Chapter Twenty

It was time for Khushi and her family to leave, and tears were shed once again between the sisters. Of course they were once again reminded that it was only a matter of days before the two were under the same roof again, and that was when the tears stopped. Nani had told Arnav to drop of Khushi and her family home and he complied. Throughout the drive, he noticed that Khushi was rather quiet, and when they arrived, she hadn't even noticed.

Buaji noticed her niece sitting in place. "Ay Sanka Devi, do you not want to go home tonight or stay here?"

Khushi gave no response and Buaji frowned at her. Arnav looked at Buaji and nodded at her, reassuring her that he would talk to her, and Buaji left. Once her family was out of the car, Arnav turned to her.

"Khushi, are you okay," he asked.

Khushi looked up at him and nodded.

"Then why have you been so quiet?"

Khushi didn't say anything.

Arnav now grew concerned and caressed Khushi's cheek. "Khushi if something is wrong, you need to tell me. Is it about before? What happened in my room-?"

"No Arnavji, that's not bothering me at all, I mean it."

"Then?"

Khushi looked down at her lap where her hands sat, fingers entwined. "For some reason... I don't feel like leaving you," she blushed.

Arnav couldn't help the tug at the corner of his lips. "Really?"

Khushi nodded.

"Why?"

"A few reasons."

"Such as?"

Khushi looked up at him. "I just don't want to and...."

"And?"

A combination of sorrow and anger filled her eyes and Khushi took his hands in hers. "After what happened earlier tonight with Anjaliji and Shyam, I...."

Arnav nodded in agreement; he understood exactly what was Khushi's concern.

"I knew he was low but to go this far beneath... it's just disgusting," Khushi scowled.

"Agreed. But Di... making her see the truth is going to be hard."

Khushi looked at Arnav and could see the anger in his eyes. She gave his hands a squeeze and placed a kiss in the palm of his left hand.

"I believe that's my job," Arnav smiled softly.

"What?"

"Comforting you."

Khushi smiled. "Well it's my job to comfort my future husband."

"Is that so?"

Arnav brought his face closer to hers but Khushi placed her hand in between them.

"People will see us," she blushed, glancing around at the people walking by.

"I don't care."

Khushi's eyes widened and darted to his. "Arnavji, have some shame," she blushed.

"After what happened earlier, highly doubt it."

Khushi blushed even harder, remembering the feel of his lips on her back, causing her to shudder. Arnav noticed this and he couldn't help the smile on his face.

"I love you."

Khushi looked up at him and smiled in awe. "I love you too Arnavji."

Arnav gave her a quick peck on her cheek and let his future wife get out of the car. As soon as Khushi was inside, he pulled away and drove back home. The second he arrived, however, NK shot towards him.

"Nanav! Mere bhai! What took so long?"

Arnav arched his eyebrow at him.

"Nanav, we've been waiting on you so we can take Akash to Payal bhabi," he grinned mischievously.

"What?"

"Chote."

Arnav turned to see his sister.

"Good, now that you're here, we can begin," she grinned mischievously.

Arnav looked between her and his cousin in confusion. "Fine, whatever, I dunno."

Both Anjali and NK grinned and they rushed over to Akash, Arnav following behind. They had him waiting in NK's room, and the poor guy looked anxious.

"Why don't you two hang out here and I'll go check on Payal, hmm" Anjali grinned, and she left the boys alone.

Once Anjali was out of earshot, Akash turned to his bros.

"Guys, I don't know why but I feel nervous."

"Akash mere bhai, relax," NK said. "Take a deep breath in and let it all out, repeat, and good," he said, Akash doing so.

"NK Bhai, this isn't really helping."

"Akash, relax," Arnav said, sitting down on the bed. "You'll be fine. Besides, the way I see Payal, I feel like you're more nervous than her," he smirked.

"Correct Nanav, correct," NK piped up. "Akash, chill out dude. Payal bhabi is very shy, very sweet - just chill bro! And your suhag raat will go perfectly fine," he grinned.

"I guess," Akash slightly pouted. "I don't know why but I wasn't feeling this anxious before, only so much right now."

"Akash, she's not gonna eat you," Arnav smirked.

"I believe when it comes to eating, that's the guy's job, if you know what I mean," NK grinned devilishly.

Akash frowned at him while Arnav rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Unbelievable," Arnav muttered below his breath, but NK had heard.

"Oh! Nanav mere bhai, no need to act all innocent. After all your wedding is just in a matter of time, no need to mask your worry."

"Why would I be worried," Arnav asked, looking from side to side.

NK sat down beside him, wrapping his arm around his shoulder. "It's okay Nanav, you can say all this now, but when the moment comes, you'll be feeling just like Akash bhai."

"What the f-? Why the hell would I?"

Both Akash and NK looked at him. Arnav removed himself from NK's hold and got up.

"You don't think you'll feel anxious when you have your suhag raat with Khushiji," Akash asked.

"No, not at all. Akash, there's nothing to feel anxious about - you love Payal right? And you want to be with her forever? Love her and protect her? Then that's it, that's all that matters, what's there to be anxious about?"

Both Akash and NK stared at Arnav.

"What now," Arnav said in annoyance.

"More like what the mere bhai," NK blinked.

Arnav rolled his eyes and looked at his phone. NK moved over to him with his arms crossed.

"So you mean to tell me you won't be nervous," NK asked.

"No," Arnav repsonded, still looking at his phone.

NK went into thought. "Hmm... given your past relationships...."

Arnav arched his eyebrow at him.

"We both know, you've slept with others before so... could explain the confidence."

"But I'm a virgin," Akash said. "I don't have confidence."

Arnav rolled his eyes. "Akash, like I said, relax, you'll be fine."

"Take it from two sexperts," NK grinned.

"Right, like someone would ever sleep with you," Arnav scoffed.

NK frowned at him. "I've slept with someone before! More than one person!"

"And I'm sure sleeping is all you did."

NK opened his mouth to retort but Anjali came back to the room.

"Ready to see your bride," she asked.

With a nod, the others led Akash to his room, and after bribing him a little, Anjali and NK allowed for Akash to go inside and they all bid goodnight. Arnav felt relieved and went to his room. As soon as he went in, his eyes landed on the bed and he remembered what had happened between him and Khushi.

Arnav couldn't believe how far things had gone.  Before he had restrained himself, knowing how Khushi was. But of all their encounters, this was the farthest they had ever gone. He was a bit surprised that Khushi had been okay with what had happened and had allowed it, but he also understood how much she loved him. She was to be his wife and he was to be her husband - nothing else mattered. So whether he had crossed a line or not no longer concerned him because he thought there was nothing wrong in showing some love to the woman he loved.

*~*

That night, Khushi couldn't sleep. She kept thinking of what had happened between her and Arnav, and blush crept onto her cheeks. She was surprised at herself for allowing Arnav to go as far as he had, but she wasn't bothered by it. There had been times where she knew Arnav could've taken things further like earlier tonight, but he hadn't out of respect for her. She knew he loved her and she loved him very much, and it was only a matter of time before they were married, so none of it bothered her at all.

It just amazed her how much Arnav loved her and how much she loved him. Given their history, Khushi never would've thought long ago that the two would fall in love. And yet here they were, months down the line, happily in love.

Well, almost.

Khushi thought of Shyam and cringed. She absolutely hated that guy and it angered her how deceitful he was and continues to be with Anjali.

Hai DM, please protect Anjaliji from that devil.

Shoving him out of his mind, Khushi thought of Arnav once more. She wished she could be with him right now, but unfortunately she wasn't.

Khushi's phone suddenly began to ring and she knew who it was without even looking at it. "Arnavji."

Arnav couldn't help his smile. "Thinking of me?"

Khushi frowned. "How did you know?"

Arnav grinned rougishly. "Hiccups."

Khushi blushed instantly. She laid down in bed, toying with her free hand. "Liar," she pouted.

Arnav couldn't help his chuckle and Khushi felt herself blossom.

"Tired," he asked.

"Mm hmm. ...but I wish I were with you instead," she said, blushing harder.

"Oh? Why is that," Arnav smirked as he laid back in bed.

"Because I want to."

"Why?"

"Because I love you."

"I see," he grinned, and Khushi could hear the teasing in his voice.

"Arnavji?"

"Hmm?"

"...don't you wish I was next to you right now?"

Arnav glanced at the empty space beside him. He remembered what happened here earlier, and smiled. "Yes."

Khushi blushed, looking down.

"I'd hold you in my arms, kiss you. I'd make love to you-"

Khushi's eyes widened at his words and her lips parted, forming into an O. Arnav realized what he had said and he knew Khushi had to have been blushing, and he wanted to tease her.

"I'd touch every inch of your skin and feel you."

Khushi blushed hard. 

"I'd feel your naked body against mine."

She turned and laid flat, shutting her eyes. Her body was beginning to feel those feelings again and she clenched her thighs together.

"I'd pleasure you and make you moan-"

"Arnavji," she moaned.

Arnav instantly felt himself go hard by hearing the way she had said his name. He knew Khushi was in pleasure too, and oh how he truly wished she was right here beside him.

"Khushi."

Khushi opened her eyes.

"Dream about me," and he hung up.

Khushi looked at her phone and she couldn't help the smile on her face. She held the phone to her chest and squealed, turning away.

*~*

That night, Khushi did end up dreaming about Arnav, but it was nothing like she had ever dreamt before. Unlike before, where Arnav would frighten her and cause her to wake up, Arnav was loving her, pleasuring her.

She could feel his hands on her, his lips on her - his love for her. She loved the way he pleasured her and satisfied her. All she wanted was for him to touch her everywhere and take her away from the world. All she wanted was to be with her Arnav, forever.

Khushi awoke with a smile on her face and she blushed; she had never had such a naughty dream before. She could still see certain flashes of it when she closed her eyes - how Arnav kissed her along her neck, how his hands caressed her body, how she lay panting beneath him. Khushi immediately covered her face, feeling so embarrassed.

"Arre o sanka devi," Buaji called out. "Are you going to join us today or just sleep?"

Khushi looked at the time and realized she had slept in a little later than usual. "Coming Buaji," she called back, and got ready for the day.

Now that Akash and Payal were married, it was only a matter of time before she and Arnav would be, too.

And Khushi couldn't wait!

Chapter Nineteen

As Akash and Payal made their vows, Arnav and Khushi could not remove their eyes off of each other. It was just a matter of time before both of them would be doing the same thing, making their seven rounds and their seven vows.

Of course, if Arnav could have it his way, he would go down to city hall and get married to Khushi in an instant, since he didn't care about all this, him not being such a religious man. But he knew how much these things meant for Khushi, and he wanted to give her whatever she wanted, whatever made her happy.

As Khushi continued to absentmindedly toss flowers at the newly wedded couple, her eyes remained on Arnav. Asides from recent events, it was still shocking to her that she would actually be marrying Arnav. It simply was too surprising! But feeling the way her heart was beating erratically, she knew that this was absolutely right.

Suddenly she saw Arnav smirk and her eyebrows met in the middle. Why is he smirking at me like that?

"Sanka devi," Buaji whispered, nudging her.

Khushi snapped out if her trance and looked at her. "Huh?"

"What are you doing?"

Khushi looked at her in confusion and buaji gestured to her hands. Khushi looked at her hands and gasped, seeing that her hands were working on their own, tossing flowers when there were none left in her hand. She immediately stopped herself and brought her hands down to her sides.

"Pagal," Buaji grinned, shaking her head, before leaning in closer to Khushi. "But that's what love does to you," she snickered.

Khushi's eyes darted to her and Buaji looked at Arnav, smirking at him before leaving Khushi. Khushi felt embarrassed, blush taking over her cheeks. As for Arnav, he simply smirked proudly and made his way to her as Akash and Payal went to the elders to seek their blessings.

"What's wrong Khushi, you seem distracted," Arnav teased.

Khuhsi looked away from side to side.

"I wonder what's the reason behind that."

"Right, like you don't know whatsoever."

Arnav arched his eyebrow. "Really?"

Khushi looked up at the sound of Arnav's teasing tone. She was about to open her mouth to say something when her sister and new brother in-law came to them. Both Arnav and Khushi hugged the newly weds, though both Khushi and Payal were hugging each other longer, crying.

"Hai re Nandkisore," Buaji said, placing her hand at the back of her head. "Why are you two crying so much?"

Khushi and Payal looked at her.

"After all, it won't be long until Khushi arrives in this house too, hmm," and she laughed.

The rest of the family grinned and Arnav looked at Khushi.

"Well we were going to wait till the end of the reception to say this but Nani, why not tell them now," Anjali smiled.

Nani nodded and turned to the guests. "Not only will I be having one granddaughter in-law, but two," Nani grinned. "Our Chote has agreed to marry!"

The guests around them muttered with joy, though some curious and jealous, while they clapped.

Nani moved over to the girls, placing her hand on Khushi's shoulder. "And he's marrying none other than Khushi betiyan!"

The sound of clapping echoed once more and Khushi looked down.

"As soon as we have the dates figured out, we will definitely let you all know."

"So you may as well stay till the next one," Anjali joked, and everyone laughed.

Khushi glanced up at Arnav and Arnav looked at her. Now that her sister was married to his cousin brother, it was now only a matter of time before she became his and vice versa, forever.

One person was very much against this, and Shyam glared at the two.

Not if I can help it.

*~*

With the main reception completed, the games began. Khushi cheered on her sister, hoping for her to win. She glanced at Arnav and saw that he was barely interested.

"Chote?"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at Anjali.

"Come here and watch all the fun."

"I'm fine Di," Arnav responded in his usual way, and Khushi rolled her eyes.

"Come na Chote, its a matter of time before you have to do this too. May as well watch and take notes," she teased.

Arnav opened his mouth to reject but Khushi cut him off.

"Leave it Anjaliji, he's not interested in this type of stuff."

Everyone looked at Khushi.

"Besides, it doesn't matter. I'll win when-"

"Excuse me?"

Now everyone looked at Arnav.

"You'll win?"

They looked back at Khushi.

"Haan. Why not? I won the bet, didn't I? So this won't be any different."

Everyone looked at Arnav in confusion.

"I wouldn't be so arrogant Khushi. You didn't exactly win the bet and who won during the sangeet." Arnav smirked.

Everyone grinned, looking at Khushi.

"That win was on an united front of the whole family, it doesn't count! And yes I did win the bet, don't deny it."

Everyone looked back at Arnav.

"A win is a win Khushi. So-"

"Exactly, a win is a win. So-"

"So your so called win isn't one and therefore it doesn't count."

"Arnavji you're cheating!"

"Me? Cheating? What the-?"

Anjali couldn't help but to laugh. "You two haven't even gotten married yet and yet you two fight like a married couple."

Everyone laughed in agreement and Khushi looked away. She felt slightly irritated and got up, walking away.

"Khushi," her mother called out to her, but Khushi left.

Nani looked at Arnav. "Go Chote, go pacify your future wife," she grinned.

Arnav couldn't help his smirk and he went after his future bride. He found her by the poolside, her back facing towards him, her arms crossed.

He made his way over to her. "Khushi-"

Arnav reached out to turn her to him, but Khushi moved away.

"What the? Khushi-"

Khushi turned around to him. "Exactly Arnavji! What the?!"

Arnav looked at her in confusion.

"You know I won the bet and yet you deny it! What the?!"

Arnav couldn't help his grin and Khushi frowned.

"Arnavji, I'm not joking! I-"

But before she could even continue, Arnav caressed her cheek in his hand and kissed her. Khushi forgot all about her complaints and relaxed, melting into Arnav.

Letting go of Khushi, Arnav smirked. "Buaji is right; you really are crazy."

Khushi looked up at him and gasped, causing Arnav to chuckle. Once again, hearing him chuckle made Khushi smile, her heart blooming. Arnav noticed the expression on her face and looked at her curiously.

Khushi shook her head. "Nothing, just... I love hearing you laugh," she smiled.

Arnav looked at her for a moment. Khushi was lost in daze and he knew he just had to take advantage of the moment. So he leaned forward, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"And do you know what I love hearing," he whispered.

Khushi shuddered and shook her head, her hands resting on his chest. He had such an effect on her whenever he was so close to her.

"The sound of you moaning in pleasure," he smirked, and he nipped at her earlobe.

Khushi gasped, a moan escaping from lips. Her eyes widened at his claim and blush took over her cheeks. Arnav glanced at her and saw that Khushi was looking forward with her eyes wide, looking completely nervous, her face completely red. Seeing her condition, it only seemed fair to tease her more.

"I wonder Khushi - if kissing you makes you moan like that then..."

Khushi looked up at him.

"... what will happen during our suhag raat?"

And Arnav knew then that he had taken the win, Khushi's face brightening as red as a tomato. Khushi couldn't believe what she was hearing, and she felt completely embarrassed, especially seeing how confident Arnav was. She tried to run away but Arnav caught hold of her, her back colliding to his front.

His arm immediately wrapped around her waist and Khushi gasped at its warmth. She felt her heart race up, her chest heaving as her nerves skyrocketed. Arnav couldn't help himself but to feel joy because of the affect he had on his future wife. In fact, he enjoyed it very much and wanted to tease her further.

Arnav pushed his groin to her and Khushi gasped at the feel of his erection. Her heart raced even faster, and if she thought her face couldn't redden anymore, well, she was wrong. Her eyes were shut and she mentally prayed to DM for strength.

"Khushi...."

Khushi gulped at the sound of her name. Hearing him say her name in such a way aroused her, and Khushi crossed one foot over the other. Arnav noticed this and he knew he had affected her just as he had wanted. But it only increased the desire to tease her more. So he splayed his hand over her stomach, Khushi shuddering at the movement of his fingertips brushing against her flesh.

"Arnavji," she moaned, and she quickly turned in his hold, burying her face in his chest.

Arnav couldn't help his smile. His Khushi was so innocent in comparison to him. It was one of the things he loved about her and made her so different than any other woman he had been with before.

He tilted her face up to him, but Khushi kept her eyes shut.

"Khushi."

At the sound of his voice, Khushi opened her eyes and looked into his eyes. Arnav looked into hers as well and he could see the love she had for him in her eyes. Never did he think anyone could ever love him this much, ever. But looking into Khushi's eyes and seeing her love for him made him feel very grateful and that he was the luckiest man in the entire world.

Arnav placed a kiss on Khushi's forehead, Khushi shutting her eyes to his embrace.

"I love you Khushi," Arnav whispered, his voice hoarse.

"I love you too Arnavji," Khushi whispered.

Khushi looked into his eyes once more and this time, Arnav could no longer control himself. He swept Khushi up into his arms, and took her into his room. Khushi, who was lost in a daze, gazed away at Arnav.

Arnav entered his room and placed Khushi down on his bed. Khushi glanced down at it as he did, and looked away, blushing. Arnav couldn't help but to gaze at her - seeing her laying on his bed was one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. Desire for her built within him and he moved in closer to her.

Khushi felt her nerves spike once more. Her chest heaved as she breathed fast, feeling more nervous than ever. She felt very shy and unable to help herself, she turned away, revealing her back to him.

Arnav gazed away at her. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen in his life. And the fact that she was going to be his made him feel very proud and lucky. She was going to be his, and he wouldn't let anyone get in the way of that.

Without a thought, Arnav pulled on the strings of her blouse for the second time that night. However unlike before, he didn't regret it and did it knowingly. Khushi gasped as his fingertips brushed against her flesh and she brought her hand to her chest, clenching over the fabric of her sari as she begged her heart to calm down. Unfortunately it would not, as Arnav's fingers once again met her back. She felt his fingertips trail against her flesh, pushing aside the strings of her blouse, revealing her flesh to him. They slowly trailed to the middle once he had done so and they slowly descended, trailing to the clasp of her blouse.

Khushi gulped, her heart beating erratically. In one swift motion, Arnav unclasped the two hooks which held her blouse together, releasing them. He brushed aside the fabric as well, and due to the fact that blouse was very low-cut in the back, preventing Khushi from wearing a bra, her entire back was now exposed to him.

Regardless of the number of women he had been with, Arnav marveled at the sight of her flesh. It felt so soft against his rough hands. He felt the desire to kiss every inch of it, and so he did. Khushi shuddered and gasped at the feel of his lips against her flesh. She clenched her thighs together, the feeling in between them increasing.

"Arnav," she moaned.

Arnav couldn't help himself but to release a moan of his own. Hearing her say his name the way she did, turned him on more than anything. All he wanted to do now was show her the effect she had on him and how much he loved her.

"Khushi-"

"Chote!"

Both Arnav and Khushi snapped out of their trance, coming back into reality. Anjali knocked on the door and called out once more.

"Chote, did you pacify Khushiji yet or are we to expect her famous jalebis," Anjali chuckled.

Khushi glanced back at Arnav and then looked away.

Arnav cleared his throat and found his voice. "We'll be down soon Di," he called out.

"Okay," Anjali chuckled. "Hopefully you two will stop fighting this much after marriage. Come down soon, we're all waiting for you two so we can take Akash and Payal into their room, okay?"

"Yeah, be there in a few."

"Okay," and Anjali left.

Arnav looked at Khushi as she sat up, Khushi tucking her hair behind her ear. She looked from side to side, feeling very shy and embarrassed. She glanced at Arnav but quickly looked away. His gaze was heated, causing her to blush. Unsure of what to say, Khushi got off the bed, facing her back to him. Arnav simply watched her as she fumbled with her hands and repeatedly tucked her hair behind her ear.

Standing up, Arnav moved behind her. Through the reflection in the mirror, Arnav could see her glance down to the side as he approached her and then looked away.

"Khushi."

Khushi looked up in the mirror and looked at his reflection. She could see the concern on his face, wondering if she was mad at him for having crossed a limit. But truth be told, she wasn't mad one bit. She and Arnav were to marry soon and Arnav was to be her husband. So it didn't bother her one bit that the man she loved had behaved this way with her.

Khushi turned to him and reached up on her tiptoes, and placed a kiss on his cheek.The corner of Arnav's lips crooked and he looked at her.

"Shall we go downstairs," Khushi nearly whispered.

Arnav nodded, but first he helped Khushi to make sure that she was presentable, fixing her blouse. Khushi checked in the mirror to make sure that her hickey was covered up right with her hair and with a breath, the couple headed back downstairs to the family, hand in hand.

Chapter Eighteen

Arnav burst into his room, unable to take in the news. His Di was pregnant, that too by the man who had just tried to kill her! He had to tell his Di - he just had to! But telling her would only break her because she loved Shyam blindly!

Khushi came in behind him and held his hand. Arnav had his fists clenched and Khushi tried to calm him.

"Arnavji, please calm down-"

"I can't Khushi," he said, moving away from her. He gripped onto the head of the lounger. "She's pregnant with that monster's baby!"

Khushi went up to him and held his shoulder. "But what can we do Arnavji? She loves him-"

"And that's what bothers me the most," he said, moving away again. "Dammit Khushi, he tried to kill her! Who knows what other stuff he's tried to pull off on her!"

Khushi looked down.

"My sister is blindly in love with him. If I tell her, it'll kill her. But if I don't, then he'll...." Arnav couldn't bring the words to his mouth, his jaws clenched.

Khushi went up to him and hugged him from behind. "Don't worry Arnavji. Everything will be fine-"

"How," he asked, turning to face her. "How can things get better?"

"We'll figure out a way-"

"Nothing will work," he said, walking away from her. "She loves him too much!"

"Have faith, Arnavji. We'll show her his true face and then she won't love him anymore."

Arnav didn't say anything. Khushi walked in front of Arnav and he looked at her.

"I know it'll be hard to tell her," Khushi said, "but she needs to know the truth. Or she'll never get true happiness from all of this."

Arnav nodded.

Khushi pursed her lips. "For now, we'll just have to be happy for her and the coming-baby. We have a wedding that's about to take place, so let's just focus on that for now, okay?"

Arnav sighed and nodded. "Okay."

Khushi nodded and was about to leave when Arnav caught her hand. Khushi stopped and looked back at him. Arnav moved before her and cupping her face, he kissed her hard. A moan escaped from Khushi's mouth and Arnav slipped his tongue into her mouth. The two continued to kiss, their hands going all over each other. Khushi moved her hands to Arnav's chest and traveled up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him towards her. Arnav held her by her waist and walked them back so that Khushi was against the wall. She gasped as she met it, Arnav taking full advantage of it. He let go of her lips and moved his against her neck, licking and nibbling on it.

"Arnav," she gasped.

Arnav groaned, biting and sucking onto her neck. Khushi let out a small cry as he sucked and nibbled on that spot. Her hands went straight into his hair, tugging on it hard. Arnav groaned, continuing with his doings. Khushi tugged once more and Arnav let go, consuming her lips once more. He bit it softly, getting a moan out of Khushi's lips and into his mouth. Arnav moved his hands from her waist to the small of her back. Felling the warmth of Arnav's hand on her back, tingles shot up Khushi's spine. His hands traveled up and moved to her choli and without a single thought, he tugged the strings loose.

Khushi gasped and pulled away from Arnav. Both tugged on the air between them as they looked at each other. Khushi felt Arnav's hands still on her back and knew that things were going too far. She looked side to side, her face heating and red with blush. Arnav realized what he had done and knew that he had gone farther than he had realized. He stepped back a bit and looked away. Khushi straightened up and reached for the strings so she could retie it, but she couldn't. Payal had helped her put it on earlier because she couldn't get it. Arnav saw her struggling so he turned her around, swept her hair to the side, and retied it.

Khushi shut her eyes and took in a sharp breath when she felt his fingers on her again. Arnav heard it and he looked at her. He paused for a moment, looking at her, and then he retied it. Once he did, he stepped back and Khushi moved her hair back.

"... sorry," Arnav muttered.

Khushi gaped at Arnav. Arnav was apologizing to her, that too again!

"It's okay," she said in a low voice. "You just pulled the string-"

"Not that."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Then what?"

"Look in the mirror."

Confused, Khushi looked at the mirror and gasped really loud, her eyes widening at the sight of her her first-ever, really big hickey!

Khushi covered it with her hand. "Arnavji!"

Arnav pursed his lips.

Khushi looked back at the mirror. "Hai DM, now what?"

She paced back and forth and Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. He had actually expected Khushi to flip out on him. Instead she was figuring out a way to cover it.

Khushi moved back in front of the mirror and readjusted her hair. She moved it enough to cover the spot and smiled. "There we go! All covered!"

She looked back at Arnav who just blinked at her.

"What?"

"You're not mad."

Khushi looked down and slightly shrugged. Arnav couldn't help but to smile and he went up to her. He cupped her face in his hand and made her look at him. Khushi blushed, wanting to tell him that she liked it, but Arnav didn't need words when her expression told him all.

Arnav softly kissed her swollen lips. "Shall we go down?"

Khushi nodded and the couple walked out and went to enjoy a wedding.

Chapter Seventeen

Khushi sat on the bed, sad, as Payal's friends messed around with Payal, teasing her about her suhag raat.

"Khushi, say something," one of Payal's friends said.

"Yeah! You should be teasing her as well," another one said.

"Khushi couldn't say a single thing because she doesn't know anything about it," Payal teased.

"Oh," the first girl said. "And you do?"

Payal blushed and all of her friends laughed.

Khushi needed to clear her head and all this talk about suhag raats wasn't helping her one bit. Khushi walked out, Payal trying to stop her, but Khushi walked out anyway. She walked down the halls when she heard Nani crying in her room. She saw Mama, Mami, Akash, and NK in there, trying to sooth her.

Khushi walked in. "Naniji, what's wrong?"

Everyone looked at Khushi and Nani continued to cry.

"Jejaji, what's wrong," Khushi asked Akash.

Akash went over to Khushi, looking upset. Looking at him, Khushi could tell that he had been crying.

"Di's been in an accident," Akash said.

Khushi's eyes shot wide, unable to believe what she heard. Akash told her as much as Nani had told him. Khushi couldn't believe a single word of it and scanned the room. She noticed that Arnav wasn't here.

"Where's Arnavji?"

"He went to the accident site."

Khushi shut her eyes, knowing that this would be very hard for Arnav. She really wished that she was by his side at that moment.

Khushi decided to leave the family be and that she should tell her family the breaking news. She walked out and was going to go to her parents and Buaji, when she saw Arnav heading to his room. She was about to go after him, when she saw Shyam walking in from the corner of her eyes. She saw him smirking evilly and in that instant, Khushi knew that he was behind the accident. Shyam saw Khushi and he smirked at her and that only confirmed her thoughts. Shyam went away and Khushi went after Arnav.

Khushi saw him standing in his room, in the dark, his back faced towards her. She knew that Arnav must be feeling terrible from the news, so she went up to him. She hesitated for moment, unsure of what to say. So instead of saying something, she reached up, slipped her arms between his and clutched his shoulders, hugging him from behind. Arnav flinched, his eyes shooting open, as he felt Khushi's tears. He clenched his jaw as he felt Khushi crying.

"I'm so sorry this happened Arnavji," Khushi cried.

Arnav shut his eyes. You didn't do anything, yet you're sorry. You care too much for me and I....

Khushi's grip on him tightened and Arnav reached up and held her hands. Khushi looked up at him as Arnav released himself from her. He turned and looked at her tear-stained face. He felt his heart clench and he couldn't stand the sight of it. Reaching up, Arnav wiped away her tears. Khushi's lower lip trembled and Arnav shook his head, not wanting her to cry. But Khushi couldn't help herself, knowing that even though Arnav was showing himself to be strong on the outside, inside he was cracking into bits. Reaching for him, she hugged him again, tears falling.

Arnav stood still at first and then hugged her back. A tear threatened to escape and finally letting go, he let the tear go, one after the other escaping. Khushi felt his tears and looked up at him. Her heart clenched at the sight of him and she shook her head. She had him sit on his bed and wiped away his tears.

"Please don't cry Arnavji, I can't stand it," she said, wiping away his tears, tilting his face up to hers.

Arnav reached out and held her waist, hugging her as he cried. Khushi was still for a moment, unable to believe that this strong man known as Arnav Singh Raizada, had cracked, broke into pieces, and was crying before her. Khushi wound her arms around him, holding him to her, placing her head atop of his.

A few moments passed and the tears were stopping. Arnav let go, wiping his tears away. Khushi went to the small table and got Arnav a glass of water. She handed it to him and sat down beside him.

Arnav took a sip and then looked down. "Khushi, we shouldn't get married."

Khushi's eyes shot wide, her world ready to crash down. "W-wh-what?"

"I don't deserve you," Arnav whispered.

"No, don't say that Arnavji!"

Khushi took the glass from his hands and put it on the table. She moved in front of him and crouched before him, cupping his face in her hands. "Why would you think that Aranvji?"

Arnav looked at her.

"I love you Arnavji. How could you possibly say that?!"

He just looked at her.

"Do you want to kill me with your words-"

"Khushi, don't say stuff like that!"

"Then why are you saying that," she cried.

Tears escaped from her eyes and Arnav shook his head, wiping her tears away. "Don't cry."

"Then why did you say that?"

Arnav looked down.

"Arnavji," she said, tilting his face so that he'd look at her. "Where on earth did you get such an idea? Did someone say something-?"

Khushi paused and Arnav looked at her. Khushi remembered how Shyam had come walking in moments after Arnav did just earlier. He was grinning evilly and Khushi knew he had something to do with this.

"Did that Shyam say something to you," she asked.

Arnav's eyes widening gave Khushi her answer.

She looked side to side. "What does he think of himself?! That disgusting, conniving man!"

Arnav clenched his jaw and fists, remembering his words. Khushi noticed and held his hands, causing him to release his grip.

"What did he say," Khushi asked.

Taking a deep breath, Arnav told Khushi everything that had happened. Khushi couldn't believe her own ears, shocked that Shyam was the reason behind Anjali's accident.

"I swear Khushi, I'm going to kill him-"

"Arnavji, don't say such things!"

Arnav was going to retort, when he heard Hari Prakash yelling out his name and the members of his family. Arnav and Khushi looked at each other and went running downstairs. Arnav and Khushi froze, their eyes widening as they saw Anjali standing there. Arnav went running to his Di as the rest of the family arrived, all shocked to see Anjali.

Arnav hugged Anjali tightly and then looked at her. "Di, are you okay?! Dammit, I thought I lost you," and he hugged her again.

Anjali hugged him back. "I'm okay Chote. I just hurt my head when I jumped out of the car."

Arnav noticed the bandage around her head. He looked at her, tears pooling in his eyes. "If I lost you today..." but he couldn't say anymore, the tears threatening to fall.

"I could never leave my Chote."

The family came rushing and asked millions of questions. Khushi went to Arnav's side and held his hand. She squeezed it slightly and Arnav smiled at her lightly. The two noticed Shyam from the corner of their eyes and how exasperated he looked. His plan had failed and they all knew it.

Anjali called out to Shyam and his acting began. Arnav was disgusted and hated to see his sister in tears for a man that had tried to kill her. He wanted to tell his Di, but he knew it would break his sister's heart. He felt torn in between, unsure of what to do. He clenched his fists again, and Khushi calmed him, rubbing his hand.

"Khushiji?"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked up to see Anjali standing before them.

"Thank you for being by Chote's side and for comforting him."

The two were confused as to how she knew. She gestured at their hands and they looked down and flinched apart.

Anjali giggled. "It's okay," she smiled. "You two are just too cute!"

Khushi blushed, and Arnav looked anywhere but at his family.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Hari Prakash opened the door, and in came a man. He had a file of some sort in his hand and gave it to Anjali.

"Thank you doctor," Anjali smiled.

"You're welcome, and do take extra care."

Anjali nodded and the doctor left. Once he did, Anjali went through it.

"What does it say," Nani asked.

Anjali went through the report and paused. Her eyes widened and everyone noticed the look on her face.

"Di, what's wrong," NK asked.

But Anjali was just too in shock to speak.

Mami went to Anjali. "Hello hi, bye bye, Anjali what's the problem?" She took the file in her hands and read it. She gasped. "Hello hi, bye bye!!"

"What," everyone asked.

"We're going to have a mini Anjali," Mami cried. "Hello hi, bye bye!!"

Nani's eyes shot wide as a wide grin grew on her face. "What?!"

Everyone couldn't believe what they were hearing, especially Shyam, Arnav, and Khushi. Everyone started to tease Anjali and Shyam, while Arnav and Khushi were still in shock. They looked at each other, Arnav unable to tolerate the news.

"Chote?"

Arnav looked up and saw his Di. She was beyond happy and Arnav felt really bad. She hugged him and he hugged her back. His Di was pregnant with the man that didn't even love her. He looked up and met Shyam's eyes. He smirked right at him and Arnav clenched his jaw.

This isn't over, Arnav promised.

Chapter Sixteen

Khushi's eyes shot wide as she stared at Arnav. He was smirking at her, his arms crossed. Khushi looked down at the glass of water in her hands and Arnav walked up to her. He took the glass from her and placed it down.

"Your hiccups are cured."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows and waited a moment. Her hiccups were gone.

"You're welcome," Arnav smirked.

Khushi looked up at him and blushed. "Were you thinking of me," she asked softly,

"What do you think," Arnav asked, moving forward.

Khushi moved back and was trapped, leaning against the wall. "Yes," she stuttered.

Arnav smirked. "You're right."

Khushi looked up at him and was stuck in gaze. Arnav was very close to her, his lips very close to hers. She tilted her lips up unknowingly and Arnav smirked. He covered her lips with his and Khushi went into bliss. She felt her knees about to give away, ready to collapse, when Arnav held her around her waist. He pulled her to him, their lower halves meeting. Arnav groaned and Khushi blushed, feeling his erection. They continued to kiss, unable to let go.

Shyam came walking in for a glass of water. He paused right in his tracks when he saw the couple entwined to each other. He grew furious seeing how Arnav was holding her and especially by how Khushi had moved her arms around Arnav's neck. Clenching his fists he calmed himself down. He took an empty glass and walked back out. He pretended to drop the glass and had it rolling into the kitchen.

Khushi broke away from Arnav at the noise. Both looked at the source of the noise and broke away as Shyam came walking in.

"Sorry, the glass slipped out of my hand and came rolling," he said. "But what are you two doing in here?"

Khushi didn't look at Shyam disgusted by him.

"We were getting water," Arnav said, seeming believable. 

"At the same time? Seems strange."

Arnav and Khushi glanced at each other.

"Saleh sahab, I know your wife is beautiful..."

Arnav looked at Shyam with scrunched eyebrows.

"To you," he quickly added, "but I think we all know why you're here," he teased.

Arnav looked away and Khushi squinted her eyes at Shyam. Shyam smirked at Khushi and Khushi looked away, completely disgusted.

"Shall we go join the others," Shyam asked, once he poured himself some water. 

Arnav nodded and him and Khushi walked out. As Khushi passed Shyam, he grinned at her and Khushi looked away, totally disgusted.

This man is passing his limits, Khushi thought to herself. And it's completely wrong! Something must be done! But what?!

Khushi looked at Arnav ahead of her. 

Should I tell him? Would he even believe me? He loves Anjaliji too much, so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't.

Khushi just looked at him as she followed him upstairs.

I have to tell him. It's wrong of what Shyam is doing to Anjaliji.

Arnav took Khushi back to the room where Payal was in, standing outside of it. "Here we are."

Khushi looked at the doors and then looked down. She didn't know how to tell Arnav about Shyam at all. Arnav noticed the expression on her face and scrunched his eyebrows.

"Khushi are you okay?"

Khushi looked up at Arnav. "No. Arnavji, I-"

Hari Prakash came up to them. "Arnav bhaiya, Naniji is calling you."

Arnav nodded. "Tell her I'm coming." 

Hari Prakash nodded and left.

"Khushi, I gotta go, Nani is calling me."

"But-"

"Whatever it is, tell me later," and he walked away.

Khushi looked at Arnav walking away. She had to tell him and she needed Arnav to know!

"Arnavji it's about Anjaliji," she blurted.

Arnav paused and looked at Khushi. "What about Di?"

Khushi pursed her lips and looked down. She didn't know how to tell him. 

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows and went up to Khushi. "Khushi what about my Di?"

Some girls came up and Khushi recognized them. They were Payal's friends and they all said hi to Khushi. Khushi smiled lightly and when they all walked in, Arnav led Khushi away to the poolside.

"What were you saying about my Di Khushi?"

Khushi looked down. "I don't know how to tell you this but...."

"But what Khushi," he said exasperatedly.

Khushi looked up at him. "Shyam is cheating her," she nearly whispered.

Arnav's eyes widened. "What?"

Khushi told him of how she had met Shyam. She told him of how Shyam had come into Buaji's home as a paying guest and how he had agreed to marry Khushi. She told him of how she had found out that Shyam was none other than the Shyam that was married to Anjali, and how she and her family hated that man for trying to deceive them and his family.

Arnav couldn't believe what he was saying. "It can't be."

"Believe me Arnavji, we had no clue," she said, tears in her eyes. "The man is evil!"

Arnav looked away, completely confused and shell-shocked. He'd seen how loving his Jejaji was to his Di. What Khushi just told him made no sense.

"You have to believe me Arnavji! He's a cheat and-"

"Enough Khushi."

Khushi's eyes widened. 

"I don't want to hear another word."

"But Arnavji-"

Arnav faced her. "Khushi, how could you lie to me?"

Khushi gaped at him. "Arnavji, I'm not lying-"

"Yes you are! Khushi I see the way he is with my Di. He loves her!" He shook his head. "I can't believe you'd lie about something like this."

"Arnavji-"

"What did my Di ever do to you? Why are you trying to ruin her marriage?"

Khushi gaped at him. "I would never want that-"

"Then why are you lying?"

Khushi opened her mouth to speak, but Arnav cut her off.

"I can't even look at you anymore."

Khushi felt her heart pit in. "Arnavji," she whispered, feeling completely hurt.

Unable to stand there another second, Arnav walked out. Khushi watched him as he left, tears going down her cheeks. She shut her eyes as the tears went flowing down, hurt that Arnav had said that.

*~*

Arnav stood at his poolside, remembering back to Khushi's words. He couldn't believe any of it. His Di loved Shyam too much and he knew his Jejaji loved her too. Otherwise why would he love her the way he did? It made no sense, though, to Arnav as to why Khushi would be lying about Shyam.

Arnav then remembered that his Nani was looking for him earlier. Heading down, he found his Nani in the main hall, along with Shyam.

"Nani, you were looking for me," he said.

"Haan Chote. Anjali betiyan isn't back yet," she said.

Shyam nodded.

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "What?"

Nani nodded. "It's been so long and I'm feeling very nervous. Something just doesn't seem right!"

Arnav was going to reply, when his phone rang. "Hello," he said int his phone.

"Hello? Is this Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada?"

"Yes, this is Arnav."

"This is Inspector Verma. Mr. Raizada, one of your cars was found in the lake."

Arnav's eyes shot wide. "What?!"

Nani and Shyam looked at Arnav confused.

"Yes Mr. Raizada. We pulled the car out and tracked the owner of the car with the license plate number and found out it was yours."

"But that can't be! No one took a car-" Arnav froze. He remembered his Di telling him to get the car ready. "Di," he whispered.

Nani's eyes widened, all tragic things coming to her head. "Where is she," she cried.

Shyam smirked lightly. I guess she bid her farewell.

"The driver was found and he's in the hospital-"

"I don't give a damn about the driver! Where the hell is my Di?!"

"Chote." Nani was in tears and Shyam held her shoulders, comforting her while he was smirking on the inside.

"Saleh sahab, where's Rani Saheba," Shyam asked.

"Mr. Raizada," the officer said, "please calm down-"

"No I will not calm down! Damn it, I'm coming over there right now," and he hung up.

Nani went to Arnav and clutched his arm. "Chote, where is my Anjali betiyan?"

Arnav couldn't look at her. "There's been an accident."

Nani gasped. "What?!"

Arnav bit the inside of his cheeks. Nani went into full tears and Shyam comforted her. He called Hari Prakash and had him take her upstairs to her room.

"Saleh sahab, we have to go there right now," Shyam said.

Arnav nodded and they both walked out the main doors.

"Where are they," Shyam asked.

"The accident happened at the lake," Arnav said, going to his car.

"I can't believe that the brakes failed," Shyam said.

Arnav froze. Shyam went walking to Arnav's car and noticed that Arnav wasn't moving.

"What's wrong Saleh Sahab?"

Arnav just looked at him.

"What?"

"I never said the brakes failed."

Shyam realized that Arnav had never said that and his eyes widened.

"The officer didn't even tell me that. Then how did you know Jejaji?"

Arnav remembered back to Khushi's words.

No, he thought.

Shyam didn't say anything and Arnav was getting mad.

"How did you know Jejaji?!"

Shyam broke into a smirk and Arnav's eyes widened. Shyam started to laugh and Arnav couldn't believe him.

The man is evil, Arnav remembered Khushi crying.

Shyam stopped laughing. "It's about time that I can stop this drama."

"What," Arnav said, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"What do you think? Pretending to be some loving guy that's all witted by your sister is just too much."

Arnav just blinked.

"You sister is pretty, don't get me wrong; pretty dumb, that is."

Arnav clenched his jaws.

"Oh? Don't get mad Saleh Sahab, your'e just too serious. You see, your sister has too many feelings. She can be an emotional bunch. And that's very annoying." Shyam walked around Arnav. "But Khushiji..."

Arnav turned and looked at him with wide eyes.

"... she's something else," he grinned.

Arnav turned him around and gripped Shyam's throat. "Don't you dare say a word about my Khushi!"

"Your Khushi? Khushi is mine! Do you hear me?! She's mine!"

Arnav tightened his grip on his throat, causing Shyam to grunt.

"Khushi is mine," Arnav said. "She has been, is, and always will be mine!"

Shyam laughed. "As if! I've seen the way you've acted towards her. You couldn't stand her."

Arnav paused.

"Some love you have for her. What did you do after that night she fell off the stage at that show of yours in Lucknow? Huh?!"

Arnav remembered back to how mean and evil he was towards Khushi.

"You were a bastard to her," Shyam said. "And me? I helped Khushi and was by her side. I helped her and her family and you? You didn't do crap!"

Arnav looked at him.

"You don't deserve Khushiji and her kindness. She always cared about the best for people and worried for them before herself. But you? You were never nice to her. But I was! I was, but yet I couldn't have her all because of your stupid Di!"

Arnav's eyes widened and clenched his jaw.

"But now that your sister is gone, what's there to stop me," he smirked.

Arnav pushed him and knocked Shyam down and was ready to punch him.

"Go ahead! Punch me away Saleh Sahab! But that won't change your coldness towards Khushi."

Arnav froze.

"It won't change how cruel you were to her."

Arnav moved back slightly, images of his cruelness towards Khushi, flashing before him.

"You don't deserve her."

Arnav let Shyam go and got up. Shyam was right. Khushi was sweet and she did always care about others before herself. But him? He was a cold-hearted man. Shyam got up and cackled. Arnav looked back at him and then looked away. He headed back towards the house, leaving Shyam, who was laughing away.

Arnav walked back into the house and walked up and into his room.

He shut his eyes. I don't deserve you Khushi.

Chapter Fifteen

In the darkness of his room, Shyam paced back and forth. He couldn't believe that the Guptas had agreed to let his Khushi marry Arnav. It made him furious that Khushi was marrying Arnav. Pacing back and forth he kept thinking of a way to stop this from happening.

I have to stop this marriage at any cause, he said in his head. But how?

He paced a bit more and saw the picture of him and Anjali on the wall.

He walked up to it. It's all because of you Rani Saheba. If you were dead, I could've already had my Khushiji!

Shyam thought back to the all of his failed plans. He had to get rid of her one way or the other. Then he remembered that Anjali would be going to the temple tomorrow.

Shyam paused and an evil smirk grew on his face. That's it.

*~*

Both the Raizada household and Gupta household were going crazy. It was the day of Akash's and Payal's wedding and all final adjustments were being made. People were running around, busy with work. Anjali was busy teasing Akash, when Arnav came down. He had just ended his call with Aman when Anjali called him over.

"Yeah Di, what's up?"

"Chote can you go make sure that the driver is ready? I have to go to the mandhir."

Arnav was about to agree, when Shyam cut in.

"I'll go check Rani Saheba. Better doing something than sitting around," he teased.

Anjali made a face and then smiled. "Okay."

Shyam went out and told the driver to go get ready. The driver nodded and left and Shyam took his chance and got down below the car. He messed around and cut the brakes. Standing up, he grinned evilly. Just then, the driver reappeared and so did Anjali. He smiled at Anjali as she got in the car.

"Bye," she waved, as the car pulled away.

"Goodbye Rani Saheba," he grinned, the car gone. "And good riddance," he smirked.

*~*

The Gupta family arrived and the Raizadas, excluding Akash, greeted them. Nani was ecstatic, unable to wait for her granddaughter in-law to officially be theirs. Khushi was in tears, sad that her sister would be leaving them. Arnav noticed and when the others left, he went to Khushi and handed her his handkerchief, taking the bags that were in her hands in exchange.

Khushi looked at it and then at him.

Arnav smiled softly. "I know what it's like for your sister to get married and to leave you."

Khushi looked down.

"But Khushi, is it necessary to cry?"

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows at him.

"I mean you're marrying me in a couple of days so why cry?"

That was very true. Their wedding was planned and it was in a week.

"Once you're married to me, you'll see her all the time."

Khushi tilted her head. "That's true." A smile erupted. "I'll have her with me the rest of my life then," she chirped.

Happy, she handed the handkerchief back and took the bags from Arnav. She was about to go to the others when Arnav spoke.

"Are you marrying me so you can see your sister, or because you love me?"

Khushi stopped in her tracks and bit her lower lip. Arnav moved beside her ans tilted his head at her, smirking. Khushi looked at him and his smirk.

"Well?"

Khushi turned to him. "I'm marrying you..."

Arnav cocked an eyebrow as Khushi moved in closer to him.

She shoved the bags in his hands. "... so that someone does all the work for me."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows and Khushi stuck her tongue out at him and went dashing in. The corner of Arnav's lips went up, a chuckle escaping from them. Shaking his head, he went to the others, leaving an unknown audience of one behind.

Shyam came out and fumed. "It's just a matter of time," he said aloud to himself. "Once Rani Saheba is gone, all this drama will be over and then you will be mine Khushiji," and he smirked.

*~*

Everyone was busy getting ready, Khushi helping Payal, NK helping Akash.

"Where's Nanav when I need him," NK said.

NK was helping Akash get ready in Akash's room. Arnav came in just then and NK shook his head.

"Nanav, meri bhai, it's your bros wedding, so please help."

"What's there to help with? I fixed his kurta earlier. What did you do?"

NK shook his head. "Nanav, there are much more important things other than the wedding."

"Oh? Is that so? And what's that?"

NK slapped his forehead and took Arnav by the arm and sat him down beside Akash. Akash shrugged at Arnav, both brothers confused.

"I should give you the lesson as well, since you're marrying Khushiji in a couple of days."

Arnav crossed his arms.

NK sighed. "A wedding is a great thing. It unites two hearts together so that they may be together. But my bros, that's not the way to turn two hearts into one."

Akash and Arnav both cocked an eyebrow to NK's dramatic lecture.

"No my bros, that's not how two hearts form to one," he said, shaking his index finger at them. "The way they come together is during what we call the suhag raat."

Akash nodded in acknowledgement while Arnav rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"And in order to bond your hearts together," NK continued, "you must do things right!"

"And you know how to," Arnav asked.

NK scoffed lightly. "Well, I don't like to brag but yeah," he said cockily. "I do."

"I'm sure your experience with your invisible girlfriend has definitely helped you get some skills."

Akash snorted and burst into laughter, clapping Arnav's shoulders, who was smirking at NK. NK gaped at his brother and crossed his arms.

"Like you know anything," NK said.

Arnav stood up. "Yeah, I do. Leave it to the experienced to help others."

"Whatever."

Akash joined his brothers. "How about we end this here, okay? I'm sure I know enough to satisfy my future wife?"

"Oh? Is that so?" And NK started to tease Akash.

*~*

"Khushi, I'm so nervous," Payal said.

"It's okay Jiji, you'll be fine."

"Khushi I'm not talking about the wedding."

"Then?"

Payal checked the room even though no one else was there. She tugged on Khushi and had her sit beside her.

"Khushi I'm talking about my suhag raat."

Khushi's eyes widened. Payal looked at her for some advice but Khushi could only blink.

"Khushi you're supposed to help me here!"

But Khushi didn't know what to say. Instead of thinking of something to tell her sister, she thought about what was coming for her when she was going to marry Arnav. She knew Arnav had women in his life before her, seeing Lavanya as his girlfriend before. She also knew that he had studied abroad and that there were women he was involved with when he was at school over there. She gulped wondering what would happen during her suhag raat.

"Khushi," Payal yelled, exasperated.

Khushi flinched and looked at her sister. She looked side to side and frowned. "I don't know Jiji. All I can tell you is to relax and to trust him and-"

Khushi hiccuped. Her eyes shot wide as she hiccuped again. Payal scrunched her eyebrows as her sister hiccuped again.

"Go drink some water Khushi."

Khushi nodded and went out of the room to get water. She was walking through the house, hiccuping away. She got a glass of water in the kitchen and was about to drink it, when someone spoke.

"I don't think that water is gonna do much help."

Khushi looked up and her eyes widened.

Chapter Fourteen

Khushi and Arnav glanced at each other as Buaji, Garima, and Payal stood before them, them seated in the living room.

"We just got a call from Deviyaniji," Buaji announced.

The two understood at that moment what this was all about.

"Buaji-"

But Arnav was cut off, Buaji holding a hand up. She crossed her arms and looked at the two. "How long?"

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"You two - how long?"

Khushi opened her mouth to say something, but then shut it. She herself had no idea when they had started. After everything they had been through, it was hard to say when their relationship even started.

"Since the first time we met," Arnav said.

Everyone looked at Arnav, including Khushi.

"Ever since we first met, things have been happening between us," Arnav stated.

Buaji, Garima, and Payal looked at each other while Khushi just stared at Arnav.

He thinks it started from then, she wondered.

Arnav turned and looked at her. From the look on his face, Khushi knew that to him, their relationship had started since moment she had fallen in his arms.

"Why didn't you ever say anything," Buaji asked.

Arnav and Khushi looked side to side. It was only recently that they had actually claimed their love. What did they know before, right?

"Well?"

Khushi glanced at Arnav and he glanced at her. The two urged the other to say something, but neither said a word, feeling shy.

Buaji erupted in laughter and started to clap. "Aww look at them, they feel shy and embarrassed."

Garima and Payal began to smile, both Arnav and Khushi looking at them confusedly.

Buaji laughed. "Oh we're not mad, we just wanted to tease you both."

Khushi gaped and stood up, placing her hands on her hips. "Haaw! That's just wrong! And you two," she said, looking at Garima and Payal, "that was very wrong of you two!"

The two laughed along with Buaji.

Buaji went over to Arnav's side and laughed. "Ka babua? Did you get scared?"

Arnav shook his head and smiled lightly, but on the inside he was like what... the...? 

Buaji took Arnav's hand and Khushi's hand, and placed them together. The two looked at their hands together and then at each other.

Garima came forward and smiled at Arnav. "I give you permission to marry my crazy daughter," she smiled. "We all do," she said, gesturing to everyone.

While Khushi gaped at her for calling her crazy, Arnav smiled.

"I promise that I will take care of Khushi - even if she is crazy," Arnav said.

Khushi gaped at Arnav and fumed as everyone laughed.

"I'm not even married to him yet and you all sided with him," she pouted.

Everyone laughed and Arnav smirked at her. Khushi released her hand and left to her room, pouting with her arms crossed.

"Khushi," Garima called out.

"Khushi," Buaji hollered. She turned to Arnav. "Go - it seems like your future crazy wife is mad," she grinned.

Arnav nodded and made his way to Khushi's room.When he came in, he saw Khushi facing her back towards him, her arms still crossed. Khushi was too busy huffing to realize Arnav had come in. Arnav went towards her and pulled her by her arm, spinning her around and pulling her into his chest. Khushi looked at him wide eyes, her body meshed into his. But she didn't care for long and turned away, still mad at him.

"Are you mad Khushi," Arnav asked innocently, knowing clearly that she was.

"Yes," she huffed.

"Really?"

She looked at him. "Yes Arnavji! How could you make fun of me with my family," she pouted.

"It was just some teasing Khushi-"

"No," she pouted. "You were making fun of me! And I'm not crazy!"

Arnav scowled and Khushi grimaced.

"Okay fine! ...I admit I'm a little bit crazy."

"A little bit?"

"Fine! I'm a bit crazy."

Arnav cocked an eyebrow.

"Okay fine! I'm crazy!"

Arnav started to chuckle and Khushi's anger went away. She gazed in awe as she watched Arnav laugh. It was a rare sight after all, and she loved it. Arnav noticed the way she was gazing at her, so taking it as an advantage, he spun her around and leaned her up against the wall. Khushi gasped as Arnav gave his devilish grin.

"Getting lost are we," he smirked.

Khushi shook her head slightly. "You just look really nice when you laugh," she nearly whispered as she looked at Arnav's mouth, which was very close to hers.

Arnav looked at her lips and then at her. "Really?"

"Yes," she breathed, as Arnav neared in. "You look cute when you laugh."

Arnav looked her in the eyes. "Is that so?"

"Yes," she breathed.

Arnav smirked and nuzzled her cheek. Khushi slightly turned, giving him more access, and clutched onto his waistcoat. Arnav smirked and then placed a soft, gentle kiss on her neck. Khushi took in a sharp breath and shut her eyes. Arnav nuzzled her below her ear and began to nibble on her earlobe. Khushi's chest heaved as she felt something happen to her body. She felt something happening between her legs and crossed her legs to stop it. Arnav noticed and looked at her legs, instantly knowing what she was feeling.

"Do you feel that Khushi," Arnav whispered. "Do you feel that between your legs?"

Khushi wondered if Arnav knew what was happening to her. After all, the man knew a lot of things, so she nodded.

"Does it feel good?"

Khushi thought for a second and then nodded. She really was curious to know what it was.

"Is this the first time you're feeling this?"

Khushi nodded again. "But what is it Arnavji," she breathed.

Arnav cupped her cheek and tilted her face up so that she would look at him. "That, Khushi, is your body's sexual reaction to me."

Khushi blushed to his words, her cheeks burning. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"You do the same thing to me too, Khushi - you make body react as well."

"Really?" She really was curious. After all he was a guy, so things were definitely different than it was for girls.

Arnav smirked to the curiosity written all over her face. He moved her foot with his so that she was standing normal, and held her by her waist. Khushi looked down at her feet, his hands and then at him.

"Really," he confirmed, and tilted his pelvis to her.

Khushi gasped as she felt his erection against her. She wasn't positive, but she had heard of things from her friends when they would mess around. She just couldn't believe that she was actually feeling his erection on her!

"This is what you do to me," Arnav murmured against her cheek, nuzzling it at the same time.

Khushi looked at him. "Really?"

Arnav nodded. "But above all, you do this to me." He took her hand in his and placed it above his heart.

Khushi felt it beat, going dhak-dhak! dhak-dhak! under her hand.

"You make my heart beat with life Khushi."

Khushi met her eyes back at his and saw the love in his eyes. She was in awe, unable to believe that this was the very same man who had been very cruel to her not so long ago. She smiled and reached up, pecking Arnav on the cheek.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Both turned and saw Payal covering her eyes, standing at the door.

"Khushi, Amma and Buaji are calling," she said.

Arnav moved away from Khushi and she straightened up.

"We're coming." Khushi said.

"Okay," and she left giggling.

Khushi blushed. "You think she saw us?"

"I dunno, who cares," Arnav said, adjusting himself.

"Arnavji!"

"What," he asked innocently.

Khushi rolled her eyes and turned to walk away, adjusting herself. But just as she was about to make it to the door, Arnav stopped her and pulled her against him.

"Arnavji-"

"Is it wrong of me to flirt with my future wife," Arnav teased, holding Khushi against his body.

Khushi gulped and shook her head.

Arnav smirked. "That's what I thought," and he let her go, and left the room.

Khushi gaped as she watched him leave. She really couldn't believe that he was the same man whose arms she had fallen into.

Going out, she saw Arnav bidding his farewells to the rest of her family. He looked at her and Khushi gave a timid smile. They looking away at each other and the rest of the family had their lips pursed, unable to help themselves but to smile.

Payal tapped Khushi's shoulder and she looked at her.

"Done looking at him," Payal teased.

Arnav and Khushi both looked down, feeling embarrassed. The Guptas laughed and Arnav made his leave. Payal was wiggling her eyebrows at Khushi, but Khushi ignored her and made her way to her room, blushing crazily.

She was going to marry Arnav and she couldn't be any happier.