Chapter Twelve

Everything seemed better- no! Everything was better. It's strange how it was, but everything was simply better. All because Khushi had realized that she was falling in love with her husband, Arnav Singh Raizada. At first she was surprised with herself. She never expected herself to fall in love with Arnav, given the conditions that had led to their marriage. Yes, she did think he was attractive - it would be stupid to think otherwise - but it was never about the physicality of a man that mattered too much to Khushi, but of their heart. But after all the time she had spent around her husband, she began to realize that he truly did have a heart, and they weren't just words her bhabi had told her.

Khushi found herself unable to stop thinking about her husband. It seemed that everything would somehow lead her back to the thought of him. And for the first time in their marriage, Khushi wanted Arnav to come home, desperately.

It was around 5:30 when the men came home, it being Friday and the Raizada men desperate for the weekend, and not having to think of work during that time.

"Khushi?"

Khushi knew her father in law was craving his tea, so she had it prepared and waiting for him. She walked into the living room with a tray in hand with all the men's tea, when Khushi paused.

In came Arnav, grinning from end to end as he laughed, with his arm wrapped around a woman, who was smiling up at him. Khushi felt her heart pit at the sight of them as they sat down together.

"You are unbelievable," Arnav said to the woman.

"Yeah right," she grinned back, and Arnav rolled his eyes.

Khushi quickly overcame her shock and placed the tray down on table and began to pour tea into the teacups.

"You two will forever be like children," Sameer said, shaking his head. "Khushi, this is Sheetal," he said, taking the cup of tea from Khushi. "She's Arnav's best friend since childhood."

Oh?

Khushi smiled at her and Sheetal reached her hand out.

"Nice to finally meet you Khushi. I'm sorry I couldn't be at the wedding, I only got back to the country 2 days ago."

Khushi shook hands with her and poured her some tea as well, before giving Aditya and Arnav their tea. As everyone sipped away on their tea and spoke, Khushi learned more of Sheetal. She, too, was in business and had been away in Austria for business, as well as France. Arnav and Sheetal had first met around 4th grade and have been very good friends ever since.

That much was very evident to Khushi, as she could see the way her husband smiled at his friend. There was a connection between the two, very deep. Khushi couldn't help herself but to wonder how a beautiful girl like Sheetal didn't end up becoming Arnav's bride.

Or was she supposed to be?

Arnav knew everything about Sheetal and Sheetal knew everything about Arnav. Arnav was handsome, and she was beautiful. The two got along perfectly well, so how is it that the two weren't married instead?

Maybe she loves him. Maybe he loves her. Why wouldn't he? She's so beautiful and I'm... I'm a monster.

The thought brought tears to Khushi's eyes, so she quickly took the used cups and tray back to the kitchen. She tried hard to keep her mind away from the two, but alas, her mind had mind of its own. She couldn't help but think how perfect Arnav's and Sheetal's relationship was and how she was the outsider that came in between them.

I knew it was too good to be true. Me in love with someone like Arnav. She scoffed. As if I had chance! 

Khushi caught her reflection on a mirrored tray. Her hands reached up on their own over her two scars.

Who could ever love a monster like me?

*~*

Sheetal had left not long later and Khushi needed to go up to their room so the nurse could treat her scars. They were healing, and it wasn't always necessary to have bandages over them, but treating them was. So Khushi was simply in her petticoat as the nurse treated her wounds.

"Your hair has gotten quite long," the nurse commented.

"Yes, it has. I've never had such long hair before, but I like it."

Khushi had her hair draped in front of her shoulders so that it didn't get in the way for the nurse as she treated her back.

"Well it's absolutely lovely."

The nurse finished treating Khushi's burns and left the room. Khushi knew she needed to get back downstairs so that she could make sure dinner was ready, but she wanted to take a moment to relax. In the old days, before the accident, one thing Khushi found very freeing was having a moment to herself, alone in her room, naked. It may seem odd to others but for her, it was as if every weight had lifted off of her, down to lightest string. Even though she had her petticoat on, she still felt rather free, and stood there for a moment with her eyes shut, taking in even breaths.

But little did she know that Arnav was waiting for the nurse to leave so he could work on his computer. As soon as he saw her leave, Arnav thought that as usual, Khushi was done with her dressing, so he headed upstairs. And like every other day, he entered the room without knocking, charging right in. Only this time, unlike every other day, he found his wife half naked.

As soon as the door had opened, Khushi's eyes shot open and she gasped. From the corner of her eyes, she could see from the mirror that it was Arnav, and he had halted right in his tracks. His eyes were on her, and she didn't know that because she could see it, but because oddly enough, she could feel it. Luckily for her, her back was facing him so he couldn't see anything, not even from the mirror because her hair was covering her front.

But Arnav's eyes were focused on one thing in particular - her scars. Three big scars ran on her body, his eyes following along each of them - one going from her back to her waist; another right above it going from her mid-back to her breast; and the third above that, running over to her shoulder. Seeing those three big scars angered Arnav - it angered him how his brother had been so cruel and denied to marry Khushi because of it. It angered him that Khushi had gone through so much pain, when a kindhearted woman like her didn't even deserve it.

Arnav walked towards her and Khushi noticed it in the mirror. She froze, unsure of what to do, nor of what was to come.

Stay calm Khushi, stay calm!

As Arnav got closer to her, the sight of the scars hurt him even more. The thought of how much pain Khushi must've been through, pained him. When he stopped behind her, Khushi shut her eyes, unsure of what he was going to do. Arnav reached up to the lowest scar and traced it with his thumb. Khushi pursed her lips, forcing herself to stop her from gasping. Feeling his warmth against her cool skin was electric, and Khushi wanted more.

Arnav reached up and traced the middle scar, Khushi forcing back a gulp. Because her arm was down, Arnav couldn't trace the scar all the way around, so he moved to the top one. This time, Khushi couldn't hold back her gasp. Her body shuddered as Arnav traced the scar all the way to her shoulder. But while she felt pleasure, Arnav felt pain. He wanted to soothe her, so he stepped closer to her, brushed her hair aside over her other shoulder, and placed a kiss where the scar ended on her shoulder. Khushi let out a tiny moan, clenching her hands together in front of her. Arnav placed his hands on her waist and continued to place soft kisses on her shoulder absentmindedly. Khushi couldn't understand why he was doing this, but she couldn't complain - she loved it. She loved the feeling he was giving her. And as Arnav's lips met her neck, Khushi truly realized it then.

She wanted him.

She wrapped her arms around her, placing her hands over his. Arnav continued to kiss and nuzzle her neck, nibbling here and there. Khushi felt pleasure she had never experienced before and had only dreamed of! But the reality of it was that dreams could never match up to the level of intensity reality had.

Khushi felt him bite down on her flesh and she squeezed his hands. "Arnav," she moaned.

"I will never let anyone or anything ever hurt you again," he whispered against her.

Khushi's eyes shot open at his declaration. It stunned her - how a man she didn't know for long wanted to protect her from further harm, and was willing to make a vow on it.

Does he... does Arnav love me as I love him?

"Arnav, I l-"

A knock at the door suddenly catapulted them back to reality. "Arnav, Khushi, dinner is almost ready," Mona called out.

Khushi tried hard to find her voice, but it was lost with her brain which was scattered across the room.

"We'll be down soon," Arnav responded, and Mona left.

For a moment, neither said anything, stuck in their position. Khushi was unsure of what to do nor what to say, and before she could it figure it out Arnav pulled back and retrieved her blouse from the bed.

"Here," he said, holding it open for her.

It should be noted that because of how constricting bra bands were, that Khushi didn't wear bra as often. Thankfully some of her blouses came with cups or padding, so she never looked inappropriate. The blouse she was about wear however, held her breasts just fine and gave it a proper shape without any padding. So Khushi slipped her arms into the full-sleeve blouse and hooked on the hooks while Arnav picked up the two strings on the back and tied them.

"I'll meet you downstairs."

"Okay," Khushi nearly whispered.

As soon as Arnav left the room, Khushi let out her breath and sat on the bed.

Holy DM!

Chapter Eleven

Sunlight came shining into the room, awakening Khushi. She truly did not feel like waking up, and buried her face deeper into Arnav.

Wait, what?

Khushi's eyes shot open and she looked right into Arnav's neck. She slightly pulled back, looking up at a sleeping Arnav. He looked very peaceful in his sleep, a soft smile playing on his lips.

I wonder what he's dreaming about?

Khushi realized that once again, in the middle of the night, they had found their way to the other. His arm was protectively draped over her and her hand rested itself on his chest. And so, like every other morning, Khushi tried to get out of his hold. But like every other morning, her one little move, would cause Arnav to wake up.

His eyes fluttered open and landed right on Khushi, causing Khushi to hold her breath. She gulped as she looked into his eyes. No matter how many times this had happened, Khushi always found herself stunned. And no matter how many times this had happened, Arnav found it always hard to look away from her.

Without a thought, Arnav reached up and caressed her cheek. Khushi shut her eyes to his embrace, her nerves beginning to shoot up. Something was different - it felt different, but Khushi had no idea what it was. It didn't seem likely for her to find out because what did she know that by simply wearing a sari in his favorite color, could have such an affect on him.

Arnav looked her up and down, admiring the red fabric on her body. It looked beautiful against her skin tone, and Arnav found himself feeling more and more attracted to her by the second. His hand left her cheek and traced down her body, causing Khushi to shudder and let out a soft moan. The sound echoed in Arnav's ears, turning something on inside of him. He slowly laid her on her back and moved over her, Khushi now feeling her nerves shooting up doubly fast!

Khushi's eyes remained shut as her chest heaved, her breasts brushing against Arnav's chest. Her lips were slightly parted and Arnav found himself desperate to kiss her, like he was stranded in the desert and she was his only source of nourishment. He brought his lips closer to hers and just as his lips brushed against her soft, pink, plump lips - his phone went off.

Both turned their attention to the phone, rumbling as it rang and vibrated. Arnav looked down at Khushi and could see how panicked she looked.

What have I done?

Arnav moved off of her and took his phone out to the balcony to take his call. Khushi took this moment to catch her breath, and quickly dashed to the wardrobe to get her clothes, and charged right into the bathroom.

Holy cow, what just happened," she screamed in her head as she washed up and got ready. Did we just-? Were we about to-? ...what?!

Her mind was rambling with questions, but she couldn't deal with this right now; she needed to go downstairs to help with breakfast. When Khushi opened the door and reentered the bedroom, she could still hear Arnav talking on the phone. Taking this as her chance, Khushi dashed out of the room and headed downstairs tot the kitchen. Her mind continued to wander, even though she begged for it to stop.

"Good morning Khushi!"

"Huh?"

Khushi flinched out of thought and looked at Mona, who was looking at her questioningly.

"Are you okay Khushi?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, yeah, totally."

Mona found her response to be very strange, but seeing how flustered she looked, an idea of what could be the problem popped into her head, and she knew her devar was involved - especially because of the blush on Khushi's cheeks. So she decided to leave the poor girl alone and not tease her.

With the last of breakfast placed on the table, everyone was already gathered together, except for Arnav. Khushi wondered where he was, and as the thought of him crossed his mind, Arnav came into the room and Khushi gulped.

Not because of what had happened earlier this morning, but because of how fucking hot her husband looked.

Point to be noted, those were Khushi's exact thoughts.

Oh my... since when was he always this gorgeous?

It was strange to Khushi, how all of a sudden she was becoming very aware of the man she called her husband. All these weeks together, and never did she really notice much. And yet between yesterday and today, she had noticed so much than she had all these weeks.

The same could be said for Arnav.

As he entered the dining room and took his seat, his eyes landed on Khushi and once again, he found himself stunned. He wasn't sure if she realized that she was once again wearing a sari in his favorite color. And he hoped that she didn't realize the affect she was having on him, nor anyone else, for that matter. Otherwise, that would have been very embarrassing.

And he didn't want anyone to think he was still in his teens, when he clearly wasn't.

If you haven't figured out what that means, go back to sex ed 😀

The two didn't say anything to the other during breakfast, not trying to face any awkwardness or embarrassment from earlier. And as soon as breakfast was complete, Arnav got up to leave to the office, and Khushi took in a breath of relief.

Only, that was cut short.

Khushi had gone back up to their room to ease her racing heart, when the room filled up with the sound of Arnav's ringtone. She realized then that Arnav had forgotten his phone.

Should I take this to him? Should I contact him at the office and let him know? Or should I ask bhabi? Then again she might ask questions.

She decided to head downstairs and call Arnav from the landline to his office phone. But little did Khushi know that Arnav had realized that he had forgotten his phone and was already on his way home.

Just like that, the scene was set - Khushi was heading down the stairs and Arnav was coming up the front steps. Just as Khushi got to the bottom step, Arnav entered the house. And just like that, in the blink of an eye, the two bumped into each other, and Arnav quickly got hold of her, pulling her into his arms.

Khushi looked up at him, wide-eyed, as Arnav gazed down at her. Once again, that temptation to kiss her, had formed. He found his hand moving up on its own again, caressing her cheek. Khushi found it difficult to breathe again, her grip on him tightening as her nerves shot up.

But fortunately - or unfortunately, yet to be determined - Arnav's ever so screaming phone began to scream again, snapping the two back to reality. They shot away from the other and Khushi quickly held out his phone to him. Arnav took it and took the call.

"Yeah. ...hmm... okay... we'll talk when I get back to the office," and he hung up.

Arnav looked at Khushi, who was holding her hands together and looking down at the ground, blushing.

"Um... sorry, and he left.

Khushi looked up at his retreating back, her eyes widened. Sorry?

"Oh my gosh!!!"

Khushi's eyes widened at the sound of Mona's shrilling and praying that her bhabi hadn't seen any of it, she slowly turned to her. But the second she saw Mona's face, it was evident that indeed her bhabi had seen it all.

"That was so cute," Mona shrieked. "The way you two bumped into each other like TV series, and the way he held you? Hai!"

Khushi blushed tomato red, looking anywhere but at Mona.

"And he said sorry, how sweet!"

"Sweet," she questioned, and she bit her tongue.

Mona smirked and Khushi wanted to fade away than face the embarrassment. She went to Khushi and took her hand, and had her sit down next to her on the sofa.

"I told you my devar was sweetie. He felt bad for putting you in such a awkward position, so he apologized."

Khushi looked up at Mona. He didn't say it because he regretted it?

And that thought made Khushi pause. Why did she all of sudden care of Arnav had any feelings towards. Why did she suddenly care so much to the point where she would've felt hurt if Arnav had regretted his actions towards her.

"Looks like someone is falling in love," Mona sang softly.

Khushi's eyes met hers.

"Something must have triggered it. Maybe seeing you in his favorite color?"

Khushi looked down at her red sari. That's right, bhabi did say this was his favorite color. But I've worn this color before, right?Or have I not? Doubt that's possible....

"Well whatever it is, it's quite evident that my devar has some feelings for you," she winked.

Khushi blushed and looked down.

"And it's about time!"

With that, Mona got up and left Khushi to her thoughts.

Is he really? Is he really beginning to have feelings for me?

Memories of earlier this morning came to mind, and Khushi remembered feeling the hardness of his chest against her breasts, and the feeling of his lips brushed against hers. The memory had her fingers reaching her lips and blush spread through her cheeks.

Am I beginning to fall in love with Arnav?

Chapter Ten

Even if he was supposed to be taking a day off, Arnav could't help himself but to focus on work - at least, in the morning. After having lunch, however, he decided to invest his time in the gym. With the stress and amount of time being put into the Thailand project, Arnav hadn't been able to give the gym his time. Now that he had the day to himself, he decided to take advantage of it.

And so he did, for hours on. He had been so invested in it, that he had lost track of time. It was around 8 when Khushi had gone looking for him, having seen him head towards the gym earlier.

Now, it should be noted that Arnav was built. It was evident by any person who saw him, especially with the ladies. Bulging muscles, defined chest and abs, and of course - a firm butt. Ladies gawked at the sight of him! So months back, when Arnav had chosen to marry her, Khushi couldn't figure out for the life of her how a beautiful man like him could want to marry, in her words, "a burned woman with a scorched face" like her. And once again, seeing that man drenched in sweat as he did the salmon ladder, made her question everything in life once more.

Of course, after the shock had passed.

It wasn't everyday you saw a man doing the salmon ladder. Khushi probably wouldn't have even known what that even was if she didn't watch Arrow on TV. It always amazed her seeing Stephen Amell doing it on TV, but discovering that he husband could do it, well, it simply left her mind blank.

Arnav noticed Khushi and he dropped down from the bar. That was when Khushi's brain had snapped back into motion, rushing her thoughts past her for the moments it was clogged, before quickly returning to its proper functions.

"I-I just came in to let you know that it's 8," Khushi said.

Arnav nodded, reaching for his water bottle. As Arnav chugged on his water, Khushi couldn't help herself but to give him a full look-over.

And I'm actually married to this guy? For about 7 weeks now? Can't be!

Khushi looked away before he gawking mind decided to continue to gawk at him and be caught. Normally, Khushi would see him suited up for the office or in casual wear or PJs. For the first time in their 7ish weeks of marriage was Khushi now face-to-face with a shirtless Arnav... and it made her slightly uncomfortable. Not because she didn't want to see it - heavens no! But because of what it was doing to her.

Unfortunately, the way Arnav saw it, he thought she was making her feel uncomfortable. It made him feel bad, putting her in uncomfortable situation, so he reached over for his sleeveless hoodie and popped it on. And while he thought he was doing something helpful for Khushi, Khushi's brain pleaded for him to take it off.

"Is everyone still out," Arnav asked.

"Bhabi called; she said she's on her way home, there's just a lot of traffic. And Papa should be home soon with Bhai."

"And Abhay is still at his apartment... cool."

Arnav picked up his phone and held his arm out, gesturing for Khushi to go first. So she left gym with Arnav behind her, and for each step she took, her level of awareness on how hot and sweaty Arnav was, increased. No she wasn't bothered by it, but she felt rather drawn to it. She didn't understand why, but it was as if their was this electrical hum, drawing her towards him. In all these weeks together, Khushi always avoided any attractions, given that she didn't know the man. Now, weeks later after sleeping beside and waking up in his arms, the level of attraction had gone from 0 to 100, real quick.

"Khushi!"

Khushi paused and looked up to see Mona with numerous bags in her hands, but Arnav had been looking at his phone, and bumped into her. Before she went crashing down, Arnav quickly caught and pulled her to him, her chest colliding into his. Mona gasped and covered her face with her hands, her eyes wide as she watched the two gazed into each others eyes.

It should be noted that while Mona felt the urge to shriek, Khushi felt like she had been shocked by a bolt of lightening. She couldn't remove her eyes from Arnav, her nerves beginning to shoot all over the place from nervousness. And with the way Arnav was looking at her....

Why is he looking at me like that? There's hundreds of beautiful women out there, nothing near as horrendous as I am. So then why? Why look at me in that way?

When the front doors opened and Sameer's and Aditya's voices took over the room, the two shot apart, feeling awkward and creating an awkward vibe in the air, which everyone else could feel.

"Is something wrong," Sameer asked in confusion.

"Nope," Mona answered. "But it seems like your youngest son here is a klutz," she snickered.

Arnav rolled his eyes, while Khushi looked away.

"Bumping into Khushi like that, really Arnav," Mona teased.

Khushi blushed and Arnav frowned at Mona.

"I'm not a klutz, I was looking at a business proposal-"

"Arnav there's a reason why I said to take the day off," Sameer frowned.

"I know dad, but-"

"But nothing. We've got it over at the office, and you can look at all the proposals and all the accounts you want tomorrow."

"Fine dad," Arnav sighed.

"Good. Now then, what's for dinner, I'm starving," the old man grinned.

"Go ahead and wash up Papa, I'll get dinner set up," Khushi smiled back.

"Perfect," and everyone headed off to their rooms to wash up for dinner.

Khushi headed upstairs real quick to take a quick shower and change, since Arnav had gotten her drenched in his sweat. Of course he apologized, but it was really nothing to apologize for. Not with what she had in mind.

*~*

Dinner was set, and everyone sat at the table, except for Khushi.

"Come on Khushi, you know the rule," Sameer said. "No one eats until the family is at the table, and with the way everything is smelling so good, I can't wait anymore!"

Khushi entered the dining room with a grin, setting down a platter full of jalebis before sitting down. Sameer reached out for a jalebi but when he caught sight of both Mona and Khushi frowning at him, he pulled his hand back.

"I'll never understand how you women can make an old man feel like a child," he pouted.

Both Khushi and Mona chuckled and high-fived each other. Everyone dug right in to dinner, talking about their day.

"I bought a few new saris today, but I must Khushi, the sari you're wearing right now is very beautiful," Mona said.

Arnav absolutely agreed. His present indeed looked amazing on Khushi and she looked absolutely beautiful.

"Thank you bhabi," Khushi smiled.

"No problem. You've never worn this before, have you?"

Khushi's eyes slightly widened and she glanced at Arnav. this action had not been missed by Mona, and she looked at her poor devar, who looked like he was about to be caught. She understood immediately, and hope beamed within her once more.

"It's very cute," she smiled.

Khushi attempted a smile, glancing back and forth between Arnav, Mona, and her plate. Thank goodness Mona hadn't pushed forward, or the awkwardness Khushi had felt would've hit the roof. And double thank goodness that they had moved off of the topic and to something else.

Once dinner was complete, Khushi passed the platter of jalebis to Sameer, who happily picked one up and munched right into it.

"Dad, stop acting like a child," Aditya frowned, though he was humored.

"Hush it and take a bite," Sameer scowled.

Everyone chuckled and Khushi revealed the other platter full of jalebis.

"Even more," Sameer grinned. "Amazing!"

Khushi couldn't help her smile. "Actually Papa, these are sugar-free."

Sameer's eyebrows shot up, as well as Mona's and Aditya's.

"Oh," was all the old man said.

Khushi placed the platter before Arnav and waited for him to take one. He glanced at her and everyone else - noting the eagerness in their faces - before picking a jalebi up. As soon as he took a bite, he could see the eagerness in his family increase, desperate for him to make a comment.

"It's good," he said.

"Good-good, or really good," Mona asked.

"Really good," he frowned at her, although his smile was evident.

Sameer chuckled. "You're gonna spoil us Khushi."

Khushi smiled with a soft blush and for some unknown reason why, Arnav felt tempted to kiss her.

What the? Where did that come from.

*~*

Later that night, once everything had been cleaned and put away, Khushi headed to their room. She found Arnav sitting at his desk, already changed into a t-shirt and PJs, working away on his computer.

"I hope you're not working."

Arnav looked up at her and Khushi's eyes widened.

Why did I say that? "Papa might find out," she quickly added.

Arnav smiled softly and leaned back in his chair. "I'm not, well, not exactly. Just checking a few emails."

Khushi nodded in acknowledgement. Before things got awkward, she headed to the wardrobe to retrieve her nightwear.

"Khushi?"

Khushi turned to him. "Hmm?"

"Thank you... for wearing the sari."

Khushi looked down at herself and back at him. "Thank you for the sari. Yellow is actually my favorite color," she said softly.

"I know."

Khushi's eyebrows met at the middle automatically.

"I figured it was, given the amount of yellow you wear. And then bhabi told me."

"Oh?"

He figured it out by himself that yellow is my favorite color? Because I wear it that much? Do I really? Hmm... never really thought about it.

"Um, it's a very beautiful sari," Khushi said.

"Thanks. Before buying this, I never realized how hard it was to buy a sari," he said, scratching the back of his head.

Khushi found his actions cute, and she immediately pressed the breaks on that thought.

"I was gonna have bhabi help me, but knowing her, I knew she wouldn't have made it easy. She likes to tease a lot," he quickly explained when Khushi looked at him in confusion.

Khushi nodded and the awkward vibe was coming back into the air. So before it took over, she quickly went to the bathroom to change. When she came out, Arnav was sitting on his side of the bed, on his phone. As Khushi headed to the vanity to comb through her hair, Arnav caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eyes and looked up.

The sight of her made him freeze.

In all the weeks they had been married, never had Arnav felt this way. Maybe he simply didn't notice before - due to how busy he was with work - but seeing Khushi in her simple red sari, with her long hair flowing down her back, did things to him.

Has she never worn red before? No, I'm sure she has. Have I simply just not noticed before? 

While Arnav remained lost in his thoughts, Khushi was busy combing her long hair. During her accident, she had gotten really lucky that her hair hadn't caught on fire. Normally she kept her hair at mid-length, but after the surgery and treatments, Khushi had decided to leave her hair alone. She wanted it to grow out - that way her hair could cover her back and no one would see her burn marks.

Though Khushi had kept her hair long for those intentions, it didn't mean that Arnav thought of it that way.

When I first met her, her hair wasn't this long. But it looks lovely. And it always smells like vanilla.

He would know that very well, given the number of times he's woken up with his face nuzzled into Khushi's hair.

Just as Khushi was about to turn, Arnav flinched back to his phone, as if he weren't looking at her all this time. Khushi laid down on her side of the bed and Arnav placed his phone down and shut off the lights. Once again, like every night before, they slept on their opposite sides.

But little did they realize that this morning would be different than every other morning they had ever had.

Chapter Nine

With breakfast complete, all of the Raizada men headed out to work.

It should be noted that ever since Arnav had decided to get married to Khushi, Abhay Singh Raizada had felt like he had become the outcast. It made absolutely no sense to him how his younger brother could just so easily agree to marry a girl so easily, that too to someone he thought that looked like an odd, unknown creature. The sight of her scars were horrendous to him, and to see the way his family - especially his father - treated her so nicely, made absolutely no sense to him. How could they not feel repulsed by her sight? How could they simply tolerate and look right at her face with those hideous scars.

He simply did not understand - not that he cared anymore.

While the men worked away at the office, Khushi learned the ropes of her new home. She spent the day with Mona, learning the ways of the house and learning a bit more of her new family, as well as new information.

"We don't really speak much about mumma."

"Why not," Khushi asked.

"Because it's still painful. They were all still quite young when mumma passed. Since our families were close friends, I was there during her funeral. Adi and Abhay, they tried to be strong and did well on it. But poor Arnav... he was hurt the most."

And for a brief moment, Khushi wished she could have held the young version of her husband - no child deserved to experience the pain of losing their parent.

"It broke everyone's heart, seeing him crying and holding onto mumma's photo. Papa didn't know what to do, how to make him feel better. Then papa fell sick from all of the stress, and it did something to Arnav. He no longer spent his days crying and stayed by Papa's side."

Khushi noticed a family photo on the wall and looked at the man who was her husband.

"When I think of it now, I think he did that because he was worried. He had just lost one parent, he didn't want to lose the other. And since then, Arnav has stood by Papa's side, always there for him."

Mona turned to Khushi and Khushi looked at her.

"He has a big heart Khushi. Even if he doesn't always show it, he does. He loves, and he loves deeply. Papa, this family - it means everything to him." She caressed her cheek. "And I know that in time, his heart will extend out to you as well."

Khushi looked down as Mona gave her a smile before leaving her.

Even if he is such a kind-hearted man... do I even want to give him my heart?

*~*

It had been more than a month since Khushi had married Arnav. And in that time, things had changed. Khushi now felt more comfortable in her new home, though she still missed her parents and would talk to them every now and then. But she now embraced her new family, claiming them as her own. Her and Mona had established a wonderful relationship, her bhabi now also her dearest friend. Aditya had become the brother she never had and Abhay... well they avoided each other. Not that Abhay was around much, so it made it easier for Khushi.

As for her relationship with Arnav? Well, it was odd. Their first night together wasn't the only night that they had found themselves entangled to the other in the morning. It happened several times - in fact, almost every night! And every morning the two found each other with the same thought.

Why?

Why indeed? Khushi didn't know him all-to-well, even though she had been told all about her husband. However, it was never from him, so could she really claim to know him from the facts her in-laws had told her?

And Arnav? Well, he did feel bad that most of his time went to work. With the Thailand project, he found himself too busy with work and busy helping his father. His father saw it too, and he had told his son to take a break and go away on their long-delayed honeymoon. But Arnav refused and continued to help his father. But the way Sameer saw it, his son was working too hard, so he forced his son to take a day off - his first proper, official day off since marrying Khushi.

It's safe to say that when the other Raizada men went to work this morning and Mona had gone out to do some shopping, both Arnav and Khushi were slightly on their nerves. This was the first time since their little encounter at the hospital months ago, that they were alone. The only difference now was that they had the whole house to themselves.

Khushi tried hard not to think too much on it... which only lasted for a good minute.

This feels so odd, she thought to herself as she busied herself in the kitchen. Is it odd that we spoke to more words to each other before we got married? When we didn't even know each other? Then again, do we even know each other now?

Lunch was ready so Khushi brought food out to the dining room. Arnav came down not long later with a package in his hands. Khushi was curious as to what it was, but didn't say anything. He simply set the package on the seat next to his and ate. Both ate mostly in silence, unless they needed to ask the other to pass something.

"Um," Khushi began, feeling slightly odd, "would you like kheer for dessert or jalebis?"

Arnav looked at her and then back down at his food. "Whatever you want."

Khushi's eyes slightly widened at his choice of words. Whatever I want? "You don't have a preference?"

Arnav shrugged. "Not really. Besides, I won't be able to eat it."

"Why not? It'll be sugar-free."

Arnav's eyes met hers. She knows? How?

"I'll just make two separate dishes or batches, depending on which dessert you choose - one sugar-free and the other normal."

"How did you...?"

"Bhabi told me," and for some unknown reason, Khushi blushed.

Not that it wasn't missed by Arnav. In fact, he found the tint of red on her cheeks to be rather cute.

Clearing his throat a bit, Arnav picked up the package besides him. "Um... this is actually for you."

Khushi's eyebrows met in the middle. "For me?"

"Yeah. Um... I didn't know how to give it to you, this probably isn't the proper way to give a present but..." and he handed the package over to her.

Khushi took it, her confusion clear on her face.

"I hope you like it. And um, I'll be upstairs," and he got up, taking his empty plate with him to the kitchen.

Khushi watched him leave before turning her attention back on the package. I wonder....

*~*

Once Khushi had cleaned up, she picked up the package Arnav had given her. She took it upstairs with her to their bedroom and sat down on the bed. At first she hesitated to open it - she simply didn't understand why Arnav had given her a present. But once she took a deep breath and halted her racing mind, she opened it.

From within, she retrieved a beautiful yellow sari. The sight of it had Khushi smiling - it was stunning! Unfolding it, she admired the bead-work, the silver brightening the sari even more.

It's beautiful! I can't believe he got me a sari in my favorite color! But how did he know? Does he even know?

Khushi held the sari to her for a moment. She thought back to lunch, only realizing now how nervous Arnav seemed when giving her this present.

But why? Did he think I wasn't going to like it?

She looked at it and ran her hand over it.

Well he thought wrong, she smiled.