Bonds

Anjali scrutinized her puja thaali for the umpteenth time, checking to make sure she had all the necessary items. “Um… kum kum, haldi, chawal…oh diya to mein jilana hi bhool gayi!” (“Um…vermilion, turmeric, rice…oh I forgot to light the votive!”) She struck a match and bent to light the wick she’d immersed in clarified butter. As she shook the match to dissipate the lingering flame, a soft breeze wafted through the open windows surrounding the family room. The diya flickered erratically, threatening to die out. “Hey Bhagwaan!” (“Oh God!”) Trying to preserve the flame, she quickly cupped her hand around it, only to find another hand join in to help her cocoon the light, protecting it from any further disturbances. When the flame finally settled into a serene, steady glow, Anjali looked up.

Arnav met his sister’s eyes. They smiled with warm emotion at him, just as they always did. He gave her a small smile of his own, with a slight nod of his head to reassure her. Granted he didn’t believe in any of this polytheistic hoopla, but he would do anything to keep her content.

“Chotte, you came exactly at the right time!” Anjali smiled affectionately at her little brother. The same little brother who she knew was also a very busy business man. She cupped his cheek with a delicate hand. “Happy Raksha Bandan Chotte.”

“Aap ko bhi, Di.” (“Same to you Di.”) Arnav placed his hand over his sister’s and gave it a warm squeeze.

How fast did time fly by? Anjali pondered on this for a moment as she felt her brother’s beard stubble prickle against her palm. Was this the same boy who she’d secretly caught grumbling about not having any facial hair yet, at the age of sixteen? He’d grown up to become very dapper man.

“Di? You ok?”

Anjali snapped out of her reminiscence and smiled. “Haan Chotte, I’m fine. Sorry about that. Here, let me start.” She picked up her pooja thaali and commenced to take his aarti. She knew her brother had no patience for these religious rituals, but she loved him all the more for amusing her wishes. After applying the tikka on his forehead she picked up the rakhi. “Chotte, this won’t take too much longer. I know you must be in a hurry to get to the office…”

Arnav watched his sister’s fingers as they deftly tied the rakhi tightly around his wrist. Twenty nine years and counting. He no longer had to remind her to double knot it for him either. It was a silent understanding between them, and she knew he wore the rakhi and dhaaga (thread) until it fell off on its own. Until then, it would reside securely on his wrist. A reminder of his duties to his devout sister. “Di, I’m not going to the office today…”

“What? Why?? Are you not feeling well??” Anjali quickly placed a hand on his forehead to check his temperature.

“No Di, it’s nothing like that. I’m fine…. Vo kya tha (actually)….” Arnav looked back over his shoulder for a moment.

Anjali waited patiently for her brother to respond. She followed his gaze and found her precious sister-in-law standing against a nearby pillar and watched as she sent him a nod of encouragement with a slight lift of her eyebrows. Anjali pretended not to see the exchange between husband and wife as her brother met her gaze again. “Yes Chotte?”

“Di, I thought maybe we could spend the day together. You know, out…”

Anjali’s heart expanded at her brother’s sweet gesture. “Chotte, that’s very thoughtful of you, but I know you have a lot of work pending. I don’t want you to miss out…”

“Di, nonsense. I won’t miss anything. I own the damn company. It will be fine.”

“But Chotte…” Anjali hesitated. She just didn’t want to be cumbersome to him.

Before Arnav could open his mouth, his wife saddled up to his side, hugging his arm.

“Di, aap inn ko manna math keejiye ga.” (“Di, please don’t say no to him.”) Khushi pleaded with her best puppy dog eyes.

Anjali smiled. His brother’s wife was quite infectious and hard to refute. And she had been named quite aptly. Everywhere she went, she spread her happiness, blazing a trail of joy in her wake. “Alright Khushi ji. I won’t say no. But only if you come along with us!”

“Di, hum tho inn ke saat har waqt hi ho te hai…” (“Di, I’m always with him…”) Khushi admitted in a teasing tone. Maintaining her grip on her Arnavji’s arm, she leaned into her sister-in-law. “Waise, mujhe bhi thori si break chahi hai iss khardoos sai kabbi kabbi” (“But I need a little break from Mr. Cranky-Pants here sometimes too”) she explained in an exaggerated whisper, fishing for some empathy, her tone laced with humor.

Anjali could not stifle her laugh. She let a snicker pass her lips as she watched her brother’s nostrils flare and his eyes widen at his wife’s brash audacity. When his eyes connected with her own, she quickly sobered, hiding her lingering smile behind her hand as she tried to put on her best poker face. Anjali audibly cleared her throat to mask her urge to laugh again. “I’ll um… I’ll just go change Chotte…” she couldn’t help the smile that broke across her lips before she walked away.

Arnav watched his sister walk away in merriment, her head shaking slightly, no doubt in relation to his crazy wife’s antics. His attention turned to his little imp, her arms still wrapped comfortably around his bicep as she smiled up at him.

“See Arnavji? I knew she would agree!” Khushi exclaimed with excitement.

“Khardoos hm?” (“Cranky-pants, hm?”) Arnav asked in a stern tone.

Khushi straightened her posture at his clipped voice, giving her husband her biggest doe eyes possible. She nodded innocently to affirm what she’d teasingly said and added on “Par dil ke acche hai!” (“but good at heart!”).

Arnav felt his Khushi plant a swift smooch on his cheek before she fled his presence. He watched as she ran away, quickly escaping any chances of him grabbing hold of her. She scurried up the stairs and paused to look back at him, a wide grin gracing her features. His wife boldly blew him a kiss from the middle landing. When he took a step to approach, letting her know he had no qualms with chasing her down, she quickly turned an about face to hurry the remainder of the steps upstairs, down the corridor, until she was out of his view. Arnav shook his head slightly at her antics, his lips trying to suppress the urge to smile.  

When his sister came back down shortly after, he ushered the both of them to his car and began to drive.

“Chotte where are we going?”

“You’ll see Di.” Arnav responded vaguely.

About ten minutes later, Anjali noted that her brother had pulled over to a stop and began parking his vehicle. She looked out the windows and inspected her surroundings. But her view was blocked when he came around and opened the car door for her, helping her out of the vehicle. And then, when she heard the ringing of a bell, she turned to verify the familiar sound. “Chotte, you brought me to a mandhir??”

“The same mandhir you used to visit with Ma when we were younger and spent our summers with Nani.” Arnav replied.

Anjali’s jaw fell open inelegantly, unable to contain her surprise. How had he known when he’d always refused to come with them in their childhood? “Chotte, how did you know??”

“Di, I’m your brother. It’s my job to know everything that has anything to do with you” Arnav replied matter-of-factly. “Come.”

Anjali let her brother usher her towards the steps. He held onto her hand as she removed her shoes and she noted that his shoes joined hers. She again couldn’t hold back her surprise as she stared at him.

“Di, don’t give me that look. Let’s go.” Arnav rested his sister’s hand in the crook of his elbow, wanting to be her stability as she climbed the steps to the mandhir. As she stepped onto the white tile and looked around at the murtis, Arnav took in her smile.

Anjali’s eyes misted up as happy memories flooded her heart. She hadn’t realized a tear had escaped until her little brother wiped it away for her. She looked at his concerned expression and smiled, letting him know she was ok. She walked forward and reached up to ring the bell she could never grasp as a child. And yet somehow, in her adult life, it still eluded her, just out of hand. When she reached up to try again, she felt her brother help raise her arm that extra inch she needed, and they effectively rang the bell together. He continued to stand at her side as she closed her eyes and prayed. When she opened her eyes again, the pandit approached to spoon holy water into her hands. As she sipped and passed her hand over her head, she saw the pandit offer the holy water to her brother. “Pandit ji ye nahi…” And then her words died on her lips as she watched her brother raise his right hand, supported by his left, and receive the water. Since when did he know how to receive prasad?? As he passed his hand over his head, she caught sight of his gold engagement ring and she smiled. Khushi ji. What a positive enigma that woman had become in her Chotte’s life. She couldn’t help the smile that took over her face.

“Di, ready to go?” Arnav asked.

Anjali nodded and soon after found herself being taken to all her beloved places. They visited her favorite shopping center, the nearby museum she was so fond of, and the park where there was a garden she often went to collect flowers and watch the leaves of the trees change colors during the seasons. Lastly, her brother took her to get a snack at one of her favorite chaat stands. It was his inherent nature to know exactly what she would’ve liked to do during this day out.

Arnav heard his cell phone ring before he could ask his sister what she wanted to nosh on. “Di, go and order, I have to take this call.”

Anjali went ahead and ordered a chaat papdi with extra spicy chutney and masala, just like she preferred. Her mouth began to water just at the thought. As she sat at a nearby, quaint table, she saw her brother approach the stand.

“Bhai saab (Sir), I’ll have whatever she’s having.” Arnav quickly received his order, and paid the vendor, to join his sister at the table.

“Chotte, this is delicious. I really missed this place!” Anjali forgot her manners and spoke while she chewed. She couldn’t help it! The chaat was just too savory to hold back. “Chotte, what did you get?”

“Di, I got the same thing as you” Arnav said as he heaped a spoonful of chaat into his mouth.

“Same?! Chotte no, it has extra mirchi!” Anjali explained in horror. But she was too late. A nanosecond later she watched as her brother chewed, his eyes tearing up and his face turning red.

“Sssss Di!! Pani!!” Arnav hissed out between breaths as he dropped the chaat on the table. He opened his mouth and futilely tried to fan some air into his mouth.

“Chotte, yeh loh (here)! Drink this!!” Anjali held a glass of ice water to his lips.

Arnav quickly confiscated the water from his sister and gulped it down as fast as he could. The ice melted as it swished along his tongue and cooled his throat. He sniffed back his runny nose and wiped at his wet eyes as he continued to hiss at the burning in his mouth. “Di, who eats that much mirchi?!!” he accused.

When Anjali met his red face and watched as he desperately chewed on an ice cube, she let a giggle slip past her lips.

Arnav met his sister’s eyes with annoyance at first. When he saw the way they glowed with humor, he paused to take in the situation. The Arnav Singh Raizada couldn’t even handle a little chili powder. Who was he kidding? She had every right to laugh. He probably looked like a clown. He watched the way his sister’s giggles morphed into a full blown laugh, and he couldn’t resist the way it pulled at him to begin laughing as well. His lips stretched into a grin before his belly erupted with laughter. They sat, brother and sister, heartily sniggering at the predicament.

As Anjali finally composed herself, her laughter finding a bit of calm, she listened to her brother’s robust chuckles. It truly warmed her heart to see him like this. She always thought he was his handsomest when he laughed, but he did it so infrequently. That is until Khushi ji had entered his life. She had managed to make him laugh more times in the past two years than he’d ever laughed in his life. Yet another thing she adored her sister-in-law for. “Waise Chotte, tell me something…”

“Haan (Yes) Di?”

“If you can’t handle too much mirchi, how did you end up with a girl like Khushi ji?” Anjali asked with a lift of her eyebrows.

Arnav found his gaze skittering away at his sister’s remark.

Anjali smiled in triumph at her quip as her little brother’s ears turned red with chagrin. She knew she had him. Deciding to put him out of his misery, she placed her hand on his forearm to get his attention. “Chotte, challo. Let’s go home.”

On the drive back to Shantivan, Arnav intermittently looked at his sister as she absently gazed out the window, a bright smile taking permanent residence on her face. He wanted to think he was responsible for making her happy today, but in all honesty he’d be amiss if he didn’t give his Khushi some credit. If she hadn’t suggested the day out, it might not have happened. With thoughts of his wife now infiltrating his mind, he grew anxious to see her. He hadn’t seen or heard from her since they’d left the house this morning. Arnav walked his sister to her room and bid her a goodnight.

Anjali lifted her brother’s hand, letting her thumb trace over the rakhi she’d tied on him in the morning. The thread between a brother and sister, keeping them attached with a vow to love and protect each other. “Chotte I had a wonderful time today, thank you.”

“Di, I promise. Mein issay hamesha nibahu ga.” (“Di, I promise. I will always uphold this.”) Arnav replied as he looked at the rakhi.

Anjali drew her not-so-little brother into an embrace. “Mujhe patha hai Chotte. (I know Chotte.) You always have.” She drew back and placed a light kiss on his forehead. “Goodnight Chotte.”

Arnav smiled. He would never be too old to receive the maternal love his sister always bestowed upon him. “Goodnight Di.” After his sister entered her room and closed the doors, he set about looking for the other woman who had his heart. As he came into his bedroom he called out to her. “Khushi?” When there was no response, he searched the bathroom. He knew she couldn’t have been elsewhere in the house as the lights had already been turned down in the foyer and everyone was in their respective rooms. “Where is she…? Khu…” Arnav was silenced when he stepped out poolside and saw his precious wife curled up on one of the pool chairs, slumbering peacefully. He didn’t have to wonder as to why she was outside, knowing very well she must’ve fallen asleep while indulging in her affinity for star gazing. He caressed a hand over her silky hair then cupped her shoulder, giving her a slight shake to try and rouse her. “Khushi…”

“Hmmm…”

His wife grumbled a protest, letting it be known she was quite comfortable and didn’t want to be disturbed. Arnav shifted his hands to scoop her up but as he slid his hand towards her neck, she turned in her sleep, taking his hand with her to rest under her cheek. She snuggled her face into his palm, holding it there with one hand as she once again settled into her deep sleep. He shook his head in disbelief and sighed aloud. “Pagal ladki. Patha nahi kaise sothi hai.” (“Crazy girl. I have no idea how she sleeps.”) Giving in to his trapped hand, he sat in the chair and lay down next to her. As he shifted closer, his wife turned again, only this time to completely drape herself across his body. She’d hooked her thigh across his lap with her arm lying across his chest, her hand fisted possessively into the collar of his shirt. He smirked to himself. “As if I could actually go anywhere with her like this” he thought aloud. She further snuggled her head onto his chest, her ear resting over his heart. One way or another, his wife always managed to fit into all his nooks perfectly. As she ceased all her movements, he took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he settled his cheek atop her head. He closed his eyes and drifted into dreamland with her.

Anjali decided to take the shortcut through the poolside to go into the kitchen and refill her water jug. And as she stepped outside, she stopped in her tracks. She was blessed with the sight of her brother and his wife, slumbering blissfully in each other’s’ arms. Her heart warmed as her eyes welled up at the sweet picture they made. She approached them quietly and lightly tucked a blanket around the both of them. Anjali smiled anew and sent a silent prayer of thankfulness to Devi Maiya for filling her Chotte’s heart. It gave her immense joy to know her brother had allowed love to enter his life. And so, she no longer had to worry about him as much. Now that he’d found his Khushi. 

Author's Note: I know this is not my usual topic of writing, but I couldn't help the scenes that kept unfolding in my head! I have always been fond of the relationship between Arnav & Anjali. Being a sister myself, I cherish sibling bonds. And so, I hope you enjoyed the story! Wishing all the brothers & sisters out there a very Happy Raksha Bandan. 

Birthday Suit

His wife had brazenly called him at the office and told him, correction, ordered that he come home on time to get ready for the evening.

Earlier in the day…“Mr. Raizada, do you know what you are doing at 6 p.m. tonight?” Khushi asked in her most authoritative voice possible.

“I’m conducting a video conference and then…”

“Bilkul nahi! (Absolutely not!)” Khushi interjected.

Arnav’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.

“You are expected to be home promptly at 6 p.m. and that is final!” Khushi punctuated the end of the call by hanging up and leaving her husband no time to retort.

Needless to say Arnav had been taken aback by his Khushi’s audacity until his phone rang again, no more than fifteen seconds later.

“Aap aye gein na? (You will come right?)” Khushi asked softly with hesitation this time.

Arnav’s face broke into a grin at her tentativeness. How was he to deny that sweet voice? “Khushi, I’ll be there.” He’d heard her smile through the phone as she’d hung up.

Arnav glanced at his watch. It was now five fifty-nine with a few seconds to spare.   He walked down the corridor towards their bedroom doors only to find them closed…and locked. “What the…?” Arnav placed his briefcase down to rattle the door handles with both hands. “Khushi!”

“Ek minute!”

Arnav rolled his eyes. No doubt his crazy wife was up to something. He heard the closet doors slide closed followed by the hurried tinkling of her payal, signaling that she was running towards him. The bedroom doors suddenly opened with a whoosh.

“Arnavji, aap ah gaye? (you’re here?)”

His wife greeted him with the most arresting smile. His eyes took in her face as she panted to catch her breath. Arnav was transcended to another world as he took in her beauty. Her slender form was clad in a black sari with just the right amount of silver sparkle accenting it. She’d swept her long glossy locks over her shoulder to one side, held in place by a few glittering bobby pins. The long tail of her pallu swayed behind her as the remainder was neatly folded and pinned onto her shoulder, leaving a flash of her creamy torso unhindered for his eyes to absorb. And absorb he did. He caught sight of her slim belly chain glinting teasingly at him and his body tightened. He had very fond memories attached to that particular piece of adornment. His eyes continued to track along her flat belly and his thumb itched to dip into her sweet navel. He felt her slender fingers rest upon his forearm and his eyes darted up to meet hers, only to get lost once again. She’d smoked her lids out with a dusky gray-black hue, making her hazel depths sparkle like gold and flicker at him like a flame.

Khushi gave her husband’s arm a slight squeeze. “Arnavji, come on, we’re going to be late.”

Arnav let her drag him into their room, snapping out of his reverie. “But where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise!”

His wife gave him a sassy wink before shoving him into the bathroom to freshen up. Arnav made quick work of dousing himself with a shower. When he entered the bedroom again, he heard his wife grumbling to herself, her back turned towards him.

“Yeh kya…uff…pasand aye ga ke nahi (What is…ugh…will he like it)? Will it even fit??” Khushi asked herself.

Arnav leaned his head in a little closer and saw a measuring tape in his her hands.

Khushi sensed her husband’s crisp cologne lingering nearby and she turned abruptly to face him, throwing her arms behind her back. “Ar…Arnavji? Aap…aap abhi tyaar nahi huay? Jaldi karo na! (You…you’re not ready yet? Hurry up!)”

“Khu…” Before Arnav had a chance to say his wife’s name, she had sped out the room, leaving him to dress, and his mind to ponder. What was his sanki Khushi up to now?? And that too with a measuring tape? He buttoned up his shirt and popped his collar to lace his tie through. He continued to wonder as his fingers went into auto-pilot, deftly tying a double Windsor knot without second thought. As he threw on his suit jacket and glanced in the mirror, something dawned on him. “Oh no…please don’t tell me she got me a suit for my birthday...” He cringed as he envisioned some shiny, brightly colored, horrendous getup. His mind flashed back to when she’d changed his wardrobe to all those distastefully colorful, printed shirts to annoy him. He met his own gaze in the mirror again. “But I promised to go along with whatever she planned for my birthday this year….”

“Arnavji, are you ready?”

Arnav turned to see his Khushi smiling up at him adoringly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. She’d probably spent so much time preparing for this evening. He couldn’t let her down now. Even if he hated the suit, he’d just accept it with a smile then bury it away at the bottom of the closet when she was none the wiser. He managed a small smile as his hand reached up to cup her supple cheek. “I’m ready. Challo. (Let’s go.)”

Khushi clasped her Arnavji’s warm hand, threading her fingers through his, as she led him out of the bedroom, then straight out of Shantivan before he felt her tug at her hand to halt her.

“Khushi, you have to tell me where we’re going so I can figure out how to get there.” Arnav said as he paused in front of his vehicle.

“I don’t have to tell you anything, because you are not driving. Mohan ji is.” Khushi smiled triumphantly as she once again led her husband by his hand over to their awaiting chariot for the night.

On the return home…..Arnav typically never liked to be chauffeured around. He preferred commandeering his own vehicle; especially since going on drives was his way of letting off steam and often his time to soul search. Tonight however, he didn’t mind it as much. Perhaps it was due to the way his Khushi sat snuggled closely by his side in the backseat. Or the way his hands were free to hold her. One of his arms was draped over her slight shoulders, while his other hand held onto both of hers, resting in her lap. He reveled in the way she had settled her head oh-so trustingly upon his shoulder, allowing him to rest his chin atop her crown. As they sat together silently, his mind replayed the events from the evening.

His Khushi had successfully surprised him when they’d pulled up to the very same restaurant they’d shared their first “official” date. Purple Orchid. His gaze immediately sought hers and she had smiled in response.

“It’s your favorite right?”

Arnav had only been able to nod. Of course she would remember. It was in his Khushi’s nature to always keep him in mind. And when they’d sat down at their reserved table, she’d told the waiter they would only require one menu. Arnav had tried to deter his wife, telling her it wasn’t necessary, and he could help her order. But she’d countered by signaling the waiter over and adeptly ordering his favorite dishes as well as something savory for herself. Once the waiter left, she’d met his eyes, seeking his approval.

“So Arnavji, how did I do?” Khushi asked as she bobbed her eyebrows.

Arnav liked to be the one in charge…of everything. But watching his wife take control of the evening, and that too with such proficiency, was truly a heady experience. His blood had begun pumping a little faster through his veins and he’d resisted the urge to shift in his seat. The only apt response he’d come up with was to bring her hand to his mouth to place his lips there before holding it in his grasp for the majority of dinner. Although they’d sat across one another at the table he’d made sure they remained connected.

And now, as the fragrant essence of lavender and chamomile emanated from her silky tresses and wafted across his senses, his lips were drawn to drop a kiss atop her head. Arnav heard Khushi sigh with contentment as the car pulled back into Shantivan. When Mohan came around to open his side of the car door, he was reluctant to have the evening come to an end. He dismissed his driver and personally held out a hand for his Khushi, helping her out of the vehicle. The cool night breeze lifted a few locks of her hair to dance freely in the air, providing Arnav the perfect chance to touch her once again. He slowly tucked the unruly strands behind her ear as his fingers continued to trace along her jaw. He searched her mesmerizing eyes for a moment, taking in the serenity around them. “Khushi I had a great time. Although I can’t believe you didn’t try to add any of your usual ‘Khushi Kumari Gupta flair’ to it…”

“You forget. I’m –Singh Raizada now. And besides, the night is still young. I have yet to give you your present!”

With that cheerful statement, Arnav was all but hauled up the steps into their bedroom. He tried his best not to let his hesitation show. Needless to say he was not looking forward to her gift of choice. Maybe if he distracted her….”Khushi, I just remembered I have an important call to make…”

“Aap ke janamdin par?? Harkis nahi! (On your birthday? Definitely not!)” After latching their bedroom doors, Khushi immediately confiscated her husband’s phone as she pushed him onto the chaise lounger. “Just have a seat, I’ll only be moment.” Khushi impulsively leaned down to place a smooch on her husband’s cheek before flitting away.

Arnav could’ve sworn he detected mischief laced with a certain je ne se quoi in his wife’s whispered words. His ears had registered a slight huskiness in her tone, and his body had instantly responded to the fleeting touch of her lips. What was his Khushi up to exactly? His thoughts were interrupted by the lights dimming to a soft glow in the room as his eyes adjusted to take in the silhouette of his wife. Although she no longer looked as if she were wearing a sari…He squinted his eyes to get a better look as he heard a sudden loud ringing of flutes and drums. At the initial sound of the music playing, he’d been momentarily startled back into his seat on the recliner as the lights flashed on. His Khushi instantly started dancing to the funky beat.  And then he saw his wife…clad in a body hugging, perfectly tailored…men’s suit!? “What the?!” Arnav sat at the edge of the recliner, partly horrified, partly intrigued by her form fitting attire. His wife always found an excuse to dance. This was not exactly new or strange behavior on her part…aside from her choice of ensemble that is. She was always dancing. Arnav was about to roll his eyes at her silly antics until she rolled her shoulders in a dance move and provocatively slid the suit jacket off her arms.

Khushi made a point to twirl the jacket over her head before flinging it carelessly to the floor, all the while moving her body to the beat. She turned to finally face her Arnavji, registering his shock as she slowly undid her shirt button.

He was dreaming. This could not be real. This could not be his Khushi…stripping for him?! He needed confirmation. “Khushi?” he managed to speak through a raspy throat.

Khushi sassily shook her head “no” before perching atop his lap, facing away from him, right in time for the hook of the song. She peered over her shoulder, giving her husband a come-hither glance as she lip synched, “Naam! Jalebi Baiii! Jalebi Baiii!....”

His wife enticingly ground her derriere into his pelvis as she pretended to swirl jalebis with her hands, thoroughly giving him a lap dance. Arnav’s hands reached up to hold her hostage, but she coyly brushed them off and stood gloriously before him, another article of her clothing now discarded to the floor. He was fully entranced.

Khushi sashayed her hips as she dipped low and rose slowly, giving her husband an eyeful. If it weren’t for the irresistible beat of the song, she wouldn’t have ever had the courage to perform such a risqué act for him. But she was lost in the tune, continually moving her body as if no one were watching.

As the song continued to play, and his Khushi swirled more imaginary jalebis, her suit pants joined the strewn clothing on the floor, sending his body into a frenzy. Arnav’s eyes were more than delighted to take in the sight of his wife wearing nothing but two scraps of orange lace. His mouth began to water. She definitely reminded him of a juicy jalebi. He wasn’t allowed to eat sweets, and honestly was never really into confections to begin with. But man did he want to take a bite out of his sweet, sweet wife.

Khushi shook her hips and shimmied her shoulders until she faced away from her Arnavji. Sweeping her hair to the side, she teasingly crept her fingers up her back and toyed with the hooks of her bra. When the drum hit a hard beat, she let the fasteners pop open before she removed her bra and let it slide off her form. She could feel the heat of her husband’s eyes burning a slow tingle up her spine, and it enthralled her to continue on. Taking the last piece of her clothing, she slipped her fingers into her panties and slid them off. She playfully flung them behind her, sling-shot style, without looking.

Arnav had been shocked into immobility as his eyes traced hungrily over his Khushi’s bare back. He had to touch her. A man could only control himself for so long! And as he stood, the tiny wisp of orange lace hit his chest before landing at his feet. Here was his wife, clad in nothing, while he still had his shoes on! Arnav quickly toed them off as he tugged impatiently at his tie and immediately flung his jacket off to join hers on the floor. “Too many clothes…I’m wearing way too many clothes!” Arnav thought to himself as he brusquely tried to catch up to his wife’s state of undress.

As the song began to fade out, Khushi picked up a few items, preparing a grand finale for her Arnavji. She pasted on a bright smile and turned to approach him, only to be startled into place when she found him right behind her. When had her husband gotten so close, and so…naked?? Her eyes widened as they involuntarily tracked down the sexy angles and planes of his bare skin.

Before Arnav had a chance to grab hold of his delectable wife, she’d turned around to face him. If he wasn’t so turned on he probably would’ve laughed out loud. Her hair was strategically draped over her breasts, covering them from his view. And in her hands, she held a heaping tray of fresh jalebis in front of her hips, conveniently concealing her sex. Her big brown eyes were wide as saucers as she held a jalebi halfway between her lips. He had no doubt she’d made the confections, sugar-free, just for him. Arnav leaned forward and took a voracious bite of the jalebi in her mouth, letting his lips brush fully against hers in a kiss that lingered. As he pulled away, he licked the sweetness from his bottom lip and let the tip of his tongue contact her plump bottom lip as well. “Hmmm. Tastes even better coming from your mouth, Khushi.”

Khushi managed a stifled gasp as her Arnavji took the tray of jalebis from her and put them aside as she chewed the morsel in her mouth. Before she could think, he’d pulled her into his arms and wound them possessively around her waist. Their chests collided to rest against one another’s in a constant, tantalizing caress. She couldn’t keep her eyes from drooping shut when she felt her husband’s lips again.

Arnav played with his Khushi’s plush pout. He eyed the lingering drop of syrup that had clung to the corner of her mouth and he licked at it slowly. He continued to nibble a path across, savoring her, before pulling away with a resounding suck at her luscious bottom lip. He could feel her quick breathing and rapid heartbeat against his ribs as he swept her up into her arms.

Khushi let out a protest. “But Arnavji! I wasn’t done yet!” She had planned so much more!

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I’ll make sure you finish.” Arnav let his eyes transfix onto hers as she blushed hotly at his words. He laid her gently on their bed, and brushed the unruly bangs out of her eyes. His Khushi stared up at him as she waited with a look of sweet anticipation. He caressed his open palm down the column of her long neck, over her collar bone and down to her chest where his fingertips met with her sensitive nipple. His wife instantly gasped, arching into his hand, seeking more of his touch. As he obliged, he caught sight of the tray of jalebis nearby. He picked up a piece and took a bite, allowing the syrup from the remainder of the jalebi to ooze slowly onto her nipples.

“Arnavji! Ye aap kya…! (What are you…!)”

“Shhh.” Arnav soothed. “Let me enjoy my jalebis” he whispered huskily. He quickly popped the rest of the jalebi into his Khushi’s protesting mouth to silence any further objections. He then took the opportunity to busy his own mouth and began to lap away. His tongue swirled in the sticky sweetness, savoring the mingled flavors of the confection and his wife combined. Arnav suckled her areola into his mouth while his tongue lathed across her nipple back and forth, back and forth, one at a time. God, she tasted so good, and it wasn’t just the jalebi syrup. He just couldn’t get enough.

Khushi moaned out loud as her husband delivered sweet torture. As he continued to alternate from one nipple to the other, she tugged wildly at his raven hair. She felt every lick and tug of his agile tongue radiate all the way down to her core. She squirmed and writhed beneath his hard body as his mouth wreaked havoc on her sensitive flesh. Her hips undulated, rubbing sensually against the thigh he’d wedged between her legs and against her apex, trying to seek some relief from the burning heat coursing through her. Khushi arched her neck and bit her bottom lip as she felt his teeth gently nip at the tip of her sensitive peaks. “Arnavji this was supposed to be your birthday present….” she managed to voice breathlessly.

“Oh, you have no idea how happy this is making me right now” Arnav expressed with sincerity. He circled a nipple with his tongue before suckling on it again. Pulling back, he eyed her glistening pearls with fascination before blowing a waft of warm air across them.

“Arnavji!” Khushi wailed out a lusty moan as she inadvertently gripped his silky mane tighter.

As Arnav continued to kiss and explore his Khushi’s delectable chest, he reached down and tenderly circled the sensitive head of his member against her feminine core, spreading her arousal. He couldn’t help but close his eyes and rest his forehead against hers at the delicious, wet feel of her trying to grip him in.

Khushi tilted her head up and caught her Arnavji’s sweet, sticky, lips in a kiss. Her tongue slid out to play with his, and as her husband slanted his head, deepening the meeting of their mouths, he thrust into her body. She felt sharp pleasure zing through her, making her break her mouth away as she bowed beneath him and cried out.

Arnav buried himself deep inside his wife’s being and stared into her eyes. He traced a finger lightly over the slope of her nose and landed the tip against her lips. She puckered her mouth and planted a sweet kiss on the digit. Her irresistible lips were perfectly ripe, swollen and pouty pink from his kisses. Intending to get another taste, he reached for a jalebi and sucked the sweet syrup into his mouth, before reclaiming her lips. Their tongues glided slickly across one another’s, eliciting wanton moans upon the sensation.

Khushi could feel the sweet chaasni of the jalebi sliding down her throat as it spread a warm tingle through her chest. The tingle spread further as her Arnavji began to thrust languidly. She was experiencing a sensory overload. Her body relished the feel of his knowing touch as her mouth savored the taste of her Arnavji and his kisses mixed with the jalebis. It was no secret that she had an indescribable love for jalebis, but her husband had managed to take them to a whole new level for her.

Arnav could feel his wife meeting him thrust for thrust. When he swiveled his pelvis upon his in-stroke, he felt the light scratch of her nails scraping down his back, causing a spark to shoot straight to his groin. He needed to go deeper. He hooked his Khushi’s knees into the crooks of his elbows and tilted her long legs back, folding her nimble body practically in half as he braced his hands at the sides of her shoulders.

“Arnavji!!” Khushi gasped and cried out in abandon. This was the deepest she’d ever felt him. As he continued to slide in and out of her slick depth, she fought against his strong body, trying to thrust up to meet him. She was practically immobile in this position and she strained against him as he continued to ravish her with pleasure. She reached out to clutch at his muscled biceps, holding on for dear life.

Arnav could feel his Khushi’s hands digging into his arms. He sensed her desperation of needing to move and released her legs. In one swift motion, he rolled onto his back so she was atop him and quickly sat up to face her, bringing their torsos together.

Khushi no longer had a notion of what was up or down. Her husband dove in to steal her breath with another kiss before she could gather her wits.

Arnav traced his tongue along the side of her neck, licking at the light sheen of perspiration there. “I want you to move on me Khushi.” When his wife remained still, staring through him with her honey orbs, he grasped her hips and tilted her pelvis onto him. He took satisfaction in her gasp of pleasure. “Sweetheart, ride me” he whispered gruffly into her ear as he nipped her lobe.

If Khushi wasn’t already flushed from head to toe from their amorous exertions, she would’ve turned cherry red at her Arnavji’s request. She summoned the courage to cup his roguishly handsome face and searched his eyes as she replied, her tone laced with lust. “Whatever the birthday boy wants” she whispered. She steadied herself by holding onto his strong shoulders and began to rise and fall, quickly finding her rhythm.

He wasn’t going to last much longer with his pixie of a wife working her potent magic and weaving her spell over him.  Arnav leaned in to suckle at her ripened nipples and he felt her insides vise around him tightly, right before she fell over the precipice of her release. He held her, waiting for her tremors to dissipate, before he cradled her close and rolled her beneath him again.

Khushi was dazed and spent as she now lay on her back. But as her Arnavji hovered over her, thrusting into her once again, her legs instinctively came up to hug his hips and wrap around his waist. She felt a delicious aftershock ripple through her as he picked up his pace. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, urging him to claim his release as well.

Arnav quickly pumped in and out, helpless to the way his Khushi tightened around him. With one final push, he threw his head back and clenched his jaw as a fierce orgasm washed over him. His ears roared, yet in the background he heard the sweet moans of pleasure emanating from his wife, realizing they’d tumbled over the edge of ecstasy together this time. They lay still, panting for breath, holding onto each other, until they regained their senses. When he felt his Khushi’s erratic breathing become tranquil, he raised his head in time to sees her eyes open. They sparkled at him like the warm embers of a fire. He leaned his head in to touch his mouth to hers in a lazy, unhurried, slow and sensual kiss. It was a kiss to convey the love he felt.

Khushi slowly pulled her mouth away and stroked her palm across his face. “Happy Birthday, Arnavji.” 

“That was, hands down, the best birthday gift I’ve ever received Khushi. Thank you.” Arnav wanted to express his gratitude fully and leaned down to seal their lips together once again, but she stopped him with a hand on his chest.

“Excuse me, the name’s Jalebi Bai!” Khushi retorted with a feisty wink.

“Oh forgive me…” Arnav replied, playing along. He leaned in close to her ear. “Please let my wife know I’d like to see you come around more often, especially in your birthday suit.” He punctuated his request with a suckling kiss at the side of her neck.

“I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’m sure we can arrange something…” Khushi responded with sass. And as her Arnavji smiled down at her brightly, she was devastated by his boyish charm and handsomeness. Her hand reached up to stroke the misshapen lock of hair away from his forehead. “I love you Mr. Raizada.”

“I love you too Jalebi Bai. But Khushi, I love you even more.” When his wife smiled in return, he gazed at her with extreme sincerity, his once-upon-a-time empty heart, now full.

Song Title: Jalebi Bai
Full Song Credits & Lyrics

Authors Note: Believe it or not, I had actually come up with the concept of this story and the “birthday suit” last year around October. I had initially thought Arnav’s birthday had already passed in August (as was shown to us viewers on his passport during that kidnapping mess). And so I concocted this story on a random whim. And then when the show decided it was Arnav’s birthday later on (and not in August like we thought!), and introduced the Sheetal track/fiasco, I was totally turned off from writing this story and just buried it away. But seeing as it is August again, I felt the need to resurrect my original thought, and share it with my Bliss Babies. I hope you enjoyed my take on things, and most of all, hope that you found some bliss!