Khushi and Arnav were driving along a soon saan routue on the outskirts of Delhi when Arnav flicked the radio on and "Teri Meri" came blaring out, Arnav looked sheepishly at his wife and she turned away embarrassed as both remembered the Sangeet night. Arnav turned it down slightly.
"You know Khushi you never did really thank me for saving you that night." He said and Khushi turned to look at him questioningly.
"I'm sorry, when have you ever thanked me?" Khushi retorted and Arnav's brow crinkled.
"Thanked you, for what?" Arnav asked.
"I don't know, always being there for you, letting you shout at me oh and being the best wife that you obviosly don't deserve!" Khushi said teasingly and Arnav shook his head.
"I could never thank someone with such a big head as yours!" He jested back and Khushi gasped and looked away from him, annoyed by his insinuation that she was big-headed. Arnav took one hand off the wheel and stroked her face.
"Sorry Jaan, I was only joking." He said and Khushi pushed his hand away.
"Your jokes aren't always funny, but what's the point in even saying this to you, you always realise things too late." Khushi sighed.
"What? Excuse me, who was the one that proposed to you?" Arnav asked.
"Who was the one that admitted they loved you?" Khushi retorted, Arnav was looking at Khushi's intense face when he suddenly saw a crinkle appear in her brow and then shock in her eyes. "ARNAV!" She shouted pointing to the road, there was a large truck headed their way, Arnav swerved but the road wasn't that large and he needed to slow down to manoeuvre the car correctly but as he eased on the pedal it didn't slow down, he hit the brakes but they weren't working.
"Arnav slow down! The lorry!" Khushi shouted, she began shutting her eyes having flashbacks to her parent's accident.
"I'M TRYING KHUSHI ITS NOT WORKING!" Arnav shouted panic clear in his voice. He swerved the car to avoid hitting the lorry but instead he crashed straight into a road barrier, Khushi flew forward from the motion hitting her head against the wind-shield whereas Arnav hit his ribs against the steering wheel, his head also hit the wheel as he was forced back into his seat.Khushi began to feel dizzy, unable to see clearly, she saw Arnav's forehead bleeding and reached out to him.
"Arnav." She muttered before everything went black.
Arnav heard her but his eyes wouldn't open. He forced himself to stay awake, he could feel a stinging pain in his ribs but knew Khushi was hurt. He opened his eyes and was horrified to see the full extent of her injuries. When Khushi had hit the wind-shield the glass had cracked and bits of it were lodged into Khushi's body. Her arms and head were bleeding perfusely and Arnav felt the same horrors he felt the night of the Havaan when he thought he'd lost Khushi, only to have those same fears come alive now. Arnav jabbed at his seatbelt until it opened and staggered out of the car, he grabbed his phone and called for an ambulance stressing how bad Khushi was and the fact that he was Arnav Singh Raizada.
"I DON'T CARE HOW FAR WE ARE FROM A HOSPITAL! If anything, ANYTHING, happens to my wife, you will pay!" He said and the man on the other end assured him an ambulance would reach them as soon as possible. But in the meantime it was essential to get Khushi out of the car in case anything else were to happen to the car as a result of the accident. But he was told to be very careful considering how bad he had depicted her condition and his own. Arnav hung up and staggered to Khushi's side of the car. He gently grabbed her waist and pulled her arm over his shoulders carrying her out of the car. He fell to the ground a safe distance away from the car, clutching Khushi to himself, her blood was smeared across his hands and his shirt. He felt as though the air had been knocked out of him. He stroked the side of her face that did not have glass cuts in it.
"K-k-khusi, please wake up." He said. Remembering what she had said only moments ago to him, "Your jokes aren't always funny, but what's the point in even saying this to you, you always realise things too late." He clung to her more tightly. "No Khushi, no, please, I can't....what would I do without you? Dammit! KHUSHI WAKE UP!" He said with desperation pouring out of him as tears came crashing down his face. The ambulance came and they took Khushi from his arms, Arnav began to stammer a protest but couldn't verbalise his feelings. He just stared at his empty arms and then at the stretcher on which they'd taken his wife. They put Arnav on a stretcher also and wheeled him into the ambulance, they muttered about how he was, "Unresponsive" and "In a state of shock." But he knew exactly what they were saying but chose to ignore them focusing on Khushi. She was still unconcious with an oxygen mask on. They were focusing on cleaning her wounds as they drove to the hospital.
They wheeled Arnav into a different room to Khushi and he finally broke his silence.
"Where are you taking her?!" He demanded.
"Calm down, she's going to the ICU, we just need to check you're okay then you can go see her." A doctor said but Arnav didn't want to separate from her.
"NO, KHUSHI! Please don't take her away from me!" He begged the doctors, Arnav Singh Raizada never begged but as a desperate husband he was willing to do anything. The doctors didn't listen and that's when everything went black for Arnav.
Read more here
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Thirteen
Khushi was lying in bed as Arnav tapped away at his keyboard, she began to get irritated, his laptop always took priority over her.
"Hai Devi Maiyaa, meri bhi kismat kaisi niklee." Khushi whined aloud, Arnav looked up briefly, shooting his melodramatic wife a questioning look. "I have such an unfaithful husband." She said, covering her face with her hands feigning sadness, Arnav sighed aloud.
"What the- Khushi yeh kya natak hai?" Arnav asked feeling irritated, he hadn't cheated on her, he didn't even look at anyone besides Khushi since they had become close.
"Some men keep mistresses outside the house, my husband's mistress is in our bedroom! She's not even a woman, it's his laptop." She said stressing the last part of her sentence. Arnav saved his files and put his laptop down. He got into bed and placed his arm around Khushi who had already nuzzled up close to him.
"Look I have to work, Nani's making me take time off to be here and I have obligations Khushi." He said seriously. Khushi looked up at him.
"We haven't spent one day together and you call this taking time off work." She said snippishly, Arnav then understood Khushi's issue, she was feeling neglected.
"Ucha Jaaan, toh yeh baat hai. Then fine tomorrow I will not use my laptop and I will spend the whole day with you, khush?" He asked and Khushi whirled round to face him, her face beaming. She answered him with a kiss, which in Arnav's opinion didn't last long enough but Khushi was tired anyway so she was happy to leave it there. Khushi rested her head on Arnav's chest and fell into a deep sleep, Arnav took a little longer to go to sleep but soon drifted off also.
Khushi woke up to find her husband missing from their bed, she checked the clock and it was seven in the morning, where had he gone so early?
"Probably downstairs using his laptop! Well if he thinks he can fool me he has another thing coming!" She muttered to herself, she threw on her nightgown and raced down the stairs, the other family members were still asleep. She scanned the living room and he wasn't there, maybe he was on the terrace. She was about to run back upstairs when she turned to see Arnav stood right in front of her no laptop in hand. Instead his face was smeared with what looked like reminence of batter, he looked flustered but then smiled when Khushi reacted to what he had in hand.
"Jalebis!" Khushi enthused and Arnav knew he'd started this day off well. She grabbed one and tasted it and then frowned.
"What happened...? Are they not good? Dammit I knew I shouldn't have bothered! I'll go throw them away now." He said, he turned to go do just that when Khushi stopped him.
"Its not that." Khushi said and Arnav looked at her confused.
"Then what is it?" He asked, Khushi looked increasingly upset which was now worrying him.
"They...they...they taste better than mine." Khushi said morosely and Arnav couldn't contain his laughter. "You're laughing? I'm upset and you're laughing?!" Khushi asked getting angry. He stopped and sat his wife on the dining room table.
"Sorry Jaan, it was just your face. Anyway you should count yourself lucky I only intend on making these for you, so your Jalebi making reputation will remain intact." Arnav said, Khushi was about to protest the fact that he had subtly questioned her Jalebi making ability when he got up and kissed her forehead lightly. "Eat quickly and then get ready, we're going out." Arnav said as he walked away, Khushi who had half a Jalebi stuffed in her mouth turned around calling to her husband. "Where are we going?" Arnav paused, turned his head slightly and said, "Its a surprise." Then he continued upstairs, Khushi sat eating happily, first Jalebis, now a surprise...who knew Arnav Singh Raizada was so romantic?
Khushi got ready in a simple red saree with a gold border, she knew it was Arnav's favourite colour it was quite similar to her Diwali saree. Khushi smiled at the memory of their almost kiss that night, she understood now why it had hurt so much when Lavanya and Arnav had gotten engaged and why Arnav had been so hurt by her engagement. They both hurt each other by their actions because they loved each other, granted it took them a lot longer than it should have to realise this but Khushi blamed it on Arnav and his stubborn nature. Khushi went downstairs for the aarti and was surprised to see her usually absent husband waiting in the Raizada home mandhir for her, she stood beside him and as Anjali began the pooja she whispered to him, "Kahi mein kohi sapna toh nahi dekhree, nah?" Arnav gave a sly look to his wife.
"Shut up Khushi and pray to your Devi Maiyaa, thank her for the wonderful husband you have." He said and Khushi bit her lip to stop herself from smiling and closed her eyes thanking Devi Maiyaa from the bottom of her heart. Shyam stood in the corner eyeing the seemingly happy couple but they wouldn't be for long. Shyam looked over at Arnav with a knowing smile, he was the thorn in his path, if he got rid of Arnav all his problems would be over. Arnav was due for an outing today, he'd told Nani he'd be out of the house all day and so Shyam took the liberty to cut his brakes, tit for tat and all that. Bechara he doesn't even realise how little time he has left, even Devi Maiyaa can't save him. Anjali finished the Aarti smiling to see her brother there for once, fully aware it was all down to Khushiji. She handed out the prasad and the family made their way to the living room.
"Khushi we should go now, we'll be back later." Arnav said, Khushi nodded and began making her way out with Arnav. Shyam froze and panic rose within him.
"NO!" He suddenly shouted, Arnav and Khushi turned shocked, Arnav immediately grabbed his wife's hand reassuringly. Anjali looked at her husband both horrified and embarrassed. What was he doing?
"No what?" Arnav asked through gritted teeth. Shyam didn't know what to do.
"Meh...woh....errr...yeh...its not right for you two to go out alone when Anjali's condition is so delicate." Shyam said praying the foolish brother would stay to care for his sister.
"Arre, I'm fine, you two go." Anjali said smiling, Arnav nodded, he shot Shyam an evil look and then they departed. Shyam was petrified, if he'd have known Khushiji was going with him then he wouldn't have done that but if he admitted it now then his truth would be exposed.
Khushi and Arnav got into the car, Khushi was so excited unsure of the destination of their trip but sure it would be perfect because they were together. Arnav looked at her and moved a hair from her face and placed it behind her ear.
"You know Khushi, I'm so lucky to have you in my life." Arnav admitted and Khushi blused a deep red.
"I know, hurry up and start the car! I want to see where you're taking me." Khushi said smiling, Arnav grinned as he started the car. He pulled his sunglasses out of the glove compartment and put them on as he pulled out of the driveway, baring in mind to drive slow for Khushi.
"Don't worry Jaan, you're going to love it." He said as they drove away, unaware of the dangers that lurked in their near future.
Read more of this here.
"Hai Devi Maiyaa, meri bhi kismat kaisi niklee." Khushi whined aloud, Arnav looked up briefly, shooting his melodramatic wife a questioning look. "I have such an unfaithful husband." She said, covering her face with her hands feigning sadness, Arnav sighed aloud.
"What the- Khushi yeh kya natak hai?" Arnav asked feeling irritated, he hadn't cheated on her, he didn't even look at anyone besides Khushi since they had become close.
"Some men keep mistresses outside the house, my husband's mistress is in our bedroom! She's not even a woman, it's his laptop." She said stressing the last part of her sentence. Arnav saved his files and put his laptop down. He got into bed and placed his arm around Khushi who had already nuzzled up close to him.
"Look I have to work, Nani's making me take time off to be here and I have obligations Khushi." He said seriously. Khushi looked up at him.
"We haven't spent one day together and you call this taking time off work." She said snippishly, Arnav then understood Khushi's issue, she was feeling neglected.
"Ucha Jaaan, toh yeh baat hai. Then fine tomorrow I will not use my laptop and I will spend the whole day with you, khush?" He asked and Khushi whirled round to face him, her face beaming. She answered him with a kiss, which in Arnav's opinion didn't last long enough but Khushi was tired anyway so she was happy to leave it there. Khushi rested her head on Arnav's chest and fell into a deep sleep, Arnav took a little longer to go to sleep but soon drifted off also.
Khushi woke up to find her husband missing from their bed, she checked the clock and it was seven in the morning, where had he gone so early?
"Probably downstairs using his laptop! Well if he thinks he can fool me he has another thing coming!" She muttered to herself, she threw on her nightgown and raced down the stairs, the other family members were still asleep. She scanned the living room and he wasn't there, maybe he was on the terrace. She was about to run back upstairs when she turned to see Arnav stood right in front of her no laptop in hand. Instead his face was smeared with what looked like reminence of batter, he looked flustered but then smiled when Khushi reacted to what he had in hand.
"Jalebis!" Khushi enthused and Arnav knew he'd started this day off well. She grabbed one and tasted it and then frowned.
"What happened...? Are they not good? Dammit I knew I shouldn't have bothered! I'll go throw them away now." He said, he turned to go do just that when Khushi stopped him.
"Its not that." Khushi said and Arnav looked at her confused.
"Then what is it?" He asked, Khushi looked increasingly upset which was now worrying him.
"They...they...they taste better than mine." Khushi said morosely and Arnav couldn't contain his laughter. "You're laughing? I'm upset and you're laughing?!" Khushi asked getting angry. He stopped and sat his wife on the dining room table.
"Sorry Jaan, it was just your face. Anyway you should count yourself lucky I only intend on making these for you, so your Jalebi making reputation will remain intact." Arnav said, Khushi was about to protest the fact that he had subtly questioned her Jalebi making ability when he got up and kissed her forehead lightly. "Eat quickly and then get ready, we're going out." Arnav said as he walked away, Khushi who had half a Jalebi stuffed in her mouth turned around calling to her husband. "Where are we going?" Arnav paused, turned his head slightly and said, "Its a surprise." Then he continued upstairs, Khushi sat eating happily, first Jalebis, now a surprise...who knew Arnav Singh Raizada was so romantic?
Khushi got ready in a simple red saree with a gold border, she knew it was Arnav's favourite colour it was quite similar to her Diwali saree. Khushi smiled at the memory of their almost kiss that night, she understood now why it had hurt so much when Lavanya and Arnav had gotten engaged and why Arnav had been so hurt by her engagement. They both hurt each other by their actions because they loved each other, granted it took them a lot longer than it should have to realise this but Khushi blamed it on Arnav and his stubborn nature. Khushi went downstairs for the aarti and was surprised to see her usually absent husband waiting in the Raizada home mandhir for her, she stood beside him and as Anjali began the pooja she whispered to him, "Kahi mein kohi sapna toh nahi dekhree, nah?" Arnav gave a sly look to his wife.
"Shut up Khushi and pray to your Devi Maiyaa, thank her for the wonderful husband you have." He said and Khushi bit her lip to stop herself from smiling and closed her eyes thanking Devi Maiyaa from the bottom of her heart. Shyam stood in the corner eyeing the seemingly happy couple but they wouldn't be for long. Shyam looked over at Arnav with a knowing smile, he was the thorn in his path, if he got rid of Arnav all his problems would be over. Arnav was due for an outing today, he'd told Nani he'd be out of the house all day and so Shyam took the liberty to cut his brakes, tit for tat and all that. Bechara he doesn't even realise how little time he has left, even Devi Maiyaa can't save him. Anjali finished the Aarti smiling to see her brother there for once, fully aware it was all down to Khushiji. She handed out the prasad and the family made their way to the living room.
"Khushi we should go now, we'll be back later." Arnav said, Khushi nodded and began making her way out with Arnav. Shyam froze and panic rose within him.
"NO!" He suddenly shouted, Arnav and Khushi turned shocked, Arnav immediately grabbed his wife's hand reassuringly. Anjali looked at her husband both horrified and embarrassed. What was he doing?
"No what?" Arnav asked through gritted teeth. Shyam didn't know what to do.
"Meh...woh....errr...yeh...its not right for you two to go out alone when Anjali's condition is so delicate." Shyam said praying the foolish brother would stay to care for his sister.
"Arre, I'm fine, you two go." Anjali said smiling, Arnav nodded, he shot Shyam an evil look and then they departed. Shyam was petrified, if he'd have known Khushiji was going with him then he wouldn't have done that but if he admitted it now then his truth would be exposed.
Khushi and Arnav got into the car, Khushi was so excited unsure of the destination of their trip but sure it would be perfect because they were together. Arnav looked at her and moved a hair from her face and placed it behind her ear.
"You know Khushi, I'm so lucky to have you in my life." Arnav admitted and Khushi blused a deep red.
"I know, hurry up and start the car! I want to see where you're taking me." Khushi said smiling, Arnav grinned as he started the car. He pulled his sunglasses out of the glove compartment and put them on as he pulled out of the driveway, baring in mind to drive slow for Khushi.
"Don't worry Jaan, you're going to love it." He said as they drove away, unaware of the dangers that lurked in their near future.
Read more of this here.
Monday 27 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Twelve
Khushi looked at Shyam with shock and horror, how dare he approach her, Arnav had told her about the "conversation" the two had shared. Khushi could see the evidence of it on Shyam's bruised face and yet she was still more concerned that Arnav may have hurt his hand more than she was with Shyam's injuries.
"Mujhe aapse kuch nahi kehna. My husband has said everything that was needed to be said." She said as she attempted to turn away from him but he caught her hand and pulled her towards him. The anger in Khushi built, he'd already caused so much damage in her life she wouldn't let him cause any more. She looked him straight in the eyes and shoved him far away from herself, Shyam was shocked by the action.
"Khushiji-" Shyam began.
"Enough! You have caused so much pain in so many lives and yet you're still not satisfied? I have nothing to say to you because I have never, nor do I or ever will love you!" Khushi shouted at him and Shyam clenched his fist and tightened his jaw, she didn't mean it, she couldn't mean it, Arnav had obviously brainwashed her into saying this.
"You snuck your way into my life through sly means and then you attempted to ruin mine and Anjaliji's life to fulfil your horrible lust! She is pregnant, what do you still not understand? You should either be by her side and if you can't handle that then she is too good for you and you do not deserve her. But do not delude yourself for one second by assuming I will ever be with you regardless of if you're married or not. I love Arnav and Arnav alone!" Khushi said, Shyam went to grab her again and he shook her forcefully.
"Tum merhi hoon! Sirf meri!" He said whilst violently shaking Khushi, Khushi didn't know what to do until Shyam was on the floor. The impact of Arnav's fist to the side of Shyam's face was so instantaneous Khushi hadn't even registered when Arnav had made his way towards her.
"Actually she's not yours, Khushi is her own person, she always has been and she has chosen to share her life with me. So really if anyone has any right over Khushi it's me. You're nothing to her." Arnav said, he crouched down to Shyam again, "Maine kaha tah na? I would hurt you if you came near her, Arnav Singh Raizada never breaks his word, your jaw on the other hand..." He said smiling as he saw how much pain that evil man was in.
Arnav turned to see Khushi practically shaking from fear so Arnav led her away from the poolside to their room, shooting one last look at Shyam who was already on his feet, ready to leave. Arnav guided Khushi into the room and sat her down. He crouched down and sat on the floor, leaning his head against her laps, she automatically went to stroke his hair.
"Tum tik hoon na?" Arnav asked Khushi who seemed to be in a state of shock. She nodded and Arnav sat up clasping her hands in his own. "Khushi." He said softly and she melted instantly, she began to cry and Arnav immediately embraced her. She cried deeply into his waistcoat which Arnav didn't mind, he just wanted her to stop crying.
"He's never going to stop is he?" She asked looking up at Arnav with tears brimming in her eyes. Arnav wiped her face.
"Hey, hey stop Khushi. I saw you today, the way you stood up for Di and told him plainly, that took a lot of bravery. Maybe we should call you Sherni instead of Khushi, hmmm Jaan?" Arnav said, trying to lighten the situation, Khushi let out a meek laugh.
"You heard all of it?" Khushi asked.
"Every last word." Arnav said thinking of how proud he'd been seeing her stand up for herself, for his sister and of course when she said she loved Arnav and Arnav alone. Khushi hit Arnav on the chest.
"Phir tumne itnee dher kyun lagade? What if he'd done something?" Khushi asked feeling angry at the idea of Arnav letting Shyam man handle her and not do anything.
"Khushi, we still need him to admit the truth, for Di." Arnav said in a low comforting way. "We need to show her his reality." Arnav said and Khushi nodded to herself.
"I'm still angry with you though!" She said while pouting, Arnav smirked. He nuzzled his chin against her shoulder and whispered to her, "I think I can find a way for you to forgive me Jaan."
Meanwhile Shyam was applying ointment to himself in his and Anjali's room, he could hear Khushi laugh and shriek Arnav's name and it made him wish he was deaf. He'd never wanted more in his life to spill blood than he had now. But he knew Arnav was stronger, younger, quicker and more intelligent than himself. His only weakness was his sister and he had Shyam's weakness, which was undeniably Khushi. Shyam couldn't believe she didn't love him, she must have known Arnav was there and just lied. This was all the Raizada family's fault, especially Anjali and now she was having his child it just made things worse. Shyam slammed his fist against the wall.
"Yeh aap kya kare?" Anjali asked, anxiety clear on her face.
"Choriye humhe. I don't want to look at your face." Shyam said, he felt defeated and was not in the mood to play Anjali's perfect husband.
"What's wrong with you lately? Since the wedding and the news of our baby you have become so strange. You missed the doctor's appointment today." Anjali said, she had never felt so upset in her life. She'd heard their baby's heartbeat and he hadn't even bothered to show up and now he didn't want to look at her. She at least deserved a justification.
"I DON'T CARE! I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE BABY, THE DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT OR YOU!" He shouted and Anjali took a step back, she felt as though the air had been knocked out of her being, he couldn't say this, he couldn't, not her husband. Shyam realised what he'd said and immediatley began grovelling.
"I'm so sorry Rani Sahiba, work has been so stressful and I took it out on you...its not fair I know but I'm just stressed. I'm trying to get everything together for the baby and when you mentioned the baby I snapped. I'm just under a lot of pressure right now." Shyam lied, Anjali nodded though, trying to be understanding. It was in her nature to forgive such outbursts, she'd grown accustomed to them after all she was ASR's sister. But still there was a niggling feeling deep in Anjali that made her feel like something was not right.
Read other parts to this here
"Mujhe aapse kuch nahi kehna. My husband has said everything that was needed to be said." She said as she attempted to turn away from him but he caught her hand and pulled her towards him. The anger in Khushi built, he'd already caused so much damage in her life she wouldn't let him cause any more. She looked him straight in the eyes and shoved him far away from herself, Shyam was shocked by the action.
"Khushiji-" Shyam began.
"Enough! You have caused so much pain in so many lives and yet you're still not satisfied? I have nothing to say to you because I have never, nor do I or ever will love you!" Khushi shouted at him and Shyam clenched his fist and tightened his jaw, she didn't mean it, she couldn't mean it, Arnav had obviously brainwashed her into saying this.
"You snuck your way into my life through sly means and then you attempted to ruin mine and Anjaliji's life to fulfil your horrible lust! She is pregnant, what do you still not understand? You should either be by her side and if you can't handle that then she is too good for you and you do not deserve her. But do not delude yourself for one second by assuming I will ever be with you regardless of if you're married or not. I love Arnav and Arnav alone!" Khushi said, Shyam went to grab her again and he shook her forcefully.
"Tum merhi hoon! Sirf meri!" He said whilst violently shaking Khushi, Khushi didn't know what to do until Shyam was on the floor. The impact of Arnav's fist to the side of Shyam's face was so instantaneous Khushi hadn't even registered when Arnav had made his way towards her.
"Actually she's not yours, Khushi is her own person, she always has been and she has chosen to share her life with me. So really if anyone has any right over Khushi it's me. You're nothing to her." Arnav said, he crouched down to Shyam again, "Maine kaha tah na? I would hurt you if you came near her, Arnav Singh Raizada never breaks his word, your jaw on the other hand..." He said smiling as he saw how much pain that evil man was in.
Arnav turned to see Khushi practically shaking from fear so Arnav led her away from the poolside to their room, shooting one last look at Shyam who was already on his feet, ready to leave. Arnav guided Khushi into the room and sat her down. He crouched down and sat on the floor, leaning his head against her laps, she automatically went to stroke his hair.
"Tum tik hoon na?" Arnav asked Khushi who seemed to be in a state of shock. She nodded and Arnav sat up clasping her hands in his own. "Khushi." He said softly and she melted instantly, she began to cry and Arnav immediately embraced her. She cried deeply into his waistcoat which Arnav didn't mind, he just wanted her to stop crying.
"He's never going to stop is he?" She asked looking up at Arnav with tears brimming in her eyes. Arnav wiped her face.
"Hey, hey stop Khushi. I saw you today, the way you stood up for Di and told him plainly, that took a lot of bravery. Maybe we should call you Sherni instead of Khushi, hmmm Jaan?" Arnav said, trying to lighten the situation, Khushi let out a meek laugh.
"You heard all of it?" Khushi asked.
"Every last word." Arnav said thinking of how proud he'd been seeing her stand up for herself, for his sister and of course when she said she loved Arnav and Arnav alone. Khushi hit Arnav on the chest.
"Phir tumne itnee dher kyun lagade? What if he'd done something?" Khushi asked feeling angry at the idea of Arnav letting Shyam man handle her and not do anything.
"Khushi, we still need him to admit the truth, for Di." Arnav said in a low comforting way. "We need to show her his reality." Arnav said and Khushi nodded to herself.
"I'm still angry with you though!" She said while pouting, Arnav smirked. He nuzzled his chin against her shoulder and whispered to her, "I think I can find a way for you to forgive me Jaan."
Meanwhile Shyam was applying ointment to himself in his and Anjali's room, he could hear Khushi laugh and shriek Arnav's name and it made him wish he was deaf. He'd never wanted more in his life to spill blood than he had now. But he knew Arnav was stronger, younger, quicker and more intelligent than himself. His only weakness was his sister and he had Shyam's weakness, which was undeniably Khushi. Shyam couldn't believe she didn't love him, she must have known Arnav was there and just lied. This was all the Raizada family's fault, especially Anjali and now she was having his child it just made things worse. Shyam slammed his fist against the wall.
"Yeh aap kya kare?" Anjali asked, anxiety clear on her face.
"Choriye humhe. I don't want to look at your face." Shyam said, he felt defeated and was not in the mood to play Anjali's perfect husband.
"What's wrong with you lately? Since the wedding and the news of our baby you have become so strange. You missed the doctor's appointment today." Anjali said, she had never felt so upset in her life. She'd heard their baby's heartbeat and he hadn't even bothered to show up and now he didn't want to look at her. She at least deserved a justification.
"I DON'T CARE! I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE BABY, THE DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT OR YOU!" He shouted and Anjali took a step back, she felt as though the air had been knocked out of her being, he couldn't say this, he couldn't, not her husband. Shyam realised what he'd said and immediatley began grovelling.
"I'm so sorry Rani Sahiba, work has been so stressful and I took it out on you...its not fair I know but I'm just stressed. I'm trying to get everything together for the baby and when you mentioned the baby I snapped. I'm just under a lot of pressure right now." Shyam lied, Anjali nodded though, trying to be understanding. It was in her nature to forgive such outbursts, she'd grown accustomed to them after all she was ASR's sister. But still there was a niggling feeling deep in Anjali that made her feel like something was not right.
Read other parts to this here
Friday 24 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Eleven
Khushi woke up in Arnav's arms comfortable and content, she looked up at her sleeping Bholuji and smiled. She never realised how in love with him she had been. Not until last night, they spent most of the night afterwards talking while in each others comforting embrace. He told her about his childhood, how his mother had died, Anjali's first marriage broke, they were thrown out onto the streets and how Arnav had to fight to get to the position where he is now. Khushi had begun to understand why he was so hard hearted last night, it was because the world had made him that way, he wasn't always this cold, menacing and distant person. He was warm, caring and capable of love he just pushed it away as he had it in his head that these things would weaken his resolve. Arnav believed that happiness was so fleeting that there was no point in attempting to search for it, that was until he met Khushi, he'd laughed at that how he didn't search for happiness but found Khushi. Arnav also asked more about Khushi and so she told him about how her real parents were, from the hazy memory she had of them and then spoke of how Garima and Shashi had taken her in and how it was strange at first but slowly she got used to them and they grew on her and now she loved them as though they'd always been her family. Arnav never realised how painful a childhood Khushi had actually had until she went into detail about the accident that killed her parents. He had gripped her tight when she spoke of it, he wanted to protect her even from the memory of that pain. That night Arnav and Khushi pushed past the stubbornness, the confusion and the walls and finally just allowed each other to love one another. Khushi could not have been happier. She got out of the bed and sat up, tying her hair up to get it out of her face.
"Your hair looks better out." Arnav muttered into his pillow. Khushi smiled and turned around.
"Ucha babba! I'll wear my hair out atleast let me get ready!" Khushi said as she moved to get up but Arnav grasped onto her wrist pulling her down onto the bed and then rolling on top of her, pinning her down.
"Arnavji yeh tum kya karre ho?" Khushi asked blushing bright red. Arnav smiled.
"Yeh Arnavji, Arnavji kya lagake raaka hai?" He asked and Khushi looked confused.
"What do you mean? I've always called you Arnavji, its your name." Khushi said matter of factly.
"That's not what you were saying last night." Arnav said with a grin, Khushi's blush worsened.
"Choriye humhe, mujhe ready hona hai." She said, avoiding his prying stare. Arnav let go of her and Khushi scampered off the bed.
"I'm letting you go for now Mrs. Raizada, but remember you're mine for seven lives." He said, Khushi blushed and headed to the bathroom.
Arnav and Khushi's new found love was identifiable to anyone with eyes, everyone at the breakfast table could see how Arnav never averted his gaze from Khushi's face as well as how Khushi would take sly glances at Arnav but then become shy and look away. Anjali had never seen Chotte smile so much since they were kids, even then she never saw him smile for as long as this. Unfortunately Shyam noticed also, Anjali had asked him about his injury and made her usual annoying drama, Shyam lied and said that he was helping an old man who some men were attempting to mug. It sounded better than "Your brother hit me because I love his wife." Anjali had proceeded to try to take him to the doctor's or help him herself but he refused harshly saying that "There's no need to create a scene, I'm not a child." This hurt Anjali deeply, she truly didn't understand what she had done to deserve such cold behaviour from her usually loving husband. She began to doubt the strength in their relationship. Shyam was seething, he couldn't eat because he felt so sick at the sight of them. How could Khushiji betray him? She had to be acting, she couldn't really love him, who would love him? These thoughts circled round and round in Shyam's mind but he couldn't seem to find a resolve to his problems. He needed to speak to Khushiji urgently and he needed to confront her about this. Arnav and Khushi had completely fogotten about Shyam as they got up from the table, Khushi was heading into the kitchen to make tea for everyone and Arnav followed her, unashamed he thought to himself, "What are they going to do, we're married after all. Khushi had put the tea onto boil when Arnav wrapped his arms around her from behind making Khushi jump slightly.
"What are you doing Arnav?" Khushi asked as Arnav began kissing her neck, moving steadily upwards. "Someone will see, stop it." Khsuhi said trying (not very hard) to get out of his grip.
"Let them see, after all Maine Pyar Kiya in the words of your favourite Salman Khan." Arnav said in a slightly jealous way that made Khushi laugh.
"Okay you've fallen in love, woh toh tik hai but I have to make tea, so out!"She said pushing him away and Arnav feigned offence.
"This isn't over Khushi." He said to her as he walked out and Khushi grinned to herself sure it wouldn't.
Arnav was nowhere to be seen when Khushi was giving out the tea, Khushi couldn't help but worry where he'd gotten to. She was beginning to panic over the idea that Arnav had decided to avoid her all day like he did on the Mehendi day, she had never been so afraid in all her life as she had when she thought something had happened to him. She looked down at her hands smiling at the "A" in her mehendi patterns, Devi Maiya knew all along. Khushi shook her head and turned to Anjali.
"Di, do you know where Arnav is?" She asked and Anjali noted how she'd stopped saying "ji" and smiled to herself.
"He said he had some work, he's probably by the poolside." Anjali said and Khushi nodded picking up one cup of tea as she headed to the poolside. She walked down the steps and saw a figure standing by the pool but it didn't match her husband's silhouette. She walked closer to make sure and she was certain it wasn't him, she was about to leave when the figure clawed at her wrist causing the tea to spill and the cup to smash. Khushi turned wide eyed and panicked as Shyam gripped her arms tightly in his philthy grip.
"Khushiji, we need to talk."
Read other parts to this here.
"Your hair looks better out." Arnav muttered into his pillow. Khushi smiled and turned around.
"Ucha babba! I'll wear my hair out atleast let me get ready!" Khushi said as she moved to get up but Arnav grasped onto her wrist pulling her down onto the bed and then rolling on top of her, pinning her down.
"Arnavji yeh tum kya karre ho?" Khushi asked blushing bright red. Arnav smiled.
"Yeh Arnavji, Arnavji kya lagake raaka hai?" He asked and Khushi looked confused.
"What do you mean? I've always called you Arnavji, its your name." Khushi said matter of factly.
"That's not what you were saying last night." Arnav said with a grin, Khushi's blush worsened.
"Choriye humhe, mujhe ready hona hai." She said, avoiding his prying stare. Arnav let go of her and Khushi scampered off the bed.
"I'm letting you go for now Mrs. Raizada, but remember you're mine for seven lives." He said, Khushi blushed and headed to the bathroom.
Arnav and Khushi's new found love was identifiable to anyone with eyes, everyone at the breakfast table could see how Arnav never averted his gaze from Khushi's face as well as how Khushi would take sly glances at Arnav but then become shy and look away. Anjali had never seen Chotte smile so much since they were kids, even then she never saw him smile for as long as this. Unfortunately Shyam noticed also, Anjali had asked him about his injury and made her usual annoying drama, Shyam lied and said that he was helping an old man who some men were attempting to mug. It sounded better than "Your brother hit me because I love his wife." Anjali had proceeded to try to take him to the doctor's or help him herself but he refused harshly saying that "There's no need to create a scene, I'm not a child." This hurt Anjali deeply, she truly didn't understand what she had done to deserve such cold behaviour from her usually loving husband. She began to doubt the strength in their relationship. Shyam was seething, he couldn't eat because he felt so sick at the sight of them. How could Khushiji betray him? She had to be acting, she couldn't really love him, who would love him? These thoughts circled round and round in Shyam's mind but he couldn't seem to find a resolve to his problems. He needed to speak to Khushiji urgently and he needed to confront her about this. Arnav and Khushi had completely fogotten about Shyam as they got up from the table, Khushi was heading into the kitchen to make tea for everyone and Arnav followed her, unashamed he thought to himself, "What are they going to do, we're married after all. Khushi had put the tea onto boil when Arnav wrapped his arms around her from behind making Khushi jump slightly.
"What are you doing Arnav?" Khushi asked as Arnav began kissing her neck, moving steadily upwards. "Someone will see, stop it." Khsuhi said trying (not very hard) to get out of his grip.
"Let them see, after all Maine Pyar Kiya in the words of your favourite Salman Khan." Arnav said in a slightly jealous way that made Khushi laugh.
"Okay you've fallen in love, woh toh tik hai but I have to make tea, so out!"She said pushing him away and Arnav feigned offence.
"This isn't over Khushi." He said to her as he walked out and Khushi grinned to herself sure it wouldn't.
Arnav was nowhere to be seen when Khushi was giving out the tea, Khushi couldn't help but worry where he'd gotten to. She was beginning to panic over the idea that Arnav had decided to avoid her all day like he did on the Mehendi day, she had never been so afraid in all her life as she had when she thought something had happened to him. She looked down at her hands smiling at the "A" in her mehendi patterns, Devi Maiya knew all along. Khushi shook her head and turned to Anjali.
"Di, do you know where Arnav is?" She asked and Anjali noted how she'd stopped saying "ji" and smiled to herself.
"He said he had some work, he's probably by the poolside." Anjali said and Khushi nodded picking up one cup of tea as she headed to the poolside. She walked down the steps and saw a figure standing by the pool but it didn't match her husband's silhouette. She walked closer to make sure and she was certain it wasn't him, she was about to leave when the figure clawed at her wrist causing the tea to spill and the cup to smash. Khushi turned wide eyed and panicked as Shyam gripped her arms tightly in his philthy grip.
"Khushiji, we need to talk."
Read other parts to this here.
Thursday 23 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Ten
Arnav had waited all day to speak to Shyam. He strode into Di's room to find Shyam alone, Di had gone to the mandhir with Naniji for a special night pooja that was meant to be good for expecting mothers. So Arnav could express exactly what he thought of this low life without having Di overhear. Shyam looked up and saw Arnav stood in front of him, his hands balled up in fists and his eyes wild with anger.
"Oh its you, mujhe laga ki woh tumhare behen aaye thi mera dhimaak khaane." Shyam said in a blasé manner. Arnav grabbed Shyam by the shirt and pulled him up and Shyam continued to grin in the face of Arnav's anger.
"Calm down, if you get too carried away and hit me, what will your sister say?" Shyam asked sarcastically, he was about to start laughing when Arnav's fist came crashing down on Shyam's jaw. The impact was so forceful Shyam fell to the ground, the pain crippled him and oozed throughout his being. Arnav saw as Shyam whined and whimpered and couldn't help but see how truly pathetic he was. Arnav crouched down to talk to Shyam.
"If I see you near my wife again, I'll do a lot worse than this. You can explain to Di why her brother hit you. You can explain how you were spying on her brother and sister-in-law. You can explain how you are obsessed with her brother's wife and don't love her. Or you could just throw out another of your sorry ass lies and Di will believe you because she loves you. The sooner you realise you and Khushi are over, the better. Because I promise you this, you cannot touch, talk, think or even look at my wife, if you do anything that upsets her I will hurt you." Arnav paused and grabbed Shyam's jaw which was swollen and turning blue and purple. "And it will hurt more than this." He pushed Shyam's face to the ground and walked out. Shyam lay there fuming, how dare he? How dare Arnav get between him and Khushiji? She was his and only his. He just needed to get her to admit it...
Khushi waited in hers and Arnavji's bedroom worried and anxious she sat on the bed playing with her pallu, Arnavji had told her not to worry but when he stormed off like that...how could she not? He'd been avoiding her the whole day. If she went into the living room he went out, if she was in their room he wouldn't be and at dinner he ate after Khushi had. It was as if he refused to come near her until he'd spoken with Shyam but he'd stayed close enough to ensure Shyam wouldn't come near, Khushi couldn't help but be curious about what he was saying to Shyam. The door flung open and Arnav threw his jumper off feeling angry and irritated, who was he? Who was that slime ball to say that about his Di? What right did he have to even think about his wife let alone be in any close proximity to her. He unbuttoned his shirt and threw it off as well, the heat of his anger seared through his entire being and he needed to feel the air and cool down. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Khushi, her brow furrowed and lips pursed.
"I was calling your name and you weren't answering...tum tik ho nah?" She asked her husband who felt about ready to crumble, he pulled her towards himself and enveloped her in his arms.
"Khushi tum meri ho nah? Please just say your mine. Mine and only mine." Arnav said pain ebbed from his every word. Khushi wrapped her arms around his and nodded a tear fell from her eyes as she could feel how much pain he was in.
"Yes, I'm yours." She said and Arnav lifted his head and kissed Khushi desperately as if he felt that their time together was limited to that moment. Arnav felt like everyday they were married only drew them closer to the day she'd leave him. But he didn't want to think of that, he didn't want to be responsible, he didn't want to think of Di, her baby, Shyam or any of the family he just wanted to be alone with Khushi in their world. Far from everyone, free of all their problems and contracts. He just wanted to be with her for himself. He broke away from Khushi worried that this could go too far when she pulled him back closer and Arnav looked confused.
"Arnavji...I...I love you." Khushi whispered with a tear in her eyes. "I love you, I am your wife and we are married and I love you. I know you love me. Please tell me you love me." Khushi said the tears streaming down her face.
Arnav couldn't bare to see her cry and especially not over him, he kissed her tears away and stroked her neck, down her back to her spine and then he loosened the strings on the back of her blouse. Khushi gasped slightly and Arnav's hand froze but she didn't object. He unravelled her saree slowly, all the while he looked into her eyes and she into his. There was an intensity that drew the two together, it always had and now they were going to be together the way they knew they should. Arnav looked upon his wife in all her natural glory and she looked at him, he lead her to the bed and began to kiss her, on her neck, on her mouth and all the other places Arnav had only dreamed of before this moment. Khushi readied herself to leave her innocent life and become a new person, the person who Arnav Singh Raizada loved and cared for. The woman he was willing to do anything for, she was more than ready for this. Arnav was definitley ready for this as was obvious from certain biological reactions but he wanted to make sure Khushi was sure.
"Khushi are you sure?" He said in a raspy voice. Khushi stroked his cheek and Arnav closed his eyes enjoying her every touch.
"Yes." She said, he kissed her softly on her lips
and then whispered in her ear. "I love you Jaan." he said as he stroked her body, Khushi gripped onto Arnav's shoulders and in that instant their bodies moulded together and moved in ways Khushi couldn't even imagine. She dug her nails into Arnav's back holding back the desire to moan, Arnav was not happy with that though. He began to act in a more passionate way until Khushi moaned his name over and over again just saying "Arnav" the "ji" had been lost as their connection had deepened. Arnav whispered sweet nothings in Khushi's ear in return, "I love you Jaan.". Khushi was in awe at how many times Arnav had proclaimed his love for her in this short time, soon it was over and Arnav lay on Khushi's stomach unwilling to separate from her just yet. She stroked his hair gently and he caressed her stomach. Khushi felt a warm happy feeling inside, she was content and she was whole, she knew Arnavji felt the same as he began to open up to her.
"You know Khushi I have been with women before in my life, after all you knew my reputation before we got married." Arnav said and Khushi felt a little sting at the idea of others having been this intimate with her husband but she allowed him to continue. "But I never realised that it could feel this way, I've never felt so connected to anyone." He sat up, resting on the crook of his elbow. He looked up at Khushi and swept some of her hair behind her ear and cupped her face in her hands. "All my life I ran away from love thinking it was for the weak, when today you made me realise how strong it can make you." Khushi smiled at him and stopped herself from crying happy tears, she'd cried enough already, now it was time for her and Arnavji to be happy.
Read other parts to this here.
"Oh its you, mujhe laga ki woh tumhare behen aaye thi mera dhimaak khaane." Shyam said in a blasé manner. Arnav grabbed Shyam by the shirt and pulled him up and Shyam continued to grin in the face of Arnav's anger.
"Calm down, if you get too carried away and hit me, what will your sister say?" Shyam asked sarcastically, he was about to start laughing when Arnav's fist came crashing down on Shyam's jaw. The impact was so forceful Shyam fell to the ground, the pain crippled him and oozed throughout his being. Arnav saw as Shyam whined and whimpered and couldn't help but see how truly pathetic he was. Arnav crouched down to talk to Shyam.
"If I see you near my wife again, I'll do a lot worse than this. You can explain to Di why her brother hit you. You can explain how you were spying on her brother and sister-in-law. You can explain how you are obsessed with her brother's wife and don't love her. Or you could just throw out another of your sorry ass lies and Di will believe you because she loves you. The sooner you realise you and Khushi are over, the better. Because I promise you this, you cannot touch, talk, think or even look at my wife, if you do anything that upsets her I will hurt you." Arnav paused and grabbed Shyam's jaw which was swollen and turning blue and purple. "And it will hurt more than this." He pushed Shyam's face to the ground and walked out. Shyam lay there fuming, how dare he? How dare Arnav get between him and Khushiji? She was his and only his. He just needed to get her to admit it...
Khushi waited in hers and Arnavji's bedroom worried and anxious she sat on the bed playing with her pallu, Arnavji had told her not to worry but when he stormed off like that...how could she not? He'd been avoiding her the whole day. If she went into the living room he went out, if she was in their room he wouldn't be and at dinner he ate after Khushi had. It was as if he refused to come near her until he'd spoken with Shyam but he'd stayed close enough to ensure Shyam wouldn't come near, Khushi couldn't help but be curious about what he was saying to Shyam. The door flung open and Arnav threw his jumper off feeling angry and irritated, who was he? Who was that slime ball to say that about his Di? What right did he have to even think about his wife let alone be in any close proximity to her. He unbuttoned his shirt and threw it off as well, the heat of his anger seared through his entire being and he needed to feel the air and cool down. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Khushi, her brow furrowed and lips pursed.
"I was calling your name and you weren't answering...tum tik ho nah?" She asked her husband who felt about ready to crumble, he pulled her towards himself and enveloped her in his arms.
"Khushi tum meri ho nah? Please just say your mine. Mine and only mine." Arnav said pain ebbed from his every word. Khushi wrapped her arms around his and nodded a tear fell from her eyes as she could feel how much pain he was in.
"Yes, I'm yours." She said and Arnav lifted his head and kissed Khushi desperately as if he felt that their time together was limited to that moment. Arnav felt like everyday they were married only drew them closer to the day she'd leave him. But he didn't want to think of that, he didn't want to be responsible, he didn't want to think of Di, her baby, Shyam or any of the family he just wanted to be alone with Khushi in their world. Far from everyone, free of all their problems and contracts. He just wanted to be with her for himself. He broke away from Khushi worried that this could go too far when she pulled him back closer and Arnav looked confused.
"Arnavji...I...I love you." Khushi whispered with a tear in her eyes. "I love you, I am your wife and we are married and I love you. I know you love me. Please tell me you love me." Khushi said the tears streaming down her face.
Arnav couldn't bare to see her cry and especially not over him, he kissed her tears away and stroked her neck, down her back to her spine and then he loosened the strings on the back of her blouse. Khushi gasped slightly and Arnav's hand froze but she didn't object. He unravelled her saree slowly, all the while he looked into her eyes and she into his. There was an intensity that drew the two together, it always had and now they were going to be together the way they knew they should. Arnav looked upon his wife in all her natural glory and she looked at him, he lead her to the bed and began to kiss her, on her neck, on her mouth and all the other places Arnav had only dreamed of before this moment. Khushi readied herself to leave her innocent life and become a new person, the person who Arnav Singh Raizada loved and cared for. The woman he was willing to do anything for, she was more than ready for this. Arnav was definitley ready for this as was obvious from certain biological reactions but he wanted to make sure Khushi was sure.
"Khushi are you sure?" He said in a raspy voice. Khushi stroked his cheek and Arnav closed his eyes enjoying her every touch.
"Yes." She said, he kissed her softly on her lips
and then whispered in her ear. "I love you Jaan." he said as he stroked her body, Khushi gripped onto Arnav's shoulders and in that instant their bodies moulded together and moved in ways Khushi couldn't even imagine. She dug her nails into Arnav's back holding back the desire to moan, Arnav was not happy with that though. He began to act in a more passionate way until Khushi moaned his name over and over again just saying "Arnav" the "ji" had been lost as their connection had deepened. Arnav whispered sweet nothings in Khushi's ear in return, "I love you Jaan.". Khushi was in awe at how many times Arnav had proclaimed his love for her in this short time, soon it was over and Arnav lay on Khushi's stomach unwilling to separate from her just yet. She stroked his hair gently and he caressed her stomach. Khushi felt a warm happy feeling inside, she was content and she was whole, she knew Arnavji felt the same as he began to open up to her.
"You know Khushi I have been with women before in my life, after all you knew my reputation before we got married." Arnav said and Khushi felt a little sting at the idea of others having been this intimate with her husband but she allowed him to continue. "But I never realised that it could feel this way, I've never felt so connected to anyone." He sat up, resting on the crook of his elbow. He looked up at Khushi and swept some of her hair behind her ear and cupped her face in her hands. "All my life I ran away from love thinking it was for the weak, when today you made me realise how strong it can make you." Khushi smiled at him and stopped herself from crying happy tears, she'd cried enough already, now it was time for her and Arnavji to be happy.
Read other parts to this here.
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Nine
Khushi woke up cradled in Arnavji's arms, at first she was alarmed to be in anyone's arms but when she realised she was in her husband's arms she relaxed. She didn't feel like getting up, she looked up at his peaceful face, she hadn't ever seen him look that relaxed in all the time she'd known him. She began to attempt to ease her way out of Arnav's arms when he groaned, rolled over and pinned her down. Khushi's eyes widened and she was about to tell him to get off when she realised he was still asleep. She smiled slightly, closed her eyes and raised his arm gently off her and dropped it onto his side. Arnav's head was resting on Khushi's stomach and she began to slide out of the bed, her face in a squinted and contorted expression as she prayed that he wouldn't get up. Khushi managed to wriggle out but Arnav's head hit the bed suddenly and the impact made him wake up.
"What the-?" Arnav groaned, only half conscious. Khushi smiled to herself, even barely awake he couldn't help but say that, maybe he started everyday with it. Khushi carried on looking at her husband as his hands searched the bed for something, she assumed her, she stayed very quiet as she watched him register she wasn't in the bed and then his eyes flew open and he sat up.
"Khushi?" He said worrying she'd gone somewhere, or he'd imagined last night, or and this thought terrified him most Shyam had done something. Khushi began to laugh unable to control herself and Arnav turned to his side to see her stood there, amused and laughing at him. He immediately felt foolish for even worrying about her, then if something had happened to her she'd come crying to him. He threw the duvet off and stormed over to his wardrobe to pull out something to wear.
"Samajdi kya apne aap ko?" Arnav muttered to himself. Khushi felt bad almost instantly after seeing his reaction. She went to the wardrobe to pull out a saree, Arnav made room for her but didn't look at her. Khushi smiled as she decided on a way to improve his mood.
"Arnavji." She said and he exhaled deeply.
"Yes Khushi." He said still rifling through his clothes.
"Aapko yeh saree yaad hain?" She said waving her jade green saree from the sangeet in his face. He didn't want to smile, that would mean Khushi had gotten away with laughing at him but the memory of that night caused a twitch of his lips that formed a smile.
"Haasa toh paasa." Khushi said smiling pulling out a deep blue saree as she began to run to the bathroom. Arnav grabbed her arm determined not to let her go that easily. He placed her against their wardrobe and bore his eyes down upon her. She was looking down, Arnav raised his finger to her chin and forced her to look directly into his eyes as she had done last night, before Shyam had interrupted them. Khushi wasn't sure if this was another of his games and she was very aware that everyone would be waiting for her downstairs to do the aarti.
"Arnavji...yeh...aap." She said breathlessly. He pulled her body so her body was directly against his own, he smiled and Khushi's cheeks flamed a deep red. Arnav brushed his lips against her neck and Khushi gasped. Arnav looked up seeing the shock in her wide eyed expression. He continued up her neck to her cheek and then arrived at her mouth. Khushi had been waiting a while for this, since Diwali realistically, it was Arnav's favourite game. She looked up into his eyes and new in that instant that this was another of them, Arnav smiled wickedly. He moved his lips to her ear and whispered, "Itne aasani se mein tumhe chorne wala nahin hoon, Khushi Singh Raizada." Arnav said, he let her go and walked straight into the bathroom, leaving Khushi stood there grasping her saree as a slight annoyance bubbled within her.
"We'll see about that." Khushi said aloud, knowing Arnav was out of hearing range now.
Khushi arrived at the breakfast table after everyone as Arnav had decided to take a long shower today, Khushi showered in Jiji's bathroom after becoming fed up with waiting for Arnavji to get out. He was sat at the table looking very smug with himself and Khushi knew it was because of their exchange earlier. She took her seat beside him and Nani commented about how they should do something formal to officially celebrate Arnav and Khushi's wedding, Anjali Di suggested a party and Nani liked the idea of that and Khushi saw her entry to get back at Arnavji.
"Party? Aagar mere paathi neh iss party ki planning ki toh saare mehemaan sojayenge." Khushi said in a bored tone, she looked to her side and saw Arnav choke on his tea. She hid a smirk. "Akashji, tumhe yaad hai na? Your party that Arnav organised was so boring until NK and I made it fun!" Khushi said and Akash was nodding as well as laughing at the memory of that awful party, well until Khushi Bhabi had come along. Arnav stared at Akash until he stopped.
"Well excuse me Madam for not wanting to bring the circus to town every excuse I get!" Arnav retorted and Khushi gave him an evil look.
"Toh mein kya kohi cartoon hain?" Khushi asked him and Arnav nodded.
"Tum cartoon se kum nahi meri jaan." Arnav said as he stroked her cheek lovingly, Khushi didn't know whether to be offended or whether she should swoon at his loving touch.
Shyam was watching as Arnav and Khushi teased one another, laughing, joking and touching...it made him sick!
"Enough! Aap dono ko koi sharam hai yah nahin? Hum yahan kaane ayein hoon, tum dono ki prem kahani dekhne nahi!" Shyam said as he stood up throwing his arms in the air. Anjali had been laughing with her brother and Khushiji until this moment, she really didn't know what had happened to her husband, since the wedding he'd been rude, snappish and very angry. She began feeling upset but also angry. Everyone was happy now, why did he keep causing conflicts when he knew she didn't like it.
"Yeh aap kya kehre hai? Khushi and Arnav are only doing what most couples do in fact what we do." Anjali said, Arnav noted his sister pointing out a flaw in her husband and was happy for it, she was beginning to unravel the truth about her husband. That made Arnav feel very happy he knew it would take time but she'd get there.
"Rani Sahiba, meh toh baas-" Shyam began to argue back when Anjali raised her hand.
"Baas. If you don't want to sit here with us then you can feel free to eat upstairs where none of us will disturb you." Anjali said defiantly. Shyam looked enraged, he stormed out of the house all together, Naniji began to leacture Anjali about how she shouldn't have done that but Anjali didn't take much notice, he was her husband and he was behaving in the wrong way and it was her job to set him straight. Khushi felt uncomfortable for a while after Shyam had left until Naniji bought up the party again.
"Naniji mein cartoon lagti hoon kya?" Khushi said pouting and Naniji shook her head but was laughing at the same time, soon the whole table was laughing even Lakshmi was bleeting. Khushi pouted and turned away from them all. Naniji leaned over to Arnav.
"Chotte woh routgaye, jao usko manao." Naniji whispered and Arnav smiled. He stood up and walked over to her, crouching on his knees so he could look up at her, she looked bemused as to why he was over here when he put a hand on her cheek.
"Khushi tum cartoon jaisi nahi lagti." Arnav said softly, Khushi threw his hand away, aware he couldn't be rude in front of his family and she planned on taking full advantage of that fact. Arnav sighed and placed his hand there again. "Jaan." He said softly and Khushi's heart began to melt, did he just call her "Jaan." She looked up. "Main?" Khushi asked slightly bemused. Arnav nodded.
"Tum to meri Jaan hoon, isilye cartoon nahi meri jaan sahiye." He said and Khushi had completely melted. "Do you forgive me?" He asked, she was aware he hadn't apologised and he had embaressed her in front of everyone and now was doing all this in front of everyone but she couldn't help it, she nodded. Arnav went back to his seat everyone at the table were attempting to hide their grins from Arnav and Khushi who didn't really care, they had interlocked hands underneath the table and were in their own little world. Khushi glanced slyly towards Arnavji who was looking at her with pure love. Khushi felt so blessed at that moment.
When everyone was immersed in party planning, Arnav got up pulling Khushi with him, Naniji had spotted them leave as had Anjaliji but they both stayed quiet knowing that they needed their time alone. Arnav pulled her to the poolside and cornered her once more.
"You're looking very beautiful today Jaan." He said breathlessly, leaning in so that their bodies were pressed up against one another.
"Yeh Jaan, Jaan kya hai?" Khushi said in response.
"Kyun? If I can be a laad governor to you can't you be my Jaan, Jaan?" He asked and Khushi blushed looking down. Arnav slid his hand around her waist and placed the other against her cheek. Khushi knew what he was doing, he was playing his game again. She got ready for him to pull away and make a sarcastic comment as he left...but he didn't his lips touched hers waiting for hers to part. Khushi exhaled slightly and then gave into the kiss. At first Arnav kissed her softly and slowly as if intending to seem gentle. But as the kiss continued he became more passionate feeling the need to draw in every inch of Khushi there and then but she pulled away. Arnav looked at her confused and she whispered.
"Kohi humhe dekhra hai." Arnav looked around and saw as Shyam fled the scene of the crime. Arnav groaned deeply, would it be so hard to have one intimate moment with Khushi without that b*stard being around! He looked at Khushi and kissed her forehead.
"I'll deal with this, you don't worry Jaan." He said as he strode away purposefully, his heart full of love and his blood full of rage.
Read other parts to this here.
"What the-?" Arnav groaned, only half conscious. Khushi smiled to herself, even barely awake he couldn't help but say that, maybe he started everyday with it. Khushi carried on looking at her husband as his hands searched the bed for something, she assumed her, she stayed very quiet as she watched him register she wasn't in the bed and then his eyes flew open and he sat up.
"Khushi?" He said worrying she'd gone somewhere, or he'd imagined last night, or and this thought terrified him most Shyam had done something. Khushi began to laugh unable to control herself and Arnav turned to his side to see her stood there, amused and laughing at him. He immediately felt foolish for even worrying about her, then if something had happened to her she'd come crying to him. He threw the duvet off and stormed over to his wardrobe to pull out something to wear.
"Samajdi kya apne aap ko?" Arnav muttered to himself. Khushi felt bad almost instantly after seeing his reaction. She went to the wardrobe to pull out a saree, Arnav made room for her but didn't look at her. Khushi smiled as she decided on a way to improve his mood.
"Arnavji." She said and he exhaled deeply.
"Yes Khushi." He said still rifling through his clothes.
"Aapko yeh saree yaad hain?" She said waving her jade green saree from the sangeet in his face. He didn't want to smile, that would mean Khushi had gotten away with laughing at him but the memory of that night caused a twitch of his lips that formed a smile.
"Haasa toh paasa." Khushi said smiling pulling out a deep blue saree as she began to run to the bathroom. Arnav grabbed her arm determined not to let her go that easily. He placed her against their wardrobe and bore his eyes down upon her. She was looking down, Arnav raised his finger to her chin and forced her to look directly into his eyes as she had done last night, before Shyam had interrupted them. Khushi wasn't sure if this was another of his games and she was very aware that everyone would be waiting for her downstairs to do the aarti.
"Arnavji...yeh...aap." She said breathlessly. He pulled her body so her body was directly against his own, he smiled and Khushi's cheeks flamed a deep red. Arnav brushed his lips against her neck and Khushi gasped. Arnav looked up seeing the shock in her wide eyed expression. He continued up her neck to her cheek and then arrived at her mouth. Khushi had been waiting a while for this, since Diwali realistically, it was Arnav's favourite game. She looked up into his eyes and new in that instant that this was another of them, Arnav smiled wickedly. He moved his lips to her ear and whispered, "Itne aasani se mein tumhe chorne wala nahin hoon, Khushi Singh Raizada." Arnav said, he let her go and walked straight into the bathroom, leaving Khushi stood there grasping her saree as a slight annoyance bubbled within her.
"We'll see about that." Khushi said aloud, knowing Arnav was out of hearing range now.
Khushi arrived at the breakfast table after everyone as Arnav had decided to take a long shower today, Khushi showered in Jiji's bathroom after becoming fed up with waiting for Arnavji to get out. He was sat at the table looking very smug with himself and Khushi knew it was because of their exchange earlier. She took her seat beside him and Nani commented about how they should do something formal to officially celebrate Arnav and Khushi's wedding, Anjali Di suggested a party and Nani liked the idea of that and Khushi saw her entry to get back at Arnavji.
"Party? Aagar mere paathi neh iss party ki planning ki toh saare mehemaan sojayenge." Khushi said in a bored tone, she looked to her side and saw Arnav choke on his tea. She hid a smirk. "Akashji, tumhe yaad hai na? Your party that Arnav organised was so boring until NK and I made it fun!" Khushi said and Akash was nodding as well as laughing at the memory of that awful party, well until Khushi Bhabi had come along. Arnav stared at Akash until he stopped.
"Well excuse me Madam for not wanting to bring the circus to town every excuse I get!" Arnav retorted and Khushi gave him an evil look.
"Toh mein kya kohi cartoon hain?" Khushi asked him and Arnav nodded.
"Tum cartoon se kum nahi meri jaan." Arnav said as he stroked her cheek lovingly, Khushi didn't know whether to be offended or whether she should swoon at his loving touch.
Shyam was watching as Arnav and Khushi teased one another, laughing, joking and touching...it made him sick!
"Enough! Aap dono ko koi sharam hai yah nahin? Hum yahan kaane ayein hoon, tum dono ki prem kahani dekhne nahi!" Shyam said as he stood up throwing his arms in the air. Anjali had been laughing with her brother and Khushiji until this moment, she really didn't know what had happened to her husband, since the wedding he'd been rude, snappish and very angry. She began feeling upset but also angry. Everyone was happy now, why did he keep causing conflicts when he knew she didn't like it.
"Yeh aap kya kehre hai? Khushi and Arnav are only doing what most couples do in fact what we do." Anjali said, Arnav noted his sister pointing out a flaw in her husband and was happy for it, she was beginning to unravel the truth about her husband. That made Arnav feel very happy he knew it would take time but she'd get there.
"Rani Sahiba, meh toh baas-" Shyam began to argue back when Anjali raised her hand.
"Baas. If you don't want to sit here with us then you can feel free to eat upstairs where none of us will disturb you." Anjali said defiantly. Shyam looked enraged, he stormed out of the house all together, Naniji began to leacture Anjali about how she shouldn't have done that but Anjali didn't take much notice, he was her husband and he was behaving in the wrong way and it was her job to set him straight. Khushi felt uncomfortable for a while after Shyam had left until Naniji bought up the party again.
"Naniji mein cartoon lagti hoon kya?" Khushi said pouting and Naniji shook her head but was laughing at the same time, soon the whole table was laughing even Lakshmi was bleeting. Khushi pouted and turned away from them all. Naniji leaned over to Arnav.
"Chotte woh routgaye, jao usko manao." Naniji whispered and Arnav smiled. He stood up and walked over to her, crouching on his knees so he could look up at her, she looked bemused as to why he was over here when he put a hand on her cheek.
"Khushi tum cartoon jaisi nahi lagti." Arnav said softly, Khushi threw his hand away, aware he couldn't be rude in front of his family and she planned on taking full advantage of that fact. Arnav sighed and placed his hand there again. "Jaan." He said softly and Khushi's heart began to melt, did he just call her "Jaan." She looked up. "Main?" Khushi asked slightly bemused. Arnav nodded.
"Tum to meri Jaan hoon, isilye cartoon nahi meri jaan sahiye." He said and Khushi had completely melted. "Do you forgive me?" He asked, she was aware he hadn't apologised and he had embaressed her in front of everyone and now was doing all this in front of everyone but she couldn't help it, she nodded. Arnav went back to his seat everyone at the table were attempting to hide their grins from Arnav and Khushi who didn't really care, they had interlocked hands underneath the table and were in their own little world. Khushi glanced slyly towards Arnavji who was looking at her with pure love. Khushi felt so blessed at that moment.
When everyone was immersed in party planning, Arnav got up pulling Khushi with him, Naniji had spotted them leave as had Anjaliji but they both stayed quiet knowing that they needed their time alone. Arnav pulled her to the poolside and cornered her once more.
"You're looking very beautiful today Jaan." He said breathlessly, leaning in so that their bodies were pressed up against one another.
"Yeh Jaan, Jaan kya hai?" Khushi said in response.
"Kyun? If I can be a laad governor to you can't you be my Jaan, Jaan?" He asked and Khushi blushed looking down. Arnav slid his hand around her waist and placed the other against her cheek. Khushi knew what he was doing, he was playing his game again. She got ready for him to pull away and make a sarcastic comment as he left...but he didn't his lips touched hers waiting for hers to part. Khushi exhaled slightly and then gave into the kiss. At first Arnav kissed her softly and slowly as if intending to seem gentle. But as the kiss continued he became more passionate feeling the need to draw in every inch of Khushi there and then but she pulled away. Arnav looked at her confused and she whispered.
"Kohi humhe dekhra hai." Arnav looked around and saw as Shyam fled the scene of the crime. Arnav groaned deeply, would it be so hard to have one intimate moment with Khushi without that b*stard being around! He looked at Khushi and kissed her forehead.
"I'll deal with this, you don't worry Jaan." He said as he strode away purposefully, his heart full of love and his blood full of rage.
Read other parts to this here.
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Eight
Khushi was still shaking from Shyam's words, she hadn't gone back downstairs from fear that she would run into him. It was the evening now and Arnavji had left the room shortly after Shyam had, leaving Khushi alone with her thoughts. Once the function was over Jiji, Anjali Di and Naniji all came to check on her and she lied saying her head was hurting and she just wanted to sleep so nobody would disturb her. She wanted one person to disturb her, to come sit with her, hold her hand, look into her eyes and comfort her but he never came. She was sat on their bed twisting and turning her mangulstra, simply contemplating how strange her relationship with Arnavji was. One minute she was someone he could joke and flirt with and the next she was someone who's face he didn't even want to see. It was different for her though, angry, sad or happy she wanted to share it with Arnavji but he always would turn away, almost as if...as if he were afraid. The great ASR fears nothing but Khushi's Arnavji did, he feared letting his walls down, he feared intimacy, he feared happiness as it was so often taken away so quickly and so he was afraid of Khushi herself as she was the one who bought happiness back into his life, the one who broke down his walls and now was attempting to be intimate with him. Was it so wrong to want that? Khushi recalled how he never feared hugging Lavanyaji when they were together, in fact on numerous occasions he showed how much he loved Lavanya right in front of Khushi. The pain of those memories still cut like nettles to her heart. Khushi didn't want to be alone in her life anymore, everyone had someone to confide in excluding Arnav and Khushi and so logically they should confide in one another. Arnav walked through the bedroom door with a plate in his hands, Khushi quickly wiped her eyes and was about to go to the bathroom to clean her face as she must have looked a mess but Arnav's voice stopped her.
"Rukh." He said simply and she didn't dare move a muscle from the bed. He walked over to her with the plate which Khushi now gathered had food on it. He sat beside her and began to break apart the roti and dipped it in the daal, he held it up to Khushi's mouth but she couldn't quite fathom what he was doing.
Arnav sighed deeply. "Khushi, you haven't eaten anything since this morning, apna mou khol." He said matter of factly. Khushi's eyes were beginning to well up but she opened her mouth and allowed him to feed her. He was trying, he was really trying. If he wanted he could have told her to go eat, or just bought the plate up instead and not bothered with this. But the fact that he was sat down feeding her to make sure she eat was his own strange way of saying, "I'm sorry, I do care. I just don't know how to say it." He was such a Bholu, she thought to herself and then she realised she hadn't seen him eat since this morning either. Arnav was about to feed her some more when she grasped his arm forcing him to stop.
"Tumne khana kaliya?" Khushi asked and Arnav shook his head, Khushi broke some of the roti, dipped it in the daal and lifted it towards his mouth. Once again her Bholu looked confused and she shook her head trying not to laugh. "You need to eat also, chaalo mou khol." She said and he did so not resisting. They carried on like this until they had finished eating, Arnav grabbed one of two napkins he'd carried in with him and handed it to Khushi, they cleaned themselves up and Arnav took the plate to put it in the Kitchen. Khushi decided since Arnav had made an effort she would also reciprocate.
"Arnavji." She said, still sat on the bed, he turned slightly sideways so that she was in his eye-line.
"Hmmm." He said, Khushi got up and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you." She said and she practically ran to the bathroom to have a shower, a broad grin across her face. Arnav closed his eyes and took the moment in, it felt just like when they'd had their first kiss only a few days ago, although this time neither could hide behind the pretence of a bet and that made it harder. Khushi was unaware that Shyam had been watching their interaction this whole time, Arnav was aware though and he had done this all to provoke Jeejaji. He realised he was giving Khushi the wrong idea but it seemed like the only way. Khushi clammed up in Shyam's presence, his anger and obsession with her frightened her. If Arnav were to suggest to Khushi that she purposefully provoke Shyam...Arnav felt she wouldn't be able to do it. The kiss had caused Shyam to storm off to some corner to spew his evil thoughts and Arnav was now alone in his room as Khushi was in the bathroom. Arnav couldn't help but feel himself feel happier and lighter after his tender moments with Khushi. Khushi bought out a softer, sweeter, calmer and almost innocent side of Arnav out that he had long forgotten.
Why did she have to do that? Why did he have to care for her? Could Shyam not have found another girl to pursue? Why did it have to be Khushi? Why?! WHY DAMMIT WHY?! Arnav didn't even realise when he'd thrown the plate at the wall, he only broke out of his anger when he heard it smash. He went to go pick up the pieces there was one half that was intact but the other half had smashed into tiny shards. Arnav collected the smaller pieces and placed them onto the larger half that was intact. Becoming lost in thought again, Arnav had lost his Di to that man, a man who didn't deserve her, a man who didn't even care for her. Shyam was sorely mistaken if he thought Arnav would let his Khushi walk into that man's arms. He wouldn't and he would rid him from his Di's life. Even if it did breed confusion between Arnav and Khushi it would be worth it in the end...the end, what happens when they show everyone Shyam's reality? Khushi is free to go and she probably will go when she realises that Arnav is doing this all to get Shyam to speak the truth. Then Arnav will be alone again...he will have no Khushi. His feelings for Khushi were deep but he doubted he could give her what she wanted. Even now when they were married she still sat in their room crying, this was not how newlyweds were meant to behave. She deserved to be happy even if he couldn't. Maybe in this short time he could be the reason for her happiness but afterwards....he just didn't know. Arnav felt something pierce his palm and a pained groan escaped his lips. Khushi was by his side instantly, pulling his hand into hers. She was looking at the blood draining from Arnav's cut with such pain as if it was her blood bleeding instead of his. She took the plate out of his hands and got up pulling him by the arm. She placed him on the bed calling Hari Prakash, she told him to get the first aid box quickly and then clean up the plate once he'd done that. HP bought the First Aid kit and Khushi sat beside Arnav cleaning his wound, muttering about how careless he is and how if anything were to happen to him how would everyone feel? How would she feel? Arnav just watched her in awe, this poor girl really loved him didn't she? Why though? Why did she love him, all he'd ever done is bring pain into her happy life, why did she love him? Arnav groaned deeply as Khushi pulled out the plate shard out of his hand and as she grabbed the bandage Arnav could see that she felt his pain. Why was she so caring? Why couldn't she just hate him and make things easier for them both? When she was done she ordered he go straight to bed and warned him if he went on his laptop with that hand that there would be no greater wrath to face then that of hers.
Arnav went to go make his makeshift bed when Khushi gently pushed him back onto the bed.
"You didn't hurt your head as well did you?" Khushi asked and Arnav got confused.
"Khushi, what the-?" Arnav said.
"What the-? What the-? Nahi chalega. I said this morning that you're not to sleep on that floor, one your back was hurting this morning and now your hand is injured, you're sleeping here. I don't care what arguments you have, you sleep on one side and I'll sleep on the other, I could fit three more people in this bed if I wanted!" Khushi said over passionatley.
"Khushi." Arnav said in a low voice, attempting to warn her that it was not a good idea.
"Khushi, Khushi kuch nahi! Mein kuch nahi jaanti, baas tum yahaan soyenge aur hum vahaan. Otherwise I will complain to Naniji. Then we'll see what you do!" She said and Arnav shook his head, she really was impossible. Arnav got up to get changed and Khushi got into bed. He got changed and slid into his side of the bed. Although it was doubtful he would sleep, he was too aware of the situation, his mind was racing with all kinds of things, how he would continue on with Khushi without hurting her too much, how to reveal to everyone Shyam's truth, what was Shyam planning now and how could he keep Di and Khushi safe? He was consumed by these thoughts until Khushi rolled over and wrapped her arm around Arnav, nuzzling her head into his chest. His breathing stopped for a minute, unsure of how to react. He didn't want to move her in case she woke up and so he put one arm around her and exhaled continuing to breath normally again. Amazing, even in her sleep Khushi managed to lighten Arnav's tension. Instead of worrying about the problems tomorrow would bring Arnav focused on his wife, how beautiful she was and how she was his. Arnav closed his eyes and held Khushi slightly tighter as he drifted off into a calm sleep.
Read other parts to this here.
"Rukh." He said simply and she didn't dare move a muscle from the bed. He walked over to her with the plate which Khushi now gathered had food on it. He sat beside her and began to break apart the roti and dipped it in the daal, he held it up to Khushi's mouth but she couldn't quite fathom what he was doing.
Arnav sighed deeply. "Khushi, you haven't eaten anything since this morning, apna mou khol." He said matter of factly. Khushi's eyes were beginning to well up but she opened her mouth and allowed him to feed her. He was trying, he was really trying. If he wanted he could have told her to go eat, or just bought the plate up instead and not bothered with this. But the fact that he was sat down feeding her to make sure she eat was his own strange way of saying, "I'm sorry, I do care. I just don't know how to say it." He was such a Bholu, she thought to herself and then she realised she hadn't seen him eat since this morning either. Arnav was about to feed her some more when she grasped his arm forcing him to stop.
"Tumne khana kaliya?" Khushi asked and Arnav shook his head, Khushi broke some of the roti, dipped it in the daal and lifted it towards his mouth. Once again her Bholu looked confused and she shook her head trying not to laugh. "You need to eat also, chaalo mou khol." She said and he did so not resisting. They carried on like this until they had finished eating, Arnav grabbed one of two napkins he'd carried in with him and handed it to Khushi, they cleaned themselves up and Arnav took the plate to put it in the Kitchen. Khushi decided since Arnav had made an effort she would also reciprocate.
"Arnavji." She said, still sat on the bed, he turned slightly sideways so that she was in his eye-line.
"Hmmm." He said, Khushi got up and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you." She said and she practically ran to the bathroom to have a shower, a broad grin across her face. Arnav closed his eyes and took the moment in, it felt just like when they'd had their first kiss only a few days ago, although this time neither could hide behind the pretence of a bet and that made it harder. Khushi was unaware that Shyam had been watching their interaction this whole time, Arnav was aware though and he had done this all to provoke Jeejaji. He realised he was giving Khushi the wrong idea but it seemed like the only way. Khushi clammed up in Shyam's presence, his anger and obsession with her frightened her. If Arnav were to suggest to Khushi that she purposefully provoke Shyam...Arnav felt she wouldn't be able to do it. The kiss had caused Shyam to storm off to some corner to spew his evil thoughts and Arnav was now alone in his room as Khushi was in the bathroom. Arnav couldn't help but feel himself feel happier and lighter after his tender moments with Khushi. Khushi bought out a softer, sweeter, calmer and almost innocent side of Arnav out that he had long forgotten.
Why did she have to do that? Why did he have to care for her? Could Shyam not have found another girl to pursue? Why did it have to be Khushi? Why?! WHY DAMMIT WHY?! Arnav didn't even realise when he'd thrown the plate at the wall, he only broke out of his anger when he heard it smash. He went to go pick up the pieces there was one half that was intact but the other half had smashed into tiny shards. Arnav collected the smaller pieces and placed them onto the larger half that was intact. Becoming lost in thought again, Arnav had lost his Di to that man, a man who didn't deserve her, a man who didn't even care for her. Shyam was sorely mistaken if he thought Arnav would let his Khushi walk into that man's arms. He wouldn't and he would rid him from his Di's life. Even if it did breed confusion between Arnav and Khushi it would be worth it in the end...the end, what happens when they show everyone Shyam's reality? Khushi is free to go and she probably will go when she realises that Arnav is doing this all to get Shyam to speak the truth. Then Arnav will be alone again...he will have no Khushi. His feelings for Khushi were deep but he doubted he could give her what she wanted. Even now when they were married she still sat in their room crying, this was not how newlyweds were meant to behave. She deserved to be happy even if he couldn't. Maybe in this short time he could be the reason for her happiness but afterwards....he just didn't know. Arnav felt something pierce his palm and a pained groan escaped his lips. Khushi was by his side instantly, pulling his hand into hers. She was looking at the blood draining from Arnav's cut with such pain as if it was her blood bleeding instead of his. She took the plate out of his hands and got up pulling him by the arm. She placed him on the bed calling Hari Prakash, she told him to get the first aid box quickly and then clean up the plate once he'd done that. HP bought the First Aid kit and Khushi sat beside Arnav cleaning his wound, muttering about how careless he is and how if anything were to happen to him how would everyone feel? How would she feel? Arnav just watched her in awe, this poor girl really loved him didn't she? Why though? Why did she love him, all he'd ever done is bring pain into her happy life, why did she love him? Arnav groaned deeply as Khushi pulled out the plate shard out of his hand and as she grabbed the bandage Arnav could see that she felt his pain. Why was she so caring? Why couldn't she just hate him and make things easier for them both? When she was done she ordered he go straight to bed and warned him if he went on his laptop with that hand that there would be no greater wrath to face then that of hers.
Arnav went to go make his makeshift bed when Khushi gently pushed him back onto the bed.
"You didn't hurt your head as well did you?" Khushi asked and Arnav got confused.
"Khushi, what the-?" Arnav said.
"What the-? What the-? Nahi chalega. I said this morning that you're not to sleep on that floor, one your back was hurting this morning and now your hand is injured, you're sleeping here. I don't care what arguments you have, you sleep on one side and I'll sleep on the other, I could fit three more people in this bed if I wanted!" Khushi said over passionatley.
"Khushi." Arnav said in a low voice, attempting to warn her that it was not a good idea.
"Khushi, Khushi kuch nahi! Mein kuch nahi jaanti, baas tum yahaan soyenge aur hum vahaan. Otherwise I will complain to Naniji. Then we'll see what you do!" She said and Arnav shook his head, she really was impossible. Arnav got up to get changed and Khushi got into bed. He got changed and slid into his side of the bed. Although it was doubtful he would sleep, he was too aware of the situation, his mind was racing with all kinds of things, how he would continue on with Khushi without hurting her too much, how to reveal to everyone Shyam's truth, what was Shyam planning now and how could he keep Di and Khushi safe? He was consumed by these thoughts until Khushi rolled over and wrapped her arm around Arnav, nuzzling her head into his chest. His breathing stopped for a minute, unsure of how to react. He didn't want to move her in case she woke up and so he put one arm around her and exhaled continuing to breath normally again. Amazing, even in her sleep Khushi managed to lighten Arnav's tension. Instead of worrying about the problems tomorrow would bring Arnav focused on his wife, how beautiful she was and how she was his. Arnav closed his eyes and held Khushi slightly tighter as he drifted off into a calm sleep.
Read other parts to this here.
Monday 20 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Seven
Khushi and Payal had been dealing with women coming up to them, judging them and giving their approval and cooing at how beautiful the two sisters were and consequently how lucky the Raizada brothers were for having such beautiful women as their wives. Khushi felt happy but flustered, thus far she had seen only a little bit of Arnavji all day, at least Akash was making excuses to be around the festivities to look at Payal, Arnav didn't even do that. She began to sulk slightly when her mood turned sour very quickly, Shyam entered the living room pretending to check on Anjaliji when in reality he was staring at Khushi slyly hoping no one would notice. Khushi's cheeks flamed scarlet with anger, she wanted to get up then and there and leave but the festivities weren't over. Khushi didn't know what to do, Shyam's eyes were examining her, carnivorously soaking in her every move, whether she moved a hair from her face or turned her face so she didn't have to see him. It made no difference to him because he could still see her and Khushi felt sick at that. She closed her eyes wishing someone would call him away or he himself would grab hold of the little decency he had, for the sake of his wife and unborn child and just leave. But of course Shyam had no plans on doing that, that was until Arnav walked into the living room. Arnav saw Khushi looking distressed and then saw the reason for it standing over his Di, Arnav bit his tongue, fully aware he could not say anything outright to him and so he decided to speak through actions instead. Arnav walked over to where Khushi and Payal were sat, he ignored the cooing middle-aged women (who were more upset that the Raizada boys were off the market rather than happy for them) and he stood besider her. He wrapped one arm around her and then crouched down so that he could whisper in her ear.
"Tum tik hoon na? Woh, Jeejaji...." Arnav began and Khushi raised her hand and clasped his, her eyes revealing to Arnav that she was far from alright. He raised his other hand on hers and looked into her afraid eyes with his strong and resolved look and he then stood up, letting go of Khushi's hand. He went over to Naniji. "Naniji, tumhe nahi lagta ki zyada ho gaya? I mean look at Khushi and Payal, its been a stressful few days, Khushi doesn't seem to be feeling very well and she did faint the night of the Havaan." Arnav reminded Naniji. Naniji mulled this over Payal appeared to be fine but Khushi did look worse for wear and Naniji knew she couldn't send everyone home early. She walked over to Khushi.
"Khushi betiyaan tumharee tabiyaat kuch tik nahi lagta, jaon upper jaake araam kar." Naniji ordered, Khushi looked confused until Arnavji winked and she understood, she began to feign weakness and Naniji ordered Arnav to take her upstairs.
Arnav held Khushi's hand and waist and guided her upstairs trying not to smile. One because he knew she was faking and two because he noted how Jeejaji had just made some excuse to go out and Di had also noted the timing of his exit. Arnav was hoping that along with getting evidence to prove Shyam's infidelity maybe Di herself would clock on. Arnav also noted that Khushi was much more relaxed with him than she was when that snake's eyes were on her, there was no way she had forced Shyam or entrapped him, Khushi just wasn't like that. She was innocent, sweet, slightly stupid, very odd but good at the heart. He knew this from all the experiences he'd had with her, there was no way that this little lamb would have intended to cause damage to another especially when she loved and respected Di just as much as he did. No his Khushi most certainly was not in love with Shyam, Arnav believed her account more so now of how Shyam had sought her out in Lucknow and then chased her down here in Delhi. After all it had been Shyam who came down to look at Khushi, Khushi had never attempted to go anywhere near nor look at Shyam. It just made Arnav's faith in Khushi stronger which made his resolve in his plan weaker. This plan would only work if he could keep his feelings for Khushi separate from his attempt to uncover Shyam's truth. The idea of putting Khushi in the path of that psycho seemed less and less appealing but they'd both agreed to do this and so they needed to stick it out. They reached the room and Arnav let go of Khushi, he opened the doors to the room and sat back down to get on with some work, Naniji said no going out for work she said nothing about doing work at home. Khushi watched as he sat down to work on his laptop and remembered the parody she'd done about him at Jiji's sangeet and it was all true. Khushi muttered to herself, "Sach mein, inkee sagai to laptop se karnichaidi." Arnav heard her mumble and looked up at her.
"What the-" Arnav began and Khushi began to laugh, it'd been a while since he'd said that and scrunched up his face in confusion like that. She couldn't help herself. "Why are you laughing?" He asked, now getting slightly irritated.
"No, woh, you're face!" She said whilst trying to contain her laughter. He slammed the laptop down and walked towards her, only millimetres apart now.
"Kya? What about my face?" He said towering over her, Khushi was backed up against the door and her breathing rate had raised to a ridiculous level. Arnav could see his closeness made her nervous and he knew he should begin to back away now but he didn't.
He stretched his arm up and leant against the frame of the door, resting his other arm against the frame at level with Khushi's waist. He turned his head slightly and looked straight into her eyes unabashedly, Arnav assumed she'd look away or squeeze out of his grip but she didn't she stared back too. His eyes turned confused as hers only became more wild, he saw the love and what he could only take as hunger he'd seen on Diwali although that night her eyes also conveyed a coyness and worry that had long faded from her eyes now. He felt like the one caught in a dangerous situation now rather than making her feel that way, he didn't like feeling out of control but he still didn't move. He began leaning in, slowly, painfully slow Khushi thought. Their lips were almost touching both of them had their lips parted in wait when Shyam walked in from the poolside entrance of Arnav and Khushi's bedroom.
"Kya baat hain? Waa, pyaar ka raang hi kuch aur hai isike saat? Haina Saale-saab?" Shyam asked Arnav, Khushi gripped onto Arnav who stepped in front of her, forcing Shyam to look at him and not his wife.
"Get out." Arnav said through gritted teeth.
"But why? I was only here because Rani Sahiba wanted to check on Khushiji, luckily I had returned home and told her all this running around wasn't good for our baby and so I came here. Good thing I did, otherwise well...kya paata aaj kya hota?" Shyam said proud in the fact he had gotten between them and happy to have seen Khushiji with hunger in her eyes, hunger he knew she had for him and it was just Arnav and his sister getting in the way of Khushiji and himself. He knew she loved him and it was only a matter of time until he would find a way to be with her. Khushi's grip tightened on Arnav's arm, he quickly looked back to see his wife silently sobbing at Shyam's cheap words. He placed a hand over Khushi's shaky hand that was glued to him. He'd had just about enough of his brother-in-law now.
"If you don't get the f*ck out of our room, I will break your jaw." Arnav said getting angrier.
"By all means Saale-saab carry on." Shyam said as he began to walk out. Arnav turned and looked at Khushi, he wiped a falling tear away and she looked at him longingly, she was about to thank him when Shyam peered around the corner once more.
"Oh and Khushiji, I will most definitly see you later." Shyam said, Arnav had to stop himself from chasing after Shyam and beating him until he could no longer use that filthy mouth of his but he knew this is what he needed. He needed reactions from Shyam until Shyam would confess his actions so that they could show Di. However when he saw the fear and pain in Khushi's eyes his resolve weakened, all he wanted to do was protect her but he also wanted to protect his Di. There was no way he could do both.
Read other parts to this here.
"Tum tik hoon na? Woh, Jeejaji...." Arnav began and Khushi raised her hand and clasped his, her eyes revealing to Arnav that she was far from alright. He raised his other hand on hers and looked into her afraid eyes with his strong and resolved look and he then stood up, letting go of Khushi's hand. He went over to Naniji. "Naniji, tumhe nahi lagta ki zyada ho gaya? I mean look at Khushi and Payal, its been a stressful few days, Khushi doesn't seem to be feeling very well and she did faint the night of the Havaan." Arnav reminded Naniji. Naniji mulled this over Payal appeared to be fine but Khushi did look worse for wear and Naniji knew she couldn't send everyone home early. She walked over to Khushi.
"Khushi betiyaan tumharee tabiyaat kuch tik nahi lagta, jaon upper jaake araam kar." Naniji ordered, Khushi looked confused until Arnavji winked and she understood, she began to feign weakness and Naniji ordered Arnav to take her upstairs.
Arnav held Khushi's hand and waist and guided her upstairs trying not to smile. One because he knew she was faking and two because he noted how Jeejaji had just made some excuse to go out and Di had also noted the timing of his exit. Arnav was hoping that along with getting evidence to prove Shyam's infidelity maybe Di herself would clock on. Arnav also noted that Khushi was much more relaxed with him than she was when that snake's eyes were on her, there was no way she had forced Shyam or entrapped him, Khushi just wasn't like that. She was innocent, sweet, slightly stupid, very odd but good at the heart. He knew this from all the experiences he'd had with her, there was no way that this little lamb would have intended to cause damage to another especially when she loved and respected Di just as much as he did. No his Khushi most certainly was not in love with Shyam, Arnav believed her account more so now of how Shyam had sought her out in Lucknow and then chased her down here in Delhi. After all it had been Shyam who came down to look at Khushi, Khushi had never attempted to go anywhere near nor look at Shyam. It just made Arnav's faith in Khushi stronger which made his resolve in his plan weaker. This plan would only work if he could keep his feelings for Khushi separate from his attempt to uncover Shyam's truth. The idea of putting Khushi in the path of that psycho seemed less and less appealing but they'd both agreed to do this and so they needed to stick it out. They reached the room and Arnav let go of Khushi, he opened the doors to the room and sat back down to get on with some work, Naniji said no going out for work she said nothing about doing work at home. Khushi watched as he sat down to work on his laptop and remembered the parody she'd done about him at Jiji's sangeet and it was all true. Khushi muttered to herself, "Sach mein, inkee sagai to laptop se karnichaidi." Arnav heard her mumble and looked up at her.
"What the-" Arnav began and Khushi began to laugh, it'd been a while since he'd said that and scrunched up his face in confusion like that. She couldn't help herself. "Why are you laughing?" He asked, now getting slightly irritated.
"No, woh, you're face!" She said whilst trying to contain her laughter. He slammed the laptop down and walked towards her, only millimetres apart now.
"Kya? What about my face?" He said towering over her, Khushi was backed up against the door and her breathing rate had raised to a ridiculous level. Arnav could see his closeness made her nervous and he knew he should begin to back away now but he didn't.
He stretched his arm up and leant against the frame of the door, resting his other arm against the frame at level with Khushi's waist. He turned his head slightly and looked straight into her eyes unabashedly, Arnav assumed she'd look away or squeeze out of his grip but she didn't she stared back too. His eyes turned confused as hers only became more wild, he saw the love and what he could only take as hunger he'd seen on Diwali although that night her eyes also conveyed a coyness and worry that had long faded from her eyes now. He felt like the one caught in a dangerous situation now rather than making her feel that way, he didn't like feeling out of control but he still didn't move. He began leaning in, slowly, painfully slow Khushi thought. Their lips were almost touching both of them had their lips parted in wait when Shyam walked in from the poolside entrance of Arnav and Khushi's bedroom.
"Kya baat hain? Waa, pyaar ka raang hi kuch aur hai isike saat? Haina Saale-saab?" Shyam asked Arnav, Khushi gripped onto Arnav who stepped in front of her, forcing Shyam to look at him and not his wife.
"Get out." Arnav said through gritted teeth.
"But why? I was only here because Rani Sahiba wanted to check on Khushiji, luckily I had returned home and told her all this running around wasn't good for our baby and so I came here. Good thing I did, otherwise well...kya paata aaj kya hota?" Shyam said proud in the fact he had gotten between them and happy to have seen Khushiji with hunger in her eyes, hunger he knew she had for him and it was just Arnav and his sister getting in the way of Khushiji and himself. He knew she loved him and it was only a matter of time until he would find a way to be with her. Khushi's grip tightened on Arnav's arm, he quickly looked back to see his wife silently sobbing at Shyam's cheap words. He placed a hand over Khushi's shaky hand that was glued to him. He'd had just about enough of his brother-in-law now.
"If you don't get the f*ck out of our room, I will break your jaw." Arnav said getting angrier.
"By all means Saale-saab carry on." Shyam said as he began to walk out. Arnav turned and looked at Khushi, he wiped a falling tear away and she looked at him longingly, she was about to thank him when Shyam peered around the corner once more.
"Oh and Khushiji, I will most definitly see you later." Shyam said, Arnav had to stop himself from chasing after Shyam and beating him until he could no longer use that filthy mouth of his but he knew this is what he needed. He needed reactions from Shyam until Shyam would confess his actions so that they could show Di. However when he saw the fear and pain in Khushi's eyes his resolve weakened, all he wanted to do was protect her but he also wanted to protect his Di. There was no way he could do both.
Read other parts to this here.
Saturday 18 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Six
Khushi awoke before Arnavji that morning and decided to take this opportunity to claim the bathroom before him, knowing she needed to get ready for all the rasams that were to come today. Her Ummaji had given her some sarees to take with her now that she was a married woman and so she chose a heavier saree today. It was cream and red saree with gold embroidery she knew it would be difficult to handle but she also knew she had to look her best today and her best would involve this saree. She headed into the bathroom to get ready when the sound of the shower woke Arnav up, he sat up and his back hurt like hell, he'd have to talk to Khushi about this sleeping arrangement. He didn't have to head to the office today as Naniji had forced Akash and himself to take time off from work to spend time with the family, Arnav was reluctant at first but he knew that if he was at home he could keep an eye on Shyam, make sure he doesn't try to hurt Khushi or his Di. So it made sense for him to be at home in a way, Naniji just gave him a plausable excuse to hover around his brother-in-law. Arnav heard Khushi shut the bathroom door which snapped him back to reality.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" Khushi asked, the sound of fear in her voice, Arnav turned around to explain he was already awake when he was dumbfounded. Khushi looked mesmerising. Her hair was out, flowing down her back to her waist which was clearly on display by the choice of her saree. He stood up, unsure why, it was instinctive like he felt pulled towards her. His feet wished to pursue further but his head told him to remain firmly where he was. He shook his head and Khushi smiled with relief. Arnav and Khushi's belongings were equally divided in the wardrobe however her perfumes, make-up and other such belongings took full control of the vanity table. Khushi sat down and began applying her kajol, Arnav simply continued to watch her even as she put on her lipstick, selected her jhoomke, her tika and finally she picked up a tiny pot of sindoor and Arnav couldn't help himself. He walked up to her and lifted the pot from her hands and she looked startled as well as confused.
"Arnavji-" Khushi began but Arnav simply put a finger against her lips and she was silent. He then proceeded to take a pinch of sindoor out of the pot and swiftly adorned it in her maang. Khushi wasn't sure if Arnavji realised how much that simple act meant to her but the point was it did mean a lot to her, she blushed a crimson colour and then got up.
She walked straight into Arnavji though and her embroidery caught on his pyjama shirt, she thought of pulling away but remembered previous instances where this had happened and knew it would be best for Arnavji to deal with this. He raised his hands and untangled the tiny beading from the threads in his shirt unintentionally caressing Khushi's neck as he was doing so. She knew that she shouldn't have enjoyed that but she did, his touch made her body burn but in a way that made her soul feel on fire, rather than feeling cheap like when Shyam had embraced her previously. With Arnavji she always felt like their brief instances and embraces were just that, brief, they were never long enough to satisfy but not short enough so that she would forget. He was always on her mind and she couldn't help but wonder, was there really never a time when she played on his mind, was he never tortured by her memory like she was, did he never spend nights awake wishing she was by his side like she wished he was at hers? He untangled the last caught thread and distanced himself from her by shuffling away. His movement made his back hurt again, he put a hand on his lower back and he sighed aloud.
"Kya hua?" Khushi asked rushing to his side, her hands on his shoulder and the other placed over his hand.
"Oh, woh, kuch nahi, just sleeping on the floor, my back's not used to it." He admitted, his back wasn't his concern right now, Khushi's closeness was, he could smell her perfume and she herself was intoxicating today. Khushi grimaced, she knew that the floor wasn't good for him.
"That's it no more sleeping on the floor it's silly when you own such a big bed!" Khushi said and Arnav turned to face her confused, what was she suggesting?
"Khushi I'm not going to let you sleep on the floor!" Arnav said.
"Who said, I'm sleeping on the floor?" Khushi answered back and for once it was Arnav's eyes that widened with shock. "Kya? Uff ho Arnavji? We're both adults here and anyway Kaal raath toh tumne kaha ki tum mere izaat ko aanch nahi anedenga! Toh phir baas ab hum dono hi yehi phar soyenge." Khushi said, her mind made up.
"Khushi I don't think that this is a good ide-" Khushi cut in before he could finish.
"Arnavji mujhe kuch nahi soonnah!" She said as she began to walk out of the room, she turned back briefly and smiled, "I trust you." She confessed and she headed downstairs. Arnav's heart felt heavy with emotion, Khushi really shouldn't have said that, this only made things more complicated and harder for them both. Arnav wasn't very sure how long he could keep this as strictly platonic, his heart craved to be close to Khushi like the way a husband and wife should be, not just physically but in the other ways also, he didn't really want to pretend but he knew at the end of the day it was the best option. If all this didn't work out at least then they wouldn't have to deal with the problems love brings with it. Arnav just wasn't sure what he was really doing.
Read other parts to this here.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" Khushi asked, the sound of fear in her voice, Arnav turned around to explain he was already awake when he was dumbfounded. Khushi looked mesmerising. Her hair was out, flowing down her back to her waist which was clearly on display by the choice of her saree. He stood up, unsure why, it was instinctive like he felt pulled towards her. His feet wished to pursue further but his head told him to remain firmly where he was. He shook his head and Khushi smiled with relief. Arnav and Khushi's belongings were equally divided in the wardrobe however her perfumes, make-up and other such belongings took full control of the vanity table. Khushi sat down and began applying her kajol, Arnav simply continued to watch her even as she put on her lipstick, selected her jhoomke, her tika and finally she picked up a tiny pot of sindoor and Arnav couldn't help himself. He walked up to her and lifted the pot from her hands and she looked startled as well as confused.
"Arnavji-" Khushi began but Arnav simply put a finger against her lips and she was silent. He then proceeded to take a pinch of sindoor out of the pot and swiftly adorned it in her maang. Khushi wasn't sure if Arnavji realised how much that simple act meant to her but the point was it did mean a lot to her, she blushed a crimson colour and then got up.
She walked straight into Arnavji though and her embroidery caught on his pyjama shirt, she thought of pulling away but remembered previous instances where this had happened and knew it would be best for Arnavji to deal with this. He raised his hands and untangled the tiny beading from the threads in his shirt unintentionally caressing Khushi's neck as he was doing so. She knew that she shouldn't have enjoyed that but she did, his touch made her body burn but in a way that made her soul feel on fire, rather than feeling cheap like when Shyam had embraced her previously. With Arnavji she always felt like their brief instances and embraces were just that, brief, they were never long enough to satisfy but not short enough so that she would forget. He was always on her mind and she couldn't help but wonder, was there really never a time when she played on his mind, was he never tortured by her memory like she was, did he never spend nights awake wishing she was by his side like she wished he was at hers? He untangled the last caught thread and distanced himself from her by shuffling away. His movement made his back hurt again, he put a hand on his lower back and he sighed aloud.
"Kya hua?" Khushi asked rushing to his side, her hands on his shoulder and the other placed over his hand.
"Oh, woh, kuch nahi, just sleeping on the floor, my back's not used to it." He admitted, his back wasn't his concern right now, Khushi's closeness was, he could smell her perfume and she herself was intoxicating today. Khushi grimaced, she knew that the floor wasn't good for him.
"That's it no more sleeping on the floor it's silly when you own such a big bed!" Khushi said and Arnav turned to face her confused, what was she suggesting?
"Khushi I'm not going to let you sleep on the floor!" Arnav said.
"Who said, I'm sleeping on the floor?" Khushi answered back and for once it was Arnav's eyes that widened with shock. "Kya? Uff ho Arnavji? We're both adults here and anyway Kaal raath toh tumne kaha ki tum mere izaat ko aanch nahi anedenga! Toh phir baas ab hum dono hi yehi phar soyenge." Khushi said, her mind made up.
"Khushi I don't think that this is a good ide-" Khushi cut in before he could finish.
"Arnavji mujhe kuch nahi soonnah!" She said as she began to walk out of the room, she turned back briefly and smiled, "I trust you." She confessed and she headed downstairs. Arnav's heart felt heavy with emotion, Khushi really shouldn't have said that, this only made things more complicated and harder for them both. Arnav wasn't very sure how long he could keep this as strictly platonic, his heart craved to be close to Khushi like the way a husband and wife should be, not just physically but in the other ways also, he didn't really want to pretend but he knew at the end of the day it was the best option. If all this didn't work out at least then they wouldn't have to deal with the problems love brings with it. Arnav just wasn't sure what he was really doing.
Read other parts to this here.
Friday 17 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Five
Khushi was at the dinner table with the rest of the family which unfortunately included Shyam, he was scowling the whole meal, everyone was talking about how Anjali should eat this food and stay away from that food. But Anjali noticed how distant Shyam was, how he had no interest in anything, he looked angry and bitter but she didn't know why, she'd tried to coax it out of him but he wouldn't tell her. Then he complained that she was too emotional and should give him space to think, it had hurt her deeply for him to say that to her when he knew how much she loved him. But Anjali never made an issue about her own problems so she quietly carried on with things and prayed his mood would improve. However Khushi was not concerned with any of this as she was waiting with baited breath for Arnavji to return from a meeting he and Akashji had gone to. She knew for a fact that after dinner they would all be sent to bed early as tomorrow was the Raizada's showcasing of their newlywed brides function which all the female relatives, neighbours and friends would attend. Therefore the Raizada bahus were expected to go to sleep early so to look good tomorrow but from what Arnavji has planned it sounded like Khushi would not be getting any sleep. Payal passed Khushi the plate with Jalebis on it which Khushi had spent the afternoon making after Arnavji had left for his meeting. She piled Jalebi upon Jalebi onto her plate and then passed it to Anjaliji who noted the tension Kushiji must be in. Khushi was on her fourth Jalebi when Anjali interrupted. "Khushiji, sorry Khushi Bhabi, yeh kya hai? What's wrong?" She said inclining her head to the mountain of Jalebis. Khushi looked down and realised she wasn't masking her fear very well.
"Yeh, nahi voh kya hai....hum bohut kush hai isiliye khushi mein jalebi karen hi ho." Khushi lied.
"Oh, humhe laga tha ke shayad tumhe meetha pasand aaya kyunki tum bhi ek chota sa pyara sa bacha aanewala hai." Anjali teased winking at Khushi, who now started hicupping, she added a fake laugh but her hicupps would not subside. Shyam stood up and left the table which made no difference to Khushi who was still hicupping despite Payal forcing her to drink water.
Arnav walked through the door famished, he and Akash had been talking to absolute morons for the past four hours and Arnav felt like he'd gotten nowhere. He walked in happy to see the family laughing and smiling around the dinner table, he gave his briefcase to Om Prakash and took a seat next to Khushi at the table who was hicupping violently.
"Isse kya hua?" He asked Anjali seeing Khushi was unable to answer.
"Kuch nahi chotte, hum baas mazaak kare teh. I said that Khushi was eating extra Jalebis because she had an extra mouth to feed aur woh tense hogi." Anjali said laughing along with Naniji, Payal and Akash. Arnav looked smug and turned to Khushi who looked away immediately. Arnav poured his food in and began to eat when he slipped his left hand under the table and grasped Khushi's right hand. Khushi gasped aloud, her hicupps now having deceased from the shock of it.
"Kya hua Bhabi?" Akash asked and Khushi shook her head.
"Kuch nahi, baas yuhi." She said smiling then turning to Arnavji frowning at him mouthing, "Chooriyen". He stared back blankly calmly eating with his right hand, Khushi still had three Jalebis on her plate which she actually wanted to eat but couldn't.
"Kya hua Khushi, tum kaana kyun nahi kareen?" Payal asked.
"Nahin Jiji aab mera pehet bhargaya!" She said even though she really wanted those Jalebis. Payal shrugged and began to clear up as most of the family was done. Arnav was finished also, he didn't let go of Khushi's hand though, as everyone left the table Arnav leaned over, "Tumne abhi kapre badale nahi, kafi besharam ho tum, pathi ka kehna nahi manthi." He whispered in her ear and she leapt up from her seat as Arnav let go of her hand.
Naniji turned around at the noise Khushi made when she got up and looked suspiciously at her overly proud grandson.
"Khushi betiyan tumne kaana kaya?" Naniji asked and Khushi nodded. "Ucha toh phir jaldi se naha dhoke aab sojha kaal bada din hai, hmm, aur tum bhi Payal betiyaan hum chahat hain khi saari ki saari baas tum dhono ke dhekte rejhayein kaal." Naniji said happily. Khushi turned to look at her husband who was now stood by her side, he winked at her and she narrowly kept a yelp inside."Yeh toh mujhe kajaoga" Khushi muttered to herself. "Naniji, err, hum soch re teh ki kyun nah meh torre saath tumhare paas ajao, torhi masti torhi batein, acha idea heh na?" Khushi asked hoping Naniji would agree and Arnav would go upstairs and fall asleep by the time she came upstairs. Naniji shook her head, "Nahi Khushi betiyaan upper jao abhi ki abhi, hum khoob saari masti karoge kaal, tik hai?" Naniji said and Khushi understood there was no use in arguing, she gave a silent prayer to Devi Maiyan and headed upstairs. She looked behind her to see Arnav at the bottom of the stairs arms folded looking very happy, her heart skipped a beat half from fear and half from excitement. She recalled when he'd kissed her she'd been shocked but the feeling had stayed with her the whole day, he was like a current through her body, every time they touched it was electrifying. She went into the room with a steely resolve, no matter what happened she knew it was for the best, they were married and apparently this was what was right.
Arnav entered the room and saw Khushi sat on the bed appearing to be having an internal debate with herself, muttering one thing then turning her head and muttering something else. He loudly shut the door to break her concentration. She stood up and clasped her hands in one another winding them round and round as he approached closer and closer. He took off his suit jacket and threw it onto the bed, that startled Khushi she stepped back one step but stayed there determined not to seem timid and docile in this situation. This was Arnavji after all, the man who had saved her from a car in the rain, paid her father's hospital bills, caught her when she fainted at Teej, caught her every time she fell, he'd helped bring Akash and Jiji together, he'd been her first kiss, he'd ran around Delhi worried she'd been in an accident, he'd bandaged her wounds on multiple occasions, he'd married her, held her hand in-front of all and never let anyone say a bad word to her including his Mamiji who he respected though he'd never admit it. He cared, he had a funny way of showing it sometimes but he did care. Yes this wedding was born of confusing circumstances fueled by the love he had for his sister but it was possible he loved her too, right? Khushi inhaled as he pulled her close his arms wrapped around her waist. She'd never felt so powerless but so complete at the same time. She could feel Arnavji's heartbeat and it was rapid just like hers. That meant he had to have feelings for her back, she lowered her head and for a moment Arnav had forgotten this was just meant as playful teasing. For a moment he allowed himself to melt into her, to wrap his arms around her and embrace her wishing to let her melt into him. He'd forgotten how intensely he felt for Khushi, he turned her around so her back was against his chest and he grabbed her wa-st pulling her close. He pulled her hair aside and allowed himself one kiss on the nape of her neck, he then raised his head slightly and whispered to Khushi, "Kabrao maat, tumhari isaat ko meh aanch nahi aane doonga." He felt how ragged her breath was, she was really going to go through with this, but then again so was he, did that mean that Khushi also felt the way he did...He didn't dwell on it for long as Khushi ran to the bathroom embarrassed. She threw water on her face, of course this was a joke he wouldn't be serious about it. Why would he since she was the worlds biggest fool?! She felt so stupid, she crept back out and saw Arnavji settling on the floor again, that couldn't be good for him. She'd have to do something about that. She settled into the bed and closed her eyes.
"Khushi." Arnav said from the floor, Khushi's eyes opened.
"Hmmm." She responded.
"Tum meri issat ki raksha toh karengi na?" He asked teasingly.
"Goodnight Arnavji." She said, smiling.
Read other parts to this here.
"Yeh, nahi voh kya hai....hum bohut kush hai isiliye khushi mein jalebi karen hi ho." Khushi lied.
"Oh, humhe laga tha ke shayad tumhe meetha pasand aaya kyunki tum bhi ek chota sa pyara sa bacha aanewala hai." Anjali teased winking at Khushi, who now started hicupping, she added a fake laugh but her hicupps would not subside. Shyam stood up and left the table which made no difference to Khushi who was still hicupping despite Payal forcing her to drink water.
Arnav walked through the door famished, he and Akash had been talking to absolute morons for the past four hours and Arnav felt like he'd gotten nowhere. He walked in happy to see the family laughing and smiling around the dinner table, he gave his briefcase to Om Prakash and took a seat next to Khushi at the table who was hicupping violently.
"Isse kya hua?" He asked Anjali seeing Khushi was unable to answer.
"Kuch nahi chotte, hum baas mazaak kare teh. I said that Khushi was eating extra Jalebis because she had an extra mouth to feed aur woh tense hogi." Anjali said laughing along with Naniji, Payal and Akash. Arnav looked smug and turned to Khushi who looked away immediately. Arnav poured his food in and began to eat when he slipped his left hand under the table and grasped Khushi's right hand. Khushi gasped aloud, her hicupps now having deceased from the shock of it.
"Kya hua Bhabi?" Akash asked and Khushi shook her head.
"Kuch nahi, baas yuhi." She said smiling then turning to Arnavji frowning at him mouthing, "Chooriyen". He stared back blankly calmly eating with his right hand, Khushi still had three Jalebis on her plate which she actually wanted to eat but couldn't.
"Kya hua Khushi, tum kaana kyun nahi kareen?" Payal asked.
"Nahin Jiji aab mera pehet bhargaya!" She said even though she really wanted those Jalebis. Payal shrugged and began to clear up as most of the family was done. Arnav was finished also, he didn't let go of Khushi's hand though, as everyone left the table Arnav leaned over, "Tumne abhi kapre badale nahi, kafi besharam ho tum, pathi ka kehna nahi manthi." He whispered in her ear and she leapt up from her seat as Arnav let go of her hand.
Naniji turned around at the noise Khushi made when she got up and looked suspiciously at her overly proud grandson.
"Khushi betiyan tumne kaana kaya?" Naniji asked and Khushi nodded. "Ucha toh phir jaldi se naha dhoke aab sojha kaal bada din hai, hmm, aur tum bhi Payal betiyaan hum chahat hain khi saari ki saari baas tum dhono ke dhekte rejhayein kaal." Naniji said happily. Khushi turned to look at her husband who was now stood by her side, he winked at her and she narrowly kept a yelp inside."Yeh toh mujhe kajaoga" Khushi muttered to herself. "Naniji, err, hum soch re teh ki kyun nah meh torre saath tumhare paas ajao, torhi masti torhi batein, acha idea heh na?" Khushi asked hoping Naniji would agree and Arnav would go upstairs and fall asleep by the time she came upstairs. Naniji shook her head, "Nahi Khushi betiyaan upper jao abhi ki abhi, hum khoob saari masti karoge kaal, tik hai?" Naniji said and Khushi understood there was no use in arguing, she gave a silent prayer to Devi Maiyan and headed upstairs. She looked behind her to see Arnav at the bottom of the stairs arms folded looking very happy, her heart skipped a beat half from fear and half from excitement. She recalled when he'd kissed her she'd been shocked but the feeling had stayed with her the whole day, he was like a current through her body, every time they touched it was electrifying. She went into the room with a steely resolve, no matter what happened she knew it was for the best, they were married and apparently this was what was right.
Arnav entered the room and saw Khushi sat on the bed appearing to be having an internal debate with herself, muttering one thing then turning her head and muttering something else. He loudly shut the door to break her concentration. She stood up and clasped her hands in one another winding them round and round as he approached closer and closer. He took off his suit jacket and threw it onto the bed, that startled Khushi she stepped back one step but stayed there determined not to seem timid and docile in this situation. This was Arnavji after all, the man who had saved her from a car in the rain, paid her father's hospital bills, caught her when she fainted at Teej, caught her every time she fell, he'd helped bring Akash and Jiji together, he'd been her first kiss, he'd ran around Delhi worried she'd been in an accident, he'd bandaged her wounds on multiple occasions, he'd married her, held her hand in-front of all and never let anyone say a bad word to her including his Mamiji who he respected though he'd never admit it. He cared, he had a funny way of showing it sometimes but he did care. Yes this wedding was born of confusing circumstances fueled by the love he had for his sister but it was possible he loved her too, right? Khushi inhaled as he pulled her close his arms wrapped around her waist. She'd never felt so powerless but so complete at the same time. She could feel Arnavji's heartbeat and it was rapid just like hers. That meant he had to have feelings for her back, she lowered her head and for a moment Arnav had forgotten this was just meant as playful teasing. For a moment he allowed himself to melt into her, to wrap his arms around her and embrace her wishing to let her melt into him. He'd forgotten how intensely he felt for Khushi, he turned her around so her back was against his chest and he grabbed her wa-st pulling her close. He pulled her hair aside and allowed himself one kiss on the nape of her neck, he then raised his head slightly and whispered to Khushi, "Kabrao maat, tumhari isaat ko meh aanch nahi aane doonga." He felt how ragged her breath was, she was really going to go through with this, but then again so was he, did that mean that Khushi also felt the way he did...He didn't dwell on it for long as Khushi ran to the bathroom embarrassed. She threw water on her face, of course this was a joke he wouldn't be serious about it. Why would he since she was the worlds biggest fool?! She felt so stupid, she crept back out and saw Arnavji settling on the floor again, that couldn't be good for him. She'd have to do something about that. She settled into the bed and closed her eyes.
"Khushi." Arnav said from the floor, Khushi's eyes opened.
"Hmmm." She responded.
"Tum meri issat ki raksha toh karengi na?" He asked teasingly.
"Goodnight Arnavji." She said, smiling.
Read other parts to this here.
Dark Paradise Chapter Four
The Raizada's had returned home, Naniji and Mamiji went to their respective rooms to lie down, Akash and Arnav were discussing pending work, Anjali had gone upstairs to check on Shyam although it should be him checking up on her considering she was pregnant and Payal and Khushi were about to settle in the living room when Arnav turned around, "Err, Khushi zaraa ek cup coffee banado mere liye, meh upper humare room mein hoga." Arnav said to Khushi who nodded and headed to the kitchen. She began to make his coffee when she realised he said "humare room" not "my room", that made her smile. Payal came into the kitchen also and slapped Khushi on the back playfully.
"Ow, Jiji!" Khushi groaned rubbing her back.
"Toh, tum Ummaji se kya baat kari thi?" Payal asked and Khushi moaned again, at this rate she'd be making jalebis all night!
"Woh kuch nahi Jiji, aap choriye woh baat na!" Khushi complained.
"Nay bataon humme, yah toh aap apne hak jatari hoon kyunki aab aap humari jetani jo bangaye!" Payal joked. Khushi exhaled. Arnav was upstairs working on his laptop when he checked his watch, he asked Khushi for a coffee five minutes ago, what was taking her so long? He saw Hari Prakash walking past his door,
"Hari Prakash!" Arnav called and HP entered.
"Ji Arnav saab."
"Woh erm, Khushiji kaha hain?" He asked, HP smiled.
"Bhabi toh neeche rasoi mein hain Payal Bhabi ki saath." HP answered, Bhabi? He smiled at that, he liked the fact that Khushi had a new persona to all since she'd become Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada, he shook his head and began to make his way downstairs to see where his coffee had gone to.
Khushi had been avoiding Payal's question when finally she caved, "Umma aur meh uske barein mein baath karein teh." Khushi said moving her hands frantically to try to explain to her Jiji through signals hoping she'd understand.
"Kya, kiske barein mein?" Payal asked confused, obviously Khushi's efforts were in vain. Arnav had reached the entrance to the Kitchen when he saw the two sisters talking in hushed tones and couldn't help but eavesdrop. He hovered out of their sight allowing them to continue.
"Uff ho Jiji! Samja karo, uske barein mein, joh shaadi ki baad..." Khushi said again signalling with her hands. Payal simply became more confused.
"Kya, Khushi yeh saab kya hai! Mujhe toh bilkul samaj mein nahi aara hein! Umma ne tumse kya kaha tah saaf saaf batiyen!" Payal said getting annoyed. Oh so they were talking about Khushi's chat earlier, Arnav realised. His interest rose.
"Hum toh koshish kare baar tum tumhari samaj mein nay aari!" Khushi exhaled deeply and looked around to check that no one was around, she couldn't see anyone and so she decided to say it. "Jiji Umma mujse Suhaag raat ki barein mein baat kari thi!" Khushi said and Payal began to laugh and Khushi frowned.
"Pagal, yeh kohi sharmane hoi baat hai, Umma neh humse bhi woh baat ki thi...Kya aapne aur Arnavji neh...?" Payal wondered.
"NAHIN JIJI!" Khushi said a bit too loudly. "Actually baat thi ki saab parivaar mein naraaz teh isilye humne who nahin khi." Khushi lied, they didn't have sex because they were not really in it for the love, well maybe but that wasn't the main priority, it was showing Anjaliji Shyam's true identity.
"Urre toh phir Umma neh tik kiya. Uggar kaal raat tumne nahi karli toh phir aaj raat toh karni paregi." Payal said, Khushi gasped.
"Kya...mein...aur...Arnavji?" Khushi grimaced, thinking back to how close they'd been earlier when he'd been interrogating her. It made her uncomfortable but excited she felt alive around him, they were married but she didn't even know how he felt. No, no she can't do that, no way!
Arnav smirked and walked back upstairs, toh yeh baat thi. Arnav had to stop himself from laughing, Khushi Kumari Gupta was worried that Arnav was after her virtue. Well this would make things more entertaining, everyone teased him about the whole suhaag raat earlier, in private Arnav will tease Khushi about it. He sat down and started working when a few moments later Khushi walked in, her hands shaking from nerves. Arnav stopped himself from smiling as she placed the coffee next to him.
"Thanks." He said looking at her, she avoided looking into his eyes and he knew exactly why, Khushi attempted to speed walk out of there when he stopped her, "Khushi!" He called and she turned frozen where she was. He stood up and walked towards her circling her, looking her up and down, slowly so to make her more nervous. She began pulling at her pallu and trying to cover herself with it.
"Aaj raath ko kuch kaas pehno." He said and sat back down, Khushi froze.
"K-kyun?" She asked feeling like a lamb being led to the slaughter house.
"Humari shaadi hui hai Khushi, aur kaal raath humari pehli raath kuch adhoore seh thi, na?" He asked knowing she wouldn't be able to argue back. She stood there gawmless feeling nervous, butterflies were fluttering uncontrollably in her stomach. Aab kya karein Khushi? She thought to herself.
"Tum jaa sakti Khushi." He said and she nodded walking away with the fear of god in here. God knows what will happen tonight! She thought to herself as Arnav continued to smirk as he watched a nerve ridden Khushi leave their room.
Read other parts to this here.
"Ow, Jiji!" Khushi groaned rubbing her back.
"Toh, tum Ummaji se kya baat kari thi?" Payal asked and Khushi moaned again, at this rate she'd be making jalebis all night!
"Woh kuch nahi Jiji, aap choriye woh baat na!" Khushi complained.
"Nay bataon humme, yah toh aap apne hak jatari hoon kyunki aab aap humari jetani jo bangaye!" Payal joked. Khushi exhaled. Arnav was upstairs working on his laptop when he checked his watch, he asked Khushi for a coffee five minutes ago, what was taking her so long? He saw Hari Prakash walking past his door,
"Hari Prakash!" Arnav called and HP entered.
"Ji Arnav saab."
"Woh erm, Khushiji kaha hain?" He asked, HP smiled.
"Bhabi toh neeche rasoi mein hain Payal Bhabi ki saath." HP answered, Bhabi? He smiled at that, he liked the fact that Khushi had a new persona to all since she'd become Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada, he shook his head and began to make his way downstairs to see where his coffee had gone to.
Khushi had been avoiding Payal's question when finally she caved, "Umma aur meh uske barein mein baath karein teh." Khushi said moving her hands frantically to try to explain to her Jiji through signals hoping she'd understand.
"Kya, kiske barein mein?" Payal asked confused, obviously Khushi's efforts were in vain. Arnav had reached the entrance to the Kitchen when he saw the two sisters talking in hushed tones and couldn't help but eavesdrop. He hovered out of their sight allowing them to continue.
"Uff ho Jiji! Samja karo, uske barein mein, joh shaadi ki baad..." Khushi said again signalling with her hands. Payal simply became more confused.
"Kya, Khushi yeh saab kya hai! Mujhe toh bilkul samaj mein nahi aara hein! Umma ne tumse kya kaha tah saaf saaf batiyen!" Payal said getting annoyed. Oh so they were talking about Khushi's chat earlier, Arnav realised. His interest rose.
"Hum toh koshish kare baar tum tumhari samaj mein nay aari!" Khushi exhaled deeply and looked around to check that no one was around, she couldn't see anyone and so she decided to say it. "Jiji Umma mujse Suhaag raat ki barein mein baat kari thi!" Khushi said and Payal began to laugh and Khushi frowned.
"Pagal, yeh kohi sharmane hoi baat hai, Umma neh humse bhi woh baat ki thi...Kya aapne aur Arnavji neh...?" Payal wondered.
"NAHIN JIJI!" Khushi said a bit too loudly. "Actually baat thi ki saab parivaar mein naraaz teh isilye humne who nahin khi." Khushi lied, they didn't have sex because they were not really in it for the love, well maybe but that wasn't the main priority, it was showing Anjaliji Shyam's true identity.
"Urre toh phir Umma neh tik kiya. Uggar kaal raat tumne nahi karli toh phir aaj raat toh karni paregi." Payal said, Khushi gasped.
"Kya...mein...aur...Arnavji?" Khushi grimaced, thinking back to how close they'd been earlier when he'd been interrogating her. It made her uncomfortable but excited she felt alive around him, they were married but she didn't even know how he felt. No, no she can't do that, no way!
Arnav smirked and walked back upstairs, toh yeh baat thi. Arnav had to stop himself from laughing, Khushi Kumari Gupta was worried that Arnav was after her virtue. Well this would make things more entertaining, everyone teased him about the whole suhaag raat earlier, in private Arnav will tease Khushi about it. He sat down and started working when a few moments later Khushi walked in, her hands shaking from nerves. Arnav stopped himself from smiling as she placed the coffee next to him.
"Thanks." He said looking at her, she avoided looking into his eyes and he knew exactly why, Khushi attempted to speed walk out of there when he stopped her, "Khushi!" He called and she turned frozen where she was. He stood up and walked towards her circling her, looking her up and down, slowly so to make her more nervous. She began pulling at her pallu and trying to cover herself with it.
"Aaj raath ko kuch kaas pehno." He said and sat back down, Khushi froze.
"K-kyun?" She asked feeling like a lamb being led to the slaughter house.
"Humari shaadi hui hai Khushi, aur kaal raath humari pehli raath kuch adhoore seh thi, na?" He asked knowing she wouldn't be able to argue back. She stood there gawmless feeling nervous, butterflies were fluttering uncontrollably in her stomach. Aab kya karein Khushi? She thought to herself.
"Tum jaa sakti Khushi." He said and she nodded walking away with the fear of god in here. God knows what will happen tonight! She thought to herself as Arnav continued to smirk as he watched a nerve ridden Khushi leave their room.
Read other parts to this here.
Dark Paradise Chapter Three
The Raizada clan arrived at the Gupta's home, Buaji was busy in the kitchen preparing snacks when they entered, Garima was so happy to see her two daughters settled, although she was anxious about Khushi, after all who rushes into a wedding without telling anyone? Garima couldn't help but worry how Khushi's in-laws must have reacted. The Raizada's sat down, Mamiji muttered a few insults under her breath. Anjali was alone as Shyam had refused to come to the Gupta's which struck her as odd. Usually Shyam was so willing to do as she said, that's why their relationship was so wonderful they always understood each other, but since this morning she did not understand what had gotten into her husband. Naniji took the liberty of assuring Garima and Shashi that they had no issues with Arnav and Khushi's marriage but instead were very happy with it.
"Hum to sochre teh ki, Arnav bitua ki bya khabi nai hoga. Lekhin dekh Devi Maiya ki kripa se humhe itnee achee bahuriya milee." Naniji said as she smiled at Khushi, Khushi smiled back meekly, she herself didn't know what to call this relationship with Arnavji, yes he was her husband, but for how long? Until the truth comes out about Shyamji, or until he decides she's a no good goldigger again? It worried her, she trusted him but she wasn't sure if she was right in trusting him. Garima noted the worried look on her daughter's face.
"Khushi bitiya, zaraa mere saath chalo." Garima said and Khushi rose without hesitation, Arnav however found this as odd but couldn't pursue it as he was held up with Buaji who was trying to force another samosa onto his plate complaining about how thin he was. Garima led Khushi into her old room, Khushi welled up at the sight of it, only one night away from it and the room felt like it had been hers in another life. She shook away the nostalgia and sat on the bed with her Ummaji.
"Khushi yeh saab...kya...kaab?" Khushi could see her Umma struggling to comprehend and she just smiled.
"Oh ho Umma! Aaap bhi na, jab doh loog ko pyaar hota hai to phir shaadi karte. Aur aap to jaante ki Arnavji alag type ki mard hai sabh khuch apne andaaz mein karta hai. Isilye shaadi bhi aisi hogaye." Khushi said smiling, all the while her heart welled up recalling all those moments she'd dreamed of her perfect wedding and in no way did this match up, well except maybe the part where she married someone she loved. Wasn't that the most important thing anyway?
"Ucha tik hai, par humko batiya hota toh ucha hota. I never got to even say goodbye. Or talk to you like I did with Payal." Her mother complained.
"Baath? Kis baare mein?" Khushi asked anxiously, Garima looked tense.
"Suhaag raat ke baare mein." Her mother said and Khushi's eyes became ten times wider, this was not happening! This was a very bad dream that she was about to wake up from!
"Umma yeh, khoi zuroorat nahi hai." Khushi objected.
"Kya aapne kaal raat...?" Garima asked.
"NO!" Khushi said rather too vehemently.
"Toh phir zuroori hai! Bhetja Khushi." Garima said and began to have "the talk" with Khushi. She explained how it was natural and a part of life in particular married life of course. Khushi felt nauseous and wanted to leave. Her cheeks burned flaming red and she was attempting to block her Umma's voice out of her mind.
"Samajgaye aap?" Ummaji said and Khushi nodded meekly as it hit her. Did Arnavji expect a suhaag raat? They were married after all, so did that mean that they had to...?
"Hai Devi Maiyan aab hum kya kaare?" Khushi said under her breath as she walked out of her old room and joined the Raizada's taking her seat next to Arnav.
Arnav noticed that since Khushi had come back from her chat with her Ummaji she was looking paler, fidgiting more and attempting to subtly shuffle further away from Arnav every opportunity she got. However the sofa was small and nothing escaped his eye. He picked up his tea and purposefully dropped it so that it spilt on Khushi and himself. Khushi let out a gasp, it was cold tea anyway so all it would do is stain, he wouldn't have done anything to hurt her. Buaji told them to go clean up in the bathroom, which Arnav remembered was a very confined space and also private. A great place to chew Khushi's brain over what happened between her and her mother and why she was acting so odd, well more odd than usual. They both proceeded to the bathroom and Arnav locked the door behind them which made Khushi gasp, she took a sharp breath and didn't dare breath out. What is he planning on doing? This question made her body shake and sweat. She attempted to steady herself but fear and anticipation ran through her, adrenaline causing her heart to beat at a ridiculous rate. He began to walk towards her to ask what had gone on when she jumped away trying to get as far away as possible from him.
"Khushi...?" He said confused, what was she doing.
"Dh-Dhoor! Dhoor raho humse." Khushi warned.
"What the-! Khushi, yeh kya hai?" Arnav said walking closer.
"Nahin! Dhoor se baat kar yaar, itne kareeb aane ki kya zuroorat hai?" Khushi said attempting to seem blasé. Arnav grabbed her by the arms.
"Khushi stop this nonesense, and tell me what happened?" Arnav demanded.
"Kya? Kya hua, kab?" She asked attempting to slide out of his grip, Arnav didn't want to use force but she was being so uncooperative. He pressed her against the wall and placed his arms solidly around both sides of her body forcing her to look at him. Khushi felt like her heart was going to rip out of her chest, she could hear it ringing in her ears and felt it in her stomach. How was she going to get out of this?
"Khushi, when you spoke to your Ummaji what happened?" He asked and he eyes widened.
"T-tumse kya?" She asked not wanting to admit that her mother had just had "the talk" with her and she now felt fully traumatised and also very petrified by him and the close proximity his body had with hers at the moment.
Arnav decided to approach it with a softer tone, "Humare biwi hai aap, aur aapka chehra bilkul uttergaya jabse tumne apne Ummaji se baat ki thi. I'm your husband and I have a right to know, otherwise all those kasme and vaade what were they for?" He asked knowing that these filmy dialogues always made Khushi melt and she was melting as he spoke.
"Kuch nahi baas...yuhin." She said shyly.
"Are you sure?" He asked and she nodded not making eye contatct. He let her go and she ran straight out of the bathroom and slowed down when nearing the family. Arnav smiled to himself, it was this strangeness that made Arnav fall in love with Khushi but he knew that wasn't what was important at the moment. Di was and exposing that snake was, after all the newly wed rasams were over they were going to have to get to work on exposing Shyam and if they couldn't. Well...that just confirmed that his Khushi was never really his and whatever they may have had wasn't real. Arnav wasn't ready to deal with that and so it was important to expose Jeejaji, not just for Di but for himself...and Khushi.
Read other parts to this here.
"Hum to sochre teh ki, Arnav bitua ki bya khabi nai hoga. Lekhin dekh Devi Maiya ki kripa se humhe itnee achee bahuriya milee." Naniji said as she smiled at Khushi, Khushi smiled back meekly, she herself didn't know what to call this relationship with Arnavji, yes he was her husband, but for how long? Until the truth comes out about Shyamji, or until he decides she's a no good goldigger again? It worried her, she trusted him but she wasn't sure if she was right in trusting him. Garima noted the worried look on her daughter's face.
"Khushi bitiya, zaraa mere saath chalo." Garima said and Khushi rose without hesitation, Arnav however found this as odd but couldn't pursue it as he was held up with Buaji who was trying to force another samosa onto his plate complaining about how thin he was. Garima led Khushi into her old room, Khushi welled up at the sight of it, only one night away from it and the room felt like it had been hers in another life. She shook away the nostalgia and sat on the bed with her Ummaji.
"Khushi yeh saab...kya...kaab?" Khushi could see her Umma struggling to comprehend and she just smiled.
"Oh ho Umma! Aaap bhi na, jab doh loog ko pyaar hota hai to phir shaadi karte. Aur aap to jaante ki Arnavji alag type ki mard hai sabh khuch apne andaaz mein karta hai. Isilye shaadi bhi aisi hogaye." Khushi said smiling, all the while her heart welled up recalling all those moments she'd dreamed of her perfect wedding and in no way did this match up, well except maybe the part where she married someone she loved. Wasn't that the most important thing anyway?
"Ucha tik hai, par humko batiya hota toh ucha hota. I never got to even say goodbye. Or talk to you like I did with Payal." Her mother complained.
"Baath? Kis baare mein?" Khushi asked anxiously, Garima looked tense.
"Suhaag raat ke baare mein." Her mother said and Khushi's eyes became ten times wider, this was not happening! This was a very bad dream that she was about to wake up from!
"Umma yeh, khoi zuroorat nahi hai." Khushi objected.
"Kya aapne kaal raat...?" Garima asked.
"NO!" Khushi said rather too vehemently.
"Toh phir zuroori hai! Bhetja Khushi." Garima said and began to have "the talk" with Khushi. She explained how it was natural and a part of life in particular married life of course. Khushi felt nauseous and wanted to leave. Her cheeks burned flaming red and she was attempting to block her Umma's voice out of her mind.
"Samajgaye aap?" Ummaji said and Khushi nodded meekly as it hit her. Did Arnavji expect a suhaag raat? They were married after all, so did that mean that they had to...?
"Hai Devi Maiyan aab hum kya kaare?" Khushi said under her breath as she walked out of her old room and joined the Raizada's taking her seat next to Arnav.
Arnav noticed that since Khushi had come back from her chat with her Ummaji she was looking paler, fidgiting more and attempting to subtly shuffle further away from Arnav every opportunity she got. However the sofa was small and nothing escaped his eye. He picked up his tea and purposefully dropped it so that it spilt on Khushi and himself. Khushi let out a gasp, it was cold tea anyway so all it would do is stain, he wouldn't have done anything to hurt her. Buaji told them to go clean up in the bathroom, which Arnav remembered was a very confined space and also private. A great place to chew Khushi's brain over what happened between her and her mother and why she was acting so odd, well more odd than usual. They both proceeded to the bathroom and Arnav locked the door behind them which made Khushi gasp, she took a sharp breath and didn't dare breath out. What is he planning on doing? This question made her body shake and sweat. She attempted to steady herself but fear and anticipation ran through her, adrenaline causing her heart to beat at a ridiculous rate. He began to walk towards her to ask what had gone on when she jumped away trying to get as far away as possible from him.
"Khushi...?" He said confused, what was she doing.
"Dh-Dhoor! Dhoor raho humse." Khushi warned.
"What the-! Khushi, yeh kya hai?" Arnav said walking closer.
"Nahin! Dhoor se baat kar yaar, itne kareeb aane ki kya zuroorat hai?" Khushi said attempting to seem blasé. Arnav grabbed her by the arms.
"Khushi stop this nonesense, and tell me what happened?" Arnav demanded.
"Kya? Kya hua, kab?" She asked attempting to slide out of his grip, Arnav didn't want to use force but she was being so uncooperative. He pressed her against the wall and placed his arms solidly around both sides of her body forcing her to look at him. Khushi felt like her heart was going to rip out of her chest, she could hear it ringing in her ears and felt it in her stomach. How was she going to get out of this?
"Khushi, when you spoke to your Ummaji what happened?" He asked and he eyes widened.
"T-tumse kya?" She asked not wanting to admit that her mother had just had "the talk" with her and she now felt fully traumatised and also very petrified by him and the close proximity his body had with hers at the moment.
Arnav decided to approach it with a softer tone, "Humare biwi hai aap, aur aapka chehra bilkul uttergaya jabse tumne apne Ummaji se baat ki thi. I'm your husband and I have a right to know, otherwise all those kasme and vaade what were they for?" He asked knowing that these filmy dialogues always made Khushi melt and she was melting as he spoke.
"Kuch nahi baas...yuhin." She said shyly.
"Are you sure?" He asked and she nodded not making eye contatct. He let her go and she ran straight out of the bathroom and slowed down when nearing the family. Arnav smiled to himself, it was this strangeness that made Arnav fall in love with Khushi but he knew that wasn't what was important at the moment. Di was and exposing that snake was, after all the newly wed rasams were over they were going to have to get to work on exposing Shyam and if they couldn't. Well...that just confirmed that his Khushi was never really his and whatever they may have had wasn't real. Arnav wasn't ready to deal with that and so it was important to expose Jeejaji, not just for Di but for himself...and Khushi.
Read other parts to this here.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Two
Khushi woke up and stretched out and then pulled her hands back in case she hit Jiji, Jiji? She sat up sharply when she realised Jiji wasn't in the bed, she wasn't at Buaji's house anymore. She was in Arnav Singh Raizada's bed, in his room, in his house and she was his wife. She calmed herself at once, she'd have to get used to this because she was his wife, they were married and this is how it was going to be from now on. She heard the door shut as Arnav walked into the room in another of his three piece suits and she couldn't help but wonder, does he never wear anything for comfort or is it all just for appearances? She got out of the bed and started making it to avoid any awkward interactions. "Khushi you know we have people who do that for us?" Arnav said and she stopped. "I know but I just thought-" She was interrupted by the fact that his hand was now on hers, he was dangerously close, stood behind her, so close that she could feel his breath on her neck. "Choriye." He said and she let go of the duvet. "Tumhe ready bi hona hai." He said and she became puzzled. "Khushi we have to go to your house today with Payal and Akash, we did get married you know?" He said and she nodded. She was about to head into the bathroom when she realised she had nothing with her, no toiletries, no clothes, nothing. "Maine samaan mangaya ta. Your toothbrush and clothes and whatever else are in that bag, I had Om Prakash get it from Buaji's this morning when I woke up." He said, she liked the fact he said Buaji's instead of "Your house" or "Your Buaji's house." There was a sense that he accepted her family as his own too. She was slightly startled that he'd gone to all his effort. Arnav sensed this and began to back track not wanting Khushi to see into his actions before he was ready. "Jaldi tayaar ho, I don't want you looking worse for wears, you represent me now and so you should look the part. I don't want Naniji and everyone else to think I don't care about you." He lied, not that Khushi could tell he was quite good at masking his feelings now, he wanted to let her in but he didn't trust her just yet. Too much had happened recently. Khushi nodded and took the bag to the bathroom where she began to get ready, of course he did this for himself, God forbid he do something nice and admit it! It was like the chooriyan incident all over again, was it so hard for him to admit he cared? "Hai Devi Maiya shakti deh! God knows what I've done." Khushi muttered to herself.
Arnav was waiting for Khushi not wanting to face the family alone, he decided to catch up on some work he'd been avoiding since the wedding. He couldn't understand why girls took so long to get ready, with himself 15 minutes and he was done, Khushi had been in the bathroom for nearly half an hour, that was ridiculous and a waste of time. He heard her walk out of the bathroom from the sound of her payals. "Thank god Khushi, aab nashta kare yah tumhe aur bhi time chahiye?" He said sarcastically as he turned then wishing he could eat his words when he saw her. Khushi was wearing a red saree with simple silver embroidery around the borders. She had her famous jhoomke dangling from her ears and a silver necklace around her neck. But that didn't matter because the small line of sindoor that adorned her forehead let him know that she was his and that's what he liked most about Khushi today, she was his. He cleared his throat and walked out of the bedroom Khushi knew she had to follow and did so, noting that Arnav was more than admiring her in her saree. That bought a smile to Khushi's lips. Arnav slowed down on the stairs so Khushi could keep pace with him and they entered the dining room together, side by side. There were two seats waiting for them right next to Naniji, Arnav opted for the one closest to her allowing Khushi to sit next to Payal where she would undoubtedly feel more comfortable. They took their seats and before Naniji started Arnav and Khushi both noted how angry Shyam looked, the vain in his forehead looked ready to burst. Khushi began to panic, Shyam was already obsessive what if this pushes him over the edge and he does something that would make her regret all this. Her panic soon washed away as Arnav interlocked their hands under the table, she looked towards him but he didn't look back. Always holding back when he shouldn't. Naniji cleared her throat so to gather everyone's attention at the table. "Hum toh shooruat mein khush nahi te, ki tumne aur Khushi betiyan ye kadam utayan humare ashirwad ki bine aur humare ijazat se bina." Shyam smiled at this, hopeful that Naniji would put an end to this marriage before he would have to. "Lekin hum ab bohut hee khush hai kyunki Arnav bitua ne shaadi toh khi aur woh bhi ek achi ladki ke saath, joh hum sub pasand hai. Isliyen hum aab ashirwad dethein hai." Naniji said and Shyam began to boil once more. He couldn't take it, he remained quiet for so long with the hope that Naniji would straighten them out but obviously he would, as always have to do this himself. "Yeh kya insaaf hai Naniji? Arnav aur Khushi neh toh iss kar ki niyam ke kilaaf gaye teh, aap kaise baas ashirwad dheke baat ko khatam kari houn?" Shyam said and Anjali turned shocked at her husband. Naniji had just been convinced to let them be and now he was doing this, if Chotte was happy that was all that mattered, why was he doing this? She didn't like it. "Dekho bitua mujhe ladiye pasaand nahi hai, aur hum sabh khush hai isliye baath katham. Ab mujhe mere bahu ko dekhne doon!" Naniki said playfully, Khushi rose from the table and touched Naniji's feet to receive her blessings which she obliginly gave, Arnav didn't bother with it, if Khushi wanted to that was fine but he didn't see the point in it.
She sat back down and began to eat her breakfast, the family mainly gossiped about how lovely Akash and Payal's wedding was and how they knew Khushi and Arnav had something between them. Khushi was smiling away at all this and Arnav would sneakily watch her with side glances.Shyam had, had enough and muttered something about feeling unwell and went upstairs and Anjali followed him. Naniji, Mamaji and Mamiji all went to get ready to visit the Gupta family leaving Arnav, Khushi, Payal, Akash and NK at the table. "Khushi, zara mere saath chaal, kuch kaam tah." Payal said to Khushi and Khushi nodded and followed. Arnav was curious about what the two sisters were up to but couldn't leave because that annoying NK had started up again. "So mere bhai's big night last night?" He said his eyebrows wiggling all over his face, he was a serious cartoon arnav thought to himself. Akash blushed and nodded. Arnav realised he was referencing the whole "suhaag raat" thing which obviously Khushi and he had not experienced. Arnav nodded also and then cleared his throat, he was a good liar yes. But not when it came to this. Akash leaned in to talk to Arnav. "Bhai, didn't you feel that last night just made you more in love, like it just intensified everything?" Akash asked and Arnav began feeling more uncomfortable, he didn't want to have the temptation of thinking about Khushi like that in his mind. "Hah, of course Akash." He said matter of factly. "But Bhai didn't you feel so much more connected to Khushiji now, like every breath, every movement is in sync because you two are now connected on a...er...physical level now?" Akash asked and Arnav hated the fact that Akash and he usually spoke about everything because now he had no way out. All he could think of was being with Khushi on a physical level and it was making it really hard for him to concentrate and lie efficiently. "...O-f, of course Akash." He said. "I've never been so happy Bhai." Akash said, Arnav didn't feel happy, he felt frustrated. He needed to think about something else. Anything else. "Kya baat hai mere bhaiyon! Nanav, chuphe sher! Tum bohut lucky hoon! Khushiji, she's very special you know? Many men would kill to be in your shoes." NK said nostalgically and Arnav thought of course he would say that he was one of those million men. "She's Bhabi to you NK and you Akash." Arnav said and he left the table, wanting to escape the conversation especially its topic.
Payal and Khushi had been sat in Khushi and Arnav's room while Khushi attempted to convince her Jiji that she married Arnav for love which was half true because she did love Arnav but love wasn't the only driving force in this marriage.
"Tik hai agar tumhe lagta hai ki tumne sahi faisla leeya aur tum khush hai, toh hum bhi khush hai." Payal said.
"Such Jiji?" Khushi asked and Payal nodded. Khushi then hugged her sister so happy that she wasn't angry. "Paatha hai Jiji ab hum bohut maasti karenge aur hum hamesha ki liye ek saath rehenge. Kitne aachi baht hai, heh nah?" Khushi asked and Payal nodded, Payal felt a lot more happy now that she had her sister with her, a familiar face when she needed it most. Arnav cleared his throat and the sisters composed themselves, Payal got up and left giving a smile to Arnav on her way out, happy with her sister's choice. Arnav was slightly baffled by Payal's behaviour but proceeded anyway.
"Khushi hurry up please, humhein tumhaare ghar toh jaana hai." He said, admiring the way her saree draped her body, hugging her hips and adding a glow to her already stunning body. She got up and nodded, Arnav concluded that it would be hard to keep himself at bay, he had to remember this was for Di and not for him. Khushi was busy quickly checking her appearance in the mirror wanting to look perfect when she saw her family, she turned and in the hurry of her actions she bumped into Arnav. For the briefest of moments his arms were hovering around her waist, their chests were against one another and their breathing in sync, chests rising and falling at the same time. Neither of them moved, unsure of how the other would react. Arnav wanted so badly to envelope Khushi in his embrace but resisted when he remembered the way Shyam had held her similairly, he broke away and let her move past. Khushi felt embaressed and rushed downstairs, Arnav hung back for a bit and came to the conclusion that this was going to be difficult.
Read all other parts to this here
Arnav was waiting for Khushi not wanting to face the family alone, he decided to catch up on some work he'd been avoiding since the wedding. He couldn't understand why girls took so long to get ready, with himself 15 minutes and he was done, Khushi had been in the bathroom for nearly half an hour, that was ridiculous and a waste of time. He heard her walk out of the bathroom from the sound of her payals. "Thank god Khushi, aab nashta kare yah tumhe aur bhi time chahiye?" He said sarcastically as he turned then wishing he could eat his words when he saw her. Khushi was wearing a red saree with simple silver embroidery around the borders. She had her famous jhoomke dangling from her ears and a silver necklace around her neck. But that didn't matter because the small line of sindoor that adorned her forehead let him know that she was his and that's what he liked most about Khushi today, she was his. He cleared his throat and walked out of the bedroom Khushi knew she had to follow and did so, noting that Arnav was more than admiring her in her saree. That bought a smile to Khushi's lips. Arnav slowed down on the stairs so Khushi could keep pace with him and they entered the dining room together, side by side. There were two seats waiting for them right next to Naniji, Arnav opted for the one closest to her allowing Khushi to sit next to Payal where she would undoubtedly feel more comfortable. They took their seats and before Naniji started Arnav and Khushi both noted how angry Shyam looked, the vain in his forehead looked ready to burst. Khushi began to panic, Shyam was already obsessive what if this pushes him over the edge and he does something that would make her regret all this. Her panic soon washed away as Arnav interlocked their hands under the table, she looked towards him but he didn't look back. Always holding back when he shouldn't. Naniji cleared her throat so to gather everyone's attention at the table. "Hum toh shooruat mein khush nahi te, ki tumne aur Khushi betiyan ye kadam utayan humare ashirwad ki bine aur humare ijazat se bina." Shyam smiled at this, hopeful that Naniji would put an end to this marriage before he would have to. "Lekin hum ab bohut hee khush hai kyunki Arnav bitua ne shaadi toh khi aur woh bhi ek achi ladki ke saath, joh hum sub pasand hai. Isliyen hum aab ashirwad dethein hai." Naniji said and Shyam began to boil once more. He couldn't take it, he remained quiet for so long with the hope that Naniji would straighten them out but obviously he would, as always have to do this himself. "Yeh kya insaaf hai Naniji? Arnav aur Khushi neh toh iss kar ki niyam ke kilaaf gaye teh, aap kaise baas ashirwad dheke baat ko khatam kari houn?" Shyam said and Anjali turned shocked at her husband. Naniji had just been convinced to let them be and now he was doing this, if Chotte was happy that was all that mattered, why was he doing this? She didn't like it. "Dekho bitua mujhe ladiye pasaand nahi hai, aur hum sabh khush hai isliye baath katham. Ab mujhe mere bahu ko dekhne doon!" Naniki said playfully, Khushi rose from the table and touched Naniji's feet to receive her blessings which she obliginly gave, Arnav didn't bother with it, if Khushi wanted to that was fine but he didn't see the point in it.
She sat back down and began to eat her breakfast, the family mainly gossiped about how lovely Akash and Payal's wedding was and how they knew Khushi and Arnav had something between them. Khushi was smiling away at all this and Arnav would sneakily watch her with side glances.Shyam had, had enough and muttered something about feeling unwell and went upstairs and Anjali followed him. Naniji, Mamaji and Mamiji all went to get ready to visit the Gupta family leaving Arnav, Khushi, Payal, Akash and NK at the table. "Khushi, zara mere saath chaal, kuch kaam tah." Payal said to Khushi and Khushi nodded and followed. Arnav was curious about what the two sisters were up to but couldn't leave because that annoying NK had started up again. "So mere bhai's big night last night?" He said his eyebrows wiggling all over his face, he was a serious cartoon arnav thought to himself. Akash blushed and nodded. Arnav realised he was referencing the whole "suhaag raat" thing which obviously Khushi and he had not experienced. Arnav nodded also and then cleared his throat, he was a good liar yes. But not when it came to this. Akash leaned in to talk to Arnav. "Bhai, didn't you feel that last night just made you more in love, like it just intensified everything?" Akash asked and Arnav began feeling more uncomfortable, he didn't want to have the temptation of thinking about Khushi like that in his mind. "Hah, of course Akash." He said matter of factly. "But Bhai didn't you feel so much more connected to Khushiji now, like every breath, every movement is in sync because you two are now connected on a...er...physical level now?" Akash asked and Arnav hated the fact that Akash and he usually spoke about everything because now he had no way out. All he could think of was being with Khushi on a physical level and it was making it really hard for him to concentrate and lie efficiently. "...O-f, of course Akash." He said. "I've never been so happy Bhai." Akash said, Arnav didn't feel happy, he felt frustrated. He needed to think about something else. Anything else. "Kya baat hai mere bhaiyon! Nanav, chuphe sher! Tum bohut lucky hoon! Khushiji, she's very special you know? Many men would kill to be in your shoes." NK said nostalgically and Arnav thought of course he would say that he was one of those million men. "She's Bhabi to you NK and you Akash." Arnav said and he left the table, wanting to escape the conversation especially its topic.
Payal and Khushi had been sat in Khushi and Arnav's room while Khushi attempted to convince her Jiji that she married Arnav for love which was half true because she did love Arnav but love wasn't the only driving force in this marriage.
"Tik hai agar tumhe lagta hai ki tumne sahi faisla leeya aur tum khush hai, toh hum bhi khush hai." Payal said.
"Such Jiji?" Khushi asked and Payal nodded. Khushi then hugged her sister so happy that she wasn't angry. "Paatha hai Jiji ab hum bohut maasti karenge aur hum hamesha ki liye ek saath rehenge. Kitne aachi baht hai, heh nah?" Khushi asked and Payal nodded, Payal felt a lot more happy now that she had her sister with her, a familiar face when she needed it most. Arnav cleared his throat and the sisters composed themselves, Payal got up and left giving a smile to Arnav on her way out, happy with her sister's choice. Arnav was slightly baffled by Payal's behaviour but proceeded anyway.
"Khushi hurry up please, humhein tumhaare ghar toh jaana hai." He said, admiring the way her saree draped her body, hugging her hips and adding a glow to her already stunning body. She got up and nodded, Arnav concluded that it would be hard to keep himself at bay, he had to remember this was for Di and not for him. Khushi was busy quickly checking her appearance in the mirror wanting to look perfect when she saw her family, she turned and in the hurry of her actions she bumped into Arnav. For the briefest of moments his arms were hovering around her waist, their chests were against one another and their breathing in sync, chests rising and falling at the same time. Neither of them moved, unsure of how the other would react. Arnav wanted so badly to envelope Khushi in his embrace but resisted when he remembered the way Shyam had held her similairly, he broke away and let her move past. Khushi felt embaressed and rushed downstairs, Arnav hung back for a bit and came to the conclusion that this was going to be difficult.
Read all other parts to this here
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter One
Khushi side stepped behind Arnav to reveal to all her family and his that they had eloped, married in secret. Naniji, Anjali, Payal, Akash, Buaji, Bauji, Amma and NK were all gawping at Khushi in her bridal attire. Naniji and Anjali couldn't fathom it, why elope they wouldn't have minded after all they let Akash and Payal get married despite Mami's protesting. Mami was the first to break the silence,
"Hello Hi bye bye ek to agaye abh yeh patthi saree bee free mein agaye!" She said with a callousness, Khushi looked up at Arnav helplessly, she'd never felt so lost. Arnav looked at her masking his own worry with firmness and then they both looked out on the sea of family who were confused and shocked. Arnav took particular notice about how enraged Shyam looked, he took solace in that and held his hand out towards Khushi who hesitantly took it in her own. Arnav gave her a reassuring squeeze and then he spoke.
"Mammiji yeh patthi saree nahi hain, izaat se baat kar, she's my wife and the Raizada's eldest bahu." Khushi took a deep breath when Arnav made his statement. That's what she was Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada, she'd dreamt about it but never thought it would happen and especially not like this. She'd wanted a dhamaka of a wedding instead she had a secret small ceremony. At least Devi Maiya was there to witness it even if her sister, mother and father couldn't.
"But Chotte yeh kya hai, Khushiji and you? Tumne shaadi ki hai aur without telling us?" Anjali was more hurt by the latter, she loved Khushiji and was happy they were together but why the secret? Chotte never kept anything from her and after her good news which she had shared with everyone why did he hide such a happy occassion from his family? It made no sense to her.
"Di please, maine decision karliya ta ki mujhe Khushi se shaadi karni thi. I didn't want any shor and I don't really believe in all these traditions so we got married in the mandhir bina kisi se bathaye. Because I knew if you found out you would have never let us." Arnav said calmly, Khushi was amazed at how well he lied, effortlessly...it almost worried her, his performance was incredibly compelling. Anjali remained shocked, Arnav didn't tell her because she'd make a big deal out of it? Of course she would it was her brother's wedding! But Anjali knew being angry wouldn't help anything, she had to think about how everyone else would take it, she was used to Chotte's stubborness and the problems it caused, everyone else however...
"Yeh tumne teek nahi ki Arnav bitua! Humse chupake, kya sabit karna chata tu?" Naniji accused and Arnav just held his hand up to signal everyone stop.
"Di, aarti ki taal." Arnav said and Anjali looked puzzled, "Aren't you going to welcome my wife in with all your rasams and what not." Arnav said and Anjali complied, she came back with the taal as well as a copper cup full of rice which she put in front of Khushi's feet. She welcomed them according to the custom then stood aside as Khushi knocked over the rice.
Arnav and Khushi took their first steps as man and wife, their fist steps that defied their family, their first steps with secrets making their hearts heavy and their heads weary however they never let go of each other's hand. Anjali held out another taal with haldi, Khushi placed her hands in them and imprinted her hands on the wall next to Payal's. Payal, her jiji who stood looking helplessly confused as she watched her younger sister do all this, what had driven Khushi to take such a drastic step? Khushi turned after imprinting her hands in this house allowing herself to merge as part of it, she closed her eyes and had a secret exchange with Devi Maiya praying that she and Arnav wouldn't have to deal with more of the family's questions. Arnav went back to holding her hand even though it was stained with haldi, he took the vermala from her hand and put it in the crook of his arm with his own. He walked past Anjali and handed them to HP. He walked past Naniji, the Gupta parivaar (now his in-laws) and then he and Khushi both stopped in front of Payal and Akash.
"I'm sorry Akash, Payal we didn't mean to take away from you're day it just seemed like the best step to take at the time. We're sorry everyone." Arnav said to all, everyone noted that an apology from Arnav meant a lot and so they remained quiet.
"Chaal ab khoob masti hoagaye, ab hum saab ko chalna chahiye." Buaji said attempting to lighten the situation. Naniji nodded, not happy with the current situation but unable to complain due to Arnav's calm demeanour. The Raizada family showed out the Guptas and then they turned to look upon the two jodi's Akash and Payal who everything had fallen into place relatively easily, they had gotten married conventionally with everyone's blessings. Then they looked at Arnav and Khushi who had gone rogue and done as they pleased without telling anyone.
Before Naniji could start, Arnav interrupted.
"Naniji kafi raat hogayi, I think hum sub ko sona chaiye. Its not good for Di to be up so late, isn't that right Jijaji?" Arnav said all the while not looking at Shyam knowing that snake was staring at his Khushi, his wife and not even thinking about his sister!
"Hmmm, ha, ha bilkul chalo Rani Sahiba!" Shyam said putting up his mask of a good husband for all. Nani was about to protest.
"Nani, please lets talk about in the morning." He said and he turned leading Khushi to their room. Khushi turned to look on her new family who all looked hurt and worried, she knew it made no sense to them and maybe even hurt them but this was for their benefit...they just didn't know it.
Khushi took off her wedding ornaments as Arnav was in the bathroom washing his face, probably to calm down, she thought. Everything happened so quickly she hardly realised when she changed from Khushi Kumari Gupta to Khushi Singh Raizada.On the inside she questioned whether this had been the right decision or not, after all Arnav and she had only just begun to understand their separate feelings for each other. She removed the earrings and all other ornaments in her hair. She left her choora on as was custom and then sat awkwardly on the bed. What was she going to do now?
Arnav needed time to think but he knew he didn't have it, she was waiting for him, depending on him, so much depended on him, his family, his business and now Khushi. He exhaled deeply and walked into his room and saw Khushi had loosened her hair and removed her jewellery. She wrestled her hands with one another obviously consumed by the same question Arnav was bothered by: Now what? They had ran into each other moments before the ceremony and Khushi confronted him with Shyam's true identity and Arnav told her he had seen them together and he didn't believe her, but then what other choice did he have but to believe Khushi. Khushi had no proof though and without proof Arnav could not let her or himself ruin Di's life when she was so happy. So Arnav made a promise to Khushi that he would marry her keep her safe from Shyam and if she could prove he was guilty then they could save Di's life also. Khushi was sceptical she wanted to marry Arnav but not just so she could show Shyam for the snake he was but so that she could be with him in the way she knew she should be when she fell in love because...because that's what this was it was love. She knew she had few options Shyam's actions had become increasingly insane and violent. She trusted Arnav but wasn't sure if he loved her. She gave up on listening to her brain and listened to her heart. She looked into Arnav's earnest eyes and agreed. They both made it seem like a deal but it meant so much more to them. Not that they would tell each other that. Arnav had treated her so lovingly recently, opened up to her in ways she never imagined and she didn't want that to stop. However he never said out loud to her that he loved her, she hoped he would but he didn't. She held her mangalsutra close to her heart remembering how he had carefully placed it around her neck and how while they took their holy rounds around the sacred fire he held her hand. How he held her hand in front of everyone if he didn't love her why did he do that?
He cleared his throat which broke Khushi's train of thought, she stood up immediately and then felt silly for doing so. She looked at him and he hesitated, instead of saying anything he took a pillow from the bed and a blanket from the wardrobe and made a makeshift bed on the floor. Khushi assumed it was for her and made her way to the space on the floor he stopped her by gently putting his hands on her shoulders.
"Khushi you sleep on my bed, I'll sleep here." He said, she opened her mouth to argue, it was his room and his bed but he shook his head. He grabbed a set of his pyjamas and went to the bathroom to change. Khushi had nothing with her to change into so she just got in the bed and lay down. Looking into the dark of the room listening to him pad across from the bathroom to the bedroom floor she felt calm and at peace. The small gestures showed her he cared and he trusted her, it may take time but there was hope. And so in the dark of the night with Arnav she found her own small dark paradise.
Read other parts to this here
"Hello Hi bye bye ek to agaye abh yeh patthi saree bee free mein agaye!" She said with a callousness, Khushi looked up at Arnav helplessly, she'd never felt so lost. Arnav looked at her masking his own worry with firmness and then they both looked out on the sea of family who were confused and shocked. Arnav took particular notice about how enraged Shyam looked, he took solace in that and held his hand out towards Khushi who hesitantly took it in her own. Arnav gave her a reassuring squeeze and then he spoke.
"Mammiji yeh patthi saree nahi hain, izaat se baat kar, she's my wife and the Raizada's eldest bahu." Khushi took a deep breath when Arnav made his statement. That's what she was Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada, she'd dreamt about it but never thought it would happen and especially not like this. She'd wanted a dhamaka of a wedding instead she had a secret small ceremony. At least Devi Maiya was there to witness it even if her sister, mother and father couldn't.
"But Chotte yeh kya hai, Khushiji and you? Tumne shaadi ki hai aur without telling us?" Anjali was more hurt by the latter, she loved Khushiji and was happy they were together but why the secret? Chotte never kept anything from her and after her good news which she had shared with everyone why did he hide such a happy occassion from his family? It made no sense to her.
"Di please, maine decision karliya ta ki mujhe Khushi se shaadi karni thi. I didn't want any shor and I don't really believe in all these traditions so we got married in the mandhir bina kisi se bathaye. Because I knew if you found out you would have never let us." Arnav said calmly, Khushi was amazed at how well he lied, effortlessly...it almost worried her, his performance was incredibly compelling. Anjali remained shocked, Arnav didn't tell her because she'd make a big deal out of it? Of course she would it was her brother's wedding! But Anjali knew being angry wouldn't help anything, she had to think about how everyone else would take it, she was used to Chotte's stubborness and the problems it caused, everyone else however...
"Yeh tumne teek nahi ki Arnav bitua! Humse chupake, kya sabit karna chata tu?" Naniji accused and Arnav just held his hand up to signal everyone stop.
"Di, aarti ki taal." Arnav said and Anjali looked puzzled, "Aren't you going to welcome my wife in with all your rasams and what not." Arnav said and Anjali complied, she came back with the taal as well as a copper cup full of rice which she put in front of Khushi's feet. She welcomed them according to the custom then stood aside as Khushi knocked over the rice.
Arnav and Khushi took their first steps as man and wife, their fist steps that defied their family, their first steps with secrets making their hearts heavy and their heads weary however they never let go of each other's hand. Anjali held out another taal with haldi, Khushi placed her hands in them and imprinted her hands on the wall next to Payal's. Payal, her jiji who stood looking helplessly confused as she watched her younger sister do all this, what had driven Khushi to take such a drastic step? Khushi turned after imprinting her hands in this house allowing herself to merge as part of it, she closed her eyes and had a secret exchange with Devi Maiya praying that she and Arnav wouldn't have to deal with more of the family's questions. Arnav went back to holding her hand even though it was stained with haldi, he took the vermala from her hand and put it in the crook of his arm with his own. He walked past Anjali and handed them to HP. He walked past Naniji, the Gupta parivaar (now his in-laws) and then he and Khushi both stopped in front of Payal and Akash.
"I'm sorry Akash, Payal we didn't mean to take away from you're day it just seemed like the best step to take at the time. We're sorry everyone." Arnav said to all, everyone noted that an apology from Arnav meant a lot and so they remained quiet.
"Chaal ab khoob masti hoagaye, ab hum saab ko chalna chahiye." Buaji said attempting to lighten the situation. Naniji nodded, not happy with the current situation but unable to complain due to Arnav's calm demeanour. The Raizada family showed out the Guptas and then they turned to look upon the two jodi's Akash and Payal who everything had fallen into place relatively easily, they had gotten married conventionally with everyone's blessings. Then they looked at Arnav and Khushi who had gone rogue and done as they pleased without telling anyone.
Before Naniji could start, Arnav interrupted.
"Naniji kafi raat hogayi, I think hum sub ko sona chaiye. Its not good for Di to be up so late, isn't that right Jijaji?" Arnav said all the while not looking at Shyam knowing that snake was staring at his Khushi, his wife and not even thinking about his sister!
"Hmmm, ha, ha bilkul chalo Rani Sahiba!" Shyam said putting up his mask of a good husband for all. Nani was about to protest.
"Nani, please lets talk about in the morning." He said and he turned leading Khushi to their room. Khushi turned to look on her new family who all looked hurt and worried, she knew it made no sense to them and maybe even hurt them but this was for their benefit...they just didn't know it.
Khushi took off her wedding ornaments as Arnav was in the bathroom washing his face, probably to calm down, she thought. Everything happened so quickly she hardly realised when she changed from Khushi Kumari Gupta to Khushi Singh Raizada.On the inside she questioned whether this had been the right decision or not, after all Arnav and she had only just begun to understand their separate feelings for each other. She removed the earrings and all other ornaments in her hair. She left her choora on as was custom and then sat awkwardly on the bed. What was she going to do now?
Arnav needed time to think but he knew he didn't have it, she was waiting for him, depending on him, so much depended on him, his family, his business and now Khushi. He exhaled deeply and walked into his room and saw Khushi had loosened her hair and removed her jewellery. She wrestled her hands with one another obviously consumed by the same question Arnav was bothered by: Now what? They had ran into each other moments before the ceremony and Khushi confronted him with Shyam's true identity and Arnav told her he had seen them together and he didn't believe her, but then what other choice did he have but to believe Khushi. Khushi had no proof though and without proof Arnav could not let her or himself ruin Di's life when she was so happy. So Arnav made a promise to Khushi that he would marry her keep her safe from Shyam and if she could prove he was guilty then they could save Di's life also. Khushi was sceptical she wanted to marry Arnav but not just so she could show Shyam for the snake he was but so that she could be with him in the way she knew she should be when she fell in love because...because that's what this was it was love. She knew she had few options Shyam's actions had become increasingly insane and violent. She trusted Arnav but wasn't sure if he loved her. She gave up on listening to her brain and listened to her heart. She looked into Arnav's earnest eyes and agreed. They both made it seem like a deal but it meant so much more to them. Not that they would tell each other that. Arnav had treated her so lovingly recently, opened up to her in ways she never imagined and she didn't want that to stop. However he never said out loud to her that he loved her, she hoped he would but he didn't. She held her mangalsutra close to her heart remembering how he had carefully placed it around her neck and how while they took their holy rounds around the sacred fire he held her hand. How he held her hand in front of everyone if he didn't love her why did he do that?
He cleared his throat which broke Khushi's train of thought, she stood up immediately and then felt silly for doing so. She looked at him and he hesitated, instead of saying anything he took a pillow from the bed and a blanket from the wardrobe and made a makeshift bed on the floor. Khushi assumed it was for her and made her way to the space on the floor he stopped her by gently putting his hands on her shoulders.
"Khushi you sleep on my bed, I'll sleep here." He said, she opened her mouth to argue, it was his room and his bed but he shook his head. He grabbed a set of his pyjamas and went to the bathroom to change. Khushi had nothing with her to change into so she just got in the bed and lay down. Looking into the dark of the room listening to him pad across from the bathroom to the bedroom floor she felt calm and at peace. The small gestures showed her he cared and he trusted her, it may take time but there was hope. And so in the dark of the night with Arnav she found her own small dark paradise.
Read other parts to this here
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