Fully Complete

Seven days. It had been seven days since they’d been married. Seven days since he’d properly felt her lips melt into his. Seven long days since she’d given herself to him. And it had been that much longer since he’d lost himself in her. It was one whole week of painstakingly unbearable days that he had endured without the blissful feel of his Khushi.

Arnav was grateful every day since stepping into Raizada mansion as a legally married man, again, that he’d discovered those intrusive cameras right away. Just when he thought he had unearthed all of his pathetic excuse for a brother-in-law’s…that slimy snake’s despicable behavior, Shyam had stooped to a whole new level of scum he didn’t even think was possible. His lip curled in disgust even when just mentally uttering that piece of shit’s name. Because of that bastard’s sleazy ways, Arnav was unable to simply exist happily with his Khushi.

All Arnav had managed to do since that one fateful evening seven days ago was steal a few kisses from her heavenly lips, in dark corners, when no one was looking. But it just wasn’t enough. Not after that perfect night at the farmhouse, right before their wedding. Not when he now had firsthand knowledge of what it felt like to be one with his wife. It was imprinted onto his mind and often he would find his thoughts drifting astray to recall and savor every detail, playing like a movie reel of vivid flashbacks. The sweet scents…the soft sounds…the tentative touches…and the tantalizing tastes. Arnav groaned aloud and thumped a fist against the tiles in the shower. Letting out an exasperated breath, he wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped into his room.

Khushi smiled as Hari Prakash told her Arnavji had just come home. She flitted up the steps as she realized how suffocated and glum she felt in the house without her husband there. At least when he was around, she didn’t feel alone, or exposed to all the spying cameras. As she approached the room she heard the sound of water running though the pipes. “He must be freshening up… I’ll just go take out his clothes and then get his coffee” she said to herself. Since she’d come back to Shantivan officially as Mrs. Raizada, it was in these small wifely tasks that her pleasure lie. Oh she wished it could  be different, that she could squelch these aches and wants and quench some of the curiosities that had risen since she’d fully become her Arnavji’s, but it just wasn’t possible at the moment. Khushi entered their bedroom and closed the doors. Ironic how she shut the doors for privacy and yet they still had none. She let out an exasperated sigh. It just didn’t seem to be in their destiny for the time being.

Arnav stepped out just in time to hear a long, drawn out breath escape his wife as she hung her head for a moment by their closet. “Khushi…?”

“Arnavji, hum bass…Hey Devi Maiya!” Khushi squeaked as she quickly turned her back to her Arnavji. Her husband had just come out of the shower, still damp, and more uncovered than not. Yes she had turned around but not so quick that she hadn’t caught glimpses of his bare skin, and the water droplets that clung to him. And to note how low his towel had been tied around his narrow hips. Even now as she prayed for some sort of reprieve, the smell of his freshly showered body, all woodsy and crisp, drifted over to her. She swallowed back the drool that was forming in her mouth. After knowing what it felt like to make love, her mouth watered anytime he was near. She no longer had any control over her body in his presence, and his lack of clothing definitely was not helping.

Arnav put a hand on his wife’s shoulder to turn her around, perplexed. “Khushi?”

Tiny electric currents buzzed across her skin where her husband’s hand lay. But Khushi didn’t budge. Her feet remained bolted to the floor just as her eyes remained screwed shut. “Arnavji hum abhi ah te hai…” she rattled off as she tried to make her escape. She just couldn’t handle having him this close and this….naked.

Arnav grabbed his wife’s wrist and whirled her around, preventing her escape. He now had her back against the cupboard and trapped her with a hand on each side of her beautiful head. He leaned in ever so slightly. “Khushi, open your eyes.”

Khushi peeked her eyes open and found her husband to be in very close proximity. She tried to inch backwards only to have her shoulder blades thud into the closet and her head bang against the cupboard door. She let out a hiss.

“Khushi, careful!” Arnav scolded as he immediately reached up a hand to cup the back of her head. His fingers began to rub gently.

Khushi blinked slowly as her husband tended to her. Hey Devi Maiya, what kind of test was this? She was fully and completely married to her husband, fully and completely his, and yet they couldn’t….Khushi stopped her thoughts in their tracks before they went too far. She was a newly initiated bride, was she even supposed to be thinking these things?! Her brain did not function properly in the presence of her husband. Especially when he was so near…and bare…and wet. Frustrated by her own thoughts, she made a move to put some much needed space between them, for her own sanity. And then she realized…she couldn’t even push her Arnavji away without touching naked skin! Khushi finally met her husband’s eyes and immediately saw the slow flame flickering in them. She fisted her hands at the sides of her sari as he leaned in ever so closer. She knew his intention and gulped nervously. “Arnavji…the cameras…” she whispered.

“Shhh…” he soothed as he brushed back her stray bangs. “If we completely avoid each other, it may look suspicious” he whispered. Arnav could see the confusion and frustration in her gaze. His eyes dropped down and took in the slight tremble of her quivering lips. “Khushi, I can’t stop thinking about you and about…” he pressed himself more fully into her, letting his body talk for him. He paused when she gasped aloud and her eyes skittered away. Heat rose into her cheeks, making him want to just nuzzle the pink warmth there. And again his gaze landed upon his Khushi’s inviting mouth. Her lips were slightly open to accommodate the heavy breaths she was now taking. And they were open just enough to allow his own lips to slide into hers, to meld them together. An unchecked rumble escaped from the back of his throat. He had to kiss her, it was killing him. Arnav reached behind his wife, grabbing hold of the edge of her pallu only to bring it slowly up and over their heads, concealing the both of them.

“Arnavji, ye kya…?” Khushi whispered under the little cocoon her husband had created.

“I don’t want anyone to see how beautiful you look when you’re about to be kissed” Arnav admitted. He watched as his Khushi lowered her gaze again, this time accompanied with another hot blush and a shy smile.

Khushi felt her Arnavji’s nose lightly nudge hers as her eyelids fell shut. And then she savored his warm, minty breath wafting onto her mouth. She tried her best not to make a sound as she waited for his lips to touch hers, trembling with anticipation. Her body was awake, all her secret places begging eagerly for more. Her heart raced frantically, ready to explode at the contact. And then, she startled in surprise when there was a loud rapping on the door.

Arnav instantly went on high alert, moving quickly to shield his Khushi. And in the process, her bottom lip connected somewhere along his cheek and chin. “Stay here” he instructed her.

Khushi quickly nodded her acquiescence. The moment her Arnavji turned, she clutched a hand to her throat, trying to regulate her breathing.

Arnav strode over, nostrils flaring, ready for battle. He instinctively knew who it was even before opening the doors. Only one person would interrupt them during this particular timing. He tore the doors open making the etched panels of glass rattle loudly in their wooden frames.

“Saale saab… vo…”

“I told you not to call me that” Arnav spat out.

“Rani Sahiba aap ko bulla rahi ti…”

Arnav didn’t miss a beat as he watched the snake’s eyes wander to survey his toweled appearance and then try to peer into the room. He blocked the doorway further and redirected the scumbag’s attention to himself. “Is there something else?” Arnav ground out between clenched teeth.

“Nahi…vo bass….”

Arnav had had enough. His hands fisted tightly, ready to throw a hard blow, when he suddenly felt a soft hand touch his shoulder. Arnav turned his head only half way, not letting the snake out of his line of sight.

“Arnavji, I’ll just go get your coffee…” Khushi interjected. As much as she wanted her husband to beat that evil man to a pulp, she knew this was not the time. Especially since they hadn’t yet gathered all the incriminating evidence to show Di. They needed to play this carefully, and her husband needed to remain level headed.

Arnav nodded as he kept his eyes trained on the snake. He knew, he was never to be trusted. Arnav finally dropped an arm from one of the door handles, giving his wife an exit way. He watched while she passed him, and her eyes connected with his in surprise as she let out a gasp.

“Hey Devi Maiya!” Khushi exclaimed. She reached up and swiped her fingers over her Arnavji’s mouth.

“Khushi, kya hua?” Arnav asked in a low tone, very aware that the snake was watching.

Khushi’s cheeks flamed and she nervously glanced up at her husband, then back to the task at hand. “Vo…humara gloss…aap par…” she trailed off sheepishly as she wiped the remainder of the soft pink stain from under his full bottom lip.

Arnav smiled. His Khushi had just given the perfect fuel to make the snake burn. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as the scumbag had the nerve to clench his fists, knowing very well that he couldn’t do anything about it. “That’s right asshole. She is my wife. And she is already fully mine” Arnav thought to himself.  As her fingertip brushed intimately over his lip one last time, he smiled even wider. “Thanks Khushi” Arnav rasped out, with a hint of mischief in his tone.

Khushi chanced a look into her husband’s warm whiskey eyes, and she couldn’t help but smile shyly at what she saw in them. Feeling fully flustered by his pearly whites, she made a quick escape, unmindful of anyone else standing by. She all but ran down the steps to get that coffee she had promised her Arnavji.

“If you’ll excuse me…” Arnav said finitely in a frigid tone, turning to close the doors in Shyam’s face. He immediately dismissed all thoughts of the scumbag, and leaned against the doors, smiling wide. His wife had innocently revealed just how intimate they were, exactly to the right person at the right time. He traced his tongue along the perimeter of his mouth, thinking of his Khushi and the way her fingers had brushed along his lips, over and over. “Just a little while longer…” he sighed to himself.

A few days later…

Khushi stepped into the bedroom to find her husband removing his suit jacket, a big smile gracing his handsome features. She immediately smiled akin, infected by his good mood. She went over to the lounger and picked the jacket up to place it on a hanger. “Arnavji, you look quite happy. What’s going on?”

Arnav stood next to his Khushi, as he removed his tie. “I got news today from my workmen that they removed all the cameras and wires. And then they delivered the box full of the spy equipment to my office. I took it out and smashed all the cameras myself” he smiled. It had almost been cathartic. It was as if he had been freed from suffocating restraints.

“Sach me????” Khushi squealed with glee as relief flooded through her. Overtaken by this good news, she launched herself at her husband, hugging him close and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, feeling overwhelmingly elated.

Arnav was quick to wrap his arms around his wife’s soft curves. If her petite body wasn’t already molded against his own, he would’ve pulled her closer. He buried his face into her hair and took a deep breath. His blood began to race through his veins. No more distance, he thought. Nothing to keep them apart anymore. He took another deep breath. He was aching for her.

Khushi felt her Arnavji let out a sigh. She closed her eyes and smiled, hugging him tighter as she cherished the moment of being in her husband’s arms. As her head now rested below his chin, she could feel a soft, rhythmic thumping against her lip. And that’s when she realized her mouth lay upon the bare skin of his throat, and that she could all but taste his pulse. Realizing how dangerously close she was to her husband, she slowly unwound her arms from him and took a slight step back.

Arnav almost growled. She needed to move closer, not farther away from him! The cameras were gone, but it was evident that his wife’s hesitance was not. Unadulterated frustration tore through him as he attacked the button at his collar. It refused to open under his stiff, fumbling fingers. He was so angry that he hadn’t been able to ensure his wife’s privacy and safety sooner. He stilled when her small hand covered his own. He met her gaze.

Khushi undid the pesky button that was bothering her husband. “There. Is that better?”

He’d feel so much better if she just came closer. Before she could remove her hands, Arnav quickly encased them within his own and whispered in a low tone “One more…” He gazed steadily at her as she deftly undid the second button for him.

Khushi adjusted her husband’s collar and opened the lapels of the shirt a little wider to give him some air. He was obviously piqued about something. As she smoothed down the edges of the shirt, her fingers brushed along the skin of his chest at the open juncture. Her breath hitched as she felt a little zap of electricity under her fingertip. And then she registered the increasing warmth there…why was he so warm? And his breathing seemed a little faster as well. “Arnavji you’re so warm. You don’t have a fever do you??” Khushi asked with worry as she quickly felt his throat and forehead.

Arnav couldn’t contain his grin. At least she was touching him. “No Khushi, it’s not a fever.”

Khushi met her husband’s gaze, and suddenly it was clear. She had learned pretty quickly what that look in his eyes meant. She was starting to feel a little too warm herself now. She hastily let her hands drop.

“Khushi, will you help me remove my shirt?” Arnav asked in a soft tone.

Khushi’s fingers itched to reach up and just undo his crisp white shirt. In fact her fingers itched to do a lot of things. But she was plain mortified. They were finally all alone, left to their own devices and shyness overtook her. “I…I have to help prepare dinner” she quickly announced as she tried to walk away.

Arnav was quick to grab his wife’s wrist and twirl her around. She collided into his chest with a startled oomph, her hand landing square on his pecs. He held her other hand captive behind her back and leaned down, the tip of his nose just barely grazing hers. He pinned her with a longful stare.

“Arnavji I can’t...I…” Khushi searched blankly for the right excuse, and her eyes collided with his. Oh god, his gaze was coasting over her, his irises like warm, buttered toffee.

Arnav knew he had her attention. Her chest pressed into his ribcage with each ragged breath she took. He released her wrist and reached up to tuck away an errant tress of her silky hair. “Karna parday ga Khushi. Bharosa nahi hai mujh pe?” he whispered.

Khushi’s heart dropped. Of course she trusted her Arnavji! She trusted him, more than she trusted herself. She quickly got over her nerves and deftly undid the rest of buttons at the front of his shirt. “Lo, ho gya…” she said placing her hands on her hips triumphantly.

Arnav slowly shook his head. “Khushi, I wanted you to remove my shirt…”

“I did!”

“All the way…” Arnav let the rest of his words hang in the air between them. He watched for a few moments as his Khushi fought some internal battle, while she fiddled her fingers and avoided his gaze as she turned red in the face. He just wanted her to get over her shyness. And then he had a realization. “Mujhe patha tha, tum nahi kar pao gi…” he murmured. He quickly turned his back to her, hiding his motives. He was mentally counting down from five when he felt her slim fingers touch his wrist. He looked down and watched as she unbuttoned his cuffs. He could see her fingers shaking slightly as she opened one cuff first and then the next. Finally, Arnav turned to look at his Khushi. She didn’t meet his gaze, but soft hands skimmed his shoulders and arms as she removed his shirt for him. He reveled in the light graze of her fingers. He knew his wife was always up for a challenge.

Khushi glued her eyes to the shirt that was in her hands, unable to look at her shirtless husband. If she saw him now, she’d probably spontaneously combust into hot flames.

Before she could turn away from him again, Arnav gently took the shirt out of her hands and tossed it onto the lounger. He grasped her hand, tugging her closer. “Khushi, please don’t shy away.”

Khushi finally looked up, coaxed by the soft insistence in her husband’s tone. She watched as he took a step closer yet. She immediately felt his heat touching her everywhere, and yet he wasn’t even touching her at all, aside from holding her hand. She felt as if she were becoming a liquid pool of honey. What was happening to her?

Arnav could see his wife’s ragged breathing. He knew she wanted this as much as he did. Taking her hand, he flattened her palm against his chest. “Khushi, touch me” he requested in a soft rasp.

Her fingertips reflexively curled into his skin. Devi Maiya, he was so warm, and inviting. Why did she have the urge to just bite into him?? No, no, she couldn’t bite him… or could she? She shook her head. They’d been together only once, and that too sometimes she felt as if she had dreamt it. How was she to do this? “Arnavji I…I don’t know…”

Arnav grasped both her hands and kissed her palms as she watched him with her big almond eyes. “Khushi, I want to feel these hands on me” he confessed.

Khushi’s breath escaped her lungs in a whoosh. “K…k..kaise…? I mean…where do I even…?” Khushi asked meekly. She could feel her ears burning from embarrassment. She didn’t want to ruin this in anyway, not after that magical night they had shared. Not after everything he had shown her, given her. Not after the way he had loved her.

Arnav gently tipped her chin up. “Khushi look at me. Pathi hoon tumhara. Anywhere you wish” he replied solemnly.

Khushi took a fortifying gulp. She could do this. She summoned all the strength of her Devi Maiya and looked into his beautifully chiseled face. Yes, the man in front of her was her Arnavji. Pride and unexpected possessiveness shot through her. This man was her husband! It was her right as his wife, to touch him as she pleased. And more than that, she wanted to please him. As he continued to gaze into her eyes, that one rebellious lock of his midnight hair fell forth to tease her, daring to hinder her view of his perfect forehead. Without hesitation, she reached up and brushed it back. Oh, she’d forgotten how soft his hair was. Her heart flipped within her chest. Her Arnavji was the strongest man she knew, and yet that rich black mane of hair on his head, soft as silk. It intrigued her immensely. And then with wonder flooding her, she slowly sank both her hands into his hair.

Arnav closed his eyes, suppressing a groan, feeling tingles spread over his scalp, all the way down his neck and shoulders. She was taking her sweet time and he reveled in it. He’d never felt anything more erotic than her tentative touch. He let out a deep exhale.

Encouraged by her Arnavji’s relaxed expression, she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and pushed down slightly, making him sit on the lounger. His eyes watched her, unwavering, as she stepped closer to him once more. And once again she sank her fingers into all that glorious black silk atop his head. Her fingers began to massage his scalp, and she heard her Arnavji groan unconsciously, his eyes falling shut once again. A small smile touched her lips as she felt encouraged by his absent responses to her touch. It fueled her to continue on. She let her hands trace down the back of his head, her fingertips playing with the short hairs at his nape before she kneaded them into his tight neck muscles. She watched in awe as his soft lips slowly parted. She kept going, her hands sliding onto his shoulders, pressing and massaging into the bunched muscles there. And it was no wonder, her husband often held the whole world on his shoulders. As he let out another groan, she reveled in all his little reactions. If this brought him pleasure, she would willingly do it all day. She wanted to bring his overworked mind and body some alleviation. And this too was her right as his wife. She recalled something her Arnavji had once said to her, “Biwi ho tum meri. Haq hai tumhara…mujh pe”.  Her heart fluttered anew at the thought of him being all hers. As her fingers continued to squeeze and caress over his skin, she looked down to watch as he let his head fall back, exposing his throat to her view. Khushi was intrigued. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, drawing her gaze there. She couldn’t resist tracing it delicately with her fingers. “Hmmm…prickly, then soft…” she wondered silently. She was beyond curious as she watched him, his eyes still closed, and she was hit with the urge to kiss him. She sat down and leaned forward, lightly placing her lips on the side of his neck, where his stubble faded into smooth skin.

Arnav tried to control himself and hold still. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he felt her soft lips. It’s as if his neck had never felt any sensation before her tentative kiss. His libido rioted at every innocent touch of hers. His Khushi truly had magic in her hands. It was the only way to explain why every hair on his body was standing at attention, and why every nerve of his was singing her name with praise. He finally opened his eyes when he felt her palms caress over his face. As she continued to softly explore, he stared at this beautiful butterfly that was his wife, his bride. He could still see the faint traces of her wedding mendhi and desire coursed through him at knowing she was his forever. Quickly, he sat up and tugged her closer. Their knees bumped, as his hands hungrily cupped her face, kissing her full lips. He couldn’t hold back any longer. He was consumed with the need to devour her instantly. He plundered her mouth, his teeth nipping at the plumpness and his tongue coming out to lick the sting away. His fingers eagerly raced up her back, blindly searching for an opening. And his ears registered the sweet sound of his Khushi’s soft moan. His lips continued a trail to her jaw down to her neck as he tugged roughly at her choli.

Khushi felt heat spread through her body like a wildfire. She was flushed, too warm, and tingling all over. Thick desire unfurled deep within her most intimate of parts and she was startled by it. Feeling as if she was being consumed, and a touch overwhelmed, she abruptly broke away and stood up. She clutched her throat as she took the moment to catch her breath and gather her scattered wits.

Arnav bolted up from the lounger, wanting to slap himself. He’d just pounced and attacked his wife! He knew she deserved so much better, so much more finesse from him, so much more…love. The last thing he’d wanted to do was scare her off. “Arnav Singh Raizada, control yourself!” he silently admonished as he approached her with cautious steps. “Khushi, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to...I’ll slow down. I promise” he said as he gently touched her shoulder.

Khushi immediately spun around to face her husband. She was ruining their moment! How could she put into words everything she was feeling? How could she tell her Arnavji that his touch made her lose all sense? That his lips made her heart sing? And that it was nothing like she’d ever felt before? How his closeness was drowning her in need? How was she to tell him that she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to please him? She nervously fidgeted with her fingers and avoided her husband’s gaze. “Nahi Arnavji…vo…it’s just…”

Arnav gently took his Khushi’s hand. “Come” he encouraged softly as he slowly led her over to their bed. He was relieved to see that his Khushi followed him willingly, until he sat down at the edge. She remained standing while he caught the uncertainty flickering in her pretty golden eyes, and it tugged at his heart. He grasped her hand and brought it to his mouth, brushing a soft kiss across her knuckles, trying to reassure her.

Khushi looked down at her husband, overtaken by his tender sweetness. The most impatient man she knew was being the epitome of patience right now and it made her love him all the more for it. She watched as his soft lips continued to place reverent kisses across the back of her hand. She couldn’t resist cupping his handsomely stubbled face and tilting it up so she could gaze at him to her heart’s content. She stroked her hands over the short prickles of his beard shadow, secretly loving the feel of them against her fingertips. It reminded her of when those same prickles had once teased and danced across her body, the thought making her cheeks warm. Khushi was brought back to the present when her husband turned his head and placed his warm lips on the inside of her wrist. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt that kiss pull deliciously at her insides.

Arnav was determined to slow down and savor his Khushi. He took his time exploring her creamy skin, leaving soft trails of kisses along her arms, one by one. When he’d had his fill, he opened his eyes only to be greeted by her beautiful midriff. It was perfectly at his eye level, teasing him from behind the subtly see-through chiffon of her sari. He watched the way the material shifted ever so slightly with every breath she took. And even more so, he was completely entranced by her abdomen. He marveled at her slim waist and the ripe curves of her hips, the way the sari clung to her there only to dip down a little lower in the middle, revealing the perfect indent of her navel. He longed to just run his palms all across the narrow expanse of her midsection. His fingers slowly found the edge of the sari covering her from him and he looked up, gazing into his Khushi’s eyes, seeking her permission.

Khushi was ready to melt into a puddle. The intensity of her Arnavji’s gaze upon her tummy had her squirming…in a deliciously good way, she thought curiously to herself. And now her husband had those warm chocolate eyes trained on her, waiting for her to accept whatever he was about to do next. How could she ever say no to that devastatingly beautiful face?

Arnav watched as his Khushi’s cheeks flushed anew before registering her barely perceptible nod. He inhaled sharply at her acquiescence and slowly inched the material to the side, unveiling her midsection for his unhindered view. He couldn’t resist tracing the tips of his fingers over her, wondering at how powdery soft her skin was. And as a man under a spell, he leaned forward to inhale the sweet scent that clung to her. Arnav closed his eyes as he nuzzled his way across the flat planes of her smooth stomach. He was breathing in the Garden of Eden, all roses and peonies and lavender, along with the scent of his Khushi. The mix was an intoxicating blend of heaven, pleasure, and bliss that he’d gladly drown himself in. He felt her belly quiver uncontrollably as his lips landed on her navel for a kiss. He fondly remembered the first time he’d seen her petite figure draped in a sari and how her perfect navel was one of the first things that had caught his attention. It was right up there with her pouty, plush pink lips and the way they had trembled under his scrutinizing gaze. But the first thing he’d ever noticed about his Khushi were her warm, sparkling, hazel eyes. The way they had drank him in, held him captive, and stirred his soul…just as they were doing now. Arnav saw the desire blazing in his wife’s honeyed orbs as he gently pulled at the pallu of her sari to remove it out of his way, revealing her cropped choli. He let out a deep breath when she didn’t resist and he continued to kiss his way across her abdomen.

Khushi sucked in a breath and curled her fists into her Arnavji’s shoulders for support as his lips learned her. She felt the tip of his warm tongue lick teasingly at her sensitive skin and she gasped as her knees buckled, her jellied legs giving way.

Arnav was quick to catch the slight weight of his wife and land her securely on his lap. He stared down into her beautiful face as she opened her eyes, searching their depths. Reaching up, he gently tucked her silky tresses behind her ear. “Tum teekh ho?” he rasped.

Khushi nodded, but her heart threatened to burst out of her chest when she realized she was wrapped up in her Arnavji’s arms. His warm, bare skin touched her everywhere, and she could now feel his solid heat pressing against her hip, making her cheeks go aflame. She had lied to her husband. She was definitely not ok! Her body and senses rioted as her brain blanked out, not allowing her to think clearly. She could feel her shyness creeping back in, making her want to ease away, when a sudden loud blast of thunder startled her. Frightened, she threw her arms around her husband’s neck, hugging him tightly, while scrunching her eyelids shut.  

Arnav drew his wife into his embrace. When he saw the bright flash of lightening reflect off the walls in the room, he tightened his arms, bracing her for the foreboding rumble of thunder that followed. He felt his Khushi burrow even closer, her fingers curling into his back. Arnav cherished holding her this close and smiled into her hair. At least she was not afraid to touch him now.

Khushi took in the smooth, sleek muscle upon which her cheek rested, and the warm skin which her nails bit into. She instinctively tried to pull back.

Arnav realized the moment his wife tried to withdraw. “No, don’t. Stay with me Khushi” he pleaded in a low whisper as he clutched her close.

Khushi closed her eyes and absorbed that quietly rasped request. All doubt and shyness aside, if she was honest with herself, she truly did want to be here with her Arnavji, like this, in his arms. She wanted to be as close as husband and wife could be, because he was hers, and she, his. Khushi tightened her arms with a new ferocity.

Arnav heard the hushed sound of raindrops begin to fall outside their room as his Khushi held him tightly. He reveled in her embrace and trailed a path of kisses along her porcelain skin from her ear down to her jaw. He could finally feel her relaxing in his arms as he let his hands wander. He scooped the heavy mass of her rich, glossy locks to one side, continuing to drop kisses along her neck. As his fingers roamed up her now-exposed back, the elusive strings of his wife’s dori brushed along his hand. He caressed the delicate threads between the tips of his digits, marveling at how something so small could be so significant. Two strings that somehow always managed to bind him and his Khushi together, keeping them connected even when the strings were unraveled. How he cherished these two filaments, holding his wife’s dignity intact. Her dori had been able to change him from a ruthless, uncaring beast, to a husband filled with love and care. He’d had the displeasure of tearing this tie away from her, the first night they’d met, but since then, he’d been trying to make it up to her. Anytime he’d seen these two strings open unbeknownst to her, he’d been awash with feelings of protectiveness, whether it was to block her from unwanted ogles, or just to assert his right as her husband to help his wife dress, retying the knot for her, ensuring her decency, her respect. And finally, seven days ago, as his wife lay trustingly in his arms, he’d had the honor of untying it for her…for them...bringing him full circle from ASR to her beloved Arnavji, unearthing a new chapter in their lives together. Arnav entwined one of the strings around his finger and looked into his Khushi’s eyes, waiting patiently for her permission. And then, when his wife cupped his face in her loving hands, softly caressing his jaws with her thumbs, he pulled gently at the string. The tiny knot unraveled and gave way to his insistent tug. When he looked into her angelic face, he was startled to see her glistening eyes shining with tears. He quickly reached up and stroked her cheeks, effectively wiping away the tear tracks. “Khushi, tum ro kyon rahi ho??” he asked with slight panic.

As her Arnavji had ever so slowly untied her dori, a flashback had played in Khushi’s mind. She remembered the night they came back into Raizada mansion as pathi-pathni, and how she lay awake underneath the fuzzy white blanket thinking about that magical night in the farmhouse, as his strong, warm body lie very close to hers in their bed. The heat she’d felt when his skin had innocently brushed hers… it awakened feelings within her which she’d never felt before…not since their first night as lovers. Their only night as lovers. Khushi thought it had all been a mirage. “Arnavji…I just can’t believe…is this really happening? I thought I had dreamt it the first time we…” she trailed off wobbly.

“Khushi, believe me, that wasn’t a dream. It was very real” Arnav assured solemnly. He would never, ever forget that perfect night. Nor would he forget the shy way she stole glances at him in the car ride back to Bhua ji’s house, and the way he had stayed, tucking her in, not wanting to leave her. If his wife only knew, it was just the beginning. He watched another fat tear escape her lashes and trickle down her face. Swallowing back the tight lump that was forming in the bottom of his own throat, he leaned forward to kiss his Khushi’s eyes, one after the other.

Khushi absorbed the tender pecks on her eyelids and let out a long sigh. She’d been holding her breath for so long, she hadn’t even realized. But now as his velvety soft lips explored her skin, her collar bone, and made their way up her neck, her breath hitched, making her realize this was in fact happening, finally. She threw her arms around his neck and clutched her husband close, not wanting to let him go this time.

Arnav pulled back and gazed at his wife’s mouth. He leaned in, letting his intention be known, keeping his eyes trained on hers. And right before their mouths could touch, he let the static charge crackle between them, waiting for his Khushi to meet him the rest of the way. He wanted her to feel the need as much as he did. For her to realize and take what was rightfully hers. And his brave vixen did. With a sweet tilt of her head, she closed the inch of space he’d let linger between them, and softly touched her rose petal lips to his. 

Khushi let herself get drunk off her Arnavji’s kiss. She felt as if she were floating. She let her hands wander, wanting to take in her surroundings, and she found her fingers traversing over her husband’s utterly warm, smooth skin. The feel of him was so different from her own body. There was a rugged sleekness along with strong muscles that lie beneath her touch. His body spoke of pure vitality and an unleashed power. Her gaze followed her hands as they caressed over the span of his broad chest. She traced one finger delicately down the groove bisecting his pec muscles, and eyed his nipples with fascination. She remembered how it felt, when he’d tugged at her sensitive peaks with his warm, wet mouth, making her desire thicken. And she wondered, would it feel the same for him? She continued her exploration by learning the planes and angles of his toned abdomen. She counted the boxes before tracing around the perimeter of each deep indent. The lower she went, the more she swore she felt her Arnavji’s breath quicken. And when she looked up, he singed her with his scorching gaze, yet he remained stock still, letting her do as she pleased. A girl could get used to this kind of stuff, she silently smiled to herself. Khushi curiously touched his navel, before tracing soft circles around it…wondering if she should go lower, when she heard a barely contained groan rumble from his throat.

Arnav watched as his wife took her time delicately caressing his skin. Her innocent touch was the sweetest torture, driving him maddeningly close to the brink. He locked gazes with her honeyed, hazel orbs and willed her with his eyes to continue. He saw the color rising in his Khushi’s cheeks as she averted looking at him. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to hers, in a slow, savoring kiss. “Keep going…” Arnav whispered against her mouth in a gravelly tone.

Khushi bit down on her bottom lip and decided to do something she’d been wanting to for a while now. She finally ran her fingers over the black waistband of his underwear that was peeking out from his pants. And then she let the back of her hand drift lower, over the front of his pants, and over the…bulge that was there. Intrigued, she dared to unsnap the button. When she looked up, she saw her Arnavji’s eyes screwed shut, tension radiating through his neck and face as he held onto her hips for dear life. Her curiosity piqued even more and she slowly began to unzip the zipper there, her knuckles inadvertently brushing against his length. She paused when she heard her husband’s barely suppressed moan. Fascinated, Khushi began to part the…”Ooh!” she shrieked as she suddenly found herself flat on her back, her Arnavji hovering over her.

“That’s enough for today!” Arnav managed to croak. And before his Khushi could protest, he dove in for a kiss. He wanted to consume her, eat her alive if he could. He sealed his lips onto hers, sucking her tongue into his mouth, wanting to feel that deliciously warm, wet glide. He nipped at her full bottom lip, tugging at it gently, feeling it ripen and swell. Nibbling his way to her upper lip, he tasted her innately sweet strawberry flavor.

Khushi melted beneath her Arnavji. His kisses had her enraptured, one melding into the next just as she was melding into him. She clutched onto his silky hair as his lips sipped from hers.

Arnav was fully lost in his Khushi. He could not control his hands from roaming over her milky skin, trying to absorb her. He caressed his hands down her arms, across her clavicles, and gently undid the front fasteners of his wife’s choli. All the while his lips kissed hungrily along her neck and throat before finding their way back to her luscious mouth.

Khushi couldn’t contain her ragged breaths, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she became aware of what her husband was doing. But as she felt her Arnavji peel away and remove her blouse, she was overcome with determination. She would not waver. As mortified as she was, she wanted to give herself to him, fully surrender her all. She was ready to give him anything he wanted.

Arnav pulled back for a moment, wanting to make sure his Khushi was still with him. He had to let her know, that if she still felt unready, he would willingly stop. Wait for her until she was completely ready again. But what he saw when he looked into her warm ember eyes took his breath away. She locked gazes with him, like the truly brave vixen she was, and he knew, she was with him all the way. The fact that she lay so trustingly beneath him, all of her, vulnerable and open to his gaze, made his heart skip a beat. Arnav couldn’t help but worship her, planting reverent kisses down her chest, the slopes of her breasts, and onto her nipples. He heard her gasps of pleasure, fueling him to continue. “Oh my sweet, sweet Khushi…” he mumbled absently to himself as he licked at her skin.

Khushi could not take in enough air. She quivered with every touch of her Arnavji’s lips, especially as he trailed a path down her tummy. She could do nothing but writhe and moan incoherently.

Arnav cherished each little mewl and whimper emitted from his wife’s lust fogged voice. He continued to venerate every inch of her, as he slipped off her petticoat and sari in one swoop. Tossing the endless tangle of material off the bed, he bent to kiss her supple legs. Oh how he’d missed being here, like this, with his Khushi! He closed his eyes and buried his nose in the apex of his wife’s thighs, inhaling her sweet arousal. He enjoyed the surprised sound of her yelp, making a wicked little smile play at his lips, as he removed that last tiny scrap of a barrier out of his way. She was a goddess, he thought to himself. And like a kid in a candy store, he dove in for a taste, holding her still when she instinctively tried to close her knees. “Shhh. Relax for me Khushi…” he soothed as he tasted her again. Arnav had found her already damp and wanting, making a groan escape from him. It was evidence that his Khushi had been thinking about this just as much as he had and it lit his libido on fire. He loved the way her fingers tugged at his hair in abandon. Using his tongue to lap her up, he kissed her femininity thoroughly, before easing one long finger inside her slickness.  Her hips lurched off the bed as she moaned, vising around his finger. And with a few more licks, he took her over the edge.

Khushi lie staring at the stars behind her eyelids as she labored for breath. The tension from her body drained, her limbs totally lax. But she could still feel her Arnavji making his way back up her body. His hair lovingly caressed up her midriff, tickling her softly. His lips remained busy, kissing her skin, his hands busy touching her, bringing her body back to life. His utterly soft lips claimed her mouth, and she was lost once again. As she sank deeper and deeper into this abyss of love, she wondered at how her Arnavji could bring her to such pleasure. And even more so, could she do the same for him? If she touched him, would he feel the same, mind-numbing, toe-curling, intense free fall that he gave her? Something awoke inside her, making her want to test this theory.  As her husband busied himself cherishing her, she slipped a hand in between their bodies and traced it down his perfectly ridged stomach. When she encountered warm skin, and light smatterings of hair, she realized he’d divested his pants and underwear at some point. Probably while she was making her descent back to Earth from the epitome of pleasure, she thought to herself. Intrigued even more, she traced a finger up his length. “Hmm… so smooth, yet why do I remember him being so hard…?” she wondered silently. Using her palm, she caressed him with a stroke.

“Khushi, stop!” Arnav panted in warning, immediately seizing her delicate hand. He did not have the willpower to control himself right now and savor her touch. He was just aching to be inside her, and practically hurting for release. It had been too long since he’d last been tightly encased within his wife. He would not withstand her erotically innocent inquisitiveness.

Khushi reveled in her Arnavji’s response and she was ensnared by the reactions she could elicit from him. Oh she knew the feel of that desperation quite well! If he liked her touch, why wouldn’t he just let her keep on going? Even though he held her hand hostage, she managed to wiggle her thumb free. Tentatively she caressed it over the tip of him.

On a strangled gasp, Arnav captured his wife’s hands and brought them over her head, one at a time, only to hold them captive there in his grip. Now she was at his mercy.

“Arnavji! Ye kya…?!” Khushi gasped, tugging to try and free herself. Inwardly, she knew very well as to why he resorted to holding her hands down. A jolt of satisfaction ran through her. So she could drive him to the brink of pleasure! Her heart swelled with excitement.

Grasping both her wrists steadily in one of his palms, Arnav cupped her face with his free hand and lowered his body weight onto her before diving in to kiss her senseless. His Khushi was going to be the death of him. He was equal parts thrilled and weary of her enthusiasm. She was surely going to unman him someday soon. But today, he wanted to be the one to drown her in pleasure. As his tongue danced with hers, he savored the feel of having no barriers between their bodies. Just skin touching naked skin. He could feel her invitingly warm, wet heat rubbing along his shaft, beckoning him to come hither and take a dip into her sweet honey. Arnav groaned and pressed his hips against his wife’s, stroking along her clitoris, evoking a gasp from her.

Khushi broke away from her Arnavji’s kiss on a sharp inhale as he rubbed against her secret little place. Sharp tingles shot through her body as he ground himself upon her. The warm simmer that had lingered in the pit of her belly was now becoming a full-on four alarm fire. It startled her as he wasn’t even inside her yet! And every time he moved, his chest brushed hers, setting her sensitive skin alive, caressing against her sensitive nipples. She threw her head back in abandon and clenched her fists helplessly within the confine of her husband’s hold. Khushi bit into her lip as she felt his mouth lick at her throat, and it was her undoing for the second time. She gave in to the sparks that flew behind her eyelids and felt her body spiral out of control.

Arnav finally released his wife’s hands, dropping a kiss on each wrist, before collecting her close. She was sated, eyes still closed, all limp and pliable, beneath him as he scooped her up, wrapping his arms around her. He sifted his fingers through her silken tresses, brushing back the wild disarray. Shifting, he poised himself at her entrance, and planted a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Khushi…” he whispered as he rubbed his nose against hers, “…meri taraf dekho.” The moment she opened her beautiful, sparkling eyes, he slid into her slick depth. They gasped in unison, as he stilled, savoring the moment of finally being home, nestled inside his Khushi. When she clenched around his girth, he closed his eyes with an audible groan.

Khushi stared at her husband. He was so beautiful in the midst of passion. She loved the way his eyes crinkled, his pupils dilated, and his irises darkened from whiskey to bourbon. But right now she couldn’t get drunk off of his smoldering stare because it was he who had his eyes closed this time. She sunk her fingers into his thick onyx strands, caressing his scalp and nape, hoping to get a glimpse of his loving gaze. Her fingers continued on to lightly caress over his handsome face, memorizing every angle, groove, and dimple.  When she delicately traced his soft, pink tinged lips, her Arnavji finally opened his eyes.

Arnav kissed his wife’s fingertips and began to move. He quickly found himself lost in the spell her hips wove around his. It was a feeling he never wanted to end, an eternal push and delicious pull. His mouth silently conveyed what he felt as he rained soft kisses all over her face. She brought his mouth to her lips and he kissed her deeply. As he slowly glided his tongue along hers, he hooked her left leg over his hip, deepening their connection. His Khushi moaned in pleasure, echoing his sentiment. She began to move and writhe, meeting his thrusts, as his rhythm began to quicken. Their foreheads touched and their warm breath mingled as their open mouths emitted garbled sounds of pure ecstasy.

Her Arnavji was so close to her. Khushi was completely joined with him, in every way. Their hips danced in synchronization, their noses touched, and his mouth rested upon hers as they climbed higher together. Her heart hammered, and the thunder and lightning that blazed outside drowned out their moans. Her husband’s lips touched the shell of her ear, and she could hear him softly repeating a litany of her name. She tightened her arms around him as every cell in her body screamed his name in return. This is what she had been missing!

Arnav could no longer hold back. He shifted, cupping his wife’s derriere as he thrust deeply, swiveling into her. He needed to take her over the edge with him. And as she vised her arms, legs and entire being around him, losing herself in her release, he surged forward one last time, giving in to his own. He surrendered to the sweet oblivion, clutching his Khushi close.

Khushi reveled in the feel of her husband’s warm, comforting weight atop her. She lazily traced her fingers up and down his broad, muscled back, making a mental note to explore it further next time. Next time! She grinned with glee at the thought and gave him a squeeze. Her Arnavji lifted his head and looked down at her, his eyes searching hers, as an answering smile lifted the corners of his luscious mouth. He planted a lingering smooch on her lips then shifted, rolling off her body. She curled languidly onto her side feeling utterly elated and spent, her body still buzzing from being thoroughly loved by her husband. She absently smiled again as she watched the rain drops outside hit the glass of the French doors before creating mesmerizing little rivulets. They mimicked the way her nerves continued to spread a calming euphoria through her being. And then she felt her Arnavji behind her. She sighed as he hugged her body close to his.

Arnav heard his Khushi sigh as he dropped soft kisses along the side of her face and temple. He lingered, inhaling the floral scent in her hair, before he sensed her serenity. He peered at her just in time to see her eyes drift close, her relaxed smile still in place. It made him smile again as well. He pulled the blanket over their entwined bodies, and pulled her closer into his chest, aligning every luscious little curve of hers against his. His arms wrapped tightly around her, never wanting to let her go. He let the quiet sounds of her breathing and the light pitter patter of the rain hitting the pavement outside lull him to sleep. And once he’d closed his eyes, he heard yet another sound. Dhak-dhak…dhak-dhak…He felt his wife’s steady heartbeat under their entwined hands and his own heart began to beat loudly in his ears, eager to match up to the rhythm of hers. He pressed his chest even closer, wanting to just crawl into his Khushi’s warmth if he could.

“Humari dhardkane…” Khushi murmured in half consciousness.

Arnav kissed the shell of her ear. “Shhh. Sleep sweetheart.” He felt his wife immediately settle into slumber, before he whispered softly to her. “Khushi, I love you.”

 “Hamesha.”

Arnav’s heart swelled after hearing his wife’s sleepily mumbled response and hugged her even tighter. He had never felt this satisfied before in his entire life. His Khushi filled spaces in him that he hadn’t even known were vacant. And he realized, now that she was fully his and he was hers forever, they were finally both fully complete.