good morning" with a blissful smile on his lips.

He soon turns back to his conversation ..whilst patting Aditi on the head playfully "..Mamma..shes your mama sweetheart."

His words left Khushi's heart beating ever so fast.. he had just introduced her to their daughter once again and this time Aditi seemed to be intrigued. Her eyes stilled on Khushi for a moment, it was as if she understood her fathers words, she just watched her ..for a few moments trying to work it out in her mind and then looked back towards her dad who was busy on the phone. She seemed to want his attention.

Arnav seemed to be scheduling time off work and Khushi got the feeling he was working his time around her. As soon as Arnav was off the phone he looked towards Aditi who had been looking up at him for the past few minutes whilst he was on the phone.

Those little eyes of hers had questions for him.. she looked at him and then turned to look at Khushi and then turned back again to look at Arnav. Her little mind as intelligent as she was she wanted her father to explain.

Arnav who was familiar with the look on his daughters face balances on his feet and drops down to the level of the recliner Aditi is sat on. He has all her attention as did she have his.. "What's the matter princess...?"

The confusion in Aditi was clear but she was only a baby after all it would take a little time to warm to someone new, Arnav ever so lovingly places a kiss on Aditi's forehead and picks her up "Lets go and say hello"

...

As they approach Khushi sits up in bed the strain on her surgery still visible in her eyes as she adjusts to being seated.

Taking a seat next to her Arnav puts his palm to Khushi's forehead, as per the doctors instructions temperature was a sure sign of Khushi's well being. Taken a little by surprise at the care he was giving her Khushi takes a few moments to respond.

"How are you feeling?"

Aware of Khushi's distress, and her upset from last night to see her smile today was a weight of his shoulders. It was sign she was fighting against the past, Khushi seemed to notice how Aditi preferred to stay closer to her father.

"Don't worry about her it'll take her a couple of days then she wont want to let go of you.." Khushi smiled watching Arnav although she wanted to make a start to the day she wasn't quite ready and Arnav seemed to catch sight of Khushi's feeling even before she worded herself.

It was the first time in 6 months Khushi asked anything of him. 6 months since Arnav heard Khushi use his name the way she did, "Arnav ji..."(Arnav sir) not many people addressed him that way and for a long time after they tied the knot Khushi's use of "Arnavji" irritated him but it was music to his ears today.

Hame kuch aur vakt (I would like a little more time to rest..) was that all he thought!? his eyes told her she had all the time in the world and not only that but she was free to do as she pleased.

...

Flashback:

Arnav was sat behind a newspaper in the lounge when Khushi struggled with a container at height in the kitchen. With no one else to help Khushi approached her husband knowing he wouldn't mind he was very easy going in that manner but she hadn't anticipated what his reaction was to be. She approached him like she did many a other time..

"Ji woh " - The first time around maybe she was slightly too quite for him and so tried again

"Suniyey" - And maybe even the second time around too.

The third time around she put her words into a sentence

"Aap hamari madat karenge please woh hame naniji ke liyey chai banani hai magar cheeni.." (Would you help me please, I'm making tea for nani but I'm unable to reach the sugar)

Still getting no response - "Arnavji" ("Arnav sir")

"ARNAV!" As soon as he put down the newspaper Khushi knew what this was about he didn't like the way she deferred from using his name. Maybe it was old fashioned but to Khushi it the only way that felt correct. His tone of voice rather irritated Khushi simply dropped her eyes trying not to aggravate him further. "I've told you many a time Khushi to use my name, when you do I'll be more than happy to help."

Having declared his stance ASR picks up the newspaper but only for a moment, there was something about Khushi which stopped him in his tracks where was others would have endured worse. He walked towards the kitchen after a sigh.

End of flashback.

...

It was probably the first time years Khushi had really looked after her own wishes. It was a strange feeling of content, not having to worry about a thing yet Khushi was one of those who still cared too deeply about her family and husband to abolish

the thought of their needs completely but she had also seen that they had perfected a world of their own now.

Khushi walked out of their bedroom after some time dressed in her favorite churidar, she had certainly gone to some effort to look her usual self so she could feel herself and it gave her a whole heap of happiness too. She applied her sindoor, wore her mangalsutra, took care of her hair, it was the little things that made all the difference.

Being home made the difference.

As Khushi left the bedroom the first thing she noticed was that they weren't alone in the house Arnav had company.

Khushi recognized the old lady from the hospital that day, she aditi in her arms and they were sat over the table talking. It seemed very relaxed like they must have had these conversations often. Khushi had never seen her husband be so open and expressive in a conversation or maybe she had just never noticed. There was a mix of smiles and laughter and even aditi seemed to join in.

As Arnav caught on to Khushi's presence there was a smile for on his face, whilst his eyes asked her if she was okay.

When Khushi replicated the smile he was reassured.

It was great to see her this way, "Khushi this is Maria I believe you've met before?"

They had but the old lady was ever so affectionate and went out of her way to greet Khushi, complimenting her on how well she was looking and it did really make Khushi smile.

Excusing herself with Arnav's silent approval their conversation was made up of stubble eye contact. Wanting her to look after herself and do as she pleased Arnav watched Khushi walk away into the kitchen where he already made breakfast for her earlier this morning.

A short while later Arnav who was still sat with old lady noticed Khushi at a distance approach the house's prayer room but hesitate. Arnav noticed how Khushi seemed to stop at the entrance but not enter and for someone like Khushi this was unusual to say the least. On the other hand a unsure Khushi was glad to be interrupted.

"Khushi, would you mind making tea and coffee please.?"

He had requested so from a distance and Khushi was more than happy to do so maybe a distraction from her thoughts right this minute is what she needed.

...

She made her way into the kitchen just as she filled a sauce pan with water she caught sight of Arnav in the kitchen space taking down the sugar from the high standing shelf. Khushi couldn't help but think back to then and now he left container for her there she smiled as did he before leaving.

A couple of minutes and the drinks were ready but as Khushi brought them out to her surprise Arnav's guest was leaving.. she put down the coffee in front of Arnav but as she put down the tea in front of Maria she claimed to not be a tea drinker. Khushi was a little confused maybe she had got it wrong.

Arnav saw Maria off to the door and when he returned Khushi was about to take the cup of tea back into the kitchen but he was back just in time to stop her. He spoke from behind Khushi. "Its for you."

"Sit with me .."

She sat down a little surprised whilst Arnav took as seat on the other side of the table in front of his cup of coffee.

His eyes were ever so comforting, she just wanted to carry on looking on into them they almost cultivated kindness with every glance. Khushi had no idea what to expect but the moment Arnav extending his arm across the table and put his hand over hers Khushi felt all her thoughts vanish into thin air.

...

Next: "I saw what happened earlier. ..waha .." he said whilst his eyes looked towards the house's prayer room."

Very good update...Arnav seem more accessible now ...let's hope they talk to each

I am so much in love with the Arnav GOD he is so understanding caring. Beautiful update

Lovely update. Wish you would give faster updates.

sweet update!!!

Nice one! But i really do want them to talk more to each other!

wonder what brought such drastic changes in Arnav and what has happened with the other family members and house help. Looks like Arnav had made a little world around him with new bonds with his heart and seems to relish them.