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.

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.

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.

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.

~

Cuteness overload or nah 😍