"Khushi?"

Her eyelids slowly fluttered open hearing him call her. She peeked through her eyes to look at him who sat beside her caressing her head and hand. She tried to get up and sit on the bed but somehow her head was feeling so heavy. It was paining like so much and she felt like throwing up right now but nothing was coming.

"How are you feeling?"

After helping her to get up and sit he questioned generally yet worried.

"Not really good. My head is aching Arnavji."

"Here, drink some water first."

He poured water in a glass and made her drink it. She sighed not feeling

any better but closed her eyes for some time.

Was it going to be a tradition in their family to lose your senses in a party and have a hangover the next day? Well, she could only pray for the rest to be spared of it. It wasn't a great feeling to be blank and the worst are these headaches.

Arnavji, Nanheji and Akash jeejaji were may be used to it as it wasn't surely their first time but her.

"Arnavji, I slept with someone."

She breathed once heavily feeling so low at her own self. Why did she say that? Ok, her head is blank at the moment and she can't think properly and she doesn't remember everything of last night but she knew she could never do anything disgusting. Unlike him she wouldn't sleep with someone else and betray him. She knew she was hurt. She forgave him but couldn't forget it. And she didn't intend to do it but maybe her heart does want to know if like her he too would've forgiven her for the same mistake?

"Khushi, look in my eyes."

He pulled her chin up to share an eye contact with her. Though slowly but she did look at him.

"Now say it again."

Her lids lowered down as she couldn't look him in the eyes. She knew he was aware of everything that happened yesterday. He was with her!

"Khushi, you can't lie so why try?"

She gulped once and stood up from the bed. The clock had made her realize the time and the duration of her sleep. So like a machine she stood up despite of having problems in walking properly and the headache she started roaming around.

"Khushi, what are you doing?"

He asked bewildered not understanding what happened to her suddenly. A moment ago she was having headache and now she's fit and fine to get up and start working. That's his crazy Khushi!

"Arnavji, didn't you see the time? I'm so late. What will the others think? I have to-"

Her nonstop talking ended when he came and picked her up in his arms. He put her on the bed covering her with the quilt and ordered to sleep.

"Don't you dare get up from here. Just sleep quietly. You aren't well."

"No Arnavji, I'm perfectly-"

"Ssh. Just close your eyes and sleep. Understood?"

She nodded innocently following his orders and he moved out to the poolside.

"Chote?"

He immediately rushed to open the door as Anjali knocked calling him.

"Khushiji didn't come down? Is she alright? And you too didn't go to

office yet."

"Di, she's fine. Yesterday in the party she drank alcohol by mistake and is having a hangover now. So I told her to sleep."

"Hey bhagwan. Nani was asking for her so I came to call her. I will handle Nani. You take care of Khushiji."

Getting a nod from her brother Anjali left not wanting to disturb her sister-in-law's sleep.

"Listen to me Shakti. As much I appreciate your proposal and respect you

but please for God's sake I WON'T MARRY YOU."

Arnav chuckled typing on his laptop sitting at the poolside as he overheard

NK's conversation on phone with Shakti.

"God! Save me from this man."

He pleaded to the almighty once he cut the call.

"Nannav!"

Arnav acted as if he didn't hear him and would be busy working but in vain. NK came over and stood in front of him.

"What's up bro?"

Arnav looked up at him and signaled him to close the French door before

letting out his energy through his voice. He did as asked and returned to Arnav.

"Nannav, this Shakti keeps calling me from different numbers. From where did he get my number? I will go crazy."

"How was the business party yesterday?" He sat down asking on the chair beside him and asked casually.

"Good." He replied in a simple word knowing he would catch it and pull it in a one sided jokey conversation as he always do. It's sooo NK!

"You know what annoys me the most is that we were in a strip club and I had to make out with a guy?" NK pressed his words wondering what he had gotten into himself.

"Thank God you were not that much intoxicated and preferred a girl."

His joke wasn't taken as it was supposed to and just increased Arnav's temper.

"It's just a joke for you, isn't it? Everything is damn funny for you. CAN'T YOU EVER BE SERIOUS DAMN IT?"

NK gulped as Arnav flipped out. For the first time he realized what he said seriously didn't fall in the joke category. Such mistakes destroy lives but thank God Khushiji forgave him. And there NK was back to being himself.

"Nannav, take it easy. Everything is fine. Khushiji forgave you, isn't it?"

"Not really. She didn't forgive me completely. She is still upset about that."

NK curiously at the same time confused looked at him who seemed to be not realizing what he's saying in the flow of emotions.

"But she is smiling and laughing all the day. She doesn't seem to be upset over anything." A pondering NK stated expecting an explanation.

"She's upset with me not with you. She's been avoiding me and yesterday she confessed her distress to me."

It was as if he didn't know who he was talking to and what he was blabbering. Ever since Khushi came in his life he has started sharing his feelings with her and others. He may not be the closest to NK but he didn't dislike him or thinks him not be family.

"C'mon Nannav. Don't be so desperate and eat chips."

Understanding the seriousness of the situation NK tried to improve his mood as he knew he anyway can't do anything else in that. It's their personal matter.

"Poor Khushiji. What else can she do? Get it Nannav, I'm the only one that

can tolerate you and your anger. You should've actually married me."

Arnav made a face at him who winked at him cheerfully.

"No wonder, you kissed a boy!"

Arnav commented making him gasp in confusion and embarrassment but

soon he smirked having found a way to payback.

"Naughty boy Nannav. You know Shakti was asking about you. May be I

should give him your number."

And before he could get to see his deadly glare NK almost ran away.

Finally the day passed and darkness took the outside soon. Once Khushi was alright, she got diverted into work again and ignored him completely after today morning.

He was glad it was night and she had to come in the room where they could

be alone finally. But coming inside she directly went in the bathroom to change.

"Khushi..."

She gulped as he held her wrist and called her.

"We need to talk."

She turned to face him and looked up in his eyes reading the pain in them.

"Arnavji I want to go for a walk."

She said it in a goto get a nod from him.

"NK bhai I really don't know why you are meeting him if you're so afraid."

Akash said to a nervous NK who was anxiously looking here and there.

"I'm not afraid." He declared with a manly approved proud.

"I just know his hands can't stay still."

Akash laughed at his confession that he could very well understand the

meaning of.

"But why are we here?"

"Cause we want to delete my number from his phone. I will distract him

and you somehow get his phone."

He revealed his plane onlyto get a you're-impossible-look.

"But how will I do it?"

"Go to contacts, find my number and delete it. Simple!"

"I meant how will I get his phone?"

"I will think of someth-Aua..."

"NK baby..."

And just as he feared, Shakti made an entry from behind standing very close to him leaving no gap and whispered in his ear.

"Hey man..." NK jerked and distanced himself from him.

"Darling, we're here to not to create but remove distances." Shakti seductively ran his finger on his face and NK hissed at his act.

"Look, you're taking me wrong." Just as NK started he scanned his hands and pockets at the same time looking for his cell.

"But you kissed me that day. I felt sparks between us. I know you want me,

you just don't want to get exposed. But baby don't feel ashamed for what you are!"

Shakti literally jumped on him pulling him more closer whereas NK was

just at protecting his butt.

"But I am not ashamed for what I am!" Poor NK didn't know how to make him get that while he also tried to indicate Akash to check over his pockets. Akash but shook his head in denial and whispered 'Are you crazy?'

"Good! Let it out baby. Don't hide yourself in regret. Confess it!"

While Shakti was emotionally on a high point and really trying to seduce NK

with his expressions, Akash couldn't suppress his laughter anymore and

amused himself keeping his hand on his mouth.

"But-- Actually you're right. I shouldn't hide myself anymore." Desperate NK only saw one way outside and continued shocking both, Shakti and Akash.

"I admit I have a boyfriend! Akash, my boy come here." He grasped his hand and pulled Akash next to him. Akash tried to say something but couldn't bring out any word. He was surprised, shocked and confused at the same time.

'NK bhai and his ideas!"

"WHAT? He is your boyfriend?"

A devastated Shakti questioned in reflex hoping he didn't hear right or it is just a

nightmare. NK answered with a nod kissing Akash's hand and making Akash roll

his eyes.

"NOOOO!"

Both the brothers looked at each other as Shakti fainted in his arms

screaming before like a typical drama queen.

Arnav and Khushi walked through the little bit noisy road near Shantivan. But there was an awkward silence between the married couple that he decided to break finally.

"Khushi, you remember the last night?"

She took a deep breath looking here and there before speaking up.

"I'm sorry. I didn't drink intentionally." She said with a trembling voice making Arnav look at her in disbelief. When will she stop blaming herself for everything?

"Khushi, I've told you before to stop apologizing for things you aren't even fault at. I know you thought the cocktails to be juice. I want to talk about something else."

She knew the conversation she was trying to avoid is catching her up now. She can't make an excuse and ignore him. Not anymore.

"Probably you can't remember but yesterday you told me what is

bothering you since the last three weeks."

She continued walking with her eyes glued to the ground as she had seen it

coming already. Not getting any kind of response, he stopped and held her wrist to

freeze her.

"Now I know why you've been avoiding me."

After some time she slowly turned to face him. "Would you have forgiven me if I had been on your place?"

He left her hand and froze at the place as she questioned him something he

knew was hard for him to answer. Both kept staring at each other until he saw a tear leaving her eye. His gaze wandered down not being able to look into her eyes.

"Though unintentionally, I broke your trust. But more than that I broke

your heart."

Again, silence ruled the atmosphere between these two. It was as if two strangers were forced into a conversation. No one knew what to say next. Only that these two weren't strangers. They loved each other unconditionally and were married. They were very well aware of the fact that they can't continue without sorting out the matter.

But just as a teardrop stroke his cheek, she realized their situation. They

weren't fighting, still about to fall apart. She can't let that happen at all.

"No Arnavji, you didn't break my heart. I just felt bad that-" Her voice slowly trailed off but she started to gain herself as he took her hand and pulled her chin up to make her look at him.

"Stop it Khushi. Please stop suppressing your pain. I know you're thinking about our feelings for each other, our marriage, our families. But for once try to put it aside."

She looked down not wanting to show him her red eyes.

"Arnavji, I truly have forgiven you. I didn't want to distance myself from

you purposely. I don't want to go away when you near me but..." Today after many days, she felt talking to the man she loves. She wasn't hesitant anymore and didn't have that awkward feeling unlike the last days.

"It is set in my mind and I..." He understood her unspoken words and in the very next moment she felt the warmth she needed.

The truth was it hadn't been easy for him to get rid of the thought that he made out with a hooker and try to near Khushi. But at the same time he wanted to put things back to normal. He had so much to say but decided to keep it to himself for now.

And as if the nature wanted them to come close again, it got windy that

made Khushi shiver in cold and look at him with expectations clearly visible

in her eyes. He stepped more towards her removing the distance between them and

covered her shoulders and back with his track jacket. Her face fell as he let

his hands fall. She wanted him to hug her right now and give her the warmth she needed. She wanted him to remove the barriers that were created in these days and kiss her. She knew her behavior from the last days was that stopped him but it didn't even matter to her that they weren't at home but outside on a road with few people passing by. The only thing she cared about right now was that unwanted barriers had grown between them and it was time they break them down. He's regretting it, she knows. What happened can't be undone but if it continues like this they will have a serious problem. Serious enough to part them.

Only the thought of parting was enough for her to start sobbing.

"Hug me!"

Their eyes met in that moment and he cupped her face placing a promising kiss on her forehead. She rested her head and hands on his chest when he embraced her in his arms. It was s if they were waving in heaven into each other's arms forgetting the world around them. How much they missed being in each other's arms!

"I love you Khushi."

"I love you too."

She replied to his confession and added with a naughty smile: "...damn it!"

He smiled at her, sharing an eye lock that broke after sometime by the noise coming from the next street where soon Khushi's eyes discovered one of her favorite food.

"Arnavji, Gol Gappe! I want to eat them."

"No Khushi. This is unhygienic."

She left him and crossed her arms over her chest pouting and muttering a "Laad Governor".

He smiled shaking his head and walked towards that street holding her hand.

"Fine! But today only."

"Are you alright?" After numerous slaps Shakti finally wakes up to realize that all wasn't a dream.

"How can I be alright? My dream man is already in a relationship."

NK and Akash looked at each other as they held him from each sides. Only Akash knew how hard he had to try to control his laughter hearing his following lines.

"Why did you kiss me? Why did you make me hopes if you had to break my heart?"

Jeene Laga Hoon Pehle Se Zyada

Pehle Se Zyada Tumpe Mar Ne -

"I hate this song from now on!" Shakti threw his phone on the road very hard to make it stop from ringing further.

NK looked at Akash with sparkling eyes as he saw the broken cell down.

"Ok, Shakti...erm, we need to go. It's really late."

NK motioned Akash to leave him and move from here but Shakti stopped

them the next minute.

"Guys...I'm sorry for my behavior."

Shakti apologized setting his clothes and hairs. Soon he set a smile on his

face again.

"Will you have a drink with me for the first and last time?"

Akash politely denied his offer.

"It's really nice of you Shakti but we've had enough of alcohol for now."

"Then what about juice?"

They nodded at each other not wanting to be so rude with him. Anyway there was stall nearby.

"Ok, why not."

He watched Khushi with a smile as she enjoyed the street food as if it was her first time. His gaze fell on a nearby stall where a woman was selling various statues of

Gods. She was busy in her own world of food and taste, so he went and bought a

Devi Maiya icon for Khushi.

And as he was returning to her, a girl came in his way greeting him a

hundred watt smile.

"Hey!"

He didn't reply but pondered if she he mistaking her. Was she really greeting him? And if, then from where does he know her?

"I know, girls like me are not wanted outside that club. But I just wanted to say that I haven't seen someone like you till date. You're such a loyal husband."

As she mentioned club, he thought of her being that girl. But she didn't seem to be a stripper.On the other side, she wouldn't roam like that in public.

"Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Maybe you don't recognize me in this decent dress. But I'm the girl of that day some weeks ago." He understood she meant the disastrous night and was the girl he slept

with. But what she said vanished his guilt away and made him feel proud like

anything.

"Usually people come there and cheat their wives and girlfriends in their full senses. But you're so different. You didn't do anything. Instead you kept speaking about your wife and how great and nice she is. You really love her so much."

It was an underestimation to say he was relieved. He was relaxed, pacified, happy. Although everything was fine between them again but knowing that he never cheated on her felt so divine. It wasn't describable.

"Arnavji..."

He turned to see Khushi standing behind him with an expression that he had been missing the last weeks.

The sun rays falling from the French window disturbed his peaceful

slumber and he opened his eyes and saw the most beautiful face in the world sleeping in his arms. She was an angel for him.

And he tucked her hair strands behind her ear that disturbed a clear view of her. But an instant push from behind and he jerked and looked over his shoulder to see NK and Akash sleeping there on his bed, in his room! And the first thing he did then was look at him and Khushi. Thank God they were dressed. But why are these two sleeping there crushing Khushi and him on the edge of the bed?

And then he remembered what happened last night after Khushi

overheard that girl's talk.

"NK, wake up!"

He shouted to disturb him from his sleep but instead NK put his leg on his leg and hugged him tighter from behind.

"NK!"

He jerked his shoulder at once in order to wake him up. But as even that didn't work Arnav wasn't left with something else than one thing.

"NK Buaji!"

And it worked!

"BUAJI? NO!"

NK got up at sudden looking here there. Finally Arnav felt some relief as he wasn't feeling so squeezed anymore.

"Arnavji! Nanheji?"

Slowly hearing Arnav's shouting and then finally NK's scream awoke her. She was still in his arms and looked down to check if they were wearing clothes and sighed in relief.

"NK bhai!? BHAI!? Khushiji!?"

A mortified Akash also got up finally. But unlike NK who was still sitting on Arnav and Khushi's bed like a king, he immediately pulled the quilt aside and stood up.

"Erm...Bhai I don't know how I came here. Er'NK bhai why were we sleeping here?"

"Because you two were high!"

NK opened his mouth to say something but Arnav was obliging. Khushi got

out of the bed and stood up followed by Arnav.

"You two came to us. NK , you were with that boy. I guess it was Shakti

and you wanted to get married."

Arnav said casually but NK opened his mouth full with his hand on his heart.

"I think I'm going to have a heart attack."

"And Akash, you had two girls on your each side and were throwing money on them."

He said eyeing him who had a eye contact with Khushi and looked down feeling ashamed. Then NK hurriedly stood up coming close to Arnav.

"Did' I...?"

NK asked with horror written on his face. Arnav knew what he was asking and made a face shocking Akash and NK whereas Khushi hit him lightly on the arm.

"Obviously not. We brought you back. And then you both insisted on

sleeping in our room."

He then declared in a slightly pissed off tone as they didn't even let them go in guest room. NK sighed in relief letting himself fall on the bed.

"That Shakti! He must have mixed something into our juices."

NK remembered him having given them the drinks and after that his mind went blank.

"NK, I think Buaji is a better choice."

Arnav chuckled making Khushi look at him in disbelief and NK rushed out yelling.

"NOOO"

"Erm, I'll look for him."

Akash also followed him making an excuse and literally ran out.

Arnav and Khushi laughed at their state and then Khushi turned to go in the bathroom but he held her wrist and turned her again.

"Yesterday they didn't leave us alone. But now we are finally for ourselves."

He said in a husky voice and picked her up to lay her on the bed again.

"Arnavji, have shame. Let me go. The door is open and-"

"Wait here. Don't move!"

He ordered before going to close the door. She humphed and made a face.

"Arnavji, please-" But he slammed his lips on hers shutting her up.

"I love you."

They broke the kiss after sometime and she smiled hugging him.

"I know...I know how much you love me."

He knew she was indicating to that night's truth. But more than her, he was relieved to know he never cheated on her. Even if it was under the influence of drugs.

"But Arnavji, what about the mustache now?"

She pouted making a puppy face.

"Come on Khushi. You still remember that?"

"Of course! You were supposed to grow a mustache like Bankelalji."

"Then I'm really not sorry to tell you Mrs. Raizada, that I never committed

a crime. So I can't be punished."

He smirked as she made a face and he took his shirt off and threw it aside

beginning a love making session after three weeks.