Smita, 😊

Here is the interpretation to Section 3 of Part 17.

When Khushi left her work place it was dusk and she felt the cool breeze blowing. It had her hair flying and caress her cheeks. Feeling exhilarated by the rejuvenating breeze she closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet fragrance of the blooming night jasmine (parijatha) it carried with it. When she opened her eyes it was a pleasant surprise, to see her Arnavji leaning against his white car with his arms crossed and watching her with a smile. She walked upto him with a slow gait and when she found that he was not forthcoming with the reason for his presence she asked him nervously as to what happened for him to come. With the smile still lingering on his lips he asked her is it really necessary for have some thing to have occured to meet her. She quickly disagreed and said that it was not really necessary and asked him whether he was on his way back home. Still her mind was lingering on what could be the reason for him to be there when there were only two days for the wedding. He took his time to answer her saying that he had come to give her a lift back home. Her earlier protests at him wanting to give her a lift had given way to smile now and said Buaji's house was round the corner. When Arnav without a word opened the door and waited for her to climb in she gave a weak protest saying Arnavji.. He told her in a soft but determined voice that either she got into the car with him or he would follow her and the choice was hers. Khushi knowing that his offer of option was not at all an option, did the only thing that could be done, that was to get into the car. Arnav after shutting the door with due care, took his seat but made no move to start. The street lights filtered into the dusk leaving pockets of darkness amidst, as though playing the hide and seek. People zipped about doing their work and the two sitting in the white SUV had companionable silence for their company. Arnav was having his heart filled with her images while Khushi was silently looking at him. With hungry eyes he noted her hair woven into a plait making it look like a silken rope, the chiffon duppata matching its light blue suit, the cloth bag, the fingers intertwining and opening out in rhythm showing her anxiousness, not knowing what to expect from him, the rhythm of her breathing changing under his gaze. Catching her hand with a smile dancing on his lips he murmured, that he wanted to give her something. Khushi who was looking at him felt her gaze slip onto his lips unconsciously, with a longing look. Reading her thoughts, placing a wrapped gift pack on her lap, brushing his lips on her ears he murmured that he was sorry to disappoint her. Khushi blushed for having caught in the act unaware, lowered her eyes to the packet muttering a thank you.

She was feeling embarrassed for having been caught out on the look she had given Arnav and was still clasping her fingers tightly on the gift with her head bowed. Seeing her bent head Arnav smiled and reminded her that she could open it if she wished. Quickly agreeing with him, she opened the packet to find a red saree with beautiful zardosi work in fine gold threads.

Red is the color of physical energy, passion, and desire. It symbolizes action, confidence, courage and passionate love. It also stands for determination to go after your dreams and the power to achieve goals, whereas gold symbolizes wealth, prosperity and wisdom.

A combination of it is irresistible.

Khushi was stunned to see such a beautiful piece of saree. Arnav watched her astonishment with immense pleasure as she gently traced her fingers on it. Her touch was so delicate and gentle that her fingers were adoring the delicate, intricate work and it looked as though it would take wings if pressed a bit hard. Unable to believe that she could be the recipient of such a beautiful gift from Arnavji she asked with astonishment rounding her eyes, whether it was for her. Making his eyebrow hook up he told her that he was planning to wear it for Payal and Akash's wedding. Her tinkling laughter filled his car with her imagining the picture of her Arnavji draped in the saree, tickling her funny bone. Arnav too joined her and chuckled enjoying her mirth. Humor was never his forte and inducing others to laugh had been unthinkable until he met Khushi. When he asked her whether she liked it she said she did and very much too. He told her that if she liked it so much she better thank him and Khushi with a puzzled frown told him that she already did so. Looking at her lips he told her she knows what he meant and what he wanted. Khushi felt her cheeks grow warm and in a matter of seconds had her cheeks vie with the fiery red of the sari. She turned her head and looked outside. But she could see Arnav waiting with patience. Even after long seconds when she looked through her peripheral vision she saw that he was still looking at her expecting her to comply with his request. She knew he would not budge unless and until he got what he wanted. Khushi turned her head to look at him. Arnav tried his level best to give her an innocent look of just an expectation of receiving a chaste kiss hiding his lascivious thoughts, encouraging her to take the step forward. Gathering her courage, Khushi slowly leaned towards him. Arnav could feel his heart hammering against his chest, every nerve sensitized and alert to receive her touch. He felt the gentle torture of waiting for her much coveted action. When Khushi pressed her soft, warm, luscious lips against his lean, rugged cheek he squeezed his eyes shut savoring the pleasure. As he felt her withdrawing from him, he let out a low groan, leaned forward, unwilling to let go of her, captured her heavenly to kiss lips with his making her feel thoroughly kissed.

Arnav slipped into the coat while he was instructing on the phone. There were a lot of things that needed to be looked into before the wedding. His thoughts went to Akash. NK was helping out Akash to dress and Arnav hoped NK wouldn't goof up with this by making the groom wear his sherwani inside out. His eyes darted to the clock and thought Khushi and her family might have arrived. Arnav after issuing a last minute instruction to his trusted lieutenant Aman that the caterers needed to be present there by 6, listened to the listing of all the other arrangements that had already been done.

Khushi walked behind her family and her sister, anxiously fiddling with the pleats of her red saree wondered where Arnav was. Whether he would like her in his gift? Looking down at herself, she wondered whether the saree was too transparent and adjusted her pallu to cover herself.

Anjali, Mami, Mamaji amd Nani welcomed the Guptas' and hugged Payal and Khushi. Anjali with a laughter declared to Khushi that from that day her Jiji was theirs and if she wants to be with her she'll have to marry Chotey soon and join her there. Mami added her bit saying that from that day onwards she would be Payal Akash Singh Raizada and not Payal Kumari Gupta! Nani the last of The Trio to speak out, with a smile told Madhumathiji that they would be taking both their daughters away from her. One that day and the other quite soon too. Buaji who was beaming with happiness was all for it. She told Nani that they were welcome to have the two as for the past 20 years and more they had been troubling her and now the Raizada's were welcome to receive the same, making all laugh.

When Khushi looked at the rose tint spread on her Jiji's cheeks turning towards scarlet, she realized that she would be staying back at RM as Akash Jiju's wife and she Khushi would be alone at night. Not just tonight but every night. Khushi felt a lump rise in her throat and swallowed hard to hide her tears. As all the others moved towards the living room, Anajali took one look at Khushi and realized that she was exercising her utmost control not to burst into tears. In a soft voice she asked Khushi whether she could do her a small favor? When Khushi agreed, Anjali told her that her Chote was yet to come down. Could she please go upto his room and ask him to come down? Khushi gulped. She was in two minds. But how could she say no to Anjaliji? The question was she felt, did she she really want to say No when she had been waiting to see him, see his smile, hear his husky voice drawling out her name. Just his presence made her world brighter, safer and perfect for her always. Even when he was in a fit of temper, all that mattered for her was his presence, his proximity, that gave her unbelievable strength, courage. Khushi, deciding to do Anjaliji's bidding nodded to her and climbed the stairs taking care as not to step over her pleats.

Arnav ending the call knowing all the things were in place, turned towards the door to see Khushi with a raised hand all set to knock on the open door. Seeing his Lady Love looking gorgeous in the designer red sari with the soft material draping tastefully on her elegant curves, the gold work lending it a majestic look and blending with her features, Arnav had his breath hitched. He whispered Khushi and his eyes lit up as though seeing a celestial nymph. It was his very own Dreamgirl, standing at his door. She told him in a voice slightly more than a whisper that Anjaliji wants him to come down as the guests would start arriving soon. Her eyes were drinking in the handsome hunk in the three piece suit looking dapper, sporting a winsome smile that made her heart flutter and a soothing balm on her agitated mind. Arnav strode to her, cupping her face in his palm asked her what happened Khushi? Why was she upset? Did anyone say anything to hurt her? Who the.. he was stopped midway by her finger that was placed on his lips. No one she whimpered. Then what was the reason for her to be upset, he asked her with a worried look. Khushi like a homing pigeon, threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, never wanting to let go of him. A surprised Arnav wrapped his arms around her pulling her into the circle of his warmth. Burying her face in the crook of his neck, she made him privy to her grievance saying like a small kid that he was taking away her Jiji from her. Arnav who was not expecting this stood with eyes wide in a silent shock, recovering quickly he let out a smile. Knowing that it was the right time to make his move he suggested in a soft voice just enough to be heard by her to stay there at RM with her Jiji and never go back. He was hoping that she would acquiesce.

But Khushi was lost in her own world. She told him that she and her sister had never slept apart in the past 10 years. When her Amma wanted to send her to Delhi for causing a scandal in Lucknow because he had aired the video footage of her falling into his arms, her sister had accompanied her as she was scared of sleeping alone and of darkness. Tightening her embrace she burrowed into him, without any thought to her make-up or clothes but only seeking the warmth, companionship, comfort that soothed her only by his presence. She felt that if only she could be much closer to him, never leave him, she would be warm forever. His heartbeat beating to the same rhythm as hers lulled her into peace. She felt the warmth of his embrace and realized that she was feeling restful like a pigeon that had found its safe haven.

Arnav in a whisper, asked her to marry him and he told her that he would promise her that she would never have to sleep alone. Not a single night. His suggestion sounded like a loud proclamation in a silent room where the two hearts were beating as one.

This update deals with the realization by Khushi that what exactly she needs from her life and which direction she would like her life to take. She realizes which is the point that she needs to reach. She realizes which is her target and how she can reach it. In a phrase it is HOME IN.

When she comes out of work, seeing Arnav waiting for her gladdens her heart, still she asks him whether there was any problem. When he answers is there a necessity for him to have a reason to see her, though her heart sings out in joy she squelches it, but their gaze on each other tells a whole different story. For both even silence speaks in volumes.

When he says he wants to give her something her gaze unconsciously goes to his lips direct on to the target homing in on what she really wanted from him. When he gifts her with a pack he tells her sorry for disappointing her for what he was giving was way out of what she was expecting. But when she likes his gift he asks her to thank him not just verbally but by deed. So he ranged in on what she really wanted and when she gives him a chaste kiss and withdraws he directs his attention to her needs and directs his lips on the target fulfilling her wish.

While Arnav was busy getting ready and getting things done, multi-tasking that he was well versed at, Khushi who arrived at RM was greeted by the rest. When Anjali sees her downcast at the thought of separation from her Jiji, she knows what would perk her up and directs her on to the point. She asks Khushi to go upstairs and call Arnav to come down.

"Loneliness is about the scariest thing out there."

~ Joss Whedon

Khushi who was yearning to see him went to do Anjali's bidding.

Seeing the vision of beauty of his dreams in front of him though happy to see him, his personal radar directs him to realize that she is downcast. When he asks her the reason for her being upset, she hugs him and enveloping herself in his warmth, she tells him the reason being her sister not being with her anymore. In other words she directly points on to her loneliness. Arnav realizing what she meant tells her that could be easily remedied if she stays back, hoping that she would acquiesce.

"Solitude is fine but you need someone to tell that solitude is fine"

~ Honore de Balzac

When she points out she had never stayed a night alone without her sister by her side he tries to home in with his offer of marriage enticing her with the carrot of never having to be alone ever again as after their marriage he would never allow her to be alone, not a single night.

"I love being with you. When we're not together, I wish we were"

~ Sylvia Day, Bared to You

Khushi who had always been reticent to open up to her feelings opens up to Arnav. Voicing out her need and feelings she has atlast reciprocated his feelings. She has expressed her desire to be forever cherished by him seeking his warmth, love and solace from the hug that is for the first time given voluntarily just to fulfill her needs, assuage her emotions. She had zeroed in on the target and her realization leads her into his arms. Khushi knows that now even her sister sleeping by her side would not assuage her heart and only way to quell it was to be home.

"I let it go. It's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. After a while, whoever you are, you just have to let go, and the river brings you home"

~ Joanne Harris, Five Quarters of the Orange

Khushi knows that her Home is where her heart is and her heart is with Arnav Singh Raizada.

Khushi Kumari Gupta has got her instincts right and in the arms of Arnav Singh Raizada she knows she is at home.

"For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home"

~ Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

That's why I called it HOME IN.

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

rulama2013-04-09 05:23:19