Chapter 29

   After getting ready Khushi opened the door and walked towards the hall. She smiled at an awestruck Arnav who was looking at her without blinking his eyes. 

    The smile on her face turned her from stunning to breathtaking. She was wearing a red saree with thread dori work, that was very simple, yet flattered every aspect of her figure. He arms and neck were left bare and she wore a big silver jhumkas which were the only jewelry on her body.

    Her hair was hanging loose to her shoulders and he wished if she was also wearing the mangalsutra and sindoor in his name. Maybe it was too much to ask for at the moment. He decided to let go of the heaviness he felt and smiled widely at her.

"You look gorgeous Khushi.."  

"Thank you.." She smiled shyly at the compliment.

They reached the restaurant after 20 minutes. They came in taxi as it is dangerous to drive back home after consuming alcohol.  The restaurant manager guided them to the seat reserved for them.

They ordered wine along with starters and listened to the live music going on in the front. 

"Nice place.. have you been here before?" Arnav asked her, impressed at the place she choose.

"Ya.. few times.. I like the ambience here. "

The waiter served them the wine and also gave a small paper and pencil to write the name of the songs they wish to hear.

Their clinked their glasses and a smiling Khushi echoed him - "To Happiness and a new Life."

Both of them sipped the wine and stayed silent for few minutes listening to the song abhi abhi toh mile ho. 

Her friends were right. This atmosphere have a different effect on them. While the restaurant's interior is not that big, it is meticulously decorated and the coziness adds to the romantic ambience.

"Since when you started drinking wine? It's not like I have a problem with it.. Just curious.." Arnav asked her taking one more sip. 

"Since one year. Whenever I went to office parties my friends compelled me to drink. They drink bear, tequila and even whiskey but I didn't like any of them. When I tasted this particular sweet wine, I liked it. Also red wine is most strongly associated with feeling relaxed. I enjoy drinking it. "

Arnav looked at the girl.. no woman in front of him. She has come a long way in the last 3 years. She became a practical, successful and strong lady.  However he miss that innocent, naïve, clumsy and bubbly Khushi. 

In the past he insulted her many times pointing out all those. But he enjoyed her crazy antics. This Khushi is someone who has got to shoulder the responsibility of her life and her kid alone. It is not easy to bring that Khushi back completely, three years is a long time. It is not like he love this Khushi any less but he miss that pagal Khushi terribly.

When he was immersed in his thoughts her phone started ringing. While she answered the call and he admired the expressions flashing on her face. He didn't hear what she was talking as he was lost in her beauty. 

That glossy red lipstick made her lips look kissable, pouty and gorgeous.

She had the most expressive face he had ever seen. Her motions are often more expressive than any words, and she is as graceful as a nymph.

She is the only women who has the power to make him feel so much. 

After hanging up she reached over the table and held his hand tightly in excitement. 

"Arnavji.. You know what ?  Di proposed to Vijay and he said yes.. They are getting married.. It is the best news right?.. Di was trying to call you but I think your phone is in silent mode. Maybe you can call her back." She said in one go, her happiness was very much evident.

He was happy to hear the news. Di is going to settle down with an amazing person. He put the phone in silent mode before entering the restaurant as he did not want anyone to disturb their date.

"That is a great news Khushi.. I will call her later."  He said smiling.

"Why? Why can't you call her now? I told Vijay that we are out of dinner. She will be expecting your call back immediately."

"Khushi.. This night is about us..  I think everything else can wait until tomorrow morning. " 

She blushed as he caressed her palm with his fingers. He was right, this night is about them. 

When she was serving the starter to him he handed a piece of paper to the waiter. 

She couldn't believe he is giving her first preference and he is admitting it. What if he was doing it thinking she will feel bad talking about his sister's life on their date.

"Arnavji.. its ok, if you want to speak to her now, I don't have a problem.." 

"Khushi.. we have given priorities to other factors in our life until now. End of the day we only suffered because of that. After leaving you I realized something. Di and my family I love all of them but I can only be happy if you are with me. I just fulfilled my responsibilities towards them by transferring money to their accounts in the last 3 years.  I did not bother to check on my Di  after leaving her with that snake. I made phone calls to her once in awhile as a formality. Nothing else mattered to me after leaving you. I just got you back and I am not going to hide my emotions like before. I am really happy for Di, but I am not going to bring her in between us today. Because unlike last time we both are together because of our love for each other not for saving Di's marriage."

He took her hand in his and kissed her fingers gently. She did not speak anything for a while but It was in her Eyes, where Pools of emotion meet and can speak volume without uttering a word.

That time the main singer on the stage waved his hand at her for getting her attention.

"Khushiji... This song is dedicated to you by your loving husband Arnav " The singer announced through Mike.

She looked at Arnav who was smiling at her.

"I suck at singing.. So I thought of this is a better idea."  He winked at her. He looks very young when he did that. And this side of him was for her.. only for her.. 

Ye moh moh ke dhaage
Teri ungliyon se ja uljhe
Koi Toh Toh na laage
Kis tarah girah ye suljhe
Hai rom rom iktaara
Hai rom rom iktaara
Jo baadalon mein se guzre

They clasped their hands together and listened to the beautiful song. 

Tu hoga zara paagal, tune mujhko hai chuna
Kaise tune ankahaa, tune ankahaa sab sunaa
Tu hoga zara paagal, tune mujhko hai chuna

When those lyrics played he gave her hand gentle squeeze and chuckled.

She smiles at him lovingly. Their gazes locked, and she felt a different kind of warmth slide through her.

Once the song was finished everybody clapped and Khushi mouthed a thank you to the singer.

The waiter served the main course and they continued their conversation.

They laughed , ate , drank and enjoyed the evening. As the night progressed, it was difficult to keep their hands off from each other.

Once they got into the taxi Arnav tried to touch her but she moved herself towards the door gesturing him towards the driver. The driver switched on the radio and the song jadu hai nasha hai started playing.

Arnav tried to distract himself from the desire which was overpowering him by looking outside the windows. Why it is taking so long to reach home? He murmured impatiently. 

Khushi looked at his impatient form and smiled. Laad Governor 

As they reached their building, she took out her phone and dialed Nimmy's number while Arnav paid the taxi driver.

"What did she tell?" He asked her as they walked towards the entrance hand in hand. 

"she will bring her to our flat" 

As they entered the lift, his hand let go of her hand and encircled her waist. She leaned onto his form closing her eyes as he continued to caress her bare waist. Suddenly the lift door opened to their floor with a noise, which made them come back to the reality. 

She stepped away from him and walked out of the lift. 

She walked towards their flat through the corridor slowly swaying her hips. She was aware of the heated gaze of her husband behind her.  She paused for a while and looked back over her shoulders. Her half-shut eye had a reminiscent, dreamy look which was driving him crazy. 

She continued to walk with him in tow until she reached their apartment door. She felt his hot breath on the back of her neck which gave her goosebumps as she unlocked the door with great difficulty.

Love,

ST