Rekindling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“To kya hua? (So what?)”

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

“Khushi ji, thank you….”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Arnavji” Khushi sighed in pleasure.

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

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

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

 “Arnavji…deeper.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dobara (Again)

“Chamkili! Jaldi karo! ASR wants you to go to the stock room and get another dupatta for one of the models. He said to hurry!!”

“Lavanya ji, I’m running there right now! I’ll get it to her before she has to go on stage…” Khushi huffed and puffed as she ran down the corridors backstage, pressing the button on the walkie-talkie to end her conversation. This fashion show was so important for her. She was going to prove to that man that she could handle anything, even working for him under a high stress situation. Come to think of it… working for him was always a high stress situation! “Laad governor kaheen kay! Un ko tho koi farq hi nahi partha! (It doesn’t even make a difference to him!)” Khushi quickly unlocked the store room and slipped inside to where all the accessory garments lay. She scanned the plethora of rainbow chiffon, lace, and net materials, quickly grabbing a few. God forbid she brought only one and he didn’t like her choice! Just as quickly as she had burst into the room, she reached for the door handle and tried to open it with her natural zest. Only, it hadn’t budged. She tried again to jiggle the knob, turning it both ways vigorously to no avail. Giving it her all, she tried one last time, pulling with all her might, only to have it fall off and plop into her hand. She slapped a hand across her forehead in horror. “Hey Devi Maiya, yeh meine kya kar diya (what did I just do)?!” Khushi reached for her walkie-talkie. “Lavanya ji! Gard-bard ho gayee! I’m stuck in the storeroom please come help me!!!” When she let go of the button, awaiting her colleague’s reply, all she heard was white noise and static. “Hello?? Can you hear me?? I’m stuck in…” Khushi grabbed her walkie-talkie device with both hands and began to fiddle with the buttons when the lights in the room suddenly shut off. Khushi panicked. “Lav…Lavanya ji???! The lights went out, please come help me… I have the dupattas!” But again the only thing she heard was static. Khushi swallowed the live lump of terrifying fear in her throat as she blindly groped around the room until her back encountered a wall. Dejectedly she slid down until she was sitting on the floor. She brought her knees to her chest and tightly wrapped her arms around them, huddling into a ball as she prayed to her Devi Maiya.

“Lavanya where’s the dupatta I asked for?” Arnav asked as he charged up to his colleague. He’d called her in from London specifically for this fashion show since she knew the line so well.

“ASR, I sent Chamk… I mean I sent Khushi. She said she was running to get it, but that was over twenty minutes ago… I can’t reach her on the walkie either.”

“Lavanya! Why didn’t you…!!” Arnav didn’t have time to waste reprimanding people right now. It would have to wait for later. He turned on his heel and headed for the store room. He only had fifteen minutes until the curtains opened for the show. “Might as well do everything myself!” he muttered as he stomped his way.

Khushi heard the loud clicking of footsteps approaching the room and her head snapped up from where she’d been hiding it. “Lavanya ji!! Mein andhar hoon!! I’m locked inside!!!”

Arnav heard her voice and froze at the door. “What the ….. how the hell did you lock yourself inside?!”

Khushi immediately clambered up to stand, smoothing her hands over her tush and legs to brush off any dust and straighten her clothes. What was he doing here?? “I came in here to get the dupatta and the door locked itself….and then the knob fell off….”

“The knob FELL OFF?! I’m cutting that out of your paycheck!” Arnav roared.

“…And then…then the lights went out. It’s pitch dark in here…I…. I can’t see anything…..” Khushi said meekly as she looked over her shoulder with paranoia.

Arnav’s scowl softened as he heard her small frail voice. Wasn’t she afraid of the dark? His heart started beating rapidly as he envisioned her on the other side of the door, those haunting big brown doe eyes glistening with fresh tears. Suddenly he felt a pang in his chest, and his hand came up to rub at it, his eyes following his fingers. He always felt this jolt when he was around her. Why did thoughts of her crying always do this to him? “Khushi move back from the door” Arnav commanded.

Khushi spread her arms out wide so she wouldn’t collide into anything as she took a few giant steps into the dark abyss surrounding her. “O…okay. I’ve stepped back…” Khushi shut her eyelids tightly and hugged her arms around herself as she began to pray again. She just wanted the darkness to go away.

Arnav took a few steps back himself before lifting his leg and launching his body into the door, kicking it down with a loud crash.

The hue behind Khushi’s eyelids had turned from midnight black to a dusky brown and she instantly knew she wasn’t trapped anymore. When she opened her eyes fully, she noted the entrance to the room and the tall silhouette that stood amidst it. He’d rescued her! Feeling immense relief, she ran to him, colliding with his hard body and warm strength as she immediately burrowed herself as close as she could, her arms wrapping around his broad back tightly.

Arnav had almost lost his balance at the impact of her coming crashing into him like that. He hesitated but for a moment before his arms came up to embrace her in return. He held her to himself, his eyes falling shut for long moments. When her trembling had subsided, he felt her suddenly try to pull away.

Khushi’s eyes snapped open and she let out a hiss. Her quick escape had been deterred by her cursed earring. Did it have to get stuck in his shirt right this instant?! She tried to jiggle it loose.

“Wait…” Arnav moved her slender fingers out of the way.

Khushi’s heart skipped a beat as his rough fingers had brushed along hers. She quickly dropped her hands as his nimble ones freed her earring. With her head pressed up against his chest like this, she could smell his intoxicating cologne. Her lungs involuntarily began to take bigger bouts of air. Her ears then registered a loud, rhythmic thumping. His heartbeat. She listened to the way it spoke to her, her eyes closing as a tingle spread through her body. Her hand reached up to clutch at her own chest. Her heart was beating in sync with his, carrying on a full-fledged conversation without her even realizing.

“Khushi…ho gya. (It’s done).” Arnav said in a low voice, lowering his arms to his sides.

Khushi was afraid to meet his gaze. She’d just hugged her boss in the middle of an open hallway. Anyone could’ve seen it! “Arn…um…Mr. Raizada, I’m sorry… I… I shouldn’t have done that….”

Arnav shook his head at her confusion. “Khushi you…”

Khushi began to back away, slowly taking steps getting ready to flee.

Arnav took a few steps towards her and saw her turn around. “Khushi wait!” His hand lurched forward trying to grab her arm or shoulder. Instead all he managed to catch was her pearl dori. He held on tight as she bolted away from him, making the dori snap within his grip. The tiny pearls immediately skittered to the ground, bouncing off the floor with a loud pitter patter, leaving a trail in her wake.

Khushi quickly ran to Lavanya and handed her the dupattas she’d been holding. “Here, give these to the model” she said as she caught her breath.

“Chamkili, are you crazy? What happened to you?”

“Lavanya ji, I tried to contact you….”

“Meine tumse kitni baar kaha hai (How many times have I told you)? Don’t walk away from me when I am talking to you!!”

Khushi cringed, her eyelids scrunching in fear as she bit her bottom lip in reaction to that coarse, sand papery, menacing voice. When she opened her eyes, she saw Lavanya’s back retreating towards safer ground, the dupattay in her hands being delivered to the model. Taking a fortifying breath to face off with the Rakshas…er…her boss, she turned to face him.  “Vo dupatta jaldi se dhena ta na…issi liye…(I had to give the dupatta quickly…that’s why…)” Khushi’s voice dwindled as he approached closer into her personal space. Her eyes darted side to side as she saw his arm rise, his hand approaching to touch her. She scanned the room full of people surrounding them. “Yeh kya batameezi hai?! (What’s this insolence?!)” she shrieked in an outraged whisper, not wanting to create a scene.

Arnav froze his hand midair and locked eyes with her. Everything was a battle with this woman. He inched even closer. “Batameezi…? Meine to abhi shooru bi nahi ki hai (I haven’t even started yet).”

Khushi gasped at his audacity. Frozen into shock, she hadn’t even noticed his hand reach up towards her this time. He’d taken a hold of the dupatta on her shoulder, forcing her to stay in place. She feared his next move and quickly clutched it against her own chest. “Choriye! (Let go!)”

Arnav slid the shiny, shimmering gold material between his fingers as he brought his other hand around her upper back without touching her. He grabbed the border and opened it up, passing it to his free hand to drape it over her shoulder, effectively covering her exposed back. “Tumari dori toot gayee thee (your dori broke).”

Khushi held the dupatta against her shoulder as he let it go. Instead of snatching it away from her, as she had fretted, he’d actually saved her from shame. Her heart flipped within her chest. Grasping her free hand, he pried her fingers open. She felt the airy weight of the smooth little pearls landing in her palm before he curled her fingers tightly around them, into a fist.

Arnav stared at her in silence, his gaze searching her wide eyed one. Why did he find every facet of her face so enrapturing?

“Hummay… hummay maaf kar….(I’m…I’m sorry…)” Khushi breathlessly tried to stutter out her apology but her voice refused to cooperate. Her lungs suddenly couldn’t take in enough air. She stared in earnest as he pinned her with another poignant glare, his eyes sweeping down her body. This time her breath caught and she felt herself shiver.

Arnav’s phone began to ring and he pressed the button on his Bluetooth. His eyes met hers as he spoke. “Yes, we’re ready.” Ending the call, he addressed her. “Two minutes to show time Khushi. Try not to mess anything else up.” With one last glance, Arnav walked away to take his place.

Khushi grabbed her little satchel and dropped all the pearls into it before closing it tightly again. She then grabbed her dupatta and adjusted it, using bobby pins to hold it against her head as she let the rest of the material openly flow behind her, fully covering her back. As she walked away to take her own place behind the stage and line up the models, she could feel the corners of the dupatta caressing her ankles.

“Chamkili, come on, we have to send the girls out!”

Khushi and Lavanya busied themselves, helping the models change their outfits as they came back to do their second looks. Once the models had all been lined up for the show’s finale walk, Khushi let out a sigh.

Lavanya looked over at Khushi in worry. She was glad the show was over, but she feared the fate of her bubbly coworker. “ASR ne tumhe danta, na? (ASR scolded you, right?)”

Khushi shook her head lightly and gave Lavanya a small smile. “Nahi… I mean yes… but it was…” Khushi lost her train of thought as one of the production assistants came up to the both of them and grabbed their hands. “What…what’s going on? Where are we going?”

“Chamkili, didn’t your hear? It’s the final walk and they just called the project team to come onto the stage!” Lavanya explained with glee. She was excited to have her moment in the limelight.

Khushi tried to stand her ground even as Lavanya dragged her along, up the small staircase. She tugged on her hand in a last attempt to be released. “Lavanya ji, nahi. Hamara jana teekh nahi ho ga. (It wouldn’t be right for me to go.) You should go ahead though.” Khushi urged her forward.

“Oh come on Chamkili. Live a little!” Lavanya gave one final tug and they burst through the curtains onto the stage. Lavanya pasted on her hundred watt smile, posing for the pictures being taken.

Khushi blinked rapidly as the bright flashes consumed her vision. She shielded her eyes even as her feet kept going, attempting to walk on the runway. She was able to take a few steps before she felt her heel catch on the corner of her gold dupatta, sending her flying off the runway ramp. She screamed as her arms flailed about, her eyes closing tightly, as she mentally prepared herself for a hard impact. But instead she found herself safe and secure, resting against warmth and strength. She slowly opened her eyes.

Arnav stared down at the woman who’d literally fallen into his arms. Her beautifully sparkling gold irises bore into his soul. He could feel his blood heating as it rushed through his body. “Tum teekh ho? (Are you ok?)”

All Khushi could manage was a nod. Her arms had involuntarily wrapped around his neck for balance. Her eyes darted to her hands. She could feel his strong pulse beating against the tips of her fingers. She continued to stare at his handsome face, her eyes tracking the straight slope of his regal nose, the definition of his chiseled cheeks, and the pout of his lightly pink tinged lips. She broke out of her reverie when copious amounts of white light infiltrated her vision. “Arnavji put me down!! The media and paparazzi….”

“Let them see how beautiful my wife looks when I hold her securely in my arms.”

Khushi felt herself blush a bright pink as she lowered her gaze. When she’d offered to help her husband as an extra set of hands for the fashion show, they’d agreed to keep it strictly business in public. In fact he’d issued it as a challenge to her. But she should’ve known that would be impossible with her irresistibly incorrigible Arnavji. “I thought you didn’t want people to know…”

“You fell into my arms, my life, exactly two years ago, in this very spot. And I know now, right then and there I had subconsciously decided to never let you go.” Arnav tightened his arms ever so slightly, holding her closer to his heart, wanting her to hear everything it wanted to say to her. His wife discreetly indicated her gaze towards the flashing cameras again. “I don’t care if anyone is looking, Khushi. I love you damn it!”

Khushi reached up a hand to smooth out her Arnavji’s furrowed brow. His features instantly softened as his eyes continued to seep himself into her soul through those warm hazelnut depths. Unable to control herself any longer, she stroked her palm along his cheek as she pressed her lips to the other one. She couldn’t resist the smile that splayed across her lips as she hid her face into the perfect crook of his neck. She let her lips brush the lobe of her husband’s ear. “Hum bi aap se I love you damn it.”

Arnav dropped a kiss on her crown, making her meet his gaze, his own mouth breaking into a smile to match his wife’s. They stared at each other, lost in their own happy existence as he carried her out of the venue. Two years ago, he’d begun to learn a whole new language. The language where he could finally name those indescribable feelings his wife had provoked within him. Together they’d scaled the walls of the vague and impossible into a world where they knew exactly what to call their undeniable connection. Jabb nafrat pass annay na de (when hate wouldn’t let him come closer), he’d learned to hate hate. Jabb mohabat door jannay na de (when love wouldn’t let him go far), he’d learned to love that thing called love…his Khushi.

Author's Note: Even though the show ended a while ago, in my mind it is still not over. Everyday I continue to be inspired and mesmerized by this incredible duo that made us all fall in love with them as they fell in love with each other. Wishing Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon a very happy second and now THIRD year anniversary! When chemistry is this epic, it never fades and will always be a cause for celebration.

ps - Sorry for any gross errors as I wrote this in the spur of the moment. And please excuse my grammatical mistakes in Hindi as it's my third language! Love you guys! <3

A Ritual Rewritten

Arnav entered through the doors of Raizada mansion with his suit jacket casually draped over his left forearm. He reached up to loosen his tie then deftly undid the shirt button at his collar. He could hear a gaggle of feminine voices overlapping one another’s in loud enthusiasm and found that the women of the house had communally gathered in the family hall. His eyes took a quick scan around. All the women were there except one…his woman. “Khushi kahan hai?” (“Where’s Khushi?”) His one query had been effective in gaining everyone’s undivided attention. 

“Chotte, Khushi bitiya oopar araam karath hai.” (“Chotte, Khushi is resting upstairs.”) Devyani answered her grandson as she adjusted the pallu covering her head. 

“Oh, ok.” Arnav nodded in understanding. Before he could turn on his heel and make his way towards his wife, his ears registered silence. So much so that he could probably hear a pin drop. He noted that they had ceased all conversation upon his arrival and now looked at him expectantly, almost trying to convey innocent faces. But he didn’t buy it. Four women, sitting over tea, and yet there was silence? His suspicion rose as he detected something fishy. “Ok out with it. Yeh sabb kya chall raha hai? (What is all this going on?)”

Anjali jumped up from her seat and approached her brother to immediately cozy up to his arm. “Vo kya hai Chotte, hum Khushi ji ki godh bharai ki baat kar rahe te.” (“Well Chotte, we were talking about Khushi ji’s baby shower ceremony.”)

Manorama eagerly piped in, now that Anjali had broken the ice. “Bilkul correctwa! Kall sham ko hai na…Hum ne bahut saray ladeej ko abhi inbitewa karna hai. Excuje me paleej!” (“Correct! It’s tomorrow afternoon you see. I have to go and invite a lot of ladies right now. Excuse me please!”) 

“Bahut saray?? (A lot??) Absolutely not. I’m not having a hoard of people traipsing around my pregnant wife!”

“Arrey Chotte, aisun nahi hota…” (“Chotte, that’s not how it is…”) Devyani tried to explain.

“Nani, please. Just keep it small. Immediate family and friends only. Khushi’s Amma, Bhua ji, and her best friends from her gali (block). Payal can give me the names. I will personally see to it that all the pertinent people are there.” 

Anjali bit her bottom lip in worry. “Umm…Chotte you can’t be there…”

“Says who?” Arnav countered, firmly standing his ground.

“Chotte, aadmi wahan nahi ho saktay! Ee rasam ki param para hoti hai.” (“Chotte, men can not be there! This is part of the ritual’s tradition.”) Devyani explained. 

“Nani, you know I don’t follow any of that. Aakash, NK, and I will stay out of the way, but we will be there. And no extraneous people will be allowed to attend.” Arnav couldn’t help his thoughts from wandering to his Di’s godh bharai and the devastating events that had occurred. Regardless of how much he tried to bury the horrid memories into the back of his mind, they were too deeply ingrained, as if branded onto his brain with a hot iron. Arnav lightly shook his head trying to rid the flashbacks. He would not take any risks this time. Not when it came to his Khushi.

“Chotte…” Anjali worried at how he was possibly crossing the line with Nani ji. They seemed to be at an impasse. 

Devyani tried one more time to reason with her grandson. “Chotte think about Khushi bitiya. She’s very loving and social. She might want a lot of people in attendance….”

“Nani bass (enough)! There will only be a small gathering and THAT IS FINAL!” Arnav heard gasps escape from the women’s throats and saw the way his grandmother scowled at him, letting her disapproval be known. 

Devyani could feel her blood pressure rising. “Chotte! Aap…” (“Chotte! You…”)

“Hum bi yahee chahat te hai…” (“I want the same thing…”) 

Arnav immediately turned his gaze towards the stairs at the sound of that familiar voice and his heart began to beat rapidly. He watched as his wife strode over to stand in front of him, as if she were his shield. He was in awe of her selflessness. She was willingly facing off with the family in order to defend his actions. He often liked to think that he was the one who kept her safe and protected. But in instances like this, he no longer knew who was protecting whom. He had to admit though. His resilient wife was his ultimate supporter. 

Anjali reassured her Bhabi. “Khushi ji, don’t let my brother sway you. However big you want your baby shower to be…” 

“Nahi Di. It’s not like that. I too want a smaller gathering. Just the Gupta and Raizada parivaars (families). Perhaps one or two of my girlfriends and that way everyone knows each other. Kitna mazza aye ga na?? (It’ll be so fun, right??).” Khushi smiled at her Nanand while reaching behind her back, her fingers seeking out and grasping her Arnavji’s hand. She felt his warm digits immediately envelop her own. 

Arnav briefly looked down at their entwined hands. Their intimate solidarity was safely concealed from the family’s view behind the narrow expanse of his Khushi’s back. His wife was really something else. She’d arrived almost out of thin air and then proceeded to diffuse the situation within a matter of seconds. 

“Ok, phir teekh hai (Ok, then it’s fine). We’ll make it an intimate godh bharai as per the mother-to-be’s request.” Anjali announced with happiness. 

The next day…

Arnav flipped through a file as he walked down the upstairs corridor. He was about to stroll past his room but his feet instinctually stopped as the doors were open and he saw his wife. He watched for a moment as Payal held up a few different outfits against Khushi’s frame as she stood in front of the mirror. 

“Khushi, which do you want to wear? Your shaadi ka jorda (wedding outfit) was cream, pink and green…” Payal asked her sister.

Khushi had sensed her Arnavji’s presence long before he’d come into her peripheral vision. She always felt this cool fragrant breeze waft over her skin when he was nearby. This keen connection they shared never failed her. When she looked into the mirror, instead of looking at her reflection, her eyes locked with her husband’s as she replied to her sister. “No Jiji…I’ll wear the red.” 

Arnav felt fire burn through his blood. That color got him every single time…and she knew it. If his wife had been alone, he would’ve promptly gone inside and locked them in their bedroom for a few hours. But he kept his libido in check and suddenly felt very parched. He redirected himself out of trouble and into the kitchen to quench his thirst. 

“Chotte, can I get you anything?” Anjali asked as she stirred the daal. 

“Don’t worry Di I just came for some water.” Arnav strode over to the water cooler and filled his tumbler when he saw Payal walk into the kitchen as well.

“Payal ji, thank goodness you’re here. Would you mind just chopping those vegetables for me?”

“Of course not, Di.” Payal immediately picked up a knife and began cutting the cauliflower and potatoes that were on the counter.

Just then Arnav remembered he’d left his file upstairs and went to search for it. 

Meanwhile, back in her bedroom, Khushi began to get dressed. She measured out her pallu and set it on her shoulder so she could direct her focus onto the pleats. “Hey Devi Maiya, how come you never told me that I would have to sacrifice so much for the sake of being pregnant??” She continued to vent her disgruntlement to the sacred Goddess. “Weight gain? No problem. Can’t eat too many jalebis? Fine, I understand. But now I can’t even see my feet, let alone dress myself!” Khushi looked into the mirror and tried to begin her pleats even though she couldn’t really see what her hands were doing. “Haiii…hamari raksha karo!” She quickly clasped her hands together and raised them to Devi Maiya three times, praying for help. Just as she thought she’d gained a good grasp on the material, she made her first pleat and immediately felt it slipping out of her fingers. Giving up, she called out for one of her sisters. “Jijiiii??.....Diiii!!?!”

Arnav was at the top of the staircase when he heard his wife’s distressed calls. “But Payal and Di were just in the kitchen…” he thought. There was no way they would hear her. He immediately bolted to the bedroom and opened the doors to make sure she was ok. “Khushi, what happened?!” 

Khushi looked over her shoulder and the sari unraveled from her fingers, falling to the floor as she tried to hold her pallu against her shoulder. “Arnavji, aap?” 

Arnav entered the room and closed the doors behind himself. “Khushi are you ok? I heard you yelling for Di or Payal.”

She watched as her husband came closer. “Arnavji I’m ok. Vo bass…meri sari…. (Just…my sari…)” Khushi’s eyes skittered to the floor, her nerves kicking in when she realized that for all intents and purposes she was basically only wearing her choli and petticoat.

Arnav now stood behind his wife and eyed the pooled sari on the floor. He bent to pick up the flowy red material. 

“Arnavji ye mujhe de deejiye….” (Arnavji you can give this to me…”) But instead of handing her the material, her husband held it within his firm grip as his arms came to circle around her protruding belly. She then watched as his nimble hands began to pleat the material. Astonished, her mouth gaped open to form a perfect “o” as she met his gaze in the mirror. “Aap ko sari baan ni athi hai?!” (You know how to tie a sari?!”)

“Hmmm.” Arnav replied with a nod without looking up at his wife. His full concentration was on the pleats.

Khushi was used to her husband removing her clothing, and that was always secretly thrilling. But gosh, there was something so very intimate about him dressing her. She could feel her cheeks warming. “Kaise seekha?” (“How’d you learn?”) she asked in a small voice. Her real question was not how, but who??

“Ex-girlfriend taught me…” Arnav replied simply, without looking at her. He heard Khushi’s gasp and his eyes darted up to find his wife shooting daggers his way through beady, narrow slit eyes. He immediately ducked his head to hide his smirk.

Khushi was about to unleash her arsenal of a sharp tongue when she recalled how Sheetal hardly wore traditional clothing. There was no way she could’ve taught him. And then Lavanya…well she herself had been the one to teach Lavanya! Then her Arnavji was referring to a different ex-girlfriend?!! “Kya tha uss churdail ka naam?!!” (“What was that witch’s name?!!”) 

Arnav met his wife’s green monster gaze. “Khushi, I own a fashion house. And Di has been wearing these since she was sixteen. You really think I wouldn’t know how to tie a sari?”

Khushi’s cheeks warmed with chagrin and she averted his gaze from embarrassment. She’d overreacted without thinking it through. And then she realized something “But Arnavji, how come you didn’t just teach Lavanya ji how to tie a sari when she wanted to learn?”

“Because she wasn’t you” he replied into her hair. Arnav brought the crisp pleats against his wife’s robust belly and tucked them into her petticoat, enjoying the way she sucked in a breath at his intimate touch. He lowered his lips to the shell of her ear. “She wasn’t the one who occupied my thoughts, my mind, my heart.” His Khushi turned within his arms, staring up at him in wonderment. “Besides, she didn’t have this cute little laal naak (red nose)” he said, flicking the button tip with his index finger. His other hand traversed lower to cradle her belly.

Khushi thumped her husband on his chest with an open palm before resting her head there, listening to his strong heartbeat. When she closed her eyes, she could almost hear it saying her name. 

Arnav brought his arms up to embrace his wife closer when there was a knock at the door. 

“Khushi? Sorry I got busy helping Di in the kitchen. Mein andhar ajoonh? (Can I come in?)” Payal asked from outside.

Arnav cupped his wife’s head and placed a kiss on her downy temple before walking away and opening the doors for his sister-in-law. With a small nod her way, he began to walk out.

“Arnavji!” 

Arnav looked up at his wife’s call and met her gaze.

“Shukriya.” Khushi said resting a hand on her belly as her face broke into a warm smile. 

Arnav winked at his wife and smiled in return before strolling away. 

Soon after, the guests had arrived. Arnav stood leaning on the railing of the upstairs floor with an unimpeded view of the entire goings on below. He’d had every intention of keeping a close eye on his wife, and he was presently doing just that. Di was standing by her and she knelt to whisper something into his wife’s ear. Khushi met his sister’s gaze and watched as Di touched the tip of her ring finger to her bottom lash line before placing the smudge of black kohl behind her ear. Khushi smiled brightly as Di cupped her face and it warmed his heart to see the two most important women in his life bonding as they were. Arnav continued to watch as the women in attendance greeted his wife, taking turns to whisper their advice, and their blessings, into her ear. His Khushi would lower her gaze and smile shyly after each one, relaying the thoughts of her pending motherhood. Khushi’s Amma and Bhua ji approached her to bestow their blessings and happiness upon their daughter and growing grandchild, arms laden with gifts. He was amazed at how well his wife was handling everyone and everything, without showing an ounce of being overwhelmed. On top of all that she was covered head to toe in layers of silk and heavy jewelry. He pulled at the collar of his own stuffy sherwani, feeling suffocated for her. His Khushi happened to look up in that instant and catch his gaze, sending him a reassuring smile. She dazzled him like the bright sun. When Nani came to her with a glass of water and Payal with some food, Khushi broke her gaze from him. Arnav knew his wife was in good hands and decided to find the guys. He’d had Aakash and NK help him set up for the function, moving the furniture around and fix the lighting. They’d then stood at the door as everyone had arrived. They’d greeted and guarded at the same time. He was thankful for their help. 

“Waise Bhai, I was thinking…you’re absolutely right.” Aakash said after some deep thought. 

“Of course Nannav is right! Wait what is he right about??” NK asked in bafflement.

“As I was saying…” Aakash took a moment to pointedly glare at NK for interrupting him. “This whole godh bharai should be limited to immediate family members. There’s no need for the whole world to come. When Payal has her godh bharai in the future, I’m gonna do the same thing.” 

Arnav nodded his assent. His brother was a practical man.

“Aakash Bhai you have a point. I want my godh lardai to be small too!” NK retorted decidedly.

“BHARAI!” Arnav and Aakash corrected in unison.

NK grabbed his ear and apologized “Oh yah, wohi…. bharai…”

“NK I didn’t know you had a uterus and could carry children.” Aakash replied.

“Aakash Bhai, I meant meri biwi.” NK winked as he nudged his cousin with an elbow. “You know…my wife!”

“And I didn’t know you got married. Congrats.” Arnav said in a dry tone, rolling his eyes as he busied himself on his laptop. 

“Oh come on Nannav. I meant in the future! You know, when I have my own Khushi ji.” NK bobbed his eyebrows suggestively.

Arnav grabbed NK by the collar and pulled him close. “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.” He shoved him away, rising to his feet. “And call her Bhabi, like you do to Payal.” With that statement Arnav stormed out.

“But Nannav, mere Bhai! Wait…!” NK started to get out of his seat but Aakash held him back and shook his head.

“It’s best not to go there NK.” 

NK shrugged his shoulders, his easy going nature brushing off the incident and carrying on.

Much later in the evening, Arnav reentered his bedroom with a deep sigh. The baby shower had run smoothly and had been a success. When the guests had started saying their goodbyes, he’d promptly changed out of his stifling Indian formalwear into his preferred casuals. He’d then gone downstairs to help clean up and to see the happy mother-to-be, his Khushi. She’d been beaming with joy which gave his heart a satisfaction that he’d been craving. As long as his wife was content, he too was a happy man. He’d immediately sent her upstairs to rest while he commenced to tidy up with the rest of the family.

Khushi was lazing in one of the poolside chairs, enjoying the night breeze. She’d been holding a lengthy conversation with the baby and the twinkling stars when she heard the bedroom doors open. Her Arnavji had finally come upstairs. Butterflies began to flutter in her stomach. She thought back for a moment to when he’d come to her at the end of the function and ordered her to go rest, squashing all her ideas of wanting to help clean up. Before she could open her mouth to argue, he’d placed a brief, tender kiss on her lips…in front of the family! Not only had that one gesture stricken her mute, but it had made her blush profusely, probably a shade of red that was deeper than the crimson cloth she’d been clad in. With her heartfelt thank you, she’d scurried…more like waddled…upstairs, unable to look anyone in the eye. And now, as she stood at the poolside door, she had the pleasure of gawking at her husband as he removed his shirt, none the wiser of being watched. Khushi immediately went to him, wrapping her arms around her Arnavji from behind. She’d intended to press herself against him, but he’d turned around, bringing her head to rest against his chest. Khushi let out a deep, satisfied sigh. She’d been seeking his warmth all day. Even though he’d been in her vicinity the whole time, she’d missed him….missed this. She tightened her arms, snuggling herself closer.

Arnav stroked along his wife’s arms, sweeping her long black tresses to the side, and skimmed his fingers across the skin of her upper back, exposed from the scooping neckline of her pink night suit’s kameez. He heard her let out a hum of pleasure. He cupped the back of her head to tilt it up. His Khushi’s eyes slowly opened to look at him. The dim light caught and flickered in her deep hazel depths as her lashes swept up. Just like black velvet curtains rising to reveal a starlit Broadway stage. Bright…shining…awe-inspiring. He continued to get lost in her mesmerizing eyes. He could see his world revolving in them. Arnav lived for her, breathed, but for her. 

“Arnavji?” Khushi asked in a hushed tone.

"Khushi how can you be so beautiful?" 

Khushi lowered her eyes, averting her husband’s gaze. "You always say that...." she whispered shyly. Her cheeks felt suspiciously warm.

Arnav leaned down and placed his lips against her delicate jaw then her soft temple. “Ek (one) minute.” He reluctantly drew away from her warmth. 

Khushi heard soft music drift through the room before her husband brought her back into his arms. She wrapped herself around him as he began to sway their bodies together. “Arnavji, we haven’t slow danced since…”

“I know…I’m sorry….”

Khushi lifted her head off his chest. “Kyon (Why)??”

“You deserve slow dances every day Khushi. I put you through so much and yet you’ve stood by me as the ultimate devoted wife.” His hand caressed across her belly. “You’re carrying my child…our child. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude. If I could, I would bring you the moon and stars since you….”

Khushi placed her fingers over his lips, shushing him. Silly man. Didn’t he know that she was already ecstatically happy and had everything she could ever want? The love of her life, and soon, a new little life to love and cherish as well. In that instant, she felt her husband’s lips against her ear. 

Arnav wasn’t exactly the most sentimental person, he knew it. But every time he heard this song, images of his Khushi invaded his mind. He lowered his head and whispered the words. “Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi? Kismat pe aaye naa yakeen. Utar aayi jheel mein, jaise chaand utarta hai kabhi, haule haule, dheere se…” (“How did I find you? I can’t believe my fate. You came into my life, like the moon descends into the lake sometimes, slowly slowly, gracefully…“) He slid his cheek along hers as they continued to slow dance, locking eyes with his wife, gazing deeply into hers. Time seemed to stop as their bodies ceased moving. They stood still, the sweet melodious tune ensconcing them in an embrace. Arnav cupped his Khushi’s face and whispered a few more words, as the soft voice sang. “…kyun pehle na aayi tum...?” (“…why didn’t you come before…?”)

Khushi was sure she was dreaming. Even though her eyes had glazed up, there was a huge lump in her throat, and even as her Arnavji wiped at her tears, she couldn’t believe this was him. He tugged her closer and leaned down, his soft lips approaching hers. She tilted her head back more to receive his kiss, wanting to be fully lost in this fantasy that was her reality, when her back protested and she felt a sharp pain, bringing her to the present. 

One moment he’d been about to kiss his wife and the next she’d let out a hiss and pushed him away slightly. “Khushi, kya hua (what happened)?” 

Khushi reached behind herself and rubbed at the uncomfortable throb. “Arnavji it’s nothing. My back is just a bit achy…and my feet….” 

Arnav looked down. Her feet were swollen. His wife was in pain and discomfort and here he was trying to foolishly romance her. He’d been so busy being a Casanova that he hadn’t even noticed. How could he be so careless? He immediately led his wife to sit on the bed and promptly shut the music off as he sat next to her. “Khushi, I’m so sorry…”

“Arnavji, phir (again) sorry?”

“Khushi I didn’t even detect a hint of your distress! How am I going to care for a little human being?? A kid…my kid!?” 

Khushi stood to take a seat on her husband’s thigh and loosely wrapped her arms around his neck, getting comfortable.

Arnav automatically wrapped an arm around his wife’s back to support her as she teetered in his lap. “Khushi…”

“Arnavji wait, I want to tell you a story. When I lived with Bhua ji, I knew of a man. He was ruthless, cut throat, cold….or so it seemed…with a heart that was locked, the key thrown away. And then one day I was at the mandhir, and I spotted that very same man, who, by the way, happened to be a self-proclaimed atheist. I had gone to a nearby stall to purchase a mannat ka kabootar, when I was told that all the wishing birds had already been sold. And then, when I turned, I saw all the pigeons flying about and an adorable little girl cheering and clapping in glee as she watched them being set free, her hopes and dreams coming to fruition. It brought me immense joy to see her like this. And next to the little girl…stood that man.” 

Arnav looked up at his Khushi. He couldn’t believe it. She’d been there that day??

Khushi brought a hand over to cup her Arnavji’s handsome face, her palm resting against his stubbly cheek. “The man who I had once thought was a heartless Rakshas, was actually, deep down, a caring Raj Kumar. He’d given that tiny little stranger all those wishes just to put a smile on her face. A child who he didn’t even know.” She watched as her husband gaped at her in astonishment. She took his hand and placed it on her belly, holding it there beneath her own as her other hand stroked along his chiseled jaw. “Arnavji, you are going to be an amazing father. It’s not something you have to learn. It’s already inside you. I know it is. This little one growing inside me knows it too.” Khushi found herself engulfed by her Arnavji’s strong arms as he embraced her close. She nuzzled her nose over his ear and into the side of his silky mane before puckering her lips and dropping reverent kisses along his temple. Her fingers raked through the short hairs at the nape of his neck. “You know Arnavji, the baby loves you....”

Arnav looked into his wife’s molten honey irises, hypnotized by the love he saw in them. “How do you know?” he asked, wanting reassurance. This was almost too good to be true. 

“Because every time it hears your voice it starts to move around like crazy…” Khushi pressed her Arnavji’s palm low on her belly so he could feel the baby. 

Arnav smiled, hugging his Khushi close again. As long as she was by his side, he could handle anything. He held his wife for long moments before carefully lowering her onto the bed. Now that he’d come to his senses, it was time he tended to her. He gathered a mound of pillows and stacked them under her legs, elevating her feet as he propped a few more behind her head and torso. He came to sit at her side as his hands slipped in between her and the mattress to pay attention to her aching back. 

Khushi’s eyelids fluttered with ecstasy as her husband hit all the right spots on her lower back. She reached up and grasped his strong forearms, curling her fingers into the corded muscles there. “Arnavji, you know what would really make me happy right now?” 

Judging by the look on his Khushi’s face, he had a pretty good idea. He leaned in closer to kiss her soft pink mouth. 

Khushi cupped her Arnavji’s face between her hands as she gazed into his eyes. “…If you go apologize to Nani ji…” 

Arnav closed the scant space between their faces to rest his forehead against hers, letting out a sigh. His Khushi was right. He hadn’t spoken to his grandmother properly since yesterday’s spat and yet she’d whole heartedly participated in all of the day’s rituals without holding back, even though it had been a smaller function of their choice. Arnav placed a kiss on the tip of his wife’s nose before getting up. “I’ll be right back.” Donning his t-shirt, he quietly left his wife. He found his grandmother in her room and before he could utter the words, she’d patted his head in that maternal way of hers and graced him with her aged smile. With her wise understanding and forgiving blessing, she sent him on his way so she could rest up. He felt lighter knowing everything was fine and came back into the bedroom to tell his wife the good news. He was greeted by a soft, incandescent glow and the light fragrance of lavender emitting from several candles that were lit across the room. Arnav was then met by the sight of his Khushi, standing a few feet away, sans salwaar. He raised his eyebrows in slight surprise at how quickly she’d set things up. “You move incredibly fast for an extremely pregnant woman…” 

Khushi smiled brightly at her husband’s quip as she approached into his space. “Now where were we…?” 

“Youuuuu were on the bed resting your aching back and feet.” Arnav bent to scoop his wife. 

Khushi evaded his arms so he couldn’t pick her up. “No, no. Before that.” She grabbed the hem of her husband’s black tee, inching it up, her knuckles freely skimming the skin along his torso. Her Arnavji finally lifted his arms so she could remove it completely. “I believe I was right here.” She stroked her palm across the heated skin of his pec before laying her head against it. Khushi wrapped her arms around his waist, as he did the same. They began to rock side to side, slow dancing in silence, swaying to the tune of that age old dhak-dhak, dhak-dhak.

Arnav wanted to feel the bare skin of his wife’s belly against his abdomen. His fingers reached up and unzipped her kameez, helping her out of it, before bringing her body to rest against his again. As he held her close, his other palm touched her belly, his fingers spreading out wide, brushing across, letting the baby know that he was there. He felt his Khushi curl her fingers into his biceps and he finally scooped her up. 

“Arrey, Arnavji…”

“Shhh.” Arnav shushed her complaints and gently rested her against the mountain of pillows that was on the bed, propping her up. He’d had the intention to finish tending to her aching back, but she’d leaned forward and placed her soft, lush lips upon his. Arnav urged his wife back down, his mouth kissing her in return, deep and wet. He savored her sweetness. When he heard her whimper, he immediately broke the kiss. “Khushi, are you ok? Comfortable?” he asked trying to fluff the pillows behind her. 

“Yes I’m fine. But Arnavji, aren’t you forgetting something?”

Arnav looked around the bed and then at his wife. “Yes. More pillows…”

Khushi held onto her husband before he could retreat. “I don’t need more pillows, I need you. My husband.”

Arnav felt unsure, concern for her wellbeing conflicting him. “Khushi, your back…”

“Arnavji, I’m fine, I promise. These pillows are actually helping.” Khushi smiled, unable to resist stroking her palm across her husband’s prickly cheek. She really wished he would come closer so she could feel it on her skin. Images of him rubbing across her sensitive areas ran through her mind, making her need sharper. 

Arnav had been about to protest again when he saw his wife’s bra strap slip off her shoulder as she’d reached up for his face. His eyes automatically traced over the exposed area of her clavicle and lower down to the creamy plumpness of her upper breast. His throat had suddenly gone dry. When he met his wife’s eyes again, he could see them sparkling as she pulled his head down for a kiss. He obliged, kissing her bottom lip, then top, the tip of his tongue tracing the seam of her lips, licking at the fleshy inner rims. When her mouth parted, his tongue swept in, melding with hers. His Khushi clutched him as she began to crane her neck. Arnav pulled his mouth away to warn her. “Khushi, I will never say no to you. I’ll always want you, probably more than you even know. But right now, you are not to lift a finger. I don’t want you to hurt your back more.” When his wife grabbed his head to bring it down towards her again, he resisted and resolutely met her eyes, waiting for her acquiescence.

Khushi was already liquid with want. This was no point of return or backing out! She quickly nodded, promising to do as her husband said. Didn’t he know that it just stoked her fire even more when he was wrought with care for her?? And when he put his foot down and got stern for the same reasons, it made her desire him thrice fold?? A shiver ran through her body. “Arnavji, I promise. Just please…” Khushi’s voice dwindled out. 

Arnav didn’t need his Khushi to finish her sentence to know that she was telling him to get on with it already. She was an impatient little thing. He smiled as he leaned down to seal their mouths together. His hands busied themselves by unsnapping the front closure of her bra and moved it out of the way. He trailed his mouth along the side of her neck, nipping on her earlobe before going further down, his tongue tracing along her clavicle then dipping into the hollow at the base of her throat. 

Khushi tunneled her fingers through her husband’s soft, sateen hair. She traversed a palm across his stubble roughened jaw the closer his mouth drew to her nipple, anticipating the sharp sensations to come. She marveled at how the hair on his head was so starkly different from the hair on his face. She sucked in a breath when she felt the warm wet pull of his raspy tongue against her sensitive peaks and tried her best not to arch her back in pleasure. 

Arnav removed his pants before fully climbing onto the bed and knelt over his Khushi as he divested the both of them of their underwear. He watched as Khushi reached her arms out to him and he instantly leaned down, kissing a whole new path down her voluptuous body. His hand caressed over her domed belly followed by his lips planting soft reverent kisses, where his most precious gift rested inside. 

“Arnavji…”

When his wife called his name, he took her mouth again as his hand found her femininity. His fingers delved slightly deeper to explore the warm, wet crevice, gliding slickly through her desire. He circled his moist finger around the tiny pertinacious pink bud that resided there as he circled the tip of his tongue around hers. 

Khushi broke away from the kiss, moaning as she climaxed. Her husband’s mouth kissed along her throat as she caught her breath. She felt her Arnavji’s delicious stubble scrape against the sensitive spot on her neck and her nerve endings woke up anew. She turned her head to meet his mouth.

As he kissed his Khushi, he braced himself on all fours, lowering himself just enough but keeping his heavy body off of his wife as he entered her. He felt her clutch at his biceps as he watched her eyes close in pleasure. Encased in her tight slickness, he remained still, pulsing in accordance with her heartbeat. “Sweetheart, open your eyes.”

Khushi did as she was asked and looked deeply into her husband’s rich toffee orbs as he began to thrust. She kept her eyes locked onto his as he moved, sliding languidly in and out of her body. She wanted to swim in the depths of those liquid amber pools that were darkening into hot chocolate. She wondered at how he effortlessly hovered over her, yet she felt her every fiber connected…joined intimately with his. Like he was levitating. It was ethereal, as if her soul had drifted out of her body, a third world experience. She could hear the moans, but wasn’t cognizant of the fact that they were coming out of her own throat. Was this magic? She curled her fingers into the muscles of his strong, sinewy biceps. “Arnavji… aap jadhoogar to nahi?” (“Arnavji, are you a magician?”)

Arnav stilled. “What the…?” A chuckle erupted deep from his belly, unchecked. 

Khushi felt a delicious rumble roll through her as the vibrations of her husband’s laughter traveled through her being. 

When his Khushi kept staring at him expectantly, he realized she was half serious. He couldn’t believe his wife was asking him such a question in the middle of him making love to her. His body vibrated with pent up release and he slid out of her only to slowly thrust back in, eliciting a breathless moan from her lips. 

“See. I feel you, but yet you’re floating above me….” 

His Khushi’s voice was dreamy, lost in a fantasy that sucked him in as well. He leaned down to silence her questions with his lips. She kissed him back, her hands clutching his nape, her fingers tickling across the short, sensitive hairs there as he felt her pulsate around his girth. He pulled his mouth away to gaze into her lust-hazed, hazel depths once again as he continued to thrust through her clenching core.

Khushi tugged the hair at the back of her husband’s head as her heart began to thunder. He tilted her pelvis and she could feel a tantalizing friction rubbing inside her upon every up stroke. She continued to get lost in her Arnavji’s stormy gaze as she stroked a thumb across his lush, pouty bottom lip. His tongue darted out and sucked the tip of her digit into his mouth as she felt him fill her body one last time, taking her over the brink of pleasure. She cried out as he sustained his thrusts, keeping her release buzzing with energy as he shallowly pumped in and out until finally bursting with his own release. She took satisfaction in the sound of his groan.

Arnav collapsed onto the bed, next to his Khushi. He watched as she turned onto her side and he rose up to help readjust all the pillows to support her.

Khushi felt her Arnavji fussing about, trying to ensure her comfort. She grabbed his arm and slung it around her waist, letting him know where she needed him. Taking the hint, he brought the warmth of his body against her back and she closed her eyes with content. Their hands conjointly caressed across her belly, communing with their little one. She felt her husband plant multiple soft kisses around her nape and shoulder. 

“Khushi I love you.”

“Hum bhi aap se pyaar karte hai. Hamesha.” (I love you too. Always.”) Her Arnavji cuddled her closer and dropped a light kiss on her ear before he rested his head close behind hers. As Khushi felt his gentle, warm breaths lulling her to sleep, she smiled to herself as something dawned on her. True to their history it had been done in their own unique way, but it was still one more rasam (ritual) complete.

Song Title: Kaise Mujhe

Full Song Credits & Lyrics