The Wait - Chapter 30 (Last Chapter)

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ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


One month Later

The atmosphere at AR Mansion has shifted in the past month, like the subtle change in seasons that goes unnoticed until the first chill of autumn touches the air. The family's joy is tangible, a collective exhale of relief that lingers in the rooms and corridors. Dhruv's realization of his mistakes and the family’s understanding of where they were at fault so far, has become a symbol of hope, a proof of our strong familial bonds that seemed frayed but were, in truth, unbroken.

Dhruv has settled back into the rhythm of our lives, and the AR Group office, where he once held resentment and disdain, now witnesses a transformation in his approach. His genuine interest in the details of our business is evident, a far cry from the days when his presence in the office was marked by complaints and comparisons. The change is not lost on me; it's as if a veil of bitterness has lifted, revealing a brother who is eager to learn and contribute to the family business.

I keep an eye on Dhruv as he steers the office dynamics with a newfound curiosity, engaging in discussions with the team and immersing himself in the workings of the company. There's a lightness to his demeanor, a genuine joy that emanates from within. It's a stark contrast to the cloud of resentment that had shrouded him before.

Meanwhile, Khushi is on the path to healing, a process that has unfolded with its own quiet grace. The incident at AR Mansion, the clash of emotions and misunderstandings, now seems like a distant memory. Her laughter, which had momentarily faltered, has returned, filling our home with its warmth. I know she bears no ill will towards Dhruv; my wife is, after all, a beacon of forgiveness and understanding.

Yet, a subtle shift lingers between Dhruv and Khushi. The incident has created an unspoken distance between them, a gulf that neither seems eager to bridge. Dhruv is keeping his distance not out of a sense of duty to my marriage but out of embarrassment. He hasn't mustered the courage to offer a proper apology to Khushi, and the tension between them remains unresolved. Khushi, with her empathetic nature, understands Dhruv's struggle, and Dhruv, in turn, seems determined to give her the space she needs. Despite all the positive changes, a lingering question nags at me—when will Dhruv find the courage to face Khushi and offer a genuine apology? The healing process is incomplete without this crucial step, and I find myself torn between the hope for resolution and the realization that some wounds take time to mend.

Dhruv's knock breaks the thread of my thoughts, and I look up from the reports scattered across my desk. "Come in," I reply, gesturing for him to enter.

“You called me?” His inquiry about whether I called him is met with a nod, and I motion for him to take a seat.

A hint of curiosity is in his eyes as I ask him to sit. He obliges, taking the seat across my desk. I swiftly pull out a file and pass it to him. "This is the Hong Kong project file. I want you to handle it in my absence."


His expression changes to one of surprise, a reflection of the responsibility he now holds. "But why me?" he questions. "Akash and Maama can handle it too."


I shake my head, denying his suggestion. "I want you to do it."

"So this is a boss's orders?" he asks.


A smile plays on my lips. "This is a brother's trust in his twin brother."


His surprise deepens, and I take a moment to explain. "I could have easily assigned Akash or Maama to handle it when I'm in Scotland with Khushi for the next month. But I want you to take charge. Your eagerness to learn about our business has earned my trust. I believe you'll bring a fresh perspective to this project and elevate it to new heights."


Dhruv grins, taking the file. "Even if you had ordered me to take this up, I would have. You didn't need to sugarcoat it." He winks, and I roll my eyes, amused. "But I appreciate that you trust me to handle this. I promise I won't break your trust. Akash and Maama are there if I need assistance," Dhruv assures.


I rise from my chair and approach him, sitting on the edge of the table where Dhruv is seated. Concern lingers in my eyes as I ask, "Are you okay?"


His smile reflects genuine reassurance. "I'm perfectly alright. And stop worrying about me. I'll be fine the moment you and Khushi take the flight to Scotland tomorrow. Your honeymoon last time was affected because of me, not this time."


His acceptance of responsibility and closure on the past brings a sense of relief. My brother is finally moving forward, shedding the burdens of resentment that weighed him down for so long.


The door knocks, and Lavanya enters, a visible tension between her and Dhruv as they see each other. I invite her in, aware of the unspoken history between them. They've been trying to talk, to mend the rift that Dhruv's ego and wrongdoings created. I orchestrated this moment, giving Dhruv the Hong Kong project, with Lavanya as the model. It's a deliberate move to force them to co-work and find a way to bridge the gap.


Addressing Lavanya, I inform her of Dhruv's new role. "From today, Dhruv is handling the Hong Kong project, so you'll have to assist him with whatever you've been working on regarding the photo shoots."


Both Lavanya and Dhruv are left speechless by the unexpected turn of events. Suspicion crosses Dhruv's face, knowing that I've purposely put them in a position where they must collaborate and find a way to mend their strained friendship. It's a subtle push towards reconciliation, a chance for both of them to rise above the past and forge new connections.


"I'll explain everything to him," she assures, her tone businesslike. Lavanya's agreement to work on the Hong Kong project is met with a composed professionalism. Wishing me well for the honeymoon, she prepares to leave my office. Dhruv, however, intercepts her departure with a genuine plea.


"Should we begin this today?" he asks, a sincerity in his voice that wasn't there before. Lavanya, surprisingly, nods in agreement before exiting the cabin.


Dhruv's smile as he turns back to me is genuine, but he quickly adopts a playful frown. "Now I know what's your real reason for handing me the Hong Kong project in your absence."


I can't help but chuckle. "That's one of the reasons," I admit. "I hope you're going to sort out things between Lavanya and you too. She has always been a true friend to you, Dhruv."


Dhruv nods in agreement, and a sense of determination crosses his features. "I was waiting for that one opportunity to fix this. I have hurt Lavanya in the process. But I promise I'll win her back. I don't have many good friends left in my life, and she's been the most genuine one I ever had. I am going to do anything to convince her that I value her."


I feel a surge of pride and relief. Dhruv seems genuinely committed to repairing the bonds he has frayed. He's recognizing the importance of mending relationships and valuing the genuine connections that have stood the test of time.


Expressing my approval, I pull Dhruv into a brief hug. It's a silent acknowledgment of the progress he's made and the steps he's taking towards redemption. He takes the project file, ready to immerse himself in the responsibilities that come with it.


As Dhruv leaves the cabin, I watch him with a mix of pride and hope. The dynamics are shifting, wounds are healing, and the future holds the promise of renewed connections. I turn my attention back to the reports on my desk, confident that, in my absence, Dhruv will not only handle the Hong Kong project professionally but also embark on a journey of personal growth and reconciliation.


KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

The familiar ringtone of my phone interrupts the rhythm of my kitchen chores, and I quickly dry my hands to answer the call. It's Anjali, Arnav's sister, calling to chat. I pick up, and her teasing voice fills my ear.

"So, Khushi bhabhi, what are your plans for the honeymoon?" she asks mischievously.

Blushing, I respond, "No special plans."

Anjali chuckles, "Come on, Khushi! I hope you're taking everything we shopped recently – sexy outfits and all to lure Arnav. It's your honeymoon, after all!"

I laugh nervously, feeling my cheeks warm. This time Anjali Di didn’t leave a chance to drag me to shopping and got me all the naughty outfits. Arnav hasn’t even seen I have got them nor he knows I intend to surprise him with those sexy outfits in Scotland.

"Thanks for the reminder but I've already packed them,” I reply shyly. “And I know what to do. I don't need tips from anyone."

Anjali playfully adds, "Well, looking at Arnav is enough to give you all the inspiration you need. I know he is equally desperate to take you to Scotland. I am so happy for you both."

"Thank you, I am happy too."


We continue chatting for a few more minutes, sharing light-hearted moments and exchanging sister-in-law banter. As we say our goodbyes, I disconnect the call. Glancing at the clock, I realize Arnav will be home any minute now. We have plans to finish packing for our trip to Scotland.

I hear the familiar sound of his car pulling up outside, and a smile naturally forms on my face. As I prepare to make his coffee, anticipating his arrival, I hear footsteps approaching the kitchen. Without looking, I start, "Your coffee is-"

My words trail off as I turn around, expecting Arnav, only to find Dhruv standing there instead. The surprise registers on both our faces. The atmosphere feels tense, and I can sense Dhruv's discomfort.

"Sorry, I thought it's Arnav," I quickly apologize, breaking the awkward silence.

Dhruv manages a small smile, "I just needed some water. That's why I…"

He pauses, and I notice the struggle in his expression. Sensing his discomfort, I turn to continue making the coffee.

He opens the refrigerator, taking a bottle of water and drinks some. As he turns to face me, there's a hesitance in his eyes. After a moment, he gathers his courage and clears his throat.

"And..." he hesitates once more, "Sorry."

I look at him in confusion, not fully grasping the weight of his apology at first. However, the sincerity in his eyes begins to convey the unspoken words. Dhruv is apologizing to me for everything that transpired in the past month, for the turmoil he created, for the pain he caused.

A mixture of emotions floods my heart – surprise, relief, and a glimmer of hope. Dhruv, who has been distant and guilty the last month, is finally acknowledging his mistakes. I appreciate the effort he's making to mend the broken pieces of our relationship. The unspoken understanding between us marks a tentative step toward healing.

“Sorry for all the troubles I have caused to you so far.” He adds. “I think more than making you happy, I have always been the reason of your worry and pain.”

I swallow sadly unable to understand what to reply. It’s not that I wasn’t happy with Dhruv when we were in a relationship. It was just that I was too serious about him and he was never with me in that same zone. He was less connected in that bond. That’s why it didn’t last. But after that, all Dhruv has given me is pain and lots of trauma ever since he returned in our lives again, after I got married to Arnav.

“From past a month I have been trying to muster courage to apologize to you but I didn’t want you to think I was saying it only for the sake of it. I wanted you to know I am really guilty Khushi. For everything that I did I really am sorry. And you too needed time to accept my apology. I knew it was already difficult for you to face me all the time being in the same house. I didn’t want you to forgive me only because we are one family. I wanted you to forgive me seeing the change in me and having trust in me that I would never want to hurt you again. So I kept maintaining the distance between us until today.”

“I wouldn’t have forgiven you, Dhruv, had I not known the real reason for whatever you did with me and Arnav,” I reply. “Had you not told me about all that hatred of being judged and compared with Arnav that you faced from your childhood, none of us would know the real pain you were suffering alone all this long. I’m glad it’s sorted now which means I have nothing left to hold against you.”

He nods in acknowledgement, the burden of guilt visibly lifting from his shoulders.

"Thanks, Khushi," he smiles. "I know it might sound strange coming from me. But Arnav was, is, and will always be the right partner for you," he adds.

Him saying that to me comes as a surprise which Dhruv reads on my face.

"I always believed any woman would be fortunate to have me as her boyfriend, but I was wrong," Dhruv confesses. "I lacked many qualities that I never realized before. I thought good looks, a sense of humor, spending money, and giving time were enough to make a woman happy. But that's far from the truth. There's so much more a woman desires, and despite having several girlfriends, I only realize it now. Arnav, on the other hand, never had a girlfriend. He just had eyes for you, yet he knew exactly what to do to keep you happy. I still have much to learn from him."

"You need to learn it from within, Dhruv," I say, placing my hand on my heart. "Not from anyone else. Your heart will guide you. When you're in love, you'll instinctively know what it takes to keep the woman you love content."

"I hope I do," he smiles. "And, most importantly, I hope the woman I fall in love with reciprocates the feeling. It's a wonderful sensation – to have someone like that, to feel wanted and loved."

Indeed, it is. And it was Arnav who made me realize that feeling. I smile to myself.

"Have a safe trip to Scotland," he wishes, bringing my attention back to him. "Last time, I wasn't thrilled about you and Arnav going there, but believe me, now I genuinely want both of you to have a great time away from all of this."

"Thanks, Dhruv," I nod happily, understanding the sincerity behind his words. He turns to leave, only to stop again. That's when we both notice Arnav standing at the door, having overheard our conversation, a warm smile playing on his lips.

"I'm so glad that finally, the elephant in the room has been discussed," he says, stepping inside. "It was very uneasy to see my twin brother and my wife being so cold and distant, staying under the same roof."


He pats Dhruv's shoulder, acknowledging the effort made to mend their strained relationship. "You didn't have to hesitate so much to say sorry to Khushi. She has been your friend too once."

Dhruv nods, his expression sincere. "Yes, she was my best friend once, but now she is strictly my brother's wife, and I'll always respect that relationship between us."

A glance is exchanged between Dhruv and me before he smiles back at Arnav, pats his chest, and exits the kitchen, leaving us alone.

Arnav, still smiling, reaches me, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me close. Our noses touch, and he looks into my eyes. "Are you happy now?" he asks. "With Dhruv and you sorting it out, I can finally see the ease on your face."

I nod, feeling a sense of relief. "Now my sole focus is to shower all my love and ensure to keep my husband smiling always."

Arnav kisses my nose, his eyes sparkling with affection. "That was my line, my vision to keep my wife happy."

I chuckle at our playful banter. "Our goals match then. Now go and freshen up. I'll bring your coffee to the room."

He accepts the gentle push away and starts to move. But before leaving, he cups my face, his touch tender, and kisses my lips quickly. It's a brief but meaningful kiss, a taste of love shared between us before he retreats to prepare for the evening.

As he walks away, a smile lingers on my lips. I can’t wait for our honeymoon to commence. Arnav and I have made a pact to consummate our marriage in Scotland during our trip. It originated from my suggestion, and he, being the exemplary husband he is, readily agreed to fulfill my desires. Now, I know the moment we will reach there, he is not going to waste a single second to claim me, nor could I wait.

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

The clock strikes 11:30 pm, yet Arnav and I find ourselves surrounded by the scattered contents of our bags, the anticipation of our Scotland trip keeping us awake. As I take out my diary to pack, Arnav playfully snatches it from my hands.

"What will this diary do in Scotland?" he teases, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I frown, grabbing the diary back from him. "You know this goes everywhere I go, Arnav. Stop fussing."

I open my bag to tuck the diary inside when Arnav, with a chuckle, wraps his arms around me from behind. His warm breath tickles my neck as he kisses my shoulder blade, his nose nuzzling the sensitive skin.


"Do you really think you'll have time to write there?" he whispers, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "You won't be leaving the bed for days, baby. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, everything will be served to you on the bed."

I giggle, unable to resist his charm, and turn within the circle of his arms. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I playfully tease, "In that case, I have lots of time to write in my diary. You'll be busy cooking for me the whole day. Right?"

Arnav pulls me closer, our bodies pressing against each other, and he grinds his lower body against mine. "We'll have someone else cook for us. I'm going to be right beside you all the time, making love," he murmurs, placing an open-mouthed kiss on my neck. "Lots of love."

I'm on the verge of surrendering to his touch when Arnav stops, cupping my face gently. "What would you write in this diary?" he teases.

I bite my lip, caught off guard by his question. What does one write in a diary on a honeymoon? Arnav, sensing my hesitation, encourages me to answer.

"Maybe I will write about my feelings in it," I reply, pausing, "the first time we..."

I try to escape his grasp, but Arnav pulls me back to him, his desire evident in his eyes. "That's the last thing I care about if you want to write it, Khushi. But before you scribble it, I want you to say it to me in words. Everything you feel, desire, need – I want you to tell me first."

My eyes shy away from his intense gaze. Arnav showers me with tender kisses on my face and neck, sending delightful shivers through me. "Promise me you will tell me everything you feel, Khushi. I want to be the first one to know it, not your diary."

I murmur a soft "Yes," though even I am unsure if it was in response to Arnav's plea or his continuing lovemaking. Nevertheless, I find myself willing to embrace the intimacy, promising to share every emotion with him before letting my diary bear witness to our journey.

My response brings another wave of desire in Arnav’s. He kisses me again. We find ourselves entwined in a passionate moment, our kisses growing more fervent, desire washes over us like a tide. His lips are hot, and his tongue traces the contours of my mouth, igniting a fire within me. Our hands explore and squeeze each other’s body, the intensity building with each passing second. It becomes increasingly difficult to resist the urge to consummate our marriage immediately.

Arnav pauses, his heated breath mingling with mine. He looks into my eyes, and I can see the same longing mirrored in his gaze. With a heave, he confesses, "I don't think I should touch you tonight."

My heart sinks at the thought of him stopping, but he continues, "The enthusiasm for tomorrow, flying to Scotland to start our married life and share the intimacy we've always craved, is too high, Khushi. If I touch you further tonight, I don't think I can stop myself from going all the way."

I bite my lip, a mixture of disappointment and anticipation clouding my expression. Arnav gazes at me, his eyes reflecting a similar struggle. "We've decided to wait until Scotland," he reminds me. I shake my head in denial, unable to endure this wait any longer.

"I have endured different waits in my life, Arnav, but I swear this wait is no longer something I wish to continue," I confess, my voice filled with longing.

Arnav is confused, trying to understand my desires. I reach out and caress his cheek, conveying my feelings with a gentle touch. "Make me yours tonight. No more wait," I implore.

Stunned yet excited, Arnav seeks confirmation, his breath already uneasy with anticipation. To answer him, I turn around, my hair cascading over one shoulder. Slowly and sensually, I unzip my nightgown, casting a glance over my shoulder to gauge Arnav's reaction.

The moment the zipper descends halfway, Arnav takes charge. He turns me around, gently pushing me onto the center of the bed. With a swift motion, he clears away all the bags, sending clothes and belongings scattering across the floor. The chaotic mess surrounding us fades into insignificance as we yield to the intensity of the moment. Desire hangs in the air, and we both know that this night will be etched in our memories forever.

Arnav's lips crash onto mine again as his fingers unzip my nightgown, stripping it off my body. I roll his t-shirt up and over his head before he tosses it aside. He kisses every inch of me as if I'm a goddess laid bare before him.

"I'd dreamed of this a million times..." Arnav confesses, tenderly cupping my face.

"Us...uniting...forever..." I complete his sentiment, pulling him close for a slow, passionate kiss.

Then he waits no longer. Diving his mouth lower, Arnav kisses and tastes every part of me, worshipping my body as I should be adored. I writhe and pant, moaning at his devoted attentions. I press nearer to him, wanting to be his forevermore as the night continues around us.

In the afterglow of our shared passion, as our breaths synchronize and our hearts beat in harmony, I realize that this journey we've embarked upon is just beginning. The past held its challenges, but together, Arnav and I have faced them, emerging stronger. Our love story is not just about overcoming obstacles; it's about growth, forgiveness, and the unwavering belief that love can heal even the deepest wounds. As we lie entwined, staring into each other's eyes, the promise of tomorrow unfolds. Our journey to forever has only just started, and I am ready to embrace every moment, hand in hand with the man I love.

There was a period in my life when every passing moment seemed like an eternity, a time marked by the painful anticipation of Dhruv's love and hope to return. But fate had its own plans, and in the twists and turns of life, that wait transformed into something entirely unexpected. Now, lying here in Arnav's embrace, I realize how my past struggles have shaped the present, leading me to this point of absolute contentment. The wait I once endured for Dhruv's acknowledgment has seamlessly transitioned into a wait for living my life to the fullest with Arnav.

The wait was worth it—all the heartaches, the tears, and the uncertainties. The wait for Dhruv transformed into the wait for a lifetime of love with Arnav, and in that transformation, I've found my truest happiness, my real love, my Arnav.


THE END.

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