Chapter 32

Khushi walked away from the door as the debate between her husband and his team continued.

After putting the Coffee mug away, she reclined back in the armchair looking at the white wall in front of her. 

How they are going to make this relationship work?

She forgot a fact conveniently that her husband runs a multinational company. He cannot stay here forever. 

And she is planning their daily routine here forgetting he is not only her husband but also has too many other responsibilities also.

Guilt hit her in full force. 

He left his wok and his family behind and came with her. 

AR is not just a business for Arnav. AR is his child just like Muskaan. He built it with his hard work and dedication. How can he forget all the other things just to woo his wife.

How can he simply state that he will bear that loss if his company shuts down? That is not the Arnavji she knows.

She needs to talk to him about it. She picked up her phone and sent a mail in hurry.

"Khushiii..." He called her name louder the second time.

Her flow of thoughts were interrupted. she picked up Muskaan and marched towards the bedroom.

As she approached the bedroom she could hear Anjali and Vijay's voice. 

"Khushi is here"  Arnav told them with a smile on his face. 

Khushi quickly let go of her thoughts and smiled at the screen.

"Di.. It seems you both are in office? I thought you guys will be home with others." Khushi asked Anjali

"No Khushi.. We are in office and the elders in the family met the Panditji and picked few Muhoorats after 3 months. We thought will discuss with you guys before fixing any of those. I have sent you message the dates. "

Anjali leaned against the arm chair as she explained Khushi.

"yup.. and I think there is one auspicious Muhoorat on Dec 2nd. I think that date will be convenient for you also as that full week will be off for you for the UAE National Day."

Vijay added thoughtfully.

"Vijay you just don't have to consider only my convenience. I can take few days off for wedding and come to India. Not an issue."

She tried to reason.

"You don't have to come to India. "

Khushi was taken back.

"What?"

"What do you mean by  What? Arnav did not tell you?" Vijay asked in confusion.

She looked confusingly at Arnav who was smiling apologetically.

"No problem.. I will tell you.. You don't have to come to India because we all are coming there. Anjali and me are getting married in Dubai. "

Vijay announced happily.

"Yes and the climate will be very nice in December and since Chote is also there so you both the brother and sister of bride and groom can arrange the wedding. " 

Anjali added with a wide smile.

Khushi did not know what to say. She knew Arnav might have suggested this for her convenience. 

"But Di.. How Naniji will travel? Her health is not completely ok. And Amma, Babuji, Buaji they will never come. I mean it will be very much inconvenient for the elders in the family. "

 "Khushi.. Give me some credit will you?  I talked to Nani's Doctor , he said Nani is fit to travel even now. And I talked to your family also they are also excited to come because they want to see how her daughter lives here. Everyone is ok with the choice of destination Khushi. "

Arnav explained to her holding her hand which didn't go unnoticed by Anjali and Vijay.

"Exactly.. And moreover only the immediate family members will be attending the wedding. It is better if we do it there away from the media. And we can conduct a reception inviting everyone maybe after 2-3 weeks of the wedding in Delhi and Kerala. What do you think. ?"

Vijay finished waited for Khushi to respond.

"That is fine then." She agreed with a smile.

"Good. and you know the best part is.. It will be a Kerala wedding. You know with the gold ornaments, silk saree, thali and all. " Anjali told excitedely.

"That is great.. But wedding after three months means is like now Di.. "

"Yes and I think we should start the shopping immediately. "

Their conversation continued about the shopping, ceremonies , food etc.

After almost half an hour they hung up the call and went to have food after feeding Muskaan. 

While having the food Khushi stole glances at her husband who was acting like nothing was wrong.

"How was your meeting ?" 

She asked casually closely observing his face.

Arnav paused for a moment and looked at her.

"It was good . Just usual monthly sales out meeting."

Khushi felt anger bubbling inside her hearing his reply.

"The Arnavji I knew never lied"

Her sharp gaze told him she might have heard something which they were discussing. He remained quiet.

When she felt he was not going to tell her the truth she put the spoon down pushed the plate away.

"Why didn't you tell me you need to go to London to close the deal? You think I will stop you?

"No Khushi.. I don't think you will. But it's me who doesn't want to go. We just started to build our relationship. I don't want to be away from my family."

"Even if it costs you AR? You first baby? Your dream? "

"Yes.. "

His reply was prompt.

"How can you accept defeat just like that? The Arnavji I knew never accept defeat? He always win. What happened to you?"

"How that will a failure Khushi. I gained you and Muskaan right? That is my biggest achievement in my life. I don't want anything else. And moreover everything is not about winning or losing. "

"And what about the employees who trusted you with their living? How can you fail them? That company is not just about you.. It is about them also. I also work in a multinational company. Suddenly if my company gets closed and  you are also not with me then how do you think I will survive? I will definitely get a new job but not sure how long it will take or how that job will be.  If I am not getting my salary next month I won't be able to pay my rent, my credit card bills, LIC premium, grocery and all. It will turn my life upside down. I really don't understand why I am telling you all these things when you know better. " 

Seeing his face Khushi understood he was feeling guilty. Her face suddenly softened and she got up from the chair and reached his side and cupped his face.

"Arnavji.. You are not just my husband or Muskaan's father. You have a company to run.  And I understand that. I don't want you to bear losses because of me. I want you to win always." 

He bought her body close to his and made her sit on his lap. 

"Khushi I know all this but I don't wat to leave you and Muskaan. Didn't you wish for once that if I was a normal husband who loves you the way you deserve? Not the arrogant owner of a fashion house?"

"Yes.. But what to do I fell in love with this arrogant egoistic CEO of the fashion house. Arnavji I fell in love with you even after all those things you put me through. We were meant to happen. You don't have to turn to someone you are not. I know you love me. "

Her face was adored with a naughty smile. 

"But Khushi.."

She cut him in between.

" We are going to London . "

"We?"

"Yes.. Ask your manager to get the tickets done. We three will go together for few days. Even I don't want to be away from my husband. "

She had a teasing smile. 

"But your job.."

"I already sent email to boss. He approved my leave but I'll have to be available through phone and email - that I can manage."

"Thank you.." He lightly kissed her lips.

It was then Muskaan who was busy with her kitchen set noticed her mother was sitting on her fathers lap. She suddenly threw it away and ran towards them.

" Loo Angeyi.. " Arnav said with mock annoyance as Muskaan climbed to Khushi's lap. 

Arnav hugged his family close to himself and kissed both of them on their cheeks. 

Love,

ST