ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn - Thread 5 - COMPLETED - Page 28

His phone rang startling her. She immediately sat up coming back to her senses and adjusted her saree that is all crumpled in his hold. She looked extremely flustered and embarrassed as he knew what she was about to do if that damn phone hadn't rung at the time. A subtle grin appeared on his lips seeing Khushi all bemused.

Next time, if you wanna talk to someone, you better call them from your phone. He tried to lighten up the mood and put her at ease diverting her attention. But she remained silent with her downcast eyes. And that was surprise to him.

It is so embarrassing. What will Akash think of me? He continued his efforts to bring her feistiness out. Khushi stood numb totally in different world, unable to understand whats happening to her. Most importantly her anger started riling up seeing how casually he could talk as if nothing happened between them moments ago.

He wants to ask her if she is OK but that would be one pathetic question after what happened or was about to happen between them. He shook her, holding her arm, Khushi? I am talking to you.

Haan, tho kya? She barked shocking him taking out her frustration as she is unable to deal with the gush of new feelings for him. And the fact that he is acting as if everything is normal between them pissed her even more. I thought you are good with words. How do I know you cant even come up with an excuse? She is annoyed at herself and him for not being able to talk openly.

Khushi dont talk to me like that! He grabbed her arm tightly.

I dont know how else to speak. I am not able to understand what to talk and what not to talk with you? Chodo mera haath. Jaane do! She herself didnt understand why she is reacting like that. She is deeply hurt unable to comprehend if its due to the ruined moment or with him acting all normal. Deep down she expected him to talk openly, why he touched her like that. Why he is always so fascinated with her sindoor? Why he always have this urge to tuck her strands? She wanted answers from him for her new feelings.

Khushi, dont you raise your voice. Arnav warned her pointing his finger at her.

I will, kya karloge? Arnav frowned at her reply. She continued without looking into his eyes, Why are you a big question mark in my life? Just when I think I know you and everything is fine between us, you mess up my brain. Neither you talk openly nor make yourself understandable. Khushi lost her cool and for the first time she is not able to accept this contrasting personality of his. She is more of an open book while he is extremely secretive. She is just not able to digest the fact that he is unaffected by all these.

He angrily shrugged her off backward and spoke in threatening tone, Dont forget that you came to my house and to my life at your will! This is how I am and this is how I will be all my life!! Agar rehna hain tho chupchap raho warna...He couldnt complete his sentence. He just looked at her angrily one last time before turning back to his room.

She stood in despair and disquieted watching him walk away angrily. She felt so helpless and she needed to talk to him; She wanted him to talk to her, help her understand why she is feeling so anxious and restless. I needed your help and some direction in my life Arnav. Too sad that you are not trying to understand beyond my words.

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He laid on his bed with the room lights turned off and sleep miles away. He fumed unable to understand why it is so difficult for Khushi to accept him the way he is. He is what he is and he will be the way he wanna be. If she wanna share my life, its better she familiarizes herself with my negativities. He concluded. I am not going to change for anyone, not even for you Khushi. Its better you realize this fact, sooner the better! Its just impossible for me to be the way you are expecting me to be! He tried to justify himself in his own mind but his conscience is not convinced and that scared him.

Too sad that you are not able to understand what I feel for you!

Thak gaye hain paon chalte chalte
Sach mein dar gaye hain hum darthe darthe

Abh tho khwab bhi nahi dhekhey jaathe
Jaante hain toot jayenge yeh jaagthe jaagthe

**credit to my buddy LALA (lalarukh) for writing such beautiful lines so apt for Arnav. Thank you my friend!

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Next morning, Khushi woke up at her regular time to find him nowhere in his room. Bhaag gaya hoga! What else he knows to do. She shook her head feeling exasperated.

She got all dressed up and sat infront of mirror. She took pinch full of sindoor and ran her forefinger on her maang. She shyly blushed remembering last night how he touched her there tracing his finger on the sacred bond between them. Soon their fight and his retreat flashed in her mind and her face turned red due to anger. Idiot! Doesnt even know how to deal a woman. She threw her comb in the drawer angrily and walked out of her room.

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By the time she finished her pooja, she saw him coming back from his jog and they both exchanged angry looks before they minded their own business again.

After few mins, he got ready for the office and came down to dining room and noticed Khushi setting the table ready. He took his seat without looking at her. He grabbed his bread and served it on his plate.

Khushi immediately took the plate away and kept the plate served with Khichdi.

Today's breakfast is Khichdi not bread. She said keeping her cool.

He spoke nothing and grabbed the bread plate again only to be taken away by her and this time a bit roughly from his hands.

This is called Khichdi not Khushi. You can save your anger to take it on me later time. She said raising her brows making a point.

He got up from the chair pushing it behind. And I am Arnav Singh Raizada not Arnie! You better get this straight in your head. He angered and tried to walk away.

She held his wrist and stopped him, Arnav? you are insulting the food by refusing it. She spoke calmly in convincing tone.

It was not available when I needed it the most. It lost my respect on it that day; so I dont have any reason to insult it today. He released her hand from his grip and walked away leaving her all disappointed.

He walked upto the door and turned back to look at her. Her eyes still locked on him, watching his every step going farther away from her.

I am going to city hall to check on the annual party preparations. Raghu (driver) is here to drop you in the office today. I should be back in the office by 9. Saying this he walked away without turning back.

If you are not Arnie, you wouldnt have stopped to give me an explanation. Whether you admit or not, you are changing. I promise you will realize it one day. I just hope that day comes soon Arnav. She spoke to herself

As Kaka walked into the dining room, Khushi turned away hiding her tears. She asked Kaka to pack the breakfast for them, and to keep everything ready for the evening Janmashtami pooja, before she retreated to her room.

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Aman, whats Mr. Raizada's schedule for the morning? Khushi asked Aman over phone from her cabin.

He has meeting at 9:30 with canadian client to discuss Summer collection.

Can you push it to 10:30?

I can check with the client but Mr. Raizada? Aman hesitated to tell that Arnav might not like the rescheduling idea.

Dont worry about him. Something personal came up in the last min. Postpone the meeting to 10:30, Okay?

Ji, will do.

Thank You.

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Due to rush hour and mumbai traffic, Arnav was running late to the meeting assuming that it is still ON at 9:30. He rushed directly to the meeting and found no one in the conference room. Just as he was about turn around to exit, Khushi entered with food pack and locked the door behind her.

Sit! Food is getting cold. She said walking towards the table.

Whats going on Khushi? Where is the client? Meeting is supposed to start at 9:30. He asked in confusion.

I postponed the meeting to 10:30. Jaldi karo. We dont have much time. She said without looking at him, busily fixing up his food.

You postponed it? But I didnt ask you to. He barked at her.

You did not. That was my decision.

I didnt give you permission to take such decisions.

I dont think I need your permission to take such decisions, being your wife.

Khushi? He pounced on her angrily only to be stopped by her hand.

Arnav, let us do each other favor. Lets eat and put hold on our fight until we go home.

He rolled his eyes hopelessly and tried to walk away.

Dont walk away now, tujhe meri kasam. She swore on her herself.

He stood where he is without turning back. She took the bowl and spoon with her and walked upto him. She stood facing him and took spoonful of Khichdi and brought the spoon to his lips.

He shoved it away angrily.

She took another spoonful and again brought it to his lips. He shoved it away again.

She didnt give up. She took another spoonful and again brought it to his lips. He shoved it away even this time. Stop this drama Khushi. I am not a kid anymore. I eat when I wanna eat.

Let me put this in simple way. I had rough night and woke up early morning thinking same. I am here in the office for more than 2hrs waiting for your return. I am very hungry and my head is about to explode with pain. Lets just...

Kya hua? why didnt you tell me before? He interrupted her the moment he heard she is in pain, he mellowed down and held her arms tenderly. Bahuth dard ho raha hain? Is it paining a lot? Did you take any medicine? He showered her with his questions and made her sit comfortably on the chair.

He sat infront of her and rubbed his thumb gently on her forehead. She looked at him questioningly with puzzled look on her face. What is he? What is his identity? His anger or his concern? How can he just switch on and off his feelings that quickly? She wondered looking at him with welled up eyes.

She raised her hand and brought the spoon to his lips. This time he just obeyed her actions. He opened his mouth and let her feed him. He felt huge lump in his throat, overwhelmed with her selfless care. As soon as a tear was about to drop from his lids, he turned away and flicked the drop with the tip of his finger. He had special feelings for her, he even realized that he loved her but never even in his dreams, he thought she would be the one to fulfill his thirst for the tender touch and care thats missing big time in his life.

He took the spoon from her hands and tried to feed her. She stopped him, Today is my fast. I cant have anything.

Fasting? Why? He asked frowning.

Aaj Janmasthami haina? Isliye!

NO, you are not fasting and I dont care whose janmashtami it is. But you are not fasting. Come on, open your mouth.

Arnav, NO, I cant. Please understand.

Khushi, these are all man made rules in the name of God. And I very well know what will be your condition by the end of the day. I certainly dont want to see you in the hospital again! He made his point clear.

Hospital? You came to see in the hospital last week? She asked seeking for answers.

I dont know what you are saying. I just said it casually. He stuttered without looking at her. Ofcourse she didnt buy his reason but thought to dig deeper about it and definitely not with him. Thats not the point. You are not fasting. PERIOD.

Arnav, please. I am doing this for me, for you, for our home and for our family. She lowered her eyes when she said the last bit and that didnt go unnoticed by Arnav. He raised his brows giving her surprised look.

When do you need to break the fast?

Today midnight at 12! She said putting up puppy face.

Midnight? Pagal hogayi hai kya? Noway I am allowing you to do it.

Arnav, I am doing it and thats final. She said getting up from the chair.

You wont listen to me?

Not in this matter.

He took his phone out from the trouser pocket and dialed Aman. Aman, get me some fruits. May be Oranges, Pineapple, and Strawberries. And make it quick.He disconnected the phone and looked at Khushi.

Those are my favorites and you remember? She asked excitedly.

Yeah just like the way you remember Mango shake. He said looking at her. Now dont give me excuses for fruits. Fruits are allowed during fast, especially for a twiglike body of yours.

She fidgeted with her pallu and blushed assuming it as compliment.

Its not a compliment. Complaint! You better load up some flesh. Your bones are literally poking me when I touch you. He teased her.

She slapped him on his chest. Then dont touch me. She peeved making him grin. Achaa, jaldi aao and eat your breakfast. Client will be here in 15mins. She said checking the time.

I am not hungry. I will eat later. He said settling himself on the chair.

Arnav, per..

Khushi I had my breakfast at the city hall. I cant eat again.

Are you sure? Pakka?

Yes. I am full! He lied. He didnt feel like eating especially after learning she is doing this for him, for her and in her words for THEIR FAMILY. Family sounded like a dream to his ears; just she and him. She is his family now. She is HIS. The thought exhilarated him and a cute smile escaped his lips.

She started packing the stuff. He gaped at the way her fingers played packing the stuff. She stood up on her toes to put extra pressure on the hot pack lid which is giving her hard time closing.

Give it to me, I will close it for you. He asked extending his hand.

I think I got it. She said struggling.

He leaned forward and took the box from her hands, involuntarily brushing his fingers over her navel over her transparent baby pink chiffon saree. Khushi widened her eyes and stood numb leaving her hands in the air. She tucked her tummy muscles immediately in a reflex action to his touch . He didnt realize that his fingers barely touched her moment ago and he was busy fixing the box for her. God knows when this Raizada will open his romantic eye to see his lady's vulnerable position.

Done! Its fixed. Aur kuch?

She looked flustered and perturbed. She nodded NO.

I think we should go now. Clients must be on their way to meeting.

She nodded YES and they both walked towards the exit. As he was about to open the door, she caught his wrist and stopped him.

I am sorry for yesterday. I didnt mean to hurt you. She put up a puppy face.

He smiled and nodded thats OK. As he was about to open the door, she stopped him again.

Now is your turn to say Sorry.

Excuse me?

Say Sorry. She took step back and folded her arms at her chest.

It was your mistake. I did not do anything.

Exactly, you didnt do anything. She said referring to his silence after their THE moment. Say Sorry.

You have gone crazy. I am not saying Sorry. NO WAY.

Nahi aise kaise. She pounced on him. Look, we both fought. we both were angry, which means there are 2 sides to the fight. I did my part to pacify you and I also said sorry. Now is your turn to say sorry and pacify me.

Sorry and pacify you?

Yes, for shouting at me.

I got lot other better work to do. He swiftly opened the door and left the room hurriedly.

Where will you escape Mr. Raizada? Yahaan nahi hain tho Ghar hee sahi. But I will make sure you say sorry for sure.

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Arnav, can I go home early today? She called Arnav from her cabin.

Kyun? He questioned her looking through the blinds.

We have pooja in the evening, right?. I need some time to prepare everything.

OK. Submit your time off. I will approve it. Give me 5 mins. I will drop you home.

No no dont bother, you have meeting in 30mins. I called Raghu. He is here to drop me home.

OK. He said a bit sadly.

Aur kuch? She asked raising her brows as he didnt disconnect the phone.

He curved down his lips and shook his head sighing Nothing. He was about to hang up when she called him.

Arnav. She paused looking at him.

He listened with utmost concentration.

Jaldi aana. Mein tumhaara intezaar karoongi. [[I will be waiting for you]]. She said shyly smiling tucking her lowerlip inside.

His cheeks flashed red and he tried hard to control his blush. I didnt understand what you said. I guess there is problem with the line. Can you come to my cabin and say what you just said?

Ji Nahi. I know that you heard it well. See you at home. She said mischievously.

Atleast come to say Bye! He said huskily, intently looking at her.

She hung up the phone and walked out of her room maintaining her eye contact with his. She felt nervous, excited as if millions of butterflies doing somersault in her tummy. She knocked at his door and slowly opened the door. She saw him standing with his hands in his trouser pockets. She walked towards him fidgeting with her pallu.

Mein Jaon? [[Can I leave]] She asked nervously without looking at him.

You were saying something? He took step towards her making her walk backwards.

Kya?

I dont know. I didnt hear properly. Something someone waiting or something. He came closer to her while she took few steps backward until she hit the blinds.

He raised his hand and closed the blinds so that they are not visible to the staff in the lower floor. Khushi got more nervous watching him do that.

Aaj pooja haina, isliye I want you to come early.

Is that the only reason? He spread his arms on her either side onto the glass frame and leaned onto her making her all tremble with the closeness.

Aur kya ho saktha hain? [[What else will it be?]] She asked putting up innocent face.

I dont know. I thought you know better. He said leaning more closer and intoxicating her with his musky body perfume. Its not his first time coming so close to her. But everytime he closes that tiny gap between them, her sensitive senses shot up to the eternal wonderland suffocating her with new desires. She is already confused with the way her hormones are reacting to him for last few days and he is not just making it easy for her.

Khushi, bolo. Why do you want me to come home early? He whispered huskily savoring her pink beauty who is dangerously close to him.

She lost in the moment, replied with same passion, Hmm?

Bolo?

Kya boloon? She is lost. She didnt know what's happening and what the whole discussion is about.

Kuch bhi, per bolo tho sahi. [[Anything, but atleast say something]] His erratic breaths breezed over her ears and flicked the tiny strands onto her face.

Mein tumhara intezaar karoongi. She closed her eyes and spoke shyly.

Arnav Singh Raizada's heart skipped a beat hearing her like that for the first time. Seduction at its peak. The way she blushed, the way she turned her face to the side, the way she closed her eyes dramatically, the way her lips yearned to say that statement, everything just fell in his heart so beautfiully.

He is getting used to the care and concern that he didnt get in 8 years. He just wanted to hear her say those words personally. But he didnt imagine, he would lock her up in his virtual hold and make her say especially not this way shuddering his own senses.

He spoke nothing, just stood there in silence admiring her radiance. But he knew they both are living in that moment and probably it meant nothing to her.

She opened her eyes as she didnt hear him say anything. She turned her face and looked at him who is boring his eyes onto her. He smirked totally feeling her quiver.

She lowered her eyes shyly and landed them on his smirking lips. She closed her eyes immediately as she started feeling their effect on her like last night. She reopened her eyes and checked his lips again. His smirk became more and more prominent. She re-closed her eyes again, cursing for mentally losing herself to his handsomeness.

He noticed her opening and shutting her eyes. He also noticed that everytime she opened her eyes, it landed on his lips. He blushed and grinned at the thought that she, his wife is checking him out, and great possibility that she is now having dirty thoughts, considering her perverted brain track record.

You are checking out my lips! He said smirking with a teasing smile.

She wide-opened her eyes and stuttered, Nai, No. She looked frantic.

I just saw you doing that for last 2 mins.

No. Aisa kuch nahi hai. She pushed him and ran away from his room.

He stood shaking his head and smiling at how embarrassed she felt.

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Chapter 25: MahaaUpdate will be posted next week on Tuesday or Wednesday as we have long weekend coming up. I might not get chance to write it over the weekend. But I promise I will compensate with an additional part.

Pooji ab tho teekh haina...thoda waqt dede yaar. I will give you an additional part...pretty please :)