Later in the night, as Khushi was nestled in Arnav's arms in the cozy ambience of their bedroom.
Arnav said,' I can't thank you enough Khushi for making my birthday so special.' Saying this he kissed her tenderly.
'I can do anything to make you happy, to make you smile, to make you live your life at its fullest. Arnav I love you and when you are happy, I feel all is well with the world' she said, her love shining from her eyes.
Arnav's eyes turned misty at her selfless declaration. She knew she was going to get nothing in return. He knew she did not even expect it. Yet, she never hesitated repeating the words of love. She had willingly given her body to him.
Why could he be like her? Why could he not give his heart and soul without being sure that he won't be hurt? Why couldn't he trust her still?
He gave up trying to find the answers. He was too hardened and too disillusioned in life. His trust and love needed time. He did not even know what love was. But, the happiness he felt with Khushi was simply beautiful. So what if he did not give it the name of love?
'You are very selfless Khushi. I am sorry I am not like you' Arnav apologized to her. He was making a habit of this, he thought.
'It's ok. I never asked you for anything in return Arnav,' she said cupping his cheeks and giving him a wide smile. But her eyes reflected her pain at not hearing the words from him that she yearned for.
He crushed her to his chest, wanting to take away the pain and reassure her that she mattered to him.
But the words never came. He couldn't do it without knowing why she had tricked him into marrying him and he did not want to ask now.
Instead, he made love to her with all the intensity of his feelings, That night their love making was more on an emotional level than the physical.
He touched her as if she was a fragile, precious doll. He worshipped her body with his lips. He encouraged her to touch him and explore his body.
He made her feel that he belonged to her heart and soul.
After each session of lovemaking they talked ---the sweet lover's talk that was as special as the love making itself.
They talked about various things ranging from their childhood to fears to likes and dislikes.
On that one night they felt they knew more about each other than all these days together.
When they finally fell asleep in the wee hours of the night, both their hearts were filled with a rich contentment and happiness that neither could express in words.
Arnav was the first to wake up. He looked at his sleeping wife with tenderness. And then a new determination filled his mind.
'I am close to the truth Khushi. All the shadows between us will go. We can have a happier future although our past is bad. I promise you I will make you the husband you always wanted,' he whispered against her soft hair, as she slept on.
He let her sleep, holding her close to him. His mind was troubled about what Aaron would discover. Somehow, he did not want to know. He did not want anything to disrupt the happiness he had found with Khushi.
But he also knew that truth could not be hidden. Someone was blackmailing Khushi or rather ,she was into some financial dealings that were shady.
He had to know, even if it might be tough. He had to know to help her. He had to know to bury the past----
When Khushi woke up Arnav was nowhere to be seen. She looked around for him. But he wasn't there.
She felt disappointed. He did not wait for her to wake up?
Had she put him off with her declarations of love? She knew he did not want it. But she couldn't help herself.
What could she do? She had no control over how she felt.
She walked towards the poolside. May be he would be there?
Instead of Arnav, she saw a whole bunch of bouquets with red beautiful red roses.
Every bouquet had a card.
She picked up the first card. It said Thank you for a great birthday'.
She moved to the next. It read 'Thank you for the surprises'. The next read 'Thank you for the love' and the next read 'Thank you for the gift of yourself' and the next read Thank you for the beautiful nights'.
Surprised and overwhelmed with happiness, she looked all around looking for her husband. Sure enough, there he stood, his arms wide open for her hug.
She rushed into his arms as tears spilled down her cheeks. 'Thank you so much. I lo-----'
'No don't say it. Next time you say it, I want to be worthy of it. I want to say it back. Till then you should never say the words till I say it.'
She nodded, still crying, while he kissed her.
Arnav could hardly focus on his work that day. Memories of the last two nights and his birthday returned to his mind.
He had never been so happy. Everything seemed to be infused with a new light and freshness. He felt 10 years younger. And the reason was ---Khushi.
The thought of her made him smile.
She was all that a man could ask for ---. Innocent yet passionate, Loving yet undemanding, Selfless and caring. She had put a new purpose into his life. He looked forward to a new tomorrow, thank to her---
His thoughts were interrupted by the ring of his mobile.
The name flashing in his mobile made Arnav tense---Aaron.
Fear gripped his heart as he picked the call.
Reluctantly he picked the call.
'Yes Aaron. Is there any news?' he asked, bracing himself for the news.
'Yes in fact there is. We discovered who owns Horizon Enterprises. Do you want tot know the names over the call or do you want to come down?" Aaron asked.
The mobile phone almost slipped out of Arnav's hands. He knew what he was going to hear was going to make a huge difference to his life with Khushi.
He had never been so scared in his life. He couldn't even answer Aaron.
'Mr Raizada. Are you there?' Aaron asked.
'Yes----Yes I am here. Go ahead and tell me over the phone,' he said.
'Mr Raizada. The account is owned jointly between Rohan Singhania and Shyam Manohar Jha. Are the names familiar to you?" Aaron asked.
This time the mobile phone slipped out of his hands---
Bigg Boss 19
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