Head over Heels

Chapter 17 - Khushi

🎶 Meghaallo - Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu

Khushi raised her heavy beige lehenga as waves of euphoria surged through her entire being. She waited as Ji-ji did the same - an unspoken exchange passed between them as they gently kicked over the small pots of rice placed at the threshold of their new home.

"Welcome to the Raizada parivar," said Anjali-ji gently. Arnav-ji's family cheered in unison as the brides entered Shantivan. Khushi lowered her lehenga, feeling her cheek muscles stretch as she smiled through her tear-streaked face.

She glanced up at Arnav-ji by her side, his eyes were fixed on her, drinking in every detail as he took her hand in his. A thrill coursed through her, mingling with the disbelief that the very man she once vowed to despise was now her husband.

The mangalsutra rested close to Khushi's heart - a promise of forever, sealed with a simple link of black beads that bound their two souls in unspoken harmony. It was a silent testament to the endurance of their love, as timeless and precious as the bond it represents.

Arnav-ji's hand tightened on hers gently as he led her forward. They were stopped from proceeding further as Anjali-ji and Naniji giggled and insisted that the brides be carried inside.

Khushi hesitated as Arnav-ji glanced at her with a glimmer of amusement. He wordlessly hoisted her into his arms, with a small wink in her direction. She watched as Akash-ji did the same with Ji-ji.

Khushi's hands glided over Arnav-ji's deep blue Nawabi suit before winding around his neck. She gazed up at his face in wonder, blushing when he smirked at her scrutiny. Embarrassed, she lowered her head quickly, her forehead brushing his jawline in the process. She felt him shudder slightly as his arms tightened around her.

"Stop right there!" called Anjali-ji when Arnav-ji reached the bottom of the stairs. He frowned in confusion as Akash-ji joined them with Ji-ji.

"In such a rush, Chotte!" laughed Anjali-ji as Khushi blushed. "I will take over from here. You'll be escorted to your room once it's time."

Arnav-ji sighed in exasperation as he gently set Khushi down on her feet. Nanhe-ji clamped his hands on both his brothers' shoulders and steered them away toward the living area while Anjali-ji guided Khushi and Ji-ji up the stairs.

Khushi gasped as she stepped into Arnav-ji's room, her eyes widening as she took in the sight. She twisted her head and exchanged a quick, tremulous glance with Ji-ji before Anjali-ji guided her toward the bed, adorned with decorations that cascaded from the ceiling.

Rose petals were strewn in abundance, she climbed awkwardly over the mattress, trying not to disturb the intricate dil-shaped pattern.

Anjali-ji carefully arranged Khushi's lehenga, letting it drape elegantly around her before departing with a playful wink. As the door clicked shut, the sudden silence enveloped her like a thick curtain, amplifying her racing thoughts.

She struggled to steady her breath, focusing instead on the soothing, rosy fragrance that filled the air, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. Her thoughts swirled to relive the moments from earlier that evening.

...

Khushi clutched the cup of tea tightly in her hands, waves of euphoria surging through her entire being. Today was the big day.

She gazed serenely out from the patio - they were on the thirtieth floor of The Leela Palace, overlooking the sprawling city of New Delhi. She had allowed this brief moment with her Chai to reminisce and appreciate the life she has lived so far, and the life she'll be sharing it with.