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Khushi came out of the bathroom after showering, a light purple
sari wrapping her slim body and a towel wrapped around her soaking
long hair.
She walked to the dressing table and stood in front of the mirror.
She covered her wrists with dark purple bangles and reached up to
unwrap the towel from her head, letting her long wet hair fall
behind her back. The movement caused her pallu to slightly shift
off of her shoulder.
Unaware of that, she started to rub the towel against her hair, to
air it. She then bent over to place the towel on the chair beside
the dressing table. In that process her pallu completely slid off
her shoulder and fell onto the upper curve of her elbow.
Sighing, she stood up straight and brought all of her hair forward
over her right shoulder, leaving her back bare. Then she gathered
her pallu and folded it according to the crisp lines and was about
to fling it over her left shoulder when she noticed a movement from
behind. She looked up at the mirror and gasped, her wide eyes
staring into the eyes of her husband.
~
Arnav was getting late for office. He had forgotten to take an
important meeting file and took long strides to his room to
retrieve his file. He took two steps at a time up the stairs and
entered the room when he saw his beautiful wife adjusting her pallu
properly. The sight of her froze him to the spot. She was unaware
of his presence. He wondered how she could look so sexy without
even trying. Then her eyes met his at the mirror and he saw blush
creeping up her milky cheeks and something inside him stirred.
Khushi saw him from the mirror and his intense stare made her
blush, a light shade of pink coloring her cheeks. Snapping out of
the trance, she cleared her throat and looked away from his
piercing gaze, focusing on her pallu. She looked up at the mirror
again and saw that her husband was still staring at her. His gaze
lingered over her back and she immediately flung her hair behind,
covering her back from his gaze.
Seeing her hair covering her back he realized he had been standing
and staring at her like an idiot for quite some time and felt
embarrassed being caught by her. He walked hurriedly to his closet
and began searching for his file. Meanwhile Khushi carefully flung
her adjusted pallu over her shoulder.
When he couldn't find it he turned to khushi and said " Khushi,
the Mehta file I kept in my closet isn't here, could you check if
it's " before he could finish Nani's voice interrupted him.
" Khushi bitiya! Could you please come down quickly, there's some
important work needed to be done! " said Nani from the hall.
Khushi looked at Arnav and then to the door, and decided to help
Naniji instead. She walked out of the room and left a sad Arnav
alone.
~
Khushi walked down the stairs.
' He had the audacity to ask me to help him? That too to help him
look for his file?! How can he act so normal. As though everything
is fine! Even after all that's happen, he blamed me for Di's
depressing condition and stopped me from leaving by using the
contract marriage.. I cannot believe after everything he still
thinks of this as a contract! ' she thought to herself. She reached
the bottom of the stairs and walked to the kitchen to find Naniji.
There stood Nani, looking a little worried. Upon entering the
kitchen, Khushi asked Nani what help she needed.
" Actually Khushi bitiya I would've done it myself, but you see
Anjali, Payal bitiya and I will be leaving for the temple shortly.
Manorama has gone to the parlor And your Mamaji is overseas as you
know and Chotte will be leaving for office soon to join Akash in
the meeting and Nanhe bitua is out with his friend, though this
really isn't a man's work! "
" Naniji you don't have to explain so much! Just tell me what the
work is, I'll start on it " said khushi smiling slightly
" Khushi bitiya could you make lunch for us all today please? "
" Oh Naniji, There is no need to ask me for such a small matter!
Anyway if I don't do this type of work then who will? You don't
worry, I'll start making lunch for all right away "
" Okay Khushi Bitiya, we will return in some time! Anyway do you
want any groceries? On our way back I can get them " asked Nani
Khushi refused, saying " Naniji why should you have to do that,
I'll tell Om Prakashji to get whatever groceries are needed "
" Oh right, Khushi bitiya, Om, Hari and Jai Prakash have been sent
to purchase and arrange all the necessary things needed for the
prayers tomorrow! Which means you'll be all alone.. Nevermind I
will go to the temple alone later and stay back to cook lunch with
you now "
" No Naniji! No problem, you carry on I will manage everything
here, please don't worry "
" Okay Khushi Bitiya, Oh wait I forgot my prayers plate, I'll just
get it " said Nani, walking to the Prayers room
Meanwhile Khushi busied herself in the kitchen. She washed her
hands and took out some flour, mixed it with water and started
kneading it with her hands.
Nani retuned with the prayer plate in her hands. There were some
holy threads, vermilion and rice seeds in a small cup arranged on
the plate. She said bye to khushi and was about to leave when she
noticed that khushi was wiping her neck with the back of her hand
It was humid in the kitchen and Khushi was starting to perspire.
' I should've tied up my hair! Hey devi maiyya the heat is
drenching me! ' she thought to herself and raised her hand to wipe
away the sweat from her neck.
" Khushi Bitiya, your neck is bare.. " Nani said. Her gaze shot up
to Khushi's forehead, only to find it bare as well. In a surprised
tone she asked " Bitiya, what happened, nor did you wear your
mangalsutra or apply sindoor on your maang?.. "
Khushi's eyes widened as she realized that she had totally
forgotten to wear all that a married woman was supposed to wear.
" Oh.. I had just come out of the shower when you had called for me
so I immediately came down and totally forgot About that.. I will
wear my mangalsutra and Apply sindoor as soon as I'm done with the
rotis! " said Khushi
" No Khushi Bitiya, it's not considered good for a married lady to
not be adorned by the two most important symbols.. " Nani explained,
just as Arnav come down the stairs with a file clutched in his hands.
~
Arnav was sad that Khushi had just left the room without saying a
word, though he knew the reason why. He was the reason to every
worry, problem and sadness in her life. His choice of selecting
arrogance and ego over his feelings came at a price; losing
Khushi.
But he had tried his best to convince her to stay in the
house. But she had refused, not listening to him, insisting that
he let her go. As if he would ever let her go after everything
that has happened.
But once again he had managed to hurt her despite finding out that
she was innocent all along, that she had risked her own life just
to save his own, that she did genuinely love and she does care for
his family.
Even then, like every other time he lashed out at her,
upon finding out that his Di was at the verge of hurting herself
because of something Khushi had said. He was mad that Khushi had
gone ahead to talk to Di despite Nani's request that she not come
in front of Anjali as it would only remind her of the fact that
her husband had been thrown out of the house.
But he should have realized that Khushi had only gone there as
last resort to get his Di to eat at least something, and not
starve!
How much of a jerk he was, as If scolding her was not
enough, as if telling her that he wished he hadn't met her at all
wasn't enough, he went ahead and stopped her from leaving by
threatening her using the contract marriage that bound them
together for six months. He knew she was confused, she must be
wondering what exactly he wanted.
First scolding her, saying hurtful things, telling her she is the
biggest mistake in his life, and then he himself stopping her from
leaving. After all, what exactly did he want from her?!
He cleared
all his thoughts and focused on finding his file, but promised
himself that through any means, he will earn her back again, even
if it meant putting on the facade of being ASR like he did to the
world. He finally found his file and turned to exit their room,
going down the stairs, leaving for office.
~
Arnav came down the stairs with a file clutched in his hands and
the sound of his footsteps turned Nani's head to his direction.
" Chotte! It's good that you are still here, do a small thing
before you leave, will you? " asked Nani
Arnav was listening to Nani but he was looking at Khushi. Though
she wasn't wearing red, his favorite color, he still couldn't seem
to take his eyes off her. Nowadays, in fact, he seemed to be acting
differently towards her. He did use to stare at her before, but
these few times his stares was different, they didn't seem to
scream ' hatred ' anymore.
His wife was looking beautiful as usual. Her fringe framed her
innocent face, her doe like eyes looking at him shyly, eyes that
are so expressive, with a million expressions that changed with
each second. Her sari was hugging her slim figure, showing off all
her curves and part of her milky waist. Seeing her messy state
while she kneaded the dough made him smile, she was sexy even
while doing such things.
' Does she even know how beautiful she is?
Idiot, how would she know that. Every time you've spoken to her all
you've done is insulted her! All the times when you should've
consoled her, made her smile, protected her, loved her, worshiped
her, you went ahead and threw accusations and insults in her face!
What a big fool I am! ' Arnav mentally chided himself.
~
Khushi sensed before hearing Arnav's presence. As usual, she could
feel the change in the atmosphere and knew before looking that he
was there. And of course her heart would beat faster on its own
accord whenever he was around. It was instant, automatic, almost
instinctive that her senses would be on alert, warning her of his
presence. She sighed, looking up to see him walking down the stairs.
Like always, his body had on a formal shirt with his tie, a
business suit, and pants completing his signature look. And as
always, he managed to look like a Greek god, his clothes outlining
his perfectly built body, all muscular yet lean and extremely fit.
His face had his usual default mode of seriousness. Any expression
suited his ruggedly handsome face! And some of his perfectly gelled
strands of hair fell over his forehead.
' Nobody should have the right to look so good! He is sinfully
good looking! ' thought Khushi who then mentally scolded herself
for having such thoughts. She looked away and continued kneading
the dough, avoiding his piercing gaze.
~
Hearing Nani's words she froze, afraid of what Nani would next say.
' Do a small thing before you leave? Hey Devi Maiyya, the small
thing is not what I think it is, is it? ' a scared Khushi asked
herself silently.
" Yeah Nani, what is it? " asked Arnav, looking at Nani now
" In a haste Khushi Bitiya has forgotten her mangalsutra and
Sindoor, so help her with that would you? It's not good for a
married woman to be without those two things! " exclaimed Nani
Khushi groaned as her suspicion was proven real. She looked at
Arnav nervously, knowin he would probably blow up at the mention
of helping her with the mangalsutra and Sindoor as he simply
didn't believe in them. But to her utter surprise his next words
froze her
" Sure Nani, since I'm running late already, might as well be a
little more late anyway " Arnav replied, looking at a shocked
Khushi
At first she thought he was humoring Nani but then he started to
take steps towards her and she panicked. She did not want to be
around him! And apply Sindoor? That too from the hands of a man
who didn't even believe in it?? No way!!
" Naniji! It's no big deal, just let me wash my hands and I'll do
it myself, no need for Arnavji to take the trouble.. "
Khushi said pleadingly while looking at Nani
" Oh Khushi Bitiya. What trouble! It is Chotte's right as your
husband! " said Nani
" Yeah Khushi, it's my right, I'm your husband. And there isn't any
trouble Khushi, I would love to mark you as my wife anytime of the
day " said Arnav, smirking a little
Khushi felt happy at the mention of him marking her as his. But
then reality snapped in and her happiness died as she realized
that he probably was talking sweetly for Nani's benefit, pretending
to be a happy couple in front of her.
' Fine, two can play a game. ' she thought ' For Nani's sake, I'll
let Arnavji do it.. Besides if I refuse Naniji may suspect that
something is wrong! ' she thought
Hesitantly Khushi replied, " Okay.. "
" Chotte, take the Sindoor from here, my prayers plate. " Nani
addressed Arnav Before looking at Khushi
" You know Khushi Bitiya, this Sindoor was kept at our Temple last
night to kind of purify it for tomorrow's prayers! It is the holy
Sindoor and your husband will be applying it for you, maybe it's
good that you forgot to do it yourself! How lucky for you
Bitiya! " Nani said happily
Khushi just smiled in response and went back to kneading her dough.
Arnav walked over to Nani and pinched the vermillion between his
fore finger and thumb and moved over to Khushi. Khushi still
continued kneading the dough, trying to ignore him but then she
remembered Nani was there and so she stopped kneading and turned
to the side so that she front-faced Arnav.
Arnav moved over to Khushi as she shifted slightly for him. He
took steps towards her, enjoying her reaction. He was a little
surprised that she let in without a stronger fight. ' For the past
few days she has been avoiding me and now she herself is agreeing
to let me apply Sindoor on her maang? ' Arnav thought to himself,
wondering what had changed.
He was happy, thinking maybe she was opening herself to him a
little when he saw her glance at Nani with a sweet smile and then
look over at him, her expression changing to nervousness.
' Oh ' Arnav thought ' So she gave in so easily for Nani's sake,
so that she doesn't suspect anything. Fine khushi, even if it's
for the sake of Nani, I won't let this opportunity of coming close
to you get out of my hands. I'll take full advantage of it! ' he
thought to himself, smiling
' Why is this LG smiling?? He is actually happy applying Sindoor
on me?.. No! He must be very happy seeing me so nervous! Hey Devi
Maiyya, usually when he walks forward I start walking backwards!
But I can't even do that if not Nani will ask questions.. Protect
me Devi Maiyya!! ' she sent a silent prayer to her goddess.
Arnav saw a nervous Khushi trying hard to not walk back with his
steps coming forward and he smiled. Only his Khushi could be like
that, so cute. Acting brave on the front for Nani's sake, being
nervous on the inside and look at him defiantly as if to challenge
him and then look away shyly. This girl really carried a million
expressions with her!!
~
She looked away, irritated with his smile. He finally stood beside
her. With his free hand he took her elbow and pulled her more
closer to him and both her hands flew up, resting against his chest
as the force of his pull staggered her forward until her body pressed
against his. She looked into his molten brown eyes that had so many
levels, such never ending depths and she felt herself getting lost
in those pair of eyes, that seemed to want to tell her something
she wasn't quite comprehending.
Seeing that Nani smiled, and cleared her throat. " Chotte, you
have no shame, that I always knew from start, but at least try to
act shy a little? I'm standing right here!! " laughed Nani
His gaze stayed on Khushi's face, her eyes averted from his while
he said " Why Nani, what's wrong? She's my wife. If I don't do
this with her then who will? " he looked over at Nani and winked
while Nani winked back, laughing
Horrified at his open flirting Khushi jerked her head back to look
at Arnav. He looked back at her and smiled. She then looked at his
chest instead, at the areas where her hands rested against his
solid self, not knowing how to react and not understanding the
sudden change in his behavior.
" Don't forget to tie the Mangalsutra on her! Don't get so lost in
the moment that you stand like that as statues for the whole day
like you are now!! " joked Nani and left with her prayers plate
with Payal and Anjali joining her, walking out of the house, not
noticing the couple in the kitchen.
When she saw that Nani had left, she struggled against Arnav,
trying to pull herself free from his hold but he only held on
tighter, refusing to let her go, indicating by shaking his head
that he wasn't done yet
" I haven't applied the Sindoor yet Khushi "
She stopped struggling and looked at him silently. She was
expecting him to push her away anytime soon and make fun of her,
ridicule her belief in marriage, sindoor and all. But she saw him
being serious, about to apply sindoor on her maang. He had no idea
what this small action meant to her.
She had pictured this moment a thousand times, when he would
lovingly apply the Sindoor on her head, as a loving husband. And
right now that was what he was being, all lovey-dovey. But she
told herself to focus on the reality and the fact as she knew it
was that this was just a pretense, like everything else.
' Does Arnavji not realize that Naniji is gone? Maybe he still
thinks that she's here.. '
She told him " Naniji is gone Arnavji.. "
" Nani is gone, that doesn't mean that my right is gone, I'm your
husband and i can apply this on your maang. Right khushi? " he
whispered, making her shiver. He was upset, he knew she thought he
was pretending,doing this coz he wanted to paint a rosy picture
for Nani.
He slowly raised his hand, the one with the Sindoor. Khushi didn't
reply him, instead her eyes followed the movement of his hand that
slowly rose to her face, eye level. She looked away from his hand
to his eyes, and he brought his hand to her parting, smearing it
with Sindoor along her parting.
The moment his fingers touched her maang she closed her eyes. In
that gentle gesture she once again relived the moment of the very
first time when he had roughly applied Sindoor on her, his actions
forceful, eyes filled with hate, sealing her fate and declaring
her as his wife, but only for the next six months through the
contract.
He felt a surge of pride as he looked at the red marking he left
on her, rightfully making her his through the holy Sindoor. And he
knew that this time? Him applying Sindoor was not a pretense on his
part.
She opened her eyes and tears pooled in them. She looked at him
and he looked at her. Once again, he had managed to hurt her.
Despite being gentle, he knew his actions brought back harsh
memories for her when he had forcefully married her. He knew what
she was thinking, and he also knew how she must be feeling, having
him apply something that matters to her so much.
He clenched his fist as he saw the tears in her eyes. He let go of
her elbow and stepped back, closing his own eyes.
He hated himself for causing so much pain to the person who
deserved it the least.
~
Khushi was scared, scared that maybe Arnav just realized what he
had done, and was afraid he would scold her. So she blinked
rapidly, trying to get rid of the tears that threatened to overflow
and moved around him to make her way up to the room, away from him.
The sound of her Payals fading away fast made Arnav open his eyes,
only to find an empty space in front of him. He turned around to
see Khushi running towards their room. He went after her.
~
She entered the room and headed straight for the bathroom. She
closed the bathroom door and looked at herself in the mirror. She
saw the Sindoor and more tears gathered. How unfortunate she was,
knowing that her husband had applied holy Sindoor on her, but it
was all just for show.
She washed her dough-filled hands and wiped away her tears and
walked out of the bathroom, to come face to face with Arnav who was
stripping his clothes. She stopped short and looked at him, her
eyes wide open with surprise. He was standing near the bed,
unbuttoning his shirt, about to throw it on the bed to join his
suit and tie. He looked at her with concern, wondering why she ran
straight to the bathroom, hoping she wasnt crying.
Khushi looked away and walked to the dressing table. She took her
mangalsutra from the table and turned to exit the room when Arnav
came towards her. His fingers were at the button of his shirt and
the first two buttons had already been undone. She saw him come
towards her and immediately moved back. He took steps forward and
again she moved back. Finally her back hit the wall and she looked
at her sides and then at him, realizing she was trapped between the
wall and her husband. Her gaze flew to his fingers and she asked
" Arnavji what are you doing? "
He looked at where she was looking, down to his shirt and he smiled
to himself. He looked back up to her and said
" Khushi, I'm removing my shirt "
" I can see that. Why? Anyway move out of my way I need to start
cooking " she said nervously
He smiled at her shyness and put both hands on her wall behind her,
fencing her.
" Aren't you forgetting something Khushi? " he asked, his voice
husky
She looked at him and got scared at his nearness. Anger swept over
her shyness and she said
" How dare you come so close to me? What do you want? What am I
forgetting?? "
" I'm supposed to tie the mangalsutra for you khushi " he replied
earnestly.
At his statement her eyes narrowed and she pushed him back
" I think you're forgetting something Mr. raizada. Have you
forgotten your own words, when you said that you'd never consider
me to be your wife? So why do you want to tie this around me? You
dont care about such things right?? Anyway no one is around us so
you don't have to pretend anymore. " she said and moved to walk
pass him.
He grabbed her hand and slammed her against the wall. She almost
lost balance and her hands flew to his shoulders to steady herself.
Looking at the first few opened buttons she looked away in disgust
and snorted
" Khushi why are you behaving this way? All I want to do is.. "
" I know what you want to do! " she cut him and continued " I'm not
so dumb!! You've been trying to get close to me for some time now,
even though I've been doing my best to avoid you, I don't think you
get the message! Stay away from me!! I do not need you. I don't
need you to apply sindoor on me or tie this " she lifted her
mangalsutra to his face " around my neck. You have absolutely no
right!! And what do you think of yourself?? Cornering me against
the wall and unbuttoning your shirt, how dare you? What did you
think? I've been keeping silent so you think I'll do whatever it
is that you want? Never!!.. "
Arnav was fuming. This is what she thought of him? That he wanted
her body? But then he calmed down and told himself to be patient
with her. She was about to continue when Arnav slammed his hand
against her mouth to cover her from talking more. She suddenly got
scared and pushed herself back against the wall, wanting to
distance herself from him. Noticing her movement he moved closer
to her. Not taking his hand off of her mouth he whispered
" Khushi, I do have the right. I married you. You are married to me.
I'm your husband and you're my wife. Nobody else has the right to
apply sindoor on your maang or tie this to your neck "
Then switching to ASR mode to let her know he was in charge, he
pushed himself against her body, she gasped and he said
" And Mrs Raizada, in time to come you will do whatever I want.
See, I'm your husband and I know you're a very cultured woman and
take your responsibilities as a wife very seriously. So you'll
have to fulfil your duties by satisfying me right? " he said
Her eyes widened and fresh tears formed in her eyes again. She
turned her head to the side, not wanting to look at him. He let
go of her mouth and grabbed her jaw to turn her faced back to him.
He moved closer until his lips were inches away from hers. She
closed her eyes and he moved to her ear, whispering
" And you know what would satisfy me greatly Mrs Raizada? "
He moved back near her lips and she opened her eyes to look at him.
In a shocked and shaky voice she asked
" You would.. you would actually f.. force me..? "
Her tears were threatening to overflow and she blinked rapidly.
Her chest was heaving against his hard solid and he could feel her
breathing fast. His heart pierced at her broken look. Ignoring her
question, he said quietly
"It would greatly satisfy me Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Arnav Singh
Raizada, if you would let me tie this mangalsutra around your neck."
She froze completely, not understanding his statement. He moved
away from her and let her come forward away from the wall. Then he
used her elbow to guide her to the dressing table and faced them
both to the mirror, her back to his chest.
She was still in a daze,
not believing he was serious about tying the mangalsutra to her
neck. He gathered all her hair and moved it forward over one
shoulder, leaving her back bare. His other hand reached down to
hers to get the mangalsutra from her clutched fist and brought it
in front of her. She looked at her husband through the mirror. ' Is
this a dream? ' she thought out loud.
" No " he said and she shivered as his warm breath fanned her back.
He took the two ends of the mangalsutra and hooked it behind her
neck. She was still looking at him from the mirror, not believing
that HE was doing this. It seemed as though he had become a
different person. ' Nonsense! ' she thought. ' Never in a million
years will this rakshaas of a person change. ' she thought to
herself.
' Then why did he tie it? How come he hasn't scolded me yet? '
she wondered
" Uh, Khushi? " he interrupted her thoughts
She turned to face him.
" What? " she asked
" I'm done tying it " he replied
" And.. " she trailed off
" And I was wondering if you were stuck to the floor with super
glue " he replied sarcastically
At her confused looked he said
" Well you were standing there for quite sometime without moving so.
Anyway could you please take out a new shirt, a tie, and suit for
me please? " he asked politely
She rose one eyebrow. Arnav pointed to the bed, indicating to his
clothes that had been discarded. She looked over and gasped.
She saw his clothes that were covered with dough and realized that
when he had pulled her to him in the kitchen her dough filled hand
had been against him and that ruined his clothes, and so he was
changing into a clean set of clothes.
" Oh my god, and I thought that he was trying to.. " she mumbled
" and I gave him such a long lecture?? " she blushed profusely,
realizing that she'd misunderstood him
" That's right Khushi. I was changing into new clothes. See, as
the owner of AR I couldn't possibly go to office with dough hand
prints on my clothes. It would've seemed kind of silly " he said
with a smirk.
Without replying she quickly turned on her heels and rushed to his
side of the closet, took out a fresh set of clothes.
She walked over to the bed and neatly arranged his clothes on the
bed and turned to leave when Arnav grabbed her wrist and pulled
her against his chest. She gasped and looked into his eyes.
" Thanks Khushi " he said
His eyes were chocolatey brown and she felt herself being drowned
in those depths.
" Thanks for..? " she asked in a small voice
" For taking out my clothes " he replied
Then he moved closer and placed a kiss on her forehead and she
closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
Then he turned back and took his clothes from the bed, went into
the bathroom and closed the door.
~
Sure, he still had a long way to go to bring back his previous
Khushi, make her realize her importance, show her his seriousness
towards their relationship and get her to trust him again.
But today's small step was enough for the moment.
And in time to
come he would make sure that she knew that this was no pretense.
😃
My Index
sari wrapping her slim body and a towel wrapped around her soaking
long hair.
She walked to the dressing table and stood in front of the mirror.
She covered her wrists with dark purple bangles and reached up to
unwrap the towel from her head, letting her long wet hair fall
behind her back. The movement caused her pallu to slightly shift
off of her shoulder.
Unaware of that, she started to rub the towel against her hair, to
air it. She then bent over to place the towel on the chair beside
the dressing table. In that process her pallu completely slid off
her shoulder and fell onto the upper curve of her elbow.
Sighing, she stood up straight and brought all of her hair forward
over her right shoulder, leaving her back bare. Then she gathered
her pallu and folded it according to the crisp lines and was about
to fling it over her left shoulder when she noticed a movement from
behind. She looked up at the mirror and gasped, her wide eyes
staring into the eyes of her husband.
~
Arnav was getting late for office. He had forgotten to take an
important meeting file and took long strides to his room to
retrieve his file. He took two steps at a time up the stairs and
entered the room when he saw his beautiful wife adjusting her pallu
properly. The sight of her froze him to the spot. She was unaware
of his presence. He wondered how she could look so sexy without
even trying. Then her eyes met his at the mirror and he saw blush
creeping up her milky cheeks and something inside him stirred.
Khushi saw him from the mirror and his intense stare made her
blush, a light shade of pink coloring her cheeks. Snapping out of
the trance, she cleared her throat and looked away from his
piercing gaze, focusing on her pallu. She looked up at the mirror
again and saw that her husband was still staring at her. His gaze
lingered over her back and she immediately flung her hair behind,
covering her back from his gaze.
Seeing her hair covering her back he realized he had been standing
and staring at her like an idiot for quite some time and felt
embarrassed being caught by her. He walked hurriedly to his closet
and began searching for his file. Meanwhile Khushi carefully flung
her adjusted pallu over her shoulder.
When he couldn't find it he turned to khushi and said " Khushi,
the Mehta file I kept in my closet isn't here, could you check if
it's " before he could finish Nani's voice interrupted him.
" Khushi bitiya! Could you please come down quickly, there's some
important work needed to be done! " said Nani from the hall.
Khushi looked at Arnav and then to the door, and decided to help
Naniji instead. She walked out of the room and left a sad Arnav
alone.
~
Khushi walked down the stairs.
' He had the audacity to ask me to help him? That too to help him
look for his file?! How can he act so normal. As though everything
is fine! Even after all that's happen, he blamed me for Di's
depressing condition and stopped me from leaving by using the
contract marriage.. I cannot believe after everything he still
thinks of this as a contract! ' she thought to herself. She reached
the bottom of the stairs and walked to the kitchen to find Naniji.
There stood Nani, looking a little worried. Upon entering the
kitchen, Khushi asked Nani what help she needed.
" Actually Khushi bitiya I would've done it myself, but you see
Anjali, Payal bitiya and I will be leaving for the temple shortly.
Manorama has gone to the parlor And your Mamaji is overseas as you
know and Chotte will be leaving for office soon to join Akash in
the meeting and Nanhe bitua is out with his friend, though this
really isn't a man's work! "
" Naniji you don't have to explain so much! Just tell me what the
work is, I'll start on it " said khushi smiling slightly
" Khushi bitiya could you make lunch for us all today please? "
" Oh Naniji, There is no need to ask me for such a small matter!
Anyway if I don't do this type of work then who will? You don't
worry, I'll start making lunch for all right away "
" Okay Khushi Bitiya, we will return in some time! Anyway do you
want any groceries? On our way back I can get them " asked Nani
Khushi refused, saying " Naniji why should you have to do that,
I'll tell Om Prakashji to get whatever groceries are needed "
" Oh right, Khushi bitiya, Om, Hari and Jai Prakash have been sent
to purchase and arrange all the necessary things needed for the
prayers tomorrow! Which means you'll be all alone.. Nevermind I
will go to the temple alone later and stay back to cook lunch with
you now "
" No Naniji! No problem, you carry on I will manage everything
here, please don't worry "
" Okay Khushi Bitiya, Oh wait I forgot my prayers plate, I'll just
get it " said Nani, walking to the Prayers room
Meanwhile Khushi busied herself in the kitchen. She washed her
hands and took out some flour, mixed it with water and started
kneading it with her hands.
Nani retuned with the prayer plate in her hands. There were some
holy threads, vermilion and rice seeds in a small cup arranged on
the plate. She said bye to khushi and was about to leave when she
noticed that khushi was wiping her neck with the back of her hand
It was humid in the kitchen and Khushi was starting to perspire.
' I should've tied up my hair! Hey devi maiyya the heat is
drenching me! ' she thought to herself and raised her hand to wipe
away the sweat from her neck.
" Khushi Bitiya, your neck is bare.. " Nani said. Her gaze shot up
to Khushi's forehead, only to find it bare as well. In a surprised
tone she asked " Bitiya, what happened, nor did you wear your
mangalsutra or apply sindoor on your maang?.. "
Khushi's eyes widened as she realized that she had totally
forgotten to wear all that a married woman was supposed to wear.
" Oh.. I had just come out of the shower when you had called for me
so I immediately came down and totally forgot About that.. I will
wear my mangalsutra and Apply sindoor as soon as I'm done with the
rotis! " said Khushi
" No Khushi Bitiya, it's not considered good for a married lady to
not be adorned by the two most important symbols.. " Nani explained,
just as Arnav come down the stairs with a file clutched in his hands.
~
Arnav was sad that Khushi had just left the room without saying a
word, though he knew the reason why. He was the reason to every
worry, problem and sadness in her life. His choice of selecting
arrogance and ego over his feelings came at a price; losing
Khushi.
But he had tried his best to convince her to stay in the
house. But she had refused, not listening to him, insisting that
he let her go. As if he would ever let her go after everything
that has happened.
But once again he had managed to hurt her despite finding out that
she was innocent all along, that she had risked her own life just
to save his own, that she did genuinely love and she does care for
his family.
Even then, like every other time he lashed out at her,
upon finding out that his Di was at the verge of hurting herself
because of something Khushi had said. He was mad that Khushi had
gone ahead to talk to Di despite Nani's request that she not come
in front of Anjali as it would only remind her of the fact that
her husband had been thrown out of the house.
But he should have realized that Khushi had only gone there as
last resort to get his Di to eat at least something, and not
starve!
How much of a jerk he was, as If scolding her was not
enough, as if telling her that he wished he hadn't met her at all
wasn't enough, he went ahead and stopped her from leaving by
threatening her using the contract marriage that bound them
together for six months. He knew she was confused, she must be
wondering what exactly he wanted.
First scolding her, saying hurtful things, telling her she is the
biggest mistake in his life, and then he himself stopping her from
leaving. After all, what exactly did he want from her?!
He cleared
all his thoughts and focused on finding his file, but promised
himself that through any means, he will earn her back again, even
if it meant putting on the facade of being ASR like he did to the
world. He finally found his file and turned to exit their room,
going down the stairs, leaving for office.
~
Arnav came down the stairs with a file clutched in his hands and
the sound of his footsteps turned Nani's head to his direction.
" Chotte! It's good that you are still here, do a small thing
before you leave, will you? " asked Nani
Arnav was listening to Nani but he was looking at Khushi. Though
she wasn't wearing red, his favorite color, he still couldn't seem
to take his eyes off her. Nowadays, in fact, he seemed to be acting
differently towards her. He did use to stare at her before, but
these few times his stares was different, they didn't seem to
scream ' hatred ' anymore.
His wife was looking beautiful as usual. Her fringe framed her
innocent face, her doe like eyes looking at him shyly, eyes that
are so expressive, with a million expressions that changed with
each second. Her sari was hugging her slim figure, showing off all
her curves and part of her milky waist. Seeing her messy state
while she kneaded the dough made him smile, she was sexy even
while doing such things.
' Does she even know how beautiful she is?
Idiot, how would she know that. Every time you've spoken to her all
you've done is insulted her! All the times when you should've
consoled her, made her smile, protected her, loved her, worshiped
her, you went ahead and threw accusations and insults in her face!
What a big fool I am! ' Arnav mentally chided himself.
~
Khushi sensed before hearing Arnav's presence. As usual, she could
feel the change in the atmosphere and knew before looking that he
was there. And of course her heart would beat faster on its own
accord whenever he was around. It was instant, automatic, almost
instinctive that her senses would be on alert, warning her of his
presence. She sighed, looking up to see him walking down the stairs.
Like always, his body had on a formal shirt with his tie, a
business suit, and pants completing his signature look. And as
always, he managed to look like a Greek god, his clothes outlining
his perfectly built body, all muscular yet lean and extremely fit.
His face had his usual default mode of seriousness. Any expression
suited his ruggedly handsome face! And some of his perfectly gelled
strands of hair fell over his forehead.
' Nobody should have the right to look so good! He is sinfully
good looking! ' thought Khushi who then mentally scolded herself
for having such thoughts. She looked away and continued kneading
the dough, avoiding his piercing gaze.
~
Hearing Nani's words she froze, afraid of what Nani would next say.
' Do a small thing before you leave? Hey Devi Maiyya, the small
thing is not what I think it is, is it? ' a scared Khushi asked
herself silently.
" Yeah Nani, what is it? " asked Arnav, looking at Nani now
" In a haste Khushi Bitiya has forgotten her mangalsutra and
Sindoor, so help her with that would you? It's not good for a
married woman to be without those two things! " exclaimed Nani
Khushi groaned as her suspicion was proven real. She looked at
Arnav nervously, knowin he would probably blow up at the mention
of helping her with the mangalsutra and Sindoor as he simply
didn't believe in them. But to her utter surprise his next words
froze her
" Sure Nani, since I'm running late already, might as well be a
little more late anyway " Arnav replied, looking at a shocked
Khushi
At first she thought he was humoring Nani but then he started to
take steps towards her and she panicked. She did not want to be
around him! And apply Sindoor? That too from the hands of a man
who didn't even believe in it?? No way!!
" Naniji! It's no big deal, just let me wash my hands and I'll do
it myself, no need for Arnavji to take the trouble.. "
Khushi said pleadingly while looking at Nani
" Oh Khushi Bitiya. What trouble! It is Chotte's right as your
husband! " said Nani
" Yeah Khushi, it's my right, I'm your husband. And there isn't any
trouble Khushi, I would love to mark you as my wife anytime of the
day " said Arnav, smirking a little
Khushi felt happy at the mention of him marking her as his. But
then reality snapped in and her happiness died as she realized
that he probably was talking sweetly for Nani's benefit, pretending
to be a happy couple in front of her.
' Fine, two can play a game. ' she thought ' For Nani's sake, I'll
let Arnavji do it.. Besides if I refuse Naniji may suspect that
something is wrong! ' she thought
Hesitantly Khushi replied, " Okay.. "
" Chotte, take the Sindoor from here, my prayers plate. " Nani
addressed Arnav Before looking at Khushi
" You know Khushi Bitiya, this Sindoor was kept at our Temple last
night to kind of purify it for tomorrow's prayers! It is the holy
Sindoor and your husband will be applying it for you, maybe it's
good that you forgot to do it yourself! How lucky for you
Bitiya! " Nani said happily
Khushi just smiled in response and went back to kneading her dough.
Arnav walked over to Nani and pinched the vermillion between his
fore finger and thumb and moved over to Khushi. Khushi still
continued kneading the dough, trying to ignore him but then she
remembered Nani was there and so she stopped kneading and turned
to the side so that she front-faced Arnav.
Arnav moved over to Khushi as she shifted slightly for him. He
took steps towards her, enjoying her reaction. He was a little
surprised that she let in without a stronger fight. ' For the past
few days she has been avoiding me and now she herself is agreeing
to let me apply Sindoor on her maang? ' Arnav thought to himself,
wondering what had changed.
He was happy, thinking maybe she was opening herself to him a
little when he saw her glance at Nani with a sweet smile and then
look over at him, her expression changing to nervousness.
' Oh ' Arnav thought ' So she gave in so easily for Nani's sake,
so that she doesn't suspect anything. Fine khushi, even if it's
for the sake of Nani, I won't let this opportunity of coming close
to you get out of my hands. I'll take full advantage of it! ' he
thought to himself, smiling
' Why is this LG smiling?? He is actually happy applying Sindoor
on me?.. No! He must be very happy seeing me so nervous! Hey Devi
Maiyya, usually when he walks forward I start walking backwards!
But I can't even do that if not Nani will ask questions.. Protect
me Devi Maiyya!! ' she sent a silent prayer to her goddess.
Arnav saw a nervous Khushi trying hard to not walk back with his
steps coming forward and he smiled. Only his Khushi could be like
that, so cute. Acting brave on the front for Nani's sake, being
nervous on the inside and look at him defiantly as if to challenge
him and then look away shyly. This girl really carried a million
expressions with her!!
~
She looked away, irritated with his smile. He finally stood beside
her. With his free hand he took her elbow and pulled her more
closer to him and both her hands flew up, resting against his chest
as the force of his pull staggered her forward until her body pressed
against his. She looked into his molten brown eyes that had so many
levels, such never ending depths and she felt herself getting lost
in those pair of eyes, that seemed to want to tell her something
she wasn't quite comprehending.
Seeing that Nani smiled, and cleared her throat. " Chotte, you
have no shame, that I always knew from start, but at least try to
act shy a little? I'm standing right here!! " laughed Nani
His gaze stayed on Khushi's face, her eyes averted from his while
he said " Why Nani, what's wrong? She's my wife. If I don't do
this with her then who will? " he looked over at Nani and winked
while Nani winked back, laughing
Horrified at his open flirting Khushi jerked her head back to look
at Arnav. He looked back at her and smiled. She then looked at his
chest instead, at the areas where her hands rested against his
solid self, not knowing how to react and not understanding the
sudden change in his behavior.
" Don't forget to tie the Mangalsutra on her! Don't get so lost in
the moment that you stand like that as statues for the whole day
like you are now!! " joked Nani and left with her prayers plate
with Payal and Anjali joining her, walking out of the house, not
noticing the couple in the kitchen.
When she saw that Nani had left, she struggled against Arnav,
trying to pull herself free from his hold but he only held on
tighter, refusing to let her go, indicating by shaking his head
that he wasn't done yet
" I haven't applied the Sindoor yet Khushi "
She stopped struggling and looked at him silently. She was
expecting him to push her away anytime soon and make fun of her,
ridicule her belief in marriage, sindoor and all. But she saw him
being serious, about to apply sindoor on her maang. He had no idea
what this small action meant to her.
She had pictured this moment a thousand times, when he would
lovingly apply the Sindoor on her head, as a loving husband. And
right now that was what he was being, all lovey-dovey. But she
told herself to focus on the reality and the fact as she knew it
was that this was just a pretense, like everything else.
' Does Arnavji not realize that Naniji is gone? Maybe he still
thinks that she's here.. '
She told him " Naniji is gone Arnavji.. "
" Nani is gone, that doesn't mean that my right is gone, I'm your
husband and i can apply this on your maang. Right khushi? " he
whispered, making her shiver. He was upset, he knew she thought he
was pretending,doing this coz he wanted to paint a rosy picture
for Nani.
He slowly raised his hand, the one with the Sindoor. Khushi didn't
reply him, instead her eyes followed the movement of his hand that
slowly rose to her face, eye level. She looked away from his hand
to his eyes, and he brought his hand to her parting, smearing it
with Sindoor along her parting.
The moment his fingers touched her maang she closed her eyes. In
that gentle gesture she once again relived the moment of the very
first time when he had roughly applied Sindoor on her, his actions
forceful, eyes filled with hate, sealing her fate and declaring
her as his wife, but only for the next six months through the
contract.
He felt a surge of pride as he looked at the red marking he left
on her, rightfully making her his through the holy Sindoor. And he
knew that this time? Him applying Sindoor was not a pretense on his
part.
She opened her eyes and tears pooled in them. She looked at him
and he looked at her. Once again, he had managed to hurt her.
Despite being gentle, he knew his actions brought back harsh
memories for her when he had forcefully married her. He knew what
she was thinking, and he also knew how she must be feeling, having
him apply something that matters to her so much.
He clenched his fist as he saw the tears in her eyes. He let go of
her elbow and stepped back, closing his own eyes.
He hated himself for causing so much pain to the person who
deserved it the least.
~
Khushi was scared, scared that maybe Arnav just realized what he
had done, and was afraid he would scold her. So she blinked
rapidly, trying to get rid of the tears that threatened to overflow
and moved around him to make her way up to the room, away from him.
The sound of her Payals fading away fast made Arnav open his eyes,
only to find an empty space in front of him. He turned around to
see Khushi running towards their room. He went after her.
~
She entered the room and headed straight for the bathroom. She
closed the bathroom door and looked at herself in the mirror. She
saw the Sindoor and more tears gathered. How unfortunate she was,
knowing that her husband had applied holy Sindoor on her, but it
was all just for show.
She washed her dough-filled hands and wiped away her tears and
walked out of the bathroom, to come face to face with Arnav who was
stripping his clothes. She stopped short and looked at him, her
eyes wide open with surprise. He was standing near the bed,
unbuttoning his shirt, about to throw it on the bed to join his
suit and tie. He looked at her with concern, wondering why she ran
straight to the bathroom, hoping she wasnt crying.
Khushi looked away and walked to the dressing table. She took her
mangalsutra from the table and turned to exit the room when Arnav
came towards her. His fingers were at the button of his shirt and
the first two buttons had already been undone. She saw him come
towards her and immediately moved back. He took steps forward and
again she moved back. Finally her back hit the wall and she looked
at her sides and then at him, realizing she was trapped between the
wall and her husband. Her gaze flew to his fingers and she asked
" Arnavji what are you doing? "
He looked at where she was looking, down to his shirt and he smiled
to himself. He looked back up to her and said
" Khushi, I'm removing my shirt "
" I can see that. Why? Anyway move out of my way I need to start
cooking " she said nervously
He smiled at her shyness and put both hands on her wall behind her,
fencing her.
" Aren't you forgetting something Khushi? " he asked, his voice
husky
She looked at him and got scared at his nearness. Anger swept over
her shyness and she said
" How dare you come so close to me? What do you want? What am I
forgetting?? "
" I'm supposed to tie the mangalsutra for you khushi " he replied
earnestly.
At his statement her eyes narrowed and she pushed him back
" I think you're forgetting something Mr. raizada. Have you
forgotten your own words, when you said that you'd never consider
me to be your wife? So why do you want to tie this around me? You
dont care about such things right?? Anyway no one is around us so
you don't have to pretend anymore. " she said and moved to walk
pass him.
He grabbed her hand and slammed her against the wall. She almost
lost balance and her hands flew to his shoulders to steady herself.
Looking at the first few opened buttons she looked away in disgust
and snorted
" Khushi why are you behaving this way? All I want to do is.. "
" I know what you want to do! " she cut him and continued " I'm not
so dumb!! You've been trying to get close to me for some time now,
even though I've been doing my best to avoid you, I don't think you
get the message! Stay away from me!! I do not need you. I don't
need you to apply sindoor on me or tie this " she lifted her
mangalsutra to his face " around my neck. You have absolutely no
right!! And what do you think of yourself?? Cornering me against
the wall and unbuttoning your shirt, how dare you? What did you
think? I've been keeping silent so you think I'll do whatever it
is that you want? Never!!.. "
Arnav was fuming. This is what she thought of him? That he wanted
her body? But then he calmed down and told himself to be patient
with her. She was about to continue when Arnav slammed his hand
against her mouth to cover her from talking more. She suddenly got
scared and pushed herself back against the wall, wanting to
distance herself from him. Noticing her movement he moved closer
to her. Not taking his hand off of her mouth he whispered
" Khushi, I do have the right. I married you. You are married to me.
I'm your husband and you're my wife. Nobody else has the right to
apply sindoor on your maang or tie this to your neck "
Then switching to ASR mode to let her know he was in charge, he
pushed himself against her body, she gasped and he said
" And Mrs Raizada, in time to come you will do whatever I want.
See, I'm your husband and I know you're a very cultured woman and
take your responsibilities as a wife very seriously. So you'll
have to fulfil your duties by satisfying me right? " he said
Her eyes widened and fresh tears formed in her eyes again. She
turned her head to the side, not wanting to look at him. He let
go of her mouth and grabbed her jaw to turn her faced back to him.
He moved closer until his lips were inches away from hers. She
closed her eyes and he moved to her ear, whispering
" And you know what would satisfy me greatly Mrs Raizada? "
He moved back near her lips and she opened her eyes to look at him.
In a shocked and shaky voice she asked
" You would.. you would actually f.. force me..? "
Her tears were threatening to overflow and she blinked rapidly.
Her chest was heaving against his hard solid and he could feel her
breathing fast. His heart pierced at her broken look. Ignoring her
question, he said quietly
"It would greatly satisfy me Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Arnav Singh
Raizada, if you would let me tie this mangalsutra around your neck."
She froze completely, not understanding his statement. He moved
away from her and let her come forward away from the wall. Then he
used her elbow to guide her to the dressing table and faced them
both to the mirror, her back to his chest.
She was still in a daze,
not believing he was serious about tying the mangalsutra to her
neck. He gathered all her hair and moved it forward over one
shoulder, leaving her back bare. His other hand reached down to
hers to get the mangalsutra from her clutched fist and brought it
in front of her. She looked at her husband through the mirror. ' Is
this a dream? ' she thought out loud.
" No " he said and she shivered as his warm breath fanned her back.
He took the two ends of the mangalsutra and hooked it behind her
neck. She was still looking at him from the mirror, not believing
that HE was doing this. It seemed as though he had become a
different person. ' Nonsense! ' she thought. ' Never in a million
years will this rakshaas of a person change. ' she thought to
herself.
' Then why did he tie it? How come he hasn't scolded me yet? '
she wondered
" Uh, Khushi? " he interrupted her thoughts
She turned to face him.
" What? " she asked
" I'm done tying it " he replied
" And.. " she trailed off
" And I was wondering if you were stuck to the floor with super
glue " he replied sarcastically
At her confused looked he said
" Well you were standing there for quite sometime without moving so.
Anyway could you please take out a new shirt, a tie, and suit for
me please? " he asked politely
She rose one eyebrow. Arnav pointed to the bed, indicating to his
clothes that had been discarded. She looked over and gasped.
She saw his clothes that were covered with dough and realized that
when he had pulled her to him in the kitchen her dough filled hand
had been against him and that ruined his clothes, and so he was
changing into a clean set of clothes.
" Oh my god, and I thought that he was trying to.. " she mumbled
" and I gave him such a long lecture?? " she blushed profusely,
realizing that she'd misunderstood him
" That's right Khushi. I was changing into new clothes. See, as
the owner of AR I couldn't possibly go to office with dough hand
prints on my clothes. It would've seemed kind of silly " he said
with a smirk.
Without replying she quickly turned on her heels and rushed to his
side of the closet, took out a fresh set of clothes.
She walked over to the bed and neatly arranged his clothes on the
bed and turned to leave when Arnav grabbed her wrist and pulled
her against his chest. She gasped and looked into his eyes.
" Thanks Khushi " he said
His eyes were chocolatey brown and she felt herself being drowned
in those depths.
" Thanks for..? " she asked in a small voice
" For taking out my clothes " he replied
Then he moved closer and placed a kiss on her forehead and she
closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
Then he turned back and took his clothes from the bed, went into
the bathroom and closed the door.
~
Sure, he still had a long way to go to bring back his previous
Khushi, make her realize her importance, show her his seriousness
towards their relationship and get her to trust him again.
But today's small step was enough for the moment.
And in time to
come he would make sure that she knew that this was no pretense.
😃
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