And Then She Found Me-Chapter 37 PG 58 13/11/17 - Page 21

He had finally said it. After months and months of being at conflict with himself he was at last able to speak his heart. His heart that only had a beat for Khushi now. He had denied himself of so many feelings but she clawed her way through through his titanium shell, making his heart beat again. Despite their differences, their conflicting interest, their stubbornness, she made him care again. He felt re-born. The world had proved to him time and time again how cold and cruel it can be. But he would condemn himself to this re-live this hell if it meant that he could love her. He looked into her eyes find the same love being reflected back.

Nothing else needed to be said. And yet there was so much more they wanted to tell one another. She had made his world beautiful and in return he had given her wings to soar in the skies. But in this moment there was silence, silent words being exchanged only through their eyes as they breathed in each emotion, in each moment, never wanting it to end.

Arnav pulled her closer, her hands already grabbing his shirt as their bodies pressed up against each other. He ran his fingers from her forehead, down to her cute nose and sumptuous lip. She closed her eyes surrendering to his touch. He was in awe of her beauty. He traced his fingers over her almond shaped eyes that were adorned with thick black lashes. He brushed her porcelain cheeks to see them come alive with his favourite colour.
"You are always new. The last of your kisses was even the sweetest; The last smile the brightest; The last movement the gracefullest." She didn't move scared that she might wake from this dream. He was reciting poetry to her, it had to be a dream.
His fingers trailed down her soft long neck and he rested his hand above her heart, feeling the boom with in her chest.
"Two souls but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one." He whispered. Khushi smiled at the familiar lines and their significance.
"John Keats?" She asked.
"Hmmm...Writers these days never focus enough on the details." He murmured against her lips.
"That's exactly what I-!" She exclaimed. But Arnav crashed his lips against her swallowing her words. She melted as his lips devoured hers with passion he had denied himself of before. His hands caressing her body. She didn't hold back either as she pulled at his shirt for him to get closer whilst getting soaked in the rain.

"Arnav," She gasped as she pulled away.
"I am right here." He claimed her lips once again, moving his hand over her heart to the soft mound on top of it.
"Wait...one...Arnav..." But he wasn't having any of it. "Stop." He pulled away looking at her face hoping he hadn't gone too far. "Wow, I didn't think you would actually stop." She admitted evidently baffled.
"What do you mean you thought I wouldn't stop? I am not that guy Khushi." He begged for her to understand.
"No,I know you're not that guy...it's just...I wouldn't have stopped if you asked me." She said coyly stealing her gaze from his.

"He would have to be a gadha to ask you to stop." He chuckled before moving in close but Khushi pushed him away. "Oh you can't get away from me that easily girl." He said with his devilish smirk.
"Arnav..." Khushi warned before pushing past him and running down the terrace steps. But he was quicker, he slid down the banister to reach the bottom of the stairs just before she did. Both of them waited for the other to make the move, smiling breathlessly. Khushi was pleasantly surprised at his playful side, she knew he had it buried away deep under that ASR exterior. But since he had come out to play she was going to make the most of it.
"Di?" Khushi smiled. Arnav snapped around and Khushi pushed past him again laughing. "Budhu Laad Governor!" She squealed as he managed to grab her duppata as she ran past him to the other side of the pool.
"This is my house Gupta, I can do this all night." He said whilst stalking her around the pool.
"What run around all night? I was hoping for more action then that Mr." She teased as she backed her way around the pool.
"Oh really?" Arnav smirked with glint of desire in his eyes. He was enjoying the chase just as much as she was.

His stalk became more predatory. She saw the change in his emotions and in haste misplaced her steps, backing up against a pillar. She gulped looking like a little lamb as the lion made no haste to catch up with her. He trapped her with his hands on either side of her. "What kind of action were you expecting Khushi?" He asked, his smile never leaving his lips as he quirked his eyebrow.

"I-I-Voh ' ." Khushi stammered mesmerised by his stare.
"I think I have an small idea." He moved in closer.
"You wouldn't. Everyone-." Khushi said intoxicated by his scent.
"Wouldn't I?" He said in his husky voice. She closed her eyes in anticipation. He placed a soft kiss which was full of love on her forehead and then stepped back. "Gupta are you out of your mind! You haven't eaten a single thing all day and all you can think about is playing tag." Khushi grinned at the playful Arnav as he took her hand.
"You haven't eaten either!" She gasped in shock snatching her hand from his. He moved to pull her closer. "No, no, no touching...with you one thing always leads to another and then we forget simple things like feeding out selves! Chalo." She marched into his room.

Arnav walked over to his wardrobe and took out two towels throwing one Khushi's way. She pulled her hair to one side drying her wet lock. Arnav watched her reflection in the mirror. She looked radiantly content. He walked over to her running his fingers down her bare back, watching his effect on her.
"I take it I am forgiven then?" He asked apologetically. She spun around faster than he had expected, her wet hair lashing him in the face.
"If you ever, ever speak of me being with someone else...It will be the last you see of me." She said almost in tears again.
"I won't let that happen." He said holding her chin.
"You better not, I can't live without you."
"I cannot exist without you. I am forgetful of everything but seeing you again - my Life seems to stop there - I see no further. You have absorb'd me. I have a sensation at the present moment as though I were dissolving... I have been astonished that Men could die Martyrs for religion - I have shudder'd at it - I shudder no more - I could be martyr'd for my Religion - Love is my religion - I could die for that - I could die for you. My creed is Love and you are its only tenet - You have ravish'd me away by a Power I cannot resist." He recited whilst cupping her face with his hands, wiping away the love that was flowing from her eyes. She got onto her tip toes to place a small kiss on his nose.
"Vah Ustad Arnav Singh Raizada Ali Khan, have you memorised all of Keats work?"She sniffed.
"Love, it makes you do silly things...like starve yourself." And as if they were part of a comedy sketch his stomach growled with hunger. Both erupted in laughter.

She pushed him down on to the couch and began to dry his hair with the towel. He took her wrist and pulled her down on to his lap. "Woman, eat will you." They began to feed each other.
"I can't believe you did all this, I mean you don't believe in all these customs, but you fasted, for me." Khushi thought out aloud.
"I knew a simple sorry wasn't going to cut it this time. And I still don't believe in any of this...I fasted because I wanted you to know how it feels when the most important person in your life feels any discomfort. I fasted because I couldn't bear the thought of eating knowing you hadn't eaten." He broke of a piece of chapatti and dipped it in some daal before giving it to Khushi.
"How did I get so lucky?" She stroked his cheek.
"Luck has nothing to do with it. We were not meant for anyone else. It was only a matter of time before you would find me." Khushi rested her forehead against his.
"I love you Arnav." She sighed making his heart skip a beat.

"Aare Oh thithaliya, where have you gone?" Khushi's aunt shouted up the stairs.
"She is going on the first flight back to Lucknow." Arnav announced annoyed at the intrusive voice.
"You are not sending Bua anywhere." Khushi contradicted rolling her eyes "Laad Governor." She handed him his medicine which he drank down with the glass of water.
"Stay." He begged wrapping his arm around her waist only for her to unwrap it. She stepped away dancing the steps to Single Ladies by Beyonce. "Gupta, I have put a ring on it...your pointing at it."
"Wait you know that song?" She asked astonished.
"I don't live under a rock, I own a fashion house. It's part of my job to keep an eye on celebrities." He said.
"Sanka devi!" Her aunt called again. Khushi turned towards the door to leave but Arnav's touch made her stop. He draped his jacket over her shoulder.
"You're transparent." Khushi looked down at her soaked white salwaar and turned red. "I'll drive you home."

***

Khushi sat in the back seat of his white Safari blissfully content. She never thought that this sort of happiness could exist. It was something that truly had to be experienced to understand ir. She watched him as he made easy conversation with her aunt. He was nothing like the tense man he was three days ago. She saw him glancing at her every now and then through the review mirror before Bua drew his attention away from her. She smiled remembering his passionate kiss. She traced her lips with her fingers remembering the sensation his lips had caused. And then laughed out loud as she recalled him shouting at her for wanting to play 'tag'.
"Khushi have you gone mad laughing to yourself?" Her Bua asked.

They had arrived at Khushi's apartment sooner than either of them had expected. Arnav was taking his leisurely time with the drive there trying to make most of their time. Bua bid her farewells to Arnav and began to make her way telling Khushi to hurry up as she shuffled along. Khushi took off the jacket and handed it back to Arnav.
"Thank you, for everything." She said trailing her hands up his shoulders. She lifted herself to whisper in his ear. "Now a soft kiss, Aye by that kiss, I vow an endless bliss." She tenderly kissed his lips before leaving up the stairs.

***

Kannan was sat in his office puffing on a cigarette well past midnight. He knew if Khushi found out he had started smoking again she would have his head. But she was the reason behind his recent lack of will power. First there was Arnav. They were in love. A blind man could have told you that. He didn't want to be the reason behind any of their differences, but he wouldn't stop being a friend to her because of him. He could never forget what he did to him. It's something that he is still paying for now. There was a knock on his office door.
"Come in." He said sleepily.
"Sir, here is everything you asked for." A small skinny man entered with a red file.
"Really? Everything? What about AR's details?" Kannan asked excitedly.
"They are all in the file, I know someone with in the finance department." He said winking at Kannan.
"Nice work Shinde...And what about Jha?" His expression changed from mischievous to disgust.
"I told you Sir that you can count on me."
"Yes I told you that if word of this ever gets out then your lifeless body will be lying in some gutter...Got it? Leave."

Maybe one of the reason why him and Arnav would never see eye to eye was because as much as he hate to admit it they were, in many ways alike. With their temper and way of dealing with certain people. No longer, weighed down by sleep Kannan went over every minute detail of the file making his own notes, not wanting to miss a single thing. He knew that if Khushi was to believe him he would need proof. Once he had Khushi on his side, Arnav would no longer be an obstacle.

***

Arnav was standing by the glass doors looking out into the light rain fall. He had never thought it would be possible to feel this way for anyone. But he did, and he never wanted to go without this elevated feeling. Her love washed away all his sins, all the darkness, all the hate but most of all it healed the pain.

"Di, how long are going to be mad at me?" He asked with big puppy dog eyes. "You haven't spoken to me properly in three days." He whispered. Anjali could feel her heart breaking hearing her brother's despair.
"Good night Chote." She turned to leave but his strained voice stopped her.
"Di, I am really sorry. I never meant to hurt you or Khushi..."
"It's not your fault...If I hadn't have brushed away your harsh words when you were younger...It's me who should be apologising."
"No, never...Di I can be a monster to the rest of the world, but I can't even imagine hurting you...You are all I have in this world, everything I do I do for you-."
"I have never asked you for any of his Chote." She said gesturing to the vastness of their home. "And I never forced you into marriage either. This is a step you took. I won't stand by my brother when he is set on breaking an innocent girl's heart. That day you didn't just hurt me or Khushi you insulted our upbringing and herself respect. That is not how I raised you... You will do right by her." Anjali Jha preferred to look at the world through rose tinted glasses but at times like these she would not shy away from the Raizada within her.

She turned away with a heavy but strong heart. No matter how much she loved her brother, Kannan's words would not leave her in peace. She had never been so affected by any one's words. His obvious disappointment at her role in her brothers life made her look away from the rosy tints and face reality. She was never hard on Arnav, knowing that life had already been too hard on him. But Kannan not only made her look past her blind love for her brother but also made her doubt herself. Was she as shallow as he made her out to be?

***

The morning light broke through Khushi's sleep as she awoke with a smile. She had hardly slept the night before, her thoughts wrapped up in Arnav. But she wanted to rid the sleep from her eyes, knowing that this new day was a new chapter in her life. She felt like she was waking up for the first time, that her whole life had been but a dream. She had the rest of her life ahead of her. And the best part of it all was knowing who she was going to share it with. Her phone began to ring as she lay in bed dancing with joy.
"Good morning." She sang loudly down the phone.
"Khushi, you sound in a very good mood."
"Di?" Khushi sat up straightening herself up as though Anjali was in the room.
"Ha baba, I called to remind you about the pooja today. You are coming over right?"
"Yes Di I'll be there in the next hour, tops." She pouted as she cut the call. She threw the phone onto the bed and got up making her way to the bathroom when her phone rang again. She leapt across the room to answer the phone.
"Who were you on the phone to?" Khushi's flashed her pearly white teeth with a large smile hearing his voice. "Hello Gupta, I am talking to you. Are you even listening?"
"Subha subha hogayi shuru aap ki Laad Governor-giri?" Khushi teased. "How about, Good morning darling, or how are you sweetheart?" She cooed.
"Good morning...sweetheart...Who were you on the phone to?" He said the first part with sarcasm before returning to the question.
"Possessiveness much?" Khushi pointed out. She couldn't deny the fact that a small part of her liked his possessiveness. That he felt she belonged to him, only.
"Khushi." He said her name waiting for her to answer. "Was it that Kannan?" He asked, annoyed that he had spoke to Khushi before him.
"It was Di." Khushi said annoyed with the fact that Arnav was willing to bring Kannan into their morning conversation. "Ab Khush? Pauch gayi kaalejeh ko taandak?" She said letting him know of her frustration.
"Don't ok...don't start arguing." That wasn't why he called and he had definitely not called to wind her up. Not about Kannan anyway.
"ME?!" Khushi exclaimed feeling her temper rising.
"Khushi...I miss you." Arnav said without any hesitation. He had begun to miss her the moment she stepped into his car last night. He craved for her.
"But you are talking to me on the phone." Khushi said confused slightly.
"I know that...When are you coming home?" He asked, his arms aching to hold her again.
"Why? Look I am very busy today, Di has a kept a pooja, plus Kannan messaged me about talking to me about something important. I swear, what is it with you men being so cryptic at times, he could have easily said 'Khushi I need to speak to you about this.' But no, I need to speak to you about something important.' Both of you-."
"Khushi relax, breath." He instructed. He smiled as he heard her take deep breaths until she was no longer wound up with frustrated energy.
"Ok...When are you leaving for work?" She asked casually.
"In the next hour."
"But then I won't get to see you until this evening!" He could hear her pout on the other side of the line making him smile again.
"I thought you just said you were too busy." He said snarkily.
"Now don't you start." She warned.
"Ok...I think I can put off going to work for an extra half an hour and besides, we have our game of tag to finish off." She could hear his smirk. The smirk that made her weak in her knees. The smirk he had given her last night as he hunted her around the poolside.
"Badmaash! So that's why you want me over so soon." She finally figured.
"I want you always." He said huskily, the want in his voice evident. Khushi found it hard to swallow at the sound of his words.
"Arnav..." She blushed.
"You're not allowed to blush when I am not there to see it."
"You know all your possessive, dominating ways..." She wanted to tell him to stop. She bit her lip not wanting to say the words out loud. But she oddly enough liked it in a way she couldn't explain. If it ever came down to him telling her what she can or cannot wear, go, do she would give him a piece of her mind. But when it's like this, his passion for her so obvious, she couldn't stop her heart from skipping a beat.
"What about them Khushi..." He asked expectantly.
"I'll see you in an hour." She quickly replied and cut the call before things became too much for her to handle.

***

Khushi never did take much time to get ready but today she was extra quick to make it to Shantivaan in 45 minutes. She looked forward to the day where she would not have to run around to see him. When her every day would start and end with him.
"Namaste Haari Prakash ji." She chimed as she entered the house. Her eyes searching for him.
"Good morning Khushi." Anjali smiled her warm smile whilst hugging her. "You're glowing."
"Must be the new moisturiser." She brushed off.
"Any chance that moisturiser is called Arnav." Payal giggled before hugging her sister. Anjali took hold of Khushi's hand.
"Khushi, is everything...I mean I want you to be happy, I am always on your side I know he is my brother but that doesn't mean I always agree with what he decides, and about your marriage-"
"Di it's ok, I am fine. In fact I am glad we are not rushing into marriage, I want to enjoy our engagement. Don't worry I'll talk to Nani and besides I'm only 23!"
"24 soon." His voice made her stomach knot as she tried her best to hide the smile that was itching to play on her lips. Arnav was casually making his way down the stairs following her melodious voice calling to him. She was not in her usual salwaars. This was different. But it had Khushi written all over it with its beautiful vivid colours. Colours that she had now filled in his life.

"Khushi I don't want you to have to pretend-." Anjali tried to whisper.
"Di why are you stressing yourself out? I promise I am not pretending I meant every word I just said. I made a promise to you Di. A promise of happiness. I am not going to break it." Khushi reminded Anjali of the promise she had made to her about taking away Arnav's pain and supporting him. Arnav and Payal watched the cryptic exchange between the two soon to be sisters. Khushi smiled before hugging Anjali one more time. "Now Di, what's first on the agenda?"
"The girls are not going to be here till later on so-."
"That's great then, we can finish off what we had started yesterday." Arnav said with a serious face but Khushi noticed the glint in his eyes. 'Is he for real?' She thought as a shocked expression washed over her face.
"Kya? What did you two start yesterday?" Anjali asked confused. Arnav looked form his sister to Khushi, leaving it up to her to explain.
"V-v-v-voh hum-er-we ...We were going over the renovations. For the room. His room. My soon to be room. The room needs renovating. Because... it's old. I don't like it. Too much green. In the room. His room...My soon to be room." She gulped screaming at Arnav mentally to say something anything even if it was just to tell her to shut up. Anjali threw Payal a look that came very close to her brother's 'what the' expression. "Ok then. We will be in Nani's room." Anjali and Payal walked off. Arnav waited for them to disappear before he walked over to Khushi taking her in his arms.

"Let go." She said punching his chest away.
"I'm not holding on to let go Khushi." He whispered in her ear.
"You just threw me to the lions!"She exclaimed.
"Sweetheart." He said tenderly as he caressed her face with one of his hands as he looked deep in the hazel orbs. "There is only one lion here and he has already pledged his soul to you." She felt the weakness take over her.
"Are you always this romantic in the mornings?" She smiled with shyness.
"I guess that all depends on whether or not you intend to be in my arms every morning."
"Hmm I'll have to get back on you that one, you see there are many arms on the market at the mo-." But her lips where silenced by a gentle kiss. He pulled away smiling at her surprised expression. She gasped before she pushed him away.
"Arnav you fool! What if someone saw us?!" Whispered loudly. He chuckled. He took her hand and led her upstairs to his room.

"Safe now?" He asked. She rolled her eyes whilst pushing him away playfully. She walked over to his garden, leaning on large wooden frame, breathing in the cool morning breeze. He stood behind her wrapping his arms around her waist. He rested his head on her shoulder as she snuggled closer to him.
"What is your favourite flower?" He asked.
"Orchids." She smiled.
"Ah. Ofocurse you will pick the one flower that I don't have in my garden."
"What's yours?" He let go of her and walked up to a small shrub of bright white flowers. He gently picked a stem from the shrub which was overloaded with flowers and walked over to Khushi, placing the small flowers behind her ear, watching her waves of hair swaying with the light wind.
"Jasmine." He looked away for a brief moment before looking back into her wonder filled eyes. "Khushi why did you say you were ok with us not getting married soon, why did you lie about talking to Nani about this?" He asked whilst stroking her cheek. She tutted loudly before taking his hands in hers.
"Uff ho, why does everyone think that I am lying? I am not lying, I do want to enjoy this time we have together before marriage. We wasted the past four months arguing, I want at least another 4 months of making up." She winked. "I know your not wanting to take the next step because your not ready and if your not ready then how can you give it your all? I know you don't want to hurt me. I know that your making this descion as much for my best interest as for you own."Arnav was in awe of her.
"I knew if no one else, you will, sooner or later understand me. But the more you do the more I realise how much I don't deserve you. But I am too selfish to let you go." He lowered his lips to hers only to disturbed by his ringtone. He closed his eyes and reluctantly stepped away. A small smile appeared on his lips when he heard Khushi sigh with disappointment.

"It's Aaman." He said pointing at his phone. He stepped back into his room. "Yeah Aaman?... What?... I thought you were calling about the stats...Oh...Hello Lavanya...Yea she is right here...No she hasn't moved in with me." He said rolling his eyes. "Hmm I'll think about it...Sure...It's Lavanya." He handed the phone to her.
"Chamkeeli! Guess what I am getting married next week it's going to be a small affair, but can you imagine! Obviously you and ASR are invited but everything is happening soo fast and I need to do some shopping so I was just asking ASR if you can help me tomorrow." Khushi took the phone away from her ear and turned to Arnav.
"Why does everyone feel the need to ask your permission when it's comes to me?" She said before putting the phone back to her ear.
"Lavanya that is great news. I really am happy for you both. I would love to help you. Just tell me the time and place and I will meet you there." She saw Arnav walk over to her as she cut the call.
"Everyone asks my permission because they know you are mine." He said, his hand holding her chin as his thumb gently rubbed her lower lip. "I don't like the idea of you spending too much time with Lavanya."
"Arnav you can't tell me what I can and cannot do." She took away his hand not wanting to be distracted.
"Of course I can." He laced his fingers in between hers.
"Then be prepared to be disappointed." She said with all seriousness.
"Are you forgetting your little fit of rage regarding a model who is an ex-girlfriend?" Arnav raised his eyebrow, smirking a little.
"I don't hate Lisa because she was your girlfriend, I don't care about that." She looked away, not wanting him to see her green monster.
"Oh is that so?" He wrapped his arms behind her back, her hands still in his also behind her back. He pulled her to him, her body colliding into his. She was hypnotised by his magnetic stare as he slowly led her back to the king sized bed.
"Arnav, don't...What are you doing?" She tried to keep a straight face but couldn't help but smile.
"You can't be so innocent to not know what I am doing." He whispered. Her knees buckled and she fell back landing on the soft bed. Arnav's strong, hard frame pressed against her soft from.

"Oops." He chuckled on into her ear. His hot breath sending her senses into over drive. He pulled his arms from underneath her and rested his weight on his elbows.
"Arnav please, Di has held a pooja and all you can think about is-." But her breath hitched as she felt his lips trail kisses along her jaw line. She grabbed his shoulders, arching her neck back, pulling him closer to her.
"You think too much sweetheart." He said in between kisses. He slid off her green dupatta making his way down from her jaw to her bare neck. She felt his hands caressing her waist slowly, but surely, making their way up her body.
"Arnav, stop." She gasped knowing he would. He growled a little as he rolled on to the bed and off of her. Khushi was up in flash, taking steady steps back and forth with calculated breaths. "Granddad's rocking chair, painting of a chair, painting, painting of flowers, painting of a garden, a garden, Arnav in the garden- Oh shoot start again!" She cursed as she tried to get her hormones into check. Arnav had to stifle his laughter as he watched his fiance pace the room whilst trying to flick the switch off which he had so successfully switched on.

"...Jalebi's." She sang and opening her eyes, content that she had rid her feelings. But she opened her eyes to Arnav, who sitting back casually on the edge of his bed. His entire being calling to her. And there was nothing more she wanted than to jump on him and have her way with him or let him have his way with her, she didn't really care. "No.no.no." She shook her head. "Don't you have to go to work?" She asked frustrated with herself.
"Khushi, love." He got up wrapping his arms around her. "We have a whole 15 minutes before I have to leave for work."
"Eh-15 minutes, is that it? Is that all I get from you 15 minutes?"
"Oh," He said laughing. "You have no idea about all the things I can do to you in 15 minutes."
"Arnav," she pushed him away. "Will you get off your one track train for one minute."
"Fine." He said pulling away slightly but not letting go.
"Oh k so you have your opinions about the institution of marriage and that's fair, you are totally entitled to them. And as a partner I am willing to respect those opinions given that you respect mine."
"Of course." He said with all sincerity.
"I haven't got to the main part yet...See I ...We... What was just about to happen can't happen...I mean...I would want us to wait in till we are married." She blushed furiously as Arnav pieced the puzzle of her words together.
"What..Oh you have got to be kidding me?" He asked with disbelief. Khushi chuckled.
"Ok no I am not kidding, but your reaction..." She continued to giggle.
"Unbelievable Gupta." He said walking away to his wardrobe, yanking the sliding door open. "Your all the same. Women!" He said turning around stepping towards her before turning back to his wardrobe pulling off random ties and throwing them back in. "It's all the same 'Oh baby it's ok I understand, no marriage that's cool.' And before he knows it boom!" He turned back around stepping towards her. "You pull out the trump card. It was fine all the other times in the other relationships-."
"Raizada just shut up ok. Shut up." Khushi was more amused by his reaction than hurt. "Ok I know that you have had ten girlfriends and that you have slept with far many more women." He didn't want to turn around, he didn't want to show her she was right. "But I have some old fashion views that you might not be able to get your head around...I promised myself to the man that I will one day marry." Arnav stopped attacking his wardrobe as her words sunk in. He slowly turned around.
"Wait what? You-You're a..."
"A virgin." She whispered. "But don't tell anyone, bad for street cred." She joked.
"You're kidding me right?" He asked in dumbfound expression, his eyes wide with shock.
"Do you ever take me seriously?"
"But I mean, Khushi...You don't...They way you tease me." He looked at wanting her to understand the effect she had on him.
"Voh toh bas ainvayi." She shrugged with a smile. Arnav couldn't believe it, this woman, this vixen who had deprived him of his sleep and self control actually had no idea what she was doing.
"You really are a single piece Gupta." He said smiling shaking his head.
"I know." She said smugly. "My kerela, I'm sorry." She wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Don't be sorry."
"It's not that I don't want to, believe me, I do. But part of me isn't ready yet. You are just going to have to stick it out with pg 13 until then."
"I have waited for you my entire life Khushi Kumari Gupta, I am willing to wait a little longer." He wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.

"Khushi!" Payal called for her.
"Hmm now Laad Governor where are you are you planning to send my sister?" she said reading his thought. He walked away picking up a tie and throwing it around his neck.
"You are in charge of looking after those kids right?"
"Yup."
"Ok just make sure they stay the hell away from our room. Those monsters are nothing but nuisances." He said with some what disgust.
"Arnav! They are little kids for god's sake at least spare them your wrath...I don't even want to imagine what you are going to be like our kids."
"Kid not Kids, and after out little discussion there is no fear of that happening any time soon so I guess you have nothing to be worried about." He sounded annoyed but Khushi couldn't figure out if it was because of her or the children or both. He put on his jacket and grabbed some files and headed towards the door before turning back around to his lady love and stealing one last kiss before he left for work.

***
Arnav was in a meeting, his team were finalising the details for the fall campaign but Arnav was in another world. 'Does she really think that I am that far gone that I would torture my own children? Child dammit! The one will be more than enough!But after everything she really thinks me to be so cold hearted.'
"In conclusion sir, I feel that a live online feed of the launch, that also give the viewers an interactive feature will further enhance our business opportunity and open AR up to consumers we have not yet dealt with."Said a smug looking employee.
"I want the number's for the biggest and the best toy shops in the city in 5 minutes. Aaman I am leaving early today." Arnav announced as he came back around from his thoughts.
"Sir?"
"Get on with Gupta, I mean Khana." He corrected himself.
"But sir the live feed?" The employee pleaded for him to acknowledge his suggestion.
"Yes I heard all about it and to be fair, it's not an idea worth reiterating, Channel has been doing that for the past two years! I asked for innovative. Not repetitive. I don't think you like your job Mr Khana. You have 24 hours to prove otherwise. " He got up and left the conference room, leaving the air ridden with the fear of ASR.

With a mission on his mind he left his office and began to make his way to a special appointment arranged with the manager of a toy store. He was driving through the traffic filled streets when his eyes fell upon a familiar face. He dialled a number.
"Hello saalesaab, how can I be of service?"
Jijaji, Di is holding a small pooja today, I've already left I thought I would pick you up to."
"If only my dear brother-in-law, unfortunately I am stuck in the office with paper work literally coming out of my ears! Please let your sister know not to wait up for me."
"Sure." Arnav tried to control his anger as he watched the snake walk into a coffee shop. 'Calm down, calm down. Calm down for Di you promised her you wouldn't hurt her, and you can't hurt him whilst she is tied to him. Count to 10, think of Khushi.' He took deep breaths before he sped off blazing through the traffic.

***

Khushi had spent the morning helping Anjali and Payal prepare for the Kanya pooja and the afternoon keeping the little guests entertained. It reminded her of her teaching days which she had been missing but didn't admit to anyone.
"This time I am going to get you all." She said in her best menacing voice. Arnav strode in through the hall way to see a blindfolded Khushi trying to grasp thin air. "I must say you all are very good at keeping quiet, but you can't hide from me for long...GOTTCHA!" She exclaimed whilst grabbing on to an unsuspecting Hari Prakash. "But you are awfully tall." She said puzzled before letting out a gasp. "You better not be standing on the table?! Get down get down!" Arnav had decided that if Khushi didn't let go of Hari Prakash's arm in the next ten seconds he would have to rip it from his shoulder.
"Aare Kusi bhabhi hum hai." Khushi flinched away at the sound of the in house help.
"Sorry." She waved long after he had left. "Hmmm now where have these little cheeky monkeys got to?" Arnav smiled watching a childlike Khushi play. But all of a sudden she stopped and turned around with her hands on her hips. She was facing directly at him. Her was head was tilted as though she was contemplating something. He saw a small smile appear on her lips before biting her finger. She slowly tip toed towards him. She got closer and tried to snatch him but he was too quick. He stepped back not letting her touch him. She tried again but he bolted before she could reach him. He crept around and stood behind her as she removed the blindfold.
"When is he coming home?" She muttered under her breath. Her wish was his command. He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"I am home." He whispered. His presence filled her heart with unknown joy, like it was the first time she was seeing him.
"And now so am I." She said as she found peace within herself in his arms.
"Tell me Khushi who are you playing with?"
"Dammit!" Arnav smiled at her using his phrase."Where are they?" A look of shock and then realisation hit her. "Haha, I scared you didn't I? I mean where else would they? In the garden right? Such a beautiful day, kids should play outdoors, that what I always say, fresh air does the lungs and the brain some good." She began to back towards the stairs. 'Khushi if they are in his room, this romance of your is going to be very short lived.'
"Khushi the garden is that way." He pointed.
"I-I-I-I know but erm...SANDALS...My sandals. I left them upstairs." She said pointing at her bare feet before running up the stairs.

But he wasn't far behind. He walked into the room which as once his bedroom but now looked like It belonged to some wild animal which had attacked it.
"I told them to not come in here." She defended.
"Obviously they didn't get the message." He said through gritted teeth. "OM PRAKASH!" He shouted making Khushi jump.
"Unbelievable, Khushi one thing! I ask you to do one thing! How hard can it be?! How is it possible that 10 year olds are able to fool you?"
"Oh get a grip man! Why are you throwing a tantrum? How old are you, 8? Om Prakash will have your room fixed in the next half an hour, they are kids, they're suppose to be naughty-."
"Leave." He said in a deadly low tone. "Leave before I say something I regret." She looked into the eyes of ASR.

***
Khushi was right. Om Prakash had the room fixed within the hour. Arnav had changed into his casual clothes and made his way down stairs. He saw Khushi and the girls sitting on the sofa, in silence. A miracle in its self he thought.
"Khushi-." He began.
"Jijaji, why did you tell didi off? It was us that messed your room up. We are sorry." Small girl chirped with puppy dog eyes.
"I am not your jijaji." Arnav corrected her.
"But you are didi's hone valleh voh." She winked.
"What the- how old are you?!" He asked
"We are sorry." They all sang in unison.
"Saying sorry doesn't make it ok. You can just go around damaging other people's property and expect it to all be ok with a simple sorry." He said with an edge of annoyance in his voice.
"Be careful girls he might just sue you." Khushi added not looking up at him.
"She is right you should all be punished." They all turned to look at Khushi who shot a look up at arnav before gaining some resolve.
"That's fine by us, if we have done the crime we are not afraid of doing the time." She spoke for them all.
"Fine you're spending the rest of the evening outside. In the garden."
"But what are we going to do there?" The little girl asked but all she got was a shrug. Khushi led them to the garden, sticking her tongue out to him as she walked past him.

The garden was every child's dream. There were balloons and bubble machines, a jumping castle and ball pit, with swings and slides and round abouts and a candy floss machine with a toffee apple stand. And a row of bags filled with goodies. The girls wasted no time in running out on to the wonderland lawn.
"You did all this?" Khushi asked with disbelief.
"Our child will not be a junglee that goes around vandalising, we will raise our child to know better, to behave better. But I will always love our child no matter what. I promise you, I'll be the best father for our children." He was holding her face in his hands not caring who saw or heard their intimate conversation. Khushi could feel the tears filling up in her eyes.
"Ah ha! You said children! That means more than one and you can't go back on your word now." Arnav shook his head not wanting to fight with her. But he was sure if he could show her the birthing videos he was made to watch during his biology lessons, she would soon drop the idea of multiple Raizada juniors.

Anjali followed the musical laughter of the children out into the garden as the sun began to set on another day.
"Wow! Khushi did you arrange all of this?!" Anjali asked pleasantly surprised with the entertainment provided for the children.
"Nope." Khushi said moving over to Arnav who was leaning against one of the white stone pillars. She linked on to his arm holding his hand and very proudly said, "It was all Arnav's idea." She looked up at him with love admiration. She felt no shame or embarrassment in holding his hand. Not anymore. Arnav gently tightened his grip on her hand, his heart thanking her for accepting him regardless of the way he is. "I didn't even know about it. I was just as shocked. But I guess that's Arnav Singh Raizada, never does a half ass job of anything-oops mind my French!" She bit her tongue turning around hoping none of the children heard her.

Anjali giggled as Khushi began to talk about her own childhood memories. She embraced the feeling of relief that always washed over her whenever she saw Khushi with her brother. She knew he was whole again. If he was all brains then she was all heart, both incomplete without the other. She noticed how Arnav's eyes never left Khushi, how she held on to his arm and the rare moments between Khushi's fizzing conversation where their eyes would meet. Single glances which would only last a couple of seconds but would exude enough love to last centuries. For the first time in his life, her brother was in love. And as right as she was to make a stand against his decision not to marry Khushi, she couldn't bring herself to believe that he would ever hurt her. Khushi wasn't changing Arnav, Anjali always knew that this softer, understanding Arnav was in there somewhere. Khushi was introducing Arnav to himself. She trusted enough in him to know that one day, maybe sooner than she thought, he would make Khushi his wife.

"Hey guys...Mike? Tum-What are you doing here? You told me you were busy today."
"Kannan?!"Khushi smiled as she saw her friend walk through the garden door. "Oh Di kept a small pooja...Ek minute ek minute, this is my home. I should be asking you that question. What are you doing here?" Khushi said putting both her hands on her hips. Arnav instantly put his arm around Khushi pulling her closer to his side letting Kannan, in his own small way, not to cross the line. He was not going to allow another man ask his girl questions about her whereabouts in his own home. He would have thrown Kannan out at the sight of him but he wasn't going to ruin this day for Khushi. Today he would behave.
"Well I am not here to see you, Arnav you can relax know." Kannan said noticing the daggers he was giving him. "I am here to speak to Anjali." Arnav's jaw clenched. 'What is with this guy, if it's not Khushi then it's my sister!'
"Me?" Anjali asked slightly confused. She didn't think that they would be on talking terms after their last conversation. "Sure." Anjali gestured towards a nearby bench.
"I would rather we go inside." Kannan said looking at both Arnav and Khushi. He turned on heels and led the way back in. Khushi put her arms around Arnav hugging him back once Anjali had gone inside.
" Why does he call you Mike? It's so annoying." Arnav asked.
"Erm, I...Maybe some other time...After I have had a couple of beers."

Kannan was walking much faster than what Anjali could keep up with. Muttering under his breath, looking like he was making his way out of the mansion when he abruptly stopped and turned around facing Anjali startling her a little.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you jump." He had one of those smiles that reached his eyes. An infectious smile. "I tried to plan this in my head over and over again and then realised that that's the worst idea ever because when to conversations actually ever go to plan? I mean realistically?" He shrugged before continuing. "Look I am really,really sorry for my little outburst the other night. It was totally out of order. I was wrong-"
"No, no you were right. I am not mad at you Kannan, not one bit. You reminded me that being at odds with your sibling, doesn't mean that you don't care for them. It means that you care for the beyond any measure that you want what's best for them. You reminded me that I am a woman before anything else. How can I possibly have any self respect if I stand by and let another woman's get destroyed? It should be me who should be apologising, it shouldn't have taken you to remind me of all this. I should have known better." Anjali admitted.
"Hey come on now, don't be so hard on yourself." He moved to place his hand on her shoulder but then thought best not to. "Khushi is lucky to find in-laws who are willing to go against their own to do right by her. I am lawyer trust me I've seen it all. And that brother of yours is the luckiest man alive. He has Khushi for a partner and you for a sister. I just hope he realises that. But I honestly meant no harm, I was just looking out for a friend."
"You are a very good friend Kannan, no doubt about it." Anjali smiled.
"So we are a cool?" Kannan said gleefully.
"Of course." Anjali confirmed.
"Great. Phew I was worried then. Look I better go before your brother finds some excuse to come out here and blast me."
"He's not that bad." She defended.
"Yeah...ok...Anyways I'm going to stick to my original plan and leave. Take care." He walked back wards his eyes glued to hers. His magical smile reflecting on her lips. There was a weird connection there, she couldn't deny it. A connection she had never felt before.
"Kannan," she called before he turned around. "Would you like to be friends?" She didn't know what part of her called out to him. She didn't really keep any male friends. But she felt as though she had to see him again.
"Anju," he said with a sparkle in his eyes, "I thought we already were." He winked before turning to leave. "I'll see you around."

***

Khushi and Arnav were sitting on the garden steps with their arms wrapped around each to her watching the children play in the park Arnav had created.
"Boy or girl?" She asked him.
"What the- Gupta what are you on about?"
"What would you want first, a baby boy or a baby girl?"
"Khushi can you not just enjoy some silent company? We are not having this conversation right now."
"Oh come on its just a little fun, it's not like I am going to pop one out tomorrow." She said whilst throwing an imaginary ball from her stomach.
"Exactly, drop it."
"Boy or girl?" She insisted.
"Fine. Boy. And before you ask why I'll tell you. I'm attending poojas and fasting. Talk about breaking a man. It's not an even fight it's me against you and Di."
"And Nani and Jiji and Bua and Mamiji...That's a lot of baby boys" Arnav chuckled at her wide eyes.
"Pagal." He said smiling.
"Yes she is." Chimed Anjali. Arnav turned around to watch his sister make their way towards them. Khushi knew they were not on the best of terms. She knew Anjali was mad at him for turning her down the way he did. But she also knew how much it killed him when she gave him the cold shoulder. She didn't want to be the reason for this hurt between them.
"Talk to her." She whispered loud enough only for him to hear. "Di what did that idiot friend of mine want? He didn't trouble you did he?" Khushi said getting up.
"He is actually very sweet and I'll have you know that he is my friend too now." She said.
"What the- Di you can't be serious. I won't let you."
"Chote, are you really going to tell me what I can and cannot do." She said folding her arms. 'Why I everyone questioning my authority today.' He growled mentally.
"Ohh, erm, I don't know about you guys but I am just itching to get on that bouncy castle." Khushi said whilst bopping up and down trying to ease the tense. "Yup, I am just going to go, right now." and with that she made her way to the castle. "You call that bouncing? Meh! I show you how it's done."

Anjali sat down next Arnav. "She's not very subtle." She pointed out as Khushi kept nervously glancing over whilst shaking her head at Arnav to talk to his sister.
"She means well. I know so do you. I know you worry about me more than you probably should Di and I know that my unpredictable ways are to blame for. But I need you to understand, I am looking out for Khushi's best interest. I don't want to say yes, fix a date for next month and then get cold feet. If that happens who do you think will get hurt the most? For the first time I am not sure of myself. I love her. It's the only thing I am sure of." He said whiles his eyes were fixated on a excited Khushi was busy playing a game of tag in the bouncy castle.
"It's quite a conundrum...But if you hurt her Chote-" Anjali said.
"Di I would rather die a thousand deaths before even thinking about hurting her." He said turning around to face his sister for the first time. She saw the pain in his eyes. "But my temper can't be accounted for, she knows that. We are working on my anger management, it's a work in progress." She smiled at his honesty which made him smile. She linked onto his arm and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I always knew she was the one for you." All felt right in the world. His Di was finally back to being on good terms with him and the love of his life seemed to be enjoying the kid arrangements more than the kids themselves, as she munched on the pink candyfloss. Khushi got another stick of candyfloss and walked over to the siblings.

"Aaall iz wwwell?" She sand whilst handing the candyfloss to Anjali who nodded with a smile.
"Chote I can believe you did all this. I was always so scared of holding this pooja, but you really have surprised me."
"I can be nice." Defended Arnav.
"You are nice." Corrected Khushi with a wink.
"Oh god, I am going to have to be careful with you now, don't want to walk in on any PDA." Anjali teased. "Voh kya tha? Arnav the sexy man, chi chi Khushi kuch toh lihaaz karo." She said dramatically shaking her head in disapproval whilst Arnav smiled
"Stupid Shruthi Seth!" Khushi growled her formal colleagues name. "Anyways Di I am sure you have many endearments for our beloved Jijaji." Khushi teased back as she sat down next to Anjali, nudging her with her elbow.

The world no longer was perfect. It was back to being fully of hate and deceit. Arnav remembered how his brother-in-law had lied to him. How he had been lying to his sister and how he didn't want to believe it. He thought about the red file given to him three months ago. He never read it. he locked it away in his study, unable to face the fact. 'Shakuntala.' The name had haunted his thought. He thought back to time he walked in on his Jijaji's phone conversation.

"Shakuntala try to understand...of course I care...That's not true...Please understand my situation I can't just walk away."

Arnav didn't think much of it at the time. He didn't see the beads of sweat breaking out on Shyam's forehead. He didn't register the hesitation in his voice.

"Listen Shakuntalaji I will call you back during my office hours."
"Everything ok Jijaji?" Arnav asked thinking that maybe his brother-in-law was getting a pestered by a client.
"Nothing I can't handle Saalesaab, why trouble you with such trivial matters."

Shakuntala was the first word he read on the file he had received from the private detectives he had hired. Shyam must think that he was smartest sleez around with his constant excuses of going on tour and ridiculous work hours. But he forgot he had married the sister of the biggest business tycoon in the country. Arnav had wined and dined with the finest of advocates in the country. It was only a matter of time before Arnav had got suspicious of Shyam.
"Chote what are you thinking about?" Anjali said clicking her fingers.
"I have some work to do." Arnav was still in distant thought as he answered and left the women on the garden stairs.

***

Kannan walked up the cold dark ally. The sun had almost and the night had begun to cover the city. He clutched onto the piece of paper which he had scribbled the address onto. He had his own demons to fight in these dark streets of hell. Man would find all his distractions in these old lanes. He would find addictions of the flesh and tricks of the mind. He would find the liquor that never quenches the thirst and the game of cards that would never fill their pockets.
He never thought he would be back here again, not in his personal hell. Not after Khushi had dragged him back out. But he was back here again. The first time had been because of what Arnav had done to him. And now he was here for Khushi and what she did for him. His life was indebted to her, he had to ensure she was safe. He walked over to the entrance of an old house, looking at his barely legible writing.
"Hey handsome looking for some company." A barely clad woman asked.
"No just a lady named Shakuntala."

***

Anjali had sat all the girls down for dinner and then safely sent them home with their bags of toys.
"Chote bhi na, just imagine when he has his own. Khushi you will have some spoilt children."
"Child, apparently it's going to be the one. And he wants it to be a boy so that it's a even fight. Us two against them two."
"Hai bhagwan...I don't the world is ready for an ASR junior." Anjali said with mock fret.
"It's ok I'll raise him to be a KKG junior." Khushi said with certainty. She went off to find her Arnav to tell him the latest development with their future offspring(s).

"Do you know there are 15 rooms in this house, not including the gym and the bathrooms." She said leaning on the door frame of Shyam's small study. "I have just spent half an hour looking for you."
"And then she found me." He said whilst searching the shelf full of files. Khushi walked over to him taking the file from his hand and putting it on to the desk. She stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers, her hand resting on his waist.
"Really Gupta? In Jijaji's office?" Arnav said with a smirk.
"What's wrong?" She said sensing something awry in his eyes.
"Just work stuff." He lied. He didn't want to but would be right to burden her with the truth that he knows? And what would she think of him if she did find out? He hadn't done anything about the situation, he didn't know how to. Not without hurting his sister. And that was something he couldn't afford.
"You are bad liar." But before either of them could say another word, the surprising voice of someone familiar made them breakaway from their embrace.