Yaadein - Part 40 A

 

PREVIOUS PART 

Chapter 40 A



Arnav was impressed with Khushi’s collection of movies again. She was fond of animated movies, sci-fi and cartoons and had a huge collection of such DVDs.

“Now I see why Aarav loves animated movies” Arnav teased checking the DVDs in the drawer. “This one is Aarav’s favorite” he added.

“It’s my favorite too” Khushi grinned jumping in joy.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“No, we are not watching a cartoon movie for God’s sake” he replied. 

“That’s right. We are not watching it for God’s sake but mine and Aarav’s. Come on.. put that DVD. I will go get some popcorns”

“Khushi..”

“No arguments” she passed him a flying kiss and that was all he needed to accept her demands.


When Khushi came back with a tub of freshly microwaved caramel Popcorn, Arnav was already on the couch and the living room lights were dimmed. It was a perfect ambience to enjoy a movie. She stopped at the couch, trying to pick a place for herself.


“We are sharing the popcorn, remember?” he asked patting the seat beside him so that she could occupy it. Obviously, Khushi had no chance to deny. She flopped on the couch next to him and he played the movie.

“Wish Aarav was here” Khushi mumbled. “You take him for movies?”

“Sometimes and most of the times, I am fast asleep by the end of it”

Khushi giggled.

“How bore. Don’t repeat that here. I need a live partner to watch movie with me.. not a sleeping prince”

“Sleeping Prince?” He shot Khushi a mock glare that made her smile. He admired her for too long and she practically had to turn his head and force him to watch the TV screen and not her.


The movie began. Arnav was a silent watcher but Khushi, she giggled like a child on every funny scene, smacking his thigh and leaning against him at frequent intervals. Arnav was in another world. He never had spent such fabulous time with his wife. She even fed him popcorns in between which he loved. The next time when she fed him again, Arnav bit her finger. Khushi groaned at him and the intense expressions he gave, was enough to read his mind. The man was totally in mood of romance. Khushi shifted her stance and smiled shyly. It only honed Arnav’s desire for her. He leaned towards Khushi, aiming for her lips and though she desired the same, Khushi placed a finger over his lips to stop.


“We have maid in the house” she reminded.


Arnav took a slow, deep breath.


“Give her a week off”


This wasn’t a statement; it was a demand and his tone confirmed it. Her body softened for him as he stroked her arms, drawing her closer.

“Who will do the household chores then?”

Arnav raised her arm towards his lips and kissed her fingers, licking the essence of caramel, his face expressionless.

“I will help you” he whispered.

Damn!! She didn’t know how to react. Her husband was leaving no stone unturned to show his romantic side. They heard the footsteps of their maid reaching the living room and quickly released each other.

“Ma’am, everything is done. I shall leave now”

“Thank you”

The maid was about to go when Arnav intervened.

“Did you tell her she got a weak off from tomorrow?”

Khushi’s breath caught in her throat as she eyed at her husband. Was he serious? Arnav nodded acknowledging his wife’s query. Khushi held her smile and turned to the maid again.

“Take a week off. I will call you before we fly back”

“Sure Ma’am. Enjoy your week”

“We will” Arnav pulled his wife closer. Khushi hit his arm gently before getting down the couch and followed the maid out to lock the door. When she returned, Arnav had paused the Movie.

“What was that Arnav? She practically must have imagined why we gave her a week off” Khushi snapped with her arms crossed at front.

“She is a bright woman then.. is she married?”

Khushi rolled her eyes at his teasing answer.

“Alright.. come here.. Let’s continue the movie” He extended his arm for her to hold but she didn’t move.

“Movie? Were you even paying attention to the movie?”

“I was giving enough attention to whom I want to. I didn’t come here for TV.. I came here for you..”


Now her knees weakened, especially when he rose to his feet. Her fingers automatically clutched the Mangalsutra on her neck and she fiddled with it.. A smile crept his face as he watched her actions.

“You know when you do that?” he asked reaching her. “Whenever you are romantically nervous”

Khushi was confused. Romantically nervous? What did that even mean? But she knew he was talking about their past.. those crumbs of memories which she was yet to recall. She probably did this often then. He pulled her chin up to meet his eyes.


“Decide fast Mrs. Raizada. You want to continue the movie or go to bed?”

Khushi swallowed hard. Every word he uttered tickled every nerve in her body.

“Bed” she murmured with efforts.

“Smart choice” he whispered in her ears before pulling away from her and heading for the TV remote. He shut the screen off and walked back to Khushi who was still watching him dazed. He studied her for a minute before carrying Khushi in his arms and strode to the stairs. Being lifted and carried like that was part of her dreams these days. He walked effortlessly as if it was his daily routine to carry his wife to bed. Pushing her bedroom door open, he put her on the bed and only when she thought he would join her too, he pulled the Duvet over her and turned the lamps off.

“Good night” He pecked her forehead.

Khushi gripped his wrist to stop him from leaving. She had absolutely no intention to tell him so soon but now she did.

“Sleep with me in this room”

Arnav glanced at her like he just got the best gift of his life. Reaching over, he pushed away her hair strand from her forehead.

“Just tonight or..”

Khushi clenched her jaw. Was he testing her? She had just given him the permission to share the same room and he had such silly queries still?

“Depends.. if I get a good sleep next to you.. I might let you stay in the same room as mine, forever”

Arnav chuckled.

“Not funny, Khushi. You know this has to be permanent if we share a room hereon”

“I know..” she purred.

He gave her a quick smile and locking the door, returned to his side of the bed. She gave him enough space to get comfortable and once he was, she rolled on to his side to cuddle him. Arnav played with her hair, while she drew circles over his arm where she had rested her head. They were quiet for a long time until he broke the silence.


“We have wasted 7 long years.. to get to this step..” he murmured apologetically. “All my fault”

Khushi placed her palm over his lips to shut him up and met his gaze.

“We have had this conversation million times now. It doesn’t deserve our attention anymore”

Arnav wasn’t convinced. The bitterness of their separation will always haunt him whenever he will recall those times. Khushi palmed his cheek.

“Promise me we will never talk about the past again” she demanded.

Arnav was numb but when her lips lingered over his cheeks, replacing her palm, he felt alive again. Memories of their consummation night filled his mind and the urge to make love to his wife the same way, overpowered every other pain. She cuddled into him, taking a moment to devour his divine warmth.


“I missed this..” she murmured. “This connection with someone..”

“Someone?” Arnav’s voice had a streak of jealousy.

“I didn’t know I was married Arnav… Obviously I wanted this.. the warmth of my partner.. his touch.. his comfort.. I craved for all of this”

“You think I didn’t?” he asked. “Do you realize how hard it was for me, to sleep on that same bed every night where we..” he paused to swallow.


Khushi didn’t speak a word. There was again a long silence after which she pulled him into a tight embrace. She stroked his back, the unsettled feeling in his body slowly going away until they finally dozed off, in each other’s arms.

NEXT PART 

Note: Short Part Guys. Will Post Part 40 B today soon. It will be short like this one. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Khushi, a software Engineer is waiting at a Cafe Shop to meet the man her parents have selected through a matrimonial site. When Arnav, a banker, introduces himself as the same candidate she is here to meet, conversation begins and sparks fly over two cups of Cappuccino. Are they really meant to be for each other or is there a twist in the tale? 

A romantic tale which will make you fall in love with blind dates all over again.

Read on Amazon Kindle 

Buy PDF by Card /Net Banking / eWallet (Indian Readers) 

Buy PDF by Card (Indian / International Readers) 

Buy PDF by Paypal (Indian/International)