Part 19

Khushi: We are leaving and that's final.

Arnav(clutching her hand): we will, not now itself but tomorrow. Please don't embarrass your Mom. Think about your Bhabi. How low she would feel.

At last Khushi agreed by nodding her head. Arnav went to the closet and came back with the GEL taking it from the first aid kit. He made Khushi sit on the bed and he sat next to her. He took her right hand; it looked like a RED CARPET. Arnav raised his eyelash and looked at her like "what you have done to your palm?" He started applying the gel on it. Khushi was weighed down. Her palm really got hurt when she slapped Shyam. She was suffering in burning sensation since the time she hit. She can't resist from asking Arnav.

Khushi: How do you know that I'm hurt?

Arnav(sternly): I know you hurt from in and out. (Coming back to his teasing mode) Anyone could easily say that, seeing your Brother's cheek. The mark on his cheek is enough to know you are also equally hurt. It's not a slap but a thunder. (he chuckled so did Khushi) Do you know? Any Astrologer could say your future by seeing Shyam's face as your every palm lines are there on his face.

Khushi couldn't hold her laugh and she laughed wholeheartedly. Arnav admired her like ever before. Because this is the first time, he was the reason for her happiness. Khushi was embarrassed seeing him admiring her.

Arnav: why did you slap him?

Khushi(confusingly): Why means? Do you want me to leave him just like that?

Arnav(nodded no): I'm not asking about Shyam here. What made you get angry with him?

Khushi(controlling her anger): How dare he? How could he think of you like that? (she blurt out forgetting that she is talking with Arnav Singh Raizada)

Arnav(calmly): Do you like me that much? (Khushi was tongue tide.) Do you remember what did you say to Shyam? (Really she has no idea what she said in anger) You said that you will kill him if he says one more word about me. I will also do the same if anyone will dare to speak about my wife. So you also love me as much I love you?

How clever he was. He wants her answer at the same time he is also conveying his LOVE for his wife here. Khushi was looking at him lacking her breath.

Arnav: Why? (he read her expression by taking a second) You don't like me. You want to end this relationship. You are searching for evidence against me to make it possible. At the same time, you can't tolerate a single word AGAINST ME. What was that? What's the place am I having in your heart? (he was so calm when he arrowed those question)

Khushi was hunting words to give an answer. Finally.

Khushi: I don't want to be the reason for someone to get spoilt.

Arnav: So you are sure I'm not spoilt yet? He again hit.

Khushi: Yes YET. But I can't believe that will NEVER happen. (she said avoiding looking at him)

Arnav: Say it looking at me. (he ordered while gulping)

He lifted her chin. She closed her eyes can't see his face as she can't lie going against her heart)

Arnav: Do you know when will be a girl closes her eyes in front of her husband? ( he asked teasingly)

Khushi opened her eyes with a jerk understanding the meaning.

Arnav: How many days will you escape without answering me?

Khushi bow down without saying anything. Arnav's concentration went back to her palm. He blew on her palm while fondling it.

Khushi was looked at him raising her sight slowly. She was getting softened by him. He was always looking COOL even in hard times. His skills in handling problems are really first-rate. She never saw him tensed except the time when she asked for a divorce in spite of which he came up with a solution. How confident he looked when he said to provide evidence? That day itself she should have understood. Will he make her stay with him forever? That imaginary experience itself was thrilling her like anything. Arnav smiled sensing her constant gaze on him. He extended his hand to her eyes. Khushi flinched at his sudden action. He slightly took kohl from the corner of her eye and applied it on the back of his own ear.

Khushi(confusingly): what are you doing?

Arnav: If my mother would have been here then she will do that to save me from your BAD eyes.

Khushi(dropping her jaw): Does my eyes are bad?

Arnav: Then why are you staring at me? I know you won't think my goodness for sure.

Khushi: Oh really?

Arnav: Yah. Or else were you value me for my goodness?

Khushi(inflow): Yes I value you.

Arnav(smirking): Really?

Khushi switched her gaze somewhere and called her Devi Maiya inwardly... this time DM didn't disappoint her. They heard a knock and Arnav opened the door. Garima and Anjali were entering worriedly.

Garima: Are you ok?

Khushi nodded yes while standing from the bed.

Anjali: I'm sorry Khushi...

Khushi(cutting her): Why are you feeling sorry? If you are responsible then so did I. Being his sister I'm the one who is more responsible.

Anjali hugged her while spilling tears. Khushi wiped her tears by her left hand that's when they noticed her right hand was being gel applied. They looked at Khushi and then Arnav smilingly. Khushi was trying hard to avoid their eyes.

Garima: I just came to ask for dinner.

Arnav: No aunty. Me and Khushi will have our dinner here itself. Khushi can't eat by herself. (he purposely said that to let them know; he will feed her)

Garima nodded and went to bring their dinner. Anjali kissed her forehead and followed Garima. In few minutes Anjali brought their plate and hand over it to Arnav. Arnav closed the door and came to Khushi. He sat beside her on the bed and tried to feed her the first morsel. Khushi extended her left hand to take it from him and received a glare from Arnav.

Arnav: I didn't ask you to fulfill my wish by having it sitting in my lap.

Khushi: Don't embarrass me I can have it on my own. I don't want to give any false hope to you.

Arnav rolled his eyes and passed the morsels. Arnav waited until she finishes her dinner.

Arnav(emotionally): what will you say to your Mom if she gets to know about your unwillingness of this marriage?

Khushi was silent.

Arnav: Won't you accept me at least for your Mom and Bhabi.

Khushi(stammering): How many reasons will you give me to stay with you?

Arnav: As much as I can because I want you in my life forever. I want you to be DAWN of my nights. Wherever I go, my every path should end in you.

Khushi(getting emotional and couldn't hide): why?

Arnav: You changed my days and nights Khushi. Now I'm filled by you, you poured you in me. I'm drowning in your hazels every second. (He touched her cheek. Whenever he did so, it gives warmth of peace.)

Khushi(can't control her tears): Are you a poet?

Arnav(nodded no): I'm a husband of a lovely girl.

Tears started rolling through her check.

Arnav(gulping): Why are you crying?

Khushi: I don't know...

Arnav: Khushi....

Khushi: Let me.... (she cried more)

Arnav: shall I do something?

Khushi nodded no while crying.

Arnav(tilting his head): A simple hug? Based on WOMEN PSYCHOLOGY?

Khushi didn't say anything but crying. Arnav gently hugged her to console her but it worsens as Khushi started crying her heart out on his chest. Arnav stood there helplessly closing his eyes understanding her current state of mind.

Khushi was facing the most terrible stage of her life. Life showed her very wrong SHOW. It made her came to the conclusion which she couldn't come out easily. That's what she is suffering now. Her heart wanted to accept Arnav. But her mind is not ready to believe him wholly. In fact, she was not ready to take risk in trusting him. She will DIE if he will do anything which she doesn't like. At the same time, she couldn't take back step from this marriage after understanding Arnav. She was scared. Scared to accept him and at the same time scared to lose him.

To be continued.....