Bardasht Ki Hadd (Limit Of Endurance)

Last Part

Donning a beautiful anarkali dress in her Arnavji's favourite colour with subtle makeup, minimal jewellery & hair left free down her waist just like her Arnavji loved, Khushi reached, Sheeshmahal. 

As soon as she entered the front garden, her eyes widened in a pleasant shock. The whole garden was lit with diyas, candles & fairy lights. Soft, romantic music could be heard playing somewhere in the background. Sweet smell from the roses & other fragrant flowers wafted through the air. 

There was a long pathway covered with red rose petals starting from the entrance to the right end of the garden where stood a beautiful gazebo decorated with colourful fairy lights & floral chains. A two seater dining table was placed underneath with two comfy chairs. The table was also decorated with candles & fresh flowers with a few covered bowls & dishes neatly placed on the table. 

A beautiful fountain stood right in the middle of the garden. The whole ambience appeared easy on the eye yet gave a warm & cozy feeling. 

She was busy admiring the beautifully decorated garden, when a warm hand slid around her waist from behind. She didn't get scared as she knew this touch. It was him. Her, Arnavji. 

"Hi.." he husked in her ear, nuzzling the tip of his nose on her shoulder, moving upwards. A thrilling shiver coursed through her. She breathed sharply, squeezing her eyes, revelling in his touch after days of longing for him. 

"I missed you," he murmured, rubbing his rough lips on her smooth cheek. His other free hand cupped her other cheek, caressing it delicately with the pad of his thumb. 

"I missed you so much, Khushi," he reiterated, closing his eyes, inhaling a lung full of her natural, sweet fragrance. 

Khushi could sense the pain & yearning behind his softly murmured words because she felt no different. 

Her throat felt clogged with tears she wanted to shed, hugging her Arnavji tight. But she didn't want to ruin their moment, too. 

Reigning in her emotions, she rested her head back on his strong shoulder just letting the feel of their togetherness sink in every fibre of her body. 

Arnav pulled her to his sturdy front, embracing her tight. His one hand wrapped around her flat stomach & the other circled around her upper body, whilst his desperate lips peppered feather light kisses on her shoulder blade, her svelte neck, her smooth cheek, on her ear lobe, her hair, wherever he could reach. 

Khushi's heart raced at an insane speed & her breathing laboured. She couldn't bear his sweet assault & turned around throwing her arms around his neck, hugged him tight. 

Arnav held her close to his heart. "I love you, Khushi." He confessed the three words he would never tire of confessing again & again. "I love you so damn much." 

A content smile broke on her lips hearing him confess his love again which he has been doing everyday over the phone calls, through messages & through his love missives he'd sent with the flowers & chocolates. But she never reciprocated back. She wanted to test his patience & escalate his desperation. He won her heart there, too. He never forced or demanded reciprocation to his confession. He respected her unresponsiveness. 

She rubbed her face on his shirt clad torso. He basked in her warmth, tightening his hold around her. 

"Khushi," he breathed, gliding his fingers through her silky tresses. 

"I love you, too, Arnavji & I missed you, too." There, she said it & Arnav's heart came alive all over again. 

He fisted her hair in a very gentle grip & raised her head from his chest.