Arshi: Before It Is Too Late(Part- 37 Last Part pg 50) 19/7/2014 - Page 27

All of them settle in leaving room.

For Khushi everything is new but still she feels home.

Anjali brings Ayush. He is now bigger and reacts in sounds and voices.

Khushi takes him in her arms and at once she feels attached to him.

Ayush also welcomes with her with a big smile.

Suddenly a voice comes from the doorstep, approaching towards them... "Hello hai bye bye... what iz this? Doorwa aaisan openwa karike rakkhi hai... chorwa ko invitation deihi ke liye ka... arre o Hariprakash cloze kari... aur ee bahar kiske carwa ma se barking ki souundz aai rahi... hello hai byeee..." Mamiji comes to screaching halt seeing Khushi(HHBB... what is this? you have kept the door open as to invite thieves... HP, close the door... and from who's car this barking sound is coming, outside? HHBByeee... )

Her record gets stuck seeing her. She doesn't even notice Arnav passing her.

The next moment she holds her head and falls straight on the ground. Everyone rushes to her. They all make her lie on the sofa. Anjali sprinkles water on her face which brings her back to consciousness.

She springs up on the sofa and looks around. Again she sees Khushi and rubs her eyes as to be sure t is no hallucination. Then she says something like "BHUuuT" with horror in her eyes.

All of them laughs and Khushi too and says copying her, "Hello Hai Mamiji, Hum ghostwa nahi sach me hai... hello hai bye bye" (I am real not ghost)
At the same time they all hears a "Wouff" from background and all turns to see the source of the sound and then shock will be an understatement to describe their condition.

What do you expect them to do if they see ASR is standing with a puppy in his arms, which is staring them and letting them know his arrival with his soft barking?
Nani is the first one to come out of the trance and asks, "ee kya hai Arnav bitwa?" (What is it AB?)

Arnav glares at NK who comes in front and explains about Daboo.

They all welcome Daboo whole heatedly as he is special.

Khushi introduces Daboo to everyone (smelling introduction).

Daboo also being a gentleman says hello or woufff to all.

After a while Nani asks Arnav to take Khushi in her room.

Her room' the thought brings another thought as it is Arnavji's room too. She feels excited yet little scared. She thinks though she is married to this person but this person is still unknown for her. How she will be able to share same room with him? But looking at Arnav she feels I trust this man'. He can never go against her will.
Arnav opens his hand for herto take and come with him. Khushi with a smile places her hand on his and gets up to go with him but turns remembering something and asks to Nani, Nani ji aap to amma, babooji aur buaji ke saath trith gaye the na to aap iiha hai to iska matlab wo log bhi aa gaye hain. Phir wo log kaha hain? Milne keu nehi aaye humse? (Nani ji if you are here then amma, babooji and buaji are also back then why they didn't come to meet me?)

Payel answers her question, Wo Khushi Nani ji aaj subha hi lauti hai lekin amma, babooji aur buaji Delhi lautne wajaye Lucknow chale gaye. Wo unhe pata nehi hai na... par tu fikar mat kar... Akash ji ne unhe phone kar diya hai aur flight tickets bhi bhej diye hai wo log kal subha aa jayenge... (Actually they didn't know about you and left for Lucknow rather coming back in Delhi. But you don't worry Akash ji has sent flight tickets and asked them to come. They will be here by morning.)
Khushi becomes very happy with the news and goes with Arnav to see her room for the second first time.

Khushi gets awestruck seeing the interior of the room.
Arnav watches her amused expression with a smile of satisfaction on his lips. The feeling is so peaceful when the thought revolves in his mind that Khushi is back in his life.
He cannot stop smiling. He feel as if no other thought or fear can touch him now.

Well he could never be more wrong!

UUUWOOOU!!!!

SPLASHHH!!!!!

Ha Ha Ha!!!

Wondering what happened...

Arnav thought no fear or problem can touch him anymore. But he has forgotten about the biggest problem of his life which he has left free after entering the room, is running around.

Khushi is been wondering in the room and goes to see the poolside and Arnav follows her too.

Arrnav is about to show his plants to Khushi when The Devil comes running in excitement and Arnav's leg gets stuck in his leash. Daboo doesn't stop and Arnav loses his balance and falls straight in pool screaming.

Khushi starts laughing. But Daboo the Devil, least bother about Arnav's pitiful state, shakes his body free from the water splashed all over him during the fall and walks aside majestically ignoring the fierce grunt of Arnav and Khushi's tinkling laughter.

Standing in knee deep water fully drenched, Arnav thinks, if someone from outside comes to know the great ASR is getting harassed by a puppy now and then, then what respect will be left of him. Everyone will laugh on him.

He knows if he boils his blood, it will be no use because as he looks on he finds the troublemaker sitting peacefully in a dry corner busy licking clean his paw.

Khushi finally sobers up and gives her hand to help Arnav up.

Arnav sighs and takes the hand but in a moment he pulls her in the water too and with a lopsided smile says, "Ab hasso" (now laugh)

Khushi hasn't expected something like this from Arnav so she stares him too shocked to react and Arnav sprinkles a little water on her face to bring her back in her senses.

Khushi now blinks open her eyes and puts her both hand on waist, a posture that says ready-to- fight and says, "Ye kya Arnav ji aapne hume keu khich liya. Humne thori na aapko giraya tha? (What did you do Arnav ji? Why did you pull me? Did I drop you in water?)

Arnav looks at her baby face and says with his usual smile, "Sorry but you were laughing too much."

Khushi pouts.

Arnav now gets out of the pool and give his hand to help Khushi and says smiling, "If you want you can take your revenge or just come out before you catch cold."

Khushi first stares him for a second and then holds his hand to come out. Arnav pulls her out and both walk in the room.

Daboo watches them moving inside while licking his nose in between. He gets up and stretches his body and starts to follow them. But this time Arnav slides the door on time and shows his index finger to him as if saying "Watch it! This is my territory."

Daboo peeps in to look for his savior but she has already gone inside the bathroom to change.

Arnav smiles lopsided and Daboo makes a innocent face and says KAWN! (Let me in)

Arnav smirks before closing the curtain and sighs out in relief. (at least for some time)

They hear a knock on the door and Arnav goes to open the door.

It is Anjali who is standing on the doorstep.

Arnav smiles at her but she completely ignores him and asks Khushi with Smile, "Khushi hum aa jaye" (Khushi, May I come in?)

Khushi says gleaming, Di aap ko puchne ki kya jarurat hai?

Anjali, Thank you. She walks in to Khushi without acknowledging Arnav.
Arnav stands there hurt.

Anjali and Khushi both settle on bed and Anjali now turns to Arnav and says keeping a straight face, Arnav I want to talk to Khushi in private, will you please excuse us?

Arnav feels the pain doubled. He has hoped to hear Chotey from her mouth after he brings Khushi.

But anyways he leaves with a beating heart, thinking, what Di is going to talk to her?

After making sure Arnav is gone, Anjali caresses Khushi's head with a mother's affection and then takes her hand in hers and says with bright smile, "Khushi aapko yaad nehi par hume hai ke kaise humari mulakat hui thi aur uss din jab aapne aapna naam muskuratain hue hume bataya tha tabhi hume pata chal gaya tha ke ye sirf aapka naam hi nehi, aapki pahchan bhi hai... (Khushi you don't remember but I do... that how we met first time, and that day when you said beaming that your name is Khushi,I knew it is not just a name but your identity too.)"

Khushi is already touched by Anjali's affection and touch. She can hear the love and care in her voice. Her eyes become moist when she sees how Anjali is controlling her tears.

Anjali continues, "I was selfish to let the happiness go from our life so I kept you around any way possible... I wanted to bring you in our home forever and I got Arnav and you married. You came in this house and in a few days you made your place in our hearts though you already had a place in my heart but now you made a place of little sister. You were just like Arnav for me even more because when Arnav stood against me, you were with me..." Anjali pauses for a moment to get control on her tears and to wipe Khushi's tears... "Reason I am telling you all these because I want to tell you tum chahe socho ke tum iis Raizada pariwar ki bahu ho, but for me you were, are and always will be daughter like sister. Never forget and remember this always that our relation is much more that what it seems to you right now."

Khushi just nods as her heart is filled with Anjali's words that she doesn't find any word to express her emotion other than shading tears of joy.

Anjali in response says, Mujhe pata nehi ke tumhe Arnav ne kya aur kitna bataya hai par ek pati patni ke rishtey ko samajh ne aur janne ka nazariya pati aur patni ka dono ka hi alag hota hai. Arnav ne aapna najariya aur aapni taraf ki baat tumhe bataya hoga par tumhari baat to tumhe yad nehi... tumhare liye ye rista aab utnahi naya hai jitna shadi ke pahle din tha, aur tumhe to ye saadi bhi yaad nehi... iis liye tumhari man ki baat aur sankoch ko main samajh sakti hu aur iisi liye jab tak tum aapne aur Arnav ke vich ki rishtey ko samajh bujh na lo tab tak tum chaho to alag kamre me rah sakti ho (I don't know what Arnav has told you and how far but I know that in a husband-wife relation both husband and wife has their own viewpoint to understand the relationship. Arnav has told his part, his point of view about the relationship between you and Arnav but for your part is missing. For you this relation is as new as the first day of you marriage and you don't remember the wedding too... So I can understand your uneasiness and that is why, till the time you don't understand and realize the depth of your relation with Arnav you can live separately)... You know I can understand... I can arrange that for you.

Khushi is taken aback thinking how much she loves and cares for her just as she said like a daughter like sister'. Otherwise no other sister in law would have thought so much for her brother's wife, more than her own brother. She is truly like a mother.

Khushi now wipes her tears and says with a bright smile, "Di jab tak aapse mile nehi thi tab tak pata nehi tha ke humne ek kitna khubsurut rishta bhula diya hai par aab khushi iis baat ki hai ke hume wo rista aur pyaar dono ek baar phir mil gaya hai. Aap sahi hai Arnav ji ke saath humara rishte ko leke mere mann me sankoch hai lekin bhorosa bhi hai Arnav ji pe, ke wo hume mauka denge unhe aur iis rishtey ko samajh ne ka. Humne iin kuch dino me unhe jitna jana hai, hume bishwas hai ke wo kabhi bhi kuch aaisa nehi karenge jisse humare bharose ko chot paouche. Iisi liye main unke saath hi rahna chahti hu take hum unhe puri tarha se jaan sake. (Di I haven't realized till the time I met you that I have forgotten such beautiful relation but I am happy to get that love and affection back. You are right to think that I am still not comfortable enough with this new found relationship with Arnav ji. But I believe Arnav ji will give the time and space till I get comfortable. How far I have known him in this few days, I trust him that he will never cross his limits or hurt me. So I want to stay with him to know him better.)

Anjali smiles and says, "Tum jaisa chaho Khushi... par kabhi bhi kuch bhi pareshani ho to bejijhak aapne Di ke paas chali aana. Ye Di humesha aapni Khushi ke saath hai. (As you wish but if you feel troubled then without any hesitation you can come to me. I am always there for you)"

Khushi, Thank You Di.

Anjali cups his face and kisses her forehead and gets up to leave.

She turns thinking I wish your trust never breaks. I wish I wouldn't have read that diary. I wish if I could have trusted in your trust... I wish... a sigh escapes before she prays ardently, God bless you Khushi and give you the courage to face the truth one day.' She turns back once more to see a beaming Khushi before she finally leaves the room.

Khushi comes down followed by Dabboo.

Much to Arnav's annoyance Dabboo's dog house has been settled in poolside. So now he will be always around Arnav and what is irritating him most that his precious garden will be now his private loo. But, what to do? No one will listen to him. That innocent face troublemaker has everyone's support, especially of two important ladies of his life.

NK is staying here for tonight and tomorrow only will leave after Guptas' arrival.
With everyone Khushi enjoys her dinner. She tells Arnav and Daboo's event back at Shimla, their funny episodes which cause a roar of laughter in the dining table, much to Arnav's disapproval and annoyance.

But soon a smile blooms on his lips as sees his family's laugh.

Late at night Khushi enters in bedroom with Daboo and finds Arnav at poolside.
She walks to him but before that she signs Daboo to go to his place and Daboo being the obedient mommy's boy follows her instruction silently but before that he makes sure to take his favorite toy, a rubber bone.

Khushi now goes and stands beside Arnav, who is lost in the stars. She follows his gaze and looks up. While looking at her amma-babooji she asks, "Uss din aapne kaha tha ke...(that day you told me that), then says exact Arnav have said that day, ...someone once told me when your loved one dies...becomes a star, and watches us from there." (Arnav, who is aware of her arrival,is amused to see that she remembers word to word he has said)...Uss waqt hume laga tha ke aaisa kaun hai jiski soch bilkul meri jaisi hai aur aapne kaha tha... (That time I thought who the person is who thinks just like me and you said..)

"...Someone very special..." Arnav completes her sentence with a smile.

Khushi now slowly turns her head towards him and says looking at his brown orbs intensely, "aur humare puchne pe aapne kaha tha ki wo insaan bohot khas hai aur ... (not just close and when I asked you said the person is really special and) ... she starts to say what Arnav has said that time... But again Arnav completes her sentence with the words he has spoken once to her only"... She is my heart..." while looking back at her black pair of eyes, with same intensity.

Khushi continues in a hypnotic voice, "hume laga ke aaisa kaunsa iinsaan hai jo humari jaisi soch rakhti ho aur aap ke dil me rahti ho... (I thought who could be the person who thinks like me and lives in your heart...)

Arnav smiles making and says, "and you felt jealous..."

With his words the spell breaks and Khushi blushes as she says, "Shayed... Par aaj hume pata hai uss din aap humare bare me baat kar rahe the, haina? (May be... but today I know you were talking about me that day, right.)

Arnav nods with a smile.

Khushi, "aap ko iis baat pe bhorosa hai?"(You really have belief in this)

Arnav, "You do have, right"

Khushi, "Humesha se (since ever)"

Arnav, Then I have faith in your believe.

Khushi is amazed to listen to Arnav... he really has said that... how much this man has faith in her and smiles with the realization that this is only possible in love...
She feels the love in his heart for her; she feels the love in the air making the atmosphere so romantic...

...cloudless starry sky, half moon, cool breeze, sweet smell of flowers of the garden, light waves in the pool water, and above all the two beating hearts full with feelings for each other...

They find themselves loosing in each other's eyes...
...and for some reason today the little devil sleeps peacefully in his den and doesn't interrupt in their romantic moment.

This moment could have been endless... till the end of the earth... but a shooting star catches Khushi's attention in the background and she grabs Arnav's shoulder in excitement and turns him to that direction. She says pointing towards the star, in excitement,"Wo dekhiye tutta tara jaldise koi wish mangiye (Look a shooting star, make a wish first)" and she puts her palm in his eyes. she closes hers too.
Arnav feels her palm and its softness on his shoulder and closes his eyes in contentment... he smiles and thinks, "what can I wish more when you are with me. I just hope that I can feel this touch and the warmth of yours forever. Stay in my life and be my Khushi forever."

On the other hand Khushi wishes, "Hume jo yaad nehi aab uska hume koi gila nehi bass humari nayi jindegi me Arnavji aur humre pariwar ka saath humse kabhi na chute... aur jaise humne pichle jindegi ki kahaniya sune hai sabse waise hi humari aage ki zindegi ek khubsurat kahani ki tarh ho... jiske har pal yaadgar ho. (I don't have any regret for what I have forgotten, anymore. The only thing I wish in my new life, I never get separated from Arnavji and my family, ever again... and the way I have heard stories of my forgotten past from all, same way I want my life to be a beautiful tale, ahead... every moment of it become memorable.)

Khushi opens her eyes and looks at Arnav, who is standing with his hands in pockets and she has her hand on his eyes, she has covered his eyes in attempt to make him wish for something, and a pleasant smile plastered on his face... she takes her hand back smiling at the serene look on his face.

Both look at each other and ask at the same time," tumne kya manga?"-Arnav, "aapne kya maanga"-Khushi, and then both laugh.

Finally Khushi says, "Kahte hai wish bata dene se puri nehi hoti hai (They say, if you disclose your wish it never becomes real)"

Arnav says smiling, "True... and what can we wish more than our togetherness."
Khushi is amazed yet again and says, "aap kya humesha se aaise hi hai? (are you like this always?)"

Arnav- Kaise?

Khushi- aaise hi iitne ache? (Like this a good human being)

In an instance all the moments when he has been cruel to her flashes before his eyes and his face changes color but that is for a few seconds as he controls his thoughts and says with a faint smile, "The good soul in you change everything around for good and better, like it has done to me"

Khushi thinks I am falling for him more and more. If he keeps on talking like this then I will be mad in love in no time...' She takes a step forward in a trance and Arnav follows her step putting a step forth and both come closer in an inch distance.

Khushi's gaze is fixed in Arnav's honey eyes.

Arnav's glance is roaming all over her face.

Khushi's glance slowly moves down in his lips and Arnav's eyes read her look. His glance fixes on her cherry lips. He lowers his head and his lips come just near hers. Khushi closes her eyes and stands still. Arnav holds her arms which makes her shiver. But instead of locking his lips with hers Arnav raises his head and smiles at her, who is breathing heavily. He gives a small kiss on her forehead.

Khushi's eyes shot open and she realizes with a jolt that how she has fallen weak just moments back before the magnetic pull of her husband Arnav. She blushes furiously and runs to go in. But looks back to see the man who knows his limit, hasn't taken advantage of her weakness rather silently has kept his unsaid promise... to give her all the time she needs to grow in this relation.

Khushi turns and goes in, while Arnav watches her standing in same place.

Khushi lies in bed, still blushing thinking of her stupid act.
Arnav enters in the bedroom after a while and Khushi closes her eyes pretending asleep.

She feels Arnav closing figure... but when she doesn't feel anything beside her, she opens her eyes only to see Arnav is settling on the recliner for the night.
Khushi asks surprised, "aap waha kya kar rahe hai?" (what are you doing there?)
Arnav understands that she isn't been sleeping and curses himself for his own stupidity and says composing his words, hesitantly, "wo actually I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable so..."

Khushi understands his unsaid words too and feels proud to get him in her life but says in a normal tone, "Ek minute rukiye. (Wait a min)"

She starts making a pillow wall in the middle of the bed and Arnav watches her with a smile thinking of the other night sometimes back when she has done the same, but that time and situation have been a lot different from tonight.

Khushi completes her work and says smiling to him, "aab aake iiha so jayiye, kisi ko bhi problem nehi hogi. (come and sleep here now, none of us will have any issue.)"

Arnav half closes his eyes in acceptance and goes to sleep beside her.

Both sleep in a good night tight sleep, dreaming sweet things about each other.

Arnav wakes early in the morning as to follow his usual routine of jogging. He stretches his arms and that time his glance falls on Khushi who is still sleeping like a princess.

Arnav stares her for a while as he never gets enough of watching her. Finally he smiles at his Majnu panti' and goes to get ready for his morning exercise.

He comes back a little early then usual time from jogging today wishing to spend time with Khushi. He is about to climb the stairs when Anjali calls him from behind. He turns and sees her serious face.

He walks to her, who drags him to the poolside through the adjacent door.

Anjali in a stern but low voice says to a surprised Arnav, "I know you have not said the whole truth to her and I also can't say it now because of her delicate condition. But remember one thing dare not to cross your limit with her. She has lost her past 2 years but you and I both remember what she has gone through in those years. So before the whole truth reveals before her and she takes a decision, you will keep distance from her... am I clear." She looks straight in his eyes.

Unable to look at her eyes, he lowers his head and nods positively with a feeling of guilt.

Anjali leaves the place being sure that he will not disobey her, leaving a shattered Arnav behind.

Anjali knows her harsh behavior is stabbing her little brother every moment but she can't forgive him thinking what he has done to her little sister. He has failed her as a mother and elder sister. But she will not fail in protecting her Khushi, not again.

Arnav goes to his room half-heatedly but his mood changes in a moment when he sees Khushi brushing her wet hairs in front of the mirror... he reminds the first morning after their marriage... she has looked as beautiful as today.

He takes a few steps towards her and Khushi sees him through the mirror. She is about to turn when Arnav stops her and signs her to look at the mirror...

Arnav takes out something from his jacket and says, "agar tum mujhe samnese dekhogi (if you look at me straight) then I won't be able to give you what I have brought for you..."

Khushi looks questioningly and Arnav says in husky tone, "I haven't got the opportunity to give you this before..." He brings forth his hand and Khushi sees a red rose and her eyes light up and cheeks turn crimson red. Arnav whispers lowering his head till her ear, "I don't know if you like this one or not but I have heard this flower and specially this color tells the feeling of one's heart to another... so I thought nothing could be better to tell you, you are special' and I will never fail to tell you this every morning of my life..."

Khushi is blushing immensely. A sensation runs through her body when her hand touches his, while taking the flower from his hand. Her eyes meet his brown orbs through the mirror and unable to take the sensual look any more she looks down and says, "Hume ye phool aur aapke ye andaaz dono pasand aaye. (The rose and your style, I like them both.)"

Arnav lowers his head a little bowing in acceptance of her praising and smiling at her bashfulness leaves to get fresh.

Khushi is still standing there before mirror, holding the flower and blushing profusely looking at her own reflection. Her trance breaks with HP's call for breakfast.

They are about to finish their breakfast when all Raizada family hear the door bell and HP goes to open the door.

Guptas enter the house and seeing them Khushi jumps off her chair and runs to them.

Garima, Sashi and Madhumatji stand rooted to their place when they see Khushi is rushing to them. Are they hallucinating? But how come all together? No it is her.
Khushi thrusts herself on the first person near her, Buaji.

Buaji says with tears, Titeliya... and unable to speak more only caresses her hairs.
Garima and Shashi come out from their shock and says together "KHUSHI".

Khushi goes to them and hugs them both.

The scene becomes so emotional that all present there have tears in their eyes.
Guptas still not able to believe that they are seeing their Khushi before their eyes rains a dozen of questions while kissing every inch of her face and touching her body to confirm her presence.

Arnnav and NK patiently give all their answer and they all settle in living room.
Akash and Arnav both have taken leave from office today so they also join the chat room.

Suddenly everyone hears a loud... "Hai re Nandkis****!" and turns to Buaji who is been sitting on a single couch with them. All see her sitting startled with her leg folded on couch.

In a minute all understand the reason of her shock...Daboo, who has just entered the spot after long sleep and healthy breakfast, served by Khushi and has come to meet the new guests in the house.

Buaji, "ee ka hai? (what is this?)"

Khushi, "ye Daboo hai Buaji mere saath aaya hai. (He is Daboo, came with me.)"

Buaji in astonished voice while keeping her hand on forehead, "Daboo!... eek aha se mila tumko? (where did you find him?)

Khushi explains her how she has got him as gift from NK.

Buaji, "Hai re Nandkis****, aur kuch nahi mila tumko uphar den eke liye? (didn't you find anything else for gift?)"

Arnav thinks at least one person thinks like him and thanks Buaji whole heartedly in his mind.

Khushi picks him up and says, "Keu Buaji kitna payara to hai? (why Buaji? he is so cute.)

"Cute, my foot! He is a Devil. The villain of my love story, thinks Arnav, keeping a straight face.

Nani supports Khushi, Khushi bitiya thik kahat rahi, bohot pyara hai. (yes Khushi is right, he is very cute.)

Nani you too, I thought at least you will oppose', Arnav in mind.

Mami, Hello hai bye bye... he iz very cutewa... hum thinking karat rahi agar isko lei ke hum morning walkwa jai kari, phir humara kamarwa ka sige aisanhi mindblowinz rahi humesha. (he is very cute and I am thinking to go for morning walk with him then my waist size will be mind-blowing as always)

Arnav has no words to explain his frustration over the growing excitement in the room for only enemy of his love life. He glares at Daboo who is peacefully sitting on Khushi's lap and staring everyone. Oh how much he wishes to throw him out of that place and make himself comfortable there. His chain of thoughts breaks when he hears Mamaji muttering something beside him...

Mamji, usse kamar nehi karma kahte hai Mono, jhut aaisa bolo jo dikhai na de. (that is a room size waist Monorama, well when lie see to it that no one knows the truth.)
Arnav and Akash both have heard what he has muttered and suppress their grin.
NK says encouraging Mami ji, "way to go Mamiji, all the best."

Mamiji overwhelmed says, "Thankz bitwa."

Garima who has been laughing silently now says, "aab hume chalna chahiye bohot waqt hui gay... (now we should leave...)

Shashi and Buaji support her and get ready to go.

Khushi and Payel, both of their face drop hearing this. Anjali notice that.

Anjali says looking at Garima, Auntyji abhi to aaplog aaye hai, aur kitne dino baad mil rahe hai aapne bitiwo se, abhi kya jayengi? Ekdum sham ke chaye ke baad aapne bitiwo saath leke jayiyega. (untyji you have just come ... and you have met your daughters after so long, why do you want to go so early? You will go only after evening tea with your daughters.)

First it takes a few minutes to comprehend what she has said for others and Payel and Khushi both jump in joy and Guptas become very happy too as they also have wanted the same but thinking about their damads haven't said anything. They thank Anjali whole heatedly.

But two face drop at the same time, Arnav and Akash's.

A low what the' escape from Arnav's mouth.

Shyam understands their situation and smiles. He says looking at Anjali, "what is this Anjali. Why are you torturing these poor husbands? What they will do without their loving wives?"

He says so dramatically that everyone laughs excluding two couples. The wives blush profusely and the husbands look here and there, as if searching for a flying mosquito.

Anjai now says, "ha thik hai ye log humesha ke liye nehi ja rahe, kuch dino ki baat hai." (its okay they are not going forever, only a matter of few days.)

Akash and Arnav both together say loud, "Kuch din!!"

Shyam now says in fake serious voice," don't behave like love sick puppies boys".

Arnav glares and Akash winks at him.

Another roar of laugh echoes in the hall

The morning passes like a joy ride.

Arnav escapes from there and comes back to his room. He finds Khushi is packing for her trip to Gupta house. He just stands and watches her movements with closed arms and dark face.

Khushi feels his gaze on her and lifts her eyes from the bag and looks towards the door. She sees his gloomy face and realizing the reason hides a smile. She says, aap waha keu khare hai? (Why are you standing there?)

Arnav now walks to her while Khushi rises from her seat on bed. Arnav comes more closer and asks, Will you miss me?

Khushi stares at him. The question is unexpected but then she thinks will she really?' Whatever the relation they have but she knows him only for few days, so is she really going to miss his sight and the answers comes from her heart- Yes and with Arnav's next query she realizes that she has spoke her heart loud. Arnav asks, Then will you return early?'

Khushi is feeling too shy to say anything but she nods in yes and hurries to leave.
Arnav stands rooted to his spot thinking how cute she looks when she blushes.

At night Arnav lies on bed only to stay awake looking at his side where Khushi slept last night. He is missing her terribly. He has never wanted to let her go an inch away from his eyes. But he wants to fulfill her every wish as this one (to go with her parents).

After lot of twist and turn on bed he finally decides to call her though it is late.

Khushi sees the light of the phone in the darkness of her room. She sees it is flashing Arnav ji calling' and unknowingly a smile appears on her face and she takes the call but after coming out of the room as Payel is sleeping and she doesn't want to bother her or rather let her tease her later.

Hello, (Khushi smiles while taking the phone)

Hello Khushi, (Arnav's husky low voice comes from the other end)

Arnav ji aap intni raatko? Nind nehi aa rahi hai? (Arnav ji you are calling so late at night? Not feeling sleepy?)

You also didn't sleep... tum theek ho? (The husky voice speaks again)

Ji hum thik hai lekin aapko kya hua? (I am alright but what happened to you?) (She is blushing)

What happened to me? (Arnav asks a little surprised)

Nind keu nehi aa rahi hai? Kahi tabiyat to kharab nehi hai? (Whay aren't you feeling sleepy? Aren't you feeling well?) (She is genuinely concern)

After a little pause Arnav says, Nehi, tum nehi ho... And his voice trails off (No, not that, you are not here...)

Khushi is not expecting this answer and becomes speechless for a moment.

Arnav takes the opportunity and adds, I am missing you.

Khushi feels shy and blushes heavily but manages to say, So jayiye... bohot raat ho gayi hai. Hum bhi chalet hai bye. (Go to sleep... It is very late now. I am also going. Bye)

Arnav says bye too but feels disappointed. In a corner he has hoped that she will say that she misses him too, but never mind.

After much trying he finally manages to slip into a dreamless sleep.

Next morning the door bell of Gupta House rings and luckily it is Khushi who has opened the door.

Luckily because it is a parcel for Khushi and the interesting part is the delivery man is Aman whom she has seen before. So it is clear that the parcel is from Arnav. She takes the tiny pen case kind of box wrapped in red paper and goes to her room. No one is there as Payel and Buaji have gone neighbor's place and Garima is busy in cooking. Shashi has also gone out to bring her daughters' favorite sweets, mostly for Khushi as he too wants to make up for the time she isn't been with them.

Khushi, impatiently with a throbbing heart opens the parcel and discovers a red rose in the case. She instantly remembers what Arnav has said last morning," you are special and I will never fail to tell you this every morning of my life..." ... her cheeks turn into rose color (same in box) at once. She thinks to call him and say thank you and takes her cell to call but decides otherwise. Because she knows she will stumble if she calls now so she waits for him to call at night.

As she thought he calls at night same time and Khushi is been waiting.

Hello,

Hello,

Phirse nind nehi aa rahi hai?(Again you are not getting sleep?) she says in a mischievous tone.

No... Arnav smiles and answers

Hum nehi hai. (I am not there...) in same tone repeats his line.

Yes, I am missing you. (Arnav chuckles and answers)

Missing you too. (Khushi acknowledges and tells the truth to Arnav)

Khushi... (Arnav's voice trails off but Khushi can interpret the happiness in his voice)

Thank you.

Kis liye, (For what?)( Arnav is not in state of thinking and the grin is still on his face.)

Phool ke lliye (Khusi tells)

No need Khushi, (Arnav instantly says) I told you, I will not fail...

... chalte hai good night. (Khushi ends the call before her cheeks hits up more)
Good night. (Arnav chuckles realizing her state)

That night Arnav gets sleep early and also dreams of Khushi.

Next morning Arnav gets ready for office. Looking at the time in his watch Arnav picks his mobile to call Aman to send the parcel but a voice behind stops him in his track. He turns in disbelief and sees Khushi, standing with a tray in her hands and a smile... the cutest smile... on her face.

Arnav doesn't move from his place. How could he? The beauty, wearing a white and pink combination anarkali, with minimum jewelry and make-up, open hair flowing in breeze, is looking heavenly. If he is day dreaming then he doesn't want to blink his eyes, forget moving... but is she really his imagination or is she for real?... but how could it be? When did she come back?

Arnav stands there lost in her and in his thoughts and only comes back from his daze when Khushi again calls him smiling, Arnav ji...

Arnav now knows that she is here and the questions whirling in his mind he shoots all in a breath.

Khushi first gets startled and then chuckles. She keeps the tray aside and then walks to him.

Her smiling face and proximity makes him speechless for a while and Khushi takes the opportunity to answer his questions while tucking the tie inside his waistcoat, hum subha hi aaye jab aap jogging ke liye gaye the (I came when you went for jog)... she halts suddenly as she feels his stare on her and looks up, when her eyes meets his.

How intensely he is looking at her and specially his gaze is following her hand movements on his chest and that is when Khushi realizes that what she is doing. She is acting like a... like a... WIFE.

The moment the thought comes in her mind, her cheeks change color and her lips break into a small smile. She hurriedly takes her hands back and two steps back.
Arnav is in cloud nine. First she has come back after last night her confession that she missed him and now she is implying her wify rights on him. What more he could ask for to make this morning any better.

Khushi makes him hold his coffee and leaves to the poolside garden hurriedly and Arnav watches her in glee, smiling like an idiot.

***

As I promised a big update (I hope you think the same😉)