Lights

“Hari Prakash!”

Hari Prakash quivered in his linen kurta pajama suit as he walked over to the voice beckoning him. He avoided direct eye contact, choosing to focus right over the man’s shoulder, on a spot against the wall.

“Make sure the cleaning crew does a good job. Last year they missed the corners. I’m not paying them all this money to slack off.”

Hari Prakash nodded his assent.

“Aur ye lo.” (“And here take this.”)

Hari Prakash looked at the iridescent, gold embossed envelope then finally looked up. 

“Arnav Bhaiya…ye (this)…? Iski koi zaroorat nahi (There’s no need for this)…”

“Chup chaap kar ke rakh lo.” (“Just be quiet and take it.”) Arnav instructed, handing him the bonus.

Hari Prakash smiled graciously as the gift, no doubt generous, was pressed into his palm. “Arnav Bhaiya shukriya (thank you).” It was times like this, when Hari Prakash found words to be too less. He wanted to hug his malik.

“And…uh...Happy Diwali.”

As the words filtered through his ears, Hari Prakash smiled brightly. And this time, he did hug the man standing in front of him, uncaring of the fact that the embrace was unreciprocated. “Aap ko bhi (you too) Arnav Bhaiya. Aap ko bhi (You too)!” he expressed emphatically.

Arnav froze, startled by the sudden hug with his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides. His eyes darted this way and that as the cleaning crew began to look at them. “Teekh hai…teekh hai. (Okay…okay.) Get back to work.”

Hari Prakash released his hold, nodding happily. “Ji, bilkul.” (“Yes, absolutely.”) He continued to watch in wonder as the man whose family, his family had worked for generations, walked away. Contrary to the usual, he hadn’t yelled or barked an order, no. Instead he’d wished him a joyous holiday and given him a gift. He clasped the envelope and bowed his forehead to it, thanking the Goddess Laxmi for his blessings. And then he thanked Her for Arnav Bhaiya’s blessings too. The biggest one being Khushi Bhabi. What change love had brought over his boss?

Arnav speedily scrolled through the emails on his phone as he walked into his bedroom when something caught his attention on the floor. He bent forward, squinting as he eyed a splotch of dirt on the carpet. He came further into the room, noticing that the splotch was not just a splotch, but the beginning of a long, messy trail. Dirt was strewn all about his bedroom floor, leading straight to the poolside exit. “What the…” Already irate, he stormed over to investigate, only to find the three most beloved women in his life, sitting together. His sister sat nearby, putting finishing touches on an intricate rangoli of a peacock. And right next to her, were his wife and daughter. His Little Mannat sat comfortably in her Mumma’s lap as they shaped and molded clay into earthen votives. Suddenly the trail of dirt made total sense. His lips quirked into the tiniest of smiles as he pictured his little munchkin running to and fro with fists full of loam, just as her mother once had, not too long ago.

“Mumma aise??” (“Mumma like this??”)

Khushi looked down in her lap, where her daughter held up a diya with chubby little fingers. “Bilkul aise. (Just like that.) Mannat you’re doing a great job!” she expressed with pride. Her daughter truly was talented. She couldn’t help but give the cutie a little squeeze.

“Mumma I have a idea!” Mannat exclaimed with sudden excitement.

“Bolo, kya?” (“Say, what is it?”)

“Nahi (no), come here. It’s a secret…” Mannat said, gesturing with her hand for her Mumma to come closer.

“Hey! Yeh kya? Tum apni Bhui ko nahi bathao gi?” (“Hey! What is this? You’re not going to tell your Bhui?”) Anjali chimed in, looking up from her rangoli as she feigned a pout.

“Bhui, aap bhi idhar ao na!” (“Bhui, you come here too!”)

Khushi smiled as Di knelt by them and they both bent their heads forward. Her daughter cupped a hand over each of their ears and began to whisper her master plan. “Arrey vah! (Wow!) I think that’s a great idea baby.”

What were these women conspiring about now?? Feeling utterly left out, Arnav cleared his throat to announce his presence. “What’s a great idea? Yeh sabb kya chall raha hai? (What is all this going on?)” Arnav asked, stepping out.

Anjali was quick to rise and divert her brother’s attention. “Chotte, when did you come?”

“Di, don’t even try it.” Arnav took a step to go around his sister.

Anjali quickly countered her little brother’s sidestep. “Ah, try what Chotte? Waise tell me, how was work today??”

“Di, I’ve been working from home and you know it.” Arnav rolled his eyes in exasperation.

“Chotte vo…” Anjali began to say when she felt a few tugs on the pallu of her sari. She peered behind and received a wide, toothy grin paired with a thumbs-up, courtesy of her adorable niece. Anjali smiled and winked back, immediately stepping away.

Before Arnav could ask his sister to move once more, she’d cleared the way. His gaze then fell upon his daughter who’d sneakily hid something behind her back. “Munchkin, are you hiding something?” Brave as ever, his daughter tipped her chin up, looked him right in the eye, and nodded. He fought a grin. At least his little monkey was honest. “Show me?” Arnav asked, his heart melting with every second he stared at her brown doe eyes.

“Papa, I can’t reach up dere…” Mannat complained.

Arnav immediately knelt, no longer towering over, but above eye level from his daughter. He tucked some of her unruly baby strands behind her ears.

“Close your eyes.” Little Mannat commanded.

And yes, his daughter was as bossy as her Mumma! “Okay…” he said as he closed his eyes with a small smile. He felt her tiny fingers grasp one of his hands. Unable to help himself, he fluttered an eyelid.

“Papa! Closed!” Little Mannat admonished.

“Oh sorry!” Arnav apologized for almost peeking, although he truly wasn’t. He could hear his sister and wife muffling their giggles in the background as they watched on. He hated surprises and they knew it. But he couldn’t tell his precious daughter that! As he pondered what she was up to, he felt an object being placed in the palm of his hands.

“Okay open.” Mannat permitted.

Arnav smiled first, then opened his eyes and looked at the expectant expression of his beautiful baby girl. She stood in front of him all wide-eyed, eyebrows arched, with a mixture of fret and excitement adorning her face. He then followed her gaze to his hands. And that’s when he saw the colorful diya. It was painted silver and gold with random blue shapes, with no structure or sense. And yet, it was perfect. “For me?” Arnav asked, wanting confirmation. His daughter nodded as she turned the diya in his hand. And there lie his proof. His title, Papa, written in bold pink, three-year-old’s lettering, encircled within a big red heart.

“See? Papa!” Little Mannat said, pointing triumphantly at her handy work.

“Munchkin this is…” Arnav could not find the right words. In reality he never really could. Another skill she had learned from her Mumma…leaving him speechless.

“You don’t like it?” Mannat fretted.

“Baby, this is beautiful. Papa loves it.” Arnav finally managed to croak out. His throat seemed to have gone raspy on him. He began to stare at the strewn about, wobbly letters, P-A-P-A.  He lightly traced a thumb over them.

“And I lub you!” Mannat launched herself at her Papa, grabbing his face with both hands as she planted a noisy kiss on his cheek.

Arnav heard the women gasp suddenly as he caught his daughter close, enjoying her doting and affection. He showered her right back with multiple smooches on her chubby little doll face. “Guys just relax, will you? I always catch her.”

“Chotte, vo nahi (it’s not that)…look at your shirt! Aur tumhare gaal (And your cheeks)…”  Anjali worried as she came near.

Arnav did indeed look down and found his crisp white shirt smudged with little, dirt hand and fingerprints. He could only imagine what his face looked like.

“Uh-oh. Sowwy…” Mannat apologized sincerely.

“It’s alright munchkin.” Arnav rubbed his nose against Little Mannat’s. Her frown turned into a smile at the Eskimo exchange.

“Okay, chalo mere saath (come with me). Let’s clean those hands, and that pretty little face.” Anjali instructed as she stroked a palm over her niece’s head.

Arnav received a tight squeeze and another smooch before his Mannat stopped by her Mumma to give her a kiss as well. Once she had decidedly showered everyone with equal amounts of affection, she skipped merrily alongside her beloved Bhui, who took her inside. He peered down at the state of his messy clothes and rubbed his hands over whatever excess dirt he could brush off.

“You missed a spot…” Khushi smiled wholeheartedly, finally coming to her Arnavji’s rescue. She picked up a clean corner of her dupatta and wiped away the flecks of dirt that were stubbornly clinging to his normally pristine stubble.

And now Arnav found himself completely lost in his Khushi. She dazzled him with her bright pearly whites. He loved the way her smiles always stretched from ear to ear and the way the bridge of her nose would wrinkle. Even the sun was eager to touch her, bathing her in its glowing beams, lending her radiance. A soft breeze blew by, carrying her sweet scent to him. Roses, peonies, and a hint of vanilla, with an earthy sandalwood undertone. Scents his senses craved to take in.

As Khushi continued to dab at his face, the wind picked up, a gale pushing through, carrying the other end of her dupatta to dance with it. When the air calmed, she was entangled in the chiffon material with her head and face covered. She closed her eyes and struggled with messy hands to free herself.

It took another moment for Arnav to snap out of his own reverie before he sprang into action, helping his wife move the dupatta out of the way. He grabbed a fist full of the material and slowly eased it lower, enjoying the unveiling of her every delicate feature. It started with her midnight silk hair, the creamy expanse of her forehead, and then he caught the mischievous little twinkle of her glittering bindi. He continued to tug over the slope of her nose, her naturally rosy cheeks, and lower yet to reveal his favorite part of her…her lush mouth.

Khushi’s eyes flickered open as the chiffon caressed down her face. She found her husband gazing intently at her lips. Unconsciously, her tongue darted out to moisten under the pressure of his close scrutiny. 

Arnav barely suppressed a growl. As if watching his Khushi’s ripe, strawberry lips quivering, practically begging to be taken by his own, wasn’t enough, her tongue had shyly peaked out to tease him. His gaze skimmed over her porcelain face, as if he were watching everything happen in slow motion. Another soft breeze blew by, this time rustling the strands of her hair into her face.

Khushi squinted as her bangs flew into her eyes. She was quick to reach up and brush them back.

“Khushi!”

“Kya (What)?!” Khushi asked. When she attempted to look at her husband, she felt a sharp prickle in her eye. “Sss! Ouch!” She reached up to rub it away.

“Khushi stop!” Arnav exclaimed, immediately seizing her slim wrist within his large fingers before she could do more harm to herself. “Your hands have dirt all over them and you’re trying to rub your eye? Pagal ho kya (Are you crazy)?!”

She gasped, letting him know she was fully affronted. “Arnavji mein (I)…Ouch!” She exclaimed as she tried to open her eye again.

“Just stop will you?”

Khushi chanced opening her good eye only. She noticed how her husband was tantalizingly in her space.

“Don’t move.” Arnav warned.

Khushi gulped at the sound of that sexy rasp in his voice. She could feel her insides tingle when he spoke to her like that. She was fully distracted until his fingers touched her face. She watched in awe as he puckered those perfect, pouty lips and whispered a soft stream of air into her eye. Enchanted by his proximity, she let him do as he pleased.

Arnav carefully brushed his thumb over the crease of her eyelid. Her long lashes caressed his fingertip with teasing butterfly kisses. He softly blew a few more puffs of air until his wife’s eye watered, the fleck of pesky dirt finally giving up and landing atop the roundness of her cheek. Arnav swiped his thumb one final time to remove the speck.

Khushi fully opened both her eyes, gazing at her Arnavji as he made no move to inch back. If anything, she could’ve sworn he’d just leaned in closer. His gaze once again dropped to her lips, and her heart fluttered. “Ar…Arnavji…shuk…shukriya…” she managed to stutter.

Arnav smiled. He did take pleasure in flustering his wife. Only because he knew that hidden underneath the fluster was a sensation of…something more. He smirked at his Khushi’s “thank you” and slowly shook his head.

Khushi’s heart picked up pace as her husband unleashed his lethal grin on her. He was being an absolute rogue, and his boyish charm was on full blast. She knew that naughty shake of his head was not a simple “no”, but an implication for more. And before she could ponder too long as to what he wanted, he leaned in closer yet, and silently reached up a finger, tapping his own plush lips, requesting a kiss. Her pulse bounded in her throat and she quickly sprang up. “Arnavji, Di and Mannat will be back soon…and I have to clean this whole mess…I’ll…I’ll just go and…Umph!”

Arnav had been quick to grab his retreating wife’s wrist and spin her around until she’d landed against him. With her arm pinned behind her back, and the rest of her pinned against him, she had no escape. He enjoyed the way she clutched his bicep with her free arm to maintain some balance.

Khushi’s breath left her lungs. As her husband’s ember hued irises blazed a trail of fire inside her, her mind wandered to think about how many times he had held her just like this, before they were married. Most of those times, it had been against her will, when they had vehemently pretended to hate each other. And even as she feigned that dislike, every time she would collide into his body, she would undeniably…feel things. Their chests touching, torsos aligned, hips pressing…cradling each other. She sucked in a breath as to where her thoughts had gone. And now as their bodies sought the touch of one another’s, craving to be in contact, she knew now what those feelings had been. Feelings that could get her into quite a pickle in broad daylight, with a three year old running around close by!

“Khushi I have to clean up too.” Arnav rasped out as he leaned in closer. He could see that pretty, telltale pink spreading over the apple of her cheek. “Maybe we can get clean together…” He punctuated his suggestion with a kiss over that blushing spot he’d just been admiring. He lingered, feeling the warmth there infuse into his lips, savoring her softness. Thoroughly lost in his wife’s essence, he was caught off guard when she playfully shoved him away and made her escape. Had he not been quick on his feet he would’ve easily fallen into the pool. Guaranteeing him getting clean solo… When he’d regained his balance and looked up, his Khushi had already scurried away from him. But as always she paused at the door and flashed him a dazzling smile with a little sparkle in her eye before she flitted on. He smiled to himself as he raked his fingers through his hair. He loved nothing more than a challenge.

Later that evening, Arnav found his wife in the kitchen, fully immersed in preparations and pre-festivities. He’d scoped out the vicinity, satisfied to see that she was alone, and decided it was an opportune time to exact his sweet revenge. He swiftly grabbed her around the waist and spun her, trapping her against the fridge.

“Arrey Arnavji! Choro na (Let go)…” Khushi protested as she tried to wriggle away.

Her fidgety movements only served to bump and nudge, bringing him into more contact with her curves. Arnav smiled as he shifted his hands to either side of his Khushi’s face whilst he leaned in.

“Arnavji dekhiye (look), I have a lot of work to do still. Please, let me go!” Khushi pleaded with folded hands. Her sabzi was going to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn any second now! She quickly sealed her lips to her husband’s in a perfunctory, consolation kiss then escaped from under his arm. “Hari Prakash jiiii!!!” She yelled out for help.

To Arnav’s displeasure, Hari Prakash had appeared immediately, asking Khushi Bhabi what she needed. With him in the way now, Arnav secretly admitted defeat yet again and walked out the kitchen. He summoned all his willpower not to pout. And that too was something his precious wife had pointed out he had a habit of doing.  

“Papa, sad?” Little Mannat asked as she approached her father.

Arnav hid his surprise at the little monkey’s astuteness. “Why do you say that?”

“You look like dis…” Mannat demonstrated by frowning to the best of her ability.

Arnav supposed he hadn’t controlled his lower lip as well as he thought he had. Busted by a three year old. “No munchkin, I’m okay” he replied before his daughter tugged on his hand. It was her signal to let him know she wanted him to meet at her at eye level. Arnav knelt in front of her.

Mannat sidled up to her Papa and put an arm around his neck. “Let’s see stars.”

Arnav smiled as he rose, picking his daughter up with him. “That sounds like a great plan, munchkin.” He kissed her cheek as he toted her up the stairs along with him. Well at least one of the Raizada women in his life wanted to spend time with him!

Just as his Little Mannat had requested, Arnav took her outside for some astronomy. He remembered back to when she was a wee baby and just able to fit in the crook of his elbow. One time, his Khushi had fallen ill with a nasty cold, and she’d had to stay away from the little cutie, too afraid of spreading her germs. Conveniently it happened around the same time baby Mannat had begun to get fussy at nights. When he’d exhausted all outlets of trying to calm her, he’d resorted to taking her outside for some fresh air. There she’d been, wrapped in her cozy blankets, lying snugly against his chest as he’d spoken to her about the stars, and her grandparents, hoping to soothe her back to sleep. Needless to say, it had worked like a charm. And ever since then, his precious daughter had developed a love for star gazing, just like her Mumma. Lying on one of the poolside loungers, he smiled now as he pointed out another constellation and felt her little form curl up against him. Arnav draped a hand over her and glanced down into her angelic eyes.

“Papa, tell me more...” Little Mannat appealed as she let out a yawn and rubbed a tired eye.

Arnav felt his munchkin burrow further into his side. He smiled and brushed back her errant hair before continuing on. He didn’t know how much time had passed by when his sister came along.

“Chotte, tum kiss se baath kar rahe ho? Vo to so rahi hai.” (“Chotte, who are you talking to? She is sleeping.”) Anjali pointed out as she stood by her brother and niece. She smiled as she shook her head at two of them.

And it was that moment when Arnav felt the soft snores of his daughter resonating onto his neck.

“Here, I’ll take her and put her to bed” Anjali volunteered. She leaned down, grabbing a secure hold on her niece, but when she tried to straighten and stand, she was held back by something. Little Mannat had a tight grip on her Papa’s collar.

Arnav smiled as he eyed the little fist bunched into his shirt. He gently pried her fingers open and placed a feather light kiss on her knuckles before letting her go. She reminded him so much of her mother. His munchkin was just as loving and just as beautiful. He watched for a moment as a slumbering Little Mannat rested her head on Di’s shoulder and wrapped her chubby arms trustingly around her neck. Arnav’s eyes followed niece and aunt until they disappeared into the house. And then his eyes sought the person that gave him that precious gift, his Khushi.

Khushi smacked her head with her palm. “Hey Devi Maiya, why do I volunteer to string these lights every year?? When Di tells me to let Hari Prakash ji handle them, why don’t I just let him do it?! No. I just have to be that smart person that says ‘Di, I’ll take care of it. It’s a piece of cake!’ Well piece of cake my…Chalo vo bhi choro (…Well never mind that). Par Devi Maiya, abb hum kya karain ge?? Poori raat murti ki tarra, in lighton ke saat, karday raina hoga?!” (But Devi Maiya, what am I going to do now?? Am I going to have to stand like a statue all night with these lights?!)

Arnav watched his wife at the far side of the pool, randomly gesturing and visibly arguing with herself. She was completely and haphazardly entwined amongst a never-ending tangle of lights. He fought to hide his grin until the mass of jumbled lights suddenly flickered on. He took a few quick strides over to ensure her safety. “Khushi, are you okay??” he asked with concern.

“Haan…hum teekh…sss ouch!” Khushi rubbed vigorously at the sharp current she felt buzz against her skin.

“Khushi! Be careful!” Arnav immediately began to try extracting his wife from the mess of lights she was encased in. After trying to untangle a few strands, and a few more zaps to her porcelain skin, Arnav realized it would be safer to just shut the power off first. He flicked off the wall switch, unplugged the cord, and scooped her up, bundle of lights and all. Arnav set her down in their bedroom, closed the door and let the curtain fall closed, shunting out all light.

Khushi blinked rapidly in the dark, praying for her eyes to adjust quickly. She could barely move with the wires encasing her and she couldn’t help the gasp of fright that escaped her throat as the room seemed to get dimmer and close in on her.

Even though he was not touching his wife, Arnav could feel her body trembling with fear. “Hey. Shhhh. Khushi I’m right here” he whispered before kissing her forehead. He then caressed a palm over her hair to allay her.

Khushi felt her husband grasp her hand and press it right against his strongly thumping heart. She closed her eyes and absorbed the pulsing….dhak-dhak dhak-dhak dhak-dhak. She could feel her own heart calming as it felt his rhythm flowing into her.

“That’s it. Keep your hand right there, Khushi” Arnav encouraged as he held her other arm and began to untangle her.

Khushi kept her eyes closed, feeling the soft brushes of the wire as it traversed over her and the tickling touches of her husband’s fingertips across her skin. She let out a sigh as he lightly grazed the column of her neck and his knuckles softly skimmed along her jaw. For a moment, she felt something catch on her earring before it was released, causing it to pendulate teasingly against the sensitive spot just below her ear. Her breathing was now beginning to pick up pace, and this time it wasn’t due to fear.

“Khushi, I’m going to turn you…” Arnav said, leaning in close to her ear. He untangled a few more strings of light as her delicate back faced him.

Khushi took comfort in those strong arms wrapping around her. She was surrounded by her Arnavji’s warmth, and his loving energy. As her body naturally swayed, her back would intermittently brush against his solid chest, making her tingle with want.

Arnav slowly lifted another wire of lights from his wife’s slight shoulders. It carried her ornamented dori with it, giving a fight when he tugged it free, making the knot slip open. The dori dropped back down onto her frame, the large beads making a soft clack. He heard his Khushi’s breath hitch at the contact. He bent his head and placed a kiss on her nape, just to elicit that little gasp again. And she didn’t disappoint. He grinned, delighted by the fact that his wife reveled in his touch.

Khushi bit her lip as gentle hands cupped her shoulders and turned her back around. She felt her Arnavji cocoon her with his nearness. She sensed his corded forearms looping around, embracing her with fleeting touches again and again as he unwound her from wire after wire. She knew she was completely secure with him.

Arnav took a step closer to his Khushi, reaching around her to untangle yet another string of lights. He felt her shiver as the pads of his fingers caressed across the bare skin of her upper back, exposed by her open dori. He took his unhurried time journeying up to her nape until bringing the lights over her head.

Khushi concentrated on not hyperventilating. Her Arnavji was so near. Their chests kept softly colliding against one another’s and her nipples betrayed her, eagerly rising for more. She felt his blunt fingers tickle a path up her spine. And his jaw, his deliciously stubbled, perfectly prickly jaw, was teasing her cheek. She almost fainted when she felt his warm breath wafting over her ear.

Arnav grasped his wife’s petite hand again and removed the final wire, tossing it to the floor atop the pile already accumulated there. “Tum teekh ho?” he asked once more.

Khushi eyes finally drifted open. They adjusted easily to the dim of the room and landed on the pair of amber irises glowing in the dark at her. Her chest was still heaving and her breaths were coming out in hard puffs of air. She knew she was okay…and not okay…at the same time. She managed to nod then went on tip toe to take her husband’s full mouth.

Arnav’s eyebrows shot up in surprise but for a millisecond before catching his Khushi close. His hands eagerly skimmed her bare waist and latched on to hold her by the sexy swell of her hips. As her soft mouth worked wonders over his own, he took two steps forward, pressing her luscious little body against the wall.

Khushi nibbled on that full pouty lip of her husband’s as she felt him lean into her. She realized she was trapped, but it was for her own good. As her Arnavji took control of the kiss, his tongue teasing into the seam of her lips, she felt her knees go weak, threatening to buckle.

Arnav kissed a path along the under curve of his Khushi’s jaw, pausing to lick at her milky skin. He let his hands roam over her delectable form, hungry to touch her softness. His fingers found the fastener holding up her pallu, and he deftly unhooked it, letting the material fall off her shoulder.

Khushi heard a rumble erupt from her husband’s throat as he nuzzled his way into her décolletage. It vibrated against the sensitive upper swells of her chest and she whimpered as he rasped her there with his five o’clock shadow.

Arnav cupped the plush weights of his Khushi’s chest, giving them a tentative squeeze. He was rewarded with the sound of a soft moan drifting through the otherwise quiet room. Heat unfurled inside him, igniting him to move faster. He dexterously undid the front snaps of her choli, only to find it was one of those miraculous concoctions where she forewent wearing a bra. His mouth watered as he took in the bountiful sight. She spilled forth for him, his hands obliging by reveling in her sensitive skin.

Khushi felt like a leaf clinging desperately to a tree branch in a storm, quivering uncontrollably, as her Arnavji’s mouth explored and tasted her. She felt every flick and tug of his moist tongue lave her nipples only to send lingering shocks straight to her core. She pressed her thighs together trying to dissipate the growing ache. But her fidgety movements eased nothing as his lips began trailing down her torso.

Arnav planted wet, suckling kisses down his wife’s glorious tummy. It was this particular intimate part of her that always kept him distracted during the day. When she would walk, sway and move, it would peek out from beneath her pallu and flash it’s opalescence at him. Beckon him, tease him to touch and explore. And now he took his time savoring that sweet part of her, memorizing every sexy hollow and dip. He traced his tongue along the convex contour until he met her equally entrancing navel. He puckered his lips and worshipped the tiny crevice.

Khushi was going to melt any moment now. Like ice cream set under the hot sun. She could never guess what sweet torture her husband was going to deliver next. When she thought he would move fast and rip her clothes to shreds, he took his time unbuttoning every single button. And when she thought he was going to take things slow, her clothes would be whisked off within the blink of an eye. Such was her dilemma of hungry anticipation as he now tugged at her pleats, unfurling them from her petticoat.

Arnav rose once again, burying his face into the crook of his wife’s fragrant neck. He basked in her honey and jasmine scent as his hand traveled past the loosened waistband of her petticoat to meet with hot, damp skin. He heard his Khushi moan in abandon as he softly parted her folds. He finessed her with his fingers, circling around her clitoris in a rhythm he knew she loved.

Khushi couldn’t stop her hips from moving. She heard herself mewl as if she were a cat being stroked just right. Desperately, she clutched her husband’s strong biceps, needing something to anchor herself to. She was spinning out of control fast.

Arnav delicately pinched that bud of pleasure, making his Khushi lurch off the wall. He held her steady with his body as his mouth found hers to taste and his fingers dove into her wet core. With every thrust, his digits grew damper yet. And with one final push, she let out a cry, curling her fingers tightly into his arms as her entrance fluttered and pulsed.

Khushi labored for breath. Her mind and heart floated out of her body and into an abyss of after-pleasure. Amidst her blissful haze she felt her Arnavji’s incredibly soft lips planting kisses along her clavicle. She felt his fingers occasionally brushing along her as the rest of her garments slipped off her body. His warm, bare chest pressed into hers as his hands drew her closer and gently onto the floor. Her lax body went willingly as she came down from her euphoric high.

Arnav laid his Khushi atop the soft mound of their clothing. He didn’t think he’d make it if they waited to situate themselves on the bed. He needed to feel engulfed by his wife, as soon as physically possible. Seeing that her ragged breaths had calmed, he softly kissed her mouth. When he pulled away, her golden gaze seared his soul. He saw everything there and he knew she was completely open to him. She hid nothing. Pride surged in his heart and the fierce need to claim her struck him. He folded her right leg high and rested it atop his shoulder as he sunk into her. He groaned at the exquisiteness.

Khushi brushed back her Arnavji’s raven locks as they fell into his dark-angel eyes. She wanted nothing to shield them from her. Her husband was a man of few words, but when she gazed into those chocolate-cinnamon orbs, she heard and saw everything he felt. And now as he plunged deeply into her, again and again, they spoke volumes. Her heart soared, only to set afire to the simmering heat inside her. She pulled his head down, wanting to taste his lips as he sent her over the brink of ecstasy once again.

Arnav turned his head, planting a kiss on her calf before he reared up. His Khushi continued to tighten around his length as he held desperately onto her hips. Her wet, pulsating core massaged and milked him until he saw stars. And finally, when he could no longer hold back, he picked up pace, his thrusts careening out of control as he reached oblivion. He collapsed onto his wife, exhausted from their intense exertions. He was calmed and soothed slowly back to reality by the lovingly stroking hands of his Khushi, up and down his back. When sense finally reentered his brain, he rose, carrying her slender frame in his arms, and placed her on their bed. He sat at her side and reached over for the bedside lamp.

Khushi halted her husband with a hand on his forearm. “Raine do…” (“Leave it be…”) she replied with a smile as she drew him closer into her body. There was no amount of darkness that was going to overtake her in the presence of her ultimate love. Her Arnavji.

After countless hours of lovemaking, his Khushi lie half spooning, half atop him. Her plump chest pressed into his back with her leg thrown over his hip. He had a palm resting on her thigh as she’d encircled his waist with a slender forearm, her hand lying on his abdomen. Her even breaths caressed his nape in a comforting, lulling cadence. He absorbed the sheer perfection of it all as he looked at the twinkling lights out by the poolside. One of those twinkles was courtesy of the flame from the little earthen diya his precious daughter had made for him. And when he looked down the flicker of that delicate flame caught and reflected off his wife’s engagement ring. He gently clasped her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing her palm tenderly before holding it against his heart. These were the hands that fed him, loved him, and gave him so much more. She’d given him everything he hadn’t even known he’d needed, filling his existence with her spirit, strength, and a splendid little miracle resulting from their love. His Khushi shifted in her sleep, snuggling even closer to his back, and he breathed a peaceful sigh of content. His once desolate, dark life was now illuminated, filled with glowing, radiant lights. 

ps - If you haven't met precious Little Mannat before then read about her first appearance in my OS - A Little Wish


Author's Note: Wishing all my beautiful Bliss Babies a very prosperous, healthy and joyous new year. XoxoX