Chapter 2

Khushi went into her room Kartic was sleeping she looked at the sleeping figure for two minutes and thought that what she is doing is wrong. She couldn't just leave her husband like that and go out with a stranger. These were not the kind of values her parents inculcated into her. She was much more than that. She thought. But then she stopped and then had a closer look at Kartic and thought to herself that for so many days or rather ever since she got married she has been in stress. IN utmost stress of trying to win his heart over. But he doesn't even care for her. In fact her treats her like a no body and thats not right. Why couldn't she go out just once and enjoy herself. She felt the need to brake loose and here some one was giving her the chance to do so.

Kartic couldn't careless where she went or what she did so why should she hold herself back and for what. If she tells him anything he lands up shouting at her and that makes her feel sad and trapped in a box. She promised devi maya that she would not cross any limit with any one. She promised that she would just enjoy herself and live life again like the old Khushi did for just a day. Taking a deep breath she took her white salwar suit out and simply went into the bathroom to have a bath.

Arnav on the other couldn't stop smiling he was excited his heart jumped in glee and he didn't know why but it just did. He was excited to see her again to be with her to take her out. He never knew what connection he had with her but he was sure that she was something. He decided the entire plan in his head where all he needs to take her and what all they needed to do. He hoped that she would enjoy herself and feel free. He wanted o take those stress lines off get and make her calm down. He wanted to see the real her and not this worried version of her. What ever it is thats bothering her he wanted to make her forget it and enjoy herself. She seemed like a sweet girl.

Khushi quietly opened the room door and stepped out. She was scared that Kartic may wake up but he didn't. Walking fast she went to the lobby. Her breath was held and her heart pounded a funny sensation came in her she felt like her old collage days bunking class and ditching home to go out with friends. There was a thrill and excitement and that ran through her and it was feeling good. and really nice.

She reached the lobby. He stood there in a black shirt and jeans. What was it about him that made her so week in the knees she thought to herself. He looked so handsome so fresh and so sexy. Arnav saw her come down. She was in a simple white colored salwar. She stood out amongst the crowd. Her hair flew as she walked and she looked simply beautiful. They reached each other and Arnav smirked at her and said

Arnav: You ready

Khushi: (soft and hesitant) Ye.... Yes

Arnav: Great lets go

They walked out to the podium a black color lamborghini pulled over. The driver handed Arnav the key and left. Arnav opened the car door for her like a true gentlemen and Khushi smiled and got in. He went around and got into the drivers seat and they drove off out of the hotel.


Khushi looked out of her window at the scenery. It was beautiful they passed by the beach which were filled with palm trees. Arnav saw her notice. She seemed a relaxed. Then he said

Arnav: Ok so first things first we are going to Anjana. Its a little village and there is a big beach there. A lot to do. There are small flee markets as well. We will be spending the whole day there.

Khushi smiled and nodded and then Arnav said

Arnav: Are you ok

Khushi: Yes i am

Arnav pulled over to the side they had reached the beach. He parked the car and both of them got out. There were lots of people on the beach and all kinds of them. Some foreigners some indians. The place seemed so colorful and so alive. Khushi smiled looking at every one. Arnav gestured her to walk.

They walked along the flee market and there were all kinds of things being sold. From bed covers to clothes. Earings necklaces and much more. All in different colors.

Arnav: DO you like anything

Khushi: OMG i love everything (she said excited) What is this place its so good

Arnav chuckled at her. they walked to a jewelry store. Khushi saw some bangles she picked up and tried it on her wrist. It was a perfect fit she smiled and waved her hand up and down smiling happily to the chan chan noises that it made. Arnav chuckled he found her so cute. The lady selling the bangles said

Lady: It looks beautiful on you. You should buy it

Khushi: How much Aunty

Lady: 200 RS

Arnav removed it wallet to pay when Khushi stopped him and then looked at the lady and said

Khushi: But 200 RS are so expensive.

Lady: But its the market price

Khushi: I refuse to believe that. Aunty i am sure you can reduce

Lady: But my child 200 RS is not a lot

Arnav: Yeah Khushi whats the big deal

Khushi: (looked at Arnav and then said) Whats the big deal. Arnavji no way its a rip off. You wait i will bring it down (she whispered)

Arnav was touched she just called him Arnavji. No body ever did that every one called him ASR even his sisters never called him Arnav. He watched her bargain

Khushi: OK Aunty not yours not mine. 120 RS and thats final

Lady: Ok my child fine

Khushi smiled as the lady packed the bangles then she was quick to remove her wallet and pay before Arnav The lady looked at the two of them and then said

Lady: Son your girl friend is good with bargains

Both Arnav and Khushi were shocked to hear what she just said. Neither of them said a word. They just smiled and walked ahead. There was awkward silence for a while neither of them spoke. They looked at shops all morning and it was fun. Khushi seemed to enjoy herself. It was now 2 o clock

Arnav: Hey you hungry want to stop for lunch

Khushi: Yeah why not

Arnav nodded they walked to this little beach cafe and took a small cozy place for two. Arnav ordered the finest dishes in the cafe and they ate while they had a small conversation. Arnav was trying to learn more about her. She was a mystery to him. Up till now he had learned she likes Indian food. She loves Jalebies. her favorite actor is salman khan and she love hindi movies. Wow he had never met any one like her in his life. All the women he knew were up tight and snobbish but Khushi she was different.


Khushi on the other hand was opening up slowly she was loosening up and the tension began to ease a bit. She was feeling her worries temporary leave. She forgot about everything. All she knew was that she was happy and smiling and it was all thanks to this stranger who she had just met.

They finished lunch and then headed back to the beach for a small walk they passed shops that sold short dress in different colors. Khushi eyed those dresses and Arnav noticed and then said on a husky voice.

Arnav: Do you want to buy one of those

Khushi: (hesitated) How can I wear those

Arnav: Why not. Why can't you. YOu would look beautiful in them.

Khushi: (heart started to beat when he called her beautiful) I can't  i mean i never wore anything like that before. What will amma say(she said softly)

Arnav: (raised his eye brow) But you did a lot of things today that you never did before. You came out and enjoyed yourself with a stranger. (he smirked)

Khushi: (blushed back) But what will Kartick say. (she said sad)

Arnav: Look Kartic i am guessing is your husband he is not here. So you can do what you like. Go ahead try one if you like it wear it (he suggested)

Khushi thought for a second and then nodded she looked through the dresses. Today she just wanted to go loose and have fun. She was worried those dresses were quite open but she chose a simple yellow beach dress.

She went into the changing room and changed. Looking herself in the mirror she smiled she thought she looked pretty. Arnav looked at some shades in the same shop. He was browsing through the glares when suddenly the door clicked and he turned around. There she was in a short knee length  baby yellow dress. She looked beautiful Arnav's heart started to beat faster and faster seeing her in those clothes. She looked as beautiful as the sun. She looked at him and asked a bit scared

Khushi: How does it look

Arnav: Beautiful (he said in a lost and dazed husky voice)

Khushi blushed like crazy her cheeks went red her heart started to beat and she felt special for a minute.  She smiled at him and then the shop keeper came and said

Lady: those will go beautiful with our sun gold anklets

Khushi smiled and the girl brought the golden anklet out and then made her wear it. She smiled and said

Khushi: Sorry but i just want to dress.

Arnav raised his eye brows at her she smiled paid for the dress and gestured to leave the shop.

Arnav followed her out. they walked a bit ahead and then Arnav asked

Arnav: Why didn't you buy those

Khushi: I am already wearing anklets thats why

Arnav: So what you could change those (he raised his eye brows)

Khushi: No i dont want to (she said sadly)

He didn't pry too much they walked along the beach it was now evening the beach started to heat up and it was now full of people Khushi enjoyed such places. She enjoyed going out and making new friends. May be thats why she made friends with Arnav. They enjoyed the sun setting together. There was absolute silence and then finally Khushi said

Khushi: Who are you (she asked softly)

Arnav: What The !! I told you I am Arnav

Khushi: No i mean thats all i know about you i dont know anything else. Where you from what do you do

Arnav: I am from Delhi and I am a business man. Well I am a business tycoon and I own AR designs (he said plainly)

Khsuhi: (nodded and then said) Your single

Arnav: (raised his eye brows and smirked) Excuse me.... (he did not except that ) Yes I am single

Khushi: What no way. Your so nice any girl would be flat on you (she said looking shocked on how such a handsome man can be single)

Arnav: (chuckled) I guess I haven't found the right one.

Khushi: I am sure she will be special

Arnav: Yeah she will. (he said. Then paused and said in a soft tone) What about you. I mean your husband.

Khushi: (face turned into a frown as she heard Kartic's name) Oh yeah he is fine. His name is Kartic

Arnav: (noticed. he slowly lifted her face up with his index finger and then said) Hey is something wrong you can tell me. I mean we are strangers and you can trust your secret will be safe with me.

Khushi: (looked up at him and then said) Uhm look its a long story and i dont expect you to understand. Its ok (she said in a low tone not meeting his eye)

Arnav: Hey look at me (he said to her Khushi looked up at him) Try me tell me whats wrong. I can help you

Khushi: I dont want help (she said irritated)

Arnav: Ok Ok (he calmed her) But tell me you will feel better its always good to share your problems you know

Khushi: (took a deep breath and then said) Why are you so concerned for me. We barely know each other and we just became friends. Arnavji why is it so important for you to know

Arnav: Because you seem like a sweet girl thats why and i dont get what could possibly be wrong in your life.

Khushi giving up she told him the whole story. How Kartic and she got married and how she thought that he was her prince but he wasn't. He disowned her and never accepted her. Khushi cried while she spoke. Arnav was shocked to hear her. How could anybody not accept such a beautiful woman as there wife. Arnav could not believe it. he didn't believe in marriage and he was against it for his own reason but if he ever had a wife like Khushi he would have at least made the effort to being friendly with her. Once Khushi finished the story a tear rolled off her eye Arnav couldn't stop himself  from lifting his hand and wiping the droplet of her face. Khushi looked at him and he looked back at her both their hearts started to to beat faster and faster. They forgot the world existed. It was just him and her and the sea waves soft noises. What was this magic between them they had yet to figure out.

They were pulled out of the trance when they heard the Church bells ring. Khushi looked down and Arnav hesitated and then said softly

Arnav: Thats would be the church bells

Khushi: There is a church here (she said excited)

Arnav: Yeah there is

Khushi: Can we go please

Arnav: Ok you go i will wait out

Khushi: Why dont you want to come in (she said confused)

Arnav: (said in a low voice) I dont believe in god

Khushi: How come (she raised her eye brows)

Arnav: Khushi i dont want to talk about it lets go

Khushi just nodded and they got up. She walked into the church as he waited out. She prayed to god seeking for help on her problem she wanted peace thats all.

When she came out of the church and walked towards Arnav he smiled at her and then said

Arnav: Ready to go

Khushi: Yes (she smiled) Thank you for an amazing day

Arnav: Your welcome (he smirked)

They walked across the car making plans for the next day. Khushi told him she couldn't but he went all out to convince her. She said she will think about it. The church bells chimed once more and the stars came out shining brightly as ever. The wind changed its direction. And that was gods sign that Khushi and Arnav's destiny was just about to take a new turn.