'Hunh?' asked Sheetal, not following what he was saying.
'Let me be his father.' Repeated Arnav. Sheetal just stared at him blankly. She couldn't believe what she heard, he was actually asking for the responsibility that Aarav's father himself had abstained.
'Let me be his father, Sheetal.' Arnav repeated again, this time walking around the table and coming to stand in front of her to emphasize his request. 'Let me. You said it yourself, he deserves someone who will love him, take care of him and be his role model. Allow me to be that person. I want to be. Look I can't explain it, but this past month I have grown a soft-corner for him in my heart. Which truth to be told is no longer a corner but actually has taken over my whole heart and all it wants is to be his father. This past month I spent believing that he was my son, and I know now that he is not, but it doesn't change the way I feel about him. It doesn't change the emotions that have stirred inside of me ever since I came to know that he may be my son. So let me be his father. This way he will have a Dad, a Dad who truly cares for him and I will have his presence in my life too. Introduce me to him as his father.' Arnav ended with the repeat of his request.
'Arnav, I...' Sheetal collapsed into her chair, not believing what she heard. He actually wanted to be present in Aarav's life as his father, even though he wasn't and did not need to be, especially after everything she and Viraj had done.
'Look the way I see it, he still could have easily been my son; I mean yes things went a lot different to what I thought had happened, but it could have easily been what I had thought and so I feel responsible for him. Plus while I may have called off my revenge on Viraj at the last minute, I still hurt you in my office all those years later so if not for my happiness then let me be Aarav's father to help me redeem myself for the words I threw at you in my office, words you did not deserve...
'Come on, you were once keen on making me his father, so why not today. You reached the right conclusion all those years back when you chose me to be his father, now let me assume that responsibility. I want it.' Continued on Arnav trying to make his case in hope to win her approval.
'Arnav I...I mean...are you sure?' Asked Sheetal eager but still in disbelief.
'Yes' smiled Arnav, 'More than I have been for many things this past month. If I am sure of any truth regarding Aarav, after all the truths that have been revealed today it's that my feelings for him have not changed. I still consider him as a son. Look I know you took a vow to not accept anyone's help when it came to providing for Aarav, and I promise to respect that vow. I will never do anything for him that you do not approve of, and I will be as involved in his life as you want me to be, not more. My presence in his life will not affect your relationship with him, he will be your son first and foremost, I will only spend time with him and be around to give him fatherly advice when he seeks it from me. I just want to be present in his life, I want him to know a father, a father who loves and cares for him. I have lived my life yearning for father and so know the empty feeling too well; I would not wish that hollowness on anyone, especially not on Aarav who I consider as a son. So please will you let me? I earnestly want to be a part of his life, and yours. I do.' Arnav stated as he kneeled next to her chair and took her hands into his.
A tear escaped from Sheetal's eyes. 'Arnav I don't know what to say.'
'Then just say you agree.' opted Arnav.
Sheetal only managed a watery smile and a vigorous nod of her head to convey her approval.
Beeming Arnav turned to the two lawyers, who had not had much part in this whole meeting. 'So Mr Roy will you put Sheetal's approval on paper and make me his legal parent and co-guardian? I mean all that you require is here right, Sheetal and my consent along with the DNA test report that states he is my son. I know it is the wrong result but the test is authentic and only we here in the room know the truth behind it, I do not see why anyone else needs to know. So only in this special circumstance, where the well-being of an innocent boy is concerned could you both turn a blind eye and submit this test as evidence of him being my son and thereby make it all legal and authentic. I mean it's clear no one will have objections to this, for his own father has illustrated he wants to have nothing to do with the boy by fibbing this test and everyone else who has their best interest at heart for the boy are in this room at the moment and none of them object to this settlement. Or if any of you do or have any questions regarding it please voice it now, before these two very able lawyers get to work.' Arnav asked the room, when no one made any objections he turned back to lawyers, 'there you go no objections, so how soon can you make me Aarav's legal parent?'
'Mr Raizada, the matter shouldn't take more than a week, but I would like to stress that it is illegal what you are asking me and my colleague to do, to present him as your biological son to the court. Now I am not saying that we will not do it, as your intentions here are noble and like you said, it is for the well-being of an innocent boy, so we will. But I would like you and everyone in this room to give me their word that they will not divulge the truths that were revealed in this room for it would not only hurt our careers but would put our reputations on the line. We are doing you a huge favour here and so expect that you will keep our well-being in mind too.'
'Of course Mr Roy and Mr Deshmuk, your integrities will not be compromised by any of us.' Assured Arnav as Sheetal offered, 'Of course, we will keep the risk you are taking for us in mind. And we appreciate it to the utmost. Don't worry, the dealings of this meeting will never be divulged for if it were it would not only hurt you but hurt my son too, so be at ease. No one will ever know. Right?' she looked towards Viraj and Khushi, who both nodded solemnly.
'Ok. Well then I will contact you both when the papers are ready so that you can come to sign it.' With that he and Mr Deshmuk shook their hands and left the room discussing the oddness of everything that had taken place and what steps to take to get the papers sorted.
After they left, Viraj walked over to Sheetal and apologised for what he had done, she only nodded in response. Realising she couldn't really blame him for everything as if she had told him sooner who the real culprit was then he wouldn't have gone to these extents; besides he was her brother and no matter what he was like she couldn't hate him, even if he did deserve it. He asked her whether she needed a ride but she declined as she had brought her car and was going to go pick Aarav up from his football practice. With that he stood up and took his leave, only stopping at the door to turn and face Arnav once more. They both stared at each other for some time. Viraj wanting to say many things but not finding the words, while Arnav bore him down with cold-hatred, conveying nothing he could say would ever salvage the wrongs he had committed against his family, thereby would never be sufficient enough to earn his forgiveness. Loosing face once more, Viraj only managed a curt nod towards Arnav before he fled the room.
Now came Sheetal's turn to leave. As she stood up, Arnav came acutely aware of how close he was standing next to her. He had not moved much since he had requested her for Aarav's joint custody. He took a step back to give her and himself room. She smiled. 'Still uncomfortable by our close proximity I see.' Arnav gave an awkward smile, as she laughed in a friendly way. 'Don't worry I won't do anything to you, not today anyway,' she joked, while Arnav became more rigid with discomfort, as she went on laughing seeing him discomfited. But as her laughter wore off, she became serious again and turned to thank him earnestly, 'my ill humour aside Arnav, I want you to know that I am truly grateful for what you are doing for my son. I mean his own father abandoned him but you, you...' her voice trailed off as deep emotion constricted her throat.
'Heyy...ssshhh' Arnav rested his hand on her shoulder to comfort her, 'it's ok. I know, you don't have to say it. Besides I'm thankful to you for allowing me to do something so great. So you don't need to thank me for anything. May be this will help my Di see that she wasn't wrong to trust me and may be then I will be able to earn her forgiveness...so as you can see it really is a selfish motive for which I am doing this so you don't need to get all sensitive about it.' Joked Arnav, in order to soothe her. She smiled.
'You really are an amazing person. I did judge you correctly.' Remarked Sheetal, as she blinked the tears out of her eyes. Then without warning she hugged him and left a small imprint of her scarlet lipstick on his cheek. 'Thank you. Thank you for everything.' With that she left; leaving a startled Arnav and a fuming Khushi behind her.
'Let me be his father.' Repeated Arnav. Sheetal just stared at him blankly. She couldn't believe what she heard, he was actually asking for the responsibility that Aarav's father himself had abstained.
'Let me be his father, Sheetal.' Arnav repeated again, this time walking around the table and coming to stand in front of her to emphasize his request. 'Let me. You said it yourself, he deserves someone who will love him, take care of him and be his role model. Allow me to be that person. I want to be. Look I can't explain it, but this past month I have grown a soft-corner for him in my heart. Which truth to be told is no longer a corner but actually has taken over my whole heart and all it wants is to be his father. This past month I spent believing that he was my son, and I know now that he is not, but it doesn't change the way I feel about him. It doesn't change the emotions that have stirred inside of me ever since I came to know that he may be my son. So let me be his father. This way he will have a Dad, a Dad who truly cares for him and I will have his presence in my life too. Introduce me to him as his father.' Arnav ended with the repeat of his request.
'Arnav, I...' Sheetal collapsed into her chair, not believing what she heard. He actually wanted to be present in Aarav's life as his father, even though he wasn't and did not need to be, especially after everything she and Viraj had done.
'Look the way I see it, he still could have easily been my son; I mean yes things went a lot different to what I thought had happened, but it could have easily been what I had thought and so I feel responsible for him. Plus while I may have called off my revenge on Viraj at the last minute, I still hurt you in my office all those years later so if not for my happiness then let me be Aarav's father to help me redeem myself for the words I threw at you in my office, words you did not deserve...
'Come on, you were once keen on making me his father, so why not today. You reached the right conclusion all those years back when you chose me to be his father, now let me assume that responsibility. I want it.' Continued on Arnav trying to make his case in hope to win her approval.
'Arnav I...I mean...are you sure?' Asked Sheetal eager but still in disbelief.
'Yes' smiled Arnav, 'More than I have been for many things this past month. If I am sure of any truth regarding Aarav, after all the truths that have been revealed today it's that my feelings for him have not changed. I still consider him as a son. Look I know you took a vow to not accept anyone's help when it came to providing for Aarav, and I promise to respect that vow. I will never do anything for him that you do not approve of, and I will be as involved in his life as you want me to be, not more. My presence in his life will not affect your relationship with him, he will be your son first and foremost, I will only spend time with him and be around to give him fatherly advice when he seeks it from me. I just want to be present in his life, I want him to know a father, a father who loves and cares for him. I have lived my life yearning for father and so know the empty feeling too well; I would not wish that hollowness on anyone, especially not on Aarav who I consider as a son. So please will you let me? I earnestly want to be a part of his life, and yours. I do.' Arnav stated as he kneeled next to her chair and took her hands into his.
A tear escaped from Sheetal's eyes. 'Arnav I don't know what to say.'
'Then just say you agree.' opted Arnav.
Sheetal only managed a watery smile and a vigorous nod of her head to convey her approval.
Beeming Arnav turned to the two lawyers, who had not had much part in this whole meeting. 'So Mr Roy will you put Sheetal's approval on paper and make me his legal parent and co-guardian? I mean all that you require is here right, Sheetal and my consent along with the DNA test report that states he is my son. I know it is the wrong result but the test is authentic and only we here in the room know the truth behind it, I do not see why anyone else needs to know. So only in this special circumstance, where the well-being of an innocent boy is concerned could you both turn a blind eye and submit this test as evidence of him being my son and thereby make it all legal and authentic. I mean it's clear no one will have objections to this, for his own father has illustrated he wants to have nothing to do with the boy by fibbing this test and everyone else who has their best interest at heart for the boy are in this room at the moment and none of them object to this settlement. Or if any of you do or have any questions regarding it please voice it now, before these two very able lawyers get to work.' Arnav asked the room, when no one made any objections he turned back to lawyers, 'there you go no objections, so how soon can you make me Aarav's legal parent?'
'Mr Raizada, the matter shouldn't take more than a week, but I would like to stress that it is illegal what you are asking me and my colleague to do, to present him as your biological son to the court. Now I am not saying that we will not do it, as your intentions here are noble and like you said, it is for the well-being of an innocent boy, so we will. But I would like you and everyone in this room to give me their word that they will not divulge the truths that were revealed in this room for it would not only hurt our careers but would put our reputations on the line. We are doing you a huge favour here and so expect that you will keep our well-being in mind too.'
'Of course Mr Roy and Mr Deshmuk, your integrities will not be compromised by any of us.' Assured Arnav as Sheetal offered, 'Of course, we will keep the risk you are taking for us in mind. And we appreciate it to the utmost. Don't worry, the dealings of this meeting will never be divulged for if it were it would not only hurt you but hurt my son too, so be at ease. No one will ever know. Right?' she looked towards Viraj and Khushi, who both nodded solemnly.
'Ok. Well then I will contact you both when the papers are ready so that you can come to sign it.' With that he and Mr Deshmuk shook their hands and left the room discussing the oddness of everything that had taken place and what steps to take to get the papers sorted.
After they left, Viraj walked over to Sheetal and apologised for what he had done, she only nodded in response. Realising she couldn't really blame him for everything as if she had told him sooner who the real culprit was then he wouldn't have gone to these extents; besides he was her brother and no matter what he was like she couldn't hate him, even if he did deserve it. He asked her whether she needed a ride but she declined as she had brought her car and was going to go pick Aarav up from his football practice. With that he stood up and took his leave, only stopping at the door to turn and face Arnav once more. They both stared at each other for some time. Viraj wanting to say many things but not finding the words, while Arnav bore him down with cold-hatred, conveying nothing he could say would ever salvage the wrongs he had committed against his family, thereby would never be sufficient enough to earn his forgiveness. Loosing face once more, Viraj only managed a curt nod towards Arnav before he fled the room.
Now came Sheetal's turn to leave. As she stood up, Arnav came acutely aware of how close he was standing next to her. He had not moved much since he had requested her for Aarav's joint custody. He took a step back to give her and himself room. She smiled. 'Still uncomfortable by our close proximity I see.' Arnav gave an awkward smile, as she laughed in a friendly way. 'Don't worry I won't do anything to you, not today anyway,' she joked, while Arnav became more rigid with discomfort, as she went on laughing seeing him discomfited. But as her laughter wore off, she became serious again and turned to thank him earnestly, 'my ill humour aside Arnav, I want you to know that I am truly grateful for what you are doing for my son. I mean his own father abandoned him but you, you...' her voice trailed off as deep emotion constricted her throat.
'Heyy...ssshhh' Arnav rested his hand on her shoulder to comfort her, 'it's ok. I know, you don't have to say it. Besides I'm thankful to you for allowing me to do something so great. So you don't need to thank me for anything. May be this will help my Di see that she wasn't wrong to trust me and may be then I will be able to earn her forgiveness...so as you can see it really is a selfish motive for which I am doing this so you don't need to get all sensitive about it.' Joked Arnav, in order to soothe her. She smiled.
'You really are an amazing person. I did judge you correctly.' Remarked Sheetal, as she blinked the tears out of her eyes. Then without warning she hugged him and left a small imprint of her scarlet lipstick on his cheek. 'Thank you. Thank you for everything.' With that she left; leaving a startled Arnav and a fuming Khushi behind her.
Arnav was still lost in the moment, staring at the door after Sheetal, still not managing to grasp what had happened, when Khushi's impassioned face came into his line of vision causing him to snap out of the shock. Her eyes were glistening with emotion and her cheeks were hot with the storm that he knew was kicking up inside, and why wouldn't there be one, for she was his wife and he had not stopped even for a second to consult her about his decision to adopt Aarav. Afterall Aarav becoming his legal son would affect her and him more than anyone else in their family and he had not even stopped to ask her if she would be ok with it. Oh how could he have been so reckless. He had not even gotten her back for an hour and he was on the verge of losing her again. Good going Arnav. Smart move!!
Arnav eyed her nervously. She was steaming, he could almost imagine the puffs of smoke coming out of her ears. How was he going to get out of this mess? He shifted his feet nervously as he thought of a way to explain himself that would get her to forgive him and accept his decision for he couldn't change it now as the lawyers were already working on the papers and Sheetal had left so happily. Besides it would be wrong to go back on his word now. He just would have to man up and accept his punishment from Khushi. He was her criminal and so she had every right to do as she wished.
'Khushi..' he treaded nervously, 'Khushi I'm sorry I didn't ask you and took the decision to adopt Aarav myself. But it just came to me at the spur of the moment and I couldn't help myself. I mean the way Sheetal related everything and how upset she was for Aarav I couldn't stop myself. It was Aarav, he was getting hurt due to something he had not done, I couldn't accept it. I said what I meant, I really do care for him as a parent, so it hurt me to know that his father was not accepting him when he wants and needs a father. I couldn't stop myself from asking Sheetal to let me be his father. I mean it's not Aarav's fault for everything that happened so why should he suffer, why should he be society's outcast, its' not fair. I want to give him my name so that he can walk around with respect in society, the respect he deserves. I mean I have had my experience of being shunned by society for my father's crimes and it was not an experience I would wish on anyone, especially not Aarav...I mean you understand don't you. Come on you have to Khushi, if you could understand my reason behind my revenge on Viraj then you have got to understand this, right Khushi?' appealed Arnav to Khushi.
She said nothing, but merely walked around the table towards him. Once she was standing inches away from him, she raised her hands to cup his face. She caressed it with her fingers as she opened her trembling lips and gave way to her thoughts. Tears came flowing down her cheeks. Tears of pride. 'Arnav ji, you don't have to explain anything. I am not at all angry or upset with your decision to adopt Aarav. In fact I am in awe of you for it. I am so proud of the decision you have taken regarding him. I mean, you will give an innocent boy a beautiful life. No one knows better the feeling of growing up without parents than an orphan, so I know what you are giving him and for that I am so proud of you. See I told you, you're not the villain, because no matter what brutal thoughts this brain of yours may concoct your heart is pure and that makes all the difference. It is your noble, loving heart that makes you who you are, and makes me, Di, Nani, Mami and everyone else love you sooo much. Because you are truly an amazing person Arnav ji. And only I mean it. I am honoured to be your wife. I really am.' She beamed at him.
Arnav stared at her, shocked. He had been so sure from the expression she had worn on her face moments ago that she had been furious with him, but now the words that came out her mouth suggested the opposite. Had it been that long, the time between them that he was misreading her expressions now. May be. 'Wow.' Arnav voiced in disbelief at the admiration she showered on him. 'I mean seriously, you're not upset? Because I was so sure you were. I mean your face...' asked Arnav just to be sure.
'Oh Arnav ji, of course I am livid, but not because you decided to adopt Aarav.' Replied Khushi through a clenched smile. Arnav stared at her confused. Khushi's expression changed from utter pride to sheer irritation as her hands dropped from his face. Seeing him not following her, she grabbed his hand with hers and pulled him towards the glass doors, halting in front of them to yank his face with her right hand, as she pointed towards the red lipstick mark, which was still on his cheek, for him to see in the reflection. 'If you think that your noble act of adopting Aarav will save you from my wrath regarding this, you have another thing coming Mr Arnav Singh Raizada!!' declared Khushi.
Arnav stared at the lipstick mark, than at her and then burst out laughing. Seeing him laugh at her only made her angrier, which made him laugh even more. 'You're...you're angry at Sheetal's peck...oh Khushi...you are too cute.' Gasped Arnav, between fits of laughter.
Khushi shoved his hand off from her shoulder, where he had placed it to steady himself from the laugh. She did not find anything funny or cute about the matter. 'What's so funny? I mean it, I will not stand by and let that witch, or any other witch for that matter come near you let alone kiss you!!' fumed Khushi.
This only made Arnav laugh more, although now he was trying to control it seeing as Khushi was not amused. 'Oh Khushi, you're jealous. You really look adorable when you're jealous, you know?' Arnav smiled as he tried to cup her face with his hand, but she slapped it away, annoyed that he wasn't taking her anger seriously.
'Jealous?!! Pfft. My foot!! What of her? Please Arnav ji, do you think that little of me!! I'm not jealous. Why would I be jealous!!' replied a clearly jealous Khushi, causing Arnav to smile again. But he quickly wiped the smile away as she turned to face him, knowing that it would only aggravate her.
'No of course not. I must be mistaken. You're not jealous. Why would you? I mean you know that I love you, so being jealous would be ridiculous. Yeah silly me, flattering myself that you are jealous.' Arnav humoured her.
'That's right I'm not jealous!' puffed Khushi, as she blew one of her strands out of her face. Arnav only nodded whilst smiling internally. How he had missed her and her antics.
'So what do you have to say for yourself, Mr Raizada!' demanded Khushi.
'About?' asked a dazed Arnav: her presence had this affect on him which made him forget the matter being discussed.
Eyes wide with annoyance, 'About Sheetal kissing you. What do you have to say for yourself?!!'
'Oh that...right...umm Khushi it was just a peck, it didn't mean anything.' This was not what she wanted to hear, 'I mean...I uhh...hey why are you angry with me, it's not like I asked her to , she did it, why don't you give her the third degree over it?'
'Because she is not my husband, you are!! And this answer is not good enough!! Choose your words carefully Mr Raizada, you are in dangerous territory!'
'Khushi you can't be serious...you're seriously angry...' seeing her eyes continue to stare at him coldly, he changed his course from nonchalance to caring, 'Khushi...I...umm...' he was searching for words unsure of what would get him off the hook and then it occurred to him, 'I'm sorry Khushi, I will make sure it never happens again...' he eyed her hopefully.
Her stance changed and she turned to face him with a glint of hidden-intent in her eyes. 'Yes you will be sorry,' she said in a mischievous tone, 'because not until that lipstick mark is removed and if an episode like this ever reoccurs my dear Arnav ji,' now she was inches away from his face, and her fingers were dancing around his cheeks moving teasingly towards his lips, 'you won't be getting a kiss or anything else from me!' with that she pushed him away triumphantly and stomped towards the door, only to stop at it and turn back as a thought came into her mind. She walked back up to him, sensuously, a smile growing on her lips the closer she got to him, 'Just in case you have forgotten in the past month what it is you will be losing out on if Sheetal or anyone else...what was it, ah yes, 'pecks' you, then here is a reminder,' with that she closed the gap between them, placed one hand on top of the lipstick mark, the other in his hair, as her lips found his.
The contact was electric. Her lips teased his until his became passionate and hungrily begged for more. Her lips parted as his hand found the small of her back, pushing her closer towards him, while the other submerged into her loose hair. His tongue ventured out to explore but was stopped as she pulled out of the kiss, smiling. 'I believe this reminder should suffice to ensure that this' she pointed at the imprint again, 'doesn't happen again.' Winking, she pulled out of the embrace and made her way out of the door, as Arnav stared after her, panting.
What had just happened?! He had just been attacked. Attacked in the most beautiful way. Attacked by a beautiful fairy, who had taken his breath away, quite literally. One minute he had been worried that he was about to lose Khushi again for not considering how she would react over Aarav's adoption. Next he had been laughing at her jealousy regarding Sheetal. But now...now he was in heaven. He touched his sore, swollen lips that had been attacked by his passionate lover. They were still hot from her onslaught. As he moved his fingers across them he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection on the glass door and was surprised at what he saw. It showed him a slightly dazed, but smiling Arnav. A happy Arnav. An Arnav he had thought did not exist. What had Khushi done? She had accomplished the impossible: he did not shy or recoil away from his reflection anymore, but rather stared at it with a sense of pride bubbling inside of him. She had transformed him completely and he hadn't even realised it. She was right he wasn't a monster and maybe, maybe he never had been but had only believed himself to be one.
He was still standing there in bewilderment at the realisation that had just taken place within him, when Khushi opened the door again and popped her head around it. 'Are you just going to continue standing there daydreaming or will you to take me home? It's been too long since I have talked to Nani and Di, face to face. Or joked with Mami ji. Or driven Om Prakash ji crazy with my cooking habits. Or played with Laxmi ji. And oh my god I need to get the house in order before Lavanya ji arrives, god only knows what a mess it probably is in since I have been there, I dread to look at our room. I'm sure you probably rearranged all of my things. And oh I can't wait to tell everyone that Lavanya ji will be coming soon. Oh how happy will they be...ooo what will I make for her...Ooo she likes the chocolate cake a lot from the bakery next to our house, will definitely order that...and she loves the pakodas I make...and...what are you looking at me like that for? Come on, stop staring and lets' go!!!' complained an enthusiastic Khushi, as Arnav stared at her.
She had called Shantivan home again. She wanted to come home. Khushi was coming home. How had he gotten so lucky to have her in his life? He didn't understand what was it inside her that allowed her to forgive and forget so easily. It still amazed him at how big a heart she had and not to mention how she found happiness in the tiniest of things, just the same way she got angry and tensed over small things but remained cool and calm during major crisis. Oh Khushi...she would always be a mystery to him. But she was his mystery to solve, and solve he would day by day for the rest of his life, for she was coming home. She was coming home...
Arnav eyed her nervously. She was steaming, he could almost imagine the puffs of smoke coming out of her ears. How was he going to get out of this mess? He shifted his feet nervously as he thought of a way to explain himself that would get her to forgive him and accept his decision for he couldn't change it now as the lawyers were already working on the papers and Sheetal had left so happily. Besides it would be wrong to go back on his word now. He just would have to man up and accept his punishment from Khushi. He was her criminal and so she had every right to do as she wished.
'Khushi..' he treaded nervously, 'Khushi I'm sorry I didn't ask you and took the decision to adopt Aarav myself. But it just came to me at the spur of the moment and I couldn't help myself. I mean the way Sheetal related everything and how upset she was for Aarav I couldn't stop myself. It was Aarav, he was getting hurt due to something he had not done, I couldn't accept it. I said what I meant, I really do care for him as a parent, so it hurt me to know that his father was not accepting him when he wants and needs a father. I couldn't stop myself from asking Sheetal to let me be his father. I mean it's not Aarav's fault for everything that happened so why should he suffer, why should he be society's outcast, its' not fair. I want to give him my name so that he can walk around with respect in society, the respect he deserves. I mean I have had my experience of being shunned by society for my father's crimes and it was not an experience I would wish on anyone, especially not Aarav...I mean you understand don't you. Come on you have to Khushi, if you could understand my reason behind my revenge on Viraj then you have got to understand this, right Khushi?' appealed Arnav to Khushi.
She said nothing, but merely walked around the table towards him. Once she was standing inches away from him, she raised her hands to cup his face. She caressed it with her fingers as she opened her trembling lips and gave way to her thoughts. Tears came flowing down her cheeks. Tears of pride. 'Arnav ji, you don't have to explain anything. I am not at all angry or upset with your decision to adopt Aarav. In fact I am in awe of you for it. I am so proud of the decision you have taken regarding him. I mean, you will give an innocent boy a beautiful life. No one knows better the feeling of growing up without parents than an orphan, so I know what you are giving him and for that I am so proud of you. See I told you, you're not the villain, because no matter what brutal thoughts this brain of yours may concoct your heart is pure and that makes all the difference. It is your noble, loving heart that makes you who you are, and makes me, Di, Nani, Mami and everyone else love you sooo much. Because you are truly an amazing person Arnav ji. And only I mean it. I am honoured to be your wife. I really am.' She beamed at him.
Arnav stared at her, shocked. He had been so sure from the expression she had worn on her face moments ago that she had been furious with him, but now the words that came out her mouth suggested the opposite. Had it been that long, the time between them that he was misreading her expressions now. May be. 'Wow.' Arnav voiced in disbelief at the admiration she showered on him. 'I mean seriously, you're not upset? Because I was so sure you were. I mean your face...' asked Arnav just to be sure.
'Oh Arnav ji, of course I am livid, but not because you decided to adopt Aarav.' Replied Khushi through a clenched smile. Arnav stared at her confused. Khushi's expression changed from utter pride to sheer irritation as her hands dropped from his face. Seeing him not following her, she grabbed his hand with hers and pulled him towards the glass doors, halting in front of them to yank his face with her right hand, as she pointed towards the red lipstick mark, which was still on his cheek, for him to see in the reflection. 'If you think that your noble act of adopting Aarav will save you from my wrath regarding this, you have another thing coming Mr Arnav Singh Raizada!!' declared Khushi.
Arnav stared at the lipstick mark, than at her and then burst out laughing. Seeing him laugh at her only made her angrier, which made him laugh even more. 'You're...you're angry at Sheetal's peck...oh Khushi...you are too cute.' Gasped Arnav, between fits of laughter.
Khushi shoved his hand off from her shoulder, where he had placed it to steady himself from the laugh. She did not find anything funny or cute about the matter. 'What's so funny? I mean it, I will not stand by and let that witch, or any other witch for that matter come near you let alone kiss you!!' fumed Khushi.
This only made Arnav laugh more, although now he was trying to control it seeing as Khushi was not amused. 'Oh Khushi, you're jealous. You really look adorable when you're jealous, you know?' Arnav smiled as he tried to cup her face with his hand, but she slapped it away, annoyed that he wasn't taking her anger seriously.
'Jealous?!! Pfft. My foot!! What of her? Please Arnav ji, do you think that little of me!! I'm not jealous. Why would I be jealous!!' replied a clearly jealous Khushi, causing Arnav to smile again. But he quickly wiped the smile away as she turned to face him, knowing that it would only aggravate her.
'No of course not. I must be mistaken. You're not jealous. Why would you? I mean you know that I love you, so being jealous would be ridiculous. Yeah silly me, flattering myself that you are jealous.' Arnav humoured her.
'That's right I'm not jealous!' puffed Khushi, as she blew one of her strands out of her face. Arnav only nodded whilst smiling internally. How he had missed her and her antics.
'So what do you have to say for yourself, Mr Raizada!' demanded Khushi.
'About?' asked a dazed Arnav: her presence had this affect on him which made him forget the matter being discussed.
Eyes wide with annoyance, 'About Sheetal kissing you. What do you have to say for yourself?!!'
'Oh that...right...umm Khushi it was just a peck, it didn't mean anything.' This was not what she wanted to hear, 'I mean...I uhh...hey why are you angry with me, it's not like I asked her to , she did it, why don't you give her the third degree over it?'
'Because she is not my husband, you are!! And this answer is not good enough!! Choose your words carefully Mr Raizada, you are in dangerous territory!'
'Khushi you can't be serious...you're seriously angry...' seeing her eyes continue to stare at him coldly, he changed his course from nonchalance to caring, 'Khushi...I...umm...' he was searching for words unsure of what would get him off the hook and then it occurred to him, 'I'm sorry Khushi, I will make sure it never happens again...' he eyed her hopefully.
Her stance changed and she turned to face him with a glint of hidden-intent in her eyes. 'Yes you will be sorry,' she said in a mischievous tone, 'because not until that lipstick mark is removed and if an episode like this ever reoccurs my dear Arnav ji,' now she was inches away from his face, and her fingers were dancing around his cheeks moving teasingly towards his lips, 'you won't be getting a kiss or anything else from me!' with that she pushed him away triumphantly and stomped towards the door, only to stop at it and turn back as a thought came into her mind. She walked back up to him, sensuously, a smile growing on her lips the closer she got to him, 'Just in case you have forgotten in the past month what it is you will be losing out on if Sheetal or anyone else...what was it, ah yes, 'pecks' you, then here is a reminder,' with that she closed the gap between them, placed one hand on top of the lipstick mark, the other in his hair, as her lips found his.
The contact was electric. Her lips teased his until his became passionate and hungrily begged for more. Her lips parted as his hand found the small of her back, pushing her closer towards him, while the other submerged into her loose hair. His tongue ventured out to explore but was stopped as she pulled out of the kiss, smiling. 'I believe this reminder should suffice to ensure that this' she pointed at the imprint again, 'doesn't happen again.' Winking, she pulled out of the embrace and made her way out of the door, as Arnav stared after her, panting.
What had just happened?! He had just been attacked. Attacked in the most beautiful way. Attacked by a beautiful fairy, who had taken his breath away, quite literally. One minute he had been worried that he was about to lose Khushi again for not considering how she would react over Aarav's adoption. Next he had been laughing at her jealousy regarding Sheetal. But now...now he was in heaven. He touched his sore, swollen lips that had been attacked by his passionate lover. They were still hot from her onslaught. As he moved his fingers across them he caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection on the glass door and was surprised at what he saw. It showed him a slightly dazed, but smiling Arnav. A happy Arnav. An Arnav he had thought did not exist. What had Khushi done? She had accomplished the impossible: he did not shy or recoil away from his reflection anymore, but rather stared at it with a sense of pride bubbling inside of him. She had transformed him completely and he hadn't even realised it. She was right he wasn't a monster and maybe, maybe he never had been but had only believed himself to be one.
He was still standing there in bewilderment at the realisation that had just taken place within him, when Khushi opened the door again and popped her head around it. 'Are you just going to continue standing there daydreaming or will you to take me home? It's been too long since I have talked to Nani and Di, face to face. Or joked with Mami ji. Or driven Om Prakash ji crazy with my cooking habits. Or played with Laxmi ji. And oh my god I need to get the house in order before Lavanya ji arrives, god only knows what a mess it probably is in since I have been there, I dread to look at our room. I'm sure you probably rearranged all of my things. And oh I can't wait to tell everyone that Lavanya ji will be coming soon. Oh how happy will they be...ooo what will I make for her...Ooo she likes the chocolate cake a lot from the bakery next to our house, will definitely order that...and she loves the pakodas I make...and...what are you looking at me like that for? Come on, stop staring and lets' go!!!' complained an enthusiastic Khushi, as Arnav stared at her.
She had called Shantivan home again. She wanted to come home. Khushi was coming home. How had he gotten so lucky to have her in his life? He didn't understand what was it inside her that allowed her to forgive and forget so easily. It still amazed him at how big a heart she had and not to mention how she found happiness in the tiniest of things, just the same way she got angry and tensed over small things but remained cool and calm during major crisis. Oh Khushi...she would always be a mystery to him. But she was his mystery to solve, and solve he would day by day for the rest of his life, for she was coming home. She was coming home...
The End.
*****