ARSHI FF: COLOUR ME IN LOVE : PART 50 11/10/19 PG.82 - Page 31

Arnav is truly sorry for what he did in his fit of temper n now he is genuinely trying to bring back to her real self n i really hope they amend their relation n bring normalcy n also akash n payal.

sorry...whatever Arnav does...it will not be enough for me unless I know the reason why he is protecting Khushi...what is it that made him had to take such a bold step...it ultimately caused Khushi to become suicidal, when he wanted to scare her...

So break the ice and then I can see Arnav being redemable...

Arnav is trying to redeem himself? i am find him such a complex personality. Loved the update.

Is khushi okay or she is in her zone and can't see what is going on

Originally posted by: Snoowfall

Starting to read the story again...

Few things question:
When does Arnav first meet Khushi..,the second chapter or first...it mentions garden...was it when he was having hots for Dia...

Why does he get engaged to Dia first if he wants Khushi..,,cud not get it...for me A's character here is not redeemable any more...his first priority is still Arnav which does not sit with me...

Glad P walked out on A

Please do not tell me just A's apology worked and K will be all fine again...he still needs to suffer...a lot of lessons to learn...

Hi.

New reader here. Just read it all. This story is awesome. Waiting for Khushi to come back to her normal self. Don't like seeing her so weak.

Hello Family!!! I am so very sorry for the long wait and I hope you can bear with me in the near future as it is about to get busier for me...in a good way anyway. 😃

A big, big welcome to the new readers. I am so happy to see you join our little family. Here's to knowing you will stick with us on this journey of discovery, intrigues, secrets and revelations.😉

Without further ado...

PART 36:

Payal watched her husband in the mirror, knowing that the book he held in front of him was just a ruse to covertly watch her. Things had been strange since she got back. He seemed to be walking on eggshells. She knew he wanted to speak with her but was at a loss on how to begin...or maybe even what to say. Yes, she didn't miss the fact that he looked stressed and there were bags under his eyes. They hadn't spent lazy minutes on the phone talking about nothing like they used to in the early months, or in the times preceding this whole fiasco.

Masi was a lot better. The thing that raised her blood pressure now was how Khushi was faring, and it took a lot of sedatives and talking to, and convincing even, to make her believe that Khushi was fine. Dia and she had agreed not to tell Masi the truth about what happened to Khushi. It would only compound the problems that were already plaguing the poor woman. They had had to rent a family house for not just Masi and them- seeing as house had been fenced and cordoned off with round the clock security - but for the few hands that still stuck to them even when there was no work to be done.

In that regard, they hd pooled resources and rented a small shop that was adjacent the house so they could start a small roadside restaurant. It was quick thinking and gave them all something to do that could generate income and steer their minds away from the horror of the last few weeks. It was strange that in no time the place had become extremely busy as in the last few months, their picturesque village was fast becoming a town. Behlana was looking up and was now bustling with life due to its proximity to the airport. It was bringing in big business. It was only the second week of operations but they were already having to recall more workers. It was almost too good to be true but well, it was better to ride the wave than sit around doing nothing.

Akash put the book aside, clearly fed up with pretending. He rubbed his eyes tiredly behind her and Payal's heart, hurt as it was, tore at the pathetic picture her husband presented. She was aware of one thing though...it was never good to hold a grudge. If you do, soon enough you will become the person in the wrong for having rebuffed attempts at reconciliation. If she was being fair, he had tried severally but she had dug her heels in, being stubborn to the end. She supposed it was easy to do that as her husband was not in front of her. Now, she didn't feel like fighting anymore. She dropped the brush she had been systematically running through her hair, a task Akash himself loved to perform, and rose to her feet. Her movement caught his attention and his eyes zeroed in on her. He was clearly taken aback to find her watching him.

"Is something wrong? he asked, she didn't miss tension in his shoulders.

Wordlessly, she walked to her husband who sat straighter as she approached, wondering what the matter was. She stared intently at him for a good few seconds, before gently cupping his cheek with her hand. An action to which Akash exhaled so deeply he sagged against her touch. Payal for the first time realized just how afraid her husband had been since she walked into the house. He grasped her hand that covered his cheek tightly, soaking in the feel of her. Her own throat had constricted, knowing how much he must have punished himself for his blunder while she was away. Silently, she lowered herself into his lap, letting him envelop her in a hug that was both desperate and warm. She didn't miss the tremors that shook his body, or the quickened pace of his heart against her cheek.

"Akash... she began from where her head rested on his chest.

"No, he said gently, wrapping her deeper, closer in his embrace, "Please...no words.

She fell silent, letting him cradle her. She didn't have words anyway. All that mattered was that they bridged this gap that was threatening to swallow their happy home. And this began that journey...

...

It was a Saturday and sometime during the early hours of the morning, he had awakened to see that Khushi had inadvertently snuggled up to him, and was now sleeping sprawled across his chest, her face covered by the curtain of her hair which had come undone from its plait during the night. Looking at her peaceful face, his heart swelled with love. This wasn't a dream. She has here...in his arms.

No, there was nothing sexual about it. He was just happy to have her so close...without the bickering, shaking, watchful eyes, or the fear. But a thought niggled at him, causing him to frown even as he brushed her hair away from her face. What if in the cold light of day, she rejected him again? Went back to being reserved? His heart began to thud heavily inside his chest as he tensed. She must have noticed the change in his body because she stirred, as though her sleep had been disturbed. He willed his breathing to go back to normalcy, and for her to go back to sleep. Thankfully, she did. He prayed she would remember their giant strides after last night.

His thoughts drifted to the family members. An impish smile curved his lips as he wondered what their reactions would be to find them in bed...literally! Oh, the joy that that thought brought him. He had to stop himself from chuckling, so as not to wake Khushi. He knew it was still a few hours till daylight, so taking a deep breath, he adjusted himself carefully and prepared to return to sleep. He wouldn't waste a moment of the precious time he had with his wife. Who knew if this opportunity would come again...and how long before she snapped back to reality. He needed something to hold on to, just in case...

He spied the bedside clock whose alarm he had turned off last night so it didn't wake Khushi at its usual set time of five thirty, and saw that it was almost seven thirty. The sun was up and shining brightly, trying to pierce the heavy drapes he had pulled over the balcony door to lessen the effect of the lightening and the thunder in the room last night. Yep, Anjali was probably up and about. He smiled lazily. Tucking his wife securely in his side and gently covering her ear that was bound to catch the sound of the commotion outside, he shut his eyes and waited for the person that would think to look for him in his room.

Almost five minutes later, Anjali sailed into the room and clearly stopped short on seeing them. He didn't move a muscle, even when he heard her audible gasp. She must have fled again, for the next moment, he heard two sets of footsteps approaching the room.

"Dehk! he heard his sister's urgent whisper to her husband.

"Mmm, I see, Shyam whispered.

"How did this happen? she asked, "I...I...

"Look, let's wait for them to wake up. I don't want...

His voice clearly trailed off as Arnav opened his eyes and fixed them both with an open stare, giving nothing away.

"Good morning Bhai, Di, he said softly, "Is there a problem?

"Well we...

"No problem Arnav, Shyam cut his wife off, "We'll see you when you two are up. Anjali?

He didn't wait for a response and grabbed his wife's hand, leading her out of the room even as she protested his making her leave. Arnav smiled fully now, mischief dancing in his eyes. He could just imagine where their minds would have gotten to, leave aside the fact that he was sleeping on the covers while his wife was underneath the blanket.

He looked into her sleeping face, knowing that once those eyes opened again, she would once again become fascinated by the floor or her hands, or her poor dupatta. Lord, he had to get her new ones. All the ones she had were thread bare. As if reading his thoughts, she turned away from him and stretched herself, turning to face the doors that led to the balcony where slivers of sunlight that managed to get around the drapes must have fallen on her eyes as she slowly sat up, rubbing at her eyes as they adjusted to the room's semi darkness.

"Good morning Khushi, he said softly from behind her.

He saw her back stiffen, and slowly she started to edge to the side of the bed.

"Did you sleep well my princess? he asked, sitting up and pushing himself to his feet, coming round to sit beside her.

Yes, her eyes had gone back to the floor, and she was wringing her hands again, as if unsure how to respond.

"You scared me last night when I came in here and couldn't find you, he said, deciding he would start speaking to her as he would have if they were past all the obstacles in their young marriage, hoping that it would help her subconsciously see how they could be, together. "You were so brave last night. But you need to promise me something. Promise you'll come to me if you ever feel scared again. Can you do that?

She seemed to be contemplating, then slightly turned toward him, as if to indicate that she was in agreement with what he had suggested. Or at least that's what he chose to think...

"I'll take that as a yes, he smiled at her, going past her to throw the blinds open and let the blazing sunlight in. He opened the door to the balcony and stepped outside, inhaling deeply. He turned his face up to the sun's rays, his eye lids closed, his hands clasped behind him, "It is said that the rain washes away every guilt and stain from the earth.

Behind him, he heard her hesitant steps as she came closer to the door, standing just inside the room but not joining him on the balcony.

"I prayed that as scared as it made you, it would also wash away the pain I caused you and your family, he turned to her, "So you can be free. So we can both be free, he held out his hand to her, even as she focused on the marble tiles on the floor.

Slowly, she emerged from the room, placing her hand in his. Exhaling a breath he didn't know he had been holding, he pulled gently on her hand until she was plush against him and held her tucked snuggly into his side.

"Thank you Kumari, he said, running his hand up and down her arm as he turned them around to look down at his garden, "I know you may not be able to say it in so many words, but thank you for giving me a second chance.

Her head which was previously turned away from him was now slowly lowered to rest on his chest, right next to his beating heart. Arnav rested his chin atop her head, enveloping her in an embrace as intimate as should be between a husband and wife, reveling in the feel of having his wife.

And he was mighty pissed when for the second time that morning, a short rap sounded on the door before he heard Anjali's voice on the end.

"Chote, I need to come and get Khushi. Her bath is ready.

Khushi tensed in his arms, then tried to move away but Arnav held her fast, a growl of impatience rumbling in his chest. He didn't want to let go, but when she whimpered in her bid to get out of his arms, he had to release her, but only enough to straighten out of his embrace.

He held her by shoulders, looking into her downcast face, "I'll wait for you to have breakfast.

Anjali opened the door then, and stood uncertainly as she watched their interaction. All she heard was Arnav's gentle coax, asking Khushi to go and clean up, and he would be waiting for her. Khushi turned around and started walking toward her, her hands clasped around her middle but not in apprehension for the first time in days. She stopped before Anjali who looked from her to Arnav who was staring pointedly at his wife's form, from the balcony.

"Chal, she said softly, taking Khushi's hand and leading her from the room, clearly unable to understand what had happened between the two of them between the meeting with Doctor Nishita and the two of them that suddenly, Khushi would allow Arnav to be in the same room with her, worse still, sleep with her in one.

Oh no, she would have to speak with him after all this. She didn't like all the assumptions her mind was making.

The same spectacle showed itself at the breakfast table where Khushi took her usual seat next to Arnav, and he scooted his chair closer to her, so he could feed her while he ate. He didn't miss Shyam's smile hidden behind his coffee mug as everyone including the maids seemed to be gawking at them. He smiled inwardly. Even he was amazed that his vulnerability with his wife had been the thing that allowed her to see past his bullshit to the man he actually was. Or maybe he just wanted to believe she now thought differently of him, or understood him differently. He was grateful that even in this state, her subconscious was willing to give him a chance.

"You have to eat your fruits Khushi, he was saying when she started refusing to finish what was left of the bowl of fruits they were sharing.

Still she refused, and just when he was about to insist, a full on frown settled on her forehead, letting him know she was not at all pleased with his forcing her.

"Okay...okay, he popped the watermelon into his mouth, chewing with a small smile curving his lips, "Bhai, I'm ready when you are.

They had a teleconference meeting with their partners from Singapore and Akash would be waiting on them to come online too. It was what he had been working on before he fell asleep last night.

Shyam who had covertly been watching the interaction between he and Khushi, cleared his throat a little too loudly, "Er...yes. I think you should brief me before we go online. How about I meet you up in the Study in ten minutes?

"Mmm, he nodded and got to his feet, taking Khushi's hand and pulling her to her feet.

She rose and followed him without a fuss, into his Study which had somehow become the go-to place for them in the last forty eight hours. It was after all, neutral ground to both of them.

"I don't understand, Anjali looked blankly at the door of the Study, "What in the world is going on?

Dadi who had also been watching in silence, finally said, "It's a strange thing between a husband and wife, but then again, these things do happen. She seems to have forgiven him.

"But how? Anjali cried, "Two days ago she couldn't stand to be in the same room with him! Now they're waking up in the same bed, eating from the same plate...holding hands!

"Shant ho ja biwi, Shyam said, chuckling softly to himself, and soothingly rubbing his wife's back in a bid to calm her down, "Mum is right. She has forgiven him. Something happened in that Study and well, I just hope it continues even after she comes to. They need to stop the madness and start their family.

"But...

"Bas, Shyam cut his wife off, dropping a kiss to her forehead as he rose, "There's absolutely nothing to worry about. They will be fine.

Anjali glanced worriedly toward the Study door. She wanted Khushi to be fine, and for her to settle down with her brother...but she truly prayed he wasn't threatening the poor girl again. This time, she herself would kill him if that were the case.

...

Payal stirred from deep sleep and tried to stretch her sore limbs but found herself trapped. Akash. He had literally draped himself around her, his sturdy arms and limbs intertwining to keep her locked in with him. The realization that she was back in her own home, in her own bed with her husband, caused a smile to curve her lips as she burrowed deeper into her husband's embrace under the covers.

"I wondered when you would wake up, he said from behind her, drawing her closer.

She giggled as his morning stubble tickled the delicate skin on her neck as he burrowed deep into her neck. Oh she was conscious of the fact that they were both very, very naked underneath the covers and if she gave him any encouragement, it would be noon before they went down to eat.

"Akash, stop, she half-heartedly tried to pry herself free even as she noticed his alert member rubbing against her derriere. "I thought you had a meeting this morning.

"Forget that, he said gruffly, flipping her over on her back and trapping her beneath him, "I've been in hell for the last two weeks and I am a thirsty man.

She giggled as he lowered his head to nip at her ear lobe, "Baby, I know, but business is business.

"Since when do you put business ahead of yourself? he asked, surprised.

She paused a bit, before answering, "I don't. But your friend and Shyam Uncle will be waiting.

He paused, searching her face to read what he underlying meaning was, and when she lowered her eyes, her smile slowly fading, he quickly rolled off her, "Come here.

He sat up and pulled her with him until he was sitting against the headboard and she was sitting next to him, the duvet wrapped around her middle as she didn't trust him to continue the conversation should he so much as see her naked mounds when he was so ready to take her to heights of pleasure a few seconds ago.

"Look Pari. I had a lot of time to think while you were gone. I had to face things I didn't see prior to this time, but I assure you of one thing. You are the most important thing to me. Don't ever forget that. Okay?

It was her turn to search his face, and his steady gaze let her know that he in fact, did mean what he was saying.

"I love you Akash, she said simply, "And this last few weeks were the worst for me. It felt terrible not to be able to call you...to let you know what was going on...to trust that I had you in my corner the way...

"Sweetheart that was all my fault, and I swear to you, it won't happen again, he said, cutting her off. "I know we have so much to talk about and we will, when you're ready. And...

He was cut off by the ringing of his phone which happened to be beside Payal on the bedside. She leaned over and picked it up, staring at the flashing screen.

"It's Arnav, she said, looking at him blankly.

"Let it ring, he said without hesitation.

She looked at him for a few seconds, and then flicked the screen and put it to her ear, "Hello? Akash's brow went up as he regarded her curiously. "This is Payal speaking, she listened for a while before saying abruptly, "I'll put him on the phone now.

So saying she handed the phone to her husband who took it from her and watched as she immediately threw off the blanket and walked butt naked to the bathroom, leaving his throat dry and his mouth watering. It was Arnav's voice that brought him back to reality.

"Hello... he heard from the receiver.

"Dude, you have the worst timing in the world! were the first words out of his mouth.

Arnav chuckled on the other end, "So sorry my friend, but it is time for our meeting. But judging by your frustration I think Bhai and I should handle this one alone so you can get back to whatever you and the Mrs were up to.

"That would be highly appreciated, Akash said, jumping off the bed and getting ready to follow his wife into the bathroom.

"Akash, Arnav said cautiously.

"Yeah? Akash paused.

"How is she doing? Really?

"She's hanging in there. She's not happy but she's not so sad anymore, he said, running a distracted hand through his hair, "One day at a time.

"I understand, Arnav said on a sigh.

"She doesn't hate you Arnav. But you did go after the thing she loves the most, and that for anyone, is hard to get over. Just give her time, he said, knowing what his friend was thinking, "How is she doing?

Arnav exhaled, "That's a long story I would love to tell you in person.

"Hmmm! Akash exclaimed, mischief coloring his voice, "Am I missing something?

"You are a dirty, dirty man, Akash chuckled, "Go to your wife you rascal. We'll talk later.

"Later! Akash called, cutting the line and tossing the phone on the bed to run after his wife.

A squeal erupted from the bathroom as he joined her in the shower...indeed, it had been too long!

...

Dia lay on the blanket with her head in Ajay's lap, soaking up the evening sun, or rather what was left of it as she and Ajay picnicked on the back lawn of the house.

"Dia?

"Mmm? she said, cracking an eye open to peer at him.

"I want to set a date for the wedding, he said, his voice somber.

Her eyes snapped open now, fully at attention. She pushed herself to a sitting position and turned to face him, "Okay, but why the sudden urgency?

He peered off into the distance which wasn't far seeing, as they were fenced into their private residence, "I'm not exactly in a hurry love, but I want you living here as my wife. Not fiance.

She frowned now, "Did someone say something to you?

He smiled, "No, not at all. I just want a wife.

"What's the matter Ajay? You're scaring me, she said, concern lacing her voice.

"Look my love, I have loved you completely almost from the day I met you. And now, I just don't want to wait anymore.

"You're not dying are you? she asked, scrutinizing his face closely.

"What? No!he said vehemently, "Why would you even think that?

"Well people sound like you do when they have death sentences hanging over their heads, she said indignantly, wondering still what was going on with him, "You can't say this sudden need to fix a date doesn't sound suspicious.

"Okay, he said, taking her hands in his, "It's really simple. I just want you as my wife, and that's it. We've waited long enough.

She searched his face, a slight frown still creasing her forehead, "I dunno Ajay, she said hesitantly, "You know what's going on with Khushi Di. And...

"I know dear, I'm not an idiot, he said, a teasing smile on his face, "I mean as soon as she gets better, or she makes enough progress to handle it happening.

"I dunno my love, she said, not quite convinced. Now was not the time to have this conversation, at all.

"You know what? Let's sleep on it. We don't have to decide anything today.

"Okay, she said after a while.

"So when does Payal go to pick up Khushi? he asked.

"Tomorrow.

"Are you going to see her?

"Yes. Once she gets to Payal's.

"Okay... he said, beckoning for her to lay back down in his lap to which she smiled widely, "I pray she gets better soon. This is no state to be in for someone as alive as she is.

"From your lips dear, Payal said, shutting her eyes once again.

...

He was jealous. Of course he was. His friend got to make up with his wife in all the most obscene ways possible and he was stuck in this bothersome meeting that had lasted two hours and almost drained all his energy.

"Alright, we'll wait to hear from you, were his final words before the connection was cut.

He sat back in his chair and groaned while Shyam whistled low. It was an exhausting meeting with the men intent on trying to get them to shift grounds on corporate practice which they would not ever allow.

"Well that went well, Shyam said.

"It should have been over a long time ago, Arnav ground out.

Shyam looked at him measuringly, "You've been in a mood ever since you spoke with Akash.

Arnav considered speaking frankly, and decided it wouldn't hurt, "Payal is back.

"And that's bad because?

"It's not bad, he sighed bitterly, "He was on husband duty when I called.

"Ah, Shyam nodded in understanding, "And it is not so for you.

"How could it? he asked, "This thing with Khushi is...

"It's called life Arnav. You've learned some valuable lessons in the last few weeks and I can't say that I'm unhappy you learned them. The Doctor says she will come around, and she will. Look at you two. A few days ago, she would have been running for the hills, now look? You both hang out here like its your private lair.

"The simple things right?

"It was in the simple things Arnav. If you had shown her your love as opposed to expecting her to give you hers at all cost, this whole mess could have been avoided.

"I know, Arnav said, going to pour himself a bourbon, "I don't think I've ever apologized as much as I have in the last two days, as I have in my entire life.

"And there will be much, much more of that in the future, make no mistake about that, Shyam said, smiling knowingly at him.

"Of that I am increasingly sure, he said, swirling the brown liquid in the glass.

"So how did this morning happen?

Arnav looked up at Shyam's expectant face, "This morning started last night, he said, continuing at Shyam's raised brow, "The rains. I had a feeling they would affect her adversely. I went to the room to find her. As expected she wasn't in bed, I was terrified. Had searched all over and was going back out to look for her when she knocked me down. She was very badly affected and I couldn't leave her in that state even if I wanted to. Rest, you already know.

"I am glad you seem to be making progress with her, but you know it doesn't end there. At his questioning gaze, Shyam continued, "You didn't just hurt her, you hurt her family. She comes with a package Arnav. Her sisters are part of it. You need to make amends with them too.

He nodded, understanding exactly what Shyam meant. It would never really be over if when she woke from this dream state, her sisters were still going to be a deciding factor on whether or not they got to live happily ever after or not.

"I'm proud of you Arnav, Shyam said, pushing to his feet, "Now I better go and explain to your sister or else she'll come after you with belans.

Arnav chuckled at that, throwing back the last of the bourbon in his glass. Flipping out his phone as Shyam exited the Study, he speed dialed a number.

"What do you want? came the rply when it was picked.

"I deserve that, he said after a brief pause, "Look Dia, I know I'm your least favorite person right now, but I would appreciate it deeply if you stopped by the house later tomorrow.

"Why? Is Payal no longer picking up Khushi Di?

"She is, still, do you think you can make it?

Dia was silent for a while before answering, "Fine. I'll be there.

"Thank you. I'll see you then.

He hung up, patting himself on the back for not going into full-on Arnav mode when she had attacked him on picking the phone. Lord, was this what it meant to deal with in-laws? Constantly walking around on eggshells and being overly conscious of the things you said and did for fear of your words or actions being misconstrued?

It was positively exhausting...

WELCOME BACK...

Thank you for another amazing update...

welcome back .. great update