POST-ARSHI PT 14 - I WANT HER BACK

Pt 11 - An invitation

Khushi comes back into the house retreats into her room, takes to the bed, hugs her chaadar tightly touching her mangalsutra and falls off to sleep.

It was Sunday. The phone rang, like an alarm clock, waking her up from her deep slumber. She answered questioning him, "Aap sote nahin ho, aur woh aap ka jogging?" . And then she realized Arnav was panting heavily, "I am doing that right now Khushi, lekin...(paused breathing heavily)... aap ke khayalo neh humare sare din aur raato ko loot liya hain". She was imagining him sweating it out, and to top it he sounded so desirable. "Khushi...khushi, kya hua aap ke awaz ko (did you lose your voice?)", smiling to himself like a rogue...knowing very well the effect he had on her senses.

"Hume jaana hai, nashta karna hain aur aur," paused'and waited anxiously for Arnav to say something. Arnav wanted to tease her a bit, so he said, "Ok I'll be there for breakfast'" She quickly retorted back, "nahin hume doosre bahut kaam niptane hain aaj Sunday hai, haa aap khane pe aa sakte ho"(I have a lot to do its Sunday but you can come for lunch).

"Ok Khushi bye, see you soon", so this time the invite for lunch came from her. He smiled to himself, yes this was the first step.

Khushi ran out of her room hurriedly, thinking, gosh there was so much to do before lunch time. And He would be here any time soon. Buaji told her that she would go to the market and buy some vegetables and return.

So Khushi set herself to making plans for lunch. She decided she would make pooris, khatti dal, salad, aloo mutter, and yes she would make paneer, dahi raita'.and a sweet dish that Arnav could eat.

After everything was done, she anxiously waited for him to arrive. Where was here, why was he taking so long? Buaji noticed Khushi pacing the room, when she asked, Khushi what happened? Smiling to herself, Damadji will be here anytime, relax.

Arnav arrived and greeted Buaji first and then looked at Khushi and lovingly said, "Hi," handing over a bunch of red roses to her. Looking shy, she thanked him and took them from him. She went to her room and placed them in a vase. He looked good today with a simple baby blue T-shirt with purple edging to it and blue jeans. He looked boyishly handsome. Well she always knew anything looked good on him and that brought a smile to her face. He could get any girl that he wanted, then why was he here spending his Sunday afternoon with...

Whilst coming out of her room, she bumped right into him, Arnav, thought to himself the heavens have opened and placed his arm around her waist steadying her. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her face. She moved away, and said let us eat lunch. He let go of her and not saying a word, followed her to the dining table.

They had lunch and she went off to the kitchen to do the dishes.

Khushi was almost done, and was just coming of the kitchen, when Arnav got up...he followed Khushi to her room. He looked around the room, there were no stars put up, nor any Salman Khan poster. The roses were placed in a vase and a photo frame was turned upside down. He was curious to know whose it was. She realized his eyes rested on it...so she walked towards the table, and put the photo frame inside the drawer of the table. Now that got Arnav all the more curious, he had an inkling but did not say anything.

Arnav walked towards Khushi and said, "Khushi if you are free now, would you mind coming along with me to choose for a nursery some wall paper. I don't know about kids and their likes. My friend asked me to bring back some samples...". She didnt know what excuse to give for not saying no, the door was ajar, so Buaji stepped in and turned to Khushi, "Are Sanka devi jao damadji ke saath aur madath karo uski, aur hum aaram karenge."

She said looking at Arnav, "theek hai, aap jaiye hume tayyar hona hai". So Arnav left and waited outside in the living room, whilst Khushi got ready.

She was nervous, what should she wear. This was the first time she was going out with him after they had separated. She thought it was just shopping so she would wear something simple. So she took out a yellow churidaar, with pink gota work on it. It wasn't like the usual style, it was straight and simple. And the fabric was of soft muslin that clung to her skin. The chikankari work was done in, subtle and simple. Her Maasi's niece had told her it looked good on her. And for the first time felt nervous and excited whilst dressing up. Yes she was getting ready for him. Khushi felt he would like it. She took extra care with her hair, and wore those lovely jhumkas that Maasi had gifted her. She then placed the kangans on her hands. She had never felt like wearing them, but today she took them out and put it on. She placed the sindoor in her maang and put on the mangalsutra.

Khushi walked out of her room and into the living room. Arnav got up the minute he saw her. Gosh she looked beautiful he thought, and looked right into her eyes, she found his eyes were smiling at her, there was a tiny hint of glint in them. She looked at Buaji for help, what help she thought, I am anyway now going out with him. She felt like as if she was going on a date not her husband.

He followed her outside the gates of the house. There was a car parked. Whose maroon car was it? Arnav moved ahead of her and said come Khushi that's my car, it's a rent a car...I have yet to buy one Khushi was surprised and thought to herself Arnav and maroon car? He opened the door for her, closed it, and got in as well. She buckled up and he drove. He turned to her and said, "Thanks for coming, I didn't expect you to say yes." "Oh I came for your friend's sake" replied Khushi. Arnav saw the kangans on her hands, and his heart was singing. Yes it was a good sign and a start.

They drove in silence. He was nervous as hell. And so was Khushi, she looked out of the window. He looked towards her and said, "yeh rang aap peh jajta hai, you're looking beautiful in it, this style suits you, very stylish." She looked at him shyly first, and then cast her eyes down, ignoring what he just said and asked "hum kahan ja rahe hai."

Arnav, knowing what effect he had on her, and not wanting to get her nervous any further, he said, "I'll take you to the showroom, and you need to select samples of wall paper and curtains and some furniture for the nursery room."

They then reached the showroom, he stopped the car, gave it for valet parking, and opened the door for her to get out. She came out of the car and then he held the door open for her to enter the showroom. She was amazed at how big it was, and was looking around with glee. The Manager of the showroom came up to them and greeted them both, acknowledging her as Mrs. Raizada. She was given a chair to sit, and then started looking at wall paper samples.

She was at complete ease, discussing and asking them various questions,...she also wanted to know if they had anything for the ceiling which she thought would be a good idea to have the galaxy and a starlit sky...but they nodded and apologized to Arnav. Arnav told them it was okay he would tell his friend. She chose curtains and so they spent about 3 hours at the showroom. Khushi was totally engrossed in what she was doing. She kept bargaining and the salesmen were totally happy and at ease with her. Arnav kept watching Khushi time and again. Arnav then asked for the samples of everything she chose, and said he would contact them later.

Part 12 - A Walk and Gol Gappas!

They left the showroom and the sun was almost setting. After driving for a while, Arnav stopped just outside the Laxman Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Lucknow. She kept wondering, now why did they stop here.

He parked the car, and requested her to come out...he held her hand and said, "We are going to the park for a walk, do you mind?"...I used to come here often with my mother...the fountains are beautiful to look at in the evening."

He let go of her hand, and waited. She walked beside him as if in unison, and accepting his invitation to the park. So they walked into the park, in silence, side by side, taking in the beauty and the serenity it had to offer. There were many people around them, families, couples holding hands, old couples setting on a bench, trying to hold their breath after their walk. She sat at the fountain foothill and put her hands into the stream of water flowing, like a little child...and Arnav joined her too...they looked at each other, he saw the sadness there for a fleeting moment, and then it was gone, and what he saw was delight in the moment that they shared...she splashed water on him, and he did the same. He remembered the day at the pool when he flirted with her and kissed her on the cheek, wish he could just pull her in his arms and do the same. She splashed water again on him and got him out of his trance...calling "khushi bus...bheeg jaonga"... Khushi realized her foolishness and came to him saying "sorry maaf kar dijiye..." And with her dupatta wiped his face lovingly. "Its okay Khushi, and held her hand, and kept walking. She didn't pull her hand away, he then slowly entwined his fingers in hers, looking intently at her...and moved his gaze ahead of them, to a place where they could sit and chat. He bid her to sit next to him.

Khushi then bravely asked him "Aap kaise ho, matlab aap ka diabetes, aap dawai lete ho time...and her voice drifted...he answered, 'yes I am don't worry.". She then continued," I will send lunch for you from tomorrow at the office, just send your driver to pick the tiffin box...outdoor food is not good for you." Arnav said, "why do you care for me, when I have hurt you so much? Ah but I dont want meals on Tuesdays. Come one, get up, come on quick..." Khushi questions, "Kyui, kaha jaa rahe hain hum..." he pulls her to her feet and says,"lets go to eat gol gappas...outside the park."

So they walked a bit more...taking in the beauty of the flowers, and trees around them...The sun had set in creating an orange hue...the fountains with the sound of water felt like there was song played out for them. Arnav turned to Khushi and said, "my mom used to bring us here on Sundays for a picnic, and we used to have so much fun., I wish she were alive today , you would have loved her too and she would have loved you too." He continued, "You are the only person I can talk to about her Khushi, Im sorry." And he stops.

There was a bhaiyya with his gol-gappa stall cart. They were many other people waiting to place their orders. Arnav bids Khushi to come and order for the gol gappas. After a few of them ate and left, Khushi placed her order and turned to him and asked, "aur aap kya loge". Khushi I'll have some if you feed them to me! Khushi opened her eyes wide with embarrassment and looked shyly to see if anyone had heard. Ofcourse Bhaiyyaji joked and said "Kyu bitiya aap ke pati ko gol gappe khane nahi aate, chalo aap khilao..pati khush aur hum bhi khush. Kyo bhaiya and winked at Arnav. Arnav replied wickedly, "bhaiyya aap ne sahi kaha."

Khushi looked at Arnav turning red and what she saw was his eyes moved from her eyes and rested on her mouth. She knew he was flirting with her. She turned towards the cart, and waited to be served. She didn't put the first one in her mouth, instead took it to Arnav and shyly lifted her hand to feed it into his mouth. He lowered his head and opened his mouth whilst looking intently he was devouring her with his eyes...she placed it into his open mouth, his lips brushed her fingers and she felt the stubble of his chin rub against her skin..She felt her cheeks turn red and looked at him ...they were on the streets...oblivious to the people around them. When she was served the next one in her bowl, he picked it up and took it to her mouth, and with his eyes asking her to open her mouth. This time her lips brushed against his fingers but he didn't pull his hand right away, he let it linger and caressingly wiped off the drip from the side of her mouth. And so in turns they kept feeding each other, not wanting to stop.

"Bhai Sahaab paise", they both realized, embarrassed and Arnav paid off the guy and they walked towards to the car. How could there be so much of silence with Khushi around. Oh he missed her chatter, how could he bring back the old Khushi that he fell in love with? Arnav spoke breaking the silence, "Khushi next month Di & Naniji will be here in Lucknow, what about Amma and Babuji." Khushi smiled back at him and said, "Good to hear that, Babuji & Amma will be here next week, and Babuji intends to start his halwai shop again, and I am happy for him."

"Khushi next month AR Group is going to sign off a huge project. I am excited about it, Akash too is involved. Also there are some renovations going on at..." said Arnav. "Why are you telling me this Arnavji, you never discussed work with me before" Arnav stops the car, turns to her and says, "Khushi you are my wife, whether you want to accept it or not...and I need you to know whatever is happening in my life good and bad. You are the first person I wish to tell. Is that wrong?" He looked at her pleading for her to understand him, that he needed her in his life. "Khushi, before I met you, I worked and lived like a machine, but you changed that...you brought me back to life, so much has happened between us, I have made mistakes and I am still learning, if only you were with me." and his voice cracked and trailed off into silence. "I'll drop you home, I know you have to go to the shop tomorrow, you must be tired." he continued again. She looks down and nods.

They reach the house, Khushi gets down, and so does Arnav. He reaches her to the door, saying, "Khushi thanks a lot for coming along with me. I had a good time today. I think we should do it often." and bends down and gives her a peck on the left cheek saying huskily, "goodnight, sweet dreams." And with his forefinger taps her nose. Her eyes widen in disbelief, is this the same old high and mighty Arnavji, the man whose anger always sat on his nose! "Goodnight aur woh dibbe lene ke liye driver ko bhej do ghar peh." "Ok fine bye now...Khushi...go, or else I'll..." smiling with his arms folded across his chest. She turned her back to him and opened the door, and then looked intently at him and closed the door.

Whilst lying in bed that night, she had thoughts of him and what he said to her yesterday. Her heart wanted to run back into his arms, but her mind couldn't forget the past, the hurt, the pain. There was no doubt that he loved her, but she wanted more than that...but what? she started questioning, what exactly did she want. Was she happy with this separation, is that what she wanted. And she heard herself say, No, she would be lying if she were to say otherwise. The vraats she kept for him every Tuesday. Not a day passed by without thinking of him. She wanted to be his wife in the complete sense...fight with him, touch him, love him, take care of him. Yes her life was incomplete without him...was she ready to forgive him completely and go back to him?...

Khushi got up early the next day, yes she had to pack his tiffin. The driver would be here by 10am. She had told Maasi that she would come in an hour late from today and explained the reason why. Maasi was overjoyed that at last Khushi was responding to her husband's needs. All they wanted was for Khushi to be happy and united again with Arnavji. Hey Devi Mayya humari dua sunn lo.

Lunch was ready, she had gone and even bought a new hot case lunch box from the stores close to their house. Then took a shower and got dressed to go to Maasi's shop. The driver arrived and handed over a bunch of red roses and tiny bag to her, on the bouquet was a note Thank you Khushi for lunch, Love - Arnav. Her phone rang, it was him. "Khushi, the driver will drop you to the shop on his way to my office, so don't take the rickshaw."

She went back into her room, smelled the fragrance of the rose and could feel his love from them, placed them in the vase, and took the tiny bag and almost ran back to leave for the day. Poor Maasi was already loaded with work and here she was only thinking about herself and HIM. What was wrong with her, she was acting like a school girl, she was a married woman!!

She sat in the car, and then opened the little bag, the small box was gift wrapped with orange paper. She took it off, and hesitated to open the box, waited and then opened it...Inside were a pair of the most beautiful silver & grey pearl drop earrings. - Khushi I know you are going to cry right now, but these pearls are no match to the beauty of your pearl-like tear drops. Thank you for giving me your time yesterday ' Arnav. She sniffed, smiled and clutched the box close to her heart.

To be continued'..

Pt 13 - Why Oh Why?

Khushi wonders should I call or just send a text message. She decides she will send him a message. So she writes. "Thank you for the earrings. They are beautiful. But if you gift me every time I do something, I will not go out with you again...Khushi. At Sheesh Mahal, Arnav was busy explaining things to Aman and the architect. He handed over all the sample of the curtains and wall papers that Khushi had selected and gave them the go ahead to start work. He then asked his to create a galaxy like ceiling with fibre-optic lighting, He also said he wanted a built-in music system in that room. Whilst in discussion, he got a beep indicating a message from Khushi!...he excused himself and went aside and read it at once. Smiling he wrote back, "Ok I can't promise that...I will try my best not to do that again...would love to see you wear them soon...FOR ME" - Love Arnav. Aman was surprised with his boss' behaviour, the guy never checked messages when in a meeting. Who the hell was he texting and smiling. Was he okay?

Khushi reached the shop, and started with her day's work. It was a busy day, since she had come in late, there was a lot to do. She also wanted to finish some consignments, since next week she wanted to take a few days leave, with Buaji opening shop and the pooja they wanted to have at the Shitla Devi Temple. The temple was known to have been revived by a businessman, and also visited by newly weds.

Why didnt he call? She kept wondering, but got so busy with work, she had forgotten to check the phone for messages. Maasi, told her to pick up some more churidaar sets for the pooja and another two. She had been told long time ago, but never was interested in dressing up, giving reasons she had no occasions to wear them. They were trendy, stylish and yet conservative.

It was almost 4 pm, when the phone rang. "Hi" said Arnav, "How are you? I've been busy, but managed to eat lunch. Thanks. Did you get my message." Khushi, "message, sorry main dekha nahi..." "Never mind, I am sending the driver to drop you home" Khushi immediately said, "No I dont want any driver to drop me home, I'll take the rick or the Tonga."

Arnav got mad, "Fine then dont send me any lunch too, I'll manage with pasta and pizza." and kept the phone down abruptly. She knew he was mad at her, and that she couldnt start being stubborn at the cost of his meals. She called him back, he did not pick the phone until it rang thrice. "Bolo Khushi". Khushi meekily replied, "Ok send the driver, but this is not fair..."

Arnav smiling to himself replied, "I know it's not fair, I should be the one to come instead of the driver, I will come whenever I can, and when I'm held up somewhere I'll have no choice but to send the driver..." Khushi, "No I didnt mean that way, you dont come, I prefer the driver." Arnav continued laughing in his head, thinking I got you now wifey, "What! you prefer the DRIVER to ME?" Khushi was going crazy, "nahi nahi aise nahi, I don't prefer the driver of course not, I meant the bargaining with the food..." Arnav, continued, "Khushi dont argue about that, why do I have to say yes to your meals if you do not allow me to atleast take care of you in some way, dammit YOU ARE MY WIFE... and still you never let me do anything for you." There was silence at both ends. And again he continued, "I'm sorry I was mad at you, I'm really sorry, Khushi answer me, or else I am coming there this minute."

Khushi realized he was shouting at her like he had the authority over her, like a real husband...she loved it but was surprised by his tone, "No dont leave work and come, fine just send the driver, I'll go with him."

She waited for half an hour, and gets a call again, "I have reached come out of the shop." What he came instead of the driver, now what do I do, how do I face him. She rushes outside the shop and sees his maroon car parked waiting for her. She gets in quietly, buckles up. He drives for a while and stops at a quiet junction. He turns towards her and says "I'm sorry I was mad earlier, I shouldn't have...You have worn them!" Khushi interrupts, "why?... Should I take them off!" Arnav, "No, they look better on you than in that box.", and lifted his hand up, pushed her hair behind the ear, and caressed it. She closed her eyes, she was on fire...he put his hand behind the nape of her neck and pulls her towards him. "Chodiye hume, kya kar rahe ho, hum road pe hai, koi dekh lega..." Arnav huskily says, "Toh...wife dearie, it's your fault, looking at me with those eyes." someone honked, so he let go of her. He was fuming, and in irritation drove faster than usual till they reached home. She politely asked, "please stay for dinner." "No KHushi I want to stay, but I will not, I cannot bear it, that I love and want you, and yet cannot even touch you." and banged the dashboard of the car. She wanted to explain to him, and lifted her hand to say something but stopped herself. They both felt the tension in the air building up between them.

She got down from the car, he put the glass down, bid her goodnight and drove off, leaving a trail of dust behind. The dust depicted the roar of anger in his heart.

Khushi walked inside the house. Buaji called to her and said, 'Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner...now where will he eat, at the hotel?" You must have said something, that's why he must have left." Now how could she explain what was the reason of his anger. They cooked and had dinner, and then Khushi went up to her room.

She didnt feel like going to the terrace. She just wanted to go and hug that pillow of hers. First she checked the unread message that Arnav had sent her and smiled. She had suppressed her feelings for too long. Only Arnav was capable of arousing such feelings in her. Of desire, of warmth, of love, of wanting to cling to him and drive away those days of fear of that Devil. She tossed and turned in bed thinking about what happened all day. The phone rang, it was late, she picked it up immediately, "I am sorry, I shouldn't have got angry today Khushi. I dont know what came over me. It wasn't your fault." She interrupted "nahi" he continued "no wait, let me finish, I should have stayed for dinner. You can shout as much as you want, I'm ready to listen, go on." Now how could she tell him that it was her fault, for saying no to him, for denying herself the love he had to offer, for pushing him away so many times. But she was not yet ready to admit. Whilst talking to him she was unknowingly twirling her finger around the thread of the chadaar. A nervous wreck she was, "Koi baat nahi, hum naraaz nahi hai," that is all she could muster.

To be continued

Pt 14 -I Want Her Back

"Khushi are you okay, you seem quiet," said Arnav. Khushi continued, "I'm okay, where did you have dinner?, and why don't you need any lunch for tomorrow?"...Arnav paused for a second and replied, "Don't worry Aman arranged something for me, some veggies and rotis, about Tuesdays, I usually have meetings outside, and not in the office. Khushi... I find it hard to fall asleep...thinking about you..., gives out a sigh...looks like you are in no mood to speak to me today..., It's okay Khushi I guess when you talk to me it only brings back those lousy memories of how I had mistreated you. Ok then good night, love you" Khushi interrupts him, "No wait...I...the anger is long gone, ...but ..." She didn't know what to say, should she tell him how she feels about him. "But what...Khushi...say something...pleading to her to continue, "abuse me if you want to, your silence is killing me...vent out your anger on me, I deserve it...but don't shut me out of your life." How could she tell him that even if she wanted to, she couldn't he was a part of her...every day away from him was like dying a slow death..."Arnavji, I wish I could turn back the clock in my life...and erase everything that easily." He knew she was hurting just as much as he was and a lot more. "Khushi I am coming there right now, I don't want you to cry alone," "Nahi its late, Buaji will wonder why you have come so late, "I don't care what Buaji thinks." Khushi, "No please... I am okay...I promise...I'll go to bed now. goodnight, and disconnects the call.

Arnav tossed and turned, damn damn damn, he banged his head against the wall...he couldn't sleep...he needed to see her. He wanted to cradle her in his arms and take away that pain. He had to bring her back home, no matter what. Even if she didn't forgive him, he was okay with that...but he wanted her back in his life. All she had to do was say she was ready to come home.. How much longer Khushi? How much longer?

It was Tuesday. Khushi got up and continued with her daily chores. Yes, today was a day of fast like every Tuesday. The fast was kept for him and his well-being. She couldn't imagine any further harm coming to him. After what the families had gone through, she ensured she fasted every Tuesdays.

Why didn't he call today? He had said he was always out on Tuesdays, but he could have called. Never mind, there was so much to do. Tomorrow Babuji & Amma were returning back to Lucknow for good. And then there was the pooja the day after. It was almost 2 pm noon time. The phone rang. Boy was she glad, she almost ran to the pick it up, and answered it, "Hi Khushi I got a short break, so you are fasting for me, isn't it, you haven't eaten. Why do this for me, when all I have done is hurt you, and yet you….." he choked on his words…."Aap ko kaise pata hai." asked Khushi, Arnav replied, "Even if you hide these things from me, I am aware….your Amma told me about it. Better make sure you eat something soon, or at least drink something. Ok I have to rush." Khushi urgently asked "Wait did you eat? " "Yes a sandwich, bye Khushi, I got to go," Arnav kept the phone down. He was
in the office itself.

She prayed and broke her fast that evening. She invoked Devvi Mayya to protect him and keep him safe always. She was afraid for his life too. After all he was a prominent businessman and things that happen in Delhi were scary. At night she lay in bed missing him and thinking about him. She fell asleep, but without any thoughts of the past, they were fading away into oblivion.

The sun streamed into the room, and Khushi awoke to a new day. Today her Babuji & Amma were coming back to Lucknow. She would shower and get the meals ready. She was waiting for Babuji to call from the station. She would clean their room and keep things ready. Khushi was excited today...and glad that Babuji had eventually planned to start up his Halwai business again. They would be here by afternoon.

Buaji called out, "are Sanka Devi jaldi karo, Shashi babua aah hi rahe honge." The puris were almost done. She had her dupatta tied around one side of her waist, when the door bell rang...

She rushed only to find Arnav holding the bags and Babuji with him..."Aap yahan...Babuji!" her mouth wide open. "Khushi dont stand there go take the bags from Amma". She looked out, Amma was trying to drag a bag. She rushed out and got the bag from her, but first stooped down to take her blessings. "Amma aap itti jaldi pahuch gaye". "kaun si train pakdi." "Train nahi Khushi pelane!" said Amma. "Kya pelane! mane plane..hawaijahaz see" "Haaa...Arnav bitwa ne tickte bheji the hume, chalo andhaar." said Garimaji.(Yes Damadji had bought the tickest for us, come on in)

Khushi entered the house and saw Arnav walk towards their room to keep their baggage. She followed him and questioned, "Wait I want to speak to you, why didn't you tell me anything last night, how did you know Amma and Babuji were coming and what is this plane tickets.?" with her arms across her chest. Arnav was amused the way she stood there and demanded answers from him, "Khushi you should know better than me about your parents travel plans, anyway they are my parents too and Babuji and I talk to each other every day. And don't tell me I can or cannot do what I have to do for them. It's my right, you can't take that away from me. Now have I made myself clear, or you have some more questions. If you wish we can continue this argument later, now let me go, and I think you better get the breakfast ready, I am hungry too." She could hear her mother call out to her, so she left fuming, into the kitchen.

Why does he have to be in control all the time? thought Khushi. She served breakfast for everyone. She saw that he was in conversation with Babuji, like as if they were into some business deal. Arnav didn't bother looking towards her, as if she didn't exist in that room. Everybody seemed to be on his side. I mean they were her parents, not his, and how come they were listening to him and not her?

Her mother entered the kitchen, whilst she was cleaning up and making preparations for lunch. "Khushi kaise ho, aur Damadji ka khayal rakhtiho ki nahi.?" Oh no, Amma too, only worried about him, no one is thinking about me. She went into her room fuming. It's a man world she thought and irritated, and she restlessly was pacing up and down her room. "What happened Khushi, she heard Arnav say from behind."OK let me explain, when Babuji was talking to me, about coming to Lucknow, I insisted that they take the plane, because considering Babuji's health felt the train journey would be too long. It is not your parents fault. I had to do a lot of convincing to get them to accept. Now stop being angry, just because I did not tell you in advance." She was mad and it showed on her face, she looked up at him, "Anyway you will do what you want, I know you think there is no need to tell me, just leave me alone, who am I any way." and was walking past him. Arnav, pulled her towards him, and didn't let go of her arm, "Ok I am sorry I should have told you yesterday, ok it is my fault, though you look cuter when you fight like a cat." "Cat and Me!, you Arnav Singh Raizada, leave me, " "No, I won't, " and gently pushes her against the wall, holding her arms up against the wall, "Not this time, I won't let go of you. Scream as much as you want.," bringing his face close to hers, looking into her eyes hungrily, he lowers his head and kisses her first on the eyes, whilst she is wriggling and reeling with anger, more so out of her feelings for him right now...he continues planting kisses on her left cheek, looks up smiling, and then kisses her on the right cheek, then her nose, "my little cat fight, today I won't let you go," and then lowers his head and kisses her on her soft half-open lips. The minutes his lips touched her, ...she went weak in her knees, she was sinking, what was happening, she couldn't stand steadily..."Khushi admit it you want me just as much as I do, say it," he murmured against her lips. He had left go of her arm at that moment and was tracing his fore finger at the nape of her neck. Khushi's kept her eyes shut, she was too ashamed of herself. If she were to open her eyes he would be able to see her emotions...the longing for him. She was never good at hiding her feelings not at least in front of him.

To be continued