ArHi OS || Early Mornings

She woke up to the feeling of lips tracing her bare shoulder, soft and gentle despite the roughness of the stubble that accompanied them.

"Last night was magical, Khushi"

A violent blush spread across her face, and she shyly nestled herself into the crook of his neck. It was futile however, for soon enough the very shoulders he was kissing were as red as the bridal lehenga strewn on the floor. She sighed and tangled her fingers into the thicket of his hair, allowing herself the beautiful moments of peace as a newly wed bride.

But the sound of footsteps outside their door reminded her that she's be expected soon, and despite her secret desire to stay put in his arms, she began pushing against his broad shoulders.

"Bas kijiye Arnav Ji. Hume aarti ke liye neeche jaana hoga." It was no surprise when he groaned and clutched her tighter against his chest, resilient against letting her go.

"Mat jao"

"Arnav Ji, chodiye hume"

She struggled with uncoiling the hands curled around her waist... failing due to her own unwillingness to refute his warmth. Nani and Anjali Ji would be waiting for her downstairs. What would they think of this shameless behavior?

"Arnav Ji... hume dher ho rahi hai"

It was only when she cutely pouted her lips in an endearing pleas that he sighed and rolled off their bed, walking towards the cupboard to find his wife a spare t-shirt to wear.

"ARNAV JI", she shouted... stunned by his brazen nonchalance.

"HUH?! WHAT?!"

Terrified, he spun around and looked back in her direction... expecting cockroaches, kidnappers or Anjali. And while the pale face, contorted grimace and wide eyes spoke of groundbreaking disaster, nothing in the bedroom seemed out of the ordinary.

It was then, that she opened her mouth.

"Aapke... aapke KAPDEIN, Arnav Ji! Chee Chee Chee Chee..."

Surprised, he followed her gaze downward, having conveniently forgotten that he'd slipped out of bed, well, naked. Trust Khushi and her sanak to ruin the romance of their morning after. He suppressed a chuckle when she buried her head into her pillow and chanted to Devi Maiyya for forgiveness.

"What the hell, Khushi? I'm your husband!"

The mass of raven black hair sank deeper into her pillow.

"Lekin, humne aapka... aapka woh dekha," the muffled voice whispered scandalously.

The maddening blush spread to her neck and the length of her arms, and amazed by the extent of her uncertainty, Arnav roared with laughter.

"Mera WOH?!", he chortled loudly, only to be smacked not so gently by the very same pillow.

How had his life changed so drastically in just one night? From quiet, lonely mornings to ones filled with togetherness and laughter? Did he even deserve the second chance? For the shortest moment, he prayed to Khushi's Devi Maiyya... to bless their every morning with happy moments like their first.

"Aap... Aap... AAP JAAKE KAPDE KYUN NAHIIN PEHEN TE?!"

With another snicker, he flicked her nose and lifted the boxers from where they had been hastily discarded last night.

"Anything for you, biwi", he said, as he slipped his undergarments over his body.

She finally sighed in relief, pleased to see him covered and decent. But the relief was unforgivably short lived... as he unexpectedly lifted her into his arms and bolted for the bathroom door.

Khushi's unending "chee chee chees" could be heard clearly over the shower's hot running water.

And needless to say, she was still late for the aarti.