ArHi FS: The Time To Love *Completed*

ArHi FS: THE TIME TO LOVE

A loud round of laughter was heard from the hall of Gupta Mansion. There are a group of people sitting there and somebody had shared a joke. After they almost settled down, they got down to business.

"So, let's call the girl..." Aadesh Raizada said smiling at his college friend Devesh Gupta. Devesh looked at his wife and she nodded understandingly before going inside.

Meera Gupta brought her daughter to the living room were all of them were seated. The girl went with the coffee to everyone and finally reached the one for whom she was brought for. She looked at him with a smile and went near her mother after serving her father.

"Khushi Bitiya, come here darling" Devyani Raizada said looking at her grandson's face which evidently shows how smitten he is by the girl.

Khushi went near her and was made to sit between Nani and Anjali, the groom's sister. She looked at everyone who looks impressed at her. She looked at Anjali and saw her giving thumbs up to her brother with a wink.

"Khushi bitiya, are you ready to marry our Chotte...I mean Arnav?" Aarti Raizada asked the girl whom she would love to have as her daughter in law. She had known the girl and her family for long and she clearly knew her son could not get a girl better than her. She was the best...a beauty in and out.

Khushi looked at Arnav who was looking at her in anticipation. She nodded her head shyly. She was not a shy girl, hell she was someone who did not like this girl-seeing thing...but somehow she was enjoying this...though not a shy girl, somehow the desperation on his face made her go red.

The moment they saw her nodding her head it was as if all went crazy. They decided to do the shagun on the same day. But in all the hungama, she looked at Arnav who was looking at her intently. She knew he was a good man...a decent gentleman...taking care of their family business...a good friend of her elder brother Mayank...and she knew he would be the best husband.

**********

Khushi looked out of the car's window at the beautiful buildings running past her. She closed her eyes feeling the cool air hitting her face from outside. After a while she opened her eyes and looked to her right to see her husband driving the car. And as if on cue Arnav looked at her. They smiled at each other as Arnav held her hand. Khushi looked at him. He had been the most romantic fianc anyone could have. During the wedding rituals, he just needed seconds to whisk her away to any of the rooms. And on the Haldi day he took her unknowingly t his Nani's room and Anjali Di had entered the room to see Arnav rubbing his cheek on hers while pinning her on to the wall. That had been a very embarrassing moment for all the three of them...however the wedding preparations helped a lot in overcoming it!

On their wedding day, during the Bidai, Arnav proved to be a supportive husband, when he had held her close to him by her shoulders while she cried on his chest for leaving her parents. He whispered sweet nothings to her and she finally stopped her cries. The wedding night made her respect him more. He knew she was not ready for it...she needed time and even he did. He knew they liked each other...they did have that tension between them...however they had still not found the love factor. And he thought their first night should be filled with love...it should be special. So they slept...slept peacefully in each other's arms...dreaming a love filled future.

Now they were going to Lucknow...just the two of them. Arnav had been planning about starting a branch of AR constructions there. Now that the building is built, they had to establish the company and also interior works were left. Also they cannot leave right after that. It should be made stable and that needs Arnav here. So their stay here can be lengthened for about a year...

**********

Khushi looked at their new house with awe...it was elegantly planned with awesome interiors. The lights inside were dim making a perfect atmosphere for a newly married couple. She entered the room which was a spacious cosy room with a balcony. She was looking at the room when two arms wrapped around her waist pulling her to a rock hard chest. She looked at her shoulders were Arnav rested his chin.

"You liked the room?" He asked and all she could do was nod being lost in the male aroma of her husband.

"You saw the balcony?" He asked her and seeing her nodding a no, he took her to the balcony. The balcony had a wonderful view since it faced their backyard garden. It had a swing too and also a wonderful view of sunset right now. Arnav walked up behind her and placed his hands over hers on the railing almost hugging her. He looked at her face having a beautiful smile and that was all he wished for.

His hands went around her waist and rested on her belly while his nose was buried in her hair lost in her aroma. She felt a tickling sensation as his nose brushed with her neck and she giggled as she felt his stubble tickling her there. Arnav looked at her amused with his one eyebrow raised.

"Your stubble...it tickles" She said blushing at the way he was looking at her.

"Really...?" He asked while again hugging her from behind. He smirked at her as he again rubbed his chin on her collar bone. Khushi giggled again and tried to find an escape by wriggling in his arms. And that made Arnav do it more resulting in a loud laughter from Khushi. Somehow wriggling out of his strong grip, she ran into the room and then outside with Arnav following her.

"Khushi stop..." Arnav said while running behind her.

"As if I'll stop Arnav...catch me if you can..." She sand happily and did a small dance before running again.

They ran around the couch...around the dining table...and by the time they reached kitchen Khushi has slowed down. Arnav caught up with her and pinned her to the slab. He moved his face close to hers and she trembled feeling his hot breath on her lips. She closed her eyes while her hands fisted his shirt on his chest anticipating a kiss. She opened her eyes not feeling anything even after twenty seconds and saw Arnav looking at her mischievously. She frowned at him while he looked at her hands that fisted his shirt. He raised his eyebrows at her and she pouted angrily and pushed him, walking out of the kitchen hiding a shy smile.

**********

Khushi had already laid everything on the dining table. She was feeling nervous. Would he like her food? She stood in front of the door of the study and knocked it.

"Come in" Khushi heard him speak. She slowly opened the door and entered only to find her husband busy with his laptop among numerous open files. Khushi cleared her throat. He looked at her and smiled.

"You don't have to knock, Khushi. You should just enter the room. It's our house, remember?"

The mere word "our" made her smile. He didn't even realise what he had said but for her, it meant a lot. He had so easily accepted the fact that she too was a part of this house, this was her own house. Unknowingly, he had given her a right over his house. He had made her feel that she belonged to this house, their house.

"The dinner is ready. Come down fast" And before Arnav could say something, Khushi took off.

Arnav sat on the dining table hungry. He looked around and saw various vessels covered with lids. His eyes widened. Did she make so much for just two? He saw his wife smiling. She had much excitement written on her face. He could read that. He looked at his plate filled with his favourite dishes. He tasted it and felt his salivary glands working extra.

Man...this is delicious...'

Khushi looked at him in anticipation but he couldn't even take his eyes off his plate. Straightening his expression, he looked at Khushi with a frown. He turned back to the food and had it. Khushi frowned seeing his face. Her eyes unknowingly filled with tears. Her face dropped as Arnav stood up without saying a word.

Khushi went to him while he was washing his hands. She passed him the kheer thinking at least this will taste good to him. He took it after drying his hands and had one spoon...then another with a frown...and finally finished it. He looked at her to see her looking at his with a worried expression.

"Is it not good?" She asked as she felt her eyes again filling.

Arnav looked at her and then again looked aside. Khushi lowered her face and was about to leave when she was pulled towards Arnav by her arm. She crashed onto his chest and looked up with tear filled eyes. He looked at her face thoroughly and without any delay took her lips in between his as his hands went around her waist. The moment their lips fused, time stopped and nothing else mattered. Khushi stood wide eyes in his arms for a second but she opened her mouth for him when she felt his one palm caressing her cheek. He kissed her thoroughly and then parted away when he felt her out of breath. He rested his forehead on hers.

"This is all I have now to give you for giving me the best dinner I just had. I'll give you an actual gift tomorrow" He said as he kissed both her palms holding her close.

"This is the best gift I could ever get..." Khushi said and then gasped realizing what she just said.

"Really...? Then I would love showering you with this gift." Arnav whispered as he cornered her to the wall and kissed her again...again...and again...repeating their first kiss for long etching it in their memory.

**********

The kiss had stirred something deep inside her. But she couldn't lay her finger on that particular something'. There was a kind of excitement, a feeling of warmth, volatility and happiness. Khushi blushed as she sat on the bed. They officially had their first kiss. The pink hue refused to leave her face and the smirk refused to leave his. She knew she was in love with her husband. But now after the kiss, she fell in love with him even more. She still couldn't get over the way she felt butterflies flew in her tummy when she was being kissed.

Arnav came out of the washroom and smiled seeing her lying on the bed wearing a shy smile on her face. She looked lost in some thoughts and he was sure it was about their kiss. He went to her and lied down beside her. Khushi looked aside when she felt the movement on the bed. Arnav moved closer to her while Khushi turned towards him going between his arms willingly. He held her close to him and whispered into her ears...

"Are you okay, Khushi?" He asked her while she nodded a yes in answer.

"Khushi, I'll have to go out tomorrow for some work...will you be fine here alone...?" He asked cupping her one cheek. She looked into his eyes and saw his concern for her. She again nodded while tightening the hug. Khushi looked at Arnav later in the night and felt blessed to have a husband like him. She closed her eyes and went to sleep snuggling more into his warmth while his arms tightened around her unconsciously.

Part 2 : I Love You

Part 3: The First Crack On The Wall

Part 4: Whom To Blame?

Part 5: The True Beginning

Khushi looked at Arnav who was concentrating completely on his new project. It is worth millions and very important for the new branch of AR. He looked at her lifting his gaze from the file he was working on. He stood up from the couch and walked to the bed where she laid.

"You woke up? When...why didn't you call me?" He said while taking a seat beside her on the bed. He kept his palm on her forehead and then on her neck.

"The temperature has decreased. How're you feeling now?" Arnav asked concerned cupping her face.

She blinked her eyes in assurance smiling slightly. She was still tired. She had suffered from high fever since last evening all thanks to their rain dance. She had been coughing again and again making her feel weaker than ever. But she wouldn't disturb him would she?

Arnav caressed her cheek with his thumb as he stared at her face. She was trying her level best to hide her tiredness. Without a word more, he swiftly lied down beside her and getting inside the blanket, he hugged her tightly. She looked at him and he raised his eyebrows in question.

"Your work...?" Khushi enquired.

"Not important than you" Arnav whispered while holding her close again. Cuddling into his warmth Khushi closed her eyes feeling blessed. Well, Mr. Workaholic is not so bad! She slept, tiredness now taking over her...all the while listening to his heartbeats that whispered her name time and again like a sweet lullaby!

**********

Khushi was cooking in the kitchen when two hands wrapped around her waist. Khushi wriggles feeling his stubble on her collar bone. Arnav tightened his hold on her waist and tugged at her long earring making her lose herself in the moment. He somehow felt addicted to the way she reacts when he do it. While tugging the long hanging earrings he gets a chance to tease her, and also can see that cute shy smile on her face. Arnav continued nibbling her earlobe and pulled her back more onto his front while Khushi's fingers played with his hair. They stood like that lost in each other forgetting the rest of the world unaware of the storm about to hit them...a storm strong enough to shake up their relationship to the death end of losing one another.

**********

Khushi rolled over Arnav and started kissing his slightly hairy chest. He groaned as he felt her lips nibbling his nipples and his heartbeat fastened feeling her lips right over his heart. Suddenly Arnav rolled again making her lay under him.

Khushi shuddered as Arnav placed wet kisses along her neckline. Her hands tracing their way down his well toned arms and finally clutching the pillow lying beside her head tightly. Her fist tightened when she felt Arnav kissing her at her most intimate part and her mouth gave out a loud moan. Arnav groaned as he heard it.

Tracing his lips back their way to her lips Arnav bit her lower lip lazily and then sucked her mouth as he entered her. Once they started their way up to the heavenly pleasure, his palm moved along her arm and later intertwined with her fingers...their palms now together digging into the pillow.

They were at their passionate best that night...Khushi was as bold as ever and Arnav's senses went crazy for her. They loved each other throughout the night like this was their last night...and maybe it was indeed their last night of LOVE.

**********

Arnav applied the break bringing his black Porsche to a halt in front of the shopping mall. He turned his head to the left and looked at Khushi who was removing the seatbelt.

"Khushi, I'm sorry I can't accompany you. I thought there would be no meetings today but this thing just came up out of the blue." Arnav said with a cute pout making Khushi smile.

"Call me once you're done...I'll pick you up." Arnav said as Khushi got down. Seeing her nod he started the ignition and the car rod off to AR Constructions.

**********

Khushi looked at the clock with her reddened eyes. It was 10'o clock now and Arnav was still not home. She sighed...this is turning sour. Today after shopping Khushi tried calling him and it just kept on ringing. She tried four more times when finally a message popped up.

I don't think I can make it now...I'm sorry. Try finding a cab Khushi...'

This sorry game had been going on since long and now Khushi had had enough. He was her husband for god's sakes. He is supposed to have this responsibility towards her...her safety. She shuddered remembering what had happened in the evening. She badly wanted her husband then...she wanted to forget this evil world being in his arms. But that is if only he was there with her.

Khushi was about to get up when the front door bell rang. She opened the door to see Arnav standing there with a bouquet of red roses.

"Sorry..." He said with a puppy face.

Khushi did not look at him making him look at her intently. He saw tear stains on her cheeks and her nose red. It looked like she had cried. He entered inside and locked the door. Cupping her cheeks he brought her face up to face him. She still tried to look down but he could see her eyes red. Something poked him hard in his heart seeing her face.

"Ro Rahi Thi Tum?" Arnav questioned...concern clearly visible in his eyes.

That question did it all...Tears rolled down Khushi's eyes as she held his wrists. Arnav's one arm went around her back while the other still cupped her face. He let her cry...her head above his heart...her tears wetting his coat. Arnav hugged her tighter as she sobbed and hiccupped. Her tears were not ending. He tried asking her what happened but his voice betrayed him...he choked on his words.

Finally getting a control on herself Khushi moved away from Arnav. Arnav's hold tightened and he pulled her back onto him.

"What happened?"

Khushi nodded in a no and tried moving out of his hold.

"I won't take no as an answer Khushi..." Arnav said.

"It's nothing Arnav...I was just missing my family. I tried calling them but they did not pick up. Suddenly I felt all alone...like I had no one." Khushi said the last sentence choking a bit.

Arnav knew his sorry would not work this time. It was his fault too. He really wanted to spent time with her but the meeting went on like forever. He had a run to the car after signing the deal. It was because of him the ever smiling girl was crying now.

He hugged her tightly in response to her words. He held her close assuring her he was with her.

"Come on now...let's have the dinner." Arnav said trying to divert her mind.

Khushi nodded and walked to the kitchen.

Why am I feeling like she is hiding something?' Arnav stood there looking at her. If only he knew, indeed there was another reason...a real reason.

Khushi held on to the kitchen slab and closed her eyes. She had escaped. A few hours ago she really wished Arnav was here so that she could say what had happened. But now, somehow she felt like he did not deserve to know it. He may care for her...but what is the need if that care is not provided when she needed it the most?

Khushi sighed picking up the plates and walking to the table.

They were having the dinner when Arnav tried getting the secret out of her. But today she was not herself...she looked hurt...and somewhere in his heart he felt he was the reason. When probed more Khushi stood up with the empty plate.

"You know, I had been much independent before our marriage..." Khushi said in a plain voice and left to the kitchen while Arnav kept on staring at her back.

That was the first crack on their relationship...a secret along with hurt. Khushi was hurt for some unknown reason...while Arnav was hurt because of the secret that made Khushi a stranger to him.