
PART 40
"Had we but world enough, and time, this coyness, Lady, were no crime." -Andrew Marvell
Arnav's lips curved into a pleasant smile when these lines knocked his brain. How true it was to admire the coyness of his lady he thought as she snuggled into his bare chest more cozily with the after effect of his stare. If anything he had fallen for would be her blush.. He was totally enthralled by the red colour which created a splash over her cheeks.A real bliss of being one in true sense, an unfathomable experience of a divine love that they had showcased in between them. The passing hours had gifted them some nostalgic moments. Arnav slowly lifted her chin to face him. He could see the tiredness spread over her face with the blush it had turned red totally. He kissed her forehead possessively making her smile more to the warmth and affection he always portrays. Those moments which they had experienced for the first time in their life.
Right from their first kiss following the way he had slowly drugged her into the passion web with his sensual touches.They found solace in their arms slowly making way for their love. As he moved his hands towards her slowly making her aware of his touch to get acquainted with her skin she felt the goose bumps all over her. Both were giving into what their body wanted, what their soul wanted and what their inner conscience directed. Their weariness for having spent a long day of their marriage didn't seem to affect them as they got into the threshold of plunging into the desires. Their way of expressing love with their physical self synchronizing with each other's actions embarked with a smile of mutual understanding.She had been very reserved in thinking about the boldness that had been explained by her friends but the way he comforted her in each levels vanished her fear and anxiety.On the other hand he was very cautious as he had been under the impression that his carelessness can scare her and invoke a hatred on him. She proved him wrong again when she literally expressed her love, dedication and madness for him through her words and actions that occurred concurrently.He made way his mouth to explore her and savour her.She had no other choice than to enjoy the feeling which was new and hypnotizing. More to her shock by his subtle yet enchanting way of loving his wife, the moment he asked her the permission moved her into tears. She hugged him with might to show her that he needn't take her permission to mark her as his as she had already submitted herself to him be it her physical self or her soul.Her entire life is going to be under his protection, under his authority and under his charge. Arnav couldn't but express his contentment and gratitude by showering his love all over her face making her blush at the moment. They united together like two halves merging into one with the divine relationship binding them together forever in all terms.
Arnav : Khushi.. tum theek ho ? He asked with a plain concern in his eyes when he took her face near his eyes observing the tiredness hanging on her.
Khushi nodded with understanding and smiled at him not showing her physical pain which she suppressed her within.She knew he wouldn't be able to tolerate to see her in pain for even a smaller fraction. Natural as it happens she believed that this will be her step in rising into a next level of womanhood which all girls will experience one day. She touched his cheeks when she found him changing expressions as if he had been the cause of her suffering.
Khushi : Arnavji.. I am fine.. Its just I am feeling so tired from the marriage rituals and..
She stopped midway lowering her eyelids in shy as she thought of what she had experienced earlier.
Arnav understanding her pulled her closer to his chest and started caressing her back to make her sleep. Khushi couldn't hold back her happiness on how understanding he was. She wrapped her arms around his torso feeling the heaven in his arms to catch some sleep. Arnav was all the more concentrating on comforting her than getting into his slumber. Soon he found her sleeping peacefully in his arms which gave him much satisfaction. His droopy eyes soon fell into slumber following hers.
Early morning rays started to hit his eyes sharply. Sleep was hanging heavily on his lids blocking him from opening his eyes. He rubbed his eyes wearily and turned around to sleep on his stomach. Placing his hands in between the cot and his stomach he snuggled more into the pillow like a small kid he pouted as if he is lazy enough to get up.
Khushi clicked opened the bathroom door and found him sleeping like a baby. His face turning from a pout to frown due to the intrusion of the uninvited guest the sun rays that penetrates into their room slowly through the small gap in the window sill. She smiled at the sheer innocence of the grown up baby face soon replacing her thoughts with the last night acts making her flush in red. The immaculate body resting on the couch which had conquered her soft one. The emancipation of the restrained desires which had inculcated the deserving right and responsibility for each other.
She brushed her thoughts with a nod and turned towards the mirror to face her glowing face which shone brighter than the sunlight inside the room. She could feel the beauty in her mesmerizing herself with the sindoor, mangalsutra and the new saree she was wearing. What difference it was to turn from a girl to a woman? Describing it in words seemed inappropriate. The feeling of her natural beauty making her glow increased the pace of her heartbeats with the reason for her transformation. Her pink coloured saree which her amma had selected for her reminded of her family. A sudden gush of tears gulped down her throat thinking about one night staying away from her house.Now she has to get used to this. All have to face this situation. They might be physically away from her but her thoughts and mind would always hover around them.
She heard a small sound behind her from the cot where her husband was trying to twist the other side. His groan due to the light hitting his eyes was enough to make her chuckle. Soon replacing it with a naughty idea, she moved towards the cot where he was struggling to shut his eyes with force and the irritation revealing on his eyebrows.
Khushi noticed that he was lying half naked with the sheets covering up to his waist. She mentally hit herself for not getting diverted with a blush. Moving herself near his face she bit her lips in mischief with a clear mission of teasing her Arnavji.
Cool water droplets waving through his nose and eyes giving a tickling effect. He brushed the invisible fly from his cheeks in the midst of his sleep. Khushi didn't give up her taks so easily despite feeling sorry for teasing him in the early morning. She moved the tip of her long tresses which were dripping droplets of water towards his forehead then sliding down his cheeks and necks irritating him more. He groaned in displeasure of getting disturbed in his slumber and turned his back towards her in irritation. She sighed and turned the other side pouting.
Khushi : see how he sleeps like Khumbakarna.. Here I am trying to wake him up romantically, he gives more importance to his sleep. She complained to herself on his cold response to her morning romance and tried to get up from the bed.
With a sudden action he pulled her through her waist making her fall into the bed beside him. She jolted with shock when she found herself being pulled by his strong force scaring her to wits.Soon he rested his hands pinning on her sides leaning towards her face which had reddened due to the fear.
Khushi: Arnavji weren't you sleeping? I .. I thought. Her words stumbled with his hot gaze.She struggled to move away as he neared her.
Arnav: First Good Morning. (pecking her lips)... what were you trying to do Khushi? Teasing me in the morning uh? You naughty brat. He complained her by hitting his forehead on hers as a punishment..
Khushi : ouch.. was that my punishment? She pouted by rubbing her fingers through her forehead where he had hit.
Arnav : hmm... I will show you what is real punishment for disturbing my sleep.. He teased her with a fake anger. He started to move his fingers tickling her all over the body. Khushi started to giggle uncontrollably pleading him to stop the sweet toruture.
Khushi : A..Arn. Arnavji.. please.. Please.. I am sorry.. I ..Please stop.. She tried to stop him in the midst of her giggle that emanated with the effect of his tickle.
Arnav stopped as he saw her chest heaving and panting for breath. He smiled at the pure innocence of her face which had nothing but unmeasurable love and kindness. He admired his wife's early morning beauty from head to toe making her feel hot in his gaze.
Arnav : Beautiful.. You look stunning Khushi..Do you know what makes you more beautiful? He enquired as she tried to hide under his neck. She looked up questioningly stopping herself from hiding.
He moved towards her ears slowly.
Arnav : Your red nose and cheeks.. wow.. That enhances your beauty.. he whispered on her ears with an anticipation of blush. She soon found herself drawing patterns on his neck avoiding his gaze controlling herself not to blush again and show her weakness.
Khushi: Arnavji.. Let me go.. Its time..I have to get into the kitchen early today.She protested after a minute.
Arnav : Wait.. I wanna ask you something.. You have to answer me honestly.. He turned his face serious making Khushi gasp at him.
Arnav : Khushi.. are you sure you are fine? I hope there is no discomfort.. Please be honest Khushi.. were you happy?. His voice trailed with a desperate worry wallowing his eyes.
Khushi: Arnavji.. its really..voh.. I mean.. She lowered her eyes with remorse clouding over her making his heart stop for a minute.
KHushi looked up his face which turned pale as she proceeded with the awkwardness of her situation. She couldn't hold back her laugh and bursted out suddenly making Arnav shock within a split of a second. The shock soon raised the smallest anger in him for mocking at him at this juncture. He truly felt he had committeed mistake last night with her face going pale. He felt he had forced her unwantedly.
Arnav : Khushi... stop.. I am terrified here. Do you find it so funny? He retorted lightly still holding up his anger for his sweetheart. He knew the last one who would face his anger would be her.
Khushi truly felt bad. She wouldn't think of scaring him but she felt her it was bad of her to hurt him when he was serious. She cupped his face with her trembling hands.
Khushi : Arnavji.. Sorry I didn't mean to hurt you.I am sorry.. I was just playing round. I am stupid.. I shouldn't have.. I am sorry.. How can regret those moments I spent with you? Your presence I hadn't felt before physically but I have lived enjoyed for six full months as your wife. How can I feel bad for what he had experienced? Please ignore such thoughts Arnavji... She said with a pale face her tears threatening to jump from the brim of the eyelids.
Arnav : Khushi.. if you can make fun of me, why cant I baby ? Arnav smiled in mischief as she started to circle her jaw.
She continued hitting his chest while he tried to kiss on her fingers and wrists. Soon she pushed him with might to get off the bed.
Khushi : Enough of your games, I am going down.. Arnavji I am bit tensed too. My first day in my sasural. Do you see my hands shivering? She explained her worry as she straightened the saree and brushed her hair.
Arnav: Khushi.. Relax.. No body is going to eat you up here. You know everyone before. You are close to them than me.. then why this sudden worry ? Just be yourself. He convinced her while moving himself from the bed looking at her eyes through the mirror reflection.
He wasn't sure what bothered her so much but he thought it might be natural for her to get concerns on satisfying her in laws for the first time. He stood behind her facing the mirror and took her cheeks in his palms from behind placing a peck on the forehead.
Arnav : I hope this is enough to boost your confidence.. I am there with you as always.. Fine now? He smiled through the mirror as he saw the glint in her eyes back in full form. He rushed to the bathroom to have his shower while she slowly tiptoed out of the room in nervousness and embarrassment of how the family would react now.
****************
She placed the pooja thaali on the temple after the morning aarti. The whole family had gathered along with Nani who guided Khushi to pereform the pooja as per their tradition of the family. Arnav came down to witness the whole family assembled near the temple for pooja while Madhu ran into his arms hugging him and kissing him.
Madhu : Good morning Mamu.. Look Mami is doing the pooja today. She squealed in delight as he walked with her in his arms to the temple.
Arnav : oh.. really ? Why didn't my baby join then ? Arnav exclaimed to his cute princess who never fails to make him smile.
Madhu : I was waiting for you mamu.. You remember you told me that you will not leave me alone after you come back..Moreover I have school today, I don't want to go. Please can you butter mumma..PLesae mamu.. She pleaded in such a tone that Arnav cant never deny her anytime.
Arnav : So that's the agenda for today ? but who asked your mumma to send you to school today? I will fight with di today. Don't worry baby.. He promised her.
Madhu : Wow.. thank you mamu.. She kissed him all over face with excitement.
Nani noticed Arnav entering the temple silently with Madhu in his arms. She gestured him to come near her and do the aarti with Khushi. Arnav raised an eyebrow as if asking her if she was sure that he should accompany. One more stern look from Nani made him shrug his shoulders and join Khushi who was praying with her eyes closed.
Arnav noticed his beautiful wife standing infront of DEvimayya thanking for her life. He felt she looked cute while she had wrapped her head with the pallu of her saree giving her a perfect lucknowi look. He looked around as he couldn't believe his own family who will notice these trivial things and starts teasing him. Luckily he found all of them closed their eyes in deep prayers.
As he moved near her brushing himself on her she shuddered. She dared not to open her eyes and not see him as she knew he was the one standing beside him. The moment her looks would be caught by the family she wouldn't escape from their hold she believed. After the prayers, the aarti was taken by the couple encouraged by the other couples of the family who followed in queue. Nani blessed Arnav and Khushi after the aarti. She felt as if her family is complete with the bahus in her house. All her daughter wished had come true. Her daughter always wished to have a happy family and circumstances for her chotte. She was sure Khushi would always keep that promise to make him happy and he would also keep the promise to Sashi to make his daughter happy.
Akash and Shyam guarded Arnav as soom as they reached out of the temple. Arnav was stunned to see his brother and brother in law forming a guard for him while he saw the trio ladies approaching him with a mission.
Arnav : Whats happening jeejaji? He whispered into SHyams' ears by bending a little down who was standing on his front.
Shyam : Wait for the drama beta. I am guarding my saalesahab.
Akash : Haan bhai.. they are gonna attack you with their teasing. I heard their consipiracy details.
Aranv : Conspiracy what the?
Shyam : He is right. As soon as Khushi appeared in the kitchen in the morning I thought they would tease Khushi to the fullest. But my lovely wife your sister was talking to his wife and your wife and your another sister that they are gonna tease you only. They wanted to show more naari power in this house. See we are less in number and that makes them easy to target you by their mockery beta..Shyam secretly told Arnav as if there was a nuclear deal discussion going on between them..
Anjali cleared her throat as she saw her husband and two brothers ganging on the side of the hall devising some plan.
Anjali: ahem. Whats going on here ?
The three musketeers turned their faces and smiled at her.
SHyam : Nothing Rani Sahiba. I was just talking about the recent developments in politics to him. Why do you have any problem?
Payal : Jeejaji you both stand as if you are protecting someone?
Lavanya: Bhabhi. They are scared of women. Best example is my brother and my jeejaji. Now my bhai is also gonna fall into that category. Lavanya winked at her bhai who came forward moving aside his jeejaji.
Arnav : Scared? My little sister.. you call me scared for my wife? He raised his eyebrow with a question.
Khushi : Ofcourse, my sister in law is right. She can never be wrong. Arnav turned towards the sharp voice with attitude which came from his wife who was standing beside these ladies.
Arnav : Oh... really? Then dare if you explain to them why you were so nervous today morning Khushi.
Arnav smirked at the open jaws of the other three ladies while Khushi was thinking over whats so big in telling them about her nervousness in the morning for her first day at sasural. Anjali soon rushed to Khushi pushing away Arnav in the process who had been rescued by his jeejaji and brother at the apt point..
Anjali : Khushi I am really sorry .. we wont even think to tease you or chotte anymore. I know he is bold didn't even think that he is shameless too.Lets go Khushi.. we have so much work to do..
Khushi was confused on why Anjali was getting desperate to move from there. Shyam and Akash got the trick of Arnav who usually plays with words. Arnav moved near his jeejaji keeping his arms around his shoulders as a support.Shyam took the queue and started to add his spices.
Shyam : Saalesahab. I know your sister was nervous too... He blushed with a smile while Arnav and Akash hold their chuckle at the mocking session.
ANjali turned around with red cheeks only to beat the men gang who was trying to take a dig at her. Payal and Lavanya tunred the other side to hide their smile as they knew if Anjali had spotted them then they will have to face the same consequence.
Anjali after chasing the men out of the hall came back to Khushi who was totally perplexed at the scene..
Khushi : Di.. I was nervous because..
Her words soon interrupted by Anjali as an indication to stop her there as she wasn't intending to hear more from Khushi. Just at the time Mami came in to meet the other ladies.
Mami : Enough of chatting here. Its getting late for breakfast. New bahu should prepare everything. Khushi did you forget the custom? She mocked at Khushi.
Khushi : Mamiji.. how can I forget our tradition? I have already prepared sabzi and poori. I have to just prepare the sweet. I will do it within some time Mami.. Don't worry.
Mami knew the difference she could find in Payal and Khushi. Payal looks a bit stern in her actions but would be quiet when it comes to situations. Khushi is always bubbly and kind but she knows how to tackle others in right situations. She retired from the hall not willing to listen to her words anymore.
Family sat down the dining table with Khushi serving everyon the breakfast. Arnav looked at Khushi who was chatting with all the others without the strange feeling. She had considered them as her family from long back and it didn't got out of her notice to find the likes and dislikes of everyone. She had infact prepared sweets according to one's own taste within a small time.
Khushi : Nani.. your favourite kheer, Madhu baby your favourite gulab jamun. She distributed halwa along with puri and sabzi.
Anjali: Khushi .. the most important person is your husband. He should taste the sweet what you made.. Anjali giggled with Lavanya who looked at slight smirk of her bhai for getting importance.
Khushi blushed for a moment but soon took out the container moving towards his chair. She placed two three jalebis on his plate which amazed everyone.
Lavanya : Bhahi how did you know that he likes jalebis?
Payal : Because she loves only jalebis Lavanya.. All of them started laughing while Khushi lowered her eyes towards Arnav who was smirking at her biting the jalebi.
Anjali : Chote..what is your verdict?
Arnav : umm.. I would say I can give only .. He turned to look at Khushi's face whose worry was clearly depicted.
Arnav : I would live all my life eating her jalebis di.. Its awesome. He winked again as she bursted into a smile while the family laughed at this naughty side of chote.
Nani : Bitiya how did you manage to prepare so much bitiya?
Mami : Whats so much to get surprised? That too to a sweet shop dealer's daughter.
Mami's words soon irritated Arnav who was about to give her back answer. Khushi interrupted him understanding that all of them were irritated at the comment and it would seriously lead to unpleasant experiences on her first day.
Khushi : You are right mami.. but do you know what many had told me? There is no surprise that a sweet shop dealer's daughter is so sweet to deal with. I had got compliments too.
The whole family saw her enthusiasm and positive approach. She knew how to behave in a family without disrespecting others. Arnav felt happy at her words but was irritated at mami's comments. He was just concerned for Khushi and Payal on why would mami irritate them somuch holding the name of a mother in law.
*************
Arnav held Nani's hand as he kneeled down before his nani pleading for permission.
Arnav: Nani please.. I have to take her to my father's house.. Its my wish. I know people wont be sure enough of why I would enter that house again. That was my mother's sasural technically Khushi's too.
Nani : Chote.. I understand but do you think its fair to take her to that house where it is surrounded by those people who always try to mock at your father and his family?
Arnav : I don't care Nani.. I care for my father, my mother and their happiness. If daadi was alive she would have welcomed Khushi wholeheartedly. She was enthusiastic during di's marriage too.
Nani : Fine. Take her but make sure you don't indulge with those people. Some of them who had attended your marriage had already had faults to point out against KHushi and Khushi's family. Please take care of Khushi bitiya atleast. Nani stood up leaving Arnav behind.
Abhay came in with the car key to replace with the bike key he had forgotten at Arnav's house. He searched for the keys in Arnav's pocket.
Abhay : Arnie.. give me the bike key man.. I have to go now.. I have some important meeting.. He said as his search turned futile.
Arnav : No way.. You take the car today.. As you wished I love to go in bike with my wife.. You know its damn exciting and thrilling.. The most important meeting should be with Swetha.. You enjoy in my car bachu.. Now leave. He pushed him out of the house making Abhay resist him with full force.
Abhay : Woah.. revenge is it? Well. Leave all those? How was yesterday night man ?He winked at Arnav who smirked.
Arnav : You will get to experience the same in one week's time.. Now leave..
Abhay : wow.. so.. you did prove that you are my friend thanks buddy.. He hugged him while Arnav hit pinched his ears.
Arnav : Dammit cant you talk slowly? My whole family would have heard it.
Abhay : Fine Sorry.. I am leaving.. I will meet you in the evening.
Arnav :Hey where are my three colleagues? Did you lose them somewhere? He shouted at Abhay's retreating back.
Abhay : Don't worry they are in search of their life partners in Lucknow.. They will reach home late today.. Bye..
Arnav sighed thinking of tolerating these boys under one roof. He had to hurry up Khushi to take her to the house.
**********
Arnav pressed his bike brakes hard making her fall on his back and shoulder.
Khushi : Arnavji.. cant you press the brake slowly? Ouch..I was about to fall down. She complained as she safely got down of the bike.
Arnav : uh.. I wanted to experience the same thrill which we had before marriage but trust me Khushi this is more exciting. My wife cozily on my bike holding on to me falling on me.. wow.. He started dreaming with Khushi holding his ears to flirt with her in public.
Khushi : Get down now. By the by whats this place? She looked around a crowded street and some old houses on the side.It was a busy place which portrayed Lucknow's ethnicity and heritage.
Arnav : Come .. I will take you .. He held her hands and dragged her near to a house.
Arnav : Khushi this is my Mother's sasural. My parents hadn't stayed here for long but I wanted you to enter into this house with proper right as per my dadi's wish. He left her hand and Soon Khushi could witness a bunch of people surrounding her most probably the neighbours. Arnav bowed them with respect and smiled. They smiled at him in return. He left her hands to open the door and get inside.
Khushi was standing alone with the crowd who praising her beauty.
"So bitiya.. rightfully entering into your sasural ?uh?"
Khushi smiled in pride.. She was unknown to this fact but Arnav was always there to surprise her. She peeped in to find what Arnav was doing inside.
"You are very lucky.. For such a brother you had you don't even deserve to stand near the son of this house.. yet he married you . That shows his generosity"
Khushi's face stuck pale as the truth hit her. He had sacrificed to marry her forgiving her brother soon? She became thoughtful as she heard another bunch talking to her.
" For a good engineer like him who is such a handsome boy he could have got a very rich family and well educated girl. God knows why he still sticked on to the same decision of marrying you even after your family insulted him!"
That one word striked the chord. Khushi felt as if her heart was stopping its action. Was she right in marrying him after all these? Does she deserve him and his love?
"SHUT UP.." Arnav's voice roared as he neared Khsuhi and the gang who were harassing her with words. He could see the tears in her eyes which was turning into worry. He only knew the difficulty in convincing her from the guilt. Now these ladies are fuelling the fire which was really fatal for his relationship.
Arnav : I don't mind to disrespect you people if you don't stop your cheap words on my wife. She is my wife and I love her. Whatever you all talked is utter rubbish.. The fact is I love her only and I wouldn't have spared her anytime. Don't you dare open this topic again.I have come to my daadi's house to pay homage to her.. Just mind your own business. I can take care of my wife and myself. Arnav growled in anger with his eyes turning red due to the unwanted poking of nose by his so called distant relatives.
He turned towards Khushi after calming down a bit. She was still caught up in the dilemma but soon her eyes were proud to hear his words among the public. His love for her which he proclaimed to the whole world without anyfear.
Arnav : Khushi .. As per my family's tradition I have to take you in my arms inside the house..
He scooped her in his arms in a jiffy not even bothering to hear her reply as he was already shut down totally with anger.All she could do was look at his eyes with worry and wonder. He walked through the corridor entering into the entrance of his house like an angry prince sweeping his princess into his castle.
To be continued.
Note :
Thank you Nannav and other sweet sisters who did an appreciation thread for me.. Though I am not sure to deserve this.. I would like to extend my gratitude and shower my love to you all.. If I am deserving then its all because of your love and support.. Thank you everyone.. Love you all.. ❤️
Edited by harhem - 11 years ago
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