Arnav was working in his room, late at night, to wind up few things before he gets busy with his pre- marriage rituals. Khushi's acceptance to the marriage put him out of misery, but a part of his mind reeled to their conversation in the boutique.
'Where is my consent Arnav?'
Her question reverberated in his mind, the truth in her words, pushing him into guilt. They had proceeded for the marriage without seeking her permission. He felt blessed to have Khushi in his life, who agreed to it, rather than throwing a tantrum.
Though Khushi had no qualms, he felt the need to apologise on behalf of everyone. He mentally thanked Khushi for opening his eyes, which were blinded by the urge to make her confess to him.
While he was busy in his thoughts, he heard a faint knock, not on his door, but on the door to the mini garden, adjacent to his room.
He frowned and stepped closer to check, only to find the person who occupied his thoughts, gesturing him to open.
Scrunching his brows in confusion, at the odd timing of her presence, he opened the door letting her in.
'I guess you can enter someone's room through the main door', he cocked his brows, mocking.
She huffed and sat on his bed, while he stood next to her, wondering what her crazy mind was busy brewing.
'There is a chance that I would be caught, which I do not want right now', she answered him.
'Okay!' Arnav agreed and asked, 'What brings you here at this hour?'
'Why? Only you can barge into my room late at night? Can't I?' She retorted back, crossing her arms, pouting that left Arnav chuckling. She was always cute feigning anger.
He raised his arms in surrender and said, 'Fine.'
Khushi looked around, fidgeting, her chirpy self suddenly turning into anxious form.
'I need to tell you something!' She spoke timidly.
'Even I need to!' Arnav said, as he wanted to apologise. The sooner he does that, the better he would feel.
'Ladies first, Arnav', she admonished, and he relented.
She stood up abruptly and instructed, 'Close your eyes. And do not open them until I tell you to'.
'But..' he started to protest but her pout shut him up instantly.
With his closed eyes, he heard some shuffling in his room, while he awaited for her craziness to be put into action.
'Open your eyes', she huffed, taking deep breaths, as if she just ran a marathon.
'Arnav! You have been my anchor since childhood, my best friend and my confidant. I still wonder how you seek me out, whenever I shut myself from everyone. My craziness bothers you a lot, but never for once, were you annoyed. I made you promise several illogical things, still you did it all, just for me. You tolerate my cranky self, abide by my all wishes. Sometimes, I feel you know me better than I do. You always put me on top of your priority list, just like today, and go to any lengths for my sake. I tarnished your name by calling you 'Annav', but still you let me have that privilege, which you never sanctioned anyone else doing the same. Your rejection was a blow which I could not handle, and I shut you out completely. Still you endured it all, without any complaint. If we are together today, its all because of your perseverance. Though your ways of bringing me back were crooked, it just made me realise that I had to stand for my love', Khushi paused for a while and looked at Arnav whose eyes were wide as saucers, at the unexpected confession from her. There was anticipation, wonder, amusement, mirth visible in his orbs that gave contentment to Khushi's soul. She indeed did the right thing! He deserved this!
She continued, her tone merrier, 'I shall try to change myself, only a bit, to lessen the torture I bestow you with. I shall try to be the perfect girl you ever wanted. I shall love you more each day, and I promise never to let our love dwindle'.
Taking a deep breath, she forwarded her arms, that she hid behind her all this while, a heart shaped balloon resting in between them.
Going down on her knees, surprising Arnav, she asked, 'Will you marry me, Arnav? And let me have the privilege of being your love forever?' She asked, a part of her, joyous at the successful rendition of her speech, while another part anxiously waited for his reply.
Arnav was flabbergasted would be an understatement. He was moved by her confession, his insides bubbling with happiness, his mind and soul flattered.
Accepting the balloon, he helped her rise, and crushed her into his arms. Words failed him, overwhelmed by her gesture.
'I love you', he breathed into her hair.
'Thats not the answer to my question', she scowled.
Clutching her shoulders, looking straight into her eyes, he answered, sincerity, pride and honesty evident in his pools. 'Yes I will. I will marry you!' He put her anxious heart at ease, as a smile bloomed on her lips, that reached her eyes.
'On a condition though!' He spoke, rendering her confused.
'I loved my crazy, pranking and chirpy Khushi, and will continue to love her. You are perfect the way you are, and I do not appreciate you changing for me, even a bit! Your cranky thoughts keep me alive and your madness makes my day happier! Deal?' He questioned and Khushi nodded her head in positive, tears pooling in her orbs. He always managed to impress her more, with his unbound and unconditional love!
Throwing her arms around his neck, she hugged him tight, kissing his jaw.
'This is the best proposal ever. One of a kind!' He mused, while a joyful smile stretched on her lips.
A couple of minutes later, Arnav withdrew from her clutch and spoke, 'Actually, I wanted to apologise, Khushi. It was our mistake that we did not get your consent for marriage. I am sorry. And I promise, this would be the last time that something happens without your will'.
Khushi cupped his cheeks fondly, and replied, 'The minute I denied, you respected my decision, Arnav. You did not claim an explanation, rather took the blame upon yourself. A girl needs nothing more than that assurance, that her love will be respected and treasured. I am proud of you'. She said with gratitude pouring out of her eyes.
He slid his hands around her waist and embraced her in a warm hug, while she placed a kiss on his chest, right near his heart, before resting her head there. She found her safest place on earth, in his arms, where she could spend her entire lifetime. Arnav's hold on her tightened, his eyes screaming love and only love for the lady in his arms. He wished for the time to freeze, as he relished the moment.
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The next morning
It was the Mehendi ceremony of the couples, and after numerous pleadings from Arnav and Adi, and some recommendation from Harish, the boys were permitted to attend the function.
Payal was fiddling with the plates as her hands were full of Mehendi, when she heard Akash behind her.
'May I?' He asked, with a shy smile on his face.
Nodding at him, she moved to give him way, while he slowly filled her plate with the items. Shy glances were exchanged among them in between, the couple revelling in their own world of joy.
'Why do I smell love?' Anjali questioned, all of a sudden, to no one in particular, as Shyam, Arnav, Khushi, Pankhuri and Adi sat together with the boys feeding their girls.
'Because... love is in the air?' Adi replied, rather questioned, scrunching his brows.
Anjali rolled her eyes and spoke, 'Yeah! I guess, we need to prepare for another wedding too!' She smirked, her gaze pointed towards Akash and Payal.
The others followed her line of vision, only to gasp in shock. Akash was feeding Payal ever so lovingly, regardless of his surroundings.
'He might just be helping her', Pankhuri stated, though she knew it was anything but that.
'Is Akash really serious?' Arnav questioned, startling the others.
'What do you mean?' Khushi asked, growing protective for her best friend. She was not going to spare Akash, if he was about to break Payal's heart.
'He is serious. Look at them. Their faces say it all!' Anjali enthusiastically commented, and looked at Shyam, who did not speak a word yet.
Nudging him with her elbow, she gestured him to speak. Shyam sighed, and replied, a teasing smirk forming on his face, 'I am just wondering whether to welcome him to the married club, or advise him to enjoy his bachelorhood, that is never going to return!'
He shrugged while Anjali turned furious at her husband.
'Shyam!' She bellowed, and with a huff, she walked off not before warning, 'I am not talking to you!'
The others laughed along with Shyam, enjoying the daily banter between the couple.
'Why do you always rile her up?' Arnav asked his Jeeju who replied, 'She is cute when angry. And... we have our own ways of making up', he winked, and marched off behind his wife, while the rest adored the couple.
************************
After the completion of Mehendi, the youngsters were assembled on the terrace, to chitchat, their usual ritual when they were kids. They were trying to compensate for the time they lost these years, with many of them away from the family.
'Khushi, I need your help', Akash whispered to his best friend, who sat by his side, talking to her other best friend, Payal.
She turned towards him and gestured what. 'Which cuisine does Payal prefer?' He again whispered.
'Why don't you ask her that?' She arched her brows with a teasing tone.
'Please!' He pouted that Khushi could not help but chuckle. 'I am planing to ask her for a date!' He spoke sheepishly, while Khushi's mouth gaped.
'You like her?' Her question was strict, firm, encouraging no jokes.
'Yes', his tone did not lack the sincerity, much to her relief. 'Cuisine, please!' He poked her again.
'Italian it is!' She beamed with joy, her heart rejoicing at the confirmation of the news they had doubts on.
'Shh.. do not tell anyone about this, alright?' Akash requested, not wanting to become the victim of teases from his family.
Khushi smiled at him, uncomfortably shifting in her position and answered back, 'I am sorry to burst your bubble. But your face pretty much reveals everything. We were doubtful, but you just confirmed it.' She winked.
Akash gasped in shock, but nevertheless warned her again, 'Fine. Now you please don't confirm to them. Please keep our date a secret. Can I trust you on that?' He pleaded.
'Fine!' Khushi assured, her insides dancing with joy.
Akash was her best friend and partner in crime, and she would do anything for him. Her gaze shifted towards her other best friend, Payal, who played a major part in her life. Had she not called her family about the turmoil she was in, probably she would not have had the happy times with Arnav. More than grateful, she felt special to be bestowed with such an amazing family!
So how was Khushi's confession? You had seen Arnav investing in this relationship, and I thought, why not portray how much this means to Khushi! Hope you all enjoyed reading! And I always believe in giving equal importance to the other characters too. Hence some light hearted moments among the youngsters and yes, Akash and Payal do deserve some love, don't they?
Please please provide your comments and do not forget to vote. Every vote and comment counts, as I really put in efforts to give you an update to your liking.
The next part of this update is available on Inkitt, the link is in my bio!
Love,
Shwetha