She leaned against the headboard, a book in her hand. Her eyes moved over the words, failing to take them in. Exhaustion pinched at the backs of her eyes as they began to droop, her limbs heavy.
Her eyes closed as she felt herself drifting, her mind going blank. Her head dropped, lolling against her shoulder as her breathing steadied. The weight lifted off of her, her body giving into the sleep that crept in.
She could just close her eyes and...
No! She had to stay awake!
Her eyes snapped open, and she shook her head, trying to clear the murkiness that enveloped her. She reached up, rubbing at her eyes as she tried to orient herself.
Arnav.
Where was Arnav? Was he okay?
Panic rose within her as she frantically looked around, still disoriented. She heard a muffled groan as he shifted beside her, her worry settling at the sight of him. She berated herself, annoyed.
She had to stay awake. What if something happened to him?
She blinked, sitting herself up straight and attempting to shake off the drowsiness.
She looked over at her husband, his body pressed up against her side. She could feel the rise and fall of his chest, his mouth parted, thick lashes resting against his cheeks. The bruises across his body were an ugly purplish yellow, misshapen forms that stained his skin.
She ran her finger over one, her throat closing as the memory of the raised lathi came flooding back. She forced herself to take a deep breath, squeezing her eyes shut as she determinedly pushed it away.
He's okay. He's here. We're here.
She watched his chest carefully, her eyes following the rise and fall underneath the blanket. She found herself counting them under her breath as she touched a hand to his chest, relieved when she felt the thud against her fingers.
She reached out, running a hand through his hair. The thick strands fell between her fingers, and she stilled when she felt him stir underneath her touch.
"You're not sleeping?"
He asked, his eyes still closed. She shook her head, running her fingers through his hair absentmindedly. He moved into her touch, enjoying the feel of her hands on his scalp. It eased the dull, throbbing ache in his body.
"Ma ne theek kaha."
"Hmm?"
"Tumhare haath mein jadoo hai." (There is magic in your hands.)
Her hands stopped, her cheeks rapidly filling with warmth. His husky voice sent a shiver up her spine, and she looked down to find his sleepy caramel eyes looking back up at her, a glint lurking behind the depths.
She cleared her throat, her eyes darting away. She could feel his smirk and rolled her eyes, pointedly looking back at her book.
"Kuch bhi. Go back to sleep."
They fell quiet. She could hear the whirr of his breathing as his eyes closed. She continued to run her hands through his hair, needing to touch him. lost in thought. She couldn't shake the uneasy feeling whenever he wasn't in her line of sight or within her reach, worried that something would happen and that she wouldn't be there.
"I can almost hear you worrying, Khushi."
He muttered, wincing as he turned on his side to face her.
"Dhyaan se."
She said, adjusting the blanket around him. He smiled wryly, looking up at her.
"I'm not glass, Khushi. I won't break."
She glared at him, displeased with his glib comment.
"It isn't funny, Arnav. Agar kuch ho jayega toh main-"
She broke off when he placed his hand on hers, squeezing it lightly. She looked down at him, tears sneaking out of her eyes. She blinked them back to no avail, sighing heavily.
"Kuch nahi hoga, Khushi. I'm here."
He said. He met her tear filled gaze, sliding his fingers between hers. She tore her eyes away, looking at the wall in front of them as she struggled to hold the tears back.
"Come to bed, Khush."
His quiet entreaty broke her resolve, and she sunk down into the bed. She curled into him, fitting her body against his as she buried herself into his warm embrace.
She inhaled deeply as she nestled her head next to him. His familiar scent filled her body, calming the uneasy thrum in her nerves. She could feel his heart beating under her palm, the thin cotton soft against her hand.
He's here.
She murmured, seeking reassurance.
He's here.
*********
She could feel his eyes following her from the bed as she bustled about the room, adjusting the comforters around him.
"Looking at me like that is not going to get you out of taking that."
She said, not even looking up. She felt his answering glare, but she ignored it, pointedly focusing on the bed. There was a grudging series of gulps as he swallowed the haldi doodh that Ma had sent up, and he set it down with a distasteful expression.
"It's good for you."
"It tastes bad."
She rolled her eyes, taking the glass from his hands. He watched as she placed it on the side table, undoing the towel covering her hair as she stood up. He followed the mass of hair down to her waist, a smile pulling at his lips.
This sight would never get old, he thought, as he watched her walk over to the dresser. He settled himself on the bed, sighing as his aching muscles received some solace, tapping his foot restlessly.
She took her time, rubbing out the water droplets as she swung her hair over one shoulder. She looked at him curiously in the mirror but he merely looked back, trying to restrain his impatience.
"Kya?"
"Kuch nahin."
He responded. She let out a little breath of annoyance, her nose flaring slightly. Giving him one last stare, she went back to her routine, muttering inaudibly. She leaned into the mirror, swiping the kohl on her lower lid and blinking as she moved back.
Her hands paused as she reached for the box that held her bangles. Her forehead creased in confusion as she lifted the small, cardboard box. He heard her sharp intake of breath as she looked inside.
Her face broke into a smile as she reached inside, dragging her finger along one almost reverently. She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with happiness as she carefully took them out, sliding them onto her wrist before lifting them up to the mirror, spinning them around.
Her eyes caught Arnav's secretive smile in the mirror, her own fading slightly as realization crept in. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.
He cleared his throat gruffly, his cheeks reddening.
"Woh... you love bangles... and I saw that a couple of yours had broken in the protest, so I thought I would replace them."
She glanced down at the thick set of bangles that almost covered the bandage on her wrist, sparkling back at her. She looked back at him with a curious expression, her brow furrowing.
But... when did you get these? You haven't been outside."
His eyes darted away. She narrowed her eyes as she glared at him, and he looked at her guiltily.
"You snuck out?"
He opened his mouth and then closed it, running his hands through his hair. She stepped away from him, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Agar kuch ho jata toh? Arnav, why don't you understand?! What if you had-"
"Khushi."
He interrupted gently, touching her arm.
"I went when you were with Anju and Ma. Papa wanted to go to the bank, so I accompanied him."
He said, squeezing her arm reassuringly. Her expression softened, and she sighed. Relief warmed him when a smile crossed her lips, meeting his gaze.
"These are..."
She began. He stilled, waiting for her response.
"These are beautiful, Arnav. Thank you."
She said earnestly. His eyes lit up as he looked at her, a smile pulling at his lips.
"I'm glad you like them."
They smiled at each other, an unrestrained warmth filling the room. She leaned over, melding their lips together in a soft kiss, a little sigh escaping her.
She lingered for a moment, her eyes still closed before she forced herself to pull away.
"Come down quickly, or breakfast will get cold."
She said regretfully, extracting herself from his grasp. He sighed heavily, watching as she left. She paused and gave him a brilliant smile as she walked out, her face alive with happiness.
*********
Khushi walked back to the bed later that day. She could hear the soft whirr of Arnav's breathing, the blanket tucked around his shoulders. His arms were sprawled out as usual, his hair falling into his face. She smiled fondly, shaking her head as she walked closer. She reached for it, covering it with the blanket.
She moved to pull away, but his grip tightened, refusing to let go. She struggled for a moment before giving in, holding his hand as she sat in the chair. Her eyes traced his face, following the peaceful lines of his closed eyes.
The bruises had faded slightly, still an ugly purple. His hand was wrapped in a bandage to cover the cuts, and she mentally reminded herself that it needed to be changed soon.
She leaned back against the chair with a sigh, drawing small circles on the back of his hand. The motion was cathartic, her eyelids growing heavy, the warmth of his hand lulling her into a pleasant drowsiness.
She felt her eyes falling shut as she sunk into the chair. They felt as if they were made of lead, forcing themselves closed as she curled further into the chair.
Just a few minutes and she would wake up...
She awoke with a start when she felt a gentle shaking on her shoulder. She forced her eyes open blearily, a concerned Sakshi coming into focus.
"Khushi? Tum theek ho?"
Sakshi placed a hand on her forehead, checking her temperature as Khushi sat up straighter, shaking herself awake. She looked around frantically, her body visibly relaxing once she caught sight of Arnav.
"Did I fall asleep? Is Arnav okay? Is he-"
"Have you slept at all, bitiya?"
Sakshi interrupted, cupping her face. Khushi looked away, slowly shaking her head. She heard Ma sigh heavily, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"I can see the dark circles under your eyes. You've been taking care of Arnav, but you haven't taken care of yourself."
Khushi refused to meet her gaze, playing with the bedspread.
"You can't take care of him if you don't take care of yourself, bitiya."
She said softly, running her hand over Khushi's head. Khushi nodded quietly, her expression pulled tight. Sakshi could see her berating herself for falling asleep, guilt weighing her down. Sakshi restrained a worried sigh, noting the lines of tension that were drawn on her forehead.
Sakshi urged her eyes up, taking her other hand in hers. Khushi looked up, meeting Sakshi's gaze. Khushi's eyes filled with tears at the concern in Sakshi, brimming over as she drew a shaky breath.
"I'm scared, Ma."
She whispered, her voice like that of a child. Sakshi's heart broke at the fear in Khushi's eyes, so reminiscent of the terrified young girl who Ashok had brought home five years earlier.
"I just can't forget it, Mama."
She spoke as if she was in a trance, her voice timid. The memories flooded back to her. She closed her eyes tightly, as if she hoped that it would stop the memories from overwhelming her.
Sakshi's heart ached for Khushi. She looked heartbreakingly young and terrified, the guilt evident in her eyes.
"Kuch nahin hoga, Khushi. Arnav has been getting better, he is not in danger, he never was. His injuries were not life threatening."
Sakshi reached out, pulling Khushi to her bosom. She felt Khushi's hot tears against her blouse and gently ran her fingers through the thick, black hair, kissing the top of her head.
"What if... what if something happens to him when I'm asleep, Ma?"
She asked fearfully, her voice muffled. She looked up at Sakshi through spiky lashes, her face lined with tears. Sakshi wiped them away with her hands, smiling tearfully at her.
"Nothing will happen, Khushi."
"But..."
She trailed off, closing her eyes once more. Sakshi held her more tightly, wishing she could absorb her pain. She rocked her back and forth in quiet, holding her close.
"Do you feel guilty, Khushi?"
She asked softly. Khushi froze before looking away, clearly unsettled. Sakshi turned her chin up, forcing Khushi to look at her.
"You should understand your mistake, but you must not wallow in it. What you did that day was irresponsible Khushi."
Khushi tried to pull away, but Sakshi wouldn't let go, determinedly ploughing forward. She softened her voice, speaking gently.
"But you cannot live life on what ifs, bitiya, there is no end to those. Devi Maiyya kept watch over you, and thankfully, nothing happened to either of you."
Sakshi's voice trembled, and Khushi immediately felt the sharp pinch of guilt. She opened her mouth to apologize but Sakshi shook her head, smiling softly.
"Learn from it, but don't linger on it, Khushi."
She hooked her fingers under Khushi's chin, looking into her tear filled eyes. She gave her a warm smile before drawing her close, and Khushi curled into her, seeking comfort.
"I love you, Ma."
Sakshi smiled, dropping a lingering kiss on Khushi's head.
"I love you too, Khushi."
*********
Ashok ambled slowly into the room, leaning against the door with a sigh. He watched as Khushi adjusted the blankets around her sleeping husband, reaching out and touching his forehead with the back of her hand.
She sat back down in the chair beside the bed, her eyes still trained on Arnav. Worry creased her brow as she looked at him, reaching out to brush the hair off of his forehead.
Ashok cleared his throat quietly and she looked up immediately, standing from the chair.
"Papa? How long have you been standing there? Come sit down."
She whispered, walking over to him. He shook his head with a smile, waving her off. She glanced at him, following his gaze to the empty tumbler resting on the bedside. He nodded at it with a faint smile.
"You know, he used to throw a fit whenever Sakshi tried to give him that. He would refuse to drink it."
"He still does."
Khushi said dryly, and Ashok chuckled, shaking his head.
"That boy is as stubborn as a mule sometimes. How did you get him to drink it?"
"I left him no other option."
She said pertly, and Ashok failed to restrain his guffaw of amusement.
They were perfectly suited to each other, he mused.
They were both as stubborn as the other, and neither would back down. He could almost feel the glare Khushi would turn upon his son when he attempted to turn down the concoction, a glare his own wife had perfected.
"Papa, will you please sit down?"
He glanced at Khushi, shaking his head.
"Nahi beta, I was just checking on you two. Hariprakash is accompanying me to the bank, and I came to let you know. Your Ma said she would be up shortly with dawai."
"Be careful, Papa. Let Hariprakash do most of the work, okay? I don't want to hear of you-"
He smiled wryly, hearing the same lecture his wife had just given him from his daughter. She shot him a glare and he immediately sobered, gently touching her arm.
"I will be fine. Don't worry about me."
She regarded him quietly before sighing, nodding as the lines on her forehead eased.
"I can't help it, Papa."
He smiled softly, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"I know, beta. But we will be fine."
He said. She looked up at him, not missing the meaningful emphasis in his words. Ashok's face was inscrutable, but she recognized the purpose in his eyes as they gentled, understanding simmering behind his glasses.
Khushi felt her cheeks warm under his knowing gaze and looked away, her eyes falling back on Arnav.
He turned to leave, and Khushi stepped back, glancing at Arnav. He paused at the door, turning back around and looking at his children fondly.
Ashok's mouth pulled into a soft smile. He could see it in her actions, in the way she fretted over him.
It was only a matter of time.
He walked slowly out, a smile still playing on his lips.
*********
"Ashokji?"
He looked up, taking the cup of chai from his wife's hands. She walked up to him, sitting beside him on the swing, holding her own cup carefully as the plumes of steam spiralled into the air.
He could feel her disquiet as she sipped the tea, sitting on the edge of the swing. He waited patiently, knowing she needed time to formulate her thoughts.
"Khushi has nearly made herself sick taking care of Arnav."
She said. She turned to him anxiously, seeking his strength. He reached over, sliding his hand into hers as she set her cup on the small side table.
"She's terrified, Ashokji."
She said. He heard the fear in her voice, a fear that he felt himself seeing Khushi.
It was too familiar. He felt the tug of the scars left from his heart breaking at the terrified young girl from five years ago. The loss of his best friend was amplified by the withdrawn Khushi he had taken into his arms, wishing more than anything that he could take her pain away.
It was a fear he saw mirrored in Sakshi, that they would see their daughter shattered once more. He recognized the same frustration at being unable to keep the guilt, the fright away from their Khushi in her.
He squeezed her hand, searching for reassurance from her. She looked up at him, squeezing his hand back.
"I know he will be okay. But she... "
She trailed off, shaking her head. She took a determined breath, her lips pulling up in a certain smile as she turned to him again.
"They will be okay."
He smiled at her, his heart easing at the faith in her eyes. He let out a sigh, nodding.
"Yes, they will be."
She pushed back slightly, tilting her head up as the swing rocked gently back and forth. He glanced over at her, smiling at the childish glee on her face as a light brush of air washed over them.
"You love this swing, don't you?"
She made a noncommittal sound, glancing up at him.
"Your rose bushes are blooming."
She said, nodding at the vibrant pink flowers. Ashok smiled slightly, looking down at her.
"They are no longer my roses."
He said matter of factly. She laughed, acquiescing.
"They are Khushi's."
She said, but he shook his head, a slow smile creeping up.
"Nahi, they are Khushi and Arnav's."
She heard the quiet certainty in his voice as he stared at the roses, fondness entering his eyes.
Yes. They were Khushi and Arnav's roses.
She smiled. His hope traveled to her, easing the worry that had lingered since Arnav and Khushi had gotten married.
They were okay.
She looked up at her husband. He squeezed her hand gently, and pushed back, leaning against the swing as it swayed.
*********
Note: And that's where I leave you for today! There's one more chapter and an epilogue left. Thank you so much for your support- please let me know what you thought with a like or a comment!
As always, please follow @ipkchotidesi or PM me your email for update notifications.
Love always,
Choti.
Edited by chotidesi - 10 years ago
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