#4 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 57

Limerence : Part 27

After two excruciatingly long crazy days, the silence engulfing them seemed so blissful and content. Arnav took in her features, as she rested her head against the car seat, her eyes trained on him. She looked exquisite, even at the end of an exhausting day. Her beauty ran much deeper than the superficial facade, most of the world lived by. His one hand lay entwined with hers, as he lifted his other hand to caress her soft cheek. "I love you," he said simply. Three words that had changed his life upside down, now seemed to liberate him fragment by fragment... each time he uttered them. That was the magic he had been waiting for all his life.

She leaned into his touch and relaxed into the warmth only he could provide her with. It had been two whole days of emotional draining and a new kind of learning for her. It wasn't easy to face the world, when they scrutinized your every move and judged your character. However, with family by your side, the inner strength one felt, was liberating. Facing the ARD employees head-on, had been her secret strategy... because she had realized by now, that the world was ruthless towards the weak. And she was done being helpless. She was no more a lonely victim. She had friends and a family, who she could look to for support and feel safe within the cocoon on their arms. Wasn't that how life and happiness felt?

"As much as I would love to sit like this, simply looking into your eyes Khushi... I think you need to get going, freshen up and come right back to me," Arnav teased, noticing every minute change in her expressions, as she was lost in thought. He was relieved that she was as transparent as he was. It made things easier between them... as they communicated without those conventional words. He saw her mind registering what he had said, and as if brought out of daze, her eyes focused on the watch on her hand.

"Hey Devi Maiyya! Amma is going to kill me. She had specified for me to return a little early to finalize what I am to wear. She wants me to wear a saree... and I am never comfortable in one of those. I always fear of tripping and landing on my face, while I walk around. And that is definitely not the first impression I want to make on your family. And now it is already so late... and it is entirely your fault! I could have walked home myself, but like a bodyguard, you had to insist on dropping me home... and then put me into this trance that I usually feel when I am around you..." Khushi went on and one, rambling about all that came up into her crazy mind, forgetting to filter it before the words left her mouth.

Arnav Singh Raizada was not the one to miss out on an opportunity he could cash on, as he lifted his finger to her delicious lips... silencing and stunning her momentarily. "Bohut bolti ho tum," he admonished lightly with a slight quirk of his lips... his eyes gleaming mischievously. "As much as I would love to see you in a delectable saree, I think you should wear what you are most comfortable in. If you want, I can speak to aunty about it. You know how much she adores me right? And plus you already have most of my family eating right out of your hands. It is only my maasi and maasa, that now need to be charmed by the extremely charming and adorable, Khushi Gupta," he continued, as she blinked back at him, thrilled to see the buoyancy surrounding him.

"And what else did you say? That it's my entire fault? I put you in a trance all the time? Is that correct Khushi?" he teased, as his thumb traced her bottom lip, making her breath catch in her throat. Her lips trembled under his touch, as he felt the shiver run through her. Her eyes shuttered close, unable to see the darkening of his beautiful brown orbs. Leaning in, he reigned in his desires and brushed his lips lightly against hers and whispered hoarsely, "You have no idea what you do to me Khushi. Because if you did know the power you have on me... I would have been your slave by now."

Her eyes snapped open as his words washed over her. Her eyes mirrored his passion and she was drawn to him like a magnet. It was he who pulled away quickly and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. She looked at him confused. "As much as I would love to devour you right in this moment, Khushi... and I know I am sounding absolutely corny... but that is how desperate I feel around you dammit! Go! Go run home and come back to me quickly. I don't think Garima aunty would like to see your flushed face and swollen lips... just before we are headed to my home. Go before I change my mind..." he said on a harsh breath, directly looking at her... his eyes telling her just how much she affected him.

And in that moment, she could not stop herself from giggling. They were in such a sorry state... surrounded by various problems, worried, anxious and nervous about how their families would accept them... their lives were changing... their beliefs were changing. However, one thing that remained constant was this indescribable longing between them. She felt exactly as he did... and just as much as he was vocal about it, she was shy and scared. Was this how one was supposed to feel when in love? Her boldness was surprising her, every moment she spent with this man... and her confused mind, stopped functioning completely in his presence. Because of all this confusion and despite all these doubts... she felt his... completely.

"Are you laughing at me Miss Gupta?" he asked, trying hard to sound stern, yet felt completely unmanned seeing her laughing. It brought him so much peace and happiness. It was a feeling that he might never get used to or enough of, his entire life. Khushi controlled her giggles and shook her head, "No Mr. Raizada, I just find our current circumstances, a little amusing. Anyways, I better run and get ready. Amma is so going to yell at me." She quickly leaned in and pecked his cheek, taking him by a pleasant surprise and whispered close to his ear, "I will be back soon." And just like that, she sprinted out of the car and into the ARD quarters, leaving behind a smiling and happy Arnav Singh Raizada.

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As Arnav stood leaning against his car, he saw two extremely stunning women walked towards him. Khushi looked ethereal in her light pink salwar suit while Garima aunty, simply glowed with the happiness residing in her heart. "We are extremely sorry for making you wait for so long beta. Why did you not come up with Khushi? She really gave me a hard time today and seems that she forgot to even invite you upstairs," Garima started her tirade as soon as they reached Arnav. Arnav smirked at Khushi, his eyes glowing with pride and teasing her with something akin to... "I am going to be your mother's favourite... be ready!"

Turning to Garima he said, "Its fine aunty. It really was not a problem. In fact I managed to finish a few important calls in the meantime." Khushi rolled her eyes in disbelief, seeing the way he was charming her mother. He held open the front door for Garima to get in, but she refused to get into the front and said jovially, "No beta, from now on, it is Khushi's right to be by your side on the front. I am simply happy to take the backseat and enjoy the remaining of my life." "Amma," Khushi admonished her mother, as she got in and buckled herself.

"Anyways, this girl! When has she ever listened to her old mother? She simply refused to wear a saree. In our times, when the girl met her in-laws for the first time, it was mandatory that she wore a saree. But with the changing times, what power do we have over our children? And she had you to put the blame on... Arnav beta. It seems that you insisted on her wearing a suit. Did you?" Garima continued her rant, making Arnav chuckle at her cuteness. Like daughter, like mother! He nodded and replied, "Yes aunty. It is really fine with her wearing anything she is comfortable in. Maasi does not believe in any conventions and is just excited to meet the two of you."

"See, you never believe me amma! You wasted fifteen minutes simply lecturing me about a saree. We could have left that much earlier, instead of making poor Arnavji wait downstairs," Khushi teased her mother, knowing well, how much she cared for Arnav. It seemed like his name, was now her trump card to blackmail her mother to get things her way. The only drawback would be if these two ganged up against her..., which seemed more likely in the future.

Arnav looked on amused at the way these two bickered with each other. Despite their difference of opinions, they seemed to be so comfortable. He could feel their anxiousness and fear. Knowing Khushi, he had realized that she rambled more, when she was nervous... and it seemed like it was the same case with her mother. Yet, there was this tangible bond that these two shared... a bond so strong... full of impeccable trust and companionship. Khushi seemed so much at ease with her mother... unafraid of bearing her heart and soul. How he wished he were, at the receiving end of such love and trust. Maybe with time... someday... they would get there. As they neared the Mittal residence, the anticipation had heightened and the air charged around them with a hope for happiness.

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"Calm down mom, they will be here very soon. If you keep up your brisk walks around our hall, the carpet is sure to wear off before their arrival," NK teased his mother, who was anxiously waiting to meet Khushi again and see for herself, if she would make her son as happy as he seemed these days. The doorbell resonated in the hall, as she sprinted towards the door, before any of the help could reach there. A loud cheer of welcomes and hugs were shared, as the Mittals warmly welcome Garima and Khushi. Manorama didn't miss the way NK warmly hugged Garima and she used the endearing name for him "Nandu," which only Manorama would use for her son.

As they settled into the grand hall, Manorama took in the nervousness of Khushi. The girl was extremely beautiful no doubt, but what added to it, was a pleasant and charming smile... a genuine smile that could reach anyone's heart. The small interaction they had shared at Akash's wedding, was a mere introduction to everything that was Khushi. No wonder both her sons had fallen for the same girl and while one was going to be very thrilled today, her heart ached for the other son, who was trying to hide his pain, behind that broad smile he was putting on for the sake of his family.

"Garimaji, it is so good to finally meet you. My children have been talking non-stop about Khushi and how extremely talented she is. Truthfully, I was so eager to meet her today," Manorama said genuinely. "We have been looking forward to meet you too Manoramaji. In fact we are indebted to all of your children, for the way they have been helping Khushi in her work. You must be so proud of your children. All of them are so lovely," Garima replied with equal warmth for this young generation, who had truly made their parents feel so proud. The elders nodded and got into their usual talks about how things had changed off lately, compared to the times that they grew up in.

The sore topic of Rakesh Kapoor was quickly spoken about and discarded out of their way. None of the people present, wanted to dwell on those painful memories of the past. Manorama knew the hurt that would lead in both their directions and seeing Garima and Khushi in person, had wiped away any anxiety or fear she had about their characters. They were simple women, who had simply suffered at the hands of fate and despite all their miseries; the genuine warmth emanating from them was something she would like her son to experience. He had been too cold, too lonely for too long.

She hadn't missed the way he devoured Khushi with his piercing gaze... taking in every nuance of her expression... her smiles... her blushes... her happiness... that somehow seemed to translate onto his own. She had noticed Khushi sneaking glances at Arnav too and knew instantly, the deep bond that had been formed in a short span of time. But that's how love worked its magic... and she had been fortunate enough to revel in its afterglow. A mother's heart thrilled to see this kind of passion, she never knew Arnav was capable of... and somehow she could not sigh in resignation, thinking about how her sister had tainted his childhood for her selfishness.

Brushing away painful memories that brought along with it a multitude of emotions... betrayal, frustration, anger... sorrow... Manorama said, "Khushi beta, come sit near me for a moment." That put most of the people present on alert, knowing well, the woman who never backed out from speaking her heart. Khushi stood up on wobbly legs and peered sneakily at Arnav for some strength. Even though she had received nothing but love and affection so far, it was an alien emotion, to meet someone who was as close to a mother-in-law as she would ever get.

As Khushi settled uncomfortably besides Manorama, the older woman moved forward and took her trembling hand within her more experienced one. "Khushi beta, I am not some TV serial vamp, who is going to eat you up... despite whatever Payal has warned you of," Manorama joked, to put the poor girl out of her misery and make her more comfortable around her future family. How could any woman ever forget the first time she met her in-laws and those feelings of terror she had experienced. It wasn't often that in-laws smoothly altered to parents... in every way.

Khushi giggled, relaxing a bit into her seat. Ignoring all the eyes that were focusing at her in the moment, she concentrated on what Manorama had to say. "Khushi, even though I have not given birth to Arnav... I regard him as my son. I know how much he has suffered in childhood because of my sister's deeds. The poor boy completely lost his childhood and his family, that he loved so much. I have see him struggle to make himself worthy of this merciless world and despite all the sufferings, he has transformed into this brilliant man, any mother would be proud of. If I have to speak truthfully, I would admit to it that I am extremely biased towards him... even over Akash and NK."

NK and Akash murmured their approval of this truth known to all, and was now gladly accepted by them. Where could you find relationships, which ran deeper than blood and thicker than love? "I have seen the subtle changes in him lately and for a starter... he smiles more often. All I have ever wished for him is love and happiness... something that he has been devoid of until now. It would break me to see him so lonely and busy... immersed in neck-deep work, to avoid these social obligations and emotional connections. And now finally, I can see an Arnav who doesn't fear admitting his feelings and wants to commit to a relationship. I am thrilled for him... and for you beta. I completely accept this relationship on only one condition... and that is a simple promise from you... will you do something for me Khushi?"

Khushi nodded, as she blinked back her tears, hearing Manorama's overwhelming words that radiated such affection and love for her nephew. Manorama cupped Khushi's face in her hands and said tearfully, "Promise me Khushi... ke tum Arnav ko hamesha khush rakhogi... wada karo!" Khushi nodded as tears ran down her cheeks and promised with all her heart, "I promise aunty... I promise." Manorama wiped her tears and kissed Khushi's forehead with extreme tenderness. "Can I be greedy and ask one more thing, beta?" Manorama asked.

"Haan haan mom... go ahead. We all know how demanding you can be," NK interrupted, making everyone chuckle and somehow lightened the mood in the house. "Keep quiet Nandu! Always troubling me. Now I have my two daughters who will take my side and make sure to put you in place, hain na Payal and Khushi?" Manorama asked teasingly. Both of them nodded and Payal quickly moved ahead to high-five Khushi. "Haan toh Khushi beta, this is how spoilt my children are and despite all my efforts till now... they cannot stop calling me mom. Even Arnav does not get over the word maasi. So I have all my hopes from you... so that I can hear that one endearment, my ears have been desperately craving to hear all these years. Will you call me amma, Khushi... just the way you call your mother?"

Khushi felt overwhelmed with the love and affection she was receiving. She had been so privy to harshness and humiliation all her life, that this seemed like an impossible dream. Two mothers? Really? Could she be so lucky to be able to revel in their love? Her throat clogged with emotion and all she could do was simply nod and hug Manorama. The older women patted her head, while the gathered people cheered loudly. Arnav stood up and walked over to his two weeping beauties and said jokingly... only to dispel the gloom surrounding them, "Maasi... now if all your melodrama is done... can we get onto the food? I am starving and I was waiting anxiously for my favourite gobi parathas... but looks like in the happiness of getting a daughter... you forgot your son!"

Manorama wiped her tears and twisted his ear saying, "NK is having a very bad influence on you Arnav. Come let's get to the dining table so that I can make you cry a bit, with my theeki dal." And just like that, everyone burst out laughing, the spirits uplifting and bringing in some much-needed happiness. The conversations moved from the engagement date to the venue. One week was all a crabby Payal was allowed, to design Khushi's and Arnav's outfits. The food was relished as greedily as the love amidst them. Two women who were used to having quiet lonely dinners all their life, realized that from now on, chattering chaos and insistent laughter was going to be a constant part of their lives. They simply sat back and reveled in these welcome changes.

It was past midnight when Arnav finally managed to extract the Gupta ladies, from the clutches... yes literally, clutches of the Mittals and made his way through the empty streets of Delhi to drop them home. His cellphone ring broke the happy silence in car. He slowed down the car to pick up and heard the rushed words with concentration, his mind working quickly as his hands tightened on the wheel. Braking the car urgently at the side, he furiously typed a message and waited till he received a quick response.

Before Khushi could ask what the matter was, he took a right, instead of the left that led to ARD quarters. "Arnavji, where are we going? Ghar uss taraf hai," she asked anxiously, unsure of the sudden shift in his mood. He tried to smile warmly at her, not wanting to worry her with the news. His mind remained unfocused, lost in thoughts of how to tackle the next few minutes and keep the two women in this car... safe.

"We are taking a longer route Khushi. I thought we might as well have an ice-cream before we head back home. Is that ok aunty?" he asked. Garima agreed readily, lost in happy moments of the past few hours. It was only Khushi who understood his restlessness and her heart thudded in her chest with unknown fear of something that was bothering her Arnavji. She sent a silent prayer to her Devi Maiyya, to keep their new-found happiness intact.

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Part 28