Her Unexpected Husband- 23

“Khushi….” He called again only to meet with silence. He firmly believed Khushi is not going to hear his side unless she’s down from her anger. Throwing the pillow & mat aside, he sauntered towards the bed and frowned at the way she laid.

‘Clever girl. She doesn’t want me near her. Learn from her you stupid. You don’t need enemies from outside, your tongue itself is enough.’ He scolded himself loudly thinking it’s to be mind voice, unknowingly bringing the lost smile on her face.

He examined the space beside her which is too small for his frame as she’s lying diagonally on the bed on her stomach. However he tries to accommodate himself beside her, either his lower half will be hanging down or his single leg will be hanging down. But has he had another choice? He didn’t fail to notice the way, she buried her face on the bed, hiding her face from him.

Firstly, he sat on the edge and tried his luck again “Khushi… Hear me na… I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything and you can give any punishment after hearing my side. Khushi, Are you listening to me?” He spoke desperately trying to get some reaction out of her.

Having left with no choice, he laid beside her letting his lower half hanging down and threw his arm over her shoulder. Next moment she shrugged her shoulder, shoving his hand.

Sighing, he tightly gripped her shoulder this time and kept his face on her junction between neck and collarbone after pushing aside her hairs. She knows, she is melting slowly as her anger is evaporating paving way for her rational thinking. His urge to mend things also creating an impact on her. Her rational part wants to give him a chance to explain things but another part wants to be angry with him for a long time. So, she gritted her teeth and angrily elbowed his stomach “Don’t touch me.”

“Ouch…” He winced in pain and the realisation struck him hard. The scenario is repeating. Earlier it was him who remained unresponsive and now it’s Khushi turn and both tried the same technique. Whatever reasons are, he shouldn’t have spoken like that. They’re husband and wife for heaven sake and he should seriously keep his tongue in check. Such painful words can create a scar for the lifetime and it may even bring trouble to their relationship.

Vowed to set things right, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder “Khushi… Please… Don’t sleep with worries Khushi. It can leave a bad effect on your mental health. I don’t want you to become me.”

Khushi opened her eyes in jerk hearing his last sentence. Her brain already started to debate about the possibilities of the cause behind his words.

“My mental state itself proof to you. You need not to forgive me but please don’t go to sleep with pressure.” He genuinely told in a low voice, feeling exhausted by all things majorly, her ignorance.

Does her already melting heart need anything more than his health? Never. She can get angry with him at any time but for that, both should remain hale and healthy, physically and mentally. Since she had already given him a fit remark for his words, she decided to mellow down a bit and hear his story. Maybe she can conclude after that and decide what should be done. Because to come to a conclusion, one needs to see both sides of the coin. Her side of hurt and pain is already conveyed to him and now it’s his time to convey. Once her rational side won, she decided to turn around and hear his story but before that, he gently kept his face on her back & put a soft peck on her back and closed his eyes.

“Do you remember, once I said we both are equal partners in this life irrespective of the age? I’m saying it again. You’re my other half Khushi. You’re equal to me. By pointing your character, I've indirectly pointed myself. By questioning your support, I’ve degraded myself Khushi. I want to safeguard your self-respect, the same way I safeguard my respect. By demeaning our marriage, I fell down on my eyes. I won’t be surprised if you lost your trust in me and this marriage. As I know, you reap what you sow… I destroyed our beautiful days just in a blink. So don’t ever blame yourself for this disruption and don’t lose hope in our lives. Maybe I broke your fairytale but I can create another one if you allow me. Life is always a twisted tale Khushi. I don’t want us to get trapped in the twisted tale. You also said na, life is always about ups and downs. One need to share everything within their family to keep it running. I failed once but I need second chance to mend the things Khushi. I want to share everything and want to be guided by you. I… I badly need to let out my apprehension but I don’t know what to do and how to do as I didn’t want to disturb you and I had no time either. All things bottled up in my mind and I lashed out on you triggered by the memory. And I want to add that, those words are not meant to you. I’m not saying this for you to forgive me earlier. I want you to sleep peacefully without worrying about you being at fault. I’ll wait till you forgive me. I… Are you hearing me Khushi? I need to tell you where I had been gone from past days and what kept me busy.”

Khushi patiently heard his speech. His open insight eased off all her remaining uneasiness and she’s ready to hear him and help him out. Both are hurt and both want to mend it. So what’s the point of holding back and hurt themselves more? She’s going to hear him and forgive him any day, then why the day should not be today when he already realised his blunder and willing to apologise and fix it. Her thought process is interrupted by a shrill of a ring. She heard him groan and sat up withdrawing his hands.

“Hello, dad…”

Unknown to him, Khushi sharpened her ears and braced herself to take some information out of the phone conversation.

“I can’t come. Don’t take me wrong dad. I have a family to take care of. I’ve two girls waiting here for me. I can’t leave them on their own every night and come there. I’ve my own life too dad. My wife needs me and my time more than anyone. I want to spend my time with her. I’ll contact you tomorrow. Bye...”

She could fathom only that, he’s with his family from past days. Someone from his family is keeping him busy. Suddenly she sat up jerked as a sudden thought of his mother strikes her. She is already against their marriage. What is she got some serious health issues due to these? With these thoughts, she raised her hand and was about to keep it on his shoulder in comfort, when his words came back to her again, piercing her heart. Her arm instantly descended but Arnav held it and kept it on his cheek “I know it’s not easy to forgive and forget. But at least try, for OUR sake.” He whispered guiltily, gently pecking her open palm “And I promise you, I’ll try my best to erase those bad memories. And hit me or scold me if you want, let your hurt out. By keeping it with you, you’re giving it a chance to dominate you.”

As if waiting for him to say that, she beat his chest numerous times with her fist “Will you speak non-sense henceforth? Will ever your stupid brain says you shouldn’t have married me?”

“Never.” He replied for her question and allowed her to hit him.

Tired by hitting his chest, she smacked lips by her palms shocking him to the core. “If ever I hear nonsense from your mouth, I’ll beat you. Remember this punishment before allowing your tongue to speak rubbish.”

“Heyy… Stop you, little girl.” He uttered coming out of his shock and earned another slap on his mouth.

“What did I spoke wrong now?”

She wiped the remaining tears from the corner of his eyes and sniffed “I’m not a little girl.”

“Ok. Big girl.” He chuckled enclosing her in his arms.

As she moved closer to him, she noticed slight marks of her fingers on his right cheek. Stroking it ever gently she looked up at his eyes “Is it paining?”

He nodded with a pout. She moved forward and placed her soft tender lips on his hard marked cheeks.

“If you’re going to redo the slaps like this, I’m willing to get more slaps from you.” He muttered hoarsely and earned another set of slaps and giggles from her.

“Enough of cries, apologies and slaps. It’s time to reveal.” He declared seriously.

Khushi turned serious and moved away from him, taking a comfortable seat in front of him.

“But before that please bring a litre of water. You made me cry and I’m dehydrated now.” He teased to make the atmosphere less intense but obtained some more slaps in return.

“I shouldn’t have granted you permission to hit me.” He could only mutter after granting it.

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