Head over Heels

Chapter 20 - Khushi

🎶 Baamulaiza - De Dana Dhan

"Thank you," said Khushi as Mohan-ji loaded the trunk with her luggage and slammed the door shut. The sound wreaked havoc in Khushi, hyperventilating, she realized it was finally happening.

Nani-ji placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder while Di grinned mischievously. "You're going to have a great time on your honeymoon Khushi-ji. Be sure to take a lot of pictures!"

"Thank you," stammered Khushi. The farthest she'd ever traveled was between Lucknow and New Delhi. Five months ago, she could scarcely have imagined venturing beyond her homeland, let alone alongside a husband who was none other than Arnav Singh Raizada.

Arnav-ji grabbed her quivering hand in his and squeezed, his eyes twinkling. She accepted the warmth and let it parse through her. He held the door open and inclined his head.

Khushi's gaze roved around to catch a final glimpse of her send off party, Shantivan, and the streets outside.

"Don't even think about running away," said Arnav-ji in a carrying whisper. The Raizadas laughed as Mami-ji cackled, raising Mama-ji's eyebrows.

"Phati- I mean Khushi-bitiya, worry naat, when the stingrays get to you, I'm ssuwar the entire Lucknow party will come running to your rescue."

Arnav-ji's lips thinned, while Nani-ji reprimanded her eldest bahu loudly. Khushi managed a smile, the comment going over her head. What were stingrays?

Khushi clumsily climbed into the back seat. Arnav-ji closed the door and was soon taking a seat by her side. She slid down the window and waved wistfully at her new family. Their wide grins were visible until Mohan-ji turned the bend and pulled into the traffic.

"What are stingrays?" asked Khushi without preamble turning to Arnav-ji. He sighed, taking his phone out and showed a picture of an intimidating looking fish with a large pointy tail.

"I wasn't planning to reveal this so soon, but I've got a fun activity lined up for us," he said with a dangerous glint in his eye. "We'll be placed in separate large cages that float underwater, surrounded by a dozen stingrays. Our goal is to avoid getting stung while trying to poke their snouts. I've been looking forward to it, and you're not allowed to back out."

Khushi's eyes widened, what kind of a honeymoon included such Khatron Ke Khiladi stunts?

Arnav-ji's lips twitched, he turned his gaze to her and burst out laughing. Khushi gritted her teeth and slapped a hand on his chest, despite her annoyance - the sound of his carefree laughter sent her toes curling.

"Relax, Khushi," said Arnav-ji, kissing the back of her hand. "There are other underwater activities but you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. But trust me, it'll be fun. And I'll be there by your side every step of the way, those clumsy feet of yours are a blessing really, my arms are always waiting to catch you."

Khushi blushed, her eyes straying to Mohan-ji, who at that moment, pointedly turned up the volume of the radio and resolutely stared at the windshield.

She quickly kissed Arnav-ji's lips and drew back, ducking her head. Arnav-ji leaned in to murmur in her ear. "You weren't so shy on Holi with your arms wrapped around my neck. Shall I begin to describe our delicious encounter in detail?"

Khushi gasped and nudged him with a warning glance at Mohan-ji. Arnav-ji drew back smirking. She kept her hand in his, letting her thoughts drift as the busy traffic rushed past them.

She pondered whether Ji-ji had experienced the same nerves when heading to her honeymoon. The couple had left for Bali a few days earlier, while the brothers made sure at least one of them stayed behind in Delhi to oversee the company operations.