Hello Readers! I love how there are still fans of this couple! Thank you everyone for giving this story a chance.

FYI, mature content in this chapter so viewer discretion advised.

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Khushi was sketching furiously on a sheet of paper. The dress was fiery red, like her seething temper at the moment. It was a few hours after her encounter with Yash and she was still pissed at him. How can he be so selfish? Can't he understand that she was doing this for her family? And how dare he say that she will never be happy and will come back to him. Was he right? Was her marriage with Arnav doomed to fail?

No. She made this decision and by God she will follow through with it. She will not let this marriage fail. So what if she can't get love out of it? Arnav was a good man and he will be a good companion to her.

With new determination she finished her sketch and decided to close the boutique early. She carefully placed her new sketches in the top drawer of her desk, gathered her belongings, and walked out of her office.

"Akansha, I've decided to close early today. I'm heading out, so lock up within the next half hour and go home." Khushi said, as she walked towards the main entrance.

"Ok. Have a good day." Akansha replied, and went back to helping the customer on the cash register.

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When Khushi entered her and Arnav's mansion, the place was extremely quiet. The sun had already set so it was really dark inside as well.

'Where is everybody?' Khushi thought. Part of her was a little glad no one was home. She was still upset at her encounter with Yash, but most of all...she was hurting. It hurt to see him again, knowing that she can't be with him. Letting Yash go was one of the hardest decisions she had to make. She truly believed that he was her soul mate. But fate seemed to have other plans for her. Maybe she was just unlucky? She wasn't meant to find love in this lifetime.

Khushi needed some time to herself to control her feelings, so coming home to an empty house was perfect timing.

She made her way to her bedroom when she noticed the light from Ahaana's bedroom. 'Not home alone after all' Khushi thought with a sigh, and made her way over to the nursery.

Before entering, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming her emotions. Once she felt more in control, she opened the door to Arnav placing a sleeping Ahaana in her crib. Arnav turned to see Khushi enter and placed his index finger to his lips, indicating Khushi to be quiet.

Khushi smiled, finding the gesture kind of cute. She quietly made her way in and stood next to Arnav, joining him in watching Ahaana sleep.

A few moments passed by without any words. Both parents just lovingly gazed down at the baby girl. She truly was a bundle of joy.

Khushi was the one to break the silence. "Did she have any trouble falling asleep?" Khushi whispered, careful not to wake Ahaana.

"Yea...she was being a little fussy, but she eventually calmed down. How come you're back so early?" Arnav asked.

"I...umm...well...I..I just felt like coming home. No particular reason." Khushi replied. Absent mindedly, Khushi reached for her earrings and slipped them off one ear, rubbing the ear lobe. She did the same for her other ear, all the while looking down at Ahaana. Arnav felt his throat tighten a little...just a little. There was something...so intimate...so sensual about that movement. When Arnav continued to stare at Khushi, he noticed her face was tense and his eyebrows drew together in curiosity.

"Are you sure everything is ok?" Arnav asked again. Now that he got a closer look at her, Khushi's face was slightly pale, and her eyes were troubled. Arnav was surprised at the level of concern he felt for her.

"Yea...Yea everything is fine...Anyways ...I'm going to go take a shower." Khushi replied, avoiding eye contact and rushing out of the nursery to avoid further inquires.

Now that got Arnav really curious. 'What is she trying to hide?' Arnav questioned himself.

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Khushi stepped out of the shower in a black satin nightie that reached her ankles and dipped a little low at the chest. It has thin spaghetti straps and a lining of lace tracing the curve of her breasts. This was one of her favorite pieces of nightwear that she designed herself. She named this line silhouette...soft...smooth...and curvy.

Walking to her window, she looked out at the night sky and dried her hair. It was a beautiful night, clear skies and a full moon. Khushi pulled back the curtains to let the moonlight in. The lights in her room were already dim. The quiet atmosphere caused her to reflect on her day. How will she manage to work with Yash and control her feelings? She was firm with him today, but will she be able to resist him on a daily basis? In the last month and a half that she was married to Arnav, she forgot how it felt to be desired as a woman. She forgot how it felt to be kissed, to be touched. Khushi sighed. All those feelings were a distant memory to her now. She may never feel that way again.

Khushi's thoughts were interrupted by the knock on her door. "Come in" Khushi replied, knowing it must be Arnav since they were the only ones in the house.

Arnav entered in the hopes of finding out what was bothering Khushi. She helped him when he was troubled with the scandal with Mahi. The least he can do is try to return the favor. However, upon entering the room he abruptly stopped. The intense burst of desire he felt in his lower regions made him slightly breathless. Khushi was such a beauty.

The sexy nightgown she was wearing hugged her every curve and slid down her body like a second skin. The black color contrasted her fair skin and only made it look more desirable. He saw her tattoo on her shoulder...and was surprised at the urge he felt to trace his fingers over the lettering. But Arnav felt his throat go dry when he gazed into her eyes. With the lights dim and the moonlight shining behind her, Khushi's eyes looked greener than usual. They were almost catlike...hypnotic gems sparkling in the night...and they had Arnav transfixed.

Khushi flushed as she felt Arnav's eyes scan her body. If she didn't know any better, she would think that she saw desire flicker in his eyes as he looked at her. And Khushi couldn't stop the butterflies fill her stomach at his presence. Arnav was dressed in comfortable pajama pants and a wife beater which did little to cover his chiseled arms and chest....and the taught muscles did little to calm Khushi's nerves.

A few moments passed in awkward silence filled with sexual tension until Khushi broke eye contact.

"Is there something you needed?" Khushi asked, her voice a little uncertain due to the attraction she felt.

Arnav felt a little uncertain himself. This was the first time since Payal's death he felt such attraction for anyone. And the fact that it was for her younger sister was very unsettling. True, Khushi was his wife now. It was natural to feel this attraction right? He was a man after all. But the intensity of it surprised him. Her beauty seemed to take his breath away. However, Arnav couldn't let this desire control him. He refused to feel anything more than simple appreciation for Khushi's beauty. He wanted to stay faithful to Payal.

"Yes *clears throat* actually..." Arnav finally spoke, "...I just wanted to make sure you were ok. You seemed really disturbed earlier. Is everything alright?" He asked.

Khushi turned around to look out the window again, not really sure how to answer Arnav's question. Arnav went and stood next to her by the window, looking out as well...waiting.

"I'm fine...really. It's just stress from work, nothing else" Khushi replied, avoiding eye contact again.

There was a pause before Arnav realized something and let out a soft chuckle, which surprised Khushi. She rarely saw him smile, so when he did...it always caught Khushi off guard. And he had such a nice smile.

"You and Payal are so alike..." He waited for Khushi to look at him before he continued, "You both are terrible at lying."

Khushi gasped and playfully slapped Arnav's arm, and then giggled when he simply grinned back. It was another light hearted moment shared between the two, but it was different this time around. For it was the first time the couple realized it didn't hurt as much to mention Payal's name to each other. Both seemed to be remembering her fond memories instead of just mourning her. The moment eventually passed and was replaced by a comforting silence between them as they looked out the window.

"God I miss her" Arnav murmured, looking out into the night sky.

"Me too...I never imagined a world without her." Khushi whispered back, feeling the pain of loss come back. A tear trickled down the side of her face, but before she could do anything about it, Arnav reached out and wiped it away.

Arnav didn't understand why he did that. His hand lifted before he even processed what he was doing. Khushi turned to face him when he brushed her tear away and their eyes locked once again. Arnav didn't know what got into him, but he didn't move his hand away. On the contrary, he gently rubbed Khushi's cheek with his thumb and when she didn't protest, he cupped the side of her face and looked into her eyes.

Maybe it was because he knew she was hurting, just like him. There was an emptiness in their lives...and maybe a little comfort was needed...for the both of them.

Khushi held her breath, feeling her heart beat increase as she noticed Arnav's eyes become darker. She couldn't break away from the intensity of them. The sudden change in his expression left her mesmerized. When Arnav started leaning in, Khushi's eyes drooped in anticipation. Khushi sucked in her breath when she felt Arnav's lips hover close to hers. And when they were almost a breath away from touching one another...the moment was interrupted by baby wails from the monitor.

Both Arnav and Khushi jumped apart, as if they were caught committing a crime. Khushi's eyes widened in shock at what she and Arnav almost did...again. Arnav seemed equally shocked as well. "I'll go check on her" Khushi said hastily and dashed out of the bedroom in lightening speed.

Arnav watched Khushi's retreating back and stood there shocked. 'What the hell had gotten into him!?' He scolded himself. 'How could he have so little control over himself? That was twice in a day...twice!' He ran his fingers through his hair in a sign of frustration. He was feeling so many emotions at the same time. He almost kissed her for heaven's sakes! Why was he so attracted to her? He knew for a fact he wasn't falling in love with Khushi. No one else will hold his heart except Payal. But he couldn't deny the desire he felt for Khushi sometimes.

There were times that Khushi's beauty would stop him dead in his tracks, earlier tonight as an example. Her skin looked so milky white in contrast to the black nightgown she was wearing. And the lace that accented the curve of her breast...he wanted to dip down and bite her right at the curve...STOP!

Arnav shook himself out of his thoughts. NO! NO! NO! He needs to stop thinking about Khushi like that. Given that he was man and he had his needs, but he will not fulfill them with Khushi. Because no matter how much he desired her, she was still Payal's sister.

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Khushi picked up a crying Ahaana and held her close to her chest, hushing her. "Shhhh...it's ok baby girl, I'm here now." Khushi murmured in a soothing tone. Khushi patted Ahaana's back as her cries turned to soft sniffles. Ahaana leaned forward and rested her head on Khushi's chest and slowly drifted off to sleep again. Khushi placed a gentle kiss on the top Ahaana's head and swayed slightly to help Ahaana fall asleep faster.

That's how Arnav saw them when he entered the nursery to check on Ahaana. And he felt that punch of desire in his gut again. Khushi was holding Ahaana like she was the most precious thing in the world. And when he saw her kiss Ahaana's head, he didn't understand why the picture affected him so. He simply couldn't put into words what he felt at the moment...but he felt his self restraint weakening.

Khushi knew he was watching, but she kept all her attention on Ahaana because she wanted to avoid eye contact with Arnav. However, she couldn't prevent the goose bumps spreading across her arms, once again. Why was his presence affecting her so? What was it about his gaze that pulled her in? She had to stop feeling this way...it would be a big mistake to romanticize this marriage because she has already accepted that they can't love each other. Both their hearts belonged to different people.

Once Ahaana fell into deep sleep Khushi realized she couldn't stall the inevitable anymore. She gently placed Ahaana back into her crib and made her way to the door, which was occupied by Arnav who waited patiently this whole time.

Khushi walked to the door with her head bowed, finding the carpet on the floor very interesting at the moment. Arnav watched her every move. He knew she was avoiding eye contact, but he couldn't get himself to stop staring at her. It was as if a spell was casted on him when he saw Khushi are for Ahaana like she was her own.

He moved back so Khushi could exit the nursery and close the door behind her.

"Umm...Ahaana should be good for the rest of the night..."Khushi said while still looking at anything else but Arnav.

When Arnav didn't reply Khushi looked up to see him standing closer to her than usual...and simply staring down at her. In that moment, she dared look into his eyes...they were clouded with a feeling she was all too familiar with...desire. His face held an intense expression, something she has never seen on Arnav before...especially directed towards her.

"I...umm..I..I think I'm going to go to bed. Good night." Khushi stuttered slightly and turned to walk back to her bedroom door. She still felt Arnav's eyes piercing her back as she walked away.

She tried to breath...in and out..in and out. Her heart beat was going haywire but she kept on telling herself she was doing the right thing by walking away. The tension between them has become dangerous...and it was wise to put some distance.

Khushi reached her bedroom door and placed her hand on the knob...but she didn't turn it. For some reason, she hesitated. She couldn't forget the way Arnav was looking at her..and she couldn't deny the liquid pull of desire she felt in her belly. Making a split second decision, Khushi turned around...to be completely surrounded by Arnav.

As soon as Khushi turned she felt finger tips lift up her face and firm lips crash down on her own. She closed her eyes and didn't hesitate to open up. Arnav took this opportunity to slide his tongue in and taste every inch of her mouth. Their tongues battled each other as Arnav backed Khushi against the closed door...pressing his body against hers, completely caging her in.

They kissed each other in fervor, battling for dominance. Arnav eventually won when he bit down on Khushi's bottom lip, making her gasp. Arnav pushed the door open and snaked his arms around Khushi's body so she wouldn't fall back. He guided her into the bedroom and swung the door shut with his leg, keeping his lips still locked on hers.

Once he heard the door click shut he began to explore. His hands trailed up from her hips to the side of her breasts. Arnav finally let go of Khushi's lips to only trail kisses down her neck. Khushi buried her fingers in Arnav's hair and encouraged his ministrations further. Arnav trailed his hands over her body again, loving the feel of thin satin over her curves. He dug his fingers into the sides of her hip and pulled her closer so their lower regions would press against each other. Khushi's head fell back in desire at the sensation. He then lightly nipped the curve of Khushi's breast, right above the spot that was covered by lace.

Khushi let out her first moan of the night, and that drove Arnav crazier. He needed her under him...NOW. He pushed her on the bed and their eyes met when he got on top of her. Arnav paused, hesitation creeping up on him. This is such a bad idea. Both knew this was such a bad idea...

"Arnav..." The name was whispered by her. As if it was a sigh.

Arnav felt the thin line of restraint snap and he crushed his mouth over Khushi's. Taking....only taking. His touches became rough...hands hard and bruising. Khushi matched desire with desire. Her nails dug into his arms, leaving crescent shaped marks. She reached for his wife beater and pulled it off in one swift motion, digging her nails into his back. Arnav groaned at the sensation, loving the sting it left behind.

More skin...he needed more skin. Grabbing the front of Khushi's nightgown, he pulled, tearing it. Khushi gasped as she heard it rip...and ended in a moan as Arnav's mouth covered her breasts. Both were brutal. Grabbing, biting, sucking, bruising. There was nothing gentle between them. It was pure lust.

They rolled over the bed, each undressing the other and trying to gain dominance. Fully naked, Arnav locked Khushi's arms over her head and pinned her under him. Without warning, he slammed into her and watched her cry out in pleasure. He pulled out all the way, and slammed back in without waiting for her to adjust...her second cry of pleasure falling like music to his ears.

It was fast...and it was hard. Both were blind with desire. Their lungs burned...begging for more oxygen...but both refused to slow down... Their skin was slick with sweat, but they continued to leave marks on each other. They were close...so close. When their eyes met, Arnav sank into green eyes...and with one final thrust...both went over the edge.

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