56. Keeping Khushi (Parts 31-40)

Part 31


Arnav walked into his house later than usual. The meeting with the Excel group had taken too long. He had been forced to ask Akash to drive Khushi from Omkar to RM for once.
He cupped his nape. His head hurt. He was exhausted. Where was Khushi?
The living room was empty. He looked around, wondering where Khushi was. Where had his family had vanished to? He peeped into the TV room. There was no one there. He looked at his watch. Normally his Mami would be watching her serials and weeping copiously at this time.
He sniffed. What was this wonderful smell wafting through the air? His feet led him towards the kitchen.
Khushi was cooking.
NK was sitting near a bowl of fruits, nibbling on an apple as he peeked into the huge pan in which Khushi was stirring something. Akash was hanging over Khushi's left shoulder. Nani and Anjali were standing behind her, chatting with her about the recipe. Mami was sitting near the sink, popping peanuts in her mouth
"When will it be ready, Khushi Bhabi?", asked NK.
Khushi said, "Just a while longer. By the time you finish the apple.", as though she were pacifying her hungry children at Omkar.
"It smells wonderful, Khushi Bhabi.", said Akash.
Khushi smiled fondly at him..
"How much more time will gajar ka halwa take, Khushi Bitiyya? Hello Hi Bye Bye, chuhe daudath he hamre pet ma!"
"Mice are always running in your stomach, Manorama! What is so new about that?", Nani teased.
"Done!", Khushi said softly, smiling.
Arnav watched as NK scooped up the sweet concoction in a big spoon and stuffed it into his mouth. Only Oohs and Aaahs could be heard from him.



Mami fell on the dish as though she had been starving.
Khushi shut the lid of a small vessel and set it aside.
"What is that, Khushiji?", asked Di as she moved in to taste the sweet.
"Sugar-free gajar ka halwa for Arnavji."
Mami, Nani, Di, Akash, & NK smiled at her.
As Arnav watched fondly, Khushi served the sweet to all the people milling around her, and filled a dish for HP. As she turned to go in search of HP, she saw him.
"Arnavji!", she whispered, her face lighting up as though someone had lit a lamp inside her. Fatigue left him as if it had never been.

After dinner, she came up to their room with the sweet.
Arnav was lying back on the black recliner by the pool, his hands crossed behind his head, looking up at the stars, waiting for his own star to come to him. No wonder Baba called her his Taarva.

He looked at her, standing in the doorway. The silver sari with pearls and stones glinted and glimmered as she moved.
She held out the tray with the dish of halwa.
"Feed me, Khushi.", he requested, his eyes running over her from the top of her head to her toes.
She set the tray aside, and came to him, the glass dish in one hand. He pulled her gently on to his lap, and wound his arms around her.
She spooned the sweet into his mouth. He ate with relish, and fed her bites in between.
"It is very tasty.", he said.
Khushi smiled, pleased. He took the empty dish and set it aside.
Khushi tried to get up, but Arnav pulled her back into his arms.
"Time for my dessert.", he murmured.
She looked at him, astonished. "The gaajar ka halwaa..."
"Not as sweet as your lips."
She blushed.
He held her close, and lowered his eager lips to her waiting ones. They stayed under the stars for long, enjoying the sounds and silence of the night, the fragrance of jasmine flowers and roses... the company...the stolen touches...the low murmurs...
He dropped gentle, unhurried kisses on her cheeks and hair. She clutched and caressed his arms, and lay with her head resting against his broad shoulder. His fingers trailed along her arms, burning her skin through the long sleeves of her red silk blouse. Slowly, they moved to her waist, and down to her hips and legs. She squirmed. He nipped her ear. She jumped.
"Shall we go in?", he asked, his wicked voice doing unimaginable things to her insides.





She tried to tease him. "Let's sit here for some more time.", she whispered.
"OK.", he drawled. "But the stars will blush when I..."
She got up and ran through the garden towards the bedroom, Arnav giving chase. He caught the giggling bundle covered in stars and moonlight at the doorway to the bedroom, and lifted her up in his arms.
Looking deep into her laughing eyes, he carried her towards their bed, and gently deposited her in the centre. He slid in beside her.





Part 32



Every weekend, NK and Akash accompanied Khushi to Omkar.
They went to play with the children and teach them basketball and cricket and anything else they fancied. Sometimes NK and Akash stayed back on Friday and Saturday, and returned to RM only on Sunday evening. The children loved them, and they revelled in the love and laughter that was so much a part of life in Omkar. The indefatigable spirit of the children and their desire to stand on their own feet touched NK so much that he approached Arnav & Akash one evening as they were working.
"Nannav, I was thinking..."
Arnav cocked an eyebrow, and looked at Akash. NK on normal days was a menace. When he thought, he was downright dangerous.
"It is high time I returned to Sydney."
Arnav & Akash couldn't speak for a moment.
"I will miss you guys, but...'
"Feeling homesick?", asked Arnav.
"No...never.... This is home too. I was just thinking, Nannav. I should be independent, get a job. Not just live off Dad..."
"That's a brilliant idea, NK Bhai...", said Akash. "...but..."
"Why do you need to return to Sydney to be independent?", asked Arnav. "You can always start a firm here. Or take up a job."
"I don't want to start any new business, Nannav. But I would like to work."
"What made you think so now, NK Bhai?", asked Akash.
"Vivek. He is studying and working. He let you transfer him to Delhi, Nannav, but he is paying his own way. Simi, who is blind, has a clearer idea of her future than I do. Chotu will finish his studies next month, and get a job. Only I am bekarar (bekaar), lafanga parinda..."
"Yes, yes.", Akash rushed to agree before NK killed Hindi in his passion to be independent.
Arnav sighed. "NK, if you want to work, then work with us. There is more work than Akash & I can handle. We would appreciate the help."
"Nannav!", NK was moved. "But... but I don't know the work..."
"As long as you are willing to learn,  we will happily make a place for you in AR Group."
Akash nodded.
"Really, Nannav?" NK couldn't believe his ears. He ran to hug Nannav and Akash.
Khushi, who had come in to the room with coffee and jalebis for them, stood looking at the group hug with a smile on her face.
NK saw Khushi.
"Khushi Bhabi, Khushi Bhabi, I am going to work with Nannav and Akash in their office."
Khushi beamed. "This is wonderful news."
Mami, Nani, & Anjali came in demanding to be told what was happening. On knowing NK's news, every face was adorned with smiles.
Khushi placed a piece of jalebi in NK's mouth, and said, "You have given all of us such good news."
"Haan, NK Bitwaa. It is wonderful newswaa. Now my phirangi, NRI bhanja will become Desi Boy!!", Mami said.
"It is all because of you, Khushi Bhabi.", NK said, serious for once. He came to Khushi and touched her feet. She blessed him, and cupping his face, kissed his forehead as she used to do to her children in Omkar.
The Raizada ladies smiled. Arnav looked at Khushi with loving eyes and a full heart. Only Khushi could do this. Only she could take an entire family in to her heart and still have space left for the whole world.
Akash quickly pushed NK out of the way, and said, "Me too, Bhabi."
All laughed.
Khushi fed Akash a piece of jalebi. He bent down to touch her feet. She blessed him. Khushi tried to cup his face in her hands, but he was too tall for her. Akash bent down so that she could clasp his face between her palms and gently kiss him on his forehead. Mami's eyes filled with tears.


Mami phoned Khushi at Omkar, and shouted through the phone, "Khushi Bitiyaa, jaldi ghar aao! There is a proposal for Akash from the Singhs. Giriraj Singh is a big businessman, and his daater (daughter) is said to be the next Aiswarya Rai."
Nani snatched the phone from her, and said, "We have to go to their house today evening, Khushi Bitiyaa."
"Let's leave at 5, Khushiji.", Anjali added.
Khushi said, "Ji."
She waited till Arnav came to Omkar for lunch, and asked him, "Arnavji, is it necessary that I should accompany all of you?"
"Kyun, Khushi? Do you have a concert today?"
"No..." Khushi fiddled with the spoon. "I... I don't want anything bad to happen...", she said.
"What can happen? Akash will meet the girl. If they like each other, we will plan the wedding & conduct it. That's all."
"I... I just hope everything goes well.", she whispered. "That's all."
Arnav kissed her cheek, leaning across the table. He whispered in her ear, "Nothing bad will happen to your brother. Everything will work out fine."
Khushi smiled and nodded, praying that he was right.


The Singhs lived in a huge mansion. Expensive cars lined the driveway, uniformed servants scurried here and there doing their work. Giriraj Singh and his extremely modern wife who believed in the excessive use of diamonds came to greet them. Nani, Mami, & Anjali entered the house first, followed by Akash and NK. Arnav and Khushi came last.
The house was filled with guests, some of them related to the Singhs. The Raizadas were introduced to a room full of men and fashionable women. Nani introduced her small family to the Singhs.
"And this is Khushi Bitiyaa,  Arnav's wife.", said Nani.



The ladies looked Khushi up and down. The simple pink and cream silk sari, with the pallu over her shoulder. The long-sleeved blouse. The long hair in a single plait. The jasmine flowers. The sindoor. The mangalsutra...
"Arnav Singh Raizada's wife?", asked Mrs. Singh doubtfully. The winner of the Best Businessman of the Year award! Harvard-educated Arnav Singh Raizada! The most eligible bachelor in all of India till recently! The caps that had been set at him! The hopes that many matrons had nourished in their bosoms! And he had to go and marry such a prude? Such an old-fashioned girl whom no one had heard of?
"Ji. Our Khushi Bitiyaa.", said Naniji, smiling at Khushi with love in her eyes.

The Raizadas met and conversed with all the guests, circulating the room. They also met Shefali, the daughter of the Singhs, dressed in a black evening gown, her body covered more by diamonds than by her dress. A few minutes later, Akash and NK came to Arnav. Akash said, "Shall we leave, Bhai?"
"Leave?"
"Haan. I don't think Shefali & I will suit."
"OK. If that's what you feel.", said Arnav. He rounded up his family, and they left for home.
All the way home, Mami lamented the loss of such a fashionable bahuriyya and kept on asking Akash why he didn't like Shefali. Nani and Anjali tried to console Mami, but she was distraught.
Finally, they reached home. As they walked into the living room, Mami caught hold of Akash by the arm.
"Tells me, why? Why don't you wants to marry Shefali?"
"We are very different, Maate.", Akash smiled. "She will be bored with me."
"Boredwaa?" Mami went on to enumerate the benefits of the alliance, and harass Akash. Finally, NK, unable to bear this any longer in silence, said, "Don't badger him, Maasi. He did right."
"Hein?", asked Mami.
"Shefali said something nasty to Khushi bhabi. That's why Akash..."
Arnav's face became hard and his eyes cold. He asked Khushi, "What did she say?"
"Khushi Bitiyaa, what did she say?", fretted Nani.
"Insult you? How dare she?", asked Anjali.
"Hamri bahuriyaa! Who dares to say something against Raijjada bahuriyaa?", fumed Mami.
"What did she say?", bit out Arnav.
"Leave it, Arnavji! Why are you all getting upset over such a small incident? She is young and fashionable. It is only natural that she does not like me." Khushi turned to Akash. "You should marry her if you like her. You shouldn't let her opinion of me affect your choice."
"Akash marry her? After what she said to you? Never. She is a  ghatiyaa girl with sasta (cheap) friends and relations.", NK declared.
Arnav relaxed.
"Akash!", Khushi tried to reason with him.
Akash said, "Khushi Bhabi, only a girl who loves and respects you will come to this house as my wife."
Mami nodded, in full agreement now.
"Right.", NK said.
Arnav smiled slightly. His brothers had grown up.
Nani & Anjali nodded.
Arnav stood smiling, his arms crossed, letting his brothers tackle the issue.


Later, in the privacy of their bedroom, Arnav asked Khushi, "What happened?"
Khushi sighed.
"Some lady wondered aloud how I managed to snare the richest and the most handsome businessman in India."
"And?" His jaw clenched.
"Another lady responded that I must be having manifold charms that I was hiding under my shroud-like clothes."
Arnav ground his teeth.
"A third lady teased Shefali saying that she too would be expected to wear such clothes after marriage into the Raizada family."
"And?"
"Shefali saw me standing there, and told me that she did not want to be a fashion disaster like me, and walk around looking like a maid. That's all. Akash & NK Bhai did not have to take this so seriously."
Arnav had to take several deep breaths before he could speak with a semblance of calm.
"They did right. I am proud of them."
"Arnavji!", she protested.
"The next time someone asks you how you managed to snare me, tell them that I got down on my knees and begged you to marry me.", he said quietly.
"Arnavji!"
"That I pleaded and begged so long that you felt pity for me and agreed to marry me."
She stared at him, her mouth open.
"That I find this shroud on you more exciting than the flimsiest of clothes on another woman." He ran his hands over her shoulders and arms.
Khushi swallowed.
"The next time someone opens his or her mouth to insult you, tell me. They can pick up their teeth from the floor."
"Arnavji! Aap bhi na! What kind of example are you planning to set for your brothers? They..."
He rained kisses on her forehead & cheeks, her nose and chin, down her neck... He muttered in between kisses. "They. Know. You. And. Love you..." His hands caressed her arms and waist, pulling her as close to him as possible. Her hair was released from the plait, and the thick, silky length danced in the gentle breeze from the garden. His deft fingers unpinned her pallu and pleats, and moved towards the hooks on her blouse.
"As I do.", he completed his explanation, his nose rubbing against hers.
"Arnavji!", she murmured in half-hearted protest.
"Hhmm?", he asked in his seductive voice as he lifted her up in his arms and moved towards his recliner. "Koi shak?", he asked, his molten eyes burning with love for her.




Part 33


Dedicated to Vaidehi & Meeyaa.

Khushi came out of the bathroom, a towel wound around her long hair. It was still early. Arnavji was out on his morning run.
She smiled thinking about how he had woken her up by tickling her, and how the tickling had soon turned into something else. She blushed. She had reminded him about his run before she got caught in the rapture of his touch and he in the magic of her trembling response, and Arnavji had retorted laughingly that she made him forget everything. His life, his work, his run, his food... his reality in fact. He had stolen a kiss from her, visited the restroom, dragged on his black and green jogging suit, stolen another kiss, and left for his jog.
She sat  on the bed, switched on the TV, unwound her towel, and began to dry her hair.


The door to the bedroom opened. Arnav came in, dripping sweat, a water bottle in his hand. Khushi saw him in the mirror, and smiled at him.
Arnav looked at her and forgot to smile.
The channel playing old Hindi film songs, played Aap Ki Aankhon Mein Kuch Mehke Hue Se Raaz He. As Vinod Mehra praised the beauty of Rekha, Arnav's feet slowly led him to his wife.




Dressed in a cream colour saree with a red border, she looked like a goddess. Her long wet hair was lying over a shoulder covered in red, and she was drying the long strands with her towel.
He walked up to her, his eyes caught by the sweet look of shyness blended with love in her eyes.

The male singer crooned,

Aap ki aankhon mein kuch maheke hue se raaz hai...
Aap se bhi khoobsurat aap ke andaaz hai
Aap ki aankhon mein kuch maheke hue se raaz hai...
She blushed, and tried to avert her eyes from his. Arnav sat down by her, and cupped her face in his rough, large palm. He lifted her face to his. She let her lashes fall, preventing him from seeing the devastation his touch had caused to her senses.
Lab hile to mogare ke phool khilte hain kahin...
He ran a finger down her cheekbone, stopping at the corner of her trembling, parted lips. Her lashes lifted, and his tender eyes learned again of the effect the simplest of his touches had on her.

Aap ki aankhon mein kya saahil bhi milte hai kahin...

She swallowed, and looked down.
Aap ki khaamoshiyaan bhi aap ki aawaaz hai...


Arnav took the towel from her nerveless fingers, and began drying her hair. Gently, carefully, he rubbed the thick cloth against her silky, sweet-smelling strands, loving them, enjoying the feel of them against his skin. How he loved to bury his fingers in her hair as she lay curled against him in the cosy warmth of their bed, as wind lashed against the glass windows!
Khushi looked at him, as he lovingly dried her hair. He looked up.
How could a man's eyes carry so much love, so much desire, so many dreams, so much hope...? And she had thought him hard and cold, his eyes fiery when she had first seen him!

The female singer sang,
Aap ki aankhon mein kuch maheke hue se raaz hai...
Arnav dropped a kiss on the mass of hair in his hands, breathing in its jasmine fragrance. He let the strands pass through his fingers, loving their silky feel.

Aap se bhi khoobsurat aap ke andaaz hai
Aap ki aankhon mein kuch maheke hue se raaz hai...

Khushi tried to leave the bed, shy, her limbs trembling, the music heightening the sense of closeness, her need to be with him scaring her... Arnav caught her hand, and pulled her to sit closer to him.
"Khushi, you are so so beautiful!", he whispered in her ear, the music flowing along like the perfect background to his confession.

Aap ki baaton mein phir koi sharaarat to nahin
Bevaja taarif karna aap ki aadat to nahin...

She tried to move away, but his hold was firm. He flicked a finger against the tip of her nose. Her laughter-filled eyes rose to meet his love-filled ones.
Aap ki badmaashiyon ke yeh naye andaaz hai...

They sat looking at each other, lost in the pleasurable thought that they had an entire life to live together, many, many years of companionship, so many moments of love to share...Khushi leaned forward, and pressed a kiss on his lean cheek.


(Mariam_Sultan, thanx!)

"Chotey, Khushiji, it is time for arti!", Anjali called.



Part 34



Arnav looked at the figures on the papers in front of him, his eyes wide in amazement. Baba's CD was selling like hot cakes, as though millions of music lovers across the world had been waiting for it for years. They had. Pt. Sasi Sharma had never released a CD before, and there was a limit to the number of people who could attend the two concerts he performed at every year. Arnav smiled. Baba was really something. Really, really something special. And his daughter was no less special. His smile widened. He looked around the room.

Bright bed covers. Sunny yellow curtains. A wind chime at the door. That was all. Yet their room now looked lived in, comfy, warm.
He chuckled thinking of how they had selected fabric for the drapes. He and Khushi had been leaving the house to shop for new furnishings when Mami had waylaid them.

"Hello Hi Bye Bye! Bhere are the two lovebirds flying away to?"
"We wanted to change the curtains in Arnavji's room, Mamiji.", Khushi said, smiling.
"Going shapping (shopping), and that too bithout (without) Manorama Mami!"
She had accompanied them to the shop, and picked a shiny white material.
"Boootiphul, pink curtain, like my sari!", she exclaimed.
Khushi had removed her pink goggles from her eyes, and Mami had stared at the white cloth in her hand.
"Hein? Pink bhite (white) hui gawa? Ee kaa magicwaa he?"
The next few hours had been hilarious, with Mami picking the most garish colours and Khushi and he trying to talk her out of it. Finally, Khushi had picked sunshine yellow curtains for their room. Now their room looked golden during daytime and regal like a palace at night...a fitting background for his princess.



Khushi looked anxiously for her husband's dear face among the thousands of people gathered to hear her sing. Baba, Nani, Di, Mami, Akash, and NK were seated in the front row, leaving a chair for Arnavji between them. It was empty.
Two days back, he had left for Agra, promising to be back in time for her concert. She had delayed leaving home for the venue of the concert, hoping that he would come home, but...
The concert was almost over. Her heart longed for him, her eager eyes searched for one glimpse of him...
Almost without knowing, she slipped into Misra Charukeshi , expressing her longing for her beloved.

Saiyaa Mora Re,
Saiyaa Mora Re,
Hayyee...
Saiyya Mora Re...

Nani looked at Anjali at the pathos in the music, at the pain in Khushi's voice. Anjali pressed Nani's fingers, both of them thankful that Chotey had found a girl who loved him and missed him when he wasn't with her.
Baba smiled. His Taarva was now a woman deeply in love with her husband, who sought his presence desperately. The longing in her voice reminded him of how his wife would sing to him, looking into his eyes as he lay with his head on her lap, looking at her, drowning in the sea of music that she summoned up with little effort...He sighed.
Arnav came running into the hall. The awful traffic! And the crowd in the hall! He halted, his feet arrested by her sweet voice singing her need for him.


Din Rajni Kaise Beete..., she sang.

"Rajni? Who is Rajni? Khushi Bhabi's friend?", asked NK in Akash's ear.
"Sshh... It means 'Night'.", said Akash, turning around to make sure that no one had heard NK.

Arnav had to elbow his way in. As he pushed past the many music lovers huddled together, he heard her honey voice,

Din Rajni Kaise Beete
Bin Tere Darsan Re, Hayye,
Saiyya Mora Re...

Arnav swallowed. What had he done to deserve her?

Mami sighed, her heart full of sorrow, thinking of Mamaji who was working overseas.

Naa Koi Paathi, Naa Koi Sandeswaa...

Tears trailed down Mami's cheeks. Her husband called only 10 times daily. Before their marriage 26 years ago, he used to throw stones at her window at night and send billets in notebooks, sing phillum songs as he walked past her, whistle when she came out of her house all decked up to go to the temple... And now, he called her only 10 times daily.

Dhoond Firoon Main Jag Angnaa Re...

Mami sobbed. How she longed to hear her husband call her 'Manno'! Nani patted Manorama Mami's hand to comfort her. Akash took one horrified look at his mother's multi-hued face, and passed his and NK's hankies to her.

Saiyya Mora Re..., Khushi sang as Arnav slipped into his seat, right in front of her. In a second, her voice went from sad to flirty as she sang & pouted, chiding him for leaving her behind, beyond happy to see him, wanting to get up, run down the steps, and throw herself into his arms...

Din Rajni Kaise Beete...
Bin Tere Darsan Re, Hayye,
Saiyya Mora Re...

Arnav, who could read her like a book, melted. He closed his eyes for a moment, signalling her that their time would come when they reached home and could lock themselves in their safe haven, their room. He spent the next half an hour listening to her and letting his eyes roam over her. She was wearing the sari that he had gifted to her before leaving for Agra.



Seagreen Jamawar silk covered her beauteous form, lending a glow to the flawless skin of her face. Her sindoor, mangalsutra, the jasmine flowers from their garden...and her eyes lingering on him as though only he existed for her in this world...


"I am sorry I was late, Khushi.", he apologised that night.
They were lying on a thick blanket in the garden, surrounded by blooming jasmine flowers, the moonlight streaming down on them.
"It is alright, Arnavji.", Khushi murmured.
"No, it is not alright. You were upset at not seeing me there."
Khushi lifted her head from the cradle of his neck. "Upset?", Khushi asked, an innocent look on her face. "Who was upset? I was not upset."
"Acha? Then why were your eyes searching for me?"
"I was not searching for you, Arnavji! I was looking at the large number of people who had come to attend the concert.", she teased.
"Really? Then why did you sing Saiyya Mora Re?"
"Most classical songs are romantic, Arnavji. There was no particular reason why I chose that song." She hid a smile.
"I see." He pretended to be happy. "It is good that you did not miss me." He smiled. "I have to go to Shimla on Wednesday for 2 weeks."
Khushi's face paled. She looked at him with a horrified expression.
"No, no way, Arnavji. You are not going anywhere. And not for 2 weeks. I couldn't bear 2 days. How will I bear 2 weeks?" Her panic and protest made him chuckle. She tightened her arms around him.
"Then it will be a tiring, action-packed 2 weeks, Khushi.", he murmured, his fingers playing with the dancing strands of her thick hair.
"Huh?" She looked at him with wide eyes.
"You will have to come with me.", he decided.
"Go with you? You are taking me to Shimla with you, Arnavji?" She couldn't believe her ears.
"Of course. How can I go on our honeymoon alone?", asked the Devil.

(Lostlove, thanx!)





Part 35


"Honeymoon!", she squealed in surprise.
"Haan.", he said casually, as though they went on honeymoons daily.
She sat up on her knees, looking at him with wonder struck eyes.
Lamha beautiful,
Honey bhi hai moon bhi,
You are my summer,
Tu Hi Monsoon Bhi, he sang, slowly sitting up and bringing his face closer to her. She scooted back at the wicked intention she read in his eyes, laughing, and got up to leave a safe distance between them.
He looked at his laughing wife, trying to escape his clutches. She looked like a fairy in her pink and white anarkali, the dupatta lying abandoned near the blanket.



He fiddled with his mobile, and soon it played
Do you want me?
Do you need me?
Wanna love me?
Aaja baby mere naal
Right now, Right now...
She blushed. Had he sung these lines before marriage, she would have thought that he meant 'want' and 'need' as in replacing a faulty bulb or carrying a package. But, after her marriage, ordinary words had taken on extraordinary meanings. She looked at him. He had walked to her while she had been lost in a world of semantics, and was standing very, very close to her.
Soni tere naal main te
Jindadi bitawanga...
He put his arms around her slender waist, and hugged her close, lifting her to place his forehead against hers.

Jo bhi hove haal main te
Jindadi bitawanga
Tera jo ishara mile
Main te mar jawan...
He moved in tandem with the music, swinging her along with him, his arms tight as chains around her, pressing her warmth against his hard, lean, strong body.
Do you want me?
Do you need me?
Wanna love me?, he whispered against her lips, his nose rubbing against hers.
Aaja baby mere naal
Right now, Right now...

Khushi had her arms around his broad shoulders, clinging to him as she arched her neck to look at his breathtakingly beautiful face. Others might call him handsome, but to her, he was beautiful. Every frown line, every groove on his face, every flicker of love in his eyes, every slight smile on his lips made him more attractive.
Take me in your arms and
Say you'll never ever leave me
Right now now now now now
Say you'll never ever leave me
Right now now now now now...
His hips nudged hers gently, prompting her to dance along with him, and she moved, twirling in his arms. The skirt of the anarkali flew around her.



He brought her close to him, pressing kisses on her eyelids. He kissed the corner of her lips. Her eyes flashed open.
Lamha beautiful
Honey bhi hai moon bhi
You're my summer
Tu hi monsoon bhi...
He bit her ear gently, feeling her jerk against him. Her eyes looked deep into his, her desire for him burning as hot as his for her.
Apna irada hai
Batti gul karde
Dil ka ye theater
Housefull karde...
He touched the soft skin of her cheeks with the tip of his nose, feeling her shudder in his arms.
Ho ithe uthe jithe vekhan
Tujhko hi paaun ji...
She turned away from him, panting, her unbound hair flowing behind her, the wind delighting in playing with the lush fall of dark silk. He moved closer to her, pressing against her back, burying his face in her hair.
Do you want me?
Do you need me?
Wanna love me?
Aaja baby mere naal
Right now, Right now...
Do you want me?
Do you need me?

With his fingers he pushed her hair aside, and running his fingers along the skin revealed by the neck of the anarkali, kissed her nape. She gasped.
Mood hai romantic
Tu bhi mere sang hai
Dil hai shararti
Sama bada young hai...
She turned in his arms to look at him, her lips pouting at the unfair advantage he had over her, his touch being able to drive all thought from her head, make her breathless, make her limbs go weak...
Haan,
Teri chedhkhaniyon se
Heartbeat badhta,
Poison koi mere
Jism mein chadta...
He caught hold of her hand, and placed her palm against his heart. His heart was racing, the heart beats sounding like loud drumbeats. She looked at him in wonder. He pulled her into his arms,
Ho aaja main kalleje vich
Tujhko chupawan...
She freed herself, and slowly took hold of his hand and led him into their bedroom.
Do you want me?
Do you need me?
Wanna love me?
Aaja baby mere naal
Right now, Right now...



A long time later, lying in his arms, Khushi asked him softly,  her voice little more than a murmur against his bare chest, "What will we do in Shimla?"
"Sightseeing?", he suggested, a smile hidden in his voice.


(Madhu123, thanx!)

She looked into his naughty eyes.
"All the sights you can see from our room, I promise to show them to you." The wicked twinkle in his eyes was pronounced.
She tickled him, making him laugh out aloud, the muscles of his bare chest rippling as he tried to wrestle her under him.

"I was thinking...", she thought aloud.
"Hhmm?"
"Naniji, Di, and Mamiji will enjoy visiting Shimla. Akash & NK Bhai can play in the snow...", she said dreamily.
"What the!"



Part 36


"Just imagine what fun it will be travelling with them, Arnavji!"
Arnav glared at her. She remained oblivious to his glares.
"Naniji & Di can go to the temples there. Mamiji can shop. Won't NK and Akash Bhai look cute wearing the pahari caps?"
"Why don't we take Baba and the children too?", Arnav asked, his face expressionless.
"Can we, Arnavji?", she sat up, all apparent excitement, clutching the covers to her neck.
"Haan, why not?", Arnav bit out. "I will book a dormitory instead of the honeymoon suite."
Khushi looked at him innocently, waiting for him to explain his plans.
"A big hall with many beds, Khushi. The children, Baba, NK, Akash, Mami, Di, and Nani can all sleep there."
Khushi was all smiles.
"You can sleep with the children, and I will sleep with NK. After all, who knows? He might get scared if he wakes up at night in a strange place." Arnav was at his sardonic best, his left eyebrow raised.
"Haan, Arnavji, you are so right.", said Khushi seriously. "Arnavji, you sleep with NK Bhai. I will sleep with Simi." She batted her eyelashes at him, all innocence.
Arnav looked up at heaven in search of patience which was in very short supply at that moment.
He heard Khushi giggling. He looked down to see Khushi trying to stifle her laughter by burying her head in the pillow.
"Acha...", he drawled, realising that she had been leading him on. "You were pulling my leg!", Arnav said, humour tinging his tone of exasperation.
She laughed hard.
"What can... I do, Arnavji, if... you put ...your leg... out for me... to pull? Your... face...", she managed to say.
She clutched her stomach, trying to stop it from hurting, gasping for breath.
Arnav pulled the pillow away, and dragged the covers away. He tickled her mercilessly.
"You want to laugh at me, Khushi?", he teased. "Laugh now."
Khushi pleaded for release, but Arnav did not let up till she buried her mouth against his neck to control her giggles, her teeth grating gently against his skin. He halted. He lowered her head to the pillow and looked at her mirth-filled eyes and smiling mouth.
Her smile slowly died at the look in his eyes. A trembling finger came up to trace the curve of his sinfully delicious lips. He pressed his lips on her plump, parted ones.



"I am so glad that you are taking Khushi Bitiyaa on a honeymoon, Chotey!", smiled Nani.
"And Shimla! Wah, Chotey! Nice choice!", smirked Anjali.
"Honeymoon in Shimla! Saasumaa, it ijj a paaarfect (perfect) place for a honeymoon.  
Sarakaaye liyo khatiya jaada lage, Sarakaaye liyo khatiya jaada lage,
Jaade mein balama pyaara lage...  
Sarakaaye liyo takiya jaada lage,Sarakaaye liyo takiya jaada lage
Jaade mein balama pyaara lage..., Mami sang.
Nani, Anjali, Akash, & NK smiled, while Arnav and Khushi blushed and tried to look elsewhere.
"Chotey! If you are scared of going alone, we are willing to accompany you.", teased Anjali, a pseudo concerned look in her eyes.
Arnav looked at her, horrified. Khushi hid her smile.
"Haan, Bhai.", added Akash.
"Haan, Anjali Bitiyaa, it ijj not safe to send them alone so phar (far) away."
"I looove snow, Nannav, mere bhai. Khushi Bhabi, I would love to go with you to Shimla."
"Anjali Bitiyaa, let's get our winter clothes from the cupboard.", Nani added.
"No...errr...no..we will manage alone.", said Arnav. His tone was quiet but cutting.
"Sure, Bhai?", Akash asked, all concern and smirks.
"Haan." Arnav's tone discouraged further discussion. All smiled. Khushi blushed.


As HP stacked their luggage in their car, and Arnav and Khushi were taking leave of their family members, Mami sang under her breath,
Baahar Se Koi Andar Na Aa Sake
Andar Se Koi Baahar Na Jaa Sake
Socho Kabhi Aisa Ho To Kya Ho
Socho Kabhi Aisa Ho To Kya Ho
Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho, Aur Chaabi Kho Jaaye...,

The family giggled as Arnav and Khushi blushed and flushed.
"Waise, don't lose the chabi to your room, Arnav Bitwaa. Ee lio...", Mami said as she handed over a sheaf of papers to Khushi. "Hamre shaaping (shopping) list."
Khushi looked horrified at the close writing. It looked as though Mami wanted her to bring the whole of Shimla to RM. Nani and Anjali shook their heads in exasperation.


Arnav had debated between the honeymoon suite in a five-star hotel and a self-contained luxury cottage, and had picked the cottage. He was in no mood to share his wife with anyone. He wanted all her time, all her attention, and all her love for 2 weeks. The smile on Khushi's face as she saw the exquisite dwelling was his reward. She oohed and aahed over the kitchen, the bedroom, the garden, the spectacular views of the Himalayas from the windows of their cabin...



Arnav smiled, his heart full of love for the girl standing before him, hands clasped to her chest, delighted at the sight of the majestic mountains. She was so easy to please, always cheerful, many times naughty, but always counting her blessings in life... And she was his to cherish.
"It is so beautiful, Arnavji!", she came to him and clasped his fingers with both her hands.
Arnav nodded, his eyes revealing how much he loved her. Her fingers tightened on his.
"There are 5 other cottages like this, spread out, and a restaurant where all the guests can have their meals."
She nodded.
"If you want to cook, they will provide us with whatever we need. And there is a gym, a pool, spa etc in the main building.", he told her.
"Do you know what I like best about this cottage, Arnavji?", she asked.
"Kya?"
"That it is far away from the main building."
He smiled, the devil in him shining through his eyes. "Me too.", he said softly.


It was all strange to Arnav and Khushi. They had never been on a honeymoon before. They had never taken time out of real life to focus on themselves. It had always been work and responsibilities, a thousand things that had to be done before the sun set, a hundred demands on their time... But now they could focus on each other. They could do whatever they wanted to do for 2 weeks. It was like a holiday from school!

They made love all night, waking up late, snuggling up in bed on cold mornings. He didn't have to go to the office, and there was no one to notice if they spent all day in bed. Lazy mornings, love-filled days and nights, traditional meals at the onsite restaurant, gentle walks in the neighbourhood, holding hands, marvelling at the beauty of nature... The days passed fast.


All Arnav remembered of the scenery was the look on Khushi's face as she saw the majestic mountains, the placid streams, the greenery, the mist in the morning... The way in which she caught hold of his hand when she was excited, the way in which she curled up against him when she felt tired... The massages he delighted in giving her every morning, waking up with her, cuddled together under one blanket... How she sipped unsweetened coffee from his mug as they did the crossword puzzle together... The desire that battled with shyness in her eyes as he walked out of the bathroom without a shirt, the way she touched him whenever she could and her fingers unknowingly and lovingly lingered on his arms, chest, waist, & face... The blush on her face when he pulled her into the bathroom to share his shower... Khushi reading a book while he checked his emails... Khushi plaiting her hair, sitting in front of the mirror, pinning her sari pallu, straightening her mangalsutra... How he took the sindoor from her and applied in in her maang, pulled her back against him, and kissed the side of her neck, leaving a tiny love bite there... Khushi listening to music, eyes closed, nodding her head in appreciation, her hand rising in enjoyment, her murmured, "Kya Baat He!" as she listened to something really, really good... The photos he took of her, catching her unawares, as she breathed in the scent of a flower, or had breakfast, or slept, or purchased some traditional tribal jewellery, or just smiled at him with love in her eyes...
Khushi was no less smitten. She clicked photos of Arnav whenever she got a chance. Arnav with a coffee mush, smiling at school children, holding an earring aloft to look at it, sleeping, putting on his shoes, shaving, reading the newspaper in the garden, reading in bed...
"I love this cottage, Arnavji!", she said. "I wish we could stay here for ever." She hugged him tight and buried her face in his chest. He smiled. "Although I miss our family.", she murmured.



Arnav and Khushi ventured out into the city a few times to shop for Mami and the others. They walked hand in hand along the narrow gullies of Shimla, stopping at shops selling woollen blankets and souvenirs, Himachali caps and shawls, colourful sweaters, gloves, and socks, exquisite patchwork quilts, dolls, elephant figures, Tibetan carpets, fruit squashes, pickles, and jams, and wooden handicrafts. They had great fun selecting gifts for Baba, the children, Mami, Di, Nani, HP, Akash, and NK.


A shopkeeper pressed a traditional red ghagra lehenga choli and rahide (head scarf) on Khushi. She tried to refuse it, laughing, but Arnav persuaded her to take it. He made her wear it and clicked many photos that he sent to his family and Baba in Delhi.
Mami called up immediately.
"Arnav Bitwaa, gets me one of those immediately. I wants to looks like Kareena Kapoor in Jab We met!"
Arnav chuckled.


The day before they were to leave, Arnav stood looking out through the window of their bedroom. Khushi came to stand behind him. She held out his mug of coffee.
"Khushi, we will have to leave tomorrow.", he said softly.
Khushi nodded.
"Is there any place you want to see here?"


She nodded. "Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple.", she said.
He smiled. "I will arrange a car."


It was time to leave Shimla and return to Delhi. He hauled the bags into the car, and checked that the utilities had been switched off and windows shut. Arnav locked the cottage, and handed over the keys to Khushi.
"Should we hand over the keys to the manager in the main building?"
"No, you can keep it.", replied Arnav.
"Keep the keys?", Khushi thought she must have misheard him.
"Haan. The owner always gets to keep the keys, Khushi.", he said softly, smiling at her perplexed face.
"Arnavji?", she asked, confused.
"I bought it."
Her eyes widened.
"You said you like it.", he reminded her, laughing at her astonishment.
"Haan, I do. But... but buying it? Arnavji...?", her voice died out.
He cupped her cheeks in his warm, loving hands.
"Khushi, can you imagine strangers sleeping in our bed? Sitting in our garden? Looking out through our bedroom window?"
"No.", she shook her head, her throat choked with tears.
"So I bought it. When Akash marries, we can send him and his bride here for their honeymoon. If NK gets married, we can send him too."
Khushi nodded, smiling into his happy eyes.
"And we can return every year.", he smiled into her moist eyes. Khushi threw her arms around him, hugging him as hard as she could. Arnav smiled, and dropped a kiss on her forehead.



 HAPPY DIWALI!
Lots of love to my friends and fellow IPKKND-lovers all over the world.


Part 37


His head was pounding, and the room felt very cold. His entire body ached. He looked at Akash, NK, and the other managers sitting around the conference table, listening to the presentation by the marketing manager.
Khushi..., was his first thought. Khushi was at Omkar. She wouldn't be expecting him today for lunch.
If he called her and told her that he was sick, she would leave everything and come rushing to his office to take him home. He smiled. But today was Simi's birthday. And Khushi had music classes till evening.
Arnav saw the marketing manager sit down, and before the discussion could start, Arnav leaned towards Akash, and whispered in his ear, "I am going home."
"Kya hua, Bhai?", Akash paled.
"Fever." He turned to NK.  "NK, can you drop me home? I am not feeling well."
"Sure, Nannav, mere Bhai."


NK rang the bell, and HP opened the door. As they were about to go to Arnav's bedroom, NK carrying his bag, Anjali, Nani, & Mami, sitting in the living room, saw him.
Arnav at home during office hours?
Mami in shock, slurped too much tea from her saucer, and burnt her mouth.
"Chotey, kya hua?", Anjali limped towards him. "Something is wrong, isn't it?"
"Nothing, Di. Just a headache and fever."
Anjali, Mami, and Nani surrounded him, touching his forehead, holding his arm, trying to lead him up.
"Nannav, I will call Khushi Bhabi."
"No. No, don't disturb her. Today is Simi's birthday."
"Chotey, Khushi Bitiyaa has to be told.", Nani tried to persuade him.
"No, Nani. She will worry."
"Borry to karegi na.", said Mami reasonably. "She is your bife! It is her duty to borry!"
"NK, do me a favour?"
"Anything, Nannav."
"Call Khushi and tell her that I am busy and won't be able to pick her up in the evening. Ask her to call you when she wants to come home. And just bring her home, please."
"No problem, Nannav."
"And don't tell her that I'm sick."
"OK."

Khushi finished making laddoo, jalebi, and kheer, and binned them neatly for the children to have in the evening. She cleaned the kitchen, and went up to Baba.
He was reading the newspaper. She kept his cup of tea on the small table by his side, and sat at his feet. She lifted his feet onto her lap, and began pressing them, taking comfort from his presence.
It started drizzling. She looked out of the window. It was noon, but the sky was getting dark. Thank God, the children did not have school today, she thought. Baba was here. Arnavji, Akash, and NK Bhai were at the office. Nani, Mami, & Di were at home. All safe and sound. Then why did she feel as though something was wrong?
"Kya hua, Taarva?", asked Baba, softly.
"I don't know, Baba. I...I am feeling very...very restless, scared...", she confessed softly to the man who had seen her and been with her through the worst days of her life.
"Didn't Arnav come for lunch today?"
"No, Baba. He said today morning that he wouldn't. NK Bhai phoned to say that Arnavji is very busy today, and that when I wanted to go to RM, I should inform NK Bhai."
"Hhmmm..."
"Pata nahi kyon, Baba, I feel that something is wrong..."
Baba looked at the worried face turned up to him, and hid a smile.
"Why don't you go his office?", Baba asked. "Take him lunch."
Khushi blushed.
"I will go home, Baba. I will take a rickshaw and..."
"NK asked you to call him, didn't he?"
"Haan, but... Baba, he is learning the business. He was so excited to be attending some important meeting today. How can I...?"
"Looks like it is going to rain heavily.", Baba said casually.
"I will get home before that, Baba. But my classes..."
"I will take care of them. Call me when you get home." Baba ran his fingers gently over Khushi's head.

The doctor examined Arnav, and prescribed medicines for him. HP raced to a nearby medical store to get them as NK showed the doctor to his car. NK was about to turn away when he saw a rickshaw come to a stop at the gate, and his Khushi Bhabi alight, all drenched and shivering.
"Khushi Bhabi!", he ran to her. "Why? How...?"
"What is wrong, NK Bhai?" Her face was pale, but composed.
"Nothing, Bhabi. Please don't worry. It is just that Nannav has fever. He returned home early. The doctor has seen him. He will be OK."
Khushi nodded, walking towards the house with NK, her face not revealing her anxiety.
"Nannav said that we should not call you because today is Simi's birthday..."
Khushi smiled slightly, and walked into the house.
"Akash is at the office. He has called me five times already to ask after Nannav."
Khushi nodded, and called Baba as she walked up to their bedroom.

The relief on the faces of Mami, Di, and Nani as Khushi walked into Arnav's bedroom was laughable.
"Khushiji! Thank God!"
"Khushi Bitiyaa!"
"Hello Hi Bye Bye!"
"Khushi, what are you doing here? Simi...", said Arnav.
Khushi just smiled at all of them, saying nothing.
"Khushi, your clothes are all wet. Khushi, change them. You will fall sick...", Arnav croaked.
"How are you, Arnavji?", she asked quietly.
"HP has gone to get the medicines."
She nodded, and went to change her clothes.
When she returned, Arnav asked, "How did you come home, Khushi?"
"By rickshaw."
"Khushi!"
"NK Bhai called me, and told me whatever you asked him to say."
"Khushi, then?"
HP returned with the medicines at that very moment.
Anjali said, "I will warm up the soup.", and turned to leave the room.
"And we will help her.", said Nani as she left, dragging Mami and NK with her.
"How many people does it take to warram (warm) one baul (bowl) of soup, Saasumma?, asked Mami as she left the room.


"Khushi!", Arnav said, urgently.
She sat down by him, and touched his forehead with a gentle hand, caressing the strands of hair falling on it.
"I felt something was wrong.", she said, looking into his eyes.
He caught her hand, and kissed her fingers. "Khushi!"


(Arunimasingh, thanx!)

She cupped his face., "Does your head hurt?"
He nodded.
She left him and returned with a cloth and a bowl of water. She wiped his face and neck.
Anjali, Nani, and Mami came with the soup, and watched Khushi as she spooned it into Arnav's mouth. He drank it obediently, like a child.
Anjali swallowed. "Thank God for Khushiji!", she whispered. Mami & Nani nodded their heads.
Anjali gave him the pills, and he swallowed them before falling asleep.

"Khushi Bitiyaa...", Nani whispered. "I will sit by him. You lie down on the recliner and get some sleep."
"No, Naniji. You need your sleep. I will stay with Arnavji."
"Khushi Bitiyaa, you sleep. Why phear when Mami ijj here? I bill give him his medicines at night."
"No, Mamiji. Please let me stay with him."
Anjali sighed, and said, hugging Khushi, "If you need anything, Khushiji, please call. We will all be awake anyway."
Khushi smiled and nodded.
Akash said, "We will be using the guestroom next to your bedroom, Khushi Bhabi. Call any time." NK nodded.
Khushi smiled her thanks.

Khushi sat up all night, looking at the pale face of her husband, and touching his forehead to check if the fever was coming down.
He opened his eyes at night to see her looking at him.
"Khushi, why didn't you sleep?", he croaked.



(Arunimasingh, thanx!)

She smiled. "Do you want to use the bathroom?"
"Haan."
She helped him into the bathroom.
"Please don't lock the door, Arnavji. And call me if you feel weak.", she said seriously.
Arnav smiled slightly, and went into the bathroom.
When he came out, she was ready to help him into the bed. She gave him his medication for fever, and wiped him down. And sat watching him sleep.


It took two days for Arnav to throw the fever off. He sat on the recliner, watching Khushi change his sheets as she did daily. He was much better, but Khushi looked drained. No sleep. And if his guess was correct, she hadn't eaten much for three days. 

She hadn't gone to Omkar. Baba had come to see him three times, sitting by his bed and chanting the Mrityunjaya mantra as Arnav had dozed off. Chotu and Vivek had come to see him. And NK, Akash, Mami, Nani, and Di were always around, ready to help.

Khushi finished making the bed, and turned around to smile at him.

"Will you sleep now, Arnavji?"
He nodded.
She came to him, and helped him into bed, pulling the blanket up to his neck. He pulled at her hand gently to make her sit by him.

"Do you feel better?", she asked, lovingly running her fingers down his cheek.
"Hhmmm..."

He lifted the blanket and gently tugged at Khushi. She got into bed with him, curling up inside his blanket so that she was lying with her head on his heart.
He gently ran his fingers over her hair and back, caressing her, comforting her.

"I will never leave you, Khushi.", he murmured after a while.

Khushi stiffened for a moment, and then relaxed.

"We are going to have a very long and happy life. Happy not because we won't have our share of problems, but because we will always face them together. Happy because we will always be together."

She nodded, and tightened her arms around his waist, snuggling closer to him, her slow tears of relief wetting his T-shirt. He kissed her hair, running his hands over her back, caressing her.

Anjali, Nani, Mami, NK, and Akash entered the room to see Arnav and Khushi sleeping, Khushi's arms around him, her face buried in his chest. 

There was a sweet smile on Arnav's face.





Part 38


Khushi walked down the steps of the temple carefully, holding on to the railings. It had rained all night and the steps were slippery.
She smiled at Akash Bhai who was coming up the steps to take her home before going to the office. In that split second, her foot twisted, and for a few moments, she was in imminent danger of falling.
But two hands caught hold of her from two sides. One was Akash Bhai, and the other was a short, beautiful lady with big eyes and a gentle smile.

"Are you alright, Khushi Bhabi?", asked Akash in an anxious voice she didn't recognise.
"My foot. I... I think..."
The lady asked in a calm, soft voice, "Shall I look at it? I am a doctor."
"Ji...", said Khushi, wincing.
"Khushi Bhabi, does it hurt?", Akash was distraught.
"I..I am alright, Akash Bhai...", Khushi smiled through the pain.
Payal probed Khushi's ankle. It was sprained.
"I have a clinic across the road. If we can help your Bhabi to it,  I will bandage her foot.", Payal said in her soft voice.
"Ji.", said Akash and Khushi at the same time.
"Shall I lift you, Khushi Bhabi?"
Khushi patted Akash's cheek. "I will walk with your help. People will stare...". The pain was terrible.
"Ji.", swallowed Akash.
Bhai and NK Bhai had left early for a meeting, trusting him to take care of his Bhabi. But he had failed.

Payal and Akash, holding Khushi up, led her across the road to a building with Dr. Sinha's Clinic written on the name board. They crossed the huge, spotlessly clean waiting room with many chairs lined up for patients, and entered Dr. Payal Sinha's room. Akash & Payal helped Khushi on to the examination table.
Payal began bandaging Khushi's foot. Khushi bit her lip to bear the pain silently. Akash held Khushi Bhabi's hand, wishing he could do something to help her.
"It is a sprain. Don't try to walk for a few days. Rest your foot. Place it on a footrest if you are sitting down."
Akash's phone rang.
"Bhai!", Akash said in a worried voice, looking at the name displayed.
Khushi smiled and took the phone from him.
"Akash, I have been trying Khushi's phone, but she is not taking my calls. Where are you? Is she with you? Is she alright?", came the barrage of questions.
"Arnavji, it is me. I am so sorry. I left my bag with the phone in the car when I went in to the temple."
"Khushi, do you know how worried I have been? Do you have any idea? How many times should I tell you to keep the phone with you?"
"Arnavji, who kya he, I hate the phone ringing when I am praying. That's why...", her voice trailed off.
"Khushi!", Arnav tried to control his tongue and his fury. "Are you still at the temple?"
"No, err..., Arnavji, I... that is, we, Akash Bhai and I ...are at a clinic across the road from the temple."
"Clinic?", his voice was faint with shock. "What happened? Khushi, are you alright? Akash? Is Akash alright?"
"Ji, Ji." Khushi rushed to set his mind at ease. "We are both fine. I just sprained my ankle while walking down the steps. That's all. I am perfectly OK now."
"Khushi! What is the name of the clinic? Khushi!"
"Arnavji!", she protested.
"Give the phone to Akash, Khushi!"
Khushi obeyed him.

"My husband!", Khushi sighed, smiling at Payal.
Payal smiled back.
"I am sorry. I forgot to ask your name, Doctor. I am Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. And this is Akash Bhai, my devar."
"I am Payal Sinha."
"You run this clinic, Payalji?"
"Ji. My father started it many years ago to provide free treatment to the slum dwellers. He is in a wheelchair now after a stroke. So I manage it alone. We have 4 other doctors who work on a part-time basis, nurses, office staff etc."
"Oh! How do you manage to pay...?, Khushi asked, genuinely interested. Running an orphanage had taught her the value of every single rupee.
Payal smiled. "I work in a private hospital from noon to evening, and examine patients in the evening at home. Some patients pay." 

Khushi smiled at her.

The front door banged open as two formally dressed men rushed into the deserted clinic. Akash called them, "Bhai, NK Bhai! We are here!"

Payal watched in wonder as a handsome man with a stern face rushed to his wife's side, his coat flying behind him.
"Khushi!", he said, his face losing the little colour it had, seeing her sitting on the examination table. That one word carried a world of love and concern. Payal looked on in amazement as he strode to Khushi and pulled her into his arms, hugging her close.
Payal, embarrassed, looked at Akash and the other man who had followed the fond husband. But both of them were looking at their Bhaiyya and Bhabi with loving smiles on their faces.

"I am perfectly alright, Arnavji!", smiled Khushi through her pain. "Payalji and Akash Bhai caught me as I was about to fall, and helped me here."

Arnav turned to look at Payal.

"Payalji is a doctor. She runs this clinic. She has bandaged my foot, Arnavji. I am perfectly OK now."
Arnav said, "Thank you, Doctor." His face looked carved in stone, his jaw clenched, his eyes unreadable.
Payal smiled at him.
"Khushi Bhabi!", NK put his arm around Khushi's shoulders, hugging her. "Bahut mard ho raha he?"
Payal looked at NK in astonishment.
"Dard!", Akash hissed.
"Sorry!", NK looked sheepishly at Payal and Khushi.
"I am perfectly alright, NK Bhai." She introduced him to Payal. "This is my devar, Nand Kisore." NK & Payal smiled at each other. "He is from Sydney."
Payal nodded.

"Doctor, can I take my wife home?", asked Arnav.
"Ji. She needs to rest her foot. Just make sure that she does not try to walk or wet her bandage."
Arnav nodded. "Your fees?"
"People who cannot afford to pay get free treatment here. Those who can afford it drop money in the box kept in the office.", Payal said softly.

Arnav went out in search of the office, and pushed an obscenely large amount in to the box through the slit on top.

He returned to hear NK praising his Khushi Bhabi to Payal. 

"Our Khushi bhabi sings. Not jhumkawala film songs. But the other sa-ri-ga-ma type songs. Lots of people come to hear her.", he boasted.

Payal smiled. "I thought you looked familiar. Khushi Kumari Gupta?"
"Ji.", Khushi smiled.
"My father loves music. I remember attending your concert with him about four years back."
"Acha...", Khushi smiled.
"Your devar is right. You are a wonderful musician. After the concert, my father remarked that Pt. Sasi Sharma has trained your talent well."

Khushi smiled. "My Baba is my guru, my music."


"Khushi Bhabi cooks very well too.", Akash added. He watched the lady doctor with a flawless complexion and a beautiful smile closely.

NK said, "She makes all kinds of pakhawaj for me."

Akash looked at Payal's wide eyes, and murmured, "Pakhwaan, NK Bhai."

All laughed.


Arnav put an end to this comedy show by thanking Payal once more, and helping Khushi to get off the table.
Khushi threw her arms around Payal, hugging her close. "Thank you, Payalji. If you hadn't caught me..."
"Burn wounds on your legs?", Payal whispered in her ear.
Khushi swallowed. "All over.", she said in a low voice in the doctor's ear.
Payal swallowed hard.
"Ghar chale, Khushi?", asked her anxious husband.
Payal released Khushi, and she turned towards her husband. Arnav scooped her up in his arms, and walked out of the clinic and towards his car, NK opening the doors for them.



"Thank you for saving my Bhabi. If she had fallen down the steps...!", Akash could not imagine the scene.
Payal nodded.
"Her legs are damaged... and hurt even otherwise. If she had fallen today...! The pain...!" Payal watched as moisture filled the eyes behind the glasses.
"She will be OK now. I have given her a prescription for painkillers.", said Payal softly.
Akash held out his hand to Payal. "Goodbye!"
Payal slipped her hand into his. He pressed her slight, soft fingers within his. "Goodbye!", she said.




Part 39


Khushi looked at the anxious faces of her family gathered around her bed. Akash alone stood slightly away, his face tense and drawn, feeling guilty.

Khushi said, "Akash Bhai, I am sorry."

Akash looked at her, astonished.

"Baba always says that I have no sense of place and time. And that I am careless about myself. He is right. I should have been more careful while walking down the steps of the temple."

Akash opened his mouth to refute her claim, but she beat him in the apology stakes.

"I am so sorry, Akash Bhai. Because of me, you had to miss office today." She looked shamefaced at NK and Arnavji. "And you had to come running from office."

"No problem, Khushi Bhabi...", Nk said earnestly. "Any day. You can break the other leg too. No problem!"

Arnav glared at NK, and turning towards Khushi, said, "That's OK, Khushi. How are you? Does it hurt now?"
"I am OK, Arnavji!"
"Do you want me to call another doctor?", asked her anxious husband.
"No, no...", she rushed to calm him down. "I am perfectly OK." She turned to look at Naniji, Mami, & Di. "Payalji has such soft and kind hands. She bandaged it so well that it doesn't hurt much."
"Thank God she caught you, and that she is a doctor, Khushi Bitiyaa!", Nani said.
"Haan, Saasumma. Naahin to Khushi Bitiyaa ki legwaa hi toot jaati!"
"Khushiji! If you had fallen...!", Anjali's wet eyes filled with tears once more.
Khushi rushed to calm all of them down.


Akash came to check on her a few hours later.
"You know, Akash Bhai! Everything that happens has a good side to it. I sprained my ankle, but we met Payalji!"

Akash smiled.
"I liked her very much.", said Khushi smiling. "She has a big heart. Who else would take on so much responsibility at such a young age? And that too without any profit?"
"Haan, Khushi Bhabi...", Akash blushed.
Khushi looked at him with sharp eyes.
"She is so beautiful, Akash Bhai!"
"Ji." Akash nodded his red face.
"Such clear skin, the colour of golden wheat! Such beautiful eyes! What a lovely smile!"
Akash agreed.
Khushi smiled.
Before meeting Arnavji, she would not have recognised love had it come and bit her, but now, being a well-loved woman adored by her husband, she had developed a sensitivity to such tender feelings in others.


Arnav found his wife smiling as he came to sit by her. He dropped a pile of files on the bed, and placed his laptop beside them. He was going to work from home till Khushi recovered full use of her legs.
"Kya hua? NK told you some joke?", he asked, smiling, as he sat by her, leaning against a wall of pillows that Di, Mami, & Nani had arranged so that Khushi could sit comfortably.
"Arnavji?"
"Hhmm?" He pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head.
"What kind of bride do you want for Akash Bhai?"
"Akash?", Arnav was puzzled. "Someone he likes, I guess."
"Bas? That is your only demand?"
"Someone who understands him. He... He doesn't speak much. So... So..." Arnav struggled to find words to explain his need. "She...she should be able to read his silence."
"And?", Khushi asked.
"And....and understand how good he is, how honest, how loyal..."
"What do you think of Payalji for Akash Bhai?"
Arnav lifted her face to look into her eyes. "The doctor?"
"Ji."
"She seems nice."
"I think Akash Bhai is interested."
Arnav opened his eyes wide. "Really?", he drawled.
"Really.", Khushi confirmed with a smile and a quick kiss on his stubble-covered chin.
"I will look into her background." Arnav declared. "You can never be too careful."
"Kyon? Does she look like a terrorist to you?", Khushi teased him.
"A gold digger is more dangerous than a terrorist!", declared Arnav Singh Raizada. "I need to get a background check done."
"Ji.", she said, knowing that Arnav Singh Raizada had his own ways of doing things. Poor Amanji!, she thought with a smile.
"I will help them spend time together. Let them know each other.", Khushi declared.
Arnav smiled at the excitement in Khushi's eyes.
"My wife, the matchmaker!", he murmured against her cheek, rubbing his nose against her sweetly scented skin.
Khushi giggled.


Khushi got up early, and with Arnavji's help, went to the kitchen to make laddoos. When Nani, Mami, Di, Akash, & NK came down for breakfast, the air was redolent with the fragrance of freshly-made laddoos.
"Laddoo!", breathed Mami.
NK closed his eyes and breathed in the appetizing scent.
"Khushi bitiyaa, why did you...?", Nani was very upset. "You should be resting your leg."
"Haan, Khushiji! You should not be standing on that sprained ankle. Chotey! You should take better care of your wife!"
"Haan Chotey!" , Nani lit into him. "If Khushi Bitiyaa wanted laddoo, could you not have bought them for her? Why did you make her stand for so long?"
"Naniji, Mamiji, Di, it is not Arnavji's fault!", Khushi laughed. "I wanted to send some laddoos to Payalji. And Arnavji helped me make them!"

"Oh!", Nani, Di, & Mami had their mouths open in shock. Finally Mami said, "Payal ho ya chudi! The laddoos look so mouthwatering!"

All laughed.

Khushi handed over a plate of laddoos to NK, and asked him to place it on the breakfast table. She placed a small dish of sugar-free laddoos by Arnavji's plate. He smiled at her, and helped her sit by him, serving her first before filling his plate.


A while later, as NK and Akash got ready to leave for the office, Khushi handed over a big dabba of laddoos to Akash.
"Akash Bhai, can you give this to Payalji, please?"
Akash flushed, and mumbled, "Yes."
Arnav and Khushi stole glances at each other, trying hard not to burst into laughter.


Akash made NK wait in the car as he walked into the clinic. Some of the chairs were filled with patients. He walked to the reception desk.
"Can I meet Dr. Payal Sinha?", he asked the matronly lady manning the desk.
"Ji. Please fill this form."
"No. No, I don't want to consult her. I... I just wanted to give her this." He pointed to the wrapped dabba in his hands.
"If you leave it with us, we will..."
"No. No. I would like to give this to her.", Akash was quietly adamant.
"Then, please wait till the current patient in her room leaves. Then get in and meet her. We will hold back the next patient."
"Ji. Thank you."


Payal looked up to see Akash Singh Raizada at her door, holding a dabba in his hand. Her big eyes widened further.
"Hi!", he said.
"Hi!", she replied. "How is Khushiji?"
"Much better.", Akash smiled. "She asked me to give you this." He handed over the dabba.
"Thank you." Payal looked at the dabba uncertainly, wondering what it held. "Please sit down.", she offered him a seat.
Akash sat. Payal resumed her seat.
"Why don't you open it?", suggested Akash.



Payal nodded and took the lid off. The dabba was full of golden laddoos. Payal smiled, moved.
"It is very kind of her. But did she make them? She shouldn't be standing on that ankle."
"She made them, but she did not strain her ankle. Bhai carried her down to the kitchen, and made her sit down while she made them."
"Acha. Please thank her for these."
Akash smiled. "I am sure no one has ever thanked you with laddoos before."
"No, not laddoos. I have been given milk, flowers, agarbatti, pots, chappals, bags, ber, chana etc by patients who could not pay.", Payal smiled.
Akash smiled. "Why don't you taste one? Bhabi will definitely ask me if you liked them."
Payal smiled, took a laddoo, and broke it into half. She gave Akash one half of it, and nibbled at the other half.
"It is very, very tasty.", Payal said.
Akash nodded, and stood up reluctantly to leave.
"Do you live close by?", asked Akash.
"Ji. In Laxmi Nagar."
"Err... You live with your parents?", he asked.
"Ji. My Amma, Babuji, and Buaji."
"Err... You... You are not married, Payalji?"
"Ji?" Payal's voice revealed her surprise.
"Err... I...I thought that...maybe. you might be living with your husband ...and..."
Payal shook her head, her eyes averted. "Buaji is searching for a groom, but..."
"But?", Akash was insistent.
"They don't want a doctor who does not earn a lot of money.", Payal smiled wryly.
"They are fools.", Akash said.
Payal looked at him, astonished.
Akash blushed. "I... I will see you later."
"Ji." Payal blushed too.




Part 40



"Now you are perfectly alright.", said Payal, as she removed and discarded the bandage around Khushi's ankle.
Akash smiled.
"Thank you, Payalji.", said Khushi, as she settled back in her chair. "I am no longer your patient, but I am determined not to lose touch with you. Can I have your phone number?"
"Ji.", Payal smiled.
They exchanged phone numbers, and Akash quickly added Payal's number to his phonebook. Khushi took down Payal's address too.

"Payalji, Baba runs an orphanage at Omkar, a house about 2km away. We have 20 children there. If you don't mind, can you arrange a monthly health check up for them?"
"Why not?", asked Payal. "We will come there once a month. Bringing all the children here will be difficult."
"That would be wonderful!", smiled Khushi. "But you must let us pay for it."
"Khushiji!", Payal protested.
"Thank God, the orphanage can afford it now. Please, Payalji, let's pay."
Payal agreed, helpless against Khushi's plea.
Akash looked at his Bhabi and Payalji, enjoying the easy banter and the budding friendship between them.


Arnav called Khushi from his office.
"Khushi!" His voice flowed like honey over her.
"Ji?"
"What did Payal say?"
"She said that my ankle is perfectly alright & that I can walk without the bandage."
"Good."
"Ji?"
"We need to celebrate this.", he smiled.
"Removing a bandage?", asked Khushi, perplexed.
"Haan. Isn't it time for me to taste the meeta phal of my sabar?" His wicked voice conveyed many meanings, all of them naughty.
Khushi blushed.
"I can see you blushing, Khushi.", he whispered. "Your rosy cheeks, your shy eyes, the red colour running down your neck to..."
"Arnavji! Kuch to sharam keejiye! You are in the office. If someone hears..."
"I am flirting with MY WIFE, not with some random girl. Why should I feel shy?", Arnav teased his wife.
"Arnavji! I am going to cut the call.", Khushi pouted.
"No, no, don't. I have some news for you. Payal's background check has come out OK."
Khushi laughed.
"I know. I know. But we can never be too careful.", Arnav cleared his side of things.
"Ji.", she laughed. "And this from a man who asked me to be his mistress ten minutes after seeing me!"
Arnav cleared his throat. "That was different. Our situation was different."
Khushi laughed. "It always is!"
"Khushi!"
"I always think, Arnavji! How would Naniji react if I told her about your mistress offer?"
"Hhmm...", Arnav pretended to think deeply about it. "She would be horrified.", Arnav finally admitted. "And she would say, Chotey! How dare you say such things to my Khushi Bitiyaa?"
Khushi laughed. "It would serve you good if she scolded you. How would Mamiji react?"
"She would most likely say I have very good taste, like her." Arnav chuckled. Khushi joined him.
"And Di?"
"She would say, Chotey! Is this how I taught you to behave? Such batameezi? Apologise to our Khushiji now."
"It would serve you right, Arnavji.", teased Khushi. "And Akash Bhai?"
"He will faint in shock."
"Haan. My devar is not batameez like you.", Khushi said proudly. "NK Bhai?"
"Nannav? Nannav ne aisa kaha? I never knew he was so romantic!"
They laughed.
Then Khushi said, "Arnavji, I don't know if Payalji likes Akash Bhai enough to marry him. But I would like them to know each other."
"OK...?", he drawled, wondering what was coming.
"I was thinking, our family should meet her family, shouldn't they?"
"No harm in it.", said Arnav.
"I have Payalji's address. I was thinking, if you agree, I will take Naniji, Mamiji, & Di to Payalji's house. Tomorrow morning."
"That's wonderful!", Arnav teased. "Let me set you up in business, Khushi. An office, a private secretary..."
"Ji?"
"A marriage bureau. What shall we name it? Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi?"
"Arnavji!"
"Or maybe we should ask NK. He will come up with wonderful names. Shaddi Ka Laddoo! Chaat Mangni But Byah!"
"Arnavji!", she laughed. "You are a big tease! Here I am trying to get a bride for your brother, and you are..."
"No, Khushi. You are trying to get a bride for your devar." Arnav teased her. "I suppose it is NK's turn after Akash?"
"How did you know?", Khushi teased back.
"I don't know. A lucky guess!"
Both of them laughed.
He whispered, "Don't think I have forgotten about tonight, Khushi."
She cut the call, blushing.


Arnav returned late from office with Akash and NK, all three of them discussing a deal they were working on. They smiled at Khushi and asked after her ankle as she brought them tea, coffee, & snacks. They then devoured the food while poring over documents and files. Looking at their tired faces, Khushi felt her heart melt. She went down to the kitchen, tied an apron around herself, and made rasmalai for dinner. She also added more delicious dishes to the dinner spread, and kept the silver thalis ready for serving food.

All came down from their rooms for dinner. Mami was wiping tears of joy after seeing romance in her favourite serial. The boys were in casual clothes. Nani was chiding Laxmi, her goat for having eaten her potted plant, and Anjali was on the phone, talking to the priest at a nearby temple about a pooja to be held at home. All stood shell-shocked at the sight of the delectable meal set out on the table by Khushi.



"Khushi Bitiyaa? You made all this?", asked Nani.
"Bhabhi!", exclaimed Akash in wonder. NK quickly took his seat, pulling his plate closer to him.
"Rasmalai!", screamed Mamiji, forgetting the serial heroine in her love for sweets.
"Khushiji?", asked Di, shocked.
"Arnavji said we should celebrate the removing of my bandage." She gave him a secret, naughty look. "So I thought..." She placed a dish of sugar-free rasmalai next to his thali and smiled innocently at him. Arnav returned her smile with one filled with unsaid promises for the night ahead.
Nani hugged Khushi, and all of them sat down to savour the fine meal she had prepared.



Spooning rasmalai into his mouth, NK said, "I love you, Khushi Bhabi!"
"More than rasmalai?", teased Anjali.
NK grinned. "A little more."
Khushi, sitting by Arnavji, smiled at NK. She felt Arnavji's left hand reaching for her left hand held in her lap. She looked at him, startled. He smiled, a devilish glint in his eyes. She tried to twist & turn her hand to free it, but Arnavji held on firm.
"Aren't you having dinner, Khushiji?", asked Anjali.
"Ji... Ji...", said Khushi, pulling her hand free.


HP and the ladies cleared the table after dinner. Arnav was busy with Aman on the phone, and Akash and NK were fighting over which game to play. Khushi watched as Arnavji walked up the stairs to their room, still on the phone. A naughty smile played on her lips. She quickly carried the used plates to the kitchen, ably helped by the other ladies and HP.
"Khushi!", came her husband's roar.
She tried to hide the smile on her lips. Her heart beat quickened.
"Khushiji! Looks like Chotey wants you.", said Di seriously.
"Haan, Khushi Bitiyaa, go and ask him what he wants. His temper...you know how it is..."
"Ji."
"Khushi Bitiyaa!", Mami pinched her chin. "We will deal with all this. You goes and takes rest in your roomwaa!"
"Ji." Khushi wiped her hands, and walked out of the kitchen, towards her room.
Anjali, Mami, & Nani giggled.
"Yeh Chotey bhi naa!", Anjali shook her head.
"He is my Complan bai (boy).", claimed Mami.
"He is just like his Nanaji!", smirked Nani.
Anjali gasped.
"Saasumma! Tells, tells!", said Mami eagerly.


Khushi reached her room to find it dark and deserted. The door to the poolside had been left open. The fragrance of newly-bloomed jasmine buds permeated the air. She could see Arnavji standing among them, looking at the moon.
Khushi slowly entered their room, and closed the door behind her, her heart beating loudly, her breath coming in a rush.