Lip Service

Arnav walked around the bedroom picking up all his essentials for work. He gave himself a quick pat down and made sure everything was where it needed to be. Car keys were in his pockets, cell phone was in his belt holster, blue tooth was in his ear, and the briefcase was by the door. Before leaving, he gave a brusque knock on the bathroom door. “Khushi?” 

“Ji??” (“Yes??”) 

His wife’s voice was oddly muted as it reached his ears, although he knew she normally sounded something akin to a nightingale. He opened the door a smidge, wanting to hear the real melody of her spoken tone before heading out. “Khushi I’m leaving for the office.” 

“Ji, teekh hai!” (“Ok!”) 

This time, the only impedance was the sound of the shower, but at least he’d heard her properly. Arnav closed the door, already regretting having opened it in the first place. Upon hearing the running water, visions of his Khushi under that pelting spray with soap suds sluicing down her body had crossed his mind. And then, when he’d quickly shut the door, trying to snap back into reality, he’d caught a whiff of the heavenly fragrances that always clung to her skin. Jasmine, rose and peony had invaded his senses in the whoosh of air that escaped from the bathroom before the door had closed with a resounding snick. He let go of the door knob and silently counted to three while simultaneously admonishing himself. “Arnav Singh Raizada, you’ve got it bad!” But then again, it wasn’t a sin to lust after your own wife, said the other side of his conscience. Before losing his will and going off kilter again, he strode towards the bedroom doors and reached for the handles to make his exit, good intentions intact. 

“Arnavji rukiye (stop)!” 

Arnav turned to see his wife coming towards him. Her glossy hair was a mop of sodden black silk framing her delicate face. She was all milky skin, endless gams, and tented terry cloth. Her towel jutted away from her frame where their child rested in her growing belly. 

“Aap ka rumaal…” (Your handkerchief…”) Khushi felt her towel slipping and quickly reinforced the twisty-knot where she’d tucked it by her chest as she handed her husband his handkerchief. His fingers however made no move to take it from her. 

Arnav stood still. His wife had emerged from a billow of steam and fog, just like an elusive mystical creature from an enchanted forest. And she looked the part no less. As he continued to stare, she tucked the rumaal into his breast pocket, smiling up adoringly at him. Once finished, she adjusted his tie ever so slightly before smoothing her hands down the lapels of his jacket, her eyes openly tracking down his body. 

“Baad me milte hain.” (“See you later.”) Khushi reached up on tip toe and placed a smooch on her husband’s handsomely dimpled chin. 

Oh that phrase held so much promise! Her big, roving, brown sugar eyes and honeyed words had fully ensnared him. As his wife turned to walk away, he was bid adieu by wet, fragrant whips of her hair across his face like an intimate caress. His feet were glued to the floor as his mind replayed the way she’d looked at him when she innocently tucked his rumaal into his pocket. He was surprised he hadn’t combusted into flames. Even though she’d been the one wearing just a towel, he’d felt her gaze linger on his body, as if she’d visually undressed him along the way. Arnav stared at his Khushi as she stood at the mirror, brushing through her impossibly thick locks. As if under a spell, he placed his briefcase on the floor. Then his legs carried him over to her. His arms automatically came up to hug her from behind, his hands caressing over her towel clad belly before traversing lower to cradle it in his palms. Arnav pressed his body into her back as he dropped a soft kiss on her bare shoulder. And as usual, one kiss was never enough for him. He slowly trailed his lips over to her neck before burying his face into the damp, aromatic mass of her hair. It had pulled him in, beckoning him with irresistible allure, bringing him back to her. 

Khushi had one moment been absently brushing her hair and the next moment found herself woven into her husband’s potent seduction. He knew very well that she no longer held control over her raging hormones. She was a slave to her body. Or maybe she was a slave to his….she wasn’t really sure. Nor did she care. Whatever would bring her closer to quenching her thirst was paramount. She unconsciously tilted her head, giving his lush lips more access. Suddenly her feet were no longer touching the floor. She let out a startled yelp as he’d swiftly scooped her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck for balance. Her bare skin brushed against the expensive threads of his suit and reality dawned on her. “Arrey Arnavji, you have an important meeting!” 

“This is more important right now.” Arnav replied gruffly as he set her down on the edge of the bed. 

Khushi was already breathless. “What is?” 

“Pleasing my wife.” Arnav sank onto his knees and removed her towel out of the way. He heard his Khushi let out a gasp of surprise that quickly turned into a moan as he blazed a trail up the inside of her thigh with his mouth. His lips suckled on patches of sweet, creamy skin, leaving ruddy, red insignias of his hunger along the way. He was beyond driven. Something inside him had woken the second he’d seen her, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to leave her without satiating her first. He continued his journey up to the juncture between her legs and his lips met with the folds of her labia. His tongue darted out to lap up her valley until the eager tip encountered her tight bundle of nerves. His fingers had been busy massaging her plump breasts as his ears registered her high pitched sounds of pleasure. He traversed one hand lower to hold her folds open, so his tongue could circle swirls around her clitoris. His Khushi tried to draw away from his mouth, but he swiftly brought her leg over his shoulder, ensuring she wouldn’t get away. As one of his hands held her thigh in place, the other hand caressed over and down her round belly to join his mouth. He broke away from her sweetness to watch his fingers spread her moisture, painting her folds with her desire. She was pretty, pink, and glistening, just how he liked. His tongue gave another leisurely lick. She even tasted like candy. Arnav lightly traced his digits around her entrance, pushing the barest tips in shallowly. He eyed her clitoris, shyly peeking out at him from under its hood and then captured it between his lips, suckling as his fingers thrust in. 

Khushi arched her back and threaded her fingers through her Arnavji’s raven, black mane. She held onto the strands for support and tugged as she braced herself on the bed with the other to keep herself upright. As she continued to feel his incessant fingers, his supple mouth, and alternating rhythm, her body quickly spun of control. 

With a final thrust of his digits and a rapidly fluttering tongue, his Khushi threw her head back in abandon as her hips gyrated her release against his mouth. When her movements ceased and her body went lax, he quickly stood to catch her from falling back onto the bed and laid her on her side against her maternity pillow. The cool air in the room made goosebumps arise on her flesh and he covered her limp form with a sheet, tucking it around her as she watched his movements with a warm gaze, blinking slowly. With a gentle, soothing stroke across her hair, he left his wife to rest on the bed. Arnav went over and took a glance in the mirror. He combed his fingers through his mussed hair then straightened his skewed tie and licked at the lingering moisture on his lips. And as he caught his own gaze in the reflection, his mouth stretched into a satisfied, wolfish grin. He quietly picked up his briefcase, and with one last look at his exquisitely pregnant, gratified wife, he quietly closed the doors and commenced to whistle all the way to work. 

Later, in the office…. 

After a morning full of conference calls and meetings, Arnav finally had a moment to sit in his office and collect his thoughts. He opened his desk drawer and traced his finger over the picture that his Khushi had stashed there. He’d been searching for a pen one day and stumbled upon the framed photo. When he’d asked her about it, she’d admitted to putting it in his drawer, knowing ASR wouldn’t want his workers and colleagues privy to his personal life. She’d been absolutely right. But now he gazed at the way they both happily smiled at each other as he carried her in his arms, having officially brought her into the house as his bride. A new beginning filled with second chances. Who gave a fuck what people thought? This deserved to be on his desk, available for his visual perusal at all times. Arnav noted it was lunch time as he placed the photo on his desk and picked up the phone to order from the canteen. As his finger reached to dial the number, he heard a buzz of chatter coming from below. He swiveled in his chair to see a plump beauty in red making her way through his crowd of employees, greeting everyone with her infectious smile and cheerful “Namastes”. Arnav quickly stood to meet her at the top of the stairs. He ushered her into his office as his employees gathered at the base of the staircase, staring. He ferociously glared down at them. “Get back to work.” When his command seemed ineffective, he punctuated it with a bark. “NOW!” He watched his employees scurry to their respective cubicles before closing the door to his office. “Khushi? What are you doing here??” 

Khushi watched as her husband flicked a switch on the wall and the blinds to his office automatically closed. He’d had the electrician add this feature to his office during renovations, in case he ever wanted privacy, or anytime she happened to visit, she noted with a smile. She pointed to the tiffin she’d placed on his desk. “I brought you lunch Arnavji.” 

“Khushi you didn’t have to do that. You should be home. Especially in this state…” 

“Arnavji, I’m fine! I’m pregnant, not physically ailed!” 

Arnav knew his wife was easily riled these days. He leaned against his desk, perching atop it with an open stance, silently inviting her closer. 

Khushi willingly went into the space between her husband’s legs and placed her palms over his chest. “Arnavji, I was feeling suffocated in the house with everyone hovering and worrying over me…” 

Arnav’s hands were busy caressing her perfectly round belly before winding and lacing his arms around her waist. “Khushi, I just meant that you should be resting.” 

Khushi fiddled with her husband’s tie, unable to meet his gaze. “After this morning’s sneak attack, I had no energy to move. I fell asleep for two hours…” Her face warmed and she buried it into his neck. 

Arnav smiled in satisfaction as he hugged his wife closer. He roamed his hands over her back, his fingertips absorbing the silk of her sari and the satiny softness of her skin before settling one hand low on her spine. His other hand traversed up to sink into her tresses, his lips finding the side of her neck to place a soft kiss. 

Khushi fisted her hands into the material at the back of her husband’s shirt. She’d grown comfortable with her own body now, as comfortable as she could be with a perpetually expanding waistline. But she trusted herself more and knew she wasn’t made of fragile glass. Khushi pressed herself, belly and all, into her husband’s solid warmth, trying to get as close as she could. And it was that inopportune time that her stomach announced its presence by growling loudly. She felt her Arnavji’s chest rumble with laughter. 

“Someone’s hungry, hmm?” Arnav asked as he slightly pulled away from his wife with a smile. He saw his Khushi’s face break into a wide grin as her hands instinctively went to rest atop her belly. She rubbed with an affectionate smile. Arnav led her over to a seat next to his desk as he began to collect his papers. 

Khushi opened the containers of the tiffin and prepared a morsel for her husband. At the rate he was going, trying to put his laptop and files away, they’d be there all day. “Arnavji, open.” 

Arnav absently opened his mouth as he shoved everything to a corner of his desk. He felt his wife’s finger bump his lip and the food brush his chin before falling into his lap. 

“Hey Devi Maiya! Arnavji I’m so sorry!!” Khushi grabbed a napkin and wiped at her husband’s chin before trying to clean his lap. She picked up the fallen food and then rubbed at the stain. She heard him let out a groan. “Arnavji, I’m truly sorry! I’ll get the stain out, I promise.” 

“Khushi, it’s okay. You don’t have to. Seriously….” 

As Khushi retrieved another napkin and began to clean any lingering marks, her knuckles brushed up against a rigidness that wasn’t there before. She then realized the real reason behind her husband’s groan. She looked up and noted her Arnavji’s eyes had fallen shut and his fists were clenched tightly. It didn’t take much to get her going these days, and her mood instantly changed from hungry to something else as she continued to deliberately rub across his length. 

“Khushi I think you’ve got the stain. That’s enough…” Arnav said in a strained voice through clenched teeth. 

Khushi kept her gaze on his face, his eyes still closed as his breathing accelerated. “Arnavji, there’s just a little more…I’ve almost got it.” She watched her husband’s head fall back with a stifled moan as she kept on caressing. 

Arnav was beginning to see stars behind his scrunched eyelids. He tried breathing calmly as his wife innocently kept brushing across his manhood. And then he heard a zipper opening. His eyes flew open to find his Khushi on her knees in front of him. She was holding his length hostage within her grasp. He quickly covered her hands with his to halt her. “Khushi just because of this morning... don’t think you have to….” 

“Stop right there Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!” Khushi was pleased at how low and menacing her tone had sounded. “If you value your precious goods, you will not argue with your very pregnant wife!” 

His wife had punctuated her threat with a delicious squeeze to his shaft. It had elicited an uncontrollable groan, deep from within him. “Damn Khushi. Where’d your smart mouth learn to negotiate like that?” 

“Akhir biwi hoon kiski? (After all, whose wife am I?) I am Mrs. KSR. I learned from the best.” Khushi placed an open-mouth kiss on her husband’s glans and he almost lurched out of the chair. “If I want to love my husband then it’s my prerogative.” She then lapped her tongue up his length. “And besides, I want to…” her last words were mumbled as she took him into her mouth. 

Arnav had resigned his fate to her a long time ago. But when his wife had told him she was carrying his child, he knew he would give her absolutely anything she wanted, no questions asked. If she wanted to erotically assault him in the middle of the workday, then he was going to be her willing victim. He released a low moan as he felt her tongue maneuver its magic over him. Who was he kidding? He was whole heartedly reveling in her debauchery, and loving every second of her inhibition. He stroked his thumbs across her jaw as she worked him in and out of her invitingly soft, wet mouth. 

Khushi drew her head forward on his length, taking as much of him as she could, and hollowed her cheeks in, pulling at his length as he exited. She swirled her tongue up, down and around, licking at his sensitive head as her hands continued their tortuous tugs. The more she played, the more engorged he got, and she knew he wasn’t far off from his release. She wouldn’t relent until he’d reached it. She dipped her head back down and sucked him in. Forming a tight “o” with her index finger and thumb, she placed it in front of her mouth so he received a continuous pull as he entered and left her mouth. She caressed her other hand lower and took hold of his jewels, her thumb stroking across the velvety skin. She continued to massage her husband with her fingers, mouth and tongue. 

Arnav sank his fingers into his wife’s hair knowing he wouldn’t be able to bear her sensual torture much longer. When her luscious mouth enclosed over his sensitive head and her tongue did that thing that drove him wild, he almost lost all sense. He quickly pulled her mouth away and clasped her hands within his as he climaxed, biting down on his lip to control his urge to shout. 

Khushi licked at her lips as her husband’s body shook with release. She felt immensely empowered knowing she was able to bring him to this state. She watched as he collapsed against his chair, completely out of breath, and made quick work of cleaning up. 

When Arnav finally came to his senses, he led his Khushi over to his adjoining private restroom. They washed their hands together, his fingers mingling intimately with hers, and he caught her gaze in the mirror’s reflection. He leaned into her ear and whispered “You’re unbelievable, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.” His wife’s response was to flash him her dazzling smile. Arnav smiled back and asked “So you think we can actually eat lunch this time?” 

Khushi smiled again and took her Arnavji’s hand. “Challiye.” (“Let’s go.”) They ate, mostly in silence, while giving each other timid glances before breaking out into huge grins. She couldn’t be more in love with her husband, even if she tried. It was everything she’d wished for. Sharing a quaint meal with her husband and child. The chotti si duniya (small little world) that she’d always wanted. 

Soon after his wife had repacked the empty tiffin and he walked her over to the door. “Call me when you reach home” he instructed. Arnav knew Mohan had waited for her in the parking lot. She fluttered her fingers, waving goodbye, but he quickly turned her around and caught her lips in a tender kiss. His Khushi’s sparkling eyes lowered and she smiled shyly as she made her escape. Arnav watched his wife descend the stairs and exit the building. He instinctively knew the rest of his day would drag. 

Later in the evening…. 

Arnav typed away on his laptop while sitting on the bed, propped against the headboard, already having changed into his casual nightwear when his Khushi finally entered the bedroom. He’d been wondering what was taking her so long. He hadn’t seen her since dinner. “Where were you?” 

Khushi sighed, the long day having taken its toll on her energy. She closed the doors behind herself. “Arnavji, I was just sitting with Jiji…” 

“And did you forget about your husband?” 

Khushi looked up and noted that her Arnavji was miffed. Such a possessive man! “No, I can never forget him” she replied with a coy smile. 

Arnav was about to reply to his wife’s cheeky response but lost his words when she removed her salwaar. The more pregnant she got, the less clothing she wanted to wear. She’d told him that everything felt restrictive and tight. It was fine by him though. He unabashedly ogled her opalescent legs then watched as she tried to reach behind herself to unzip her kameez. 

Khushi approached her husband and shut his laptop to place it on the nightstand. Slowly, she climbed onto his lap and straddled his hips. Both of their breathing had accelerated in the confines of their quiet room. “Arnavji, I can’t reach my zipper…can you help me…?” 

Arnav locked eyes with his wife as his hands eagerly ran up her back, his fingers finding the zipper. He held her steady with one heated palm low on her back as the other slid the zipper down. There were no sounds except of that tantalizing unzipping and their mingled breaths. Once he finished, he patiently waited. His wife tried to remove her kameez but struggled unsuccessfully before giving up, her eyes pleading with him for more help. His fingers obliged, tracing the borders of the kameez before lifting it inch by inch. He was torturing himself. It was like slowly opening a magnificent present, delicately peeling the wrapping off, wanting to savor it. When he’d uncovered her chest, he finally whisked the top over her head. His Khushi was clad in a black lace bra. She was barely contained in the tiny thing, spilling forth for his eyes…his hands…his mouth. When he felt her place her hands on his shoulders, he took it as an open invitation to get closer. His lips were wet and soft as he rubbed them across the dips and swells of her abundant cleavage. His finger traced the scalloped border of a cup as his tongue lightly traced along the other. 

Khushi breathed rapidly and grabbed the hem of her husband’s t-shirt, quickly throwing it off to the side. She laid her palms on his chest and absorbed the feeling of his heated skin. He was pure sleek muscle, so strong, so sexy. Her Arnavji tugged her closer and her damp heat connected with the rigid length of his. She relaxed more onto him and let out an unconscious moan. 

Arnav was busy exploring. His tongue licked up the deep valley of her cleavage, alternating nibbles on the swells. His palms took up the heavy weights and massaged them with cupping strokes. His thumbs flicked across her pearl shaped nipples and his wife let out a whimper. 

Khushi was low on patience these days. She caught her husband’s ruggedly handsome face and kissed him deep. Her tongue came out to play and explore. 

Arnav was reveling in his Khushi’s hunger. She was insatiable. And that just fueled him even more. His hands slid up the satin skin of her thighs and settled at her hips. Holding firmly, he tilted her pelvis, helping her grind onto his rigid length. 

Khushi felt a delicious friction rubbing across her femininity as his tongue slid along hers. Her husband flexed up as she continued to grind onto him and she suddenly broke the kiss, climaxing. It wasn’t enough though. It had been a tight, incomplete, empty release, merely leaving her yearning for more. She needed him inside her. Her fingers busied themselves, tugging frantically to free him. 

Arnav unfastened the scrap of lace that was her bra and his hungry mouth latched onto a nipple. 

Khushi cried out at the sharp sensation. “Arnavji, now, please.” She guided his fingers to help tug her panties down. 

“Sweetheart I need you to get up so I can remove….” 

“Just rip them off!”

Arnav felt himself swell even more. He never thought he’d find her sassy mouth so fucking sexy. The same mouth that had challenged and instigated him irrepressibly when they’d first met. The same mouth that had verbally battled him word against word was now the mouth that he found irresistible. Not one to argue with his very hormonal, and very horny, wife, he tried to ignore her deliciously damp core pressing onto his exposed erection. When he felt her soft lips on his neck, an electric surge shot through him, making his hands automatically tear at the fabric between her legs. 

Khushi let out a half moan half sigh of relief as she took her husband into her body and sank down. Her eyes rolled back into her head the deeper she sat. 

Arnav’s hands came up underneath his wife to cup her derriere, resting her on his forearms, holding her up. “Khushi wait, not so deep, you’ll hurt…” 

Khushi placed her fingers over her husband’s velvet lips to silence him. She leaned into him whispering in his ear “Arnavji you feel so good inside me.” She hovered, suspended in air, supported by the strength of her husband, and his love. She couldn’t control her pulsating muscles as she clenched his steely girth. He was only halfway inside her and Khushi was overcome with sensations. 

His wife had laid her lips upon his ear, her warm breath tickling, her husky tone shooting straight to his groin. And then her tongue came out to flick lightly at the aperture of his ear. He’d felt that as potently as if she’d licked him below the belt. 

Her husband had involuntarily flexed up into her an inch and she moaned. Khushi continued to suckle his earlobe with a teasing tongue as her fingernails lightly scraped down his chest. When he flexed up again, she exploded. 

Arnav let his wife catch her breath, his mouth kissing whatever skin it could reach. He traversed his hand between their bodies and he pressed his thumb against her clitoris. She immediately rose up onto her knees and wound her arms around his neck. As they began to move again, Arnav could feel her belly sliding against his torso. But he was thoroughly distracted by the bountiful feast in front of him. His mouth set about tasting and teasing. He flicked at her nipples then tenderly circled before kissing around her areolas. His tongue lapped at her swells and he sucked her flesh deep into his mouth only to pull away and suckle sharply at the tips. 

Khushi cried out again, grasping fistfuls of her Arnavji’s silky hair, tugging. 

Arnav blew across her dampened peaks. They stood erect, begging for more of his attention, and he abraded her lightly with the stubble on his cheek. 

Khushi felt every prickly fiber of his beard tickle wantonly across her sensitive nipples. Her husband didn’t relent in his strokes. They were slow, deliberate, and never ending, in his thrusts and his abrasions. She felt her clitoris throb with every bold brush of his stubble. Unable to bear the tempest that was her husband, she exploded all over again, vising around him tightly, taking him over the precipice with her. 

Arnav brushed the wild locks of his wife’s hair away from her face and laid his lips against her forehead as they both caught their breath. 

Khushi could still feel her body buzzing with aftershocks even as they now lay still on the bed. Her Arnavji had disentangled them and brought her to lie down, resting her curves against him. He held her close, soothing her nerves, calming her heart, and showering her with love. She felt his hand resting lightly over her belly and he stroked his palm there, until she drifted off. She was completely satiated and thoroughly in love, nestled in their perfect, small little world. 

Coalescence

“Khushi, guess who I ran into at the sabjee market!” Payal kicked off her shoes and curled her legs beneath herself as she got more comfortable in her sister’s quarters. 

“Who?” 

“Khushi, that’s no fun. You have to guess!” When Payal saw her sister’s face relay that she was in no mood for games, she changed her approach. “Ok, ok, I won’t keep you in suspense. It was your first crush from grade school!!” 

Khushi was confused. From what she could recall of grade school, there hadn’t been any cute boys. They’d all been brats that chased her, pulled her pigtails, and made fun of her. Besides, she wasn’t interested in them anyway. They’d all had icky cooties! 

“Yaad nahi tumhe? (You don’t remember?)” Payal asked quirking a mischievous eyebrow. She was finally getting a chance to tease Khushi after all the years of pranking she’d suffered at the hands of her little sister. She watched Khushi shake her head no and decided to spill the beans. “It was Banki Laal ji!” 

Khushi gasped as she tried to suppress her urge to gag. “Jiji! Ew!” 

Payal burst into a fit of laughter at the way Khushi had wrinkled her nose in disgust. 

“Jiji! That is not funny! Is that who you think I deserve?!” Khushi was fuming and quickly turned a cold shoulder to her big sister. 

Payal quickly ceased all her giggles. She’d meant to make her sister laugh, not upset! Khushi never turned her back on her, especially regarding such trivial matters. Payal sensed that something else was irking her sister, but wasn’t sure what exactly. She placed a hand on her shoulder. “Khushi….” Her hand immediately dropped as she evaded her touch. “Khushi, don’t be like that, I was just teasing you! I know no one even comes close to your Arnavji. That is who you deserve.” Khushi gave no response except to let out a despondent sigh and keep her back turned in silence. Before Payal had the chance to pacify her little sister, she saw a tall form wearing black with green stripes enter her peripheral vision. Well, speak of the devil…her Jeht ji had just returned. 

Arnav entered the bedroom just as Payal stood up. He watched for a moment as she fiddled with the edge of her pallu between her fingers while approaching him. Even though they were different as night and day, the sisters had some of the same quirky habits it seemed. 

“Arnavji…vo…” 

He watched his timid sister-in-law glance back at Khushi before meeting his gaze again, with concern. Now she had his full attention. “Payal, what is it?” 

“Arnavji, it’s nothing really. Just that I was trying to make her laugh and it went awry rather quickly. She wasn’t very talkative. I don’t think it’s what I said though…. I’m not sure what’s going on with her….” 

Arnav instantly calmed and let out the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding in. “Payal, tumhe patha hai. Tumari behn waise hi sanki hai. (Payal, you know. Your sister is a little crazy to begin with.) You shouldn’t be so surprised.” He held up a small box and brought it eye level for his sister-in-law to see. “Don’t worry though. I’ve come with replenishments. I suspect these will cheer her up.” 

Payal was relieved to see the box of jalebis. Her Jeht ji knew Khushi so well. She wouldn’t be glum for much longer. Giving him a small smile of approval, she nodded her head and went on her way. 

Arnav entered the room and admired the silhouette of his wife. Even the back of her head exuded beauty to him and he smiled inwardly as he closed the doors behind himself. He strode towards the bed where she was sitting, chomping away on a jalebi from the last batch he’d gotten her. He watched as she continued to chew and ruefully peered into the empty box in her hand. She turned it upside down and shook it vigorously, as if another jalebi would miraculously fall out if she uttered “hocus-pocus”. She was so adorably disgruntled. He wanted to kiss the expression off her face. 

Khushi was so distracted with her current lack of confections that she hadn’t even noticed her Arnavji’s return. Her eyes followed him as he approached her in all his adidas track suit clad, magnificently glistening, glory. Her husband had just come back from his jog and was still deliciously damp. His slick hair had fallen, clinging to his forehead. His moist lips were parted as he drew in air. Her eyes tracked further down to watch his wide chest expand with every inhalation. Lower yet, his torso tightened beneath his white undershirt with a sexy ripple upon every exhale. She craned her neck up as he now stood in front of her and she gulped some much needed oxygen. Hey Devi Maiya, why did her husband look like a sliver of deliciously sweaty sin? As she pondered that thought, he placed the little white box in her lap and dropped a kiss on her crown before turning away and removing his track jacket. She didn’t need to open the box to know what was in it. And good thing she hadn’t looked down, or else she might’ve missed the fact that he’d oh so nonchalantly stripped off his undershirt on the way to the bathroom. She blindly opened the box in her lap as she ogled him from behind. She visually traced that deep, sexy line that ran along his spine, bisecting his chiseled back. As her hand dug into the box, her gaze followed his shoulder blades as they shifted and moved, creating nooks and crannies of lean muscle that she wanted to nuzzle, touch and explore. A thought of running her tongue along those muscular ridges entered her mind just as he shut the door, snapping her back into reality. She felt forlorn all over again and took a voracious bite of the fresh jalebi she’d fished out. It was suddenly tasteless. 

Arnav emerged, feeling thoroughly refreshed. After mopping away at his drenched hair and face, he saw Khushi throw a half-eaten jalebi back into the box and push it away. She then began noshing on her not-so-secret stash of channay. This must’ve been more serious than he thought if she was rebuffing jalebis and gnawing away at her “I’m-really-upset” snack. Tossing the extra towel aside, he approached to stand in front of her. “Khushi, what happened? The jalebis weren’t good? If that halwai gave me stale sweets, I’ll go back to give him a piece of my mind right now and tell him to go f-…” 

“Nahi….they’re fresh. It’s fine Arnavji, thank you for getting them.” Khushi tried to muster up politeness as she eyed the jalebis with disdain. Jalebis and a perfunctory little peck was all she got from her husband?! She was tempted to throw them at his head. That is if he wasn’t such a piece of perfection, personified. She thought he’d looked drool-worthy before, but she’d thought to soon. Her eyes didn’t know what inviting inch of flesh to fixate on as he stood in front of her now, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped low around his hips. She let out an audible, dreamy sigh. 

Arnav had learned when Khushi was masking her unease about something. He pinned her with a look, trying to extract more information out of her. 

Khushi averted his penetrating gaze. She swore he could look into her soul when he stared at her like that. “Arnavji…sach may (really)…I’m ok…” she said rather unconvincingly, her eyes skittering this way and that to avoid looking at him. 

Arnav cupped his wife’s supple cheek, effectively bringing her gaze back to his. “Khushi, you’re eating channay. I know something’s wrong. Tell me. Please.” 

As her Arnavji spoke, her eyes took in every wet muscled inch of him. She watched the few lingering water drops that continued to kiss his skin, feeling envious of them. She took a deep breath, catching his shower-fresh scent. Like a citrus summer breeze drifting through a woodsy mountain. Crisp…clean…mouthwatering. Her eyes tracked up to his ruggedly handsome face, adorned with an uncharacteristically patient expression. 

Arnav was waiting for an answer. “Khushi?” He stroked his thumb along the downiness of her cheek. 

Khushi burst into standing, her arms flailing about. “Arnavji YOU’RE STANDING IN A TOWEL!” she exclaimed in an accusatory tone. 

She’d just yelled at him. Nothing was more potent that an angry and irritated Khushi Singh Raizada. This particular side of his wife always did tickle his fancy in ways no other female ever had. It was an arena in which her passionate ire almost rivaled his. It’s probably why he’d hopelessly fallen for her from the moment she’d fallen into his arms. That fateful day, he’d met his match. “So you’re mad at me….because I’m in a towel?” Arnav couldn’t keep the bewilderment from his tone, although he did try his best to moderate his urge to laugh. He didn’t think she would appreciate that from him right now. As he waited for her response, he reached into her container for a channa, only to have his hand slapped away instantly. Her channay were, of course, off limits. Arnav fought a grin through his confusion at her peculiar mood. 

Now Khushi was tempted to throw the channay at his head. “Yes! I’m mad because you’re in a towel! And…and showing me all your muscles…..and how fit and trim you are…. and how good you look!!” 

Arnav was not sure where his wife was going with this, but all traces of humor had disappeared. “Khushi, what’s the real matter?” 

“Arnavji, how can you walk around in front of me like that when I look and feel like a whale?!?!” Khushi averted her gaze to the floor. She just couldn’t look at his flawlessness right now. 

That had stung him more than if she’d actually reached out and slapped him. “Hey, take it easy there. That’s my wife you’re talking about.” Arnav’s voice became buttery soft. He gently guided her face up to look at him. “And Khushi you are not a whale by any means. You’re pregnant.” His hand moved lower to rub affectionately over her round, growing belly. She’d always been beautiful in his eyes, but knowing that she was carrying his child just made her all the more gorgeous. His Khushi glowed day and night. And everything was swollen, not just her belly. Many a times he’d have to refrain from gawking at her now-extra ample bosom. He often wondered if she’d even fit in his palms anymore. She just looked so sexy and so….ripe. Maybe he was depraved for having those thoughts, but he couldn’t help it. He hadn’t made advances towards her in months, especially after her wretched first trimester where she’d had morning sickness that wasn’t just confined to the mornings. With immense fear that had overtaken his heart, he’d kept a safe physical distance, wanting to ensure his wife’s safety and comfort. He’d been a nervous wreck seeing her in such a weak state. Without question, he’d delegated more of his work to Aakash and cut back his own hours, working strictly from home just to be with his Khushi and answer her every beck and call. Truthfully, he’d also worked from home to keep himself somewhat sane. As long as she was under his care, he felt at peace. And in the interim, he’d witnessed her beautiful, flat midriff metamorphose into an even more beautiful, rotund convexity. But over this time of keeping a close eye on her, he hadn’t wanted her any less. No, not at all. Seeing her pregnant, with his baby, a nishani (memento) of their love, just made him want her even more. 

She was a whale and she knew it. Why else hadn’t her Arnavji touched her in months? She couldn’t even properly snuggle into him during the night anymore. Her belly was in the way of everything! And to top it off, she hadn’t been sleeping well until her husband had gotten her that wondrous pregnancy pillow. What a double edged sword it was! Yes, she slept blissfully now. But true bliss was on the other side of the pillow, and he was completely out of reach. Many nights it lay between them like the Great Wall of China, ensuring there would be no contact possible. “Arnavji, it’s ok. You don’t have to placate me just because I’m pregnant. I know I’m not the greatest sight in the world right now. I’ll just get out of your way so you can finish dressing.” Truth was she’d pounce and attack him if he dropped that towel in front of her. She’d been craving him for so long, hungrily dreaming day and night about all their previous intimate encounters. What luscious memories! They’d have to make do because she wasn’t going to force her Arnavji to make love if he wasn’t even attracted to her. Plus, her belly had its own zip code. She didn’t even know if and how they could fit together to make it possible at this point. 

Arnav grabbed her hand before she could walk away, turning her to face him again. “Khushi, how can you say that? You’re absolutely stunning. Whenever you walk into the room, I can’t help but stare at how beautiful you are.” His gaze searched her face before tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear. And as he did so, he saw the brims of his wife’s eyes overflow with barely contained tears. “Oh sweetheart, don’t cry.” He hugged her close around the shoulders, resting his cheek atop her head, trying to engulf her. 

Khushi willingly went into her Arnavji’s inviting arms. She rested her head against his chest and tried to get closer still, but her protruding belly stood as a barrier between them. She used to love the way her body would line up with his, chest to chest, pelvis to pelvis. But now when they hugged it was like creating the triangle of chastity. Their lower halves were nowhere near each other. Khushi took a deep inhale of despair. Devi Maiya, why did her husband have to smell so scrumptious? The light fragrance of lemon and mint made her want to lick every inch of him. She curled her fingers into his back and inhaled again, her mouth salivating at the olfactory overload she was experiencing. She nuzzled her nose into his chest before he cupped her face to bring her eyes back up to look at him. 

Arnav looked into his wife’s glittery eyes, the tears clinging there just killing him. He softly kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, her chin, and then on her mouth to sooth her. At the feel of her supple lips, his tongue had involuntarily darted out to lick. And then he had innocently touched the wet tip of her tongue with his own. It was an amuse bouche that whet his appetite. Just one more small taste he thought. He stroked his thumbs across her jaw as he slid his tongue back into her mouth, and slowly, softly, slid around hers. Arnav had meant to keep the kiss light, but it had grown fast and frenzied pretty quickly, his teeth joining in to nip at those perfectly pink, pillowy swells that were his wife’s lips. His ears registered a muffled surprised sound causing him to instantly pull away. He looked down at his Khushi as they both panted for breath in silent astonishment. He was appalled with himself. He’d almost just ravished his pregnant wife! Fresh tears leaked out of her enrapturing doe eyes. “Khushi, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to…. I’m sorry! Please don’t cry, I promise I won’t push you.” He once again hugged her close to himself. 

Oh god, that kiss had felt so wonderful that it brought tears to her eyes. She’d felt some of her Arnavji’s desire, before he realized what he was doing and stopped, probably grossed out. And then her lust fogged brain remembered something. “Push me?” 

“Khushi I’m so, so sorry. It got a little out of control and I just got carried away. I didn’t mean to be so aggressive towards you.” 

Her husband thought he was being aggressive?! And here she was, wanting to throw him down onto the nearest surface and sink onto him. Khushi needed to make sure she’d heard him correctly. “Arnavji….. are you saying you … you want me?” 

His wife’s voice had sounded so small. Was she afraid of him now? He was beginning to feel disgusted with his own behavior, and for lacking such willpower. “Khushi I know you must think I’m a…..” 

Devi Maiya, was she interpreting this right? Butterflies erupted in her stomach. Either that or the baby was doing summersaults. Khushi couldn’t hold it in any longer, she had to tell her husband how she was feeling. “Arnavji! I’ve been so desperate for you. I thought you didn’t want me because of…of all this!” Khushi pointed in the general direction of her belly and extra plumpness. 

“Oh god Khushi, I want you even more because of all that! Are you kidding me?” 

Khushi’s face flushed, her breaths now coming faster as she twiddled her fingers nervously. “But Arnavji, I don’t even know how. Is it…is it even possible?” 

Arnav had just received the green light. Nothing was going to stop him from making love to his wife now. “Khushi, leave that to me.” He’d been so dense. How had he not known she wanted him? And that too, this whole time?! Arnav grabbed his Khushi close, bringing her to come softly crashing into his chest before laying his lips upon hers. He kissed her intensely, like he’d been wanting to for months. He explored all the facets of her mouth that he hadn’t visited in the time that he’d foolishly let pass by. Finally completing his kiss from before, he began a whole new one, seeking a bit of satiation. 

Khushi placed her hands on her husband’s chest with immense relief at the way his mouth plundered hers. When he leaned in to deepen it even more, she pulled her lips away slightly to express herself. “Arnavji….oh god…you don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for you.” 

Arnav felt even worse now for not recognizing what she’d needed from him and for making her wait. With a new resolve, he planted a soft kiss on her mouth and rested his lips there as he spoke in a gruff whisper. “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. Let me make it up to you…” His voice trailed off as his mouth traversed along her jaw to meet her chin. He continued down and nuzzled her rapidly thumping pulse point. His lips and tongue joined in to lay a suckling smooch there. She smelled like warm cinnamon and sugar. He smiled against her creamy throat. Khushi was the only sweet he ever wanted to indulge in, and thank his lucky stars that he could do so unhindered. He continued to lick and kiss a path along the side of her neck, his lips savoring the milky essence of her skin. 

Khushi’s blood roared, her heart beating rapidly every time she felt her Arnavji’s lips on her. She was pure liquid heat, squirming beneath his mouth. Unable to bear it any longer, she lightly pushed him away, ready to get stern with her husband. She reached for the tie to her salwaar as she spoke. “I can’t handle all this teasing Arnavji. I need you…now…please!” 

He watched in fascination as she brusquely let her salwaar drop to the floor. “Khushi we don’t have to rush…” And then he watched in equal fascination as she tossed her kameez off to the side. There stood his wife, in all her pregnant beauty, striking him mute. 

Khushi placed her palms over her husband’s chest, sliding them up to his strong, broad shoulders. “Arnavji you don’t understand…I’m…I’m burning up. These…these hormones, they’re lighting me up from the inside.” 

Arnav could almost taste his wife’s desperation. He’d already misread her signals for too long, he had to trust her instincts. Cupping the nape of her neck, he pulled her face close and dove in to kiss her. His other hand busied itself by tracing the edges of her panties, searching for a way in. His Khushi hadn’t been lying. Her desire had already dampened the slip of material between her legs. He quickly pushed the scrap aside so his fingers could contact her wetness. Arnav sensually sank his tongue into her mouth as his fingers penetrated her feminine core in one fluid push. Khushi suddenly spasmed, vising around his fingers as her hands reached out to hold onto him tightly. 

Khushi sucked in a sharp breath as the instant orgasm hit her hard, the sharp sensations coursing through her body. She clutched at her husband for support, holding onto his forearms for dear life. 

Arnav was astonished. He’d heard of an increased sex drive in some women during pregnancy, but he hadn’t expected this. She was dripping onto his hand. “Khushi are you ok?” he asked tentatively, holding his fingers as still as possible as they remained buried inside her. 

Khushi shook her head, her hair falling over her shoulders as she did so. “No, I’m not. Arnavji please, again.” 

That one word had never sounded so sensual. Desire shot straight to his groin and he quickly divested their bodies of whatever little clothing, or in his case towels, were still covering them. His Khushi mirrored his zeal, helping in any way she could. He took her hand, leading her over to the bed and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, urging her onto it. He saw the question in her eyes….”How?”. “Khushi, you have to kneel.” He climbed onto the bed and helped her on. Gently turning her around to face the head of the bed, he instructed her “Hold onto the headboard, sweetheart”. Arnav watched as his wife obediently followed his cues, then quickly came up behind her to align his body along hers, kneeling as well. He placed his arms on the outsides of hers, caging her in. His Khushi turned her face to look at him, her warm breath puffing onto his mouth. He lost himself in her honey orbs and slid into her awaiting slickness. 

“Arnavji…” Her husband’s name escaped her lips in a lusty drawl as she placed her palms atop his hands and curled her fingers around his. She closed her eyes and threw her head back as her second climax hit her just as suddenly as the first one had, just moments ago. Only this time she could feel his full length pulsing with unleashed power. 

Too much time had elapsed since he’d been inside his Khushi’s body. Arnav remained motionless as she convulsed through her release, her tight core fluttering enticingly around him, gripping his length, teasing it. Immense male pride surged through him for bringing his wife to the brink of pleasure several times, so quickly. He watched her head sag, and felt her fingers loosen their grip before he languidly began to thrust, mindful of her pregnant state. His lips skimmed across her nape as his hands caressed up her arms and across her chest, cupping her breasts. He heard his Khushi let out a breathy mewl as he gently squeezed, thrilled at the heavy weights and the way they spilled out of his hands. Arnav made a mental note - he’d have to make sure to taste them next time. His fingers rolled her nipples between his fingers and his wife cried out, her desire bathing his length as she rode out yet another release. His Khushi was explosive. It had only taken a few thrusts to take her over the edge for an astounding third time. Arnav began to move again. They danced and undulated together this time, with calmer, unhurried waves. It was a constant sway of electric synergy, slowly climbing to its peak plateau. As their rhythm grew faster and his plunges deeper, Arnav knew he wouldn’t last much longer, it had just been too long. His voice was a coarse baritone as he nipped her earlobe. “Khushi…I can’t hold…I love you.” A deep groan rumbled through his chest as he floated into abyss. 

Khushi felt her Arnavji’s earthshattering release and it fueled her final climax. She unraveled and rippled into a shimmering pool of passion. They both clung to one another, melded by their exertions, having finally reached their ultimate satiations. 

Arnav swept the silky weight of his Khushi’s hair to one side and trailed light kisses along her upper back as he exited her body. He pulled her close and brought her to lie down, arranging her so she could rest comfortably against her maternity pillow, and he could still spoon her close. He snaked his arm over her belly and spoke softly into her ear. “Sweetheart, are you ok?” 

Khushi rested an arm atop her Arnavji’s and intertwined their fingers. She rubbed her cheek against the cool pillow, her eyes drifting shut from lethargy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt such tranquility. “Hmmmm. Arnavji, I’m more than ok. That was just what I needed.” 

He smiled as her purring voice resonated in his ears. They hadn’t made love that intensively in a while. Arnav had almost forgotten what their fiery chemistry was like. He eyed his wife as she rested against the pillow in front of her, an absent smile splayed across her perfect pout. She’d been tracing lazy patterns on his forearm but was now slowing down, her breath evening out. “You must be exhausted, sleep sweetheart.” 

Khushi expelled a quiet sigh of contentment as she fell into deep sleep. 

Two hours later…. 

“Arnav Singh Raizada! Control yourself!” he silently berated himself. She needed rest! It had only been a short time ago that they’d utterly exhausted themselves. Even he’d fallen into a deep slumber after that…joining. There was no way she’d want anything more now. Taking a look south, he willed his erection to calm down. He gently unwound their arms and moved slowly, trying to extract himself from her delicious warmth and softness. He needed a cold, sobering shower. 

Khushi woke from the most peaceful sleep she’d slept in months at the feel of her husband shifting behind her. She then felt his male essence rub up against her derriere. The flame he’d dissipated so thoroughly only hours ago, reignited into a full inferno. She felt a flood of desire rush through her. Devi Maiya, this can’t be normal! “Then again, when was I ever normal?” she pondered to herself. Before she could press back to give her Arnavji the open invitation, she felt him trying to get up from the bed. She quickly tightened her hold on his arm and turned her head to look at his handsome face. 

“Khushi I’m just gonna take a quick shower. I’ll be right back.” 

“Arnavji….don’t go…..” Khushi’s voice trailed off. Her husband was going to think she was a hormonal maniac. How could she even tell him she wanted him again?? 

“Khushi, sweetheart, I just need to….” 

“Arnavji I need that too. Please.” 

His wife’s molten butterscotch eyes pleaded with him. Arnav knew he had been the one to initiate his Khushi into intimacy. He had guided and taught her, showing her what her body was capable of experiencing. But now, she was the one in control. Only she could tell him what she needed in this state, and he was willingly going to follow her lead, giving her anything she wanted. He came to lie on his side, curling up behind her once again. “Sweetheart, put your leg over the pillow.” Arnav guided her thigh to rest atop the long pillow in front of her body, effectively opening her up for him. He tenderly circled his blunt head around her entrance. His Khushi was still slick from before and he was now being greeted by fresh arousal as well. She let out a whimpering moan. “Khushi, you have to tell me if you’re sore…” 

“Nahi Arnavji. I’m… I’m fine.” She was more than fine as long as he kept up whatever it was that he was doing. Khushi gasped with acute pleasure as he slid into her. 

Arnav caressed his hand over her hip and reached across her body, going further down until his fingers found her hot spot. As he continued to thrust, he strummed and played his digits across her clitoris. 

Khushi knew, now that her urgency had abated, her Arnavji had free reign to tease. He luxuriously continued to pump in and out, deliciously varying his rhythm, keeping her guessing as to what would come next. Slow.…fast…shallow…deep. It was all wonderful. She felt as if she were melting. 

Arnav watched his Khushi bite down onto her plump bottom lip, her eyes drawn shut with her head thrown back against him. First there were sighs, then whimpers, then moans punctuated by a litany of his name rolling off her tongue as she tumbled over the edge. The sound of her velvety voice set him off and he allowed himself to climax. His wife relaxed against him, as he once again held her close, basking in the aftermath of their love making. Even though they’d started the day with a complete misunderstanding due to a lack of communication, one thing was for sure. When their bodies spoke, they understood one another perfectly.