Part 21

Khushi saw a chit was being pasted on the washroom door "don't take head bath" was written in it. Khushi frowned reading it. She was habitude to take head bath in "those days". Why did he write that way? Some reason must be there if Arnav wanted it. She went inside the washroom.

Khushi was surprised when she came finishing her bath. Arnav was waiting for breakfast. Did he cook today? That too so earlier? But why? She came to the table and saw roti, dal, boiled eggs, and Orange juice.

Khushi: You cooked? Why Arnav? Are you hungry?

Arnav: Just like that.

Khushi sensed something fishy. They completed their breakfast. Arnav was not getting ready for the shop which made Khushi more suspicious.

Khushi: Arnav you are getting late. Won't you go to the shop today?

Arnav: Mmmm I'm on leave.

Khushi(surprised): But why?

Arnav: I just want to make NK ready to handle the shop.. alone. That's why.

Khushi was not satisfied with his reply. She got seated in the coach and started watching TV for a while. After some time she was about to go to the kitchen to prepare lunch, Arnav stopped her.

Arnav: Khushi, I will prepare lunch as I'm at home.

Saying he headed towards the kitchen. Khushi stood there blocking his way folding her hands.

Khushi: what is all this Arnav?

Arnav: What? He asked plainly.

Khushi: What's cooking in your mind?

Arnav: Nothing.

Khushi: why I'm thinking something is there?

Arnav: Hey, relax.

Khushi: Not until you say the reason.

Arnav: Ok cool. I just want you to be in rest. That's all.

Khushi (confused): But why?

Arnav (hesitatingly): Ohhh... Didn't you say that you are in your "three days?"

Khushi was thunderstruck. Is he doing everything to make her comfortable in these days? Seeing her changed expression, Arnav smiled at her and went to the kitchen. Khushi followed him.

Khushi: Arnav, it's not necessary. I was a working woman. I can tackle everything.

Arnav: So you are admitting that the situation is to be "tackled" one, not a normal one?

Khushi: Arnav why are you overreacting?

Arnav: You no need to "tackle" anything when I'm here to share. Understood?

Khushi: But it's not so serious like what you are thinking. you no need to take leave from the shop.

Arnav: I won't... if I have no option. Nk is there to handle. So relax.

Khushi: Arnav...

Arnav(cutting her): Don't you like my presence near you? He asked plainly. He knew this is the only way to stop her blabbering.

Khushi (gritting her teeth while putting her hands on her hip): cook something tastier.

Arnav chuckled at her and Khushi was so much content by his gesture.

Khushi: let me cut the vegetables for salad at least.

Arnav: Mmmm ok fine. But don't add CUCUMBER.

Khushi: what? Salad and without cucumber? But I like cucumber...

Arnav: you should avoid cucumber these days Khushi.

Khushi(surprised): Really? But how do you know these things?

Arnav: Google...

Khushi: That's what you searched last night? (Arnav nodded yes.) What about "head bath?" is that one of your searches?

Arnav: yes.

Khushi: tell me why shouldn't I take a head bath?

Arnav: Pores of your scalp opens these days because of "over body heat". That pores observes water easily and it will cause migraines, if not now then definitely in the future.

Khushi(biting her nail): I don't know that.

Arnav: Because you are following what was taught to be followed. These are the reason, in the past, women were asked to be alone without doing any work.

Khushi: so you are also going to keep me in rest?

Arnav: Exactly. I don't want you to suffer in any kind of pain.

Khushi was awestruck.

Khushi(in her mind): What a man he is? Why he has come to my life? He makes me smile... makes me feel comfortable...does everything for me. what's happening to me? I got stuck in this man. Who kept this man inside my heart? She smiled

After finished cutting veggies, Khushi sat on the kitchen slab and watched his cooking skill. He was neither so good nor so bad but the perfection was amazing. After a while, Khushi left watching his "cooking" but her gaze followed the "cook". She was so delighted to see him doing things for her. So understanding, so loveable, not to forget so romantic.... That swing incident is so memorable. Arnav sensed her lost in him.

Arnav(smiling): How can I concentrate on cooking if you concentrating on me like this?

Khushi didn't react to his question. Arnav shook her by her shoulder.

Khushi: Mmm?

Arnav(smirking): You have lost something.

Khushi(dreamingly): Hope you know in which I have lost.

Arnav nodded "NO" shrugging his shoulder.

Khushi: I thought you are a good cook, now I got to know that you are a very good actor too.

Arnav (with his lopsided smile): Go and take rest.

Khushi: I'm already taking. You are making me lazy. Don't do this. I will take your "privileges" as my "rights". She warned.

Arnav: You have all the "rights" to take it as your "rights" because without "RIGHTS" no "RELATIONSHIP" can be strong.

He continued stirring the gravy.

Khushi: you are over reacting Arnav. Facing "these days" is common in woman's life. I used to it.

Arnav: Then get used to this side too.

Khushi: why are you pampering me like I'm a kid?

Arnav: Any doubt?

Khushi: I'm serious Arnav. She was pretty serious.

Arnav: Look Khushi. Knowingly or unknowingly I have got to know about "these things". How can I sit and let you do things for me? Am I that heartless?

Khushi: As per your point, are you the only one who is having heart here? because every man is doing the same including my father and brother.

Arnav: why should I think about others? I care for my wife. That's all.

He was about to go from there, Khushi caught hold of his wrist and came in front of him.

Khushi: you are doing things just because you are having heart or you are having ME in your heart?

Arnav(gulping): My heart is so small to have you wholly. Not even every blood cell is enough to have you completely.

Arnav could see Khushi's eyes welled up instantly.

Khushi: Do you know how I wished my husband to be?

Arnav: He will be your friend more than a husband.

Khushi: It was my wish. But I thought it's not easy to get "two in one".

She thought to leave without completing. Arnav blocked her way.

Arnav: Then?

Khushi: Then?

Arnav: Is it enough, if I continue as your friend?

Khushi's cheeks color rose into rose.

Khushi: it's your wish.

She pushed him and ran from the kitchen leaving smiling Arnav.

That day was an unbelievable day for Khushi. She never knew a man could understand women's suffer to this extent. She felt blessed to have Arnav as her husband. He was inimitable, no one could follow. These qualities cannot learn by teaching. It should be in blood... naturally. Such a profound personality she had never seen. Maximum of men are seeing women with lust ignoring her troubles which she is undergoing right now. Her husband is shining in her eyes with great qualities like a sun, dimming thousands of stars by his brightness.

To be continued........