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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