ARHI OS: SARANG (Anniversary Special)

Sarang (v.) - The feeling of wanting to be with someone forever.

She frowned as she held up another shirt against the piercing, golden lights of the studio. It was a pale shade with barely visible stripes printed on it, just the kind he liked. For one of her casual visits to the mall, she would have bought it without another thought. But this was different. And she was as confused about what to gift him, as she was sure it wasn't going to be this shirt.

Dropping it carelessly on the shelf, she smiled apologetically at the exhausted-looking attendant and strode out of the showroom. She had spent the past few hours strolling from one store to another, and not a single item had managed to catch her attention. Sighing wearily, she took the escalator to another floor as she watched the shopping complex bustle with the elite crowd of the city.

If someone had told her a few years ago that she, Khushi Singh Raizada (nee Kumari Gupta) would be hunting for presents for her husband at this place she would have twisted their ears, repeated her favourite goddess' name several times and set them loose in the most cramped by-lane of Chandni Chowk, before she ran for the hills with her piggy-bank clutched to her chest. She chuckled to herself at the thought, slightly shaking her head as she passed an array of showrooms.

The past ten years had significantly transformed her. Staring at her reflection in one of the glass windows, her eyes ran over her hair that ended just above her waist -- for her husband hadn't wanted them shorter than that -- the clear diamond that sat on her ring-finger and the formal, western outfit she'd chosen to wear for her meeting that morning.

She had changed. Her figure wasn't as slight as it once used to be, and she did feel exhausted commitments with work, family, and their kids unlike her younger self. From the butterfly who had fluttered away from dawn to dusk and vehemently refused to step out of her trusted saris and salwar-kameez, she had become a toned down version of girl she used to be, a successful businesswoman who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with her husband and was now a mother to their two children -- their seven-year old daughter Arsheya and their four-year old son Aarush. But she liked who she was, and she was wonderfully content.

Of course, their days weren't without the taxing struggles that defined marriage in general but both she and Arnav had come a long way from their childish squabbles and passionate fights or at least they thought they had as the family felt otherwise.

However, Khushi's thoughts were interrupted as her nose caught the strong, woody scent of a perfume that she recognized all too well, waft though the air. Tom Ford for Men.

Amongst the many mingled aromas of rich perfumes in the air, she could identify this one if her life depended on it. One, because of course she had bought it for Arnav and second, because she prided herself in her oddly sharp sense of smell. She scrunched her nose, oblivious that she'd been staring at a barely covered mannequin all this while, and began following the scent as her eyebrows frowned suspiciously in response. She could positively see the fluorescent trail left behind the perfume, as she followed it into a store. Aha!

Beaming at her little victory, she imagined Arnav's eyes widening on being caught. However, her smile faded and cheeks coloured as took in the interior of the luxury brand, her eyes settling on the miniature crystal bottle with the words 'Tester' labeled on it. Of course...

Mentally smacking herself on her head, she walked out without a second look. Trust her to pull these embarrassing stunts even after all these years. But well, she wouldn't be Khushi if she stopped doing things like these on a whim. Feeling her phone vibrate in her hand, she shook her head as she saw the name that flashed on the screen and her gaze flew to the time displayed in the corner. Perhaps, it would be best to admit defeat for now and go home. After all, her two brats were waiting for her at home and she could always give Arnav a kiss for their anniversary.

Just as she started walking towards the exit, two mischievous voices chimed together into her ear, "Mumma..."

...

Khushi stepped into their room feeling slightly overwhelmed and even more exhausted after the little celebration that their family had put together for their tenth anniversary. Since it was the on-set of the weekend, the kids had been allowed to stay up and about well past their bed-time, had baked a cake for them with Anjali and hand-made a card each.

The sight of their entire family, together and happy had moved a little something in her, flooding her heart with all the memories they had made over the years. Anjali had flown in from Mumbai for the celebration along with the Aman and their beautiful little angel Adya, and so had Akash and Payal from the States with their twin boys -- Samarth and Sameer. It had felt so perfect.

As she glanced at the wall decorated with several picture frames of their entire family, she felt his arms wrap around her waist in a familiar, warm embrace. Relaxing in his hold, Khushi sighed as she unconsciously began caressing his hands.

Even after all the struggles and hurdles they had faced, they had managed to brave them and emerged forth together. They had both had their share of doubts and disagreements through the years, but they had continued to support each other and uphold the promises they had made on their wedding day. The love had always been there, and continued to shine through. Perhaps, the universe had always fated for the arrogant, brooding man and the chirpy, colourful to be together.

As her eyes settled on the picture from their wedding day, she felt his lips press a soft kiss to her neck and she suddenly felt a strong urge to hold him close to her.

Urgently turning around in his arms, wound her arms across his shoulder and stood up on her toes as she pressed her lips against his in a deep kiss. She heard him groan in approval and tightened her arms as desire coursed through her veins, and she felt her pulse throb violently. They broke apart later, breathing erratically as he placed his forehead against hers and slipped his warm hand inside her blouse, liking the feel of his skin against her bare skin.

"Wow, that was unexpected. I wonder if there's something special today."

Arnav's voice was heady with barely concealed lust, sending shivers down her body as he whispered thickly into her ear.

Pressing her palm against his stubble, she chuckled with difficulty, "Well, you should make the best of this. It's your anniversary present this year."

"Wonderful, but I hope it's not just that," his words laced with innuendo.

"Ah no, just the two of us and whatever you want," she whispered saucily as her hands glided down his chest and rested on his waist.

"And to what do I owe this pleasure, darling?"

"It's quite evident, isn't it? It is our anniversary and I couldn't find anything for you at the mall, at least nothing that was worth buying. Arnav tell me, we aren't turning into an old married couple right?"

"Not with you eyeing red lingerie for minutes at end, and then following my perfume's scent to a store. No, we aren't."

Her head jerked up as she heard him, and she saw his lips curve into that annoyingly sexy smirk of his. Slapping his chest, she narrowed her eyes accusingly at him.

"You were there, I knew it!"

"Yes Sherlock, I wanted to buy you a present and I thought I might get a hint from the stores you visited," he replied casually, pressing a kiss to her cheeks and then continued, "But that really wore me out, and not in the way I usually like," mischief danced in his eyes.

Chuckling helplessly Khushi rested her head on his shoulder and murmured, "We're hopeless. And we've already done that whole gifts-surprises thing in the past with you. Honestly, I just need a break."

"As much as I love our children, I agree. We've both been working relentlessly these past few months, and especially with Arsheya's exams ending and the recital, it's been crazy. Congratulations on closing the deal today, by the way. You were great."

She hummed her response, nuzzling into his shirt and inhaled his scent.

"Baby do you think we should go away for a few days, just the two of us?"

"You mean like a getaway? I'd like that," her muffled voice came out.

Arnav lifted her chin at that, making her face him and gently cupped her cheek as his soft gaze washed over her face. In the past years, he had noticed how hard she had worked, in every role that she had assumed and much better than he had been able to. Even when he had stumbled, she'd held him and took his hand in hers.

Truth be told, she was his voice of reason. She was why he woke up in the morning with a sense of fulfillment. She had given him what he had never dreamt possible for himself, a family. One that he loved vehemently and had vowed to always protect.

"You really are exhausted, aren't you? I remember you had almost disowned me the last time I suggested it."

Enclosing her arms around his neck, she smiled tiredly at him as she replied, "I know, but I think we need some us' time. It's been so long, and I'm sure the family will be happy to watch over the babies for a few days."

"The beach or the mountains, then?"

"Surprise me," she winked as she began to stride towards the bathroom.

"Khushi," she heard him call out behind her, "Take the package from the cupboard. You might want to wear something red and lacy if you wish to give me my gift."

She twisted sharply on her heels and watched his dark gaze fixed on her as he leaned against the wall, his hands crossed against his chest.

"I thought we didn't buy each other any gifts?" she raised her eyebrow at him.

"I never said that", he smirked, walking over to her.

She placed a light kiss on his lips as he clasped her waist in his hands and watched her eyes shimmer with emotion, "Arnav, you know I love you right?"

"Always, Khushi."

A/N I hope you liked it! A little something for Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon's anniversary. I shall probably never get over this show, and I can't ever forget it simply because it gave wings to my over-active imagination. Arnav and Khushi, hamesha.

P.S. I shall be continuing with my short-story Revival. Those who haven't read it, please do and leave your reviews for I shall try and complete it within the next few months