Cherished Wounds ( Updated Ch 14 ) Pg 140 22/06 - Page 52

'Yes Baba.'

' I've to leave for India.'

'But'why?'

'Something regarding the UN cease fire.'

'Okay. I will go.'

'No, no. I have to be there, it is important.'

'I know Baba, but you are still recovering. You will end up over-exerting yourself. I'll go. It will be fine.'

---

Arnav made his way down to the Base, the next morning. He didn't want to go to India. But he wouldn't have it any other way as he couldn't afford to take chances with his father's well-being. And he mentally rebuked himself for the reason which wanted him to stay back. He also knew, that he had very visibly, let his guard down with her the previous day at the festival. And he disliked the fact, that he had absolutely no control over it, as he watched his feet stop right in front of the gates of the small Hospital. He wondered to himself, why exactly was he here. To let her know that I'm leaving. No'no, to tell Aakash, like I always do, he contradicted his thoughts. But you could just call him and tell him that. You want to see her, accept it. He sighed to himself and went inside.

---

It was about ten in the morning, but the hospital corridors were unusually quiet, and empty. He searched for familiar faces as he walked towards the canteen, finally spotting Aakash leaning against the counter. If he was here, she ought to be here too, he thought, as he looked around the room.

'Bhai, is everything okay? Uncle--?'

'No, he is okay. Actually---'

'What happened?'

'Ehh'I'm leaving for India tomorrow.'

'Oh, is everything alright?'

'Yes'Aakash, where is everyone else today?'

Aakash smiled inwardly on seeing the sudden sadness, or probably just a hint slight desperation on his face, as his eyes searched for Khushi through the corridors.

'Bhai, you just missed her. She left minutes ago.'

'Khushi left--?...Okay, anyways, I just came to tell you. I'll go now.'

Aakash watched his ever denying brother turn around and exit the canteen. He abandoned his coffee and ran after him.

'You should tell her''

'What? Are you okay, Aakash?'

'You should tell Khushi, that you like her.'

'Like her--? What?'

'You like her Bhai. Go tell her. No, don't interrupt me this time. We' we stay in Kashmir'you might end up dead tomorrow, so don't waste any more time and just go tell her before its too late.'

'Are you out of your mind?'

'She likes you too, by the way.'

'She'what?'

'You're blushing.'

Aakash very meticulously dodged the punch coming his way, as he watched Arnav walk out of the hospital, taking slow, deliberate steps.

---

Arnav tried to ignore the extremely weird conversation he had with Aakash seconds before as he walked away from the hospital, and awkwardly stopped in the middle of the road trying to figure out exactly what he wanted to do. He had this restlessness inside the pits of his mind, something very unusual to his usually peaceful brain. It was this uncontrollable urge he had been having ever since he had set eyes on her, to see her again, and again. And before he had even realized, he had started walking towards her cottage, unaware of the harsh winds blowing over his cheeks, his thoughts hovering on a certain black-eyed beauty.

---

'Khushi'

Arnav found her a little ahead at a small grocery shop, buying coffee. She turned around immediately, lazy smile lighting up the contours of her face. And as if it was even possible, Arnav thought, she looked more beautiful, with each passing day.

'Hi. How come'here?'

'Ehh'just passing by.'

Khushi watched his face, staring hard and for once not giving a damn. So devilishly handsome, so perfect, if only he wasn't such an ignorant fool, she thought, letting her eyes wander over him. And for a second she saw a slight blush creep up his neck, delusions Khushi, she thought and chose to ignore it.

Arnav on the other hand, felt extremely weak, as he tried to clear the lump at the base of his throat, thinking of something witty to say. And as she moved a step forward, from under the shadow of sloping thatch roof, now directly standing under the soft yellow light of the sun, he couldn't help but notice the permanent light pink glow on her porcelain cheeks due to the harsh Kashmir winter. He wondered what it would be like under his lips. His wanton thoughts were soon broken into by her voice.

'My ankle is a lot better than yesterday. I think you would have made a very fine doctor.'

'I really don't think so. I have been told that I have very rough hands.'

And then Arnav watch mesmerized, trying to memorize the sound of her tinkling laughter, a welcoming sound amidst the echoes of gunshots that resounded through the valley every day.

And the thought of war, the territory in which they both were standing on then, immediately brought Arnav back to his senses. Before he lost control, or let his guard down completely, he knew he had to say what he had initially come here for.

'I wanted to tell you something.'

'What?'

'I'm leaving.'

'Oh.'

Arnav didn't miss the slight shock, the sudden sadness that crept up her eyes that were seconds ago bubbling with laughter. But he knew he had to continue speaking, lest his voice should fail him in a few seconds.

'It is regarding the cease-fire. Have to reach India by tomorrow afternoon. So, I'll be leaving today evening.'

This time she didn't speak, but merely nodded. And he was surprised to see, how suddenly the earlier distress was replaced by understanding, a sense of reason, he wondered.

---

They stood there for about a minute, or more. Faint blue shadows of distant mountains surrounding them, waiting with bated breath for the next scene to enfold.

Seconds later, Khushi went forward, stepped closer towards him and standing on her toes, placed a light kiss on his cheek. Letting her fingers linger on his skin, and whispered into his ears, her eyes downcast, not trusting herself to look into his molten eyes.

'Be safe.'

For one whole minute, he didn't trust himself to breath, and only did so as she moved backwards, her hands unconsciously brushing across his own.

---

Maybe it were the wintry winds bellowing across the valley, or maybe the light sunrays dancing atop their heads, lingering on their skin, or perhaps just the loud thudding inside his ribcage, that Arnav moved closer to her, watching her as she took slow, nervous steps backwards.

Leaning against the cold grey walls of the shop, Khushi felt his lips on hers, seconds later. Urgent, and raw passion emanating from every taste, every touch. Callous, rough hands roaming over white cotton. Dainty, delicate fingers, sliding upwards over his hard chest, finding their rightful place over his sinfully soft hair. A nibble here, a bite there, soft groans, and the chaste dance of tongues. Their minds had lost track of all sense, long back, but the inevitable need for air, stopped them.

Arnav stepped back a little. He wanted more, so much more. Khushi looked up at him, a little expectant, trying to curse herself for letting herself fall, yet again. Yet, neither could control the dry thirst that had been quenched slightly, but far for completion.

He looked at her for a few long minutes, and then finally turned away. He had barely taken two steps , when a familiar hand pulled him back. And he gave in, not resistant, even for a second.

'Does it mean something this time, Arnav?'

And the ruthless execution of his past words surged through his mind immediately. He closed his eyes, as guilt seeped in slowly.

He released that day, he didn't know what would happen in a few days, or a few years, but for then, he had to make things right with her, for her.

Taking in the faint desperation, longing in her eyes, and recognizing the exact same feeling pooling in his heart, he came closer to her, as close at it got, and pressed his lips over her eyes, as they closed in a soporific manner, lingering there for a few seconds. His fingers tucked a few tendrils of her hair back to where they belonged, as his lips trailed down the slope of her cheeks, placing feather-light kisses, until they finally found her lips.

But this time, it was anything but urgent. More like unsheathed passion, unadulterated longing. His lips worshipped her, slowly, as her own responded with fervor. Arnav tried to pour in how sorry he felt, the guilt, for the words he had never meant to say, but he had said anyways. And it seemed to him, she knew exactly what he was trying to say, and as her fingers went around his neck, drawing unknown patterns, he knew he was forgiven.

They broke apart, after a long time. Bu this time he didn't move away. He stood there, her body pressed onto his, as he took in the scent of rue and sage, intoxicating his senses.

---

They moved a little apart as they saw people walk by the Gulbara road, breathing in deeply, trying to grasp as much air as they could, and hoping to find their voices back.

Khushi saw him giving her an awkward, lopsided smile, as he started to walk away. But he turned back abruptly.

'Err...Aakash told me to tell you, that I..uh..like you''

'Oh.'

Khushi couldn't stop herself from smiling as she saw the utterly hopeless expression clouding his eyes, but he stood there, expecting her to say something in return.

'I like you too.'

She watched as a slow, beautiful smile lit up his face, changing the whole aura he otherwise radiated. He came a little towards her and spoke in whispers, only she was supposed to her.

'I'll be back soon.'

'I'll be waiting.'

---