The Unbreakable bond - Page 55

The next day Khushi left early as she had to see to the last minute details for the gala. The open air venue where the gala was taking place was only a short distance away from the villas. A huge stage was set up for the live performance. An area was set up for dancing and a number of tables with satin table clothes and chairs were set around it. The place was humming with people. Khushi and Arnav barely saw each other throughout the day. Arnav was busy in meetings along with Akaash and mamaji. Since both Arnav and Khushi were busy Anjali and Payal went to pick Arush from school.

After a hectic day they returned to get ready for the gala. Khushi set in front of the dressing table dressed in a ice blue net sari with silver and white heavy embroidery on the borders and pallu, she looked ethereal as she put on light makeup, her eyes lined with eyeliner look gave her a sultry look, she looked at her husband standing behind her adjusting the bow tie of the Armani tuxedo admiring the way the beautifully cut jacket emphasised his broad shoulder and lean torso.

"Like what you see, Ma'am." He asked with a smirk.

"Very much" she sighed giggling .

"Well you don't look so bad yourself." He pursed his lips, "hmmm! But something is missing." She frowned looking at her reflection in the mirror.

He walked to their wardrobe and opened the safe and took out a dark blue velvet box. He laid it on the bed behind her taking out a necklace he put it around her neck fastening the clasp. It was a beautiful diamond necklace two strands running to the centre to break into shooting stars.

Khushi gasped, "it's beautiful, but you.."

"Don't say I shouldn't have. I'm your husband and a husband has to give his wife beautiful gifts. Nani says." He smiled shyly pressing his cheek to hers and looking into her eyes in the mirror reflection.

She cupped his cheek with her hand her eyes moist, "You have already given me so much." She whispered.

"No Khushi." He said huskily "I want to give you the world." He touched the jewellery at her neck "besides this is just a thank you present for giving me Arush." he smiled. "It's been long overdue."

"Thank you, then." She whispered, turning around and standing on tip of her toes to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her kissing her back their lips moulding and tongues clinging deepening the kiss as morns of pleasure escaped her throat. Arnav heart was racing in his chest he could kiss her all day long like this and never tire; he never seemed to get enough of her and rejoiced in the knowledge that she was his. He broke the kiss coming up for air and sighed, "We better leave or we will never make it to our own gala." She nodded and turned to touch up her lipstick once again blushing to see the telltale swelling on her lips.

All the guest had arrived and were engrossed in the performances going on stage. When Arnav and Khushi arrived, Akaash and Payal joined them they had
Arush with them.

"The guest and the press are waiting eagerly for the perfect couple as you two have been dubbed." He teased.

Anam walked up to them, "good evening boss, Ma'am. The MC is waiting for you, as well as the crme de la crme of Udaipur society. Even the royal families are here."

"Ok then let's get on with the show." Arnav took a deep breath, smiling as Khushi fussed over Arush's hair and took his hand while Arnav took the other. They walked in to camera flashing; the press calling out for poses, Arnav picked Arush in one arm and wrapped his other around Khushi's waist.

"Ladies and Gentlemen; finely the host and hostess of this event, Mr. and Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada. And of course, young Arush Singh Raizada heir to the Raizada Empire." The MC announced. Camera flashed taking in the perfect little family. People marvelled at how prefect they looked together, him tall and handsome, she slim and beautiful and their son cute as a button.

Arnav gave a small speech of welcome and thanking the guest for gracing this occasion and sharing their happiness with the Raizada and Gupta family. He also took the opportunity to formally announce the engagement of his brother Akaash Raizada to Khushi sister Payal Gupta. And joked how the Raizada men could not help falling in love with the beautiful Gupta sisters. The men grunted in agreement and the women moaned with envy.

Both couples were congratulated heartily and wished a happy life together. Arnav and Khushi mingled with the guest. When Malini was introduced the Gupta and Raizada families, they thanked her profusely. Thank her for taking Khushi in her home, and being there for her in her time of trouble. Malini maa and Nani became fast friends. Malini maa took on the task to introduce Arnav to the most influential people in Udaipur.

Conversations about politics, economy and business among the men, carried on alongside conversations about fashion, entertainment trends and salacious gossip among the women. Delicious canaps along with drinks of every kind were severed at regular intervals. The guest enjoyed the live performance by the Rajasthan folk dancers and singers

After mingling with the guest for about an hour and a half Khushi made her way to the tables where her family was sitting and set next to Anjali to rest a bit, she looked around and saw Arnav deep in conversation with Rajsinghji and Prince Yashvardhan the son on a local Maharaja, the Prince was an enterprising man and was headed a local telecom company and Khushi knew that he wanted to branch out into other fields. And being as dynamic a man as Arnav Singh Raizada and of nearly the same age they seemed to get on well. She knew the Arnav had received and invite to golf with the Prince at a local golf club.

Khushi turned to see Anjali cast a restless look about her, searching the crowed. a look of discomfort in her face. So Khushi inquired, "Di is everything alright." She looked lost "han, It's just forget to take my medication and now my leg in paining, I was looking for Shayamji so that he could go and fetch it for me, but he does not seem to be around." She sighed, "I think I better go and get it myself." She made to stand. Khushi put her hand gently on her shoulder. "Don't worry Di, I'll go and get it the villa is only a couple of minute away and I know a shortcut." She winked. "Are you sure Khushi, I don't want to cause you any inconvenience."

"What rubbish Di, you don't worry, just relax, I'll get your medication and be back in two minutes."Khushi said and made her way towards the exit.

As she walked out a man stepped out of the shadows watching her leave, a pleased smirk on his face. His plan had worked, he had promised Anjali to give her, her medication which he had deliberately withheld hiding it out of sight in the dressed braw. He knew Khushi would be the only one to show concern towards Anjali besides Arnav. But with all the dignitaries present Arnav would be otherwise occupied. He made his way toward the exit.

Arnav was talking to Mr. Pradhan who was the CEO of a garment factory that specialised in traditional motif cloth, and exported it to international market where it was much in demand. His eyes fell towards the exit and he noticed his brother in law cast a fugitive glance over his shoulder and hastily walk out of the main entrance. Arnav frowned at his brother in law strange behaviour. Thinking he must have gone to make a phone call, away from the noise.

Khushi reached the villa in minutes, but stood talking to one of the coordinators as parking problem had come up in the parking lot. She told him to meet with Mr. Das and he would handle it. Finishing her call the entered the villa. A few seconds after her another figure entered the villa after her.

Going to Anjali's room she checked the bed side table but could not find the medicine. Looking around, she went to the dressing table and checked the draws there, she found what she was looking for. Smiling she turned around and froze. "You?!"