IPKKND : Walking On Sunshine #2 [Epilogue Added!]

"Oh my God!"

Satvik looked up from the newspaper to see Anjali running towards him in utter excitement. He smiled and wondered what had happened to make her so happy early in the morning.

"Guess what came in the mail this morning?"

"What?"

"Lavanya and NK's wedding card!"

Satvik got up from his chair and inspected the card. He beamed joyfully and enveloped Anjali in a warm embrace.

"Arre what's all this so early in the morning, huh Bhaiya?"

Satvik looked up to see Khushi standing near the doorway, with her hands on her hips and a mischievous smile on her lips.

"Khushi, Lavanya's wedding card just arrived in the mail!"

"What? Really? Oh my God!!!"

Khushi snatched the card away from Satvik and hungrily went through it. She squealed in delight and clapped her hands, before dancing around the living room. Satvik laughed at his cousin's antics while Anjali joined in her celebrations.

"On that happy note, I shall make a special breakfast. Kachori, aloo dum and jalebis!"

Khushi hugged Anjali in happiness and ran to her room to pick up her phone and called the first person whose name had crossed her mind when she had seen the card.

"Lavanya's wedding card has arrived, right?"

"How did you know?"

"We just got ours as well and I knew you'd call me as soon as you saw it Khushi."

Khushi flushed a little but smiled brightly as she began reeling off how much fun she was going to have at the wedding.

"But Khushi there's a small problem."

"What's that?"

"Check the card and see for yourself."

Khushi ran out of the room and returned with the card. She flipped it opne and went through the details more carefully this time. Her eyes became as wide as saucers as she realized where the venue was.

"Los Angeles!!!"

Arnav moved the phone away from his ear as Khushi's shrieks grew louder and shriller.

"Khushi, that's not the problem. The date is. The wedding's on Christmas eve and Akash and I were just discussing when we should head out. There's a small cocktail party on the 16^th and Lavanya wants us to be there for it."

"But my school has holidays only from the 23^rd!"

"Exactly. And I have a really huge deal which I have to oversee on the 21^st so there's no way I can make it by the party."

Khushi felt her lips tremble as her heart fell in disappointment. She had just gotten this job and she couldn't very well take leave so soon. But she also didn't want to miss the party. She really didn't know what to do and she felt hot tears forming in her eyes.

"Relax Khushi. I'm going to talk to Jeejaji and we'll fix up something. Don't worry."

Khushi nodded her head slowly and disconnected the phone. Maybe all this happiness was really too good to be true.

…

"Khushi, we've decided something. Akash, Payal, your Bhaiya and I will fly to LA on the 15^th and you and Arnav will join us on the 23^rd. We've spoken to Lavanya and she said that the party's not a very big deal. Just a chance for her Indian friends to meet her American ones. So don't worry about it."

Khushi looked at Anjali doubtfully. But then she really didn't have another choice so she agreed to the arrangement, disappointed that she would be missing the party but secretly pleased that she would be on the flight with only Arnav.

…

"Come on Khushi, the car's waiting for us outside."

Khushi brushed her hair once more and bounded down the stairs. She was wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a white roll top sweater. A thick, black jacket was tied around her waist and she was wearing sneakers on her feet. Arnav watched as she rushed down the stairs, looking delightfully pretty in her winter attire. He felt his throat drying up and quickly cleared it before walking out the front door. Their bags were already in the trunk of the car and Arnav sat down on the left side of the car while Khushi took the right seat.

After luggage check in, immigration and security check, they finally boarded and Khushi watched awestruck as the flight attendant showed them towards their first class seats. She had been on a plane before but never on an international flight and definitely not via first class. She marveled at the interiors which were no less than a five star hotel. They had a private section all to themselves and the seat reclined till it became a comfortable bed. There was a counter on the left side and all sorts of drinks and snacks were stacked there.

It was a twenty three hour long flight and Khushi closed her eyes, scared of the take off. The plane started its engines and slowly gained speed. She gripped the handle tightly and began praying to Devi Maiya. Suddenly, she felt a warm hand engulf hers and she snapped her eyes open to meet his molten brown ones. She was just beginning to get lost in their depths when the plane left the ground. She immediately closed her eyes tightly and held his hand in a vice like grip.

Arnav watched as Khushi held his hand as if her life depended on it. He smiled slightly but didn't say anything. Once they were completely in the sky and flying at a constant altitude, he slowly squeezed her hand.

"Khushi, open your eyes."

She shook her head vehemently and continued to murmur prayers to Devi Maiya.

"Khushi, do you trust me?"

Khushi's heart started beating wildly in her chest and this time it wasn't due to fear. His words sank into her and she pondered on them. Did she trust him? With her life.

"Y-yes."

"Then open your eyes."

She slowly cracked open one eye and then the other. Bright lights inside the plane made her squint for a bit but she gradually got accustomed to it.

"Now look out the window."

Turning her head ever so slightly, she peered out, dreading to see a bottomless sky waiting to engulf her. Instead she saw a brilliant red hue as fluffy clouds went past them,, each resembling a different shaped golden cotton candy. The orange yellow glow from the setting sun made everything shimmer majestically. She gasped as she realized just how beautiful everything looked from high above. She turned towards Arnav, expecting him to be lost in the scenic view as well but his eyes were admiring a different sight altogether.

He gazed at her as she took in the beautiful sight outside the window. He really didn't care about the view from the plane. He had a much better subject in front of him. The closer he got to her the more he marveled at her innocent beauty. Did she even know how enchantingly beautiful she was? Was she aware of how his brain completely lost out to his heart every time she was near him?

…

They landed in LA in the early hours of the 24^th. Lavanya, Anjali, Payal, Akash and Satvik were there to pick them up. They got into a cab and headed towards the hotel where the other four were already checked in.

Khushi marveled at her room. It was huge! The interiors were green and blue and she had a beautiful view of the Santa Monica beach from her window.

"Lovely isn't it?"

She nodded at Lavanya and settled down on her super comfortable bed.

"So are you nervous about tonight?"

"A little but it's a good kind of nervousness. I'm so excited! I'm finally going to get married. Did you get a proper outfit for the wedding Khushi?"

"I've got my purple lehenga in the bag."

"Lehenga? Are you crazy Khushi? It's going to be a church wedding and then a celebratory dinner at this hotel's lounge! You can't wear anything Indian!"

Khushi's mouth fell open as she digested this piece of news. She had been so caught up in finishing her school work that she hadn't had time to speak to Lavanya even once on the phone. Otherwise she would have known about the dress code.

"Don't worry. I've got something for her."

They both turned towards the door and saw Arnav standing there with his arms folded across his chest. He held out an expensive looking bag and Khushi took it uncertainly.

"Wear this tonight."

Lavanya hastily opened the bag and squealed as she caught sight of the contents.

…

The wedding was at a church with grand decorations and gorgeous interiors. Lavanya walked down the aisle and stood beside NK who looked very handsome in a black tuxedo. Her wedding dress was white with pink roses on it. Her hair was pulled up into a fancy bun and she was glowing with happiness.

After the ceremonies, everyone relocated to lounge where the post wedding party was to be held.

Satvik and Anjali chatted with mutual friends of theirs and NK's while Akash and Payal got to know Lavanya's American friends. Both the men were dressed in smart tuxedos and looked very handsome indeed. Anjali was wearing a black strapless number which accentuated her broad shoulders and athletic figure. Payal had worn a royal blue dress and she had curled her hair so that it fell on her shoulders in beautiful waves.

Arnav had had a very stressful evening. One look at Khushi and every other thought in his mind had exited. She looked so exquisite in the floor length red dress. Her hair was in an elegant French knot and a few strands had been left loose and curled slightly to give her a fairy like feel. She had worn a soft pink lipstick and her right hand had a red corsage on it. He had gulped a few times before acknowledging her presence with a curt nod. If she looked so beautiful, how would he survive the entire evening?

Music had started playing and Anjali had dragged Satvik out to the dance floor. They were effortlessly good and not at all conscious. Lavanya saw them dancing and grabbed NK's wrist, making him dance as well. Soon other couples joined them as well and there was hardly any room to move properly.

Khushi gazed wistfully at the dancing couples, wishing that she could be out there as well. Suddenly she felt a hand on her bare shoulder and she turned around to meet Arnav's molten brown ones. He held out his hand and Khushi looked at him in surprise.

"May I have this dance?"

Khushi stood stupefied as he took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor. The music changed from a disco track to a slow song and the lights faded as they stepped closer to each other.

You fill up my senses

Like a night in the forest

He pulled her hand lightly and she spun into him, landing on his hard chest. She felt her breath come in short gasps as she felt how close she was to him. He slowly leaned towards the right with her pressed on his left. He pulled back up and twirled her once more before bringing her back to him.

Like the mountains in spring time

Like a walk in the rain

Her hand was on his shoulder while his held the small of her back. He dipped her backwards and brought her back up in one graceful movement. They stared into each other's eyes and forgot about the rest of the people in the room. They swayed along with the music, going around in a perfect circle before retracing their steps.

Like a storm in the dessert

Like a sleepy blue ocean

He slid his hands slowly along her waist and she could feel his strong fingers through the silky fabric of her dress. Gosse bumps travelled along her entire body as he gripped her firmly and lifted her up before twirling and putting her down gracefully. He was the leader in the dance, instructing her to follow his movements and she did just that with perfection.

You fill up my senses

Come fill me again

He turned her around so that her back was facing his front. Khushi's breath hitched as she felt Arnav's mouth moving along her exposed shoulder blade. He trailed his lips along her creamy skin, leaving behind hot breaths and spine tingling intensity. His hands reached down and took hold of hers and locked them around her waist. Khushi's chest was heaving up and down due to his proximity. He ran his nose along her delicate neck and blew softly into her ear. Shivers ran down Khushi's spine and she closed her eyes as a rush of emotions engulfed her. He slowly turned her to face him and cupped her cheeks. The touch of his warm hands sent an electrifying jolt through her and she snapped her eyes open. He was looking at her so intensely that she felt weak in the knees. She put her hands on his upper arms, clinging onto him for support as he slowly moved closer to her. The emotions swirling around in his eyes almost scared Khushi but she held firm, waiting in anticipation.

Just then the music changed to a loud Bollywood number and they both sprang apart. And not a moment too soon. The lights came on almost immediately and everyone began cheering and dancing along in a totally different fashion.

Khushi felt flustered and very hot. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked across the hall to where he was standing.

Arnav stared at her as she slowly turned to look at him. Her eyes mirroring his disappointment and uncertainty.

What had they been about to do just then?

…

So how was it? 😕 I think I totally messed up the dance scene. But I was trying to write out the Teri Meri sequence. And the song that's playing in the background in Annie's Song by John Denver. It's quite beautiful so do check it out. 😊

This is Khushi's dress

This is Khushi's corsage

This is Anjali's dress

This is Payal's dress

Res

Oopsie...im sooo sorry...i reserved and then i forgot to edit...typical me...😆!!!

Read the chapter again...and i fell in love with teri meri all over again!!!thank you!!!😃

The plane ride was just...heavenly😍...arnav holding her hand...khushi looking out and arnav looking at khushi...very much like khushi looking at the fireflies and arnav looking at her smile...(a veryyy far off comparison...but i was immediately reminded of that scene...😉)

Wear this tonight

😳

I just got goosebumps when i read that line...three words but the authority was fantastic!!!(adds this to the list of arnav singh raizada's effects)

Awwiieee...lavanya and NK...they would complement each other soo well whenever i imagine them and lavanya's wedding gown is just SO pretty...and lavanya would absolutely look like a doll in that!!

Teri Meri re-created!!!!khushi in red...arnav in black tuxedo...music...your descriptions...and BAM!!!its a blast!!!

Why didn't they kiss??a peck at least???

I am really hoping for a confrontation next chapter...or at least some more moments to make them realize that they need to move on with their rabba ve's now...😆

superb update...

I liked the update and ofcourse the detailing! I think you did better than the teri meri sequence..

Thanks for the PM!