With everything put away and the couple settled, they ordered in room service and ate, then crashed in bed. Absolutely taken over by jetlag, both Arnav and Khushi ended up falling asleep and didn't wake up until early next morning.
Khushi was the first to awake, finding herself comfortable within her husband's arms. She couldn't help but to gaze at Arnav for a moment; he looked absolutely at peace, holding onto her. Not wanting to disturb him, Khushi simply laid beside him... until she felt her bladder kicking.
Slipping out of his hold, Khushi tiptoed over to the bathroom and did what she needed. She washed up and took a quick shower, and changed into a comfortable selwar kameez. As she came out of the bathroom, running her towel through her hair, she saw that Arnav had awakened, sitting up in bed, stretching.
"Good morning," she said softly.
Arnav turned to her and he paused. For some reason, seeing Khushi in this state, even though he had seen her running a towel through her wet hair numerous time, just always did something to him no matter what. He watched her as she moved over to the vanity and went through her many bags, taking out products and using them, and then bring out her pot of sindoor. She took a pinch of it and placed it through her parting, and again for some reason, no matter how many times he had seen her do it, Arnav felt a burst of happiness and pride within him.
Why he would always feel this way, he truly didn't get it. Yes he knew that he loved her, but still - to always feel this way no matter how much time had passed... it was just all too interesting to him, fascinating really. To feel such a way for someone... it truly was amazing.
"Are you just going to sit there all day?"
Arnav snapped out of his trance and looked at Khushi, who was giving him a teasing smile. Arnav smiled in return and shook his head, then got up to get ready for the day. Once he did, he quickly ordered up room service and they ate happily while enjoying their view of Paris.
"So, what should we do today," Arnav asked.
"Umm... I don't know. I don't really know much about Paris except that there's the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre."
"We could do either of those. We could even go see the Eiffel Tower at night, see it with all of the lighting and what not."
"Okay."
"I'll look through the guide book to see what else we can check out, although there are some places I already have in mind. And then of course we're going to Versailles three days from now."
Khushi nearly choked on her water. "Wait what?"
Arnav looked at Khushi confusion while she looked at him in shock. "Well yeah - what's a trip to France without going to Versailles?"
Khushi simply blinked at him.
"There's a train that takes you there; I think it takes like an hour or so to get there."
"Wow... um... okay."
Arnav watched Khushi as she looked from left to right, and then glance around their room. He instantly understood what was going through her head and reached out and took her hand in his, Khushi's wide eyes darting up to his.
"Don't," he simply said, and that was all it took for Khushi to understand that he knew what she was thinking.
"It's so much," she said softly.
"It's not an issue at all."
"But-"
"Hush," he soothed, caressing her cheek as his thumb traced over her scar. "Don't think about it."
Khushi felt her body hum at his touch, and her worries quickly faded. She forgot about all of the money that must've been spent for their lavish honeymoon and only thought of Arnav's touch.
"Now then," Arnav said as he leaned back, letting go of her, "let's see what we can do today."
Arnav got up and went to get the guidebook and Khushi let out her breath. She was absolutely affected by her husband, and that too more so than ever before. It was as if that knowing that they were here on their honeymoon, seemed to play a larger affect on her.
But will anything of that sort happen, Khushi wondered.
Arnav came back moments later with the guidebook. He went through it for a bit while they finished up breakfast, and then decided to go sightseeing, as Khushi had no problem with doing anything. So the couple quickly got ready, and while Arnav had an easy time putting on a casual button down and shorts, Khushi somewhat struggled to get ready.
When the plans were set for them to go to Paris, Mona had surprised Khushi with some shopping that she had done, getting Khushi some outfits to wear while they enjoyed their honeymoon. So along with her traditional clothes, were also western clothing, that too by way more than how much desi clothing she had. Mona had made sure to help her pack her bags, but Khushi was beginning to somewhat regret this choice, seeing what was in her bags. She browsed through it again, her eyes catching onto a casual catsuit that was light blue and white striped with full sleeves.
Khushi glanced out of their closet and saw that Arnav was almost done getting ready, glancing at his phone.
What do I do? Should I wear it? I mean, it's not like western clothing is entirely foreign to me, I've worn a few things here and there but....
Khushi looked at the catsuit again, running her hands over it.
Well... it's not like there's elders around, it's just Arnav and I... what they hey!
Without another thought, Khushi quickly put it on before she changed her mind and stepped out of the closet. She went to the vanity to quickly fix herself up, brushing her hair a little, when Arnav looked up from his phone.
"Okay, so I've reserved tickets- whoa."
Arnav looked Khushi up and down, somewhat shocked. In all these months of marriage, asides from when they were in the gym, Arnav had never seen Khushi in anything but a sari or selwar kameez.
Noting the expression on his face, Khushi turned to him, fidgeting with the sleeve of her catsuit. "I-I can change... if you want."
Arnav looked at her with confusion. "No, why would I want for you to change? Why even think that I would?"
Khushi shrugged, still tugging on her sleeve as she looked away. Arnav watched as she fidgeted, and he remembered her expression from the day before.
Why would she...?
Arnav went over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, causing Khushi to look up at him.
"You look beautiful," and he kissed her forehead.
Once again, Khushi felt her body hum at his touch, but she felt something churn within her, especially when he had called her beautiful. She instantly thought of the scars on her face, and mentally, she disagreed.
Arnav pulled back, and again, he noticed the small tinge of sorrow in her eyes. However the moment he spotted, it instantly faded away, which made Arnav curious.
"Um, shall we get going?"
Khushi nodded and they left, Khushi at first opting to take a small handbag she had brought, rather than the birkin. However the thought of it staying by itself in the room, troubled Khushi, her imagination getting the best of her; and so in fear of it getting robbed, Khushi took the birkin instead, Arnav quite happy that she did so.
They went down to the lobby and while Arnav spoke to the receptionist in french, Khushi looked at him in complete awe. A taxi was quickly brought for them, and the couple got in and went to the sight of where their bus began its tour. They quickly got their tickets and went to the top, getting some good seats. More and more people came on board, and soon the bus pulled off.
The bus went off to various places, the tour guide giving brief history and background information in English, of course with a thick frnech accent. Khushi watched in daze, taking in the wonders of Paris. On the guidebook which Arnav had brought, Khushi jotted down on the sights they saw and the potential places she would like to see, to which Arnav was very happy.
When the tour finally ended, Arnav and Khushi decided to get lunch, so they stopped by a small, quaint restaurant. Khushi had a little difficulty reading the menu, as it was all written in French, so Arnav helped her out. Hearing some of the things offered made Khushi's stomach churn slightly in disgust - especially when she heard the option of a bucket of snails. But Arnav and her both ordered something not so repulsive, and enjoyed their meals. Khushi noted Arnav's glass of wine, but she didn't say anything and stuck with her water.
As they ate, they went over the different sights they had seen today, and decided when they would go where. As for the rest of today, the couple could feel jetlag kicking in once more, and decided that they wouldn't do much more today. So once they were done with lunch, the couple headed back to their hotel room and hung around on the couch, watching some TV. They called back home and spoke with everyone, letting everyone know everything had went well and apologized for not calling sooner.
The calls went by smoothly, until Khushi spoke with her mother. Sumitra instantly began to flip out over the phone, telling Khushi continuously to be careful and to not leave Arnav's side, in fear of her getting lost. Khushi could not believe what she was hearing, and Arnav couldn't help but to chuckle, hearing everything as the phone was on speakerphone. He convinced her that he would take care of Khushi and that she would be just fine. Arnav helped her to calm down a bit, Khushi shaking her head with annoyance as she glared at the phone, the two hearing her father sigh in annoyance too. But once that was all settled, they bid their farewells, and the couple decided to get dinner.
They went down to the hotel's restaurant and ordered dinner. Soft music played in the background, everyone lost in their own conversations.
"So we're going to Notre Dame Cathedral tomorrow morning, and we'll check out the Eiffel Tower at night," Arnav said.
Khushi nodded in agreement as she enjoyed her spaghetti. It was honestly just too good!
"Okay, and then the day after we can go by the Seine River, and do some shopping later. We could do some more the day after as well."
"Sounds like a plan," Khushi smiled softly.
As she went to get another forkful of spaghetti, Khushi noticed from the corner of her eyes that a woman was staring at her. She could see the way the woman was looking her up and down, and then mutter something to her friend beside her. Khushi immediately looked away, looking down at her plate. She had suddenly lost her appetite, so she pushed away her plate.
"Done already," Arnav asked, though he was a bit confused.
"Yeah, I'm full. Can we go back upstairs please?"
Arnav definitely noticed the slight shift in her, but was curious as to why. So he simply agreed and requested the check, paying their bill. As they got up to leave, Arnav noticed Khushi quickly glancing at two women before leaving - so quickly, he almost missed it. He looked back at the two women and when their eyes met, the women quickly looked away, somewhat flustered.
Hmm.....
Getting on the elevator, they made their way up to their room. Arnav didn't say anything and observed Khushi as she casually held herself. But had he not been looking carefully, then Arnav never would've noticed the way her grip would tighten on herself now and then. He wondered what she could be thinking about, but Khushi managed to hide that very well except for those brief seconds her emotions would gloss over her eyes. If he hadn't been keeping his eye on her all this time, then he probably never would've spotted it.
They arrived to their floor and Khushi let go of herself. They made their way to their suite, Arnav swiping the keycard and letting them in. Khushi went straight to their room and Arnav quietly followed behind. He carefully watched as Khushi gathered her nightwear and caught her briefly looking at her reflection - more specifically, her face. In that brief second that she did, Arnav saw her eyes gloss over once again in her reflection for just a brief second, before she went away to change. Once the bathroom door clicked shut, Arnav wondered what that was about.
She was just fine and she was enjoying her meal. So why...? Those women... the way she looked at herself, her eyes... were those women-?
Arnav immediately realized what had soured Khushi's mood.
Fucking bitches.
Monday, July 8, 2019
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Chapter Twenty Seven
Aboard on their plane with their new purchase, the couple buckled in and waited for the plane to take off. Once they were airborne, Arnav brought out the Hermés bag and Khushi looked at it in confusion.
"I'll put this in my carry on " Arnav said, retrieving the small orange box containing his watch and putting it in his duffel bag. "And this," he said, retriving a big orange box from the bag, "is for you."
Khushi stared at the box wide-eyed, her jaw unhinged. She was in complete shock, unable to break her gaze away from the box.
"I know Bhabi has tried on multiple occasions to get you to go shopping with her, or like figure out what you like to get you something, but on my insistence, I had her stop. I wanted to personally get something for you, but given the crazy workload we had going on, I wasn't able to before. But given that I had the perfect opportunity earlier, I just couldn't pass it up."
Khushi looked up at Arnav, still in shock.
"The watch was just an excuse, I already knew I was going to get it. I just needed to get a not-so-suspicious way of buying what I wanted for you."
Khushi only continued to stare at him in shock and Arnav found her actions rather humorous and entertaining.
"Earth to Khushi," Arnav grinned.
He waved his hand in front of her, bringing Khushi out of her daze. She looked back down at the orange box, before looking back up at Arnav.
"I, uh- I mean, uh... I- this- it's... uh...."
Arnav tried hard not to grin, but he just couldn't help it. "Here, let me open it for you."
Arnav opened the box, retrieving a tote and opening it, revealing a black 40 Birkin purse with gold hardware. Once again, Khushi's eyes widened at the sight of it, almost ready to pop out.
"I wanted to get a yellow one, but they didn't have one available in the store, so I went with the black since it goes with everything. But I'm sure in Paris we'll get one, the associate said she'd reach out to the locations there and ask them to reserve some."
Khushi gaped at Arnav. "I- this- I mean," she squeaked.
Again, Arnav was humored. "Do you like it?"
"I...." Khushi let out a sigh. "This is too much," she said softly.
Arnav looked at her in confusion.
"It's beautiful, it truly is, but.... Arnav, I'm not used to these things - these designer brands and their things, I just.... I don't deserve this."
Arnav's eyebrows immediately met in the middle. "What do you mean you don't deserve this? Of course you do."
"Arnav, I..." and she sighed, looking down.
"Look, I get it that this kind of stuff isn't what you're used to," he said softly. "But you're my wife. We've been married a little over six months and I haven't really given you much."
"You gave that beautiful sari," Khushi nearly whispered.
"I did, but that was about it. But you deserve so much more than a sari. And you know what, given that we've been married for six months, consider this a half-anniversary present."
Khushi's eyes widened. "If this is for half, I'm afraid of what you'll do for the full one."
Arnav couldn't help but to smile, but that only scared Khushi - after all he did just get her a freaking Birkin!
He held the bag out to her. "Take it, please, it'll make me very happy."
"I-"
Khushi looked down at the bag and then at Arnav. She could see how happy he was from getting her this gift and giving it to her, which only made it harder for Khushi. But as she didn't want to upset Arnav. She sucked it up and took the bag in her hands. Arnav smiled at her as he handed it to her and Khushi placed the bag in her lap. Again, it seemed as if the bag were burning her, but seeing how happy Arnav was, Khushi tried not to feel that way.
Still, inwardly, Khushi was screaming.
*~*
Paris being beautiful was a complete understatement! When they landed, they were picked up by their chauffeur, and he drove them through the streets of Paris to their hotel, Khushi gazing away at the city in wonder.
They were quickly checked in and led up to their suite, and once again, Khushi was lost in daze. Upon entry to the suite was the living room, large windows taking up one side, allowing sunlight to pour into the room, enhancing the rosy-white color of the room. The kitchen was off to the right, and there was a study as well, with it's own balcony. Their massive bedroom was to the left, further stunning Khushi, and she made her way to the balcony, the view of Paris somewhat calming her.
Khushi peeked back inside and saw the bellhop place their bags down and Arnav tipped him. She turned her attention back to the city and took in a deep breath.
This is... this- I mean, this really is... wow!
And it wasn't just the view of the Eiffel Tower that was making her think this way. Everything from the moment they had left home and arrived to the airport, up until now, was truly getting to her.
I know I should be accustomed to their wealth by now, but... this is the first time so much has been spent just for me. I've never asked and have avoided it all these months but in just the span of, what, a day? In a day, I got so much!
Khushi looked down at her purse, which she was gripping onto with her life, in fear of it falling. She thought of her experience in the airport lounge, as well as the plane itself.
I can't let this continue to affect me, just push it aside! Push the thoughts aside! I'm in Paris on my honeymoon- honeymoon?!
For some reason, the idea of the honeymoon had passed over Khushi's head. Yes she knew that that was the reason why they were here, but only now was it really clicking in her head.
Arnav came out to the balcony and stood by her. "Oh wow, you can see the Eiffel Tower from here."
Khushi only nodded, glancing up at Arnav.
Their relationship had improved so much over the past few months, it obviously taking a turn for the better when they had visited her parents. But Khushi couldn't help but to wonder if they had really reached that point where they could properly spend time on their honeymoon, if you get what I mean. Yes, she was in love with her husband, but she didn't know if Arnav loved her in return.
How could he love me? Not with this face, not when he knows someone as beautiful as Sheetal....
Khushi's tight grip tightened even more. Arnav noticed this from the corner of his eyes and looked at her.
"You okay," he asked.
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at Arnav. "I'm fine..."
But for some reason, Arnav didn't believe it. He had noticed the hint of sadness in her eyes, but he wondered why she was lying to him.
"...I'm just paranoid over this bag."
Arnav nodded, but he didn't buy it. He understood why she would feel paranoid over the bag, she wasn't used to it. But that was no reason for that hint of sorrow to be in her eyes.
What was that about?
"I'll put this in my carry on " Arnav said, retrieving the small orange box containing his watch and putting it in his duffel bag. "And this," he said, retriving a big orange box from the bag, "is for you."
Khushi stared at the box wide-eyed, her jaw unhinged. She was in complete shock, unable to break her gaze away from the box.
"I know Bhabi has tried on multiple occasions to get you to go shopping with her, or like figure out what you like to get you something, but on my insistence, I had her stop. I wanted to personally get something for you, but given the crazy workload we had going on, I wasn't able to before. But given that I had the perfect opportunity earlier, I just couldn't pass it up."
Khushi looked up at Arnav, still in shock.
"The watch was just an excuse, I already knew I was going to get it. I just needed to get a not-so-suspicious way of buying what I wanted for you."
Khushi only continued to stare at him in shock and Arnav found her actions rather humorous and entertaining.
"Earth to Khushi," Arnav grinned.
He waved his hand in front of her, bringing Khushi out of her daze. She looked back down at the orange box, before looking back up at Arnav.
"I, uh- I mean, uh... I- this- it's... uh...."
Arnav tried hard not to grin, but he just couldn't help it. "Here, let me open it for you."
Arnav opened the box, retrieving a tote and opening it, revealing a black 40 Birkin purse with gold hardware. Once again, Khushi's eyes widened at the sight of it, almost ready to pop out.
"I wanted to get a yellow one, but they didn't have one available in the store, so I went with the black since it goes with everything. But I'm sure in Paris we'll get one, the associate said she'd reach out to the locations there and ask them to reserve some."
Khushi gaped at Arnav. "I- this- I mean," she squeaked.
Again, Arnav was humored. "Do you like it?"
"I...." Khushi let out a sigh. "This is too much," she said softly.
Arnav looked at her in confusion.
"It's beautiful, it truly is, but.... Arnav, I'm not used to these things - these designer brands and their things, I just.... I don't deserve this."
Arnav's eyebrows immediately met in the middle. "What do you mean you don't deserve this? Of course you do."
"Arnav, I..." and she sighed, looking down.
"Look, I get it that this kind of stuff isn't what you're used to," he said softly. "But you're my wife. We've been married a little over six months and I haven't really given you much."
"You gave that beautiful sari," Khushi nearly whispered.
"I did, but that was about it. But you deserve so much more than a sari. And you know what, given that we've been married for six months, consider this a half-anniversary present."
Khushi's eyes widened. "If this is for half, I'm afraid of what you'll do for the full one."
Arnav couldn't help but to smile, but that only scared Khushi - after all he did just get her a freaking Birkin!
He held the bag out to her. "Take it, please, it'll make me very happy."
"I-"
Khushi looked down at the bag and then at Arnav. She could see how happy he was from getting her this gift and giving it to her, which only made it harder for Khushi. But as she didn't want to upset Arnav. She sucked it up and took the bag in her hands. Arnav smiled at her as he handed it to her and Khushi placed the bag in her lap. Again, it seemed as if the bag were burning her, but seeing how happy Arnav was, Khushi tried not to feel that way.
Still, inwardly, Khushi was screaming.
*~*
Paris being beautiful was a complete understatement! When they landed, they were picked up by their chauffeur, and he drove them through the streets of Paris to their hotel, Khushi gazing away at the city in wonder.
They were quickly checked in and led up to their suite, and once again, Khushi was lost in daze. Upon entry to the suite was the living room, large windows taking up one side, allowing sunlight to pour into the room, enhancing the rosy-white color of the room. The kitchen was off to the right, and there was a study as well, with it's own balcony. Their massive bedroom was to the left, further stunning Khushi, and she made her way to the balcony, the view of Paris somewhat calming her.
Khushi peeked back inside and saw the bellhop place their bags down and Arnav tipped him. She turned her attention back to the city and took in a deep breath.
This is... this- I mean, this really is... wow!
And it wasn't just the view of the Eiffel Tower that was making her think this way. Everything from the moment they had left home and arrived to the airport, up until now, was truly getting to her.
I know I should be accustomed to their wealth by now, but... this is the first time so much has been spent just for me. I've never asked and have avoided it all these months but in just the span of, what, a day? In a day, I got so much!
Khushi looked down at her purse, which she was gripping onto with her life, in fear of it falling. She thought of her experience in the airport lounge, as well as the plane itself.
I can't let this continue to affect me, just push it aside! Push the thoughts aside! I'm in Paris on my honeymoon- honeymoon?!
For some reason, the idea of the honeymoon had passed over Khushi's head. Yes she knew that that was the reason why they were here, but only now was it really clicking in her head.
Arnav came out to the balcony and stood by her. "Oh wow, you can see the Eiffel Tower from here."
Khushi only nodded, glancing up at Arnav.
Their relationship had improved so much over the past few months, it obviously taking a turn for the better when they had visited her parents. But Khushi couldn't help but to wonder if they had really reached that point where they could properly spend time on their honeymoon, if you get what I mean. Yes, she was in love with her husband, but she didn't know if Arnav loved her in return.
How could he love me? Not with this face, not when he knows someone as beautiful as Sheetal....
Khushi's tight grip tightened even more. Arnav noticed this from the corner of his eyes and looked at her.
"You okay," he asked.
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at Arnav. "I'm fine..."
But for some reason, Arnav didn't believe it. He had noticed the hint of sadness in her eyes, but he wondered why she was lying to him.
"...I'm just paranoid over this bag."
Arnav nodded, but he didn't buy it. He understood why she would feel paranoid over the bag, she wasn't used to it. But that was no reason for that hint of sorrow to be in her eyes.
What was that about?
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Chapter Twenty Six
Things were nice and steady, and Khushi felt her stomach return to her. It was then that she realized her tight grip on Arnav's hand still, so she quickly let go.
"Sorry!"
"It's okay," Arnav chuckled.
They were free to move around as they wanted, but they sat there with their chairs leaned back, both very comfortable. Food was soon served and it was absolutely amazing! The couple happily ate as they chatted away, and when they were done, their butler took their trays away.
Arnav felt tired so he decided to take a nap on the bed. He had asked Khushi if she was tired as well, but with the mix of anxiety and somewhat excitement, there wasn't a hint of tiredness within her. So Arnav went off to the bedroom and slept, while Khushi enjoyed watching movies and playing games. Hours passed by and Arnav awoke right before their next meal was served.
Several hours passed on by when the plane finally made its first stop and the couple had a 5 hour layover in Abu Dhabi. The couple browsed around the airport and Khushi could not believe the numerous amounts of designer stores there were in the airport.
This is crazy, you'd think we were in a mall!
In her daze of wonder, Khushi didn't even realize that Arnav had paused. When she did, she looked back to see Arnav looking at a watch on display... in Hermés.
"Hey Khushi, what do you think of this watch?"
Khushi went over to him and looked at the watch in question. It was a large men's watch with a nice light-brown belt, Hermés written proudly beneath the 12.
"It's... really nice."
Arnav arched his eyebrow at her.
"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that, it's really nice, it's just that... I mean Hermés?"
"Yeah... I mean I already have like 3 from them..."
Khushi looked down, to the side.
"...but I mean hey, this one's nice."
Khushi nodded with her lips pursed. It wasn't like she didn't know about the luxury brands that her husband and in-laws owned, she knew all too well of the designer items they owned. However, even though they owned such things, they never flashed them, never made too big of a deal about them - they were still very much humble. As for the case of her husband, Khushi knew of his luxury brand items, having seen the many clothes and accessories he's owned in their 6+ months of marriage, but Khushi always chose to turn her gaze away from it. Not only did she choose to keep her gaze away from those, but from even the idea of going shopping for such things no matter how much Mona insisted and pleaded.
"Let's go in."
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Arnav. "What-"
Arnav headed towards the entrance of the store and Khushi's eyes widened. He entered the shop and Khushi watched from outside as a female sales associate went to Arnav and greeted him. She instantly looked away, feeling a small churn within her. She looked back up and saw the associate nod and walk away, and Arnav looked back and noticed that Khushi was still outside. He waved at her to come in, and with a gulp, Khushi entered the store and joined her husband.
The two walked over to where the associate had gone, Khushi glancing around the elegant and serene store. The sales associate took out the watch Arnav had mentioned and handed it over to Arnav.
"Titanium, right," Arnav asked, looking at the watch.
"Yes, and there's anti-glare sapphire crystals, as well as the belt being made of calfskin."
Khushi forced herself not to react, though inwardly she gasped. She watched as Arnav observed the watch and put it on to try it out... of course, removing the Hermès watch that he was already wearing.
He handed his watch over to Khushi and as she held it, she felt it burn in her hand. It wasn't physically burning her, but mentally it was. She was just a small town girl, living the average life - luxury brands were in no way possible to even exist in her life, heck, not even the thought of it. So now, holding it, the feeling was just too alien-like.
"What do you think," Arnav asked.
Khushi once again snapped out of her thoughts and looked at the watch on his hand. "Um, it's really, really nice."
"Yeah," he smiled, toying with the watch a bit.
Khushi couldn't help but to smile. She remembered the old days when she was in high school, and how guys would always get a little extra caring when it came to their acessories and beards. Arnav was definitely the same, making sure his beard was always lined up perfectly, and when it came to accessories, well, that much was obvious.
"How much is the watch," Arnav asked the associate.
"5,100 dollars."
Khushi really had to force herself to not react, but it was just too hard, so Khushi pretended to look at some scarves that were on display.
Holy-! More than five thousand dollars?! For a damn watch?!
"I'll take it," she heard Arnav say.
Khushi could not believe Arnav had very easily agreed to buy the watch. She looked back at him and he was absolutely casual, the associate obviously happy she had made the sale.
Oh my- I can't be in this store anymore!
"Um. I'm just gonna quickly go out and look at something that I liked across the hall."
"Sure, I'll meet you once I'm done."
Khushi nodded and didn't waste a second to calmy walk out of the store and then speed over to a bench to sit down.
Oh my gosh! I can't believe he just easily bought that watch? It's as if she said it was 50 dollars instead of 5000! And what about tax?!
Khushi let out a sigh.
I know that Arnav and his family are very well off, but.... Personally, I've avoided this. Bhabi has tried many times to get me to go shopping with her, or even try to figure out what I like so she could buy something for me, but I always understood, I never let her. I know that I wear very good clothes thanks to them, but at least there aren't labels screaming off of a sari, I can easily forget it. But these things....
As if there's enough things I don't stress over already, this had to join in too?
Khushi looked up at the store in front of her and saw her reflection in the window display. She stared at the scars on her face, forcing herself to not reach for them in case Arnav came out and caught her doing so.
What must have that sales associate thought of me? I'm sure she was repulsed by the sight of my scars. She just had to be professional and didn't end up reacting to my face.... She was beautiful though, with her nice bronzed skin and brown curls... a girl like her deserves to be with Arnav... or Sheetal. Sheetal at least is comfortable with luxury brands, I've seen the Louis Vuitton and Fendi purses she carries.
Khushi looked into the eyes of her reflection.
Arnav deserves to be with someone better than me.
Tears threatened to fall free, but Khushi forced herself not to. Instead she got up, took a deep breath to calm herself, and went back towards Hermes.
"...this foundation is amazing," Khushi heard a woman say to her friend as they walked past her. "It's full coverage and will cover up all of my acne scars and...."
Khushi paused for a moment before she continued walking.
Cover up scars, huh....
Arnav came out of Hermés, holding a very big, orange Hermés shopping bag. As Khushi came towards him, she looked at him in complete confusion - after all, how big of a bag do you need for just a watch?
"Sorry!"
"It's okay," Arnav chuckled.
They were free to move around as they wanted, but they sat there with their chairs leaned back, both very comfortable. Food was soon served and it was absolutely amazing! The couple happily ate as they chatted away, and when they were done, their butler took their trays away.
Arnav felt tired so he decided to take a nap on the bed. He had asked Khushi if she was tired as well, but with the mix of anxiety and somewhat excitement, there wasn't a hint of tiredness within her. So Arnav went off to the bedroom and slept, while Khushi enjoyed watching movies and playing games. Hours passed by and Arnav awoke right before their next meal was served.
Several hours passed on by when the plane finally made its first stop and the couple had a 5 hour layover in Abu Dhabi. The couple browsed around the airport and Khushi could not believe the numerous amounts of designer stores there were in the airport.
This is crazy, you'd think we were in a mall!
In her daze of wonder, Khushi didn't even realize that Arnav had paused. When she did, she looked back to see Arnav looking at a watch on display... in Hermés.
"Hey Khushi, what do you think of this watch?"
Khushi went over to him and looked at the watch in question. It was a large men's watch with a nice light-brown belt, Hermés written proudly beneath the 12.
"It's... really nice."
Arnav arched his eyebrow at her.
"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that, it's really nice, it's just that... I mean Hermés?"
"Yeah... I mean I already have like 3 from them..."
Khushi looked down, to the side.
"...but I mean hey, this one's nice."
Khushi nodded with her lips pursed. It wasn't like she didn't know about the luxury brands that her husband and in-laws owned, she knew all too well of the designer items they owned. However, even though they owned such things, they never flashed them, never made too big of a deal about them - they were still very much humble. As for the case of her husband, Khushi knew of his luxury brand items, having seen the many clothes and accessories he's owned in their 6+ months of marriage, but Khushi always chose to turn her gaze away from it. Not only did she choose to keep her gaze away from those, but from even the idea of going shopping for such things no matter how much Mona insisted and pleaded.
"Let's go in."
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Arnav. "What-"
Arnav headed towards the entrance of the store and Khushi's eyes widened. He entered the shop and Khushi watched from outside as a female sales associate went to Arnav and greeted him. She instantly looked away, feeling a small churn within her. She looked back up and saw the associate nod and walk away, and Arnav looked back and noticed that Khushi was still outside. He waved at her to come in, and with a gulp, Khushi entered the store and joined her husband.
The two walked over to where the associate had gone, Khushi glancing around the elegant and serene store. The sales associate took out the watch Arnav had mentioned and handed it over to Arnav.
"Titanium, right," Arnav asked, looking at the watch.
"Yes, and there's anti-glare sapphire crystals, as well as the belt being made of calfskin."
Khushi forced herself not to react, though inwardly she gasped. She watched as Arnav observed the watch and put it on to try it out... of course, removing the Hermès watch that he was already wearing.
He handed his watch over to Khushi and as she held it, she felt it burn in her hand. It wasn't physically burning her, but mentally it was. She was just a small town girl, living the average life - luxury brands were in no way possible to even exist in her life, heck, not even the thought of it. So now, holding it, the feeling was just too alien-like.
"What do you think," Arnav asked.
Khushi once again snapped out of her thoughts and looked at the watch on his hand. "Um, it's really, really nice."
"Yeah," he smiled, toying with the watch a bit.
Khushi couldn't help but to smile. She remembered the old days when she was in high school, and how guys would always get a little extra caring when it came to their acessories and beards. Arnav was definitely the same, making sure his beard was always lined up perfectly, and when it came to accessories, well, that much was obvious.
"How much is the watch," Arnav asked the associate.
"5,100 dollars."
Khushi really had to force herself to not react, but it was just too hard, so Khushi pretended to look at some scarves that were on display.
Holy-! More than five thousand dollars?! For a damn watch?!
"I'll take it," she heard Arnav say.
Khushi could not believe Arnav had very easily agreed to buy the watch. She looked back at him and he was absolutely casual, the associate obviously happy she had made the sale.
Oh my- I can't be in this store anymore!
"Um. I'm just gonna quickly go out and look at something that I liked across the hall."
"Sure, I'll meet you once I'm done."
Khushi nodded and didn't waste a second to calmy walk out of the store and then speed over to a bench to sit down.
Oh my gosh! I can't believe he just easily bought that watch? It's as if she said it was 50 dollars instead of 5000! And what about tax?!
Khushi let out a sigh.
I know that Arnav and his family are very well off, but.... Personally, I've avoided this. Bhabi has tried many times to get me to go shopping with her, or even try to figure out what I like so she could buy something for me, but I always understood, I never let her. I know that I wear very good clothes thanks to them, but at least there aren't labels screaming off of a sari, I can easily forget it. But these things....
As if there's enough things I don't stress over already, this had to join in too?
Khushi looked up at the store in front of her and saw her reflection in the window display. She stared at the scars on her face, forcing herself to not reach for them in case Arnav came out and caught her doing so.
What must have that sales associate thought of me? I'm sure she was repulsed by the sight of my scars. She just had to be professional and didn't end up reacting to my face.... She was beautiful though, with her nice bronzed skin and brown curls... a girl like her deserves to be with Arnav... or Sheetal. Sheetal at least is comfortable with luxury brands, I've seen the Louis Vuitton and Fendi purses she carries.
Khushi looked into the eyes of her reflection.
Arnav deserves to be with someone better than me.
Tears threatened to fall free, but Khushi forced herself not to. Instead she got up, took a deep breath to calm herself, and went back towards Hermes.
"...this foundation is amazing," Khushi heard a woman say to her friend as they walked past her. "It's full coverage and will cover up all of my acne scars and...."
Khushi paused for a moment before she continued walking.
Cover up scars, huh....
Arnav came out of Hermés, holding a very big, orange Hermés shopping bag. As Khushi came towards him, she looked at him in complete confusion - after all, how big of a bag do you need for just a watch?
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Chapter Twenty Five
Luckily for Khushi, since she hadn't been so successful with her shopping trip, she had managed to be spared of the gym, but just until the activewear Arnav had made her order online, had arrived. That was only for a few days, and then Khushi's workout resumed. They didn't workout every day, but Khushi still hated it very much.
As Sheetal had said, she dropped by a few days after her encounter with Khushi at the store. She asked her and Arnav about their trip to Khushi's parents, but Khushi let Arnav do most of the talking. She couldn't help herself but to look Sheetal up and down, taking in the royal blue shift dress she wore and the way her curls flowed. Sheetal looked absolutely beautiful and Khushi felt her insecurities rise.
As the days went on, Khushi's insecurities continued to linger. Even when holi came, no matter how much bhang she was tricked into drinking - or even personally chose to drink herself - her insecurities remained. While there was loads of fun filling the air, along with intoxication, Khushi could not get herself to be in her overly-cheery mode when intoxicated. Instead she kept herself along the sidelines and watched Arnav and Sheetal enjoy themselves, especially Sheetal. While Khushi had worn a simple, full-sleeved white salwar kameez, Sheetal had worn a white t-shirt and denim shirts, and once again, Khushi felt absolutely insecure next to her.
As the days went on and things were getting more hectic at work, Sheetal would come over now and then, and work with Arnav and the others. Khushi would now and then see what they were doing, as she and Mona would bring them tea and snacks while they all worked. Khushi would look at Sheetal, noting her standing by Arnav, or working with him, and she would always observe her. She would always take note of what she wore, how she looked, and so on. And Khushi only would feel more and more insecure by the day. She would never let Arnav notice it, afraid of what he might think, or worse, what he might say.
It had been a little over six months since their wedding, and finally, the Thailand project was complete. Business had been a complete success, and Sameer believed that it was very long overdue and time for Arnav and Khushi to go on their honeymoon.
"I won't listen to another word, you two will go on your honeymoon and that's final," Sameer said.
The entire family - except for Abhay, of course - were sitting down at the dining table for dinner. Khushi and Arnav glanced at each other, and before Arnav could say anything, Sameer spoke.
"Nope, I won't hear a single word. It's been stalled long enough, no more."
"But dad-"
"I told you Arnav, I won't hear a word."
"This is so exciting," Mona squealed. "But where should we send them?"
"I was hoping you could help me decide," Sameer smiled.
"Um- oh! The Bahamas? That would be great! Or oh! After all this Thailand talk, Thailand would be a good idea. Or maybe Greece? What about Italy? Or how about-"
"Great, now that you've got her started, she'll never stop," Aditya frowned, shaking his head.
Mona scowled at him. "Well I don't see you coming up with anything."
"Well it's not that hard to name a place," he smirked.
"Oh yeah? Name one."
"One?"
"Just one."
"Okay, fine - Paris."
"Now that's a good idea," Sameer said.
"See," Aditya grinned to his wife.
Mona rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help her grin. "Okay fine, Paris is a really good idea."
"Then it's settled," Sameer beamed.
"But dad-"
"But nothing Chote," Sameer said, cutting Arnav off. "You two are going, that's final."
"Okay, but you do remember that there's a conference there, right? And that you wanted one of us to attend?"
"You will not be attending it whatsoever," Sameer frowned.
"But Bhai is-"
"Busy with the Spaniards, I know. That's why Sheetal will be going instead."
Khushi paused for a fraction of a second but quickly recovered, no one catching it.
"But-"
"You will not step one foot into it whatsoever, and I will make sure to tell Sheetal to keep you out of the loop."
Arnav let out a sigh. "Fine."
"Perfect! So then both of you will be going to Paris; is that okay with you, Khushi?"
Khushi gave a light smile; she didn't have a problem with it at all. She just didn't know how to feel about Sheetal being there with them.
With the tickets booked and everything planned, Arnav and Khushi were ready and packed to go. Bidding their farewell to the family, the couple headed off to the airport very early in the morning. At first, Khushi was curious to know if Sheetal would be flying with them as well, but based on what she had heard, she discovered that Sheetal would not be flying with them, but rather on a different flight later that night. Khushi felt somewhat relieved by the news, but it was also only a matter of time before she joined them in Paris.
But it wasn't long until Khushi's mind was completely distracted from this thought. Upon arriving to the airport, they were treated with complete luxury, both Arnav and Khushi being escorted over to check in and wait in the VIP lounge. Khushi was absolutely stunned by the service, especially when she was offered to go to the spa. She denied the service, however, too stunned by it all. While they waited for their plane, they were treated to a lovely, exquisite meal, and once again, Khushi was stunned, feeling as though they were in a fancy restaurant. Although she had never flown before in her life, Khushi had heard of tales from others, as well as seen movies that displayed the discomfort of flying, the crappy food, and the horrendous crying of very loud babies. Yet what she was experiencing was nothing of the sort! But then again, by taking one good look at her husband, Khushi realized that the only reason why everything was so perfect was simply because of the family she had married into.
Holy crap!
Soon, it was time for them to board the plane and when they were escorted to their "apartment", Khushi felt her brain ready to give out. They basically had what Khushi thought to be a large chunk of the plane to themselves, with very comfortable seating as well as a big TV. Along with their seating area, they had a private bedroom with a double-sized bed, which seemed absolutely luxurious to Khushi. But as if that weren't enough, they even had their own private bathroom with a shower - a shower!
Khushi sat down with a small huff, still very much in shock. Arnav sat down beside her and their private butler - that's right, a butler - left to get their drinks, shutting the doors to their apartment.
Khushi immediately turned to Arnav. "Arnav, this is way too much."
"Normally I'd agree, but it is a long flight, so I'm kind of grateful they got us these seats."
"What- Arnav we have a shower - on a plane. Now I may have never flown before, but this has to be excessive."
Arnav shook his head with a small frown. "Not really, no," he shrugged.
Khushi opened her mouth to say something, when the butler returned with their drinks. While Arnav took the glass of champagne, Khushi took the glass of water. Khushi noticed the few sweeties on the small platter the butler had brought, along with a small envelope that had Mr. & Mrs. Raizada written very fancily.
The plane would be taking off soon, so both Arnav and Khushi buckled in, the butler leaving to take his seat as well. Khushi kept looking anxiously out of the window, checking to see if they were moving or not.
Arnav noticed this, so he placed his hand over hers. "Nervous?"
Khushi looked at their hands before looking up at Arnav. "Kind of," she said softly.
Arnav gave her a small smile and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, it's not so bad. For a small moment it'll feel like your stomach dropped, but that's really about it."
Khushi nodded with a small gulp and glanced back out the window.
"Oh, let me show you this cool feature."
Khushi looked back at Arnav and saw him fiddling with the remote. Soon the TV screen displayed their plane on the screen.
"It's cool isn't it? It's a live view from a camera on the tail."
Khushi noticed the plane moving on the screen and she quickly looked outside. Their plane indeed was moving, and Khushi gulped. It moved down along its path, going to the runway, slowly speeding up along with her racing heart. Arnav gave her hand a squeeze, Khushi returning a squeeze of her own as the plane took off of the ground and ascended into the sky. She felt like she had left her stomach on the runway, the plane continuing to go higher and higher until they were within the clouds.
As Sheetal had said, she dropped by a few days after her encounter with Khushi at the store. She asked her and Arnav about their trip to Khushi's parents, but Khushi let Arnav do most of the talking. She couldn't help herself but to look Sheetal up and down, taking in the royal blue shift dress she wore and the way her curls flowed. Sheetal looked absolutely beautiful and Khushi felt her insecurities rise.
As the days went on, Khushi's insecurities continued to linger. Even when holi came, no matter how much bhang she was tricked into drinking - or even personally chose to drink herself - her insecurities remained. While there was loads of fun filling the air, along with intoxication, Khushi could not get herself to be in her overly-cheery mode when intoxicated. Instead she kept herself along the sidelines and watched Arnav and Sheetal enjoy themselves, especially Sheetal. While Khushi had worn a simple, full-sleeved white salwar kameez, Sheetal had worn a white t-shirt and denim shirts, and once again, Khushi felt absolutely insecure next to her.
As the days went on and things were getting more hectic at work, Sheetal would come over now and then, and work with Arnav and the others. Khushi would now and then see what they were doing, as she and Mona would bring them tea and snacks while they all worked. Khushi would look at Sheetal, noting her standing by Arnav, or working with him, and she would always observe her. She would always take note of what she wore, how she looked, and so on. And Khushi only would feel more and more insecure by the day. She would never let Arnav notice it, afraid of what he might think, or worse, what he might say.
*~*
It had been a little over six months since their wedding, and finally, the Thailand project was complete. Business had been a complete success, and Sameer believed that it was very long overdue and time for Arnav and Khushi to go on their honeymoon.
"I won't listen to another word, you two will go on your honeymoon and that's final," Sameer said.
The entire family - except for Abhay, of course - were sitting down at the dining table for dinner. Khushi and Arnav glanced at each other, and before Arnav could say anything, Sameer spoke.
"Nope, I won't hear a single word. It's been stalled long enough, no more."
"But dad-"
"I told you Arnav, I won't hear a word."
"This is so exciting," Mona squealed. "But where should we send them?"
"I was hoping you could help me decide," Sameer smiled.
"Um- oh! The Bahamas? That would be great! Or oh! After all this Thailand talk, Thailand would be a good idea. Or maybe Greece? What about Italy? Or how about-"
"Great, now that you've got her started, she'll never stop," Aditya frowned, shaking his head.
Mona scowled at him. "Well I don't see you coming up with anything."
"Well it's not that hard to name a place," he smirked.
"Oh yeah? Name one."
"One?"
"Just one."
"Okay, fine - Paris."
"Now that's a good idea," Sameer said.
"See," Aditya grinned to his wife.
Mona rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help her grin. "Okay fine, Paris is a really good idea."
"Then it's settled," Sameer beamed.
"But dad-"
"But nothing Chote," Sameer said, cutting Arnav off. "You two are going, that's final."
"Okay, but you do remember that there's a conference there, right? And that you wanted one of us to attend?"
"You will not be attending it whatsoever," Sameer frowned.
"But Bhai is-"
"Busy with the Spaniards, I know. That's why Sheetal will be going instead."
Khushi paused for a fraction of a second but quickly recovered, no one catching it.
"But-"
"You will not step one foot into it whatsoever, and I will make sure to tell Sheetal to keep you out of the loop."
Arnav let out a sigh. "Fine."
"Perfect! So then both of you will be going to Paris; is that okay with you, Khushi?"
Khushi gave a light smile; she didn't have a problem with it at all. She just didn't know how to feel about Sheetal being there with them.
*~*
With the tickets booked and everything planned, Arnav and Khushi were ready and packed to go. Bidding their farewell to the family, the couple headed off to the airport very early in the morning. At first, Khushi was curious to know if Sheetal would be flying with them as well, but based on what she had heard, she discovered that Sheetal would not be flying with them, but rather on a different flight later that night. Khushi felt somewhat relieved by the news, but it was also only a matter of time before she joined them in Paris.
But it wasn't long until Khushi's mind was completely distracted from this thought. Upon arriving to the airport, they were treated with complete luxury, both Arnav and Khushi being escorted over to check in and wait in the VIP lounge. Khushi was absolutely stunned by the service, especially when she was offered to go to the spa. She denied the service, however, too stunned by it all. While they waited for their plane, they were treated to a lovely, exquisite meal, and once again, Khushi was stunned, feeling as though they were in a fancy restaurant. Although she had never flown before in her life, Khushi had heard of tales from others, as well as seen movies that displayed the discomfort of flying, the crappy food, and the horrendous crying of very loud babies. Yet what she was experiencing was nothing of the sort! But then again, by taking one good look at her husband, Khushi realized that the only reason why everything was so perfect was simply because of the family she had married into.
Holy crap!
Soon, it was time for them to board the plane and when they were escorted to their "apartment", Khushi felt her brain ready to give out. They basically had what Khushi thought to be a large chunk of the plane to themselves, with very comfortable seating as well as a big TV. Along with their seating area, they had a private bedroom with a double-sized bed, which seemed absolutely luxurious to Khushi. But as if that weren't enough, they even had their own private bathroom with a shower - a shower!
Khushi sat down with a small huff, still very much in shock. Arnav sat down beside her and their private butler - that's right, a butler - left to get their drinks, shutting the doors to their apartment.
Khushi immediately turned to Arnav. "Arnav, this is way too much."
"Normally I'd agree, but it is a long flight, so I'm kind of grateful they got us these seats."
"What- Arnav we have a shower - on a plane. Now I may have never flown before, but this has to be excessive."
Arnav shook his head with a small frown. "Not really, no," he shrugged.
Khushi opened her mouth to say something, when the butler returned with their drinks. While Arnav took the glass of champagne, Khushi took the glass of water. Khushi noticed the few sweeties on the small platter the butler had brought, along with a small envelope that had Mr. & Mrs. Raizada written very fancily.
The plane would be taking off soon, so both Arnav and Khushi buckled in, the butler leaving to take his seat as well. Khushi kept looking anxiously out of the window, checking to see if they were moving or not.
Arnav noticed this, so he placed his hand over hers. "Nervous?"
Khushi looked at their hands before looking up at Arnav. "Kind of," she said softly.
Arnav gave her a small smile and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, it's not so bad. For a small moment it'll feel like your stomach dropped, but that's really about it."
Khushi nodded with a small gulp and glanced back out the window.
"Oh, let me show you this cool feature."
Khushi looked back at Arnav and saw him fiddling with the remote. Soon the TV screen displayed their plane on the screen.
"It's cool isn't it? It's a live view from a camera on the tail."
Khushi noticed the plane moving on the screen and she quickly looked outside. Their plane indeed was moving, and Khushi gulped. It moved down along its path, going to the runway, slowly speeding up along with her racing heart. Arnav gave her hand a squeeze, Khushi returning a squeeze of her own as the plane took off of the ground and ascended into the sky. She felt like she had left her stomach on the runway, the plane continuing to go higher and higher until they were within the clouds.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Chapter Twenty Four
Much to the annoyance of Khushi, she couldn't back out from Arnav's plans of her going to the gym. So without a choice, Khushi headed to the mall to get some activewear. She browsed around, picking up a few items here and there from different shops. However, she still hadn't bought any activewear yet, not exactly sure of the items she had seen. Khushi was now in another store, browsing among the clothing.
Crap, what do I get, Khushi thought to herself, picking up two different pairs of leggings.
One was just a simple black, the other with mesh-trim, which would expose parts of her legs.
Which one do I get? I mean at least we'll be in the house, but I'll be with Arnav the entire time.
Khushi looked at the tank tops beside her.
The question is, do I want to expose much?
"Khushi?"
Khushi turned around at the sound of her name and saw Sheetal. Instantly, she became insecure, taking in the sight of Sheetal's toned body, Sheetal wearing biker shorts, a sports bra, with a cropped mesh hoodie.
"Hey, how are you," she smiled.
Sheetal came forward and gave her hug, Khushi still somewhat stunned, but she hugged her back.
"Planning on working out, hmm?"
Khushi glanced at the stuff in her hands. "Yeah, Arnav says its important."
"Sounds like him," Sheetal chuckled. "There was a time when all he did was go to the gym with his frat buddies."
"You went to college with him?"
"Nah, I went to visit once during my break, and boy oh boy was it something," Sheetal smiled, reflecting back.
Khushi looked at her for a moment. "You guys are pretty close, huh?"
"Yeah, I mean we've known each other for years so...."
Khushi nodded in acknowledgement.
"Oh! This is cute!"
Sheetal picked up sleeveless muscle tee with a twisted cutout back design.
"You should get this," she beamed.
Khushi looked at the top before looking back at her. "I, uh... umm... I...?"
"Oh come on Khushi, it's cute!" She held the top in front of her. "You'll totally rock it!"
Khushi pursed her lips, looking away. Sheetal noticed it, wondering about it. She then thought that maybe Khushi wasn't so comfortable yet with being so exposed in front of Arnav yet. She knew that her best friend and his wife still hadn't reached that level yet, so she understood Khushi's hesitation. So she put the top back and picked up another one instead, this one a heather gray top with long sleeves and a twisted hem.
"This is cute too, and its light and loose, so if you're pouring sweat, you'll be just fine."
Khushi looked at it, feeling better about this top. "Um, thanks."
"No problem! And oh! Those olive leggings would make a perfect outfit," she smiled.
Khushi smiled in return, picking up the pair of leggings.
"Well, I gotta go, my trainer is waiting for me. I just quickly came in to here to get a new bottle since I dropped mine and it exploded into pieces," she said, rolling her eyes. "Then I got distracted by the clothes and I saw you, so I had to say hi."
Khushi smiled at her lightly.
"I was thinking of dropping by soon; I can't wait to hear about your trip home! So I'll see you later, 'kay?"
Khushi nodded with a smile and Sheetal came forward again, hugging her, giving her a cheek-to-cheek kiss before leaving.
Khushi watched as she walked away and left the store. She looked down at the clothes in her hands before looking at the top Sheetal had first pointed to. Khushi picked up the muscle tee, looking at it briefly before she caught sight of her reflection in one of the many mirrors in the store. She immediately looked at her scars and then noticed someone look at her. The woman immediately flinched away, as if she hadn't been staring at Khushi. Khushi put the muscle tee back and only took the gray top, a random sports bra, and olive leggings, purchasing it, before quickly walking out of the store.
All she wanted now was to go home.
*~*
When Arnav came home later that day, he noticed that something was off with Khushi. He tried to approach her about, but someone always came in between, taking Khushi's attention away.
So when he made his way to the gym, he intended on having that conversation with her. However the moment he saw her, his brain came to a complete halt. Khushi had her back facing towards him, so she hadn't see him come in. But Arnav was getting a full view of her, and by full view, I mean that due to the lighting and the lightness of the fabric, Arnav was able to see the outline of her body, as well as the sports bra she wore underneath it.
Arnav looked away, clearing his head. "Ready?"
Khushi turned around, her ponytail swaying as she moved. "No," she frowned.
Arnav couldn't help his grin. "Let's get started."
With stretches out of the way, the two got right down to work, and Khushi felt a strong desire to kill him. As she ran on the treadmill, Arnav stood beside it, keeping track of the time. For some moments he had her run, and for a brief moment he had her walk. Khushi was absolutely sick and tired of it, and no matter how much she pleaded, Arnav wouldn't listen. Instead he told her to continue and if looks could kill, well, you get the idea.
"And... 40 minutes, you can stop now," Arnav said.
Khushi slammed the stop button and the moment her feet touched the ground, her legs felt as wobbly as jello. She leaned back against the wall and slid down to the ground. She huffed as she caught on her breath, Arnav going over to her to hand her a bottle of water. Khushi glared at him as she took it, Arnav only chuckling in return.
"How come... I'm the... only one... working out," she huffed.
Arnav went over to the weights and began lifting. "Now you're not."
Khushi chugged down on her water bottle. "That's not the same!"
Arnav shrugged with a grin.
Khushi continued to scowl at him, drinking her water.
"Uh, Khushi, there was something I wanted to ask you?"
"Hmm?"
"Well... earlier you seemed to be a little... down."
Khushi looked away.
"Is everything alright?"
Khushi didn't say anything. She thought back to her shopping trip, remembering Sheetal and her outfit. Sheetal had looked absolutely amazing while she... didn't. Sheetal was like a goddess while she... wasn't.
She's beautiful... and I'm not.
"Khushi?"
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Arnav. "Hmm?"
He looked at her with concern, but Khushi shook her head.
I can't tell him about that. "Um... while I was shopping... I caught a woman staring at me."
"Oh... um...."
Arnav went over to her, leaving the weights behind, and sat down next to her. "Wanna talk to me about it?"
Khushi shook her head. "There's nothing to say. ...people will always judge, it's nothing."
But Arnav knew better than to believe her. He wrapped his arm around her, bringing her closer to him. Khushi laid her head on his shoulder, remaining silent. Neither said anything for a moment, just sitting their in silence.
"It'll never stop... will it," Khushi finally whispered.
Arnav looked down at her. A few strands had escaped from her ponytail, so he tucked it behind her ear.
"They'll always stare... people will always stare at me."
"Mmm, well I would hope not."
Khushi looked up at him in confusion.
"I don't like the idea of other men staring at my wife," he winked.
Khushi let out a sigh. She couldn't help herself but to smile, which was exactly what Arnav wanted.
"You know that's not what I mean," Khushi grinned.
"Oh? Do I need to compete with women too?"
"What-? No, Arnav!"
She hit his arm lightly, Arnav chuckling, Khushi soon chuckling as well.
"You know that that's not what I'm talking about," she tried to frown.
"I know, but it lifted your mood, right?"
Khushi smiled away him softly; yes he had lifted her mood slightly. "Thank you."
Arnav smiled at her softly and then placed a kiss on her forehead. For a moment, they just sat there, but then Arnav had Khushi get up to continue her workout, resuming the fuss and the fun.
Crap, what do I get, Khushi thought to herself, picking up two different pairs of leggings.
One was just a simple black, the other with mesh-trim, which would expose parts of her legs.
Which one do I get? I mean at least we'll be in the house, but I'll be with Arnav the entire time.
Khushi looked at the tank tops beside her.
The question is, do I want to expose much?
"Khushi?"
Khushi turned around at the sound of her name and saw Sheetal. Instantly, she became insecure, taking in the sight of Sheetal's toned body, Sheetal wearing biker shorts, a sports bra, with a cropped mesh hoodie.
"Hey, how are you," she smiled.
Sheetal came forward and gave her hug, Khushi still somewhat stunned, but she hugged her back.
"Planning on working out, hmm?"
Khushi glanced at the stuff in her hands. "Yeah, Arnav says its important."
"Sounds like him," Sheetal chuckled. "There was a time when all he did was go to the gym with his frat buddies."
"You went to college with him?"
"Nah, I went to visit once during my break, and boy oh boy was it something," Sheetal smiled, reflecting back.
Khushi looked at her for a moment. "You guys are pretty close, huh?"
"Yeah, I mean we've known each other for years so...."
Khushi nodded in acknowledgement.
"Oh! This is cute!"
Sheetal picked up sleeveless muscle tee with a twisted cutout back design.
"You should get this," she beamed.
Khushi looked at the top before looking back at her. "I, uh... umm... I...?"
"Oh come on Khushi, it's cute!" She held the top in front of her. "You'll totally rock it!"
Khushi pursed her lips, looking away. Sheetal noticed it, wondering about it. She then thought that maybe Khushi wasn't so comfortable yet with being so exposed in front of Arnav yet. She knew that her best friend and his wife still hadn't reached that level yet, so she understood Khushi's hesitation. So she put the top back and picked up another one instead, this one a heather gray top with long sleeves and a twisted hem.
"This is cute too, and its light and loose, so if you're pouring sweat, you'll be just fine."
Khushi looked at it, feeling better about this top. "Um, thanks."
"No problem! And oh! Those olive leggings would make a perfect outfit," she smiled.
Khushi smiled in return, picking up the pair of leggings.
"Well, I gotta go, my trainer is waiting for me. I just quickly came in to here to get a new bottle since I dropped mine and it exploded into pieces," she said, rolling her eyes. "Then I got distracted by the clothes and I saw you, so I had to say hi."
Khushi smiled at her lightly.
"I was thinking of dropping by soon; I can't wait to hear about your trip home! So I'll see you later, 'kay?"
Khushi nodded with a smile and Sheetal came forward again, hugging her, giving her a cheek-to-cheek kiss before leaving.
Khushi watched as she walked away and left the store. She looked down at the clothes in her hands before looking at the top Sheetal had first pointed to. Khushi picked up the muscle tee, looking at it briefly before she caught sight of her reflection in one of the many mirrors in the store. She immediately looked at her scars and then noticed someone look at her. The woman immediately flinched away, as if she hadn't been staring at Khushi. Khushi put the muscle tee back and only took the gray top, a random sports bra, and olive leggings, purchasing it, before quickly walking out of the store.
All she wanted now was to go home.
*~*
When Arnav came home later that day, he noticed that something was off with Khushi. He tried to approach her about, but someone always came in between, taking Khushi's attention away.
So when he made his way to the gym, he intended on having that conversation with her. However the moment he saw her, his brain came to a complete halt. Khushi had her back facing towards him, so she hadn't see him come in. But Arnav was getting a full view of her, and by full view, I mean that due to the lighting and the lightness of the fabric, Arnav was able to see the outline of her body, as well as the sports bra she wore underneath it.
Arnav looked away, clearing his head. "Ready?"
Khushi turned around, her ponytail swaying as she moved. "No," she frowned.
Arnav couldn't help his grin. "Let's get started."
With stretches out of the way, the two got right down to work, and Khushi felt a strong desire to kill him. As she ran on the treadmill, Arnav stood beside it, keeping track of the time. For some moments he had her run, and for a brief moment he had her walk. Khushi was absolutely sick and tired of it, and no matter how much she pleaded, Arnav wouldn't listen. Instead he told her to continue and if looks could kill, well, you get the idea.
"And... 40 minutes, you can stop now," Arnav said.
Khushi slammed the stop button and the moment her feet touched the ground, her legs felt as wobbly as jello. She leaned back against the wall and slid down to the ground. She huffed as she caught on her breath, Arnav going over to her to hand her a bottle of water. Khushi glared at him as she took it, Arnav only chuckling in return.
"How come... I'm the... only one... working out," she huffed.
Arnav went over to the weights and began lifting. "Now you're not."
Khushi chugged down on her water bottle. "That's not the same!"
Arnav shrugged with a grin.
Khushi continued to scowl at him, drinking her water.
"Uh, Khushi, there was something I wanted to ask you?"
"Hmm?"
"Well... earlier you seemed to be a little... down."
Khushi looked away.
"Is everything alright?"
Khushi didn't say anything. She thought back to her shopping trip, remembering Sheetal and her outfit. Sheetal had looked absolutely amazing while she... didn't. Sheetal was like a goddess while she... wasn't.
She's beautiful... and I'm not.
"Khushi?"
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Arnav. "Hmm?"
He looked at her with concern, but Khushi shook her head.
I can't tell him about that. "Um... while I was shopping... I caught a woman staring at me."
"Oh... um...."
Arnav went over to her, leaving the weights behind, and sat down next to her. "Wanna talk to me about it?"
Khushi shook her head. "There's nothing to say. ...people will always judge, it's nothing."
But Arnav knew better than to believe her. He wrapped his arm around her, bringing her closer to him. Khushi laid her head on his shoulder, remaining silent. Neither said anything for a moment, just sitting their in silence.
"It'll never stop... will it," Khushi finally whispered.
Arnav looked down at her. A few strands had escaped from her ponytail, so he tucked it behind her ear.
"They'll always stare... people will always stare at me."
"Mmm, well I would hope not."
Khushi looked up at him in confusion.
"I don't like the idea of other men staring at my wife," he winked.
Khushi let out a sigh. She couldn't help herself but to smile, which was exactly what Arnav wanted.
"You know that's not what I mean," Khushi grinned.
"Oh? Do I need to compete with women too?"
"What-? No, Arnav!"
She hit his arm lightly, Arnav chuckling, Khushi soon chuckling as well.
"You know that that's not what I'm talking about," she tried to frown.
"I know, but it lifted your mood, right?"
Khushi smiled away him softly; yes he had lifted her mood slightly. "Thank you."
Arnav smiled at her softly and then placed a kiss on her forehead. For a moment, they just sat there, but then Arnav had Khushi get up to continue her workout, resuming the fuss and the fun.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Chapter Twenty Three
The rest of the day went on, Arnav and Khushi mainly sleeping in to get rest. They had later joined the family for dinner, and was nothing less of a lovely evening, the couple continuing to the tell the family of their trip.
Sameer decided for Arnav to take the next day off as well, just so that he could get rest. Arnav declined, but his father insisted, so he couldn't deny him. With that, the family retired for the evening, awakening for the new day.
Sameer and Aditya left to the office the following day, Abhay meeting up with them there. Mona had planned a play-date with Maya's friends, so she and Maya left to the park to meet up with them and their moms. Once again, Khushi and Arnav remained alone in the house, of course, with the help. But unlike last time, that awkwardness was no longer there and they were much more at ease. Although, they did spend most of the day separately, Khushi working in the kitchen while Arnav did some work.
But when Khushi went to the gym to let Arnav know it was almost time for dinner, once again, Khushi was stuck in daze as she watched Arnav do the salmon ladder. One by one, a shirtless Arnav moved the rod up, until he finally got to the top, then let go, bringing the bar down with him, and came to his feet. He set the bar at the bottom and grabbed his water bottle. He looked up to see Khushi, who was still gaping at him.
"How the hell do you do that," Khushi asked, still stunned.
Arnav couldn't help his grin. "Practice."
Khushi looked back up at the salmon ladder before returning her eyes on Arnav. "I've only seen people be able to do it on TV shows, so to see it right in front of me... dayum."
Arnav chuckled, moving forward towards Khushi. "If you want, I can teach you."
Khushi couldn't help but to scoff. "Me? Do the salmon ladder? Yeah right! Good luck getting me on the treadmill," she snorted.
"You don't work out?"
"No way."
Arnav grinned. "Looks like that's gonna change."
Khushi looked at him in confusion.
"From now on, you're going to work out with me."
Khushi's eyes widened.
"You won't be doing anything hardcore like I do, but you'll be doing the basics."
"No way-"
"Khushi, it's better to be active, you'll stay healthy. Plus, I've seen the way you eat those jalebis..."
Khushi looked away, a hint of blush popping up on her cheeks.
"Papa's not the only one, but at least most mornings, he goes for a jog. So he's getting some type of workout in. You, however, don't do anything."
"Well that's not true," Khushi frowned. "I do housework."
"That's such an auntie thing to say," he chuckled. "It hardly does anything. From now on, after I come home from work, we're going to work out."
"But-"
"And even if I get busy, I want you to do at least 30 minutes of cardio, which everyone normally should do."
"What-? But what about the housework? And I don't have workout clothes."
"That can easily be prepared, and as for the housework, we do have maids to help around for a reason."
"But-"
"No buts. And once I tell dad, I know he'll agree with me."
"Not unless I get him on my side first " Khushi frowned, crossing her arms.
Arnav's eyebrows shot up. "Oh yeah? Bet."
"You're on-"
"Khushi!"
Both Arnav and Khushi looked towards the door at the sound of Sameer's voice. With one glance at each other, the two dashed out of the room, dashing towards Sameer. At first Khushi was ahead, but then Arnav went dashing past her and he slid down the railing of the staircase with ease, gliding down to his feet before going to his dad.
"Hey no fair," Khushi hollered.
Arnav briefly turned back at her and smirked before turning back and going to Sameer. "Hey dad!"
"Arnav-"
Khushi came running in. "Papa don't listen to him."
"Huh?"
Khushi opened her mouth to speak but Arnav cut her off. "I was thinking of having Khushi start to work out, especially given the number of jalebis she eats."
"Hey," Khushi exclaimed.
"What do you say?"
"That's a good idea," Sameer said. "Its important to stay healthy and fit."
"That's what I thought," Arnav smiled proudly.
Khushi scowled at him, but Arnav only smirked in return. The family noticed this, even Mona, who was watching them while she held a tray with everyone's tea. She was very happy to see how close they were.
Mona came forward and placed the tray down, preparing everyone's tea and handing it to them. "I think it's a good idea; it's important to exercise, working out will be good for you."
"You don't work out," Khushi pouted.
"Yes and no, I chase a toddler around all day, that's my workout," she chuckled. "You'll know what I mean when your time comes, which by the looks of things..."
Khushi looked down, blush filling her cheeks.
"May take less time than I thought," she teased.
Sameer and Aditya tried to hide their grins while poor Khushi blushed harder, Arnav frowning at Mona.
"You know bhabi," Arnav began, "I would say that maybe your workout is going to double, given the looks of things," he smirked.
Mona's eyes widened and Aditya nearly spit his tea out.
Mona and Aditya began to fuss with Arnav, but Arnav acted as if he were innocent and had said nothing, Khushi trying to hold back her laughs from their antics. Sameer sighed at the sight and relaxed. Everything was almost perfect, and he only wished that things would truly become perfect in a matter of time.
Sameer decided for Arnav to take the next day off as well, just so that he could get rest. Arnav declined, but his father insisted, so he couldn't deny him. With that, the family retired for the evening, awakening for the new day.
Sameer and Aditya left to the office the following day, Abhay meeting up with them there. Mona had planned a play-date with Maya's friends, so she and Maya left to the park to meet up with them and their moms. Once again, Khushi and Arnav remained alone in the house, of course, with the help. But unlike last time, that awkwardness was no longer there and they were much more at ease. Although, they did spend most of the day separately, Khushi working in the kitchen while Arnav did some work.
But when Khushi went to the gym to let Arnav know it was almost time for dinner, once again, Khushi was stuck in daze as she watched Arnav do the salmon ladder. One by one, a shirtless Arnav moved the rod up, until he finally got to the top, then let go, bringing the bar down with him, and came to his feet. He set the bar at the bottom and grabbed his water bottle. He looked up to see Khushi, who was still gaping at him.
"How the hell do you do that," Khushi asked, still stunned.
Arnav couldn't help his grin. "Practice."
Khushi looked back up at the salmon ladder before returning her eyes on Arnav. "I've only seen people be able to do it on TV shows, so to see it right in front of me... dayum."
Arnav chuckled, moving forward towards Khushi. "If you want, I can teach you."
Khushi couldn't help but to scoff. "Me? Do the salmon ladder? Yeah right! Good luck getting me on the treadmill," she snorted.
"You don't work out?"
"No way."
Arnav grinned. "Looks like that's gonna change."
Khushi looked at him in confusion.
"From now on, you're going to work out with me."
Khushi's eyes widened.
"You won't be doing anything hardcore like I do, but you'll be doing the basics."
"No way-"
"Khushi, it's better to be active, you'll stay healthy. Plus, I've seen the way you eat those jalebis..."
Khushi looked away, a hint of blush popping up on her cheeks.
"Papa's not the only one, but at least most mornings, he goes for a jog. So he's getting some type of workout in. You, however, don't do anything."
"Well that's not true," Khushi frowned. "I do housework."
"That's such an auntie thing to say," he chuckled. "It hardly does anything. From now on, after I come home from work, we're going to work out."
"But-"
"And even if I get busy, I want you to do at least 30 minutes of cardio, which everyone normally should do."
"What-? But what about the housework? And I don't have workout clothes."
"That can easily be prepared, and as for the housework, we do have maids to help around for a reason."
"But-"
"No buts. And once I tell dad, I know he'll agree with me."
"Not unless I get him on my side first " Khushi frowned, crossing her arms.
Arnav's eyebrows shot up. "Oh yeah? Bet."
"You're on-"
"Khushi!"
Both Arnav and Khushi looked towards the door at the sound of Sameer's voice. With one glance at each other, the two dashed out of the room, dashing towards Sameer. At first Khushi was ahead, but then Arnav went dashing past her and he slid down the railing of the staircase with ease, gliding down to his feet before going to his dad.
"Hey no fair," Khushi hollered.
Arnav briefly turned back at her and smirked before turning back and going to Sameer. "Hey dad!"
"Arnav-"
Khushi came running in. "Papa don't listen to him."
"Huh?"
Khushi opened her mouth to speak but Arnav cut her off. "I was thinking of having Khushi start to work out, especially given the number of jalebis she eats."
"Hey," Khushi exclaimed.
"What do you say?"
"That's a good idea," Sameer said. "Its important to stay healthy and fit."
"That's what I thought," Arnav smiled proudly.
Khushi scowled at him, but Arnav only smirked in return. The family noticed this, even Mona, who was watching them while she held a tray with everyone's tea. She was very happy to see how close they were.
Mona came forward and placed the tray down, preparing everyone's tea and handing it to them. "I think it's a good idea; it's important to exercise, working out will be good for you."
"You don't work out," Khushi pouted.
"Yes and no, I chase a toddler around all day, that's my workout," she chuckled. "You'll know what I mean when your time comes, which by the looks of things..."
Khushi looked down, blush filling her cheeks.
"May take less time than I thought," she teased.
Sameer and Aditya tried to hide their grins while poor Khushi blushed harder, Arnav frowning at Mona.
"You know bhabi," Arnav began, "I would say that maybe your workout is going to double, given the looks of things," he smirked.
Mona's eyes widened and Aditya nearly spit his tea out.
Mona and Aditya began to fuss with Arnav, but Arnav acted as if he were innocent and had said nothing, Khushi trying to hold back her laughs from their antics. Sameer sighed at the sight and relaxed. Everything was almost perfect, and he only wished that things would truly become perfect in a matter of time.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Chapter Twenty Two
The shift in the couple's dynamic was clearly noticed by Khushi's parents. While Sumitra understood that they weren't exactly there yet, she believed that it was only a matter of time until they were. Even Payal noticed it, and she was happy for her best friend, just as she was for her Jij. As the days went on, everyone noticed the couple getting closer, to the point where Payal had noted that they were even beginning to hold hands as they walked down the streets.
Sadly, their trip soon came to an end, and it saddened Arnav to see Khushi cry. Khushi hugged her parents with all her might, wishing that there was a way that she could bring her parents with her to her in-laws. Alas, that couldn't be done, and Khushi had to accept it.
Getting their blessings and well wishes from the elders, Arnav and Khushi made their way back to the city. Like the first time Arnav had taken Khushi to his home, he felt bad that she had to leave her home behind. But unlike the night of their wedding, Arnav took hold of Khushi's hand, and held onto it for the rest of the drive home. Khushi really appreciated his concern for her, giving his hand a light squeeze.
Finally, the couple arrived home, and they were immediately greeted by the family. They all sat down in the living room, speaking of their trip. As Arnav and Khushi told them about their trip, the family noted how much closer the couple had come together, especially Mona. Before, there used to be this slight hesitance that Khushi would have around Arnav. Now, she didn't have that, and was even in close proximity to Arnav.
"Oh, before I forget," Khushi said, reaching for their bags, "Ma sent some sweets and achar that she had made."
Sameer's face lit up. "Really?"
Khushi took out the items and placed them on the table in front of them. Sameer went to pick up a sweet, but both Khushi and Mona frowned at him.
"Oh fine, I'll wait," the old man huffed.
Everyone else chuckled around him.
"Khushi," Mona began, turning to her, "why don't you and Arnav go upstairs and freshen up, relax, and I'll put these away."
"Oh I can help-"
"Nonsense, you must be tired from your journey. Arnav, both of you go up and rest, we'll see you both at dinner, hmm?"
Arnav nodded. "Okay bhabi."
"But-"
"No buts Khushi," Sameer said with a shake of his finger.
Khushi pouted but she nodded.
Both her and Arnav made their way upstairs, the servants bringing their bags in before leaving them alone. Arnav sat down on the bed with a sigh, before collapsing.
Khushi couldn't help but to let out a chuckle. "Tired?"
"Mm hmm."
Arnav held his hand out and Khushi went over to him, sitting beside him. Arnav opened his eyes and looked at her for a moment. Khushi blushed, looking away, a small smile covering her lips.
For a moment, he just gazed at her, admiring her. He then sat up, tucking her hair behind her ear. Khushi shuddered at his touch, feeling her cheeks go warm. She slightly turned back to glance at him, and Arnav caressed her cheek, Khushi nuzzling into him. Arnav began to bring his face closer to hers, and without any hesitation, Khushi moved closer to him, and their lips met. It was a soft and gentle kiss, and Khushi absolutely loved. It amazed her how so much had changed from the last time they were in this room.
"Tired," Arnav whispered.
Khushi nodded. "Hmm."
"Why don't you get some sleep," and he pulled back.
"Won't you as well? After all you drove for so long."
Arnav smiled softly and nodded.
Both moved up and laid down, feeling totally comfy. And unlike the last time when they had fallen asleep in their bed, where they had went to bed staying far apart, this time they cuddled in together, Arnav wrapping his arm protectively around his wife, while Khushi nuzzled into her husband, holding him.
Sadly, their trip soon came to an end, and it saddened Arnav to see Khushi cry. Khushi hugged her parents with all her might, wishing that there was a way that she could bring her parents with her to her in-laws. Alas, that couldn't be done, and Khushi had to accept it.
Getting their blessings and well wishes from the elders, Arnav and Khushi made their way back to the city. Like the first time Arnav had taken Khushi to his home, he felt bad that she had to leave her home behind. But unlike the night of their wedding, Arnav took hold of Khushi's hand, and held onto it for the rest of the drive home. Khushi really appreciated his concern for her, giving his hand a light squeeze.
Finally, the couple arrived home, and they were immediately greeted by the family. They all sat down in the living room, speaking of their trip. As Arnav and Khushi told them about their trip, the family noted how much closer the couple had come together, especially Mona. Before, there used to be this slight hesitance that Khushi would have around Arnav. Now, she didn't have that, and was even in close proximity to Arnav.
"Oh, before I forget," Khushi said, reaching for their bags, "Ma sent some sweets and achar that she had made."
Sameer's face lit up. "Really?"
Khushi took out the items and placed them on the table in front of them. Sameer went to pick up a sweet, but both Khushi and Mona frowned at him.
"Oh fine, I'll wait," the old man huffed.
Everyone else chuckled around him.
"Khushi," Mona began, turning to her, "why don't you and Arnav go upstairs and freshen up, relax, and I'll put these away."
"Oh I can help-"
"Nonsense, you must be tired from your journey. Arnav, both of you go up and rest, we'll see you both at dinner, hmm?"
Arnav nodded. "Okay bhabi."
"But-"
"No buts Khushi," Sameer said with a shake of his finger.
Khushi pouted but she nodded.
Both her and Arnav made their way upstairs, the servants bringing their bags in before leaving them alone. Arnav sat down on the bed with a sigh, before collapsing.
Khushi couldn't help but to let out a chuckle. "Tired?"
"Mm hmm."
Arnav held his hand out and Khushi went over to him, sitting beside him. Arnav opened his eyes and looked at her for a moment. Khushi blushed, looking away, a small smile covering her lips.
For a moment, he just gazed at her, admiring her. He then sat up, tucking her hair behind her ear. Khushi shuddered at his touch, feeling her cheeks go warm. She slightly turned back to glance at him, and Arnav caressed her cheek, Khushi nuzzling into him. Arnav began to bring his face closer to hers, and without any hesitation, Khushi moved closer to him, and their lips met. It was a soft and gentle kiss, and Khushi absolutely loved. It amazed her how so much had changed from the last time they were in this room.
"Tired," Arnav whispered.
Khushi nodded. "Hmm."
"Why don't you get some sleep," and he pulled back.
"Won't you as well? After all you drove for so long."
Arnav smiled softly and nodded.
Both moved up and laid down, feeling totally comfy. And unlike the last time when they had fallen asleep in their bed, where they had went to bed staying far apart, this time they cuddled in together, Arnav wrapping his arm protectively around his wife, while Khushi nuzzled into her husband, holding him.
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Chapter Twenty One
As planned, both Arnav and Khushi were making their way to the fields. It was outside of town, but not too far away. There were some workers on the field, picking up fruits and vegetables, which would be distributed to different stores within town and some to the next town over.
"This is incredible," Arnav said, looking at all of the agricultural work.
Khushi looked out at the field and the workers. "Yeah... I guess when you see it everyday, you get used to it but seeing it after a while... it is amazing."
Arnav looked down at Khushi with a soft smile and Khushi returned him with one of her own. The two continued to walk, making their way to the field of flowers.
"What the- this is insane! There's so many flowers, all over the place," Arnav said in amazement.
"Bapu made this garden just for me. When I was born, Bapu was really happy that they had a girl, and so to celebrate, he had planted these flowers, with the help of some workers, and they've been around ever since. As a kid, I just took it for what it is, but as I got older, I would help the workers to take care of it. It made Bapu proud."
Arnav looked down at her while Khushi looked at the field, an essence of pride covering her face. "That's really nice of you. You love your father that much, huh?"
Khushi remembered herself saying such similar words to Arnav and she looked up at him with a smile. "Yeah, I do."
Arnav smiled in return and he looked out at the field once more, when he noticed a big tree and something hanging from it. "Is that the tree Payal was talking about yesterday?"
Khushi looked in the direction he was looking at. "Yeah, it is."
The couple made their way towards the tree, walking through all of the flowers. It wasn't long till they reached the tree and Arnav looked at it in amazement.
"Wow, this tree must be pretty old."
"Bapu says one of our ancestors planted it, but he's not exactly sure when. But Bapu and Kaka have been seeing this tree ever since they were kids.
Arnav looked over at the swing. "This I'm assuming isn't that old."
"No, Bapu had that put in when I was about 5 or 6 years old. He made sure to make it big enough so that both Payal and I would be able to sit on it without a fuss, even when we were older.
Arnav nodded in acknowledgment before gesturing to Khushi to sit. Khushi did so, sitting on one end of the swing. She patted on the space beside her, gesturing for Arnav to sit, and so he did. Both faced their bodies in the opposite direction so that way they'd be able to see their faces a little easier. Using his feet, Arnav started to push away from the ground, allowing for the swing to begin rocking back and forth at a steady pace.
For a moment, no one said anything, allowing for the sounds of nature to surround them, as well as the light breeze that flowed through the air.
"This place is really relaxing," Arnav said.
Khushi nodded. "It is."
Arnav glanced at her, looking at her while Khushi gazed away at their surroundings. "You know I never expected to hear you cuss."
Arnav watched as Khushi's eyes slightly widened, blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Seeing you with Payal... it was nice, not to mention entertaining," he chuckled lightly.
Khushi arched her eyebrow at him. "Entertaining? How," she frowned.
"Oh come on, the way you and Payal were reacting at how two people finally hooked up, was definitely humorous. Shooketh the house? Really?"
Khushi blushed once more, looking away, while Arnav chuckled.
"It was nice to see you like that," Arnav smiled genuinely.
Khushi looked back at him.
"It was nice to see the real you... and I hope she stays."
"I... um... uh-"
Khushi felt Arnav place his hand over hers, causing her to look down at them and then at Arnav."
"Khushi, I really meant that I don't regret my actions from that day."
She immediately understood what he was talking about, remembering their conversation from the previous day.
"I meant it Khushi, I don't regret it. I just didn't want you to think bad of me."
Khushi gave him a soft smile. "Arnav, it would've been one thing if I didn't want you anywhere near me..."
Arnav's eyes slightly widened.
"...but that's not the case. I forgave you for a reason - I don't regret what happened that evening."
"Really? Even though we weren't even as close as we are now?"
Khushi shook her head, feeling the warmth on her cheeks spread through her.
"Oh... okay...."
While Khushi looked down at her lap, Arnav went into thought. He was somewhat surprised that Khushi had no issue with the way he had behaved with her that night.
But why? I mean could she be...?
Arnav looked at her, taking note of the blush on her cheeks. Without thought, Arnav reached out and caressed her cheek, Khushi turning her face towards him. His eyes wandered down from her brown eyes to her luscious pink lips, and Khushi felt her heart beginning to race. Her eyes were on his lips as well, and she felt desire begin to pool within her. As Arnav brought his face closer to hers, Khushi only felt that desire continue to build, until finally their lips had met, and her desire burst all over her.
Khushi let out a moan and Arnav deepened the kiss. His tongue met hers, waltzing away. Khushi couldn't believe that this was happening, especially right here, on this swing where she had spent so much of her childhood.
Needing air, Khushi slowly pulled back, her eyes still shut. Arnav leaned his forehead against hers, both tugging on the air between them. Khushi glanced up at Arnav, and a small, shy smile formed on her face. Arnav couldn't help but to smile in return, and he kissed her cheek, right over her scar.
Things were definitely changing between the two.
"This is incredible," Arnav said, looking at all of the agricultural work.
Khushi looked out at the field and the workers. "Yeah... I guess when you see it everyday, you get used to it but seeing it after a while... it is amazing."
Arnav looked down at Khushi with a soft smile and Khushi returned him with one of her own. The two continued to walk, making their way to the field of flowers.
"What the- this is insane! There's so many flowers, all over the place," Arnav said in amazement.
"Bapu made this garden just for me. When I was born, Bapu was really happy that they had a girl, and so to celebrate, he had planted these flowers, with the help of some workers, and they've been around ever since. As a kid, I just took it for what it is, but as I got older, I would help the workers to take care of it. It made Bapu proud."
Arnav looked down at her while Khushi looked at the field, an essence of pride covering her face. "That's really nice of you. You love your father that much, huh?"
Khushi remembered herself saying such similar words to Arnav and she looked up at him with a smile. "Yeah, I do."
Arnav smiled in return and he looked out at the field once more, when he noticed a big tree and something hanging from it. "Is that the tree Payal was talking about yesterday?"
Khushi looked in the direction he was looking at. "Yeah, it is."
The couple made their way towards the tree, walking through all of the flowers. It wasn't long till they reached the tree and Arnav looked at it in amazement.
"Wow, this tree must be pretty old."
"Bapu says one of our ancestors planted it, but he's not exactly sure when. But Bapu and Kaka have been seeing this tree ever since they were kids.
Arnav looked over at the swing. "This I'm assuming isn't that old."
"No, Bapu had that put in when I was about 5 or 6 years old. He made sure to make it big enough so that both Payal and I would be able to sit on it without a fuss, even when we were older.
Arnav nodded in acknowledgment before gesturing to Khushi to sit. Khushi did so, sitting on one end of the swing. She patted on the space beside her, gesturing for Arnav to sit, and so he did. Both faced their bodies in the opposite direction so that way they'd be able to see their faces a little easier. Using his feet, Arnav started to push away from the ground, allowing for the swing to begin rocking back and forth at a steady pace.
For a moment, no one said anything, allowing for the sounds of nature to surround them, as well as the light breeze that flowed through the air.
"This place is really relaxing," Arnav said.
Khushi nodded. "It is."
Arnav glanced at her, looking at her while Khushi gazed away at their surroundings. "You know I never expected to hear you cuss."
Arnav watched as Khushi's eyes slightly widened, blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Seeing you with Payal... it was nice, not to mention entertaining," he chuckled lightly.
Khushi arched her eyebrow at him. "Entertaining? How," she frowned.
"Oh come on, the way you and Payal were reacting at how two people finally hooked up, was definitely humorous. Shooketh the house? Really?"
Khushi blushed once more, looking away, while Arnav chuckled.
"It was nice to see you like that," Arnav smiled genuinely.
Khushi looked back at him.
"It was nice to see the real you... and I hope she stays."
"I... um... uh-"
Khushi felt Arnav place his hand over hers, causing her to look down at them and then at Arnav."
"Khushi, I really meant that I don't regret my actions from that day."
She immediately understood what he was talking about, remembering their conversation from the previous day.
"I meant it Khushi, I don't regret it. I just didn't want you to think bad of me."
Khushi gave him a soft smile. "Arnav, it would've been one thing if I didn't want you anywhere near me..."
Arnav's eyes slightly widened.
"...but that's not the case. I forgave you for a reason - I don't regret what happened that evening."
"Really? Even though we weren't even as close as we are now?"
Khushi shook her head, feeling the warmth on her cheeks spread through her.
"Oh... okay...."
While Khushi looked down at her lap, Arnav went into thought. He was somewhat surprised that Khushi had no issue with the way he had behaved with her that night.
But why? I mean could she be...?
Arnav looked at her, taking note of the blush on her cheeks. Without thought, Arnav reached out and caressed her cheek, Khushi turning her face towards him. His eyes wandered down from her brown eyes to her luscious pink lips, and Khushi felt her heart beginning to race. Her eyes were on his lips as well, and she felt desire begin to pool within her. As Arnav brought his face closer to hers, Khushi only felt that desire continue to build, until finally their lips had met, and her desire burst all over her.
Khushi let out a moan and Arnav deepened the kiss. His tongue met hers, waltzing away. Khushi couldn't believe that this was happening, especially right here, on this swing where she had spent so much of her childhood.
Needing air, Khushi slowly pulled back, her eyes still shut. Arnav leaned his forehead against hers, both tugging on the air between them. Khushi glanced up at Arnav, and a small, shy smile formed on her face. Arnav couldn't help but to smile in return, and he kissed her cheek, right over her scar.
Things were definitely changing between the two.
~
Cuteness overload or nah 😍
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Chapter Twenty
Khushi and Payal took Arnav to their favorite cafe, where they used to hang out back in the day, whether to just eat and chill or study together. It was very casual inside, the mood rather humble. The trio sat in a booth, Arnav sitting beside Khushi, while Payal sat across from them. A waiter came and took their orders before leaving. While they waited, Khushi and Payal told Arnav some more stories, when finally their food arrived.
"So I've heard about all of the high school stuff, what about college," Arnav asked.
Khushi and Payal looked at each other before shrugging.
Arnav's eyebrows met in the middle. "What do you mean?"
"Well, to be honest," Payal began, "college was a bore."
"Really?"
"Yeah," Khushi nodded. "Many people after high school left town to go to college in the big cities. Some, like us, remained behind and stayed here for school."
"It's not that it exactly sucked," Payal said, "but it wasn't exactly anything either."
"Unlike your college experience, ours was... boring," Khushi said, pursing her lips.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say boring Kush - remember that party sophomore year?"
Khushi looked away, making Arnav curious.
"What happened," he asked.
"Well, we hadn't gone to any parties freshman year, so we decided we'd finally go to one. And so we did, and we had our first taste of alcohol."
Arnav's eyebrows shot up.
"It was totally by accident, we were trying to get the non-spiked punch, but ended up drinking the wrong one."
"I told you it was the wrong punch," Khushi scowled.
"Oh would you stop Khushi, it was years ago! And its not that big of a deal, you always drink bhang on holi."
Khushi opened her mouth to reply, but couldn't come up with anything, so she just stuck a fry in her mouth, chewing with annoyance.
"Wait a minute," Arnav said, shaking his head. "You drink bhang?"
Khushi reached for another fry and chewed on it, her cheeks heated.
"Oh yeah! You bet she totally does," Payal grinned.
Khushi gave her a warning look but Payal ignored her.
"Just wait till holi arrives," Payal continued. "It is in a week or so, after all - you'll totally see what I mean then."
"Is that so," Arnav grinned.
Khushi looked up at Arnav as he looked at her. Khushi felt her cheeks heat up once more, so she looked away. Payal watched their exchange and found them to be very cute. She only hoped that the two would come close together soon.
"By the way," Payal began, "what are you guys doing tomorrow?"
The couple glanced at each other before Khushi shrugged.
"Not sure yet," she replied.
"Well I have errands to run, so unfortunately I won't be able to show you around tomorrow, Jij."
"That's fine," Arnav smiled with a nod.
Payal returned a smile of her own, when an idea came to mind. "Hey Kush, you should take him out to the fields."
"The fields?"
"Its this plot of land our family owns where they do like farming stuff, like harvesting things. Khushi and I used to play there a lot as kids, and oh! We even have this huge swing on this this large tree, you'll totally love it Jij!"
"Okay, sure, I'd love to check that out."
Khushi looked up at him. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Arnav nodded.
"Then it's all settled," Payal grinned.
The day soon came to an end and Payal headed home while Arnav and Khushi headed their way. It wasn't long until they arrived back at Khushi's and just in time for dinner.
Dinner went by smoothly and everyone headed on up to their rooms. Arnav had already changed and was sitting in bed, going through his phone. Khushi soon returned, having changed into her nightwear after her mother helped with her treatment. She went to the vanity and pickd up her comb, combing it through her hair.
Khushi glanced at Arnav through the mirror. "I hope today wasn't so boring."
Arnav looked up at her. "It wasn't boring at all. Today was quite fun actually."
Khushi turned to him. "Really?"
Arnav nodded. "It was nice to see you completely relaxed," he smiled humbly.
Khushi looked down, a small hint of blush on her cheeks.
Placing his phone aside, Arnav got up and went towards her. Khushi couldn't help but to look at him as he came closer and closer to her, stopping right before her. He reached out to take the comb from her, and confused as she was, Khushi handed him the comb. He placed it down on the vanity and then took hold of her hands in his.
"Seeing you the way you were today Khushi, I... I really liked it."
Khushi couldn't help but to look surprised.
"You were yourself, you weren't trying to be this.. perfect, proper person, you were just.... I'm not saying that you're not proper in general or anything but... seeing you just... being you - that's what I wanted. I got to get to know you better today, and I'm really happy that that is the case. However, I do want to apologize for this morning."
Khushi looked away.
"I didn't mean what I said, in that way. It's just that... I thought my brash behavior may have scared you, or that I may have forced something on you.... I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Khushi looked up into his eyes. She could see that he really meant what he had said. She understood where he was coming from, and she was okay with it, as long as it didn't mean that he regretted his actions, much to her own surprise.
"Apology accepted," Khushi said softly.
Arnav gave her a little smile and unable to help himself, he placed a kiss on her cheek, right by her scar. Khushi gasped by the sudden action, her eyes immediately meeting his. For a moment, the two remained stuck in daze, when Arnav's notification tone rang off, snapping the two back to reality. Arnav checked his phone and Khushi quickly finished combing the rest of her hair. Not long after, both got into bed and fell asleep, looking forward to tomorrow.
"So I've heard about all of the high school stuff, what about college," Arnav asked.
Khushi and Payal looked at each other before shrugging.
Arnav's eyebrows met in the middle. "What do you mean?"
"Well, to be honest," Payal began, "college was a bore."
"Really?"
"Yeah," Khushi nodded. "Many people after high school left town to go to college in the big cities. Some, like us, remained behind and stayed here for school."
"It's not that it exactly sucked," Payal said, "but it wasn't exactly anything either."
"Unlike your college experience, ours was... boring," Khushi said, pursing her lips.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say boring Kush - remember that party sophomore year?"
Khushi looked away, making Arnav curious.
"What happened," he asked.
"Well, we hadn't gone to any parties freshman year, so we decided we'd finally go to one. And so we did, and we had our first taste of alcohol."
Arnav's eyebrows shot up.
"It was totally by accident, we were trying to get the non-spiked punch, but ended up drinking the wrong one."
"I told you it was the wrong punch," Khushi scowled.
"Oh would you stop Khushi, it was years ago! And its not that big of a deal, you always drink bhang on holi."
Khushi opened her mouth to reply, but couldn't come up with anything, so she just stuck a fry in her mouth, chewing with annoyance.
"Wait a minute," Arnav said, shaking his head. "You drink bhang?"
Khushi reached for another fry and chewed on it, her cheeks heated.
"Oh yeah! You bet she totally does," Payal grinned.
Khushi gave her a warning look but Payal ignored her.
"Just wait till holi arrives," Payal continued. "It is in a week or so, after all - you'll totally see what I mean then."
"Is that so," Arnav grinned.
Khushi looked up at Arnav as he looked at her. Khushi felt her cheeks heat up once more, so she looked away. Payal watched their exchange and found them to be very cute. She only hoped that the two would come close together soon.
"By the way," Payal began, "what are you guys doing tomorrow?"
The couple glanced at each other before Khushi shrugged.
"Not sure yet," she replied.
"Well I have errands to run, so unfortunately I won't be able to show you around tomorrow, Jij."
"That's fine," Arnav smiled with a nod.
Payal returned a smile of her own, when an idea came to mind. "Hey Kush, you should take him out to the fields."
"The fields?"
"Its this plot of land our family owns where they do like farming stuff, like harvesting things. Khushi and I used to play there a lot as kids, and oh! We even have this huge swing on this this large tree, you'll totally love it Jij!"
"Okay, sure, I'd love to check that out."
Khushi looked up at him. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Arnav nodded.
"Then it's all settled," Payal grinned.
*~*
The day soon came to an end and Payal headed home while Arnav and Khushi headed their way. It wasn't long until they arrived back at Khushi's and just in time for dinner.
Dinner went by smoothly and everyone headed on up to their rooms. Arnav had already changed and was sitting in bed, going through his phone. Khushi soon returned, having changed into her nightwear after her mother helped with her treatment. She went to the vanity and pickd up her comb, combing it through her hair.
Khushi glanced at Arnav through the mirror. "I hope today wasn't so boring."
Arnav looked up at her. "It wasn't boring at all. Today was quite fun actually."
Khushi turned to him. "Really?"
Arnav nodded. "It was nice to see you completely relaxed," he smiled humbly.
Khushi looked down, a small hint of blush on her cheeks.
Placing his phone aside, Arnav got up and went towards her. Khushi couldn't help but to look at him as he came closer and closer to her, stopping right before her. He reached out to take the comb from her, and confused as she was, Khushi handed him the comb. He placed it down on the vanity and then took hold of her hands in his.
"Seeing you the way you were today Khushi, I... I really liked it."
Khushi couldn't help but to look surprised.
"You were yourself, you weren't trying to be this.. perfect, proper person, you were just.... I'm not saying that you're not proper in general or anything but... seeing you just... being you - that's what I wanted. I got to get to know you better today, and I'm really happy that that is the case. However, I do want to apologize for this morning."
Khushi looked away.
"I didn't mean what I said, in that way. It's just that... I thought my brash behavior may have scared you, or that I may have forced something on you.... I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Khushi looked up into his eyes. She could see that he really meant what he had said. She understood where he was coming from, and she was okay with it, as long as it didn't mean that he regretted his actions, much to her own surprise.
"Apology accepted," Khushi said softly.
Arnav gave her a little smile and unable to help himself, he placed a kiss on her cheek, right by her scar. Khushi gasped by the sudden action, her eyes immediately meeting his. For a moment, the two remained stuck in daze, when Arnav's notification tone rang off, snapping the two back to reality. Arnav checked his phone and Khushi quickly finished combing the rest of her hair. Not long after, both got into bed and fell asleep, looking forward to tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Chapter Nineteen
As per Payal's request, both Arnav and Khushi had changed, and the three went about town, going to the girls' old high school. It was rather large, the canteen hall seperate in a building adjacent to the school, a large field sitting in the middle with goal posts set up.
"Did you guys have a soccer team," Arnav asked.
"Yeah," Payal replied. "The boys soccer team would play against other schools, while us girls just considered the whole thing as torture," she chuckled.
"You guys played soccer?"
"Well... I wouldn't exactly call it playing," she said, looking at Khushi, and the two chuckled.
"I don't get it," Arnav said in confusion.
The three halted for a moment, looking out at the field.
"You see, the girls didn't really care to play," Khushi explained. "Well, maybe except for a few. But for most of us, it was just something we dreaded, and most of the time, we just ended up hanging out instead of playing."
"The coach didn't say anything?"
"Oh coach Mithal tried... but it didn't do anything and she ended up giving up on us. Rightfully so, I think, there wasn't a chance in hell we were playing."
Again, Arnav was slightly shocked, but quickly overcame it. Khushi was beginning to open up, and that was exactly what he wanted.
They continued to walk along the field, entering the main building.
"You sure we're allowed inside," Arnav asked.
"Yeah, its fine," Payal replied. "Why? You scared Jij," she teased.
"As if," he smirked.
Payal chuckled. "Its totally fine, especially since I come in now and then and help the teachers out."
"You wanna be a teacher?"
"That's the goal. I tried the business route like Khushi, but there was no way that was happening."
Arnav looked at Khushi while she shook her head at Payal.
"Honestly Pays, its not that hard."
"Dude, I can't even remember where I put my keys, you expect me to be able to know where all of the receipts are and check on all of the accounts? Yeah right!"
Khushi rolled her eyes with a chuckle.
"You managed Bapu's accounts," Arnav asked.
Khushi looked up at him and nodded. "I used to always look over the books, making sure everything was right - whether it was money being paid or money coming in, I kept track of everything."
"Wow... I bet having you at the office would be great."
Payal's eyes widened as she forced herself not to laugh. Khushi felt her cheeks heat, and Arnav immediately realized the way his words came out and he bit his tongue.
"Er, given that you have background of it, I'm sure you helping around at the office would be great."
Khushi nodded while Payal kept her lips pursed, nodding as well. The three remained silent as they walked the halls, when they reached a case full of trophies. Inside, Arnav saw the numerous trophies, several of them being for winning the soccer championships.
"Look Khushi, it's still here."
Both Arnav and Khushi turned to where Payal was pointing. There was a photo of Khushi, holding a trophy as she smiled away, wearing a beautiful yellow sari.
"Oh, I remember it like it was yesterday," Khushi sighed.
Arnav looked down at the little plate at the bottom of the frame. "53rd Miss Alluring: Khushi Kumari Gupta. What is this?"
"Just this pageant thing we do here in the school. Juniors are only allowed to take part, so a lot of girls look forward to this. Its silly, but being from this little town, its just something we do for fun, like a mock pageant. Its nothing really, just a little event-"
"Little? You beat freaking Sunaina for crying out loud," Payal exclaimed.
"And Sunaina is... who," Arnav questioned.
Khushi couldn't help her chuckle. "She was the it girl."
"The it girl?"
Payal nodded. "Yeah. You know like the queen bee, or like the biggest bitch of high school, something like that."
"Got it."
"Wait, what happened to her," Khushi questioned, turning to Payal. "Did anyone really ever find out why they left?"
Payal clicked her tongue. "Nah, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with her sister."
Arnav looked at then in confusion, so Khushi cleared it.
"There was a rumor that her older sister had a thing going on with some guy from her college in the city, and that she got pregnant. So out of embarrassment, the family left."
"That's karma for you," Payal pointed. "If you honestly thought you could shit talk about everyone, just because you had money, well I'm sorry, it had to come back at you one way or the other. And lo and behold, the sister allegedly got pregnant and everyone was shit talking about that whole family."
"So no one ever saw them again," Arnav asked.
Both ladies shook their head.
"Wow... well this is getting really interesting - and you said this town was boring."
Khushi shrugged and Arnav chuckled.
"So, what other stories do you have for me?"
"Oh! Khushi, tell him about the time you dumped ice cream on Vijay's head."
"You did not," Arnav grinned.
"Guilty," Khushi smiled sheepishly.
"Girl, there's no need to be embarrassed," Payal said, "you did it for me after all."
"Why is that," Arnav asked, as they resumed walking.
"Well he did deserve it," Khushi said. "For some time, Payal had been crushing on him, actually, maybe since like the 7th grade. She wanted to go out with him, but she didn't have the balls to ask him-"
"Hey!"
"Oh hush it Pays! Anywho, so I went over to him during lunch to ask him. Mind you, I had already bought an ice cream to enjoy since it was a hot day. So I go over to this kid and tell him, like hey, my girl wants to go out with you but she's too nervous to ask, so I'm asking. This guy looks over my shoulder and looks at Payal and then he looks at me and agrees. But before I can settle the location, this dick asks me when I wanted to go out on a date with him," Khushi scowled.
Arnav's eyebrows shot up.
"I know! That was my reaction too. He even took hold of my hand to get me close to him, and before he could say a word, he reached out and licked my ice cream."
"What a pig," Payal huffed.
"No shit, and I was pissed, so I dumped my ice cream cone on his head."
Arnav couldn't help his laughter. "The douche deserved it."
"Definitely. And it turned out he was seeing 3 other girls on the low," Khushi said, rolling her eyes.
"Speaking of ice cream, I'm getting hungry," Payal said. "Let's go get something to eat."
The other agreed and they left the campus. While Khushi talked away with Payal, Arnav kept his eyes on his wife. Just these few hours with her was opening up a whole other side to Khushi!
And Arnav had to admit, be was absolutely loving it.
"Did you guys have a soccer team," Arnav asked.
"Yeah," Payal replied. "The boys soccer team would play against other schools, while us girls just considered the whole thing as torture," she chuckled.
"You guys played soccer?"
"Well... I wouldn't exactly call it playing," she said, looking at Khushi, and the two chuckled.
"I don't get it," Arnav said in confusion.
The three halted for a moment, looking out at the field.
"You see, the girls didn't really care to play," Khushi explained. "Well, maybe except for a few. But for most of us, it was just something we dreaded, and most of the time, we just ended up hanging out instead of playing."
"The coach didn't say anything?"
"Oh coach Mithal tried... but it didn't do anything and she ended up giving up on us. Rightfully so, I think, there wasn't a chance in hell we were playing."
Again, Arnav was slightly shocked, but quickly overcame it. Khushi was beginning to open up, and that was exactly what he wanted.
They continued to walk along the field, entering the main building.
"You sure we're allowed inside," Arnav asked.
"Yeah, its fine," Payal replied. "Why? You scared Jij," she teased.
"As if," he smirked.
Payal chuckled. "Its totally fine, especially since I come in now and then and help the teachers out."
"You wanna be a teacher?"
"That's the goal. I tried the business route like Khushi, but there was no way that was happening."
Arnav looked at Khushi while she shook her head at Payal.
"Honestly Pays, its not that hard."
"Dude, I can't even remember where I put my keys, you expect me to be able to know where all of the receipts are and check on all of the accounts? Yeah right!"
Khushi rolled her eyes with a chuckle.
"You managed Bapu's accounts," Arnav asked.
Khushi looked up at him and nodded. "I used to always look over the books, making sure everything was right - whether it was money being paid or money coming in, I kept track of everything."
"Wow... I bet having you at the office would be great."
Payal's eyes widened as she forced herself not to laugh. Khushi felt her cheeks heat, and Arnav immediately realized the way his words came out and he bit his tongue.
"Er, given that you have background of it, I'm sure you helping around at the office would be great."
Khushi nodded while Payal kept her lips pursed, nodding as well. The three remained silent as they walked the halls, when they reached a case full of trophies. Inside, Arnav saw the numerous trophies, several of them being for winning the soccer championships.
"Look Khushi, it's still here."
Both Arnav and Khushi turned to where Payal was pointing. There was a photo of Khushi, holding a trophy as she smiled away, wearing a beautiful yellow sari.
"Oh, I remember it like it was yesterday," Khushi sighed.
Arnav looked down at the little plate at the bottom of the frame. "53rd Miss Alluring: Khushi Kumari Gupta. What is this?"
"Just this pageant thing we do here in the school. Juniors are only allowed to take part, so a lot of girls look forward to this. Its silly, but being from this little town, its just something we do for fun, like a mock pageant. Its nothing really, just a little event-"
"Little? You beat freaking Sunaina for crying out loud," Payal exclaimed.
"And Sunaina is... who," Arnav questioned.
Khushi couldn't help her chuckle. "She was the it girl."
"The it girl?"
Payal nodded. "Yeah. You know like the queen bee, or like the biggest bitch of high school, something like that."
"Got it."
"Wait, what happened to her," Khushi questioned, turning to Payal. "Did anyone really ever find out why they left?"
Payal clicked her tongue. "Nah, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with her sister."
Arnav looked at then in confusion, so Khushi cleared it.
"There was a rumor that her older sister had a thing going on with some guy from her college in the city, and that she got pregnant. So out of embarrassment, the family left."
"That's karma for you," Payal pointed. "If you honestly thought you could shit talk about everyone, just because you had money, well I'm sorry, it had to come back at you one way or the other. And lo and behold, the sister allegedly got pregnant and everyone was shit talking about that whole family."
"So no one ever saw them again," Arnav asked.
Both ladies shook their head.
"Wow... well this is getting really interesting - and you said this town was boring."
Khushi shrugged and Arnav chuckled.
"So, what other stories do you have for me?"
"Oh! Khushi, tell him about the time you dumped ice cream on Vijay's head."
"You did not," Arnav grinned.
"Guilty," Khushi smiled sheepishly.
"Girl, there's no need to be embarrassed," Payal said, "you did it for me after all."
"Why is that," Arnav asked, as they resumed walking.
"Well he did deserve it," Khushi said. "For some time, Payal had been crushing on him, actually, maybe since like the 7th grade. She wanted to go out with him, but she didn't have the balls to ask him-"
"Hey!"
"Oh hush it Pays! Anywho, so I went over to him during lunch to ask him. Mind you, I had already bought an ice cream to enjoy since it was a hot day. So I go over to this kid and tell him, like hey, my girl wants to go out with you but she's too nervous to ask, so I'm asking. This guy looks over my shoulder and looks at Payal and then he looks at me and agrees. But before I can settle the location, this dick asks me when I wanted to go out on a date with him," Khushi scowled.
Arnav's eyebrows shot up.
"I know! That was my reaction too. He even took hold of my hand to get me close to him, and before he could say a word, he reached out and licked my ice cream."
"What a pig," Payal huffed.
"No shit, and I was pissed, so I dumped my ice cream cone on his head."
Arnav couldn't help his laughter. "The douche deserved it."
"Definitely. And it turned out he was seeing 3 other girls on the low," Khushi said, rolling her eyes.
"Speaking of ice cream, I'm getting hungry," Payal said. "Let's go get something to eat."
The other agreed and they left the campus. While Khushi talked away with Payal, Arnav kept his eyes on his wife. Just these few hours with her was opening up a whole other side to Khushi!
And Arnav had to admit, be was absolutely loving it.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Chapter Eighteen
Arnav came downstairs, following behind Khushi, into the dining room. Nayan was already seated and he had Arnav sit beside him. Khushi helped her mother lay everything down on the table, and then the two ladies sat down. They all dug right in, Arnav and Nayan chatting away about business.
Breakfast was soon complete and just as Khushi was about to help her mother clean everything up, a shrieking filled the air.
"...iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!"
Khushi turned around and was immediately tackled with a hug by none other than her cousin Payal.
Sumitra placed her palm on her forehead. "Hai DM- honesty Payal, I thought it was a banshee or something that had entered."
Payal poked her head over Khushi's shoulder. "I'll pretend that you didn't say that," and she turned her attention back to Khushi. "You're back!"
"And you're still attacking me," Khushi chuckled.
"Oh hush it you," and she hugged her again, the two rocking back and forth on their feet.
Arnav watched them curiously, trying to remember where he had heard her name before. In a matter of seconds it came to him, remembering that Payal was Khushi's cousin, as well as her best friend.
Nayan chuckled beside him, turning Arnav's attention to him. "These two will never change, honestly. I thought that with age they'd calm, but they got even crazier," he chuckled.
"I'll say," Sumitra said.
"Instead of just smothering Khushi, say hello to your jeejaji," Nayan chuckled.
Payal let go of Khushi. "Of course Kaka, I most definitely will do that," she said, walking over to them.
She held her hand out to Arnav. "Hi, I'm Payal! And if you don't mind, I'll call you Jij instead since it sounds cooler."
Arnav grinned, shaking her hand. "Sure Payal, whatever you're comfortable with."
"You're nice and you seem cool - I think we'll get along just fine."
"Same to you," Arnav chuckled.
Arnav and Payal mingled, Nayan going to his work, Sumitra heading to the kitchen. Khushi stood to the side, letting the two get to know each other.
Suddenly Payal gasped, turning back to Khushi. "Oh my gosh, I totally forgot!" She rushed over to her, gripping her shoulders. "Guess who hooked up with who?!"
Khushi looked at Payal in confusion, but one look at Payal's expression had Khushi's jaw dropping. "Shut the fuck up!"
Arnav's eyebrows shot up in shock.
Payal shook her head like a bobblehead, grinning like a fool.
"When? How?!"
"Dude, when I heard the news, I was shook!"
"Shooketh the house!"
Again, Arnav was shocked.
"Like even though you expected it to happen one day or another, its still like duuuuudddeee!"
"I know, like we all saw it coming but like biiiihhhhhhh."
Payal nodded in agreement while making the duck face.
"It's about time, honestly."
"Honestly," and the two chuckled.
Arnav blinked. The two were continuing on with their gossip, but Arnav remained in shock. He was seeing his wife more animated than ever, and while he was happy to see her like this, he was still a little surprised. Arnav had never expected to ever hear Khushi to cuss because... well, he just didn't. She had always been so quiet and gentle, so to see her like this... he was glad.
I'm finally seeing the real Khushi.
"Ooh I know!"
Arnav snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Payal's shrieking.
"Let's go to the high school, I'm sure Jij would love to see that."
"Um-"
"Right Jij," Payal asked, turning to him.
"Yeah... yeah I'd like that," Arnav said.
"See," Payal said, turning back to Khushi. "Now quickly go upstairs and get ready."
"But-"
"Go," she exclaimed, pushing her towards the stairs.
Khushi shook her head and headed upstairs. Arnav was about to go as well, when Payal stopped him.
"Just one moment Jij."
Arnav turned back to her. "Hmm?"
"You and Khushi... you guys aren't exactly there yet, are ya?"
Arnav looked to the side, giving Payal her answer.
"Don't stress it Jij. I'm sure it won't be long until you guys have your first kiss."
Again, Arnav's expression did the talking, and Payal gasped.
"Stahp! When? How?! Wait did you guys already-? No, I doubt that, given the way you two were behaving around each other but did you two at least...?"
Arnav looked anywhere but at her, once again giving Payal her answer.
"Oh la la, I'm gonna need the deets Jij."
"Uh... I-I'm sure your cousin can do that."
"Aww, you're blushing, that's so sweet! Tell you what, I'm gonna help you out so that by the end of this trip, both of you will be getting along even better than before."
Arnav arched his eyebrow. "Really? You'll help me to get to know her better."
"You bet."
Breakfast was soon complete and just as Khushi was about to help her mother clean everything up, a shrieking filled the air.
"...iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!"
Khushi turned around and was immediately tackled with a hug by none other than her cousin Payal.
Sumitra placed her palm on her forehead. "Hai DM- honesty Payal, I thought it was a banshee or something that had entered."
Payal poked her head over Khushi's shoulder. "I'll pretend that you didn't say that," and she turned her attention back to Khushi. "You're back!"
"And you're still attacking me," Khushi chuckled.
"Oh hush it you," and she hugged her again, the two rocking back and forth on their feet.
Arnav watched them curiously, trying to remember where he had heard her name before. In a matter of seconds it came to him, remembering that Payal was Khushi's cousin, as well as her best friend.
Nayan chuckled beside him, turning Arnav's attention to him. "These two will never change, honestly. I thought that with age they'd calm, but they got even crazier," he chuckled.
"I'll say," Sumitra said.
"Instead of just smothering Khushi, say hello to your jeejaji," Nayan chuckled.
Payal let go of Khushi. "Of course Kaka, I most definitely will do that," she said, walking over to them.
She held her hand out to Arnav. "Hi, I'm Payal! And if you don't mind, I'll call you Jij instead since it sounds cooler."
Arnav grinned, shaking her hand. "Sure Payal, whatever you're comfortable with."
"You're nice and you seem cool - I think we'll get along just fine."
"Same to you," Arnav chuckled.
Arnav and Payal mingled, Nayan going to his work, Sumitra heading to the kitchen. Khushi stood to the side, letting the two get to know each other.
Suddenly Payal gasped, turning back to Khushi. "Oh my gosh, I totally forgot!" She rushed over to her, gripping her shoulders. "Guess who hooked up with who?!"
Khushi looked at Payal in confusion, but one look at Payal's expression had Khushi's jaw dropping. "Shut the fuck up!"
Arnav's eyebrows shot up in shock.
Payal shook her head like a bobblehead, grinning like a fool.
"When? How?!"
"Dude, when I heard the news, I was shook!"
"Shooketh the house!"
Again, Arnav was shocked.
"Like even though you expected it to happen one day or another, its still like duuuuudddeee!"
"I know, like we all saw it coming but like biiiihhhhhhh."
Payal nodded in agreement while making the duck face.
"It's about time, honestly."
"Honestly," and the two chuckled.
Arnav blinked. The two were continuing on with their gossip, but Arnav remained in shock. He was seeing his wife more animated than ever, and while he was happy to see her like this, he was still a little surprised. Arnav had never expected to ever hear Khushi to cuss because... well, he just didn't. She had always been so quiet and gentle, so to see her like this... he was glad.
I'm finally seeing the real Khushi.
"Ooh I know!"
Arnav snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Payal's shrieking.
"Let's go to the high school, I'm sure Jij would love to see that."
"Um-"
"Right Jij," Payal asked, turning to him.
"Yeah... yeah I'd like that," Arnav said.
"See," Payal said, turning back to Khushi. "Now quickly go upstairs and get ready."
"But-"
"Go," she exclaimed, pushing her towards the stairs.
Khushi shook her head and headed upstairs. Arnav was about to go as well, when Payal stopped him.
"Just one moment Jij."
Arnav turned back to her. "Hmm?"
"You and Khushi... you guys aren't exactly there yet, are ya?"
Arnav looked to the side, giving Payal her answer.
"Don't stress it Jij. I'm sure it won't be long until you guys have your first kiss."
Again, Arnav's expression did the talking, and Payal gasped.
"Stahp! When? How?! Wait did you guys already-? No, I doubt that, given the way you two were behaving around each other but did you two at least...?"
Arnav looked anywhere but at her, once again giving Payal her answer.
"Oh la la, I'm gonna need the deets Jij."
"Uh... I-I'm sure your cousin can do that."
"Aww, you're blushing, that's so sweet! Tell you what, I'm gonna help you out so that by the end of this trip, both of you will be getting along even better than before."
Arnav arched his eyebrow. "Really? You'll help me to get to know her better."
"You bet."
Monday, March 18, 2019
Chapter Seventeen
To wake up in her room after such a long time, felt rather good for Khushi. The way sunlight would pour in through her windows to wake her up, hadn't changed. The way people bustled outside to get on with their day hadn't changed. What had changed, however, was that Khushi wasn't waking up and turning on her TV first thing, but rather gazing up at her husband.
Like other nights before, Khushi had found her way into his arms. It was strange how they curiously fit together perfectly, not to mention how much they moved and managed to make their way to each other in their sleep. It was simply strange - what was it that pulled them to each other almost every night in their sleep?
Arnav squirmed a little, taking in a deep breath before letting out a sigh and opening his eyes. It took a moment for him to be aware of his surroundings and remember that he wasn't at his home but at Khushi's. He felt a familiar presence below his arm and looked down at Khushi.
"Good morning," he smiled softly.
"Good morning," Khushi replied softly.
"For a moment, I forgot where we were," he chuckled.
Khushi smiled up at him and glanced at her alarm clock. "We better get up, Amma will have breakfast ready soon."
Arnav nodded and Khushi pulled back to get up. However, her mangalsutra had caught onto the fabric of Arnav's shirt, causing Khushi to move back in. Her eyes quickly darted to Arnav's and then down at her mangalsutra. She was so close to him - much closer than before - and she could feel her nerves shooting up to the heavens.
Hai DM!
Arnav could see how nervous Khushi was. And like other times before, he felt that urge to kiss her. But this time, he held himself back. Instead, he helped her unhook her mangalsutra from his shirt. Khushi watched him in confusion as he did, somewhat surprised that he hadn't tried to kiss her.
I wonder why?
It wasn't that he didn't want to, no, not at all. He was very tempted to do it and he did want to, but he had only stopped himself because he didn't want Khushi to think bad of him. As he had told her the night before, he wanted for her to get to know him just as he wanted to get to know her. And to throw himself onto her as he had impulsively done before, just didn't seem right.
*~*
Heading down to the kitchen, Khushi thought of Arnav's actions from this morning. She had expected him to kiss her, as he had done so on other occasions before.
Why didn't he do it? He didn't before so why...? Well, there are the things we spoke about the night before... yeah, I think that's it. He did say he wanted to get to know me better, so maybe that's why... that makes sense... although, I wouldn't have minded one bit if he had kissed me- what am I thinking?!
"Laado?"
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at her mother, who was looking at her curiously.
"Is everything okay?"
"Uh, yeah, yeah, perfect."
Khushi joined her mother to help finish up with breakfast. Although Sumitra was curious about what was going through her daughter's mind - especially when her daughter began burning the parathas.
"Khushi-! What are you doing?"
Sumitra quickly removed the paratha, bringing Khushi back to reality.
"Hai DM-! Amma, I'm so sorry!"
"Khushi what have I said to you time and time again, always pay attention when in the kitchen," Sumitra scowled.
"I know, I'm sorry, I just can't stop thinking about-"
Khushi stopped herself. Was she really going to share what had happened earlier with her mother? No, no way at all.
Sumitra arched her eyebrow at her but Khushi shook her head.
"I'll just... I'll go call Bapusa down while you finish up."
"Don't forget Arnav while you're at it."
Khushi nodded and left the kitchen.
What is wrong with me? Why am I letting this get to me? It's not that big of a deal! But then again....
Khusho went upstairs, heading to her parents' room.
I mean, okay, I want to get to know him and he wants to get to know me. But how do I do that? Where do I even take him in this tiny town?
Khushi arrived to her parents' room and knocked on the door before entering.
"Ah, Khushi, there you are laado," Nayan grinned.
"Breakfast is almost ready, Amma's about to set up the table."
"Okay. Where's Arnav?"
"Um... I think he's still getting ready."
Nayan nodded. "Come here laado, sit next to me."
Khushi nodded and went over to her father, sitting down beside him on the bed. Nayan placed his hand on Khushi's head, giving her a small smile.
"Tell me honestly - are you happy?"
Khushi nodded. "I am as long as both you and Amma are."
"That isn't what I asked laado," he said softly.
Khushi pursed her lips, looking down. "I am. Genuinely, I am."
"But...?"
Khushi looked up at him, curiously.
"There's always a but in these kind of sentences," he smiled lightly.
"There is no but Bapusa, honestly. Everyone there is so nice, they never give me a moment to feel sad that I'm not here with you and Amma."
"And Arnav?"
Khushi didn't say anything, looking down.
Nayan let out a small sigh. "Khushi, I understand that for many in your generation, arranged marriage is just a thing that old generations did. Many don't understand it anymore. Now, it's not that I'm against love marriages, I had told you that if you found someone, your mother and I would agree to meet him. But you told us that you would agree to whomever we chose, something many girls wouldn't think of doing.
"I know that the responsibility came down to me and your mother to find the right man for you, and after everything that had happened...."
Nayan looked down and Khushi took his hands in hers.
"Arnav is a really kind man Bapu," Khushi said softly. "Please don't think that you chose wrong."
Nayan lightly squeezed her hands. "You sure?"
"Positive. It's just that... I don't really know him all to well, that's all. But I'm sure in time things will change just like it did with Amma and you."
Nayan smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. "You're right. I just worry, its what parents do."
"There's nothing to worry about," Khushi grinned.
"That's for me to decide," he winked, and Khushi giggled. "Now go, go get Arnav and bring him downstairs."
Khushi nodded and both got up, Nayan heading down while Khushi went to her room. She walked right in without a thought and was smacked with an eyeful of Arnav's ripped chest. Khushi froze and gaped at her husband while Arnav stood frozen, holding his shirt. Khushi's eyes darted up to Arnav's, to his chest, then his eyes again, before quickly turning around, her cheeks gushing red.
"U-uh, breakfast is ready," Khushi said quickly.
Arnav quickly put his shirt on, saving Khushi from the embarrassment. "Right... sorry."
Khushi's eyebrows met in the middle. "For?"
Arnav didn't say anything but Khushi understood.
"Its my fault," Khushi said softly. "I shouldn't have walked in like that without knocking."
"No, you have that right, it's your room."
Khushi looked down at the floor.
"...as for what happened back home..."
Huh?
"I shouldn't have done what I had."
Khushi immediately figured out what he was talking about, and she felt her heart pit. She slowly turned back around to him and when Arnav saw the expression on her face, he was surprised - she was hurt by his words.
"Khushi-"
"Everyone's downstairs, we should get going," and she left the room.
Arnav opened his mouth to call out to her, but Khushi was gone. To be honest, Arnav was surprised. He had only said that because he thought that she may have gotten the wrong impression of him, and he hadn't mean to exactly act that way. He didn't regret his actions, but he didn't want Khushi to think bad of him. After all, like they both agreed, they were strangers to each other, so to do such actions....
I... I didn't want to hurt you Khushi. Crap!
Like other nights before, Khushi had found her way into his arms. It was strange how they curiously fit together perfectly, not to mention how much they moved and managed to make their way to each other in their sleep. It was simply strange - what was it that pulled them to each other almost every night in their sleep?
Arnav squirmed a little, taking in a deep breath before letting out a sigh and opening his eyes. It took a moment for him to be aware of his surroundings and remember that he wasn't at his home but at Khushi's. He felt a familiar presence below his arm and looked down at Khushi.
"Good morning," he smiled softly.
"Good morning," Khushi replied softly.
"For a moment, I forgot where we were," he chuckled.
Khushi smiled up at him and glanced at her alarm clock. "We better get up, Amma will have breakfast ready soon."
Arnav nodded and Khushi pulled back to get up. However, her mangalsutra had caught onto the fabric of Arnav's shirt, causing Khushi to move back in. Her eyes quickly darted to Arnav's and then down at her mangalsutra. She was so close to him - much closer than before - and she could feel her nerves shooting up to the heavens.
Hai DM!
Arnav could see how nervous Khushi was. And like other times before, he felt that urge to kiss her. But this time, he held himself back. Instead, he helped her unhook her mangalsutra from his shirt. Khushi watched him in confusion as he did, somewhat surprised that he hadn't tried to kiss her.
I wonder why?
It wasn't that he didn't want to, no, not at all. He was very tempted to do it and he did want to, but he had only stopped himself because he didn't want Khushi to think bad of him. As he had told her the night before, he wanted for her to get to know him just as he wanted to get to know her. And to throw himself onto her as he had impulsively done before, just didn't seem right.
*~*
Heading down to the kitchen, Khushi thought of Arnav's actions from this morning. She had expected him to kiss her, as he had done so on other occasions before.
Why didn't he do it? He didn't before so why...? Well, there are the things we spoke about the night before... yeah, I think that's it. He did say he wanted to get to know me better, so maybe that's why... that makes sense... although, I wouldn't have minded one bit if he had kissed me- what am I thinking?!
"Laado?"
Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at her mother, who was looking at her curiously.
"Is everything okay?"
"Uh, yeah, yeah, perfect."
Khushi joined her mother to help finish up with breakfast. Although Sumitra was curious about what was going through her daughter's mind - especially when her daughter began burning the parathas.
"Khushi-! What are you doing?"
Sumitra quickly removed the paratha, bringing Khushi back to reality.
"Hai DM-! Amma, I'm so sorry!"
"Khushi what have I said to you time and time again, always pay attention when in the kitchen," Sumitra scowled.
"I know, I'm sorry, I just can't stop thinking about-"
Khushi stopped herself. Was she really going to share what had happened earlier with her mother? No, no way at all.
Sumitra arched her eyebrow at her but Khushi shook her head.
"I'll just... I'll go call Bapusa down while you finish up."
"Don't forget Arnav while you're at it."
Khushi nodded and left the kitchen.
What is wrong with me? Why am I letting this get to me? It's not that big of a deal! But then again....
Khusho went upstairs, heading to her parents' room.
I mean, okay, I want to get to know him and he wants to get to know me. But how do I do that? Where do I even take him in this tiny town?
Khushi arrived to her parents' room and knocked on the door before entering.
"Ah, Khushi, there you are laado," Nayan grinned.
"Breakfast is almost ready, Amma's about to set up the table."
"Okay. Where's Arnav?"
"Um... I think he's still getting ready."
Nayan nodded. "Come here laado, sit next to me."
Khushi nodded and went over to her father, sitting down beside him on the bed. Nayan placed his hand on Khushi's head, giving her a small smile.
"Tell me honestly - are you happy?"
Khushi nodded. "I am as long as both you and Amma are."
"That isn't what I asked laado," he said softly.
Khushi pursed her lips, looking down. "I am. Genuinely, I am."
"But...?"
Khushi looked up at him, curiously.
"There's always a but in these kind of sentences," he smiled lightly.
"There is no but Bapusa, honestly. Everyone there is so nice, they never give me a moment to feel sad that I'm not here with you and Amma."
"And Arnav?"
Khushi didn't say anything, looking down.
Nayan let out a small sigh. "Khushi, I understand that for many in your generation, arranged marriage is just a thing that old generations did. Many don't understand it anymore. Now, it's not that I'm against love marriages, I had told you that if you found someone, your mother and I would agree to meet him. But you told us that you would agree to whomever we chose, something many girls wouldn't think of doing.
"I know that the responsibility came down to me and your mother to find the right man for you, and after everything that had happened...."
Nayan looked down and Khushi took his hands in hers.
"Arnav is a really kind man Bapu," Khushi said softly. "Please don't think that you chose wrong."
Nayan lightly squeezed her hands. "You sure?"
"Positive. It's just that... I don't really know him all to well, that's all. But I'm sure in time things will change just like it did with Amma and you."
Nayan smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. "You're right. I just worry, its what parents do."
"There's nothing to worry about," Khushi grinned.
"That's for me to decide," he winked, and Khushi giggled. "Now go, go get Arnav and bring him downstairs."
Khushi nodded and both got up, Nayan heading down while Khushi went to her room. She walked right in without a thought and was smacked with an eyeful of Arnav's ripped chest. Khushi froze and gaped at her husband while Arnav stood frozen, holding his shirt. Khushi's eyes darted up to Arnav's, to his chest, then his eyes again, before quickly turning around, her cheeks gushing red.
"U-uh, breakfast is ready," Khushi said quickly.
Arnav quickly put his shirt on, saving Khushi from the embarrassment. "Right... sorry."
Khushi's eyebrows met in the middle. "For?"
Arnav didn't say anything but Khushi understood.
"Its my fault," Khushi said softly. "I shouldn't have walked in like that without knocking."
"No, you have that right, it's your room."
Khushi looked down at the floor.
"...as for what happened back home..."
Huh?
"I shouldn't have done what I had."
Khushi immediately figured out what he was talking about, and she felt her heart pit. She slowly turned back around to him and when Arnav saw the expression on her face, he was surprised - she was hurt by his words.
"Khushi-"
"Everyone's downstairs, we should get going," and she left the room.
Arnav opened his mouth to call out to her, but Khushi was gone. To be honest, Arnav was surprised. He had only said that because he thought that she may have gotten the wrong impression of him, and he hadn't mean to exactly act that way. He didn't regret his actions, but he didn't want Khushi to think bad of him. After all, like they both agreed, they were strangers to each other, so to do such actions....
I... I didn't want to hurt you Khushi. Crap!
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