Arhi SS : Chemistry #2 [ Completed : IMP NOTE : Pg 148 : 7/3 ] - Page 73

Arhi SS : Chemistry - Epilogue

Garima Gupta made way for the giggling girls, who passed by her in the doorway. Khushi's cousins and friends, had taken over her room since the last couple of days, endlessly teasing her lovely daughter and keeping her company through these last few days at home. As Garima walked in, Sheetal got up from Khushi's side and gave a bright smile to her, before walking out of the door, making sure to shut it behind her... giving the mother-daughter, some much needed privacy. Garima looked at Khushi and sighed in happiness... seeing her small girl, to have grown up into a very striking woman... now on the verge of getting married and moving away from them.

Khushi turned around in all her bridal glory to look at her teary-eyed mother. "Maa... you promised, you will not cry," she whispered, almost choking on the words. Garima dabbed at her damp eyes with the end of her pallu and replied, "I am not crying beta... these are just tears of happiness. Look how gorgeous my daughter looks. I am going to miss you so much." Khushi rushed to her mother and pulled her into a hug teasing, "Maa please. Don't make me all emotional. My make-up will run down. And you say you are going to miss me? Really? Since the time you have got a "son", you have been completely ignoring me. And looking at the maa-beteka pyaar, I think Arnav would be spending more time here than his home. Didn't you see how he would make nonsensical excuses to either come here for lunches or dinners every alternate day? I think nani has already started feeling a little jealous of you..."

Garima gasped at her daughter's words and said, "Chup besharam! Don't talk about Devyaniji like that. And Arnav did not come around here to eat food... he was more interested in seeing you. All those excuses and mollycoddling me, was to get some extra time to spend with you. Don't think I am so naive to not understand what has been happening right below my nose. I am after all your mother, Khushi and I will always remain so." Khushi blushed at how easily her mother had caught Arnav and her escapades... the various reasons to meet in the past three moths, the crazy excuses they gave their families to spend time with each other. She simply went to her mother and hugged her to herself, relishing the comfort of her mother's arms. "I will miss you maa... I love you so much," she whispered, a tear trickling down her cheek, uncaring of the smudging mascara.

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Shashi Gupta waited in the now, empty living room, taking in the haywire decorations and abandoned mess. The last couple of weeks had been chaotic. With one ritual after the other, they had been immersed in neck deep preparations, despite hiring a wedding planner. The house was overflowing with friends and relatives, whom he had just managed to push off to the wedding venue... which was a huge ground close-by. Now standing alone in this empty hall, Shashi felt a pang of sorrow at marrying off his beloved daughter. He would not be waking up to see her cheery face, sitting across him on the dining table having breakfast, while discussing the current business strategies and new acquisitions. He would miss the special lunches and dinners that she cooked, whenever she would get some free time. Simply put, he would miss her...

He wiped off a traitorous tear and smiled, thinking about how Arnav had agreed to his every demand, crushing every doubt he had. Shashi's choice of getting Khushi engaged to NK had weighed down on his heart heavily. Seeing his daughter suffer due to his decisions had torn him from within. Hence he had requested Arnav, if they could have an engagement followed by a quick wedding, instead of giving the couple time to change their minds. Arnav had been more than happy to adhere to this demand, which had consequently, put to rest any doubts he had about Arnav and Khushi being together. He had seen a different glow on his daughter's face, a happiness that only Arnav's presence brought. What more could a father want that marrying his daughter to a man, who loved her as much as him?

He looked as the door to Khushi's bedroom opened, and the two most beautiful and important women of his life walked into the living room. Khushi looked dazzling, just like her mother had... during their own wedding. The memories still seemed so fresh and his eyes clashed with his wife's, who at this moment was thinking of the same. A blush tinged her cheeks, even after so many years... and Shashi could not help but smile at the two gorgeous woman who walked closer and stood right in front of him. He engulfed them in a hug, pulling his world together to himself. Having his family within the circle of his arms, he smiled a content smile... knowing that a son would soon complete his small world.

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Akash strutted around Arnav, coaxing him to get ready. It was high time, that they needed to leave for the venue, but his stubborn brother was busy with work, as always. "Bro... it is your wedding today. Seems like you have forgotten that tiny detail," he said with frustration mounting up. Unlike the Gupta house, the Raizada's had ensured that their guests and relatives, were comfortably settled into a nearby hotel. Knowing well that Devyani, with her health issues will only trouble herself more, serving and cooking for the endless guests... Ajay and Arnav had conveniently managed to convince her of the idea. Owing to that, only Akash remained by Arnav's side, urging him to get dressed for the wedding.

"I am more concerned about my honeymoon Akash. With Khushi and me, both being away for over three weeks, there is so much of work still to be finished. Even though dad and Shashi uncle have promised to drop into RGE, I do not want them to deal with this chaos," Arnav said absentmindedly, typing furiously on his laptop. Akash chuckled looking at his ever-responsible brother and said, "Bro... you do know that honeymoon happens after a wedding... atleast traditionally. For you to be able to go to your long break to Europe, you first need to reach the venue on time, to get married to your Khushi." Arnav shut his laptop abruptly, and rushed to wear the stunning beige and gold sherwani.

Akash scrunched his nose seeing the way Arnav was getting dressed for his own wedding. His obstinate brother had completely refused, any sort of makeup or hairstyle. The always-arrogant ASR, had declared that he could very well style himself. Even Khushi had been unsuccessful in convincing him, for atleast a slight coat of makeup for the pictures to come out well. In a record time of twenty minutes, the groom was ready for his marriage. Akash silently prayed for a lifetime filled with love and fun, for his brother and new bhabhi. They deserved all the happiness in the world and he could not be happier for the couple.

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Ajay Singh Raizada stood in his room, looking at the huge photograph of his beautiful wife, that hung on the wall. Just like Arnav, he had a black and white candid shot of his wife, smiling during one of their family functions. He refused to garland it, knowing very well that she still resided in this house... in his heart. "You must be really happy today... aren't you? Finally Arnav is getting married to a woman he loves as much as I love you. Khushi reminds me so much of you Ananya... I wish you were here to bless our children on their special day," he whispered hoarsely. His eyes fogged with unshed tears, missing his beloved wife.

Like all mothers, he knew she would have been thrilled to get home a beautiful wife for her son. He was so sure that Khushi and Ananya would have got along so well, redefining the dramatic bond of a typical saans-bahus. He was proud of his son's choice and could not have been happier with any other daughter-in-law. The Guptas had now officially become his family to the Raizadas and finally their home would be bursting with laughter and happiness. The void left by his wife's demise, still lingered between the walls of this house. He could only silently wish for the happiness of his children. Glancing at his wife's picture with contentment one last time, he made his way towards the living room, to see whether his son was ready to get home his bride.

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Devyani Malik took in the decorations of the grand venue. The huge playground had been converted into a picturesque fairytale set. The shimmering pink and gold drapes, the beautiful arrangement of flowers that spread across the entire setting and the small fountains bursting intermediately, enhanced the beauty of this place. She saw her grandson waiting patiently through the rituals, which a groom was supposed to perform before his bride entered. She saw the restless eyes of Arnav, looking around for one glimpse of his soon to be wife. Deviyani's heart thrilled as she saw the expression on his face... it was similar to the one on her own husband's face... or on Ajay's face, while they had waited for their brides to arrive.

She had seen monumental loss through her life. Losing her husband at an early age, the loss of her daughter had almost made her succumb to fate. The only reason she had gathered herself up, was for Arnav. The little boy had been so lost and miserable, that she had to put on a happy face, to bring him out of his misery. Whatever he had achieved today, she was proud of him... just like a mother would be of her child. However, the changes she had seen in him, after Khushi had entered their lives, had thrilled her.

Her grandson had started living... something he found, as a mundane task until now, had become inevitability. She could feel her heart thrilling in anticipation, of how their home would now be complete... with Khushi taking her daughters place, to pamper and spoil the father-son duo and soon... she hoped there would be laughter and babbles of naughty children, resonating in their home. She sighed in contentment as she focused her eyes on the extremely fidgety groom.

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Nandkishore Mittal, sat amidst the gathered crowd, to witness the grand wedding of Khushi Gupta and Arnav Singh Raizada. Lavanya sat besides him, enjoying the fanfare and for the first time in months, NK felt the guilt residing within his heart... receding. When he had been engaged to Khushi, he knew that they had a spark, definitely missing. However, until Lavanya had entered his life... he did not know how strong that spark could really be, between two people. What had followed had been inevitable. Yet, he knew he had wronged Khushi in ways that he would never be guilt free.

Today seeing Arnav waiting for her, with a desperation so strong, he knew Khushi had found a man who she truly deserved. A man who would love her more than himself, who would cherish her and take care of her every need. He knew Khushi had realized what chemistry meant, the moment her paths had crossed with Arnav... and NK was thrilled that his best friend had finally fallen in love with a man who loved her equally, if not more. She deserved it, just like he had deserved Lavanya. Sensing his thoughts, Lavanya leaned into NK, entwining her fingers with his. He looked at her upturned face, those bewitching eyes brimming with so much love and warmth for him, that he leaned in to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. Life was finally back on track for all of them, and he hoped to be in a comfortable place with both Khushi and Arnav someday.

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Khushi Gupta walked slowly towards the mandap, her heart beating erratically, her mind in an overdrive of emotions. The day had been so emotionally draining, as she left her home, accompanied by her parents. A home where she had grown up in... a place that held innumerable memories of happiness, sadness, anger and most importantly, love. She failed to understand how her parents barely managed to control their tears, while their hearts smiled with happiness. How could a person feel both these emotions at a time, of losing their daughter to another man... while actually proudly handing over her responsibility to him? She had kept those thoughts at bay, because she knew she would only understand them, when she would be standing in her mother's shoes.

They had reached the venue a while ago, the beauticians doing their magic on her already glowing face. She had been surprised at how she could not contain her smile even for a second through these past few weeks and months that had followed Arnav's grand proposal. The families had been thrilled at the news and she had once again fallen in love with Arnav... if that was even possible. The shared physical intimacy had only heightened their need to be with one another. However, she knew how hard her had tried to control himself from giving into the cravings of their bodies. She had thoroughly enjoyed the preparations for the wedding and all its various functions. It had been a surreal experience and the fact that she loved Arnav wholeheartedly, was something that had heightened the emotions bubbling within her heart.

Sheetal had been by her side through a lot of these events, and Khushi had been surprised to see the change in her as well. She had grown up with Sheetal, knowing her inside out. However, the woman she was now walking alongside with... was a changed woman. She was finally in love... with Rick and that changed her outlook towards relationships and commitment. How had life panned out so smoothly for all of them, she wondered. As Khushi stood on the threshold of the main atrium, surrounded by family and friends, she took a moment to think about how things had worked out for Arnav and her. Had NK not fallen in love with Lavanya, she would have possibly never understood this intense attraction, the scintillating chemistry and the deep love she felt for Arnav. The incidents she had cursed then, now seemed like a boon in disguise. She was simply happy for whatever had happened in her life so far... leading her to this moment, as she waited to walk towards her soon-to-be husband.

There was an instant surge in activity as everyone bustled around, heads turning towards her. Her mother came scuttling towards her, a look of pride and happiness reflecting in her eyes. She shyly walked through the narrow passage, entering the grand hall, as people burst into loud cheer. She could not help but glance at the mandap, where she knew Arnav would be waiting for her... and then everything else seized to exist, as her hazel eyes clashed with his warm brown ones. She saw him slowly standing in his place, the shimmering gold of his sherwani, making him look gorgeously majestic. The deep maroon pagri on his head, was her undoing... because it was only for her that he had donned it. She recollected the endless arguments they had, while she had selected his outfit and matched it with this pagri, that he detested vehemently.

She took in his entire form greedily, a slow fire igniting in her body. She could never deny the pull she felt towards him. However, today it was much much stronger than any other time in her life. The air sizzled between them as she made her way towards him. His eyes, kept her enthralled, alluring her towards him. Was it even possible to feel this deep longing for someone, which threatened to consume your entire being? The look in his eyes spoke of promises of a happy future, of a lifetime of excitement and intense passion. Through all the various rituals and ceremonies, he had been endlessly teasing her about their first night and whispering amorous ideas for what they would be doing on their honeymoon to the Bahamas. She had felt the sexual connection between them intensifying with each passing day. The presence of families and friends had only managed to lessen their alone time.

However, right now at the moment, while he stood at the mandap waiting for her... all Khushi could think was about the profound love he showered upon her. Her heart swelled with so much love for him, that when he took a couple of steps towards her and raised his hand... she immediately complied, slipping her hand, in his. Warmth spread through her body, as his eyes traced her face, lingering on her lips longer than necessary. She shivered at the connection, but more so under his intense gaze. However, time to think about her lover was over, as her to-be husband led her slowly to their seats in front of the holy fire, that would bind them for the next seven lifetimes. A happy tear slipped through the corner of an eye, for the fulfillment of a dream she had feared to ever dream. Happiness finally belonged to a girl named happiness.

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Arnav Singh Raizada could not take his eyes off Khushi's face. She was glowing... a glow, generally reserved for a bride or an expecting mother. She looked like a princess, in the red and gold lehenga he had chosen for her. They had worked together with designer Sabyasachi, to finalize their wedding trousseau and like decided; they had chosen each other's attire. He had sat restlessly through the rituals, which did not include her. His eyes searched for her through the gathered crowd, an anticipation so strong that he felt the urge to just get up from his place, and rush to wherever she was. Owing to their annoying relatives and friends, the last few weeks full of ceremonies, had been sheer torture. His heart lurched, every time an extremely delicious looking Khushi sat besides him, at a touching distance and he had to strictly keep his hands away from her. He could not wait to begin his month long honeymoon to the Bahamas, where he had planned to keep Khushi captive, in their private villa.

As the panditji instructed Khushi to touch his hand while he performed a ritual, the slightest of her touch unnerved him. Everything seemed to be happening so rapidly, that Arnav's brain was working in an overdrive, storing these small moments, Khushi's tiny gestures and expressions of overwhelming happiness. Her eyes danced as the time passed by, connecting with his, every few seconds. The slight brush of his fingers, the unintentional touches, heightened the anticipation of the gorgeous night he had planned for her. Despite his nani's pressure, he had wanted to spend the night and the next couple of days in Shantivan, with Khushi. The remaining rituals of mooh-dikhai and pag-phera, he had promised to complete as soon as they would be back. Thankfully Khushi had relented to his idea, as she was equally keen to spend some alone time with him. Their hectic work schedules and never ending line of guests and parties had exhausted them and their already weaning patience.

After the kanyadaan, Arnav and Khushi stood for the pheras, enjoying the shower of fragrant flower petals. Arnav reached out to hold Khushi's hand and even though she seemed reluctant with this PDA, he was insistent. He required her to feel his vows, as they took a circle-after-circle, binding them to each other. As he walked around the raging fire, his mind flashed with memories of the moments he had spent with Khushi, since he had set his eyes on her the first time. So much had changed between them... and so rapidly. His heart, which had refused to beat for anyone, had surged out of his chest and laid itself at Khushi's feet. The ever-consuming power she held over his body and soul was petrifying, yet it held its own magic.

They were told to settle down into their seats once again, as Arnav helped his bride with her saree. His fingers brushed against her bare stomach, lingering a bit longer, making her gasp at the slight touch. She looked up at him, her eyes admonishing him for his shameless behavior. However, all Arnav could do was wink at his blushing bride. She looked so radiant, that while he tied the string of black and gold beads around her neck, he whispered into her ears, "I love you Mrs. Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada." His eyes held solemnity as the words registered into her dazed head. It was the first time she had heard her named joined to his and he felt extremely thrilled at this union. She was his to claim and the whole world now knew it.

As the panditji instructed him, Arnav pinched the red sindhoor in his fingers, slipping aside her maang-tika with his other hand. He filled the parting with flaming red powder, marking her as his. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment and then they opened wide... staring right into his. The moment seemed to have been suspended in time, as all Arnav could see was the love that those hazel eyes held... for him. She was his... his wife... his wife in full... to love, to cherish and to keep besides him forever. He silently closed his eyes and prayed to his mother, for sending this beautiful angel into his life. He had realized that Khushi was his mother's blessing to her beloved son, as he felt his mother's presence around him... wishing for his happiness.

The families soon gathered close, blessing the newly-married couple. Arnav held Khushi's hand as they greeted their closest family and friends. His eyes never left hers, as he held her close to himself, not wanting to part away, even for a moment. She was now officially his and he had all rights to hold her the way he deemed fit. Finding a private moment, he pulled her close to himself, his arms enveloping her into his warm body. He simply wanted to cherish the fact that they were now married. Her love, her sexiness, her kindness, her trust, her care... was all his. He could feel her erratic heartbeat as he pressed a lingering kiss on her cheek before pulling her close once again. Resting her head against his chest, he murmured into her hair in silent contentment, "It is finally done."

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