ArHi FF: Highway to hell-3, last Ch. pg 89 - Page 26

I want a freddy too!!😆 This was a really sweet update. Freddy's one of the best friends a person could have

Just a quick chapter before we get down to the big business of getting ASR and KKG hitched!

Chapter 43: Mehendi Musings

"That's pretty," said Malli wistfully. She came and sat next to Khushi who had her arms painted with intricate patterns almost till her elbows.

"It's also damned uncomfortable!" grumbled Khushi. I have to sit still and my kids can't come fall over me, which is hard for them to do, especially Nita."

"Nita is having the time of her life being spoilt by Arjun and little Khushi," said Malli. "And Sheila is with Arnav, so she's taken care of. Just relax and enjoy the evening Khushi. This is for you. It's all for you," said Malli.

"Yes. I know. I should relax, and enjoy myself. It's just, well, I never thought all this would happen for me. And now that it is happening, I'm a little overwhelmed," she confessed. She wondered why she was opening up to a 17 year old when her Jiji, Anjali and even her Mother were in the house. She realized it was because she felt a kinship with Malli. One that she didn't feel with her 'family' anymore. She'd made her peace with them. She even loved them. But it wasn't the same. Nothing was the same. Even her love for Arnav wasn't the same.

Her mind went back 8 years to when she'd first fallen in love with him. Then it had been all raging hormones and beating hearts and stolen kisses. It had been a heady feeling then. She'd never quite felt in control. One glance from him and she'd blush. One touch, and she'd burn. They'd been so aware of each other, it was a miracle they hadn't spontaneously combusted. And it had all built up so quickly, only to dissipate into an ash of mistrust and lies that had led to abject misery for everyone.

It was different now. His love had stood the test of time. He had stood by her when she needed him. And she had fallen in love with him all over again. An older Khushi. A newer love. There were no moments of discomfort anymore. No hearts threatening to bust when they looked at each other. No keen prickles of awareness when he threw a hand around her shoulder. Now, she merely melted into him. And he into her. They were one. And they didn't need proof of their oneness anymore.

"What are you thinking Khushi?" asked Malli. She was a restful creature, realized Khushi. She'd been lost in her thoughts for a good 5 minutes and Malli had said nothing.

"Have you ever wondered what my story is? I have 2 kids, who are obviously not Arnav's. And you must know there's some history between us. Do you ever want to know what happened?" asked Khushi.

"I know the girls are adopted. And I know you and Arnav have a past. I don't know what it is. I don't need to know Khushi. Everyone has a past, nobody knows this better than me!" Malli laughed mirthlessly.

"Well. The whole story is not mine to tell. But I'll tell you something Malli. Life gives you second chances. And when it does, grab them. Grab them and run. Don't ever hold back. That's what I've learnt. Arnav and I fell in love a long time ago. It didn't work out. I moved away. I moved on. I did all the things I wanted to do. I studied, made a good career and life for myself. Adopted the children. My life was full and pretty fulfilled. Yet, when I fell in love with Arnav again after 7 years, I found a happiness I hadn't found in all the other things I'd done. And, I was happy with my life. Just, not this happy. This happiness is different. This feeling that someone's got your back. It's a good feeling. If you ever find someone who does that for you, don't let them go. And most importantly, when life gives you a second chance at anything. Take it. Take it and make the most of it. I did," said Khushi.

Malli looked at Khushi for a moment. "I want to go back to school in the Fall," she said haltingly.

Khushi beamed. "Arnav has brochures from several schools lined up. He was wondering how to bring it up. You can talk to him about it. And when we get back, we can go check them out and decide which one you like," she said.

"Oh! Public School's fine for me Khushi!" protested Malli.

"Talk to Arnav Malli. I am not in charge of this. As far as you are concerned, Arnav makes the decisions," said Khushi.

"OK. I will talk to him," said Malli. "Why did you and Arnav break up all those years ago? Do you regret what happened?" she asked.

"Someday Malli, Arnav will answer that question for you. It's not my story to tell. All I will tell you is to keep an open mind and listen. As for regrets, No I don't regret anything. How can I? If I hadn't broken up and moved on, I'd have never had the girls or any of my wonderful friends here. No, I regret nothing, My life may not follow the classic blueprint that most lives do, but its been wonderful all the same. No regrets Malli. None," she said firmly. "The only regret I have is that this stupid Mehendi won't allow me to cuddle my girls tonight!" Khushi laughed.

"Or your Man!" smiled Malli.

"Or my Man. But that's OK. After the day after, we're going away for one whole week. Just the 2 of us. That'll be fun. Though I am getting separation anxiety at the thought of leaving my girls alone. They've never been without me for such a long time," said Khushi worriedly.

"Don't be such a worrywart Khushi," said Malli. "We'll take good care of them. Don't worry!"

"I know you will. Also, I'm a little worried, 'cos I still don't know where we're going Arnav and I. And he won't give me a single hint. I don't even know what to pack. He told me to pack nothing, Says we'll buy everything we need there. Just like a man! He only needs 2 shirts a pair of jeans. I need a million things. Anyway. I guess, I'll just have to go with it," sighed Khushi.

"Yes, Khushi the control freak. I'm afraid you're going to have to give over a little bit of control and just go with it!" grinned Malli.

"I am not a control freak," said Khushi offended. Aadit and Arnav walked into the room at that moment. They guffawed when they heard that.

"Darling Minnie. I love you to bits. But you are a control freak. Admit it," said Aadit.

"I. Am.Not," said Khushi, biting out the words with difficulty.

"'Course you are. Admit it, and I'll tell you where we're going on our honeymoon," said Arnav.

"I'm not going to admit it, because it's not true. And I don't need to know where we're going on our honeymoon because you're going to buy me a whole new wardrobe, right?" asked Khushi.

"Anything for you, my love," said Arnav, dropping a kiss on Khushi's head. He glanced at Malli.

"Miss Malena, why aren't you wearing any Mehendi? The artists are downstairs, almost finished with the little ones. Why don't you go have a turn?" Arnav asked. Malli flushed a deep shade of plum.

"Oh, I dunno," she said.

"You don't like Mehendi?" asked Khushi.

"I've never actually applied it," confessed Malli. '

"Well, now's the time to try then. You'll love it. Go, give it a shot," said Khushi.

"I don't know Khushi. I'm not really comfortable with it," said Malli shiftily.

Arnav glanced at her piercingly. Something clicked in his brain. He walked towards Malli. "Don't be shy Mallu! You'll love Mehendi," he said. He picked her up like she was a sack of potatoes and took her downstairs, kicking and screaming. Aadit helped Khushi up, and walked down with her.

"Why is she so reluctant to apply mehendi? I thought girls loved that sort of thing," asked Aadit.

"I don't know. But Arnav obviously does. And he thinks it's not a good reason. I'll ask him later what it is," Khushi shrugged.

"Put me down Arnav!" Malli struggled. He put her down.

"Go and sit down and get the Mehendi applied. On both your palms. Front and back. I know why you're resisting. I guess I haven't been watchful enough about the secret cigarette stash. Well, no ciggies for you tonight. And I'll buy you some nicotine patches. From tomorrow, you are officially trying to quit!" said Arnav sternly.

"OK," said Malli, surprisingly calm. "And by the way, Khushi said you have some school brochures for me to look at."

"I do indeed," he smiled at her enthusiasm.

"If I promise to look at them, can I skip the Mehendi?" she pleaded.

"Nice try Mallu. No. Here, you. Mehendi artist. This one loves Mehendi. Please apply as intricate and elaborate a design on her palms as you can. She just loves it," said Arnav, lying ruthlessly, as he pushed Malli down on a cushion.

"I hate you!" said Malli, sticking out her tongue at him.

"Sticks and stones Malli. Sticks and stones," he said nonchalantly, walking off.

Khushi came down to the living room where chaos reigned. There were 2 Mehendi artists busily doing their job. The kids were running amok. Even Sheila and Nita had Mehendi on their palms. Sheila was keeping hers patiently, but Nita had already smeared hers all over Nigel's shirt. Anjali and Payal sat in one corner chatting. Garima and Naniji were talking with the older Mehendi artist in another corner. There were gifts everywhere. And open boxes of pizza and soda cans on the side table. The kids toys were scattered all over the room. It was a disaster. Khushi closed her eyes. It was totally not her, all this disorganized messiness.

"I need a pick-me-up, somebody give me a Jalebi!" she said weakly. Garima fed her a Jalebi lovingly. Khushi ate 3 before she decided she was at Zen with herself. She looked at her mother. Who was crying.

"Why are you crying?"she asked.

"My daughter is getting married in 2 days," snapped Garima. "I'm allowed to get sentimental, aren't I?" she asked.

"Errr. Yes. Of course. I'm sorry. Can I have another Jalebi?" asked Khushi, deciding she needed more fortification.

Khushi closed her eyes sighed in bliss she let the juice from the Jalebi flow into her mouth and down her throat. She had loved that sweet taste 8 years ago, and had fallen in love with it all over again now. She opened her eyes and smiled. She was getting married in 1 day.

Tell me what you think.

Next chapter: Wedding!

Cheers!

Vidhya

PS: Since our man on the show has been on a carrying spree, I decided he needed to carry someone in my FF as well. In keeping with the spirit of the moment and all that. 😆 .

awesome!!! cant believe i'm falling in love with arnav with each updates..he is sooo adorable..lol

amazing update and i love the way arnav cares for malena its soo sweet
love your FF
👏

awesome update !!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!! Khushi's feelings really got to me.. And because i'm emotionally vulnerable tonight, my cousin is getting married, and we had a heated discussion about girls, weddings,and other things.. And my mum said, one day or the other we'll all have to leave!! :'( :'(.. And i suddenly realized i don't wanna leave, nor do i want my cousin to leave! She's moving to NZ.

I love the way Arnav and Malli interact ! Its sooo cute! :D and I hope she does listen with an open mind when Arnav reveals their past to her! :)

aww loved it!