Chapter 14

Khushi felt an odd air of disappointment settle around her as they got closer to the entrance of the house. The moment they step through those doors, their date would be over. Khushi was surprised yet pleased to realize that she didn't want that. She wanted time to slow down so that she could continue to enjoy this evening which he had planned and carried out to perfection...again! This time around, there was no Niraj who threatened to ruin their date like that other time.

Briefly, she glanced down even as her heart skipped a beat to see her left hand held gently in his right. He had offered it to her when she had stepped out of the car and her heart had leaped into her mouth when he hadn't let it go.

A part of her wondered whether anything would be different in the confines of their room after this night. What was the protocol for the physical interaction post date three? Would he expect anything different? Was she ready for anything different?

Yes, tonight had been amazing. Yes, he'd been a thorough gentleman, as usual. Yes, she was excited about this relationship blooming in given time. But was she ready for more at this point?

The aroma of lavender hit her like a brick wall when they walked into the foyer and Khushi sighed. She was already associating this scent with home'.

"You okay?" Arnav questioned, his grip on her hand easing up slightly--giving her a chance to pull away if she wanted.

She nodded at him but didn't take her hand back. "I'm glad we didn't need an intervention to save this evening like the first time we went out..."

Arnav smirked, knowing that she was referring to their run-in with the jerk that was Niraj. "I still can't believe your idea of salvaging that evening was to make and then eat all those jalebis."

"Haww!" Khushi feigned offence. "And I can't believe that you don't like sweets!"

"Maybe I should get used to sweets since you love them so much." Arnav rolled his eyes in exasperation. How could one person possibly eat so many sweets in one sitting?

Khushi chuckled and shook her head. "As sweet as that sounds...please don't. You shouldn't have to change yourself...for anyone."

Arnav shrugged and smiled at her. He himself didn't know why he'd said that. Here he was, trying to ensure that Khushi didn't change herself because then she wouldn't be the woman he'd agreed to marry. Then why was it that he was willing to change himself just a tad bit to enjoy some of her hobbies with her?

As they made their way into the living room, the sounds of light chatter carried to them and the two mutually, simultaneously, yet reluctantly let go of each other's hand.

Just like the night of their first and second date, Asha, Anjali, and Dadi waited eagerly in the living room for them. Greeting them all briefly, chatting for a couple of minutes, Arnav glanced at Khushi once more and left the room, knowing full well that the other three ladies would grill her for information.

He could understand Anjali's excitement. She was young and her best friend was married to her brother so her enthusiasm about extracting details of their date made sense. But his mother and his grandmother...?! One would think that age would make them let go of these girly antics. Apparently not. They could give Anjali a run for her money when it came to trying to get updates on this new couple in the house. He selfishly admitted to himself that he was glad they all turned to Khushi more often than him.

The last time, the night of their second date, the three ladies had all but shoved Arnav out of the living room to get Khushi to themselves. He recalled how Khushi wouldn't spill a word of what they spoke about. However, all the teasing at the table every morning following their dates had assured him that she had said nothing but good things about their times out.

Yesterday, he had taken Khushi to see her family instead of taking her to a restaurant. It was a solace to his inner worrier to see her interact with her family and realizing that her behavior in Shantivan, with the family she had married into, was not too different. He had resolved, then and there, to surprise her with more visits to her family in the future.

That dinner at his in-laws, however, had re-instilled the guilt he had been trying to suppress for days.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror now and frowned recalling his conversation with Aman and Shashi.

"I really think we should tell her."

"No!" Aman protested at once. "It's better if she doesn't know."

"You don't know how she'll react, Arnav..." Shashi tried to reason.

"I don't. But I do that she'll react badly if she finds out from anywhere else." Arnav held his ground.

"You f*cking promised you wouldn't tell her." Aman accused, not caring about the use of profanities in his father's presence.

"And I promised to be honest with her!" Arnav argued back, raising his voice slightly at his friend cum brother-in-law. "You do realize that I'm lying to her, right?"

"It's not lying. It's withholding the truth." Aman muttered sullenly, not ready to lose this particular argument. "If we wanted her to know, we would have told her ourselves! Khushi won't cope well if she finds out."

Arnav ignored him and turned his complete attention to his father-in-law. "Papa...I understand why you don't want to tell her but she needs to know. She has the right to know. And I don't want to lie to Khushi. I feel like the foundation on which Khushi and I have started this relationship is tainted with dishonesty...it makes me uncomfortable. And if she ever finds out, she will know that I hid the truth from her...I'll lose her trust..."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Aman deadpanned. "Your family agrees with this settlement...please Arnav. Please let it go."

"Let what go?" Khushi chirped from the doorway. If she noticed how quickly the three heads snapped around to look at her, she gave away no indication. "If you guys are done with your man-talk, come to the table...dinner's ready."

"Perfect!" Aman hopped up and took hold of the handlebars of Shashi's wheelchair, indicating that this conversation was over. "I'm famished!"

Arnav ran his hand through his hair and swore under his breath. He hated lying to her. He hated lying, period.

Why had he ever agreed to keep this from her? What the hell had he been thinking? How would she react if she found out that her in-laws, Dadi, her parents, her brother...and her husband who had made a vow to be honest with her were all hiding critical information from her? What if she could no longer trust him?

This conversation with Aman and Shashi had nagged at him throughout the movie he'd taken her to watch tonight. His mind was occupied with her presence and the nagging guilt rather than the movie. The dinner that followed wasn't any different and he wondered whether she noticed the slight change in his behavior. Would she confront him about it once she walked into this room? What would he tell her?

Brushing the anxiety inducing thought away, Arnav stepped into the washroom to freshen up.

When Khushi returned to the bedroom after the usual chit-chat with Asha, Devyani, and Anjali, she found the room vacant. Hearing the tap running in the washroom, Khushi walked to the dresser and began her night-time routine blissfully unaware of the secret that was eating away at Arnav.

After removing all the jewelry except for the two rings which now had a permanent place on her left hand's ringer finger, Khushi wiped away what little make up she had on with a cotton swab dipped in make-up remover.

Arnav's eyes found her immediately the moment he stepped out of the bathroom and flashing a guarded smile in her direction, he made his way to the poolside area to water his oh-so-precious plants while Khushi walked into the washroom.

When Arnav returned, Khushi was kneeling on the bed, fluffing the pillows ad rearranging them. Arnav crawled onto the bed without any hesitation, ready to end yet another wonderful day save the slight stress he couldn't shake off.

With a quick glance, he took in her appearance like he did every night and couldn't help the smile that adorned his lips.

This was the one of the many things he found utterly cute about her: Her teenage styled pajamas. Today, she wore a white sleeveless t-shirt which read Miss Perfect' in blue paired with baby blue pajama bottoms with drawings of small brown teddy bears.

Last night, she had worn a pink set of Pajamas with hearts draws all over it. Her night-time attires always made her look five years younger--like a girl who was going to bed after a long day of studying in her dorm rather than a young woman who was going to sleep beside a husband she had met barely a month ago.

Suddenly, without any preamble, he reached out and took a hold of her hand, halting her in the middle of reaching for the blanket. She looked at their hands wide-eyed and then at him, her heart leaping in her chest.

Instantly, she worried about what he was going to do. She hoped that he wouldn't ruin these perfect few days by hinting towards something that she wasn't comfortable with. If he did, whether she agreed or refused...it would make things a tad bit awkward and that could not be good for them. They'd been getting along so well...

She watched anxiously as his thumbs skated over her fingers, just below her knuckles before coming to a rest right over her wedding band. Caressing the pompous emerald on the engagement ring momentarily, he raised her hand and gently pressed his lips to her skin, his eyes never leaving her face.

Khushi felt the butterflies in her stomach go insane and then combust when he gave her his shy smile.

"Thank you for a great evening, Khushi." He smiled a drop-dead gorgeous smile which made her heart skip a beat.

"Thank you." She murmured shyly, feeling the heat bloom in her cheeks.

Grinning boyishly at her, he let go of her hand and lay back on the bed, reeling in the alien feelings and emotions Khushi was evoking within him without even trying. He watched from the corner of his eyes and she lay down gently, clutching the hand he had kissed, her heart still thudding loudly in her chest...

Reaching over, he hit the light switch next to the headboard on his side to turn off his half of the room lights. "Good night, Khushi."

"Good Night." She muttered before turning off the remaining lights.

They both lay there quietly, staring up at the ceiling in the dim light which filtered in from the poolside through the thin curtains. Khushi re-played the sweet kiss on her hand--the spot still tingled from his touch--over and over again.

He glanced at her and in the almost complete darkness, he could just about make out her staring up at the ceiling as if contemplating something. He stared back up at the ceiling as well, recalling their interactions from tonight. Listening to old Hindi songs on their way to the date, recalling her reactions to the scenes in the movie, watching her as she excitedly chatted and enjoyed dinner, being drawn to her like a moth to a flame...and the new norm of their relationship--holding hands.

Absent mindedly, he moved his hand, which was originally resting on his abdomen and placed it on the bed between them. The moment his little finger came into contact with hers, he heard her breathing cease. He counted the beats in his mind, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling. After seven beats in his mind, when she didn't move her hand away, Arnav tentatively hooked his little finger around hers.

He counted more beats and finding motivation in the fact that she wasn't moving away her hand or stopping him, he entwined two more fingers when she let out her breath shakily.

This time, taking him by surprise, Khushi completed the task, his slow movements were becoming too much for her since each small movement of his stirred those butterflies which had a permanent residence in her stomach. In a moment of determination, she upturned and then moved her hand slightly until their fingers aligned. Her heart beating madly in her chest, she slipped her fingers through his and waited with bated breath for his reaction. Would he tease her? Ridicule her? Pull his hand away?

She got her answer a moment later when he closed his fingers as well. And it was there...in the way he held her hand--the silent promise of his continued support...and something more.

Opening up her heart a tad bit more to accept his efforts, Khushi slowly slipped into peaceful slumber, thoughts of their many perfect moments floating in her head.
____

"You bitch!"

Khushi winced and held the phone a certain distance from her ear while Arnav's eyebrows perked up in amusement, overhearing the unusual greeting.

"Well, hello to you too, Payal." Khushi chuckled.

"Don't you hello me!" Payal hissed angrily. "I can't believe you've forgotten me already now that you're married...if I'd known that this is what you'd do, I kid you not Khushi, I would have kidnapped you from the freaking Mandap!"

"Payal...it's not like that..." Khushi tried to explain.

"Yes it is. That son of a Raizada is more important to you now! You haven't called me even once, let alone coming to visit..." Payal yelled again.

"As if you've called or visited until now..." Khushi rolled her eyes and glanced apologetically at Arnav.

He shrugged and pulled out his own blackberry while the two friends caught up and chatted away. As the minutes wore on, Arnav's impatience grew. Here he was, excited as ever to show Khushi his wedding gift to her and Payal had chosen this precise moment to call her.

He checked his watch and tapped his feet. They'd been talking for twenty minutes!

Abruptly, Arnav snatched the phone out of her hand while her mouth dropped in shock.

"Payal, do you mind calling in a few minutes? I'd like to have my wife's undivided attention for a bit. Thanks." Arnav scowled at Khushi as he disconnected the call.

Khushi's wide eyes dropped the phone in his hand before settling on his face accusingly. Not offering any more words, he grabbed her hand at the wrist and led her towards a room that Khushi hadn't been in before. Khushi couldn't care at this point. She was angry.

How dare he do that?!

She yanked her hand out of his grip and glared at him. Now it was his turn to be taken aback. "What the hell Arnav? You could have asked me to hurry with the call...you didn't need to be so rude to Payal. Give me my phone."

"Khushi, I--" Arnav began only to be interrupted.

"Just give me the damned phone Arnav." She snapped. She wasn't going to stand there and let him boss her around. He was possessive, yes, that she knew. He had admitted that to her. She'd even had a glimpse of that side of his...but disconnecting her call with her best friend?

Arnav frowned. So Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada has a temper...

This wasn't how this surprise was supposed to go. Immediately, he set out to do some damage control. It was too soon to have these arguments and strains in their relationship.

"I'm sorry Khushi...I just...I really wanted to show you something. I've been waiting all morning..." he tried to sound as gentle as possible.

"What's so important that it couldn't wait while I spoke to Payal?!" Khushi frowned at him.

"Maybe it's not important." He sighed dejectedly and shrugged. "It's just my wedding present to you."

Khushi opened her mouth to say something when his words registered in her mind. She closed her mouth again and looked at him with a small frown, her anger dissipating quickly.

"Why don't you call Payal back?" He smiled at her warmly. "I'll show you later..."

He gave her another smile and started to step around and Khushi immediately felt guilty for lashing out him. Hadn't she questioned him about the reason behind his excitement on their way up? For once he seemed more excited about something else during breakfast! He hadn't even badgered her for not having a breakfast which would be considered proper' by the Dr. Arnav Singh Raizada standards!

And now he looked like a young boy who was denied his favorite toy. Because of her. Because of her irrational snapping. Something tugged at her heart and she reached out to grab his arm immediately.

"Wait Arnav..." She pulled on his arm so that he would turn and face her. "I'm sorry I overreacted...I'll call her later. What did you want to show me?"

"Its fine Khushi...I'll show you later." Arnav smiled tightly and turned to leave again but stopped when she tugged at his arm.

"Please?" Khushi batted her eyelashes and put up her innocent face which always guaranteed her way with her father and brother. When she saw Arnav's lips curve up in a shy smile, she knew that he would not be immune to that expression of hers either.

Good to know! Khushi smiled in response.

"Come!" He grabbed her hand again; the waves of excitement rolling off of him once more.

As they reached the door, Arnav pulled her so that she was walking ahead of him and then very elaborately, he pushed the door open. Khushi eyes scanned the room for a gift and then, a few seconds later, she realized that this room was her gift.

Her mouth dropped open slightly as she looked at the room designed with open-space layout and modern furnishings. The large sleek black desk, the couch against the wall across from it, an entire wall converted into shelves which were currently empty.

She spotted the Raizada Mansion's signature lavender pots implemented artfully in various corners of the room.

"I figured you'd need a study..." Arnav leaned against the pane and watched her as she walked into the room, looking around in awe.

"Arnav...this is perfect!" Khushi chuckled, running the tips of her fingers along the smooth edge of her desk. She froze in her movements, eyeing a door opposite to the one she'd just entered from. "What's in there...?"

"Let's go take a look." Arnav smirked and walked towards her but something about her tone told her that he already knew what was in there.

She couldn't help but grin at him as he took her hand and walked the short distance to the door. Pulling her in front of him again, this time he covered her eyes with a hand awkwardly, trying to keep a good blindfold with his hand and keeping a sincere distance between them at the same time.

He managed to throw open the door and led her inside and for a moment, he was thrown by the amount of trust she had in him. Letting him lead into rooms she hasn't been to before without hesitation...surely on her part it would require some trust?

"It smells like polish in here..." Khushi murmured, holding out her hands in front of her as a guide since she couldn't see.

"You're absolutely right...are you ready?" Arnav asked, taking a deep breath. "One...two...and three!"

On the count of three, he removed his hands from her completely and took a step back, giving her space for this moment. The joyous gasp of surprise from her was a sweet sound to his ears, knowing that he had made it happen. Khushi squealed in delight and turned to face him.

"Are you serious?!" Khushi grinned at him and glanced over her shoulder again.

There, in the corner of this small room stood an elegant grand piano--a sleek, shiny black body, with the lid perched up. On the side of the piano, her initials, KGSR, were emblazoned in gold in an intricate calligraphy font. A rectangular black wood and red velvet cushioned bench sat there temptingly.

Khushi's fingers twitched, wanting to glide across the smooth ivory and ebony keys.

When she glanced back at her husband, he was watching her expectantly, unconsciously biting his lip. Seeing him overwhelmed her with a surge of feelings that were alien to her. This man...this sweet, chivalrous, gorgeous man that was her husband never failed to go that extra mile to ensure her comfort and happiness. This gift of a piano...though it may have cost a small fortune would remain priceless for her.

As a young girl, this was the only demand of hers that had ever been turned down by her parents simply because her dad's company was facing some hardships at the time and they couldn't afford extra expenses. He, of course, did not know that. How he'd found out about her love for this instrument, she didn't know. But the fact that he'd put thought into his wedding gift for her rather than presenting her with a typical gift had rendered her speechless.

So she expressed her feelings and emotions like she always did when she couldn't find the words--she closed the distance of mere two steps and threw her arms around his shoulders, giving him a hug. Though slightly surprised, Arnav wrapped his arms around her gently, relishing the feel of her petite frame in his arms.

That is when it happened for the first time. Through the haze of feelings that had become constant in his mind since their wedding, a stark pang of desire shot through him unannounced. His breath hitched in his throat as his mind became acutely aware of every inch of her body that was flush against his.

"Thank you." She whispered. "This is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten and I want you to know how much I appreciate it."

The remnants of shock at this new pull he felt towards were still visible on his face when she pulled away and smiled at him. Shoving his errant thoughts aside, he shrugged at her, mirroring her smile.

"Just like my compliments on your Aloo Puri...this Piano is sort of a gift for me too...You can play piano covers of old Hindi songs while I sit and devour a serving of Aloo Puri right on that couch over there." Arnav pointed with his chin at the couch that sat against the wall opposite from the piano.

"How did you think of this?" Khushi questioned, looking at him in awe.

"When you played at the sangeet, I could tell how fond you were of the piano...I didn't know whether you'd like it or not...It was my best bet..." Arnav shrugged, looking like a kid who was trying to convince his teacher that the dog really did eat his homework.

"Oh, Arnav, I love it!"

Khushi chuckled and walked to the piano with a spring in her steps. Just like they had wanted to moments ago, Khushi fingers glided along the smooth surface of the piano top and then they caressed the keys with a feather-light stroke.

The wanton thoughts in Arnav's mind unleashed themselves once again. What would it feel like if she ran her fingers along his arms...his back...his chest...his abdomen...

Stop! Arnav scowled at himself, putting an immediate block on the direction of his thoughts. What the hell? Where was this coming from?! Maybe not unexpected but definitely sudden. And if it was sudden for him, it would be even more surprising for her.

Almost a week into marriage, he could say without hesitation that she was returning to her element. Though she was still blushing around the clock, she was at ease with him and the pace at which they were moving forward.

He knew that because when they'd woken up this morning, somehow still hand-in-hand, there had been no awkwardness. As usual, she'd smiled at him brightly and wished him a good morning before gently withdrawing her hand so that she could walk into washroom.

It wouldn't be prudent, or ideal, to put her out of that comfortable place just because his hormones had chosen this precise point in time to run astray.
___

"Aww...you two are so damned cute!" Anjali gushed.

Khushi grinned and shrugged. "He's very charming..."

"He is, isn't he?" Anjali sounded proud of her brother. "Did you like your wedding present?"

"Were you in on it?" Khushi demanded right away.

Anjali snorted in an unladylike way and rolled her eyes. "He wouldn't tell any of us. We only found out when we helped the delivery guys take it up yesterday."

"That showed up yesterday?" Khushi gasped.

"Yeap...while you were out for the movie and dinner." Anjali grinned. "Are you excited about the club night tomorrow?"

"Yeah. It will be nice to be out with everyone... It's been a busy week." Khushi chuckled and jerked her head to move the bangs out of her eyes. "The Mooh-Dikhayi, four dates with Arnav, a dinner with my parents...the club night should be fun, I guess. I'll probably have to call it a night early though...I have work the next day. " Khushi groaned.

"So I guess your dating thing is going to be on hold?" Anjali raised an eyebrow in interest.

Khushi shrugged and adjusted the bracelet on her wrist. "I don't know. We haven't decided anything."

Anjali eyed her friend curiously. "You know...I feel like you're holding back some information..."

"Like what?" Khushi gasped, indignant that her friend could even think such a thing.

"You know..." Anjali wiggled her eyebrows. "The dirty details..."

"Dirty details?" Khushi raised an eyebrow even as she felt her cheeks flame. She knew exactly what Anjali meant.

"Oh you know...the usual stuff. Tell me, have you two kissed yet?" Anjali bobbed up and down, causing a ripple in the mattress.

Khushi flushed and averted her eyes. She bit her lip lightly when Anjali gasped.

"Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada..." Anjali perched up on her knees, hands on her hips. "Is that a yes?"

"No..." Khushi responded at once and then flushed some more. Why is sharing this information with my best friend so awkward?! Maybe because he is her brother...
"So you haven't?" Anjali's smile faltered just a little bit.

Khushi rolled her eyes. "No, Anjali...we haven't."

"Is everything okay? You two are getting along, right?" Anjali cupped Khushi's cheek, suddenly very serious.

Khushi smiled up at her friend. "Yes Ms. Sis-in-law. Everything is fine...we're getting along and it's all good. We've just...I told you...we've started the whole dating phase thing and we'll take it one day at a time."

Besides...he hasn't tried anything... Khushi frowned slightly. I didn't know men were capable of this kind of control...maybe it's something else. Maybe I'm not appealing to him in that way... The vane part of her that secretly worried that she may not be good enough for him whispered to her viciously.

Anjali sighed and fell back on the mattress, hitting the pillow with a thud. "I guess that's fine...at least that way you'll take your time and I won't have to become a Buaji for a while...Ouch!"

Anjali rubbed her arm where Khushi had slapped her.

"What?" Anjali frowned innocently. "Dadi is already dreaming of great-grandchildren! Unbelievable, I tell you..."

Khushi gave a non committal shrug but offered no verbal response. Her thoughts drifted to her Amma's comment of the like yesterday. I've been married less than a week and Amma already wants grandchildren...as if they drop right out of the sky!

"Go to sleep, Anjali..." Khushi stood up and stretched lazily. "I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight..."

Anjali pouted. "Fine...go to your husband...but you're all mine tomorrow night."

Maybe the possessiveness runs in the family...Khushi chuckled at the thought and shook her head. "That's if you're not busy arguing with Bhai."

"Oh don't talk to me about that monster. We went to check your wedding photo and video status today and he's as incorrigible and intolerable as ever! I can't believe you two are siblings! How the hell do you put up with him?" Anjali put her hand on her forehead vehemently and shook her head.

"He's not that bad." Khushi defended her beloved brother at once.

"Who's nicer? My brother or yours?" Anjali challenged, wiggling her eyebrows.

Khushi opened her mouth to retort and closed it again, frowning slightly. "I can't answer that...one's my brother, the other is my husband..."

"I win then!" Anjali grinned. "Goodnight Bhabhi..."

Khushi rolled her eyes and left the room before Anjali could continue with her madness. Not wanting to dwell on the mentions of grandchildren--which Khushi was sure they wouldn't get for another couple years--Khushi walked to the opposite end of the second floor to their bedroom.

She opened the door and stepped in precisely at the moment he closed the door the bathroom and stepped into the bedroom wearing only his track pants. Khushi froze a couple of steps away from the closed bedroom door and gaped at him while he gaped back, equally taken aback.

Khushi's eyes involuntarily travelled from his damp hair to his handsome face, down the length of his neck to his bare chest. Out of her control, they travelled further down even as her heart kicked into overdrive, taking in the well sculpted muscles that usually stayed hidden under a shirt.

She paused at the waistband of his track pants, realizing that she was shamelessly staring at him. Her eyes jerked up to his face and seeing the amusement in that small smirk of his, Khushi's cheeks blazed.

She turned away quickly and jerkily made her way out to the poolside, embarrassed at being caught ogling at him like that. She stared at the water in the pool, blushing profusely as the image of him half-naked refused to fade from her memory. She looked up at the sky incredulously.

Hey Devi Maiyya! What is wrong with me?!

"Khushi?" His deep voice nearly made her jump out of her skin.

Oh no...not again... Khushi screwed her eyes shut tightly before opening them and blinking rapidly. Had he followed her out?

She risked a quick glance in his direction and noted with an internal sigh of relief that he had tossed on a white t-shirt. She knew her cheeks were still tainted red so she stared resolutely ahead as he stood next to her.

"You'll get used to it." He noted with a hint of mirth in his voice.

She turned to look at him, her eyes slightly wide. "What?"

"You'll get used to seeing me without a shirt." He smirked at her and suppressed a chuckle when she looked away, blushing anew. "That's how I sleep, Khushi."

"No you don't..." Khushi frowned in confusion. I've never seen you like that...why do you think I'm blushing like a teenager right now?

"Yes I do...Well, I used to anyway. I'm just behaving myself because I now have company..." Arnav shrugged.

Oh thank God. Khushi pursed her lips. How am I supposed to sleep peacefully knowing that he's half-naked beside me...

"I didn't mean to embarrass you..." he spoke seriously, all hints of humor gone. "I thought you'd still be downstairs with Anjali...you two like to talk..."

Yes but then your sister brought up the topic of us kissing and Dadi and Maa wanting great-grandchildren... Khushi blushed again, feeling utterly ridiculous.

"You're blushing again." He noted the obvious.

Yes, I do that often where you're concerned. Khushi glanced at him and shrugged. "I've been doing that quite a lot lately...ever since I met you, in fact."

Arnav looked at her for a few long seconds, holding her slightly nervous gaze. "I should let you have wine more often. You're exceptionally forthcoming with some of that stuff in your system..."

Khushi chuckled lightly. "I thought it was obvious to you. Didn't you say you were good at reading people? In fact, I think you're very aware of the effect you have on me."

Arnav nodded slowly, testing out her words. "I make you a little uncomfortable."

What? Khushi looked at him wide eyed. "No you don't! Where the hell did you get that idea?"

"I don't?" He looked puzzled. "That's not why you're jumpy around me?"

"No!" Khushi shook her head, not being able to help but laugh at his ridiculous assumption. "Oh my God! Is that what you think? Is that why you haven't tried anything with me?"

Arnav cocked his head to the side, his amusement mounting. "Tried anything?"

Khushi flushed and twisted her fingers together. Ah crap... "Yeah...I mean...you know."

Arnav pressed his lips together to stifle a smirk. He took a deliberate step towards her and watched amusedly when she took a responding step backwards. Arnav took another and she responded the same way. He continued walking towards her, a small teasing smirk playing on his lips, until she backed up right into the wall.

She gasped, cast a glance at the wall from the corner of her eyes and then looked back at him as he stood a mere half a step away from her. Holding her anxious gaze, he placed both of his hands on the wall on either side of her head.

"You've been wondering why I haven't tried anything...as in getting physical with you?" He questioned, his voice a tad above a whispered.

Khushi swallowed to soothe her suddenly dried throat and nodded in response.

"Do you want me to try something?" He titled his head a little bit and raised an eyebrow.

Khushi blinked. Do I? Yes? No? I don't know? Khushi's heart skipped a beat when he moved his face closer a mere centimeter.

"Tell me Khushi..."

Khushi pushed herself further into the wall when he moved closer. Her breath hitched in her throat when he leaned close enough so that their faces were mere inches away.

"Do you want me to try something?" His voice was almost a husky whisper.

Khushi's heart leaped into her mouth when he moved even closer. Her eyes drifted down to his perfectly shaped lips and lingered for a moment before moving up to his eyes. Along with the amusement, there was something else in his eyes...something serious that she couldn't pin-point.

He removed his left hand from the wall and placed it gingerly on her shoulder. Khushi slowly inhaled deeply and held her breath in the hope that it would help calm the fluttering in the pit of her stomach. Her spine tingled when he trailed his hand down hers until he reached her fingers.

A smile full of mirth appeared on his face, the seriousness instantly vanishing into thin air as he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles gently. Khushi let go of the breath she'd been holding.

Okay...this I can deal with. This, he's done before...

"Let's walk before we run, Khushi." Arnav smiled down at her and removed his other hand from her side, not letting go of her hand that he was still holding. "we had this discussion the first day we met...you'd asked me how fast I expect the physical intimacy to establish and I'd told you that with time, it will grow on its own. The first few weeks, I just want to get to know you. I've learnt a great deal about you this week but there's still a way to go, don't you agree?"

Khushi nodded and averted her gaze, nervously brushing away her bangs with her free hand. Arnav skated his thumb across her fingers to get her attention.

"Now I've made you uncomfortable. In fact, you look scared..." Arnav searched her face and paused, trying to phrase his next sentence. "There'll come a day when you won't be scared of me backing you up into a wall and that day I'll try anything you want me to. But for now, please relax..."

"Even this..." Arnav lifted her hand slightly, "it's happened faster than I'd expected." Arnav sighed. "And I think this is where I stop. I've made these advances simply because I couldn't help myself and you seemed to have accepted it all but now I want you to tell me what you want. I feel like you won't tell me if I'm making you uncomfortable or whether you're going along with something just because I've taken that step. I feel like you won't tell me if I'm moving too fast for your comfort and I don't want that. You'll have to tell me these things somehow Khushi...I need the assurance that you're comfortable and happy in every way here...in this family...with me."

"I am happy, Arnav." Khushi looked up at him seriously, hoping that her words reflected in her eyes, in her expression.

I don't understand why everyone thinks I'd be unhappy! Everyone wants assurance that I'm happy...Dadi, Mom, Anjali, my parents, Bhai...and now even Arnav! Do I seem unhappy to them?!

"I must ask this...everyone seems to be making sure that I'm fine or that I'm happy...why is that?" Khushi frowned. "Do I look like I'm not? Am I giving off the impression that I'm not happy?"

"I think it's the fact that everything has happened so quickly. From the engagement to the wedding, we barely had fifteen days. I don't know about the others Khushi, but this is a part of who I am...Just like I need to know that all of you are safe and healthy, I need to know that everyone related to me is happy." He smiled, looking almost sheepish.

Khushi raised an eyebrow at him, Dadi's words resurfacing in her mind. She had said that Arnav's priority was always to make sure that his family was content and happy but in that process, he often didn't consider his own feelings and emotions. He had self-assumed sole responsibility for this family, unwilling to get anything or anyone in the way of it. Dadi had expressed her relief about now having someone who would take care of her grandson the way he did for everyone else. That was someone was Khushi. His wife.

"What?" He questioned at the look of determination on her face.

Khushi shook her head. She had an inkling that he wouldn't be open to the idea of someone wanting to take care of him. As the man who always took care of everyone else, his instincts would be to give and not receive in return. She was going to change that. If he was going to go to lengths for his family then she would go to lengths for her husband simply because he deserved it.

Khushi could almost picture her mother smiling in approval of this decision and the thought brought a smile to her face.

Life is like a balance sheet. Everything needs to balance. If he was going to take a step forward then she will need to take an equal step forward. She guiltily accepted that in their week-long relationship, he'd been more considerate and giving than she had been.

A bad experience in her past had left her more cautious of her heart and feelings. She realized that's what was holding her back.

Arnav seemed perfect. Too perfect save his possessive nature. Khushi was secretly waiting for the real Arnav to make an appearance but she realized now that this is how he really was.

Just because she had come across someone who had no regards for other people's feelings, it didn't mean that everyone was like that. Just because she'd been deceived and hurt by someone in the past, it didn't mean that all men were like that.

She should have known. She was surrounded by good hearted men. Aman, Akash, her father, her father-in-law...and her husband. Aman had even assured her of his trust in Arnav and simply going by that, Khushi should have had no issues in opening up to Arnav the way he had to her.

Just because Shya--No!

She halted her thoughts, refusing to revisit that part of her life. She glanced at Arnav quickly, guiltily. He didn't know about this. It was the only secret she had kept from everyone"including Payal and her brother, the people with whom she shared everything. And even though she knew that it would cause chaos in her married life if Arnav ever found out, she wasn't any closer to telling him than she was to go to make jalebis on mars.

Some things are better kept secret...

"You're starting to worry me Khushi...what are you thinking about?" Arnav frowned, confused by the myriad of expressions crossing her face. Her alarmed eyes found his and he saw the shutters come down, concealing any emotions from him. He didn't like it.

"I'm just...trying to figure out how to convince everyone that I'm happy." Khushi smiled up at him.

"I'm convinced...for now." Arnav smiled, ignoring the unsettling feeling her response left him with.

"You are?" She raised her eyebrows.

Arnav shrugged, returning the light-hearted notes to the conversation again. "You haven't run off from here or pushed me into the pool..."

A small point of his chin made her aware that they were still standing close to each other, with her back pressed against the wall, her left hand in his.

"Maybe if you get enough alcohol in my system tomorrow, I'll push you into the pool if that's what you really want." Khushi grinned.

Arnav rolled his eyes and let go of her hand. "I think I'll pass."

Chuckling, the two drifted into a conversation about their plans with the others tomorrow as they walked back into their room.

The two reveled in the newfound serenity that surrounded them as they slept hand in hand--a new routine that had been formed mutually without any verbal discussion about it. For the time being, the secrets they were both keeping from the other were forgotten.

If only they'd realized that there are no secrets that time does not reveal...*

* Quote by Jean Racine.

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Chapter 13

"Don't add any garlic...put in some coriander..." Asha urged.

"No!" Anjali protested. "It tastes better with garlic..!"

"Khushi bitiya, it should be fine as long as you don't put too much chili in it." Dadi advised gently, with a smile on her face.

Arnav, who had just taken his seat at the table--in the dining room adjacent to the kitchen--frowned hearing the commotion from the kitchen.

"Why are they arguing?" He questioned his father who was reading the paper.

"Your wife has gotten tangled in a three way tug-o-war." Arvind chuckled. "Poor girl's Chowki poojan is today...my mother, your mother, and my daughter are in there with her right now..."

"What poojan?" Arnav raised an eyebrow.

"Some tradition about the bride cooking for the family for the first time...your mother hasn't shut up about it all morning." Arvind rolled his eyes.

It had been three days since the wedding and the post-wedding rituals were still going on. Yesterday, the entire day had been taken up by what Asha and Dadi had described as Mooh Dikhayi. Arnav's plans to take her out on a date had been foiled because Asha and her friends had occupied most of Khushi's time. By the end of the day, Khushi looked spent even though she denied it when he asked.

His mind recalled the wedding gift she had presented to him last night, taking him by surprise. He wasn't expecting one. She'd gifted him white gold cufflinks with his initials engraved elegantly across the smooth surface while a single small diamonds pompously in the curves of the s'. He remembered her hopeful expression as she had waited for him to react. Her relief when he ensured her that he loved them had been tangible...it had made him smile.

As he'd put the small velvet box in the closet, he'd reveled in his own excitement of his wedding gift to her which would show up in a couple of days. Considering that she had surprised him with a gift, he decided to keep it a surprise as per the original plan.

The sounds of the argument from the kitchen broke him out of his thoughts and he frowned in the direction.

"Anjali, move out of the way!" Asha's annoyed command was followed by a loud clutter of something dropping to the floor.

"Dadi!!" Anjali whined loudly.

Arnav and Arvind exchanged a look when the next second laughter replaced the sounds of the arguments. Curious to know what was going on, the father-son made their way to the kitchen and peeped in to see Asha, Devyani, Anjali and Khushi in peals of laughter.

"Can we get in on the laugh?" Arvind strolled in casually with Arnav on his heel.

Arnav's eyes instantly sought out his wife who was dressed in a red and green churidaar with the dupatta hanging from her right shoulder, its ends tied in a knot against her left hip. Her hair was piled up behind her head in a messy bun which was just barely held by a hair claw. The shorter layers of her hair and her bangs had already long escaped the restraint and now framed her face.

He watched in smitten amusement as her laughter subsided and she smiled brightly at him. He couldn't help but respond with a smile of his own. This morning when he'd woken up, she was already gone. Now he understood why. She looked like she had been working in here for quite a bit"the couple of smudges of turmeric and flour on her face were a tell-tale sign.

"What's so funny?" Arnav questioned, standing up behind Devyani, clasping her shoulders in a gesture of affection.

"Khushi's making breakfast this morning and Asha and Anjali's contradicting tips are driving her crazy..." Devyani chuckled.

"Haww, Dadi!" Anjali gasped, indignant at the jab. "You were giving tips too! Bhaiyya, see...mamma was going on about coriander, I was telling Khushi to put garlic and Dadi was saying don't put chili but Khushi got so irritated with us that she put all three of those in and I dropped that big bowl trying to stop her..."

Arvind and Arnav exchanged another confused yet intrigued glance, failing to see what exactly was so hilarious about that.

"Whatever it is...I'd like some...it smells amazing in here!" Arvind inhaled the spicy aroma in the kitchen appreciatively.

"Your breakfast is already ready...come...I'll serve it for you." Asha smiled lovingly at her husband, picking up a large square ceramic container.

"Yeap...everyone's is ready except for Bhaiyya's..." Anjali rolled her tongue in her cheek and winked at Arnav. Turning to Khushi, she cleared her throat. "Seriously Khushi...I know he's your husband but please don't starve my brother. I do love him enough to want him around..."

Khushi glared at Anjali while Asha lightly hit her daughter's forehead, lovingly admonishing for the teasing.

"Why don't we step out and let Khushi finish on her own?" Asha smiled at Khushi.

"I'll sit right here and keep my friend company..." Anjali hopped onto the counter and crossed her legs at the knees and held up her hands as if on gunpoint when Khushi opened her mouth to interfere. "I promise I won't interfere!"

"Just call me if you need help..." Asha grinned at Khushi and turned to leave with her husband who was grinning for no reason.

Arnav took a seat next to his Dadi and grabbed a hold of her hand. "How are you Dadi?"

"I feel ten years younger!" Devyani chuckled and looked at him, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I want you to know how much joy you've brought into this family..."

Arnav made a low sound of annoyance in his throat. "Please Dadi...not that again. Mom, Dad, and you have told me that enough times."

From the counter, Anjali squinted at them trying to make out what they were saying while Khushi busied herself in preparing the dish for Arnav from scratch, oblivious to the hushed conversation at the small table.

"It's because we mean it..." Devyani's eyes searched his face. "You look happier too..."

"I am." Arnav admitted, surprised by the realization, and glanced at Khushi who was concentrating on the task at hand. "She's...I don't know how to explain it. We have an understanding...Maybe it's too soon to say this but so far, this has been more and better than what I'd expected..."

Devyani leaned closer smilingly and caressed his hair. "She feels the same way. So far, she's happy with my crazy, possessive, sometimes bossy grandson."

Arnav raised his eyebrows in surprise and almost scowled at Devyani, willing her to talk more. How can she be so sure?

"I get the privilege of being in on the girl talk." Devyani tilted her head in Anjali and Khushi's direction. "Anjali has been probing for information all morning...it's a daily routine now."

"Oh, enough with the whispering!" Anjali snapped at the grandmother-grandson duo. "Khushi and I are here too, you know."

"Keep your hair on, Anjali..." Dadi chuckled while Arnav smirked at her. "I'm just giving my grandson some advice..."

"Well, while you're at it...please ask him why he has postponed their honeymoon!" Anjali frowned in disapproval, ignoring the way Arnav's lips set into a thin line.

"Anjali!" Khushi admonished lightly. They'd been through this discussion already!

"Oh you shut up! Why the hell haven't you torn him apart for postponing this trip?!" Anjali was more annoyed than warranted at this situation.

"Because I agree with him...in fact, I was going to talk to him about it if he hadn't mentioned it first." Khushi spoke calmly, stirring the contents of the pan. "And just so you know...he didn't decide this on his own. He asked me what I thought of the idea and I couldn't have agreed with him more."

"But why?" Devyani questioned, sounding concerned.

"Nothing serious, Dadi..." Arnav assured at once. "It's just...you've just started getting better...so has Papa...we don't feel comfortable going away right now. As it is, we only have six more days, including today, before we both need to get back to work..."

"Our health isn't a reason for you to postpone your plans." Devyani frowned.

"Yes it is." Khushi looked at her sternly. "This is not up for discussion, Dadi."

"I agree with her." Arnav smiled smugly at Dadi.

"You two treat me like I'm a child. I can take care of myself." Devyani muttered sullenly. How was she ever supposed to see her grandkids if these two kept ruling out every opportunity to spend time alone?

"Yeah? Have you taken your medications this morning?" Khushi narrowed her eyes and Devyani flushed.

"Oh alright." She grumbled as she stood from her seat. "As if Arnav wasn't bossy enough about my medication...I was hoping that you'd be on my side..."

"I am on your side Dadi...I let you have chocolate this morning." Khushi complained.

"You what?!" Arnav gasped while Anjali giggled at her reaction. Dadi grinned, pleased at the memory.

"I let her have some chocolate." Khushi looked at him with a raised eyebrow, daring him to challenge her.

Arnav opened his mouth to say something and then wisely closed it again. Khushi smirked and turned the heat off on the stove. Anjali glanced between the two and smiled to herself. Okay...may be no honeymoon but this friendly banter's gotta lead to some flirting soon, right?

"Come Dadi..." Anjali skipped over to Devyani and held her by the shoulders. "I'll give you your medication..."

Khushi rolled her eyes. Smooth, Anjali...Smooth.

Arnav looked at Khushi, a small smile tugging at his lips, while Anjali and Devyani walked out of the kitchen. He continued to observe her as she finished cooking. Khushi had only been with them, under the same roof, for three days and it already felt like she'd been here for much longer.

Something about her was very...homely. Something about her was beckoning on a bewitching level. Something kept his interest in her growing steadily. Something kept him craving her company. The fact that he didn't know what that something was nagged at him sometimes. Was it acceptance? Attraction? Infatuation? Something else? Am I just over thinking things?

She caught his glance often as she worked and smiled politely before going back to the task at hand, not once questioning him about the staring. He had caught himself doing that often lately and he blamed no one but her for it.

"Done!" She announced more to herself than him as she turned off the heat on the stove.

He stood up and walked around the counter towards her as she poured the contents of the pan into a bowl.

"Um...Khushi?" Arnav suppressed his laughter. "there's...just a little..."

Khushi instinctively touched her cheeks with her fingertips when he pointed at her face. Arnav shook his head when she missed the smudge and tried to point it out better. On the second attempt, she wiped off half of the flour smudge. When he shook his head again, Khushi clicked her tongue in annoyance and turned to pick up a tissue paper.

She held it out to him. "Can you get it?"

After glancing at her momentarily, he took the tissue out of her hands and deftly wiped away the three small smudges of flour and turmeric off her face with light strokes.

"done." He smiled down at her and Khushi released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

As he tossed the tissue paper out, she registered how loudly her heart was thumping in her chest.

"What did you make?" Arnav asked, unable to ignore the mouth-watering aroma any longer. It was familiar yet different. It vaguely reminded him of summer holidays of his childhood.

She glanced at him nervously and held up the bowl in between them. "Aloo puri."

His eyes lit up brightly like a child's as he looked down at the bowl, a wide grin stretching across his lips.

Khushi mirrored his infectious grin and wiggled her eyebrows. "I have information that this is your favorite Indian breakfast dish."

"Your information is correct!" He took the bowl out of her hands and inhaled deeply. "This smells great! Come!"

Grabbing a hold of her elbow, he turned on his heels with a mission. Khushi bit her lower lip to keep from giggling as he excitedly led her out of the kitchen, letting go of her arm as soon as they entered the short corridor leading to the dining room.

Once they got to the table, he pulled out the chair beside him for her and took his seat once she sat down. The remaining family members on the table smiled affectionately at them as Arnav excitedly picked up a spoon and helped himself.

Khushi watched on in wonder, seeing him this excited for the first time ever. Her mother's often spoken words resurfaced in her mind. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach... Khushi couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head and she placed a piece of toast on her plate and poured herself a glass of orange juice.

A disapproving grunt from her husband made her turn to look at him. She raised an eyebrow in question.

"That is your breakfast?" Arnav frowned at her.

Khushi pressed her lips sheepishly and put another piece of toast on her plate. "I can't eat more than this in the morning..."

Arnav's lips thinned in disapproval as he glanced down at her plate and then back at her. Khushi's expression pleaded with him to understand.

"I'm not used to breakfast...I'm trying! Slowly, I'll get used it." Khushi curbed the temptation to roll her eyes.

Yesterday morning, he had sat there next to her until she had finished her pancakes and coffee. She was barely hungry at lunch because of it. She'd mentioned it to him but he had pointed out that they'd made a deal and that was enough to shut Khushi up. He had given her a doctor's word that eventually her system will get used to the extra meal in her diet and will adjust accordingly. She sure as hell hoped so.

He sighed, caving in to her expression and turned back to his plate. Khushi caught Asha and Anjali chuckling at her expense but made no comments, knowing that if she said anything, Anjali would only be too willing to jump in to pull her leg.

"Good Job Bhaiyya. You've done what I haven't been able to for two years!" Anjali stuck her tongue out at Khushi. "This omelet is amazing, by the way!"

"I agree..." Arvind chimed in. "These Paranthe...Now I'm thinking I should let Hari Prakash give up his chef duties so that you and Asha can cook for us. Asha, is there any ritual where the bride has to cook dinner as well?"

Asha and Devyani laughed and shook their heads while Anjali and Arnav grinned in agreement. Khushi felt the blush steal over her cheeks at the attention. It would take some time to get used to all the appraisals...

"Maybe some other day, dad." Arnav sighed contentedly, picking up two more puris and putting them on his plate. "I'd like to take Khushi out to dinner tonight."

Khushi resolutely focused on her toast and took an extra long sip of the orange juice, feeling multiple eyes on her.

"Awww" Anjali cooed. "They're going on a date!"

Arnav rolled his eyes at his sister's lack of sense about when to shut up and when to employ her brain to mouth filter.

"so my son wants to take his wife on a date..." Asha smirked teasingly and winked at him. "Why should anyone have an issue with that?"

Apparently, this is where Anjali had inherited this trait from. Arnav rolled his eyes glancing sideways at his wife who looked at her mother-in-law slightly wide-eyed.

Anjali giggled flipped her hair over her shoulder. "You're right Mom! And Khushi...I'm going to get you ready for tonight. No arguments."
_____

"Anjali, give it back!" Khushi stopped chasing her friend, hands on her hips.

"Only if you promise not to wear it." Anjali scowled back.

"Anjali...please!" Khushi tried to reason.

"It doesn't go with the outfit."

Khushi pressed her lips together. "I told you I'll wear a churidaar, but you didn't like that idea!"

"No! You're going on a date...not to some pooja." Anjali sighed. "Come on Khushi...don't change yourself because you're married now. You have a wedding band and engagement ring...you don't have to wear this mangalsutra all the time. The Khushi I know is more logical than blindly following these traditions!"

Before Khushi could retort, a knock on the door interrupted them. Anjali beckoned them to come in, jumping at the opportunity. Khushi turned to face their company the same moment the door opened and she faced Arnav, who stood on the threshold, somewhat surprised.

Almost as if beyond his control, his eyes skimmed her presence. From the brown hair, softly curled and cascading around her, to the sleeveless white and black floral print dress that ended just above her knees, all the way down to her feet trapped in peep-toe pumps. The thing belt around her waist clinched the dress just the right way to enhance her feminine figure.

"I take it that you approve?" Anjali smirked smugly at her brother while Khushi absent-mindedly fidgeted with her the bands on her ring finger.

"Khushi...You look...different." Arnav scowled at himself for his choice of words. Different? Really? "I mean...good different. Very good different."

Khushi smiled at him and murmured a thank you, letting her eyes take in his appearance. He stood there looking all handsome and boyish in his white shirt, black jeans, and a black jacket. They matched. She turned to face her friend cum sister-in-law and raised an eyebrow.

"Did you plan this?" Khushi questioned, biting back the grin.

"Maybe." Anjali grinned widely.

Khushi shook her head and held out her hand. "Can I please have that back? I won't wear it tonight."

Anjali narrowed her eyes at Khushi momentarily and then sighed in defeat. Walking around the bed to her friend, she handed back the black-beaded chain and attached diamond pendant that made up Khushi's Mangasultra.
_____

Khushi picked up her glass of wine once her laughter subsided and took a sip, relishing the crisp flavor that exploded in her mouth.


"It wasn't that funny." Arnav defended himself with a goofy grin on his face.

"Oh, are you kidding me?" Khushi chuckled and nodded her head to move the bangs--which were blown onto her face from the gentle breeze--out of her eyes. "I've never seen anyone that excited about aloo puri..."

"Don't laugh too much about it Khushi..." Arnav warned, swirling the wine in his glass, looking at her with amusement on his face. "I'm going to make you cook it for me...all the time."

"To see that reaction again, I'll make Aloo Puri any time you ask." Khushi blurted her thoughts. "This wine is delicious by the way. I didn't know you liked wine..."

"I prefer it over the hard liquor." Arnav shrugged and took a sip of wine, eyeing her now empty glass. "Would you like another glass?"

Khushi leaned an elbow on the table and leaned forward slightly. "Mr. Raizada...Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Well, two glasses of wine have certainly made you more comfortable. However tempting the idea may be...I do have to take you back home so maybe not tonight but one day I'd like to see what happens to you when you're drunk." Arnav smirked seeing her blush.

"As Anjali would say...it's not alcohol, its liquid courage." Khushi smiled at him and sat back in her chair, playing with her engagement ring and wedding band.

Arnav's gaze flickered to her fingers for a split second and then back to her face. He was realizing that the gesture was becoming a habit of hers. Ideally, he wondered whether she realized it.

"I don't know if I should be offended that you need liquid courage to get through this date..." He teased, even though his tone was tainted slightly by anxiety.

Khushi chuckled lightly. "Not to get through the date, no...but definitely to calm my nerves."

She looked around at the lanterns and candles that decorated the terrace of theIndigo restaurant. The space was set up in an alfresco dining area where the cool evening breeze greeted them every now and then. Somehow, even in this open space dining area with other couples and families in their company, Khushi felt oddly cozy and at ease. Perhaps it was the man that she was with or the wine...or a combination of both, she wasn't sure.

As her eyes settled on the candle on their table, she took the liberty to admit to herself that if they had met in different circumstances and if is what their first date had been like...he would have had her charmed even then. If this was her first date with him as a stranger, or as someone she barely knew, she would have hoped to see him again. That had to be a good sign.

From holding the door open for her at the house and then again at the restaurant till this very moment, it had been perfect. He hadn't made any attempts to touch her out of her comfort zones; there had been fleeting touches on the shoulders, back, or arm as he had led her through the crowded restaurant to the terrace. He had pulled out the chair for her and carried on a gentleman's etiquettes throughout.

They had talked at length about the various cuisines and she was surprised by the knowledge he'd shared. She had let him place their order for the food tonight wanting to get an insight into his tastes, and apart from the fact that he had a low tolerance for spices, she was pleased with the dishes he'd ordered.

And then there was the wine. Perhaps she shouldn't have been surprised by his knowledge of wines because she knew that Anjali loved wine. Apparently, it was a taste that both siblings had tested and tried together, without telling their parents. Khushi's knowledge about this particular beverage was limited so his expertise on it had blown her mind.

The attention with which he listened to what he had to say, the way he would slyly glance at her every now and then, the way he would ask questions about her to learn more about it...it was hard to ignore all of that. She knew it wasn't because they were on a date. He was like this at home too and she was quickly becoming used to this...much faster than she had ever thought.

Is this normal? She mused silently, watching the small flame dance about the wick.

"What are you thinking about?" He questioned seriously.

Khushi lifted her surprised gaze to meet his scrutinizing one. His hazel eyes twinkled warmly as the candle light reflected in them, a hint of anxiousness and concern clearly visible in the depths. Khushi looked at his face for a few seconds, once more appreciating his handsome features, as their server cleared the empty plates from the table.

He'd asked indirectly if she was having a good time a few times and it was only now that she was realizing that that's where his anxiety stemmed from. He was trying to make sure that their first date would be remembered as a good experience. He was worried that she might not enjoy herself.

"I was just thinking about tonight." Khushi smiled at him.

"And?"

"And what an amazing time I've had tonight." Khushi looked at the candle again for a brief moment before looking up at him. He visibly relaxed in his chair, the tension leaving his shoulders.

"So is this a good time to ask you for another date, say, tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" Khushi raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Isn't there some three day rule after a date?"

Arnav glanced at their server who had returned with Arnav's credit card and thanked him. Their server wished them a good night and scampered off.

"I figured I could make an exception for my wife." Arnav smirked at her and stood from his chair, holding out his hand to her.

Placing her hand in his, Khushi stood as well and they made their way towards the staircase. At the doorway the led onto the terrace, Khushi stopped him.

"Wait!" She rummaged through her purse to pull out her cell phone. Ignoring the horde of texts from Anjali and Payal, Khushi fired up the camera feature. "First date selfie!"

Arnav looked at her with annoyed amusement. He hated being in pictures. His engagement, wedding rituals, and reception pictures had fulfilled his quota for a lifetime of pictures. Yet, not being able to refuse the excited glint in her eyes, he let her snuggle herself closer to fit into the frame and click a picture.

Hmm...this has got to be the alcohol acting... Arnav mused as she checked the picture and held it up for him to see.

As they walked down the stairs, Arnav held her hand with a protective instinct. The last thing he needed was her to take a nasty fall and break a bone or two. As the butterflies unleashed in her stomach again from the innocent touch, she was glad that he was holding on to her. The buzz from the wine which was steadily increasing only multiplied joined by the butterflies.

Just as they walked through the bar area, a completely drunk-out-of-his-wits man bumped into Arnav, spilling whatever cocktail he had in his hand on his shirt.

"What the--!" Arnav clenched his teeth and immediately swatted off the drink off of his shirt, looking disdainfully at the stain.

Khushi pressed her fingertips to her lips and half succeeded at suppressing the giggle. The lady who was with the man ogled at Arnav for a second and then noticing Khushi by his side, muttered a hasty apology on his behalf, steering the man away.

"I don't understand why people drink when they can't handle it." Arnav grumbled.

"Its okay, Arnav. It's just a little stain." Khushi reached out and brushed away a couple drops that he had missed and smiled up at him. "If you wash it out right now, you might be able to salvage the shirt."

Arnav quickly glanced at their surroundings and then looked at her seriously. "I don't feel comfortable leaving you here."

Khushi raised an eyebrow at him quizzically. "Arnav, I've lived in the other end of the world, away from my parents and brother, and have dealt with these situations before...I'll be fine. Just go and clean up the stain."

Arnav casted another wary glance at the crowd, not liking the vibe the place that it was giving off suddenly. Khushi groaned lightly and pulled him towards the foyer near the entrance where the washrooms were housed.

"Just go." Khushi gently pushed him towards the washroom. "I'll be right here. I'll scream the place down if the need be."

Smiling at her pouting expression, Arnav reluctantly made his way into the washroom, eager to have the stupid drink washed off of his clothes.

Khushi pulled out her phone to see why her dear friends were trying to annoy her on her date. She had just begun typing out a witty response to them when a slurry greeting raised goose bumps on her neck.

She turned and felt her heart stutter nervously when she saw the man. She had met him before. At the reception. He was one of Arnav's colleague's husband and for the life of her, she couldn't remember his name.

"You're Dr. Raizada's wife, aren't you?" He slurred, stepping closer to her. "Remember me? I'm Sheila's husband...Niraj."

Khushi gave him a polite, yet conserved smile, not wanting to start a conversation with this man. She hadn't liked him at the reception either. He'd seemed a bit too friendly"to the point where he made her uncomfortable. Like he was doing right now.

His hazy gaze travelled the length of her body and Khushi stepped from one foot to another uncomfortably.

"Well, you look hot." Niraj smirked at her and took a step closer. "What's a pretty lady like you doing alone here? I must say, it's great to see you."

He opened his arms and made to embrace her but Khushi put her palm in the middle of his chest and pushed him to an arm's length, out of her personal space, glaring at him.

"Yes Mr. Niraj, I'll let Arnav know that I ran into you here. In fact, if you wait a couple of minutes, you might meet him yourself." Khushi spoke in a clipped tone and retrieved her hand, her expression conveying that she will not stand here and be misbehaved with. Her other hand had already instinctively clutched into a fist to deliver a punch and her legs were already in a stance to deliver a swift kick if need be.

Before she had the need to use either mechanism, she felt a now familiar arm go around her waist. She leaned into him when he pulled her closer into his side, wanting to keep her safe. Khushi turned to face him and for a moment she was taken aback at the sheer hostility on his face.

His jaw was clenched tightly, his lips set into a thin line, his eyes darkened with fury, while his left arm held her tightly. Oh! A glimpse of Mr. Protective... Khushi swallowed and settled her gaze on Niraj again, who seemed disappointed to see Arnav here.

"Niraj." Arnav held out his right hand, his voice cool with a threatening edge to it.

Niraj shook it briefly and glanced nervously at the arm that was snaked around Khushi's slender waist. Something about the quick look told Khushi that Niraj was either surprised or disappointed to see the gesture...she wasn't sure why. Khushi shifted so that her left hand rested on his chest while right hand rested on his back, patting him with a silent warning to stay calm.

They spoke briefly about what had brought them here. Niraj mentioned that he was here for a business related dinner and Arnav had stated, in no understated terms, that him and Khushi were here for a date and the undercurrent in his voice threatened Niraj to keep his distance if he wanted to leave without getting hurt.

Khushi felt, rather than see, Arnav stiffen when the man's audacious gaze moved to her again. She didn't want a brawl here and she sure as hell didn't want her husband involved in any kind of violence. She decided to end this awkward meeting instantly.

"Arnav...I'm really tired. If it's okay, can we please head home?" She smiled up at him sweetly, her hand pressing into his back in an obvious sign.

A ghost of a smile touched his lips and he nodded at her before looking at Niraj who suddenly looked like he had swallowed something unpleasant.

"Sorry Niraj...we're going to head out." Arnav held out his hand again. "I'll see you around."

"Good Night Dr. Raizada." Niraj nodded and realized that Arnav's grip on his hand was tighter than a formal handshake. Before he even let go, Khushi muttered her goodbye. Then in unison, Arnav and Khushi turned and walked smoothly out the door, still with their hands around each other.

As the Valet scampered away to bring their car, Arnav looked down at Khushi who was regarding him intently.

"Well done, Khushi...I liked the passive aggressive way of you brushing him off." Arnav looked ahead at nothing in particular. "I do not like that man. At all."

"We're in agreement on that. And I should say well done to you as well." Khushi smiled up at him, still aware that his arm was still around her albeit not as possessively as before. Perhaps he's forgotten...

"What?" Arnav looked at her bemusedly.

Khushi giggled. "For not beating him up."

"It's a very tempting idea. I suspect I may have hit him if you hadn't stopped me." Arnav's expression darkened with anger.

Khushi squirmed slightly, taken aback at the angry expression. It was not something she was used to. Just minutes ago, she was pondering about the gentleman Arnav and how she was getting used to him and here he was...showing her a side that she was surprised to see.

Khushi frowned slightly as another thought crossed her mind, which she voiced out loud. "He didn't do anything..."

"He wanted to." Arnav grumbled. "And I've told you before Khushi...I'm a protective guy...I'm possessive."

"I remember you telling me that and I remember Dadi telling me about your short-temper..." Khushi mumbled quietly. "I just...It's the first time I'm seeing this side of yours."

"Am I scaring you?" He questioned, no hint of humor in his expression or voice.

"No." Khushi lied.

Arnav sighed and once again, he seemed to relax next to her. Khushi was learning quickly that his body language was quite easy to read even though his expression was guarded most of the time. Was that it or was her mind just working overtime and imagining things?

"I'm sorry that this is how our night had to end, though." Arnav looked at her with an impassive face again.

Khushi smiled at him brightly, determined to put this behind them if it meant getting the sweet Arnav back in the house. "Night's not over yet...we can still salvage it."

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