Chapter 54
Arnav leaned forward, 'Khushi Kumari Gupta will you marry me?' he asked taking her hands in his.
As dawn broke over the mountains, Khushi gave Arnav the answer that would ensure that all their future dawns would be witnessed together.
'Yes.' She whispered as her heart thudded in her chest. Was this really happening? His words from the penthouse came racing back to Khushi, '...... I'm not religious. I don't follow rituals... And I don't believe in marriage either...' she couldn't help but ask the question again.
'Arnav, are you sure... are you sure that you want to do this... I mean I understand what you just said...but are you sure?' she asked again even though she was silently petrified that he could change his mind.
Arnav smiled as he spoke, 'Khushi do you really need me to answer that? Actually I see that you do... Ok I'll try and be as specific as I can be...first, I love you Khushi. This is a fact and not likely to change. Ever. Second...in the last two months you've turned my world upside down...in a good way though and I want you with me every day and every night from now onwards and I'm very sure about that. As for the other things worrying you, everything else like the wedding.. time, place, guests, dates...jaleebi junction's location etc etc is open to debate and compromise, but this is not... I'm ready to make the commitment to you for the rest of my life... does that sound clear enough and sure enough Khushi?' he said quietly as he stared into her eyes.
Khushi stared as Arnav in surprise. 'How did you know what I was thinking?' she murmured. Arnav pulled closer to him, 'Khushi...I'm about to become your husband. Why wouldn't I know...I think I'm beginning to know you pretty well now don't you think?' he said with a lopsided grin as he silently delighted in the sound of the word...husband.
Khushi suddenly found herself to be slightly breathless and had to clear her throat before she could speak; had Arnav just referred to himself as husband? Devi Maiya, this really was happening to her wasn't it! Her babu-ji had always promised her that she could achieve her soul's desire if she was strong and trusted her heart. Khushi closed her eyes as she tried to convince herself that this was really happening. At the core, her soul's desire to find her one true love, to be cared for and to care in return; make a family, to have children, to raise those children, and then to grow old next to a wonderful man'it looked like her dream was finally coming true.
Khushi looked into Arnav's eyes as she placed her hands on his chest. His heartbeat was strong and amazingly steady; reassuring that's what it was. Khushi found herself fighting a smile and then laughter as excitement began to replace the panic inside of her; is this what endless happiness felt like? She couldn't help herself as she stood on tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. Thank you Devi Maiya she whispered silently as she buried her face into his neck.
Arnav took a breath as he took stock. He...no... they.... had done it; Khushi was his, never to be lost to another. He couldn't help but laugh with Khushi, her unrestrained joy contagious and her laugh highly infectious. Yes, this was really happening. Something struck him and Arnav pulled back, his voice low and mesmerizing as he spoke, 'Khushi, it think we are forgetting something...' he whispered. Khushi leaned back as she studied him and then it struck her and her eyes widened 'we have to tell everyone!' she squealed. Arnav groaned 'that's not what was on my mind' he murmured. 'Khushi, you've just agreed to become my wife...but I think we still need to officially seal the deal...' he said with a cheeky half grin.
Khushi knew he was going to kiss her even before he bent toward her. She couldn't say how she knew, only that anticipation tightened her stomach and she forgot to breathe. Nothing else mattered but the feel of his lips on hers and the nearness of his body. He slowly slid his hands around her waist as his arms tightened around her and he drew her close. It was like coming home. There was an immense sense of belonging and safety; she had never experienced anything like this before, the feeling was so sweet, so perfect that she never wanted to be anywhere else.
She almost swooned as his lips made gentle contact and then his mouth was moving on hers and Khushi got lost in the kiss, distracted by the feel of his hands moving up and down her back, the heat of them, the way their bodies pressed against each other, her body melting into his making it impossible to tell where she ended and he began. Khushi put her hands on his upper arms and explored his muscled strength. Without thinking, she rose on tiptoes so she could press herself against him more fully. She tilted her head and kissed him back, teasing his tongue with hers, she couldn't help but moan and when he licked her bottom lip before slipping inside. Arnav kissed her deeply, exploring all of her. She put her hands on his shoulders, as much to steady herself as to touch him. There was something even more magical, something more phenomenal about his kiss today. Khushi smiled against his lips...Arnav Singh Raizada was going to be her husband!!!
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Given that neither of them had had a wink of sleep and despite Khushi's visibly excited state, Arnav declared that they both had to get a few hours of sleep. After arguing and saying that there was no way she could possibly sleep, Khushi had decided to let Arnav think that he won the round when in reality she was the clear winner because she countered and said that she'd only sleep if it was with him. Now back in her suite, Khushi had finally opened the black suitcase that he had placed there the night before. A handwritten note in his distinctive script sat on top of contents.
I hope you like my choice...
A.
Khushi rummaged through the contents discovering a range of casual suits, designer evening wear, warm shawls, footwear and a bag of expensive toiletries sat in the corner. Also included were a pair of blue Levis, warm tops, walking boots and a jacket. Khushi blushed a deep shade of red as she saw a selection of inner wear all in the correct sizes; how had he known her size she wondered. Ehemmm excuse me, said the voice in her head, you're wondering about how he knows your size...in that case, let's not even mention the fact that Arnav Singh Raizada was shopping for your underwear missy...that means each time you're with him, he'll have a pretty good idea of what's underneath your clothes! At that moment Khushi discovered that it was possible to beat her own record for reddest blush of the day contest. She groped around and pulled out a pair of red pyjamas. Khushi momentarily despaired because her face would be matching her pyjamas but on the other hand she was grateful and sent up a thankful prayer to Devi Maiya because for a second she had been worried that she was going to have to beg him for a t-shirt to wear to bed she thought as she stepped into the bathroom to freshen up.
Khushi opened the door to her room and stepped out into the suite. Arnav was nowhere to be seen. He must be in his room she decided as she walked towards his door. She was just about to knock when she heard his voice behind her, 'nice pj's Miss Gupta...' Khushi turned around to find Arnav walking towards her. He was clad in black sweat pants and a charcoal grey sweat shirt and his hair was wet and slicked back. Khushi cleared her throat, 'I.. ummm... thank you for all the clothes...and things..' she murmured.
Arnav watched her as he walked towards her, she was as red as her pyjamas and he wondered why? Was she afraid that he might try and progress their intimacy now that their relationship status had changed? He could see her chest rising and falling more rapidly with each step he took towards her. He came to a standstill in front of her, slowly slid his arms around her waist and drew her against him. Khushi couldn't keep but relish how he felt; he was warm and hard and she loved the feel of him so close. 'Khushi...ready for bed?' he asked innocently, his eyes twinkling. She swallowed, his voice was so deep and low, and Khushi found herself getting lost in the sound and forgetting the question. He took her hand in his and rubbed her hand with slow, steady movements. That was nice, too, she thought as she felt herself relaxing. She raised her gaze to his and found him watching her. With their eyes locked, he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her open palm as he opened the door to his suite.
Khushi gasped. It was beautiful. A large four poster bed sat majestically in the middle of the room, it was covered in cream-colored linens inviting her touch, a netted canopy of gauzy curtains offered the illusion of privacy. It was illuminated by soft lighting from two bedside lamps. While she could smell fresh roses, she couldn't quite see them in the dim light. Arnav stood behind her, his lips against her ear 'Like it?' he whispered. Khushi couldn't help but nod silently, 'last night I was hoping you that you would pick this room because I thought you would love it...I guess it's a good thing that you didn't because you wouldn't have really noticed its beauty after our big...umm...discussion...' he murmured. Khushi turned her head to face him, 'you mean our big fight' she said with a smile, 'our first official big fight...' she said as she placed a kiss on his cheek 'it's ok to call it a fight Arnav...' she said. Arnav groaned, 'Khushi, I think I need to help you forget last night!' he said decisively as he swung her into his arms and carried her into the room striding purposefully towards the bed before placing her on the right side of the bed. 'I normally sleep on the left side of the bed...just thought you should know for future reference...' Arnav smiled as he recalled just how flippantly he had made that statement not realising at the time how prophetic it was to become. Perhaps even then he had subconsciously wanted her to claim the right side of his bed for life but had been too afraid to extend the offer to her.
Arnav slid into the bed next to Khushi and drew the covers over them both. It was only about 5:30am, the morning light just beginning to peep through the cloud cover and through the curtains into their room. Arnav pulled back and stared at her for a moment; he had been so busy being impressed by her intrinsic characteristics that he had never taken the time to admire her properly and without restriction.
Khushi couldn't quite tell which was hotter; his intense gaze or his hand as he traced her forehead, then her eyes, cheeks, nose, jaw bone and lips. 'Khushi... as cheesy as this sounds... Have I ever told how beautiful you are?' he said softly before kissing her cheekbones, her nose, her forehead, then her jaw. Beautiful? Her? She had seen her reflection a million times. Sometimes she thought she might be pretty, but most of the time she knew she was just an average girl like everyone else. But today, the way Arnav was staring at her made her feel beautiful...like she was the only woman that he had eyes for. '...and you smell delicious Khushi,' he murmured as he nibbled his way down her jaw to her neck as his had slide down to her waist pulling her closer. His stubble tickled and his lips aroused, so Khushi stayed very still, wanting him to continue forever.
The question was would he carry on, or would he stop?
Surprise!!! you thought you wouldn't be getting a chapter did you 😆
Clearly I am more addicted to writing this story than I had realised... the thought of a big serious interview with a panel doesn't seem to be scaring me enough into not writing!! go figure...😕
Anyway... you guys might as well enjoy the fruits of my errant brain in the meantime 😉
p.s. given the length of the last two chapters you are not allowed to complain about the length of this one 😛
Naina😳
Edited by warriorprincess - 11 years ago
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