Jaldi aaiyye Arnavji! Thread Six - Page 22

Awesome update..
i am very happy that u r back!
Arshi as always are awesome!

Great part dear

Firstly I would like to congratulate all IPKKNDians on the 3rd anniversary f our IPKKND!

Thanks to everyone of you for welcoming me back with open arms! It feels like school has reopened after 2 months of summer vacations & I'm

meeting & greeting all my friends! :) While this feeling has evoked wonderful childhood memories,it has also made me realize that whatever writing skills I have today,which you guys praise to no end,is a result of my teachers,who taught prose,poetry,grammar & composition. And also a result of my elders who instilled the "hobby" of reading in me at a very young age & were liberal in their approach towards different languages. There was no hard & fast rule that we had to speak only in our mother tongue when we were at home,which meant that apart from our mother tongue,we also conversed in Hindi/English/Gujarati on a daily basis. And we still do! So I would like to dedicate this 100th part to: a)my teachers b) my elders c) to the enigma called IPKKND & those two unforgettable characters of Arnav & Khushi. They're a vital part of my life now & will be forever! d)to all the readers. I was feeling very guilty yesterday when I read how you'll had been waiting anxiously for me to return. Your prayers & good wishes have yielded result and so,here I am with the 100th part of Jaldi aaiyye Arnavji!

Thanks for being there with me thru this journey,bearing my typos,errors,inconsistencies,slow speed,long & short periods of absence & every other fault & shortcoming with patience & showering love & appreciation in abundance! I honestly dont know if this part is worth the wait or not. Please forgive me if its not..

Thanks for the likes & comments for the previous update. Over to..

Translation for Part 100

*9 P.M. at the departure terminal of Le Havre port*
ArShi were sipping coffee in the sitting area when they heard a loud,ear shattering sound.
Khushi(covering her ear): Hey Devi Maiyya!
Arnav: Its a signal for the passengers. Our cruise liner is here!
Khushi(smiles): Oh really?! Lets go!
Arnav: Have patience! It has just arrived.
He paused to crumple & throw the empty disposable cup in the steel dustbin.
Arnav: The crew must be busy loading the luggage right now. We'll go after 30-40 minutes.
Khushi: Why? Wont they allow us to go inside now?
She threw her half empty cup into the bin,with the coffee.
Arnav: What the..!?
Khushi(makes a face): It was very bitter! Forget about the coffee & answer my question.
Arnav: The answer is no. We'll have to wait for another half an hour so,post which there will be an annoucement for
the passengers. Then we'll be allowed to go inside.
Khushi(sighs): fine. In that case.. there's nothing that I can do,apart from waiting..
Arnav: Exactly!
While Arnav sat coolly,Khushi kept fidgeting in her seat.
She kept turning towards the loudspeaker every few minutes.
Ocassionally she would glance in Arnav's direction with the intention of asking about the time.
But his fierce glare would force her to look away while informing her that the time to embark the cruise liner had,yet,not arrived.
About 35 minutes(which seemed like ages for Khushi) later,there was the announcement that she had been desparately waiting for.
Khushi(holds his hand): Now that we've been officially called for,lets go Arnavji! I'm very excited! I cant wait any longer!
Arnav: Okay,okay! Lets go..
Khushi grins while leaping off her seat.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ArShi were led to the long,slanting gangway which took them to the lounge of the majestic ship.
Khushi realized that the ship was way more huge than how she had imagined it to be.
Khushi(thinks): Sucha huge ship! I'm sure it creates a tsunami in the sea everytime it sails! Poor fishes! They would feel
so scared upon encountering this giant ship!
Meanwhile, Arnav's eyes scanned the empty lounge.
Arnav: Looks like we're the first ones to come onboard.
Khushi: Thats great! Anyways,we were...
She paused when an old lady approached them with a tray full of glasses.
Lady(smiles): Bonjour!
ArShi spoke simultaneously: Merci!
They turned to each other & smiled before turning back to the lady.
Lady: Water?
When they declined,she asked them if they wanted tea,coffee or wine.
Arnav: No,thanks!
As the lady left,Arnav noticed a sad smile on Khushi's lips.
Arnav(holds her hand): What happened?
Khushi: She reminds me of naniji! Its been so many days since I last spoke to her.
Arnav(lightly squeezes her hand): Once we're back at the penthouse,u'll be able to talk to nani as many times as u want & for as long as u'll want to! Right?
Before Khushi could reply,they were greeted by a young man dressed in a blue suit.
Man(smiles): Hello sir! Hello ma'm! Welcome onboard the ********** ship!
Khushi thanked him politely while Arnav shook his hand.
Man: I'm the reservation manager,Oliver.
Arnav(nods): Hello.
Oliver(smiles): Pleased to meet u,sir (turns to Khushi) ma'm!
Khushi smiles in reciprocation.
Arnav: Same here,Mr. Oliver!
Oliver: Will you please show me your tickets?
Arnav: We dont have the tickets with us since we've booked them online. However,I can tell you the booking number.
Oliver: It would've helped if you'd brought a printout of the online tickets.
Khushi(thinks): Hey Devi Maiyya! (worried)I hope he will allow us to go for the cruise..
Oliver: Anyways,please tell me the booking number.
Once he was told the number,Oliver checked it up with the official website of the cruise liner.
Khushi's heart thumped inside her chest as he tapped the booking number on his tab.
Oliver: Yours is a first class cabin booked in the name of Mr & Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada.
Arnav: Right!
Oliver: Do you have any identity proof?
After checking ArShi's passports,Oliver introduced them to a lady who's uniform reminded Khushi of a nurse.
Oliver(points to the lady): That's Emilia. She'll take you to your cabin & introduce you to Bertha,your cabin stewardess.
If you need anything,Bertha shall get it for you. And I'll also send a printout of your tickets with her.
Arnav: Thanks! (points to the cruise liner) What time does it dock at Southampton?
Oliver: Seven hundred hours.
Khushi(thinks): May be it means..
Arnav(turning to her): Tomorrow morning at 7.
Khushi: I thought so! (smiles)Anyways,thanks!
Oliver: Anything else,sir?
Arnav(standing up): No,thats all for now.
Oliver: Please proceed towards your cabin. (smiles)And have a pleasant stay!
ArShi left for the cabin after thanking him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*15 minutes later*
The stewardess closed the door after wishing the couple goodnight.
Khushi: Berthaji's name might be wierd,but her behaviour was very good!
Arnav: And how do u find the cabin?
Khushi: This "cabin" is no less than a suite of some luxurious hotel! Niether is this cruise liner any less than a full fledged
hotel! Did u see the lift? It was so huge & spacious!
Arnav: There are many more lifts here apart from the one which u saw just now.
Khushi: Thats why I said that this place resembles a hotel.
Arnav: The only difference being that a hotel does not sail in water! And instead of decks,a hotel has verandahs or balconies.
Khushi: There's 1 more difference-the windows in a hotel are square shaped whereas the window over here is round.
Arnav: Its called a porthole..
Khushi: Whatever! In Hindi it would be called gol khidki!(round window)
Arnav(shrugs): Yeah,whatever! I guess we should change now.
Khushi: Alright. Then we can sit in front of this window & gaze at the twinkling lights outside!
Arnav: I thought we'll..
Khushi understood what he'd left unsaid.
Khushi: I'm very tired,Arnavji. We've walked so much today. From the garden to the museum,we went everywhere on foot.
Thats why I'm feeling drained & tired. So..
Arnav(sighs): Okay.
He was about to turn to the opposite side when Khushi clutched his arm.
Arnav: What happened?
Khushi: I'm not that tired that I cant even kiss u!
Arnav(quirks an eyebrow): Really?
Khushi allowed her lips answer his question.
Pressing her lips to his,she waited for him to open his mouth.
But when he didnt,she decided to open her eyes,step back & check what was wrong?
Before she could do any of that,Arnav held her shoulders,silently urging her to stay where she was.
Arnav sighed against her lips,relishing their softness.
Khushi moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his head & lightly caressed his hair.
That was when she felt him smiling against her lips.
He rested his forehead against hers briefly before pulling back slightly.
Khushi was about to protest when she felt his tongue on the left corner of her lips.
She moaned as his tongue rimmed her mouth before coming to rest on her cupid's bow.
When Khushi opened her mouth,Arnav plunged his tongue inside while she fisted her hands in his hair.
Though the kiss was not enough to satiate him,Arnav decided to make the most of whatever he got! And he did!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Later that night*
As they settled into bed,Arnav realized that Khushi's grip on his collar was tighter than usual.
Arnav: R u feelin scared?
Khushi: Ya.. I was fine till the time it was docked at the port. But.. I'm feeling uneasy ever since it started sailing.
Arnav(pats her back): Relax! We wont fall down.
Khushi: Lets talk about something else,just to divert my attention from the ship.
Arnav: umm.. okay! We'll go to the dining hall tomorrow morning in order to gorge on the lovely buffet breakfast! U'll go crazy coz there'll be n number of delicacies in huge quantites!
Khushi: Really?
Arnav: Of course! And no matter how hard u try,u wont b able to have everythin'! The desserts will have so many options that u'll be spoilt for choice!
U'll be confused since u wouldnt know what to have & what to leave!? But.. (pauses)Lemme warn u beforehand- have everythin in limited quantity coz lunch at the speciality restaurant will be a 5 course meal. So make sure there's enough space in ur tummy to have lunch!
Khushi: Wont we go for a tour of Southampton?
Arnav: Yes we can go for that post lunch.
Khushi: Why so late? We'll go for sight seeing in the morning itself,okay?
Arnav: Khushi,we're not here for sight seeing.
Khushi: Then what r we here for,eating?!
Arnav: What I mean to say is.. we're here to experience the journey & enjoy the merits of a cruise liner! So its important that we spend more time in exploring it.
Khushi: Ya,u're right. But we can surely take out some time for sight seeing,cant we?
Arnav: Definitely! But only after we've explored the cruise liner. We'll go out in the evening,okay? Anyways, the cruiseliner will be docked at Southampton till day after,so we'll have ample time to go out.
Khushi: But where will we go? Do u have any idea about the famous places in Southampton?
Arnav: Ya,I have some idea. There's a maritime museum where theres a lot of stuff related to Titanic.
Khushi: And?
Arnav: And there r gardens where miniature roses r found.
Khushi: And?
Arnav: And then there r some.. archeological sites & a wildlife sanctuary.
Khushi: Let me tell u in advance-I'm not going there!
Arnav: Why? R u scared of wild animals?
Khushi(nods): I didnt remember this incident until amma told me about it. Once when I was a kid,the whole family had been to the zoo in Lucknow. The moment I saw the lion I started wailing loudly &.. I'd...
Arnav: What?
Khushi(embarassed): I'd wetted my.. frock.
She smacks Arnav's chest when he laughs.
Khushi: Dont laugh! I was merely 4 years old at that time! I dont know why the elders wanted to take me to the zoo at sucha tender age?
Arnav: Okay,fine! Lets leave it at that. Tell me something,did u ever go to a zoo after that incident or..?
Khushi: I'd been to a zoo once after that. But the moment the lion roared,I turned on my heels & left. And since then I never been to any other zoo! And nor will I go tomorrow,alright?
Arnav: Lets see..
Khushi(irritated): Arnavji! We're too old to see wild animals!
Arnav: But u're clearly not too old to feel scared of the lion,am I right, Khushi?
Khushi had no answer to his question.
Arnav: We dont even know if there's a lion o'er there or not.
Khushi: Every zoo has a lion.
Arnav: A wildlife sanctuary is very different from a zoo. Besides,even if there is a lion o'er there,so what?! We'll be watching it from a distance. I think its.. Its high time u get rid of ur juvenile fears!
Khushi does not say anything.
Arnav: U were so scared about landyatching but ultimately u liked it,didnt u?
Khushi nods mutely.
Arnav: So I'm sure that u'll like the wildlife sanctuary too! So tomorrow we're go o'er there! Even if we dont get to see any other place its fine but I'm takin u to the wildlife sanctuary for sure!
Khushi: We'll cross the bridge when we reach it! Right now lets talk about something else!
Arnav: Like?
Khushi: Like.. watersports! Which is ur favorite watersport?
Arnav: Windsurfing. And urs?
Khushi: I'm equally fond of kayaking & landyatching! Now tell me, from where did you learn about these watersports?
Arnav: Once while I was studyin' at Harvards',me & my friends had been to Hawaii,on a vacation. Thats where I'd tried watersports for the 1st time! And I'd loved it!
Khushi: So.. u must've missed them quite a lot in the last few days,I mean.. while u were taking part in various watersports. Am I right?
Arnav nods.
Khushi: Where r ur friends now? R u in contact with any of them?
Arnav: Not really. Now everyone is busy with their own lives,including myself.
Khushi: I understand that. But.. why dont u try to contact them? The joy of talking to old friends after years is unparallel,I tell u!
Arnav(agrees): I know that! BTW,why r u asking all this tonight? R u missing any of ur old friends?
Khushi(shakes her head): No. Its just that.. (sighs) sometimes I feel sorry for u,Arnavji! U have ur brothers,relatives,office employees, clients, business associates. But.. u dont have any friends!
Arnav: Its not that I dont have friends..
Khushi: Oh,so u mean to say that u have friends?*when he nods*Then where r they? Why didnt u introduce me to any of them yet? And why did none of them attend our wedding?
Arnav: How could I introduce u to them? They dont live in India. And as far our wedding is concerned,I did invite them but they couldnt come.
Khushi: So.. ur friends r foreigners?
Arnav: Ya,1 of them is British. The rest r Indians. U see,in college I was..a reserved,introvert sorta person. 1 who kept to himself. So I didnt have many friends. Then there were some friends who were less interested in my friendship & more interested in my projects. And there were some guys who befriended me coz I belong to a rich family.
Khushi: Such people are only so called friends who r only bothered about their selfish interests! Didnt u have any real friends? I mean..
Arnav(interrupts): Genuine friends?
Khushi: Ya. Did u have any genuine friends or not?
Arnav: Yes,I did. Ours was a gang of 6 friends outta which 3 were genuine friends & they still r. Its just that we're not that much in contact with each other. We dont get to talk to each other except on our birthdays.
Khushi: But u can surely talk to them now! U have a very good reason to do so!
Arnav: What do u mean?
Khushi: Tell them how much u missed them while u were doing watersports! If u cant talk to them,then atleast send e-mails to them. And then u'll see for urself if they're really ur friends or not. If they're genuine friends,they will contact u for sure! If not for me then atleast for the sake of ur good memories,u must e-mail them!
Arnav: Fine. I'll mail them tomorrow. Happy?
Khushi(smiles): Very! Write in ur email that ur wife wants to meet them. Please ask them to come to Delhi,whenever its convinient for them. And ask them to stay at our place. That way I'll not only get to meet them but I'll also get a chance to serve them!
Arnav: Fine!
He cupped her face & tenderly kissed her forehead.
Arnav: Now,come on. Go to sleep. Goodnight!
Khushi(hugs him): Goodnight!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Early the next morning*
Khushi woke up with a start.
She felt as though their bed was slanting onto one side.
Khushi(thinks): Hey Devi Maiyya! What is happening?
She lifted her head to look at Arnav,who was fast asleep.
Khushi(thinks): Should I wake him up or should I let him sleep? She thought for a few moments before finally deciding to wake him up.
Arnav groaned as she shook his shoulder.
Arnav: Lemme sleep..
Khushi: Arnavji,wake up,please! I'm feeling very scar.. (screams)aah!
Arnav's eyes flew open when he heard her scream.
Arnav: What happened?
Khushi silently held onto him as the cruise liner slanted further onto one side.
Khushi: We'll fall down,Arnavji!
Arnav: No,we wont,Khushi! Just relax! It'll come back to its normal position very soon. Please dont scream! People are sleeping
in the rest of the cabins.
Khushi: Why is the.. ship going down on 1 side?
Arnav: Its called rolling. Its very normal. It'll straighten up within 2 minutes. Just wait patiently.
He rubbed her back lovingly to placate her.
And indeed the liner tilted towards the other side very soon.
Khushi let out a sigh of relief as the ship was back to its normal self.
Arnav: U need water?
Khushi: No.
Arnav: Come,I'll show u somethin'.
Khushi(surprised): Here? And that too at this hour?
Arnav: Yup! Get up..
Khushi got up while still holding his shoulders.
Arnav sat on his knees on that part of the bed which was in front of the porthole.
Arnav(extends his arm): Come..
He made her sit on his thighs before wrapping his arms around her waist.
Arnav: We'll get to see sunrise from here in a while..
Khushi looked at the narrow orange streak in the sky & waited.
Soon the streak turned broader & brighter.
A yellow streak appeared from the orange one & broke it into two.
Then the sun rose from the yellow streak,illuminating the sky & the water.
The ocean which hitherto appeared black now seemed a dark shade of blue. So did the sky.
Khushi: Did u see that? The moment the sun rose,it changed the entire scenario! With the darkness giving way to light,the colors of the sky as well as the sea changed so beautifully!
Arnav(nods): Thats exactly how it happened in our lives!
Khushi: What r u trying to say?
Arnav turns her towards himself before elaborating.
Arnav: When I felt that u were.. involved with Shyam,my misunderstanding had blocked my mind in sucha manner that I started thinking that u have evil intentions while u were doing good deeds. Like the darkness in the sky makes us believe that even the color of the sea is dark. When u genuinely praised di or helped her out,I used to see it as an act of pretense. But the moment I got rid of my misunderstanding,I could see it all very clearly..
Khushi: Like we can see the real color of the water after the sun rises,isnt it?
Arnav(kisses her forehead): hmm. Exactly!
Khushi: U gave sucha nice example! And really,thats how it hap..
The ship tilted at that very moment.
Khushi: What happened to it again?
Arnav: It will keep tossing & tilting like this. Come on,we need to go back to sleep again.
He held her shoulders when she was about to get up.
Arnav: Wait a minute!
Khushi: What now?
Arnav shook his head before claiming her lips.
Khushi turned further towards him before wrapping her arms around his neck.
Arnav was eager to take matters further but Khushi intervened.
Khushi: Not here.
Arnav: Why not? This is our private cabin.
Khushi: Ya,I know that! But.. how can we.. I mean.. look at how the cruise liner is moving & tilting..
Arnav: I'll tell u how..
He placed his hand on the strap of her chemise only to have it shoved away.
Khushi: Not now!
Arnav: But why not?
Khushi: Please have patience! Once the cruise liner halts at Southampton we will..
She did not feel the need to complete the sentence,fully aware that her husband must have caught the meaning.
Arnav: Deal?
Khushi: Yes,deal! Now,will u allow me to sleep?
Arnav let go of her after pecking her cheek.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Later that morning*
Arnav woke up when bright light hit his face.
Arnav(thinks): Looks like we're late for breakfast..
Out of practice,he kissed the top of Khushi's head.
He frowned deeply when his lips encountered a soft fabric.
Upon opening his eyes,he found a pillow in his arms.
Arnav(shell shocked): What the..!?
Khushi: I'm here!
He turned to his left to see Khushi sitting beside the porthole.
Khushi(smiles): Good morning!
Arnav(throwing the pillow on the floor): Morning! Since when have u been sittin there?
Khushi: Since the last.. 10 minutes or so. When I woke up,I realized that the ship had stopped sailing! Which told me that we've
reached Southampton! So I just got up to.. check out the dockyard of Southampton. I spotted another ship over here. Its as huge as
our cruise liner! And..
She paused when Arnav yawned.
Khushi: Listen na..
Arnav(stretching his arms): hmm?
Khushi:(points towards the porthole)Just look at the sky! Its so clear! Back in Paris,I could hardly spot the sky hidden behind the clouds!
But the sky over here tells me that the weather is fabulous right now! We should go out at the earliest! That is.. before the weather changes.
Arnav: Yes & we will go out,later. Right now..(pats her side of the bed)come here..
Khushi: No.
Arnav: What do u mean by no?! Last night u told me that once we reach Southampton,we'll..
Khushi(interrupts): Ya,I remember that! All I'm trying to say is that u should have a bath first. Then lets have our breakfast.
After that we'll.. take care of the rest
Arnav(sitting up): Why dont u say it directly? Jus' admit that u're not interested!
Khushi(shocked): What r u saying? If I wont be interested in u,then who would I be interested in? Whatever I'm telling u is for ur benefit..
Arnav(sarcastically): Yeah,right!
He grumpily gets off the bed only to stumble on the pillow.
Khushi: Be careful!
She runs to him,evidently concerned.
Khushi(holds his arm): I hope u're fine?
Arnav brushes her hand off his arm.
Khushi: U couldve fallen down & hurt urself! When anger blocks ur vision,u r unable see anything! (picks up the pillow) Not even a big pillow!
Arnav is about to head towards the bathroom when Khushi stops him.
Khushi: Wait! (points to the bed)Please sit here for 2 minutes..
Arnav: Why?
Khushi: I'll tell u once u're seated!
Once Arnav is seated,Khushi opens her suitcase.
Arnav(thinks): Why is she fiddling with her suitcase?
He's most surprised when Khushi takes out a long,cylindrical tin of potato chips from underneath her clothes.
Arnav: What the..!? U asked me to wait for.. this?
Khushi: Yeah. (offers the tin) Have this..
Arnav: I dont wanna have these potato chips. They are too oily for my liking.
Khushi(points to the tin): These are baked chips,which means they have less oil. Have a look.. Its written on the can.
Arnav: Whats the point,Khushi? I still dont get as to why u want me to have these potato chips? And from where did u get these?
Khushi: Nanheji had given these to me. But I didnt realize how it went to the bottom of the suitcase. I found it while packing
yesterday. As far as my point is concerned,I dont want to compromise when it comes to ur health. Its been 10-11 hours since we had dinner. If we.. go for that before breakfast,then u'll be unconscious & fatigued by the end of it. I dont want that! Thats why I'm asking you to quietly eat these chips!
She places the tin in his hand.
Arnav: You mean to say that we'll..
Khushi(interrupts): Ya! Isnt it obvious?! Until u get what u want,niether will u be at peace nor will u allow me to sit peacefully. U'll be
grumpy and angry for the rest of the day. And,as a result,niether will we enjoy a tour of Southampton nor a tour of this cruise liner. So it would be better if u have something before we.. do as u please!
She pushes the suitcase beneath the bed.
Khushi: I'll just have a wash..
Arnav: Wait! (gets up)I'm sorry!
Khushi(turns to him): Tell me something- When u r my husband,then y would I be interested in anyone else but u? If I'm tired or sleepy, dont u think its a valid reason for saying no to.. that? And is it wrong I give more importance to ur health than to ur desires?
Arnav: Of course not! Look,I understand.. I shouldnt have said that u're not interested in me.
He cups her cheeks & forces her to look him in the eye.
Arnav: And I'm really sorry for sayin all that! (looking deep into her eyes)Believe me..
The sincerity in his eyes coupled with the honest apology melts Khushi's anger instantly.
Arnav: Am I forgiven?
Khushi: Yes,u are.
She pulls him closer for a hug.
Arnav kisses the top of her head,inhaling the sweet,floral fragrance of her hair.
Arnav: Do u remember,while u were at Katra I'd asked u to hug a pillow while sleeping?
Khushi: Yes,I remember that conversation.
Arnav: Back then u told me that..
*Flashback*
Khushi: The pillow over here is soft & light,the exact opposite of ur body! So if I were to hug it to myself,I'll never feel as if I'm hugging u! And..
niether does the pillow have arms,which would hold me close nor does it have legs,around which I got wind my legs!
*Flashback ends*
Arnav: Today I've realized that u were totally right. A pillow can never be ur life partner's substitute!
He pauses to bury his face into her hair.
Arnav: Niether does it have limbs,nor does it have hair!
Khushi pushes him away when his breath tickles the side of her neck.
Khushi: O,really?! So,if I were to put mamiji's wig on the pillow then would it be okay for u?
Arnav(shell shocked): Does mamiji wear a wig?!
Khushi nods with a smile.
Arnav: Since when? And how did u know about it?
Khushi: Me & jiji were told about it by Lavanyaji. She told us that mamiji had cut her hair really short a day before the engagement. And,thats not all! She's even got some red color on some of her hair!
Arnav: U mean red streaks?!
Khushi(recalls): Ya,ya! Thats exactly what Lavanyaji had called it! Back then she was very happy with her new hairstyle but as the time to return home approached,she developed cold feet! She knew naniji would not like it one bit! And buaji,her kitty party friends,the women from our community would all make fun of her! So she bought a long haired wig.
Arnav: I see.. BTW,I'm surprised at my own self. How come I didnt realize when u got up this morning? Normally,I wake up even if u shift a little bit.
Khushi: U did realize it. May be u dont remember it now since u were in deep sleep. U let go of me only when I told u that I wanted to go to the bathroom. I had no plans to gaze out of the window. But the view tempted me & so I sat down to enjoy it!
Her gaze falls on the tin of potato chips.
Khushi: Now,come on. Have these..
Arnav: Why dont u have some as well? U must be hungry urself.
Khushi: Ya,I am. But I cant bring myself to have these.
Arnav: Why not?
Khushi: umm.. (gulps) The name,actually the flavor of these.. chips gives me a nauseating feeling!
Arnav(frowns): What do u mean?
Khushi: See whats written on the container? Sour cream & onion? *when he nods*Which means it has a flavour of sour,spoilt cream and..
(makes a wierd face)onion?! Chhee-chhee! What a wierd combination! I dont know why the Angrez (English) like such things? *
Arnav: Khushi,it has a flavor of cheese & onion. Why dont u try 1?..
Khushi: No,let it be! U have it. Anyways,its more important for u to have something. I can wait till we go down to the dining hall.
Arnav(closes the lid): Let it be. Now I'll also have my breakfast in the dining hall.
Khushi: But then how will u..?
Arnav: It can wait!
Khushi: R u sure? I mean.. I dont have any objections if u have these chips. And..
Arnav(nods reassuringly): I understand. But its okay. *winks*I'll be able to sustain myself!
Khushi(doubtfully): Think again. R u totally sure?
Arnav(nods reassuringly): I'm absolutely sure!
Khushi: Okay. Then I'll go for a bath first. Meanwhile,please choose a saree of ur choice for me.
Arnav: Done!
Khushi(kisses his cheek): Thanks! I'll be back in a jiffy!
She is about to leave when she turns back suddenly.
Arnav: What is it?
Khushi: If u feel dizzy then please have some chips.
Arnav: Dont worry! I'm fine.
She nods & leaves for the bathroom.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arnav's heart thumped in his chest as he waited in the bathroom.
Arnav(thinks): By now Khushi must've seen the saree. And the.. blouse as well. She'll be totally shocked..
And he was right!
As soon as he pressed his ear to the door,he heard Khushi exclaim loudly: Hey Devi Maiyya!
Arnav(thinks): She'll call me now..
But,surprisingly for him,that did not happen.
Arnav waited & waited some more.
But she never called him.
Nor did he hear her say anything else,no matter how hard he tried.
Arnav(wonders): Why didnt Khushi make a fuss about the strapless blouse?
He deduced the following answer when he could not think of any other reason.
Arnav: May be she's waitin for me to go out?..
He showered as quickly as possible before heading out the bathroom.
When he opened the door,he found Khushi sitting on the low stool in front of the vanity table.
She had covered her exposed shoulders by wrapping her pallu around her back.
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Arnav was more shocked than surprised this time.
Arnav(thinks): Whats up with Khushi? She wore the strapless blouse,that too without any hesitation!? And she didnt even wear a sweater today!
When he took her name,she turned to him ever so slightly.
Khushi: Just gimme a minute..
She gave a final brushing to her hair before getting up.
Khushi: Now u get ready while I'll wait outside.
Arnav: No,that's okay. I'll change in the bathroom.
Khushi(shrugged): As u wish!
When Arnav came out of the bathroom this time,he again found her in front of the vanity table.
This time she was fiddling with her bangles.
Arnav: Khushi..
Khushi(without turning to him): Yes?
Arnav: Why didnt u.. ask?
Khushi(innocently): What?
Arnav knew very well that she knew what he was talking about. But he decided to play along,hoping it would take him to the real answer.
Arnav: As to why I'm wearing a green colored kurta?
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Khushi turned to him as soon as he said that.
Her eyes told Arnav that she had noticed his kurta only after he mentioned it.
Arnav: Why didnt u ask me bout it?
Khushi(looking into his eyes): Coz I know that.. whatever u do.. there's a strong reason behind it. U dont do anything without giving it a thought.
Though Arnav's brain registered her indirect answer,his countenance remained impassive.
Khushi altered her answer soon enough,diverting her gaze to his kurta.
Khushi: I mean.. u must not have chosen this kurta just like that. There must have been a valid reason. No matter what the reason it! (appreciating smile) The kurta's good! And the color suits u!
Arnav: And the saree suits u!
Khushi(nods): I know..
Arnav: I wish I could've said the same bout the blouse but..
He paused & directed his gaze to her covered chest & shoulders.
Arnav: I cant comment bout something which is not visible to me!
Khushi understood what he wanted,but she pretended as though she didnt.
Khushi: We're getting late. Please hurry up.
Arnav nodded & proceeded towards the vanity table.
When he was through,Khushi handed him the card of their cabin door.
Khushi: Since I dont know how to use it,please lock the door.
Arnav did not take the card immediately. Instead he posed a question to her.
Arnav: Wont u take ur sweater?
Khushi(shook her head): No,I wont need it here.
Arnav: And what bout ur sandals?
Khushi gave her trademark,shocked expression upon sighting her bare feet.
"Finally an anticipated reaction!",thought Arnav as he sighed.
As she wore her sandals,Arnav dropped another bomb on her.
Arnav: U forgot bout something else..
"Whats that?",asked Khushi as she began to examine herself physically.
Arnav watched her quietly as her hand touched her parting,followed by her neck,then her lips & finally her earlobe.
Khushi: I dont know what it is. Please tell me.
Arnav: Ur attitude!
Khushi(frowns): Sorry?
Arnav(nods): Khushi Singh Raizada's attitude! This vagueness,this ambiguity.. All these qualities dont suit u,Khushi!
Her hands stilled to her sides & Khushi lowered her gaze.
Arnav decided it was time to end the game. So he came straight to the point.
Arnav: Why didnt u ask me bout the blouse?
Khushi: Coz I dont want that to happen again..
Clearly,Khushi had no plans to end the game as yet.
Arnav: What do u mean by 'that'?
Though he did not do it purposely,but Arnav's raised volume helped him get to the answer which he was looking for.
Khushi: argument..
Raising her gaze to his eyes,Khushi elaborated..
Khushi: I didnt want to argue with u yet again. When I found out that this blouse has niether sleeves nor shoulder straps,I wanted to talk to u right then. But then I was scared it would lead to yet another argument & that would ruin our moods. And I didnt want that. Thats why I quietly wore this.. small,wierd blouse.
Arnav's heart soared with love for his wife.
He moved forward to embrace her when she took a step away from him.
Khushi: Now can we proceed to have breakfast or do u intend to ask more questions?
Arnav: Yes,of course I want to ask another question!
Now it was Khushi's turn to be surprised.
Khushi: What is it now?
Arnav: Are you comfortable in this blouse or not?
Khushi let out a sigh which stood for "I should have known!"
Arnav: I appreciate the fact that u didnt want me to be upset. But then,u dont have to tolerate this blouse if..
Khushi(interrupts): If I'm uncomfortable. Isnt that what u wanted to say?
Arnav nodded.
Khushi: Now let me tell u whether I'm comfortable or not. Look,if u talk about the fitting then yes,I am comfortable! The blouse is of the correct measurement,the fabric is soft & it fits me well. But.. if u talk about going out in public wearing this blouse then I'm totally not comfortable! U mustve understood that when u saw the way I've covered my shoulder with my pallu.
Arnav(nods): Ya. But if u dont want to wear it then..
Khushi(interrupts): In that case I would've been standing before u in my bathrobe.
Arnav(agrees): You have a point there..
Khushi: And its not like I'm wearing the blouse alone,is it?! I'm also wearing the saaree,which is totally fine.(turns her gaze to the saree) Its beautiful & I like the colors!
Arnav: Actually the blouse is totally fine as well..
Khushi: I know.
Arnav: Since u get my point, I dont feel the need to say anything else.
He takes the card from her hand.
Arnav: Lets go..
Khushi: Are u..
Arnav(interrupts): No,I'm not angry. And niether will I discuss this further. So,dont worry!
He reassured her of the same by placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
He was glad when colour returned to Khushi's face.
Arnav: Shall we leave now?
Khushi(opens the door): I've been asking u to leave since a long time! U were the 1 who wanted to talk! Now,y r u staring
at me like that? Lock the door na!
Arnav shook his head with a smile as he closed the door.
His Khushi was back!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Breakfast onboard the cruise liner proved to be a grand affair.
The moment Khushi came out of the lift,her nostrils were filled with an appetizing aroma which made her stomach churn.
Khushi(thinks): I'm feeling all the more hungry now! Now if,by Devi Maiyya's grace,I get some good vegetarian dishes over
here, then that would make my day!
Arnav(holds her hand): Shall we?
Khushi: Ya,sure!
The dining hall was bustling with people and for a moment Khushi thought that they would have to wait for a long time
to get a table for themselves.
Fortunately,Arnav spotted a table for two on the farther corner.
A server approached them as soon as they were seated.
Once he filled their water glasses,he turned to Arnav.
Server: Yes sir?
Arnav: Strong,black coffee for me & (points to Khushi) tea & cookies for the lady.
Server: Alright sir,thank you!
When Arnav turned to Khushi,he found a smile on her face.
Arnav: What makes u smile?
Khushi: The fact that u.. addressed me as lady. I dont know why? But hearing lady from ur mouth made me very happy! And..
what about u?
Arnav: Well,what bout me?!
Khushi: What do u like,as in how would prefer me to adress u?
Arnav: I like whatever u call me,be it Arnavji,lard governer,honey or even swami!
Khushi(look of disbelief): Oh,really?!
Arnav: Yes,my lady! Now,will u get ur breakfast?
Khushi(shocked): Me first?
Arnav: Ya! (smirks)Ladies first,u see!
Khushi: No,no! As per our traditional custom,gents first! So u go first.
Arnav: As per the unsaid rule in our family,niether ladies nor gentlemen first! Everyone eats together!
So,lets go & get it together!
Khushi(approves): I love ur suggestion! Lets go..
***************************************************
Khushi's eyes popped out upon seeing the never ending array of dishes lined up in rows on the buffet tables.
Khushi(mutters): Hey Devi Maiyya! So much food! We dont make as many dishes for weddings as they've made for
breakfast!
Arnav: Did u say somethin'?
Khushi: umm.. is there some festival or.. any such special ocassion today?
Arnav: No! Why do u ask?
Khushi: Do they cook so much of food everyday?
Arnav nodded with a smile.
Arnav: Didnt I tell u? U'll go crazy!
Khushi: U were so right!
Arnav: Okay,listen now. The vegetarian dishes will have a green dot and square next to their names.
Whereas the non-vegetarian dishes will have..
Khushi(interrupts): Red dot,right? I know all this,Arnavji!
Arnav: Then what r u waitin for? (whispers)Attack!
***************************************************
When Arnav returned to their table,he was shocked to see 2 croissants,strawberry jam & diced watermelon
on Khushi's plate & a bowl of mango pudding beside it.
Arnav: What the..!?
Khushi: What happened?
Arnav answered after placing his plate on the table.
Arnav: Will u have a croissant o'er here as well?
Khushi: Ya!
Arnav: What do u mean by 'ya'? Could u find just the croissant in the whole menu? Y didnt u try something
new?
Khushi: I dont want to! If croissant wasnt available then I would've tried something else.But since croissant
is available,why should I go for some unknown dish? All the dishes look very appealing,agreed! But who knows what
their taste would be like?
Arnav: How would u know about the taste unless u put it in ur mouth? Come on! U gotta try atleast 1 new dish!
Khushi: umm hmm!
Arnav(exasperated sigh): Khushi..!
Khushi:U see Arnavji,I'm like the proverbial kuye ka maindak (frog of the well)!
Arnav was surprised when she said that.
Arnav: For a change!
Khushi(frowns): What?
Arnav: I mean.. for a change u've spared me by comparin urself to an animal!
Khushi: I was bound to do that coz I'm seriously like that! Like the frog is happy to be in the well,so am I happy
to be in my comfort zone. I like to have only those things that I'm used to having. So I dont want to experiment, coz
I'm pretty satisfied with whatever I like!
Arnav: I get the point. But sometimes its good for the frog to come outta the well!
Before he could continue they were interrupted by a server.
Server: Excuse me,sir..?
When Arnav glared at him,the server lowered his gaze.
Server: I'm sorry to disturb u!
Khushi(smiles): Its okay! a.. we dont need anything right now. Thank u!
Server: But ma'm.. sir was waiting for ham & tomato sandwiches..
At this point,both the server & Khushi turned to look at Arnav.
Arnav: Ya but I was told that they've run outta it.
Server: Right. But the chef has just sent a fresh stock of those sandwiches. So.. should I get some for u?
Arnav: No,thanks! I'll get it myself.
The server bowed his head & left.
Khushi: Did u see that? He's so caring! He came here to inform u about the sandwich but u shut him up with ur glare! U should
behave properly with everyone,Arnavji!
Arnav: Whatever! I'm gonna get that sandwich for myself & a vegetarian savoury crepe for u.
Khushi(relents): Okay,fine! Get it for me. Who knows? U may be right and.. I may like it. So I guess I.. should give it a try.
Arnav: Thats the spirit! Wait,I'll get it jus' now!
Khushi takes a sip of the water while Arnav heads to one of the buffet counters.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Precap:
While they were standing at the deck,in the Titanic pose,with their arms stretched to the sides,a strong wind blew into their faces.
Khushi's pallu flew away & covered Arnav's face while exposing Khushi's bare shoulder.
Before Khushi could set it right,she felt Arnav's arm across her shoulders.
Arnav: Trust me,Khushi! U dont need to feel scared of anyone till I'm here. U can wear this blouse as it is,without covering ur shoulder.
You need not feel so conscious. Nobody will stare at u. And if anyone does stare at or oggle u,I'm here na? I will take care of that creature! U need
not bother bout anyone! I'll take care of everythin,includin urself! Just trust me once & u'll see for yourself! I promise I wont let you down!

Kindly ignore typos & mistakes. Next update on Sunday,15th June.

* Views expressed are of the character not of the author. Credit for outfits goes to respective designers.

Amaizing:)
Just loved it:)
Thanks alot for this brilliant update:)
Thanks alot for the PM:)
Will be waiting:)

Great to see you back!

Wonderful update dear :)

Can't believe that we have reached 100 parts :D Awesomeee

Congrats and waiting for more

Lovely Update

Its good to see u back :-)
nice update
khushi is so sweet and crazy at same time
its g8 to see dat now arnav & khushi 's bonding is strong enough dat they are able to make eachother undersatand their viewpoint without indulging into argument and try to listen their repective ideology patiently
arnav & khushi in titanic pose...wow...
thnx 4 pm

Congratulations on 100th chapter Smita.. I just love this story too much. And never want to get this over. Missed you too 🤗