My very own Arnav-Thread 2-Part 30 Updated (June 15th 2018) - Page 26

PART-30:

The same evening at Bowling & Billiards (New Delhi): (continued from Part-29)

The game was not going so well... for Khushi.. Arnav was busy distracting her.

Half an hour into the game, he already had 4 strikes, one of which was a double. Khushi had one strike and one spare. She was definitely not happy.

"I'm tired Arnav", she complained

"So, should we call it a day then?" Arnav asked with fake innocence

As Khushi almost nodded, Arnav added, "let's see who the winner is Khushi... You know the bet and all..."

"No", Khushi screeched, "Can you get me a pizza while I go onto the next set"

"Whatever you say... Mam", he shrugged

As Arnav left to get food and drinks, Khushi focused on the game with all her heart and soul...

"I have never ever focused as much even for my finals", she humphed, "I cannot... cannot lose this bet"

Ten minutes later, and five pins still standing, Khushi gave out a deep breath

"What do I do now?" she did not realize she spoke out aloud

"Practice makes one perfect" Arnav said as he suddenly pulled her sideways into his frame and turning her head with his left hand, kissed her full on the mouth, "Whether it's a game or a kiss... trust me honey"

"Arnav, watch", Khushi pulled back, pink rising on her cheeks, looking around the other lanes to see if there were any familiar faces

"I don't care Khushi and neither should you"

"Wait what do we have here?" he tilted his head as he looked at the end of the bowling alley, "Five pins standing?"

Khushi's face turned red at the insult.

"I was just tired and hungry", she retorted, "I will resume after eating"

"Of course,," he said as he slid the ball effortlessly, down the lane, gaining a strike again, "Play well sweetheart... no pressure"

Khushi froze with the pizza in her mouth

"I'm sure you don't want to give up at this stage", he winked wolfishly, "The stakes are high"

Another forty-five minutes later, Khushi didn't have an option but to accept defeat.

As Arnav opened the door to let them out of the game facility, it was dark and cold.

"Do you want me to carry you?"

"Why do you want to do that?"

"Because that way I can keep you warm... and myself warm... and then touch you too"

Khushi giggled

"I love your touch", he held her hand in his, "Before I professed my love to you, I had a real hard time staying away from you"

"Nobody asked you to stay away", she spoke softly

"You know the reason why I did that"

Khushi smiled lowering her head down, "I do"

Arnav helped her get into the car and closed the door gently.

"It's crazy", he shook his head as he took the wheel

"What is crazy?"

"Well, the fact that you fell in love with me first, then your father pressured me for the marriage, yet I ended up confessing to you first that I love you before you did, right? Isn't it crazy Khushi?"

"I love you Arnav", she smiled as she placed a chaste kiss on his cheek

"There are more ways to show your love Khushi"

Khushi bit her lip tantalizingly.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"Now I need you", Arnav said with an urgency in his voice, "let's get to our bedroom soon"

As he hit the pedal to the metal, the massive vehicle sprung to life.

Saturday morning in RM:

Arnav woke up refreshed and naked after an intense night of lovemaking with his beautiful wife. As he searched under the sheets for his boxers, Khushi entered with a pleasant smile.

"Good morning sweetheart", he invited, "Come to the bed"

"I am busy Arnav", she said deftly avoiding his hands, "unlike you, I have work to do"

"Really?" Arnav raised his eyebrow

"My cousin Nitya is getting married in Lucknow in a few days. Her sister, who lives in Delhi, has arranged a get-together at her place inviting Nitya's future-in-laws. My parents and Bua are attending it. I have to go"

"Is the bride here?"

"No"

"Don't go Khushi", he beseeched her, "I was hoping to spend the day with you... please"

"Arnav, but..."

"Will you be attending the wedding in Lucknow?"

"I wanted to ask you about it"

"What is there to ask me Khushi", Arnav spoke genuinely, "It's totally upto you"

Her mom's words of the previous evening flashed in Khushi's mind. She closed her eyes in pain.

"Khushi", Arnav pulled her onto the bed, "What's wrong baby?"

"Nothing", a tear rolled down her cheek

"Khushi, what went wrong suddenly?" Arnav was anxious, "Are you upset that I didn't say yes?"

He continued, "Sweetheart, when I said it's up to you, I meant- you choose whether to go or not, as I have no idea about your relationship/closeness with your cousin", Arnav explained himself, "If you want, I can also come with you to Lucknow for her wedding"

Khushi hugged him tight with tears in her eyes.

"What is bothering you honey?" Arnav asked, his words pregnant with love

As Khushi composed herself, Arnav pulled her up gently in such a way that she was leaning on him sideways while his back rested on the headboard.

"Amma", she mumbled slowly, "Amma has strong opinions against you"

"I know", he rubbed his nose on her temple, "is that why you were upset last evening?"

"Yes"

"Every family is different Khushi. You and I come from very different backgrounds. I learnt to take charge at a very young age, I did not take other's suggestions or advice; it was necessary for me to be independent as I had to be strong for Di and myself. Our marriage itself was a deal for me Khushi", he kissed her hair lightly, "It's just that I got very lucky with this deal"

Khushi chuckled.

"On the other hand, you have been a very protected girl all your life. You were raised as a princess. It's natural that your family expects that I take care of you as one. But I started off on a wrong foot with your family due to my lack of interest in our wedding initially", Arnav continued, "In addition, my financial status is another strike against me. They felt that I did not match your status. And Preetham added fuel to fire"

Khushi gave out a long sigh.

"Khushi as long as you and I are together, there is nothing to be worried about. Trust me when I say this- everyone will come around"

"Okay"

"By the way, did you like our date last evening?"

"I did Arnav", Khushi said relaxing in his arms, "I thought we were only going out for dinner, but you took me to bowling as well"

"That was not the initial plan", he said as she looked up, "I took you to bowling to divert your mood"

"Throughout our game, you didn't think about the discussion with your mom, did you?"

"No"

"Well then, it served its purpose. Adding a bet to it spiced it up a notch", he winked

As Khushi blushed, Arnav pulled her even closer, "Talking of the bet, it starts today"

"What, no", she screamed

"No?" Arnav's eyebrow shot up

"I don't Arnav, I can't..."

"No excuses Khushi", he was firm

"In that case, I'm going to the party today", she tried threatening him

"In that case, I will stop you from leaving, right in front of your family. Your mom will hate me more"

"You will not do that", Khushi put her index finger on Arnav's chest pushing him back

"Keep up your end of the deal or face the consequences", he warned her thoroughly enjoying the game already.

An hour later, Arnav joined Shashi for breakfast at the dining table. As they were chatting about stocks and shares, Garima reminded Khushi to get ready for her cousin's place.

Instantly Khushi and Arnav shared a look.

As Arnav opened his mouth to talk, Khushi cut him down-

"Amma, I will not be joining you"

"Why beta?" Shashi asked casually

"Khushi and I made plans", Arnav supplied in a relaxed fashion, "it's actually this game where..."

"We are planning to go to a game papa", Khushi looked daggers at her husband as he sipped coffee nonchalantly.

"Oh, you guys are going for a game? That's so sweet", Bua said completely oblivious to what was going around.

"Don't you want to explain them the game Khushi?" the devil asked

Khushi coughed out her tea violently. Arnav, the dutiful husband, turned towards her on his chair and rubbed her on the back sensuously, gently slipping his left-hand fingertips inside her blouse with every pat.

Khushi's body erupted into goosebumps. She was outraged at his ministrations right in the presence of her family.

"Are you cold Khushi?" Garima asked, "you have goosebumps beta"

It was getting harder and harder for Arnav to control his laugh at his wife's plight.

"No...no Amma", Khushi replied pushing his left hand off her body, "I am fine"

"Where are you planning to go for the game?" Bua continued the discussion much to her niece's chagrin.

"We... we haven't decided yet Bua", Khushi said hyperventilating.

"Actually, did we not talk about the game at home, Khushi?" Arnav was getting more atrocious by the second.

"Wherever it is", Bua delivered the final blow unknowingly, "Enjoy well"

That was it. Khushi ran away from the table as Arnav pretended to focus on his cell phone to stop the laughter threatening to come out of his chest any second.