IPKKND FF: KHUSHI by Jalebi Jane Thread 2: EPISODE 052-082 - Page 32

he wants her to confess their romance at peek...

It is bad news for khushi the great ASR in love

khushi help arnav.. to set a business help

and the I love you so cute

I have so many chapters I like in your story but chapter 70 is also one of my favorites! Arnav's reaction and realization when the nurse finds Khushi unconscious! He feels that is his life is taken away from him - that is such a gut-wrenching feeling!

KHUSHI by Jalebi Jane (EPISODE 074)

WE MIGHT WONDER, SISTERS, what were Anjali Raizada's feelings after she proposed to Yash Malhotra. As she prepared the thali for aarti the next morning, many emotions vied for space in her heart. None, however, were in the category of regret. If forced to identify one feeling, Anjali would say she was conflicted; pleased for having identified her needs and made a deliberate move to meet them, but then made vulnerable by her actions. Should Yash decline---? Overnight her heart had become deeply invested in what her mind had taken a moment to propose. Now Anjali began to fear disappointment.

Khushi flooded into the room, gasping for breath, "Di, I'm so ashamed of myself. This is the first time I've managed to come down for aarti since we came to Lucknow. And yet I'm late. And that on my own birthday! I am like a tv-serial bad bahu."

Anjali smiled at that effervescent force that was her bhabhi. "Happy Birthday, Bad Bahu!" she sang, off-key. She embraced Khushi and added, "I knew you would be late. I saw Chotte when he left for his run. He said you were in bed snoring inelegantly. His exact words."

Khushi coloured.

Anjali placed a small tikka on Khushi's forehead and they shared a laddoo between them as they went to the poolside to wait for breakfast. Out of habit, the servants had set a place for Little Khushi.

"I can't wait to see her reaction when she sees the cake," Anjali said. "It's going to be a purple elephant. Like her favourite stuffie. She can't do without it, you know." She smiled at the memory of Little Khushi dragging the poor worn-out elephant by the trunk up and down the hall and through the garden shrubbery.

While pouring tea for them, Khushi chattered, "You are so lovely with her. She adores you. Even Mrs Malhotra said so. And you must know by now that Yash's mother will say nothing nice unless she can absolutely help it. I heard her say to Amma that Khushi is always on about how-you-say-this and how-you-do-that---"

"---Bhabhi," Anjali sighed, dropping her hands in her lap. And before she realized it, a few tears slipped out of her eyes.

Khushi came swiftly around the table to kneel next to her, "What is it? Do you feel sad? Are you unwell? I'll call Arnav---" Khushi was leaving her side, but Anjali stopped her, with a panicked cry.

"No, don't call him!" She met Khushi's eyes and said the words, "Last night I asked Yash to marry me."

Khushi's head fell back and her mouth formed the perfect O. No sound emerged. Anjali cupped Khushi's chin so her mouth would close. "Don't ask me to explain. I didn't plan it---but oh, Bhabhi!---now, I want it to be. In here and up here." She touched her heart and her head.

Khushi's eyes darted to gather this information and assimilate it. Then she took Anjali's hands and asked, "Di, I know that you and Yash are you-know and I am pleased---but so soon? To take this step? So soon? After everything?"

Khushi voiced only what any thinking mind would ask. Anjali knew that and replied, "Yes, I'm reacting to what has happened to me recently, but I want to act from that level. My understanding of life has never been more acute. I feel---"

Anjali cut her words. Both she and Khushi became aware in the same instant that Arnav was approaching. Khushi had the presence of mind to act swiftly, and reached up to embrace her so it appeared that she was thanking her not consoling her. "Thank you for organizing this party, Di. I'm so looking forward to it," she said, and then left her side to return to her seat.

KHUSHI'S HUSBAND TOOK HIS SEAT next to her and asked, "What is there to look forward to? You'll see the same people you saw yesterday. Different saree; same conversation."

Khushi poured his coffee and replied, "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing the different sarees and hearing the same conversation." She then listed, "And seeing Naniji, Mamiji, Mamaji, Jiju and of course, Jiji. And Lakshmiji."

"What? Nani's actually bringing Lakshmi?" Arnav asked, looking at her incredulously and then Di for solid confirmation.

Khushi nodded very seriously as she placed a folded paratha on his plate. And handed him a knife and fork.

Anjali laughed, "She's teasing you, Chotte."

Arnav gave his wife a severe look of reproach. "She is a tease, no doubt," he stated. A lock of her hair had escaped her clip, and he reached up and tucked it behind her ear. His fingers stayed to caress her cheek and she lifted her eyes to meet his. They had agreed to wait until both families were gathered together this evening before sharing their news. She leaned into his hand, and his eyes deepened.

"Sir," a servant interrupted them, "there is a Mr Chopra here to see you."

Arnav glanced at his watch. He began to lift from his seat, when his wife made him sit.

"No. You've not even started your breakfast," she scolded. She told the servant that Mr Chopra should be shown to the Bookroom, offered breakfast there, and told that Mr Raizada would see him in half an hour. That settled, she placed a bowl of dahi next to her husband's plate. Arnav was taking in her bossy behaviour with a lifted eyebrow and a half-smile. "You promised a new lifestyle," she reminded him.

No sooner had she spoken, his phone rang. "May I?" he asked, as if he sought her permission. He answered, "Dr Malhotra, thank you for returning my call so promptly. I wanted to speak to you about my sister."

Khushi and Anjali's heads snapped to look at each other. Their eyes asked each other: What-the-f**k?

Arnav was saying, "---The dates for the trial have been set. My sister has been called to appear. I've advised the solicitor to inform the court that we are away from Delhi so she can rest, but---"

Arnav was silent as he listened to what Yash said.

"---That is precisely what I hoped. I'll send you the contact details for where to send your letter."

There was another lengthy pause while presumably Yash spoke.

"Good thinking. Ek second." Arnav looked at his sister and asked, "Di, can you meet Dr Malhotra at half-ten this morning at the hospital?"

Khushi's sister-in-law could only manage a nod.

"She'll see you then," Arnav said to Yash. "Thank you." He ended the call.

To save Anjali the ordeal of asking, Khushi asked. "Yash will write a letter to say that Di is unable to appear in court?"

Arnav said, "Yes. But as it's a matter of professional integrity he would like to have a few appointments on hospital records that he has examined you. Do you mind, Di? We can get another doctor, but as he has been present since the beginning."

Anjali shook her head. "That's fine. When will the trial be over?"

Arnav said, "Impossible to tell. Shyam is---of course!---defending himself, so he could drag it on for weeks."

"What if---?" she began.

"---He won't go free," her brother said before she could complete her question. He looked at the two women and said, "I asked his wife to turn against him. She will still serve a sentence, but it will be shorter as we'll ask for the court's clemency for her testimony."

"She agreed?" Khushi asked, her tone indicating her surprise.

Arnav nodded. "I gave her my word that their two children would be well taken care of while she serves her term."

Khushi sighed, and smiled. Arnav looked at his sister. "I felt it was the right thing to do, Di."

Anjali nodded. "It is right, Chotte. Of course, you made the right decision. That he had children---I find that so---" her voice trailed off, and Khushi saw that Anjali's hand came up to rest on her belly.

"I've made another decision," Arnav continued. "I was going to mention it this evening with the family present. Until the trial is over, you should remain here at Sheesh Mahal. Khushi and I will stay with you."

Khushi was not entirely surprised by this decision. Last night, in bed, Arnav had asked her some pointed questions relating to her comfort with Sheesh Mahal. Whether she found the house to her liking and would she like to spend more time here in the future. She had praised it enthusiastically and told him what she felt---that Sheesh Mahal felt like home to her because it had been his family home.

Khushi looked to Anjali, as it was her reply that most mattered. And, she imagined---not incorrectly---that this is what Anjali had hoped for. The longer they remained in Lucknow the more time she and Yash would have to shape their future.

"I would welcome it, Chotte. I'm happy here. Happier than I can be in Delhi," she said. "But you? Are you comfortable?"

He shrugged, "I can work from anywhere, Di---"

"That's not what I mean," she said.

Khushi sensed that brother and sister were speaking of something she had no access to. It was that area of her husband's life upon which a veil was securely drawn. Khushi observed him closely to see if she could gain insight from what he didn't say. He looked at her briefly, and then met Anjali's eyes and said, "It's fine, Di. It's different now." Again he looked at her, his eyes hooded, "I'm not alone."

HERE I MENTION AN INTERESTING INCONGRUITY related to Yash and Anjali. At their first meeting, Yash had held her hand---granted, he had been taking her pulse, but nevertheless he had touched her. Thereafter, he had enjoyed free access in and out of her bedroom at any hour of the day or night---again, this had been on physician-patient terms, but he had watched her sleep for many hours. Was there anything more intimate than that? Then there had been the kiss. And now they were seated opposite each other in a cold clinical surgical office with a wide desk between them. He very formal; she very demure.

Or was that only on the surface?

He teased, "I know what I will be writing to the court, but for authenticity, should I ask you to undress so I can examine you?" If it was his intention to unsettle her, he was not successful. She was a Raizada, after all.

"You should do what your profession requires you to do, Doctor."

Yash saw a small smile on her lips. Had this woman---this beautiful brave woman---actually proposed marriage to him last night?

He turned to a clean page in his notepad and said, "Let's begin with some questions."

She nodded, "As you wish."

"How is your general health, Miss Raizada?" he asked in his best professional voice.

"I feel strong. But at times I feel---terribly restless," she said, again that small smile hovering.

He made a point of writing the word restless on the paper. "And have you found anything to relieve this sensation?"

She immediately said, "Yes."

He leaned back in his chair. "What?"

"I'd rather not say, Doctor," she smiled.

He knew from the glint in her eye exactly what she was alluding to. He leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. His tone was no longer professional. "Are you being deliberately provocative, Anjali?"

"Yes, Doctor. I am."

"You don't think you have tortured my nights enough?"

"Have I? How so?" she asked.

"I'd rather not say, Miss Raizada," he replied. "I'd rather show you."

It should be stated at this point that he had not intended nor planned for this. But he seemed to have little self-control when it came to this particular patient. He stood, came around the desk and pulled her to her feet. Sitting at the edge of his desk, he drew her between his parted legs, and slanted his mouth across hers. He felt her hands immediately thread through his hair, her fingers coming to rest at the nape of his neck. She drew him closer and parted her mouth to receive his tongue.

His body pulsed with life. She tasted so sweet. As sweet as her words; as sweet as her hands. He drew a moan from her as his tongue copulated with hers. Instinctively, his hands slid up from her waist, across her abdomen---left bare where her saree pallu draped. His hands wandered over the soft skin. She felt so perfectly formed for him. Her curves, her flesh---she was everything he desired in a woman's body. He broke the kiss so he could look into her eyes as he cupped her breast through the saree blouse. As he did, her mouth parted and a soft sigh slipped from her lips. He pressed another brief kiss on her pillowy lips, but had a great desire to look into her eyes as he touched her. It had been so---so very long---since he had been in this way with a woman, and even longer since he had touched a woman whose heart and mind he actually knew. As his thumb flicked over her nipple, she caught his face in her hands and initiated another kiss. He drew her in, closer to his body, his hands lifting her hips so she was pressed flush against his manhood. Perhaps Yash discovered her first boundary. As the moment he did this, she broke the kiss and pulled away.

He allowed her to step back and turn away---though it was not an easy thing to allow.

A few moments passed in silence; a silence in which only their breathing could be detected.

He then reached out to touch her shoulder. "Are you ok?" he asked.

Anjali turned to face him, she didn't meet his eyes. They remained focused on the desk, but she replied, "I'm fine." Then asked, "you?"

He gave a short laugh. "I think you know how I am."

Here she smiled and met his eyes briefly. She grabbed her purse from the desk, and said, "May I leave, Doctor?"

"If you must."

"I think I must," she said and moved to the door. They both reached the door handle at the same time, and she stepped back to allow him to be the gentleman and open the door.

He asked, as she walked through the door, "What time tonight?"

She said, "Early."

By Jalebi Jane

Hey Dear...

KHUSHI by Jalebi Jane (EPISODE 075)

EVERY MAN HAS HIS SECRETS. This Arnav Singh Raizada knew better than anybody. Indeed, he could not respect a man who didn't carry some hidden history. For he believed that to reveal everything was to burden others unnecessarily. Arnav was in the Bookroom now waiting to hear Yash Malhotra's secrets. But Mr Chopra had momentarily stepped away to take an urgent call. Arnav waited with less patience than his relaxed posture suggested.

Khushi's laughter wafted in with the light breeze that came through the open french doors. He pushed away from the desk and moved towards that sound; her voice had an irresistible pull on his body. His eyes searched the lawn beyond the garden, and he found her slim figure amongst those who had come to set-up for the party. Consistent with the name Buaji had christened her with, she flitted around like a butterfly, stopping to taste something from the caterers' materials---indicating approval with a thumbs-up---showing the decorator precisely how the ropes of flowers should be strung, checking the fairy lights which adorned the pool area.

The fairy lights.

That brought back a vivid memory for Arnav; undressing that tempting morsel from yards of lights that she had managed to tangle herself in. Had he listened to his heart then; had he risked then, how much pain would have been spared? Yet---Arnav's breath caught as Khushi very nearly stumbled against a boy kneeling to peg a tent!---careful, Khushi! He had to turn away. If he watched her he would lose his mind. This was the latest development in the problem called Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.

Arnav had discovered in the last twenty-four hours that the leaping joy in his chest was only matched by the fear that something would go wrong. It was that pervading sensation that this bliss would somehow disappear like motes of dust. He held his breath watching how she galloped up and down the steps with a tight saree pulled above her knees.

Had she taken the iron supplements? He picked up the phone and pressed the speed dial button assigned to Mrs ASR, and returned to the door to observe her while they spoke.

Khushi picked up on the first ring. "Ji?"

"At least you're carrying your phone. That will make it quicker to call the ambulance when you fall and break your head," he scolded in a rather severe tone.

"Kya?" He saw her place her hand on her hip.

"You almost fell over a second ago---"

He saw she was struck by his words.

She spun around, searching for him amongst the men who were working around her. She accused, "So that is why Mr Chopra is here. He's reporting my activities back to you. I'm the new target."

He smiled because the idea, though preposterous, was highly appealing. Yash's words returned to him. A happy woman is a happy pregnancy. He set aside his reprimanding tone and said, in a voice considerably softened, "Just be extra careful, Khushi, you are carrying our most precious cargo."

He saw Khushi's hand touch her still-flat tummy. He sensed a smile return to her lips. "I will," she promised.

"Have you had your iron supplements?" he asked.

"Yes, Di and I had them with milk before she went to meet Yash. Where are you?"

"With Mr Chopra," he replied.

"Still? Shall I send coffee up for you?" she offered.

"Yes. And, something else---I've asked Aman to come down. We haven't been working efficiently from a distance. I need to sort that out. Can you see if they can fit two additional people in the staff quarters?"

"Two?"

"He requested if he could bring his wife."

"Aman has a wife? I didn't know he was married. When does he see the poor girl? You keep him busy day and night!" she remarked. "Look, why don't we put them up in one of those garden cottages?" she suggested after a moment. "He'll be near the Bookroom and will be available when you need him. It's charming. And private. Much more favourable for a couple on a weekend away than the staff quarters. They'll enjoy it."

"He's here to work, Khushi---not to romance his wife," he smiled at Khushi's dreamy notions.

"Some men can manage both."

"Is that a complaint?" he asked in a suggestive tone. "Be careful how you answer that, Khushi, because I'm ready to show you right now."

She giggled, interrupting him, "I have no complaints of that nature to report, Mr Raizada."

"Good answer. Well, give Aman the cottage then. But let the servants prepare it. You find yourself a nice sitting-down task in the shade for the rest of the morning, yes?"

She laughed, promised she would and ended the call.

Arnav turned around to find Mr Chopra, now waiting for him.

"Right. So you're clear on how to proceed on the Angel Refrigeration matter?"

Mr Chopra nodded.

"What's next? The Doctor?" Arnav asked.

"Before we discuss the Doctor---I want to mention that your earlier instinct may be correct. I have a soft lead suggesting there may have been a third Mrs Jha."

Arnav frowned, "Have you informed Mr Rao?"

"Yes. Mr Rao feels he has a sufficiently strong case and doesn't require further evidence to petition for the maximum term."

Arnav took a seat and indicated Mr Chopra do the same. He thought for a few moments and said, "Continue to follow your lead quietly, but not to the detriment of the case. We go to trial in a few days. Fresh unverifiable information may distract us at this stage."

Mr Chopra nodded his head, philosophically, "Keep the end in mind."

"Precisely."

They were interrupted by the servant bearing a coffee tray. He served them and before he left, Arnav stopped him, "Have the driver check whether the Delhi-Lucknow flights are on time. I don't want the family waiting around at the airport." The servant left and Arnav realized yet again the need for Aman to be at hand.

He turned to Mr Chopra. "Finally, the Doctor."

Mr Chopra removed a file folder from his briefcase. Arnav couldn't help notice that it was a very slim folder. He found some relief in that. Over the past few days, his initial prejudice of Yash Malhotra had altered. Born chiefly from what he perceived Yash's feelings were towards Khushi, Arnav had been ready to see fault with the man. This was no longer a factor. Not only because he knew Khushi's heart, but because he saw that Yash looked at Khushi with brotherly warmth not desire. In fact, Arnav had come to respect the man.

In Anjali's case, he had acted decisively and compassionately---from the moment she fainted that day at Raizada House to how he handled her during the week ensuing. Even this morning, he offered to be helpful before Arnav had a chance to ask. His help was ready and concrete, without being punctilious. There was also something new in how he saw Yash Malhotra today---which he didn't comprehend twenty-four hours ago---and that was this: to raise a child without a mother present must be no small thing and it must take quite a man to endeavour it.

Mr Chopra began, "Dr Yash Malhotra's personal, legal and professional history is unimpeachable. There is only one aberration in his otherwise pristine life. He has a child but has never been legally married. His daughter's birth record states -Mother Deceased at Childbirth-. And the name has been scrubbed out."

"If the document is to be believed," Arnav clarified.

"The birth record was prepared accurately by someone who wanted a pure record. I assume, the target---as he was the only living parent. But the mother's name was later expunged. Who would do this?"

Arnav suggested, "The parents of an unmarried pregnant daughter?"

Mr Chopra nodded, "This young woman, perhaps?" Here Mr Chopra handed Arnav a photo. "Cause of death unknown. Died on the same day the child was born. Five years ago today, in fact. She was the daughter of the Chief Minister. A man who may not wish a scandal to fall on his name."

Arnav asked, "What connects the woman to Malhotra?"

"Nothing."

Arnav gave him a look that implied that-is-an-unacceptable-answer.

Mr Chopra returned a blank look. "Absolutely nothing, Mr Raizada. It's a puzzle. All I have is an altered birth record of a child and the death certificate of a woman from a prominent family. I can embroider a story that would link the two but I know you would demand a chain of evidence. I have nothing to show you."

Arnav thought on what the detective had said. He then came to his feet, drained his coffee cup, placed it back on the tray and said, "Close this file, Mr Chopra. I see sadness here, not deceit. We all have secrets, and we all have our reasons for keeping them hidden."

FROM THE NOISE IN THE GREAT HALL, one would think that the Raizada parivaar had not met for years. That they had somehow been separated by some cruel twist of fate. Nani had tears as she greeted Khushi and Anjali. Payal and Khushi embraced as though one had just returned from being lost at sea. Mami remarked to Anjali how altered she was---that she could hardly recognize her. The three Raizada gentlemen stood back and allowed the ladies to have their cry. Men, particularly husbands, knew that in such cases, it was futile to palliate.

Once all that was over and the tears were mopped, Arnav noted---with some pride---how Khushi took charge of everybody's needs and desires. She had already assigned the rooms to each person's specifications and the servants were dispatched to those rooms with the appropriate luggage. She asked them to quickly freshen up as lunch was waiting to be served. Once lunch was consumed, and the cook had been praised enough, Khushi informed Mami and Payal that she had arranged for a beautician to come and do their hair and nails---and mehndi, if desired. Nani and Mama were told that Anjali had tracked down some of their old Lucknowi friends who were coming for tea---but that there was time for a nap first. Everybody dispersed obediently to the activities Khushi had assigned them. Arnav and Akaash decided to meet in the Bookroom to discuss work. Akaash went to fetch his briefcase. Arnav went to assign his whirlwind wife a task.

"Khushi," he caught her by the waist, bringing her near.

She allowed herself to be pulled into his arms, but looked to see that nobody observed them. She whispered, "It's fine with Di, but I'm not comfortable with Naniji and Mamiji---and especially Mamaji---when you grab me here and there."

"You mean here---" he asked, cupping her breast, "---or there?" fondling her bottom.

She caught his hands in hers and kept them still.

He said, "I want you to go and have a lie-down." Khushi began to protest. "Shhh," he stopped her with a soft kiss on her lips, "I want us to enjoy your birthday to its fullest. If you rest now, you'll be able to party longer tonight." He felt her acquiesce, as he dangled all the right carrots.

She moved slowly towards the staircase, halted and turned around. He was watching her. "It's wonderful," she said.

He lifted an eyebrow in question.

"To know that in a few hours you and I will make our families so happy."

By Jalebi Jane

another adorable update dear...

KHUSHI by Jalebi Jane (EPISODE 076)

HERE, SISTERS, I WISH TO PAUSE to ponder that journey Khushi had taken with this man. That man upon whose arm she now descended the staircase. How could it be that this man who was now her true home, her ultimate comfort, had once been everything she loathed and feared? Her eyes caressed his profile as he led her into the lounge where the family were gathered. When had love begun? For in essentials, he had not changed. There must have been a moment in their tumultuous history, probably during an explosive clash---most likely at their favoured battlefield, the poolside!---where by some technical error her heart had opened instead of shut. A moment where she caught a glimpse of the man, not the fiend. And we all know, once a heart opens to a person, it can never fully close again.

That was their journey. It was a simple lesson in the trans-figurative power of an open and willing heart.

Khushi beamed upon seeing that gathered in the room were all the people in the world who mattered to her. All the Raizadas, all the Guptas---and, by happy accident, the Malhotras---because Yash had conveyed the Guptas to Sheesh Mahal in his vehicle. It was too early for the invited guests to arrive, so everyone was in that relaxed state of knowing that their hosting duties were not yet in demand. When they entered, Yash---who was near the entrance---met Khushi's eyes with a wink. It conveyed everything affectionate and approbatory.

A hush---yes, a hush---descended upon the room as they stepped to the centre.

Akaash asked, "Bhai, before you tell us why you asked us to gather here, may I make an announcement?"

Arnav indicated with his hand that the floor was Akaash's.

Akaash was conveniently standing next to Payal, who was blushing furiously.

And in the next instant Khushi knew; she knew with a sister's heart what Akaash would say. She glanced at her husband. He too had made the same supposition. Their eyes met and held as Akaash spoke, "Payal and I are going to be parents."

The room wavered with silence for a brief moment and then broke into bursts of joy and congratulatory shouts. Akaash and Payal immediately solicited the blessings of their elders, which were given with warmth and tears. Arnav gave a shake of his head and a smile. Khushi laughed into his eyes. It was rather funny. It was as though the universe was reminding them---once again---that the conventions that belonged to other couples were not to be theirs after all. Their courtship had been hidden; their wedding unauthorized---and now their announcement eclipsed. Their news would be reserved for another day in another manner. Together they went to congratulate their siblings.

KHUSHI FOUND ARNAV IN THE BOOKROOM examining a document on his desk. Noticing that he was not of the party when the family went to greet the guests who had begun to stream in, Khushi had gone to look for him. She knew he would be in the room where he worked. Where he collected his thoughts and feelings.

"Let's not forget that we ruined their wedding day," she said light-heartedly, as she entered the room and closed the door behind her.

He turned to face her, and with a rueful smile, extended his hand to her. She went to him. He sat on the desk and pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Not we. I did that single-handedly," he said, his voice tinged with regret.

She leaned back to look at him and rubbed her fingers to smooth away the frown lines. "You're sad," she said.

He thought for a moment and said, "I saw something downstairs that I didn't like. I saw that your perfection has been consistently overlooked and the fault is mine."

"Arrey?" she gasped. "From where to where have you taken this?"

He elaborated, "Nobody knows what you endured at my hands for the current happiness of both our families. I think they should know to whom they owe so much. I married you with the intention of ruining you, and yet you allowed it for your sister's happiness."

Khushi pressed her fingertips against his lips and admonished, "Arnavji, not one more word of this." She placed her hands on his shoulders and said, "That we are here today is a miracle, yes---but, it also feels so inevitable. So why find fault with our path? I think if our path had been easier, our love would have been that much less. I'm grateful. Everyone pays a price for happiness---we got that out of the way early."

He didn't speak, he simply pulled at the hair that had been expertly and painstakingly coiffed at the top of her head. "I want your hair down," were his instructions.

"No," she skipped away, with a laugh, "I'm determined to look elegant this evening."

"I don't care about that sort of elegance. I want Khushi with her hair open and flowing down her back," he said, scratching his fingers softly down the open back of her blouse.

She danced to the other side of the desk to protect her hair from being unravelled, and her eyes fell on a file folder bearing the tantalizing word kiss. It was the document he had been reviewing. A large swirly k in passionate red and the rest of the letters in chocolate brown.

"Kiss? What is this?"

He said, "Open it." He went to stand behind her, as she acquainted herself with the contents.

"ARGroup is launching a lingerie house?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at him, her tone matching the excitement that shone out of her eyes.

He made an affirmative sound. "I've discovered a fresh talent. Someone who has an innate understanding for what appeals to a man's eye; yet, sensitive to a woman's comfort level."

She leafed through the file, asking, "Where are the designs? I'd love to see them."

"No designs as yet. I've just finalized the infrastructure. Akaash has pulled the best talent from AR to build a dedicated team for this venture. If all goes well, they will show a small collection at AR's show next season. And if it's well-received then it will run independently."

Khushi put the file down on the table and turned to face him. "How wonderful! Here's what I think---"

"---What do you think, Mrs Raizada?" he asked with a smirk on his lips.

"I think that if -kiss- can make items that are both functional and alluring they will make women very happy."

"I'm only interested in making one woman happy," he declared.

She smiled prettily. "I'll be their first client," she announced.

"I expected that," he said.

Khushi's mind was spinning with ideas. "Oh! I hope they do a calendar," she said. "With models who look like real women. A honeymoon line! Wait! They can design undergarments for AR fashions. You know, I'm always struggling to match the right bra to the cut of the saree blouse, and sometimes I give up and don't bother with one. Like tonight."

"Oh really," Arnav said, his eyes wolfishly examining her.

"Come on," she said, seeing that their return to their guests was in jeopardy. "Everyone's waiting---"

He stopped her, and drew her back. "What do you think of the logo? It was designed with you in mind?"

"Me?"

"The k in kiss represents you."

"K for Khushi?" her mouth widened into a smile. She kissed him lightly and said, looking at the insignia with a mother's pride, "It's beautiful."

"Now, let's go," he said, leaving the desk and walking to the door.

Khushi ran her fingers over the logo, tracing the k lovingly. She placed the file down on the desk, with some reluctance. And as she walked towards the door where Arnav waited, she halted---then looked back at the file. She then glanced at Arnav, who was now leaning against the closed door with an impish glint in his eyes. Her brows came together. She returned swiftly to the desk. Picked up the file. Flicked through the pages until she came to page listing the team Akaash had drawn up. Her name was listed at the top as CEO of -kiss-. She blinked rapidly as understanding sank in. Her eyes flew to Arnav.

"Happy Birthday, Khushi," Arnav said.

YASH MALHOTRA HAD ENDURED ENOUGH!

He pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket and punched out a text message: Are you going to ignore me all evening?

Anjali Raizada's reply came a few minutes later. Minutes that were not patiently borne by Yash.

Her reply read: I said hello.

He: And that's all you've said.

She: ?

He: Was that your tongue in my mouth this morning?

There was a rather longish pause before her reply came.

She: I believe it was.

He: I'm in the garden. Come.

She: I'm busy.

He: Come!

By Jalebi Jane

KHUSHI by Jalebi Jane (EPISODE 077)

A WOMAN---EVEN A WOMAN OF LIMITED EXPERIENCE---knows when she has been issued an invitation for a tryst. There are some who would hope that Anjali Raizada had the degree of self-restraint to not rush to the garden; however, this was not the case. She immediately excused herself from the group of ladies who were discussing something meaningless with much seriousness, and walked towards the shrubbery. But as she neared the garden, she saw that the Bookroom was lit, and upon closer inspection, she observed her brother and Bhabhi in the room. The Bookroom, of course, opened directly into the garden---and the garden was where her Doctor waited.

It was impossible to not curse the architect's decision to place the two areas so close together. But to enter the garden was equally impossible. The risk outweighed the benefit. She turned away and returned slowly to the poolside where the happy sounds of the party contrasted with her dejected spirit.

Anjali was heartily ashamed of herself. Not that she had dangled him, but that she had been less bold than she imagined herself. Because she knew she could have texted him to say that the garden was unsafe, and redirected him to an alternative spot. Sheesh Mahal had no shortage of intimate alcoves, after all. Wherever she would have asked, he would have gone---Anjali had enough confidence in their chemistry to know this. So why had she not? It was due to that age-old curse that followed respectable women: It would have seemed improper.

It was one thing to go when he called her to him, but quite another to actively arrange it.

Yash returned to the poolside and was soon surrounded by a bevy of people, several of whom were young, unmarried beauties. He was persuaded to dance, and he didn't resist. Anjali watched him from a distance. She noted that he danced well---very well, in fact. With grace. With effortless ease. And with the sort of pleasure that made her more conscious of her disability.

His eyes fell on Arnav and Khushi when they emerged from the house. He approached them. Like a sad voyeur, Anjali moved closer to hear their conversation.

Yash asked the two to join the dance. Arnav declined saying he did not dance. Khushi tried to cajole Arnav, but he encouraged his wife to go without him---telling her that he preferred to admire her from the sidelines. Yash took Khushi away. They danced well together; as those who have known each other too long to feel discomfort at being physically close. It was a pleasure to watch them.

Little Khushi could not be left out and separated herself from the children's entertainment and came to dance with her father. She was a delightful little dancer and quick to emulate Khushi's moves. Anjali approached the photographer and asked him to take some close-ups of the two birthday girls. She then went to join her brother whose eyes had never left his wife.

Her movement must have caught Yash's eyes, as he left the floor and came to her.

"Don't refuse this, Anjali," he said, extending his hand to her. His eyes burned into hers. The stress on the word this was not lost on her. Anjali felt colour suffuse her body at his direct manner. Yash seemed oblivious to Arnav's presence. But Anjali felt her brother's marked notice of the energy that flowed between herself and the Doctor.

She shook her head declining, and added softly, "I'm not very graceful on the dance floor."

Yash replied, "A woman of your uncommon elegance is graceful everywhere."

Why was she surprised by his gallant nature? But she was! His ability to not let her earlier rebuff affect how he treated her now truly surprised her. She was moved. But not moved enough to dance with him. It occurred to her that she wanted to be perfect at everything he saw her do.

And that was the moment Anjali Raizada realized that she had unfortunately fallen in love with the man she wanted to make her husband. Now she had no choice. She couldn't possibly marry him. She didn't want love. All she had sought was a convenient arrangement. Affection and attraction was the most she was able to tolerate. Love, she couldn't possibly risk.

Not again.

"I'm sorry," she said. It was a very large sorry that covered many things.

He inclined his head to indicate he would abide by her decision and returned to the floor.

Her brother asked, "What's going on, Di?"

THE UNSPOKEN CONTRACT between a brother and sister is this: the brother must refuse to recognize that his sister could be an object of attraction to men; however, when that delusion becomes impossible to maintain, the brother's responsibility is to ensure that no man acts upon that attraction.

Anjali replied, "Don't forget I am your elder sister." And with that non sequitur, she marched off to join Nani and Buaji.

What? Arnav bristled. One thing was clear: this was not a case of unwelcome attention. What he had sensed in that charged scene was reciprocal. He had to speak to his sister---immediately! How could she have allowed this sort of attention?

And then he would deal with the Doctor.

He turned to pursue Anjali when he noticed that Khushi had stopped dancing. She was still and watched him from the floor. Her face showed concern. She lifted an eyebrow to ask if there was a problem. A happy woman is a happy pregnancy. It was her day; there had already been one anti-climax. He forced a smile to allay her. Arnav saw relief return to her form, she smiled back and rejoined the dance. He made a decision to postpone his next action until tomorrow.

It turned out to be not too difficult to do so. The momentum of the party was such that there was one frenzied activity after another. The cutting of cakes---two cakes!---the messy ritual of forcing everyone to have a bite, the bestowing of presents, the children receiving gifts in return; one noisy action relentlessly followed the next. Then dinner was served. And no sooner had guests been revived by food, the music pumped up and the dance area was flooded with new energy.

Did Arnav forget what he had witnessed between Anjali and Yash? No! But it was parked into a compartment of his mind, thus allowing him to focus on his wife's pleasure. At midnight he made a unilateral decision to send everyone home. He did this by asking the musicians to slow the tempo of the music. This served two purposes. It forced the more animated dancers to find a seat, and it allowed Arnav to pull Khushi into his arms for a slow dance. He drew her in as close as she would allow in public. She looked up at him and congratulated him, "You endured it well."

"What?" he asked, his feet stopped moving. Had she noticed something between Anjali and Yash?

"The party---" she elaborated.

He leaned into her ear and said, "I endured it for you." Then softly bit a delectable earlobe and bathed it with his tongue. She shivered in his arms. "Now, of course, you are in my debt."

"Of course," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "But how is such a large debt to be repaid, Mr Raizada?" she asked, her voice feigning innocence.

"There is one thing you could do---" he said.

"One thing?" she asked. "One thing will remove the entire debt?" She now leaned back, and the mischief in her tone was seen in her eyes.

"I'm a magnanimous man," he stated, with a smirk. He asked, "Will you do it, Khushi?"

He was aware that her voice was slightly breathless as she asked, "Tell me first before I agree."

"Fair enough," he said. "Remember when you licked ice cream off my finger?"

He heard Khushi's breath hitch.

He looked at her face. The colour was high in her cheekbones. Arnav caught her chin between his thumb and finger and forced her to meet his eyes. "You know what I want, don't you?"

She made a small nod, lowering her eyes.

Again, he lifted her chin until she had to meet his eyes. "And?"

By Jalebi Jane

shyam is provoking arshi but nothing
happened
he knows their are strong..
He dare to come to the room. .
khushi fight is awesome
she knows arnav know to the inner emotions fight
justified..
khushi questions did hurt him and his answer
is PI...

awesome...waiting for when anjali and yash's secret will be revealed ..And what is arnav asking khushi..lol