Chapter Nine

After that night, Arnav and Khushi didn't bring it up. Arnav clearly remembered what he had said to her and felt embarrassed. Khushi felt weird about it, and couldn't get it out of her head.

Arnav liked me, Khushi thought. I can't believe it! I thought he never did! I mean I used to like him, but he actually liked me back?! OMG!!!

Khushi felt like a teen, but she didn't care. It was just mind-boggling to her! Day and night, it went through her head. But around Arnav, she would act calm.

Day after day, both began to feel comfortable and would get closer and closer. Not to that point, but they were closer than before. They were good friends but with time passing by, the want of love was getting bigger and bigger.

One day Khushi went out to the mall alone. She shopped here and there, when she stopped in front of a men's store. She decided to get Arnav a nice cologne, and then she went to Gucci and got him a nice watch. She just felt like getting it for him since the past few days, the only thing coming to her mind was just one person - Arnav.

Whenever he would be around, her heart would go dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak! She would dream about him, night and day. She felt the urge of wanting him, and she wanted to be with him.

Hmm, what else should I get?

She passed by some stores and thought of getting Arnav some clothes, but she didn't know his size. In fact, she didn't know much about him at all. That made her think back to their conversation they had earlier before she left.

*~*

"Arnavji, I'm going to the mall," Khushi said.

"Okay," Arnav replied, working on a file.

Khushi grabbed her purse. "Should I get you something?"

"No," he sighed.

"Meaning yes."

"No."

She shrugged on her purse. "Why not?"

Arnav looked at her. "What would you get?"

"I don't know. Anything I like?"

Arnav rolled his eyes, smiling lightly.

"Well, I don't know what you like," Khushi said in a low voice.

Arnav nodded, looking at the file.

"Or what you hate," she nearly whispered.

Arnav looked back at her. She seemed a bit sad and he scrunched his eyebrows.

"I barely know you," she whispered, sadly.

Arnav felt bad and wanted to hug her and comfort her, but he didn't move. He looked back at his file, disappointed he couldn't do anything.

"I wish you would let me get close to you," she said in a low voice. "I want to know you Arnavji. I want to know what you like and what you hate. ... I want to be with you."

Arnav gulped, daring not to look at her. Khushi just turned and left and Arnav looked at her as she left.

*~*

Khushi sighed. She couldn't stay upset at him for too long. It was his beautiful face that made it go away.

Finished with shopping, Khushi headed out of the mall. She went to the parking lot, when a group of men appeared out of nowhere.

"Ey ladki (Yo chick!)," a guy yelled. "Come with us."

"Excuse me?"

Khushi shut her door, all of her bags in her car.

"What, you can't hear," another ask. "Chal! (Move!)"

Two other guys grabbed her arms.

"Hey! What are you doing," she exclaimed.

The fifth guy gagged her.

"Take her away," the first guy said.

They dragged Khushi, Khushi trying to fight back, but it was no use. There was no one around and the group dragged her into the back of a white van and shut the doors. Khushi tried to fight away, but their hold on her was too strong. They tied her hands and feet and placed a black cover over her head.

Meanwhile...

Arnav stared at his laptop. After Khushi had left, Arnav couldn't even focus on his work. All he thought of was Khushi and what she had said. To think she would feel that way was mind-boggling to him.

Khushi? Wants to know him? That's so weird! Well, at least to him. The last girl he actually liked was her. Getting involved into politics meant a lot of studying so time for girls got off hands and books came into play.

He was too busy thinking this, when his secretary came running in, along with his Mama.

"Chote, come now," Mamaji said.

"What's wrong," Arnav asked, standing up.

"Sir, we have a problem on our hands," Arnav's secretary said.

"What?"

"We don't exactly know because the guy is demanding to speak to you. Him and his men are nonstop calling us, no matter how many times we're telling them to stop."

Without a word, Arnav headed out the door and his Mama and secretary followed. They headed out the house and Anannya looked at them as they left.

"Chote? What happened," she asked, running to the door.

"Di, stay inside," Mamaji said.

"What? Why? What happened?"

"Stay inside-!"

"No way," and she ran behind them.

Arnav headed into HQ and everyone was on the phone. His secretary went to her desk and Arnav went to his. His secretary's phone rang and she picked it up.

"Hello? ...wait." She looked at Arnav. "Sir-"

"Transfer the call," Arnav said.

She nodded and transferred the call. The line blinked and Arnav picked it up.

"Arnav Sing Raizada," he said confidently.

"Of course," the manly voice said. "Who else would it be?"

Arnav could tell he was smiling. "What do you want?"

"You know, the funny thing is, I've been trying to contact you for like hours-"

"What. Do you. Want?"

"Ah, straightforward... I like it."

"I don't like repeating myself sir-"

"Please! Don't be so formal! We could be pals!"

Arnav was about to cut him off but the guy continued.

"I mean come on ASR- you don't mind me calling you that, do you? No? Good," and Arnav could tell he was smiling again.

"I'll ask you again," Arnav said patiently. "What. Do. You. Want?"

"Well ASR, since you want to get down to business immediately... I'll tell you."

Armav rolled his eyes, letting out an inward sigh. About time, he thought.

"We have a very, very... prized possession, if you will, with us."

Arnav scrunch his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"Really ASR? I'm sure you would know what we're talking about."

"What the-?"

"We have your wife ASR."

Arnav's eyes widened. "Bullshit-"

"Don't believe me? Your pal? Well, listen to Bhabiji then."

There was a ruffling noise and then a tiny, weak voice spoke.

"Arnav..."

Arnav's eyes widened. It really was Khushi. "Khushi," he breathed.

Everyone else in the room gaped. Anannya covered her mouth and her eyes shot wide.

"Khushi," she asked. "What? How? Where-?"

Her brother raised his hand to hush her.

"Khushi, are you okay," Arnav asked, breathless.

"Arnav..."

"Khushi? Khushi, are you okay?"

"Arnav..."

"Khushi, don't worry. I'm coming, okay? I'm coming to save you."

"How sweet," the guy said.

"Where the fuck have you kept my wife?"

Anannya looked at her son in shock. Of the few months of their marriage, this is the first time he had ever seen Arnav like this, claiming her as his wife, not just saying it.

"Relax pal," the guy said. "Bhabiji is fine! We wouldn't hurt Bhabiji-"

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

Everyone jumped from Arnav yelling.

"Chill yaar! I'll text you the address, under one condition that is."

"What condition?"

"Bring 50 lakhs with you."

"What the?! 50 lakhs?!"

"I know you have that kinda money. Its too little for a man like you. Bring me the money, and Bhabiji will be set free and into your arms."

"You snake," Arnav snarled.

"Is that a way to talk to your pal? Eh, oh well. I'll text you the address. But khabardar, if you bring anyone, or even inform the police, then your wife gets it."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it."

"No, no I don't think you do."

All of a sudden there was shrieking.

"Arnav!" It was Khushi. She was screaming when there was a sound of a bullet.

"Khushi!"

"Relax yaar," the guy said, back at the phone again. "Bhabiji ko kuch nehi hua. Chill, 'Kay? Chill."

"If anything happens to my wife," Arnav said through his gritted teeth, his eyes filled with anger and power, "then I will murder you," he snarled.

"Whoa, chill yaar! Anyways, I can tell you're getting impatient for bhabiji. Fine, no prob. I'll be hanging up and sending you a text. Remember, no one with you. Not your people nor police. Or your wife gets it," and the guy hung up.

Arnav's grip on the phone loosened and somewhat slipped. He disconnected the call and looked side to side, running a hand through his hair.

"Chote," Anannya said, grabbing his arm, "where's Khushi? Where?!"

"She's been kidnapped," Arnav almost whispered.

"Kidnapped? What- how- why?!"

He looked at Mamaji. "They want money. 50 lakhs."

"That much," Mamaji replied. "But Arnav, it's a lot-"

"I don't care how much it is," Arnav boomed. "I need to save Khushi!"

Both his mom and uncle gaped at him, wondering when he started to care for Khushi so much.

"I need to save her," he said in a lower voice. He looked at his secretary. "Get my checkbook. I need that money. NOW!"

She jumped an quickly left. She brought it back and Arnav filled out a check and sent her to the bank, calling the bank to let them know of the huge withdrawal.

Arnav's phone beeped and it was a text. The text was from a private number and it was an address. Arnav sat in his chair and rested his lips on his folded hands, thinking of the call.

"We have your wife ASR."

"Bullshit-"

"Don't believe me? Your pal? Well, listen to bhabiji then."

There was a ruffling noise and then a tiny, weak voice spoke.

"Arnav..."

Arnav leaned back in his chair, thinking back to earlier in the day.

"I barely know you," she whispered, sadly.

Arnav shut his eyes.

 "I wish you would let me close to you," she said in a low voice.

Arnav opened his eyes and looked at his desk. He opened the top drawer and took out a picture of Khushi. He secretly kept it there and would look at it everyday.

"I want to know you Arnavji. I want to know what you like and what you hate. ... I want to be with you."

"I'm sorry Khushi," Arnav said aloud. "I want you too. I just didn't know how you felt. But now everything is going to change. I want to know you too. And I never want to lose you."

His secretary came back with two big briefcases filled with money. Arnav looked a the picture one last time.

I'm coming. I'm coming for you Khushi.

He put the picture away and took the briefcases. He headed to his car and Anannya and Mamaji approached him.

Anannya looked at him seriously. "Bring my daughter back safe and sound."

Arnav placed the briefcases down to take his mothers blessings. "I swear Ma, that I will bring her back. No matter what."

She placed her hand on his head and Arnav stood up. "My blessings are always with you."

Arnav nodded and put the briefcases in his car, got in, and drove off.

Chapter Eight

"Ready to have fun," Khushi asked.

Arnav nodded.

She smiled and took his hand and led him out to the dance floor.

Music was pumping and the floor felt like it was vibrating. Everyone was dancing and Khushi led him to the middle of the floor.

Arnav looked side to side. "Um, Khushi... I don't know-"

"Oh come on! It'll be fun!"

People danced away and Arnav just looked at them. Khushi had her arms at her waist, when she heard "Uff Teri Ada" go off.

Arnav couldn't believe how graceful and beautiful Khushi looked. She was amazing, her hair bouncing as she moved. He was in such daze, he wasn't even moving, his eyes just traveling to where Khushi went and moved. Khushi noticed and didn't like how he wasn't letting loose, so she began to dance with him. Arnav just looked at her, her eyes sparkling and playful. As the music sped up, Khushi stood in front of him and placed his hands at her waist and she shook them side to side and Arnav just looked at her. He couldn't even remember the last time he had done something like this. It didn't take long until Arnav began to dance and as song after song passed, the two were absorbed into the music.

Khushi began to feel thirsty and stopped and Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

"Follow me," she simply said and she took him to the bar.

They sat down and Khushi ordered a drink for her and Arnav. Arnav couldn't believe it.

She drinks, he wondered. Damn!

The drinks were placed and Arnav looked at the shot cups in front of him.

Ah! Tequilas.

Khushi placed some salt onto her hands and was about to on Arnav's, when she saw that he had already done it.

"Hmm, seems like someone has drank before," Khushi said.

Arnav took some salt. "No joke," and he took his shot.

Khushi just looked at him wide eyed and blinked. He ordered five more shots and when he was about to order his sixth, Khushi stopped him.

"I think that's enough for one night," Khushi said.

"Enough," he whined. "No! More!"

"Stop acting like a five year old. Now let's go - we're leaving."

Khushi took his hands and Arnav stopped whining and Khushi said bye to her friends and they headed out. Arnav couldn't believe how beautiful his wife was. He felt like holding her tightly.

"You sit behind, and I'll drive," Khushi said.

Arnav smiled drunkily and Khushi scrunched her eyebrows, smiling. She started to drive home and Arnav held onto her. Khushi didn't mind, knowing his drunk state. As for Arnav, he was enjoying it, holding his beautiful, luscious, sexy-

Whoa! Arnav chill, he exclaimed in his head. She's your wife! ... your wife that doesn't love you.

They had arrived home and Khushi helped them to sneak back inside. Khushi left her bike somewhere where no one would find it and she would take it back the day after. Going up the stairs, they went into their room and Khushi sat on the bed and sighed. Arnav was loopy and drunk and he fell to the floor.

"Oh no!" Khushi ran to his side. "You okay?"

Arnav chuckled, rubbing his head. "Nah, I'm fine. Cheeeiiiluh!"

Khushi just pursed her lips and helped him up and had him sit down on the bed. Arnav smiled like a fool and looked at Khushi.

"Khushi?"

"Yes Arnavji?"

"Can I ask you something?"

She nodded.

"Why are you so beautiful?"

Khushi blinked. "What," she breathed out.

"You're really hot. Sometimes I forget you're my wife!"

"I-"

"I'm rotten, aren't I?"

"What? No Arnavji, you're-"

"Truth be told, I liked you before."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Wha... what?"

He nodded. "When we were teens, I had a crush on you, though I never told anyone."

"Really?"

Arnav smiled drunkily and nodded. "Yap!"

Khushi couldn't believe it. She was stuck in thought about it and when she turned back to look at Arnav, he had already laid back on the bed and had fallen asleep.

Khushi sighed and helped him in and she changed and got a pillow and slept on the sofa.

Chapter Seven

Arnav didn't have a clue of where they were going. They ended up going to the outskirts of town and to the rundown area. There used to be people who lived in these areas, but back then the poor would live here. Ever since everyone "upgraded" people moved out of there. Even the poor found it "low class" and the poor had shifted elsewhere.

On the other hand, since now no one barely came this way, a person found this as the best place to put a club. Since it opened, slowly people went there. When Khushi found out about it, she was more than delighted, finally finding a place outside her world.

"Khushi, where are we going?"

"We're almost there. Just go down this hill and make a right."

Arnav did as she said and saw the club. Just from the sight, Arnav got a bad feeling. Not because of the kind of people who were there, but because of the huge line. Khushi grabbed his hand and guided him towards the club.

The minute her hand had touched his, Arnav didn't pay attention to anything and just looked at Khushi. She was just plain mesmerizing and Arnav felt a bliss. When Khushi let go, he snapped back to reality and found himself at the front of the line.

"Khushi," he whispered. "You just cut a whole bunch of people."

Khushi just nodded, gesturing to him to just follow her. Khushi turned to the bouncer and cleared her throat. The big guy turned and Arnav's eyes widened a bit. The guy was huge! Taller than he was, not mention with a lot of extra pounds added. Looking at the guy, you'd probably pee in your pants. But Khushi? She was smiling as jolly as a five year-old girl with ginormous lollipop in her hand.

"Hey Rob," Khushi smiled.

 "Khushi! Where have you been?!"

"'round. Missed me?"

"You know me! Anyways, it's been a while. VIP booth hasn't been the same without you."

VIP, Arnav wondered. Wow.

"Alright, enough of me stalling you. Go on in," he pointed inside.

Khushi smiled. "See ya later."

Khushi turned to go in and Arnav was about to follow, when Rob stopped him.

"Excuse me," Rob's voice boomed. "Back of the line!"

Khushi turned and grabbed Arnav's hand. "Oh, my bad! Rob, he's with me."

"Oh, my bad," Rob said. "Who's your new friend?"

"He's my husband."

Rob was shocked and Khushi just smiled and dragged Arnav in, him lost in her.

They got inside to the lobby, where there were people sitting on the sofas, people making out, drinking, and talking. Some of them recognized Khushi and said hi to her and she smiled back at the people she knew and said hey.

Arnav was shocked by how many people knew her. Yet out of the people that said hi to her, she prolly said hi back to about five or six people. Arnav didn't keep track since he was to busy admiring her beauty.

Right as they were about to enter the main part of the club, Khushi turned and looked at Arnav. "Now then, if you're worried about anyone recognizing you, don't. No one gives a cr*p about politics here, nor pays a little mind to it, which is why I would come here. Every other club I'd go to, people would always recognize me. Here, people only know me for my, how should I put this… craziness."

Arnav just nodded once and Khushi took him inside, unveiling a whole other world to Arnav. The place was dark, colorful lights flashing. The dj was at his booth and there were people dancing themselves away at the dance floor. Khushi led him to the VIP section and Khushi saw her friends.

"Hey guys!"

They saw Khushi and a girl went running up to her. "Khushi! Where have you been yaar?!"

"'round. What's up with you Jaz? You dyed your hair red!"

"Yeah, thought of doing something to it."

"It's cute!"

"Thanks."

Khushi looked at the others and they exchanged hugs. "Oh yeah," she grabbed Arnav's hand and made him move closer to her. "This is my husband."

One of the guys stood up. "Hey man! I'm Alex," he said, holding his hand out.

Arnav held his out. "Arnav."

Alex took his hand and leaned in and collided their chests. Arnav couldn't remember the last time he had done a handshake like that. So much swag.

"Why are you guys sitting here," Khushi asked.

"It's been boring without you here," Liza said.

"Aww! How sweet!"

"Well its true," Max said.

"Fine then. How about we go and dance? Hmm?"

They all nodded and they walked out to the dance floor. Khushi took off her jacket to leave it there and Arnav took his off as well. When he did, Khushi moved over to him.

"Ready to have fun," Khushi asked.

Arnav nodded.

She smiled and took his hand and led him out to the dance floor.

Chapter Six

Arnav got his clothes out and changed in the bathroom. He came out and found Khushi already changed. She was wearing a green and white striped tank top on that was flowey, and black jeggings on. She had her leather jacket on, her hair flowing.

Khushi was looking in the mirror, fixing her hair and Arnav was mesmerized. He never realized the beauty that she held, and the minute she turned to see Arnav, her hair flew and Arnav felt a bliss he had never felt in his life. He had met other women before, but no one had ever been able to do what Khushi's hair itself, had done. He looked her up and down, admiring how sexy his wife was looking. On the other hand, the same couldn't be said for what Khushi saw.

"Arnavji, what are you wearing?"

Arnav looked down. "Whats wrong?"

"Arnavji, you're going out to party, not to a meeting."

"And…?"

"Arnavji, you're wearing a vest, button down shirt, and pants! You're not going to a rally!"

"So what's wrong with my clothes?"

Khushi groaned and went over to him and unbuttoned his vest. "Arnavji, go change. You'll stick out like a sore thumb in these."

Arnav didn't mind what she said and just looked at his wife. She was very close to him and he wanted to hold her.

Khushi looked Arnav up and down, and then walked around him. "Hmm, maybe we can make some adjustments."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

Khushi went to the wardrobe and went through out. She took out a pair of Arnav's jeans and held it down and looked at Arnav and the jeans. She shut the wardrobe and went to Arnav and handed him the jeans. "Change into these."

"Okay," and he did.

He went to the bathroom and changed and came out. He walked over to Khushi and she looked him up and down. She shook her head and pulled on Arnav's shirt.

"Don't tuck your shirt," Khushi said as she took it out.

She looked at Arnav's hair and messed it up.

"Hey-"

"Arnavji, you look like a little boy," she said, fixing his hair.

"Uh-"

"What did you do to it?"

"I finally decided to comb it?"

Khushi looked up at him and shook her head, a little smile playing on her lips. "There we go! Much better!"

Arnav looked in the mirror. He was surprised. He hasd't looked like the way he looked like right now in a long time. He always dressed proper ever since he joined politics.

"Am I good or what," Khushi asked, patting her shoulder for a job well done.

Arnav messed around with his hair and tossed his head to the side (like how Bieber does it). He turned and looked at Khushi and Khushi couldn't help but daze at him. He was looking good, no doubt, and she felt like holding onto him.

She snapped out of it. "Ready to go?"

Arnav got out his leather jacket. "Yeah."

"Then let's go."

Khushi put on her hood and the two walked out. They slowly crept out, not wanting anyone to know. They slowly crept out the back and carefully snuck out, the guards not having a clue. Khushi led Arnav all the way to her house, a secret path that no one knew about, but her. She used to use this path when she would come in the middle of the night to tell Anjali something important.

She got to her house and told Arnav to wait as she snuck into the garage and got her bike. She brought it out and Arnav was surprised. It wasn't just a bike, but a motorcycle. It was black and shiny. To think Khushi was this wild made Arnav's head spin.

"Um, Khushi?"

Khushi looked up. "Yeah?"

"May I," he asked, gesturing at the bike.

Khushi passed him a helmet. "Sure," and she tossed him the keys.

Arnav caught it with one hand and got on the helmet. He sat and started it up and Khushi sat behind. She moved her hands through his arms and gripped onto his shoulders. Arnav looked at her hands and then drove off. Khushi told him which way to go and Arnav followed her words until they arrived to a club.

Chapter Five

Arnav's secretary locked up the office and left, and Arnav walked home. He walked into the kitchen and found Khushi. She was resting her head on her right hand, her slightly dozing off. Her head nodded to the left, almost falling out of her hand, and she woke up instantly.

"Oh! Arnavji," she got up and went over to him. "When did you come? Has it been too long?"

He shook his head. "No. I just came."

Khushi nodded. "Aap betiye(You sit). I'll go heat up everything," and she went to do so.

Arnav sat down at the table and watched Khushi as she heated everything up and poured everything into different bowls. She came back and forth, placing the bowls down on the table. Once she came in with the last bowl, she sat down and rearranged some the bowls and then looked at Arnav, only to see that he was looking at her.

She didn't know why, but him looking at her gave her butterflies in her stomach and she wasn't a girl like that. But Arnav, a person she had barely known but had seen her whole life for as long as she could remember, managed to.

"Arnavji?"

Arnav broke from his stare and looked at the food. Khushi looked around and then at Arnav. He seemed lost in thought, so Khushi just served him.

"Arnavji?"

Arnav looked at her and she gestured to his plate, lifting her eyebrow, looking at it, and then at him. He looked down at the food and then side to side, and then he began to eat. Khushi watched him as he ate, but he just didn't seem to into it. He looked lost, slowly chewing on his food.

Khushi looked at his food and then at him. He was lost, already finished with what was in his mouth, but he didn't take anymore.

"Arnavji? You don't want to eat anymore?"

Arnav didn't reply. His lips had parted, but Khushi understood. She took the plate and took some food in her hand and held it out for Arnav. He looked down at it and then at her. Khushi didn't know why she wanted to feed him, but right now she did.

Arnav opened his mouth and Khushi fed him. This continued on until the plate was empty. But that didn't stop the two from looking at each other. They looked away at each other, Khushi trying to figure out why all of a sudden she was feeling attracted to him, and Arnav trying to figure out why she had the sudden change of her character after their marriage.

"Khushi!"

It was Anannya and the two broke away from trance.

"J-ji Ma," Khushi hollered back.

"Chote aagaye(Is Chote back?)?"

"Yes Ma," Arnav hollered.

Anannya left to her room and Arnav walked away to wash up. Khushi put all of the food away and then headed upstairs. She found Arnav placing down his phone and then taking off his shirt.

Khushi was mesmerized. His chest was so lean and sculpted. For a moment she forgot he was her husband and got jealous, not wanting any woman, living or dead, to see the glory hidden under. Arnav noticed Khushi looking at him and realized his state, so he got out his pjs and took it to the bathroom to change.

Khushi went to get her nightwear, when her phone rang. She looked at her iPhone and saw that it was her dad. At Dev's party, she hadn't spoken a word to her father. Her phone continued to ring and she ignored it. Just as it ended, Arnav came out and Khushi went in. Within a few minutes, she came out to see Arnav watching the flat screen. He was watching a re-run of "Them Themselves."

"I mean come on! We all know Khushi for how she is!"

Khushi froze.

"And for those people who don't, well, it's time you caught up!"

Khushi watched as the screen changed, flashing the letters K-H-U-S-H-I individually. It striped down and then showed her face.

Khushi looked at Arnav to see his expression, but he didn't have one. He just looked straight at the screen. Then again, he was a politician - figuring him out would be difficult.

Khushi looked back at the TV to see her shaking her hips side to side, her hair flying around as she moved her head. She couldn't believe Arnav was finding out the truth this way. She thought of telling him but now….

"Khushi! Khushi,"the cameramen yelled out. "Khushi, what are your plans now?"

"My plans? Uh… download new music, go home to my studio, and dance my *bleep* off!"

Khushi froze and looked at Arnav as he got up and turned the TV off. He turned to her and Khushi looked away. Arnav was once again mesmerized. Her nightwear was a plain red sari, which was seducing him even though she wasn't doing anything. But the look on her face made him drop his gaze.

"Arnavji-"

"Khushi, before you say anything, just tell me one thing."

"… ji(yes?)?"

"Why?"

"Meaning?"

"Why? Why did you change for?"

Khushi just blinked.

"Tell me Khushi. Why?"

Khushi looked side to side. "Please Arnavji, don't ask."

"Why not?"

Khushi looked at him. "Because you know why."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "What?"

"Arnavji, just look at how I was," she said, turning the TV back on. "Why do you think."

Arnav didn't say anything.

"Arnavji, you're a huge political figure. I was just a daughter of a man who was a part of your family political business. Do you think a party girl like me fits to be the wife of a big politician?"

"Khushi, it doesn't matter-"

"Yes it does, Arnavji! It does!"

"Says who?"

"My dad!"

Arnav looked away and then went up to her. "Khushi forget what he said."

"But he's right."

"Is not."

"Is too."

Arnav held her shoulders. "Khushi I don't care. Be yourself!"

"Arnavji I can't! If I were to then imagine what everyone would think! People wouldn't vote for you!"

"Why not?"

"If you can't control your own wife how would they expect you to control them?"

Arnav caressed the left side of her face. "Khushi forget about what others think. I want you to be yourself. Okay? Want. Besides, I always wanted a wife who was free and not constricted. Khushi, you are like that," he said, cupping the other side of her face. "Please be the way you are."

Khushi looked into his eyes. "Why?"

"… so that I get a chance to get away from all this stuff too."

Khushi just looked at him.

"I want to have some fun too, Khushi. I want to do something for myself once in a while. If you act the way you are…."

Khushi understood and held his hands. "If you say so, then I will, Arnavji."

The two got stuck in a trance, when all of a sudden an ad on the TV went really loud, and the two broke apart. They felt completely awkward, both looking away from each other.

"Um… Khushi?"

"… ji?"

"You think… you think you could help me experience it?"

Khushi's eyes shot wide. "M-ma-matlab?"

"I mean… you know… figure out the night life?"

Khushi gulped and got really nervous. Was he really asking of it from her?

"I want to know what that kind of life is like. You know, going out, going to a club, getting drunk, dancing, that stuff."

Khushi let out a deep breath. She was thinking it all wrong. "Um… sure. … when?"

Arnav turned to her. "Tonight."

"Kya? Tonight?"

Arnav nodded.

Khushi looked him up and down, realizing how serious he was. "Fine." She nodded to the right to motion and said "get ready."

Chapter Four

Arnav had gone through a meeting all morning, into the afternoon. He sure was tired, but he had work to do. It was a good thing Mamaji was around to help him with all this stuff.

It went straight to night and almost everyone was sent home. Only Arnav, Mamaji, and Arnav's secretary were there. While the day passed, Arnav had one thing stuck to his mind, and it still was, as he sat at his desk, a pen in hand, his chin resting on his hand.

*Flashback*

"You've grown up so much," Dev said. "Last time I saw you was when you were 12."

"Chachaji, don't lie," Khushi smiled. "You saw me on TV last."

"TV par? … oh yeah! I did!"

*End of flashback*

Arnav leaned back in his chair, wondering what the two could've meant. It had been wandering around Arnav's mind all day and he couldn't help but wonder what it was about. Why was Khushi on TV and what for? That question just didn't seem to leave his mind.

"Chote, are you ready to go," Mamaji asked as he came in.

"No, actually. Why don't you go home."

"Are you sure? I mean-"

"No, no Mamaji, it's okay. You go on ahead home."

Mamaji nodded. "Fine," and he left.

Arnav stumped back in his chair, wondering what reason it could be for Khushi to be on TV. Did she do something miraculous? Did she do something really good? Or did she do something crazy or something drastic?

Arnav opened up his laptop and logged in and clicked on Google Chrome. He typed in "Khushi Kumari Gupta" and hit enter. Instantly, he got image results, video results, and other pages. Arnav was curious to know and just as he was about to click on the videos, his secretary came in.

"Sir, you're on TV," she said as she came in.

"What? But I didn't even do any interviews this past week."

"Sir you're not on any news shows like that."

"Quickly go to the channel, now!"

She turned on the flat screen TV and quickly went to the channel and Arnav turned around in his chair and watched.

On TV, the host spoke:

"Hello viewers! Welcome to "Them Themselves!" I'm your host, Amani, and today, we have a special segment. Instead of starting with the usual dose of Bollywood or Tellywood stars, today we're starting with a more… political star."

Arnav rubbed his chin.

"Wondering who I'm talking about? Well, I'm talking about none other than Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada himself. Yes folks, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, who is running to be Chief Minister. Not to mention he is absolutely sexy, if I may add so.

Anyways, these days, there a lot of buzzes of the newly wedded couple of Mr. and Mrs. Raizada, meaning Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada and Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta, now Singh Raizada. Gee, that's a mouthful!

The newly wedded couple had gotten married not to many days back, and had made their first couple appearance yesterday at Dev Raizada's birthday. The newly wedded couple had also danced together to the song "Khuda Jaane." Hmm… makes me actually wonder if there actually is something going on between those two," she winked.

Arnav leaned back.

"Honestly speaking though folks, I mean come on! Here's Arnav Singh Raizada," she said, the screen changing to show Arnav at a rally, speaking."He's so political and only cares about politics. It makes me question how such a plain politician, and a girl like Khushi can be married!"

Arnav lifted his leg and rested it on the other leg, somewhat crossing it (you know how men do it and of course Arnav can't cross his legs like girls cause he got… no more words lolz).

"I mean come on! We all know Khushi for how she is!"

Now Arnav was really curious.

"And for those people who don't, well, it's time you caught up!"

The screen changed, flashing the letters K-H-U-S-H-I individually. It striped down and then showed Khushi's face.

"Khushi Kumari Gupta, now Singh Raizada has been very well known to come on TV. Why wouldn't she? Especially when she's a hot sizzling chick, always up to something,"the host said.

They showed more images of Khushi, looking very normal.

"But, besides this beautiful innocent face, there is more."

The screen changed to a club and showed people, lights flashing.

What the, Arnav thought, a club?

The lights continued flashing and the camera moved around and showed Khushi, tossing her hair to the side. At that minute, Arnav felt something that he had never felt before. On screen, Khushi was dancing away, partying to the music.

Arnav watched away as he saw his wife shaking her hips side to side, her hair flying around as she moved her head. It was so unlike the way he saw her here and to see this actually surprised her.

It changed to show Khushi driving, cutting someone off (think of the scene in Rajneeti in the beginning, when Katrina cuts off Ranbir when coming back from the airport). She got out and hugged a friend, which revealed to show Anjali.

"Khushi! Khushi,"the cameramen yelled out.

Khushi broke away from her hug and turned to the guy.

"Khushi, what are your plans now?"

"My plans? Uh… download new music, go home to my studio, and dance my (bleep) off!"

Arnav was surprised by her language.

It changed again to some performance and showed Khushi dancing on stage and cut to her winning a trophy.

Wow, Arnav thought. This is how Khushi is, er, was?

They showed Khushi's home, filled with trophies and Khushi was talking, but there was no audio since the host was talking.

"Khushi is very well known for the countless number of trophies she has won. She has major skills and is highly talented. Hmm, for a politician like Arnav Singh Raizada to have a wife like her… it must be fun to see a few moves every now and then. Wink, wink, if you get what I mean(i'm s dirty minded).

Then again, since the two barely know each other, do you even think they have a clue about each other. I highly doubt that "the" Arnav Singh Raizada has no clue about her dancing! Let alone that, I doubt they have any conversations."

It showed the two dancing at Dev's party.

"While the couple may be dancing in public like that, I don't think there is any closure within the couple at home.

Onward to Bollywood-"

Arnav turned off the TV. He didn't know why but now he had the urge to go home - go home to his wife.

PS guys: i made myself the host of the made up show =D i know, somewhat being mean but hey, these TV people can be like that every now and then =D just kidding! 

Chapter Three

Today was Dhruv's father's - Dev - birthday. All family and close friends were invited, and since they were a political family, cameras were everywhere. Reporters were all over the place, trying to get comments out of the guests, and photographers were trying to get good pictures of the guests to put on the cover page of the newspaper.

While guests were pouring in, one important family hadn't arrived yet - Arnav's family.

At the Raizada's, Khushi was getting ready, wearing a scarlet-red colored sari. It was absolutely stunning and its jewels sparkled in the light. While Khushi was getting nervous, since this was the first time her and Arnav were making a public appearance as a couple, Arnav came in, dressed up in a black suit, looking like the sexy hunk he is.

Arnav couldn't help but look at Khushi. Who couldn't? Especially when her whole back was on display? Her blouse barely covered her back, a simple strand of cloth there as an excuse. Only thing now was to tie the strings and while Khushi was so busy thinking about their public appearance together, she had nearly forgotten all about it. She only realized when she felt Arnav's gaze pouring down on her, and had snapped out of thought.

Khushi tried to tie it, but couldn't. With the weight of her sari, it was being difficult. Also, the designs kept poking her, so it made things even more difficult. Arnav was putting on his watch, watching from the corner of his eyes. He could see her struggling and he couldn't help but go over to her and help her.

Khushi stood still as Arnav came over to her. When she felt his fingers on her back, her eyes fluttered shut immediately. Her breathing had paced up a bit, but Arnav had noticed. He looked at her as he tied the strings, Khushi's eyes still shut.

When Arnav let go, Khushi slowly opened her eyes and looked side to side. Arnav brought his hands down, looking side to side as well. Both felt awkward at that moment and just as Arnav was about to walk away, Khushi spoke.

"Suniye ji."

Arnav turned and looked at her. Khushi looked down at her hands, feeling nervous.

"Um... I feel nervous."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "Why?"

"Well... I mean... it's the first time... I mean, hum aur aap... it's the first time we're going to be in public together."

"So?" Arnav really did feel confused.

"I don't know... I... I just feel nervous."

Arnav gave a reassuring look. "Don't worry. It'll be alright."

"Really?"

Arnav nodded. "It's just family and friends there. Your dad will even be there."

Khushi nodded. She didn't really care if her dad was there. She was still mad that he had treated her more like business, and getting her into this marriage.

Khushi looked at Arnav, who was on the phone, talking to a party member. She looked Arnav up and down and couldn't believe how sexy her husband was looking.

Wait a minute, Khushi said in her head. My husband? MY HUSBAND? And... Sexy? I did NOT just say that! ... did I?


"Khushi?"

Khushi snapped out of thought. "Ji?"

"You ready?"

Khushi simply nodded.

Both headed out, joining Anannya and Mamaji and the four headed out. When they arrived at Dhruv's, all the cameramen and reporters went running to them.

"Mr. Arnav! This is your first public appearance with your wife! How does it feel?"

"Mrs. Khushi, how does it feel to be the wife of Arnav Singh Raizada?"

"Mrs. Anannya, is Mrs. Khushi the daughter in-law you've always hoped for?!"

Such questions kept being thrown at them as they tried to go in. Once inside, they went over to Dev to wish him happy birthday.

"Arnav," Dev hollered out.

Dev wasn't much of the politician type in the family. He didn't care much for it but wonders where Dhruv got the idea for it. When Arnav was younger, Dev would always give him love. Arnav was his favorite and only nephew. He loved Anjali as well, being his only niece.

"Chachaji!" Arnav gave him a hug. "Happy birthday!"

"Thank you my child," Dev said, placing his hand over Arnav's head, giving him blessings.

Khushi stood behind Arnav, looking at Dev. She'd known him from before because her father is friends with him as well.

Dev looked at Khushi and smiled. He liked Khushi, her being the chirpy girl she always was. He had once thought of telling Shashi about her and his son, but then realized that Khushi would never be happy with him. Dhruv never paid attention to her as a little kid and certainly didn't when they got older.

Arnav noticed Dev looking over his shoulder and turned and looked at Khushi. "Chachaji, meet Khushi."

Khushi took blessings from Dev, Dev placing his hand over her head.

"You've grown up so much," Dev said. "Last time I saw you was when you were 12."

"Chachaji, don't lie," Khushi smiled. "You saw me on TV last."

"TV par? ... oh yeah! I did!"

The two laughed and Arnav wondered. TV? Why was she on TV? What did she do?

"Anyways," Dev said, breaking from his laugh, "you look beautiful today."

"Thank you Chachaji," Khushi smiled.

Arnav looked at her. Of course she looks beautiful, Arnav said in his head. She is beautiful! ... what the?! Did I just say that?

He looked her up and down, being stunned. She was looking beautiful - she DID look beautiful. And the fact that she was his wife went drifting out his head, forgetting the fact that she was even his wife.

Dhruv came walking over to them, snapping Arnav back to reality. He stood by his father and turned to Arnav. "Hello."

Arnav tilted his head smirking lightly. "Cummon bro! We're just family here. Not at a debate."

Khushi looked at her husband. The way he was acting seemed weird to her. Then again he is a politician and he knew how to play games.

"Well," Dhruv stressed, "I guess so."

Arnav nodded once and then turned to Dev. "So Chachaji, how has your day been so far?"

The two carried on conversation and Khushi couldn't help but think of Arnav's behavior. One minute he was such a politician. The next minute he was being helpful to her. And now here he was being such a family man. But one thing for sure, he was very, very sly. And there was no question to it.

Eventually, after Dev's conversation ended with Arnav, he welcomed and thanked his guests. Slow music began to play, and everyone talked away, the place buzzing with talks.

The Raizada's stayed together, talking. Everyone was missing Anjali, since she wasn't in the city and was out with Shyam on vacation ;-)

"Hey Arnav," Dhruv said.

"Yeah?"

"Why not dance with your... lovely wife," he said, looking Khushi up and down.

Khushi looked away from Dhruv and Arnav looked at her.

"Come on bro. You and Khushi should dance. You don't mind me calling you by your name, do you?"

Khushi shook her head. "No," she simply smiled.

"Alright. So why don't you two dance?"

Khushi looked at Arnav fro the corner of her eyes and Arnav looked at her as well.

Arnav looked at Dhruv. "Fine," Arnav said.

He held his hand out and Khushi looked at it. She looked at Arnav, somewhat confused, and then placed hers in his. He held it and led her out to the floor and people saw them and clapped.

"Um... a... a-Arnavji," Khushi whispered.

Arnav looked at her. "Yeah?"

"Are you sure? That you want to do this?"

"I'm fine with it. ... are you?"

Khushi shrugged. "Kya... kya aap..."

"Do I what?"

"Do you dance?"

Arnav nodded.

"You do?" Khushi was surprised.

"A bit. Do you?"

Khushi nodded. "I-"

At that minute, music started. Arnav quickly placed his right hand on her waist and held her right hand with his left. Khushi looked at his hand on her waist and then back up at him. She placed her left hand on his shoulder and the two's eyes interlocked.

Spotlights hit down on them as the song began.

The two looked away at each other and just as the lyrics began, they moved. They moved they twirled, and the entire time, they each thought of the other.

Both Arnav and Khushi forgot about the crowd and everything else. Arnav could only think of Khushi and Khushi could only think of Arnav. Both were mesmerized by the other, only thinking of the other.

Once the song ended, the two gazed away at each other. Everyone clapped, surprised especially that Arnav could dance.

-----------------

Khushi was removing her earrings, thinking back to the dance. Arnav had already fallen asleep on the sofa, since he had a meeting the next day. She couldn't help but think how close they were. How they just moved away, not having any trouble at all.

Khushi looked at Arnav's reflection. He was holding onto the pillow, the pillow on his chest. She looked down and then back at him. At that point, she couldn't help but think about what Anjali had told her.

*Flashback*

My brother is an awesome guy," Anjali said. "Yeah he's a politician, but he's still human. You'll see Khushi. Once you both are married, you'll see what a nice guy my brother is. I know that he'll keep you happy and will love you."

*End of flashback*

Khushi held her mangalsutra and looked at Arnav's reflection. Anjali had said that he would love her. Would he really? Does he? Will Arnav ever love her? Will she love him? Does she love him?

Dhak dhak! Dhak dhak!

Dhak dhak! Dhak dhak!