Khushi felt his lips graze her earlobe.
What is he doing?
"Khushi"
Khushi felt her breathing hitch. This was the first time he'd ever said her name.
"Mm"
Way to go Khushi"what an adequate response!
"I--it'll have to wait."
She felt the grasp of his hand loosen from her wrist and the warmth of his body against hers disappear.
"KHUSHI!"
Khushi looked up and saw Lavanya walking towards her.
Where did he go?
Lavanya: Khushi why did you take so long? Where's ASR?
Khushi: Mein woh I -
Lavanya: Are you okay Khushi?
Khushi: Haan yeah sorry, let's go.
"Lavanya. I have a video conference with our clients in NY in about half hour so I won't be able to drop anyone off, I'll see you."
Khushi turned around to see him walking their way.
He passed by inconspicuously brushing his fingers against her arm. She gasped softly at his touch and as he walked away she was sure she'd seen him smirking.
"KHUSHI - Khushi?!"
Khushi: Huh?
Lavanya: Khushi, are you sure you're okay? I've been trying to get your attention for the last few minutes.
Khushi: It's late. I think I'm just tired.
---
She woke up with a start, fumbling for her phone. It was 5 AM. She'd only slept an hour.
"Okay Khushi. Enough is enough. Clear your head. You have to sleep. The wedding is tonight. You will look like a zombie."
Khushi closed her eyes, only to see those molten brown eyes staring at her. She groaned and buried her face in to the pillow.
"I know what I need. I need a shower. It'll put me right to sleep."
"Khushi, are you talking to yourself again?" Payal grumbled.
"Jiji, go back to sleep. I'm going to go take a shower."
After the nice warm shower, Khushi dragged her body back to her bed and finally fell asleep. That was the first night she dreamt of Arnav Singh Raizada.*
--
Khushi woke to Payal shaking her incessantly.
Khushi: "KYA HAI JIJI. SOHNE DHO NA"
Payal: Khushi it's already 11AM. We have to be at the parlor with Lavanya by 2 pm. We still have to go home and make sure stuff is ready. We're part of this wedding from both the guy and girl side!
Khushi: FINE JIJI FINE. Where's Lavanya?
Payal: She is in the shower because SHE actually listens to me. Aab chalo!
--
As the evening grew near -- the commotion in the Jha house grew louder and louder.
"Jaldi karo. Sab itni dehr kyun laga rahe hain??"
"Madhu, zara dekho saare tohfe aur shagun ka samaan rakh liya?"
"Maine kaha tha na, tum log kabhi bhi time pe nahin niklo ge !"
"Bas paanch minute"
"KHUSHI, PAYAL DI!"
Khushi and Payal held the ends of their lehengas and ran up the stairs in to NK's room.
Slightly out of breath, both Khushi and Payal enter the room to see NK struggling to put on his kurtha. Both burst out laughing at his predicament.
NK: Can you help me ?!
Payal: You know, if you just unbuttoned the kurtha, you wouldn't be having this problem. Stop moving baba.
Payal unbuttoned his kurtha so it easily slid over his head.
NK: That was...wow. Wow. Payal Di, Khushi -- you both look so beautiful.
Khushi was wearing a sleeveless dark gold long mid-split kameez over a deep angoori purple lehenga with a dark gold embellished border. Her hair was waved and put up in an elaborate braided chignon. Her makeup deliberately focused on her eyes, the mix of the warm and cool tones on her eyelids brought out specks of gold in her hazel almond shaped eyes. A brush of blush and a nude colored lipgloss adorned her face.
Payal was wearing an absolute contrast to Khushi's clothes. A beautiful short sleeved hot pink and peach silk choli with a peach lehenga covered in heavy beads. Her hair was French plaited and brought to rest one side of her neck. Her make up was kept light, careful not to clash the outfit she was wearing. Her jhumke -- a gift from Akash was the only jewelry she wore.
Khushi: I know right?! Now stop admiring our beauty and put on your sherwani!
NK: Your head is already full of air, stop before you fly away Khush! Payal Di -- a little help?
Payal: Sure.
"NK do you know how to fix a button on --?
Akash walked in to NK's room and stopped at the sight of Payal. Payal was still a little irked at how he cheated her out of the bachelorette party location.
Khushi: NK is a little busy but Di would love to help you.
Payal glared at her sister who pushed her in Akash's direction.
Payal: Ji?
Akash: Woh -- uh mere room mein --
Payal: Chalein?
Akash: Huh?
Payal: Let's go? So I can help you?
Payal walked out of the room followed by a love struck Akash.
NK: Now whose going to help me?
Khushi: Excuse me? What am I, jalebi batter ?!
Khushi rolled her eyes and picked up the sherwani, helping him put in his arms. As he begun to button the sherwani with the goofy smile of his, Khushi couldn't help but feel her eyes become damp with tears. He was happy and that made her extremely happy. She knew he deserved that and so much more.
NK looked up to see Khushi blinking back tears.
NK: Khush? What happened? Are you okay? Do you want me to call the Doctor?
Khushi: No bandar! These are tears of happiness. Finally, you won't bother me as much anymore, Lavanya will have to handle you !
NK: Tum absolutely completely pagal ho.
Khushi: Tum se dosti karne ka asar. Aab jaldi karo, everyone's waiting for you. Do you really want to be late to your own wedding ?
NK: I'll be out
Khushi was at the doorstep wanting to walk out of the room but her conflicted mind wouldn't let her move. Hesitantly, she took his name "NK"
NK: Khushi I told you -- what happened?
This time there weren't tears in her eyes but anguish on her face.
Khushi: We...we need to talk.
----
Payal: Wheres the button? And do you know where the sewing supplies are?
Akash nodded and handed her the button and took out the box, handing it to her. Akash lifted the ends of his kurtha to pull it off when
Payal: AAP kya kar rahe hain?!
Akash: Don't you have to put on the button?
Payal: You don't need to take your kurtha off for that.
Payal kept muttering under her breath and she sewed the button back on. Akash took opportunity of her distraction and snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her against him.
Payal: Wha--what are you doing?
Akash leaned down to place soft kisses against her cheek, stopping at the edge of her lips.
Akash: Trying to earn your forgiveness
Payal: Fffor what? Oh! No I mean okay -- no no that's not what I meant! You're cheating!
Akash: Woh kaise?
Payal felt Akash's smile against her cheek and her irritability faded away.
Payal: Aise.
Payal gave a quick kiss on Akash's lips, surprising him and giving her a chance to run out of his arms.
----
Wedding Venue:
The baraat arrived with as much as possible commotion that could've been expected by the Jha's. There was the dhol wala, dancing and laughing.
There were however a pair of eyes that did not match the enthusiasm of her face.
"Khushi jaldi andar chalo!" Payal quite breathlessly yelled at Khushi over the commotion.
Khushi smiled and nodded her head -- again her smile not reflecting her eyes as they should've.
Thankfully due to the hustle and bustle -- Payal overlooked the fact and dragged her sister inside the venue to greet the baraatis (which they were shortly ago) as the larki waley.
NK and family were stopped at the entrance by Khushi and Payal. NK's expression matched Khushi's too well, making her feel guilty for bringing up what she did today -- but it had to be done. She smiled at him, hoping for a response for him and slowly but surely the smile came. The tension released from her body and she decided to enjoy the evening with all the energy she had.
NK: Why are you blocking the way Khushi? Payal Di?
Payal: Because Jeeja ji (emphasizing the word) you decided to leave straight to your honeymoon with Lavanya after the wedding -- not giving us time or the fun that comes with the rasams after so ---
NK: Payal Di -- did you really call me Jeeja Ji??
Khushi: To have access to your to be wife and the permission to wed her we require some naig.
NK: Naig?
Payal: Money. Lots of it!
Supporting Payal and Khushi -- Lavanyas friends shouted giving their agreement to the demand.
NK: How much?
Khushi: Your debit card would suffice.
After bantering back and forth, much to the relief of the baraatis -- an agreement was reached and the guests dispersed inside the hall around the mandap.
The Kashyaps greeted the Jhas with their pompous selves, excited to be associated with a respected and more importantly rich family. Having established their lifestyle thanks to Lavanya's modeling -- was now not the only factor keeping them up high in the society circle.
Raina(Kashyap): Girls, why don't you go get Lavanya from upstairs?
As the girls headed up to the bridal suite, Khushi was stopped by NK.
NK: Khushi, I need to talk to you.
Khushi: Not now NK.
NK: Khushi. Now.
Khushi: Fine, just wait for me by the back entrance of the hall -- it looks so inappropriate that you're doing this you know.
NK: I don't care.
Khushi smiled at the curious expressions of guests and headed upstairs to the bridal suite. Quickly excusing herself-- she headed back downstairs saying she forgot to do something for Devani.
--
She saw NK pacing back and forth ending a phone call hearing her walk towards him.
Khushi: NK -- what is wrong with you? Why are you calling me to come at this time? Everyone's waiting and if they see me here with you -- I mean the guests -- what will they think?
NK: Khushi. Shut up. Please.
NK's voice was strained. Khushi gave him a moment as he collected his thoughts. When he looked up, the anguish on his face resembled Khushi's from not too long ago.
NK: Titli, why are you making me do this?
Khushi: Because it's important.
NK: No it's not -- she isn't going to care -- this is between us. Why can't it stay between us? You know how I feel about --
Khushi: I know -- I know how you feel about everything but I think it's better this way. She's a part of you and she inadvertently matters to me now more than you'd understand.
NK: You're making this difficult.
Khushi: Do you prefer the alternative?
NK: Which is?
Khushi: You know what it is.
NK: Khush. That's not an option. You can't leave. For God's sake I hate you.
Khushi smiled softly -- she knew she had won. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
Khushi: No, you love me.
NK: I do.
He wrapped his arms around hers in a short hug whispering "I'll try-- please don't make this harder for me" Khushi hugged him back muttering an okay.
----
Same Day-Same Place : A few minutes ago.
NK was waiting for Khushi pacing the small hallway by the back entrance of the venue. He knew the mohrat was not too far away, he smiled thinking of Lavanya.
His phone rang interrupting his thoughts.
NK: Hello?
Arnav: We're on our way -- Di wants me to threaten you and promise hell to you if you begin your wedding without her.
NK: Why aren't you already here?
Arnav: Di. Sheetal. Why else?
NK: Tell Bhabhi I wouldn't dream of getting married without her presence. You have a good half hour before everything starts.
Arnav: We're parking.
NK: Got it -- see you.
NK heard footsteps coming his way, putting his phone in a small pocket of his sherwani forgetting to press the end button on the call.
Arnav was just about to hang up when he heard her voice -- he would've hung up, eavesdropping wasn't something he did but something made him press the phone to his ear closely. Waving off his family to go inside, he strained to hear the conversation that came in bits and pieces.
Khushi: NK --- why are you --
NK: Khushi
NK: Titli, why are you --
NK: she isn't -- This is between us. Why can't --- You know how I feel---
Khushi: I know how you feel -- matters to me
NK: Which is?
NK: Khush.
His damned nickname for her. Why did it always bother the way NK shortened her name like that? And Titli? Had he ever called that before? Arnav knew he was intruding on a personal conversation but how could he not -- when he felt this would affect Lavanya?
NK: You can't --- not an option. I hate you.
There was silence for a few seconds before he heard the next words. Words that made him want to crush the phone in his hand.
Khushi: -- you love me.
NK: I do.
The conversation came to a halt and Arnav could only imagine what was happening now. He hung up, disgust and rage overwhelming him.
Why was it that women who mattered to him had to suffer? From men they loved -- love. What a waste. What an insufferable emotion concocted from one's imagination. And these women -- like her, did they not have respect, some sense of morality? Money. Of course, the reason that drove them. Using their beauty as their weapon -- they took what they wanted without any regard for the consequences that others may have to face because of them.
Without realizing that much time had passed since the phone call, he stalked in to the venue -- with his mind set on speaking to Lavanya before the phere. He couldn't let her go in to this and ruin her life. If NK wasn't Akash's brother -- he might have already broken his nose.
Walking in -- he found who his eyes were looking for.
Damn her to hell and back -- she was breathtakingly beautiful. The outfit -- he instantly recognized as an AR design seemed to be made for her petite frame -- the lehenga flowing as she made her way through the guests.
"Arnav ! There you are. Come on my Bhai"
Akash's voice brought him back to the issue at hand. He had to speak to Lavanya.
Arnav: Hey Akash. I have to make an important call. I'll be back.
Akash: But Arnav --
Anjali: Don't bother Akash. He won't listen.
Arnav went up the stairs -- looking for Lavanya's room when he spotted Khushi again. She was speaking to an elderly lady with a polite smile on her face. As the lady walked away, Khushi recognized his presence.
Handsome. Attractive. Hot.
As the thoughts passed her mind, she decided to steer clear of Arnav. There was much too going on in her life to focus on his hot and cold behavior. A giggle stopped at her lips as she thought of the Katy Perry song.*
Arnav walked toward Khushi -- something he had not planned, grabbing her wrist tightly, dragging her with him.
Khushi: What are you doing? Let go of my hand !
Ignoring Khushi's protests, he walked in to an elevator, pressing the button for the highest floor.
Khushi: What are you doing ?! I have to go get Lavanya. The wedding is about to start and you..
Arnav: And why should this wedding start?
Arnav's stone cold voice made Khushi want to ask him to repeat himself. Did she really hear him correctly?
Khushi: Did you -- how can I --what do you want?
Arnav: Answer my question. Why should this wedding start?
Khushi: Because NK and Lavanya love each other?
Arnav: Love? Bullshit. But if that's your reasoning -- then what's between you and NK? Love? Lust? Why are you ruining Lavanya's f**king life?!
In his anger, he slammed the side of the elevator with his fist, making Khushi tremble. She was unsure of whether she should speak or not -- what was he even saying?
Arnav: If you had NK -- why did you let him move things forward with Lavanya?! Or did you not want to settle with him because it ruin your prospects with other men?! If you didn't want to settle why couldn't you just let him go ? Why are you doing this damnit?!
Khushi felt numerous emotions pass through her : hurt, disgust, anger, and comfort. She knew she had to be careful how she responded to him. There was a wedding probably beginning and she would not let anyone ruin it. She didn't understand why he thought so badly of her but she didn't care. Or so she convinced herself of. There was some comfort that he had the ability to care and that too for Lavanya who was important to her.
Arnav: Say something. f**king hell.
He turned slammed the sides of the wall again loudly. Khushi quickly pressed the button to the ground floor before speaking.
"I don't owe you any kind of explanation. However, I will let you know NK loves Lavanya. Yes, love. It is an emotion people experience -- regardless of whatever your views may be. They are marrying each other, it is a joint decision. I do not know why you think what you think and I do not care. Do not and I mean do not think of ruining this for either of them Mr. Raizada. Two well respected families are being tied in a relationship together. Keep that in mind. Now if you excuse me, I have a wedding to attend."
As Khushi finished speaking her thoughts, the elevator dinged and she ran out of the elevator to the mandap where the bride and groom were sitting sending deathly glances her way. She went over to them whispering an excuse of getting stuck in the elevator when taking care of last minute arrangements.
By the time Arnav reached the mandap, Lavanya and NK were standing up for their pheres. He wanted so desperately to stop the wedding but at this point nothing but disgrace and humility would be brought to both families. What would he base his accusations off of? He knew he was right but how would anyone else understand? The feeling of helplessness was not something Arnav Singh Raizada experienced often. Unable to do anything at this time, he decided it would be best to leave until it was over.
Khushi breathed a sigh of relief as she saw him walk out of the door. She took in the sight in front of her. She wondered how her wedding would've been -- at times when she was at her lowest she wondered if she really had a fault in how things played out -- her heart trying to convince her that these thoughts were utter blasphemy. She shook her head, this wasn't about her and she hadn't a need to think about anything negative.
She enjoyed the beautiful sight with her family, looking forward to the rest of the evening.
---
Jha Mansion
With the wedding completed, everyone in the Jha mansion could now relax. Lavanya and NK were upstairs changing in to clothes before their flight. Everyone else was lounging in the living hall area, waiting for them to come downstairs before they headed to bed.
Lavanya and NK came downstairs with luggage in tow. Quickly bidding adieu they headed outside to the car waiting.
NK: Khushi what did you want to tell me and Lavanya? Hurry otherwise we'll miss our flight.
Khushi: Impatient are we??
Khushi laughed as both NK and Lavanya rolled their eyes.
Khushi: It's about your wedding gift. I need you guys to let me know at least one week in advance before your heading back okay? I know you're going for two weeks but I'm sure it'll be lengthened once you're there.
Lavanya: What is the wedding gift? Did you finally design something for me? Or I mean -- what is it?!
Khushi: Surprise.
NK: That is not fair Khushi. Lavanya will pester me all of the flight making me guess with her.
Lavanya slapped his arm at the comment. Khushi hugged Lavanya, muttering something in her ear making Lavanya burst with laughter. Khushi hugged NK next with him whispering to call him if she needed him at anytime.
Waving both of them off, she sent silent prayers for a safe journey. Heading back inside she decided she'd need some good night sleep before tackling the coming days.
* - Something similar is in the book Twilight written by Stephanie Meyer.
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
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