Rekindling

“Jiji, karnay dho na! (Jiji, let me just do it!)” Khushi reached across her sister to try and confiscate the sari out of her hands.

Payal dodged her little sister’s grasp. “Khushi, meine kaha ta na? Ye sabb kar loon gi! (Khushi, I told you right? I’ll do all this!) Besides you have more important things to tend to right now.”

Khushi adamantly placed her hands on her hips. “Jiji, that’s all taken care of. I just want to help you fold some clothes, not dismantle a nuclear bomb!” She tried once again to swipe a shirt from the stack of clothing piled on her sister’s bed.

Payal caught Khushi’s movement from the corner of her eye and batted her arm away. “Khushi! Abhi, issi waqt, jao! (Khushi! Go, right this instant!)” Payal said, standing her ground. As her little sister opened her mouth, to no doubt argue, a wailing cry resounded through the room. Payal triumphantly smiled as she watched Khushi pick up the baby monitor with a flash. “Dekha? (See?) The baby knows Massi is right!”

“You won this time Jiji!” Khushi exclaimed as she rushed out and over to her own bedroom. The second she heard that tiny, distressed plea, her heart would flood with angst. It was a desperation that she’d never felt before, fueled by the urge and willingness to do whatever it took to bring content to that little face. Khushi placed the baby monitor on the night stand as she hurried over to the crib. “Mr. Arz Singh Raizada, tum to so rahe te (you were sleeping).  Aap itni jaldi utt gai? (You woke up so quickly?)” Khushi spoke to her wriggling little bundle as she scooped him up. She cradled him close as she strode over to sit in the rocking chair her Arnavji had added to the room, right before their son’s arrival. She pushed the pads of her feet into the floor and set the chair into motion as she reached behind with her free hand to unzip her kameez. “Shh….bass, bass (now, now)…Mumma ah gayee (Mumma’s here)…” Khushi tried to soothe him with her words as she brought his face closer to her chest. When he finally latched onto her and began to feed, she let out a sigh of relief, comforted by the quiet in the room and the soft suckling sounds emanating from Baby Arz’s mouth. She lovingly caressed her hand over the downiness of his head, her fingertips absorbing the soft feel of his hair. She couldn’t help but smile. “Mujhe patha ta aap ko bhook laggi ho gi. (I knew you must be hungry.)” She looked down just as his eyes gazed up at her. They were the same sweet maple brown as his Papa’s. As he continued to feed, he reached up a hand to rest it on her chest, his tiny fingers curling against her as if to hold her in return. Khushi’s smile widened even more as she cherished the moment. She was startled from her little world when the door opened a sliver.

Arnav continued listening on his Bluetooth as Aman briefed him on the upcoming morning’s agenda until he entered the bedroom. He stilled, instantly drowning in the need to protect the privacy of his wife and son, even if the other person was on the phone and couldn’t see them. He turned to quietly close the door behind himself. “Aman we’ll discuss the rest tomorrow.” With that short command, he ended the call and strode closer to….his family. His heart now freely constricted with a flood of emotions every time he came to that realization. Along with the need to protect, he felt pride in his wife, his Khushi, at how she took care of both the men in her life.  He felt possessiveness, and pity for the person who dared to ever intrude on their happiness. But most of all, he felt love, for the two most important people in his life. Arnav gazed down at his wife and son, managing to find his voice to greet them. “Hi.”

Khushi adoringly smiled up at her Arnavji as he now hovered close by. She noted the way Baby Arz took an interest and pulled away from her breast to eye his Papa.

Arnav smiled as his son looked up at him. He’d never particularly harbored feelings about babies before, but he had to admit, his kid was pretty damn cute! Arnav grinned even wider and stroked the back of his finger along his chubby little cheek. Baby Arz responded by reaching up to hold his large finger within the grasp of all five of his tiny ones as he slowly turned his head back towards his nourishment. For a moment, their son had managed to connect all three of them together. Arnav felt that flood of emotion again. He leaned down to place a kiss atop his Khushi’s crown, and then bent a little lower to place another kiss on the softness of his son’s downy head. Upon the contact, he heard Baby Arz sigh amidst his feeding before he loosened his grasp on his finger.

Once the baby had settled into his meal again, Khushi patted and rocked him, hoping to lull him off to sleep. When her Arnavji spoke, she gazed up at him.

“Khushi, I’ll just go change.” Arnav returned shortly and came to find that mother and son were thoroughly entertaining each other. He couldn’t help but quirk an eyebrow. “I thought you were trying to put him to sleep?”

“Yeh? Inn ko to so ne ka nahi, shararat karnay ka mood hai. Hai na? (This one? He’s doesn’t want to sleep, he’s in the mood to play. Right?)” Khushi asked the baby.  

Arnav watched as Arz smiled at his mother. He came over to scoop up the chubby little bundle. “Khushi, why don’t you go relax, get ready for bed?” He saw his Khushi hesitate for a moment as she alternated her gaze between him to the baby. “Khushi, don’t worry, I’ve got him. Besides I missed playing with him today.” Arnav confessed as he looked down at his son. He noted the way Baby Arz’s eyes looked up at him with fascination. “Hey little man” Arnav spoke to him while settling him into the crook of one elbow. As he leaned his head in closer to take a nibble of his irresistible cheek, Baby Arz reached up and grabbed his nose. Arnav let out a laugh.

Khushi smiled with content, her heart at peace after seeing father and son bonding so easily. She went off to take the long shower she’d been craving all day. After lingering under the hot stream for an extra ten minutes, she was relaxed and at ease. She stepped out of the bathroom, drying her wet hair vigorously with a towel when her heart flipped within her chest. She quickly picked up her cell phone that was nearby and clicked a picture. Her husband was lying on the light green chaise, cradling their son securely against his chest, both of them sleeping snugly. Baby Arz had now been initiated into the family tradition of napping on the lounger. She smiled as she thought back to all the fond memories she and her Arnavji had experienced on that piece of furniture. She put down the towel and approached them quietly. She wasn’t sure who was comforting whom, but both men definitely had her heart. She carefully took a deeply slumbering Arz out of her husband’s arms. As she cradled him in the crooks of her elbows, he wiggled around to get comfortable. He stretched in his sleep and kicked his itty-bitty foot out of his blanket. Khushi smiled at the sight of his pudgy little toes. It was true; everything your baby did automatically seemed like the cutest thing you’d ever seen. Khushi leaned down to kiss his tiny sole before rewrapping him in his blanky, then couldn’t resist kissing his little hand, and nuzzling against his soft cheek. Baby Arz immediately turned his head towards her, letting out a ferocious yawn before rubbing his button nose against hers in his sleep, settling in peacefully. Khushi smiled anew, hoping this feeling would never go away. How could something so little be so precious? She kissed his cherub cheek and the top of his head before tucking him snugly into his blanket again, and placing him in his crib. She stood over him, watching him sleep, when a hand caressed across her stomach.

Arnav gently tugged his Khushi until her back rested against him. He leaned in close, nuzzling a slow trail across her nape and neck.

Khushi leaned her head back against her Arnavji, caressing her face against his. The prickle from his permanent five o’clock shadow sent a tingle down her spine. She quickly turned within the warm comfort of his arms, holding him close. Her palms caressed across his broad back.

Arnav relished the feel of his wife’s touch as he held her close, burying his face in the fragrant mass of her hair then into the crook of her neck as his lips found her ear. “Eyes only for your son, hm? Any of those kisses for me?”

Khushi smiled. She had no qualms about where Baby Arz acquired his ridiculous cuteness from. Like father, like son. “Arnavji, he’s our son. And I know you love him just as much as I do.” She cupped his handsome face and placed a soft kiss on his lips. 

Arnav wasn’t ready to break contact with his Khushi’s plush mouth. He snaked his arms around her waist, wanting to hold her close for a bit longer. Before he could bring her hips to rest against his, there was a light knock on the door. He looked up at his Khushi, her eyes reflecting the same question that he was thinking. Who could it be at this time? Arnav reluctantly let go of his wife to open the door and find out.

“Chotte, I’m sorry, I hope I’m not disturbing you guys…” Anjali expressed apologetically.

“Di, aap (you)? Is everything ok?” Arnav asked with concern.

“Haan (yes) Chotte, everything is fine…I was just wondering if I could spend some time with Arz….” Anjali found her gaze skittering to the floor, losing the courage to face her brother.

Arnav lightly touched his sister’s elbow to get her attention. “Di, you never have to ask me such a thing. Of course you can spend time with him. Anytime you want. Vo bass, abhi so raha hai (The only thing is he’s sleeping right now)…”

“To kya hua? (So what?)”

Arnav turned at the soft sound of his Khushi’s voice and found her standing next to him, their slumbering son resting peacefully in her arms. He watched as she put Baby Arz into the secure hold of his sister. The instant smile that lit up his sister’s face was worth more than any amount of money he could ever possess.

“Khushi ji, thank you….”

“Arrey Di. Yeh koi thank you karnay ki baat hai kya? (Is this some matter to even say thank you for?) You are his Bhua after all. Aap ka bhi haq ban ta hai! (You have some rights too!)” Khushi winked at her Nanand with a bright smile.

Anjali cradled Arz close. “If he wakes or needs anything, I’ll bring him right back….”

Arnav nodded as he watched his sister turn and walk towards her room, pausing midway to lean down and nuzzle the top of Arz’s head. He couldn’t blame her. He always had that perfect baby smell clinging to his skin. As Arnav shut the doors to the bedroom, his head hung low as he couldn’t help but think of how this must be affecting his sister after everything she’d gone through. How brave she was for moving forward and now being the epitome of a supportive sister. Khushi always told him how willing his Di was to help in taking care of Arz, and how appreciative she was for it. It almost broke his heart. Arnav snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a pair of hands glide under his t-shirt.

Khushi knew her husband needed some distracting. She let her hands creep up the inside of her Arnavji’s shirt to feel his bare skin and to take in his heat. Her hands started at the bottom of his torso, absorbing every bump and indentation from his ripped abdomen on the way up. Her palms could feel his nipples as her hands now rested over his muscled pecs. Her left hand felt the thumping of his steadily beating heart. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his broad back and her own heart started in unison. She listened quietly as they both spoke. Dhak-dhak, dhak-dhak.

His Khushi’s cool hands sent tingles through him. Goosebumps arose on his skin as her palms caressed across his nipples. Arnav turned, wanting to see his wife’s beautiful face. Before he could lean forward, she’d kissed his Adam’s apple then traced her soft lips across the hollow of his throat. He could feel her hands snaking back down as she now tried to take off his shirt. His mind rioted with sensations as his Khushi went on tip toe and placed her mouth squarely over his. When he felt her tongue touch his lips he sobered up for a moment and pulled back as things were quickly spiraling out of his control. “Khushi the doctor said to wait… “

“Arnavji she said to wait about six weeks. It’s been ten…”

Arnav cupped his Khushi’s face, wanting reassurance that she was ok. Her delivery had been intense. For such a slight thing, her body had withstood a lot. She’d endured so much pain. It had almost been unbearable for him to watch. He’d wanted to take the pain away from her somehow, to suffer it for her, but he couldn’t. It had almost broken him.

Khushi tilted her head and dropped kisses along her Arnavji’s stubbly cheek, his forehead, and then his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck to let him know he wasn’t going anywhere.  

Arnav sighed in defeat. There was a time when he knew his Khushi’s body better than she did, but now things had changed. She was the only one who could tell him what she needed. He leaned his head down to rest his forehead against hers before slowly bringing his lips to brush along her heavenly mouth. When she opened up, he took the invitation and kissed her back. His hand slowly traced a path up his wife’s delicate rib cage, his hands coming to rest right along the under curves of her chest. His Khushi sighed against his lips. Arnav cupped her delicate jaw and kissed her…softly. Absorbing every nuance of each other’s’ mouths…deeply. Their tongues touched in velvet strokes…wetly. And their plush lips met with unhurried delicate nips…leisurely. He drew her frame closer, one hand snaking into her silky hair, cradling the back of her head with his large palm, while his other wound around her waist. He continued to traverse his lips across hers, fusing their mouths together as they quenched their thirsts. Their kisses melded from one into the next, evolving from soft sighs…to soft lips…to soft tongues.

Khushi curled her fingers into the muscles of her Arnavji’s back. She felt him drop sweet kisses around her mouth, jaw, then down her neck and throat. She threw her head back, seeking more from the touch of his hot lips. She felt his fingers trace teasingly along the boatneck collar of her kurta and her own hands began to wander, traveling up to his chest to fist his t-shirt.

Arnav’s hands traced over and lightly palmed her breasts, barely taking their weight with no pressure. His Khushi then clawed at the hem of his t-shirt. He knew she wanted it off. Arnav obliged, dropping his arms to his sides so she could remove it. His Khushi could have anything she wanted of him. When he opened his eyes, he could see the crib in his periphery. His wife had given him the biggest, most precious gift ever. So yes, he belonged to her, and she could have anything she wanted from him.

Khushi let her Arnavji’s shirt drop to the floor as her eyes visually explored his naked skin. Her palms eagerly joined in, feeling all his angles and planes. She leaned forward to kiss his chest, her lips memorizing him all over again. She’d missed this man, missed…her husband. Even though she loved being a mother, she’d missed this connection between them. Her Arnavji once again kissed her mouth while bringing her pelvis into close proximity with his. Her eyes widened when she felt his arousal. He’d been so gentle, so patient with her…waited for her. She’d been waiting for him too. She felt scorched by his gaze when she locked eyes with him. “Arnavji, make me feel like your wife again.”

Arnav heard the message behind his Khushi’s quiet request, loud and clear. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his lips against the sensitive spot on her neck as he unzipped her kameez and removed her bra. He held her close, absorbing the feel of her chest brushing across his as he traversed the back of his knuckles slowly down her torso. Her belly quivered as he reached the tie to her salwaar and tugged it free. The light pink material pooled to the floor with a soft swoosh. He felt his Khushi reach up and grasp his biceps as his thumbs hooked into the sides of her panties before sliding them down. They joined the pile of clothing that now lay on the ground at their feet. Arnav stepped back a few inches to stare at her flawless curves and glowing porcelain skin.

Khushi shivered as her Arnavji took his unabashed time looking at her. She fought the urge to cover herself with her arms. She could feel a blush creeping up her neck and cheeks as her eyes skittered towards the floor, unable to watch him…watching her. In the next instant she felt herself being tugged towards him, coming to softly crash into his bare chest.

Arnav smiled as his Khushi looked up at him while steadying herself in his hold. His fingers traced along the warm redness diffusing her cheeks. Even after being married for this long, having had his child, she still managed to blush. It was one of the million things he loved about his wife. Arnav grabbed his Khushi’s arms and wound them around his waist as he pulled her into his embrace.

Khushi let the heat of her Arnavji’s skin warm her soul. When his head dipped down, he placed a sweet kiss on the tip of her nose that made her smile. She knew inherently, along with the blush on her cheeks, her nose must’ve gone red as well. When his lips moved to her forehead, she let her eyes fall shut and let her hands explore. She traveled her palms across his smooth lower back, her fingers finding their way into the waistband of his track pants and boxer-briefs. When she felt a slow trail of kisses being strewn across her shoulder, up to her ear, she lowered his remaining bottoms, shedding her Arnavji of all clothing.

Arnav relished holding his Khushi against himself with no barriers. Their hands did the talking, exploring each other’s skin as if it were the first time all over again. Her lips met his with equal fervor and zeal, neither of them in a rush. In their cocoon of touches and kisses, Arnav hadn’t realized when they’d began walking until the back of his knees hit the rocking chair. When his Khushi leaned into him, he lost his balance, falling into the seat of the rocker.  Without a moment’s hesitation his Khushi climbed onto his lap, straddling him with her thighs hugging his hips tightly. Arnav couldn’t help but stare at her again. He caressed his palm down the valley between her chest and lower yet, over her flat-again stomach. He was amazed and in awe at how he’d been fortunate to watch her figure transform. He’d loved every phase and facet. And then he remembered at how explosively she’d responded to his touch during the pregnancy. He wondered if it would be the same now. Slowly his fingers delved lower into her cleft and softly stroked across her clitoris.

Khushi sunk her teeth into her bottom lip as she sucked in a breath. She clutched her Arnavji’s shoulders for support as the sharp sensations zinged through her core at his first touch. His fingers continued to slowly finesse her and her hips began to move on their own accord, tilting forward, hungry for more of his ministrations.

The more his Khushi moved, the more the chair began to rock. Arnav slid his fingers up and down her slick valley letting her set the pace and deepen the contact as she craved. He could see a warm flush spreading over her body as her femininity wept onto his digits. He caressed his free hand over her hip and held her steady as he thrust his finger into her core. He was greeted by the honey of her desire and soft moans resonating from the back of her throat.

Khushi’s voice sounded low and unrecognizably husky to her own ears as her Arnavji drowned her in pleasure. Her body clung tightly to his fingers as he worked them in and out of her, unwilling to let him go. When she felt his lips on her throat, she threw her head back in abandon, relishing the delicious friction she felt below. She could feel that familiar spiral building inside her.  

Arnav continued his rhythm, the chair rocking in sync with them. His Khushi’s long hair had unraveled down her back, the ends now tickled teasingly across his thighs as she threw her head back in ecstasy. With a final thrust of his fingers, she let out a low moan as she reached her precipice.

Khushi panted as she locked eyes with her husband.  They shared a still moment, breathing in the same space before he leaned forward and caught her lips, kissing her deep.

Arnav kissed a path down her jaw the licked at the column of his Khushi’s creamy throat. She tasted even sweeter than he remembered.

“Arnavji” Khushi sighed in pleasure.

The reverent way his name escaped from his Khushi’s lips made him want to cherish her even more. Arnav stood up from the chair, holding her tightly against himself as she wrapped her legs around his waist and carried her over to the bed. Laying her gently on the mattress, he lowered his body onto hers. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck, holding him close as he braced himself on his forearms. His eyes gazed into her molten honey irises as he rocked into her entrance, just inside, her wet core enveloping the tip of him.

Khushi quivered with pleasure as he pushed himself inside, inch by delicious inch. She cupped her Arnavji’s ruggedly handsome face as he kissed her passionately. She began lifting her hips every time he thrust in, trying to deepen the joining. As she clutched him close, each of them kissing the skin closest to their mouths, she opened her thighs wide, bringing her knees along his narrow hips before locking her ankles at the base of his back.

Arnav was trying his best not to delve too far. The fear of hurting his wife was still at the forefront of his mind. But with her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, her body openly inviting him, it was becoming a futile effort. He stilled his movement to gaze down at her. He took in the way her tresses lay in a wild cloud of silk against their stark white sheets. His eyes roved further down to take in her pink, kiss swollen lips. And then his ears registered her wanton plea.

 “Arnavji…deeper.”

Arnav felt his Khushi dig her heels into his lower back, sliding him into closer contact with herself.  His wife languidly arched beneath him as he began to drive deeper with each thrust. He swiveled his own hips, creating that friction against her hot spot, the one that always drove her wild. Arnav continued to grind up on every in-stroke to rub against her sensitive clitoris.

Khushi closed her eyes as sparks lit up the insides of her eyelids. She raked her hands down her Arnavji’s back as he continued his steady rhythm.

Arnav leaned down to suckle on his wife’s rosy, plump bottom lip. He took his time reacquainting himself with his Khushi’s pleasure. They continued on with their unhurried, languid coupling. As if they wanted to savor each other. The room was quiet but for the muted sounds of pleasure escaping the both of them. Their lips, noses and foreheads connected as they stared at each other, riding with one another to mutual satisfaction. And then with a final push, they went over the hilt of bliss together, catching and muffling one another’s hushed moans with clinging kisses. Arnav tenderly tugged at his Khushi’s kiss-swollen, puffy pout with his own mouth. He settled his weight more onto her for a moment as he brushed her wayward bangs away from her dewy forehead. He blew a stream of soft air across his Khushi’s face to cool her down, enjoying the way her eyes flickered. When she sweetly smiled up at him, her arms hugging him close, he slid the tip of his nose down the slope of hers and planted a tender kiss on her lips.

Khushi brushed back her Arnavji’s rebellious raven locks and cupped one of his cheeks. Her thumb lightly brushed over his velvet bottom lip then onto his stubbly chin. “Arnavji, mein (I)….”

“Mein janta hoon (I know).” Arnav replied as he searched his Khushi’s face.

“Kya jante ho? (What do you know?)” Khushi inquired with curiosity. Was her Arnavji a mind reader?

Arnav traced a finger over the plumpness of her soft cheek. “That you love me.” His Khushi responded by blushing and avoiding his gaze, her mouth betraying her with a small smile. Pulling her closer, he leaned into her ear. “Mein bhi tum se bahut pyaar karta hoon.”

Khushi pulled her face back with slight astonishment and extreme giddiness. Had her Arnavji finally told her he loved her in Hindi?? “Arnavji?”

Arnav planted a smooch on her mouth to kiss her disbelief away. “You heard me Khushi.” His wife responded by dazzling him with her bright smile. His own lips broke into a smile in return as he flicked the tip of her nose. “Hamesha.”