The Diwali of Decisions... An ArHi Fiction

 AN: Hi everyone. I recently re-watched the etire first season of IPKKND (probably for the fourteenth time) and felt inspired to write again after almost 5 years. 

So this is set after the 'almost kiss' diwali episode. Khushi is back home, dazed and confused; Arnav has announced his engagement with Lavanya ; and Khushi is pressured into agreeing to get engaged with Shyam. This is where this Three shot takes off. Hope you like it.

AN2: This work of fiction is a work of my creative process, so please respect my copyright over this original content.

                                                The Diwali of Decisions

                                 

                                 Khushi's Conundrum

‘Who was this broken woman staring back at her?’ As if on instinct she turned back, hoping to find someone behind her. She was alone. She looked into the mirror again, and a pale face with hazel-brown eyes looked back at her. She had scrubbed her face clean of the little make-up she had applied for the Diwali party, but a thin line of slightly faded kohl still framed her eyes. People often said she had beautiful eyes, and even the extreme tiredness within and the slight shadows underneath couldn’t mar their sublime beauty. Only, the mirth was gone.

 

Payal shifted in her sleep and the rustle of her blanket pulled Khushi back to her reality. She moved to her side of the bed and checked to see if her sister was comfortably wrapped and warm. She was. The bed looked cozy and she was tired, but she decided against getting in. She knew sleep wouldn’t come easy tonight, a lot had happened and she needed to take stock of the day. She needed jalebis.

 

She dimmed the light of her room and moved to the kitchen. Some twenty minutes later she was sitting on the stairs in their backyard, a cup of scalding hot tea and a small platter of jalebis by her. The red saree she had worn to the party at Shantivan was loosely hanging from one of the ropes tied across the yard. She had looked pretty in it… no, she looked beautiful… his eyes had conveyed that to her.

 

He had been kind to her these past few days, charming even. He didn’t scream at her when she broke his favorite vase, instead, he took the blame and even assuaged her guilt by claiming it was just fine… nothing special. He had even paid the hospital bills for her Babuji's treatment, without her ever asking for any help. She also knew how difficult it was for him to be emotionally available, and yet he had been there, for her. The Lad governor was slowly turning into her Rajkumar, and that metamorphosis had terrified her… and maybe even excited her? The acceptance of this excitement had been nudging at her and she had closed her heart to it… well, she had honestly tried to, but some of it had seeped in.

 

She realized she had been fingering the payal on her right ankle all this while, and she was reminded of his hands there, his touch… so innocent and yet the most intimate one of her life. She had felt his fingers linger, a fraction of a second longer than absolutely necessary, and she shivered, again. She wanted to know why he had it? Why he had held on to it? But Arnav Singh Raizada didn’t answer questions, especially not those asked by a woman of her ‘aukaat’. She wondered if he had thought of her aukaat when he had looked into her eyes… when he had taken those first steps towards her? She shivered at the mere memory of the moment.

As the cool November air hit her, the shivers intensified. She pulled her dupatta tight around her form. Why didn’t she say anything? Why didn’t she ask him to stop? He would have, she knew that.  She had wanted to, she told herself... Only, when their eyes had met, she glimpsed something in his… No, it wasn’t love. She had seen desire…  Unmasked, unhinged and raw desire. It should have scared her, it should have snapped her out of that timeless bubble and back to three-dimensional reality, only… Only she knew his eyes were simply mirroring hers’. She was hesitant and terrified. She had gripped her saree in hopes of getting a grip on herself. But all she could hear was heartbeats… Hers? His? She couldn’t say. And the flutter at the very core of her being had consumed her. So, when his fingers caressed her face, she had leaned into his touch. And when she felt his breath on her lips, she had waited…

‘Waited for what Khushi? What were you waiting for?’ She hesitated. Accepting the truth, even to herself, would make her wantonness too real, and the Lucknow in Khushi wouldn’t allow that.  But she couldn’t hide anymore, not when in her heart she knew, that had she not clutched her saree and restrained herself, she would have reached for him… She had wanted his kiss.

The realization shook her. She stood up and started pacing along the corridor, the concern for the discomfort of her family members fast asleep in the adjoining rooms, suddenly forgotten. What was she doing? What did it all mean? He had said it didn’t mean anything… that she shouldn’t dream beyond her means. What had she expected him to say? Was it even possible to name their relationship? Could their momentary loss of judgement qualify as a relationship at all, even a nameless one? No, a relationship was what he now had with Lavanya ji, they were engaged to be married, as was she with Shyam ji. Both Lavanya ji and Shyam ji had only ever shown her kindness and this is how she was showing her gratitude? By betraying their trust! When did she become this despicable a human?  How could she let that fleeting moment of passion blind her to every other relationship in her life? This had to stop, right away.

Well, he was engaged to Lavanya ji and everyone in the family had happily accepted their relationship, so her work there was done. It was simple then, she would just never step a foot inside Shantivan, ever again. Problem solved, right? Only, their recent history would say otherwise… It didn’t matter how far or fast she runs in the opposite direction, she would eventually find herself in his arms.  She couldn’t risk it, not anymore, there was too much at stake. And then there was the question of Shyam ji. He was a decent man and deserved someone truthful and honest and loving, and regardless of how hard she tried, she couldn’t see herself ever feeling anything for him… ever loving him, like a wife should her husband.

The last few months had passed-by in a flash, from her Jiji’s broken heart to her father’s paralysis, so much had happened. When did she find the time to weave this web? How could she let everything get so messy? Will she ever be able to sort everything out?

Midnight blue had given way to a much lighter shade and even that was now rimmed by a slight orange, as the first rays of morning light were attempting to pierce through the veil of darkness. Her decision made, she headed back inside. Khushi knew what she had to do…

AN: Thanks for reading this. Please do let me know if you liked it. Part 2 of this three shot (TS) will be published in the next couple of days. 

Arhi FF, Chamkili. Part- 15A. 'Chamkili on Honeymoon'

AN: Okay guys, first of all a little confession, well, I kind of suck at writing intimate scenes, so please be a little kind. However, whatever I have written, I did enjoy writing though I do hope to het as good as some other writers on the forum, some day... Anyway do give it a read and let me know what you thought of it. This one is all Arhi :)

Chamkili on Honeymoon…

Part 15A.

Some Light was seeping inside the room through very narrow slits in the carefully drawn curtains. It was as if she had decided that it won’t adhere to the arrogant wishes of self-assuming humans who thought that could deny her entry at mere whim. Well, she did have to thank Curtains though, her partner in crime. She wondered why humans were so foolish; flaunting what was worthless and even ugly and hiding the eternally beautiful. They fought wars, massacred lives and spilled blood, gloriously unabashed and yet concealed the glory of love in the pits of darkness. No, she was having none of it. If they were arrogant fools then she was an adamant bitch. How dare they deny her the pleasure of watching love at its rawest, crudest… best? How could she ever miss this sight of her small feminine frame encased within his larger masculine one? This was what helped her endure the forever, she was cursed with. She saw his possessive hold around her pliant waist and the look of contentment on her face as she laid there with her face buried in his chest. Her pale skin, tinged with saffron wrapped around his slightly tanned and work roughened form. Light beamed happily and brightly… well a little too brightly perhaps…

Khushi opened her eyes as the bright rays pierced through her shut lashes and she felt the warmth. This warmth, had nothing to do with the sun; no it’s the warmth one feels when they are surrounded by love, and the man whose love was surrounding her, seemed hell bent on suffocating her as well, if his tight hold around her was anything to go by. She smiled indulgently at the blatant possessiveness of her husband and took in the musky scent that was him. His scent mixed with hers, a reminder too potent of their amour, their love and its expression. The saffron tinge increased just a little around her face and neck as she thought back to their expression of love, not too long ago. She smiled and shifted a little so that she could take a closer look at his face. His hold was unyielding, reluctant to let go even a little bit. The child-like innocence on his face seemed so deceptive, almost incongruent to the man who had not too long ago made her whimper and groan and moan and even scream. Her shaitaan Raj-kumar. She smiled at the thought and with as little movement as possible; she maneuvered her body such that with her chin lying on his chest, very near the cleft between his shoulder-blades, she got a very clear and uninterrupted view of his face; every feature, every mole, every pore and every freckle was there in clear sight of her vision.

She wondered how long it had been since she had been engrossed in studying his face. He frowned a little and she found herself wondering at what must be bothering him, for that bothered her as well. The reason turned out to be the same playful beam of light that had not too long ago beamed brightly at her. She wondered what she could do about it. No one and nothing had the right to bother her Laad Governor, well besides her of course. Wriggling out of his hold was impossible without waking him up, she tried shading his face by her hand but that shameless intruder found her way around the wife’s dainty hands, also the position was a little uncomfortable and tiring, and then it struck her…  

Arnav Singh Raizada was in for a pleasant surprise once he opened his eyes. His beautiful and absolutely naked wife was lying half atop him, her hair falling as a curtain, separating them from the rest of the world and into a cocoon that they… nah, that she had managed to create for them. And her eyes, those hazel flavored pools of chocolate were staring right into his own with such love that he couldn’t help but thank that deity he didn’t believe in for bringing this angle in his life. If left to his own devices, he would have done a brilliant job at pushing her away, not that he had let any stone un-turned anyway. If not for her Devi... nah, if not for Khushi’s own love, goodness and faith, he would have pushed away his only chance at happiness, without even realizing what he was losing. These thoughts of woulds and coulds made his chest constrict in pain. She must have seen the pain flit across his eyes, for the next moment he found her lips taking his in a deep, soulful kiss, coveying in her own unique way that they were meant to be… anyways and always. He smiled at the thought and that made Khushi break the kiss and look up at him, searchingly. He just shook his head and then once again took her lips in for another delicious kiss, taking charge this time.

Holding her by the nape of her neck and encircling her waist with his free hand, he pushed her on her back without breaking the kiss for even a second. Her fingers were lost in the lushness of his hair, pulling him closer still, as if the space to even breathe was needed less than his nearness. He broke the kiss and she moaned her displeasure. Trying to pull him back to her, she opened her eyes when she felt slight resistance on his part. What she saw, made her breath hitch, his eyes were fixed on her form and looking down at herself, she discovered that the thin barrier shielding her form from her husband’s hungry gaze had come undone long back. Suddenly feeling conscious of her scandalous posture, she slowly brought her hands to her chest, protecting her modesty the best she could by crossing her hands across her chest, she turned away from her husband… unwittingly offering him her gloriously naked back.    

This nymph of a woman never ceased to surprise him and he loved every moment it. Just a moment ago she was kissing him with such enthusiasm that only lovers can boast of and pulling him to her with such desperation that only lovers suffer from. And in mere seconds she had transformed herself into an elusive, coy virgin.  His Khushi was a magician. His hand moved her hair further to the side and then the tips of his fingers touched her at the base of her spine. His touch was welcomed by a hiss of unbearable pleasure. His fingers traced the expanse of her back, gently… very gently moving towards her shoulders, playing her body like a flute and her body responded to his touch, dancing to his tune… like always. 

His gentle touches were the toughest to endure. She squirmed in want and restlessness, the feeling of being there and yet not quite... Upon finally reaching her shoulder, Arnav paused to pepper random kisses around her nape and back. He lightly bit the juncture between her neck and shoulders and she hissed in pleasurable pain. Gently licking the spot, he soothed the pain while keeping the pleasure alive. What he was unaware of, however, was that at that moment it was pleasure that was unbearably torturous for his currently high-strung wife. And yet when he tried pulling her back to him, he felt slight resistance from her. Of course he knew that it was more out of a sense of societal propriety than any genuine unwillingness on her part. He bit her right ear-lobe and she hissed again clutching the bed-sheet more firmly, trying and failing miserably at reigning in her natural wantonness. Middle-class inhibitions invading the privacy of bed-rooms was not really an unheard of scenario. And yet, Arnav Singh Raizada had just as much respect for the norms of societal propriety as sun had for man made digital watches.

“Oh come-on Khushi, it’s not like I haven’t seen all this before. In fact sex is a part of our everyday routine now.” She heard his frustrated complaint but couldn’t see the teasing glint in his eyes and of course as Arnav had mentally  predicted, she turned to him in a flash. Her naked glory facing him, all thoughts of proper and improper lost.

“Kya! To yeh sab aapke liye sirf routine hai?” she asked hurt. “Waise it is all my fault. Despite knowing you so well I still fell in love with the Laad Governor, so how can I complain now. Of course having se… I mean loving me is just like watching that blasted business channel for you. Laad Governor kahin ke! Why Devi Maiya, why me. Did you not like all the jalebis I served you as prasad for the last nineteen years of my life, that now my husband thinks that se… I.. I mean love is just a part of his routine...” Khushi continued with her rambling and Arnav sat there both amused and painfully aroused. Khushi, angry and naked, all at the same time was too good an opportunity to let go of. And so without alerting her, he moved his face closer to her breast. She felt his hot breath around her nipples and they pebbled almost instantaneously, her inhibitions back. But Arnav wasn’t going to give her another chance to back off and so firmly grasping her hands with his, he pushed those back into the sheet and then looking into her eyes said,

“loving you is as much a part of my routine as breathing is.” And without waiting for another moment, he had taken a round, alluring, juicy, nipple into the hot cavern of his mouth…He would never get enough of it and he was pretty sure that she had no complaints. 

AN: Hey Guys! I hope you liked the update and if you did, please do make it a point to go back on the IF thread and press the like tab under the update, it would really mean a lot to me. Secondly, there are two more pure Arhi honeymoon updates left, so keep watching this space for that. And finally, there is a poll on the top right hand corner of this, please participate there for which ever story wins the poll  shall be updated next and too within 5 days. :) Do drop in your comments on the update, I always wait for it. Oh, and in the fist section of the update, I have used the literary technique of personification and it is the voice of Light that you hear in the first section. :)

Lots of love,

Srija :)

Very Important Notice!

Hey Guys!
Okay, so I personally hate it when some very awesome story writers wake up one morning and decide to make their blogs private or semi-private, as in open to some select people only and half the time I have no idea about how to approach these very talened and equally elusive authors and I have to give-up very unwillingly on some of these fantastic stories. Now, I know that I already put my readers through a lot of trouble with my very late updates and then recently by moving from India Forums to this blog exclusively. And so, I wanted to give all my lovely readers a prior notice that there is a very high cahnce that I might be turning my blog into a semi-private thing as well. So, if you want to continue reading my stories please send me your email ids and I'll invite you to the blog once I make it private. You can mail me your ids or PM it to me on IF or just post it under this notice.

Okay, now I do owe you guys an explaination about these changes. The thing is that recently I got to know that one of my stories, 'Shahib, Biwi aur Dusri Aurat' has been published in a bengali newsletter called 'Ebela'. Now, though it has been published under my name, yet, the happening has opened my eyes to the risks of plagerism and these things are just some precautionary and protective measures that I should have taken a long time ago.

Now, a little request (especially to my Bengali readers, I am assuming there are a few.), if you do happen to find the copy of Ebela with my story under my name on it, please let me know. Also, apparently the names of the characters have been changed, so just keep this little thing in mind. Guys, this is a big deal for me and I am desperately trying to find the newsletter but have not been successful yet. So, need some help here. Please help me out.

Loads of love,
Srija Singh.

PS: Just keep a look-out for my other stories as well, if you happen to come across these anywhere but on IF or my blog, just inform me, that would be a great help.

Arhi FF: Chamkili. Part 13- 'A Plan and Another Plan'

                                Chamkili

                                                Part-13       

  A Plan and Another Plan...

Sheetal looked around her new apartment. It was an apartment with two bedrooms, a drawing room and a spacious kitchen. The apartment was more than just decent, lying some where between decently spacious and well furnished to luxurious but subtly so, not the blatant grandness of Shantivann. She liked it in fact. The only problem was it lacked something or rather someone crucial. There would be time to dwell over her miseries soon, but at the moment she needed to be focused on the little boy who was slumped on the couch, uninterested in his surroundings… lost in fact. That’s not how an eight year old responds to a new house.

Sheetal had struggled her way through motherhood. There was no lover to hold her hand in the delivery room as she screamed and cried. There were no mothers or mother-in-laws to guide her through it… to tell her that she needs to support her baby’s head while holding him. There were no sisters and sister-in-laws to tell her that when an infant cried it didn’t always mean he was hungry… no one to whisper soothing words in her ears when her baby got his first anti-viral shot… or to accompany her to his school for his first PTA meeting. No, she had to learn everything on her own. She was just thankful that Aarav was not a very difficult child. Even as an infant, he would only cry and seek her attention when in utter discomfort. And as he grew, he learnt to live by himself as well. He wouldn’t fight with the other kids in the park and then run over to her for protection. He wouldn’t cry in front of her when other kids would hit him or whine to make her read him a bed-time-story. He wouldn’t ask his mother to take an off on his birthday and bake him a chocolate cake or to take him to Disney-land. No, he understood her situation, their situation and adapted to it. He had grown to be as independent a kid as he could be. And sometimes, like right now, Sheetal would look at her son, lost in his own world and wonder that if she disappeared right this moment would he even notice that she was gone? She still couldn’t find an answer and that unsettled her. Finally unable to take it anymore she headed to her room, a little physical distance was easier to handle than immeasurable emotional distance.
_____________________________________

“Whatever you say Khushi, I am fine with any destination you choose.” Arnav said as he opened a cabinet drawer in his office, searching for a file while speaking to his wife over the phone.

“Arnavji, please help me here, I don’t know anything about these things and on their online tourism pages every single destination promised to be heaven on earth.” Khushi said, A little irritation evident in her voice as her husband’s nonchalance had irked her a bit.

“Khushi, seriously just pick any place you like and I’ll arrange everything. Believe me it’s all the same, crowded beaches or swarming mountains; packed churches or crammed museums. Just pick any place and make it fast, I’ll have to give Aman instructions for arrangements.” He said, finally finding the file and then coming back to his desk.

“Arnavji, why are you being like this? I am taking so much pains for our holiday, scrolling through the internet pages and looking for authentic sources and asking people’s opinion and… Well, you know what, let’s just forget about. And anyway I have just started with my job and you are clearly too busy…” She couldn’t continue further as she felt a lump growing in her throat and she was pretty sure that those treacherous tears would soon betray her. She was about to disconnect the call when she heard his pleading voice.

“Khushi, Khushi listen to me, I didn’t mean it that way. The thing is just that these holiday destinations have always seemed quite tedious to me and believe me I really don’t have any specific preferences as such…” But he was cut short as his wife regaining her composure a little bit had cut in.

“It’s really okay Arnavji. I know you are a very busy man and I wouldn’t want to be a distraction of any sort. And I understand that what you said last night was probably just pillow talk and I took it too seriously (and made a fool of myself, she though to herself.). Don’t worry I won’t hold your words against you. It’s really fine.” Though hurt, she wanted to make the situation light.

“Khushi, you are getting me all wrong. Of course I want us to spend some time together alone and afar from the official or domestic environment. It’s just that all I really need is…” he paused for a bit and then his eyes held a teasing glint and the next he spoke his voice was husky and his tone teasing.

“… a comfortable room, a sturdy bed and YOU, sweetheart. These are the prerequisites, all else is manageable. Oh, and ground rules we won’t be spending much of our time outside the room so it really doesn’t matter where we go.” Arnav knew his magic was working as he could hear her heartbeats constantly accelerating, in complete sync with his… Hamesha.

“Arnavji… aap… hum… wo hum… wo.” Her cheeks were stained as was her nose, and if they didn’t give her away, the glazed look in her eyes would surely do the trick.

“Any questions Khushi?” He asked, his voice still husky and his tone dripping with mirth. “Well, let me elaborate, an AC because well, I am used to it. The bed has to be sturdy, because when we were barely warming up and testing the fields, we broke a bed, so now that things are really in action and the cricket match is on, we should be more careful. And finally, my dear wife, I need you… to ravish again and again and again, testing the sturdiness of the bed and challenging it. What do you say to that?” he smirked imagining the three Os on the face of his blushing bride.

“Arnavji please stop. We can’t talk about all this over the phone.” He heard her breathless plea.

“Baby, I haven’t even started yet. And believe me we can do a lot more over the phone.” He paused but as he had expected, he didn’t hear anything but her errant breathing. And the next moment she had disconnected the call. Arnav had a cocky smile on his face, proud of the fact that he could fluster her, arouse her so much even on the phone. Arnav made a mental note to call her more often; he enjoyed a flustered Khushi way too much to resist. He wondered what her response would be to dirty talking. He couldn’t wait to give her lessons on that.
_________________________________________

It had been more than a minute that Lavanya had entered Khushi’s cabin and she was still to notice that 5”6 figure standing right in front of her desk. The blush stained cheeks and glazed eyes told Lavanya more than she wanted to know and couldn’t help but smile a little at her Chamkili’s condition.

Well, Khushi had been working at Kala for over a week now, and though the initial response of everyone was very friendly, but since her husband had pulled that stunt in her office, things had gone pretty much down-hill from there. Lavanya was more than glad that she was there for Chamkili for except her everyone in the office was barely formal with her. Every single person openly distrusted her and was secretly jealous of her. Her team-mates were in fact worse than others, most of them barely speaking to her, and some even hostile to her. Khushi hadn’t said anything to anyone but Lavanya had taken things in her hand and given everyone except Celina James and Samay an earful. The external hostility had ceased then, but of course the impact was limited to external hostility only and that was an open secret. Celina and James though conscious of her were at least cordial and Samay, being the absolute delight that he was, was the only one who was genuinely friendly with her, helping her through all the obstacles of this professional world, when she wasn’t there. Despite all, she was happy for her friend because naivety, charming as it may seem, wasn’t really a thing to cherish for life. And the inhospitable circumstances at the office were in fact just what Khushi needed, to get a taste of the real world. She needed to know it for she would have to face it, if not today then tomorrow, so why delay the inevitable. And here at least Lavanya was there to guide her through all this. Their friendship had shone brighter than ever in these last few days. A girl-friend was definitely a must for every girl.

Deciding that she had waaited long enough and that it was time to snap Khushi out of it, she cleared her throat a little loudly and her Chamkili was back with her.

“Umm, Lavanyaji when did you come? I…I was just thinking about something… I mean some new designs. How about we design something in a combination of red and pink?” Khushi blurted out the first thing that came to her mind.

“That’s a great idea Khushi…” Lavanya paused for a bit and saw Khushi in the process of exhaling a breath of relief and so quipped suddenly,

“Only, we already have two designs in the red and pink combination and to top it all it was already your idea.” Lavaya had a knowing smile on her face.

“Wo, Lavanya ji I… I was just thinking about… I wo…” Khushi was struggling to frame a coherent sentence and so Lavanya finally came to her rescue.

“Khushi, believe me I really don’t want to know what you a thinking about. Of course I do have a fair enough idea of what it might be, but I’d rather not scandalize my innocent mind with details, especially during the office hours.” Lavanya finished with a sly smile on her face and Khushi all but burned with embarrassment. Now, Lavaya would have loved to take thid=s forward but right now she was way too busy to continue. She hadn’t even had a mani-pedi this entire week so…

“Okay okay, now stop blushing, I have to tell you something important. Actually, the client meeting with that Spanish firm that was to happen today, it has been postponed to Monday and Mr. Kapoor said that the client has demanded that the entire designing team be present in the meeting. So, yeah that’s it. Okay then I’ll see your in the team meeting later. Bye” And saying that she turned and left.

Had she stayed even a second longer, she would have seen the blush disappear from Khushi’s face as it paled in shock. For, just about a minute ago Arnavji had called her to inform that their tickets to Paris were done and they would be leaving the next day for their week long holiday. Now, with the meeting on Monday, Khushi didn’t know what to do and worst of all she felt terrified imagining the ways Arnav might react to this new piece of information.
___________________________________________

Arnav felt like he was at the top of the world. Just the thought of spending an entire week with his wife in a far away country had him giddy with excitement. Not too long ago he had informed Khushi about their final bookings and had also like a thorough gentleman made her aware of all the plans that he had for their honeymoon and of course every single one involved her and a sturdy bed. Well, sturdy tables, chairs, shower stalls, walls and doors would also do, after all these were variables, she was the only constant in his life as well as his fantasies.

Someone knocked at the cabin door and he all but grumbled a very reluctant come-in. Sheetal walked in with a small smile on her face and after they had exchanged pleasantries, Sheetal then gave him some papers for his signatures. He was flipping through these papers, conscious to go through every single one of them, while having a light conversation with Sheetal about her new flat and Aarav. The last sheet remained now and Arnav frowned slightly as he wasn’t aware of what the paper said.

“Sheetal, what is this.”

“Oh sorry, I had thought that I would talk to you about it befor giving out the papers but I guess it just slipped my ming. Actually Arnav, I remember you saying that you wanted AR to focus extensively on its developing over-seas market and so when a friend of mine told me about this, I thought I might as well just ask you.”

Arnav was busy going through the paper. It was fairly simple Arnav decided as he picked up the pen. Well, of course he’d have to run a background check on this company before taking any final decisions and since the papers only required him to give his official permission for a formal presentation. He would go through the designs later, he decided. Well, he was absolutely sure of Sheetals capability as far as designing was concerned.

Sheetal collected the papers and then walked out of the room, now an evil smile on her face.

To be continued...
Love,
Srija :)

Arhi ff: Chamkili. Ch-12, 'Things Come Around'

                                       Chamkili
                                                                                           Ch- 12
              
                                                   Things come around...

"Anjali? Is that you?" the voice called her once again and she had no other option but to turn around.

"Hello Mayank...I I meant Professor Sharma... Umm H..hello." she hated herself for being that stammering mumbling fool after all these years... she was shocked to see the kind of effect that he could still have on her.

"I never thought I'd see you here after all these years. I must say it's a very pleasant surprise." She blushed a bit at that and then hated herself some more. She hated him too, for being the calm composed collected man that he always was. Why could he still affect her when she...

"Why don't you come inside, we could chat for a while, if you are not busy that is." Prof. Sharma asked.

"I... Umm... I actually I have to see someone in the office. Yes, I have some work with the college administration, that is why I had to come here." The temptation to spend a few more moments with him was strong, but stronger was the urge to escape.

"Oh, okay! So you must not be delayed on my account. But Anjali, why did to come over to the left wing, the administrative office is in the right wing?" he asked out of genuine curiosity and maybe a little bit of hope...

"Wo actually, someone from the office sent me here to find one of the staff members, so I had to come."

"Oh! Well, I saw you in front of my office, so I thought maybe... Anyways, who are you looking for?" as if on reflex, her face turned towards the door on her left and there it was, a shiny black board with golden engravings that said, Dr. Mayank Sharma. Her cheeks stained red with humiliation and she was glad that she wasn't facing him at the moment. She took a second to compose herself and then faced him.

"Umm! I... I... Wo I was looking for someone from the administration but he is not here, apparently he has left already." She felt her breath catching a bit. Why was lying to him so difficult for her, wasn't she supposed to be the mistress of deception?

"Well, okay then, you must not delay yourself on my account. Bye Anjali." He smiled at her and she all but grimaced in an attempt to return his smile.

As she moved towards the administrative block she willed herself to not turn back and she would have been successful, had she not heard the sound of the door opening. She turned back. What did she expect, that he would be standing there, looking at her retreating back or maybe following her... But no, all she saw was his retreating back as he entered his office. She didn't know what to think as she limped towards the exit, tears that she had managed to keep in check until then had free reign now. What had gotten into her, why had she come here? What pleasure did one find in ripping the old wounds open?

He tried to resist for a while but then gave up, just one glimpse, one last glimpse. He turned towards her and saw her limp on her way. He wished that she'd have accepted his invitation... that he had had the courage to call her back... that he could rush to her side and walk beside her... match his step to hers... that he could claim what he had always wanted, desired... needed... that he could claim what was his and be claimed as hers. But you don't always get what you want or even need, so many wouldn't really die of starvation otherwise. Well, life indeed was a bitch! And with a final sigh of resignation he closed the door of his cabin as her limping form faded from his sight.

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Her eyes seemed a bit puffy, was it from her incessant crying last night or the longish sleep, she wasn't sure. She spared another glance at the wall clock which showed that it was way past the puja time or even the breakfast time for that matter. She didn't feel like hurrying today, after all even Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada deserved a half-day once in a while, didn't she? She didn't want to think about last night, she held her pride very dear to her and the moment it was shredded into pieces wasn't a very appealing memory for her. But very soon she realized the irony of it, for in not wanting to think about last night, she was forced to do just that. She stretched for the millionth time and cajoled her body to comply with her mind and leave the bed, but the tiredness still weighed her down and giving up she slumped on the pillow once again, promising herself that she would lie down for just ten more minutes. 

Today it felt different; the tiredness, the weighing down, it was all different today and good different. It was the kind of tiredness one feels after getting rid of a heavy weight that they have been carrying for quite some time... the kind of tiredness that comes after resting for a while, resting after giving up your arms. She felt like... like one feels after displaying all their cards on the table. But the slight agitation or nervousness or vulnerability that one feels in such a position was missing, for there was one factor that was always constant, the fact that her husband, a blind fool that he was, loved his wife more than anything in this world and even if on nothing else, Khushi could bet her life on that one truth.  That was her last thought before succumbing to sleep once again, a smile on her face. She was glad it was Sunday. 

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Devyani Raizada was sitting in the living room, her favorite Lakshmi was in her arms and though her hands smoothed her fur, it was more out of habit than love at the moment for her thoughts were far far away. Things seemed unnaturally calm around Shantivann and she felt slight shivers thinking about what might follow. Their home seemed to have lost its soul. The ever happy Khushi bitiya seemed to have lost her zeal for life and the warmth that always exuded from Payal had been missing lately. And to add to her miseries, last night when she was returning to her room she had heard some muffled sobs coming from Anjali's room. She had wanted to rush to her, to envelope her in her arms and tell her that everything was going to be alright. But she doubted how persuasive she would have been when she didn't believe it herself.  And so crushing her protective impulse she had come back to her room, a helpless, defeated mother.  Now days she often found herself wondering, if she would be able to face her daughter when that inevitable time came.  She wasn't really sure anymore.

With a resigned sigh she moved towards the table. Khushi bitiya hadn't come out her room today and though Devyani preferred to maintain her distance giving the kids their space, she was beginning to get quite worried now. But just as she was about to send someone to check on her, she saw her darling Bahu descend the staircase and come to stand next to her.

"Maaf kijeaga Naniji, I know I am very late today." Khushi said; her head bowed down, she wondered why she felt so much guilt for waking up late once in so many months? Would Aakash Jiju or Arnavji feel the same, she wondered, or was it an unstated rule for just the female kind? 

"Aree Bitiya, koi baat nahi, I was just worried about your health. Are you okay?" Nani asked while caressing her hair. Khushi smiled at her and thanked her guardian goddess for giving her the best sasural ever.

"Accha Naniji, I'll just go and check if the lunch is ready." Khushi had just turned when she saw Payal bringing out the various dishes with HP in tow.

"Aree Jiji, I am so sorry, you had to do everything by yourself today. I am so lazy and stupid. Sorry Jiji." She said, now following her Jiji to the table and then helping her in setting it up.

"Koi baat nahi Khushi, you anyways have a tendency to overwork yourself, it's good to relax a bit every now and then." said the wise elder sister and younger daughter-in-law, who herself didn't have a single memory of waking up late, ever in her entire life.

Khushi made sure that lunch had been sent to the office for Arnav and Aakash and Sheetal; she enquired about NK and was told that he had gone to meet some of his friends and would be dining out today; and that Aarav had basket-ball practice after his classes today and so would be late. And so, finally the women of the Raizada house-hold settled down themselves.

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As the clock struck eight, the door bell rang and Khushi was reduced to a nervous mess in a jiffy.  She hadn't had talked to Arnav after last night and now she wasn't sure about how she was going to face him. In retrospect, being caught with the DNA test reports and then bursting at him about his past relationships, didn't sound like the things done by a mature wife.

Arnav came inside and moved straight to his room, his eyes searching for his wife, who was at the moment hiding behind the main door. He had expected to find her in the bed-room and was quite confused when he didn't see her there.  Arnav went down to the living room after changing into his casuals and saw Khushi helping Payal in setting up the table. He walked towards her, but the moment she caught his eyes, he saw her shuffle back to the kitchen, all the while avoiding his gaze. He frowned a bit at her weird reaction, wondering shouldn't he be the one avoiding her after last night. Anyways, she'd have to come to him during bed-time and he'd take care of things then.

Everyone had settled around the table and Khushi and Payal were busy serving the family members.

"Di, have this khatti dal, I am sure you'll like it, its Jiji's specialty." Khushi smiled at Anjali. She was worried for her, Anjali seemed lost these day, only surfacing when in company of others. Otherwise, she just seemed to be lost in another universe. Just a few days ago, she had seen Anjali trying, trying to be her normal self, and not just for others. But now as she looked in her far off eyes, she seemed to be slipping away...

When everyone had started eating Khushi looked around and frowned at not finding either Aarav or Sheetal.

"Aren't Sheetalji and Aarav coming for dinner today?" she asked to no one in particular.

"They must be busy packing. They are leaving tomorrow." Came her husband's curt reply.

"Leaving?" many voices questioned all at once, all eyes fixed on the man sitting to the right of the Raizada matriarch.

"Well yes, she came as a guest so why are all of you so surprised to hear that she is leaving." His eyes fixed on Khushi as he said this.

"No chote, it's nothing like that. We were just a bit surprised at Sheetalji's sudden decision to leave." Anjali explained. She had become so used to having Aarav around that for a moment it really hurt to think that things would be changing very soon. She hoped her brothers were planning a family soonish... she wished she had a family of her own...

"She found a place, the agent called her today. And she doesn't want to take any risks by delaying it, so they are shifting tomorrow." Arnav explained his voice free of any emotions.

Everyone then once again settled for their dinner... all but one...

------------------------

Khushi had been pacing the room for quite some time now, guilt eating at her conscience. Of course she was the reason. She drove them out. Arnavji would do anything for her that much she knew, but that he would be willing to throw a helpless mother and her son out of the house the very next day hadn't occurred to her.  How would Devi Maiya ever forgive her? She'll have to talk to Arnavji, she decided.

Arnav entered the room to find his enchanting and ever elusive wife chewing at her lower lip, thinking something and murmuring every now and then. She looked as irresistible as ever, but Arnav knew better, he was prepared to keep his urges under check, for a little while at least. They needed to talk.

"Khushi?" she didn't respond, still lost in her guilt trip.

"Khushi?" He went to her and shook her, rudely bringing her out of her reverie.

"Arnavji, why did you do this? I didn't mean this when I said that last night. I was just a little angry and so I shouted at you but I never wanted you to throw them out of the house. Please Arnavji, what will they do? Where will they go? I... I" and she couldn't speak further as her eyes teared up. Trust Khushi to go all mellow-dramatic over the silliest of things. But then this was the same woman who had given Shyam a second chance for Di and given him, her biggest tormenter, place in her heart.

"Khushi." He paused and gathered her in his arms. "No one is going to rot on the streets. As I told you downstairs, Sheetal's agent found a house for them and so she is shifting. It has nothing to do with me or you. And do you think I am cruel enough to throw a woman out on the streets on some weird impulse." At that she raised her eyebrow at him and he understood. "Aacha aacha I know I can do that, in fact I have done that... but those special treatments have always been reserved for you sweetheart." He chuckled lightly as her mouth made a big O. He had been longing to kiss her for a while now and he decided to do just that.

"I cannot get enough of you and if we don't have some alone time soon, and I mean day and night alone time, not these bits and pieces, I am pretty sure I am going to lose my mind baby." Arnav said in a breathless husky voice, as he languidly caressed her left nipple. Their entangled bodies were still a little moist from their passionate love making and their breath was still a bit shaky. It hadn't been even five minutes yet, and her beast of a husband was already clamoring for "alone time" again, Khushi mused and blushed pink at the thought of their 'alone time' activities.

"Khushi, I was thinking it's time we went on our honey-moon, it's a long overdue, don't you think?" Khushi blushed at that. These few hours at night brought her to near exhaustion and even then she was sure, that her husband let her sleep for those few hours out of mercy only. If he were to have things his way, she was pretty sure, she'd die of the pleasure he brought her again and again and again... Her Arnavji was insatiable and the thought of spending days and nights alone with him, at some place where no one knew them, brought her to a state of nervous anticipation, his fingers massaging her breasts and pinching her nipples didn't help either... what would he do to her then? It was beyond her thought.

Arnav saw his wife blushing profusely at the mere mention of the word honeymoon, and this same woman was not five minutes ago, writhing underneath him in pure pleasure, complete abandon, chanting his name again and again even in her state of near breathlessness...  The memory aroused him once again. But he wasn't sure if Khushi would be ready again, so soon. Should I give her a little more time to recover?' Arnav mused. But all his doubts were cleared the moment her felt her nipples pebbling under his fingers. With an evil grin he moved atop her body.

"A honeymoon is coming your way sweetheart, so be ready and I don't plan on leaving you this easy then..." Arnav drawled as his lips trailed along her collar-bone. "How about I give you a trailer... tonight?" And with that his teeth sank in the upper curve of her right breast as his hand squeezed the left one. She gasped and held on to his arms with all her life... ready for the ride she knew he would take her on.

AN: First of all thanks a lot to all my readers for bringing Chamkili this far, believe I would have stopped writing long back if it wasn't for such wonderful and adamantly nagging readers. So thanks a lot for helping this story reach a hundred pages... Hoping it reaches another thread pretty soon too

I am not very happy with the way this chapter shaped up, I've been writing this during my free office hours but I do hope to see your comments and likes for this update, for that is what keeps me going.

Love,

Srija

Arhi FF, 'Chamkili' ch-7 The Mess We Make

Ok guys now before I go ahead with the update, let me warn you that this has not been proof-read, hence if u spot any grammatical error or any spelling mistake kindly let me know. And there r some important notes at the end of the update, please read those. 

Now this update is dedicated to mem1 and Nidsubh007 and Lara for being the sweethearts that they are J

                                         Chamkili

                                  Part-7

                         The Mess We Make

Arnav Singh Raizada was smiling. And no there was no Barney Stinson on the screen going off about the 'bro code' and neither was his crazy wife's besan covered face the reason this time. In fact he was all alone, sitting behind the steering wheel, driving his SUV and just... just like that... smiling. Shocking as it may sound... or maybe even goofy, but an adorably smug smile played on his lips.

'So Mrs. Raizada liked playing games, didn't she? Oh, how he would love to beat her at her own game. What did she say, hmm, the celebration should not be in their bedroom and should involve actual food... and so it shall.' Arnav smirked as his hands toyed with the bottle of chocolate syrup, his mind simultaneously toying with the images of when he would soon put it to good use. He was proud of his plan well you do not become Arnav Singh Raizada, if you lack the talent and courage of taking advantage of others mistakes, and with regards to his temptress of a wife, dammit he had all the haq.

As the traffic-light signalled a stop and he did, he looked outside and directly at a small food place. Well a petulant Khushi was the last thing he wanted tonight, especially considering his plans, and a hungry Khushi was a grumpy kid version and that wouldn't do. He wanted her in all her womanly glory tonight. And so making one of his more rare choices, that of listening to his good sense, he parked the car and got some food packed for his lovely wife, all her favorites. And to top it all, he bought some jalebi from a nearby sweet-shop. 'She'll be happy' and then of course it's only fair that she return my favor...' and with this pleasurable thought he finally parked his car outside KaLa at exactly 8 p.m. He called Khushi but she didn't pick up, he tried again and well, the same response and so he decided to just go inside and check for himself whatever the matter was. He spotted Lavanya near the entrance itself, she was with some of her employs.

"Hey! Lavanya Have you seen'"but Lavanya cut him off,

"Hey! ASR, what are you doing here. Guys I am sure you know Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada." she introduced him to her employs who all greeted him earning a tight lipped, smile?... or something of the sort in return

"Lavanya, I was asking about K..." but he was once again cut-off midway

"Ok people so I guess that's all for now, I'll see you guys tomorrow." she smiled at her employs dismissing them and she looked at her former boss, well he was livid almost and things didn't look too bright for her.

"ASR, wo actually..." and even before she could finish he was already moving towards the inner cabins but she had to stop him and so she pulled his arms,

"ASR please, could you come outside I need to talk to you. There is no point creating a scene here." he glared at her but then agreed and moved towards the parking instead.

"ASR I am sorry but I had to stop you there. I think Chamkili probably forgot to mention it to you or maybe she would have told you tonight. But she doesn't want anyone over here to know that you are her husband." she looked at him a little timidly, unsure of his reaction.

"Excuse me?" Arnav still wasn't sure if he heard it correctly. 'Khushi didn't want people to find out about their relationship? Was she out of her mind?' Arnav was already at the edge now and one small push was all he needed to raise all the fury of hell.

"And yes, I guess she forgot to inform you, but she left a little early today. I think she must have reached home by now." and that just did it. Arnav was livid now, ready to burst. And hence he hurriedly made his way towards car, knowing if he waited even a second more he would burst at anyone and everyone around but no he wanted to save his fury for its rightful deserver. And one look at him and she knew that calling him back right now would be inviting death and she didn't want to die so young and that too a spinster. So she just made her way back to the office, silently praying to Khushi's Devi Maiya to protect her devotee, for she needed it badly.

Soon he embarked upon another of his rash drives that fanned his fury all the more. His eyes fell on that innocent bottle of chocolate syrup and the next moment it was thrown out of the speeding SUV. And such was the force of his throw that no one would ever be able to find even a single shred of that glass piece.

"KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA, HOW BLOODY DARE YOU!" he hissed in a low tone as he finally stopped the car in front of shantivan.

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Sheetal was standing in front of a mirror. Critically examining her image from all the various angles and' well, she couldn't see any major flaws there. In fact she was considered beautiful by people of both the sexes and she knew that she actually was. She then slumped on her bed as she wondered, 'But then why didn't he love me?' The thought had been gnawing at her for the past many days, well actually since the time she had had that chance encounter with him and his wife in the market place.

She still vividly remembered the day she had asked him out, oh yes, she was the one who had taken the lead in their relationship. After crushing on him for a long time and then being his friend for a while, she had finally mustered enough courage to set the wheels in motion and see where it goes. She proposed him. He had recently broken off with Cindy and that was their final year at Harvard and hence she just took the leap of faith, but then was pleasantly surprised when he had agreed to give it a go. Though he had made it very clear that he did not believe in marriage or even love for that matter and hence wouldn't commit to anything life-long or even long-term, but she had gone ahead with it anyway. Of course she had, for she didn't want to regret not taking this chance. And secretly in her heart of hearts she had harbored a little hope that maybe one fine day he'll just wake up and realize that he was in love and that day she wanted to be beside him... with him.  'How very stupid of me to expect love from someone who had no love... who had no heart!' she sighed. It would have been so much easier, had it actually been the case... had he actually been heartless. But she knew better, 'he did have a heart a beautiful heart... a heart full of endless love... it's just that his heart had always belonged to someone else.' She felt a lump growing in her throat. She glanced at Aarav sitting at the table, working meticulously on his homework. Aarav was enough for her, he had always been all she had ever wanted and all she would ever want. 'But then why this abyss of emptiness in me grows a little every day?' She decided to take a walk to distract herself from those turbulent thoughts. But as she entered the living-room she could hear some mumbling and though it was quite incoherent, still one could easily make out that the speaker was royally pissed. And as she looked at the love of his life, his wife, she once again wondered, 'where did I go wrong?'

Khushi was making jalebis and munching on the ready ones while talking to some invisible or maybe even non-existent entity. 'What does she have that I don't? What does he see in her? Yes she was beautiful and young and fresh but so am I... or at least was... six years ago, but that hadn't been enough for him then... had it?' her gaze zeroed on Khushi, the lady of the house... but soon she faded and some forgone but yet unforgotten images floated in front of her... it was as if the past had come alive.

"Happy birthday Sheetal!" Shaina, her room-mate wished her as soon as she woke-up, but then too lazy to get off the bed she had just stretched her arms calling Sheetal to her and she did go. They hugged and Shaina once again gave Sheetal her best wishes for the day.

A little while later, as she was standing in front of the mirror, giving some last touches to her make-up when she heard Shaina whistle as she stepped back in the room,

"Woho! Aren't you looking pretty today! All ready to blow Mr. Dreamy Eyes' super shatir dimag off, hmm?" Sheetal didn't say anything but she felt happy being appreciated for her looks. In fact she always made an extra effort to look good whenever she was with him. She finished giving a final coat to her gloss and then moved to where her hand-bags were piled on a shelf.

"Well, I am sure he must have planned something awesome for his girl-friend. And why not, he got perfect score for planning that super tough and entirely useless annual economic structure thing or whatever. Planning a birthday shouldn't be much for him, right?" she said rolling her eyes, one thing that she didn't like about her friend's boyfriend was the air of superiority that he seemed to have at all times. 'What a douche!' she cursed under her breath.

"Okay, now if you are done cursing my boy friend can we leave for college, he'll be picking me up from there." Sheetal all but dragged her friend as she juggled with her scarf and keys and hand-bag.

Sheetal had decided to skip the lecture, for it was Mr. Thomas's lecture and once in, it was impossible to leave until it was over and well making Arnav wait wasn't an option either. It was a choice between the Devil and the deep blue sea, and so to remain safe she decided to just hang around in the canteen. Though she wondered why was she actually waiting for him, not even once had he mentioned anything about her birthday plans since she had told him about it. 'Would he even remember and even if he did would he bother?' she didn't know.

Half the day was over and he hadn't even called her yet, she had started to sulk a little now.

"Sheetal I am sure, he must have gotten struck in the traffic, its really bad on Fridays." Shaina tried cheering her friend a little, "Why don't you call him?" and in a flash Sheetal was dialing Arnav's number, she thanked her stars when he picked up on the second ring itself.

"Yes Sheetal, anything important? I was busy." his voice cold, his tone clipped.

"Wo Arnav... actually... actually about the plan... I am waiting in the college." her heart sank a little.

"What plan? Sheetal what kind of childish behavior is this? You know we have our final project submissions next week and I am busy with it. What the hell has gotten into you?" he seemed really irked now, and she was on the verge of tears, so she moved to a secluded corner.

"Arnav... wo actually it's my birthday today and..." she hadn't even finished it when she heard his irritated voice,

"So?" both were silent for a while, which he broke finally.

"Look Sheetal if there is nothing else then I need to get back to my work, I'll see you later." and before she could reply the line went dead.

Sheetal wiped her slightly moist eyes and made her way towards Shaina.

"He wouldn't be able to make it, his Di is visiting and she is not well. But he said he was very sorry and that he'll make up for it soon. He is such a sweet-heart Shaina." Sheetal lied smoothly, she was getting better at it since her relationship with Arnav. Only the thing was, Shaina, her room-mate and also her childhood friend knew her a little too well. 'Ya right! Mr. Arrogant Singh Raizada was sorry!' But then Shaina would never say anything about it.

"Okay then birthday girl, what about my treat haan!"

She came out of her trance as she heard a loud bang from the kitchen, and then she saw Khushi picking up a ladle. Sheetal suddenly realized that she had walked upto the kitchen door in her trance.

"What do I do now? Now I can't lie to him and telling him the truth would be like awaking the Rakshasha in him." Khushi rambled, unaware of the audience she had now, who was trying hard to make sense of her ramblings but failing miserably. Her eyes widened as she checked the wall clock,

"Hey Devi Maiya! How could I forget? Why are you bent on testing me everyday, can't you just let me be for one day... just one day is it too much to ask. He said he would come to pick me up at 8 and he seemed so happy about the entire celebration thing, how could I forget about it." Khushi berated herself.

'Oh so that's the reason why Arnav postponed the meeting with the Russian delegates. So now apparently he could leave a multi-million dollar project hanging to just pick his wife up... while then even on my birthday..." she felt chocked again. But apart from tears something else also raised its head inside her... the attractive monster with those enchanting and all engulfing green-eyes.

Khushi made her way to her room, still lost in herself oblivious to Sheetal's presence, muttering something like,

"Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, he'll kill you. He won't even bother to roast you, he'll just eat you raw... hell he won't even bother to kill you, he'll just eat you alive. Hey Devi Maiya Raksha karna."

A minute later Sheetal heard Arnav's SUV stop and then saw a fuming Arnav enter and head straight to his room. A dark, sly smile made its way on her face.

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Khushi was searching for a nice hiding place. She had a brilliant plan, she would hide until Arnav was asleep and the next morning she would make him some pan-cakes and maybe even wear that saree he had gotten for her, that would surely do the trick. So she hid inside the cupboard, the plate of jalebis still in her hand. 'Who said Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada didn't have brains?' She was happy with her plan, but there was one slight detail that Mrs. Shatir Dimag had missed, that... her Laad Governor could hear her heartbeats.

He entered the room enraged. She was no where to be seen... but he knew better. He walked upto the pool area, but she wasn't even there, he closed his eyes trying to contain his frustration... he needed to find her first. And then almost magically, as if guided by his own heartbeats he stood right in front of their cupboard. He opened the door with a jerk and hissed

"HOW DARE YOU KHUSHI! How dare you not tell me? How dare you... I went to your office and..."

'Hey Devi Maiya! HE KNOWS!' she was almost trembling with fear now, she needed to do some emergency control NOW. And so without even letting him finish, she said,

"Arnavji-I-had-no-idea-Samayji-was-there'" he froze as all he heard was SHYAMJI. 'Was that b****** following Khushi again? But how did that scoundrel get out?'

"Khushi, did he harm you? Are you okay? I'll set that useless commissioner straight, despite my orders that he shouldn't be released, that bloody son of a..." Khushi's head was spinning now, 'Arnavji knew him and Samayji was in jail?' Arnav was already in the middle of dialling the commissioner's number when Khushi said.

"Arnavji how do you know Samayji and why was he in jail... and... and how did you know about it? Hey Devi Maiya, did you..." and the rest of her words remained trapped somewhere inside her as a thought struck her, 'Hey Devi Maiya, did he do this because of me?' and her mind went in an overdrive picturing images of Samay chained in a dungeon, and Arnav laughing maniacally with a whip in his hand and then he unleashed the whip and...

"NAHI!" Khushi screamed.

"Khushi are you alright. And what are you talking about, they arrested him in front of all of us, you were there. In fact that Shy..." and then he turned towards her, the lines on his forehead gathered in a frown,

"Khushi who the hell is this Samayji?"

"But you just said that..." he didn't let her finish,

"Khushi don't test my patience, Just answer me DAMMIT!" he snarled towards the end. He was worried sick about another maniac behind his sweet little wife.

"Wo Arnavji actually... actually he was my senior at school and..." she said in a low voice.

"Why didn't you tell me? Are you okay?" he hugged her to himself, sliding his fingers soothingly on her back.

"Arnavji, I am sorry. I really didn't know about it' I had forgotten him completely and I was so shocked when I saw him today. I should have told you before that I had a crush on him. But it totally skipped my..."

"What!" he moved her out of his embrace to look at her face as he roared. And Khushi was dead scared now. She held his hands that were clutching her shoulders and closed her eyes, preparing herself for ASR's wrath.

"Arnavji believe me, it was just a small crush... I was so young... I was just in fourth grade and... and all my friends said he liked me and... and he was the head-boy and even Preeto said he was good and I was mad... hey Devi Maiya why did I do that! I am sorry Arnavji but... but I didn't know he would be there at KaLa, had I had any inkling of that I wouldn't have taken that job. Arnavji please..." and she was on the verge of tears when she heard that sound she loved the most in the entire world... the sound of his carefree... happy laugh. But as always it left her confused.

"Khushi, Oh you are such a kid." and saying that he pulled her in a tight possessive embrace.

"But Arnavji you were so angry then how... why..." she didn't know how to say what she wanted to say.

"Khushi I was angry because I thought you were talking about Shyam and I was worried." he paused for a bit before continuing further,

"So you had a crush when you were what?... barely ten? Not bad Mrs. Raizada." he teased her and earned a smack on his chest in return.

"Aww! Khushi you are the one who had a crush and still you are beating me... now that's not fair, is it?" he said keeping his tone deliberately sombre.

"Arnavji I am so sorry. I know I shouldn't have done that... I feel so bad' it's like I cheated..." and sobs raked her body.

"Khushi I was joking. Please don't cry baby. I am so sorry. I was just kidding." he tried soothing her with gentle strokes of his hands on her back and then lifting her in his arms he took her to their bed, laying her on it. He faced her as he supported himself on his elbow, his fingers gently massaging her hair.

"Khushi its okay, really. You didn't even know I existed back then and such things happen. And you just had an innocent crush on him... and I am sure you do realize you ended up with much better right?" and he felt a little relieved as she smiled a little.

"Okay so you had a crush on one guy in your school but I am still leading here... for I had... wait let me count my girlfriends once again, Cindy, Lata, Samantha... Aww! Khushi you seriously need to stop doing this" he made a face as his wife once again smacked him but then kissed her forehead as she gave him a warm smile.

"Khushi you are mine and I am yours, we love each other and there is no doubt about it and don't you ever doubt my love and trust for you okay." she smiled and pulled him in her embrace

"Arnavji" her fingers massaged his scalp.

"Hmm?" his eyes were closed as he enjoyed the magic that her hands weaved.

"I love you dammit!" and with that she captured his lips with hers... taking him by surprise. It was the first time that she had taken an initiative...

The last coherent thought he had before he dissolved himself in her was,

'Hell I shouldn't have thrown away that chocolate syrup.'

But then as Khushi's fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, it didn't really matter any more...

The night was still young and so were the lovers lost in each others arms... their bodies burning in a passion that needed no other fuel but love to burn through their bodies and souls...

Love

Srija

Author's Note: 

Guys first of all thanks a lot for reading this story, it really means a lot to me and a special thanks to all those lovely people who take time to put their thoughts in comments and me me feel awesome by pressing the like tab.

Now coming to the important stuff, I know the story has become a little complicated now, but I had warned you beforehand that this wouldn't be one of those classic, 'Sheetal is a bitch' story. I am not too sure about where this story is going but I would like to think that you weren't too disappointed with the update 

And I am thinking of editing my buddy list coz I have been sending PMs to many people who don't even read these stories so if you want to continue being on my buddy list please confirm your presence on my story threads. Also I wouldn't be receiving buddy request from random people from now on, if you want to receive PMs please make your presence known here.

And, finally guys my finals begin on the 10th of May, hence I am not very sure as to when I'll be able to update any of my stories next, don't expect much before the 20th at least but you might be surprised for an idea of a three shot is brewing in my head and I might just write it. Guys please wish me luck, need it badly