Chapter Twenty Four

Taking Khushi out to dinner, Arnav and Khushi finally got some time alone. They spent the evening happily, love in the air, consuming them. After dinner, they decided to take a walk at the park and go to their favorite tree. While walking, they held hands and walked under the streetlamps light, chatting away, until an unwanted presence came walking by.

"Hi Arnav!"

Both looked up to see none other than Sheetal herself. She came walking towards them with a big grin across her face.

"Hey Arnav, how are you," she asked.

"I'm good. How are you?"

Arnav being the sweet guy he was, he didn't hold a grudge towards Sheetal. He forgave and forgot the whole incident she had caused with Khushi, not caring about such silly actions. As for Khushi, she didn't like it one bit. Sheetal had said hi to her, but for the rest of the conversation, she spoke to Arnav. Arnav did engage Khushi in the conversation, but Sheetal was more interested in Arnav. Eventually, Khushi became distant from the conversation. She had even started to back away from the two and stood by their tree. Arnav had noticed and watched Khushi as she wrapped her arms around herself and stared at the lake.

Ending their conversation, Sheetal left and Arnav went to Khushi. He wrapped his arms around Khushi and was about to say something, when Khushi removed herself from his hold.

"I want to go home, Arnav," Khushi said lowly, looking down.

"But Khushi, we just-"

"Please? I want to go home."

Arnav could see that she wasn't in the mood and wondered why. He simply agreed and took Khushi home. When they got there, Khushi headed straight to her room once she had greeted Aryan. Aryan looked at Arnav confusedly and Arnav could only shrug. Following behind Khushi, he walked upstairs and into their room.

"Khushi, are you okay," Arnav asked, shutting the door behind him.

Khushi went to the wardrobe and took out her nightwear. "I'm fine."

But Arnav knew she wasn't. He walked towards her and turned her around. "You don't think I know when you're lying to me?"

Khushi looked up at him.

Arnav cupped her cheek. "What's wrong?"

Khushi looked away. "I don't like her."

Arnav let go and scrunched his eyebrows. "Who?"

"... Sheetal."

He sighed. "Is that what's bothering you? Khushi, it doesn't matter-"

"Yes it does! Arnav, I don't like her, but yet you were busy chatting her up."

"Chatting her up? She came up to us-"

"Wrong! She came up to you. You Arnav, not us."

"So-"

"So? Arnav I don't like her! She tried to break us Arnav, or do you not remember that?"

"Of course I remember that!"

"Well it doesn't seem like it."

"Oh? Then what does it seem like?"

"It seems like you get along perfectly with my worst my enemy!"

"Are you kidding me?!"

"You know what forget it! You only see the good in her, so why bother trying to explain anything to you? You're just gonna defend her anyways!"

"Khushi stop being immature! This is ridiculous!"

"Ridiculous? She tried to take you away from me! How am I being ridiculous?"

"Khushi I've had enough of this nonsense! This bullshit stops right now-!"

"Oh sure! She's the innocent one so you can't stand to hear me hating on her!"

"Khushi-"

"You know what, I'm done with this Arnav! I'm tired, so good night to you," and she turned away on her heels to go to the bathroom.

Slamming the door shut behind her, she leaned against the door and began to cry. She couldn't believe that they were fighting. This was their first fight ever! They had never gotten into a fight while they were dating, forgetting all the unnecessary drama that had happened in their lives. It upset Khushi that even now, even though they were married, even though Arnav was her's, Sheetal still managed to come in between them.

*~*

Aryan and Dai Ma both noticed the distance between the couple. The morning after their fight, both avoided each other when they could. At breakfast, they didn't say a word to each other. Arnav left to work without a sound, and Khushi disappeared into the kitchen, busying herself. Aryan and Dai Ma tried to find out what was going on and why, but the couple dodged them every time.

For a while they were distant. But within three days, the anger was gone. They began to miss each other and didn't want to fight each other, but they didn't want the other to know because they wanted the other to apologize.

Stubborn, I know. But then again that's why they're perfect for each other ;D

*~*

Khushi was in the middle of folding her clothes when she noticed the calendar from the corner of her eyes. She went up to it and her eyes slightly widened.

Oh no, she thought. My period is in a couple of days!

Khushi sat down on the edge of the bed and nibbled on her fingernails.

This is my first period with Arnav being home! I was lucky that he was in the city last month! How am I supposed to get by this without Arnav finding out?

She looked down at her fingers and stopped biting them. I can get through this... I know I can.

Unfortunately for Khushi, before she could even prepare herself from hiding the Red Dot factor from Arnav, Mother Nature came for an early visit, ruining her plans.

*~*

One evening, Arnav arrived home from the office. As he seated himself in the living room, a worker came with his tea. Arnav looked at him confusedly as the worker placed the tea before him.

"Where's Khushi?"

"She said she wasn't feeling well, so she's been upstairs all day."

Arnav nodded and the worker went back to his duties.

Not feeling well? Is she okay, Arnav wondered.

Leaving his tea, he went upstairs to their room. Upon entering, he saw Khushi in bed, under a blanket even though it was hot, reading a magazine. Her eyes darted up to him when he entered and went shooting right back to the magazine, using the magazine to cover her flustered face. Arnav scrunched his eyebrows and made his way over to her. He went to her side and Khushi moved the magazine so that she couldn't see him.

Arnav tilted his head. "Are you okay?"

"O-okay? Of course I'm okay! W-why wouldn't I-I be?"

"Cause you stuttered."

Khushi mentally cursed at herself.

Arnav sat down beside her. "Why are you under a blanket? Its hot today."

Khushi put the magazine down and folded her hands in her lap.

"Well...?"

"It's nothing Arnav. I feel cold so I'm under the blanket. What? I can't feel cold?"

Arnav made a face and rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

Getting up, he went to get his clothes and went into the bathroom. Once Arnav was inside, Khushi sighed in relief and looked down at her fingers entangled in her lap. She leaned and then shut her eyes to rest.

*~*

After a long, warm shower, Arnav came out, wearing nothing but his pjs, a towel in hand. When he came out, he glanced at Khushi and saw her sitting up, her hand at her tummy, eyes screwed shut and lips pursed, looking like she was in pain.

"Khushi?"

Arnav went over to Khushi and sat beside her. Khushi kept her eyes shut, biting her mouth shut.

"Khushi what's wrong," Arnav asked, cupping her cheeks in his hands.

But Khushi didn't reply and stayed in the same position.

"You mind telling me what's going on over here," Arnav asked, his voice louder than he meant it to be.

"It's just cramps," Khushi whispered.

"Cramps?"

"I'm on my period," Khushi whispered, having no time for embarrassment.

Arnav leaned back a little, astonished. He had never dealt with this kind of situation before. In some sort, it seemed kinda weird. But then again there was his cousin Lavanya and him, Akash, and NK used to tease her sometimes when she was on hers - it was just completely obvious to them because whenever she was on that time of the month, she would be grumpier and crankier than ever.

I wonder if Khushi also gets grumpy and cranky, Arnav wondered.

"Hold on a sec."

Arnav got up and headed out the room. Khushi scrunched her eyebrows and started at the door.

Where'd he go, she wondered.

A couple of minutes later, Arnav came back and Khushi's pain had lessened. She looked down at Arnav's hand and saw a water heat pack in his hand. He sat back down beside Khushi and she looked at him in surprise.

"Here, this should help," Arnav said softly.

Khushi just blinked, her confusion clear on her face.

"I remember NK complaining about how Lavanya once threw a tantrum because she couldn't find the water heat pack when she needed it for her cramps. He said that it helped her or something, so I thought...."

Khushi smiled softly. "Thank you."

Arnav nodded and looked down as Khushi placed the pack over her lower abdomen. She sighed and leaned back, shutting her eyes. Arnav turned to get up, when he felt Khushi reach out and grab his hand. He turned back to see her looking at him.

"Stay with me please," she asked.

Arnav nodded and moved beside her, wrapping his arm around her. Khushi snuggled into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder. Both sat there, completely quiet. Moments passed, when Khushi finally spoke.

"I'm sorry."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows and glanced down at her. "For what?"

Khushi picked her head up, but looked down at her hands. "I shouldn't have acted that way with you the other night. I don't normally act like that because I'm not like that, but I understand now why I did it - I felt insecure."

Arnav cupped her face in his hands and tilted it up so she would look at him. "Khushi, there is nothing to feel insecure about. Sheetal is Sheetal and she... she's whatever. But at the end of the day, you're mine, and I'm yours. I married you because I love you, not her."

She held his hands and nodded.

"And I'm sorry as well."

Khushi looked up at him.

"I shouldn't have reacted the way I had. It's understandable why you would hate her - she nearly broke us and got you in big trouble."

Khushi caressed Arnav's cheek. "It's okay."

Khushi tilted her head up and met her lips with Arnav's. It was a sweet, soft kiss, displaying their apologies. Khushi gave him a smile and put her head back on Arnav's shoulder, sighing in content. They were quiet again for a moment, when a question popped into Arnav's head.

"Did you get your period last month?"

Khushi gaped at him. "Arnav!"

"What," he asked innocently. "I have a right to know these things too!"

Khushi went read. "What?"

"I'm sure I would've caught you cramping like this as well. So tell me, did you bleed last month?

Khushi looked away, completely embarrassed. "Yes," she said, her voice barely audible.

"When?"

"You were away."

Arnav frowned. "Huh, is that so?" He mentally tracked back of his schedule last month. "Was it then? No, probably... or was it when I- no, I don't think so."

Khushi gaped at him. "Arnav!"

"What?"

"You're unbelievable!"

"What did I do-"

"You're discussing my period with yourself!"

Arnav frowned again. "Well when you put it that way, it does actually sound weird."

Khushi hit her forehead. "DM, please help this man!"

"What the?"

She looked at him. "You're crazy!"

Arnav gasped dramatically, faking his astonishment. "Mrs. Raizada, I am appalled."

"Yeah? I'll show you appalled."

Khushi reached for her pillow and hit Arnav with it.

"Ah! What the- Khushi!"

Khushi giggled hard as she continued to hit Arnav with the pillow. Arnav held his arms above him, defending himself. He quickly grabbed a pillow and used that as a shield, Khushi laughing even harder.

Outisde in the hall, Aryan was walking by, when he heard Khushi laughing.

"Khushi, stop," he heard Arnav yell. "I surrender, I surrender! Just stop hitting me with the pillow."

"No way," Khushi laughed, and Aryan heard the smacks of the pillow.

Aryan smiled softly and looked up. It's a good to hear them like this. Thank you Shalini for bringing her into our lives.

Chapter Twenty Three

Arnav laid back in bed as Khushi read aloud to him:

"Are you sleeping with anyone?” 

The question was asked so casually it took a second to process what he’d said. 

I inhaled sharply. “Why is that any business of yours?” 

He looked at me and I saw what I’d seen the first time we’d met—tremendous power and steely control. Both of which had me taking an involuntary step back. Again. At least I didn't fall this time; I was making progress. 

“Because I want to fuck you, Eva. I need to know what’s standing in my way, if anything.” 

"What the," Arnav said, hearing that line.

"I know," Khushi gushed. "Isn't he so demanding?!"

Arnav cocked an eyebrow. "Angel, say what?"

Khushi giggled. "I think it's... cool, that Gideon is so demanding."

"Cool?"

"Yeah," she smiled, and she went back to her book.

Arnav just blinked. "Who are you and where's Khushi?"

Khushi put the book down and chuckled. "I'm right here Arnav, stop teasing me," and she went back to the book.

"I'm serious! I'm surprised you even read these books!"

Khushi looked up at him. "But why? You once saw me reading Fifty Shades Darker in the library."

"I did?"

Khushi looked side to side. "Yeah... you asked if the seat was taken while I was reading."

Arnav crossed his arms and went into thought. "Hmm... can't remember."

"I was blushing...?"

"Oh, now I remember," and he chuckled. "Well if the books make you blush, then you're too innocent for them baby," he teased.

"Oh please, I've read that series a good four times already."

Arnav's eyes widened. "Say what?!"

Khushi smiled and nodded. "Yerp," and she continued reading.

Arnav blinked. "Then that means... you know all about this stuff?"

"What stuff," she asked, not looking up.

"This... the sex."

Khushi looked up at him and saw the confusion on his face. Sighing, she bookmarked the page and put the book down and then turned to him. "Yes Arnav, I do know everything about sex."

"Then... all this time... when I asked you to stay calm and...?" Arnav was just too confused.

"Well... I mean I know about it, but doing it is different than knowing," Khushi said softly.

"Uh... huh...."

Khushi pursed her lips and slightly shrugged. "Does it bother you," she asked softly.

Arnav shook his head. "No.... I just thought... I didn't think you'd know about this stuff. But it does rather explain some things."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Explain what?"

Arnav smirked and came over her. "Why you're so kinky in bed," and he winked.

Khushi gasped and blushed. She slapped him on his chest and Arnav laughed. He buried his face in her neck and held her tightly to him as he laid back down. Khushi just smiled and ran her fingers through his hair.

"Khushi," he said into her neck.

"Hmm?"

"Since you do know everything about sex...."

"Yeah...?"

Arnav looked up at her. "Then you know what a man wants right?"

"Um...?"

Arnav sat up. "Come on, I now know that you should know."

Khushi sat up as well, but she didn't look at him. She had a good feeling she knew exactly what he was talking about.

"Well..."

Khushi looked at him and saw his signature smirk dancing on his lips. "Um...."

Arnav wagged his eyebrows and Khushi giggled.

"Yes, Arnav, I think I do know what a man wants," she giggled.

"And...?"

"And... I dunno," she blushed.

Arnav smiled lightly. His angel really was something. He moved her so that she was sitting on his lap. "Would you do it?"

Khushi had his hands in hers and was playing with his fingers. "I dunno,"she said softly.

"Are you scared," he asked softly.

Khushi shook her head.

"Then?"

Khushi clasped each of their hands together. "I... I'm... okay, I'm scared," she admitted.

"Why?"

Khushi loosened her grip on his hands. "Of not satisfying you,"she nearly whispered.

Khushi tried to release her hands, but Arnav tightened his hold.

"What do you mean," Arnav asked, astonished.

Khushi didn't say anything but just looked at their hands.

"Khushi, look at me."

But Khushi didn't move.

"Look at me angel."

Khushi slowly looked up at him.

"I don't want you to ever think something like that again. I love you and that's all that matters. No one is ever the best at anything and we always learn. Don't think that you're not capable of doing something, be it whatever it is. You have to try first. If you're good, then great! But if not, there's always improvement."

Khushi looked down.

Releasing their hands, Arnav cupped her cheeks. "Do you love me?"

Khushi looked at him. "Of course!"

Arnav smiled. "Then that's all that matters."

Khushi smiled lightly and then hugged Arnav. She rested her head on Arnav's shoulder, holding onto him. Arnav smiled and held onto his angel, running his hand up and down on her back. They stayed that way for a while until it was getting late. They both laid down and Khushi snuggled into Arnav's chest, both holding each other as they fell asleep.

*~*

Their honeymoon soon came to an end and their love was greater than ever. When they got back to Raizada mansion, Aryan was ecstatic to see his children home. School soon began and like Aryan said, Khushi went back to school. The Raizada couple were the talk of the school. Everyone waited on the first day back, just to see the newlywed couple. They came arriving together on Arnav's motorcycle, Khushi holding onto her husband, sitting behind him. They walked in together and all eyes were on them.

Throughout the day, people came to them and congratulated them. Among them was Viren, who had accepted it and was happy for his friend. He even began to be nice to Khushi and they got along quite well. Viren even apologized for being a jerk to her, but Khushi didn't mind at all.

But, one person on campus was not ready to accept this.

Sheetal fumed as she watched the newlywed couple throughout the day. She couldn't believe a poor little girl like Khushi was married to The Arnav Singh Raizada. It absolutely disgusted her and she could not tolerate it at all.

Fortunately for her, the year came rapidly to an end and before they even knew it, they had all graduated. On the day of graduation, Aryan and Dai Ma both came to see Arnav and Khushi graduate. Aryan was proud to see both his son and daughter graduating together.

This of course meant a party.

That evening, a small party was thrown for the family. Akash and NK's families were in town, so everyone came over to celebrate.

"Congrats Nanav," NK said as he went to his brother upon his arrival.

"Thank you. Now what's the deal," Arnav said.

Khushi was beside Arnav and scrunched her eyebrows. "Deal?"

"Of course. He came to me first thing - something is definitely up."

"Oh please Nanav," NK said, "I can be happy for you right."

"True, but only when you're up to something."

NK made a face as Seema came over.

"You're right Bhai, he is."

"Wifey," NK whined, but Seema laughed.

"Well whatever it is, it's not happening," Arnav declared.

"What-? But Nanav, you haven't even-"

"I don't need to NK; you have to many crazy ideas. It's not happening."

Akash came in and placed an arm over NK's shoulder. "Don't be depressed bro, you'll live."

"Now that you're here, I won't be," NK flirted.

"Paws off my man," Payal said, as she came over with Lavanya.

"You're lucky - I've seen it happening since I was born," Lavanya complained.

The night went on, everyone having fun and enjoying a lovely dinner. It was definitely an enjoyable night, and Khushi felt blessed to have in laws- no, a family like this.

*~*

As time went on, Khushi learned the rules and the ways of the house. She had quickly adapted in and never for a moment did she ever feel she wasn't at home. She had love surrounding her, from Aryan's fatherly love to Arnav's naughty hubby love - everything was amazing!

Arnav had gotten busy with work, brnaching out his company. A branch had recently been opened in the main city, so Arnav would go away now and then, spending a few days there, just to help the place start up and stay in tact. It would bother Khushi, since she couldn't have her husband with her, but their love wasn't any less.

Whenever Arnav was around, love and passion was always in the air. One thing that was always there was the sex. Almost every other night, the two couldn't resist each other and were busy in love-making. Not for a second were their hands off of each other, and Khushi absolutely loved it. She was very happy, something she hadn't been her whole life.

Eventually, the branch at the city was settled, and Arnav could stay home. He worked at the office in town and got consumed in work. Khushi too was busy with housework, Dai Ma falling sick with a very bad fever. Khushi was busy taking care of the whole house, that when Arnav was home, she didn't have time for him. At night, Khushi was too tired so Arnav couldn't even spend the night with her. But, whenever Khushi got a moment to spare, Arnav was busy with work and couldn't give her any time at all.

Arnav wasn't liking it one bit. He wanted to spend time with Khushi, just like they used before they got married. He didn't want things to change just because they were married now. Dai Ma had eventually gotten better and Khushi had got more time on her hand.

Arnav had come home from work and was sitting in the living room, loosening his tie. Khushi came in with his tea and placed it down on the table in front of him

"Khushi, we're going out tonight," Arnav said.

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Where?"

Arnav stood up and went in front of her. "On a date."

"A date? But we don't date anymore, we're married."

"So? I can still take you out on a date."

"True... but there's work to be done at home and-"

"I don't wanna hear any of that, I'm taking you out," he declared.

"But Arnav-"

Arnav caught her by her wrist and pulled her into him. Khushi looked at him wide eyed, and tried to free herself.

"Arnav-"

"I haven't had moment with you in so long baby. We've both been busy and I want to spend time with you."

Khushi sighed. "I want to spend time with you too, Arnav."

"Then it's settled, I'm taking you out."

"But Arnav-"

"But nothing Khushi. We're going out and that's final. Okay?"

Khushi sighed. "Okay, happy?"

Arnav smiled. "Very much."