FF Their six month marriage - #2 thread 3 link pg 1 - Page 17

Chapter 40

Over the next three days Arnav tried his best to keep Khushi smiling but to no avail. He knew how she felt not having her real parents around but he needed to try. On the day of the barsi all the Raizada family and Gupta family went to the temple. The pandit was present and pooja was performed by Khushi with Arnav by her side. Once this was done Khushi and Payal handed out food to the poor. Most of the day had gone by before everyone went back to their homes.

It had taken another two days of coaxing from everyone before Khushi became her normal self.

On this particular day nani got a phone call from the Malhotra's. They were old family acquaintances of the Raizada's. The whole family were inviting to a family function at the Malhotra's in a couple of days' time, which coincidently fell on Khushi's birthday. They specifically asked for both Payal and Khushi to come. As the new celebrities in town this would be the first of many invitations for both girls. Nani conveyed this news about the family function at dinner that evening. Shyam didn't like it because it happened to be Khushi's birthday and he still wanted to give her a present. Neither did Arnav but he glanced at Shyam who was scowling which Arnav didn't like.

Arnav: Nani what time is this function?

Nani: Don't worry Chote you don't have to attend. It's around 4 o'clock onwards. They say it is up to around 11 o' clock which is very late for me but as they are old family friends the rest of us have to attend and stay.

Arnav: It's ok Nani. I'm coming.

Everyone turned to look at Arnav in shock.

Anjali: What? Chote? You coming?

Arnav: Yes Di. I am coming. What? Why is everyone staring at me?

Anjali: No. It's just. You never come anywhere with us.

Nani: Anjali bitiya it's probably someone's influence.

Arnav almost choked on his food and his eyes darted towards Khushi while Khushi just avoided looking at anyone but could not help but blush. Except mami and Shyam everyone else just burst out laughing.

The day of Khushi's birthday arrived.

In the morning Khushi woke up early. Arnav had already gone for a jog so she went to the bathroom and freshened up. By the time she got back Arnav had arrived and went to go freshen up. As Khushi was heading out Payal knocked on her door. Khushi opened it.

Khushi: Jiji? Is there something you want?

Payal: No. Except, happy birthday.

Saying this Payal handed Khushi bag. Khushi looked inside it to find a brand new purple and pink churidar with gold intricate embroiderery and band going along the hem of the churidar in gold. Khushi took it out and squealed in happiness. She hugged her sister and said to her sister she will wear it for the evening function. She went to place the churidar in the cupboard and went out of the room where Payal was still waiting so they both could head downstairs together. Khushi went to towards nani and took her blessings. She got mama's blessing and mami gave her blessings reluctantly. They headed towards the temple where Anjali started the pooja. Shyam had joined them afterwards. Once the morning prayers where done Arnav came down. Anjali came up towards Khushi to hand Prasad to her when Shyam interrupted.

Shyam: Rani sahiba your supposed to feed her today. Here let me.

Anjali didn't think anything of it and gave him the arti thaal with the prasad. Payal wanted to stop him but couldn't and Shyam who had his eyes on Khushi had his evil smirk on his face. Just as he was about to feed Khushi Arnav stopped him. Khushi went and stood behind Arnav. Payal thought thank god for Arnavji.

Arnav: Jijaji I think I should do that first as I am her husband. I think that it is my right first and uttermost it happens to Khushi's birthday and I would like to feed her first.

Anjali and nani could not stop but look at each other trying not to burst out laughing. Akash and mama smiled. Mami just huffed while Payal was really trying hard not to burst out laughing but for entirely different reasons. Arnav took the prasad from the thaal that Shyam was still holding turned to face Khushi. Looking deep into her eyes he moved the prasad to her mouth which she gladly ate. Once she had eaten the prasad Payal came over to her and they headed to the kitchen. Shyam just watched the scene. The thaal was still in his hands and it was tilting towards the side. Anjali saw this and came towards Shyam just in time before the the thaal ended up dropping.

Anjali: Zara sambhhalye. You could have dropped the arti.

Shyam looked at Anjali and gave her the arti thaal. Arnav also turned hearing Anjali voice and looked at Shyam. Anjali had taken the thaal and placed it near the temple. Everyone else moved towards the dining table. Arnav and Shyam looked at each other with loathing for one another. Arnav then turned and moved towards the dining table while Anjali placed her hand under Shyam's arm and he led her towards the dining table.

After breakfast as usual Khushi, Arnav and Akash left for the office saying they will be back by three to get ready for the function. Arnav had asked Khushi to just wait for him and Akash at the office so they could leave together for home. Shyam had gotten a call that day which meant he wouldn't be able to make the function until around 8 that evening.

It was around 2:30 in the afternoon. Arnav and Akash finished their work and picking up Khushi who was waiting around the reception area they all headed home. Once they got to RM they all freshened up. Arnav asked Khushi to go ahead he will meet her downstairs while he got on the phone. He appeared after about 20 minutes to find only Khushi and Anjali waiting for him.

Arnav: Where is everyone?

Anjali: They all went ahead in Akash's car.

Arnav came down and they all headed out. He was helping Anjali to go to the front passenger seat when she denied it. She gestured for Khushi to sit in the front while she sat in the back. Khushi went and sat up front. Arnav was about to get into the car when he remembered something. He said he will be back and headed back inside. Five minutes later he came out, sat in the car and drove off.

They got to the Malhotra's where the Malhotra's were holding a pooja followed by dinner and evening hymns.

The house was about a half hour drive from RM. It was a huge mansion just as big as Shantivan. The exterior was designed like the old regal palaces. There was a fountain in the middle of the drive way in front of the house. As they drove to the front and got out a valet headed towards then took the keys and drove the car to park it. They headed inside. Khushi started looking around. The big front doors opened up to a huge hallway, the staircase facing them from the opposite side with a long red carpet starting from the front door leading all the way up the stairs and beyond. One of the servants came up to them and led them towards one of the side rooms where the pooja was being held. The room turned out to be the temple room where a huge statue of devi maiya was there and the whole room decorated with red chunari's and yellow flowers. The pooja hadn't started yet as they were still setting up.

Everyone turned to look at the arrival of the new guests when seeing Arnav there shocked everyone to the core as it was the first time he had ever come to a pooja anywhere. Normally he would be at parties just for business purposes but never at a pooja. All eyes then darted towards Khushi who had been the talk of the town since all the news on tv.

Mr Malhotra approached them. He was a man in his fifties, balding, a slight round tummy but with a genuine smile on his face when he greeted his guests. His wife was a very pretty woman for a woman in her late forties, her hair up in a bun, full make-up, a simple gold necklace, matching bangles and jhumke and wearing a mustard dupion silk sari. She walked up to her husband making it a point to get herself introduced to Khushi. Khushi could feel everyone staring at her. Anjali then saw Payal, nani and mami. Then looking at Khushi Anjali managed to divert Mrs.Malhotra's attention got herself and Khushi away from the woman and her badgering questions and made their way towards the rest of her family. Arnav who knew he was not gonna like this but had to put up with it went and sat near the far end of the room and got on his phone, texting away.

The pooja started around 4:30 once everyone settled down and Arnav had to go outside as his phone started ringing. He had been on the phone for another half an hour before walking back into the room.

It was around 6 when the pooja had finished and everyone started shuffling. Khushi looked up to see Arnav on the chair with his head resting. She got up and went towards him.

Khushi: Arnavji are you ok?

Arnav opens his eyes and looks at her.

Arnav: I don't know. I feel like I have a huge headache.

Khushi: What? Why did you say anything before? Let me get Di. Maybe she has some tablets or we could ask Mrs Malhotra for some. You're not coming down with a fever are you?

Arnav: Calm down Khushi. I'll be fine if I could go home and get some sleep. I think that's what I need.

Khushi: Ok let's go. I'll get everyone together.

Arnav: No. I mean we have to stay. They are old family friends.

Khushi: But what about your headache? No I insist we have to go home.

Arnav: Khushi, Khushi listen. I can't ask everyone to go home because of me. It wouldn't be right all of us going.

Khushi thought about this then came up with the idea that only her and Arnav head of home and the rest of the family can stay. She told him that she will just go tell them. She headed off to tell the family while Arnav saw her retreating back with an amusing smirk on his face thinking now comes the real surprise.

Note: I was going to leave the chapter here but then I thought I may as well carry on.

Khushi and Anjali walked back towards Arnav.

Anjali: Chote I will come as well.

Arnav: No di. It's ok Khushi will be there and anyway isn't JIJAJI on his way here?

Anjali: Yes but I can call him.

Arnav: Di he is probably busy at this moment. You know him and his work. Stay Di. Khushi will be there I will be fine. All I need is sleep and what are you going to do after we get home. No di stay here everyone else is here and I will fine.

Hearing the determination in his brother's voice she left it at that. Arnav was glad he had that sorted. He got up from his chair went over to Akash and told him to look after Di. He then headed towards Khushi and they both left.

Once back at RM hari prakash answered the door. He was about to say something when Arnav asked Khushi to make him some coffee. She denied it and insisted on making him some ginger tea for his headache. He gave in quickly. She headed towards the kitchen. Arnav looked at HP with total anger in his eyes.

Arnav whispering in low and angry tone: HP I told you not to say anything in front of Khushi.

HP: Sorry Arnav bhai I forgot. The people have already come and gone.

Arnav: Good now also scram. I don't want to see you here until tomorrow. Ok and by the way keep your mouth shut. Nobody needs to know any of this.

Hearing this HP left. Arnav headed towards the kitchen. He saw Khushi making tea. Arnav walked up towards her. He stopped in front of her and stopped her from doing what she was doing.

Arnav: Khushi stop.

Khushi stopped and looked up at him.

Arnav: Khushi I don't need tea.

Khushi was about to protest but Arnav placed his finger on her lips.

Arnav: Now listen. Give me 15 minutes then after that come upstairs to the room.

Saying that he kissed her on her forehead and went out. Khushi just stood there dumbstruck not knowing what to do. Arnav quickly came back in.

Arnav: Oh and Khushi if you don't do as I say you know I make you do it.

Saying this he smirked as he left. Khushi just looked at his retreating back with her eyes wide open. She knew what he was like but even then she thought laad governor kahike.

After 15 minutes she went upstairs to her room. She walked up to the door to find a note stuck to the door.

Khushi,

Don't get scared. Go in and do not open the curtains. I have left the light on. There is a parcel for you on the bed.

Arnav.

Khushi looked at the letter, gulped due to being scared and walked in. She followed the instructions to a tee. She walked up to the bed to find a package on the bed. She opened it up to find a red netted sari with silver embroidery and a silver border going along on side. There was also a note on the top of the sari. She took out the note and read it. She knew he had written both notes as his handwriting was awful but she still managed to read it.

Khushi,

This saree and clothes to go with it are for you. Please wear them. Once you have changed open the curtains and follow the red path. Oh and I forgot there is also a pair of new sandals next to the bed.

Arnav

Khushi looked around to find a bag with a silver pair of sandals. She turned back to look at the package. She took out the saree and looked at it thinking how am I going to wear this? but remembering Arnav's earlier words she got the rest of the clothes out and made her way towards the washroom and got changed. Once she got changed she walked over to the mirror to see herself. She was apprehensive showing herself in front of Arnav. The saree itself was netted making it see through plus her blouse was sleeveless with only a bow a back holding it in place (similar to the red blouse when the hut scene occurred). She had pinned the saree securely and with all the guts she had she opened the curtains to find a path of red rose petals starting for the french doors, going around the pool and leading up the stairs. She opened the door and was looking in astonishment. With all the guts she had she walked along the path of roses, nervous and also smiling at the amount of effort Arnav may have gone through for her.(NOTE: As we all know RM is very confusing so I just adding my won flair into it.) She followed the path, along the pool, round the side up the stairs headed higher towards the terrace. She came to the top and saw an arch made up of red balloons going along the corridor. She walked along the corridor gazing in amazement at the arch while walking. As she came to the end of the arch she found a white coloured gazebo in the middle of the terrace with Arnav underneath it not facing her.

Arnav felt her presence and turned to look at her. He was mesmerised like he knew he would be when he had had the sari designed and made a few days back. His eyes started roving around her body. He couldn't help but look at her from top to bottom but eventually his eyes fell on her face. She noticed him looking at her which made her more nervous then she already was. She had her pallu in her fingers twirling it. He started walking towards her. She also started moving backwards but as she wasn't looking her back hit the side of the arch making her turn and just to check it hadn't fallen. Arnav saw her reaction and smirked but before she could turn back he was already very close. She turned to look at into his chocolate brown eyes. She couldn't help but notice a twinkle in his eyes as her took her hand in his and led her towards the gazebo. A table was in the middle with a huge cake in the middle. He took her towards the cake where she stood in front of it reading the inscription of happy birthday on it. She looked up at him as he got the knife towards the side of the cake and handed it to her.

Arnav: happy birthday Khushi.

Khushi looked at him as tears started to well up in her eyes. He cupped her face and started wiping her tears with his thumbs.

Arnav: There is no need for these today.

Arnav then held her hand which had the knife in and together they cut the cake. He took the piece and fed it to her and was about to eat himself when Khushi grabbed his hand.

Khushi: Arnavji you can't have any.

Arnav: Don't worry it's sugar free.

He was again going to eat it when Khushi stopped him, took the piece from his hand and fed him. Arnav then picked up a bag which was near the side of the table. He took out a box, opened it and took out a diamond necklace with a ruby heart in the middle. He then went over to Khushi and placed it round her neck. He moved her hair towards the side so he could clasp it together. While doing this Khushi's heart had doubled and she was breathing heavily. Arnav couldn't help but look at her back while his fingers stated roaming around her neck and her upper back. Khushi could feel his fingers sending an electrifying jolt in her body so she moved away from him but he grabbed her wrist not letting her go. He then while making sure his hand never let her go and moved towards the vase that was in the middle of the table which had a single red rose in it. He took it out and with swift movement pulled Khushi towards him. She went crashing into his chest her back facing him. Using the rose he had in his left hand he started trailing her body using the rose. First starting from her right hand and slowly moving up towards her shoulder. Her head went back on his shoulder while her hands clutched on to her saree trying hard to breathe normally but failing miserably as she heard her heart thudding inside of her.

Once up to her shoulder he moved around her neck with the rose and moved his head towards her ear before whispering.

Arnav: Jab jo bura kaha uska koy matlab nahin.

Jab jo bura kiya uska koy matlab nahin.

Is pyaar main sahi aur galat ka koy matlab nahi.

Bas ek cheese ka matlab hai ke main hamesha hamesha tumse sirf tumse pyaar karta tha, pyaar karta hoon or pyaar karta rahoongaa.

Khushi opened her eyes wide and in shock. She turned her head to look at him. Arnav looked back deep into her eyes.

Arnav: I love you Khushi. I always have. I am not sure when it started but what I do know is that I love you and I can't live without you.

Khushi looked at him as tears of pure joy stared to prick in her eyes. Arnav looked at her. He then turned her around fully towards him. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead. He then placed kisses on both her eyes, her cheeks, her nose the whole time watching her expression each time he kissed her. Khushi had her eyes closed the whole time her hands still clutching at her saree. Arnav then moved his face towards her. No one at home with no interruptions he thought before placing a kiss on her bottom lip, nibbling at it and moving up towards her top lip. Khushi could feel like she was on fire as he was kissing her. He took his tongue out and starting licking her lips coaxing her to open her mouth which she did eventually. She gasped at his intrusion but after a while she started matching his actions. Her hands went on to his chest and then slowly up towards his neck and finally around the back of his neck. Her fingers in his unruly hair. As Arnav felt her relaxing more his hand which still held the rose went around her waist and pulled her more closer deepening the kiss. The sun setting behind them as two souls finally realising the love they felt for one another.

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