Always and Forever

Chapter 28

Hello, my lovely readers. I am uploading chapters 28 and 29 at the same time. After all, it's Diwali :)

Happy Diwali to all! 

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Anjali was so excited about the party. She was busy getting ready since morning. It was her big announcement and her husband will be right next to her throughout the party. She will be surrounded by her loved ones. What else does she need? All her happiness under one roof.

There has been a number of celebrations in the house in the past few months. But someone was always missing. Sometimes Arnav was busy and sometimes it was Akash. When both of them are free Shyam was busy.

Anjali was more excited to have these three together in one place. She felt Shyam distanced himself from the family recently. Maybe this party will bring them close together. Everyone respected Shyam but it was always Shyam vs Arnav, Akash. It doesn't matter what he does, Shyam never managed to create a brotherly bond with Arnav or Akash. That's something Anjali wish to change.

But since her brothers are married now and their priorities have changed this task has become even harder.

Her Mama Ji always kept his distance from Shyam. Sirish never mouthed that he disliked him but the way he acted around Shyam is different to the way he acted with the rest of the family. She first thought it was because Shyam is connected to this house through her marriage and Mama Ji only felt comfortable around his own family. However, that was not the case. Anjali has witnessed multiple occasions where Mama Ji happily had conversations with Khushi and Payal. He blessed them all the time and they shared a great bond.

When she thinks of her two sisters-in-law, they both were a little distant from Shyam too. They only spoke to him if they really needs to. Always trying to avoid him. Anjali did feel weird about it. 

Only two people other than herself who were friendly with Shyam were her Nani and Mami. However, she witnessed a change in Nani recently. Nani too looked at Shyam with something in her mind.

Anjali was hoping this party to be the reason for everyone to come together and they can see how good of a person Shyam is.

Arnav and Akash were in Arnav's room getting ready while Payal and Khushi were in Payal's room.

"Di, should I wear the green one or the red one?"

"Khushi, I think you'll look good in the red one. "

"Di, should I wear this jewellery or that jewellery?"

"Khushi, go with the left one"

"Di, should I....?"

"Khushi, when you decided to get married to Arnav Ji, you didn't bother asking Di, shall I get married to him or not? rather informed me that you both have decided to get married. But now you want my opinion on getting ready for your 3rd month wedding Anniversary?"

"Di, don't say like that. You out of all know exactly why this marriage happened. So you don't get to tease me Di. Please"

"Khushi, tell me one thing. I agree you two got married under different circumstances. But was it the only reason for you to say yes? "

"What else Di, at that time it was the only viable option I could think of"

"Khushi, listen to yourself. Even if it was the only option, you could have gotten married to someone else. Khushi, I am your sister. Why do you think I asked you guys to get married for real? Because I have seen the way you two looked at each other. I can't speak for Arnav Ji but for you, I can. Khushi, don't deny the fact that you were attracted to him"

"Di......" Khushi was speechless. Her sister was right.

"Khushi, I am not trying to tell you how to live your personal life. You are married now and you both know the relationship you have. But what I am telling you is if there is something you want to tell Arnav Ji. tell him. Don't think of the reaction. Sometimes we keep things to ourselves until it is too late"

"Di, I know Di..... but please, can we change the topic? I am not in the mode to discuss this. Please Di"

"Ok, relax. We'll talk later. Let's just get ready. Looks like we are already late".

Two sisters quickly finished their final touch for the day. They both looked beautiful but Khushi was like an angel with her red saree.

"Bhai, do you think Shyam will make a move today?"

"I don't know Akash, but I have a bad feeling about today. I warned Khushi several times but knowing that girl, I know she'll goof up"

"Don't say like that Bhai, Khushi Ji is very matured"

"Matured? Akash, Khushi and maturity can never be included in the same line. I know because I live with her. She is a kid Akash, sometimes I feel like she'll end up making me crazy like her"

"But Bhai, I have to admit, ever since you got married you look so happy, so relaxed"

"Umm, well, Aren't we getting late Akash?"

"Bhai, don't change the topic. There is no harm in accepting your wife has changed you in a good way."

"Nothing like that Akash. You guys are reading out of context. I haven't changed. I am still the same Arnav Singh Raizada"

Arnav was failing miserably. His words were so defenceless even a kid can argue with him and win. He knew he is not the same Arnav. Khushi has changed him but in a good way though. He can't imagine his life without Khushi now. His mornings are with Khushi, his nights are with Khushi. He felt this change of heart for the longest time.

The feeling he has for Khushi is way beyond a simple like. She was no longer just his wife whom he liked, she was more than that. Deep down Arnav knew what the feeling was but he was not ready to go on that road as of yet. 

"Bhai, it's amazing how love can change someone right? Look at me. My life was office and house, then house and office. Nothing more, nothing less, but ever since Payal came into my life I feel like my life has meaning. I want to give her all the happiness in the world, hide her in my arms so that nothing can harm her, one simple smile on her face is enough to lighten up my day and Bhai, the feeling that you are no longer alone but someone is there for you is out of this world. Love is an amazing feeling Bhai"

Arnav was shaken, it was like Akash spoke his mind. He has been feeling exactly the same way. He felt that Khushi has bought meaning to his life, he wanted to offer the whole world to her, even the feeling that something might happen to her scared him the most, a tear from her eyes was enough to kill him and when he woke up in the morning having her on his arms means the world to him.

It was clear to him that the feeling that was throbbing in his heart to come out was none other than LOVE. 

Yes, Arnav Singh Raizada was in love with his wife. His crazy, childish wife without whom his life has no meaning.

Was he ready to admit it? NO. 

Was he ready to confess? NO. 

But for how long?

They say if you love someone express it before it is too late.