Arshi FF : Merger Thrd #3 Chp 34 - Pg 86 - 2 Posts - Page 36

Originally posted by: manjunaidu

awesome.totally loved the update.what a twist at the end!!god now am eagerly waiting to read the next chapter.soon update the next one dear.good work.

Originally posted by: CHUNNU99

awesome update. good that both of them got the approval for their marriage . but i am scared nothing wrong should happen.

Originally posted by: tanu_15

Finaly all is set bt in end it looks like disaster is awaiting ...

Dnt seprate arshi ever

Originally posted by: abivicky86

marvelous update you have etched out each and every phase leading towards their wedding well be it their confession a fantastic closure to shashi gupta how that fellow had to bite dust inspite of being rich garimas dramatic confession of yes for the marriage and finally kushis worry about the financial expenditure

Originally posted by: Happytwinkle

Wonderful updates
Loved them
Well written
Plz continue soon
Thanks for the pm

Originally posted by: shalini_s

No communication at all.. Uff. Glad Garima changed..

Originally posted by: sathyaish

Wat an update yaar.

Wat u hav mentioned is very true. No love fe ends jus after marriage. Its d beginning of d life. D way u hav descdibed khushi life is amazing.

Plz updqte d next part soon. Cant wait to read

Originally posted by: luvbug

beautiful update..finally everything is falling into place...

go arnav fight for the right!!

A/n: Hey all, back with an update. Hope you like it. I think it is little bit 18+. No harm in asking the kiddos to stay away from the last section. Trust me guys, you have a lot of time to know about all these things. At the moment just focus on your studies. Because once you are all grown up, Life' will happen and you will not have any time to develop yourself. So, bottom line, focus on studies when you have a chance for it'.

Do let me know how you felt... eagerly await your comments.

CHAPTER 33

Arnav saw his wife of two hours. When men described their women with words like divine and angelic, he had dimissed them as romantic fools. But today, that was the only apt word how Khushi looked to his eyes. The two new brides were taken away to be introduced to Maami's friends. The periphery had faded out, and all he could see was just her, His Khushi. She was courteously smiling and bowing to the ladies.

For the nth time he left a heavy breath letting the contentment seep in. Or shall we say, not letting the overwhelming happiness to tip and spill over. Well he was selfishly trying to keep it all to himself.

He admitted to himself, that yet again she had been right, when she said that this wedding was as important to him as to her. How did she know? He wondered. He knew he would never be able to forget those moments all his life. He phased out as his thoughts went back to the crucial moments of their wedding.

Who came up with the idea of adorning the mangalsutra on the neck? He mused. Or holding hands while taking the pherey. But who ever it was, he was a brilliant man. He knew exactly what the bride and the groom needed at that moment. A moment of privacy among the crowd, to support each other in the chaos.

He had leaned towards her to hook the mangalsutra around her neck. But hadn't been able to do it in the first couple of attempts. And then he bent closer, slightly above her shoulder to get a better look. It was only for a few seconds, but he had felt it. A phenomenal change washing over him. As if their universes had collided and merged, where you could no longer differentiate one from the other. As if they were one mass. He wanted to look into her eyes, but a small shift of his head only gave a partial view of her ruddy cheeks. But her bosom was heaving. He rested his fingers ever so lightly, just for a second, on Khushi's neck. Was it to be close to her, in the crowd or was it to assure her. It was too chaotic to know for sure, but he did it nevertheless. And he had felt her pulse thudding away matching the beats of his own heart. He leaned back, hoping to catch glimpse of her eyes, to know what she was feeling. She had been looking down, her long lashes hiding her away from him. And for one moment, just when his face was right in front of her's, she had looked up at him. One fleeting glance and he knew, just like all other times. He knew! Gratitude, contentment and happiness. She had said it all in one glance. In a flash of a second, she had gone back to looking down. Not a third person would've have known their private moment. Just as he had wanted. He couldn't and wouldn't tolerate a third person to be privy to their lives.

The panditji asked him to put the sindoor on. He had lifted the maang teeka and put the vermillion. A year ago, if he had been asked to touch a maang teeka otherwise than professionally, he would have laughed it off as a feminine act. But today, he had done it with all his heart. Then again, it was not an act to mark Khushi as his. But more of his signature, submitting himself to her. Her eyes were closed, but her moist lashes and pursed quivering lips told him about her overwhelming happiness. He yearned to take her in his arms. But then again, the crowd and the limits. A distance he could not deny. As he retreated away from her, he realised she did not give away her emotions to anyone around her. They were meant for his eyes only!

Further into the ceremony, they were asked to take the saat pherey. He held her hand and she instantly squeezed it hard, letting him know how much she yearned to be with him. He matched her hold. He had led the first few pherey ahead of her. And then she was asked to lead him. Arnav had needed this eye opener. He extracted a promise from himself to not sabotage the relationship by overpowering it. He should let Khushi have her space and have her say.

As the ceremony came to the end, Sarita who had been Khushi's constant companion through out the wedding whispered something into her ears. And she smiled, her grim face transforming with her dazzling smile. A picture which was etched in his heart.

Arnav felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked up to see who it was.

"Jiju, Jiji asked me to give this to you." He looked at her hand. One had a glass of water and the other had an energy bar and his medicine for diabetes. He darted a glance back to Khushi. Despite being among the crowd and the chaos, it seemed she had been looking at him, time and again. To have an eyelock with him. And finally she did. Her eyes held worry, asking him if he was ok? If everything was alright. And he had replied her, batting his eye-lids slowly. And shooting a smile of tranquility to her. And her eyes tenderly essayed how relieved she was, to know he was ok. She eyed the contents in Chutki's hands. He took them. And she went back to her small talk with Maami's and Naani's friends. Payal left to join her Jiji, completely oblivious to their silent conversation.

And Arnav's thoughts went back to his Mamma and Papa. This is what they had! This is what they felt! When they used to have those small conversations, with their eyes, in a crowd. Assuring each other, loving each other. He missed them. They would've been very happy to have Khushi for their Chotey. He looked at her again. And this time, her eyes were ridden with worry, brows raised in concern. His misted eyes, closed for a moment, and he nodded his head, telling her that nothing was the matter. But unlike last time, she did not buy his answer. Forced to converse with the group of ladies, she half heartedly went back to keep up with the social formalities.

Once she found a reason to be with him she quickly came to stand by him.

"Aap theek to hain na?" She asked him, worry ridden in her words and eyes.

"I am absolutely fine." This was all they could manage to talk, because Sarita whisked her away as it was time for Anjali's Bidai.

Arnav looked at her retreating figure. She had not bought his words. His own thoughts went back to night before, when they had an argument of the sorts.

***

She had not slept in two days, juggling between the work her mother had given and managing the dual weddings with Maami. Finally in the night he had forced her to go to Anjali's room and sleep for a couple of hours. And she had returned almost immediately, to check if he had his medication. And finding her awake, Sarita had engaged her in a long conversation. Unable to control his anger, he had pulled her away, to talk in the hall way.

"Are you out of your mind! I asked you to sleep and rest. Where was the need to come back and remind me of my medication? Ab dekho, you are stranded for 3 hours. Why do you do this Khushi? Don't stare at the floor. Answer me dammit!" He cupped her chin and lifted her face up.

"Why didn't you go and sleep?" He asked her, frustrated with her silence.

"I went inside... with the intention to rest. Just as I lay down, I remembered. I didn't see you taking your medication after dinner."

"Main kya chota bachcha hoon? Can't I take care of myself?"

"I know you will take care of yourself. But ... But it's...it's something I do too.. you know?"

"Was that supposed to be a joke? Because I don't find it funny at all!"

"No Arnavji. What I mean is...I mean, that I live here." She pointed at his himself. "You know what I mean. I no longer live here." She pointed at herself. "My mind goes where you go and does whatever you do. My life goes on within you. Oh God! I dont even know if you are able to understand me. The thing is, my life has been thriving within you Arnavji. For a long time now. So, you see, when you didnt take your medication, I did not notice it. I felt it. Do you see the difference?" She searched his eyes trying to know if he understood her.

Arnav stood speechless in front of her. She was practically saying that she was living his life. And therefore knew everything he needed. What more could he ask from her? Till this moment, it had gnawed his heart that she had never said the three cardinal words. But what she said now was way beyond those words. Beyond what he would had ever asked from her. Slowly but surely he began to see the whole picture. She was into him completely. May be the route she had taken was not visible in black and white. But hell yes, she was there, completely committed to him. And the surprising fact was that even contemplating the word "revocable" seemed to be an insult to the depths of her feelings for him. Arnav looked at her naive face. His Khushi, the epitome of simplicity. It was her fundamental character. To keep things simple. Her work, her thoughts, and her feelings of love. There were no two ways about anything. She had completely given herself into him and there were no thoughts of looking back now.

***

He was jerked out of his thoughts of the previous night, when he felt her soft hand on his shoulder. Seeing him phase out again, she must have walked back to him.

"Arnavji, Kya baat hain?" She asked softly.

"Nothing Khushi." They were again interrupted when Maami came behind her.

"Arnav bitwa, Anjali bitiya bohot ro rahi hain. I think its better if you and I drop her to Aman bitwa's house. Khusi bitiya, would you be ok?"

"Absolutely Maamiji." Khushi smiled, hiding her dissappointment.

"Chalo tum dono, Anjali bitiya's Bidai is about to start. After dropping her, we will come back and do the Bidai of Khushi bitiya." Maami went ahead. Arnav held Khushi's hand, just in time.

"I will see you here asap ok?" He assured his new bride feeling guilty that she had to start making compromises already. She smiled back with an affirmative. Reluctantly, he left his wife. To do the right thing while doing a wrong thing. He should have never agreed for the dual wedding. With a heavy heart, he joined his sister who was sobbing away in the arms of her new husband. Maami asked Arnav to move to the front seat, beside the driver, while she herself took the seat beside Anjali, pacifying her.

A few minutes into the ride in the car, Arnav's mobile buzzed with a text message.

He fished it out. Arnavji, kya baat hain? And dont you dare tell me that it's nothing.' He chuckled within himself. She was referring to their conversation just before Maami had joined them. He visualised a tense Khushi, a new bride, texting a threatening message to her groom. Smiling at his phone, he texted back. Bolaana, kuch nahi. Was just remembering Mamma, Papa and... You.

A few seconds later, the phone buzzed again. Kiss. He smiled again. Holding the phone tightly, he brought his fist to his lips, his elbow balancing on the window. Gratitude washing over him. Life had gone a full circle, to give him his Khushi back. He turned behind to passify his Di. How was his mind able to do the right thing, while his heart and thoughts were with someone else?

Anjali and Aman insisted that Arnav should go back to Khushi as soon as possible. Anjali felt immensely guilty that just for her, Chotey had left his new bride alone. With quick teary goodbyes and promises to meet the next morning, Arnav and Maami headed back home. Arnav had to give it to his Maami. He wondered if his soft Mamma was capable dealing with two weddings in one go. As soon as they were back in the car, Maami fished out her phone and called Sarita, to check if Khushi bitiya was ok, and that they were heading right back.

Khushi heard Sarita updating Maamiji about few other arrangements. Her phone beeped simultaneously. Sarita shot a look at her, realising who it might be. She winked at her friend mischievously. Under the layers of makeup, Khushi blushed... hard. Smiling she raised her phone to look at the message. Coming back to you.' - It read. Sarita saw her friend's smile drop. Khushi gulped hard, eyes misting ever so lightly. Continuing to speak to Maami, Sarita touched the new bride on the shoulder asking what the matter was. Khushi only smiled and looked back at the phone fondly. When had this complete transformation happened, she did not know. But at the moment, she had this mountainous feeling that she was permanently enjoined with her Arnavji. She closed her eyes, and saw her family. All were in front of her. Amma, Chutki, Anjaliji, Maamiji and all others. She was looking at the people she loved and cared deeply. But the person whom she loved the most and cared the most was right beside her. His 'being' overlapping with hers. Life had taken a full circle to get them together!

***

There was a stark contrast between Khushi's and Anjali's Bidai. No dramatical farewells, no teary women. A stoic Khushi hugged her even more stoic mother and sister. Reminding them that they would be meeting again in the morning, for the Pooja. She hugged Sarita and took blessing from Kaka. As planned, the four of them (Khushi's family) were to stay in the hotel for the night. Maamiji had already profusely apologised to her mother that she was not able to host her new-samdhan in her already stuffed house.

While they were all waiting for the cars to line up, Chutki excused herself saying she had forgotten something. Aakash followed her discreetly as everyone's attention was on the bride and the groom.

He saw Paayal sprint towards a corner, hidden from everyone else. And she began to sob into her palms. Deep down Aakash knew, this is why she had walked away from everyone. He did not know how or why, but he felt her pain. With a constricted throat, he placed his hand on her shoulder. She jolted back to see who it was. And the moment she realised it was him, fresh tears rolled down her eyes. Why did she feel that this wicked boy, who had been nothing but a pest right from the word go, who was downright difficult to deal with, who did not miss a single chance to tease or argue with her, was the only one who would understand how miserable she was feeling at the moment?

He cupped her face and wiped her relentless tears. "No... no... Ssshhh!" He hugged her, gently soothing her back.

"It will be fine... trust me, it will get better...okay?" He whispered softly trying to allay her grief.

She sniffed in his embrace indicating that she was still crying.

"Achcha, ek baat batao, did you wear water-proof masacara?"

"Kya??!!" she shot are head back, utterly confused with his line of question.

"You know... with all the crying and all..." He pointed to her eyes with his fore finger, while his other hand still had her securely close to him.

"Oh!.." She looked here and there. Her purse was with her mother. How was she going to go back looking like this?

"Ruko." He pulled out his handkerchief from his pocket. And without handing it to her, he wiped her tears away from her face.

Paayal looked on at the boy in front of her. Had she mis-read him? Behind his casual and teasing demeanour, there was someone who was widely perceptive about her thoughts. A warm fuzzy feeling began to build up in her heart.

"There! Perfect. You look more beautiful without all this make up." Their eyes locked, acutely aware of how personal that comment was. But he masked it almost immediately. "Ab haemin chalna chahiye... I guess everyone must be waiting."

He asked her to come few minutes behind him. When Payal stepped out, Khushi was ready to sit in the car while Arnav and Aakash had put their head's together in a conversation.

Then Arnav turned back and said "Payal, do you want to join us in the car? I believe there is room for one more."

"Oh Jiju, you are the best." Payal sprinted to her Jiju and hugged him. Khushi smiled. All the four in that group needed this. Arnav had wanted his wife to have something of her past while stepping into her new life. Khushi had wanted to steal a few more moments with her family before stepping into her new home. Payal ofcourse wanted to be with her Jiji even if it was for a short while more and Aakash knew that these few moments more would help her deal with the pain of separation better.

As they began to drive towards home, the bickering between the two occupants in the front of the car started again. And the three occupying the back seat of the car stayed mute.

"Chutki chup karo" Khushi admonished her younger sister.

"Ab chodo bhi Khushi bitiya." Maami intervened. "I think it is their young blood. They have unlimited energy to keep fighting. But I am way too tired to get involved in their senseless fights. As long as they survive the next 2 days, I am fine." Maami heaved a long sigh, tired of being the peacemaker of these silly fights.

Khushi looked on helplessly at Arnav. He winked at her and looked outside the window with a broad amused smile. Khushi leaned back, clueless as to what to do, just as the two in the front seats were ready to pull each other's hair.

***

Once they reached home and after the grihapravesh, Khushi and Arnav were asked to proceed to Naani's room. It had a big bed, comfortable for both of them. But Arnav refused firmly saying they would stay in his room. It had two cots, so there would be no problem. It was late into the night, and they were all tired. As awkward as the situation was, Maami had no choice but to agree.

Khushi hugged her sister, whispering her to behave with Aakash.

Maami accompanied them till the door of their room. Asking them to relax, Maami closed the door behind her.

And finally Arnav and Khushi had each other for themselves.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (IT IS A BIT 18+. KIDS STAY AWAY PLEASE 😳)

Khushi felt flustered with his intense look. She looked everywhere but him, fidgeting with her chunni.

Her eyes snapped in worry, when she heard him bolt the door. He walked straight to her, his gaze holding hers.

As he approached close to her, she dropped her head down, feeling shy. Without a word, he spread his arms. She went in... to the place she wanted to be and he wanted her to be through out the day. They held on to each other, relishing the liberty to be with each other without any boundaries. Arnav was very aware of the beads of her chunni poking his cheek.

Arnav released his hold on her, wanting to look at her face.

"Sss!" She hissed in pain.

"Kya hua?" He stilled with worry.

"My ear ring... I think it's stuck."

"Hold on..." He moved. She hissed some more. Wait.. let me remove it... she gave an alternative. She slowly removed her ear ring. Arnav's hand automatically moved to her ear which was red by now. But his hand was restricted, what with his watch pulling at a golden thread from her Chunni.

Khushi giggled. Of all the things they show in the movies, she was sure nobody had visualised this scene.

"What say? Do you want to change into something comfortable?" Arnav suggested.

Khushi looked around. "I forgot to shift my clothes, she pointed out her predicament."

"No problem, you can wear mine." He stopped as soon as the words slipped out of his mouth. They did realise that this was just the beginning of their intimacy.

Feeling shy, Khushi nodded a yes and turned the other way. She could've stepped out and gotten her clothes. But what would she answer Maamiji? It would be an awkward conversation. She began to take off her jewelry. From her peripheral vision, she saw Arnav walk towards his cupboard. He swiftly pulled down the pant of the Sherwani. Khushi turned away from him altogether. What's wrong with him? Doesnt he feel shy at all? Arnav smiled at her reactions. He quickly changed into a pair of track pants and t-shirt. And placed another one on the bed for Khushi. This is for you, he told her. Khushi turned to look at the clothes. It was the same pair that they had worn in the motel near Devi Maiyya temple. She looked at him surprised. I was married to you in that hotel, near Devi Maiyya Temple. His words resonated within her.

"Come, let me help you get off this complicated attire of yours." He walked her to his almirah, which had a long mirror on the inner side of the door. Turning her towards the mirror, he stood close behind her. He looked into her eyes in the mirror. An array of emotions were filled in them. Her bosom was heaving. He spotted the gleam of a pin on her ghoonghat. He raised his hand to get it out of the way. Khushi followed his cue. And removed some pins herself. As he took the last of the hair-pins out, the ghoonghat fell down in a heap, between their legs. Arnav brushed it aside with his leg and stepped closer to her. Khushi bent her head down, clutching on to the sides of her lehenga, eyes shut to contain havoc raising within her. Arnav gulped hard. Her blouse gave a modest peek at her creamy back. One look at Khushi, he knew he had to take it slow. She was' and wasn't ready! He knew it because he was at the same spot himself. He felt like she was a china doll. So fragile, so precious.

He turned her around. Her eyes were still closed. Her luscious lips crying out loud to him to be taken. But he restrained himself. Taking pleasure of the sweet torture. He leaned further into her, to look at the threads of her necklace. A deliberate act to have her closer to himself. Khushi's breath paced visibly, and she finally rested her forehead on his collar bone, unable to bear the distance. He loosened the fastening bead at the back of her neck. The necklace at the front dropped quickly. He pressed himself on her, to stop the fall. Khushi sucked her breath in. Holding the necklace in his hand, he moved away ... only a little bit. Khushi cooperated. He slowly pulled the broad necklace over her face and away. Khushi wondered if she could bare this torture anymore. Because he had undone only the top necklace. There was still the long one, resting on her bosom. Just as she was thinking on these lines, she felt his hand, slightly brushing on the front of her blouse. He had taken the long necklace under his hand, this time careful beforehand to not let it fall. And deftly unfastened it behind her neck. The necklace fell, nevertheless. And so did his hand. This time brushing against her bare mid-riff. He quickly removed it. And turned his back, reigning control on is senses. Handing the pair of clothes, he said. "Here change into these. I am over there by the window." He tried to assure her that she should change in comfort.

Arnav stepped away from her. He was this far from ravishing her. But he had to take this slow. Not only for her, but because he 'wanted' to. It is how he had always fantasied about it with Khushi. Just like their relationship, their intimacy too had to fall in place on its own. Never rushed.

The heavy drop of her lehenga and the clinking of the beads of the choli indicated she had discarded those respective garments. Some movements indicated she had eased into the clothes he had given her. And further ruffling of the clothes hinted that she was folding her clothes.

What was he to do? Rather what would she like him to do? Arnav tussled with his thoughts.

Khushi stuffed her bulky clothes in one of the shelf and eased her hair and tied up into a tight bun. She turned to look at Arnav. He was still facing the window. What was she to do next? She was mortified even thinking about what would happen next. Overcome by shyness, she hid behind the doors of the Almirah, as if it was her safe haven. For a few odd minutes she didn't hear him step towards her. She peeped out of the door to see what he was doing? If she was expecting her to make the first move then she was done for. She would have to muster the courage she didn't have at the moment. She found him still facing the window, however he was peaking over his shoulder in her direction.

***

Arnav looked at his reflection in the window pane, reminding him of the day when he first accepted his feelings for her. Funny that he had termed that day as the day he felt married to Khushi. Because this day seemed no different. And she would be wearing the same clothes! It had to be more than coincidence! Was her pant falling off again? Is that why she hadn't stepped out? He glanced over his shoulder to see if she was done. Not finding her close by he turned towards her completely. And there were those naive innocent eyes, peeping from behind the almirah. He was transported back to that day, the first time he had seen her in his office. Their first official meeting. She had peeped behind from Kaka's shoulders, scared, unsure. At that time he wasn't so sure what he wanted to do about it. But not this time.

Khushi saw him face her completely. His eyes ... They were giving away more than she could take. At the beginning, his eyes mirrored her own confusion. But slowly she could see something more. Worry, concern and the need to be with her. She sucked her breath in and went back to hide behind the almirah. Soft steps indicated he was stepping towards her. She sunk further in, the hard metal teasing and pinching her at the back. As she saw his frame come into vision from the other side of the door, she looked down, feeling shy as if that would make her invisible. He stood in front of her, leaving a decent distance of a foot or so between them. Her eyes were trained on his feet. They were so fair and well groomed. How come she hadn't noticed it earlier? Just as her thoughts went into a silly trail, she saw a broad palm spread in front of her, beckoning her to take it. Without looking at him, she slipped her hand in.

Arnav let his heart lead the body and for once his mind enjoyed the chance to step back and cherish the moment, to let down the guard. It was not very often that it was showered with peace and tranquillity. He extended his hand hoping she would take it. And like always, she did not disappoint him. The soft slender fingers slid into his wide palm. He slowly brought her hand and placed it on his heart. She finally raised her shy eyes to look at their overlapping palms on his thudding heart. She stepped closer to him and Arnav missed looking at her face. But then she knew to give more than she took. She first rested her forehead at the V of his collar and then her whole face leaned on, the lips softly grazing on his palm. Arnav embraced her with his free hand sliding up against her back. The higher the hand went, the more she hid herself in him. He rested his lips on her hair and let out a long sigh.

He slid his hands down to hold both her palms in his. And moved away from her. Khushi saw nothing but the floor. A small smile of amusement teased him. She would melt away in no time, given how shy she was feeling. He stepped back, more and more, tugging her along with him and finally sat on his bed. She halted the moment he sat, but he didn't relent, pulling her towards him. He got her to stand between his legs and raised his head to look at her face. Cocking an eyebrow he teased her, a small smile tugging his lips. Flustered and embarrassed, she held back a smile, twisting and restricting her lips as much as she could, and finally cupped her face to hide from him.

Arnav extended his arms wide and pulled her waist into a tight hug, resting his head on her bosom. He stilled. Just like the last time, the t-shirt was the only garment shielding her. His way-ward feelings were brought to a stop when he felt her soft fingers on his hair. She caressed his hair lovingly and brought down her palms to cup his face. He looked up at her, resting his chin on her bosom. While her heart was thudding away, her own breaths were coming in a calm rhythm and so was his chin, swaying above her heaving bosom. She looked at him and the array of emotions within her, choked her, misting her eyes. With all the gratitude she felt, she whispered a thankyou'.

"Hey... what's wro.." He pulled her down to sit on his lap.

"Sshhh" she silenced him with her finger. "Happy tears" she enlightened him, before his thoughts went into a stride. He saw her looking at something behind his back. She leaned on him, picking it up and sat back. For a moment Arnav thought he had lost all his control when he felt her moulds hard pressed on him, but he quite aptly held himself together, when he saw that she had his phone in her hand.

"Open it." She asked him to type the password. Instead, he told her the numbers. For a flighting second, he thought he had seen her surprised, but then, she went ahead and opened phone. And looked for a song.

"Arnavji, I have been meaning to tell you something over the last month, since you... you shared your feelings for me. But words have failed me and so has my courage, to stand in front of you to tell you... what... I feel... This song is something I mean to tell you, atleast a part of it." Saying so, she hit the play button and held it near his ears.

Arnav concentrated on the song.

Kehte hain Khuda ne iss jahaan mein
Sabhi ke liye kisi na kisi ko hai banaaya har kisi ke liye
Tera milna hai uss rab ka ishaara
Maano mujhko banaya tere jaise hi kisi ke liye

Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Kaise hum jaane, hume kya pata
Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta

Tu humsafar hai
Phir kya fikar hai
Jeene ki wajah hi yehi hai
Marna issi ke liye

Kehte hain:
Khuda ne iss jahaan mein
Sabhi ke liye kisi na kisi ko hai banaaya
Har kisi ke liye...

Hmmm... Meharbaani jaate-jaate mujhpe kar gaya
Guzarta saa lamha ek daaman bhar gaya
Tera nazaara mila, roshan sitaara mila
Taqdeer ki kashtiyon ko kinara mila

Sadiyon se tarse hai jaisi zindagi ke liye
Teri sohbat mein duaayein hain ussi ke liye
Tera milna hai uss rab ka ishaara
Maano mujhko banaya tere hi jaise kisi ke liye

Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Kuch toh hai tujh se raabta
Kaise hum jaane hume kya pata
Kuch toh hai tujhse raabta

Tu humsafar hai, phir kya fiqar hai
Jeene ki wajah hi yehi hai
Marna issi ke liye

Kehte hain Khuda ne iss jahaan mein
Sabhi ke liye kisi na kisi ko hai banaaya
Har kisi ke liye...

As the song played in his ears, her eyes essayed the essence of it. She meant to tell him all the words in the song.

As the song ended, she kept the phone aside, and rested her hands on his shoulders. Unable to meet his eyes, she looked at the collar of his t-shirt. And as always, her fingers drew imaginary lines. This time on his shoulder. Arnav had securely wrapped his arms around her waist, while she continued to sit on his lap. She spoke softly.

"Arnavji, I believe there is a word above "love". My vocabulary is too small to know the right word. But I am sure it is there. Because what I feel for you is far beyond that four letter word." Her overwhelming feelings spilled out as tears. "No matter how many words I say, they will still fall short of what I feel for you. I just dont know how to..."

"Shhh... Sweetheart... do you realise you have said far more by saying that you dont know how to say it?" Arnav rested his forehead on hers.

Khushi looked on surprised that he managed to understand.

"I understand, because I feel it too." His eyes softened and he nuzzled her nose. He gulped hard, because unlike her, he couldn't find himself tearing up.

"Arnavji... hum... hum aapsey..." Khushi again started to search for the right word. A word better than pyar and mohabbat. She not only loved him, but was truly and completely devoted to him. She could not visualise herself without him. For her, there is no Khushi without her Arnavji. Yes, the insecurities did peak out, everytime she felt this wholehearted and heart-warming attachment to him. They warned her that if he ever failed her, she would be hurt without a chance of redemption. But she had steadfastly fought those bitter thoughts. Because, no matter what scenario her inner demons played in her head, she was always able to contemplate an ending where her Arnavji would never fail her. Her faith and trust slowly, but steadily managed to quash most of her fears. And if nothing worked, one look from him and she knew... she knew that he was the only one who had her back and the only bankable person she would ever have.

Arnav saw Khushi get into that inner conversation. Her eyes moved with whatever words her mind was speaking. She was still searching for that all-encompassing word which would convey her undying and irrevocable love and commitment towards him. Her need to tell him that he completed her.

"Khushi... mein bhi... tumsey..." He left it blank just like her. There was no hurry to find the word. They had a lifetime to fill the blanks.

She understood what he was trying to do. Tell her that he loved her too. They smiled serenely at each other. Gratified to have found themselves in such a place in their lives. They rested their forehead against each other, savouring the moment.

Arnav's fingers pressed on her supple back to bring her closer. Khushi leaned towards him, crunching the garment on his shoulder. But there was no where to go... they were literally a breath away from each other. Their breaths picked up the pace. Her bosom started to heave rapidly. Warm quick breaths fanned against each other's lips. Their lips parted, hoping to breath in more air. Arnav closed in, sure yet unsure if he should go ahead and kiss her. Khushi's lips quivered in anticipation and nervousness. Arnav's lips were closing in and moving away from her own. And then the plumps of the lips grazed against each other. Khushi grabbed his collar. He brushed his lips more into her, his hold tightening on her. The havoc in her forced her knees to curl up. He dipped his lips into hers. A spark ran through her body. His tongue came in to caress her. An small ache took birth in her core. She curled up her knees and snuck further into him. Arnav was acutely aware of the stiff tips of her bosom teasing at his chest. He angled his head to dive further into her. She moaned involuntarily.

"Oh Khushi" He whispered between their entangled lips, finally letting himself to lose control.

She sucked in her breath, he dived deeper letting her know how much he wanted her. His hands ran lower on her back, needing the touch of her skin. He pulled up the hem of her t-shirt and slid his hand in... only at the small of her back. And Khushi stilled. Holding on to his shoulder as if her life depended on it.

Arnav paused. Was he going too fast? He withdrew his hand and slowly placed it at the tip of her chin asking her to look at him. She opened her eyes into his slightly worried ones. Spontaneously she shifted closer to him on his lap, her eyes fleeting between his eyes and his lips... his eyes and his lips...and his lips...her heavy breath on his lips... her eyes on his lips... And then finally a nave innocent look into his eyes. Arnav could no longer bear this torture. He slid her down on to his bed and he partially lay on top of her, holding her in his embrace, but making sure he did not crush her under his weight.

"Khushi... mein.. mein..." How was he to tell her how much he wanted her at the moment?

"Arnavji..." she cupped his face caressing him.

"Khushi... I want to..." he huffed searching for the appropriate words... "You will tell me, wont you? If you are feeling uncomfortable...?" His palms pressed hard on her back, telling her how much stressed he was.

"Arnavji..." She tugged on his cheeks forcing him to look at her. "I have never felt so so... Loved." She declared even as her warm uneven breath fanned against his.

Arnav dove down to take her into a passionate kiss. The lips merged, bodies cemented, hands searching and wandering. Khushi's fingers combed through his hair, bringing him closer. Arnav's hand ran under her shirt, but this time she did not still at the contact of the skin. But her breath came in haggard as his hand grazed dangerously close to one of her breasts. Arnav paused on his kissing. They both breathed hard against each other's lips. He slid his hand further close, the edge of her breast almost in the gap of his thumb and forefinger. Khushi sucked her breath and breathed in gasps, but did not push his hand down and away. Taking his time, Arnav grazed the tip of her breast in his thumb, in soft slow strokes. Khushi raised her bosom when hitherto unknown feelings rose in her. Arnav plunged to suck and kiss her thudding pulse on her neck, her mangalsutra forming a brilliant contrast on her creamy skin. Claiming his right on her soft mould completely in his hand, he moved further on her to shower his love on her exposed shoulder. The loose t-shirt being his close ally at the moment. Khushi sucked a long breath as Arnav's placed more passionate kisses one after the other all over her neck and shoulder. The ache in her core kept growing and spreading all over her body. Unaware to herself, her knees lifted and bent up, responding to his ministrations, pushing Arnav's hips right on top of her core. And they both stilled. As much as they were sure that they would let the events play along, this was too early... for both of them. They were not ready! Not yet!

But each had to know what the other felt. Because it was a delicate moment and one wrong move could leave your partner feel rejected.

Khushi lowered her leg straight. Arnav lifted his head to see her face. Her nervousness was quite apparent. "Khushi... I think we should ... you know... we can... may be... wait...?"

She snapped a look at him and this time relief was apparent.

"I take that as a yes." Her brows raised and eyes shown worry.

"Arnavji, I don't mean to... I am sorry.. I mean..." She tried to convey her nervousness.

"Believe me... I am more nervous than you are..." He cocked an eyebrow to ease her apprehension. She smiled feeling relieved that she had not hurt him.

He slid down beside her and took her in an embrace.

"Arnavji ..."

"Ummm..."

"Can I say something...?"

"Anything sweetheart.."

"Can we... I mean... can you...matlab... yeh sab..."

"What's it Khushi..."

"Arnavji...I am ... I am...scared..." She hugged him more tightly.

Arnav sensed her agitation and warmed his embrace around her. Wasn't this his worry too? He was well aware that he had a more responsible role to play in this facet of their lives. He had to lead and steer the path for them while making sure he doesn't hurt her, her feelings or otherwise. Till now everything had just flowed into place. He and Khushi had always been almost at the same spot through out their relationship. And it was not even as if they were strangers to each other... For pete's sake it was Khushi and him... Then why was he feeling restless... Nervous...and..and.. inequipped, to deal with this ...He held his thought right there... What an ironic feeling was this where he felt he had to "deal" with this situation. Realistically speaking, their relationship was in an incipient stage. And there was nothing to "deal" with here. All he had to do was to let the past lead the way for their future. When the time is right, they will get intimate. So, for now, all they had to do was to savour their present. He smiled, grateful to have stumbled upon the answer. He took in a long breath of relief and pulled her closer.

"Sweetie... there is no hurry... for anything... We have a lifetime together, don't we? Things can wait. We will get there when we are ready. And I promise, I will not rush anything...ok?"

He felt her nodding a yes.

"Do you want to take a nap? We have to wake up in two hours for the Pooja."

Another nod and a "hmm" indicated another yes. He found her relaxing a bit in his embrace. She held on to the V of his collar and Arnav rested his cheek on her hair. She must have been very tired as sleep took over her within minutes. And in her sleep she bent her one knee and placed her leg on him. And a minute or so later, she must have woken up, because Arnav felt her take her leg off and stiffen in his hold. Smiling, he extended his long hands and pulled up her leg to place it on himself. He wasn't able to see her smile, but felt her ease herself into a comfortable position, with one leg on him, before slumber overtook both of them.

A/n: As always I look forward to your COMMENTS or you may hit the LIKE BUTTON

I know the gap since the previous chapter is rather long... I am not even sure if you would be reading this...But if you have, then tons of thanks!!

Take very good care of yourself.

Exercise and eat healthy.

Love

Suri