Head over Heels

Chapter 18 - Khushi

🎶 Aao Na - Sadhana Sargam, Udit Narayan

Khushi released her hold on Arnav-ji's shirt as he laid her gently on the bed, the closeness sending a thrill down her spine. His scent lingered, potent and familiar, even as he moved to the other side.

"I'll... turn off the lights," he said softly. Khushi nodded slowly, pulling the duvet up to her chin. She gripped the fabric, silently praying to Devi Mayya, her heart fluttering as she felt the mattress dip when Arnav-ji settled in under the covers beside her.

Almost simultaneously, they turned to face each other. Arnav-ji's eyes caught the soft moonlight filtering through the blinds, casting a gentle glow from the glass walls. He extended his hand toward her, palm up.

Khushi placed her trembling fingers in his, the warmth immediately spreading through her entire body. She lay still, feeling the unfamiliar weight of the silence around her. The bed, though soft, felt foreign beneath her; the sheets smelled different, the pillows were plumper.

A mix of emotions welled up inside her - nervousness, a faint thrill, and a touch of longing for the comfort of her own room. She clutched the edges of the blanket, seeking some anchor in this strange setting, and took a deep breath, hoping her heart would soon settle.

"You have no idea how many nights I've dreamed of finding you here beside me, Khushi."

Her breath caught in her throat, and after a brief hesitation, she scooted closer, her gaze dropping. Arnav-ji responded by wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close as she rested her head against his chest. His body vibrated with a sigh as he held her.

Arnav-ji whispered softly in her ear, gradually broaching the subject of intimacy. As he spoke, she could sense his awkwardness in revealing certain details, causing a blush to creep up her cheeks. She was relieved her face was buried in his chest, wondering if she might combust from the new information.

"And like I said, it'll happen only when you're ready for it."

Khushi thought her voice would soon crack with the lack of use, and yet she couldn't voice her gratitude out loud. Arnav-ji didn't seem to be waiting for a response, his arms tightened around her as he whispered.

"Now it's time to rest. Goodnight Khushi, dream about me."

***

"Hari Prakash-ji!" called Khushi, counting the packets of powders splayed on the center table. "We're missing the color green!"

"Oh, let me bring it over," he replied, sprinting away to the basement. Khushi sat cross legged on the floor, a pen and pad in her hands as she listed out the things yet to be done.

"Arnav-bitwa is out for his jog?" asked Nani-ji, taking a seat on the couch.

It was the morning of Holi, the fourth day of Khushi's marriage and her new role as the Raizada family's bahu. She confirmed Nani-ji's assumption out loud, then returned to her notepad, frowning in concentration. She looked up, however, when Nani-ji chuckled.

"Holi this year is going to be so much fun, with two new lovely additions to the family...I wish Chotte's Nana was here to see this day." Nani-ji's eyes glazed over as she reminisced.

Khushi's heart thrummed with emotion. She was still overwhelmed by her new life and often found herself choking back tears at how warmly she was welcomed into their family.

Arnav-ji had been extremely busy, making up for the time he'd been away during the ceremonies ('I should give Aman a raise!'), often returning well after midnight. Exhausted, they would lay in each other's arms, stealing kisses well into the night until the laws of nature demanded that they breathe.