Her Unexpected Husband- 27

Khushi tightened her hold on Arnav shoulder feeling a sudden change in his driving. The two-wheeler vehicle speed hiked as it entered into the highways.

“Arnavji…” She mumbled, gripping his shoulder flesh in fear.

He bit his inner cheeks sensing her trepidation and slowed down the speed

as his heart jumped in excitement at his newly found idea. He sneaked a look at her through the rear mirror & found her scary expressions cute. Without caution, he caught her free hand while managing the drive single-handedly, he circled her arm around his waist. She hunched forward hitting his back by his unexpected act. A gasp escaped from her mouth in shock, her eyes automatically enlarged within the sockets.

“Arnavji…” She called in alarm, wisely taking her hand off from him.

But, he caught her midway and put it back firmly “Wise people never miss this opportunity.”

Khushi still looked unsure of the situation and his statement worsens it more. What does he mean by? Has he says, he used this opportunity or he wants me to use this opportunity? She mused.

Nonetheless, she tore from her thoughts to concentrate on the present. Her eyes danced around her surroundings before whispering shyly on his ears “It's not our room.”

“So, what?”

His careless attitude made her more restless. She wriggled slightly on her seat, sharing a worried glance at him and the almost empty road.

“What will people think of us?” She tried to convince him only to fail in return as he sarcastically eyed her the road where vehicles are speeding to notice others.

Having left with no choice, she chose to enjoy the ride as it seems more appealing than worrying about others perspective on them. As soon as the decision was made her lips stretched wide adopting a shy smile. In addition, she clutched his shoulders and waist in her never loosening grip giving him a cue of her acceptance. Not failing to grab her intention, he gradually increased the speed making their ride, a most memorable one.

The travel come to end to make another unforgetting moment of their life. Khushi stepped down from the vehicle and looked around curiously. Her eyes shone with happiness giving competition to her grinning lips.

Arnav who has seen her from far after parking his bike noticed her cheerfulness and mentally praised himself as a reward for making the correct choice of place. He took long strides to reach her and join her in the fun when a guy out of nowhere stopped him from reaching her. He looked at the guy with a frown, a pure reflection of his current irritation and forcefully smiled when he recognised him. He’s one of his classmates from his college times. Sometimes we may not like a person without any reason. He’s one of that guy in Arnav life.

“Hey, buddy what's up?” That guy shared a hug much to Arnav's dismay.

“Nothing much. What about you?”

“Well, Everything is fine. I'm currently in the UK & came down for my girlfriend birthday. In fact, Join us Arnav. It'll be fun.” He invited for which Arnav simply nodded for courtesy.

“I'll be going man, will catch you some other time.” Arnav tried to excuse and escape from there but if only that guy hadn’t vowed to irritate him.

“Don't be a spoilt sport man. Wait, Is Lavanya here? That's why you're denying right? You want to enjoy with her alone. Naughty man…”

Arnav curled his finger into a fist ready to knock him down. He just wants to forget that bitter part of his life and people seems taking pleasure in reminding it to him.

Arnav gritted his teeth and replied to his query not wanting to take the risk of giving another delusional people a chance to think he shares some intimate relationship with Lavanya “No, I came here with my wife, Khushi.”

That guy pasted a shocked look and quickly composed himself seeing Arnav hard face “Oh, I’m sorry. No problem. You can join us with your wife.”

“No thanks. We’ve some other plans and my wife is waiting for me. I’ll be going.”

This time Arnav straightly denied on his face and excused himself before he pokes his nose more into his personal life.

Arnav shook his head while walking as if clearing the unwanted thoughts but guilt resided inside him stubbornly. He masked his expressions seeing Khushi or better say he tried to mask but failed miserably. With the fallen face, he reached her “Come Khushi.”

Khushi quietly followed him. Both are not in right conscience to notice the change in their partner. Death silence prevailed between them. Both lost in the thought of recent ruckus for different reasons.

Arnav stopped after some distance and made Khushi stand on the shadow before disappearing into the crowd “You wait here. I’ll buy tickets.”

Khushi nodded absentmindedly looking around the dispersed crowd. People around her are happy. Everyone came there to enjoy the adventures and dwell into the new world. But what is she doing? Sudden insecurity washed over her frame. She once again gave a glance to her surroundings and halted her sight at Arnav. His impassive face instantly captivated her thoughts. What happened suddenly? They both were happy when they started their journey, aren’t they? And what are they doing now? She chides herself for dwelling in self-pity mode ignoring her soulmate. Her worry took a back seat and she waits impatiently to know what made him upset all of sudden.  

Meanwhile, Arnav noticed her lost form after getting their tickets. A flash of her shy frame from not so hours before struck his brain. Instantly he regretted for immersed in self-loathing forgetting his wife. He brought her here to enjoy, but what is he doing? He made a quick run and reached her in seconds.

“What happened?”

Both asked simultaneously and stare at each other in surprise. Khushi is the first one to broke the eye lock “What makes you worried?” She asked somewhat knowing what pissed him off as she was standing only a few meters away from them. The cheers from the crowd disturbed her from hearing their whole conversation.

Arnav shook his head in denial and squinted his eyes “That’s not important. Where were you lost?”

Khushi feigned a glare “How it’ll not be important when the matter is about you?”

“I can ask you the same.” Arnav countered back.

“Are we going to argue about this whole day?” Khushi asked with raised brows trying to keep a stern face.

“You’re stubborn and dominating at times Khushi.” He cried experiencing her stubbornness on cutting him on middle always.

“So?”

Arnav inhaled sharply & braced himself to share his trouble “He, the guy also thinks I have an affair with Lavanya. I just want to bang myself somewhere for not gauging the perspective of others behind my back. Bloody idiot! Everyone thinks the same. I cannot even imagine the amount of damage we’re in just because of my foolishness in handling that particular relationship.” He stomped his foot on the floor, enraged beyond the limit.

Khushi offered a consoling hand to him, feeling his pain on her heart. She can feel the detest of hearing the non-existence relationship which people considered in altogether way, far from reality. She rubbed his arm to and forth, soothing his tension.

“Do you realise, we three are the most affected in this blunder?” He whispered in regret.

Khushi gulped seeing his fallen face and determined to bring him out from his guilt trip “I know. We’re humans Arnavji. We tend to make mistakes however we try hard to avoid it at circumstances. And moreover, we both know and now even our family has an idea about your true feelings. Then why are you wasting your energy by lamenting over the past? Instead, you should see what could be done to redeem the fault. Also, we cannot change people’s perspective by going into their mind Arnavji. Everyone has a mind of their own. We can’t keep going to every person and clear their doubts about you. Let it be. I know who you are! You don’t need to feel insecure and guilt about it EVER. What was made to happen has happened. It’s time to ignore unwanted people opinion in our lives.”

“I can’t believe you’re just Eighteen.” Arnav sighed feeling light hearing her soothing, encouraging words.

“Age is just a number Arnavji. Lessons learnt from real life experiences don’t have age restrictions.”

Once again Arnav stood open mouth smitten by her level of modesty.

“Shall we? I am so excited Arnavji.” Khushi broke his staring session feeling extremely awkward by his public display affection.

Arnav held her arms halting her from moving ahead “Not before you reveal the reason behind your fallen face.”

Now it’s time for her to adopt an expressionless face. She downcasted her eyes and fidgeted with the hem of the dress. She, who has given him rational thought not so lately, found it’s hard to cope up with her insecurities. Her heart beat strangely accelerated and she wondered why she couldn’t apply the same lessons she has given to Arnav to her own mind. Maybe because it’s easier said than done.

“I’m asking you something Khushi.”

“Nothing important Arnavji.” Her feeble voice wouldn’t have reached him if he was not standing at an arm distance from her.

“Do you want me to repeat your words?” Arnav asked sternly, lifting her jaw.

Khushi held his hand and met his eyes hesitantly “I’m not your type.”

“What?” He frowned at her answer not getting head or tail of her statement.

Khushi eyes sagged automatically and her voice came out in a low decibel “I am not perfect for you. I’m not the type of girl who has English on the tip of her tongue to match your standards. I saw how comfortably you both conversed in English. I couldn’t even understand things and how’ll I match you in this elite society.”

Arnav again wondered why couldn’t a mature girl like her, ever feel insecure. Nonetheless, he decided to put a full stop to his musings and concentrate on reality.

“Now I believe you’re Eighteen.”

Khushi head shot up in confusion and curiosity “What?”

“Just now you said, we should ignore third-person perspective if we’re clear with each other. Now, what happened? Sensible people do not fall into the trap of insecurities.”

Khushi bit her lips hearing the same words of her from his mouth.

“English isn’t life, it's just a language Khushi. You can learn it anytime. What matters is your pure heart which never thinks bad. Moreover, when I’m here why are you torturing your brain unnecessarily? Shed all your insecurities here itself. We came here to make some beautiful memories not sad ones.”

Her face brightens as clouds of doubts moved away “Done copycat.” She saluted making him frown.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re excused.” Khushi shrugged her shoulders effortlessly and her mannerisms itself told him, his Khushi is back.

Arnav threw his arm around her shoulder and clutched her neck from side “Naughty girl.”

Khushi laughed heartily nuzzling his palm which is rested on her neck. Arnav dropped a quick peck on her head before releasing her from his hold.

“Shall we?” He extended his arm and she hooked her arms around his in reply.

They both entered the theme park with content heart, leaving all their remaining worries at the entrance itself.

“How do you know I dreamed to come to this place?” She started a conversation with a question, walking closely with him.

“My heart said so.” He said biting his inner cheeks.

Like expected, Khushi hit his arm in irritation “Don’t be cheesy Arnavji.”

“Hey, Come on! I can’t buy another wife just to say this cheesy dialogues.”

Khushi pinched his arm in growing irritation.

“Ouch… I never knew I got such a violent wife.” He hissed dramatically.

“Here I’m overwhelmed and you’re teasing me.”

“Okay, baba… I’m sorry. It’s purely a wild guess. Most of the people love theme parks and I know you wouldn’t be here before.”

Khushi nodded before placing her head on his shoulder “When I was working in a house, they showed me the pictures of their trip to a theme park and shared their experience. From then, I wished to come here. Whatever I earned was enough only to fill our stomach and medical expenses of papa. So I am convinced it was always out of our reach. And today… I can’t believe you took me here.”

“Enough of past. Enjoy now. And keep in mind, everything is in your reach now.”

“Everything?” She asked in a mischievous tone alerting him.

“Don’t waste time Khushi. It’s getting late, Wait… before that, let us buy a set of clothes in case if our clothes damp in water rides.” He cleverly changed the topic and Khushi also dropped her mischief.

“There’ll be of no use if we buy now Arnavji. We can buy one after finishing the ride.”

“If you say so.” Arnav accepted her suggestion and took her to a pendulum ride which was free from the crowd at the moment.

Khushi excitedly took every ride having Arnav beside her. She never left her hold on him and vice-versa. His arms took a permanent place on her shoulder as he circled it over her and kept her under his wings. Even though everything is not new to him, he felt intriguing whenever Khushi excitedly shares her first ride experience and what she loved and what she feared and what she wishes. He took her in all ride enjoying equally with her. At some point even he got tired but our Khushi jumped with full energy.

“Arnavji this is not fair. Come na. I want to play in that pool.” The requesting statement is from none other than Khushi that is pleading to Arnav who settled comfortably under a tree shadow completely exhausted.

“Khushi, Aren’t you tired?”

“No… Come na… Please… Please…” She pleaded trying to yank him from his place. But he didn’t budge or better say his body failed to match her excitement.

“No way Khushi. I’m already worn out.” He whispered tiredly throwing his head back on the trunk of the tree and gulped a bottle of water.

“See you’re proving yourself an Oldy.” She stressed the last word in an intimidating way, evidently knowing how to get him on her track.

Arnav glared her and stood up to prove her wrong. Though a part of him is angry with her for pestering him when he’s really in need of rest, another part of him liked the way she keeps sticking to him and looks out to him every time. He liked being the universe of her life but he’s not open in accepting her complete rely on him.

“Arnavjiiiiii…” Khushi squeal put a break to his musings bringing him back to the reality.

They’re already in the middle of the big pool and Khushi is literally jumping on the water like a kid. Arnav face brightens automatically seeing the grinning face of Khushi. She looks so young at the moment that he felt regret for marrying her so early, dragging her into complex relationships. But instantly his mind scolded him for thinking like that considering the history of their marriage.

“Ahhh… Arnavjiii…”

Arnav laughed loudly and scooped her in his arms as she fell down from the inflatable swim rings splashing the water while trying to sit on it. His tiredness flew away without a trace seeing her antics.

“Don’t laugh.” She pouted placing her palm on his mouth.

“You’re unbelievable girl.” He cackled placing her on the ring. She garlands his neck instantly in the fear of sagging down.

“Happy now?”

She bobbed her head vigorously and giggled when he splashed water on her face. She shook her head horizontally in order to escape from his splash, earning a blur vision by her hairs which are almost covering her face as a resultant of her constant jiggles. She struggled to put her damp hair on its place when she felt Arnav doing something on her back. Before she could question him, she felt a quick peck on her lips over her hairs and then he was gone. She quickly pushes her hairs behind her shoulder, shocked by his action in a public place and looked around to spot him. She frowned spotting him speaking with some man away from her. His jaws are rough and his facial features seem rigid. Sudden fear rose on her mind. Till now something bad happened every time they feel content. And when they’re coming out of the clutches of problems and insecurities, she doesn’t want another one to add in their bucket making it intact always. She thought to move to him and see what the problem is. However, her husband made her thought futile by coming towards her. His face still carried a rough mask and the mask didn’t slip even after his wife gave a soothing caress to his cheeks.

“What happened? Who is that man?”

Her voice came out meekly fearing the worst. He pressed her palms in a comfort sensing her worry.

“Your dori was undone and that bastard was looking at you in a wrong way.” He said through gritted teeth, burning eyes breaking his resolve to hid this matter from her. He wanted to caution her with real-life problems even though he knows she has the capability to tackle everything alone.

Khushi gasped at the information and looked down at her frame to check herself once.

“Don’t…” Arnav warned lifting her face by slipping his finger under her jaw.

“I’m sor…”

“Shh… Shh… You’re at your best Khushi. There’s nothing wrong in your attire. It was an accident that bastard turned into his favour. Because of those animals under the name of a human, parents are afraid about their girl's safety and restrict them from achieving their dreams. Those bastards vision will be erroneous even on kids too. If we ask them, few will even aid them saying girls dressing sense drives them to react violently. I don’t know which school uniform expresses vulgarity that these bastards don’t spare school kids too. Those kids don’t even understand the meaning of their stare. These perverts just need a reason to demeanour girls to hide their horrendous thoughts. They don’t spare girls of any age. A real man never looks at other girls in a perverted way even if she is disrobed Khushi. And these monsters are not to be termed as a man. They’re shame to the human community. These scoundrels never realise, he also came from a women womb. He was also nurtured by a mother.

Having safely nurtured in the womb of her mother for ten months; Growing up under the guidance and protection of her father after her birth; Accessing everything like a princess in her home, she leaves everything behind and enters into her husband house to create another love filled household. A girl’s existence is beyond their understanding. And they think, they are superior if he destroys a girls body. Such pathetic losers!! They forget they’re null without girl/women in their lives. These monsters should keep in mind that his mother/sister/wife/daughter is also living in this hazardous society and some man will be looking at his house ladies the same way he looks at other girls...”

His lips trembled in fury when he finished voicing out his thoughts. Before he could control his rage, he staggered back.

“I LOVE YOU Arnavji!” Khushi threw her arms around his neck confessing her heart out in an unpredicted time caught him dumbfounded. Shifting her head slightly, she placed a firm moist kiss on his cheeks shedding all her inhibitions amidst the thousands of people in the pool. She knows, it’s hard to find a man like hers and she’s proud of having him.

NEXT PART