Chapter 34

 Khushi closed her laptop after checking her emails. Arnav left for office in the morning itself to discuss few things with his team before signing the deal.

After having breakfast she called Anjali to get the list of things she wants from here for the wedding. 

After finishing the call she received a message from Arnav.

Deal done.. Have to finish few pending works and will head for Lunch with the client. I hope you are not bored...

She smiled and typed a reply. 

Congratulations !!! waiting for you  😉 No..  I am not bored.. take your time.. Love you.. 😘😘

Within a minute his reply came.

I Love you more.. Take Care.. Will be back soon.. 

She put the phone away with a smile and kissed her daughter who was busy with her building blocks.

"Chalo.. Mumma and Muskaan will play together.." 

There was nothing much to do at home as Maggi was here to help. 

She started playing with her daughter. 

After sometime the door bell rang. It was too early for Arnav to come back. She eagerly looked at the main door to check who was at the door.

Seeing her friend entering through the main door a huge smile erupted on her face.

"Lavanyaji.."

"Chamkili...."

Both were delighted and hugged each other happily.

"You didn't go with the client for the lunch ? "

"No.. ASR and his principal secretary went. When he told you and Muskaan are alone at home I took half day leave and left from there."

Lavanya walked towards Muskaan and kissed her cheek.

"Muskaan My baby.. You forgot this Aunty?" 

"It is good that you came.. Come we will have lunch together. "

Khushi went to the dining hall and Lavanya followed her carrying Muskaan.

They had lunch chatting away happily. 

Muskaan was having her afternoon nap and they both were sitting lazily on the sofa.

"Chamkili.. you should have seen the reaction of my colleagues after seeing ASR today.. " Lavanya started with a hint of smile.

"Why? They were seeing him for the first time or what?" 

"Something like that.. It is the first time they were receiving a civil treatment from their boss. you know.. like acknowledging greetings with a smile, No shouting for silly mistakes etc etc..  "

Khushi just smiled.

"Everyone was wondering what miracle might have happened in the past 3 months? And also after closing the deal he made personal calls to the investors for reassuring them about the funds and all. ASR is back in action.. He is very happy and All thanks to you.. "

Lavanya's words reflected genuine happiness seeing her both friends happy and together.

"Me? He is really a good man and a successful businessman. What he is showing now was always inside him but he was not expressing it for some reasons. "

"No Khushi.. It is because of you.. It was always you.. You know when the marriage was cancelled he was in a mess. He was not paying attention to his company or himself. I was also very angry at him. At first I thought he did the same thing to both of us. Showed both of us a beautiful dream and snatched it back. But after seeing his condition what I felt was pure sympathy. The man who claimed nothing in this world can make him weak was shattered because of a girl. There I saw him- the man behind that mask, the man who loves you beyond infinity yet failed to prove it. Now after seeing the changes in both of you I am the one who is the happiest. You both are very lucky to have each other. "

Lavanya smiled and held her friend's hand.

"So.. You will be coming to Dubai for the wedding right?" Khushi asked after sometime.

"Of course I will come.. But only for 4 days. Since ASR, Akash and NK will be away from office I cannot be away more than 4 days."

"Hmmm.. I understand..  So how is your boyfriend doing? I am sure you both might be missing each other so much."

"He is good.. You saw him when you were in India right? Long distance relationship is not that easy Khushi.. Once Di's marriage is over, Maybe NK will think about shifting here but he is concerned about Nani. Akash will be in Lucknow , ASR will be in Dubai and Di will be staying with Vijay after marriage. Mama and Mami will be there still.. "

 "Yes.. That is a concern.. Nanheji is very much attached to Nani. He is the one who was there with her when her other grandsons left her. I also don't know how long Arnavji will be able stay in Dubai leaving everything. And I am not yet mentally prepared to leave Dubai and settle in India. After Di's marriage we are planning to convince Nani to stay with us in Dubai for 3 months. I think it will be a good change for her. After that we will see.." 

"That would be very nice. "

They continued their conversation about everything and anything until evening.

After having tea Lavanya got up to leave . She gave a kiss to Muskaan and walked towards the door.

"So are you sure you are not staying for dinner?" Khushi asked her friend once again.

"Yes.. You and ASR enjoy your much needed holiday. He will be reaching shortly."

Lavanya left after hugging Khushi once again. 

Khushi felt good after catching up with her dear friend. Earlier Arnav messaged her asking how about going out for dinner. But she refused it knowing he must be tired. She suggested they will order from outside and eat. She dismissed Maggi for the day as there was no need to cook dinner. 

The doorbell rang at 7pm announcing Arnav's return.

She opened the door with a smile and let him in after taking the bag from his hands. He removed his shoes and coat and took her in his arms with a wide smile.

"You have no idea how many times I have imagined this scene in the past.. "

He gently kissed her hair and inhaled her floral perfume. 

"So.. how was your day?" 

"It was good. Lavanya came and we had a great time catching up "

Arnav listened to her non stop chat describing the details about Lavanya's visit and the topic switched wedding preparations. She went on and on explaining the design of the stage and the things almost finalized as per Anjali's choice.  Khushi didn't notice the wedding details were making him uncomfortable.

He was happy for his Di. But this entire wedding preparation is suffocating him. His chest became heavy whenever someone discussed about it. It is bringing back the memories. Even if she forgave him, he is not able to get over the guilt that consumed him. He wondered if Khushi was also feeling heavy like him.. Of course she will be, she is the one who suffered the most-  but like every other time her sorrow was hidden behind her smile. 

He hugged Khushi all of a sudden making her grasp. He simply held her to comfort himself. He didn't want to talk about it and make her sad. 

"Kya hua Arnavji?"

She asked him after few minutes wondering what happened to him suddenly. He removed himself from her arms and looked at her. 

"Nothing.. You were talking too much. Can we have dinner and sleep early? We will start our proper London vacation by tomorrow morning " 

Khushi followed her husband to the bedroom in confusion but did not force him to talk.

The next morning they left for Tower of London first and from there by midday they caught a boat at Tower Pier, and had a relaxed lunch on the Thames while cruising to Westminster Pier.

Her husband loved this city and she realized how badly he wanted to bring her here.  Coming to London with him was the best decision. At this point of their relationship this trip was definitely helpful to strengthen their bond. 

They returned home at night exhausted. The next day they woke up late and decided to go out for brunch. The same time Arnav got a call from his office requesting his presence for an important meeting.

He tried to cancel it but Khushi suggested to go to office together and from there they can leave for the brunch.   

He agreed and within one hour they reached AR headquarters in London.

When she stepped into his office she was greeted by many employees with polite smile. She smiled back at them as he guided her and Muskaan to his cabin. 

London office was three times bigger than his Delhi office she noted mentally. How can he casually tell his team he will shut it down? It took so much hard work and dedication of years for him to build his empire but he was ready to sacrifice it just to be with her? 

"Hi Khushi.. Hi ASR.." Lavanya greeted them with a smile. 

They smiled back at her and she picked up Muskaan who was holding Arnav's finger. 

"I will take her to my cabin for sometime. You can show Khushi around and meeting will start after 20 minutes. Your assistant will call you once everyone is here."

He thanked Lavanya and led Khushi into his cabin. 

It was a luxurious cabin with glass on one side and the big glass windows that allow light to stream through avoiding unnecessary usage of fluorescent lights. There was an artistic table and a chair that demonstrates modern architecture. There was a matching sofa set opposite to the desk with a coffee table and a cabin designed in glass.

Khushi walked across the cabin and looked through the glass at the stunning view of London. 

"It is beautiful.." She whispered.

"Not as beautiful as my Khushi.." He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her earlobe.

She smiled and closed her eyes as his breath tickled her.

The sudden knock at the door forced them to step away from each other.

"Come in" He said annoyed being interrupted.

"Sir , the team is waiting for you to join." 

Arnav nodded at his assistant and faced Khushi who was still looking outside through the glass.

He pulled the chair near to the glass and made Khushi sit on that. 

"You sit here and enjoy the view.. I will be back soon.." He kissed her forehead and left for the conference room.

She relaxed against the chair looking at the London city from the top.

Suddenly someone barged into the cabin without knocking.

"How can you do this to me Arnie? "

A loud voice echoed through the cabin which made Khushi to rise from the chair.

Her eyes met with a familiar figure who was wearing a red solid bodycon short dress.

Love,

ST