The Wait - Chapter 18

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CHAPTER 18



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



“For you,” he says. “I still remember your love for roses. That’s why I went out and got this one for you today. I hope this changes your mood.”

I'm taken aback by his gesture, feeling a mix of shock and unease. It's not right for Dhruv to be giving me a rose now.

Suddenly I feel him. Arnav slides an arm my waist, standing next to me. Both Dhruv and I are stunned by Arnav's sudden presence. I turn sideways to look at him whereas Arnav is too busy giving glares to Dhruv who has still held out that rose for me. Gosh! This is bad!

“Take it,” Arnav mutters stunning me all the more. He moves his gaze from Dhruv towards me and then smirks. “Take the rose, Khushi. Dhruv has specially got it for you.”

Is he joking? Or am I missing the sarcasm here. I look away unable to comprehend but not without glancing at Dhruv once who is grinning, as if he liked to see Arnav witnessing this scene.

“Dhruv wasn’t there when we married,” Arnav continues, bringing my attention on him again. “He couldn’t gift us then. Consider this rose as his gift for our marriage. C’mon, take it.”

My jaw drops. So, there really was a sarcasm in his words. Dhruv immediately pulls away his hand and crumples the rose in his fist.

“Stop your baseless theories behind me gifting this rose to Khushi,” Dhruv argues. “You don’t have to decide why I am giving her anything.”

“Why not?” Arnav pulls his hand away from my waist and then steps ahead to stand between me and Dhruv, glaring at the latter. “Biwi hai meri. It f*cking matters to me who gifts her what. Especially when she is not comfortable to receive it. Next time think twice before making situations awkward for her, Dhruv. I wouldn’t tolerate it.”

My heart sulks seeing the distance and complexity between these two brothers because of me. I don’t know how long will it take for things to get back to normal and what will be outcome of this in future? I’ve always heard Arnav and Dhruv being close from their childhood. Of course their likes and ways of seeing life was different but they doted on each other. I don’t want to be the cause of bitterness between the two forever.

I turn around and make my way to the bedroom, not wanting to witness their argument further.

ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

I realize Khushi has left to the room but my warning to Dhruv is still incomplete. So the moment she leaves, I take this opportunity to say it.

“If you think by gifting Khushi what she likes, or doing things that she loved seeing you do for her once, will draw her back to you, you are highly mistaken, Dhruv. Khushi is married to me, and I know she will never break those vows.”

“She married you because she’d no choice. It wasn’t a marriage out of love,” he grins. “You might love her Arnav but Khushi’s first love is me. And first love is hard to forget. Especially when that person is right before your eyes 24/7. So, instead of giving me lessons on what I should do or not do, you better keep a close watch on what is going to happen in the near future.”

He chuckles and throwing the crumpled rose on the floor, he walks away. This is getting out of my hand. Dhruv seems to be on a mission to win Khushi. Least does he realize that this is not a game nor Khushi the prize which one can win and take. She is my wife and I would do anything to ensure I win her trust and love before Dhruv uses his ways to manipulate her.

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

Upon entering the bedroom, I find Khushi engrossed in a phone call with Di. They are discussing the family's plans to host a surprise party for Dhruv, and Di, not being present during the discussion, has called Khushi to gather all the details. It's evident that Khushi is finding it challenging to wholeheartedly participate in the party planning for Dhruv, considering their complicated history. Nonetheless, she selflessly puts her past aside and eagerly coordinates with everyone to ensure the success of the celebration.

After ending the call with Di, Khushi gets busy with the family downstairs, and we eventually gather for a family dinner. Deep down, I yearn to spend time with her, but she seems occupied and doesn't have a moment to spare for me. It's frustrating.

When I finally decide to retire for the night, Akash and Uncle approach me with some business matters, demanding a lengthy two-hour discussion in the study room downstairs. By the time I finish, Khushi has long retired to our bedroom.

As I enter the room, only the gentle glow of the dim bed lamp illuminates the space, and the bed is unoccupied. My gaze shifts towards the poolside, where I spot Khushi sitting on a recliner, engrossed in a book. Reading and writing in her secret diary have always been her preferred means of relaxation. Respecting her need for solitude, I refrain from disturbing her "me" time and silently observe. As long as she is around me, I don’t mind. Restlessly tossing and turning in bed as the night progresses, I wait for Khushi to return. However, as she remains unresponsive for an extended period, I decide to check on her. I slide open the French doors and make my way to the poolside, only to discover that Khushi has fallen fast asleep. The book she was reading rests gently on her chest, and her soft snores fill the peaceful night air.

As I gaze upon Khushi, peacefully asleep on the recliner by the poolside, my heart fills with affectionate adoration. With a gentle touch, I carefully slide the book away, not wanting it to disturb her rest. Her serene expression captures my attention, and I can't help but smile at the sight of her in the moonlight.

In that moment, a surge of love overcomes me, and I feel a strong desire to hold her in my arms. With utmost care, I bend down and lift her delicate frame, cradling her like a bride. Her loose cotton night dress, a simple button-down shirt and loose-fitting pants, accentuates her natural beauty. I carry her back to the room, her weight against me feels reassuring and intimate. I cherish the feeling of having her in my arms, knowing that I am her protector and the one she can rely on. With each step, I navigate through the dimly lit room, ensuring not to disturb her peaceful slumber.

Upon reaching the bed, I gently lay her down, tenderly arranging her in a comfortable position. However, just as I finish placing her, she stirs and her eyes flutter open. Startled and disoriented, she jerks back, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise, fluster, and fear.

“Arnav?! What... What are you doing? How did I get to bed?”

“Shh, Khushi. You fell asleep outside, and I didn't want you to wake up uncomfortable or in pain. I carried you here so you could have a peaceful night's sleep.”

“But... you didn't have to do that. I could have just come inside myself. Why did you go through all this trouble?” she asked a bit confused.

“Because seeing you sleep peacefully is all that matters to me. I wanted to ensure your comfort and well-being, even if it meant carrying you to bed.”

Her expressions soften.

“Arnav, you didn't have to go to such lengths for me. Next time, just wake me up if I fall asleep outside, alright?”

Now that’s not something I like to hear.

“Why? Can’t I carry my wife to bed?” I mutter, completely disappointed.

I gaze into her eyes, hoping to convey my genuine intentions and the depth of my love.

“You can, but…” she swallows rubbing her head. “You know we don’t have that simple relationship, do we?”

I roll my eyes, sitting on the bed, next to her.

“Khushi, I know your trust on me has wavered ever since Dhruv is back. And whatever antics Dhruv is playing around you is bothering you all the more. But don’t let it affect us. Can we have a fresh start? Where we accept each other’s past and don’t let it affect our present and future? Because we need to start somewhere. Being married to each other, staying under one roof as a couple, and sharing the same room, we cannot just pretend to be strangers for long. We need to begin somewhere.”

She looks at me in confusion. I want to touch her, pull her to me and tell her that she is all I want and this distance between us, the coldness in our relationship is all taking a toll on me. But I don’t want to scare her off so I continue to share my thoughts without touching Khushi.

“We need to define how we are going to progress from here as a couple,” I continue. “And no, I am not talking about intimacy but just the basic behaviour. Look at us, Khushi. Who would say we got married Five days ago? Even in arrange marriages, the couples are willing to share, but look at us. It’s like we are just co-existing.”

As Khushi absorbs my words, her features soften, and a sense of relief washes over her. It's a small victory, but it means the world to me.

"What?" I ask, eager for her response. "Say something."

"I like the way you explain this stuff," she whispers, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

I'm flabbergasted. At least she likes something about me. "That's it?" I mock. "Just the way I explain? Nothing more?"

Khushi bites her lower lip and shakes her head. "Nothing more yet. Maybe in the coming days, I'll learn a few more things about you, and then I can give you my honest opinion on it. Just keep doing good things till then. They never go unnoticed."

Damn! I know she's teasing me, and this is a first. Her playful response brings a surge of warmth to my heart.

"Come out with me for dinner tomorrow," I propose, feeling a surge of excitement.

She's clearly amused.

“The best way to know more about me is by spending time with me… Alone. I don’t think we can get much ‘we’ time here because everyone just keeps surrounding you all the time. You are the famous new bride. And everyone gets your time except the man who married you. That’s unfair.”

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

I nod, a hint of nervousness mingling with my enthusiasm. "Yes, only if you're interested and want it too."

Khushi considers it for a moment. "I have some shopping to do with the family for the party tomorrow, which I'll wind up soon. After that, you can take me out for the dinner date."

Relief washes over me, and a smile spreads across my face. "Deal. I'll be eagerly waiting."

With that, Khushi lies on the bed, and I take my side. Despite the strong urge to pull her close and hold her in my arms, I respect her need for space. We still have a long way to go in building our relationship, and I want to give her the freedom to adjust at her own pace.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my mind filled with thoughts of the future. The prospect of our dinner date fills me with anticipation and hope. I want to make every moment count, to show Khushi that my feelings for her rooted deep in my soul. Gradually, sleep finds its way to me, and I drift off, knowing that tomorrow holds the promise of a new beginning for us as a couple.


KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

I think spending time with Arnav and getting to know him will be a much needed distraction for me after Dhruv’s sudden entry. That’s why I agreed to his dinner date request last night.

“Khushi, what are you doing here?” Nani asks me entering the kitchen. I woke up early today, before Arnav so that he doesn’t parade before me again, in a towel after his shower. It’s too much at once to cope up with. So, I showered before he woke up and came down into the kitchen. Once again, the breakfast was Dhruv’s favorite and though it really didn’t bother me, the wife’s instinct took over. I remembered Arnav liked to have Pancakes for breakfast and yesterday Dhruv and him had a debate about it. I didn’t want my husband to start his day on that same note again.

“Making pancakes for Arnav,” I tell Nani who looks impressed.

“Arnav is such a lucky man,” she says blessing me.

“Not for long,” Dhruv enters the kitchen and his words infuriate me. He hugs Nani from behind and gives me a good glance. The way he sees me now and the way he saw me before is so different.

“What do you mean, not for long?” Nani asks, a bit disappointed with that too.

“I mean once my wife comes, and she does all this for me which Khushi is doing for Arnav, I’ll be more lucky than him.”

The way he says his convinces Nani not me. I can retort, but I don’t do it. There is already enough tension between Dhruv-Arnav and I don’t want to escalate it further.

“There you are,” Arnav’s voice breaks my chain of thoughts. He enters the kitchen out of nowhere in a white buttoned-down shirt and a grey pant, half dressed for his office, and holding a tie in his hand. “Good morning, Nani. Hello, Dhruv.”

He greets them both and without any delay, Arnav stands before me.

“I was looking for you to help me tie this.” He says extending the tie. I am startled at his request.

“Why will she tie it?” Dhruv inquires, seething in anger. “You know how to tie a tie, Arnav.”

“Dhruv, c’mon,” Nani intervenes. “Understand, they are a newly married couple. Let them do whatever they want. And you come out with me. Now.”

“But.. Nani.. I..”

Dhruv tries to argue but Nani drags him out, leaving Arnav and me in the kitchen.

“Tie..” he requests in his morning husky voice, which has always drawn my attention on him.

“Well..” I hold my smile. “I don’t know how to knot a tie.”

“Excuse me?” he is surprised.

“That’s the truth. I’ve seen Mom doing it for Dad but I never learnt nor I had the need to learn…”

Arnav exhales shaking his head in disappointment.

“Why did you want me to do it? You can do it by yourself, can’t you?”

Arnav nods, biting his lip in a bit of annoyance.

“Of course.” He sighs and turns around making his way out of the kitchen.

ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

I damn knew how to knot a tie but I wanted my wife to do it for me. At least once. The little desires of this old school husband that I am, will never fade. Today when I saw Khushi, Nani and Dhruv in the kitchen, my wife making those pancakes for me and Dhruv again using his ways to poke her, annoyed me. So even though I was already wearing the tie, I unknotted it and entered the kitchen to rescue Khushi and also show Dhruv that whatever he does, he cannot interrupt our married life. But Khushi has no idea how to knot a tie. Damn! Never thought I would be so disappointed of a simple task like this.

I enter the bedroom again and stand before the mirror, sliding the tie around my neck when I see her behind me. I couldn't help but smile as Khushi stepped into the bedroom behind me. I had intended to knot the tie myself, but her unexpected presence intrigued me. Why had she followed me? Before I could voice my curiosity, she closed the distance between us and gently took hold of the tie, which had slipped from my fingers. Our eyes remained locked as she skillfully began knotting it, and a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. Was I imagining this? Just moments ago, she had confessed her lack of knowledge in tying a tie, and now she was effortlessly doing it. How did this sudden change come about?

"You lied?" I murmured softly, my voice filled with both surprise and amusement, as she finished tying the knot.

Khushi's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, and a playful smile danced upon her lips. "Well, I might have exaggerated a bit," she confessed, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. "But seeing you so determined to have me knot your tie, I couldn't resist giving it a try."

I chuckled, a mixture of relief and delight coursing through me. "You never cease to surprise me, Khushi. And I must admit, you did a wonderful job."

She stepped closer, her hand lingering on the knot she had just tied. "I'm learning new things every day, Arnav.”

My heart brimmed with love for this incredible woman.

"And you're succeeding, Khushi. More than you can imagine."

In that moment, as we stood before the mirror, I realized that our journey as a married couple will be filled with countless discoveries and cherished moments. From the simplest tasks to the deepest emotions, we were navigating this path together, hand in hand. And I couldn't wait to unravel more of life's surprises with Khushi by my side.

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

KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

I stood there at the shopping center with Nani, Manorama Maami, and Anjali, trying to contain my growing anticipation. Arnav had promised to pick me up for a dinner date, and I couldn't help but steal glances at the time, hoping to catch a glimpse of him any moment now. All the shopping was done. Dhruv was at home with Akash. It was Akash’s responsibility to keep Dhruv busy so that he doesn’t get any idea that we ladies are shopping for his welcome party. The excitement of dinner date was building within me, though I also had my reservations. The kind of husband Arnav was, I knew he could make this date a romantic evening just for the two of us.

And then, there he was. Arnav walked towards us, his presence commanding attention in his grey suit. He looked no less than a model of a GQ magazine, that smart, that hot. And I must admit no man for me looked that elegant and handsome in custom made suits, like Arnav Singh Raizada. My heart skipped a beat as I saw him approaching, a smile forming on my lips.

Arnav greeted his family warmly, exchanging pleasantries with Nani, Manorama Maami, and Anjali. I could feel their playful gazes upon us, as they realized our plans for the evening. Nani and Manorama Maami couldn't resist teasing us, nudging each other and sharing knowing smiles.

“Khushi, ready for our dinner date?” Anjali asks. “I so wish Shyam had planned something like that for me.”

“That’s why Arrange marriages are better,” Nani teases. “Everything starts after the marriage, unlike in love marriages where the love phases ends in no time.”

“That’s not true,” Manorama Maami argues. “My marriage with your son is love marriage. And our love has still blooming.”

Everyone laughs.

“Ah, the young lovebirds are going on a romantic date! Let them enjoy it,” Anjali hugs Arnav and then pats my cheek.

“Don't keep us waiting too long. Make sure to have a good time!” Maami playfully wishes, her words laced with affection and mischief.

We were about to embark on our special evening, when Manorama Maami’s phone rang. It was Akash, on the other end. Maami puts the phone on speaker as she receives it.

“Mom, Dhruv has had a panic attack! Please come home immediately.”

“What? Panic attack? How.. how is he?” Maami asks when Arnav snatches the phone and speaks himself.

“Akash, what happened? How is Dhruv?”

“He is not fine. Dad has called the doctor. Just come back soon. Please.”

“We are coming.”

Panic engulfed everyone, and for now our dinner date plans suddenly faded away. We hurriedly left the shopping center, our minds preoccupied with Dhruv's well-being. As much as I longed for that dinner date, my concern for Dhruv overshadowed everything else. I hope he was fine. Never knew he got panic attacks too. Or was it after the accident in Greece? Whatever it was, we had to address it.


To be Continued.

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