Chapter Twenty Eight

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.

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?

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?