Chapter Fifty Five

It had only been almost five months since the loss of their first born. The couple had grieved and faced many things, and had made a promise to each other. It wasn't long until that promise had been fulfilled - Khushi was once again pregnant. The Raizada family were shocked when they learned the news, Shalini especially. She feared if the two were rushing it, but Arnav and Khushi explained to her that they needed this before they lost their sanity. It broke her heart to hear those words and Shalini gave them her blessings, as well Aryan.

News of Khushi's pregnancy spread through the town, and everyone knew. Shyam and Anjali had only just returned from their honeymoon when they learned this. The newly wedded couple was very happy for their sister and only wished for her well being. After what she had been through, Khushi deserved this, and they would help her through it, making sure that nothing happened to her nor her child.

Shyam was very happy to learn of this news. He wanted to shout to the world that his sister was the strongest of them all and that no matter what people whispered among each other, she would remain strong. He wanted to spread the news, as well as Anjali. However, what did they know that along with this good news, they would hear bad news.

Something so bad, it was absolutely terrible.

*~*

Shyam wanted nothing more than to see his sister. He wanted to congratulate her, and so did Anjali. So they had planned a date to go over to Raizada mansion, and Shyam forced his parents to as well. Shashi and Garima had fussed, after how Khushi and Arnav had insulted them. But Shyam refused to back down and told them that if they didn't treat Khushi the way she deserved, then he and Anjali would leave. That one, simple threat was all it took to get them to agree, which disgusted Shyam.

It was the first time the senior Gupta's had ever gone to Raizada mansion. Neither Shashi nor Garima could believe their eyes when they saw the inside of the huge mansion.

"Shyam!"

The Gupta's looked up and saw Khushi smiling from end to end. She made her way down to them and Shyam ran over to her, hugging her. Tears came free as Khushi hugged Shyam back. Letting go of her brother, Khushi hugged Anjali.

"How are you two? How was your honeymoon? Did he behave?"

Anjali chuckled. "Somewhat, but that's not important, Di. How are you? We heard the good news."

Khushi smiled with a nod. "I'm pregnant," she breathed.

Anjali smiled, forcing back her tears. She hugged Khushi again and Khushi hugged her back. "It will be just fine, Di. I know it."

"Everything will be," Shyam said.

Arnav came walking into the room, his parents and sister behind him. "That it will be."

Shyam turned to Arnav as he came in front of him. The two men looked at each other for brief moment, before reaching out to shake hands. Arnav glanced at his in laws and saw them looking around. Khushi looked at them as well and remembering their last encounter, she decided that it would be best to ignore them.

"Come, sit," Khushi smiled, and they all sat down. "Tell me, how was the honeymoon? Did you two have fun?"

"Uh, we can talk about that another time, Di," Shyam said, glancing at the elders.

"Well at least tell me you had fun," Khushi giggled. "And I hope you didn't bother her too much."

"Well Di, you know your brother better than anyone," Anjali giggled.

"That I do, the little baby."

"I am not a baby, I am a grown man," Shyam said, pointing his chin up.

"Oh sure," Arnav scoffed teasingly.

Both Khushi and Anjali giggled like little schoolgirls and both Aryan and Shalini sighed at the sight of Khushi's smile. It felt so good to see her like that again.

"Speaking of baby boys..."

Everyone looked at Shyam curiously.

"...how old would he have been?"

Arnav's eyes widened at the audacity of Shyam's question, as well as the others.

"Four months, three weeks, six days," Khushi whispered.

"Oh," Shyam replied casually. "It's too bad. My little niece/nephew would've had an older brother."

Khushi pursed her lips, urging herself not to cry. While Aryan and Shalini looked at him with disbelief, Arnav glared at Shyam.

"I think that's enough on the topic, hmm," Arnav gritted out.

"Oh, hardly my brother in-law. Hardly. Right Amma and Babuji?"

Both Shashi and Garima looked up at their son with wide eyes as everyone else looked at them.

"In fact," Shyam began, hopping out of his seat, "this is only the beginning. What do you say Anjali?"

"Absolutely," his wife agreed, getting up from her seat.

Khushi looked at the two in confusion. "I don't... I don't understand."

Shyam turned to his parents. "Tell me, Amma and Babuji, where were you two four months, three weeks, and six days ago?"

Shashi's eyebrows met at the middle. "What kind of absurd question is that? How could we remember something like that from all that time ago?"

Shyam's eyebrows shot up. "Really? I would think that you would, considering that was the day your first grandson was born."

Khushi looked away and Arnav scoffed, not surprised by this at all.

"It is absolutely amazing how you can be so... my gosh! I mean honestly!"

"Shyam," Garima admonished. "Is that any way to speak to your father?"

"Oh please Amma, you're not any less yourself."

"Shyam!"

Khushi got up and held her brother's arm. "Shyam, please-"

"Please Di," he said, releasing himself and holding his hand up. "Don't try to stop me today."

"Shyam-"

"Please Di," Anjali said, placing her hands on Khushi's shoulders. "You need to hear this."

"Hear what?"

"Exactly," Arnav said as he stood up. "What exactly do we need to hear?"

"What my parents, or rather, your in laws were doing the night your son was born," Shyam said, as if it were obvious. He looked at his parents. "Tell them you guys! Tell them!"

Shashi and Garima glanced at each other but remained quiet.

"Can't remember? I'll remind you," he smiled sweetly.

His parents looked at him with wide eyes while everyone else looked at him with confusion.

"Four months, three weeks, and six days ago, after my sister had gone through so much pain, my nephew was born. My sister and my brother in-law were so happy... until they were told that their child was dead."

Khushi shut her eyes and turned away at his words, as if they physically pained her. Anjali squeezed her shoulders lightly and nodded, reassuring Khushi when she looked at her.

"Shyam-"

"Please Arnav, let me."

Arnav clenched his jaw and Shalini went over to him, squeezing his hand.

"Its quite the tale though isn't it? All well and then right at the end, shit hits the fan? But what if I told you that was never supposed to happen?"

Khushi looked at her brother, completely confused. "How can anyone know what is and what isn't supposed to happen?"

"Well, simple: if it's in the hand of fate, you don't. But of it's in the hands of humans, then you definitely do?"

"What?"

"What happened that night wasn't supposed to happen that way Di," Anjali explained. "Instead, all was supposed to go well, you were supposed to hold your little bundle of joy the next morning, and you weren't supposed to face all of this grief."

"Anjali, it's one thing to believe positively but... what's done is done-"

"True," Shyam interjected. "What's done, is done, but what's wrong needs to be fixed."

Arnav eyed him carefully. "Meaning?"

"Meaning that your son should be returned to you after my so called parents kidnapped your child and replaced another baby in his spot who was dead!"

Arnav and Khushi's eyes widened with horror, as well as Aryan's and Shalini's. Shashi and Garima looked at their son in shock, while Shyam and Anjali fumed.

"W-what... what a-are you saying," Garima questioned.

"Don't you dare try to deny it," Shyam said, pointing his finger at them. "Did you or did you not replace Di's baby with a dead one?"

"Shyam-"

"Did you or did you not," Shyam repeated.

"Shyam-"

"Did you or did you not," Shyam boomed, cutting off his father.

"How dare you use that tone with me?"

"Did you or did you not replace Di's baby with a dead child?!"

"Of course it wasn't dead! It was about to and we switched the two with the help of the nurse-"

Garima clapped her hands over her mouth and Khushi looked at her with horror.

"You.. you did what," Khushi whispered.

Shyam shook his head with a scoff. "Help of the nurse, huh?"

Garima's eyes darted from her son, to Khushi's, and at her husband's, but Shashi refused to look at her.

"You stupid woman," Shashi growled.

"Me? What about you? You were the one who agreed to it!"

Shashi glared at her and Khushi, nor anyone, could believe what they were hearing.

"How could you," Khushi whispered. "How could you do this to me?"

Khushi released herself and began walking towards her so called parents. Shyam tried to reach out to her sister, but Arnav stopped him. There was a fire burning in his wife's eyes, and no one would be able to let out, except for her.

"What did he ever do to you," Khushi asked, walking over to them. "What did my newborn son fucking do to you," she yelled.

Shalini tried to go to her, but Aryan stopped him. "But she-"

"She needs to do this Jaanemaan."

"But the baby-"

"Will be just fine."

Shalini hoped her husband was right. After all Khushi was pregnant and in the first trimester, a very crucial time.

"Answer me," Khushi yelled.

Both Shashi and Garima were stunned by her yelling. Never had they ever seen Khushi like this. Ever.

"Where is my son," she said through clenched jaws.

Shashi and Garima glanced at each other.

"Where the fuck is he?!"

Garima recoiled at the sound of her voice.

"I swear if you don't fucking tell me right now, I will fucking murder you both!"

Everyone's eyes widened at Khushi's cryptic voice. Arnav went over to his wife's side and wrapped an arm around her waist as he glared at his supposed in laws.

"I will ask you one more time - WHERE THE FUCK IS MY SON?!"

"In an orphanage," Garima blurted.

Everyone gaped at her.

"O-orphanage," Khushi breathed. "How could you... why?"

"What choice did we have," Shashi finally said. "Business was bad and we were near to nothing! All of our money had gone to your brother's tuition and barely anything came home! We were desperate for the money!"

"So you let someone buy you and have you kidnap your own grandson and dropping him at an orphanage?!!"

Garima opened her mouth to speak, but was immediately halted when Khushi's hand met her cheek with a slap. The sound of it echoed in the quiet room and everyone was stunned by Khushi's doing as she glared at the woman who was her supposed mother.

"Khushi-"

Khushi slapped Garima again. Her whole body shook with hurt and anger, her hand stinging.

"Khushi," Shashi boomed. "How dare you raise your hand at your mother-?"

"Enough Mr. Gupta," Khushi yelled.

Everyone looked at her with wide eyes, except for Arnav.

"Not another word or the same will happen to you too," she warned.

"How dare you threaten your father-"

"Father?" Khushi broke out into laughter and Arnav squeezed her hand, glaring at the man. "Did you hear that Arnav? He thinks he's my father."

Shashi continued to glare at her and Khushi glared back.

"By which right do you call yourself my father? Huh? By which right?"

Shashi continued to glare at her.

"You kidnapped my son. You kidnapped your fucking grandson, your own blood! You and your wife have done nothing but mistreated me since the day I was born and for what?! Because I'm a girl?!"

"Don't you dare use that tone with me-"

Khushi's hand met Shashi's cheek and the old man was stunned. Garima gasped and looked at Khushi with shock, and so did the others.

"You are not my parents," Khushi hissed. "You are not my parents, you have never acted as my parents, you have never been my parents!"

Khushi released herself from Arnav's hold and stood in her parents face.

"Where is my son? Which orphanage did you put him in?"

"Like I'd tell you after how you misbehaved, " Shashi growled.

"Oh trust me, Mr. Gupta, I'm only getting started."

"Oh? You think you're so tough, don't you girl," he hissed. "You're nothing but a weak, unimportant, unwanted, unessential-"

Shashi couldn't finish his sentence and went falling to the floor when Khushi's fist met his face. Garima was at her husband's side immediately, trying to help him.

"Khushi-"

Khushi bent down and gripped Garima by her hair tightly, pulling it. Garima yelled out in pain and Arnav tried to get Khushi away from her.

"Khushi-"

"Where. Is. My. Son," Khushi questioned, ignoring Arnav.

Garima struggled under Khushi's tight grip. "I don't know."

"Wrong answer."

Khushi pulled her fist back to hurt Garima as well, when Garima shielded herself and blurted "he's at the orphanage outside the west of the town!"

Khushi's eyes widened and she released her. "He's... he's alive.... Arnav-"

Arnav cupped her cheeks in his hands and kissed her forehead, holding her to him for a moment.

"W-we have to find him," Khushi said. "We have to find him, we have to bring him home, we have to find him-"

"Khushi, baby, relax please. I'll get him-"

"No! No I want to go, I want to get him, we have to get him!"

"We will, Khushi, we will."

"We have to go now! Who knows how our son is doing at the orphanage, we-"

Khushi looked down at Shashi and Garima, who were still on the floor. "Guards!"

At her call, two of the security men came running in.

"Grab hold of them and follow me."

Without a word, the two did as they were commanded.

"Khushi, what are you-?"

But Khushi ignored Arnav and began to walk out of the house. The guards followed behind, taking hold of Shashi and Garima, and the others followed out as well. Khushi walked out of the house and went to the gates, commanding for it to be opened and for the guards to toss the two the streets. They did as such and the people who were passing by, all stopped to see the commotion.

Shashi and Garima landed with a thud. They both looked up and saw Khushi glaring at them, Arnav joining her at her side.

"You kidnapped my own son... I can never ever forgive you for that," Khushi said. "Not now, not ever.

"As of today, you are no longer my parents. I have no relations to you whatsoever and you are both nothing but criminals! Get out and don't ever show your faces around here again, do you hear me?!"

Both Shashi and Garima were stunned. For the first time ever, they were seeing Khushi with might and power, something they had never seen in her, nor ever expected to see.

The people who had heard the commotion were shocked. How could anyone's parents ever do this to their own child? To their own grandchild? People were absolutely disgusted and started to shout and approach the two. Arnav and Khushi saw the crowd approaching Shashi and Garima, and the so called parents shook and quivered as the mob approached.

"Khushi," Garima called out.

Khushi ordered for the gates to be closed, and the workers did just that. Shashi and Garima scrambled up to their feet and clung onto the gates, begging for forgiveness, reaching for her feet. But Khushi didn't care and watched as the mob surrounded her so called parents and take them away. Khushi simply watched, her eyes fierce and mixed with emotion. A memory came to mind, and it all made so much more sense now.

"But little do they know that one day, that you will grow to be a bright young woman."

"What do you mean?"

"I won't say much child, but I will say this: you will grow to be a powerful woman, and your parents will regret behaving the way they do with you. They will regret treating you like a piece of garbage and will be at your feet for your forgiveness."

"Really?"

"Yes... but, at the time when you try to forgive them, you will discover such a secret, that you will never forgive them."

"What secret?"

"In time, my child. In time."

Maybe things don't always work out as predicted, but some things were etched into the marble and meant to happen. Though her parents didn't apologize for the way they treated her, their secret remained to be true. Khushi could never forgive them for what happened nor forgive them for what they had done. 

As the crowd continued to take them away, Arnav and Khushi watched, unaware that Aryan, Shalini, Shyam, and Anjali were behind them, watching as well. 

For the first time in her life, Khushi truly felt powerful, the gypsy right on that. But her power didn't matter - her son did.

Khushi looked up at her husband. "We need to find him." 

Arnav nodded and wrapped his arm around his wife's waist, placing a kiss on her head. "We will."

Chapter Fifty Four

After learning that Shyam would be getting married, Arnav kept a close eye and kept his ear on it. He had hired men to find out more about the wedding, and it was true that indeed Shyam's wedding would be grand. It made Arnav curious as to how they had gotten so much money. Though he also wondered if they always did and didn't care to spend to much on their wedding, just because Khushi was a girl. The thought disgusted him, and he hated them even more.

Arnav knew the love Khushi had for her only sibling. So when he found out the date of Shyam's wedding, he planned on taking her there. Khushi didn't know of course, as he not only intended to surprise her, but her family as well.

When Arnav and Khushi arrived to her parents home, Khushi was shocked. The place looked absolutely stunning and expensive. Many guests walked around, marveling at how beautiful the decorations looked. The buzz was that Shashi had come through some money through his business and that was how he had managed to pull off such an extravagant wedding. Arnav called bullshit and was even more disgusted by these people.

Khushi looked around, several people noticing her and staring at her. Of course everyone knew what had happened to her and she knew people were whispering about the loss of her child, and she forced herself to not care.

Her eyes landed on her brother and Khushi couldn't believe how handsome he looked. One of Shyam's friends noticed her and told him that she was here. Shyam turned and looked at his Di in shock, and ran up to her.

"Di, what..  how-?"

"Congrats on your wedding," Arnav said with a clipped tone.

Shyam knew he was angry, and he couldn't blame him. "I'm sorry you had to find out about this, this way."

"The same."

"I just-"

"You just didn't want to hurt your sister," Khushi said for him.

Shyam looked down at the ground. "I swear Di, if I could bring him back-"

"You can't. And the only thing we can do is move on."

Shyam looked up at his sister. Even though she had said such brave words, her eyes showed her pain, and he hugged her. Khushi forced herself not to cry, not wanting to ruin this moment. As for Arnav, well, he still thought differently. He found it all suspicious, and something was off. What it was, he didn't know, and he was going to find out.

When Khushi pulled back from her brother, she saw her parents. Khushi couldn't help but to note the pricey looking clothes her parents wore, especially the amount of jewelry her mother wore. She couldn't help but to happy for her father and that he had finally achieved in his business.

"Amma, Babuji."

Shyam turned and looked at his parents. The two only nodded at her and when a guest called out to them, they walked over to them. Shyam clenched his fists, and so did Arnav. Khushi noticed Shyam's fists and held his hand. Instantly he relaxed and looked down at his older sister. She shook her head with a smile and he tried to object but she stopped him.

"Come on, it's almost time for the rituals to begun."

"But Di-"

"You shouldn't make your bride wait. Next she'll think you're too scared."

Shyam tried to reject, but Khushi would have none of it. He fussed and Khushi ignored him, taking him to the mandap. Meanwhile, Arnav just watched. He just may never fully understand his wife.

*~*

Khushi was so happy that her brother was getting married to such a beautiful woman as Anjali. She watched with tears as her brother and future sister in-law vowed to be together for seven lifetimes, taking her back to the day she had made the same vows with Arnav. She felt Arnav entwine his fingers with hers and smiled up at him as he took their entwined hands and kissed hers.

When Shyam filled Anjali's parting with vermilion, Khushi sighed. Everyone tossed flower petals at the couple in joy, Khushi the happiest of them all. Shyam stood with his newly wedded wife and the two stepped off the mandap to get their blessings. Khushi could see how happy her mother was, when suddenly her smile dropped. She watched as Shyam passed her and their father and came walking over to her and Arnav. Everyone gasped and whispered around them, and while Arnav looked at his brother in-law with confusion, Khushi's eyes darted from her brother to her parents.

"Shyam-"

Both Shyam and Anjali bent down to seek Khushi's blessings. Everyone gasped, including Khushi. Her eyes darted to her parents and she could see them seething. She looked at her husband and he simply nodded. Looking down at the newly wedded couple, Khushi hesitantly placed her hands over the two. When she did, they looked up at her and Shyam gave her a hug.

"I love you, Di."

Tears came streaming down Khushi's cheeks. "Shyam, why did you do this?"

Shyam pulled back and held her shoulders. "All my life, you have done nothing but have been a wonderful sister to me, even a mother in some essence."

Khushi glanced at their mother and saw her piping mad.

"While you were so good to me, I wasn't always that good to you."

"Oh, Shyam, that's nonsense-"

"No Di, it isn't. I wasn't always there for you, and I still couldn't even after everything that has happened to you."

Khushi held back her tears and caressed her brother's cheek. "Don't say such things, you have been an amazing brother. And now I want you to promise me that you will be a good husband."

Shyam nodded and Khushi reached out to Anjali. Anjali came forward and placed her hand in hers.

"From this day forward, I will be your Di as well," Khushi smiled. "And if he ever bothers you, you come right over to me and let me know, and I'll deal with him."

"Di," Shyam nagged, and Khushi couldn't help her tears as she chuckled.

"Thank you Di," Anjali smiled through her own tears, and the two sister in-laws hugged. 

Letting each other go, Shyam and Anjali sought blessings from Arnav as well, then went to his parents. Try as hard as they did, Khushi could still see their anger in their eyes. After all the blessings were given, Shyam and Anjali were taken inside to change. The two would be going off to their honeymoon immediately, and everyone cheered and whooped as the newly wedded couple got into their car and set off to the city to go to the airport.

Khushi sighed and rested her head against Arnav's shoulder. "I'm so happy for him."

Arnav opened his mouth to reply, but someone else beat him to it.

"Surely you must be..."

Both Arnav and Khushi turned around to see her parents.

"After embarrassing us like that," her father continued.

Khushi shook her head. "Babuji, I-"

"Enough," he shouted, holding his hand up.

"But I-"

"You," he sneered. "Because of you, we were embarrassed in front of all of the guests, in front of his in laws!"

"I-"

"Does it bring you joy," her mother asked. "Does it bring you joy to bring us down into the dirt like that?"

"No-"

"You have been nothing but a shame since you've been born!"

Khushi gasped at her mother's harsh words. Tears came pooling to her eyes and she tried to turn away, but Arnav stopped her. She looked up at him and Arnav simply shook his head. He could see that she was pleading him to leave with her eyes, but Arnav refused to let this go.

"If there's anyone who embarrassed you two today," Arnav began, "then its you two."

"Arnav-"

"Hush baby," he said, putting his finger to his lips. "Not a word from you."

Khushi looked at him with confusion as he let her go and walked up to her parents. Both Shashi and Garima looked at him in shock, their eyes wide as he stood before them.

"The both of you embarrassed yourselves today, not my wife. If you hadn't acted the way you always have with her, you could have saved yourself the embarrassment today, but no, you mistreated her as always."

Khushi looked away, her tears still streaming. 

"What did she ever do? Huh? What did she ever do to you people? Be born as a girl? Tell me, how is that any of her fault? If it's anyone's fault, it's both of yours, or heck, it's all your fault father in-law."

Shashi's eyes widened while Arnav cocked his eyebrow at him.

"What? No words father in-law? Well then how about this - instead of pointing fingers and yelling at someone innocent, try pointing the finger at the one to blame."

Garima gaped at Arnav while her husband continued to glare at him.

"It's funny isn't it? How peacefully this wedding occurred, yet drama during your daughter's. I mean, you both tried to force her to marry another guy because she fell in love with me. And yet when your son fell in love, you were more than happy to get him married to her."

Khushi's eyes widened as she looked at them in shock. She didn't know this at all. 

Shashi and Garima looked at Arnav in shock.

"Oh yeah, I know," Arnav smirked. "I always have my ways to find out anything I need to know."

Both Shashi and Garima looked at each other, before looking back at Arnav.

"Disgusting," Arnav spat. "I didn't want to come to this thing just to avoid looking at you people. You both disgust me, but what can I do? You're still Khushi's parents - I have no other choice."

Khushi wiped her tears away and went over to her husband. "Don't worry, Arnav. You won't have to see them again."

All three pairs of eyes looked at her as she took Arnav's hand in hers. "We'll never come back here, ever again."

Arnav searched her eyes and he could see the pain in them. He really wanted to teach her parents a lesson, but could see that Khushi wanted to leave. So without another word, he wrapped his arm around his Khushi and they left.

*~*

Even after settling into bed, Khushi could still not get over her parents words. It hurt her that her parents still thought of her that way, and she just wished that it would end. While her tears continued to flow, Arnav watched her. He didn't entirely understand why Khushi let her parents get to her, after the way they had always treated her for her whole life, but he understood that it was only because they were her parents. But parents or not, it gave them no right to be cruel to her.

Changed and ready for bed, Arnav joined Khushi, slipping under the covers. He pulled Khushi over to him and Khushi wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest.

"Why can't you forget about them Khushi," Arnav asked. "You know how much it angers me when you cry over them, let alone cry."

"Because they're my parents."

"Well they don't deserve that title."

"They're the reasons why I'm here in this world Arnav. Of course they do."

"No, they don't." Arnav pulled away and Khushi looked up at him. "Just because they gave birth to you, doesn't just automatically give them the title of parents. They have to act like them - love like them - in order to be called parents."

Khushi just looked at him. "And what makes you so sure that's what parents are? You aren't one-"

Khushi stopped herself from completing the sentence. Both of them widened their eyes and felt a pang in their chest. Instantly, Khushi began crying and Arnav pulled her to him, trying his best to hold back his own tears.

"Khushi, please," he said with a breathy tone.

"I'm so sorry," Khushi cried.

Arnav held her even tighter and placed kisses on her head, trying to soothe her, as well as himself.

"I know that what happened with us was... absolutely wrong on so many levels," he said past the lump in his throat. "But we have to move on baby, we have to."

"How," Khushi asked, looking up at him. "After everything, after all those experiences... I only got to hold him once Arnav, just see him once."

"I know baby, me too."

"I didn't even say goodbye to him."

"I know," he said, pulling her back to him. "I didn't either, I just couldn't."

"Why did this happen to us, Arnav? Why? What did we ever do to deserve this?"

"I don't know, I simply don't. But I do know one thing." Cupping her face in his hands, he tilted it up for her to meet his eyes. "We can try again."

Khushi gasped as her eyes widened. "Arnav... I-"

"Just because something went wrong once, doesn't mean it will always. Things never happen the same way twice, Khushi. Not ever."

"But Arnav I... I can't afford to lose my child twice."

Arnav's eyes widened as he saw the fear spread through his wife.

"I just can't, I can't, I-"

Khushi broke into tears once more and let Arnav hold her. He dropped soft kisses along the side of her face, hoping to soothe her. 

"I know Khushi, I do. I... I can't either."

Khushi looked up at him saw her own pain reflected in Arnav's eyes. Both of them had lost so much and been hurt deeply, and all they wanted was to overcome it.

"If you're ready Khushi, then we can try again," Arnav said, taking her hand in his. "This void... I just want it filled," and he broke into tears.

Khushi wrapped her arms around him as Arnav cried. As strong as he appeared to be, Khushi knew even after all this time, Arnav was still very much hurt over the loss of their son.

"Why, Khushi? Why was he taken from us? Was my disbelief so strong to kill our own son-?"

"Hush," Khushi soothed, caressing Arnav's face. "You did nothing Arnav, you did nothing wrong."

"Then why is he gone? Why is the room I worked so hard on for our son, empty?"

Khushi's lower lip trembled. "I don't know," she whispered.

The two held each other again. Time could pass by as much as it wanted, and new and different events could occur, but this pain that the two shared would never go away, no matter how hard they tried. They could try to move past it, but the pain could never be forgotten.

Khushi sniffled and had Arnav look at him. "Maybe you're right Arnav. Maybe things don't happen the same way twice."

Arnav just looked at her.

"I want to try again."

Arnav's eyes widened. "Are... are you sure?"

Khushi nodded. "I want to fill this void, too," she said through her tears.

Without another word, Arnav sealed her lips with his. Khushi moved over and straddled Arnav, tugging on his shirt. Arnav pulled back slightly to let her remove the shirt and he removed hers as well. Their lips met once more and both tugged on each other's pants, removing them. Once every trace of string was removed from their bodies, their lips tackled again, hungry for the other. Khushi felt Arnav's hard member against her and lifted herself up slightly to let him fill her. Both moaned in satisfaction and leaned their foreheads together.

"Are you sure you want this, Khushi," Arnav whispered.

Khushi nodded and began to ride his length. At first they were slow thrusts, but gradually grew into quick and deep thrusts as Arnav wrapped his arm around her tightly. Khushi tossed her head back in pleasure, ready for her release. Arnav's grip on her waist tightened, urging her against him, also ready for his release. He flipped them over and thrust into her deeply and stilled as he found his release, as well as Khushi. Both came with a cry, gripping onto the other. as their sweat-covered bodies shuddered from the aftershocks.

Arnav gazed down at Khushi as she gazed up at him. Their lips met once more and Arnav rested his forehead against Khushi's while her fingers entangled in his hair.

"I love you Khushi," Arnav breathed.

"I love you, too, Arnav."

Chapter Fifty Three

Nothing was the same after that day. For hours, the young Raizada couple cried, Khushi for hours more, as the two held each other. When Aryan and Shalini had heard the news, neither could believe it. They had gone to their children's side immediately, even though Shalini was still quite drained. They all cried together, never letting go of the other.

The rest of the Raizada clan had arrived not long later, holding many balloons, excited to see their new cousin and new nephew. But the second they entered Khushi's room and saw the state of the four, it all went away. No one could believe that such a travesty had occurred.

When Khushi was done shedding her tears, she did nothing, absolutely nothing. She would stay motionless and quiet, and there were moments where Arnav feared that she, too, had left him. But the slight rise and fall of her chest proved to him that she was still there, physically. He tried hard to get her to speak to him, but she never did, not even after leaving the hospital.

The Raizada mansion changed after that day. Khushi's brightness no longer shined in the home, as all she did was absolutely nothing. For days, she stayed in bed, only getting up when she needed to. She barely ate, the tray of food Arnav would bring for her remaining untouched. He tried and begged her to eat, but it rarely worked.

Shalini couldn't stand to see her daughter hurt like this. She wanted to soothe her, but she feared it as well. While her daughter couldn't give her milk to her deceased child, she was able to for her young daughter. There were moments where Shalini was scared to go in front of her, more when she was with the baby. On the rare occasions Khushi would come out of the room, Shalini would freeze, unsure of how the sight of her would make Khushi feel. But Khushi remained robotic, only staring forward blankly, carrying on with what she needed to do.

She hated to see her like this, absolutely hated it. Shalini had so many dreams and wishes, excited for her Khushi to experience what it's like to be a mother. She had hoped to raise her daughter with her grandchild and experience new things. But above all, she had dreamed of Khushi's happiness... and now it was all gone.

That's why, one day, Shalini offered to give her daughter Ahana, to Khushi. Both Arnav and Khushi were shocked by Shalini's proposal, and Shalini explained that it was okay. Her dream of having a daughter had come true, but more important was her dream of Khushi becoming a mother. But the young couple denied, Khushi especially. After everything her mother had gone through, she deserved her daughter. Of course Shalini denied, but Khushi continued to refuse.

She didn't find herself capable to be a mother. In fact, she thought that if Shalini had given Ahana to her, the young girl would die too. It just seemed to be her luck.

Months passed, and baby Ahana was changing quickly. As much as Aryan and Shalini wanted to share the joy, they didn't want it to hurt Khushi. She had started to come out of her room and had begun to do some of the housework, but she was still very much sensitive. It was clear whenever she would catch sight of Ahana.

Through it all, Arnav couldn't stand to see his love like this, whatsoever. It pained him to see her as so. He wished for her to return to normal, no matter whatever it took. He just wanted his Khushi back.

But not only did Arnav feel pain, he felt anger. That little faith he had gained in divine above through his wife and the return of his mother, was shattered. He was angry - furious even. Every night, he cursed above and asked why his innocent child, who hadn't even been in the world for a day, had been taken from him. He asked why he had been given all of these dreams, only for them to be shattered. He asked why all this grief was bestowed on him, on his Khushi.

His anger didn't end their. His anger also spread to the so called parents of Khushi's. When Shyam had been told of the tragedy, he had come running to his sister's side. But her parents? Not a word was said from them nor heard.

In all of the anger, a bad habit had formed for Arnav - he had begun drinking. In the mornings he would work and in the evenings, he would drink himself away. It had become so bad, that it was necessary for someone to always be around him. With Khushi still quiet and distant, she barely paid attention to him. In the evenings, she would cry herself to sleep, never realizing the wasted Arnav who would come through the door, drunk out of his mind. And because she would over sleep, she never saw the hungover Arnav wake up, looking like a mess.

One night when Arnav was at the bar, once again getting drunk, Sheetal was there. She had heard of the news and had felt very bad for Arnav.

But she also took this as an opportunity.

She had heard of Arnav's new drinking habit and had followed him for a bit. She knew when he'd be here at the bar and how many drinks to wait before approaching him. And just as he hit that drink count, Sheetal approached him.

Placing her hand on his shoulder, she sat across from him. "Hi Arnav," she said softly, yet seductively.

Arnav glanced at her through his glass, his eyebrow cocked. He noticed the plunging neckline to her dress and immediately knew what she was up to, so he groaned.

"What the fuck do you want Sheetal," he asked, annoyed.

"Relax Arnav, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened.... it just isn't fair."

Arnav snorted and waved at the bartender, who knew to get him another drink.

"I mean it Arnav. It's just tragic!"

"Tell me about it," he scoffed as his new drink was placed in front of him.

"To see you like this... Arnav, it hurts me."

This time, Arnav couldn't hold back his laugh. Sheetal watched him with wide eyes as he howled with laughter.

"Oh, you're a fucking cow, really, you know that," he chuckled.

Sheetal was shocked. "Excuse me?"

Arnav glared at her and Sheetal gulped. "Do you really think I don't know what you're trying to do?"

"Arnav-"

"If you really think that you're going to be able to seduce me and try to take me away from my wife, you're very sadly mistaken," he said, his voice cryptic.

"I-"

"Get out of my fucking face Sheetal, and don't ever come in front of me again. I didn't know why I ever gave you the benefit of the doubt, you're such a whore."

His words hurt her and she tried to reason with him, but Arnav tossed her hand off of him and got up to leave. He hadn't drunk as much as he usually did, but he was still slightly drunk.

Arnav was heading to the door when he heard some guys laughing. They spoke amongst themselves and through their conversation, Arnav had learned that Shyam Gupta was engaged and was going to have have a grand wedding. The news shocked him, mainly because he didn't know a thing. And he was damn sure his wife didn't know a single thing either.

*~*

Khushi folded her clothes and put them away in the wardrobe. She was about to head to the bathroom to take a shower, when the door came flying open. She watched in shock as her husband struggled to walk. He was about to topple over when she went running to his side.

"Arnav? Arnav, what's wrong," she asked, caressing his cheek as they knelt to the floor.

Arnav didn't say a word and watched her. For the first time after these few months, there was emotion on his wife's face. She barely spoke and he reveled as her words echoed in his ears. He watched her lips move as she worried for him, and smiled.

"Arnav, please tell me what's wrong," she began to cry.

Arnav reached out and wiped away the lone tear that had escaped. Khushi paused and looked at him with confusion. Arnav continued to smile, taking hold of his wife's face in his hands.

"I've missed you," he said.

Khushi just looked at him. From the smell of his clothes and his breath, Khushi knew that he had been drinking.

He never used to drink like this, not never! How could he...? Since when did he drink like this? He would never-! But for how long has he been doing this? How could I have not noticed this before? ...How could I have done this to him? How could I have ignored him after everything we've been through? After all the pain? How could I have done this to him?

Khushi began to cry and pulled Arnav to her. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, burying his face to her neck as she cried.

"I'm so sorry, I'm such a horrible wife," she cried.

Arnav pulled back and kissed her, Khushi kissing him back with desperation. It had been months since she had been in her husband's hold, and she missed it terribly. Arnav had missed his wife too and needed her very much. He helped her up to her feet and Khushi let him walk her back to the bed. Both came crashing down and Khushi entwined her fingers in his hair. Arnav's hands wandered over her body quickly, pulling on her sweatpants and t-shirt, as that was all she would wear these days. It didn't take long for both to remove their clothes. Hands wandered over naked flesh, and so did their lips. Both wanted this closure more than anything, so without a word, Arnav entered her.

Both cried out together, and for the first time in all these few months, they felt complete. Arnav gazed down at the love of his life and Khushi looked at him with tears in her eyes. A lone tear escaped and Arnav kissed it away. That night, they not only made love, but finally allowed their grieving to set. They had lost their son, and they were ready to accept that no matter what they would do, they could never bring him back. The only thing they could do was accept the truth, and learn to move on.

That night, Arnav held Khushi tightly on his arms. Neither spoke a word, laying there quietly. They had grieved, but not together, and they had finally reached that final step.

Khushi turned in Arnav's hold and looked up at him. Arnav looked down at her and for a moment, neither spoke.

"Why do you do it," Khushi eventually asked softly, breaking the silence.

Arnav understood what she was talking about. "To grieve."

"It's not a a good way of doing so."

"I know."

"Did you not once think of me?"

"Every moment."

"Liar."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

"If you really did, you wouldn't have ever drunk this much. If you really did, you'd know how much I hate it and how this could kill you."

Arnav looked at her in shock. "Khushi-"

"After losing him, how could you possibly think of doing something so reckless which could make me lose you," she asked, tears streaming free again.

Arnav shook his head as he wiped her tears away, and pulled her back to him. She cried into his neck as Arnav soothed her. He truly felt guilty. How could he have gone into something as reckless as that and hurt his Khushi even more?

"I'm so sorry Khushi," he whispered. "I'm an idiot, I'm so sorry," he said through his tears.

Khushi reached up and kissed him hard as her tears flowed. "Please don't ever leave me."

"Never. Not now, not in this lifetime, not in any," he vowed.

"I love you."

"I love you too baby," and he sealed her lips with his.

*~*

After sating themselves once more, Khushi laid on top of Arnav's chest, staring blankly.

"Khushi?"

"Hmm?"

"Did Shyam reach out to you recently?"

This caught her attention and she lifted herself up slightly to look at him. "No, why?"

Arnav gritted his teeth and Khushi could see the anger within him begin to boil. She reached out and caressed his cheek, dropping butterfly kisses on his face.

"Why, what's wrong," she asked. "Is he okay?"

"Why wouldn't he be, he's getting married."

Khushi looked at her husband in shock. "He... what?"

"That's right. Your sweet, loving brother is getting married without telling you."

Khushi looked down in thought, then laid back down on his chest with a sigh. "I'm happy for him."

"How could you be after he didn't even tell you of this news?"

"Can you blame him?"

"Uh, yeah, I can!"

Khushi looked up at him. "Do you really blame him from hiding his happy news from his grieving sister?"

Arnav paused. He hadn't thought of it that way. But still, he didn't like it. "I don't care."

Khushi scoffed lightly. "I didn't think you would."

Arnav rolled his eyes and Khushi placed placed a kiss on his chest.

"Please don't be mad at him."

"I can't promise you that."

"Can you try? For me?"

Arnav sighed and caressed her cheek, tilting her head up so she would look at him. "I can try."

Khushi nodded and reached up to kiss him. They laid awake the rest of the evening, barely saying a word, even as the dawn cracked through their windows.

It was a new day and both understood that it was time to go past this chapter and begin anew, just as another had a few months ago.

Chapter Eight

When she opened her eyes, Khushi realized that it was morning.

Morning already? When did I fall asleep?

Khushi picked herself up and once sleep began to leave her system, she took in her surroundings. The big, plain white room stared back at her and Khushi gasped.

Oh my... wait, then that means....

Khushi looked at her chest, which sat on the floor by the vanity, and the memories of the night before played in her mind. She remembered performing and going up to the room. She remembered Ichchha Baai coming in and speaking with Arnav Singh Raizada. She remembered being sold to him and being brought here to this vast mansion. She remembered of their moment together and of what would happen today.

I'm going to become his wife, he's going to marry me.... But why? Why does he want to marry me?

There was a knock at the door and when Khushi realized she was naked, she quickly covered herself up with the silk duvet. The door opened, revealing none other than the man she had been thinking about.

Arnav came strolling in, wearing nothing but black silk pajama bottoms. By the looks of it, he looked like he had just taken a shower. Khushi's eyes darted to his chiseled chest and the V on his body going down, and forced her eyes back up to his. Arnav walked forward and when he got to the bed, he knelt down on it and tugged away the duvet from her. Before Khushi could react, Arnav crawled forward and placed a kiss on her neck, beneath her ear. Khushi held back her moan and looked at Arnav when he pulled back.

"Good morning, wife to be."

"G-good morning," Khushi whispered.

"Sleep well?"

Khushi shrugged.

"You went out like a light last night once you were sated, so I had to bring you back here to your room." He crossed his arms. "I'll let that slide once, but that's it."

Khushi could see the flames in his eyes, so she nodded with a gulp.

"Good," and he smiled his fake smile. "Now up you get, wash up and get ready. Once breakfast is complete, you'll get your fitting and we'll be wedded tonight."

Arnav pulled back and was about to leave, when he turned back to Khushi. He looked her up and down, taking in her small frame and curves.

"I can't wait to fuck you again tonight," he grinned devilishly.

With a lick of his lower lip, Arnav left the room, leaving a wide-eyed Khushi behind. Seeing the look on his face did two things to Khushi - scare her, as well as excite her.

Is this what I am to deal with for the rest of my life... or will I be sold again, she wondered, thinking of that moment the night before.

Getting out of bed, Khushi went into the bathroom and got ready, taking a shower, which somewhat calmed her. When she got out, she changed into a simple green and white salwar kameez and headed downstairs. When she got downstairs, Khushi was led into the dining room by one of the security, and once again, Khushi found Arnav sitting alone at the big table. She sat down beside him and they were served breakfast.

"Your fitting is about half an hour from now," Arnav said. "Anything you like, take - after all you will be my wife."

Khushi looked down at her lap. However, immediately, she was forced to look back up, Arnav tugging at her chin and forcing her to look at him.

"What," he simply asked.

Khushi looked into his eyes with fear.

"Well," he growled.

Khushi gulped. "I don't understand why any of this happening."

Arnav let go of her chin and Khushi looked back down. "Let me make this clear Khushi...."

She looked back up at him.

"I do not like repeating myself. I've told you as much as I see fit to tell you last night, and that is all you'll get. Now if you're done eating, you can go back up to your room and the designers will be with you soon. Personally, I've chosen out a few that I liked, and now the rest is up to you. Is that clear?"

Khushi gulped. She knew she couldn't push on her question because she could see the threat in his eyes if she were to. So instead she nodded, ate, and got up to go back up to her room. Moments later, people barged into the room and before she could even react, they were all over her, taking her measurements and placing fabrics over her to figure out what on earth she would wear. Not one let her properly speak, only speaking to each other as they shared ideas, going back and forth. Eventually they gave her the chance, asking her to choose between fabrics and lingerie styles. Khushi felt her head blur, overwhelmed by everything. So they offered her the choices Arnav had made and Khushi was stunned. They were all beautiful, from saris to lingerie. When they asked her if she liked it, she told them that she loved them, and that was all she was allowed to speak. They fussed between each other again, doing whatever they needed to and left the room.

Khushi stood there, stunned, not understanding what had just happened. Moments later, a member of the security team brought in another group of people. Khushi was going to ask what they were here for, but they erupted into talk, taking Khushi to get her ready, stripping her out of her clothes and putting her in a silk robe. While one worked on her facial, another worked on her nails, while another worked on her feet. At first, Khushi felt uncomfortable, but then felt better, being pampered. Usually the other girls got treats like this since they would work, while Khushi did the chores. She used to envy them and now here she was.

Some time later, Khushi's nails were done, painted red, her toes the same. They sat her down before the vanity and someone worked on her hair while another worked on her makeup. Soon after that, a member of the security came in with two boxes. Both were wrapped in silver wrapping with a golden bow on top, one big, the other small. Khushi opened the big one and was stunned by the beautiful red lehenga inside. The ladies around her ooh'd and ah'd, while Khushi gazed at it, running her hand over it.

It's... it's absolutely perfect.

Khushi opened up the small box and stared at its contents in shock. Inside the box were a matching set of a red lace bra and panties. Khushi picked them up and the ladies behind her giggled to themselves. Khushi blushed hard, matching the shade of red.

He wants me to wear this? But there's hardly anything!

It was true - it seemed more like two scraps of material than actual clothing. The lace was sheer and Khushi had experience with these types of things before. Her mind instantly filled with the thought of pasties and she shuddered.

Oh, the pain! ...there is no way I'm wearing pasties!

Khushi glanced down at the box and saw that there was nothing else.

Good, no pasties. ...or should I want pasties?

Khushi remembered the way Arnav had looked at her this morning and how he had licked his lips.

Oh my....

Khushi felt her insides clench and she shut her eyes. She remembered the night before and her body hummed.

Double oh my!

The door opened and a member of the security team told them she had one hour to prepare. As soon as he left, they rushed to get her ready, Khushi slipping into the scraps of cloth and her bridal wear.  When she was finally ready, her makeup team let the security know. While Khushi waited, seated on the bed, she felt her heart race.

Why am I feeling this way? Why am I so nervous? Its not like he loves me, nor that I love him? So why do I feel so-?

A security member came in. "Time to go."

Khushi stood up and was taken downstairs. Khushi followed behind a team of security and was led into the vast ballroom. She couldn't believe how grand it was, how beautiful it was. But her eyes soon went to Arnav, and she was shocked even more. The man looked handsome - too handsome, it had to be a crime. Khushi resisted the urge to bite her lip and continued to follow the men. She was stood beside Arnav at the mandap, and the pandit who was already there, began the prayers. Not a word was spoken between them, only the pandit's voice and the crackle of the fire filling up the room.

I can't believe this is happening, Khushi thought. But why? Why doe he want to marry me? Why won't he tell me?

They were told to stand and to begin their pheras. They did as they were told, and when all seven were complete and they were once again seated, Arnav was handed the little pot of vermilion, and he filled Khushi's parting. Khushi gazed at him when he did, her eyes slightly wide.

All these years, she had dreamed of her knight in shining armor, whisking her away from the brothel and marrying her, filling her parting and transforming her into a happily married woman.

And here she was today.

With the wedding complete, a man come forward, who Khushi had just now noticed was here. He handed Arnav a pen and he signed on several pages, then gave it to Khushi. Khushi looked at Arnav with confusion as she took the pen.

"Well it has to be documented," Arnav said as if it were obvious, cocking his eyebrow slightly.

Oh! Khushi signed the documents, Arnav showing her where to sign. When she finished with the last one, Arnav handed it back to the man, his lawyer.

"I'll take these down quickly," the lawyer said, and sped off.

Arnav sighed, his shoulders dropping. "Phew! Glad that's done with."

Khushi looked at the nearest mirror. She couldn't believe that her parting was truly filled, and that too by someone like him.

"Now then..."

She turned to look at him but Arnav bent down and swept her up into his arms. Khushi was shocked, her arms going around his neck. Arnav carried her through the mansion, Khushi blushing as they passed the guards. 

"You need to understand, Khushi, that my men are always around, either right in front of you or somewhere around you."

Khushi looked up at Arnav. 

"So enough with the blushing. It's like you're some newly wedded bride- oh wait! You are."

Khushi frowned slightly. 

Arnav looked down at her. "So I'll let it pass for once. The next time - you'll get it."

Khushi gulped with a nod. 

"Aman," Arnav called out. 

A member of the security team stepped forward and Khushi noticed that he was different than the others. Unlike the dark charcoal suits the other men wore, this man wore a black one. He had a walkie-talkie with a ear bud in his ear just like the others but he wore shades, even though he was inside. But besides that, it was the way he carried himself that was different than the others.

"Yes Sir?"

"You're all dismissed for the night."

Khushi glanced out the window. It's dark already? I never realized how quickly the hours had passed.

"Take all the guys out," Arnav continued. "It's all on me."

Aman smirked lightly. "Yes Sir, and congratulations. To you too Madam."

Khushi blushed and looked down with a small smile. "T-thank you."

Aman gave a curt nod and turned to Arnav. "Where should I take the men, Sir?"

"Wherever they prefer, although I have an idea," Arnav smirked arrogantly.

Aman scoffed lightly and glanced down with a grin. 

"Well its a good day, so go ahead. Drinks, women - they're all on me. Tell Suzanne to put it on my tab."

Aman nodded. "Yes Sir. Although I'm sure she'll be upset to not have you there."

Arnav shrugged. "I've found myself something better to indulge in," he said, glancing down at Khushi. 

Khushi blushed again, slightly turning into his chest.

"Go on, have fun. And if anyone is late tomorrow, well, they know what's to be expected."

"Yes Sir." With another nod, Aman turned away, talking into his walkie, telling all the men to meet him in the front.

Arnav headed upstairs and Khushi looked up at him in confusion. She was surprised that Arnav was doing something generous, at least, in some way.

"You're staring wife."

Khushi looked away.

"Care to share what's going on on that mind of yours."

"Um... well, I was just t-thinking that... that was very nice of you to do."

Arnav glanced down at her and then looked forward. "My men are a strong and committed team. I take no shit, and nor do they. They protect me from harm and will give up their life if needed to protect me. I provide them money and shelter. In special occasions such as this, of course they'd be treated."

Khushi looked at him with wide eyes. "They'd give their life for you?"

"If needed be."

Wow. "They're very committed to their work."

"That they are."

Arnav entered his, or rather their bedroom and Khushi was stunned. The room had been decorated, flowers and candles filling up the room. But there was one thing that had surprised Khushi - the hints of blue.

Arnav placed her on the bed and Khushi looked at the blue roses on the bed. "These are beautiful."

She picked up the bouquet and admired them.

"Do you like it?"

"I love them," Khushi smiled softly.

"Good. Because I got them for you."

Khushi's eyes widened slightly. "For me?"

He got blue roses for me? That's so... kind of him.

"Yes. I did just say that, didn't I," he scowled.

Khushi looked down. So much for a good moment. 

Arnav took the roses from her hands and placed them in a vase on the other side of the room. When he walked back over to her, he pulled her up by her arm, bringing her body against his.

"Now then," he said in a low voice. "Time to ravish in you."

He covered her lips with his, silencing her. Khushi took hold of his arms, trying to balance herself and prevent her knees from buckling over. It was odd to her how this man of secrets and arrogance made her feel this way. Him, her newly wedded husband.

Why does he make me feel this way?

Letting go of her lips, Arnav placed soft kisses along her cheek to her forehead. He removed her dupatta off her head and tossed it onto the bed. Moving to her ear, he placed soft kisses beneath it, causing Khushi to moan.

"I definitely made a good choice with this," he whispered. 

Khushi hummed and turned away, giving him access to her neck. He sucked and teethed it, Khushi moaning in pleasure. Her hands wandered over his chest, and she felt desire build in her. 

Reaching behind her, Arnav pulled on the string of her blouse. It came apart in seconds and Khushi felt the warmth of his hands on her back. Honestly, there wasn't much of a back. A simple clasp held together what little fabric there was, and Arnav unclasped it, the fabric falling off of Khushi's body. Arnav immediately unhooked the skirt and it fell to the floor, leaving Khushi in her lingerie, or scraps of material as she preferred to call it. 

Khushi looked at Arnav as he cupped her breasts. He placed kisses over them, then unhooked her bra, removed it, and tossed it aside. He tugged down the pathetic scrap of cloth that was her panties, and they fell to the floor. Arnav stepped back and looked her up and down. Khushi blushed, looking down to the side. 

"There's just one thing..."

Khushi looked at Arnav in confusion as he walked around her. Arnav reached up and let Khushi's hair loose, her hair falling out from her bun and cascading down. 

Arnav came back around and stepped back. "Now that's more like it."

Khushi looked down at herself. All of her clothes had been removed, but her jewelry were still in place, from earrings, bangles, necklaces, everything. Even her anklets and waistlet were still on.  

In a snap, Arnav had her a lying down on the bed and she gasped. Arnav removed his sherwani and stood before her naked. Khushi's eyes darted to his hard length and then up to his eyes. His arrogant smirk proved to her that he had caught her, and he traveled up along her body. His hand followed him as he moved, tracing over her body, causing Khushi to shudder. 

Khushi's chest rose and fell, desperate for him to be inside of her. She had never felt this way before, never with any of the girls. It somewhat scared her that she felt this way towards him, and she also somewhat didn't care. 

Arnav traced his tongue around her nipple and Khushi moaned. Her hand moved to his hair and her bangles clinked. 

"Mm, I like the sound of that."

In the blink of an eye, Khushi was straddling Arnav. She gasped and placed her hands on Arnav's chest as she stared down at him, wide eyed. 

"Ride my cock," he demanded. 

Hearing his deep raspy voice, Khushi couldn't help but to bite her lip. It turned her on and she rocked her hips forward, unintentionally. 

"Take my cock and ride it," he demanded again. 

Khushi moaned and slightly raised herself up. She took his length in her hand and heard him hiss when she did. Placing him at her entrance, Khushi let him fill her up and moaned loudly. She rocked her hips slowly,  her waistlet slightly clinking. Her right hand kneaded her breasts while the other rested on Arnav for support. 

"Ride it," he ordered. 

Khushi moaned and did as he said. She rode him slowly at first, but gradually her speed increased. She moved up and down along her newly-wedded husband's length, her jewelry clinking at each thrust. For Arnav, that sound turned him on more than anything! His hands grabbed at her waist, urging her, making the thrusts quicker and deeper. The waistlet dug into his hands and her waist, hurting the two slightly, but turning them on more than anything. 

"I'm gonna cum," Khushi cried. 

"Take my cock, don't stop."

Khushi met him faster than before, on the verge of her release. Arnav met her thrust for thrust and soon she clenched onto his member, and cried out as she came. Khushi shuddered and shook, moaning as pleasure took over her. As soon as she came down from her high, Arnav flipped them over and slowly thrust into her. Khushi moaned, wrapping her legs around his waist, her anklets clinking. Her hands went to his hair, her bangles clanking. Khushi gazed up at Arnav as he continued to thrust into her slowly. He kissed her before moving down to her chest, kissing and nibbling around her jewelry, taking her nipple in his mouth. Khushi cried out as he toyed with it, teething it. Her legs tightened around her waist, her anklets pressing into their flesh, causing Arnav to  hiss and lose his motion for a split second. He looked down at her and Khushi saw something dark and sexy form in his eyes. She tightened her hold on him and arched her back, meeting his thrust. 

"Oh wife, you are so kinky," and he took her lips in his. 

Arnav thrust into her hard and fast, not letting go of her lips. When Khushi tired to pull back, he bit her lower lip, refusing to let her go, and Khushi moaned. Her grip on him tightened as his thrusts became faster. Her anklets, bangles, waistlet, and earrings clinked as he thrust into her, emphasizing the fast rhythm they had created, mixed with their breathy moans and groans, orchestrating a piece like nothing else ever heard. 

"I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum," Khushi chanted. 

Arnav smirked devilishly and pounded into her relentlessly, Khushi screaming out as she came. Her back arched and her eyes rolled back as her insides clenched onto Arnav tightly. Arnav grunted and buried himself deep within Khushi has he released his seed within her. Both groaned and collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily, filling up the air. 

Arnav lifted himself up slightly and Khushi gazed up at him.

"Now that was something different."

Khushi said nothing, her chest rising and falling quickly. 

"And that was only the beginning."

Khushi felt a twitch within her. She gasped and gazed into Arnav's eyes. Arnav smirked and licked her lower lip before enveloping her tongue with his. 

Khushi moaned and tightened her hold on him again. Though she didn't understand him and somewhat feared him, there was a part of her that now wanted him. 

More than anything. 

Chapter Fifty Two

"What the-?! Ammu went into labor? How? When-?"

"We had just stepped out of the room and just like that, her water broke! She- Jaaneman!"

Aryan dashed over to Shalini, who was sitting in a wheelchair, holding onto her stomach, breathing heavily as a nurse pushed her.

"Jaaneman, are you okay?"

"Just breathing," Shalini replied. "It's been so long since this last happened."

The nurse pushed open the door to the room across from Khushi's and Aryan followed her in. They helped Shalini to lay down and as more nurses came in to do their work, Dr. Fields soon followed in.

"Alright Mrs. Raizada, looks like I'll be taking care of both of you for now."

"What do you mean for now," Aryan asked.

"If both are ready to push at the same time, I won't be able to deliver both babies. If that is the case, we have another doctor on stand-by, she is one of our top doctors, there won't be anything to worry about."

Shalini yelped out and Aryan dashed to her side.

"Jaaneman, are you okay?"

"Fucking contractions," she gritted.

"Dad, are you going to be okay here," Arnav asked.

"We'll be fine Chote, go to Khushi."

Arnav nodded and left the room, dashing over to Khushi, just as Dr. Fields was about to check how far along Shalini was.

Arnav entered Khushi's room and went over to her side. "Hey baby," he said softly, running his fingers through Khushi's hair.

Khushi opened her eyes and smiled at him softly. "Hey. How's Ammu and Papa doing? I'm sure sitting there like that is uncomfortable for Ammu."

"Uh, actually...."

Khushi looked at him curiously.

"Let's just say my little sister is a little too eager to come out early."

"What? Ammu is in labor?"

Arnav nodded. "She's not there yet, but Dr. Fields is taking care of her as well."

"That's good- ah! "

Khushi reached out and gripped Arnav's hand as another contraction came along.

"Wow they're coming in closer than before," Khushi said, biting her lower lip.

Just then, Dr. Fields came into the room. "Another contraction?"

Khushi nodded.

Dr. Fields nodded as well as she out on a pair of gloves. "Let's see how you're doing."

"I hope far enough."

"Well... you're at 6 centimeters," she said, removing her gloves. "It'll take a little bit more time."

Khushi sighed and Arnav ran his thumb over Khushi's hand.

"Don't worry Khushi. You're in good hands."

*~*

Hours passed, Arnav and Aryan notifying the family of anything. They were all excited and couldn't wait to come to the hospital first thing when visiting hours began.

More and more hours passed, when finally, Shalini was ready to deliver.

"Alright Shalini, when I tell you to, push, okay?"

Shalini nodded, gripping onto her husband's hand.

"Okay now... push!"

Shalini did as told and squeezed onto Aryan's hand as she cried out.

"Push!"

Shalini cried out again as she did, curling her body up as she did.

"She's almost here, just one more push."

Shalini pushed one last time, crying out as she did, and her cry was soon joined with another. Shalini plopped back and breathed heavily as Aryan ran his hand over her hair and the nurse dabbed her forehead clean of sweat.

"Mayor Raizada, would you like to cut the cord," Dr. Fields asked.

Aryan nodded and took the scissors from her and cut the cord. A nurse took the scissors from him while the other nurses cleaned up the baby and wrote down her information. Once she was cleaned up, the nurse handed her to Aryan and he couldn't believe his eyes.

His baby girl was here. Their dream of having a little girl had finally come true. All those years of misery, pain, and separation, and now there would be nothing but happiness and love.

Aryan walked over to Shalini. "Would you like to meet our little girl?"

Shalini nodded and the nurse helped her up. With tears in her eyes, Shalini held her arms out and Aryan placed the baby them. Her tears came streaming free as soon as she held her.

"Oh my gosh," Shalini cried as Aryan wrapped his arms around his wife. "I can't believe she's here."

Shalini placed kisses over the little ones face and smiled down at her. "Everything is perfect."

"Well, almost," Dr. Fields said, and the Raizada's looked up at her with confusion.

"Khushi is about to deliver her child."

*~*

Khushi's screams filled up the room and Arnav tried his best to calm his wife. However, it did no help whatsoever.

"I fucking swear Arnav Singh Raizada, I will fucking kill you after this," she growled.

Arnav had never been this scared in his life, but he tried his best to push it aside. It wasn't too hard, since Khushi's grip on him was tight and ready to squeeze the life out of him!

"Push Khushi," Dr. Padmavati told her.

Khushi screamed as she pushed once more, unable to bear it for another second.

"One more time, almost there."

With another push, she let out another cry.

Please come out already, Khushi cried.

When she was asked to push again, she did so with a loud scream and collapsed onto her back as another, louder cry filled the air. The nurses fluttered around in front of her, Khushi's vision still hazy. She heard the doctor speak and Arnav as well, but she paid no attention; she wanted to hold her child.

As soon as the newborn was cleaned and measured, the nurse handed the little bundle over to Arnav. Arnav couldn't believe his own eyes and his eyes flooded with tears. He couldn't believe that after all these months, his little bundle of joy was finally here!

"There's someone who'd like to meet you," he smiled at the babe.

Arnav went over to Khushi and she looked up at him.

"You were right Khushi," he smiled through his tears, and handed the infant over to her.

Khushi reached out eagerly and took hold of the child she had been carrying for so long and eager to meet. More tears streamed down as she gazed at her little baby boy.

"He's so beautiful," she cried, placing kisses all over the baby's face.

Arnav wrapped his arm around his wife as he sat down beside her. He held the child with her and looked at Khushi. "Thank you, Khushi. Thank you so much."

Khushi chuckled through her tears and Arnav placed a kiss on her forehead.

Now everything was perfect.

*~*

Both infants had been transported to their box-like cribs and taken to the nursery. While they were transported there, their mothers were taken to their individual rooms to rest. Both Khushi and Shalini were very much tired out, so they had fallen asleep. Both Arnav and Aryan had waited for the women to fall asleep before going over to the babies, but the nurse advised them to get some rest and get something to eat, as it had been a long night for them, plus it would be better if the babies slept in peace. So both Mr. Raizada's agreed and headed down to the hospital cafeteria, which was open 24 hours.

Surprisingly enough, the food was really good.

It was early into the morning and the Raizada men had eventually gone back to their wives' room to get some rest. They didn't sleep for long, as their excitement was much too high to keep them sleeping. The same could be said for the Mrs. Raizada's as they both woke up early too.

Khushi couldn't help but to smile at her husband. Arnav smiled back at her too before getting up from the chair and going over to her. He placed a soft kiss on her lips and took her hand in his.

"Hi," he smiled.

"Hi," Khushi replied with a raspy voice.

"How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted, but okay."

Arnav smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. Khushi smiled and glanced around the room.

"Where is he?"

"Probably making new friends as we speak," Arnav smiled.

"Oh? So he's already gone towards his father, hmm?"

Arnav couldn't help his smile. "I can't believe I'm a father."

Khushi reached out and caressed his face. "You are. A very handsome one too," she blushed.

"Is that so," he teased.

Khushi blushed even more and giggled as he nuzzled her cheek. "Stop, someone might come in."

"Like who?"

"Um... a nurse?"

Arnav chuckled and kept his hold on her. Khushi blushed and fussed, trying to get him to release her when the door opened, causing the couple to stop. Both looked up to see Dr. Fields and looked at her with confusion.

Something just didn't seem right.

"Good morning Dr. Fields," Arnav said. "Is everything alright?"

Both watched as the doctor glanced down at the floor, before taking a deep breath. At that moment, something just didn't set for Khushi. She could feel it in her heart, and only the worse could come to her mind.

"Dr. Fields," Khushi breathed.

Dr. Fields pursed her lips and Khushi's lips trembled.

"Please," she begged, her voice breathy.

"I'm so sorry," the doctor began.

Khushi felt a lump grow in her truth and tears came flowing free without her even realizing. "No..."

Arnav looked at the two with confusion. "Can someone please explain what is going on?"

With a gulp, Dr. Fields turned to Arnav, straightening herself. "I'm sorry Mr. Raizada but..."

"But what," Arnav asked, his voice much more fierce.

"But... I'm very sorry to say... your child..."

The world came crashing down for Khushi as she gasped and placed her hands over her mouth. Arnav's eyes widened as the worst came to his mind, but refused to believe.

"What happened to my son," Arnav gritted.

Dr. Fields took a shaky breath. She knew how big this was for first time parents, having their first child. But in her career, only twice had she ever had to give such news, and it was never easy. "He... we were monitoring him all night like with every other baby-"

"What happened. To. My. Son?!"

Dr. Fields recoiled and quickly tried to regain her composure. "He's passed away," she blurted.

As the world gave away for Arnav, his body became numb. Nothing worked, his body beginning to shut down, all except for his hearing, which filled with the screaming and crying of his wife.

In an instant his world had been completed, and in an instant, it had been torn to shreds.