Hey guys, just want to put something out there. When I put a date/time that I'm going to update, I ALWAYS mean London time. I live in London so it only makes sense for me to put timings according to that. So when I say I'll update 3rd April, I mean I will post before 12am London time, not Indian time. And I just want to let you guys know that I had the update ready to post yesterday night, but IF had some maintenance work going on so I couldn't post it on time here. So I apologise for that - I've had to wake up earlier than usual to put this up now. But I guess some of you have probably already read the update on my other sites. Anyway, I'll let you get on with the update. Hope you enjoy it!
My Imperfect Mr Perfect - Epilogue A
"THEN WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM???!!!" Akash yelled.
Arnav had no answer.
"I don't know why you're doing this Arnav, but let me tell you one thing. You're no less than a married man already! You're committed to her while she's committed to you. She cooks for you, she looks after your needs, you look after her, earn for her, live in her house with her family, you look after her family as your own, you're possessive of her, she's possessive of you... The only think lacking here is the mangalsutra on her neck and the sindoor on her forehead, Arnav. Other than that, you're basically a married man already. So why not make it official and finally give your relation a name. A true name that society will accept and respect?"
With that Akash stormed off into the house.
Slowly, Arnav too made his way into the house.
They all sat in the living room chatting while he walked straight to his room, their calls falling on deaf ears as he shut the door behind him.
For a long time, he didn't come out of the room, completely worrying Khushi.
And when he finally did come out 3 hours later, he said something that shocked everyone.
"I'm ready to marry Khushi."
***************************************************
Everyone cheered as soon as they heard the words come out of Arnav's mouth.
Everyone except Khushi.
While Buaji, Payal and Akash were gushing over the news, Khushi stood silent.
"I don't agree," Khushi said, making everyone go quiet suddenly.
"I need to speak to you alone, Arnavji," she requested.
"Titaliya?" Buaji sensed that something was wrong. Very wrong.
"I just need to speak to him for a few minutes Buaji," Khushi replied.
Buaji nodded, giving her permission, although inside she was worried just like Payal and Akash were.
Khushi walked into Arnav's room, with Arnav following behind.
Once the door was closed, Khushi turned around to face Arnav and asked, "What are you doing Arnavji?"
"What am I doing? I said I'm ready to marry you. Do you not want to marry me, Khushi?" he replied, casually.
"This is not about me, Arnavji. This is about you. Why are you doing this all of a sudden? Did someone say something to you?"
Arnav shook his head and was about to open his mouth to retort, but Khushi stepped forward and cupped his face in her hands.
"Arnavji, there's nothing I want more than to marry you, be your wife, have your kids and have a happily ever after with you. But, I want all of this only when you want it too. I don't want you to be forced to marry me. Your happiness means more to me than the idea of marriage, Arnavji."
As Arnav heard her words, he finally realised how selfish he'd been all these days.
Here, this girl was thinking about his happiness even when the door to her dreams was standing right in front of her. And then there was him, who had been blinded by his own fear so much that he'd refused to give into her dreams, her happiness.
He felt so guilty for not giving her the happiness she deserved, all these days.
But will marriage really bring us happiness? Wouldn't it ruin what we have between us?' a part of him thought.
"Arnavji, what are you not telling me? I know something must have happened to make you take this decision today. What happened Arnavji? Won't you tell me?" she asked gently. She wanted to know what was going on in his head, because somewhere along the line she was sure that this decision didn't come from him.
"Khushi..." Arnav contemplated whether to tell her about what Akash said or not. But then looking at her worried, expectant eyes he decided that it was probably best to tell her. Maybe she could help him clear out his still slightly messed up thoughts?
So he took her hands into his and went on to explain what Akash had said a few hours ago - or more like shouted. He didn't leave out a single detail as he told her everything.
"I thought about it a lot Khushi... And the only thing that kept coming back to me was the fact that I had no reason to give as to why I don't want to marry you... And I still don't. When he asked me if I thought I was going to fall out of love with you, or cheat on you, or have it the other way around... My instant answer was no, of course not. I know for a fact that none of those things would ever happen with us. My love for you is so deep that I'll never be able to escape it - not in this lifetime... And I know that without a doubt."
"But I also realised today how much respect marriage holds in this society... All these years, I never cared about what the society said, Khushi. And I still don't. But if that society is going to hurt you in any way like they did today, and I could do something to stop it, then I will. And if marriage is the solution to that, then I'm ready to do it. Because Akash was right when he said that whatever happened with you today, it was because of me. It's because of my refusal to marry you that those idiots confidently came up to you and asked you to..." he gritted his teeth at the memory. "I can't bear to see you hurt Khushi..." he said.
"But Arnavji... I..."
Arnav could see that Khushi looked almost scared. But he had no idea why. "What is it Khushi?"
"W-what if you marry me and regret it on day? I can't have you resenting me Arnavji... I can't bear it! I would rather stay like this than have you marry me and hate me," Khushi said, a lone tear running down her cheek at the thought.
"No Khushi, don't you see? I'm not doing this just for you? I'm doing this because I want society to view us in a higher position... I'll be honest Khushi, I'm still slightly scared to marry you. I still have that fear within me that it might ruin things between us. But I'm not doing this out of pressure. I'm doing this because I want to be able to call you mine. I want to be able to kiss you without having to hide. I want to be able to sleep next to you without having to sneak around. I want to be able to walk in public holding your hand... And if marriage is the only way I can do that with both of our heads held high then so be it. Let's do it," he said. The more he spoke about marriage, the more it all made sense to him, and the more he felt that this was the right way.
"A-are you sure Arnavji? You want this?" Khushi asked one last time, wanting to make sure that this was not some dream... That he was standing in front of her and actually saying yes to marriage... And that he was saying it because he wanted it.
Now it was Arnav who cupped her cheeks tenderly, looking her in the eye, "I'm sure Khushi. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Marry me?"
He wasn't bent down on his knee, he didn't give her a ring and neither did he give her a flowery speech, but Khushi didn't care. This was probably one of the best moments of her life and there couldn't have been anyone happier than her in that moment.
Khushi nodded fervently, a wide smile rapidly spreading on her lips, "Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!"
Hearing her yes, even Arnav felt his heart lighten and his happiness reached its peak - a feeling he hadn't expected to feel in this situation.
Feeling like everything was finally settling, Arnav smiled before taking Khushi's lips into breath-taking kiss.
It started off as a soft kiss... Just expressing how happy they both were...
But it didn't take long for the kiss to turn from sweet to intense...
Arnav's hands slid down from her cheeks, to grip her hips possessively while Khushi threw her arms around his neck, pushing up her breasts against his chest, as she pulled him closer, not being able to get enough of him.
Arnav too couldn't get close enough as he grinded against her, plastering their bodies together...
Not able to take it anymore, he lifted her up, making her wrap her legs around his waist before he took her to his bed.
He laid her on her back, her legs still wrapped around him as they sucked on each other's lips hard, biting, tongues duelling, fighting for dominance...
Feeling desperate for release, Arnav lifted her top up and undid her salwar while she took off his belt and unzipped his pants.
Still in their inner wears, Arnav rubbed against her, earning a guttural moan from Khushi, which he covered with his kiss.
He continued to rub against her, their moans and groans muffled by their kiss, as they felt their pleasure building up with the delicious friction between their intimate parts.
As Arnav fastened his pace, and they were lost in their own world, they heard someone knock on the door loudly.
"Khushi?" It was Payal. "Is everything alright?"
Arnav stopped, hearing her voice, groaning quietly into Khushi's neck in frustration. "Fu**!"
Khushi somehow tried to calm her breathing and yell, "Give us 5 minutes Jiji, we're still discussing!"
"Okay, hurry up! You have us all so worried!" Payal replied.
"Okay, we'll be out soon!" Khushi said, as she applied pressure on Arnav's butt, lifting her hips up to rub against him again, silently telling him to continue from where they stopped.
Arnav let out a growl as he started humping her relentlessly, his hands squeezing her breasts, his harsh breaths falling against her neck, while Khushi could only hold on tight during the wild ride.
A minute later they both hit their orga*** at the same time. Khushi's eyes rolled back, her mouth parted, no sound coming out as the feeling of pleasure shook her completely. Meanwhile, Arnav grunted, squeezing her breasts harder as he continued to ride out the orgasm, extending the pleasure for as long as he could, as he sucked at her neck, hard.
Seconds later, Arnav slumped over Khushi, hugging her waist as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, while she hugged him close to herself, welcoming his weight on her.
"Remind me why we haven't done this in so long again?" Arnav murmured into her neck.
"Umm because you were too scared to get caught by Buaji?" Khushi answered cheekily.
"What the?! I was scared?" Arnav asked, lifting his head up to meet her eyes, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," Khushi replied innocently.
"Oh really?" With that he started to tickle her waist, making Khushi burst out laughing.
Khushi tried to block him, but couldn't as he held both her hands in his one hand while he continued to tickle her with his other hand.
Khushi literally begged him to stop, "Please Ar-navji stop! Ah... Pl-ease!" Her stomach hurt from laughing so much.
"Now repeat what you said before," Arnav teased, still tickling her. "Who was scared?"
"Ah! Okay! Ok-ay! Arnav Singh... Raizada... is n-nev-er s-scared!" Khushi couldn't even speak properly between her laughter.
Arnav finally took pity on her and stopped tickling her, "Now that sounds better," he smirked, letting her hands go as well.
Khushi's chest was heaving as she tried to get her breath back.
A few moments passed when suddenly Khushi started tickling Arnav, laughing.
Only he didn't give any reaction at all - well, except for the darkening of his eyes...
Turned out he wasn't ticklish...
Uh oh...
"Looks like someone didn't get enough of their punishment," Arnav murmured.
"No!" Khushi threw herself into his chest, not wanting to be tickled again - there was no way she could take it! She was still breathless from the previous tickling session!
Arnav chuckled seeing her reaction, wrapping his arms around her.
He placed a soft kiss on her hair as he laid her back down, after which he shifted a little so that he was lying on his side next to her, his hand propped up on his elbow supporting his head.
"If this is how our married life will be... Then I can't wait Khushi," Arnav said, his eyes filled with love as he gazed at her face.
Khushi smiled up at him, her face glowing. She cupped his face with one hand as she said, "It will be even better Arnavji."
Suddenly Arnav's expression changed, his eyes showing his vulnerability. He gulped before speaking, "Khushi... I'll be honest... This marriage... Even though I want to do this, I am still scared... I... I don't ever want lose you Khushi," he held her hand which was on his cheek and placed a kiss on it as he gave her an almost desperate expression.
"And do you think I can live without you Arnavji? I want you just as much as you want me. I love you just as much as you love me. I need you just as much as you need me. There's no Khushi without Arnav. And that's why I promise you Arnavji, that whatever comes in our way, we will always face it together. That's what marriage is about Arnavji - if I go in the wrong path, you should stop me. If you go in the wrong path, I will stop you. We will definitely face lots of challenges in our lives Arnavji, and there might even be times when we will dislike each other - but we always have to talk things out and face things together. And I need you to promise me that you will be with me in this, because I can't do this without your support Arnavji," she said, her eyes expressing her unending love and trust in him.
"Always," Arnav said, resting his forehead against hers. His one word held a hundred promises...
He was still scared, but Khushi's words were like a soothing balm on his worries... He felt reassured that whatever problems came their way, they could get through it with each other's support...
"Umm Arnavji?"
"Hmm?"
"As comfortable as this is, I think we should get going. Everyone's going to be worried."
"You're right," he said, before getting up and off the bed to buckle up his pants.
Khushi blushed as she did the same, tying up her salwar pyjamas.
Soon they left the room, hand in hand.
As they came into everyone's view, they bombarded the couple with questions.
"What happened?!"
"What did you say Khushi?!"
"Is the marriage on?!"
"What did you decide?!"
"Arre if you keep questioning us, then how will we get the chance to answer you?" Khushi complained, pouting.
"So...?" Payal prompted.
Arnav smiled. Tugging at Khushi's hand, he made her come crashing into his side as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "We're getting married," he announced proudly.
Everyone burst out in cheers, happy that things were finally settling for the couple.
"But Buaji, I have something to add," Arnav said seriously.
"What's wrong babua?" Buaji asked.
"Buaji it wouldn't be right for me and Khushi to marry without Payal getting married," he said.
It was Payal who answered, "No Arnavji, I don't want your marriage to be delayed because of mine. You guys are in love and it's only right for you to start your married life now. I will get married when Buaji finds the right man for me."
"Payal I'm not saying that you have to get married before we do. You don't. Because I know if I say that then you guys will rush things and try to fix your marriage fast. I don't want that. But I want to wait until we at least finalise a rishta for you. Me and Khushi can get married then, and you can spend some time getting to know the groom before tying the knot. How does that sound?" Arnav said.
"I agree with Arnavji jiji. How am I supposed to marry him and be happy knowing that my elder sister still isn't anywhere near settling in life? I would feel so guilty jiji. Please agree na? Buaji, come on you know that Arnavji is right," Khushi said.
"Both of you are so mature despite being young. I am proud of you both," Buaji said, her words showing that she agreed with them completely.
Everyone was happy.
Except two people.
Who you may ask.
Akash and Payal.
Although the two of them hadn't ever spoken about their feelings for each other, they both knew that a bond existed between the two.
And now when the others were deciding on Payal's wedding, they could only panic.
Payal was worried, but hoped Akash would say something.
And Akash was worried because he felt he didn't have the right to say anything. After all, he had no family to call his own. He was an orphan. What right did he have to ask for Payal's hand in marriage? He was no match for her...
The sad look on Akash's face didn't go unnoticed by Arnav and Khushi.
Before Arnav could speak, Khushi beat him to it. "Buaji, I know a person who would be perfect for jiji," she said.
Everyone turned to look at Khushi. Only Akash's face turned even more sad if possible.
"Who titaliya?" Buaji asked.
Payal was very anxious.
"He is a very kind, loving and honest person. He is well-educated and has a very good job. He liked jiji a lot from their first meeting itself. He doesn't have a big family - just his brother and his to-be sister in law. But he is a gem of a person and would look after jiji very well. And the person I'm talking about is right here, standing in this room with us, Buaji," she said, looking straight at Akash.
Everyone looked at Akash who stood there shell-shocked, looking at Khushi.
"What did you think bhai? That me and Arnavji haven't noticed your feelings towards jiji? When you do everything to make sure me and Arnavji are happy, didn't you think we would do the same for you?" Khushi asked, looking at him with all the sisterly affection that she had for him. Then she turned to Payal and asked, "And jiji, did you think that we didn't notice the secret glances you both share all the time. We know you have feelings for him too," Khushi said, smiling.
"I was going to bring this topic up myself but Khushi beat me to it," Arnav said, smiling as he squeezed her shoulder gently, silently telling her that he was proud of her decision to speak up for Akash.
"Buaji, I - sorry, we are the only family that Akash has. So, as Akash's elder brother, I would like to officially ask you for Payal's hand in marriage on behalf of Akash," Arnav said.
Buaji was quite stunned at the turn of events. But in a good way.
After a month of having Akash around, she knew that he was just as much of a gem as Arnav was. It hadn't really occurred to her that she could marry Payal off to him, but now that Arnav and Khushi had mentioned it, she didn't see anything wrong with the idea.
"Babua, although I never did think of this before, I can say that I would be very happy to marry off Payal to Akash if those two are happy with the decision. So it's a yes from my side," she said, making Khushi instantly start jumping up and down on the spot in happiness. And Arnav too couldn't control his smile. "But... I think it's best if we give the two people a few minutes to talk to each other alone so that they can make a decision themselves," Buaji suggested.
Agreeing, they pretty much pushed Akash and Payal into a room before locking the door from outside, while the two of them were still almost paralysed with the sudden turn of events.
After a few seconds of fiddling about, Akash finally started, "So... are okay with this?"
Payal was too shy to speak out so just nodded.
Realising this wasn't going the way it should, Akash mentally hit himself. This was the perfect opportunity to tell her about his feelings and here he was, beating around the bush.
With a new determination, he cleared his throat.
"I like you Payalji. I have from the moment I first laid eyes on you. I've never been in a relationship before and neither have I experienced this whole love thing before, so I've never really thought much about love at first sight etc. But all that changed the moment I saw you. And I think... I've fallen in love with you... Payalji if you decide to say yes to this relationship, I want it to be because you want to be in this relationship. If you don't feel anything for me or don't want this, now is the time to say so. Because if you say yes today," he picked up her hand and held it between his own hands, "I'm never letting you go. And that's a promise," he said, looking straight in her eyes. Though there was a soft smile on his face, his eyes were intense with emotion...
Payal almost shivered at the promise in his words... The promise of forever...
"I l-like you t-too," she stuttered shyly, letting her eyes go back to the floor.
Akash smiled widely at the words, feeling a gush of happiness engulf him.
Unable to control himself, he placed a gentle kiss on her hand which he was holding, making her eyes widen and a beautiful blush adorned her cheeks.
"Before we go, is there anything you want to ask me or talk about?" he asked her.
She shook her head, telling him no.
"Okay, let's go," he said smiling, still not letting go of her hand as they came out of the room.
"We're ready to marry," he said to everyone.
Khushi squealed before running over to her jiji and engulfing her in a hug.
Arnav too came forward and gave Akash a hug, patting his back, feeling happy that his friend/brother's life was going to settle too.
Of course, Buaji wasn't far behind either.
Overall, everything was finally going to settle down for them...
Continued in the next post...
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Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
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