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Chapter 161

rulama

@rulama

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

(Thanx a million, Naughtymallu!)

FINDING KHUSHI

Part 43

Section 4

"Ganesh, Anamika, would you mind moving into RM today?" Arnav asked softly. "It will be err... easier to make arrangements for the wedding tomorrow evening."

Ganesh & Anamika smiled.

She said, a smirk on her face, "I am sure it will be easier on you if we do move in."

Ganesh said, smiling, "We will definitely move in. After all, the situation is... nazook." He looked at a Khushi who was happily drying her tear-stained face, still holding on firmly to Arnav's arm.

Arnav smiled gratefully at Ganesh & Anamika.

NK went with Gaurav, Anamika, & Ganesh to help them transport their wedding finery to RM. Arnav, Akash, & Payal stayed back to help Buaji, Amma, & Babuji pack & lock the house.

Nani, Mami, & Anjali left with the driver to arrange rooms and refreshments for the unexpected guests, laughing over their Chotey's shatir dimag and his Khushiji's lovable childishness.

Arnav accompanied Khushi to her bedroom. Two heavy suitcases were waiting in the corner, all packed & ready to go. He lugged them to the front door.

"Khushi, what do you have in these?" Arnav asked, smiling. "Rocks?"

Khushi pouted. "Ji. Pathar. To throw at you when you get angry with me."

Arnav chuckled silently.

She looked around, her hands on her hips. "Have I left anything behind...?" she wondered.

Arnav hid his smile with great difficulty. "Khushi, what does it matter if you have left something behind?"

Khushi looked at him.

"You can always return & get it. I mean, it is just a matter of a few kilometers..." he reminded her, smiling.

"Haan..." Khushi said, uncertainty colouring her voice.

"Did you pack your stars?" he asked, looking at the stars hanging over her bed.

"Ji. I packed them first." Khushi replied, still looking around.

Arnav walked to her, and cupped her cheek in his palm.

"Kya hua, Khushi? Feeling scared about tomorrow?" he asked softly.

Khushi looked into his empathetic eyes for a moment, and then murmured, "Life is so strange, isn't it?"

Arnav waited for her to explain.

"First, I was with my parents in our house. Then, one day, when I was eight, I moved into my aunt's house in Lucknow with all my clothes and toys. Then I met you. You aired the video clip and I had to leave Lucknow and move into Buaji's house in Delhi. Now I am leaving her house and going to yours." She swallowed hard as she looked around the familiar room.

Arnav pulled her into his arms. He said, his cheek against hers, "You will never have to leave my house to go anywhere else."

Khushi nodded slowly, and then slowly put her arms around him, hugging him close to her.

Arnav shut his eyes and rubbed his cheek against hers to comfort her.

"Bhai..." Akash stood open-mouthed at the sight of his khadoos brother standing in the circle of Khushiji's arms.

Payal giggled behind the cover of her hand.

Arnav & Khushi lowered their arms, putting a few inches between their bodies with difficulty.

"Bhai... All are ready to leave..." Akash said.

"We are coming." Arnav said in his usual brusque manner, only the flush on his face revealing his discomfiture.

They reached RM to find that Anamika, Ganesh, Gaurav, Scooby, & NK had reached before them, and had been assigned their rooms. Ganesh had been given a room near Arnav's, Gaurav & Scooby were to share with NK, and Anamika & Khushi were given a room on the ground floor, near Nani's room. Amma & Babuji had the room next to Khushi & Anamika's, and Buaji was in a room nearby.

Arnav & HP placed Khushi's bags in her room. Anamika turned to look out through the window, a smile on her face, as Arnav hesitated to leave the room.

"Khushi, tum theek ho?" he asked, running his thumb lovingly down her cheek.

"Ji." She smiled, having forgotten her earlier tears.

"Sure? You want me to stay with you?" poor Arnav asked.

"No, I am fine, Arnavji." Khushi beamed, happy to be under the same roof as him. The sky of her mind was cloudless and sunlit as long as she was with him. "Arnavji, just think how much fun we will have today! Nanheji didn't tell you about his plans?" she asked.

Arnav shook his head.

"He is planning to phenk a party for men. He wants to take you, Ganeshji, Gaurav, & Jiju out for a bachelor's party."

Anamika choked.

Arnav stared at Khushi, slack-jawed.

"When you men are drinking lassi and cracking jokes and playing video games, we ladies will play antakshari and eat golgappe! It will be such fun! He na, Anamikaji?" Khushi's innocent eyes rested on the two figures staring at her with amazement.

Part 43 Section 3: 85900721 Part 43 Section 5: 86130924

rulama2013-06-23 03:25:27