"So bhai.." akash paused and then added "it would be great support for us if we will have khushi with us.."

Arnav treaded carefully

"Err..Akash..I think it would be best for everyone if you guys can come down to India.That way payal would have all family members around to support her..that would be best..dont you think?"

Akash felt an irritation rising up in his otherwise always calm mind..whether it is just his wife's words about his brothers high handedness or his brothers ignorance towards his work and it's importance he can't fathom.

"Well bhai..I hope you know that,I have taken the overall incharge of presenting Us branch designs for our new launch.It is not possible for me to leave everything behind and come down,besides I want to be there with payal at the time of delivery."

Akash finished,his tone Not pleasant yet trying not to show his irritation.

"I know about that akash.I know you are putting a lot of hard work there and am absolutely looking forward to it.In this situation if you want I can make provisions such that you can move back to India for the brief period and you can supervise the work from here or else we can shift it here too."

"No bhai..I don't think it would turn out to be good for anyone..this particular launch has a lot of my individual inputs,And human resources from US branch with whom I have already made considerable progress.Now shifting or supervising from there seems to be impossible."He sound resigned.

Arnav can understand what he is saying.He knew akash invested himself in the launch project but for any damn thing he can't handle a separation from khushi.NO.

"Akash I understood,but sorry there is no other alternatives..we.."

Akash cut him in middle

"So you are saying no to send khushi here?"his tone now not hiding his irritation.

"Akash we both don't want to be separated even if it is for a short while...is that not reason enough?"

Akash tries to reason with him.

"Bhai payal wish to have khushi with her right now..no one can support her the way she does...I don't think Khushi will deny if payal ask her..so.." He trailed off not saying directly khushi would have wanted to be with payal.

"I know her more than herself akash...she would want to be with payal if payal wants that...but..I don't want to put her in situations where she have to make any choice between her family and me..."

Akash maintained silence.

Arnav sighed,torn between the voice at the back of his mind saying to him to agree and mend his relationship with his younger brother whom he adores with all his heart and the yearning in his heart which warns he wouldn't do with her.

"Akash..please try to understand..I can make any necessary shift in your project in every which way you wants ,So that you can be here with the family around payal.Think about it."

Akash replied .

"I know you can bhai..but...forget it.I just wants to tell you that payal seems very much determined on this..I don't know how she will take your decision."

"I will talk to payal if you want Akash."

Arnav took a long sigh as the conversation ended.He identified the warning Akash gave him.When it comes to khushi payal seems as much adamant as him.Payal and his father in law are alike in that matter.If they would have a choice they would never want him around khushi.Between both of them he is not wary of his father in law as much as he is of his sister in law.Shashi may not like him but he was sure that he didn't hate him either not completely at least,for the fact that khushi loves him.Payal on the other hand never showed that consideration to him,in fact he is sure that payal holds it against him that inspite of all that transpired between him and khushi in the past she still love him.His thoughts were broken by his P.A aman.He welcomed work to get rid of his anxious mind.

Payal looked at Akash driving with a straight face ,worry lines marring his otherwise calm and kind countenance. They were on their way back from the hospital for her scanning.Akash picked her up from the flat in the lunch break for the appinment.

"So what is new in this akash?your brother always behaves like this only.But this time he have to answer me.I will not let him go off the hook that easily."

"Payal ,I don't think you speaking to him will bring any better results..may be later.."

"Are you dialling his number or shall I call from my phone?"

Akash sighed ,parked the car on the road and then dialled his brother.

"Yeah Akash tell me"

Arnav said picking up the phone wearily.He had just finished lunch and was going through some files.

"Hmm bhai..woh..payal wants to talk with you..I will give to her.."

Without waiting for Arnav's reply he handed the phone over to payal..

"Hello"

"Payal..how are you doing?"

"I am doing good."after a pause Payal said..

"I hope akash told you about our decision of having khushi here at the time of my delivery.So when shall we book the tickets?"

Akash put the back of his palm on his lips and looked outside knowing very well where these two will go with this.

"Akash didn't told you I said no to send khushi there ?"Arnav asked his voice as calm as ever.Without missing a beat Payal replied.

"Why?Are you scared that if you let her go for a while you will lose control over her?"

The bulit up anger along with pregnancy hormones make her tremble with anger.

"I am not letting her go..not even for a while..That is out of question Payal.You guys know me better than that to ask me this"Arnav replied arrogantly..The anxiousness from morning taking the form of anger.

"Of course..I knew you better..let me remind you something she is your wife.not your property.If she is willing to be with me ,she will come no matter what happens.Her voice raising a bit towards the last part in a challenging manner.

Akash started "payal..."She looked at him pointedly making him sigh and looking away.

Arnav was about to give a befitting reply but akash's voice remind him of her pregnant state.He took a deep breath and said calmly.

"Payal I don't want to do this now.I think the best solution is both of you should come down to India.Consider it and give it a thought.I will make any arrangement that will ensure no damage to Akash's work schedule."

We already told you our decision,but it is not best for YOU only..We stick by this decision.Let khushi decide what she wants for a change."

"There is nothing left to decide Payal.I made it clear to both of you ,the rest is your decision.Khushi is my wife and as a couple we will both decide together what we want.That is only fair isn't it?".Payal was about to reply but akash snatched the phone and said. "Err..bhai we are on the way back to home from hospital..I will call later."and cut the call.

Payal looked at him in anger..

"Payal you know how bhai is..this argument will not lead us anywhere."
Akash paused then continued in a calmer tone trying to pacify her.

"Let's give it a break..we will talk with everyone in family and find a solution..ok?"

Payal looked away not agreeing but neither disagreeing, not wanting to stretch it further.

He started the car.Silence stretched in the car for a few minutes,then payal said "I want to call khushi."

Akash replied without looking at her."You call her after reaching home.ok."

Arnav punched his fist on the table unable to contain his frustration...Why everything has come down to this,where everyone is hell bent on interfering in his marriage life??As if you don't know ,How you messed up everything. A voice in the back of his head rebuked him.He didn't miss the challenge posed by Payal.The possibility of Payal calling khushi and convincing her made him restless.Arnav knew khushi love him with all her heart,there is no question there.Inspite of all his past deeds she is still with him that explains it.Arnav never really give a thought about how much she love him, for he knew what he feel for her is indefinite to compare her feelings for him.But at times like this,he just wished that she love him a little more to say no to anything that causes a separation between them.He reached for his phone.Before lunch she messaged him to remind him to take his medicine and lunch on time,they hadn't communicated after that.He dialled her number to hear the engaged tune.He was about to dial again when he got a call from aman.He decided to talk to her directly when he reach home.

Arnav and Anjali were on their way back from office to home .Anjali was exitingy briefing him about the guest list and preparations for Nanijis 75th bday surprise gathering to be host by anjali and arnav.They both were planning something to do for her upcoming bday for quite sometime,finally they decided to invite all her friends and close relatives with whom she share a great bond for a close knit gathering just the way she liked it.Since there was only 1 week left for the gathering they were doing the arrangements in the break between working hours in accordance with Arnav's free time between work.Arnav tried to concentrate but his mind was not on its place after the conversation with payal.

Khushi came out of the shower and stood in front of the mirror to brush her hair lost in thoughts.Payal's words kept ringing in her ear.Payal wants her to be there with her for delivery.Amma ,babuji and buaji also seems they wants her to go as jiji and jiju both are alone in an unknown country at this condition.Did she want to go? Yes.She would like to be with her sister providing her t hihe emotional support she needs at this time in the absence of other family members.Mamiji will not go she knew and it would be a torture for payal more than support even if she agrees to go.Payal asked her to take a decision,not forcing anything on her.However the way payal said that made her realise that she already called arnav and he denied and they might had an argument.She knew her sister and husband not share a good bond.She knew Arnav will not agree.It would be a hell of a task to convince him to let her go.Then there is an another task for her.staying away from him.She herself don't have any idea how she would manage that.She felt a cramp on her stomach. She is having her menstructal cycle from afternoon.After coming back she took her dinner early and came back to room after informing naniji, to fresh up and take rest as she was not feeling well with the back pain and cramps.

Arnav and anjali walked in to the dining room.Nani was waiting for them there.Arnav asked nani about khushi.She told him that khushi had dinner early and retired for night as she was not feeling well.Arnav nodded and had dinner with them.Finishing the dinner hastily he bid both of them good night and went to his room.Arnav opened the latched room to find it plunged in darkness except for the moonlight seeping through the poolside door and the small lit bedside lamp beside bed.Khushi was lying down on the bed,her hair spread on the pillow in the white night suit facing the other side.He moved closer after removing his coat and putting it on the recliner sat beside her on the bed and turn her around to look at her face.
Looking at her fatigued face inspite of the shower she just had it clicked on his mind.His mind did the quick mental calculations.She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Is it that time of the month ?"He asked caressing her face putting his other hand on on the other side of her body leaning to her.He is looking at her with tenderness,affection and concern which is reserved for her only.His eyes hungrily taking in her after hours of separation.His both hands on either side of her on bed,his upper body leaning slightly towards her.She nodded then dropped her gaze.

Is it paining baby?Shall I bring hot water bag?" He askedy putting his one hand on her stomach.She looked at him and then averting her eyes said .

"No.I am ok.Just a little tired."

He stare at her for a few seconds and then bend his head to kiss her forehead.Then sat up straight then looked at her again for a few seconds before bending his head and kissing her on her cheeks and jaw and finally a feather light kiss on her lips.He sat up arms still on her sides.She felt nurtured in his care and affection. always.She asked.

"Did you had your dinner?"

"Hmm."He replied running his fingers through her cheeks and chin feeling her soft skin.Khushi closed her eyes and caught his hand.She sat up straight with his hand in hers and said "you go and fresh up.."her words were broken when he moved closer and hugged her tightly.She too wound her arms around him feeling his cologne and running her hand through his Hair which is her favorite thing to do.They stayed like that in the tight embrace.After a while she felt Arnav's arms tightening around her.He turned his face which was on her shoulder to her neck and prepped kisses from her neck to her earlobe his breathing quickened.She closed her eyes revelling in the feel of his lips.Arnav cupped her face and captured her lips in his.The kiss move from tender to passionate in seconds and she find herself lifted and then placed on his lap.He break the kiss for a moment then again leaned in and kissed her while lowering her to the bed and placing himself on top her deepened the kiss.Feeling breathless and still not getting enough,he break the kiss for moments in between and then continued to kiss her senseless.Khushi was not in her senses ,lost completely in the havoc created by his lips.It seems like eternity when he slowed down the kiss to a tender one and lifted his mouth from hers. He placed his head on her neck and lie down beside her hugging her to him.

"Arnav ji uthiye na.."khushi said trying to regulate her breathing.

"Fresh up and come...I wanted to talk to you about something."Arnav lifted his head and regarded her for a moment,then sighing got up from the bed.He took his change for the night and moved to wash room.

When he came out in his casuals he saw that khushi was sitting in one of the poolside chair.His coffee on the small table in front, a bottle of warm water on her hands for her stomach pain.

He went and sat in the opposite chair and took the coffee in his hand and drinking it relaxed on the chair feeling the fresh air of the garden.She stared at him. A few locks of his hair falling on his forehead and the casuals changing his aura from dominating to adorable.He looked at her pointedly sensing her gaze on him.She immediately looked away.Arnav smirked.Had it been any other time he would have teased her till she admit she was checking him out.Today she is already fatigued and also time is not right considering the impending conversation.He asked.

"What you wanted to speak with me?:

"Woh jiji called.She wants me to be there with her at the time of delivery,since Amma can't go..."She trailed off.Arnav looked at her above the rim of the cup and said.

"Don't worry..I will take care of that..you don't need to go..we will find some other alternatives."He finished putting the cup on the table.

"But who said I don't want to go?I would like to be with her..I ..want to go."Arnav looked unaffected and said

"I don't want you to go.You know that very well."

"It is a matter of 2 or 3 weeks so.."

"Forget two or three weeks khushi even not for a single day I won't allow you to go"He cut her rudely his voice raising.Khushi flinched but shot back getting up from the chair.
"That is not your thing to decide It is my sister's matter so I Will decide what I need to do or not."

He advanced on her his nostril flaring jaw tightening.The anxiousness from morning following the conversation with akash and payal,not getting her on phone and now being dismissed on face by her undid him.

"You.are.not.going.anywhere."He said looking straight into her eyes stressing each words his face in flames of anger.

She wasn't unaffected by his intense countanance,it still make her uncomfortable but like hell she would show him that.She said. "And I said I would decide that.And I would go" she replied standing her ground .
He moved closer and with one hand pulled her towards him,her body crashing to him.She gasped and put her hands forward to push him.He imprisoned her to him using his both hands.She turn her face to the side trying to create as much as distance possible. He looked down at her turned her face to look at him.
"I can't do without you and I know you will not either without me..Don't make it difficult for both of us."Their close proximity affecting him and his escalating anger cooling down.

"It is not like I Am going forever or something.. "He saw red.He caught her by her shoulders and yelled cutting her in middle"Shut the fuck up.Why you always wants to speak about leaving me?He shake her clutching her arms digging his fingers onto it..You are ready to leave me for others because they need you...But what about ME?Why everyone else is your priority but ME?"

She pushed him with all her might he stumbled slightly backwards not affected but removed his arms realising that he was clutching them tightly.She looked at him his face flushed with anger breathing heavily.

"If you think i didn't choose you then I don't want to say anything to you..and here there is no matter of choosing anyone.I just want to be there with my sister for her delivery.Just like you would do anything for your sister,this is my duty as a sister."

Arnav knew what she was saying is true.She chose him that is why she is still here with him.But how he will say to her that it is not enough because what he feels for her is infinite, that each and every time he wants her to choose him.But he can't tell her that.She won't be able to take that intensity.

His eyes went to her arms he moved closer eyes filled with concern and guilt,anger forgotten.He shot his hand forward to take her elbow, but she moved back instantly putting distance between them .

"Khushi I will make any arrangements possible that can bring them here.Ok?let's see what they would decide."

"They already decided Arnavji..And if that decision remains the same I would go"Saying that she walked inside.Arnav felt like breaking something.He closed his eyes, took deep gulps of air to calm himself down.He went inside to see that she is applying pain relieving cream on her arms standing in front of the mirror.He immediately moved towards her and tried to take the cream to apply it.She pushed his hands away rudely and said " don't even think of touching me."Her eyes flashing with anger and hurt.He moved back.She applied cream and went to the washroom.He went down and brought hot water bag for her as he knew she would feel pain in night.When he went up he found that she is lying down on her side of the bed.He kept the bag on the side table near her .Then he climbed next to her.When she felt him moving closer she turn around and asked."What are you doing? "
"Woh hot water bag"he said Pointing to it.She snatched it and said "If you move even an inch closer than this.." she said Pointing to the space in the middle of bed "I swear I will go to naniji's room."

If he felt anger or irritation he didn't show it because he knew his wife very well to know when to oblige to her and when to act like obliging to her.So he just lie down on his side of bed away from her.He waited for sometime till her breathing become normal indicating that she is in deep sleep.He took off the hot water bag that was kept on her stomach and place it on the table.Then he slowly moved her to him.He took a pillow and place it under her folded knees which will make her position relaxed and help her to sleep good.He took another pillow and place it on her back to relieve any uneasiness on her back.Then very slowly with bated breath he took her upper body by her shoulder and place her face on his chest thankful that she didn't woke up.He relaxed making them comfortable on the pillow.He took her arms one by one and placed feather light kisses on the marks on them his face contorting in pain seeing his handiwork.He kept kissing them lightly as if to make sure to him that it will disappear. When she stirred a little she kept her hands back slowly, gather her in his arms and closed his eyes.

Arnav felt weightlessness on his chest and loss of warmth.He rubbed his eyes open to see the bed beside him empty.He looked at the washroom door to see it is closed.She knew that he don't like it when she leave the bed in morning before he wake up.So it is clear that she is still stuck in their argument last night and wanted to carry it forward.Like hell he would let her.Arnav scrambled out of the bed went out and yelled standing near the railing of the stairs looking down"Haripraksh"..Haripraksh came out running from the kitchen
"Where is khushi?"

"Woh..She is making breakfast."He replied meekly.

"Ask her to come to the gym room NOW..and yeah I need my morning drink.."Ji bhaiyya..HP nodded and went back to kitchen.

Arnav went back,brushed his teeth,changed to his Gym wear and went to the Gym.He started walking on the treadmill.After ten minutes he heard footsteps and turn to see that HP entering with his drinks.He got down from the treadmill and asked where is khushi?Woh..Bhabhi is preparing breakfast so she send me with drink.HP almost stumbled while keeping the drink on the table sensing his mood,and almost ran away.Arnav ran his fingers through his Hair sworing,frustration building up inside him.He went out of the gym and almost ran down through the stairs and barged into the kitchen.2 Staff who were working with khushi turn around and he looked pointedly at them.They moved away.She was cutting some vegetables standing near the kitchen slab,not turning around and not acknowledging his presence.He took long strides to her and grabbed her hand making the knife fall out of her hand.She instantly forcefully removed his hand and stepped back.
"What do you want?Can't you see I am doing something?"He looked straight at her and said " cut the crap khushi..I don't have time for your nonsense now.I will give you ten minutes to come up to the gym.If you
make me come down again it wouldn't end up good for both of us."He warned her and barged out in the same pace he came inside.