Foundation of Marriage

Part 26 - The Talk

Arnav sat beside Khushi, his eyes were filled with concern as he watched her trying to get comfortable in his arms.

Arnav: "Do you feel better, Khushi?" he asked softly, his voice was laced with worry.

Khushi winced slightly as she touched her head.

Khushi: "My head still hurts"

Arnav: "I spoke to the doctor. It's normal and expected. You'll be fine soon."

Khushi (concerned): "Why did you stay back, Arnavji? I could have asked Payal jiji to stay with me. You must be tired from work."

Arnav shook his head, a slight smile tugged at his lips.

Arnav: "I stayed back because my wife is in the hospital. How could I leave you alone? I'm sorry, Khushi. I should have listened to you and stayed at home today. Maybe then I could have prevented this accident."

Khushi (with guilt): "It's not your fault, Arnavji. I'm the one who's so stupid and clumsy. Forget about me, did you find out anything about the accidents?"

Arnav: "Nothing significant. Don't worry about that now. Just focus on getting better. But, Khushi, can you tell me exactly how you fell?"

Khushi: "I don't know, Arnavji. I felt like I slipped suddenly."

Arnav: "Can you tell me what happened from the beginning?"

Khushi spoke, trying to recall every detail.

Khushi: "After I came out of the bathroom, I couldn't find my phone. I stepped on the carpet, and it felt like there was something sharp on it. My feet started bleeding, and I got so scared. I called out for jiji, but I think everyone was downstairs. I was in so much pain, but somehow, I managed to walk to the stairs. Then, I don't know how, but I slipped and fell down."

Arnav: "The doctor mentioned there were glass shards in your feet. Did you accidentally break something?"

Khushi (firmly): "No, Arnavji, I'm sure nothing broke. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I didn't want to worry you."

Arnav squeezed her hand gently.

Arnav: "I know, Khushi. Relax, please. Do you feel comfortable, or do you want to lie down?"

Khushi: "I feel good like this."

Arnav: "Ummm.. Khushi, are you absolutely sure nothing broke?"

Khushi: "Yes, Arnavji. I'm confident."

Arnav leaned in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her bandaged forehead. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, as if shielding her from all the worries of the world. He made a silent promise, a promise to be there for her, to protect her, and to stand by her side no matter what. Khushi rested her head on Arnav's shoulder, finding comfort in his embrace as he continued to speak.

Arnav: "I'm sorry, Khushi, for what happened at Holi."

She looked up at him, her eyes went wide with shock, but then quickly she settled back into his arms.

Khushi: "Nothing happened, Arnavji."

Arnav: "I know you remember it, Khushi, so don't deny. I promised you before our marriage that I wouldn't touch you without your permission, and I crossed a line that night. For that, I'm truly sorry. I didn't know how to bring it up, or maybe I was just scared so I avoided talking to you about it. But now I guess we should have spoken about it earlier."

Khushi (softly): "It's okay, Arnavji. We were both intoxicated on bhaang."

Arnav (puzzled): "So you're not angry about it?"