HAPPY DHAMAKEDAR DIWALI ! 😃

The last bit is maturish.😉 The story demanded it. He he!

Chapter 25

A Night to Remember

Khushi did not know why but she glanced at Arnav immediately to see his reaction to Nk's announcement of marriage. Maybe she wanted him to be angry, to tick her off again that she should not marry NK. But Arnav's face was impassive, his eyes hooded, giving nothing away. He raised his eyebrows and smirked at her.

His attitude infuriated her. What am I expecting anything from this Laad Governor and why! He doesn't care about me! He must have saved me from Shyam's clutches for some clinical, calculated reasons best known to him! He has no emotions, she convinced herself. She was in tears when her Babuji and Amma walked in.

Babuji darted a glance at the smiling NK and looked at Khushi apologetically. Khushi had asked him not to disclose her plans but when that nice girl Anjali had informed him that Khushi had been kidnapped, he was distressed and had disclosed NK's name to his wife Garima and elder sister, Madhumati Jiji.

Khushi looked at her Babuji and nodded her head in understanding and rushed to him, hugging him and her Amma. She saw Arnav watching her from the corner of his eyes and deliberately turned to NK to answer his question,

" Why NK do you have any problem marrying me? What did you want to know?"

NK was taken aback at the aggression in Khushi's voice. "No , no Khushi. I was wondering why you had told Babuji and not me. But I realize now that maybe you wanted to surprise me!"

NK continued in a lighter vein, "Achha dekha sab ne kaise Shyam ki silaai kar di!"(Did you see how everyone stitched Shyam!)

"Silai nahi, Dhulai NK! "(They did not stitch him NK they beat him up!)

The smile that Khushi flashed at NK stung Arnav's heart like a poisonous arrow. He had heard and seen enough of Khushi and NK. He clenched his fist and decided to get out of there and fast.

Khushi saw him move away and thought I should at least give him credit for saving me from Shyam's evil designs. "Arrey Arnavji, where are you going?" she called out to him.

Arnav turned towards them reluctantly. Addressing her parents she said, "Amma Babuji, yeh Arnavji hain, Anjaliji ke bhai. Inhone hi humaari jaan bachayi hai."(Mother, father this is Arnavji, Anjaliji's brother. He saved my life.)

Babuji walked up to Arnav and patted him on his shoulder. " Beta humko pata hai pehle bhi tum dusht Shyam ko jail bheje the, aur abhi tum ne Khusi bitiya ki raksha karke hum par jo ehsaan kiya hai ...jiyat raho babua, jiyat raho." (Son, I know, earlier also you had sent evil Shyam to jail, and now you have obliged us by protecting Khushi...I bless you my son.)

Arnav did not know how to respond. So he bent down and touched Babuji's feet and also her Amma's. Garima blessed him with all her heart.

Khushi's heart filled with an unnamed joy as her parents looked at Arnav in admiration and he paid them his respect.

Arnav announced, "I must really go back to my office now. I have to go to London for the Buildering Competition in a week's time and I have to wind up a lot of work before I leave."

"Achha achha beta, jeet kar aao. Wapas aakar humare ghar aana." (Okay son, go and win. Visit or house when you come back)

"I don't think I will come back," he said looking directly at Khushi. "Jijaji has got a family posting in Lucknow. So Di will be moving in with him. She will take Nani with her since Nani loves staying in Lucknow. This will leave me free to set up my office in London."

The joy that had filled Khushi a minute ago ebbed rapidly and a void filled it. He was going away! Not coming back! She felt numb at first. Thenshe felt like screaming at him,"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you Arnavji! Go away and never come back into my life."

As if on a cue Arnav strode away without looking back at her.

She was staring at his retreating back whenLavanya and Mami approached her. While Mamiji muttered a series of "Hello hi bye bye". Lavanya looked at Khushi disdainfully and said in a low voice, "I can't believe this! ASR is crazy about you and you have hooked up with this other chap! You should have seen ASR when you went missing! I was feeling sorry for you but no more!"

"You are mistaken Lavanyaji. I don't mean anything to Arnavji," Khushi retorted.

NK's parents came over to the Gupta house the next day. They were good friends of Shashi and Garima and were delighted that the sweet little girl they had known for years would be their bahu (daughter in law).It was decided that the marriage preparations would start soon after Diwali. Everyone was in a happy mood except for Khushi. Buaji and Amma were preparing laddus and barfis for Diwali in the kitchen, laughing and joking with each other.

But Khushi felt sick. Tthe sight and smell of sweets made her feel like throwing up! Who would believe the sight of sweets was making Khushi sick!

Payal walked up to Khushi and tousled her hair fondly. She was worried about her baby sister.Something was amiss.Maybe it was her kidnapping. Maybe it was something else. But earlier when she had asked Khushi about it she had dismissed it laughingly.

Khushi ran out of the room, into the washroom, clutching her hand to her mouth and vomitted violently in the sink.

Garima and Payal immediately ran after her. "Devi Maiyya bitiya ko kya ho raha hai! Usski raksha karna!(DM what is happening to my daughter. Protect her!)" Garima mumbled.

There was a knock on the door. Buaji looked worriedly at Khushi who was lying on her bed and muttered, "Hai re Nand Kishore" and got up reluctantly to open the door. But she was very happy to see Anjali and her husband on the doorstep. Amma and Payal joined her in welcoming the dear guests.

Aao aao, Anjali bitiya aur Daamadji! Hum hamesha aap ke aabhari rahenge. Aapne Khusi ke apharann ke bare main na batate tou...(Come in Anjali and Vikram! We will always remain grateful to you. If you hadn't told us about Khushi's kidnapping, what would we have done.)" Garima said.

Anjali and Vikram smiled at them and touched their feet. They had come armed with lots of gifts and sweets for Diwali.

"Arrey, itna sab kya?(Oh! Why have you got so many things?)" Buaji asked embarrassedly.

"Arrey kuch nahin, Buaji. Naniji ne aap sab ke liye bheja hai. Khushiji kahan hai?(Oh! Its nothing Buaji. Naniji has sent these things for all of you. Where is Khushiji?)"

"Uski tabiyat kharab hai. Subah se ultti kar rahi hai!(She is not well and has been vomiting since morning)" Payal said ruefully.

An idea struck Anjali as she walked into Khushi's room.

"Khushiji aapko kya kuchh hua hai?(Has something happened to you?) Why are you vomiting?" she touched Khushi's pale cheeks as she sat down on the bed besides her.

Then dropping her voice whispered,"I mean something related to Chhotey and the broken bed?"

Khushi stared at Anjali. She was astounded. How did Anjali ji know!

She bowed her head, not knowing what to say!

"Oh my ! Why didn't I realize earlier! The bed broke! Chhotey's got you pregnant!" Anjali put a hand to her mouth.

"But that means you can't marry NK," Anjali suddenly grinned happily.

Khushi did not know what she was expecting Anjaliji to say. But even in a thousand years she would not have thought of this! Her eyes widened like saucers and she burst out laughing,"Anjaliji aap bhi na, you have agreat sense of humour!"

Anjali had never felt so embarrassed in her life. To cover up her embarrassment she said lightly, "Yes. It was a joke. You were looking so sick, Khushiji. I was just trying to make you laugh and feel better.

Anjali was thankful to her husband for calling out to her at that moment, "Anju lets go, Naniji will be worried. And Anjali quickly excused herself. However, she turned back and said in all earnestness, "But Khushiji, I am sure of one thing I have never seen Chhotey so concerned about anyone. He will not admit it but he has adores you, he loves you." Anjali smiled at the thought of her brother.

" But I guess this does not affect you as you are getting married to NK soon." Anjali grimaced, shook her head and walked out .

Khushi sighed. If only Anjaliji knew how much it affected her! Then it struck her what Anjaliji had meant. Was it possible! Did Arnavji really love her? Her heart raced madly. Lavanya's voice ringed in her ears. Even ASR's ex thought that he had fallen for her! But she was marrying NK! Why then was the very thought of being pregnant...with Arnavji's child... so thrilling! How can she deny any longer that Arnavji touched a raw chord in her that NK never can! Hayye Devi Maiyya! Why did this realization come to me so late! Main kya karu?! (What should I do, DM?!)

Khushi was pacing up and down the terrace when NK arrived.

"What happened Khushi? Why did you call me here?"

NK, there is a problem!" Khushi said nervously.

"You can't decide whether to burst firecrackers this Diwali or not?" NK guffawed.

"Uff! NK, I am serious!"

NK cocked his head on one side and looked at her earnestly. He grinned, " At last you have realized that there is no point in loving someone and marrying someone else!"

Khushi's eyes widened, "You knew!" she was astounded, " Why didn't you give me an inkling? You are not angry?" She looked at him anxiously.

"I tried to tell you Khushi but you were always in an aggressive state of self-denial. And I am not bhusa." (chowder, eaten by cattle)

Khushi smiled in relief. "You are a true friend, NK. And it is not bhusa, it is gussa (anger)!" She laughed happily and hugged NK.

"Thank God I am not gussa then," said NK ,"Gussa is a trait that suits a certain Laad Governor! I got shiploads of his gussa in your apartment in Delhi, remember?" NK winked at Khushi as she turned crimson.

The Guptas and NK's parents were very upset when NK and Khushi informed them that they had decided to call off the marriage. They had almost fixed a date for marriage after Diwali. Khushi felt very guilty but her family, especially Babuji and Payal were very supportive. Amma was pained and Buaji refused to speak to Khushi. So it was with a heavy heart that Khushi called Anjali and asked for Arnav..

"Anjaliji, you told me Arnavji will come to meet you and Naniji before going abroad.. Please tell him I need to speak with him urgently."

Anjali sighed. "Okay Khushiji! Chhotey is coming to Sheesh Mahal tomorrow to meet us. He will leave for London, early next day. I will definitely give him your message, Khushiji. But you know him na, the rest is up to him."

"May this Diwali light up your life, Khushiji! Happy Diwali!"

Khushi heart was racing at the prospect of seeing Arnav again, though she was not sure what she would say to him. She wore the simple and beautiful red lehenga with gold trimmings that Naniji had sent for her as Diwali gift and the delicate gold jewellery which belonged to her Amma.. She brushed her hair till it shone and let it loose and it swayed below her hips. She looked beautiful. In the usual Diwali hustle bustle no one noticed that her cheeks were redder and her eyes brighter.

The Guptas resolved to forget Khushi's marriage episode and move on. Khushi was grateful to them. She happily helped Amma and Jiji with the colourful rangoli and decorated every corner of the house with diyas. To the joy of her family her love for sweets had returned with a vengeance as she went about the Diwali preparations munching her favourite jalebis.

But Khushi's face fell as the morning gave way to the afternoon and the afternoon to the evening and Arnav did not call her.

"Chalo Khushi Amma bula rahin hain, Pooja karke diye bhi to jalane hain!" (Come Khushi, amma is calling you. We have to do pooja and light the diyas.) Payal brought her out of her reverie.

Khushi stood lisless as her family did Lakshmi pooja and sang the aarti. As she lit the diyas all she could see before her eyes was a cloudy mist.

"Hai re Nand Kishore! Arrey o Sankadevi?" Buaji's shrill voice cut in. "Udhar tumhara fonewa baje hi ja raha hai. Uthati kahe nahi?" ( Sankadevi your phone is going on ringing. Why aren't you picking it up?)

"What! Her phone was ringing! Khushi dashed passed Buaji almost toppling her over.in her anxiety to get to her phone.

Her breath was shallow as she lifted the phone. There were three missed calls from Arnavji! Hey Devi maiyya ab hum kya kare,: (Oh! DM! What should I do now?)Khushi was hyperventilating when the phone rang again. As soon as she connected the line his angry voice drifted in, "What the! You are unbelievable Khushi! Di told me you wanted to meet me urgently. She has been nagging me to call you ever since I came here and you are not even bothered. Busy with that NK as usual were you!. Its good that you are getting married to him. You are both mad and deserve each other! By the way I have sent my driver Mohan with the car. He will bring you here, that is, if you want to come. " And he hung up before Khushi could put in a word sideways.

Khushi was still holding the phone with her lips forming a big round O' on her face, when Babuji called out to her, "Khusi, Anjali bitiya ki gaadi tumka lewat vaaste aayi hai. Par sham dhalne ko aayi...(Khushi, Anjali's car has come to pick you up, but it is getting late in the evening...)

But Khushi was already running out of the house towards the waiting car, balancing home-made sweet packets in one hand, lifting her red lehenga with the other, "Hum aate hain Babuji...Unhe Diwali ki mithhaiyan aur badhai dekar..."

Khushi walked up the steps of Sheeshmahal. She heard the bells of a temple as she ascended the stairs and as if drawn she moved towards the sound of the bells. Up above and towards the north east of the majestic mansion she saw a temple and the one person she did not expect to see there stood there... Arnavji ! He was looking so devastatingly handsome in a white kurta pyjama and as if he felt her presence he turned towards her and looked straight into her hazel eyes. Khushi's heart started pounding. She hand flew to her chest to draw her dupatta over her head before entering the temple. But to her shock she was not wearing one.

Hey Devi maiyya I must have left it somewhere, at home or in the car in my hurry to meet him. Mohanji had said he would return after picking up Anjaliji, Vikramji and Naniji from a Diwali party in the army cantonment area. Ab hum kya kare! (What shall I do now!)

Khushi looked at Arnav from under her eyelashes. He smirked and beckoned to her to enter the temple. She covered her heaving chest with her hands and whispered to him fiercely, "Sab aapki galti hain!"(It is all your fault!)

Arnav was enjoying her embarrassment and whispered back huskily, " Maine kya kiya? (What did I do?)"

Khushi glared at him. A half smile played on Arnav's face. How innocent and gorgeous she looked standing there, trying to cover herself with her beautiful hands. The smooth creamy skin of her face and neck a befitting contrast to her red lehenga. He swallowed hard and looked away.

"Panditji, zara maa ki chunri dijiye(Honourable priest, give me Maa's veil/dupatta)," he requested the old priest. Panditji withdrew Ratna Mallik's favourite lal chunri (red veil)from a shelf above and handed it to Arnav.

Arnav walked up to Khushi slowly, and gently draped the chunri around her shoulders. As she felt his fingers touch her skin lightly Khushi quivered. She closed her eyes in acceptance of his maa's chunri There was something serene about the moment... as if they were meant to come together in the presence of Radha-Krishna.(Hindu Gods, associated with rapturous love of the two sexes).

Khushi's hazel eyes fluttered open and she smiled into his questioning brown ones. Arnav realized he was still holding on to her shoulders. He dropped his arms as if he had touched fire and without a word strode out of the temple.

Khushi quickly said her prayers, did namaste to the temple piest and ran down the steps of the temple, after him, the chunri billowing round her.

She turned left after him and found herself in a huge marble chamber. Arnavji was standing at the furthest corner facing the...

"My bed!" khushi shrieked in joy, as she walked towards the bed she had disowned some time back. "How did it get here, Arnavji?"

"It was delivered here by Only Beds' because you did not want my gift anymore. Why Khushi? Because you are marrying NK?" the hurt in Arnav's voice was evident.

" I am not nmarrying NK, Arnavji," Khushi said softly, moving closer to him.

"What? Why?" a range of emotions from shock to delight to anxiety fleeted across Arnav's face.

"Can't you guess Arnavji? Because I love you" Khushi said simply as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Arnav was at a loss of words. His breath hitched, "Khushi I do care for you. But I am too scarred by my past to give you anything you would want in a normal relationship."

Khushi stood tiptoe and snaking her arms round his neck whispered, " If you care for me I am willing to take the risk." If you have admitted you care for me, one day sooner or later you will also realize you love me, she thought with a secret smile.

"Khushi go home. This is madness. You don't want this. " Arnav said in a strangled voice.

Khushi's temper soared suddenly."What do you mean I don't know what I want. I know!"

"Really?" Arnav smirked.

"Yes Arnavji. I want you. And you want me too, don't you?" She challenged him. Arnav stared at her in the dim light for a second. The very next moment his lips crashed on hers. Khushi opened her mouth to his. All the pent up anger and frustration, the confusion, concern and the desire to possess and be possessed was let loose in that one soul searching kiss.

And when they couldn't have enough of each other, Arnav scooped her up in his arms and dropped her on the bed, immediately covering her with his taut body. He nuzzled her neck, licked her earlobes and placed feathery kisses on her exposed shoulders and whispered in her ears, "No, I can't deny I want you Khushi. Ever since I set eyes on you, I wanted you so badly."

He shifted to his side and pulled down the chunri from her shoulders and reached behind her and tugged open the dori of her blouse . Khushi's breath was ragged. Her stomach knotted with anticipation."Arnavji!" she moaned as his eyes darkened with desire.The laces enveloped their entangled bodies and the bed moved fluidly as they sought each other.

Arnav clutched at her blouse and threw it aside. Khushi arched up and hid herself in his broad chiselled chest, her heart beating into her ears, her cheeks suffused crimson. He groaned and pushed her back gently on to the bed, his eyes fascinated by the sight below him. She squirmed under his burning gaze and pulled him by the lapel of his kurta to taste her curves. She fisted her hands into his hair, and thrashed about in pleasure as his hands and lips teased and tasted every inch of her beautiful body. Khushi did not realize when she was divested of her lehenga and he of his clothes. But as he rose back to claim her lips again, she felt his arousal against her legs. She shuddered in pleasure and anticipation as he sucked her lips. Desire flowed into her core and she clung to him for support.

"Please Arnavji!" she instinctively gasped and begged, for an unknown heaven.

Arnav groaned, "I thought you would never ask."

As he entered her, the abrupt pain gave way to waves of ecstasy which spiralled into spaces of bliss hitherto occupied only by the stars of heaven. They pushed themselves to the edge of eternity and returned with a piece of paradise again and again and again till they came crashing down together, unable to hold the moment any longer, contended and spent.

Khushi was falling into a deep sleep, satisfied that her senses had experienced the ultimate moment of heaven on earth when Arnav sighed into her hair and whispered, "I love you Khushi."

The midnight sky lit up with majestically coloured firecrackers and Khushi's heart raced crazily...dhak, dhak, dhak, dhak, dhak, dhak...

Hey friends, do press the like button😃 if you liked this update and do comment while you are at it. Thanks😃

I have answered to all your comments on Chapter 24. Read them if time permits.

I will continue next Saturday, it might be the last chapter of THE BROKEN BED.😭

😆

wiwy2013-11-01 15:18:03