Part 30

Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law, both were standing there in the same state of mind seeing Arnav "with" well grown BEARD. He looked like he had lost everything in life. A beard, changed his handsome look into something couldn't name. Ratna's eyes literally tear up. Arnav removed his goggles looking at their shocking face smilingly which made them more irritate. 

Ratna: What the hell disguising is this chotte? What's wrong? Though Ratna understood his point but she couldn't accept his eerie look. Arnav: Mom, relax.Ratna: How could I relax seeing your ghostly look?Arnav(chuckled): Ghostly? Like really?Ratna: Is it funny? Saying she left inside without circling the Thali as there was no chance for "buri nazar". Arnav: Absolutely funny Mom. If my mother herself didn't like me in this look then nobody likes me right? Khushi looked at him. She just imagined his earlier look. Her eyes tear up immediately. 

Somehow Khushi knows, he got this dirty look to satisfy her adamant opinion. That idea made her feel guilty. She circled the Thali and kept the vermilion on his forehead. Arnav saw her teary eyes. He felt delighted at least she is feeling odd. Arnav rushed to Ratna and hugged her.

Arnav: Mom, are you angry with me?

Arvind: why should she be angry?

They turned towards Arvind and he was also shocked seeing Arnav with beard. Words were not coming out of his throat. Arnav came to him and hugged.

Arvind: I can't believe this.

Arnav: what's the big deal dad?

Arvind: You look like "AGORY BABA" nothing else. He said disappointedly which made Arnav smile.

Ratna(frustrated): Khushi, do not get him close to you until he shaves off.

Arnav (smirking): You no need to teach her mom, she knows very well that how to keep things afar which she doesn't like.

Khushi looked at Arnav who was already looking at her holding lot of meanings in his eyes, as she didn't let him "near" her yet. She gulped. She knew what he is thinking right now. Though his face was hiding behind the beard yet his eyes were enough expressive to know what he is thinking.

Khushi was already in anger because of his "one month of no talks" act and still he is continuing it... He didn't utter a word nor did he ask her about anything. Her angry which was in peak rose erratically. She left the place and went to kitchen to make preparation which was unfinished. Ratna and Arvind were worried. Whatever they expected, it did not happen. They saw that Khushi was excited. This boy made everything go reverse.

Ratna hit his forehead in frustration.

Ratna: What have you done Chotte? Do you know how happy Khushi was when she got to know about your arrival? You spoiled everything. I can say Khushi is upset.

Arnav: I will take care of her mom.

Ratna: How? (Pointing his beard) By this little forest?

Arnav: Relax mom. I just want to see what's there in your Bahu's "Heart forest".

Ratna: But she was not happy Chotte. Please shave it off.

Arnav(holding her hand): Mom, please. I can't until your Bahu asks me to do so.

Ratna: I don't think your stubbornness will work.

She sighed and went to kitchen where Khushi was preparing something for her husband. She saw Khushi was lost. She touched her shoulder.

Ratna: Beta, are you ok?

Khushi nodded yes while pasting a smile.

Ratna(with fake anger): I can understand your feeling Khushi. I do not know what's there in this boy's mind. He is behaving like a mad person. He has so pride about his look, that's why he looks over confident even in this dirty look.(she purposely scolded him to see Khushi's reaction)

Khushi: No aunty, don't you know how naughty he is? I think he is playing with us. He just wants to make fun. I believe he will get his old look in a day or two. Please don't get upset aunty. Ratna was admiring her Bahu like ever before. This is the first time she is taking Arnav's side. She never came up with his side. She appreciated her son inwardly. Somehow he achieved something then.

Ratna(making face): I don't think he will say bye to his beard soon. He is hiding something that's why he is doing this purposely. He won't give up until he succeeded. Such a stubborn man he is. She said sadly.

Khushi: Don't worry Aunty, he is not that bad to hurt us. You will see him back to his original form very soon.

"My God, is this really my Bahu?" Ratna thinks.

Ratna( touched khushi's cheek lovingly): I have no problem if you are ok with that. because you are the one who is going to tolerate when it pricks.

She winked at Khushi whose cheeks turned in to red in swift. She hugged Ratna to hide her blush. Ratna thanked her almighty as she was witnessing her Bahu's "precious blush" for first time.

Ratna: I scolded your dirty husband a lot. I think he needs your "Psychological hug" badly. (She tapped her back lovingly) Go. She whispered.

Khushi ran out of the kitchen all blushing leaving Ratna in excessive glee. 

........

Arnav got fresh-in-up and went to the pool side... to his favorite place... after one month. Khushi came into their room and sensed that he was in the pool side. She purposely closed the door with making noise to get his attention. Arnav delighted seeing her in their room. He rushed to her. In no time he lifted her by circling her waits and twirled with joy. Khushi was shocked at his abrupt action. She made up herself and stayed stiff in her expression. Arnav put her down and smiled. Next second he kissed her forehead cupping her face with loads of love. No matter how much Khushi wanted to stay firm, his action didn't let her do so.

Especially... he is touching her after a month of separation. "That touch" passed thousand watts current in her body which was melting her inside and outside. She was facing tough time in suppressing her sensation. Arnav's state was not can be described He couldn't separate his lips from her forehead. Their emotions flourished uncontrolled.

Arnav observed her "not reacting state". She was not reacting his action. Neither she pushed him nor did she stop him. He looked at her who was closing her eyes gasping. That was an unusual gesture he ever saw. He swallowed hard not getting anything. He composed himself. Somewhat he was happy about it. He touched her cheek.

Arnav: Khushi.....

Khushi slowly opened her eyes as if she was awaking from her dream. She looked at him who was smiling at her. She got the reality and took a step back. She should be angry, right? she shouldn't give up easily. She was trying to get angry on him but it was adamant to come out today. Arnav saw her cute reaction and smiled at her.

Arnav: How is my wife doing? He tapped her nose.

Khushi glared at him without answering.

Arnav: Looks like someone is very angry with me?

Khushi went to bed and sat turning her face opposite to him. He followed her and sat beside her.

Arnav: Do you know, you look extra cute when you are angry?

Khushi plainly looked at him.

Arnav: Don't try to suppress it Khushi. You can't.

He didn't get any reply which made him sigh.

Arnav: Khushi what's wrong? Won't you talk to me? you have challenged me that "If you have the courage, you have to speak in person" remember? I'm here, in front of you, talking.... Still, you are not responding?

Khushi didn't utter a single word nor did she look at him.

Arnav: Do you know how much I was excited to see you? How much I wanted to be with you? Do you know how many expectations I have in my heart?

That's it. Khushi turned her face towards him with full of rage. She stood from the bed. Arnav also stood seeing her suddenly changed reaction. She pushed him with all her frustration.

Khushi(gritting her teeth):

To be continued.............