Arhi SS : Chemistry #2 [ Completed : IMP NOTE : Pg 148 : 7/3 ] - Page 62

Arhi SS : Chemistry - Part 16

The cool satin bedsheet could not compare to her silken skin. Arnav breathed in her citrusy scent; running his hands over her arms. It was as if he could not touch her enough. His gaze lingered on her face, her hypnotic eyes closed in serene sleep. The long lashes rested on her cheeks, causing his heart to flutter with need. She was stunning when angry, when annoyed, when decked-up and even when rumpled. However, she was in her most glorious form, when she was lost in passion so strong that her hazel eyes darkened with desire... a strong hunger to be with him... and that was his undoing. She had said she loved him. How he had wanted to kiss those delicious lips again to reciprocate her feelings. However, seeing her falling into sleep immediately... he had let her be, content with the task of admiring her while she slept.

The passionate moments from a while ago, replayed in his mind, making his body surge with need. He was surprised with the change in his emotions towards Khushi, after this physical intimacy. It was like he was now connected to her, at a much more deeper level... her soul entrenched into his, binding them in an invisible cord. He not only felt protective towards her, but felt completely taken... owned by her and for a change he did not mind giving himself to someone completely. Because that someone, was the woman who he loved with all his heart, a woman who loved him back with equal intensity.

Slowly extracting himself from her arms, he walked towards his discarded clothes, which were strewn across the room. Reaching out to his denim, he searched his pockets and pulled out a small box. Opening it, he fingered the platinum band that securely held a huge solitaire. It perfectly justified Khushi and his relationship... she was the sparkling diamond and he wanted to securely hold her to him forever. When he had planned this trip, he had wanted to whisk her away from all the chaos, bringing her to this secluded villa for much needed privacy. He wanted her to open up to him, let him in her fears and apprehensions. He was tired of watching on from the sidelines... he wanted to be her priority like she was his. However, when she had broken down in his arms, something had shifted within him.

All her pain, her hurt, her anger had seeped into his bones, desperately aching to put her out of misery. He had wanted to wipe off Shyam's vile touch... he had wanted her to feel his love... his warmth and security that he wished to provide her... always. In those few moments he had realized that a grand proclamation of love was never required between them. Want was important was a heartfelt admission of love... his love for her. And he had given her just that. However, he had been stunned by her physical need for him... more than his words. He did realize that the way he felt for her, they meant the same to him. Making love was an all-encompassed form of his love for her.

She needed to feel his love, his security and wanted him like an emotional anchor... which he could never ever deny her. What had followed was not simply a mating of two bodies, but he had felt her demanding his entire soul. With every kiss, every breath... she had taken more of him than anyone ever could. The final few barriers around his heart had completely crumbled onto those black satin sheets, as he had lived one of his fantasies in one of the most emotional situations. He felt drained, not just physically, but emotionally as well.

He pulled on his jeans and put on his shirt, knowing well that he would soon have to rouse her from her sleep. It was well past five in the evening and the drive back home would take over two hours. He knew how hesitantly her parents had sent her along with him, trusting him to take care of their lovely daughter. They would surely be worrying for her well-being, considering her history with NK and now the fiasco with Shyam. He did not intend to worry them more, as he walked towards the bed, admiring his sleeping beauty, who was snoring lightly.

Touching her cheek gently, he whispered in her ear, "Wake up, Gabbar." She stirred a little, but that was all that happened. He chuckled seeing her sleeping so peacefully, like a small baby. He didn't have the heart to wake her up, yet, he knew it was way past the time they needed to make a move. Leaning into her, he brushed his lips against hers... just a feather-light touch. She made a sound... more like a purring of a kitten in pleasure. Here he was, trying to be the rational one, curbing on his urges, whereas she was unintentionally unraveling his self-control. "Gabbar... wake up," he said a little louder and finally she opened her bleary eyes, blinking a few times to take in her surroundings.

She gave him a gorgeous smile, escalating his heartbeat at the sight she made. Stretching onto the bed, she asked, "What time is it?" Had she no clue that the sheet had slipped lower than what was decent to his eyes. His body was surging with need and he had to literally grit his teeth to control himself. "It is almost six and we need to get you home, before your father sends out the search party." At the mention of time or might be her father, she sat on the bed, clutching the sheets to herself, looking at him wide-eyed. She looked so deliciously tempting, that he swiftly got off the bed and took a few steps back, only to stop himself from reaching out to her. He wanted to run his fingers through her tangled hair, brushing them free of knots. He wanted to taste those pink lips that had the power to make him lose himself.

"Thakur!!" her loud voice, broke through his reverie, making him realize that she was asking him about something. And then another realization happened. She had called him "Thakur" after god knows how many long days. He could not stop the huge smile that adorned his face, making her heart skip a beat. "Do you know how much I love it when you call me Thakur?" he asked huskily. She blushed at his words and maybe also because she finally realized the state she was in. He saw her clutch onto the sheets tighter and avoiding to look at him.

Despite their bold rendezvous from a few hours back, he knew that this was all knew to both of them and he would have to give her some space to gather her nerves. Pocketing the small box, which held the tiny ring, he said, "I will just make some masala tea for us... that will keep me awake through the drive back home and recharge you a bit. Freshen up and if you need anything... just call me... ok?" She nodded shyly and he was amused how much it turned him on. Tightening his fists, controlling the urge to grab her and kiss her senseless, he made his way towards the kitchen.

He waited by the pool. A tray of piping hot tea and some snacks to much along, lay on the side table, as he sprawled on the pool chair. He saw Khushi walk towards him hesitantly and he knew he had to put away this awkwardness between them. Before she could sit on the other pool chair, he held her hand and pulled her towards himself, making her land on his thighs. She squealed in surprise as he tightened his hold on her and said, "You ok?" She nodded shyly, still not meeting his eyes as he held her chin and tilted her head so that she had no option but to look into his eyes. The emotions in her eyes took his breath away, as he whispered, "I love you so much, Khushi..."

She flung herself into his waiting arms and he tightened his hold on her. They sat like that, silently, savoring the feel of each other, within the comfort of arms that only loved. After a few moments, Arnav pulled back and brushed away a few loose tendrils of hair from her face, tucking them neatly behind her ear. Her beauty never ceased to amaze him and he could never get enough of touching her. "Have your chai Khushi... I don't make it as well as you do, but I hope this will do for today," he said, handing her the cup of tea. She tried to get up from his lap, but he pulled her down, silently telling her to stay where she belonged. She relaxed into him, enjoying the setting sun, the warm tea energizing her mind and munched on the delicious snacks.

After a quick check of the closed windows and doors, Arnav locked the villa and ushered Khushi in the car. As they settled in the car, he saw Khushi looking at the villa wistfully and heard her say, "I love this place... Now it has some very special memories for me..." He leaned into her and kissed her softly on the cheek. His tenderness, taking her breath away as he whispered, "I promise we will be back soon and if you ever feel the urge to come her, all you have to do is command Gabbar... Thakur is at your service." She giggled at his words and teased, "That sounds so funny... the handless cop Thakur... at the deadly dacoit Gabbar's service. You now we are rewriting Sholay... and how!!" Arnav laughed, more at seeing her laughter than the words she had uttered. He was glad to have that smile back on her beautiful face. That is how he wanted to see her... always.

After an extremely entertaining and fun journey back home, Arnav not only dropped Khushi at her house, but he made sure to meet with the Guptas before going home. If they were surprised to see their daughter smiling and happy, they did not question it. Garima felt relief like never before, realizing that if Khushi and Arnav had actually fallen in love like she guessed, there couldn't be a happier mother than her. Shashi meanwhile, was simply in awe of Arnav. It was rare for a man of his stature, to respect and admire a young boy, so capable at work and with a heart of gold. With a lot of emotional blackmail from the ladies of the Gupta house, Arnav was made to stay back for dinner.

Arnav sat through the dinner, relishing the delicious food cooked by Garima and enjoying seeing the cute bantering between the family. He was happy to see Khushi back to her usual self and was glad to have been the reason for her smiles. They had moved miles ahead in their relationship in a day and he felt humbled with the trust and love Khushi had showered on him. As he touched the small bulge in his pocket... a plan began forming in his head to make sure that the ring found its way to its rightful owner. He left for his own home, pretty late in the night, his mind filled with sensuous images from the day and a hope of a beautiful tomorrow.

x-------------------------------------------x

It had been three weeks since their getaway to Shantivan. Khushi had resumed work immediately after and had almost been back to herself, in the weeks that followed. There had been moments when she felt the anger and fear building up within her, but she made it a point to come to Arnav for any kind of emotional support. He had been happy to help her through those tough moments and made sure that she felt nothing other than his love for her. The physical comfort had heightened between them and even though they had never again crossed the fine line, their passionate kisses had left them craving for more. He felt drugged and addicted to her taste, her scent and everything about her. It seemed like an impossible feat to keep himself away, and actually thrilling to enjoy those private moments in office, as well as while they went out.

Due to his nani's worrisome health, he had postponed his plan to propose Khushi. Every time he thought about how she would react, made his heart hammer in his chest, threatening to leap out in excitement. He feared whether he was rushing into this commitment, but when he knew for sure that she is the one for him... no time was soon enough. With Khushi, she had not only changed his beliefs in relationships... she had also made him realize what his mother meant to his dad. Even though his father had lost her... the time he had spent with her was so happy and glorious, that those memories were enough to last him for a lifetime. It was better to love and lose than not love at all; and now with Khushi in his life, he could not wait to begin his life with her, claiming to love her freely in front of the entire world.

It was only after a month long wait, when he finally planned a joint trip of the Raizadas and Guptas, to Shantivan. He knew Khushi would be excited to go there and he also wanted the blessing of their families for a future together. A weekend getaway to Lonavla had everyone excited, making plans to play cards and cook up a storm for the trip. Arnav urged his nani and Garima to just relax, instead of spending their time in the kitchen cooking for them like they usually did. They deserved a holiday too and he wanted everyone to enjoy themselves completely. Khushi had not only been thrilled with his plan, but she had given him one of her most amorous kisses as a gesture of gratitude. If this was the consequence of such plans, he vowed to keep surprising Khushi with such trips often.

And just like that, on a bright Saturday morning, the two families, along with Akash, set towards Shantivan in two different cars. The oldies settled in one car along with the driver, while the youngsters took the other driven by Arnav. The excited group reached the stunning villa and all Arnav could feel was his heart beating in anticipation of how everyone was going to react. "Khushi... let me introduce you to, bro's priced possession... the grand Shantivan," Akash said dramatically, extracting laughter from the entire group. Khushi's eyes clashed with Arnav, wondering if she should reveal that she had already been here. His answer was simple, "Its upto you..." Akash noticed this silent conversation between the duo and coughed loudly, getting Khushi's attention.

As the elders walked into the grand villa, praising the beautifully done up interiors and exploring the place, Akash whispered into Khushi's ear, "You have been here already... haven't you? Hmmm... I didn't know my khadus brother could be so romantic, that he would whisk his girlfriend out on a date to a private villa. Not bad Khud-Khushi. You are achieving the impossible... and seems like it's not suicide for you anymore to be with my brother." Khushi blushed but responded with equal zing, "Well I was always sure of that, you know? It was only you, who was slow in realizing how awesome your brother really is. I hope you don't show these slow tendencies to Payal... because she will definitely ditch you."

Akash looked stunned at her response and shook his head in response. He mumbled something to the lines of... "Looks like I will have to deal with not one but two ASR's!" Khushi giggled as they followed the elders to the living room and settled on the comfortable sofa. Arnav could not keep his eyes off Khushi, as they reminisced the last time they had been here. Despite the loud distraction that was his family, his body rose with desire, thinking of the intimate moments they had shared. He craved to posses Khushi once again, he needed to hear her whisper his name in that sexy voice, which had the power to unman him.

The next few hours followed in a frenzy, as Garima and Devyani busied themselves in the kitchen along with the cook, who had been brought especially to cook for all of them. Arnav noticed Garima's excitement at seeing the huge kitchen and recollected Khushi's words from all those weeks ago. She really loved feeding people and he could not wait to officially demand her pampering. Shashi and Ajay decide to go for a walk through the garden and the huge forest area, that spread beyond the villa. Arnav was left, to spend time with Khushi, while Akash made his painful presence as a kabab mein haddi!

"Stop gritting your teeth bro... you still have a lot of time, before we can get dentures for you," Akash teased, earning a pillow being thrown in his direction. They were now settled in the master bedroom, a place that held the most intimate memory for Arnav and Khushi. There was this crackling tension between them, at wanting to touch and hold each other, but having to control these strong urges in front of their families. Arnav consoled his heart, saying that soon they would not have to pretend to be so aloof and distant. "What bhai... I can't believe that you have been learning such girly games from Khushi... Pillow fight? Really? It is so pansy!" Akash teased earning a whack from Khushi.

"This is really a limit. Both of you'll are ganging up against me, because I am all-alone. Main bechara akela!! I don't want to waste my time with you guys," saying that Akash got up, knowing well how much Arnav and Khushi were craving to be alone. While leaving, he made sure to close the door behind him, smiling to himself, at the happiness Khushi would soon bring into their family. Arnav immediately shifted near Khushi and held her hand in his saying, "I love you... when was the last time I told you that?" Khushi pretended to recollect and after a few moments of drama said, "Well I think it was exactly six hours ago."

Arnav smiled and brought up her hand to place a tender kiss on her knuckles. "That is a terribly long time for voicing such affections. I am sorry. I promise to make it a point to say it atleast every hour, Gabbar," he said so honestly, that Khushi rushed into his waiting arms to hold onto him. He could feel her need for him, and he could not help but kiss her lips gently. "Lets go out before anyone walks in here," he said, knowing well that this wasn't how he wanted their families to know about their relationship. A few more hours and then there would not be any need to pretend.

The entire day passed in a flurry of activity, as there was chatter, laughter and complete madness all around. Arnav was thrilled to see how easily both the families got along. There were serious discussions of business, jovial teasing and easy bantering. The women made sure to keep pampering the men throughout, feeding them various dishes at quick intervals. Arnav did not remember the last time he had so much fun. A day completely relaxed, without thinking of work. After a heavy dinner, the entire gang had settled down on the plush carpet in the hall, playing cards. The elders seemed to have turned into children, while their children had turned into tantrum-throwing babies. As the night seemed to get denser, Arnav felt the weight of his plan, making him restless.

Khushi had sensed his lack of concentration on the game and asked him twice about what was bothering him. At the time, he had refused to divulge the details to her but now, that everyone seemed to have tired out of playing, and were settled into soft conversations... he realized, it was time. Clearing his throat, he said, "I want to tell all of you'll something. It was one of the main reasons I planned this trip and I think I cannot wait anymore to get this huge burden off my chest." There was pin drop silence around the hall, and Arnav knew his words had slightly worried the entire gathering. He conveniently avoided looking at Khushi's eyes, knowing well that she could read him like a book.

It was Ajay Raizada who managed to voice out everyone's thoughts as he asked, "What is the matter beta? What do you have to tell us?" Arnav merely shifted towards Garima, who was sitting right besides him. He held her hands and said earnestly, "Aunty, you had promised to love me like a son and you have been doing just that. However, I want to now officially make you my mother... call you maa, if you will allow me. It's been so long since I have uttered that word..." His voice cracked with emotion and there wasn't a heart that remained unmoved by this genuine request.

He looked at Shashi and said, "That makes you my dad as well." Shashi was shocked and so was everyone else. They wondered what Arnav was trying to say. He continued seriously, his gaze now fixed on Khushi, who seemed to have figured out his thoughts, her fidgeting hands, giving away the nervousness she felt. "Maa, Nani, and both my fathers... I want to tell you'll that, Khushi and I, are in love with each other. And if she agrees to share her mother and father with me for this lifetime, then I would want to marry her." There was a loud cheer that followed this announcement, as everyone gathered around Arnav and Khushi, asking for confirmation about the same.

Shashi questioned his daughter, if she truly loved Arnav, while Garima hugged Devyani... knowing that a heartfelt wish, by a mother's loving heart, for the happiness of her children... had finally come true. Ajay hugged Arnav, while Akash was jumping with glee, finally able to tease his brother and his soon-to-be bhabhi openly. However, Arnav's eyes never left Khushi's as she looked back at him with so much love and happiness. He knew what her answer would be, yet, he moved away from the rest and stood in front of her. Going down on one knee, he held her hand tenderly and said, "I love you so much Khushi. It would truly be an honor, if you agree to spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?"

He saw her eyes mist, as he tightened his hold on her hand, urging her to speak her mind. "Yes," she whispered as he sighed in relief. There was once again a loud cheer, as everyone gushed about this trip turning into such a happy event. Arnav finally pulled out the ring, he had been carrying around for weeks. Slipping the ring on her finger, he whispered more to himself, "Perfect." It indeed was a perfect moment, a perfect night... that stretched into happy conversations, unending planning for the days to come and a lifetime of true happiness.

It was extremely late in the night, when the elders finally decided to retire for bed and Akash conveniently excused himself, to talk to Payal. It was only Arnav and Khushi, who sat by the poolside, lounging on one chair, snuggled into each other. A million tiny stars illuminated the sky, as the water of the pool, shimmered in the moonlight. Arnav looked over at Khushi and finally asked something that he had been wanting to, since the announcement. "Gabbar, I know this was a complete surprise and I should have asked you, if you were ready to tell our parents. You are happy right?" She looked into the warm brown pools of love and replied, "Thakur, a girl always dreams for a prince to come along and whisk her away to a happily ever after. But those are just fairytales. What is real is the golden heart of the prince... that loves not only the princess... but everything about her. Her faults, her insecurities, her past... and most importantly her family."

She paused and placed her hand over his chest, beneath which his heart lay, thrumming to an anxious beat. "I am thrilled to own the heart of this wonderful man, who has not only asked me to marry him... but also asked my parents to be his. What more could a girl ask for?" Arnav placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, content at making her happy. Wasn't that his sole aim lately? Just with having her here, in the comfort of his arms... he felt complete. He had forgotten how to live without her, without the thoughts of her, without the constant satisfaction that the woman he loved with all his heart, loved him back just as much.

He laughed mentally, thinking of the earlier times in their relationship, where he had tried to pass this sizzling connection between them as mere attraction. He had scoffed at the concept of chemistry and he still did. Chemistry, he now believed to be an igniter, the catalyst for any relationship. It led two people towards each other, to see if they had it in them to fall in love. The intensity of what he felt for Khushi had multiplied by manifolds, since the time he had declared his love for her. Now that chemistry had done its job, he chuckled at the thought of exploring the physics and biology aspect of their relationship.

Khushi looked up at him and asked him the reason for his chuckle and he shared his thoughts. She shivered in his arms as a deep blush spread across her cheeks, a giggle escaping her delicious mouth. His self-control that he had been practicing since morning, finally snapped, as he swooped down to drink in the sound of her laughter... the sound that ignited every single pore in his body, raced his heart with desire, made his body crave for a single touch and crackled the air around them with potent chemistry.

Epilogue