Khushi we are going for a week, not a month!" Arnav hollered looking at the numerous suitcases lined in the room. Arnav was going to Paris for the opening of his new outlet and he had insisted that Khushi accompany him. The flight was in less than three hours and Khushi was sitting on the bed, her head in her hands and she was a picture of despair. Arnav walked towards her, removed her hands and kissed her forehead. "What's wrong Khushi?"
Khushi looked up at him, a bit embarrassed "Arnav I've always been hopeless at packing. I always pack too much, in fact Mom has always done my packing, and you are the first person whom I've told this", she finished and was shocked to see Arnav on the floor, doubled up in laughter and holding his stomach as tears of mirth rolled down his cheeks. Khushi got down and pummeled him with a pillow till he caught her wrists in his hands to stop her. He stopped laughing and after regaining his breath, he said "Khushi did you see your expression? You looked like your favourite relative had died. Why don't you quit your M.B.A. course and join an acting academy? You'll do great honestly!"
Frowning, Khushi replied "We can change my career later on but right now you better help me pack if you don't want to miss the flight." Being the cooperative husband that he was, Arnav quickly helped Khushi repack their clothes into two suitcases and drove to the airport. Khushi spent most of the flight sleeping on Arnav's shoulder and Arnav passed his time enjoying this and gobbling his as well as Khushi's dinner since he was ravenous.
Khushi's eyes jerked open when the plane landed and Arnav grinned " So finally Sleeping Beauty decided to wake up". Khushi simply glared up at him. After checking in the Ritz Hotel, they made their way towards their suite. Arnav jumpred on the bed and dozed off immediately whereas Khushi surveyed the room. It was luxurious with a huge double bed and sofa lounger by the side. The glass cabinets and refrigerator were filled with all those goodies which Khushi struggled to remain away from – she could not resist them and they wrecked her diet havoc. Not that she needed to diet, being blessed with a very slim frame and despite being 5"5, looked petite. She looked at Arnav and then went to take a shower. When she returned, Arnav was awake but still on the bed, wrapped in a thick blanket and said" Your dinner is here Khushi". He still looked exhausted so Khushi quickly ate her food and laid on the bed beside him and easily fit in his arms. It had become a habit now. "Are you alright Arnav?" she asked concerned. Arnav just pulled her closer and said "Jetlag. Just can't avoid it no matter how much I travel". His eyelids were drooping so Khushi just turned off the lights ant they went to sleep.
The next day was a hectic one. The inauguration of the outlet was a heavily attended affair, with all the who's who of the fashion industry present in full force. Both Arnav and Khushi were famished after the ceremony was over and decided to lunch in Caf Flore. After scrutinizing the menu for fifteen minutes, Arnav gave his order and Khushi followed suit. After giving him a quizzical stare, Khushi asked, "Why did you order that?" Arnav simply shrugged "At least I could pronounce the name!". "It better be good raizada, or else you are so dead" said Khushi in a convincingly menacing tone. Their order came in a while and Khushi was ready to puke. It was some rarely done meat which was too red with something looking suspiciously like blood around it. Khushi looked at Arnav and he too was a nasty shade of green at the moment."We are out of here" they both said in unison and ran outside after paying the bill for their untouched food.
Once outside, they both burst out laughing. "Let's go to dear old Mc Donalds" Arnav suggested and Khushi needed no persuasion, they were starved. Since their official work was over, they decided to do some sight seeing. They first went on a boat ride on River Seine on Khushi's insistence. It was a pleasant and leisurely ride, but Khushi was surprised that instead of some scenic view, there were grey charred buildings on both sides of the river bank. The guide was explaining some sort of historical significance but she gazed at Arnav perplexed. He just flashed his famous grin at her and said "Learn to appreciate history Khushi". He quickly regretted this when his wife delivered a well aimed punch on his stomach.
"Arnav I want to visit the marketplace" Khushi pleaded, Arnav rolled his eyes and looked the other way. Khushi came in front of him and gave him her best innocent wide-eyed look. Arnav sighed loudly and said " Khushi we've been going wherever you wanted for the past two days. Tomorrow we do what I say". "You're the best Arnav" Khushi said gleefully and gave Arnav a smacking kiss on his cheek. "I could get used to this" he thought with a smile.
The marketplace was bustling with activity. The vendors were yelling their fares in loud voices which made Arnav cover his ears. Khushi had already bought two bags, safely deposited in Arnav's arms, filled with mementos and was now haggling with a vendor at the top of her voice. The poor man looked distressed and Arnav came to his rescue. He pulled Khushi by the arm and whispered, "This is France Khushi the prices are fixed."Khushi looked disappointed and purchased a few gifts for her friends and they headed towards the bistros which were open cafes. They sat down at one of the tables and the huge umbrella shaded them from the sunlight which was blinding. To their relief, they recognized most of the items in the menu and ordered happily. Soon enough, their order arrived which comprised of two cups of steaming coffee. Beignets and powdered doughnuts. Arnav just loved the smell of coffee. They polished their plates in record time. Outside the caf was a street artist who would sketch portraits. Arnav and Khushi posed for the portrait and it was ready in fifteen minutes. Arnav's cheek muscles were strained from posing for so long but he dared not move or else Khushi would make him pose all over again. However the effort was worth the result, the portrait had captured Khushi's beautiful and Arnav's handsome features to life. Khushi insisted on getting it framed immediately which they did.
"Wake up Khushi came Arnav's voice. "Five more minutes please" she moaned, pulling the comforter on her head. Arnav wordlessly picked her up and put her down in front of the bathroom. He then put his arms on Khushi shoulders and said wickedly, "Unless you want me to accompany you in the bathroom, you better be out in twenty minutes"
"You wouldn't " said Khushi, now fully awake.
"Wouldn't I?"said Arnav inching dangerously closer.
Recognizing defeat, Khushi screamed "Fine you win" and stormed into the bathroom, leaving a victorious Arnav behind.
