From Smile Mates To Soulmates

Chapter Nine

Mornings were the best time of the day for her. The sweet warmth of the sun penetrating through her room's window, caressing her face. The sweet chirping of birds, the soothing seaside sounds that greeted her every morning would fill her up with positivity. 

In the words of her boyfriend, Morning Khushi was the best version of her but today, the situation was completely opposite. Of course, Khushi was not an early riser on holidays but that much was fair, because Sundays don't come everyday and everyone's entitled to one day without rules. 

Arnav had often told her that she was not a human being at all solely because she was one of the only people who could be so energetic and cheerful on a Monday morning. It was humanly impossible for someone to be so energetic, so cheerful and so full of life on a Monday morning, but that's who Khushi was. The rules of the world just didn't apply to the woman.

Having said that, Arnav couldn't help but love her morning personality and that was the reason why today was such a confusing day for the man. Arnav had woken up like always, at 6:00 in the morning and spent the first fifteen minutes of his day staring at the beautiful bundle of joy wrapped in his arms, his eyes pooling with affection at the mere sight of her.

He was so much in love with the woman that it was overwhelmingly painful. He caressed her face tenderly, his touch was soft as if he was scared of hurting her, even if it was unintentional. A smile lingered on his lips. 

"Good morning my sweet love." He whispered near her ear, dropping a soft kiss on her earlobe. Khushi scrunched her face, curling ever so slightly into herself. 

Arnav frowned, caressing her face. "It's almost six thirty in the morning, love." His voice was quiet but was leaning close enough to her for his words to be audible to Khushi. 

Khushi whimpered sleepily, "F've m'nus.." She mumbled, her response was barely coherent. Arnav sighed, kissing her forehead. 

"Five minutes." 

She curled up into a ball, wrapping the quilt around herself tightly the moment Arnav pulled away, getting out of bed. His frown deepened at the soft moan that escaped her throat. The man bent forward, caressing her hair as worry seeped into his heart. "Baby are you okay?" He asked softly. 

She moved slightly, "Nnhh-- 'm col'." She whimpered quietly. Arnav touched her forehead gently, only to find her slightly warm.

"You-- Oh you have a slight fever." Arnav said, concerned, brushing a few strands of her hair off her face. Khushi's face was flushed red, as she peeled her eyes open, pouting at him. Arnav couldn't help but smile at the adorable look on her face. "It's okay baby. I'm here, Khush." He assured her. 

Khushi shook her head. "I've got to go to the office, Arnav." She said, Arnav smiled at her response. "You have a fever as well, sweetheart. I'm sure I'll be in for an earful from Dad if I let you come to the office when you're sick." 

Khushi chuckled and pouted. "It's normal Arnav, I got my period last night and I normally get slightly feverish the next day. I will be okay." She told him comfortingly. 

Arnav looked unconvinced, Khushi sat up on the bed, wincing slightly and took his hand. "I promise Arnav, I'm fine. I'm used to this." 

Arnav sighed, "I'm not, Khush. I'm not used to you waking up in such low spirits. You're not okay." He said stubbornly. 

"I can't take a day off every month, right? It happens every month and I.. get better. I promise that I can handle this." Khushi smiled at his protectiveness. "Trust me. Don't worry." 

"Can't you take a half day, baby?" Arnav asked hopefully. Khushi gave him a look making him sigh. "I'll go and freshen up then." 

Khushi smiled, "Yeah. I'll get started with the breakfast preparation while you do that." She said, getting out of her quilt. Arnav glared at her. "Who said anything about breakfast? I'm allowing office but nothing else. Nothing. Else."