The Wait - Chapter 23

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CHAPTER 23



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


Kissing my husband under the shower passionately, was in my checklist but never did I realize when it would really happen, it would be so consuming. Arnav’s body presses my back to the cool walls of the shower cubicle, as he kisses me rough and deep. With his hands squeezing every inch of my curves, my mind spins, and my inner thoughts scream crazily, wanting him to continue this. I kiss him back hungrily, my fingers tugging into his wet hair all the time, drawing his mouth closer. When my hands slide from his head towards his neck, and towards the strong muscles of his arms, Arnav slows down the kiss. Though my eyes are closed, I still feel him smiling against my lips. It’s only when he stops kissing me, I open my eyes and look at him. With the water cascading down our bodies, Arnav rakes his fingers in his hair giving me a soft grin.

“You kiss like an angel,” he whispers.

Do I? I look sideways not wanting to comment on it. Arnav pulls my chin forcing me to look at him again.

“I’m booking next week’s flights to Scotland,” Arnav adds. “I can’t keep my hands off you, Khushi.”

I know. So do I.!! But I don’t tell him that nor he needs my confirmation because he’s felt it all when we kissed.

“I think we might have a great honeymoon,” he teases, inching towards my lips to kiss me again.

That’s when I stop him. I place my palms over his chest.

“We’ll see about that but right now you need to go out. I’ve to shower.”

Arnav nods.

“Who’s stopping you. Go ahead,” he teases some more, folding his hands across his chest.

Really?

“Should I adjust the water temperature?” he grins, trying to turn the knob when I hit his wrist gently.

“Shut up and leave.”

“How can I leave? I’m dripping wet, Khushi,” he argues playfully.

I agree his clothes are completely drenched as mine but one of us have to go out so the other can shower.

“Alright, stop fretting,” he remarks probably reading my confusion. “Let me at least wash myself and wear the bathrobe to slip out.”

I nod in acceptance. Arnav stands below the shower, and takes off the T shirt clinging to his body before throwing it in the laundry bag. I catch my breath, careful not to reveal through my expressions the admiration I hold for his finely sculpted physique. He washes off his upper body, and hair, while all I do is watch him in fascination. Seeing a man shower, with his pants on, and looking so delectable and sexy is a treat for a woman’s eyes. A known grin forms on Arnav’s face as if he knows the effect, he is having on me. She shakes his head, making the water splash on me, making me giggle.

“You really want me to go out?” he seductively asks, trapping me in between his arms and the wall behind.

“Yes…” I try to hide my grin but it just erupts on my lips.

Arnav gives me a smug expression before kissing my forehead and turning around and leaving the shower cubicle. He pats dry his upper body and then wears the bathrobe. I turn around knowing he will have to change his pants too. A few seconds later I hear the door click which means he has left me to shower alone. Heading quickly to lock the door from inside, I then stare at myself in the bathroom mirror. I smile at myself, feeling butterflies in my stomach. Things are heating up between me and Arnav and I’m loving this phase with him.



ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

I am at office, working, alright… trying to work because my mind is flooded with Khushi’s thoughts. Today morning our almost shower-together moment is not letting me focus at all. Our kiss, her soft body against my hard one, her gentle moans, her fingers in my hair and the way she was ready to explore more is all too hot for me to handle. The knock at the cabin door brings my attention again. Dhruv enters inside. I’m little surprised finding him here.

“I thought you are not coming to work today,” I tell him as he makes his way inside.

“Trust me I didn’t want to,” he smirks. “But I’ve committed to the family that I’ll be taking my role in business seriously. How could I overlook that?”

He takes a seat before me and then scans the cabin.

“This is the best cabin in the whole building and of course, it had to belong to you,” he mocks. “After all everything that’s best you think you deserve it more than others.”

Now he has my full attention. I lean back on my chair.

“I’ve worked my way up to deserve the best,” I retort. “But if you like this cabin more than yours, I’ll be happy to shift.”

Dhruv’s expressions soften and then a grin pops on his face.

“Can’t believe you are easily giving up this place to me. Thank you, Bro. I hope just like this cabin, you are ready to oblige and give me everything that I deserve more than you.”

I clench my jaw as he leans over the table to continue.

“You know whom I am talking about.” Dhruv grins.

“And I hope you know what happens when someone speaks ill about my wife.” I retort.

Dhruv laughs heartily.

“Oh man, pissing you off is so entertaining,” he laughs harder.

“Shut up, Dhruv, this is not funny anymore. Just move on in your life because everyone around you have.”

Before he can respond, the door knocks again and it’s Aman who enters. He smiles at us and then reaches my desk, handing me the envelope.

“Your tickets ASR. I’ve booked your flight for Scotland,” Aman says.

I take the envelope from him and thank him. The moment he leaves the cabin, Dhruv glares at me.

“You take her anywhere in the world, Arnav but all this is momentary.”

“What is momentary?” I shout back, rising on my feet. He really needs to hear it from me. “Stop fooling yourself and accept the reality, Dhruv. Khushi is my wife now. You like it or not, we are coming close.. a lot close than you can think of. Nothing you do or say now is going to make a difference. I wasn’t the one who came between you two. My feelings for Khushi were much prior to you dating her. And I was ready to shut my feelings to myself forever. Had you not broken up with her, things would have been different and definitely in your favor. But now, its too late. If you had so much problem with seeing me and Khushi together, then you shouldn’t have left to Greece ever. Why didn’t you fight for her?”

“Yes I didn’t fight for her then,” he growls standing up from his seat. “But now I am not going to stand back and let you have her. She is mine.”

“She was,” I interrupt, sternly. “Now she is Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada and in all terms she is mine and will be mine for eternity. I’ve ignored it too many times whenever you have claimed her as yours, but one more time you call her yours and see what happens.”

Dhruv’s jaw ticks in annoyance.

“Lets see how long you live in this false façade that by marrying Khushi you have claimed your rights on her. Mark my words, Arnav, she’ll come back to me. And you wouldn’t be able to stop her. Just mark my words.”

I clench my fingers into a tight fist, resisting the urge to deliver a blow to Dhruv. Though he's surely testing my patience. As Dhruv exits my office, I remain engulfed in simmering anger. My phone suddenly rings, the intrusive sound grating on my already frayed nerves. Without bothering to check the caller ID, I snatch it up in a burst of frustration.

"Hello," I answer, the word laced with the remnants of my irritation.

"Hey..." comes the response from the other end, her tone a blend of astonishment and worry.

Damn it! It's Khushi on the line.

"Kh...Khushi," I mutter, taken aback by her call.

"Is this a bad time to talk?" she inquires, her question dripping with uncertainty.

"It's never a bad time for you to call me," I counter, striding toward the towering expanse of glass windows and gazing out, my voice carrying a mix of emotions.

“Then why do you sound so agitated? Work issues?”

I don’t want to tell her again and again that Dhruv is constantly poking between us, wanting her back in his life, so I refrain from giving her those details at the moment.

“Nothing that Arnav Singh Raizada cannot solve.”

She giggles and her voice soothe my raging nerves.

“Alright Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I wouldn’t take much of your time and let you solve whatever it is. I just called you to inform that I am going out for some shopping.”

“Uh huh” I am fine with it.

“With Lavanya,” she adds. And I’m curious.

“Lavanya and?” I want to know if Dhruv too is joining them.

“And who else? It’s just me and her. She wants to shop a few outfits from here as she didn’t bring much clothes along. She asked me if I can assist her, show her the best place to shop around here and I couldn’t deny.”

Hmm.

“Take the driver,” I reply. “By when can I see you home again?”

“Umm.. By dinner. We’ll be back by then.”

“Okay, enjoy.”

“I’ll, thanks and you please calm down and sort your work issues. See you at night.”

“Bye.”

She disconnects the call. I put the phone to my heart, my heartbeats slowing easing on their own after that heated argument with Dhruv. Khushi is my calm. No matter how worse my mood is, even her voice is enough to calm me down.

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

I arrive back home around 08:00 pm, hopeful that Khushi has returned from her shopping expedition with Lavanya. However, Nani informs me that they haven't made it back yet. Heading up to my room, I change out of my clothes, then return downstairs. Yet, Khushi is still absent. Frustration builds within me, and I decide to dial her number. She swiftly ends the call, responding with a message that they are en route and will reach home in 15 minutes. Fine. In the interim, I join Maama in the living room, engaging in a casual conversation with him. Hunger gnaws at me, and I discover that Maami has prepared Pindi Chole, a dish my brothers and I hold a particular fondness for.

"Bhai, where's Dhruv?" Akash inquires, seating himself across from me on the living room couch.

"He's not back yet?" I query, slightly intrigued since I'd observed him leaving the office an hour prior to me.

"No, he left early, but he hasn't returned home. Seems like he had other plans," Akash remarks with a wink in my direction.

Before I can speculate on Dhruv's whereabouts, their laughter reaches my ears, Dhruv's accompanied by Lavanya's. They enter the house together, both holding shopping bags while Khushi walks alongside them, appearing perfectly normal.

I watch as Khushi approaches with a smile on her face. However, the unease within me intensifies. I need to know why Dhruv was with them. She had clearly stated on the call that it was just her and Lavanya for shopping. My voice comes out a tad sterner than I intended as I ask.

“You mentioned on the phone that it was just you and Lavanya for shopping?”

Khushi's smile falters slightly, as she responds, “Yes, Dhruv joined us later. I wasn't aware of it either until he showed up.”

I try to feign normalcy, but inside, a whirlwind of emotions churns. Dhruv, on the other hand, seems to be reveling in my reaction. I can almost sense the smug satisfaction radiating from him. Despite my clear warning to him to stay away from Khushi, there they are, coming home together after a shopping trip. It ignites an anger within me that I struggle to suppress.

Maami announces that dinner is ready, but Lavanya interjects,

“Sorry Maamiji. We had dinner outside with Dhruv, and I’m not hungry.”

“Me neither,” Khushi adds. “I’m full as well.”

The irritation within me surges further. Not only did Dhruv accompany them, but they also had dinner together. Damn!!

“You loved the pasta didn’t you?” Dhruv asks Khushi who nods in agreement.

“I knew you would love it.” He returns her nod with a cheesy grin.

That’s it. I feel the need to distance myself from the situation.

“I've lost my appetite too. You all continue,” I mutter to Maami, hoping to quickly retreat to the solace of my room.

However, Maami's concern is palpable as she questions my sudden change, "But Arnav, a little while ago, you were hungry. What's happened now?"

"I was, but right now I just don't feel like eating. Maybe I'll have something later."

The disappointment in Maami's voice is evident as she remarks, "I don't understand our boys. One has eaten out, the other suddenly has no appetite. Akash, what about you? Are you interested in my homemade Chole or not?"

Akash's assurance follows promptly, "Of course, Maa. I'll eat."

Sensing that this conversation could prolong, I decide to make a hasty exit, but Khushi's grip on my hand stops me. Her touch is a mix of comfort and understanding.

“Maami has put effort into cooking for us. You can't upset her like this," she says softly, her eyes beseeching me.

"Aren't you doing the same?" I retort, unable to help my frustration.

Her gaze meets mine, and it's as if she can perceive the turmoil caused by Dhruv's presence. Her touch grows gentler, and she moves closer.

“You're right,” she whispers, her words like a balm. She then addresses Maami, who's conversing with Nani. “Maamiji, I can't speak for Dhruv and Lavanya, but Arnav and I will join for dinner. We wouldn't want to miss your delicious chole, would we, Arnav?”

I'm rendered momentarily speechless by Khushi's intervention. Her words hang in the air, and all eyes are on us. Maami's delight is evident as she playfully pinches Khushi's cheek. She then invites us to the dining table, where the rest of the family is waiting.

Despite the watchful eyes of Dhruv and Lavanya, I loop my arm around Khushi's waist, drawing her close. Khushi reacts with a gasp, clearly surprised.

“Weren't you already full after having pasta?” I inquire, teasing her.

Khushi pouts before conceding, “I can manage a little more. Especially for Maami.”

"For Maami?" I raise an eyebrow, a silent plea for honesty evident in my gaze.

Her smile is all the confirmation I need. "And for my occasionally grumpy husband."


The term 'grumpy' amuses me, and I can't help but chuckle. She's right. I've been unnecessarily sulky about not being informed of Dhruv's presence during her shopping with Lavanya. While I still believe she could have let me know sooner, I'm willing to let it go for now. I guide her towards the dining table, where the family awaits.



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


I anticipated Arnav's reaction would be exactly as it is now if I had informed him about Dhruv's unexpected appearance during our shopping. I'm unsure whether Lavanya called him or if he decided to show up on his own, either to spend time with both of us or maybe just Lavanya? I can't quite decipher the situation. Regardless, I didn't want to appear rude by leaving on my own, allowing them to go for dinner alone. Both Dhruv and Lavanya insisted that I join them, which is why I ended up accompanying them to an Italian restaurant where we had a delightful meal.

Now, as I sit with Arnav, savoring the comforting taste of Maami's chole, I realize I still have some appetite left to enjoy this homely cooking. Lavanya and Dhruv have also joined us at the table, though they've decided to sit and engage in conversation with the family, refraining from eating themselves.

As we return to our room after dinner, I sense Arnav's curiosity looming in the air.

“So? What did you buy today?” Arnav asks.

His question about my purchases from today's shopping brings a smile to my lips, and I shrug in response.

“Do I really need to buy anything?” I joke, failing to catch the underlying reason for his query. He rolls his eyes at my obliviousness, and I chuckle at his reaction. “Alright, what do you want to know?”

His tone turns slightly serious. “We are flying next week, Khushi. You must have brought something.”

I don't immediately understand his change in demeanor, but as he clarifies, it dawns on me.

“Oh, you mean for our short trip to Scotland?”

“It's a honeymoon, not a trip.” He corrects me gently.

I smile, both at his correction and at the realization that this is indeed our honeymoon. I feel my cheeks redden at the thought, as I find myself inexplicably delighted by his emphasis on the word 'honeymoon'.

“You're right. Well, I didn't buy much. Lavanya did suggest I get some things, you know, for the occasion, like some real clingy ones, but I declined.”

I turn to the dressing mirror to take off my earrings. But my eyes remain on Arnav who appears somewhat puzzled.

“Why would you decline?” he asks standing behind me.

I frown, my mind processing his question. “I don't know, I just felt like I already have everything I need. And if you are so concerned of me not shopping, then let me warn you Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada I will shop till I drop when we are in Scotland.”

I expected him to grin but he delves further into the conversation, his words laced with a hint of suspicion. “Lavanya showing you 'clingy' dresses and outfits... were they really that inappropriate?”

I laugh nervously, feeling a bit flustered by his pointed questioning. “Well, they were a bit... let's say, bold?”

I turn around to looking at him. Arnav's eyes narrow as he probes deeper. His voice is low but steadfast. “Maybe you shouldn't have refused then.”

My brow furrows in confusion, not quite understanding his stance. “What do you mean?”

“Maybe she was trying to see how comfortable you are with me, how open you are to the idea of intimacy.” Arnav explains, his gaze intent on mine.

I'm taken aback by his assertion. “Arnav, you're reading too much into this. Why would Lavanya do that?”

“Because someone else might have asked her to.” His words come out with conviction.

“You're overthinking. Lavanya was just being a friend.” I try to dismiss his concerns with a shake of my head.

“She is Dhruv’s friend first,” he says, maintaining his stance, his eyes holding mine. “Dhruv definitely wanted her to do that, to gauge where we stand, to see if you're comfortable being intimate with me.”

I'm taken aback by his words, my voice rising in denial. “That's ridiculous! Why would Dhruv even think all this now? Dhruv and Lavanya looked like they were practically a pair today. I have seen them throughout I was with them. Why would he be interested in me anymore?”

Arnav doesn't relent, his gaze unwavering. “Because he still thinks there are chances of you to return to him.”

His words hang heavy in the air, leaving me dumbfounded. The room seems to close in around me, and I'm left grappling with the implications of his statement. My heart races as I process what he's suggesting, and a whirlwind of emotions swirls within me - disbelief, confusion, and an unexpected pang of guilt.

Could Dhruv really still harbor such hopes? And more importantly, did I unknowingly give him reason to think that way? My mind races through the past interactions, trying to decipher any lingering traces of my past with Dhruv that might have fed into this belief.

I glance at Arnav, his eyes searching mine for a response. The intensity in his gaze mirrors the intensity of my own thoughts. My voice comes out in a near-whisper, a mix of surprise and unease. “You really think he believes that?”

Arnav's expression softens, his hand reaching out to gently cup my cheek. “Khushi, I don't want you to worry about this. I just want you to be aware. That’s it.”

Despite his comforting words, I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to this situation than meets the eye. The remnants of my past with Dhruv, however distant they might be, seem to have cast a shadow over the present.

To be Continued 

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