Chasing Dreams (5) CHP31A PG128 New THD link Pg146 - Page 79

'Arnav?'

'Pack your bags Kushi, we are going away for three days.'

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Kushi nervously tapped her fingers on the arm rest of her chair in her flight to Kullu Manali Airport. Arnav had excused himself to use the restroom and Kushi used the alone time to recollect memories of her last flight trip with Arnav to London. She realised with a sense of cheer as to how far they had come along. The London flight trip had sown the seeds of their mutual affection for each other and also brought about a realisation of what it entailed. A small smile broke out on her lips when she understood that they were taking this trip together as a couple, it was their first official holiday together. And then inadvertently her thoughts went to how easily Arnav had managed to convince her for this trip. No matter how hard she tried she could never stay angry with Arnav for long, she could never stay away from him for long.

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'Arnav you haven't spoken to me in days. The last time we spoke you fought with me and walked away. You were rude to me Arnav. I'm starting to get a feeling that this relationship will only work if we go by your wishes...'

'I'm sorry Kushi. I behaved like a jerk. I love you so much. When I saw that you were not comfortable discussing or even acknowledging our relationship in front of your parents I was upset. It was stupid of me to have flipped out at you like that. I'm sorry for everything I said the other day. From here on you will decide, how and when you want to tell people about our relationship. Okay?'

Kushi had smiled weakly in return.

'I had figured out the last few weeks haven't been easy on either of us. We have also not had the opportunity to celebrate the fact that we both are in love. And most importantly the doctor has now given me all clear. I'm moving back to my flat next week. What more excuses do we need to get away for a few days. What do you think?

'Sure the trip sounds like a fabulous idea. but I'd like to be back latest by mid-day Monday.

Don't worry Kushi we can speak to Meera about taking a day off.

No Arnav, remember we had promised to never let our relationship come in between our work. I had promised to deliver a report on Monday afternoon and I'd like to back for that.

'Okay fine.' But you have to promise me that nothing will come between us during this trip. I want us to forget everything, and have a good time. Will you be able to do that?

Kushi had smiled in response and put her palm atop of his and said, 'promise.'

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Once Arnav and Kushi had reached Manali during late hours of Friday night, they took a private rented car to their destination- 'Sandook resort & spa,' by the banks of River Beas in Manali. The holistic spa, built in the 1950s was set by the serene and picturesque banks of River Beas. Kushi had been to Manali in the past, but she had spent very little time in exploring the place. The only tourist attraction she had managed to see was Rohtang pass. She was very excited about the trip and was looking forward to this break.

Once they reached the resort after a good thirty minutes drive from the airport Arnav had checked in at the reception. The owner of the resort was an acquaintance, so Arnav had manage to get the cottage with the best views for stay, during the course of the weekend. It was a private building set across two floors, that offered magnificent views of the rivers and the mountains on the other side. Although he had planned the holiday in very little time, he still wanted to do everything in his power to give Kushi a fabulous experience. He wanted this trip to be a thankful gesture for sticking by him and for accepting him and their relationship without any conditions.

He had a number of activities planned out for her and he really wanted Kushi to enjoy the holiday as much as he hoped she would.

After finishing the formalities Kushi and Arnav walked to their cottage. Kushi was enthralled by the vision the resort created. The pebbled pathway, the burning woods not far away, gave it a very rustic, rural country look, something she found visually stimulating.

Once she entered the cottage, Kushi had forgotten that Arnav was next to her. She started running around like a kid in a candy store. Kushi had never lived in a luxury resort like this before. In the ground floor was a kitchen, living room and a dining room. On the floor above were two large bedrooms with a master bathroom that was adorned by a magnificent bath fitted with a jacuzzi.

'I wasn't sure if you would be comfortable sharing a bed, so I had requested for a cottage with two bedrooms.' Arnav whispered from behind.

Kushi had turned around. 'Thanks Arnav., I really appreciate it.' Arnav had once again proved that he was a thorough gentleman. Although she was comfortable sharing a bed with him, she would have been disappointed if Arnav hadn't sought her permission and left her without a choice.

'I'd like to share a bed with you during the course of this holiday...' and then she stepped forward with a glint in her eyes and went close to his ears. 'As long as you keep your hands to yourself.' She then bit his earlobe. Arnav's eyes closed on their own accord, he was lost in the haze of passion initiated by a simple teasing gesture from Kushi. But the contact ended as quickly as it began. Kushi had stepped back and took a few steps away from him.

'Kushi this isn't fair... you cant just keep doing things like these to me and then leave me high and dry.' He said with a hint of frustration.

Kushi bit her lips purposely in return, that earned an expletive from Arnav.

'Kushi... Do you even understand how all of this affects me.'

'I don't understand Arnav. Why don't you tell me, or even better show it to me.'

Arnav reached her with a couple of long strides and held her hands before she could run away. He then imprisoned her body using his, pushing her against a wall.

'Kushi.. Kushi... Don't. You have no idea how difficult it is for me to not touch you... not make love to you. Its been months since I last...' He stopped his sentence mid-way and took a step back and ran his hands through his hair.

'But that is inconsequential. We will take this to the next level only when you are ready. Okay?' He touched her cheeks with the back of his fingers.

Kushi nodded her head not trusting herself to speak.

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'Kushi what are you doing inside? Is everything alright?'

Arnav screamed from outside the bathroom door. After a quick dinner, Arnav had taken a shower and had changed into his night clothes. Kushi had then gone to take a shower, but she had taken a while and hadn't stepped out.

Kushi is everything okay?

'I'm fine Arnav, give me a few minutes.'

Kushi looked at her reflection in the mirror. In spite of her bravado she was feeling nervous about sharing a bed with Arnav. She had never slept next to anyone except for her amma. She had taken naps with Arnav, but spending a whole night in such close proximity was a different proposition all together. Although she had gotten used to having Arnav around her all the time, a part of her was still scared, nervous about taking this step.

'Its okay Kushi, you can do this. This is Arnav. he will never cross the line with you. You can trust him.' She gave herself a pep talk.

After which she opened the door and walked back into their room.

'God sake Kushi what were you doing inside for so long? Were you cooking a meal or what?'

Arnav offered her his hand which Kushi readily accepted. He pulled her into the bed and Kushi landed right next to him.

He hugged her close and breathed in her scent. 'I'm, so glad you agreed to this trip. It's so nice to get away from everything. Don't you feel the same?'

'I agree Arnav, we have never really had this kind of alone time until now. We have always been busy firefighting one issue after another. We deserved this break.' She said while she played lazily with her hair band using her free hand.

'If that's the case, I have a proposal for you. There is something I have been meaning to ask for the last few days.'

Kushi threw her hair band away and listened to Arnav intently.

'You know Ameen.'

'You mean your ex Ammen?' She asked with a hint of jealousy.

'No I mean my good friend Ameen who is engaged to the love of her life.' Arnav's irritation was reflected in his tone.

'She is getting married in the summer, in Nice- a beautiful coastal town in the South of France. She has invited me and a guest to the wedding.' He then looked at Kushi searching for any expressions that would show him that she had understood what his proposal was likely to be. But Kushi remained guarded, scared of jumping the gun and looking like a fool.

'How would you like to visit Nice and Paris with me?' He asked her with a twinkle in his eyes.

Kushi kept quiet for a moment. The she asked him, 'Are you serious? Please tell me you are.' She was finding it difficult to belive that she would visiting France, the country that topped her list of places to visit.

'No, I'm joking.' Arnav replied mockingly. 'Of course not buddu. I'm serious. I'd like for you to come with me. The wedding is a few weeks after Akaash and Payal's wedding. We can combine two weekends and make it a ten day holiday.'

Kushi threw herself on top of Arnav and kissed him all over. 'Of course, I will come. Thanks for asking me. I love you.'

'Gosh! If I knew this was the way to my girlfriend's heart I would have planned many more holidays by now.' He then added 'I will let Ameen now that you will be joining me. I will start making some plans.' He said as he moved an errant strand of hair to place it near her ears.

'Anyhow leaving all of that aside, we can sleep in for a bit as we do'nt have an early start tomorrow.' Arnav strethed his hands on his back and let out a loud yawn. 'However we need to be up early on Sunday. So sleep well missy.' Kushi nodded her head and lay on the bed next to Arnav making sure that she kept a little distance between their bodies.

When Arnav realised what Kushi was trying to do, he moved his hand towards her his hand on her back. 'Kushi I hate it when you are away fro me, whether it a few miles or a few inches, it doesn't matter.' And with that he pulled her against him using his hand on her back and imprisoned her with his legs. Kushi tried to fight away his legs, but without any success. Slowly she gave into his hold and wrapped her arms around his body. He was right this felt much better. And the last thing she remember before closing her eyes was Arnav whispering 'I love you,' into her hair.

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The following day, after a sumptuous breakfast Kushi and Arnav started exploring Manali.

'So the concierge has given me a map of attractions. Can we go to the museum?' Kushi asked looking at the map.

Arnav took the map away from her hands and threw it away.

'Kushi when you are on a holiday with me, the last thing we'd be doing is visiting the usual tourist attractions. We are going to do something different. Come with me. He offered her his hand.'

A short walk later Kushi found herself near the offices of the rafting association in Manali. Given his love for adventure, Arnav had planned on taking Kushi for white water rafting through the waters of River Beas, from a place not too far away from their resort.

When Kushi realised what Arnav had planned she got a tad nervous.

'Arnav you have recovered from your surgery only recently. Can't we do something else? We can't take chances with your health.'

'Kushi we cannot stop living due to the fear of something going wrong, can we? I have done this many times in the past and have thoroughly enjoyed it. And I think you will enjoy it too.'

'But Arnav...'

He held both her hands and kissed her knuckles gently. 'Please Kushi. I can't give up living life the way I want. I'd rather have a fulfilling life than a long one.'

Kushi placed her fingers on his lips and closed his mouth immediately.

'Arnav don't... If something happens to you, I can't live either. Fine, let go and do some white water rafting, shall we?' She asked excitedly while trying to mask her nervousness.

By the end of their rafting trail, Kushi had decided that Arnav was right. White water rafting was quite an experience. The waters were much calmer at this time of the year, so navigating through them didn't seem that much of an uphill task. They were a part of a eight member rafting team and they went on an organised trail in River Beas. Kushi was initially scared when she experienced the unpredictable movement of the water. When the boat had turned erratically a few times, she held on Arnav's free hand for support. But Arnav had pressed her hand and reassured her and slowly Kushi's rowing strokes got confident. In no time she started enjoying the ride, the thrill of the unpredictability, and the feeling of water splashing against her face leaving her drenched, gave her a thrill. She had screamed on the top of her voice when there was a small dip or when there was a sharp turn.

She had felt a sense of excitement and elation like no other. By the time they reached the end of the trail Kushi was totally spent. Rafting was hard work and had drained her completely. She lifted her hands up with her rowing paddles to signal a hurray for the successful completion of the trip.

Once they changed into their normal clothes Arnav arranged for a leisure lunch on a hill top restaurant not far away from the river. Kushi thoroughly enjoyed the delicious lunch, that consisted of local delicacies. The warm and spicy food provided her body with the much needed warmth after the rafting expedition. They had stayed back in the hill top restaurant for a while, taking in the splendid views of the river, valleys and the mountains not too far away.

By the time they reached the resort early evening Kushi was nearly spent.

'Arnav I'm going to take a nap, I'm exhausted.' She yawned.

'Not now Kushi. I want you to do something.'

'Now? Please Arnav, I'm dead-tired.'

'No excuses Kushi, come with me.' He pulled her along with him.

Kushi walked along cursing Arnav under her breath for dragging her along.

Arnav heard her mumble something about a 'Lord Governor,' who took pleasure in ordering people around.

'Now you may go and rest.' Arnav had taken her to the Spa within the resort, the Spa was one of the most popular attractions in the resort.

'Wow! This is amazing. I haven't been to a spa in ages. thank you so much.' She had hugged him in return.

'You are the best boyfriend ever!'

'Really, I thought I was a Lord Governor who bossed around people.'

Kushi put her hand over her ears as a way of apology, feeling embarrassed for her earlier behavior.

'Won't you join me?'

'Kushi do I look like someone who spends time at the spa?'

'What is wrong with that?'

'Nothing sweetheart. I'm not entirely comfortable receiving a pedicure or a facial. When you are blessed with the kind of looks like I'm, you don't need these things.'

Kushi put her bhands on her hips, readying herself for a fight. arnav smiled fondly in return. 'I was just kidding. The first part of your sessions will involve some personal grooming. I can't stay with you for that. Towards the end I might join you for a joint massage session, if you agree.'

'Sure why not? As long as we are decently covered I don't have a problem with that.'

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Kushi spent the next two hours getting pampered at the spa with a luxurious pedicure, manicure, facial and a hair conditioning treatment. Towards the end Arnav joined her and they both received an hour long full body massage. They both kept each other company by talking for a while but slowly Kushi had drifted away to take a nap and Arnav had joined her.

After a while they had woken up. They then roamed around the town center to do some shopping. Kushi felt as light as a feather after the pampering session at a spa. She had felt calm, relaxed and totally at peace after a long while. Seeing how relaxed and happy Kushi had looked Arnav had decided to book her in for a spa session every month. He knew for her age Kushi had way too much to deal with and he was going to do everything to help her through it all.

After reaching the town center, Kushi had insisted on getting her picture clicked with Arnav in local traditional outfits. Arnav had refused straight away but after relentless cajoling he agreed. He was irritated when he was forced to wear bulky uncomfortable clothes, but the minute he saw Kushi dressed in local finery all his irritation disappeared. Kushi looked ethereal in her outfit. She had always had an air of innocence about her. Today the outfit had added to that affect making her look even more splendid. He was running out of adjectives to describe how beautiful she looked. He posed for a couple of pictures with her and had then insisted that she take a few pictures on her own. He then selected one of her individual pictures so that he could keep the picture for himself. After the shoot Arnav took her to a clothe store nearby and purchased a Black silk and wool mix kurta with silk thread work in local Himachal style with a pair of silver churidar. He then purchased a pair of beautiful silver jhumkas and silver bangles that Kushi could wear with the outfit. After shopping they ate a small dinner and called it a night so that they could wake up early the following day. Kushi had tried her best to get Arnav to share his plans for the next day, but much to her irritation he had not revealed a single detail.

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The following day Arnav woke up a much irritated Kushi early in the morning. He asked her to wear the sweater she had packed and handed over a pair of windcheater jacket and snow boots to wear on the outside. They then began their journey towards their first destination of the day.

Sometime mid journey Kushi had realised that they were traveling towards 'The Rohtang pass' the only place Kushi had visited in a jiffy during her last trip to Manali. The pass is a high mountain pass about 50 Kms from Manali that connects the Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It offers a panoramic and spectacular mountain view along with beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and the Chandra river that flows down in the Lahaul valley.

After a prolonged journey they passed through the tunnel on a cab that Arnav had hired. Kushi was beyond excited to see the snow peaked mountains on either sides during the journey, the last time she had visited this place was on a bus. Due to the bad weather conditions on the day the trip was cancelled in between and the the bus had to turn around and return to Manali. Kushi was left very disappointed. Once they reached the place, they got out of the car to spend some time on the snow. Kushi screeched when she touched the snow with her hands. She made balls of snow and threw it at Arnav. Arnav who had initially tried to dissuade Kushi from playing what he called 'a childish game' was taken in by Kushi's child-like enthusiasm and joined her. They were soon throwing snowballs at each other and joined a few kids nearby. After a while Kushi had to be practically pulled away so that they could resume the remainder of their journey.

Arnav had initially planned on taking kushi for skiing, but given how taxing and dangerous it was he had decided against it. it was one thing to live life to the fullest but another thing to do something stupid when he had just recovered from the accident.

On the way back they stopped at the Solang valley for a paragliding trip.

'You must be joking Arnav.' Kushi had remarked when she realised what Arnav had planned to do next. Although Kushi considered herself to be a courageous, just the thought of gliding few hundred feet above the land made her feel dizzy.

'Kushi I have been doing this all my life. trust me you are in safe hands. We can fly together.' Kushi had no other option but to agree. After changing their clothes and listening to the instructor take them through the basics Kushi was still nervous.

'Kushi the last time I was here, I flew at 3000m. So you are in safe hands.' Arnav tried to reassure Kushi who nodded her head hesitantly. They had then attached the harness of para glider to their bodies, Arnav stayed at the back so that he could take control of maneuvering the glider so that Kushi could drench herself completely in the thrilling experience of viewing the surrounding without any concern. They ran down the hill at a 40 degree slope, the running resulted in air filling in the columns of the keel of the glider that allowed the glider to take off. The Solang valley slopes are perfectly made for paragliding. Initially Kushi closed her eyes and refused to open them as she was scared of the heights. But after Arnav's persistent encouraging and calming words, Kushi opened her eyes. What she saw left her spell bound. It was one of the best visual experiences of her life. She experienced ethereal serenity while sailing in air above the ground. She Enjoyed the view of Manali from height, an experience which was surreal and peaceful. The bird's eye view of the beautiful scenery below gave her an exhilarating feeling. She slowly relaxed into the flight and was excitedly looking around and sometimes even looking down to take in the beautiful scenery.

'See I told you, this is one experience you should not miss when you come to Manali.'

'You are right Arnav, this place is beautiful, absolutely beautiful,' she screamed excitedly.

'Not as beautiful as you Kushi.' Arnav replied affectionately.

Kushi turned around lightly and slanted her face to place a chaste kiss on Arnav's lips. But before she could break the kiss Arnav deepened the kiss. The feeling of kissing each other a few hundred meters above the ground produced a never-before exhilarating feeling.

After a short while they landed back on the valley.

'This is the most exciting thing I have done to date... ever.' Kushi said in between taking deep breaths.

'You are awesome Arnav! Thanks for making me do this.' She hugged him in front of other people in the landing area.

'Erm... Kushi, I think others are looking at us.'

'Let them.' And with that she took his lips in a kiss, the sense of exhilaration had lowered her boundaries and she had finally felt what it was like to do what one wanted to without a care in the world.

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'You look absolutely stunning Kushi.' Arnav walked towards Kushi who was wearing the black kurta that he had purchased the day before with the jewellery he had selected. After they returned from the gliding trip, they had both crashed and had slept through rest of the evening. Once they got up Arnav arranged for dinner to be served on a table near the river bank so that they could enjoy some food by the picturesque surroundings. Near their tables a small wood fire had been lit to give them some warmth.

'Thanks Arnav, this time I ought to credit the outfit., Its no wonder you are successful in selling fashion.'

Arnav then broke open a bottle of champagne to celebrate their trip, it was his first glass of alcohol after the accident.

Dinner was then served, Arnav had requested the chef to prepare the Kashmiri version of the 'Dum Aloo curry' as Kushi had once mentioned it was her favorite dish. They had a relaxing dinner by the river, with the warmth emanating from the wood fire keeping them company.

'You must be kidding. How did you manage to convince Di to go gliding?'

'As I said Kushi I do have a way of convincing people. The things is we all tend to be wrapped up so much around our fears, concerns of how others will perceive us, that we forget to live life in the process.'

He then held her hands, entwining his finhers with hers. 'There are so many things I still want to do, so may places I still want to see. I'd just hope I'd be able to do them with you. These two days have made me realise that when I do things that I like with you, the experience is beyond amazing.'

Kushi leaned into his shoulders. 'I know Arnav. I have lived a sheltered life so far. There are so many facets of life that I have never explored. And I'm looking forward to exploring them with you.' She then turned her face to look at him, her face a couple of inches away from his. 'You know right... all you have to do is ask.'

Arnav placed a soft kiss on her forehead and moved his shoulder to embrace her. Once he felt Kushi's head on his chest, he moved a few strands of hair that were blowing with the wind. 'Kushi...'

'Hmmm...' Kushi replied with her eyes closed.

'Kushi...'

'Yes Arnav, I'm listening.'

'I love you sweetheart. Thanks for everything.'

Kushi opened her eyes slowly to look into Arnav's eyes. Her eyes shone brilliantly conveying wordlessly the depth of her feelings for him. And Arnav's heart suddenly felt heavy, when he realised the magnitude of their mutual feelings.

He moved his lips towards her and kissed her lips, he tried to put every emotion that he felt for this woman, his lover, his companion, his soul mate, telling her how much he loved her, how much she meant to him. The kiss slowly stirred an intensity in both their hearts, an intensity that manifested itself in the realisation that they could never be a life without one another.

The sound of the cutlery from far away broke the spell and they both broke away from the kiss. But Arnav continued to hold Kushi close to him. They both looked at each other for a few moments trying to calm the erratically beating hearts and then looked further ahead at the river which seemed to flow gently to meet its destination at a place not far away.

'You know Kushi, I have never experienced happiness and serenity quite like this in my life, surely not in the presence of another person.' He wrapped his hands possessively around hers and pulled her even closer to him. 'I don't want this night to end Kushi,' He said with his nose rested near her neck, while inhaling the calming scent of hers. 'Do we really have to go back tomorrow?' He whispered into her hair.

'I love you Arnav and I wish we didn't have to go back tomorrow. But I need to do this Arnav. My career is a big part of who I'm, as it is with you. And I cannot let that take a back-seat. I'm sorry.' Kushi replied wondering if she was being too stubborn, whether she should give into her wish and take a day off the following day.

'You know Kushi, you make me so proud. You are right, we must head back tomorrow.'

A little while later they both walked back to the cottage with their hands wrapped around each other intimately. Something had changed between them, they both realised it. They had take a big step forward with this trip.

They remained silent as they entered the cottage, they remained silent as they walked up the stairs, they remained silent as they entered the bedroom, not trusting themselves to say anything, lest the spell was broken.

A/N-

Awaiting chappals.

A sincere apology for keeping you all waiting. I hope I made it up with an extra long Chapter.

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