Chasing Dreams- Thd7 CHP42, PG 130, Link to THD8 & CHP43, PG143 - Page 84

I loved the way Arnav and Khushi were so honest about their views on marriage..loved it...waiting to read more...😃

Hmm ok...really????

It was amazing although I couldn't wait to read more. This has to be absolutely the best story I have read. The characters their thoughts everything is brought out so well . I loved the love attraction bit being replaced over time by trust comfort and respect. That is so true. It's a really profound statement and tells of how marriages are successful. Thank you !! Keep writing

Hi folks. Many thanks for your comments. Next update will be up in two hours. and I hope to post one more tonight as I have a couple of busy days coming up.

Arnav was so honest and I'm glad Khushi said Yes.. waiting to c how things change now..

One more update!!! Wow...
Loved ch 40, I liked how Arnav was straight forward & also Khushi not accepting in an instant was well expected as well.. Love how you maintain characters, they dont change colors & personality in minutes :) I love this slow transformation of Arnav.. Khushi has given up a lot in this relation, so Arnav giving up something like part of his believes & mending someway was so needed!

Chapter 41-

Khushi we have discussed about this already. I'm not comfortable with having a sangeet or hosting another reception in Lucknow.' Arnav was on the phone to Khushi who was trying to convince him to agree to two more functions, if the ever increasing list of wedding rituals. He had asked for a simple court wedding, that Khushi, her parents and his family had agreed to. But slowly but surely the scope of the wedding had been extended and Khusi often called Arnav requesting him to agree to something he didn't want to in the first place

Arnav Im sorry, I know you don't want this. But can you please try and understand my predicament. Im the only child in the family. So they don't want to miss out on any of the rituals.'

Fine I will go with the sangeet as long as there wont be any choreographed performances and Im not expected to perform. However Im putting my foot down and saying no to the reception in Lucknow. We had agreed to the wedding being held in Lucknow and a reception hosted in Delhi. I just cant do one more.'

Okay.' Khushi sounded disappointed.

Khushi this isn't fair. You cant get upset with me for this, when I had clearly set expectations in the beginning.'

Fine you are right.' And then she changed the topic of discussion. I cant wait to see you in Delhi next week. We have got a week for our engagement and then four weeks for the wedding.' She said cheerfully.

Arnav didn't want the engagement function too, they already had a small personal Roka,' function in Lucknow right after Khushi had agreed to the wedding. But his family and Khushi's family persuaded him to change his mind. He was gradually getting frustrated. The only thing he wanted was a simple wedding, but sadly everyone including Khushi had overlooked his simple wish.

He hated the public charade that weddings in Delhi had become, he didn't want theirs to be one too. And most importantly agreeing to a wedding was a big deal for him, he wanted it to be a close personal affair that will allow him time to embrace the changes to his life. But sadly even Khushi was overlooking that and getting carried away. He took a few moments to calm himself and then returned to his work.

""""""""""

That night Arnav got a text from Khushi.

Still irritated with me about the wedding preparations?'

You know I can never be irritated with you. I don't want our wedding to be a chardae, thats all.'

I know Arnav. Im sorry I didn't keep my part of the promise. My parents have been waiting for this for many years. Its getting difficult for me to refuse them.'

Its okay Khushi, at least make sure that these events are simple.'

Please don't call our wedding an event, Arnav.'

Then don't make it one.'

Fine, I'll tell my parents to call off everything. Lets just have a court wedding with our families. We will even scrap the reception.'

Arnav hadn't replied to her for over five minutes.

You are getting better at this. You know I cant see you upset. Just go ahead with the plan we had agreed. Please just keep it simple.'

'Will do :-)'

Good night Khushi. Love you.'

Good night Arnav.'

Arnav looked at his phone with a smile. Khushi was yet to tell him that she loved him too. He knew that she still needed time after everything that had, so he was happy to wait.

He walked to his bed and lied on it after getting rid of his shirt. In less than five weeks, he was going to be married to Khushi. Never in his wildest dreams did he think this day would come in his life. He was glad that Khushi and her family gave him another chance. He was looking forward to the wedding only because it meant that he could finally be with Khushi. But given the spectacle their wedding was slowly becoming he was starting to feel restless and uneasy.

""""""""""""""-

A week later Arnav and Khushi exchanged rings at a hotel in Delhi in the midst of nearly hundred and fifty guests. The engagement ceremony was organised by Devyani and Anjali who had gone out of their way to put up a big show. For years the two women were tired of answering questions about Arnav, ignoring gossips about his life and relationships. So when he finally agreed to the wedding, they wanted to invite their circle of friends from the Delhi society. Devyani was a proud woman, so she organised an engagement party that screamed grandeur in every sense of the word.

Arnav felt suffocated during the function- from smiling constantly, to posing for endless pictures, to greeting people and making small talks with the ones he didn't even know. But he felt he was going to lose it when his sister had organised a heart shaped cake and forced him to cut the cake with Khushi. How old did his sister think, he was? Eighteen?'

He saw Akaash grinning at him, mocking his brother's predicament. And a glowing, pregnant Payal punched him in his stomach to stop him from teasing Arnav.

And when Anjali forced Arnav to feed a piece of cake to Khushi he though he was going to snap and scream at her. He was very close to shoving that cake inside every guest's mouth and walking away from there, but right at that moment he felt Khushi's hand entwine with his. We dont have to do this.' She whispered.

Then she told Anjali and the guests, Please di no more. Both of us are full. In fact I think we need some fresh air. Will you please excuse us.' And then she managed to take Arnav away for some fresh air.

Khushi walked with Arnav to the outside and found themselves a quiet spot away from the crowds. This was the first time they found themselves not surrounded by family since the wedding had been finalised.

Im sorry, I know you wanted to get out.' Khushi said empathetically.

Khuhsi I hate this charade. I know you enjoy weddings, but I don't. Thats just the simple plain truth. I really wish our wedding could be just a simple affair that we initially agreed to.'

Do you want me to speak to everyone and tone down things?'

To your parents definitely. I will speak to Nani and Anjali .' Arnav added.

Khushi then placed her head on Arnav's chest, I know this is a lot for you to take Arnav. If you are uncomfortable with something, if you feel strongly about something, all you have to do is to talk to me.'

Arnav looked at her eyes as she spoke.

Its very common to feel nervous and restless in the run up to a wedding, just talk to me when you feel any of that. I will do my best to address your concerns and remove any obstacles.'

Arnav moved a strand of hair that was on Khushi's forehead. She was wearing a pale peach lehenga with simple jewellery. While the whole event screamed of extravagance, Khushi stood out with her simple, classy outfit and look. While each of the women where trying to out-do each other in terms of what they wore, Khushi had opeted for simplicity and elegance which was so much like the person she was.

You look beautiful Khushi. Sorry i didn't get a chance to tell you earlier.' Saying that he pulled her even closer to him.

Khushi continued to look at him with her big emerald eyes, that held promises, love and at that moment something more.

I love you khushi.' He whispered near her ears. he really wanted to hear those words back from her.

Khushi waited for a few more moments before she replied. I love you too Arnav.'

As soon as he heard the words, Arnav swooped down to take her lips in a searing kiss and poured his heart, soul, longing and love into that kiss.

""""""""-

Once they were back in the hall to mingle with the guests, Arnav found Shyam.

Shyam. Glad you could come. Want to get a drink?' He asked his brother in law.

Shyam begrudgingly accepted after checking with Anjali across the wall.

Shyam, what is happening between Anjali and you.'

We are facing some issues and working through them. Im fairly confident that Anjali will be back home in a short while, probably after your wedding.'

Shyam, can you please cut the crap and tell me what this problem is.'

Shyam placed his drink on a table and said, I screwed up Arnav. It was me who messed up our marriage. I...'

Before Shyam could complete, Anjali interrupted their discussion. Arnav I have told you time and again that this is between Shyam and me. I think you should go and enjoy the party instead of trying to resolve our issues.'

Arnav was unhappy with his sister's attitude. Fine, the next time either of you poke your noses into my personal life, ill know what to say.' Arnav stood up and walked away.

Shyam what were you doing? How many times have I told you not to talk about this with my family?'

Anji Im sorry. People should know it was me who messed up.'

Thanks, but I don't need your pity or sympathy. I'm doing alright without either.'

Please Anji, forgive me, come back. I promise to never repeat my mistake. You are the only person I love and will always love. I miss you and the boys terribly. Please come back.'

Lets talk later Shyam. Im in the middle of my brother's engagement.'

Anjali tried to walk away when Shyam held her hand. Please Anjali, how much more do you want me to apologise. It was a mistake.' Anjali shrugged his hands away.

Shyam you listen this well. If you create anymore unwanted drama you will force me to make a decision that wont be good for our marriage. So stop this now and give me time.'

"""""""-

The following day Arnav took Khushi out for the day after seeking her parent's approval. Khushi was flying back to Lucknow the following day and he would see very little of her until the wedding. So he a big surprise planned as he wanted to make the most of this time and give Khushi the courtship period she had always dreamed of.

He picked up Khushi and drove her to a house two streets away from Shantivan.

Arnav, why have we come here? I though we were going to Shantivan.'

Come inside and you will find out.' Arnav said excitedly.

Arnav took Khushi inside a bungalow with a sprawling lawn and garden. It was a old, traditional bungalow that needed substantial work.

He held Khuhsi's hands and said, We are close to an agreement to purchase this house.'

But why? I thought we were going to stay in the apartment.'

New beginning deserve a new home. I also figured that you might want to live close to Payal and my family, given that the baby will arrive in a few months.'

Khushi was ecstatic with joy. She hugged Arnav. Thanks Arnav, thats very thoughtful of you.'

Don't thank me Khushi. I did this for us. I wanted to give you something significant as a wedding gift. So here it is.'

Khushi's eyes became moist. Do you want to go inside and see the house? It require large scale redecoration. I'm going to ask you to take care of it so that you can have a home that you have always dreamed of.'

Once she saw the house from inside, Khushi fell in more love with the house, when she saw an open courtyard. That was one of the things she loved about the traditional houses in Lucknow. This place was very different from the minimalistic, urban landscape of the flat Arnav lived in.

Khushi was overjoyed at the prospect of living in the house with Arnav and their children some day.

After the visit of their new home, Arnav drove Khushi to his flat. Through the car drive Khushi had remained silent, overwhelmed by how things had changed between them. Arnav was going out of his way to demonstrate his commitment to this wedding. This pleased Khushi a lot, but it also made her very scared. She didn't want to wake up one fine day and find out that all of this was gone in a jiffy. She said a small prayer to Devi Mayya asking her to protect their relationship.

Arnav saw Khushi lost in her thoughts, he had a good idea of the emotions she was experiencing . He held her hands with his free hand and placed a tender kiss on her knuckles which made Khushi smile at him softly.

As soon as Arnav parked his car in the car park of his apartment, Khushi unbuckled her seat belt and reached him in a jiffy to kiss him on his lips. Thank you.' I love you.' She whispered as she continued to shower kisses on his lips, face and ears. Arnav tried to hold her closer so that he could reciprocate her kiss more deeply, but the car seating arrangement acted as a barrier.

Do you want to get out of this place and go home?' He asked her breaking their kiss. Khushi nodded her head in agreement as her eyes reflected the desire that she found in Arnav's eyes.

The elevator ride was a torture for both of them as they both fought against every fibre of their body screaming at them to touch and hold each other. As soon as the doors of the elevator opened, Arnav pulled Khushi out. He then took his keys to unlock the main door. But in his restlessness to open the door he started fumbling. Khushi placed her back against the door while Arnav was trying to unlock it and then took Arnav's lips in a teasing kiss. Just at that time the door opened and Arnav pushed Khushi inside. As soon as Arnav closed the door, Khushi tried to escape from his hold.

He held her arms more strongly and growled, Not today Khushi. Its been so long since I... since we... I have never gone this long without...' he let the words hanging as he gave Khushi a good idea of how desperate he was to make love to her.

I have missed you too.' Khushi said with hey eyes looking down as she admitted to missing him physically for the first time.

Hearing that, Arnav lifted her and carried her to the couch. The bedroom seemed too far away. he deposited her on the couch none too gently.

He started kissing her while he began to unzip her kurt and then got rid of her leggings.

Im not on the pill.' Khushi said as Arnav began to do crazy things to her with his fingers and lips.

Dont worry, I will use a condemn.' He replied as he then divested his clothes to join Khushi on the couch.

Much later while they were lying on the bed, Khushi was twirling with the splash of hair on Arnav's chest while he closed his eyes and held her close.

So what do you think about having and raising children?'

Arnav continued to keep his eyes closed.

What about them?'

Are you still against the ides of having children?'

Arnav pulled her closer. I dont know. Agreeing to this wedding is a big deal to me Khushi. Give me time to settle down into my new life.'

I understand.' She replied and started massaging the place below Arnav's eyes slowly.

I also want us to do a lot of things after the marriage, things we haven't been able to do before. I want us to go travelling. I want us to go on a back-packing trip across Europe and then Australia next year. I used to travel a lot until two years ago and then my hectic work-life got the better of me. But now I want you to experience this side of life and enjoy it to the fullest. I plan on taking a six months break form work next year to do all of this. We cant do any of that if you want children.'

No I want to go travelling too. I have had a sheltered life Arnav. I want to experience the kind of life you have experienced. I want to meet people, travel, see new places, do new things. I would love that. You are right, lets make the fullest of the next few years. We can think about children later.'

Thank you Khushi.'

After a short while, he asked her, So what do you want? A beach or countryside?'

Khushi looked at him with confusion.

Im asking you about our honeymoon. Do you want to go to a beach resort or stay put up in the countryside in the middle of nowhere?'

When Khushi hadn't replied, he added teasingly, Not that it matters, but we can stay home too if you want. After all what I have planned for our honeymoon involves nothing except a bed or a couch unless you want to try doing it in the beach or the forest.

Khushi smacked him in return as she replied shyly, I would love to go to a beach.'

Thank God you said beach. I'd love to see you in swimwear, preferably in a bikini, not that it is going to stay for long.'

And this time Khushi punched him in his stomach as Arnav then proceeded to demonstrate to her how he would punish her for hitting him.

""""""""""-

The next morning Arnav came to the airport to see Khushi off. Khushi's parents gave the two newly engaged couple some much needed privacy.

Its just four more weeks.' Arnav said as he had begun to count days to the wedding after Khushi would be with him forever.

Yes, twenty eight days. Ill miss you Arnav.'

So will I.'

She then placed a kiss on his forehead and said, Thanks for yesterday. Im leaving Delhi with some of the happiest memories of my life. I can't wait for us to be married so that I can finally begin living my dream.''

"""""""""-

A week later Arnav met up with a few old friends at a pub. He was surprised to find Lavanya in the same pub. The two of them got talking and then Arnav shared the news of his marriage, with Lavanya. She was completely shocked by this development. In the time she had been with Arnav she had never thought that this day would come.

Lavanya was pleased for him and congratulated him. But as the evening progressed and drinks were being consumed at a frightening pace, Lavanya got drunk and began asking Arnav uncomfortable questions.

Why are you really getting married to her Arnav?

I told you Lavanya I love her.'

Are you sure it is only love, or where you being arm-twisted into this wedding by Khushi and your family.'

What nonsense La. You are definitely drunk.Mmaybe you should call it a night.'

Don't misunderstand me Arnav. I have known you for long. People like you aren't cut-out for things like marriage.' She then added, If this is what you want too, then I'm happy for you. But I don't think thats the case.' And when Arnav's eyes showed something akin to acknowledgement for a split second, Lavanya added, 'Even you eyes are telling me that Arnav. If you aren't sure about this then dont do this to Khushi. No girl deserves this.'

Good night Lavanya. I met you after a long time and decided to give you company. But it looks like you need to go home, sleep and get over your hangover.'

As Arnav started walking away, he heard Lavanya ask, Why not me Arnav?'

Arnav turned around, If you were open to a marriage why was it not with me? I loved you dearly, you knew that. Why Khushi?'

Arnav decided not to prolong the discussion any further and walked away.

"""""""""

A couple of weeks later Akaash had organised a small bachelor's party for Arnav. Akaash and all of Arnav's friend wanted a bachelor's party of the traditional kind with a stripper and free flowing alcohol. Arnav wasn't keen on the idea as he didn't want to baby-sit drunk, married men who would use the party as an excuse to misbehave. But due to constant pressure and requests Arnav agreed.

Arnav decided to tell the truth to Khushi about the party, against the advice of his friends who warned him that no woman would like it. He didn't want to hide anything from her. When Khushi heard about the plan she flipped out.

How can you agree to a stripper Arnav?'

Khushi this wasn't easy. I tried to refuse but Akaash and my friends put their foot down and wanted one. You have to remember that Akaash's wedding preparations were low-key due to my accident. So I had to agree.'

This is so not fair. Would you like it if my friend hired a male stripper for me.'

Arnav was getting annoyed with Khushi, he had been honest with her. The least she could was trust him. Do as you please Khushi. But if you think you can start bossing me around and make decisions about what I should do, then you are wrong.' After saying that he disconnected the call and threw it in his bed and he left home to attend the party.

"""""-

Just as Arnav was imagined the party was more of an excuse for his friends to have a good time than for Arnav to celebrate his impending wedding. He saw some of his married friends completely out of their wits, misbehaving round the strippers. Is that what marriage did to people?' He asksed himself.

After a long night of partying some of his friends and Akaash came over to his flat to spend the night as they felt that they were in no condition to go home. As they were sitting in the living room some of the men made light of how Arnav's life would change after the wedding, how he was signing himself up to a life of imprisonment.

Arnav you have no idea what you have got yourself into. You were fine all this while with your no marriage policy, but then why did you give into this stupidity and change?' A friend asked.

Once you are married you have to sign over your life over to your wife. She will have you by your balls literally. You will have to wonder constantly, whether whatever you are doing would upset your wife and invite another round of tear-works.'

Khushi isn't like that. We have know each other for long. She has always given me the space I need.'

Thats what they all say. But trust me once you get married things change overnight. Its like they have a leash around your neck constantly to control you and your life. There is no I' after a marriage. You are going to get screwed man.' His heavily intoxicated friend started laughing uncontrollably like as if he had cracked a joke. Arnav found Akaash grinning like an idiot.

Why are you grinning away Akaash. Payal is a very understanding woman. Don't pretend like she controls your life.' Arnav admonished his brother.

Oh Arnav you dont know.' Akaash mumbled. Ever since she got pregnant all I do is to dance to her tunes.'

What nonsense!' Arnav replied.

The other day I met up with a few friends after ages for dinner. We got talking and before we knew it was close to midnight. Payal was furious with me. She made me feel guilty about leaving her alone while she was pregnant, although her parents were home. She made it seem like I got her pregnant on purpose and then let her all alone to deal with it while partying every single night away. Since then I have stopped going out. Even for today I had to ask her a zillion times to make sure she was fine with it.'

At that point Akaash's phone started ringing. And the headmistress is calling again to crack the whip.' He got up and decided to take the call from a quiet place.

After making sure that his friends all found a place to sleep in his house, Arnav went back to his room and took his phone out. There were a few missed calls from Khushi and one message. Im sorry Arnav, I over reacted. I hope you have fun.' Arnav closed the message and decide to call it a night.

xxx

I love this song, true genius!

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_o7f8P_pKg[/YOUTUBE]

A/N- Im going to try and post the next chapter tonight.

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