ARHI SS: Trapped Thread 3 Link to New Thread - Page 14

Like the bee that had tasted the nectar, Arnav could not stop with just once. They made love several times that night, their desires matching perfect rhythm.

As they touched and kissed and made love, the whole world was forgotten. Nothing seemed to exist but for this beautiful night and feeling. It was the eternal magic that only two lovers could share.

Khushi felt a sense of elation that she was able to pleasure him and give him happiness. She felt a deep sense of satisfaction to know that Arnav had given her one of the rights of the wife he had initially sworn he would never give.

The tender way in which he ensured that she too was as pleasured as him and the way he murmured sweet nothings sensing her soreness, made her heart swell with love for him.

Later, in the wee hourse of the nights, as they lay spent in each other's arms. Khushi thought whatever happened this night would remain with her. Whatever happened Arnav would never doubt her love for him and the fact that all her loyalty was with him.

He would know she would never give her body to any man unless he was the one who owned her body and soul.

May be the future won't be that bad after all. Arnav would trust her against all odds.

The thought soothed her and gave her peace. She fell into a deep, exhausted sleep with a smile on her face.

Arnav looked at the sleeping beauty. Watching her gave him immense happiness and peace. She looked like a child as she slept. He smiled at the irony. She had been nothing short of a seductress in bed, matching him all the way. And yet, she had a naivety about her and an innocence that was refreshingly beautiful.

Tenderly he hugged her close as he slept, as he himself fell asleep thinking that this was the best beginning of his birthday and almost for the first time in a decade, he looked forward t a new day with joy.

When she woke up, she felt strange. The sun was high up in the sky indicating it was very late. She felt an unfamiliar ache in her body. As she tried to move, she felt something holding her back. She looked down to see Arnav's bare arm too close to her breast ---and she was naked. HiAnd then it hit her---all the memories of the previous night.

Her lips curved into a soft smile gazing down at the sleeping man. He looked like a young boy as he slept. His face was relaxed and his whole face looked content. Slowly she traced the contours of his face, her eyes moistening with tears of tenderness.

If I got another lifetime with you Arnav, I'd pray to God that we meet earlier, so that I can give you more happiness, I can share your every pain and every worry. I love you sweetheart and always will. But sometimes I am scared of loving you so much' she whispered into his forehead as she kissed him.

He stirred slightly and immediately Khushi became still. Making love was a different thinking, but facing him was another.

She could not face him in broad daylight, thinking of all the things they had done the previous night. The very thought made her blush a beetroot red. She tried to disentangle herself without disturbing him and succeeded. She rushed to the bathroom to have a bath and escape the room

As quickly as she could she took her bath, dressed and fled the room.

When he woke up he felt an unfamiliar sense of happiness. Quirking half an eye open, he tried to spot Khushi and immediately the memories of the night came back. He smiled at the memories. He had never dreamt in his wildest dreams that he would find making love with a woman so soul stirring and beautiful. Then he reasoned it was because of Khushi and her selflessness. She completely gave herself, like a birthday gift to be unwrapped by him.

She held nothing back, even risking pregnancy, because both had not been prepared. The thought sobered him. That had been rash! Considering the problems in their marriage it was not wise to have a child. But strangely, he did not mind the thought. May be that would be a reason to bind them together forever?

He was amazed at the thought. He wanted her in his life forever? Unknowingly, she had made a place in his life which belonged to her and her alone----

When he came down his family stood in full attendance minus Khushi. His eyes searched for Khushi, but she was nowhere to be seen.

He had always warned them against gifts and wishes, so they were silent. But Anjali came forward and hugged him and applied teeka with a blessing Jug Jug jeeyo. Meri Khushi tumhe naseeb ho' (Live for ages. May my happiness be yours').

Next his mother came forward. As Arnav bent down and touched her feet, she placed her hands on his head and said Jeeta raho. Khush raho. Muskuraate raho (Live long. Be happy. Keep smiling). She then applied teeka from the pooja thal she had.

Risheek came and hugged him with a Happy Birthday Mamu. Mom had told me I should not wish you as you don't like it. How silly! Who won't like their budday,' he said, kissing Arnav's cheeks.

Arnav's heart swelled with joy at these warm birthday wishes. He again looked around for Khushi and finally seeing his distress Anjali teased Chotey, I know you are looking for your wife. She is in the kitchen from the morning cooking every possible food item you like. She is unstoppable' Anjali smiled.

He thought she would come to serve the food. But HP came carrying one dish after the other. Khushi still did not make an appearance.

What the hell was wrong with her, he wondered. She had not even wished him from the morning. Was she angry about yesterday? But she had made every dish he liked from palak paneer, to pakoda to sugar less gulab jamun..

So why was she hiding? He then told HP Can you send your bhabhiji with the next dish?' much to Anjali's amusement.

His eyes darted towards the kitchen door, waiting to catch a glimpse of her. But it was only HP who came again, Bhabhi is putting ice cream into the bowls'.

Frustrated, Arnav left his chair quietly and walked towards the kitchen, giving HP a warning glance not to follow.

HP knew better than to risk Arnav bhaiya's anger and he decided to stick to the living room and give the couple their space. Maybe they had fought and he wanted his Khushi bhabi to be happy with Arnav Bhaiya. She was perfect for him. He had even stopped yelling much, HP mused with a smile.

She stood close to the fridge, filling each bowl with icecream. He walked close to her and whispered in her ears.

Are you hiding from me?'

She literally jumped out of her skin, dropping the spoon she was holding. He placed his arms on bith sides of her, pinning her to the fridge.

Are you avoiding me?' he asked huskily.

No' she said, avoiding his gaze.

Then what is it? Do you regret last night?' he asked.

Her head snapped up as she shook her head and said No. Not at all.'

Her words reassured him. Then what is it Khushi?' he asked lifting her chin up and forcing her to look at him.

I ---- I ---am embarrassed at my behavior' she confessed shyly and buried her face in his chest. In a while she was shocked to feel a tremor passing through the strong chst. When she looked up, she saw him laughing out loud.

What is so funny?' she asked.

You are funny Khushi. I love that behavior' and want to see more of it at night. So what do we do about that?' he teased.

She blushed a deep shade of red as he bent down and kissed her lips and they hugged each other.

'Are you ok after last night? Do you hurt?' heasked her, concerned for her soreness,

She shook her head with a smile and said Nothing I can't take.'

He then said You have forgotten something'.

Immediately she looked up at him.

Happy Birthday Arnav. May God give you my lifespan, my happiness and my share of success too' she said, her love shining through her eyes.

Thank you Khushi---Thank you for everything,' he said kissing her again.

More celebrations followed in the evening. He had to cut a big fat cake and good humouredly tolerate his family's off key birthday song, led by Khushi.

After this Arnav received a host of gifts from his family. A wrist watch from Anjali, a property document from his mother and a tiny little toy for his car, from Risheek. Even HP gifted him a key chain.

But what Khushi gave him moved him beyond everyone else's.

She had put together all his pictures in an album---from his childhood till now, with small notes narrating the memories behind each picture. The album was titled My incredible Arnav---the best gift to my lfe'

Too overwhelmed to speak Arnav looked into her eyes with a mute expression of gratitude.

She looked back at him with the warmest expression of love that spoke more about her love than words----