Smitar's: Loving Khushi #1 Link to # 2 on Pg 1 - Page 43

Originally posted by: IPKlover

Update???? 😳

Originally posted by: rulama

Smita,

Here is the interpretation to Section 2 of Part 2.

This update is about difficult to find, catch, or achieve, may be a person, task or need. Sort of elusive, maybe the action is difficult to recall, something deceptive or deluding.

It is a WILL-O-WISP.

What is will-o-wisp?

It is atmospheric ghost lights seen by travellers at night, especially over bogs, swamps or marshes. It resembles a flickering lamp and is said to recede if approached, drawing travellers from the safe paths. The phenomenon is known by a variety of names, including ignis fatuus meaning foolish fire, jack o' lantern, hinkypunk, and hobby lantern in English folklore and in much of European folklore.

It is used to denote anything that deludes or misleads by luring on; an elusive thing or person, an illusion.

When Khushi left the bedroom she found the living room deserted, offering her prayers to Devi Maiyya she went to the kitchen where she brewed tea for Arnavji as Hari Prakashji was not to be seen. While she was setting the silver tray for Arnavji, Hari Prakashji came in and apologized saying that he had gone with the tea tray for Anjaliji and rest of the members of the house were there too. Khushi giving him a smile that conveyed her thanks for giving her the much needed information without asking, given the volatility of the situation, quickly made her way to Arnavji's bedroom. Her lucky star seemed to be shiny upon her. When she went in she could hear Arnavji voice with the inimitable staccato, speaking to Amanji, standing with his back towards her by the pool. Khushi keeping the tablets that he needed to take beside his tea, placed the tray on the small table by the pool quietly and cleared out. Sensing some movement Arnav turned, and all he could see was a wisp of the end of her duppatta float away like the deluding mist of a mirage. By the time he called out to her she was gone. He cursed himself, for he had hoped to spend a few moments with her. When he looked at the tray he saw the tablets, that she normally handed over to him in person and made sure he took it even when they were at loggerheads, was placed there. Right now, meeting her alone was proving to be as elusive as quicksilver. He realized that the task of getting her to talk was really difficult.

Khushi set the table after preparing the breakfast along with HP, while he took two trays for Nani and Anjali upstairs. While the rest of the family came down for breakfast, Arnav checked on his Di's and followed them. Khushi, who was waiting at the table and serving the food, plied his plate with food. When Arnav asked her to take her seat by his side, she refused saying that she would have it later, with out any inflection keeping an expressionless face. Her listless reponse made the rest look uneasily between the two. Once the breakfast was over, Khushi immersed herself in the mundane task of clearing the table, while Arnav got ready to go. While Payal was seeing Akash off, Khushi did not come out. Seeing even when he was all set to go, she did not come out, he called out to her. Khushi came out reluctantly,mand seeing her reluctance he told her that he needed to speak to her. She accompanied him to the door as she too needed to talk to him. Once away from the prying eyes, observing her beautiful but tired face he told her that, he was needed in the office as there was an important meeting and he would be back by noon, eliciting a nod from her. Knowing that he had only twelve days to woo her, wasting half a day in his office was something not to his liking, but it had turned out to be inevitable.

Khushi told him that she would like to visit Buaji's house and would be back by noon. Arnav looking at her wanting to refuse her let go anywhere could not say so. He just nodded and when he started to say, Di, she told him laconically that, she would not go to Anjaliji's room and she had learnt her lesson the hard way. Her voice was without any emotion, and usage of Anjaliji in place of Di made his eyes widen. When he insisted that she was Di not Anjaliji, Khushi with a wry smile, more of self derision, said that she is Di to her sister not to her as her sister's marriage was not on a contract basis. She knew her feeling otherwise so far had been illusory. Hearing it Arnav felt as though a stone had lodged in his throat and was unable to swallow, and knew he was being stone walled. He felt that Khushi was as slippery as an eel and was inching away from his life. Feeling desolate, leaving his bag on the floor, pulling her into his arms, with her head against his heart, wished he could paint the landscape of her memory with best of delights, erasing off every harsh word he had said, every folly he had committed. Trying to console her, placing a kiss on her hair that was meant to convey, be careful, inhaling the jasmine fragrance, said that things would improve. Di would get better and realize that the fault lay not with her, but with Shyam. She needs a bit of time and asked Khushi to give it. Khushi pulled out of his arms with difficulty, having to fight not only with him but even herself said, that she does not have the luxury of being able to give Anjaliji the time, as she would be out of RM in twelve days time. Anjaliji could take all the time she needed, to come to terms with the misery that her life has fallen to. She would not even stress her by asking for forgiveness. Once she was out of this place, Anjaliji's anger and forgiveness will have no bearing on her. Khushi told all this stoically. She knew she had to be practical and that was what her life had taught her and held her together all the time before. She was under no illusions as to her place in the lives of the Raizadas. Seeing her stoic acceptance and mulish obstinacy, he felt as helpless as the doves caught in a storm, and could do nothing but stare. But he being more stubborn censured, that he would not let her leave him at the end of twelve days. Her retort was, that she did not need his permission to do anything after twelve days as they would cease to be a couple and she would no longer be bound to him. His eyes, showed the hurt at her words and the seeds of panic sprouting with it. When he warned her with a, Khushi, she reminded him that her Jiju was waiting for him, making him warn once again, that was not the end of their conversation. But Khushi being Khushi knew, that her marriage was like a mirage, where things appear but they are not real. Her retort, that they had twelve more days to squabble over it, but whatever he said or did, would not make any difference to her decision to leave on the 15^th of August, left him feeling helpless. Arnav looked at her, silent and helpless, ruing his earlier deeds that were boomeranging back to him. Hearing Akash calling out to him, he left to the office. While Arnav went with Akash, Khushi getting her purse hurried out to Gupta House lest Amma and Buaji come looking for her, today being her birthday.

Though the meeting had gone well, Arnav was disturbed and his heart was sick with the thoughts of Khushi deserting him. His attempts to bring her around were coming to a naught and she was fast becoming impalpable. The stress due to the unpredictability of the outcome of his wooing was rapidly taking its toll on him. His head ached like a herd of elephants tromping around his skull. With the intention of ascertaining that Khushi had returned, he called home, only to find that she had not yet returned and face Mami's querry, whether they had a spat? When he assured her and also himself, that it was not so, she said in jest that both Khussi and Laxmi are missing and to ask Khussi whether she had taken Laxmi with her after all they both were best friends. Though it was said to him in a lighter vein, Mami was showing that Phati saadi had no one in the house who would back her, the only support she can expect was from Laxmi, Nani's pet goat. It was an intentionally ambiguous way of saying Khushi was not welcome at RM. Her concern lay with Anjali and Arnav and Phatti saadi had no place in their life. Arnav extricated himself with difficulty from the conversation.

Coming to know that Khushi was yet to reach RM, he thought of the options he had. One was to call her. Just the very thought of listening to her voice made his heart beat, as fast as an Arabian steed on a race track. But he wondered what could he ask her? Dropping the cell on the table he wondered what to do, while his hand cupped his nape giving it a gentle squeeze. He rolled his neck to ease out the pain. And suddenly he brightened up with the thought, that maybe' he could drop in at GH under the pretext of taking her home. He knew she would be outnumbered and he would have the full support of Buaji and Amma if he insisted that she accompany him. He knew without such tactic she was bound to delay her return and only with tricky manipulations would he be able to get her home with him. With this thought in mind, he rushed out unheedful of an astonished Akash about to enter his cabin.

At GH, all were at dining table sipping tea while they were immersed in deep thought. Buaji's face was sad, like the sun in the day of mist, when his face is watery and dim, and was sighing at regular intervals, sounding like the wind sighing through the trees under rainy skies saying, Poor Anjali Bitiyaa! Poor Arnav Bitwaa! Amma grated her teeth and said that, she was well rid of that knave. Buaji sighing out deeply told, that it would take a long time for Anjali Bitiya to get over the scoundrel. It is most fortunate that she has her Payaliyaa and Titliyaa to comfort her. They would do everything to comfort her. Amma and Babuji concurred with her. Babuji held on to his cup with trembling fingers, a sign of recovery from the stroke, slow but sure. Khushi looking into her tea cup thought that Buaji, Amma and Babuji have vested so much of hopes on her to help Anjaliji! They are under the illusion that their Titliya would be there at RM to shoulder the responsibilities. But the sad part is, they do not even know that she is soon to be back amidst them to plague them. Right now her situation would be incomprehensible to them. She felt tears pooling in her eyes that were like honey-heavy dew. She thought, for the past ten years her family had been bearing the brunt of the scrapes that she had been getting into. Was this the price they had to pay for adopting her? When would this come to an end? With great difficulty, she suppressed her tears. At the query from Buaji, how Arnav Bitwa was? Khushi with a smile said, he was alright, setting their mind at rest. When the door bell rang, Khushi volunteering to open, hoped that it would be Vimla Chachi, who talks nineteen to the dozen and relieve her of being further probe. Then, she thought she would get respite from all the eyes and in privacy of her room, which was lacking in RM, would be able to relieve her heavy heart, knowing that just as heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of water, she too needed the relief.

As she opened the door and she stood still, her heart, fluttering up and down like a butterfly in a garden, at seeing Arnav Singh Raizada looking at her, with his caramel eyes, wide with a smile. She was so engrossed that she forgot to let him in. Seeing no response, Buaji asked who was that? And Khushi managed to say, her Payaliyaa's Jethji! Addressing her husband, in terms of his relation with her sister through her marriage, Khushi has once again given the hint in a subtle and tricky way that any relation as spouse was there only for the next twelve days. Buaji and Amma, oblivious to the true state of affairs rushed to welcome him, chiding Khushi as to why she was not letting Damaadji in and addressing her as Sanka Devi, Buaji stressed, that she was behaving quite crazily. Khushi with great difficulty let him in and her Amma and Buaji greeted him with warmth and affection, exclaiming over the slight loss of weight after the kidnapping.

They hovered around him looking at the marks made by the rope, throwing curses at the rogues who kidnapped him. When Arnav looked at Khushi she replied, that she had told them. Arnav nodded agreeing as to what was there to be gained by hiding it. When Buaji invited him in, he told her that he was on his way home and had come to collect Khushi. Seeing him blink his eyes trying to suppress the headache, Buaji made him sit at the dining table and ordered Khushi to prepare ginger tea that would reduce the pounding in his head. When he greeted Babuji, receiving a folded hand greeting in return, he was wonderstruck. Seeing it Amma whispered, that he was much better now and was able to drink by himself and utter a few words. Buaji added that, physiotherapy was doing wonders and her massaging too has contributed to it. Arnav was truly delighted with the progress and smiled at Babuji, and in return received a lopsided smile. As Khushi brought tea, she was forced to sit by his side as that was the only vacant chair. Arnav sipping the tea, stole glances at Khushi and observed, that she was unusually silent and had grown pale like a flower that is cut off. When Buaji asked him how Anjali Bitiyaa was, he kept silent. Amma added that Khushi told them that he had found out the truth about Shyam and it must have been a big jolt to Anjali Bitiyaa. Buaji lamented saying, Bitiyaa had believed him to be a loving person. She had loved and had placed her implicit trust in him and he was totally an unfit for her love and trust. Arnav just nodded and thought, it was incomprehensible as to how he could not see through Shyam for such a long time! Shyam was one fine actor. Buaji opened up and admitted with shame that it was her fault, when he had said that he was from Lucknow, an orphan and was in need of a room to stay she had believed him and taken him as a boarder. She was taken in by his Lucknavi manners, smooth and cultured talk and had never dreamt that he was double-tongued as well as double-faced person. Arnav could see the pain and guilt in their eyes for not having seen through and said, he had tricked all of them. Buaji hit her forehead saying, she should have seen through when he was absent for long periods saying he was travelling, but they had not doubted his words. When Shashi Babua fell ill, their thought had centered on getting the two daughters married. Seeing this, Shyam taking advantage had asked for Titliyaa's hand and she had thought getting such a good proposal was a blessing. Moreover, he would stay with them along with him liking Khussi and keeping her happy. Her words angered Arnav and made him grind teeth silently resulting in a clenched jaw and hard chin with muscles jumping near the jawline. Buaji admitted that Titliyaa was not at all for the marriage. Amma added that every time they suggested, she kept on refusing. Buaji continued saying that, she tried to force her and had relentlessly pressurized her but she never budged. Amma once again added that, finally on Diwali night she agreed. Arnav whipped his head up, like a an invisible whip being cracked, and looked at Khushi. Her eyes skittered away while her hands were held in tight clasp on her lap with blood drained out. Buaji and Amma were unaware of all that was going on between them. Buaji asked Arnav, whether he remembered that night, he had dropped her back? Arnav did not need Buaji to remind him of that night. The night he had hurt her so much, the night he had humiliated her to no end, the night he had made her shed the pearly tears as he had ripped her heart into shreds. His quiver of errors was being filled rapidly and was growing like a weed. He realized he was on a slippery surface. It was a miracle that she was still talking to him. He tried to swallow his pain, but could not. Buaji and Amma continuing their narration taking turns told him that, within a few minutes after he left, Shyam had turned up. Somebody had written graffiti on the wall of their house linking Shyam and Khushi in an unpalatable way. Her father had a seizure hearing this and did not fancy mud slinging on his daughter. She was cornered and she was forced to accept him. They were forced to conduct the engagement that night itself.

By then Amma, Buaji and Babuji were tearful and filled with remorse for having placed their Titliyaa's head on the anvil unknowingly. Buaji with a frown told that, she had been the resident of the locality for twenty years and knows every one here. She wondered, who would dare to write such nonsense about her neice on the wall? Arnav pointed that, it could be Shyam's handiwork, hiring someone to do it for him. Arnav now had a fair idea of the nefarious nature of his haloed Jiju. They all agreed that it must be so and they had never thought about the incident in this way. Amma's heart twisted at what they had put Khushi through and sighed at the way they had forced the unwilling girl. Khushi looked at the finger, where she had worn Shyam's ring while Arnav nodded at what they said. Overcome by hatred, Buaji gasped, scoundrel, while Bauji squeezed his hands clutching the arms of his chair as though it was Shyam's neck. Once again, all those present were introduced to illusory ways of Shyam Manohar Jha. He had not only lied to them, but also tricked them to the degree that was incomprehensible at that time. The glib lawyer had ascertained that his actions were all premeditated and were made to appear as a favour and hoodwinked all of them. He kept all in an illusory state while he bamboozled them. While thoughts of violence of varied degree was hovering in the hearts of all those present in the room, Buaji addressing Arnav said that, they would have never been in the know, that he was Anjali Bitiyaa's husband, if Bitiyaa had not invited Titliyaa for the Satyanarayan Pooja in his house. With the grace of God, she saw him there on the terrace. Arnav recalled that day, Khushi had walked into his room in a daze, not knowing where she was, with her eyes brimming with tears. It must have been after confronting that scumbag on the terrace. When she had knocked in to him unknowingly, she had sobbed her heart out with stream of tears descending like a broken necklace of pearls and he had felt that something had gone awry. The betrayal of family's trust in Shyam, the knowledge that Di's marriage was balancing on fragile glass, the unpalatable truth that Shyam had turned her into 'the other woman' in his marriage, must have broken her. She who had held marriage and all the things associated with it, with honor and respect, was being made by Shyam to go against her innate being, engaging himself in polygamy, thereby making her an accomplice in his crime. She along with the others, were made to see things that had lulled them to a false sense of security, which were nothing but magical illusion. Arnav wished if only he had known then, if only she had told him. The very next moment the query that arose in his mind, would he have believed her, answered it. Arnav had no more illusions about ASR. He knew having such firm faith in Shyam then, he would have accused her instead. With his thoughts on Khushi being always bordering on suspicion, in order to cover up for his attraction, he would have accused her of all vile things, though he would have never meant it in reality. But words, are like pearls, once broken cannot be repaired. His illusory ways had been responsible for her not to confide in him.

Buaji told him with relish that her Titliyaa had thrown his ring at his face and had delivered a well-timed five finger salute across the face, an action which she wished, she was a witness to and she too would have joined the fray to give him a hiding of his life with her rolling pin, one that would have been never forgotten in his lifetime. Amma continuing the narration, wiping the tears streaming down her face, told Arnav that Shyam had come over after the pooja and they had thrown him out. He had held breaking of Payaliyaa's wedding as a sword on their heads, if they spilled the beans. Buaji took up the narration saying, undeterred, they had sent Khussi to RM to tell Anjali Bitiyaa the truth about her husband. Seeing Anjali Bitiyaa agitated over broken mangalsutra she could not do so however much she tried. Later,on Payaliyaa's wedding day' Buaji petered off and Amma continued, lamenting that, hearing Anjali Bitiyaa was carrying, they had thought he would have mended his ways and become a better man. On hind sight they realized that he was like an apparition and whatever he had shown them was not really there.

Buaji told him that, they should not have hidden but disclosed it to him sooner, but how could they destroy the happiness in his family with what they knew, if Shyam had mended his ways? Would he have believed them, if told what sort of a dirtball his brother-in-law was? Arnav nodded indicating that he understood. Amma once again with bitter regret and a heavy heart said that, had they told all this may be he would not have dared to kidnap, and if anything had happened to him, Arnav Babua,' They just could not fathom the folly of their silence then! Buaji too nodded sighing heavily.

Arnav giving a gentle smile assured them that, he was fine and their Titliyaa was the one who saved him. Amma, Buaji and Babuji looked at Khushi with appreciation in their moist eyes, while Khushi had her eyes downcast. Arnav assured them once again over his Di's state saying that, she too would be fine but would need time to reconcile to facts and moreover having her baby would help her to pull through. All agreed with his statement. As they sat around the table, talking Arnav relished the feeling of being part of the family and basked in the love, warmth and concern shown by these simple people for whom relation and people were of utmost importance than money. The wealth they measured in others, were in terms of human relationship, love and goodness in heart and not the status, money or luxuries one could have. These qualities were all in complete contrast to all the things he had time and again accused Khushi off. It was Shyam, who was the epitome of all the things he had thought Khushi to be, a golddigger, a liar, a manipulator, a betrayer, a backstabber, a conspirator and an opportunist. He had been hallucinating about those things to be in Khushi, though they appeared to be so to him at that time, none of them were true.

Buaji bustled off to kitchen, saying that he must stay back for lunch as it was Sanka Devi's birthday. Arnav was stunned to hear it and when he managed to voice out that she never uttered a word about it, she shrugged it off saying, it was not of that importance. But he refuted saying that, it was important and wished her with a heart-felt, Happy Birthday, Khushi. May you have all the happiness in the world today and every day of your life, for which Khushi thanked him like an echo, where things can be perceived, but there is nothing there, either inside or outside.

Arnav rubbed his forehead to ease out the pain, but worse than that was, he being unaware of Khushi's birthday. That was not acceptable! He had not even purchased a gift! That was all the more unacceptable to him! Seeing him squeezing his forehead, Amma thought that his head ache had persisted and told him that, Khussi would give him a head massage, making both Arnav and Khushi stare back in shock! Khushi's mind screamed a No! Buaji called out proudly that, her hands have a magical effect! After all Titliyaa was her niece! Amma giving her the bottle asked her to massage with the oil like she does for them and make Babua's head ache vanish. Khushi's aside, Hey Devi Maiyya! If only I could vanish! made Arnav smile. She realized her position is similar to that of a reflection. Things appear but have no reality of their own. When Amma asked whether she said anything, Khushi just shook her head and wondered, what was the use of protesting? Her life was doomed! Her family was worried about Arnav Babua's headache while her own personal headache was Arnav Babua himself and he was sitting pretty by her waiting for his massage! Arnav who was waiting to feel her touch, asked for the massage hoping that she would comply and he would get the pleasure of her touching him even if it was just a head massage. Khushi sat where she was, looking at the bottle of oil in her hand and her contract husband. Her cheeky thought was, what bliss it would be to fry him in it. Though calm outward, boiling inside, her images of frying him, though delusive, was satisfying!

"Don't believe everything you think. Thoughts are just that - thoughts"

~ Allan Lokos, Pocket Peace: Effective Practices for Enlightened Living

Arnav is realizing that Khushi is fast turning out to be like a mirage, knows he has to woo her with great care. He also knew that if he slackens his pursuit he would end up with a reflection, things appear, but have no reality of their own and she would just end up by becoming an illusion for him.

Khushi knowing that Arnav will woo her is placing a stone on her heart lest she exposes it to another hurt, thinking that the love, trust and faith of Arnav was like the city of Gandharvas for her, where there was neither a dwelling nor anyone to dwell.

For the residents of Gupta House, the episode of Shyam in their life was like a magic illusion where things are made to appear due to the temporary coming together of causes and conditions. One that they would like to put behind, if possible succumb to Amnesia.

For Shyam it was like a dream, objects perceived with the five senses are not there, but they appear through delusion. He had deluded himself of having the cake and eating it too. All he got in the end was the boot.

"Because an illusion is an illusion. Reality always exists despite the facade"

~ Kasie West, Pivot Point

That is why this is titled WILL-O-WISP.

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation to Section 3 of Part 2.

This update is about coming out from a defensive position to make an attack. An intense attack intended to bring about a swift victory.. in a word, BLITZKRIEG.

What is Blitzkreig?

It is a military tactical term of German origin. The word, meaning "lightning war", in its strategic means is associated with a series of quick and decisive short battles to deliver a knockout blow to an enemy before they could fully mobilize.

When Khushi slowly looked around for some sort of support to get out of massaging Arnav, all she found was the expectant eyes, of Amma, Babuji and Buaji on her, to comply. They were putting forth their expectation out for her through their single look without uttering a word. As she looked at her contract husband, with eyes, as luminous, bright and brown as waters of a woodland river, he was waiting with naughtiness twinkling that said, she was a fair game. Khushi's whisper, He Devi Maiyya! like a low wind sigh, was met with a smile from Arnav. Clutching tightly the bottle of oil, showing her distress over the need to minister a massage, as she moved towards the object of her distress, the door bell rang. Khushi heaved a sigh of relief at the thought of being saved by the bell for a few minutes.She thought it would help her to emerge intact out of the soup she was lead into. Buaji with a good natured grumble called out, that she was on her way, as she ambled her rotund self to open the door. It was Vimla Chachi who had come visiting, armed with the latest of the grapevines. Amma, whispering to Khushi and Arnav, asked them to go to the bed room to get the massaging done. She instructed Khushi, to massage his head as it would give him the much needed relief. She also instructed Arnav, to remove his shirt to avoid oil stains on it. Khushi felt her heart stop and her chest constrict. Khushi, with eyes that grew bright and large, like the water springs when rain-fed that dilate their marge, stared at her mother as though she was doling out a preposterous advice. Arnav, turned his laughter that was bubbling inside him wanting to come out like the sudden outburst of the glad bird in the tree-top, into a hiccup. It was like letting monkey free in the banana plantation.

When Buaji let Vimla Chachi in, Arnav's suggestive query, was she not going to comply with her mother's request? was weighed by Khushi for what it was worth. His snide smirk made her boil and promised herself to pay him back in spades, even if it was the last thing she did. As Amma's hurriedly urged to go inside, Khushi looked heavenward, mentally promising her Devi Maiyya, that She was to get an earful as soon as she had dealt with the pest of a Raizada who was sitting pretty in front of her. Armed with the bottle of oil she marched to the bedroom and was followed by a jubilant Arnav. The lines for the battle were drawn.

As a sulky Khushi walked into the bedroom she realized, that her fate as plain as a day, was leaning towards him. Taking care to lock the door lest Vimla Chachi sauntered in and comment on the rope cuts on his arms or his leanness, Arnav shed his waist coat and his shirt. Khushi asked Arnav to sit on the chair, placing the bottle of oil on her table by Devi Maiyya'a idol. Seeing Arnav's bare torso, she gasped and stammered out. You... what... why? with her eyes, lingering on his shoulders and back, allured by the silky, golden wheat-coloured skin, looking smooth, just like a velvet breeze on a summery night, tempting her hands to wander over them at will. The assault on her senses had begun.

Arnav turning his head towards her asked, did she not hear what her Amma had to say? The oil would stain his shirt. The bare torso Adonis, looking as innocent as a new born babe, but full of naughty intentions was dressed in just a pair of black trousers. Khushi shut her eyes for a moment inhaling deeply, trying to calm her mind and her heart that was quaking and quivering, like a short-haired puppy after a ducking, while Arnav relished witnessing in the mirror, the gamut of expressions that flitted across her face. He had a wide grin ear to ear like a Cheshire cat. It was a raid on her senses, to see Arnav in a half dressed state. When Khushi opened her eyes he schooled his face into innocence, wiping off the smile from his face. Khushi moved a step closer to the chair and leaned across him to reach the bottle. Her unbound hair, like a cascading waterfall showered down upon his shoulders, caressing his back like a soft gentle breeze. It made Arnav shudder, and Khushi frown and ask, was he feeling cold, even on such a warm day. No, very hot was his wise crack. Khushi's frown deepened unable to comprehend what he meant. Pouring a little oil into her left palm, leaning over, to place the bottle on the table, her arm gently brushed his shoulder like a silk scarf, leaving just a soft and a pleasurable feeling, making his breath hitch. Khushi, unaware of her effect on him, frowning as he drew in a sharp breath, assured that it won't hurt, but wondered, why he was scared of the oil! Feeling the necessity, to have his head held at an angle to massage his forehead, overcoming her inhibition, she touched with trembling hands, his thick dark mane, looking lush like a woodland growth, to rest against her bosom. Khushi felt breathless at the feel of his head against her softness. His hair was soft, silky, smooth and unruly, yielding into her hands, the dark locks playing with her breath imploring her fingers, to entwine with them. Arnav shut his eyes with bated breath for more assault on his senses. Slowly, with shaking fingers Khushi spread the oil on his forehead, sharp nose, lean cheeks and clenched jaw. With flourishing strokes she smoothed oil from his chin down to his neck. The muscles of his throat worked as he tried to control himself from pulling her into his lap and kissing her senseless. His hands clutched the arms of the chair, in a strong iron grip.The offensive was taking its toll on him too.

Arnav lifted his lashes and took in her flustered face, with a blush rising on her like the morning sun, as she was coming to terms with having him at her mercy and the freedom of touching him at her will. With perfect silence prevailing, the air seemed so thick that they could not even draw breath. Khushi, lifting her head saw in the mirror, his eyes smoldering with heated passion as they ran over her. Air was like wine, heady with desire and love, that had long been suppressed, were making their presence felt. Khushi skittering away her eye, continued with the task at hand, while Arnav's molten caramel eyes continued to devour her. With deft fingers and slick movements she massaged his knotted nerves relaxing them. Taking each and every part of his face with her fingers using her magical touch, she relaxed them and kneaded the pain out. Arnav relaxed against the soft cushioning of her bosom, feeling like a drifting cloud, bathed in her warm touch, experienced euphoria, so far unknown to him. It was like getting wings to his dreams and floating in a pain-free sky. He relished this attack blitz on his senses. When her warm fingers moved down to his throat, he could feel her hesitation. He sat waiting in silence trying to bring the erratic heart beat under control. Khushi looking at his well toned torso, feeling as breathless as the deer driven hard to bay, wondered, why was it that he had to remove his shirt?

Pushing his head away from her bosom she worked on his nape, elicting a sigh of relief and pleasure. His husky voice, making butterflies dance in her belly, asked her to massage his shoulders too. Knowing that she was reluctant to do it, he set forth to corner her so that she was left with no option than to give in to his request. Gripping his shoulders on one hand, she leaned to take the bottle. Arnav shut his eyes in pleasure at the warm touch, loving the dig of her nails on his muscles.

Khushi warming the oil between her palms, applied it on his shoulders where his muscles rippled in spasms, like the waves rolling in, as she caressed them. Arnav with his hawk like eyes, watched her closely, as she massaged his aching body. Khushi, sensing his burning eyes up on her, felt her hand slip from the shoulder she had been working on to slide down his arm. She quickly lifted her arm and what she saw in his eyes made her tuck the tendril on her face behind her ear, forgetting that her fingers were soaked in oil. Arnav feeling a wave of tenderness washing over him at this endearing gesture of hers, smiled at her through the mirror. His smile was launching a storm in her mind, turning her cheeks into a blushing cloud. This constant shelling on her senses and heart made her decide that it was time to retreat as it was taking a toll on her. Khushi grabbed the bottle of oil and got ready to leave the room knowing the effect of the smiling assassin on her heart. A grumpy Raizada could freeze her heart, but a smiling one was deadly. He could make her heart soar high and float like streamers in the wind. But that very thing was hazardous to her heart. She knew that this Arnav, was capable of penetrating deep into her heart and be the cause of her meltdown. But, that was not what the rational side of her mind told her she wanted.

Arnav who was now an imp personified asked, was she not planning to massage his head or was he to ask her Amma to do? Khushi clenching her jaws and gritting her teeth, just like a dry ice in hot water, hissed in anger. She was being overrun by maelstrom of emotions. On one hand, she was being rushed to massage him and bear the brunt of his onslaught on her senses. On the other hand, anger was pushing her not to give in to him. She thought if this was what she could look forward to in the next twelve days, then there would only be stubs as remnants of teeth just like ramparts of fallen forts. For his head, she had a list of lovely thoughts on ways to grind it and massaging never featured in it. She glared at her Devi Maiyya who was watching the proceedings with Benevolent Eyes, who she believed was the puppeteer. She poured oil on her palm, making Arnav ravish with delight. While Khushi massaged his scalp with her deft and nimble fingers, Arnav's moans in delight were the only sounds in the room, discounting the wild erratic heartbeats and their heavy breathing. Arnav's words, her hands feel so good, uttered with a voice so mellow, so bright and warm, as if a beam of sunshine had been melted into sound, sent tingles down her spine. Khushi was unable to talk at the rush of feelings that were arising in her. Finishing the massage in a record speed, heaving a huge sigh of relief, she screwed the cap tightly on the bottle. As she went around, in a move of lightning speed, she found herself seated in the comfort of Arnav Singh Raizada's lap, her hands clutching at his glistening shoulders for support. The blitz attack, left her with no other option than to comply, as she was not given time to react.

His arms had wound themselves around her waist bringing her close to his warm and stripped torso. As Khushi squirmed, his hands held her as tight as an oyster, making Khushi say in protest, what was he upto, and to leave her alone. Arnav cradling her in his arms and kissing her forehead and trying to comfort her, murmured his thanks against her skin. It was a bolt out of blue. She sat still on his lap to digest his kiss and his gratitude. Arnav kissing her cheek said in the softest of whispers, that her hands were soft, as soft as dew on flowers of spring, and his lips caressed her skin. Khushi felt her heart boom louder than a bass drum, faster than a runaway train. Nuzzling her nose with his, Arnav smeared her face with oil and mumbled that, her fingers possessed magic. His intense attack, succeeded in making Khushi short of breath with her eyes out on stalks!

Arnav staring at her parted lips for a fraction of a second, in keeping to the promise he made to himself as to show her his love in all possible ways, at all possible times, whenever he felt so, in a move as swift as the thought, caught her lips in a kiss, as sweet as honey. After a while, when he lifted his face off hers, bedazzled by the onslaught, her fingers lay curling in his hair, gripping them as though they were her lifeline. Arnav carried Khushi in his arms and laid her on bed. Getting in beside her he held her close to his body, making Khushi hug him in a warm snuggle and enjoy the feel of his weight on her.

Raining her face with kisses, giving her lips the misses, taking his own sweet time to worship her with his lips, pressing his lips all over her face but her lips, he kept her yearning so long, he kept her so longing that, finally in desperation, Khushi clutched the back of his head and pulled him closer so that their lips could meet. Passion and desire, like the two twists of rope, mutually mixed one with the other, twining inextricably round their heart. Teasing her lips with soft kisses, he made Khushi feel the need to have his lips firmly on hers. The attack was turning into a victory. As she pulled at his shoulders and dragged his face closer, there came a knock from Amma, asking Khushi, how Damadji's headache was and Vimla had gone. This reality check from Amma, burst the dream bubble that had enveloped her and let her soar high, allowing her heart to take the lead, made Khushi scamper off her bed. It was Arnav who called out with laughter lurking in his voice, that he was much better and his headache had taken a hike. Khushi was still soaked in the emotional downpour, with her hazel eyes, looked at his laughing face giving it sultry glances, unable to control her reeling senses. His head ache was gone but hers was just beginning. He had aroused her sensually so much that now she was left with what she was never aware of before, craving and unfinished!

In this update, we see Khushi being the target and Arnav achieving the victory. He has succeeded in awakening her sensual needs and she has ventured out to initiate the kiss. He has made her extremely aware, that it was he whom she needs. With the timely help of her parents Arnav has succeeded beyond his dreams now, with the continuous blitz attack.

While doing so Arnav too is not unaffected. He has realized that he enjoys Khushi's company more than anything and he would go to any length to be with her. Shelling her senses with his reactions to her touch and later with kisses he is giving her a glimpse of how things could be between them if given a chance.

The day is not over yet. It is just nearing mid-day and it is the birthday of Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Arnav Singh Raizada is not the one who will be going to let go of this chance. Having lost a few hours to work in the morning, he has made it up beautifully beyond his expectation. It was a successful BLITZKRIEG.

"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be"

~ Kahlil Gibran

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Originally posted by: sayali_d23

humaraaa

Originally posted by: rulama

Sayali,

Update is tomorrow 😉