Arnav fingers caressed her head in own accord. Khushi snuggled closer to him, rubbing her cheeks on his torso. After sharing their first mind mumbling kiss, both are relishing the aftermath euphoria. Both are trying to imprint these moments it in their memories & trying to grasp the changing dynamics in their relationship. Everything seems happening very fast yet they're content leaving no place for regrets.

“Khushi…” He whispered lowering is head.

“Hmmm…”

“You didn't answer me yet. What plans do you have about your studies?” His fingers trailed down from her head to cheeks where it is drawing uneven patterns currently.

“I don't know.” She whispered lifting her head from his chest.

“What do you mean by you don't know? You're going to complete your studies, that's final. Since you haven't attended only final exams, you can write it in private. By going through your academic records I am sure you'll bag your desired course in top college.”

“No.”

“What no? You should study khushi. In this era, education is mandatory to live as much as we need food to survive. The only possession we never lose in our lifetime is our knowledge. People come in and out of our lives. But knowledge is one way route, once it enters into our system it'll never ever leave us. Earning is other thing though. It's completely your wish on that but you're going to continue your studies. There're many girls & woman out there continuing their studies even after marriage managing both house & their personal space. Marriage is not the end of the tunnel Khushi. There's much more in life than the society regulates the meaning of marriage. If you feel difficulty in managing everything then appoint helpers. I want you to study no matter what, but not for me, for you.”

Arnav frowned at zero response after put forth his decision. He looked down to see what made her mum but left with embarrassment. Never ever someone stared him to an extent of making him feel uncomfortable like Khushi stares doing now. She's ogling him without a blink of eye.

'Did I said anything wrong?’ He concluded by her constant stare.

“Khushi.” He called her with caution.

Khushi finally blinked her eyes & climbed up on him to reach his forehead. Next moment Arnav felt some strange delightful sensation runs down his veins. Khushi cupped his jaws & soundly placed her lips on his forehead wetting that place with her sweetness initiating something for first time from her side.

She couldn't believe her luck. How can someone like her got this genuine caring husband? Amidst of the men's she met on her environment, he's totally different. When many out there are ready to take her precious virtue he, the rightful person didn't care about that but genuinely caring for her whole being. Isn't he giving a new meaning to her life? Oh yes, he's! She's proud of being associated with him in a precious relationship. He's hers. Overwhelmed by all these feelings, she expressed in her wifey way.

She further lowered down and spoke against his lips “I… I feel like a dream. I thought I would never study again… I don't know what to say. You're so good ji. Thank you.”

“Excuse me. What did you said now?” Arnav scrunched his brows in caution.

Khushi sat up, looking at him confusedly “Ji?”

Arnav twisted his lips “Yeah, what's this ji? Come on call me by my name.”

“Hawwww… How can I call you with your name?” She darted her eyes hearing his suggestion. SHE and CALL him with name???

“Through your lips.”

Khushi twisted her face catching  his sarcasm “Don't play ji.”

“Argh… I am in good mood today. Don't spoil it.” He feigned being irritated which apparently gave desired result.

“Ji…” Seeing him glaring her “J.. Ar..navji…”

Called him once, she buried her face on the pillow in shyness lying next to him.

Arnav chuckled loudly at her dramatics. He caressed her head softly & settled himself beside her not wanting to torture her more. Khushi didn't for once lifted her face. Entire night she slept on her stomach burying her face on pillow having Arnav arms across her shoulder as he also laid beside her the same way she laid.

***

Morning rays haven't successful in waking up the new couple as all the windows are down with curtains.

Arnav snuggled deep into her in sleep. His actions disturbed her a little that she craned her neck to other side giving perfect place for Arnav to cocoon his face. Even in sleep he used that opportunity, buried his face on her neck almost lying his entire side frame on her back. As the weight started to pressure her, she flipped her sides in sleep and she felt the weight transfer from her back to front along with a hot sensation on her neck. She couldn't continue her sleep after that. Batting her lashes multiple times, she cleared her vision and frowned feeling the weight still there. Luckily she need not to think much as the owner himself shifted on her neck giving signals about him unknowingly.

Khushi breath stuck in her throat in no time. Each time he inhales & exhales air she felt goosebumps all over skin. Her heart thudded against his head. Hesitantly she raised her hand & run her fingers through his hair.

“Khushi Khushi…”

She withdrew her fingers, startled by the call. Gulping aside the urge to run her fingers on his face, she slowly made him lay on the bed & hurried towards the door to open it.

“Amma you? Are you going somewhere?” Smita was standing there, decked up all set to go somewhere.

“Sorry to disturb you early Khushi. There's sudden onsite meeting popped up for Aakash father, I need to pack his bag. You know na, Aakash & Ritu are inexperienced in these things.”

“Amma you don't need to explain all this, I understand and I'll manage.” Khushi smiled in assurance and escorted her till door and waited till she climbs on taxi. Smita waved her hands at Khushi. Khushi waved her back smiling ear to ear & closed the door behind her.

Heaving a sigh, Khushi tied her hair in a bun and walked towards their room. She patted Arnav's sleeping frame “Ji wake up. You've to get ready for office.”

He didn't budge like first time. But unlike earlier, she shook him heavily & spilled water on his face.

“Khushi…” He groaned getting disturbed between his sleep.

“You've office remember.” Even though Khushi said clearly he heard only office in his sleepy state & answered groggily “I am on leave today. Don't disturb me.” Informing this, he snuggled inside the comforter. Khushi smiled softly seeing his sleepy state. Leaving him with his beauty slumber she went to next room, all set to send Meera to her school.

***

“Hey, lav today also your BFF didn't come. But…” Rihanna trailed her words taking her seat beside Lavanya.

“Riha you want to say something? I think so…” Lavanya tore her gaze from monitor and asked looking aside at Rihanna.

“Lav… I heard… I means there's a gossip going viral around our office…”

“What?”

“That your BFF got married.”

“What the hell? Are you nuts? It must be wrong information.” Lavanya stood up in rage shoving the chair behind.

“Wish it was.” Rihanna mumbled under her breath but was loud enough for Lavanya to hear.

“Shut up riha. He is not married. He shouldn't be. Yes, he shouldn't be. When I am here whom he would've married? That information is a folly.” Lavanya declared through her gritted teeth.

“Lav you better speak with Rekha aunty.” Suggested Rihanna, her true well-wisher who already getting negative vibes by Lavanya words.

“There's no need. I know Arnav will never marry anyone other than me. Arnav is only for Lavanya. Did you forget our marriage is already  fixed by his mother?” Lavanya assured herself more than Rihanna not knowing her Rekha aunty herself couldn't secure her promise.

_____