Foundation of Marriage

Part 20 - Shockwaves

Inside the room, the tension from the earlier confrontation began to dissipate as Arnav focused on comforting Khushi. He noticed her tears and the stress etched on her face.

Arnav: "Khushi, you don't need to worry. Things will calm down, and tomorrow, you'll see a different side of the Raizada family."

Khushi looked at him with a mixture of skepticism and hope, her teary eyes met his gentle ones. Arnav's calm demeanour and confident words were meant to soothe her, but she still didn't fully understand what he meant. Arnav gently nudged her towards the wardrobe.

Arnav: "Why don't you change into something more comfortable? Everything is already set up"

Khushi opened the wardrobe and was pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful arrangements. There were sections for her clothes, and the washroom was stocked with all the essentials she could need. Arnav had truly outdone himself in preparing their space. She was impressed by how systematic and organised he had been, his "laad governor" side showing in the most unexpected way. After she changed into a more relaxed attire, Khushi looked around, wondering where she should sleep. Arnav entered the room, now changed into comfortable sleepwear himself, and noticed her deep in thought.

Arnav (puzzled): "What's the matter, Khushi?"

Khushi: "I'm wondering where would I sleep. I mean, where should I sleep?"

Arnav raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk formed on his lips.

Arnav: "On the bed, of course."

Khushi (eyes widened): "Haaww, but how can we sleep together on the same bed?"

Arnav: "Well, we're married legally and ritually now. That's how it works between couples in case you don't know."

Khushi was shocked to see laad governor's shamelessness.

Arnav: "Okay but if you are so set on not sleeping together, fine. You can take the couch then, I won't. I will sleep on my bed, I can't compromise on my sleep you see."

Khushi (huffing): "Why should I compromise on my sleep? I will also sleep on the bed."

Khushi proceeded towards the right side of the bed but Arnav stopped her.

Arnav: "That's my side"

Khushi: "What?"

Arnav: "That's my side of the bed, I sleep there. You take the other side."

Khushi: "But I always sleep on this side of the bed."

Arnav: "Too bad, this is my house, my room and my bed. I will sleep here."

Khushi (angrily): "Fine, I'll take the other side of the bed."

With a decisive motion, she moved to the far side of the bed and laid down with her back turned to Arnav. Arnav chuckled softly, finding her feistiness endearing. He laid down on his side of the bed with a grin. Khushi huffed, irritated by his seemingly indifferent reaction. "God knows how I'll manage my life with this rude Laad governor," she muttered to herself. Arnav, lying on his side of the bed, smiled to himself. He knew that this playful fight over the bed was a sign that Khushi was beginning to relax and adjust. This was the only way to normalize her it seems, triggering and fighting her.

Everyone except Arnav and Khushi were gathered downstairs in the large, elegantly decorated living room, murmuring in disbelief. Buaji was trying to explain herself, but before she could speak further, Anjali stepped forward, attempting to calm the situation.

Buaji (worried): "Please, don't punish Payal for Khushi's mistakes. She is not at fault for any of this."

Anjali (softly reassuring): "Buaji, don't worry. We won't hold Khushi or Payal responsible for this. Both of them will be fine. Our family will accept Khushi, and we all should forgive her and Arnav for what happened."