{Author's Note: Its a three shot. In this Arnav is an army officer. Its a happy three shot, don't worry.}
COMING HOME
Part 1
The phone call...The news
The sound of the alarm startled Khushi right out of bed. She turned to her side to see no one next to her. She scurried out of bed, neatly folded her blanket and then straightened out the surface of the bed. She made her way into the bathroom and got herself ready. As she walked downstairs, her frown curved into a smile as she got a whiff of pancakes and syrup. But as soon as she entered the kitchen a frown returned to her face.
"Arnav what on earth are you trying to do?" she said in a confused tone.
He looked over his shoulder, "Making us breakfast"
"I can see that, but what are you doing to my kitchen?" she asked, this time pointing at the kitchen. He turned around, and for a few seconds he took in the site before him; the counter was crowded with pans and spoons, all covered in syrup, the sink was filled with pots and pans.
He looked at her, "I didn't realise...I'll clean up."
She walked towards him, "You go get cleaned up, and I'll clear up this mess."
"Okay," He said giving her a peck on her cheek and left the kitchen.
By the time he had showered and returned downstairs, she had already managed to clean up the entire kitchen, making the mess seem as if it was never there in the first place. She had also dished out their breakfast onto two plates and was about to take it to the table, when he cleared his throat saying, "Let me." She flashed a smile, and handed him the plates.
Just as he was about to sit, his phone rang, he looked at it and said, "It's important", she nodded and he made his way into the next room. She started eating her pancakes as she scanned the newspaper. In the other room she could hear him saying, "Yes... I understand but..." For a moment there was silence and then he said firmly, "Okay. Yes, I'll be there, Yes Sir."
He returned to the dining room and she studied his face. She knew exactly what was coming, by just looking at his face. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, she got up and made her way to him. He started off, "Khushi I."
She cupped his face and said, "I'll survive."
She enveloped her arms around him and he held her close. He pressed his face against her hair, inhaling her scent. She closed her eyes to savour the moment.
She whispered, "Come on lets finish breakfast." They walked back to the table and had their breakfast in silence. Every now and then they caught each other's gaze and gave a faint smile.
After breakfast he excused himself and went upstairs while Khushi cleared the table and washed up the dishes. After she was finished, she started pacing the length of the kitchen. She kept her palm above her heart trying to reduce the speed of her racing heartbeat. Her mind was wandering around, 'Should I tell him now? He has as much as a right to know as I do.'
Making her decision, she marched upstairs, slowing her pace as she reached their bedroom door. From the crack of the door, she could see Arnav's figure, he was packing his suitcase. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open. He turned with the sound of the door and let out a faint smile. She could do nothing but return the smile nervously. He walked towards the cupboard to continue packing.
As he stood by the cupboard she embraced him from behind. He jerked a little as he was caught off guard. He took his palm and covered hers which rested on his stomach. Feeling his contact, it sent a chill down her spine.
They remained still for a moment. She couldn't stop thinking about how to begin the conversation. He spun around and saw the expression on her face. "What is it?" He asked.
She took a step back and studied at him from head to toe. He pulled her onto the bed.
'It's now or never.' Khushi thought.
She took a deep breath and blurted out, "I'm pregnant... four months along."
She looked away and waited for his response. Seconds passed, minutes passed; she turned to him. He had a stolid face on. She gulped and her lips quivered, "Arnav...please say something."
Scroll down to the next post for Part 2
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