This was officially Khushi 's worst birthday ever. The whole world had wished her except the biggest jerk – her husband. She had given him blatant hints – the date was marked on the calendar in bright colours, she had thanked everyone loudly on the phone and even counted her gifts in front of him but to no avail. Either Arnav was unbelievably dense, which she doubted, or was a brilliant actor. He had made her slave in the kitchen, cook pasta in a zillion ways till he finally approved.
Khushi was exhausted now and had given up any hope of Arnav remembering. She soaked herself in a hot water bath and felt the tiredness evaporate. Draping a bathrobe around herself, she walked out and nearly fainted. There were banners saying "Happy Birthday", floating candles lit the room and a pathway of rose petals led from her feet towards Arnav. He was standing at the bedroom door, holding his ears. He walked towards her with the most adorable expression . Still in a daze, Khushi managed a barely audible whisper, "What's all this?"
Still smiling, he kissed her cheek. "Your wife doesn't turn twenty-three everyday. Happy Birthday!" "I thought you had forgotten. You made me work so much!" she exclaimed indignantly.
"Well it was worth it. The dumbfounded expression on your face was classic! Everyone's waiting downstairs. You better hurry up. Anjali can't keep her hands off the cake."
Khushi arched an eyebrow. "Arnav my gift?" Hitting his head lightly, Arnav handed her a gift wrapped package and went to the dressing room to change. Khushi unwrapped her gift hastily, she couldn't contain her excitement. Once she saw it, she understood why Aranv s fashion house was the best in the country. The sari was exquisite. It was blood red, with faint work on the pallu done in gold. Its fall was just perfect, and when she wore it, it looked tailor made for Khushi. She was tying the last string of her blouse when Arnav came out dressed in a black tuxedo suit, bringing out his chiseled features. He whistled and said, "Lets keep you inside or else you might cause a riot". He came towards her and clasped the ruby necklace around her neck. Khushi added the finishing touches of her make up and the proceeded downstairs.
After greeting some of their friends, they were, in Khsuhi s words, attacked by Nisha. She was wearing an icy blue gown, perfectly matching her ice cold eyes. She looked stunning undoubtedly but in Arnav's eyes noone matched Khushi. Nisha wished Khushi with forced cheeriness " Happy Birthday khushi. You look great.". Khushi returned the compliment with equal force and Khushi noticed Nisha about to ask Arnav for a dance. To her immense relief, Arnav held Khushi's hand and said " I hope you don't mind Nisha but I would like a dance with my wife.". Gritting her teeth, Nisha managed, "Of course not, enjoy yourselves."
He took Khushi to the dance floor and she put her arms around his neck while he held her waist."I don't think you like Nisha very much" Arnav said after a pause. Khushi grinned at him. " Did you ever doubt that?" It was his turn to grin now. "Not really, but any particular reason for this mutual lack of love?"
"Well, it's difficult to be impartial towards a girl who still has the hots for your husband." Arnav laughed loudly at that. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy here?". She smiled "Maybe." After a little while she exclaimed "Arnav stop that!". "Stop what?" Arnav asked with feigned innocence. He was caressing her stomach slowly, producing a million hot and cold sensations in her body. "You know what." She said while she did her best to glare at him angrily.Needless to say, it was a futile effort. He had to stop when they were called to cut the cake.
There were only a few guests left now and Khushi went to the powder room. Once outside, she was in for a nasty shock. In front of her stood a drunk Aman and this was not a good sign. "Get the hell out of here Aman". He grabbed her wrist and said., " I know you aren't happy Khushi This was an arranged marriage. Come back to me please". Khushi managed to break free and looked at him in disgust. " To start with, we were never together so where does the question of coming back arise from? I am very happy in my marriage thank you. Just stay out of it and thank your stars that I didn't report you for harassment. As for Arnav, he has given me more happiness than I thought was possible in one lifetime. I love him and will always love him till my dying breath!"
