Desert Rose Chapters 21 - 22

Desert Rose – Chapter 21

ARNAV sat at his desk, a glass of vodka tonic in his hand. Jenny had finally bid good bye that evening continuing on to her next destination. But her visit had left its mark.

His thoughts went back eight years ago when he had gone to America with dream and aspirations for a different life in a different world. He had the privilege of studying in one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, where he was simultaneously able to pursue his passion for outdoor adventure --- biking, hiking, white river rafting, canoeing and even bungee jumping. He remembered the hikeshe and a group of friends often took into the Middlesex Fells Forest Reservation, a little away from Boston. The 11 km path was mostly through woods but also travelled to the top of rocky view points towards the city and reservoirs below. He remembered the rush after reaching the destination that was difficult in some places.

How he had loved the freedom the country represented to him. He had never wanted to come back much to his parent’s consternation. His thoughts went back to the argument he had had with his parents over this issue – just before their fatal accident. To this day he regretted every word he had spoken to them. But it was too late. Nothing would bring them back. Guilt had taken form in him driving all this actions since then.

After his parents’ death, he had had taken an oath to revive his dad’s name back to his former glory. And he had managed it in a fairly short span of time with pure grit and determination. But all this had taken a toll on him. Money had slowly become more important than relationships. It was a time like this that Lavanya had re-entered his life.

He was a in a dark place in his life where he had neither the time nor an inclination toward serious relationships. It was a huge mistake to have let her come to Raisar and stay in the haveli just because he had wanted to rebel against his grandmother. She had begun to have serious expectations after that and things had become more complicated, forcing him to offer marriage to her. Once again guilt had driven him.

Lavanya’s deception had hit the final nail in the coffin. After her death, his trust in people had lowered beyond imagination. He had moved into an even darker place. The past four years had made him harder and more ruthless. He had begun to believe that everything came with a price tag and more often than not he had been proved right.

And this was when Khushi had entered his life……

Talking to Jenny had put everything in perspective. The last seven years had been a process of growing up for him.

When they had discussed India’s economy he had automatically defended his country for the first time in his life. He had told her that India was growing and that he wanted to be a part of the building process. Be the change you want to see, he had said.

When he told her that beauty was in the eyes of the beholder, Jenny had commented that he was a different man now compared to the rebellious young man of twenty two. She had even appreciated him for feeling pride in his country and heritage which she could relate to herself having come from New England --- the forerunners of the great American Revolution.

And all this was thanks to Khushi. When she had told him how she had worked while putting herself through college so she could take care of her sister, he had realized that he was not the only one in the world who had to put his hopes and aspirations on the back burner for the sake of family.

She, in her sweet innocent way had shown him a different perspective – to take pride in his deeds. He remembered the words she had said a few days ago ----

Not everyone can be like you…..

You had the capacity to start a company from scratch after you lost everything. You revived the factory and took care of your entire family from a very young age. This is because of your hard work and keen sense of responsibility.

That was exactly why he had apologized to her. He had truly regretted treating her the way he did when he had first met her.

Manav’s words came back to him ----

the woman you married as a consequence of the mess you created in the first place

But Manav was wrong.

Contrary to what everyone believed he had married Khushi ----

Not because some f@#$%ing moron happened to spy on them at the desert that night.

Not because he was afraid of falling off from the pedestal an entire village had put him on.

Not because his supercilious mami had laid down some tough conditions on him.

Not even because his Di or Nani would appreciate him for doing the right thing.

In the deepest recesses of his heart, the moment he had seen her holding the baby in her arms that day in Keshav’s house, he had known. He had felt a stirring in his heart that he hadn’t felt in like -- ever. He didn’t know what that feeling was then. He only knew one thing – that he could never let her go.Though he had never believed in the institution of marriage, he had also known that Khushi would never stay with him for anything less.

Finally, Jenny had had confirmed what had been in his heart for a long time. That he was in insanely, irrevocably and intractably in love with Khushi.He had no choice.

In another part of the house, Khushi sat making final touches on her design for the show stopper costume. She had changed into her old pale pink cotton kurti, which she liked to wear in the nights as they were very comfortable.

The pain in her ankle had subsided. After laying her on the bed in their bedroom, Arnav had made sure she had eaten lunch and then given her a pain killer. He had then massaged some pain relief gel into her ankle, increasing her heart beat as usual. But it was clear from his demeanour that he was still upset about Manav. He had roughly drawn the curtains in the bedroom and ordered her to sleep before leaving the room.

After seeing off Jenny in the evening, Anjali had retired early as her cramping episode earlier in the day had left her weak. Anjali told everyone that Shyam had called her and informed her that he wouldn’t be able to make it to Junagarh as he had to go to Delhi on urgent business and she didn’t want to unnecessarily disturb him by telling him about her illness.

Khushi’s heart went out to the ever smiling Anjali. How could Shyam treat his sweet wife like that?Her heart constricted in dread as she remembered Shyam’s shameful admission about his feelings for her. She was appalled at the way he had casually said it without any remorse.

But what worried her most was the malevolence she had sensed in himregarding Arnav. It somehow seemed deep rooted. She had a nagging feeling in the corners of her brain that she was missing something vital in today’s conversation. But however much she tried to remember, it remained elusive.

The last time she had confided in Dr Manav, he had advised her to tell Arnav everything. But how could she just go and tell him that the man he knew as a friend and then later his brother-in-law, was interested in his own sister-in-law. Why would Arnav believe her?  It would be his words against hers as she had no proof. She wished she could talk to Dr Manav again but the heated argument between him and Arnav had indicated that he would be staying away from the Haveli for some more time. What had come over Arnav to have behaved so rudely with Dr Manav?

Then there was the thing Shyam had said about Arnav leaving for the States and wanting to be with Jenny. She knew enough to believe he could be right. The pain in her heart returned. 

Aranv’s phone began to ring breaking into his thoughts. It was Akash. He had informed him that the dress makers were already working over time trying to get the costumes ready, but he had been having trouble with the modelling agency. Arnav wished he could get his hands on Ria Chopra. That crazy woman had messed up big time. He slapped his glass back on the table in frustration when the phone rang again.

It was the police. This was a reminder call askinghim if he had found any useful information about Lavanya.He had remembered the box that had come to him via courier more than a month ago. He told them he would call them back.

His eyes fell on the box that he had kept on the book shelf behind him.He brought the box to the table and opened it.It contained mostly her jewellery but just a he was about to put it away he, found a letter wedged in the underside of the lid. He opened the letter and found that it was addressed to him. He began to read with a dreadful feeling in his heart…..

Dear ASR,

I am writing this letter because Mrs D’Souza tells me I have to confess my sins for absolution from Jesus Christ. Though I am not a believer I decided to give it a try because I have to do something to get rid of the voices in my head.

My sin is that I have been deceitful in my relationship with you. But what could I do? I wanted you. Even though you never loved me I wanted you.

I wanted you all those years ago -- when we studied together. I was hurt when you left me and went away to the States.

Nothing seemed to be working for me at the time. And then, I met him --- The Devil incarnate. He introduced me to a world of ecstasy where I could forget all my troubles.

And then you were back. The Devil promised me that I could get everything I wanted--- for a price. I sold myself to him – body and soul. And he got me what I wanted – you.

But do you know what I realized?It wasn’t me the Devilreally wanted. It was you. He hates you with a vengeance. He wants everything you have.He wants to destroy you.

I am so sorry ASR. Please forgive me. I was weak. But I can’t take this anymore. The voices in my head are driving me crazy. I will have to tell you everything……

La

F@#$! He knew she had cheated on him. But it wasn’t just a simple affair was it? She seemed to be talking about a serious conspiracy here. He knew Lavanya was undergoing treatment for depression. She was probably off her meds when she wrote this letter. She seemed so incoherent making references to some Devil. Who the f@#$ was this Devil?  Was the Devil really a person trying to destroy his life or a manifestation of her delusional mind?

The idea that someone hated him so much that they had gone to great lengths to hurt him seemed very farfetched. And why?Was it a business rival? He racked his brains to think but ended up with nothing.

F@#$! Is that why she had called him that day when hewas at the memorial? To tell him about all this? But someone had made sure her mouth was shut. Was it the same person who tried to frame him in her death?

He walked to the French doors and stepped out into the terrace.The roller coaster of emotions he had experienced since the eventful visit to Junagarh, starting with exhilaration, to guilt had finally ended in desolation. He looked up at the night sky, unshed tear glistening on his lashes. Lavanya was his friend --- how could she do this to him?

Khushi peeped into the study room, to find it shrouded in semi-darkness, the light from the moon outside its only illumination. She left the door open walked toward the table. She had just kept the drawing on the tablewhen she heard a sound and jumped up in fear. She came face to face with Arnav.

 ‘I …..I just came to ….. bring this sketch,’ she stutteredand looked at him her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights.Was it just her imagination or did he look desolate? When he continued to stare at her in silence, she decided to quietly leave. Just as she reached the door, she found the door being shut with a bang as Arnav turned her around, holding her shoulder in a painful grasp and pushed her against it.

Khushi froze, her dhak-dhak beginning erratically as sheunderstood the look in his eyes. Arnav’shand slipped into her hair,pulling her head back to bring her face closer to his. Her own eye lids glided downward in helpless submission. His lips hovered a breath away from hers, moving downward as he denied what she was yearning for, opting instead to place his lips over the smooth skin of her chin, just below her lower lip. Khushi gasped, opening her lips hoping he would be tempted to move back upward. But he didn’t. He kept moving downward to place a wet trail down her throat, even as his other handmoved down her shoulder, skimming the side of her breast to finally grasp the curve of her waist roughly and pull her into him.

Khushi brought her hands up to hold his strong arms for support as a trembling began in her knees. Arnav then moved across to the side of her neck, taking the delicate skin between his urgent lips as he began to suck. A liquid heat began to pool at the pit of her stomach, a multitude of sensations assailing her as he lifted her a little and pressed his arousal into her softness. Suddenly she cried out, pushing against his chest in bewilderment, experiencing a strange sensation of pain bordering on pleasure, as he bit her neck.

Arnav stepped back immediately and turned around raking a hand through his hair as he rasped. ‘I am sorry Khushi ----’ He turned around and looked at her, his chocolate brown orbs anguished. ‘You should just leave.’ He turned around and walked back to flop down on his chair. He took the bottle of vodka and poured himself another drink.

Khushi felt cold and bereft. She had not imagined it --- Arnav was disturbed. Manav’s words had upset him. An inexplicable need to comfort him gnawed at her and her legs moved toward him of their own volition.  As he looked up in surprise, she took the glass before it touched his lips and put it away. She took his hand and pulled him up to stand in front of her. She moved her hands to cup his cheeks with her gentle hands, her almond eyes wide as she went on her tippy toes to place a gentle kiss on his lips. Tonight she didn’t care about what he would read in them.

Arnav groaned softly as he closed his hands around Khushi’s waist, lifting her off the floor to seat her on the table. He moved her legs apart to stand between them, bringing her flush against him. Hefastened his lips to hers, devouring her, gentleness forgotten as an inferno began to build between them. Khushi felt weak with wanting him, tired of fighting the attraction between them. Her mouth moved under his, her lips soft, pliant and welcoming. His mouth hardened, became hot and dangerous, compelling her to open for him, her laad governor, claiming his rights. At once, she was swept away into another world, one of pure feeling, a kaleidoscope of colours and sensation. Fire rushed through her veins as every nerve ending came alive. She snaked her arms around his neck and her body moulded herself to his further -- if it was even possible. She let her body answer for her, without words, giving consent with her hands, sliding possessively over his body, while her tongue duelled with his.

Arnav moved his hand around to her back, unzipping her kurti all the way. His hands were strong, determined, possessive even as they peeled her dress down her body down to her waist. Khushi could feel the coolness of the table against her back as he pushed her down on it. His face was etched with a deep emotion, his eyes burning as he moved his hands around her ribcage to undo the clip on her bra. He swept away the lace, dropping it carelessly on the floor. She heard him gasp, a hitch in his breath, as his palms trailed over her skin feverishly from her shoulders, over the swell of her breasts, along her narrow rib cage to her tucked-in waist and soft swell of her quivering stomach.

‘I want you so badly Khushi.’ He whispered.‘Want’ was such an inadequate word. How could he explain to her what it was like for him? Day and night thinking of her, dreaming of her, a drug in his bloodstream, a craving that couldn’t be sated.His salvation.

She forced her gaze to meet his. Allowed herself to absorb his raw emotions. Desire. It was hard-edged and dangerous. Primal. The force of his hunger for her body shook her.She trembled beneath his hands.

His touch turned desperately urgent, in tune with the terrible hunger burning in his eyes. He bent his head to her breast, his breath warm, his lips soft and moist.

Khushi jumped under his seeking mouth, all at once so sensitive even the brush of his hair sensuous against her skin.

Arnav knew that he should go slow, stay in control, hold his terrible hunger for Khushi under some sort of rein. He couldn’t just impose his wild craving for her and frighten her as she was still new at this.

Slow.The word reverberated like a litany in his head. His fingers shook as they stroked her breasts and his mouth closed around the soft mound, his tongue lavingthe tight bud as he suckled.

Khushi cried out, arched into him, craving his touch, needing more. Always more. She blindly reached out for him and clutched a handful of his shirt in her hands.

Arnav lifted his head, studying her cloudy eyes, her soft swollen mouth and her body heaving up and down.

Khushi had though she would be embarrassed and afraid to be exposed in front of him, but instead she reveled in the way he looked at her like she was the only woman in the world for him and that he would die without her.

Khushi watched mesmerised as Arnav pulled his t-shirt over his head, the muscles on his arms and chest rippling as he flung it aside.As her eyes came down, she saw his flat abdomen clench in reaction. A sheen of sweat coated him. He was magnificent.

Lying in the darkness, she ached to touch him. He took her breath away, every muscle in her body weak with wanting him, every cell on fire for his touch. She should have been afraid of his craving, the intensity of his terrible hunger, but in the shadowy corners of her soul, she found an equivalent urge.

Deep inside her, stirred a vortex of sensations, swirling to the surface to meet his every demand. She knew exactly what she wanted. She rose up from the table in one swift movement and reached for him eagerly, wantonly. Her hands glidedsoftly over his shoulders and chest, her fingers sifting through the dark hair in awe, following their path down the hard planes of his abdomen.

Hell! Arnav swore under his breath. Her touch was arousing him to a frightening pitch and he wasn’t going to be able to last longer. ‘Khushi wrap your legs around me.’ He whispered urgently, as he dragged her off the table and carried her to the rug on the floor. He laid her gently and with swift movements disposed off the rest of her clothes as well as his.

As she lay quivering under his gaze, using her hands to cover herself, he was once again struck by how exquisitely feminine she was. The thought that had come to him when he had last seen her like this sprang to his mind. Desert Rose.

He took her hands in his, pinning them on the floor as he captured her mouth fervently, his tongue darting in, electric and hot. He suckled her lush breasts, his tongue teasing, his mouth hot and moist. He let go of her hands to trace her ribs, the flat of her stomach, the curve of her hip, every hollow.Her hands moved over him, needing to feel every muscle, just as he needed to explore her body. His finger stroked into her damp heat and she nearly rose off the rug.  As he continued to stroke her, she couldn’t stop herself from pushing against his hand, desperately seeking relief. He slowly pushed his finger into her molten core. Khushi clutched at his hand, even though her body reached up to thrust against his hand.

‘Relax Khushi….’ He withdrew one finger, slowly inserting two, watching her expression closely for signs of discomfort as he pushed deeper into her body.

The sensation was so pleasurable it was alarming. Khushi fought for breath, fought for control where there was none. She never wanted Arnav to stop. He thrust deeper, the friction electric, shocking in it is intensity, He was doing things deep inside her, stroking and teasing and making her crazy so she couldn’t lie still. He hips surged against his hand wantonly. Looking at her passion and abandonment Arnav couldn’t hold on any longer.

‘This time, it won’t hurt,’ he whispered urgently, pushing her thighs apart, settling his weight there. He thrust into her in one swift stroke. She cried out raking her nails down his back, as he went deeper, filling her to such a fullness she burned and throbbed and unexpectedly plummeted over the edge.

Seeing the waves of enchantment rippling through her, spreading like a tidal wave, Arnav remembered the last time, whenshe had similarly splintered under him even before he could lay a finger on her. Her body clenched so tightly he was gritting his teeth, the pleasure so intense it bordered on pain.

Khushi watched Arnav in a daze, still in the throes of her ecstasy and the look in his eyes took her breath away. She trusted him inexplicably.

The look in her eyes shook him, ripped his heart right out of his body. He withdrew, pushed deep again slowly, feeling his way, wanting it right. His hands tightened on her hips as he began a slow, steady rhythm. He urged her body to move with his.

He caught her hips in his hands, holding her firmly, tilting her body while he went deeper still, wanting her to take all of him. Khushi gasped as the heat engulfed her, as he filled her completely. Arnav began to move again, long slow thrusts, deep and perfect.

She cried out again, low, in her throat, as he changed speed, driving harder, faster. He let himself go taking them higher. His head roared and his body clenched and burned, reaching his own climax as it ripped through his body with a gut-wrenching force, shaking him more than the previous time. He collapsed beside her, his face buried against the softness of her breasts as she held him in her arms.

 He had known he wanted her, that it was for all time. But he hadn’t realized what was between them. A priceless gift, a treasure beyond his dreams. More than his body and heart, she was entrenched in his soul.

Desert Rose – Chapter 22

AWAKENING as the soft light from the partly drawn curtains filtered across her face, Khushi found that the bed beside her was empty. Hot colour creeped up her neck when images of the previous night flashed before her eyes, then increased further when she remembered how Arnav had carried her into the bedroom. She had found herself entrapped yet again in a sensual spell as he touched with the sure artistry of a man confident of his prowess, until finally, surfeited with sensation and satisfaction, she had drifted into sleep, her dark hair pillowed on his broad chest.

Pulling herself to a sitting position, she found the bathroom door opening as Arnav re-entered the bedroom. To her surprise he was dressed in a silver-grey business suit, a dark blue tie knotted at the throat of a paler-hued shirt.

‘Arnavji?’ Still bemused by the dregs of sleep, she questioned his appearance as he approached her to sit on the bed.

‘Arnavji?’ He smirked. ‘What happened to Arnav? You seemed comfortable using it last night.’ As he saw the colour on her face he continued, ‘I have to go to Delhi on business without delay. Akash had called me last night. He is having some trouble dealing with the modelling agency.’ He shrugged.

‘But for how long?’ Carefully she masked the disappointment she felt as her eyes dwell on the bristles on his cheek, tough and sexy, bearing the slight scent of some after shave. Last night it had been slightly abrasive, a prickle of awareness reawakened as she recalled the touch of it against her breast.

‘A day or two … it depends on those frigging idiots.’ He said brusquely.

Seeing the lines of tension creasing his forehead, Khushi refrained from broaching the subject of Shyam. It was not the right time to tell him something like this when he had more serious matters to worry about.

He bent down and placed his lips on the sore spot on the side of the neck and ran his tongue over it. When she winced he said huskily, ‘You sure know how to get back.’

As her brows snapped together curiously, he walked to the door and turned back, ‘A wild cat scratched me on my back last night. As Khushi stared at him with her mouth wide open, he gave her the most sexiest lop sided smile she had ever seen. ‘Bye Khushi.’

Shyam left the woman sleeping on the bed and walked out quietly. But none of her talents had helped him in forgetting Khushi. She was becoming an obsession. It was driving him crazy that Khushi was not falling for his schemes. She seemed hell bent upon supporting that b!@#$% Arnav Singh Raizada. And there could be only one reason for that. She had fallen in love with him. But how could she do that? Arnav did not deserve it. He had hated him from the moment he had entered his life.

Trying to turn her against Arnav, he had told Khushi more than what she needed to know. Now, he would have to keep a closewatch on her.Time to go back to Raisar.

Khushi sat in the car, lost in thought.‘What’s that smile for Khushi?’ asked Manav who was at the wheel. He and Khushi were on the way to the outskirts of Ranakpur to hand out essentials to the tribal women who lived in the area. Anjali still hadn’t been able to get out of bed and had requested Khushi to go along as the tribal women were wary about interacting with men.

‘It’s nothing Dr Manav.’ Khushi brushed off the question.

‘Khushi, it’s good that you came with me today,’ began Manav, ‘I have to ask you something. That day at Junagarh, when you tripped, you looked very frightened like someone was after you. And I think I saw …..Shyam. Did something happen?’

‘Yes, it was Shyam.’ She admitted with a nod.

Manav turned the vehicle and stopped it at a nearby dhaba. He took Khushi to a nearby table and ordered for tea. ‘Now tell me Khushi.’

Khushi told him everything Shyam had told her from the beginning. ‘I think he has been trying very hard to turn me against Arnavji. I sensed a sort of malevolence toward him.’

‘Khushi, you have to tell Arnav everything – right away.’ Manav urged.

‘I will Dr Manav,’ she assured him, ‘he is very busy with the fashion event right now. The event is in trouble because his employee quit on him suddenly. I will tell him as soon as the fashion event is over.’

‘Khushi, you are worrying about Arnav when you should worry about yourself.’ He said lines of worry creasing his forehead. ‘If you don’t tell him I will have to reveal this to Anjali.’

‘No Dr Manav, I will tell Arnavji first. I promise.’ She pleaded.  ‘But Di seems to be very sick. She threw up her breakfast this morning. What is wrong with her?’

‘I thought that her abdominal cramps were due to amoebiasis or food infection. So I gave her a dose of antibiotic shots. I don’t think the shots are helping her. I will take a blood sample and take it to the lab for testing.

‘I can’t believe that b@#$%^ is doing this to her!’ he banged his hand on the table agitated.

‘How is that you believe me Dr Manav?’ Khushi asked him out of curiosity, ‘even the last time I told you at Di’s birthday party, you never doubted me.’

‘I have never liked Shyam since that first time I met him at their first wedding anniversary at the Haveli. During the party, I realized that he was a lewd character. I overheard him talking to a group of men, discussing women as if they were commodities. Later, when Anju introduced me as her childhood friend hid demeanour toward me was lukewarm. He has always been very reserved with me.

‘Another time, when I went to Delhi, I saw him coming out of a hotelwith a young woman.’

‘Why didn’t you tell Di?’ asked Khushi.

‘I don’t know Khushi.’ Manav said holding the glass with both hands. He fell silent for a few seconds. ‘I guess I thought that it was my feelings for Anju that was seeing more into something that wasn’t really there.’ He shrugged. ‘You know how love is Khushi. It makes you do crazy things.’

‘What do you mean?’ she asked him surprised.

‘Don’t pretend you don’t understand Khushi,’ Manav said smiling at her. ‘I know you are in love with Arnav. Anju told me in the week following Arnav’s departure to Delhi after we went behind his back to let Akash and Payal meet. After seeing your state, she was so guilty that she sent you with him. She was so relieved when Arnav did the right thing and married you.’

Khushi went a deep red when she realized what he was saying. Manav patted her hand lying on the table, ‘He is so lucky to have you in his life.’

The following night Khushi entered the bedroom, her dhak-dhak increasing with each step. Arnav had returned early that evening. After dinner he had excused himself for a call he had to take. As she passed the bed, she found a box lying on it, her name written out in large letters. She unwrapped the box and neatly folded the paper and laid it on the night stand. Lifting the top of the box, she gasped as the content was revealed.

It was night gown. Not just any gown, but a glorious white silk, with tiny pearl buttons and lacy insets across the bodice. The silk felt cool and luxurious against her hands and suddenly she wanted it on, skimming her body.

She went into the closet and undressed quickly, her hands trembling slightly with anticipation. She pulled the gown over her head and let if fall against her curves like a cool waterfall of silk.

Turning around, she faced her reflection in the dresser mirror. It fit beautifully. Arnav was good at buying the right size for her, the number of her anarkali suits hung up in the closet a solid proof in that regard. The rounded neckline tastefully exposed the swell of her breasts without being overt, and the tapered waist made her appear willow slender.

She had never worn anything like that before in her life. She felt like a fairy princess waiting for her prince to join her in the marital bed. Arnav.Her prince…. her love.

As she stepped out the closet, he stood there, as if waiting only for her to call his name. For a long moment their gazes locked and held. His eyes called to her, saying everything that was in her own heart. He held out his hand and she walked up to him, her heart clamouring wildly.

‘You look so beautiful,’ he said his voice soft and husky as desire shone from his eyes.

‘The gown is beautiful,’ she replied, still holding his hand.

‘No,’ he countered. ‘You are beautiful. You take my breath away.’ He leaned forward and gently touched his lips to hers.

His hands touched her shoulders, caressed across her back, and suddenly she was pressed intimately into him and he deepened the kiss by swirling his tongue against hers.

He stepped away from her long enough to pull his t-shirt off over his head and toss it to the floor. When he took her in his arms again, her hands splayed across his warm back, loving the play of muscles against her fingers and palms.

As his lips found hers again, Khushi realized the love she felt for Arnav at this moment in time was different, far more profound than what she had felt on the day she had gone out into the desert with him. At that time she had been overwhelmed by the sheer magnetism he exuded when he came near her. She had been awed by the fact that this intensely handsome, slightly dangerous man wanted her.

Now, she still felt all those things, but there were additional emotions that played into the whole package. Things like the way Arnav went out of his way to make her comfortable during Payal’smehendi or the way he had taken care of her when she was stuck in the attic. Arnav as a man and a husband had taken utter possession of her heart and soul.

She gasped as without warning he scooped her up in his arms. His gaze burned into hers, speaking volumes of the passion that famed inside him.

He carried her to the bed and gently laid her down, then, gaze still locked with hers, he tore off his jeans and stretched out beside her.

For a long moment he made no move to touch her, caressing her only with a sweeping gaze that licked tongues of fire along her veins.

Khushi did the same to him, first holding eye contact with him, then moving her gaze to the breadth of his shoulders and across the dark hairs that gave his chest an erotic, masculine appeal. His stomach was lean, without an ounce of spare flesh. Heat washed over her as her eyes moved lower.

‘If you keep looking at me like that, we are going to be finished here before we really get started,’ he warned.

She blushed, covering her face with her hands, thrilled inwardly that she could affect him by a mere look. Arnav moved her hands away from her face claiming her lips in a fiery kiss that drove all other thoughts from her head.

The gown that had begun the whole scene was quickly discarded, tossed to the floor along with Arnav’s jeans, leaving her naked and vulnerable to his every touch.

His mouth was hot, hungry and demanding, and he used it to love every inch of her body, filling her with and ache she feared might consume her. She thrashed beneath him, her hand grasping him, urging him to take possession of her. But he refused to hurry.

They made love slowly, languidly, as if they owned the hands of time and would not relinquish control until they absolutely had to.

When he finally entered her, Khushi was lost in a sea of sweet sensation, and Arnav was her life raft. She clung to him, wanting to hold him forever.

He slowly eased his hips back, until he was just barely inside her, then he moved forward, filling her up with his warm hardness. He repeated the motion again and again, until she was crying out in pleasure.

He increased his pace, moving faster into her, his biceps rigid as he worked his hips back and for the, sending her higher and higher on the crests of passion.

She cried out in surrender as wave after wave of pleasure crashed around her, inside her. And with a cry of his own, Arnav relinquished his last grasp of control and surrendered to her.

 Although Arnav shifted his weight to her side, they remained entwined, neither in any hurry to break the sweetness of their intimacy.

A deep fulfilment, an utter contentment flooded through Khushi. She could feel Arnav’s heartbeat, strong and vital. The scent of him surrounded her, and she felt more safe, more secure than she’d ever felt in her life.

Closing her eyes she, she sighed audibly. This was where she belonged, in his arms. As utter contentment filled her, she drifted off to blissful sleep.

The next night,as Khushi entered the bedroom, she found Arnav sitting on the chaise, the floor lamp throwing his face in shadows. She remembered the last time his face had looked like this – harsh and disdainful.

‘Arnavji, is something wrong?’ she said alarmed.

‘Where have you been Khushi?’ his said his tone dangerous.

‘To Ranakpur.’ She said. ‘Didn’t Di tell you?’ She went to the dressing table to take off her bangles.

‘Yes she told me.’ He said. ‘But she didn’t tell me that you stop by at dhabas having a rendezvous with your special friend.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Khushi asked him with growing trepidation.

‘Did you or did you not go to the dhaba with Manav?’ he hissed, his eyes glinting.

‘Yes.’ she said laconically.

‘Why?’

‘We wanted to have tea.’

‘And?’

Khushi hesitated wondering if this was the right time to tell him about Shyam.

‘Don’t strain yourself too much,’ he said, taking his cell phone out of his pocket. ‘Let me jog your memory.’ He showed her a video and a very familiar conversation reached her ears.

Khushi, you have to tell Arnav everything – right away………

I don’t want to reveal all this now, when Di seems to be very sick………

You know how love is Khushi…..Don’t pretend you don’t understand Khushi….. I know you are in love…….so lucky to have you

Khushi was shocked. Someone had taken a video of her conversation with Manav and doctored it. ‘This… this is not true.’ She stuttered, her eyes going wide with disbelief.

‘Are you trying to tell me this is not you and that is not your voice?’ he asked her looking at her with derision.

‘No,’ said Khushi raising her voice. ‘But the video is not right.’

‘Then why don’t you enlighten me Khushi?’ he said acrimoniously. ‘What did Manav mean when he said you have to tell me everything?’

‘I --- ‘ she hesitated.

‘Even that day on Di’s birthday you refused to tell me what you were talking about. In fact you very cleverly steered the conversation in a different direction and I allowed myself to be distracted.’ He said harshly. ‘What the f@#$ do you have to tell me?’ he thundered.

‘About Shyamji,’ she blurted out.

‘What the  f@#$?’

Khushi told him briefly about Shyam. ‘Why didn’t you tell me this before?’ he asked her.

‘I wanted to ----’

‘Enough Khushi!’ he cut her off with a raise of his hand. ‘You are making all this up because I caught you with Manav, aren’t you?’

‘Arnavji!’ Khushi looked up at him sharply. He didn’t believe her! Tears began streaming down her cheeks.

 ‘That day, in Junagarh, when he said I was the one who has ruined your life --- he meant he was the right one for you, didn’t he?’

‘God…..no!’ Khushi pleaded, her voice strangled.

‘Why else would he tell you that you know how love is and that he is so lucky to have you?’ He continued on relentlessly, ‘Back home it was Suraj who was running after you and here you have Manav. And you seem to think that my brother-in-law is also interested in you. Wonderful! Is there anyone else I should know about?’ Arnav said scathingly.

‘You should be one to talk!’ Khushi shot back pushing him on his chest.

Arnav caught her by the hands and pinned her against the wall, ‘So, is that what this is all about?’ he rasped, ‘an eye for an eye.’

‘No!’ she said emphatically as the tears continued to flow.

‘This was exactly why I never wanted to marry. Marriage is about trust and I have seen that people always find some way to break that trust. You broke my trust once before and I don’t know why I thought --- never mind……you are no different from Lavanya.’

Arnav’s words felt like a knife was being twisted in her heart. He had brought up the past she had believed was behind them for ever. He was never going to forget nor forgive. She thought of all the beautiful moments she had spent in his arms. ‘Arnavji,’ she tried again, ‘you have to believe me I would never do that to you!’ pleaded Khushi. ‘Afterall that has happened between us ….. I ……’

‘After all that has happened?’ he said acrimoniously, ‘you should know by now that being physically intimate has nothing to do with trust.’

Each word was a whiplash. She hit back. ‘Maybe you have the habit of being intimate with people you don’t trust but for me there is only one reason I would allow someone that right. It was true that first night in the desert and has been true each and every time since then.’

‘You were blushing when he said he knew you were in love.’

It was like he had just not heard her at all. ‘Yes!’ Khushi yelled back at him. ‘I was blushing because he had just told me that he knew that I was in love with you!’

‘You would say anything to get out of this mess won’t you?’ he grated, his caramel orbs glinting dangerously.

As she winced from the cruelty of his words, he bent to an inch from her lips. ‘I seriously regret the day I met you Khushi Kumari Gupta. I wish you had never entered my life!’ He straightened and walked away leaving her all alone in that splendid bedroom.

A few days later, Khushi sat in the bedroom packing her bag. Arnav had left for Delhi after the fight and hadn’t called her since.

Alone in the bedroom, she faced the lonely future with a devastating sense of bereavement. She had no more tears left. She felt like there was a hole in the place where her heart was supposed to be. What has she expected? That night in the library she had sensed profound pain inside him and had reached out to him voluntarily. He obviously had taken it as an acquiescence to take their marriage to the next level and nothing more than that. It was she who had begun to weave dreams of love around him.  It had meant nothing to him.

Shyam’s words came back to her with starling clarity ---

Why would he choose to be with you when he can have a ‘no strings attached’ relationship with a like-minded partner like Jenny? ‘Don’t you see how made for each other they are?

She remembered the words he had told Jenny that other day ---

I had no choice …..

Maybe he didn’t want to believe her about Shyam because he wanted to go back to the life he craved. To the United States. Back to freedom. Away from her.

She sighed deeply. She knew he had married her out of a sense of responsibility. She meant nothing to him. Earlier she had been forced to stay back because of Payal. But that was no longer an issue. It was time to break the ties which bound her to him. And tonight she would be able to put her plan into acting as Anjali had gone out with Manav to attend the wedding of their common friend. She did not want to confront her. She would leave her a letter. It was best that way.

Back in Delhi, Arnav paced about his study, angry with himself. The conversation he had with Khushi that night played over and over in his mind in the last few days.

He had just told me that he knew that I was in love with you……

God! She loved him! And he had dismissed it without thinking. He hated himself for having spoken to Khushi so harshly. What had come over him?Anger always got the better of him. He had hurt her by comparing her to Lavanya. How could he do that when he knew in his heart that she could never ever do anything like that? Since morning he had been feeling that she was calling to him. He had to talk to her. He dialled her number but she didn’t pick up her phone. F@#$! He raked his hand across his hair.

Someone had sent him that MMS with malicious intent and he had just played right into their hands. He was just about to dial again when his phone rang. It was the police. They asked him if he could bring them Lavanya’s jewel box for their inspection. He remembered putting the box in his case when he had left Raisar a few days ago. He agreed to bring it to them.

Arnav took the box out of the case and was about to put it on the table when it slipped out of his hands and fell on the floor, spilling all the contents. As he began to gather all the pieces of jewellery, a familiar piece stood out from the rest.  It was a men’s silver chain bracelet with a turquoise river stone embedded in the centre. There was one person who used to wear a bracelet like that many years ago --Shyam Manohar Jha.

Anjali’s phone rang and as she picked it up she realized it was Arnav. He was asking her where Khushi was as she was not receiving his calls.

‘I am on my way to Jaitsar for a wedding Chotte,’ explained Anjali, ‘Manav is with me. Khushi didn’t want to come because she had a head ache. I will be back tonight.’

‘Where is Shyam?’ he asked with dread.

‘He is still in Delhi,’ she told him, ‘Chotte? Is something wrong?’

‘Di, I am not really sure but I don’t have time to explain,’ he told her hurriedly, ‘just go back home right away. I will meet you there.’ He cut the phone.

‘Chotte is behaving so strangely.’ Anjali told Manav. ‘He wants us to go back to the Haveli.’

‘Anju,’ Manav said in a quiet tone, ‘I got your blood report. Your blood has traces of arsenic. That is why you have been getting stomach cramps. Someone has been lacing your food with arsenic.’

As Anjali looked at him shell shocked, Manav turned the car around stepping on the accelerator. ‘I will tell you everything I know.’ He said.

 Khushi walked into her old bedroom at the guest house. She had left her phone here when she had come here in the morning to look for some of her old belongings. She found it on the night stand. As she picked it up she saw the album that had belonged to Lavanya. She opened the cover to look at the college photo of Arnav she had seen earlier. She wondered if she could take it with her. As she took it out of the album she found another photo behind it. It was a group photo. Amongst all the people she found Lavanya laughing uninhibitedly up at a man who held her by her waist in a possessive way only a lover would hold. It was Shyam.

Suddenly, the elusive memory during her conversation with Shyam in the Junagarh palace came back to her ---

If you don’t leave him, he will find a way to get rid of you. Just like he got rid of his pregnant fiancée………

How had Shyam known that Lavanya was pregnant? Anjaliji had clearly told her that she didn’t know why Arnav was marrying Lavanya in such a hurry. Even Arnav had told her that no one knew about it. How did Shyam know something that even Anjali didn’t know?Unless.....Hey Devi Maiyya!

She had to tell Arnav. As she picked up her phone she found Arnav’s missed calls. He had tried to call her? Her heart surged with joy. She dialled his number only to be told that his phone was switched off. She decided to dial Anjali’s number but to her dismay her battery went dead. Cursing herself  for her carelessness, she picked up the land line to find the phone line dead as well.

‘You have figured it out haven’t you Khushiji?’ said a familiar voice, sending a chill up her spine.