You May Be

FF You May Be

NOTE: The story is my copyright and the characters are fictional.

Prologue

"Arnav bitwa... Areh oh Arnav bitwa! Gaadi mein se saamaan nikalwa ya nahi?" dadi asked loudly as Arnav looked up from his phone and nodded positively. "Garima I am very glad that you invited us here for Payal's marriage. We are really excited, but where is Khushi bitiya?"

Arnav who was busy till now looked up on this particular question as his eyes quickly scanned the large living room without a trace of Khushi. The posh white living room was decorated with red, yellow and white flowers. The guests were talking on their own accord and Arnav could see Shashi Gupta talking to the caterer and instructing him about the food while Anjali was talking to Buaji.

Just as Arnav was about to look down he heard a tinkle of laughter. The angelic voice automatically quickened his heart beat. But Arnav was too busy to notice that as his eyes fell on the girl he had been looking for, Khushi Kumari Gupta dressed in a baby pink lehnga with a sleeveless blouse and flair ghagra and a beautiful dupatta to go with it. Her hair was open and it flew across her beautiful face as she kept running.

"Pakdo jiji... pakdo...hiiihii..." she ran as Arnav realized she was holding a white envelope. "Jijaji ka letter aaya hai.." Khushi chirped as she hid behind Garima and Garima chuckled. "Pagal ladki... Kyun sataa rahi ho apni behen ko?" Khushi stuck her tongue out at Payal and started running again with Payal chasing behind.

Arnav smiled as he mumbled "Pagal" and shook is head.

Devyani Raizada and Madhumati had been childhood friends and shashi Gupta and Arjun Raizada were business partners, so friendship between the two families had been existing since a very long time. After the death of Arjun Raizada, Arnav's dad, shashi had never let Arnav feel lonely and isolated. He had always been there as a guide, philosopher and friend. Arnav couldn't be more grateful for the love he got.

Arnav Singh Raizada was the most successful business entrepreneur of India and the biggest name in fashion. Not only his fashion house but his looks and bachelorhood were very much the talk of the town. Every girl dreamt of marrying what anyone could call a "Greek God". Yes! That is what Arnav Singh Raizada looked like.

Khushi Kumari Gupta was the youngest daughter of shashi Gupta and a very simple girl. She was very well known for her wit and knowledge. An expert in every household work and an ideal daughter in law and wife that anyone would dream of. A lot of marriage proposals were sent to her but Shashi had rejected them all! For him all those were incapable of marrying his lovely daughter.

Khushi had never argued as she had told Shashi that she will marry the guy of his choice because she trusted his choice with closed eyes. Shashi Gupta couldn't have been happier as he saw the implicit trust that Khushi had placed in him. He indeed would find the perfect groom for her and very particularly he had a guy in his mind.

Shashi was planning to talk to Devyani and Arnav and propose the marriage of Khushi with Arnav. Shashi had known Arnav since he was a small boy and Shashi knew that no one could prove to be a better groom for his Khushi.

Payal's marriage was just the best excuse to call all the family members together and talk about the marriage. Payal was Khushi's elder sister and was getting married to Arnav's cousin Akaash Singh Raizada. Shashi wanted that both his daughters be married in this family only.

Arnav was standing near the French window of the living room and talking to Aman on his phone when someone bumped into his and he caught that figure from falling but the thaal of flowers had met the air and flowers were raining on Arnav and Khushi as they stared at each other. In all these years of friendship between the families Arnav and Khushi had never said a word to each other but the attraction was present in their hearts which they just couldn't ignore. Maybe that's why they both preferred not to talk to each other.

As Arnav pulled Khushi to a standing position and she mumbled a "Thank you" before running away again and he whispered a "Welcome" to her retreating figure. This was their first actual conversation in the 22 years. Arnav smiled as his hands tickled with the feel of her skin which was really soft. Her face looked so perfect from this close he thought to himself as he heard Aman saying "Hello" again and again trying to Arnav's attention again.

All this did not go missed by Shashi as he sighed deeply. It was indeed the time when he had a conversation with Arnav.

Chapter 1

Khushi was busy hanging the flowers on the pillars and laughing away with her friends, looking absolutely stunning clad in a yellow ghagra as her straight hair flew freely thanks to the windy weather in the farm house which belonged to Shashi Gupta and where Payal's wedding ceremonies were to take place. Just as Khushi was giving a basket of flowers of Hari Prakash who was standing on a ladder he stumbled a bit and the flowers started falling on Khushi.

Arnav was talking to Aman on his Bluetooth when he suddenly stopped as a sweet sound tinkled and the wind caressed his face and he turned around to look at Khushi busy trying to stop the flowers from falling on her and smiling throughout. He was left mesmerized by the enchanting beauty in front of him. No doubt Arnav was always attracted to Khushi but nowadays it felt like more than just attraction. Arnav could say this because although they never talked to each other but their families often held gatherings and met almost quadruple times a week since they were small.

So they grew up around each other and had always observed each other's likes and dislikes, way of talking, feelings, anger, and happiness.

Just as Khushi caught the half empty basket of flowers she lost her balance and Arnav ran immediately to catch her but getting tripped by the ladder both fell on the ground with the basket being tossed in the air, the rest of the flowers falling on them. Khushi lost herself in the caramel eyes. Khushi blushed as she felt every inch of his body pressed against hers describing each and every muscle in his body. Arnav couldn't help but notice how their body's fit perfectly like she belonged in his arms.

"Haye reh sanka devi! Saare foolon ka satyanas kardiya..." buaji's voice broke their magical trance as they came crashing back to reality and Khushi tried to wriggle out of his hold blushing immensely realizing the state they were in. Arnav got up and held his hand out to Khushi, she hesitated at first but looking at the softness in his eyes she gave her hand in his and he pulled her up.

Arnav walked away and Khushi was left blushing. She felt something different in his eyes today. Usually his eyes were very secretive and authoritative. His face never gave away his feelings but today she had seen a slight smile on his face when they had fallen and concern in his eyes as he held his hand out to help her. Khushi shook away the thoughts and got back to work thinking that she was just day-dreaming.

Arnav sat on the recliner after his bath as he closed his eyes briefly before going down to help for tomorrow as it would be Payal and Akaash's engagement tomorrow. As he closed his eyes, his mind flash backed to the time when his dad had left him. He was totally broken. After his mother Arjun had always tried to fulfill the responsibilities of a dad and a mom. He was indeed the best father.  He remembered how he was sitting motionless on the pool-side, too angry, hurt and upset with life and too broken to even cry. Suddenly he had felt a soft hand clutching his tightly. He looked up and saw Khushi give him a slight nod, gesturing him that she was there with him. He was unable to control himself and had cried on her lap that day. None had exchanged any words because somehow they knew that words were not needed and that they understood each other. Arnav smiled thinking how she had understood him that day without a single word and Arnav had over heard her and Shashi's conversation after that when she had told her father to go to him and tell him that he was not alone and that Khushi and her family were his family.

That had surprised Arnav thinking how she knew that he needed someone to re-assure him that he wasn't alone, his respect for Khushi had touched the sky that day. Just as Arnav was remembering those moments he realized that he was thinking a lot more than needed about Khushi. Her smile, her frown, her pout, her laughing, her childishness but although she was so innocent the way she reacted to his presence showed how much of a woman she was. An ethereal beauty indeed.

Shashi Gupta was pacing around in his room and just as Garima entered she knew what was on his mind. "You want to talk to them now?" she asked sweetly. "How did you know?" he smiled at her. "30 years of marriage is a really long time to know every bit of you..." she replied matching his smile. "I wish our children have a marriage like ours..." he said half hugging Garima.

"So... shall we call all of them?" she asked looking up at him through smiling eyes. "Yes... call Khushi bitiya too. Even though she has given me the right to choose her groom but I will still give her a chance to make a decision after I tell her whom I have chosen for her..." he replied thoughtfully.

"I am pretty sure that she will say yes."

"How do you know?" smiled Shashi.

"Aakhir beti hai meri..."

"She is my most precious asset. I can never give her in the wrong hands. I want her future to be secured and I want my daughters to be happy always. I am making a right decision, na?" he asked emotionally.

"Ofcourse. He is the best that our Khushi can get..." she smiled reassuringly.

"Phir theek hai..." he said confidently as they both chuckled.

"But what if Arnav says no?" he asked reluctantly.

"Well...if I know Arnav well then I know he won't say no. but if he wants to say no then he can because if we force them to marry then they will have a miserable future..." she paused for a while and then smiled. "But I don't know why but whenever I look at them...I feel...I just feel that they..."

"Are made for each other?" he completed  her sentence.

Arnav was having a small nap when Hari Prakash knocked on the door and this broke Arnav's sleep. "Who sab aap ko neeche bula rahe hain..." HP told him as he nodded and got up. He freshened up and walked down to the living room only to find the whole family gathered there. No other guests were nearby just his family and hers. Suspicion rose in his eyes as he saw the serious look on their faces. His eyes fell on Khushi who was looking down fidgeting with her black sari's pallu.

"Arnav beta. Come. Sit." Shashi said calmly as Arnav came and sat beside Anjali which meant opposite Shashi and Khushi.

"Ji uncle." he asked concern evident in his voice.

"Beta we wanted to give you something."

"Ji?" now that made Arnav really confused.

"We wanted to give our daughter Khushi's hand in yours for marriage. We want you to marry her."

Khushi's eyes widened to such a size that a tomato would seem smaller than her eyes. Arnav's mouth hung open as he failed to believe what he had heard. Nani and Anjali chuckled silently at the two's reactions. Arnav gulped, was his attraction so visible towards Khushi that everyone noticed and wanted to get them married?

Before Arnav could say anything Shashi extended his hand to give Arnav an envelope which he took silently waiting to hear what it contained. "This letter was written by your father. He wanted you to read this on the day that I break our dream to you. We wanted to become relatives. Before leaving us all he had taken a promise that I will propose the marriage between you two but we both agreed not to pressurize you and you both have equal rights to deny this marriage..."

He paused for a while watching Arnav's reaction and to be honest Shashi felt like laughing, as in laughing really hard because for the first time in his life the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada was as shocked and nervous as hell. Arnav was always known for his confidence and calmness towards serious situations but today he was sitting like a small boy who has just been told that he has a surprise math's exam!

Shashi smiled as he looked down to his daughter, as he had predicted, her eyes were still large looking down and her hands clasped together tightly. He knew that Khushi would be really shocked. He could see a tinge of blush on her cheeks as the realization hit him that is daughter had indeed grown up.

He looked up at Arnav and spoke again, "... But beta before making a decision we all want you to read this letter. It was your father's wish. You can go in your room and read. Take your time. Till then we will let Khushi make a decision..." Arnav's eyes shot up on his last words.

Khushi had still not said yes? Until now his heart was beating really fast thinking that Khushi was ready to marry him but now it made sense, this was as much as a shock to her as it was for him. He looked at her and for a moment he felt sorry at the poor soul, her eyes were about to pop out! And in the next scond Arnav stood up and walked to his room to read the letter.

Arnav sat down on the recliner and closed his eye briefly, breathing deeply and tried to calm his racing heart. After a while when he was about to calm himself down he slowly opened the envelope and took out the letter. His eyes moistened as he recognized his dad's hand-writing. He started reading,

Dear Arnav,

Beta if you are reading this letter, this means that shashi has told you about our dream of getting you married. As I am writing this I am realizing that my health will not get any better now and I will not live to see you getting married. You have no idea how I am feeling right now. When you were born your mother and I always dreamed of seeing you happy. Indeed we were very successful in keeping you a happy and healthy child despite the poor times we had. Eventually when we became rich the money was not strong enough to save your mother and even now its not strong enough to save me. Beta I am telling you this only because I want you to realize that money and power is nothing. I want you to understand that life and death are unpredictable and the only important thing is Love. After your mother, I had always tried to give you the love of both and in some ways I succeeded too but I still saw the grief and loneliness in your eyes. When your mother was breathing her last breath she had made me promise that I will always keep you happy in every circumstance. I tried my best to keep my promise but beta now I am not with you and I know that you are very lonely and isolated. I know Anjali is there for you but son she is married and happy in her world and you are still on the same spot, Alone. Now if you are thinking how do I know? Let me tell you. Baap hoon main tera...

Arnav wiped his tears and smiled reading that line as he flipped to the next page...

Arnav your mother and I want you to start a family and have a wife who understands you and loves you forever. We want you to have children so that our generation continues. We want you to be a happy man who has someone to go home to. Beta this work in which you have tried to lose yourself will not always be a distraction from your loneliness. You need someone to share your grief with. If I know you right then you are probably denying that but beta don't lie to us now that we are dead. Beta she will lighten up your life like a lamp and she will hold your hand through sorrow and grief. She will make you laugh and she will make your family complete. She is the missing piece beta. She will be your mother, your father, your friend, your guide, your wife and your world. You have to break the walls around you and let her in and let her shine through the darkness you are living in. we can only trust Khushi to be the person who can be all this to you. She is just like a daughter to me and I trust her only to keep you happy. Always. Hamesha...

But beta if there if someone else in your heart already then we are very happy for you and we don't want you to make a hasty decision. And if you don't have anyone in your life and you want to give Khushi a chance in your life then our blessings are always with you. Trust me beta she is just like her name Khushi. Your Khushi, Arnav.

Love her and let her love you. Acha now beta the choice is yours. We love you Arnav and even though we are not there with you physically you will find us with you when you find love...

With lots of love,

Your Papa.

Arnav cried bitterly hugging the letter to his chest as he let all the loneliness and sadness flow freely from his life. He cried letting it out... he didn't want to keep the burden anymore...

After about half an hour Arnav washed his face and looked at himself in the mirror. For the first time in so many years he didn't see Arnav Singh Raizada but Chotey. His mom's Chotey, his dad's Chotey, his dii's Chotey, his nani's Chotey and he saw Arnav. The sweet and simple Arnav who wanted love and the Arnav who wanted to love. He gave his reflection a small smile. Not the formality type of smile but the smile which meat that he was happy. Indeed happy...

He walked down the stairs and saw everyone sitting while Khushi was serving tea to everyone along with Payal. He scanned everyone's faces and he could clearly read anticipation. He could see Khushi's hand shaking slightly and he realized she was shivering due to nervousness. Shashi looked up and smiled at Arnav.

in that moment Arnav had made a decision which he planned to stick onto...

"Beta were you able to make a decision or do you want to take more time? Even Khushi has not decided yet. Do you want marry her?"

"Yes. I do."

Khushi's breath hitched as she heard Arnav. Everyone in the room was silent not being able to believe their ears, they thought they were day dreaming. Shashi was quiet confident that he would say yes, but so early was a surprise for

"Beta are you sure?" Shashi Gupta asked him for confirmation, happiness evident on his face.

"Yes I am." He said confidently and he realized that Khushi had still not said yes and he wanted to know what she felt. "Uncle can I talk to Khushi before she makes a decision and says no?"

Shashi chuckled. "What makes you think she will say no?"

"I just want to make sure she says yes!"he smiled through  the reply.

Khushi's eyes were about to beat the size of an apple right now as she looked at Arnav in shock.

"Ofcourse beta. You can talk to her..."

Arnav walked to Khushi and gestured her to walk towards the room.

"Shall we?"

Chapter 2

Khushi was too shocked to register anything. She was feeling dizzy and suddenly things were getting black in front of her eyes. Just before Khushi could fall Arnav caught her in his arms and steadied her. Payal ran towards Khushi with a glass of water. Arnav made Khushi sit on the sofa as he knelt on one knee and made her sip the water until she was feeling better. Shashi was worried at first but now he had a fully fledged smile adorning his face as he saw the way Arnav was taking care of Khushi.

He closed his eyes for a brief second as he thought, Arjun we were right! They are made for each other, he hoped that his best friend Arjun was out there somewhere and could hear him.

Khushi looked up and saw Arnav's concerned face and she managed a small smile to let him know that she was fine now. And he understood her gesture. He leaned a bit forward and whispered in her ear, "If you want then we can talk later. You're okay now, I know but I guess you are not comfortable. We can talk when you are." The ball was in her court now and she had to decide. She felt so glad that he understood her so well and knew that she was not comfortable to talk but suddenly she was not scared anymore. She wanted t talk to him.

Arnav stood up and turned to shashi in an attempt to tell shashi that Khushi can rest now and they can talk later but was stopped by a tug on his wrist as he looked down and saw Khushi looking up at him. "We can talk."

He smiled at her and looked at shashi who nodded positively giving him permission to take her. Arnav walked ahead as Khushi followed him behind quietly. She was nervous, yes she was but she wasn't scared. She didn't know why but she trusted him too much to be scared with him when they would be alone. She was nervous because everytime he was around her, her heart would do summersaults and butterflies would do belle dance in her stomach.

Arnav wanted to make Khushi comfortable so instead of taking her to his room, he took her to her room. Khushi was too lost in her thoughts to notice that but as she entered her room she smiled realizing his sweet gesture of trying to make her comfortable. She walked in and sat down on the sofa beside her bed and he followed her and sat in front of her on the other sofa.

Arnav didn't know from where he should start so that he doesn't make her more nervous as his first aim was to make her comfortable so that she would understand his main message when he started to talk about their marriage.

"Your favorite color is purple?" he asked randomly looking around her room.

That one question put an instant smile on her face as she replied, "Yes I just love purple! When I was very little..." she said making a gesture with her fingers a gap of about 2 inches trying to show him how small she was making Arnav smile at her childishness and think who could be so small as she continued, "... then I used to buy all purple things- purple books, purple, pencils, purple rubber, purple bag, purple shoes, purple clothes... Payal jiji used to say that since I have only purple clothes everyone would think that I have only one pair of clothes and shoes and then I used to say that jiji the designs are different..." then she paused and asked, "But how do you know?"

Arnav smiled at her confusion then he stated the obvious, "Everything here is so purplish in your room so I guessed," he replied making Khushi scan her room and she knew he was right. Her bed-sheet was light purple which was contrasted with dark purple pillows, her cream colored sofa had dark purple cushions, her room had dark purple see-through curtains and many more accessories were purple and she smiled.

"You have good choice Khushi. Purple is a beautiful color." He smiled at her which made her smile wider and Arnav could see that his compliment made her face proud of her choice. Arnav couldn't help but notice how opposite she was from him. She was so lively and full of life and his dad was right she was bringing light into the darkness he lived in.

He smiled thinking that they were not even married yet and she was already affecting him.

He guessed now he could start his actual conversation with her. He cleared his throat as his mind quickly processed from where he should begin.

"Khushi... before you place your decision in front of everyone, I want you to think about it..." he looked at her and he could see a slight blush creeping up her rosy cheeks but she was listening to him intently and that gave him the courage to continue, "But before you think about it I want to give you the facts which you have to think about before making a decision. Will you let me tell you what is on my mind that I want you to know?" he asked sincerely.

"Yes." She replied looking down blushing away.

Arnav looked at her for a while as he thought how she had changed from a child moments ago to a woman who was blushing for him. For him? He really liked that thought of her blushing for him.

"So Khushi I want to make some things clear and be completely honest about how our married life would be." He paused looking at her surprised expression and spoke again, "That is if we get married."

"How will it be?" he heard her ask almost in a whisper and he knew instantly she was scared by the way he spoke and he instantly felt guilty for saying the last words.

"Khushi when I will marry you that will mean that I will be yours and you will be mine for life and in every possible way, physically and mentally... Once you say yes then there will be no turning back and I wont let you leave from my life and leave me alone ..." Khushi looked up at him shocked.

She had expected him to say something like she would just be an obligation and he wouldn't accept her but here things were completely opposite! She was bewildered he actually said that to her. I will be yours and you will be mine. Khushi couldn't help but smile at that as she wanted to hear what he wanted to say so she encouraged him to continue, "Hmm.." she said and that was enough for him to continue.

"Once we will be married don't expect me to walk around like a stranger around you, keeping distance and giving you occasional polite smiles. Trust me I can't do that." He admitted earning a confused look from Khushi.

"Then?" she asked.

"Khushi if I marry you then you will be the only woman in my life. That means that I will be giving love and all the rights only to you and expecting the same from you. Khushi you will be the one I will be returning home for, everyday!"

Khushi was so pleased hearing that as her heart was filled with the warmth. He was promising her the honesty and loyalty every relationship needs. She was ready to say yes now but when she looked at him she knew he was not done yet and he still had something to say.

He spoke again and this time his voice was low and husky, "Khushi I will buy you some really small nighties which I would want you to wear for me, only... and when I will be late and you will be asleep wearing those, I will lift the covers off you to look at you and admire you while you will be in your deep beauty sleep..." he paused as he read her expression, she was looking down and was breathing heavily. "At night I will pull you close and sleep in your warmth, I won't let you lock the bathroom door because I will be joining you whenever I have time, I will kiss you in the kitchen and I will hug you in front of the world."

Khushi looked at him as her gaze locked with his and she knew that his heartbeat was as fast as hers.

"I won't keep my hands off you Khushi because I too have dreams which I want to live with my life."

Arnav didn't want Khushi to think that he was just committing for the sake of physical relationship, he got up and walked up slowly to her and knelt down in front of her. Khushi looked at him and the sincerity in his eyes spoke volumes.

"Khushi...I ... I..." he stammered trying to make a sentence, "Whatever I just said now was just part of what our relationship will be like. In our relationship Khushi, you can scold me like a father, feed me like a mother, guide me like a friend because you will be my father, my mother, my friend and my wife."

Tears formed in her eyes listening to what he was saying, "Khushi you will have all the rights on me. I will listen to your antics, fulfill all your wants, pacify you when you are angry, I will be with you in every up and down. I will share what is in my heart and I will hold your hand all lifelong till I die bec..." and he was stopped Khushi's hand on his lips as she nodded negatively gesturing him not to talk about dying and he smiled as he kissed her palm making her blush at their first actual intended touch, "Because I will make this marriage work Khushi. For you, for me, for dad, for mom, for dii, for nani, for uncle and for aunty."

"Khushi will you marry me?"

To say Khushi was spellbound wouldn't be enough as Khushi let the tears she had been holding back, flow freely without any hesitation as she nodded positively making Arnav smile but he wanted to hear the yes from her mouth.

"Will you Khushi?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes! I will marry you..." she whispered.

Arnav closed his eyes in content and a smile found his lips as he spoke, "Think again Khushi once you say yes I will be looking at you with shameless want without any hesitation. My eyes will be for you and you only. Do you accept that?"

Khushi nodded as she blushed openly without even trying to hide it.

Just then Anjali walked in, "Oops sorry. Actually we were kinda running out of time but its okay. You guys take your time and I will just go.." she said turning when Arnav stopped her.

"No dii wait." He said standing up. "We are done."

Khushi walked up shyly to Anjali and she led her down as Arnav followed behind too eager to explore this new formed relationship.

As they walked down the stair Arnav could see Garima, Nani, Payal, Madhumati and Manorma sitting as curiousness was obvious as they all looked up with expecting eyes. Shashi on the other hand had bee pacing around the living room and as he saw the look on Arnav's face a smile was formed on his own lips because shashi knew that look too well. Arnav would only smile like that when he succeeded.

He looked down at his daughter who was not meeting anyone's eyes and the red tint on her cheeks was clearly visible. He sighed in relief as he knew the answer instantly but being a father his heart yearned to listen to her answer from her mouth. He wanted to hear her say yes. He wanted her to look up so that he could see the happiness in her eyes. He wanted to hug her and congratulate her.

"Khushi beta..." he said very calmly as Khushi looked up to shashi and his wish was answered as he could read the happiness in her eyes. "What have you decided?"

"Beta..."  Garima said to urge her to speak but Khushi's heartbeat was too fast to let her voice out of her neck. She was shivering as she was about to tell them the biggest decision of her life.

"Khushi ji... Sab aap ka jawaab janna chahte hain..." Khushi heard Anjali whisper in her ear and she was too thankful that Anjali was holding her by the shoulders or else Khushi would have melted with nervousness. She looked up and smiled at Anjali and took a deep breath.

"Khushi bitiya what have you decided?" asked Nani in a very soothing voice.

"Yes I will marry Arnavji."

And that was it! Shashi's heart leapt with joy as he practically ran to his daughter to hug her and he found some tears of happiness making its way down his cheeks. Garima joined in the hug as an excited Anjali and nani hugged each other. Madhumati and Manorma instantly ran to the kitchen to get some sweets to mark the auspicious occasion.

"Bitiya we are so happy for you..." Garima exclaimed as she kissed Khushi's forehead.

"Khusi bitiya..." nani came forward ad Khushi took her blessing and nani opened a small box she had been holding, "Bitiya these kangan belong to Arnav's mother. It has been passing down from generations. If she would have been here today then she would have given these to you from her own hands." Nani said making Khushi wear the gold kangans.

Arnav's eyes welled up as he heard nani talk about his mom. He really missed them today. He closed his eyes and sent a mental message to his parents. Ma, papa I miss you both, please bless us and always be in our hearts.

Khushi and Arnav were fed the sweets as shashi hugged Arnav and the couple took blessings from all the elders.

"Devyani ji I was thinking why not we have both the marriage together? Double celebration!" suggested shashi.

"Yeh toh bahut acha rahega. Both Arnav, Khushi and Akaash, Payal can get engaged together tomorrow." She replied as the happiness was evident in her voice.

"Humka make-upya ka double touch-apiya kareka padi for double celibresion..." Manorma said in her style while she meant celebration.

Khushi was getting ready for the welcoming ceremony. She was feeling too anxious as she thought, tomorrow at the same time we will be getting engaged! She was feeling very nervous yet wonderful especially about everything that Arnav had said. I will lift the covers off you to look at you and admire you while you will be in your deep beauty sleep. Those words were enough to erupt goose-bumps on her skin.

Khushi's heart leapt with unknown feelings as she thought how would things be after marriage. arnav had been very clear about his intentions after marriage and khushi couldn't help but blush at the thought of him lifting the blanket just to see her sleeping. She hid her face in her palms as she remembered all that he had said.

Khushi sat down in front of the mirror as she sighed.

 Arnav Singh Raizada, she thought, what have you done to me? Why have you evoked so many emotions in me that I never knew existed? Just yesterday we acted like strangers and today we are in a relationship and that too for a lifetime? It's not that I am complaining because to be very honest I have always had a crush on you and I always felt like befriending you. I always tried to stay away from you because whenever you were around I felt really self conscious and even your simple gaze would give me a dhak-dhak and today you are telling me that you are going to look at me and only me. How will I survive?

When we were little I always wished I could console for losing your mom and today you gave me the right to share all your grief. When we were little I wanted to be your friend and today you told me that I will be your only friend. When you came for a visit and were always busy in work I wanted to scold you for not spending time with your family and today you gave me the right to scold you like a mother. When your father left us I wanted to guide you through the darkness and today you gave me the right to guide you and bring light into your life. Thank you Arnav. Thank you! Khushi thought as she burst into tears but the tears were of happiness that he would give her everything she ever wanted.

She was more than happy to be his wife.

Khushi wiped off her tears as she did her make up and put on her earrings followed by her bangles. She was wearing a beige lehnga which was full length and covered her stomach but full back open and only had a dori on top and two hooks at the bottom where her U' shaped kurta ended. She tried to tie her dori a few times but failed consistently and at last sighing she got up to look for Payal or Anjali and ask them to do this for her.

Khushi walked out of her room and entered the room beside hers which belonged to Payal and found it empty and she walked to to the room beside that which belonged to Anjali and found that empty as well. She remembered that they were talking about going to the jeweler in the evening as she sighed heavily. Who would tie her dori now? Everyone was downstairs and she couldn't walk down like this!

As she stepped outside and looked to her left to walk to her room she saw right side once and breathed deeply. Khushi's room was the last one in the corner and the one right beside her room was Payal's and then Anjali's and after Anjali's room was Arnav's room. His room was two rooms away and Khushi was standing outside Anjali's room at the moment which meant if she turned right and entered the next door then she would be in Arnav's room.

It was a do or die situation. She knew he was the only one around. Khushi exhaled as she thought, Khushi you are his to be wife then why are you scared to ask him for help. Just go and request him. That's it!

Khushi took three steps and she was standing in front of his room as she lost her breath instantly at what she saw. Arnav was standing with a file in his hand signing some documents in a maroon kurta-payjama. He looked ravishing and handsome. Correction. Extremely handsome! Almost like a Greek god.

Just then Arnav closed the file and looked up. The moment he saw her Khushi's mind whispered, Uh Oh bad idea. Very very bad idea!

Arnav saw Khushi and his heart skipped a beat. Dressed in a beige lehnga with simple jewelry and her open hair flowing freely without restriction of any clip, she was looking breath-taking and gorgeous! He stood there as his eyes drank in her beauty without any shame just as he had said. He could see Khushi's hands fisted her lehnga at her sides breathing heavily.

Khushi gulped and stepped back to leave and as he saw her retreating without his permission he voiced, "Khushi.." and that was enough to stop her. "What happened? Please come in."

And as his mind started walking again, many questions paraded his mind. What happened? Is she okay? Is it about the marriage? Does she have a double mind? Oh god! He would die if she remained silent for one more second. He saw Khushi walking in with keen steps and stopping about one and a half meter away looking at the floor.

"Khushi how interesting is the floor to you?" she heard him ask and her eyes shot up to meet his caramel eyes.

"Actually woh.. woh... Arnavji... I... I..." she stammered moving her hair to the right side of her shoulder.

"Khushi I won't eat you. Pakka promise. Now please speak to me." He said in a concerned voice.

Khushi blushed and replied looking at the floor again. "Actually.. Jiji and Dii are not at home... And i.. I.. needed help..Umm.. Can you..Tie..my..my dori?" she asked as she turned around exposing her back to him. Arnav gasped audibly and Khushi closed her eyes tightly fisting her lehnga again.

she was looking so damn beautiful and she actually had the guts to ask him for help in such a situation. Didn't she know how hard it was for him to control himself looking at her bare back held by two small hooks at the bottom of the blouse!

Arnav walked slowly towards her in a trance, his heart-beating as if it could come out from his mouth any moment. For the first time in his life Arnav's hand trembled as he lifted it up in an attempt to touch her as if he was afraid she was too delicate and he would break her. He slowly placed his fingers on her back and Khushi gasped loudly.

She gulped as she felt his fingers moving away the few strands of her to her right shoulder. Arnav was too lost to in her touch as his fingers caressed her back in its own accord. The back of his fingers slowly caressed the expanse of her back. He gulped at the feeling of her soft skin  under his fingers. She was just perfect. Oh dear lord, why was he testing Arnav's patience and control?

We are not married yet! That thought made Arnav stop and tie the dori, Khushi opened her eyes half in relief and half in upsetness that he stopped.

She turned around still looking at the floor, "Thank you Arnavji..."

Arnav stepped closer and Khushi looked at him in awe. He held her hair and moved it behind her back so that her back was fully covered as she heard him mumble, "Better.." under his breath and in one moment he held her nape and kissed her forehead, he looked straight into her eyes and said, "You look beautiful Khushi. Thank you for being in my life."

Khushi was at loss of words and smiled and as she turned to leave he spoke, "Come to my room when you are ready and we can go down together..."

"Ji.." she replied and ran away blushing leaving a smiling Arnav behind her.

Chapter 4

Khushi tossed in her bed and closed her eyes, smiling. She was feeling on top of the world today. The love of her life had just told her that he loved her and she was going to marry him I like four days only! The confession was simple yet elegant in its own way and it was better than Khushi could have ever imagined. Khushi had always been a simple girl and she liked things the simple way, even though she was rich. For her more than "posh" and "lavishness" genuine things mattered and Arnav confession was just perfectly genuine and unique. He didn't use expensive gifts or high-shot words to impress her, just his feelings.

Khushi turned and hid her face in her pillow as she remembered his husky voice say I Love You'. WoW! This really was an extra-ordinary experience for her. How lucky was she? Just as Khushi closed her eyes to get some sleep, she could see images of the small smile on her face before she had closed her eyes at the sensation of his hand touching her bare waist and hen the feel of his lips descending on hers; it was a perfectly magical moment!

Arnav exhaled deeply as he stood facing the sea. The light breeze touched his face and he smiled. As in a real smile, the rare and genuine one, he was happy and content after so many years. He looked upto the sky and saw two stars twinkling brightly and some small stars shining around it, but two particular ones were outstanding and that is what made Arnav smile thinking of what Khushi had said to him after their kiss when he wanted to discuss the loneliness in his life because he lost his parents.

*FLASHBACK*

"You know Khushi, I always tried to busy myself in work because..." he paused to think.

"Hmm..." Khushi encouraged him to continue because she really wanted to him to share what was in his heart.

Arnav looked at Khushi and gave her a look which melted her heart, as if he was some child. So much innocence, Khushi had never seen. He finally spoke again, "Because I miss mom and dad. Why did they leave me like this?"

His question made Khushi look at him with teary eyes, he sounded broken. "Arnavji, a person's destiny is written even before he is born and his death is also written by god... God has sent humans to earth for a purpose and when he thinks his purpose is over then he is called back. It is every person's roles to love, care, pray, work hard and at the end of the day go back to god peacefully. But you know it is on our holy books that sometimes even god cries when people die, because he loves us so much and he does not want to see us in pain..." Khushi took Arnav's hand and placed it between hers, "God does not always have control on death because this is the rule of nature that one must come empty handed and go empty handed..."

"Really?" Arnav asked her in a low voice and tough Khushi was not looking at him she could make out that he was crying and Khushi looked up at the sky to hide her tears but as she did, she smiled and looked at Arnav.

"You know Arnavji it is my belief that when good people die... they become stars and they are always looking at us..." she told him what she believed.

Arnav looked at Khushi a bit amused but then he wiped his tears and asked her, "Does this mean that my mom and dad have become stars?"

Khushi was forced to smile at the innocence she was seeing in Arnav today; she really couldn't believe just yesterday he was the most ruthless businessman in India! He had so much pain hidden in his heart ad he always disguised the pain with his anger. She knew she had to heal his wounds and this was not an easy task because breaking the barriers of his darkness would take time but she had all the time in the world to do that. She wanted to see him happy, always.

"Yes they have and you know I can actually see them right now!" Khushi exclaimed as she pointed to two sparkling stars in the sky making Arnav look in that direction. He looked at the stars for a while and asked Khushi curiously,

"How do you know that they are my parents?"

Khushi sighed and smiled at him, "Because we have fulfilled their last wish Arnav. We are getting married and they are witnessing us being together at the moment..." she replied earnestly making him admire her innocence.

"But why are they sparkling so much?"

"Because they are blessing us to have a wonderful life..." she paused and looked at him intently, "...together always..." just as she replied the music in the house was turned on at the perfect moment!

Jeena laga hoon

Pehle se zyada

Pehle se zyada tumpe marne laga hoon

The sea shimmered with the reflection of the stars and the full moon enhanced its beauty as Arnav extended his hand silently to ask Khushi for a dance. Just as Khushi placed her hand in his the music stopped but Arnav smiled as he whispered,

"You know it's good the song stopped..." and that made Khushi look at him confusedly.

"Why?" he heard her ask and he chuckled and came closer and whispered.

"Because I had a totally different song in my mind for you. Something which I feel is said just for you..." Khushi gasped at his words and he took out his phone, choosing a song he placed it on the bench and pulled Khushi up. He looked in her eyes as the low music began and she felt his hands slip around her bare waist and pull her closer with such a force that she was barely two inches away from him. Their bodies started swaying and just before the lyrics started Arnav told her, "Khushi listen and feel the song because this is exactly what I feel for you... Each and every word is meant for you...only you!" and she looked at him shocked that he actually listened to songs and was dedicating one to her?

You May Be

Just a little bit, Deewani!

Thodi thodi si crazy

But baby you're the one

Khushi who had been looking down until now due to the proximity was forced to look up in his eyes as she caught the meaning of the song and she felt she was losing herself in the caramel eyes just like everytime and she didn't realize when a hint of blush covered her cheeks as the song continued,

Ab aur kise na chahta hoon

Aur kise na chahunga

Tu jo tare maag le

Toh who bhi todh launga!

Kehke toh dekho na karta rahunga main pyaar...

You May Be...

Arnav twirled Khushi and hugged her from behind as they swayed in unison at the music when Arnav whispered, "Khushi you said my parents are witnessing us na?"

"Hmmm..."Khushi replied her eyes still closed in trance.

"Does this mean they saw us kissing?" he asked her and Khushi gasped opening her eyes and looked at him tilting her head.

"Who hum..." She stammered.

"And they are also looking at us being so close...like this.." he said chuckling making Khushi's lips turn a perfect O' as she broke away from the hug and ran away blushing leaving a smiling and happy Arnav behind who followed her back to the house.

*END OF FLASHBACK*

Arnav had looked at the sky numerous times in his life but it had never felt so special and peaceful ever in his life. Khushi had given a new meaning to it. After so many years Arnav felt that his parents were actually with him. He had been so busy in his work thinking it will help him forget his sorrows but he had never realized that he could find happiness in little things in life instead of forgetting sorrow. He had forgotten the meaning of life as he had felt isolated and lonely, that feeling was killing him within but today he could actually find himself breathing willingly, he felt like looking forward to the future, with Khushi.

No doubt Arnav was handsome and very much in demand but he had actually never had interest in the girls who threw themselves at him finding any good opportunity because Arnav liked winning things and for the first time he had won. He won Khushi's heart! Not with money and not with power but with honesty and with trust.

Arnav touched his lips which still tickled with the feeling of Khushi's lips and he could still taste her unique lip gloss. She was a unique mixture of jalebi, ice-cream and chilies. He wondered why she loved two different context of things sweet and spicy, maybe because it matched with her nature as she indeed was a combination of both.

Finally Arnav went to bed leaving the French doors open so that his parents sing him a silent lullaby and that night Arnav slept with a content smile on his face.

The rays of sunlight shone through the dark purple see through curtains and disturbed a beauty from her sweet dreams. Khushi sat up stretching on the bed and as she opened her eyes, a small smile adorned her face as she realized it was her engagement today and from today they will be an official couple. Well atleast he was a boyfriend for one day because now from three days he will be her fianc, not that she minded.

"Khushi wake-up!" Payal barged into her room, tension evident on her face.

"What happened jiji?" Khushi asked confused as Payal came and sat beside her. Payal huffed and placed a pillow on her lap as she sat cross legged. "Khushi it's my engagement today and I am so nervous and I have so much to do..."

"Jiji!" Khushi interrupted Payal, "Remember it's our engagement! Not only yours even I am getting engaged today..." Khushi smiled trying to put some sense into Payal.

Payal slapped her head, "Areh haan Khushi. Why are you so calm? Aren't you like nervous, anxious, frustrated and stuff? That things won't be perfect if something goes wrong!"

Khushi giggled at Payal's words but then replied in a dreamy toe, "No jiji. I don't everything to be perfect  because imperfections has its own value."

"Really?"

"Yup" Khushi side hugged Payal as they both chuckled and played pillow fight, laughing away.

Khushi wore her pink ghagra and walked down to help in the arrangements, she was one of those rare girls who despite being rich loved to work. She didn't like making servants do all the work for her. People always admired this quality in her and shashi was always proud to say that he taught his daughter all the good values and Garima would pretend to get angry on him for taking all the credit alone but everyone knew it was both of them who brought up their daughters so well.

As Khushi walked down she saw that Garima was sitting with nani and Manorma making sweets. She looked around and saw Raghu kaka setting flowers and she went to help him. She didn't know why she loved flowers so much, for her it was the prettiest thing on earth. Khushi was standing with a basket of flowers in her hand as Arnav walked out of his room taking in blue tooth, he glanced at the living room from the corridor of the first floor and his eyes settled on a beautiful girl, his girl!

Khushi looked up from pole near the French window in the living room where she stood with a flower basket. She could see Arnav smirk very clearly while he stood on the second floor leaning against a pillar.




"Besharam.." she mumbled to herself as she recalled how he had come to the kitchen asking for water as Khushi was helping with the dishes and when no one was looking instead of drinking water he had kissed her right cheek and whispered, "You look like a doll in pink..."

That had made Khushi gasp and she had mistakenly splashed water on Arnav which made everyone in the kitchen eye them suspiciously.

Arnav had not said anything in defense; instead he smiled at the ladies and strode off leaving Khushi to bear all the teasing alone.

Khushi looked down blushing as all the ladies chuckled at her Besharam to be husband'. Khushi's eyes widened as she thought if he was like this before marriage then what will he do after..