the Unbreakable Bond

The Unbreakable Bond

Chapter 1

 She stood at the kitchen window, looking out at the early morning mist turning the city of lakes, Udaipur silvery gray, the chill of the night would slowly dissipate and soon it would be pleasantly warm. She could hear the city waking up, coming to live to begin a new day. Soon people will go about their business.  It was 6.30 am, she woke up early these days, it had become a habit she had developed over the past  4 years. She had so much to do today she thought.

Even after 4 years she could not believe that so much had changed, she had changed and everything about her life had changed. Yet somehow she was tired to the past with steel cables. A past she had wanted to forget but never could and knew she never will. The reminder was too prominent. She smiled at the thought of this most precious reminder of her past. Her heart thudded as warmth filled her chest.  She closed her eyes only to open them as a vision of angry deep brown eyes flashed in her mind haunting her. 

Sighing she turned to look at the bright yellow kitchen tastefully decorated with white cabinets, she liked this room. The kitchen had always been her favourite room. Whenever she was upset or tense about anything,  it was in  this she found solace and  she cooked up a storm. And the best part was that Malini maa did not mind one bit they were similar souls.    

She smiled remembering the first time she met Malini maa . Like two ships in a storm they had anchored each other.  She Khushi kumara Gupta had brought life into Malini Metha bereaved existence.  And Malini  had given Khushi a new life with a new beginning  after she had left her old life behind  her.  She had become Khushi Metha.

On that fateful night she had sat on the station platform in Delhi raked with guilt at what she had done and what had almost happened because of her. Her actions that evening with him had felt so right, so perfect at the time and afterwards she had believed everything could be alright. Come morning he would make everything alright.  She had left him sleeping  so peacefully never knowing it would be the last time she would see him, not knowing what awaited her at home, the shocking revelation and  conclusion that night would bring  and would  turned her world upside

Everything that happened that night after she reached home had left her adrift in a storm, cursed by her own stars with no anchor and no redemption. What she knew, she could not confide in anyone, lives were at stake people she cared about would have been destroyed.  

She was in the eye of the storm so she let the storm carry her away leaving everything and everyone she loved far behind.  She had no idea what had happened after she left. Only hoping that, what was not disclose  would not hurt anyone. Most importantly would not hurt that sweet gentle women she knew and respected, and so would never hurt ‘him’.

She knew she had hurt her family by running away, that she had hurt him.  But she also knew if the truth got out it would destroy the one person he loved most in this world. Thus destroying all he had, that she would not and could not do to him.  She loved him too much to let that happen.

The truth would hurt not just one but two families she cared about very dearly. So she had left carrying the secret with her not knowing at the time that she carried more than just a secret. Riding on a tidal wave of memory, Khushi found herself back to that fateful moment, the day her entire life had changed drastically by her one single decision. 

                                       

After an hour waiting at Delhi station in the wee hours of morning without anything to her name, she had boarded the first train passing through.  A  train to nowhere as she had no idea where it was heading , she had no ticket and no place to go. She had shared the compartment with one other person who was fast asleep.

She had sat in the conner of the buggy finally letting the tears come, going through every memory of the past 6 months.  The first time she had laid eyes on Arnav Singh Raizada. The man who would change her life forever, he had infuriated her with his arrogance and his ‘mightier than thou’ attitude and she had vowed never to set eyes on him again. But destiny had other plans in stored for her, leaving Lucknow and moving to Delhi to live with Buaji.  After that stupid man had tried to ruined her reputation, all for the sake of his humongous ego. 

Destiny had taken her for a merry ride and had brought her back face to face with that same man, her nemesis time and time again, somehow tangling their lives in invisible strings neither of them could break.

When and how hate had changed to attraction and then to love which ironically neither of them had disclosed to each other, she did not know.  Unable to proclaim their feelings, that strange relation between Arnav and her had just gone in circles.  Pushing and pulling them in a whirlwind of emotions’ neither had experienced before.

His announcement to marry his long-time girlfriend Lavanya whom Khushi had been training to become an ideal daughter in law for Naniji, then her spur of the moment engagement to another man forced on her by Buaji.  He had been furious when he had come to know about her engagement. And in anger had ordered Anjali the set the date for his own engagement with Lavanya within the weak. Her heart had broken once again into a million pieces but there was nothing she could do, She had sealed her fate by getting engaged to Shayam.

 Things had gone out of hand from there, both of them stuck in relationships  neither of them had been ready  for or wanted ,  nothing had been reconciles between them, their feelings like a turmoil within driving both of them to  days  of desperation and anguish . Tossed to the high winds of a love neither of them were willing it accept or proclaim. Bounded by the norms of society they had suffered in silence.  Until the culmination of their actions of that one evening they had spent together, neither of them had said a word, they had only let their eyes and  their actions do the talking, breaking  down every barrier between them, crossing all lines of self-preservation  they had laid themselves bare to each other.

Crying heartbroken tears her head filled with all the bitter sweet memories of all the time spent with him, her ‘lard governor’.   She had not heard the ticket collector demanding for her ticket, “baiya , i am sorry but I don’t have a ticket, please forgive me.” she pleaded in a choked voice. Trying to wipe the tears running down her cheeks.

“don’t  you know it is against  the law to travel without a ticket” The TC  questioned  impatiently, trying not to notice the girls tear stained cheeks. In his 20 years of service as a TC he knew a runaway when he saw one. But he could not do anything about this one, He could see she was not underage but a young woman in sad circumstances. God only knew what had made her take such a step.   He didn’t want to be a bleeding heart he just wanted to do his job and go home. Why did young girls want to run away from home by train, he thought ungraciously, why could they not just take the bus and be somebody else’s problem.

“but, what do I do?  I don’t have a ticket” her eyes brimming with tears.

He sighed, “very well, look I can’t do anything about  this  I am just trying to do my duty hear, you will have to pay the fine of 1000 Rs, or i will have to report you to the railway police .”

“But I don’t have any money.” she cried, tears running down her face.

“arre madam what am I suppose to do? I am just doing my duty” he said sternly but in a kind tone. God he did not want to do this. She was as old as his own daughter who was safe in a college hostel in Ahmadabad. These young things why did they have to run away from home at all he sighed.

“bai shabe can’t you see the poor girl is frighten and upset, maybe she lost all her language and money and is just trying to get  home” said a soft kindly voice from the other seat of the coach, an matronly lady stepped forward , “ really I tell you,  you government servant  can be so insensitive to the plight of others” bestowing a kindly smile at Khushi  she turned to the TC “ok , tell me how much is the fine , and the cost of the ticket to where ever she needs to go”

Sitting besides Khushi the kindly lady had asked, “ beta, where are you going , you don’t worry I will pay for your fare”

With tears choke voice Khushi had replied “ I have no place to go, I have no one to go to”

Sighing  the lady  said “ take the fine and tell me the charges for a ticket to Udaipur, Rajastan   ”

Giving her the numbers, the transactions took place and the TC left

Sitting besides Khushi the lady introduced he self, “hello, I’m Malini Metha ,  I live in Udaipur  and run my own business” she looked a Khushi  waiting.

“Khushi kum....” the words got stuck in her throat, and  a fresh flood of tears ran down her cheeks. “Khushi ,  my name is just khushi”

“Khushi!  for a girl with such a happy name you sure are very sad” she chuckled. “now no more of this, come eat something and rest for a while, this journey is long so we can talk later, Ok”

Wiping her tears Khushi nodded, she managed to eat one parata with a little pickle, offered by Maliniji.  Exhausted from all the event that had transpired she fell into a fitful sleep. Her dreams had been kaleidoscope  of  people and faces of all those she loved, moments of joy and sadness dominated by one face, those angry deep brown eyes that changed like quick silver, going dark with worry, flat and cold with anger, and almost black with agony and pain and desperate desire.  Those eyes tore at her heart making her cry in her sleep.  

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Chapter 2

She didn’t know how long she had slept. Walking up with a start,  calling out his name. “Arnav!” she cried out in anguish,  blinked as her eyes to clear her vision, tears running down her cheek, to see the face of the woman who had come to her aid. She wiped her cheeks and eyes trying to raise a smile on her lips but failings miserably. Pulling her knees up to her chest she just sat there.

“Khushi, that is your name you said.” Malini inquired. Khushi only nodded her head.

“Khushi what pain you are going to must be very great, you cried throughout your sleep.” Khushi didn’t speak “have you lost someone you love.”

“Everyone” whispered after a moment. Malini nodded thinking, then she asked “and this Arnav person? Is he your husband?”  Malini words shook Khushi to he core and she broke into heartbreaking sobs she could not control. She had poured her heart out to Malini and told her everything that had happened to her. Her engagement to a man who she just found out was married to the sister of the man she loved, who was going to be engaged to another women, the tangled web of lies Shayam had weaved trapping Khushi, her family and Anjali in it. How in a moment of weakness and desperation she had given herself to the man she loved. And upon finding out the truth about the man she was to marry had run away from it all because she could not bear to hurt Anjali and Arnav. Knowing Arnav would never forgive her for being the reason for his sisters destruction. She told her everything about the mess her life had become. All because of one man’s lying, cheating ways.

Malini listened to what Khushi had told her, she understood her intentions, and the sacrifice she had made to save Anjali’s marriage and maybe her life as well she had only one question. “do you thing Anjali will be happy living with a man like that?” 

Khushi sniffed “ I don’t know, all I know is Anjaliji loves her husband deeply,  she has always been happy with him, until I came into their lives, I do not know why Shayamji did what he did, why he wanted to marry me when he was already married to Anjaliji, all I know if this truth came out it would destroy Anjaliji, it would break her heart.” she gulped “Anjaliji like that, would destroy Arnav, he is already a hard man, if this would not break him it would harden his heart more and he would stop believing that there is any good in this world at all,  I could not let that happen.”

“oh, so you did this for him, Ok, I get it you love him, but the question is does he love you” Malini asked looking kindly at  Khushi. “you giving yourself to him and all.” 

Khushi felt the heat rise in her cheeks.  lowing her eyes she whispered. “I think so? I don’t know he never said it in real words, I.....  his eyes, the way he looked at me”  her eyes glazing over at the memory of his touch,  his breath on her cheeks and lips.  Her heart pounded and her body tingled at her memory of the taste of him and how he had looked at her with so much love when he had taken her.  Taking a shuddering breath she shook her head to clear it, she could not think of all that now she had left it all behind and her eyes had filled with more tears at the thought.

Malini patted Khushi head running a soothing hand over her hair she said, “Beta, from what you have told me I can only conclude that this man loves you very much.  Have you thought about what he will go through when he finds you gone.  With no means to find you?”

“He loves his sister more, auntyji I have only just come into his life, She is his life.”  Khushi whispered.

“Dear, are you sure. A man’s love for the woman he loves is different than the love he feels for his sister. A man will love his sister from his heart, but a woman he will love from the depths of his soul.” She tried to explain, she could see Khushi was so young and surely lacking in experience. “do you know what such kind of love can do to a man.”

“Na,” Khushi shook her head putting  her hands to her forehead where an ache had started to begin, “No, all I know is I cannot face him with this. Not when it concerns Anjaliji.” She said with more conviction “and if he loves me and we are meant to be together then devi maiya will find a way for him to find me.” She took a deep shuddering breath hoping to ease the beginning of a headache. She said quietly, surrender in her tone. “all I know is that Love him with all my soul and will always love him. I cannot and will not destroy him just to have him. I cannot let my love be so selfish.” 

Malini had smiled. “then we will leave it all in the hands of devi maiya, but my heart tells me that you will be united with your young man one day. God never lets the innocent pay for someone else sins.”

With that Malini had taken Khushi into her heart and made her a part of her life.  Given her a livelihood and taught her the ropes of the events management business that she ran in Udaipur. Khushi had put herself in Malini maa’s hands. Following her every advise, being a fast learner she had learned every there was to learn about the  business.  How to create contacts and clients, And everything that an events management group needed to satisfy clients.

A month and a half later circumstances arose that had rocked Khushi  world  and pull the ground from under her feet again. She had only just began to live her new life and her world had turned upside down again, she had had no idea what to do. Her actions six weeks back had had consequences she had not anticipated. But Malini maa had come to her rescue once again, she had devised a plan that would save Khushi reputation, as she was an unknown to the city of Udaipur.

Malini being a reserved person had very few friends.  Being an orphan she had no immediate family, that hovered over, her husband had died a long time back and Malini had single handily handled her business and raised the only son Abay, who had expired 2 months early in cochin where he was working in a multinational company so Khushi had never met him.  Abay had been Malini estrange son and they had not spoken in 6 years.

Malini had decided, that  to the world Khushi was her widowed Daughter –in- law brought home after her sons death.  It had all worked out well.   that fateful day the two women had met Malini was returning from cochin, where she had been settling her sons affairs after the funeral.   Khushi Kumair Gupta was being introduced to the word as Mrs. Khushi Metha the wife of the late Abay Metha, and as time passed people simply did not bother to ask any questions.

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Chapter 3

Khushi worked hard and had made a name for herself and Malini’s company ‘Metha events privet Ltd.” She now handled the business all by herself, meeting clients and arranging events from birthday to weddings, and fashion shows to corporate functions.  She had made a live of sorts for herself; she could not say that she was entirely happy, as her life was still incomplete. She had left her heart back in Delhi.  Placing her hand where her heart beat against her breast  she closed her eyes as the vision of deep dark brown eyes flashed at her, she sighed once again bring to memory the way those very same eyes had looked at her with such longing , darkening with desire that made her body throb with long suppressed desires. She thought of him a lot these days.

“Hmm, day dreaming again I see.” Malini walked into the kitchen going straight to the tea pot, poring herself a cup and bringing the pot to Khushi she refill hers.  Breathing in the aroma of the Brue from her cup she took a sip and sighed.  “Ha! What more does an old woman need but a cup of perfect tea.”

“Old!  And you, Maa you could give young women like me a complex” Khushi teased as she went to sit down at the dining table. It was almost 7.30 she had to go to work, taking a paratha out of the bread basket and some curd in a bowl; she began to gulp down her breakfast.

“Relax beta, eat slowly, or how will your body accept the food you need all the sustenance, what with all the work you do.” Malini chided her.

“Sorry.” Khushi said with her mouth full, swallowing the remaining quickly, “I have to make the last minute preparations for the Khurana wedding, make sure everything is set, last night the mendhi ceremony went very well, the clients were very pleased.”

        

    “good and what about the ‘Royal Lake view palace resort’ any news of what is happening.”

“oh yes, that has indeed been taken over by some Delhi company, but the present management is keeping it under wraps for the moment.” she squared her shoulders proudly, “ but my sources tell me that the deed has been signed and the new owner will be arriving within a couple of days with some staff from Delhi to take over the management.”

Malini frowned “what about our contract with the old management, will it be null and void.”

            “maa don’t worry, I have spoken with advocate Sharma, he says our contract has a clause. That states that if the hotel if taken over or bought out any new company the new management will have to renew our contract and retain our services, so don’t worry”  taking her dish to the sink to wash and set aside she turned around and placed a kiss on Malini cheek “ and I have already spoken to Mr. Rajsingh and he assured me there would be no problem with the new management”

          

  Giving Malini a cheeky smile “Mr. Rajsingh has promised that he would make an appointment with the new CEO, to discuss the terms of the new contract. As you can clearly see that Mr. Rajsingh is totally head over heels in love with me”

“Mr. Rajsingh is old enough to be your grandfather, if he starts chasing young things like you he will meet his maker early.” she snorted shaking her head at that Dil Khush Mr. Rajsingh.

          

  Dressed for work in comfortable pink kurti and long blue skirt with a light yellow Stoll around her neck, coming out of her bedroom she went to the adjoining bedroom to check on the small figure bundled in the bed. Walking on tip toes she placed a soft kiss on the head breathing in the sweet baby fragrance that always made her heart swell, again dark brown eyes flashed before her making her gasp.

What was wrong with her? she thought shaking head she bounded down the stairs to the kitchen “Maa,”  pointing her finger up words, Malini smiled “Go, don’t worry I’ll take care of everything.”

Yelling her thanks and saying goodbye Khushi got into the car in the drive way, placing her design folder and her carryall handbag in the back seat, she started the car and drove to her office which was in the business section of the city.

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Chapter 4

In another part of the country, Arnav Singh Raizada stood at his bedroom window staring at the pool area of his house. It was late afternoon and he had come home from work early to prepare for this trip.  In this past week he had felt restless, like a caged animal he had been tetchy and impatient with his staff. And with one look at his scowling face they had scurried away almost falling over each other to get out of his way.

He sighed this always irritated him to no end. Unlike other men who would have basked in such power Arnav Singh Raizada himself had not illusions of such kind. To him having power was just a means to an end. It simply got him what he wanted. But apparently not everything he wanted he thought as the old familiar pain short up his chest.  As he closed his eyes, her face swarmed before his eyes. The memory of her face brought a bitter sweet ache to his heart.

“Khushi.” He whispered it had been 4 years.  Since she had walked out of his life with no explanation. He still remembered that day like it was yesterday. He had gone over it a million times wondering what he had done wrong.

That evening had been glorious. And for the first time in weak he had slept like a baby, secure in the knowledge that she was his. He had not known when she had left. He had woken up in late evening to find her gone for a moment he had panicked and had been ready to rush after her but he had steadied himself thinking.  The situation was delicate and he would have to break the news to their families gently.  And Khushi needed the space to get her bearings. She loved him this he knew and would never marry another man knowing that she loved him and he Arnav Singh Raizada would not brush her aside like he had done till now. 

He had gone to hell for the past three weeks ever since he found out she was engaged another man. In a fit of rage he had set a date for his own engagement only to regret it later. She had still come to the house on Di’s and Lavanya insistence to help with the arrangements. Seeing her face every day had done something to his inside that made him want to scream.

 He could not understand what was happening to him, he had been unable to sleep yet he woke up every morning just to see her face. He had lost his appetite, food tasted like sawdust in his mouth.  Di had said he was having pre engagement jitters.  He didn’t care about the engagement he didn’t want to be engaged he only wanted Khushi.

Then one week before his engagement date she came and told them that she would not be coming anymore to Raizada house as the date for her marriage was set for two days before his engagement. The ground had disappeared from under his feet and even though he was standing firm, on the inside he felt like he had fallen into an abyss where he could not breathe.

He had searched her face for signs of joy at her news, but though she smiled her eyes were like pools of sorrow that only he could see at that moment he had wanted to pick her up and carry her away and hide her from the world so she could never be taken away from him.  She made him feel like the little boy he had been when he had hid his prize collection of shiny marbles because he didn’t want to share them with his sister and brother.

Instead he had stood had looked at her with hard eyes. And like the idiot he was had said harshly,  “Oh! good now you will be out of my hair for good.” She had flinched, pain darting briefly in her eye, immediately, he wanted to take it back he had felt his throat constrict and his breath hitched in his chest, he wanted to take her in his arms and take her pain away. He clenched his fists tightly instead.

Di had reproached him “Chote! how many times have I told you not to talk that way, it is a joyful occasion for Khushi, be happy for her.”

Oh yeah!, then how come she does not look happy, and how come I feel miserable and how come I want to bash in the face of the guy she is marrying he thought as he stomped out of the room in angry misery. Wanting terribly to break something preferably the fiancé face, but settled for banging his bedroom door.

The next couple of days had been living hell for him, he had yelled and screamed at everyone, not spearing even Di or Nani.  Like a Grisly bear with a toothache he roared and snapped and anyone who  happened to be in the line of fire. So they had stayed out of his way wondering what was wrong with him.  Blaming his bad mood on pre-engagement jitters, they had left him to his own devise.  Lavanya and Di had made plans to go shopping with Khushi, and he had wanted to break and burn the house down.

Three days before her wedding day, the ladies had gone shopping in the morning and then in the evening  all the family members had gone with Nani to attend a satsang at the temple. He had locked himself in his room refusing to come out, stating he had work to do.  

Instead he had moped around with an ache in his chest that just would not go away. He wanted Khushi and in three days she would belong to someone else and would be completely out of his reach. He had screamed for om prakash to bring him coffee.

He had stood by his bedroom window with his eyes close fearing that at any moment tears would roll down his cheeks,  that was when he had sensed her, opening his eyes is saw her reflection in the window. God she took his breath away. “you! What are you doing here” he barked as he watched her flinch.

“Om Prakash Bayia has left, I came to return Lavanyaji package she left with me accidently.” He didn’t say anything as he watched her reflection.  Taking a deep breath she  said “you wanted coffee so I...”

His chest was aching painfully “so you decided to make it yourself, how kind” he said sarcastically through gritted teeth, “fine, leave it and get out.” He said cruelly.

He didn’t turn around but just watch her in the window she took a few steps forward and placed the mug on the coffee table and stepped back she turned towards the door to walk away. Agony of the kind he never knew washed over him, that it shook his entire being.  She stopped and turned to look at him over her shoulder, what he saw on her face made his heart stop.  Her face mirrored his, he could see his agony, mask her face. No he thought he could not let her walk away from him this time.

“Khushi” her name broke out from the throat, with two long strides he closed the distance between them and took her into his arms. He rained kisses on her face. She shuddered as huge sobs raked her tiny frame as she put her arms around him burying  her face in his chest she  cried her tears soaking  his shirt.  All the while he kissed her hair and shoulders and held her tight running his hands over her body he pulled her close, moulding her soft slim figure to his hard body.  Soothing and caressing her at the same time. 

He had been so scared that she would push him away and run. He could not fathom what he would do if she had done so,   surely his heart would break he thought.  But she didn’t leave, she clung to him raising her face to accept his kisses.  As he took her lips with his, all thought left him, all he knew was the taste of her so sweet, like nectar for the gods, he drank her in, as her arms went around his neck  her fingers entwining in his hair. He pulled her with him to the bed she came willingly.

As they sank to the bed he unfastened her dress and pulled it off her shoulder. Trailing kisses down her neck to her exposed skin of her shoulder and chest. She tugged at his shirt at his waist band with hesitant hands. Unable to bare it he just ripped his shirt over his head and discarded it. Their cloths fell away and they were entangled in each other’s arms.

The sensation of her soft smooth silky skin against his drove him insane with need.  He kissed and caressed every inch of her body. And she matched kiss for kiss and caress for caress delighting him with her innocent boldness.  She ran her hand down his back digging her nails into his skin relating her need.  Her mouth had clung to his as their tongue had played together drinking each other’s essence. Her little teeth had nibbled on his shoulder making him groan with pleasure. She looked at him with eyes full of love that his heart filled with joy.  The smile on her lips when she yielded to him was like she held the secrets of the universe that only he could read and she was giving them to him freely.

He knew at that moment that she loved him and he loved her. He took her away with him on a tide of sweet sensation and they flew together over the stars and moon. She had whispered his name like a pray over and over again with each movement of the possession of her body with his. His eyes did not leave her face as her body arc into a bow and her eyes glazed over with release at the same time as him.

Neither of them had said a word. He had felt no need for words as they lay spent in each other’s arms. He took her wrist in his hand and brought it to his lips kissing the pulse that beat there, running his tongue over it. He had wanted to say so many things to her, he had wanted to tell her of his love for her but his throat was so choked up with emotions that the words could not come.

She seemed to understand as she took his head and pulled it to her shoulder she shushed him soothing him with her hand. Having her in his arms had released all the stress of the past weeks and he fell into a deep peaceful sleep with his face buried in her hair. His last thought was that her hair smelled life a field of flowers with a hint of cardamom.  And before falling asleep he had whispered “hmmm cardamom.”

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Chapter 5

Coming back to the present Arnav said “cardamom” and his mind conjured the scent and flavour of cardamom increasing the ache in his chest. He felt heat spread throughout his body, he still could not believe how much he wanted her. Placing his hot forehead against the cool glass of the window. Taking a deep breath to ease the ache in his chest. When will this stop?  When will this pain come to an end?

“Arnav Baba, Anjali didi sent me to find out if you have finished packing, and if I can put your baggage in the car.” Hari prakash inquired from the doorway.

“Yes put the baggage in the car but leave the laptop bag I will take it myself.” Hari prakash went to pick the bags Arnav asked, “where’s Di?”

“downstars in the hall” hari prakash replied and left.

Arnav checked his laptop bag for his files, picked his charger from the bedside table and tucked it in a pocket of the bag. Picking up his Mobil from the coffee table he left the room.

Going down stars he found Anjali with her husband

She turned towards him and said, “Chote? Are you ready to go.”

“yes, Di I’m all set” putting his arm around his sister shoulder be added, “I have made all the travel arrangements for you to join me for the Gala reception at the new resort,  Aman has all the details,

“That is a month away, Chote will you be ok alone so far away?”

“Di, I’m not a child I can take care of myself, Besides I will not be there alone, I’ll be staying at the resort and have the entire staff at my disposal.”

“yes, yes I know but I am your Sister and I worry about You”

“Dont, you take care of yourself, so I don’t have to worry about you too”

“your jijaji, takes good care of me so you don’t have to worry, and you must call everyday I will be waiting for your call.” She shook her finger at him in reminder.

“have a safe trip saale sabhib” his brother in law said cordially.

Arnav only nodded, After Khushi had left so suddenly, and Arnav had broken of his engagement plans with Lavanya,  Arnav and his brother in law had had a falling out.  As far as Arnav knew khushi and his Brother in law had never met. But one morning at breakfast table Shayam had started  to chide Arnav for breaking up with Lavanya, he then went on to bad mouth Khushi, questioning her character, wondering and telling Anjali to see if anything was missing from the house.  Arnav’s Mami kept supporting this comments,  Arnav knew that Mami had never liked Khushi as she was not rich.

But when Shayam had called Khushi ‘a piece of cheep trash’.  Arnav had lost his head and punched Shayam in the nose to the horror of his entire family. He had decaled furiously. “I will not hear one single wrong word about  against Khushi,” he had then pointed on furious finger at his brother-in-law who was lying on the floor bleeding, “I know Khushi, I know what and who she is, you did not, so don’t you dare badmouth her.”

He knew he had hurt his sister, but Shayam had no right to talk about Khushi that way, ever since then the two men had maintain a civil attitude towards each other.  Arnav sometimes wondered if  his Shayam attitude came from something  else. On various occasions he had caught a look of pure hatred and loathing when he would catch Shayam watching him.  But he didn’t understand why, so he had just let it go.

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Chapter 6

Khushi returned home exhausted, walking into the living room she kicked of her heal shows, she flopped on the sofa stretching her legs and curling her toes on the living rooms thick rug,  Malini walked in from the study office adjoining the living room where she working on some company papers.

“how did the reception go?” Said Malini sitting in the sofa opposite Khushi.

“Great, the parties were highly satisfied, they will deliver the cheque tomorrow morning.” sighing she closed her eyes and leaned her head on the backrest.

“Good! So what is next,”

“We have the Saxsana wedding next weekend, and the resort is having a conference for the new owners the evening after tomorrow, but that is a small function the resort staff will manage it, I only have to make sure the carters are there on time.” Pushing herself from the couch Khushi started towards the stairs “ Arush is asleep?” she inquired

Malini smiled warmly “Yes after insisting on watching 2 hours worth of cartoons” she sighed shaking her head, “there is no getting around him, he just wants what he wants.”

Khushi shook her head laughing, he was getting more and more like his father everyday she thought, shaking her head, “I need a shower and then bed, goodnight Maa.”

As she stood under the shower, letting the water wash away the soap from her hair and body the tears came running down her cheeks along with the water. Wrapping her arms around her heaving chest she cried.  She missed him she thought as the ache in her breast increased, she missed him every day and she wanted him so desperately even after all this time. So many times she tried to console herself that what she did was right and that she should accept her fate, but the ache did not ease and each night the tears would come.

She stepped out of the shower towelling herself dry she wrapped herself in a robe and walked into her bedroom room. Wrapping a towel around her head she left a room and walked into the adjoining bedroom and got into the small bed with the tiny bundle pulling it closer.  The small dark head turned and buried itself into her breast a small arm throwing itself around her.

Khushi smiled burying her nose in the child’s dark hair she ran a hand lovingly over the child faces. the most adorable face  in the world, a tiny miniature image of his father the same strait arrogant  nose and stubborn chin,  he had his father’s eyes she knew, and she was proud that he had her smile. His father had a nice smile too which he rarely used the thought but on the one occasion he had laughed wholeheartedly it had made her heart go wild with pleasure, she smiled at the memory it pleased her even more that she with all her silliness had brought that laughter to his lips.

Pulling the child with her she got out of the bed and carried him to her bed, pulling the covers over them Khushi fell asleep with her child in her arms. Dreaming of her long lost love.                                             

                                                  

It had been two days since Arnav Singh Raizada had arrived at the ‘royal lake view palace  resort’. He had been busy getting things in order and settling in With his staff from Delhi.  Tonight his resort staff were busy making sure that tonight’s conference would go smoothly. He had kept his identity a secrete from the Udaipur Society as he didn’t want the media attention just yet. At tonight’s press conference the announcement will be made and everybody will know that the ‘royal lake view palace resort’ now belongs to AR group.

          

  Ever since Arnav had stepped foot on Udaipur soil he had felt restless and impatient. He had the feeling something was about to happen but he didn’t know what, as the time for the conference drew near he became more agitated and nervous. This feeling was new to him, not being a superstitious man he just didn’t know what to think. With the agitation came a strange sense of excitement which was familiar, a feeling of déjà vu. An excitement that only one person had ever brought into his life and made him feel.  But it was impossible he thought, how could it possibly be she was long gone and this was the last place he could imagine her to be. This was not her world, he sighed; far from it and he should not get his hopes up for no reason. Placing the reason for his present state of mind on the fact of starting a new venture he tried to relax and got ready for tonight’s event.

At that very moment Khushi entered the resort premises to supervise the dinner preparations for the evening. She felt a strange familiar feeling wash over her. A feeling one felt when one was nearing home, a feeling with edge of excitement. An excitement she had felt with only one person. Shaking her head at a silly imagination she had been thinking of him a lot lately, she told herself.  Going about her job.

As she went about her work, talking to the chef and stewards and other kitchen help Khushi perceived a sense of excitement and enthusiasm from all the staff with regards to the new owner. Whispers’ of some big shot from Delhi being the new owner. The female staff seemed extremely  excited over the fact that the new owner was young and attractive. Thinking the owner to be a young million heir buying the resort with Daddy’s money, Khushi shook her head in amusement.  

The function started in time, Khushi remained in the kitchen overlooking the final preparations.  She watched some of the young men admiring her.  Dressed in an attractive peacock and gold anarkali suit she knew she looked pretty. this admiration had first embarrassed her, but Malini maa had taught her to use her beauty to her benefit. At first she had unsure if she was capable of such wiles, but under Malini maa’s tutelage she realised it didn’t cost at all to give a man a charming smile if only to stop him in his tracks so he would listen to her. This had made her more confident and comfortable with her beauty when once she had been completely oblivious to it, and that had gotten her into more trouble then she cared for.    Now she bore such admiration with a pinch of salt. Men will always admire beautiful women.  So she just ignored their fugitive stares and went about her work.

She was standing near the back service entrance of the hall where the conference was taking  place, as someone opened the door a light breeze blew through the half open door. It ruffled the few stray hair about her face. Khushi stiffened, she felt like someone had lightly touched her cheek drawing her attention to the service door, she felt her plus quicken and her heartbeat accelerated. And a slight burning, tingling sensation throughout her skin.  Her legs carried her to door of their own accord.

She peeps out of the service entrance out of curiosity.  Wondering at this strange feeling. She saw that the hall was complete packed with press people and other prominent business men and women from Udaipur society,  there was a table set on the podium but she could not see the people seated there,  she saw the general Manager Mr Goyal make his speech and then take a seat. Khushi stood on her toes trying to get a look at the people seated at the table when she heard a voice behind her asking to be excused, she stepped aside letting the steward pass and let the door swing close.

At that very moment Arnav was being questioned by the press, and as he was answering a question he felt a strange sensation like a touch beckoning his attention to the rear service door. As he lifted this eyes to the door he thought he saw a familiar head and part of a shoulder of a women. His heart beat raced and his plus quickened, he faulted in his answer, the reporter had to ask him the question 3 more times before he composed himself, thinking it was his imagination. But he felt restless and he just wanted the conference over and done with so he would run to be service entrance at the back of the hall to see what had caught his attention and distracted him so completely.

Khushi moved away from the door, making her way towards the rear exit since her work was complete here. Taking one speculative look at the service door,  She stepped out into the cool night air making her way to her car parked nearby, Getting in she drove away.  Seconds later a tall lean man rushed out of the rear exit looking this way and that searching. 

Unable to stand it anymore Arnav cut the conference shot promising the press he would answer their questions later. He jumped of the dice and raced towards the back service entrance. Through the huge kitchen to the rear exit. As he stepped out he could see no one about. Frustrated  he went back to the hall. Thinking his imagination was playing tricks on him. Tonight was going to be a restless night for him thought with a sigh.

When Khushi reached home it was still early so she knew that her son would still be awake. Happy she will get to spend some time with him she all but skipped to the front door and stepping into the foyer, she made her way to the living room where her son was colouring a picture book at  the coffee table and Malini Maa was sitting in an arm chair reading. As soon as her son saw her, “amma” he squealed jumping up and flew into her waiting arms with a big smile of delight on his face, his dark brown eyes sparkling. She held him tight making him squeal and wriggled in her arms.

Little Arush put his arms about a neck, “where are my chocolates” he demanded.

Khushi gave him a mocked stern look, “have you had your dinner.” Looking into his deep brown eyes sparkling with delight.

He nodded his head rigorously, holding up three fingers, “yep, two chapatti’s with all my vegetables, ask Dadi.” Jerking his small chin towards Malini.

“Very well then you can have a piece of chocolate, only if you promise to brush your teeth before bed.” Khushi held a candy bar in her hand. Putting him down she knelt before him unwrapped the bar breaking of a piece she placed it in his waiting hand.

“Only so much” he demanded his face going petulant. His brows drawing into a frown over annoyed brown eyes.

“You can have some after lunch tomorrow” she ruffled his dark hair, while he glared at her. just like his father, she thought seeing the expression on his tiny face.  She went to the kitchen to put the remaining in the fridge.

Getting ready for bed, she took the file with the contract to revise the clauses before going to sleep. As her appointment with the new CEO; was at 11 O’clock tomorrow.  Arush hopped on bed with her switching on the TV to the cartoons channel.

“have you brushed you teeth?” she asked.

“Eeeeeeeei” He flashed his teeth at her, then put his little arms around her neck and kissed her on the lips. She smelled his baby toothpaste and gave him a quick squeeze,  then placed his head on her tummy to watch. She didn’t say anything as she knew he would be asleep before the first cartoon was over. Stroking his hair with her fingers she went back to reading the documents.

                              *******************************

Chapter 7

At the ‘royal lake view palace resort’ Arnav Singh Raizada stood staring out of his hotel suite at the view of the lake where the moon light shimmered.  He was angry with himself for chasing shadows. What was wrong with him rushing out like that leaving an important conference.  Everyone must think he is a lunatic.

 He closed his eyes and her face flashed in his mind, her smile that always made everything shine brighter,  her lips the way they tasted like honey and spice, the thought drove him crazy with need, her eyes brimming with tears, put there by him, this was his worst memory of her and he wanted to take away every tear he had made her shed.  But there would be redemption for him he thought, the back of his lids burning with unshed tears, he will have to live without the love of the one person he wanted to love him the most. Rubbing his hand over his face and neck,  he went to bed to rejoin his nightmares.

She was standing by a window of a room decorated with flowers, she looked down at herself dressed in lanhaga choli a heavy cuhnni covered her head, she looked at her hand adorned with bangles and jewellery. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes in anticipation. She didn’t have to see to know he had entered the room. Coming to her he placed his hands on her shoulder, he pulled the chuni of her head letting is fall to the floor.  He ran his hand from her shoulder over the skin of her back exposed  to him by the strings holding her choli together. She shivered at his touch. She felt his breath in the crook of her neck as he placed tiny kisses along her neck and shoulder, his hand circled her waist caressing the exposed flesh of the belly and midriff. Moaning with pleasure her head fell back to rest on his shoulder. She felt him untie the strings of the choli pulling it of her exposing her bare flesh to the cool nights breeze slowly his hands came up to cup her breast  as heat surged through her body she moaned his name “Arnav!!”

Khushi woke up with a start, her heart pounding in her chest and her breath coming in short gasps. Covering her hot flushed cheeks with her hands she groaned. What was wrong with her? She turned her head seeing her son sleeping soundly. Jumping out of bed she went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on her hot face trying to compose her breathing.

4 years she thought, 4 years she had not set eyes on Arnav Singh Raizada yet she remembered his touch, his breath and his every caress like they had never been separated. Khushi wanted to cry in despair and longing.  Angry with herself she stepped fully clothed under the shower letting the cold water seep into her making her hot pulsing body, shiver from the cold calming her nerves and any desire her treacherous body felt.

At that very hour Arnav Singh Raizada awoke from a restless sleep with his heart pounding in his chest, he set up in bed crying out her name “Khushi!!!” his hand flung out in front of him.  Breathing heavily, he took in his surroundings pulling his hand back he rubbed it over his damp forehead then running it into his hair. Swinging his long legs over the bed he walked to the bathroom to splash water over his face. This sensation was not new to him; he often woke up feeling like this. He crawled back into bed but sleep did not come. He lay on the bed staring at the sealing thinking of her, closing his eyes as tears stung the back of his eyelids he tried to swallow the lump that was rising in his throat as a wave of melancholy washed through him.  He won’t be able to live like this forever he thought.

As the day brighten outside Arnav watched the sun rays hit his room. He felt his mood suddenly change. His heart started beating with a sudden excitement and a feeling of hope took over his melancholy, bighting his mood. He looked at the bright day outside and felt better.   He got out of bed and went about getting ready for work.

        

Khushi reached the resort 10 minutes before her meeting with the new owner and CEO of the new company that bought the resort. Dressed in a lime green and cream salvar suti with embroider glass work on the collar, sleeves and hem. With her silky hair left loose to fall in cascades down her shoulder and back she looked fresh and beautiful.

She walked to the administrative section of the resort and told the receptionist that she has a 11o’clock appointment with the new CEO. At that very moment Mr. Rajsingh came out of a side office and greeted her warmly. He told the receptionist not to worry, he would escort Khushi personally to the bosses office.

“ I have spoken to the boss about your contract with the resort , so don’t worry everything will be fine, he just has to go through it and give his approval” Mr. Rajsingh assured her.

“Hear is his office, you go right in he is expecting you. All the best”

“Thank you Mr. Rajsingh.” Khushi gave him a grateful smile.

She turned to the door and knocked lightly. A muffled voice called, “come in”

Khushi pushed the door open and stepped inside, she saw that the new CEO was sitting at a huge desk facing the wall behind it, and on the wall was a large picture of some kind of abstract art. She felt the strange feeling come over her like it did last night. She hesitated then took a couple of more steps into the room, pasting a bright smile on her face. She said,  “Good morning , I am Khushi Metha from ‘Metha events privet ltd’. I have a 11 o’clock appointment with you.”

Still the person did not turn around to face her. A feeling of restlessness came over her as she stood in the middle of the office waiting. Her heart pounding, her skin burning and her breath coming in short gasps. She squeezed her eyes to control her overreacting nerves. What was wrong with her? she wondered.

The moment she had stepped into his office he knew it was her.  His heart skipped a beat before racing in his chest, but he didn’t turn around. Lifting his head the saw her reflection in the painting he was facing on the wall. The site of her made his heart do flip flop in this chest.  He could not believe his eyes, it is her, it really was her. After all these years he had found her. But why was she calling herself Khushi Metha? A million questions shot through his mind. Taking a deep breath the turned his chair around to face her.

The smile on her face slowly disappeared as she took in the man sitting in the chair. It couldn’t be, she blinked her eyes and shook her head hoping that what she was seeing was her imagination. This could not be happening. At the first site of him she wanted to run and throw  herself in his arms. Then she remembered all she had hidden from him; and guilt and fear washed through her, all she had to go through to hide from him.   She wasn’t ready to face Arnav Singh Raizada yet.  She thought of making a dash for the door then decided she could not make it if he decided to stop her.  She thought of all the work she had put in to build her company, all the people working under her, they depended on her for their lively hood. She was a mature woman not a blundering child.

“I am a strong and independent business woman.” She chanted under her breath. Taking in deep breaths to calm her racing heart.  She straitened her shoulders and raised her chin in defiance.

He stood up slowly drinking her in, ‘his Khushi’. He wanted to close the distance between them, hold her in his arms and never let go.  He watched the changing expressions running over her face first shock, then wonder, then fear and then determination. He saw her posture change from one of nervousness, to confidant bravado.

“You..” she croaked, cringing, clearing her throat she tried again, “You!!, So you are the one who bought this resort” she said.

Taken aback by her nonchalant words all he could say “Khushi?

Lifting her chin she said with emphasis, “Khushi Metha” though her eyes did not meet his.

He picked the card left by his Mr. Rajsingh from the table reading its content, “Why have you changed your name?” he asked.

Taking a deep breath so that she could not falter in her lie she said quietly averting her eyes, “Married women often take their husbands last name after marriage.”

The colour drained from his face, and his heart thudded painfully in his chest married he thought., Khushi Metha the name echoing in his head like a death call. Pain and anger washed through him. “Married” he whispered the word like a threat.  

She flinched as she saw the anger role over him in waves; she wondered if she did the right thing. The last things she wanted to do was to hurt him. But this could not be helped; self preservation was of the utmost priority right now. She gulped trying to swallow  the lump that was stuck in her throat waiting for the torrent of his anger to hit.

He spun around and walked to the window trying to compose himself. She married he thought furious, she left him and went away and married someone else. how could she do this to him. He had searched and waited for her for 4 years and now she was married. He turned around looking at her intently;   something was not right he looked her over from head to toe.  His shrewd eyes taking in her empty mang,  her neck unadorned with a mangal sutra. He knew Khushi she would never leave her house without these symbols of marriage. He watched he as she visibly squirmed, she is hiding something. He could see she was trying very hard to maintain a facade and was failing miserably. His Khushi could never lie convincingly her eyes always gave her away. Hope filled the heart. He had to play it cool.

“I see, that would make sense” he said quietly, amusement crossing his eyes and her head snap up at him in shock and she looked at him aghast.

What!!!; he was not going to start raving and ranting she thought, she looked at him closely  then cast her eyes one more time around searching. Is he not Arnav Singh Riazada she questioned herself puzzled. She blinked and cleared her throat.

She  decided to get straight to the point of her being there, “I...aaa....See, I have come here on behalf of my company, we had signed a contract with the previous owner,  we have two years on our con....”

“I know what the contract is all about, I’m fine with it” he interrupted her.

“You are?” she looked puzzled, the moment she has seen him she didn’t think it was going to be so easy, she had been sure he would be difficult, and she would have to fight him on this. Pleased at having completed her job.  She gave him a tight smile, wanting to get out of there as soon as possible, he was still leaning against the window sill watching her.  Looking at him she thought, god he looked so wonderful, so lean and handsome in his dark suit. She watched his chiselled face the straight arrogant nose and the hard jaw. Her fingers tingling to touch him, she squeezes her hands into tight fists, remembering last night’s dream she blushed deeply as heat flooded her body and face.

Silently he watched her, his mind working, he noticed the colour rise up of the low cut bodice of her dress and into her cheeks. She looked so delicious and beautiful she took his breath away. He wondered what had made a blush. He hadn’t done anything suggestive. But his instincts told him he was the cause of her blush. This pleased him, she still reacted to him, he thought

She cast a fugitive glance to the door and opened her mouth to speak, he beat her to it.

“In fact I believe that the contract should be revised, for our company’s mutual benefit, I have spoken with my lawyers to draw up a new contract”

“You have” frowning she said, “You can’t just draw up a new contract without discussing the clauses with me.”

“Of course not, we will discuss the clauses of the contract” he nodded with a slight smile on his lips, pushing himself from the window sill he walked  slowly towards his her, eyes narrowing shrewdly as he went in for the kill.  “Dinner at eight, the Lake palace I will wait for you at the jetty.” He said dismissively turning at the last minute to walked to his desk, picking a file from,  he began to read it.

“I’m not having dinner with you.” She said aghast.  And furious that he was controlling things. He would not control her she thought.

Looking up from the file he gave her a look of infinite patients, “I thought you are a business women.” he asked calmly like he was talking to a child.

She bristled, “Of course I am”

“Good” he explained “I wasn’t inviting you for a romantic date Khushi, merely a business dinner where would discuss the clauses of the new contract.”

“There is no need for dinner, we could discuss the contract here” she said quickly trying to squirm her way out of meeting him anywhere else but the office.

He sighed “Khushi” he said her name like a caress and sent a shiver down her spine quickening her pulse “I am a very busy man, and have a million things to look over, yours is a event management company that has got everything to do with entertainment. Discussing such business over dinner is perfectly professional, and I do need to eat.”  He lifted an eyebrow inquiring, “now, if you want to invite me to your home and cook me dinner?” watching her shake her head furiously. he smile, “we will meet at the jetty at eight then.”

   She gave him a mutinous look, wanting to stick her tongue out at him and refuse. Curbing her childish impulses she narrowed her eyes, and said, “fine, at eight” and turned around, her hair flying about her, she walked slowly towards the door, she could feel his eyes watching her, and she fought her instinct to run.

He watched her as she walked gracefully, her hips swaying  gently with each step putting the file down he leaned against the desk to watch her, he had wanted so badly to touch her, to feel the smooth creamy skin of the face and arms.  A smile playing about his mouth, just looking will have to do for now, he thought. She hesitated at the door, and then slowly her head turned to look at him over her shoulder. The look of longing he saw in her eyes took his breath away. Then she was gone.

                          *********************************

Chapter 8

The moment she stepped out of his office, the adrenalin left her body leaving Khushi trembling like a leaf. For a moment the when she had set eyes on Arnav Singh Raizada she wasn’t sure whether to run towards him or away from him, so she had just stood her ground. But now she was not sure if she would make it to her car on her trembling legs. How could this be happening? He was like a magnet that kept pulling her. Walking away from him had been so hard. She had been chanting to herself not to look back at him, but could not resist the last minute she look at him. only to see him  still watching her.

By the time Khushi reached her car she had not stopped shaking, as she took the keys out of her purse to unlock the door she found that her hands were trembling so hard that her keys fell to the ground.   She would not be able to drive like this so she went back to the lobby and ordered a taxi. She decided to go straight home. There was no way she would get any work done in her present state of mind.

The moment she left his office Arnav picked up the phone and spoke to the person on the other end, “I want all information about Khushi Metha of ‘Metha events privet Ltd‘  by 2 o’clock today” then cradled the receiver.  He sat in his chair thinking, finally after all this time fate had once again brought him face to face with Khushi Khmari Gupta, he didn’t care if she called herself by the another name, she was his Khushi,  and the fact that she claimed to be married had at first angered him and made his blood run cold but something about her defensive manner had suggested otherwise. And he would get to the bottom of it. 

4 years he had waited for this day, he was going to get all his questions answered, he knew her, she had faced his every challenge with a challenge.  He knew she was not going to be able to resist any challenge he threw at her, and this time he was not going to push her away, he knew what he wanted and he was going to get it; one way or the other. Last time they had played a tug-of-war with their emotions, this time he was going to change the rules. This time he, Arnav Singh Raizada was going to seduce Khushi Kumari Gupta aka Khushi Metha till she surrender completely to him. He smiled with anticipation.

                        

  Khushi stumbled through the front door, she shut it and sat on the floor her back against the door. once again tumbling  through time,  her body shaking uncontrollably she hid her face in the kees letting the memory of the past overtake her.

When she reached home Khushi went straight to the kitchen and got busy, taking out ingredients, she went about making a bunch lode of jelibees, stuffing them in her mouth once they were ready, her hands worked furiously while she let her mind wander back to the night she had left a sleeping Arnav in the bed they had just made love in.

On the way home she had decided she would tell everything to buaji and amma.  She would stop what was going on and tell them the truth, she could not marry Shayam not now,  she belonged to another.  Arnavji would accept her; she knew he would after what had happened between them there would be no other choice. Besides she loved him and though he had not said it aloud she was sure he loved her.

When she got home it was like a mad house, buaji was raving and fussing, at first she thought that something had happened to babuji running in she asked, Payal “jiji, what happened is babuji ok, did he get another attack”

“Khushi thank God you are here, what took you so long.”  Payal asked.

Khushi felt the blood rise in her cheeks as she thought of where she had been and what she had been doing. Ignoring  Payals question she asked. “ jiji what is the matter? Babuji?”

“No, no, babuji is fine, it is Shayamji, I think he is having an allergic reaction of some sort”

“Allergic reaction, what are you talking about”

“the neighbours send some sweets, and I think it had pineapple bits in it, and you know Buaji, without thinking she fed Shayamji some, and he started sneezing and has not stopped till now” Payal giggled thinking of Shayam sneezing like that was so funny and bauji hopping around yelling to happyji to fetch the doctor. She turned to Khushi who face had gone white.

Worried she asked. “Khushi,  what is it?” thinking she was worried about  Shayam “don’t worry about Shayamji; the doctor just left. He gave him anti allergic tablets,  it was just  an reaction to the pineapple” shaking her head she inquired  “did you know that Shayamji is allergic to pineapple?”

Khushi only shook her head, her mind was reeling how could  it be possible. She had walked to the room where Shayam sat with Buaji.  Watching them with a sense of déjà vu.  Shayam was partially covered by buaji broad frame and behind her Shayam held his handkerchief to his face sneezing loudly over and over again. She had seen this very scene just a few weeks back on Diwali night .  In another house with another lady.

Without entering she turned around and went to her room, sitting on the her bed. It could not be a coincidence. The happenstance’s of  the past few months came back to her, incidents she had forgotten,  on gogul ashtami,  Anjali telling Lavanya that her husband’s name was Shayam, while she at the same time had told them that the man who was  a PG at her house was also named Shayam. The voice of Anjali’s husband on the phone when she had answered that one time thinking it resembled Shayam’s, his awkward behaviour on the time she had met him outside Raizada house, and how she never seemed to meet Anjali’s husband.

         

   Khushi could not believe that two separate men had the same name, were in the same profession and had the same allergic reaction to pineapple. Her instincts told her that something was not right and she had to get to the bottom of it, her life and that of the people she loved depended on it. Khushi made her way to Shayam’s room.

         

   “Are you ok Shayamji” she aske

 Pleased that she was showing concern for him he said, “Don’t worry Khushiji I will be fine.” He sneezed again. Embarrassed at this show weakness he undid his wrist watch took a towel and went to the bathroom, “I will just go and freshen up, I have to meet with a client in a short while.” He said thinking of Anjali and the excuses he had to make for the next three days so that he could attend his wedding with Khushi without bringing suspicion on himself. In three days Khushi will be his and he could still keep his gold card of a wife and enjoy everything of both worlds, sweet innocent and beautiful Khushi would his conquest, his trophy wife he could enjoy in privet for he knew Khushi would never be introduced to his professional or his social live in high society. 

           

The moment Shayam entered the bathroom Khushi raced to the cupboard and started searching through it for any clue she could find, but there was nothing, she went to Shayam’s laptop bag and searched almost giving up. Frustrated she had dug through another pocket when she found at thin wallet pulling it out she opened it to see a picture with Anjaliji in the photo compartment and a wedding ring with a ruby stone hidden between the folds.

Stunned to the core Khushi felt her body go cold and numb. What was she to do now, if the truth came out what would her family do, her parents and her buaji would die of shame and ridicule that they were marrying her off to a married man. How could Shayamji do this to her and her family. And what about Anjailji this would destroy her; questions flooded Khushi’s mind.

          

  Hearing  a noise from the bathroom she quickly put the wallet away and left the room thinking, as anger took over her at the thought of what Shayamji had done, she could not face him at this moment;  she would explode. Going back to her room she sat on the bed thinking about the time when babuji had that heart attack. She had been in Nanital with Arnav, that was the time that bauji started forcing her to accept Shayams proposal,  when she had spoken to Shayam telling him that she was not ready to marry, Shayam had agreed with her and that he could talk to the elders about this, thinking the matter settled Khushi had not bothered about it, she had been struggling with her own new emotions for another man, drawn to him like a moth to a flame;  she had been totally absorbed with her feelings for Arnav Singh Raizada.

Once again when buaji had brought the topic up; and  Khushi had outright refused to marry Shayam, but after Diwali night, heartbroken by Arnav’s cruel rejection after he had tried to kiss her and seeing her father’s ailing health she had said yes under duress . What exasperated her was that Shayam had not tried to convince buaji that he did not want to marry, he could easily have told her family the truth that he was already married, instead  he had kept this fact from her family on purpose , pretended that buaji was forcing him to this marriage.  She thought of her father and his sudden illness. Was Shayam responsible for this as well.

Going to her father’s room, she found him still awake “Babuji do you really want me to marry Shayamji,” she took the fathers hand in hers “just press once if ‘no’ and twice if ‘yes’ ok babuji.” Babuji nodded  slightly and squeezed her hand once.

“Did you know that Shayamji is married?” she asked.  Tears ran down his face as he pressed her hand twice. Khushi brought her hand to her mouth to keep from crying out loud. 

She dreaded to ask the next question  but she had to know “Babuji is Shayam responsible for your condition now.”  Her father cried silent tears and his helpless body shook with grief and frustration that he had not been able to protect his daughter.

He squeezed Khushi hand twice. Drawing all his strength he uttered one word “run.”

Khushi sat with her father as he looked at her with pleading eyes, begging her to run, now she understood Shayam was a Snake and he had already bitten her father, she understood that such a man would do anything to protect himself.  If she left without letting the truth come out her buaji and Amma will blame her for her irresponsible and impulsive nature, with Khushi out of the picture Shayam would blend into the woodwork like the termite he is, and leave her family alone.

Shayam would go back to Anjaliji and she would never have to find out about her husband’s betrayal, And the two timing scum he is.   For everyone’s happiness Khushi had to make this sacrifice.  So her had left.

Coming back from reminiscing about her past Khushi was surprised to see tears running down her cheeks. She looked at the picture of her son on the wall. Oh god! She thought this was an even bigger secret she had kept from Arnav, and she had no idea how he would react to it once he found out. She knew that Arnav was not found of kids.  But Arush was his own flesh and blood.

                     *****************************

                                                                                                 

Chapter 9

                      

With her hands splatter with batter Khushi set on the floor against the kitchen counter digging her dirty hands through her hair, smearing batter in her hair as well. As despair washed over her,  she had hidden important  facts from Arnav Singh Raizada and now the universe had brought her face to face with him so that she could pay the prise for hurting him.  And she knew he would make her pay she sobbed.

This was how Malini found her an hour later. She had taken the crying trembling Khushi in her arms and consoled her as she told her everything that happened that day, how the new owner of the resort is none other than Arnav Singh Raizada.

Malini then made Khushi her specially brewed tea to helped her relax,  and while Khushi sat at the dining table she told her about her conversation with Arnav and how he had manipulated her into having dinner with him. Malini mixed batter for a fruit cake and put it in the oven. The simple task and the smell of vanilla had a magical effect on Khushi. From being depressed and scared she shifted to being angry and indignant.

“How dare he try to control me, I am not the old Khushi he could push around whenever he felt like it.” Khushi stormed.

“So what are you going to do? Not go” Malini inquired.  Being a wise woman Malini knew the one day this day would come when her dear Khushi would have to face Arnav. In all her wisdom she had done everything she could to prepare Khushi to face Arnav as a mature and confidant woman. She had always wanted to see Khushi united with her Arnav. 

As Malini washed Khushi  hair in the kitchen sink, she lathered her hair with shampoo she waited for Khushi  to answer. She knew she had done everything to mould Khushi into a worldly and confidant woman who would be worthy of Arnav Singh Raizada. And he would have no reason to push her away. And Khushi would have all the self confidence to not run away again. She knew that if they still loved each other and  they would overcome all and any problems between them.

“May be I shouldn’t go, it would serve him right to be stood up” said Khushi mutinously.  Crossing  her hands over her chest.

“Well if you think it is the right thing to do.” Malini said calmly rinsing Khushi hair gently.

“Of course it is not the right thing to do.” She conceded, “and knowing him; he would find our house and break down the door by midnight.” She pouted with indignation. “No, I will go to dinner with Arnav Singh Raizada, and I will only talk business,” she said with more conviction. “I will be a beautiful and sophisticated lady of society, who has gained the respect of her pears, and even though I was born in a middle class family, I am not living a middle class life, I will show him I didn’t have to marry a rich man to be where I am today, all I have attained is from hard work and dedication.”

“Now that is the spirit, go show him what he has been missing.” Malini cheered Khushi.

Later as Khushi dug through the wardrobe for what to wear to dinner, Malini sat on khushi bed.

“what do you think maa, this gray or the green saree.”

“Gray does nothing for your complexion, it will make you look more pale, the green is fine and it will look beautiful on you.” Said Malini.

“hmmm! No, green gives all the wrong messages, like green single. No, no I want him to know that  I am attending this dinner under duress and not by choice.” Khushi contemplated.

“ok, so tell me what colour could you wear if you want to please the ‘great Arnav Singh Raizada.’”Malini inquired slyly.

“Red.” Khushi answered immediately, thinking of the  encounters she had with Arnav, and the way his eyes could become warm and admiring whenever she wore a red saree. She blushed instantly.

“Hmmmmm!! The colour of love,  the colour of the bridal dress and Sindoor.” Malini teased making dramatic depictions to compliment her words.

“Yes, and it is also the colour of blood that Arnav Singh Raizada drinks of his unsuspecting victims, in a fit of rage.” Khushi said sarcastically. 

“oh! I see; and are you sure that you don’t want to please him right now.” Malini said cheekily

“No I have no desire to please him Maa, I only want him to sign the contract. I have found the perfect saree for this occasion.”  Holding a black shimmering lace saree on a hanger she turned around to face Malini.

Malini smiled yes this was perfect, despite being black the colour complimented Khushi Cream and peach complexion. “perfect, just like when the revolutionaries wore black to make Mr.Simon go back.”

Khushi looked at her puzzled “who?”

“Never mind it happened a long time ago. People would wear black to show their displeasure with the British.” Malini explained.

Khushi eyes shown, “good then, I will wear this black saree to show him I protest. Besides Arnav Singh Raizada in nothing less than a British tyrant” And she went off to get ready.

Arnav sat in his resort hotel suite going over the file that his assistant had given him on Khushi Metha. The information was sparse, all it told him that Khushi was Malini Metha’s widowed daughter-in-law. She worked for Malini for sometime, later becoming a partner.  Khushi at the moment was running the company, as Malini Metha was semi retired. And presently spend most of her time with an NGO for young street kids. Their company’s credit with the bank was very good and business was blooming. Their personal accounts also had good credit, both women were upstanding citizens and respected in the Udaipur social and business community.

Other than that there was no personal information of any kind. There was no information about Abhay Metha, save that he was Malini Metha only son and had expired in Cochin. This information niggled him it didn’t make any sense and left him with more questions as to Abhay and Khushi relationship. He would try to get it out of her somehow.  

                             

                              ***************************** 

Chapter 10

Arnav stood in the lounge of the boat house. Staring at the Lake palace in the middle of the lake was all lit up looking like something out of a fairy tale. Khushi was 10 minutes late. He wondered whether he had made a mistake by letting her go from his office that morning.  Anxiety hit him as he wondered if she might have disappeared again. I should not have let her go he thought. At that very moment he felt her presence he did not have to turn around to know she had just entered the lobby of the boat house.

Khushi walked into the lobby and immediately knew he was there, she let her eyes roamed ever the few people gathered till they rested on him. her heart which had already accelerated at he knowledge of his presene did a little flip at the sight of him. God she thought he looked so gorgeous in his dark dinner jacket. Her face almost broke in a smile of joy before she controlled herself. This wont do she thought she had to keep Arnav Singh Raizada away from her for as long as possible.

The sight of Khushi took his breath away. Her skin glowed against the black of the saree that draped her slim body. The lacy material gave him a tantalising glimpse of the bare abdomen and naval making his heart thud painfully in his chest he took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. The need to touch her was so strong it shook him.  Mesmerize he wondered if she had any idea what she did to him. Though she had pulled her hair back into a tight bun, light wisps of hair escaped to soft the look. She wore no jewellery except a slim bejewelled wrist watch, he walked towards her.

“Shall we.” he asked “the boat is ready.” taking her elbow in his warm hand he steered her towards the jetty.

“ho! And by the way you look breathtaking.” He said huskily

Startled and coloured at the compliment, Khushi look at him to see if he was joking, “I do?.” she asked confused touching her bun at the nape of her neck with her free hand. This was not what she wanted to project she thought glumly, she was in protest. But her heart flipped with joy at the compliment from Arnav Singh Raizada himself. It mattered so much what he thought of her.

“why? Didn’t you want to look pretty.” He inquired looking at her flabbergasted expression from the corner of his eyes. It pleased him to see the colour flood her cheeks.

“I...No..I...this is a business meeting.” She stammered totally out of sorts. She peeked at him from below her lashes noticing the slight smile playing on his lips. Her mouth dropped open he was teasing her, he was on to her ruse. Her server look had totally failed. How come she never seemed to get things right where this man was concerned? Blushing furiously she let him guide her to boat.

He stepped lightly into it as the boat bobbed a little. Then turned around to assist her;  she gave Arnav her hand as she tried to step as lightly as him into the boat only to trip forward  straight into his waiting arms.  Arnav’s arms tighten around her and he took her full body weight on himself. Her soft form pressed against him was sheer pleasure, As heat spread to his extremities,  He could feel her heart thundering against his chest, and her breath coming in soft puffs to tickle his chin, she lifted her head slightly to look at him their lips inches apart. All he had to do was lean forward slightly and take her mouth with his.

Khushi saw his eyes darken as her heart raced. He was going to kiss her she thought her body waited in anticipation her and her lips tingled.

“Sahib, you and maim sahib have to sit down or you will rock the boat over” said the boat man, snapping them out of their trance.

Khushi flushed deeply wriggling her body against Arnav to put her down. He gasped at the sensation her sudden moment caused his already aroused body.  Tightening his arms around her he growled “stop doing that.” he said through gritted teeth. Slowly letting her slide down his body till her feet touched the bottom to the boat.  He held her hand as he settled her in the seat and sat down besides her. She turned her head away unable to look at him as she felt the heat in her cheeks at what had just happened.

“Newly Married, you must be.” The boatman said smiling knowingly. His teeth white against his sun dark skin.

Khushi wanted to protest but Arnav only grunted in answer to the man. Khushi glared at him he shrugged his shoulders to say what does it matter what he thinks. And Khushi thought it prudent not to say anything considering how they had been in each other arms and the clueless boatman had nearly witness a kiss between them.

“It happens.” He boatman went on, “I could barely keep my hands of my wife in the first year of marriage, and that was 15 years ago,” he grinned at Arnav who bit his lip to keep from grinning back. The boatman went on with a wicked grin, “even now she sometimes has the same effect on me.” Unable to hold back Arnav’s face broke into a devilish grin, while Khushi blushed furiously.

Khushi wanted to jab her elbow hard into Arnav’s side as he shared the boatman’s  amusement at the little scene before. But she held her elbows close to her sides and bit a tongue.

Once the boat reached the lake palace jetty. Arnav once again stepped lightly out of the boat.  While Khushi tried to make contact only with her hand, she still ended up pressed tightly against him, his arms around her. Angry at her own clumsiness she disentangles herself from him and stomped of towards the entrance of the palace.

 As soon as he joined her in the lobby she turned on him, “why didn’t you tell him that we are not married.” She said furiously.

“What difference would it make. With you clinging to me like that he would not think any better of you.” He said dismissively.

“Clinging!!!” she exclaimed her voice rising as she garbed his arm to stop him from walking away. As some people in the lobby turned towards then she lowered her voice and said. “I was not clinging to you,  you were the one taking advantage of the situation.” 

Arnav lifted one eye brow in inquiry, “really? And how did I do that.” He challenged.

Lost for words Khushi just stammered, “you .y.. you..” wringing her hands together. She knew it was not really any one’s fault. She could not deny to herself that she was attracted to him. For heaven sake she was in love with him she thought.  And there was no denying that he was attracted to her as well. So she kept her mouth shut and looked at her sandaled feet in frustration.

Taking pity on her Arnav took her elbow once again and steered her towards the restaurant;  “let’s go eat, I’m hungry.”

                          ****************************

Chapter 11

Going to the reception desk at the restaurant he give his name, the head waiter comes and guides them to their table,  Arnav pulls out the chair for her,  Khushi whispers a quite thank you, he takes the chair opposite her. They wait for the waiter to bring the menu cards.

Khushi looks around the restaurant admiring the deco, this was not the first time here but she didn’t want to look at Arnav as she could feel his eyes burning into her. She knew the questions hidden there, questions he was dying  to ask.  Answers she has no desire to give as yet.

The waiter came and placed the heavy menu cards before them. Taking the orders for their drinks he left. Khushi looked at Arnav “have you been here before?”

He smiled slightly, “making small talk Khushi?” he watched as she bit her lower lip, suddenly mesmerised he watched her chew on her lush lower lip, he cleared his throat, “No, this is my first trip to Udaipur.” He watched her twist her hands nervously on the table. “If I had known this was  where you have been hiding all these years, I would have come a long time back.” He said softly.

“oh! I...oh!.” she flushed, burying her face in the menu. Taking a deep breath she lowered the menu card “where is the contract?” she inquired.

“don’t worry it’s on its way.”

The waiter arrived with their drinks, and taking the order for the food he left  with the menu cards.

Taking a sip of this drink he watched her take a sip of hers, “your sister Payal do you remember her?” he questioned as he saw her eyes widened at the name of her sister. “She is going to be married to Akash.”

Khushi throat constricted at the mention for the family, “They are still in Delhi.”

Arnav shook his head, “No, they moved to Lucknow some months after you dis.... after you left,  Akash kept in touch with your sister and Mami finally agreed to their match.”

“I’m glad, Jiji deserves happiness”

“and you Khushi don’t you deserve happiness.”

“I am happy Mr. Raizada, I have made a good life for myself.” She choked out.

His eyes tightened as she called him by his last name “have you? Realy?” he whispered.

“We are not here to talk about my personal life. Mr Raizada.” She said coldly.

“Mr.Raizada?” he spat making her wince,   “I think we have passed that stage, don’t you think so. We have known each other very well” He ran his eyes blazing seductively over her, pointedly  referring to their past very intimate encounter. Khushi blushed furiously, and he carried on,  “I hope you have not disillusioned yourself into thinking  that I have no interest in you or your personal life Khushi.” his voice was hard and angry, making sure she understood he had every intention to know everything about her personal life. “Though, I will concede that now is not the time or place to talk about that, as this is a business dinner.” He singled to someone behind her.

Khushi took the time to compose herself. She knew he would never give up so easily, he was Arnav Singh Raizada he always got what he wanted. And she knew exactly what he wanted from her she had hurt him, and now he wanted retribution. She always knew this day would come but she had not at all ready. Schooling her fear she turned to the new comer.

“oh! Hello Khushiji” Rajeev cut short his conversation with Arnav at the sight of Khushi, Rajeev was an old employ of the ‘Royal Lake view palace resort’ and had recently been promoted to the position of Arnav’s Assistant.  Rajeev like half the male’s of Khushi’s acquaintances had a crush on her,  Khushi’s delicate beauty and grace had them all besotted with her. Even thought Khushi was quite oblivious, and never encouraged any of them, but they were always waiting to bask in her attention however meagre.

“hello Rajeev, how are you” Khushi greeted him politely bestowing a bright friendly smile on him.  Having know Rajeev for nearly more than 2 years. He has been one of the resort employees she has to deal with on a regular bases, being polite and cordial with everyone was part of the business. “And how is your grandfather.”

Dazzled by her smile Rajeev’s jaw dropped open, “Fine Khushiji” Rajeev replied pleased to be the recipient of that dazzling smile and that she remembered his grandfather’s illness “Dadaji has returned from the hospital and is recovering at home.”

“That’s good to hear, please give him my regards.” She smiled brightly.

Though Khushi was oblivious to Rajeev’s adoration Arnav was anything but. The moment Khushi caught Rajeev’s attention, he cut-off his conversation with Arnav, totally forgetting his presence. Arnav could very clearly see that Rajeev Handa his Assistant was totally besotted with Khushi. The fact that some other man looked at his Khushi that way set his teeth on edge. Making him want to knock the guy out cold.  

“That will be all Mr Handa.” seething silently Arnav spoke softly but firmly with a hint of steal in his voice bring Rajeev’s attention to himself deftly and surely.

Drawing back from his admiration of Khushi a startled Rajeev turned his attention to his boss. One steely glare from Arnav with a subtle look at Khushi; put forward the message very clearly  that she was spoken for by Arnav Singh Raizada.  Rajeev looked from one to the other, feeling the undercurrent of tension between them. It was very clear to Rajeev from his boss’s proprietary attitude that he had staked claim on Khushi,  giving a subtle but clear warning to any other male to back off. And in the world of the male species Arnav Singh Raizada was clearly the Alpha. Rajeev beet a hasty retreat after wishing them a pleasant evening.

Khushi and Arnav discussed the details of the contract, and Khushi was surprised that Arnav had only allotted an office on the resort premises for Khushi and her team to work from. Insisting this would give her easy access to the venue and clients at the resort. But had  extended the contract to encompass the functions at his hotel in Delhi as well. They discussed the financial benefits both company would gain.  And Arnav was impressed by Khushi knowledge of the business

“But I am based here, how will I handle functions in Delhi.” Khushi inquired confused at this additional clause. She was always looking for more functions to organize; it was good business, But so far away from home.

“Why? Is there a problem”

“It’s not the work, it’s the distance.”

“working with AR Group of companies will avail you at all and any of the company facilities including Aviations, so travelling back and forth will be no problem.” He explained, silently adding to himself you will be moving permanently to Delhi in the not so distant future.

“But how will I contact the clients who want their functions held in Delhi” she asked, “wouldn’t  it be convenient for the clients to approach a organizer from Delhi itself.” Making  a valid point.

“I have seen your work, you give a ethnic and traditional touch to you functions, along with the sophistication and Glamour. Patrons booking the venue at our hotels and resorts want such arrangements.  I’m  giving you clients, your company will be referred to all patrons booking venues with us. Think about it, this is an opportunity of a life time and perfect for extending your business.” He said adding, “but is you are scared....” he shrugged his shoulders.

Khushi contemplated his offer, what he said made sense it was high time they extanded the company, she owed it to Malini, an all the people who had put a lot of hard work to build ‘Metha events’ from scratch. Could not let her personal differences with Arnav jeopardise their dreams. Besides she didn’t want to back out because she was scared.  Khushi Metha was scared of no one even Arnav Singh Raizada. Or so she told herself.

Lifting her chin in defiance she took the papers from him, and signed them. “here all signed and ready, I will move my operation to the allotted office at the resort with some of my staff, the rest will work from my main office in the city,  and will come to the venue site when required.”

Arnav folded the contract and put it in his coat pocket, pleased that he had succeed in his first step to bring Khushi in his life.  Now she was stuck professionally to him by this contract.  He knew Khushi was loyal and would do anything for the company and the people working for her.

“Well then we should celebrate this new business venture between our companies.” Signalling to the waiter, who as per early instructions brought a bottle of champagne in a ice bucket, popped the cock and filled two crystal glasses.  Giving Khushi one glass; Arnav raised his own and touched it to hers, “to new dreams, and fulfilling of old ones.”  The toasted and took a sip.

Khushi had signed the contract. But she felt a little uneasy, like she was walking into a trap she could not see. Nervous she took a huge gulp of the bubbly drink,  then coughed a little as it stung her eyes and nose. Composing herself refusing to show any signs of fear she sipped the drink more carefully.  The beverage seemed to calm her nerves making her feel mellow.

After sometime they left the restaurant, stepping outside Khushi felt the chill evening breeze hit her, wrapping her arms about her she started to walk toward the jetty. Arnav took of his coat and gently placed it on her shoulders. Stuffing his hands in his trouser pockets he walked a half step in ahead of her.

Khushi remembered the time he had offered her his coat when she was wet and freezing in the rain parking cars, she had refused his coat then, but now as she felt his warmth and fragrance that was uniquely Arnav envelope her, she pulled the lapels of the coat closer around her, burying her nose in his coat and inhaling deeply that fragrance that had haunted her dreams at night.

      

      “Are you ok?” Arnav asked, walking back to her.

     

She hadn’t realised she had stopped walking in her contemplation of the Arnav’s fragrance.

“I’m fine. The cold breeze has gone to my head,” she grinned and then yawned loudly.

Taking her arm Arnav guided her to the boats, he chuckled, “well something has definitely gone to your head, but I bet it is not the breeze.”

Content to let him take control for the moment Khushi just walked with him, she wanted to put her head on his shoulder. But that will give the wrong impression the thought after all she was here under duress. When they reached the boat he once again stepped lightly in it, telling the boatman to hold the boat steady.  Arnav caught Khushi waist and lightly swung her into the boat, her feet touching the bottom while he held her the whole time. Settling her into the deep lounge chair and sitting beside her.

The moment Khushi was settled in the chair she rested her head against the back rest closing her eyes, she would just relax a bit she thought.  Slowly drifting off to sleep lulled by the gentle rocking of the boat and enveloped in the warmth and musky fragrance of her Arnav.

Arnav turned on his side as he watched Khushi in the moonlight  her skin glowing pale, he watched her slowly drift off to sleep with a smile on are beautiful lips, a light breeze blew strands of her hair onto her face, with gentle fingers he caught a few strands and tucked them behind her ear. He traced his finger along the delicate shell of her ear. Enjoying its smooth texture, God she was so beautiful he thought, he could spend night after night just watching her sleep.

When they got to the other side Arnav didn’t have the heart to wake her, getting on one knee he hooked his arm under her knees and resting her head against his shoulder he put his other arm around her back and lifted her gently, while the boatman held the boat steady he got off and carried Khushi to his car, and laid her gently in the passenger seat.  He drove her home with the help of the GPS. 

Khushi turned in her seat resting her head on his shoulder and bringing her hand to clutch the collar of his waist coat. Drawn by his warmth she nuzzled closer to him.  Arnav stopped in front of her house he rubbed his cheek against her hair enjoying her closeness, “Khushi? Khushi?” he called her name putting his hand on her cheek. She murmured and nuzzled closer rubbing her nose against his chin searching his warm lips.  She woke with a start as she felt whisker burns on her nose. Opening her eyes she  looked up at his face so close to her, pulling herself away embarrassed to find that she had literally draped herself around him.

“We’ve reached home Khushi.” He jerked his chin towards the gate.

“I..?  I..? Why didn’t you wake me in the boat? and how did I get in the car?” She asked foolishly. Realising he must have carried her she felt embarrassed, “sorry I fell asleep.”

He smiled slightly, “It was no trouble.” He watched her in the dim light unable to take his eyes off her.  He wanted to take her in his arms and taste her lips. As his eyes darkened she lost herself in him drinking in his face, they stared at each other.

                   *****************************************

Chapter 12

A sound of a gate closing nearby brought them out of their trance. Khushi quickly opened the car door and climbed out saying a hasty goodnight. She walked to the front door opening it, as she stepped inside she heard him drive off. Leaning against the closed door she took deep breaths trying to get her heart rate back to normal wondering if she did the right thing signing the contract. The house was quite, so she knew that Malini had gone to bed.

Going to her son’s room she saw that he was sleeping on this stomach and had kicked the quilt off the bed. She tucked the quilt around him running her hand lovingly through his hair marvelling at how much he looks like his father.  A shiver of fear ran down her spine at the thought of Arnav, knowing that she could not be able to hide the truth for him for much longer.

The thought of telling him this one secret made her shudder.  She had no idea how he would react, she knew he was not exactly fond of children, but this was his flesh and blood. She wondered if she would get away with insisting that Arush was Abay’s son.  But she knew one look at Arush and Arnav together anyone would be able to tell that he was Arnav’s son.  And with one look at Arush she knew that Arnav would know that he was his son. The resemblance was to great even Arush anger and stubbornness and the way he demanded things was so much like Arnav. She smiled her heart filling with a love and pride. Arnav was unique and so was his son. She kissed her son softly cooing to him as she tucked him in warm and tight.

She lay in bed thinking about Arnav and how she was going to tell him about Arush. She remembered the time when she had just found out she was pregnant.  She had been so scared and had not known what to do, she was unmarried and going to be a mother and she didn’t even have her family with her. She had thought many times of going back to her family to Arnav but she didn’t know how, as the reason for her leaving was still there, hanging like the sword of Damocles over her family and Raizada family.

Malini Maa had explained everything to her, and had even discussed different options, but the thought of losing her baby was so painful it was unbearable. She could never give up her child, her Arnav’s child. This child was all she had left of him. She had decided to give birth and keep her baby.  And the kind hearted Malini had once again come to her rescue, by claiming that Khushi was her Daughter-in-law she had killed any gossip from taking place on this issue. Khushi got to keep her child and he became her reason for fighting to exist to keep going on for she had been sure have died without Arnav.

 The first few weeks after she left home were like living hell for her. Malini had taken her in and given her a place to stay but Khushi had barely stepped out of the house. She had stopped talking and only ate because Malini forced her she had been stuck in her grief lost without Arnav and her family. But the news of the baby gave her the strength and focus to make something of her life. And that was exactly what she had done. Now Arnav was once again in her life and he had every right to know of his sons existence. She would have to find some way to tell him herself before he found out by some other means.                       

          When Arnav got to the office late in the morning, the place was in chaos, people moving in and out carrying boxes boards and other unfamiliar paraphernalia. His regular staff of the resort watched flabbergasted at the utter madness. He walked into the large office he had allotted to Khushi excitement at seeing her again making his heart race and annoyance at the circus going on in his usually orderly office making his face frown.

He stopped short as he was half a dozen people dressed in bright colourful clothing’s,  form girls in bedazzled salvars, to guys in jeens and colourful tie die kurtas. The usually sober coloured office was now a colourful kaleidoscope of nick naks,  huge boards hung on the wall with drawing, pictures and fabric materials of various sorts pinned to them, beaded curtains and colourful bell chimes and parandas  hung everywhere. Three to four drawing boards were placed against the walls with T-squares and jars of paint and paint brushes stacked at the sides. Chunnis and dupatsas and scarfs and colourful laces hung near windows blowing in the wind. To Arnav the place was like a parallel universe.

“Where’s Khushi?” He barked at a girl nearest to him. She had pens and pencils sticking out of the hair and was loudly sucking a lollypop. The girl’s eyes widened at the site of him. Running her eyes over him in blatant admiration.

“And you are?” she asked rolling the lollypop to the other side of her mouth, and batting her eye lashes flirtatiously.

He pressed his lips together in disapproval, “Arnav Singh Raizada, I own the place.”

To his utter astonishment the girl squeals and ran to a group of peoples standing nearby talking rapidly. Suddenly he found himself surrounded by a gaggle of wide eyes girls staring at him as if he was some sort of circus animal. Be found himself backing away alarmed.

“So you are the great ASR,” a girl in a multi coloured salvar said

“wow!  Your even yummier then we thought.” Said a plump girl in a bright yellow kurti and colourful scalf around her head

“Malti Chabria.” The girl with pens in her hair said, “I’m Khushi second assistant.”

“s.s.s..second” he stammered wondering what a second assistant was.

“So you are the one that has driven Khushi in a tizzy.”  Said Malti thinking about her bosses state when she had come to the office in the morning barking orders and talking nonstop about some guy called ASR, lard Governor, fuming at  the great Arnav Singh Raizada. Then going off into a dreamy trance staring of in space, a smile on her face; then snapping out and flapping her hands and slapping her forehead as she had rattled of instructions to her staff. They had wondered who was the guy who had an effect on their otherwise happy-go-lucky, and calm boss in such a manner.

“So tell us what did you do to her?” said one.

“Are you her boyfriend?”said another.

“Are you single then?” one asked hopefully giggling.

“ Are you like Khushi’s boss?”

“I would to be bossed by you.” said the plump one.

Slightly dizzy from all the unwanted attention, and curious that they had witnessed Khushi in a state of tizzy because of him. “ENOUGH.” He yelled the command.

“You.” he pointed to a tall thin young man of about 25 with spectacles’ wearing a flashy t-shirt and jeens, “come here.”

The man looked to his left then right and pointed to himself and asked slightly alarmed to be addressed directly. “ME!”

“Yes you.” Arnav huffed.

He rushed forward pushing the girls back to stand near Arnav. “yes Sir”

“what’s your name.” Arnav inquired over the mummer of the girls as they were talking among  themselves.

“hah... Purab Talvar, Sir.”

“Do you know where Khushi is.”

“She gone to meet  Lalchand, Sir”

“Lalchand?” he inquired, this was like trying to pull teeth he thought annoyed.

“Lalchand the Mandapwala, Sir” seeing Arnav’s annoyed look Purab added, “his office is in chota bazaar.” “Sir” he added belatedly.

“what time will she be back. Or has she any other appointment after this?” he inquired.

“don’t know, Sir” said Purab. Adding. “She may go to the venue later but I can’t say for certain, if she gets the material from Lalchand, she will go to the venue, but the wedding is on Saturday and the mandap will not be put up till Friday, so no she will not go to the venue. She will have to take the material to the storage at the downtown office........”

Arnav put his hand up to stop his tirade. “th..that will be enough” he puffed out “just tell her Mr. Raizada wants to see her when she gets in.”  He instructed wanting to get out of there, “and sort this place and put it order as quick as possible.” He added indicating the room behind them.

Puzzled Purab looked around the office “but it is sorted and in order. Sir.” he said confused.

 Rolling his eyes and shaking his head Arnav  decides that Khushi had people as crazy as her working of her, wondering what he had gotten himself into he made his escape, returning to the sanctuary  of his own office. Disappointed at not seeing Khushi. He got about his work.

Khushi had spent the last two and half hour with Lalchand,  making small talk. Listening to his tirade about his second wife and seven children, how his second son wanted to give up studies and go to Mumbai to become an actor, and his daughter was carrying on with the tailors son, he had to lock her up for two days till she had promised to never see him again only for him to find her two days later with the same tailors son boating on the lake, how his children were driving him into an early grave.

Poor man Khushi thought thankfully to Lalchand for having so much to complain about, as she was doing everything to avoid going to the resort and face Arnav Singh Raizada.  At this she would sit and listen to the enter towns problems just so that she could avoid him. She had signed the contact thinking about her company and her employees. And the sheer adrenalin of being so near to him had robbed her of her sense of self-preservation.

Arush had brought it all back to her last night, how was she going to look Arnav in the eye and not tell him about Arush.  She had been unable to talk to Malini since she had left early for the NGO office. Arnav had called her while she was with Lalchand, she had just told him she was in a meeting and disconnected grimacing at the thought of his reaction, no one ever hung up on ASR.

She remembered the last time she had done so and blushed profusely at the memory of what had happened after that. At the time she had not realised her feelings for him and his nearness and both scared her and excited her. She had felt ashamed at her body reaction to him. If anyone else had touched her and held her that way she would have slapped him but she had been helpless where Arnav was concerned, his effect on her had always left her overwhelmed. Now she understood that her attraction had been mutual. Even when her innocent mind had not been able to comprehend what her body already recognised.

She arrived at her down town office with the material from Lalchand.  And spend the rest of of the day there. The two times Arnav called she made some excuse or another. She prayed he would be too busy to come after. When she had answered him the third time he had sounded very angry like he guessed to clearly that she was trying to avoid him. She tried to sound very convincing telling him as he wanted her working from the resort she had to sort and delegate work to her team to carryon working at the downtown office. He had disconnected in a huff.

At the resort Arnav had been annoyed to no ends. But had given in to her reasonable explanation. He found that he hated not seeing her for even one day. And made up his mind to do everything to make sure this didn’t happen again. But the question was how. Khushi knew him too well and he had to do something to bewilder her and keep her guessing his next move.

Two days late unable to avoid going to the resort any longer Khushi made her way to the office allotted to her staff.  Greeting her staff she went to her desk, calling Purab they got busy discussing the arrangement for the weekend wedding. With almost all arrangements made and last minute preparations on the way she left for the venue.  Passing Arnav office she hesitated in front of his open office door and saw that he was busy on the phone and didn’t see her leave. She felt disgruntle that he had not noticed her after she had avoided him for three days. She was surprised at the feeling

“why should I care if he doesn’t.” She huffed and stomped out. Totally annoyed “first he keeps calling when I don’t show up and when I do, he doesn’t even come to ask after me, the least he could say is hello. Why should I care? No Khushi don’t think about him, you ignore him too, don’t look at him, don’t, don’t look!!” she turned just before she turned the corner to see was staring right at her his eyes burning, gasping she hurried off.

He knew the moment she had entered the office,  unknown to her he had watched her throughout the time she was in the office and had been watching her as she left, not missing her disgruntle look at his disregard for her. Her reaction pleased him very much, sighing in contentment  he settled in this chair  picking another file he had his plan in place now he had to only execute it.

                            ***************************************************

Chapter 13

            By the time Khushi returned to the resort administrative wing, it was late and most of the resort office staff had left. She walked into her office and saw that most of her team and others form the downtown office had joined them for last minute details. Though she was in a foul mood  she got about discussing the arrangements with her staff. All the functions would start tomorrow morning starting with the bridal haldi, and sangeet, the traditional folk singers were called and transportation had been arranged. Everyone was allotted their respective tasks. The team coordinator with the help of Khushi made  charts  of the functions ,their starting times and people responsible for making sure they run smoothly.

            Khushi felt his presence the moment he stepped into her office,  all the people fell silent in  Arnav presence. She turned around to face him. So he finally came she fumed as she silently watched him move towards her, no not move, he staked her his eyes pinning her in place like a helpless butterfly. The space between them pulsed with tension and this did not go unnoticed to her staff.  Everyone could feel something going on between the big boss and the boss lady.

            When Arnav stopped two paces from her, Khushi said “I’m busy here, I don’t have time right now.” But before she could turn away his hand short out and grabbed her wrist keeping her facing him.

Eyes blazing in anger he barked, “Meet me in my cabin in five minutes.” He said quietly but with complete authority.

Khushi jaw dropped open, “ you cant spee.......” he put his finger to her lips lingering there and he said a quite Shuuuush!!!!. Letting go of her wrist, he lifted his hand indicating five minutes, and left the office,

Khushi turned to look at her staff who had been watching Arnav’s and her exchange with blatant curiosity and fascination.

“wow boss lady!! The big man himself, so what’s the deal between the two of you.” Malti asked unabashed. Malti had worked for Khushi for 3 years and was more outspoken than the rest of the staff, though she was rather brash and tended to speak her mind, she was one of the best set designers the company had.

Khushi gave her a big friendly smile indicating with her hand to come closer conspiratorially,  pleased to be getting the inside scoop of the gossip Malti leaned towards Khushi eagerly,  when she was close enough Khushi put her fingers to Malti ear and twisted it saying, “that is none of your business. So get to work.”

“owww.” Malti cried, rubbing her ear “this is physical abuse at the work place.” she cried mockingly.

“so sue me” Khushi challenged equally mockingly. Then stormed off to Arnav’s cabin.

 As she walked into his office he was sitting on the edge of his desk going through a file, “how dare you talk to me like that in front of my staff, you, you aaro......” she stopped as he lifted one eye brow in warning and threw an envelope on the desk in front of her indicating that she pick it up. “what is this.” Picking up the envelope she opened it pulling out a sheet of paper.

“Your first big clients from AR Group booked at the resort in Delhi, the party is very rich and want the best arrangements, you have to leave the day after tomorrow for Palampur where the clients are staying at their horse ranch.”

“The day after? Saturday? But I have a wedding that evening.”

“So, delegate you have a big enough team.” He challenged “or are they not capable.”

“Of course they are, I’ll get everything set.” She said “anything else.” She inquired hesitantly waiting for the anger to come.

“No that’s all.” He smiled slightly.

“Really!” she exclaimed her beautiful face breaking into a bright dazzling smile, “Your really not going to yell at me. You won’t  say anything.” She giggled clapping her hands together, “and here I was simply thinking you would...” she trailed of blushing deeply at the warmth in his eyes.

He bit his lip to keep from laughing aloud, his heart warmed at her beautiful smile and child like delight. The need to take her in his arms had him holding on to his desk for dear life. She blushed brightly and beat a hasty retreat.  He had almost forgotten how it felt to see her smile with such delight the pure unadulterated pleasure that her joy brought him. He wanted to see her like this always, he wanted to take away her hesitation and every fear she felt.   He knew for that he had to find out what had happened to the past to make her run away, he had to know the truth and everything she was hiding. But right now he had other things to care of.

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Chapter 14

Arush sat on his mother’s bed while she packed, “but when will you come back, Amma.” He asked thinking of the picture of the toy trains he saw on TV.

“I will be back by Monday or Tuesday beta, promise.” She said folding in a sweater.

“is it pal..la..pur very far.” He questioned

“Palumpur” she corrected, “a little”

“Are you going by train”

“Well no, I  am going by helicopter” she smiled sitting on the bed.

“Really.” He asked his eyes going wide, “a real helipopter.”

“yes my pet a real one” she said pulling him into her arms to hold him tight. “I will tell you all about it when I get back, so tell me what can I get you a train?” she asked knowing he had been talking about train with Maa.

“No I want a helipopter.” He chimed

“Not a train”

“No Amma, I want a helipopter.” He wriggled out of her arms he started spinning around making noised with his lips.

She smiled thinking of Arnav and Arush and helicopters. Arush deserved all that his father could give him and she was denying him all that. She thought guiltily.  She would have to do something soon. She went to find Malini Maa.

Malini loved gardening her latest project was growing carrots and karelas in her backyard this was where Khushi found her.  She saw that Arush was busy imitating a helicopter, spinning round and round till he became dizzy and would fall down on the soft grass watching the world spin around him.

“Amma everything is going round and round.”  He chimed

“Then stop spinning, it will stop.”

“No, I like it” he said standing up and spinning again.

Khushi had picked up a shovel and was busy hacking at the ground around the carrots, lost in thought.

“Khushi you will kill all the carrots if you keep doing that” Malini took the tool out of Khushi hand and kept it aside, “what is it beta, you to talk to me about something.”

Khushi told her what Arnav had said to her at their business dinned about her personal life, and how he has so cleverly made himself a part of Khushi professional life before she even had time to blink. She told her of her concerns about Arush.  And how she should tell Arnav.

“You’re right Khushi, you’re not  a young clueless girl any more you are a woman, a mother and more importantly you are the mother of Arnav Singh Raizada’s son. And yes he has every right to know. And you should be the one to tell him.”

“but maa how can I just go to him and say “by the way you have a three year old son, do you want to meet him or not.” Khushi said with mocked nonchalance.

“Khushi the man wants you in his life can’t you see that he has not stopped loving you. Do you remember how we talked about this on the train that first night?” Khushi nodded she would never forget that night.

“Well the time has come to face it. Be brave find the right opportunity and just tell him. and tell him you sorry for keeping this from him as you had no other choice at the time. And as for the other matter what happened was not your fault but you suffered for it and he will understand that if he truly loves you.”

“But..”

“I know his sister, well that is not important right now, what is important is to tell Arnav about his son.”

“Amma who is Arnab sing Razada.” Unknown to the two women Arush had drawn near and had heard part of their conversation and had picked up the name.

“oh!!!” Khushi was wondering if had understood anything, he was an inquisitive and curious child and always asked a lot of questions. “He is someone I know, he is the one who owns the helicopters.” She said hoping to distract him.

Arush’s eyes went wide “really, so the hotel belongs to him too, right Amma.” Khushi nodded “ok, I like him.”

“huh..what?”

“I like him, he has helicopters. So I like him” Arush skipped happily going back to play chanting “Arnab sing Razada, Arnab sing Razada.”

Khushi looked at Malini wide eyed. Malini grinned “may be this is a signe from Devi Maia that father and son should meet"

                               *****************************************

Chapter 15

Khushi arrived at the helipad at the resort, the potter rushed to put her luggage on board the helicopter. The blades of the helicopter were turning swiftly making her hair fly about her. she could see that the door was open and the pilot was waving at her to come but she hesitated. Suddenly she felt herself propelled forward toward the within machine by arms as hard as steel bands. One hand pressed her head forward keeping a protective arm over her.  She knew who’s arms they were. She found herself lifted and deposited into the helicopter by those very arms. What surprised her was the owner of the arms got in after her and set besides her deftly strapping her to the seat.

“What are you doing” she yelled over the noise of the blades,

“What??” he yelled back

“What are you doing?” she yelled again.

“Helping you put your seat belt on.” He yelled.

“No, what are you doing here?” She yelled indicating the aircraft.

Arnav made a thumbs up sign to the pilot and got busy fastening his seat belt. As the craft dipped and rose in the air, Khushi short her hand out to grab Arnav’s arm leaning back in her seat her body stiff and eyes closed reciting the gaiyatri matra.  Arnav looked at her hand clutching his arm, holding his arm closer to his chest trapping her hand there he leaned forward and touched her cheek with his other hand “Khushi?” he called. She opened her eyes wide with fear and stared at his face so close to hers she could feel his warm breath on her cheek.

“It’s ok, nothing is gonna happen, just keep your eyes on me.” Rubbing his thumb along he cheek bone running it to the cornor of her mouth, mesmerised her lips parted slightly, his eyes followed the movement of his thumb watching her lips part and he traced her lower lip lightly with it. Her breath hissed between her lips and her tongue darted out unconsciously to lick her lower lip running along his thumb instead. Khushi watched his eyes darker at the innocently sensual action  her heart pounding in anticipation for the touch of his lips to hers, every other thought left her head and all she knew and felt was Arnav for her everything ceased to exist but him.

She was taken aback when he suddenly drew away. His eyes darting to the widow “look” he said.

Shaken and annoyed at his sudden withdrawal she turned her eyes to where he was looking an gasped “oh!!!!” they were high up in the sky and the view was breathtaking, the city looked like a beautiful diamond embedded in the earth with the lakes looking like sparkling  gems around it. The cars and busses looked like tiny toys, her thoughts turned to Arush thinking of how he would love this.  Her eyes sparking with delight she turned to Arnav “Ar.....” she stopped

Her watched the delight that crossed her face as she took in the view, he had wanted to kiss her but he did not want her to miss her first view of the earth from the sky and watching her face  glow with delight was worth it, he would steal his kiss another time he thought simply happy to see her happy. She leaned towards him and opened the mouth to say something and she froze, her smile fading and colour draining from her face. Alarmed he leaned forward “Khushi? Khushi what is it, are you ok.” She withdrew her hand from his arm folding them in her lap she turned her face away and shook her head.

He couldn’t stand it all of a sudden she completely froze him out clamming up completely, her reaction puzzled him, he saw fear and another emotion he could not read, he watched her lips tremble and she bit very hard on it, he clenched his hands into hard fist till his knuckles almost turned white he could see the turmoil on her face. He hated it, he knew she was hiding something from him and whatever it was, troubled her greatly. He wondered if it was her marriage to this Abay guy, but some instinct told him that this whole marriage thing was just not right, Khushi would never react with such longing for him if she had tied herself to someone else even if that person was dead. He knew that it was more than the reason she left Delhi, her family and him 4 years ago. And whatever it was had to be something to do directly with him and no one else but however much he thought about it he could not figure out what it was that she was hiding.

But what was it, he was going to get it out of her on this trip, the reason she was avoiding him was going to be out in the open between them. He wasn’t going to let her get away this time she was his and he was not going to live without her for longer than necessary. Before his work at the resort was over Khushi would be his and he was going to take her home where she belongs, with him and he was going to do everything in his power to make her happy.

He thought of Di and what she had said to him about love and that special person. For all his stubbornness she had been right and he had been wrong. Khushi had come into his life and had brought all the colour back which he had let leech when his mother died,  he had fought her like a rabid dog and had lost her, 4 years without her had been worse than when his mother had died. He was not going to lose her again he thought his determination strengthening with his resolve.

What was she going to do Khushi thought, she had decided to tell Arnav about Arush after this trip but now he was going to be with her throughout. How was she going to face him every day without telling him the truth? She was going to have to do it on this trip if she was going to survive her conscience.  She felt something was about to change, she look at him the determine line of his jaw and the steady resolve in his eyes.

She felt all the fatigue of the past 4 years wash over her she didn’t have the strength to fight all by herself anymore looking at Arnav all she wanted to do was lean into him and let him take care of the rest. She felt her eyes burn with tears she wanted to wrap herself in his arms and stay there where she would be safe. She needed him, she wanted him so much her being ached. Closing her eyes she made a resolved, this time she would not run.  She would find the opportunity and tell him the truth. First about Arush and then about the reason she left Delhi and everything she love behind. She would have to put her trust in him and hope for the best.

She opened her eyes and saw that he was watching her speculative. And she knew that he was not going to let it go. She knew that was the right thing to do, she just didn’t know how to get about it.

                           ********************************************

Chapter 16

When they landed Arnav helped her out of the helicopter. He held her protectively in his arms as they walked away from it. Khushi saw a large vehicle waiting for them. A large man in his early sixties stepped out followed by a younger man. Arnav shook hands with the older man and pulled Khushi forward and introduced her.

“Mr. Patel this is Khushi from the events company”

“Oh my! You are certainly lovely Ms Khushi” Mr. Patel said in a booming voice, enveloping Khushi hand in his huge one and shaking it vigorously that her whole body shook. Arnav arm tightened around her and he pulled her back slightly as soon as the man released her hand.

Khushi greeted him warmly, she turned to the younger man not much older the Khushi herself. He was staring at her open mouthed Mr. Patel gave him a hearty slap on his back “this is my son Vineet, what are you gapping at like a gold fish.” He chided him

Vineet put both his hands out to take Khushi but Arnav took it instead squeezing it tightly making him wince. Khushi pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Arnav’s protectiveness pleased her but she also found it funny. Arnav put his arm around Vineet shoulder drawing his attention to the car Arnav and Vineet start talking about the model and make.  Khushi gets in the back with Arnav as Mr. Patel points out the landscape to Arnav indicating his property. 

Once they reached the farmstead. Introductions ware made to Mrs. Patel who insisted that Khushi call her Veena, the bride to be Hetal, and the Patels younger daughter Gunjan, whose eyes widened with appreciation at the sight of Arnav, much to Khushi annoyance, Arnav seemed quite at ease with Gunjan clutching his arm or holding his longer then was necessary the annoyance grew.

Mr. Patel oldest son Deepak and his wife Kingal was a sweet couple and had two beautiful little girls who Mr. Patel dotted on. And they were also introduce to a few other relative and some younger people who happened to be Vineet’s friends from Delhi and Ahmadabad.  Arnav and Khushi were shown to their rooms which were adjacent to each others.  Khushi room was beautiful furnished with a queen size bed, a sitting area and a view of a lake and rolling  meadows. After freshening up they went down for a late lunch. Khushi had a lovely time talking to the family who seemed very close there was a lot of talking and teasing and laughter. Looking at them Khushi missed her own family, the easy sense of belonging that only your family could give you.  Seeing         her wistfully expression
Arnav  who spent most of lunch talking to Mr.Patel, Deepak and one of the uncles gave her inquiring look. She smiled at him shaking her head.

After lunch Arnav left with Mr. Patel and Deepak to survey the property. Khushi got busy with the bride to be and her mother discussing weddings details, since the family decided to have the wedding in Delhi at Arnav’s  ‘Ramada international hotel’ lawns, Khushi  informed them that she and her set designer would make a trip to see the layout of the venue.  She showed them her catalogues and designs books and verified and confirmed various details.

By dinner time Arnav and the others had not yet returned. Khushi decided to retire early to bed. In her room she placed a call home and spent some time talking to Arush and Malini maa. After a shower and wearing her satin night gown she sat on bed to watch some TV.  She was moisturise her skin with her moisturises when there was a knock on the door. Surprised she put on a robe and went to open the door to find Arnav standing on the other side with a number of packages in hand.

She looked beautiful her hair was piled on top of the head and soft tendrils of hair escaped lightly curling against her face. Arnav let his eyes run over her drinking her in supervised to see her is something so sensual the light peach satin robe moulded her body barely giving any protection, he wondered if the gown she wore under the robe was strappy or frilly. Sending his mind into thinking various ways to find out. She stood there her eyes wide with surprise not making any move to take the packages from him. Striding in he dumped all the packages on the bed and turned around to face her.

“what?” she stuttered “what are you doing here and what is all this?” glancing down the corridor to make sure no one had seen him come in she shut the door turning to glare at him.

“This” he said indicating the packages on the bed “are for you and I am here to deliver them.”

“Ha! Arnav Singh Raizada is now a Delivery man, what have you changed professions already.” She put her fists on her hips.

he took a seat on the armrest of the couch folded his arms across his chest and watched her in silence running his eyes over her from the top of her head to her bare feet, his eyes darkening with pleasure at the sight of her. A small smile playing about his lips as he thought of what she wore under the skimpy gown he felt his face go warm and his gut tighten as he imagined nothing at all but bare skin. He gulped

Feeling self conscience under his intense scrutiny her face flushed she walked to the bed and started up raping the packages.

“We are going horse riding tomorrow, so I thought you would need these.”

Stopping her task she looked at him aghast “I don’t know to ride a horse.”

“No problem, because you will. So you will need those.” He pointed at the packages.

“Well then I hope there is a harness in hear” she said pulling out a pair of jeans, her eyes wide, next she took out a soft red cashmere pullover, the fabric was so soft rubbed it to her cheeks in pleasure smiling  at the soft  texture. She was him watching her his dark eyes hooded. Next she pulled out a pair of soft leather calf length booths totally surprised she held them out and stared at him.

“Are you out of your mind, what am I suppose to do with these.” She asked in bewilderment.

“You have to wear them. They will fit perfectly over the jeans or you could were them on your bare skin.” His voice turned husky as he stood up and walked towards her taking the boot from her. He dropped them and took he shoulders pushing her down on the bed to sit.

Her heart accelerated mesmerised by the look on his face. She felt a low burning  begin somewhere in the region of  her belly, as heat spread through her body. She watched as he got down on one knee at her feet and lifted her leg to place it on his knee. Very,  very slowly he lifted her night gown pulling it upward till the hem was above her knee. He slowly ran his hand very deliberately down her leg over her caves and to her ankle, savouring the smoothness of her skin. He unzipped one boot and gently slid her foot into it adjusting the soft leather to her leg he very slowly zipped it.  All the while watching her face.

Khushi heart  was pounding in her chest and her blood rushing in her ears. The sensation of Arnav’s hand over the leg as he gently stroked, and cress her, made her body flood with desire. She squeezes her jaws together to keep from crying out in pleasure her hands fisted into the sheets.  Her breast raising and falling with each heavy breath she took She watched him administer the same treatment to her other leg. Zipping up the boot he rested his hands on her knees, she could see that he was breathing heavily as well , his eyes dark with desire.  His hands moved slowly caressing the soft inner skin of her thigh lingering there.

“Arnav” she moaned in a husky voice.

As if unable to control himself, Arnav got to his feet standing in front of her.  he parted her knees slightly so he was standing between them. His heart pounding like a bongo drum , he cupped her face with his hands, raising one hand to pull of the clip holding her hair and watched in wonder as the heavy mass came cascading down to her back. He ran his hands to her waist and undid the belt holding the robe together. He pushed the robe of her shoulders.  Delighted to see the soft satin gown was held together to her body by thin flimsy straps no bigger than shoe laces. His belly clenched and he felt himself harden with desire for her as he ran his hands along her long throat, shoulder blades caressing  every inch of her skin.

As if undone Khushi head fell back giving him more excess to her exposed skin, he breath coming is short gasps. Her eyes were closed and one hand clutched at his sweater. She looked so beautiful and vulnerable he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and then on her upturn lips. And whispered against her mouth.

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Chapter 17

“Later” in a husky tone, clearing his throat he added in a more controlled voice “ right now you have to walk and see how you like the feel of the boots.” He caught her arms and pulled her to a standing position. He held on to her so that she could orient herself. She blushed furiously embarrassed that she had all but begged him to take her.  but the heat in her belly was like a burning flame that craved only Arnav.  Pulling her robe together and retying the belt. She stomped of to the side table for a glass of water. She stopped suddenly looking at her feet.

“waw.... oh my god!” She exclaimed. Walking in circles her eyes wide with delight.  She looked at him smiling very pleased with himself, she just kept walking around making little sounds of pleasure with every step.

Her pleasure and delight warmed him to the core, he never felt so much happiness at giving anyone a gift before even his own sister who he adored. But with khushi his happiness seemed to triple over. He just loved watching her delight in the gift, making low morning sounds of pleasure that did unmentionable things  to his body and soul. He wanted to delight her and give her such happiness for the rest of his life.

“where did you get these? I have never worn shoes like these ever, are they made by angles? It’s like walking on clouds, are they for me?

He chuckled “would it make any difference to you where I bought them from, or who made the.”

She scrunched up her face with a cute smile “no” she felt like Arush when he got his first red fire engine. 

“But yes they are for you.”

“Really” she exclaimed and unable to help herself she threw the arms around his neck and kissed him soundly on the cheek.

He blinked taken aback “if you react like this every time I give you a present, I should give you gifts more frequently.” He smiled with delight at her his eyes warming with more the happiness.

Embarrassed she pulled back “I.. ha..thank you, these” she indicated the shoes and the clothes on the bed. With a questioning look

“Wear these tomorrow morning. You can’t ride a horse in salvar or saree.”

As she opened her mouth to protest. He placed his finger on her lips relishing the texture and warmth thinking he should have done this with his lips. “I won’t let you fall of Khushi, promise” he said. Then bidding her a good night he left closing the door behind him.

Arnav lay in bed thinking of her, of the way she looked and the way she responded to him. It took enormous restrain on his part to walk away from her. He looked at his hand in the moonlight the same hand that caressed her cheek, neck and shoulders  her soft silky skin. He smiled remembering her response to him.  Closing his eyes to sweet dreams.

Khushi tossed and turned in bed her skin on fire. This was all his doing he had ignited the fire in her and left her unsatisfied she moaned thinking of the feel of his hands on her skin she pressed  her legs together as she felt the trail of his hands on her skin. This was not fare she thought how could he do this to her then just leave her like this.  She smiled warmly as she remembered the way his eyes had darkened and his hand had trembled when he had touched her. She knew she had affected him too, just as strongly as he had affected her. Thinking of his warm eyes she drifted off to sleep.

Khushi walked into the dining room of the Patel homestead  to see everyone present dressed for riding in jeans and sweaters and jackets. There was no sign of Arnav and a few other men. On inquiry she was told that they were out at the stables preparing for the horses. The women admired her out fit and inquired after them, Khushi blushed and informed them that she didn’t know from where the outfit purchased but that Arnav had gifted them to her. Hetal asked if her boots were Jimmi choo, and when Khushi didn’t  know  who that was. They went on to explain the facts to her. Khushi wondered  if the shoes were really so expensive and decided to speak to Arnav about this, thinking it would be very stupid to own such an expensive pair of shoes that she could never ware anywhere else.

When she went with the others to the stables she saw Arnav besides a big black horse. He looked very handsome dressed in formal riding attire, the beige jodpuri and dark riding jacket looked extremely elegant on him. He smiled when he saw her his eyes running over her making her blush. She walked up to him and greeted him.

“Good morning to you too, you like very nice” he smiled in appreciation at her figure.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, I have never sat on a horse before”

“There is always the first time.” He put his hands on her waist and lifted her as if she was a child. The next thing she knew she was astride the horse.

“Arnav!!” she cried in alarm as she held on for dear life to the saddle horn, sure that she was going to fall off. Then she found herself braced securely to a warm body behind her. Arnav had himself on the horse behind her. She gasped at the full contact of his body to hers.  Her body fit perfectly into his, he put his hand around her waist and pulled her closer to mould her to his body. Running his hands over her waist, her hips and thighs.

“Arnav!!” she gasped his name looking around in alarm if anybody was watching them.  “What are you doing? People are watching.”

 “Stop wriggling Khushi. You’re not doing anything to help, just hold steady or will both end up on the ground and not very nicely.” He growled in her ear, taking the reins of the horse in his hands, he nudged it forward. Khushi gasped at the movement as the horse trotted slowly.

“See your riding a horse.” He whispered in her ear, tightening his arms around her.  She smelled wonderful. Her fragrance and the heat from her body making him ache for her. She relaxed against him her head resting on his shoulder as she smiled in delight.  The brisk cold wind blew across her face making her cheeks turn red. She turned her face slightly to rub her cheek to his jacket for warmth as she rubbed her hands together. She lifted her face to smile at him, and her smile did warm things to his body his gut clenching with need.

                                   

“Khushi” he whispered his eyes darkened with desire and he bent his head forward  placing his lips lightly on her cheek trailing soft warm kisses from her cheek bone to the corner of her lips. Her breath coming in short puffs misting the air. He lifted his head slightly and cast a look around the rest of the riding party were way ahead. So he dipped this head and captured her lips. She moaned and gasped in surprised he took immediate advantage and deepened the kiss invading her mouth with his tongue. Shocked she tried to pull away but he grabbed the back of her head to hold her in place as he kissed her greedily. Her hand clutched the arm around her waist and her heart beat tripled she could feel his heart thudding in his chest at her back.  He was thoroughly aroused, heat coursed through his body as his mouth wrecked hell with hers.

Unable to stand it any longer Arnav broke the kiss, his jaw clenched. He pulled the reins of the horse and turned it around as he rode back to the home stead as fast as the horse could go.  Stunned Khushi could only gasp in surprise. When they reached the house Arnav signalled to a stable hand, who ran forward and took the reins of the horse. Arnav hopped down, with his hands on Khushi waist to swing her of the horse steadying her as her feet touched the ground.

Holding on to her hand her ran with her into the house,  pausing once inside the door to turn around and kiss her deeply as he dragged her with him towards her room whispering harshly against her lips “ I want you, Now.”

Khushi was lost, her heart thundering in her chest and heat coursing through her body she had no control over herself. All her suppressed desires and need rose to the surface, everything ceasing to exist for her but Arnav. “yes ,yes” she gasped as he deepened the kiss clutching her  to him.

Once in her room and the door securely locked he slowed down. Sure of her surrender. He caressed her and savoured her. Gently pulling her sweater off, he pulled the scarf holding her hair and watched as the heavy mass cascaded down her back, burring his hands in it, pulling her head back giving himself excess to her neck which he proceeded to press hot kissed trailing downwards to her breast where his mouth and lips did things to her that  sent darts of heat straight to her belly, melting at her very core.

Khushi tugged at the buttons of his jacked needing to feel his skin, her hands trembled making her fumble, and somehow she managed to unbutton his jacket pushing it of his shoulders. She pulled at his shirt letting her hands slide below the hem to rest on the warm skin of his back she ran her hands over his rippling muscles trailing her fingers along his spine. He shuddered at her touch on his skin, he ripped his shirt off the buttons popping and falling away leaving his chest bare. Completely undone Khushi rained kisses on his chest and shoulders pulling his shirt off completely. They fell onto the bed wrapped in each other arms, touching, caressing and kissing, lost in each other.

As the rest of their clothing came off, leaving hot flesh, against hot flesh. They savoured each other.  Letting their hands explore each other learning those sensitive spots and cranny to their hearts content. Whispering their need for each other as lips grazed and tantalised. Arnav touched her in most secret place caressing and rubbing till she cried out her deepest need for him. As her body pooled with heat and he took her, burring himself deep within her, she gasped and moaned with pleasure wrapping her limbs around his trim waist as he trusted his manhood deep into her core. Her body join the rhythm he set.

He looked at her flushed face with burning eyes, the colour riding high on her cheek bones as he took her lips and deepened the kiss his tongue moving in time with his trusts into her body. Her soft moans of pleasure driving him faster and faster as she clung to him, her hands in his hair, and fingers digging into his the flesh of his back, her nails leaving red welts of her need and pleasure. Their pleasure rose life a blinding flame consuming them completely.  He took her to the very edge of the cliff and she jumped willingly as spasm after spasm rolled over her body her,  face buried in his neck ,her cry muffled.  With a final powerful trust she felt his body stiffen and shudder in release as his body’s heat exploded within her. She tightened her arms around him as shudder after shudder rocked his body till he fell over her limp and exhausted.

Khushi brushed the hair of his forehead and kissed his brow as his head to rest on her breast, soothing and comforting him.  He slowly shifted his weight off of her pulling her with him so that her body rested against his, her head on his shoulder, he pushed her hair away from her face and ran his hand over her shoulders and arm that rested over his chest.

“Are you ok.” He asked kissing her forehead.

She shook her head and pulled the sheet to cover herself as she sat. He admired her beauty, hair all mused up and tumbled and flowing down her back, covered only in white sheets she looked like a pagan goddess. Aphrodite the goddess of love he thought.

  She reached across him for the glass of water on the bedside table.  She drank gulping the water to fast that it ran down her neck Arnav pulled the sheet way watching the water trickle down her neck and over her breast.  She squealed “Arnav!!” trying to pull the sheet back. But he caught her wrists twisting her arms to hold them over her head while he proceeded to let lift himself of the bed and put his lips on her wet flesh sipping and licking at the water droplets on her. “Arnav!!! What??” she groaned.  As he twisted his torso to flip her onto the bed, pinning her under him. She giggled at his playfulness.  He grinned at her wickedly as he got on with the very pleasurable task of ravishing her again.

Khushi woke stretching leisurely to find herself alone in bed. The sun rays coming through the curtains told her that it was noon. She smiled and blushed thinking of Arnav and what had conspired between them. She got out of bed and ran to the bathroom to shower and get ready. She wondered how she would explain her absence this morning to the others. She’ll let Arnav take care of that she thought with a shrug. When she got a look at herself in the bathroom mirror she gasped in shock. Her neck, shoulders and breast were covered in lovebites, the shoulders and below she could hide but what would she do about the ones on the neck, not to mention whisker burns on her cheeks and chin. “I’m going to kill him.” she said blushing furiously.

Once she was dressed, she got to work trying to cover the marks with makeup as best as she could, her thoughts turned to Arush, I have to tell Arnav she thought and I have to do it as soon as possible. She decided she would find a way to tell him tonight. Her decision made she made her way to the living room where the rest of the Patel family were gathered.

“There you are Khushi, how are you feeling now?” Vineeta inquired.

“Huh! Feeling?” she asked puzzled.

“Arnav told us you were not feeling well that is why he brought you back from the ride.” Vineeta asked puzzled.

“oh!” understanding that her health was the excuse Arnav had give for the two of  them disappearing from the ride. Khushi felt grateful for his thoughtfulness, taking care of any explanation. “Yes I’m fine now I just need some rest.” She smiled. “Where is Arnav?”She inquired looking around.

“He has gone with Deepak and my husband for another land survey. They will be back before lunch time”

“I think we should get back to our discussions and plans” Khushi said, she wanted everything set so that she and Arnav could return home soon. She missed Arush and wanted to hold him in her arms. She wanted Arnav to come back soon, so they could spend time together and she could tell him about Arush.

“Khushi If you are not feeling.....” Vineeta started

“No I’m fine, please let us begin.” So they got to work.

Sometime later Khushi phone rang, seeing the caller to be Malti, she excused herself and took the call.  As she listened to the call Khushi heart stopped and a cold wave of terror washed over her draining a face of all colour.

                                      ***********************************

Chapter 18

“What!! How!!” a moan of agony escaped her lips, as tears burned the back of her eyes.  “I coming home” she cried and ran to her room ignoring the worried Vineeta and the rest of the Patel family.

“Khushi what is it?” Vineeta asked as she walked into Khushi room seeing her bag open and Khushi throwing her clothes into it. “Is something the matter.” She asked worried.

“I need to get home.” She cried, furiously tossing her cloths into the open bag. She stopped, holding a baby towel in her hand. Huge tears ran down her face and a cry of anguish escaped from her throat, her legs giving way under her and she collapsed to the floor. Hugging the baby towel to her breast.

Arnav could not seem to concentrate on the business at hand, his thoughts wandering to Khushi. He had left her bed reluctantly, but the thought of giving an excuse to the Patel’s made him leave her room before they got back from their ride. He didn’t want Khushi to face any embarrassment. So he had been waiting for them when they returned and had made his excuses to them.

Now all he wanted to do was complete the deal and return home with Khushi.  “I think that will be all Mr. Patel, I like the place and will get my lawyers to draft the deed. I’ll set the time and place for the meeting and email you.” Arnav told a beaming Patel.

They shook hands and got in the land rover and drove back to the homestead. Arnav knew something was wrong the moment he entered the house, Hetal’s worried face as she raced to him and told him that Khushi was in a bad state ever since she received a call half an hour ago. He raced to her room and the sight that awaited him made his body go cold, fear crawled up his spine.

Khushi was on the floor in a melted pool of abject misery, curled in a feutel position, her hair spread around her, tears running down her beautiful face, now twisted in worry and terror, cries of anguish coming from her.

“Khushi !!!” Arnav cried in alarm, as he gathered her to his chest. “honey, what is it? What‘s the matter? Please Khushi tell me.” His chest tightened as he felt her small body tremble in fear.

His voice and presence drew her out of the deep pit of despair she was flung in,  she  clung to him as if her life depended on it, he was here ,he would take care of everything, he would make it all better, “we have to go Arnav, we have to go to him, Pleasssss” she sobbed.

“To whom Khushi.” Arnav shook her confused about who she was talking about. The only person he knew she was close to was Malini.

With a strangled cry she said, “My Baby, Our Baby, Arushhhhh. He’s hurt in an accident, with Maa.” She cried into his chest.

Arnav entire body went still, as his mint tried to comprehend what she was saying. A baby! her baby! his baby! he!, What was she trying to say, that he had a son? Thoughts swilled in his mind as he looked down at her. She had a baby?, his baby? He could not grasp the emotions that flowed through him. Shock; elation; anger; rage; fear; anxiety.  He looked down at the sobbing Khushi a million questions running through his head. But this was not the time for question and answers. It was the time for action.  He had to keep his head everything he held precious was on the line. His son, who he had even never met, had never even known. The bone numbing fear that he might never get to, pushed him into action.

“Khushi we are going home, look at me dammit.” As she lifted her face to him the terror in her eyes nearly undid him, he shook his head taking deep breaths this was not the time to break. “It’s going to be alright, I’ll take care of everything, nothing, nothing is going to happen to our son.” He said firmly.  He handed her to Hetyl and told Vineeta to get her bags ready. They were leaving at once.

He was on the phone to Rajeev. Barking orders and instructions while he tossed his belongings in the case within minutes, and got them ready. “I want their status, especially the boy’s, keep me informed every five minutes. I want a car waiting at the helipad. And get the attending Doctor on line I want to speak to him personally.”

He made a call the airport and told the in charge to get the helicopter ready it leave for Udaipur in fifteen minutes. Without wasting any time they wished the Patel’s goodbye, promising to let them know of the status of the crises, the Patel’s  wish them good luck and good wishes for Arush to get well soon.

Once they were safely in the air flying towards Udaipur, Arnav received a call from Rajeev, who informed him that Malini Metha and her grandson were in an accident. He them spoke to the Doctor who informed him that Malini had a couple of cracked ribs and a concussion. But the boy was presently in the operation theatre, he had fractured his hand and the Doctors were at the moment working to reconnect the bone. Hearing this Arnav felt sick, he looked into Khushi anguished face, and could not bring himself to tell her.  So he said “he will be fine Khushi, Malini Metha has a few broken ribs and a concussion, and is going to be fit in no time.

“Arush!!?” she whispered her eyes pleading. Seeing him hesitate, she clutched his arm dread in her voice. “and my Arnav! Arush??” she pleaded.

“Khushi please don’t worry, he will be alright, his hand is fracture,” she gasped more tears running down her face; “the Doctors are fixing it right now.”

“I’ve never left him alone before, not ever, this is my fault, our baby is hurt” she said sobbing.

‘Our baby, not my baby’ this intrigued him, that she referred to the child as theirs not only just hers. Does it mean she always thought of the child as theirs? If so why did she keep such an important fact for him for four years? He made a mental calculation the child must be about 3years 3months old, so much time lost. He thought with resentment. How could she keep this from him? He was angry; no he was furious with her. But at this moment he could not have it in his heart to yell at her. He could not bear to see her so broken; one of them had to keep their wits about them, for Arush’s sake.

Arush he thought rolling the name in his mind Arnav and Khushi, Arush. he felt his heart skip, she had named their son after them. The thought made his heart swell with an emotion he could not put a word to. He looked at Khushi sobbing into his chest. “We are going to be there soon.” He assured, he wanted her to stop crying, but she just couldn’t. Worry tore at his heart; he knew that she was worried out of her mind. He remembered when he had been nine and had fallen out of tree while climbing it, he had broken his leg and his mother had brought the entire house down. But Khushi needed to be strong for their son. He took her face between his hands, “Khushi look at me,” she lifted teary eyes to him, “you have to be strong, Arush has broken his hand, and he will be in a lot of pain, he will need you to sooth him, I’m here Khushi , I’m here with you and our son and I am not going anywhere, promise.”

“You hate me” she corked miserably

“I will not lie to you Khushi, I am very angry with you but I don’t hate you.” he said in a stern voice. “And this is not the right time to talk about what has happened; right now we need to take care of our son, ok”

She nodded wiping her tears and the helicopter made  it’s decent, she took deep breaths to get her bearings. A jeep was waiting for them; they got in and drove to the hospital.  At the reception they were directed to the ward, Rajeev came to the lobby to meet them and escort them to the ward. He spoke quietly to Arnav.

When Khushi saw Malti and Purab waiting outside the ward she ran to them. “Where is he? How is he? Tell me Malti” tears welled in her eyes.

“Khushi calm down, Arush is alright, he has fractured his hand but the doctors say he will be ok.” Malti assured her.

“I want to see him; I want to see my baby”

Malti indicated the door, and Khushi rushed towards it, only to be stopped by a nurse, “I’m sorry you can’t go inside the patient needs rest.”

“It’s alright sister Ms. Metha and Mr. Raizada can go in, the child needs them” said the doctor who was walking with Arnav and Rajeev.

Khushi rushed in running to the lone hospitable bed, sitting on the edge of the bed she saw that his left arm was encased in a plaster, and his right hand had needles stuck into him feeding him IV solutions.  She gasped putting her hands to her lips. She wanted to hold her son, whimpering she put her face against his ear whispering “it’s all baby, Amma is here and papa too. So you just get better ok I’m here.”  She kissed his tiny cheeks and forehead keeping her hand on his small chest feeling his steady heartbeat.

Arnav stood stunned at the sight of the child on the bed, was like of shock of emotions he had never felt before, one look at the child; and he felt like one of his childhood photographs that his Di had preserved all these years had come to life, the was no doubt in his mind that the boy laying in the hospital bed was his son.  The resemblances was uncanny. Anybody looking at the two of them together would know that they were father and son. He felt as if he heart was on fire, a low burning flame that provided warmth to his entire body. His heart felt elated, and a sense of pride overcame him.  He walked to the bed and placed his hand against the child soft cheek, noting how they shared the same jaw line, and chin and the jet black hair. The back of his eyes burned and a couple of tears ran down his cheek, he wiped them away quickly. He looked at Khushi and could see regret on the face like she understood this pain.

                      ***************************

Chapter 19

He pulled up a chair and they set there by their son’s bed for another one and a half hour. Arush slowly opened his eyes “Amma!!” he cried lifting his little body towards her, she put her hand soothingly on his head. “Hush, baby Amma is here, you will be alright soon, as good as new.” she crooned. Arnav’s  heart clenched in pain at the sound of his son’s voice. He looked into the little boys eyes which were the exact colour as his. He blinked away the tears that threatened to mist his eyes.

“Amma it pains.” He moaned, crawling awkwardly into her lap. Placing his head on her breast; letting his mother hold him. “I know Darling, I know we will call the nurse and she will give you something to make it stop ok.” Khushi cradled him in her arms rocking him gently, she looked at Arnav with pleading eyes as if begging him to take the pain away.  He put his arms around them “I’ll call the nurse.” He said and mover towards the door and singled to the nurse, who came in hurriedly and checked on Arush while Khushi held him still.

Arnav felt lost and helpless to watch his son whimper in pain, he wanted to badly to take it away. To make it all better but this was not in his hands. He had never felt so helpless, since his parents died. With every cry from the little boy’s mouth he felt like his heart would break. He watched as the nurse gave Arush some medicine “He needs to rest, I know he will be restless and in pain but he is too small to give him strong painkillers, you will have to divert his attention from the pain, toys or something to keep him occupied.” The nurse said to both of them. “I will be here; the Doctor will be around for the evening rounds.”  And she left.

As Khushi gently rocked Arush,  she look at Arnav with pleading eyes, “does he watch TV.” He asked placing his hand on Arush head and the child turned to look at him curiously his dark brown eyes teary, Arush did not shy away from Arnav’s touch but watch him with curious eyes.  Arnav smiled, “what is your favourite cartoon champ.” Arnav asked. Screwing up his face in concentration Arush rattled of a few names that had Arnav widening his eyes in consternation “huh!!!! Aaa..is ok I’ll make arrangements for Arush to be moved to the VIP section ward.”  He rolled his eyes and asked, “What on earth is a ben ten, and pokimon. Are you sure these things are safe for him to watch.” She shook her head and smiled, “perfectly safe.” Nodding he left the room.

There was so much for him to learn about Arush, Khushi thought as guilt once again washed over her. This was all her fault, she had kept Arnav and Arush apart, and she saw the hurt and pain in Arnav’s eyes and knew she was responsible. She needed to speak to him. Malti came to the door. “Oh so little lard Sahib has woken up,” she made a funny face at Arush, and he gave her a weak smile.

“Malti could you please sit with Arush for a while; I will be right back.” Arush whimpered a little, “Beta I will be right back ok, Malti will tell you a nice story.”

“Of course you go, Arush and I have lots of mischief to plan while we are here. What say Kido” she wriggled her eyebrows at him making him grin. Leaving the two together Khushi went in search of Arnav.

She found him in a little garden of the corridor from the ward. He was talking on his cellphone. He turned around after his was done talking; and looked at her with a flat look in his eyes, he’s angry with me she thought. “I’m having Arush shifted to the VIP ward, he will be more comfortable there and he will have a nurse in attendance 24hrs a day. I have made arrangement for Mrs Metha to be shifted to the same room. The Doctor says that she will be discharged it 2 days, so I have also made arrangements for her to have a nurse with her at home to help her recuperate.”

“I ha... thanks, you thought of everything.” She said nervously. When he didn’t answer she said timidly. “Your angry?”

He took a deep breath, turned around to face her; his eyes blazing. “What do you expect from me?  Khushi, were you ever going to tell me? If I had not come to Udaipur and met you, would I ever come to know about my own son’s existence. Khushi tell me when were you going to come and let me know that I am the father of a little boy.”  He said with suppressed anger his voice full of pain. She had no words to say to him.

“I was going to tell you that evening at Pallampur;  but we got this news and we had to leave.” She pleaded tears running down her face, begging for his understanding. “I  had already decided to tell you about Arush, I was just waiting for the right time. I so sorry.” She cried.

Unable to bear her tears he squeezed his eyes shut, and said in a choked voice “Right time was when? When his life was in danger, what if something worse was to happen, would I get to know my son then.”

The thought made Khushi wince “don’t say that,” she cried “his fine, he will heal soon, he is a strong healthy child.”

Arnav ran a hand through his already tousled hair, “That does not change the fact that in all these years I had no knowledge of my sons existence,” He took a firm breath, his face hard and determined. “Arush is my son, and I want him to know that I am the father, under no circumstance will I have my son calling me uncle, is that understood. He is my son and he will bare my name.” He went on mapping out his decision. “You and I will be married within the week, at the Shiv temple in a small ceremony, I will make all the arrangements.”

“But you just can’t...?”

“NO. I will and I can;  Khushi you will not fight me on this.” His voice harsh, “if you do not wish to make this relationship legal, and yes we are in a relationship. Arush is proof of that, and so is what happened in Pallampur between us.” He said with steely eyes. She blushed remembering their love making. “I will be forced to file a paternity suit, and sole custody of Arush as his father.” He said firmly.

“I am his mother; you can’t take him away from me.” She cried in anguish; that he could even do something like that to her.  But she knew that Arnav Singh Raizada could do anything to get what he wanted; and he would never give up Arush. She knew she had no choice, in order to keep her son, she would have to marry Arnav Singh Raizada.

As if reading her mind her smiled cruelly, “that’s right you have no choice Khushi Kumari Gupta.”  Saying so he walked away.

Two weeks had passed as if in a daze for Khushi.  It was one week since she had become Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada and today would be the first night she would be staying with her husband. For the last two weeks she had spent the night at the Hospital with Arush, while still living at Malani’s house.

Arnav had decided that she could continue to reside at Malini house till Arush would be discharge from the hospital. All arrangements had been made by him, with the help of Malini and Malti to have her’s and Arush’s belongs transferred to one of the independent villas, where they would be residing until he made arrangements for and independent house. That was one of the civil conversations between them since the wedding, besides that, he had been distant and aloof, he had spent all his free time with Arush.  

When she had told Arush that Arnav was his father he had taken the news like any 3 year old, with a grave “Ok, and can I sit in his helipoptor.” And “can I call him Papa.” Since then the two had been inseparable.

Arnav would spent most of his days with Arush,  listening  to his stories with fascination,  he left no stone unturned to keep his son entertained at the hospital even arranging a magic shows, and juggling acts and clowns to entertain  Arush and the other children at the hospital. He had played with him with action figures toys and remote control cars.

Arnav told him about his family in Delhi his great grand Nani, and his bua Anjali and her husband, his chachu Akash and his soon to be chachi, his payal Masi. And of his Nana and Nani. Arush was so fascinated by the long list of relatives he had never heard of. This made Khushi feel guilty for never having told this to him, but he was so young and she didn’t know how to answer all the questions that were bound to follow. Arush had immediately wanted to know when he would meet all of them as he wanted them to meet Malini Dadi, who till now was his only relative and he wanted to show her off.

Arush has told Arnav of all his favourite cartoon characters and the number of strange sounding super powers the possessed. All his friends at school and why he liked some and didn’t like some, and a lode of trivial details, while Arnav listened attentively though his eyes would glaze over from time to time. Which Khushi found highly amusing. Taking pity on him she assured him he would get used to it.

It was quite clear father and son adored each other. Arnav was completely different with Arush, gone was the ruthless business man, and his place had been take by a man who lost all his inhibitions. Together the two of them  even came up with pranks to play on the nurses and doctors at the hospital. Much to Khushi’s embarrassment.  Arnav never apologised and Khushi found herself constantly trying to appease some Nurse or Doctor or Hospital staff that ended up as victims to her husband’s and son’s pranks, with homemade sweets.

When she tried to talk to Arnav about the pranks and that they had to stop, he had simply replied “I have to do something to keep my sons mind occupied, and the pain away.” He held Arush face in between his hands making him face her and as if on cue Arush made the most adorable puppy dog boy face, “see how can anyone be upset with such an adorable face.”  He kissed his son on the nose, “I know I can’t.” Arnav had the nerve to make an identical face as Arush. “Can you?”  Khushi could only shake her head in disbelief as she mentally made a list of ingredients she needed to purchase for the sweets she would have to make.

                            ********************************

Chapter 20

Arnav was completed besotted with his son. He had been so nervous wondering if the boy would like him. But on their first official meeting he had stood by the bed as Khushi explained to Arush that this nice tall man was his real father. Arush had looked up at him with large chocolate brown eyes, stating that he had seen his photo in the papers and that he knew that he had many Helicopters, at Arnav nod Arush has simply chimed “OK, can I sit in the helipopter, and can I call you Papa.” And that was it; Arush had the great Arnav Singh Raizada wrapped around his little finger.

He found that Arush was exceptionally intelligent for a 3 year old. And seemed to be gifted with both his parent’s traits, while Arush got his stubbornness and quick temper from his father, he got his mothers affable and happy nature, he was quick to laugh and quick to forgive. Arush pretended he didn’t want to be taken care of and fussed over, but he loved all the attention, especially if it came from women. Malini had teased that Arush was a complete ladies man. “He is only 3, just imagine what he will be like when he is 23.”

Malti had hooted, “He will have all the fathers chasing him with shotguns.”

Khushi had struck Malti on the head, “Arush will go to an all boy’s boarding school when he is 12, and will marry the girl I chose for him.”

“un ha! Arush is never going to boarding school. He will go to the best privet school and then to London for higher studies.” Arnav said his voiced decisively.

 Khushi had put her hands on her hips and glared at him, ”Oh! so will not send him to boarding school here in this country; But you will send him to all the way across seven seas to London.” She cried her lower lip trembling.

They had had a heated discussion on the topic, till Malini had told them there was not point discussing this for another 8 to 9 year.  And they had grudging conceded the point and decided this topic could be taken up at a far later date. And they agreed the right now they didn’t want Arush away from them at all.

         

Now with Arush secured, safely in the baby seat in the back with Khushi. The driver drove them towards their privet villa at the Lake view resort.  Arnav had not been able to come to the hospital as he had to attend a meeting he had been putting off for some time, what with Arush being in hospital.  But had promised he would be there when they arrived at the resort.

“Amma will papa  meet us at home.” Arush asked eagerly.

“Yes, beta but we will not be going to Malini maas house, we are staying with your Papa at a privet villa at the resort.” Khushi explained.

“So we will be with Papa.” He waited for her confirmation.

She smiled, Arush hated being away from his father. “Oh yes we will be with your Papa.” She ruffled his hair “since when have you become Papa chumcha.”

Arush giggled and spread his small arm as wide as he could “Since I love Papa sooooo much. And Papa loves meeeee ssoooooo much.”

“Oh and what about your poor Amma” she pouted “don’t you love me anymore.”

“I love you sooooooooo very soooooooo much.” He gave her his best toothy grin.

“And I love you so, so very much too” planting a noisy kiss no his soft cheek leaving a glossy lipstick mark.

The car drove through the resort gate, by passing the main entrance and going straight to the privet entrance to the villa, where she saw Arnav pacing impatiently. The moment he saw the car drive through, his face broke into a relief smile. At the sight of his father Arush screamed in delight “Papa, Papa.” Arnav was at his door in seconds pulling it open and undid all the seat belt harness with quick fingers and pulled Arush into his arms, “and how is my Champ.”

“first class” chimed Arush putting his arm around Arnav’s neck and kissing him on the cheek, “why didn’t you come to take me from the hospital.”

“I’m sorry beta, but papa had an important meeting to attend. But I  promised I would meet you here, so here in am.”

“We never doubted you would be here to receive us.” Khushi said quietly.

Arnav turned to look at her for the first time, and his breath caught in his chest, god he missed her, she was his wife for a week now and he hardly spent any time with her at all. With Arush in the hospital and handling his business he had completely ignored Khushi, as he was still angry with her. But he missed her like crazy. Every night he went to bed with Khushi in his mind and in his dreams. Tonight would be the first night she would sleep in his bed as his wife. And for some reason he found himself damm nervous.

“Come lets go in, the bellboys will bring any baggage.” He led the way carrying Arush in his arms.

The two story villa was large and specious, it had and large living area with, a study which Arnav had converted into his personal office for when he needed to work form home, the kitchen was large with all the latest kitchen appliances,  a den with a home theatre system,  the villa had four bedrooms one on the ground floor and three on the upper floor, the largest was obviously the master bedroom and the smaller one adjoining it was converted into a nursery;  it was filled with toys of every kind, even the drapes were of bright blue colour with superhero’s and cartoon characters. The prefect room for a little boy.

He placed Arush on the little bed that was shaped like a race car, he caught his chin and examined the lipstick mark on his cheek, “did one of the nursed give you that.” He inquired gravely.  Arush giggled and announced “No! That was Amma, she kissed me in the car.”

“hmmm! Did she now?” and Arnav turned his cheek and place his lips against the lipstick mark and kissed Arush.  Transferring a bit of the lipstick to his own lips. Khushi gasped and blush, while Arush giggled at the sight of lipstick on his father’s lips.

“I’ll go get lunch ready.” She said and left. While she prepared lunch she spoke to her staff on the phone about how work was progressing, And if everything was running smoothly. Then she spoke to Malini maa and informed her that they had reached the villa and were getting settled in. She promised to come visit, the hung up. She turned around as she felt his presence and inquired “Arush?”

“Watching  cartoons.” He said looking at her intently. He still had the lipstick mark on his lips. So she pulled a paper towel out of the dispenser and gently rubbed the colour away. The simple contact made his eyes darken as he watched her face with undisguised hunger. As if unable to stand it he caught her wrist in hand and pulled it away from him.  He took a deep breath turned around and left.  “I’m going to the office I’ve got some papers to sign.”

“Lunch?” she said softly.

Without looking at her he gathered some files for the table and put them in his attaché “Sorry, I won’t be able to stay for lunch, there is a luncheon meeting with a very important client;” he looked up to see her disappointed face, he knew he had hurt her feeling and he hated it. But there was so much unsaid between them, so much that were still hidden. And he instinctively felt that she was not ready to divulge anything yet.  So he thought it best to give her some space. “But I’ll be home for dinner.” He said kindly, watching her face as a small smile lifted the corner of her lips. Smiling to himself he left the room.

Khushi spent the rest of the day keeping Arush occupied, and speaking to her staff about business matters. She took Arush for a walk in her resort gardens keeping a firm hold on his good hand. The back yard of the villa had a privet pool which was quite large,  Khushi held his hand firmly and said, “You are never ever to come here alone, understand Arush , never play by the pool, and if you want to go in the water you must ask you papa or me.” She told him seriously, “Never come here with anybody unless you have permission for papa and me, understood.” She knew that her son would follow her instructions to the T. He never took sweets or toys from strangers and go with them.

 They sat on the lawn surrounding the privet villa.  He complained that he was not allowed to run. Khushi promised that as soon as his cast was off she would take him to the children’s park to play on the slides and swings.

Back in the villa she bathed Arush, dusted him with baby powder, and he settled in the den to watch ‘the monkey gang on Nat Geo’, which was one of his favourite programs. He loved watching the monkey antic as they always left him in peels of giggles, he munched on cheeselings while Khushi prepared dinner.

Arnav arrived home to the sound of their laughter; the sound caused so much joy to fill his heart that he paused at the door of the den; revelling in the most delightful sound in the world to him. His Khushi and son were curled up on the couch watching some show on monkeys; he smiled as he watched them making monkey faces at each other and Arush was trying to imitate the monkey sounds which only ended up in more childish giggles.

When Arush saw his father leaning against the door jamb watching them, he let out a squeal of delight, “papa!!” and tried to jump of the couch and into his arms. and proceeded to tell him all about the monkey gang.

After dinner Arush insisted Arnav read him a story; his current favourite was Goldie locks and the three Bears.  He liked the papa bear, the mama bear and the baby bear. And he liked comparing them to his Papa and Amma and himself.

Khushi waited in their room for Arnav to come to bed, she dosed and fell asleep and didn’t know when he came. Arnav stood watching her it was late, he had deliberately stayed late working in the hall, he was not yet ready to forgive her though he wanted he deeply, He still could not understand why Khushi had kept such an important fact from him, and he knew that she was not going to divulge the reason she left in the first place, and he didn’t know how to get it out of her. he decided to have a talk with her soon till then he would have to try to stay away from her physically. She looked so beautiful, her silky hair spread across her pillow,  an ivory satin night gown with flimsy straps moulded to her body and riding up her creamy legs. His body steered and ached for her. Time for a cold shower he thought heading for the bathroom.

Khushi woke to find Arnav naked from the waist up, sleeping soundly beside her.  She wondered when he had come to bed. He looked so peaceful, his face relaxed in sleep, she could feel the heat radiating from his body and smell his intoxicating masculine fragrance, she felt her body respond to him, the familiar melting within her belly and heat pooling at her core. She wanted him, she wanted to feel his hands on her body, and she wanted to feel his powerful body within her. She groaned into the pillow, time for a cold shower she thought and got of the bed and headed for the bathroom.

                      *************************************

Chapter 21

After breakfast Khushi took Arush and went to Malini’s house, Arush was still not ready for playschool, as they had decided to send him to school only after the cast was removed, not having  found a reliable babysitter they did not want to leave Arush in the care of any stranger so Malini had offered to babysit him for the time being.

“What am I to do Maa? He is my husband but he barely talks to me, he is so damm polite I want to scream” she told Malini while frying a batch of jelibies.

“Ok, so he is keeping his distance from you.”

Scowling   Khushi said, “it’s not about that, I mean it’s so frustrating that...  that...” she deposited the jelibies into the sugar syrup. And turned around groaning, “What do I do maa, I can’t tell him the reason why I left four years ago, I have asked him how his sister is and he said she’s great. So presuming she’s great, means she is still married to that scum of a husband. How am I to tell him that I was engaged to marry him?  But, what if he has changed and he is truly being faithful to Anjali, I don’t want to destroy her marriage because of what happened four years ago without knowing the facts as they stand now.”

“But you know he is entitled to the answers Khushi, he loves you, anyone can see that, he must have suffered being away from you as much as you suffered being away from him, you have to find a way to tell him the truth, without telling about how exactly it would affect his family and his sister”

“But I can’t be sure that will not happen Maa, I am sure Anjali is still married to that man. And I have no idea if he has changed his ways.”

“Then you have to face that when you face that man again, you must make sure that he can never come between you and your husband; even if you have to tell Arnav the full truth later. Then when the time is right, and that man has not changed, Arnav will have to be told. But right now you have to make Arnav realise that what happened four years ago does not make any difference to your present relationship, you are his wife now and the mother of his son. Does he want the shadows of the past to hang over your present relationship.” said Malini.

“I don’t know Maa, He is too stubborn and pigheaded to simply let it go, he will insist on knowing the man’s name if he thinks he could be a threat.”

Malini laughed “Then don’t talk to him first, distract him.” Malini smiled wickedly,  “Then talk to him.”

“Maa!! You want me to seduce him.”  Khushi asked astonished.

“Of course, you are his wife and he is a man. Right now you need to start being his wife; you need to bond in more than your love and concern for Arush. what happened in the past is in the past. You need to tell him is such a way that he can never doubt your intentions when he needs to know the full truth. But right now you have to take your marriage forward, that’s it.”

 “But how I have never done anything like that before.” Khushi said perplexed.

“Oh! Khushi beta, you’re a woman and a beautiful one at that, besides you know him better than anyone else. You told me what happened in Palampur, it’s obvious he can’t resist you.  So create a situation where he is unable to walk away.” She smiled triumphantly, “he will do the rest.”

That evening Arnav came to the home to find Khushi alone in the hall and the dining table laid out with flowers and candles.

“Hi,  your back.” Khushi jumped of the couch and went to him, she planted a soft kiss on his cheek and took his bag much to Arnav surprise.

“huh!! Errr where is Arush.” he looked at Khushi dressed in a soft blue dress with flimsy material that seem to cress and cling to her body at the same time; held up with thin spaghetti straps, she looked breathtaking.

“He wanted to stay with Maa, he and his friends are having a sleepover at her place. He needs to spend some time with children of his own age, after all the time in the hospital.” She gave him a slight push towards to bedroom, “go freshen up, ‘I’ll serve dinner, I cooked your favourite.”

He shrugged;  he was hungry as he didn’t get time to eat lunch, he decided to have a shower later. At dinner they spoke about work and Arush. Khushi told him how excited he was to be spending time with his friends. Arnav smiled and watch Khushi she looked ethereal in the dim glow of the candles her eyes sparkled and her skin glowed. She spoke and asked questions on general topics and office gossip, and he found himself enjoying her stories. Later after coffee she told to him to go shower and she went to clear the table and wash the dishes.

 After the shower Arnav realised he had been so distracted by Khushi he had forgotten to bring a change of clothes. So rapped only in a towel he stepped into the bed room to find the lights turned low. Khushi set at the dressing table brushing her hair she looked at him in the mirror running her eyes boldly over him. Heat flushed his body and he gulped as his mouth went dry.

“I forgot to take my clothes. I’ll just...” he walked to his wardrobe and opened the door. Before he could take any clothes out he felt her right behind him. Her hand skimming lightly over his bare back, he turned to face her and his breath caught in his throat. He had never seen Khushi so seductive, her eyes dark and heavy; a secret smile playing about her lush lips.

A drop of water fell of his wet hair to his chest Khushi leaned forward and placed her lips on his chest her hot tongue flicking out to lick at the lone drop.  He sucked  in  deep breath as she ran her hands down the side of torso, his heart was pounding in his chest and Khushi was leave a trail of hot open mouthed kisses along his throat to his chin to the corner of his lips. “Khushi, what are... haagg...” he grabbed at her hand as it tugged at the towel around his waist, too late it landed at his feet. Her mouth covered his in a hungry kiss, her sweet mouth playing havoc with his senses, her hand traced his swollen manhood fondling and cupping him .A thin film of perspiration broke out on his forehead.

Khushi was nervous as hell but his reaction to her made her braver, and bolder she rejoiced in this new found power she had on him. Unable to believe that she could be so bold, that she Khushi had reduced Arnav Singh Raizada to a quivering mass of need and desire, she wanted to do everything to please and pleasure him. But she was unsure of how to please him and she wanted to know how to pleased him. She lifted her eyes to his “teach me, show me how to please you.” She implored her voice low and husky.

 As if unable to stand the sensuous torture, he tore off the straps of the dress and it slithered down her body to land in a pool at her feet she was completely naked under it, he pulled her soft heated body against his hard form deepening the kiss. “Khushi, you’ll be the death of me.” He groaned, she pulled away from him and taking his hand, she guided him to the bed. With the gentle pressure of her hand she pushed him flat on his back and lay down beside him. “show me” she whispered with a smile, as he took her soft hand in his and guided it to his manhood her fingers curled around him, running her soft finger along the length of his shaft, to the swollen head gently rubbing her thumb around him, he groaned as unbelievable  pleasure rocked him; and heat coursed through his veins, he held her hand gently setting the rhythm  of the  movement.  And she found pleasure in pleasuring him.

Arnav felt overwhelmed by her; she was all women, seductive and sensuous and yet innocent in the ways of love and pleasure. Tonight he going to give her the gift of pleasure while she sacrificed her innocence at his alter where she was the goddess. Under his expert guidance she discovered her new powers. Lips replaced hands; and tongue replaced lips. She worship his masculinity discovering ways in which he equally worshiped her femininity and in this endower; their bodies racing with each thrusting  and pounding movement, riding wave after wave on sheer pleasure that took them together to climax and shatter on the shores of pure bliss.  together they were one in body and soul.

Hours later as they lay in each other’s arms, Arnav spoke softly, “Khushi, you can’t always use love making to distract me, though it’s certainly effective.” He sighed as his fingers caressed her arm. She giggled “you knew? And here I thought I was being very clever.” She sighed and set up her voice turning serious “You’re right, it was wrong of me.” She pulled the sheets around her and turned to face him as he pulled himself up to lean against the head board.

“You deserve the answer to all your questions, Arnav and I wish I could give them all to you, but I will try to do the best I can, it’s been four years and some skeletons are best left undisturbed.” She said quietly.

“Does this have anything to do with what happened between us that evening?” he asked with a frown.

“No! not at all! The evening was the best day of my life, till then at least” she smiled, “I was going to tell my family that I could not marry the man they chose for me; as I was in love with you. And I knew you would make everything alright. But when I got home I found out that the man I was to marry was not at all what he seemed. Everything was a lie and he was more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.” Her breath hitched in her throat as she remembers her fear. “I found out that he was a married man, married to a rich woman. Despite that he had gone to great lengths to arrange that marriage with me, he was responsible for what happened to Babuji.  Arnav and I could not allow him to harm anybody else from my family, as well as yours. So I had to leave, it was the only way I could be sure you would all be safe.”  She sighed “and that is all I can tell you of why I left.” Wiping the tears she was not aware were flowing.

“Khushi!! Who was this man? And why would he want to harm anyone if you didn’t want to marry him.” he asked as he pulled her to him comforting her. He knew she was telling the truth and the fear in her eyes was real and she was truly scared of this man. He could feel it in her trembling body and her ice cold hands. Why could a man already married to a rich woman,  go to such lengths to get a girl with no wealth or influence to her name? He thought, one word rang like thunder in his mind ‘Lust’, Arnav tightened his arms around Khushi,  that faceless man had wanted his Khushi, his entire being repelled at the thought as raged coursed through him. He pressed his warm lips to her hands and temple in comfort. “You should have come to me Khushi, I would never let any harm come to you or your family.”

She shook her head “I know, but the consequences and repercussions for the whole mess, was only going to be very bad for both our families, that was all I knew at the time, I’m not sure if the situation has changed still, but I’m hoping that time will have changed things.”

“You mean he could still be a danger to you?” he asked alarmed and frustrated that she would not tell him the man’s name.

“It does not matter at the moment. Arnav I know I made a mistake of keeping Arush from you; you are his father and have every right to him. But I didn’t know how to come back.” She cried tears running down her face as she clung to him, “I missed you so much and I never stopped thinking about you.” He held her to him wrapping both his arms around her; he understood how she felt because he had gone through the same thing.

It worried him that she would not tell him that person’s name. She pretended that it was all over; but he could sense the fear in her voice and see it hidden in her eyes though she tried to hide it.  It didn’t matter how much she tried to hide her fear he knew and he would do everything he could to protect her and Arush. He could not bear to lose her again and he could not bear to lose Arush.   

“And Abhay did he know? I mean, about Arush being mine” he wanted to know, feeling envious of the other man getting to spend time with his son, being there when he was born.

 “I have never even met Abhay Metha.” She chuckled. Lifting her head she saw the confusion in his eyes. “Abhay died before I met Malini maa, I met her on the night I left Delhi, I never knew Abhay, after I found out I was pregnant Maa made up the story that I was her daughter in law to protect me, and keep people asking too many questions. I just went along with it. All I wanted was to have my baby.”

Arnavs heart warmed with tenderness, she carried his baby within her for nine months, and he had not been there for her.  He wished things had been different, but he understood that she had done what she had to do at that time. And now he had a beautiful boy, his son, he took Khushi’s face in his hands tenderly “Our son is beautiful Khushi, thank you, thank you for such a beautiful gift.”  He kissed her tenderly putting all his love into it.

She looked at with tear filled eyes as she moved to straddle him, their bodies touching intimately, his pulse raced and her heart pounded “Arush and I have always been yours Arnav, only yours.”  She whispered against his mouth,  pressing light kisses at he conner of his lips,  from his forehead to his straight aristocratic nose, form his cheek bone to the jaw, she cresssed him with her hands. Trailing kissed form his neck to his chest. He sighed with pleasure and delighted in her boldness.

He caressed her in turn with his mouth, giving special attention to her breast,  taking first on taunt peek into his mouth and sucking and nuzzling, and focused on the other. Together they pleasured each other, whispering soft words of love and need to one another, their bodies joined and limbs entwined with mutual hunger and burning desire to fulfil their need for each other. Satiated and exhausted they slept wrapped in each other’s arm.

They slept late it being a Sunday, they awoke in the morning reaching for each other and once again giving into their desire for each other.  It was nearly noon when they got out of bed. And got ready to go pick Arush and Malini , deciding to have a picnic by the lake, Arnav ordered the chef to prepare and picnic basket for them while Khushi called Malini Maa and told her of their plans telling them to be ready. As Khushi got ready sitting in front of the dressing table mirror she put on light makeup, highlighting he eyes with eye liner, applying a light blusher to her cheek and a light lipstick gloss to her lips.  She noticed Arnav watching her for the bedroom doorway.  As she picked up her mangalsuttra he stepped forward, “I believe that is my right.” Taking the chain from her he lifted the hair to place it over her shoulder and fastened the black beaded chain the symbol of their marriage around her neck. Then taking a pinch of sindoor form the round jewelled box, he drew a thin line on the top of her forehead in the parting of her hair. All the while staring at her face in the mirror, with tender loving eyes.

Overcome with emotion as her eyes wet she stood up and put her arms around him. “You know Arnav Singh Raizada you are the world’s best husband.” Slightly embarrassed but very pleased that Khushi thought so he kissed her deeply and passionately, sighing “we better get out of here before I change my mind.” They walked out hand in hand. “Err... Khushi, you know what you said about the world’s best husband thing, don’t mention that to anyone, especially Di and Nani.”

“Why?” khushi asked wide eyed.

“Because I’ll never hear the end of it, and they will say I should have married a long time back.”

“Array! How can that be if I was not around? And beside you’d make a terrible husband to anyone else.” She giggled.

  He shrugged “that might as well be true.” He grinned.

                        *************************************

Chapter 22

The picnic Basket and a couple of folding picnic chairs and blankets in the trunk of Arnav’s SUV.  They drove to Malini’s house to see Arush impatiently waiting for them to arrive. As Arnav and Khushi stepped out of the car Arush ran towards them screaming loudly “Amma ,Papa” the threw himself into Arnav’s arms whacking him in the face with his cast. “Ouch! Easy champ, or your poor Papa will end up with a cast around his face.” Arush laughed at that, cling to his father like a monkey, planting a wet chocolate covered kiss on his cheek, “I missed you pa, why did you take so long to come, I waited and waited ask Dadi.”

“Of course, you also watched loads of cartoons in the meantime.”

Khushi hugged Maa warmly. Then taking a couple of tissues form the box she was holding she walked to Arnav and Arush. She gently wiped away the chocolate mess from his cheek, then turned to clean Arush’s chocolate covered mouth.

“I see you have been charming chocolate out of Dadi. ”she said sternly with a frown. Arush gave her his most charming impish smile threw his arm around her neck pulling her close to Arnav and himself and kissed her cheek “But you love me, Amma” he smiled impishly. Arnav threw back his head and roared with laughter.  

“You, little champ are a true lady killer.” Arush grinned at his father very pleased with himself.

They spend a leisurely day by the lake, playing with Arush,   holding Khushi’s hand and talking to Malini who invited Arnav to call her Malini Maa.  Malini regaled Arnav with local legends and stories and some of the local history.  He found Malini to be a wise and astute woman, And was happy that Khushi had found a friend in her when she was left all alone. His heart twisted in pain to think about the hardships Khushi had, had to undergo. And wished with all his heart he had been there for her. Malini had sagely said to him, “Arnav beta, there is no point in regretting the past, especially when it was not in your hand. Look at the bright side, what ever happened has made Khushi stronger, and a better women totally worthy of you, she never gave up loving you, never gave up on life and this has made her stronger.” Arnav nodded as he looked at Arush and Khushi collect wild flowers.

Malini was right;  his Khushi had always been spirited, though naive. And her childish antics had some times infuriated him. This Khushi was still spirited but had acquired a new maturity; while still maintaining her innocence and zest for life; she had gained a sensuality that he found irresistible.

Arnav had never spent a peaceful day of doing absolute nothing. Khushi had made him switch of his mobile. They played rummy with Malini where Arnav lost most of the games.  Till, he got the hang of it and started winning.  They ate the picnic lunch they brought, and then Arnav took Arush to the lake to feed the ducks with leftover bread. Leaving Malini to rest in the shade; Arnav, Khushi and Arush took a walk around the lake simply holding hands, Arush ran up ahead of them, stopping time and again to make sure they were following.

On their way back home they dropped Malini home and made sure she was comfortable. By the time they reached the villa; Arush was fast asleep totally exhausted from his outing. Arnav carried their son gently in his arms, and laid him on the bed, Khushi removed his shoes and outing clothes and dressed him in his PJ. They kissed him after tucking him snugly into bed.

“You go no Khushi freshen up, I’ll be right with you soon.” He said softly, planting a kiss on her forehead.

She left him watching Arush sleep.  Going to their room she showered and got ready for bed. Exhausted she must have fallen asleep, and did not know when Arnav came to bed.  He simply got into bed with her and pulled her into his arms and she snuggled closer to him and went back to sleep.  Arnav content to have Khushi in his arms held her close to his heart as he let sleep overtakes him.

Days later Arnav was in his office talking to his sister on the phone, “I’ll send the car for you and Jijaji.”

In Delhi Anjali spoke into the receiver “Chote you sound different, and you have been sounding different since you reached Udaipur, tell me what is it please” she implored.

Arnav chuckled, “it’s a surprise Di, and you will get your surprise once you come here. So get on with the packing; I’m keeping the phone.”

Arnav was happy, he was happy beyond word, after a very long time his life was perfect, he had not told this family about his impromptu marriage to Khushi and that he has a son. He had wanted to keep them to himself for a while not willing to share them with anyone else.

Khushi was busy with the gala, and he spend any free time he got with Arush,   the cast was off and Arush’s hand had healed well, his skin marred only by a thin but neat scar. Arush didn’t care, he carried the scar like a trophy and just love to show it off to anyone he met, regaling them with stories of how he got it. Though it annoyed Khushi to no end, as the memory of their son in pain made her cringe every time. Arnav didn’t mind he only looked on at their son with pride, as nothing seemed to dither the little guy, he liked the fact that at 3 years old, Arush showed strength of character and never feared anything. He loved his unrelenting curiosity and thirst to know about everything.

 Once he had no patients for triviality now he answered Arush’s hundreds of trivial questions as best as he could without scandalising his son, he also found himself giving childish and creative answers to some of Arush adult oriented questions, like why do you kiss Amma on the lips for so long.?

He had accidently walked in on them in a passionate moment and they had been oblivious of him. “What are you doing?” came a petulant voice of their son. They had jumped away from each other like guilty teenagers, Khushi had made her escape, leaving Arnav facing Arush’s curious stare.

“Why were you kissing Amma on her lips for so long?” He demanded “she only kisses me on my lips like this.” He pecked the back of his hand in demonstration.

He cleared his throat and told him “that was the way Papa’s and Amma’s communicated when they wanted to tell each other a secret.” 

When Arush wanted to know the secret he told him, “it was only a secret that Papa’s and Amma’s were allowed to share and that they could not tell anyone else, otherwise it would not be a secret”. 

Arush had promptly asked him “how come Ronan’s Papa shared the secret with Aunty Sheela.”

To which Arnav had replied “I told you Arush that Papa’s only shared the secret with Amma’s.”

To which Arush floored him by simply saying “But Aunty Sheela is not Rohan’s Amma.” And Arnav could only stare at his son with his mouth opening and closing like a gold fish.

Later when he had told Khushi about this incident she had uproariously.  Haa Khushi, his Khushi she brought so much joy into his life; he felt at times he would bust from it. They could do anything together; they would make love for hours, lost in each other’s arms. Stealing kisses in the office like a couple of teenagers, and a couple of times they got carried away and made love in Arnav office with the door and blinds tightly shut. Much to his delight and her embarrassment. She had told a grinning Arnav, that he was a bad influence on her.

  They talk for hours about anything and everything.  He found himself telling her about his childhood before his parents’ death and how happy he and Di had been.  His father had short himself on Di’s wedding day when he came to know that his brother had swindled him out of everything, leaving him bankrupt. He had not even had the money to pay for all the preparations for his daughter’s wedding and his mother unable to live without her husband watching him shoot himself, simply dropped dead with grief. It had been devastating to lose both his parents’ so suddenly and tragically. He had told her how their uncle had thrown them out on the street after their parents’ death; he had had to be strong for his soft hearted sister and had vowed never to let emotions rule his live.

But alas in that he could not succeed as Khushi had entered his life and shattered everything he believed in; turning his life upside down and inside out. He had tried fighting his feelings at first. Telling her how he had tried to push her away by being mean to her.  But she has somehow got under and above every barrier he put up, touching him and his frozen soul in unbelievable ways. 

   He had told her what he had gone through when he had gone to her house that morning 4 years back only to find her gone, her family and simply disowned her. “Not Babuji, he would never do that, I had the courage to run because he told me to.” These words had got him thinking. That would mean that Khushi’s father knew about the man who had nearly destroyed his and Khushi life and threatened their families. 

                   ******************************************

Chapter 23

Khushi would not tell him anything else about that but Arnav was not ready to let it go.  He had to find out, so he had made all the arrangements to have Khushi’s family come to Udaipur. He had convinced Akaash to have his wedding here. Everybody would be here in two days, only Khushi didn’t know. And nobody knew that Khushi was here married to him. The curtains would drop soon and he did not know what the consequences would be all he knew that he would stand by Khushi all the way.

Arnav sat in the living room talking to his sister Anjali, while her husband set by looking on.

“Come on chote you have to tell me, I can’t believe how happy you look.” Anjali demanded, “don’t you think so Shayamji. Just look at him, have you seen him smile so much.”

“Your right Rani saiba, the change in saale saab is astounding. You must tell her the reason Saale saab, or your sister will go crazy.” He said evenly. In truth Shayam could not believe the chance in his brother in law,  gone was the serious, grim faced man, in his place was a happy content man with a smiling face. He wondered over the reason for this change.

“All in good time Jijaji, you can wait for your surprise for a little while can’t you Di,  in the meantime tell me about home.” Arnav turned to his sister

Shayam watched brother and sister chatter away. He looked around the elegant surrounding, thinking bitterly once again his brother in law had hit the jackpot. Bitter tentacles of envy crawled through him. He had always resented his prefect brother in law.  When he had met Arnav he was a young 22 year old just starting out in business, incredible handsome, with chiselled features and princely stance, his confidence and sheer magnetism of his personality seemed to command respect and attention of everyone when he entered a room.  He had at that time foolish thought it was the bravado of youth, but he was proven wrong, in a few months Arnav had made his first couple of hundred crore and from then on, there had been on stopping him.  Everything Arnav Singh Raizada touched turned to gold. He was brilliant and ruthless in business. And the only person of any importance to him was his sister, she ruled his personal life.

So he had charmed and then married the sister thinking this would earn him an easy life.  He had thought as family he would incorporate himself with the legal aspects of Arnav’s business and would be able to make a couple a million himself.  But Arnav turned out to be shrewder then he thought. He had simply said that he believed in keeping his business and any legal matter related to business separate from family and family relations.  Each had their place and were not meant to be together.

He had set him up in an office in a posh area of town, and then left him to fend for himself. Not being particularly talented in the art of being a lawyer or the hard working sort; Shayam  Jha only had his sweet and charming tongue to use to his advantage. He fleeced of his wife, in the name of some charity or another or on the pretext of helping somebody in need to get money from her.  He took small cases now and then and mostly took payment in form of favours. He used people to get what he wanted.  That was his art; he would prey of people weakness to get want he wanted.

He sighed, how he loathed his brother in law. One thing that Shayam had craved and coveted had been Khushi. Sweet and innocent Khushi, with the cream and peaches complexion, lush pink lips and hazel eyes that a man could drown in. He still didn’t know what had taken place between Arnav and Khushi that made her run away two days before their wedding. He had tried so hard to keep her away from Raizada house, but the stubborn girl would not listen. He had never suspected that there would be anything between his brother in law and Khushi given that Arnav had voiced his dislike for her. Till date he could not understand why his Arnav had been devastated with Khushi’s disappearance. And his tight lipped brother in law had refused to talk about it. The one time he had badmouthed her Arnav had lashed out at him violently. Since then their relationship had been strained.

He was pulled out of his revive as Arnav jumped to his feet, “your surprise is here.” He declared and walked out.

Anjali watched the front door her brother had skipped out of, her eyes widened with shock and astonishment as he walked back in, guiding a young woman whose eyes he had covered with his hands and a small child with striking resemblance to him cling to his back.

“Arnav if this is a prank, you two are playing, I swear you are sleeping on the couch for a week.” Said the woman annoyed, while Arnav grinned and the child giggled.

“I told you, I have a surprise for you at home.” He said huskily as he put one hand on the skin of her exposed waist in a caress, and leaned forward to kiss her ear.

She sighed in pleasure, “Ok, can I see it now.”  Arnav took his hands of her eyes.

“Oh my God!” Anjali whispered as she took in the sight of Khushi is a rose pink saree, wearing a mangalsurta and sindoor. And the little boy who bore a striking resemblance to her brother.  Understanding came to her and her heart filled with joy and tears of happiness filled her eyes.

Khushi blinked her eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth as she stumbled forwarded and into the arms of the waiting woman. The woman who had been like a sister to her, who’s kindness had made her give up her own happiness so she could not be hurt. Khushi hugged Anjali tight as she felt another lost piece of her heart come back to life.

Both women hugged and cried holding each other, Anjali  took Khushi face in her hands and kissed her forehead.  “oh Khushiji, Khushiji” she said between tears, “I knew it, only you could bring happiness into my chote’s life, you are truly Khushi.” Bothe women stepped towards a beaming Arnav who now held a shy looking Arush in his arms. “Oh my god!  Chote just look at him.” Anajili cried in absolute glee as she reached out and pulled Arush to her and hugged him to her breast, running her hands lovingly over his hair, face and limbs, kissing both his cheeks and forehead. Arnav and Khushi stood with their arms around each other looking on. “He looks exactly like you, when you were small. What is his name?”

“Arush Singh Raizada.” Arush chimed with a shy smile.

“Arush” Anjali said the name reverently. “it’s perfect, his perfect.”  She threw  her arm around Arnav, “my chote is a papa,  I can’t believe it.” She turned to the man sitting frozen on the couch, “look Shayamji you have become an uncle and I’m  a bua, did you ever think we would receive such a wonderful surprise.”

“No never in my wildest dreams.” The man said quietly. He had, had many dreams regarding this woman, now standing in another man’s arms, but this he had never imagined. He knew that something had happened between his brother in law and Khushi. But he had never thought that Khushi was the type of girl to sleep with one man while engaged to another. But the child was living proof, Khushi and Arnav had been lovers,  and that too when she had been engaged to him. 

A blinding rage washed over him, how could she do this, he stood up slowly and looked at the object of his desire. He froze when he saw the look in her eyes, there was no shame as he thought there should be, but a cold hatred and disgust, he then understood, she had somehow found out the truth about him. but he didn’t care he stood there feeling he had been betrayed by fate; Khushi should have been his but she had betrayed him by going to his brother in law’s bed, and the great Arnav Singh Raizada who could have had any girl he wanted, but he had taken Khushi,  ‘his Khushi’. A smile frozen on his face he approached the little gathering.

Anjali smiled at him and turned to Khushi , “Khushiji you never had a chance to meet my Husband. Well this is my Shayamji.”

Shayam stepped forward to take Khushi’s hand but she put her hands together in front of her and said a quite “Namestha.” And then pointedly, ignored him.

How dare she, Shayam thought, who did the s**t think she was, no she could not ignore him, he would not let that happen. She would pay for duping him, he thought.

He turned to Arnav and said slyly “Well, well, Salle Saab you have been a sly fox, you married and had a child as well. And that too, in such short time.” He smirked casting a look at Khushi looking at her from head to foot his body immediately reacting with lust. Which flicked for a moment in his eyes.   He looked at Arush cuddled in his wife’s arms, his face twisted in a sneer, “But are you sure, the whelp.....?” his tone sly and disparaging. Arnav stiffened and put his hand up to silence him. His jaw clenched as Khushi gasped and cringed, and fury darkened her eyes.

“Savitha” he called the new nanny, they had appointed to care for Arush. The nanny had come highly recommended by one of the elite families in Udaipur who were good friends of Malani “Yes sir” Savitha said quietly. “Please take Arush to freshen up and bring him to lunch in half an hour.” He lifted Arush from Anjali’s lap, he looked curiously at the strange tension among the grownups.

“Papa you’re not going to go away with bua. Are you?” Arush asked clinging to Arnav,s neck.

“Never, beta I’m never going anywhere without you and your Amma. You must never even think such thing, ok.” He held Arush close for a moment then relinquished him to Savitha. 

Khushi stood up and said in a tight voice “I think I better go see about lunch.” She looked at Arnav, he smiled and nodded. She clearly understood this was something he needed to do by himself. As she made to go past him, he put his arm around her waist and pulled her close, he lifted her chin up to him and kissed her fully on the lips, she gasped and he took advantage and deepened the kiss, smiling at her stunned face which was rapidly turning red, “I love you.” He whispered letting her go.

Anjali blushing deeply at this overt display of love by her brother and  grinned “Khushi I will come with you, and help.” She limped forward quickly and took Khushi’s arm in hers.

Arnav watched the two women walk away.  Then turned to his brother in law his face hard, and eyes cold as steel.  He voice was quite but deadly “I don’t need proof that Arush is my son, nor do I have to prove to anyone that I am his father. Never again, never ever again insult my wife. Or question her integrity.”

Shayam hid his fury at the sight of Arnav touching Khushi so intimately, he couldn’t get it in his head that they were lovers, more than lovers. He hated Arnav for taking Khushi, and he hated Khushi for belonging freely to Arnav.  He swallowed hard, though the chill in his spine warned him to back off, he paid no heed to it “I was only trying to look out for your interest Salle saab, women like Khushi, from poor families.......” he voice trailed away at the look on Arnav’s face. He knew then if he said one more word he might as well say good bye to the life.

Arnav was trembling with fury, how dare this man question him, judge Khushi. For some reason he felt an instinctual revulsion to his brother in law, something didn’t feel right in the way he had looked at Khushi. Arnav felt an overpowering need to protect her, the sudden urge to hide her from this man. It shook him to the core.  He shook a finger at the man, “that will be enough, never again.” He said and repeated quietly “never again.” And walked away, leave a visibly shaken Shayam. His face becoming sullen as his mind refused to give up.

Lunch was a quit affair, Anjali and Arush contributed to most of the conversation, Anjali was feeding Arush as they chatted away. Khushi was unusually quite only answering quires put to her by Anjali, Arush or Arnav. She pointedly ignored Shayam even when he asked her a direct question. This did not go unnoticed by Arnav, he also noticed Shayam giving fugitive looks at Khushi, looks he could not catch fast enough to read but never the less had his hackles rising and his teeth on edge. After lunch Arnav went to his study, and Khushi took Arush for an afternoon nap.

Khushi mind felt frozen, she had been shocked to see Shayam. His presence eclipsed her happiness at meeting Anjali.  One look at him and his eyes she knew all he hopes and prays had been in vain, he had not changed. Then he had the nerve to question her integrity and her son’s paternity. She had been so furious, but Arnav had handled that. She felt his lustful eyes fallowing her everywhere, making her skin crawl. She hated the feeling.

She knew that Shayam had to be exposed, he had not yet confronted her, and she had done everything to avoid him.  Her only fear was for Anjali and Arnav and the pain and heartbreak Anjali would have to suffer. Anjali was so happy living in her own world of love, and the illusion of that love that horrible man had kept alive feeding on her innocence and goodness.

Arnav found her in their room looking out of the window, she looked deep in thought. “Khushi I have to go to the office, they have just reschedule an important meeting. I don’t know how long it will take.” He went to his wardrobe to take out his suit, “Khushi? Are you ok?” he turned to her.

"I want to take Arush and go to Maa’s house.” She said quietly without meeting his eyes.

A chill ran down his spine, and his heart clenched in pain, she wanted to go? They had never been apart since the day they had started living together after Arush had come out of hospital, they had spend every nights together in each other’s arms, “Khushi what is it, is something troubling you.”

“No!! I just want some space.” She said agitated. Her face was white and her usually sparkling eyes were misty and lost.

He walked up to her and held her by the arms almost shaking her in desperation “Something is troubling you Khushi, I know it, please tell me.”

“Arnav please, this is all too much to take in right now, I just need some time, please.” She pleaded, tears glistening her eyes

“Ok fine, go.” He said angrily letting go of her; he took his clothes and went to the bathroom to get ready for work. When he came out she was gone. He saw Sarita walk by their room towards Arush’s room.

“Sarita, where is Khushi madam.” He asked

“Oh! She just left with Arush baba, sir.” he nodded and she left.

He felt a sense of desolation come over him. He knew she was troubled ever since she met Anjali and Shayam.  She had been upset with Shayam’s innuendoes and for some reason she had taken a dislike to his brother in law. Something was niggling at the back of his mind but he could not place it. Some distant memory that seems there, but out of reach. Thinking about it was giving him a headache. So leaving a message with the maid he left for work.

                  **********************************************

Chapter 24

Khsuhi reached Malini’s house,  Malini was not at home the maid informed her that Malini had gone to Pindwara for couple of days and will be back tomorrow afternoon.  Khushi sat in the lawn watching Arush play with a big punch me doll,  Arush took a boxers stance like Arnav had taught him and punched the doll on the nose and it swung right back up.  Arush found this very funny and punched it with even more enthusiasm. The stupid doll was just like the past,  however much you tried to push it behind you it just kept popping up Khushi thought.

She hated how she had left thing with Arnav.  But suddenly coming face to face with Shayam, and seeing that same lecherous look in his eyes,  had shaken her being, she had wanted to slap him and tell Arnav what a sick man his sister was married to, but the look of adoration in Anjali’s eyes  made her hold back.  She felt like she was back 4 years, the same questions looking her in the face.  Anjali’s heartbreak, and Arnav’s pain to see his sister like that.

Once again she found herself trying to choose between Anjali’s happiness and her own happiness.  She had given up everything 4 years ago but this time she had more at stake, her son, and her husband the only man she could every love. She had seen the look of desolation on Arnav’s face when she had told him she wanted to take Arush and go to Malini Maa’s house. She knew he didn’t want her to go.  But had finely, given in angrily.  She sighed what was she going to do, she didn’t want to lose him, she couldn’t bear to lose him. She felt a headache coming on and closed her eyes and leaned head against the back of the chair.  Arnav’s sad, angry face flashed behind her eye lids.

Arnav could not seem to concentrate on his work; all he thought about was Khushi,  he was angry at her, why couldn’t she just confide in him.  He felt a sense of desperation that she would not tell him about her fear, because he could see it in her eyes.  He felt like he had time travelled to the past, 4 years back and some unknown entity; he knew was there but could not see was trying to push Khushi away from him.  She had walked out on him 4 years ago. And today he felt that she had left and gone to Malini Maas house because of the same reason.  Feeling a headache coming on he cut short the meeting and went home early. 

He would use this time to talk to his sister and catch up on things.  He also had to make arrangements, as the rest of the family were arriving tomorrow. And if Khushi didn’t come back tomorrow, he’d just have to go and get her and Arush home.

He spent the evening with his sister, catching up on thing happening at home in Delhi. When his sister suddenly asked

“Chote,  I knew there were sparks between you and Khushji,  but I never realised you felt this way about her, I’m so sorry, if I had paid more attention to you, I would have seen that you didn’t love Lavanya.  And I would never have tried to push you two to get engaged.”

“Di it was not your fault or anyone else’s but mine, I was unwilling to accept my feelings for Khushi, and I had treated her very badly. It was because of me that she agreed to marry the man the family chose for her. And by the time I realised I could not bear to be away from her, it was too late.  She was engaged and going to be married. And I was going to be engaged to Lavanya.” He sighed and smiled at the memory of the first time he had made love to Khushi.  “Well, it just happened that what we felt for each other was much stronger, and we were unable to keep away from each other, so.....” he trailed off, blushing in front of his sister.

“Oh! Oh! Who could have thought my chote could be so romantic, remember we used to tease you that you never had a romantic bone in your body.” She giggled. “And there you were having a clandestine and torrid love affair right under our noses and we never even knew.”

“Di! It wasn’t like that.” he huffed blushing, “Ok, maybe a little.” He grinned boyishly,  “Di, Khushi and I cared for each other even then, and whatever had happened between us I have never regretted nor will I ever regret it. She was going to break of her wedding and I was going to ask her parents for her hand, but circumstances didn’t allow that to happen and she felt Delhi. But when I found her here in Udaipur and came to know about Arush we married immediately.”

“Chote I understand, I may not have known exactly what had taken place between you and Khushi, but I knew what you felt for her was deep, you were so sad after she left. But look at you now, you’re so happy, and that is all I care about.” She put her hand on his cheek lovingly and smiled.  They sat talking, late into the night.

            It was almost 11 pm, when Anjali went off to bed.  Arnav trudged to his room in a depressed mood knowing Khushi was not there waiting for him. So he first went to Arush’s room, it smelled of baby powder and green apples. The apples smell came from some tiny fruit shaped stickers,  that Arush had stuck to the door of his toy closet, the stickers smelled like green apples.

He picked up a long legged bugs bunny stuffed toy holding it to his chest burying his nose in the toy, it smelled of Arush. He missed his son. He missed reading him a story and tucking him in bed, after having his son’s tiny arms cling around his neck and getting a noisy kiss on his cheek.  He sighed, one day his son will grow older and those sweet kisses will stop. And he wanted to make the most of it. Sighing he put the toy down and went to his and Khushi’s room.

It smelled of her unique fragrance of flowers and spice mingled with his after shave.  He sighed as he stood in the empty room, everything in its place. The huge gilded photo frame of Khushi, Arush and him grinning at the camera, his arms about them, hanging above the bed, only reminded him how much he missed them.

He picked up Khushi rose colour duputta that was draped on the back of the couch, burying his nose in it, drinking in her fragrance, his need to have Khushi in his arms hit him like a punch in the stomach.  He rushed to the balcony breathing hard as tears formed in his eyes as the pain in his chest increased. Oh god he thought he could not breath without her. He needed her so much, just to see her and hear her voice and see her smile, to feel her presence, to bury himself within her in the throes of passion.

He squeezed his eyes shut as he ached for her.  Hearing a faint sound behind him, he suddenly felt the pain in his chest receded and his heartbeat accelerated he spun around to find her standing just inside the door with Arush asleep with his head on her shoulder.

  He walked back into the room and stood there for a moment thinking they was a figment of his imagination.  Her eyes full of tears, he saw her blink and a tear spilled over, running down her cheek.  He moved then closing the distance between them in three strides and threw his arm around his wife and child holding them close.

Khushi nuzzled her face into his neck with a sigh and as she lifted her head to look at him, he captured her lips with his; kissing her passionately. He shifted Arush from her shoulder to his, wrapping his other arm around  her pulling her tightly to his chest deepening the kiss. Her hands framed his face as she moulded her body to his.

“I couldn’t stay away from you.” She whispered against his mouth between kisses.  “I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t stay away from you.”

“Oh Khushi! I missed you, with every breath I missed you.” He said hugging her to him.

He guided her to the bed, and laid Arush on it, while he and Khushi sat holding each other, “I’m sorry I left like that, I just ....” her voice trailed away on a sob.

“shssssssh! Don’t say anything it doesn’t matter, I’m just wanted you back and your here. That’s all I care about Khushi.” He kissed her hair “the rest can wait.” They sat there for a while holding each other.

After sometime Arnav shifted “I’ll put Arush to bed in his room.” He whispered kissing her ear. He picked the sleeping child and walked to the adjoining  room,  laid Arush on the bed and tucked him in.

He walked back and took Khushi in his arms kissing he face and trailing kisses down her neck and shoulder, he unzipped her kameez pulling it off her shoulders and buried his face in her cleavage placing open mouthed kissed on her exposed flesh as he bit and nipped her sweet skin.

She tugged at his shirt and sweater pull both over his head simultaneously, leaving his upper body bare; she ran her hands over his smooth muscular shoulders and chest running her lips and tongue over his hot satin flesh making him gasp and moan. In a tangle of arms and legs they fell onto the bed.  Arnav pressed himself over her, moving his body   pushing her deeper in to the mattress, their breaths and moans mingling in a symphony of passion. Khushi groaned she pushed against his chest “the door, the door.” she gasped.  His head whipped around “shit!” he groaned and pushed himself off her and went to close the door.

Unknown to the couple the silent man stood in the shadows and watched, with heated eyes, his breath accelerating with excitement and rage as he watched the object of his desire in the arms of other man’s. His sick mind feeding his imaginations. His lust building, and mingling with a rage that shook his body.  He hands clenched with fury as he watched her rejoice in the other mans arms, her body arching and her hands and lips cling to him in need.  Everything he wanted and desired and knowing it would never be given to him freely.  Hatred for the other man washed over him making him grit his teeth.

 He saw his shirtless brother in law, his lean perfect body and washboard abs, an epitome of manhood shut the door to all the world outside, to partake in the feast only he was blessed with. Rage and envy shook Shayam’s frame and his mouth wet with lust twisted with hate he stepped out of the shadows and walked towards the closed door his ears taking in the moans and sighs of passion coming from behind the closed doors.

 His own soul twisted in agony, he shut his eyes and leaned against the wall imagining himself touching that succulent creamy white flesh of the women behind the door. He pushed himself from the wall making his way to his own room where his wife slept peacefully.  His aroused body craving release, he undressed and lay besides her shaking her awake and pulling her towards him.  He grabbed her roughly pulling her clothe off. And took her with a savage violence that left her astounded and sobbing softly.   He lay on his back catching his breath, thinking of the woman who at this very woman lay happily in the loving arms on another man. He shook his head to dispel the images floating in his head. Turned his back on the woman crying softly besides him and went to sleep.

Anjali slowly walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower, she let the warm water wash away the pain in her limbs and body.  Her leg hurt, when her husband in his need for physical pleasure had twisted it awkwardly. She let the water sooth away some of the pain. She knew that tomorrow the limp would be more pronounced, and she didn’t want to worry her brother. 

Dressed in a fresh nightgown she watched her sleeping husband. She didn’t understand the man. He was such a soft spoken man who always said the right thing. When they had married he had been nothing but the perfect gentleman, always caring and considerate of her and her family. Yet he was a man of strange moods and unlike her brother who carried his anger on his nose. She could never understand the reasons behind her husband’s anger or his violence like today. Though he always apologised and showered her with gifts later and she always forgave him.

She loved Shayam, she knew he was not a highly accomplished lawyer, as she believed that most of the cases he worked on were for the poor and she admired him for that.  She didn’t care for money or riches she was well provided for and she didn’t mind sharing her wealth with her husband. In fact she regularly provided him with large sum of money without question. Yet she sometimes caught a look of envy in her husband’s eyes for her brother.

She was used to seeing men envy her highly successful and gifted brother. She was proud of him and all his achievements at such a young age. For a long time her Chote had locked his emotions up and had hidden away the key,  but when she saw him today and how happy he was her heart rejoiced. She prayed with her heart that nothing would ever take her brothers happiness away, praying always relaxed her so she prayed for all her loved ones, for Khushi and little Arush who had brought so much joy in her brother’s life,  she drifted off to sleep.

The next day brought a whole lot of excitement and energy. Arnav and Khushi woke to the sound of someone pounding on the door, Arush lay at the foot of the bed half on top of them a bottle of milk in his mouth watching Tom and Jerry on the television in their room.

“Chote, Khushi wake up, they will be here any minute.” Came Anjali’s voice. “Chote?”

Khushi scrambled out of bed wrapped in sheets and dashed for the bathroom, Arnav holding a sheet wrapped around his waist went to open the door, while Arush sat nonchalant to the adult drama, watching TV and sucking on the milk bottle.

“Chote!” Anjali eyes widened at the sight of Arnav wrapped in a sheet, untidy lock of hair falling over his brow. She gasped pushed him aside ignoring his “what the?” and sighed with relief at the sight of Arush on the bed.  “Khushi is home.” She smiled in relief.

“What?” Arnav asked puzzled, then his eyes widened in astonishment, his brows rising, “Di!! Really?” securing the sheet around his waist, he shook his head in disapproval.

She grinned, holding her ears “Sorry” she smiled sweetly at him, “I didn’t know Khushi was back.” She said in her defence. Then she grinned teasingly “no wonder you’r still in bed.” She giggled, clasping her hands under her chin.

Arnav shook his head blushing, he walked to the bed and picked up his son like a sack of potatoes, the child squealed, the bottle falling on the bed, he picked that up as well and deposited them into his sisters arms “Bua will get you ready” he told his son, kissing him on the cheek. He ushered them to the adjoining door leading to the nursery, “Khushi and I will be down shortly.” He told his sister with a smile. His mind already in thought’s of joining Khushi in the shower.  

“Aaray, But...” Anjali trailed off as the door shut in her face. She looked at Arush, “tsk! Your papa no?” she said in mocked annoyance. “tsk! Papa no.” Arush repeated slapping his forehead like his mother, imitating Anjali’s expression making her laugh. “Come my bundle of joy, let’s get you ready and handsome for everyone.”  

             *******************************************

Chapter 25

With the arrival of the Gupta family and the rest of the Raizada family, the house was in total chaos. This was Khushi other surprise. With teary eyes she hugged her family. Her mother sobbed holding her tight; her Bua sobbed apologising profusely for not trusting her. She cried in her father’s arms as he held her, happy to see her safe and happy. Payal laughed and cried openly with Khushi, both hugging each other and jumping up and down like school girls.

The Raizada family were equally delight to see Khushi again. Arnav’s Nani was over the moon knowing that she was now a great grandmother. She hugged and kissed both Arnav and Khushi showering them with blessings.  Akaash slapped Arnav’s back over and over congratulating him on his fatherhood, a proud smile on his face at becoming a Chachu.  

Arush was the centre of attention; he was passed from person to person like a gift parcel. Fussed over and pampered, kissed and cuddled and generally fought over by everyone wanting to hold him. He enjoyed all the attention like a movie star.  Arnav smiled proudly as everyone agreed that the looked exactly like him, Akaash thumped Arnav on the back in congrats.  And everyone also agreed that he had Khushi’s smile.

“Oh, he also has Arnav’s temper and stubbornness too, Naniji.” Khushi told  Nani.

“Of course, Bhai’s temper is legendry it has to be passed down to the next generation, it’s a legacy.” Akaash teased, once again thumping Arnav on the back earning himself a frown.  While everyone laughed

“Rigth  beta. Just you wait when it’s your turn. And you have a simpering shy kid, and then I’ll never let you hear the end of it.” Arnav threatened Akaash, as Payal blushed.

Throughout it all Shayam sat quietly looking on. The Gupta had virtually ignored him, occasionally they gave him withering looks. He avoided looking at them as much as he could. But he was constantly aware of them especially Shashi Gupta, the sheer loathing and hate emanating from him was tangible to him. He had tortured the old man once. But he didn’t care, he smiled to himself he had threatened them well and good.

When he had found out the Akaash was going to marry Payal Gupta he had been shocked, and had tried his best to discourage Mamiji and set her against the match. But all his hard work had been to no avail.  Between Arnav and Akaash and Anjali and Nani they had convinced Mami to accept the match as Akaash was in love with Payal and he would marry her with or without her blessing. He had tried to bring up Khushi name in order to give a reason to Mamiji to refuse the match. But even then Arnav had overridden the issue. Saying one had nothing to do with the other.

So he had taken a bunch of men and gone to Lucknow, and had threatened the Gupta family to keep their mouths shut about his involvement with their family and Khushi.  He threatened that if they told anyone about him, he would make sure that he would burn the entire family alive. That he would set fire to their house while they were sleeping in their beds. He could have done so now as well but he was a peace loving man and did not give into his violent streak. But had warned them, that he was very capable of it. The women had been terrified of him and the lone handicapped man had been helpless to defend his family. They had agreed to keep their mouths shut as long as he stayed away from their daughter and their family.

Now he was a little apprehensive. It was one thing to be able to keep the Gupta family quite. Threatened a helpless handicap man and frightened women, but to handle a spirited Khushi and now Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada was a whole new ball game. He had not yet been able to get her alone. And she had done everything to ignore and avoide him. He needed time to think.  Telling Anjali that he needed to make some calls he left the room.

Arnav had made arrangement so that the adjacent villa was at the family’s disposal.  It would be shared by Nani, Mama and Mami and the Gupta family while Akaash will use the bedroom next to Arush’s room.  The family retired to rest and Khushi got a chance to speak to her family alone.

Buaji cried and begged Khushi forgiveness, “If I had not to push you, Khushi betiya we would never have had to be at the mercy of that animal.” She wailed.

“It was not your fault Buaji, we were all taken in by that man, it is not wrong to see people as essentially decent beings. We are good people and we believe that everyone else is good too.” She consoled her Bua. “What happned, has happened, but why have you not told anyone as well Buaji?” Khushi asked.

“We didn’t know who Shayam was until a few months ago, but after Akaash’s Parents came with his Nani and Sister, your Babuji recognised her and told us that Shayam was her husband. And we had decided to tell the Raizada’s everything.” Bua said.

Payal continued, "but Khushi that very night Shayam came to the house with goons and threatened the family, he said he would burn us alive if we didn’t keep our mouths shut.”

“What! How dare he?!  No this is enough. We are not going to keep quite anymore. If he had the decency to accept his fault, to accept he was wrong in misleading us and truly repented.  I would have no problem forgiving, him for Anjali Di’s sake” Anger washed over her, “but threatening our family is unforgiveable. No we will not lead our lives under threat. Tomorrow after the gala I will tell Arnav that he is the man who got engaged to me under false pretext. I will tell him everything and how he threatened my family.”

“But Khushi” Amma said.

“It is alright Amma, Arnav knows everything, but the name of the man responsible for so much heartache.  I know this will hurt him and Anjali Di, but we have no other option. This man has to be dealt with.” She sighed her decision made, “Arnav will know how to deal with him.” she said

“Khushi is right, whatever happens after that we will bare it, but living under the threat of such a man is worse than death.” Shashi Gupta said softly his face full of determination; he had lost hope of protecting his family with the loss of Khushi. But now they were together and he knew everything will be alright.

“You must all rest now.” She smiled, happy to have her family back. “I have a lot of work to do. After tomorrow our live are going to be perfect.”

 Leaving her family to rest she made her way to her room. Arnav was waiting for her he stood on the balcony looking over the gardens. She walked up behind him and put her arm around his waist pressing her body into his back. “Thank you.” She said softly.

He chucked, ”what for.”

“For giving me back my family.”

“They were always your family Khushi; you were only separated from them for a little while. I’ve only shown you that your family has gotten bigger” he turned around in her arms, and wrapped his arms around her. Once again hit by a wave of desire.

She gasped, very aware of him, as an answering flame burned within her belly. She smiled and lifted an eyebrow. “Really!  Mr. Raizada,  after whole of last night.” She questioned, delighted as she saw a blush creep up his face.

He untangled himself from her and took a deep breath. “You Mrs. Raizada will be the death of me. Any more cold showers I will certainly get pneumonia.” He grinned.

“No way! You have not had a cold shower since the day I left Arush at Maa’s for a sleep over.”  She scolded poking him in the chest. And he grinned as he remembered Khushi trying to seduce him and completely succeeding.

He put his hands up in defeat, “alright I concede.  I will not get pneumonia.” He smiled. “But I am sure I will not make it in time to meet all the VIP from Delhi we invited for the gala.”  He watched her face as it turned serious and she worried her lower lip.

“What is it Khushi.”

“I need to talk to you.”

“Yes tell me.”

“Not today Arnav, please bear with me, tomorrow is a big day and I don’t want anything to spoil it. We will talk tomorrow after the gala. I promise.” She pleaded.

His eyes tightened as he watched her. This thing had been troubling her for a long time. He knew and he was just glad that she had decided to talk to him about it at last. Whatever it was he was prepared to deal with it as long as he had her. “It’s ok Khushi. I know you have a lot to deal with at the moment. But we will talk about this tomorrow.” He cupped her cheek kissing her forehead. He looked at his watch, “But right now I have to go and receive the VIP.”

She nodded, “Yes Piyush called, he just picked them up from the airport they will be arriving at the resort soon.”

“Then I better hurry.” He said but took the time kiss her deeply on the lips before taking a deep breath and leaving.

She watched him go, marvelling at the man she married.  A little dazed and dazzled by him. He always left her heart racing and he pulse skipping, the more she had him the more she wanted him.  She knew this would always be the case with the two of them and no amount of time or distance would lessen it. She was part of his soul, and he was part of hers.

They were always meant to be together from the moment she had fallen into his arms on that fateful night in Lucknow. And destiny had found a way to bring them face to face, time and again never letting them stray too far or too long from each other tying them together with unbreakable bonds of love and trust and the beautiful life they create together.  She touched her belly, as a secret smile touched her lips.   

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Chapter 26

Shayam found Khushi on the terrace talking on the phone. This was his chance if only he could convince her of his regard, if she could only just believe that he cared about her, maybe be she will understand why he did it, maybe he will have a chance.  He knew they were slim but he refused to accept defeat.  She was married to Arnav Singh Raizada, every women’s dream, but Khushi was a simple girl, just maybe she would not be impressed by the money and would understand his love, he told himself.

“I want everything to be perfect tomorrow, Malti check and recheck every detail.”  She paused listening, “Yes I will come by, tomorrow morning for a last minute check.” She laughed at something the other person said. “Yes Malti, regardless of what half the mummy’s in Udaipur think or want, Arnav Singh Raizada is not eligible and is certainly not a bachelor. He is a very very happily married man who, absolute loves and adores his very beautiful wife.” She said in amusement. “Ok enough of day dreaming about my husband and get to work.” She disconnected and turned around the amused smile freezing on her face.

“Khushiji, Please listen to me.” Shayam pleaded putting his hand out to hold her arm. She stepped back.

“I have nothing to say to you.” She said coldly.

“Khushiji I understand you are angry with me, I should have told you the truth, I wanted to.” he rushed as her eyes narrowed in anger, “please, believe me. I was only afraid to lose you. I was going to divorce Anjali.”

“Divorce Anjali.” she spat the word out, “when after marrying me and ruining my life and ruining Di’s live as well. You think I’m going to believe anything you say.”

 Frustrated that she was not willing to listen to him, he went on offensive tactics, “You shouldn’t have gone to him, Khushiji.” He cried in anguish “you were engaged to me. How could you f**k him when you loved me.” He roared.

As fury washed over her like a tidal wave, each day of anguish and loneliness she had suffered because of this man, memory of giving birth to her son without his father, glimpses of the pain, in the eyes the man she loved, pain he had suffered being apart from her, Anjali’s faith in this man who had blatantly betrayed her and was still betraying her, her family’s fear of him and terror at his threats  spiralled through her mind, her body shook with rage and hand flew striking him hard across the cheek with all her might. Making his head snap back. “How dare you, How dare you.” She growled, her voice low and trembling with rage. “You were a married man,  and you wanted to marry me, while still being married to your wife. And you judge me.”

 She continued viciously, her eyes full of contempt for the man in front of her, “How could you even think I loved you. I had no interest in marrying you; I only said yes under duress. You tried to kill my father and then tortured him to force buaji to make me say yes. And you think I said yes because I loved you.” She snorted, giving him a look of such loathing at his foolishness. “You are more stupid then I thought, I have only loved one man, and that is Arnav Singh Raizada. I loved him then and I love him now.”

She gave him a look of such superiority, making him cringe and shrink away. “You think way too highly of yourself Shayam Jha.” She spat his name like it was a dirty word. “You are not worthy of even being the filth under my husband’s shoes. That you think you can come and talk to me, and question me about going to his bed. I lay with the man I loved and I came home that evening to break of the wedding. Only to find out about your duplicity.” She fumed “I went away only for him, I was trying to protect him and his sister from heartache, and not because of anything I felt for you. So don’t delude yourself into thinking you have any power over me.” She gave him a cold smile, “and come tomorrow you will have no power over Di as well. In the mean time stay away from me; and my family; my entire family.” She emphasized, giving him a look of sheer disgust she left him standing there cupping his cheek.

Shayam stood there stunned and shaking,  like a ridiculed child cowering against the corner.  He shook with shame and embarrassment that, that she, the poor little girl from Lucknow had just shown him the mirror of his live, her words ringing in his ears.

“You think I said yes because I loved you”

“You are more stupid than I thought.”

“I have only loved one man, and that is Arnav Singh Raizada.”

“You are not worthy of being the filth under my husband shoe.”

“I loved him then and I love him now.”

Her words like an echo filled his brain, over and over giving form to his worthlessness.  Images of the past flashed through his brain. Children making fun of him,  because his shoes were torn. “You will never amount to anything, forever good for nothing.” his father telling him. His grandmother shrieking, “You will always be a good for nothing. Always lazy and stupid.” His 12 years self watching enviously, as the children in the house where his father worked as a driver were having a birthday party, and having fun, the piles of gifts on a table, he was hit on the head, “I told you to water the plants, not laze about day dreaming.” Came his father’s voice Shayam put his hands over his ears to stop the voices, and shut his eyes tightly.

“Your more stupid then I thought.” “Not worthy of being the filth under my Husband’s shoe.” Flashes of Arnav Singh Raizada walking into a room, as everybody looked at him in awe. Arnav Singh Raizada’s commanding presence, his arrogant and smug look spoke of money and power.  Khushi in Arnav’s arms clinging to him their lips fused together bodies moulding, fitting perfectly. The look of pure love in Khushi’s eyes,  as she looked at the man and the child with his eyes and face. “The only man I ever loved is Arnav Singh Raizada.”  Arnav running his hand over Khushi cheek kissing her, “I loved him then and I love him now.”

Shayam squeezed his tight and screamed “NO..ooooo.” his body shook with helpless rage. He had not felt so humiliated in all his life. I will not let that happen he thought, he would teach her a lesson, no he was going to destroy her and thus destroy him. He will walk away the victor.  He would not allow her to reduce him to nothing. A maniacal laugh escaped from his lips a plan forming in his mind.

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Chapter 27

Arnav stood in his office going through a file talking to Aman, a tall spectacled man with pleasant features and an efficient look. 4 years older the Arnav he had worked for AR company since its inception. Aman had been Anjali’s classmate in collage, and had joined Arnav when he had first started his company and had become his right hand man.

Anam was pleased to see the change in Arnav. Marriage life suits him he thought; he looks more relaxed and happy. He had yet to meet the famous Mrs. Raizada who had stolen this boss’s heart.

Arnav looked up as his office door opened and Arush rushed in; he put the file down and caught his son who jumped into his arms. “Hey! Champ what are you doing here?”  

“Come to take you papa.” Arush chimed kissing his father on the cheek, and then he wriggled out of his arms. Grabbed a surprised Aman’s hand and pulled him behind his father’s large desk, Arush proceeded to sit in the large leather chair looked at Aman and commanded “Spin me.” Aman complied with a chuckle, thinking like father like son. He turned his head to see a beautiful woman with twinkling eyes and a smile as bright as sunshine enter and his boss’s entire focus was on her.

Arnav watched as Khushi entered his office. She looked so radiant in a chiffon peach sari, with silver sequence work on the borders, his breath caught in his throat. She flirted to him putting her arms around his neck and kissed him fully on the lips, she sweet tongue ran over his lower lip parting them and tangled with his. With a moan he wrapped his arms around her drinking the sweet nectar of her lips. She pulled away a radiant smile on her beautiful face “Hi” she said, her eyes drifting over his shoulder. “Oh! You have company.” Indicating the man spinning the chair with her son in it,  his face averted prudently, to the intimate scene between his boss and his wife.

Wiping the goofy smile of his face and clearing her throat, “Aman.” He called. Anam turned with an embarrassed smile. “Aman, Khushi my wife and of course that is Arush my son.” He said proudly. “Khushi, Aman.”

“Finally we meet.” Khushi smiled

“Yes, It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs Raizada.” Aman replied, Arush screamed, “Again.” Aman made a show of jumping to attention, “yes boss.”

“Sorry, he can be a little over bearing.” She smiled apologetically. Grimacing at her son.

“It’s alright I’m use to It.” he said flippantly; suddenly realising what he had said the threw a wary glance at Arnav “I....what I mean... I....” Be blushed furiously over his blunder.

Khushi laughed elbowing her husband in the side. “Really, Arnav you over work this man.” She complained.

Aman looked mortified, “No! Ma’am really I... didn’t.. mean it that way.”  He stuttered, still spinning the chair.

“Relax, Aman no offence taken. She was just teasing.” Arnav said graciously.

Akaash, Anjali entered the office followed by Payal. “There he is.” He indicated towards Arush “I told you we’ll find him here. Hay, Aman. I see you the little guy has got you on duty too.” He grinned.

Anjali greeted Aman warmly, “Hi Aman, how are you? how is your mother?” She inquired.

Aman blushed pleased that she asked after him, “She fine, thank you Anjali,” he smiled shyly. Aman used to have a huge crush on Anjali.  But had never able to explain his feelings to her. He had waited too long and she had married someone else. But he still cared for her.

 “Bhai, we have come to take you.” Akaash grinned, he was not going to let his brother wriggle out of this, he didn’t want to be the only one stuck with this task the women had in mind.

“What the..?” Arnav looked perplexed. “What? Where?

“Shopping!!” Khushi and Anjali chimed in union giggling.

“What? No! I’ve a lot of work.” He pleaded.

“No work.” Khushi walked around his desk picked up Arush from the chair. “Aman will handle everything. Won’t you Aman?” She deposited Arush into Arnav’s arms, grabbed his coat of the chair. Hooked her arm around him and pulled him towards the door.

“Of course, Ma’am” Aman smiled nodding.

“Khushi? Di!” Arnav protested as they herded him out the door. He threw a dirty look at a grinning Akaash, who said with a shrug “No way was I going to do this alone.”

For all their protests Arnav and Akaash had made they found they were enjoying themselves at the mall. The women shopped for sarees, and gifts for the family;  while the men sat at a table at MacDonald’s eating burgers. Quite happy to relax and chat keeping a close eye on Arush as he played in the small park area in the mall.

Arnav stood with a long suffering sigh in the men’s section of a designer showroom, as Khushi and Anjali held shirts to him trying to make a selection. While Payal did the same for Akaash and a grinning Arush picked shirt after shirt giving them to his mother saying “I like this one.” Arnav’s sarcastic “Way bother choosing; let’s just buy the whole store.” Got him a very serious “OK” from his son; and a whack on the arm from his wife.

Arnav and Akaash had the time of their lives in the toy store, they hooted and high fived each other as the competed on a video game, with lots of gun fighting and Chinese martial arts. With Arush skipping around them happily cheering for his father. They decided to have one installed at home.

“Yes Bhai! Awesome idea. We should have an entire gaming room with attached gym.”

“Yep with pool and snooker tables too.” Arnav said taken in with the idea.

“Forget it.” Di said with a reproaching look at the two. “Nani will never allow it. And besides you guys are not 13 anymore, Chote you’re a father. And Akaash you will be married in a couple of months and will probably have a kid on the way.” She said making Payal blush.

“But were thinking about Arush.” Akaash said trying to convince her.

“Arush is too small to play with that thing. As well as snooker and pool” Anjali pointed out, to which Arush gave her his most charming smile and said “no I can play bua. I’ll play with Papa and Chachu.”  She smiled looking at Arnav and Akaash nod their heads solemnly. She hugged Arush “waaaa..I’m sure you can puppy. But no.”

Arnav and Akaash exchanged conspiring glance, they’ll bring up the matter at a later date. Loaded with shopping bags,  They left for home.

Later that night with Arush tucked snugly in bed, Arnav lay with Khushi fast asleep in his arms.  he lay wake slightly disturbed. Dinner had been a noisy affair. With the women discussing wedding idea for Akaash and Payal’s wedding.  Nani and buaji told stories of their wedding days, and how things used to be much more simple during their time, as such event were simply held in the houses of the bride and groom, and there was no need to have wedding planers or halls or catering services.

The only person who did not seem to contribute and was unusually silent was Shayam. Arnav had noticed that Khushi and the Gupta’s had taken a huge dislike to his brother in law. Even Anjali seemed to be wary of him. Shayam and he rarely talked much due to the cold vibe between them since 4 years back.  The Gupta’s had virtually ignored him while they had been quite attentive to Akaash and him.  he had not  missed Kushi’s father angry looks towards Shayam.

Shayam mostly kept his eyes downcast but Arnav had caught him watching Khushi. This had irked him, he didn’t like the way Shayam watched Khushi.  A strange restlessness over took him. As he kept wondering about Shayam’s connection with the Gupta’s, the thoughts that came to his mind made his blood run cold. It could not possibly be, but still everything pointed to such a possibility. He had tried to ask Khushi about it, but she had simply said that will tell him everything tomorrow after the gala.

Khushi whimpered in her dream and snuggled closer to him, twisting her fingers into the collar of his pullover. He watched her sleeping, though she was fast asleep she seemed restless. He knew the something was troubling her and he didn’t like it. but whatever it was, he would have to wait for tomorrow.

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Chapter 28

The next day Khushi left early as she had to see to the last minute details for the gala.  The open air venue where the gala was taking place was only a short distance away from the villas. A huge stage was set up for the live performance. An area was set up for dancing and a number of tables with satin table clothes and chairs were set around it. The place was humming with people. Khushi and Arnav barely saw each other throughout the day.  Arnav was busy in meetings along with Akaash and mamaji.   Since both Arnav and Khushi were busy Anjali and Payal went to pick Arush from school.

After a hectic day they returned to get ready for the gala. Khushi set in front of the dressing table dressed in a ice blue net sari with silver and white heavy embroidery on the borders and pallu, she looked ethereal as she put on light makeup, her eyes lined with eyeliner look gave her a sultry look, she looked at her husband standing behind her adjusting the bow tie of the Armani tuxedo admiring the way the beautifully cut jacket emphasized his broad shoulder and lean torso.

“Like what you see, Ma’am.” He asked with a smirk.

“Very much” she sighed giggling .

“Well you don’t look so bad yourself.” He pursed his lips, “hmmm! But something is missing.”   She frowned looking at her reflection in the mirror.

He walked to their wardrobe and opened the safe and took out a dark blue velvet box. He laid it on the bed behind her taking out a necklace he put it around her neck fastening the clasp. It was a beautiful diamond necklace two strands running to the centre to break into shooting stars.

Khushi gasped, “it’s beautiful, but you..”

“Don’t say I shouldn’t have. I’m your husband and a husband has to give his wife beautiful gifts. Nani says.” He smiled shyly pressing his cheek to hers and looking into her eyes in the mirror reflection.

She cupped his cheek with her hand her eyes moist, “You have already given me so much.” She whispered.

“No Khushi.” He said huskily “I want to give you the world.”  He touched the jewellery at her neck “besides this is just a thank you present for giving me Arush.” he smiled.  “It’s been long overdue.”

“Thank you, then.” She whispered,  turning around and standing on tip of her toes to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her kissing her back their lips moulding and tongues clinging deepening the kiss as morns of pleasure escaped her throat.  Arnav heart was racing in his chest he could kiss her all day long like this and never tire; he never seemed to get enough of her and rejoiced in the knowledge that she was his. He broke the kiss coming up for air and sighed, “We better leave or we will never make it to our own gala.” She nodded and turned to touch up her lipstick once again blushing to see the telltale swelling on her lips.

All the guest had arrived and were engrossed in the performances going on stage.  When Arnav and Khushi arrived, Akaash and Payal joined them they had
Arush with them.

“The guest and the press are waiting eagerly for the perfect couple as you two have been dubbed.” He teased.

Anam walked up to them, “good evening boss, Ma’am. The MC is waiting for you, as well as the crème de la crème of Udaipur society. Even the royal families are here.” 

“Ok then let’s get on with the show.” Arnav took a deep breath, smiling as Khushi fussed over Arush’s hair and took his hand while Arnav took the other. They walked in to camera flashing; the press calling out for poses, Arnav picked Arush in one arm and wrapped his other around Khushi’s waist.

“Ladies and Gentlemen; finely the host and hostess of this event, Mr. and Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada. And of course, young Arush Singh Raizada heir to the Raizada Empire.” The MC announced. Camera flashed taking in the perfect little family. People marvelled at how prefect they looked together, him tall and handsome, she slim and beautiful and their son cute as a button.

Arnav gave a small speech of welcome and thanking the guest for gracing this occasion and sharing their happiness with the Raizada and Gupta family.  He also took the opportunity to formally announce the engagement of his brother Akaash  Raizada to Khushi sister Payal Gupta. And joked how the Raizada men could not help falling in love with the beautiful Gupta sisters.  The men grunted in agreement and the women moaned with envy.

Both couples were congratulated heartily and wished a happy life together. Arnav and Khushi mingled with the guest.   When Malini was introduced the Gupta and Raizada families, they thanked her profusely.  Thank her for taking Khushi in her home, and being there for her in her time of trouble. Malini maa and Nani became fast friends.  Malini maa took on the task to introduce Arnav to the most influential people in Udaipur.

Conversations about politics, economy and business among the men, carried on alongside conversations about fashion, entertainment trends and salacious gossip  among the women. Delicious canapés along with drinks of every kind were severed at regular intervals. The guest enjoyed the live performance by the Rajasthan folk dancers and singers

After mingling with the guest for about an hour and a half Khushi made her way to the tables where her family was sitting and set next to Anjali to rest a bit, she looked around and saw Arnav deep in conversation with Rajsinghji and Prince Yashvardhan the son on a local Maharaja, the Prince was an enterprising man and was headed a local telecom company and Khushi knew that he wanted to branch out into other fields. And being as dynamic a man as Arnav Singh Raizada and of nearly the same age they seemed to get on well. She knew the Arnav had received and invite to golf with the Prince at a local golf club.

Khushi turned to see Anjali cast a restless look about her, searching the crowed. a look of discomfort in her face. So Khushi inquired, “Di is everything alright.” She looked lost “han, It’s just forget to take my medication and now my leg in paining, I was looking for Shayamji so that he could go and fetch it for me, but he does not seem to be around.” She sighed, “I think I better go and get it myself.” She made to stand.  Khushi put her hand gently on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Di, I’ll go and get it the villa is only a couple of minute away and I know a shortcut.” She winked. “Are you sure Khushi, I don’t want to cause you any inconvenience.”

“What rubbish Di, you don’t worry, just relax, I’ll get your medication and be back in two minutes.”Khushi said and made her way towards the exit.

As he walked out a man stepped out of the shadows watching her leave, a pleased smirk on his face. His plan had worked, he had promised Anjali to give her, her medication which he had deliberately withheld hiding it out of sight in the dressed braw.  He knew Khushi would be the only one to show concern towards Anjali besides Arnav. But with all the dignitaries present Arnav would be otherwise  occupied.  He made his way toward the exit.

Arnav was talking to Mr. Pradhan who was the CEO of a garment factory that specialised in traditional motif cloth, and exported it to international market where it was much in demand.  His eyes fell towards the exit and he noticed his brother in law cast a fugitive glance over his back and hastily walk out of the main entrance. Arnav frowned at his brother in law strange behaviour. Thinking he must have gone to make a phone call, away from the noise. 

Khushi reached the villa in minutes, but stood talking to one of the coordinators as  parking problem had come up in the parking lot. She told him to meet with Mr. Das and he would handle it. Finishing her call the entered the villa.  A few seconds after her another figure entered the villa after her.

 Going to Anjali’s room she checked the bed side table but could not find the medicine.  Looking around, she went to the dressing table and checked the draws there she found what she was looking for. Smiling she turned around and froze. “You?!”

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Chapter 29

Finding what she was looking for Khushi turned around and froze. She had been unaware the she wasn’t alone, a shiver of dread crept up her spine. “You?!” she said to Shayam who stood blocking the door. A leering smirk on his face. every cell in her body sending warning signals to her brain telling her she had to get away from him and fast as she could, she said a silent pray to devi maiya for help.

Arnav felt a strange feeling of anxiety come over him; he was not a man prone to anxiety attacks.  And he knew this had nothing to do with his blood sugar, but was something else entirely, he could not ignore the strange sense of premonition, he hadn’t had this feeling since his parents death, something bad was going to happen.  He looked around the crowded venue searching for one face,  he looked at the table where his family set. Arush was with his Khushi’s mother who was feeding him. But no Khushi. He asked Payal who was walking by him, “Payal? Have you seen Khushi?”

“No Arnav Bhaiya. Wait I saw her talking to Anjali Di a few minutes back, why is there a problem.” She asked concerned. Arnav just shook his head and walked towards his sister.

“You!! What are you doing here.” She asked, “I told you I don’t want to talk to you.” She made to walk past him towards the door.

He caught her arm. “Don’t you dare touch me.” Khushi cried in disgust, pulling her arm away.

“What makes you think I came here after you to talk. Khushiji.” He leered. As he stalked her steps, making her step back and away from the door.

“I don’t know what games you are playing, but if you think you scare me you are mistaken. Now get out of the way and let me go.” She said in a voice as firm as she could manage but she was quaking inside.  She tried to go past him, but he caught hold of her upper arms and pushed her had against the wall pressing his body into her. He giggled in anticipation. His maniacal laughter send bone chilling sensations down her spine, she screamed and tried to push him away, one hand under his chin and her elbow against his chest she pushed. He giggled at the game, finding excitement in her fear.

He laughed his maniac laugh, “oh! So you are going to scream. Go ahead and scream with all that music playing no one will hear you.” He laughed. She screamed as his ran his hand over her bare arms squeezing the flesh painfully. “But before I send you to your maker Khuahiji, I must have what I have desired for such a long time.” His laughter reverberated with her screams. “Not so high and mighty now are you Khushi Kumari Gupta, oh sorry.” he giggled. “Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.”

Fury washed over Khushi and she pushed him as hard as she could manage and lashed out, slapping him across the face with all the strength she could muster. She was not going to go quietly; she would fight him all the way.

Stunned by her attack, he grabbed her by the hair pulling tightly making her cry out in pain and dragged her to the bed flinging her on it. “You will never get away with this, Arnav will kill you when he finds out.” she said through gritted teeth, tears running down her face. She tried to scramble of the bed, but he grabbed her leg and twisted it. Bringing his full weight down on to her body. And his hands groped her body. She bucked and tried to push him off. She screamed digging her nails into his flesh clawing his face and ears. 

Arnav went to Anjali “Di where is Khushi?”

“Oh Chote, you see I could not find your Jijaji, he forget to give me my medication, so Khushi offered to go get it from the villa. She said she’ll be back soon.” She said looking around searching, worried by the look on her brother’s face.  “Chote is something the matter?”  But Arnav already started walking away from her. He passed Akaash and Aman and they tried to stop him.  Akaash  had learnt form payal the Arnav was worried for Khushi.

She screamed digging her nails into his face and clawed his face and ears, drawing blood. He gave an incensed cry and viciously slapped her in the face once and then slapped her again splitting her lip. She became dazed and disoriented, and felt the darkness seeping in to take over her.  Sobs escaped her broken lip, oh devi maiya she thought I have to get out of this,  she had barely found so much happiness and now she was going to lose everything. Arnav’s smiling face flashed before her eyes, Arush grinned at her calling Amma I love you.  She saw that Shayam had undone the buttons of his sheirvani and was unfastening the cord of his paijama. 

She thought of Arnav and Arush and the life she knew was growing within her,  drawing strength from them she braced herself, she was not going to give up easily.  Shayam pulled and shredded her sari and was trying to pull the hem of her skirt up parting her legs, as he made to come over her she drew every strength she could posses, brought her knees between their bodies and kicked with all her might, he went flying crashing into the dressed mirror. She scrambled of the bed and ran toward the door. But the sari tangled around the feet and she fell.

Arnav found Khsuhi father talking to one of the local sweet merchants. “Babuji I need to talk to you, now.” Taking in his son in law’s upset state he nodded. Excusing themselves, he guided Shashi Gupta’s wheelchair some distance away. And got down of his hunches, “Babuji I need to know the name of the man Khushi was engaged to 4 years ago.” He asked desperately,   the older man shook his head,  and sighed in regret “we never knew until a few months ago.  I knew 4 years back that the man was married but I didn’t know his connection to your family. Khushi said she would talk to you.”

“Babuji, please tell me the name,” he cried desperately, “Khushi could be in danger.”

The old man eyes widened in horror “Shayam, Shayam your sister’s husband” he said. And Arnav took off running, Akaash and Aman right behind him. Aman was already on the phone calling security.

Khushi fell, she tried to kick the sari off, she almost managed it, but Shayam was on her in a second. He wrapped his fingers around her throat and tried to push her legs apart with his knee, she groped with her hands searching for something to defend herself. Her fingers curled round a wire. So she pulled at it, the lamp stand and shade fell to the ground. Shayam tore at her halter top of her blouse tearing the strap. Giggling like a mad man he bit into her shoulder, a cry of pain escaped from her bruised lips. She wrapped her finger around the lamp stand and swung with all her might bring the hard wood stand to smash into the side of his face. The sound of bone cracking gave her satisfaction and she hit him again. He clutched his face in pain and rolled of her, for good measures she brought the stand down on him once more and hit him on his shoulder bone, hearing another satisfied crack. He howled out in pain and fell back down.

 She ran as fast as her week trembling legs could carry he across the dining hall and living area making it to the front door. She could hear him perusing her and she panicked fumbling for the latch of the door, she just had to get out of the house she thought , then she could find help.  The latch clicked and she pulled the door open running out only to barrel into a hard wall of chest. She screamed in terror, till she felt the familiar scent and arms envelope her. “Khushi!!!”  it was the most beautiful voice she had ever heard. The voice of her life line.

                                                                                                                                   

Arnav held her as she sobbed, fury at the sight of her torn bruised body and face  casting a red tinged film over his eyes, Akaash quickly took of his jacked and placed it on her shaking shoulder. Arnav turned his head to face the man who now stood shocked in the hall way.   He gently pushed Khushi into Akaash’s arms and walked towards the man who was responsible for his Khushi’s current state,   each bruise, the teeth marks on her shoulder, her state of undress feeding his frenzied rage as he stalked the man responsible. Everything in his sight had a red haze and his focus was totally on the man in front of him.

Shayam backed up in fear, he had never seen Arnav so furious, even 4 years back when he had passed a derogatory remark about Khushi, Arnav and been more annoyed and upset when he had punched him. But right at this minute Arnav looked like the wrath of god himself, his eyes blazing red with rage, nostrils flared, aggression written in every movement of his body. Shayam put his hands up in defence.

“Saale sabhi, that woman Khushi.” Shayam voice trembled.

“YOU DARE SPEAK HER NAME.” Arnav roared. His hand flying, slapping hard against Shayam’s cheek; snapping his head back, jarring his already damaged face he cried out in pain. Arnav caught him by one shoulder and slapped him again and again.  He punched him in the face causing Shayam to fly backwards falling to the ground.  Arnav went at him punching and kicking the sound of blows and cries of pain echoed of the walls. Akaash and Aman tried to hold him back but he just shook them off going after Shayam.

Shayam his lips broken and bleeding tried to defend himself, he picked a vase and hit Arnav with it. Arnav blocked the blow with his arm, the vase shattering cutting into his flesh.  “YOU DARED TO TOUCH HER.” Arnav screamed incensed, “TOUCH MY WIFE, MY KHUSHI.” He grabbed Shayam by the hair and smashed  his face into a glass cabinet. Glass cut into Shayam’s face and arms.  Arnav    punched him in the stomach. The force made Shayam bend forward and Arnav kneed him in the face breaking his nose.   Dropping his shoulders back Arnav lifted his leg and kicked him in the chest causing Shayam to fly seven feet away.

Anjali and Payal along with Shashi Gupta arrived with two security guards and stood shock still at the scene in front of them, Payal rushed to Khushi’s side wrapping her arms around a shocked and shaking Khushi.  Anjali stood clutching the door frame and she took in the sight of a battered Khushi and the brother raining blows over her husband, she sank to the ground as the truth of the situation settled in, silent tears flowing down her cheek.  “Stop him Akaash, he will kill him.” she cried afraid for her brother.

Akaash, Aman and the two security guards tried to hold Arnav back once again but he merely shook them off, leaving only his jacket in their hands. He stalked a now terrified Shayam.  With punches and kicks raining down on him Shayam begged for mercy. He tried to defend himself once again attacking Arnav with a stature, throwing it at the advancing Arnav who lifted his arms to protect his head, the blow broke the skin on his arm. Arnav kept advancing the grabbed Shayam throwing a barrage of punches, to his head and face.  Shayam was smashed into furniture after furniture by Arnav’s towering rage. His face battered into pulp he fell into the glass topped dining table smashing it into bits the glass slashing into this back.

  Arnav heard Khsuhi and his Sister,  scream at him to stop. But Arnav was not done yet, his sister voice and face filled his vision and more rage washed over him directed at the man who was responsible for running her life.  Arnav looked around and seeing a large earthen pot he picked it up and lifted over his head  intending to smash it to Shayam head, Shayam let out a gruntel scream; lifting his already cut and bleeding arms to protect his head.

Before Arnav could deliver this final blow, Khushi threw her weight onto his chest, wrapping her arms around him she said, “No Arnav, No he’s not worth it.” she whispered earnestly “he’s not worth you going to jail for murder, think of Arush and Di and me we need you.” She cried, “Please it’s enough, let the police handle him now. It’s over, it’s over.” With another outraged cry he threw the pot, Shayam cried out in terror and Khushi screamed.  The pot smashed into the wall beyond Shayam shards and earth raining down on him while he sobbed in fear.

Khushi fainted in Arnav’s arms, he immediately wrapped his arms around her holding her protectively holding her close as he cried into her hair.  He was vaguely  aware of the security personal taking hold of a sobbing, shaking and bleeding Shayam.  Akaash hand on his shoulder in comfort,  as he asked Aman to call the police and an ambulance. Arnav cried for Khushi, and the terror she had to face, he cried for his sister whose life would be left shattered after today. And he cried with joy and thanked the gods that he had been in time to save Khushi. Though bruised she was still in one piece. 

                 *********************************

Chapter 30

Arnav sat by her bed in the hospital, it was almost 4 in the morning. He had refused to leave her side and had spent most of the night either sitting by her bed or resting on the couch in her hospital room.  He had been treated for the cuts he had received on his arm which was now bandaged. 

The gala forgotten, he had left Akaash and Payal to handle the rest of the event asking them to see the guests off and keep the media out of the nights events.  Aman and the security team were to make sure the nothing of the incident, was to be leaked. The two security guards who had witnessed everything had been sworn to secrecy.  And both men terrified of Arnav had eagerly agreed never to speak a word of the matter to anyone.

 Anjali had sat with him offering and taking comfort, she was still in shock that her husband could do such a thing.  She was heartbroken, but for her family sake she put up a brave front. It had taken him ages to convince her to leave and go home to rest. He didn’t know what had been done with Shayam.  The last he had heard was that he was in the hospital getting patched up. When he thought of the broken expression on his sisters face, he wanted to find him and beat him some more. But he could not bear to be away from Khushi.

A crying Arush had been brought to the hospital, since he refused to go to sleep without seeing his parents. Arnav had not allowed him to see Khushi, he didn’t want him to see her batted face.  he had held his son in a tight embrace and told him “Amma is only a little sick, and Papa has to take care of her, but I promise as soon as she is better you can come with chachu and chachi to see her, ok.” Arush had given him a teary nod,  “Promise papa you will be good and will listen to chachi and nani maa.” Arush had nodded again, then giving his father a kiss on the cheek he went with Payal.

As Arnav set by the bed holding Khushi hand he heard the sound of the door opening softly.  He turned around to see Akaash enter, he looked exhausted. Walking in, he sat heavily on the couch. And Arnav went to sit beside’s him.

Akaash sighed, “How is babhi.” He asked in a low voice.

“Resting, the doctor’s say she is in shock, all she needs is some rest  she will be fine, the bruised will go in a couple of days.” He sighed casting a glance at a sleeping Khushi.

“You know Bhai.” He chuckled, “your wife is one tough cookie.” He grinned “Shayam jiju... Shayam under the influence of heavy painkillers was whimpering and crying like a little girl, that Khushi beat him up. And she should be behind bars not him.”

“What?”

“Yeah, well the doctor who patched him up said besides her bruises and broken bones he received at your hands, he also suffered a broken cheek bone and a fracture shoulder bone, courtesy of Babhi.” He grinned awestruck.

“Khushi? My Khushi?” he looked at the delicate women sleeping peaceful on the bed.  His lips curved slightly, them pressed them together. But the sight of Akaash shaking his head, in flabbergasted awe. Was the last straw and his laughter broke out, his shoulders shaking, after a couple of seconds Akaash joined him.  They laughed trying very hard to keep their voices down.

Their laughter acting as a soothing balm on all their tension and stress of the last few hours, finding release for both men. Soothing their nerves and bring them new hope in the knowledge the women they loved were safe. The threat over them was once and for all eliminated. They calm down after a nurse stepped into the room and told them to keep quite or she would have to ask them to leave.

Chuckling Arnav took a deep breath, “how is Di he asked.” The thought of his sister making him somber.

“Nani is with her, she cried herself to sleep.  But she will be fine Bahi. She is strong and she has us.” He clasped Arnav’s shoulder in reassurance, “you see she will.”

“I hope so.”  

At that moment Khushi stirred and woke with a start, “Arnav??!!”

He was by her side in seconds, “I’m right her, Khushi?”

She blinked and focused on him and lifted a hand to touch his cheek, “Your ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he cupped his hand over hers holding it he placed a kiss on her palm.

“You didn’t........”

“No, as much as I wanted to, no I didn’t kill him,”

Her eyes filled with tears, “I’m sorry, I should have told you, I should have told you everything from the very beginning.” She cried.

“Shusssss, yes, you should have, but it’s over now.” He took her in his arms as she cried on his shoulder, finding release for all her fear and terror, she was safe now safe in her Arnav’s arms.

He soothed her running his hand over her hair and back in soft strokes, “you were very brave Khushi, and I am proud of you. Not many women would have been able to fight him off, but you did.”

“Yes Bhabi. You were very brave. You must know you broke his cheek bone and his shoulder bone.” Akaash declared with pride and a beaming smile.

“Akaash?” she chucked’ “I didn’t do anything another woman in my position would have done. I just had so much to lose that I was not ready to lose. But thank you” she gave him a grateful smile.

“Akaash you should go home and rest, you've done so much already. You need to rest too.” Arnav said softly.

“No Bhai, I’ll wait in case Babhi may need something.”

“No Akaash, Arnav is right you should go home and rest. And I have everything I want right here” Khushi said with a smile nuzzling Arnav shoulder.

“Ok, if you'r sure.” He said understanding they need time alone together. “I’ll be back in the morning. Take care and get well soon Babhi.” He said and left closing the door behind him softly.

Arnav looked at Khushi, she lifted her hand once again to cress his cheek. “I love you.” she whispered. “I was able to fight him because I loved you more the anything in this world,  you’re my strength Arnav,  you and Arush.” tears flowed down her cheek. He put his hands around her shoulders and pulled his into his arms holding her close while she sobbed into his chest.

“I love you Khushi, and as much as I really wanted to kill him, I could only stop for you.” He said in choked voice.

“But now we don’t have to think about him.” she said taking a deep breath wiping her tears. Looking into his handsome face she said. “We will make are world beautiful, You, me and our children.” She smiled.

“child.” he corrected

She chuckled “no! Children.” She said again. She took his hand and gently placed on her belly.  He looked uncomprehending then his eyes widen and he blurted out “what the..?” his mouth opened and closed as he tried to speak but no words came out. She laughed at his reaction with tears in her eyes she nodded her yes.

“Really?? But how..”

“I believe the usual way. It’s not like you were able to keep your hands of me and this is divine conception.” She giggled.

He looked totally insulted, “divine conception!!   He snorted, “Even god would not dare to touch Arnav Singh Raizada’s woman.” He declared. Giving her a sheepish look, “I meant, when did you know?”

“This morning.” She said laying her head against his chest are arms around him. It felt good, she felt save and warm I could stay like this forever. His heady fragrance and his steady heartbeat giving her more comfort than anything else in the world. “I took a home pregnancy test and it came up positive.”

He stiffened, “Oh my god! Khushi ! If he had hurt....”

“Shussssss!” she took his face in her hands and said sternly, “No, he didn’t and we are not going to think about that.”

“Right now I want to sleep in my husband’s arms.” she shifted to make place for him to lie besides her. “And tomorrow I want to go home with my husband, to my family.”

He smiled and lay down besides her wrapping his arms around her while she buried her face in the nook of his neck making herself comfortable, her fingers twisted in the collar of his shirt. He lay watching her, slowly drift off to sleep, savoring her softness and fragrance.  His Khushi safe and warm in his arms,  their child safe and warm  within her. He held them both protectively. His eyes closed to join her in happy dreams.  

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EPILOGUE

10 months later

Delhi,

Shantivan, the Raizada house

 Arnav Singh Raizada and Akaash Singh Raizada, stood at the changing table with the precision of surgeons about to perform a complicated brain surgery , each wearing aprons, latex glove over their hands  and surgical masks on their handsome faces.  As they looked at the two month old,  little squirming bundle before them.

“She’s going to start brawling any minute now, if you don’t hurry.” Said Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.  Calming laying a coat of hot red nail polish on her finger nails, lifting her hand to admire her handiwork. She blew lightly on the fingers. Then  gave her husband a sidelong  look, with a smug smile. “Why don’t you just accept you can’t do it, you lose.” she jeered.

Wriggling her eyebrows at her sister Payal, who was nearly 6 months pregnant with twins who, sat on the couch stuffed with pillows to support her back and legs.  Nani sat on the sofa knitting while Arush sat at her feet holding a large ball of buttercup yellow wool.

Arnav snorted “Arnav Singh Raizada never loses.” He looked over his shoulder to see his beautiful wife who was lying on the bed painting her nails in hot ret nail polish a reminder of the bet they had made, an enticing promise of things to come if his won the bet. He watched her, with warm deep honey brown eyes full of love and desire, as he ran his eyes over his wife’s body.

Her body had become slightly fuller and rounded in all the right places, her trim waist only helped to emphasise  her rounder hips and fuller breast making her look lush and drive him to distraction. He gulped as his mouth went dry.

“Yep, papa can to anything.” Piped Arush in encouragement, he had just turned 4 and was enjoying being a big brother, though his baby sister was still too small for him to play with, but he liked watching over her.

“That my boy.” Said Arnav “do you want to come and help papa and chachu?”

Arush looked at him with a look that clearly said ‘i’m 4 not dumb,’  but his lips said “Nope.” Popping the ‘p’ “I’m helping badi dadi, err... she is old and needs my help.”

Nani looked with astonishment and pride as he smartly wriggled out of performing the offending task with his father and uncle. Arnav low “traitor” was only met with Payals, Khushi and Nani’s laughter.

Akaash gulped visibly “Bhai, I think Bhabi is right. This is way beyond our league.” said a slightly green looking Akaash.

“No way Akaash I am not going to lose, Arnav Singh Raizada never gives up. And besides you need the practice , your going to have twins and you can’t leave Payal to handle both babies.”  Arnav explained to Akaash. Turning back to look down at his daughter as she took a deep breath into her tiny lungs and gave a cry of furious indignation.

“Bhai!!!!!” cried Akaash

“Fast give her something in her hands to distract her.” Arnav ordered.  

A flustered Akaash picked up the bottle of baby talc, handing it to the child making cooing sounds to the crying child.

Immediately distracted, Arohi Singh Raizada promptly squeezed the soft bottle in her small fists spewing a cloud of talc into her father’s face and hair, with talc splattered on his face Arnav went still looking down at the baby, as her cry turned in to gurgle of laughter. She shook the bottle in her hand squeezing again and squealed in delight at her little game.

“Really Akaash! That the best you could do.”

Akaash just shrugged, grinning behind his mask. Arnav shook his head and put his hands on the baby’s diapered waist undoing the tabs holding the garment in place. Taking a deep breath he removed the top flap to reveal a gooey mess, both men immediately began to gag, and Akaash turned even greener. “Quick, hold up the diaper disposal.” Arnav yelled

“What me?” asked an alarmed Akaash.

“Of course, you, you idiot.” Said Arnav yelled, folding the soiled diaper, and holding it away from himself and towards Akaash, who jumped back like it was a snake. “Akaash! hurry.” Akaash picked up the diaper disposal bin lifting the lid, And  closing it the second Arnav dumped the  soiled diaper into it.

“Wipes” Arnav yelled and Akaash gave him a hand full of baby wipes, holding up the bin again as Arnav wiped the baby’s bottom,  gingerly holding up her legs as he cooed at his gurgling baby who was busy playing with the talc bottle and dumped the soiled wipes.

“Don’t forget the diaper cream.” Khushi reminded.

“Diaper cream.” Arnav said to Akaash, who promptly handed the tube to him.

“Baby talc.” Khushi said pouting

Arnav sighed, “Baby talc.” Taking the powder puff from the bowl Akaash held out to him. He dabbed little Arohi generously with it, Arohi threw away the bottle of talc and tried to get her hands on the pretty pink powder puff.  Once done Arnav put the puff out of her reach knowing very well that from her hands it would reach her mouth. She gave a cry of protest, Arnav pulled of the mask and rubbed his nose to her tummy blowing raspberries on it making her squeal in delight.

He made Akaash hold her tiny legs up while he place a fresh diaper under her bottom securing it firmly around her with the tabs,  the them dressed her carefully in a baby pink frock and panties picking her up and carrying her in the nook of his arm. “There now my baby girl all clean and fresh.”  He kissed her soft baby cheek. And winked at Khushi, who was looking at him with pride in her eyes and a sweet smile on her lips only for him.

Akaash sat down on the ground near the couch his wife was reclining on, “Wow Bahi and I did it.” he beamed.  Payal ran her fingers lovingly through his hair in comfort and pride. “You see, you will be a perfect Papa.”

“You think so.” He asked in awe, and he put his hand on her swollen belly.

Khushi walked to Arnav side and put her arms around his waist and placed her head on his shoulder looking at their daughter. Little Arohi had her eyes fixed on her father’s face, her little fist holding tightly to his finger. She gave him a smile that made his already soften features softer.

“She adores you.” Khushi whispered touching her daughter’s soft cheek with the back of her fingers. “They both do.” She smiled.

“And I adore you.” Arnav said kissing Khushi’s forehead. They rocked together with the baby in Arnav’s strong arms. Slowly very slowly her tiny eyes began to close. The picture of her parents captured in her eyes as they close shut and she drifted off to dreamland. To dream, a little infants dream. Arnav gently place her in her cot tucking the pink baby blanket around her.

 They stood arms about each other watching their daughter sleep. She’s perfect Arnav thought. Arohi took totally after her mother, the almond shape eyes and the Rosebud mouth. But she had her father’s deep dark honey brown eyes.

Everything had turned out perfectly. When the family had learnt about Khushi’s pregnancy they had been delight and everyone took is as good omen, new life, a new beginning.  One month later Akaash and Payal were married in a lavish style. With all the elite of Udaipur, and Delhi present at the wedding.

Arnav appointed Mr. Rajsingh as the General Manager to manage the resort. And moved back to Delhi with his family. Khushi events business was shifted to Delhi and Anjali joined, Khushi as a partner. While Khushi was confine to the house by Arnav edict due to her pregnancy. The times she was aloud out of the house was only if Arnav accompanied her. And he took her out whenever she wished to go or got bored at home. Arnav took perfect care of his wife, never allowing her to lift a finger to do anything.  He worked from home while he left the running of the office in Akaash’s capable hands.

 Anjali took the reins of running the events business in her hands. It had give her a much need distraction from the Shayam fiasco. She involved herself in the business, and discovered that she had a knack for organising big events. Arnav had let Aman go so that he could help Anjali. And over time they had become close. Anjali divorce from Shayam had come through five months back.  Making her a free woman, who with the help of her family and Aman had moved on in life. The old wounds had healed and Anjali was ready to start a new life.

Only just two weeks back Aman had proposed and Anjali had accepted.  The entire Raizada family approved the match.  Their wedding date was set for two months from now, before Payal’s delivery.

When Arohi was born,  Arnav stayed in the delivery room with Khushi and witness the birth of his daughter. That was the most exhilarating emotion he had ever experience, second only to him realising his love for Khushi.

The area that had once been the pool side, Arnav had had it renovated into a lawn garden with a water fountain in the centre, where the children could play without the fear of them falling in the pool. It was beautiful surrounded by plants Arnav had grown and nurtured himself.  And in the evenings Arnav and Khushi would sit and relaxed in this area watching the stars and each other. 

 Arnav and Khushi lay on the double lounge bed in the garden under the stars. It was late in the night and the rest of the house was asleep. Their clothes discarded  long ago, they lay entwined in each other arms, He caressed her cheek as he kissed her savouring her lips. Their bodies covered in a thin film of sweat and their breathing laboured in the aftermath of their love making.

“Happy?”  She asked with a wicked smile.

“Can I have one more look.” He pleaded, she shook her head no, her hair flying about her face and shoulders, making her look very sexy.

He caught the sheets at her thighs, which were covering her from breast to feet and pulled it upwards, she giggled as he slowly revealed the jimmy choo boots he had gifted her in palampur.  Bunching the sheets high up on her thighs she lifted one sexy leg kicking slowly up wards in a sexy way to show off her led encased in the boot. He gave a low wolfish whistle as he watched her show off her legs.

Khushi in nothing but those boots was his reward for changing Arohi’s diaper. And he thought he could happily change all his daughter’s diapers to see Khushi in this sexy avatar. Not that he was going to tell her that.

He grinned. “Do you even know how absolute sexy you look.” His body already steering with desire.

“Of course why do you think I agreed to the stupid bet, I know I’m irresistible to you and with these on.” She lifted one leather clad leg to display. “You will be my slave.” She  said wickedly. “So I have a wager of my own to make, you change Arohi’s diapers every second day and I treat you with me.” She pointed to herself, “in these.” She indicated the boots.

His eyebrows rose to his hairline, he chuckled and smiled he should have known she would never let go so lightly, she was his wife, Mrs. ASR. His equal in every way she would never let a good deal pass her by. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. Rising on his elbow he bend over her and kissed her deeply, “it’s a deal.” He said huskily. As he got down to sealing the deal he thanked every God in heaven for her and all the happiness she brought to his family, and his life She was truly his Khushi. And every breath he took was bound to hers, every heartbeat was bound to hers. Together they were bound not by silken treads, but by destiny’s thick unbreakable golden cables. She completed him and he completed her.

THE END OF ONE CHAPTER IS THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER