Chapter 18

Khushi breaks from the hug and pulls Arnav to his room.

She runs to get her “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun” DVD and shows it to Arnav excitedly: See Arnavji? I brought Salman Khan movie to watch with you.

Arnav gets irritated to see that Khushi brought a Salman Khan movie to watch. What’s wrong with a decent Hollywood flick or even Bollywood movie of some other actor other than that meathead?

But when he saw the shining orbs that are Khushi’s eyes and the excitement in them, he knew that he will watch even re-runs of Dr.Phil to make her happy. He sighed and sat down on the bed to watch 3 hours of Salman Khan…

Khushi ran out of the room and called HP. HP came on cue with a large bowl of popcorn and two huge glasses of drink.

Arnav raised his brow to Khushi: Khushi, you know I’m diabetic. So I can’t drink sugary drinks.

Khushi smiled: I know. That’s why I made you Fresh lime soda without sugar.

Arnav smiled in tenderness, overwhelmed by her thoughtfulness again.

He grabbed the drink and they sat on the bed to watch the movie. The minute the movie started, Khushi scooted closer to him and snuggled in his arms. He put his arms around her and settled down to enjoy yet another amazing experience of his life.

When the song “Didi Tera Dewar Deewana” began, he remembered another Sangeet when Khushi had reworked the song to fit him and a chuckle came out of his mouth at the memory. Khushi raised her face from his arms to look questioningly at him to know the reason of his smile. He just shook his head and hugged her closer.

It surprised him to no end that he actually enjoyed the movie. But to be truthful, what he really enjoyed watching was Khushi’s expression when she laughed, cried, blushed and showed hundred different expression with each scene. He loved to see Khushi’s face showing million expressions in the blue light of the tv. He might learn to love Bollywood movies after all.

By the time the movie ended, Arnav found Khushi sleeping in his arms with her head pillowed on his shoulder. He gently, picked her up and carried her to the guest room and carefully placed her on the bed without waking up Payal.

He came back to his room and thought about his first Bollywood movie experience.

He smiled at the memory but then he frowned as he remembered how disturbed he felt when the beautiful heroine dies in the movie leaving her family and her husband devastated. He paces on the poolside and decides to sleep on the recliner so that he can see Khushi’s face as his eyes closes in sleep.

Next morning, Khushi wakes up and decides to see how her Laad Governor was doing.  She dresses up in a yellow anarkali by Satya Paul with silver work on it. She left her hair unbound because she knows that her Laad Governor loves her unbound hair.

Khushi slowly goes to Arnav’s room with muffled steps and sees Arnav sleeping on the recliner. She somehow felt he had a restless night.

She gets worried and thinks for a moment. Then suddenly a brilliant idea (or so she thinks) strikes her head. She slowly moves to Arnav, takes the corner of her dupatta and tickles Arnav’s face with it.

Arnav feels something soft tickling his face. He makes a grimace and moves his face to one side.

Khushi giggles and tickles his face again. He rubs his face with the back of his hand and turns his face to the other side.

Khushi tries to muffle her giggle by putting her palm on her mouth and tries to tickle again.

But her muffled giggle woke up Arnav. He smiles inwardly at her mischief and decides to pretend to be asleep.

Khushi tickles his face again. But this time, Arnav does not react.

Khushi frowns and rolls her dupatta some more to tickle again. Again, Arnav uses all his willpower and does not react.

Khushi bends forward to tickle his neck, but suddenly Arnav grabs Khushi and pulls her on his lap.

Khushi gives out a shriek as she lands on Arnav’s arms with her wide eyes and mouth open in an “O”…

Arnav smirks at her surprise and raises his brow: So, Khushi Kumari Gupta? What were you up to this time?

Khushi blushes and stammers: I… I… ummm… came to wake you up…

Arnav smirks: Oh, so you wake up sleeping men with tickles?

Khushi blushes some more: Nooo… I don’t wake up sleeping men with tickles… (Realizes what she said and hurriedly tries to rectify the sentence with her blabbering) I mean, I don’t wake up sleeping men at all… I mean sleeping man at all… Well, other than babuji. But I don’t wake him up with tickles. I mean…

Arnav puts his palm on her mouth to stop her blabber and leans closer to look into her big eyes: I don’t mind waking up with your tickles, but next time, you will wake up with me in my bed.

Khushi blushes crimson and lowers her head in shyness.

Arnav raises his brow and smirks: I did not know Khushi Kumari Gupta knows how to be shy…

He leans forward until his nose almost touches hers: Your nose is turning red (Kisses on her little nose) and so are your cheeks (kisses her left and right cheeks)…

Khushi slowly whispers: Someone will come, Arnavji…

Arnav comes closer to Khushi’s leaps: I don’t care…

Suddenly they hear Nani’s voice: Khushi bitiya? Where are you?

Khushi’s eyes go bigger and she jumps up from Arnav’s lap…

Arnav gets irritated: What the?

Khushi starts babbling: Arnavji, Naniji is calling me. I have to go.

She runs out of his room before he could catch her.

Arnav jumps out of the recliner and stomps to his bathroom, irritated to have his morning kiss interrupted by nosy family members.

After he comes out of the bathroom, he picks up his blackberry to check messages and notices that his bodyguard, Angad, has left twelve missed calls and fifteen messages on his cellphone, all of them urging him to call Angad immediately.

Arnav tenses and calls Angad and asks him to meet him at his office.

He dresses up quickly in one of the suits and leaves in a rush.

Living room, Shaantivan:

Khushi sees Naniji in the temple and walks upto her: Naniji, I want to make something special for everyone for breakfast. What can I make?

Naniji smiles inwardly: You want to make something special for everyone or just one?

Khushi blushes: No, I mean… I will make it for everyone.

Naniji caress her face with love and says: Chotey’s favourite dish is poori and Mathura aloo. When Anjali bitiya and Chotey were young and used to come to our home for summer vacation, I used to make them that dish. Chotey loved it.

Khushi excited: Naniji, will you teach me how to make it?

Naniji is extremely pleased to see Khushi’s love and care for Arnav. She said: Of course, I will teach you. In fact, I will teach you so well, that Chotey will eat his fingers with aloo.

Khushi’s eyes sparkle with happiness.

Naniji comes with Khushi to the kitchen and teaches her how to prepare the food.

Anjali comes into the kitchen and sees all arrangements and asks: What are you teaching Khushi, Nani?

Naniji replies: Poori and Mathura Aloo.

Anjali’s eyes widen: What? When I asked you to teach me how to make it, you said that this recipe is not for sharing? (She smiles and teases Khushi) Khushi, you are very lucky. Naniji does not give away her secret recipes to just anybody.

Khushi smiles: I’m very honored to learn it from Naniji, Di.

Anjali teases her some more: As far as I know, only one person is crazy about this dish in here. Who was it again?

Khushi blushes..

Naniji smiles at Anjali: Don’t tease her so much. See, how she is turning red? She is making this for Chotey.

Anjali widens her smile: Oh yes, chotey loves this recipe and if he really loves the cooking, he might even kiss the cook. (Anjali winks at Khushi)

Khushi blushes some more and finishes the final preparation.

She beautifully arranges the dishes on a tray and takes it to Arnav’s room.

But Arnav’s room was empty. She puts the tray on the table and looks in the bathroom, but it was empty as well.

She sees HP passing through the corridor and calls him: Hari Prakashji, did you see Arnavji anywhere?

HP: I saw Arnavji leaving some time back. May be he went to office Khushiji?

Khushi gets disappointed. She takes the tray and comes back downstairs. Naniji sees her sad face and asks her: What is the matter, Khushi bitiya?

Khushi tells Naniji sadly: Naniji, Arnavji went to office without eating breakfast.

Naniji exasperated: Chotey just can’t leave his work alone. (Then she sees Khushi’s sad eyes and comes up with an alternative plan) Khushi bitiya, why don’t you pack the food and take it to Chotey’s office?

Khushi brightens up at the idea. She smiles and runs to the kitchen to pack the food and decides to take it to Arnav’s office.

In the temple, a candle flickers constantly at Devi Maiyya’s feet…

Chapter 17

Khushi and Arnav look at each other and smile.

Suddenly, they hear Buaji's voice calling Khushi.

She turns towards the door and shouts: Coming Buaji.

Then turns to smile at Arnav: Arnavji, I need to go. Buaji is looking for me.

Khushi turns to go when she feels a tug on her pallu. She looks back to see Arnav holding it with a naughty smirk: What if I don't let you go?

Khushi blushes crimson, pulls at the pallu and pleads: Please Arnavji. If Buaji sees me here, she will not spare me. You know her.

Arnav raises his brow: I will let you go but in one condition.

Buaji calls for Khushi again…

Khushi looks frantically at the door and asks urgently: What?

Arnav smirks: Tell NK, you will watch movie with me. I will get you the movies you want.

Khushi urgently agrees: Okay, okay. Now let me go.

Arnav opens his fist and lets her go.

Khushi runs out.

Arnav follows her to the door and sees Khushi standing at the top of the stairs blushing and smiling at him. As she turns to get down the stairs, she slips and starts to fall.

Arnav screams Khushi's name catching everyone's attention and runs towards her. He manages to grab her hand at the last moment. Then he pulls Khushi back forcefully and hugs her tight.

He can feel his heart beating loudly with Khushi's heart. The family worriedly come running upstairs to check on Khushi. Arnav pulls away from Khushi and asks frantically: Are you okay Khushi? Did you get hurt?

Khushi was still scared at the near fatal accident but tries to calm Arnav by smiling bravely: I'm okay Arnavji. You saved me again.

Arnav could feel his hands still trembling with fright. He screams at Khushi: Why don't you pay attention where you go dammit? What if something happen to you? What would I have done?

Khushi jumps in fright and looks at him wide-eyed.

Naniji tries to pacify Arnav: Arnav bitwa, these things happen. It was just an accident. It's not Khushi bitiya's fault. It was just an accident.

Arnav gets frustrated to not being able to tell them the truth that is eating him up from inside and his helplessness and inability to protect Khushi.

He storms to his room and slams the door.

He heads towards the poolside and sits down with his head in his hands trembling.

The family consoles Khushi. Naniji pats her back and caresses her lovingly: Don't take Chotey's words to heart bitiya. You know how he is. He loves you very much. That's why he got so scared.

Khushi tearfully nods: I know Naniji. I did not mind. I understand.

Naniji smiles at her and goes downstairs with the rest of the family except NK.

Khushi is still standing where she was. She looks at NK and says: Nanheji, would you mind if I watch movies with Arnavji tonight? I will watch movies with you tomorrow.

NK smiles at her: Khushiji, I understand. No problem. We will watch movies tomorrow. In fact, I have lots of DVDs of Bollywood movies. You can choose from them if you like.

Khushi smiles at him: Thanks Nanheji. I will do that.

She follows NK to his room.

Living Room, Shantivan:

Anjali (still worried): Nani, I think we should have a havan tomorrow to take the bad omen from our house. There have been too many incidents lately and I don't want any more such things happening.

Naniji nods: I agree. Okay, let's have havan (special worship) tomorrow. (She looks at Buaji and Garima) I hope you don't have any problem with that.

Buaji: No no. In fact, we were thinking of the same thing. It's a very good idea.

Garima nods in agreement.

Naniji smiles: Then it's agreed. Tomorrow we will have havan. I will make arrangements for it.

NK's Room, Shantivan:

Khushi chooses one of her favourite Salman Khan's movie "Kuch Kuch Hota Hain" to watch with Arnav.

She beams at NK: Nanheji, I will watch this one with Laa… I mean Arnavji.

NK beams: Awesome.

Arnav's Room, Shantivan:

Khushi goes to Arnav's room and knocks on the door.

When Arnav does not respond, Khushi gets worried. She slowly opens the door and sees Arnav sitting at the poolside still as a stone. She looks at the DVD and thinks for a moment. Suddenly her eyes light up as an idea strike her. She plays a song in her cell phone.

Khushi's song:

Translation:

Come my darling, let me love you…

Let me put my fair hands around you…

Why are you so sad?

Dry lips, tired eyes?

Why? Why?

Our bodies have burnt in pain,

In this night, my darling…

These tired hands of yours

Give them in mine…

Take my happiness,

I take your pain…

As you live and I live too…

When our tears flow

From our eyes in pain,

I find a little smile of your love

Blooming in my lips…

If I did not give up,

Then think for once…

For whom and why?

Arnav looks at Khushi in tear-filled eyes and cups her delicate face in his palms. He sees immense love for him shining in her bright eyes. He bends forward to kiss her on her forehead and they hug.

Wrapped tight in his arms, Khushi snuggles closer and smiles into his chest. She is happy to have her Laad Governor with her again.

Arnav closes his eyes in bittersweet pain and hugs her even tighter as if he will never let her go. A tear rolls down from behind his close lids.

Up there in the sky, the moon showers it's glow on the two lovers and stars twinkle in the sky signalling the approaching doom…

Chapter 16

Arnav wakes up very early the next morning and comes to the door of Khushi's room.

He sees Payal coming out of the room in a yellow saree. He asks her: Is Khushi up?

Payal smiles inside and says: No, she is still sleeping. Shall I wake her up?

Arnav says: No. There is no need for that.

Payal goes downstairs eager to share this piece of news with Buaji and Garima.

Arnav, oblivious to the teasing Khushi will have to hear, goes into Khushi's room and sees Khushi sleeping like a baby while the morning sunlight is bathing her in an otherworldly glow.

He slowly walks up to the bed and sees her stubborn bang is hanging over her face like always. He sits down on the bed and slowly puts the bang behind her ear and kissed her forehead.

Khushi wakes up at the kiss to see her Arnavji is looking down at her with such tenderness. She smiles back, but then suddenly her upper body swings up as if shot from a spring…

She panics and whispers: Arnavji, what are you doing here?

Arnav cocks his eyebrow and asks: Waking you up. Why?

Khushi whispers back: Ssshhh… If someone sees you here, then I'm so dead (makes swishing motion back and forth on her neck)…

Arnav leans back on the bedframe and makes himself comfortable: That's okay. Payal already saw me when I was coming in and since you are not dead, that means no need to worry. So just relax…

Khushi (open mouth): What? Jiji saw you coming in? (About to cry face) Now I will have to listen to Jiji and Anjali ji going on and on all day…

Arnav (smirking): Well, I have a solution for that.

Khushi (wide eyed): You do?

Arnav nods calmly: Yup. You complete your bet and I will handle them.

Khushi (blushing & stammering): I… I… will… Di.. Did I say I won't? I said I will today. Now you go and handle them.

Arnav raises his brow: I won't handle them until you complete the bet. So…

Khushi (miffed): Okay fine. May be I'm just worrying for no reason. May be, its fine.

She starts to nibble on her finger worriedly.

Arnav (smirking): Okay. Take your chance then.

He gets up from the bed, smacks a kiss on Khushi's cheek and whispers: Good Morning…

He was about to leave when he turns and winks: And come down for breakfast.  I will be waiting for you.

Khushi pokes her tongue at him and mutters: Laad Governor. 

Then she smiles and goes to the washroom to get ready for the day.

Dining Room, Shantivan:

Everyone is sitting at the table for breakfast. Arnav left a chair by his side empty for Khushi and kept sneaking glances at the stairs to see if she is ready yet.

Naniji was seating at the head of the table with Arnav on one side. Arnav had a chair empty on his other side, then Buaji, Garima, Shashi and Mamaji was on other end of the table across from Naniji. On Nani's other side and across from Arnav, one chair was empty, then Anjali was seating, then Payal and Aakash and then Mamiji, who was sitting beside Mamaji across from Shashi.

Then he notices that Khushi is coming down the stairs in a chiffon saree which goes from cream near the neckline to turquoise to finally navy blue and all the shades in between with very thin sequence work in the border which was glittering as light hit the saree… She was wearing a navy blue slim strap blouse with the same sequence border as her shoulder strap.

Her fair skin was gleaming against the navy blue sequence in her shoulder and the only jewellery she was wearing was a sapphire and diamond earrings with her engagement ring on her finger. Her hair was tied in a low ponytail and her bangs were framing her face like a priceless masterpiece.

Arnav could not take off his eyes from Khushi. Anjali notices his expression and winks at Payal.

As Khushi comes closer to the table, Arnav discreetly pulls the chair beside him.

Khushi blushes and smiles, but as she was about to go to that chair, Anjali calls Khushi: Khushiji, sit beside me please?

Khushi looks at Arnav's irritated face and makes a pleading expression but seats beside Anjali right across from Arnav.

NK arrives then too and just plops on the chair beside Arnav. Arnav glares at him angrily. Poor NK looks at his angry face and exclaims: What?

Arnav decides that this family will never let any romance blossoming ever and starts eating his breakfast while sneaking glances at Khushi.

NK notices Khushi sitting across from Arnav and he exclaims: Wow, Khushiji… You are looking so beautiful. Just like a barmaid…

Khushi exclaims: What?

Everyone looks at NK in shock. Arnav glares at him.

NK stammers: Yes, you know the beautiful women who are half women and half fish? Who sing under the water?

Khushi sighs: You mean mermaid, Nanheji.

NK nods eagerly: Yes yes… That's what I meant. Mermaid…

Khushi smiles at him: Thanks Nanheji. How sweet of you.

She swings her smiling gaze at Arnav to see him fuming. Her smile falters and she looks at him questioningly.

Arnav unclenches his teeth and says: Khushi, when you are done eating, do you mind coming into my room? I need to talk to you.

Khushi knew that tone by heart. Arnav used it every time when he was about to blow up. She gulps and looks at Anjali: Anjali ji, I need to be here when the decorator arrives right? I can't leave now.

Anjali smiles at her: Khushiji, you can go and see what Chotey wants. I will call you when the decorator arrives.

Khushi sighs worriedly.

Anjali smiles again: Khushiji, I'd really like if you can call me Di.

Khushi smiles back at her: And I'll do that if you call me Khushi.

Anjali smiles bigger: Agreed.

Arnav sees the interaction between two special people in his life and his eyes becomes soft.

Khushi notices that and whispers to Anjali: Thanks for saving me from Laad Governor's anger, Di…

Anjali leans to her and whispers back: No problem, Khushi. You will handle him just fine.

They smile at each other.

NK, in his eagerness to make up for his blunder, blurts out: Khushiji, if you are free after the decorator leaves, would you like to watch a movie with me? I will get any movie you like?

Khushi chirps happily: Really? I'd love to see any Salman Khan movie. How about Maine Pyaar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Kaun?

NK happily exclaims: I will get both of them for you.

None of them notices a volcano about to erupt any moment.

Arnav stands up abruptly, almost knocking off his chair. He bites out: Khushi, my room, NOW…

Khushi looks at him wide eyed, wondering what went wrong this time.

She looks at Anjali pleadingly: Di…

Anjali looks at her sympathetically: Khushi, I can't help you here. Go and see what's going on…

Khushi gulps and goes to washroom to wash her hands. She tries to take as much time she can to wash and then slowly goes upstairs to Arnav's room with trembling heart.

Arnav's room, Shaantivan

Arnav was fuming and walking back and forth on the carpet like a caged Tiger: How dare he? That bloody NK. How dare he ask my wife for movie? And how dare she accept? She does not know who she belongs to?

He looks at the watch and fumes some more: And how long does it take to come from Dining room to my room? Why is she taking so long?

He strides to the poolside impatiently and starts pacing there. Then he hears a tentative knock on the door.

He barks: Come in.

Khushi jumps at his tone but comes in to the poolside: You called me, Arnavji?

Arnav sneers: I did. And I believe that was 30 minutes ago. So I hope you did not have any problem trekking through the living room?

Khushi looks up suddenly as her temper gets up at his tone: No, it was no problem. Now tell me what you want so that I can go and watch movies.

Arnav strides to her in anger and grabs her by her arms: Oh really? So now you are so eager to watch movies with NK, is it?

Khushi's eyes cloud with pain and she says: Let me go, Arnavji… You are hurting me.

Arnav suddenly realizes his strong hold and let's Khushi go. He turns his back and pushes his fingers through his hair.

Khushi turns to leave and in her hurry trips on her saree. She sprains her ankle and cries out in pain.

Arnav turns hearing her cry and runs to her: Khushi, are you okay?

He tries to grab her hand to support her, but she jerks away in anger.

He grabs her hand forcefully and after some struggle she gives in. Arnav makes her seat on the chair by the poolside and bends down to check her ankle.

They both remember last time when he was sitting just like that kneeling in front of her to fix her broken ankle on a sparkling night of Diwali.

He notices that her eyes have become shiny with tears. His heart squeezes in his chest painfully at the sight. He whispers in broken voice: It will hurt a little.

Khushi nods slowly giving him permission. He twists her ankle back into place. Khushi hisses out at initial pain and grabs his shoulder.

Arnav looks at her teary eyes and says: I'm sorry Khushi. I don't know what came over me. It will never happen again.

He gets up suddenly and turns his back to her. He pushes his fingers through his hair: I don't know why I get so angry. I am trying to control it, but I just can't. I don't know what to do. When I saw NK complimenting you and asking you out for movie, it seemed my brain stopped working. I know I hurt people when I'm angry and trust me; you are the last person I want to hurt.

Khushi feels his pain as her own. She gets up, comes closer and puts her palm on his shoulder: Arnavji, I know you did not mean to hurt me.

Arnav turned to her with pained eyes: Khushi, don't forgive me so easily. You have no idea, what I have done and what my punishment is. If you forgive me so easily without even knowing anything, I won't be able to live with my remorse.

Khushi cups his face and tells him: I don't need to know what you did Arnavji. All I need to know is that you love me and I love you. Everything else is forgotten and forgiven.

Arnav shudders and lowers his eyes to hide his pain but it does not go unnoticed by Khushi.

She pulls his face down slowly, stands up on her tiptoes and leans forward to press her mouth on his. She feels his entire body shudders at the touch of her lips on his and waits for him to respond.

Arnav pulls Khushi closer lifting her off the ground and opens his mouth and Khushi slides her tongue in his mouth as he did last time, mimicking his actions.

The last kiss was all passion and animal attraction. But this kiss spoke of love, of hope, of shared pain, of remorse, of forgiveness…

The last one was frantic and all consuming, but this one was slow and tender and heart wrenching…

The last one was establishing exclusive right on their body, this one was owning their heart and soul…

They kiss slowly; exploring, tasting, feeling each other…

The entire poolside seems to be quite and in awe of the magical moment between these two soulmates. Not even wind was passing through the leaves. As if even nature did not want to intrude between them.

Khushi slowly pulls back as if in a daze but still in Arnav's arms. Arnav looks at her in a daze too.

Suddenly a butterfly comes flying and sits on Khushi's shoulder breaking her trance.

Khushi pulls away from Arnav and blushes. Arnav leans forward and whispers: Thank you.

Khushi looks up at him and smiles back: You are always welcome.

Chapter 16 (Teaser)

He gets up from the bed, smacks a kiss on Khushi's cheek and whispers: Good Morning…

He was about to leave when he turns and winks: And come down for breakfast.  I will be waiting for you.

Khushi pokes her tongue at him and mutters: Laad Governor. 

***

NK notices Khushi sitting across from Arnav and he exclaims: Wow, Khushiji… You are looking so beautiful. Just like a barmaid…

Khushi exclaims: What?

***

Khushi notices that and whispers to Anjali: Thanks for saving me from Laad Governor's anger, Di…

Anjali leans to her and whispers back: No problem, Khushi. You will handle him just fine.

***

Khushi jumps at his tone but comes in: You called me, Arnavji?

Arnav sneers: I did. And I believe that was 30 minutes ago. So I hope you did not have any problem trekking through the living room?

***

The entire poolside seems to be quite and in awe of the magical moment between these two soulmates. Not even wind was passing through the leaves. As if even nature did not want to intrude between them.

Chapter 15

Arnav comes home and sees the house is dark. He rolls his sleeves as he walks into the living room and sees the light above the dining table is on and under the light, Khushi is sleeping like a baby with her head on the table.

She was wearing a white salwar and puffed sleeve kameez with thin red border. Her hair is open and spread over her one arm. The glow from the overhead light is making her look like an angel.

His heart squeezes painfully in his chest and tears come to his eyes. He slowly walks up to her and puts his hand on her shoulder and calls her name: Khushi?

Khushi jumps as if on a spring and opens her sleepy eyes: Huh? Arnavji?

Arnav smiles at her sadly: Yes, it's me Khushi. You did not eat dinner?

Khushi smiles back: No. I wanted to have dinner with you. (She blushes).

Arnav smiles: Then let's have dinner together.

Khushi jumps up: I will quickly heat up the food and be right back.

She runs to the kitchen and heats up the food in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Arnav starts to feel dizzy. He had not had any food since the afternoon.

Khushi comes out with food and sees Arnav swaying in the chair.

She runs to him, drops the food on the table and grabs him before he falls.

She pats his cheek with her other hand and calls his name: Arnavji, Arnavji… What happened? Are you okay?

Arnav manages to speak: No food… after lunch…

Khushi gets worried. She hurriedly breaks a piece of poori, grabs potato from the curry and holds it to his mouth.

Arnav opens his mouth and starts chewing.

After repeating the process a few times, he starts to feel better. He looks up at Khushi's worried face and teases her to lighten her worry: I'm fine now. But if you'd rather feed me the entire dinner, I don't mind.

Khushi leans back and says angrily: Why didn't you eat anything? What if something happened to you?

Arnav smiles at her angry face: I'm okay sweetheart. Sit down.

Khushi stomps to another chair and sits down. She serves herself poori and potato curry and starts eating.

Arnav realizes that Khushi is angry. He looks at her with a smirk and just waits for her to react.

Khushi was stuffing food in her mouth when she suddenly realizes that she is being watched. Her hand falters in front of her mouth and then drops the poori back into the plate. She swallows hard and blushes crimson under his hot gaze.

Arnav smiles inside pleased with her reaction. He gets up from his seat at the table. But the moment he gets up, Khushi gets up and runs to the kitchen with her dirty plate.

She drops the plate at the sink and mutters while washing up: Laad Governor always does that. I know just what he is upto…

An amused voice asks from behind her: You do? Do tell, sweetheart…

Khushi jumps and whirls to see Arnav standing leaning against the kitchen door and smirking at her.

She blushes and then remembers her anger. She wipes her wet hands on a kitchen towel, slaps the dish towel on the counter and stomps to Arnav.

She puts her dainty fists on her hips and pokes her finger on his chest: No, I won't say anything. You tell me.

Arnav's smile gets wider seeing his feisty lady. He nods his head with a smirk: Okay. I will tell you. I love you. Now it's your turn.

Khushi's eyes narrow: Don't think you can fool me, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. You tell me what's going on. (Her eyes become sad) Why are you so worried, Arnavji? Why do I see sadness in your eyes? Are you not happy with this marriage?

(Her eyes become fierce again) And don't try to fib me off.

Arnav heart starts beating fast. It never fails to surprise him how Khushi can read him like an open book when no one else can. His eyes soften in love. He reaches forward, holds Khushi by her waist and pulls her towards him: Khushi, how can I not be happy with our wedding? You are all I ever wanted. You are the first woman I ever loved and you are going to be mine. I could not be happier to be called your husband, darling.

Khushi's eyes become sad: Then why do I see pain in your eyes, Arnavji? Are you missing your parents? Do you wish they were here?

Arnav sighs and touches her forehead with his. A drop of tears drops from the corner of his eyes.

Khushi takes that as his answer. She holds his face in her small palms and looks deep into his caramel colured eyes with her big hazel ones: I wish my parents were here too, Arnavji. But wherever our parents are, I'm sure they have become very good friends and they are very happy for us.

Arnav smiles at this amazing woman he loves more than anything in the world.

Khushi wipes her own tears and pushes him: Now go to bed and let me clean up. Tomorrow the decorator is coming to decorate the house. Anjaliji has asked me to be there when the decorator shows up. So I will have to be up by then too.

Arnav leans forward and whispers in her ears: You will also have to finish the bet.

He kisses her cheek again, winks at her blushing face and leaves the kitchen.

Guest bedroom, Shantivan

Khushi finishes up her cleaning and goes to her room. She completes her nightly ritual of cleaning up and then goes to the poolside. She peeks into Arnav's room and sees that he was sleeping on the recliner with a frown on his face.

She thinks to herself worriedly: When I guessed the reason of his worries, he did not confirm nor deny my queries. May be there is more than what meets the eye.

She goes to the recliner and puts the blanket that he kicked off in his sleep back on him. Then she slowly caresses his hair with all the love in her heart and bends down to kiss his forehead softly. As she straightens, she notices that his frown gets smoothed out and his face becomes calm and in peace.

She backs up slowly and goes to her room.

As Khushi turns to go, Arnav's eyes open slowly and a tear rolls out from the corner of his eyes.

He closes his eyes in pain and when his eyes open again, they had changed into determination.

Up in the sky, the stars shine and sparkle like a blanket of tears.