Chapter Eight

As soon as her dressing was complete, the nurse helped Khushi put on a simple yellow sari. Once that was complete, the nurse left and Arnav came back into the room. Khushi stood there awkwardly. She didn't know what to do nor what to expect. When Arnav came into the room she felt his eyes on her, but not for long. From the corner of her eyes, she watched as Arnav took out his clothes from the wardrobe and go into the bathroom to change. Once he went in, Khushi exhaled. She hadn't even realized that she was holding it in.

Khushi sat down on the bed and sighed. Why didn't he say anything? But then again what would he say? 'I'm going to change'? Well that's quite obvious considering he took his clothes with him.

Khushi sighed once more and plopped back as she shut her eyes. She didn't hear the faint click of the bathroom door opening, so she didn't realize that Arnav had stepped out. But Arnav saw her, and when his eyes landed on her, he was stuck in gaze. She looked stunning in her sari, and he recalled Mona telling him that Khushi's favorite color was yellow.

I should buy her something yellow, or better yet-

Khushi opened her eyes and saw Arnav. Immediately, she sat up and looked around, flustered. She was about to stand up, when Arnav stopped her.

"It's okay, you should get some rest."

Khushi looked down, unsure of what to say, or even if she should say something, for that matter. Arnav could see the flustered expression on her face, and he found it very cute. In fact he found it so cute, that he started walking towards her. Khushi noticed him approaching from the corner of her eyes and she looked up at him.

Is he going to say something? Do something?

Khushi gulped and Arnav noticed the tinge of fear that appeared on her face. That's when he realized his approach, so he took off his watch and set it on the nightstand.

"Go to sleep," he simply said, and stepped back.

He went around the bed and laid down, then turned off the lamp on his side. Khushi just looked at him, then recovered and did as he said. She turned off the lights and glanced back at Arnav. His back was facing her and there was a lot of distance between them. Khushi turned back around and snuggled into her pillow, then slowly drifted to sleep. Arnav glanced back at her and looked at the distance between.

Maybe someday, this distance will go away. Slowly, but someday.

*~*

Although the two newly weds had fallen asleep on the opposite sides of the bed, both had moved closer and closer to each other throughout the night. One moment they had their backs against each others, then Arnav faced Khushi, and then Khushi went into his arms.

Arnav awoke first, and when he found himself holding Khushi, he was shocked. For a moment he gazed at her, and then his attention turned to her scar. His hand moved up on its own and he ran the back of his hand beneath the scar.

At the contact of his hand, Khushi's eyes fluttered open and she woke up. Instantly the two froze, their eyes locked on the others. Neither spoke a word, unsure of what to say, though the two wondered how they ended up so close in the first place.

Did I move closer to him overnight, Khushi wondered. But why is he caressing my cheek?

How do I get out of this without embarrassing myself?

The alarm clock went off, snapping both out of their thoughts and causing the two to pull away from the other. Arnav reached back and silenced the little menace, then got up. Neither spoke a word to each other, too embarrassed by their earlier position. Instead they focused on getting ready for the day and headed down to breakfast to join everyone.

"How lucky am I to have this wonderful family," Sameer grinned.

Everyone was seated at the table and the servants had served the food.

"I never thought I'd see this day."

"Dad," Aditya frowned.

"You know how we feel when you such things," Arnav frowned.

Everyone frowned at the old man.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Sameer apologized .

The family dived right into breakfast, all happy and joyous.

"So my sweet devarji," Mona began, "any plans for the honeymoon," she teased.

"Bhabi," Arnav frowned.

Mona began to chuckle while Aditya smirked at him.

"She has a good point, you know," Sameer said. He looked at Khushi. "Tell me Khushi - where would you like to go?"

Khushi paused, pursing her lips. What was she to say? She glanced at Arnav and looked down at her breakfast. She didn't want to offend Sameer and say that she didn't want to go anywhere - how could she be okay with a honeymoon when she didn't even love her husband, let alone didn't even know him so well?

Memories of earlier this morning came flooding to Khushi's mind. She glanced at Arnav once more, remembering how Arnav had caressed her cheek.

Why did he do that?

"Do you have any place in mind Arnav," Mona asked.

"Actually-"

Just then, Arnav's phone went off. Seeing that it was from the office, Arnav took the call.

"Hello... hmm... hmm... we'll discuss this with everyone during the meeting," and he hung up.

"Who was that," Sameer asked.

"Aman - we got the deal for Thailand."

Aditya picked up his head, "You mean..."

"We got it bhai," Arnav grinned.

Sameer clapped. "Oh, what a joy! We've been waiting for this for so long." He looked at Khushi. "Looks like your our good luck charm as well."

Khushi looked at him in confusion and Mona chuckled.

"Don't mind them Khushi," Mona said. "They've been working on some business proposal with this company in Thailand for I don't even know how long now."

"But do you have any idea what this means," Aditya said excitedly. "This is gonna be so good for the company."

"That it will be," Sameer said. "But the timing of it...."

Arnav reached out to his father. "Don't worry about the honeymoon dad. We can go away later and I can work on this with you guys for now."

"But-"

"No buts dad. I wanna help you and I'm going to - all of you."

Khushi glanced at Arnav and how he held his father's hand. Seeing the devotion Arnav had for his father brought a small smile to her face. It wasn't often in this day of time that many sons respected their elders the way Arnav did. Oddly enough, it gave her a sense of pride that she was married to such a man.

And it didn't go unnoticed by Mona.

Dear heavenly above, let these two souls unite.

Chapter Seven

It was the day of the wedding and everyone was going crazy. Not just from happiness and excitement, but from work too. In both houses, everything was hectic. Nonstop people were running around and it was crazy!

Whenever Khushi had her read romance novels or anything romantic, she would always imagine herself in those blissful moments. And now, today, on the very day of her own wedding, she didn't want to be taken away by her soon-to-be husband. She didn't love him and even after all the sweet things Mona had said, she didn't think he could ever love her, nor that she could ever love Arnav.

Khushi had to get ready so she washed up and then got out her bridal wear. She wore the petticoat and then put on the blouse.

She looked at her reflection and realized that her bra was sticking out from the top. So she decided to take off her bra and simply wear it. It was a good thing there were cups within the cloth, so her nipples wouldn't show.

She was arranging the sari when she looked up at her reflection again. She noticed how much cleavage was showing and she got nervous.

What if he tries to do something? If he does… how am I going to feel about it? Then again....

Khushi looked at the scars on her body. There were big patches of light pink running from her waist to her back. As she was wearing a sari, many parts of her flesh were exposed. The scars on her shoulder peeked out as the blouse hadn't fully covered them. The scars on her back were much worse than what could be seen from the front.

Shaking the thoughts out of her head, Khushi went back to arranging her sari properly. Just as she finished, her mother came in.

"Khushi, we need to talk."

"Yes Ma?"

She gestured Khushi to sit and she did.

"Look Khushi… on the night of your wedding, you- how do I put this… experience new things."

Khushi's eyes widened and her mother continued.

"A lot of things can happen during your suhag raat."

Everything Khushi had ever dreaded was one thing, but having the talk from her mother was something off the scale, that it scared her more. She remained frozen, listening to what her mother had to say, her eyes so wide that it might have fallen out.

"Understood," Sumitra asked when she finished and Khushi simply nodded.

Sumitra smiled and held Khushi's face. "Remember one thing though Khushi: after tonight, the only person important in his life, is you. Whenever he goes through a rough time, he'll always look at you for support. Don't ever let him down, or he'll be weak forever," and with that, she left to call Khushi's friends to help her finish getting ready.

Khushi sat in front of her vanity table and thought of what her mother said.

After tonight, she'd be his strength.

After tonight, the most important person in his life, would be her.

As her friends came in and helped her do her makeup and put on her jewelry - while teasing her - Arnav and his family were on their way to Khushi's place. Arnav kept thinking about the talk he and his father had before leaving:

"Know one thing Arnav: after tonight, you two will be bonded forever. She will miss her family and her old life now and then. It is your responsibility to make sure that she never feels alone. She'll always look at you for your support. Also, you will realize that after tonight, all you can ever care about is her. When she's happy, you will feel happy and will want to be a part of it. When she's sad, you'll feel like hurting yourself and whatever it was that hurt her. And that all your strength will come from nowhere else, but her, because you love her."

Arnav kept thinking about his father's words. But the thing is, did he love her? And will she ever love him? Would she ever trust him and give herself to him?

Before he even knew it, they had arrived to Khushi's place. They were greeted by a red ribbon-barrier. Khushi's friends weren't being easy and demanded for money, or they wouldn't receive their dulhan. Khushi watched from upstairs and smiled at her friends' childish acts, but didn't get to see for long because her other friends made her go inside. Arnav had that same weird feeling he had before, and looked up, only to see no one.

Eventually things cleared out and Sumitra welcomed them. Arnav was taken to the mandap and he sat down. After quite some time, Khushi was brought down. Arnav couldn't help but gaze at her. She looked amazing, not caring that she was covered in a deep maroon shawl to help cover her burns, or that most of her face was covered by her veil. The only thing that went through his head was whoa.

But it wasn't just Arnav who was gazing.

Khushi was nervous and when she'd look around from underneath her veil, she would feel nails being dug onto her back, due to everyone watching her. That is, until she saw Arnav. The moment she looked at him, she couldn't look away from him. He was in a maroon sherwani that would just catch anyone's attention. He looked like such a gentleman and truthfully, he looked hot!

Khushi couldn't believe she was thinking this. She tried to look away, but her eyes remained on Arnav. They sat her down next to Arnav and they looked at each other from the corner of their eyes.

The ceremony began and Arnav and Khushi got up to make their seven rounds - their seven vows. They sat back down and Arnav was handed the little pot of vermillion. Sumitra slightly pulled back Khushi's veil as Arnav took a pinch. He brought his hand up and Khushi shut her eyes as he filled in her parting. Everyone clapped and when Khushi opened her eyes, their eyes interlocked, but not for long. Arnav was handed the mangalsutra and he placed it around Khushi's neck. His touch sent a chill through Khushi and she looked up at him. Their eyes interlocked once more and they looked away at each other.

Khushi was now a married woman. She was now a new person.

*~*

It was time for Khushi to leave her home and go to her in-laws. Many tears were shed and Arnav felt bad. He didn't want to see her cry.

Wait, what, he thought. He couldn't figure out why all of a sudden he had these feelings until he remembered what his father had said.

Khushi was seated in the car and then Arnav went around and sat next to her. The car pulled away, taking Khushi to her new home.

*~*

Khushi was in awe when she arrived to her new home. Her new family had gone all out in decorating the house. Many people awaited them, Khushi surprised by the number of family friends. Mona stood at the door, ready to greet her new devrani. Once the task was complete, the newly-wedded couple was brought inside.

Many close friends of the family came to congratulate the newly wedded couple. Every time they did, Khushi would smile softly and observe the guests' expression. It was clear that some were shocked by the burn scars on her face, but none of them said anything about it.

Slowly, the guests began to leave. Once they did, Mona took Khushi up to her husband's room, which was now her room as well. When she entered, Khushi took note of the various trophies, certificates, and plaques that sat on a shelf against the wall. There were a few guitars, causing Khushi to wonder if Arnav played well. Khushi also took note of the very neat desk that sat in the front left corner of the room, holding two iMac monitors. The walls were a simple shade of light gray, a few pictures scattered on it here and there of him or of the family.

Mona seated Khushi on the bed. "Nervous?"

Khushi pursed her lips and didn't say anything.

Mona smiled softly and caressed her cheek. "Don't worry, he's a sweet and kind man. He'll take good care of you Khushi; I promise you that."

With that, Mona left, leaving Khushi to look around at the room once more. The various pictures caught her eye, until her eyes landed on a photo frame. It was on the left nightstand, and Khushi moved over to it. It was a picture of her with her parents, smiling brightly.

Khushi picked it up. How did he get this?

"Your mother gave it to me."

Khushi gasped and turned around to see Arnav. She was so absorbed into the picture, she hadn't even realized when he had entered the room.

Arnav slowly walked over to her. "When you were still in the hospital, Ma gave me the picture after I asked her for it."

"Why?"

"So that whenever you're missing you parents, you'll always have them right next to you."

Tears threatened to pool in Khushi's eyes, so she she looked away at the picture.

There was a knock at the door and the nurse came in for Khushi's dressing.

"I'll leave you to it," Arnav said, and he left the room.

Khushi watched as Arnav left the room. The nurse helped her to remove her jewelry and clothes so that she could redress the wounds.

He could have stayed. He no longer has to leave the room. He could have stayed if he wished. He could have even done it himself. Then why did he leave?

"You've gotten yourself a sweet husband," the nurse smiled. "He's very respectful of you."

Khushi glanced up at her.

"He could have stayed in the room, but he chose to respect you and left. It's not every day that you find a decent man like him anymore."

Decent, Khushi wondered, and then looked at the door.

"So many men these days are pigs, willing to do anything to gawk at a woman shamelessly. But your husband? A true gem he is! He must really care for you."

Maybe he is a gem. But does he care? Does he feel anything for me? How could he?

Khushi looked at the mirror in front of her, looking at the wounds on her front. Not much of her front had been burned, only a burn running from from the side of her left breast to her back and another beneath her left breast, moving to the back. Her back had gotten most of the damage, her front the least. As for her face....

Khushi reached up and touched her face. The nurse noticed and looked at her.

"Who could ever love someone with a face like this?"

Chapter Six

Khushi was allowed to go home, but she still needed to treat the burns, so a nurse stayed with her. As Khushi healed, her parents were going crazy with wedding preparations. The house was perfectly fine now, and they were much more cautious.

While there was hustling over here, back at Arnav's place, there was even more bustle. There were people all over the place, working, decorating, and making food.

Arnav's bhabi, Mona, was really excited.

"How come Bhabi," Arnav asked.

"Because my devrani will be here soon! If I'm not gonna be excited, then who else will?"

Arnav was happy to see his bhabi excited.

She smiled and then frowned. "Excuse me sir," she yelled, walking over to a worker, "what are you doing?

Aditya came walking over to Arnav and shook his head. "Seriously, she sure is something else."

Mona turned around and blew him a kiss and Aditya smirked back. The two exchanged glances, coyly.

"Please," Arnav exclaimed. "Both of you just get a room!"

Mona's jaw dropped and she went over to him. "What did you say?"

"I mean it's not a big deal Bhabi. After all, you guys have your room upstairs-"

Mona pinched his ear and Aditya frowned at him, folding his arms and shaking his head.

"Ow," Arnav cried out. "Bhabi!"

"Oh sure! Now my devarji is in pain! Wait till you get married. You pass glances to Khushi like this and watch how I embarrass you," and she walked away.

A worker called out to Aditya and he left as well.

Arnav thought about what his bhabi said.

Will I ever be able to do something like that with Khushi? Will she ever love me? Will I ever love her?

While Arnav was thinking all of this, Khushi, too, was thinking the same.

Will I ever love him? Will he ever love me? …of course not. Who would ever love me?

She stood up and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

People these days only care to see how people look. No one ever cares about the inside.

*~*

"Arnav!"

Arnav snapped out of thought. "Coming Bhabi!"

He walked over to the living room and sat next to Mona.

"Arnav, help me pick out something," Mona said as she gestured at all the saris and lehengas that were all over the table.

"For what?"

"For Khushi! It's for her bridal wear."

"Oh… I knew that."

She simply shook her head and Arnav looked through all the outfits. Nothing really caught his eyes.

"What else do you have," he said to the sari guy, and he took out some other stuff.

Arnav looked through everything when one caught his eyes. It was a maroon faux georgette lehenga style sari. The blouse was sleeveless, the straps filled with sequins, stones, beads, and so much more. The front was slightly curved to shape the mounds, and came together in a v-shape so that it would expose cleavage, that is if you arranged the sari low from the front.

"Arnav, what about this one?"

Mona looked up and saw how Arnav was holding onto the sari. She grinned and took the sari out of his hands to look at it.

"Not bad devarji. I must say, you have good taste," she teased.

Arnav looked around, avoiding his bhabi's eyes. She pinched his ear and he yelped in pain.

"You think you're so smart," Mona squealed and then laughed. She turned to the sari guy. "Bhaiya, I- no... he," she pointed at Arnav, "has decided with this sari."

The guy smiled and they sealed out a deal. Sameer came in as the guy left and looked at the sari.

"Wow Arnav, nice choice."

Arnav smiled and Mona nudged him.

"You think Khushi will like it," Mona asked Arnav.

Sameer handed the sari back to Arnav.

Arnav looked at it. "I hope she does."

*~*

Gaurav arrived with Khushi's bridal wear. He handed it to Sumitra, spoke for a little bit, and then Sumitra went upstairs to give it to Khushi, while Gaurav went looking for Nayan. Khushi's haldi had just finished and was cleaning up.

"Khushi," her mother called out, and entered her room.

"Yes?"

"Look! Your bridal wear has arrived," she gushed.

She put it down on Khushi's bed and Khushi sat down beside it. She ran her fingers over it, admiring it. She opened up the folds and looked at the whole sari.

"It's so beautiful," Khushi said, gazing away at it.

"It is, isn't it?"

The two were gazing away at it, when a worker came in and said how someone came from the groom's side to give Khushi her jewelry and other accessories. Sumitra went downstairs while Khushi continued to admire the sari.

She stood up, draping it over her shoulder and admired it. But then her face fell. In her mind she thought it would look beautiful, but what would everyone else think? All they would do was stare at her burns and whisper things.

Meanwhile, downstairs Sumitra was yelling at workers as she headed to the door to find that Mona had come.

"Laado? How are you," Sumitra asked. "Come in!"

"No Auntyji, not today. I'm only here to give you all the jewelry we chose out for Khushi."

Sumitra smiled as the driver handed the boxes to Mona, and she gave it to Sumitra.

"Auntyji, did Khushi like the sari? She liked it didn't she? Or-"

"She liked it very much."

"Really?"

Sumitra nodded and Mona smiled.

"You should know, Arnav had chosen it."

Sumitra raised her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Uh huh," and she smiled. "Well Auntyji, I should get going. There's so much more work to be done at home."

Sumitra smiled and nodded. Mona went back to the car and the driver pulled away.

Sumitra went back to Khushi's room. "Khushii! Look at yo-"

Sumitra walked in to see Khushi sad. She smiled softly and made Khushii sit down. "What's wrong Khushi?"

Khushi simply shook her head.

"Are you nervous?"

She shook her head.

Sumitra smiled softly. "You know, back when I was about to get married to your father, I was nervous, just like you."

"Really?"

"Oh yes! I was so scared and nervous! I was about to leave my home and marry a man that I didn't know, and live with an unknown family. But within time, I was able to love your father and the family treated me as if I were their daughter."

Khushi smiled softly and looked at her hands.

"Look Khushi, I know you're nervous - it's normal. But… it's just the way life is. Within a few days, you'll be marrying Arnav and will be a part of his family."

Khushi simply nodded.

"Arnav is such a nice boy," Sumitra said, lost in thought. "You know, back at the hospital, he cared so much for me."

"Really?"

"Mm hmm. He asked me for one thing though."

"What's that?"

"If he could call me his mother."

Khushi scrunched eyebrows.

"Just you wait and see Khushi; he'll keep you happy. He's such a nice boy, and really handsome, if I do say so myself," she chuckled. She placed her hands on Khushi's head. "In time, you'll learn to love him. And I know that he'll love you too."

Khushi smiled back.

Someone called Sumitra from outside, and she got up to go see what the big deal was. Khushi looked at all the jewelry sent for her and she gazed away at it. She couldn't believe that a middle class person like her would be wearing something so expensive like these.

*~*

Back at Arnav's place, Mona was preparing to go to Khushi's house for her mehendi. In the morning she would head out with the mehendi and would be at Khushi's place to celebrate, and have some time with her soon-to-be devrani.

The mehendi went by smoothly and after the rasums, dancing, and music was done, Khushi went up to her room, taking Mona along with her.

"So Khushi," Mona began, "how do you feel?"

Khushi just shrugged and Mona smiled.

"Come on, I'm your bhabi. Well, not yet, but still, I'm your bhabi. Think of me as your older sister. Now come on, tell me," she grinned.

Khushi smiled softly. "If you put it that way, then okay… Bhabi."

Mona smiled and Khushi continued.

"I don't know Bhabi. I mean, I'm going to a new place and will live with new people."

"Don't worry. In time it'll all get better. When I got married, I was just like you, completely nervous. A new home, unknown family… I didn't know what to do. But in time I got used to it. In fact, Dad never let me get that feeling that I was just a bahu. He treats me like a daughter and watch, he'll do the same to you too - accept you like a daughter."

"Really?"

"Of course! Dad is really, really, really, infinity times really sweet. He is just so lovable! And if I'm ever upset or just down, he doesn't accept it at all. Last time he even yelled at Aditya and it was too funny."

Khushi laughed.

"Watch Khushi, you won't have that feeling that you're away from you're family because Dad would never let you. As for Arnav…."

Khushi looked down at her hands.

"You know Khushi, Arnav is a really sweet man, and I'm not just saying that. I really mean it. My devarji is… one in a zillion. I always give him so much love and if he's ever in trouble, I always watch out for him."

Khushi looked at her. Mona continued.

"I don't know what relation I had with him, but I think that in another life, he might have been my son. He's just so sweet… and watch, he'll give you so much love, you won't ever feel down."

"You think so?"

"I know so. My Arnav is a very loving boy. A lot of girls have fallen for him, but he never showed them any interest. All he's ever cared about in his life is making Dad happy. That's all he can ever think about. In school he did his best to be the top student. You know, he's been valedictorian in elementary school, junior high, high school, and in college."

"What? Wow, really?"

"Yeah and his number one reason was for Dad."

"That's so sweet of him."

"I told you. He would win so many awards and bring them home. Dad is really proud of him. And when Arnav said he was going to marry you… Dad could've exploded from happiness!"

Khushi's clock beeped off and Mona was getting late, so she left.

That night, Khushi thought of what Mona had said, just before she left:

"Just watch Khushi, Arnav will shower you with his love."

And she could only think of one thing.

Will he truly love me, even after the way I look?

Chapter Five

The doctor came out and everyone looked at him.

"We're prepared to begin the surgery. However we'll need you to sign some documents."

Nayan pursed his lips and nodded. The doctor handed him the documents and a pen, and Nayan sat down to sign them. However, when he held pen in his hand, his hand shook and he felt a rush of emotions. He couldn't bring himself to sign it, and he broke down.

Sumitra went to his side and held his arm, unable to contain her emotions as well. She tried to so that she could help her husband, but she couldn't. Everyone else began to get overtaken by their emotions, except for Arnav. He stood strong, and gently took the pen from Nayan.

"I'll sign it," Arnav said softly.

Nayan blinked up at him as his tears continued to stream. He watched as Arnav signed the documents and hand them back to the doctor.

"Thank you," the doctor replied softly.

He was about to head back in to speak with his colleagues, when Nayan sopped him.

"Can I speak to her once? Before she's...."

The doctor understood his pain and doubts, so he agreed. Taking Nayan back inside the room, he took him to Khushi once he had put some scrubs on. Nayan saw Khushi laying there quietly as she stared at the ceiling, listening to the various monitors beeped. She looked at Nayan when he got closer to her and he sat down on a chair at her right side.

Nayan placed his hand on her hair and Khushi shut her eyes, a tear escaping and streaming down her cheek.

"Hush," Nayan soothed. "You'll be okay," he said softly.

Khushi simply looked at him. "I might be, but will you?"

Nayan just looked at her.

"After what happened, why would anyone want to marry me," she said, tears forming once again.

Nayan looked down. I have to tell her.

And so he did. He told Khushi of Arnav and of his proposition.

"I can't," Khushi exclaimed, turning away.

Nayan tried to convince his daughter to marry, but Khushi refused.

"Khushi-"

"No Babusa, I cannot accept to this marriage."

"But why," he asked.

"Because I can't! Look at me," she exclaimed, turning back to him.

Nayan couldn't look at her for long because he couldn't take the sight if his daughter burned.

"But Khushi-"

"No Babusa! I don't want to hear any more of this!"

"But Khushi-"

"Why does he want to marry me? Huh? Does he feel bad for me? Because that… that marriage broke off? Or is he marrying me because no other man will ever marry me in my life and he's got pity on me?"

"Actually it's nothing like that."

Nayan and Khushi looked up at Arnav. He came in, walking over to them, and stood in front of Khushi's bed.

"Um, I'll leave you two to talk," Nayan said, and he got up.

Before Khushi and Arnav could stop him, he left. Khushi looked at Arnav and then turned away, shutting her eyes.

Arnav walked over to her side and sat down in the chair on Khushi's left. "I'm not marrying you for those reasons."

Khushi gulped. "Then why? Why are you marrying me?"

"Because my dad wants you as his daughter in-law. From the way he described you on the phone… I can tell that he really loves you." He put on a serious face. "And I love my dad. I will do anything for my dad to make him happy, which is why I'm marrying you."

She opened her eyes and looked him in the eye. She wanted to know if he was telling the truth, and his said that he was. But it didn't change her mind.

"Why would you want to marry me," she asked. "You're only doing this for your father? I'm sure your father would under-"

"I don't care. I want to marry you."

Her eyes swelled up with tears. She felt like it was her fault that he was getting involved with all of this and she turned away, revealing the burnt left half of her face.

It had been treated, the wound beginning to heal. There was a scar from the bottom of her face that went to her cheekbone. Above that, part of her cheek was burned, leading up to her forehead, her eyes unharmed.

If anyone else were to look, they would've been disgusted. But not Arnav. He just gazed at her and felt tempted. He reached out as Khushi had her eyes shut, crying.

At first he stopped himself and was about to move his hand forward again, but he stopped himself again. When he looked back at her, he couldn't help himself. He stroked her hair, running his fingers through it.

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. She opened her eyes and looked from the corner of her eyes. She stopped him, placing her hand on his and he snapped back to reality.

She held onto his hand and bit down on her lower lip.

Arnav just looked at her, feeling that same feeling he had earlier. Something in his mind made him positive about his decision and he stood up.

"Khushi… will you marry me?"

He held onto her hand tightly as she calmed down. She looked at his hand and saw how he was holding onto it. She shut her eyes and took in a deep, shaky breath and spoke.

"I… I will marry you," she breathed.

Arnav looked at her and squeezed her hand lightly, then kissed it. Khushi's eyes sprang open and as she turned to look at him, he let go of her hand and left.

Outside, everyone waited patiently, but anxious. Arnav came out and Sameer went over to him.

"Arnav? What happened? What did she say?"

Arnav looked at his father. "Get ready to welcome your new daughter in-law."

Sameer smiled. "Really?"

Arnav nodded and Sameer hugged him. Arnav hugged him back and then let go. He went over to Nayan, who was completely shocked.

"She accepted," Nayan asked, who couldn't believe it.

Arnav nodded.

Sumitra went over to Arnav and held his face. "I hope all your wishes come true," she said softly.

Arnav smiled. "There's one thing that I'm wishing for right now, and only you can give it to me."

She scrunched her eyebrows. "What's that?"

He held her hands. "Can I call you my mom?"

This made Sumitra's eyes swell up with tears and she nodded. The two hugged and Sameer teared up as well.

*~*

Hours passed on as they all waited for the doctor to come back out. With the help of Sameer, he had gotten some of the best doctors around in the city. Everyone was tired, but they were more concerned and nervous than anything.

Finally, after what felt like ages, the doctor came out.

"Doctor, how is she" Nayan asked, rushing over to him.

"The operation was successful," the doctor smiled.

Everyone sighed in relief and smiled, thanking the heavens above.

"After 48 hours, we'll be able to remove the bandages," the doctor continued. "However, she will have to stay in the hospital for at least a month and a half, and then she can be taken home.

With that the doctor left and Sameer turned to Nayan.

"It seems like you'll be holding onto my daughter in-law a bit more longer than, huh? Fine, I don't mind, but when we do come to get her, you better greet us with a bang," Sameer grinned.

Nayan smiled through his tears and the two men hugged.

A wedding was now to be prepared for.

*~*

Sumitra took special care of her daughter for the next month and a half. Occasionally, Khushi would get visits from Arnav's family, everyone checking up on her to see how she was. Khushi's treatment was going well, and everything was positive.

Now and then, Arnav would come to see her when his father would go. He would watch as his father would treat Khushi as if she were his own daughter.

There's something special about her, Arnav said to himself. Papa sees it... maybe someday I will see it.

The nurse came in to do her dressing, so Sameer and Arnav stepped out of the room. They saw the doctor and spoke for a bit.

"Um, if it's alright," the doctor began, "I'd like to talk to Arnav for a moment."

"Uh yeah, sure," Arnav replied, and he followed the doctor to his office.

Both sat down and the doctor leaned forward in his chair with his hands folded.

"What I'm about to say is actually a bit personal, so please, I don't mean to be offensive."

Arnav nodded.

"Mr. Raizada, I understand that you're marrying Khushi in respect of your father. I find that very honorable and righteous."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. This past month has been quite an improvement for Khushi and she's doing well with the treatments. It's just a matter of days before we can release her. Once she is, she'll begin a new life, and that's not just because of your marriage.

"Although she'll recover physically, mentally she may not have fully. She'll need moral support, which she'll need mostly from you. With her new life, she'll begin it with you, and she'll be looking to you whenever she needs guidance. She'll look at the world through your eyes and she'll need you at her side.

"I understand that she's not entirely okay with this marriage, as she was once engaged to your brother. However, you will be her husband, which means you'll be the closest one to her. In many cases, people leave such victims at these times. I hope you will be strong for her."

"I will, doctor," Arnav replied. "I'll be strong for both of us and I will always take care of her. I will be there mentally and physically, no matter what. I can promise you that."

The doctor smiled humbly. "Good, I knew you would."

Chapter Four

Nayan and Sumitra rushed Khushi to the hospital immediately. She was put into the ICU and the doctors worked away. Nayan called Gaurav, telling him of the accident, and Gaurav rushed to the hospital immediately. 

"How is she," Gaurav asked as he came running in.

"I-I-I," but Nayan couldn't speak. He broke down immediately and Sumitra went over to him, trying to calm him down, but she broke down as well.

Time passed away very slowly. From seconds to a minute, minutes to an hour, and an hour to hours. Gaurav had called Sameer and told him about the accident and his whole family came running in.

"How is she," Sameer asked as he and his family came in.

"We don't know," Gaurav said.

Sameer went over to Nayan and helped him to control himself.

"We have to stay strong," Sameer said, but Nayan couldn't keep himself stable.

Sumitra cried away and Mona tried to comfort her.

"Auntyji, please don't cry," Mona said, but it was no use.

*~*

It was late into the night, when Sameer got a call.

"Hello?" He paused and his eyes widened. "No, we're not at home. Actually..." and he told them the whole story. He told the person how they were here and everyone looked at him confused.

"Who was that," Gaurav asked as Sameer hung up.

Just as Sameer was about to reply, the light above the ICU turned off and the doctor came out.

"Doctor,” Nayan said as he rushed over to him. “How is she?"

"Is my daughter okay," Sumitra asked, tearing away.

"She's currently being prepared for her operation," the doctor said. "But there are some problems."

"What," Sameer said.

"What kinds of problems," Nayan asked.

Everyone closed in around the doctor and he spoke.

"Because the rods fell down directly onto her, she has been burned severely."

Everyone gasped and the doctor continued.

"They are really severe and deep. We'll start operating on her once my team and I have sorted things out. If all goes well, then within time she will heal physically, so long as she is treated well. But...."

"But what doctor," Abhay asked.

The doctor took a moment and hesitated, but he eventually spoke.

“Not only was her body harmed... but her face as well."

"What," Abhay questioned. 

"I'm sorry to say this to you, but the side of your fiance's face got burned in the accident."

Nayan and Sumitra couldn't believe what they were hearing, Sumtra gripping onto her husband for balance.

"No… that can’t be," Sumitra exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, but it’s the truth. However the burns on her faces aren't as deep as the ones on her body. As I said, if she treats it well, then it won't be a problem. In fact, once it's been healed, she can do plastic surgery, should she wish to."

Nayan and Sumitra broke down again and the doctor allowed them to see her, but from a far distance. They went in and their eyes widened from what the saw. One side of Khushi's face was burned, covered in gauze, the other side unharmed. Sumitra broke into tears while Nayan was still in shock.

The doctor placed a hand on Nayan's shoulder.

"Does she know," Nayan simply asked.

"Yes; as soon as she woke up we told her and... showed her, her reflection."

"How did she react?"

"She was upset and she cried, but she got herself together and accepted it."

They couldn't take it anymore and walked out. Sameer held onto Nayan, helping him and supporting him, while Mona comforted Sumitra. Nayan was still motionless and he kept thinking about his daughter and how beautiful she used to look. All the time, people would always tell him how Khushi was a sight to see and other comments alike. And now... and he broke down again.

"Nayan, please," Sameer said. "Don't worry about a thing."

"But what about the wedding-"

"Don't worry; this wedding will happen."

"No."

Everyone looked up at Abhay.

"Abhay what are you-"

"No dad, I can't marry her. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not marrying her."

"Abhay!"

"Yelling at me isn't gonna change her face! I'm not marrying her and that's final! And if you don't like it, then oh well."

Sameer looked at him in disbelief and everyone couldn't believe what he said.

"Abhay," Aditya yelled. "Is this what you were taught-?"

"Bhaiya please. Lecturing me isn't gonna do anything," and he walked away.

"Abhay! Abhay!! Abhay-"

"Face it Bhaiya! Who in the world would ever want to marry her? Forget this world, no one in this universe will marry her," and he turned around to walk away but he stopped.

A man stood at the end of the hallway.

Abhay's eyes widened and so did the others' in his family. Nayan, Gaurav and Sumitra looked at the man curiously and wondered who he was.

The man walked towards them and stopped in front of Abhay.

Abhay couldn't believe it. "Arnav... is it really you?"

Arnav just looked at Abhay. "Yes, it’s me... why Bhaiya?"

What? Bhaiya? This is what was going through Nayan's and Sumitra's minds. Gaurav was puzzled at first, but then he recognized him.

"Who is that," Nayan asked Gaurav.

"That," Sameer began, "is my youngest son. Arnav."

Arnav looked at his father and went over to him. He reached down to his father's feet to receive his blessings. 

"How are you dad?"

"I've been better. How have you been? All these years you've been gone to New York... and you came on such a day," Sameer cracked.

"Dad, relax. Don't cry, please." He looked at Nayan. "You too, please, don't cry."

He turned his attention back to his father. "It's a good thing you told me everything on the phone. Otherwise I would've ended up going home and would've been worried. Now, this girl... you said her name was Khushi right?"

Sameer nodded and Arnav turned to the doctor, who was just coming out of Khushi's room.

"Doctor, this is my youngest son Arnav," Sameer said, as Arnav shook hands with the doctor.

"May I go in and see her," Arnav asked.

The doctor nodded and took him in. Everyone else was confused and just looked at Arnav as he disappeared inside the room. Arnav walked in, put on some scrubs, and the doctor took him to Khushi. Arnav simply looked at her. She looked calm as she rested, and he couldn't help but to get a strange feeling inside of him.

After a few moments, Arnav turned away. He looked down at the floor, lost in thought, and then looked back up at her. He made up a decision, straightened his spine, and left to rejoin everyone outside.

When Arnav came out the room, Sameer went up to him.

"Arnav-"

"Dad, I'll marry her."

"What?"

"I will to marry her."

"What are you saying," Nayan asked. Before he could continue, Arnav went over to him and held his hand.

"Please, I want to marry her."

"But why?"

"It's hard for me to explain, but I will marry her. Plus my father loves her as if she were his own, so in his honor and respect, I would like to marry her. But first, please ask her of what she feels."

Nayan simply nodded, still faded by his words, and Sumitra teared even more. Arnav didn't like it and he went over to her, kneeling down before her before he held her hands.

"Please, stop crying.," Arnav said softly.

He smiled softly and Sumitra hugged him.

"Thank you," she cried softly.

"I don't know what relation we have," he said, "but I feel like as if you could've been someone close of mine from another life."

This touched Sumitra's heart and she held onto him. Sameer's heart filled up from the sight. When Arnav was only a little boy, his mother had passed away, leaving him, Sameer, and his other two brothers. 

Nayan watched Arnav and decided that he would take Arnav's decision to mind, and that he would ask Khushi of her opinion. What will she say?

Chapter Three

"Are you serious," Nayan asked, when he heard the news.

"Yes," Gaurav exclaimed. "They want to come the day after tomorrow to see her!"

"Oh my gosh, I can't believe this! I- yes! Of course, the date is settled! I have to tell Sumitra the good news!"

He hung up and went over to his wife and told her the good news. She was beyond happy and excited. They went over to Khushi and told her the news.

Khushi had decided from a long time that she'd get married to whomever her father chose. So after hearing this, she simply smiled lightly.

As planned, Sameer's family and Gaurav arrived on that day. Nayan and Sumitra welcomed them in and led them to the living room. Sumitra went upstairs to get Khushi and then brought her down. She sat down and met everyone. They talked away and finalized the wedding.

While all preparations were being made, Khushi couldn't help but get a feeling that she wasn't okay with this. She didn't think that marrying Abhay was right. She had this feeling running through her all day, thinking that there was someone out there for her, but who it was? Not a clue....

All the decorating and events were being prepared. Kids were playing away outside and were enjoying themselves.

"Give the kids something to eat," Nayan said to Sumitra.

"I would if the cooks had arrived!"

"But-"

"There we go, here they are."

The cook apologized for their tardiness and got to work immediately. Since they had to rush, they weren't thinking properly, and the head cook kept yelling away at them. One of the workers brought in huge barrels filled with oil and set it aside at the rooftop, where all the cooking was being done.

One of the workers were new and very clumsy. He had a tray in his hand filled with rasgolas that still had to be put in the sugary substance and another tray with jalebis in it. There was so much hustle and bustle, that the guy kept stopping every five seconds, afraid he'd drop the trays.

Some kids were up on the rooftop and one of them bumped into the guy. Luckily, none of the sweets fell, but he knocked down the barrel with oil, not even realizing. He walked away with the trays to put them down.

Meanwhile, the oil was spreading across the floor. No one was paying attention to it, and those who saw it thought someone just dropped water and that's all it was.

The oil spread throughout and trickled down the stairs. It kept going along and no one paid attention to it. It even went across the bars that went around the middle of the home. It prevented people from looking upstairs from the middle of the house, giving upstairs some privacy. Nayan wanted the house to be big and open, but Sumitra wanted the privacy, so he put the bar guards for that and for safety.

Up on the rooftop, a cook was being clumsy and couldn't get a match to light up. He eventually did, but someone called him and he dropped the match.

"FIRE!"

Nayan looked up immediately. He was talking to one of the workers and stared at the fire wide eyed. Everyone moved far away from the fire and the fire spread down on the oil. People tried to douse it with water, but it continued to spread.

Downstairs, Sumitra stood with Khushi, Sumitra talking to someone. Ever since the alliance was made, Khushi kept thinking about it.

Is this right? Should I be marrying this guy? Has DM made him for me?

All she kept doing was think these things and kept doubting the relation.

"SUMITRA! KHUSHI!"

They looked up to know why Nayan was yelling and saw the fire spread on the bar guard. It was already loose on a side and was about to fall. Both remained frozen from shock and stared wide eyed at it. It loosened more and was falling.

"Amma," Khushi yelled out and she pushed her out of the way.

Sumitra stumbled and when she looked back at her daughter, she saw the worst sight a mother could ever see.

"KHUSHI!"

Chapter Two

Gaurav didn't wait a minute and headed out immediately the next day. He drove up to a grand house and walked in.

The house was beautiful. When you walked in, there was a huge chandelier above the main hall. When you walked into the living room, it was huge, designed in a modern fashion. There were windows that went from the floor to the ceiling, which had see-through white curtains. Behind led to other rooms. There were curved staircases on both sides that led upstairs, everything highly decorated.

"Gaurav?"

Gaurav smiled. "Sameer!"

The two shook hands and sat down.

"It's been too long," Sameer said.

"It has. How's life?"

"What's there to say? My sons have grown up and help take care of my business. Now I basically relax."

The worker brought them tea and Gaurav spoke.

"So how's Aditya and Mona? And what about their daughter Maya?"

"Everyone is great," Sameer said. "Aditya went to work and Mona is dropping Maya off at school."

"That's nice. Sameer you are a very lucky man. You have not only a bahu, but a granddaughter as well."

"Not yet. Not until I see my family complete."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean when I get all my sons married, then I'll believe that I truly am lucky."

"Well why not get Abhay married," he asked, referring to one of Sameer's middle son.

"If I could find a girl for him."

"Well... what if I told you I knew a girl?"

"You do?"

"Indeed I do." He took out the picture of Khushi and handed it over to Sameer. "Her name is Khushi. She's very smart and very kind."

"Just by looking at her picture, I can tell she'd be the perfect bahu."

"Dad I'm leaving!"

The two turned to the sound of Abhay's voice, him all ready for the office.

"Abhay wait," Sameer said.

"What's wrong dad?"

"Come here," he motioned and Abhay sat beside his dad. He handed him the picture and Abhay looked at him confusedly. "Look at it."

Abhay did what his father told him to.

"Her name is Khushi," Sameer said. "I was thinking of getting you married to her."

"If that's what you want dad, then I'm fine with it."

With that he handed the picture back and left to work.

Chapter One

What is beauty? Is it the way you look on the outside? The inside? Or is it just something else? Many people might think of it as how they look, but to me? It never really mattered. All I think that matters is how a person acts, and nothing more. A person will only really attract to another, if they like their personality. That's what I believe.

Bapu always had high hopes for me. He would always dream of me being big one day and happy. My Bapu has always been loving. Not once has he ever scolded me in my life. Amma would tell him how he was spoiling me, but I never took advantage of his love.

As years of my life passed on, I graduated high school, went to college, graduated college, and now I help Bapu manage his small business.

"Khushi!"

Bapu was calling me. I was upstairs in my room, putting some stuff away. I headed downstairs and went into the living room.

"Gaurav Kaka!" I couldn't believe it. Gaurav Kaka is one of Bapu's old friends. He moves around from our town to the city for work.

"Arre Khushi," he said, "you're grown up so much!"

"Of course I've grown Kaka. If I don't grow up, whose gonna take care of Bapu?"

"Oh ho," Amma exclaimed, as she came into the room, "you're saying it in such a way like I don't exist."

"Bhabi, how are you," Kaka asked.

"I'm good, and you?"

"Awesome as ever!"

Amma and I headed to the kitchen while Bapu and Gaurav Kaka talked. We came back, Amma with a tray full of bowls with kheer, and I had a tray with cups of chai. They continued to talk and I stood by. After a while, Bapu and Kaka were heading outside. I handed Bapu his jacket and he smiled at me and left.

I was always there for Bapu - what would he do without me?

*~*

Once they were out, Gaurav had a question running through his mind.

"If you don''t mind me asking, Nayan," Gaurav began, "how come you haven't gotten Khushi married yet?"

"What can I say," Nayan replied. "I've always cared a lot for my daughter. It's always been that smile of hers that made me happy. It's hard to find a decent guy these days. Most of them are all messed up, and finding a decent guy isn't so easy."

"What if I said I know someone?"

Nayan widened his eyes. "You're joking right?"

"Nope. And Khushi is exactly the kind of bahu they're looking for. If you say so, then I will go to them with an alliance."

"Sure!"

'I'll just need a picture to show them."

"Sure, hold on a second."

Nayan went back to the house and got a picture of his daughter and headed right back out to give Gaurav the picture.

"I'm leaving for the city today," Gaurav said. "And don't you worry, I'm going over to the boys place tomorrow and I will definitely tell his family about Khushi."