#5 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 36

Limerence : Epilogue 1

One Year Later

Garima sat on the table reserved for family, looking at her beautiful daughter, who stood besides her proud handsome husband, greeting and meeting new people, friends, business partners and distant relatives with warmth and affection. Despite being a very close family affair, the Mittals had managed to organize a huge gathering, overwhelming her yet again. She should have been used to it by now. After all, one year amidst the madness of Mittal's, the constant bickering between Manorama and Manohar, Payal's relentless chatter, NK's teasing, Akash's quick-wit and Arnav's affection had been overwhelming her time and again.

One whole year had passed in a blur of laughter and happy moments. She had never been at such peace and being officially retired for good, she had nothing better to do than spend her time tagging along with her new-found friend, Manorama, who had introduced her to a brand new side of life. She had a family to cherish and the most wonderful son-in-law she could have ever asked for. Not only had he been a dream come true for her daughter's happiness, he had cemented a place in her heart as a faithful and loving son, who doted on her.

A few moments ago the marriage vidhis had taken place, the holy fire binding Arnav and Khushi in the sacred bond of marriage, amidst family and friends. It was one of the most overwhelming moments of Garima's life... a ritual that had been slapped on her face all her life, the lack of one thing that had turned her life into a living hell... and the bond she had feared her daughter would never have... had finally happened in the most dream-like way. It had been a moment of pure unadulterated joy for Garima, a moment after which she could live a life of utter contentment. It seemed as if all the hardships they went through, were for a reason... a reason of such unbound happiness that was to come their way.

"Yes yes, you have all the right to be so thrilled," Manorama's voice broke through her happy reverie, as Garima saw her friend walk closer and settle in a seat besides hers. "Exhausted?" Garima asked kindly. "Exhausted does not even begin to describe my state of mind. I think I need to head to the spa for a couple of weeks for some stress therapy. Look at the crazy crowd and seems like the hotel staff here is also being driven nuts with our senseless bunch of relatives," Manorama ranted, dabbing at her makeup with a napkin. "Just one more day Manorama, and then we are free to enjoy ourselves," Garima said, as the two women giggled like schoolgirls thinking about their secret plan to get away from the madness.

"I wish Mayaji would have come for the wedding. I am sure she would have been thrilled to see Arnav finally settling down. And Anjali bitiya sounded so glum at the prospect of missing out on her brothers wedding," Garima said to which Manorama replied, "Anjali's exams have just begun and she does not get free for another two months. I guess she will be coming down for her vacations and fully intends to spend all her time with her bhai and her new bhabhi." Garima smiled at that and said, "Thank you Manorama, for wiping away all our troubles through these wedding ceremonies. You and Manohar bhaisaab have been of such help. You'll even agreed to do Khushi's kanyadaan..."

"Bas bas. Stop right there. We did not do anything for you Garima. We did all this with a selfish motive. Now we can claim Khushi as our daughter and I really can't tell you how thankful I am to you for her. She is adorable. Manohar can't stop raving about her. And it is so good to see Khushi bond so warmly with him as well. It is as if the experience of this relationship of father-daughter was reserved for the two of them," Manorama said with emotion, knowing well how happy Khushi made her husband. Garima pressed her hand as the two women continued to stare at the flurry of guests on the stage to greet the bride and groom.

"Anyways, when I came here, what were you smiling about Garima? I am sure you were thinking about how after a month, you get to live with your own daughter and your son for good. While I will have to keep craving to meet Arnav and Khushi on weekends or possibly whenever they find the time for their Manumaa," Manorama whined. Garima smiled at her childishness and also the fact that she hadn't been able to refuse Arnav, when he had asked her to move in with Khushi and him, in his home after marriage. He had emotionally blackmailed her into agreeing, citing reasons like she did not still consider him as her son and what not. The drama had gone on for weeks, finally making her cave in.

"That is a month away Manorama. Till then you have to bear with me at your home," Garima teased. With Arnav and Khushi leaving for a three-week-long honeymoon to Europe, Manorama had used the same emotional drama, to plead Garima into living with the Mittal's. Garima had been overwhelmed with the love and affection being showered upon her; unable to understand these kind of emotions she had been devoid of all her life. Like her daughter had advised, she had simply gone with the flow, reveling in them instead of fighting them. That had put everything at peace and set things right.

"Of course. I can't wait to start on our plan. What fun. Just two old women, doing all the fun things they missed out on, as youngsters. I have asked Payal to help us with a few things. This is so exciting, hai na Garima?" Manorama asked enthusiastically, her fatigue long forgotten. Garima nodded as the two women continued on their plans and ideas about a future life that seemed to be filled with excitement and happiness. When Garima thought she had lost it all... she had gained a new leash of life, of relationships, of love, of friendship and of bonds so pure, that seemed to outshine the rest. Such was life.

---------------------------------------------

"Gosh, this Arnav's idea of a destination wedding was absolutely fabulous Akash. I love it. I love this place. Had always heard of Neemrana but never knew it would be so breathtakingly beautiful. I don't understand why, ASR wants to whisk Khushi away back to Delhi tonight itself. This place would have been so lovely to spend their first night. I would have been able to decorate their room with flowers and candles and..." Payal gushed, clinging onto her husband's arm for warmth from the chill in the weather.

"That is probably why Arnav wants to take her back to his penthouse. I guess he has had enough of interference from all of us in the last few days. Both of them have barely spent any time together throughout these rituals. Cut the poor lovebirds some slack Payal and don't kill their romance," Akash said teasingly. "Haww! You think I am some monster trying to spoil their fun?" Payal pouted adoringly making Akash scan his eyes over the crowd once, before placing a chaste kiss over her tempting lips.

"You know what... I really like this place. I think once Arnav gets back from his extravagant honeymoon, we should get away for a couple of weeks ourselves... to maybe make a mini Payal or a mini Akash... what say?" Akash whispered in her ear, making her shiver at his words. "Maybe we can," she mumbled shyly. "God! Don't play this shy card. It so turns me on," Akash groaned. "I know," Payal said happily, winked at a shocked Akash and swiftly got up from within his arms to walk away teasingly into the crowd. Akash rolled his eyes at the crazy woman he had married and thanked god a million times for making her fall in love with him. Was he lucky or what!

---------------------------------------------

The bride and groom had been pulled in for a dance, before they made their way back to Delhi. The guests would be staying at the Neemrana fort for the night, enjoying the party and the celebrations. Manorama would only be able to welcome her new daughter-in-law at home, the next day evening, when the official griha pravesh would happen. Arnav had insisted on taking Khushi to his penthouse, a place he had always regarded his home after he had lost everything in Lucknow. Considering how everyone had fallen in love with their current venue, no one had cribbed about this arrangement, whole-heartedly enjoying the cold weather and their stunning surroundings.

"They look so beautiful together yaar. I am so happy for them. They are just perfect," Lavanya gushed, looking at Arnav twirling Khushi, making her laugh freely at his craziness. "You are such a goner for romance, Lav," NK teased sipping on his drink and enjoying the wedding festivities. One long year had helped both of them heal and move forward in life. NK was happy for his friend and his cousin. He realized that Arnav and Khushi were perfect for each other in every way. This was exactly how things were meant to be.

Lavanya put her arm around his shoulder and sighed, "Who wouldn't dream of romance seeing these two together. Their love story is now my life's goal. I want an exact happily ever after," she said dramatically. "For a smart girl like you Lav, I never expected this out of you. And anyways, for ever-after's, you have to begin somewhere. So why don't you begin by accepting my request of an official date that you have been procrastinating for past few weeks now," NK downed his drink and turned his full focus on Lavanya, the woman who was now his best friend and with whom he wanted to explore the idea of... more.

"Not again! What has gotten into you NK! I can't lose out on my bestie, if this does not work out ya. Don't you get it... that there is just too much to lose?" she asked frustrated. "Of course I get it Lav. But it could work out right? And things might just get better. We have to give ourselves a chance and this thing between us. It's been a year since we are nursing out broken hearts and I don't even feel that pain anymore. Because I have moved on Lav and I want you too. So I am asking again, amidst your new romantic couple's dream-like wedding... will you go out on a date with me?" NK said softly, reading the answer in her eyes before she uttered the lone word... "Yes." The enchantment of love seemed to have finally worked its magic.

---------------------------------------------

Arnav could neither keep his eyes or hands off his new bride. She looked breathtaking. And despite being at one of the most stunning sites, his eyes never strayed from Khushi's dancing eyes, or chattering lips. The innocent fleeting touches on her arm and across her bare midriff, excited him and he was aware of the havoc he was creating on her senses as well. The quick intake of breath and her eyes rounding in a glare, were proof enough. He smiled at her, as she touched the feet of yet another distant relative he did not care much about. How did this girl have so much warmth towards everyone? She was meeting all of them for the first time itself and yet he knew, was making a strong place in their hearts. That was his Khushi... yes his... only his... forever.

Her red and pink wedding lehenga, was designed by none other than the new and bright fashion designer, Khushi Gupta, now Raizada. She had insisted on designing her dream-wedding outfit and managed to design his as well. Keeping his simple tastes in mind, he was dressed in a smart beige and gold sherwani. Both the pieces were exquisite, making him proud at how far Khushi had come in this one year. She had completely broken out of her shell, flourishing in career as well as personality. This open, unbound and joyous Khushi was someone he could not get enough of and had finally decided to tie himself down to her for good.

"Its time to go Khushi. I can't wait to have you to myself," he whispered secretively into her ear, knowing well the effect his proximity had on her. But then, she had been torturing him with her flirty looks all evening. He wondered whether she would be as bold in private, as she seemed amidst this huge gathering the crazy Mittal's had arranged. As he had taken seven vows around the holy fire, each promise had instigated a newfound desire to live up to each of them... to keep his beautiful blushing bride happy forever.

Manorama, Payal and Garima had done a quick job of extracting the couple from amidst the crowd and for a change this bidaai, consisted of very little tears. He was not only glad to have asked Garima to live with them, but was ecstatic to finally live with a mother who pampered him like crazy and mostly took his side, leaving Khushi to sulk at the duo. He knew his life was going to be one hell of a roller-coaster ride and he couldn't begin to embark on this journey as a husband and a son and maybe sometime in the future... as a father.

Khushi leaned onto his shoulder, as he held onto her soft hands, brushing his thumb across her knuckles. They were seated in the backseat of his luxurious car, swiftly moving on their way back to Delhi. "Tired?" he asked softly. She nodded and closed her eyes in peace. Placing a feather-light kiss on her forehead near her parting, where the flaming red of the sindhoor stood out in the dark, he whispered teasingly, "Sleep sweetheart because when we get back home, sleep is the last thing that we are going to indulge in." At that she startled, her wide fearful eyes looking into his smirking ones. "Arnavji," she whispered admonishingly, glaring at him and then pointing her eyes towards the driver.

He put his arm around her and pulled her closer, kissing her pouting lips swiftly. "Toh kya hua? Ab biwi ho tum meri. Haq hai mera tumpe..." he said with mock pride, teasing her further. "Arnavji please..." she pleaded for some mercy from her husband. She was already at the end of her nerves... the whole glamorous wedding and this anticipation of a wedding night overwhelming her to no extent. And here was her husband only adding to her woes. How was she to think clearly, while his fingers very busy with their ministrations on her bare skin? His mere touch was enough for her to lose her train of thought and now with the changed dynamics of their relationship, there was nothing and no one to restrain their desires. How was she going to deal with all of it?

Knowing exactly what was going through Khushi's head, Arnav decided to give her a little time and space to gather herself. They had an entire lifetime ahead to live all of his naughty fantasies and thoughts, which he had conveniently bottled up in the last year. Knowing Khushi's reservations about physical intimacy before marriage, he had never pushed beyond a boundary they had set for themselves and was content to remain within his limits. And a few more hours of restraint would do no harm to anyone. Hence he decided to change the topic and put Khushi at ease.

Pulling away from her he said, "So Mrs. Raizada, why are you still calling me Arnavji?? Hadn't we decided on Arnav once we were married? Arnavji just feels so distant baby. Say Arnav..." His words turned huskier by the end of his sentence, the unmistakable mischief making Khushi sigh in resignation. "I can't. I have tried Arnavji. Its so odd to start calling you Arnav," she whined. Arnav brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles gently. "Ar...na...v..., see it is that simple. You stop at V and not begin with the ji..." he said teasingly. Khushi shook her head shyly and showed him her tongue, teasing him in return.

At that moment Arnav realized that Khushi was simply playing with him to annoy him with this stupid "ji" business. Tugging at her hand, he pulled her closer and looking right into her eyes... his smoldering gaze scorching her everywhere it touched. "By the crack of dawn tomorrow, I will make sure you call me Arnav sweetheart and you will be saying it like a chant... I promise," he said hoarsely. The insinuation of his words made Khushi blush, as he placed another chaste kiss on her lips, before pulling her closer and letting her rest her head against his heartbeat, that was thudding like a humming bird in his chest.

The rest of the journey back home was spent in companionable silence, both Arnav and Khushi lost in the whirlwind of memories they had collected over the last few weeks. Due to almost empty roads, they reached within less than a couple of hours. As they stood in the lift, Arnav saw Khushi nervously fidgeting with her dupatta, exactly like the first time they had met and a smile bloomed on his face. Prying one of her hands away, he laced his warm fingers with hers and said genuinely, "Relax Khushi, I am not going to eat you up. What's with all this nonsensical build up for the first night! I am sure Payal would have corrupted your mind with her crazy ideas and fantasies. Just relax ok? It's just me Arnav... and you are just my Khushi... samjhi tum?"

How could her read her so well? Since the very beginning of their friendship, he had known exactly what she thought, what she felt. She felt like an open book at his hands and even though it unnerved her, it also brought along with it a sense of comfort. And now he was her husband, her other half in every way. Where was the need to hide? Where was the scope of fear? She had bared the deepest of her fears and darkest of her secrets to him. He had seen her in the most vulnerable state... in which he had been her strength, her courage and her guiding light. Where was the need to shy away from him anymore?

It was as if something had changed within her in mere seconds, as she raised her eyes to his and nodded. It was a revelation of sorts to know that the man who stood besides her, gazing at her so lovingly, was the one who had made sure to erase every difficulty in her life, to make it as beautiful as he could. Then how could she have been so stupid to even think about fearing their first night together? She smiled at him, as they reached the threshold of his home... now their home. She was surprised to see a new sparkling nameplate hung on the door, which read "Mr. and Mrs. Raizada."

She looked up at him in surprise and he only smiled at her in return. "Welcome home Mrs. Raizada," he whispered as he unlocked the door. Telling her to wait for a moment and not step in, he rushed inside and was back within a few silent moments, holding a thaali, with a small diya and kumkum. Khushi's eyes teared up at the gesture, as he put a small tilak on her forehead. "This is not me... but manumaa's strict instructions. This was the only way she allowed me to get away from the griha pravesh rasam," he said. She laughed at him and was about to step inside when he almost yelled, "Wait!"

Halting in her tracks, she looked at him putting the thaali away swiftly, as he sauntered towards her and lifted her in his arms. She gasped in shock, yet held onto him at the sudden gesture waiting for him to explain what he had just done. "Well, this is the Mittal tradition and I have been instructed to follow it. Although I like this tradition better than the rest of those annoying rituals, which have made me stay away from you, over the last few days," he grumbled, earning a sweet giggle from her. How he loved these adorable giggles.

Closing the door with his leg, he straightaway went towards their bedroom and deposited her on the floor, switching on the lights, bathing the room in its soft glow. "Why don't you freshen up Khushi? Change into something more comfortable. I know that the weight of this lehenga is more than yours," he said softly, brushing a wayward strand of hair from her face and placing a swift kiss on her forehead. "All your clothes have been set into this new wardrobe by Payal... and don't look so surprised... you know I always make sure that you have everything you want. And now you are my wife, so I can rightfully do things for you... and you have no other option than to accept every madness that comes your way," he said cupping her face.

All Khushi could do was blink back her tears of happiness. How had she gotten so lucky? He thought of even the smallest of her needs. His actions spoke louder that those teasing words he had been throwing at her all week. He wanted her to be at ease... at her home... in her room... with her husband. This was her life now and he was doing everything he could, to make sure she didn't feel uncomfortable. Hadn't he been doing exactly this for the last one year?

Despite his desires and love for her, he had never crossed an arbitrary line that she had drawn around herself. Even though she had moved over her past, the thought of sex before marriage had somehow left a sour taste in her life. Her love for Arnav, her trust in him was strong enough, but her morals had never agreed to something that had caused her mother's life to become a living hell. He could have easily scoffed at her beliefs. Yet, all he had done was to patiently wait for her to be ready. And even now he was trying to gauge her thoughts. She felt overwhelmed by the love she felt towards her husband, as he closed the door behind him, leaving Khushi standing in all her bridal finery in their room, alone.

Her eyes swept across the neat and tidy room. She smiled at the thought of how much Arnav abhorred the idea of petals and flower decorations for the wedding night. They had discussed this a million times by now and Payal had strict instructions to not intervene in this matter. Frankly she herself was more than happy to find the room as clean and crisp as ever. It just made this whole over-hyped wedding night concept a little less filmy and frightening. Walking towards the walk-in closet, she skimmed through the neatly piled racks of her almost new wardrobe. She could see too many new dresses and sarees as an addition and was sure of her husband being behind this very lavish wardrobe.

Quickly picking up a sexy nighty that Payal and she had picked up from a lingerie boutique, she walked towards the washroom to get out of her wedding trousseau and change into something she had bought, keeping Arnav in mind. The moment to shy away had passed by her a long time ago. In this moment, all she wanted to do was look as alluring and enticing as she could, for her husband. God! How she loved him! Within moments she had scrubbed her face clean of all makeup and had freed her hair from the millions of pins that had been poked into them.

Khushi stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection, which seemed so unfamiliar to her own self. Before her, stood a woman, bold and sensuous enough to seduce her husband. Gone was the shy and reticent girl, unsure of what she meant to him. She was now a wife who was ready to belong wholly and solely to her beloved husband... the man she loved with all her heart and who she knew loved her maybe a little more than that. She smiled at the thought and turned around to seek Arnav with a desperation, which she knew even he had been feeling over the last few weeks.

---------------------------------------------

She walked through the empty living room and headed directly to her most favourite place in this apartment... the balcony. It gave her a bird's view of the busy city, yet remained distant from it all. How many evenings had she spent with Arnav, simply sitting at the table sipping on chai and chatting about anything and everything? She had spent evening's cooking special delicacies for him and enjoyed romantic candle-lit dinners... an exclusive and private affair... just the two of them. She loved his home and to think that now it was her home forever, was a thrilling thought. Waking up every morning to this view was something to look forward to. But what was more important was waking up besides her delicious husband, who seemed to have gone missing somewhere.

Just as that though crept up her mind, a pair of familiar arms snaked around her waist and a wet kiss was placed on her bare shoulder. "Sexy," murmured in her ear. She shivered within the circle of his arms and turned around to watch with fascination at the bare torso of her extremely sexy husband. Her palms rested along his rippled chest, feeling the bunching of his muscles beneath her gentle touch. He sucked in a breath letting her know the effect she was having on him. "Sexy yourself," she whispered more to herself, making him arch and eyebrow at her words. It was so unlike his innocent Khushi. She smiled and shrugged in response saying, "Well can't help it Arnavji... its all your fault for corrupting me."

He pulled her closer to himself, giving her no room to move and asked huskily, "Is it Mrs. Raizada? Well then looks like this sexy nighty was my idea too?" She blushed and hid her head in the crook of his neck, unable to deal with the desire flaring within her. Even now it was all so new and she was on her tethers when it came to flirting with Arnav. He aced the game and she had only just begun learning some of his tricks. "I wanted to please you... be someone who could entice her husband," she mumbled truthfully.

She felt the rumbling deep in his chest before a throaty chuckle left his lips. "You have no idea how badly you have been enticing me since we met Khushi. Your mere presence pleases me and you dressed in the fullest of clothes, somehow, has the power to turn me on. I guess you still aren't aware of the power you have on me. Its time I showed you just how much. But nonetheless, I am mighty pleased with the choice of this sensual nighty and approve of this as your daily nightwear wholeheartedly," he whispered into her hair and pulled away a bit to look into her mesmerizing eyes that tried hard to mask her fear.

Cupping her face he said softly, "Don't worry sweetheart, we will take it slow... at your pace... only whatever you want... ok?" Seeing the undying love in her husband's eyes, Khushi lunged forward and hugged him to herself, the last ounce of her fears melting away. He picked her up in his strong arms, carrying her over the threshold towards their bedroom. Who was he kidding! His heart was hammering in his chest... in anxiousness of crossing over the last barrier between Khushi and him. He shook his head to clear the doubt, focusing on loving his wife the way he had dreamed of... the way he had desired.

Gently placing her on the bed, he dimmed the lights, casting a beautiful amalgamation of light and shadow on the walls. Gazing at her intently he whispered, "You are so beautiful Khushi... I am a very lucky man." And without giving her an opportunity to react, he took her lips in a desperate, hungry kiss, pouring in his love for her. All Khushi could do was feel the awakening of every pore in her body. She felt this desperate need to touch Arnav... all of him. She felt the bunching of his muscles on the back and ran her trembling fingers through his soft hair. Each experience pulling her to an unknown destination... a mounting tension within her, coiling something within.

Arnav left her mouth and set a trial of fiery kisses alongside the column of her neck, licking, sucking and tasting her. Slowly pealing the tiny straps of her nighty down her slender shoulders, he kissed the exposed skin, delighting in her moans of pleasure. His hands roamed over her body, feeling every dip and curve, memorizing it. His hand moved sensuously over her breasts, his thumb skimming her tightening nipple. "Arnav," she moaned his name in a daze, making him smile at the way she had had skipped the "ji." He was sure to tease her about it later. But for now the all-consuming need was too strong for any other thought to linger over his eager mind.

Quickly divesting off their clothes, the first feel of skin-to-skin was heavenly. It was the most vulnerable yet most beautiful moment of their lives. The last barrier between them had crumbled to the ground, leaving two hearts... two souls to unite in the most primitive way known to mankind. While Khushi said his name like a chant, all Arnav could do was groan her name in bliss, as he collapsed onto her sweet, sensuous body, satiated and content. He pulled her closer, making sure that she was fine. Planting a tender kiss on her parted lips, he said the only thing he felt overwhelmed with, "I love you so much Khushi."

She didn't have the strength to utter a single word, as she snuggled into his warmth, into the arms that seemed like her entire world... into the strength of her husband... who was now her home. She smiled at that last thought before slipping into deep slumber... she was finally home... a happy home. Arnav traced the smile on her face and his hold tightened around her. Finally he had happiness within reach at all times... finally happiness was home. As the magic of the night spread its enchantment, two soulmates slipped into deep sleep... no more afraid to dream... because dreams surely did come true.

---------------------------------------------

Epilogue 2