At night, Khushi who was lying on Arnav's chest called out for him 'Arnav!!!' Arnav looked down to see his wife's flushed face after their session glowing in the moonlight, and somewhat peering at him with anxiety 'something is definitely disturbing her.'

Arnav 'what jaan?'

Khushi 'If I'll ask you something, will you agree with me?'

Arnav 'there is nothing I'll refuse you.'

Khushi supporting herself on her elbow 'I....I want to open my dhaba business again.'

Arnav blinked 'Why? Did anyone tell you anything after I went to office?'

Khushi 'No no, no one said to me anything, it is just I'm feeling bored.'

Arnav looked at her closely 'Is there something you are hiding?'

Khushi at once 'No, please maan jao na.' Arnav pulling her closer 'I'll think about it.' Khushi 'but I want to start it soon.......'

Arnav 'Later.' and looked down at her sad face, pecking on her lips 'just wait for sometime jaan. If you are feeling bored why you don't come to my office with me.'

Khushi looking at him 'really?'

Arnav chuckling 'yeah I'm missing you there; we can use our much needed time which we are not getting in house.' Khushi looked at his naughty glint and hit him 'no, I'm okay here; If I'll come there your office work will be suspended.'

Arnav faking offended 'hey you are misjudging me, I'm multitasked can handle both my office and biwi at same time.' Khushi chuckling hitting him again 'badmaash.' Arnav 'wifey shall we start again.'

Khushi gasped at the way his hands roaming 'what if I say no?'

Arnav 'not a chance baby, then you will be in great danger.' and flipped her under him. Khushi 'accha and what it will be.' Arnav raising his eyebrows 'in a minute' and started tickling her, Khushi started laughing begging him to stop 'Arnav stop it, bas...please na....stop it.' Sheethal who was passing by their room at the middle of the night to get water got pissed off hearing this, she resumed her walk fastly gritting her teeth 'Khushi, you are going to pay for this.'

Arnav stopping after her lot of begging 'Now what is your answer.'

Khushi gasping 'will I ever stop you buddhu.'

Arnav 'achha bacchu, first badmash(naughty) and now buddhu.'

Khushi chuckling 'these are sweet pet names for you swami and I'll call you with any name whenever I feel like.' Arnav faking anger 'what? I call you jaan, wifey, love, baby and you call me with these names.'

Khushi scrunching 'what is wrong in these names?' Arnav shaking his head 'nothing is wrong but everything is wrong.'

Khushi purring on his ears 'I can't call anyone else like this na.' Arnav looked back at her 'like I'll let you call them.' and started with another round.....

:

:

It was Sunday today, Arnav was at home, he looked at Khushi who was folding their clothes, coming and sitting beside her 'Khushi shall we go out today.'

Khushi stopping her work in the middle 'where?'

Arnav 'hmmm don't know, you suggest any place of your choice and we will set off to that place.'

Khushi 'lets go to movie.'

Arnav 'Movie?'

Khushi 'kyun? Will you not sit with me and watch hindi movie.'

Arnav 'why not? okay then I'll book ticket for us to any of the good running movie.'

Khushi gleefully 'haan romantic wala.' Arnav shaking his head 'kahan phas gaya main.' He was going to book ticket for them and there came summon from his Di. Arnav looked at her 'I'll go and check what she needs.' Khushi nodded her head......here downstairs Anjali, Sheethal and Mami sat making faces, on seeing Arnav coming down they changed their facial expression 'Di you called me'

Anjali cmiling sweetly 'haan chotte, I was getting bored so thought of to go for shopping.'

Arnav 'okay Di, how much do you want? You have credit card don't you.'

Anjali 'yes chotte but I want you to come with us. It will be good if you are with me at this time.'

Arnav confused 'us?'

Anjali 'yeah me, Sheethal, Mami and Aarav.'

Arnav not expecting 'here he wants to spend his time with his wife and they want me to baby sit them' eww gross 'but Di I don't like shopping.'

Mami 'haan haan Arnav bitwa you hate shopping only with us but not with phati saree.' Arnav fuming 'mami!!!'

Anjali pouting 'will you not this much for me?' Arnav looked at his Di, NK who listened to them came near 'Di I'll go with you all.' Arnav looked at NK thankfully. Anjali 'but I want Chotte to come with us.'

Arnav was in fix, NK took him away from them 'Nanav why don't you and Khushi ji go shopping with them, I'll too accompany you, I'll distract them and you can be with Khushi ji.' Arnav looked NK 'will it work?'

NK 'leave all that to me, just don't tell Khushi ji that Di is coming for shopping otherwise she will not come, tell her I wanted your help so you both are coming with me.' Arnav nodded at him, going to his Di 'okay Di I'm coming, NK too is joining us.'

Anjali 'but....' 'here she wants his brother to spend some time with Sheethal and he is bringing NK.' Arnav 'Di I'll be left out among you ladies, NK will be helpful for me or otherwise I'm not coming.'

Mami 'Anjali bitiya let it be....' and pressed her hand telling we will think something later....Anjali nodded at him smiling, Arnav and NK parted to get ready with Sheethal looking at their back 'you did good mami ji that heard ASR and Khushi going for movie.'

Mami 'aur nahin toh we have to spoil phati sarees dreams.' Sharing a good laugh with other two. 'as if these three will be successful in their plan, not knowing ASR will never leave his wife alone.'

Like NK adviced Arnav told to Khushi, NK needed their help so they are leaving for shopping. Arnav was ready, asking Khushi to get ready and meet him at car, he went away to take his Suv. Anjali, Sheethal, Mami and Aarav was already standing near the car, as soon as Arnav unlocked the door, Sheethal came to sit in front with Arnav when Arnav 'hmmm sit at the back seat, NK will be sitting at front with me.' Sheethal faking smile at him went and joined the others. NK came running and stood beside Arnav 'Nanav I'll come in my bike.'

Arnav 'what?'

NK 'understand Nanav, while coming you and Khushi ji can switch in my bike.' winking at him. Arnav understanding him suppressed his smile and nodded at him, Anjali 'chotte what are you waiting for NK came right?'

Arnav 'haan Di bas do minute.' Khushi came running, she smiled at NK who was standing in a way that Anjali and others and hid from Khushi's view. Khushi 'sorry Arnav.'

Arnav 'Its okay Jaan, come let's sit.' She smiling at him sat inside without looking back, Anjali and others face became dark, with Mami's 'hello hi bye bye' Khushi looked up getting shocked. Arnav took his seat beside her, Khushi looked up at him scared who reassured her with his eyes everything will be fine. Mami 'we thougth only you and NK are coming with us.'

Arnav 'of course mami, but if I'm coming means Khushi will be there too since she is a part of me. And NK is coming in bike' with that he started his car. Khushi sat nervously at front and looked out of the window, Arnav held her hand in his with making the other three fume more at this. NK's bike passed them zooming waving at them.

Anjali, Sheethal,Mami with Aarav got down at the entrance, NK was there waiting for them, Khushi chose to go with Arnav till parking lot not wanting to be with them much to Arnav's thrill who wanted her to be with him. Arnav 'Di you all go inside we will come after parking the car. NK will be with you for your help.' Before Anjali could say anything Arnav drove his car to parking lot. The three ladies huffed and joined NK.

Khushi 'Arnav why you did not tell me Di is coming too.'

Arnav 'would you have come with me? Nah and besides it was Di who nudge me to come for shopping with them. It was NK idea to get you with me here.'

Khushi 'haww now days you both are conspiring against me.'

Arnav smirking 'that too to your own good.' Khushi 'yeah yeah I can see that.' Arnav was leaning closer to her when his phone rang, Khushi giggled with his irritation it was Anjali asking them what is taking him so long? Arnav muttered 'Di and her timely interruption.'

Arnav and Khushi both entered the designer show room where his Di with others was selecting dresses. Anjali 'chotte come we are selecting dresses for Aarav, help us na.' Arnav taken aback looked at them 'what me?'

Aarav coming to him 'haan ASR select dresses for me na.'

Arnav looked at Khushi who nodded at him, he pulling Khushi along with him went over there. Anjali tactfully pulled him in the middle of her and Sheethal making Khushi behind them, they started showing him dresses with Arnav not really looking at anything, he looked over at NK who is held up with mami. Khushi knowing well they don't want her to be there moved to other side where mens wear were hanging in display.

Anjali saw no one is around and moved away from Sheethal and Arnav taking the chance leaving them alone. Arnav looked over at Khushi and then at Sheethal and Aarav who where indulge in selecting dress, he messaged something to NK and in a minute he got a call, excusing himself 'Aarav I'll take this call and come' saying this he moved away from them and over the phone 'thanks NK, come soon to Di and handle her, I'll look at Khushi.' Disconnecting the call he went over at Khushi who was trolling around the showroom looking at the dresses. Hugging her from behind startling her 'Arnav you scared me and leave me this is public place.' Arnav 'arey I'm holding my wife, who will have the guts to ask me anything.'

Khushi smiling at him'what are you doing here? Selection over ah?'

Arnav 'nah I made excuse of call and came running to my wife, NK will handle them.'

Khushi 'Di will feel bad.'

Arnav 'and what about me? I want to be with you.'

Khushi 'aww now days you are behaving like a baby.'

Arnav 'what to do my wife does not understand anything so had to do whining at her every time to beg her for my time.'

Khushi 'I'm all yours and for you I've every time in the world.'

Arnav 'what were you looking at?' Khushi 'oh nothing just looking around casually.'

Arnav pulling her hands 'okay then come let's go to ladies section and ask something to show for you.'

Khushi 'what no? my wardrobe is full with new clothes which you bought from Chandi chowk, there is no need for more.'

Arnav 'Let it be, we have come here and it will not look good to return home empty hand without buying anything for you.' He took her to saree section, to the salesgirl 'show me the best sarees you have in your collection.' The sale girl started showing sarees to them, here Anjali came to Sheethal noticing Arnav is not with them 'Sheethal where is chotte?'

Sheethal 'Di he got a call and went to attend it.'

Anjali 'oh so have you both selected Aarav's dress.' Aarav 'yeah we did, ASR did not even help us.'

Anjali pinching his cheeks 'aww don't worry nest time we will make him select for you.' Then turning to Sheethal 'let's see where he has gone.' NK he was in a fix, he got held up by mami on Anjali's advice in a jewelry shop. Sheethal and Anjali looked around the shop to find Arnav, even Khushi was missing and they could guess that two are together. Aarav 'they are there.' And pointed his finger, both the women fumed looking at blushing Khushi who was turning crimson red with something Arnav whispering on her ear. They both went near, Anjali 'chotte you are here, we were searching for you everywhere else.'

Arnav 'err...Di I ...'

Anjali 'leave it chotte we will select some sarees for me and Sheethal.' Arnav looked at Khushi's whose face fell listening to her words. Arnav 'okay Di you both select for you people, and we will select some for Khushi.' Anjali nodding at him curtly took her seat beside Khushi, it was like Arnav on side and beside him Khushi and then Anjali and beside her Sheethal with Aarav. Arnav 'Khushi look at this, it this okay, I like this.' Khushi smiling at him 'anything you like.'

Anjali taking the saree from his hand 'Chotte this saree is nice, it will look good on Sheethal.' Arnav fumed listening to that, Sheethal squealing 'yes ASR it is too good.' Khushi going him stiff held his hand, drawing soothing circles to control his raising temper. It went on for a while with Arnav selecting saree for Khushi or Khushi selects of her own than Anjali will pull it from them sweet coating it will look good on her or Sheethal. Arnav got frustrated, he stood up 'Di you both select your sarees, I and Khushi will go and have a walk around the mall. I don't think we like any of among these.' Khushi too stood up seeing his angry face, but Anjali was beyond seeing anything 'Chotte but you can select some for us na.'

Arnav 'no thanks Di, I prefer you select your sarees which would me way more better than what I'll select for you.' Saying this he left with Khushi. All this was witnessed by the sales girls and some of the other customer and felt bad for both Arnav and Khushi. Arnav dragged Khushi out, Khushi 'Arnav calm down, why are you getting hyper for small issues.'

Arnav 'Do you think it was small issues. No dammit. what in the hell was they trying to do everytime trying to snatch the saree you like or I liked for you.'

Khushi clutching his shoulder and patting on his chest 'It's okay I don't mind.'

Arnav glaring at her 'but I mind it, no one can snatch what is yours and I'll not allow that.' Khushi 'I know.' Arnav looked ahead and dragging Khushi went to another saree shop. Khushi let him do what ever he wanted. Arnav went over the sarees showed by salesgirl and selected three sarees which he loved it most and asked them to pack those. 'It will look good on his Angel.'

Arnav while paying 'Did you like them? Those sarees I selected for you.'

Khushi 'off course jaan I loved them.' Arnav raised his eyes brows smirking 'jaan!!!' Khushi 'yeah why? Can't I call you?'

Arnav 'only you can call me.' Both smiling at each other went out and soon was joined by not so please three ladies with bored Aarav and apologetic NK.

Anjali 'chotte I'm starving let's eat something.' Arnav 'yeah sure Di, you should eat at time in this stage.' He led them to restaurant. All took their seat, not giving Sheethal any chance, NK sat on the other side of Arnav where as on other side Khushi was sat, NK had already guessed what was the intention of these three women and he promised he will not let them succeed in what so ever they are planning against his brother and his wife. Lunch was peaceful affair with Sheethal trying to converse on Anjali's nudging and NK smoothly interfering to give his brother much needed space. Arnav whole lunch time had his eyes like always on his Khushi, and seeing her eating the lunch awkwardly strike conversation with her along with NK who kept them laughing with his jokes.

On returning to home, surprising Khushi, and shocking the other's declared he and Khushi will return home in bike while the other's will go with them in car, Anjali tried to tag Aarav in bike with him but he tactfully avoided 'we will be late and Aarav should go home.'

Bike ride was very thrilled and fun for Arnav with Khushi sitting behind him, he took them to a park and spend some time there taking in the pleasant view of children's playing around and family having their gala time. Khushi 'Arnav I want ice cream.' Arnav looked at her 'what? Khushi you may catch cold.'

Khushi 'please!!!' and how Arnav can refuse the puppy dog face of his wife, he went over and brought ice cream with Khushi sharing a little with him. They talked in silence with taking in everything around them, flowers of different varieties, sun setting behind the cloud, twinkling stars appearing or to say peeking from behind the clouds along with moon. It was quite late and dinner time when they returned to Shantivan.

Next installment will come after Nov 10.