The Perfect Rose

Khushi quickly wiped her hands dry on the nearby dishtowel as she heard the doorbell peal. She hurried over to the entrance and was greeted by a delivery man holding a large bouquet of red roses. Khushi instantly smiled. The flowers were gorgeous. Of course her Arnavji would get her the biggest, most expensive bouquet on Valentine’s Day. She refrained from playfully rolling her eyes. She knew this was just inherently his style of doing things, his way of communicating, albeit cliché as it was. She had no complaints though. She would never accuse him of not putting in the effort. She delicately traced a finger over one of the velvety petals and smiled anew.

“Delivery for Miss Anjali Raizada.”

Khushi blinked as she registered what the messenger had just said. “Oh, these are…are for Di….? Ek minute.” She called out to her sister-in-law, trying to keep her confusion at bay. She saw Di emerge from her room, looking as elegant as always. Khushi was met with a smile that grew wider once Anjali saw the roses. “Di, these are for you!”

“Me?” Anjali asked in confusion as she received the delicate parcel. She signed her name where the delivery man indicated and sent him on his way.

Khushi watched Di balance the bouquet in the crook of one arm as she plucked the note from where it lay amidst the flowers. She waited anxiously for her sister-in-law to fill her in as to what was going on. Khushi’s heart bubbled with excitement and she nudged her Nanand’s shoulder with her own. “Di have you been holding out on me?” Khushi asked with a bright smile, her eyebrows bobbing up and down mischievously.

Anjali’s eyes had grown misty as she looked over the burgundy petals once again. “Khushi ji, these beautiful flowers were sent to me by Chotte!” Anjali couldn’t contain her smile as she picked up the note again and read it to her Bhabi:

“For the woman whose heart is made of gold, and has showered me with unconditional love all my life.” 

~ Your Chotte

Khushi’s heart fluttered. What a sweet, sweet gesture by her husband!

Anjali hugged the incredible woman his brother had married and pulled away, cupping her cheek. “This is all because of you. My Chotte would’ve never done something like this before you came into his life.”

Khushi held Di’s hand against her cheek for a moment, taking in her blessing, before she walked away, smelling the flowers. Her own eyes grew damp as she watched her Nanand glow with happiness. It truly sent tingles of elation through her being. Her Arnavji had managed to make her feel all warm and fuzzy without even being in her presence. Khushi audibly sighed as she made her way upstairs. As she folded and put some of her clothing away, her cell phone rang. Picking it up, and looking at the display, she noted that “Laad Governor” had sent her a text. After that heartfelt gesture towards his sister, she was considering changing his display name to “Raj Kumar”. She hurriedly clicked “OK” to check her Prince Charming’s message.

“Be ready by 6 p.m. Wear something nice. ;-)”

Khushi blushed as if he’d winked at her in person. She placed a hand over her suddenly-warm throat. Hey Devi Maiya, he was becoming more and more of a rogue, day by day. He’d definitely adopted a habit of winking at her quite often, especially after he’d seen how it always flustered and unnerved her, sending her into a tizzy. And he’d said to wear something nice. This was a matter she would not have to mull over too long. Her fingers ran over the silk fabric of his favorite scarlet sari. His eyes poured passion whenever he saw her in shades of red, and that look always sent her heart racing. She removed the sari from the hanger and laid it out on the bed, wondering what he had in store for her. Of course she knew he would take her to some fancy restaurant for dinner. Big, lavish, and grandiose. To him, those things equated quality. It was just Arnavji’s way of celebrating. He’d once told her to try and understand his method of doing things. And she’d learned that this was his world, how it functioned, and she’d completely accepted it.

Six p.m. rolled around rather quickly, as she noted the time on their bedside clock. Khushi was looking in the mirror, applying some finishing touches to her make up and dabbed on a bit of lip gloss when her phone buzzed again. She smiled as she saw that “Laad Kumar” had text her. She hadn’t been ready to let go of the sentiment attached to the teasing nickname, so she’d settled on a happy medium. She quickly checked the message.

“Come outside. I’m waiting in the car.”

Khushi quickly gathered her purse and went downstairs. She felt like a giddy school-girl at the prospect of seeing her beau. She was hurriedly bounding down the stairs outside of Shantivan but immediately slowed when she saw her husband. He stood tall, wearing a silver gray suit, crisp white shirt and ruby red tie, as he held the front passenger door open for her. His hair was messily tousled back, and he had just the right amount of five o’clock shadow framing his chiseled face. As she took a few steps closer, his delicious linen and citrus scented cologne wafted across her senses. Her mouth began to water. She hadn’t seen or spoken to him all day. Her heart beat rapidly as he graced her with his full blown, pearly white smile. Time seemed to stand still as he slowly leaned his head down and placed a tender kiss on her cheek.

“Hi.”

And then Khushi’s heart completely stopped beating. Her cheek still tingled where he’d placed his soft lips, and she silently contemplated the odds of skipping this dinner business and having her husband just take her back upstairs. Her face warmed as she continued to get lost in his dreamy dark amber depths. “Hi.” Her voice had betrayed her with its husky tone.  

Arnav ushered his wife into her seat. She looked stunning as usual, but especially breathtaking tonight. Wearing that bright red sari, she’d looked like carnal sin descending the stairs, ready to light his night on fire. He leaned in to buckle her seatbelt and met her eyes. “Khushi, you look beautiful.” She replied by lowering her gaze and giving him a shy smile, a pretty red stain coloring her cheeks. As he shut her door and seated himself, he felt the air crackle with promise within the confines of the car. His wife met his gaze for a moment before he started the car and set them on their way. Heavy anticipation rode along eagerly as if it were their third passenger.

Khushi quietly looked out the window to see if she could recognize where they were headed. She noticed how the scenery was becoming more rural. “Arnavji, are we going somewhere before dinner?” she asked with curiosity.

“Nope.” Arnav held back a smirk.

Khushi was intrigued. “That’s all you’re going to tell me?”

“Yup.” This time Arnav did smile. His wife had continued to stare at him, affording him the opportunity to surprise her further. “We’re here.” He hopped out of the car to open her door.

Khushi looked around at the very familiar territory. “But Arnavji, this is Bhua ji’s house….” Khushi said, stating the obvious.

“Exactly.”

“We’re having dinner at Bhua ji’s house?!” Khushi couldn’t keep the surprise from her tone.

Arnav flicked the tip of his wife’s nose. “I thought you might like to spend time with your family. I know how much you like being with them. You always leave here extremely content and I just wanted to see that happiness on your face” he confessed.

Khushi couldn’t believe this was the same man she’d fought tooth and nail with when they’d first met. His thoughtfulness, and not to mention his gravelly tone, had stroked over her and melted her into a puddle. “Arnavji….” She couldn’t come up with anymore words. She instinctively opened her arms, overcome with the need to embrace him.

“Titaliya! Damaad ji! Tum aye gai ho?!” (Khushi! Arnav! You guys arrived?!”)

Bhua ji’s greeting from the veranda of the house startled Khushi into taking a step away from the warmth of her husband, before she could even hug him. She saw the way her Arnavji smirked down at her.

“Ji, Bhua ji. We’ll be right there.” Arnav replied, loud enough for her to hear from their distance. He looked back down at his adorable wife, tracing a finger over her supple cheek. “Ready to go in?” he asked in a much more hushed tone.

Khushi went on tip toe and kissed the corner of her husband’s mouth. Her eyes touched upon his face before meeting his gaze again. “I love you.” She walked away, going towards the house, not needing to hear him repeat the phrase back to her. He’d already shown her just by everything he’d done today.

His wife had hit him with those three little words and sashayed off ahead of him. His heart constricted with love for his lady. He quickly caught up to her, placing his palm on the base of her spine, as they entered the house together.  

“Jiji!!!” Khushi squealed at the sight of her sister waiting for her with a big smile. She hurriedly went to hug her before taking turns to embrace everyone else. She noticed her husband greet his brother with a wink, realizing everyone knew about this except her. When she knelt to receive Babu ji’s blessing, her hand was covered by one of her husband’s. Her eyes darted to see her Arnavji kneeling beside her, receiving her father’s blessing as well. She willed her eyes not to mist up, with all her might.

Dinner had been amazing, as expected, and the elders had forced all the “kids” to sit and relax afterwards. Khushi and Payal had been adamant about helping clean up, and they did so in a way their mother and aunt could not refuse. The remainder of the evening was much more jovial, set alight by all the jokes and laughter floating around the room.

“Khushi, did you know that Aakash is the king of romance?”

Khushi wasn’t quite sure what her husband was alluding to, but she would not miss the prime opportunity to rib her sister and brother-in-law. “Oh really? Do tell!” she stated emphatically while bobbing her eyebrows with exaggeration towards her sister. She watched Payal’s face flush with embarrassment before receiving a death glare from her. Khushi winked and smiled even wider.

“Yes. He even got his ass glued to this very chair for the sake of declaring his love!”

“Bhai!!!” Aakash protested while coughing out loud, trying to cover the truth that was already out in the open. He threw visual daggers at his elder brother, but they had no effect.

“Sach may?! (Really?!)” Khushi gasped aloud before going into a fit of giggles.

“Khushi!” Payal reprimanded her delinquent sister. She stole a glance at her brother-in-law and then shook her head. It was obvious that her sister’s deviousness had definitely rubbed off on him.

Arnav looked around the room. Even his in-laws were trying to be polite and hide their laughter, failing to keep straight faces. He watched as Khushi put both her hands on her tummy and doubled over as she laughed uncontrollably. By now even Aakash and Payal had caved and had their share of chuckles as well.

Khushi sat up straight in her chair, trying to take in some much needed air. Her face was starting to hurt from smiling so much. She had a full belly and her heart was ready to explode from all the love that had seeped into it. When she finally quieted, her eyes were drawn to her husband, who sat across the table from her. He was looking at her quite intensely, and she realized he must’ve been staring at her for a while. She gave him a smile before averting his gaze.

Soon after, they took it as their cue to leave when the elders began to hide their yawns. Khushi tried not to become emotional as she said her goodbyes. Out on the porch, Aakash had approached to let them know not to wait. He and Payal would be going for a walk around the neighborhood, for old time’s sake. Khushi had smiled at her Jiji and thanked Devi Maiya for blessing her sister with a loving husband. Khushi was watching them walk away when her husband slipped his hand into hers. She immediately turned to face him.

Arnav began to lead Khushi towards the car. “Did you have a good time?”

Did he even need to ask such a question? As he leaned in to buckle her in again, she cradled his cheek in her palm, catching his attention. “I had the best time” she smiled. She watched as he for once shyly smiled at her before closing the door and taking his own seat. Khushi couldn’t stop herself from blatantly staring at the piece of perfection sitting next to her.

As he continued to drive, Arnav felt his wife’s penetrating gaze on his face. His eyes were naturally drawn to hers when he hit a red light. He could’ve sworn he saw flecks of gold flickering in her hazel depths as they watched him. When the light turned green, he redirected his attention to the road, but not before he grabbed her hand to place a kiss on the back. He held it captive against his own thigh for the rest of the way, enjoying the feel of her slender fingers curled around his.

When they arrived home, they leisurely ambled up the stairs, to their room, still hand in hand.

Arnav noted, with content, that his wife had not stopped smiling since they’d arrived at Bhua ji’s house. “Khushi, I love seeing you this happy.” He continued to close the doors behind him and removed his jacket.

Khushi went to the dresser to remove her heavy jewelry. She looked at her husband through the mirror as he removed his vest and tie, and then undid his top two shirt buttons. Khushi suddenly felt a little warmer. “Well it started off all because of you this morning when you sent Di those flowers. They were exquisite. You should’ve seen the smile on her face.”

Arnav approached Khushi from behind, keeping his eyes locked onto hers in the mirror. His gaze was drawn to her bare midriff, peaking out at him from underneath her pinned pallu. He reached around to caress his hand across the soft, creamy skin of her stomach, resting his palm low on her belly. “Did it look half as beautiful as the one on your face now?”

Khushi was overcome with timidity and broke eye contact. She quickly turned within her husband’s arms, and threw hers around his neck, burying her face into that warm, inviting crook beneath his chin. “Arnavji, today was so perfect” she mumbled, inhaling his scent.

“It’s not over yet.” Arnav watched as Khushi tilted her head up to eye him with query. “Look in the closet” he said as he nodded his head towards the closed sliding doors. Ever the nymph, he watched his wife clap her hands together and jump with glee as she ran over and found the large gift box. He smiled at the way she immediately discarded the cover and began pulling out the contents.

Khushi pulled out the first little package and took a huge whiff, her mouth instantly watering. “Hmmmm, Lucknowi jalebis!”

Arnav laughed as his wife bit into the confection, enjoying the orgasmic joy crossing her features. Khushi smiled at him brightly as she quickly pulled out the next package. Arnav took a seat at the edge of the bed to watch.

“Arnavji, churiyan (bangles)! Kitna sundar design hai!! (What a pretty design!!)” Khushi exclaimed. She traced her fingers over the ridges of the stacked bangles, loving the way the light glinted off the shiny red and gold hue. “Thank you so much!!” Khushi ran to her husband’s side and bent to place a loud smooch on his cheek. She brought the nearly empty box closer to the bed. She noticed one more, hand-sized package and eyed it with curiosity.

“Go on. Open it” Arnav urged as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Khushi nimbly unwrapped the gift. It was a small flip-book, stapled together, with her husband’s business-like penmanship scribbled across it. “Freebie Book….?” Khushi read aloud in confusion. When she looked at her Arnavji, he just gave her a nod, encouraging her to go through it. She flipped the cover open. “Salman Khan night…?” Khushi’s heart jumped at seeing her favorite hero’s name on the paper.

“Khushi, you can use these whenever you find it fit. And I won’t argue. So on Salman Khan night, I will have no choice but to sit and watch his movies with you. No complaints.”

Khushi gasped. She was wielding immense power in her hands, bestowed upon her by her husband. “No arguing?!” she asked to confirm. He again nodded his concurrence. She smiled brightly at the prospect and continued to leaf through the book. She discovered that she’d also been given a sleepover at Bhua ji’s, a girl’s night out, a weekend in Lucknow, and a date night under the stars, just to name a few. Now her heart flipped for her real life hero. She was ready to swoon.

“There’s just this one last thing.” Arnav stood to reach into his pocket and pulled out a flat, tissue covered package. He watched Khushi delicately peel the layers apart until she revealed its contents.

“Taare?” (“Stars?”) Khushi’s eyes welled up as she stared at her husband.

“They’re glow in the dark stickers. I thought you might want….” Arnav’s words ceased when the soft weight of his wife came crashing into his body. She held onto him tightly and he could hear her soft sniffles. Khushi had the biggest heart he’d ever seen, and it was just as easily affected by the simplest things. He held her close and smoothed a hand over her head. He pulled back to place a lingering kiss on her forehead. “Come. Let’s stick these on the ceiling.”

Khushi followed her husband’s cues, removing her shoes and stood on the bed with him. He took a few of the stickers from her hand and began peeling the backs, adhering the various sized stars onto the ceiling. She, however, had her eyes glued to him. She visually traced the column of his neck, watching the way his Adam’s apple protruded, making her want to nuzzle the area. She followed the smattering of dark stubble over his chin and fixated onto his mouth. His lips were parted as he concentrated on sticking the stars onto the ceiling, just right. She saw his tongue dart out, moistening the fleshy inner rim, making her want to lick at his lips as well. Her eyes traced up to his, watching the way he trained his laser-like focus on the little celestial tokens. When he tilted his head back a little further, that rebellious lock of raven hair fell into his eyes. Her hand immediately reached up to brush it back.

Arnav instantly turned his head to look at his wife. Her soft fingers continued to brush his temple and he lost himself in the innate sparkle that her honey eyes always exuded. She took a step towards him but lost her footing on the pliant give of the mattress. Arnav was quick to catch her around the waist, as her arms came to weave around his neck, holding on securely. This time it was a lock of her hair that fell across her face. His fingers itched to push the strands back, but when he moved his arm, they both took a tumble. He shielded her against himself as they fell, until they landed on the bed. “Tum teekh ho?” (“Are you ok?”)

“Hmm” she nodded. Khushi was safely ensconced in the warmth of her husband’s arms, with his body fully in contact with hers. Yes, she was more than ok. “Arnavji, thank you for all the gifts, I love them.”

Arnav reached up and traced his wife’s perfectly arched eyebrow. “I thought about getting you roses too, but none of them would’ve been beautiful enough for my perfect rose.” He watched as Khushi’s eyes shyly skittered away, that pretty pink blush once again making an appearance. “See here?” His finger traced over the apple of her cheek. “These perfect gulabi gaal (rosy cheeks)...” his finger continued on to lightly trace over her plump bottom lip “…these perfect gulabi honth (rosy lips)…” Arnav leaned in close to his wife’s ear, his hand caressing down into very, very intimate territory. “And most of all this, your perfect gulabi….”

Khushi gasped and covered her husband’s mouth before he could utter the word. She watched as his eyes smiled down at her mischievously with a twinkle. She felt his lips kiss her palm and she hastily moved her hand away. This only encouraged him more as he swooped in and stole a kiss, sealing his lips onto hers. Khushi sighed against his alluring mouth. She’d given in. She just couldn’t fight her husband’s potent charm. Khushi laced her arms around his neck, letting her acquiescence be known. “Happy Valentine’s Day Arnavji.”

Arnav shook his head. “Valentine’s day is supposedly a day all about love. But no one knows how to love better than you do. You were the one that showed me how. So I’m not going to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Kyon?!”

She was pouting. Even that was gulabi, and it warmed his heart. “You epitomize love for me sweetheart. Not just today, and not just because a date on the calendar tells me I’m supposed to. But everyday. So for me today is Khushi Kumari Gupta day….. “

 “Singh Raizada.” Khushi whispered, smiling coyly.

Arnav smiled right back. He loved hearing his name attached to hers, reminding him that she was his. He leaned onto an elbow and reached to unpin her pallu, brushing it aside and leaving his eyes to openly rove her choli clad form. Khushi blushed, but his brave vixen did not break eye contact. Instead, her fingers inched up to one of his shirt buttons and slid it out of its hole. He followed suit and began unfastening the tiny hooks at the front of her blouse.

Khushi busied herself by unbuttoning the rest of his shirt. She really wanted to feel his warm skin. She tugged his shirttails out of his pants and slid her hands across his shoulders, down his arms, discarding his shirt off to the side. She had just laid her palms over his chest, getting ready to explore, when she heard her husband suck in a breath.

“Khushi….” His wife had been hiding a secret surprise. He’d removed her choli, only to find her breasts covered in deep pink and red, with strategically placed lace roses, drawing his eyes to some very interesting areas. He watched as his Khushi blushed even deeper. The demi-cups of her bra molded perfectly to her breasts, pushing them up as an offering to his eyes. As if her were entranced, he reached up a finger to trace it over the curve of her plumpness and along the edge of a cup.

Khushi had not been expecting this slow and sensual onslaught of sensations. Her rapid breaths made her chest heave heavily. And then she felt his tongue. She instinctively curled her fingers into the waistband of his pants.

Arnav leisurely lapped around the swells of her cleavage. He watched as her nipples pebbled, trying to vie for his attention through the peek-a-boo lace. He delicately nipped at the impudent buds before his tongue joined in to lave her through the barely-there material.

Khushi gasped with pleasure as her back arched off the bed. She closed her eyes shut, unable to watch his next move.

Arnav kissed a path up her chest, dropping light kisses along her clavicle as his fingers lowered her bra strap. His lips found her throat, her neck, and then trailed down her bare shoulder. He heard Khushi let out a whimper and his mouth was immediately drawn to hers. He alleviated her protests with his lips.

Khushi moaned when he’d finally kissed her. She feasted on his mouth, sucking on the tip of his tongue, letting her hunger be known. Her husband however had other plans. He’d removed her bra and gently cupped her breasts, pushing them together before tracing his tongue up the narrow valley he’d created. When his mouth had followed up by latching onto her nipple, her eyes had rolled back into her head with pleasure.

Arnav took his time, suckling each rosebud into his mouth before traversing lower. He planted luscious kisses down her taut, quivering, stomach, luxuriating in the scent that clung to her skin. She even emanated the perfume of a perfect rose. His nose dipped into his wife’s navel, inhaling deeply as his hands slipped off the remainder of her sari and petticoat. And that’s where he found matching red and pink, rose-laced panties. He placed a kiss below her navel, right above the waistband of the provoking underwear. He then nipped at her mound, right through the insubstantial material.

Khushi bucked her hips and collided with her husband’s mouth. She could feel the warmth of his breath fanning across her intimately, and she felt herself grow damper.

Arnav licked his wife’s slick heat with rough strokes of his tongue through the flimsy mesh material, basking in the sounds of her moans. He hooked his fingers through the elastic and removed the barrier out of his way.

Khushi threaded her fingers through her husband’s unruly, silken mane. His mouth had begun a soft, wet assault on her feminine folds and she tried to hang on for dear life.

Arnav snaked a hand up his wife’s delectable body to massage her breast. He curled his tongue around her precious pink rosebud as his thumb rubbed back and forth, over her nipple. He felt Khushi’s fingers tug roughly at his hair. He reveled in her unabashed response, but he craved more. His mouth softly latched onto her clitoris, enclosing it between his lips as he laid the tip of his tongue atop it before suckling.

Khushi wailed out a lusty moan followed by his name resonating from her voice. “Oh…. Arnavji!” She tugged even harder at her husband’s hair, inadvertently keeping his head exactly where it was.

Arnav secretly smiled before completely devastating her. He alternated rapid flutters of his tongue over her bud and deep plunges into her core until she finally pulsed out her climax. Feeling satisfied over satisfying his woman, he sat up on his knees and shed the rest of his clothing. His eyes continued to absorb the sight of his perfect rose. Khushi lay there limp, catching her breath. Her head was thrown to the side, her hair in a wild disarray, haloing her angelic face, as he watched her belly quiver with every exhale. As he seated himself in the middle of the bed, he pulled Khushi up by her arms, bringing her to collide with his chest. She was quick to catch herself against him, winding her slender arms around his neck. He reciprocated by lacing his arms around her waist and brought her legs around his own, creating a tangle of vines, stems and petals. Her skin had taken on the perfect shade of pink, deepening from her earlier exertions.

Khushi’s pulse quickened as she felt her husband languidly enter her. She kept her eyes trained on his as they bore into her, speaking volumes of love that she didn’t think her heart could take. And then it finally hit her. Everything he’d done today had been all for her, only to see a smile on her face. She’d long ago accused him of not knowing what it meant to do something for someone just to see them happy. But today he’d proven her wrong tenfold and shown her exactly how much he really loved her. How he’d opened his heart to let her in. Truth be told, it was her home, and she didn’t want to reside anywhere else. She was transported into a world of ecstasy as he swiveled and hit all her sweet spots. Khushi clutched at him with her hands and her inner walls, savoring the feel of him.

Arnav felt his wife clench sinfully around him. He watched as she held onto his shoulder with one arm, and slid her other hand between their bodies until she gripped the base of his shaft. With every thrust he was delighted with a delicious tug. Arnav was helpless to the rough groans rumbling from his throat.

Khushi took advantage of her husband’s slightly parted mouth and dove in to kiss him. She licked at his lips before entering his mouth to tentatively tease his tongue with hers. She continued to vise around his girth and he broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers.

“Khushi…” Arnav exhaled on a harsh breath. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of two rosy nipples, right in his line of vision. He bent his head to suckle her sweetness. That was the last straw as his Khushi trembled through her release, her rhythmic pulsations milking him into his own climax.

They continued to hold each other, neither containing the energy to move. Khushi had slumped down to rest her head against her Arnavji’s chest, as he rested his head against her crown. She felt a calm take over her body with every expansion and deflation of his breathing, completely soothing her soul.

Arnav found the will to finally open his eyes. He cradled Khushi’s head and kissed her temple. As he lifted his gaze he caught sight of the seductive lace that had bewitched him into a frenzy, strewn across the floor. His pulse instinctively quickened.

Khushi pulled away from her husband’s arms with a surprised look. Her Arnavji was still nestled inside her, and he was beginning to come to life again. Her eyes glazed over as she tentatively squeezed him within her depths.

Arnav let out a raspy expletive under his breath. “Khushi, I think my heart stopped when I saw that bit of lace playing hide and seek with me.”

Khushi felt her husband’s erection elongate even more within the confines of her intimate walls. She triumphed over being able to drive her Arnavji into a state of salaciousness. Her feminine wiles were on full blast and she vised around him once again, a small moan erupting from her throat. His sheer virility secretly thrilled her.

Arnav was about to embarrass himself. Even if it was the second time around, he didn’t want to be out for the count before it even began. “Khushi I love you but please stay still, damn it!” he gritted from between his teeth.

Khushi brought her mouth dangerously close to her husband’s and locked gazes with him. “Hum bi aap se I love you, damn it!”

Arnav smirked as he tightened his arms around his wife and tumbled her onto her back. As her body continued to welcome his now full length, he thought to himself. Valentine shmalentine. Everyday was his Khushi day.

The Fatigue

“Chotte what’s the matter? Why do you look so mad?” Anjali asked as she joined her brother in the living room.

“Nothing Di.” Arnav did not want to talk about all the things running through his head at the moment, especially with his sister.

“Chotte, I can tell something is bothering you. Look at the way you’re shaking your leg, and rubbing your finger over your chin. You always do that when you’re agitated.”

Arnav froze, immediately ceasing the movement of his restless limbs and looked up at the woman who’d practically raised him.

“You’re not still mad at Khushi ji are you? About the contest?! I saw the way you stormed upstairs yesterday. Chotte, please, if you’re going to be mad at Khushi ji, be mad at all of us for encouraging her. She’s at no fault!”

Truth be told, he had been mad earlier. Livid to be more precise. But not because of the reason his sister was thinking. Him and Khushi had passed over that hurdle last night and even ventured into….much greener pastures….regarding her entry into the contest. When today’s round had finished though, he had been ready to rip someone’s face off. Especially of that ass-monkey of a photography who’d had the balls to hit on his wife.…right in front of him! Granted, his Khushi had handled it with true grace and a touch of humor by adopting the shmuck as a sibling instantly, but it hadn’t eased the green fire that had ignited and burned in his gut. When he saw the way Sam and Jay were fawning all over her, it had just added more fuel to that blaze. Still, he’d offered Khushi a ride home, and she’d refused him, afraid that someone would get to know that he was her husband. He’d been a breath away from tossing her little rump into the car, but they’d been surrounded by too many other participants, so he’d avoided making a scene.

“Chotte?”

Arnav had forgotten his sister had been addressing him. How long had she been rambling on without his attention? “Di, please. I don’t want to talk about it.” And with that resolute statement, his sister had left him alone. She was a pacifist, not an instigator, and he knew she wouldn’t push him to talk. He was immensely grateful for that. As he’d had time to reflect on his drive home, his anger had dissolved into something else, resembling anxiety almost. The image he’d ingrained into his memory of his wife in that dress, flashed across his vision. He didn’t have enough words to describe what he’d felt when he saw Khushi come down the stairs wearing that navy blue, floor-length gown. She’d looked like a midnight fantasy come to life, drifting across an abyss, directly towards him. His oxygen intake had ceased. When she’d locked her smoke-rimmed honey irises onto his, seeking his reaction and reassurance, his heart had stopped beating. She had literally blown him away. His Khushi was beyond beautiful, this was no new revelation, but seeing her in this new roop (avatar) had left him in awe. And of course other men would notice the same. He couldn’t expect her to walk around with a paper bag over her head and a potato sack covering her perfect frame. It was a contest all about looks for god’s sake. So with that realization, the ugly green had dissipated into an ambiguous gray, leaving him hungry to see her again. He’d been sitting on the couch upon arriving home, watching the seconds tick by, waiting for her to enter the house, and he’d grown fidgety and restless. No. He did not want to divulge to his sister that he was feverish for his wife. As his leg began to jiggle up and down again, on its own accord, his Khushi walked through the doors.

Khushi nervously fiddled a corner piece of her dupatta between her fingers. “Arnavji seemed so mad when I wouldn’t get in the car with him…. maybe I should’ve just gone….” she was silently thinking to herself when her husband suddenly rose from the couch and purposefully strode towards her. She froze like a deer caught in headlights until she noticed a flash in his eye as he grabbed her by the hand and immediately began ascending the stairs. Her eyebrows shot up to hide behind her bangs, and her other arm flailed before she stumbled to keep up with his long strides. “Arnavji??” She couldn’t formulate a full question while concentrating on keeping up with him.

“Chotte! Be nice to Khushi ji!! No arguing!!!” Anjali warned from somewhere in the kitchen.

Khushi was worried. Why had Di just said that? Before she had any time to wonder about what was happening, she found herself inside their bedroom, being whirled around at lightening speed into the closed doors. She closed her eyes and braced herself for the impact.

Arnav caught Khushi’s head and cradled it in his palm to prevent it from hitting the door. He watched as Khushi slowly opened her scrunched eyes, realizing that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her, and relaxed into his hand. He snaked his other arm around her waist and continued to get lost in his wife’s eyes.

“Ar… Arnavji?” Khushi searched her husband’s face. He was practically vibrating with energy, but still hadn’t uttered a word. That was her last thought before his mouth descended upon hers. His kiss was fast, furious and all-consuming, yet his lips were still velvety soft. Khushi let out a small moan when his tongue invited hers into the warm cavern of his mouth.

Long moments later, when Arnav had finally felt a little satiation, he pulled his mouth away and allowed oxygen to pass between them. He cupped her face between his palms and watched his wife open her sparkling eyes, as they both panted. “I’ve been dying to do that from the moment I saw you coming down those stairs today” he confessed in a rough whisper. His heart warmed as his wife lowered her eyes and blushed. “You took my breath away Khushi. Absolutely stunning.” Arnav found his lips being drawn to hers once again, this time kissing her leisurely, with soft brushes of his mouth over her plump pout. “Khushi, I’m so sorry about today. I don’t like it when other men talk to you, especially when I can’t even do anything about it. I wasn’t prepared to deal with that.”

Khushi reached up and caressed one of her husband’s stubble roughened cheeks. “But Arnavji, I rebuffed them immediately. You know I’m only yours.” Truth was that she had forgiven her husband the moment his mouth had touched hers. She gazed into his hypnotizing, hot chocolate eyes.

Arnav watched as Khushi’s lips parted slightly, unconsciously inviting his mouth closer. He pressed his body into hers and hovered over her lips, letting their breaths mingle for a moment.

Khushi clutched at her husband’s shirt front and closed her eyes as her heart began to race, anticipating his delicious kiss. She could feel his warm breath fanning across her mouth, and her lips began to tingle as he….

“Khushi bitiya!!”

Khushi’s eyes popped open, wide as saucers. Her husband however, had not budged. “Arnavji, choriye (let go)! Nani ji is calling me!”

“We’re not done here yet. Nani can wait a moment. You’re busy kissing your husband right now.” Arnav huskily commanded as he leaned in to seal their mouths together.

Khushi blushed profusely before finding the strength to push her husband’s form away from hers and open the doors to scurry out of the room, a flustered smile splaying her lips.

Night had fallen and Arnav sat on the chaise lounge finishing up some work on his laptop, trying to keep himself occupied. He’d already showered, changed, and organized all his files for his meeting in the morning. He hadn’t seen his wife however, since she’d ran out of the room earlier in the day. He glanced at the laptop clock and noted it was already ten p.m. “Why hasn’t she come to bed yet?” he wondered aloud. The finale of the competition was tomorrow and he knew she needed a good night’s rest. Closing the laptop with a resounding click, he got up and went to search for her. Most of the house was dim with everyone in their respective rooms. But as he walked down the corridor, he noticed light emanating from Nani’s quarters. He slowly opened the door wider. Nani immediately held a finger to her lips to shush him before he could speak. And there lay his wife, sprawled half across the floor, half across his grandmother, with her head resting peacefully in the matriarch’s lap.

Devayani continued to lovingly stroke her granddaughter-in-law’s hair. “She’s had a very long day Chotte. She was telling me all about it and then she just fell asleep.”

Arnav took a step closer to them and spoke in a hushed tone. “I’ll take her Nani.”

“It’s ok Chotte. You can put her in my bed so she doesn’t get jostled.” Devayani struggled to hide her smirk. She watched as her grandson’s eyes flashed fire at her. She had to commend him though, he was doing quite the valiant job of restraining his usually sharp tongue. Before he started clenching his fists or huffing and puffing, she decided to put him out of his misery. She allowed herself a small chuckle at her grandson’s expense. “Chotte, I was just kidding. Take your wife.”

Arnav’s posture relaxed. He often forgot where his own streak of facetiousness actually stemmed from. The corner of his lips quirked up into a grin when he met his grandmother’s eyes. He proceeded to scoop his wife up from the floor. “Goodnight Nani.”

Devayani maternally patted her grandson’s cheek before he rose with his sleeping wife cradled close to his chest. “Goodnight Chotte” she smiled.

Arnav effortlessly carried his slumbering wife back to their bedroom and commenced to close the doors behind him with a subtle kick of his heel. He gently placed her on their bed, leaning her body into his so his free hands could unzip her anarkali. No way could she stay sleeping in all those layers of sequined material. Especially since he knew his wife preferred to sleep in comfortable cotton, or nothing at all, as was his preference. He’d removed all her jewelry, and his wife was none the wiser in her deep sleep. He finally laid her against the mattress and commenced to remove her pajami, but was halted by one of her small hands tightly fisted into the collar of his t-shirt. Arnav couldn’t help but smile. Some things, regardless of how much time passed between them, would thankfully never change. He gently loosened her grip, kissed her knuckles before placing her hand at her side, and moved to shed her bottoms. He left her wearing her bare essential bra and panties, knowing it would be too much hassle to put on one of her night suits. His eyes appreciated her from her long, ink-black hair, creamy skin, endless legs, to her crimson varnished toes. He began to undress and in the middle of peeling his own shirt off, he noticed Khushi’s face scrunch up in annoyance. He watched as she one-handedly reached behind herself and unhooked her bra.

Well, he definitely had not expected that. Was she awake? “Khushi?” he asked tentatively.

“Bras are uncomfortable to sleep in.” Khushi mumbled groggily.

Was his wife talking in her sleep? He came closer to the bed and noticed that her eyes had remained closed the whole time, even as her bra was carelessly tossed to the floor. Arnav gulped. How was he going to keep his hands off her now? He didn’t want to molest his wife in her sleep! And besides, tomorrow was going to be the most exhausting day with the finale of the competition. He’d made a promise not to add to her stress and she was already fatigued. He quietly came around the bed, ignoring what had just happened, and removed his track pants. So what if he couldn’t indulge in her body tonight? He got in behind his wife and spooned her close to himself. He could at least relish the feel of her skin touching his.

“Hmmm. Arnavji, you’re so warm. I really like it when you hold me close.”

Khushi had all but purred at him. “Shhh Khushi. Sleep.” And of course instead of abiding by his request, his wife snuggled even closer, enticingly wiggling her perfectly round derriere into him. A certain part of his anatomy took note of this and stirred to life. He wound his arm around her waist to futilely hold her still. Even in her sleep his Khushi was a rebel. She grabbed his arm and hugged it into the valley between her cleavage. Arnav froze. He was afraid to breathe. He silently prayed that all her innocently erotic movements would stop so he could finally relax. That’s when he felt her nipple pucker up and brush against his forearm. He swallowed, trying to moisten his suddenly dry throat. Unaware of his quickly disintegrating state, Khushi continued to burrow and wiggle into him. He bit back a groan. “Khushi I need you to stop doing that!”

“Doing what? This?” Khushi arched her back and pressed into her husband’s warm, solid body again, luxuriating in the feel amidst her sleep fogged brain. “But Arnavji it feels nice.”

She sounded husky from sleep and….intoxicated. “Khushi, are you drunk?!” He watched her mouth widen into a lazy smile, her eyes never even flickering open.

“No, just tired.” Khushi snuggled her husband’s arm even closer and arched her back once more. “Please?”

He had no idea what his half-conscious wife was going on about, mumbling this and that. “Please what?”

“Please….fill me.”

Her voice had been so faint that he was sure he’d misheard her. That’s when he felt his hand being led to one of the soft weights of her breasts. She cupped his hand around herself and gently squeezed, guiding his touch with her own. Even if his brain didn’t comprehend her fully, his erection had understood loud and clear, perking up to full attention, ready to fulfill her request. He was wide awake now. He felt her nipple traverse the lines of his palm and heard his Khushi let out a lusty hum. Who was he to argue? Besides this was obviously a battle he’d already lost. “Relax for me, sweetheart.”

Her husband had sweetly whispered into her ear, penetrating her haze of fatigue. She felt herself being turned onto her stomach. The cool sheets touched her skin, brushed her nipples, and she let out a sigh of pleasure. She could feel the weight of his form hovering behind her as his lips trailed kisses along her nape. The little hairs there stood up at his attention.

Arnav caressed his fingers down the slope of her spine, over her plump buttocks, absorbing her silken skin before descending further down. His fingers explored more intimately and he sucked in a surprised breath. Khushi was already wet with desire and he hadn’t even touched her yet. A smile appeared on his lips as he pressed his chest into her back and nuzzled her ear, asking her teasingly “Khushi what have you been dreaming about?”

Khushi breathlessly tried to seek more of his touch. “You, Arnavji. I always dream about you.”

His wife had a habit of answering his rhetorical questions, and that too with a penchant for always giving the answer he didn’t know he wanted to hear. His hand continued to traverse around her hip, down her stomach to cup the front of her femininity. He pressed his hand past her seam to stroke across her clitoris. It distended eagerly to kiss his fingertips. As he continued to rub circles around and across that tight bundle of nerves, his other hand busied itself by opening her nether lips from behind, for his entrance.

Khushi felt that delicious first push of her husband’s livelihood into her own. Her palms clenched into the sheets, fisting them tightly at the acute pleasure she felt. Her body began to tingle as she took a deep breath, luxuriating in the feel of her husband finally filling her. Her nipples were continuously abraded by the sheets beneath her with every thrust.

Arnav continued to strum his wife’s most intimately throbbing pulse point as he exited and re-entered her body, over and over. She was melting in his hand, blindly pressing her behind into him, asking for more. He slid two fingers down her feminine valley and back up, using her slickness to sharpen her sensations while continuing to thrust. His wife effectively parted her lips and released a startled moan.

Khushi felt sharp pleasure zing through her blood. She was experiencing everything through a heavy lethargic haze. It felt as if she was suspended in a dreamy cloud. She felt the way her husband’s thickness created an irresistible friction against the front of her inner walls with each push. Khushi helplessly tried to arch back against his muscular weight. She couldn’t do anything but feel him from this vantage point.

Arnav had purposely placed her in this position. Khushi was a firecracker, twenty-four-seven. Whether she was awake, asleep, conscious or not, she always did things with zest, especially activities of the boudoir. But with her pending finale, he didn’t want her more fatigued than she already was. This way she could do nothing but receive. She had no way of pushing up or straining herself like this, which was more than fine by him. He continued to draw out her pleasure with his thrusts, continuously rubbing away at her clit. When he felt her grip tighten and contract around him, he quickened his pace, his thrusts going deeper and heavier, luring her release to fruition.

Khushi was imprisoned by the wave that took over. Her body seized up, her legs going rigid, and her toes curling, as she felt that final push that opened the flood gates inside her. Sparks burst behind her eyelids, for long moments, intensified by the feel of her husband’s release, until he collapsed onto her. She didn’t even feel his full weight, her nerve endings too busy singing with an after buzz that had her floating on cloud nine, something that only her Arnavji could manage to do.

Arnav quickly rolled off his wife. He didn’t want her to suffocate after all. He caught his breath for long moments before he felt his Khushi crawl into his side, resting her head on his chest, as she always did. He cupped her jaw to tilt it up and kissed the top of her head. She finally opened sleep-saturated eyes, looking at him in that dreamy way she often did. He tugged her even closer.

Khushi resettled her head against her husband with a satisfied smile. “Arnavji, thank you.”

He almost laughed. Did his wife just thank him for servicing her? “Thanks for what Khushi?”

Khushi’s face warmed. “For…. fixing my dress sleeve and saving me from embarrassment today” she said, quickly changing directions.

Arnav had been ready for some postcoital banter with his feisty wife, but the reminder of that close call made him uneasy. He did not even want to think about what would have happened had he not been there. He pressed his mouth to her hair. “Shhh. Rest now Khushi, you have a very big day tomorrow.”

“Will I see Mr. Sponsor tomorrow at the competition, or will I see my husband?” she asked as her finger traced tiny circles over his pec muscle.

Arnav caught her teasing hand and brought it to his mouth, placing a kiss on her palm. He lowered it back down and held it against his heart. “I can’t help but always be your husband Khushi. I love you.”

As if her husband’s voice were a soothing balm, she began to relax deeply into the mattress, her brain ready to count sheep. “I love you too” she managed to mumble. She pressed her lips to his chest in a soft kiss. It was the last thing she remembered before she dozed off in the arms of her strength and love.