Part 16

Arnav was not seeing his wife's early in the morning, on the bed, next to him. He got freshen up hurriedly and went to the kitchen. He saw Khushi was making tea. He stood there smilingly. Finally.... his wish came true. Khushi looked at him and wished.

Khushi: Good morning.

Arnav: Very good morning.

Khushi gave him a cup. Arnav took it from her hand and kept it on the tray.

Khushi: What are you doing?

Arnav: Let's go.

Khushi: Where?

Arnav: To the place where you like.

He came to the garden with Khushi taking the tray. There were two chairs and a small tea table waiting for them. Khushi smiled seeing that.

Khushi: Wow.

She sat there taking her cup so did Arnav. It was really a pleasant morning. Birds chirping sound made it lovelier. She relished her tea with a wonderful atmosphere. No need to say about Arnav as he has Khushi with him. Arnav waited until she finishes her tea. She kept the empty cup on the table.

Arnav: Khushi.... look at your back.

Khushi frowned and looked back. Her eyes went wide open and her mouth as well. 

There was a swing in the mango tree. She ran to it and started swinging happily. Arnav was admiring her sitting in the chair. After a while, Khushi's phone started ringing. Arnav came to Khushi taking her mobile. Khushi stopped swinging.

Arnav: Aunty is calling.

Khushi took it from Arnav's hand.

Khushi: Hi Mumma.

Garima: Hi beta, Do you remember, today is your's PAG PERAH.

Khushi(pouting): Is it necessary to come today? What about tomorrow?

Arnav surprised hearing that.

Garima: Arrey what your husband has done in one day that you are not ready to come home on the first day itself?

Khushi was stuck.

Khushi(hesitatingly): I'm swinging mom.

Arnav understood her state. He gestures her to pass the phone and Khushi gave it to him. Before he said anything he heard..

Garima: Achcha Your husband's magic made you swing in between us? She teased.

Arnav(suppressing his smile): Aunty I will bring her.

Garima was stuck for a second hearing Arnav's voice and composed.

Garima: Damadji it's not necessary if your wife is not ready to get separated from you. You can keep her all for yourself. She chuckled.

Arnav(smirking): We are coming, aunty.

Garima: Are you sure?

Arnav: Yha.

Garima cuts the call.

Arnav: Khushi get ready.

Khushi: Not now. Please, please.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

Arnav: This swing will not go anywhere Khushi. you can play for your lifetime. Now come. Aunty and uncle are waiting for us.

Khushi: why did you accept her invitation?

Arnav: Because aunty is thinking that I have did some magic on you. He said smirking.

Khushi: Magic and you? She chuckled.

Arnav didn't know how to react to her tease. Khushi got down from the swing and went inside leaving Arnav in thought.

......

Khushi was ready to go to her Mayka. Arnav gave her a spare key of their house as she needs it in upcoming days. Khushi kept it in her bag. Arnav gave her some gifts to her parents and Shyam as well. Khushi amazed about it.

Khushi: How do you know these things Arnav?

Arnav: Books. Sometimes Google.

Khushi: Yah I forgot that you are a "book worm".

Arnav(smilingly): Not more than a Math Teacher.

Khushi: I read math-related books only, when needed, unlike you.

Arnav: What to do if I have no time pass then?

Khushi: Hope you will stop it soon.

Arnav: I'm thinking to read something "NEW". He said with his lopsided smile. Though Khushi understood what he is hinting about, she didn't show it.

Khushi: If that is what my fate to see my husband reading books all the time then I can do nothing than getting bored.

Arnav: you won't get bored if once I started reading it.

Khushi felt her body is shivering. Does he really talk about "the book"?

Khushi: We are getting late. Come fast.

Arnav very well knew she was diverting. He didn't want to make her embarrass more. He took his car key.

Khushi: Why are you taking the car key?

Arnav: Means? To drop you home.

Khushi: I don't want to go by car. Let's people see us together. (she said gritting her teeth)

Arnav( eyebrows went high): Are you sure?

Khushi: yes. By the way, won't you be with me?

Arnav: No.

Khushi: But why?

Arnav: Its ritual right?

Khushi: No one will say anything if you stay there. What will you do here alone?

Arnav: I'm alone for years Khushi.

Khushi: But not anymore. Come with me.

Arnav: It's ok Khushi. we will go another day.

Khushi pouted at him disappointedly.

Arnav: Already Aunty is thinking that I have made you spellbound on me. Don't confirm that by your act. He smiled.

Khushi: As if I care?

Arnav: Won't you care?

Khushi: why should I? you are my husband, there is nothing harm if I get spellbound on you.

She stopped and looked elsewhere getting, what she has said just now.

Arnav: Seems like someone is already switched from friend to wife. He asked smilingly.

She hurried outside without answering, didn't want to get trapped. Arnav smiled inwardly.

Arnav stated his bike and Khushi sat on the back seat keeping her palm on his shoulder. Arnav looked at her through the rearview mirror who smiled at him. They didn't care about people who awed seeing them.

"They are looking so perfect. Thank god she escaped from Akash. Or else it would have been like "a beautiful Grantland in monkey's neck". A man thought so. He was none other than Aman. He smiled seeing them.

Arnav dropped Khushi at GH. Khushi went to Garima and whispered something.

Garima(smilingly): Damadji, What about having lunch with us?

Arnav looked at Khushi who was standing beside her mother. He knew it was Khushi who is doing that. He denied her when she asked him to stay at her Mayka. So now she is using her parents as a trump card?

Arnav: I have some work in the shop aunty. NK is new to the shop I should train him to handle the shop.

Khushi: Mumma is asking about lunch, not about your work. She said pleadingly.

Shashi: You can bring NK too. Try to make it Arnav.

Garima: Yah Damadji, Your wife wants you to be with her on the first day of your marriage.

She nudged Khushi who nodded yes. Khushi looked at him like "what now?"

Arnav: Ok. but NK always carries a box from home. I will come for lunch.

Khushi's face brightened which was liked by Arnav. He was so happy that he got someone to worry about him. But he won't get satisfied until he hears it from Khushi.

Arnav: I'm leaving now.

Garima: we will wait for you.

Arnav nodded yes and left. Khushi followed him to send him off.

Arnav: Why are you troubling aunty?

Khushi: What's there to trouble? She will prepare a little extra than usual, that's all.

Arnav: you no need to worry about me. I can manage.

Khushi(calmly): I don't want you to manage on your own anymore. And what's that "you no need to worry about me"? I'm your wife and it's my rights.

Arnav was happy that she didn't say "it's my duty, but rights". So she didn't do it just because it's her duty. She thinks it's her rights to take care of him.

Arnav(smilingly): Seems like, Teacher will make me stand on the bench if I deny?

Khushi(suppressing her smile): You will get to know in some days what more punishments the Teacher can give.

Arnav: Waiting.

He said smilingly and started his bike. Khushi waved at him smilingly thinking about her changed life and her husband whom she liked the most.

To be continued..............