Chapter 24

It was early morning as the light streamed into the windows and there on the bed lied the two lovers who were tangled on the bed in each others arms. Khushi tightly secured in Arnavs arms and Arnav protectively holding her tightly. As Khushi opened her eyes she looked to her left to find the love of her life sleeping. His eyes shut his hair all messy and he looked so cute in his sleep. She smiled to herself and moved the flocks of hair that tickled his fore head. Then she remembered that she had a fight with him the day before. Anger started to wash over her face. They had such a silly argument and she was right. He had to let go of Shilleena a bit. She needed her wings to fly. She understood he was very protective and very concerned like any elder brother would be but that doesnt mean he catches her and keeps her in a tight grip. Ishaan was a really nice guy she could see how Shilleena was so attracted to him. She had to get her loves head straight.

Moving from the bed she slowly disentangled his arms from her waist and then got off the bed and made her way to the bathroom for a quick shower. There was lots to be done Lavanaya and Akash's sangeet ceremony was today They had a alot to do.

Meanwhile Arnav stirred in his sleep and looked towards Khushi's side to find the bed empty. This was the first time he never found her besides him in the morning and he had to admit that he hated it alot. It made him irritated and uneasy not seeing her by his side first thing in the morning. Then it struck him that they had a fight last night. He rubbed his eyes in irritation and frustration. He had to sort Khushi out this was ridiculous he thought all he was doing was protecting his younger sister. He didnt want to see her hurt. Why couldnt Khushi understand that he thought to himself.

Getting up from the bed he had made up his mind to first sort things out with Khushi he didnt like it even one bit that she was upset with him. He got ready and went down to the breakfast table to find it full. There was laughter filled in the palace and it looked lively and light. Smiling faces running around and enjoying the morning it truely looked like a palace that was about to have a wedding. All the women eyed him and giggled all of them but except one and that was the love of his life Khushi. Where was she ?? He searched every where for her but couldnt find her and it was driving him crazy. Nani came from behind and tapped him. He turned around and looked at her all confused and lost

Nani: Chottey what happened are you ok

Arnav: Ha yeah Nani I am fine.... Where is Khushi have you seen her since morning

Nani: (smiled) Khushi betiya she is in the veranda decorating it before the guests arrive. Chottey I must say you have chosen a gem of a girl she is so nice. I am happy to have her as part of our family (she smiled playfully)

Arnav: (smirked back. So she managed to win Nani's heart  he was happy) Thanks Nani yes Khushi is a gem (he smiled) I must be going now

Nani nodded and Arnav left from there and headed towards the veranda. He searched the whole place and cursed himself for having built such a big place what was he thinking he smacked himself. It was difficult to find any one in such a huge place. But have circled the whole veranda he was left with nothing no sign of Khushi and his heart now started to get more irritated. One of the servant girls passed by he stopped her and ask

Arnav: have you seen Khushi

Girl: Khushiji Your majesty she is near the garden lake setting up for tonight dinner

Arnav nodded and took an about turn and then went off to the lake garden as he was walking there he remembered their secret fantasy they had under the water fall. A smirk appeared on his face. As he reached the place he looked around for her but still no trace of her. He managed to spot Akash who went to him all lost and confused and said

Akash: Arnav good your here man. I need your help tell me how I look

Arnav: (completely lost said) Hah u look fine Akash have you see Khushi

Akash: Khushi she is probably with Lavanaya getting her ready. Arnav I am so freaking nervous i cant believe that I am getting married

Arnav: Akash I can understand but right now Its important for me to look for Khushi

Saying that he headed of into the palace and up to Lavanaya's room to look for her. When he entered the room he saw Shilleena and Lavanaya looking at all the jewelry on the bed. Lavanaya smiled at him and Shilleena got up

Shileena: Bhai whats up how come your here

Arnav: Where is Khushi

Lavanaya: She is not here Arnav all ok

Arnav: Dammit where the hell is she (he yelled irritated)

Shilleena: Calm down Bhai.. (she said softly) Did you check the Kitchen

And thats when it struck Arnav off course the kitchen how could he have not checked it before. He mentally hit himself she is upset so she must be making jalebi's... How could he be so stupid

He left from the room and went down to the kitchen avoiding every one who crossed his path as he entered there she was right infront of him standing next to the stove and twirling around in the big kadhai cursing him for fighting with her. He stayed back to see what she was mumbling to her self

Khushi:  Hey devi maya its already mid day and that khadoos laad governor hasnt even seen me. Here I am frustrated that I havent seen him since morning and he doesnt even care. (she cribbed to herself)

Arnav slowly went ahead and then caught her by the waist taking her by surprise. She ghasped as she felt his hands coil around her. He rested his head on her shoulders and then said in a husky voice.

Arnav: Who said I dont care... Do you know how irritated I was because I havent seen you since morning (he replied in her ear sending shivers down her)

Khushi: (took a deep breath stabilizing herself she said) Arnavji You dont care you didnt come looking for me (she said accusing him)

Arnav: What the!! Khushi ask every one in the palace where all I have been since morning the first thing I did is search for you. I went every where the lake the veranda up to Lavanaya's room... And then finally I came here to you.

Khushi: You search the whole palace for me (she asked cutely)

Arnav: Off course I did. I was miserable when I didnt find you by my bed side. (he said angry)

Khushi: (turning around placed her dough like paws on his chest and he had still held her she pouted and then said cutely) Serves you right... Arnavji I am angry with you

Arnav: (he raised her chin and then said) Khushi why are we fighting come on all I am doing is protecting my younger sister is there something wrong in that

Khushi: No there isnt I understand your insecurities but I also understand Shilleena as well. She is young and a growing princess. She is beautiful and wise. Trust her give her a chance to choose the one she wants to be with.

Arnav: And what if the one she chooses hurts her (he asked her)  Then what I dont want even a tear drop to fall from my baby sister eyes. (he said softly)

Khushi: (caressed his cheeks softly and then said) It wont I promise give Ishaan a chance and see what he is. May be he is the guy for her. Arnavji trust her and give her the freedom.. I am not saying we should let her be all alone all I am saying is that we should step down and give her some space. (she explained calmly with a smile)

Arnav: (kissed Khushi's hand and then said) Ok Khushi may be your right I will give him a chance but that doesnt mean I wont keep a close watch on him I am watching him like a hawk.

Khushi: (laughed at him and then said) Hmm yeah I expected you to say that...

Arnav raising his eye brows and caught hold of her and swooped down and captured her rosy lips. She fell into a trace and surrendered to him completely spell bound....