ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn - Thread 5 - COMPLETED - Page 45

Sorry guys for the delay. Came home late from the road trip and so woke up late. Enjoy, I hope you like this one!

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Kaka, everything ready?

Ji bitiya, zara dekhlijiye. Bas prashad banana hain.

I will take care of that. Could you get me thali from Pooja room. Meanwhile I will freshen up and come.

Khushi bitiya. Khushi was about to leave when Kaka called her.

Ji Kaka.

I am very happy today. After 8 years, this house is celebrating a festival. I never imagined that Arnav babua will agree to all this. Khushi raho bitiya. You are giving him what he truly deserves.

Kaka, he is not against the rituals, poojas, festivals or God. He is against everything that's tied to his parents. Because he is trying to run away from their memories. I realized that the moment I stepped in this house. I didnt find their photo anywhere in the house. I never imagined a man can love his parents to this extent. And I am lucky that I am associated with this man. Dont worry. Sab teek ho jayaga.

I know bitiya that you will set everything right.

Uff I cant handle too serious discussion Kaka. Now smile and help me with the rest of the stuff. I will be back in few mins.

I just hope all your efforts dont go waste. Kaka silently prayed wiping his tears.

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Hey Payal? How are you?

Cookie? After long time? Kaisi hain tu?

I am fantastic. Hows marriage preps going on?

Too good. I am so excited. I cant wait for the special day. You guys better show up in advance.

Ofcourse, you think he will skip YOUR wedding.

I know. I just love him too much. And you too! Payal giggled.

Hmmm so I am the free one from the "Buy One Get One Free" offer. Huh?

No yaar. You know I truly love you.

Dont lie. Khushi pulled her leg.

Chal Jaa then. I dont love you. Khush?

You are so like him. I wonder how Akash is dealing with you.

Bechara, bahuth dara hua hain! Payal chuckled.

Why?

Because he is marrying me.

Both ladies laughed out imagining Akash's situation.

Aur batha, what else is going on?

Listen, I wanted to ask you something.

Haan bolo.

You were in the hospital that whole day I was admitted right?

Yeah as soon as I heard the news from Aunty, I came down to see you. Why what happened?

Did Arnav show up that day? Khushi asked clutching her mangalsutra eagerly waiting for Payal's response. She badly wanted to hear that he came to visit her and the lapse fraction of sec between her question and Payal's answer almost took her life.

Uff poocho mat yaar. He was one nervous wreck.

Khushi blushed tucking her lowerlip.

Payal continued, He was scared to death Cookie. When I told him that you fasted, he was shocked. Then Arnie and Akash had little tiff over the marriage and your relation, he just stormed out of the hospital. But he did called me later to check on your health. Why are you asking? Sab teekh hain?

Not until a moment ago. But now everything is falling into its place. Khushi replied grinning like new bride.

You know, when I heard you 2 were getting married, I was so happy for you both. But when I learnt that he forced you into this marriage, I was angry with him. I hope you are...

Aisa koi baat nahi, Payal. I am glad he forced me into this marriage. Otherwise it would have been my biggest loss.

Yeh hui na baath. Thats my girl!

You guys are coming to the party tomorrow, right?

Yeah, Arnie talked to Akash about it. We will meet you at the venue and we will drive with you to your home after Party.

Perfect, see you tomorrow.

Bye.

So Mr. Raizada, I guess I have to do PHD to reveal all your secrets. Why cant he just tell me that he care for me? Whats there to hide? Jo bhi ho, sweet tho ho. She smiled shyly, looking at his room.

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Khushi took head bath and wore simple plain mustard color saree and rushed down to kitchen to make prashad.

Kaka, what prashad does Maa used to prepare for this festival?

Maa?

Ji, Arnav ki mom.

Oh. She used to prepare motichoor ladoo as that was Arnav babua's favorite.

Achaa Moti choor ladoo. After a moment she screamed. Oh my god. Where are the ladoos that I got from home? I never served him those. She frantically started searching for the sweet box and she found it in the refrigerator all the way back.

Kya hua bitiya?

Dekhiyena Kaka. Amma made it specially for Arnav and I totally forgot to serve him. I feel so bad.

Koi baat nahi bitiya. Phir se banayenge.

Ji, you tell me how to do. I will make it. She said sadly as she knew how much her mother took pains to make it for them.

I dont know how to make. I thought you know.

Kya? you dont know to make ladoos. She screamed expressing her disappointment to which Kaka nodded NO innocently.

Koi baat nahi bitiya. Prepare something else.

NO Kaka, I dont want to break the tradition. She immediately called Garima.

Amma! She screamed over the phone.

Shhh, ab kya museebath aagayi. [[whats gone wrong now?]] Garima teased Khushi.

Amma tell me how to prepare moti choor ladoos.

Kyun? Achaa Janmasthami keliye?

Ji, how do you know.

Komal bhabhi used to prepare that every year for Janmasthami.

Achhaa teek hain. You tell me how to make. I want step by step...

OK Let me know when you are ready.

Wait, let me turn on the speaker. This land phone is so heavy, usski Owner ki brain ki tarah. She cribbed referring to Arnav. Garima laughed over the phone imagining Arnav's difficulty dealing her crazy daughter.

Ok I am now ready.Khushi spoke tying her hair up into a bun.

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Its around 3PM and Arnav is not able to concentrate much without Khushi being in the office. He remembered their morning encounter where she got all nervous and affected with his closeness. He remembered the way she bored her eyes on his lips and the way she ran from him all embarrassed. He chuckled remembering the incident and muttered, Pagal!

He is missing her presence and her crazy talk terribly. He decided to talk to her and so he called her phone. She didnt answer. He was disappointed but didnt call again thinking she must be busy with preps.

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Khushi just followed each step to the T and started frying boondi when she got call from Arnav. She ignored his call on purpose because she knew if she answers his call, she is inviting disaster that moment and her boondi might get burned in the second.

It took her 2 hours to finish making ladoos. She got so tempted to taste one. But kept reminding herself that first God then Khushi. She kept chanting that phrase to control her urge to taste one.

She neatly arranged all ladoos in the giant thali and lighted diyas at 6PM. She then did one final check on the Puja mandir and dinner preps that Kaka is making.

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Its 7.30 PM. Just as she was about to leave to her room, she saw Arnav entering the house. He looked tired and grumpy as if he didnt eat for a while. She walked towards him with smile on her face.

As soon as he entered he noticed her coming towards him. She looked exhausted and he understood that hunger is taking toll on her.

Aap aagaye? [[Oh you have come?]] She said clasping her hands together and spreading a warm smile on her lips.

Arnav looked around to see if she is referring to anyone else other than him as she addressed him as "Aap"

What are you looking at? Is anyone else coming? Khushi peeked over his shoulder towards the entrance.

He then saw Kaka arranging something just few feet away from them and thats when he understood the reason for her "Aap". Thats her style. Very different from other wives, at least to his knowledge. Though they are of same age and born on the same day around the same time, She always addresses him as "Aap" infront of third person, and "Tum" when they are just by themselves, adding little more intimacy to their private talks.

Arnav nodded No as his reply.

How come you are early?

Why? Shouldnt I be early? Jaake phir do ghante baad aaon? [[Do you want me to go and come back after 2 hours? Would that work? He teased her not missing the perfect opportunity.

No no, that was not my intention. I was just...He advanced towards her making her move back and collide with pillar in the living room. She looked flustered and stuttered unable to say anything further as he moved closer to her. She shut her eyes tightly and turned her face to the right nervously.

First you ask me to come home early, then you question me why I came early? Decide Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, What you want me to do?

I didnt mean it that way. I was just..Then she heard faint chuckle. She opened her eyes and looked at him chuckling and standing little farther than she was thought.

Kya hai? Kitna pareshan karte ho aap? You go freshen up. I will bring tea in a min. She smarted and walked away faster, leaving him all amazed.

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Khushi walked to the pool area holding 2 cups of tea for them. She noticed Arnav lost in thoughts looking at the sky.

She cleared her throat making him aware of her presence. He smiled and took a cup from her hands. The moment he was about to sip, she turned away closing her eyes and muttering something to herself.

He stopped taking his sip and advanced closer to her. He stood next to her watching what she is doing. She is blabbering something to herself. He leaned in closer trying to hear what she is muttering.

God, please ask him to drink fast. Please please please please, yeh kya ho raha hain. Why is he doing like that and why am I like that. Please god please.

Thats when he understood that she is getting affected with him around. He grinned showing all his milky teeth and took step back quickly hatching a plan to tease her.

Khushi? He called her casually controlling his laugh.

Hn? She jolted and turned around to face him.

What are you doing?

I..I..nothing...nothing. Haan, I was just thinking about summer collection. She stuttered.

Summer Collection? He raised his brows and asked with surprised look on his face.

Haan. Summer collection..

SO what were you thinking about summer collection. He asked purposely sipping his tea infront of her.

Her eyes immediately travelled to his lips and she closed her eyes clutching her saree with one hand.

He smirked, lowering his eyes and blushing for a brief moment.

What happened Khushi? He is not leaving her today. For the first time, he caught her off-guard and he had to take full advantage of the situation.

Hn? Nothing. What happened? Nothing happened. She let out nervous smile.

So what were you thinking about the summer collection? He took another sip looking at her.

She turned sideways avoiding his gaze directly. She looked extremely flustered and shook nervously, I was just thinking of introducing 3D floral prints on the LIPS.

Pbbbttt...Arnav coughed up and sprinkled the tea from his mouth all over in the air. He coughed up badly at the same time laughing at her.

She didnt realize what happened. She took the cups from his hand and kept both on the table. She immediately jumped over to him and rubbed his back to soothe his cough.

Kya hua? Tum teek ho? She kept rubbing his back until he felt alright.

He looked at her and bursted out laughing again.

She smiled seeing him all smiles and a lone happy tear escaped her eyes seeing his sincere laugh.

A laugh that was lost in the years.

A laugh that was masked by the pain in his eyes.

A laugh that was overshadowed by the buried grief in his soul.

She jumped onto him balancing on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck as tight as she could and held him in her embrace like its the last second of their life. She adjusted herself in the crook of his neck and hugged him even more tighter.

I missed you so much. She mumbled into his neck.

He was taken back by her sudden gesture and he understood why she felt so emotional about the whole thing. He wrapped his arms around her with the same passion thinking how she brought that laugh on his face after so many years.

Suddenly Khushi heard growling sound. She opened her eyes widely and listened carefully. After few secs, she heard the sound again. Arnav do you hear that? She whispered still hugging him.

Kya? He asked adjusting himself on her shoulder, not willing to leave her.

Do you hear that growling noise?

What? He pulled back from the embrace and asked her again.

I hear some noise. She whispered and looked around attentively. She heard the noise again, Thats your stomach making that noise. She screamed.

What nonsense? He tried to look away because he knew thats his stomach making noises due to hunger.

I swear I heard it coming right from here. She bent down sticking her ear to his tummy.

He jolted back. Stop it! You are embarrassing me. He felt uncomfortable the way she leaned down to THERE [[to his crotch]].

No I am serious. I swear noise is coming from there. She tried to come close to him again to listen.

No, its not my stomach. He backed off away from her.

I am sure its your stomach. She bent down to listen his tummy again.

Fine, its my stomach. Dammit, Khushi, Can you stop bending like that?

You are hungry? She asked with questioning look on her face.

No, I am not. It just happens sometimes. He looked away giving her excuse.

You didnt eat anything, did you?

Let me drink my tea. Its getting cold. He looked away.

I called Aman this afternoon as I couldnt get hold of you. He told me that you had lunch with the clients. She tricked him.

No, thats not true. I didnt eat lunch today. He blurted out the truth.

Are you too fasting? She asked holding his arm.

He didnt answer. He frowned a bit irritated that he always get caught with her tricky questions.

Why? She asked seeking answers.

For the same reason as yours. He replied looking intently into her eyes.

For you? She asked.

He nodded Yes as his reply.

For me? She asked.

He nodded Yes pursing his lips as his reply.

For our home? She asked.

He nodded blinking his eyes once, acknowledging.

For our Family? She asked with bit of tease and shyness in her eyes.

He shrugged and smiled as his reply.

I dont think I need to change you Arnav. You still are what you were, even today. If anything changed, thats the dynamics of your life and the surroundings thats changed. She prompted to herself feeling extremely happy to hear him say that he is fasting for her to support her cause. She respected him even more after that sec.

I will get you something to eat. I know you get cranky if you are hungry. She teased and turned to leave.

Khushi, no need. He caught her wrist. Its just 3 more hours. I can wait.

No but you are...

Shut Up and sit with me.

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Have you always been a morning person? He asked her curiously, admiring her commitment to follow his family traditions.

Nooo. She drawled expressing it sadly.

How was your days back then? He asked her trying to learn more of her and what her schedule was as Gupta.

I used to wake up at 9, then breakfast. She spoke excitedly as her eyes glistened with happiness remembering her days with her parents.

He looked at her surprisely, unable to believe that she is totally different and changed just for him. I am sure by the time you started your work, it would be Noon and that would be the time for lunch. He teased her.

Haan, that is very true. She admitted innocently falling into his trap. After few secs, she realized his intentions.

Wait a min, why do you care? Why do you wanna know about my life? She asked authoritatively.

Just wanted to know how your life was back then.

Oh really? You dont share anything but you expect me to reveal all my secrets?

What do I have to share about myself? You know everything about me. He spoke candidly.

Are you kidding me? You are a living encyclopedia. I have no clue about your likes, dislikes; I dont know what makes you happy and what makes irritates you. The only thing I am very well aware off is your anger; the way you look at me with those big eyes when you get angry, You scare me alot in case you dont know. She said it all in one breath.

I scare you? Well, thats news to me. He said smiling.

One time you scared me to an extent that I almost peed in my pants. She whispered, pulling him to her in friendly manner

What nonsense? I am not that bad. He withdrew himself surprised at her sudden accusations.

I should confirm that. And guess what I even checked if they sell adult diapers when I decided to live with you.

Oh crap! Khushi, thats really gross.

What is gross in it? People do wear adult diapers. Hey sun na, when I was checking out those diapers online, a weird thought struck my brain.

Weird or Pervert? He teased her again.

Sun na, She held his hand, trying to grab his attention, when you grow old to 70 yrs, dont ask me to take you toilet "Khushi, take me to toilet dammit" in your signature style. I am sure thats what you would say.

Arnav couldnt help but chuckle at her pathetic yet cute thoughts.

She continued, You know what my response would be then?

No clue, but I am sure it would be more disgusting. He spoke raising his brows.

I will say, "Dont I have better work, pee in your diaper" She giggled, tapping her feet in the pool water excitedly. Arnav Singh Raizada peeing in the diaper. Wow, what an idea? Haina?

Bilkul bhawas aur ghatiya! Very disgusting as I expected! Do you even realize how pervert you are? He asked totally surprised at her.

Dont call me pervert. I just state facts. She angered and tried to get up to leave.

Fine! You are not pervert. Shall we move on to something else other than diapers. He held her wrist and make her sit again.

She sat down but mentally decided not to speak to him unless he opens the discussion. Unable to bear the silence between them anymore, she ended up breaking the cloud and spoke, Since you are very interested, I can share a little secret that I wrapped under the covers for last few years. She sat straight excitedly facing him.

He nodded smiling at her shot up sitting position.

I fell in love with your signature the very first day I joined work, even before I knew it was you. She said excitedly like a small kid.

He raised his brows in surprise and gave a nervous smile. He is not used to compliments and he is just taking baby steps to digest them from his new partner.

I used to admire your singature so much that my gaze never went past that signature line to read your full name. Kya sign karte ho yaar? She praised him flying her fingers in the air making him little nervous and smile.

She continued, You got amazing strokes.

He blushed, little embarasssd at her compliments. He heard people telling how handsome he is but no one except her told how good looking his signature is.

You know I used tell Papa to change his signature and do something like yours. I used to practice your sign. She giggled shyly covering her mouth.

You were forging my signature? He teased her.

No never. I was just very fond of it. She spoke sincerely.

He turned on his phone display and took out the stylus from behind the phone. Sign it! He handed over his phone to her.

What?

Sign it. I wanna see how you sign my signature.

Arnav Singh Raizada asking his own autograph. She teased him grabbing the stylus and phone from his hands. She signed and showed the signature excitedly.

His jaw dropped seeing the way she stroked the letters. How did you do that? Its almost perfect.

She shrugged and smiled shyly. I dont get that tail twist in the Alphabet R. She pointed it on the display.

Hold it. He asked her to hold the stylus and he then enveloped her hand and her fingers resting on stylus. He leaned closer to her, almost rubbing his frontal hair onto her cheek and guided her fingers to show how he strokes the alphabet R in Raizada. His gelled hair tickled her cheeks and ears and she flinched nervously.

As he guided her fingers, after a point, he noticed her fingers more relaxed and surrendering to his hold. She no longer gripped the stylus tightly and her fingers started turning cold. He silently observed the dramatic changes happening to her, he slowly tilted his head and raised his eyes to look at her pair eyes which are already nervously looking at him. Unable to stay focused and look at his piercing eyes, she turned away and withdrew her hand from his hold nervously. He sat back to his position and they both remained like that for long time in sheer silence.

Are you in touch with anyone from our college? he finally broke the awkward silence between them unable to bear it anymore.

She nodded Yes, kicking her feet in the pool. Aur tum?

He nodded No.

You know Andy? She asked playing her feet in water.

He thought for a sec, I dont remember.

Andy, remember? he was very fond of you and you used to give him tips to flirt with women.

Oh yes. Is that how you remembered him? He asked a bit astonished.

She nodded and giggled. He is getting married and guess who that lucky girl is?

He nodded NO.

Maira.

The girl who slapped him. He asked with shocked expression on his face.

Yes. Khushi giggled. Love is strange na? Who thought they both will fall in love and marry one day.

He looked at her as if she is talking about themselves. She continued, I spoke to him just 2 days before our marriage. They are getting married in Sydney in 2 months.

Why did you send me so many emails? 73 to be precise? He asked seriously, choosing the topic at perfect time.

She was little taken back to hear the question. She wasnt expecting it at that time. So you do know that I sent you emails? Why didnt you reply to even one? She peeved.

Your question is not the answer for my question. You answer my question. I will answer yours. He turned to face her leaving his one feet in the water.

I was missing you yaar. I got so used to you. And all of sudden we parted. I was in touch with everyone but you. When I came to know that I was working for you, I wanted to talk to you. I used to see your signatures...wait a min. Why am I explaining all this to you? You tell me why didnt you reply to my emails?

Because I didnt check my personal id for all those years.

Not even once? She asked with her brows raised.

He nodded NO.

Why?

I guess I was busy.

Or did you think that wasnt your life anymore. She hit the bulls eye and questioned him looking for answers trying to understand his reasons, and his pain.

He looked away because she is right.

Business became your ultimate life. Isnt it? She asked him again.

He just looked at her amazed with the way she understands him without he saying one word. His eyes spoke volumes of his torment and she just wished he voiced those volumes of pain.

Ek baath pooch sakthi hoon? She lowered her eyes.

Poocho.

Had you seen my emails, would you have replied? She asked hesitatingly and raised her eyes eagerly waiting for his answer.

How important is it for you to know if my answer is YES? He asked huskily observing her eagerness.

A lot. Very important.

Then lets pass this discussion. He said turning his gaze away, because he knew the answer is NO and he didnt wanna hurt her revealing it. The best he could do is to divert her attention.

She became sad and her face dropped. She looked away disappointed.

He smiled admiring her pout and her mood swings. She just know how to get him to speak, he thought.

Waise, if you look from my POV, I dont think I would have responded but considering your stubborn efforts, I might have responded just once saying...he paused letting teasing smile.

She looked at him impatiently, waiting for him to answer...

He let out sly smile enjoying the restlessness on her face, and said, DO NOT DISTURB.

She kicked him and punched him on his chest, How mean? How snobbish are you?

Itna khaddos haintho wapas kyun aayi? [[Why did come back if you find me so snobbish?]]. He pulled her holding her wrist.

I didnt know your true colors then. She whispered looking at his eyes.

Now that you came to know of my true colors, have you changed your decision? He asked slowly drawing her fisted palm on to his chest where his heart is.

Kyun? Do I have to change my decision? She whispered looking at his lips, as he pulled her even closer.

Tsk...He clicked his tongue to his inner cheek expressing NO with huge smile on his lips.

She smiled with glee. Even if you throw me out, I am not going to leave you in this life time, because I have planned lot of stuff to torture you. She gave a witty monster look.

Oh really? Kaise? He whispered looking at her lips.

Aise! She grabbed palm full of pool water in her other hand and splashed it on his face and giggled.

He frowned at her and moved back leaving her hand in reflexive action. He then leaned back few inches to grab her pallu. He bent down his head almost resting it on her shoulder. The wet ends of his frontal hair tickled her skin driving her to ecstasy. He grabbed the pallu and then wiped his face as she shyly lowered her eyes.

Think twice before you even think of torturing me. Next time,, I will make you wipe my face. Saying this, he gave the pallu to her.

As she opened her palms to take the pallu, he noticed mehendi on her hands that is still glowing bright red under the pool lights. He caught her wrists and tried to look at her mehendi. She immediately fisted her palms hiding the design from him, because she knew what he is about to see might upset him.

He raised his brows from her mehendi and looked at her and spoke sternly, Let me take a look.

No, Let it be. She resisted avoiding his gaze.

He grabbed her palms forcibly and spoke, What you have or dont have on your hands doesnt change the fact that I AM your husband and YOU are my wife. He tried to open her palms.

Arnav, please let it be. You wont like it. She almost begged.

Trust me, I know how to handle things that I dont like. You will not be disappointed. He opened her palms with bit of force. And she relented to his demand.

He noticed the letters NK in the middle of her palm, artistically drawn within the shape heart, just as he expected, infact more dramatically than he expected. He knew he was going to see those initials and thought it wouldnt matter to him and he is well prepared but somewhere deep down in his heart, he had slightest hope that he would see his initial. He was disappointed for not finding his name but he didnt let his disappointment cross his features. He placed his thumb on her palm covering NK initials and checked the rest of the mehendi. Thats his way of dealing with things that he dont like. He acts as if they just dont exist.

He rubbed his thumbs on her palm feeling her soft skin and checking the intricate design. Beautiful! He silently praised. He then smiled and took his hands away from hers.

She didnt dare to ask anything because she clearly understood how disappointed he got after seeing someone else's name on his bride hands. That was very painful to even think. She wondered how he managed to put up straight face as if he is not affected by it.

Arnav, I am...She tried to apologize but he interrupted her.

I think you should get ready for the Pooja. Its already 11:30. He cut her off as he didnt want her to apologize. It hurt him to a certain extent but at the same time he knew it wasnt her mistake. He cant blame her after what she has done for him. Thats his way of assuring her. And she clearly understood his intentions of avoiding the discussion on it. She obliged and nodded. She gave him faint smile and left to get ready for the pooja. He sat there leaning back and resting on his wrists and watched her leaving.

While she left to get ready for the pooja, he sat there looking at the stars and wondering how it would have been if they married with each other's content. Would they have behaved like cat and mouse, young lovers deeply in love or newly wedded couple finding love. They seemed to be behaving like all three types but only one problem, he is not sure what she feels for him completely. All he needs is that one verbal assurance or hint and he is ready to take her into his room as he promised himself. He didnt mind losing on that bet, after all it will all be his gain. He blushed thinking how he always loses to her. He closed his eyes and then remembered the first time he saw her. That pure innocence in her eyes is what hooked him to her to this day to this sec. Her eyes are the true reflection to her feelings. For the last 2 days he is seeing change in them. The way she lowers her eyelids shyly and the way the pink blush creeps up from her neck to her cheeks is pining and making his heart euphoric. He then saw his reflection in the pool water and he is smiling to his own surprise. Its been so long since he smiled dreaming and thinking about someone.

Just then a cool breeze flicked his frontal hair and he closed his eyes feeling the aura, her presence. He turned to his left and there she stood draped in beautiful white silk saree bordered in deep rose color and heavily embroidered in golden floral creepers all over the body. She looked stunning out of this world. She walked closer towards him, with a shy smile all over her face, as he gazed at her with his lips parted in awe. With each step she took closer to him, his soul danced in ecstasy. He never imagined, this beauty would be in his life making it all worth living once again. He fell in love with her all over again. The way she walked, the way her jhumkas danced, the way her anklets added the rhythm to the dancing jhumkas and the way the motifs on her pallu dragged on the floor, Ufff, was the word his heart said and it is already on fire to touch her, to feel her the very moment.

She stopped few feet away and sighed fluttering her eyebrows, How she is looking?

He lowered his head, let a blushing smile and then looked up at her still admiring the reflection of the golden hue on her face.

He stood up and took few steps towards her as she nervously lowered her eyes. He leaned over her shoulder and she closed her eyes in the state of elated bliss. Using his left hand he reached for her hair and untied the bun removing the clip. She opened her eyes and looked at him with shocked expression. What was I thinking? She mentally cursed herself for expecting something more from him at that moment.

He read her eyes that bored him with many questions and subtle irritation for some unknown reason. He snaked his fingers into her tresses behind her nape and ruffled it gently, loosening the curls and said looking into her eyes. Ab teek hain!

Thats it? She asked loudly this time expressing her disappointment.

Excuse me? He knew what she was looking for. A compliment!!! And he is not going to make it easy for her.

Thats all you got to say? She smarted taking a step back.

He shrugged saying, Aur kya boloon? He is enjoying every bit of her innocent silent pleas to hear one compliment.

Nothing, ab chalo. Lets go for pooja.

You go! I am fine here. He turned around to his room.

What? You are not coming.

No. You finish it soon. I am very hungry.

But you kept the fast. She walked over to him and asked him facing him.

I did for you not for him (God). And please make it fast. He said and walked to his room.

She didnt force him, because she knew he will come if not now, but later he will show-up.

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Kaka, sab tayyar hain? [[everything ready?]]

Ji bitiya.

Chaliye, hum pooja karte hain.

But, Arnav babua?

He will come. Dont worry. Aap ayiye. She confidently said.

She lighted diyas and prepared her aarthi thali. Before she started aarthi, she looked back to see if he is coming. There is no sign of him. She raised the thali to her eye level and started singing...

Man mohana man mohana [[O enchanter of the heart]]
Kanha suno na, tum bin paaon kaise chain [[My beloved Krishna, heed me, how will I find peace without you]]

Arnav got up from his chair hearing her voice. He stood by the glass doors hearing her words and the pain in her voice. Khushi sang while kept looking at the stairs for him.

Tarsoo tumhi ko din rein [[Night and day I pine for you]]
Chodke apni kaashi mathura Aake baso more nain [[Abandon your sacred citited of Kashi and Mathura]]
Tum bin paaon kaise chain... kanhaaa...[[Come and dwell in my eyes. ]]
Tarsoo tumhi ko din rein [[How will I find peace without you]]

His heart trembled hearing the words she chose in her song. He felt as though she is singing for him for his presence with her and within her.

Raas rachaiyya Vrindavan ke Goku ke vaasi
Radha tumhri daasi, darshan ko hai pyaasi [[Radha, your handmaiden, yearns for the sight of You]]
Shyam salone Nandlala krishna banvari O beautiful dusky son of Nanda, beloved Krishna
Tumhri chab hai nyaari [[O forest-dweller, beauty is your form]]
Main thoo hoon tan man haari [[I have surrendered body and mind to you]]
Main thoo hoon tan man haari [[I have surrendered body and mind to you]]

He realized every effort she is taking to ease him from his grief. The way she is taking care of him as if he meant to be hers, making him feel that he is worth every ounce of care she is showing. He felt overwhelmed thinking the sudden positive turn of events in his life. The days that once started and ended with money and signatures are now starting with smiles and ending with hugs. His feet involuntarily dragged to the puja mandir while his heart became heavy thinking how much she managed to change him with just a simple smile.

Main thoo hoon tan man haari [[I have surrendered body and mind to you]]
Main thoo hoon tan man haari [[I have surrendered body and mind to you]]

There she finally saw him standing at the feet of the stairs. She gave aarthi thali to Kaka and walked towards Arnav with tears in her eyes. She recited the lines looking into his eyes "Main thoo hoon tan man haari"

She then took his hand in hers and held it between her palms assuringly and led the way to mandir, without taking her eyes off of him while he looked at her, following her just as he was guided.

Main hoom tumhari hain tumhara mere yeh jeevan [[I belong to you, my life belongs to you]]
Tumko hi dekhoon main, dekhoon koi darpan [[I see only you in every reflection]]
Bansi ban jaaongi, in hoton ki ho jaaongi, [[I shall become your flute and belong to your lips alone]]
In sapno se jalthal hain mera man aangan [[My heart is flooded with dreams]]

She just nailed him with those words as she whispered. He felt huge lump in his throat, totally choked and loss of words. She then sighed him to take the aarthi thali from Kaka's hands and he just did as he was told. He took the thali and looked at idol Lord Krishna.

So many emotions, so many memories, so many laughs, and so many cries tied with his mom, dad and sister flashed infront of him and he shut his eyes tightly trying to escape from them. Khushi caught his right hand wrist supporting thali and placed her other hand on her shoulder reassuringly. His eyes welled up, his hands trembled and he felt extremely overwhelmed with the atmosphere as it reminded him of his mother. Unable to bear it, he handed over the thali to her unable to perform what she is asking him to. As he turned to leave, she gripped his wrist and stopped him. With her one hand she caught him and with the other hand she circled the diya lighted on the thali around the lord and concluded the prayer.

He stood where he was still in her grip as he felt totally safe and secure in his thoughts protected by her. He observed her sincere efforts and admired her commitment in awe. She then cradled the baby krishna to sleep on behalf of both them.

Kaka observed all this and felt highly emotional. Its Arnav first time after so many years, standing in the puja mandir. And all credit goes to Khushi he thought.

Kaka, aap prashad layiye. We will sit in the living room. She said and led Arnav holding his hand.

She made him sit while he looked a bit disturbed. She sat next to him and gave him glass of water. Tum teek ho? She asked him wiping sweat over his forehead using the tip of her saree pallu.

He nodded Yes feeling utmost peaceful with her touch. Just then Kaka came with prashad, ladoos. Khushi got up to take the plate to serve Arnav. She then took one in her hand and placed it in Arnav's palms. Arnav looked at her in surprise. He very well remembered that his mom made this delicacy every year especially on janmashtami and he was taken back that she maintained the tradition.

Yeh tumne banayaa? He asked Khushi with surprised look on his face.

She nodded yes pursing her lips. As he was about to take a bite, kaka spoke in mischievous tone, Waise Arnav babua, I hope you know the story behind these ladoos.

Khushi looked at Kaka with shocked expression and sighed him not to say anything. But kaka didnt understand her silent request.

Story? Arnav asked observing Khushi's flustered state.

Oh aapko nahi pata? Khushi bitiya, kya aapko bhi nahi pata? Kaka asked both of them. Arnav nodded No while Khushi tried to avoid the question. Kaka, aap jaayiye na. Get the table ready, we will be there in a min. I am sure Arnav must be very hungry.

Oh, totally forgot bitya. Abhi laga deta hoon. Kaka turned to go.

Ek min Kaka. What was the story you were saying? Arnav stopped him as he understood that there is something fishy.

Arnav, woh..Khushi tried to stop him but it was too late as she received threatening looks by then.

Kaka, what were you saying? Arnav asked again.

When you guys were very young, you used to make Khushi bitiya bring, no no, steal these ladoos from puja.

Khushi tried to leave the place only to be stopped by Arnav. He held her wrist firmly and made her stay with him.

Kaka continued, You both had a deal back then.

Deal? Kaunsa deal? Arnav asked curiously.

Hugs in return of ladoos. Kaka chuckled remembering those days, while Arnav looked at Khushi in surprise. She knew all these, why didnt she tell me? He thought. Komal bhabhi and Garima bhabhi used to make these puja arrangements together. And as you know they always prepared big thali of moti choor ladoos on special occasions. One day everyone were busy with pooja preparations. Komal bhabhi made these ladoos and kept in pooja mandir. Each time people left the mandir, ladoos started disappearing. Once Garima bhabhi got suspicious and found that the ladoos were missing. We didnt know who was eating in our absence. Then we hid ourselves and noticed that, you were hiding behind maata ki murthi and Khushi bitiya was carrying one ladoo at a time taking baby steps towards you.

Khushi looked tensed and embarrassed as Kaka continued and Arnav totally enjoyed this new side of Khushi and the interesting story that he never knew existed between them.

Itna hee nahi, you know why Khushi bitiya used to do that? Kaka asked with mischievous smile.

Kaka...bas kijiye. Khushi muttered under her breath but Arnav heard her pleas and smirked.

Why? Arnav asked Kaka to reveal further.

Jhappi keliye! Kaka smiled. She used to do anything just to get hug and a peck from you!

Arnav looked at Khushi totally surprised to learnt the new facts. He let out mischievous smile at Khushi, who looked very flustered and nervous. He noticed the bright pink hue spread over her neck and face. She is blushing, that too uncontrollably, he noticed.

Uss waqt aap donon pagal they ek dusre keliye. I wonder why God had to separate these 2 families. Kaka spoke wiping his tears and shaking his head sadly.

Arnav stood up leaving Khushi's hand and spoke, Kaka, I am hungry. First I wanna have dinner then I will eat prashad. Saying this Arnav walked to dining room totally ignoring the subject and Khushi.

But prashad? Khushi followed him questioning him angrily.

I will eat. Jaldi kya hain? He teased her.

As you wish! she stomped her feet angrily and took her seat to have dinner.

They ate dinner without much discussion. She is angry that he didnt eat prashad and he is thoroughly enjoying his bossy wife's attitude.

She finished her dinner and went inside kitchen to fill water jug. Arnav noticed Kaka cleaning up the table and grabbed the opportunity to sneak into the kitchen. He walked in the kitchen and noticed Khushi filling the water jug.

Khushi, come with me. I wanna talk to you.

I am busy and I am sleepy. I dont..

Before she could complete the statement, he took the jug from her hand and placed it on counter. He held her wrist and walked out of the kitchen, while grabbing a laddu from the thali on his way out.

Chodo, I dont wanna talk to you. Leave my hand. She angered and resisted.

He dragged her to the pool area and turned off the pool lights. The whole area is completely dark enveloped by moonlight. He cornered her looking intently into her eyes while she closed them, heaving heavily.

As he released his hand from hers, she opened her eyes and looked at him angrily. She tried to move away, but he blocked her keeping his arms on either side of her.

You will never be busy nor sleepy when it comes to me. When I say I wanna talk you, I wanna to talk to you and I expect you to drop everything else and come with me.

Kyun? Why should I always listen to you, when you dont bother to pay any heed to me? She is pissed. He smirked hearing her complain.

You are such a typical wife, do you know that? He asked her stepping more closer to her. He then showed her the ladoo and asked her, Shall we?

I dont want. You can eat. She turned her face away pouting her lips.

Open your mouth. He demanded.

She didnt open her mouth and she looked away stubbornly.

Last time I am asking you, Will you open your mouth or do you want me to push it down your throat.

Is this the way you ask? Cant you just say sorry?

Mein aisa hee hoon and we already talked about that. Now shut up and open your mouth.

Open or shut? Decide Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. She challenged.

He gave her threatening look raising his brows. She immediately relented and opened her mouth. He fed her half of it. As she was about to wipe her mouth, he stopped her and he swept his thumb on her lips cleaning it thoroughly and looking at them greedily. She lowered her eyes as her quivering lips trembled feeling his warm touch. He then lifted her hand that was clutching her saree tightly, and made her feed him the remaining half. She looked away shyly as his lips swept her fingers in the process. She tried to walk away as his touch is awakening senses that she is not sure until that point that they existed. He held her arm and pulled her back to the corner wall.

He snaked his fingers into her hair and cupped her nape while she closed her eyes nervously. He leaned onto her closing the gap between them and whispered in her ears huskily, Why are you so beautiful?

She blushed and smiled shyly as his rough stubble touched her flushed cheeks.

He retreated to check her blushing. It was sight to watch her face dipped in her own natural pink. Why did you make this day so special? he asked tucking her strands behind her ear.

I just followed the tradition, nothing out of the ordinary. She spoke without looking at his eyes as she herself knew she is in very vulnerable position.

Tradition? Is that the only reason. he asked expecting her to say more.

She just nodded YES with her downcast eyes.

I never knew you cook so well. He sincerely praised her for slowly becoming his life. Then I guess even I have to follow the tradition. He said huskily looking at her eyes.

She looked at him questioningly.

He smiled at her mischievously.

He cupped her nape a bit firmly and leaned in rubbing his thumb on her cheek. She closed her eyes as he leaned in. He planted his lips ever softly on her cheek and gave a feather kiss. He retreated to check her reaction. She still has eyes closed, her lips quivered, her hands trembled and most importantly, she turned crimson under the silver light.

He tilted his head to the other side and planted another kiss on her other cheek but this time a bit deeply making an impression of his passion for her. She held his lapels for support as he shuddered her senses. First kiss of her life, remained the first kiss even after so many years. He retreated back to take a look at her beautiful divine face. She had eyes closed, brows contracted nervously and above all he loved the way she held his shirt possessively.

I hope you got what you wanted in return of the ladoos, just like the old times. He teased her breathing onto her lips. She opened her eyes and looked at him stunned. She quickly pushed him away shyly and ran to her room.