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.