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!