Chapter Fourteen

Unlike last time, where the two had been awkward from their encounter, this time there was none of it. At breakfast later that day, the two passed a few glances and a few soft smiles at each other - something that the whole family had noticed.

Even Abhay, who had come home early that morning. Abhay would come home now and then from his apartment and his father never said a word about it. Although he was happy that the relationship between Arnav and Khushi was going well, he was still disappointed by his middle son's behavior on that night. But Sameer felt no need to talk about it because it was pointless. Khushi was now married to Arnav and that was all that mattered, so there was no point in arguing when she was now his other son's wife.

*~*

Arnav's high school reunion was on the upcoming Saturday and Arnav decided that he would go with Khushi, due to Sheetal's persistence. Although Khushi was happy about it, she was nervous. Not because it was the first time the couple would be going out in public, but because she was afraid of what people would think of her face. There was no doubt about it, she knew people were going to judge her the moment they saw her. She just didn't know if she could tolerate being an embarrassment to Arnav.

Saturday arrived sooner than expected, and both Arnav and Khushi headed of to the reception hall the reunion would take place. Khushi's nerves were still on edge and she didn't know how to she was going to deal with it. When the couple arrived, they went to the desk right by the entrance of the hall and received passes. While Khushi received a guest pass, Arnav received one with his name and his yearbook photo on it. Khushi had seen the photo before, several times at the house, and thought that Arnav still looked the same, only much more mature and with facial hair. One thing for sure, he was still as handsome as he was back then.

Entering the hall Khushi glanced around. There were quite a number of people around and as Khushi had expected, the moment people's eyes met her, their expressions gave away what Khushi worried about the most. 

"Hey! Arnav!" 

Both Arnav and Khushi turned to see Sheetal coming their way and Khushi felt instantly insecure. As she came closer to them, Khushi took in the sight of Sheetal's silver mini dress. It was off-the-shoulders and full sleeve, and it looked like she had wrapped herself up in silver spandex enough to show off her long legs and silver stilettos. Khushi glanced down at the red sari she wore and felt her heart pit. 

"Hey you guys! Isn't the place just looking fab?"

Khushi had to agree, it really did. The theme of the event was starlight night, stars and a crescent moon hanging down from the ceiling. They had made lamps to look like clouds, which put the perfect mood lighting for the setting.

"Does it look good," Sheetal asked nervously.

"Why wouldn't it? You were the one in charge of the decoration committee," Arnav said.

Khushi looked at Arnav and then at Sheetal. Sheetal let out a squeal and hugged Arnav, causing Khushi to feel jealous and insecure once more.

"Thanks yaar, means a lot," and she pulled back. "Now enjoy yourself and make sure Khushi doesn't get bored, okay? I'm gonna go mingle," and she left the couple to themselves.

Khushi held her hands together and looked down at the ground. Arnav glanced around and found an empty table for them to sit at and led her there. A server passed by, offering them some hors d'oeuvres, another offering drinks. As they ate, Khushi glanced around and looked at Arnav in confusion.

"What's wrong," Arnav asked, noticing her expression.

Khushi shook her head. "It's nothing, just.... Aren't you going to say hi to your friends?"

"Um... well...."

Khushi noticed the way Arnav's cheeks heated up, and she became curious.

"See, the truth is... I didn't really associate with many people in high school. I was more of a loner, well, except for hanging out with Sheetal. I just wasn't interested in anything."

"Oh?"

"High school wasn't my thing," Arnav shrugged. "It was just loaded with drama, no matter where you looked. I just didn't care for that kind of nonsense."

"Really?"

Arnav slightly arched his eyebrow at Khushi's tone.

"Sounds kind of boring," Khushi teased playfully, not knowing where any of it was coming from.

What am I doing, she exclaimed in her head.

"Is that so," Arnav smirked lightly, leaning back in his chair as he crossed his arms. "Well then, what about you?"

That sudden burst of confidence Khushi had, faded away. "Me," she gulped.

Arnav nodded. "Tell me about your days in high school."

"Uh... well...."

Arnav continued to look at her, waiting to hear what she had to say and Khushi gulped.

"Um... well I went to much rather smaller high school than yours. Everyone basically knew each other, it was difficult not to know one another, given our little town that we lived in. And since everyone knew each other, it was kind of hard to avoid the drama that came with high school," Khushi chuckled lightly.

"Oh?"

"Mm hmm - it was just impossible. My best friend and I always seemed to find ourselves caught in it, whether we were involved or not."

"Who's your best friend?"

"Her name is Payal. She was at the wedding actually, and she's also my cousin."

Arnav nodded in acknowledgement. "So I'm assuming that if we were to go to your high school reunion, there would be a number of people that you would be saying hi to?"

"Yes-!"

Khushi looked down at her lap and Arnav looked at her in confusion.

"What's wrong," he asked.

Khushi shook her head. "Nothing," she said softly.

Khushi looked away and Arnav could see that she was upset. At first he couldn't understand why, but then he did. So he reached out and took her hand in his, making Khushi meet her eyes with his.

"Talk to me," he said softly.

For a moment, Khushi said nothing, looking into his eyes in surprise. She could see that he meant it and that he wouldn't push her. His eyes were genuine, showing that he cared, and Khushi was surprised by it - not in a bad way, but she was still surprised. She looked down at their joined hands and then she looked down at her lap.

"I don't think I could face those people again," Khushi nearly whispered. "Not like this."

"Why not?"

Khushi looked up at him.

"You're still you Khushi. Regardless of what happened, you're still you."

Khushi looked back down.

Arnav reached out and caressed her cheek. He tilted her face up to him and Khushi looked up at him, her eyes slightly wide.

"There's nothing to be afraid of Khushi. If you're worried those people would judge you, then they were never your friends to begin with. But if they are, they'll accept you however you are, just like I do."

Khushi was shocked - not just because of his words, but because of how was holding her face, out here, in public.

Arnav glanced over her shoulders and then back at her. "It looks like they're serving dinner already. Hungry?"

Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and nodded.

"Great, I wanna get out of here as quick as possible," he chuckled lightly. "And make sure that when we do, Sheetal doesn't notice us. She'll kill me if she does."

By the mentioning of her name, Khushi felt something within her bubble. "Okay."

The couple stood up and made their way to get food. They quickly ate and with careful watch, the two sneaked away, avoiding Sheetal. When they arrived home, it was pretty late, so everyone was already in bed. Normally Khushi would get her wounds treated before bed, but since they had plans to be out late, she had it done before they went to the event.

Ready and settled for bed, both Arnav and Khushi laid down, the lights turned off.

"I'm sorry the reunion was boring," Arnav said.

Khushi shook her head. "I don't mind."

"Hmm... well, if there's ever a college reunion, I promise that'll be more... eventful."

"Oh?" Khushi turned to her side, facing Arnav.

Arnav turned to her as well. "Yeah. Unlike me in high school, I had a little more fun in college."

"A little or a little," Khushi teased.

Again, Khushi didn't know where it came from.

Arnav chuckled. "Okay, I guess a little. But nothing too crazy."

"And what's too crazy?"

"Hmm, good question."

Khushi couldn't help herself but to giggle and Arnav found himself stunned. He couldn't remember a time Khushi laughed like this, not this genuinely. Hearing it made something within him feel content.

"So high school was, as we used to say back then a dub..."

Arnav's eyebrows shot up.

"So what was college," Khushi asked, arching her eyebrow.

The corner of Arnav's lips curved up. He had never seen Khushi so relaxed before, and he liked it. For the first time in their marriage, he truly felt like he was now with the real Khushi.

"College was... well, it was full of booze," Arnav admitted.

"Ah, so there were drunken nights," Khushi grinned.

"More like blackout nights."

Khushi gasped. "No!"

Arnav nodded. "Too many parties, way too many parties. Especially all of those frat parties."

"It must have been fun for you, being in New York City all those years."

Arnav sighed and laid flat on his back. "It was. The reason why I went there was just to learn everything I needed for business so that I could help dad."

Khushi looked at him with a soft smile. "You love him so much, don't you?"

Arnav nodded. "After Ma passed away... everything I did was for him. We both lost something big in life, only it was harder for him. He really loved Ma, so it nearly broke him when she passed away."

"I heard papa had fallen ill?"

"Yeah... and I did whatever I could for him to get better. Ever since then I've stood by his side and supported him. I worked hard in school to make him proud of me, to bring a smile on his face. I did everything I could to help him, studied abroad so I could help his company."

"That's very admirable of you."

Arnav looked at her.

"I understand the feeling. I was very close bapusa and I did what I could to make him proud. I always took care of him, helped him... I wanted to make him proud."

Memories of her father flashed in Khushi's mind, as well as of her mother. The thought of them brought tears to her eyes and they rolled down her cheeks. But before she could wipe them away, Arnav reached out and did it for her, causing Khushi to look at him in shock.

"You must miss them."

Even though it wasn't a question, Khushi nodded.

"Talking with them on the phone every day must not be enough. How about we go visit them for a few days?"

Khushi's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Of course. After all, your parents are my parents now too, hmm?"

Khushi looked down and nodded.

Arnav reached out and caressed her cheek, tilting it up so that she would look at him. He didn't say anything, confusing Khushi.

"For the first time, I finally met the real Khushi tonight. And I quite like her."

Khushi's eyes widened.

"And I'd like to get to know her better."

Khushi didn't know what to say.

"I think the perfect way to do that is to take her back home, where she came from. So if you don't mind, I'd like to call bapusa tomorrow and ask him if it's okay if we come and visit for the week."

Khushi couldn't beleive what she was hearing. "Um... okay."

Arnav smiled softly and placed a tentative kiss on her forehead. "Go to sleep."

Letting her go, both got comfy, and Arnav dozed off first. As for Khushi, hard as she tried, she simply couldn't fall asleep - she was too stunned.

Khushi turned to her side, nuzzling into her pillow. 

Whoa.

Chapter Thirteen

It was safe to say that after the encounter in their bedroom, both Arnav and Khushi were now in an awkward state. Neither knew what to say nor what to do when they saw the other. Both felt slightly embarrassed of what had happened but to tell you the truth, neither regretted it.

Nope neither did, not one bit, especially not Arnav. One evening, as he sat out on the balcony, working on his laptop, he thought back to the first time he had met Khushi in the hospital. On that day, he didn't understand what it was that drew him to her so much. He still didn't understand what it was that when Khushi had agreed to marry him, had made him kiss her hand, as if he had known her for some time. But he had done it, and he had indeed done more within the time span of their marriage.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Arnav looked back into the room. Khushi still wasn't here and Arnav was curious as to where she was, so he got up to look for her. As he walked down the hall and made his way downstairs, Arnav heard her voice and headed to the family room. There, he saw his sister in-law, Khushi, and his niece sitting in Khushi's lap. Maya was smiling away as she blabbered on about her day at pre-school and Khushi listened with complete interest. It was a rather pleasant sight for Arnav to see, seeing how happy Khushi was.

Maybe someday Khushi will be this happy with our child- our child?!

Arnav couldn't believe the thought that had crossed his mind. Nowhere was he and Khushi that close, so he was amazed at the thought of the two of them having a child.

I'm getting ahead of myself.

"Arnav!"

Both Khushi and Mona looked up as Arnav turned around at the sound of Sheetal's voice.

"Hey bud, what're you up to," Sheetal grinned.

"I'm fine, I was just taking a break from work."

"You and your work," Sheetal huffed. "Do you ever take a break?"

Arnav rolled his eyes.

Sheetal looked past Arnav and saw the others. "Hi Bhabi, hi Khushi!"

She entered the room and went over to the ladies. Arnav took this opportunity and entered the room, going over to Khushi. Khushi noticed him as he got closer and just as her brain was about to enter panic mode, Arnav knelt down in front of her and played with Maya. Khushi immediately relaxed and then wondered why all of sudden she felt panicked by Arnav coming close to her, as if he hadn't been closer to her than that before.

Khushi looked up at Arnav through her lashes. Maya had moved out of her lap and into Arnav's, holding his face as she told him about what she did at pre-school earlier today. The way Arnav paid attention to her every word, made Khushi's heart blossom.

If we had a daughter- a daughter?!

Khushi glanced around, making sure that she hadn't voiced her own thoughts and by the looks of things, she hadn't. She turned her attention back to Arnav and Maya.

I'm getting way too ahead of myself.

From the corner of her eyes, Khushi noticed Sheetal and looked at her. She watched Sheetal look at Arnav with admiration and she turned her attention back to Arnav, who was nuzzling Maya.

The way she's looking at him... maybe I did come in between the two.

Feeling her heart pit, Khushi got up.

Mona looked up at her. "Khushi, what's wrong?"

Khushi shook her head. "Nothing Bhabi, I'm just gonna go check up on dinner."

Mona nodded and Khushi left, Arnav glancing at her as she left.

Khushi entered the kitchen and leaned against the wall.

Why did this have to happen to me? Why did I have to fall for someone who can't be mine, who is already taken?

Tears brimmed in Khushi's eyes, and she quickly shut them and tried to make them go away.

I never should have agreed to marry him.

*~*

Sheetal had stayed over for dinner and through it's entirety, Khushi had watched as she and Arnav were animated in conversation, whether it was about work or something else. Later on the two had disappeared upstairs to discuss some work things and Khushi stayed downstairs. She distracted herself with Mona and Maya, but soon enough it was time for her to go upstairs for her dressing.

As the nurse worked away, Khushi thought back to that day and the moment she had shared with Arnav. She remembered the way his eyes were glued to her, refusing to drop. She remembered the touch of his fingertips against her flesh. She remembered the feel of his soft lips on her and the way he nibbled her neck. She remembered all of it.

"Are you okay Khushi?"

"Hmm?"

Khushi snapped out of her trance, turning her attention back to the nurse.

"You seem distracted."

Khushi shook her head. "It's nothing really."

The nurse nodded. "Okay," and she went back to her work. "I think it's still sweet that your husband respects you and gives you privacy during your dressings. Most men don't have that kind of courtesy anymore."

Khushi simply hummed in response.

"He must really respect you, care for you."

Does he care for me? Or does he care more about Sheetal?

The thought of them still being together, even if they were talking about work, made Khushi slightly jealous. She felt slightly silly because she knew the two were best friends, but still, she couldn't help it.

The nurse finished up and left the room. With a sigh, Khushi changed into her nightwear and got into bed, grabbing her book. Not long later, Arnav returned. The two looked at each other for a moment, but didn't speak a word. Arnav changed up into his PJs and got into his side of the bed, laptop in hand. Both stayed silent, not saying a single word and focusing on what they were doing.

It was only some time later when a ringing went off. It was Sheetal calling Arnav on video chat, and Arnav took the call.

"Hey Arnav, did I disturb you," she said.

"No, I was going through some emails. What's up?"

"In all the talk about the Thailand thing, I completely forgot to mention something."

"What?"

"I was going to ask you if you got the email about our high school reunion?"

High school reunion? Now this had caught Khushi's attention.

"I just saw it," Arnav sighed.

"Well, are you going?"

"Come on Sheetal, you know how I feel about these things."

"Oh come on, stop being such a bore! You should totally go! And take Khushi with you!"

Khushi looked up from her novel and glanced at the screen before looking up at Arnav, who was already looking at her.

"You should totally go, it could be like your couple's debut or something."

"I don't know," Arnav said, looking back to the screen.

"Think about it. I know I'm going, you guys should totally come. Besides, if you don't I'm gonna end up being so bored yaar," she pouted.

"Alright, I'll think about it and let you know."

"Great! See you tomorrow at the office," and she disconnected the call.

Arnav shut his laptop and got up to put it on his desk, and Khushi shut her book and placed it on the bedside table. She laid down and turned to her side, and Arnav returned and shut the lights off. Khushi felt him as he laid down, but didn't say anything.

"I normally don't go to these types of things," Arnav suddenly said. "But if you want, then we could go."

Khushi looked down. "It's your reunion," she said softly. "If you don't want to go, then we don't have to."

"Hmm."

Neither said anything else and slowly dosed off into sleep. As the night progressed, like many nights before, the two slowly made their way closer to the other and woke up in each other's arms. Only this time, it was Arnav who woke up first.

The first thing Arnav saw that morning was Khushi's serene face, nuzzled into him as her fragile hand clenched onto his shirt. She looked so at peace that Arnav didn't want to move, afraid of awaking her. He simply laid there and gazed at her, his hand reaching up and running through her long dark locks. A few moments passed when suddenly, Khushi's face contorted. Arnav looked at her curiously as her grip on his shirt tightened. She muttered a few words, but Arnav couldn't make it out. She began to whimper and mumbled some more, her body beginning to shake a little.

"Arnav," he heard her mumble softly.

What the?

"Arnav," she repeated.

Her grip tightened even more as she began to look panicked. Little beads of sweat formed on her forehead and she whimpered even louder, his name pouring from her lips a few times more.

"Arnav!"

"Hush Khushi, I'm here," he soothed.

Arnav brought his hand to her cheek and caressed it. "I'm right here Khushi, it's okay."

Khushi's face scrunched up even more, as the look of pain spread across her face. "Arnav!"

"I'm right Khushi, I'm right here, it's just a bad dream, I'm right here."

Khushi grunted and groaned and with a small cry, her eyes flew open. She looked lost, as if she were in a haze.

Arnav caressed her cheek and tilted it up to him. "Khushi, are you okay?"

Khushi's eyes met his and Arnav could see fear flash before them. She began to shudder as tears swelled in her eyes, and she buried her face in his neck.

Arnav was shocked. He couldn't figure out what it was that could have made Khushi this upset, what it was that she had dreamt of to have her crying like this.

"Khushi? Khushi, it's okay, it was just a bad a dream," Arnav cajoled. "Everything's alright, I'm right here. It was just a bad dream."

He ran his fingers through her hair to comfort her, and allowed her to calm herself on her own. With a sniffle, Khushi pulled back, though she looked down. Arnav pulled back a little so he could reach over to the bedside table and pour a glass of water for Khushi. Arnav handed the glass to her and the two sat there in quiet as Khushi guzzled the entire glass down. Arnav took the empty glass from her and placed it aside before turning back to her.

"Are you okay," Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded, looking down at her lap.

"You want to tell me about it," he said softly.

Khushi remained quiet, not saying a word. Arnav didn't say anything either, giving her the moment she needed.

"I... I dreamt that I was in the fire again," Khushi nearly whispered.

Arnav's eyes widened. In all the time they had been married, never had Khushi had a nightmare about her accident. "You... want to tell me about it?"

Khushi gulped, looking down at her entangled hands. She stayed quiet once more, but Arnav patiently waited, giving her the moment she needed.

"There was fire everywhere - everywhere I turned, there was fire. I didn't know which way to go, how to escape.... No one else was there. At least, at first there was no one... but then I saw you."

Arnav didn't say anything, wanting to hear the rest of it.

"When I was trying to find a way out, I found you... I found you lying on the g-ground," she stuttered.

Arnav's eyes widened.

"Y-you were out unconscious. I tried calling out your name, I tried to wake you b-but...." Khushi trembled slightly and hugged herself. "The fire was getting worse and spreading. It was getting hotter, harder to breathe. I tried so hard to wake you but... b-but you wouldn't and-"

Khushi broke into tears and began to cry. Seeing her like this, pained Arnav, so he wrapped his arms around her.

"Hush, it's okay. I'm right here Khushi, that was nothing but a bad dream."

"I know," she cried. "But the fire... you wouldn't wake up, it was everywhere, and... and," and she cried harder.

Arnav soothed her even more, holding her in his arms as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"I thought I lost you to the flames," she cried.

"Never Khushi, never." He caressed her cheeks and tilted her face up to his. "I'm right here Khushi, I'm right here for you."

Khushi pursed her lips and nodded, looking down. Arnav held her against him as she cried once more, cajoling her.

"I promised to protect you Khushi, and I always will; nothing will change that."

Khushi looked up at him.

"Nothing will happen to me and I will keep you safe, okay?"

With a gulp, Khushi nodded.

Both looked at each other for a moment. Even if the two had gotten close together before, it was nothing like this. Last time there was some sensuality to it, but this time was completely different. This time, the feelings were caring and genuine. And so when Khushi noticed Arnav bringing his lips closer to her, she didn't feel hesitant whatsoever. And when his lips met her forehead, she truly felt his words were genuine and that he meant it when he said he would protect her, forever.