Khushi looked up at her dad tears in her eyes “did I tell you are the best dad in the world and every time I come back i want you as my father”
“Yeh yeh yeh , just don’t be such hard work next time -OK- Now let’s finish eating this ice cream and watch a classic The Magnificent 7”
“No dad how about the magnificent 2”
“What are you going on about Khushi – there is no film called the magnificent 2”
“Sholay!”
Khushi read the file before the meeting AR constructions wanted a 60% share in the new contract before a joint submission for the development of a new site.
Khushi read and reread the contract played with the figures – no way was she going to let AR construction get 60% of the contract either they had 51% or nothing.
Shashi came into find her “ready for battle -no time for pussy footing around go straight for the jugular -OK”
Arnav already knew that Shashi Gupta was a hard man to negotiate with but he had also heard that his daughter was a Piranha in the board room – were they both that scared of him that it took two of them to make the deal.
She walked in and stunning sophisticated oozing style and grace with every movement she made.
She sat at the board table and acknowledged the other party “Not to waste any time what are your proposals gentlemen”
I was all Khushi could do not to stare, she looked like a duck effortlessly gliding across the water buy underneath her feet were paddling ten to a dozen just to stay calm and focused.
Her father raised his eyebrow and then recovered , what had her spooked, but she was recovering buying time – should he step in – it had been hard for her he needed her to see this through to regain her self confidence.
There across the board table sat Arnav dressed in an Armani suit poised for the kill. What the hell was he doing here? Did her dad know he was the guy? All Khushi could think of was his strong muscular arm’s his six pack his hypnotic stare she could feel his eyes burning through her.
Arnav did a double take as she walked in they acknowledged each other ,he saw that she had grace poise and beauty but all he could remember was the red lacy bra threatening to reveal a rose ,her silken textured breast the butterfly just at the start of her crack. Arnav gulped business think business, that thin waist his foggy memory was returning in flashes the whole jigsaw wasn’t there yet but pieces were present. He hadn’t heard a word, what had she said who was speaking. Those sexy legs his eyes travelled up her what would she be like in bed he needed the whole jigsaw not just bits. He stared at her taking every drop in like a parched man in a desert finding an oasis to lose himself in. Those lips he wanted them to leave an imprint on his he wanted to taste her again.
“Miss Gupta let’s cut a long story short what do you want?”
“55%”
“Shall we settle at 50% and let these gentlemen figure out the knitty gritty”
Her father had seen the look in Arnav’s eyes and he didn’t like it one bit. In the time taken for Khushi to present he had undressed her and … his thoughts could take him no further. But he was damned if he would let Khushi have any dealings with Arnav.
So if that is settled -my daughter can return to more pressing matters whilst you and i peruse the final contract”
“Afternoon gentleman”
He watched her sashay out of the room with her hips swaying from side to side hypnotically.
“So” Arnav bringing him back to the present here and now -“for this 50% equal share what do you want”
What had he really said 50% god he had better stop thinking of those breasts and concentrate otherwise he could easily lose another million in profit.
Khushi stood outside the door shaking she felt as though her knees were about to give way.
She felt ill and quesy would she have to face him again?
Khushi dragged herself to her office and sat there – what had happened? when was La coming back ? she needed to talk to La ? Just looking at him quickened her breathing ,and made her weak at the knees.
She needed to get away – but they were signing a contract – how much longer would she have to put up with him for .
Chapter 4
Khushi had her hands full supervising the joint project that she had currently undertaken with AR designs . It was late afternoon and hot here on the site she felt worse she could feel the sweat trickling down her back. She had to make sure that the work was running to schedule and the only way of doing that was to visit the site. Not a smart idea in this heat she had not had breakfast or lunch and begun to feel light headed.
Khushi liked to do unannounced site visits to ensure that people were on the ball things were being carried out in the correct manner .She felt herself sway and then fall into a crumple heap.
The next thing she felt was herself being carried , a sense of familiarity as she came round her head spinning ,the arms felt safe and secure .
” Put me Down”
“Aahhh glad to see that your back in the land of the living “
“Nowww”
Arnav looked at the package he was carrying , whiter than white with a hand clamped over her mouth.
Arnav quickly put her down still using his hand to steady her and Khushi wretched the empty contents of her stomach over and over again – nothing but acid and bile she lent back in an exhausted heap. And closed her eyes. Breathless with eyes shut she asked “Where did you come from?”
“This seems to becoming a habit with us “
“Don’t worry it wont i have not had anything to eat and the heat is unbearable “
Arnav looked at her strangely -he had been on a site visit checking progress and quality of work carried out when a worker approached him .”Saab, Saab -Memsaab has fainted “
Arnav was confused “Memsaab ?” Well whoever it was no one else was listed for a site visit he had better check it out .
He had followed the worker quickly and saw men gathering around a person . He spied her gentle sleeping face – she looked like an angel . “Khushi “He had quickly gathered her up in his arms .
“Khushi lets get you back and cool you down and feed you “
Arnav drove Khushi to AR designs while she sat back with her eyes closed the world was spinning less. Was she always fated to being hurling when he was around . The coolness of the car made her feel better . At least her face no longer felt on fire.She felt the car stop . These are my office they are closer.
Arnav supported Khushi towards the elevator with his arm round her waist ans kept it there whilst she leant on him for support . Her legs felt like jelly as though they would give way at any moment she could feel his body heat burning through her clothes . His hand that supported her seem to be searing through her thin kurti top. Arnav felt Khushi sway and looked at her closely – she looked alright he liked the feel of his hand on her back , she was just the perfect size she fitted him perfectly.
He hadn’t seen since that fateful day at the office, he had tried but was always intercepted by Shashi. He couldn’t get past her father even his emails to her were intercepted.
He needed to talk to her to ask her how she was ? Was she haunted by that night as much as he was ? Everytime he thought about it a little piece of the jigsaw fell into place , bodies mingling rolling ,the rose being caressed and sucked . He would feel passion stir like it had never stirred – was it because his brain stopped the memory from resurfacing . Did he feel like this because she was unobtainable , he unfulfilled . Would he ever remember?
“Where are we ?”
“The penthouse suite above the offices “
“Akaash and i have rooms here when we get busy . Sit here let me get you some water and something to eat “
After Kushi had eaten and drunk. She felt better .
“Khushi we need to talk . Do you remember anything from that night ?”
Khushi shook her head “Only the morning after “
“I have had flashes but there are parts still missing “
“I just have a gaping hole in mine “
“Khushi have you taken a pregnancy test ?”
“WHAT ? NO!”
“Khushi it’s been 5 weeks we need to check and then maybe we can both put this behind us and move on “
“What eerr no. I mean Ok.”
“I have to go buy one, a pregnancy test that is”
“Are you feeling up to going out or shall i go out and buy one ?” What the hell had he just said – he wouldn’t even know where to begin or what one looked like it was not one of those things he normally paid attention to . Arnav you need to keep your mouth shut where Khushi is concerned and your little friend in check who just seems to have a bloody mind of its own like when you were 15. That’s what you got you into this mess in the first place.
“What no. I’ll go and get it” but from where she didn’t know where to begin.
Confusion and panic nervousness must have shown in her eyes.
“Khushi stop ! This is new to me too and I am just as lost as you are.” There his mouth went again for a man who seldom spoke around her, his mouth seemed to take on a mind of its own. He was actually babbling ! nervous he hadn’t felt like this since he was 15 years old and asked his first girl out on a date. His palms sweating and heart racing .
He held her hand and softly said “look we can do this together it might make it easier for both us”
All khushi could do was nod not meeting his eyes.
A long while later total silence and disbelief as they stared at the piece of plastic before them displaying a coloured line. The silence seemed to echo around the room. Neither knew what to say . The finality of it all. The answer to many unanswered questions . The question that left many answers to be found. The clock ticked away on the wall. The wall of silence growing between them . Arnav let out a slow breath “I need a drink !”
“that’s what started this mess in the first place”
“Now what, Khushi we have the answer that little coloured blue line has told us what happened that night – what do you want to do next ?”
He knew what he wanted but this baby had to be her decision not conceived in the best of circumstances but if born into this world it would have a father and if not born he would silently mourn its loss. What was new -he was used to heart ache and loss it was just the norm for him.
“I don’t know -It was my first time and I lost my virginity in a drunken stupor and now I’m pregnant and I can’t get rid of this tiny life in me. So where does it leave me? Unmarried and pregnant that’s where. Society is easy but I have to tell my father – that’s goanna be hard!”
“Khushi you are not in this alone -OK” His brain was still computating the information that had been delivered -her first time. Her father – a formidable adversary in any field. He had already seen him in action and had firsthand experience of how protective her father was of her.
“Khushi, I won’t let this baby be born without a name ! It’s hard enough raising a child they have so much to contend with without the extra hassle. We can get married in less than a week. Khushi is that ok ?”
“Then what ?”was the quiet silent whisper
“Look Khushi we get married , you have the baby we get to know each other and the rest will work itself out”
“You make it all sound so simple !”
“OK lets tell you family and mine together”
“Bad idea Arnav”
“Lets me tell my dad and you tell your family – by the way who is in your family ?”
“Aakash , you know , then there is Di- she will welcome you with open arms , Nani is a traditionalist she will give you a hard time but she come round in time , Mama Ji well he’s happy with whatever Mami Ji you need to develop a second skin but i will put a stop to her comments . How about yours”
“Dad and Payal”
“So who should we tell first ?”
“Your family”
A long while later they were both outside Khushi house. Telling Arnav family had been traumatic but Khushi had an idea this was gonna be worse. She remembered Mami ji pretending to faint, and being melodramatic. Nani Ji just stared and nodded and gave the silent treatment. Di was welcoming just as Arnav had stated.
At Khushi House it was a whole different story.
“Hi dad , I have something to say , I er mean we have something to tell you. This is Arnav , oh but you already know that , what i mean is that this here is Arnav …err”
“Khushi’s Pregnant and we are getting married as soon as possible” Arnav thought he would help out as she seemed to be struggling .
“I knew from the board room the way you looked at her -you wanted her – but it was you in the hotel room”
Arnav was shocked Khushi father knew. The next thing he knew he felt a really hard punch that knocked him backwards
“Dad!”
“Never give her alcohol rule 1, never hurt her rule 2”
“You finished punching sir”
“No but looking at Khushi she won’t let me use you like a punching bag. I need a drink none for either of you that’s what started this whole bloody mess”
“What kind of wedding are you proposing – ?”
“Err… sir a quick one at the court”
“No she’s my baby , she always wanted a traditional wedding and she will get one in 3 days due to other pressing issues – It will be organised within three days get your family ready and Arnav you can’t keep calling me Sir”
“I better be going – take care Khushi”- he pulled her with him to the door.
“You going to be ok -Your dad can still bat for six considering his age – But I would have done more – You told him everything about that night.”
Khushi nodded hesitantly.
Arnav placed his hand on her stomach gently stroking it – he lifted her gently with one finger and brushed his lips against her leaving the slightest of him on her.
“Khushi we are in this together we both have a lot to learn – we will do it together ok so don’t worry and we will both make mistakes – just promise me we will talk about it ok – to stop any misunderstandings. I have had a lot of women in my life but I believe in the sanctity of marriage – so no more. I have a lot of business dealings and made some serious enemies along the way just like your dad has. Please ask me before you take any new ventures up.”
“Arnav gently kissed her again and said see you tomorrow – we have a lot to sort out!”
He sat in his car rubbing his jaw contemplating the day’s events – it had been a hard day – harder than any he remembered. But surprisingly he was happy with the outcome.
Now back home to get the silent treatment from Nani Ji wait until he told her of the wedding date. He had broad shoulders he was prepared for the backlash fallout from his actions but he was going to make it abundantly clear to them all -not a word against Khushi – she had a lot to cope with.
Unthinkingly he raised a finger to his lips remembering her soft touch with the merest hint of strawberries. When had she eaten those he wondered .
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 5
Wedding preparations were well underfoot next morning. The house was buzzing with life. The place was awash with flowers and the heavy scent of flowers filled the house.
Khushi …Khushi lay in bed feeling miserable – her wedding. She couldn’t lift her head of the pillow the world was spinning and her stomach felt like it was going to hurl its contents with such force that Khushi lay down and tried to shut the outside world out.
“Payal have you seen Khushi yet”
“No Dad I’ll wake her”
“No Payal I’ll wake her,- Khushi beti you’re not out of bed, there is so much to do”
“Ahhhggg go away and leave me alone – I feel like death”
Shashi laughed ” Khushi I’ve got a special drink for you – you’re just like your mum”
Shashi place a foul smelling concoction next to her “Drink it Khushi” .Khushi drank the foul smelling sweet bitter liquid .
Within the hour Khushi was dressed and downstairs – “you look better”
“Dad what was that miracle drink ?”
“It’s a herbal potion that your mum used to drink whilst she was carrying you”
“Whats on our agenda ?”
“Meet Arnav -choose your wedding rings and then Arnav wants to take you to choose your wedding lengha.I always thought I would chose your wedding outfit , but … then a family dinner ” – a lot was left unsaid – a fathers shattered dream lay in pieces. But what was more important to him was his daughter’s fragile heart. Her castle of dreams had vanished, leaving only shards, each one holding a fragment of her dreams. Could he fix this ? He was supposed to look after her and keep her safe. He had failed on so any levels –
“Dad – please don’t make me cry it doesn’t take much. Do you know who was the first man I ever loved and will always be the first in my heart. He taught me to laugh, he dried my tears, he scared the bogeyman away for me. He taught to me to find the magic in a rainbow. He carried me on his shoulders when I could walk no more. He ate ice cream with me when I was upset- always chocolate. He danced with me with me till I could dance no more. He taught me courage and to face my fears while he held my hand. And now when I thought things could get no worse for me he has magicked away all my demons to give me my dream .He is still holding me – carrying me – keeping me safe. Dad, Arnav has big shoes to fill”
“Khushi forget about your hormonal crying you got me started now go upstairs and change or you will be late .Khushi reached up and kissed her dad on the cheek -” your simply the best !”
“GO Khushi or you will be late”
On the dot of 12:00 Arnav arrived carrying a dozen yellow roses. He had thought long about what he would take . He couldn’t go empty handed. He had tossed and turned and eventually settled for yellow roses – a gift that was not ostentatious , not the usual dozen red roses for love but yellow symbolising friendship and new beginnings.
“Hi Khushi , for you I thought they might make you smile”
“Thanks, I love roses!”. Khushi took a deep breath inhaling the gentle fragrance the sweet musky perfume.
Her father shouted “No Khushi don’t … do that”
Khushi face changed from rosy red to white, she clapped her hand to her mouth thrust the roses back at Arnav and hotfooted it out of the room hearing her father say – “roses made her mother throw up when she was pregnant!”
Arnav looked bewildered lost uncertain what to do for a instant of a second he thrust the roses at her dad and ran after her.
Shashi looked at the beautiful bouquet of yellow roses smiling – maybe he could glue the shards together , Arnav had chased after his Khushi – there -was- hope. All he had to do was make Khushi realise that her dream was still within her grasp, it was just different now but just as precious maybe somewhat more.
Khushi was sick as she could be , she sat there exhausted ashen face. Arnav felt helpless.
“Sorry Khushi I .. I didn’t realise that those roses would make you so sick.
Arnav gently wiped her face picked her up and placed her on the bed
A loud knock came at the door her father stood there with another cup of her foul smelling brew.
“Thanks dad”
“Really Khushi – that odour you can stand and my roses made you sick to your stomach – unbelievable”
Shashi laughed, you will have to learn to make this concoction – I’ll show you- It’s gonna save your life”
A little while later Arnav heard Khushi stomach growl in hunger “Really ?”
“Really I need to eat something or I will be throwing up again and that seems to be getting to be a habit around you. Let’s go to the kitchen or you will be picking me of the floor”
“You know for a tiny little thing you can sure pack away the food. I stand back in awe of the quantity you just tucked away. Do you normally eat this amount ? or is it because someone is sharing your meal” Arnav asked laughingly .
“I eat this quantity”
“Look your dad has an agenda and we are going to be running late if we don’t start hurrying up -“
“Arnav it’s called Indian Timing”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a flurry of activity Khushi was exhausted. ” Arnav do you think I can have some tea in the penthouse and then phone me and i will come down.
An hour later it was time for to go Arnav called but no answer. He was running late and getting increasingly irritated waiting for Khushi to answer. What had she said about time keeping Indian time. As he rode in the elevator to the penthouse his anger grew. As he let himself into the suite he saw Khushi’s Phone on the table and after calling for her and gaining no response he found her asleep curled up on his bed, fast asleep.
His anger, frustration vanished in a wisp of smoke when he saw her sleeping. He dialled Shashi “Dad we are going to have to change some of your plans -she is exhausted and fast asleep and I am not going to wake her until she wakes up – sorry ! we maynot make it back in time for dinner”
Shashi smiled He was doing a good job of filling those shoes as Khushi so aptly put it.
Arnav lay down next to Khushi to rest and fell asleep with her exhausted from the tensions and pressures from the last couple of days -it had been a non-stop rollercoaster of emotions for both of them. What did the future hold for him and her, for all three of them ? Arnav little steps, little steps he thought to himself. They would work it out together . For now he would hold his new family to himself. He gently placed his hand on her stomach thinking , dreaming of his future .
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 6
Khushi slowly surfaced from her sleep, stretching like a lazy cat sunning itself in the sun. Arnav felt her stir next to him. He had enjoyed her warmth as she had snuggled up to him in her sleep.
Khushi’s arm struck the solid form next to her. With an ear splitting scream she leapt out of bed and was across the other side of the room trying to comprehend who was in bed with her.
“Stop Screaming !”
“Arnav it’s only you” with a sigh of relief.
“Who else would it be ?”
“Recently ,with my past history – its seems to be any stranger these days. What time is it dad’s dinner ?”
“I told him we would be late – shall we go ?”
Dinner was in full swing by the time Khushi and Arnav showed up.
Khushi kissed her dad, softly murmuring “sorry dad” and sat next to him.
She quietly said her hello’s to everyone there and was rewarded by a curt nod of Nani’s head, Mami Ji totally cut her dead. Aakaash and Di were warm and loving the exact opposite of the elder two members of the family.
Shashi noted the mute response at the table fifty fifty . He thought to himself let me tip the odds in Khushi s favour. Take the bull by the horns and now was a good time a s any .
“Nani Ji these are not the best circumstances for our children to be getting married in but the children want what the children want so we fall in. I can marry Khushi of with a smile or … but I believe that if you are worried what people will say – they will say less if we laugh and smile. Nani Ji I believe in custom and tradition -but children make mistakes and as elders it’s our duty to show them how to be forgiving “. Nani smiled at Shashi and nodded. The thaw had begun, She would warm to Khushi soon all that was left was the last hurdle Mami Ji. Now where did Arnav find her, she was one of a kind.
He would leave her to Khushi.
“Khushi we know so little about you please tell us” Nani asked trying her hardest not to sound stern”
Mami muttered softly but loud enough to be heard ” Shleeps around I ish thinkhing”
In that second a multitude of events happened simultaneously
Arnav’s head jerked up anger flaring in his eyes ready to let is wrath loose.
Shashi leant forward with an ice cold menacing gaze inhaled a deep breath and was about to let loose when Khushi placed a restraing hand over his and looked him straight in the eye with a warning look.
Nani Ji voiced her thoughts out aloud shocked at the statement “Manorma!”
Di and Aakaash just stared and their jaws dropped at Khushi’s response.
“Mami Ji ,one has to taste the sweets they are buying otherwise how will you know which one you like the best”
Shashi smothered his laughter as he saw Manorma turn red and choke on her drink.
His Khushi was back! The board room cougar had resurfaced. Oh Manorma had better watch out.
Arnav sat back calmly – this he had to watch. He wasn’t sure if he had been complimented or insulted.
By the end of dinner Khushi had had enough, the stifling atmosphere, she had been fielding comments most of the evening from Mami Ji and returning them with interest.
“As much as I would love to stay -you have to excuse me.” She shot her dad an apologetic look -you deal with crowd I m off.
She smile at Arnav and was about to leave when Arnav stood up to. God he was polite “Oh Arnav please don’t get up on my account”
He smiled, something not often seen by his family “Oh I thought you might like another shot at the chocolate box selection”
Khushi’s eyes sparkled with mischief- both Payal and her dad knew this look well.
“I will definitely have to have a taste you know what they say Mami Ji -certain flavours are addictive”
He grabbed her hand laughingly and led the way to her room .
Shashi just roared with laughter whilst Payal replied “Dad don’t encourage her”
Manorama turned red and was speechless.
Khushi shut her bedroom door “Sorry Arnav, but I had enough of her innuendo’s I had to shut her up. Arnav she’s part of your family but if she says anything I repeat anything to my baby, I will eat her up for breakfast and spit her out before she has time to even think”
“Resheath your claws – It’s not good for you or the baby.”
There was a gentle knock at the door “Khushi may I come in”
“Jiji ? Come… Since when have you ever knocked on my door?”
“Since you started tasting chocolates!”
“Jiji , you don’t believe that do you ?”
“Pagli , You know I don’t, why are you crying now ?”
“I don’t … hic … kn …hic …ow” sobbed Khushi
“Dad said you were going to be one screwed up individual for the next 7and a bit months.”
Arnav looked in disbelief as the she- tigress turned into a quivering sobbing mess.
“Khushi please stop look, dad sent your special brew everyone’s gone home. Hey and I knocked because chocolate box was in here- I was thinking of him not you stupid!”
Khushi smiled at her sister .
Khushi sipped her drink ” Arnav lean over” Arnav noticed her eyes flash with mischief but leant over wondering.
Khushi planted a super wet kiss on Arnav’s lip’s.
Arnav smiled and licked his wet lips and then scowled at her “So that’s you game ha?”
“What ?” asked Khushi as though butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.
“You kissed me so I could taste that vile drink”
He took the drink from her hand, your first kiss you can’t remember, your second kiss I will remember – your third …” He looked hypnotically into her eyes revealing the hidden depth of passion Khushi felt her breath stop, her heart started pounding , could he hear her heart , he slowly brought his lips within touching distance staring into those eyes asking seeking permission to enter. He could feel her hot breath on his lips almost taste her. He waited hovering patiently for permission, their breath mingled entwined and merged. Yet Arnav waited patiently, softly as a butterflies wings his warm lips caressed hers. Khushi felt passion stirring within her lips parted and slowly his tongue entered seeking exploring the hot chamber both were exploring tasting feeling. Khushi felt herself on fire as though she would self combust. An involuntary moan escaped from her lips.
He slowly retreated the blood pounding in his ears. His knees felt weak he wanted more -small steps, slow steps -he would make her first time special. Breathless he waited till his heart beat returned to normal.
“Your third kiss … we will both remember”
It was much later on a sleepless Khushi tossed and turned in bed remembering and replaying that kiss – if that what his kiss did to her what about the rest of it ? How could she have completely wiped out that memory?
Arnav was not faring much better – he had never felt like that after kissing a girl and he had had his fare share. To top it off his mind was filled with fleeting images of two bodies entwined Khushi wearing a red lacy bra , the little rose peeping out , the butterfly. He leapt out of his bed in a full state of arousal you my little friend are going to have to learn some control where Khushi is concerned. He dived into the pool to swim away his frustrations.
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 7
Khushi awoke after a fitful night’s sleep her stomach was still performing somersaults she felt dreadful. Who the hell said pregnancy was a beautiful time in one’s life must either have been a man or have been in need of severe psychiatric care.
“Khushi are you alive in there?”
Her dad entered slowly poking his head round the corner “Ok so you are alive ! You just need a bit of help”. With that he placed a cup of her steaming pick me up brew.
“You are like your mum in more ways than you know, he gently stroked her head “get some down you and will feel better, I guess I am not going to see you at work for a while”
Khushi stomach lurched and she ran to her bathroom. Along while later, when she felt calmer. “Sorry Dad, I just used your shirt like a towel – does this get any better? – lie to me if you have to”
Her dad held her still “Khushi, it really does”
“Mum went through this twice – voluntarily – she must have been certified insane! Why would you want to do this to yourself!”
“Khushi I will ask you that in about seven and a half months. Any plans? We have dinner at Arnav’s tonight ok at 7.00pm”
“Go away – dad don’t make my day worse for me”
“Khushi you will be married tomorrow – you will be moving in with them”. Shashi looked at his daughter hesitantly , had she not realised – looking at her face the thought had not crossed her mind it was dawning on her know.
Marriage meant that she would be going to live with him and HIS FAMILY!
“DDDAAADDD!” was all she screamed. “OMG – what Have I done?
Shashi pulled out his phone “Hi cancel my meeting for this morning- I am going to be late”
Shashi sat there holding his little girl for a long while, Payal came in and Shashi signalled her out.
“Ok feeling better?”
“I have to leave my home – you, Payal?”
“Khushi they always say that a girls true home is her husbands. Our time was borrowed”
Khushi hugged her father -“Our time was never borrowed! And what makes you think I am leaving this house?”
“You will, one day, you will, all little girls grow up”
“Now more importantly when is the cougar making a reappearance at work? I don’t pay you for doing nothing”
“You don’t pay me at all!”
“You carry my credit cards and have complete autonomy over my bank accounts-that is as good as getting paid -you get your money and have full access to our money”
“hmm that’s why I am the cougar and your daughter -I’ve got a good thing going haven’t I ?”
Khushi looked up frowning
“Okay what’s the cougar thinking?”
“Dad If i get married how much access does he have to our shares and our assets?
“Khushi I have already had the papers drawn up they are already with Arnav’s lawyers you will both sign them before the wedding tomorrow OK. You feeling better ready to face the world.”
Khushi was exhausted by 3.00pm. Payal had dragged her through every clothes and shoe shop in Dehli, ordinarily she would have loved it but at the moment she just wanted to leave. ” OK Khushi just bangles and jewellery and you know houw you love choosing them.
“Err Jiji, I have a fitting at AR designs – you stay and I’ll cab it home “
“No Khushi I’ll drop you off at AR designs and then get the rest of the stuff”
Khushi found herself waving bye to her sister who insisted on dropping her off ,when all she really wanted to do was go home to sleep.
She climbed the stairs dragging one foot behind the other, thinking what will Arnav say.
Arnav on the other hand saw a pale exhausted Khushi coming up the staircase.
“Aakaash ,Khushi’s here I’ll be back in about 15 minutes you carry on here.”
Arnav met Khushi half way up the stairs smiling “What brings you to these neck of the woods ? Couldn’t wait till the evening to see me ? You look exhausted?”
All Arnav saw was her lower lip tremble and and tears filled her eyes, threatening to cascade over like a torrential downpour.
What had he got himself into -every time he turned round she was crying. Now here in the middle of his working day. What crisis could possibly have occurred to bring her here like this? Part of him was glad she was here, he liked seeing, he definitely liked kissing her but she was a distraction and he needed to focus. He abhorred crying females and she was definitely one of them. What had Pyaal said she was going to be one screwed up individual for the duration. Please god just let these mood swings be hormonal he thought otherwise he would have to contend with tears for the rest of his life. Whoa up Arnav, thought to himself where did God come into this conversation – forget about Khushi, he was losing the plot himself.
He reached out grabbed her had much to the wonderment of his staff.
They had never seen this side of him, he was an employer lease whose temper was on a short who couldn’t tolerate incompetency in his work environment. They were all aware that he was getting married in a rush and the corridors were awash with rumours about the reason. Everything had been mentioned they had been caught in bed together , she was pregnant , her father had come after him with a shot gun. Khushi’s brother had found them and all hell had broken loose.
But what the staff saw was a beautiful lady who their boss was gently leading towards the elevator. The stony ice hard ASR eyes had gone ,tender concern was reflected .
As Arnav and Khushi rode up the elevator to the penthouse.
The staff broke into monkey chatter.
Did you see her ,she is beautiful , OMG what happened to the boss, he didn’t shout at as us or tell us to get on with our work, He left his meeting for her , must be true love , ASR tho gaye .What’s her name ? Where did he find her ? The Milan Fashion Show, no he’s been seeing her for about a year .
Soon as he got her to the penthouse the dam broke and the tears flowed. Helpless against the onslaught of tears waiting for them to subside. He just held her – nothing more his calmness and strength seemed to flow from him to her. Strangely in his arms she felt safe and secure -here she felt that nothing or no one could harm her. Slowly the storm died. She looked up at him, Arnav thought she has the most amazing eyes, those tantalizing lips to taste them now would be heaven. Slowly, very slowly he nibbled her lips seeking permission to enter and then passion took over and a tango of tongues ensued.
A long while later she sat on the sofa drinking tea with Arnav, her feet curled beneath her leaning on him for support. Neither uttering a word just content to be with each other.
“Khushi I need to go back to work”
” OK can i stay
“You needed to ask that?”
“I’ll pick you up and take you to Shantivan for dinner and tell your dad that are with me ok . “
Khushi dreamed away into her fantasy land.
“Bhai that was a quick 15 minutes”
“Shut up Akaash and concentrate”
“Yeh like I am the one who’s been making out”
“What?”
“Look in the mirror bhai”
Arnav returned with a sheepish grin ” work Akaash”
“Bhai I’m glad, you’re marrying Khushi whatever the circumstances for your marriage , she is good for you”
“Work” was the stern reply but the smile meant something else.
It was several hours later when his cell rang ” Hi Chocolate box”
Arnav groaned with these two sisters around would he ever get any work done,and that name he knew it was here to stay.
“Hi Payal “
“Hey when you sending the bride home , she must have had her fitting by now?”
“Sorry Payal I got caught up at work” Arnav quickly explained the change in plans. Akaash it is nearly 7.00 you better get home for the dinner and I will go and get Khushi and bring her.
Dinner at Shantivan was a combination of awkward periods of silence followed by discussions of the wedding arrangements. How many guests had been invited how much food, boxes of mithai would be needed at the end.
“How much ish the mithai coshting ?”
Shashi began “Its not for you to worry about”
Khushi without thinking said 250 family invites order 300 boxes at Rs 691 including gift wrapping is around Rs 207,300 put in the probability factor that dad will want to send boxes round to all the people we have dealings with add another 400 boxes to the original amount you need an extra Rs 276,400. Total Rs 483,700- what a crime Dad. Lets just feed the orphans for that amount. What have i said now ?”
Khushi looked at everyone around her as Mammi Ji gaped Di and Akaash looked on stunned at how quickly the calculation had been carried out mentally. Arnav saw her in a new light.
Shashi smiled “thats her thing – she is and always has been a whizz at numbers- why do you think when i negotiate she is with me. They call her the Cougar in business – she has worked out the profit and loss margins and they can’t fudge numbers with her.” “Just exactly what do you think my sister does chocolate box ?”
“Cry !”
Shashi just laughed as Khushi scowled “Oh stop it Khushi you must admit recently your bawling has reached new heights and before you comment Arnav , piece of advice I’m her father , I can say what i like about her, You on the other hand i would remind you sometimes silence is the better part of valour – you may set the fountain of again”
“Dad I’m not that bad?…silence.,,,,,,,,,,,,,Payaal?…silence…Arnav?…”
“Your adorable” was Arnav’s reply.
“Wise choice of words – a true politician at heart a non committal answer – you are learning fast , Khushi he will make a good husband”
Thereafter the mood lightened at the dinner table with even Nani and Mami Ji relaxing around the table.
“Khushi would you like to see my garden”
“Hey Chocolate Box is that what we are calling it now ?”
“Well the purchaser must have satisfaction guaranteed as there are no returns on this sale”
“Arnav! And Jiji stop calling him chocolate box”
By now the whole table was in laughter.
Khushi was muttering under her breath went across the table and grabbed Arnav’s hand and led the way out the room mutterings she went to the echoes of laughter behind her.
Khushi stop – Arnav looked at her anger filled eyes and tucked a strand of stray hair gently behind her ear. “Where are you going sweetheart ?”
“I have absolutely no idea, this isn’t my house”
“I thought as much”
Arnav body silently shook in laughter and then he led the way – “My room -soon to be our room”
Khushi looked around the room -it was huge with glass doors that opened directly into a private courtyard with plants and a 20 meter pool .
There is three ways into this area -two of them are permanently locked so the only way in is through our room .
Khushi and Arnav sat by the pool till Arnav got a message “Chocolate box time for the chief taster to go home”
“Khushi they are calling us”
“Hmmm”
“Look don’t hmmm me its your sister calling”
“We have a long day ahead – I know it’s a bit late – you OK with getting married ?”
“Getting married is the easy part -moving in that’s a whole new story”
Arnav gently kissed her ” till tomorrow”
“OMG Arnav I have to move into this house TOMORROW! Jiji ! Jiji ! Lets go home now !” Khushi flew out of Arnav room and down the stairs two at a time.
“What the …”was all Arnav managed in disbelief -well at least it wasn’t tears.
“Careful Khushi Bittia you might fall”
“Khushi slow down”
“Who’s chasing you ?”
“Time, Dad, Time”
Khushi looked at her dad – he understood without a word. He caught her to him and hugged her “We had better leave now and stock up on chocolate ice cream on the way -no guests invited this is a strictly father daughter party “
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 8
All three individuals sat round the kitchen table with a large tub of chocolate icecream and their spoons.
“I don’t want to move out of here why can’t he move in here”
“Khushi, a girl leaves her father’s home and moves in with her husband”
“It’s not law”
“Khushi its tradition”
“Who are you siding with Jiji- you should be on my side – you know dad will make you leave one day”. She angrily delved into the box for a large portion of ice-cream muttering “Stupid Baby, stupid marriage, stupid tradition, stupid men, Stupid La’s wedding, yeh where is La? She is not coming to my wedding- my best friend not here. Dad cancel the wedding, I’m not getting married, I’m not moving out”
Payal and her dad sat their knowingly looking at each other. When she got herself in this mood there was no reasoning with her- they would agree with her and quietly ride out the storm.
“Ok Khushi, now that’s settled lets enjoy the rest of the evening”
“Dad here’s my phone, phone Arnav tell him the wedding cancelled”
“I’ll do it in the morning they will all be asleep by now Khushi”
Before Paayal or Shashi could do anything Khushi dialled Arnav
“Hi you sound like you are sleeping?”
“Khushi is that you?”half asleep
“Khushi give me that phone now!” Paayal being the first to respond realising what her sister was about to do she reached over to grab it both girls were tussling over the phone while Shashi watched incredulously as events unfolded before his eyes.
“Arnav the weddings off!” Khushi screamed
“WHAT?”
“Cancelled, finished, ended, business transaction is voided -nadah, nothing”
“Khushi shut up !Payal screamed making a final attempted to get the phone, the phone slipped out of khushi hand somersaulted and smashed against the floor.”
Payaal picked up the phone quickly running round to the other side Arnav ,Arnav , Chocolate BOX?”
The line was dead.
“Dad what are we going to do ? cried Paayal
“Living with your mother when she was pregnant was not easy, I swear there were many a time I could have killed her but you … leave me speechless, what happened to my confidant balanced obedient fun loving daughter that I brought up – she’s been replaced by a hormonal ,temperamental unbalanced child! Paayal get my phone , Khushi Shut up and sit down or go to bed”
“Dad my problems sorted – I’m not moving out”
“Oh Khushi ,you are going to make me old before my time”
Shashi hugged her “its 2.00am go to bed and sleep with the angels- it will be fine in the morning” He gently placed a kiss on her head turned her around and pushed her in the direction of her room and said to “bed trouble maker and never forget I will move heaven and earth to keep my girls happy” he shouted after her as she went to her room.
Payaal stared at her father “Dad have you lost it, were you not here, did you not hear the conversation I heard ?”
“I heard, and I also asked you to get my phone”
“But Arnav?”
“Will be arriving in about 15 minutes at this time of night, If I have judged the boy correctly and if he is not here then he is not the man for my baby!”
Arnav had been exhausted and soon after Khushi had gone had fallen asleep quickly.
He was roused out of his slumber by the buzzing of his phone -who was calling at this time -Khushi – he might have known -he was really going to have to lay some ground rules down with her – she didn’t let him work properly and now she was invading his sleep .
Initially what he had thought was going to a stupid question or statement left him sitting upright in bed.
Damm Damm Damm, she had said she didn’t want to get married the wedding was off ,and then she hung up on him -just like that. How dare she hang up on him and not take his calls.
Arnav paced his room getting angrier by the second – she had only seen the nice side of him, Khushi had never experienced the famous Raizada temper.
Arnav grabbed his keys and decided that he would have this out with her – what ever her stupid reason for not getting married he would resolve it.
As Arnav drove towards Khushi, his brain began to calm down- and think if he wanted out of this wedding -here was the perfect excuse right before him handed to him on a plate. Did he want out of the arrangement, he hadn’t really thought about it since the bombshell had been dropped they had both been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, she had more to contend with than him. From all accords Payal and her dad were saying she was behaving crazily worse than usual what was the word her dad had used her Sankiness was worse. He had never wanted to get married till now, he enjoyed her company, the peace he felt when she was around him, the way she talked about nothing, and the kissing ,ohh their kissing that was another whole playing field. He cared about her, it never took him long to decide what he wanted and he wanted Khushi , because … because … he felt he had come home… the restlessness that he felt after his mother had passed away…the resentment he felt towards his dad and his family…the bitterness he felt at the treatment of his Di at the hands of the Oberoi family was finally fading because of her. He was in love with her. That was it, even at NK’s wedding he remember another piece of the jigsaw, the brides bestfriend was stunning, her laugh had made him smile , they had sat throughout the entire wedding working together getting through the rituals , commenting laughing with each other. Completeing the jobs together ,discussing business decisions that had recently brought about and seen the demise of another airline company. He remember the discussion they had had.
He remembered the drinks that NK had brought over to him and winked commenting it’s always the best man and the chief bridesmaid. NK had brought the orange juice and jug over to them. OMG it was NK he had spiked the entire jug. Arnav remembered that he had drunk the fisrt glass tasting the alcohol – NK that B****** he knew Arnav would suspect the first drink but not the whole jug!!! No wonder he was legless then he smiled obviously not that legless he had still managed to perform ! Arnav told himself to shut up ! He was responsible for Khushi’s state at more than just one level , he had given her the drink containing alcohol but didn’t know about the effect it would have on her. The rest of the events were still a blurr from that night. But would he remember , ever ? But for now he realised that it was at the wedding he had fallen for Khushi, hook line and sinker. Thats why his brain had put up so little resistance to the events that followed. He wanted to marry Khushi. Now she was saying NO- well that wasn’t going to happen. She was going to marry him one way or another – he wasn’t quite sure how -that he would decide when he got to Khushi’s house.
The realisation of love for Arnav was an immense discovery – to learn that something so intangible, that you couldn’t hold, that some whom you had only known for a fleeting instant in time meant so much. She held his heart , she was the key to his future, she made him smile , she put his demons to sleep. Somehow that mayhem of madness had become his north. Every road , every alternative path he took all led to her.
Arnav rang the doorbell impatiently.
“Payal go let Arnav in”rnav I was expecting you”
“Dad I know it’s late , is Khushi awake – I need to speak to her urgently”
“Arnav we were there when she made the call – listen to me – she is panicking all that she knows, everything that is familiar to her is being taken away from her faster than her mind can assimilate or make sense of. All she knows and trusts, me ,Payal this house, memories of her mother are here. Some happy,
some sad. You are taking her away from all of this, from us to something unknown. She is scared Arnav -thats all. She needs time to get to know you and your family. Arnav do you want to look after my heart, take care of her as I have?”
“I am in love with her that crazy girl with all her crazy antics and tantrums. She drives me to brink of sanity, has come to mean the world to me. My day begins and ends with her, her smile, her eyes. I want to marry her, grow old with her, and have children with her. I promise I will do my best to look after her and keep her happy.”
“Arnav what about the baby?”
“The baby?”
“Err the baby that Khushi is carrying”
“I’m not sure what you’re asking dad ?”
“In all the time you were talking about Khushi and why you wanted to marry her you never mentioned the baby.”
“The baby is the excuse to bring our wedding date forward. If I didn’t love Khushi I would never have asked her to marry me – baby or no baby! For me the baby is a bonus -and just to clarify I don’t normally go round getting girls pregnant drunk or otherwise.”
“I am glad to hear that”
“So what are we doing about the cancelled wedding?”
” Nothing – you turn up at the mandip Payal and me will take care of the rest”
The doorbell rang Payal looked at her dad “who are we expecting now dad?”
“No one – this house is like Picadilly circus tonight”
“Payal I’ll go with you to open the door”
Arnav and Payal stood at the door looking on in disbelief. There at the door his cousin NK and his wife La.
NK you f****** B****** . Arnav threw a punch at NK who staggered back and as he stood up he felt a second one land. Everyone looked on astonished with the development of events.
“Have you quite finished, or is there more?”
“Arnav I’m not sure whatis going on here but La he must have a good reason. By the way that is La Khushi’s best friend and her husband NK”
“My idiot cousin, The first punch was for spiking mine and Khushi’s drink and the second for Khushi being pregnant.” Then Arnav reached out to NK who was still lying on the floor with an outstretched hand of friendship and forgiveness followed by a huge tug and hug. “That’s for helping me find the right girl -but the means don’t justify the end.”
Comprehensiom dawned in La face “you spiked that drink of orange juice I sent for Arnav and Khushi at the wedding.” Nk turned to look at La the rage that reflected in those eyes “You …You… You were responsible for getting Khushi drunk! Arnav give him another punch from me! Mate you’re on your own. I’m sleeping at Khushi’s for the rest of my time and you’re at Arnav’s on your own and don’t even come near me till Khushi forgives you! Idiot. How could you do that to my I mean my best friend. You could have ruined her life – don’t even think of saying sorry that doesn’t cut it or even come close”
“I’m really sorry La , look Arnav punch me again , but come with me to Shantivan don’t leave me on my own”
“Arnav laughed “No NK i think La has come up with the perfect punishment for you ! mine was short and sharp but La’s that will be long and drwn out -you definitely deserve that !- So shall we go home”
“Hey Chocolate box -see you at the mandip tomorrow”
“I’ll be waiting”
“We will bring her son don’t worry La is here now she will take care of it”
“Take care of what – can someone fill me in all I know is that I have been on a honeymoon for about 6 weeks and am still meant to be on one. We had no signal where we were, so when I got to civilisation I had like 1000 texts from Khushi the most important one I’m pregnant and am getting married tomorrow please come”
“La I will fill you in come in”
“Chocolate Box take your cousin with you we don’t want riffraff who might upset Khushi tomorrow”
“No I’m staying with La”
” Night dad or whats left of it – NK you’re coming with me -shut up – it’s called damage limitation. And I want to get married tomorrow “
Chapter 8 : Under the Mandip
La woke up early – there was lots to do , haldhi and mehendhi and all before the wedding at 2.00 she had to be ready to leave to go to shantivan by 4:30 and have all the rituals completed by 6:00pm . Could they possibly get any more crammed in their day.
She had made up pleanty of Khushi s pick me up brew enough to see her comfortably through the next week -she never did understand the difference between cms and litres so she got the volume wrong but at least the concentration was right so she was half way there
La burst into Khushi room
“Baby Guess Who?”
“La” Khushi croaked
“You came – I made a real mess of things !”
“Chamkeli, why are you crying , here have your drink from what dad tells me nothing happens without this then you tell me , I listen and then I help you fix it -so it can’t be all that bad”
While Khushi drank she listened to La story of her honeymoon the reading of the text messages and getting here on the next available flight. La omitted to tell Khushi about NK for the present that would wait.
“Ok you look better tell all what happened at the wedding after I left”
Khushi didn’t leave anything out from having no memory waking up in a stangers room with no clothes on. Missing out on her fist time. Finding out she was pregnant ,getting married not going to work , meeting Arnav’s family and finally the final call last night.
“Chamkeli do you ever want to get married and I’m not talking about Arnav just plain married ? so I take it that nod means yes, ok do you want to marry Arnav ? right your shrugging your shoulders ,so you don’t know , did you enjoy his kissing tongues included , Ok that colour tells me yes , you’re sexually compatible you like spending time with , he goes against his family to marry you , he cares about you and the baby , he changes his working day at a moment’s notice. Chamkeli this is a no brainer – marry the guy and he’s hot to boot and really nice according to NK but has a temper. You just don’t want to leave your home -that’s easily salvageable half the week here and half the week there you just have to find an excuse -thats all. Now is the charades game over – are we ready for your wedding ?”
“What if he doesn’t want to get married?”
“From what I saw last night he has the hots for you so let’s ring him OK”
Whats his number no worries i’ll ring NK…Hi , don’t hi baby me you’re still in the dog house till you apologise; is Arnav there… Hi Arnav what time are you getting here …2:00… Indian time or English time … English time …hang on a second … he’s asking how are you feeling …she says fine …have you had your special brew why am i asking her Arnav , i made it and yes she has had it …do you want to speak to him about last night … no she doesn’t , hang on a second why am i the third party in this conversation relaying everything to her … Chamkeli speak to the guy while I get my coffee and get you ready for your haldhi.” With that she tossed the phone to Khushi.
Khushi sat through the haldhi , it was fun then came the mehendi. That was not going to happen for Khushi, the smell made her heave and throw up like there was no tomorrow. To add fuel to fire som one said how can you have a bride without mehendi.
Khushi started crying uncontrollably. ” Khushi please be quiet we will think of something.” Payal tried to sooth her quietly.
Then La took control “Chamkeli Shut up ! stop bawling like a baby no one has died ! whats got into you ? all you’re grey cells turned to mush ?are you my friend , then snap out of it”
La was the only person who could talk to khushi in that manner and get away with it.
Soon Khushi had a beautiful mehendi over her hands, felt tip pen with no smell and then some glitter varnish to finish it all .
“Your clothes have arrived” La and Payal were more excited than Khushi. “Chamkeli its gorgeous – it’s your favourite colours orange and green together and he’s got butterflies and roses on it. Chamkeli I thought you said it was red and gold and heavy . This is silk organza. Hey Chamkeli there is a note in the choli “
For you – butterflies and roses , I hope you don’t mind I redesigned your wedding outfit and changed the colour to green – your favourite – well I think one of your favourite
Love Arnav
“Awww Khushi he’s designed you a new outfit and its got your favourites roses and butterflies”
Soon Khushi was dressed and ready she looked as though she had just stepped of the stairway from heaven . She looked breathtaking.
Payal and La were speechless ” Guys whats wrong why you staring ?”
“Khushi you ready they are all here , Arnav’s in the mandip for you . I just co…”
“What you too dad – whats wrong with me give me a mirror… I can’t see anything wrong”
“Khushi… there is nothing wrong” He walked up to her tears glittering in his eyes .
He kissed her on top of her head ” You are perfect – the mirror image of your mother”
“Girls take her down , I need a minute – take her before we all start crying”
Payal and La brought khushi slowly down the stairs . Arnav saw her his breath caught and he slowly exhaled she was beautiful.
“Nanav she is traffic stoppingly beautiful”
“NK you look at yours and I’ll look at mine – you have done plenty damage already”
Then all of a sudden Khushi turned “Dad?”
“I’m here, who is going to give you away”
Shashi came up to Khushi and held her hand and led her to the mandip and placed her hand in Arnav’s “I’m lending you a piece of my heart Arnav look after it well or I will take it back with interest”
“Dad I am keeping a piece of your heart for always”
They smiled at each other fully understanding the meaning of the words.
All to soon it was time to leave tears , hugs and kisses . Arnav didn’t rush her and gave her all the time and finally they sat in the car with Mohan given instructions to take the long way home so that Di ,Payal and La could get to Shantivan before they did.
Mohans phone rang “Saab its for you it’s Khushi bhabhi’s father.
“Arnav a word of advice – Khushi hasn’t eaten anything she will either be throwing up soon or lying on the floor. There is a tifin with a cheese marmite and mango pickle sandwich – yes I know there is no accounting for taste when you’re pregnant , normally she detests marmite. Tell her I love her”
“Would you like to tell her yourself ?”
“No we will both start blubbering and we have done enough of that – she will ruin my image as a hardnosed businessman”
As they arrived at Shantivan Khushi was eating her sandwich, happily munching away oblivious to the stares of all the onlookers.
“La what do we do”
“Let her finish”
“Hey chocolate box most people kiss when they are alone she’s eating a sandwich!”
“She needed something namkeen and I’m far too sweet !”
“Before we go in I have something special for you”
Two children ran up holding a beautiful white cage and released an innumerable amount of butterflies.
“Khushi make your wish and they will carry them to heaven for you – look one is on your shoulder -make an extra special wish for this one to carry”
Khushi and Arnav stood closely holding hands watching the kaleidoscope of colours dissipate into the heavens.
“Thank you Arnav – that was beautiful” she raised their clutched hands to her mouth and placed a gentle kiss followed by another “That was for my outfit thank you”
Arnav’s heart soared and his face broke into a smile.
NK screamed “Bloody hell Nanav can smile”
Only to be hit across his chest ” NK be quiet and for the record I am going back with Payal”
Once the Griha Pravesh ceremony was completed and all their games Payal and La took Khushi too Arnav’s room . “Ok Khushi you have 10 minutes to change”
“What”
“Yup lets help”” and before she knew it they had stripped her re dressed her in a red lightweight anarkali suit and let her hair down and curled it .
“2 minutes left”
“can I come in ?”
“Arnav there’s a fee?”
“How much ?”
He dug into his wallet trying his best to spy Khushi, he pulled out a wad of notes
“Enough?”
Let him go in he has only a minute.
“Khushi you ready ?”
“Ready for what ?”
“We are flying to Lucknow – Sheesh Mahal”
“Flying” Khushi squeaked “Now ?”
“Let’s go or we will be late”
Downstairs Khushi whispered to La and Payal ” we are flying to Lucknow”
“Exciting isn’t it”
“La I feel sick in an elevator what’s going to happen in a plane”
” Chamkeli it’s not a plane, it’s a helicopter and besides you fly one yourself so what’s the problem”
“Ohhh this is so not a good idea”
“Listen put some bags in the chopper and a bottle of water and pray for me Ok”
“Khushi don’t worry I fly in this regularly its not that scary”
“Arnav I really am not sure about this bird idea”
She clutched his hand tightly and sat apprehensively squeezed her eyes tight and prayed to Devi Maya.
The blades rotated and the bird moved up. She squeezed his hands tighter.
Her stomach lurched and heaved and emptied all its contents until only bile and blood came up.
Khushi please I am so sorry I didn’t think . it didn’t even occur to me , please say something
“I’m going to be sick again”
The entire way to Lucknow Khushi threw up again and again and again as if there was no end.
Finally the chopper landed at the helipad Arnav didn’t wait for the chopper blades to stop, he jumped out the cabin and picked up Khushi in his arm’s and carried her all the way to their room giving orders for the doctor to be called .
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 9
His honeymoon -third day – Finally Khushi’s condition stabilised she had been hooked up to an IV for the last three days. Pale and gaunt she raised her head from the bed.
“Hi Arnav, what time is it?”
“Forget time do you what day it is?”
“No but I feel great”
“Unbelievable, you feel great, I am shattered ,exhausted – so if you’re feeling great I am going to get some shuteye”
A relieved exhausted Arnav lay down next to her and fell sound asleep the best he had in the last three days.
He knew honeymoons were meant to be short on sleep but not usually for this reason.
A while later Arnav awoke and refreshed and his waking thoughts turned to Khushi.
So much for getting to know her , so much about remembering or gaining a few more snippets of his memory. He had to get her back to Dehli -either train or car that would take the best part of day.
Finally Arnav discussed their choices and together they decided unanimously car. They would leave tomorrow so that they could be in Dehli by the evening at the latest.
Khushi systems had returned to normality courtesy of the glucose/saline IV .She felt better than she had in weeks. More like her old self. She was married but still knew very little about her husband.Arnav Singh Raizada businessman 28 year old diabetic , no evidence of reported short temper. Looked gorgeous when awake and made her heart flutter when not being sick. Looked innocent in his sleep. He was kind, thoughtful and considerate. That was that. Thats all she knew about him.
They sat silently next to each other. The chasm of silence growing between them. Awkward silence filled the air as he drove. He was listening to the cricket and she was bored stiff as she looked out the window, watching the scenery begin to fly past her rapidly. Arnav’s frustrations was growing as time went on, his foot was slowly pressing down further and further on the accelerator. Why didn’t she say something, he was never one for small talk ,why didn’t she ask him something. Maybe he could ask her , but what ? So what do you plan to do next Khushi – well that’s stupid – he knew – she was going to have a baby. That’s it he could ask her when the next doctor’s appointment was – stupid – he already knew -it was in his diary. What could he ask her ? Did she like Sheesh Mahal – well she only really saw the inside of the honeymoon suite – all for the wrong reasons. Finally he thought I’ll just ask her how she is feeling?
He spied a look at her face from the corner of his eye, not that she could tell. Her eyes were screwed up, her hands clenched and tight and her face ashen.
“OMG Khushi what’s wrong ?” full of concern bringing the car to a stop .
“Are you OK? Feeling sick? Khushi Breath and relax and open your eyes.
Beads of sweat had appeared on her forehead. Slowly she relaxed.
“Sorry Arnav…”
“You OK ?”
“I hate fast cars!”
“Sorry – I didn’t know”
“We always seem to be apologising to each other… I was in a car crash when I was a kid -my mum died”
“Sorry Khushi – I didn’t know- you Ok -shall we carry on”
Khushi nodded
Arnav drove at a far slower speed than he was accustomed to – but the barriers seemed to suddenly have broken as Khushi started asking him questions. Along while later Khushi spoke “Arnav can we stop I’m starving.”
He hadn’t realised that they had been driving for 3 hours “Look a dhaba – Stop!”
“Khushi let’s wait till the next town there be a 5 * hotel we can eat at this is a roadside cafe – god knows what you will pick up from here”
Arnav was talking to an empty space she was long gone -he was watching her almost running following the path.
“Sh**” did that girl ever think he quickly locked the car and caught up with her.
“Khushi -how can you eat in a place like this – God only knows what you will catch from here ?”
Khushi completely ignoring him “Aunti ji can I have large mixed thali”
Arnav continued to protest about the open air surroundings every objection raised by him Khshi retaliated with a comment.
“It’s dirty”
“It will build the baby’s immune system”
“The flies-Khushi”
“Extra protein”
“The cook’s sweat in the food”
“Well we won’t have to add salt “
“KHUSHI”
“Look I’m hungry- live dangerously”
The food arrived and Khushi’s stomach growled on cue as though it was a standing ovation to the mouth watering platter before her.
Khushi dived in and ate in silence; Arnav watched in silence her savouring each mouthful and swallowing. Then she raised a morsel to his lips beckoning to him to open his mouth. Her eyes gazed into his pleadingly and unable to resist those hazel pools his mouth fell open allowing her to feed him. All resistance gone. Arnav couldn’t decide if the food was delicious or that fact that she was feeding him. He was completely lost in her. Her eyes were a mirror to her feelings,laughter, pain sadness were readily reflected. Right now he saw passion burning there. He was not alone in the feelings she had roused in him. They were mirrored in her eyes.
“Bitia do you want more food – it’s good to feed your man-he needs to keep his strength up -to keep you happy”
“Khushi if you’re feeling better shall we hit the road ?”
“OK -i would have like to stay a bit longer but you’re the driver !”
They hadn’t driven more than 10 minutes when the car skidded to a halt.
Khushi was white trembling ,her eyes glazed over unseeing. She could here a voice calling her from a great distance “Khushi , Khushi tum teekh tho ho ?”
AllKhushi could see was her mum’s lifeless body, the blood, there was so much of it everywhere, whose was it was it her’s or amma’s . If there was so much blood everywhere how much was there inside Amma. Khushi stared into her mum’s icy cold piercing eyes. They were not her mum’s – her mum’s eyes were full of love and laughter. They exuded warmth. These eyes just stared unblinkingly -Khushi slowly realised it was the cold stare of death.
Her mum was gone.
“Khushi look at me- can you hear me ?”
Arnav shook her lightly trying to get her back but she was in a different world. Khushi let out an ear piercing scream “Amma- please don’t leave me” hysterical sobs followed.
Arnav held her soothingly whispering “Khushi it’s me come back sweetheart. Shhh “He stroked her hair and held her whilst he whispered reassuringly into her ear. He undid her seatbelt and pulled her across into his lap and let her cry it out of her system.
Damm,she had said her mother had died in a car crash –
He sat holding Khushi for the best part of an hour – her sobs subsided , her breathing returned to a steady pace. “Khushi we are goanna have to walk back to the dhabba . I can’t leave you alone OK”
As they slowly walked back, to the world looked it like two lovers – one snuggled into her lover with his arm around her while she rested her head on his shoulder.
In reality Arnav was cursing himself -so far he was responsible for making his wife spend 3 days hooked to an IV line and now re live her mother’s death.Some honey moon this was turning out to be.
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 10
In reality Arnav was cursing himself -so far he was responsible for making his wife spend 3 days hooked to an IV line and now re live her mother’s death. Some honey moon this was turning out to be.
He put her to bed Khushi tossed and turned sleeping dreaming ,images of her mother only when he held did she sleep .
Brewed up and breakfasted they set off again they had been travelling a while when Khushi asked “Please stop”
“It’s the middle of nowhere”
“Yes I know but look” They were driving down a wide section of road lined by gulmohar trees displaying their burnt orange blossoms .
Arnav brought the car to a stop at the side . Khushi jumped out look ” did you know that in Vietnam they are known as the tail of the phoenix- aren’t they just beautiful.”
“I know Khushi but we have to get going or we won’t be back on time”
“Arnav – not everything has to be on schedule – your clock runs fast ,mine runs on slow between the two of us we should be able to get there on time. Work will always be there for both of us . When we finish this task there will be the next ever ready to take its place. Not everything has to have a function or a purpose -just look at the colour and enjoy the fragrance . Do you know what it even means ?”
“What means what I lost your train of thought?”
“Gulmohar means flowers and peacocks -next time you design something for me it should be burnt orange with little flowers woven into it and when I walk it should open its pleats like a peacock revealing its colours to attract its mate – look i’ve got your attention now “
Arnav smiled at her she had grabbed his hand and was chattering away – he had no idea what she had been saying , he had been enjoying the lilt in her voice ,the musical nature of speech ,the way she held his hand and caressed his fingers while they walked .
Khushi sat down and leant against a tree trunk “What you waiting for -an invitation ? Sorry come and sit next to me … Arnav it’s only dirt it will wash off really how can you be so OC about cleanliness. Khushi held her hand up to him and pulled him down to her .
She sat there a while playing with his hand and twisting his ring. “You know It wasn’t your fault yesterday – the accident comes back to haunt me, I have learned to live with it and over years most of it is a dim and distant memory – But her eyes Arnav I will never forget my Amma’s eyes when i close my eyes I see her death stare cold glassy eyes”
Khushi do you remember your mum playing with you yes close your eyes and think how she played with you what do you remember?
“My mum sitting me on the kitchen counter baking cakes ,I lifted the beater out and we had chocolate cake mixture everywhere. She didn’t shout she laughed and called my dad to taste the mixture of me as there was not going to be enough mixture to bake a full size cake. She picked me up laughing. She smelled of cake mixture .”
“Do you remember her eyes ?”
“They sparkled with laughter and warmth”
“Do you remember the smell?”
“Cake mixture”
“Put that in your mind palace -lock it and keep it there- thats how you should remember your mum laughing ,cake mixture”
Khushi smiled and looked up ar Arnav “Thank you -that’s the best wedding present you could have given me”
She reached up to kiss his cheek but Arnav turned his head and instead their lips met. Taking full advantage of the accidental meeting he turned it into a long passionate kiss.
“Ready to go back or shall we see what’s further up that field ?”
“Now you’re getting it -the field”
It was late afternoon when the eventually returned to the car starving. Arnav gave up trying to get to Dehli he would cancel the meeting for tomorrow morning.
They drove along till they came up to the next village and asked if there were any guest houses available for the night. “Arnav forget the 5 star hotel let’s stay in the guest house . Please”.
Khushi smiled pleadingly and Arnav couldn’t resist. “OK but we have to reach Dehli by the evening by the latest.”
Arnav sat awhile rescheduling his appointments. She sat there silently playing on her I pad while he caught up with his work. Dusk had fallen and the night stars had come out.
Suddenly she jumped up, ” look Arnav” and ran off , he followed close behind before she got herself in more trouble.
“What “
“look” cupped between her hand a flashing glow
“Fireflies !”
“I love them – they bring light where the dark is just like the stars “
“what are you going to do with that one”
“Watch” She removed her hand and watch the firefly fly away.
“Let’s go back”
Khushi tripped and Arnav caught her firmly around her waist “Careful Khushi”
He looked deep into her eyes and kissed her slowly and passionately. He felt her arms slowly creep around his neck and she was lost spiralling into a sea of passion . Then he pulled away gasping for breath . ” Shall we go back”
Khushi’s mind was pacing what did he mean by lets go back , she started to panic what if he wanted more? Why was she panicking she enjoyed his touch ,his feel ,his company . They had already slept together otherwise she wouldn’t be expecting .So why was she so apprehensive -she had no memory -as far as she was concerned it would still be her first time. Her throat felt dry and constricted.
Arnav spoke “Stop it Khushi , I’m not going to rape you , nothing is going to happen until you want me completely and wholly ,unreservedly with no doubts what so ever. I can see your mind -it is full of doubts and that’s not what I want for us. We started on the wrong foot but now it’s for keeps and the first thing we have to learn is trust.”
Arnav and Khushi chatted into the early hours of the morning . She told him of her childhood her mother’s loss and her relationship with her father. She heard about Arnav s childhood his mother and father. Khushi thought they had both lost their mothers at a young age but how different their childhoods had been his full of sorrow and hardship ,regret and anger , hers love kindess and laughter.
“Arnav you have to drive tomorrow -we should get some sleep”
He had got used to sleeping with her spooning her with a hand over her stomach and she loved this possessive side of him. It was late the next morning when he awoke .
What time is it ?
11:30 -He never slept till 11:30 but last after talking to Khushi he felt that a great weight had been removed from him and he slept peacefully next to her. He looked down at her – she didn’t look so good. He quietly went to the kitchens and made up some brew .
It was finally 2:00 by the time they left, finally they arrive in Dehli at Shantivaan.
Back to reality .
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 11
Reality was hard. She felt like death in the mornings but Arnav true to his word always brought her her morning brew and waited till she had drunk it and drifted back off to sleep, before she left.
The boredom and inactivity combined with Mamiji constant comments were draining Khushi till finally she rang “Daaad help”
“Hi” not wanting to alert any other parties in his room to the identity of the caller.
“You in a meeting?”
“I’m sure they will excuse while I take this call ,gentlemen”
They nodded in agreement. While Shashi Gupta left the room discussion took place in the room. “It’s probably his daughter or your wife Arnav”
“Excuse me ?”
“It’s a well known fact that Shashi Gupta doesn’t take calls during meetings except his girls.”
Shashi re-entered the room “sorry for interruption gentlemen shall we continue”
Once the meeting was complete Shashi made his apologies to Arnav and saying “I will need to postpone our lunch to another day sorry but needs must”
Arnav nodded in understanding but his mind was whirring ahead of himself.
Who had been on the phone Khushi or Payal ? If Khushi why had he changed their lunch date and if Payal she could have come as well. Something wasn’t gelling.
Arnav decided to hang around to see who came.
A sports SLK 320 sedately pulled up and reversed carefully into a parking spot. The utmost care being take to place the small car in a space three times its size. A car with that pull and power was totally wasted on the driver. It could only be Khushi. Khan Shashi’s driver got out the passenger and open the driver side door. A pair of legs that could only belong to his wife came out. It was Khushi;curiouser and curioser. He would give her five minutes and then go back in, on the pretext that he had seem her come in on his way out.
“You back sir ?”
“Yes I just saw Khushi”
“She’s in with her father and I’m not allowed to disturb them on any account but you’re different sir shall I call”
“No I’ll let myself in”
The site that greeted him made his heart flip and quiver. She sat next to him on the sofa crying into his shirt.
“Khushi it’s always hard adjusting and you haven’t done it in the best of circumstances his family will come round, they will warm to you give them time. As for the rest -tell Arnav I’m sure he won’t mind if you work with me and I will miss you if you work for him.
“I won’t mind”
“Arnav ?”
“I saw Khushi drive in – painful she should have a maruti 800 or just a full time driver.”
“A father’s whim -that car Khan’s pride and Joy”
“More importantly you cancelled your lunch meeting with your son-in-law because you had an upset daughter why not ask me to stay ?”
“Arnav it was not about negotiations it was about a father listening to his daughter- tell him Khushi what your problems are ?”
“I’m going stark raving mad in that house, I am climbing up the walls and my brain is going to mush. I can’t be a stay at home house wife cooking, carrying out embroidery, decking myself out in the latest banarsi sari or pray all day”
She had honed in on the striking trait that was peculiar to each female member of his family with faultless precision.
“Khushi who said you had to stay at home -the only reason was you have been so ill -if you want to work- work ,the only condition I lay is that you take care of yourself and don’t over exert yourself – Agreed dad and I think this is where I came in work where ever you are comfortable in AR designs or with your dad I really don’t mind.”
“Dad- please I need something to remain a constant; there is too much change happening too quickly for me. I’ll start today”
“Khushi beti when did you ever leave ? Your office everything is as it was, down to your PA who has been twiddling her thumbs waiting on your return.”
Arnav come and let me show you my office it’s the exact opposite of yours dad doesn’t allow me to conduct meetings in there then we will have lunch?”
“Khushi ,Arnav remember I’m her father first then you are my son, a piece of advice to you both -talk to each other -it will save me a lot of heart ache and with a grandchild coming, 50% of the genes will be Khushi’s I really need a rest before he or she arrives”
Arnav could only gape at Khushi office -there was no suaveness about it or sophistication -it was a kaleidoscope of colours, memory boards ,a dart board it was a mish mash of a number of styles and era’s. She had just taken what she liked and placed it together and unbelievably she had broken every rule in the design book but it worked – It oozed Khushiness from every pore by looking in this room you would know her dislikes and likes in an instant.
On her desk a framed photograph -Arnav knowing Khushi expected her dad ,mum or Family picture “Really Khushi -THIS has pride of place”
“Do you know how long I queued to get that autograph photograph of Salman Khan!”
“They broke the mould when they made you – thank god! I don’t think the world could cope with two like you”
There was a discreet knock on the door and her father only entered when given permission.
“Since when do you knock at my office door dad ?”
“Since you’re husband is here. I needed to give him time to recover from the shock of your office -she calls it inspiration and organised chaos; I call it a no entry zone for clients.”
“Lunch both of you ? I have asked for it to be delivered to my office”
“Dad doesn’t spend any time in here he says he can’t think straight”
“Arnav don’t comment she is laying one of those traps for you -agree with her you will be disagreeing with your father in law, agree with me and she won’t let you forget it”
Arnav smiled and laughed – he really liked Shashi – he was a good father the complete opposite of anything he had experienced in his life. “Thanks for the heads up”
Food arrived and both Shashi and Arnav watched in awe as Khushi demolished the food in front of her.
“Arnav what she got in there a foodie monster”
“I have no idea – but I’ve seen where the idea of hoovers originated from – they clean up everything in sight “
“You’re both being mean – I was just hungry!”
“Oh son I do feel for you , I feel as though I am watching a re-run of Khushi’s mum when she was carrying Khushi” Shashi quickly glanced at Khushi she always glazed over any mention of her mother. “What you thinking of Khushi – you have a strange smile on your face one I have not seen before”
“Cake mixture dad”
Arnav smiled and got up “I really have to get to my offices or AR designs will start making a loss.”
“Khushi I had my reservations – but you will be fine -just fine. However you found each other I think you could not have chosen better. Now, if you are ready take these account sheets from a fashion house that AR designs and us are considering for a joint purchase and write a report on it’s financial standing.”
Khushi refelected on what her dad said it was the little things he did for her that showed he cared.
He always brought her ,her brew and waited till she fell asleep again. The little texts he would send asking if she were ok. The little surprise tokens he would bring, a belt , a butterfly hair pin ,a crystal rose making time to listen to her . He never brought her flowers ever again after the first time- those yellow roses. Neither would ever forget them.
Like dad said the family had to get to know her .
The spread sheet , her office KKG was back! She looked at the sheet again and again adding subtracting totting the numbers trying different formulations till her dad came in Khushi its 7:30 . I just got a text from Arnav asking if you were with me – you’re not answering your phone .
“Sorry dad let me call Arnav its these accounts. I’ve missed this so much I’m starving lets go home and we will discuss this on the way”
“Brake girl! Let’s get you to your husband and to your home and feed you and then you can tell me about the accounts if your husband lets you OK!”
Khushi looked at her dad “In principle I agree but I have two homes now! You’re not getting rid of me that easy and I’ll stay wherever I please .”
“As long as your husband agrees”
“DAD”
” Send a text we will be there in 30 minutes is dinner cooked or we will pick something on the way”
“Khushi I don’t mind you working just let me know so that I am not worried OK “
“Someone is starving”
“Again?”
“She wants to discuss business after dinner -that’s down to both of you.”
Everyone at the dinner table watched in awe as Khushi made short work of the mountain of food on her plate.
Mami Ji threw one of her regular comments – How muchis ish she going to eat ? Our foodish cost ish tripling shince she ish coming”
“No mami Ji its is rising at 54 % on a daily basis and if you take in the additional cost of staff and electricity and breaks required i am quadrupling the cost. So it’s a good thing that I went to work to feed my habit”
Shashiand smothered his laughter understanding the double entendre that was missed by her Mamiji .
Arnav was annoyed and made short work of the comment “No worries Mamiji I’ll just trim your sari allowance and jewellery as you have so much anyway”
Mamiji got the message loud and clear – Khushi was not for the touching.
“The account sheet -It can wait till tomorrow.”
“OK”
Khushi got up and went to the freezer and pulled a vanilla and chocolate swirl tub of icecream and sat back at the table with a spoon and delved into the tub.
Her father got two spoons and said “Arnav a piece of advice icecream and jelabies are a definite you’re in trouble mate sign -lets have the information or you will have burrowed a bore hole in my damad’s brain by the morning”
Khushi got the spread sheet out and started spouting numbers -Mami ji and Nani and Di left . The rest stayed and listed. There was embezzlement going on and Khushi showed them how cleverly it had been done numbers chaging from 1 to 7 ,stock controls not adding up -someone was borrowing so in reality the company was profitable a worthwhile buy but the thief had to be caught.
“That’s why I hired her ! Not because she is my daughter”
“I might have to re think the job situation and insist that she work for AR designs!”
“How about we share her ?”
“Oye both of you I’ll decide where I work !”
“Of course you will my dear” came the joint reply from husband and father who then laughed in unison.
“Stay at GH I can’t have an office like yours spoiling my clean uncluttered lines”
“wait till I re decorate your bedroom so that it is our bedroom”
“Son quit while your ahead -she could do you house and office and you won’t have a say in it at all “
So started Khushi return to sanity and a modicum of normality that she was used to.
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 12
“Arnav”
“Khushi let me sleep”
Two minutes later Arnav rolled over onto his side propped himself up on one arm and looked down at her -he could stare at her all day .
“What do you want ?”
” Surely that question should be the other way round, Khushi you woke me up” but there was laughter in his voice as he spoke .
“I have an appointment at 12.00 today for an ultrasound -would you like to come?”
Arnav thought about it for a couple of minutes
“Do you want me to come or do you feel that you have to ask me because you have to ask me ?”
Khushi open her mouth several time to say something but then closed it again.
“I would like you to be there”
Arnav got up and then bent down “I’d had better get to work early as I have to re jig my day- I’ll be there and thank you for asking me” he bent down and took a long slow kiss.
Khushi smiled as he left. She wanted him there, not out of duty or obligation because he wanted to be there. She had noticed they took every opportunity to touch each other, kiss. He supported her in everything she wanted to do against his family. Going to work had been one of them. Nani wanted her at home to rest and not exert herself. Mami wanted her at home to make her life miserable. Anjali wanted her at home so she could have company for her pooja’s.
She missed him when he wasn’t there. He made her smile , she enjoyed their conversations ,she liked his touch and their kisses- she blushed just thinking what his kisses did to her. He stomach knotted her heart raced, the hair on the back of her neck stood up on end. She could break out in a cold sweat just thinking about them. She got out of bed just as Arnav cane out from the shower . She looked at him and her heart did a little flip , without realising what she was doing she ran her hands along his chest caressing his chest and then ran her hands along his back as she nestled into him .
Initially he stood as still as a rock with a sharp intake of breath his heart was racing and his body was responding to her touch as hard as he tried to control it. He was as hard as he could be. Discreetly he tried to disentangle himself from her. Khushi looked up and pulled his face down to hers .
Arnav gave up trying to hide what his traitorous body was doing – he was a lost cause when it came to her -his body had a mind of its own.
“Khushi we have to stop now ! or there will be no stopping”
Khushi looked up at him her eyes glazed with passion -she wanted him as much as he wanted her. They definitely had chemistry on their side. But he wanted the whole package . He wanted her to love him for him, not because he was just the baby’s father and her husband.
Khushi stepped back and they each took a deep breath . Arnav turned round and went back to the bath room leaving a very confused Khush.
“Where are you going ?”
“A cold shower -very cold shower!” as she heard him call back.
It was much later on in the day Khushi was bursting to go to the loo, but she had to wait .
“Arnav that doctor had better hurry up or else I’ll wet myself – who invented the ultrasound technique you have to have a full bladder for the baby to be seen and then they come along and squash you -that’s just stupid!”
“Khushi stop! It won’t be long – stop fretting”
Arnav thought to himself it was a stupid technique but that wouldn’t help her- she needed a distraction to help her.
“Khushi I have a trip planned later tonight and I won’t be back till Sunday -fancy coming along and keeping me company”
“NO!”
“What ? Why?” he hadn’t expected such a quick firmative negative response.
“No more helicopter rides for me- do you remember the last one !”
Arnav looked at Khushi and they both laughed.
“I’m not flying -it’s only an hour by car”
“Mrs Raizada”
Khushi was called in it was her turn .
Khushi lay there watching waiting the woman droned on about nothing -pressure, discomfort , perfectly safe -all Khushi could think of was hurry up i need to go to the toilet. She stopped pressing a perplexed look crossed her face “Nothing to worry about I’ll just get the doctor “
Khushi almost felt her heart stop , she stopped breathing every negative thought flew through her head -what was wrong with her baby ? Something wasn’t right. The way she left.
Similar emotions were mirrored in Arnav.
Khushi looked up at him her eyes filled with worry and fear. In a second he was by her side holding her hand, placing a reassuring kiss on the top of her head. “Khushi don’t worry – it will be ok -I’m here nothing is going to happen -just relax -it’s routine to get a doctor before she can give a confirmed diagnosis -after all this is a Raizada -Gupta baby “
Khushi looked up at him tears brimming threatening to fall.
Arnav thought to himself where was that bloody doctor she should have been here from the start -he would be sorting out all future appointments it would not be down to Khushi to sort out. How dare they worry them like this. He would be sorting this out later . He hated this feeling -he couldn’t do anything for her -he was helpless -he was no longer in control. In his world he was in control. He was used to manipulating everything to suit him. People treated him like god. Everything ran like a well oiled machined -he never had to wait on people he always knew the outcome -since he had met Khushi-his life had been turned upside down -he was no longer in control. He was reliant on someone else -he was in love with her. She had somehow become the epicentre of his world. He would do anything for her.
Khushi saw the anger rising in his eyes she felt the tension in his body. She was learning to read his unsaid response his words didn’t reflect what his eyes were saying or what his body told her. Somehow just him being here was reassuring comforting , she felt safe with him. Nothing could harm her. She looked up at him she was in love with , it hadn’t been a lightning bolt just something that had quietly crept up on her he had wormed his way in insidiously, by his gentle caring and patience he showed her. It was the little things he did for her that made her heart soar. It wasn’t the ring or jewellery he had bought her -but the channa , her drink ,the messages , the way he held her .
She was in love with him. However they had come together she was his ,she loved him. She felt the panic rising in him -he was no good at waiting. She was worried , so was he. She scuttled over and sit up .
“Arnav”
He sat on the corner and she leant against him. His arms started to go round her to pull her into him. Then he felt it cold slimy the gel. His hand withdrew as fast as it could .
“That will teach you to try and feel me up Mr Raizada” Khushi laughed to break the tension that was escalating in the room.
She grabbed a tissue wiped his hand and kissed his palm . Arnav felt the the warmth of her velvet lips send a electric shock through him . He pulled her towards him with his arm across the front of her shoulders and whispered “If I want to feel you up I will ,I won’t try and hide it !” with that his his hand slipped to caress her breast and gently spoke in her ear . ” Like this !” and then laid a soft kiss on the side of her neck.
Just then then a doctor entered with the technician “Arnav don’t worry we are in this together”
“Sorry Khushi – I got held up”
“Hi Sheena – I had wondered why you weren’t here”
“We have met you probably don’t remember me ,Arnav. Let’s get you flat Khushi so I can have a look. Arnav I was at your gun shot wedding. I’m surprised that you survived the meeting with uncle and that you lived to be here. I was sure when Khushi told me you would be sliced and diced and served to the vultures for breakfast. So you must be special for him to let you live!”
“Sheenu Shut UP! Focus ! Tell me what the P*** is wrong , why did your colleague give me the death stare and leave “
“Language ! Khushi Kumar Gupta!”
“Singh Raizada !”
“You will be always be Khushi to me -changing you surname is not going to change you !”
“Sheenu ! What the F*** is wrong ?”
“Arnav don’t worry , I’ll wash her mouth out with soap -later -she never swears only at me because she loves me !”
“Sheenu you will soon be dead !”
She turned the monitor to them ” look”
Sheenu showed them a screen full of black and white dots then a really clear outline a sac and a little alien type of image in there .
“Now look”
A second sac with another funny looking alien.
“Keep looking”
Another sac appeared.
“That’s why you have been so sick Khushi- you are gonna have triplets! Three for the price of one. From what I can tell they are all perfect and growing at the same rate for the present. Right i’m going to leave you both alone together for a while. Let you get over the shock “as she looked at two stunned and speechless individuals ” I’ll be back to discuss this with you with another member of my team OK”
Sheenu came over to Khushi and said “I have never seen you speechles! Ever! It took you Arnav to get her speechless! Really both of you on a serious note , we will work this out safely for the best possible outcome – Don’t worry Khushi , I’m not about to let anything happen to my children.”
Arnav looked at her questioningly. Khushi and i have been best friends since we were kids -her kids are mine. You two need to talk and then I will be back to answer all your questions.”
“Three Khushi!”
“What are we going to do -three?”
Arnav’s heart was singing -three children-he had seen their little heart beats , she carried three little angels . He was in love with her and now he felt as though he was going to burst with happiness -he didn’t know how ,or understand it how could you love anymore but from somewhere in him he felt more than he thought was ever possible.
“Three Khushi” his eyes brimmed with tears of happiness . Sheena had said they would be all alright.
“Arnav three? Three ? THREE??”
Thoughts were flying through their minds three kids would they all be ok , would Khushi be Ok , what were the problems carrying three , delivering three? How was she going to carry three for nine months ,how would they all fit ?
“Khushi -we are in this together.” Arnav knew he needed to reassure Khushi but he needed it as well. His perfectly planned controlled life had just gone south down the swanny . He wouldn’t change a single thing. This was the happiest he had been since he had been a child.
“Khushi are you happy ?”
“Yes!”
“Then the rest we will work out” with that he kissed her. A long slow gentle reassuring kiss.
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 13
Arnav and Khushi sat looking at each other – the chasm of shocked silence between them grew.
All Khushi could say was three? Arnav response was three!
Arnav made a few calls told everyone they would be away for the weekend back on either Sunday or Monday.
Khushi found herself in a store making a few purchases and soon they were driving out of the city.
The 45 minute journey out of the city was made in total silence.
Only the car coming to a standstill pulled Khushi out of her thoughts to the present. She looked around in total confusion.
Where were they? Where had he brought her? She looked questioningly up at him.
“This is my house, my sanctuary a place where I come when I need to think -and right now we both need time together away from all the questions.”
Through dinner the silence continued until finally Khushi spoke
” Three is the first odd prime number the second smallest after 2 .Three is the second triangular number and it is the only prime triangular number. A triangle is the most durable shape possible, the only “perfect” figure which if all endpoints have hinges will never change its shape unless the sides themselves are bent.”
“Khushi stop spouting you’re babbling because you’re panicking”
“Arnav what are we going to do there are three of them – three times the worry “
“Three time the love”
“Three times the problems”
“Three times the mischief”
“Three times the screaming”
“Three times the hugs and kisses”
“Three times the mistakes “
“Only one correct answer needed”
“Three times the nappies”
“Three times the nannies”
“Arnav how am I going to manage three ?”
“You’re not , we are going to manage three”
“How ?”
“I don’t know how but I do know we will find a way; our families are interfering enough not to let us fall flat on our faces. Between Nani , Di, Dad and Payal we will be fine”
“Right now I really need to believe that everything will be OK , the babies will be fine and I won’t screw this up. Arnav I have three lives to screw up -one was bad enough but three? My mind can’t even comprehend how I am going to manage .Usually people have one kid they mess up along comes number two they improve and by the time number three comes around they have things running pretty smoothly “
“Khushi firstly you keep saying I -there is no I it is we -we are in this together -the logistics of managing feeding nappy changing we will work out -we will screw up but as with any problem we will work it out. It’s not going to be easy we will have a few hiccups along the way but hey we will get there in the end.”
“Arnav but three”
“Khushi you re obsessing -now listen can we change it? Yes we can electively reduce the number of foetus’s”
“ARNAV!”
“Well I glad to see that we are in agreement about that. So we can’t change the number so then we have to learn to live with them ,all three of them. OK so now we have settled on that. Let me show why I brought you here”
The house had been built not far from a small lake . A jetty extended out into the water.
They strolled gently to the end of the jetty, Khushi and Arnav sat on the edge of the jetty with their feet dangling into the water; sitting peacefully for the first time in hours letting the calmness of their surroundings wash over them.
“mmm Arnav I’m hungry”
He laughed -“I left instructions to stock up on chocolate ice cream and food easy stuff that we could heat up in the micro. Shall we go and see whats there ?”
“Well you know its kind of been astressfull day -so how about you look at the food and I skip straight to the icecream”
“How about a compromise -we eat ice cream first and then have our dinner”
He watched her take a spoonful of ice cream slowly sucking it savouring every moment of it. Arnav watched as her eyes closed as the ice cream slid down her throat. He had never believed it before today but watching his wife eat ice cream was one of the most erotic things he had seen . He watched her tongue lick and savor the icecream ,her eyes closed in pleasure as the ice cream slid down her throat. He had enough -instead he said lets eat dinner.
“Arnav do you what I fancy for dinner – promise you won’t laugh”
“Promise”
“A chocolate ice cream brownie banana sandwich with chocolate sauce.”
Arnav had a chicken sandwich and watched Khushi with nauseating fascination as she munched her way through her dream sandwich occasionally dipping it in chocolate sauce.
“Ive got a surprise for you”
There were no flowers , or jewellery or expensive gift -just a Salman DVD with his latest film . Khushi screamed and threw her arms around Arnav I love Salman Khan
And without thinking kissed Arnav leaving him with a very happy warm feeling.
They lay on the sofa together watching the film.
Arnav watched Khushi watch SK on the screen. She was far more entertaining than he was. He smiled , Khushi smiled, he laughed ,Khushi exploded with laughter and when he cried ,she was almost inconsolable. When SK fought Arnav had to remind Khushi that it hurt when she started to copy his moves on him.
They then watched Thomas Crown Affair and Arnav was engrossed in it whilst Khushi’s eyes drooped and finally closed as hard as she tried to keep them open.
It was a long while later that Khushi felt herself being carried ,she sleepily opened her eyes “Arnav?”
“We are going to bed”
It was late in the morning when Khushi awoke as she stretched and felt Arnav lying next to her.
“I’m sorry Arnav about”
Arnav placed a finger on her lips “what are you sorry for -being tired ? I enjoyed both shows the live one and the movie.”
“The live show ?”
“Watching you ! Watching your hero!”
“I do get carried away a bit”
“What do you want today ? I have a boat house nearby I’ve got jet ski’s-your not allowed , in fact scrap that idea you just keep your feet firmly on the ground till those babies come out”
They were both remembering the helicopter trip.
“Do you think we could go swimming ?”
“Of course -shall we a light breakfast go for a walk swim and then have lunch add anything we want to our plan”
Breakfast was a fun filled affair with Khushi making the eggs whilst Arnav made the tea, coffee and buttered the toast. It was their first venture joint working as a team. Making of breakfast was something neither had experienced before, they helped each other chatting laughing finding out what the other enjoyed eating what they disliked.
Beating of the eggs took ona whole new meaning for Khushi as he came up behind he and ran his arms slowly up and down her arms . Sending shivers down her spine. Slowly he ran his hands across her midriff to meet in the middle making Khushi melt. As he pulled her towards him and kissed the back of her neck she sizzled like the butter in the pan- losing herself in the moment forgetting the butter in the pan. Just two individuals lost in the moment , experiencing the perfect blend of love and anticipation of what was to come. He turned her slowly and captured her lips, Khushi felt the adrenalin rush ,her heart beat quickened, his lips grazed hers and then played with her slowly and purposefully.
She loved his musky scent, that was him. As she inhaled both their eyes flew open stared at each other startled they could both smell it. Khushi pushed Arnav hard away from her and clapped her hand to her mouth and ran her stomach heaving.
Arnav quickly took the burning pan off the fire and opened a window and ran after Khushi .
“Sorry ! I somehow always manage to screw up every time.”
“You didn’t screw up anyway there wasn’t much to throw up”
He smiled down at her” you planning on staying down there staring at the toilet much longer . Most men worry about other men in their wives life , I have competition from a toilet. You seem to be having an overextended love affair with that particular piece of porcelain. Should I be jealous?”
“Shut up Arnav and help me up”
They settled for toast and tea and coffee.
It was later on nearer midday when they sat under a tree by the lake.
I need cooling off Arnav I’m getting too hot -lat one in is making lunch and with the amount I eat I hope it’s not me!”
Khushi stipped off wearing a set of re bra and Knickers and ran into the cool refreshing water. Arnav watched on he needed cooling off himself after her display.
He watched her run in splashing and laughing. He saw her butterfly tattoo. Dim memories stirred in the depths of his mind. Did she always have to wear red? He had to remember his promise slow. Damm all he wanted was to grab her and spend the rest of the afternoon burying himself in her, he didn’t care where they were. But that wasn’t going to win her. He wasn’t here for the quick fix but the whole journey. He better get himself in that cool refreshing water that would provide him with cover to hide his arousal.
He came up behind her she turned round splashing him. They played like two innocent children with no worries or cares. Ducking and diving, swimming splashing . Khushi suddenly grabbed him and pulled him beneath the surface and kisses him.
They slowly rose to the surface the weight of the water causing her top to be pulled downward revealing the rose. Arnav was lost as his eyes turned liquid brown with passion as his hand rose involuntarily to caress the rose. Slowly he lowered his lips the plat the lightest of kisses on her rose. He continued to caress it and felt Khushi shiver.
Concern took over “cold?”
“Opposite -hot”
“Shall we go inside Khushi ? Your decision”
Khushi grabbed his hand and led him back to her room.
“Want to take a much closer look at my butterfly?”
Much much later both lay there panting and breathless passion satiated.
“Thankyou , Arnav for making it special”
He smiled “That’s just the appetiser, let’s get something to eat before those three monsters start to complain about not being fed and then part 2 will follow Mrs Raizada but can we have regular food no ice cream chocolate brownie sandwiches”
The rest of the weekend was spent on a voyage of discovery -what made the other gasp ,what drove the other over the edge. They worshiped each other’s bodies till each had left no part unexplored,
“Arnav that was the perfect weekend with the perfect memory. I can’t remember what happened before. But for me this weekend is the perfect memory -thank you for making me feel so special. I think i’m falling in love with you “
He smiled -“You think ? I’m going to work on that so that you are”
“Do we have to go back ?”
“We can return in the morning”
“Can we keep the news that there are three babies expected to ourselves for a while longer”
“You tell everyone when you’re ready – remember we are in this together. How do you feel about three now ?”
“Three times the hugs I think you said
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 14
Seven months had passed ,Khushi had grown in more ways than one, she had made a niche for herself in the Raizada household. As they had come to know her they had grown to love her. Everyone had found something to like about her even Mamaji.
Shashi had been right all the original hostility from Arnav s family had vanished. They had grown to know her and love her mad sense of colour and humour. They had seen beneath the surface to find a very intelligent knowledgeable individual. One who found happiness in the simplest of things like the taste of jelabi and ice cream to the complications involved in solving complex mathematical equations for fun.
She would watch the latest masala film with Mamiji , whistling at the the hero hers as well as Mami Ji s to sneaking out with MamiJi and Di to eat chaat from a local vendor.
She would sit with Nani discussing her days in Lucknow and the various dishes from there. Then proceed to try and cook those dishes some not to much success whilst others to perfection much to the jubilation of Nani and Mami Ji.
Khushi avoided Di’s trip to the mandir they were far too long and she grew uncomfortable sitting in the positions for so long.
She turn up to work late and leave early without any recriminations from her boss or PA. They gave her enough work to keep her occupied but not enough to overwork her.
Khushi sat in on negotiations that Gupta industrieswas involved in but none of AR designs.
But late afternoons she trundle across to AR Designs and say Hi to Arnav and Akash and then pop upto to their penthouse siute and have her afternoon snooze. Before Arnav coming to wake her up to take her home.
The suite had slowly seen signs of Khushi especially in their bedroom her love of colours soon became evident as different types of cushions, fabrics, textures and designs amalgamated to remove the austere design of black and white chosen by Arnav.
On the door to the balcony she had placed a colourful wind chime traditionally woven multicoloured abstract designs with little bells.
Today she was feeling exceptionally tired and left a message with Arnav’s PA that she was here as he was in a meeting.
Khushi slept in an exhausted sleep till the early evening. She looked outside to find that the sun had almost set. Surprised that Arnav had not come to wake her up she checked her phone for any missed messages. Nothing from Arnav but one from her father.
Maybe he didn’t get the message that she was here or maybe he was still in a meeting.
Khushi knocked on Arnav’s office finding no amswer she checked on the adjoining conference room. Finding a sight that she wished that she had not heard nor seen. She stared uncomprehendingly at what greeted her ” Our friendship includes fringe benefits it doesn’t bother me that you’re married “
Arnav had felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up as she entered but he was busy trying to fight of the piranha who was hell bent on investigating his mouth with her tongue. He had very civilly already told their top model that he was happily married and didn’t play around.
Sheetal reply had been ” From the rumours that I heard that there was a bun in the oven so marriage was expedited and you and Shashi Gupta wanted to join forces to become a power to be reckoned with.”
Arnav s reply was simple “I married out of choice Sheetal not because society demanded it or Shashi Gupta – Nobody could have forced me into marriage -you know that better than most. I have no feelings for you in that department and had I know that this contract would raise these kind of problems, I would not have considered you for the fashion show. So unless we have a completely professional relationship consider your contract terminated forthwith from AR Designs. I have a very pregnant wife waiting for me whom I am late meeting this evening but I felt I had to resolve this issue before you tried to pursue this further.
Khushi had not been privy to the conversation only the last desperate attempt made by Sheetal to try and convince Arnav that she was right. She didn’t want to lose a very generous benefactor. She had come up to Arnav and clasped her arms around his neck like an Octopus ,whilst her lips suctioned on his with more suction than a vacuum cleaner.
All Khushi could whispered was “Arnav?” as she turned and ran .
His only concern was Khushi how much had she seen and heard -obviously not enough otherwise she would have stayed. But for her to run out like that it must have been Sheetal kissing him. He forcefully removed Sheetal from himself using more force that initially intended, ordered security to his office and asked them to escort her from his offices and in no uncertain terms ensured that she was not allowed access to AR Designs. Arnav rang up his lawyers and advised them that termination notice of her contract should be with her lawyers by the morning listing irreconcilable artistic differences should she question it he was happy to state sexual harassment of himself by her and he had the evidence as they had been in the conference room adjoin his office where all conversations are taped and filmed for security purpose.
Now he had to find Khushi. First stop home no sign -umpteen calls later all he got was her answer phone. Next stop Dad. She had not been there. He ummed and aaahed and eventually confessed that Khushi and him had had a falling out .
“How bad am I allowed to ask ?”
“Depends on the point of view ?”
“Well Arnav if you are looking for my daughter and not the other way round I would guess you’re at fault ! Care to share ? I might just be able to help you or point you in the right direction -and here was I thinking things were going really well.”
“So was I . But she doesn’t trust me completely like she does you !”
“You are a class A idiot – she will never trust you like she trusts me, the trust will be 100% but in different way, I am her father -she and I have history since birth , I have been there since she was born, I have to held her when she cried , caught her when she fell , I was there at her first birthday , her first prom, her first rejection. I was her mother and father and best friend and employer all rooled into one. If you can handle the conversation -your her husband , and lover married because of circumstance trust will take time coming and not happen overnight. Want to tell what happened ?”
Arnav hesitated and thought the best person to advise him was her father. He recalled the events of the evening with Sheetal telling him that he thought that Khushi only saw the last part not the entire conversation the way she left.
“You didn’t go after her?”
“I had to get rid of the she cat first so she never comes back again and a message is sent to one and all don’t even try and mess with me.”
“Well the good news is I’m on your side the bad news is it’s looking bad. Ok where would she go if she is not here. Try Lavanya’s and then Lotus temple. They are the only two places I know that she would be at if she was really really upset. But here s something for you to think about – she’s not here ! That means her trust in you is there she doesn’t want to share your possible infidelity with me…”
“I was not unfaithful!”
“I didn’t say you were – I know her better than she knows herself – If she thought you were unfaithful she would be here asking you for a divorce kids or no kids. The fact that she is not here means there is doubt in her mind. She doen’t want to believe she is looking for another explanation -she is trying to work out the combinations. Go to Lavanya’s and try the Lotus temple you could be a long time them ring me whether you find her or not. I’ll pop into the office and check her rooms but I don’t think she would be there. I know check The Milky Parlour – she loves there chocolate icecream ! If I find her I’ll text you and bring her home. You know it’s supposed to get easier as children get older I swear that girl has given me more grey hairs in this last year than in her entire life – what will my grandchild do to me ? “
“Did you say grandchild Dad ?”
“Yes ! between Khushi and my grandchild I don’t know if I’ll make the year out”
“Oh I think she has a few more shocks lined up for both of us – and Thanks dad bye”
Arnav put his car into gear and phoned Khushi to no avail. Three and a half hours later
Having visited all the places her dad had told him he phoned -explaining that he had not found her.
“Arnav How stupid could I have been. You asked what places were special to her but what you should have asked is what places are special to both of you?”
“The lake house”
“The lake house ? where’s that ?”
“You know quite often we go away at the weekends we go to our lakehouse the rest of the family don’t know about this property it used to be my hideaway, now it’s our sanctuary, everyother weekend we are there. Please don’t tell Nani or Di , godforbid Mami Ji”
“Are you going there ?”
“On my way already – it will take about 45mins I’ll ring you once I am there”
A while later he entered the lake house to find it empty.
“Khushi , Khushi where are you , give me a clue”
The house was dark and empty and there was a knock on the door.
“Arnav Saab aap ? Khushi Bitia is gone, She didn’t look so good but she insisted that she was fine I, I rang you three times but I didn’t get an answer. She said she wasn’t feeling well because she ate the whole tub of ice cream . But i explained that I couldn’t let her go on her own so Altaf is going to drive her home to Shantivan and catch a bus back in the morning. Is that alright ? I know I shouldn’t have let her go but she was getting really upset so we made a deal. Sorry Saab if I have overstepped my mark but I couldn’t let her go on her own”
“How come you have known her less time than me yet she is Kushi Bitia to you but I am Arnav Saab ?”
“err ,umm, I tried to call her memsahib but she said no She said she would treat me like her uncle so there was no way Iwas calling her memsahib.”
“So Kaka you should call me beta then shouldn’t you and you did just the right thing sending Altaf with her. Does he have a mobile?”
“Yes Saab … Beta”
Arnav dialled the number -no service typical when you really need to get hold of someone -nothing .
“Kaka if he rings give him my number and tell him to ring me straight away -how long ago did they leave for Shantivan ?”
“About an hour ago”
Arnav jumped back in the car and rang Nani – Khushi wasn’t home.
Arnav was getting increasingly worried by the second firstly about exactly what Khushi had witnessed and secondly by what Kaka had said .
It was after midnight and there was still no sign of Khushi at least she was with Altaf Kaka’son. Soon he would find out where she was.
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 15
It was about 3:30 in the morning before Sheenu rang Shashi.
“Hi uncle, I’m trying to get Arnav’s mobile number”
“Have you got Khushi?”
“Yes I have umm uncle come to the hospital now, tell Arnav to get here as well it’s not looking good. I can’t say much more than there is a guy here called Altaf who is also trying to get hold of Arnav saying that Arnav’s going to kill him.”
Shashi knew Sheenu for a long time, she had been Khushi friend since 10th grade. Sheenu was never one to over dramatise. He better call Arnav he tried his cell straight to answer phone. He tried the landline finally someone picked up.
“Hello is Arnav there”
“Hi Dad it’s me why you calling me on the land line?”
“We can’t get through on your cell. Any way forget that, it’s irrelevant Khushi shes at hospital with Sheenu. Sheenu said its not looking good, I’m already on my way, see you there”
In record time Arnav and Shashi arrived at the front door together.
“Which floor ? which ward ?”
“There’s Altaf”
“Altaf where is Khushi ?”
“this way”
On the ride up “Altaf what happened ?”
“Khushi Didi , wasn’t feeling well – she thought that it was the amount of ice cream that she had eaten- then in a while she called me to drive her back to Shantivan but the pain in stomach grew worse so she called Sheenu madam , who met us at the hospital and since then I have been trying to call you. But no answer Arnav Bhai.”
As the trio approached the room the scene that greeted them turned Arnav white ,and added a few extra white hairs to Shashi. A sleeping Khushi white as a sheet linked to an IV line and several monitors all displaying some kind of heartbeat. Sheenu next to Khushi holding her hand asleep in the chair. As soon as they entered Sheenu’s eyes flew open.
She released her hand from Khushi’s slowly. Indicating them to leave. She came outside with them.
She hugged her Uncle and acknowledged Arnav.
“Ok I don’t know what kicked off today but the long and the short of it is Khushi came in complaining of pelvic pain which was growing in intensity. Initially I thought it was an infection on the phone but by the time she came in she was in the early stages of labour. I have given her a sedative since she was almost hysterical when she found out and something to try and stop the contractions. We are currently monitoring all the heartbeats and looking for changes if any changes occur then the team are on standby for delivery but I have to tell you the chances are not good She is just 29 weeks. So prayer is the only thing and whatever the situation was to get her so stressed fix it when she comes to. Are you both going to sit with her or am I ?
“Sheenu you said heartbeats whats wrong with Khushi’s ?”
“Nothing, Arnav will explain”
“Uncle I’m going to rest, but you two whatever your argument was and from what Khushi didn’t say I say it was you Arnav it needs to be fixed if we are going, to get her through the next few weeks without these babies popping out. The longer they are in the better there chance of survival and Khushi’s as well. She is my primary concern, the babies second”
“Arnav first are we having twins?”
“No dad, triplets I hope”
“She is going to be sedated till the morning do you want to catch some sleep?”
“No dad I don’t think I could sleep, I should have gone straight after her not tried to sort Sheetal out”
“It’s always easier with hindsight none of us could have predicted this outcome. We need to get through this first”
It was a long night for all concerned and an even longer morning they had no understanding of the monitors except that it was good that no one had been called in.
It was late afternoon when Khushi opened her eyes. Instantly her hands flew to her stomach she looked around all the monitors were still beeping all her babies were still safe .She relaxed for an instant and breathe a sign of relief. She felt the presence of other people in the room, her dad and Arnav. She looked at both of them tears welled in her eyes and started to pour down her face.
“I’m sorry for this mess”
Shashi spoke first as Arnav was all choked up. No reassuring words came forth.
“Khushi stop you need to relax and you need to listen to Arnav, do you trust me, then listen to what he has to say. I’m going out for a bit send Arnav to call me when you’re done, then we will discuss this mess -three. Jeez girl I was panicking at one and you’re trying to give me three. Go easy on my nerves I need all three to stay put for at least another four weeks please. So relax and listen. See you in a bit”
“Arnav I’m really sorry I should have given you the opportunity to explain but …”
“Khushi you’re father is a very wise man that’s why he is so successful as a father in law, father and a business man and I’m sure for all his threats of grey hairs that you give him he will be an equally excellent grandfather. With hindsight it’s really easy for us to change the course of actions that we each took. I should have run straight after you and then you wouldn’t have driven to the Lake House which your dad knows about now by the way. Let me explain about Sheetal she and I had an on off thing mostly because she was convenient. She likes the benefit in kind which she receives from me. I have not touched or looked at another woman since you have been on the scene. He smiled weakly they have looked at me but my eyes and hands are firmly trained on you. Khushi I am in love with you and the trio and everything about you. You’re love of colours that don’t match that break all the colour wheel schemes. The way you enjoy chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiches, you’re love of butterflies and roses. What you didn’t see is that she was kissing me and I was fighting her off. She realised that her meal ticket had gone. Her contract has been terminated with AR Designs. Khushi I have nothing to back me up only my word. I didn’t run after you as I thought I needed to get rid of her permanently first, but then I couldn’t find you , I went to several ice cream parlours the temple ,the penthouse, rang your dad and went to Shantivan and then drove to the lake house. I love you and our children I need you to believe me. Khushi I have never begged before but…”
“Arnav I believe you- I was upset when I left but when I finally sat with a bowl of ice cream – you know I do my best thinking over ice cream. I played the events over in my head they didn’t add up. You knew I was upstairs -why take the risk. Then there was the morning err no man can err perform like that in err bed spend time speaking to the kids stroke and caress them and the jump straight into the arms of another women. She said it didn’t matter that you were married you were friends with fringe benefits. You had been trying to tell her that you were married. But she wasn’t listening and neither was I. I am sorry for not paying more attention, it would have saved us all a lot of worry. I also know the way you kiss -your hands are always around me, she had her arms around you, you didn’t have your arms around her”
“You noticed a lot in flash of a second- not that I’m complaining since you are seeing things from my point of view. Do you believe me about Sheetal ?”
“Yes”
“Do you believe that if I didn’t want to get married to you no one could have forced me babies or no babies”
“Yes, when I was on the way back I tried to call you there was no service. Later your phone was straight to answerphone “
“I had made so many calls i didn’t even know when the battery died. Now we have sorted this out the babies whats going on, what happened?”
“Sheenu said high blood pressure strain of driving combination,maybe she doesn’t know but this is going to be my permanent home for a while. Total and complete bedrest for 4 weeks minimum she said the boredom is going to kill me the closest that I will be allowed to work is a suduko puzzle”
“Shall I go and get your dad, the suspense if probably killing him not to mention the shock of three babies”
“Hi dad -did you know you are the best ?”
“Have you kids sorted your issues?”
“Yes”
” Good -You know I was going to say to Khushi if she didn’t believe you view the conference tapes all conversations are recorded”
“No need dad – I trust Arnav”
“Ok so that now that’s sorted explain yourselves three ? I mean three! What the hell?”
“Dad that’s my line?”
“When exactly were you going to tell me?”
“We haven’t told anyone due to the possible complications with the pregnancy and birth like this”
“We have to tell your Nani and Anjali “
“She’s not allowed any visitors except the two of you since you are already here for a week” Sheenu’s voice reverberated from the back.
“Everything is stable and my patient looks a lot happier and my babies are all happy so I’m happy; but I mean it you are banned from anyone else visiting you until I am completely happy that you are not going to deliver these babies early .”
“Now she needs to rest gentleman so you are going to both have to leave, any change and I will let you know.”
“Sheenu I might get really stressed if they both leave can I keep one”
“Khushi they are not pets -can I keep one honestly? If I had to choose I would say uncle he is a far more calming influence and he pampers to your every wish. Arnav go to work you cause to much fluctuation in her blood pressure – there a decision has been made no favouritism based on pure science”
“I’ll see you in the evening any changes let me know”
“Charge your phone Arnav and let me see you out”
Outside the room and out of eyesight of Khushi
” I need to talk to you and not in front of Khushi she needs to believe that everything is going to be OK, the reality is she could gointo labour anytime these babies are far too underdeveloped but they still stand a good chance of survival but they will have a lot of health issues and I’m not sure all three will make it. If one goes into distress but the other two don’t we will all have some very hard decisions to be made. Are you going to be strong enough Arnav to support Khushi.”
“As long as nothing happens to her”
“Ok get some rest we all have a tough couple of days ahead of us -but one thing Arnav you don’t know about Khushi she is a fighter “
“I know that “
“She has the luck of the devil – look she found you by accident – don’t look so shocked I know what happened at Lavanya’s wedding -she will make it through this”
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 16
After two weeks Khushi was allowed home on the pretext that she did absolutely nothing.
A prescription that her entire band of followers ensured was followed to the letter- especially Arnav. She was not allowed to step out of bed and it was slowly killing Khushi.
Inactivity was not something she did well but the goal -three health babies was the incentive. She knew she would toe the line. There was no bending of rules or skirting round the issue. Bedrest was needed and resting was what she was doing but nowhere in the prescription did it say that boredom was a requirement.
She rand Arnav at the office
“Everything OK Khushi ?”
“Fine what you doing ?”
“Trying to work -inspite of interruptions”
“What work ?”
” I am are currently negotiating a deal with some buyers to purchase some fabric for a particular line to make it financially viable”
“Arnaaav …”
“mmm” she could hear the laughter in his voice ,he knew the inactivity was killing her but there was nothing he could do. He had brought her every Salam Khan Film and watched them all with her a task well above and beyond the call of duty. He had watched re runs with her and knew the dialogues of by heart as he heard her repeat them. She only stretched his name out like that when she wanted something he was not going to agree to.
“Khushi , I love you but before you ask the answer is NO!!”
“What ? How did you know that I was going to ask anything ? Anyway how about you send me”
“No Khushi not listening if you are OK I am going to get back to work see you in the evening and you know I am only doing this for your own good”
“How about …”
“Khushi I love you but the answer is still no, take care of yourself and unless you want me to be late ,I suggest you get of this line and let me work on this problem.”
A very moody and sullen Khushi said “Bye Ill think about loving you”
He laughed as he put the phone. How was he going to get her through the next six weeks. She was going to drive him certifiably insane and in the process herself.
He needed to get help to keep her in bed -ordinarily that wouldn’t be a problem but that kind of exercise was not on the books. Arnav told himself off for his brain was wandering too.
Definitely re-enforcements were needed.
“Hi, Dad “
“Arnav everything OK ?”
“Fine Dad . Err it’s like this , you see Khushi is ..”
Shashi was laughing down the line “I thought you would manage at least one week by yourself but she has managed to break you on the third day – Shame on you Arnav. What insane demands is she making ?”
“None dad , I just don’t know how to keep her in bed for the six weeks ? Six weeks dad she will send me insane”
“Arnav let me work on it do you know all we have to do is to give her a problem to solve, let her get a teeth into it and work out a plan to solve it – you or I must have something in our archives that had so many problems we must have thought it was not a worthwhile consideration and rejected it. Give that to her -to reconstruct to make it a financially viable option. That will keep her in bed, her brain occupied and off your back and mine and because I have seen every single Khan Film I can take ! You are just on the Salam Khan’s, would you like me to tell you how many Khan s she like’s?”
“No dad I’ll start looking in the archives now -and thanks dad”
Both men distracted were frantically searching their archives for about half an hour when they rang each other. Both companies had considered a takeover on a small fabric production company that was struggling but restructuring it was going to make it a non viable profit making company. It was the perfect problem .
Together they hatched a plan -Shashi would approach Khushi , she would ask permission from Arnav who would initially refuse and then relent and that would keep her in bed and brain occupied and all concerned would be happy. This was a win win plan.
Shashi popped in the afternoon as he usually did to eat lunch with Khushi.
Khushi noticed that he was unusually silent. Eventually she dug it out of her father.
They agreed if Arnav agreed she could work on the project.
Khushi excitedly rand Arnav “Hi ,I’m,fine. I just found the most amazing way of saving your brain and protecting you from anymore Salaman Khan re runs-although body guard was good , but I am side tracking. I promise to wake up at a reasonable hour and rest and go to bed at proper time. Please let me do it?”
“First Khushi breathe, and do what you have spoken nonstop and not actually told me anything”
Khushi explained her father’s proposition -and Arnav listened attentively like any concerned husband would ,not having had any hand in the plan. He raised objections where he should and finally said she would have to clear it with Sheenu.
That evening her father brought the documents over and Khushi notice the strange silent communication between them the glint in both men’s eyes as though the cat had got a bowlful of cream. But she didn’t pay attention for long she had a new project to work on.
Things improved after that Khushi hunted her way through columns of figures and puzzling her way through the documents looking at the cost implication of new machinery to continue production of the same type of fabric.
Between her new project and scans and regular visits to the hospital time flew 4 weeks flew by.
It was early one morning when Arnav starltled by his name being screamed sat up in bed and leapt out of bed straight into the bathroom.
“Khushi ? Is it time?”
She had tears flowing down her face . “the towel doesn’t meet anymore in the middle I think I exploded overnight. I can’t even see my feet” Khushi wailed even more.
“Khushi are you Ok ?”
“How can I be OK -this bath towel doesn’t go round me anymore, I can’t see my feet, I know I have them because I hear the bells on my anklets.”
Arnav only just noticed the state of undress due to the insurmountable worry his neurones were processing. This girl was going to be the death of him. He fully appreciated what Shashi was going through, one side the worry over Khushi and the other side his three babies.
“Khushi – look another towel and I’m telling you that you have very pretty feet and you’re not fat and haven’t exploded overnight. You are extremely pregnant and radiantly beautiful and has a husband who would normaly have his wicked way with you if it were not for three children.”
He scooped her up and placed her on their bed gently and proceeded to kiss her.
“feeling better”
“Am I fat ?”
Arnav thought what do I say ? I am a dead man either way -she was huge Khushi’s stomach had grown at a ridiculous rate in the last four weeks. How she managed to stay standing without toppling over was amazing.
To extricate himself from his current situation that was his current problem.
If he said yes he was doomed if he said no he was doomed -he needed a reply fast.
“Khushi you’re not fat only my babies are” now please stop talking for two minutes and let me talk to my children.
“When are you three planning your entry into my world- please remember fifty percent of your genes are from me – I would like a quiet uneventful entry, the exact opposite of your mother who is currently holding the number one position at trying to claim my life insurance by sending me to an early death or at the very least to a mental asylum. What will you three do to me – remember that I am your father -please be gentle with me I’m not sure how much more can I take.”
Khushi smiled at him -“they will love you as much as I do ”
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 17
Khushi had had a restless night, she tossed and turned. In the end she got out of bed and lay on the recliner.
She watched Arnav in his sleep; he was looking for first he was slowly shifting across the bed not finding her his hand was searching her out. In the end he sat up and called out “Khushi?”
“I’m here”
“Why?”
“I couldn’t sleep” and sheepishly replied “I didn’t want to disturb you”
“Khushi you tossing and turning doesn’t disturb me you not being next to me does! Pleas come back to bed so that I can sleep. Is your back hurting ? Do you want me to rub it or get you a heat pack?”
“No I’ll come back to bed so that you can go to work tomorrow”
Finally in the early hours of the morning Khushi fell asleep.
Arnav came over to her and smiled -and shook his head he was tired -“I can’t sleep without you -and you can sleep without me!” He gently kissed her and was surprised by her response -“my eyes are closed, but I’m not asleep just exhausted; my back is hurting- would you stay skip work and lie with me to let me go to sleep”
He smiled “One call I’ll get Aman t cancel my day. You sleep; I get my breakfast and come back upstairs ok”
“Really Arnav ?”
“Really!”
He came back upstairs and held her in his arms and finally she drifted off to sleep. Arnav was tired and fell asleep as well.
Khushi woke up about midday her back hurt more than ever. She smiled at Arnav working at the table. He smiled at her “feeling any better?”
“Yes and No I’ve slept so I’m not as tired but my back is a whole different issue- I’m going to take some pain killers and eat something -want anything?”
“A snack would be nice”
“I’m going to have a shower -alone and ask HP to bring us something up”
“You sure you want the shower alone? I could help?”
“Yes you have work to do and HP is coming up he will have heart attack if he finds us both in the shower”
Khushi stood in the shower letting the hot water hit her back, massaging it when suddenly she felt a warm gush trickle down her legs. Stunned for a minute and then panic setting in for a few seconds she felt a serene calmness -there was no stopping them today they were coming. She had made it past her eight and half months, and by the grace of god her three babies would be OK. Not once did Khushi even think about herself. She dried herself and popped her head out of the bathroom.
“Has HP been?”
“Yes”
“Back feeling better ?”
“Lots !”
Khushi came out wrapped in a towel and chose to wear a long maternity dress. She came across to Arnav and asked “When did you last eat?”
“Breakfast- stop worrying about me”
She sat across from him and started to feed him. Once finished “Arnav I don’t want you to worry but …”
“Whats wrong Khushi?” -worry written across his head.
“These babies have decided that it’s time to greet their mum and dad”
“And you’re sitting here feeding me lets go now can you walk?”
“Arnav I’m having a baby!”
“Three!”
Khushi found herself surrounded by machines and wires. The pain steadily increased coming in waves each successive one arriving sooner than the last.
Arnav felt useless all he did was sit there saying breath, relax, did anyone ever think when your body was being pulled apart how were you meant to relax. Time seemed to take on a whole new meaning moving very slowly.
Arnav was normally good at playing the waiting game but not today.
“Sheenu how long ?”
“As long as it takes”
After eighteen hours and no news worry was etched into Arnav’s face , pain in Khushi’s.
How much more could she take and for how much longer. Arnav noticed Sheenu read one of the monitors looking only at one not paying the others as much attention.
She popped out and then returned a few minutes later. “Arnav may I have a word”
Khushi grabbed his hand “don’t leave me -whats wrong?”
“Sheenu whatever it is we are in this together tell us together”
“One of the babies is starting to show signs of weakening -its not distress yet but I’m not happy with its signs any deterioration and Khushi will be rushed in for a caesarean. I’m not sure I could have you there. I need three teams in there”
“Forget about me Sheenu you do whats best for Khushi and the babies”
Fifteen minutes later Arnav found himself pacing the corridor with Shashi and Akaash.
An hour later Sheenu arrived smiling. Arnav let tears fall from his eyes. Relief coursed through his body he looked at Shashi the stress had vanished from him too. They looked at Sheenu expectantly.
“Uncle, Arnav firstly Khushi is fine, heavily sedated at the moment and let me take you to meet your three boys. Ok things are not brilliant with them but they are also not that bad either- as expected they are all small about 3 pounds each and in incubators and tubed up due to their size. They will not be going anywhere soon till their weight goes up and I have seen enough evidence that they are all flourishing. If you want to meet them gown up and I’ll introduce you each baby has been assigned a nurse – I knew you wouldn’t have it any other way”
Arnav and Shashi gowned up and went into the sterile room -everything was clinical nothing to identify the babies as theirs. Little scraps in glass boxes, tubes down their noses and little disc covering their fragile bodies, cannulae taped to their precious little hands. They were tiny barely any bigger than a little bag of sugar. As he put his hands into the box a multitude of emotions flooded his brain. How could he love someone so much he had just met them an instant ago. He looked down at his son and the label round his wrist and foot Raizada 1.
He looked up at the nurse questioningly. “Sir he was first born hence the 1, the second has a two and the third has a 3.
Slowly one by one he met his children each one looked the same but different, the last of the trio was the smallest. How could he be the smallest they were all tiny to start with.
Finally they had arrived each one tiny and yet perfect. Then panic began to set in as reality dawned in Arnavs head. He was responsible for three new lives -he had to protect them , keep them safe look after then -here he couldn’t even hold them. They were fragile would he break them if he held them? He couldn’t hold them anyway. He wasn’t sure if that was a bad thing. The youngest would literally fit in his hand. How would he manage them three – he remembered the casual conversation with Khushi three times the love and hugs -but what about three times the worry. He was a strong and powerful man but now he felt just as helpless as anyone else there were so many things wrong with this world, how would he negotiate all the hurdles and obstacles and get his children safely through.
He looked at Shashi who saw his face .
“Whats wrong Arnav ? Imagining all the woes in the world and how you’re goingto make it ? How are you goingto cope with three children? How is it possible to love three new lives so much? And find more love in your heart for the next child? How can someone who has not been around for such a short time come to mean so much to you?”
“Dad how do you manage to read my thoughts so well ?”
“I had the same thoughts when Payal was born and then Khushi and now one, two and three. I don’t know is the answer but I managed and so will you.”
“Thank you for the vote of confidence”
“Arnav it’s not an easy road that you are travelling down but remember you are not alone in this there is Khushi and you both have all of us. Only piece of advice I am going to give you regarding these three children is make time for yourselves leave them occasionally with us and spend time alone with Khushi away from the kids. The first time is the hardest but you will need that time alone for you both to grow and rediscover yourselves and recuperate and re -energise. If you have three boys and any turn out like Khushi you will be grey before your time and I will be bald”
Sheenu came into the room, Arnav Khushi will be coming round soon would you like to be there?
“What do you think Sheenu ? The only time I have left her is when you told me to get out- just for the record you’re the only one I have listened to when told to separate myself from Khushi”
“Arnav I don’t know how she found you but I am glad”
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 18
Khushi’s eyes fluttered open. She felt like lead. She hurt , she felt like she had been sliced and diced. She saw Arnav staring down at her and her eyes shut again – her brain was going into overdrive she hurt so much this fog that she was having to fight was tiring her out she wanted to sleep. Sliced and diced , slice and diced , why were these words going round and round in her head. Her brain finally kicked into gear her children she was going to have an emergency c- section.
“Arnav ?” The question hung in the air for him to answer but the look in his eyes gave it all away.
“Khushi we have three health baby boys Raizada one ,two and three. They are a bit on the small side and all in incubators, tubed and wired up but they are all ok. I’ve got pictures of them for you to see and when you’re a bit more awake I will take you to meet our children.”
The sedative was heavy and the painkillers were strong Khushi drifted off to sleep again. It was later when she woke up that she went to meet her children. She looked at each one of them and cried harder with each one.
“Khushi why are you crying ?”
“I don’t know ?” and she sobbed harder.
Arnav shook his head pregnancy had been hard and he thought things might improve but things just seemed to get harder. He had a wife who was now sobbing her heart out for no apparent reason and he couldn’t understand why. Would he ever be able to understand his wife.
“Khushi whats wrong ? we have three healthy children and a while back we weren’t sure if we were going to have one”
“Aaarnav …hic .. they …hic ..,are so …hic beautiful …”
Would he ever understand her? Well all he could do for now was hold her and let her cry it out of her system.
“Khushi can I ask you a question ? was there a time when you were ever normal ?”
Khushi smiled a watery smile -“ask Dad”
Khushi looked at her three babies -all tiny but all so perfect -each one the same yet already showing individual characteristics. Khushi watched her babies living in plastic boxes. Each one taped and tied to machines. Each precious life fighting for survival. Somehow she was responsible for bringing them into this world. Before their birth she was worried would they make it. She hadn’t really though beyond their birth and the gift of life hopefully bestowed on each one. Now they were here three little individuals dependant on her what was she going to do.
They were her three little angels and she couldn’t touch them or hold them all she could do was watch her three precious little bundles in plastic boxes. She had waited so long for them and now each little blessing was real but still she could not hold them, comfort them feed them.
Arnav came up behind her and hugged her to himself. ” Khushi its going to be alright -they have fought hard to get here and now they will fight to come home- we will hold them soon -they need time. Khushi you need to rest , I think that we are going to be here a while”
Arnav wheeled Khushi back to her room.
“Arnav will you do something for me – will you go to Devimaya’s temple and thank her for all of us not just the babies but for you and me as well. When we all leave here together to go home we will pay her a visit first as a family”
“Khushi I will go on the way home”
“Arnav what would you say if I asked you to stay the night”
“I’ll stay”
“Arnav we have to name the babies”
“they have names Raizada one ,two and three”
“Arnav !”
“They need proper names not one two and three”
“You get better and then we will decide together”
“Arnav we need to pick three names, not one, not two but three!”
“Khushi we will always have to worry about things in three- you had better get used to it “
The Morning After The Night Before
Chapter 19
It was stressful time for everyone, especially for Khushi and Armav.
The triplets had arrived, but were living in plastic boxes, devoid of human touch, in isolation. All the helpless parents could do was sit, watch, wait and pray. Each successive day hope grew stronger for the new parents. Their children were fighters, what else could they be they had Arnav and Khushi for parents.
Although after a week Khushi was allowed to go home -she chose not to living at the hospital with her three children.
Arnav found it lonely at Shantivan -he had expected a houseful of happiness and hope looking into the future; as always in his life there was never a moment of happiness unless it had been tinged with sadness. Here again the birth of his children had been clouded by the issues -would all three come home. If they didn’t… what would happen to Khushi? What would happen to him? He had watched her at the neonatal unit with his children the love shone in her eyes for them, she had nicknames for them already.
For Arnav the whole situation was surreal, he had three children, neither him nor Khushi had been allowed to hold them, touch them. He felt all the worries of being a parent without any of the joys. A short nine months ago he had attended a wedding and met a gorgeous girl – got blindingly drunk -slept with her -had hazy memories of the event -got her pregnant -married her -and now they had three children. Somewhere along the journey he had fallen completely, wholeheartedly and irrevocably in love with her. She had somehow become the centre of his universe, his whole world revolved around her, what made her smile, laugh, worry and god help them who caused a tear in her eye. Now as he sat here thinking, his axis had tilted again now he had three little innocent lives as well to take care of. He felt something missing between them and him. He was a new father, when his children had been born, so had he – father and child were born together-yet he didn’t feel like a father. He felt as though, fate were stealing from him again. The promise of happiness was so tangible he could almost taste his perfect world he had, a wife whom he loved unquestioningly and now he had three children. But his perfect world had stopped there. Although he had become a father -he had not become parent. Every time fate gave him joy with one hand she always left taking a lot more -leaving him a loser, always wanting more. He had grown used to that feeling and hence hardened his heart against further injury- yet somehow Khushi had found the chink in his armour and crawled in making a permanent position in his heart and now she had dragged three tiny lives in as well.
Arnav was at work – finding it hard to focus on his current project as his mind was filled with thoughts about his family. In such a short time Khushi had made such an impact in his life -now that she was no longer there at night -he no longer slept peacefully. He had been sleeping peacefully for the last eighteen years alone without any hassles but now his bed seemed larger than ever before. He missed her -he had hugged her pillow to remind him of her. But there was no comfort in that- he just missed having her there. While Khushi was in hospital he had taken to sleeping on the recliner. He wanted back at home, back at his side. But Khushi chose to stay at the hospital with her children occasionally returning to Shantivan for a few hours to shower change pray and eat.
Why was his head so full of thoughts and images of her.
He picked up his phone with the intention of calling Aman to cancel his day- he was going to spend it with her and the children – you never know he might convince Khushi to go and sit in the gardens with him and watch her eat jelabies.
“Arnav -come to the hospital as soon as you can”
He phone made a lone slow annoying noise. The line had been disconnected. Arnav stared at the phone -had he just imagined Khushi’s voice because he had been thinking about her or had she really been on the phone.
Arnav looked at the memory of his received calls -last call received was from Khushi. Arnav was galvanised into action; she had said come to the hospital.
He grabbed his keys forgetting his jacket told his PA that he had an urgent call from the hospital and to call Aman and Akash to handle everything till he called back.
“But sir… your jacket …” The words were lost she was just speaking to empty space.
She had seen his eyes and the worried look on his face. How he had changed since he had been married. She actually liked him and felt sorry for him. Khushi maam had been the making of him into a human. He actually smiled and said thank you when she did something for him. Since his children had been born she had seen further changes in him- he was almost likeable and she could see the lines of worry etched into his face.
Previously she had never been able to read his emotions -there had been two faces she had know frozen, unemotional or angry. Now it was all different it was as though the iceman had melted.
Arnav didn’t wait for the lift he took the stairs, two at a time till he reached the neonatal unit in record time. He saw Khushi there.
“Arnav sit down have you run all the way?”
All Arnav could do was nod as he got his breath back.
“You called said it was urgent – what’s wrong ?”
Khushi saw fear reflected in his eyes, worry etched into his face how had she found him. It no longer bothered her that she had no memory of their first meeting she had since then made plenty more to fill the corners of her brain. This man had invaded her heart and mind- she had missed him terribly at night when she slept alone at the hospital. Khushi smiled as she remember the first time he had brought her flowers -yellow roses – he had never brought her any ever since they had made her so ill.
She smiled at him, and brushed his hair back into place and hugged him. Then quietly and gently kissed him on his lips, whispering “You worry too much”
Arnav gazed down at her confused not letting her out of his embrace- “They said I could hold the children today they are all going to be disconnected and switched to just normal cots but still in a high dependency unit. Do you know that our children are over a month old and we can hold them for the first time today. I didn’t want you to miss this moment. I am sorry if I worried you”
Arnavs heart soared with joy and happiness, that feeling that he was missing out on something was that he had not been able to hold his children.
“Arnav we can’t take them home yet but we can hold them”
“Small steps Khushi -we will take them home soon -all of them and you! I miss you “
“Arnav we still have no names for them”
“We will – we just haven’t had time to discuss their names – we just haven’t had time-Khushi how are you feeling today?”
“Excited !”
Arnav groaned, would she ever be able to understand him. “Not about the babies, in yourself, how are you doing?”
“Arnav I am fine my scar is all that’s left; it’s a bit sensitive to touch but that’s all. It’s going to take me another two months I think before I get the all clear for any fun filled activities”
“Khushi I wasn’t thinking about that- I was thinking about you!”
“I know -but I was!”
Arnav stared into her eyes and saw the mischief lurking behind the surface something he had not seen since before the birth of the triplets. He felt a familiar stirring in his groin area.
“Khushi -stop it !-please…” He took one step back from her ” We are in a hospital ,in front of our children -and YOU are not ready for this yet ! You still have a lot more healing to do – Sheenu said at least three months of abstinence, was her prescription of order to ensure that you were completely and fully healed .”
“Sheenu was always one for spoiling my fun !”
Arnav shook his head. “You are absolutely crazy- I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is only one thing I would change about the last nine months”
Khushi looked startled and held her breath as she knew he was going to tell her in the next breath. Would it be having to marry her, having three boys with her, losing his freedom to be able to chase the next item with a set of great pins on her. Being tied to her and their boys.
“I have very little memory of that night that led to all these” pointing at his children and “you have none- that is my only regret -nothing else Khushi-I can’t imagine my life without you or them”
Both individuals lost themselves in each other till they heard a persistant coughing and eventually their names being called ” Khushi, Arnav -time and place guys- its only just been a month Arnav I’m reminding you the clock still ticking you have another two months’ to go”
For the first time in his life Arnav Blushed and looked mortified he wouldn’t let Khushi go till all his body responses had returned to respectable. Khushi was an imp doing this to him. Khushi face was as red as red could be as she tried to step away she felt Arnav’s persistant hold on her.
She looked up at him gazing into his eyes realising as he ground his hips into her the reason he was not letting her go. She silently mouth “Ohhh”
Soon everybody was there the paediatrician in charge unhooked the first baby and picked him up and handed him to his mother.
For Khushi it was a terrifying moment, her heart went boom boom boom , she was sure that Arnav could hear it.
Raizada one had the courtesy to open his eyes and stare up at his mum feeling her love and security that those arm’s provided he turned to burrow his head in her breast breast looking searching and then slowly drifted off to sleep secure in the knowledge that he was safe -there was no need to cry or raise concern. This familiar face he knew how to control if he needed anything -all he had to do was cry and she would coming running to be at his beck and call.
Khushi felt the rush of emotion and love at being able to hold her son for the first time. She couldn’t believe the intensity of feeling that she had for this individual. How could she love him anymore than she already did-but she did. Tears fell from her face.
She passed him onto Arnav who was speechless. For the first time in his life he let his audience see his emotions -there was no need to hide behind an icy facade, behind a wall of anger. The intensity of his emotions was visible for the world to see and he was not scared for them to be able to witness that.
Turn by turn each child was released from their wires and tubes and held by mother and father and then Sheenu.
“Soon you will get to take your new family home. This is the quietest you will ever see them.
Make the most of it”
Arnav looked at the bedlam in the nursery. All three oh his children were up and causing chaos , one was screwing up his face ready to scream; Arnav bent down and swooped him into his arms. “Don’t you dare scream -you’re mum’s sleeping look at those bags under her eyes- you’re going to make her sick if you carry on like this Ever since that momentous day.There had been anything but Shanti at Shantivan. It had been four months since the triplets had been brought home.
Arnav recalled Sheenu’s famous words “This is the quietest you will ever see them.
Make the most of it”
Enough was enough -he had to do something. Khushi wouldn’t be able to carry on much longer like this. Both of them needed time
The Morning After the Night Before
Chapter 20
Arnav looked at his three sons, the eldest Ayaan, meaning good luck and destiny. It had Arnav’s destiny and luck that had him end up with Khushi. His middle son Aashish was no less important than the eldest, he had been considered a blessing and so named. Finally Akhil who completed his family and was so named.
His three boys looked like peas in a pod but their individuality shone through. Each one already at four months showed their characteristics. Ayaan the eldest was the quiet patient one who always smiled and gurgled and usually waited for his parents attention. Aashish seemed to be the naughty one, if you could be naughty- he took the longest as he wriggled in the bath playing and splashing. At nappie time, he never lay still – every opportunity he got he kicked everything off , whilst his youngest Akhil was most like him in nature -bad tempered and impatient -god forbid his milk was late, the house would be screamed down.
Arnav smiled at his boys -as demanding as his precious boys were, this weekend he had their mother. He loved them ,but he also loved Khushi and it had been four months since their arrival. His well ordered life had gone down the drain. The only part he would change is spending time with Khushi uninterrupted.
They barely got time alone, the triplets were demanding and not sleeping through the night.
Recently he had noticed how tired she looked -gaunt and dark circles around her eyes. She was exhausted. She needed a break – but she felt her babies were far too young to be left alone without her.
Arnav had other ideas- if she didn’t get a break she would have a nervous break down. There was no way he was letting that happen.
He had negotiated amazing business deals and applied logic to his business plans. All theses assets seem to vanish when he started dealing with Khushi and the boys. There were no rules that he understood. There was no predictability about her and the boys -he had no idea where to begin.
Dad! He knew how Khushi’s brain worked and all the possible tangents and curve balls she might throw in his plans. The kids -well he couldn’t think of anything much that four month old kids could get up to.
“Get used to sharing boys – You have all monopolised your mum’s time, this weekend she is mine!”
Dad helped Arnav plan his weekend away as far as the children were concerned there would be Sheenu, Payal, Di, Nani and Dad to look after them. God help the kids.
Arnav was excited as a child on Christmas morning. He planned to meet Khushi to take her to Devi Maya’s temple without the kids to which she readily agreed. That was all she knew.
The kidnapping had been planned with the aid of dad. Once in the car after Devi Maya’sTemple they were not going home -they would be going to the farm house.
He had made arrangements for food to be cooked and left. The house would be cleaned and for them. They would to be on their own Friday night and Saturday when they would return to Shantivan.
Arnav had no intention of telling Khushi his plans otherwise she would never agree to leaving the babies behind. She still fondly called them Raizada 1,2 and 3; he was grateful that she didn’t call them ladoo,jelebai and alloo pakora. Thankgod for small mercies.
Arnav planned a romantic candlelit dinner for just the two of them under the gazebo. He had had strings of fairy lights hung from the trees and lanterns to light the rose petal littered path.
The Gazebo was decorated with flowers and heavy curtains should they wish to have a moment of privacy.
He had two pieces of jewellery designed for her -simple and plain a mommy pendant -three stones one for each of their children and a ring three bands studded with diamonds all supporting a large pain square cut diamond.
He had designed a new outfit for her in a blend of white and melon pink lengha top made of organza with a scooped neckline and a tie at the front and a small white encrusted bustier top heavily embroidered exposing some of her cleavage.
Everything was set now all that remained was to put his plan into action.
First the temple -then their mini holiday -Arnav knew that he would take the ear bashing that Khushi would give him for taking her away from her three sons, but soon she would come round and if she didn’t then he could spike her drink with alcohol. She wouldn’t remember and he would still be alive. It was a win -win plan.
But when did Arnav’s plans ever go the way he had planned when Khushi was involved. Events always played out a completely different way from the way he had imagined. Soon Arnav would learn that tonight was no different for all concerned.
Aftera while Khushi realised that the car was not on its way home from the temple but it was heading out of town in the opposite direction.
“ARNAV -you’re driving in the wrong direction home is the other way!”
“We are not going home we are eloping for the night just you and me”
“The kids ? What’s going to happen ? who is going to look after them? I didn’t tell them that I wouldn’t be home they will get really upset. If I am not there Aashish will really play up and then he will set the other two off and you know Akhil-he has decided to take after you he will have one of his temper tantrums or crying fits and then the other two will join in -and all hell will break loose.”
Breathe Khushi, it’s good for you to breathe.
“Arnav turn this car around”
“Nope”
“Arnav stop this car or I will scream and wipe that smirk of your face!”
“Nope ” Arnav now had a big Cheshire cat grin on his face.
Khushi opened her mouth and let out a shrill piercing scream. All Arnav did was increase the volume of the radio which at that point decided to play Dabanng.
Khushi screaming stopped and her singing started -Arnav thought to himself -singing was definitely not one of her talents. It was a close call between screaming and singing.
Dabanng finished and Khushi started screaming -“heeelllppp-heeelllppp”
“Khushi -no one can hear you and we are going to the farm house come hell or high water.”
“I’ll tell Nani Ji”
“She knows”
“I’ll tell Dad”
“He knows”
“I’ll tell Di”
“She knows”
“Payal”
“Knows”
“Akash”
“Knows”
“Sheenu”
“Knows”
“Aman”
“Doesn’t know -what are you going to tell him -that your husband has kidnapped you for some much needed R & R , maybe a dirty weekend if you are lucky.”
“Arnav!” but her eyes had softened. She did need a break -she was at breaking point, they could all see that. She needed to take time out for herself and him.
It had been four months since the human tornadoes had arrived and turned their lives upside down. Only recently she felt that she was winning she had finally got the triplets into a workable routine -one day off would do them all good. But he should have asked her and given her the opportunity to prepare the children for her absence. She had better warn Payal and Di about peculiarities.
“You cooling down yet Mrs Raizada”
“Thinking…you are not yet off the hook yet”
Khushi pulled out her cell and rang all the numbers everyone was going straight to answer phone.
“Khushi who are you trying to call?”
“Di – anyone they are all going straight to answer phone-there must be something wrong -Arnav turn the car round now!
“Use my cell – no one is going to answer your calls till tomorrow”
Khushi glared at Arnav -“first he kidnaps me, then he separates me from children and then doesn’t allow me to speak to my family-Bada aiya Laad Governer”
Khushi chatted to Di for rest of the journey.
They arrived as the sun was setting .
“Khushi I have a special outfit that I had made for you and designed for you will you wear it for me it’s on the bed in our room upstairs . You can have a lovely uninterrupted shower and meet me downstairs for dinner.”
Khushi smiled and tilted her head “Listen”
“What am I listening for ?”
“You can actually hear crickets and birds, no one is screaming Khushi this or Khushi that. The children are not crying. There is actually peace so that I can hear my own thoughts.”
She smiled at him, thanking him silently.
“My shower -no interruptions really -not even from you”
“No I want to see you wearing the outfit that I have chosen for you -your shower is your time, then it will be our time”
Khsuhi saw her outfit -it was breathtaking. It revealed more than it covered – her breasts would be falling out of that top if she was not careful and that coatie wasn’t really a coatie it was a flimsy excuse of a wrap. There was no way she was wearing this in public- but for him that was a totally different ball game. The one thing that surprised her was that the outfit was not red but melon pink. Well she supposed that it was a diluted shade of red.
He had placed a waist chain so that it would hide her scar – she was conscious of it still.
Khushi took a long leisurely shower and dressed slowly.
Finally she came down the stairs and all she could do was stare. He had heard come out of their room and he stood up to greet her.
He had showered and dressed, was wearing a Black and Maroon sherwani.
Unfalteringly he held her gaze slowly walking towards her -“You’re missing this” It was the mommy pendant with three stones one for each of their blessings ,this an eternity ring – “this symbolises that I will always look after our three children and you from now until …and this -a red rose to symbolise our love” He placed it in her hair. “Now you are beyond perfection. May I escort you to dinner?”
Arnav took her hand and led her outside -she gasped there were a multitude of butterflies flitting around the path as she walked down the rose littered path decorated with fairy lights to the gazebo which was as beautifully decorated.
“Arnav everything is … is …” tears shimmered in her eyes. “Thank you for everything -including kidnapping me.
They sat there eating ,chatting discussing things -without interruptions -no children . As much as she loved them, she loved Arnav too. She hadn’t realised how much she missed being with him.
Their time was as precious as the time spent with the kids -each special in its own way. She hadn’t realised that she had been ignoring him and pushed him to the outside of her circle since three little lives had come into their lives.
He had turned tonight into something exceptionally special for her – a memory to last her a last her a life time.
Arnav dropped the curtains so no one could peek into his perfect world.
Gentle music flowed and Arnav danced with Khushi.
“Arnav have you any idea how sexy you look in that sherwani- I love it when you wear one”
“Why do you think I’m wearing it ? because you find me very sexy in one of these outfits -you wear things to please me, so this is the least that I can do for you”
He pulled Khushi over to the slumber area and lay there holding her, breathing in her scent relaxed in the knowledge that there were going to be no interruptions tonight. No diaper changes, no feeding routine, no screaming babies -and she actually smelt of jasmine today not baby powder. It had been four months -finally he had the opportunity to make uninterrupted unhurried love to his wife. He felt her steady heart beat, it beat in unison with his. Arnav smiled down at her – he had waited four months, one more night would hardly make a difference; he would wait patiently -Khushi had fallen fast asleep.
He kissed her gently on her lips “Sleep Mrs Raizada , thank you for a perfect date”
With that Arnav pulled covers over both of them and fell asleep. The thing they both needed the most -and never acknowledged to each other – sleep.
The Morning After the Night Before
Chapter 21
At the farmhouse two individuals slept -undisturbed late into the morning.
At Shantivan, all the adults slept in an exhausted slumber. All of them had a new found respect for Khushi. She had been doing this for the last four months without much help. It had taken all of them Payal , Shashi , Anjali, Nani, Manorma and Akaash to sort the children out.
Had they really commented “How difficult could it be? Looking after three children- innocent little lambs -they couldn’t do much. They didn’t crawl -all they did was eat ,sleep and need their nappies changing”
Famous last words -those three babes knew exactly who ruled the roost- they did.
It was as though the three had a silent language all to themselves- Akhil had started the rebellion in the nursery – why hadn’t his mum come to feed him, why was his dinner late ? What had his dad said -Mum was his all weekend. Well dad had another thing coming him and his brothers were going to show dad who exactly was the boss, and who had first say on mum’s time. They had, where did he even get the idea that they were going to share her with him. As it was he had already had to share -first he had to share his space inside her ,the other two had thought they had priority over food and living space -well he had shown those two since they had been ejected very uncomfortably from their shared living quarters -now he had the most space and got the food first .
On the inside Ayaan had been the peace maker between the three – Don’t push and stop kicking , Ashish, Akhil -you’re not going to get any more space and your hurting mum. We have to be patient and share what we have got. All three loved each other but mum was extra special. Dad was cool in his own way but not when it came to mum. She was theirs.
Akhil started the hollering and crying -he wanted mum -and no one else was gonna do. He liked all his family, they all spoiled him especially Nana Ji.
Nana Ji had Akhil exactly pegged -“you are the most like your mum and are going to give us the most trouble growing up.”
Nana Ji had said he was going to be like mum – that made Akhil proud mum was naughty and fun loving – she sang them songs -she wasn’t very good at that- but her number counting was awesome -she was super fantastic with numbers she could count from one to five without stopping – dad always had to stop and think -he always asked us what comes after three?.
Dad was a bit slow in nearly all things – he always was – he was always asking them where our our noses and eyes. He sometimes had to check with Aashish and Ayaan if he was right. Mum was really good at all these things -she sometimes had to teach dad because he forgot. The only thing that he was good at was his temper and ordering Aman around. He had seen dad lose his temper on the phone and scream down at the other person. Akhil had seen his dad shout at the man when he almost dropped the tray of tea on mom. Dad was like that, no one was allowed to say anything to mom , and that’s the way it should be. Dad would let people say things to them but never mom. If dad wasn’t there to stop some of the people saying mean things to mum he was -he would scream so loud and then Aashish and Ayaan would join in and dad and everyone would come running in. That Sheetal Aunty -she often said mean things to mum, but dad had figured that out so she didn’t come round anymore. In some ways dad was clever -but it had taken their help for him to stop that mean aunty from coming. Dad was really careful when it came to mum -even they were not allowed to upset her. That day when he came into the nursery when mum had been asleep, he had wanted picking up dad had seen him and told him off. He had said “Don’t you dare scream or you will wake mum up” Dad really was a good super cool guy, he did look out for mum and all of them . He had even managed to stop the big fat -sorry – rather large aunties from pulling their cheeks. Initially dad would let the mean old aunties pull his cheeks -that hurt -all they would say is” how sweet” or “how cute”. Ayaan had learnt how to stop that he would scream unless of course it was mom or Nana Ji. They were the only two, who were allowed to pull any of their cheeks. They had all taught dad how painful it was – they had learnt to pull his cheeks – he didn’t like that and they blew raspberries at him when he did it. That had soon stopped anyone from pulling their cheeks since dad always said don’t do that it hurts -when they do it to me.
Yeh but back to the current problem -dad had kidnapped mom -he thought he was having her for two days -the plan had already been hatched between the three of them. They had to stay strong, they had to stay united and fight as one. None of this going soft when Anjali Bua or Payal Maasi started their pleading. Ayaan was the soft one of the three he always liked pleasing everyone. H ewas the one to watch. They had to get mum home.
So started their night of adult training. The boys cried in turn , singly and then in unison, they wriggled at nappy change and they cheered when Ayaan who was always considered the angel of the three wriggle away and then managed to kick his nappy of several times before the dual efforts of bua and masai managed to get his nappy on.
Bath time turned into a humungous waterfight with the grown ups -at the end Aashish felt sorry for his Akaash chacha and gave him a towel-he was more in need of a towel than he was . He did give his Cha cha a big hug for putting up with him at bath time and one of his special gurgling laughs. All the grown-ups loved his gurlgling laugh.
Powder time was another hilarious event chacha had forgotten to close the bottle and keep it out of Aashish s way – well the snow storm that followed -was one to beat the record of all records – who would have thought that three little four month old babies could play such havoc.
Akaash chacha got such a telling off from both Payaal Masai and Anjali Bua -that they took over bath time -and didn’t fare much better. The trio had managed to drag out a forty minute event into an hour and a half.
The trio played up at everything – they screamed and cried and took it in turns to keep the grown ups all night -till almost sunrise when everyone fell into an exhausted sleep.
NanaJi in the end had put all three kids in the car with Payal Akash and Di and had driven around for about one hour till they were certain that all three were sound asleep .
All three were taken in their chairs up to the nursery left sleeping in their chairs.
The grownups listened to Nana ji -“don’t touch them let them sleep and we will do the same these little devils will wake soon enough and carrying Khushi’s genes, I know they will be up to their tricks and on full form-ready to battle on.”
Everyone retired to their rooms to sleep-late into the morning.
Only when HP and OP came in the morning they were wondering at the scene that greeted them as to what had happened the night before.
The kitchen looked as though a hurricane had hit, every single child’s pot utensil, bottles were out.
Food jars were open. Tea and coffee had been made -how many used cups ?
The lounge area was littered with toys and books – it looked as though they had had a junior nursery party overnight . When they reached the triplets bathroom HP and OP were gobsmacked had a tornado hit the house whilst they had been away overnight – Khushi bhabhi wouldn’t like this mess. And their three little angels when they were looked in on were fast asleep in their car seats.
“Car seats ” HP and OP looked at each other and smiled knowingly. Khushi Bhabhi had made it look so easy – now they were all finding out what a hard job she was really doing.
They had better get cleaning and start with the trio’s breakfast or soon Akhil would be screaming the place down. Let everybody else sleep for a bit – from the signs of the house -it looked as though had had quite a party.
Back at the farmhouse Arnav was stirring as he awoke he found himself staring into a set of hazel eyes that were full of mischief.
“Do you know your eye’s are just like Akhil’s”
“Arnav -don’t you mean that Akhuil’s eyes are just like mine!”
“Yup you’re both the naughty ones – he will have played up last night -well and truly. I’m too scared to ring home in case they tell us to come home now.”
“where’s your phone let me ring Di and see how she is ?”
“If the house was burning down they would have rung us – look no missed calls that means we are still on holiday- and I intend to finish what I started last night – imagine the most romantic setting and my date fell asleep !”
“Oh I am soo sorrry Arnav-it’s just that this was the first time in…Why are you looking at me like that ?”
“Exactly how sorry are you ?
“”weeelll as a matter of fact” her hands slipped under his kurta and started caressing his chest and slowly she reached up and caressed his cheek with hers first the right then the left and then started nibbling his lower lip.
What followed was a slow unhurried, loving exploration of each other’s body which ended in a mind blowing experience for both individuals concerned. They both lay satiated and breathless.
“ummm Khushi -not to panic you or anything but I spent all my time making sure everything was perfect- I forgot one small detail-well actually one rather very important detail..”
“Arnav stop -you’re scaring me – what is it the kids?”
“Well kind of … not our kids …I mean not the ones at home but..”
“Arnav stop. You’re not making sense and you’re beginning to really worry me”
“I forgot to use protection…”
“Again !…like you did the last time and look what happened Ayaash, Aashish and Akhil.”
Khushi s laughter bubbled up “Stop looking so scared -I have three beautiful children and I think I want some more -oh stop looking so worried -I can see just how your brain is calculating how we are going to fit more children in our life – just not yet- Three is more than enough for the moment till I get them off to school -but I would like a girl -I’m outnumbered four boys to me we need to balance the scales a bit. Don’t you think?”
“Khushi you’re off on one -back to our current situation- protection – or therein the lack of …”
“Ohh don’t worry -remember Sheenu saw us kissing in the neonatal unit – she made sure I was protected for at least three years. Look you can feel them in my arm -three rods one for each child or one for each year-She said with our past history -she couldn’t take the risk -so she placed three implants. So Mr Arnav Singh Raizada you can be as forgetful as you want to be and we can play and practice as much as we want without any worries.”
“Yeh we only have three to worry about -but you are right i think some more in the future would be nice- but first let me practice.”
It was much later on in the afternoon when Arnav called Shashi. “How are things?”
“Sooo glad you called – remember you said you wanted two nights? Well ithink its time you two came home-the babes are far too you young to be left two nights without their parents …andI’m far to old . We all need a bit of adaptation time.”
“Really dad was it that bad…were they really misbehaving, I bet it was Akhil leading the way… We will be home late afternoon early evening is that Ok – I promised Khushi a picnic under the Gulmohar trees.- then we will be home.”
Arnav then put the phone down – “Iwanted to talk ..”
“Khushi they want us back home we will soon find out exactly how badly behaved our kids have been ..till then you are mine- no exceptions. Soon as you go home you will become everyones -here you are mine and mine alone.”
“Arnav I will always be yours wherever I am. I promise always to find time for you”
“Yeh I know three people who will object to that statement-out three boys”
“I love you and them-I will always have time for all of you”
“Well while I have you to myself let me show you one of my fantasies…”
It was early evening that a very relaxed Khushi entered a screaming house -bedlam seemed to be the word-a madhouse -crying ,singing every musical toy seemed to be on full blast.
Arnav was the first to say “What the…”- but even his what the was drowned out by the noise coming from the lounge.
HP “Bhabhi you’ve come thank god “
All Arnav could say was “really ?”
Khushi entered and saw her three babies screaming – she recognised the screams as fake crying when they wanted attention.
Rather than run up to her children and hug them -she switched of all the gadjets and in a stern voice said “Listen all you Raizada boys – I have had a lovely time and you are not going to spoil it. I’m home now so be quiet or I will leave…”
Her voice or her tone or whether the babies understood was a mystery to the adults but it had the desired effect … all three babes stopped crying and held out their arms to her she sat with Arnav holding all three . She had one who clutched her neck and Ayaan who sat in her lap and Aashish who went to his dad.
Silence ruled the house as the others looked on in awe of what had just occurred .
Akhil had his head sideways watching his dad as only traces of tears remained on his face. He gave his dad a look as if to say ” Yeh so who’s the boss of us now -ehh dad? Mum’s back with us and you thought you had her for the whole weekend “
Arnav looked at his son -“Really was his son really challenging him- the little monster”
Khushi without looking at Akhil “Akhil I know you’re the ring leader of all this trouble- have you all caused this chaos in this house because i went away with your dad- well boys get used to it ! Ayaan I expected better behaviour from you -hassling you bua and Maasi and you Akhil you must have hasseled your Nana ji . ” His only response was to nuzzle into Khushi neck deeper as Ayaan eyes grew large and filled with tears. Ashish you must have caused problems for your chacha -he has a very soft spot for you and you probably took advantage of him. I’m ashamed of your behaviour”. The three boys looked at Khsushi -this time with genuine tears.
“But I love all three of you -so next time I go and there will be a next time -my boys will make me proud -wont they and Ashish gurgled, Ayaan smiled and laid his head against his mothers chest.
Whilst Akhil put both his tiny hands on Khushi face and kissed her and leaned over to his dad and did the same- as if to say sorry. They could all have a bit of mum- she had so much to give.
Shashi was the first to say ” I don’t believe it – you come home and silence ensues”
“Dad it won’t be for long it will be bath time and dinner time”
“Khushi I love you , and them,but sweetheart bath time goes above and beyond the call of duty – I’m going home with Payal while I have a bit of sanity left.”
Akaash said” Bhaiya, my sympathies -but I need some rest and bath time is too traumatic”
“Chote – bath time -I need my rest -i think I have a headache coming on”
Arnav looked at his three boys “What did you lot do to my family last night “
Nani looked at them “Nothing -they were perfect little cherubs and I wouldn’t have it any other way- it’s the adults they require a little bit more training “
“Arnav looked at his three in disbelief and then at Khushi “If this is what they do at four months old what is going to happen when they can walk?”
Khushi laughed “kids will have trained the adults perfectly by then- help me get these three in the bath and fed – so that we can…”
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