88. Finding Khushi (Part 44 onwards)

88. Finding Khushi (Part 44 onwards)

Part 44 Section 1

The family woke up to a bright day. Not a single cloud appeared on the horizon to darken the wedding of Sanka Devi with Sanka Dev and Anamika with Ganesh.

Large groups of workers descended on the house to complete the lighting, to set up a temporary kitchen, to shift the furniture in the main hall and build a mandap fit for the gods there, decorate the hall with sweet-smelling chains of roses and rajnigandha… 

There was noise and bustle in the house, loud laughter, lots of teasing, shared looks and secret smiles between the couples, oohing & aawwing at the bridal lehengas that Anamika had brought for herself & Khushi, trying out of the boxes and boxes of jewellery, Mami strutting around scaring everyone with green eye shadow on one eyelid and blue on the other asking which suited her better, Mamaji folding his hands in prayer to be spared the torture of selecting his wife’s look for the function, NK, Akash, Arnav, & Ganesh helping the workers, Payal & Anjali running around checking the last minute details, Buaji boasting of how slim she had been at the time of her marriage, Nani recollecting entertaining moments of her own wedding…

Anamika & Khushi smiled at each other, very, very glad to be where they were, surrounded by men & women who showered love on them with an open hand.

Nani handed over two jewellery boxes to the brides.

Khushi opened hers to see a diamond, ruby, & emerald set that took her breath away. 

“It…it is so beautiful, Naniji.” Khushi whispered, overcome by the elderly lady’s love for her. She threw her arms around her and hugged her tight.

“It will look beautiful on you, Khussi Bitiyaa.” Nani said smiling. “Now let go of me.” she teased. “I am not your Arnavji who can bear the strength of your arms. My bones are too frail.”

All laughed as Khushi went rosy, her cheeks flushed with pleasure and bashfulness at the mention of her groom.

“Dekho ab kaisen sharma rahi he!” Nani teased her further. “Yesterday she was clinging on to him during the haldi saying that she wanted to be with him day & night, and now when it is time to spend her life with him, she is blushing?”

All laughed at Khushi.

Anamika opened her gift. Inside the ornate box was an antique set of jewels in pearls, jade, diamonds, and rubies. Anamika gently touched the jewellery with a light hand, trying to blink her eyes to prevent her tears from showing.

“Do you like it, Anamika Bitiyaa?” Nani asked, slightly anxious that her old jewellery might not be to Anamika’s taste.

“It is beautiful.” Anamika managed to say. “But it looks like an heirloom…”

Khushi nodded. The same was true of her gift too.

“Haan.” Nani smiled. “Your Nanaji was very fond of buying me jewellery. And I was very fond of wearing them. Both these gifts were given to me by him.”

“Naniji…” Khushi & Anamika protested. 

“You should keep it with you. Not give it away to us.” Khushi said.

Anamika nodded. “Especially not to me. Such heirlooms should remain in your family.”

Buaji hit her head with her hand. “Ee lo! They will remain in the family. What are you both but family, Nandkisore?”

Nani nodded. “Now you both belong to our family. It is your right to wear these and do your Nanaji proud!”

Khushi and Anamika looked at each other, touched beyond words.

“Woh pyaar se hamein diye rahe…” Nani said softly. “You wear it with love. He will be happy.”

Both Khushi & Anamika hugged Nani till she laughed that she had no intention of joining her husband in the other world till she had witnessed both weddings.

All laughed.

“HP!” Arnav called.

“Ji Bhaiyya!” Poor HP came running, a stool in his hand.

“I need a glass of orange juice.” ASR said.

“I will bring it immediately.” HP offered.

“Err…no…You are busy…” ASR said.

HP stared at him. Why was Arnav Bhaiyya so considerate of him, all of  a sudden?

“Ask Khushi to bring it.” the lion purred like  a pussy cat.

“Ji Bhaiyya!” HP hid his smile as he left the room.

HP looked around. Khushiji was surrounded by the ladies from both families. If he asked her to take juice to Arnav Bhaiyya in their hearing, they wouldn’t let her. And Arnav Bhaiyya would shout at him. He sighed. It was so difficult to work at RM, with Arnav Bhaiyya’s shouting, Anjali Didi’s crying, Mamiji’s catwalk and English, and Laxmi’s love for him…

As he stood ruminating over his fate at the hands of one Arnav Singh Raizada when he took the juice to him, he felt a presence by his side.

“Bhat are yous doing here, HP? Looking at the ladiejj, Hello Hi Bye Bye!” Mami asked.

HP turned his head to look at her and felt a chill run through his spine. Mamiji had her hair in curlers and she looked like something out of  a bhoot kahani.

“Come on, tells me! Bhat are yous doing?” Mami was in no mood to let go of him.

HP sighed. “Arnav Bhaiyya wants a glass of unsweetened orange juice.”

“To isme mushkil kaa he?” Mami asked. “Kitchen maa se orange gayab hui kaa?”

HP said, “Bhaiyya wants Khushiji to give him the juice. Mamiji, how can I call her out from such a crowd? What excuse can I give? And if I don’t call her…” he shuddered.

Mami nodded. “Hhmmm…Manorama Baand at yours serbice, HP! Humein hi kuch karega padi.” She thought long & hard.

HP looked nervously towards Arnav Bhaiyya’s room.

Mami clicked her fingers. “Mill gayi. I bill bring her out. You waits here.”

HP nodded.

Mami catwalked into the room.

“Khushi bitiyya, your phace looks pale!” she exclaimed.

All looked at Khushi’s face, which looked its normal self.

“I have kept my gifat for you in you roomwaa.” Mami told Anamika. “Khussi, you come with me. I will give you your gifat. And show you how to lagao the bluuuush and the shadow.”

“Mamiji…” Khushi tried to protest.

“Come with me. When bade calljj, chote obey.” Mami declared as she prepared to march off.

Buaji & Amma prodded Khushi, asking her to obey Payal’s mother-in-law.

Khushi trailed after Mami.

“Operation success!” Mami declared to HP.

“Whose operation?” Khushi asked. “Who is in the hospital?”

Mami sighed. “You are not fit to be Manorama Baand’s assistant. Tum to circuswaa me hi theek ho! You go with HP and tame your growling lion!” She walked away, swinging her hips.

Khushi stared at HP in confusion.

Soon Arnav heard the sound he had been waiting for, the sweet knock on his door. He rushed to open it.

Khushi stood before him, a tray in her hand. It had a mug of black coffee, a glass of orange juice, and a pitcher of lime tea.

As he stood staring at the tray, she walked in and deposited it on his laptop table.

“Khushi… yeh kyaa he?” he asked, puzzled.

“Everything you drink.” Khushi smiled. “Otherwise Mamiji will have to help HPji to call me out of the bedroom again & again.”

Arnav looked at her, a smile blooming on his lips. “I just wanted to see you.” he confessed softly.

“Acha? That is too bad.” Khushi said, frowning.

“Too bad?” Arnav asked, a frown on his forehead.

“Hhmm…” Khushi nodded. “I thought I would get atleast a pappi for taking so much risk.” she sighed. “Chalo, koi baat nahi…”

Khushi did not have to complete her lament.

Arnav dragged her into his arms, and dropped kisses all over her face. Khushi stood still, enjoying the burst of his passion, loving the feel of his hard lips on her soft face, thrilled beyond words at the force of his love…

“I won’t give you cause for complaint tonight, Khushi.” the devil whispered. “I promise to meet all your demands, like a good husband should.”

Part 44, section 2

The ladies watched in awe as NK, Akash, Gaurav, & Scooby led Ganesh & Arnav down the stairs for the wedding.

Ganesh was in a dark blue sherwani and Arnav in a cream one, both of them simply but elegantly dressed in Anamika’s creations.

As the ladies continued to look at them, speechless with wonder, Ganesh & Arnav looked at each other, bashful at the being the focus of attention of so many people.

NK was in red, Gaurav in pale green, & Akash in yellow. Mamaji was in brown, and all the men looked very handsome.

Anjali whispered, “Nani, just look at them!”

Nani nodded, tears of joy in her eyes. Her daughter’s wish was finally coming true. Chotey would get the bride who had stolen his heart without his knowledge. The bride who would keep him on his toes. Who matched him in fury and fun. The bride who loved him as madly as he loved her. Nani heaved a sigh of relief. What more could she ask for from life?

Nani looked at Ganesh. He must have been alone all his life. Lonely. Living on the fringes of Anamika Bitiyaa’s life. Now he could be Gaurav’s father and her husband. Who was more lucky? Anamika Bitiyaa or Ganesh Bitwaa? It was hard to tell. Nani smiled fondly at a flushed Ganesh who was straightening his sherwani uncomfortably.

The ladies gathered around the men, paying them fulsome compliments.

“Arnav Bitwaa, you looks good enough to eat!” Mami declared. Arnav took a step back in horror. Mami was unpredictable at the best of times.

“Hai re Nandkisore! I almost didn’t recognise you both!” Buaji exclaimed.

Arnav & Ganesh flushed.

“Now take Naniji’s blessings.” Buaji instructed the grooms.

Both Ganesh & Arnav bent to touch Nani’s feet. She blessed them, and hugged and kissed them on their foreheads.

Anjali hugged her Chotey, and wished Ganesh a happy married life. He nodded awkwardly.

The ladies flitted around them, laughing at their nervousness. 

The guests started pouring in. The ladies & Mamaji greeted them and welcomed them in. Akash, Gaurav, & NK ushered them to their seats.

The grooms stood waiting for their brides to appear.

Ganesh whispered in Arnav’s ear, “This is like waiting outside the dentist’s.”

Arnav smiled slightly, glad that he had company. Did all grooms feel this way, as though it was difficult to breathe? He pulled at the neck of his cream sherwani, & adjusted his turban nervously. Where was Khushi?

Anjali & Payal went up to the room in which the brides were getting ready. Ganesh & Arnav looked hopefully in that direction.

“Don’t worry, Nandkisore!” Buaji comforted them. “Your brides are still here. They haven’t run away. They will come down now, Nandkisore!”

Ganesh & Arnav smiled, shy at being caught out.

Buaji took kajal from her eyes and applied it behind Arnav & Ganesh’s ears. “Kissi ki buri nazar na lage!” she said.

“Thank you, Buaji.” Arnav said softly, putting his arms around her round body & hugging her. Buaji’s eyes widened in shock & pleasure.

Ganesh followed suit, hugging Buaji gently, careful not to crush her with his hefty arms. “Thank you.” he whispered.

Buaji nodded, tears of joy in her eyes.

Then she said, “You can hug me tightly, Bitwaa. Hum kaanch se nahi bane! And the man hasn’t been born who can crush my bones, Nandkisore!”

Arnav & Ganesh laughed, & Ganesh hugged Buaji freely.

As he freed her, he asked, “Aap theek he?”

Buaji gasped for air. “Hum…hum…theek he, Nandkisore!” She pulled Arnav & Ganesh’s cheeks and left laughing.

The grooms watched the seats being filled by laughing, brightly-dressed guests, all chattering nineteen to the dozen, dressed to the nines, diamonds & other precious stones glinting around their necks & arms.

Ganesh looked hopefully towards the stairs. Wasn’t it time for Anamika to come down? Was she nervous? Maybe he could go up…

Arnav could not take his eyes away from the stairs. If only Khushi would come!

“Chotey, Ganeshji, this is Mrs.Kripalani.” Nani introduced a matronly lady to the grooms. Both grooms greeted her and accepted her congratulations, their eyes still on the stairs.

Nani hid her smile behind her hand. 

The chatter suddenly came to an abrupt stop.

Anamika came down the steps, dressed in a gorgeous golden lehenga with elaborate stone work and  a thin red line on the hem. Around her neck was the necklace that Nani had given her. Her earrings, her bangles, her armlets, her waistband, her maangtikka, her payal… all belonged to the same set. Nani felt her eyes fill up.

Payal led Anamika down the steps to stand by Ganeshji who was staring at his bride as though he had never seen her before.

Mami teased him, “Kaa hua, Ganesh Bitwaa. Ijj thijj not your bridewaa? Kono exchange offer to naahi hui na?”

Ganesh flushed.

All laughed. Anamika blushed. Gaurav hugged both of them fervently, thrilled to see his childhood dream come true.

Arnav looked impatiently at the stairs. Where was Khushi? He hadn’t seen her all evening…

“Khabar karo, Nannav, khabar karo.” NK advised, laughing away to glory.

“Kisko khabar karoon?” Arnav asked, frowning. “And what?”

“Sabar, NK bhai!” Akash corrected him. NK pulled his ear. “Sabar, sabar! Sorry, Nannav, mere Bhai!”

Arnav turned his head towards the stairs and stood electrified.

Khushi was wearing a gift by Anamika. The lehenga was rich red, with golden designs on it. The short choli too was red, the neck and the arms embellished with exquisite work. The dupatta draped over her head was bright red & gold, the colour of roses & marigold flowers.

She was wearing Nani’s gift, the jewellery that Nanaji had given her years ago. And on her arms were his mother’s bangles, the ones with the peacocks in enamel, the bangles that his mother had set aside for her bahu years ago…

He swallowed hard.

His Khushi. His life. His wife. Wearing his favourite colour. A silk lehenga with a short choli that let him glimpse the sweet curves of her creamy waist… His incendiary eyes ran up & down her full figure, lingering on interesting points with great pleasure.

Khushi looked up, feeling his hot eyes on her. And felt a shiver run down her tingling spine. She tripped slightly, to be caught firmly by Anjali.

“Kya hua, Khushiji?” Anjali asked. 

How could she tell his Di that her Chotey was devouring her with his chocolate eyes? Khushi swallowed with great difficulty, her eyes still trapped by his.

“Are you feeling cold?” Anjali asked anxiously.

Khushi sighed inwardly. How could she tell Anjaliji that her skin was burning at the look in her brother’s eyes, that it felt as though he had touched her?

“Are you alright?” Anjali asked.

Khushi smiled with great difficulty, her cheeks as rosy as her lehenga. “I am fine, Di.”

 Part 44, Section 3

Khushi came to stand by Arnav who couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Anjali asked, “Nani, Babuji, Ganeshji, shall we start? Otherwise Chotey will stand here all evening, looking at Khushiji!”

All chuckled as the grooms & the brides blushed.

Amma & Buaji applied tilak on Arnav & Ganesh, welcoming the grooms to the function.

Amidst smiling faces, the grooms readied themselves for the jai mala ritual. The brides were led to stand across from them.

Anamika & Khushi were given garlands of red roses and rajnigandha to place around the necks of their grooms. As Khushi tried to garland Arnav, Akash & NK lifted him out of her reach.

Khushi pouted. All laughed.

She tried to reach her Arnavji, but his brothers lifted him up again. She scowled playfully at NK & her Jiju, jumped up, and threw her garland around Arnav’s neck.

All laughed and clapped loudly at her smartness.

When it was Anamika’s turn, she lifted her fragrant garland and moved towards Ganesh. NK & Akash, with loud & glad encouragement from Gaurav, tried to lift Ganesh away from Anamika’s reach.

Anamika stretched out her arms, missing Ganesh by quite a few inches. As the families watched, Ganesh quickly bent his head, letting his bride garland him comfortably.

“That is cheating!” Akash protested.

“Ramanchi, ramanchi!” NK borrowed Khushi’s words.

“What is the use of complaining, Bitwaa?” Mamaji asked. “Jab mia biwi raazi, kya karega NK?”

All laughed uproariously. The grooms garlanded the brides, accepting them into their lives.

Arnav & Khushi moved to the mandap. Ganesh & Anamika took their seats with the family, watching the rituals closely for it would be their turn next.

The mandap was beautifully decorated with white & red flowers & golden drapes. Arnav & Khushi sat down as instructed by the purohit. The rituals and the chanting of mantras began.

Khushi looked around. The hall was filled with all the people she loved. Munshiji smiled at her from the crowd. Khushi smiled widely and waved at him. Arnav hid his smile.

Khushi spied Koelji & the other ladies working in Anamikaji’s studio, sitting in the crowd. She smiled at them, thrilled to see them there.

Arnav looked at Khushi’s face. It was flushed with happiness. Arnav swallowed hard, wishing she would be so happy all their lives together. Khushi lifted her eyes from the fire burning bright to look at her Arnavji’s face. She beamed.

Arnav & Khushi looked out at the crowd of well-wishers and family that had gathered there to see them marry. Anjaliji was wiping away her tears, Nani was drying her eyes, Buaji, Amma, & Babuji could not contain their happiness that their Sanka Devi was finally getting married, and that too to Arnav Bitwaa who relished her madness, NK, Gaurav, & Akash were smiling at the pair, Payal was trying to control her tears of joy, Anamika & Ganesh were smiling fondly at them, Mami was crying till Mamaji cracked  a joke about her makeuppiya running, when she abruptly stopped crying and tried to smile…

Anjali did the gatbandhan, Babuji & Amma did the kanyadaan. 

Arnav pressed Khushi’s fingers between his, promising her wordlessly to cherish her throughout their lives. She smiled at him, pressing his fingers in return.

The vows of the saath phere surprised Arnav. It was as though someone had written those words for them, as though the promises he had made silently in his mind were being recited by the priest… How could he not look after her and the family they might have? Consider her as his friend & sole soul mate? Live righteously and do his duty by her?

So this was marriage, Arnav Singh Raizada thought. Had he not met Khushi & fallen helplessly in love with her, he might have never known that such a world existed, that such a possibility of happiness existed, that he did not have to be alone & lonely all his life, that work did not have to take the place of his wife, that he did not have to shoulder all burdens alone…

He looked at Khushi’s smiling face. He was blessed. His parents must have seen how lonely he had been, how insecure, how… how miserable he had been… and had sent her to brighten his life. He swallowed hard.

He took the mangalsutra and reverently tied it around Khushi’s slender neck.

He lifted her maang tikka, and filled her maang with sindoor thrice. 

Khushi shut her eyes, praying to Devi Maiyya that they would be together all their lives, standing side by side to face all the inevitable trials & tribulations they would have to face like all couples did.

If only her parents were alive today to see this moment! she could not help wishing. Her beautiful eyes became moist. If only Arnavji’s parents were alive to see this day! How happy all four of them would have been! She silently promised Arnavji’s Mama that she would look after him always, take care of his health, put up with his anger, and savour his love for her.

Arnav & Khushi took the blessings of the purohit and their elders. They were hugged and kissed within an inch of their lives by their family that had been waiting to see this day for a very long time. 

Anamika hugged Khushi close and whispered in her ear, “Thank you.”

Khushi looked into Anamikaji’s eyes, perplexed. “For getting married?” she asked.

Anamika had to smile. “No. For bringing about Ganesh & my marriage. For giving Gaurav his father. For giving me so much.”

Khushi threw her arms around Anamika, and whispered tearfully in her ear. “If you hadn’t helped me…. If I hadn’t met you… Anamikaji… I…I would have been so unhappy, so scared… You have given me more than I can ever give you.”

It was time for Ganesh & Anamika’s wedding.

Arnav & Khushi sat down in Ganesh & Anamika’s seats, ready to witness their shaadi. Anjali, Payal, Buaji, & Amma led the pair & Gaurav to the mandap.

Anjali tied the gatbandhan for Ganesh & Anamika, & Babuji & Amma did the kanyadaan. 

Anamika paid close attention to the seven vows, and whispered to Ganesh. “You have been doing all these for the past 20 years.”

Ganesh smiled. “Gaurav & you… you are my family.” he said simply. “I have nothing except you both. I want nothing except you both.”

Anamika swallowed with difficulty through a throat thick with tears. For 20 years everything she had ever wanted from life had been in front of her. If only she had been able to muster the courage to reach out and claim it! Gauarv would have got the Papa of his heart, and she would have been married to the best man on earth. If only! she sighed silently. She had been criminally slow, but it was no use wasting her breath in useless sighs, she thought. At least she had seen sense before losing her teeth & battling dementia & old age, she comforted herself. To lighten the air, she whispered, “And that mongrel.”

“And Scooby.” Ganesh laughed. He looked at Gaurav’s face. He was incandescent with joy, hugging Scooby close to his chest as he watched his Mama marry his Papa.

Khushi clutched Arnav’s arm in excitement as Anamikaji & Ganeshji got married. Arnav looked at the exhilaration on her face. She was as happy at Anamika’s wedding as she had been at her own!

Ganesh tied the mangalsutra around Anamika’s neck, & applied sindoor to her maang three times. At the end of the ceremony, they took the blessings of the purohit & their large family.

Arnav, Khushi, Anamika, & Ganesh stood together to receive the congratulations & good wishes heaped on them by the guests. Then it was time for the feast. They sat together with their family to have their dinner, smiling as their family cracked jokes & laughed at their expense. Khushi looked at Arnav’s contented face and hugged his arm in joy. Arnav turned his head to look at her. Her heart melted at the world of love she could see in his eyes.

As soon as the party was over, Ganesh & Anamika bid everyone goodnight. They were going away for their honeymoon. 

The family tried to keep both couples engaged by tempting them with the promise of post-wedding games, but they did not fall for it. Their minds were elsewhere.

It took one hour for Ganesh & Anamika to extricate themselves and to say goodbye, the family giving them a hundred & one tips and instructions on how they were to manage, to call regularly and pass on news, to take care of themselves, to call them if they needed any help...

Gaurav & Scooby were to stay on at RM. 

After one hour of saying ‘yes’ & nodding, the newly-married couple heaved a sigh of relief as they moved to Ganesh’s car to leave for a cottage he owned by a small lake. 

As soon as they left, Arnav threw two bags into his car, helped Khushi in, and slammed the door shut. He announced, “We are leaving now. You can tease us after we return.”

Before the ladies could repeat their instructions, Arnav drove off.

The ladies stood with their mouths open. Mamaji burst out laughing.

  
Part 45

Titli: Steamy Version (Chennai Express)

Part 45, Section 1

“Chotey didn’t even want to play the ring-in-the-milk game!” Anjali pouted, hiding her smirk.

The ladies giggled.

“He will play other gameswaa with his wife! Private ma…” Mami said, laughing.

The Raizadas & the Guptas laughed.

Ganesh brought the car to a stop in front of his cottage, and got out of the car to open Anamika’s door. She stepped out in all her finery to look at the quaint building and the placid lake by it, its waters reflecting the light falling on it, its placid surface rippling each time  a breeze touched it with gentle hands.

Anamika breathed in deep. “It is so beautiful!”

Ganesh smiled as he hauled out their bags. He opened the door & led her in.

The interiors of the house was stunning. Cream walls, potted plants, chocolate & orange-coloured cushions on cane furniture… Anamika looked around, feeling at peace.

Ganesh led her to the main bedroom, a big room with a big bed for a man of Ganesh’s size.

“Gaurav normally uses the room next door.” Ganesh said, smiling. 

Anamika smiled. “How come you never brought me here?” she raised an eyebrow.

Ganesh smiled and walked towards her with measured steps, pausing in front of her. His eyes traced her lovely form and came to rest on her perfect face. “There is a time & place for everything, it seems.”

Anamika could only nod.

“It is no use hurrying fate.” Ganesh said softly. He ran a gentle but large finger down her soft cheek, coming to a halt on her chin.

Anamika closed her eyes in pleasure, raising her face to his hoping that he would take the invitation.

Ganesh swallowed, and bent to place a soft, chaste kiss on her forehead.

“One minute.” he whispered.

Anamika opened dazed eyes to look at him. He turned away to open a cabinet. In it were chains of flowers & bags of fragrant petals.

“I want to decorate the bed for you.” Ganesh said as he began to take the long chains and the rest of the accoutrements out.

“Ganesh… you don’t need to…” Anamika said, touched by his determination to give her a traditional suhaag raat.

“I want to.” Ganesh said as he dumped rose petals on the bed, and began trying to make  a heart out of them. He frowned at it. It looked more like a red egg than a heart. He tried again. “I want you to have everything you missed out on. And I want to give them to you.” 

Anamika looked at his serious face as he tried to coax unruly rose petals into the shape of a heart for her, and felt a hand close around her heart.

She clambered on to the bed in her lehenga, and began helping. Soon they had  a reasonably heart-like floral design on the bed spread.

Ganesh looked at it with satisfaction. Asking Anamika to sit on the bed, Ganesh hooked the remaining paraphernalia over the bed & arranged the floral chains to fall around the bed in a curtain.

He stood back to look at her. She looked like a princess. A smiling princess. Anamika quickly pulled her dupatta down over her face, sitting in the typical bride-on-her-suhaag raat pose.

Ganesh lit perfumed candles in the room, placing them around the bed, and dimmed the lights.

Anamika looked at Ganesh through her veil and the curtain of flowers. He was standing a little distance from the bed, looking at the picture she made with rapt eyes.

Anamika smiled, her eyes behind the dupatta aglow with love for him. The photographer and the lover in him were appreciating the romantic ambience and the picture she presented.

But she was not in  the mood to let him stand there looking at her all night. Smiling tenderly at him, Anamika stretched her arms towards Ganesh, welcoming him into her embrace.

Ganesh walked towards his bride with eager steps.

Arnav & Khushi sat silent in the car as he drove towards his farmhouse. Once in a while they shared glances and smiles, and Arnav clasped her fingers in his and pressed them lovingly.

“Just a few more minutes.” Arnav promised.

“Ji.” Khushi said.

“Did you enjoy the wedding, Khushi?’ he asked.

Khushi laughed, glee in her voice. “Very much, Arnavji. It was such fun! And all my friends were there. Munshiji, Preetho, Koelji…”

Arnav smiled at her joy.

“And our families… Arnavji, do you think they felt bad when we came off without playing the games?” Khushi asked, worried.

“I am sure they understood, Khushi, that my patience was at an end.” Arnav smiled.

Khushi looked at him in silence.

After a while, she said, “Anamikaji & Ganeshji looked so good together, didn’t they?” Khushi asked.

Arnav nodded, taking his eyes off the road.

“Our shaadi was just as I had dreamed, in my childhood.” she smiled at him. “Lights, flowers, Buaji, Amma, Babuji, Jiji, my friends, my new family….”

“And your groom?” Arnav asked, a small smile on his lips.

Khushi frowned. “I didn’t know you then, Arnavji. So I didn’t dream of you.”

Arnav’s smile widened.

“And the feast! With mountains of jalebi!” Khushi’s face was the very picture of happiness.

Arnav coughed to contain his laughter. He looked at the road ahead. They were close to the farmhouse now.

“Did you like the wedding, Arnavji?” Khushi asked eagerly.

“Very much.” Arnav said. “But I am going to like the suhaag raat even more.” he stated, a naughty smile on his face.

Khushi stared at him in silence, and then turned her face away to look out through the window. Arnav noticed with pleasure that her breathing had intensified.

He turned the vehicle into the courtyard of his farmhouse, and parked it. He alighted, & said, “Khushi, stay where you are. I will be back in a moment.”

“Ji.” Khushi looked curiously around.

A helper came out to carry their luggage into the house. Arnav went in with him to check on the arrangements & light the candles, & took the keys from the boy as he left for his home.

The farmhouse was empty. Just as he had planned it. Now it was time for him & Khushi to start their new life together.

He returned to the car. He opened her door for her. Khushi smiled at him & put her foot out to leave the car. But he stopped her.

Khushi looked at him, her eyes wide.

He scooped her up in his arms, and looked down at her beautiful face cradled against his shoulder.

Khushi smiled at him, and passed her right arm around his shoulder. Her left hand came up to hang on to his collar. She lay against him, safe & snug as he walked in to the house.

He turned at the door. “Khushi, close the door.” his voice was soft, his eyes on hers.

Khushi leaned up from his arms to lock the door.

Once that was done, Arnav carried her up the wide stairs to his room, his eyes trapping hers.

He paused at the entrance to the bedroom and looked at the bed. Khushi’s gaze followed his. She gasped.

The room was decorated with roses, jasmine, & rajnigandha. The bed was hidden in a bower of flowers, long chains of fragrant blossoms covering it. Fairylights, candles, a basket of fruits… the room looked beautiful.

“How…when…?” Khushi gasped.

“I asked Aman to arrange it.” Arnav said.

“Amanji! Amanji did this?” Khushi asked.

“He must have contracted someone for the job. You like it?” Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded, clinging on to him.

He carried her to the bed, parted the veil of flowers, and gently placed her on the bed, supine, her head resting on a fluffy pillow.

He got in beside her.

Spoiler for Part 45, Section 2

Edited expertly by my dear friend, Smitha Radhakrishnan.

Part 45 Section 2

All pics credited to my dear friend, the one & only Smitha Radhakrishnan!

Arnav rested his head on Khushi’s pillow and looked at her.

Khushi gazed back at him, her eyes shy, uncertain, slightly apprehensive.

“So finally I have you where I want you, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.” Arnav said, satisfaction oozing from his words. He turned on his side to lie facing her.

“Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada?” Khushi asked, savouring the name as though it were a jalebi.

“Hhmmm…” Arnav confirmed, a small smile on his face as his eyes ran over her face.

“Khushi Laad Governor…Khushi Rakshas…Khushi What the!” Khushi chuckled, her funny bone tickled by the thought.

Arnav looked at her laughing face, and the next thing she knew was the hard pressure of his lips against her surprised ones, stealing the laugh away from them.

There was silence in the room, except for the soft moan that left her as he lifted his lips off hers reluctantly, rubbing his hungry lips against her plump ones again & again to ease the agony of his withdrawal.

Finally, she lay, weak, quiescent against her pillow, gazing up at his intent face and burning eyes. Her fingers clutched the soft silk of his sherwani, desperate for succor from the burn within her.

Silently, as though in time to a melody only they could hear, Arnav slipped her maang tikka off her forehead. His gentle fingers slipped her earrings off her ears, lightly grazing her lobes and the sensitive skin behind her ears.

Khushi shuddered. Arnav drew in a deep breath.

He removed her nath, and placed the earrings, maang tikka, & the nath on the small bedside table. He removed her bangles one by one, dropping kisses on the peacock bangles that his mother had left for her.

Once he had freed her hands, he caught her left hand in his and dropped a kiss on the palm. She shivered and curled her fingers in to the palm. Arnav kissed each finger, gently nibbling on the mounts on her palm.

Khushi whimpered, “A..arnavji….”

“Hhmmm?” he asked, his lips travelling to her wrist. His tongue gently lapped at the soft skin there, tasting her to his satisfaction.

Khushi shuddered violently, almost pulling her wrist away, unable to take the sensory overload.

“Kya hua, Khushi?” the devil asked, all concern, his innocent voice in contrast to the devilish burn in his eyes.

Khushi swallowed, her mouth dry, unable to tell him the side effects of his love, the debilitating effect his touch had on her. Her heart was racing like a galloping stallion, her breath came in choppy waves, her body seemed to be suffering from a hot flush, and her limbs were trembling. How could she tell him kya hua?

His fingers made their insidious way to the creamy curve of her waist, adorned by a thin gold waist chain that lovingly clung to the dip. Khushi squirmed at the intimate touch, but Arnav gentled her with a soft kiss on her forehead. He rubbed his nose against hers, distracting her while his fingers unclasped the chain and flung it on to the side table.

His fingers travelled up her arms, one after the other, to free them of the armlets. He then helped her to sit up, and kneeled behind her. He removed the dupatta and flung it aside. His eyes fell on the golden expanse of her back, revealed by a choli that stayed in place on the strength of two pairs of doris, one at the neck and the other at her waist. He blew against the exposed skin, his hot breath burning her like a brand. Khushi jerked.

“Kya hua, Khushi?” he murmured in her ear.

Khushi clutched her fingers together in her lap. She was beyond finding a reply to his question. She turned her head to look in to his hot eyes that seemed to beckon her, seemed to invite her to throw away her inhibitions and join him in the conflagration. Khushi lowered her eyes to her hands in her lap.

Arnav undid the necklace, and the heavy piece slid down her chest to fall in the cradle of her lap. Khushi placed it on the table, her hand unsteady.

He then freed her hair to lie in a river down her back, rubbing the dark silk between his fingers. He bent his head and kissed her neck, savouring the jasmine scent of her skin and its seductive taste. Khushi jerked and fell back against him, a gasp escaping her lips.

“Kya hua, Khushi?” Arnav breathed into her ear. Khushi shivered violently.

He gathered the sweet weight of her hair and pushed it over her right shoulder to fall against her bosom. His fingers trailed across the bare skin of her back and touched the knot of the dori at her neck.

“Ar…rnavji….” Khushi moaned.

“Khushi…?” he asked, gently tugging the dori open. The neck of her choli loosened. Arnav traced a sensual pattern on the golden skin of her nape. Khushi turned and threw herself against him, her arms around his neck, her face buried in the crook of his neck. Her lustrous hair flew in the air and fell down her back, covering the tempting skin. Her breath fell hot and furious against the tense muscles of his throat.

Arnav slid his hand under her hair, and fingered the second dori. Khushi curled closer to him, pressing herself as close as she could to the hard planes of his chest. He tugged the second dori open.

In desperation, Khushi bit his neck, her fine teeth sinking into the hard muscles. Arnav trembled at the sensation.

He raised his unsteady hand to slide the sleeve of her choli down her arm. Khushi’s fingers clutched the neck of his sherwani and tugged. She buried her face against his bare skin, breathing in his masculine scent.


 A Suhaag Raat VM for my lovely readers!

Part 45 Section 3

Credit to uploader on FB

Anamika pulled Ganesh into her arms and leaned all her weight against him, trying to push him flat on to the bed.

Ganesh, being a very accommodating gentleman who had never learned to say ‘no’ to Anamika, fell against his fluffy pillow, treasuring her dear weight against his length.

Anamika looked down at his face. She dropped a kiss on his shaggy hair, the frown lines on his forehead, his strong, fine nose, his masculine chin… She looked into his eager eyes.

“I love you.” Anamika whispered. Oh, the relief of finally saying it!

“I know.” Ganesh said softly, smiling tenderly at her.

“I have always loved you.” Anamika confessed. “I just didn’t know it was love.”

Ganesh smiled.

“Even when I was struggling with a baby, my studies, my work as a model, my nightmares… my loneliness…it was always you. In my head, in my heart…” she whispered.

Ganesh looked at her, his eyes moist.

“I just didn’t know…didn’t recognise what it was… I was stuck at 18 years all my life, not growing up, not seeing…” Anamika whispered through a choked throat.

“Sshhh…” Ganesh comforted her.

“If you hadn’t waited for me…if you had given up…opted for someone else...”Anamika panicked.

Ganesh smiled. “That was never an option.” To lighten the mood, Ganesh said, “It would have been like giving Khushi laddoo instead of jalebi when her head is filled with images of jalebi day & night.”

Both of them chuckled. As the laughter died away, Ganesh cupped her head gently and placed his lips on hers.

Arnav woke up in the morning, feeling very energetic, a sense of well-being suffusing his soul. “Khushi…” he whispered as he did every morning, like the mantra to begin his day.

He looked down at the warm bundle in his arms, hidden under the covers he had dragged over both of them. Her head was on his chest, her unbound hair lying over his arm like a silken cover. He could feel  her legs entwined with his. Her arms were around his waist. She was lying over him, her sweet breath singeing his chest. His lips stretched in a very happy smile, and he cuddled her softness closer.

 

He looked at the canopy of flowers, and then looked at his bride sleeping the sleep of the very tired.

A strand of hair had fallen over her temple, on to her cheek. He smoothed it away, tucking it behind her ear with a loving hand.

Khushi’s eyelashes fluttered, and heavy lids opened reluctantly to gaze at his face.

“Arnavji…” she whispered, looking at his face with happy eyes, not waking up fully.

Arnav smiled at her, his eyes tender, naughty, mysterious, eager, anticipating her full awakening…

Khushi frowned slightly and looked around.

One bed. The flowers. She was in Arnavji’s arms… They had gotten married yesterday…Last night had been their suhaag raat!

A blush that could put all other blushes to blush bloomed on her face. She averted her eyes from Arnavji’s.

His chuckles sent the muscles of his hard chest rippling against her soft bosom.

Khushi pulled herself off him, hoping to exit the bed at the earliest, only to realise that under the covers, both of them were naked.

She gasped, her mouth open in a perfect ‘O’.

Arnav burst out laughing, rolling on the bed in mirth.

“Your face, Khushi…” he choked. “You should see your face…”

Khushi pulled the covers to cover herself fully & Arnavji partly. She caught hold of a pillow and began hitting him with it.

“Aap ko hassi aa rahi he…” she muttered as she plied the pillow energetically.

Arnav caught her flailing arm, and made her abandon the pillow, chuckling all the while. He pulled her into a bear hug, nuzzling her throat, loving the scent of her, the feel of her…

Khushi winced.

“Kya hua, Khushi?” Arnav asked, his chuckles dying.

“Aapki dhaadi…” she rubbed the sore skin of her throat.

“Lagi tumhein?” he was all concern, his unguarded eyes showering love on her.

She nodded, pouting.

Arnav blew on the tender skin, sending shivers down her tingling spine.

“Kya hua, Khushi?” the devil asked, feeling her shiver.

Khushi swallowed. What reply could she give him? He was the master of asking questions that had no answers!!!

His warm lips touched her throat, and kissed away the hurt. Khushi shut her eyes in the agony of pleasure, arching her neck helplessly to enjoy his touch to the fullest.

Arnav lifted his head to look straight into her eyes.

“Khushi, are you all right? Khushi, last night…” He was more serious than he had ever been in his life.

Khushi looked into his eyes. She could see the budding panic there. 

She smiled at him, cupping his face in her palms. “I have never been better, Arnavji!”

 

 Part 45 Section4

 

“Khushi…” Arnav leaned forward to taste her smiling lips.

Khushi laughed, swiped the blanket from him, wrapped it around herself and ran to the bathroom. She made a face at him, and giggling, shut & locked the door.

Arnav sat on the bed, astonished, free of the blanket, feeling the chill air of the morning on his bare skin. He quickly jumped out of bed, pulled his wardrobe open, & wrapped a towel around his lean waist.

Now to get the bathroom door open… He focused his sharp Haridwar-trained brain to the problem on hand.

He spied her suitcase in the corner. He smiled. He quickly flipped it open and pulled out a set of clothes from it. He riffled through her belongings.

A few seconds later, he was at the bathroom door, banging away.

“Arnavji!” Khushi laughed. “I am not going to open the door. I won…I won” She jumped up & down in joy, banishing the slight pull of unused muscles throughout her body as of no consequence.

Arnav hid his smirk. “Yes, Khushi, you won. But what are you doing in the bathroom without your toothbrush & clothes?” He sounded as innocuous as possible.

Khushi’s mouth fell open. No wonder Buaji called her Bhooleswari Devi at times!

“Khushi, open the door. I have your clothes & brush here.” he threw out the lure.

Khushi looked at the door & at her clothless form. She sighed. She had no choice. She quickly grabbed a big, white, fluffy towel and wrapped it around herself.

She tiptoed to the door, and reluctantly, her heart pounding, unlatched it. She opened it a crack, and peeked out. He Devi Maiyya! Arnavji was wrearing a white towel! That is, only a white towel!

Her rapt eye wandered over his hard, lean, muscled body, helplessly caught by his magnificence.

Arnav looked at the single beautiful eye looking him up & down in fascination, and bit down his laughter. He put on his normal, serious, stern look, and held out his hand with her clothes & other necessities.

Khushi gulped down her reservations, and clutching at the towel tied at her chest with one careful hand, she put out her other hand through the tiny slit of the door.

Arnav walked closer to the door in his usual purposeful stride, the clothes in his hand.

Khushi took her eyes from his rippling muscles for a second to look at the clothes.

That very second, Arnav threw the clothes on to a side table and caught hold of her arm.

Khushi’s mouth widened in a perfect ‘O’.

“Now who won?” ASR smirked.

Khushi gathered her floating senses, and cried foul. “Ramanchi! Aap ne ramanchi ki!”

“So?” ASR drawled.

Khushi fumed at him.

Arnav tugged at her arm to pull her out of the bathroom.

“Arnavji, chodiye hamein!” Khushi whispered, scandalised. If her hold on her towel loosened…

“Nahi chodunga.” He was as stubborn as a kid.

“Arnavji!” she tried to pull her arm out of his hold with a lot of effort.

Arnav let go of her.

Khushi staggered back in to the bathroom, leaving the door unattended. This was the moment Arnav had been waiting for. He pushed the door open, walked in, & locked the door.

Khushi looked at an Arnav leaning against the closed bathroom door, clad only in a miniscule white towel knotted low on his waist.

Khushi swallowed hard, her heart beats like the thundering hoofbeats of galloping horses. She held her towel in a death grip.

Arnav looked her up & down.

Her wide eyes, running all over his body, her unbound hair, her slender neck with his mangalsutra around it, slim, creamy shoulders rising above the white towel, her slim legs showing beneath it… His hot eyes devoured her, conveying his intention to love her till she forgot her own name.

Khushi took a step back.

Arnav took a step closer to her, and followed it with more steps, crowding her towards the shower stall.

Anamika woke up feeling happy. She looked around, her alert eyes taking in the wilted flower chains, the rumpled bed, their clothes lying scattered on the floor where Ganesh had flung them…

Anamika sat up, pulling the covers to her chest, feeling a blush make its way all over her body.

She looked around. Ganesh was nowhere to be seen. The door was open.

She slowly made her way out of bed, feeling her body ache in a very pleasurable way after the hours of lovemaking Ganesh & she had indulged in, as though making up for all the years they had wasted.

She smiled as she walked to stand before the floor-length mirror in the room, dragging the covers after her.

Her hair was lying in a cloud around her shoulders, mussed by Ganesh’s hands. Her cheeks were rosy, her neck and shoulders felt as though they carried an imprint of his lips… She looked beautiful. And loved. Very loved. She felt loved, from the tips of her glossy hair to her toes. Anamika blinked to get rid of the tears that had appeared in her eyes. She had never loved her body, only hated it. And ignored it. For years. When had she last worn something attractive before her wedding and stood in front of the mirror and appreciated her looks? Before she had been 18. She swallowed the ball of tears lodged in her throat. It had taken Ganesh’s warmth & love to thaw her.

Her eyes fell on her hands with mehendi on them. Deep red. Naniji had said that the deeper the colour of the mehendi, the more her husband loved her. Anamika smiled. She didn’t need the mehendi to tell her what her heart had known for 20 years. She looked down at her feet. They too had the red-orange colour, etched deep & dark in to the skin. The smile widened. She hoped it never faded.

She heard Ganesh walking towards the room. Anamika dived into the bed, covering herself up modestly, and sat waiting for him.

Ganesh paused at the door.

Anamika had woken up! He walked towards the bed, a small smile on his lips, carrying a tray with 2 mugs in his hand.

“Coffee, madam.” Ganesh got into bed & placed the tray by her. “Made with my own fair hands.” He flexed his masculine, large digits to make her laugh.

She chuckled.

An answering smile bloomed on his lips. He handed over her mug to her. They sipped their coffee.

“You brew wonderful coffee.” Anamika complimented him.

Ganesh nodded his thanks.

“I used to keep the coffee stuff ready in the studio for you, hoping that every time you came for shooting, you would make some. For me & all the others.”

Ganesh looked into his coffee, smiling.

“Your brand, your equipment, a special black mug for you, and 30 cups all ready…” Anamika smiled. “And you did. Every time. You knew, didn’t you?”

“The cups were something of a giveaway!” Ganesh murmured, chuckling.

Anamika joined in.

When they were done laughing, Anamika looked at her mug. It was pink. On it was written, ‘My Princess’. Her eyes widened.

Ganesh shrugged, a slight flush on his face. “Gaurav & I went shopping before the wedding…”

Anamika swallowed her laughter with great difficulty, thinking about her son & his Papa shopping for crockery.

She looked at his mug. It was deep black. On it was written, ‘A toad now. On the way to becoming a Prince.’

Anamika smiled at him. She placed her mug on the tray, and leaned forward, hugging him hard & kissing him on his cheek with enthusiasm.

“You have always been my prince.” she whispered. “Only you.”

Ganesh showered kisses on her face, his coffee lying forgotten on the tray.

Water poured down on Arnav & Khushi, wetting them thoroughly.

“White suits you, Khushi…” Arnav murmured, holding her close.

Khushi looked at him, gasping for breath at the look in his eyes as he stared down at her.

“But nothing suits you better…”Arnav whispered over the sound of the water as he unknotted her towel.

 

Part 46

 

Anamika, dressed in an anarkali, walked into the kitchen of the cottage with Ganesh. They had spent an enjoyable 10 minutes chatting with Gaurav and the rest of the Raizadas, and now were ready for their meal.

Ganesh showed her the insides of the pantry, and they gathered the items required to make breakfast, nay brunch for two.

They cooked together, Ganesh used to taking care of himself, having lived alone for a good part of his life. They kneaded, fried, & tasted their concoctions, laughing at old memories and making new ones.

In between, Ganesh dropped kisses on Anamika’s cheeks, hair, chin… in fact, any place he could get. Anamika giggled like a girl, feeling happier than she had ever been in her life.

As they shared their meal, Ganesh said, “Anamika, I was thinking…”

Anamika looked up at him.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have any more children.” Ganesh looked at her, his eyes serious.

Anamika’s eyes widened.

“Err…I was thinking… Gaurav will feel left out.” Ganesh said, putting down his cup.

Anamika stared at him.

“I don’t want him to ever, ever feel that. Ever.” Ganesh was firm on that point. “If we have more children, he may feel that he does not belong to us, that we are paying too much attention to them…” Ganesh worried.

Anamika looked down into her cup, a small smile on her face.

“So you don’t want a child of your own?” Anamika asked softly, knowing his reply.

“I have Gaurav. He is mine, in all the ways that matter. He is enough for me.” Ganesh spoke the words Anamika expected from him.

She swallowed a lump in her throat, and said mildly, “That is a pity.”

Ganesh frowned. “Kyon?”

“Gaurav was telling me… and Buaji…and Naniji…and Anjaliji…and Payal... and Koel… and everyone who would listen, how much he was looking forward to having an army of brothers and sisters…” Anamika smiled lovingly at Ganesh’s shellshocked expression.

A few moments of stunned silence later, Ganesh asked, “Really?”

“Really.” Anamika smiled. “He was trying to pick good names for them… with Buaji’s help.”

Ganesh gulped.

A while later, he asked softly, “An army…?”

Anamika lowered her head, smiling. “An army.”

“So it looks like we are going to be very busy for a few years.” he smiled wryly.

Anamika nodded. She hugged Ganesh and whispered in his ear, “I would love to have your babies…”

Ganesh swallowed hard.

Khushi inspected the kitchen, and selected ingredients for breakfast. Arnav was busy calling his home & talking to the Raizadas & the Guptas to make sure that their overnight absence had not caused an earthquake in Shantivan. In between listening & answering Di’s, Nani’s, & Mami’s questions, he sipped the black coffee that Khushi had made for him, smiling and blushing at their teasing.

“Arnav Bitwaa, it ijj eleben o’clock! Kaa hua, late ude ho kaa? Aaj running wunning naahi gaye kaa?” Mami laughed.

Arnav looked at the walls and the potted plants, searching for an answer. He could hear Scooby barking & Gaurav joking with NK in the background. Akash was trying to get them to lower their volume so that all could hear Arnav.

“Mami, what kind of question is that? How can you tease my Chotey so?” Di asked.

Arnav heaved a sigh of relief.

“Why should he go for jogging now? Running after Khushiji all his life will keep him healthy!” Di laughed.

Arnav smiled. He could hear his Nani, Mami, Buaji, Amma, & Payal chuckling.

“Arnav Bitwaa…” Buaji added her advice. “Don’t let Titliyaa fall from the bed and hit her head. As it is, a screw is loose somewhere, Nandkisore! If she hits her head, there is no saying…”

All laughed.

“I will take care, Buaji.” Arnav promised, smiling.

“Nannav, mere bhai! Are you OK?” NK asked.

Arnav pretended to be perplexed. “Of course, I am fine.”

“You are sure?” NK asked. “Not missing us, are you?”

Arnav looked at the ceiling, his eyes wide. Khushi & he had just gotten married, not climbed the Everest! And they had arrived at the farmhouse late last night! Khushi & he had spent just one night apart from their families! What was the big fuss all about?

“Who kya he, Chotey, Nanhe is asking you this because if you are not OK, if you are missing us, we can all come to the farmhouse to give you company.” Nani laughed.

A look of horror passed over Arnav’s features. “We are fine. Perfect.” Arnav hastened to reassure his family.

He could hear his family laughing like mad at having successfully pulled his leg.

Arnav walked into the kitchen from where the tantalising smell of food was wafting. He dropped the newspaper on the table, and went to stand behind Khushi who was making pooris.

Khushi turned her face to look at him. “It will be ready in a few minutes.” she smiled.

Arnav dropped a kiss on her soft cheek, and peeked into the hot, bubbling oil in which the pooris were dancing merrily.

“I will help you, Khushi.” Arnav offered, shocking himself. His acquaintance with the kitchen was slight, very slight.

Khushi’s eyebrows shot up. “Aap? You will cook?”

Arnav raised one eyebrow. “Of course.” He grabbed the slotted ladle from her and began playing with the pooris in the oil.

Khushi hid her grin. “Arnavji, the pooris know what to do to get fried. You don’t have to dunk them in the oil. And stand slightly away from the pan. If the oil bubbles and splutters, it will burn you.”

Arnav took a step back, and with Khushi’s help, managed to transfer the fried pooris on to a platter when they were done.

“So, Khushi, what will you give me for helping you?” Arnav drawled, a smirk on his lips.

Khushi’s eyes widened. “Give you? Why should I give you anything?” she asked. “I did more than half of the work.” she claimed.

Arnav stepped closer to steal a kiss from her, but Khushi darted out of the kitchen to the dining space, giggling, the platter of pooris safe in her hands.

Arnav picked up a couple of dishes and followed her, smiling. Where would she run? He would steal a kiss, no matter what!

Khushi pushed Arnav into a seat with loving hands, & placed a plate on the table in front of him. She served him food. As she turned away to get his cup, Arnav caught hold of her arm.

“Sit here, Khushi. Next to me.” he invited.

Khushi looked in to his love-filled eyes, and sat by him, her face flushed.

She broke a piece of poori, dipped it into the sabzi, and took it to his mouth. Arnav was startled for a moment, but then, smiling, he parted his lips and ate from her hand. He fed her in return. As Khushi was about to take the morsel from his fingers, a thought flashed through her mind. She burst out laughing.

Arnav looked at her highly amused expression with captivated eyes, waiting for her to finish laughing to know what was going through her sanki brain.

“What?” he finally asked.

“Just think… Arnavji, if…if..” Khushi clutched her tummy, laughter overpowering her. “If Amanji… if Amanji sees you now…”

Arnav smiled slowly.

“He will…die of shock…” Khushi laughed. “The great Arnav Singh Raizada… feeding poori…”

“That he made…” Arnav inserted, smiling.

“That he helped to make…” amended Khushi, still laughing, “…to his wife… What will he say, Arnavji?”

Arnav leaned towards her, his nose touching hers. “He will say that Arnav Singh Raizada…” Arnav angled for her lips, “…is a very lucky man.”

After a leisurely and fun & kiss-filled breakfast, Arnav took Khushi into his Mama’s garden. He made her sit down on a bench by a rose bush with big, beautiful, red roses that smelled heavenly. Khushi drew in a long, appreciative breath.

“Mama planted many of these.” Arnav said, touching the leaves of the plants by him. A gentle breeze blew in their enchanted garden.

Khushi smiled at him, looking around at the beautiful pond, the huge, shady trees, the stone benches… It was truly magical, like  a piece of heaven, far away from the concrete jungle and the crowds… 

“I wanted to give you this when we are here.” Arnav said softly as he handed over a sheet of paper to her.

Khushi looked curiously at the paper and at the drawn look on his face.

She unfolded it. It was her Saasumma’s letter to her. Her eyes moved slowly over the lines, tears filling them as she met the lady who had given birth to her Arnavji.

“Khushi, don’t cry.” said Arnav through a tight throat, putting his arm around her shoulders.

“Mama wants me to put up with your anger…” Khushi murmured.

Arnav smiled slightly. “Only you can manage me when I am angry.” he conceeded.

“To see through your khadoos exterior, to see your heart…” Khushi whispered, leaning her head against his chest.

Arnav smiled. They both knew the answer to it.

“To love you a lot. Because you will return it hundredfold.” she breathed against the bare skin exposed by the open neck of his white shirt.

“I will.” Arnav promised, pulling her closer into his arms.

 She was his home, his family, the very reason for taking the next breath. “Khushi… promise me…”

Khushi looked in to his serious face & moist eyes.

“Promise me that you will never leave me, Khushi. Tumhare bina…” Arnav gulped. “Tumhare bina main jee nahi paaoonga…”

Khushi hugged him thoroughly. “Then you will live a very, very long life with your Sanka Devi.” she promised against his lips.

The End

Dear friends, this is the end of Finding Khushi.

I will be starting the next ‘OS’..ha..ha.. LOVING KHUSHI on Monday. Rash, bless her kind heart, will be posting it on I-F.

There will be a slight change of schedule when we start LOVING KHUSHI. I will be posting long updates on Mon, Wed, & Fri. Rash will post her superb interpretations on Tue, Thur, & Sat.

Hoping to see you back this Monday (15 July 2013)!

Smita