Chasing Dreams (5) CHP31A PG128 New THD link Pg146 - Page 49

Chapter 30A-

This update goes out to Anumadduri.

A/N- I have recently begun writing another story titled as Boomerang set in the backdrop of an expedition to scale Mt. Everest. Chapter 1B is now up. You can read it HERE

Precap-

Then Arnav wordlessly asked her to pick up the keys using his eyes, which Kushi did.

He then kissed Kushi on her lips and said, 'Move in with Kushi, live with me!'

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Kushi was completely stunned by his question. She knew that Arnav would ask her this question at some point, but she hadn't expected it to be this soon. She had an inkling that her reserved behaviour at Shantivan after Arnav's grandmother's refusal to let her shower in Arnav's room, had driven him to ask this question. Irrespective of that, she felt she wasn't ready to take this step yet, for a few reasons. They were just getting to know each other thoroughly, moving in with him would be a bad idea at this point of time. Also there was the case of Payal's wedding preparations. More than anything else she needed time to see how or even worse whether she would break the news of her relationship to her family. Living with Arnav in close physical proximity wasn't something she could envisage at the moment. She knew that they were progressing towards the stage where she might consider taking their intimacy to the next level, but moving in with him at this point of time would be too soon and may place both of them in uncomfortable situations in the future which might act as a deterrent in strengthening their relationship. She knew that Arnav would be disappointed with her refusal but she had to do this for their own good.

'I'm sorry Arnav, I can't.' As soon as she saw Arnav face droop, she kissed him on his lips. 'I said 'yet' Arnav. Its too quick, I need some time, our relationship needs more time too.' She then opened Arnav's fist to place the key inside it and said, 'Lets take this slow Arnav, lets revisit this discussion a couple of months after you move back to the flat?' And then she added teasingly, 'Who knows you may decide that you dont want to live with me by then.'

In response Arnav smiled and hugged her close. This was probably for the best. He would be lying if he said that this gesture wasn't influenced by his grandmother's refusal, followed by Kushi's withdrawn behaviour. He had never believed in initiating gestures just for the sake of keeping someone happy, but when it came to Kushi all his beliefs seemed to vanish into thin air. His need to see her happy in this relationship was more important than the rational behind his gestures and decisions.

'I can't wait to live with you in this place. But I also understand why you feel we need some more time. I'll wait eagerly for the day when you will change your decision.'

And with that he took her soft lips, that were wet due to the rain drops drizzling from the sky, in a long and deep kiss that made them both relish the warmth of each others presence in the cool wet weather.

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It had been a week since Arnav returned to work, his recovery was ahead of schedule and he had now begun to walk and carry out physical activities more easily. His time at the office was still restricted and he tried not to overwork himself. But he gradually wanted to relieve Akaash of the excess workload so that he could focus on his wedding preparations. Kushi had visited the doctor with him for his review before her rejoined work. When the Doctor had emphasised that Arnav had been lucky to get away without any long term ailments Kushi had closed her eyes and thanked God for saving Arnav and for giving her another chance with him. She reiterated why she had agreed to stay in a relationship with him and promised to never let go of him this time- no matter what.

Over the weekend Arnav had decided to attend NKay's reception in Delhi with Kushi. Kushi was initially undecided about making a public appearance with him especially at a place where many of her colleagues were likely to be present. But Arnav had told her that it was time, and they couldn't let others influence the way they led their lives. Kushi saw his point and agreed to attend the reception with him. Arnav had selected a saree for her; a Black sheer sari with silver border teamed with a daring sleeveless blouse that was held together by a thin strap at the back. Kushi was shocked when she saw the blouse but after Arnav had pleaded with her and Payal had encouraged her she agreed to wear the outfit. When Arnav had seen Kushi in the evening, when he came to pick her up with a driver in tow, he had whispered to her in the back seat of his car.

'This saree is such a bad idea, I'm going to struggle to keep my hands off you.' And then he had boldly caressed the skin along her waist, stopping at the region just above her belly button, that left Kushi's skin break into goose bumps.'

'Arnav there is a driver in this car, please.' She pleaded with him, while a part of her still wanted him to continue to do what he was doing.

'Fine, Ill let you alone now, but after the reception, I need a treat. Akaash is taking Payal to another party after the reception. So how about I come over to your flat and...' Arnav replied teasingly.

'You are welcome to come home Raizada, but you ain't getting any treats from me.' She retaliated.

'In that case I want my sari back. I gave you this in the hope of getting something in return. I don't believe in the concept of charity when it comes to my partner.' He pulled at her pallu.

'Arnav we are outside stop it.' She slapped his hands away while giggling.

'If you say so sweetheart, I will take this gift back when we return to your flat. What say?'

And Kushi had looked away blushing.

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Kushi entered the hotel hand in hand with Arnav. She tried to move her hands away when she saw Meera and a few of her colleagues, but Arnav had held her hands tightly. 'Relax!' he told her and she decided to trust him implicitly as he knew what he was doing. They greeted all the people who walked to say a Hello to Arnav. Some of her colleagues didn't seems affected by their show of togetherness, some were affected but tried to act nonchalantly, whereas others were plainly curious and were looking for ways to question them about their relationship.

Kushi and Arnav met with NKay and his newly wedded wife on the main stage. NKay seemed happy and showed absolutely none of the bitterness from the past when he hugged Kushi. Once they walked down the stage back into the seating area, NKay's mother, whose name was 'Annapurna,' approached them. Arnav had smiled at the woman and greed her. 'That's NKay's mom,' he whispered into Kushi's ears. Once she came and stood next to them. Kushi freed her hands from Arnav's hold and folded them together to greet her. 'Namaste Aunty, I'm Kushi, NKay's colleague,' she smiled at the woman.

Initially Annapurna smiled at the young girl when she had folded her hands to greet her, but when she heard the name Kushi she had dropped the smile. NKay had told her everything about this girl. She had not only declined NKay's proposal but had also embarked a live-in relationship with Arnav. When Annapurna had asked NKay about proposing her sister's daughter's alliance for Arnav during his wedding, NKay had told her everything about Arnav and Kushi. She immediately formed a negative opinion of a girl who seemed uncultured and of a loose character to lead men and then stay in a relationship with a man without any promises of a wedding.

Annapurna turned her head to look at Arnav without as much as an acknowledgement and Kushi instantly realised the reason for her aloof behaviour. NKay had admitted to her about telling his parents about his interest in Kushi. Given that people in Lucknow never took lightly to a woman refusing a man, NKay's mother must obviously carried some dislike for Kushi and probably feels that she had led Nkay on and then moved to Arnav.

'Arnav, its so nice to see you. NKay told me everything about your accident. Sometimes when a person goes through a bad time,' and she looked at Kushi sweepingly with utter disdain, 'There is not a lot one can do. Anyhow just try and keep away from negative influences from your life, you will be fine.'

'Thanks Aunty.' He smiled at her and held Kushi's hand. 'Thanks to Kushi I had never felt that I was going through a bad time. She brings happiness and positivity wherever she goes and I'm sure even NKay will vouch for that.' He told her in an uber-sweet voice, ensuring that the sarcasm wouldn't miss its target.

Annapurna left the placing biting her teeth, stopping herself for retorting and making it any uglier. That girl Kushi obviously had Arnav in some sort of a spell. How dare he to speak to her in this fashion?

A little while later, once they were eating dinner, Kushi stepped out to get some dessert. Annapurna found her near the dessert stand. Kushi saw her and apologised to her for Arnav's earlier sarcasm.

'What more can we expect from both of you?' Annapurna retorted.

'No aunty Arnav is normally very respectful and very nice...'

'Nice? Is that why he is living with you, without a marriage? Don't you know what people call women who stay in a relationship with man without a promise of a marriage? Do your parents know about this?' Sjhe bit out, she wasn't going to let go of his earlier insult and Kushi's refusal to NKay's proposal that easily.

Kushi stood rooted to her spot, she was left tongue tied. She was trying hard not to give the woman the pleasure of seeing her with tears in her eyes.

'That's enough Aunty. Kushi is the woman I love!' Arnav screamed, not bothered if others heard him. He came looking for Kushi when he saw Annapurna giving her piece of her mind.

'I love this woman and she means everything to me. And for your kind information your son was hopelessly in love with her. Doesn't that tell you something about the kind of girl she is?'

'Arnav please!' Kushi tried to hold his hand and stop him.

'No Kushi, how dare she speak to you like this?'

'Its okay Arnav, let it go.'

But Arnav was in no mood to listen. 'Let me make it clear to everyone here,' he said to no one in particular.

'Kushi is the woman I love and you all better get used to that fact. I will not tolerate anyone speaking to her disrespectfully. If you have any issues with our relationship, which you shouldn't in the first place, come and speak to me, not her. Is that understood?'

'Arnav what's the problem?' NKay joined the gathering, wondering why his mother and Arnav were exchanging not so pleasant words.

'NKay its a shame that your mother isn't as forward thinking as you are. She indirectly called Kushi a mistress. Tell her that I wont tolerate any such words about her.'

Nkay looked at his mother with annoyance, 'Amma why did you have to bring this up on my wedding reception?' Kushi is a nice girl, you cannot call her those things just because things didn't work out between us.Now can you please apologise.'

'Nkay please no. Its okay Aunty, there is no need to apologise.' Kushi tried to stop NKay.

'Amma please.' NKay repeated his request, this time sternly.

'Fine, I apologise for what I said.'

After the incident Arnav and Kushi walked away, leaving Annapurna fuming. She had been thoroughly insulted in her own son's wedding. She wasn't going to take this lying down. She would teach them a lesson, she would.

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'I cant believe you went and apologised top her.' Arnav walked hurriedly towards the car. He was upset with Kushi for apologising to NKay's mother for no fault of his or hers. Kushi's need to make up to people was annoying him. That she continued to do this in spite of creating issues in their relationship was making him angry.

'Arnav please listen to me, can you at least give me a chance to explain?'

'What is there to say Kushi.' He held her arms forcefully.

'You have got to stop doing this. Your need to apologise to every Tom dick and Harry, pisses me off.' He hissed.

Kushi looked down and the tears fell from her eyes.

Arnav moved his hand away and ran it through his hair. 'I'm sorry Kushi. I shouldn't have screamed at you like that.'

He then held her head in between his palms. 'I can't see you apologising to people for no mistake of yours. You dont have to go out of your way to be nice to everyone.'

Kushi looked at him in the eye, her earlier irritation at being held forcefully had dissipated .

'Arnav people are going to talk about us. The society doesn't view unmarried girls in a relationship kindly.'

She then placed her head near his chest, 'But yes I agree with your opinion. I have this innate need to stay in people's good books. I will work on it, but I need time.'

Arnav relaxed and held Kushi in an embrace.

'I'm sorry Kushi, it was because of me she spoke those harsh words with you. You are too precious to me and when i heard her call you a mi...' He swallowed the reminder of the word, even the thought of using the word left a bad taste in his mouth.

He placed his head on the top of hers, 'You know where you have placed your head, is where you belong to, my heart.'

Kushi snuggled closer to his warmth and placed a kiss on his chest, his heart through his shirt.

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'Arnav.' Arnav was looking at his phone without turning to look at Kushi. She had been lying on his shoulder in the car while returning from the reception. 'Arnav...' she called him again.

And when he hadn't still turned to look at her, she snatched his phone away from him. Arnav tried to get the phone back, but Kushi wouldn't budge.

'Give me my phone. What kind of a game is this?' Arnav said impatiently. He was reviewing a proposal Akaash had put together.

'This isn't a game Raizada. How about you and I play a proper game.' Kushi said in a teasing tone.

When Arnav asked her what she meant with a raise eyebrow, Kushi moved closer to him, ran her hand seductively on his thighs and whispered into his ears. 'Did you forget your treat Arnav? I don't let people return with an empty hand, when I accept a gift from them.' She then bit his ear lobe and added, 'If you want the sari back you can have it once we reach home.'

Arnav close his eyes temporarily trying to get rid of the images that Kushi's words were creating.

'Kushi dont play with fire, stop being such a tease.'

'Well in that case, we have to find out if I'm being a tease or not, dont we?' She challenged him. Arnav was now eagerly looking forward to being proved wrong. Once they reached Kushi's apartment, Arnav asked her to go in as he needed to guide the driver to the appropriate parking area. Kushi walked up the stairs wondering how she was going to keep her words. It was one thing to tease Arnav and challenge him but another thing to actually do it. She was nervous and didn't know how she was going to manage the situation without disappointing Arnav. Then an idea struck her mind, she'd lit up some candles, and change into the green dress he loved on her before he came in and take it from there. They had gone through a bit recently and Arnav had always been there to support her and she wanted to do something for him, surprise him. She increased the pace of her steps to walk into her flat with a spring in her steps. As she approached her flat she saw two people standing outside the door, and upon closer inspection she realised it were her parents.

She had landed herself into a big soup today and it'd be a wonder if she manged to get out of this unscathed.

*Please read noted about PMs below

I like this intuitive Khushi who correctly guessed the reason behind Arnav's wish for them to move in together and even when she declined, she was quite logical in her reasonong. What was appreciable was that Arnav took her reply graciously; a stark contrast to what we have witnessed in the past. Their relationship has progressed so beautifully that it makes me say 'Kisi ki nazar na lage'.

😆
Wow what an update! Full of events.
So Khushi is not ready to move with Arnav, I expected that actually. She is right, its too soon for them and Arnav just came out from the accident and they didn't have any chance to have a normal relationship with all this. Even Arnav is not ready but he wanted to maker feel better. Its good see that Arnav is bending his rules for Khushi, not the big once but still!
So NKs mother is something, but the truth is there are lots people like her out there and the question is How is Khushi going to handle them? Will Arnav go to every single one and tell them that she is not his mistress? How will she mange when Arnav is not there beside her? Even Arnavs family is not ready to accept there relationship even though they know Arnav! They are not judging Arnav, They will never do that but they will judge Khushi because she is in a relationship with Arnav even after knowing that there will be no marriage. So its better that Khushi is ready and prepared to face all this.
And something tells me that she will never be prepared for this, how hard she try because she come from background where you think about society before you do anything. I feel sorry for her!

Her parents are here, already? I thought they will come to know about this in Payals wedding. Arnav is still there in the parking, so he will come up soon! Wow how is Khushi going tell her parents about Arnav? I dont think that Khushis parents will ever ready for this. Hope Arnav is worth all this!

Res

😊

Im heer 😃

R

Totally in love with the story.. Read most of them until 2 am last night... I just couldn't stop reading... Waiting for the next part...

NK mom was quite like him only.. A bad loser... NK had humiliated Khushi at PayAl engagement.. And at his shadi his mom did the same..