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!

Chapter Two

Arnav was at the office next door, going over some final work, before heading out to a rally. The cars arrived and Arnav went outside. He was about to go into his car when he saw Khushi. She was at the garden, watering all the plants. He thought back to the days he used to have the time to do that. He used water the plants and do gardening with his mother when he was younger. But once he got into politics, personal time was out of the question.

Khushi looked beautiful in her anarkali. It was of a bronze color, and Khushi had her hair flowing out. It was crimped, since Khushi had put her hair in a braid.

"Sir," his secretary called.

Arnav snapped out of it and looked down and then back at Khushi. He put his aviators on and got in the car and Mamaji went in as well, and the cars pulled off. Khushi watched as they left and she clutched her heart. Arnav might've thought that she didn't know that he was looking at her, but she did. Her heart had begun beating at that moment and she felt her skin burn from his stares.

Khushi put the watering can down and headed back in the house. She helped Anannya out with the cooking and cleaning throughout the day. The two took a break and turned on the TV and they saw Arnav. His rally was being aired live.

Khushi watched her husband as he addressed to his people. They showed the many poor people, as well as middle class people who were there at the rally. They were all chanting "Arnav Singh Raizada! Zindabad!" repeatedly.

"My boy has grown so big," Anannya said.

Khushi looked at her mother in-law.

"I remember how he used to bother his father, even my father," she said, her eyes swelling up with tears.

"He always wanted to be a politician?"

She nodded. "He wanted to follow his Nana's and his father's footsteps. It was always his dream, to change this country and get rid of all the bad."

Khushi looked back at the screen and looked at her husband, standing there strong and proud, looking out at the people as they continued their chant.

"I knew he would become a strong person someday. Even a good leader, that is, if he's elected."

"Don't say it like that Ma. He will win."

To hear that come out of Khushi's mouth made Anannya's heart lighten. Khushi herself couldn't believe how much faith she had for the man, but she didn't think so much on it.

"He will win, Ma. Just you watch."

"But what about Dhruv?"

"Who's Dhruv?"

"His cousin and his opponent."

Dhruv Raizada is the child of Arbaz's own brother. Dhruv was determined to beat Arnav at any cost. He wanted to become Chief Minister as well, and become famous. He wanted to be remembered in history, but Arnav always came in his way. This year, he was determined to win.

"Don't worry Ma. Dhruv will NOT win." She looked back at the screen. "He won't win," she said, looking at Arnav.

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

That night, after dinner, Khushi had gone up, once she had cleaned everything up. When she got to her's and Arnav's room, she saw Arnav had dozed off. He had a file in his hands and another file opened on the table in front of him.

Khushi went over to him and he was breathing at a steady pace. Khushi looked around and found her shawl and placed on Arnav. His head lowered a bit and Khushi knew if he remained that way, then tomorrow his head would lean on the right all day. She carefully moved his head and he leaned against her hand.

Khushi bent down and tried to move her hand away, holding the other side of his face. She tried to get her hand out and looked at Arnav. She got stuck on his face and gazed away at him. He looked absolutely adorable and she gazed away at him. She felt his grizzles on her hands, but didn't feel bothered by it.

She caressed his face and within seconds, Arnav got up. His eyes slowly opened and he looked at Khushi. Khushi froze and she looked at Arnav even more, unable to look away, scared. Arnav looked back at her, unable to look away from her beautiful face.

The moment ended, as Arnav's phone rang. Arnav moved, releasing Khushi's hand, and she moved away.

Arnav took the call. "Hello? … hey Di. What's up? … how's Shyam? … alright. I'll give it to her."

Arnav got up and went to Khushi. "… Khushi?"

Khushi looked at him and froze. It was the first time he had said her name.

"It's Di."

Khushi took the phone, touching his hand in the process, and spoke into it. "Hello?"

"Hey Khushi. How are you?"

"I'm fine, yaar! How about you? And Jiju?"

"I'm fine, Shyam also. Tell me, how's the married life?"

Khushi paused. She looked at Arnav, who had grabbed his pillow and went to the sofa.

"Fine," Khushi said, nearly a whisper.

"Still not together-together?"

"No."

"Don't worry. My brother may be a politician, but he's sweet. He'll keep you happy."

"Okay."

"Anju," Khushi heard a voice in the background. It was Shyam.

"Oh? You better go "Anju". Jiju is calling you," Khushi joked.

Before Anjali could say anything, Khushi heard him say "Anju hurry! The bed feels lonely without you!"

Khushi gaped. "Oh my gosh Anjali!"

"I can't believe you heard that," Anjali cried out.

"Anju," Shyam yelled. "Let me warm you up! And please warm me up! I'm cold!"

"I'll just let you two get back to what you were doing," and Khushi hung up, laughing.

She turned to Arnav to give the phone to him and saw him covering his ears.

"What's wrong," Khushi asked.

"I can't believe I heard him say that," Arnav replied.

Shyam had yelled so loud, Arnav had heard him.

"I mean dude, she's my sister!"

It was the first time Khushi had heard him say something like that. A politician, saying "dude?" Not normal.

Khushi gave back the phone and eventually, both fell asleep.

Chapter One

Khushi awoke and saw Arnav first thing. He was still asleep, still on the sofa. Khushi got up and went to the bathroom and got ready for the day. When she got out, Arnav was up and he was getting his clothes out. He walked past her, awkwardly, and went into the bathroom.

Khushi headed down to the kitchen and found Arnav's mother, Anannya. Khushi helped her out and prepared breakfast and Mamaji and Arnav came down.

"Di, we have to head to headquarters now," Mamaji said.

"But-"

"It's urgent Di."

"Fine," Anannya pouted.

Khushi looked at Arnav and he looked down at the floor. He would look up every now and then at Khushi, and she would flinch and look away.

Before leaving, Arnav took blessings from his mother and then they left. Khushi watched as Arnav left and Anannya placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Arnav is a really nice person," Anannya said, "once you get to know him."

Khushi simply smiled and Anannya left to work. The entire day passed and Khushi was bored. Anjali was at her in-laws, so Khushi didn't have any company.

It was getting late and Mamaji had already arrived. Arnav was at the office, the home office that was right next door. Khushi didn't know whether or not if she should go there and by the time she made up her mind, Arnav came walking in.

Arnav was surprised to see Khushi still awake. He thought she might've fallen asleep by now, but here she was in front of him. The two felt awkward and Khushi turned away to get the food ready on the table. Arnav sat down and Khushi put everything down. Arnav was about to serve himself, but Khushi did it anyways. He looked down at his plate and then at her and she sat down beside him and waited for him to begin.

Arnav looked at his plate and then at her. "Um… did you eat?"

Khushi shook her head.

"Why not?"

"I was waiting… for you."

Arnav just looked at her and Khushi looked down at her hands.

"Go get a plate for yourself," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded and got one and sat back down. She poured food onto her plate and waited for Arnav to begin. He just looked at her and the two felt awkward, so Arnav began to eat. Khushi began to eat too and the two ate, nothing but silence around them.

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

Arnav and Khushi were getting ready for bed and Arnav changed into his pjs. He grabbed his pillow and went to the sofa, while Khushi had gone to the bathroom to change into her night gown.

She got out and saw Arnav asleep on the sofa. Truth is, he only had his eyes shut. Khushi walked over to him and knelt down. She looked at him and thought back to their teenage years. Even though Khushi and Arnav were never close, Khushi once used to have a crush on him. They were about 16 and she had told Anjali, since Anjali is her best friend. Anjali would tease her, but she never said anything to Arnav, but that was only because Khushi promised that if she had told Arnav, then she would tell Shyam, her crush at that time, and now present husband, that she was hitting on him.

Khushi moved her finger through his hair, not even thinking. Arnav was confused but it felt good. After a few minutes passed, Khushi realized and her hand snapped away, is if she were electrocuted. She went to bed and turned the lights off, facing the other way. Arnav looked up at her, but she didn't turn, and he went to sleep.

Prologue

"Do you, Arnav Singh Raizada, son of the late Arbaz Singh Raizada, wish to take the hand of Khushi Kumari Gupta, with a dowry of 50 lakhs?"

"I do."

"And do you, Khushi Kumari Gupta, daughter of Shashi Gupta, accept to take the hand of Arnav Singh Raizada, with a dowry of 75 lakhs?"

Khushi's eyes swelled with tears and she looked straight as she was doing the entire time. "I do."

The recessions began and Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta made their vows. Arnav placed the mangalsutra around her neck and filled her maang with the sindoor. Khushi shut her eyes as she left her innocent world and became part of an ugly game.

*~*

Khushi stood beside the bed. The maids had helped Khushi get rid of her jewelry and let her hair out. She stood there until Arnav came in, her now-husband.

She shut her eyes and stood still as she felt Arnav come closer and closer. But instead of him saying or doing anything to her, he just grabbed a pillow and went to the sofa and went to sleep. Khushi looked at him in wonder and then turned off the lights and went to bed.

Arnav looked at Khushi, who had her back faced towards him. Both were thinking back to how they got to this position.

*Khushi's flashback*

"Dad, how could you do this to me," she yelled. "I'm your daughter, not one of your men you order around."

"Beti, you know I'm doing it for your good-"

"Dad, I don't love him!"

"You will in time. He may be Chief Minister but-"

"Dad I don't love him and I will not marry him-"

"You will marry him and that is my final word!"

*End of Flashback*

*Arnav's Flashback*

"I don't want to get married Mama," Arnav yelled.

"Arnav, try to understand! Marrying her will mean getting a bunch of money from Shashi Gupta for support of your party, forget dowry!"

"But I don't want to get married!"

"But you have to. You want to win, don't you?"

"Of course, but-"

"Then you'll have to do this."

Arnav sighed. "Fine Mama, whatever you say."

*End of Flashback*

Khushi turned and Arnav shut his eyes. She looked at him for moment and wondered. Arnav's family and Khushi's family had been friends for a long time. But, Khushi would always hang out with Arnav's sister, Anjali. She never really spoke to Arnav and nor did he. While Anjali and Khushi spent time together, Arnav was growing and following the family footsteps and wanted to become Chief Minister.

Khushi finally drifted asleep and Arnav looked at her. He never realized how beautiful she was until today. Heck, he never even paid attention to her. And here they were today, husband and wife, in the same room, really close, yet really far away.

*Arnav's Flashback*

"Di, I don't know if I want to marry her," Arnav said.

Anjali smiled. "She is a very sweet girl. She knows a few politics too you know, so at least you have that in common. But other than that, I know she will be a very good girl to be your wife Chote. Trust me on that."

"I always trust you Di."

She smiled. "Watch. You two will be very happy together. I know you'll keep her happy."

*End of Flashback*

I hope you're right Di, he thought. I hope you're right.

And he went to sleep.