"Hurry we have to get everything ready soon, the haaldi will be arriving from the Raizada's any time now!"
"Yes Jiji, we're ready, don't worry, if the Raizada's come we're ready for them."
The Kashap's were rushing around making sure that all the last minute arrangements had been made for Khushi's haaldi. It was the morning after the engagement and everyone was already tired, but they were all enthusiastic, after all it was a wedding! Khushi's mehendi was scheduled for later that evening. Khushi and Lavanya were in their room. Khushi was wearing a simple yellow kameez. Garima had stopped her from wearing the fancy yellow anarkali that she had originally brought.
The doorbell rang and everyone jumped. Buaji went and opened the door and let the women of the Raizada family in. Anjali was holding a large Taal of haaldi. Garima told Lavanya to go and get Khushi. Lavanya brought Khushi down and placed her on the little stool on the floor. She smiled up at Nani, Mami, Anjali and Payal. The ceremony started and nani came first as she was the eldest.
"You know Khushi bitya, this some of this haaldi was applied to our chote first, not all of it, but quite a lot of it."
Khushi blushed. Mamiji was the next up to apply the haaldi, she blessed Khushi.
Buaji came, then Garima, then Anjali, then Payal and then Lavanya. She covered Khushi's entire face with haaldi. Khushi screeched with laughter. Everyone smiled.
All the other women in the room too came forwards and applied haaldi to Khushi. When everyone was done, nani ji told Khushi to go and wash it all off. Lavanya helped Khushi up and then both made their way to their room. Lavanya opened the door and Khushi went in. she shut the door and almost screamed. There was Arnav standing before her!
"What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here! You can't see me until the sangeet tomorrow evening!"
"You know how I am; I don't listen to any one."
He slowly made his way towards Khushi and she moved back, but only to be stopped by the wall.
"You didn't apply any haaldi on me Khushi."
Khushi blushed and wiped a bit of haaldi onto Arnav's cheek. He smiled and placed a light kiss on her lips. He broke away quite quickly and Khushi sighed.
"Sorry baby, you know we can't share anything more than this for now' Save it all for our suhaag raat!"
"When will I see you again?"
"I might just come during the mehendi."
"But your not allowed!"
"I'm not allowed to be here right now, but I am."
"I love you Arnav."
"I love you to babe."
Placing a gentle kiss on Khushi's cheek, he left the room via the window.
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