Chapter 34-
* The first part of the chapter requires readers discretion. Please avoid it if you are under 18 years of age.
'Careful, I have henna on my hands, it hasn't dried...' Arnav didn't let her finish, he held her face in his palms and took her lips in an intense passionate kiss that was anything but gentle. Khushi wrapped her hands around Arnav's neck.
Arnav broke the kiss and whispered 'I love you Khushi.'
The still damp henna on her palms lay forgotten as Arnav then proceeded to deepen the kiss while one of his hands grabbed her stole and threw it away.
Khushi broke the kiss to get some air, there was something very different about the kiss tonight. But Arnav on the other hand wasn't interested in taking things slowly. He turned her around and started planting kisses along her should blades and neck, while his fingers continued create havoc on her waist.
Arnav please...' Khushi said.
Not today Khushi, not today. Don't make me stop.'
And as he said the final words he opened the strings, that held her choli together.
Arnav I can't.' Khushi tried to make him stop.
Why? Do you have your monthly periods.' He asked after which he swore under his breath. That was the last thing he needed to hear.
Khushi laughed at his question. No, I have damp henna on my hands. I cannot use my palms for...' She left the sentence incomplete and blushed furiously.
Arnav looked at her palms which she had displayed proudly.
I got your name inscribed too. See.' She pointed excitedly.
Henna?' He was amused.
Nothing that cant be taken care off.' Saying that he started walking towards her slowly, his eyes making it amply clear to Khushi what he that he wanted to do.
Khushi started taking a step back every time he took a step towards her.
Arnav no...' But she felt her own voice and resolve letting her down.
After taking a few steps back, she found herself stop against a wall.
Before she could run away, Arnav imprisoned her using his arms on either side of her body.
He went close to her face and whispered closed to her ears, close enough to set her body on fire, You have no idea as to how sensual you look now.'
He then moved to the other ear, all the time maintaining close physical proximity, but still not touching her.
I'm not sure what I find more sensual. Your hair adorned with all those flowers, or the black lace you are wearing.' He touched through bra, faintly, just once.
And then he lifted each of her arms, close to his face. Or the fact that you wrote my name in your hands.' And with that he kissed each of her henna clad palms. Khushi's eyes closed on their own accord. He then lifted each of her arms carefully, over hear head and placed it against the wall. He used one of his hands to hold them in place, making sure he didn't spoil her henna design. While his lips continued to stay close to hers without actually touching them.
Please Arnav.' She whispered weak due to Arnav's sensual assault of her sense.
Please what, Khushi?' This time he asked not in a mocking tone, but with a voice that reflected the huge amount of self restraint he had imposed on himself.
Khushi gave up. There was something absolutely carnal about the moment, being held like this.
Please... kiss me.'
And that was all Arnav needed to hear. He slammed his lips against hers and deepened the kiss almost immediately. While his one hand continued to hold her arms over her head, while the other was caressing, her breasts enclosed in a black lace strapless bra.
Arnav... Let me hold you.' Khushi said while breaking the kiss as she tried to move her hands away from his hold.
No Khushi.' He replied and continued to kiss her.
After a short while, Arnav pulled the strings that held her lehenga and it fell to the ground.
Here?' Khushi asked with him, her eyes reflecting desire and confusion.
Yes, I dont think I cant wait anymore.'
He lifted her and made her wrap her legs around him. Once he was inside her it felt like everything had disappeared around them. He left his hand holding her arms. Khushi could no longer wait. Her henna was forgotten and she wrapped her arms around Arnav's neck. Some of the henna was transferred to his shirt and left stains which she was sure, could never be washed away. She held him close as they both continued to move in tandem, albeit with an intensity and pace they had never experienced in their physical relationship before.
Just as they were about to reach their zenith, Arnav whispered I'm sorry Khushi, so so sorry.' Even in the midst of intense passion, his eyes conveyed his sincerity. Khushi took his lips in a soft kiss in return, to show her acceptance of his apology.
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The following day the wedding festivities continued at the farmhouse which Payal and Akaash had finalised as the wedding venue. Khushi had spent the previous night at Arnav's place where they had both talked through their argument. Arnav had apologised once again and cited irrational jealousy as the reason for his changed behaviour.
Khushi you have to understand that I have not done this before. I have never been emotionally attached to someone this much, except for my family. I'm scared that your parents will take you away from me and I can do nothing about it.' Khushi had then proceeded to negate his misplaced fears by asking him to place his utmost trust on her as she had done with him.
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Khushi's father Sashi Gupta joined his family at the farmhouse. Unlike Garima Gupta, Arnav found Khushi's father a lot more accessible and friendly. He shared a drink with him in the evening during Payal and Akaash's sangeet function and spoke in length about how Khushi's career was shaping up in Delhi. Sashi later admitted to Khushi and Garima that he found Arnav to be a very sensible man. He was also very complimentary of how Arnav and Akaash had grown their business venture is such short time. Khushi was pleased that at least her father liked Arnav. She only hoped that her mother too would like him and someday it would be easier for her to break the news of her relationship with Arnav, to them.
Khushi danced to her heart's content during the sangeet fuction. She had worn a green Anarkalli with zardosi work, that her mother had purchased from Lucknow for her. This pleased Garima to no end. Arnav did his very best to keep safe distance from Khushi as he had promised, but he couldn't help but steal glances at her every now and then. And towards the end when her parents had left the function to retire into their room, Arnav managed to share a dance with Khushi. The remaining guests were all close friends so even Khushi agreed to dance with him.
Later in the night, once the dinner was over Khushi stepped into the garden to make sure that it had been cleared up. She was surprised to find Anjali sitting on one of the benches overlooking the small pond. Anjali had been seemed very withdrawn, which was unlike her usual cheery self. Given that Anjali had been over the moon over Akaash's wedding, Khushi found it odd.
Di, is everything alright?' Khushi sat in the bench next to Anjali.
Anjali smiled weekly in return. Yes Khushi, everything is fine. I have been feeling tired.'
Khushi wasn't sure if she should probe further, but Anjali's reply was unconvincing.
Di, are you sure? You can always count on me?'
Seeing Khushi's genuine warmth Anjali eyes became wet.
Di, is everything okay? Let me fetch Arnav.' She stood up.
Anjali held her hand. No Khushi not now.'
Is this about Shyam jiju?' Is everything okay, between the two of you?' Khushi asked referring to Shaym's absence until this evening. Anjali had cited that Shyam had to attend to a work-related emergency.
Anjali wiped her tears. It's nothing Khushi. Just the usual ups and downs married life. I'm sure we will be fine in some time.'
Di, you know you can speak to Arnav about this. He will always be supportive of you.'
I know Khushi, but I'd rather not involve a third person in a discussion between a wife and husband. We are working on it, on our own. I hope you understand.'
Khushi nodded her head in understanding. Something didn't feel right.
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The following morning Khushi was busy assisting Payal with the haldi ritual after which she helped Payal take off the turmeric and get ready for the wedding ceremony in the night. Khushi went through every single emotion associated with Payal's wedding and tried to experience it to the fullest. She knew that she would not have a marriage that she always dreamed off, so this was her chance to experience the joys of a wedding.
Payal knew what her friend was experiencing, she could see the longing in Khushi's eyes.
She put an arm over Khushi's shoulders and said, Khushi I know what you are going through. You don't have to do this Khushi. You must put your foot down and tell Arnav that you want to be married. I'm sure everyone including his own family will support you.'
But will I have the support of one person who means everything to me?' Khushi asked for which Payal didn't have an answer. Payal, I know what I was getting into. Do I want a marriage? Yes I do. But do I want a marriage at the cost of Arnav and our relationship? No I dont. I lost him nearly once, I won't lose him again Payal.'
Payal placed a kiss on Khushi's forehead. You do seem to have a strong sense of conviction where Arnav is concerend. You have changed so much since you moved to Delhi. I just hope you are always happy.' Khushi hugged Payal in return.
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The wedding ceremony began and Khushi sat with her parents in the first row of seats. Arnav had been sending her texts one after the other asking her to come and stand with him, near the centre stage where the wedding was taking place. Arnav worse a simple cream closed neck sherwani and opted out of wearing the traditional head gear. Khushi wore a pale-pink south Indian silk saree and wore traditional jhumkas and bangles to go with her outfit. she had also plaited her hair and had pinned jasmine flowers to her plait. When Arnav had seen her the first time, he did a dramatic expression of fainting on the spot. He told her that she looked 'splendid.'
After a short while Anjali came over to Khushi and asked her to come along and stand with them near the centre stage given that she was close to Payal and also because she considers her as family. Garima was taken back by Anjali's show of affection and wondered why Khushi was asked to participate in such a private family moment.
Garima, Khushi has known Payal for a long while. She also helped organise the wedding. Now can you give your over active brain a rest and enjoy the wedding?' Sashi tried to address Garima's fears, although Garima remained unconvinced.
Khushi still tried to keep some distance from Arnav, lest her mother's doubts got stronger. She looked on fondly as the priest continued to recite religious chants. She looked on as Payal's eyes teared up lightly, she looked on as Akaash held her hands assuringly. She looked on as they stood up and started circling the holy fire, each round signifying one of the core values of marriage and lifetime committment. As they circled the fire for the seventh time, she closed here eyes and tried to control the tears that were threatening to fall.
She felt someone hold her palm and intertwine their fingers with hers. She didn't need to see, she knew it was Arnav. When she opened her eyes, she saw Anjali standing in front of her, practically blocking her parent's line of vision. It looked like Arnav had arranged for it. Arnav brought their entwined palms and placed a kiss on her palm. She smiled in return.
When Akaash and Payal sat down together for the final ritual which included the tying of the sacred thread called the Mangal sutra' and filling of Payal's forehead with a red powder called 'sin door,' Arnav whispered. Khushi we may not have undergone any of the needless rituals of the past few days. But what we have is equally strong if not more.' Khushi kept quiet, deciding against pursuing a debate that would spoil the rest of the ceremony for both of them.
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Garima walked around speaking to acquaintances, most of whom were from Lucknow. A friend introduced her to a lady whose name she quite didn't catch. While Garima continued to talk her friend and the other lady, her friend excused herself to use the rest room.
'You seem to be sporting an accent of someone who lives in Lucknow. Is my assumption correct?' The lady asked Garima.
'You are right.' Garima smiled at the lady with a pleasing personality. 'My name is Garima Gupta. I have lived in Lucknow all my life. As they say even if you leave the city, the city never leaves you.'
The two ladies laughed at Garima's anecdote.
'My daughter Khushi is a very close friend of Payal's. I have also known Payal's mother for over three decades now.'
'I'm sorry but I don't think I caught your name.'
'Oh! I'm Manorama. I live in Lucknow too. My son NKay used to work for AR until recently. He is good friends with Akaash.'
My daughter also works at AR. I'm sure she knows your son.' Garima quipped, happy at having found another friend with connections to Lucknow.
What did you say was your daughter's name? I'm sorry I didn't catch it.'
Her name is Khushi Gupta. She works in the marketing team.' Realisation stuck for Manorama, but before she could act on it and do what she had always wanted to do, NKay walked in. Amma what are you doing here? I have been looking for you.'
I'll let you both carry on. I need to check on my daughter.' Garima excused herself and walked away.
Amma what exactly where you trying to tell Khushi's mother? I told you to stay away from Khushi and Arnav. Please Amma. Im happily married now, nothing is going to come out of this. Arnav is still my friend and although I don't work for him anymore I dont want to sabotage my friendship with him. Plus Arnav and Khushi seem really serious about each other. They plan on moving in together soon. Please don't interfere in others matters.'
Manorma promised to not say anything although, heart in heart she knew that she wasn't someone to let go off personal insults that easily.
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Bitiya what is your decision?' Sashi asked Khushi. After the wedding ceremony was over the Gupta's retired to their rooms. Garima and Sashi were scheduled to take the mid-day flight back to Lucknow. So they decided to discuss and arrive at a decision on Kushi's wedding before they left.
Bauji, as I have already told Amma, I'm not interested in getting married. Please drop this topic.'
Sashi took a deep breath in. Garima was about to speak something. Not now Garima. Please let me handle this.'
Kushi you are close to twenty five. I can understand if you had said this a year ago. But you also know that is the right time for you to be married. If we delay your wedding any further, people will start asking uncomfortable questions. I can even handle those. But don't you want some time to settle into a married relationship with your husband before having children? The more you delay this, the more you put yourself under pressure to have children soon after the wedding.'
Bauji, I have thought through everything. I just dont feel marriage is for me. I don't think I'm ready for it. Do you really want me to agree to something, that I have no interest in?'
Garima was fuming. Sashi was also finding it difficult to remain patient and understanding.
Okay, so in how much time do you think you will be ready?'
Kushi took time to come with an answer. I don't... I dont think I will ever be ready for a marriage.'
Khushi it is becoming difficult for me to remain patient. We've always been supportive of your career. You have no idea how difficult it was for me to approve of you moving to Delhi. I think it's time you reciprocated the support we've shown so far. You will be married, there is no doubt. The only question up for discussion is how soon.'
Sashi you have been way too lenient with her.' Garima then grabbed Khushi's arms. Is there someone Kushi? Why are you suddenly refusing to get married? Tell us now.'
Amma please.' Khushi shrugged Garima's hands away.
Khushi I expect you to answer Garima's question. So far I never believed this, but now I think Garima's apprehensions arent completely unfounded.'
Bauji...' Khushi quickly thought through what she should say.
Bauji...there is no one.' She lied once again.
I'm finding it difficult to believe this anymore. Let's assume you are speaking the truth, then give me one good reason why you dont want to be married.'
Bauji, I dont want to be married, thats all. I dont see myself tied into a life of domesticity, a life of family and children. I have personal and career ambitions. And I want to achieve them.' Khushi felt herself dying a little bit every time she lied to her parents.
I dont buy this argument. You are in fact doing a big disservice to married women by coming up with such an excuse. Your own mother works and has a career of her own, to date. She was under no pressure whatsoever from me or my mother to have children right after our marriage.'
But not everyone will be like you Bauji.'
Sashi I cant believe you are still explaining things patiently to Khushi. She is getting married, that is a given. We don't need to seek her approval. We are her parents and we know best. She will toe the line eventually.'
You know what I think, we should get her married to Avinaash. We've been stalling that alliance because we assumed that Khushis wasn't fond of him. Given that is not the case, lets finalise this alliance and set a date for the wedding. This way she will remain in Lucknow and we can make sure that she settles into her married life quickly.'
I'm not getting married to Avinaash or some ramdomn person Amma. And if you still finalise my wedding without my approval, I swear I wont even turn up for the wedding. Do you want this public humiliation?' Khushi asked in a bolder tone. Initially she wanted to approach the discussion in a polite tone, to try and make her parents understand. But then it became obvious that her mother wouldn't take her seriously unless she put her foot down.
Enough!' Sashi screamed, for the first time in many years. Khushi had never seen her father this angry expect for very rare occasions in her life.
Garima we will do no such thing. Khushi will agree to a wedding.'
Then he turned to Khushi and sad, Apologise to your mother.'
'But Bauji...'
I said apologise Khushi.'
Khushi mumbled a sorry to her mother.
Khushi let me make this very clear. Within next three months I want you to agree to a wedding wholeheartedly. You will be completely involved in the whole selection process. You can be rest assured that we wont force our choice on you, if you are not interested. If you still don't agree to the wedding, I will assume that you have no love or respect for your family including your grandmother who will be heartbroken. You are our only daughter Khushi, don't do this to us.' Sashi said softly.
'The choice is yours to make Khushi. Don't let us down.'
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyS12e4-zTs[/YOUTUBE]
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A/N- The next chapter will be posted most likely tomorrow evening.
Edited by Naach_Basanti - 11 years ago
Anupamaa
Jhanak
Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil
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