Valley of Flowers Chapter 23

ARNAV sat at the restaurant of the Orchard Hotel of the famous Orchard street in Singapore, sipping his coffee as he scrolled down the news on his ipad. Coincidentally, this restaurant was also called the Orchard Café.

Having lived in US for a long time, he was used to eating bland continental breakfast. But now he stood in front of the cooking station trying his best to ask the chinese cook to make his omelette extra spicy. The clueless man handed him a bottle of Tobasco sauce. How did Khushi make the omelette so tasty? He had a sudden craving for her parathas. What had she done to his palate?

It was two days since he had come to Singapore and he hated every single minute of it. He missed Khushi like crazy. He missed seeing her facefirst thing in the morning and the last thing before he went to sleep. The nights were the toughest. He missed having her in his arms, sifting his hand through her hair, making love to her, her warm body plastered to his while they slept.

He had to get over this addiction. He was a businessman and he had to travel. There was no way he was going to be able to take her everywhere he went. It wouldn’t be fair on her as she had her dance classes to think about. He thought about the impending month-long US trip. What was he going to do?He wanted to hear her voice. He checked the time. It was too early to call her. Dammit!

Contrary to what Arnav was thinking, back in India Khushi wasn’t asleep at all, thrashing about as she was ensconced in the grip of a nightmare. Someone was chasing her in a dark alley and she was trying to escape him until she had hit a dead end. As she tried to calm her pounding heart, she heard a knock on the door and opened it to find Shyam standing there.

‘What are you doing here Shyamji?’ Khushi was aghast when Shyam walked into the room casually.

He stopped and turned around looking at her contemptuously. ‘You know what I am doing here Khushiji. I am here to remind you that we had a deal.’

‘Look Shyamji, this is inappropriate.’ Khushi whispered. ‘This is not the time or place for this discussion. Please leave.’

‘This is what happens if you don’t pick up calls Khushiji,’ he sneered. ‘Did you think you could just avoid me and I would do nothing?’

‘Shyamji please,’ she implored, ‘what if someone sees you here?’

Shyam turned around, ‘Who is there to hear us?’ He sat on the bed.

It suddenly struck Khushi that there was no one in the house except for Naniji. Anjali was in Lucknow for a seminar and Payal and Akash had gone over to spend a couple of days in Mr Malhotra’s farm house with NK and Ria.

Shyam looked at the bed and at her and a salacious look entered his eyes. ‘Fate has given us this wonderful opportunity to be together Khushiji.’

Khushi moved back all the way toward the door, her entire body quaking with rage. ‘Get out!’ she bit out, tears filling her eyes. She was ready for flight but she didn’t want to worry Naniji unnecessarily.

‘Don’t you have any pity Khushiji? Do you know how insipid Anjali is in bed? It was a total waste marrying her.’

‘Stop it!’ Khushi felt bile rise in her throat.‘Don’t talk about Di like that!’

‘She is not like you Khushiji,’ he looked up at her. ‘You are so beautiful…vivacious’ He stood up and began walking toward her.

Then he continued. ‘I saw you throw water on Arnav and run -- that night in the kitchen. That was so provocative. Any man would want to come after you and carry you in his arms -- the way Arnav did.’ He stopped in front of her, his eyes sweeping over her lasciviously. ‘I want -- that Khushiji.’

Khushi raised her hand and slapped him hard across his cheek, using the force of her entire body.

‘I should have done this a long time ago,’ Khushi spat out. ‘You should be ashamed of yourself! You married Di with wrong intentions – for her money! How dare you?

Khushi raised her voice uncaring of who might hear her. ‘It was my mistake that I entertained the thought of giving in to your blackmail. I am not going to give you any money. Now get out of this room!’

Shaym held a hand to his cheek, completely flabbergasted by Khushi’s rancour. He didn’t want Naniji to wake up. He quickly stepped out of the room and looked back at her. ‘You know what this means don’t you Khushiji?’

‘I know!’ Khushi spat out in anger. ‘I have decided to tell Arnav the truth about what happened when he gets back from Singapore. Di deserves to be rid of a man like you.’

‘You think Arnav will believe you over his own mother?’ Shyam voiced her own fears. ‘Do you think Anjali will believe you over me?’

Khushi shut the door and leaned against it weakly tears streaming down her cheeks.

Shyam Manohar Jha paced about in the living room of his house seething with insane rage. Khushi had slapped him. How dare she? He would have to teach her a lesson she wasn’t going to forget in a long time. The phone rang and Shyam’s face contorted in anger as he saw the caller id.

‘Didn’t I tell you to stop calling me?’ he barked into the phone. ‘Stop threatening me you son of a *****! Remember we are in this together. There has been a delay. That’s all. I will have the money in a day or two. I will call you.’ He cut the phone.

Khushi refusal to give him the money had put him in deep shit. He needed money desperately.

When Anjali’s dad was admitted in Ashray about a year ago, the state of his mental health had given him the idea that it would be easy to get the old man to sign the will in his name. He knew Anjali had a copy of the original will in which the property was bequeathed to his two children.

But neither sibling cared about the property.Both of them were workaholics who only cared about their work and nothing else.For Arnav, his share of property was peanuts compared to what he made in business and Anjali would probably donate her share to Ashray for the upliftment of the retards she slogged for.But that money would be very useful to him. There had to be some incentive for marrying this Mother Theresa.Once he had made this decision, it had been easy to get his father-in-law to sign the new will in his name.

Getting him out of the way had been the obvious next step. When Dr Manav had changed the BP medication he had explained that the old medication, if continued, would have no effect due to the psychiatric drug he was taking at the time. That would cause a rise in the blood pressure levels, leading to a stroke or a heart attack. This had provided him with the perfect opportunity to get rid of the old man without suspicion. The only problem was that he couldn’t have done this on his own. He had been forced to use Raju, the boy who had been assigned to take care of him in the home. He had talked the boy into administering the old medication by bribing him with a mere 1000 rupees. Once the old man had been admitted to the hospital, he had asked Raju to hide out inhisremote village in Uttarpradesh --just in case there was an enquiry. Everything had gone according to plan but his relief was short-lived. Raju, had found out that the old man had died and his worthless little pea brain had over functioned, figuring out that he could weasel out more money. And now he called him incessantly demanding five lakhs for his silence. He was considering silencing him in a different way but that would have to wait.

Even though he had the Lucknow house in his name, encashing on it so soon would put him on radar with Anjali.On the night of Khushi’s birthday, she had informed him about the will and though he had pretended to be shocked, Anjali’s eyes seemed to be scrutinizing him deeply. And when he had feigned regret over her dad’s capricious behaviour, she had conceded with him saying she couldn’t believe that her father had changed his will just a month before his death. She seemed upset that Arnav had been cut out of the will. Her sudden attachment to her estranged brother rankled him.

Khushi’s threat to tell Arnav the truth would put him in trouble. If Arnav found out that he was involved in sending Khushi away all those years ago, he would come after him. But for that he would have to believe that his own mother plotted against him and that was highly unlikely. First, he would have to solve the money problem.

He went up to the bedroom and took out the suitcase stowed away in the loft. It belonged to his father-in-law. He would have to check and see if there was any cash, cheque or LIC policy he could use. Anything.

Khushi sat at the wheel of her new car as she drove back home after her class. But her mind was preoccupied. The early morning visit by Shyam had disturbed her deeply. She had never slapped anyone in her life. However, the vile man’sinnuendos had been too much to tolerate. Now it had become inevitable that she bring out the truth. Anjali did not deserve to live with a man like Shyam. Her heart went out to the woman who was nothing but good at heart. But how would Arnav receive the news of his mother’s betrayal? she thought in despair.

Later that night, Khushi slept on the bed, with a night light on,holding Arnav’s pillow to her breast. She blushed thinking about his call a few minutes ago, as he had told her in husky voice, how much he missed her. She missed him more.

She missed those mesmerizing brown eyes that held the power to melt her insides, she missed feeling his arm around her waist as she slept, the musky smell of his cologne, the rasp of his beard against her cheek.

The knock on the door startled her and she hurried up thinking it might be naniji and opened the door without thinking. Not again! She was shocked to find Shyam standing there. She was about to shut the door on him when he slid his foot in preventing her from doing that. He pushed the door open forcing her to step back into the room. He shut the door behind him.

‘If you don’t leave the room this instant, I will scream,’ she threatened him.

‘Go ahead,’ he challenged her. ‘You think Naniji can hear you from her room downstairs?’

She rushed to her phone, but he was quicker. ‘What have you come back here for?’ She bit out angrily. ‘I told you I am not giving you any money!’

She saw a malevolent look entering his face. He had something up his sleeve.‘I don’t need the 5 lakhs I asked you for Khushiji.’ He stated simply.

‘Then why --’

‘I need fifty.’

‘Sorry?’ Khushi was astounded.

‘I said I need fifty lakhs.’ He said slowly.

‘Have you gone mad Shyamji?’ Khushi looked at him like he had grown two horns, ‘I am telling you that I am not going to give a single rupee and you are asking me for fifty lakhs?’

‘Well, the information I had earlier was only worth that much,’ he paused. ‘But what I am going to tell you now – no, I better show you.’ He took a photograph out of his pocket and showed it to her.

Khushi stared at a black and white picture of a girl and a man, standing next to each other. The man was smiling at the camera while the girl had affectionately leaned in so her temple touched his chin.

The horrifying fact was the girl in the picture was -- her mother! And the man was definitely not her father.

‘What is this?’ Khushi whispered afraid of what she was going to hear.

Shyam snickered. ‘You tell me Khushiji. That is your mother isn’t it?’

‘Yes.’ He mother looked about seventeen in that picture.

‘Do you recognize the man in the picture?’

‘No.’ She shook her head.

‘Look closely,’ he said in his slithery voice. ‘Doesn’t he look remotely familiar to someone you met recently?’

As Khushi continued to stare at the picture, he continued. ‘I found this in ourdearest father-in-law’s belongings.’

This man was Arnav’s dad? The man in the picture was a healthy looking young man in his mid-twenties, clean shaven, his thick hair oiled and combed perfectly. Then she saw the resemblance to Arnav. They had the same brown eyes.

Her heart constricted as images of how he looked in the hospital flashed before her eyes. He had been frail with thinning grey hair and beard.

Arnav’s dad and her mother? It couldn’t be! Her beautiful, wonderful and kind mother. Memories of her mother were the only happy memories she had of her childhood.

‘Turn the picture over.’

Khushi turned the photograph over to find a name scrawled in hindi. Laali! That was the name her father-in-law had addressed her as in the hospital. Khushi knew she was spitting image of her mother in her younger days. Her father-in-law, in his state of delusion had mistaken her for her mother. The photograph slipped out of her hand, her entire body suffused by tremors. She held on to the dresser for support.

Arnav had told her that his dad was in love with a woman before he was married and had never been able to forget her. She was the “other” woman in Sharada Raizada’s life. The other woman was her mother.

Was she the same woman Arnav had seen at the fair when he was seven? Was it a chance meeting or pre-planned? Had they been in an affair? Her mind began to spin. Hey Devi Maiyya! The implications were too horrifying to imagine.

‘Please Shyamji …..don’t tell ...him.’ She got the words out with great difficulty.

‘I will not Khushiji --’ he paused, ‘if you take money from your joint account and give me fifty lakhs.’

Khushi didn’t even want to ask him how he knew about their joint account. ‘NO!

‘No?’ He looked at her lustfully.‘What else can you give me Khushiji?’

Khushi stood numbly, her brain not quiet registering his innuendo.

His bloodshot eyes swept her. ‘But I want the money more.’

‘What will I tell Arnav?’ She pleaded weakly.

‘You wouldn’t have to tell him anything because you won’t be here.’ He said calmly.

‘What?’ Her heart stopped.

‘You will have to leave him Khushiji,’ he said looking at her with malice. ‘Five years ago I was the one responsible to separate Arnav and you. I have to do it again. It is destiny don’t you see?’

Shyam was insane, realized Khushi. But he was right. There was no way she could stay with him now, knowing her own mother had ruined a happy family, separated two kids from their father. It was very clear from the photograph that she loved the man standing next to her. Her aunt had never told her anything, but buaji had taunted her about her bad blood over the years. She felt like her heart was being ripped out when she realized that Arnav and she were not meant to be.

The joint account was just activated this morning ‘Give me two days.’

Shyam smiled. ‘That’s more like it.’ Then his eyes took on a malicious glint. ‘But for some reason if you change your mind like last time, let me tell you one thing. Your precious Di will not survive the next accident.’

‘You … you caused her accident?’

‘It was a good plan but that b#$%^ survived,’ he grated with derision. ‘I wish she was as co-operative as her father.’

Khushi thought she would faint with shock. ‘You ….killed Arnav’s dad?’ she squeaked.

‘No Khushiji, I didn’t do anything,’ he said emphatically. ‘Do you remember that afternoon when you didn’t want to go the hospital with me to give his lunch?’ A glazed look entered his eyes as he continued. ‘He was thirsty and I just gave him a glass of orange juice. I couldn’t believe it when he began to wheeze. By the time I could find a doctor, he had succumbed.’

Khushi looked at him in surprise, confounded by his regret. But a chill went up her spine when he began to laugh.

Arnav was worried when he reached the Raizada House in the late evening. Khushi’s phone had been switched off since previous night.He had reached Delhi a day early as he had a surprised planned for her.

The moment he entered the bedroom he knew something was wrong. He switched on the lights in the room to find the cream curtains billowing in the breeze, dark brown upholstery on the bed neat and creaseless, the green recliner in its position. Everything looked exactly the same as he had left it. But …..

His heart pounding wildly in his chest, he opened the cupboard and found Khushi’s side of the wardrobe empty. F#$%!

No! He was not going to panic. He switched on his India phone. Tons of messages waited for him but one caught his eye. Rs 50 lakhs withdrawn from accountxxxxxx. He called the bank. They confirmed to him that Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada had withdrawn the amount from the joint account, a day ago.

Then he saw the letter on the night stand.

With fingers that shook, he opened the letter and read the contents. It felt like déjà vu as he read the pure hindi script.

Arnav,

I am going to Mumbai as I have been offered a role in a movie. I have waited so long for an opportunity like this and I didn’t want to let it go just because I happen to be married. You told me that I could have as much space I wanted and more. I am taking you up on that offer. I don’t know how long this will take. I hope you understand.

Before you left for Singapore, you asked me what was wrong with me. I didn’t know what to say to you at the time. But I have come to realize the reason for my restlessness. I miss my life in show biz -- the fame and the fortune that goes with it. This is my calling. I should never have come back. You were always right -- this life of domesticity was not for me after all.

I have hidden the fact that I am married hoping it would increase the opportunities that come my way. So, don’t come looking for me.

PS: By the way, I have borrowed some money from our joint account. You know how expensive it is to stay in Mumbai. You said we could share, right?

--Khushi

Arnav crushed the letter and threw it aside. An intense rage assailed him as he paced about the room like a caged tiger.

He saw her bangle stand on the dresser, walked up to it, picked it up and smashed it against the wall, his brown eyes filled with unshed tears as he watched it splinter into small pieces, scattering the bangles all over the floor.

His heart felt exactly the same –completely shattered.

Valley of Flowers Chapter 22

KHUSHI sat in the bath tub in the Raizada Mansion imprisoned in throes of her day dream. She remembered the love filled weekend at hotel Amarvilas, a week ago.

Her body heated up when she thought of the raw passion he had unleashed when he had taken her urgently on the dresser. But then later the same night, he had exercised utmost control and taken his time worshipping her entire body like he was a dying man quenching his thirst. Again in the wee hours of dawn, she had awakened to see him staring at her with those mesmerizing caramel eyes and she was lost in their swirling depths, willingly giving herself up as he devoured her ravenously.

Much later that morning, just she had sunk into the bathtub completely covered by bubbles and closed her eyes, grateful for the piping hot water as it soothed her sore body, Arnav had walked in and taken off his shirt revealing his perfectly toned muscles . ‘I thought we could save time as we are running late for Mr Sheik’s lunch.’ He had stripped before she could open her mouth and climbed into the tub.

Her stomach did a flip flop when she remembered how he had lathered her with the soapy water, massaging her gently, all over. But instead of soothing her he had ended up arousing her and himself, and there was no other option but to assuage the flames that raged within. They had ended up being late for the lunch.

It had been like this since their trip to Agra. It was like all inhibitions had flown out the window in that magical place. They had become insatiable.

He had come to her school one afternoon, surreptitiously watching her while he talked on the phone for a good one hour, reminding her of the days when she used to practice dance in Naniji’s room. Then he had taken her to their farm house which happened to be close. ‘I couldn’t wait until tonight Khushi…’ he told her.

One time, he came back early from work when she been sitting in the living room having tea with Anjali, Payal and Naniji. Everyone was expecting him to join them but he told them that he had to talk to Khushi regarding the Agra meeting. Only she could understand that his caramel brown eyes were simmering with desire, as he indicated for her to come up with a slight movement of his head. She had shaken her head with the slightest of nods refusing to comply. He strode up the stairs and in a few seconds she heard his booming voice.‘Khushi, I need you here now!’

She remembered how her anger had risen, her face turning a deep shade of red as the three women at the table tried hard to supress their chuckles. Laad Governor! She had walked into the room so she could give him a piece of his mind. ‘What do you think---’ She couldn’t complete the sentence as Arnav pushed her against the door, crashing his lips against her, fast and furious. The moments their tongues had meshed Khushi’s anger had vaporised into thin air, clutching at his hair with an urgency that matched his own.

The shrill ring of the phone brought Khushi out of her reverie and she hurried out of her bath, her heart fluttering like a humming bird, thinking it might Arnav. Did he remember what day it was?  When she looked at her phone, reality hit her like a splash of cold water, bringing her out of her daydream. She closed her eyes, her heart twisting painfully. It was Shyam. Hey Devi Maiyya, protect me, she prayed.

A little later, Arnav and Anjali sat in a coffee shop. They had just come out of a meeting with the lawyer regarding their father’s will.

‘Di,’ Arnav placated. ‘I don’t know why you are so upset about the will.’

‘There is something wrong Arnav,’ Anjali said her face twisted in consternation. ‘Dad would never do something like this.’

‘Di, it is alright,’ Arnav consoled his sister.‘I don’t deserve it anyway.’

‘It’s not about who deserves what Arnav,’ Anjali moved her hands in agitation.She took a document out of her purse. ‘I have the copy of the will he made a year ago. I went along with him to make this one. He left the Lucknow house to both of us.’

‘Di, you heard that lawyer. He made a new will a month before he died. That is the latest will.’

‘Arnav, dad’s mental condition deteriorated over the last year. How is it possible for him to make a decision like this?’

‘Di,’ Arnav was strangely surprised with Anjali’s behaviour. ‘Dad left his house to Shyam. So what’s the big deal? You both took care of him during his final days. So now the house belongs to you both.’

‘Not both,’ Anjali said sharply.‘It belongs to Shyam.’

 ‘I can’t believe this,’ he groaned. ‘So you are also one of those couples who run separated finances.’ This was exactly what he was trying to explain to Khushi.

‘I wish.’ Anjali folded her hands looking at the floor.

‘What do you mean Di?’ Arnav leaned forward curiously.

‘I run his finances most of the time,’ she said in a rush. ‘He is always in need of money as he claims to be investing in some scheme or the other. I gave him money from what nanaji left for me. I think he has borrowed from many people as well. I have no idea where all the money goes.’

‘F#$%!’ Arnav exclaimed. ‘I could never have guessed.’

‘No one does actually,’ she said quietly. ‘But I am a psychologist and I have analysed his behaviour pattern.  `

‘He appears very well mannered and calm. But internally he is very restless. He is manipulative, lacks integrity at work and has an inferiority complex about his middle class upbringing. I think the root cause might be a troubled childhood.’

‘What the f@#$!’ Arnav was astounded by Anjali’s revelations.‘Why are you still putting up with all this crap? You should have left him long time ago. Sometimes mistakes happen when you chose a life partner. You can correct it now.’

‘I didn’t choose him Arnav,’ Anjali said quietly. ‘Mom did.’

‘How is that possible Di?’ Arnav’e eyebrows snapped together in confusion. ‘You know how class conscious she was? I thought you had chosen him just to spite mom.’

‘I was surprised too Arnav, but there was no way I could have asked her about it.’

Anjali began reminiscing about events that had occurred during the time starting with their Nanajj’s demise to finally when he had taken their mom leaving her behind.

Arnav raked a hand through his hair. ‘I wish I had been there for you Di.’

‘I wish I was there for you too.’ When Arnav looked up at her in surprise, Anjali said, ‘You hadn’t been yourself since Khushi left. But you wouldn’t let anyone near you. You had completely closed up.’

Arnav explained to his sister what had happened between him and Khushi all those years ago.

‘Nani and I knew there was something between you two!’ Anjali said emphatically. ‘But I can’t believe she would have left you for her career. Khushi doesn’t seem that type.’

‘It doesn’t matter anymore Di,’ Arnav said taking a deep breath. ‘It’s all behind me now. Khushi and I have started afresh.

‘Since I came back and saw how much Khushi has accomplished in her life, I realized that the decision she took at the time was the right one. She was just 18 years old at the time Di. What is wrong in thinking about your career? It was exactly around that age when I went to the US to complete my graduation. I left my family behind didn’t I?

‘What if she had just settled down into a life of domesticity with me? Would she have been happy?’

Anjali got up from her seat and went up to sit next to him. She touched a hand to his cheek. ‘Yes Arnav, she would have been. My heart says, she would have given up everything to be with you. But I also know she wouldn’t have had to give up everything. You wouldn’t have let her. You would have made sure she accomplishes her dreams and aspirations.’

‘Di --’ It felt so good to talk about this to his sister.

‘Arnav, whatever that is between you and Khushi is very unique. Nurture it with care.’ She said wistfully.

Arnav held Anjali’s hand and looked at her seriously. ‘Di, you can have that in your life too. It is better late than never. I think you should leave Shyam. I will support you.’

‘It is not as simple as that. He needs help. I will ask Manav to talk to him.’

‘First it was dad and now this.’ Arnav banged his hand on the table in frustration.

‘Dad’s illness was triggered by the accident but Shyam’s is a personality disorder.’

‘Whatever Di!’ Arnav exclaimed angrily. ‘Are you planning to live the rest of your life trying to “help” him?’

‘I have to try.’

‘At what cost Di?’

They both hugged each other then, the unshed tears in Arnav’s eyes, flowing freely from Anjali’s.

Khushi rang the bell to the Raizada Mansion,and found it strange that no one opened the door. This had never happened to her before. She dug into her purse for a spare key she carried for emergencies and realized the door was open after all. When she pushed the door open, it was pitch dark – another strange thing. Her heart beating wildly she called out ‘Hariprakashji?’ She fumbled in the darkness to find the switch and then all of a sudden the overhead chandelier came on blinding her momentarily as a loud ‘SURPRISE’ rent the air.

She stood shell shocked as a number of laughing faces stood huddled together.

‘Happy Birthday,’ Arnav whispered in her ear coming up from the side. ‘Why don’t you freshen up and come down to cut your cake?’ A beautiful pineapple fresh cream cake lay on the table.

Khushi looked at Arnav her eyes moist. ‘How did you --?’

‘Payal told me this morning,’ Arnav said looking at her. She had left before her birthday. How would he know?

Khushi quickly changed into rust coloured georgette with black border and a matching black blouse. As she came down the stairs,her eyes searched for Arnav and when she found him, her dhak-dhak began in earnestwhen she recognized the look his eyes.

Once the cake was cut, Naniji came up to her and gave her blessings.

‘Happy Birthday Khushi,’ Payal hugged her warmly. ‘Amma wanted to come, but babuji is a little under the weather.’

‘Why didn’t she tell me when she called me in the morning?’ Khushi pouted.

‘Because she knew you would go running home and spoil Arnavji’s surprise party. I made jalebis for you today. But Ashuhas almost finished it.’ She added looking at her son affectionately.

‘I guess he inherited the family trait from you ha?’ Akash quipped smiling.

Khushi took her little nephew in her arms. ‘Why don’t you send him to play with me anymore jiji? I miss putting this little brat to sleep. I am sure he misses me too.’ She tickled his little tummy.

‘Ah sure Khushi, if you miss him so much we will send him to you tonight,’ Akash said tongue in cheek. He immediately earned a slap on his arm from Payal. Khushi went red in the face when she realized what Akash was insinuating.

Though Arnav was across the room talking to Mr Malhotra, he turned his face toward her, giving her a look that could melt her insides. He was a magician weaving sensual spell, putting her in a trance in a room full of people.

‘Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday today Khushi?’ Mrs Bedibroke the spell. ‘It was so hard not to wish you once I got the invitation from your husband.’

Before she could answer girls from her dance class surrounded her wishing her with utmost exuberance.

‘They were thrilled because Mr Raizadasent us a Innova so we could get here,’ she told Arnav. ‘They think this is some sort of a field trip.’ She added affectionately.

As the group proceeded to take a tour of the house, Khushi saw Ria and NK walk in.She summoned Arnav to her side with a slight nod. ‘You invited Nanheji?’ she whispered anxiously.

‘Of course,’ he said, his brown eyes instantly taking on a possessive glint, ‘I wanted to show off that you belong to me.’

‘Arnav!’ Khushi groaned.

‘I am just kidding,’ he smiled mischievously. ‘I apologized to him for hitting him on his wedding day. This was a peace offering. I didn’t want things to become awkward between him and Akash.’

‘So you did this for Akash?’ Khushi said raising her eyebrows.

‘Yes, not for you. I don’t care if things between you and NK are awkward. In fact I might prefer it. And stop calling him that weird name and call him NK or Nandakishore.I hate it!’

And just like that he was back to being the Laad Governor, thought Khushi. But his possessiveness didn’t bother her one bit. In fact, she preferred it.

Anjali came in with Dr Manav and hugged her whole heartedly apologizing for coming late. She looked extremely tired and stressed out. Dr Manav wished her and rushed off immediately as he had an emergency at the hospital.

‘Di, are you alright?’ Arnav said lines of concern creasing his forehead. ‘Where is Shyam?’

‘I have no idea,’ she said quietly. ‘His phone is switched off. I have a splitting headache.’

‘Shall I bring you some dinner?’ Khushi offered.

Arnav held her hand. ‘I will do that. You go and take care of the guests.’

Khushi smiled her compliance and went about making sure everyone was being taken care of. She was about to call out to the couple standing by the pool side when she realized it was Lavanya. She was talking to a well-built man about her own height. She had never seen him before.

‘That’s Karan Sighania,’ Arnav supplied coming up behind her. ‘I knew she was going through a rough patch when she came when mom died, but I refrained from interfering as it was none of my business.

‘After you told me what Lavanya had done I figured it was time to call her husband and find out what was going on. He said that Lavanya craves attention and being an extremely busy business man, he hadn’t been able to fulfil her needs. I think she became miffed with him when he cancelled a trip to Greece which they were supposed to take to celebrate her birthday and came to India saying she needed some time alone.

‘Now that they are talking they will figure it all out. Communication is key in the life of any married couple. We resolved NK and Lavanya’s issues only by talking it out, didn’t we?’

Khushi felt like a knife was being twisted in her heart.

After the guests left the house, the family, sans Naniji, sat at the dining room for a late night tea. Shyam walked into the house.

‘Jeejaji, where were you?’ Akash called out to him. ‘You missed Khushi’s birthday party.’

Shyam walked toward the group. ‘Khushiji didn’t invite me for the party.’

‘Arnav threw a surprise party for Khushi,’ Anjali said in a rush, ‘and he put it all together only in the afternoon. Since I was caught up with some important work, it slipped my mind to call you.’

Shyam looked at Anjali. ‘If I had been married to Khushiji, I am sure it wouldn’t have slipped her mind.’

An awkward silence filled the room as everyone looked at him like he grown two horns. Khushi and Payal exchanged an uncomfortable look.

‘Are you drunk?’ Arnav said.

‘It was a just a joke!’ Shyam exclaimed looking at the shocked crowd.

‘If it was a joke it was in bad taste!’ Arnav shot back, his brown eyes simmering with a barely controlled temper.

‘Oh I see why you didn’t get the humour behind this,’ Shyam said smiling at Arnav. ‘Khushiji has probably never told you that we might have been married today had I not rejected her proposal five years ago.’

No one spoke and then suddenly Payal said, ‘It was hardly a proposal jeejaji. You visited our house just before my wedding, as your dad was babuji’s acquaintance from Lucknow. Khushi was not even at home. Only later, babuji told us that your dad was interested in an alliance. Before we could even think about it he called back and told us you were not interested in the alliance.

‘Both Khushi and I have received many such proposals.’

Khushi looked at her sister gratefully for her having supported her.

Anjali looked at Arnav and then she said, ‘Shyam, I think we should go inside. I would like to talk to you about something.’

Later that night, Khushi stepped into the bedroom after visiting Naniji as she hadn’t been able to stay at the party long due to the pain in her feet.

She saw Arnav holding a box in his hand. She tip toed up to him and snatched the box from his hand.

‘Khushi, give that back!’ Arnav exclaimed.

Khushi backed away from him playfully. ‘Why should I? This looks like my birthday gift.’

‘You are not going to like it Khushi,’ he said turning serious. ‘Give that back to me and I will get you something else.’

‘Nothing doing!’ She tore the wrapper and opened the box to find a key – which looked very much like a --- ‘Is this a car key?’ She said her eyes wide with surprise.

‘An i10. I figured it will be easy for you when you have to come looking for me the next time I walk out.’

Khushi glared at him. ‘Why were you trying to hide it?’

‘You hide things from me too.’ He accused her.

‘It was such an insignificant thing in my life Arnav.’

‘I don’t care if it was insignificant Khushi,’ he said grasping her arms with his fingers, ‘I want to know everything going on in your life.’

Khushi felt that knife being twisted further. Since the time he had told her he wanted to leave the past behind and move on, he had left no stone unturned to be the perfect husband any girl could hope for. She had already betrayed his trust once because of his mother. Could she hide a significant truth from him even to protect him?

Khushi playfully slapped his cheek. When his eyes widened with surprise, she said, ‘You told me I could slap you, remember?’ The she went on her tiptoes and kissed him all over his face. She continued to kiss him as she unbuttoned his shirt. He quickly disposed off with her saree and they fell on the bed in a tangle of limbs.

‘I know something has been bothering you lately.’ His mouth moved to her temples, her closed eyes, the curve of her cheek and under her chin. Moments that should be ecstasy, clouded with threats from the malevolent past. ‘What’ wrong?’

‘I am afraid.’ She whispered.

‘So am I.’ He lowered his mouth to the vale between her breasts and she held his head there, desperately clutching at the tenderness in his voice. His wonderful voice, velvety, vibrant, sometimes possessed of a cold, cutting edge.

They lay together quite still for a long time as though they were afraid to move or speak. ‘I love you,’ Khushi said tenderly, her hand in his hair.

‘Do you?’ He lifted his head to smile at her, but the tinge of sadness in his eyes hurt her.

‘Arnav,’ she said, and her voice was unbearably broken-hearted.

‘Why Khushi?’ He said suddenly.‘Why did you leave?’

‘I wish …’ she sighed. The ghost of SharadaRaizada was suddenly in the room, smiling triumphantly because she knew the extent of Khushi’s dilemma. How could she hurt Arnav’s mother without hurting him? How could she blacken the name of the woman Arnav had adored? His own mother, the woman who had idolized him from birth.

‘I hope you are not playing games with me Khushi.’

‘Don’t you know what happens to me when you touch me?’

He held her head still in his hands. ‘I want to know what goes on inside this delicate skull.’

She closed her eyes, dazed, and as her lids came down so did his mouth, hot and urgent, expressing a deep hunger.

Desolation went rapidly to the most perfect physical communion, a fantasy of the senses where there was no room for bitterness or reproach. As soonas they came together, in an incredibly short time, their bodies spoke for them. Tenderness, a rapturous passion and something very precious -- love.

Khushi felt cold when she suddenly realized that Arnav was no longer with her in bed. She opened her eyes to see that bedside clock showing 4.30 AM. She looked around and found Arnav dressed in his suit holding his travel case. She shot up. ‘Arnav! Where are you going?’

‘No where if you don’t cover yourself right now.’ He said walking up to her bed.

Khushi looked down she her breasts were exposed and she snatched the cover, clutching it to her breast in embarrassment.

‘I have a meeting in Mumbai and then tonight I fly to Singapore for a week.’ He sat down.

Khushi looked at him, her eyes flashing. ‘You were leaving without telling me?’

‘This meeting came up yesterday. And then I completely forgot because of your surprise party. And then in the night you distracted me.’ He dipped a finger into her cleavage and leaned in to kiss her creamy neck. ‘I didn’t want to disturb you.’

‘Arnav, I want to tell you something.’ Khushi whispered.

‘I know,’ he kissed her up her jaw. ‘I found the bank documents you signed of our joint account.’

‘It’s not ....that.’

‘Not now,’ He whispered in her ear as he cupped her breast. ‘No time.’

‘It’s important Arnav.’ She put her own hand over his.

 ‘God Khushi,’ he groaned and stood up abruptly. ‘I am going to be late for my flight. Can you be quick?’

Ouick? How could she quickly tell him that his mother was responsible for her leaving all those years ago? All she could say was --- ‘I love you.’

Arnav looked at her, his caramel eyes resplendent with an emotion she couldn’t decipher. He leaned down and gave her a hard kiss. ‘I have to tell you something too. But it will have to wait until I get back. Don’t go anywhere.’ He winked at her and walked away dragging his suitcase,shutting the door behind him.

A cold fear gripped Khushi when she heard the click of the door. She couldn’t do this anymore. She would have to tell him the truth when he came back from Singapore.

The million dollar question, however was, would Arnav believe her over his mother? He had loved her once upon a time, but was there any love in his heart for her now? All his actions pointed in that direction, but he had not told her in so many words. In any case, she had no choice now. It was a risk she would have to take. Khushi’s heart grew heavy at the irony of the situation. The only one who could prove her innocence was also the one who wanted to destroy her life.

She had come to a decision. She was not going to pay that evil man a single rupee. He could go to hell for all she cared.

Valley of Flowers Chapter 21

ARNAV turned around to see Khushi standing with her hand folded, shooting daggers with her eyes. He walked up to her and took her hand. ‘Come on, let’s go.’

‘No!’ She shrugged off his hand.

‘Don’t create a scene here,’ he grated,‘People are staring at us.’

Khushi’s eyes widened. ‘I am creating a scene?’ she shot back. ‘What about what you did?’ She reminded him of the kiss.

‘Come,’ He put forth his hand peremptorily. ‘Let’s talk about this in the room.’

‘I don’t want to go with you,’ she said adamantly. ‘I will order another taxi.’

‘Khushi,’ Arnav’s voice dropped down an octave. ‘Don’t push me.’

‘Or else?’ She challenged him.

He picked her up in one swift motion, walked into the lobby, past the wide-eyed people and into the open elevator. He put her down and punched the button to their floor. Khushi refused to talk to him, her entire body seething with anger.

When the elevator stopped, Arnav took her hand and dragged her to the room, using his free hand to insert his card and open the door.

‘What was all that drama back there?’ He said as they stood just inside the door.

‘Look who’s talking!’ Khushi exclaimed.

‘Come again?’

‘The way you smoothly put Lavanya in that taxi and sent her to Delhi.’

‘So?’ He looked clueless, squinting his eyes in confusion. ‘How else am I supposed to send her to Delhi?’

‘You were planning to send her to Delhi,’ she stated sardonically.‘And what were you planning to do in this room?’

‘I was planning to do --- er..be with you.’ He shrugged his shoulders.

‘With me? ’Khushi’s anger rose up a notch. ‘Are you trying to tell me you knew I would come here?’

‘I wasn’t sure --’ He paused, ‘— I had a hunch –since I told you I was going with Lavanya.’ He added sheepishly.

‘What?’ Khushi raised her eyebrows in astonishment.

‘I know you are a little jealous of her.’

Little? Khushi’s heart filled with anguish.‘How can you be so casual about it Arnav?’

‘Come on Khushi,’ Arnav said affably, ‘Most of my business associates tell me their wives are jealous of their female colleagues.

‘Unbelievable!’

‘We work in the business of sales and marketing Khushi. Many of the associates are women – and some of them are quiet attractive. We have to interact with them.’

‘Can you define “interact”?’ She demanded.

‘We work, talk, share a cup of coffee ---’

‘Share a bed.’ She said tersely.

Arnav went completely still, his brown eyes simmering. ‘Look Khushi, I agree that I was no saint.

But they were all “no-strings-attached” relationships and none of them meant anything. It is all in the past now.’

It was probably “no-strings-attached” only from Arnav’s side. Was it possible to be with him and not fall in love with him, she wondered.

‘Are you telling me that you have never been with Lavanyaji after we got married?’ She waited with bated breath.

‘His eyebrows snapped together as he came up to her and grasped her arms. ‘I have not been with anybody since I saw you again six months ago!’

‘Oh!’

‘And why do you keep harping about Lavanya? I was just joking when I said you were jealous of her. But you seriously think I have been having an affair with her? Didn’t I tell you downstairs that she is married to a business associate of mine? Do you think I will stoop down so low?

‘Whatever gave you that idea Khushi?’

‘Lavanyaji.’ Khushi shrugged off his hands and looked him square in the eyes.

‘What?’

‘Since you came back, she has been accusing me of stealing you away from her.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me this before?’ He grated angrily.

‘I saw no point at the time.’

He nodded his head. ‘I see.’

‘After all she was the girl your mother chose for you to marry.’

‘But I didn’t.’ He said quietly, his eyes simmering with a barely controlled temper.

Khushi went on. ‘Lavanyaji said you got -- close when you spent time together after your mothers’ passing away.’

‘And you believed her.’ It was more a statement than a question.

 ‘These things are known to happen.’ She said defensively.

‘We did get close --’Khushi’s heart plummeted. .Arnav advanced on her backing her into a wall. ‘Emotionally -- not physically. I realized that Lavanya was going through a rough patch in her marriage. I was trying to be supportive -- as a friend.’

‘But ….but at Nanheji’s engagement she implied you both were still ---.’ She stuttered.

‘Khushi I did am not having an affair with Lavanya!’ He roared. ‘Not when my mother died and not any time before that either. Not ever!

‘I have never thought about Lavanya that way. In fact I feel brotherly toward her. She is little bit of an air head.’

Brotherly? Khushi’s heart fluttered with joy.

Before he could utter another word Khushi snaked her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

 ‘Does this mean you believe me?’ He seemed surprised.

‘Yes.’

‘Just like that?’

‘Between you and Lavanyaji, I choose to believe you.’

‘Why is she doing this?’ He hit his hand on the wall in anger.

‘Because she was in love with you.’ She said simply. ‘I feel sorry for her.’

‘Oh please!’ Arnav mocked.‘You were freakishly jealous of her a little while ago.’

‘Not at all.’ Khushi defended herself, stepping back from him.

‘So you came to Agra to see Mr Sheik?’ He said he tone laced with sarcasm.

‘Of course!’Khushi said.

Arnav burst out laughing and Khushi turned around and walked up to the door and yanked it open. Arnav was quick when he caught the door and shut it back with a bang. ‘No you don’t!’ He pushed her back against the door and took her lips in a fierce kiss. Though she pushed at him initially, the pressure of his tongue sent an electric jolt, fraying her senses into submission.

After what seemed like an eternity Arnav lifted his head. ‘Admit it Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.’ He smirked. ‘You were jealous.’

‘So what?’ She hit back. ‘You were jealous of NK even though you claimed I never loved him.’

‘I knew you never loved him,’ he said.‘I was jealous that he wanted you.’

‘You make it sound like I was an object he wanted. He wanted to marry me because I would make him an ideal wife. That is all there is to it.’

‘Bull shit! He wanted to have you because you are beautiful.’

‘No I am not.’

‘What the --!’ Arnav couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Khushi didn’t think she was beautiful?

‘I think Lavanayaji is beautiful, sophisticated ---’

‘That sophistication comes at a price Khushi.You know she spends a lot of time in the beauty salon to look the way she does.’

‘When I was a young girl, Buaji always told me that I was too pale and too thin. She said I didn’t have the pretty features that Payal had.’

‘F@#$!’ Arnav was livid that Buaji would be this mean to a child. ‘Who cares what she thinks? Khushi you have worked in a Television show for God’s sake!’

‘They hired me because of my dancing skills not because of my looks.’ She said doggedly.

‘Khushi, you are not too thin.’He tried to make her feel better.

‘I know that,’ she said in dismay, ‘because Buaji said I was too thin, I tried to put on weight and as a result of that I ended up gaining weight on the lower part of my body.’ She stepped back and pointed to herself. ‘See? Don’t you think my hips are too wide?’

With a look of complete disbelief on his face Arnav took her hand and led her to the dresser, making her stand in front of the mirror. He walked up to the curtains and drew them. The reflection of Taj Mahal shimmered in the pale moonlight.

Khushi gasped. ‘Oh my God Arnav! It is the Taj Mahal,’ She remembered the hotel manager who had proudly informed her that all rooms had a view of the ethereal monument. ‘It looks beautiful.’

‘Not more beautiful that you are Khushi. See what I see.’

Khushi looked at herself standing there in her jeans and kurti. ‘This kurti always makes me look good.’

‘Is that so?’ He whispered looking at her in the mirror. ‘Let’s take it off then.’

Khushi’s heart began its erratic dhak-dhak as Arnav took her long black braid in his hand and unravelled it slowly. He took the thick tresses in his hand and moved it to her front, laying it on her breast. He moved his hand to her back and began unbuttoning her kurti, one button at a time, making her shiver each time his finger touched her skin.

Arnav peeled the garment off her shoulder, brushing her skin as he brought the material down her arms. Khushi gasped looking at her own body –her delicately rounded shoulders, the swell of her left breast above the cup of her bra, while the other remained hidden under her hair,the curve of her long waist and her navel quivering just above the waistband of her low rise jeans.

Arnav moved his right hand to her midriff and moved it downward to dip into the waistband of her jeans unbuttoning the single button, before sliding the zip downward. Khushi realized that she had never ever looked at herself like this in the mirror. She looked --

‘Sexy.’ He whispered her thought aloud. She felt herbody heating up.

Khushi’s breath hitched in her throat as Arnav’s fingers traced her delicate collar bone moving them under the strap of her bra, sliding them slowly off her shoulder. As Khushi watched the scrap fall, she realized he had already unhooked the clasp on her bra.

He wrapped his hands around her tiny waist. ‘I love how I am able to wrap your entire waist with my hands Khushi,’ he whispered into her ear. ‘I love how the difference in our skin tone looks, don’t you?

Khushi was riveted by the sight of his tanned hand on her fair skin, spanning her waist.

Then he moved his hands to rest on her hips. ‘I also love that this lower part of your body is wide, compared to –‘ His hands moved up to cup her breasts.‘Makes you look irresistible in a saree.’

Khushi held both his hands and tried to remove them. ‘Arnav, please.’

‘Shh we are not done yet.’ He hooked his finger inside the waistband of her jeans and peeled the material along with her panties down her long, smooth legs.

She closed her eyes.

‘Khushi, open your eyes.’  He urged huskily.

The slow revealing of the creamy expanse of skin was beginning to cause an explosion in his gut. It was like unveiling a masterpiece. Khushi looked like one of the statues of the goddesses in the temples.

Exquisite. Beautiful. For him alone.

Khushi opened her eyes and looked at Arnav’s caramel brown ones simmering with desire. She understood.

She turned toward him and burrowed into his chest, her entire body shivering, hot, her heart clamouring wildly in her breast.

His head descended to claim her lips in a bruising kiss even as he put his hands on her waist and lifted her up on the dresser moving between her legs.Her fingers slipped into the crisp hair at the back of his head as she deepened the kiss. He discarded his clothes quickly and entered her in one swift motion and heard her gasp and shudder as he urged her to wrap her legs around him. He slid in and out of her, finding himself building to a climax. He moved faster, kissing her mouth, kissing her neck until he felt the entire world explode around him as he dropped off the edge of the precipice.

As he came back to rational consciousness, he realized what he had done. ‘Khushi I am sorry, I didn’t meant to --’

She touched her lips to his in a gentle kiss. He picked her up in his arms and laid her gently on the bed.‘You have had a long day Khushi. I will draw you a bath.’

A littler later, Khushi stepped out of the bathroom, clad in a white, terry bath robe. She realized that Arnav had stepped out of the room. For the first time since her entry, she observed how beautiful the room was.

A grand arm chair and ottoman in taupe sat in one corner of the room, flanked by a tall and elegant floor lamp. Right next to it was a curtained wall in cream, which probably lead to some sort of balcony.  On the other end of the curtain there was a work desk. But what dominated the room was a huge king sized bed occupying the centre.  It was decorated with several throw pillows in different shades of blue, maroon and taupe. Two tall lamp shades stood majestically on either side of the bed. Then she saw the dresser and heat suffused her body.

The door opened and Arnav walked in. ‘Good, you are done.’ There was a box in one hand and a bag in the other and he walked up to the work table. ‘Come here.’

Khushi walked up to the table and saw that he had brought her a cake which had the words “sorry”. She looked up at him in astonishment.

‘I have been meaning to do this since the day we argued but each night I came home, you had already slept.This is for smothering you with my highhandedness.’

His caramel eyes bore into hers.‘Khushi, you can have all the space you want – and more. I will not interfere in the future. In case I forget -- you have every right to slap me.’

Khushi wished the earth would just open up and swallow her as she watched Arnav cut a piece of cake. ‘Arnav I --’ He stuffed it into her mouth shutting her up.

‘Don’t you want a piece?’ She stopped ‘  --- Oh! this is probably not sugar free.’

He pulled her close. ‘A little taste is not going to kill me.’ He bent his head and touched his tongue to the side of her lip and licked off a dab of cream. Just as her heart had begun to flutter, he let go off her disappointing her immensely.

He picked up the bag. ‘Here is something for you.’

Khushi looked up in surprise. ‘What is this?’

‘You can look for yourself when I quickly grab a shower.’ He walked toward the bathroom.

A little later Arnav stepped out of the bathroom, wearing only his pajama bottoms. His heart skipped a beat when he didn’t find Khushi in the room. But then he saw the gap in the curtain. He went up to the door and found Khushi staring out at the Taj Mahal clad in the night gown he had bought for her at the hotel boutique. She had the matching robe on. Her long and lustrous hair hung down her back.

He switched off the lights in the room and drew the curtains so the moonlight filtered in brightening the room with its luminance. When he opened the door, he was hit by a blast of hot air reminding him it was summer.

‘Khushi,’ He paused. ‘I know you don’t wear these kind of --’

He couldn’t finish the sentence when he saw Khushi turn around, undo the belt at her waist and slide off the robe and drop it on the floor. The wine coloured satin gown clung to her curves sensuously. The deep V neckline, trimmed with soft french lace in a flower design, showed off the creamy swells of her breasts to perfection. The thigh-lengthgown revealed the long expanse of her shapely legs. Even though he had seen her with nothing a short while ago, he found himself hardening. He walked up to her.

Khushi placed both her hands on his abs, tracing the cut of the muscles slowly inching upward to brush against the hard contours of his chest and shoulders. Arnav felt a fire start in his body at the first touch of her delicate fingers, but he had made up his mind to exercise control unlike before. She went on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. The fire turned into an inferno when he felt her soft satin clad breasts crushed against his chest as she deepened the kiss. He moved his hand down to her pert bottom and lower still and lifted her up, urging her to wrap her legs around his waist. He walked toward the bedroom, one thought reverberating in his mind. Slow. Slow.

He entered the bedroom and shut the door behind him. Placing a knee on the bed he laid her gently on the bed.Her fingers slipped into the crisp hair at the back of his head as she pulled him toward herself. He ran his fingers into her hair, sucking on her lower lip, teasing her with his teeth. He put his free hand on the small of her back and she arched, letting him know that despite wanting to pull away a sight bit she wanted more. He kissed her jaw line, moving to her neck, kissing her as softly as the brush of a butterfly’s wing against her skin. Then he bit her neck hard, not hurting her, but in the way she liked. She clutched at him, and he hardened as it always aroused him to give her pleasure.

He touched his tongue on the sore spot and she ran her hands along the hard muscles of his back, turning her head to the side so he could have easy access. He alternately bit and laved the hollow of her neck, whispering sweet nothing into her ear -- I need you. You are so unbearably beautiful – except the words she wanted to hear.

He lowered his mouth to her breast and kissed the soft swell of her breasts, softly at first, tongue moving along the lace on the neckline. He slid off the strap from the shoulder, pulling down the soft material to her waist. He once again bent his head to her breast and flicked his tongue around the hardened bud with slow precision. He kissed the underside of her breast as his hand moved to the other breast, kneading it gently. He took her nipple into his mouth, tugging on it as he suckled it with the right amount of pressure. A tumult of sensations began spreading through her veins even as a liquid heat began pooling at the pit of her stomach.

Soon, she pulled him up by his hair and kissed him hard, her hand moving down to trace the hard contours of his muscled chest and abs. Her hand then inched down to the waist band of his pant, but he held her hand and pulled it slowly to his face and kissed her wrist sucking at the delicate skin there making her gasp.

He kissed her ribs, his hand moving up and down the inside of her thighs, slowly, stopping just before reaching her centre. She had parted her legs slightly, and he moved downward with his mouth, his hand moving upward and closer each time.

He slid the gown down her hips and off her legs and threw it on the floor. He looked at her lying there on the bed, her golden skin glowing in contrast to the black lace panties. Exquisite.

As his tongue dipped into her navel his hands began to tease her at the edge of her panty line. He moved his hand on top of them and felt her push against his hand. He stroked her right through the material, moving in time with the rhythm of her hips. She moaned in pleasure as he slipped his fingers into the waistband and brushed against her curls, feeling the heavy moistness.

He slipped off her panties moving down her legs with them. He tossed him onto the floor, next to her slip.

He kissed her ankles and began moving up slowly, kissing every inch. When he got to her upper thigh, he slowly spread her legs a bit further apart. He reached out with his tongue, a feather touch.

Her body clenched, jumped. ‘Arnav!’

He held her firmly in place. ‘Relax Khushi.’

He took his time, his tongue stroking, memorizing every secret place. When she clutched his hair in a tight grip, in a silent plea, he pushed two fingers into her tight sheath, in a long stroke that had her crying out.

She was so beautiful wanting him. He loved the cloudy, sultry look on her face, the heat of her body as her muscles clenched tightly around his fingers. He loved the way she trusted him so completely and the excitement, the sheer pleasure washed over him in such intense waves.

He swirled her nub insistently, and then moved downward, stroking continuously until she finally capitulated to her body’s yearning. She clutched at his shoulders and he felt the beginning of a hard release coming. Her climax was wild and he felt it, the rippling explosion, the hot liquid, the intensity of pleasure exploding in her body, in her mind.

Seeing her lose control he couldn’t wait anymore.He tore off his pant and briefs and sank into her in one swift motion and the ecstasy of it blew him away.

For Khushi, too, the contact was electric. She arched to meet him, to get as close as possible.

Together they found the perfect rhythm. His parted mouth wandered all over her body, tasting, devouring, until she was clutching him, digging her fingernails into the strong muscles of his shoulders.

His was breathing harshly, in ragged gasps.

Earlier whenever they made love she tried to hold a part of herself back from the tidal wave that engulfed her. Now she resisted nothing, wanted everything. She was totally uninhibited in her response. He arms and legs enclosed him, and she lifted herself to meet him with a need that matched his.

The fire built again, increasing in intensity until it roared out of control and exploded consuming her completely causing her thighs to clench and her fingers to clutch at his hair.

She cried out her pleasure, and Arnav soon followed crying out her name. They clung to each other limp and trembling helplessly as they floated back to earth.

He lost the strength to hold himself up any longer, and he kissed her slowly as he rolled over to her side. She laid her head down on his chest and he put his arms around her, sifting his fingers through her hair, which was damp from their lovemaking, until her deep, even breathing told him that she was asleep. As his eyes drooped close, the pristine Taj Mahal stood silently in the distance, a mute witness to the celebration of love.