Thrd-9 ArshiFF:YRMND *New Thread-10 Link - Pg-1* - Page 55

30^th Sep - Sunday - Back to Dehli

"Naniji ... Anjali Didi", Hari Prakash shouted, looking at the car rounding in porch and run towards the ladies gathered in the dinning area, "They are here", he pointed towards the front door.

Anjali, Nani, Mami and Shalini Masi hurriedly went toward the front door. Mamaji, Rahul, Akash, Dhruv, Minnie and their father followed the ladies. Rohan and Rajat stayed back in the hallway.

Arnav, Khushi, Lavanya and Aman came out of the car, which Aman had stopped just in front of the front door stairs. Khushi held Arush's hand, helping him climb outside of the back seat.

Arnav pressed his lips seeing Anjali holding the pooja thal and smiling at them. Khushi nudged him with the elbow and whispered to smile, which he reluctantly did, because his mood was off.

Totally off.

First he didn't get to be intimate with his new wife yesterday night, then he had to wake up so early around 6 this morning to catch a flight back to Delhi around 9. Second, there was a huge argument between him and his sister regarding returning back to Dehli. He was hoping to stay here for few more days so that he can spend some alone time with Khushi but according to his sister, the new bride should be welcomed properly into their home right after the wedding ... otherwise it is consider a bad omen for the newlyweds.

He can never understand from where these types of traditions come.

Third he had to stop at Lavanya's apartment so that they can change into their wedding clothes, because his Di has demanded it. Anjali had gone straight to home from airport after ordering him and Khushi. Khushi didn't want to have another argument between Arnav and Anjali, so she quickly agreed to do whatever made Anjali happy.

So now he was here, wearing sherwani again and standing at the front door of his home, with Khushi beside him and his Di circling the pooja thal in front of them.

Anjali put tilak on both Arnav and Khushi's forhead and then asked Khushi to push the kalash with her right foot.

Khushi grabs Arnav arm with one hand and with other she lifted her lehenga and push the kalash with her right foot. There were smiles everywhere as Khushi and Arnav stepped inside together, holding hands.

"stop, stop ... stop", said Anjali holding out her hand, before Arnav and Khushi can take another step.

Arnav pressed his lips again, to stop himself from shouting and tilted his head giving a questioning look to his sister.

"Arey you cannot enter just like that", said Anjali.

"Why not? Is there some other rasam to do at the doorstep?", said Arnav sarcastically. Khushi nudge him again with the elbow and earned an angry glare from Arnav.

"Haan na bitwa, there is a rasam", said Mamiji winking at her husband, who shakes his head.

"So tell me what to do Di", sighed Arnav and rub his temple, "I am tired and just want to get over with this stuff fast".

Anjali's heart melted at this and she smiled warmly, "Nothing much, just carry your bride in your arms and come inside".

Arnav look up in surprise, "Carry her?".

"Han Arnav bitwa ehi toh rasam hai. Humari Raizada parivaar ki rasam.", said Mamiji teasingly, "Apni dulhanya ko bahun mein utha kar ana hota hai." And then she held her husband's arm, "Hum bhi toh aise hi aye thay. Kion ji?".

Akash and Arnav look at each other, trying not to picture the scenario where Mamaji would have lifted Mamiji in his arms while entering. Both avoided each other's eyes.

"Shukar hai bus ek dafa uthana tha ... werna toh bura haal ho jata", Mamaji teases back.

"Arey ap bhi bus rehne dein. Jub shaadi hui thi tub toh hum slim smart thay", said Mamiji.

"Acha acha bus, now please you two don't start arguing", said Shalini masi and then gesture towards Khushi, "What are you waiting for Arnav? Pick up your bride and come in now".

Arnav smile and give a teasing look to Khushi as he bend down and pick Khushi easily into his arms. Others hooted and clapped as Arnav stepped inside with Khushi in his arms. Her eyes were looking down towards his chest, too shy to look up.

"Now this, I can get use to easily", Arnav whispered only for Khushi's ear, who smack his chest in return.

They all came in the living room. Anjali asked Arnav to let Khushi down. Arnav noticed that living room was mildly decorated and the sofas were pushed to the walls, a big space in the center with white sheet covering the floor and few cushions surrounding a big golden bowl filled with white liquid.

"Is this milk?", he look at his sister, "Don't tell me I have to drink that as a rasam too", said Arnav making a yucky face.

"Uffo ho Chottey", Anjali smack his arm, while other sniggered at his reaction, even Rohan could not hold back his smile.

"What? I am not drinking that, no matter how important the rasam is", said Arnav taking a step back. Khushi put hand on her mouth to hide her smile.

"Arey saley sahib, you don't have to drink it", said Rahul coming beside Arnav, "It's a game to determine who will be ruling in your marriage".

"Meaning?", asked Arnav.

Rahul then explain the game, that a wedded couple is asked to find the ring in pot filled with water and milk and the person who finds the ring first will always have an upper hand in the relationship.

"Oh, so you and Di also played it? Who won?", asked Arnav.

"Of course me", said Anjali proudly, "And I am sure Khushi will win this one. Its always ladies who wins this. Right Mamiji?".

"Yes, I won this game and Sasuma won it too", said Mamiji looking at Nani, who nodded her head with a smile.

"Bitwa today you have to win it. It's a matter of our respect now", said Mamaji.

"Arey Bhaisahab, from last 3 generations, the ladies of this house have won, I don't think so that tradition is going to change. What you say Khushi bitya?", said Shalini Masi.

"Arey Masi, you don't know Arnav bhai. He always wins", said Akash.

"Not his one Akash", said Lavanya as she came near Khushi holding Arush in her arms.

"Is that so?", asked Arnav.

"Yeah, want to prove me wrong?", said Lavanya in a challenging tone.

"ASR never loses a challenge", said Aman, "Come on ASR", he gesture Arnav to move ahead.

Arnav look at Khushi, who give him a challenging look. Arnav tilted his head and look her in the eye, asking as if she thinks the same. Khushi shrugged and sit infront of the bowl. Arnav too sit down as he pulled sherwani sleeve back up, of his right hand, "Lets just get over with this quickly".

"There will be 3 turns, who find the rings two times will win", said Anjali as put a ring in the bowl and stir the liquid.

"1 ... 2 ...3 ... Start!", said Anjali and both Arnav and Khushi put their hands inside the bowl.

After just few seconds Khushi pulled out the ring. The ladies around cheered and Khushi grinned looking at Arnav.

"Arey bitwa yeh kia? Pehli bazi hi haar gaye", said Mamaji disappointingly.

"Kaha tha na bhaisahab, we will win this", said Shalini Masi.

Khushi wiggle her eyebrows at Arnav who give a stern expression, "Still have 2 turns to go", said Arnav and gesture his Di, who took the ring from Khushi and put in the bowl again. Arnav and Khushi put their hands in and this time luck was on Arnav's side and he pull out the ring giving a triumph smile. The boys and Mamaji cheered for Arnav.

Anjali put the ring back again, "Now this will tell who will win and will rule in your marriage".

Arnav and Khushi put their hands back in the bowl. Rohan too eagerly watched, wanting to know who will win.

Useless to say Khushi found the ring, but she didn't pull it out. She saw Arnav's concentrated expression and everybody around them. Shalini Masi and Mamaji were still arguing on who will win. Ladies are sure that Khushi will win and the guys are having doubtful face. Their expressions were telling that they know Arnav is going to lose which Khushi can never let it happen. Her Arnav's win is more important than her win, even in this little game of tradition.

So carefully she slid the ring under the liquid near the area where Arnav's fingers were and then she pull her hand back, pretending to find the ring on other side. After 3-4 seconds Arnav found the ring the pull it out of the bowl, "Yess!". He waved a fist in the air.

And the expression that came on Arnav's face was worth the cheating, Khushi smile at him. Akash, Rahul and Mamaji literally hugged Arnav, "Shabash bitwa, you have saved our respect".

"Yeh kia Khushi", said Anjali with deflated expression. Khushi just shrugged in response and smile seeing the triumph expressions of Arnav. She quickly averted her eyes, when they clashed with Naniji's. Her experienced eyes have watched everything. Khushi look up again and Naniji give her a small nod with the smile, saying that she understood what she had done and Naniji couldn't help but feel proud of her new bahu. She will surely take care of her Arnav bitwa.

Khushi smile back and her attention went to Arush who had crawled near the bowl. Khushi pull him in her lap so that he couldn't splash the milk.

"Acha bus ... bus", said Naniji loudly. "Now this game is complete, so let the kids rest now".

"Finally", said Arnav as he stand up. "Everything is over".

"Arey kahan Arnav bitwa", said Mamiji, "Abhi toh Muhdikhayi hogi".

"What muh? what is this now?", said Arnav irritatingly, "Di just tell me when all these rasams and traditions are going to end? I am seriously regretting not going for court marriage".

"Chottey!!", Anjali admonish him coming to his side and smacks his arm, "Don't you dare say something like that".

"Di since the rituals have started, they are just keep going on and on", said Arnav in anger and then sighed, "You know what? I don't care. Just do whatever you like, but count me out. I am not doing anything else", saying that Arnav went towards the stairs.

"Arnavji", Khushi said his name and take a step towards him but Anjali quickly move ahead and stopped Arnav.

"Chottey, Chottey ... please don't be upset", said Anjali. Although she was upset with him since the time he had taken Khushi away on their wedding night but she cannot bear for her brother to be upset with her either.

"Di please, just do whatever you want", said Arnav and tried to step aside but Anjali grabs his arm, "Chottey please", said Anjali in pleading tone.

Arnav sighed, "Di, I am not upset. I am just tired with all these rasams".

"I know, and I promise just 2 more things ... then no more", said Anjali understandingly.

Arnav look at her suspiciously, "Just 2?".

"Yes just 2. One is the Muh dikhayi this evening and then your reception after 2 days. And I promise nothing else after that", said Anjali.

"Ok, so what should I do at this mudikhayi?", he asked.

"Arey bitwa you don't have to do anything", said Mamiji coming near them, "This mudikhayi is of Khushi bitya, not you".

"Yes you can rest all you want today", said Anjali.

"Why only Khushi?", asked Arnav confused.

"Because mudikhayi is done to introduce the new bride and bahu of the family to our friends, family and neighbors", said Anjali.

"But why? Our friends and family have attended the wedding right? So what the need of this function?", said Arnav irritatingly.

"Not everyone have attended the wedding", said Anjali, "You asked to invite only the closest remember? So there are ladies from our neighbors and Naniji's satsang gang ... they haven't attended. So they will all be coming this evening to see Khushi".

"They can see her in the reception, no? You have invited our every acquaintance to that function", said Arnav.

Anjali sighed at look at her Naniji and Rahul. Sometimes it's so difficult to make Arnav understand.

"Arey sale sahib, just leave it. We men can never understand these rasams. Just go along with it", said Rahul coming near them and he leaned in, "Trust me, the quicker the function is done, the better it is".

"Ok fine", said Arnav waving his hands in the air, "Do whatever you guys want. Now can I go to my room or there is anything else?", he look around everybody.

"Yes just one thing more", said Anjali teasingly, "That is not only your room now, its Khushi's too now".

Arnav give angry glare to Anjali, who winked at him and before he could say anything Rahul jump in, "Ok everybody lets get some rest", he said loudly and pull Anjali with him. Everybody move towards their rooms. Rahul picked Arush from Khushi's lap and help her stand up. Before Anjali could say something to Khushi, Rahul grabs her hand and move towards the kitchen.

"Arey Rahul", said Anjali.

"I am hungry Anji", said Rahul as he drag Anjali with him, and give a nod to Arnav, who give a thankful smile in return. He went to Khushi and take her hand, "Chalain?",

Khushi smile shyly at him and they went upstairs to their room. Arnav stopped in the middle of the room and turn to Khushi and give a tug to her hand. Khushi looked up questioningly and Arnav gesture with his head to look around.

A gasped escapes Khushi's lips as she takes in the changes done around the room. The white walls were replaced with cream color. Grey carpet and curtains was replaced with dark maroon ones. The green recliner was replaced with the dark brown one. The bed, side tables and coffee table, which were black before, were replaced with dark brown furniture. White framed mirror, on the left side of room door, was replaced with dark brown and there were two small racks on its both sides. There was a small cushion stool in front of the big rack below the mirror, both of same dark brown color. And just next to that there was a crib, a littler larger than the last one. A small fridge with a small microwave oven above it was place beside the crib.

Khushi look back at Arnav, highly astonished, "Arnavji, all this?".

"Remember you told me my room is boring, so ...", said Arnav gesturing towards his room.

"But I didn't mean for you to change everything", said Khushi,

"I know, but I wanted to", said Arnav as he held both her hands, "When you surprised me with makeover of the penthouse, I couldn't get your words out of my mind. About accepting the past, and building new memories. It's just my gesture to tell you that I am ready to build new memories (he tug her close) with you, in everything".

Khushi smile and tried hard not to shed tears, she looked around again, feeling happy that Arnav have put thoughts behind the makeover of this room. Arnav held her chin and turn her face to him, "Our new beginning", said Arnav as he lean down and captures her lips.

Khushi closes her eyes and open up to him. Before the kiss can become more heated there was a loud cough with knocking. They break the kiss and move apart.

"What the hell Aman", said Arnav angrily, seeing him standing in the door with hand above his eyes.

"You should learn to close the door now", said Aman in a teasing tone. Khushi blushed hide her face in Arnav's chest.

"Get lost, before I ...", Arnav was saying when Aman cut in, "Shhshh, incoming", and come inside the room. He gestured his head towards the open door and just then Jai Prakash and Raj came inside carrying suit cases in each hands. They place the suit cases on floor beside the bed and went out of room.

"You should be thankful that I run here before them or else they would have seen ...", Aman left the sentence in complete.

"Get out", said Arnav trying to remain calm.

"I didn't see anything, I swear. I had my hand over my eyes before standing at the door", said Aman hurriedly.

"Aman", Arnav said his name in a warning tone.

"Ok ok", said Aman as he quickly went out of room but then peaked in again, "Lock the door before starting something". Arnav take a step toward him but he quickly dashed away. Arnav close the door and the small auto lock clicked in. He had put small auto lock on the door, so that he don't have to come back to lock it, just in case.

Khushi look down as he turn to her and look to side to hide her embarrassment and just then her eyes fell on the swing in pool side.

"Oh my", said Khushi as she slide the door and look around the pool side. The stairs to right was gone now and there was a swing. A small table was placed beside it.

(imagine this swing in poolside)

"Arnavji, you removed the stairs?", asked Khushi, highly surprised.

"Yup", said Arnav as he came behind her and hug her, "Because I didn't want something to happen like it did a minute ago. I want complete privacy for us. With so many people living here, we are bound to be disturbed so I took necessary measures. With stairs gone, no one will be coming from this side and I also put the auto lock on the door".

Khushi turn and look at the door and then turn in Arnav's arm, "Acha ji? I guess you have thought of everything".

"Hmm I guess", said Arnav as he nuzzles his nose with hers. Before he could kiss her again Khushi push him away.

"I want to change and I think you should change too", said Khushi as she went to her suitcase. At first Arnav thought to pull her back but then realizes she is right. The itch he had been feeling since the time he adorn this sherwani was back. But he also realizes that there was one more thing left for Khushi to see.

He waited while Khushi took out her dress, and then he grabs her wrist, "I want to show you something". With that he move towards the cupboard and stopped to its left side where a curtain was covering the wall. Khushi didn't notice it before.

Arnav remove the curtain back and there was a gap, a size of a door.

"Whats this?", asked Khushi.

"Our walk-in-closet area", said Arnav as he takes her inside.

"Aman made me realize that we need more space, with you and Arush in my room now so I thought of making this", he waves a hand at the space.

This area was just little smaller than their room. 3 walls (left, right and in front) were having closets, with hanging area. And the wall just beside the doorway had a big full length mirror, with racks on its both side. There was a dresser in the middle and small recliner beside it, both of dark brown color. The walls were painted cream and the closets were of dark brown as well.

"This door leads to bathroom", said Arnav pointing towards a door to their right, in corner of wall, to the right of the big mirror.

"I have already placed my clothes and stuff here", said Arnav as he move towards the closets on the left hand side. "You can have the rest of the space".

Arnav move to the right side closets and opened one of them, "There is a small locker here to place your jewelries and other important things".

Khushi was just standing there unable to move as she processes all the changes, thinking that how Arnav have thought of everything. She didn't know what to say, thanking him would be a too small gesture, comparing to this.

"Arnavji, I don't know what to say. All this ...", Khushi stopped saying as Arnav came to her.

"You don't have to say anything, because it's not only for me, but for us. Everything", said Arnav.

"But you thought all of this, changing everything and I haven't thought anything like this for you. I was just busy thinking of our wedding, the dresses and ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav stopped her by placing his finger on her lips.

"I don't want you to do anything for me", said Arnav. Khushi wanted to protest but Arnav shakes his head.

"Khushi you already have done so many things for me. Loving me, my son ... taking care of us are among many other things and now you are here with me, in my life forever. That's enough for me", said Arnav as he touched his forehead with hers.

Her heart melted with his words, she hugged Arnav, "I love you so much". In reply Arnav just squeeze his arms around her.

A knock sound came and they broke apart. "I will see it, you go and change ok", said Arnav and then move out of the walk-in-closet, pulling the curtain back in its place. Khushi move to the mirror, putting her dress on the dresser, and started taking off her jewelry and bangles.

Arnav open the door and found his Di and Minnie standing there with tray in their hands.

"It's lunch time, but I know you didn't want to come down so I bring your lunch here", said Anjali lifting the tray a little.

Arnav move back giving them space to come inside. Anjali place the tray on the coffee table and Minnie places the tray on the bed.

"So, what did Khushi said about the room?", asked Anjali excitedly.

"She likes it", said Arnav.

"And about the walk-in wardrobe?", asked Anjali again.

"Di ...", said Arnav giving her a serious look.

"Ok baba, I will not ask. You eat your lunch", said Anjali with a pout and went to the door out of the room with Minnie.

"Di, don't send anyone for the dishes ok", said Arnav as he closes the door after them, the auto lock clicked in. He went towards the wardrobe area, taking his sherwani off. He placed it above the dresser beside Khushi's dupatta. Khushi was not there and he could hear a running water sound. He opens the closet and takes out his shirt and trouser. And he changes into it in just 5 mins and went out.

After many minutes Khushi came out of washroom, from door which opens in the room.

Arnav turn to her and look her up and down. She was wearing a simple blue shalwar kameez, still looking adorable to him. Khushi looked away and move towards the bed.

"Come, Anjali Di bought lunch for us", said Arnav.

"Arnavji 5 mins, I will just check on Arush", said Khushi as she picks her dupatta from the bed.

Arnav covers the plate again. "No, no please you start, I will just come", said Khushi. "its ok I will eat with you", said Arnav.

"Arnavji ...", Khushi came near him. Arnav held her hand, "Khushi, its fine. I will wait for you". Khushi smiles and squeezes his hand and then went out of the room.

She found Anjali, Rahul, Mamaji, Mamiji and Shalini Masi sitting at the dining table eating lunch. Anjali look at her first and stopped eating, "Khushi?"

Khushi smiles at them, "Di, where is Arush? I thought to check on him".

"He is out in the lawn with Dhruv, Minnie and Akash", said Anjali and then stood up, "Don't worry I will look after him", she came near Khushi.

"He might want to sleep Di, he woke up early today", said Khushi. Anjali smile and cup her cheek, "Don't worry, I told you na I will take care of him, you go and rest".

Before Khushi could say anything else Anjali pushes her little, "Go eat and rest, I think you should sleep for some time".

"No I am ok, I have to get ready for the function as well", said Khushi.

"And there is plenty of time in that. Its 1.30pm now Khushi, function will start after 6 in the evening. So go and sleep", said Anjali and Khushi nodded her head.

"Still you can tell me if Arush needs me", said Khushi.

"Arey haan baba, now go. Or else chottey will come down, shouting for you", said Anjali in a teasing tone and pushes Khushi again. Khushi gives her a shy smile and move towards the stairs.

She come in the room, closes the door and went to Arnav who gesture her to sit beside him. They both had lunch, while talking about the room. Arnav told her that she can do any changes she wants to, add her touch in it. Khushi was happy with the way the room is looking now but she had few items in her mind to add in. Arnav lay on the bed after washing his hands and waited for Khushi who was arranging the plates on tray. Arnav smiles as he saw Khushi delaying coming to bed, moving things here and there, so he quickly move on the bed when she came near and grabs her wrist and pull her on the bed with him.

"Arnavji what are you doing?", asked Khushi as she move back. Arnav lay on the bed and pull Khushi near.

"And what are you doing haan Khushi? Avoiding me?", asked Arnav.
"N..no, I am not", replied Khushi as she put her hand on Arnav's chest to put a distance between them.

"Really?", said Arnav and Khushi quickly bobbed her head.

Arnav lean in and Khushi move her head back. Arnav raise his eyebrow and Khushi give him a nervous smile, her eyes fixed at his chest. Arnav smile and give a peck on her head.

"You don't need to be nervous around me Khushi, ok?", said Arnav, "We are not strangers that you are shying away from me".

"No its like that", said Khushi quickly.

"Ok fine, come let's sleep. We will argue on it later", said Arnav as he move Khushi a bit, so that he was flat on bed and Khushi's head was rested on his shoulder.

Khushi was expecting him to kiss her but Arnav just hug her close. Khushi wanted to ask but couldn't do so. Arnav, understanding her nervousness, didn't initiate anything. Beside he knew well that Khushi is tired and still be feeling somewhat sore. He wants Khushi to enjoy their intimacy as much as he does and it can't be enjoyed when your body is already very tired.

Khushi relax in his embrace feeling cozy and happy. She can never deny her Arnav to be intimate with her but truth to be told she was glad that they aren't doing it now because she was really very tired. She was awake since 4 am, as during that time Arush wakes up due to hunger and needed to be fed. She couldn't go back to sleep after that and then after 6 they had been packing and travelling.

Evening - Around 6.30 pm -

"Lavanyaaa ... Is Khushi ready?", asked Anjali as she entered her room, a red chunri in her hand.

"Yess she is", replied Lavanya as she step aside and revealed Khushi wearing beautiful aqua green lehenga choli with light pink dupatta drape around her.

"Wah nazar na lagey", said Anjali as she caresses Khushi's cheek who smiled in return.

"Come, Nani is asking to take you down".

Khushi nodded and Lavanya took the chunri from Anjali and lay on Khushi's head, covering her face.

Anjali, Lavanya and Khushi went out of the room and just then Arnav came out of his room. He stopped seeing them coming ahead. He frowned seeing Khushi's face covered, "Why is Khushi covering her face?".

"That's the custom Arnav", said Anjali, "Bride's face is covered and one by one our guest lift the veil and see the bride's face".

Arnav sighed hearing this, the never ending customs. And come near them.

"wait ... wait, what you think you are going?", asked Lavanya.

"I need to talk to Khushi for a minute", said Arnav as he tried to take Khushi's hand.

"Oh no no ... we all know what your one minute is", said Lavanya holding Arnav's wrist.

"Yes, it will lead to few minutes and then many minutes.", said Anjali as she grabs Arnav's arm and pull him back a step.

"Di ...", said Arnav showing his stern expression.

"Nope, we cannot delay time in doing her makeup all over again, after you ruin it", said Lavanya and stand in front of Khushi, who bit her lower lip understanding what Lavanya is talking about.

Anjali smile teasingly, "Yes, now go back to your room and look after Arush. Bring him down when he wakes up", as she gestures Lavanya to take Khushi down.

"But di ...", said Arnav but Anjali cut in, "No buts ... just 2 hours ok, then you can have your wife back".

Arnav pressed his lips is annoyance and storm back to his room. Lavanya and Anjali share teasing smiles and they both held Khushi's arm, helping her climb down the stair.

Naniji smile seeing them coming and asked the ladies to gather around. Anjali and Lavanya helped Khushi to sit down on the sofa, placed in the middle of living room.

Nitu, Naniji's friend came ahead first and lifted Khushi's veil, "Bhut khoobsurat, sada suhagan raho", she said and place the gift on Khushi's lap who accept by replying a soft shukeriya.

Lavanya took the gift from Khushi and handed it over to Minnie who was standing behind the sofa. Minnie put the gift on the table placed there for this purpose.

One by one ladies came ahead and lifted Khushi's veil praised her beauty and handed her gifts.

-----------------------

Arnav was feeling irritated, its been more than an hour and still the function is going on. He went down to check many minutes ago and had been scolded by his sister. His tapping on keyboard was more forceful due to his mood as he write an email to his lawyer, telling him what changes he needed in the papers which he had asked to make for Khushi. He sent the email and write another to Aman.
Few minutes later he heard a whimpering sound and a soft mama'. Arush is awake now, as his whimpering got louder. Arnav quickly went to the bed; Arush was trying to sit up. Arnav sit on the bed and pull Arush to his lap.

"Mama ... Mama chahiye", said Arush in crying voice.

"Hey shhshhh... papa is here", said Arnav trying to calm him. His heart melted seeing Arush's eyes getting moist. He picks Arush in his arms and went out of room.

"We will go to your Mama now, ok Arush", said Arnav as he climbs down the stair. He was relieved seeing Khushi standing beside Nani, her veil was gone. Guess the function was over, thought Arnav.

Arush called out for his Mama as soon as his eyes set on her. Khushi turned hearing the voice and move quickly towards them.

"Awh my shona woke up", said Khushi in baby tone as she takes Arush in her arms.

"Function is over?", asked Arnav. Khushi nodded, "But the guests will be here for another hour or so. Naniji had prepared early dinner for them", said Khushi as she caresses Arush's head who had put it on her chest. , "Do you need anything?" And she knows the answer looking into Arnav's intense eyes, which were fixed on her. Khushi averted her eyes and was saved by Anjali who came near them.

"Awh my baby is awake, come here", said Anjali as she extends her hands to take Arush but he hid his face more into Khushi's chest. "Mama ka dewana", said Anjali as she smacks Arush's bump lightly.

"How are you Arnav bitwa?", Nitu came near them with another lady.

"I am good aunty. I hope you are well.", said Arnav politely. Nitu nodded her head.

"Congratulation on your wedding Arnav", said the other lady.

"Thank you", replied Arnav.

"Come join us.", said the lady gesturing towards the dining area, where ladies were gathering for early dinner.

"No thanks, I have some work", said Arnav.

"Arey, you got married just 2 days ago and you are back to working", said the lady.

"Well that's how I am", said Arnav with a serious expresion, "Enjoy dinner". With that Arnav went towards the stairs. He would rather work than be with these types of people who show that they are your friends but in reality are with you for their own gain.

"I thought he will changed after marriage, but he is still a workaholic.", said the lady and then look at Khushi, "Khushi, now you have to tell him that there are other things beside work". She didn't like the way Arnav dismissed her.

"Arey Mrs. Parmar, you know how Arnav bitwa is, always a hard worker", said Nitu.

"True aunty, come lets have dinner", said Anjali as she gestures towards the dining area.

Nitu and Mrs. Parmar went ahead and Anjali gestures Khushi to come as well. Extra tables and chairs were placed in the dining and living area. The guests started to have dinner.

Khushi made a plate for Arnav and asked Jai Prakash to take it upstairs with Arnav's coffee. Then she made a plate for herself and Arush. She sits on the table where Lavanya, Minnie and Dhruv were eating.

"Its looks like Arush is already attached to his new mother", said one of the 3 ladies sitting on the table with Naniji, Mami and Shalini Masi.

"Yes Mrs. Khan, Arush bitwa is very attach to Khushi bitya", said Nani with a smile.

"Khushi loves our Arush bitwa so much", said Mamiji.

"Arey Manorma, after marriage things changes", said another lady, "Right now things seems all lovely but just wait, after few months all true colors comes out".

"Khushi is nothing but full of love Mrs. Sidhant", said Shalini Masi with a smile. She had only few interactions with Khushi but already figured out what a gem she is.

"Yes yes, all step mothers show love in the beginning", said the 3^rd lady, "But we all know how step-mothers are like. They can never truly accept other wives' child".

"Mrs. Rathore, Khushi and Arush's bond is unique", said Naniji with a tight smile, "It is based on love not need".

"Yes, we are here and you all are here. We will see in the future", said Mamiji.

"You have that much trust on Khushi?", asked Mrs. Khan in challenging tone.

"Yes, we all trust Khushi. If that's not the case my Arnav bitwa would never have married her", said Naniji.

"Aur nahi toh ka sasuma", said Mamiji, "So many proposals came for our Arnav bitwa but he only wanted a true gem", she looked at Mrs. Rathore who had tried for her daughter's hand for Arnav a year ago.

"Excuse me", said Mrs. Rathore standing up and move away from there. She didn't wanted to be reminded how Arnav out right refused her proposal.

"Does Khushi have a sister?", asked Mrs. Khan.

"Yes, she has an elder sister", replied Naniji.

"She is not here?", asked Mrs. Sidhant looking around.

"No, Khushi's family lives in Mumbai. They will be here for reception. I will introduce you to them", said Naniji.

Both Manorma and Shalini exchange knowing looks. They know what those two ladies are thinking. But they are not right fmaily for Khushi's sister. Mamiji make a mental note to warn Khushi's mother and Buaji about them.

Later @ Night ----

Khushi caresses Arush's forehead as she softly sings the song. The little baby was asleep. Khushi sit up on the bed and adjust the blanket around Arush. Her eyes fell on Arnav who was standing at the foot of the bed, arms folded over chest, with a serious on face.

"Arnavji?", Khushi said his name questioningly.

"Why is he sleeping here?", asked Arnav in serious tone, pointing towards the bed.

"Meaning? He always sleeps on bed", replied Khushi.

"No ... Di used to make him sleep in the crib before, that's why I bought a larger one", said Arnav, now pointing towards the crib in the corner, "So that he sleeps in there from now on".

Khushi look at the crib and then at Arnav, "Yes but he is used to sleeping on bed with me".

Arnav gives her a serious look and then went to the crib. He pushed the crib near bed. "It has wheels, so its easily movable, and here are the locks so that it doesn't move when Arush is sleeping in it.", said Arnav as he align the crib with bed in a way that its one side was touching with the bed, and then he locks the back wheels.

"And this goes down like this", said Arnav as he open the clip and the bars from front slid down.

"See now he can sleep in it and you will be near him as well", said Arnav turning to Khushi.

"Arnavji but ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav cut her holding his hand up. He moves on the bed and remove the blanket from Arush and then carefully pick him up.

"He will wake up Arnavji", said Khushi quickly.

"Shhshh", Arnav give her another serious look and then carefully place Arush in the crib and then move back. Arush move on his side, but didn't wake up. Arnav put the blanket on Arush.

"See, he will get use to it again", said Arnav as he turn back to Khushi, who was looking at Arush worriedly.

Arnav move near her, "Hey, he will be fine. You will be here with him". He cups her cheeks and make her look up at him, "Call me selfish but I don't want any barrier between us. You should be thankful that I didn't make him sleep in another room".

"Haww Arnavji", said Khushi as she smacks his chest, "He is a baby. He needs constant companion and care".

"I need constant companion and care too", said Arnav in innocent tone making Khushi blush. Arnav pull her close and kiss her. Khushi break the kiss, too quick much to Arnav's irritation.

"Arush will wake up", said Khushi as she looks at Arush over Arnav's shoulder.

Arnav sighed as he came down from bed and then pick Khushi in his arms and move inside the washroom. He put Khushi on the slab beside sink and then close the door.

"Now ok?", asked Arnav.

Khushi nodded her head and Arnav came near her. Before he could kiss her Khushi said, "What if he wakes up and we couldn't hear him?".

Arnav pressed his lips in irritation, "Don't move", said Arnav pointing a finger at her and then move out of washroom. He shut off the light in the room and switch on the both side table lamps. Then he came inside the washroom, making the door wide open. He came near Khushi, "Now we will know if he wakes up. Now can I kiss my wife?".

Khushi bit her lower lip and then nodded. Arnav exhaled, "Thank god", making Khushi giggle but he shut her off quickly with a kiss.

He kissed her deeply, passionately. Khushi moaned into his mouth as his tongue caressed hers. Her stomach started doing flip flop as Arnav hands went inside her kurti and roamed on her stomach and ribs. Arnav breaks the kiss and move back. He takes off her kurti. Khushi move her arms over her chest to cover her but Arnav caught both her wrists and stop her. He shakes his head and then place her hands on his waist and make his shirt slid up. Arnav give her an encouraging look and Khushi fisted the hem of his shirt and take it off. Arnav take her hand and place it over his chest. Khushi's eyes were fixed on her hand. Arnav part her knees, coming between her legs and move his thumb on her chin, "Remember it Khushi, I am all yours just like you are all mine. You have every right on me just like I have every right on you".

Khushi look up into his eyes, warm and full of love. Khushi smile and lean in, placing her lips below his lips and move her hand over his chest. Arnav closes his eyes as Khushi kisses on his jaw and move down to neck. Her hands move below and Arnav grabs her hand before it could go lower. He move back and lifted Khushi in his arms again. He moves towards the shower stall.

He took his own sweet time making love to his wife, just like he was wishing and waiting since morning.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Let me know what you guys think of this chapter. Its feels good to be writing after so long, though i still feel that i need to work more on the content.

Next chapter --> Arshi's Reception.

Will be posted on NEXT MONDAY.

Not sending PMs as of now. I will do it later at night. 😊