'Aisa kyun hota hai ki jab aap humare paas aate hain,humari dhadkane tez ho jati hai?'
(Why is it that whenever you are near me, my heartbeats go berserk?)

'Main bataata hoon aisa kyun hota hai. Jab tum mere paas hoti ho,toh tumhari dhadkano ke saath-saath, meri dhadkanein milne lagti hain. Humari dhadkanein ek ho jaate hai. Jo tum mehsus karti ho, jo main mehsus karta hoon!'
( I will tell you why does it happen so. When you come near me, then our heartbeats get mixed up. I feel the same erratic heartbeats that you feel whenever we are together)

'Humari dhadkanein...?'
(Our heartbeats...)

'Ek ho jaate hain'
(Become one).

Khushi and Arnav simultaneously rose up from their respective places with a jolt. These lines kept repeating in their heads throughout their sleep, rendering them almost sleepless.

Arnav opened his eyes trying to record his surroundings. He was on his bed on the left side, it was not morning yet. He could see the darkness still through the french doors. He glanced at his side table to see the time which displayed 2.00 am. His hand rose to his head to soothe the shooting pain. The effect of Bhaang. He guessed. But where was the person who was the reason for his drinking of Bhaang?

His eyes searched the recliner to find Khushi. If he was on bed, then Khushi must be on the recliner, right? But she was nowhere to be seen. He even searched the floor to see whether his crazy wife had rolled down and fell on floor in her sleep. Afterall she too was drunk!

But he dint notice the place next to him on his bed. The moment he turned his eyes to the right, he found her, on his bed, beside him, holding her head tight, probably the Bhaang and he dint miss to notice the tear on her cheeks. Was she crying? Is the pain that severe? Concern dripped in his insides for her.

Forgetting the pain he was having, he slowly held her hands and brought them down. He gently massaged her temples trying to soothe the pain. He found her relaxing a bit. The wrinkles cleared off. She was at ease. He knew. A small smile crept up her lips. Thats it! That was all he wanted to see! His lips automatically widened. He too was happy.

After few seconds, when she felt the pain easing, she slowly opened her eyes to look into the chocolate brown orbs that were gazing at her hazel eyes. Time stopped for them. That moment had no emotion on their faces except pure love. Khushi was the first to break the eyelock, when her pain completely flew.

Embarrassed, both Arnav and Khushi look at everything but each other. But wait! What were they doing together on bed? The incidents of previous day passed like a flash.

'Humari dhadkanein...?'

'Ek ho jaate hain'

Both their heads simultaneously turned towards the poolside chair when they had this conversation. Again their eyes met. But this time, with lots and lots of questions.

Composing himself, Arnav slowly got up from the bed trying to avoid the conversation.

'Rukiye Arnavji!' Stopped Khushi. (Stop Arnavji)

'Aapko kal kya hua, woh yaad hai?' She asked with so much anticipation. (Do you remember whatever happened yesterday?)

Arnav dint know what to reply. Should he say he remembers? Or should avoid? This time his heart took the lead. So he said after a deep sigh.

'Haan! Yaad hai' (yes I remember)

'Aap iske baare mein baat karna chaahenge?'
(Do you want to speak about it?)

'No' was his curt reply that hurt her beyond limits.

'Par hum baat karna chahthe hain', she was determined. (But I want to)

Realising that it was not possible to avoid this, he took his seat on the recliner. Already his head was hurting a lot and he could not be angry to ignore her. He gave up!

'Main sun raha hoon. Kya kehna chahthe ho? Bolo'. (I am listening, tell me what do you want to speak)

'Kehna nahin, poochna chahthi hoon' (Not telling, but I need to ask)

Arnav raised his eyebrows but nevertheless let her continue.

'Aapne kal jo bhi kaha, woh sach hai?'she almost whispered that. (Whatever you said yesterday, is it true?)

He dint really know what to say. It was true but, he could not answer her. She took his silence as yes and further proceeded.

'Iska matlab aap humse... pyaar karthe hain? She was doubtful, but she felt that was it. (So that means... you love me?)

Arnav pondered over whether to tell the truth or to lie. Though he wanted to hate her, he could not. Finally he decided that it was time for some confrontations.

'Yes', he said bluntly.

Khushi's eyes lit up. She immediately rushed and embraced Arnav tightly, with both of them lying flat on the recliner. Khushi above Arnav. Arnav was astounded. What was happening? Khushi was happy that he loved her? Then what about Shyam? Didn't she love him? Then why was she reacting like this? With so many doubts, he gently held Khushi by her arms trying to lift her off him. But she showed no signs to leave him soon. She was too much overwhelmed to let him go.

'Khushi', he called her as gently he can. That brought her to senses. She tried rising from above him, only to fall back on him due to the lack of support.

Arnav held her arms to support her in getting up. Arnav too lifted himself off the recliner and both were standing in the middle of the room not exactly knowing how to avoid the embarrassing moment. Now that they have started talking about it, there was no point in ignoring it. Moreover Khushi's reaction created more doubts in Arnav that he badly needed some answers.

Arnav took the lead and took Khushi's hands in his, led her to the bed. Both sat at the foot end of the bed before Arnav began.

'Khushi, I will ask you few things and I need a honest answer from you.' He said sternly.

Khushi nodded her head asking him to continue.

'Do you love Shyam?' He directly asked the question. He did not want to complicate things more. And he was ready to face whatever she was about to reply. If Yes, he was ready for her rejecting him. If No, he was ready to accept her only after getting his doubts cleared.

Khushi had to confirm twice whether he had really asked what she heard. She could not believe Arnav asked that. But why? Nevertheless she gave him a honest answer. Afterall it was the night of confrontations.

'No, but he loves me.'

Arnav was confused. What did she mean? She does not love him? They why did Shyam confess that she too loves him? All this was getting on his nerves. But he knew he had to be patient. May be it was the only chance when he can talk and clear out things. Her single No, gave him courage and hope that this conversation wont take a bad turn.

'Fine Khushi. I am going to tell you few things and I need you to be honest with me. I am about to confess the truth and I expect the same from you. Trust me, whatever we discuss today, I wont take a harsh decision.' He assured her.

Khushi, though had no clue, kept quiet only for Arnav to clear out things.

'I saw you and Shyam on the terrace on Akash's wedding. He was professing his love to you. And you asked him to leave my Di. Then I even confronted Shyam about this. He accepted that you both were in an affair. I tried telling Di the truth that day, but she broke the news of her pregnancy. I could not let her take any stress and hence I hid this truth'. He confessed the whole truth.

Khushi was shocked would be an understatement. Composing herself after a few seconds, she asked, 'So that is the reason you married me. So that you can keep me away from Shyamji'. She questioned, rather stated, with tears glistening in her eyes. It was too much for her to hear someone accusing her. And that someone was none other than Arnav whom she loved. Infact she still loves!

Arnav just nodded his head stating that her guess was right.

Khushi smiled sarcastically and said, 'You felt the need to confront your brother-in-law. But not me. Why Arnavji?'

She asked with so much pain that her voice almost cracked.

'Honestly Khushi, I feared that you would say Yes too. And I dint want that. And what about Di? I cant see her life getting destroyed. I warned Shyam to mend his ways. But he was madly in love with you that I had to take that step to keep you away from him'.

'As if your warnings would scare him', Khushi said sarcastically.

'What do you mean by that?' Arnav asked alarmed.

'He cornered me yesterday to know why we both married each other. And you really think he can stop his ways? No! Even I was a fool to believe that he would change after he knows that he was going to be a father. But we both were wrong!'

'Khushi, will you tell me the whole truth? This is making me anxious', said Arnav.

Khushi sighed deeply and narrated the whole truth of Shyam, from her first meet, her engagement, till the day before when he knew Arnav married her forcefully.

Arnav's face was worth watching. If it had pain, it had anger, then it had compassion and love too. A single misunderstanding almost ruined three lives. Theirs especially! He silently thanked his mind for not interfering as always when it was about sensitive matters. Because Arnav Singh Raizada never discussed issues like he was doing today. He only knew to command people. But he was different today. The Arnav, who gave a chance for people to explain. Not the ASR, who jumped into conclusions.

Khushi was gauging his expressions. She was afraid whether he would believe her. She was not exactly angry on Arnav. What he did was for his Di. And she too was not naive. She should have told him the truth much earlier. She had many opportunities. But she dint. So it was none's fault. Yes! Arnav marrying her without her consent, by blackmailing was not something to be forgotten. But she knew him right? He was impulsive. When it concerns his Di, then he forgets the whole world. So yes, she was not angry on him. Just upset. But she was skeptical about Arnav's reaction. She was sure he would again be angry on her for hiding such a sensitive issue and spoiling his Di's life.

Arnav was shocked. How could he miss so much? Literally his brother-in-law was backstabbing them. And he had no idea about it. He misjudged Khushi too. Poor soul! She had to endure so much. An unknown fear cropped up in his mind. Will she accept him for his distrust? But he had to be strong. If he did a mistake, then he should be ready to face the consequences too. It was not a simple mistake. It was a sin. A girl, who valued traditions more, was put into test by him.

'Khushi, I dont really know what to say. I was not prepared for this. And I believe you.'

Arnav took her hands in his and said with utmost sincerity, 'I am sorry Khushi. You had to go through so much. And to add to it, I made your life hell by marrying you forcibly. I am really sorry Khushi'. A lone tear fell from his eyes.

Khushi slowly wiped the tear with her hand and said, 'No Arnavji, please dont apologise. Even I could have avoided all these with a single confession about his truth to you. I was worried for Di and I hid it only because I thought Shyamji would change. I am sorry Arnavji.' Even she was crying.

Arnav cupped her cheeks and said, 'But I should have confronted you too. Not only him. I should have trust you. Had this talk happened that day, then we would not be here mourning. This forced marriage would have been avoided. You would be happy. I would have been happy. I am so sorry Khushi.'

'Arnavji, please dont blame yourself. It is not possible to change things. All we have to think about now, is the future.'
'But Khushi, are you not angry with me? Maine tumse jabardasti shaadi ki. Bahut hurt kiya. Kya tumne itni aasaani se mujhe maaf kar diya? Maine tumpar vishwaas nahin kiya Khushi. Maine tumpar itna ghatiya ilzaam lagaaya!' What was she made of? Was she so selfless to forgive him? She was just adding up to his guilt more by forgiving him.  (I married you forcibly. I hurt you a lot. You forgave me just like that? I dint trust you Khushi. I accused you for something so cheap)

'Haan Arnavji.' She said with a hearty smile. (Yes, Arnavji)

'Why Khushi? Tum itni selfless kaise ho sakte ho?' (How can you be so selfless?)

'Arnavji, when we got married, even my own family members who knew me all these years did not support me. Infact they accused me. You have been with Shyamji more than with me. You knew him more and trusted him more. And Di is too important to you that nothing else matters to you. So you took that harsh step. If my own family cant believe me, then how can I be angry with you for not confronting me? I know you should have done that. But if that is a mistake, then me hiding Shyamji's truth is a mistake too. Sometimes, we become blind for our loved ones that the facts remain unseen. And you know what is the most important thing here? When I said the truth today, without any proofs you believed me. Thats more than enough for me Arnavji. As you said, had you asked me for truth on marriage day, all these could have been avoided. Our marriage would not have taken place. But I really dont regret any of this now. Especially after knowing the truth behind our marriage.  So whatever happens, is for good'. Khushi was happy that all their misunderstandings were cleared. She tried her best to take him out of guilt too.

Arnav was overwhelmed. 'I am sorry Khushi, he said and quickly grabbed her in a tight hug. 'Please mujhe maaf kar do.' (Please forgive me)

'Arnavji, if you apologise once more, then I am not going to talk to you.' She faked anger. His grip on her only got tightened hearing that.

Breaking the hug, Khushi asked Arnav, 'now that you know the entire truth, what about our marriage?'

Arnav raised his eyebrows and said, 'What about our marriage? Of course it stays! And that too forever!' He assured her with his small smile. He dint want to lose Khushi at all. Especially after all this. Afterall she is his love!

'Kya mujhe aapko jhelna padega? 6 mahinen teek hain. Lekin zindagi bhar? Hey Devi Maiya! Kya aafat hai yeh', she faked a drama.   (What? I have to tolerate you? 6 months is fine. But life long? Hey Devi maiya! What a problem it is!)

Arnav just rolled his eyes and replied, 'Aafat mein nahin Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Aafat toh tum ho. Mujhe tumhe jhelna padega. Aakhir paagal koun hai?' (I am not the problem Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. The problem is you. I have to tolerate you. Moreover whi is mad?)

'Mein paagal hoon? Toh chaliye, mujhe aapke saath nahin rehna.' She again played with him. Arnav knew she was just pulling his leg and hence he thought why not more? (You mean I am mad? Ok then, I dont want to live with you.)

'Ok then, tomorrow morning I shall drop you at Gupta house. You dont need to be with a hot headed person like me. I free you from this marriage of ours this instant.'

Khushi's eyes teared up when he spoke about terminating their marriage. Uh oh! Arnav realised he touched the sensitive topic now. Without wasting a minute, he cupped her cheeks and wiped away her tears.

'Khushi, I was just joking. Even if you plan to leave me, I am never leaving you. You have to spend your life with this laad governor! You will forever be Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Please dont cry.' He begged.

Khushi was pleased with his assurance. Still he dint confess why he wanted her in his life. Hence she again asked, 'Why Arnavji? Why do you want me forever? I am mad right? Why do you want me in your life?'

'Because you are the most important person in my life Khushi. Your madness keeps me alive. Your crazyness brightens my mood. Your chirpiness makes me feel positive.'

Arnav rose from the bed and went on his knees, still holding Khushi's left hand in his grip.

Khushi immediately rose from the bed, shocked of seeing Arnav kneeling down. He continued,
'Khushi, there is something that I am yet to confess. Infact Di once said that some things should be said before its too late. There is no point in waiting for the right moment. I feel thi is the moment to confess.' Taking a deep sigh, Arnav continued,
'Khushi, I wanted to say this to you since a long time. I was never good with words, so I want to directly come to the point. I dont know what changed between us. We once fought like enemies. But your guts, your selflessness, your values, your everything attracted me Khushi. You are that one person who can make my heart go berserk. You evoked all the hidden emotions in me Khushi. You are the one to unlock my heart. I never used to hate you Khushi. I was falling for you slowly, so I masked that with my anger. I hurt you innumerable times. I am sorry for every single time Khushi. Though I married you forcibly, I had to remind myself that I hate you. Because I really never hated you. Your single tear pricks me. Your smile lightens me up. That is your effect on me. I  realised that we have something between us. Some sort of connection. I was a fool to not realise what it was earlier. But the moment I acknowledged it, things took an ugly turn. Inspite of all of that, my feelings towards you never changed. And after today, I dont want to delay saying this anymore. I love you Khushi. With all my heart. I love you. Will you be my wife forever? Will you spend your whole life with this hot headed person? Will you change me into a better person? Will you handle all my tantrums and let me handle your craziness?'

The moment he said this, Khushi went on her knees to hug him and cried bitterly, wetting his shirt. 'I love you too Arnavji', confessed Khushi. 'Yes, I will be your wife forever'. Arnav wrapped his arms on her waist securing her in his embrace. After few minutes, they broke the hug and Arnav made her stand properly. His eyes roamed on her face, trying to believe that this was true. They confessed finally. They were in love. They were happy. All the sorrows forgotten. He cupped her face and slowly kissed her cheeks below her eyes where there were tear marks. Khushi's cheeks became crimson red. He then slowly captured her lips into a mind numbing kiss. After a few minutes, they had to break apart due to the lack of oxygen. Khushi hugged him tightly out of shyness. He raised her chin with his index finger and met her eyes which screamed love.

He lifted her in his arms and tucked her in the bed. He kissed her forehead and said,

'Sleep Khushi. Its already 3.30 am. Its a new beginning for us from tomorrow.'

Arnav was about to leave when she caught hold of his hand. 'Please be with me.' She pleaded. She made place for him to lay beside her. He got into the bed along with her, when she slept in