Intezaar

Arnav’s brows crinkled as he felt something whisper across his face. He absently smiled in sleep, recalling how the wisps of her silken midnight locks had tickled against his nose and jaw the prior night, whilst holding him close. She’d clung to him for dear life just as she’d flown apart in his arms. Her thighs had tightened, hugging, vising around him like an anaconda seductively entwining its prey. Oh but he’d been a willing victim. He had gone into the vixen’s lair, eyes wide open. He was no tame mouse either. He shifted now, inhaling deeply as his senses beckoned to be enveloped into the fragrant essence of his wife, her intoxicating honey and jasmine scent. He tilted his head, inspiring the air, seeking the sweetness, like a honeybee seeking nectar. His brows furrowed again as that tiny tickle persisted down his nose. He scratched his bare abdomen before blindly reaching out a hand, searching the space next to him, only to find it unoccupied. Where was his precious orchid?? His eyes flew open, taking in strings of dangling stars, peach walls, and orange bed sheets. He finally turned onto his side, looking at the empty space beside him. And once again that tickle ensued, this time trailing down his upper lip. Disappointed that it hadn’t been the lovely tresses of his wife traversing across his face, greeting him with a good morning, he swiped at the pesky perturbation with his knuckle and looked to see what it was. A drop of sweat gleamed across the back of his fist, and he blew out a huff of frustration as he flopped back onto the bed. The rickety wooden four-poster let out a loud creak, voicing its displeasure over his rough, jarring movements and he rolled his eyes. It hadn’t been the heat of his Khushi like he had hoped. Nope, it had just been the heat of little old Laxmi Nagar bidding him a rise and shine.

Arnav peered up at the glittering trinkets strung about as he let out a yawn. His eyes tracked around the room until they landed on the adjacent wall, taking in the image of the skewed poster, now fully aslant as it clung there. His lips immediately stretched into a lazy, satisfied grin. Getting up, he combed his fingers through his wild morning hair and looked out the window. He saw the children of the block were already up and playing. Some ran around chasing each other, some were having flower wars, and a few kids were even at the water pump laughing as they splashed each other. Arnav smiled again. He remembered the time Aakash was eight and taking a warm shower, when he’d snuck in and doused him with a pale of frigid cold water. His brother had let out a shriek so high pitched that it could still rival any little girl’s, to this day. Arnav smiled anew before a thought interrupted him and he looked frantically around the room for a clock. What time was it?! “Shit, I better get in for a bath before the water runs out…” Arnav thought to himself as he hurriedly gathered a towel and clothes, making a beeline for the washroom.

Khushi hissed then blew a waft of cool air onto her fingertips after transferring the hot puris into a serving plate. Her attention went back to the aloo sabzi on the stove. She was giving it a quick stir when she felt a firm hand low on her hip, strong fingers curling knowingly into her flesh. Her eyes darted around nervously. She knew Amma and Bhua ji were just a few feet away, sitting in the living room drinking their morning tea. Her husband knew it too. “Arnavji, ye aap kya kar rahe ho…?” (“Arnavji, what are you doing…?”) Khushi whispered under her breath even as her heart wished to be pulled closer.

Arnav smiled into her fragrant hair. “Saying good morning to my wife” he replied before kissing her temple. Reluctantly, he let his hand drop, enjoying the way her cheeks colored with a soft pink tinge.

Khushi was slightly disappointed when he released her. “Arnavji, aap ki coffee” she responded. She sighed when his fingers caressed over hers as he took the cup from her hands.

Arnav grinned. His Khushi was always attuned to his needs. “Thanks” he replied before taking a sip. He savored the coffee on his tongue then let the warm liquid soothe down his throat. “Khushi I think there’s something missing…”

Khushi turned to him with slight concern. She was almost affronted. After being married this long, she knew how her husband preferred his coffee. “What do you mean? I made it just how you like. Extra strong with a touch of milk. And obviously, no sugar.”

“No…something is still off…” Arnav said shaking his head slightly.

Khushi grabbed the cup, taking a sip to see for herself. But it only confused her further. “Arnavji, it tastes fine to me…”

Arnav once again took the coffee from his wife and leaned in, locking gazes with her. “Now it’s perfect.” He hid his smile behind the cup before taking another drink of the reviving liquid.

Khushi stood there mute, as heat infused her cheeks. She wondered if she’d ever get used to her Arnavji flirting with her. Her heart fluttered. Secretly, she hoped not. She rather enjoyed being flustered by him. As she turned her attention back to plating the food, she could feel his gaze lingering on her. Goosebumps rose on her skin as she felt him approaching into her space again.

Arnav gently turned her to face him. She made a beautiful picture, standing there with her rounded hazel eyes, lush lips forming an “o”, kardchi still in hand. He gently pried the big metal spoon out of her fingers as he stepped closer yet.

Khushi looked behind her, in the direction of the living room then back to her husband. “Ar…Arnavji…”

Arnav took his time brushing back his wife’s errant bangs. They’d escaped from her ponytail and had flown into her eyes as she’d whipped her head back and forth. “Khushi…” he whispered, licking his lips as he leaned in.

“Arnavji, koi ah jaye ga…” Khushi protested half-heartedly as her eyes already started drooping shut.

Arnav cupped her delicate jaw with both hands. “Ah ne dho…”

Khushi could feel her own chest rising and falling as her pulse thundered. She was helpless, never mind that she didn’t want her husband to stop either. She felt a few prickles from his beard tease across her chin. And right on cue, his phone announced itself.

Arnav mentally let out a string of curses. He really didn’t want to answer his phone, but he knew he had to. He sighed, meeting his Khushi’s gaze, silently apologizing for the interruption, as he picked up the call. “Aman…!!” he growled as he walked away.

Khushi finally let out the breath she’d been holding, shaking her head with a smile. It was almost always too good to be true, she thought ruefully. She continued with her task, hurrying to plate the rest of the food, aiming to get it to the dining table before her Amma or Bhua ji had a chance to say anything. She’d just placed her hand on a plate when she was suddenly whirled around to come crashing into a warm, solid chest. Her lips were instantly locked into a kiss, her husband’s mouth fully sipping from hers.

“I can’t stay today. I have a few unavoidable meetings. But I’ll be back tonight.” Arnav whispered while continuing to brush across his wife’s rosy mouth.

And just as quickly he was gone. Khushi opened her eyes, dazed. It was as if he hadn’t even been there. But she knew he had. She could still taste the coffee from his lips.

“Arrey Sanka Devi! Poori zindagi rasoyee mein bithao gi, kya?!” (“Khushi! Are you going to spend the rest of your life in the kitchen?!”) Bhua ji bellowed from the other room.

“Abhi ayee Bhua ji!” Khushi rushed to pick up the aloo puri and snacks, hurriedly bringing them over to the dining table. A few guests had already arrived for the day’s functions, and she smiled politely at them while her thoughts drifted back to her Arnavji’s phantom kiss. It was going to be a long day.

Later that evening…

Arnav turned his SUV into the lane where Bhua ji’s house was. Or more importantly, the house where his wife was. He shut off the ignition, sitting in the silence for a few more seconds, trying to brace himself for the barrage of colors, lights and music that was about to hit him. Weddings were obnoxious enough, but ones being held in his current abode were even more so. Except that his Khushi was there. Right now, inside, was his woman. And that’s where he belonged. He rubbed at the tightness in his chest, his heart concurring with his thoughts. He carefully made his way to the entrance, avoiding stepping on the intricately designed rangolis. He found the front door slightly ajar and he entered, involuntarily cringing at the anticipated hullaballoo. And to his pleasant surprise, it was quiet. He closed the doors and looked around to find the living quarters empty, with decorations still twinkling, streamers haphazardly falling down, and empty plates and dishes strewn about. His wife emerged in a flurry of motion, with her dupatta tied across her body, the knot resting on her hip, and her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. He couldn’t help but stare at her. He had to admit, she probably worked as hard in the house as he did in the office. When she still hadn’t noticed him, her arms and hands now laden with the empty dishware, he called out to her. “Khushi?”

Khushi stopped in her tracks and turned, blowing her bangs out of her eyes with an upward puff of air. “Arnavji, aap ah gaye?” She rushed to the kitchen counter, disposing of the plates and wiped her hands on her dupatta.

As Arnav placed his coat on the back of a dining chair, he felt himself being pushed into the seat. His wife set a thaali in front of him, uncovering a plate full of food.

“I kept dinner warm for you” Khushi relayed as she took a seat in front of her husband.

Arnav watched the way she rested an elbow on the table, leaning her face against her hand as she watched him right back, the most arresting smile gracing her lips. How is it that his wife never tired of taking care of others? Especially of someone as difficult as him? It boggled his mind at times, that this woman, was all his. But the selfish part of him always shushed that thought away, all too glad to have her to himself. He prepared a morsel with quiet glee and brought it to his mouth, pausing when he locked eyes with her. She continued to stare at him with that satisfied smile still in place. His gaze traced her lips, her gently sloped nose, her heart shaped chin, and that’s when he noticed the slight hollows of her cheeks. “Khushi, tum ne kuch khaya?” (“Khushi, did you eat something?”)

Khushi sat up a little straighter, guiltily avoiding her Arnavji’s penetrating brown eyes. “Vo…Arnavji…I was running around the whole day and I didn’t even realize….” She stopped her rambling midsentence when she saw his outstretched hand holding the morsel he’d prepared for himself, to her mouth. Khushi willed her eyes not to tear up. It was always his silent gestures that did her in. She leaned forward, accepting the food, partly to prevent herself from becoming a blubbering mess.

Arnav smiled, preparing another morsel for himself and popping it into his mouth as he watched his wife chew. These were the moments he enjoyed the most. When it was just him, and his Khushi. They continued to share from the one plate and he continued to feed her. Even when she tried to put a morsel in his mouth, he would gently remove it from her fingers and bring it back to her lips.

Eventually Khushi just gave up. She rested her hands in her lap and let her Arnavji feed her as he took bites for himself in between. She always knew this man was capable of such sweetness. Yes, there had been a day, when they first met, that she wouldn’t have believed it. But even then, she had known her Laad Governor hid the heart of a prince. This many years of marriage later, he still floored her with the depths to which he quietly showed his love. And she loved him all the more for it. She reached up to wipe a few crumbs off from the corner of his mouth as he finished his last bite. “Arnavji, why don’t you go change and freshen up? I’ll be in soon.”

Arnav stood, peering down at his wife. “Don’t take too long.” With that slight warning he wandered off into the bedroom.

Khushi came into the bedroom sometime later to find her husband busy on the laptop. She stared at his chiseled profile as he sat in the simple, wooden, straight-back chair, already wearing his night shirt and track pants. Even in the humble setting of her old bedroom, he still managed to be the utmost businessman. She noted the Bluetooth in his ear as she gazed at his slick, black silk hair. It had been carelessly combed back with his fingers, she could tell, and her own fingers itched to just sink into the weight of his mane, to sift through the cool strands. She approached him from behind, leaning down to hug him around his shoulders and chest, resting her cheek against his head. “You’re still working?”

The moment his Khushi’s velvety voice drifted through his ears, he shut his laptop and flicked off his Bluetooth, not really caring where it landed. While waiting for her, he’d busied himself by tying a few loose ends from his earlier meeting. But once she’d wrapped herself around him, his thoughts only wanted to focus on her. Unwinding her arms, he pulled her around in front of him and gently tugged at her, causing her to land on his thigh. He wrapped an arm securely around her waist as she sat in his lap.

Khushi went willingly, wrapping an arm around her Arnavji’s shoulders to steady herself as she got comfortable. She gazed into his chocolate depths, mesmerized by the way they softened while absorbing her in.

Arnav took his time gazing at his Khushi, absorbing her every nuance. He admired the gold flecks in her perfect, almond shaped eyes, every little beauty mark that resided on her face, and the full arch that shaped her utterly kissable, lush lips. Her freshly showered hair was still in partially damp ropes of strands, a few stray tendrils clinging to her forehead. He skimmed them with his fingertips, brushing them back before resting his hand on the nape of her neck.

How was it that her Arnavji could tell her he loved her in so many ways, without ever uttering a word? Every time she felt his warm gaze, it was there. Every time his fingertips caressed across her skin, it was there. And every time his soft lips pressed against hers, it was there. She felt his love deep within her bones, with an undeniable certainty, backed by the rapidly beating dhak dhak dhak of her heart. Khushi suddenly leapt forward, hugging her husband tight.

Arnav wrapped his arms around his wife, holding her close, running his hands up and down her spine in a soothing caress. “Kya hua?” he asked, nuzzling her ear.

Khushi tightened her arms, giving him a little squeeze. “Nothing…I wanted to thank you for coming with me.” She pulled back a smidge to meet his eyes. “Arnavji, I know being here in Laxmi Nagar is not really your scene…”

“Khushi, I’m your husband. Your family is my family. You can take me wherever. Tumara haq bann ta hai. (It’s your right.) I belong with you.” As he watched his wife smile in return, he caught sight of the slightly bluish shadows beginning to form under her eyes, daring to mar her flawless complexion. It was a testament to just how hard she’d been working herself these past two days. Just today, she’d probably woken up before the sun had even risen. He lightly traced the shadows with his thumbs before leaning forward to softly kiss them away.

Khushi’s eyes fluttered open in time to see her Arnavji leaning in once again. He paused for a few seconds, letting their breaths mingle as they gazed at each other in close proximity, their noses brushing one another’s. And with a tilt of his head, he took her lips, whilst their eyes remained locked onto one another’s. Nothing was hidden as she felt the soft pull of his mouth. It was all laid bare in front of her, in his eyes, in the way his lips brushed against hers. When she felt her Arnavji delicately lick along her bottom lip, her eyes finally fell shut. She was overcome with intense sensations.

Arnav continued to pull leisurely at his wife’s plump lips. He savored her, slowly tasting and tugging at her mouth. His hands began to roam as she clutched him, her body relaying her need. He traced his fingertips up her back until he found the zipper to her night suit kameez and took his time unzipping. His mouth found the sensitive spots under her jaw, behind her ear and at the base of her neck as he slid the top off her shoulders, baring her from the waist up. And she was glorious, already flushed a light pink with fast breaths and an erratic pulse. Her rosy peaks pebbled as his palms traversed across them. He cupped and massaged her, wanting her to melt under his touch. He dropped a few more kisses along her milky throat, licking at the hollow there before he dipped a little lower, latching softly onto a nipple.

Khushi let her head loll back as she gripped her Arnavji’s silk strands. As his mouth finessed her, strumming her sensitive tips with his tongue, she bit down onto her lip. She could feel every suckle and nip tighten her belly and send currents zinging down to her core.

Arnav took his time, treating each of her breasts to the reverence they deserved. When his Khushi began to squirm, he hoisted her up by the waist, perching her atop the table in front of him. He stood for a moment, stealing her breath with another kiss as he removed her kameez the rest of the way and untied her salwaar. He caressed his knuckles down her taut belly, and lower yet, letting his roughened hands graze her through her panties. Her hips had bucked into his touch, on their own accord. Even if his Khushi would never say it aloud, her body always spoke her desires for her. He traversed over her hips, taking her salwaar and panties with him as he sat down in the chair again. He was struck with the overwhelming need to worship her.

Khushi felt a hot flame race over her chest and into her face when she looked down and saw her husband’s head between her legs. She closed her eyes tightly, unable to look. It didn’t matter how many times they shared such intimacy, or how many times her Arnavji pleasured her. She didn’t think she’d ever get used it. She began to pant as she felt his mouth blaze a trail of kisses up the inside of her leg.

Arnav leisurely traced his tongue up the sweet valley between his Khushi’s lips. Her hips lurched into the air and against his mouth. He smiled in satisfaction before lifting her thighs one by one and resting them on his shoulders. She was at his complete mercy now. Wide open and bare like a feast laid before him. He had every intention of enjoying his fill.

Khushi tried to stay upright, locking her straight elbows to brace herself, but as her Arnavji’s mouth delivered sweet torture, her arms and legs became jelly. She collapsed back onto her forearms upon the desk while soaking in the sharp sensations sizzling through her every nerve. She tried several times to close her legs futilely against her husband’s iron grip. As he continued to sip from her femininity, she began to melt. Just like a sliver of butter dissipating under the hot sun. Her blood pumped thickly through her veins, pulsing with a sensuous throb. When she felt his tongue circle around her clitoris, it felt like a swirling vortex of acute pleasure. Sharp and sweet, making her ache languidly. Her body was alive, like simmering crystalized sugar heating into rich molten caramel. Khushi voiced a moan of abandon. She was falling fast.

Arnav continued to take his time. He softened his tongue while teasing his way around her clitoris before stiffening to dip into her liquid core, her essence coating his taste buds. He let out a groan of approval. She tasted divine. The only dessert he ever needed. As his Khushi began to restlessly flex her thighs, he quickened his rhythm, rapidly fluttering over her rosebud before closing his lips around it and suckling sharply.

Khushi breathed faster and faster until the wave of ecstasy hit her hard. She held her breath, pushing down against the torrential euphoria, riding it out. Her back arched, bowing off the table until every drop of nirvana was wrung out of her.

Arnav reveled in the way she had undulated and rippled against his mouth. She lie sprawled across the desk, barely propped up on her elbows as her head hung back, exposing the sexy length of her throat. Slowly, he kissed a reverent trail up her pelvis. He nipped lightly at her hip bones then traced his tongue across her tummy before dipping into her navel. His Khushi hitched on an inhale as she tried to catch her breath. Undeterred, he continued to venerate her body, placing lingering kisses up her lean torso and across every rib. Arnav stood as he teased the tip of his tongue under the curve of her softly rounded breasts before flattening it and laving tenderly across her caramel nipples, making them gleam. And as he finally reached her throat, his mouth felt her calming pulse, tasting her vitality. He stared down into his Khushi’s serene face, her eyes still closed. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought her to be slumbering. He pressed his mouth onto hers, tasting her breath.

Khushi instantly parted her lips, suddenly feeling as if life were being breathed into her. Her Arnavji kissed her tenderly, just as she imagined Prince Charming did when he woke his Sleeping Beauty. She sighed in elation and contentment as she felt the strands of his rebellious hair tickle across her nose.

His Khushi’s eyes finally flickered open, sparkling at him like golden honey. Traversing his palms to her back, he helped her sit up at the edge of the desk. She gazed at him through satisfied, dreamy eyes and he caressed a hand across her face. She nuzzled into it making his palm tingle. He brushed his lips over her swollen cherry pout once more. “Sweetheart, you look so tired. Let me put you to bed.”

As her Arnavji leaned in to scoop her up, her foot had brushed against the evidence of his arousal. Silly man. Did her husband actually think she would lie next to him in bed and sleep soundly while his needs went unrequited? How was she to drift off peacefully without having been completed by him? Without having felt him throbbing inside her? Khushi hooked a leg onto his hip and pulled him close. Her hands slowly caressed down his lean chest, down the indentations of his abdomen, before fisting the edge of his t-shirt. She pulled it up over his head, throwing it somewhere behind her. She took a moment to feel his bare skin then boldly began to caress him through his pants.

“Khushi…”

Khushi simply responded by slowly shaking her head no. She was not going to heed his protests. Not tonight. Not after he had willingly come to stay with her at Bhua ji’s for two whole days. Not when he had managed to appease her family, her neighbors and the random troop of wedding guests always traipsing in and out. Not when he had graciously given up his Raizada mansion luxuries to live in a small space, just to be next to her. Her heart expanded with that every thought as she lowered his pants and briefs. Khushi stared at the man she loved as she seized his virility in her hands. She poised him at her entrance and with a slight tug, pulled him into her being. She continued to gaze into his stormy orbs as he pulsed inside her. Within those earthen brown depths, she could see her soul.

Arnav stepped closer, sliding ever so deeper. He was entranced by his pixie. She’d casted the spell, and he was completely woven. Done for. As she hooked her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck, he began that eternal push and pull. He indulged in her strawberries and cream mouth while lowering her onto the table. He traversed his palm up her slender back, cradling her head and supporting it to avoid knocking into the hard wood.  

As their bodies danced and writhed, Khushi felt a new heat unfurling within her chest. She skimmed her hands down his shoulders and across his back, encouraging him to take what was his. But she knew her husband. Her Arnavji would not take his own release until hers was seen to first, regardless of the fact he’d just sent her to heaven with his mouth, just a few minutes ago. She began to push down and vise around his thick girth, the delicious friction already heightening her pleasure.

Arnav thrust steadily while taking in his Khushi. Her black hair spilled across the desk and hung off the edge like silk ribbons whipping in the wind. Her equally dark lashes hooded her lust filled eyes, making her ginger irises glow even brighter. Her quivering pink lips were slightly parted as she breathed him into her. His wife was just exquisite. He eyed the wildly fluttering pulse at the base of her neck and suckled the sensitive spot, wanting to drive her over the edge once again.

Khushi felt her husband swivel his hips into her, rubbing her hot spot with every stroke. She quickly bit down onto his shoulder, attempting to muffle out her scream of pleasure, trying to keep quiet.

Arnav continued to drive into his wife, riding her release till the very end. Her raspy moans had sent electricity down his spine. He turned his head to the side, claiming her mouth, gliding his tongue against hers as he sped up his thrusts. His Khushi began to lift her hips, meeting him each time he entered, and squeezed him tightly within her depths upon every outstroke.

Khushi brushed back the fallen stray lock of hair away from her Arnavji’s forehead then hugged him close. She traced her tongue along the shell of his ear then suckled the lobe. “Arnavji, let go…”

And upon the waft of her warm breath and husky words, Arnav did let go. He reached the precipice, basking on cloud nine as he satiated himself. He braced up on his elbows, kissing his Khushi tenderly with unhurried, lazy brushes of lips and tongues until he regained the strength to carry her to bed. She lay half across him, her head lying trustingly over his heart as he held her close. Pulling the sheet up over their entwined bodies, he kissed the top of her head. “Khushi?”

“Hmm?” Khushi responded while absently tracing her finger over his chest.

Arnav tightened his arms, holding her even closer. “I love you.”

Khushi turned her head, kissing her husband’s chest before looking up and turning his face to hers. She softly brushed her mouth against his petal soft lips. “I love you too.”

With another tender kiss on her forehead, Arnav sighed deeply before closing his eyes.

Khushi continued to caress her husband’s skin absently as her heavy lidded eyes fought sleep. She still couldn’t believe how lucky she was. She couldn’t believe she had this man in her life, forever as hers. A man who had loved her thoroughly, without a bed! She touched her warm cheek, and knew she was blushing hard. Granted, when they had first met, they’d quickly feigned an outward abhorrence for each other. Yet she knew their hearts had just as instantly disagreed with their demeanors and actually began to love. Even when he had been with someone else at the time, her heart had yearned for him. With every dhak dhak, it had expanded and made space for him to reside there. Khushi squeezed her Arnavji a little tighter as she finally closed her eyes, her heart full of love. He was the only one that could’ve filled that space. She knew, she would’ve waited an eternity for him.

Arnav felt her snuggle closer as his thoughts drifted in and out of half sleep. He had never wanted to get married, never wanted to share his life with anyone. But as he felt the gentle rise and fall of his wife’s breathing now, and felt her heartbeat pressed up against his, beating in unison…he knew. He had avoided emotion and attachment in the past because none of them had been his Khushi. He’d simply been waiting for her.

Author's Note: I apologize for the long wait between OSes and thank you for your patience and support. Thank you for sticking by me and continuing to read my works. I would also like to suggest that you follow my blog by email (the bar to sign up is at the top right of the page) as I sometimes post notes or teasers that I do not post elsewhere (ie: India Forums). Also I would like to let you know there is another OS coming soon. <3