He Loves Me Not - Part 59

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Chapter 59



AK Villa



Revati circled the Puja thali before the newly wed couple at the door. Apart from the Raizadas, Mathurs and Khushi’s friend Payal, there were no one else in the Villa. All the other guests had dispersed back to their respective homes or hotels where the Raizadas had made their reservations. Arnav admired his mother Revati do all the rituals with so much affection, a rare scene for both him and Ayush Singh Raizada so far. This marriage has brought the cultural traits back in Revati which had subsided all these years whilst she flaunted her luxury and class to the society. She was a different woman back then and now just a wife and mother whose happiness nested in her family.

“Now step inside putting your right leg forward, both of you” she stated.

Arnav and Khushi stepped in the house as told.

“And now comes the easiest part” Aman came forward. “Dinner”

“Hmm” Ayush nodded. “Today’s Dinner is specially arranged by your bestie Aman Mathur”

“Not just arranged Uncle” Aman interrupted. “I had to literally call up and plead the chefs to make each and every favorite dish of Arnav and Khushi. It’s their day after all”

“He called 3 special chefs from India to cook for tonight” Raj added.

Arnav had no words of appreciation for his friend’s efforts neither Aman needed those. Their smiles to each other were enough to convey their heartfelt feelings.

“So, without wasting time, lets honor the food. This way” Aman gestured.

Payal adored Aman’s work.

“Such an awesome way to delight you both” Payal murmured to Khushi.

“Hmm” Khushi nodded. “Hard to find such good guys these days”

Payal controlled her blush as she met Khushi’s gaze.

“Was that some kind of a hint to me?” she asked.

“Absolutely” Khushi replied. “I think he likes you”

Payal rolled her eyes.

“As if I am the only girl he has ever met. Look at him.. he is so opposite to my kind of lifestyle”

“Opposites attract” Khushi teased.

“Girls” Arnav intervened. “Shall we”

“Uhh.. I will go assist Aman and Aunty” Payal hurried leaving the couple alone in the living room. The moment she was gone, Arnav pulled Khushi towards him and adjusted her in his strong arms.

“What are we doing?” Khushi queried scanning the room to check they were been noticed like this.

“Welcome home Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada”

Home!! Indeed. This was her new home. A place where she will never have to stay without her husband. A place where they will share their joys, sorrows and loads of cute moments together.

“This still feels like a dream to me” she whispered playing with the button of his Sherwani, shyly.

“Your dream just got fulfilled baby. I am no more that boy whom you craved to be with. You can see me any time, touch me when you desire, talk to me whenever you like, feed me what you cook and most importantly” he leaned to her ear. “kiss me without the fear of crossing lines”

She giggled burrowing her head into his warm body.

Aman cleared his throat breaking their cozy moment.

“Guys. Have some patience” he teased.

Khushi immediately pulled away.

“Food is getting cold”

“We are coming” Arnav replied.

“Thank you” he winked at Arnav. “Please make it soon” he said and left.

*******************

After the dinner, which was remarkably good, Revati reminded Ayush of their gift to the couple which was yet to be given. He immediately headed to his room and came out with a file in no time.

“This is from me and your mother, your wedding gift” Ayush extended it towards the couple.

“No formalities Dad” Arnav answered. “You both have given me everything, why another gift?”

“Because you gave us such a good daughter-in-law” Revati retorted.

A tiny smile left his mouth. The file had some property papers which shocked Arnav.

“Dad… I told you I don’t want any share in this”

Ayush and Revati had mutually decided to share the Raizada property with both Arnav and Khushi equally.

“Son” Ayush patted his arm. “You take it or not, we have no one else to share this with. It is our right to give you everything that we own so far”

“Unless” Revati came forward. “You still don’t take us as your real parents”

“Mom” Arnav shrugged. “Don’t try to bind me emotionally”

“It’s your right Arnav. And we both want you both to have this. Please don’t deny us this time”

“Dad.. but” Arnav wanted to argue but the look on his parent’s faces didn’t let him do so. He would do nothing to hurt them. He took the file and hugged them both.

“Oh God, you both are still here?” Aman and Payal reached there. They both had been to check once Arnav’s bedroom if all was set. “It’s midnight…”

“It’s just midnight Aman” Ayush teased. “And today is such an auspicious day for all of us. How can we leave Arnav without sharing a drink with us? What do you say? The Champagne is waiting to be popped”

“The Champagne” Aman screamed. “I almost forgot”

Revati understood the men were teasing the couple. They had no intentions to delay the couple’s privacy anymore.

“Stop bothering my son and daughter-in-law. No Champagne tonight. Show some mercy on them” Revati shouted. “Payal.. Go take Khushi to her room”

“Yes Aunty”

Payal happily escorted the bride to the stairs.

“Thanks Mom” Arnav grinned and gave her a comforting hug. “I owe you for this”

“I will make my shopping list ready then” she teased patting his cheek. “Go say good night to your dad or else he will think I snatched you from him”

“I heard that” Ayush shouted from behind.

Revati giggled at her husband’s jealousy whereas Arnav strode his father.

“I need a bigger hug” Ayush demanded like a child.

Arnav obeyed his demand and hugged him tighter and for a long time.

“Good night Dad”

“Good night Son”

“No hugs to me?” Aman faked a pout.

“How about a kick on your back?” Arnav asked. “For teasing me day and night past few weeks?”

“I don’t mind if you kick me but…” Aman came closer. “Save your energy for tonight. That’s more important”

Aman ran away before Arnav could catch hold of him.

“Damn you, Aman!!” Arnav yelled holding his smile.

“What did he say?” Ayush asked.

Arnav was speechless. Obviously, he couldn’t repeat all that and share with his parents.

“Uncle..” Aman said from far. “I will tell you later. It’s a Boy thing”

“You are gone” Arnav ran behind Aman who headed straight to Arnav’s bedroom where Khushi and Payal were already there.

“Khushi save me.. save me” Aman tried to hide behind her.

“What.. what happened?” Khushi asked Arnav who came inside speedily.

“Your husband has gone insane tonight. Beware”

“Seriously? I am insane.” Arnav tried to get to him but Aman pushed Khushi into her husband’s arms to shift his attention.

“Oucchh..” Khushi landed in Arnav’s arms and he held her firm almost immediately.

“Finally” Aman mocked. “I am saved”

“For tonight” Arnav replied. “Who will save you tomorrow morning?”

“I will be gone till then” Aman winked in victory.

“Gone?” Arnav scolded. “Tomorrow?”

“Yup. I told you Sheetal needs us. Me and Dad are flying back tomorrow to India. Its been long I have focused on my Business too.”

Khushi was surprised but Arnav had some clue. He wouldn’t stop his friend from taking up his responsibilities.

“Now without wasting much of your time, me and Payal will leave you guys on your own which I am sure you both wont mind”

Payal was enjoying Aman’s talks, actions and everything else he did to make the moments beautiful and unforgettable for Arnav and Khushi. But she hadn’t thought Aman would leave so soon.

“Good night” Aman and Payal both left the room. Aman again stopped by the door. “And… we wont mind if you guys don’t lock the door” he added.

“Get out” Arnav strode to the door and shut it on their faces. Khushi giggled holding her stomach.

“He is too much” she muttered in between her laugh. “How did you handle him all these years?”

Arnav turned around and the moment their eyes locked, Khushi laughter eased. With a predatory stride when he reached her, Khushi’s heart raced anticipating his next movements. His stride was purposeful but leisurely. His breathing was heavy yet steady. Before he could dive into the moment, she held out her palms to stop him right there.

“Arnav… I have something to share” she mumbled in a serious tone.

Arnav gripped her wrist and started removing her bangles.

“I am listening”

He truly lied.

“You remember your 22nd birthday” she asked.

He paused for a moment to meet her eyes.

“That’s where it all started, didn’t it?” he pulled her closer. “You … me and our desperation for each other”

Khushi swallowed hard. When he inclined to kiss her, she stopped him again.

“Let me complete what I have to say” she pleaded.

It took a lot of control for him to obey her request.

“Okay” he breathed heavy. “What about that night?”

“You know how much I wanted us to be together.. like forever.” She continued. “So when dad was against us.. I mean when things were not in our favor, I had prayed to ease things down in our life. I … I made a Mannat (Vow)”

Arnav was curious to know.

“Mannat?” he queried.

“Yes” she gently nodded. “That … even after we marry, we will not consummate our marriage until your next birthday”

Arnav’s eyes widened in shock and horror. For few seconds he didn’t even realize what to say. He didn’t know if he should praise her for being so much in love with him or shout her for such a silly vow.

“Are you freaking serious? You made a vow like this?” he snapped.

Khushi bit her lip. She had expected him to react the same way.

“I know it sounds childish.. but.. Arnav, I am sorry. That just came in my mind and in order to win you forever I made this vow.. For us”

Arnav’s fisted fingers eased. He didn’t want to shout at her or be angry. But there were still months for his birthday and after coming so close, how could he expect to keep distance? But he had to respect her vow. He will never let her promises turn false. He had to find a way to keep his desires to himself until…

Khushi burst out into laughter.

“Gosh!! Look at your face. Aman was right… He told me you will fall for this silly prank” she held her stomach to control the ache formed by her continuous laugh.

Arnav’s smile was back. Prank? This was all a prank?

“Aman?” he groaned. “You both tricked me?”

Khushi nodded and laughed again.

“I swear he deserves a kick from me tomorrow..” he muttered. “And you” he looked at her dangerously. “You are gone”

She tried to slip away from his hold but failed. He was too fast to let her go. Her laughs turned into gasps in no time as he lifted his wife and tossed her on the bed. So far they had just dreamed of being together some day and nothing seemed possible in their favor. But now having taken the vows everything looked achievable. The sky might be the limit but his world started and would end with this woman who was now his legally wedded wife.

To be Continued

LAST PART

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Imposed Knot

Kajal never imagined in her dreams that her cousin’s fiancee, the shrewd Arjun Raheja would marry her on a gunpoint and her life would take a 360-degree turn. Will she ever find the reasons behind it? His known motive turns out to be the most bitter event of her life. And only when she decides to part ways from their already broken ties, the heartbreaking truth of his unconditional love for a 5-year old baby surfaces. Who is this baby? What connection does she have with Arjun? Will Kajal ever find out the other side of the man she hates? Where will this Imposed Knot lead them to?

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