*ArShi Contract Marriage Anniversary Celebrations 2015*

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Sri

@..Sri..

Voyager

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Posted: 10 years ago

#11

Posted Part 2 on page 37

Edited by sankadevi_lg - 10 years ago

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ssyahoo

@ssyahoo

Sparkler

+ 7

Posted: 10 years ago

#12

THIS IS A "MEMBERS ONLY" POST
The Author of this post have chosen to restrict the content of this Post to members only.

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Shree Nanda

@Mrs_Darcy_Shree

Sparkler

+ 8

Posted: 10 years ago

#13

Hello hi my beautiful souls, how have you been? When Rishaal pm-ed me about this thread, I was like, its been months since I wrote, so lets do this for Arshi and all you lovely buddies I have. So after many mugs of coffee and loads of typing, i wrote this OS. Hope you'll like it.

I would like to dedicate it to Arshi, Happy Anniversary my jaans; and to all my 'Manhunting' readers [you'll know why 😉].

Laad Governor vs. Sanka Devi, Forever

AR Designs Headquarters, Churchgate, Mumbai

A man in his twenties comes out of a Conference Hall. He is wearing a three piece suit, has a laptop bag in his hand, a Bluetooth connected to ear. He looks like a Greek God; sculpted physique, slight stubble, chocolate brown eyes, gelled hair, slight tan, killing smirk and to top it all, an aura of superiority. Still wondering who this handsome hunk is, well well.. Who else can it be than our very own Arnav Singh Raizada!

The employees are really happy. Guess why? Well it's because their boss, Arnav Singh Raizada is not in his usual angry young man avatar. On the contrary he is smiling which, by the way, is the cause of a few female employees fainting.

[BG music while he walks out of the building]

Clean shirt, new shoes

And I don't know where I am goin' to.

Silk suit, black tie,

I don't need a reason why.

They come runnin' just as fast as they can

Coz' every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.

[Credit: Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top]

But our poor little Aman is still the usual unfortunately clumsy soul who has to get scolded atleast 10 times everyday to work efficiently.

Arnav: Aman, is the car ready? And what is the status of the preparations?

Aman: Yes, sir, the car is ready. I've booked the Presidential Suite of Hyatt for the meeting and all the delegates of Amanda's company are already there.

Arnav: Okay, good!

He reaches his silver Mercedes Benz CLS and slips in.

Aman: Have a nice day, sir. I hope we seal the deal.

Arnav: That we will, Aman.

Arnav smirks at him, wears his brown Ray-Ban and the car zooms off.

******************************************************************************

An apartment in Emerald Isle, Parel, Mumbai

A woman in her twenties is pacing to and fro muttering something to herself. She's wearing a gorgeous red suit with some classy ethnic jewellery. She is slim and breath-takingly beautiful; slim waist, long brown hair, hazel expressive eyes, bow shaped pink lips. What a beauty! Yes, yes, it's our Khushi.

Khushi: Urgh! Why the hell did I marry that jerk? I just hate that Akdoo! Jab dekho sher ki tarah dahadta rehta hai, I can't live with him anymore! I WANT DIVORCE; DO YOU HEAR ME DEVI MAIYA? I WANT DIVORCE, and can I please kill that Khadoos?

Just then she gets an idea. She covers herself with a shawl, jumps out through the window, and runs away in full speed. At the main gate, she sees her sautan, her hubby's dearest Harley Davidson's V-rod Muscle. Smirking evilly she rides the bike and zooms off from there.

[BG music while she drives the bike]

You know she like the drama
Yeah she is sexy mama
When she dance everybody go o o O!
Haan, dekho bholi kitni
Utni par tedhi cheez hai
Baatein kare hai kadwi-kadwi
Phir bhi lazeez hai
Ittar gulaabon wali
Bottle sharabon wali
Total tabahi wala scene hai
Adaayein badi funky
Kare hai nautanki
Ye chhori badi drama queen hai
Ho badi-badi aankhein hain aansuon ki tanki
Ye chhori badi drama queen hai

[Credit: movie- Hasee Toh Phasee]

******************************************************************************

A deserted road, Mumbai

Arnav's car can be seen by the roadside. Black smoke is rising from the car engine.

Arnav: What the hell? Now how am I supposed to reaching time? Damn! Oh no, its that stupid public transport strike today! Urgh! Arnav Singh Raizada will have to ask for a lift! Freaking unbelievable!

Just then a bike comes to a stop beside him.

Rider (cheerfully): Need help?

Arnav looks at her with his mouth hanging open and eyes widened. Not his fault though, a pretty woman in a stunning red suit, riding a bike, and offering help to the great ASR is not an everyday sight after all.

She snaps her fingers in front of them.

Khushi: oh hello, maana ke hot hoon [I agree that I'm hot], but no drooling, samjhe [understood]! Aur help chahiye to bolo, warna mujhe late ho raha hai. [if u want help, then tell, otherwise I'm getting late].

Arnav (gritting teeth): I smell trouble! But then, this seems to be the only choice I have right now.

Khushi: Tumhara day-dream session khatam ho gaya ho to mujhe jawab doge? [if your day-dream session is over will you give a reply to me?]

Arnav: erm.. actually my car had broken down. And I need to go to Hotel Hyatt, so can you give me lift?

Khushi: o teri! Tumhe bhi Santa Cruz jaana hai. To chalo aajao meri dhanno pe. Waise yaar, tum ameer category ka lagte hai, kya gaadi hai boss! [OMG! Even you are going to Santa Cruz. Then, come sit on my dhanno. Btw you seem to be from rich category, what a car boss!].

Arnav(rolling eyes): Yes, I'm from "rich category".Ab chalein?

Khushi: By the way, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta Sin.. umm.. I mean Khushi Kumari Gupta. aur tum?

Arnav: Arnav.. Arnav Singh Raizada.

Khushi blabbered endlessly and bechara Arnav tried to block all the stupid talk helplessly. As they reached Hyatt..

Arnav: Will you shut up?

Khushi: Hello, ek to I helped you, and instead of thanking me, you're screaming at me!

Arnav huffed and walked away.

********************************************************************************

One Year Later...

Kashyap House, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

Khushi: Lavu, you have no idea, ye amirzaade bade smart hote hain. [these rich guys are very smart.] First they'll act to be all goody goody and later, they'll forget you!

Lavanya: Khush, just because Sameer was a jerk doesn't mean all are like that! And Arnie is a great guy, ek baar mil to le! [atleast meet him once]

Lavanya pouts at her hubby, Aman Kashyap. Poor thing couldn't say no to his wifey, so..

Aman [faking sadness]: Lavu, don't force Khushu. If she doesn't trust my choice, it's okay.

Khushi: Arrey, its not that yaar, Acha fine! I'll meet him, happy now!

Lavanya grins and hugs Khushi tight: We just want the best for you!

Khushi [smiling]: I know!

Khushi thinks, "Hmm... no escape! Okay fine, lets meet this Arnie for Lavu and Amu's sake. But seriously, which sane soul would name their child Arnie?"

***********************************************************************************

AR Designs Headquarters, Churchgate, Mumbai

Arnav: I'm not meeting anyone!

Lavanya: Yes, you are!

Arnav: No ways!

Lavanya: Yes ways!

Arnav [stubbornly]: Make me!

Lavanya: Fine bhai, I'll call Anjali Di!

Arnav looks at her in shock: You won't!

Lavanya [mimicking him]: I will!

Arnav groans: Okay fine! I'll go! Just don't call Di, warna she'll chew my head off for refusing you anything!

Arnav thinks, "Why do I have such devils as sisters? Now I'll have to meet dunno which idiot!"

**********************************************************************************

Hotel Hyatt, Santa Cruz, Mumbai

Khushi: Excuse me, I'm Khushi Kumari Gupta and..

Waitress: Welcome Miss, Sir is already at the table..

The moment Khushi reaches the table, two people get shocked out of their wits! Their meeting, exactly an year ago, come back in their mind.

Khushi: You!

Arnav: You!

Arnav thinks, "Unbelievable! Aman set me up with this chatter-box. I'll kill that idiot!"

Khushi thinks, "Lavu is trying to hook me up with this Laad Governor! Lavu ki bacchi, tu to gayi!"

Khushi gave him her best menacing look: Look mister, I know guys like you very well! (Well, not really, but it's ok Khushi, he doesn't know) You see a pretty girl and ask friends to set you up with her.

Arnav's eyebrows shoot up: WHAT THE.. !

Impressed by her own performance, Khushi straightened her shoulders and smirked at him.

His eyebrows rise so high that they were barely visible beneath the lock of hair dangling over his forehead. Just then her cell rings..

*Ring Ring*

Khush: Hello?

Lavanya: Oi! Behave nicely with bhai!

Khushi: What? He's your...

Lavanya: Yes, now please..

Khushi: But..

Lavanya: Pretty please!

Khushi: Fine!

*ends call*

Khushi [sighing]: Look, I'm sorry about earlier.

Arnav: Hmm..

Khushi: Oh hello, I'm trying to be nice here and you..

Arnav: Stress on "trying." Nice? That too you! Yeah right!

Khushi [shocked]: You annoying idiot!

Arnav [narrowing eyes]: You should be glad that I don't call girls names. But I can't see what Lavu sees in you to make you her best friend! There, and I didn't call you any name either. [Smirks triumphantly]

Khushi pointed towards his expensive suit n polished shoes: At least I'm not a pretentious and egoistic jerk.

Arnav: But definitely a chatter-box!

Khushi warned: Watch your tongue!

Arnav: Hello, pot shouldn't call the kettle black. I can't believe this! My date is a crazy woman!

Khushi pretended to be surprised: Oh, and you are a man?

He scowled and she knew that she has crossed my limit by questioning his manliness, but who cares.

Arnav: I never felt like raising my hand on a woman but you certainly tempt me!

Suddenly someone gasped loud: ARNAV!

Turning around they saw Aman and Lavanya standing there with a shocked expression on their faces.

Khushi smirked at Arnav with a NOW-DEAL-WITH-IT, -SUPERMAN look. Arnav gave her an OH-I-WILL, WONDER WOMAN look in return!

Aman: What the hell is going on here?

Khushi: Ask your good-for-nothing jerk of a best friend!

Arnav: Ask this irritating witch of a best friend that your dear wifey has!

Lavanya gave both of them an exasperated look: Seriously? What are you two? Five year old kids?

Khushi: Not my fault! It's all because of this under-developed fetus that got ejected long before its time had come.

Arnav: People living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at others. Hasn't anybody taught u that? You beautiful piece of decomposed vegetable manure.

Khushi [gasping]: I'm sure that way deep, deep, deep, way deep down, You're a good...no, scratch that, an okay [pause] dog-shit.

Arnav narrowed his eyes: Oh, shut up, you evil virus!

Aman and Lavanya looked at each other and then jumped at the two of their best friends, dragging them away from each other and mentally cursing themselves for even formulating the blasted idea of making these two fall in love with each other.

**********************************************************************************

Three Years and Six Months Later...

Shantivan, Bandra, Mumbai

As soon as Arnav enters his home, a pillow comes flying his way, followed by some more pillows, some teddies, a glass, a vase, a few books..

Arnav: What the ? Woman, are you crazy? Oh wait, why am I even asking that, I know you are crazy! Crazier that freaking Khushi Kumari Gupta!

Woman: Arnav Singh Raizada, you ass, you duffer, you jerk, you idiot, you stupid, you akdu, you khadoos, you.. you.. you.. Urgh! How dare you?

Arnav: Ab main kya kar diya? [What did I do this time?]

Woman: Don't act smart, I'll kill you! And.. wait.. Did you just call me crazy?

Arnav bites his tongue: Marr gaye! [I'm so dead now] Err... no sweetheart, I just..

Woman: Don't you dare sweetheart me, mister! [pouting cutely] Why do you always do this to me Devi Maiyya? First I had a husband who kept ignoring me, thankfully I divorced him. But now I have a husband who forgot that it's our third marriage anniversary! I can't believe this!

Arnav [smirking]: Khushi Kumari Gupta did you..

Khushi: Argh! For the last time Arnav, I'm not Khushi Kumari Gupta anymore! Since last three years I'm Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, your legally wedded wife!

Arnav [chuckling]: I know tigress, was just teasing you. But seriously! You really thought that I will forget the day I got married to a crazy woman who once called me an under-developed fetus?

Khushi [pouting]: You called me crazy again! And hello, even you aren't a saint, remember, you called me a piece of decomposed vegetable manure!

Arnav: Correction there jaan, I called you a BEAUTIFUL piece of decomposed vegetable manure!

Khushi hit him playfully: So, you didn't forget our anniversary, haan? Then where's my gift?

Arnav pulled out a small red jewellery box: Happy Third Anniversary, Wifey!

Khushi jumps up and down like a kid: Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

She opens the box to find a key in beautiful platinum charm bracelet in it. She noticed that it had charms that reminded her of their firsts in...

A bike charm to remind of their first meet.

A superman + wonder woman charm to remind of their first crazy fight.

A pearl-made starfish charm to remind of their beach wedding. [technically her second marriage, but Arnav insists on calling it her only marriage]

A cupcake charm to remind of the time when he baked cupcakes for her for the first time.

A globe charm to remind of their first world trip.

A camera charm for the first gift she gave him.

A tiara charm for the first time she walked on a ramp as showstopper for AR's Royal Collection.

And a heart charm with Arnav and Khushi written on each side.

Khushi [smiling wide]: Oh my God, Arnav, this is beautiful!

Arnav: So, will I get a thank you kiss?

Khushi: No, you'll get an I love you kiss..

With that she kissed him, showering all her love on him.

Arnav: I love you too, Khushi! Oh, and by the way, tum thodi pagal ho, par cute ho!

Khushi blushed at that.

Arnav [smirking]: laal ho gayi...

Khushi swats him playfully: Waise Arnav, its so funny na, there was a time when we were ready to kill each other and now we are a happily married couple.

Arnav: True, but then that's life, isn't it? To expect the unexpected.. And I'm glad that Lavanya, Aman, Di and Rahul jeeju played cupids for us, glad that I have you in my life.

Khushi: Hmm.. Me too. Oye! Laad Governor, you don't want a gift?

Arnav: I already have the best gift, sweetheart.

Khushi: Acha, and what if I say that its time for us to stop fighting and be good parents?

Arnav: Well that's imposs.. [shocked] Wait what?

Khushi [giggles]: Yes Mr. Raizada, Junior Laad Governor is on board.

Arnav lifts her up and twirls her around: Oh God, jaan, I can't tell in words how happy I am!

He then puts her down and hugs her tight: And Mrs. Raizada, I'm sure its Junior Sanka Devi on board..

Khushi: I'm the mother, I know better, it's a mini Laad Governor!

Arnav: I'm the father, I know better, it's a mini Sanka Devi

Khushi: Junior Laad Governor

Arnav: Mini Sanka Devi

Khushi: Junior Laad Governor

Arnav: Mini Sanka Devi

Khushi: Junior Laad Governor

Arnav: Mini Sanka Devi

.. .. ..

Well, some things never change, so our cute couple starts bickering again, like always...

******************************************************************

That's all. If you still didn't get the hint, the fight was part of Manhunting. 😈😆

With love,
Shree

Edited by SobtiFanShree - 10 years ago

177

Quote

-Zesty-

@-Zesty-

Sparkler

+ 7

Posted: 10 years ago

#14

And Then They Lived Happily

Ever After

"Payal, you like this? It will look beautiful on you" Manorma Raizada asked after she inspected all the jewelries placed in front of her.

Payal smiled and accepted the necklace her Mother-in-law was giving her. "Yes Maaji, it's very beautiful."

Manorma smiled , but the smile died soon as she saw the girl sitting beside Payal. Clad in a baby pink plain saree, she sat there looking at the jewelries in front of her. Twisting her mouth, she roamed her eyes on the sea of jewelries. Searching the lowest priced set, she took the box in her hand.

"Here, take this Khushi." Manorma Raizada said to her other Daughter-in-law, not bothering to ask her whether she liked it or not.

Khushi averted her eyes from the simple diamond set she was looking at. Now looking at the simple golden set in her Mother-in-law's hand, she lifted her eyes at her and smiled, accepting the set.

"What is all this, Khushi?" Manorma Raizada's sharp voice boomed in the kitchen.

Khushi almost dropped the jar she was holding. Balancing it, she kept it on the kitchen slab and turned to look at her Mother-in-law.

"Kya hua chachi ji?" Khushi asked.

"Kya hua? What is all this? People here live together, and whatever is made everyone has it. So what is the point of making these separate cookies?" Manorma Raizada demanded.

"Chachi ji ,woh ... you know Arnav ji is diabetic. He can't have that cookies with sugar, so I made this with sugar-free.."

"From when Arnav started having sweets? He doesn't like sweets, so what's the point of wasting my money on this?"

Khushi looked at the jar on the kitchen slab, a thin layer of tears coating her eyes, making her vision blurry. It was not like Arnav ji doesn't like sweets, it's just that no one bothers to do anything for him.

"Hum ...Hum ne ghar ke paise istemaal nahi kiye hain, chachi ji.." Khushi said, her head downcast, not wanting to show her tears. "I had some money, I used that"

"Yes ofcourse, as if the money you had was earned by your husband, for whom you are making cookies here" and with that hurtful words she walked away.

Khushi saw her husband and her brother-in-law entering the house. As her husband walked away straight upstairs, her brother-in-law sat beside his Mother in the living room. Smiling, she entered the kitchen to make black coffee for her husband.

As she was about to take the first stair with the tray in her hand, her Mother-in-law's voice came to stop her.

"Where are you going, Khushi?"

"Chachi ji, Arnav ji ko unki coffee dene ja rahe hai" Khushi replied.

"And what about my Son? It's he who does all the hard work, not someone else. Make his tea first.."

"Maa, what are you saying? Arnav works as hard as me." Akash Raizada looked at her sister-in-law. "Khushi, you go. I am fine" Akash smiled.

Khushi's fingers tightened around the tray as she nodded at her Brother-in-law, swallowing the tears. "Ji , bhai .." she managed past her lump and took the stairs.

"Arnav ...Arnav ...Arnav!!" Arnav opened his eyes as he heard his brother's voice. He sat straight on his chair and looked at his brother who was standing near his cabin's door.

"Arnav, time to leave.Come" Akash said.

Arnav looked at his Brother. "You leave Bhai , I will stay for some time"

"Why? " Akash looked at him confused.

"There's some work remaining, you leave. Take the car, I will take taxi." Arnav said.

"Ok.." Akash gave in and left.

Arnav saw his brother leaving and he leaned back in his chair, again closing his eyes. The forced smile of Khushi when she had accepted his Chachi's jewelry set flashed in front of his closed eyes, making his heart clench. She had wanted the one she was looking at. He had seen it as he had stood upstairs. His Chachi had asked to her Son's wife what she likes, but when it had came to his wife, she had picked the cheapest set among all and had handed to her, not bothering to ask her like. Khushi had once made sugar-free cookies for him, and knowing his Chachi, he knows what she would have gone through to just make some damned cookies for him. And then everyday's taunts of why Khushi is worried about her husband, when it's Akash, her Chachi's Son who does all the hard work and earns for everyone.

He had grown up listening to these taunts. After his parent's death, life had never been the same for him. Whether it's about his cloth or the money for his medicines, he had never got anything without listening to his aunt's gibes. Which had turned more vicious after his Uncle's death. And then one day she had came to him with a marriage proposal, which had surprised him. He was always a burden for her, then why she wants to tie one more person to him to increase her burden. He had refused, not wanting to bring the same fate, which he was living, to someone else. But as his Brother had came and asked him to once go and meet the girl, he had agreed. He had gone to Gupta house to see the girl. As he had entered, he had seen a girl in a white salwar kameez-- little dirty from the work she was doing. Her big hazel eyes had lifted at him and then had gone wide. And soon he had seen her sprinting upstairs. Shashi Gupta and Garima Gupta had welcomed him and then had called their daughter Payal, who was wearing a beautiful rich anarkali unlike the girl whom he had seen just a moment ago. They had asked her to bring some Khushi, and as he had waited, he had seen the same girl whom he had seen when he had entered the house, come and sit in front of him, now wearing a simple red salwaar kameez. And as her soft eyes had lifted at him, a shy smile on her lips, he had known his Aunt had already fed the girl beautiful dreams of her marriage. And having no heart to crush someone's dream, for he knew how much it pains when your all dreams come crashing at your feet, he had agree. And he had married Khushi Kumari Gupta, the adopted daughter of Guptas. And after few days of their marriage, he had known exactly why his aunt had brought a bride for him. She didn't wanted a daughter-in-law -- for that her Son's bride, Payal Singh Raizada was enough. She had wanted an unpaid maid, and his bride was the perfect candidate for the same.

Khushi Singh Raizada. His wife. That beautiful, petite girl works whole day, takes his aunt's all vicious jabs with a smile on her face, earns extra taunts for doing something for him"never quitting. Surprisingly she doesn't looks hurt when she is put to work like a maid, but a hurt flashes across her face when she is not allowed to do something which she wants to do for her husband. At the end of the day when she enters their room, she never says a word against his aunt, but instead tries every possible way to take away his every pain and tension. After his parents, he had never had a person who does something for him without any reason. But she does! She takes care of him, takes his aunt's every taunt for him, saves whatever money he gives her to buy something for him. He felt his closed eyes burning with unshed tears. And he does nothing for her. He allows his aunt to treat his wife like a maid, does nothing for the vicious words directed towards his wife, and does nothing when she endures everything just for him.

He stood up, feeling nothing but pain and hollowness. Taking his office bag, he walked out of the cabin.

He entered Raizada Mansion to see everyone was seated in the living room, everyone except his wife. Not bothering to greet them, he started upstairs.

Entering his room, he saw that the lights were off. Leaving his bag on the sofa, he starting loosening his tie when his eyes fell on the figure lying on the bed. He frowned. She never goes to sleep without him, no matter how tired she is. Then what happened today? Keeping his tie and coat on the sofa, he walked towards the bed and sat beside her.

"Khushi?" he called softly, earning no movement from her. "Khushi..?" he called again, with no result. His eyes darted to the strands fanning her pale cheek. Lifting his hand, he tucked the strand behind her ear and soon his eyes went wide as his fingers came in contact with her skin. "Khushi" he cupped her cheek, her cheeks burning. "Khushi get up!" He ordered.

"Hmmm" Khushi moaned in pain, her whole body aching.

Fury like never felt before trapped his whole body. He stood up. Removing his cell from his pocket, he dialed a number with his hands trembling from controlled anger.

"Vicky?" Arnav said in the phone.

"Arnav? Calling this late?" Vicky asked.

"Vicky? You had said you wanted to rent your spare apartment? Is it still open?" Arnav asked, his eyes burning and strained on the fragile figure of his wife.

"Oh yes , it's still open. Why? You know someone?" Vicky asked.

"Yes, I want to rent it. And I need it now"

"Now?" Vicky looked at the clock which was showing 10 pm. "But why you need to rent an apartment? You have a Mansion"

"Vicky? All I want to know is can I get the apartment ready right now or not?" Arnav asked through his gritted teeth, his anger rising with every passing second.

"Ofcourse you can, Arnav." Vicky said. How can he deny his friend?

"Thank you very much. Text me the address, I will be there soon" he disconnected the call and straight away went to his cupboard. Taking out a small suitcase, he stuffed it with his and Khushi's cloth and zipped it. Walking towards the bed, he kept the suitcase on the bed and picked his wife in his arms effortlessly.

"Arnav, what happened?"

Arnav's step halted as he heard his Brother's voice. He turned to look at him.

"What happened to Khushi?" Akash's concerned eyes on his sister-in-law.

"Nothing, she is fine" Arnav breathed out, his red eyes on his brother. His eyes darted to his aunt. "Thanks for everything you gave me till today. But I guess it's high time I stop being a burden on you. Once again, thanks"

"Arnav she doesn't looks fine" Akash said looking at Khushi's pale face. "Where are you going and what are you talking about?"

"I am leaving this house, with my wife. As I said, tired of being a burden on everyone. I had packed my bag. Don't worry, I had taken only my and my wife's cloth and nothing which your Mother was generous enough to bestow on us. I will come later to fetch that"

"What rubbish are you talking about? And where are you going? Who told you are a burden? This is your house too. " Akash said, now angry at his younger brother.

"No.." his jaw set, eyes burning at his cousin. "THIS IS NOT MY HOUSE!! THIS ISN'T MY HOUSE FROM THE MOMENT MY PARENTS LEFT ME! Do you get me Bhai? I am just an employ who works in YOUR company and my wife is nothing but a unpaid maid of this house. Nothing more!" he held Khushi close to his heart as he heard another whimper from her. "I am leaving, and don't expect me tomorrow in my cabin." And with that he turned and left, not answering his brother's call.

He sat staring at his wife as the Doctor left after injecting her, telling it was the weakness that had caused the fever. Caressing her cheek, he looked at her sharp collarbone, more hollow than ever. He took her hand in his, so slender, almost lifeless. Seeing how indifferent her sister behaves with her, he was sure her life at her own home was no different from what she got after her marriage. She would have thought she will start a new life after her marriage. A life where she will not be treated like some unwanted person, but someone who is loved and wanted by others. But after marriage too things were the same for her, and to add to her burden--- a husband who has a life no different from hers. Before marriage she use to struggle only for her, but after marriage she started fighting for him too. He knows how much hurt she goes through to do the small small things she manages to do for him, wanting to fill his dull life with vibrant colors. Wanting nothing for herself, but wanting to do everything she can do for him.

A tear slipped from his eyes and fell on her pale cheek. He bent down and kissed her cheek. After his parent left him, no one had done anything for him. Never cared for him, never loved him. But she does. She loves and takes care of him without expecting anything in return. And for this selfless love and care, he is ready to do anything for her. He will work hard, earn for her, give everything she lays her finger on. Lying beside her, he took her in his arms and held her close to his heart, promising her only happiness.

After leaving the Raizada company, he had started working as a waiter in a 3 star hotel, the salary nothing too big, but enough to keep his Khushi happy. They had made the small apartment their home. A home where they feel the love and happiness. There's nothing precious than the beautiful smile she bestows on him when he is back after a tiring day, taking away his every tension. Later at night as they lay cuddled to each other, loving and being loved, Khushi can't ask for anything more divine. But Arnav was not satisfied. He wanted more. He wanted the diamond set his wife was looking at that day, he wanted a lavish kitchen for his wife where she can make as much sugar free cookies as she wants for him, he wanted his little wife to be surrounded by servants.

And he worked hard for the same. And seeing his hard work, dedication and loyalty towards his work, the owner of the hotel, who had no one of his own, had handed the hotel to Arnav. And in no time, with his sheer hardwork and dedication, Arnav had become the owner of chain of 5 star hotels in Delhi, giving his wife everything he had promised her. And today was the inauguration of his first 7 star hotel.

He fixed his tie in the mirror and turned to look at his wife. Wearing a beautiful red saree, she entered the room with his black coffee in her hand.

"Arnav ji,your coffee" she kept the tray on the small coffee table and smiled at her Arnav ji.

Arnav reciprocated her smile and pulled her in his arms.

"Are you happy, Khushi?" he asked, his face buried in her hair still little damp from the shower.

"I am happy from the day I married you. These luxurious things don't make me happy. " she hugged him back.

Arnav kissed her neck and pulled back, staring in her deep hazel.

"But this makes me happy. Giving you every damn thing in this world makes me happy.."

Khushi smiled as she caressed his tensed face. "Forget everything, Arnav ji. Leave everything behind.." It always hurts her seeing him still holding to the past.

"We have decided we will not talk on this, Khushi. Get ready we are getting late" Arnav said and turned away. He knows she have forgiven everyone. But he can't. He also knows she meets his family. But he is not like her, he can't forget everything.

"Ji" Khushi nodded her head and prayed he doesn't blasts seeing the person she had invited for the inauguration.

Khushi's eyes remained fixed at the door as the room buzzed with myriad of people. And soon a smile bloomed on her lips as she saw the person entering, for whom she was waiting, and felt her husband go stiff beside her.

"Hi Arnav. How are you?" Akash looked at his cousin. Now he looked like an all grown up man, all matured.

"Please Arnav ji ..." Khushi whispered, sliding her hand in his. "Bhai was never at fault." Khushi urged him, but saw no movement from him. "He is the same person who fought his own mother for you, so that you can study in the same college he had studied." Khushi felt her husband's hold tighten on hers and she knew that was all needed for him to allow his brother again in his life.

As he saw his brother's eyes softening, Akash stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. "I am so happy and proud of you. Believe whatever you want, Arnav, but I never saw you as some employ. You were always my brother, nothing else. I had asked you to meet Khushi because I had seen and known her, and she was perfect for you, and for no other intention. I am sorry for my mother, but you know how she is. I am very sorry."

Arnav's hand lifted to hug his brother back. He said nothing, nothing else was needed.

Khushi exited the bathroom in the plain white salwaar kameez to see her husband seated on a bed, a shiny small box in his hand. She went and sat in front of him.

"Kya hai aapke haath me?" Khushi asked, her eyes on that box.

Arnav took her hand and placed the box on her hand. "Happy anniversary, sweetheart" he smiled.

Khushi's dazed eyes looked at the box in her hand. Tightening her hold on it, she opened it to see a beautiful diamond ring shining back at her.

"Arnav ji, you remember. I though you forgot because of the busy day "

Arnav pulled her in his arms and leaned back with her. "This is our third wedding anniversary. How can I forget? I hope you liked the gift, did you?"

"Yes, I loved it. It's very beautiful. Thank you."

Arnav pulled back to look at her. "Thank you for coming in my life and loving me."

"Same here" she giggled.

Arnav smiled and with the very intention of eating that chiming giggle of her, he bent down and placed his lips on her soft petals, pouring his all love in that single kiss. When was he ever good with words?

Hope you all liked it!

Thanks Rishaal for putting all this together! Happy Arshi marriage anniversary to all!!

Edited by -Zesty- - 10 years ago

301

Quote

Arati

@RTlicious

Inactive

+ 7

Posted: 10 years ago

#15

Uff oh Arnavji!

It's Arshi's 3^rd anniversary and there is no one at home...Nani and Anjali have gone to Shirdi to pray for their family, Mami and mama are visiting Aakash and Payal in US and Aarav has gone for his first outdoor school trip...

"Arnavji! Why don't you freshen up in the guest room and I'll get everything ready by then" Khushi said happily, as she took Arnav's bag and pecked him on his cheek, making him smile at her usual Ajeebness'

"Khushi, Why the guest room? Are you throwing me out of our room on our anniversary?" He asked her with an amused face, as she giggled and led him towards the stairs, but Arnav wasn't done

Turning around he held her wrist and pulled her flush against him "First let me wish you a happy anniversary properly" he said as he bent down and pecked her lightly on her lips, making her blush

She tried to wriggle out of his arms, when he tightened his hold on her "Not so fast jaan! First tell me why you want to celebrate at home...you made Aman cancel my perfectly planned dinner date tonight...!" Arnav said huskily, as he once again tried to kiss her, but Khushi succeeded this time to get out of his hold

"Uff oh Arnavji! Just go and freshen up na please...I've kept your clothes in the room...and as for the dinner, I did not feel like going out...plus you have been so tired with this new deal..." she said as he sighed

"Never too tired for you sweetheart...fine, lets do this your way...I hope you haven't tired yourself out...there is no way you are sleeping early tonight" he said as he winked and left her open mouthed and crimson faced as he bounded up the stairs

"Laad Governer Kahin ke!...come to our room once you are done!" Khushi shouted behind him, as she too took off to their room to get everything ready

15 minutes later...

"Khushi? Can I come in?" Arnav asked knocking on the door as Khushi rushed to open it, straightening her new sari

"Come in Arnavji..." she said breathlessly as Arnav stood gaping at his beautiful wife...she looked ethereal in a soft pink sari, the flimsy cloth snugly twisted around her gorgeous body

"Wow...you look..." he said as Khushi did a quick twirl "Do you like my baby pink sari?" she asked him as he walked in and locked the door "Like? I love it..." he said as he came and held her by her waist and finally kissed her like he wanted to

They broke apart after a bit to catch their breaths, as Khushi blushed deeply and pulled Arnav to the poolside. She had decorated it with tiny candles that twinkled in the moonlit night, while the table was set amidst the lush greenery of Arnav's plants

"This is so beautiful Khushi...I love it" he said as he reached into his pocket and removed a small box... "This is for you my love" he said, as Khushi excitedly opened the box and marveled at the perfect emerald ring "The green matches the specks in your eyes" he said as she urged him to make her wear it

"I love it Arnavji! Its so beautiful" she said as Arnav kissed her ring finger that now adorned his ring "You make it look beautiful" he said as Khushi hugged him, overwhelmed at the love she felt for her man.

She then led him to the table and started opening the covered dishes "Aarav will be back tomorrow right?" Arnav asked Khushi who smiled at him and nodded "Yes, my baby...I can't believe he went on his first school trip all alone!" she said as Arnav chuckled at her expression

"So...what have you made today?" he asked her as she proudly displayed the yummy dishes "Well... your favorite pasta with baby tomatoes and roasted garlic...fish in sauted baby spinach and a fresh baby carrot and radish salad...oh and oven baked baby potatoes" she said waiting for his reaction when he took a deep breath and smiled

"Everything looks amazing Khushi...and since you made it, I can't wait to eat it" he said as she gave him an annoyed look and started serving while muttering under her breath "Uh...did I say something wrong?" he asked her when she looked up and smiled...a little too sweetly

"No...nothing's wrong...lets eat" she said as they sat down to eat "Uh Arnavji...did you read about that baby goat who got rescued from the fire? I was thinking we should adopt her for Laxmiji" she said as Arnav again gave her an odd look and continued eating the delicious food.

"Haan...and that Sunita aunty was talking about this massive lump that has formed on her husbands back...literally the size of a small baby" she said as Arnav made a face "Hope its nothing serious" he said as Khushi huffed

"Idiot Laad governer!" she muttered while Arnav was oblivious to everything "Accha... by the way, did you know that dengue mosquitos lay their babies in still water?" she said as Arnav kept his fork down, and looked up at her in exasperation

"Seriously Khushi...did you get time only tonight to speak of Laxmi's adoptive baby, Sunita aunty's husband and now Dengue mosquitos? Shouldn't we concentrate on us tonight?" he asked winking at her again and holding her hand to kiss it when she jerked it away and stood up

"Uff oh Arnavji! How do people call you intelligent? Here I am trying to get a message through to you when..." she said as Arnav stood up and walked to her "What message?" he asked when she huffed and rolled her eyes at him

"baby pink saree...baby tomatoes, baby spinach, baby potatoes, baby carrots! Baby goat...baby lump...ok scratch that...you still don't get it?" she asked him incredulously as he looked on confused

"Well...the only thing that keeps coming up is baby...and wh..." Arnav stopped speaking when it finally hit him...he looked at his wife's glowing face and held it between his trembling hands "Khushi?...are we...are you...?" he asked as she gave him a bright smile and nodded "We're pregnant Arnavji!" she squealed as Arnav lifted her off her feet and hugged her tightly

"Are you sure? Oh my God...this is what you have been trying to tell me..." he said as she giggled and touched her forehead to his "Yes silly...guess sometimes even Arnav singh Raizada has his dumb moments" she said as he kissed her tenderly and hugged her again

"This is the best Anniversary present ever...our child, a sibling for Aarav...what more do I want?" he said huskily as Khushi kept her head on his erratically beating chest "Good...cause I didn't get you any other gift!" she said cheekily as both husband and wife laughed...their happiness making the baby rosebuds on the table bloom...oh yes, Khushi forgot to mention those! Uff oh...

End.

Edited by RTlicious - 10 years ago

222

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AngelTeen

@AngelTeen

Stunner

+ 8

Posted: 10 years ago

#16

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bellarosa

@bellarosa

Voyager

+ 2

Posted: 10 years ago

#17

[HIDDEN CONTENT]
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Pinky.Raizada

@Pinky.Raizada

Rocker

+ 5

Posted: 10 years ago

#18

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^_^

@_CrystalFlames_

Rocker

+ 4

Posted: 10 years ago

#19

REMOVED & SHIFTED TO MY BLOG

Edited by _CrazyFlames_ - 9 years ago

164

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Katie

@love_iqbal_khan

Rocker

+ 6

Posted: 10 years ago

#20

Aarav Singh Raizada plopped down on the couch with a sigh. He was so tired! The preparations for this party had been ongoing for weeks.

All the hard work had paid off of course. The widespread smiles and the booming laughter in this house were enough of a testament to that. His eyes scanned all the people who were gathered in this large room. Everyone who meant the life to him was here.

His three month old daughter, Anvesha 'Annie' Harter Raizada as named by his wife, was asleep in her small rocker. Michelle Harter Raizada, his blue-eyed wife sat next to him, glowing with the happiness of being surrounded by family--something that was snatched away from her by fate at a tender age.

On the couch adjacent to theirs were Anjali Jha with her husband, Shyam Manohar Jha--Aarav's Bua and Fufa. On the couch across theirs, were Payal Singh Raizada and Akash Singh Raizada--Aarav's Maasi and Maasa or rather...Chachu and Chachi. That debate had been ongoing since the day he was born apparently, and over the years he had just resorted to addressing Akash as Chachu and Payal as Maasi. His cousins Sameer and Astha were also talking animatedly.

Sitting directly across from Aarav's couch were the two people who were the very essence of his life, the reason why he existed: his parents.

Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada--the name never failed to make Aarav smile--and Arnav Singh Raizada. They were both engaged in different conversations at the moment but Aarav knew that they were silently communicating, like they always did, through their entwined hands between them. His father's thumb drew small circles on the back of her palm and every now and then, his mother would give her husband a wide, love-filled smile as if he had said something amazing to her. The affection, love, and respect were unmistakable.

"They're so cute aren't they?" Michelle whispered.

Aarav smiled and draped an arm around her. "I know...Am I even as half as romantic as my dad?"

Michelle twisted her lips. "I'll answer that when we celebrate our 40^th anniversary. I can compare this day to our day and tell you if you're as romantic as your father."

Aarav chuckled and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose, knowing that try as he may, he was no match.

"You look a lot like him, though..." Michelle brushed back his hair which was falling onto his forehead.

"What are you two whispering about?" Sameer, Akash and Payal's son, raised an eyebrow at them.

"I was just noticing how much he looks like his father." Michelle beamed at him.

Instantly, everyone spoke at once, agreeing to her statement--everyone except Arnav.

"He has Khushi's nose." Arnav noted, his voice still holding the quality of The ASR, still known as a ruthless businessman. His voice still managed to quiet down an entire room full of people, like it did now.

His temper still slipped every now and then. He still roared like a lion when agitated and still cared like an overly protective man. The only person who stood up to him was his wife, Khushi. And the only person Arnav was exceptionally gentle with was his darling granddaughter Annie.

"Of all things...he ended up with my nose." Khushi rolled her eyes and snuggled closer to Arnav automatically when he draped an arm around her.

"You have an adorable nose...it turns red when you're angry or embarrassed." Arnav smiled down at her.

Khushi chuckled and shook her head. "So I've been told..."

The rest of the room watched on in admiring silence as Arnav leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead.

Aarav noticed how instantly blood rushed to his mother's cheeks, adding life to them. Perhaps it was unfair to Michelle for him to think this but his mother was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Inside and out.

She had a smile that could melt away all day's stress. It could make you forget all the tensions and calm you instantly. Everyone basked in her never ending supply of joy, courage, and zest for life. Even when she was diagnosed with breast cancer a decade ago, she had remained beautiful through her surgeries, chemo, and radiation treatments. Arnav had broken down by the fear of losing the woman he was in love with but she fought and she won. The aura of strength that surrounded her in those days had made her beautiful and inspiring despite the fragile exterior.

"I'm not letting the reaper take me until I've seen the faces of my half desi-half Firangi grandchildren." She would joke around, teasing a 25-year old Aarav who had been dating Michelle for a mere couple of months.

A sudden round of laughter brought Aarav back to the present and he tried to catch up on the conversation he had missed.

"Honey, its jalebi. Ja-Le-Bi." Khushi chuckled.

"Jhalaybbee." Michelle tried again issuing another round of chuckles.

"Hey..." Aarav feigned a frown. "No making fun of my wife's accent."

"You two technically started talking because of her accent." Sameer pointed out.

"Tell us the story again!" Astha chirped.

"Oh no!" Michelle waved them away, speaking in the British accent that hadn't left her. "I'd rather hear my in-laws tell me the story of how they met."

"You've heard that story at least fifty-times." Arnav raised an eyebrow at his daughter-in-law who was more a friend than anything else.

"But it's so cute!" Astha turned to face them, attentive and in anticipation of the story."

And so began the encouraging round of "tell us the story again!" "Please!" "It's your 40^th anniversary!"

Arnav shook his head at their excitement. The world knew he would do anything for his family. So he began reciting the story, for the millionth time.

"It was a hot June day here in New York and I walked into the restaurant to escape the heat more than anything else..."

____

"It feels like a freaking oven out there!" Akash settled in his chair opposite his brother.

"This is exactly why I like winters." Arnav muttered as he opened the menu. "What's good here?"

"Anything." Akash answered right away. "I'd stay away from the items with the red chilies next to them if I were you...I think I'll go with the Chef's special today..."

The waitress showed up at their table and took her time ogling at Arnav before taking their order. She flushed and stuttered as she walked away after writing down the order.

"Poor girl..." Akash chuckled. "Normally she's very chatty."

Arnav raised an eyebrow. "You know the servers?"

Akash shrugged. "I come here a lot...the food is amazing."

Arnav rolled his eyes. "You have been on and on about this restaurant, Akash. I mean...its food. How good can it get?"

This opened a whole round of friendly banter between the two cousins. The waitress who had scampered away, on the other hand, entered the kitchen still fawning over Arnav Singh Raizada. "Two chef's specials! It's Raizada with a hottie."

"Alice!" The head chef admonished her lightly.

"What?" Alice shrugged. "He's hot. Hasn't been here before."

"Must be one of Akash's clients." She went back to her work.

"You and Akash on a first name basis, huh? Something else cooking in your kitchen Khushi?" One of their colleagues teased.

"Enough. Focus on your cobbler." Khushi chuckled. "We're just friends. Not to mention, he has given me the highest number of compliments in the past year."

"Well then, I suggest that you take a good look at the hottie with him. You might want to cook something there." Alice winked.

"Out!" Khushi chuckled and threw a hand towel at Alice before going back to the simmering pasta sauce.

Using a wooden spoon to pick out some, Khushi spread it on a couple pieces of cooked macaroni before stowing it into her mouth. Pleased with the final product, she ladled some out onto the waiting plates of spaghetti.

Moving on to the next request, she expertly layered the lasagna, which was the day's chef's special, for Akash and the guest he'd brought with. She smiled recalling Alice's comments.

It had barely been a year since she'd opened the restaurant and by Devi Maiyya's grace, she had gathered a handful of regulars and more success for this little coup than she'd ever expected. Of course, she'd been too busy being the head-chef and owner here that it left little time for her love life. That fact had become a constant topic of conversation in her kitchen where all her colleagues made it a point to inform her of any good-looking customer who was here to have lunch or dinner.

"Khush...Ian's asking for you." Alice returned and slapped another order on the desk.

Khushi smiled at her and made a small task of removing her apron and hair-net. Leaving her hair tied in a messy bun atop her head, she headed out dressed in her casual jeans, plaid shirt, and matching flats. She weaved through the artfully set mahogany and ebony tables to reach Ian.

Arnav, as usual, was too caught up in the emails on his blackberry to notice the love of his life walk past him.

"There she is!" Akash exclaimed, claiming Arnav's attention.

Arnav followed his cousin's eyes and paused at the petite figure that was being engulfed in a hug by an average heighted, slim man. Arnav turned around to face Akash with a frown on his face.

"Please tell me this is not where I find out that you've tricked me into some messed up blind date like last time." The subtle hint of warning kept Akash from bursting into laughter.

"No...after facing your wrath last time, I'm never going to do that again. She," Akash nodded in Khushi's direction, "is Khushi. The owner and head chef of this restaurant."

"You know...If you weren't married already, I'd bet your reason for visiting this restaurant frequently was this..." Arnav trailed off, realizing he hadn't caught her name.

"Khushi." Akash smiled. "And you're right. She's one of the reasons why I come here often...we've sort of become friends."

Shaking his head, Arnav was about to return to his blackberry when he saw a figure walk past him. His eyes followed her, noting the joyous bounce in her step.

Akash, on the other hand, plucked off a flower from the small table setting and aimed it at her. Before Arnav could make a comment on this, the flower hit Khushi in the middle of her back. She whirled around to face them and in that moment, Arnav's world came to a stand-still. The pause lasted only a second because then, a brilliant smile lit up her features, instantly throwing his world into a frenzy.

What the! Arnav tried to pry his eyes away from her but it was almost as if she had him captivated. He watched on, with a surprising tinge of envy, as she gracefully approached Akash and walked into the awaiting embrace.

When Akash had slid out of his seat to give her a hug, Arnav didn't know. His brows knit together as he watched them part.

"Your food will be here shortly...stop hitting me with flowers." She teased Akash with a gentle poke to his shoulder.

"Woman, I'll wait for your food all day. You know that." Akash grinned. "This is my cousin."

Anticipation flared through him for the split second it took for her to turn her gaze to him. He watched as her eyes widened slightly and her lips parted.

Oh good...I'm not the only one losing my freakin' mind. Out of the good manners ingrained in him by his mother, he stood and extended his hand out to her.

"Hi." His eyes glimmered as they scanned her surprised expression. "Arnav Singh Raizada."

"H-Hi...um...Khushi." She stuttered. "Khushi Kumari Gupta."

"Nice to meet you." Arnav muttered quietly, because it was true. It was nice...exceptionally nice to meet her.

Arnav Singh Raizada had met many people and many good looking women through his short, booming career but never before had a woman affected him so. Perhaps it was the simplicity...or that worldliness about her. Modestly dressed, minimal make up, the effortless impromptu hair style...a world apart from the models he was used to--and bored of--seeing. In a way he couldn't quite explain, she was more beautiful than them.

The smile she had flashed at Akash had left Arnav with a warm, calming feeling within. It was something foreign but he welcomed it out of sheer selfishness"refusing to part with something that made him feel good.

"I don't believe you've been here before." Khushi noted, finally finding her voice.

No...if I'd been here before, I would have come back again and again. Arnav frowned at his thought. Wait. What?!

"No...I'm picky about where I dine." Arnav shrugged almost apologetically. "I normally don't try out new restaurants...Akash insisted on coming here for lunch. He speaks highly of his place."

"Ah!" Khushi waved her hand in embarrassment. "He's too nice. I'm not even a professionally trained chef."

"No one believes you." Akash chuckled. "I don't anyway."

"Khushi!" A blonde haired man waved at her from the kitchen door frantically.

Khushi acknowledged the man and then turned to face them smiling genuinely once again, stealing a little more of Arnav's attention than she realized.

"Your food will be here shortly. Please excuse me." She turned her gentle brown eyes to Arnav, her smile widening a tad bit more. "I hope you won't be disappointed."

Twinkling eyes turned away from his face and much sooner than he would have liked, she disappeared behind the door which presumably led to the kitchen.

"Well, that's new." Akash smirked, taking his seat again.

"Excuse me?" Arnav raised an eyebrow, breaking out of his stupor as he too took a seat across from his cousin.

"I said that's new."

"What is?" Arnav challenged.

"You being distracted to that extent by a girl..." Akash grinned in triumph when Arnav's eyes dropped to his cell phone and skittered away guiltily to look outside the window.

"It's nothing like that."

"Oh please." Akash laughed. "You barely blinked."

"What crap, Akash!" Arnav rolled his eyes. "Take your love struck foolishness to Payal..."

Akash balanced his elbows on the table and leaned forward, all serious. "Bhai, if you're...amused by her, ask her out. Hell, I'll ask her out for you!"

"Right. That'll impress her." Arnav rolled his eyes.

Akash threw his head back and guffawed as if Arnav had told him the joke of the century. "It might...she seemed equally taken by you..."

Akash rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a few seconds. Hmm...bhai and Khushi...that could be something... He broke out of his scheming thoughts when the server returned with their food. She gracefully slid the plates on the table along with the side salads and padded away with a courteous smile in their direction.

Akash picked up his fork and dug in immediately, sighing in content as he chewed on the first bite. Chuckling at his cousin, Arnav neatly cut out a small square piece and popped it into his mouth. As the flavors of the lasagna burst on his palate, he paused mid chew, his eyes widening ever so slightly.

"I know right!" Akash agreed with Arnav's unspoken compliment. "She is Ah-mazing!"

Arnav barely nodded in response and resumed his lunch, every bite bringing him a kind of contentedness that he hadn't experienced since his mother's cooking.

Mid-lunch, Akash summoned the server to place an order for desert. After scribbling down the order for tiramisu, she turned expectantly to Arnav.

"Oh, he's diabetic..." Akash answered before Arnav could refuse.

He glanced at the server who frowned in confusion. Arnav suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Why must people react to him that way when they found out he was diabetic? It's just diabetes, not a second head and an extra limb!

Alice walked into the kitchen and passed the slip of paper to their desert chef. "One slice of your tiramisu, Mike."

"Just one?" Khushi blurted.

"There's always a flaw Khushi." Alice sighed. "Hottie with Raizada is diabetic."

Khushi paused mid stir, disappointment washing over her. How unfortunate was it that some people were denied the literally sweet pleasure of deserts? How unfair was that?!

Her father was a diabetic and she longed to share with him a slice of cake or any other treats that she made. Over the past few years, she had researched and experimented with various sugar-free deserts to find one that her father could enjoy and she had hit the jackpot with good old Gajar-halwa.

An idea struck to her and she immediately walked towards the large fridge. She pulled out a bowl of the same Halwa that she had made this morning. She was going to take it home for her father. Surely, he wouldn't mind if a small bowlful was gone from this batch...

She pulled out a pan and began heating the delicacy, preparing to serve it.

Outside, Arnav pushed away his empty plate, feeling full. He never over-ate. He was surprised that he had stuffed his stomach close to its maximum limit. He watched with amusement as Akash began devouring his way through the desert.

Then, a fancy stem glass filled with a fragrant orange treat slid up to him. He frowned down at it confusedly and then glanced up the length of the pale, slender arm, ignoring the way Akash has paused with his fork halfway to his mouth.

"I'm sorry. I hope you don't think I'm intruding." Khushi smiled down apologetically. "I just...I can't accept the fact that a small condition can force someone to end a meal without desert. My dad has diabetes and he enjoys this dish quite often. It's sugar-free...I can't guarantee that you'll like it but I just thought...why not."

Akash set his fork back on the plate and cleared his throat to suppress his chuckles. Arnav shot him a quick glare and then glanced at Khushi with a much softer emotion.

"Thank you."

Khushi smiled at them once again and began walking away.

"Ask her!" Akash mouthed at Arnav as he picked up a spoonful of his desert.

Ignoring him, Arnav relished the foreign taste. Never before had he thought of his diabetes as being a shortcoming. Never before had he regretted not being able to enjoy deserts like everyone else...until now.

Akash sighed in exasperation and leaned around his booth chair to look at Khushi's retreating back.

"Khushi!" Akash waited until she turned around to face him. "Will you go out for dinner with Arnav?"

Arnav choked on his next morsel of Halwa and coughed to clear his airway while Khushi flushed pink. Arnav gave a sharp kick to Akash's shin under the table, making him yelp out in pain.

"What was that for?!" He hissed.

Arnav glared in response and risked a glance in Khushi's direction. She stood there, twisting her fingers together, red in the face, looking like she wanted to run from there.

And she did just that. After trying to avoid his eyes for a few seconds, she turned away and rushed back into the kitchen, leaving a chuckling Akash in the hands of an irritated Arnav.

"What the f*** is wrong with you?!" Arnav hissed through clenched teeth.

"What?" Akash shrugged. "You weren't going to do it so I helped you out."

"Helped me out?!" Arnav scoffed. "You just ruined any chance of her saying yes."

"Aha!" Akash slammed his hand down on the table hard, making the plates, glasses, and cutlery move noisily. "So you do want to ask her out!"

"Not just yet..." Arnav shook his head. "Especially now that you've played your stupid card."

"Then?"

"She's got a new regular diner here." Arnav smirked, stuffing another spoonful of the delicious orange goodness into his mouth.

And so began the routine. Arnav made it a point to eat at the restaurant at least once a week. A small private dining area also made this place an excellent place to hold meetings"which only gave him another reason to visit more often.

Some days, she was out and about, mingling with diners. Other days, he barely caught a glimpse when the door to the kitchen open or closed.

She would also try to speak to him a bit but usually remained very flustered in his presence. He noticed that she didn't quite treat him the way she treated Akash and perhaps that had to do something with Akash's stupid move the first they'd been here. Maybe he should be annoyed with Akash but if it weren't for him, Arnav would have never met Khushi so this one time he was forgiven.

She had sent his sugar-free dessert with the server during his second visit with his sister, Anjali. The first time, she had refused to take the money. "The item is not on the menu...besides, I didn't give you the desert to make money off of it," was her excuse. Even the second time, she had come out looking somewhat annoyed when he'd tried to pay for it.

So he'd pulled an ASR on her. "If you're not going to let me pay for it, then you might as well take it back. I'll just finish my meal without a desert."

She had been rendered speechless and he knew she didn't like it. He wasn't trying to flaunt his wealth--he just didn't like owing anyone anything.

He could still remember Anjali's amused reaction his interaction with Khushi. The whole thing had become a topic of teasing with his sister and Akash.

Nearly two months after he'd first walked into the restaurant, he decided that it was enough of the games. She had to know that the food--which was great, no doubt--was not the only reason why he kept coming back.

He walked into the restaurant alone that night, minutes before closing time. Nodding a polite greeting to Alice--even he was getting to know the friendly staff--he let her lead him to a secluded table in the corner of the restaurant.

"What can I get you today, Mr. Raizada?" Alice pulled out her notepad and a pen from the pocket of her apron.

"Your head chef, please." Arnav smirked.

Alice began writing and then paused, realizing what he'd said. She looked at him with her eyebrows high on her forehead. "Excuse me?"

"Your Head chef. Khushi." Arnav leaned back and watched the confusion skitter across Alice's face. "May I speak to her?"

"Err...s-sure...?" Alice shook her head as if to clear it and walked away into the kitchen, tripping over her own foot a couple steps from the door.

"Raizada's asking for you." Alice winked at the other colleagues who glanced up at the mention of the name.

In the past couple of months, the names had changed. Akash, the former Mr. Raizada, was just Akash' now. Arnav Singh Raizada was commonly referred to as Raizada' in Khushi's kitchen.

Khushi felt her face flush at the mention of his name...the butterflies awakening within the pits of her stomach. How odd! Even jalebis don't get me this excited.

Then, other thoughts made their way into her head. What the hell is he doing here at this hour on a Tuesday?

Still bemused, she wiped her hands on a hand-towel and removed her apron on her way out.

It was hard to miss him, even as he sat in a corner, looking inconspicuous in a black shirt paired with black trousers. She suppressed the urge to shake her head. He looked like he's just been to a funeral!

He stood watching her approach him. He adjusted his watch absent-mindedly and nodded a greeting.

"Hi" She smiled as she greeted him. "This is a surprise..."

"It couldn't wait another day." Arnav got right down to the point.

"Oh? Everything okay?" She questions.

His eyes skittered down to her hands"she was twisting her fingers mercilessly; the only obvious sign of nervousness she gave away around him apart from the flushing. Pulling his eyes back up to hers, he began speaking again.

"I'm not good at this...but there's a question I've been meaning to ask..." He took a step closer, invading her space, and with authority, reached out to blanket her hands with his to make her stop twisting her fingers. "If you agree, I'd like to take you out on a date."

He saw his words register in her mind when her eyes widened slightly. She stopped breathing for a couple of seconds and looked at him with a frown on her face.

"Is this a joke?" She choked out.

"What the--! NO!" Arnav was exasperated. "Why would you think that? I've been completely taken by you since the first time I saw you. For some reason, asking you to go out with me that very day didn't seem right...because I didn't know anything about you."

"You still don't know me." Khushi withdrew her hand.

"I know more than I did before." Arnav countered. "You went out of your way to make sure that a diabetic could have desert. I've seen you interact with people of all ages and you're amazing with everyone! I've seen you take personal interest and care when someone plans a surprise birthday party or a proposal here. You're witty, funny, smart...an amazing cook. And you're beautiful. What more does a man want?"

Khushi was silent for a long torturous minute, her eyes never meeting his. When she finally did look at him, Arnav knew she was going to say something he wasn't going to like.

"Our worlds are very different." She smiled gently at him. "You're the CEO of a multi-million dollar company...I own a small cozy restaurant. Anyone would look into this and bid me a gold-digger."

"All I know is that I'd like to get to know you better." Arnav bore his eyes into hers. "Considering all the generous things you do for everyone without expecting anything in return, I'm certain that you're anything but a gold-digger. And quite frankly, I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks."

She held his gaze for a couple of seconds before she glanced away, uncertainty painting her beautiful features. Absent mindedly she nibbled on her lower lip as the thoughts warred in her mind.

She was a fool if she didn't admit that she was attracted to him. She knew very little about him, most of her knowledge was sourced from what Akash had fleetingly mentioned or when the newspapers mentioned him. She had seen him in his businessman persona when he was here for meetings but then she had seen a playful side to him when he was here with his sister or Akash. She knew he was diabetic and that as of late, it had become her goal to ensure that he didn't miss out on desert because of it.

"I know it's a sudden question and I understand that you'll need time..." Arnav shrugged gently. "I'll just...get going. Bye Khushi."

She nodded in response, her fingers resuming their twisting as he gave her a lop-sided smile and walked past her to head out towards the door. When she heard the chime that indicated that he had left, she turned around slowly.

"Oh my --!" She jumped and placed a hand over her heart, startled at seeing all her friends staring at her from behind the bar counter.

"What're you doing?!" Alice exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air.

At once the others chimed in, berating her for not responding to him with a yes'. Khushi tried to interject and calm them down but a few seconds into it and she gave up with a sigh.

"I was sure you have a crush on him." Alice scolded.

"I do!" Khushi admitted and then snapped her mouth shut, realizing what she'd blurted.

All of her friends cum colleagues crossed their arms at her. Khushi took a deep breath and repeated the words to herself. "I do...I...I have a crush on him...what the hell is wrong with me, damn it?!"

Chuckling at the cheers the erupted behind her, Khushi ran to the door of the restaurant, yanked it open, stepped out in the cool night and looked to her right. A small pang of disappointment passed through her when she saw no sign of him on the side walk. She turned to her left and sighed in relief. There, at the periphery of the parking lot, he stood, leaning against a lamp post, punching keys furiously on his blackberry.

"Mr. Raizada!" She called out, her voice somewhat shaky, the nerves in her system tingling in an odd excitement.

The one second it took him to register her words seemed like a long torturous minute. When his eyes finally found her, she could clearly see the surprise in his.

She flashed him a smile, albeit nervously. "I close in ten minutes...do you have an hour to spare after that?"

____

"And that, Aarav, is how I met your mother." Arnav smiled proudly, as if finding Khushi was the greatest find of his life.

"Awww," Michelle cooed, glimmery-eyed. "No matter how many times they tell that story...It always makes me smile. It's so cute!"

Arnav smiled down at Khushi who had turned scarlet. "She lied to me that night, though...she had asked me for an hour but I distinctly remember being out and about the city with her until past midnight!"

"That's because you insisted on dropping me home afterwards!" Khushi pouted.

Arnav chuckled and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "I didn't want to leave so soon...I wanted to stretch that date for as long as I could..."

"Tell us about your first date!" Was the ring of chorus this time around.

Arnav regarded them all with a stern expression. "That's a story for another day. For now, I'd like to spend some time with my wife without you nuisances poking your noses into our history."

Despite the words of protest, Arnav stood from the couch and held out his hand to Khushi who, very gracefully, came to a stand next to him. Once again they found themselves engulfed in congratulatory wishes and loving hugs.

When Arnav had walked into that restaurant, never in his wildest dreams had he considered that he would meet the love of his life there. He had met her and fallen in love... and together, they had built this warm home and a beautiful family.

And so, he thanked the higher power every day for that smoldering hot day in June...

Edited by love_iqbal_khan - 10 years ago

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