#5 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 45

Limerence : Epilogue 2

Two Years Later

It was one of those upbeat weekends, where Garima was living with the Mittals, giving Arnav and Khushi some alone time. It was also one of those beautiful weekends, when Arnav woke up to some lively music blasting in his kitchen, with his gorgeous wife, shaking her booty while cooking up delicious breakfast. Arnav smiled at the vision she made, dressed in only his pullover, which shrouded her to the knees. The shy and timid Khushi was a woman of passe. His wife was now the bold and confident Khushi Raizada, who knew how to tease her poor husband. Arnav smirked seeing Khushi doing the typical Indian thumkas, while preparing his coffee.

More than the delightful aroma of the coffee, he was drawn to the delectable form of his wife, as he quietly sneaked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Arnav," she gasped in shock and elbowed him to move away. However, he was not the one to leave her so soon, as he nuzzled his face into her neck, placing wet kisses, exactly where he knew was her sensitive spot. It turned her on and he was all game to delay their breakfast, when he had this delicious morsel as his wife. "Mmm... Arnav stop. The parathas will get cold. We need to..." she murmured incoherently, unable to think clearly.

"Lets discuss about the cold parathas later baby. Right now I am extremely hot for you," he said turning her around and before she could protest further, took her lips in a searing kiss. Khushi lost complete control over her senses, as her husband who was dressed in nothing but his boxers, drove her crazy with his drugging kisses. He dragged her across the hallway with difficulty, unable to keeps his hands and mouth off her and right into the bedroom, onto their bouncy bed. The remaining clothes were discarded in record speed, as pleasurable moans and groans filled the silence of the bright and sunny morning, filling it with abundant happiness.

As Khushi lay satiated in her husband's arms, she sighed in bliss at how glorious these two years of marriage had been. They would be celebrating their second wedding anniversary tomorrow and thankfully it was going to be a close family affair, at the Mittal residence. She turned to look at Arnav and noticed that he had been watching her closely. He did that often and it filled her heart with warmth, knowing that even after two years, he could not keep his eyes and hands off her. Which woman wouldn't love this kind of attention? She was truly a very lucky girl.

"There is never any point cooking breakfast for you, before you feel hungry. You always get your way Mr. Raizada," she said, pouting cutely at him, her eyes dancing with mischief. He smirked at her and put a wayward strand of hair behind her ear saying, "Well, what can one do when he has the most stunning wife, dressed in nothing but a jersy, doing the jalebi bai moves early morning. The hunger for food gets replaced by craving for something else, you know!" Khushi swatted his arm and said, "Yeah, but I was really hungry. And so was junior. Now that daddy is satiated, can we go and feed the baby?" she asked in a mock-serious tone.

Arnav was out of the bed the next instance as he glared at her, "Why didn't you tell me Khushi? How can you be so careless? Come, let me heat those paratha's and feed both my babies." Khushi chuckled at his adorableness. It was only yesterday that they had come to know about her pregnancy. She had been feeling queasy and uneasy for a few days and hence Arnav had taken her to the doctor for a regular checkup. That was when the good news had taken them by surprise. While she had been overwhelmed with the news, he had been ecstatic. They had decided to tell their families on the day of their anniversary, so that the celebrations would increase multifold.

While feeding her the delicious paratha, Arnav could not help but smile at his adorable wife eating greedily. She was always not the one to fib about eating. Her appetite was good. And now with this news of little one coming their way, he was sure that she would take full advantage of it and go all out with her food demands. His heart thrilled at the thought and a sudden rush of love burst through his chest. Wiping away the crumbs from her lips he said, "I still cannot believe we are going to be parents, Khushi. In a few months we will have a small miniature version of you, just like little Adya, bringing this house down with her loud voice."

Khushi giggled at the memory of six-month Adya, Payal and Akash's daughter, who had filled their lives with abundant joy and craziness. Pouting she said, "I haven't met Adya all this week. It has been so crazy at work and with my health issues; I just didn't have the time to see my little baby. And by the way Arnav, how do you know that it will not be a mini ASR?" Placing a gentle kiss on her lips, Arnav said, "Frankly I am ok with either a boy or a girl, as long he is healthy and does not trouble his mother too much." Khushi's heart melted at his words. How lucky had she been to have this beautiful, wonderful, loving man in her life!

"Aww, you are so cute sometimes, you know?" she said with a wink and slid off the seat, clearing the plates off the table. "We have a maid to do all of this Khushi. Come let me take you to bed again," he said sternly. Her eyes rounded in shock at his words and then realization hit him, about the innuendo behind his words. He smirked at her and asked innocently, "What? Why are you looking at me like this? I meant to bed for rest Khushi. What were you thinking naughty girl?" Khushi blushed and looked away, only to be whisked off her feet and carried with extreme gentleness, into their bedroom. As the door shut swiftly behind them, it made a perfect scene of one of Mr. and Mrs. Raizada's laid-back Saturday's, which they spent loving each other. Didn't they make a lovely picture?

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"The snacks are all prepared. You think we should have made another sweet-dish? Of course there is cake and frankly it is a huge one to finish. But then again, what if it isn't as delicious as it looks. What will we do for sweets then?" Manorama rambled on and on, as Garima, helped her arrange all the snacks on the side table. She smiled at Manorama's typical panic-mode behavior, while organizing a wonderful party. It didn't matter to the woman, whether it consisted of only the family or the entire neighbourhood. She did everything with all her heart and worried about everyone's likes and dislikes.

"Mano, relax. It is only us who are going to swipe off that cake and all the other goodies, you and Garimaji have been preparing since morning. We are used to a little less salt and lots of extra sugar in the food by now... you know! So I promise that no one will crib," Manohar said jokingly, earning a glare from his hassled wife. He was unfazed by her anger as he continued, "Waise bhi Garimaji, I don't care much about food. I am simply happy that Khushi bitiya will come home after almost two weeks being away. Last weekend she dropped in for only an hour and spent all her time with Adya. Now I have to fight with a six-month-old baby to spend some time with my daughter."

Garima laughed and said, "Why don't you and Manorama come to our place to stay for a few weeks? It would be so good to have you'll over. Arnav and Khushi both will be thrilled and Manorama also will get some rest from her hassling around the kitchen." Manohar laughed and replied cheerfully, "I would gladly come along behenji, but you really think Manorama will leave Payal and Adya for even one day? There is no chance that she will stay away from her granddaughter and frankly neither would I."

Manorama finished the last of her pending jobs and turned towards Manohar, "Are you done with your talks? Call up Arnav and check where they are. They should have been here by now. And please call Nandu and ask him to come home right away. His dates and outings with Lavanya are now getting to me. Why won't these two agree to get engaged, if not married? I am tired of answering my friends about their relationship status all the time." Manohar chuckled and looked at Garima for some respite from all this badgering. But she conveniently moved away towards Payal's room, to see if princess Adya was ready for the party.

Before he could respond, NK and Lavanya had walked in holding hands and thankfully diverted Manoram's attention. "There you are Nandu! Is this the time to arrive for a party? Weren't you supposed to help me out if I required anything?" she asked dramatically. "Maa! Stop! Arnav is just down the building. Lets call everyone so we can yell Happy Anniversary, just like you wanted us to," NK said, smoothly converting all the anger to immense flurry of activity. Everyone was summoned from their rooms and there stood the Mittal's along with Garima and Lavanya, to wish their beloved Arnav and Khushi a Happy anniversary.

"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!" everyone shouted, not really surprising the couple with their enthusiasm. Arnav and Khushi had very much anticipated this kind of a welcome today. However, before they could be engulfed in hugs... a loud scream resonated in the hall, with little Adya bursting into tears. The loud anniversary wish had scared the poor girl, who was dressed in her prettiest pink frock to welcome her chachu and chachi. Everybody suddenly turned their focus from Arnav and Khushi to the girl and began hovering over Payal to tell her various ways to silence Adya. Even Khushi moved forward to take Adya in her arms and sush her wails. It always twisted everyone's heart to see her crying. As she calmed in her chachi's arms, everyone settled comfortably into their seats.

"Aww my baby, did everyone scare you?" Khushi cooed to her as Akash and Payal moved to hug Arnav and wish him. So did the rest of the family. Payal quickly took Adya from Khushi's arms and Khushi went towards Arnav, nudging him to touch the elder's feet and take their blessings. Just then the bell rung once again, announcing the arrival of yet another family member. "Bhaii... Bhabhiii... Happy Anniversary! I am so so sorry I am late, but I had to get these gifts for you guys and they took a hell lot of time to finish things as per my instructions. And then Garima aunty had dragged me here on Friday, saying that you two wanted to be alone. What can I do? I would have been the first one to wish you'll otherwise," Anjali rambled on, as she hugged Khushi first and then hugged Arnav tightly.

"Anjie, bas! Kitna bologi," Arnav admonished. She showed him her tongue and hugged her bhabhi once again, knowing well that her enthusiasm would be appreciated there. Anjali had shifted to Delhi a few months ago and had joined ARD as an assistant designer. With her exceptional talent and under the guidance of Payal and Khushi, she had flourished and was doing very well. International styles amalgamated with traditional roots, made her work cutting-edge and very unique. She lived with the Mittal's mostly but loved to crash at Arnav's house, whenever she craved a little dose of pampering by her beloved Khushi bhabhi.

As Khushi opened her gift, she gasped in shock at the stunning dupatta, with her favourite chickenkari work. It was a soft pastel pink, with a darker shade for the work. The gotas and colourful pompoms attached at the end, looked so vibrant and in contrast to the soft, exquisite material. Arnav also was surprised with the scarf she had gifted him, which had his initials threaded at one end. "Thank you Anju. This is beautiful. I love it. You have designed these haven't you? " Khushi said, pulling Anjali in a hug. She nodded in agreement and looked embarrassed with the compliments.

Soon the Mittal household was buzzing with chatter and laughter. The snacks were relished and swiped off clean. It was just before the cake cutting that Khushi nudged Arnav to make their announcement. "We have some news to share, everyone. Khushi and I are going to be parents and you my dear mothers are going to be grandmothers once again," Arnav said coolly, while the hall went completely silent for a moment, soaking in the news. And once again for the second time today, everyone erupted in a loud cheer, wishing and blessing the couple, pulling them in hugs and kissing their foreheads lovingly.

For a change, Adya added into the loud laughter with her giggles, probably knowing she would soon have a younger sibling to play with. The celebrations had multiplied and so had the excitement of the people gathered. As Khushi and Arnav held the knife to cut the cake, they looked at each other for a moment, the memories of the last four years flashing in front of their eyes. It had been one beautiful journey, from sadness and unease to a lifetime of happiness. That is how their wonderful life had carved its path. And now, they were going to embark on the journey of parenthood, another wonderful and adventurous ride that would truly give their life a new meaning. As the cake was cut and fed to everyone around, the sweetness seemed to have been entrenched into their happy lives.

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"I think we should keep our news for some other day. This day seems to be meant for Arnav and Khushi," Lavanya whispered into NK's ear, who tightened his hold on her slender waist pulling her towards him. "I think for a change, I have to agree with you baby. I am just happy that you have finally agreed to marry me. Mom has been chewing my ear off since forever," NK drawled and seeing that nobody was looking, he placed a wet kiss on Lavanya's cheek. Lavanya blushed and said, "Who would have thought you to be such a loverboy NK! You know my clauses with the fashion house I work with... and I don't mean ARD. I wanted their term to get over before committing to you sweetie... no other reasons for me to stay away from you."

"Don't do that... all this sweet talk is giving me a hard on Lav. And we are amidst family. Just focus on your beloved ASR and stay away from me," NK bit out making Lavanya giggle. "Stop being so jealous all the time. Do I say anything when you coochie-coo with your sweetheart Khushi?" she mocked. "Aww, I smell something burning... is that you Lav?" NK responded. She swatted his arm and tried to move out of his arms but was conveniently pulled back to where she was. "I love it when you are angry," he whispered huskily in her ear as she turned around and gave him a sheepish smile saying, "And I love it, when you try to placate me." They both smiled at each other, lost in a world of their own, amidst all the chaos.

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"Is she asleep?" Akash whispered seeing Payal, putting Adya to sleep in her crib. She simply nodded while patting their precious bundle. Pulling the soft quilt over her form, Payal stood up and simply hugged Akash, resting her head on his firm shoulders. Instinctively his arms went around her and steadied his exhausted wife. That had been the case since the moment his gorgeous daughter was born... leaving his wife extremely drained. Though through all the sleepless nights and smelling diapers, seeing their little one grow everyday, had been one of the biggest gifts of life. And now, the news of his cousin being bestowed with the same blessing was somehow very thrilling.

"Tired?" he whispered against her forehead and she simply nodded. It seemed like a miracle that a six-moth-old girl, could silence the always-chattering Payal Mittal. He smiled at the thought and said, "Come... you should rest for a while. I will tell everyone that Adya needs you. I know she was cranky all of last night and you haven't slept a wink. But did you see how our baby did not cry at all today... hmmm... I mean after her initial outburst?" Akash rambled in hushes.

"She is my sweet baby... just like her mother. And no! You stay here with her. I really need to unwind. Let me go and party just for a bit. I so need to catch up with Khushi and wish her properly. But first I think I will change into something else. Adya smeared most of her food on my dress and barely ate anything. I am sure she is going wake up crying for feed very soon," Payal replied quickly and rushed into the bathroom to freshen up. Akash smiled looking at the retreating figure of his older girl and then turned to gaze at his younger one, whose eyes were flickering in sleep, a tiny smile gracing her pink lips, causing a small dimple to show on her cheek. He sighed in contentment. Life sure was bliss!

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Arnav sat exactly between Garima and Manorama, who were giving him a long list of instructions about how he should take care of Khushi, now that they were expecting. As he patiently listening to both their opinions from their own experiences, he could not help chuckle at the thought of having these two lovely ladies as his mother's. When he had craved for a mother's love all through his childhood, time now had given him double the dose of affection, love, concern and care. His amma and manumaa had made sure to pamper him spoilt, with the way they hovered over him almost all the time. It was as if even they were trying to fill the void in his heart... which to be frank, he did not feel anymore.

"Are you even listening Arnav," Manorama chided, bringing him out of his reverie. He sighed and put an arm around each of them saying, "When the two of you are here with us, I do not have to worry at all. And truthfully, even though I am scared, I am excited to be a father. I will try to be just like my dad, always caring and generous with love." Manorama's eyes teared up and seeing the slight hesitance in her son's eyes she said, "And Khushi will be a mother just like Garimaji... putting her son or daughter, right above everything else."

Arnav placed a swift kiss on Manorama's forehead, thanking God for giving him such a loving mother, who understood even the tiniest of his doubts and reservations. He got comfortable between the two older women, and strategized ways that would probably be taking care of his gorgeous wife, but torturing her too... especially the no jalebis clause. He chuckled at the thought of his minx trying to negotiate this particular one!

But the said minx was busy in the moment, sitting comfortably between Manohar and Anjali. Like always, Manohar was lovingly telling his two daughters about the upcoming workshop in Milan, for worlds budding fashion designers. He had already spoken to Arnav regarding the same, and was coaxing Anjali and Khushi to go for it. "I am sure there will be a lot of learning for you girls and it will also be beneficial for ARD," Manohar said fondly. Khushi smiled at the thought of travelling to Milan and wondered if Arnav would make a fuss, now that she was pregnant. She was sure he would tag along to be there for her, if at all she required assistance. The thought of travelling with her husband suddenly excited her.

"But you will have to ask your doctor Khushi bitiya, if you can travel for long distance in these conditions," it was Manohar's reasoning voice that finally brought her back to earth. The concern and love in his voice melted her heart. In the last three years, her bond with the older man had grown multifold. He was now her anchor and the backbone for solid strength. His experience, his guidance and his antidotes was something she looked towards, in the time of need. He had slowly and steadily, become the father-figure, she had always craved for and she knew for sure that the affection was completely mutual.

Her eyes flit across the room and clashed with her husband's, who seemed to have sensed her, as he raised his eyes towards her. It was a moment that happened often, when Arnav and Khushi were simply attuned to each other, phasing out the entire world around them. It was one of the most intimate and beautiful moments... and it were these moments that made a happy life... the happily ever after, for the most deserved two people, who had not only lost faith, but hope as well in desitniy's ability to deliver happiness! But here they were... living that exact same happiness!

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The End!

...please see NOTE in the post below...